Monday, Jan. 4
Christmas Tree Bonfire — The City of Columbus will host a Christmas Tree Bonfire at 6 p.m. that can be viewed from the Old 82 pedestrian bridge at the Riverwalk. Visit Columbus will provide refreshments, hand warmers and Chinese lanterns for release. For more information, call 662-245-5061.
Monday and Thursday,
Jan. 4 and 7
West Point auditions — The West Point-Clay County Arts Council holds auditions for “Dearly Departed,” a comedy dinner theater production set for Feb. 25-26. Roles are for adults, seven males and 10 females. For more information, contact Kathy Dyess, 662-494-5678.
Thursday, Jan. 7
Lucas exhibit — A free reception from 5:30-7:30 p.m. opens an exhibit by photographer Jim Lucas, “The Civil Rights Movement in Mississippi,” at the Columbus Arts Council’s Rosenzweig Arts Center, 501 Main St. Paintings by Brittnie Hall are also on display. For more information, contact the CAC, 662-328-2787.
Friday, Jan. 8
Eric Taylor in concert — The Columbus Arts Council presents the Texas singer/songwriter in concert in the Rosenzweig Arts Center Omnova Theater at 7:30 p.m. Taylor’s songs have been recorded by Nanci Griffith and Lyle Lovett, among others; he has been featured on programs including “Austin City Limits” and NPR’s “Morning Edition.” For tickets or information, call 662-328-2787.
Sunday, Jan. 10
Exhibit opening — The West Point-Clay County Arts Council hosts an opening at the Louise Campbell Center for the Arts, 235 Commerce St., West Point, featuring pine straw baskets, matchstick art, portrait crochet and quilts by artists Bessie Johnson, Castella Huggins and Sylvia Hayes. Free. For more information, contact Kathy Dyess, 662-494-5678.
Monday, Jan. 11
“Social Security” — Starkville Community Theatre presents this preview of its Mississippi Theatre Association competition production of “Social Security” by Andrew Bergman. The hour-long presentation begins at 7:30 p.m. at McComas Hall on the Mississippi State campus, and includes set-up and strike of the set, as required by MTA rules. Free, but donations are welcomed. For more information, call 662-323-6855.
Tuesday, Jan. 12
“Kakizome” Japanese calligraphy — In Japan, New Year’s Day is one of the biggest national holidays. Join in celebrating “Kakizome,” the first Japanese calligraphy of the New Year at this Columbus Arts Council event at 6 p.m. at the Rosenzweig Arts Center. Participants will write with Japanese ink paint brushes and learn a bit of Japanese. For more information, contact the CAC, 662-328-2787.
Wednesday, Jan. 13
Sports Talk charity fundraiser — Mississippi State’s men’s basketball head coach Ben Howland is the featured speaker at this Boys & Girls Club fundraiser at The Mill in Starkville. A silent auction opens at 6 p.m.; dinner at 7 p.m. Tickets are $30 (or $50 per couple; $15 for youth). For tickets or information, contact Nadia D. Colom, 662-418-7285.
Thursday, Jan. 14
“What Happened to the Freedom Riders?” — Dr. Leslie Burl-McLemore presents this free lecture at 6:30 p.m. at the Columbus Arts Council’s Rosenzweig Arts Center, 501 Main St. For more information, contact the CAC, 662-328-2787.
Saturday, Jan. 16
“To Kill a Mockingbird” — The Columbus Arts Council presents a free showing of the film “To Kill a Mockingbird” at 2 p.m. in the Rosenzweig Arts Center Omnova Theatre, 501 Main St. Author Deborah Johnson will contribute commentary. Free and open to the public. For information, contact the CAC, 662-328-2787.
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