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
Noon Tunes — Main Street Columbus and singer Tatum Shappley kick off four Thursdays of Noon Tunes music from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. in the Trotter Convention Center Courtyard. Lunch by Zachary’s and desserts by Cafe on Main will be available for purchase on site. Complimentary soft drinks from Clark Beverage Co. and Coca-Cola. For more information, call 662-328-6305.
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. See the related story in today’s Lifestyles section. Free. For information, contact Dr. Thomas G. Velek at [email protected], 662-241-6850, or visit muw.edu/honors/forum.
Exhibit reception — The Starkville Area Arts Council hosts a reception from 5:30-7 p.m. opening an exhibit of paintings by Robin Whitfield at the Greater Starkville Development Partnership, 200 Main St., Starkville. For more information, call 662-324-3080.
Thursday through Saturday, March 26-28
MUW Homecoming — Mississippi University for Women hosts a weekend of events as The Long Blue Line returns to campus for Homecoming. See related story in today’s Lifestyles section, page 3C.
Templeton Ragtime & Jazz Festival — A weekend of musical performance, talks and tours mark the ninth annual Templeton Ragtime & Jazz Festival at Mississippi State’s Mitchell Memorial Library and McComas Hall. Performers are Richard Dowling, Ivory & Gold, Scott Kirby and Dave Majchrzak. Tickets range from $10 for single concerts to $50 for weekend pass. Thursday’s Gatsby Gala is free. For schedule and tickets, go to library.msstate.edu/ragtime/ or call 662-325-2559.
Friday, March 27
MUW Homecoming recital — Mississippi University for Women presents “The Long Blue Line Comes Home,” a Homecoming recital featuring music faculty and alumni, at 8 p.m. in Poindexter Hall. 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 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 visiting choirs and the Starkville-MSU Symphony Orchestra, presents John Purifoy’s “Chronicles of Blue and Gray” at 8 p.m. in Mississippi University 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.
Sunday, March 29
Sunday Afternoon in the Gallery — Mississippi University for Women’s Eugenia Summer Gallery hosts a 2 p.m. performance by the Columbus Girlchoir as part of this event featuring gallery art exhibits. Free to the public.
Tuesday, March 31
MSU Distinguished Lecture Series — Mississippi State’s Distinguished Lecture Series presents graphic novelist and cartoonist Scott McCloud at 3:30 p.m. in McCool Hall on campus. Free. For more information, visit ih.msstate.edu or email Institute for the Humanities Director Will Hay at [email protected].
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.; 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.
Thursday, April 2
Noon Tunes — Stephanie Jackson performs at Noon Tunes in the Trotter Courtyard in downtown Columbus, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Lunch by Zachary’s and desserts by Cafe on Main will be available for purchase. Complimentary soft drinks. For more information, call Main Street Columbus, 662-328-6305.
Monday, April 6
Pilgrimage kickoff party — Come out for a crawfish and shrimp boil from 5-8 p.m. on the Tennessee Williams Home Lawn, 300 Main St., to launch the 75th annual Columbus Spring Pilgrimage. Free. Pilgrimage events are April 6-18. For information, call 800-920-3533 or pick up brochures at the Tennessee Williams Welcome Center or Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Jazz band concert — Mississippi State University presents a free jazz band concert at 7:30 p.m. in Lee Hall’s Bettersworth Auditorium on campus. For more information, call 662-325-3070.
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. 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 a free concert at Poindexter Hall at 7:30 p.m.
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. Call 662-329-5300 for more information.
April 8, 10, 13, 15, 17
Tales from the Crypt — As part of Pilgrimage, Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science students present dramatic vignettes featuring interesting personalities interred at historic Friendship Cemetery. Tours are 7-10 p.m. For information, call 800-920-3533.
Thursday, April 9
Noon Tunes — Paul Brady performs at Noon Tunes from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. in the Trotter Courtyard in downtown Columbus. Lunch by Zachary’s and desserts by Cafe on Main will be available for purchase. For more information, contact Main Street Columbus, 662-328-6305.
Woodwinds concert — Mississippi State University presents a Woodwinds Ensembles Concert at 7:30 p.m. in Lee Hall’s Bettersworth Auditorium. For more information, call 662-325-3070.
Friday, April 10
ZZ Top — The legendary band 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.
Saturday, April 11
Saturday at Pilgrimage — Take in home tours and carriage rides, as well as five other special events in Columbus including a catfish cook-off and live music at Catfish in the Alley, a Colonnade Garden Party, Artisans Alley, a half-marathon/5K and Mayor’s Unity Picnic. Get details at visitcolumbusms.org or call 800-920-3533.
Sunday, April 12
MSU concert — A Symphonic, Community and Campus Bands concert begins at 3 p.m. at Mississippi State University’s Lee Hall on campus. Free. Call 662-325-3070 for more information.
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