Da Chief
At a crowded house party in 1994, full of teenagers and loud, blistering music, two things were happening: dancing and a rap battle. That was the first opportunity for Alex Guillermo Jr., aka Da Chief, to rap his original song "Ecclesiastes." He was surrounded by a small group of people. "I had butterflies for a couple of bars, then they went away," he said.
It's the Weekend!
Today, the Priced to Move Pop-Up Art Gallery opens at 5 p.m. at the former Eastland Federal Courthouse (245 E. Capitol St.) and runs through June 17. The even is free; find Priced to Move on Facebook. Fred Hammond, Byron Cage and Canton Jones perform at the Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour at 7 p.m. at the Jackson Convention Complex. Free tickets; for information visit http://www.mcdonaldsgospeltour.com. The play "Behind the Pulpit" is at 8 p.m. at Thalia Mara Hall, and features Bernadette Stanis ("Good Times"), Keith "Wonderboy" Johnson and Calvin Richardson. There will be an encore show June 16. Tickets are $25-$32; call 800-745-3000. Passenger Jones performs at Ole Tavern. Renegade is at Olga's. Stevie J and the Blues Eruption play at F. Jones Corner. Larry Brewer is at Georgia Blue. Need more options? See our Best Bets.
Rally Protests Contraceptive Rule
American and Christian flags stood on equal footing in front of the U.S. Courthouse in Jackson Friday as about 60 people gathered to protest a rule that requires health-insurance plans to cover contraceptives.
Taxes May Rise for City Schools
The Jackson Public Schools are asking the city for more money to pay off $150 million in bond issue debt.
Jackson May Raise Taxes for City Schools
The Jackson Public Schools are asking the city for more money to pay off $150 million in bond issue debt.
Forum Focuses on Black Health
Just because Congressman Bennie Thompson is a member of the same party as Barack Obama, that doesn't mean he won't criticize the Democratic president's administration.
Drew Brees
New Orleans and Drew Brees are playing chicken while driving at full speed. The New Orleans Saints are running out of time to get quarterback Drew Brees a long-term deal. Under the collective-bargaining agreement, teams have until July 16 to sign players to multi-year deals that were franchise-tagged. NFL teams can franchise a player to keep him from signing with another team, but the team must pay him an average of the top five salaries at the player's position.
Death Rower's Reprieve Plea Denied
The Mississippi Supreme Court has denied a stay of execution to a man set to become the third man in as many weeks the state puts to death. Gary Carl Simmons had asked the court for an additional 14 days to have a mental exam conducted, but justices rejected his request this morning. If his scheduled June 20 death by lethal injection is carried out, Simmons will be the third man Mississippi executes in June.
The Layman's Guide to Craft Beer Styles
Beer drinkers get a bad rap. Winos might be stereotyped as the classier drinkers, but the world of well-made craft beers is as varied as that of fine wines––if not more so––and it behooves any beer drinker to learn about the myriad styles available.
Dear, Deserving Dad
June 17 is fast approaching, and there's no better time to make Dad feel special. Make your pop proud on Father's Day with any of these great gifts from local shops around town.
The Band that Moves
When John Parker started a band in 2004, he had to think of a name. "It was one of those things where I asked myself what I want people to do when I play, and Time to Move Band was what I came up with," he says.
The Future of Jackson's Music Scene
Just the other day, I couldn't help but brag about how musically awesome Jackson has been in the last year. From the Allman Brothers (Dusty and Buck) doing their part in getting national acts to the City with Soul, to the impressive bars, restaurants and venues we have here that support live, local music, to Ardenland bringing in a wide variety of musical acts, I'd say Jackson is looking up.
The Best In Sports In 7 Days
The storybook journey for Stony Brook University's Seawolves continues. The little university from New York state upset LSU this weekend to reach the College World Series.
How Many Green Beans for That?
Father's Day often presents a problem: What to get Dad? If he's into gardening, the answers are easy.
Don't Buy Dirty
People can't always buy organic for a variety of reasons: The local store may have limited supplies, they lack variety or cost is a consideration. But whatever the reason—or excuse—shoppers should be aware that some produce at the grocery store is more pesticide-laden than others.
Working in Groups
My problem is a simple one that may be familiar: In the nonprofit I'm part of, too much "group stuff" happens in long email exchanges. Like a lot of volunteer organizations, we get a bunch of work done in committee, department and board meetings, when everyone is on the same page and focused. But outside those meetings, real life often gets in the way. Things don't happen between meetings—or people just can't connect to get things done—with the result that some projects take longer than you'd hope.
Jury Orders New Ward 3 Election
The defense called it "the case of the sore loser." The plaintiff called it "the case of the stolen election." The jury agreed with the latter.
JFP Wins Multiple Awards for 2011 Work
The Jackson Free Press got amazing news from Detroit Friday afternoon when we learned the Association of Alternative Newsmedia was presenting us a coveted first-place public-service award for our team coverage of the personhood effort last fall.
Inherit the Flame
I haven't written much over the years about the man I like to think of as my "real father." Maybe it's too painful.