Articles by Jan Swoope
Empty Bowls sets community bowl-making days
One thousand bowls. That’s the goal organizer Al (Alisa) Holen has set for the second annual Empty Bowls event in Columbus Nov. 6. “That’s double last year’s count,” said the Mississippi University for Women ceramics instructor.
Back to basics: The storied longbow has loyal champions in this skilled pair
Dr. Gerry Jeffcoat and Bobby Cooper are pretty sure they were born a century or so too late.
Get your game on: Area tailgaters share recipes — let the feasting begin
Saturday’s kick-offs heralded more than another autumn of gridiron action; they launched a fresh season of tailgating, too.
Tour offers glimpse of Victorian era
After two and a half years of “straight work,” Michael Smith and his wife, Sabrea, look forward to sharing their restored 1878 Victorian home at 1301 Third Avenue North with visitors on the Tennessee Williams Tribute Tour of Victorian Homes Sunday, Sept. 12. They join Betty Miller, opening her circa 1900s cottage, and Scott and Helen Pridmore’s circa 1880 home, both on College Street, on the 2-5 p.m. tour.
New Tree of Life blooms at First Presbyterian
In the morning quiet, Pastor Tom Bryson can stand in the sanctuary of First Presbyterian Church in Columbus and marvel as the rising sun creates a rainbow in that peaceful space. The new phenomenon is thanks to a striking stained glass window designed by Joseph Beyer of Philadelphia, Pa., and installed by Beyer Studio craftsmen in August.
TWT scholars’ presentations offer insight
The life, times and works of the late Tennessee Williams will be explored in free scholars’ talks Sept. 10-11 at Carrier Chapel on the campus of Mississippi University for Women.
Echoes on the river: Rufus Ward’s ‘Tombigbee River Steamboats’ holds ‘stories worth remembering’
With a shiver of imagination, someone standing on the bank of the Tombigbee River channel at Columbus’ Riverwalk could fancy the scenes and sounds of yesteryear.
Labor of Love: Kick Labor Day eats up a notch to savor the end of summer
Here comes Labor Day. But instead of mourning the passing of summer, segue smoothly into the season of touchdowns, turkeys and evergreens with a lively outdoor party that celebrates the last 20 or so summer days still officially left.
It’s the blues, man: West Point festival, blues bash to celebrate ‘Year of the Wolf’
The late critic/musician Cub Koda once said of Howlin’ Wolf, “No one could match (him) for the singular ability to rock the house down to the foundation while simultaneously scaring its patrons out of its wits.”
‘It’s an Emmy!’ for Starkville’s Harkness
Former Starkville resident Andy Harkness may have to get used to walking across some very big stages.
Southern comfort: Special luncheons invite Tennessee Williams fans to eat well in the famed writer’s hometown
A Southern devotion to good food surfaces in several of Tennessee Williams works, scholar Kenneth Holditch has noted. Not unduly surprising, since the late playwright and poet spent his early childhood in Mississippi, in Columbus and Clarksdale.
New kiln heats up ceramic arts
An innovative concept married to a strong dose of enthusiasm and get-it-done is lighting a fire under ceramic arts in the Golden Triangle. The impact could be felt well beyond its borders.
Make a scene: Parade of Tennessee Williams’ characters await their cue during tribute
A small town boy turned big city gigolo, the fading film star, a controlling father, the mysterious stranger, even a bed of crushed petunias … all are in the wings, waiting for their stage debut in Columbus during the Tennessee Williams Tribute and Tour of Victorian Homes Sept. 6-12.
Country church homecoming
Every second Sunday in August, come rain or come shine, the faithful return to a wooded spot “10 miles out in the country” from Carrollton, Ala. Here, for more than 100 years, generations have gathered to celebrate family and faith — not to mention a hearty Brunswick stew and old-fashioned all-day singing at Spring Hill Baptist Church, first established in 1842.
Percy Sledge, Bobby ‘Blue’ Bland to headline Hairston Celebration
Organizers have announced Percy Sledge and Bobby “Blue” Bland are confirmed to co-headline the Legends Concert that will anchor a four-day Sam Hairston Celebration Oct. 13-16.
Y logo gets a makeover
After 43 years, the YMCA’s logo is getting a facelift. The refreshed design, with its multiple color options and contemporary look, reflects the vibrancy of the Y and the diversity of the communities it serves, say local and national Y personnel. The former logo had been in place since 1967 and was the organization’s sixth since its inception.
Waterworld: Local sculling enthusiasts are outside the box and on the water
For Stan Murray, unwinding after a long day at the office has very little to do with stopping by a favorite watering hole — but everything to do with getting on the water.
Bates, Collie and more lend efforts to help build new animal shelter
Trip Richmond has a soft spot for animals. Dogs, especially. The country music artist and his girlfriend, Kim, currently have five rescue dogs among their menagerie. But the memory of one very special shelter dog fuels Richmond’s inspiration for a major concert in Columbus Aug. 14, to benefit the Columbus-Lowndes Humane Society.
Broadway veteran, Columbus native, remains a Southern girl at heart
She may be only 15, but Ashley Reneé Jordan is already a poised veteran of the Broadway stage, as well as national television and print ad campaigns. For most of the year, the Columbus native lives in New York City, moving with savvy through a world of auditions, subways, late night performances and early morning school bells.
