Signature Magazine June 2012

FestivalSouth An arts/musical extravaganza For two weeks each summer, the Hub City swells with a rich artistic spirit as it becomes a mecca for the musical and all things related. This year’s festival runs June 9-23

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21 On display For the two weeks of FestivalSouth, the works of Wyatt Waters and Kim Sessums will be on display.

31 Now that’s a program From opera to oboes, the Beatles to Bach, children’s activities and choirs, you won’t be disappointed.

47 Boy, did you vote!

More than 53,000 votes were cast in this year’s Best of the Pine Belt voting. Here’s what you decided.

Sandi Patty, known as The Voice, will close out this year’s festival with a June 23 performance at Temple Baptist Church.

JUNE 2012

Departments

11 Happenings 9

Carey Dinner Theatre: “Cotton Patch Gospel,” “Sing Out, Sweet Land” on tap for 37th season.

11 Southern Arena Theatre: June 21-July 17 set for two SAT performances.

12 Events: As classes wind down, summer camps, exhibits & festivals await.

96: The Signature Q&A: Toby Barker

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16 24 Neighbors 15 Noteworthy: Don King of SL100 has been an onair personality....but now?

16 Meet: Adam Myrick & Jason LeViere, the guys at Click, Thousand Oaks.

21 Artists Exhibition: Mississippi artists Kim Sessums and Wyatt Waters to exhibit their work.

Cuisine 24 Thrill of the Grill: Grilling season is here and that means it’s time to get fired up for your favorites.

27 Q&A: Chef Janusz Lukowski of C’est la Vie, puts a French twist on baking.

Scene 80 81 82 84 85

31 FS Program: During the two weeks of FestivalSouth, you’ll find everything from Festival Food & Fun to FestivalSundown... and a melody or two in between.

86 87 88 89 90

– Pages 20 & 21

91 92 94

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Tall Pines Garden: The bunny visited the Circle C Ranch.

Breakfast of Champions: John Smoltz hits home run with FCA. Elite Fashion Show: Hub City/Studio C celebrate Fashion Week.

Forrest/Lamar DYW: Programs join forces to crown two winners.

Andrews Retirement: Melita Andrews spends 47 years in medical field.

Tinseltown/Tuxedoes: Oak Grove students celebrate 2012 prom.

Night Under Lights: It was just that as PCS students gather at Venue.

Casino Nights: Petal students played their cards right at Prom 2012.

Midnight in Paris: Purvis students jet away to Downtown Hub City.

Night in Crescent City: FC Multipurpose Ctr. plays host to Sumrall.

Cotillion Tea Party: Addison Rivers and friends put on their Sunday best.

Tedford Senior Party: It was back to the ’80s for PCS senior and friends.

Junior Cotillion: Pine Belt chapter minds its manners at ball.

Prologue:

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103 N. 40th Ave., Hattiesburg, MS 39401 (601) 268-2331 -tel (601) 268-2965 -fax { STAFF }

DAVID GUSTAFSON | EDITOR/PUBLISHER david@HubCitySPOKES.com

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No responsibility can be assumed for unsolicited manuscripts, articles, or photographs. We reserve the right to edit submissions before publication. Signature Magazine is a product of Hattiesburg Publishing, Inc., proud publisher of The Lamar Times, The Petal News, Camp Shelby Reveille, HubCitySPOKES.com and PineBeltSPORTS.com and is distributed at more than 200 locations in and around Hattiesburg. Mail subscriptions are available for home delivery. For subscriptions or inquiries, write Signature Magazine, 103 N. 40th Ave., Hattiesburg, MS 39401, or call (601) 268-2331. Copyright 2012 by Hattiesburg Publishing, Inc. Find us online at:

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Remember, you heard it here first

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ach month Pine Belt residents slowly drive through our North 40th Ave. parking lot, craning their necks to see if a new issue of Signature Magazine has been loaded into the now-famous blue box on the front stoop of our office. Or they start calling or e-mailing about two weeks prior asking when the next issue will be out. Unfortunately, we're at the mercy of a printing plant and trucking company, but can usually guess pretty closely as to when we can put that message out on Facebook, that yes, Signature is in the building. Some people have even been known to wait in the parking lot out front while the truck unloads the magazine around back. It's very flattering that Signature is that thought of and sought out.

And never is an issue more anticipated than the June issue, which serves as the official program for FestivalSouth, Mississippi's only multi-week, multi-genre arts festival. But more importantly, reveals the winners of the Best of the Pine Belt voting. This year more than 53,000 votes were cast in numerous categories. That in itself required some fancy finagling on the part of the FS crew manning the website to accommodate so many voters (5,000 in one day alone). Results reminded us that Pine Belters have some definite ideas about their favorite arts and entertainment venues, places to shop, dine and spend free time...the tried and true, as well as the new kid on the block.

But in addition to the regular features and photos you'll find in each month's magazine, Pine Belt businesses and advertisers have chosen to use this month's magazine as a tool to make some pretty big and exclusive announcements regarding their businesses. And again, we are truly honored and look forward to more in the future.

In this issue, you'll find major announcements from the guys at Click and Twelve Oaks in downtown Hattiesburg, local NBC affiliate WDAM, SL100's on-air personality Don King, as well as your favorites in Best of the Pine Belt. Following last year's "Best of" voting, many results became known via social media outlets, but this year a tighter rein was put in place to keep those results completely secret until the magazine was on stands around town. As we go to press, so far so good, even though we've fielded phone calls from inquiring minds trying to get a scoop. We've even been offered money for just "one little answer." We've remained tight lipped.

This year's FestivalSouth runs June 9-23 all over town – from the Saenger, galleries and restaurants downtown to venues in the midtown area to Temple Baptist and restaurants out west.

At 100 pages, there's not a lot about FestivalSouth you'll miss in one of the largest magazines the Signature staff has ever produced, along with the help of able-bodied FS staff members.

We hope you'll take advantage of the many opportunities that await you and your family during this year's FestivalSouth activities.

Hattiesburg Publishing and Signature Magazine are proud once again to partner with FestivalSouth for this arts and music extravaganza. Enjoy!

Beth Bunch, Managing Editor, Signature Magazine

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Happenings CDT sets ‘Cotton Patch Gospel,’ ‘Sing Out, Sweet Land!’

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arey Dinner Theatre (CDT) has announced its two shows for the 2012 season. "Cotton Patch Gospel," will be presented June 14-30, and will be followed by "Sing Out, Sweet Land!"

July 10–Aug. 2. Performances will be held in the Joe and Virginia Tatum Theatre on the Hattiesburg campus of William Carey University.

Corporate sponsor W. A. Warren Asphalt Paving Contractors and cosponsor Regions Bank support the 37th season of CDT. "Cotton Patch Gospel" is the retelling of the Gospel story with country-bluegrass music and set in rural Georgia. Written by Tom Key and Russell Treyz, the story is based on the popular book "The Cotton Patch Version of Matthew and John" by Clarence Jordan. Music is

by Harry Chapin, his last and perhaps best work. As the story begins, the cast sings "Something's Brewin' in Gainesville." Other songs include "Mama Is Here," "Miracle on Stone Mountain," and "Thank God for Governor Pilate."

"Sing Out, Sweet Land!" was written by Walter Kerr and is a musical journey through the history of the United States. In colonial America Barnaby Goodchild, following a run in with a powerful Puritan, is condemned to sing and dance through the ages. Barnaby makes the most of it by stopping many places along the way, including a Civil War battlefield, the movement west on the Oregon Trail, early railroading in Texas, and the Roaring Twenties. Songs, taken from the American folk tradition, include "Big Rock Candy Mountain," "Casey Jones," "Frankie and Johnny," "Swanee River," and "Blue Tail Fly," which helped to make original cast member Burl Ives famous.

The box office opens June 4 and will be open from 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. daily except Sundays To make reservations, call 601-318-6221. Dinner is served at 7 and the performance follows. There are no performances on Sundays or Mondays. The ticket price of $29 includes buffet, show, sales tax and program.

In 1975, O. L. Quave, then chair of the department of theatre and communication at Carey, and the faculty wanted to give their young performers a professional, yet educationally sound, opportunity to express their talents in a unique format. There was also a desire to offer the public entertainment that the whole family could enjoy. Out of this need for family fare, CDT was born.

Two students, Keith Thompson and Jay Rogers, wrote and composed “It’s Make Believe,” a musical which was produced in the first season of what was then called Carey Summer Showcase. Thus in 1975, four performers, along with technicians, office personnel, and staff launched one of the state’s most valuable summer traditions.

A distinctive feature from the beginning has been that student members serve tables during dinner. Thus, by the time the performances begin, each person in the audience has had some personal contact with a least one member of the company.

Selected from auditions held every spring, college students from across the country try out for performing, technical and clerical positions.

Over 50 schools, including Vanderbilt, Julliard, Wake Forest, Duke, and Eastman School of Music, as well as a large number of schools from the Deep South, have been represented by members of the CDT company.

CDT alumni, such as Phillip Fortenberry and Keith Thompson, can be found on Broadway and most recently in Las Vegas. Fortenberry has served as keyboardist and music director for several Broadway shows including “Cats” and “Jesus Christ Superstar”.

Whether it is a contemporary musical revue or an established musical comedy, CDT has offered the public a myriad of wonderful shows. Recent productions include “The Melody Lingers On” and “What Every Good Traveler Should Know,” from the 2009 season, and “Pump Boys and Dinettes,” “Smoke on the Mountain,” “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown,” “Clue, the Musical,” “The Taffetas,” “Schoolhouse Rock Live!,” “Dracula, The Musical?,” and “The Spitfire Grill.”

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Happenings

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he University of Southern Mississippi’s Southern Arena Theatre (SAT) will celebrate its 36th season with two exciting plays performing in repertory June 21 – July 15 in the Gilbert F. Hartwig and Martha R. Tatum Theatres on the Hattiesburg campus.

“The 13th of Paris” is a delightful and poignant romantic comedy from one of America’s up-and-coming playwrights. First commissioned by South Coast Repertory, “The 13th of Paris” premiered at City Theatre in Pittsburgh, Pa., and has received productions in regional theatres throughout the country.

This whimsical story is guaranteed to inspire the writing of good old-fashioned love letters. Escape to Paris in search of the true meaning of love in this charming and theatrical romantic comedy.

What is love? A young American takes a spontaneous vacation from his life in Chicago to the 13th arrondissement of Paris, carrying a suitcase filled with the surprising love letters of his late grandparents. He finds advice from the ghost of his Parisian grandfather who is appalled at 21st century manners in dating, and who offers a crash course in finding real romance and listening to your heart.

“The Fox on the Fairway” is a high-energy farce in which two rival country clubs compete in a golf championship with a “winner take all” prize. A tribute to the great English farces of the 1930s and

1940s, The Fox on the Fairway takes audiences on a hilarious romp, which begins as Quail Valley Country Club prepares to take on archrival Crouching Squirrel in the Annual Inter-Club Golf Tournament.

With a sizable wager at stake, the contest plays out amidst three love affairs, a disappearing diamond, objectionable sweaters and an exploding vase. Who will win the bet? Will boy and girl find happiness? Who is the fox on the fairway? Ken Ludwig, the author of Lend Me a Tenor and Shakespeare in Hollywood, brings another madcap adventure to the stage with this adventure about love, life and man’s eternal obsession with golf.

For more information about SAT, contact The University of Southern Mississippi Theatre Department at www.usm.edu/theatre or call 601.266.4994. Performances will take place in the Gilbert F. Hartwig and Martha R. Tatum theatres in the Theatre and Dance Building on the Southern Miss Hattiesburg campus, located at the corner of Ross Boulevard and Pearl Street. Individual tickets will be available to the general public beginning June 1, and seating is reserved for all performances.

Ticket prices are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, Southern Miss faculty/staff, military and $6 for students. For tickets, contact the Southern Miss Ticket Office at 601-266-5418, 800-844-8425 or visit www.southernmisstickets.com.

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Gardening Series 12:05pm @ Lamar Co. Ext. Service Mississippi State University Extension Service is offering a monthly gardening series at the noon hour every third Thursday of the month. The interactive video sessions will begin at 12:05 pm and will be taught by area horticulture agent, Wayne Porter, PhD. Pre-registration is required for each session. To register for a session, contact the Lamar County Extension Office at 601-7943910.

Topics will include: • June 21 – ‘Native Plant Propagation’ – when you cannot find native plants for your landscape, grow your own.

• July 19 – ‘Grapes and Muscadines for Mississippi’ – learn recommended cultivars and how to grow in your home vineyard.

• Aug. 16- ‘Drying and Preserving Flowers’ – enjoy your summer garden’s beauty during the dreary days of winter.

• Sept. 20 – ‘Minor Fruits for Mississippi’ – the basics of growing unusual fruit in your garden.

• Oct. 18 – ‘Build a Rain Garden this Winter’ – plant a garden this winter to help with next summer’s drought.

• Nov. 15 – ‘All about Camelias’ – blooming from fall to late spring, there is one to fit everyone’s garden.

For more informations, contact Liz Sadler, 601794-3910, lizs@ext.msstate.edu lizs@ext.msstate.edu

win another participant’s donation. Participants are required to bring at least two new or old items in good condition. Nonmember guests are welcome at a non-member fee of $5 per bingo card (2 card limit for all players).

• Line Dance classes will be held at 7 p.m.

Thursdays. This is an introductory class that will meet for 6 weeks and teach adult line dancing. No experience needed. Instructors are Richard and Jan Murphy. Cost is $25 for individual members and $35 for couple members; $50 for individual nonmembers and $65 for non-member couples.

Register with the Y’s member services.

• Minnie’s Thursday Crafters – Every Thursday at 1 p.m. This ongoing group meets to enjoy embroidering, crocheting, knitting and quilting. Free to members.

Non-members can purchase a one-time Crafters Thursday Card for $10.

• Round Table Discussion Group, a Y function only. On-going, every Thursday at 10:45 a.m. Dr. Graham Hales and Terry Peters will conduct the discussions. $5 guest fee.

• Covered Dish Luncheon – at noon, last Friday of the month at The Family Y. Bring a covered dish.

For more information about these and other Y events, call Floanne at 601-5834000.

www.ymcahattiesburg.org

THROUGH OCT. 31

Pine Belt Farmers Market ONGOING

At the Y @ Hattiesburg YMCA • Oil Painting with instructor Sherri Wimberly. The first Y session art classes will work in oils and study the use of color to bring out light and movement in landscapes. $25 for Y members and $50 for nonmembers.

For more information and for materials needed, call Floanne, 601583-4000.

• White Elephant Bingo held at 10:45 a.m. Tuesdays and continues every second Tuesday of the month.

This is an opportunity to give away your unwanted possessions and take a chance to

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3-6pm @ Town Square Park The Pine Belt Farmers & Artisans Market Alliance seeks to improve the quality of life and health of communities across the Pine Belt by promoting positive social engagement as well as cultural enhancement through interconnected local economic relationships and exciting public gatherings focusing on local food. The Market continues every Thursday through the end of October at Town Square Park, intersection of Main & Buschman Streets. The Market begins every Thursday at 3 p.m. and continues until 6 p.m. Every week expect to find a seasonal variety of locally grown, fresh farm produce in addition to a wide variety of dairy options, delicious prepared foods of all types and nursery plants. For more information call 601-554-6452 or visit www.pinebeltfarmersmarket.net www.pinebeltfarmersmarket.net

THROUGH OCT. 31

USM Farmers Market 3-6pm @ lawn, Baptist Student Union The University of Southern Mississippi is hosting a farmers’ market from 3-6 p.m. every Monday through the end of October on the lawn of the Baptist Student Union on campus. Vendors will be given adequate space to accommodate tents, tables and trucks on the lawn located on Montague Boulevard, adjacent to the International Building. The market will open for vendors at 2 p.m. and set-up should be completed by 2:45 p.m.

In addition to a wide variety of homegrown fruits and vegetables, other items permissible for sale include flowers and plant nursery items; baked goods, honey, jellies, jams, cider and sauces; original art work -- jewelry, ceramics, water colors, oils, photography; craft items – dried flowers, wreaths, baskets, garden décor, woodwork, clothing.

and all the entries, until 5 p.m. An information desk will be available for general information about daylilies and the Daylily Society.

There is no fee to enter daylilies, and membership in the daylily society is not required.

HADS is one of the largest in the 10,000 member American Hemerocallis Society. The daylily is the official flower for the City of Hattiesburg.

www.hattiesburgdaylily.com

JUNE 4-10

Miss. High School Rodeo @ Forrest Co. Multipurpose Center MS High School State Finals Rodeo. After 25 yrs in Jackson, the finals have been moved to the Forrest County Multipurpose Center. Come out and watch these young cowboys and cowgirls compete and provide fans with a great show.

usm.edu/rec-sports/farmers-marketoverview

www.MSHSRA.org

THROUGH NOVEMBER

JUNE 7-9

Third Thursday programs 4:30pm @ Main Street Books Downtown Farmer's Market kicked off in March with its new Third Thursday programs. These programs are presented at 4:30 p.m. at Main Street Books each month and are part of the Downtown Farmer’s Market.

Upcoming programs include:.

• June 21, Stuart Gates, The Depot Coffee House & Bistro, using seasonal fruits and vegetables to make healthy delicious meals.

• July 19, Kim Conway will demonstrate how to properly preserve tomatoes

JUNE 2

Gospel Music Convention Daily @ Okahola Baptist Church The 13th Annual MS Gospel Music Convention-“MSQC 2012” is scheduled for June 7-9 at the Okahola Baptist Church. “MSQC 2012” features more than 20 artists for the three-day event. Thurs., June 7 (6:30pm-11pm) – Chronicle, Camerons, & Homecoming sing (Gaitherstyle’). Fri., June 8 (6-11pm) – Mark Trammell Qt, 3:16, Freedomland, & others. Sat., June 9 (12:30-11pm) – The Perrys, Wells Brothers, ‘Riders, Big Blessin’, Meyers Family & others.

Talent Search fundraiser on Saturday 9 a.m. (if enough applicants). Call to register with entry fee. For tickets, RV hookups, booth space availabilities call 601-466-4343 or visit www.MSQCA.com for full performance schedules. The church is located at 3889 Old Hwy 11, just 6 miles south of the Oak Grove community.

Daylily Society Show 1-5p.m. @ Lake Terrace Convention Ctr. The Hattiesburg Area Daylily Society (HADS) will hold its 17th Annual Daylily Show, “Daylilies Rock” on June 2 at Lake Terrace Convention Center.

In addition to showing a variety of daylilies entered for judging, the show will also feature daylilies used in arrangements. Janet Green of Bassfield is the current president of HADS. Barbara Watts of Hattiesburg is Show Chair.

Other features of the show will be a gigantic plant sale of quality plants at 10:30 a.m., and an educational session. The show was the second largest daylily show in the U.S. in 2011, with more than 383 entries.

Activities at the show begin at 7:30 a.m. when daylilies begin to arrive and are prepared for judging. Judging continues until 1 p.m. When judging is completed, around 1 p.m., exhibition hall doors are open for the public to view the winners

JUNE 9

Sumrall High Reunion 4pm @ Eden Acres, Sumrall A Sumrall High School Reunion, Classes of 1966, 1967, 1968, will be held at 4 p.m.

June 9 at Eden Acres in Sumrall. For more information, call 601-2648238.

JUNE 13-25

JUNE 16

Theatre Camp

Youth Challenge Graduation

8:30am-4:30pm @ Dept. of Theatre, USM

@ Forrest Co. Multipurpose Center

Midsummer Musical Theatre Experience is now accepting applications. This program is specifically designed for developing acting, singing and dancing skills in kids ages 8 to 15. No experience is needed. The campers will perform the new musical Play Ball! Camp dates are June 13-25, from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. daily in the Department of Theatre and Dance on the campus of the University of Southern Mississippi. To receive an application contact Robin Carr at 601266-6442 or via e-mail at robin.carr@usm.edu

Youth Challenge Program Graduation. The youth challenge program from Camp Shelby will be holding its graduation ceremony in the main arena.

robin.carr@usm.edu

June 15-17

JORT Production 7:30pm, 2 p.m. @ Swan Fine Arts Bldg.

Just Over the Rainbow Theatre presents “There’s a Monster in my Closet!” written by Angela D. Stewart with music and lyrics by Bill Francoeur. This annual Summer Youth production, starring more than 25 local kids, is being directed by Purvis Drama teacher Dana Coghlan. Fantasy and reality collide in this eclectic and fun musical romp!

For the first time, the JORT show will stage in the Glen A. Swan Fine Arts Building on the campus of Purvis High School. Show dates are 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, June 15-16, and 2 p.m. Sunday June 17. All general admission tickets are $10 at the door, for groups of 6 or more, reservations can be made by calling the JORT box office at 601-583-7778.

Proceeds from the Summer Youth Theatre production benefit the Abbie Rogers’ Civitan Camp. Just Over the Rainbow Theatre was created 27 years ago for that purpose!

forrestcountycenter.com

partment at www.usm.edu/theatre or call 601.266.4994. Performances will take place in the Gilbert F. Hartwig and Martha R. Tatum theatres in the Theatre and Dance Building on the Southern Miss Hattiesburg campus, located at the corner of Ross Boulevard and Pearl Street. Individual tickets will be available to the general public beginning June 1, and seating is reserved for all performances.

Ticket prices are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, Southern Miss faculty/staff, military and $6 for students. For tickets, contact the Southern Miss Ticket Office at 601.266.5418, 800.844.8425 or visit www.southernmisstickets.com.

In colonial America Barnaby Goodchild, following a run in with a powerful Puritan, is condemned to sing and dance through the ages. Barnaby makes the most of it by stopping many places along the way, including a Civil War battlefield, the movement west on the Oregon Trail, early railroading in Texas, and the Roaring ’20s..

The box office opens June 4 and will be open from 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. daily except Sundays. To make reservations, call 601-318-6221. Dinner is served at 7 and the performance follows. No Sunday or Monday performances on Sundays. Ticket price is $29, which includes buffet, show, tax and program.

www.usm.edu/theatre

www.wmcarey.edu

June 21- July 15

Southern Arena Theatre Hartwig, Tatum theatres, USM campus The University of Southern Mississippi’s Southern Arena Theatre (SAT) will celebrate its 36th season with two exciting plays performing in repertory June 21 – July 15 in the Gilbert F. Hartwig and Martha R. Tatum Theatres on the Hattiesburg campus.

“The 13th of Paris” is a delightful and poignant romantic comedy from one of America’s up-andcoming playwrights.

This whimsical story is guaranteed to inspire the writing of good old-fashioned love letters. Escape to Paris in search of the true meaning of love in this charming and theatrical romantic comedy.

What is love? A young American takes a spontaneous vacation from his life in Chicago to the 13th arrondissement of Paris, carrying a suitcase filled with the surprising love letters of his late grandparents. He finds advice from the ghost of his Parisian grandfather who is appalled at 21st century manners in dating, and who offers a crash course in finding real romance and listening to your heart.

“The Fox on the Fairway” is a high-energy farce in which two rival country clubs compete in a golf championship with a “winner take all” prize. A tribute to the great English farces of the 1930s and 1940s, The Fox on the Fairway takes audiences on a hilarious romp, which begins as Quail Valley Country Club prepares to take on archrival Crouching Squirrel in the Annual Inter-Club Golf Tournament.

With a sizable wager at stake, the contest plays out amidst three love affairs, a disappearing diamond, objectionable sweaters and an exploding vase. Who will win the bet? Will boy and girl find happiness? Who is the fox on the fairway? Ken Ludwig, the author of Lend Me a Tenor and Shakespeare in Hollywood, brings another madcap adventure to the stage with this adventure about love, life and man’s eternal obsession with golf.

For more information about SAT, contact The University of Southern Mississippi Theatre De-

THROUGH JUNE 27

Miss. Art Faculty Exhibit Daily @ Lauren Rogers Museum The Mississippi Art Faculty Juried Exhibition is in its third installment and features works by some of the state's leading artists from the states colleges and universities.

The exhibition allows for insight into the creative workings of the contemporary teaching artists in Mississippi. The exhibition includes 60 works by 51 artists with 13 schools represented.

Miranda Lash, the Curator for Modern and Contemporary Art at the New Orleans Museum of Art, served as the juror for this exhibition. She selected at least one work by each submitting artist and chose a Best of Show along with three Awards of Excellence. Lash stated that her "selections reflect the vibrancy and diversity of the artists working in Mississippi across a wide variety of media."

Exhibition sponsored by Tim Lawrence of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, LLC of Jackson.

June 14-30, July 10-Aug. 2

Carey Dinner Theatre 7pm @ Tatum Theatre, WCU campus Carey Dinner Theatre (CDT) announces two shows for its 37th season – "Cotton Patch Gospel," will be presented June 14-30, and will be followed by "Sing Out, Sweet Land!" July 10Aug. 2. Performances will be held in the Joe and Virginia Tatum Theatre on the Hattiesburg campus of William Carey University.

Corporate sponsor is W. A. Warren Asphalt Paving Contractors and co-sponsor is Regions Bank.

"Cotton Patch Gospel" is the retelling of the Gospel story with country-bluegrass music and set in rural Georgia. Written by Tom Key and Russell Treyz, the story is based on the popular book, "The Cotton Patch Version of Matthew and John," by Clarence Jordan. Music is by Harry Chapin, his last and perhaps best work.

"Sing Out, Sweet Land!" was written by Walter Kerr and is a musical journey through the history of the United States.

JUNE 26-30

Regional Cattle Show @ Forrest Co. Multipurpose Center Simmental Regional Cattle Show. This regional Simmental cattle show will be held in the main arena and surrounding areas. This will be an excellent show.

For more information contact 601-583-7500.

forrestcountycenter.com

JUNE 15-24

South Coast SummerFest Daily @ Miss. Gulf Coast South Coast SummerFest, a 10-day celebration of summer that showcases the waterways and coastal culture of South Mississippi, will be held June 15-24 in the state’s three coastal counties.

The festival offers a wide variety of familyfriendly events, including eco tours on local waterways, beach parties up and down the coast and a variety of kayaking activities – from kids' camp to beginners' lessons to guided overnight expeditions to the Gulf Coast barrier islands.

In addition to kayaking, the festival will include gourmet picnic and campfire cooking classes, build-your-own kayak and paddle lessons, a runkayak duathlon race, authentic local music, a kayaking expo and more. For more information, online visit www.SouthCoastSummerFest.com; on Facebook, visit www.facebook.com/SouthcoastSummerfest.

www.facebook.com/Southcoast Summerfest

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Hey Mr. DJ...

Pine Belt’s ‘Best Radio DJ’ leaving the air, but not the music...

By David GUSTAFSON

D

With a new moniker and a choice gig at one of the Pine Belt’s most popular radio stations, King quickly made a name for himself as a favorite among listeners.

In early 2000 when King started his career hosting “The Main Event,” his audience was listening to bands like Vertical Horizon, Matchbox 20 and Pink.

espite always being very passionate about music, Hattiesburg’s Don King came “that close” to being a nurse instead of a radio disc jockey.

“I didn’t really know what I wanted to do with my life after high school,” he said.

“I knew I wanted to go to college and my family really wanted me to go into the medical field.

My grandmother was a nurse. My uncle a veterinarian, so I guess the idea was that I would follow suit somehow.”

A native of Columbia, King completed two full years in the prenursing program at Jones County Junior College before transferring to “South Park” King Southern Miss and Ya Boy Don King jumping majors.

“I chose Radio, Television and Film and never looked back,” he said.

These days, Top 40 music has taken a While at USM, King hosted the “Hub more rhythmic direction.

City Blues” program on the college station “It’s not all rap, but even the rock songs and held down part-time jobs doing playseem to focus more on the beat. Dance by-play of high school football games and music is one of the most popular things we selling ads for a small local station. play.”

With a degree in hand and several hunBecause he has always been such a huge dred hours behind the microphone, King music lover, King said he feels like he made was quickly hired by SL100, one of the a connection early on with his longest-running stations in the listeners.”

Pine Belt.

“I’m honestly a fan,” “A series of events he said. “I don’t think landed me as host of the deejays necessarily have mid-day program, which to be a fan of the music is pretty rare for new they spin, but I really am.” deejays,” he said. “But I And more than a decade jumped in with both feet later, King is still just as popular and quickly fell in love with it.” with his listeners, having won the title of Rather than choosing a “radio name” as is “Best Radio DJ” in this year’s Festivaltypically the norm, King stuck with his own South “Best of the Pine Belt” competition.

God-given name, which he just so hapIronically, it’s the first – and last – time pened to share with a fast-talking, high-enKing will take home the honor. ergy black boxing promoter.

Just this month, “Ya Boy” transferred to “One day I said something about being the SL100 sales department and made the ‘ya boy’ and all of a sudden it stuck, so from tough decision to walk away from his longthat point on I became “Ya Boy Don King.”

running gig as a disc jockey.

With a wife (Shannon) and two young daughters (6-year-old Makena and 18month-old Helena) at home, King said the decision was an easy one.

“Better hours. Better hours. Better hours,” he said. “As much as I have loved what I have done for the last several years, it’s time for me to focus on being a better father and a better husband and with a job like this you never really know when you’re going to make it home.

Most nights, I would make it just in time to tuck my daughters into bed.

After 15 years in the business, King said he’s ready for a new challenge.

“And the best part is that I’m not going anywhere,” he said. “People will still hear me on the air. I’ll still do commercials and endorsements and probably some live remotes, too.”

After all, nobody knows the local radio market like King does and he hopes to use that knowledge to make a successful transition into the sales department.

“I’m not going to say goodbye,” he said. “I’m still here.

Just wearing a different hat now. I’m still Ya Boy,” you know.

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Neighbors

Meet the

By Beth BUNCH

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pportunity has been knocking loudly and often on the door of Adam Myrick and Jason LeViere, two of downtown Hattiesburg's newest entrepreneurial tenants. They are the masterminds behind Click and Twelve Oaks, located side by side on Front Street. And within the year, they are proud to announce, here and now, that they will add a men's shop to their fashion lineup. No moniker yet; they are still kicking around names.

Click carries several fabulous lines of women’s clothing and jewelry, while Twelve Oaks helps complete the look with accessories such as shoes and handbags.

“The men's store will be like the trifecta for downtown,” said Jason.

It’s easy to see why Pine Belt residents voted them Best Scenester/Mover & Shaker in this year’s round of Best of the Pine Belt voting, held in conjunction with FestivalSouth.

Adam, originally from Hattiesburg, has a degree from Southern Miss in theater and a minor in dance. Following school he moved to New York to work.

Jason, a confessed Yankee, hails from Pittsburgh, Penn., but can think of no where else he’d rather be. A graduate of Point Park University in Pittsburgh, he holds a degree in public relations and advertising.

“I love the South,” said Jason. Other than traveling to the Carolinas to open stores for a company he worked for, and trips to Florida, which didn't really fit or feel Southern, the only thing he knew about the region was “what I had seen in movies. I was pleasantly surprised.” As were his parents. “They won't let me book a flight home anymore. They want to come here. They are hooked on Hattiesburg,” he said as the slogan of sorts triggered a creative epiphany; something he started throwing around in his head and briefly turned to Adam and mentioned.

The two met in New York where Jason eventually ended up.

Adam worked in several capacities for H&M, as well as Restoration Hardware and even went out on his own doing freelance work.

Jason has had such employers as Coldwater Creek, where he helped open the flagship store in New York City, also sharing his creative talents with the likes of Crate and Barrel and Kate Spade.

“But I'll take Front Street, Hattiesburg, over Madison Ave., any day,” he said.

The guys had been in New York for about five-and-a-half years when, in 2008, they saw the economy go South.

“Friends moved and the city just didn't have the energy it once had. The city was sad; there was no exuberance or vibrancy,” Adam said.

“We saw Lehman Brothers pack up their boxes, close and leave and billboards in Times Square were empty because no one could afford to advertise,” added Jason.

Both their jobs became stressful. While only “20 something, you felt closer to 50, not that that's old, but closer to retirement age, when you're not,” said Jason.

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So, after much thought, they packed it in.

Jason describes Adam as “extremely talented and I knew we could create something special somewhere.”

Back home in Hattiesburg, Adam knew that his grandfather wasn’t “in the best of health and wouldn't be with us much longer,” he said.

“It was one of those ‘A-ha’ moments, thinking about somebody else and what else was out there, something you are passionate about. It was about life, family and making a change. Looking at perspective from moment to moment. And we knew we wanted to be a part of the last years of his life.”

Both men were from families who were small business owners, so

Adam Myrick

Click guys becoming the same was a given for both. “It was natural to do our own thing,” said Jason, who had spent summer breaks in his parents' office.

But Adam knew also.

“My dad once told me, 'You’ll never be as happy as when you work for yourself.' After being in retail in New York for almost 10 years, where I had learned and gleaned, it was time to take a risk and see what happened. No holding onto coattails anymore,” Adam said.

The vision to head South came after the two spent an afternoon walking around a park in Pittsburgh. “It was a very good walk,” said Adam, as he remembers he and Jason talking about what they wanted their vision to be.

And 'Click' was what they came up with and gave life, energy and personality to, a place to grow and find the right home.”

Jason LeViere

And south found them in Hattiesburg where they toured around town – out west and midtown, before heading downtown. “It was beautiful,” said Jason, “and had real estate I couldn't afford elsewhere.

It had life and atmosphere and was a perfect, seamless fit.”

And “Click” was born. “Some from the Jackson area who shop with us refer to it as 'The' Click,” said a proud Jason.

But Click doesn't come from a clique, like a close-knit group of friends, but rather the sound a typewriter, an old manual typewriter, makes. And that has become their logo of sorts and which you'll find along the street on a sandwich board outside the store, painted on the window and in colorful shades sitting around their intimate and colorful showroom. “It fit with our fictitious customer, who is a 1960s-era secretary, like a character on Madmen. This nostalgic character also appears on billboards and can be seen in the fashions.”

This style fits with the clothing lines and accessories they carry. “We buy classic cuts with more modern fabrics,” said Jason. “A lot of people think when shopping in a boutique you find short skirts and highend prices, but not so much here!”

Adam does most of the buying. Jason describes the selections Myrick makes as clothing “that can be worn to work or some function with a blazer, but then take the blazer off and go out on the town or for cocktails. We don't buy so specific, but something you can wear multiple ways and places.”

According to Adam, their men's store will hit a “very large demographic group. Street style, classic J Crew, affordable, stylish, very put together, not necessarily a trend or a color fad, but about making the pieces work around a person's life. Style, where you are you, and are comfortable with clothes that enhance your personality.”

Click opened its fashionable doors on June 15, 2011. Adam said a best friend who lives in one of the five loft apartments above what was then a renovated showroom sent him a photo of the front of the building.

Jason credits two people for the young entrepreneurs being “where we are today” – Charles and Anita Price, the landlords, for their vision to modernize the space to highlight the architecture. And their neighbor to the south, Southern Fried Comics. Jason admits that when they first visited downtown they noticed how quiet it was.

“But when I saw a comic book shop, I told Adam if they could make it, then surely we could. I give a lot of credit to them.

They are wonderful neighbors and helped seal the deal.”

“We are the first to be in here since Katrina,” added Adam of their business home.

And with a lot of energy, a million ideas and the savvy and know-how to make it happen, the two are determined to help make the downtown area become an area where you can hop and shop around at a variety of different places....a place that feels like a bigger city, while at the same time enhancing the neighborhood.

A mere four months after Click made a noise downtown, Twelve Oaks opened next door. And while this was something the two “weren't completely ready for, it was an opportunity which presented itself and we just had to jump on it,” said Adam. “You only get so many opportunities, and we had to take it; another Continued on next page

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leap of faith.”

Jason describes Click and Twelve Oaks, whose name comes from Gone with the Wind, “like twin sisters. They have the same parents, but different personalities,” which can be seen in the way each is fashioned – from a calming seafoam green at Twelve Oaks to the brighter and happier complimenting colors of Click. “Modern, but with a touch of nostalgia,” said Jason, as evidenced in the vintage antiques reupholstered in fun fabrics found in the sitting area of Click, which looks out onto Front Street.

And then there's Twelve Oaks, “the city girl next door,” where you can experience the most beautiful moments. “Opulent, luxurious, serene, calming and powerful. That moment you were inspired,” said Adam, of the getaway garden with its textured walls or rock garden.

“We're not millionaires, by any means,” said Jason “But rather than have money sitting in a bank account somewhere, we’d rather be reinvesting in downtown, not keeping it in the bank.”

And while their accountant and other friends, who are also accountants, may have thought them crazy for jumping in with the proverbial both feet as they have, “it's our way of sharing our vision that we believe in,” said Jason.

“We're not good at doing something in a small way,” said Adam, of these projects which they feel were “meant to be.” Much like the men's shop which will open before year's end. Then there will be fashions for him, her, as well as accessories.

“If Click had a boyfriend, then the men's store would be it – nerdy, hipster, geek chic, etc.,” said Adam.

“Since Day One we've been building a male customer clientele base and have cultivated men customers,” said Adam. “So they deserve something for them, their own face.”

And while excited about the project, the guys are quick to point out that the new venture will be just that, “new and nothing to compete with what's already downtown, but to complement the other businesses.”

“It's all a sense of community and family,” said Jason, “and we want to be respectful of other businesses. We are the new kids on the block and are not going to rock the boat.”

And while life in the Hub City is a bit quieter and more laid back, both men have had some exciting opportunities during their careers.

“There have been some exciting chances and some pretty interesting people,” said Adam, who lists among his career highlights as helping with a Teen Vogue runway show. There was also the opportunity to work with Patricia Fields, stylist for “Sex in the City,” who as a seasoned stylist “exudes her own style of quirkiness, charisma and uniqueness.”

As far as celebrity clients, he helped Adrian Brody with design work at his summer home and had a fun opportunity when Paul Abdul, who had been attending an event at Radio City Music Hall, popped in through the employee entrance of the business. “She had her personal assistant with her,” remembers Adam. “We shut the store down. She bought pizza for the entire building and I went

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through each floor with her. It was fun to hang out with her, but surreal to be this kid from Mississippi sitting in a fitting room and zipping a dress for this '80s/'90s icon.”

Jason said while working with celebrities like Anne Hathaway and Elizabeth Banks was rewarding, a true highlight of his career to date has been working with Deborah Lloyd, the creative mastermind of Kate Spade. “The way she put things together. She was the one who put the Burberry plaid on the outside of coats, on ties, etc. For somebody like me to work with somebody like that in this field we are in was incredible.”

But while all of that was rewarding, “it doesn't hold a candle to the movie nights we've helped sponsor here at the Saenger where 600 people dress up and come out to watch “Breakfast at Tiffany's” or some other show,” said Jason. “Just to be a part of that.”

Or recently, when a local woman called and spoke with Jason.

“She informed me that she was going to be having surgery and be laid up for some time and wanted to know if I could email her the play list for the songs we play in the store,” he said. “She said the music made her happy. It was so touching to think that this woman who was getting ready to be in a dark place, that a place that I had created and which made her happy when she thought about it, was incredibly rewarding.”

They describe these ventures as a “humbling experience for us.

Just Adam and Jason. You just do what you do to make an impact.”

And they are excited about the future and want to do their part to help shift the scene back downtown. “The future is so bright,” said Jason.

And because they are so committed to downtown, that's where they've also chosen to reside. They live in a 450-square-foot apartment in the back of Click – a small apartment reminiscent of those days in New York. “We haven't had a car since October of 2010,” said Adam. “We ride bikes everywhere,” said Jason, unless they decide to occasionally venture more westward, when they'll catch a ride. “We committed to downtown, to live the lifestyle, so this is where we do everything – eat every meal, shop at New Yokel Market or the Farmer's Market on Thursdays and enjoy the many shows and festivals” And while work is work, no matter how you look at it, it’s something they both look forward to every day.

The businesses also sponsor an online e- newsletter for downtown known as city slicker, which arrives in email boxes on Thursday afternoon. “It’s all about downtown and appeals to multiple generations,” said Jason. It also provides a great way to quickly glance and see what’s going on downtown on weekly basis. “There was a real need for this,” said Jason, who with the help of a small team of interns at Southern Miss has made it work to “keep downtown in the loop.” They hope as downtown expands, that the newsletter will follow suit.

Both Adam and Jason hope that the creative efforts they are putting forth to help “connect the dots downtown” will be enough encouragement for others to invest locally. Because they agree, “We’ve got something special downtown.”

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Neighbors

“Dear Dairy” Crystal Springs, 1997

For art’s sake...

Work of Sessums, Waters to be featured during FestivalSouth "All good art should move us to a place deeper than the surface of our own existence, revealing the human experience and prompting us to discover how deep our own emotions go." –J Kim Sessums

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elping to kick off this year’s FestivalSouth will be an opening reception featuring compelling works of visual art by two Mississippi artisans – the paintings of Wyatt Waters and sculptures of Kim Sessums.

The reception, featuring the two artists, will run from 4-5:30 p.m. June 9 at OddFellows Gallery in Downtown Hattiesburg.

The event is free of charge and open to the public.

The exhibition will remain open to the public at the gallery for the duration of FestivalSouth.

Wyatt Waters Using watercolors to reproduce the sun-baked hues of the South, artist Wyatt Waters has spent the past 20 years painting the houses, business establishments and other scenes of Mississippi's capital

city, Jackson. These are featured in his book, “Another Coat of Paint: An Artist’s View of Jackson.”

Born in Brookhaven, Waters moved to Clinton when he was a teenager and went on to study painting and drawing at Mississippi College in Clinton. Waters says he originally aspired to be a teacher but became more interested in painting. He credits former art department chairman and internationally celebrated sculptor, Dr. Samuel Gore, with giving him the encouragement he needed to study art. After completing his BA in Art with a minor in English, Waters returned to graduate school at Mississippi College, eventually receiving his MFA. Waters creates paintings of the roadside South including root beer stands and small churches as well as domestic still lifes. His work is distinguished by bright, brilliant, saturated colors, and much of his subject matter is his native state of Mississippi.

Waters uses loose colors and textures to depict the unique Southern architecture. His paintings show that the city has lost both physically and spiritually through natural disaster and willful destruction.

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They also show the many colorful places that still exist. His paintings show the humor and history that make a city's past landscapes its oddities and its present oddities its icons.

Like Edward Hopper's paintings and Eugene Atget's photographs, Waters' images capture a space sparce of inhabitants yet rich in people – an umbrellaed man "Working Late," a shadowy sweeper in "The Mayflower," and a woman waiting outside a shop in "Saving Souls."

"We're living in a digitized world, and I feel that with art, I get a real experience. It's why I often do most of my works outside," Waters told the Jackson Free Press. He credits the painting of John Singer Sargent as his most influential.

The places where he has traveled and lived, including Mississippi and the Caribbean, inspire Waters' art. He says that as a form of free expression, his paintings are like his diary.

The Mississippi Museum of Art in Jackson and the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art in Laurel have hosted solo shows of Waters' work, and he is currently represented by Gallery 119 in Jackson and Southside Gallery in Oxford. He also has a gallery in Clinton. Two books on his paintings have been published, and he was chosen to create the commemorative poster for both the Jubilee Jam festival in Jackson and the 1999 Mississippi on the Mall picnic in Washington, D.C. In 2010, Waters received the Governor's Award for Excellence in the Art. The award honors five artists each year in the performing, visual and literary arts throughout the state. Past recipients include Eudora Welty, Bill Dunlap and Dr. Gore.

Waters is past president and signature member of the Mississippi Watercolor society, and his work has been featured in numerous magazine articles including American Artists Special Watercolor Issues, Art and Antiques, and Mississippi Magazine. He has also worked on promotional projects for Parisian Stores, Texaco, and Standard Oil, and his works are held in a large number of corporate collections.

In addition to his painting, Waters also writes and performs with the band, WatersEdge.

Waters lives in Clinton, with his wife, Vicki, and their daughter, Crimson.

J. Kim Sessums J. Kim Sessums realized many years ago that he need not search for an artistic style. After a lifetime spent exploring his creative instincts, it found him. By age 6, he had survived the separate deaths of both parents and continued his childhood at his grandparents’ home on a rural Mississippi backroad. Overcoming boredom and loneliness in a small town, his imagination led to an unexpected joy of studying the character and form of those around him. Whether black, white, old, young, city folk or country, their every nuance was committed to memory and later recorded in written journals. Eventually, those same memories and emotions were turned into visual art.

Famous or not, Sessums’ subjects all strike emotional chords that are first explored in his ongoing journal. As is his discipline, this artist first employs the written language to evoke the visual image.

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He then delves further into each work to discover a deeper connection to his personal life. Thus begins his creative process.

As the artist, himself has noted, “All good art, at least for me, moves me to a place deeper than the surface of my own existence, revealing the human experience and prompting me to discover how deep my own emotions go.”

In 1997, Sessums completed a bronze portrait bust of the renowned painter Andrew Wyeth, one of America’s most cherished and misunderstood artists. Cast in the lost wax technique from the original clay sculpture, much of the finished detail work was done from sittings with Mr. Wyeth in his Chadd’s Ford home and surroundings. The finished bronze along with a plaster casting are now in the Wyeth private collection.

Two years later, the portrait bust of Eudora Welty, Pulitzer Prizewinning Mississippi writer, was completed from life. The following year, the artist spent two days with Dr. Billy Graham, completing a bust of the man known all over the world.

In 1999, Sessums forwarded to Betsy Wyeth his essay and insightful concept regarding an exhibition of Andrew Wyeth’s varied works of art portraying Wyeth’s African American friends and neighbors from the past half century. After sharing the essay with her husband, Mrs. Wyeth called Sessums to inform him they wanted to see the exhibition happen. The vision was embraced by Andrew Wyeth leading the former Mississippi Museum of Art director Andrew Maass to note in his 2001 catalogue acknowledgments, “To Kim Sessums, passion has its rewards – witness Andrew Wyeth: Close Friends, the book and the exhibition.”

On Feb. 14, 2004, Sessums’ monumental sculptural tribute entitled, “Commemorating the Services of the 1st and 3rd Infantry Regiments, African Descent and All Mississippians of African Descent who participated in the Vicksburg Campaign,’” was unveiled in the Vicksburg National Military Park. It is the only figurative monument to honor the Colored Troops in any Civil War Park in this country.

Sessums has recently completed the portrait bust of the former U.S. Congressman from Mississippi, G.V. Sonny Montgomery. The life-size bronze is now installed at Mississippi State University and in the Mississippi Armed Forces Museum at Camp Shelby.

In 2009, Sessums completed monumental public art commissions for Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg and an over life-size portrait of Coach John Vaught installed outside the Vaught Hemingway Stadium on the campus of the University of Mississippi.

Another public commission was completed in 2010 with the dedication of the over life-size bronze full body portrait of Frank Day for the Lucky Day Residential College on the campus of the University of Mississippi.

The most recent project was the design of The Inn on Whitworth, a boutique hotel in downtown Brookhaven, that opened in December 2011. Along with the space design, surface materials, furniture composition, and lighting, the artist created original works of art throughout the hotel rooms and lobby.

Dr. Sessums and his wife, Kristy, have four children – Jake (28), Joey (27), Stewart (23), and Price (21). With increasing curiosity and enthusiasm, collectors continue to find the artist in his Brookhaven home

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Cuisine

Grilling season is here, and that means it's time to get fired up for the smoky flavor of your favorite foods cooked in the great outdoors over charcoal.

T

hese grilling recipes were created by chefs from all over the country who participated in the Choice Steak Challenge to find out who has the best steak-grilling chops. Their recipes feature premium beef, as well as delicious sides to try with each dish.

Find more recipes, tips and information at www.Grilling.com.

The Key to Great Grilling • Build the Right Fire - Use different briquet arrangements depending on what's going on the grill.

• Thinner pieces of meat respond best to high temperature, direct-heat grilling, which requires spreading the coals out evenly across the grate.

• Thicker pieces of meat cook beautifully all the way through, without burning on the outside, with a two-zone fire.

• Stack briquets to one side of the grate for high and low temperature zones. Begin cooking directly over the coals until the outside of the meat has reached the desired doneness; then move the meat to the other side of the grate (the low temperature zone) to finish cooking.

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Grilled T-bone with Everglades Rub Makes: 4 servings Prep Time: 5 minutes Cook Time: 8 to 10 minutes

4 Premium T-bone Steaks Dry Rub 1 head roasted garlic (roast garlic in oven until golden brown and soft to mash) 4 tablespoons Everglades seasoning 1 teaspoon coffee, ground 1 teaspoon brown sugar 1/4 teaspoon dry thyme 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon onion powder 1/4 teaspoon chili powder 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper Combine all dry rub ingredients. Set aside.

Rub each steak with an equal portion of roasted garlic paste on front and back. To prevent burning, do not get garlic paste on bone.

Divide dry rub seasoning for four steaks and thoroughly rub each steak. Place in food storage container in refrigerator for 3 to 4 hours. This can be done up to one day in advance.

Preheat grill using Kingsford charcoal, until briquets are consistently ashed over.

Remove steaks from refrigerator and let come to room temperature.

Put steaks on grill; leave in one position on direct heat for 4 to 5 minutes, rotating to get nice grill marks and even flavor profile.

Follow this timeline for medium rare.

Recipe created by Chef Eric Lackey of Flamestone American Grill in Oldsmar, Fla. on behalf of the Walmart Choice Steak Challenge presented by Kingsford charcoal and Coca-Cola.

Grilled Corn and Peach Salad with Queso Fresco Makes: 4 servings Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes

4 4 1/2 1 4 4 2 2 6 1

ears sweet corn, shucked fresh peaches or nectarines, pitted and sliced in half small red onion, sliced head frisee (or your favorite lettuce), chopped sprigs fresh mint, chopped sprigs fresh cilantro, chopped limes, juiced tablespoons extra virgin olive oil ounces Queso Fresco avocado, peeled, seeded, and quartered

Salt and pepper to taste Preheat grill using Kingsford charcoal, until briquets are consistently ashed over.

Grill corn for 7 to 10 minutes over medium heat, turning every two minutes until kernels start to soften. Remove from heat, set aside to cool.

Grill peaches and onions for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side. Remove from heat, set aside to cool.

Once cooled, remove corn from cob; slice peaches and onions. Place in large mixing bowl.

Add lettuce, mint, cilantro, lime juice and extra virgin olive oil. Season with salt and pepper and toss.

Grill the Queso Fresco over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes or until grill marks appear. Remove and crumble.

Serve the salad over avocado slices and garnish with the crumbled cheese.

Recipe created by Johnny Hernandez of La Gloria in San Antonio on behalf of the Walmart Choice Steak Challenge presented by Kingsford charcoal and Coca-Cola.

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Janusz’ Recipes CHOUX PROFITEROLES 260 ml milk 1 tsp. sugar pinch of salt 100 g. butter, diced 120 g. plain flour 4 eggs Preheat the oven to 425 degrees (220C, Gas 7) For the choux buns, combine the milk, sugar, salt and diced butter in a heavy-based saucepan. Heat gently and stir, until the butter has melted.

Quickly sieve the flour into the saucepan and whisk together with the liquid ingredients.

Keeping the heat low, beat the ingredients together vigorously for about five minutes.

The paste is ready when it clumps together in a smooth ball and comes away cleanly from the sides of the pan. Remove form the heat and allow to cool.

In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs together thoroughly until there are o strings of egg white. Slowly, in two or more batches, beat the eggs into the paste.

Fit a piping bag with a nozzle and spoon the choux pastry mixture into the bag.

Pipe balls the size of a 50p coin onto baking sheets lined with silicone paper or greased baking trays.

Bake in batches in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown

and crisp (if the buns are just yellow, they will deflate upon cooling). When they are done, the inside should be hollow. Tip them onto a wire rack to cool.

BROWNIES 1/2 cup butter 1 cup white sugar 2 eggs 1 tsp. vanilla extract 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 1/4 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. baking powder 3 Tbsp. butter, softened 3 Tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder 1 Tbsp. honey 1 tsp. vanilla extract 1 cup confectioner’s sugar Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Grease and flour an 8-inch square pan.

In a large saucepan, melt 1/2 cup butter. Remove from heat, and stir in sugar, eggs and 1 tsp. vanilla. Beat in 1/3 cup cocoa, 1/2 cup flour, salt and baking powder. Spread batter into prepared pan.

Bake in preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. Do not overcook.

To make frosting: Combine t Tbsp. butter, 3 Tbsp. cocoa, 1 Tbsp. honey, t tsp. vanilla and 1 cup confectioner’s sugar. Frost brownies while they are still warm.

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2012 FESTIVALSOUTH

PR GRAM SATURDAY, JUNE 9 Opening Reception Featuring paintings by Wyatt Waters; sculptures by Kim Sessums 4 to 5:30 p.m. • OddFellows Gallery Admission: Free Join the festivities and meet the artists at the opening reception featuring compelling works of visual art: paintings by Wyatt Waters and sculptures by Kim Sessums. The exhibition will remain open to the public in the OddFellows Gallery for the duration of the entire Festival, June 9-23.

The four musicians in Classical Mystery Tour look and sound just like The Beatles, but Classical Mystery Tour is more than just a rock concert. The show presents some Beatles tunes sung, played, and performed exactly as they were written. Hear "Penny Lane" with a live trumpet section; experience the beauty of "Yesterday" with an acoustic guitar and string quartet; enjoy the rock/classical blend on the hardedged "I Am the Walrus." From early Beatles music on through the solo years, Classical Mystery Tour is the best of The Beatles like you've never heard them: Totally live.

ABOUT THE ARTISTS: Classical Mystery Tour features Jim Owen (John Lennon) on rhythm guitar, piano, and vocals; Tony Kishman (Paul McCartney) on bass guitar, piano, and vocals; John Brosnan (George Harrison) on lead guitar and vocals; and Chris Camilleri (Ringo Starr) on drums and vocals. Dr. Michael Miles, director of the School of Music, conducts the performance..

FESTIVALSUNDOWN Late Night Live featuring Matt Cayson 9 p.m. • Brownstones (upstairs) Admission: 10% Off Menu Price with FestivalSouth Circle Pass or Same-Day Event Ticket (alcohol excluded)

Dr. E & The Voodoo Kings 9 p.m. • Keg & Barrel Admission: Menu Price Hattiesburg stays up late to hear great popular music at local venues. Grab a group of friends and enjoy an evening of fun!

Classical Mystery Tour: A Tribute to the Beatles

SUNDAY, JUNE 10 Dual Harmonies

With the FestivalOrchestra presented

by BancorpSouth and Brownstones

Euridice Alvarez, oboe; Kim Woolly, bassoon

7:30 p.m. • Saenger Theater

4 p.m. • USM Marsh Auditorium

Admission: $25 ($10 for 12 and under)

Admission: Free

Imagine The Beatles playing in concert with a symphony orchestra.

What would that have sounded like? Find out for yourself when Classical Mystery Tour performs live in concert at FestivalSouth!

This recital features USM faculty members Euridice Alvarez, oboe, and Kim Woolly, bassoon and serves as the opening event of the 2012 Southern Miss Double Reed Camp.

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ABOUT THE ARTISTS: Honduras native Euridice Alvarez is an award-winning oboist who frequently performs at music festivals across the nation, including Hot Springs Music Festival in Arkansas, Brevard Music Camp in North Carolina and Camp of the Woods in New York. In Rochester, N.Y., she was oboe professor at the Eastman Community School of Music, Houghton College and Nazareth College. Alvarez is the visiting assistant professor of Oboe at the Univ. of Southern Miss.

Bassoonist Kim Woolly performs as a member of Category 5, the Southern Miss faculty wind quintet, and with Promenade, a faculty Baroque ensemble.

Dr. Woolly is Principal Bassoon with the Gulf Coast Symphony Orchestra and a member of the Mobile, Meridian and Mississippi symphonies. She has given solo recitals at the Conference of the International Double Reed Society and at the International Computer Music Conference. Woolly is associate professor of Bassoon at the University of Southern Mississippi.

FESTIVALSUNDAY FOOD & FUN FestivalBrunch Daniel Schroeder Jazz Trio 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. • Purple Parrot Admission: Menu Price The Daniel Schroeder Trio plays the jazz standards of the Great American Songbook and popular R&B standards. Their swinging interpretations are the perfect match for the delectable cuisine of the Purple Parrot Jazz Brunch.

FestivalSouth Gospel Lunch Roots Gospel Voices of Mississippi 12 noon to 2 p.m. • The Bottling Company Admission: 10% Off Menu Price with FestivalSouth Circle Pass or Same-Day Event Ticket (alcohol excluded)

A Taste of France: A Musical Wine Tasting 5 p.m. • The Purple Parrot Admission: $40 (Cost for this event is not included in the FestivalCircle Pass. Call 601-264-0656 for reservations.)

Sip on the fruits of six of the finest vineyards in France presented by expert sommelier Dusty Frierson, the Purple Parrot’s general manager and wine director. To accompany each wine, Young Artists from the FestivalSouth Opera program will sing favorite French songs and arias.

Outstanding young singers from around the Southeast come to Hattiesburg for the FestivalOpera performances of Mozart’s Don Giovanni.

Hear the talented young artists in a themed preview recital that features favorite songs and arias from opera’s favorite subjects – love, loss and death!

Musical Landscapes Beyond the South Chamber Orchestra; Ivan del Prado, conductor 7:30 p.m. • Historic Hattiesburg Train Depot Admission: $16 ($8 for 12 and under) Take a musical journey from Europe to America via Cuba. The concert opens with the joyful music of Mozart and ends with folk-influenced music by American composer Mark O’Connor. In the middle, the travelers make a stop in Cuba to enjoy the rich sound world of this peculiar island that served as link between the two continents.

ABOUT THE ARTIST: Ivan del Prado has appeared as guest conductor with 20 orchestras from Europe, Asia, the United States and Latin America. His versatility spans the worlds of symphony, opera and ballet. Del Prado has worked with eminent artists, including Maestro Daniel Barenboim, whom he assisted at Deutsche Staatsoper Unter den Linden. He also served as musical director of Alicia Alonso’s company, the Prima Ballerina Assoluta. Formerly, del Prado was the principal conductor of the National Symphony Orchestra of Cuba. Currently, he is assistant conductor of the University of Southern Mississippi Symphony Orchestra.

TUESDAY, JUNE 12 ARTIE EVENT FOR KIDS Tubby the Tuba and Friends: A Musical Storytelling The FestivalSouth String Quartet: Lori Birrer, Jennifer Hart, Tracy Bedgood, tuba 10:30 a.m. • Hattiesburg Public Library Admission: Free Zin! Zin! Zin! A Violin and Tubby the Tuba join Lori, Jennifer and Tracy for enchanting stories and fun musical demonstrations!

Brass and Ivories The Me-We Trio – Jason Bergman, trumpet; Ben McIlwain, trombone; Ellen Elder, piano

MONDAY, JUNE 11 FestivalSouth Opera Young Artist Recital 10:30 a.m. • Bay Street Presbyterian Church Admission: Free

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3 p.m. • Main Street United Methodist Church Admission: Free The Me-We Trio makes its FestivalSouth Debut! Trumpeter Jason Bergman, trombonist Ben McIlwain and pianist Ellen Elder each perform solo works, then combine for a rousing, collaborative finish. Be treated to the beautiful, yet powerful sounds created between the brass and the ivories!

ABOUT THE ARTISTS: The Me-We Trio has toured recently throughout the southeast United States in Georgia, Alabama, Florida and Mississippi. The ensemble features Southern Miss School of Music faculty members Jason Bergman, trumpet; Ben McIlwain, trombone; and Ellen Elder, piano. All three performers are award-winning instrumentalists who are committed to performance and education.

Passione!

Talisman Trio – Jorge Gonzalez, violin; Jose Rocha, cello; Theresa Sanchez, piano 7:30 p.m. • Westminster Presbyterian Church Admission: Free The Talisman Trio captivates audiences with the intimate exchange of lyrical and sweeping melodies, infused with the dramatic chords of master Russian composer Anton Arensky’s music. Once you are fully absorbed in this elegant dialogue of piano and strings, you will find yourself dancing in your seat to the passionate Argentinian tango rhythms of Astor Piazzolla's famous "Oblivion" and "Tango Suite."

ABOUT THE ARTISTS: Violinist and conductor Jorge Iván González has performed solo recitals throughout Mexico, Canada and in the U.S. González also has toured and recorded with the Conspirare Ensemble, whose CD, “Threshold of Night,” received a double nomination at the 2009 Grammy Awards. González serves as assistant concertmaster of both the Mobile and Gulf Coast symphony orchestras, conductor of the high school and middle school string orchestras for Hattiesburg Public Schools, and artistic director of the FestivalSouth Orchestral and Chamber Music Academy.

Pianist Theresa Sanchez pursues a varied performing career as a soloist and collaborative musician. She has presented recitals in the United States, Canada and Europe and has performed as soloist with the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra and the University of Southern Mississippi Symphony Orchestra.

She has been a faculty member at Jones Junior College since 1995 and is a past president of the Mississippi Music Teachers Association. Sanchez was recently featured on WQXR (New York) Radio’s “Reflections from the Keyboard” and WMSV Radio’s “High Note” and currently serves as Chamber Music coordinator for FestivalSouth.

Jose Rocha, cellist, graduated with honors with Bachelor’s and Master’s of Music Degrees from the University of Florida and is a doctoral candidate in music performance at the University of Houston. While in Florida, Rocha kept a very busy schedule performing with the Southwest Florida Symphony (Ft. Myers), the Orlando Philharmonic, Savannah Symphony (Ga.), Columbus Symphony (Ga.), the Strauss Symphony of America. In addition, Rocha performed in tour with Ray Price, Glenn Frey, Frank Sinatra Jr., Marvin Hamlish and Ray Charles.

In the summer of 1994, Mr. Rocha was selected to perform with the prestigious Jugend Schwyz Orchestra in Switzerland. In 1995, he returned to Europe as soloist with the Texas State University Orchestra, playing in such places as the Chopin Conservatory in Poland. In 1997 Mr. Rocha was the Concerto competition winner at the undergraduate level at TSU and again in 2000 at the graduate level at the University of Florida.

Currently, he serves as director of Orchestras at Johnston Middle School and the Greater Houston Youth Orchestra. In addition, he performs regularly as a member of the Symphony of Southeast Texas and around Houston with Masquerade Theatre and Stages Repertory Theater.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 13 Kaleidoscope Accento Trio – Susan Ruggiero, soprano; Danilo Mezzadri, flute; Elizabeth Moak, piano 10:30 a.m. • Parkway Heights United Methodist Church Admission: Free The Accento Trio is a flute-voice-piano ensemble with flutist Danilo Mezzadri, soprano Susan Ruggiero and pianist Elizabeth Moak. The group will perform a delightful variety of musical selections featuring the complete trio as well as each of its members individually. The program will include a solo piano selection based on Gershwin's "Fascinating Rhythm," a set of bel canto songs, and a potpourri of famous Brazilian tunes for the flute.

ABOUT THE ARTISTS: Soprano Susan Ruggiero has received awards from Shreveport Opera, the Connecticut Opera Guild, and the National Orpheus Vocal Competition. She was district winner of the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions in 2007 and 2009. Ruggiero has performed with New Orleans Opera, Natchez Opera, Mississippi Opera, Opera South, Kentucky Opera, Wildwood Opera, Blue Lake Opera and Opéra Louisiane. She currently teaches at the University of Southern Mississippi, the University of Mobile and Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp.

Flutist Danilo Mezzadri has been a featured performer on Rede Vida Television in Brazil and by National Public Radio in the United States.

American Record Guide stated that Mezzadri’s recent CD, entitled Brazilian Soundscapes, is “music of a high order that deserves a welcome from a global audience." Danilo has given recitals and concerts throughout Europe and the Americas, and his performances have been reviewed as “gorgeous” by the Detroit Press and “with limpid sound, coaxing every ounce of lyricism” by the Jackson Patriot.

Noted for her “sensitivity” and “generous imagination” (La Suisse,

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Geneva, Switzerland), pianist Elizabeth Moak has performed throughout the United States, Canada, France, Switzerland, Italy and Austria. Recent performances include the world premiere of James Sclater's Concerto for Piano and Wind Ensemble, the co-premiere of Judith Lang Zaimont’s Concerto for Piano and Wind Orchestra, 'Solar Traveller' and Mozart’s Concerto in A Major, K. 488, for Piano and Orchestra. In February 2012, MSR Classics released Moak's debut solo recording, "Art, Fire, Soul: Piano Music of Judith Lang Zaimont."

WEDNESDAYS OUT WEST Eighty-Eight: Timeless Piano Classics Don Irwin, piano 7:30 p.m. • Heritage United Methodist Church Admission: Free The piano with 88 keys is today’s standard instrument, but did you know it has only become popular in the past 100 years? Don Irwin’s innovative program, “Eighty-Eight,” features music of the pianists and composers who made the 88-key piano famous, including Eddy Duchin, Scott Joplin, Peter Nero, Roger William, John Barry and others.

Continental Delights Logio Piano Duo – Lois Leventhal and Joseph Brumbeloe, pianos 3 p.m. • USM Marsh Auditorium

Live Music Tonight

Admission: Free

With the Boom Chicka Booms

The Logio Duo made its first appearance in 2004 at a Southern Miss Camerata concert. Brumbeloe and Leventhal, both graduates of Indiana University and colleagues at USM's School of Music, have been exploring the four-hand piano repertoire ever since. Popular in the 18th Century, music for four hands is still a favorite of contemporary composers today.

This season's program will feature works by Schubert, Brahms and Copland.

ABOUT THE ARTISTS: Lois Leventhal, pianist, received her doctorate of music at Indiana University and is a professor of music at the University of Southern Mississippi. In 1991, Leventhal was the recipient of the University of Southern Mississippi’s Award for Faculty Excellence. Her performing career includes concerto appearances throughout Mississippi, as well as solo and chamber recitals in Chicago, New York, London and, under the auspices of the United States Information Agency, Argentina and Uruguay.

Ms. Leventhal, whose performances have been broadcast widely, can also be heard with her colleague, Lawrence Gwozdz, saxophonist, on CDs on the Crystal and Albany labels.

Joseph Brumbeloe joined the faculty of the School of Music at Southern Miss in 1999 after having taught music theory at Kenyon College, Washburn University and Kansas State University. He holds a Ph.D. in music theory from Indiana University. His research interests include the theory and literature of the 18th Century, as well as 20th-Century methodologies and music, including jazz. His research has been published in The New Groves Dictionary of Music and Musicians, Theoria, Music Theory: Explorations and Applications, Gamut and The Indiana Theory Review. Additionally, he has delivered papers to meetings of the Society of Music Theory, the College Music Society, the 4th and 5th International Festival of Women Composers, and has prepared critical editions for Kallisti Press.

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ABOUT THE ARTIST: Don Irwin thrills music connoisseurs across the United States with his unique one-man show. His passionate musicality creates an atmosphere that is both warm and invigorating and leaves audiences spellbound and overjoyed. A classically-trained musician, Irwin surprises many with his versatile non-classical repertoire. He has worked with artists such as Prince, the late Donna Summer, and many others. His beautiful melodies, sweeping ranges, unique sounds and exotic rhythms are intertwined to form what has become the Don Irwin signature. Irwin is a Steinway Artist.

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9 p.m. • Shuckers Admission: Menu Price

THURSDAY, JUNE 14 ARTIE EVENT FOR KIDS Little Red Riding Hood, Urashima Taro Red String Wayang Theatre Shadow Puppet Show 10:30 a.m. and 12 noon • The Hattiesburg Library Admission: Free Popular shadow puppet artist Michael Richardson has become a staple of FestivalSouth, appearing with his exciting and enthralling shows. Due to the popularity of this event, there will be two performances. The event is free, but tickets will be handed out in the Children’s Area of the Hattiesburg Public Library to guarantee seating.

A Tribute to Beverly Sills Constance Roberts, soprano; Barbara Fortenberry, piano 3 p.m. • Westminster Presbyterian Church Admission: Free ABOUT THE ARTISTS: Brooklyn-born Beverly Sills was a living opera legend of the 20th Century. Constance Roberts and Barbara Fortenberry collaborate in a tribute to the life and artistic triumphs of this amazing woman. “Bubbles” was Sills’ childhood nickname and the title of her 1976 autobiography. This program chronicles her life, her career, and her legacy to American music with anecdotes, photographs, and live performances of some of Sills’ greatest hits. It’s a nostalgic must-see for anyone who remembers the incomparable American diva and an entertaining introduction for those who want to know more about a great American lady.

Active as a recitalist, voice teacher, adjudicator, choral and musical director, soprano Constance Roberts holds the position of professor of music at William Carey University, where she teaches voice, opera workshop, vocal pedagogy and voice-related courses. Some of the organizations for which Roberts has been a featured soloist include the Jackson Choral Society – in the United States and on tour in Europe – Mississippi Opera and Memphis Symphony Chorus. Her students have won state and regional vocal competitions with multiple organizations including N.AT.S. She is a board member of the Hattiesburg Concert Association and the administrator of the Westminster Academy of Music and Arts, a community arts school.

Don Giovanni FestivalOpera 7:30 p.m. • Saenger Theater Admission: $20 ($10 for 12 and under) ACT I. At night, outside the Commendatore's palace, Leporello grumbles about his duties as servant to Don Giovanni, a dissolute nobleman. Soon the masked Don appears, pursued by Donna Anna, the Commendatore's daughter, whom he has tried to seduce. When the Commendatore himself answers Anna's cries, he is killed in a duel by Giovanni, who escapes. Anna now returns with her fiancé, Don Ottavio. Finding her father dead, she makes Ottavio swear vengeance on the assassin.

At dawn, Giovanni flirts with a high-strung traveler outside a tavern.

She turns out to be Donna Elvira, a woman he once seduced in Burgos, who is on his trail. Giovanni escapes while Leporello distracts Elvira by reciting his master's long catalog of conquests. Peasants arrive, celebrating the nuptials of their friends, Zerlina and Masetto.

When Giovanni joins in, he pursues the bride, angering the groom, who is removed by Leporello. Alone with Zerlina, the Don applies his charm, but Elvira interrupts and protectively whisks the girl away. When Elvira returns to denounce him as a seducer, Giovanni is stymied further while greeting Anna, now in mourning, and Ottavio. Declaring Elvira mad, he leads her off. Anna, having recognized his voice, realizes Giovanni was her attacker.

Dressing for the wedding feast he has planned for the peasants, Giovanni exuberantly downs champagne.

Outside the palace, Zerlina begs Masetto to forgive her apparent infidelity. Masetto hides when the Don appears, emerging from the shadows as Giovanni corners Zerlina. The three enter the palace together.

Elvira, Anna and Ottavio arrive in dominoes and masks and are invited to the feast by Leporello.

During the festivities, Leporello entices Masetto into the dance as Giovanni draws Zerlina out of the room. When the girl's cries for help put him on the spot, Giovanni tries to blame Leporello. But no one is convinced; Elvira, Anna and Ottavio unmask and confront Giovanni, who barely escapes Ottavio's drawn sword.

ACT II. Under Elvira's balcony, Leporello exchanges cloaks with Giovanni to woo the lady in his master's stead. Leporello leads Elvira off, leaving the Don free to serenade Elvira's maid. When Masetto passes with a band of armed peasants bent on punishing Giovanni, the disguised rake gives them false directions, then beats up Masetto. Zerlina arrives and tenderly consoles her betrothed.

In a passageway, Elvira and Leporello are surprised by Anna, Ottavio, Zerlina and Masetto, who, mistaking servant for master, threaten Leporello. Frightened, he unmasks and escapes. When Anna departs, Ottavio affirms his confidence in their love. Elvira, frustrated at her second betrayal by the Don, voices her rage.

Leporello catches up with his master in a cemetery, where a voice warns Giovanni of his doom. This is the statue of the Commendatore, which the Don proposes Leporello invite to dinner. When the servant reluctantly stammers an invitation, the statue accepts.

In her home, Anna, still in mourning, puts off Ottavio's offer of marriage until her father is avenged.

Leporello is serving Giovanni's dinner when Elvira rushes in, begging the Don, whom she still loves, to reform. But he waves her out contemptuously. At the door, her screams announce the Commendatore's statue. Giovanni boldly refuses warnings to repent, even in the face of death. Flames engulf his house, and the sinner is dragged to hell.

Among the castle ruins, the others plan their future and recite the moral: Such is the fate of a wrongdoer.

– John W. Freeman for Opera News

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The Soothing Sounds of Jazz Foxbury 3 Jazz Trio 9 p.m. • 206 Front Street Restaurant (upstairs) Admission: Menu Price Foxbury 3 brings you an eclectic mix of pop tunes and jazz standards with unique instrumentation and improvisations.

ABOUT THE ARTISTS: FoxBury 3 was formed in early 2010 and is comprised of three talented musicians from diverse walks of life. Their extensive musical backgrounds allow the members of Foxbury 3 to provide audiences with a truly unique musical experience.

Tracy Carter, vocals, is active as a singer, teacher and conductor.

She holds bachelor degrees in Music Education and Oboe Performance and a Master of Music degree in Choral Conducting. Tracy works as a band director for Madison Central Bands in Madison.

Jason Mathena, vibraphone, has performed and taught throughout the Southeast – from Georgia to Texas. Jason keeps an active performance schedule with the Mississippi Symphony, Gulf Coast Symphony, Meridian Symphony, two small combos, as well as many other solo and chamber commitments.

Bobby Shivers, banjatar/guitar, has been a professional rock and jazz combo musician for more than 40 years. He has played with a variety of bands, including The Jimmy Mullens Big Band, Dreamer, Time Bandit, The Sessions, The Swing Machine and many others. Bobby currently teaches at the Madison Band Program in Madison.

ing Songs of Mississippi and Unexpected Songs. Sarah and Vickie are members of the Mississippi Arts Commission artist roster.

Victoria Johnson recently joined the faculty of Jones County Junior College in Ellisville. She also maintains an independent studio in Hattiesburg. She holds a Ph.D. in Music Education from the University of Oklahoma, an M.M. in Piano Performance from Bowling Green State University, and a B.A. in Music and German from Luther College. Prior to moving to Hattiesburg, Dr. Johnson was assistant professor and coordinator of Piano Pedagogy at Louisiana State University. She has written for Clavier Companion and Piano Pedagogy Forum and has presented at the National Conference on Keyboard Pedagogy, the National Group Piano and Piano Pedagogy Forum, the Piano Wellness Seminar, and numerous state and local music teacher meetings.

Mississippi Songwriter’s Showcase Featuring some of the Magnolia State’s finest songsmiths 1 p.m. • SouthBound Bagel & Coffee Shop Admission: Menu Price

Don Quixote The South Mississippi Ballet 7:30 p.m. • Saenger Theater

FRIDAY, JUNE 15 Spend Awhile with Kurt Weill: A Musical Theatre Journey Sarah Mabary, mezzo-soprano; Victoria Johnson, piano 10:30 a.m. • The Walthall Community Room Admission: Free Many concert-goers today may be more familiar with composer Kurt Weill’s music than with his name. His popular hits include “Mack the Knife” and “Alabama Song,” yet Weill’s musical works for the stage are numerous and varied. “Spend Awhile with Kurt Weill” is a musical theater retrospective, tracing Weill’s life and musical journey from Germany to France to the United States. Join Sarah and Vickie for a concert offering both little-known gems like the “Lottery Agents Tango,” as well as familiar favorites including “Alabama Song,” “Lost in the Stars” and “September Song.”

ABOUT THE ARTISTS: Sarah Mabary has performed multiple world premieres of 21st Century music as well as operas, oratorios, concerts and recitals across the continent. Her most recent operatic engagements include Cio-Cio San’s mother in Mississippi Opera’s production of Madama Butterfly and Katisha in The Mikado at the Natchez Opera Festival. Recent highlights from Mabary’s concert performances include Mozart’s Coronation Mass in C Major at Carnegie Hall in New York City and the world premiere of Edwin Penhorwood’s An American Requiem. Mabary collaborates frequently with pianist Victoria Johnson on recitals, includ-

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Admission: $12 ($6 for 12 and under) Cervantes’ novel, Don Quixote de la Mancha, tells of the adventures of a country gentleman obsessed with chivalry and love. The ballet is based on one episode from the novel and tells a beautiful story of love, separation and reconciliation through dance.

ABOUT THE ARTISTS: South Mississippi Ballet Theatre was founded by Arkadiy and Katya Orohovsky in 2010 and is dedicated to bringing the highest level of classical ballet training to the Hattiesburg area. It is their goal to educate both children and adults about the training, culture and history of classical ballet while offering them a chance to pursue the art in whatever capacity they choose. It is their hope that every student that walks through their doors will come to both love and respect the art of ballet, to increase their sense of self worth, and to gain a deeper knowledge and respect about the world around them. The Orohovskys strive to offer their students an environment that is both caring and disciplined with attention given to the individual needs of each student.

Jazz Goes Gospel The Larry Panella Jazz Quartet 7:30 p.m. • The Bottling Company Admission: $10 ($5 for 12 and under). Also, get 10% off Menu Price with Circle Pass or Same-Day Event Ticket (alcohol excluded) One jazz style of the post Bebop period was a return to more Black oriented roots musical styles including Gospel and Blues and was called Hard Bop or Soul Jazz. Performers of the Hammond B-3 organ

rose to popularity. The organ trios of performers such as Jimmy Smith and Brother Jack McDuff brought a “takin’ it to church” sort of boisterousness to the music that has continued today. “Jazz Goes Gospel” will explore some of that music and will also include originals as well and is sure to entertain the FestivalSouth audience with rompin’ soulful music.

ABOUT THE ARTISTS: Larry Panella serves on the faculty of the University of Southern Mississippi as an associate professor of music and director of the jazz studies program. He is the founder and leader of the USM Jazz Quintet and has performed with numerous artists and entertainers including The Phil Collins Big Band, The Woody Herman Orchestra, Natalie Cole, Steve Allen, Nelson Riddle and Frank Sinatra Jr. His recordings include, “Larry Panella: Under The Influence,” two albums with the Collection Jazz Orchestra, “The Ashley Alexander Big Band,” and “A Hot Night in Paris” by the Phil Collins Big Band, as well as two CD’s by Chris Cortez. His new release, entitled “Gestures Project,” was due out in the spring.

FESTIVALSUNDOWN Late Night Live Featuring Galen Martin 9 p.m. • Brownstones (upstairs) Admission: 10% Off Menu Price with FestivalSouth Circle Pass or Same-Day Event Ticket (alcohol excluded)

Live at the Skylight Lounge

Scott Chism & The Better Half 9 p.m. • The Skylight Lounge Admission: Menu Price Hattiesburg stays up late to hear great popular music at local venues. Grab a group of friends and enjoy an evening of fun!

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Leading Men of the Musical Stage John White, tenor; Tyrone Hayes, baritone 10:30 a.m. • The Peck House, Osher Lifelong Learning Admission: Free “Leading Men of the Musical Stage” offers a glimpse into some of the most familiar operatic characters that audiences have come to love.

Join John and Tyrone for a morning of stories from a professional singer’s life told in music through famous arias, including music from Mozart’s Le Nozze di Figaro, Verdi’s La Traviata, Bizet’s Carmen and more.

ABOUT THE ARTISTS: Florida native John White has appeared recently in a variety of operatic roles, including Turridu in Mascagni’s Cavalleria Rusticana, Luigi in Puccini’s Il Tabarro, The Imperial Commissioner in Puccini’s Madama Butterfly, Schaunard in Puccini’s La Boheme, Germont and Marquis d’Obigny in Verdi’s La Traviata and Papageno in Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte. White has been described as having a “brilliantly metallic voice” and has performed throughout the United States and internationally as a concert soloist.

A native of New Orleans, Tyrone Hayes recently has appeared with the Southern Opera and Musical Theater Company as Alfio in Cavalleria Rusticana, Marcello in La Bohéme, Tonio in I Pagliacci and The Wolf in Seymour Barab's Little Red Riding Hood. Past productions include Falke and Frank in Die Fledermaus, Count Almaviva in Le Nozze di Figaro, Dr. Bartolo in The Barber of Seville, Count Monterone in Rigoletto and the title role in Gianni Schicchi.

Don Quixote The South Mississippi Ballet 2 p.m. • Saenger Theater Admission: $12 ($6 for 12 and under)

ARTIE EVENT FOR KIDS Kids Arts Market 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. • Town Square Park Admission: Free The Arts Market returns this year at a special time and place for kids and their families! Food, fun, music and local celebrities will be there to take photos and sign autographs. Kids can color their own Artie T-shirts or get an Artie tattoo to show their FestivalFlair!

Don Giovanni FestivalOpera 7:30 p.m. • Saenger Theater Admission: $20 ($10 for 12 and under) Please see complete program description on Thursday, June 14.

FESTIVALSUNDOWN Matthew Lawrence 9 p.m. • Brownstones (upstairs) Admission: 10% Off Menu Price with FestivalSouth Circle Pass or Same-Day Event Ticket (alcohol excluded) Hattiesburg stays up late to hear great popular music at local venues. Grab a group of friends and enjoy an evening of fun!

SUNDAY, JUNE 17 FESTIVALSUNDAY FUN & FOOD FestivalBrunch Daniel Schroeder Jazz Trio 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. • The Purple Parrot Admission: Menu Price

FestivalSouth Arts Market Featuring area craftsmen and artisans 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. • Historic Hattiesburg Train Depot Admission: Free

The Daniel Schroeder Trio plays the jazz standards of the Great American Songbook and popular R&B standards. Their swinging interpretations are the perfect match for the delectable cuisine of the Purple Parrot Jazz Brunch.

FestivalSouth Gospel Lunch Roots Gospel Voices of Mississippi

Shop the FestivalSouth Arts Market in the cool environment of the Historic Hattiesburg Train Depot. The Arts Market brings local craftsmen, artisans and tourists together.

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12 noon to 2 p.m. • The Bottling Company Cost: 10% Off Menu Price with FestivalSouth Circle Pass or Same-Day Event Ticket (alcohol excluded)

Quartet for the End of Time

A Taste of Germany

The Vireo Ensemble – Caroline Holden, violin; Jonathan Holden, clarinet; Carrie Pierce, cello; Elizabeth Moak, piano

A Musical Wine Tasting

3 p.m. • OddFellows Gallery and Hall Admission: Free Messiaen's immortal work, “Quartet for the End of Time” does not refer literally to the end of the composer's world. Instead, the joy, sorrow, hope and beauty of human spirituality is cast by Messiaen in light, shade and vivid color. Join Southern Miss faculty Jonathan Holden and Elizabeth Moak and guests Caroline Holden of the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra and Carrie Pierce of Texas A&M, Corpus Christi, in a performance of this masterpiece.

ABOUT THE ARTISTS: Caroline Holden, violin, hails from Kalamazoo, MI. She completed her studies in violin performance from Hope College and Guildhall School of Music and Drama. Her teachers have included Mihai Craioveanu, Yfrah Neaman and Walter Verdehr. Currently, Caroline plays in the violin section of the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra. She also performs with other orchestras in the region and is the adjunct violin professor at William Carey University.

English-born clarinetist Jonathan Holden is assistant professor of Clarinet at the University of Southern Mississippi, a member of the Category 5 wind quintet and The Argot Trio and principal clarinetist of the West Michigan Symphony. He has performed in Britain and the United States as a concert soloist, orchestral and chamber musician. He received his bachelor's and master's degrees from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama where he studied with celebrated recording artist, Dame Thea King, and his doctoral degree from Michigan State University in the studio of Dr. Elsa Verdehr.

Carrie Pierce serves as the assistant professor of music and cello in the Department of Music at Texas A&M University, Corpus Christi.

She holds a bachelor's degree in Music Education and a master's degree in Cello from Michigan State University, as well as her Doctorate of Musical Arts in Cello Performance from the University of Michigan. She has served as principal cellist in the Lansing Symphony Orchestra, as assistant principal cellist in the Traverse City Orchestra, and has won several awards in various competitions.

Noted for her “sensitivity” and “generous imagination” (La Suisse, Geneva, Switzerland), pianist Elizabeth Moak has performed throughout the United States and internationally. Winner of the Mu Phi Epsilon International Competition and several national competitions, Moak has also been recognized for her collaborative work by the Music Academy of the West in Santa Barbara and Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore. In February 2012, MSR Classics released Moak's debut solo recording, "Art, Fire, Soul: Piano Music of Judith Lang Zaimont."

5 p.m. • Purple Parrot Admission: $40 (Cost for this event is not included in the FestivalCircle Pass. Call 601-264-0656 for reservations.)

Expert sommelier Dusty Frierson, the Purple Parrot’s general manager and wine director, selects six delicious German wines to sample.

To accompany each wine, Young Artists from the FestivalSouth Opera Program will sing favorite German songs and arias.

MONDAY, JUNE 18 Latino Nuances Cristol Latino Euridice Alvarez, oboe; Lourdes Santiesteban, piano 10:30 a.m. • Trinity Episcopal Church Admission: Free Experience the tantalizing Latin American rhythms and musical expressions of a rich culture, performed by two native seasoned professionals – The Cristol Latino duo, with Euridice Alvarez and Lourdes Santiesteban. Ranging from Argentine tangos inspired by the immortal Carlos Gardel, to romantic Mexican boleros, to Brazilian and Cuban popular music, guests will taste the different styles and colors that make up the Latin musical palette.

ABOUT THE ARTISTS: Honduras native Euridice Alvarez is an award-winning oboist who frequently performs at music festivals across the nation, including Hot Springs Music Festival in Arkansas, Brevard Music Camp in North Carolina and Camp of the Woods in New York. In Rochester, N.Y. She was oboe professor at the Eastman Community School of Music, Houghton College and Nazareth College.

Alvarez is currently the visiting assistant professor of Oboe at the University of Southern Mississippi.

Cuban pianist and conductor Lourdes Santiesteban has made numerous appearances in Cuba with the Santa Clara Symphony, the Provincial Band and the Matanzas Symphony Orchestra, and she also has been an orchestral guest conductor in Mexico. Santiesteban is a versatile piano accompanist and has given many recitals at the Eastman School of Music and the Eastman Community Music School. Currently she teaches piano at the prestigious Hochsteing School of Music in Rochester, N.Y.

Impressions Alexandre Brussilovsky, violin; Theresa Sanchez, piano 7:30 p.m. • OddFellows Hall Gallery and Hall Admission: $12 ($6 for 12 and under) Alexandre Brussilovsky and Theresa Sanchez bring their expert musicianship to the beautiful sound-world of French Impressionist music.

The program features sonatas for violin and piano by Gabriel Pierné, Jean Françaix and César Franck.

ABOUT THE ARTISTS: Russian violinist and conductor Alexandre Brussilovsky has played in the most prestigious concert halls, including Carnegie Hall in New York City, Bolchoi Hall in Moscow and the

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Théâtre des Champs Elysées in Paris with renowned artists such as Misha Maisky, Maurice André and Lord Yehudi Menuhin. In 1985, after having been prohibited from performing abroad for eight years, Brussilovsky was able to leave the USSR and establish his residency in France. He rebuilt his career, dividing his time between concert performances and teaching. At the same time, his dream of having his own ensemble came true on the creation of the Ensemble Ricercata de Paris.

The Grand Prix winner at both the International Prague Competition in 1969 and at the Jacques Thibaud Competition in 1975, Brussilovsky continues to perform around the world. Brussilovsky serves as artistic director of the “Pont Alexandre III,” a Chamber Music Festival in Paris and Moscow. He is also the founder and president of the Yuri Yankelevitch International Violin Competition in Omsk, Russia.

Pianist Theresa Sanchez pursues a varied performing career as a soloist and collaborative musician. She has presented recitals in the United States, Canada and Europe and has performed as soloist with the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra, the University of Southern Mississippi Symphony Orchestra (including the Southern Nights CD) and The Wind Ensemble. With the Meridian Symphony Orchestra, she premiered and recorded Carey Smith’s Piano Concerto No. 1. Dr. Sanchez was the founding artistic administrator for the Vicksburg International Chamber Music Festival. She has been a faculty member at Jones Junior College since 1995, and is a past president of the Mississippi Music Teachers Association. She was formerly on the faculty of William Carey University and has taught at the Mississippi Keyboard Camp and the Okanagon Summer School of the Arts in British Columbia. From 2003 to 2006 she performed in the International Music Institute in Pontlevoy, France, and joined the Touring Artist Roster of the Mississippi Arts Commission in 2003. She was recently featured on WQXR (New York) Radio’s Reflections from the Keyboard and WMSV Radio’s High Notes. She frequently performs chamber music concerts with the Impromptu Piano Quartet.

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TUESDAY, JUNE 19 ARTIE EVENT FOR KIDS FestivalFriends Character Tea Royal Fairytales Come to Life – Stories, Snacks and Music 10:30 a.m. • Main Street Books Admission: Free Dress in your finest, don your tiara and come to Main Street Books where you will be charmed and entertained by prince and princesses singing your favorite tunes. The morning will begin with refreshments and a reading of popular children’s stories as the princes and princesses serenade the young audience.

American Gems The New Havana Quartet – Quinteto Brasilis; Danilo Mezzadri, flute 3 p.m. • Old Federal Courthouse Admission: Free The Quinteto Brasilis is a collaborative flute and strings ensemble created by flutist Danilo Mezzadri and members of the New Havana Quartet.

This virtuoso group will feature eclectic works by composers from North and South America, including compositions by Tom Jobim, Astor Piazzola and Aaron Copland.

ABOUT THE ARTISTS: Flutist Danilo Mezzadri has been a featured performer on Rede Vida Television in Brazil and by National Public Radio

in the United States. American Record Guide stated that Mezzadri’s recent CD entitled Brazilian Soundscapes, is “music of a high order that deserves a welcome from a global audience." Danilo has given recitals and concerts throughout Europe and the Americas, and his performances have been reviewed as “gorgeous” by the Detroit Press and “with limpid sound, coaxing every ounce of lyricism” by the Jackson Patriot.

The New Havana Quartet is an outstanding Cuban string quartet with an eclectic repertoire that has enabled them to work with many professional classical musicians as well as with pop artists. They recorded the CD “Beatlerianas” with guitarist Edin Karamazov. Also, they have been featured in the Leo Brouwer Chamber Music Festival in Cuba and the Premier Orchestral Institute in Mississippi. The members of the New Havana Quartet play instruments by luthier Jan Pawlikowski of Krakow, Poland, and are sponsored by Dr. Jaime Jimenez.

Ottant’anni The Festival Ensemble: Alexander Russakovsky, cello; Danilo Mezzadri, flute; Maryann Kyle, soprano; Lois Leventhal, piano; Lynn Raley, piano; Joe Brumbeloe, piano 7:30 p.m. • OddFellows Hall Admission: $12 ($6 for 12 and under) Master interpreters of 20th-Century music join forces to bring exciting interpretations of several of the most important works composed during the past 80 years. The evening features music by Rachmaninoff, Martin, Prokofiev, Rzewski and it culminates with a performance of George Crumb’s Apparitions by Maryann Kyle, soprano and Joseph Brumbeloe, pianist.

ABOUT THE ARTISTS: Joseph Brumbeloe, pianist, joined the faculty of the School of Music at Southern Miss in 1999, after having taught music theory at Kenyon College, Washburn University and Kansas State University. He holds a Ph.D. in music theory from Indiana University. His research interests include the theory and literature of the 18th Century, as well as 20th-Century methodologies and music, including jazz. His research has been published in The New Groves Dictionary of Music and Musicians, Theoria, Music Theory, Explorations and Applications, Gamut and The Indiana Theory Review. Additionally, he has delivered papers to meetings of the Society of Music Theory, the College Music Society, the 4th and 5th International Festival of Women Composers, and has prepared critical editions for Kallisti Press.

Maryann Kyle, soprano, is an active performer of opera, concert and recital repertoire, and has shared the concert stage with some of world’s greatest artists, having sung the role of Micaela in Carmen opposite internationally known mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves; performing as a guest soloist with The Miami Festival opposite famed bass-baritone William Warfield; and singing the soprano solos in Mendelssohn’s Elijah opposite baritone Timothy Noble and mezzo-soprano Marietta Simpson.

Kyle has appeared as a soloist on the pop music stage with famed

artists Patti Labelle, Patti Austin, Dionne Warwick, Ann Nesby and Vesta Williams. Kyle’s Sondheim Cabaret premiered in New York City at the Laurie Beechman Theatre/West Bank Café in October 2011.

Lois Leventhal, pianist, received her doctorate of music at Indiana University and is a professor of music at the University of Southern Mississippi. In 1991, Leventhal was the recipient of the University of Southern Mississippi’s Award for Faculty Excellence. Her performing career includes concerto appearances throughout Mississippi, as well as solo and chamber recitals in Chicago, New York, London and, under the auspices of the United States Information Agency, Argentina and Uruguay. Leventhal, whose performances have been broadcast widely, can also be heard with her colleague Lawrence Gwozdz, saxophonist, on CDs on the Crystal and Albany labels.

Flutist Danilo Mezzadri has been a featured performer on Rede Vida Television in Brazil and by National Public Radio in the United States.

American Record Guide stated that Mezzadri’s recent CD, entitled Brazilian Soundscapes, is “music of a high order that deserves a welcome from a global audience." Danilo has given recitals and concerts throughout Europe and the Americas, and his performances have been reviewed as “gorgeous” by the Detroit Press and “with limpid sound, coaxing every ounce of lyricism” by the Jackson Patriot.

Pianist Lynn Raley has performed across the U.S., and in the Netherlands, Canada and Taiwan. Highlights include two international festivals of electro-acoustic music (Santa Fe and Florida), the NewMusicNewCollege series in Sarasota Fla., and lecture-recitals on new music at Rice University, Westminster Choir College and Juilliard. He has performed with the Houston Chamber Symphony (Akira Endo), Rutgers Summerfest Orchestra (Carl St. Clair), Cincinnati Philharmonia (Gerhard Samuel), and the Mississippi Symphony (Crafton Beck). Raley can be heard in contemporary solo and chamber music on the Leonarda and Capstone labels.

Alexander Russakovsky, cellist, has appeared in numerous solo and chamber music performances in Russia, Israel, Europe and the United States. A founding member of the Jerusalem Academy String Quartet, he also performed in the Chamber Music Series of the Spoleto Festival in Italy, the Barge Music in New York City and with the Western Slope Music Festival in Colorado. In the fall of 2001, Dr. Russakovsky joined the music faculty of the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg. Russakovsky recently has given master classes and recitals in Taiwan, Israel and Latin America. A recipient of many awards, he won the Angela and Maurice M. Clairmont Competition in Tel Aviv, the Performing Arts Foundation Competition in Santa Barbara and the 1999 Career Grant of the Esperia Foundation.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20 Songs and Dances for Tuba and Piano Richard Perry, tuba; Lois Leventhal, piano 10:30 a.m. • University Baptist Church Admission: Free "Songs and Dances for Tuba and Piano" celebrates the versatility of the tuba – from beautiful singing melodies to great rhythmic flexibility and excitement. Music heard on this program ranges from Brahms' magnificent "Vier Ernste Gesänge" to Bernstein's whimsical "Waltz for

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Mippy III" and includes excursions into American popular song, Eastern European dance rhythms, and jazz.

ABOUT THE ARTISTS: Richard H. Perry is an active clinician, performer and adjudicator throughout the eastern United States and has been a featured performer at national and international conferences.

Perry is currently a member of the Southern Arts Brass Quintet, faculty quintet-in-residence at USM; the Modern Jazz Tuba Project, a professional jazz tuba/euphonium ensemble; and the Meridian and Gulf Coast symphony orchestras. With the Modern Jazz Tuba Project, Dr. Perry has released two recordings, “Live at the Bottom Line” and “Favorite Things,” that have received critical acclaim. Perry is associate professor of Tuba and Euphonium at the University of Southern Mississippi.

Lois Leventhal, pianist, received her doctorate of music at Indiana University and is a professor of music at the University of Southern Mississippi. In 1991, Ms. Leventhal was the recipient of the University of Southern Mississippi’s Award for Faculty Excellence. Her performing career includes concerto appearances throughout Mississippi, as well as solo and chamber recitals in Chicago, New York, London and under the auspices of the United States Information Agency, Argentina and Uruguay. Leventhal, whose performances have been broadcast widely, can also be heard with her colleague Lawrence Gwozdz, saxophonist, on CDs on the Crystal and Albany labels.

LOL: Laugh Out Loud A Show-tune Cabaret 7:30 p.m. • The Bottling Company Admission: 10% Off Menu Price with FestivalSouth Circle Pass or Same-Day Event Ticket (alcohol excluded) Enjoy some of the funniest songs from the Great White Way in this showcase that will have you literally laughing out loud. Maryann Kyle, Jennifer Hart, Mike Lopinto lead a cast of talented singers in a great night of zany Broadway fun!

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WEDNESDAYS OUT WEST A Night at the Opera & All That Jazz Southern Horn Ensemble 7:30 p.m. • First Presbyterian Church Admission: Free Southern Horns delights audiences with their unique presentation of favorite jazz and opera selections arranged for horn quartet.

ABOUT THE ARTISTS: Southern Horns is an Austin/San Antonio, Texas-based professional horn quartet with extensive ties to the Southern Miss area. Patrick Creel, Chris Pickins, Carrie Strickland and Barbi Van Horn are all Southern Miss graduates. They are also freelance teachers and players in the Austin, New Braunfels and San Antonio areas who maintain studios of approximately 60 students in some of the top middle and high school programs in Texas. The group gives master classes and concerts throughout central Texas, one of the fastest-growing areas of the state, all while pursuing active performing careers. Southern Horns is planning several state, regional and international performances as well as a recording project in the upcoming year.

Patrick Creel has performed with the Austin (Texas), Des Moines, Cedar Rapids (Iowa), Peoria, Quad Cities (Ill.), Louisiana, Meridian and Mississippi symphonies. Besides being active in Southern Horns, he is also a member of 5one2 Brass Quintet. His horn students have earned superior ratings at solo and ensemble at the region and state levels and have been selected for the Texas All State Band and Orchestra. An accomplished pianist, Creel is in high demand as a collaborative pianist in the Austin area.

Jackson native Chris Pickens has performed in several symphonies including the Northwest Florida Philharmonic, Sinfonia Gulf Coast, Northwest Florida Symphony, Meridian Symphony Orchestra and the Mississippi Winds Symphony. In 2004, he performed as a special guest with La Banda dell'Esercito, the Italian Army concert band in Rome, Italy.

Carrie Strickland has held principal positions with the Sinfonia Gulf Coast Symphony, The Philharmonic Society of Northwest Florida, Meridian Symphony Orchestra, and Natchez Opera Festival and performed with orchestras in Mississippi, Florida, Georgia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, as well as Oslo, Norway. Active in solo and chamber competitions, she has been a finalist in the Farkas Competition with the International Horn Society and semi-finalist in the Fischoff International Chamber Music Competition.

Barbi Van Horn has performed in numerous orchestras throughout the Southeast, including the Mississippi Gulf Coast Orchestra, the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra, the Philharmonic Society of Northwest Florida, the Sinfonia Gulf Coast Symphony Orchestra, the Mobile Sym-

phony Orchestra, the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra and the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra. In addition to her orchestral work, Van Horn is an active chamber musician who is currently a member of Southern Horns Quartet, the Pecan Street Brass Quintet, and the Cedar Park Winds.

Washington Post described Stark Johnson as having, "a fine romantic imagination and a rich singing tone on the cello." She also volunteers her time with the cello students at Hattiesburg High School and performs in a variety of ensembles in the area.

Live Music With the Pine Belt Pickers 9 p.m. • Shuckers Admission: Menu Price

Declaration of Love The FestivalSouth Chamber Orchestra; Alexandre Brussilovsky, violinist/conductor 7:30 p.m. • Historic Hattiesburg Train Depot

THURSDAY, JUNE 21 ARTIE EVENT FOR KIDS Crash! Bang! Boom!

Andy Gilstrap, percussion 10:30 a.m. • Historic Hattiesburg Train Depot Admission: Free

Admission: $20 ($10 for 12 and under) Alexandre Brussilovsky leads the FestivalSouth Chamber Orchestra in engaging arrangements of classical and modern love songs and dances.

ABOUT THE ARTIST: Russian violinist and conductor Alexandre Brussilovsky has played in the most prestigious concert halls, including Carnegie Hall in New York City, Bolchoi Hall in Moscow and the Théâtre des Champs Elysées in Paris with renowned artists such as Misha Maisky, Maurice André and Lord Yehudi Menuhin. In 1985, after having been prohibited from performing abroad for eight years, Brussilovsky was able to leave the USSR and establish his residency in France. He rebuilt his career, dividing his time between concert performances and teaching. At the same time, his dream of having his own ensemble came true on the creation of the Ensemble Ricercata de Paris.

The Grand Prix winner at both the International Prague Competition in 1969 and at the Jacques Thibaud Competition in 1975, Brussilovsky continues to perform around the world. Brussilovsky serves as artistic director of the “Pont Alexandre III,” a Chamber Music Festival in Paris and Moscow. He is also the founder and president of the Yuri Yankelevitch International Violin Competition in Omsk, Russia.

The Soothing Sounds of Jazz Foxbury 3 Jazz Trio 9 p.m. • 206 Front Street Restaurant (upstairs) Admission: Menu Price Foxbury 3 brings you an eclectic mix of pop tunes and jazz standards with unique instrumentation and improvisations.

4 String Wonder featuring Rebekah Stark, cello 3 p.m. • St. Thomas Catholic Church Admission: Free The 4 String Wonder Cello Ensemble is an offshoot of Hattiesburg High School's own Chamber Orchestra. This six-member cello ensemble, led by Rebekah Stark Johnson, brings soul to a classical setting.

Come hear the sounds of Motown, traditional spirituals and energetic classical tunes arranged specifically for this unique ensemble.

ABOUT THE ARTIST: As a soloist, chamber musician and orchestral player, cellist Rebekah Stark Johnson has toured throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and Europe. With the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, she performed in Carnegie Hall in 1988 and toured Europe in 1989. In her most recent performance with Trio Bolero, the

ABOUT THE ARTISTS: FoxBury 3 was formed in early 2010 and is comprised of three talented musicians from diverse walks of life. Their extensive musical backgrounds allow the members of Foxbury 3 to provide audiences with a truly unique musical experience.

Tracy Carter, vocals, is active as a singer, teacher, and conductor.

She holds bachelor degrees in Music Education and Oboe Performance and a Master of Music degree in Choral Conducting. Tracy works as a band director for Madison Central Bands in Madison.

Jason Mathena, vibraphone, has performed and taught throughout the Southeast, from Georgia to Texas. Jason keeps an active performance schedule with the Mississippi Symphony, Gulf Coast Symphony, Meridian Symphony, two small combos (Foxbury 3 and B-PAC), as well as many other solo and chamber commitments.

Bobby Shivers, banjatar/guitar, has been a professional rock and jazz combo musician for more than 40 years. He has played with a variety of bands, including The Jimmy Mullens Big Band, Dreamer, Time Bandit, The Sessions, The Swing Machine and many others. Bobby currently teaches at the Madison Band Program in Madison.

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FRIDAY, JUNE 22 Summer Dreams Argot Trio 10:30 a.m. • Parkway Heights United Methodist Admission: Free The Argot Trio returns to FestivalSouth with a program celebrating the days of summer. It begins with 'Dream Tracks' – a warm and placid introduction to the season. Also featured is the exciting premiere of a work dedicated to the Argot Trio by Mississippi composer Buck McDaniels. Ned Rorem's 'The End of Summer' rounds out the program.

ABOUT THE ARTISTS: Caroline Holden, violin, hails from Kalamazoo, MI. She completed her studies in violin performance from Hope College and Guildhall School of Music and Drama. Her teachers have included Mihai Craioveanu, Yfrah Neaman and Walter Verdehr. Currently, Caroline plays in the violin section of the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra. She also performs with other orchestras in the region, and is the adjunct violin professor at William Carey University.

English-born clarinetist Jonathan Holden is assistant professor of Clarinet at the University of Southern Mississippi, a member of the Category 5 wind quintet and The Argot Trio and principal clarinetist of the West Michigan Symphony. He has performed in Britain and the United States as a concert soloist, orchestral and chamber musician. He received his bachelor's and master's degrees from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama where he studied with celebrated recording artist, Dame Thea King, and his doctoral degree from Michigan State University in the studio of Dr. Elsa Verdehr.

Lois Leventhal, pianist, received her doctorate of music at Indiana University and is a professor of music at The University of Southern Mississippi. In 1991, Ms. Leventhal was the recipient of The University of Southern Mississippi’s Award for Faculty Excellence. Her performing career includes concerto appearances throughout Mississippi, as well as solo and chamber recitals in Chicago, New York, London and under the auspices of the United States Information Agency, Argentina and Uruguay. Leventhal, whose performances have been broadcast widely, can also be heard with her colleague Lawrence Gwozdz, saxophonist, on CDs on the Crystal and Albany labels.

Mississippi Songwriter’s Showcase Featuring some of the Magnolia State’s finest songsmiths 1 p.m. • SouthBound Bagel & Coffee Shop Admission: Menu Price

Hear them Roar: An Every Man's Guide to Opera!

The P3 Vocal Ensemble – Lori Birrer, Mattie Obregon, Hali Hutchison, sopranos 3 p.m. • Temple B’nai Israel Admission: Free “Hear them Roar!” is a humorous introduction to the wonderful world of opera, great for those who love the genre and those who know nothing other than the phrase “it isn’t over till the fat lady sings.” This entertaining program will address the funny stereotypes associated with opera, the awkward moments found within operas, and give the audience a taste of some beautiful music.

ABOUT THE ARTISTS: Indiana native Lori Birrer, mezzo-soprano, has recently sung a variety of roles, including Mother in Ragtime, Zita in Gianni Schicchi, Cherubino in Le nozze di Figaro and Kathy in Company. Birrer has been seen the past two summers performing with The Ohio Light Opera Company in Wooster, Ohio, where she sang the roles of Rafael in Victor Herbert’s The Fortune Teller, and Edith in Pirates of Penzance. She can also be heard on Albany Record’s recordings of both of these shows.

Florida native Hali Hutchison, soprano, has appeared as Mrs. Hayes in Floyd's Susannah, Denise in Offenbach's Le mariage aux lanterns, and covered Papagena in Die Zauberflöte. Her production team credits include serving as head costumer for the Southern Opera and Musical Theater Company's productions of Cavalleria Rusticana and Il Tabarro and assistant musical director for the Florida Players' production of Floyd Collins.

Mattie Obregón, a Virginia native, specializes in the lyric soprano repertoire. Representative roles include Pamina in Mozart's Die Zauberflöte, Donna Anna in Mozart's Don Giovanni, Mimi in Puccini's La Boheme, Nella in Puccini's Gianni Schicchi, and the title role in Puccini's Suor Angelica. Most recently, Ms. Obregón sang the role of Giorgetta from Puccini's Il Tabarro with The Southern Opera and Musical Theatre Company.

Vasti Jackson presents The Best of the Mississippi Blues: Music, Fashion, Dining and Dancing!

7:30 p.m. • The Bottling Company Admission: $16 ($8 for 12 and under). Also, you get 10% Off Menu Price with FestivalSouth Circle Pass or Same-Day Event Ticket (alcohol excluded) Dress in your best Blues attire and get ready to dance with Vasti

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Jackson singing the Mississippi Blues! Men, we suggest fedoras, skinny ties and a black suit. Women, pick your favorite cocktail dress.

Or dress up like your favorite performer…and don’t forget your dancin’ shoes!

ABOUT THE ARTIST: Guitarist, songwriter and producer Vasti Jackson is a soulful musician who captivates his audiences the moment he takes the stage. Jackson describes “The Best of the Mississippi Blues” and his new CD, No Border to the Blues, with the following words, "There’s music that’s more traditional blues, acoustic, electrified and more rocking, but at the core of it is a compelling Mississippi attitude."

Jackson’s other activities during the past several years include appearances in a documentary, a TV show and several feature films, and the co-production of a Grammy-nominated album.

Join Jason Mathena as he shows off instruments from the wild world of percussion. His captivating and entertaining demonstration is fun for all ages. Kids can also learn about all kinds of instruments in the “petting zoo,” with brass, wind and string instruments all along the pathways of the zoo.

Orchestral Academy Concert 11 a.m. • USM Bennett Auditorium Admission: Free

FESTIVALSUNDOWN Wes Lee 9 p.m. • Brownstones (upstairs)

FestivalFinale

Admission: 10% Off Menu Price with FestivalSouth Circle Pass or Same-Day Event Ticket (alcohol excluded)

Sandi Patty and The FestivalOrchestra Presented by Forrest General Hospital 7:30 p.m. • Temple Baptist Church Admission: $25, $40 & $55 ($15 for 12 and under)

SATURDAY, JUNE 23 ARTIE EVENT FOR KIDS (AND GROWN-UPS TOO!) The FestivalFamily Jungle Brunch Starring “Jungle Jason” with his Wild Musical World and Instrument Petting Zoo 11 a.m. • USM Bennett Auditorium Admission: Free

As one of the most highlyacclaimed performers of our time with 5 Grammy awards, 4 Billboard Music Awards, 3 platinum records, 5 gold records, and 11 million units sold, Sandi Patty is simply known as The Voice. The most awarded female vocalist in contemporary Christian music history returns to Hattiesburg to perform some of her greatest hits, patriotic and Broadway classics.

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Best Place To Dance The Grand Ballroom of Hattiesburg

Best Live Club or Party DJ The Bottling Company www.thebottlingco.com • 126 Mobile St. • Hattiesburg

Best Party of the Year Junior Auxiliary Charity Ball www.hattiesburgjuniorauxiliary.org

Best Performing Artist Mike Russell of Petal (aka Elvis) Mike Russell

Best Place To Dance The Grand Ballroom of Hattiesburg www.thegrandballroomhattiesburg.com

Best Place To See Local Art The A-Gallery www.theagallery.com • 134 E. Front St. • Hattiesburg

Best Scenester/Mover & Shaker Adam Myrick and Jason LeViere of Click Boutique www.popintheshop.com • 138 E. Front St. • Hattiesburg

Best Visual Artist Hattiesburg artist Scottie Whigham

Artwork by Scottie Whigham

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www.thegrandballroomhattiesburg.com The Grand Ballroom of Hattiesburg bills itself as The Hub City's newest Premier Ballroom and Latin Dance Studio.

But in addition to serving as a dance studio, the facility is also available for such things as your next party, reception or special event.

Check with them for availability and rates, which they feel you’ll find very affordable.

“You'll find that you can get a "grand" facility for an economical rate,” said Rebecca Chandler, owner and instructor.

“Whether you want to attend a formal ball or a calorie-burning Latin dance workout, you'll find that The Grand Ballroom of Hattiesburg offers something to meet your needs,” he said. “Our facility provides a canvas where you or your event can be classically elegant or sultry and sexy.”

They offer instruction in American Smooth and Rhythm as well as International Standard and Latin dance styles.

The facility, located at 1604 South 28th Ave., features 2,500 square feet of floating hardwood dance floor, seating for 60 and a sound system that can play your music or their arrangements. And it’s all put together in a classically elegant decor.

The business offers the only 100 percent Dvida certified staff in Hattiesburg. Staff members include Chandler, Kelly Vuyovich and Kyle Tullos.

Chandler is a 2007 graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi and holds a BFA in Dance Performance and Choreography as well as a ballroom and Latin dance certification in the DVIDA syllabus.

She also has background in ballet, tap, jazz, modern and hip-hop.

From 2004-2007, she served as the choreographer for the Miss University of Southern Mississippi pageant, and now serves as the choreographer/assistant coach for the Southern Misses dance team.

Their resident ballroom coach is Kelly Vuyovich, a ballroom teaching, coaching and judging veteran with 34 years of professional dance experience.

Vuyovich is a certified teacher and adjudicator with the National Dance Council of America in American Smooth, American Rhythm, International Standard International Latin and Theatrical Styles. He holds teaching certifications in DVIDA, Fred Astaire and Arthur Murray dance syllabi. He previously owned Illuminations DanceSport in Hattiesburg, which was ranked for two years as one of the Top 5 studios in the U.S. Tullos, an instructor, is a certified professional ballroom and Latin dance instructor/choreographer, as well as a Country Western instructor and choreographer. He has been teaching for five years and is currently a student at the University of Southern Mississippi studying dance and photography.

The entertainment venue has recently concluded a Dancing Like the Stars amateur Couple competition. The competition ran parallel with Season 14 of the popular TV series, Dancing with the Stars, which airs on Monday night. Local couples dance on Friday night.

Best Sports/Rec Program Petal Family YMCA www.ymca.net • 547 Hillcrest Loop • Petal

Best Afterschool Activity/Program Olympic Warrior www.owgagymnastics.com • 4099 Old Highway 11 • Purvis

Best Birthday Cakes Jody’s www.jodysbakery.com • 6058 U.S. Highway 49 • Hattiesburg

Best Clothing Dillard’s www.dillards.com • 1000 Turtle Creek Dr. • Hattiesburg

Best Daycare Grace Community

The Petal Family YMCA is active year-round, but for many, YMCA is synonymous with summer activities.

Summer Day Camp at the Petal Family YMCA began May 23 and runs throughout the summer. Other summer activities include Swim America and the Summer Swim League, YMCA Basketball Camp, Soccer Camp, Flag Football Camp, Zumbalicious Camp and Watersports Camp.

The Petal Family YMCA opened its doors to the public on March 31, 2003 at a cost of $3.5 million. Expansions and renovations of the Petal YMCA and Family YMCA were made in 2008-2009.

Last month the Petal Family YMCA held its annual Campaign for Youth and Families, with a goal of raising $20,000. Last year, the Petal Family YMCA alone provided scholarships and program subsidies totaling more than $50,000. Financial assistance keeps the Y available for youth and families who need it most.

The Petal Family YMCA, located at 547 Hillcrest Loop, is open 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 1-5 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, contact the Petal Family YMCA at 601-583-9399.

www.whaleschool.com • 30 Pioneer Rd. South • Hattiesburg

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Best Kids’ Haircut

Best Local TV Personality

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WDAM weatherman Nick Ortego

102-B N. 38th Ave. • Hattiesburg

www.wdam.com

Best Party Place Kids Rule www.kidsrulekingdom.com • 6555 U.S. 98 #25 • Hattiesburg

Best Summer Camp Hattiesburg Zoo Camp www.hattiesburgzoo.org • 107 S. 17th Ave. • Hattiesburg

Best Local TV News Program

Nick Ortego, who began reporting for WDAM-TV in 2003, switched from full time in news to full time in weather in February, 2007. Since that time, he has been named “Best Weathercaster” by the Mississippi Associated Press Broadcasters Association in 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010.

Although he was born in Louisiana and raised in Northern Virginia, Ortego calls Hattiesburg home. He began reporting for WDAM after attending the University of Southern Mississippi.

While covering many top stories at WDAM, Ortego also frequently worked morning and evening weather, and covered Hurricane Katrina as it passed through the Pine Belt in 2005.

“Reporting and forecasting is one of the most rewarding jobs there is,” Ortego said. “If one person is less apathetic because of something I reported, I know my job is worthwhile.”

WDAM www.wdam.com

Best Local Non-'Signature' Product Best Local News Website WDAM.com

Hattiesburg American www.hattiesburgamerican.com • 825 N. Main St. • Hattiesburg

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Best Radio Station B95 www.b95country.com • 4580 Hwy 15 N. • Laurel

Best Day Trip – Wet Ship Island off the Mississippi Gulf Coast

Best Radio Deejay Don King of SL100 www.sl100.com • 6555 Hwy 98 West, Suite 8 • Hattiesburg

Best Annual Event HubFest www.theadp.com/chamber-of-commerce/hubfest

Best Bike Ride Longleaf Trace www.longleaftrace.org

www.msshipisland.com The sand islands of Ship Island are filled with history, but, mostly, offer the exquisite surroundings of some of the last undeveloped barrier islands in the United States.

Locals and visitors consistently rate the 22-mile round trip to Ship Island as the Coast’s premier waterborne experience. During the summer months (May 12-Aug. 12) ferries generally leave from Gulfport at 9 a.m. and noon and leave Ship Island at 2:30 and 5 p.m. The schedules can be affected by weather: For updates, call 228-864-1014.

Reservations are accepted only for large groups. Tickets go on sale one hour before departure. Boat tickets can be purchased and rental items reserved at the Gulfport ticket office. Restrooms are provided on the boats, and restrooms, showers, drinking water and a shaded picnic area are available on the island. Shade is limited, however, and visitors should be prepared for extreme heat and humidity in mid-June through August.

Hurricane Camille split the island into two separate islands in 1969.

West Ship Island, the main tourist attraction, is the site of Fort Massachusetts. The island’s first lighthouse was built in 1853 and was replaced by a wooden lighthouse in 1886, which was accidentally burned down by campers in 1972. A commemorative reproduction dedicated in 1999 was reduced to rubble by Hurricane Katrina.

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Best Place to Workout Petal Family YMCA www.ymca.net • 547 Hillcrest Loop • Petal

Best Day Trip – Dry Hattiesburg Zoo www.hattiesburgzoo.org • 107 S. 17th Ave. • Hattiesburg

Best Place to Play Golf Timberton www.timbertongolf.com • 22 Clubhouse Dr. • Hattiesburg

Best Place to Camp Flint Creek in Wiggins

Best Secret Romantic Hideaway Meador Homestead Bed & Breakfast www.meadorhomestead.com • 6775 US Hwy 49 • Hattiesburg

Best Volunteer Petal’s Hazel Easterling of VFW Ladies Auxiliary Hazel Easterling of Petal, a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Ladies Auxiliary for the past 14 years, stays busy year-round, but it is possibly her work with the VFW Buddy Poppy program that is most visible.

According to the VFW Web site, the VFW held its first poppy distribution before Memorial Day in 1922. Since then, the poppy has been adopted as the official memorial flower of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. In 1924, the VFW registered the name “Buddy Poppy” with the U.S. Patent Office and was granted the name of Buddy under the classification of artificial flowers.

Poppies have long been associated with veterans, at least since John McCrae’s poem, “In Flanders Fields” – which begins, “In Flanders fields the poppies blow/Between the crosses, row on row…

We are the Dead. Short days ago/We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,/Loved and were loved, and now we lie/In Flanders fields” -- was written during World War I. This year’s local Buddy Poppy drive was held about six weeks ago and raised about $5,000 in donations, Easterling said.

Easterling also annually creates decorations which are displayed at VFW Post 3036 each Memorial Day.

Best Elected Official State Rep. Toby Barker of Hattiesburg www.tobybarker.com

Best Non-Profit Organization

Best Unsung, Behind-the-Scenester

Southern Pines Animal Shelter

John Brown, Assistant to the Mayor of Hattieburg

www.southernpinesanimalshelter.org • 1901 N. 31st Ave. • Hattiesburg

www.hattiesburgms.com

Best Hattiesburg Icon (person) Robert St. John, chef/owner of Hattiesburgs Purple Parrot, Crescent City Grill, Mahogony Bar and Tabella’s www.nsrg.com

Best City Official City Councilman David Ware www.daveware.net

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Best Auto Service/Repair 98 Tire & Service 6797 U.S. 98 • Hattiesburg

Best Barbershop/Hair Salon Downtown Tonsorial Parlor 119 East Pine St. • Hattiesburg

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Best Florist Blooms www.bloomsgardenshop.com • 127 Buschman St. • Hattiesburg

Best Landscape Services Heritage Lawn & Garden Center 4404 West 4th St • Hattiesburg

Best Medical Care/Hospital Forrest General Hospital www.forrestgeneral.com • 6051 U.S. 49 • Hattiesburg

Best Photographer

Best Pedicure/Manicure

Ramona Lisa Photography

Serenity Nail Spa

www.ramonalisaphotography.com

24 Cross Creek Parkway • Hattiesburg

Ramona Lisa Wicht arrived on the Pine Belt scene in 2008 after relocating from St. Louis, Mo. Since that time, she has quickly embraced her inner Southern Belle, capturing images of her love for the people, personalities and natural beauty in Southern Mississippi.

According to Wicht, she has been passionate about photography since childhood. Though she holds a Master’s degree in counseling and specializes in therapy with children and families, she feels that photography is her calling. “Behind the camera, my expertise in counseling gives me an edge in capturing fascinating details and relational dynamics,” she said. In her digital darkroom, Wicht devotes great time and attention to perfecting images and creating inspiring portraits. During her leisure time, she is committed to studying photography techniques and innovations to enhance her artistic style.

While her favorite subjects are children, she enjoys capturing God’s glory in everyday people, places and things. “My photography illustrates contrast, intensity and true emotion,” she said. “Through composition and framing, I draw the eye to the interplay of light, color and shadow in each image.”

A wife and homeschooling mother of three (with number four due in July), Wicht continually strives to achieve the delicate balance between family life and artistic pursuits. She focuses primarily on philanthropic endeavors, while creating commercial artwork and family portrait sessions. She is currently designing a studio in Hattiesburg to bring greater options and accessibility to her clients.

Wicht’s photographic work has been commissioned across the country. Her passion, creativity and dedication have earned her the honor of Best Photographer of the Pine Belt in 2011 and 2012 from FestivalSouth and Signature Magazine. Her fine art images are on display at A Gallery in downtown Hattiesburg and on her website, www.RamonaLisaPhotography.com

Best Car Wash Rain Forest

Best Pet Groomer Rhonda Grissom, owner of Rhonda’s Groom Room in Petal 194 Old Rifle Range Rd. • Petal

Best Printer/Copies Bourne Brothers www.bournebrothers.com • 5276 U.S. 49 • Hattiesburg

Best Spa Eden MediSpa www.edenms.com • 39 Franklin Rd #200 • Hattiesburg

Best Tattoo Artist Lady Luck 6230 U.S. 49 • Hattiesburg

www.rainforestclean.com • 5026 Hardy St. • Hattiesburg

Best Dry Cleaner Town & Country 3400 Hardy St. • Hattiesburg

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Best Veterinarian Dr. Nate Mosley of Petal Animal Clinic 214 Highway 42 • Petal

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Best Drugstore/Pharmacy Walnut Square Pharmacy

Best Antiques/Collectibles

www.walnutsquarepharmacy.com • 124 Walnut Circle • Hattiesburg

Calico Mall www.calicomall.com • 309 East Pine St. • Hattiesburg

Best Home Furnishings Living Today Homestore www.livingtodayhomestore.com • 6190 U.S. Highway 98 • Hattiesburg

Best Liquor Store Blue Moon Spirits

Best Car Dealership

2313 Hardy St., #A • Hattiesburg

Petro Nissan www.petronissan.com • 6248 U.S. 98 • Hattiesburg

Best Bookstore

Best Clothing

Main Street Books

Click

www.visitmainstreetbooks.com

www.popintheshop.com • 138 East Front St. • Hattiesburg

• 205 Main St. • Hattiesburg

Best Computer Store/Repair Computer Karma www.mycomputerkarma.com • 2100 Hardy St. • Hattiesburg

Best Hardware Store Economy Supply www.economysupply.org • 200 East 2nd St. • Hattiesburg

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Best Thrift/Vintage Store Polly Esther’s Closet 6202 U.S. Highway 49 • Hattiesburg Want to dance the night away in a true John Travolta disco-era fashion or need the perfect head adornment for a Kentucky Derby party?

Need, want or just-got-to-have a pair of authentic Grease spiked heels like Olivia Newton John paraded around in, a 1980’s-era Levi’s 501 blue jeans jacket (one of their most requested items) or a vintage train case from yesteryear to carry it all in? Then Polly Esther’s Closet should be at the top of your shopping list.

And while their merchandise and frame of mind may be vintage, Polly Esthers Closet, billed as Hattiesburg’s oldest and largest vintage and retro clothing boutique, has only been in existence since 2005.

From their humble beginnings in the Calico Antique Mall in historic downtown Hattiesburg to their second store, the bright yellow building on Hwy 49 Frontage across from USM’s football stadium, the owners, Jennifer and Philip Schreck, are dedicated to bringing their customers the best in vintage fashion.

According to an article in USM’s Student Printz, the Schrecks relocated to the Hub City from Austin, Texas, and with them they brought a piece of fashion from a city that can best be described as the "mecca of vintage."

In 2010, the Schrecks, tired of the corporate world and after a few years of picking and selling as a hobby, decided it was time to pursue their true love and open their own store. “We lived in Austin, Texas, well known as a vintage and retro mecca,” said Jennifer. “It was going to be difficult to compete with established stores, so with support and encouragement from family members we were convinced Hattiesburg was ready for a first- rate retro vintage fashion establishment.”

The couple packed up their entire household, “found a primo store location, and opened in our bigger and better location in the spring of 2011. But at the same time we didn't abandon our location at Calico Antique Mall,” she said. There you can find retro housewares and midcentury furniture needs.

“Our founder and vintage visionary was wearing vintage years before it became a recognized fashion style,” says the business’ Facebook page. “After her closets were full, she began selling as a hobby to support the animals living at her private animal sanctuary.”

It’s their pledge to continue to help their furry friends through the second store. Customers browsing amongst the rooms shouldn’t be surprised to find an animal or two browsing alongside them since the store is billed as pet friendly. And on warm, sunny days customers are sure to find a cat or two enjoying a sunbeam on the porch.

Best Record and CD Shop T-Bone Records www.tbonescafe.com • 2101 Hardy St. • Hattiesburg

Best Hotel Courtyard by Marriott www.marriott.com • 119 Grand Dr. • Hattiesburg

Best Barista Josh Aldy of The Depot Coffee House & Bistro www.thedepotbistro.com • 127 Buschman St. • Hattiesburg

Best Bar Ambience Purple Parrot www.purpleparrotcafe.net • 3810 Hardy St. • Hattiesburg

Best Buffet Mack’s Catfish West www.mackswestms.com • 7329 U.S. Highway 98 W • Hattiesburg

Best Shoe Selection Sack’s Outdoor Supplies www.sacksoutdoors.com • 200 East Pine St. • Hattiesburg

Best Unique Find Southern Fried Comics www.southernfriedcomics.com • 136 East Front St. • Hattiesburg

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Best Fast Food Baker’s Burgers www.bakersburgers.com • 6154 U.S. 49 • Hattiesburg

Best Place To Take a First Date Crescent City Grill

At Bakers Burger Co., “Everything’s from scratch,” is not just a tag line. The locally-owned, fast casual restaurant maintains a simple, focused menu, making everything – from the fresh baked buns, pies and cookies, hand-formed burgers and hand-cut fries to the scratch chili and spicy ranch dressing -- in-house from top quality ingredients.

The restaurant, located at 6154 Highway 49 just off of Hardy Street in Hattiesburg, celebrated its second anniversary this spring.

It is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sundays through Thursdays and from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

For more information about the restaurant, including a full menu, visit the restaurant’s Web site at www.bakersburger.com.

www.crescentcitygrill.net • 3810 Hardy St. • Hattiesburg

Best Beer Selection Keg & Barrel www.kegandbarrel.com • 1315 Hardy St. • Hattiesburg

Best Brunch Purple Parrot www.purpleparrotcafe.net • 3810 Hardy St. • Hattiesburg

Best Cheap Date Old Athens Grill www.oldathensgrill.com • 6174 U.S. 49 • Hattiesburg

Best Food Event The Depot Coffee House & Bistro Wine/Beer Tasting 6202 U.S. Highway 49 • Hattiesburg

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Best Full-Service Bakery

Best Late Night/All-Night

C’est la Vie

Mahogany Bar

3901 Hardy St. #50 • Hattiesburg

3810 Hardy St. • Hattiesburg

Best Local Cocktail Purple Parrot Lemon Basil Martini www.purpleparrotcafe.net • 3810 Hardy St. • Hattiesburg

Best Bartender Terry at the Purple Parrot

Best Grocery

www.purpleparrotcafe.net • 3810 Hardy St. • Hattiesburg

Corner Market www.cornermarketms.com

Best Happy Hour Mahogany Bar

Best New Restaurant Tabella 3720 Hardy St. #23A • Hattiesburg

3810 Hardy St. • Hattiesburg

Best Intimate Dining

Best Restaurant to Take Your Kids

Purple Parrot Cafe

Rocket City Diner

www.purpleparrotcafe.net • 3810 Hardy St. • Hattiesburg

www.rocketcitydinerms.com • 6555 U.S. Highway 98 W. • Hattiesburg

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Best Restaurant to Take Parents Mack’s West

Lincoln Road Package Store

www.mackswestms.com • 7329 U.S. Highway 98 W. • Hattiesburg

www.lincolnroadpackagestore.com • 2800 Lincoln Rd. • Hattiesburg

Best Restaurant within 60 Miles

Best Mexican

Backdoor Cafe

Mama Alma’s Kitchen

www.backdoorrestaurant.com • 705 Main St. • Columbia

5096 Old Highway 42 • Hattiesburg

Best Restaurant We Wish Were Still Open Seasons

Best Service/Waitstaff

Best Italian Tabella 3720 Hardy St. #23A • Hattiesburg

Best Chinese

Mack’s West

Best Wok

www.mackswestms.com • 7329 U.S. Highway 98 W. • Hattiesburg

28 Market Court • Hattiesburg

Best Takeout

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Best Restaurant Overall

Best Wok

Mack’s West

28 Market Court • Hattiesburg

www.mackswestms.com • 7329 U.S. Highway 98 W. • Hattiesburg

Best Dessert White Chocolate Bread Pudding, Crescent City Grill www.crescentcitygrill.net • 3810 Hardy St. • Hattiesburg

Best Appetizer Crabmeat Wonton, Crescent City Grill www.crescentcitygrill.net • 3810 Hardy St. • Hattiesburg

Best Barbeque Pulled Pork, Leatha’s BBQ Inn 6374 U.S. Highway 98 • Hattiesburg

Best Hamburger The McDonald, Mugshots www.mugshotsgrillandbar.com • 204 North 40th Ave. • Hattiesburg

Best Steak Filet, Purple Parrot www.purpleparrotcafe.net • 3810 Hardy St. • Hattiesburg

Throughout the United States and, now, Europe, Hattiesburg native Robert St. John is probably best known as a food writer, with a syndicated newspaper column and more than a half-dozen books to his credit. But in Hatttiesburg, he is definitely best known as executive chef, president and CEO of the Crescent City Grill, Purple Parrot Café and, now, Tabella.

Known for its seafood, pasta, soups and salads, Crescent City Grill, located at 3810 Hardy Street, is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and from 11 a.m. until 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

St. John, who has been featured on The Food Network, The Travel Channel and the Turner South network, was named the state’s top chef

by Mississippi Magazine in 2006 and 2007 and The Purple Parrot Café, the sister restaurant to the Crescent City Grill, was named the best fine dining restaurant in Mississippi in 2007.

Best Comfort Food Chicken & Dumplings, Movie Star 5213 Old Highway 11 • Hattiesburg

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Best Hot Dog Nathan’s Famous Hotdogs, Gadsby’s Good Grub www.lincolnroadpackagestore.com • 2800 Lincoln Rd. • Hattiesburg

Best Chips and Salsa Mama Alma’s www.lincolnroadpackagestore.com • 2800 Lincoln Rd. • Hattiesburg

Best Seafood Dish Fried Oyster Salad, Po-Boy Express (Oak Grove) 6470 U.S. Highway 98 West • Hattiesburg

Best Breakfast The Ham, Egg & Cheese on Jalepeno Bagel at Southbound Bagel 217 East Front St. • Hattiesburg

Best Bread Hamburger Buns, Mug Shots www.lincolnroadpackagestore.com • 2800 Lincoln Rd. • Hattiesburg

Best Soup Corn & Crab Bisque, Crescent City Grill www.crescentcitygrill.net • 3810 Hardy St. • Hattiesburg

Best Salad/Dressing

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Best Ice Cream Snappy Turtle, Bop’s www.lincolnroadpackagestore.com • 2800 Lincoln Rd. • Hattiesburg

Best Sandwich

Sensation Dressing, Crescent City

Steak Bomb, Po-Boy Express (Oak Grove)

www.crescentcitygrill.net • 3810 Hardy St. • Hattiesburg

6470 U.S. Highway 98 West • Hattiesburg

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Best Sushi Sakura 6194 U.S. Highway 49 • Hattiesburg

Best Coffee Pour Over, The Depot Coffee House & Bistro www.thedepotbistro.com • 127 Buschman St. #50 • Hattiesburg

Best Pizza Bianchi’s Pizzeria www.bianchispizzeria.com • 128 East Front St. • Hattiesburg

Painting with a Twist www.paintingwithatwist.com/hattiesburg • 5064 Hardy St. • Hattiesburg

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Night under the lights...

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resbyterian Christian High School students and other Pine Belt students enjoyed the annual rite of passage – the prom. A Night Under the Lights was the theme for this year’s PCS event held at The Venue in Downtown Hattiesburg. See prom photos from PCS, Oak Grove, Purvis, Sumrall and Petal.

See more, Pages 86-90

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TALL PINES GARDEN CLUB

The bunny trail

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he Tall Pines Garden Club held its Easter Egg Hunt at the Circle C Ranch in Dixie.

Club members had a Stretch and Grow playtime with the children before the egg hunt began.

Julie, Olivia, Blake Breazeale

Anna Caston, Amber, Sheperd and Jeff Keene

Risi Todd, Katie Dixon

Hannah and Heather Conn

Misty Smith with Strauss, Rivers Royals and Sienna Styles

Katey Wilson, Leslie Cucullu, JoJo Brady

Terri, Lucy and Courtney Parker

Gypsy and Noah Shemper, Hannah Conn

Paige Pattie, Emma, Bella and Ava

Lucy Parker

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Christi Penn, Cooper, Rivers, Simmons

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he Pinebelt Chapter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes welcomed Atlanta Braves legend John Smoltz to serve as guest speaker during its first FCA Good Friday Breakfast of Champions. The event was held at the Lake Terrace Convention Center. Mitch Williams serves as director of the Pinebelt chapter.

Deidra and Michael Gammill

Taylor Rae and Patty Norwood

Makalah Wand, Madelyn and Jessica Johnson, Rosa Lea Stewart, Brooke Anne McWilliams, Jennifer Carr

Jackson Allen, Christian Doleac

Freddie Triplett, Mike Smith, Rod Little

BREAKFAST OF CHAMPIONS

A home run

John Smoltz

Hannah Cook-Kelley, Kayleigh Anspach, Kye Wilson, Zachary Magee, Daniel Covert, Macie Foreman

John Smoltz, Mitch Williams

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ELITE FASHION SHOW

Hub City Fashion Week

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he first C Studio Elite Fashion Show found local high school juniors and seniors walking the cat walk at the Bottling Company in downtown Hattiesburg. Emceeing the show were Jeff Krapf of Los Angeles, the voice of the San Diego Padres, and Lauren Jones of Jackson, who owns her own show and apparel company. C Studio donated $2,000 to the Arc.

Mary Kate, Maggie Grace and Sherry Morgan

Lacey Ragusa, Lisa Baker, Kimberly Byrd, Lynn Smith

Alese James, Rachel Perkins, Merritt Price, Anna Pasco, Caroline Riley, Mary Franklin McCarthy

Brenda Blackwell, Caroline Walker, Rebecca Gemes, Breanne Sullivan

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McKenlie Graham, Natalie Hall, Laine Phillips

Sophie and Angela Woods

Lynn and Lauren Tedford, Gentry Somerville

Kaelyn Sydboten, Mallory Jennings, Fusannah Carpenter

Catherine Harmon, Summer Morrissette, Gabbie Munn

Cheryl Eager, Lynda Ford

Alexis Peters, Margaret Felsher

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FORREST/LAMAR DYW

Allison Slusher, Savannah Bynum, Madison Bourne, Anna Kate Karstens

Betsy Mercier, Sam Stevens, Sarah McLain

Cristina Friend, Mary Catherine Sobiesk, Mary Morgan Gratwick, Brianna Weiss, Elise McMurry

Deidra and Dalacey Minor

Jeffrey McIver, Iris Buckley, Shelby Dees, Kyle Giacona

Dylan Dearman, Meagan Garbee, Henry Fox

Distinguished Young Women

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or the first time in the history of their programs, the Lamar and Forrest County Distinguished Young Woman programs joined forces for their annual competition. This year’s joint event was held at the Saenger Theater. Chloe Sanders was named Lamar DYW, while Gabbie Munn was named for Forrest County.

Sarah Thornton, Kathy Greer

Irina Howell, Jeanie Munn

Kerri and Ella Galey, Jay, Cade, Chloe Belle, Kathryn and Susan Slaughter

Robin and Emma Claire Lyon

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Madeline and Amy Hinton

Walker Karstens, Rachel Rodgers, Lindsey Hardin

Kim Domingue, Harley Felsher, Morgan Dominigue

Kate Neal, Sally Autry, Amy Chance

Malisha & Addie Siders, Mary Lois Hanna

Peggy Horton, Tamika Paige

Brittain Allgood, Taylor Nace

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Constantine Chargolu, Keith Melancon, Melita Andrews, Rocco Barbieri

Anney Sawyer, Ashley Hodge

Cory Williams, Melita Andrews, Neal Williams

outhern Bone & Joint held a retirement party for Melita Andrews, who had worked in the medical community for 47 years, 30 years of it at SBJ. A special treat was the unexpected physician who popped out of a cake during the party.

ANDREWS RETIREMENT

Put in her time

Destin Hatten, Emily West, Marty Berohardt, Jennifer, Benjamin and David Scott, Melita Andrews

Melita Andrews, Jackie Melancon

Destin Hatten, David and Benjamin Scott Emily West, Marty Berohardt, Jennifer Scott

Ashley Hodge, Brandie Johnson

Stephanie Diehl, Wendy Swilley, Tammy Jones

Laura Sims, Margaret Harleff, Melita Andrews, Connie Ames

Robert Cornett, Melita Andrews, David and Judy Burckel

Laura Sims, Margaret Harleff

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OGHS PROM

Allen Cummins, Alyson Speights, Brittney Walters, Orrin Ford, Abbi Dowell, Tevin Prince, Sabina Broome, Kyle Rutland

Tinseltown & Tuxedoes Jordan Disotel, Hanna Turnage, Ryan Hendley, Sharnee Fairley

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ak Grove High School’s prom was held at the Thad Cochran Center on the Southern Miss campus. Prom Queen was Garneisha Jones and Prom King was Trey Garraway. A breakfast followed at the Canebrake Clubhouse.

Dylan Blane, David Chapman, Brady Morgan, Shane McLendon

McKenlie Graham, Caroline Pruitt, Lauren English, Mary Kate Waldron, Elizabeth McCullen, Hayley Higgason, Olivia Pickering, Amber Pineda

Katie Pittman, Tyler Johnson

Emily Rhodes, William Folkes

Brennan Fielder, Brenna Luckett

Brandon Chambliss, Jane Thomas, Kaitlyn Fuller, Auldraunna McNair, Charlie Green, Jordan Disotel, Carmen Swilley, Jaylen Robertson, Alexis Hernandez, Stacey Todd, Sharnee Fairley, Amber Williams, Katie Bryan, Ryan Hendley, Hanna Turnage

Emily Waites, Brennon Windham

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Hannah Williamson, Ashley Bodouin

Haley Laird, Michael Shannon

Khilian McCann, Ashley Green

Janae Murphy, Lorenzo Spencer, Krystan Stokes

Jordan Disotel, Kaitlyn Fuller, Amber Williams, Mallory Maples, Sharnee Fairley, Alex Hernandez

Ollie Cole, Olevia Bullock, Lindsay Rinko, Nick Royer

Alexis Calomese, Josh Carpenter

PCS PROM

Gentry Somerville, Lauren Tedford, Molly Speed, Elise Davis, Victoria Donato, Emma Barker, Kristin Cothern, Lizzy Rhett, Rachel Lambert, Rebecca Winstead, Emily Crum

Elise Seale, Anne Love Helveston

Adam Steen, Mary Catherine Reynolds, Scott Barron, Hailey Nowell, Emily Parish, Lewis Bateman

All dressed up Austin Canon, Anna Haley Shephard

Brandon Rucker, Laken Pace

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Night Under the Lights was the theme of this year’s Presbyterian Christian High School Prom, which was held at The Venue in Downtown Hattiesburg.

Regan Smith, Shane Freeman, Morgan Domingue, Robbie Eroaehead

Stephen Jones, Katherine White, Abby Bradley, Don Woods

Landon Garner, Kaleigh Gornak

Hannah Seagraves, Phelan Harris

Kandace Balthazor, Nduka Vernon

Taylor Dumas, Kaleb Easterling, Chandler Brinson

Harrison Gunter, Kaleigh Gornak, Noah Anderson, Gabbie Munn, Evan Cole, Ashton Beighton

Kristin Cothern, Rebecca Winstead, Lauren Tedford, Anne Love Helveston, Gentry Somerville

Miles Guntar, Lauren Beiring, Emma Kivleighn

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PETAL PROM

Kenny Decorte, Melina Williams, Trail Hinton, Madison Liles

Devon Pratt, Rebecca Burge, Laken Britt, Shelby Gilliland, Jenna Hegwood, Lauren Sheller

Tristan Pierce, Carley Wigley, Rachel Manning, Colby Hipps

Big rollers

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asino Nights was the theme for this year’s Petal High School prom, which was attended by juniors and seniors. This year’s prom was held at the Thad Cochran Center on the University of Southern Mississippi campus.

Bethany Barnes, Payne Hanberry, Hannah Hill, Caleb Rawls

Abby Strickland, John Bernardo

Darrin McClellan, Madison Guest

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Alexis Saucier, Tanner Revette

Carly Rayney, Nick Moss

Reed Schaub, Shelby Wesson

Haley Humphries, Tori Hopkins

Stephanie Yarber, Seth Rhodes, Taylor Waguespack, Taylor Page; Kaylee Wilks, Tyler Graves

Colby Chandler, Brianna Kelley, Josh Robinson, Raegan Kormann, Jordan Compton

Ramsey Mabile, Jordan Mabile, Alyssa Breland, Lane Smith, Teresa Keen, Tim Steady

Amanda Church, Trey Glass

Jennifer Lott, Pete Saucier

Tori Tilghman, Bo Waites

Colman Grinnell, Allyson Trussell

Nikki Cooley, Jacob Seal

Gregory Causey, Morgan Hill, Gabriel McKinley

PURVIS PROM

Chelsea Broome, Gabe Sones

Dustin Miley, Shelby Gray

Cole Morrow, Kayla Cook

Midnight in Paris

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hile members of the junior and senior classes at Purvis High School didn’t jet away for a night to the City of Lights, they did enjoy a Midnight in Paris as the theme for this year’s prom. Students danced the night away under the lights of their own Eiffel Tower at the Jackie Dole Sherrill Community Center in Downtown Hattiesburg.

Haven Hudson, Jared Dumas

Hunter Holcomb, Aja White

John Ross, Grace Nelson

Kaitlyn Rousse, Ben Johnson

Makenzie Baker, Brandon Warren

Mason Pitfield, Kennedy Baker

Emmanuel Ray, Tonique Ray

Timmy Thomas, Candice Clark

Troy Freeman, Keri Smith

Kia Rogers, Thamaz Taylor

Mike Prince, Kiara Shelby

Wade Nelson, Tyler Cagle

Jacob Simmons, Morgan Shows

Chloe Taylor, Darrell Washington

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SUMRALL PROM

At the prom

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Night in the Crescent City was the theme for this year’s Sumrall Prom, which was held at the Forrest County Multipurpose Center.

Karlea Nobles was crowned Prom Queen, while Zach Jones reigned as Prom King.

Stephen Askew, Brooke Miley, Ashtyne Reid, Zack Bounds

Ken Tre Williams, Monesha Thomas, Ashley Graves, Alex Struble

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Miranda Jeanmard, Zach Moree, Taylor Dean, Zac Bennett

Shelby Perry, Austin Knight

Rhea-Phillips Valentine, Hunter Freeman

Nick Clark, Haley McLaurin

Morgan Askew, Justice Munn

Zoe Aguillard, Zach Jones

Stephen Miller, Hannah Brock

Holt Gammel, Madison Aultman

Grant Landrum, Jill Hutchison

Caitlyn Nobles, Connor Landrum

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Jacki Riser, Brandon Hudson

Ashtin Sloan, Matthew Emerson

Jake Gill, Jayce Henry

Blake Miley, Olivia Sanguinetti

Jack Allen, Charlotte Lear

Courtney Fails, Sawyer Smith

Ayden Klaire McInnis, Jamie Ainsworth, Juliet Lashley, Josie Walters, Josie Atkinson

Addison Rivers, Barbara Stanford, Tonya Rivers

Your Sunday best

RIVERS COTILLION TEA PARTY

Addison Rivers, Daphne Lancaster

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Miss Hattiesburg Arrielle Dale, Addison Rivers, and Miss Spirit of the South Outstanding Teen Olivia Sanguinetti

Tea party participants

Hailey Thompson, Addison Rivers, Juliet Lashley

Addison Rivers, Juliet Lashley, Elizabeth Porter

Caitlin Wall, Lucy Moore

Josie Atkinson, Kate McNeese, Jamie Ainsworth

Lyn-holli Severson, Jamie Ainsworth, Addison Rivers, Juliet Lashley, Lucy Moore, Josie Atkinson, Caitlin Wall

ddison Rivers and the National League of Junior Cotillion Oak Grove Girls were feted with an afternoon tea at the Dandridge Club House. Special guests were Miss Hattiesburg Arrielle Dale and Miss Spirit of the South Outstanding Teen Olivia Sanguinette, Daphne Lancaster and LaCresha Fisher. The event was hosted by Suzell Cain and Barbara Stanford.

Hanisee Sirmon, Sarah Johnson, Abby Bustin, Lydia Ward, Makenna Philipps, Kate McNeese

Juliet Lashley, Addison Rivers

Lydia Ward, Juliet Lashley

Makenna Philipps, Lydia Ward, Kate McNeese, Abby Bustin, Ayden Klaire McInnis, Addison Rivers, Caitlin Wall

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TEDFORD SENIOR PARTY Mary Crabbe, Libbie Tedford, Lauren Tedford, Lynn Tedford, Linda Brady

Lauren Tedford, Meagan Garbee, Harley Felsher, Victoria Donato, Emily Crum, Molly Speed, Emily Parish

Flashback to the ’80s

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irls Just Wanna Have Fun was the theme for a senior party honoring Lauren Tedford, who recently graduated from Presbyterian Christian High School. The ’80s-themed celebration featured Bunco and guests were asked to come dressed “Totally” the ’80s way. The events was hosted by Linda Brady, Kaylea Crabbe, Mary Crabbe and Libbie Tedford at the Crabbe home. Special guests were Linda Brady, Lauren’s grandmother. Lauren will be attending Mississippi State University in the fall.

Megan Caves, Lauren Tedford

Lauren Tedford, Olivia Enger, Anne-Love Helveston

Lauren Tedford, Harley Felsher, Virginia Secrest, Elizabeth Mapp Mary Crabbe, Lauren Tedford Libbie Tedford, Mary Crabbe

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Meagan Garbee, Megan Caves, Lauren Tedford

Kristen Cothern

Elizabeth Mapp, Harley Felsher

Lauren Tedford

Virginia Secrest, Lauren Tedford, Elizabeth Mapp

Emily Parish, Molly Speed, Meagan Caves, Meagan Garbee, Kristen Cothern, Lauren Tedford, Olivia Enger, Gentry Somerville, Anne-Love Helveston, Rachel Gholson, Emily Crum, Victoria Donato, Elizabeth Mapp, Harley Felsher, Virginia Secrest

Kristen Cothern, Lauren Tedford, Gentry Somerville

Megan Caves, Virginia Secrest, Emily Crum, Olivia Enger

Gentry Somerville, Victoria Donato, Lauren Tedford, Libbie Tedford

Gentry Somerville, Kristen Cothern, Molly Speed

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NATIONAL LEAGUE OF JR. COTILLIONS

Susanne, Josie and Mark Walters

Kate and Kenton McNeese

Mitch and Ansley Brent

Buddy and Morgan Moore

May I have this dance?

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he Pinebelt Chapter of the National League of Junior Cotillions held its Spring Ball at the Jackie Dole Sherrill Community Center in Downtown Hattiesburg. Participants showed off the etiquette skills they had learned from director Roma Graham. Boys had a chance to dance with their mothers, while the girls shared a dance with daddy.

Lexie Breerwood, Ansley Brent, Hannah Grace Talbot

Ruthie and Joel Nail

Juliet and Ed Lashley

Gracie Marie Lindsey, Kinley Yawn, Emma Adkinson, Carley Ward

Sarah and Jerry Johnson

Macaleigh Hylander, Carter McInnis

Addison Rivers, Janette Beaumont

Abby Bustin, Caroline Simpson

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Carlee and Caitlyn Wall

Hannah Grace Talbot, Madison Ritter, Madison Eugia

Natalie and Todd Rowell

McKenna Philipps, Kate McNeese

Anna Morgan Michel, Kyle Wallace

Austin and Karen McCall

Cindy and Clay Thames

Hunter and Debbie Barlow

Tanner and Stephanie Slay

Tracie and Alec Hudson

Jamie and Wayne Ainsworth

Hannah Grace and Paul Talbot

Noel and Addison Rivers

Madison Ritter, Kate McNeese, Juliet Lashley, Addison Rivers Macaleigh and Dave Hylander

Sarah and Mark Anderson

Kate McNeese, Ayden Klaire McInnis, John Pecunia, Clay Thames

Lydia and Richie Ward

Alec Hudson, Tate Simon

Jamie Ainsworth, Madison Ritter, Kate McNeese, Juliet Lashley, Addison Rivers

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