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Passion for Classics

"You can sing gospel, you can sing pop beautifully, and I respect those styles, but you must also respect the classical style," Phyllis Lewis-Hale says. "You must respect the hard work and dedication and scholastic work that goes into it."

Pianos and Philanthropy

Guess who: The unassuming-looking gentleman mostly grew up in Montana but is a Chastain Warrior, because he spent his junior high days in Jackson. After he heard The Doors when he was 18, he started playing organ. But then he heard a little Fats Waller music from the 1920s, and everything changed.

The Jackson Irish Blues

This week is spring break, but I'm busy preparing for the ton of fun and music going on this St. Paddy's Day weekend in Jackson, including the third largest St. Patrick's Day parade in the United States.

Vicksburg Hip-Hop Show

A massive show is going down in Vicksburg, giving locals a rare chance to experience the best of Mississippi hip-hop. The show is the brainchild of Vicksburg MC Zalamar "ZeeDubb" Davis.

Mozart to Motown

Jackson State University music students take a journey "From Mozart 2 Motown" April 28. Featuring the JSU Opera Workshop and the Vocal Jazz Ensemble, the show begins with classical pieces and works up to musical theater numbers and jazz tunes from the 20th century.

Whimsy On George Street

In 2006, National Public Radio's Robin Hilton named David Dondero one of the best living songwriters ever. He shared that distinction with the likes of Bob Dylan, Paul McCartney and Aimee Mann. And Franz Nicolay, who composes music and plays everything from keys to the accordion, will be spending lots of time with him.

To Request or Not to Request

So, here's what's on my mind: when is the right time to request songs at small concerts in an intimate setting, and is it appropriate to do so? Is it OK to do it at all, no matter the location?

Red-Headed Stranger

On June 8, Willie Nelson will step onto the stage of the Jackson Convention Complex when he makes a Mississippi stop on his tour.

Get Your Art Out!

I've lived in Jackson for 11 years now. I love this city and all it has to offer. I've had many musicians ask me how to get gigs here, as well as information on how they can get their music out to the masses. So, instead of emailing each person individually, I decided to write about it in this week's article.

Pot's Simmering, Gumbo's Ready

By day, the men are schoolteachers and repairmen. But by night, the gentlemen of Southern Komfort Brass Band bring New Orleans-style brass-band music to Jackson.

Better With Age

My top-five favorite recording artists of all time are: Stevie Wonder, Wu Tang Clan, Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock and Talking Heads. This never changes, as these are the five artists on which all of my music tastes are based. It does get a little iffy, however, when I try to make a top-10 list.

[Twelve-Bar Blues] Heaven When I Die

In the documentary "M is for Mississippi," James "Son" Thomas says: "Daddy always told a joke. He said, ‘There's lots of ways you can have the blues. If you're broke, you got the blues. If you're hungry, you got the blues. If you got a good woman, and she quit you, that ain't nothing but the blues.'"

The South And SXSW

Anna Kline is one busy girl. The Jackson singer, songwriter, writer and Crossroads Film Festival member also serves as special projects officer for the Mississippi Development Authority.

Musicians Unite for Skaters

One day, Jackson's (gently) aging skaters, scarred-knee veterans of a thousand plywood ramps and endless miles of dented handrails, came to a realization. Society now recognizes skateboarding as a sport, just like basketball or baseball. But while Jackson has its courts and soccer pitches and even competitive swimming pools, it doesn't have a free skate park for kids. And so, SkateMS was born.

Music Lessons

Regardless of age, skill level, playing style or instrument preference, a number of places in the Jackson area are ready and able to meet your music lesson needs.

Rocking Crossroads

The competition at this year's Crossroads' Regional Music Video Showcase will be fierce. Throughout the past year, local filmmakers and musicians have spent hours filming, editing and producing videos aiming to outdo other Crossroads' opponents and even their own work from last year.

Have the Grammys Really Changed?

This year's Grammy awards on Feb. 13 marked the 20-year anniversary of Public Enemy's boycott of the 1991 ceremony. It was the third year in a row that the group had been nominated for Best Rap Performance by a Group or Duo; the previous two years, the group lost to Young MC with "Bust a Move" and "Back on the Block," a song from a Quincy Jones album.

Pops Perfection

An annual outdoor orchestra performance on a late-spring evening has become a staple for the Jackson metro over the past 30 years. Mississippi Symphony Orchestra Pepsi Pops at the Ross Barnett Reservoir is a family-friendly affair that welcomes picnic dinners by candlelight.

The Learning to be 5th Child

Jackson rapper Stephen Brown, aka 5th Child, spends the majority of his time in his bedroom studio making music. When he has a show to rock, you can count on him being there and killing it. The rest of the time, you can count on the 24-year-old staying in Friday nights to dig for samples, make beats and write lyrics.

A Bottle Opener and a Band

Although Jacksonians know the Church Keys for their fun performances and eccentric humor, their rare and custom-made instruments convey their musical depth and acute focus.