JACKSON — On Thursday, Dec. 11 Extra Table hosts Mac McAnally and the Mississippi Opera Orchestra with the Coral Reefer Band in a benefit concert at Thalia Mara Hall in Jackson at 7:30 p.m.
Extra Table — founded by chef, author and restaurateur Robert St. John — is a nonprofit organization working to fight hunger in the Magnolia State by providing healthy food in bulk to food pantries and soup kitchens. It partnered with the nation’s largest food distribution company, Sysco, who delivers the food directly to the doors of agencies Extra Table helps provide for.
McAnally, seven-time CMA Musician of the Year (most recently in Novemer), has achieved many milestones in his career, which started with writing his first song at the age of 15. He has written six No. 1 hits, become a sought-after producer, and is regarded as one of the foremost musicians of his time. In addition to leading the Coral Reefers, McAnally has been inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Mississippi Musicians Hall of Fame.
The benefit is an official Year of the Creative Economy event. Gov. Phil Bryant declared 2014 as the Year of the Creative Economy, a celebration of the creative arts that have a significant impact on the state’s economy. Events throughout the year highlight Mississippi’s vast talents in areas such as music, the culinary and visual arts and literature.
“Mac McAnally and Robert St. John are two of Mississippi’s brightest stars, and we’re proud that they’ve combined their talents to benefit those in need,” said Malcolm White, director of Visit Mississippi. “This event is yet another example of the power of our state’s creative economy.”
Tickets are on sale now at ardenland.net for $10.50 to $25.50. VIP tickets are $75.50. Doors open at 6 p.m.; the show begins at 7:30 p.m.
This event is sponsored by Southern Beverage Co., Brown Bottling Group/Pepsi, Mississippi Development Authority, Baptist Health Foundation, New South Access and Environmental Solutions and The Mat Source.
For more about the Year of the Creative Economy: Mississippi Homecoming, visit mshomecoming.com or contact Mary Margaret Miller at [email protected] or 601-213-7300.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 36 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.