Tuesday, March 17
Big Read closing event — Following two months of related programming, The Big Read community reading of Thornton Wilder’s “The Bridge of San Luis Rey” in Columbus concludes with a brief interactive drum circle with Dr. Bob Damm at the Rosenzweig Arts Center, 501 Main St. at 7 p.m. Big Read participants are invited to share thoughts about the read. Free. Call 662-328-2787 for information.
Guitar lecture-recital — Dr. Michael Boyd presents a program on Spanish guitar at 7 p.m. in Mississippi University for Women’s Poindexter Hall. Free to the public.
Friday, March 20
Golden Gala — The Columbus Arts Council’s 50th anniversary Golden Gala begins at 6 p.m. at the Rosenzsweig Arts Center, 501 Main St. Call for ticket availability ($50) to this event that includes cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, dinner, live music, and silent and live auctions. Contact the CAC, 662-328-2787 Tuesdays-Saturdays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Saturday, March 21
African-American treasures — A reception opening the prestigious “African American Treasures from the Kinsey Collection” begins at 6 p.m. in the Grisham Room of Mississippi State’s Mitchell Memorial Library. (Bernard Kinsey speaks March 22 at 3 p.m. in Lee Hall to offer insight into the exhibit of artifacts, books and art documenting black history.) Call 662-325-6634 for information, or email library.msstate.edu/Kinsey.
Italian Ideals — The Starkville-MSU Symphony Orchestra presents a concert of works by Italian composers and music inspired by Italy in Lee Hall on the MSU campus. The free concert begins at 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, March 24
Montalto recital — A recital by Mississippi University for Women faculty member Dr. Richard Montalto begins at 7:30 p.m. in Poindexter Hall on the MUW campus. Free to the public.
Thursday, March 26
Of Islam — Arsalan Iftikhar, human rights attorney and senior editor of “The Islamic Monthly,” speaks at the Nell Peel Wolfe Lecture Series at 6 p.m. in Poindexter Hall on the Mississippi University for Women campus. Iftikhar authored “Islamic Pacifism” and appeared on NPR, CNN, BBC World News, Fox News and more. Free. For information, contact Dr. Thomas G. Velek at [email protected], 662-241-6850, or visit muw.edu/honors/forum.
Friday, March 27
MUW Homecoming recital — Mississippi University for Women presents a Homecoming recital at 8 p.m. in Poindexter Hall on campus. Free to the public.
Friday and Saturday, March 27-28
Everything Home & Garden Expo — Lecturers, demos and vendors offer education, plants, garden paraphernalia and home accents at the Mississippi Horse Park from 9 a.m.-7 p.m. March 27, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. March 28. Speakers include TV/radio host Melinda Myers. Admission $5; children 6 and under attend free. Visit starkvillearts.org.
Saturday, March 28
International Fiesta — This annual multicultural event featuring, music, food and more is from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on the Mississippi State University Drill Field. For information, email Joby Czarnecki at [email protected] or call 662-325-7491.
“Chronicles of Blue and Gray” — As part of Columbus’ 75th Spring Pilgrimage, the Columbus Choral Society, with area choirs and the Starkville-MSU Symphony Orchestra, presents John Purifoy’s “Chronicles of Blue and Gray” at 8 p.m. in Mississippi Unviersity for Women’s Rent Auditorium. Free; get complimentary tickets to ensure seating at the Columbus-Lowndes Convention and Visitors Bureau and Tennessee Williams Welcome Center.
Wednesday, April 1
Table Talk — Michael Kardos introduces his latest mystery thriller, “Before He Finds Her,” at the Columbus-Lowndes Public Library. Bring lunch at 11:30 a.m., if desired; iced tea is provided. Or join friends from noon-1 p.m. for the program at 314 Seventh St. N. Call 662-329-5300 for more information.
April 6-18
Columbus Spring Pilgrimage — Columbus’ 75th Pilgrimage celebrates antebellum homes, gardens and churches and includes a crawfish and shrimp boil, Tales from the Crypt, Catfish in the Alley, carriage rides, the Mayor’s Unity Picnic, a half-marathon, 5K, Artisans Alley and more. Pick up a brochure at the Tennessee Williams Welcome Center, 300 Main St., go to visitcolumbus.org or call 800-920-3533 or 662-328-0222.
Tuesday, April 7
Quilt talk — Carol Vickers, director of the Mississippi Heritage Quilt Search Project, explores Mississippi’s quilting traditions in a free presentation and exhibit at 2 p.m. at the Columbus-Lowndes Public Library, 314 Seventh St. N. Sponsored by the Mississippi Humanities Council. Call Brenda Durrett at 662-329-5300 for information.
Jazz ensemble — Mississippi University for Women presents a jazz ensemble in concert at Poindexter Hall at 7:30 p.m. Free to the public.
Wednesday, April 8
Table Talk — Alysia Burton Steele, author of the photographic chronicle “Delta Jewels,” discusses her time with Mississippi “church mothers.” Bring lunch at 11:30 a.m.; iced tea provided. Or join friends from noon-1 p.m. for the program at the Columbus-Lowndes Public Library, 314 Seventh St. N. Call 662-329-5300 for more information.
Friday, April 10
ZZ Top — The legendary group performs at Mississippi State’s Humphrey Coliseum at 8 p.m. Special guests are The Boxmasters with Billy Bob Thornton. Go to msuconcerts.com for seating chart/ticket information, or call 662-325-2930.
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