Saturday, Dec. 31
“Pianos for Pets” — A Dueling Pianos New Year’s Eve Ball at Rick’s Cafe in Starkville benefits the Oktibbeha County Humane Society. Doors open at 6 p.m.; a full-band version of dueling pianos begins about 9 p.m. A special dinner menu is offered. Tickets are $25 per person, or $40 per couple (includes party favors and free champagne at midnight). Call 662-323-7425 for reservations.
Thursday, Jan. 5
In the Writer’s Words — To launch a Mississippi Writers’ Series, “In the Writer’s Words,” join noted author Michael Farris Smith of Columbus from 7-9 p.m. at the Columbus Arts Council’s Rosenzweig Arts Center, 501 Main St., for an informal discussion of his works, a Q&A session and readings from his popular books. Learn more about the series celebrating Mississippi’s writers at columbus-arts.com or contact the CAC, 662-328-2787 (closed Mondays).
Saturday, Jan. 7
Goose’s Grand Gala — Celebrating the “Year of the Goose,” a gala at 6:30 p.m. at Trotter Convention Center in Columbus honors Edwina Williams and her embodiment of the storybook character at the Columbus library. Tickets are $50 and include cocktail supper, open bar and music by Star and Micey. Proceeds benefit the Edwina Williams Endowment Fund for Children’s Literacy. For tickets or information, visit the Friends of the Columbus-Lowndes Library Facebook page, call 662-549-3792 or email [email protected].
Thursday, Jan. 12
Claire Holley, Jonathan Kingham in concert — The Columbus Arts Council presents singer/songwriter Claire Holley and Jonathan Kingham of Toad the Wet Sprocket at 7:30 p.m. at the Rosenzweig Arts Center Omnova Theater. For more information, go to columbus-arts.com or contact the CAC, 662-328-2787 (closed Mondays).
Monday, Jan. 16
MLK Day commemoration — An 8 a.m. breakfast at Trotter Convention Center features keynote speaker Judge Carlton Reeves, second African-American to serve on the federal judiciary in Mississippi. Following breakfast, volunteers are invited to “Pack the Sack” (lunches) for Loaves and Fishes Community Soup Kitchen. Registration is free at muw.edu/mlk. Presented by the City of Columbus, Visit Columbus, Lowndes County Board of Supervisors, CAFB, MUW, Sodexo Food Services and United Way of Lowndes County.
MLK Jr. Unity Breakfast — Mississippi State hosts a community-wide celebration honoring Martin Luther King Jr. at The Mill, 600 Russell St., Starkville. An 8 a.m. breakfast is followed by a 9 a.m. program featuring speaker Larnzy Carpenter, pastor of First Baptist Church of Longview. Participants are then encouraged to engage in a “Day of Service.” Free. For information, contact Alicia Hu, 662-325-2493 or email [email protected].
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