Thursday, Aug. 22
“Better Boards, Better Communities” — Volunteer Starkville invites nonprofits, civic clubs, schools and others to a free seminar by James Barnes of the Mississippi State University Extension Service on maximizing board performance according to best practices for organizational and social structures. The event is 6-8 p.m. at the Greater Starkville Development Partnership, 101 S. Lafayette St., Starkville. Register by noon Aug. 20. Email [email protected], call 662-268-2865, or register at tinyurl.com/onf8xzo.
Friday and Saturday,
Aug. 23-24
Roast-n-Boast — The Kansas City Barbeque Society-sanctioned Mississippi Barbeque Cooking Championship at the Columbus Fairgrounds boasts $13,000 in prizes, live music, food vendors and a Tasting Tent Aug. 24 (from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. $3; all proceeds will benefit St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.) For more information, visit roastnboast.com or contact Mike Law, 662-549-5054.
Tuesday, Aug. 27
Ellis Island documentary — The Columbus Arts Council presents a free screening of the PBS documentary “Forgotten Ellis Island,” at 5:30 p.m. at the Rosenzweig Arts Center, 501 Main St., Columbus. This is the first film about the hospital on Ellis Island that once boasted 22 medical buildings and treated thousands of immigrants. The documentary ties into the CAC’s theme for the 2013-14 season, “Coming to America.” For information, call 662-328-2787.
Friday, Aug. 30
Howlin’ Wolf Festival — Mark “Muleman” Massey Blues Band with Bill Earheart (6:45 p.m.), Ben Prestage (8 p.m.), Bryan Lee and the Blues Power Band (9:15 p.m.), and Homemade Jamz (10:30 p.m.) highlight the 18th annual Howlin’ Wolf Memorial Blues Festival at Mary Holmes College Auditorium in West Point. Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets are $15 in advance at the Rosenzweig Arts Center in Columbus, Jack Forbus Insurance in Starkville, Culin Arts in West Point or online at wpnet.org/Howlin_Festival.htm. For more information, contact Richard Ramsey at 662-605-0770 or [email protected].
Saturday, Aug. 31
Prairie Arts Festival — West Point’s 35th annual festival showcases fine arts, crafts, down-home Southern cooking, live music, Kidsville and much more from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call the Growth Alliance at 662-494-5121, email [email protected] or check out Prairie Arts Festival on Facebook.
Tuesday through Sunday, Sept. 3-8
Tennessee Williams Tribute — The 12th annual Tribute offers performances of Williams’ “Period of Adjustment” Sept. 3, 4, 6 and 7; “Autumn Song,” a musical evening Sept. 5 at MUW’s Poindexter Hall; scholars’ talks; an elegant luncheon; Saturday at the Movies; a 5K run; a tour of Victorian homes and more. View the schedule at muw.edu/tennesseewilliams or call 662-328-0222, 800-327-2686, or email Brenda Caradine at [email protected].
Wednesday, Sept. 4
Table Talk — University of Mississippi Professor Emeritus Dr. Colby Kullman, recipient of the second Tennessee Williams Distinguished Scholars Medal, discusses Williams’ cautionary tale “Small Craft Warnings” at the Columbus-Lowndes Public Library, 314 Seventh St. N. Bring lunch at 11:30 a.m.; iced tea is provided. Or join friends from noon-1 p.m. for the free program. For more information, contact the library, 662-329-5300, or email [email protected]. Table Talk is presented each Wednesday in September.
Get Swept Up in Starkville — Join the Greater Starkville Development Partnership in this annual beautification event to spruce up for Mississippi State football guests. For information on how you can help, contact the GSDP, 662-323-3322.
Thursday, Sept. 5
Columbus Art Walk — Main Street Columbus, the Columbus Arts Council and participating businesses invite you to enjoy shopping after-hours, area artists and live music on the sidewalks of downtown Columbus during an Art Walk from 5-7 p.m. For more information, contact MSC, 662-328-6305.
“Kiss Me, I’m Italian … ”
The Columbus Arts Council presents this free seminar titled “Kiss Me, I’m Italian — and Irish, Chinese, African, French: Ethnic Heritage in Mississippi,” by Dr. Barbara Carpenter. Enjoy a lunch “of international flavor” for $10, paid in advance.” For more information on this event sponsored by the Mississippi Humanities Council, contact the CAC, 662-328-2787.
Saturday, Sept. 7
Little Hands, Big Trucks — United Way of Lowndes County presents this kid-friendly fundraiser from 9 a.m.-noon at the Columbus Soccer Complex. Wristbands ($4) allow a close-up view of tractors, construction equipment and industrial vehicles. For more information, contact Scott Ferguson at [email protected].
Thursday, Sept. 12
“Salsa de Rumba” — The Columbus Arts Council presents El Rio Trio and an evening of music with a Latin flavor in the Rosenzweig Arts Center Omnova Theater, 501 Main St. , at 7 p.m. Afro-Caribbean, Jamaican calypso, Cuban salsa and Brazilian samba and bossa nova influence the repertoire. For more information, contact the CAC, 662-328-2787.
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