Ellington

Tonight starts the long weekend Labor Day weekend for most of us, with Monday an official federal holiday. Get the weekend off to a rockin' or rappin' start by heading out for some live entertainment. The choices are numerous, as you'll see when you check the JFP Music Listings page, for the city's most complete list of who's playing where. Tonight, head to 930 Blues Cafe for the incomparable Jackie Bell, or over to Schimmel's for dinner and the music of Dr. D. The Auditorium features Larry Brewer, and Ole Tavern hosts Glasgow and Waco Dead. There are plenty more options, including karaoke, DJs and open mics.

For Saturday's early risers, get all your fresh fruits and veggies, and other handcrafted goodies for the weekend's cookouts, barbecues and picnics at one of the area's farmer's markets. With the Mississippi Farmer's Market, the Belhaven Market and the Congress Street Market, you're sure to find everything you need. The Family Bird Walk kicks off at 8 a.m. at LeFleur's Bluff State Park. Later, grab the kids and head to the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science's "Amazing Arachnids" at 10 a.m. for a program about spiders and scorpions. If that doesn't excite you, the Mississippi Museum of Art offers a demonstration in still-life painting at the same time. Keep the arty theme going when you head to Lotus Editions at 1 p.m. for a class on techniques of screened monotypes. Find these options and more on the JFP Best Bets page, and on the JFP Events Calendar.

Grab your sweetheart Saturday night for a dinner out and an evening of entertainment. To find the perfect meal, visit the JFP Restaurant Listings and the Menu Guide. Then, it's time for another visit to the JFP Music Listings page. Underground 119 is just one of the many Jackson spots that can provide the whole package. But don't miss the triple bill at Martin's or the DJs spinning at Cultural Expressions.

Sunday is brunch day, a perfect opportunity to skip the kitchen. Fitzgerald's at the Jackson Hilton provides live music by Andy Hardy, but many of the city's restaurants can fill your need for a mimosa or bloody Mary to go along with your omelet. If you're not headed to a barbecue, check the JFP Events Calendar for a selection of the many art exhibits in town, from the Lewis Gallery to the Mississippi Museum of Art, art lovers are sure to find an exhibit to browse.

Ah, Monday. If you're lucky enough to have the day off, you'll be glad we suggested hitting a market Saturday, because you'll have everything you need for the backyard cookout for yourself and a few dozen of your best friends. After the food, head to Hal & Mal's for the Central Mississippi Blues Jam at 7 p.m. for one last hurrah. Need more? How about a movie? See the JFP Movie Finder to see what's playing around town.

Shameless Promotion Alert! Now, you can be the envy of all your friends, and you don't even need to win a contest. Just head over to the JFP Swag Store for your very own "I Get It Once A Week" T-shirt.

Is something missing? To make sure your event is listed on the JFP calendars, send the information to [e-mail missing] or [e-mail missing], or add your event yourself. It's easy!