Mississippi State’s rootin’ tootin’ melodrama revisits the Old West

Black-hearted gamblers, lily-pure maidens and stalwart heroes leap from the dime novels of the late 1800s to the McComas Hall stage at Mississippi State University April 12-14. The Theatre MSU production of Tim Taggert’s “Deadwood Dick or The Game of Gold” begins at 7:30 p.m. nightly.

MSF’s Painted Privies: Art where you least expect it

“At first mention, some may think the idea sounds silly, but portable toilets are inevitable at outdoor festivals and special events, so why not make them more attractive?” said Amber Brislin, Main Street Columbus manager. She’s talking about the Painted Privies contest, a new initiative that will put community art in unexpected places during Columbus’ 17th annual Market Street Festival May 4-5.

Sweet, sweet music: Mountain dulcimer fever is alive and well (and recruiting) in our neck of the woods

The walls are serviceable cinderblock, the carpet utilitarian blue. The room is large, brightly flushed with a fluorescent glow from panels overhead. But, when 16 dulcimer players begin strumming “Near the Cross,” the setting may as well be a small, clapboard church tucked among the mountain laurels, high in the Appalachians.

Such is the subtle power of the sweet music that first emerged in the early 19th century among Scots-Irish immigrants in the southern Appalachian Mountains. The fretted mountain dulcimer is the instrument of choice for the Friendly City Strummers, a group of enthusiasts that convenes every second and fourth Tuesday at Trinity Place Retirement Community in Columbus.

‘Easter bread’: Veteran bread baker shares the art of making challah

For bread maker Rebecca Watson of Starkville, the best reward is often in the expressions of those tasting fresh homemade bread, especially artisan bread, for the first time.

“Mississippians” author Neil White at booking signing today

The Columbus Cultural Heritage Foundation hosts Neil White, the creator and editor of “Mississippians,” “Mississippians II,” and “Mississippi’s 100 Greatest Football Players of All Time,” at a book signing today from 10 a.m. until noon at the Tennessee Williams Home Welcome Center at 300 Main St.

Celebrate the Final Four with some state favorites

So, your brackets were torn up long ago, but that’s no reason not to enjoy the Final Four this weekend.

Online entrepreneur: MSU grad student taps worldwide audience and cold cash by carving out a YouTube niche

By day, Brad Overby is a serious graduate student, studying diligently for his master’s degree in business administration. A responsible 24-year-old who loves his wife and dog. But by night, or, frankly, any other chance he gets, he’s Drift0r — carving a path through YouTube with oddball costumes, dark humor, fake blood, buddies and, oh yes, the dog.

Crustacean Craze: It’s crawfish time — twist some tails

Crawfish, mudbugs, crawdads, crayfish — call them what you will, the prolific Cajun delicacy is once again on the move into the Golden Triangle. Late winter into early spring heralds a new harvest of fat crustaceans generating a buzz, especially with fans who have been impatient for their arrival.

‘Hidden’ history: While discovering the homes of Pilgrimage, don’t forget the stories to find, off the beaten path

Flames danced in Temple Heights’ kitchen house fireplace Wednesday, in spite of wilting temperatures outside. A heavy, black pot of greens hung on an iron swivel arm, soon to bubble above the open fire.

An errant ember rolled onto the hearth, settling near sweet potatoes and cornbread destined for dinner. Lois Lett-Swindle quickly pushed it back to the hot ashes, using a tool typical of what a Columbus smithy might have forged more than 150 years ago.

This plain one-room structure is dwarfed by the grand four-story antebellum home only a dozen steps away, but it retains a rustic character. It once was a hub of activity and intense labor, where meals were prepared for those living and working at Temple Heights.

‘Blues for Willie’: Tribute held for late elder statesman of the blues

On Friday, the Columbus Arts Council presents “Blues for Willie,” a tribute to honor this elder statesman of the Black Prairie blues, a man who preached a consistent message of peace, love and social justice.

Sweet, sweet Easter: Plan a special dessert now for your Easter table

Yes, we still have St. Patrick’s Day and March Madness to get through, but have you looked at the calendar? Easter is just over three weeks away, on April 8. Next to Thanksgiving and Christmas, this may be the holiday that inspires us most to do something special in the kitchen.

Rocking blues, horn-fueled funk head Market Street Festival lineup

The blues-ripped rock of Lukas Nelson and the Promise of the Real and the rousing funk of Austin, Texas’ Mingo Fishtrap will fill downtown Columbus May 4 when Main Street Columbus kicks off the 17th annual Market Street Festival. The festival’s music committee announced the lineup this week for the ticketed concert on Main Street.

Everything Garden Expo

The fourth annual Everything Garden Expo March 24-25 will draw green-thumbed visitors to browse the wares of 60 or more vendors, learn how to take better care of the earth, and soak up the wisdom of numerous authorities on topics ranging from pesky fire ants to landscape design.

Emerald eats: Bring a little luck o’ the Irish to your table this St. Patrick’s Day

When St. Patrick’s Day rolls around, there seems to be at least a wee bit of Irish in all of us.

recycle, resale … ReStore: Habitat for Humanity Resale Store puts new meaning in ‘home improvement’

For most of us, recycling is a matter of getting newspapers, plastic containers and glass bottles in the right bin, and then feeling pretty good about doing our small part. But in a big, blue metal warehouse on Starkville’s North Montgomery Street, Habitat for Humanity takes recycling to another level.

Carnegie bound: Area singers get a ‘chance of a lifetime’

She’s tried to imagine it, but 15-year-old Charity Brand isn’t quite sure how she is going to feel, standing there on the Carnegie Hall stage.

Pre-teen preps to compete with the

While some 12-year-olds are texting back and forth to find out what their friends will be wearing to the movies, Mary Lee is planning her working wardrobe for Madison Square Garden.

On Feb. 13-14, the new Columbus resident will be one the youngest dog handlers on the famous green-carpet of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York City.

Tuskegee Airmen exhibit to highlight Catfish in the Alley

While the sight of 18-wheelers rumbling down Highways 82 or 45 isn’t unusual, seldom do the big rigs roll into downtown Columbus. But from Wednesday through Saturday, Feb. 29 to March 3, one uniquely customized semitrailer will be the center of attention at the Hitching Lot Farmers’ Market site at Second Avenue and Second Street North.

History shines as state society meets in Columbus

The Mississippi Historical Society will hold its 2012 annual meeting in Columbus March 1-3, and those interested in history are invited to participate. The focus will be the bicentennial of the War of 1812.

A variety of lectures on the campus of Mississippi University for Women will examine the battle for the southern frontier, Mississippi’s American Indians, the Natchez Trace and local history projects.

Tango del Cielo: CAC presents Latin-inspired music and dance Master dance class offered

The romance and fire of Argentine tango and Spanish flamenco will intertwine when concert harpist Anna Maria Mendieta and Tango del Cielo visit Columbus Monday, March 5.

The Columbus Arts Council’s Concert and Artist Series presentation begins at 7:30 p.m. at Rent Auditorium on the Mississippi University for Women campus. A dance class with performers will be offered from noon-1 p.m.