Bluffs & Bayous May 2018

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WELCOME FROM THE NATCHEZ FESTIVAL OF MUSIC “Without music, life would be a mistake.â€? Dr. Jay Dean and the Board of Directors of the Natchez Festival of Music have collaborated to present a season that will prove that Frederick Nietzsche was indeed correct in that statement! I am always amazed at the willingness and abilities of our many volunteers on whom we rely for the success and continuity of this Festival. Board members, Housing Angels, Food Angels, and Committee Chairmen, along with all those who make monetary or in-kind donations, all prove that great things can be accomplished through volunteerism. We are all grateful to Dr. Dean for his constant guidance, KLV H[HPSODU\ DWWLWXGH DQG KLV DELOLW\ WR UHFUXLW WKH Ă€QHVW VLQJers and musicians. His unwavering dedication to Natchez has allowed us to continue to provide Natchez and the surrounding area with entertainment of the highest quality. It is always such a special treat for us to have these emerging artists in Natchez. For the weeks that they are here, we are

treated with extra “perks� that we do not experience the rest of the year. Whether you encounter them at a scheduled function, in your church, in the coffee shop, or on the street, please welcome them. To all who are joining us at our special events, thank you for being a part of the Natchez Festival of Music by your presence. If you traveled to Natchez from other places, we hope that you enjoy your stay here and that you will join us in the future as we continue to endeavor to provide high quality entertainment for you.

Sincerely, Diana Glaze, Chairman

Dear Festival-goers, The Natchez Festival of Music’s “Sound� hits our river town with a diverse series of events that celebrate the merging of historic eras, three different centennial seasons, and musical offerings spanning three continents. It is my pleasure to welcome you to the 28th season of the Natchez Festival of Music. Our Opening Night Gala Concert features Mac McAnally and members of the Coral Reefer Band. Mac McAnally is, beyond dispute, one of the most respected musicians of our time. A long-time member of Jimmy Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band, McAnally has written numerous classic songs for some of the leading popular artists of our time including Alabama, Kenny Chesney, Sawyer Brown, and Jimmy Buffett. His peers have honored him as Country Music Association’s Musician of the Year for an unprecedented nine years and have elected him to both the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame and Mississippi Musicians Hall of Fame. Our season slates several events celebrating the centennial of Leonard Bernstein, the bicentennial of Charles Gounod, and the tricentennial of New Orleans. We also bring in top vocal performers from all over

the United States who will be featured in Stephen Sondheim’s smash hit musical, A Little Night Music as well as Gounod’s iconic opera Faust. The season continues with several now-traditional and fan-favorite events, Rossini, Puccini, and Martinis, and Rockin’ on the River at Bowie’s. We will present an engaging evening of Phantom and Beyond: The Majestic World of the Organ, celebrating the power of this legendary instrument with everything from Bach to 3KDQWRP RI WKH 2SHUD DQG Ă€OP VFRUHV E\ -RKQ :LOOLDPV We will feature The British Invasion of Natchez II: Sgt. Pepper’s Onward, which includes songs by Led Zeppelin, The Who, and more, and then celebrate an evening of “HOTâ€? salsa music with our Havana Nights event. Sincerely, Jay Dean, Artistic Director

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May 2018

F E AT U R E S

F AV O R I T E S

The Director .............................................................................................. 31

Giving Back to Those Who Served....................................................... 10-13

The Artists............................................................................................. 32-41

Fourth Fridays at Five ..........................................................................26-28

Children’s Events .......................................................................................42

Events

Mac McAnally with members of the Coral Reefer Band ..........................43

Louisiana Up & Coming! ...........................................................................58

Rossini, Puccini, and Martinis ..................................................................44

Mississippi Up & Coming!..........................................................................59

Rockin’ on the River..................................................................................45

G’s Fare

Phantom and Beyond ....................................................................................46

Mother’s Day Luncheon .......................................................................20-22

The British Invasion of Natchez II: Sgt. Pepper’s Onward ...................... 47

The Social Scene

Havana Nights ...........................................................................................48

Save the Hall Ball ................................................................................. 14-16

The Two Faces of Bernstein ......................................................................49

Magnolia Ball ........................................................................................ 18-19

Almost Like Being in Love ........................................................................50

Birthday Party for Cathy Franck ..............................................................23

A Little Night Music .............................................................................52-53

The Society for the Preservation and Maintenance of Aged Monarchs Brunch ....................................................................30

Makin’ it . . . Sing! .....................................................................................54

Vidalia Garden Club Fashion Show ..........................................................30

A Night in the Big Easy .............................................................................55 Faust ...................................................................................................... 56-57

ON THE COVER

History of the Natchez Music Festival ...................................................... 61 Natchez Performing Arts Center at Margaret Martin ..............................62 Natchez Music Festival Mission Statement ...............................................62 Important Information..............................................................................63 Committees ................................................................................................63 In-Kind Donations .....................................................................................64 Past Chairmen ...........................................................................................64 Board Members .........................................................................................65 Contributors ..............................................................................................66

“The Natchez Festival of Music’s ‘Sound’ hits our river town with a diverse series of events that celebrate the merging of historic eras, three different centennial seasons, and musical offerings spanning three continents.” —Jay Dean, Artistic Director

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PUBLISHER Cheryl Foggo Rinehart COPY EDITOR Jean Nosser Biglane GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Jan Ratcliff

Anita Schilling

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS Tim McCary

Bill Perkins

Cheryl Rinehart

Lisa Adams Whittington SALES STAFF

Cheryl Rinehart

Donna Sessions

CONTRIBUTORS Kerry Rose Dicks

Becky Junkin Jennifer J. Whittier

Cheryl Rinehart

Jean Biglane

Jan Ratcliff

Anita Schilling

Tim McCary

Lisa Adams Whittington

Bill Perkins

Donna Sessions

Jennifer J. Whittier

Kerry Rose Dicks

Becky Junkin

Bluffs & Bayous is published monthly to promote the greater Southern area of Louisiana and Mississippi in an informative and positive manner. We welcome contributions of articles and photos; however, they will be subject to editing and availability of space and subject matter. Photographs, comments, questions, subscription requests and ad placement inquiries are invited! Return envelopes and postage must accompany all materials submitted if a return is requested. No portion of this publication may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. The opinions expressed in Bluffs & Bayous are those of the authors or columnists and do QRW QHFHVVDULO\ UHà HFW WKH YLHZV RI WKH SXEOLVKHU QRU GR WKH\ FRQVWLWXWH DQ HQGRUVHPHQW RI SURGXFWV RU VHUYLFHV KHUHLQ :H UHVHUYH WKH ULJKW WR UHIXVH DQ\ DGYHUWLVHment. Bluffs & Bayous strives to insure the accuracy of our magazine’s contents. However, should inaccuracies or omissions occur, we do not assume responsibility.

OFFICE 225 John R. Junkin Drive | Natchez, MS 39120 | 601-442-6847 bluf fsmag@gmail.com | bbupandcoming@gmail.com www.bluf fsbayous.com

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Giving Back to Those Who Served Story by Jennifer J. Whittier • Photography by Jennifer J. Whittier and the Wallace family

huck Wallace, Brookhaven, Mississippi, resident and owner of River Oaks Construction and numerous Service Master franchises, is indeed giving back to those who served their country in the armed forces: he is sharing his musical gift that had EHHQ GRUPDQW IRU DOPRVW ÀIW\ \HDUV $V ZLWK DOO RI KLV endeavors, he saw a need; and through determination and hard work, he embraced the opportunity to ÀOO WKDW QHHG Chuck feels that God has blessed him with both the talent and the privilege of honoring veterans and WKHLU IDPLOLHV GXULQJ RQH RI WKHLU PRVW GLIÀFXOW WLPHV by playing “Taps” at military funeral services. The journey Chuck has taken to reach his goal of honoring these veterans is one of twists and turns, but it has culminated in touching the lives of hundreds of veterans and their families.

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Chuck played the trumpet in both junior high and high school bands in his hometown of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; and after high school graduation, he joined the Army Reserves, subsequently serving for eight years. It seemed only natural for Chuck to continue his love for music as a member of the renowned Tiger Band of Louisiana State University. As a member of the military and a former Eagle Scout, he especially enjoyed the marching aspects and the regimentation and precision of the performances; and he felt right at home with the demands and expectations that would eventually become a part of his nature, his drive, and his success as a businessman. After spending two years at LSU, Chuck was called up for six months of active duty in the Reserves after which he transferred to the University of Southern Mississippi and graduated with a degree in Radio and TV Broadcasting.

“. . . that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have not died in vain—that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom—and that government of the people, by the people, and for the people, shall not perish from the earth.” —Abraham Lincoln

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Left—Trae Rickerson and Chuck Wallace practice trumpet skills. Below left—Chuck Wallace honors veterans and families through the Bugles Across America organization.

Like many young men, Chuck’s focus after college turned to marriage, family, and career. He stayed busy developing successful businesses and involving himself in church, community, and sports activities with his three sons. His days of playing the trumpet were over…or so he thought; after all, he hadn’t played in many years. However, on Memorial Day 2017, while Chuck was watching a TV program honoring veterans at Arlington Cemetery, he learned that there was a shortage of people able and willing to play Taps for military funerals, forcing the military to use electronic bugles to substitute for actual buglers. He shared his concern and his interest in helping to solve the problem with his wife, Susan. Realizing he could be helpful in this regard, Chuck immediately contacted a local funeral director who echoed the same problems faced by the military and explained that sometimes the electronic devices failed, leaving the service incomplete and the family hurt and embarrassed. Chuck told his wife, “I know how to play the trumpet, and I’m going to donate my time and talent to the military which I so proudly served.” After researching Buglers Across America, an organization founded in 2000 by Tom Day that provides over 4,000 bugler volunteers across the country who play at veterans’ funeral services to honor their memory and their service to their country, Chuck Wallace auditioned and was able to procure a position on their team of volunteers. His motivation centered partly on his desire to honor the memory of those veterans he had never met, and partly on his intent to honor the service of his ninety-eight-year-old father, Cliff Wallace, a former Marine who served in World War II, for whom Chuck is a caregiver. So the stage was set, and he knew that he had a lot of work ahead of him, but he was ready for the challenge. Chuck contacted longtime friend and business associate Trae Rickerson, lead trumpet player for the group Stormy from Baton Rouge; and after a few lessons, he was ready to play again. This task was not an easy one, and it took hours of practice to perfect the honorary twenty-four-note tribute of the beloved military tune. Chuck attributes his ability to reconnect with his musical passion to his friend Trae, and they continue to play trumpet together for special occasions like the Grand Opening of River Oaks Construction during which they entertained with hits from the group Chicago. Page 12 { May 2018 { Bluffs & Bayous

Andrew, Patrick, baby Charley, Charley, Cliff, and Chuck Wallace

Service comes in many shapes and forms, and Chuck :DOODFH KDV ÀOOHG D YRLG WKDW so many of us never knew existed. He provides his own transportation, usually his beloved white Corvette, and chooses to wear a discrete EOXH VXLW UDWKHU WKDQ DQ RIÀFLDO military uniform. It’s not uncommon for Chuck to travel over a hundred miles to perform his tribute, never charging a fee for his services. He slips in quietly after the honor guard, plays the touching solo, and unceremoniously blends into the group of mourners before heading back home. Sometimes, the family invites him to join them in a meal following the ceremony, allowing him to learn more about the life of the veteran. All of this, then, is Chuck’s gift to the veterans and their families. Over 1,000 veterans a day pass away, and Chuck’s tribute is his way of giving back to the families and the veterans who so proudly served our country. He feels humbled and blessed to be able to

assist the community through something he has enjoyed as a lifetime hobby. Chuck is a reminder that, although less than one percent of the population of our great country serves in the military, one hundred percent of us enjoy the freedom the military provides. May God continue to bless our country with those who put others DERYH WKHPVHOYHV ZKR VHH D QHHG DQG ÀOO WKDW QHHG DQG ZKR KRQRU WKH PHQ DQG ZRPHQ ZKR PDGH WKH XOWLPDWH VDFULÀFH

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THE social SCENE NATCHEZ, MS

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Save the Hall Ball he Pilgrimage Historical Association held its annual black-tie-affair Save the Hall Ball on March 31, 2018, at Stanton Hall, following An Evening Under the Stars at Longwood. Guests enjoyed the sounds of Loose Chain from Atlanta, Georgia; delicious cuisine by Chef Bingo Starr; and shopping during the Silent Auction, all as a benefit for the Pilgrimage Garden Club’s historic properties, Stanton Hall and Longwood. Photography by Lisa Whittington

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1 Edna and Doug Fisher 2 Sherry and Chuck Bearden 3 Sam Kirby and Katelee Laird 4 Tim and Lena McKnight 5 Kenyon Zimmerman and Jessica Tippens 6 GA and Lisa Dale Myers 7 Zach Flattmann and Maggie Kelley 8 McKenzie Watts and Payton Shirley 9 Stella Roberts and Walker Carby 10 Chris and Laurie Hover 11 Ashley Parker and Katie Freiburger 12 Evan Webber and Alexa Hodges 13 Valerie and John Bergeron 14 Catherine and Matthew Goldman 15 Lauren Brady and Landon Havard 16 Buddy and Jean Bolton 17 Jane Weems and Ward Graning 18 Christi Harrison and Maggie Ulmer 19 Adrian and Lisa Sandel 20 Hanna and Russ Butts 21 Jessica and Mark Carter 22 Hunter Spires and Chris Brandenburg 23 Liam and Marcia Adams 24 Fayla and Noble Guedon 25 Glenn and Bridget Green, Diane and Peter Burns, Genny Harrison, Austin Nguyen, and Luke Cockerhan 26 Matthew Humphries, Emma Weems, Morgan Taylor, Taylor Beesley, McKenzie Milligan, and Caleb Gillespie

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THE social SCENE

NATCHEZ, MS

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31 27 Bridget and Glenn Green with Betsy Feltus 28 Eugenie Cates with Sue and Joe Stedman 29 Bill Dale, Beth Rogers, and Peyton Feltus 30 Rick and Debbie Conner with Jim Coy 31 Sarah Beth Willard with Austin and Ashley Parker

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THE social SCENE NATCHEZ, MS

Visit www.bluffsbayous.com for all social scenes.

25 Nathan Burns, Emily Maxwell, Claire Winn, and Chris Maxwell 26 Greg and Kay Batte, Donna and Bryan Calloway, and Jason Dauphin 27 Lansing Brakenridge 28 Jean-Guy Lachance, Deborah Loomis, and John Williams 29 Todd and Emily Carpenter, Sarah Carter Smith, and Lisa and Madalyn Falkenheiner 30 Guy Stout, Liz Dantone, and Lou Ellen Stout 31 Jay Vaughn, Lansing Brakenridge, Akua Kumi, and Kerry Dicks 32 Alan Wolf, Ruthie Coy, Elizabeth Wolf, and Cammie 27 Dale

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THE social SCENE NATCHEZ, MS

Visit www.bluffsbayous.com for all social scenes.

Magnolia Ball

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he Preservation Society of Ellicott Hill and The Natchez Garden Club held the first annual Magnolia Ball on March 10, 2018, at the Natchez City Auditorium in downtown Natchez, Mississippi. The benefit gala honored The Natchez Garden Club Pilgrimage King, Queen, Pages, Maids, and Generals; presented a Life-time Achievement Award to member Ellen Mosby; shared an interview with Magnolia Hall project architect Robert (Bob) Adams; featured guest speaker Mimi Miller from the Historic Natchez Foundation; and held both live and silent auctions to raise funds for the second phase of restoring Magnolia Hall, one of the club’s historic tour properties. Music for the evening was provided by The Sessions Orchestra. Photography by Lisa Whittington

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1 Tamara Scales and Theresa Nolan 2 Melton and Kathy King 3 Ray and Andrea Bradford 4 Garner Gay and James Brown 5 Karen and Pat Biglane 6 Sheila and John Foggo 7 Bubba and Katie McCabe 8 Sheila and Will Foggo 9 Mary Frances Sessions and Emily Hootsell 10 Bill Perkins and Lisa McFadden 11 Julia Rachel and Bruce Kuehnle 12 Hannah and Marcus Mason 13 Larry and Lynn Collins 14 Vicki Netterville and Judy Buseck 15 Tim Sessions and Mary Lessley 16 Judge George and Iva Ward 17 Caroline Smith and McKenzie Milligan 18 Mimi and Ron Miller 19 Hunter Foster, Sally Doty, Sarah Doty, and Pat Nelson 20 Jennifer Smith, Mary Lessley, Cheryl Rinehart, Ginger Hyland, and Donna Sessions 21 Joanna McNeil, Lauren Middleton, Katherine Callon, Melinda Biglane, and Ashley Smith 22 Ginger Hyland, Mike and Cheryl Rinehart, and Jim Lessley 23 Jayson, Laura, John, and Karen Nix 24 Charlie and Corky Vess with Louise Peabody 25 Lesley and Rush Mosby, Ellen Mosby, and Sim and Betsy Mosby 26 Nikki Sanders, Kim McAndrews, and Alicia Havard

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THE social SCENE

NATCHEZ, MS

Visit www.bluffsbayous.com for all social scenes.

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27 Adele Middleton and Royce Copeland 28 Wes and Lauren Middleton with Jake and Adele Middleton 29 James, Amy, and James Brown 30 Lee Moss Culhane, Helen Smith, and Marcia McCullough 31 Gay Metcalfe, Joe Beckert, Susan Ray, and Jim Stowers 32 Richard Conn, Mia Conn, and Will Bryant 33 David and Paige Carter with Mike and Kim Lazarus 34 Will Foggo, John Nix, and Richard Conn 35 Jennifer Smith with Freddie and Jean Biglane 36 Patrick and Melinda Biglane, Karen and Pat Biglane, and Joanna and Jason McNeil 37 Jennifer Smith, Mary Margaret Gilley, and Bill Ernst 38 Karen Hill, Marsha Colson, and Lisa Baker 39 Donna Sessions, Diana Wilson, and Jennifer Smith

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G’S FARE

BY

Becky Junkin

PHOTOGRAPHY BY Becky

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Junkin

Mother’s Day Luncheon D

R \RX UHPHPEHU \RXU Ă€UVW Mother’s Day? Do you remember how exciting it was that \RX ZHUH Ă€QDOO\ D PRWKHU DQG ZKDW D special day it was? I can remember my Ă€UVW 0RWKHU¡V 'D\ LW ZDV RYHU WKH WRS I was taken out to eat, I received red URVHV IURP WKH Ă RULVW DQG D JLIW RI MHZelry, and I was waited on hand and foot that day. I truly believed that was how every Mother’s Day was going to be; but, unfortunately, nothing was quite as VSHFWDFXODU DV WKDW Ă€UVW 0RWKHU¡V 'D\ As the years went by, there was never quite the same fanfare: there were dinners out or a gift and sometimes both but never again all three. That was, until my four children were in college; and they came back; and for the whole weekend, they did the meals and cleaned up the house. On Sunday for lunch, they would have over their grandmother, the great aunts, and the aunts and pull out all the stops. There was a meal cooked by all IRXU IUHVK Ă RZHUV DQG D VPDOO JLIW IRU each guest. It meant so much to me and to their grandmother and aunts that these teenagers and young adults would go to this much trouble. Now, my girls are all mothers, and my son has his own wife and mother of his children, and things are not quite as they were. I get phone FDOOV FDUGV JLIWV DQG GLQQHU %XW , Ă€QG that I miss the homemade cards; the PHVV\ NLWFKHQ ZKHUH WKH FKLOGUHQ Ă€[HG breakfast; the lukewarm coffee and the runny eggs; the burnt toast brought to me by four smiling faces, so proud of their accomplishment; the dinners where I spent majority of the time reminding them of their “good mannersâ€?; but most of all, all of us being together. Our children grow up and have their own families, seemingly, more quickly than we can blink our eyes. So young mothers, enjoy your time with the little ones and all of the fun that they bring.

I have made this recipe quite often, and it has always been a hit. I found that a lot of people are not big fans of brown rice, so I substituted the wild rice which my family and friends love. The original recipe is from the Jackson Junior League cook book Come On In and was called &RUQLVK +HQV ZLWK %URZQ 5LFH 6WXIĂ€QJ :LWK HLWKHU NLQG RI ULFH LW LV YHU\ JRRG

CORNISH HENS WITH WILD RICE STUFFING 1 teaspoon salt 1 box Uncle Ben’s wild rice Âź teaspoon dried thyme 2½ cups chicken stock Âź teaspoon dried marjoram 1 small onion, chopped 4 Cornish hens ½ yellow bell pepper, chopped Salt and pepper ½ cup dried apricots, chopped 4 slices bacon 8 tablespoons unsalted butter ½ cup toasted almonds, slivered or chopped Follow the directions on the back of the rice but use chicken stock instead of the water. Set aside and preheat the oven to 325 degrees. SautĂŠ onion, bell pepper, and apricots in the butter. Mix with cooked rice, almonds, salt, thyme, and marjoram. Salt and pepper hens, inside HUK V\[ :[\Ɉ ^P[O YPJL TP_[\YL HUK WSHJL VUL IHJVU ZSPJL VU LHJO OLU 0 J\[ TPUL HUK THRL HU ? HJYVZZ [OL [VW 0 \Z\HSS` OH]L L_[YH YPJL HUK 0 W\[ P[ PU YHTLRPUZ HUK ZLY]L VU [OL ZPKL )HRL \UJV]LYLK H[ KLNYLLZ MVY Ăą [V OV\YZ IHZ[PUN VM[LU ^P[O WHU KYPWWPUNZ 0M UV[ [LUKLY HM[LY Ăą OV\YZ JV]LY HUK Z[LHT MVY [OL Ă„UHS TPU\[LZ

One of my favorite vegetables is asparagus, and I will eat it just about any way that you serve it. This is not so much the case for the rest of the family—they either love asparagus or don’t. Below is one recipe that my husband chose and seems to like. I do cook my asparagus a little longer because we don’t like it too crispy. I found this recipe in Come On In also, but I left this one as is.

GRILLED ASPARAGUS 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed into 6-inch lengths ½ cup Dijon Vinaigrette Fresh herbs for garnish Dijon Vinaigrette 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil 6 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon pepper 2 cloves of garlic, minced Thoroughly blend all ingredients. Preheat grill. Arrange asparagus in grill basket with tips toward outer edges of the basket. Asparagus layer can be doubled if necessary. Brush asparagus with Dijon Vinaigrette. Grill for 3 minutes, turn, and brush with more vinaigrette. Cook 3 more minutes or until asparagus is crisp tender, being careful not to burn. Serve hot, at room temperature, or chilled. Fan asparagus on plate and sprinkle with fresh herbs.

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I remember these rolls a bit vaguely from either my young teens or young adulthood. My children said they rememEHUHG PH À[LQJ WKHVH EXW , KDYH QR LGHD ZKHUH , JRW WKH recipe or if there even was one. I bought canned biscuits DQG H[SHULPHQWHG XQWLO , KDG SHUIHFWHG ZKDW P\ DJHG brain remembered. They are super easy but look as if I spent some time preparing them.

SUPER EASY DINNER ROLLS 1 can Flaky Pillsbury Biscuits Melted butter Poppy Seeds Open the can of biscuits and separate into 8 biscuits. Pull each biscuit apart into two biscuits, making a total of 16 biscuits. Fold each biscuit in half and put on a cookie sheet; brush with melted butter, and sprinkle with poppy ZLLKZ )HRL HZ KPYLJ[LK PU H WYLOLH[LK V]LU >H[JO [OL rolls as they bake, for mine cooked more quickly than the KPYLJ[PVUZ Z[H[L ZPUJL [OL` ^LYL OHSM [OL ZPaL :LY]L OV[

To me nothing says “Springâ€? like asparagus and strawberries. Below you ZLOO Ă€QG WKH RWKHU SDUW RI WKH FRPER LQ D VDODG UHFLSH 0DU\ $QQ 6SHOO JDYH me this recipe that she brought with her from Fairhope, Alabama.

SPINACH AND STRAWBERRY SALAD Dressing ½ cup oil Âź cup red wine vinegar Âź cup sugar Âź cup garlic powder Âź cup onion powder Âź cup salt Âź cup pepper Âź teaspoon dry mustard Salad 1 bag spinach 1 pint sliced strawberries 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds ½ teaspoon dill /LH[ [OL Ă„YZ[ [OYLL KYLZZPUN PUNYLKPLU[Z [V TLS[ Z\NHY" [OLU HKK ZWPJLZ and chill until needed. Shake well before using; toss with salad ingredients just before serving.

,I WKHUH LV D TXLFN HDV\ WR PDNH UHFLSH , ZLOO ÀQG LW ,QVWHDG RI EDNLQJ DQ DQJHO IRRG FDNH , ERXJKW WKH FDNH DQG LW FDQ EH DVVHPEOHG VERY quickly. I found this on Pinterest at joyfulhomemaking.com. There are several on the internet, but this one had the most Cool Whip DQG /HPRQ -HOO 2 <RX FRXOG SUREDEO\ XVH MXVW DERXW DQ\ à DYRU RI -HOO 2 EXW , OLNH OHPRQ WKH EHVW +RSH \RX HQMR\

ICEBOX LEMON ANGEL FOOD CAKE V\UJL IV_ SLTVU 1LSS 6 WV^KLY +V UV[ TP_ HZ KPYLJ[LK IV_ (UNLS -VVK *HRL 0Âť]L \ZLK IV\NO[ VY THKL MYVT ZJYH[JO Ăą VM V\UJL IV_ SLTVU 1LSS 6 WV^KLY ;OPZ PZ UV[ [OL W\KKPUN V\UJL *VVS >OPW TP_ I\[ [OL 1LSS 6 V\UJL *VVS >OPW 4P_ [OL JHRL HJJVYKPUN [V WHJRHNL KPYLJ[PVUZ HUK IHRL PU [^V š YV\UK WHUZ 0M P[ PZ H YLHK` THKL JHRL J\[ P[ PU OHSM OVYPaVU[HSS` -VSSV^ [OL KPYLJ[PVUZ MVY JVVSPUN [OL JHRL MVY [OL SH`LYZ JHU IL [YPJR` [V YLTV]L MYVT [OL WHU >OLU [OL JHRL PZ JVVS TP_ [VNL[OLY HSS [OL [OH^LK *VVS >OPW HUK 1LSS 6 7\[ [OL Ă„YZ[ SH`LY VM JHRL VU H WSH[[LY HUK MYVZ[ JLU[LY ^P[O SLTVU [VWWPUN 3H` [OL ZLJVUK SH`LY VU HUK cover the entire cake with the remaining topping. Chill well. Store the cake in the refrigerator or freezer. Slice and serve at a beautiful spring afternoon luncheon! %HFN\ -XQNLQ PRWKHU RI IRXU DQG JUDQGPRWKHU RI HLJKW LV D OLIHORQJ 1DWFKH] UHVLGHQW D UHWLUHG HOHPHQWDU\ WHDFKHU RI WZHQW\ IRXU \HDUV DQG FHUWLĂ€HG 3LODWHV LQVWUXFWRU

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THE social SCENE BROOKHAVEN, MS

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Birthday Party for Cathy Franck

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riends and family gathered together to celebrate Cathy Franck’s 50th birthday.The celebration took place at The Mallard at Lake Dixie Springs, Mississippi, on March 23, 2018. Photography by Bill Perkins

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3 1 Courtney Carol, Cathy, and Walker Franck 2 Kristin Douglas, Carol Gary, Cindy Townsend, and tina Ates 3 Dixie Chance and Cathy Franck 4 Ryan Thibodeaux and Karen Rogers 5 Jane and Lilah Henderson 6 Jane Henderson, Courtney Carol Franck, 6 Cathy Franck, Carol Gary, and Walker Franck 7 Carol Gary and Amy Cooley 8 Cathy Franck, Bill Perkins, and Patti Moak 9 Tanya Hamill, Cathy Franck, and Sandy Winborne 10 Paula Rushing, Kathy Walker, and Nikki Henning 11 Dienna Moak, Cathy Franck, and Marlene Cupit 12 Cindy Townsend, Sherry Powell, and Stacy Clanton 13 Cindy Townsend, Cathy Franck, and Kristin Douglas 14 Leanne McCaffery, Cathy Franck, and Nikki Henning 15 Front—Sandy Winborne, Carol Gary, Walker Franck, Courtney Carol Franck, Dixie Chance, Amy Cooley, Jane Henderson, Lilah Henderson, and Leanne McCaffery; Back—Dwayne Townsend, Cindy Townsend, Kristin Douglas, Marlene Martin, Ryan Thibodeaux, and Nikki Henning 16 Nikki Henning, Dixie Chance, Leanne McCaffery, Marlene Martin, Cathy Franck, Cindy Townsend, Courtney Carol Franck, Kristin Douglas, and Carol Gary

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On the River k On the River k On the River k On the River

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Intriguing treasures upstairs at Natchez Architectural and Art Discoveries await the perambulating and perusing of Fourth Friday gatherers.

Fourth Fridays at Five I

t is like a graveyard up here. Propped-up Corinthian columns and iron mantelpieces cast black shadows like tombstones under the fading sun. Light wilts through art deco glass lamp shades, throwing red-and-green triangles onto the exposed brick walls and across my body as I weave around a Chinese wheelbarrow, a church steeple, and a 1910 rolling baby pen. Littered across the room are doorknobs, skeleton keys, steel hinges, and wooden frames—every part of a door deconstructed, waiting to be walked through again. I feel like Dr. Frankenstein. That is, if Frankenstein were nursing a beer and a plate of baba ghanouj while skulking through cemeteries to the soundtrack of a jazz ensemble. Since this past January, the fourth Friday night of every month in Natchez has looked something like this at 515 Main Street. Food is served—one month, 0HGLWHUUDQHDQ DQRWKHU 6RXWKHUQ EDUEHTXH PHHWV ZRUOG Ă DYRUV LQ $SULO SODWHV from a food truck. Music is played in the courtyard. People dance and drink and buy art and earrings and ladders recovered from ghost towns. In a building that KDV KRXVHG HYHU\WKLQJ IURP D GHQWLVW¡V RIĂ€FH WR %URZQ %DUQHW 'L[RQ¡V GHSDUWment store to H. C. Norman’s photography studio, Jim Smith and his friends have each dug into their own backgrounds to bring various objects back to life. As a result, Natchez Architectural and Art Discoveries not only houses two Ă RRUV RI ORFDOO\ VDOYDJHG EXLOGLQJ PDWHULDOV DQG NQLFN NQDFNV EXW DOVR LV KRPH to the funky Locust Alley AirBnB and a downstairs art gallery. Even the food and music every Fourth Friday are somewhat and somehow salvaged from the past. Each has its own tale of reanimation. We live in an age both of recycling and of reminiscing. The ache of nostalgia was once alleviated by doctors with leeches and opium prescriptions. Now,

story and photography by Kerry Rose Dicks Page 26 { May 2018 { Bluffs & Bayous

Top right—Early evening camaraderie and conversation in the courtyard preface the event’s multi-cultural experience in savoring art, artifacts, music, and cuisine. %RWWRP ULJKWÂł(DFK PRQWK¡V IDUH UHĂ HFWV D varying theme or culture—one month, Mediterranean; another month, Southern classics ZLWK /DWLQ $PHULFDQ Ă DLU

ZH WUHDW LW ZLWK LQGXVWULDO OLJKWLQJ À[WXUHV and shiplap. The concept of historical salvage permeates not only 515 Main Street but nearly every other square foot of this town as well. It is not a new trend here. The ceilings of many of our antebellum KRPHV ZHUH FUDIWHG IURP WKH ZRRG à RRUV RI PHUFKDQW à DW ERDWV WKDW WUDYHOHG GRZQULYHU but could not sail back up it so were dismembered and sold as scrap timber. Some of our patios and sidewalks are also made of their ballast, the stones used to offset the weight of their cargo. The yellow limestone courtyard at Natchez Architectural DQG $UW 'LVFRYHULHV ZDV RQFH EXULHG ÀYH feet underground before Edward Killilea, the building’s owner, excavated it. He believes the slabs might have once paved the walkway around the Catholic Church of San Salvador del Mundo on Commerce Street before it burned in 1832. Some might say Natchezians reminisce to an unhealthy degree, that the town will not let go of the past. We have quite literally taken the scraps the past leaves behind, built up around them, and put them on tour. Now that we are surrounded, though, we do not have much choice in the matter. These surviving treasures—the mansions, the ironwork, WKH ÀUHG EULFN³DUH HOHFWULÀHG ZLWK WKH spirits of their past, with the stories of the people who touched them, and with the blood and sweat spent in constructing them. They are Frankenstein’s monsters. We have raised them from the dead and now we must live with them. Our only choice now lies in how we should interact with the past. Salvage at Fourth Fridays is not about traveling into the past and staying there. It is about connection, about bridging gaps in time. Up the road from Natchez, Rodney was once the busiest port on the Mississippi; but in 1870, the river altered its course two miles west. Today, Rodney is a ghost town with abandoned farms, a gutted railway car, and a dilapidated opera house. The brick Presbyterian church still stands, a cannonball embedded in its face. Some buildings

are beyond saving; but that’s where Mac Hazlip, who provides most of Jim’s inventory, comes in. In one case, he salvaged a slate roof that had been manufactured in Wales two hundred years ago. In turn, Katelee Laird transformed that slate into works of art. Her paintings of cotton bolls and the old Adams County Jail and even the Rodney churches suspended in black now hang for sale at Jim’s place. The Friday nights there bridge gaps not only in time but also in culture and language. In January, as Jim Anderson grills lamb, Chef Hakam Abuhakmeh stands behind a half-circle bar counter salvaged from Smoot’s Grocery. He skewers kebabs, sets out homemade stuffed grape OHDYHV DQG OD\HUV QXWV DQG Ă€OR GRXJK into his father-in-law’s rendition of baklava. He announces the chicken gyros are ready, and the word circles around the rings of people like a game of telephone: “Yee-rohsâ€?...“Geerowsâ€?...“Jy-ros.â€? Two months later, when Chef Nancy Berg takes over for the night, she picks

Southern classics—deviled eggs, pulled pork, coleslaw, potato salad—and introduces them to curry, bulgogi, and kimchi. For her, cooking is about challenging perspectives, about experiencing the whole pallet. She makes asparagus for grumpy, old men who say they hate asparagus. She takes the recipe for red beans and rice that her grandmother’s housekeeper made for her thirty years ago and subs brown rice and Indian spices. For dessert, Berg makes apple tamarind crisp for dessert. “Their cuisines are much older than ours,â€? she says, speaking of Latin American dishes. “When they FRRNHG LQ ELJ SRWV RYHU Ă€UHV WKH\ UHSXUposed old rice or tortillas, cooking them down and sweetening them; so many of their desserts are like porridges.â€? Hers is sweet but somewhat tangy as if these unfamiliar ingredients have gotten some time to know each other, as if it’s one o’clock in the morning and I’m eating leftovers straight out of the fridge. It’s like good ole South American apple pie. Bluffs & Bayous { May 2018 { Page 27

Although the evening wanes, the exchange of ideas and impressions does not as patrons enjoy the courtyard atmosphere, framed by rustic brick walls and a stairway to Locust Alley AirBnB.

Grabbing a second helping and dreaming of a scoop of vanilla ice cream to top it, I sit balanced on the edge of a clawfoot tub out in the courtyard. Starry lights swing over wrought iron garden gates and between long extinguished lamp posts. People sit their drinks on a propped up mantelpiece and an old sewing table as Charlie Hugg picks at his guitar in the corner. He has that kind of deep and vibrating country voice that sounds like whiskey tastes; but when he sings, it isn’t just to

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George Strait but to Matchbox Twenty and Tracy Chapman. There’s a difference between a simple cover and an interpretation, according to Paromita Killilea, a British music journalist married to a born-and-bred Natchez boy. More than a cover, an interpretation takes the bones of a song, the meaning and history behind the lyrics, and resurrects them in a new form. This is a longstanding tradition in the Deep South, she says, where “during the 60s and 70s, you

ZRXOG Ă€QG 6RXWKHUQ 5 % DUWLVWV GRLQJ interpretations of country songs and vice versa. Elvis, for example, was a great interpreter—as are the other artists—Brint Anderson, Drew David, and Will Carter— who walk through Jim’s doors every month. In March, the eight-piece Alcorn 8QLYHUVLW\ -D]] %DQG SOD\V ULIĂ€QJ RII each other’s solos of Stevie Wonder hits, interpreting and reinterpreting late into the night. Chaislyn Jane, a sixteen-year-old contestant from American Idol, played in April and she likes to sample Joni Mitchell and John Denver. More than just the songs, though, these artists also want to make the space their own. Paromita lives in Baton Rouge where, she says, people are renting out their living rooms and porches for Americana artists who want to perform in nontraditional spaces. Alan Wolf, a Fourth Friday attendee who splits his time between Natchez and New Orleans, echoes her sentiment, saying Fourth Fridays at Five “taps into that extroverted and lively aspect of Natchez and realizes it as a house party.â€? One feels at home in the unexpected here, in connecting to the past and to the future while sitting on the rim of a hundred-year-old bathtub and chatting with a young couple from Spain. This is something Natchez needs—to be salvaged but in new and dynamic ways. Jim is well aware of this. He currently rents his space out for private events, such as weddings and birthday parties. He also hopes to soon have a liquor license so he can open up the courtyard for tapas and wine on warm summer nights. In a small but diverVLĂ€HG WRZQ OLNH WKLV KH VD\V \RX DOZD\V have to be adapting and incentivizing. Moreover, as he and his friends have proven, we can adapt without abandoning our deep bond to history. Their building, furnishings, lyrics, and recipes are in part inherited; but they are also in part unique and transformed. Theirs is just one compelling way to salvage. In this strange town, amongst our people and our ties, our brick foundations and our gifts, are thousands of lives deconstructed, thousands of ideas and stories and Fourth Friday nights scattered like bones ready to be roused.

BROOKHAVEN, MISSISSIPPI • A HOMESEEKER’S PARADISE

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THE social SCENE NATCHEZ, MS

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The Society for the Preservation and Maintenance of Aged Monarchs Brunch he Society for the Preservation and Maintenance of Aged Monarchs (SPMAM)—the Natchez, Mississippi, Spring Pilgrimage Queens of both The Natchez Garden Club and The Pilgrimage Garden Club—held their annual brunch/lunch to welcome into the society the 2018 NGC Queen, Julia Rachel Kuehnle, and PGC Queen, Lansing Brakenridge. This year’s Brunch and Bubbly was held at antebellum Elms Court, home to former NGC Queen Anne MacNeil. Traditional stories of previous SPMAM gatherings and early queenly activities entertained the honorees as they raised funds to donate to both clubs’ restoration projects. Photography by Abagail Washington

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1 Front—Susannah Heatherly, Mary Margaret Gilly, Anne MacNeil, Kathy Blankenstein, Lansing Brakenridge, Julia Rachel Kuehnle, Aimee Guido, and Julia Bray. Back—Vidal Blankenstein, Abagail Washington, Paige Carter, and Britton Jones 2 Julia Rachel Kuehnle and Julia Bray 3 Julia Rachel Kuehnle and Aimee Guido 4 Mary Margaret Gilly with Julia Rachel Kuehnle 5 Julia Rachel Kuehnle, 2018 NGC Queen, and Lansing Brakenridge, 2018 PGC Queen 6 Nancy Kuehnle, Julia Rachel Kuehnle, Anne MacNeil, Lansing Brakenridge, and Georgann Brakenridge 7 Abagail Washington and Julia Rachel Kuehnle 8 Anne Stowers, Britton Jones, Julia Rachel Kuehnle, and Julia Bray

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THE social SCENE VIDALIA, LA

Visit www.bluffsbayous.com for all social scenes.

Vidalia Garden Club Fashion Show idalia Garden Club members were treated to an afternoon of fashions and fun during their March 14, 2018, meeting held at the Concordia Bank Community Room. With club members modeling the latest in spring attire and accessories from RRUS & Co. Boutique in Vidalia, owner Una Knapp described the showcased styles. The featured ensembles included casual wear to fashion-forward dressy.

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Mary Huhn, VGC Vice President Laurie Skates, RRUS & Co. owner Una Knapp, Kathleen Stevens, and Darla Wilkinson

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THE DIRECTOR

Since 1988 Jay Dean has been the Music Director of The University of Southern Mississippi Symphony Orchestra. Under his leadership the state’s oldest symphony orchestra has achieved an international reputation that has helped enhance the cultural image of the state. He and the USM Symphony Orchestra have perIRUPHG ZLWK VRPH RI WKH PRVW VLJQLĂ€FDQW classical and popular music artists in the world. Other duties at Southern Miss include being the Artistic Director of the Southern Opera and Musical Theatre Company and the Executive Director of the Arts Institute of Mississippi. In addition to his work at the University of Southern Mississippi, he is the Artistic Director of the Mississippi Opera, the Natchez Festival of Music, the Founding Artistic Director of FestivalSouth, and the General Director of the Hattiesburg Concert Association. He has also served as the Artistic Director of the Vicksburg International Chamber Music Festival and Music Coordinator for the Mississippi Commission for International Cultural Exchange. Dean has received numerous awards and honors for his work in Mississippi. These include having twice received the *RYHUQRU¡V $ZDUG IRU WKH $UWV WKH Ă€UVW in 2009, for Leadership in the Arts with the University of Southern Mississippi Symphony Orchestra, and the second in 2017, for Artistic Excellence with the Mississippi Opera. Among other awards and honors, he has been inducted into the University of Southern Mississippi Alumni Hall of Fame, is a recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award from the University of Southern Mississippi Research Council, has received the Hub Award, and has been honored for Excellence for Global Arts and Culture by the Mississippi World Trade Center. Bluffs & Bayous { May 2018 { Page 31

THE ARTISTS Boston native Ryan Anthony (choreographer) is a performing artist with a passion for music, theatre, dance, and art. A sought-after instructor and choreographer around the Southeast, he has been a part of many musical productions, including Chicago, Beauty and the Beast, Cats, and Footloose. Most recently, he was co-choreographer for the sold-out run of the Southern Opera and Musical Theater’s production of The Phantom of the Opera. Anthony is also an avid photographer and is developing a local clientele with photo shoots in various mediums. He has performed in productions around the South and is thrilled to put his choreographic skills to work for the Natchez Festival of Music. The Arrowhead Jazz Band is made up of musician/park rangers from the New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park along with other musicians from the New Orleans Jazz scene. “A Night in the Big Easyâ€? will highlight jazz songs in the New Orleans style that were commissioned by the National Park Service to highlight the city’s tri-centennial as well as provide a musical interpretation of the swinging, stomping, syncopated New Orleans Jazz that makes you want to dance! Ibukun Babalola, soprano, is a Woodstock, *HRUJLD QDWLYH DQG Ă€UVW \HDU 0DVWHU RI 0XVLF degree candidate, studying with Dr. Maryann Kyle at the University of Southern Mississippi. This season, she debuted with the Southern Opera and Musical Theatre Company as Yum-Yum in The Mikado. Babalola recently graduated from the University of Alabama where she studied with Dr. Susan Williams and earned a Bachelor of Music degree in Voice Performance. She was a principal performer with the University of Alabama Opera Theatre; and highlights from her time with this company include performances as the Dew Fairy in Hansel and Gretel, the Lady Saphir in Patience, Zerlina in Don Giovanni, and Greta Fiorentino in Street Scene. Kathryn Bancroft is a musical theatre major at Northwestern State University. She is from New Orleans, Louisiana, and has done shows with JPAS and Rivertown Repertory Theatre. She has performed with NSU theatre and dance for the past three years in shows including Oklahoma (Ensemble and Laurie’s understudy), Young Frankenstein (Ensemble and Elizabeth’s understudy), Dangerous Liaisons (Madame de Volonge), Into the Woods (Rapunzel), and NSU’s Christmas Gala 2016 and 2017 (Musical 7KHDWUH (QVHPEOH 7KLV LV KHU Ă€UVW WLPH ZRUNLQJ LQ 1DWFKH] DPRQJ the talents showcased in the Natchez Festival of Music.

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A native of Fairhope, Alabama, Arthur Bosarge is a pianist and coach whose experience spans a variety of styles, including opera, recital, sacred, ballet, and music theater. Recently, he was the pianist/coach in the Studio Artist Program at Kentucky Opera for the 2017-2018 season ($ULDGQH DXI 1D[RV 'HDG 0DQ :DONLQJ and 7KH %DUEHU RI 6HYLOOH and the 2016-2017 season (0DGDPD %XWWHUĂ \ 'LH (QWI KUXQJ DXV GHP 6HUDLO and The Mikado). In the 2015-2016 season, he was a Herndon Foundation Emerging Artist at Virginia Opera, serving as pianist for the fall and spring Education Tours. Other recent collaborations include Mississippi Opera (The Pirates of Penzance), Hubbard Hall Opera (L’elisir d’amore), Natchez Festival of Music (The Barber of Seville, Camelot, Carmen, Show Boat, That Sensational Sondheim, An Evening of Andrew Lloyd Webber, and Ruby Elzy: The Jewel of Mississippi), Opera North (/D Ă€OOH GX UpJLPHQW (YLWD 6WUHHW 6FHQH and 0\ )DLU /DG\ /D WUDYLDWD , 92Y Harkness Dance Center, American Ballet Theater Summer Workshop, Mannes Opera, and the University of Alabama Opera Theatre. Bosarge holds degrees from Mannes School of Music and The University of Alabama. Eric Botto, a tenor originally from Houston, Texas, currently resides in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. He recently received a Bachelor of Music in Voice Performance at Colorado State University under the direction of Dr. Tiffany Blake. At Colorado State University, he performed roles such as Henrik in A Little Night Music, Eisenstein in Die Fledermaus, Rinuccio in Gianni Schicchi, and Count Almaviva in Il barbiere di Siviglia. His concert work includes Uriel in Haydn’s The Creation as well as the tenor soloist in Mozart’s Missa Brevis in C, K. 220. In the summer of 2013, he was selected to be a studio artist of the Opera Orvieto young artist program. Studying under the artistic direction of Nyela Bansely, he received the opportunity to perform both Don Basilio and Don Curzio in Le Nozze di Figaro in Orvieto, Italy. Botto currently attends the University of Southern Mississippi, pursuing a Master of Music in Vocal Performance under the tutelage of Dr. Maryann Kyle. In the spring of 2018, he will be performing the role of Pong in Giacomo Puccini’s Turandot. Eli Brand has played in many productions at Meridian Community College, including Disney’s My Son Pinocchio 3LQRFFKLR Magician), A Few Good Men (Private Santiago), The Wizard of Oz (Guard), Carnival (Small Strongman), Big River: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (Young Fool), The King and I (Simon of Legree), Into the Woods (Baker), Elton John and Tim Rim Rice’s Aida (Radames), Disney’s The Little Mermaid (King Triton), and The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Jehan Frollo). Brand has also performed in Back to the ‘80s, Disco Inferno, Guys and Dolls (Benny Southstreet), All Shook Up (Chad), Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (Gaston), Carnival (Paul), and Kiss Me, Kate for the Lauderdale County High School Musicals. A vocal performance major at the University of Southern Mississippi,

THE ARTISTS Brand is remembered on the USM stage for his performance in The Phantom of the Opera (Monsieur Andre’). Jeremy Brauner, a New Jersey resident, received a BFA in musical theatre from Montclair State University. Although initially a baritone, in 2016 he made his tenor debut as Alfredo in Dell’Arte opera’s production of La Traviata DQG UHFHLYHG WKH ÀUVW SODFH SUL]H RI WKH 0DUWLQ Jeiven award from the company. Since then, he has performed in various concerts, including a Verdi concert with the orchestra of St. Peters by the Sea conducted E\ PDHVWUR $OSKRQVH 6WHSKHQVRQ DQG ZDV D ÀQDOLVW LQ WKH 1HZ York Lyric Opera vocal competition. Last spring, he performed the role of Fernando in the American premiere of La Zingara, produced by Amore Opera. This summer he returned to Dell’Arte to perform the role of Rector in 3ʼntKRG\ OLüN\ %\VWURXüN\ 7KH &XQQLQJ /LWWOH 9L[HQ) in Czech, and most recently he performed the role of Mario Cavaradossi in Tosca produced by Amore Opera. Although Joseph Britain was a 1984 accounting-degree graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi, he pursued a career in music, having served as music minister for churches in Hattiesburg, Birmingham, and St Louis. In addition to his church ZRUN KH LV D IUHTXHQW SHUIRUPHU DQG SUROLÀF arranger, appearing with and writing for the Mississippi, Alabama, Utah, and Tampa Symphony Orchestras, as well as numerous university orchestras and bands. He has appeared in Natchez as arranger/pianist since 2012, including Natchez Christmas Cabarets, Tango Rendezvous, Gershwin Rhapsody In Blue concert, and a Night at the Oscars. This year, Britain will move seamlessly from some of the true giants of classical organ literature to Broadway favorites like The Phantom of the Opera DQG ÀOP VFRUHV by John Williams to classic rock in Phantom and Beyond.

*UDFH %UXPÀHOG 6HOOHUV grew up in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, simply singing karaoke in the comfort of her own home, only for her parents and close friends during the holidays. Singing is a passion instilled in her and her brother, David, since birth, as a gift of expression to share with, relate to, and even change the perspectives of society. She followed David to Natchitoches, Louisiana, where she performed in productions including the role of Maria in West Side Story, and Johana in Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. Having graduated from Northwestern State University in December of 2017, she is thrilled to announce her company debut with the Natchez Festival of Music this May. Alexandra Camargo, a new resident in Natchez, is thrilled to be a part of the 2018 Natchez Festival of Music. She is a graduate of the music program at Florida International University in Miami and also a graduate of the Holistic Science Masters at Plymouth University in England. She has played various roles in opera productions including Miles in Benjamin Britten’s The Turn of the Screw and Fairy in Jules Massenet’s Cendrillon. Her studio work includes two albums of Latin American Folklore. Camargo is DOVR D FHUWLÀHG 1HXUR /LQJXLVWLF 3URJUDPPLQJ SURYLGHU DV ZHOO DV a voice teacher.

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THE ARTISTS Hayden Courington, a senior accounting major at the University of Southern Mississippi, is heavily involved in its School of Music and Arts program. He has performed in the USM productions of Mary Poppins and West Side Story. Courington was the Stage Manager for USM and Mississippi Opera’s productions of Carmen and for the Natchez Festival of Music

College, and William Carey University. She is the winner of many competitions and awards including the Ann Arbor Society for the Musical Arts Competition, Lansing Matinee Musicale Competition, the MTNA Star Award, the HEADWAE Award, and second place in the Memphis International Beethoven Sonata Competition. In demand as an adjudicator and clinician, Dr. Elder currently serves as Vice-President for Membership and Web Management of the Hattiesburg Music Teachers League (former President 2010-2012), and President of the Mississippi Music Teachers Association.

Grace Denton LV D ÀUVW \HDU '0$ VWXGHQW in Voice Performance and Pedagogy at the University of Southern Mississippi, studying with Dr. Maryann Kyle. Originally from Brentwood, Tennessee, she graduated with her Masters in Music Performance from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Previous credits include Madame Giry (The Phantom of the Opera), Audrey (Little Shop of Horrors), Miss Todd (The Old Maid and the Thief), Sally (You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown), Cherubino (Le Nozze di Figaro), and Sister Mary Robert (Sister Act, the Musical) for which she received a Miss Annie award nomination.

Dr. Beth Everett, an Associate Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities at LaGrange College, holds a Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of Southern Mississippi, a Masters in Choral Conducting from Southern Methodist University, and a Bachelor of Music in Church Music from Palm Beach Atlantic University. Her extensive list of opera and musical theater productions in her conducting repertoire range from La Traviata to A Chorus Line and from Godspell to Carousel and Into the Woods. She has prepared choruses for Meadows Opera Theater and Southern Opera and Musical Theater productions including Francis Poulenc’s Dialogues of the Carmelites, Kurt Weill’s Street Scene, and Maurice Ravel’s L’Enfant et les Sortilèges. She returns yearly by invitation as a musical director with the Natchez Festival of Music during which she has conducted performances of HMS Pinafore, The Pirates of Penzance, Camelot, and Show Boat. Dr. Everett remains active as a singer and performed most recently with the LaGrange Symphony Orchestra and the Emory University Symphony Orchestra. She is a member of Voices, a professional choir based out of the Eastman School of Music, and has performed the mezzo soprano solos for such major choral works as Handel’s Messiah, Vivaldi’s Gloria, Mozart’s Requiem, and Mendelssohn’s Elijah.

for two summers.

Dr. Ellen Price Elder is Assistant Professor of Piano at the University of Southern Mississippi, where she teaches applied piano and serves as coordinator of the piano accompanying program. She also serves as director of the Southern Miss Piano Institute which she founded in the fall of 2011. She holds a DMA in Piano Pedagogy and Performance and a MM in Piano Performance and Literature from the University of Michigan, and a BM in Piano Performance from the University of Southern Mississippi. She has served on the faculties of the University of Michigan, the University of Michigan-Dearborn, Eastern Michigan University, Schoolcraft

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THE ARTISTS Elana Gleason, hailed by the New York Post for KDYLQJ ´à DXQWHG SLQSRLQW Ă€QHVVH RQ KLJK %¡V and C’sâ€? and by Opera News for singing with a “particularly beautiful soprano,â€? is thrilled to be returning to Natchez Festival of Music to perform the roles of Mrs. Nordstrom in A Little Night Music and Marguerite in Faust. Recent engagements include the title role in Little Red Riding Hood with New Orleans Opera outreach, Mabel in The Pirates of Penzance (Mississippi Opera), two solo concerts with Clayton Piano Festival, Berta in Il barbiere di Siviglia (Natchez Festival of Music), Micaela in Carmen (Natchez Festival of Music), the title role in The Merry Widow (Regina Opera), Violetta in La Traviata (La Piccola Opera), Nedda in Pagliacci (Opera Company of Brooklyn), the title role in Tosca (Mississippi Opera), Kate Pinkerton in 0DGDPD %XWWHUĂ \ (Opera Louisiane), and Frasquita in Carmen (Staten Island Philharmonic). Gleason is a graduate of Bard College with a BA in music, and currently resides in New Orleans, Louisiana. Having completed his junior year at Northwestern State University, Thomas Hadzeriga is a full-time student of the arts as an actor, singer, dancer, and technician. During the fall of 2017 through the Spring of 2018, he performed in Northwestern State’s production of Stars of Tomorrow, Modern in Motion, Five Senses, and A Streetcar Named Desire, as well as in the ensemble of Shreveport Opera’s Beauty and the Beast. Hadzeriga is thrilled to be returning to Natchez Festival of Music IRU D VHFRQG \HDU DQG LV ORRNLQJ IRUZDUG WR KLV Ă€UVW SHUIRUPLQJ GHbut with the company. Originally from Natchez, Landon Henry returns to Natchez Festival of Music as a Production Stage Manager. In the festival’s 2013 season, he played Ralph in Kiss Me Kate and worked backstage for Rigoletto. In its 2015 VHDVRQ KH ZDV EURXJKW LQ IRU WKH Ă€UVW WLPH DV WKH festival’s production stage manager. He attended the University of Southern Mississippi where he pursued a BFA in theatre performance and received extensive training in scenic design and carpentry, prop building, and stage lighting. At USM he acted in several showcase and main stage productions, including A Streetcar Named Desire and The Grapes of Wrath, and worked backstage as well. Henry has lived in Chicago for three years, working as a stage manager, actor, producer, and FRIIHH DĂ€FLRQDGR DQG ZDV DQ HQVHPEOH DQG IRXQGLQJ PHPEHU RI the Jubilee Theatre Collective. He also stage managed productions for several Chicago companies, including Cube Ensemble, Trap Door Theatre, and The One Year Checkov Project. After this season, he is leaving the cold weather behind to pursue his dreams in New Orleans.

Virginia Hesse recently graduated with a Masters of Music from the University of +RXVWRQ $ ÀQDOLVW DQG D SUL]H ZLQQHU RI WKH Opera Ithaca Competition in Ithaca, New York, she will make her debut with Opera Ithaca as Mabel in Pirates of Penzance in January. 6KH ZDV DOVR VHOHFWHG DV WKH ÀUVW SODFH ZLQner of the Canto Voice Competition by Opera Cultura in San Jose, and she recently made company and role debuts with Lonestar Lyric Opera in Donizetti’s Viva la Mamma, and with Operativo in Rossini’s L’italiana in Algeri as Elvira. Among Hesse’s favorite roles is Adina in L’elisir d’amore, Mary Warren in Robert Ward’s The Crucible, Adele in Die Fliedermaus, and Kitty Scherbatsky in David Carlson’s Anna Karenina. A native of Memphis, Tennessee, Wesley Hodges is a junior at the University of Southern Mississippi where he studies Vocal Performance and Spanish. His recent opera credits include the Mississippi Opera productions of Turandot, The Pirates of Penzance, and Rigoletto. His recent musical theater credits include The Phantom of the Opera, the Who’s Tommy, and Evita in which he appeared as Augustin Magaldi. This is Hodge’s second year at Natchez Festival of Music. Last year he was in the productions of The Barber of Seville and Mississippi to Motown. Rachel Eve Holmes, an exciting young soSUDQR KDV SHUIRUPHG RYHU WZHQW\ ÀYH OHDGing operatic and musical theater roles with many companies and symphonies, including the Arapahoe Philharmonic, Opera Lancaster, Kenwood Symphony Orchestra, Opera Theatre of Pittsburgh, Opera Fort Collins, Cedar Rapids Opera Theatre, Intermezzo Festival, Opera for the Young, La Musica Lirica, Loveland Opera Theatre, Fort Collins Symphony, St. George Opera, Capitol City Opera, Fresco Opera Theatre, Four Seasons Theatre, Ralph Opera Center, Atlanta Community Symphony Orchestra, University of Georgia Symphony Orchestra, Harrower Opera Workshop, Stafford Opera Troupe, and New England Conservatory. Highly decorated, she is most recently the winner of the 2017 ACSO Ruth Kern Concerto Competition, 2016 American Fine Arts Festival Golden Era of Romantic Music International Competition, 2016 University of Georgia Concerto Competition, 2016 Atlanta Music Clubs Competition, 2015 American ProtÊgÊ International Vocal Competition, 2015 Roschel Vocal Competition, and 2015 Schubert Club Competition. Holmes is a proud member of the Musica Grande Artists Roster. Her career is managed by Samuele Liadi.

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THE ARTISTS Rusty Jenkins is a lifelong Natchezian who has been active in local theatre and entertainment in this area for many years. He has a Bachelor of Arts and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Mississippi, and studied law at Tulane University. He has two sons, Phillips and Dunbar, and four granddaughters. At Natchez Little Theatre, his stage credits include The Matchmaker, 6RXWKHUQ ([SRVXUH, Twain by the Tale, Auntie Mame, /D &DJH DX[ )ROOHV 6RUGLG /LYHV $QG 7KHQ 7KHUH :DV 1XQ 7HQ Little Indians, To Kill a Mockingbird, The Underpants, Mississippi Medicine Show, Big River, and Lord Fauntleroy. Jenkins is the winner of the 2012 Lifetime Achievement Award for Natchez Little Theatre and appeared in the Old Capitol Documentary. He also apSHDUHG LQ WKH ÀOPV Lost River and Rise Again. For the last sixteen years, he has been a regular in Angels on the Bluff. ,Q GHPDQG DV RQH RI WKH ÀQHVW YRFDO FRDFKes of belt, legit and classical vocal technique, Maryann Kyle is the creator of Maryann Kyle’s COMMAND PERFORMANCE WORKSHOP, which focuses on the integration of the voice into the total actor, as well as the creator and artistic director of the COMMAND PERFORMANCE BROADWAY INTENSIVE, a young artist’s training program for musical theatre singing actors as a part of FestivalSouth. She is an active performer of opera, concert, and recital repertoire, and has shared the concert stage with some of world’s greatest artists including internationally known mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves, famed bass-baritone William :DUÀHOG 3DWWL /DEHOOH 'LRQQH :DUZLFN 3DWWL $XVWLQ DQG 9HVWD Williams. Dr. Kyle’s Sondheim Cabaret premiered in New York City at the Laurie Beechman Theatre/West Bank CafÊ in October, 2011, and she recently performed the title role in Daniel Lincoln’s newest show, Calixte. Kyle continues to sing leading operatic roles with professional opera companies throughout the United

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States appearing as a soloist. Her main opera roles include Mimi and Musetta in Puccini’s La Boheme, Countess and Susannah in Mozart’s Le Nozze di Figaro, Fiordiligi in Mozart’s Cosi fan Tutte, Violetta in La Traviata, Pamina in 'LH =DXEHUĂ RWH, Lady Billows in Albert Herring, Micaela in Carmen, the title role in Floyd’s Susannah, and the Evil Queen in the world-premiere of Snow White. Dr. Kyle is currently Professor of Voice at The University of Southern Mississippi where she is Director of the Southern Opera and Music Theatre Company’s Outreach and Workshop program. She also serves on the faculty of the International Performing Arts Institute, Germany, and of Operafestival di Roma, Italy, and was a featured clinician at the Festival Musica nas Montanhas, Brazil; also she is the Director of Musical Theatre Voice at the International Performing Arts Institute (IPAI) in Germany and a Professor of Voice at The University of Southern Mississippi. Peter Lake is an internationally performing lyric-tenor who in the summer of 2017 performed as a Resident Artist for Opera North in his role and house debut as Paris in /D EHOOH +pOène. In December, he was invited to China to perform a series of American Art song recitals where he sang selections by Samuel Barber, Rorem, Ives, and Foster at several prestigious universities. In August, he worked as a Festival Artist at the Sherrill Milnes VOICE Experience in Savannah where he won their Opera Idol competition, and was invited to perform at the Sherrill Milnes Gala in New York this spring. Also this spring, Lake will perform the role of Pang in Mississippi Opera’s production of Turandot; and in Mobile Opera’s Winter Gala, he will sing the role of Don JosĂŠ in a highlights cut of Bizet’s Carmen. In May 2017, Lake made his role debut with Natchez Festival of Music as Count Almaviva in Rossini’s Il barbiere di Siviglia and is overjoyed to return to make his role debut as Faust in Gounod’s Faust.

THE ARTISTS Hanif Lawrence is a tenor from Kingston, Jamaica, who holds a BA in Architectural Studies from the University of Technology, Jamaica, and an MSC in Urban and Rural Environmental Management from the University of the West Indies, Mona. He is now pursuing his true passion, music, and is working towards a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance at Alcorn State University in Lorman, Mississippi. Lawrence is in the studio of Dr. Byron Johnson and has also been coached by J. Taylor Hightower. He intends to focus on choral and orchestral conducting later in his studies but has his sights set on gaining performance experience by participating in competitions and young artist programs. Born in Kentucky and raised in Mississippi, Barry Leach attended the University of Southern Mississippi where he earned a BM in Jazz studies. He has performed and or recorded with a wide variety of acts including the Dee Barton Orchestra, HBO, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Carmine Appice, and Dorothy Moore and has opened for Yes and Johnnyswim (Donna Summers’ daughter). An arranger, writer, and singer involved in many groups and recording projects, he has produced two CDs with The Vamps, a soul-jazz ensemble; a solo project entitled ´6WHSĂ€QJHUVÂľ DQG D MD]] VWDQGDUGV FROOHFWLRQ ZLWK 7KH %DUU\ /HDFK Group. His performances are an eclectic blend of many styles and genres that enhance all musical endeavors. Leach has been voted “Best Musicianâ€? several times by the Jackson Free Press Bethany Lee of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, LV D WKHDWUH VWXGHQW HQWHULQJ KHU Ă€QDO \HDU DW Northwestern State University. During her time in theatre, she has been active both on and offstage, appearing in several productions at NSU such as Hedda Gabler and Les Liaisons Dangereuses as well as working in scenic design and master carpentry. Lee recently took a leap of faith in her career and broadened her horizons by completing a semester of study in Saskatchewan, Canada. Now back home, she is helping backstage with Natchez Festival of Music. Nikki Lopez is a recent graduate of Northwestern State University of Louisiana with a degree in theatre with a design/ tech concentration. A Little Night Music is KHU Ă€UVW SURIHVVLRQDO VKRZ DV D VWDJH PDQager. During the past few summers, she worked for The Performing Arts Academy, serving as stage manager for shows such as Cinderella, Peter Pan, and Shrek The Musical. Her academic credits include Uncle Vanya, As You Like It, Illuminations of Dance, and Stars of Tomorrow.

Rahim Mandal, a 2013 graduate of Loyola University of New Orleans, received his master’s degree in 2017 from Florida State University, studying with renowned baritones Daniel Belcher and David Okerlund. Mandal made his debut with New Orleans Opera as Ham in Benjamin Britten’s Noye’s Fludde. He debuted with FSU singing Dandini in La Cenerentola DQG UHFHQWO\ VDQJ KLV Ă€UVW 9HUGL UROH DV *HUPRQW LQ La Traviata. Last summer, he made an international debut on Cuba’s Gran Teatro de la Habana, singing Aeneas in Dido and Aeneas. In November, Mandal sang in Mobile Opera’s production of Tortoise and the Hare and is currently performing in recurring shows of Little Red Riding Hood with MetroPelican Opera. Hattiesburg native Harlan Mapp acquired his degree in Music Education from the University of Southern Mississippi and is studying Vocal Performance for his master’s degree there. He has performed in various musical theatre roles as the Phantom in Andrew Loyd Weber’s The Phantom of the Opera, Nathan Detroit in Guys and Dolls, and Ebenezer Scrooge in A Christmas Carol. His previous opera performances include Ping in Turandot, Count Monterone in Rigoletto, Ko-Ko in The Mikado, Doncairo in Carmen, and the Father in Hansel and Gretel. A lyric baritone and student of Dr. Maryann Kyle, Mapp will be making his Natchez Festival of Music opera debut playing the role of Wagner in Faust. Award-winning songwriter, instrumentalist, producer, and artist Mac McAnally has been voted CMA Musician of the Year for an unprecedented nine years and elected to both the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame and Mississippi Musicians Hall of Fame. His parade of hits include No. 1 singles for Kenny Chesney, Alabama, Sawyer Brown, and Shenandoah. Southbound LV KLV VL[WHHQWK DOEXP KLV Ă€UVW WR IHDture his songs arranged for symphony orchestra; recorded with the FestivalSouth orchestra conducted by Jay Dean, its rhythm section includes McAnally’s colleagues in Jimmy Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band. About this album, he explains, “One hundred percent of the artist and producer portions of Southbound go to the music program at the University of Southern Mississippi and to Extra Table. For every dollar that Extra Table gets, Robert St. John buys and distributes two dollars worth of food directly to kids who need it most. Some of them only eat what they get from school; they don’t really get fed over the weekend.â€? Acknowledging that Southbound UHĂ HFWV KLV FRQFHUQ IRU WKH QHHG\ LQ KLV KRPH VWDWH McAnally adds, “These songs apply to the South in general and beyond as well in the same way that William Faulkner wrote about universal concerns by focusing on only one county in Mississippi. And I hope its impact will linger beyond my lifetime in the same sense that a good Christmas album never gets old.â€?

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THE ARTISTS Patrick McNally returns this season to Natchez Festival of Music where he debuted last season as the title role in Il Barbiere di Siviglia. He continues to delight audiences with a voice described as “robustâ€? and “standoutâ€? by the Denver Post and with a “livelyâ€? stage presence reviewed by Opera News. McNally has a varied operatic repertoire and is equally at home on the opera, musical theater, and recital stage. His several house debuts this season include the roles of Guglielmo in Cosi fan tutte, the Baritone in +\GURJHQ -XNHER[ with Nashville Opera, and Malatesta in Don Pasquale with Brava Opera, as well as Robert in Iolanta and Shchelkalov in Boris Godunov with New Opera NYC. His recent opera-house performances include appearances at Des Moines Metro Opera, Central City Opera, Sarasota Opera, Opera North, Dayton Opera, Tri-Cities Opera, Opera Louisiane, Bronx Opera, Hubbard Hall Opera, Opera New Jersey, The Center for Contemporary Opera, Boston Lyric Opera, St. Petersburg Opera, and Die Eutiner Festspiele. Phitchaya Muangsukham or PLG, an active performer in music theatre and recital venues, is a comedian and a music theatre singer in Thailand, appears in many television programs and professional stage performances there, and is known for her comic timing and dedication to stage performance. PLG has performed as a soloist with numerous orchestras in Thailand including Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra, Thailand Youth Orchestra, and Bangkok Charity Orchestra. In addition, she serves on the Music Theatre faculty of the College of Music at Mahidol University in Bangkok, Thailand, teaching both precollege and undergraduate students; and she part-time teaches at Chulalongkorn University, Assumption University, SW University, and Kasetsath University. PLG has a bachelor’s degree in Music Theatre from Mahidol University and has been working on her master’s degree both with Dr. Maryann Kyle at the University of Southern Mississippi (2017) and at the University of Mobile (2018). She also is an assistant for Dr. Jay Dean. Rob Mulholland has directed and designed over 100 productions nationally and internationally in New York, London, and the Edinburgh Festival in Scotland where he holds the record for most Fringe First Awards. He has worked with actors and singers from the American Festival Theatre in London, The Royal National Theatre, The Royal Shakespeare Company, Broadway, The Metropolitan Opera, and Hollywood. He has directed productions at the University of Southern Mississippi and for the Mississippi Opera. In New Orleans, he has worked with such productions as Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (twice), Into the Woods, and Mel Brooks’ The Producers, for which he won a New Orleans Award as Director of the Year. His numerous musical theatre credits for Hattiesburg Civic Light Opera include the record-setting Les Miserables, Jesus Christ Superstar, Cats, Oliver!, *UHDVH 7KH 0XVLF 0DQ 6RXWK 3DFLĂ€F 7KH 'URZV\ &KDSHURQH Page 38 { May 2018 { Bluffs & Bayous

The King and I, and A Christmas Carol. He is the author of Best of the Mississippi Blues (starring Vasti Jackson), a two-time featured presentation of FestivalSouth and A Signature Event at the 2015 Natchez Festival of Music where he also has done Don Giovanni, Kiss Me Kate, and the Natchez Tri-centennial production of Showboat. This past fall in Hattiesburg he directed Macbeth, their ÀUVW HYHU 6KDNHVSHDUH LQ WKH 3DUN Richard Nechamkin is a conductor, pianist, and vocal coach with forty years of experiHQFH DQG D UHSHUWRLUH RI RYHU VHYHQW\ ÀYH RSeras. He is the founder, artistic director, and conductor of New York Opera Forum. His extensive experience includes musical direction and conducting for the Atlantic Chamber Orchestra (comprised of members from the Philadelphia Orchestra), Johanna Meier Opera Institute, OperaOn-The-Go, New York Lyric Opera, New York Opera Theatre, and Ottocento Opera Company. He has been Assistant Conductor with the Mississippi Opera since 2012; and for the Natchez Festival of Music, he has been Associate Musical Director from 2002-2008 and Assistant Conductor since 2014. Nechamkin has accompanied many singers, including Montserrat Caballe, Susanne Marsee, and Gabriella Tucci, and has played for the voice studios of Tucci, 0DUVHH -RVKXD +HFKW -RKDQQD 0HLHU 5HQDWD 6FRWWR &DURO Nico Castel, Betty Allen, Michael Warren, and Gary Glaze among RWKHUV ,Q DGGLWLRQ KH DUUDQJHG DQG FRQGXFWHG VHYHUDO ÀOP VFRUHV and has served as music director for two Off-Off Broadway productions. He is a graduate of the Manhattan School of Music, and studied conducting with Pierre Boulez, Sixten Ehrling, and Anton Coppola. Mezzo-soprano Christina Overton is quickly establishing herself as a dynamic artist in the musical realms of opera, concert, and musical theatre. Her 2018-2019 season includes the role of Nellie Forbush in 6RXWK 3DFLÀF with The Indianapolis Opera. She was recently a featured artist with the Evansville Philharmonic and performed the title role in Kiss Me, Kate with Opera Theater of Pittsburgh. Other engagements include Julie LaVerne in Show Boat with Opera Naples, Third Lady in The Magic Flut with Chatham Opera and The Orlando Philharmonic, and Cherubino in Le Nozze di Figaro. Overton has performed in concert with the Miami Symphony Orchestra and performed as the alto soloist in Mozart’s Requiem with the Virginia Consort and in Handel’s Messiah at the Kravis Center in West Palm Beach, Florida. She earned a Master of Music degree from the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University; resides in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida; and maintains a residence in Florence, Italy.

THE ARTISTS Belter and mezzo soprano Punyanuch Pornsakulpaisal (Mind) after moving from Thailand, is quickly gaining attention as a young artist in the United States. She has recently been seen on stage in The Mikado, Rigoletto, The Phantom of the Opera, and James and the Giant Peach. Pornsakulpaisal has also made solo and ensemble appearances in multiple pops concerts. She has received extensive performance training in Germany at the International Performing Arts Institute and is currently pursuing her bachelor of music at the University of Southern Mississippi under Dr. Maryann Kyle. Gabrielle Richardson, lyric coloratura soprano, completed her DMA in Vocal Performance under Dr. Maryann Kyle at the University of Southern Mississippi and earned her MM from USM and her BA summa cum laude from Millsaps College. She has collaborated with international artists such as mezzo-soprano Kirstin Chavez, Irish conductor Colman Pearce, Dresden coach Ellen Rissinger, and Filipino concert pianist Jovanni-Rey de Pedro. Some of her past operatic roles include Despina (Così fan tutte), Pamina ('LH =DXEHUÁöte), Polly (The Beggar’s Opera), Isabel (The Pirates of Penzance), Micaëla and Frasquita (Carmen), Belinda (Mississippi premiere of Dido and Aeneas), and Gilda (Rigoletto). Equally at home in musical theatre, her favorite credits include Ms. Andrew (Mary Poppins), Marian (The Music Man), Grace (Annie), Anne (/D &DJH $X[ )ROOHV), Belle (Beauty and the Beast), Maria (West Side Story), and Christine Daaé in the recent landmark Mississippi premiere of Andrew Lloyd Webber/Cameron Mackintosh’s iconic The Phantom of the Opera. She will next be heard as Liú in Mississippi Opera’s cover performance of Puccini’s Turandot.

Originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Cyndi Rutter has had a life-long passion for theatre and performance. A retired educator, she worked on many productions involving her students UDQJLQJ LQ DJH IURP ÀYH WR HLJKWHHQ \HDUV ROG During these years, she discovered her love of costuming by creating and designing ensembles for her students. Audiences enjoyed her students’ many performances including When I Grow Up, The Very Best Christmas, Thanks for the Memories, and If I Could Turn Back Time. Rutter holds Bachelor of Science degrees in Interior Design and Elementary Education from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. She is now based in Houston, Texas, and is very excited to be a part of the production A Little Night Music! 6DOVHURV GHO 6XU (Salsa Musicians of the South) the Gulf Coast’s hottest new Salsa Band, showcases some of the South’s best musicians including saxophonist Larry Panella, pianist Sam Bruton, trumpeter T. J. Tesh, and percussionist John Wooton. The band features a fusion of Afro-Cuban, Mambo, Cha-chas, Boleros, and Jazz. The effect of this fusion is simply great music both for listening and for dancing the night away. American tenor :HVOH\ 6DXQGHUV is quickly establishing a name for himself as a sought-after young artist in the United States and abroad. He has recently performed as a soloist with the Mississippi Opera, the Gulf Port Handel Society, and the Natchez Music Festival. He made his international debut with the International Performing Arts Institute and the Berlin Opera Academy in their production of Carmen. In the competition circuit,

Bluffs & Bayous { May 2018 { Page 39

THE ARTISTS 6DXQGHUV WRRN Ă€UVW SODFH LQ WKH *XOI &RDVW 0HVVLDK &KRUXV young artist competition. A passionate choral singer as well as soloist, he has performed around the country including a performance at Carnegie Hall. Saunders holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Idaho and is currently pursuing his MM at the University of Southern Mississippi. Mezzo-soprano -XOLH 6LOYD is passionate about bringing music and characters to life on stage. She recently returned from China after performing at the iSING! International Young Artists Festival as an opera soloist with the Suzhou Symphony Orchestra and in a television production broadcast to millions of viewers. Her 20172018 season engagements have included solo performances with Austin Opera’s “Opera Treasure Chestâ€? series, Annio in La Clemenza di Tito (LOLA), Mary in the American premiere of Door (One Ounce Opera), and excerpts from Pancho Villa from a Safe Distance ZLWK Ă€OP FRPSRVHU *UDKDP 5H\QROGV 2WKHU work includes performances with Utah Festival Opera and Opera in the Ozarks. Silva made her professional operatic debut with the Natchez Festival of Music in 2014, singing the role of Un Pastore in Tosca and returned the following year. This year, she will be performing the role of Countess Malcolm in A Little Night Music and covering the role of SiĂŠbel in Faust. 6FRWW 6NLED is Executive Artistic Director of Cleveland Opera Theater where he has directed Le nozze di Figaro, La Bohème, Tosca, La Rondine, Gianni Schicchi, Il Tabarro, Pagliacci, and 0DGDPD %XWWHUĂ \. Upcoming directing engagements include 5RPpR HW Juliette (Pensacola Opera), Il Barbiere di Siviglia (Cleveland Opera Theater), Guest Stage Director (University of Tennessee Knoxville), and The Rake’s Progress (Baldwin Wallace Conservatory). A proponent of new opera, he helped launch the {NOW} Festival—Cleveland Opera Theater’s annual event to create, develop, and produce new opera. Projects include numerous regional premieres and develRSPHQW RI DQ RSHUD EDVHG RQ *DUFLD /RUFD¡V Ă€QDO SOD\, The House of Bernarda Alba, with OBIE Award-winning playwright Caridad 6YLFK OLEUHWWR FRPSRVHU *ULIĂ€Q &DQGH\ DQG %DOGZLQ :DOODFH Conservatory. His work also includes collaborative ventures in alternative and non-traditional venues that explore intimate contemporary approaches to producing opera, promoting civic engagement, and providing gateways to develop new audiences. An advocate of arts education, Skibba is Director of Opera Studies for the Baldwin Wallace Conservatory of Music whose spring 2017 production of Dialogues of the Carmelites ZRQ Ă€UVW SODFH in the National Opera Association Collegiate Opera Competition. Having guest-directed productions for Oberlin Conservatory and The Interlochen Opera Theater, he is currently Assistant Artistic Director for the Hawaii Performing Arts Festival and Acting Instructor for the Cornish American Song Institute.

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5R\FH 6WULGHU is best known throughout the U.S.A. as a versatile and charismatic singer-actor.This past fall, he made his debut with Painted Sky Opera, covering Sacristan (Tosca). He recently spent his third summer with the Ohio Light Opera, playing Oliver Hix (The Music Man), Prime Minister von Mark (The Student Prince), and Prince Ulrich (The Lady of the Slipper). He has also made appearances with Opera in the Ozarks, Land of Enchantment Opera, and Cimarron Opera. Favorite roles include the Mayor (John Musto’s The Inspector), Capulet (5RPpR HW -XOLHWWH), Reverend Hale (The Crucible), 2nd Gangster (Kiss Me, Kate), Detective Baker (Have a Heart), Monsieur de BrÊtigny (Manon), Guglielmo (CosÏ fan tutte), Prince Yashvin (David Carlson’s Anna Karenina), the Baker (Into the Woods), and Betto (Gianni Schicchi). With roots in Norman, Oklahoma, Strider completed his MM at the University of Houston and his BM at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. As a Music Festival Champion in 2010, distinguished soprano /OHWWHVKD 6\OYHVWHU claimed the titles Most Outstanding Vocalist, Winner of the Lieder Class, Broadway Female Class, and Myer Shield Second Place. Sylvester has performed for audiences of Members of Parliament, Ministers of Government, Ambassadors, and the Prime Minister and President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. As a graduate of the University of Trinidad and Tobago, she completed an Artist Diploma in Music Performance with an emphasis in Voice from the Academy of the Performing Arts. In May 2015, Sylvester took command of the stage in the leading role of Mahalia Jackson in JCS Productions’ 25 show run of MAHALIA: A GOSPEL MUSICAL at The Little Carib Theatre, Central Bank Auditorium, and Naparima Bowl. Currently in the studio of Dr. Byron Johnson, she is reading for a Bachelor of Arts in Vocal Performance at Alcorn State University in Lorman, Mississippi. With over 70 roles in his repertoire, Corey Trahan is an active performer, educator, and stage director in opera, oratorio, music theatre, operetta, and recital venues. During the 2017 season, he did guest artist residencies at Texas $ 0 /DUHGR DQG $XJXVWDQD &ROOHJH SHUforming as Monostatos in The Magic Flute with Shreveport Opera, Emperor Altoum in Turandot with Mississippi Opera, and Monsieur D’Arque in %HDXW\ DQG WKH %HDVW and he music directed Northwestern State University’s April 2018 production of Into the Woods. Currently, Trahan is an Associate Professor of Theatre/Coordinator of Musical Theatre at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana, Coordinator of Musical Theatre for the International Performing Arts Institute in Germany and Thailand, and Artistic Administrator of Natchez Festival of Music. His academic degrees include Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of North Texas, Master of Music from the University of Houston, and Bachelor of Music from Louisiana State University. He is

THE ARTISTS a current member of the American Guild of Music Artists and Actors’ Equity Association. www.coreytrahan.com David Walker of New Orleans, Louisiana, is a senior Choral Music Education major at the University of Southern Mississippi. During this year’s Natchez Festival of Music, he will SHUIRUP LQ KLV ÀIWK RSHUD RSHUHWWD +H KDV H[perience in ensemble as productions of The Mikado, The Pirates of Penzance, Rigoletto, and Turandot. His musical theatre experience includes roles such as Nicely-Nicely Johnson (Guys and Dolls), Daddy Warbucks (Annie), Gaston (Beauty and the Beast), and Monsieur Reyer (The Phantom of the Opera). He also will make his debut as Coalhouse Walker, Jr., in Ragtime this July. Walker plans to pursue a Master of Arts degree in Voice Performance after graduating from USM and hopes to garner more performing opportunities around the nation. Andrew Wannigman has performed with a number of opera companies throughout the United States: Des Moines Metro Opera, Opera Louisiane, Tulsa Opera, Central City Opera, Opera New Jersey, Opera North, Union Avenue Opera, Painted Sky Opera, Cedar Rapids Opera Theatre, American Lyric Theater, Mill City Summer Opera, and Boston Opera Collaborative. This past fall, he made his New York City debut singing the world premiere of L’ultimo viaggio di Ulyss, a cantata for baritone, horn, and piano. He later performed the title role in Il barbiere di Siviglia with Amore Opera. Other 2017-18 highlights include revisiting the demanding role of John Buchanan, Jr., in Summer and Smoke as a guest artist with Converse College; and later this summer, Wannigman will perform the role of Le Dancaïre in Carmen with Mill City Summer Opera in Minneapolis.

Jamaican soprano Danielle Watson completed her Bachelor of Music degree in December 2017 at Alcorn State University where she studied under the tutelage of Dr. Byron Johnson. She has performed in Showboat DQG ZDV D ÀUVW SODFH winner in the Younger Student Adult Women and Men Division at the Southern Regional National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) Competition held at the University of Louisiana at Monroe in November 2016. She has appeared as a soloist with several Jamaican groups and has been invited to appear in concerts and recitals hosted by notable Jamaican organizations. She has also given solo performances at the Natchez Music League and Nicholls State University in Houma, Louisiana, for A Celebration of the Negro Spirituals. An avid lover and supporter of the arts, Watson is currently preparing for graduate studies in vocal performance. Mezzo-Soprano Laura Zahn originally hails from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and was most recently seen as an Apprentice Artist at Opera Saratoga where she covered Mistress Quickly (Falstaff) and Moll and Sister Mister (The Cradle Will Rock). Future engagements include Siebel (Faust) and Mrs. Segstrom (A Little Night Music) with Natchez Festival of Music and Olga (The Merry Widow) with Opera Saratoga. Other notable roles include La Frugola (Il Tabarro) and Florence Pike (Albert Herring), Cherubino (Le Nozze di Figaro), Flora Bervoix (La Traviata), and Mother Goose (The Rake’s Progress). She has also covered Minskwoman (Flight) and La Zia Principessa (Suor Angelica). In addition to these roles, Zahn has performed with The Boston Lyric Opera, Los Angeles Opera, Indiana University Opera Theater, DQG 3DFLÀF 2SHUD 3URMHFW 6KH KROGV D 0DVWHU RI 0XVLF LQ 9RFDO Performance from The Boston Conservatory and obtained her Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Indiana University while also completing a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies.

Bluffs & Bayous { May 2018 { Page 41

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ur opening concert features Mac McAnally and members of the Coral Reefer Band. McAnally is a fabulous performer and one of the most respected musicians of our time. He has been named Musician of the Year by the Country Music Association for an unprecedented nine times and is a member of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Mississippi Musicians Hall of Fame. A long time member of Jimmy Buffet’s Coral Reefer Band, he has written chart-topping songs for Jimmy Buffett, Alabama, Kenny Chesney, Sawyer Brown, Shenandoah, and many others.

Natchez Performing Arts Center at Margaret Martin +RPRFKLWWR 6WUHHW S P Admission $30 ($10 for K-12 Student, Adult with K-12 Student, &ROOHJH DQG $FWLYH 0LOLWDU\ ZLWK FXUUHQW ,'

Enjoy cash bar “Brews� and other refreshments beginning at 6:00 p.m. in The Grape Escape Club Room.

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his has become a Natchez Festival of Music “donot-miss� event. Each year festival guests look forward to attending these iconic festival concerts. Come hear the very best singers in the nation perform their most exciting arias while you sit back, relax, and enjoy one of your favorite drinks. These concerts are always fun! $GPLVVLRQ ($10 for K-12 Student, Adult with K-12 Student, College and Active 0LOLWDU\ ZLWK FXUUHQW ,'

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Parking available in lot across the street

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Page 44 { May 2018 { Bluffs & Bayous

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THE PRODUCTIONS

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Bowie’s Tavern 0DLQ 6WUHHW S P Admission $8 $Q\RQH XQGHU WKH DJH RI PXVW EH DFFRPSDQLHG E\ DQ DGXOW

:HGQHVGD\ 0D\ 6WDUULQJ $OOXYLDO )XQN lues and Rock and Roll, great drinks, and a fabulous Mississippi sunset come together to create this fun event. Come enjoy live music performed by Natchez-area musicians at world famous Bowie’s, located on the central bluff high above the Mississippi River. Alluvial Funk was born when a group of Natchez musicians came together to form a super group focused on playing New Orleans Funk and Mississippi Blues. Playing selections by The Meters, Allen Toussaint, Earl King, Dr. John, and Howlin’ Wolf to name a few, they will certainly help you “laissez les bons temps rouler.� Having played together on special occasions, Alluvial Funk continues to expand its shows and add to its repertoire. Alluvial Funk is comprised of Brint Anderson (Guitar/Vocals), Bubba McCabe (Bass/Vocals), Drew David (Keyboard/Organ), and Fred Parker (Drums/Percussion).

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:HGQHVGD\ 0D\ 6WDUULQJ 0DWW :LOOLV DWFKH] QDWLYH 0DWW :LOOLV KDV D XQLTXH ÀQJHUSLFNLQJ EOHQG RI %OXHV 6RXWKHUQ 5RFN Country, and Soul. After college, Willis moved to Birmingham, Alabama, where he spent ten years in the music scene, which gave him valuable experience and helped broaden his playing styles. Willis recently moved back to Natchez where he has reestablished himself as a local musician that plays freestyle Blues, Country, and Folk. With fast rockDELOO\ OHDGV DQG EOXHV\ à DLU DORQJ ZLWK KLV ERRPLQJ YRLFH UHPLQLVFHQW RI 7KH $OOPDQ Brothers, he will leave you in awe. Willis can be seen sitting in with various bands and solo across the Southeast.

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:HGQHVGD\ 0D\ 6WDUULQJ $QQH )UHHPDQ 7KH *DUEDJH 6RQV QQH )UHHPDQ 7KH *DUEDJH 6RQV DUH DQ LQGLH URFN EDQG EDVHG LQ 2[IRUG 0LVVLVVLSSL $QQH )UHHPDQ¡V XQLTXH VRQJZULWLQJ KDV D SRZHUIXO LQGLH URFN Ă DLU 0HPEHUV LQFOXGH Anne Freeman, Eric Carlton, Kell Kellum, Harrison Smith, and Ben Yarbrough. They have UHFRUGHG WKHLU Ă€UVW DOEXP DW 'LDO %DFN 6RXQG LQ :DWHU 9DOOH\ 0LVVLVVLSSL DQG DUH ZRUNing to announce their release date.

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Bluffs & Bayous { May 2018 { Page 45

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ar from just another classical concert, Phantom and Beyond will feature everything from Bach to Broadway! The power and versatility of the pipe organ to move an audience are legendary. Treating the instrument more like “an enormous wind band with keys and pedalsâ€? rather than a “church organ,â€? Joseph Britain will move seamlessly from some of the true giants of classical organ literature to Broadway favorites like The Phantom of the Opera and Ă€OP VFRUHV E\ -RKQ :LOOLDPV WR classic rock.

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Page 46 { May 2018 { Bluffs & Bayous

Sponsored by Al Walker—In Loving Memory of Keith Hall Karlson

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THE PRODUCTIONS

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ritish Invasion II picks up where 2016’s smash hit left off. It begins with Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band and continues with more music by the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, The Who, Led Zeppelin, David Bowie, Elton John, Eric Clapton, and Queen, all the way to Pink Floyd’s groundbreaking The Wall. Our original British Invasion show celebrated the arrival of the Beatles in the U.S. in 1964 and the start of the British Invasion. It included music by the Beatles, the Kinks, the Rolling Stones, Gerry and the Pacemakers, Herman’s Hermits, and The Who. Enjoy cash bar “Brews� and other refreshments beginning at 6:00 p.m. in The Grape Escape Club Room.

Bluffs & Bayous { May 2018 { Page 47

THE PRODUCTIONS

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alsa is a popular dance music that originated in New York City during the 1960s. The product of Cuban and Puerto Rican musical genres, the music migrated from New York to Colombia and the Americas, and eventually became a global phenomenon. Salseros del Sur is Mississippi’s hottest Salsa Band, showcasing some of the South’s best musicians including saxophonist Larry Panella, trumpeter Timothy Tesh, and percussionist John Wooton. The band features a fusion of Afro-Cuban, Mambo, Cha-chas, Boleros, and Jazz. The end result is simply great music, both to listen to and to enjoy while dancing the night away! Enjoy cash bar “Brews� and other refreshments beginning at 6:00 p.m. in The Grape Escape Club Room.

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THE PRODUCTIONS

6WDUULQJ Maryann Kyle and Ellen Elder

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Centennial Celebration of America’s Preeminent Renaissance Musician Join our world-class musicians and singers for this dynamic tribute. The year 1918 saw the birth of the modern age as well as the birth of Leonard Bernstein, one of the most profound musicians in American history. Bernstein, who would go on to become one of the PRVW SUROL¿F $PHULFDQ FRPSRVHUV RI WKH WZHQWLHWK FHQWXU\ ZDV D WUXH 5HQDLVVDQFH PDQ LQ terms of being a great musician, conductor, and lecturer. The impact that he has had on our musical journey over the last one hundred years has catapulted us to where we are today in American classical music and musical theatre.

Bluffs & Bayous { May 2018 { Page 49

THE PRODUCTIONS

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6WDUULQJ Elana Gleason Peter Lake Christina Overton Andrew Wannigman The Towers 0\UWOH $YHQXH S P $GPLVVLRQ Includes entertainment, hors d’oeuvres, and adult beverages. Must be 21 to attend.

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yricist/librettist Alan Jay Lerner and his partner, composer Frederick Loewe, enjoyed an iconic career that spanned an incredible three decades. The team became synonymous with the blockbuster Broadway musical, producing such hits as Brigadoon, Paint Your Wagon, Camelot, the movie musical Gigi, and their adored classic, My Fair Lady. Come enjoy a delightful evening of all your favorite Lerner and Loewe highlights!

Page 50 { May 2018 { Bluffs & Bayous

Bluffs & Bayous { May 2018 { Page 51

THE PRODUCTIONS

Natchez Performing Arts Center at Margaret Martin +RPRFKLWWR 6WUHHW S P Admission $30 IRU . 6WXGHQW $GXOW ZLWK . 6WXGHQW &ROOHJH DQG $FWLYH 0LOLWDU\ ZLWK FXUUHQW ,'

Enjoy cash bar “Brews� and other refreshments beginning at 6:00 p.m. in The Grape Escape Club Room.

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tephen Sondheim created a stunning show when he took Ingmar Bergman’s Smiles of a Summer Night and transformed it into an elegant, exciting Broadway musical. A Little Night Music explores the tangled web of affairs revolving around an actress and all the men who love her. When she performs in one of their hometowns, their passion rekindles. The jealousy and suspicion begin as all of them come together for a weekend at a country estate. With all of them in the same place, new romances and second chances bring many surprises. Winner of four Tony Awards, A Little Night Music is full of witty humor and heartbreaking moments of adoration, regret, and desire. Of course, the show contains one of Sondheim’s most well-known songs, “Send in the Clowns.�

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6\QRSVLV In turn-of-the-century Sweden, trysts abound. The lawyer Fredrik Egerman has married the virginal eighteen-year-old Anne with whom Fredrik’s son, the melancholy academic Henrik, has fallen in love. Desiree Armfeldt, a stage actress of great beauty (and a reputation for taking on as many lovers as she does theatrical roles) is involved with the buffoonish Count Carl Magnus Malcolm, the husband of the cynical and wryly comedic Countess Charlotte 0DOFROP :KHQ 'HVLUHH VSRWV KHU ROG Ă DPH )UHGULN (JHUPDQ LQ WKH DXGLHQFH RI KHU PRVW recent production, however, her interest in him is immediately rekindled. All parties meet for a “Weekend in the Countryâ€? at the estate of Desiree’s mother, Madame Armfeldt, where the tangled web of romantic involvements continues to surprise us with its twists and turns. Featuring the classic song “Send in the Clownsâ€? and a beautiful, lush score, A Little Night Music is a story of love, nostalgia, regret, and the magic of music on a summer’s night. Š Synopsis from Stage Agent Cast (in order of appearance) Mr. Lindquist.................................................................................Patrick McNally Mrs. Nordstrom .............................................................................Elana Gleason Mrs. Anderssen .............................................................................Rachel Holmes Mr. Erlanson..................................................................................Jeremy Brauner Mrs. Segstrom ..............................................................................Laura Zahn Fredrika Armfeldt..........................................................................Virginia Hesse (also Anne Cover) Madame Armfeldt .........................................................................Corey Trahan Frid ................................................................................................Rahim Mandal Henrik Egerman ............................................................................Wesley Saunders Anne Egerman ..............................................................................Gabrielle Richardson Fredrick Egerman..........................................................................Andrew Wannigman Petra ..............................................................................................*UDFH %UXPĂ€HOG 6HOOHUV Desiree Armfeldt ...........................................................................Christina Overton Count Carl-Magnus Malcolm .......................................................Royce Strider Countess Charlotte Malcolm.........................................................Julie Silva Butler.............................................................................................Rusty Jenkins Maid ..............................................................................................Diana Glaze 3URGXFWLRQ 6WDII Director .........................................................................................Rob Mulholland Music Director ..............................................................................Beth Everett Choreographer...............................................................................Ryan Anthony Rehearsal Accompanist .................................................................Arthur Bosarge Costume Coordinator ....................................................................Cyndi Rutter Costume Assistant .........................................................................Katie Bancroft Set Design .....................................................................................Bethany Lee Stage Management ........................................................................Landon Henry Lighting and Tech .........................................................................Thomas Hadzeriga Hayden Courington Bluffs & Bayous { May 2018 { Page 53

THE PRODUCTIONS

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An Evening with Barry Leach 6PRRW¡V *URFHU\ 1RUWK %URDGZD\ 6WUHHW S P $GPLVVLRQ IRU 6WXGHQW . $GXOW ZLWK . 6WXGHQW &ROOHJH DQG $FWLYH 0LOLWDU\ ZLWK FXUUHQW ,'

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arry Leach is a guitarist’s guitarist known for his amazing technique in rock, pop, jazz, and classical music. This entertaining show consists of a variety of original solo guitar pieces, well-known songs, and vocals. Voted multiple times as “Best Musician� by the Jackson Free Press, he has performed and/or recorded with numerous artists including the Dee Barton Orchestra, HBO, the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Carmine Appice, Dorothy Moore, The Vamps, and The Barry Leach Group. If you love guitar, do not miss this show! If you are not from Natchez, you might wonder why this concert is in a grocery store. Well, while Smoot’s is a former grocery store that opened in 1939, it is now a popular nightspot for blues, jazz, and all kinds of popular music. Located on the bluff over the river, the club features live music on weekends. Page 54 { May 2018 { Bluffs & Bayous

THE PRODUCTIONS

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A Salute to the New Orleans Tricentennial Natchez Performing Arts Center at Margaret Martin +RPRFKLWWR 6WUHHW S P Free and open to the public 6SRQVRUHG E\ WKH 1DWLRQDO 3DUN 6HUYLFH Enjoy cash bar “Brews� and other refreshments beginning at 6:00 p.m. in The Grape Escape Club Room.

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he Arrowhead Jazz Band is made up of musician/park rangers from the New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park and other musicians from the New Orleans Jazz scene. A Night in the Big Easy will highlight jazz songs in the New Orleans style that were commissioned by the National Park Service to highlight the city’s tricentennial as well as provide a musical interpretation of the swinging, stomping, syncopated New Orleans Jazz that makes you want to dance! Featuring Topsy Chapman & Solid Harmony with the Arrowhead Jazz Band, this event is sponsored by the National Park Service. Tickets are free to this event, so march on over!

Bluffs & Bayous { May 2018 { Page 55

THE PRODUCTIONS

A Tribute to the Charles Gounod Bicentennial Natchez Performing Arts Center at Margaret Martin +RPRFKLWWR 6WUHHW S P $GPLVVLRQ IRU . 6WXGHQW $GXOW ZLWK . 6WXGHQW &ROOHJH DQG $FWLYH 0LOLWDU\ ZLWK FXUUHQW ,'

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ounod’s grand French opera is based on the timeless legend of a man who makes a deal with the devil to become young again in exchange for eternally serving him in hell. It is based on Goethe’s play by the same name. ,Q D ÀW RI DQJHU DQG GHVSDLU HOGHUO\ SKLORVRSKHU DQG PHWDSK\VLFLDQ 'U )DXVW PDNHV D GHDO ZLWK WKH KHOOLVK spirit Mephistopheles, agreeing to serve Mephistopheles in the after-life in exchange for his help in seducing the innocent young Marguerite. What follows is a tangled tale of the supernatural, love, deception, damnation, and redemption. Come celebrate the bicentennial year of Charles Gounod and hear some of the most beautiful music in the repertoire, including the whimsical Jewel Aria, the moving Avant de quitter ces lieux, and the iconic Soldier’s Chorus.

Page 56 { May 2018 { Bluffs & Bayous

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Charles Gounod’s Faust ² 6\QRSVLV Loosely based on Johann Wolfgang von Goethe’s Faust Notes by Gabrielle Richardson $&7 The aging scholar, Dr. Faust, realizes that his life’s work has achieved nothing. He violently rails against both science and faith, lamenting the loss of his youth and the fact that he has never loved. He curses life and attempts suicide twice by poison; however, he cannot bring himself to commit the act. Desperate, he invokes Satan’s help; and the demon MĂŠphistophĂŠlès appears. He literally strikes a deal with the devil: MĂŠphistophĂŠlès tells Faust that he can have youth and love, but only if he surrenders his eternal soul. MĂŠphistophĂŠlès further tempts Faust with a vision of the innocent maiden Marguerite, and Faust agrees to the deal. The potion becomes an elixir of youth. Faust drinks it; and transformed into a young man, he and MĂŠphistophĂŠlès go in search of Marguerite. )DXVW DQG 0pSKLVWRSKpOqV FRPH WR D FLW\ ZKHUH WKH\ Ă€QG WKH WRZQVSHRple throwing a farewell celebration for the soldier Valentin (Marguerite’s brother). Valentin requests that his good friend SiĂŠbel protect his sister ZKLOH KH LV DZD\ 0pSKLVWRSKpOqV QRZ ZRUNV KLV LQĂ XHQFH RQ WKH FURZG plying them with malicious charm, and provokes Valentin by slighting Marguerite; Valentin defends her but is repelled easily. Valentin, recognizing MĂŠphistophĂŠlès for a demon, invokes a cross for protection and retreats. Faust uses the commotion to pull Marguerite aside and tell her of his affections; however, she politely declines.

$&7 SiĂŠbel, who likes Marguerite, delivers a bouquet to her home. Faust, GHWHUPLQHG WR RXWGR KLP DVNV 0pSKLVWRSKpOqV WR Ă€QG D EHWWHU JLIW WKH GHPRQ JLYHV KLP D ER[ Ă€OOHG ZLWK FXUVHG MHZHOU\ ZKLFK )DXVW OHDYHV next to the bouquet. A neighbor tells Marguerite she has received gifts; the young maiden, assuming the gifts are from SiĂŠbel, tries on the jewels and unknowingly falls under their curse. While MĂŠphistophĂŠlès distracts the neighbor, Faust and Marguerite have a quick but passionate encounter. MĂŠphistophĂŠlès now knows his evil plan is working.

ACT 3 0RQWKV ODWHU 9DOHQWLQ UHWXUQV IURP ZDU DQG LV VWXQQHG WR Ă€QG WKDW 0DUJXHULWH QRZ KDV D FKLOG +H TXHVWLRQV 6LpEHO ZKR KH Ă€QGV LV LQQRcent, and goes to check on Marguerite. Faust, who abandoned Marguerite and now feels guilty, returns to see her as well. Valentin recognizes them and rushes to defend her honor. MĂŠphistophĂŠlès blocks his sword, and Faust accidentally delivers Valentin a mortal blow. Valentin damns Marguerite with his dying breath; she rushes to the church, but is hounded by MĂŠphistophĂŠlès, who mocks her pleas for forgiveness, reminding her that she is cursed. Marguerite, driven to insanity, winds up in prison, condemned to the gallows for murdering her own child. MĂŠphistophĂŠlès, accompanied by Faust, comes to collect her soul. She refuses to go with them; she reminds Faust of how happy they used to be. MĂŠphistophĂŠlès, angry, bids Faust to make haste; fearful for her, Faust tells her that they can save her. Marguerite again refuses to go with them, telling Faust that she has entrusted her fate to God. Furious, MĂŠphistophĂŠlès drags the damned Faust to the depths of Hell. Marguerite dies at the gallows; redeemed, her spirit ascends peacefully into Heaven.

Faust .......................................................Peter Lake Marguerite .............................................Elana Gleason Mephistopheles ......................................Patrick McNally 6LHEHO ......................................................Laura Zahn Valentin ..................................................Andrew Wannigman Martha ...................................................Christina Overton Wagner ...................................................Rahim Mandal

(16(0%/( 6235$126 Ibukun Babalola Virginia Hesse Rachel Holmes Gabrielle Richardson (Marguerite cover) /OHWWHVKD 6\OYHVWHU Danielle Watson Alexandra Camargo 0(==2 6235$126 Grace Denton Phitchaya (Plaeng) Muangsukham Punyanuch (Mind) Pornsakupaisel *UDFH %UXPĂ€HOG 6HOOHUV -XOLH 6LOYD 6LHEHO &RYHU

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352'8&7,21 67$)) Conductor ..............................................Jay Dean 6WDJH 'LUHFWRU ........................................6FRWW 6NLED Choreographer ......................................Ryan Anthony $VVLVWDQW &RQGXFWRU 3LDQLVW.................Richard Nechamkin Costume Coordinator ...........................Cindi Rutter Costume Assistant .................................Katie Bancroft 6HW 'HVLJQ...............................................Bethany Lee 6WDJH 0DQDJHPHQW ................................Landon Henry Lighting and Tech .................................Thomas Hadzeriga Hayden Courington 6XSHUWLWOHV .............................................Bradi Flynt

Bluffs & Bayous { May 2018 { Page 57

MAY Louisiana Up & Coming! www.louisianatravel.com ALEXANDRIA Throughout May www.alexandriapinevillela.com BATON ROUGE Throughout May www.visitbatonrouge.org CONCORDIA PARISH (FERRIDAY & VIDALIA) Throughout May www.cityofvidalia.com www.concordialibrary.org www.concordiapchamber.com JACKSON Throughout May felicianatourism.org JONESVILLE Throughout May deltamusicmuseum.com MONROE/WEST MONROE Throughout May monroe-westmonroe.org NEW ORLEANS Throughout May neworleansonline.com neworleanscvb.com PORT ALLEN Throughout May www.westbatonrougemuseum.com ST. FRANCISVILLE Throughout May www.crt.state.la www.stfrancisville.us www.westfelicianahistoricalsociety.org

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Mississippi Up & Coming! MAY www.visitmississippi.org BROOKHAVEN Throughout May www.facebook.com/VisitBrookhavenMs www.haventheatre.org www.lincolnciviccenter.com www.visitbrookhavenms.com COPIAH COUNTY (CRYSTAL SPRINGS & HAZLEHURST) Throughout May www.copiahcountycourier.com www.cityofcrystalsprings.com JACKSON Throughout May www.dulinghall.com www.msmuseumart.org www.visitjackson.com

VICKSBURG Throughout May www.southernculture.org www.vicksburg.org www.vicksburgartassociation.org www.visitvicksburg.com www.tarawildlife.com WESSON Throughout May Facebook: Wesson Chamber WOODVILLE Throughout May townofwoodville.org Facebook: Woodville/Wilkinson County Main Street Association

MAGNOLIA Throughout May magnoliachamberofcommerce.com MCCOMB Throughout May www.pikeinfo.com

%H VXUH WR FRQÀUP GHWDLOV RI WKH HYHQWV should changes have occurred since events were submitted.

MEADVILLE Throughout May meadvillems.com NATCHEZ Throughout May Live Music Event Calendar www.visitnatchez.org/full-event-calendar www.natchezchamber.com www.natchezfestivalofmusic.com www.natchezgardenclub.org www.natchezlittletheatre.org www.natchezpilgrimage.com www.thetowersofnatchez.org www.visitnatchez.org PORT GIBSON Throughout May Facebook: portgibson.chamber RIDGELAND Throughout May www.ridgelandms.org SUMMIT Throughout May www.pikeinfo.com

Bluffs & Bayous { May 2018 { Page 59

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+,6725< 2) 7+( 1$7&+(= 086,& )(67,9$/ Twenty-four years ago Lani and Ron Riches, former owners of Monmouth Plantation Historic Inn, attended a Santa Fe Opera Festival. Lani remarked to her husband, “Wouldn’t it be wonderful if Natchez could have an opera festival?” They immediately scheduled a meeting with civic leaders to discuss the idea. During a conversation one evening with dinner guests, Dr. and Mrs. David Blackburn, the Riches discovered that Dr. Blackburn was a well-respected opera teacher and conductor in New York. In fact, two of the performers in the Santa Fe Opera were in Dr. Blackburn’s studio. After being invited to attend the meeting with civic leaders and interested citizens, Dr. Black burn devised a plan, which became known as the Natchez Opera Festival. Dr. Blackburn became a committed Natchez resident, as well as co-founder and artistic director of the festival. The mission and purpose of the festival is to provide quality opera, Broadway, and jazz performances. It also seeks to provide positive performing opportunities for outstanding artists; to nurture and encourage talented young singers in their careers; and to allow them to share in an educational outreach program throughout Mississippi and Louisiana. The festival hires professional performers each season with auditions being held during the fall in Natchez and New York. The artists are selected for their outVWDQGLQJ WDOHQW DQG WKHLU DELOLW\ WR ÀW LQWR WKH Natchez lifestyle. Each year, the festival has grown and become a major regional event. In 1998, the festival was awarded the Governor’s Award for Excellence in the Arts. In 2001, Alcorn State University became a major sponsor of the festival and helped to transform the arts in southwest Mississippi. In 2002, Opera News recognized the festival for artistic excellence. In 2003, Dr. Blackburn was awarded the Governor’s Award for Excellence in the Arts in Opera and Music Education. The festival also changed its promotional name, the May Festival, to the Natchez Festival of Music in 2003. Following the untimely death of Dr. Blackburn, George Hogan became the Artistic Director and created a connection with the University of Mary HardinBaylor. Taking charge as Artistic Director in 2011, Dr. Jay Dean connects the festival to The University of Southern Mississippi and makes strong connections to other outstanding music festivals throughout Mississippi.

Bluffs & Bayous { May 2018 { Page 61

NATCHEZ PERFORMING $576 &(17(5 AT MARGARET MARTIN The Natchez Performing Arts Center at Margaret Martin echoes with the sounds of music and memories from its earlier days as Natchez High School. It was renamed in honor of Miss Margaret Martin, long-time educator and principal, a devotee of the arts, and a highly admired advocate of honor, integrity, and excellence. After an extensive period of disuse and neglect, it became the home of the Natchez Opera Festival, currently known as the Natchez Festival of Music. The Natchez Opera Festival obtained grants to restore the building and it is now taking on new life as the Margaret Martin Performing Arts Center. The Natchez Festival of Music has created an exceptional DXGLWRULXP DQG YHQXH IRU ÀQH DUWV WKURXJK many noticeable renovations. A Community Heritage Preservation Grant from the Department of Archives and History is contributing to ongoing renovations. The Natchez Festival of Music shares the Margaret Martin Performing Arts Center with the Natchez Ballet Academy, the Natchez Gymnastics Association, and the Natchez Art Association. The Natchez Festival of Music is continuing WR FUHDWH D VSHFLDO KRPH IRU WKH ÀQHVW LQ PXVLF and the arts.

1$7&+(= 086,& )(67,9$/ 0,66,21 67$7(0(17 The mission of the Natchez Festival of Music is to enlighten and enrich the lives of the citizens of the greater Mississippi/ Louisiana region and neighboring areas by producing a variety of musical events including popular music, Broadway shows, recitals, musical theater, operas, and other special concerts. We also provide educational outreach programs in music and the performing arts for thousands of children each and every year. We are an important part of the cultural fabric of our city and VWDWH DQG ZH EHQHÀW WKLV UHJLRQ E\ SURYLGing quality of life events for our citizens, educational events for students, and serve as a tool for tourism and economic development. Our vision is to be a driving force for cultural activity that attracts people to Natchez and Mississippi from around the world.

Page 62 { May 2018 { Bluffs & Bayous

IMPORTANT INFORMATION 7(/(3+21(6 As a courtesy to other patrons, please disconnect electronic paging devices and turn off cellular telephones. ),5( 127,&( The exit sign nearest the seat you RFFXS\ LV WKH VKRUWHVW URXWH RXW LQ WKH HYHQW RI ÀUH RU other emergency. %(9(5$*(6 Beverages will be available for purchase before the performances, during the performances and during intermission. /$7(&20(56 Latecomers will be seated at the discretion of theatre management during appropriate pauses in the program. Margaret Martin Performing Arts Center policy is to begin performances at the advertised curtain time. 3(5621$/ 3523(57< Lost and found inquiULHV PD\ EH GLUHFWHG WR WKH DGPLQLVWUDWLYH RIÀFHV DW MMPAC. 3+272*5$3+6 $1' 5(&25',1* Cameras and recording devices may not be brought into the theatre without the consent of the management. Please note that the recording in any form of a live performance may be a violation of federal copyright laws. 5(6752206 /RFDWHG RQ WKH ÀUVW à RRU DQG EDOFRQ\ 602.,1* All of our facilities are smoke-free. $&&(66,%/( (175$1&( One entrance to the Center is wheelchair-accessible. The entrance is into WKH PDLQ OREE\ RQ WKH ÀUVW à RRU RUFKHVWUD OHYHO ORcated on the right side of the building

&200,77((6 AND CHAIRMEN 1RPLQDWLQJ ² %RE 6L]HPRUH Grants – Larry Konecky Fund Raising – Mary Lessley 0DUNHWLQJ 3XEOLFLW\ :HEVLWH ² 7- Baggett 6SHFLDO (YHQWV ² 6WHSKDQLH %XWWV Building – Bob Adams Housing – Charlotte Franklin Food - Cindy Rollins Hospitality – Bobbye Henley %DU DQG %HYHUDJH ² :HVOH\ 6WHFNOHU Appreciation – Diana Glaze Mailing List – Doris Ann Benoist Program Liaison – Diana Glaze 7LFNHW 6DOHV ² .DWLH 0F&DEH Transportation – Wade Heatherly Education – Charlotte Franklin and %O\WKH 6PLWK Floral Design – Julie Kendall

Bluffs & Bayous { May 2018 { Page 63

IN-KIND DONATIONS* Donna & Tim Sessions John Grady Burns – Nest David Steckler, MD, FACS Cotton Alley CafÊ, LLC – David Browning & Guy Bass

T. G. McCary Photography– Penny & T. G. McCary, Abagail Washington Southwest Distributorship T. J. Baggett

Brenda Hicks Leon Hollins Dee Horton Polly Ireland

Katie McCabe

Joseph Johnson

Killelea Family

The Markets, Inc.

Barbara Kaiser

Bobbye & Bill Henley

The Vue Hotel & Restaurant

Sandy Lane

Charlotte & Jim Franklin

Robert “Bob� Adams

Hannah Mason

Fran & Randolph Trappey

So Classy– Dana & Kevin Wilson

Debra McNeal

Caroline & Greg Iles

Jennifer Metcalfe

Carolyn Weir

Grantham Molnor

Lynette & George Tanner

Cindy & John Rollins Jan & Dan Shiells Sandy & Tom Taylor

Bluffs & Bayous Magazine

Adrienne Parr

David Atkins

Carol Ann Riley

Sango Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep—Mark Sanguinetti

Laurie Belshan

Jim Smith

Go Mart – Tom & Ward Graning

Hedy Boelte

Lana Stamper

Coca-Cola Distributorship

Julia Bray

Dianne’s Frame Shop

Shirley Byrne

Tom Taylor Towers Collection

Dr. John A. White

Esther Carpenter

First Presbyterian Church

Marina Cavette

Blythe Smith

Mark Coffee

Natchez Grand Hotel – Jo Ann %UXP¿HOG 6WDII

Penny Daggett

Historic Natchez Foundation

Mary Flach

Patti Wentworth

Ginger & James Hyland

Sarah Freeman

Patty Killelea Willard

Jimmy Whitehead

Carolyn Gwin

Debbie Willson

Julie Kendall

Carolyn Harper

National Park Service

Debra Heard

Ann Faillace

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Page 64 { May 2018 { Bluffs & Bayous

PAST CHAIRMEN

Melissa Vaughn Caroline Youngblood Abagail Washington Margaret Watts

**as of publication date

Ken Miller 'U 'DYLG 6WHFNOHU Dr. Elmer Gaudet Dr. Don Killelea Dr. Lawrence Konecky Paris Winn Ronald McGowan Dr. Lawrence Konecky :LOOLDP ´6DQG\¾ )RZONHV ,9 Dr. Lawrence Konecky Mary Lessley Diana Glaze

2018 BOARD MEMBERS 2)),&(56 Diana Glaze, Chairman Charlotte Franklin, Vice-Chairman John Rollins, Secretary 5\DQ :LQJÀHOG 7UHDVXUHU %2$5' 0(0%(56 Robert Adams T. J. Baggett Doris Ann Benoist Stephanie Butts Marsha Colson Pat Galloway Michael Gemmell Dan Gibson Wade Heatherly Bobbye Henley Rusty Jenkins Julie Kendall Lawrence Konecky Mary Lessley Katie McCabe Saja-Killelea Paromita Dr. Robert Sizemore Wesley Steckler Fran Trappey Patti Wentworth (0,1(17 %2$5' Leon Atkins David Ball Ethel Banta Ginny Benoist Hedy Boelte Maxine Brice Tony Byrne Burnley Cook Robert Dearing Camille Durkin Fred Emrick Terry Estes Evelyn Fairbanks Jeanette Feltus Katherine Killelea Kathleen Mackey King Donzell Lee Lynn Leet Brad LeMay David Paradise Marie Perkins Lani Riches Ron Riches Ginger Schwager Ricky Smith Ed Songy A. Holmes Sturgeon Ron Switzer Thomas Taylor Neil Varnell Bobbye Wynn $57,67,& ',5(&725 Jay Dean &2 /,1 /,$,621 Nancy McFarland

Bluffs & Bayous { May 2018 { Page 65

CONTRIBUTORS** *2/' %(1()$&7256 6,/9(5 %(1()$&7256 David Paradise Mississippi Arts Commission %521=( %(1()$&7256 City of Natchez Adams County Board of Supervisors %REE\H %LOO +HQOH\ 67$56 Jay Dean Delta Bank 1DWFKH] &RQYHQWLRQ 9LVLWRUV %XUHDX Martocci Memorial Foundation, Inc. United Mississippi Bank Paul G. Green, Inc. Merit Health - Natchez 3$75216 Davidson’s Package Store James Biglane SSS Foundation &RQFRUGLD %DQN 7UXVW &R Home Bank $QQ 5REHUW 3DUDGLVH Diana Glaze Stratton Bull Trust Callon Petroleum Company Cammie Dale Rotary Club of Natchez *LQJHU 7RP 6FKZDJHU &ODXGHWWH (G 6RQJ\ Dr. Neil Varnell 0DU\ -LP /HVVOH\ Al Walker +HOHQ 5DQG\ 6PLWK 'DYLG *DUQHU /HH &ORYHU 6833257(56 Lynn Appel -RKQ %DOO $WWRUQH\ (LOHHQ -RKQ %DOO %HUJHURQ 3ODXFKH //& &RQQLH 3DW %XUQV Borum Family Health Clinic *RRG +RSH 7LPEHU 7DQQD 9LGDO 'DYLV &DURO\Q /XFLHQ *ZLQ Ginger Hyland Internal Medicine Assoc. of Natchez, PLLC Ann Elizabeth Kaiser /RX (OOHQ *X\ 6WRXW 3DWWL /\QQ :HQWZRUWK 0DUJHH &ROOLQV :RKQHU Terry Estes State Farm Supermarket Operations, Inc. (“The Marketsâ€?) 6KDURQ 0LFKDHO %ODWWQHU 0DU\ -DQH (G *DXGHW )5,(1'6 Gay Metcalfe Melody Thayer 6WXDUW +HĂ LQ 6WDWH )DUP Phyllis Mashburn 6WHSKHQV +REG\

William E. West John Noel 3ULVFLOOD -RKQ 'DOH &DWKHULQH (YHUHWWH 5DWFOLIIH /\QHWWH *HRUJH 7DQQHU J. M. Jones Lumber Company Crye-Leike Stedman Realtors Natchez Wealth Management 3DW *HRUJH 'LFNHQV *,9(56 W. B. Burnsed, Jr. L. M. Butts Family Foundation 0U 0UV -RVHSK +D]OLS Nancy Hungerford Natchez Ford Lincoln Ruth Ellen Calhoun Michael Tatum Family Allen Petroleum Services, Inc. $QQHWWH 7RQ\ %\UQH Walter Brown Law Firm, PLLC Liz Dantone 6DQGUD 0LNH (OODUG %HWV\ /DQH )HOWXV Dr. Carrie Iles 'HEUD /HH 0DUWLQ George C. Murray, Jr. Carolyn Vance Smith 5RELQ 'HQQLV 6PLWK 5RQDOG 6ZLW]HU -LP 0F&OXUH Dr. Ancel Tipton Dr. Sam Tumminello Julia Waters Kay McNeil Marsha Colson %DUEDUD +D\GHQ .DLVHU .D\ 5RQ -LQNLQV - - &DUSHW Silas Simmons, LLC &DUE\ &DUE\ $WWRUQH\V DW /DZ .DWKU\Q &KULV 1XWWHU $QQ &KDUOHV &DUOWRQ +DO *DUQHU $QWLTXHV ,QWHULRUV 6KLHOGV /DUU\ ´%XWFKÂľ %URZQ :LOOLDP %UDGOH\ 0LWFKHOO :\QQH Jack Lazarus, Attorney 6 7 7LUH %UXFH .XHKQOH /DZ 2IĂ€FH Tensas Bank 63(&,$/ +2676 Bowie’s Taven -RKQ +RO\RDN 6WDII Cotton Alley CafĂŠ, LLC 'DYLG %URZQLQJ *X\ %DVV First Presbyterian Church Rev. Joan Gandy Natchez Community Center :DOWHU 7LSWRQ 6WDII Historic Natchez Foundation 0LPL 0LOOHU 6WDII The Towers *LQJHU -DPHV +\ODQG The Carriage House Restaurant 0DU\ %LQJR 6WDUU

Page 66 { May 2018 { Bluffs & Bayous

Waverly Plantation -HDQLH %D]LOH /DQQHDX James Thorpe 6PRRW¡V *URFHU\ 0(025,$/6 In Memory of Fred Callon Mary and Jim Lessley In Memory of Adolf Jonaitis Mary and Jim Lessley In Memory of Sessions Brown Mary and Jim Lessley In Memory of Walter Heard, Jr. Mary and Jim Lessley In Memory of Noland Biglane Mary and Jim Lessley In Memory of Al Ater Mary and Jim Lessley In Memory of Joe Fortunato Mary and Jim Lessley In Memory of Billy Dale Ruth Ellen Calhoun Mary and Jim Lessley In Memory of Gail Jenkins Healy Ruth Ellen Calhoun Ethel Banta In Memory of Dr. Walter Dawkins Ruth Ellen Calhoun Ethel Banta +2125$5,806 In Honor of Stephanie Butts L. M. Butts Family Foundation In Honor of Bobbye and Bill Henley Robin and Dennis Smith In Honor of Diana Glaze Liz Dantone +286,1* $1*(/6 Richard Branyan Vicki Netterville Carol Bates *LQJHU -DPHV +\ODQG +HOHQ 5DQG\ 6PLWK Lucius Butts Emily Fox %UHQGD +DO +LFNV -HDQ %U\DQW 5HHG $OH[DQGUD &DPDUJR 0LJXHO )LJXHURD Diana Glaze 3DP 0DUYLQ 0F'RQDOG 'DQD -RHO 'XSUH¡ -DQ 'DQ 6KLHOOV Ethel Truly Dianne Brown Liz Dantone &ODXGHWWH (G 6RQJ\ /LVD :LQ :DUG %REE\H %LOO +HQOH\ Al Walker $OOHQ %HWK 5LFKDUG 0DU\ )UHG (PULFN $QQ 5REHUW 3DUDGLVH &KDUORWWH -LP )UDQNOLQ 0DU\ -LP /HVVOH\

Dunleith The Vue Monmouth Plantation Grand Hotel Sarah Smith Genny Harrison 3HJJ\ -DFN %HQVRQ Colleen Wilkins )22' $1*(/6 Ameriprise Financials-Forrest A. Johnson III, CFA, CFP T. J. Baggett Laurie Belshan Dianne Brown* Beau Bumgardner Jeff Burkehalter Sandra Burkes Concordia Bank The Corr-Williams Co. Crye Leike Realtors Jay Dean Beth DeAngelis Delta Bank Luanne Erickson* Evelyn Fairbanks Emily Fox* Charlotte Franklin* Dolly Freedman Elaine Gemmell Dan Gibson Diana Glaze 6X]DQQH $LPHH -HQQLH *XLGR %UHQGD +HĂ LQ Francey Killian* Mary Ann Kyle Jeanne and Bazile Lanneau Mary Lessley Gwen McCalip Cherish McCallum Pam McDonald Nancy McFarland Stanley Merritt “Buckyâ€? Judy Mize* Shannon Parker Cindy Rollins* Charlotte Sanguinette* NanErle Schuchs Ginger Schwager &ODXGHWWH (G 6RQJ\ 6WDWH )DUP ,QVXUDQFH 6WXDUW +HĂ LQ )UDQ 5DQGROSK 7UDSSH\ Patti Wentworth Barbara Winkworth Bobbye Wynn Paris Wynn *Denotes Committee Member **as of publication date

Bluffs & Bayous { May 2018 { Page 67

Page 68 { May 2018 { Bluffs & Bayous

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