v9n28 - Gubernatorial Canidate: Dave Dennis & Jammin' with the Queens by Jackson Free Press Magazine

March 23 - 29, 2011

jacksonfreepress.com

March 23 - 29, 2011

jacksonian

VOL.

9 NO. 28

contents

Checking the Guv Mainstream media gave a pass to Gov. Haley Barbour’s speechifying. The JFP checks the facts.

AMILE WILSON; COURTESY DAVE DENNIS FOR GOVERNOR; ZIPPITY DOO DAH; CASEY HOLLOWAY

JERRICK SMITH

Cover photographs Courtesy Dave Dennis for Governor (above) and Thomas Beck (below)

THIS ISSUE: State CEO

Republican Dave Dennis wants to move into the Mississippi governor’s mansion next year.

........ Editor’s Note .............. Slowpoke ....................... Talk ................ Editorial .................. Stiggers ...................... Zuga ............. Diversions ................... 8 Days ............ JFP Events .................... Music ...... Music Listings ............. Body/Soul ...................... Astro ................... Puzzles ...................... Food . Girl About Town

erica speed The bold, red door to Erica Speed’s Fondren home is a fair indication of what’s inside: Local artwork and colorful fabric designs cover furniture while family pictures fill a variety of frames on tables and walls. Books about Mississippi rest on her coffee table. Her three dogs—a lab, a golden retriever and mixed breed—greet her with enthusiasm. Speed is a lover of family, community and life. Self-diagnosed with attention deficit disorder, she finds it difficult to balance family and other community commitments. But it may just be that she isn’t giving herself enough credit. She served as the president of the Fondren Renaissance Foundation from 2008 to 2009, promoting preservation and revitalization of the Fondren community. Speed also served as a board member since 2004. While she no longer holds an official position, Speed has not stopped serving the community. “Not being on the board is definitely less of a commitment, but I’m no less committed to Fondren,” Speed says. The Fondren Association of Businesses first developed while she was the FRF president, in 2009. FAB works with locally owned businesses to promote Fondren’s viability, while encouraging environmental stewardship, safety and planning the future of the Fondren business district. Speed says FAB was a project of FRF, and she worked closely with local business owner Jeff Good and other board members to get it started. She says forming FAB was all about bridge building.

As devoted as she is to Fondren, Speed recognizes the importance of all the Jackson area. Her husband of 18 years, Stewart, is a developer of the Renaissance at Colony Park in Ridgeland among other projects in the metro. “We’re all one big piece of pie. If one chunk rots, I promise, the rot will go around the other way. They’re doing great things; we’re doing great things. We’ve got to work together,” she says about the metro. Speed is originally from Atlanta and moved to Jackson in 1997. Though she and Stewart and their children, Isabelle, 14, and Warner, 11, returned to Atlanta in 2000, they soon realized Jackson was a better fit and returned in 2003. Just recently, someone asked Speed if she was scared to walk around Fondren. “No. My 14-year-old daughter walks up there with her friends to get a burger from Brent’s,” she replied. “I’m not scared; I’m elated to be in the city of Jackson.” During Fondren’s Zippity Doo Dah March 26, Speed is in charge of checking in the parade’s golf-cart floats and ensuring that they have a smooth ride down the parade route. She says she appreciates Jackson today for the same reasons she did when she and her family first moved to the area: “the warmth of the people and the ability to be involved.” —J. Ashley Nolen Disclaimer: J. Ashley Nolen’s uncle, David Waugh, is president of FAB.

22 For the ‘Chirren’ The weekend’s Zippity Doo Dah goings on are all about raising funds for Batson Children’s Hospital.

31 Art for Life Disability doesn’t stop DeAsia Scott from loving her life or creating beautiful art.

jacksonfreepress.com

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March 23 - 29, 2011

by Todd Stauffer, Publisher

Ode to Fondren

moved to Jackson because of Fondren. (I can hear a few of you cursing Fondren now.) More specifically, it was because of Rainbow Whole Foods, which a friend of ours had turned us on to during a dinner in Manhattan. Earlier in the spring of 2001, Donna and I had been in Memphis for her niece’s wedding; we’d driven a rental down into Neshoba County, where Donna was doing research and re-con for her master’s project on her hometown’s civil-rights history. On the way back, we’d scoped out some rental property in Oxford, a nice old Victorian on the main drag that we imagined could conceivably be temporary digs while Donna worked on a book. “Get off the Interstate at Lakeland, head west, and the road’ll just dead-end right there where the little natural grocery is ...” Words to that effect were the instructions we followed later that spring, as we got more and more serious about leaving New York City once our legal sublet on West 85th Street ran out. So we took that Lakeland exit, checked out Rainbow and realized its kinship with some of our favorite natural groceries over the years. It was a good home base for us as organics-obsessed vegetarians. Not too long later, as we committed to a longer stint in Jackson, we got to exploring. One particular excursion landed us at aging, hulking and pink-ish Wildlife and Fisheries Building that sat unused—and a bit unwelcome—on State Street. It would, in relatively short order, become the Fondren Corner building, marking an important milestone in recent Fondren history. Fondren had a clear landmark to tout its progress. (Funny story... I was just Googling to find the date of the Fondren Corner opening, when I came across a shot of the retro-styled

“Fondren Corner” sign on Flickr with the cutline, “Most likely dates from the mid-50s.”) Since then, of course, Fondren has grown up quite nicely. Mike Peters teamed again with the Mattiace Company on renovations to turn an aging school on Duling Street into Fondren Place, complete with a new office building and a fabulous upscale remodeling of the period school building itself. (Bonus: JPS got paid, and a government building was put on the tax rolls.) State Street has been graced with a beautiful architectural treatment to the Duvall Decker offices across from Fondren Corner, remodels of Butterfly Yoga and Mimi’s Café and, of course, a facelift that portions of State Street received recently at the hands of the movie crew filming “The Help,” leaving behind some paint and retro signage. Then there are the restaurants: Que Sera Sera’s beautiful patio renovation; Rooster’s relocation and the wonder-lunch that is Basil’s; Lenny’s phoenix-like appearance from the bowels of an old beer joint; and one veggiefriendly Mediterranean restaurant after another. Jeff Good and Dan Blumenthal made a bold move when they renovated a burnedout hulk on Taylor Street and turned it into a mecca for 7-year-olds all over Central Mississippi—Sal & Mookie’s. (Even more brilliant was their nod to us watering-hole obsessed non-7-year-olds, with the advent of Pi(e) Lounge.) Walker’s Drive-In fit the neighborhood perfectly before there was a neighborhood, and their second building (I call it the “dinner” building) has provided some of the best multi-bottle conversation-a-thons I’ve ever had. Swank sashayed into Fondren when Nick’s moved into its sparkly digs in the 3000 building—taking a risk by moving from its

long-time location into the heart of the “Arts District.” More recently, Mimi’s and Brent’s added short-order favorites and a “be seen” vibe to the local diner’s life. There’s even impeding sushi. And don’t get me started on Babalu. (Unless you’re buying. Tonight.) Retail? How about McDade’s saving the local grocery store, circa. re-defining the giftgiving experience, and all the wonderful art, fashion and style that make up the ground floors of Duling, Fondren Corner, Mitchell Avenue and the anchors of Rainbow Plaza. Plus great coffee, the Wide World of Chane and all of those day-in-day-out services that one expects from a small “downtown”—from shoe repair and alterations to wash-and-fold and spa pedicures. And don’t forget the ongoing renaissance in NoFo, where the Chinese restaurants battle for supremacy, a furniture warehouse appeared amid a nearly instantaneous renovation ... and retail is making a distinct comeback. Looking out my window, I see three colorful “towers” dotting the landscape; through the passageway created by Morgan Place I see the Duling School (Ba-ba-lu!... sorry) and the doors to Duling Hall—which elicit fond memories of our most overcrowded Best Of Jackson party ever and our first BOOM Fashion Show last fall. I see Everyday Gardener and the Fondren Village sign (“Alex ... I’ll take ‘Other Signs Not Dating From the Mid-50s’ for $600”) plus the playground behind Bellwether Church (formerly Chane’s skatepark) and Montgomery Hardware proudly flying Old Glory. When I had occasion to walk around Fondren Unwrapped this past fall with the founder of the American Independent Business Alliance, he was, rightly so, aghast. Even when I told him that Fondren wasn’t like that every night, seeing this neighborhood through the eyes of an impressed outsider was telling. This weekend, another moment in Fondren’s illustrious renaissance takes place. Here come the queens and wannabes to the first-ever Zippity Doo Dah parade. What they will see in Fondren is what we see every day out our windows—a homegrown small-business success story in the heart of Jackson. And if Fondren can be a source of pride for all of Jackson, it can also serve as a happy example of what is possible when people put their minds to it. What they won’t see is the hard work, late nights, dedication and persistence of these shop owners, restaurateurs, owners, managers and entrepreneurs who have cleaned out, fixed up, met, discussed, planned and executed a strategy to add yet another feather to Fondren’s cap. These local business warriors make Jackson’s arts district not just a nice place to visit, but one of the many and increasing reasons that people move to this fine city. We salute all of y’all this weekend—Fondrenites and those who love them—and remind you to enjoy yourselves, make some money, and ... Be Particular.

Ward Schaefer JFP reporter Ward Schaefer came to Mississippi to teach middle school, and is now a journalist. His hometown of Chevy Chase, Md., was not named for the actor. He is slowly learning to play banjo. He interviews Dave Dennis.

Thomas Beck The work of freelance photographer Thomas Beck, has appeared in numerous local, regional and national publications. His photography can be seen at www. beckphotographic.net. He took the parade cover photo.

J. Ashley Nolen JFP editorial intern J. Ashley Nolen studied English and print journalism. Among many identities, she’s a lover, a deep thinker, a dreamer, a traveler, a writer, a student and a teacher. She wrote the Jacksonian and a Zippity Doo Dah feature.

Andrew Dunaway Andrew Dunaway knew his friends and family were tired of hearing him talk constantly about food, so he took to writing about it. He’ll do his best to keep it to a dull roar. He wrote a food feature.

ShaWanda Jacome Assistant to the editor ShaWanda Jacome is a mother, a wife, a daughter, a sister, a friend. and a Christ-follower. She is learning to be still and to let God be God (Psalm 46:10). She coordinated the Zippity Doo Dah features.

Jesse Crow Jesse Crow, a Pensacola, Fla., native, is a junior at Millsaps College. She enjoys playing with puppies, summer camp and going on long drives in her station wagon named Herman. She wrote a Zippity Doo Dah feature.

Robin O’Bryant Greenwood resident Robin O’Bryant is a stay-at-home mom, humor columnist and author. Her kids keep her laughing every day, and she documents family adventures on her blog, robinchicks.com. She wrote a Zippity Doo Dah feature.

Korey Harrion Web producer Korey Harrion is a saxophonist who runs a small computer-repair business. He enjoys reading, writing and playing music, origami and playing video games. He loves animals, especially dogs. He posts the Web stories for each issue.

jacksonfreepress.com

publisher’snote

news, culture & irreverence

Thursday, March 17 Mississippi House Speaker Billy McCoy, D-Rienzi, says he won’t participate in further redistricting negotiations despite the Mississippi Senate’s vote to continue negotiations. … The U.S. House of Representatives votes to end all federal funding for National Public Radio. Friday, March 18 Jackson City Council members approve a request to the Legislature that would prevent members from moving their offices out of City Hall because of the city’s population decrease. … Engineers at the earthquake and tsunami-damaged Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station attempt to restart systems designed to prevent overheating and keep radiation from escaping. Saturday, March 19 Thousands gather in downtown Jackson to watch the annual Mal’s St. Paddy’s Parade. … U.S. and British ships and submarines launch the first phase of missile strikes on Libyan air defenses. …. The moon is 31,000 miles closer to earth than normal, an event that happens once every 18 years. Sunday, March 20 Ole Miss baseball loses 6-4 to the University of Alabama in a Southeastern Conference-opening three-game series.

March 23 - 29. 2011

Monday, March 21 Hinds County Sheriff Malcolm McMillin requests an FBI investigation after firing eight detention officers from the Raymond Detention Center because of allegations that they used inappropriate force on inmates. … Japanese workers are evacuated from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station after smoke rises from two nuclear reactors.

Tuesday, March 22 Attorney General Jim Hood requests that the state Supreme Court set an execution date for death-row inmate Robert Simon convicted of killing a Quitman County family in 1990. … South Dakota Gov. Dennis Daugaard signs a law requiring women to wait three days after meeting with a doctor to have an abortion, the longest waiting period in the nation. Get breaking news at jfpdaily.com.

Redistricting Hits the Courts

ov. Haley Barbour’s crusade for more Republican districts in the Mississippi House of Representatives is putting him at odds with the Mississippi NAACP, which wants the U.S. Department of Justice to approve a map with more blackmajority districts. This week, the civil-rights organization asked a federal court to convene a three-judge panel to restrict state legislators from running in their current districts in August, arguing that the districts no longer fairly represent black voters. NAACP President Derrick Johnson said his group sued Barbour and the state to impose better-proportioned districts after talks broke down between the Mississippi House of Representatives and the Senate on a House redistricting plan last week. After the Senate voted down a House redistricting map for the second time this month, House Speaker Billy McCoy, DRienzi, said he would not bother to set up a conference with senators to hash out their differences because senators would likely accept nothing less than a House map creating fewer black-majority (and, therefore, fewer Democratic) districts. McCoy instead sent the plan directly to the DOJ, in outrage. “Nobody has ever meddled with the other (chamber’s) plan. Neither body, not the Senate nor the House, has ever secondguessed the other. This is against all precedent,” McCoy told the Jackson Free Press.

by Adam Lynch KRISTIN BRENEMEN

Wednesday, March 16 Four New York Times journalists go missing in Libya while covering rebels’ retreat from Ajdabiya. …. A federal judge permanently dismisses a 1971 lawsuit filed against Mississippi over prison conditions.

Approximately 150 Mississippi farmers grow sweet potatoes, which contribute s $19 million to the state’s economy each year. Mississippi’s top five sweet potato-producing counties are Calhoun, Chickasaw, Pontotoc, Yalobusha and Panola.

Does gubernatorial candidate Bill Luckett meet residency requirements? p 13.

But the NAACP wants this legislative barrier removed before August elections. “The old districts are mal-proportioned,” said NAACP attorney Carroll Rhodes, who filed a complaint in U.S. District Court last Thursday and a motion to convene the panel on Monday. Rhodes said new Census 2010 figures show the population shifted in many parts of the state, creating some districts with thousands more people than other political districts. Federal law requires districts to contain equal population portions. Marty Wiseman, director of Mississippi State University’s John C. Stennis Institute of Government, said the NAACP suit will likely ramp up the pressure on the courts to deliver

a federally acceptable plan in short order, but he added that Republicans in the House and Senate appear to think that a conservative court will deliver two district maps favorable to Republicans. “Listening to the talk in the halls down there at the Capitol, the Republicans seem willing to roll the dice on getting a good Republican-appointed three-judge panel, because of all the judges appointed in the Bush administration,” Wiseman said. A similar situation arose from the Legislature’s inability to agree on a redistricting plan after the 2000 Census, and a three-judge panel redrew the state’s congressional districts in February 2002, almost in exact accord with Republican preferences, according to political author Jere Nash. The issue pitting the NAACP against Barbour is that Mississippi voters tend to split their party preference along racial lines, with a majority of whites voting Republican and majority of blacks voting Democrat. Bryant and Barbour want more Republican districts in the House in hopes of getting a new conservative, or even a Republican, House-elected speaker within the next decade. “This means not another Republican would get elected to the House of Representatives for the next decade—gerrymandered it so they made sure that that doesn’t happen. We make sure we got a Democratic speaker for the next 10 years,” Bryant said, while REDISTRICTING, see page 9

The New NPR

run “Haley, when Michelle said you should run, she didn’t mean for president.” —President Barack Obama poking fun at his potential rival for the White House, the portly Gov. Haley Barbour, on Saturday, March 12, at the Gridiron Club in Washington, D.C.

onservative Republicans seem to have a burr under their saddles when it comes to National Public Radio and the Public Broadcasting System. At the very least, they don’t want their tax dollars used to support anything cultural. The JFP staff came up with some new names for popular public programming just in case the folks at NPR and PBS need them. Use This

Instead of This

Stale Air. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fresh Air Real Amuricun Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . This American Life K Street . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sesame Street Between the Loins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Between the Lions Speaking of Jesus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Speaking of Faith Tell Me More … About Corporate Tax Breaks . Tell Me More Wait, Wait, Don’t Tax Me . . . . . . . . . . Wait, Wait, Don’t Tell Me Unregulated Marketplace . . . . . . . . . . Marketplace Wal-Mart Roadshow . . . . . . . . . . . . Antiques Roadshow Koch Talk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Car Talk Washington Sponsor Review . . . . . . . . . Washington Week in Review NO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . NOVA And last, but not least, see Barbour the Grouch debuting as a new kids’ show puppet.

talk

news, culture & irreverence

REDISTRICTING, from page 8

ADAM LYNCH

warning of the House-approved redistricting plan, at a March 8 Tea Party appearance at Eudora Welty Library in Jackson. Gov. Barbour is not remaining neutral in the fray. He issued a statement this month praising Bryant’s efforts to reject the original House plan: “Congratulations to Lt. Gov. Phil Bryant and the Senate for protecting the interests of all Mississippi voters. I hope the conference committee will craft a House plan that treats voters in every district the same.” McCoy has proved to be the only voice of opposition to some of Barbour’s more controversial decisions, including draconian cut proposals in public education and Medicaid. The Senate majority, dominated by Republicans and conservative Democrats, votes lock-step with the governor’s demands and has never managed to overturn a gubernatorial veto. The set-up, McCoy said, effectively merges the three branches of state government into two branches with the House being the lone voice of independence. But the NAACP’s interest and its majority-Democratic voting members hope the courts will deliver a plan creating more black districts if it follows the parameters of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which requires states to create minority-majority voting districts. Rhodes added that the panel, containing one 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals judge and two federal judges, may be less prone to actively redraw state districts themselves and be more responsive to the NAACP maps. “The difference is this time around we’ve prepared an alternative plan for the court. The last time they were fighting over the legislative plan. We’re not going to ask the court to put the legislative plan forward,” Rhodes said. The NAACP maps, said the Hazlehurst attorney, are “still a work in progress,” although Rhodes said their plan is less concerned with protecting incumbents and more about reflecting the state’s 37 percent African American population. The NAACP plan for House districts preserves a proposed black-majority district in Hattiesburg, for example, and creates a new black-majority district in southwest Mississippi and another in east Mississippi. Rhodes said the NAACP plan contains “44 or 45 majority-black districts in the House and 15 in the Senate.” The current House plan has 39 majority-black districts; the current Senate plan has 12. Rhodes criticized an alternative Senate and House redistricting plan favored by the

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Mississippi NAACP President Derrick Johnson said the NAACP wants the courts to prevent legislators running in districts with unfair racial proportions.

Mississippi Republican Party and the governor as only containing 14 black-majority districts in the Senate and only 42 black-majority districts in the House. The Senate has 52 total districts; the House has 122. New 2010 Census figures force the House and Senate to approve a new redistricting plan that evenly distributes the state’s population among districts. Both chambers must approve the other’s redistricting map. Mississippi has a painful history of folding black voters into white majority districts to decrease the chance of electing black legislators. For this reason, should the Senate and House reach an unlikely agreement prior to a court decision, both maps will still require review for minority vote dilution by the U.S. Department of Justice under the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Wiseman said the NAACP suit may buttress the redistricting plan a majority approved in the House this month, if the NAACP redistricting plan bears enough of a resemblance to it. The Mississippi House Apportionment and Elections Committee voted this week to join the NAACP suit as an intervenor. The committee hired Jackson attorney Rob McDuff to represent its interests. “The main thing is to be involved in the process. The committee has a lot of information and expertise in the redistricting process,” McDuff told the Jackson Free Press. He could not say if the committee preferred its own plan over the NAACP’s plan. Breaking updates at jfpdaily.com.

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Every 10 years, based on the U.S. Census, legislators re-shape House and Senate political districts to evenly redistribute voting populations, with each chamber submitting its own version, subject to approval by the opposite chamber. The new maps do not require approval by the governor; however, the U.S. Department of Justice must scrutinize them for minority-vote dilution. The governor has no veto power over the maps and can only seek to influence them through allies in the Legislature.

jacksonfreepress.com

How Redistricting Works

Legislature: Week 11

Jackson’s newest consignment shop is open for business!

Insurance and Excise Taxes

voiding buying car insurance will get a little harder with new legislation passed last week. The Mississippi House of Representatives and the Mississippi Senate agreed on a bill requiring motorists to own some form of vehicle insurance to qualify for a new car tag. The same bill also requires counties to check a state-created database for a motorist’s compliance with the new law before issuing or renewing a tag. State law already requires motorists to own minimum liability coverage for motor vehicles, and it requires law enforcement officers to check motorists for insurance cards during routine traffic stops, police checkpoints or after a traffic accident. But motorists can easily circumvent the process, said Kim Catchings, vice president of operations for Mississippi MoToSteps Motorcycle Safety Training Inc. “Anybody can sign into an insurance policy, get the card from the insurance company, and then cancel their policy and keep the card. That’s enough to fool police when they pull them over,” Catchings said. Mississippi is one of the few states that do not already maintain an electronic vehicle-insurance database. The new law compels the Mississippi Department of Public Safety to create a database containing up-to-date information on insurance policyholders, which would supersede information on an insurance card. It also demands that county tax agencies rely on the database rather than an insurance card when issuing or renewing a tag. Failure of a vehicle owner or operator to have insurance at the time of a police stop can net them a $500 fine and a suspended driver’s license for one year. HB 620 now heads to the governor. Evicting the Council? The Jackson City Council is playing legal catch-up to maintain full-time offices at Jackson City Hall. Current Mississippi law requires all cities with populations of 190,000 or more to maintain individual offices for council members at their respective city halls; however, 2010 Census figures reveal that the city of Jackson’s population dropped to around

170,000 citizens, invalidating council members’ right to permanent offices. Deputy City Attorney James Anderson said the city actually fell out of compliance with the law after the 2000 Census. “In 2000, KENYA HUDSON

Duling Building 622 Duling Ave Suite 205 601-672-6693 601-665-3820

by Adam Lynch

Sen. John Horhn, D-Jackson, said he does not anticipate any issue with a Senate bill allowing Jackson City Council members to retain their permanent City Hall offices.

the city’s population dropped to 184,000, and the offices are still here,” said Anderson, who does not think council members will face immediate evictions without changes in state law. Sen. John Horhn, D-Jackson, is submitting the bill allowing council members to keep their offices, but Horhn had to first submit a rule-suspension resolution last Friday in the Senate allowing the bill’s submission. The Senate passed the resolution and it awaits House approval. Council members learned of their violation after the legislative deadline for the submission of general bills had passed. Horhn said he expected the bill to easily survive the Senate. “No one seems to remember why the bill was needed in the first place, or what the motivation of the population requirement was,” Horhn said. Ward 1 Councilman Quentin Whitwell said Jackson City Hall needs a permanent council presence. “City Hall is the people’s house, and with this being the capital city, the

differing opinions and views of elected officials at the council level, in addition to the executive level, is important,” Whitwell said. “This requirement made by the Legislature was intended specifically for the City of Jackson regardless of the population.” Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr. said he saw no wisdom in moving council members out of their offices because the building is already open full-time. “We have energy-efficient lighting here at City Hall, so I don’t think you can look at cost savings,” said Johnson, who could not supply a cost-assessment of maintaining council offices. “Just think about it: We wouldn’t shut the offices off. We can’t exactly board them up. I mean, what would we do with them?” Raising the Cost of Smokes Smokers face another tobacco tax if House and Senate conferees can agree. Distributors of cigarettes not involved in a $368.5 billion 1997 multi-state settlement with the state of Mississippi face a “tobacco equity tax” of $0.0135 per cigarette under the proposed law, which increases either 3 percent each year indefinitely, or increases based on the national standard for inflation set by the Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Consumer Price Index, whichever is greater. The new revenue goes into the state’s general fund. The bill, authored by Sen. Videt Carmichael, R-Meridian, survived the Senate with a unanimous vote in February, but Rep. Robert Johnson, D-Natchez, inserted an amendment repealing the SB 3020 on June 30, one day before the bill’s July 1 activation date, forcing the bill into a conference between the House and the Senate. Legislators supporting the bill argue that cigarette manufacturers not involved in the historic 1997 settlement, orchestrated by former Mississippi Attorney General Mike Moore, have an unfair financial advantage, and the bill would level the playing field. Other lawmakers claim the cash-strapped state simply needs the money. Johnson did not immediately return calls concerning the type of bill changes he seeks. Comment at www.jfp.ms

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by Ward Schaefer

Best Salon & Best Hair Stylist - 2010 & 2011 Best of Jackson -

Barbour’s Press Pass statements during the debate over extending the Bush tax cuts, with Republicans calling an expiration of the tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans a “tax increase.” The National Journal’s advance article zeroed in on another of Barbour’s prepared jabs: “Is there anybody in this administration who ever signed the front side of a paycheck?” It failed to note, that—for better or worse— Obama’s chief of staff, William Daley, is a former investment banker, and his budget director, Jacob Lew, spent time with Citigroup.

AMILE WILSON

nalists—this one included—might appreciate the lead time to prepare a story, they also often pick the most bombastic statements to write their stories, avoiding the hard work of actu601-397-6398 ally checking the facts. In advance articles about Barbour’s Chicago speech, the mere fact that Barbour was making the speech was the news. “In Chicago 1935 Lakeland Dr. speech, Barbour hits Obama on the econo601.397.6398 my,” The Daily Caller declared. “Can Haley Barbour Be the GOP’s Corporate Candidate?” Time.com wondered. Those early articles set the tone for coverage that followed. “Barbour Slams Obama on Economy and Energy,” The New York Times’ politics blog announced after the governor’s speech. “Haley Barbour: President Obama has been ‘AWOL’ on Entitlement Reform,” ABC News’ blog, The Note, announced. Almost all mainstream media coverage of Barbour’s speech cast it in terms of day-to-day horse race $1.00 off Well Drinks 2 for 1 Well Drinks of politics. Politico, the political-news website, Weekdays 4pm - 7pm Every Wed. 8pm - Close had the particularly blinkered headline, “Haley’s comet crashes into W.H.” Media Matters, a left-leaning media watchdog group that targets “conservative March 26 | 9:00pm | $5 Cover misinformation,” honed in on The Washington Post’s story. The Post’s Karen Tumulty 601-362-6388 dedicated the first five paragraphs of her article 1410 Old Square Road • Jackson to repeating Barbour’s attacks. She also qualified Barbour’s inflammatory comments about the white Citizens’ Councils to the Weekly ALL ARE INVITED TO Standard, referring to them as “a series of reJOIN US IN WORSHIP cent comments that have been portrayed as racially insensitive.” GALLOWAY UMC A later AP story did a far better job of 305 North Congress Street calling Barbour’s bluff. While Barbour bragged Jackson, MS about eliminating a state budget deficit withwww.gallowayumc.org out raising taxes, he raised the cigarette tax in 2009, the AP’s Liz Sidoti noted. Sidoti also briefly mentioned the “ton of federal money” Mississippi received following Hurricane Katrina, buoying the state’s economy. What she failed to say was that the state budget deficit didn’t disappear completely until the 2006 fiscal year, after state sales tax receipts increased sharply with a post-Katrina Palm Sunday, April 17 spending spree. 9:30 a.m. Comment at www.jfp.ms.

HAPPY HOUR

Ladies Night

Patrick Smith & Rodney Moore

National media coverage of Gov. Haley Barbour’s March 14 appearance in Chicago was largely uncritical and even fawning.

The AP, too, focused on Barbour’s critique of Obama and spent no time, in its first article, debunking his claims. It repeated Barbour’s characterization of the president’s economic policies as “government boondoggles like taxpayer-subsidized high-speed rail or other pet projects” and “having government take control of our automakers, financial sector, health-care system and energy industry.” The AP failed to mention that Obama’s health-care and financial-reform bills were far from “government control.” Barbour was repeating a Republican talking point that describes the health-care reform as a “government takeover,” even though the claim won the non-partisan fact-checking website PolitiFact’s “Lie of the Year” last year for its gross distortion of the truth. The tactic of releasing a speech to media beforehand is hardly unusual. But while jour-

69,500

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For more information, call 601-362-6121 x11 or write ads@jacksonfreepress.com!

Palm Sunday Parade For the whole family!

11:00 a.m. Galloway’s Annual Church on the Grounds Worship on the Capitol Lawn under the Oak Trees across from the Church! Bring a blanket and/or chairs and dress for a picnic. Picnic lunch to follow the 11 a.m. Worship

Easter Sunday, April 23 8:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Easter Worship Service Sermon led by Rev. Dr. Connie and Joey Shelton

jacksonfreepress.com

atching Gov. Haley Barbour seize the national media spotlight feels a bit like seeing a bully from high school making it big. “I knew him when he was fat and mean!” one wants to say. Like most unofficial contenders for the Republican presidential nomination, Barbour seems to be getting a pass from serious media scrutiny at the moment. His March 14 speech to the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce is a telling case in point. Barbour used the speech to attack President Obama over the economy and position himself as a Republican leader with the right answers. He repeated a number of hobbyhorses about both his record and Obama’s, many of which play loose with the truth, if not ignoring it outright. For mainstream media, though, the speech was too juicy an opportunity for classic horse-race-politics reporting to subject Barbour’s claims to serious evaluation. Here was Barbour, potential GOP presidential candidate, criticizing the president in his own hometown—the audacity! At least that was the media narrative. Barbour’s not-quite-a-campaign-yet organization apparently stoked this narrative by disseminating an advance copy of his remarks to media outlets. The Associated Press, Time.com’s politics blog, Swampland, the conservative website The Daily Caller and the National Journal all ran stories citing Barbour’s prepared remarks. Not surprisingly, the National Journal—which is aimed at beltway insiders—and The Daily Caller ran previews of Barbour’s speech without any significant attempt at challenging his claims. The Daily Caller quoted Barbour’s remarks at length, including his hyperbolic characterization of Obama’s presidency as “explosive spending, skyrocketing deficits, gargantuan debt, calls for record tax increases, government-run health care, out-of-control regulations and anti-growth energy policy.” While it may not be fair to expect a conservative publication to check Barbour’s statements, the governor’s allusion to “record tax increases” deserves a rebuttal. Barbour’s phrase cropped up in many Republican politician’s

arttalk

by Lacey McLaughlin

COURTESY SEATTLE ART

Cultural Remodeling

“Dragon Fly Garden” is one of 380 public works of art that Seattle,Wash., has commissioned since 1973. Jackson wants to follow Seattle’s lead and allocate funds for public art installations.

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rtist Jennifer Dixon’s life-size tree installations fill the interior Bergen Park in Seattle, Wash. The five trees, made of various materials such as clay, metal, fossils and glass, are attached to tall cedar posts that originally served as reference points for the first U.S. land surveys in 1851. “Witness Trees” tells the story of Seattle’s Scandinavian immigrants and is one of 380 permanent public-art installations the city of Seattle has commissioned since 1973 as part of its percent-for-arts ordinance. In an effort to create more opportunities for artists and revive Jackson, city officials introduced an arts initiative last week modeled after Seattle’s program. “Four months ago the mayor told us that he wants to see 1 percent of all eligible capital-improvement funds to go to public-arts improvement in Jackson,” City Director of Human and Cultural Services Michael Raff said during a March 15 community meeting. The city is still determining the exact dollar amount that would go to public arts through capital-improvement funds and which of those funds are eligible for arts projects, Raff said. The city typically allocates capital-improvement funds to long-term projects such as buildings and infrastructure. The funds come from several sources such as federal, local and state allocations, and some grants or federal earmarks may not be used for arts. Raff said the city is seeking artists, community members and business owners to serve on a panel to plan projects. For the first project, Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr. wants the community to transform 340 traffic boxes at stoplights around the city into works of art. Raff said the initiative plans to provide compensation to artists for commissions in the future. Johnson, however, has not yet introduced an arts ordinance to the City Council. Johnson’s spokesman, Chris Mims, said the ordinance is a possibility, and the administration currently is looking into it. City officials have met with consultants from Seattle’s public-arts program, Raff said. In 1973, Seattle adopted an ordinance to allocate 1 percent of eligible capital-improvement project funds to commission, purchase, and install artworks in public settings such as parks,

libraries, community centers and roadways. Seattle now has 380 permanent and 2,800 portable public installations including photographs and sculptures displayed on a rotating basis in public buildings throughout the city. Additional Seattle projects include: a geometric sculpture framing the city’s skyline; a skylight sundial in a city library; and 25-foothigh artwork panels around the construction fence of city’s Civic Square, a public plaza under construction. Lori Patrick, spokeswoman for the city of Seattle’s Department of Arts and Cultural Affairs, said the public-arts ordinance has changed the face of Seattle over the years as more artists have migrated to the city. “(Public art) inspired our work spaces, play spaces and really reflect our community,” Patrick said. “Seattle is a cultural capital. We are known for our arts and culture, and our landscape, our urban landscape, really reflects that through art.” Last year, Seattle’s public-art budget was $2.7 million, Seattle provides online applications and listings for its public-works project, and its art department plans specific projects each year that fall within budget. Seattle’s budget is significantly more than what Jackson likely will make available. For the current fiscal year, Jackson’s capital-improvement fund totaled $24,902,879. The proposed 1 percent allocation to public arts would be less than $250,000; however, the entire fund would not be eligible for the arts. “What we need is artists,” Raff told the Jackson audience of approximately 30 people at the March 15 meeting. “I challenge you guys to come up with a plan to paint 340 traffic boxes. ... All of sudden, it’s a quick way to say we are moving forward.” Greater Jackson Arts Council Community Outreach Coordinator Kimberly Jacobs said her group is on board with the plan. “This is a catalyst for economic development,” she said. “(Public art) has been a tool that brings people together and makes a great positive impact on the city.” For more information or to get involved, call Raff at 601-960-0335. Comment at www.jfp.ms.

TROY CATCHINGS

by Ward Schaefer

The Home Front

f Morgan Freeman is Clarksdale’s most recognizable resident, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Bill Luckett may be its second. An attorney and developer, Luckett runs two of his high-profile business ventures with Freeman, the Ground Zero Blues Club and Madidi’s Restaurant. While his commitment to Clarksdale may have a long history, his legal residency there may be a more recent development. Luckett’s eligibility to run has come under scrutiny with the release of documents suggesting that he has not been a legal resident of Mississippi for the five years state law requires. Coahoma County tax records show that Luckett first filed for homestead exemption in Clarksdale in 2008. Before then, he filed for the exemption in Tennessee. Homestead exemption is not the only criterion for determining legal residency, but other records also complicate Luckett’s claims to residency. The Associated Press reported March 11 that Luckett was registered to vote in Shelby County, Tenn., from 1996 to 2008 and had voted in Memphis as recently as Nov. 7, 2006. Luckett declined to answer AP’s questions about where he files homestead exemptions. On March 13, 2008, Luckett registered to vote in Coahoma County. He listed, as his dates of residency at his Clarksdale home,

December 2007 to the present. Before then, his registration form shows, he claimed a residence in Memphis from January 2002 to December 2007. Shelby County deleted Luckett from its voter rolls after his Mississippi registration. “I have lived in Mississippi for over 61 years straight,” Luckett said in a statement emailed to the Jackson Free Press. “Over part of that time I owned multiple residences, including a place in Tennessee. I’ve had a Mississippi driver’s license since I was 15 and have bought all my car tags here in Mississippi since my very first vehicle. I am a Mississippian, and my fellow Mississippians will choose their leaders, not political hacks playing games.” The state Democratic Executive Committee approved Luckett’s qualifications and those of Hattiesburg Mayor Johnny Dupree March 12, allowing both to appear on the primary ballot. State law allows challengers to a candidate’s residency to submit a complaint to the relevant party’s executive committee. The Democratic Executive Committee did not receive any such challenge, and the 10-day window for filing a challenge after the committee’s decision has expired. Dupree’s campaign does not have plans

to contest Luckett’s qualifications. “I think that’s up to the Democratic Party’s executive committee to decide whether or not he’s on the ballot,” said Sam Hall, campaign manager for Dupree. “As far as the mayor’s concerned, as far as the campaign is concerned, our only focus is running for governor and talking about what the mayor has done as mayor and what he will do as governor.” On Monday, Hall released an additional statement saying in part, “it seems clear to us that there are serious questions about whether or not Mr. Luckett has lived in Mississippi for the constitutionally required five years.” Nevertheless, Hall said, deciding Luckett’s eligibility “remains an issue for the Mississippi Democratic Party and Mississippi voters.” Barring a decision by the executive committee not to place Luckett on the ballot after certifying him, both candidates will appear on ballots for the Aug. 2 primary. After the primary, the next opportunity for a challenge would be to file a complaint with the state Elections Commission, which is composed of the attorney general, governor and secretary of state. With two Republican members on the threemember commission, such a complaint would be an attractive tactic for Republicans hoping to eliminate a gubernatorial opponent. Opponents could file a lawsuit challeng-

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Bill Luckett faces challenges to his residency.

ing Luckett’s eligibility. State law requires the governor to reside in Mississippi for five years preceding the election. That means Luckett would have to prove that he was a legal resident of Mississippi on or before Nov. 8, 2006. The Mississippi Supreme Court has heard challenges to candidates’ residency qualifications. Its rulings have not delineated a simple means of deciding residency status. “The general rule in this state is that there is a rebuttable presumption that one’s domicile and residence are where his homestead exemption is filed,” Justice George Carlson wrote for the court in a 2007 case. “This court recently held that a potential candidate’s decision to forego homestead exemption in the county of his apparent residence is not definitive for purposes of determining his legal residence. … This court has never held that a decision to forego homestead negates the otherwise obvious establishment of a domicile.”

PA I D A DV E RT I S E M E N T

illy Wonka once said, “Invention, my dear friends, is 93% perspiration, 6% electricity, 4% evaporation, and 2% butterscotch ripple.” If you step beyond the famous red doors of Nandy’s Candy in Maywood Mart, you will see how 105% of love goes into creating a world of delectable confectionary mastery. Nandy’s Candy opened over 30 years ago and was groundbreaking not only for being the only handmade candy store in Jackson, but when Nancy Nandy’s Candy King opened her now famous red doors in 1980, she was one of the only woman-owned businesses in Jackson. “Opening my business was entering into a new frontier,” says King. “At that time, very few women were in business for themselves, or in the Chamber of Commerce, or taking a strong role in the community.” What a sweet 30 years it has been. King’s loyalty to her employees and her community have helped her maintain and grow her specialty business in a city she considers, “a great place to raise kids in a community-oriented city.” The Texas Tech graduate settled in Jackson with her husband and proceeded to build her business on the grounds of integrity, honesty, and as she puts it, “what you see is what you get.” Her devoted employees pass from generation to generation, with parents recalling their days behind the marble counter as their own children weigh and measure out the delectable treats nowadays. Many former employees often come back to visit when in town and make it a family affair to sample seasonal treats such as summer’s Snoballs or spring’s chocolate Easter bunnies. Special occasion or not, there is always a reason to visit the delightful Nandy’s Candy. Be it a bag of Jelly Belly® jelly beans in one of 50 flavors or a box of their best-selling American truffles, there is surely something for even the most discriminating of palates. Using only Peter’s™ Chocolate, a Swiss formula perfected by Daniel Peter in the 1800s, King and her staff whip up truffles, assorted creams, nut clusters, and other assorted treats daily in small batches using copper pots so each bite tastes as smooth and sweet as the next. For the Southern traditionalist, local favorites such as hand-dipped strawberries, chocolate cherry cordials, chocolate-covered artisan-whipped marshmallows, praline, fudge, and divinity are only part of the reason Nandy’s Candy has been featured in some of the most prominent culinary magazines across the country. Need a sweet way to say “Thank You” to a special client, creatively reinforce your brand, or make a special event truly remarkable? Making sweet associations and memorable impressions is Nandy’s Candy’s forte. Nandy’s can create special molds for corporate clients and design packaging for any of their candies to show your great tastes to clients and customers. No matter the season, Nandy’s Candy is your go-to place for any and everything sweet to make the occasion truly unique and special. Visit them at 1220 East Northside Drive, Suite 380, or visit www. nandyscandy.com for a full preview of the homemade delectable goodness 30 years in the making. Just like Wonka says, “little surprises around every corner” only at Nandy’s Candy.

jacksonfreepress.com

politicstalk

jfp op/ed

opining, grousing & pontificating

EDITORIAL

Attract Creative Class With Art

he city of Jackson took a significant step forward last week when City Human and Cultural Services Director Michael Raff announced a public-art initiative. Jackson Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr. has committed 1 percent of all eligible capital-improvement funds for public art displays around the city, and the administration is seeking community members to get involved. In a time when most public bodies are cutting arts and humanities budgets, it’s encouraging to see the city placing a priority on attracting the creative class to the city. Making public arts a priority seems like a no-brainer, but it’s often a program that gets pushed aside while huge developments and expensive public-works projects are advanced as economic-development panaceas. But an interesting city that prides itself on culture is a draw for developers when they want to purchase property and invest in a community. It is also a draw for young professionals and creatives who are the future of a thriving city. The program’s success, however, depends on the community’s involvement. The first project requires volunteers to paint 340 traffic-control boxes around the city. This is Jackson’s chance to put our words into action to create a blueprint of the future. City government might be pushing the idea, but it will fall flat without the public’s participation. The initiative is modeled after Seattle’s public-arts program—and while Jackson may not have the same amount of funds and resources as Seattle, we have a vast pool of talented artists and visionary leaders. Seattle’s program started in 1973, and the city now has thousands of public art works to show for its commitment. We encourage Johnson and City Council members to pass a publicarts ordinance that can stand on its own through future administrations and as an official commitment of basic funding. We call on artists, business leaders and all citizens to contribute their ideas and creativity to the initiative so that Jackson can become a cultural destination and positive example of forward thinking in Mississippi. But don’t wait for elected officials to push public art. The Jackson Free Press is going to show visual support of this idea by placing refurbished metal newspaper boxes in several spots around the city, but with a twist: Local artists have put their own spin on them. (See one outside Cups Fondren, painted by daniel johnson, right now.) We encourage others to engage in public art in whatever way possible (Figment Jackson on May 14-15 at the old Cola plant is a great way to inspire and be inspired; see jackson.figmentproject.org for details).

KEN STIGGERS

Good Deeds, Bad Events

March 23 - 29, 2011

ongressman Smokey “Robinson” McBride: “Greetings, citizens of the Ghetto Science community. Just as I speak, several events are happening around the world, in this country and even in the ghetto. All I see, hear and read about are wars, natural disasters, uprisings, rebellion, hate, intolerance, bigotry and racism. Everything negative is thrown in our faces. It seems like the crap has hit the high-speed power fan, slinging the troubles of this messed up world into our existential lives. “As your elected congressman and public servant, I am here to let you know that crap, mess, drama, trouble, gloom, despair and agony happens, and they are a part of this world’s order. However, along with order comes balance. The good deeds of concerned and sympathetic people follow bad events. “We are gathered here at the Clubb Chicken Wing Multi-Purpose Center to do a good deed by raising money through the ‘United Ghetto Science Team Tsunami Fund Drive,’ which I hope will help millions of tsunami victims in Japan. “Today’s tsunami fund drive features your favorite Ghetto Science Community vendors: Pork-N-Piggly Supermarkets, Crunchie Burger World, Chef Fat Meat’s Kitchen, Momma Root Doctor Holistic Health Care Center, Bubba Robinski’s Soy Protein Sausage Biscuits, Brother Hustle’s Juicy Juice on Ice Bar, Jojo’s Discount Dollar Store and more. “Help the victims of the tsunami with your purchasing power. Support the vendors and contribute to the ‘United Ghetto Science Team Tsunami Fund.’ 14 “Thank you, concerned citizens.”

OUR TURN

A Call for Understanding

n March 25, 2011, the Veterans of the Mississippi Civil Rights Movement, in cooperation with Jackson State University, will host Nation of Islam Minister Louis Farrakhan to deliver the keynote address at their annual Civil Rights Conference. To some, this selection makes sense, as Minister Farrakhan is a leader in a number of African American communities. To many others, however, this invitation to be the keynote speaker at a convention commemorating the Civil Rights Movement and honoring one of its many enduring messages, “Respect for All,” is not only perplexing, it is downright offensive. Minister Farrakhan has spoken out against Catholics for “subjecting black people to a white-kind of theology”; Jews for having a “dirty/gutter religion”; and homosexuals, whom he recently referred to as “swine.” Taking more accurately the universal message of the Civil Rights Movement to heart, this letter is not a call for silence, as that would be antithetical to the Movement as well. Rather, this letter is a call for understanding. We encourage attendees of Minister Farrakhan’s address to inform themselves of the larger history from which he draws and distorts. Through educating ourselves, we may draw a more accurate picture of our reality, not allowing potentially hatefilled or divisive rhetoric to divide our ever-improving community. Additionally, we encourage participation in the other programs that day more in tune with the Civil Rights Movement and the lessons it offers: • Hank Thomas, a Civil Rights Freedom Rider, will be delivering his stirring firsthand account at Millsaps College (1701 North State St.) at 12:30 p.m. as part of the Rabbi Perry Nussbaum Lecture Series. • Bishop Ronnie Crudup and his of New Horizon congregation will be joining the Congregation of Beth Israel (5315 Old Canton Road) for a

united prayer session focusing on “Civil Rights and Tolerance in a Diverse Community” at 6:15 p.m. All are welcome. By engaging in these ways, we follow honorably in the footsteps of diverse Americans who marched together, before us, helping our entire society embrace the vision that regardless of race or religion, creed or color, national origin, sexual orientation or political affiliation, no one should be excluded from noble heritage that is America: life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. May we honor them and their message, on this day and every day, by honoring one another. Let’s continue to build and repair, not tear down or tear apart. Reverend Dr. T.W. Lewis Sister Deborah Hughes Reverend Frank Spencer Pastor Bruce Case Reverend Edward O’Connor Pastor Jim Becker Rabbi Valerie Cohen Dr. John Brashier Reverend Thomas Clark Reverend Phil Reed Reverend Su McLain Mr. Macy Hart Pastor Robert Blanton Dr. Susan M. Glisson Reverend Sally Fran Ross Rabbi Debra Kassoff Rabbi Marshal Klaven Mr. Charles H. Tucker Dr. Harold Kolodney, Jr. Peter H. Meyers, MTS Mrs. Beatrice Gotthelf Reverend Amy Joyner Finkelberg Mrs. Erin Read Summerlin Mr. Ricky Jackson

E-mail letters to letters@jacksonfreepress.com, fax to 601-510-9019 or mail to P.O. Box 5067, Jackson, Miss., 39296. Include daytime phone number. Letters may be edited for length and clarity.

REV. ROB HILL

Healing Words

EDITORIAL Managing Editor Ronni Mott News Editor Lacey McLaughlin Associate Editor Natalie A. Collier Senior Reporter Adam Lynch Reporter Ward Schaefer Events Editor Latasha Willis Music Listings Editor Natalie Long Assistant to the Editor ShaWanda Jacome Writers Quita Bride, Lisa Fontaine Bynum, David Dennis Jr., Scott Dennis, Bryan Flynn, Carl Gibson, Brandi Herrera, Garrad Lee, Lance Lomax, Anita Modak-Truran, Larry Morrisey, Chris Nolen, Robin O’Bryant, Casey Purvis,Tom Ramsey, Doctor S, Ken Stiggers, Jackie Warren Tatum, Valerie Wells, Byron Wilkes Editorial Interns Laney Lenox, Holly Perkins, J. Ashley Nolen, Dylan Watson Consulting Editor JoAnne Prichard Morris

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Mitchell who saw the potential hidden from full view. She read my essays and poetry and called me “gifted” and “smart.” I’m not sure if those words saved my life, but I know for a fact that they redirected my future. I can’t help but consider the woman in the Bible who was unable to stand up straight for 18 years. Her back was terribly contorted. She stared at the ground mostly. While scripture records many individuals by name, her name is simply and rather cruelly just “Bent.” Then she encountered Jesus. He healed her from her ailment, helping her to stand up straight. But I think the real healing occurred when she received a new name. Refusing to burden her with a label that only set her apart as different, he called her “Daughter of Abraham.” That is when her life was changed and her future was redirected—not as a victim, but as a valuable member of the family of God (Luke 13). Shane Claiborne is a member of a monastic community called the Simple Way, located in one of the poorestneighborhoods of Philadelphia, Pa. He tells of a particular day when he walked down the street with a young man, Kasim, who lived on his block. A group of teenagers confronted the two of them, looking for a fight. Attempting to make peace, Claiborne and his young friend introduced themselves and tried to make friends. Yet, as they walked away, one of the teens picked up a club, and hurling it in their direction, it hit Kasim on the head. Angry and disappointed, Claiborne turned and called out, “You guys are created in the image of God, and you’re made for something better than this!” What impresses me is that he did not call them “bad” or label them “thugs.” Instead, he called them “creations of God.” Claiborne recalled that, at that point, the teens scattered in every direction. I can’t help but wonder if his words literally did change their direction … for the good. What words helped to form you into the person you are? What words wounded you or even stunted your growth? Our language can have a powerful impact on the lives of others, so as the president encourages, let us pause and choose our words more carefully. Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can heal. Rev. Rob Hill is the pastor of Broadmeadow United Methodist Church in Jackson where he has served since June of 2005. A native of Forest, he earned his bachelor’s degree from Mississippi State University in 1997 and a master’s degree in divinity from Duke University in 2002.

What impresses me is that he did not call them “bad” or label them “thugs.”

CORRECTION: In last week’s St. Paddy’s “Schedule of Events,” (Vol. 9, Issue 27, March 16-20, 2011) we incorrectly identified the Scott Albert Johnson Band. The Jackson Free Press apologizes for the error.

Explosions in the Sky 4/1 Robert Randolf and the Family Band 4/8 Carolina Chocolate Drops 5/7 Girltalk 5/24

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Editor in Chief Donna Ladd Publisher Todd Stauffer

ticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” To be honest, I never liked that saying. I never liked it because it’s not true. I think it should read instead, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can break my spirit; words can cut to the heart.” According to Jesus, however, words can cause something worse. In his book, “The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language,” Eugene Peterson paraphrases a portion of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount saying, “You’re familiar with the command to the ancients, ‘Do not murder.’ I’m telling you that anyone who is so much as angry with a brother or sister is guilty of murder. Carelessly call a brother ‘idiot!’ and you just might find yourself hauled into court. Thoughtlessly yell ‘stupid!’ at a sister and you are on the brink of hellfire. The simple moral fact is that words kill.” (Matthew 5:21-22). Whether words cut or kill, the truth is that words have a profound effect. In the recent aftermath of the Arizona shootings, there was much talk about the use and availability of guns, but what I found more interesting were the questions of language. And while I believe strongly that we should limit gun rights, the questions of language and words revealed a deeper issue and presented a much different question. Almost immediately, commentators and pundits suggested that the words of some incited the violence. Some pointed to the lack of civility in recent political discourse as a contribution. These questions no doubt prompted President Obama to stand before a Tucson assembly and say: “It’s important for us to pause for a moment and make sure that we are talking with each other in a way that heals, not a way that wounds.” Did the words of others cause Jared Loughner to commit mass murder on January 8? I’m not sure we can ever effectively answer that question. But I do believe that we can say for certain that words caused Loughner to be the person that he is. I do not say that to excuse his actions but to suggest that words contribute greatly to our formation. Words can affirm us and build us up, but words can also break us and even kill us. As a child, I struggled in school. My grades did not reflect my overall ability and intelligence. I knew it, my teachers knew it, and my parents knew it. What I do know now is that I suffered from an undiagnosed learning disability. I will never forget the words used to describe me: “lazy,” “unmotivated,” “dumb.” It was an English teacher named Pat

Chief Executive: The JFP Interview With Dave Dennis by Ward Schaefer

March 23 - 29. 2011

Why are you running? I’ve never run for office before. I have been engaged in Republican politics. I was 16 state finance chair … and then national fi-

nance chair of different events, but in general terms, that’s all I’ve really done politically. I just feel compelled to do it, simply because we feel (that) once Gov. Barbour is out, there’s going to be a tremendous leadership void in this state. And the answers, from our perspective, come from the private sector. They come from a person that has the CEO ability, because the governor clearly is the CEO, the ambassador for the state, the salesman for the state, the face of Mississippi. We feel like our job experience, our job creation abilities, and the other aspects of things we’ve done, give us certainly a much more experienced position on being a CEO for the state. Barbour definitely has savvy with the corporate aspects of the job, but he’s also a real political operator. Couldn’t someone say that you’ve got this great privatesector experience but you haven’t COURTESY DAVE DENNIS FOR GOVERNOR

n 1995, then-Mississippi Gov. Kirk Fordice announced his re-election campaign from the Gulfport home of Dave Dennis. Dennis had a lot in common with the governor. Both made their fortunes in the construction industry, and Dennis was an active Republican fundraiser who embraced Fordice’s brand of business-friendly conservatism. Dennis, now 58, hopes to follow in Fordice’s shoes. He’s launched a campaign for governor, challenging Republican frontrunner Lt. Gov. Phil Bryant. Like Fordice, Dennis is running on his private-sector credentials, casting himself as the government outsider who has “signed the front side of a check” to Bryant’s career as a bureaucrat. It’s a story that could strike a chord with anti-government sentiment rampant among conservatives. An Atmore, Ala. native, Dennis graduated from Auburn University in 1975 with a degree in industrial management. He worked for school-bus company Blue Bird for a little over a year before joining Specialty Contractors in Gulfport as its branch manager. In 1985 he bought the construction firm, now called Specialty Contractors & Associates. With business success, Dennis has picked up a host of civic and leadership credentials, sitting on boards of numerous community and business organizations. He served three terms on the board of the New Orleans Federal Reserve branch, spent time as chairman of the Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce and chaired Leadership Mississippi, a project of the Mississippi Economic Council. Dennis has two adult children with his wife, Jane, whom he married in 1973.

Dave Dennis believes in running the state like a corporation, cutting costs and promoting industry by making the state attractive to investment.

dealt with the nuts and bolts of the Legislature? I think America spoke very loudly and very clearly to that question in November 2010, and they’re going to speak toward it at the primary in 2011, in August, in this state. People want real leadership. They don’t want career bureaucratic politicians. I consider it a plus that I have not been all through legislative processes. I think leadership comes from being able to lead people, to understand business, to understand the business of the state. Most people I talk to think it’s an extreme plus that I have not done that. You’ve been introduced by Jeppie Barbour at a number of campaign events. Any chance of getting another Barbour’s endorsement? You would have to ask whatever Barbour you’re referring to. I would never put him in a position to answer that question. I don’t think he should endorse at this point.

Name: Dave Dennis Age: 58 Residence: Pass Christian, Miss. Born: Atmore, Ala. Education: Auburn University, B.S. Industrial Management Employment: President, Specialty Contractors and Associates Family: Wife, Jane; children, Kate and Padrick

Plain and simply, he’s got a legislative session going on. Obviously, I would accept (his endorsement) and be very grateful for it, but I don’t expect him to do that. We have had the chance, through the Republican Governors Association, to go sit down and talk to 21 governors with him, to talk about budget policy, strategy (and) tactics. You seem to speak pretty highly of Gov. Barbour. What specifically in his two terms are you impressed by or do you approve of? Well, I live in Pass Christian, down on the Coast, and I can tell you that in the post-Katrina environment, his leadership was really magnified and amplified, mainly because he took the bull by the horns and ran with it. Leadership is what matters, and Gov. Barbour clearly is a leader; he’s a serious leader. Now, in terms of specific legislation, I’m delighted with things such as tort reform, things that provide and foster an environment for business to grow—or it gives people the sense of fostering an environment that people want to invest in. That’s what he has brought to the table. He’s brought the ability to be a CEO and to talk face-to-face, CEO-to-CEO, with other leaders and people that want to invest in our state. That’s what he’s brought to the table. Yes, I am very impressed with his leadership style and his capacity to sell Mississippi, and I think that’s one of the major things the governor has to do. Something that Barbour has clearly focused on is energy. What should the state’s role in promoting energy be? Well, I think you should get all the energy sources and resources available and put them into the public arena, in terms of supply. If you look around the state energywise, you can look at Port Gibson, (at the) 1,443-megawatt (nuclear) reactor being upgraded. It’s going to likely be the largest reactor in North America. You’ve got the

COURTESY DAVE DENNIS FOR GOVERNOR

After moving to the Mississippi Gulf Coast to work for Specialty Contractors in 1976, Dennis and his wife, Jane, bought the company in 1985.

Does what’s going on in Japan change your thinking at all on nuclear power? No, it does not change my thinking. You’re looking at, from the best I understand, the fourth most catastrophic earthquake in modern recorded history in a general fault area. Grand Gulf, I know, is on the bottom reach of the New Madrid Fault—at least it’s close to it. But everything that I’ve heard, through MEMA and other people, suggests that the soil substrates where it rests would not lend itself to the kind of catastrophic (seismic) activity that you had in Japan. But to answer your question, the quick answer is no, it does not compromise my thought that clean, safe nuclear energy needs to figure into the program of our energy policy in this country.

What did the Gulf oil spill look like from where you were? Did that give you pause, in terms of the environmental consequences of certain energy sources? Jane and I live on the beaches of Pass Christian. Literally, we pay property tax on the white-sand beach of Pass Christian at my home. So, having said that, we’re very, very concerned with it, but at the end of the day, I think you have to pursue legitimate opportunities to be energy—if not self-sufficient, or independent, at least working toward that. That was a tragic accident out in the Gulf last April, an extremely tragic accident, but I am not opposed to drilling in the Gulf. Now, was it an environmental disaster? We may not know for a long period of time what the total impact of that spill is. You have to be conscious of those things. You have to drill safely; you have to do things safely. But from an environmental perspective, it caused probably as much psychological concern with people, and with tourists wanting to come down. It clearly put a veil over the coast for an extended period of time. The answer ultimately is you have to produce your resources that are available to you. That is what is available, and I am comfortable if it’s pursued in a safe manner, and in a regulated manner such that there are adequate safety concerns there. I don’t know what happened on this blowout, I don’t really know. We probably won’t know officially for some time. But it created a mess on the Coast, make no mistake about it. What about renewable energy resources like biofuels? Gov. Barbour seems to be touting a lot of these companies that are coming in.

The biomass, the biofuels—it does a couple things. One, to a degree it will stimulate the timber industry, which in reality is agriculture. It’ll stimulate some of those things. Is it the most cost-effective way, right now, as it’s getting cranked up, in its infancy? Probably not. Does it have the potential to move into the right direction? I think it needs to be pursued to see if that is, from an economic perspective and from a fuel-source perspective, if it’s the right answer. It very easily could be. I think you pursue them—you move in, you don’t jump into the bucket completely, but you step into the arena. You put your chips on the table, so to speak, to see if that’s the correct way to go. And you take some trial, incubator systems and you move them. That’s basically what Gov. Barbour is suggesting, from my perspective. What do you think of the state’s education system, and how should the next governor approach it? Currently, our appropriated budget in this state is, in round numbers, $5.5 billion. Roughly 60 to 62 percent is the public education arena, in terms of K-12, community colleges and IHL. But K-12 clearly, clearly we’ve got to look at how money is spent, whether it is top-heavy. The real question is: What dollars, per pupil, are getting in the classroom? And is it skewed properly in terms of classroom expenditures versus administrative expenditures? … Any business has to look at how your overhead is run. That’s mandatory. But in terms of education, we are a 1,000 percent proponent of public education. And you either educate kids or you run the risk of incarcerating them. That’s your bottom-line answer.

How do you feel about the Mississippi Adequate Education Program, then, that sets a target for what it says is the adequate amount of money for public education? We’ve only fully funded that one year, I think, under Gov. Barbour. Is that a reasonable target? Should it be fully funded? I think you always try to target education as fully funded. Absolutely that should be a target. Is it a reality in every year? You’ve got to be realistic, because there are many other items that take place in a budget. When education is pushing two-thirds of your appropriated budget, you’ve got to be careful in terms of not cutting other groups short. [Editor’s Note: All levels of education, from kindergarten through college, make up 60 percent of the state’s general fund, which does not include federal funds or some other state revenues. K-12 education only accounts for roughly 17 percent of the state’s total budget.] Now … the public-school systems have the option, if people on a local level do not feel like they’re getting adequately funded in certain arenas, of going back for the ad valorem differentials. That makes it a local issue for each local school system to determine if we feel like we’re underfunded. They can additionally go back and try to pursue it from a board of supervisor and other level for additional millages. But in terms of funding adequate education, you’re going to find very few folks that feel like you should not fund education adequately, both figuratively and literally, with the adequate education bill. What about pre-K? There’s a growing consensus that it’s important.

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liquefied natural gas facility that’s gone (up) off the coast of Pascagoula. You’ve got the Kemper County facility with the gasification that, assuming it comes online, you’re going to have an exceptional amount of energy available to the state and in the state. One of the key ingredients for attracting legitimate, upscale businesses to come in with high-paying jobs is having not only an energy resource, but having an affordable energy resource. That’s what Mississippi has. We’ve got an extremely abundant ability to produce, and we’ve certainly got the resources and the capacity to provide both natural gas, electricity-wise, and other fossil-fuel resources. That’s the energy policy that, in a broad-brush commentary, we would offer. You’ve got to have energy to produce, and you’ve got to have energy to be a viable candidate to attract good businesses into your state. We would be very much in favor of providing it.

DAVE DENNIS, see p 18

JFP Interview with Dave Dennis from page 17 COURTESY DAVE DENNIS FOR GOVERNOR

look at how to cut them. And you’ve got to look at what is really necessary. … That’s what’s got to be done at the state. We’ve got to look at things that recur in terms of yearin, year-out expenditures. Likely, you’re going to find a lot of things that perhaps that we could likely apply to other items. And perhaps one of those other items would be early childhood education.

Gulf Coast businessman Dave Dennis is running an outsider campaign to be Mississippi’s next governor, touting his private-sector experience.

What should the state’s role be in providing or supporting it? Are you familiar with the Building Blocks program?

March 23 - 29. 2011

But if the state funds pre-K, that’s another thing to fit into the budget. Is that realistic? Should the state (pay for it)? It is a realistic consideration. But again, we need go back to the fundamentals of what makes the state work. The taxpayers are the customers of the state. The taxpayers ultimately will decide what they’re willing to pay for. And in the kind of economic environment we’ve been in for the last two or three years, it’s going to be difficult to find the money to go ahead and put it in play from a publicly funded point of view. That is indeed true. The question(s) then would become: Do you cut highway patrol? Do you cut corrections? Do you cut mental health in order to put that in place? That’s going to be a debate that’s going to have to be fought out 18 in public discourse.

Is it entirely about making decisions on one side of the ledger—cutting things out of the state budget? Not necessarily. My dad always taught me that if you’re running a business, look at your recurring expenses. ... Look at perhaps cutting 5 to 7 percent out every single year, if you can do that, because every year on the front end, you’re going to have new technology, new plant equipment. If you’re isolating education, you’re going to have new things you want to do. You’re not going to find one-tenth of 1 percent of folks that really and truly don’t feel you ought to educate kids at whatever age you can educate them. The question is: Can we pay for it? And if we choose to pay for it, if we have to make decisions, let’s talk about how those decisions should be made and what should be tweaked. But if you’ve got recurring expenses in education, in whatever arena you’re in, you’ve got to

I realize it’s politically challenging territory, but what do you think about the state’s tax structure? Two-thirds of the largest corporations in the state aren’t paying corporate income tax. Personal income tax brackets are the same as they were in 1984. Is there any room for updating tax brackets in the state? Didn’t Gov. Barbour put in place a tax commission to review all of that—a blueribbon commission, last year, to come forth? I think that’s still in discussion at this point. You can always look at things. I would just tell you, though, I am more about cost containment than revenue enhancement. ... You can always look at things, certainly, to see if they need to be updated. But would I just arbitrarily say we need to adjust this tax structure? I’m not prepared to say that. Going forward, what’s your vision of how the state should approach economic development? We’ve got several good economic horizons. The state Port (of) Gulfport likely will be the largest development you’ve seen in this state and the most significant development in terms of leveraging the success of this state, probably in our lifetimes, including yours. The catalyst for that is the Foreign Trade Zone. I chaired that Foreign Trade Zone as a thirty-year-old. That’s what we’ve been doing on the ground, running hard. You’ve got to look at your resources. The state Port (of) Gulfport is a major one. We have extreme energy resource availability, which we talked about a few minutes ago. Tourism is clearly an area that has enormous upside potential. It’s people who normally come into your state, not relying on your public schools, not relying on hospitals and other things that come in spend money and have a great time. They’re your greatest ambassadors when they leave the state as salesmen. That’s what part of the equation is. Those are some of the good horizons. Gov. Barbour has said that he is thankful for the contributions of

Well, I’m in an industry where we compete with people that perhaps have used legal or illegal immigrants. We operate a company that employs Americans and creates jobs for Americans. From an immigration point of view, that is clearly a federal issue. I went out and talked to Gov. Brewer in Arizona not quite two years ago about it, and it’s a different issue in our state than it is for (other) states. We’re not a border state. They’ve got other issues. What do you think of the immigration bills in the Legislature this year? I’m not going to give a broad, blanket comment, and that’s on any issue, until I see the final legislation. I will tell you, our company competes with illegals, and we do it with Americans that are taxpaying Americans. The jobs that we create are American jobs. … I would think that whatever can legally be put in play to enforce existing laws is a good thing. ... There are laws in place; we E-Verify employees. If enforcement were in place to take care of existing laws, I think most of your immigration problems would be WARD SCHAEFER

I am, yes. Leadership Mississippi—that was their project for several years. I chaired Leadership Mississippi from 2005 until early 2010, so I’ll let you figure out, from that perspective, my thoughts on it. I chaired it, I believe in it. Ultimately, you’ve got to get kids early. You’ve got to get them early, and you’ve got to get them into a mindset (where) they’re willing to learn. In terms of how do you fund it, how do you pursue it, there are a good number of pilot programs going on right now. … Many of them are going on around the state right now. They’ve been privately funded. Now, what is the state’s role? I think the state’s going to have to decide, and I think it will likely be two years from now—how do you fund it, is it something that we need to move forward with; some pilot program that’s successful? And if it is successful, how do we put the money in there? That’s what we’re going to have to look at. But I think it’s a worthwhile pursuit.

It sounds like you’re saying that a real increase in revenue is a long way away. Is that what you’re suggesting? Well, I didn’t remotely suggest that, but I do think that’s the case. I think you’re looking at probably a two-year run, minimally, perhaps even three years before we get back to the full tax revenue that you might’ve seen in 2007. We’ve got a long, hard road ahead of us, financially, in this state. It is going to take reasonable financial management, and there are going to have to be some tough decisions made. Some of them are things you’re asking right now. Do you do pre-K or do you do some other service? That’s the discussion that’s got to be taken to the people of the state for a decision. You can come up and say, “This is what we’re going to do, by golly,” but these are critical, lifetime decisions to be made for not only kids but for the general populace as it matures. And it’s one that is going to take discussion, because if choices have to be made, then those choices should be vetted within the public arena.

But then early childhood would become a year-to-year expense. It would become one, and it would be one that would grow fairly rapidly. That would be my sense of it. This is a discussion that is going to have to be taken to the public. It’s going to have to be discussed wideopen, but I am very much an advocate of early childhood education.

immigrants in helping to rebuild the Coast after Katrina. What does the immigration issue look like to you, from where you are in Gulfport?

Dennis faults Lt. Gov. Phil Bryant, the Republican front-runner, with “failed leadership” on the redistricting process.

neutralized. If we hire an employee, if we have somebody working on a job, we have to verify through the E-Verify system that they’re legal. Do you think it makes sense to enhance penalties on employers who don’t use E-Verify or are caught employing undocumented workers? I think there are pretty good penalties in place right now. Just simply taking people and DAVE DENNIS, see p 21

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JFP Interview with Dave Dennis from page 18

Lt. Gov. Phil Bryant made headlines recently for comments about the Department of Justiceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s oversight on voter redistricting. He said he thought it was outdated and unnecessary. Do you share his opinion? Realistically, it is well within the bounds of the state to request that DOJ take another serious, hard look at whether what theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re doing is absolutely necessary. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s certainly an expense to the state, and it causes certain delays in certain areas. ... I think it is something that the Justice Department should respectfully be asked to revisit. How do you think the governor and lieutenant governor have handled redistricting? First off, the governor apparently has no veto power over it. So this is a legislative initiative. I just think that it amplifies the difference in leadership styles. Just candidly, I think redistricting has been more about

COURTESY DAVE DENNIS FOR GOVERNOR

busting themâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got a good reason, bust them. If people enforce the law, there are good laws in place right now. If people abide by the law and do it correctly, those things are in place. The immigration penalties the state imposesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;enhance them. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fine. If we compete with illegal people, enhance them. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m OK with that.

failed leadership than bad maps. You can take maps and negotiate solutions and you can come up with answers. But people elect leadership to solve problems, and I think the voters clearly would sayâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been pretty evident the last couple of weeksâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; there has been mighty weak leadership showing up on the lieutenant governorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s side. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not relative to the governor because, again, if you look into it, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not a gubernatorial issue. How should the state approach preparing its workers for when the economy picks up? I think youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got to have skill sets. For people to come into this state, invest in this state and grow a business in this state, they want to know that thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a credible work force, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an ability of people to understand the work. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got to educate the trades. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m in a trade-oriented business. The apprenticeship programs that used to be in place 20 and 30, 40 years ago are no longer there. The job of educating and training, particularly with the skill sets of most of the trades, is now primarily vested in the community college system. I think youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got to invest in it. The growth in industry in this state is going to be predicated on our ability to have a good blue-collar, work-force-trained, credible work force. So your answer is: Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got

Dennis has served as a fundraiser for Republican campaigns, but this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gubernatorial race is his first bid for public office.

to do it in education. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got to do it in the work-force-training arena. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s some of what leveraged Toyota coming in. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s certainly some of what was part of the equation for Nissan coming in a few years ago. What do you think sets you apart from Lt. Gov. Bryant? The difference between the two of us is private-sector successful business and com-

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Friday, March 25 • SPQ Big Hat Luncheon at Sal & Mookie’s: Call for advance tickets, 601-3681919; 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. • Bluebird Scavenger Hunt and Sidewalk Sales at participating Fondren businesses, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. • Queens Qrawl For All: Art and interior design walking tour, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

March 23 - 29. 2011

Saturday, March 26: The Big Day, 8 a.m.-until • The Market in Fondren: Open-air market. Vendors of handcrafted & homemade wares throughout the district. 8 a.m.-4 p.m. • Bluebird Scavenger Hunt and Sidewalk Sales at participating Fondren businesses, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. • Queens Qrawl For All: Art and interior design walking tour, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. • Sal & Mookie’s 4th Annual Kid’s Street Carnival Crazy fun for the whole family, 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. (in the green space between Back Yard Burger and Schimmel’s) • Silent Auction 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. • Pizza-Pie and Ice-Cream Eating Contest 12:30-2 p.m. • Clear Channel Stage featuring live entertainment from 95.5 Hallelujah FM and Miss 103 • Wess Morgan 11 a.m. • Shay Harris 11:30 a.m. • Benjamin Cone III 11:50 a.m. • Miss 103 artist David Adam Byrnes of Nashville 2:30 p.m. • Awards Ceremony on the Clear Channel Stage, 3-3:30 p.m. • Sal & Mookie’s Pizza-Pie and Ice-Cream Eating Contest Winners Announced • Central Surgery Associates’ Fondren Un-Zipped Port-a-potty Decorating Award • Patty Peck Honda Doo Dah Day Blue Car Giveaway Grand Prize Drawing • New Orleans Dixieland Jazz Second Line by The Shoe Bar at Pieces, marching from Mitchell Street and ending at Brown’s Fine Art & Framing, 3:30 p.m. • Brown’s Fine Art & Framing Stage • Live music featuring the fabulous Earth Angels 4 p.m.-6 p.m. • Bluebird Scavenger Hunt Prize Giveaway** and Presentation. Artwork by Richard McKey presented to Blair E. Batson Hospital for Children, 6 p.m. • The Zippity Doo Dah Parade, with Grand Marshal Dr. Blair E. Batson, lights up the night at dusk. Featuring the Magnolia Roller Vixens, Murrah High School Band, The William Wallace Mad Hatters, Chastain Middle School Band, parade of golf-cart floats (including the JFP Chick Ball cart) and the Million Queen March of The World Famous Sweet Potato Queens and more. Parade Route: From the Woodland Hills Baptist Church parking lot (3327 Old Canton Road), go south to the State Street intersection, turn right onto State Street and head north, back to the Woodland Hills Baptist Church parking lot on State Street.

The Zippity Doo Dah Parade is a benefit for Blair E. Batson Hospital for Children. For additional information, go to zddparade.com. For even more opportunities to participate with the queens at the Jackson Hilton (including the fabulous Bathrobe Brunch on Sunday), visit sweetpotatoqueens.com. **You do not have to be present to win.

Got old wine bottles? Make a ring toss!

al & Mookie’s New York Pizza and Ice Cream Joint has been a local favorite since opening its doors in 2007. For the past three years, the restaurant has brought fun to the streets of Jackson with the annual Sal & Mookie’s Street Carnival. This year, the family-friendly event joins forces with the Sweet Potato Queens as a part of their Zippity Doo Dah Weekend. In the past, the festival has featured lots of food, balloon artists, magicians, face painters, musicians, space jumps, clowns, silent auctions and carni-

val games such as apple bobbing, cupcake walks, ring tosses and dunking booths. Games cost 25 cents, 50 cents or a dollar each, with proceeds benefiting Blair E. Batson Hospital for Children. The carnival features plenty of contests, too, with pizza- and ice-cream-eating contests for adults and children, and prizes like a year’s worth of free pizza or ice cream. Participants in the port-a-potty decorating contest will find out if they’ve won at this year’s carnival. The biggest prize at Saturday’s carnival is a new car from Patty Peck Honda. With 3,000 raffle tickets for sale at $25 each, all the proceeds from ticket sales will go to the hospital. The Sal & Mookie’s Street Carnival is all about having a good time for a great cause. It’s never short on fun, and it’s the perfect way to prepare for the Zippity Doo Dah Parade happening right down the street that evening. The Sal & Mookie’s Street Carnival is 10:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m. March 26, in the green space behind Sal & Mookie’s (565 Taylor St., 601-3681919) and the Schimmel’s building.

by Holly Perkins

“F

ondren is a well-oiled machine,” says rah High School, fire baton twirlers and Eddie Boss Queen Jill Conner Browne, the Outlaw’s “Mad Hatters,” dressed as characters original Sweet Potato Queen, of the from “Alice in Wonderland.” place she chose to be the home of The evening parade will provide an overher upcoming Zippity Doo Dah Parade. load of amusement, but it’s hard to top the enThe parade takes its name from “Zip-a- tertainment of the main attraction: the Sweet Dee-Doo-Dah,” the Academy Award-winning Potato Queens and their “wannabees.” The song from the 1946 Disney Sweet Potato Queens develmovie “Song of the South.” oped from Browne’s wildly The parade website describes successful best-selling books the song as “a freedom song, and became a sensation, inabout emancipation, that resospiring thousands of women nates on multiple levels with to release their inner queens. people who understand that Jill Each year the queens flock Conner Browne’s books are not to the streets of Jackson in just funny.” The site goes on to droves, representing 6,163 say the “bawdy, sassy, downchapters of Sweet Potato to-earth humor ... conveys a Queens in 22 countries. This message of self-reliance and year, a chapter of 20 queens empowerment, inspiring all from Indonesia returns. to do what makes their hearts The queens might be the sing.” The bluebird logo of When the Sweet Potato main attraction, but the real Queens hit the streets, people the parade is also a nod to the take notice. Beware and lock star of the parade is Fondren. song’s lyrics, “Mister Bluebird’s up your men! “This really is Fondren’s paon my shoulder, It’s the truth, rade, and so many people are it’s ‘actch’ll.’ Everything is helping to make this happen,” ‘satisfactch’ll.’” Browne says. Proceeds from the parade benefit the Blair The list of volunteers and people endE. Batson Hospital for Children, so it’s only fit- lessly working to make the Zippity Doo Dah ting that the parade’s first grand marshal is the Weekend happen runs pages long, and every hospital’s namesake, Dr. Blair E. Batson. Fondren business and organization has pitched Dr. Batson will lead parade marchers, in, including the Fondren Association of Busi“mini floats” (decorated golf carts), marching nesses, SoFo (the neighborhood ladies auxiliary) bands from Chastain Middle School and Mur- and the Fondren Renaissance Foundation. LYNETTE HANSON

Thursday, March 24, The Kickoff, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. • Doo Dahin’ In Fondren: Our amped-up Fondren After 5. • The Market in Fondren: Open-air market. Vendors of handcrafted & homemade wares throughout the district. • Bluebird Scavenger Hunt and Sidewalk Sales at participating Fondren businesses. • Queens Qrawl For All: Art and interior design walking tour.

by Holly Perkins COURTESY SAL & MOOKIE’S NEW YORK PIZZA & ICE CREAM JOINT

Parade Weekend Schedule

SIMON & SCHUSTER

by ShaWanda Jacome

Head Sweet Potato Queen and author Jill Conner Browne is a New York Times bestselling author. “If I can save one woman from these thighs, I will not have lived in vain,” she says.

“The Sweet Potato Queens’ Book of Love” (Three Rivers Press, 1999, $14) “You don’t have to be from the South … you just have to like laughing out loud, a lot.” —Chicago Tribune “God Save the Sweet Potato Queens” (Three Rivers Press, 2001, $13.95) “This new book is every bit as funny as the first—and contains loads of beauty shop talk about sex and the foibles of male behavior—but it has surprises as well, such as poignant passages about the deaths of two close friends.” —James L. Dickerson “The Sweet Potato Queens’ Big-Ass Cookbook and Financial Planner” (Three Rivers Press, 2003, $15) “Menopause is yet another reason to start a trust fund for yourself while you’re young. Being crazy costs a lot.” —from the book “The Sweet Potato Queens’ Field Guide to Men: Every Man I Love Is Either Married, Gay, or Dead” (Three Rivers Press, 2004, $15) “Browne’s fourth venture into chronicling Southern belles gone bad shows no signs of exhausting the topic; her reservoir of hilarious advice and empowering stories are still fresh and funny. There are five categories of men ‘you must have in your life—one to talk to, one to dance with, one who can pay for things, one to have great sex with and one who can fix things.’ Offering tips on where to find eligible men, Browne suggests Home Depot, bookstores (where she met her new husband, The Cutest Boy in the World), post-funeral feeds and ‘class reunions after

number 25 or so are hot beds of, well, hot beds.’ As for dating older men, Browne coos, ‘I’ve long been a proponent of this concept on account of the opportunity it affords us to be young and cute forever.’” —Publishers Weekly “The Sweet Potato Queens’ Wedding Planner/Divorce Guide” (Three Rivers Press, 2007, $13.95) “If you’re gonna go to college for PreWed, I insist that you also take a full course in Pre-Death/Pre-Divorce and get yourself an education that will prepare you for the ‘unthinkable situation’—taking care of yourself and possibly a bunch of children by yourself for a large part of your life. You’ll sleep a whole lot better, I promise. Parents will sleep better, too, if they help their children learn this. —from the book “The Sweet Potato Queens’ First Big-Ass Novel: Stuff We Didn’t Actually Do, But Could Have, And May Yet” (Simon & Schuster, 2008, $12.95) “You’ve read the Sweet Potato Queen books, you’ve joined one of the 4,100 Sweet Potato Queens’ chapters, you’re anticipating the Sweet Potato Queens’ musical. Now read the first, big autobiographical novel.” —Barbara Hoffert, Library Journal “The Sweet Potato Queens’ Guide to Raising Children for Fun and Profit” (Simon & Schuster, 2008, $12.95) “It matters not whether you are 45 and have been hoping with nothing short of desperation to conceive, or 16 and utilizing nothing but desperate hope as your means of contraception—that moment when you know with absolute certainty that you are, in fact, a Pregnant Woman—I’d have to say it’s the single Most Stunning Moment of Your Life.” —from the book “American Thighs: The Sweet Potato Queens’ Guide to Preserving Your Assets” (Simon & Schuster, reprint edition, 2009, $13.99) “I hope to help some folks misspend their middle ages as blissfully as we misspent our youth, and I hope to help keep some of the youngsters from spending their middle ages in bad relationships, jobs they hate, and/or prison (which is actually almost redundant).” —from the book

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hen I first moved back to Mississippi, I had no idea what a Sweet Potato Queen was. Then I attended the Mal’s St. Paddy’s Parade and received a front-row education to the world of the “queens.” If you’re like me, however, I still feel I don’t know enough. Why do these ladies wear big wigs, enormous fake ta-tas and tiaras? The best place to start is from the mouth of the original queen bee, Jill Conner Browne. Browne has written eight books to inaugurate those bold enough into the world of the Sweet Potato Queens.

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Palm Desert Chamber of Commerce/City of Palm Desert

by J. Ashley Nolen

Outside New Orleans, you can find golf carts parades in places like Garden City, S.C., and Palm Desert, Calif.The Palm Desert parade, which started in the early 1960s, happens every October and draws upward of 10,000 spectators.

March 23 - 29, 2011

he Zippity Doo Dah parade is a special opportunity for the Jackson community to come together and raise money for the Blair E. Batson Hospital for Children. For the first time, the Sweet Potato Queens are setting themselves apart from Jackson’s annual Mal’s St. Paddy’s Parade to have a parade of their own, which promises to differ greatly from what the city has seen in years past. Instead of large floats, the Zippity Doo Dah parade features golf carts. The relatively small Fondren neighborhood requires a parade to be compatible with its size, according to Stacy Callendar, a member of the Fondren Women’s Auxiliary, SoFo. Other parades around the country have used golf carts in parades, and that is how the local idea developed. Each golf-cart float must be at least 80 percent decorated, allowing only 20 percent of the golf cart to display the sign showing who the group is. Strong regulations assure that the parade remains family friendly, but those boundaries do not limit creativity. Organizers encourage colorful and eccentric floats. “The tackier, the better,” Callendar says. To enter a float in the parade, each specific group had to submit a detailed sketch of their golf cart plan for approval by March 19. Callendar says that attendees won’t even recognize some floats as golf carts. The mini-float line-up begins at 4 p.m. March 26, with judging around 5:30 p.m., right before the parade’s start at 6 p.m. Participants receive awards according to how outlandish and overwhelming their floats and costumes are. Watch for the

“Fondren Fabulous Funk” award for “Outstanding funkiness in a float”; the “ZippityZoned-Out-Zealots” for “Y’all are the best looking things we ever saw. Really”; “Batson Bluebird” for “Heppin’ the Chirren by being so cute—seriously we can’t take our eyes offa you”; and “Super Satisfactual and Plenny O’Sunshine” for “Delightful Level of Wretched Excess Overall.” While the award names may be hard to say, the awards will be easy to see, as each winning float will display their award as they journey through the parade route. The legendary Sweet Potato Queens take center stage at this parade, but any community group can participate. Callendar anticipates a strong sense of competition among the entrants, depending on how many actual participants take part in this year’s inaugural parade. Next year, she expects even more mini-floats to join the parade. The queens have their own competition, too. The queen group that brings in the most financial support for the hospital will ride with Boss Queen Jill Connor Browne on her oversized float (the only non-golf cart float allowed) at the parade’s finale. “Just like Santa Claus closes out Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Jill and her queens will close out ours,” Callendar says. The Zippity Doo Dah parade is established to set an example for other communities that also could raise money for their local children’s hospital or other worthy causes. Callendar says that communities should pick their own local celebrities to feature, just like Jackson’s local celebrity is Browne and the Sweet Potato Queens.

Zippity Doo Dah Fees “For the Chirren” • Parking at Memorial Stadium for Saturday’s events: $5 • Float entrance fees: $75, plus $5 per person after the first 20 people. • Fondren Un-Zipped (port-a-potty decorating contest): $75 to sponsor a port-a-potty • Raffle ticket sales for a new Patty Peck Honda Insight Hybrid: $25 each, 3,000 available (buy online at childrenshospital.umc.edu/car.html).

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Jill Conner Browne was an absolute “hoot” at the BOOM Jackson Fashion Show in the fall.

March 23 - 29, 2011

nce a year, a group of women make a pilgrimage across the country to Jackson. Mostly middle-aged, they come decked out from head to toe in sequins, feathers and anything that sparkles. They’ve come in the name of their queen: the Sweet Potato Queen. What began as a small affair in 1982 led by Jill Conner Browne has escalated to a three-day weekend full of events, parades, balls with corporate sponsorships and more queens than you can shake a stick at. With the enormity of the event that has become the Sweet Potato Queen weekend and the Zippity Doo Dah parade, one has to wonder what those early days were like and what the people who were there at the beginning think of the way their movement has spread. Sweet Potato Queen and Jackson attorney Cynthia Speetjens of Jackson was there at the beginning. She remembers meeting Browne in 1978 at her local YMCA where Browne was an aerobics instructor. Speetjens says Browne’s students mostly made up the first group of four queens. They were women looking for an excuse to build a float and dress up. “Back then, the outfits were just whatever we could find in the attic or at Goodwill that was green,” she says. “As time passed, the outfits got bigger, hotter and more difficult to get in and out of. There was a slippery slope of foolishness going on there, and we all slid down pretty fast.” Wilson Wong, formerly of Jackson, remembers the first time he met Browne as well. He was managing his family’s restaurant, House of Wong. Browne and her friends came in every Wednesday night for what they referred to as their “prayer meeting.” As time went on, Browne and company were delighted to meet Wong’s alter ego, “Lance 28 Romance,” a character Wong had developed waiting tables

to entertain himself and his customers. Wong found himself sitting around the table at his family’s restaurant long after closing and heading to Browne’s house with the rest of her friends after all the lights were turned out and doors were locked. Wong remembers Jill telling him, “Hal’s going to have a parade, and we’re the Sweet Potato Queens. Are you in?” Without hesitation, he agreed. “I’m Lance Romance,” he replied. While the ladies were pulling on green Goodwill dresses, Wong donned a green T-shirt, knickers and knee socks, and Lance Romance was given a title: Official Consort to the Queens. Speetjens and Wong both say they try never to miss the parade. Wong, a corporate organizational consultant who now lives in Atlanta, even flew into town while he was living in California. After almost 30 years of great parade memories, Speetjens says one stands out in her mind. “My mother was in her late 70s or early 80s when she started riding in the parade as a ‘Used-To-Be,’ and it was the highlight of her year,” Speetjens says. “She was constantly photographed. People wanted her autograph, and some even remembered her from year to year and would hug her and have their pictures made with her. It was a huge joy to me to be able to give her something that provided so much love and laughter in the last years of her life.” Wong’s favorite parade was the year famous novelty entertainer Tiny Tim served as Grand Marshal. Tiny Tim was supposed to ride on the float with the queens, but they were worried about his safety. The constant rocking and bouncing of the float as it made its way along the parade route, increased by the queens’ enthusiastic dancing, looked like a recipe for disaster— they were terrified their guest of honor would be thrown from the float. “We built him a throne that was essentially a giant high-chair and strapped him in,” Wong says. “He was a really good sport about it and such a genuine person. He called me ‘Mr. Wilson’ all day, and I called him ‘Mr. Tiny.’ After the parade, we headed for the street dance, and while he was singing Jerry Lee Lewis, he invited us all onstage with him. He dropped to the ground and started doing ‘The Gator.’ It was great!” The SPQ movement caught on fast especially once Browne’s book, “The Sweet Potato Queens’ Book of Love” became a national best seller in 2004. “The following spring, the crowd looked like a tickertape parade for astronauts coming back from the moon,” Speetjens says. “Word-of-mouth took over, and it continued to grow.” “I’m not aware of any other event in the country that truly focuses on middle-aged women; it’s somewhat of a national deer camp on estrogen. The women come in huge groups, the overwhelming majority without husbands, and (because) there’s safety in numbers, they really do get silly. A socially acceptable venue for silliness at that age is fairly addictive. I don’t see many of them willing to give it up.” Wong attributes the event’s popularity to the certain joie de vivre that Browne has breathed into the group since its inception. “It’s about liberation of self and having fun without the shackles of everyday life,” he says. The Queen “herveryownself,” Jill Conner Browne has spoken: “Other queens have come and gone, but Wilson, Cynthia and I will be doing this in wheelchairs and Depends!”

Did You Know? • Sweet, salty, fried and au gratin are the four food groups, according to the SPQs. • During the first parade, the queens rode around downtown Jackson in the back of a pickup truck and threw sweet potatoes to unsuspecting bystanders. • Money raised during the Zippity Doo Dah Parade and Sweet Potato Queens’ weekend goes to Blair E. Batson Children’s Hospital. Last year, the events raised more than $30,000. “It’s all about the chirren,” Browne says. • Browne has published eight books outlining the Sweet Potato Queens’ philosophy on subjects ranging from marriage and raising “chirren” to what makes funeral food so delicious and how to protect your “assets.” (See page 23.) • More than 6,000 SPQs chapters are in 20 countries across the globe. To start your own chapter, go to sweetpotatoqueens.com/chapters. LYNETTE HANSON

DAVID JOHNSTON

by Robin O’Bryant

The queens once marched in Mal’s St. Paddy’s Parade. Now they’re on their own.

SPQ Glossary • Spud Stud: A male member of the Sweet Potato Queens’ entourage, not to be confused with the one and only Lance Romance, “O-fficial Consort to the Queens” and “the only male ever allowed to ride on the float in anything other than a subservient position,” according to “The Sweet Potato Queens’ Book of Love.” • Used-To-Bes: Mothers of the original queens who used to ride in a convertible in front of the queens’ float in the parade. Jill’s mother was the last of the Used-to-Bes and passed away two years ago. • Wannabes: Groups of women who follow behind the SPQ float, wearing old or discarded SPQ costumes. Their only hope and desire is that one of the queens will move across the globe, leaving an open space on the float so that they may ascend into the position of queen. • Tater Tots: Children of the queens who ride in the back of the truck that pulls the float. • Tammy: In an effort to give her queens a degree of anonymity, Browne refers to all the queens in her books as “Queen Tammy,” occasionally adding in the queen’s first name, for example: “Queen Tammy Cynthia.”

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March 23 - 29, 2011

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BOOKS p 32 | 8 DAYS p 33 | MUSIC p 37 CASEY HOLLOWAY

Breaking The Rules

by Lacey McLaughlin

A car accident left DeAsia Scott paralyzed four years ago. She lives on and off at Blair E. Batson Hospital.

Blair E. Batson Hospital for Children patient DeAsia Scott expresses herself and copes with her disability through art.

Key to bring her previous masterpieces from her room down the hall. Bullard and Key, who call Scott “Dee Dee,” frequently break into laughter as Scott asks them for favors so sweetly, they can’t refuse. When Scott shows her art, she displays a wide grin and asks Batson’s staff to place her work next to the window so she can see them. Scott shows off a watercolor mermaid with brown flowing hair she painted during a field trip last year at Easley Amused in Ridgeland, a Mardi Gras mask she made this month and her current creation: a “paint-by-layers” design of flowers and hummingbirds. She followed instructions from a book on how to mix colors and filled in the canvas according to a blueprint. A year ago, Scott started on her first paint-bylayer project, and has since completed four or five. It can take her anywhere from a few weeks to a few months to complete the paintings depending on difficulty. In 1998, Mississippi became one of the first states to license art therapists, and the children’s hospital has embraced the program as part of its palliative-care approach, which focuses on mental and physical care to improve quality of life for patients. In addition to art therapy, friendly canines visit her during pet therapy, and she attends cooking classes and Sunday church services at Batson. When children face serious illnesses such as cancer or have a debilitating injury, they often process things differently from adults. Bullard’s job is to interpret her patients’ feelings through their artwork and help them understand their maladies. “For these kids, they don’t have the words or vocabulary to express themselves,” Bullard says. “They don’t have past experiences to build on, or to explain or understand why they are here. Art can make life normal, and can do the talking for children through color, shapes and images. When doctors send patients to Bullard, one of the first instructions she gives is to draw a tree. That simple concept can tell a lot about what a patient is going through. Bullard takes note of the amount of negative space around the tree and how far it is from the ground—which could mean a patient feels alone or detached. The branches and trunk can symbolize a child’s arms and body, and the tree’s condition a

reflection of themselves, as well as the title they select for the piece. Bullard points out, however, that it’s important not to take every drawing literally. “Art is subjective,” she says as she holds up a drawing a patient made of an amorphous face decorated with stars and smiley faces. “This standard scribble is not well-defined, and the stickers can (be used to) cover up and hide. … It kind of gives you something that you can just put in the back of your mind and possibly address in future sessions.” The next day during her art-therapy lesson, Scott is determined and focused as she grips the mouth stick holding her paintbrush. Following the assignment instructions, she blends colors together to make dark green and concentrates on making steady strokes to fill in leaves on the canvas. The rules for art are simple, Scott says. First, try to follow the directions for the project at hand. Second, have fun. And third, try your best. But sometimes it’s OK to break the rules. When the colors don’t quite turn out the way they are supposed to, Scott decides to experiment by mixing colors. Sometimes, she even convinces others to break the rules with her. “Miss Charla sometimes breaks the rules with me, and I am so proud of her,” Scott says. “Every time she breaks the rule, I am like, wow—my heart rate is going up.” Bullard, who is soft-spoken, laughs. “It sounds worse than it really is,” she says. Scott, who regularly Skypes with her classmates at her former Franklin County Upper Elementary School, says she might want to be an artist, but she isn’t sure. She just likes to give paintings to nurses and anyone else whose day she can brighten. For now, Scott focuses on her schoolwork and planning her future Halloween costumes. Last Halloween, she dressed up as a diva nurse with a long pink wig, sparkly eyelashes and pink scrubs. “I’m going to be a golfer next year, and a hula girl the year after that,” Scott adds with certainty. See Scott’s artwork along with pieces from other disabled artists at the Goodwill Arts Show through March 27 at the Arts Center of Mississippi (201 E. Pascagoula St., 601-960-1500). To support the hospital and its programs, attend the Zippity Doo Dah parade and events March 24-26 in Fondren. For more 31 information, visit www.zippitydoodahparade.com. jacksonfreepress.com

CASEY HOLLOWAY

ike many 12-year-old girls, DeAsia Scott tries to maximize the amount of hot pink she can wear on a daily basis. She loves oatmeal-raisin cookies, has a crush on Justin Bieber and knows every word to Beyonce’s songs. But when Blair E. Batson Hospital for Children art therapist Charla Bullard takes Scott outside where she can paint from her magnetic pink wheelchair, it is, hands down, the greatest thing ever. “I love hot weather,” Scott says dramatically, as pink ribbons attached to her braids sway back and forth. “Girl, I like it when it’s 1,000 degrees. I am never hot. I could just sit outside for a whole day.” The Bude, Miss., native, whom nurses refer to as a “chronic vet” patient, has lived at the children’s hospital on and off for nearly four years after a car accident left her paralyzed. She can’t use her hands, feet or breathe on her own, but she can paint, type and write with a mouth stick, and drive her motorized wheelchair with her chin. Three days a week, Scott attends art-therapy sessions with Bullard where she expresses herself creatively and works through any emotional problems she might have that week. Art therapy combines creative process and psychology to improve emotional, mental and physical well-being of patients at the hospital. On the second floor of the children’s hospital, Scott positions her wheelchair by the window where the sun can warm her skin. She explains how art therapy works, pausing several times to ask Bullard and Childlife Specialist Tiffany

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BEST BETS March 23 - 30, 2011 by Latasha Willis events@jacksonfreepress.com Fax: 601-510-9019 Daily updates at jfpevents.com

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The Veterans of the Mississippi Civil Rights Movement Conference kicks off today at Tougaloo College (500 W. County Line Road, Tougaloo) and continues March 24-26 at Jackson State University (1400 John R. Lynch St.). $20 per event, $25 banquet, $10 students; call 601-979-1515 or 601-918-7809. … The show “Meanwhile, Back at Café Du Monde…” at Lumpkin’s BBQ (182 Raymond Road) is at 5 p.m. $35; call 601-373-7707 to RSVP. … Author Nikki Giovanni speaks at Jackson State University, McCoy Auditorium (1400 John R. Lynch St.) at 7 p.m. Free; call 601-9792241 or 601-979-2329. … Snoop Dogg performs at Fire at 8 p.m. $30; call 800-745-3000. … The Supa Kidz host Wasted Wednesday at Dreamz Jxn at 9 p.m.

FRIDAY 3/25

Zippity Doo Dah Weekend in Fondren continues with the SPQ Big Hat Luncheon at Sal & Mookie’s (565 Taylor St., $20 in advance, $25 at the door; call 601-366-1919) at 10:30 a.m., a scavenger hunt and sidewalk sales. Get more details at zddparade.com. … Jazz Night Live at circa. Urban Artisan Living (2771 Old Canton Road) is from 7-11 p.m. $10; call 601-362-8484. … Mike Epps performs at the Mississippi Coliseum at 7 p.m. $35.50-$44.50; call 800-745-3000. Epps also hosts an after-party at Dreamz JXN. … Art House Cinema Downtown at Russell C. Davis Planetarium (201 E. Pascagoula St.) features “Another Year” at 7 p.m. and “Barney’s Version” at 9:15 p.m.; encore screening March 26. $7 per film; visit msfilm.org. … Forever Friday at Knokers Sports Cafe is at 10 p.m. $10 cover; call 601-454-8313. … The Start Up CD release show at Martin’s is at 10:30 p.m. $5, free CDs.

SATURDAY 3/26

Zippity Doo Dah Weekend in Fondren wraps up with the Market in Fondren at 8 a.m., the street carnival at Sal & Mookie’s (565 Taylor St.) at 10:30 a.m., live music throughout the day and a parade at dusk. $5 parking available at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium. Proceeds benefit Blair E. Batson Children Hospital. See pages 22-28 for more information. … The Great Southern Motorcycle Expo and Crawfish Boil at the Mississippi Trade Mart (1200 Mississippi St.) and Mississippi State Fairgrounds (1207 Mississippi St.) begins at 10 a.m. and runs through March 27. $15 two-day armband, $20 armband and bike show; call 601-939-5861 or 601-8323020. … The Mississippi Symphony Orchestra presents “Bravo V: Beethoven’s Incomparable Fifth” at Thalia Mara Hall at 7:30 p.m. $20 and up; call 601-960-1565.

SUNDAY 3/27

Disney Live! Mickey’s Magic Show at the Mississippi Coliseum (1200 Mississippi St.) is at 1:30 p.m. $14 and up; call 601-353-0603 or 800-745-3000. … See the opera films International multi-reed instrumentalist Amir Gwirtzman performs at Wells Church March 27 at 7 p.m.

The Goodwill Art Show at the Arts Center of Mississippi (201 E. Pascagoula St.) hangs through April 3. Free; call 601-960-1557 … The “Amazing Butterflies” exhibit at the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science (2148 Riverside Drive) shows through May 8. $1-$5; call 601-354-7303. … Zippity Doo Dah Weekend in Fondren kicks off at 5 p.m. with a Doo Dahin’ Fondren After 5 and the Market in Fondren. See page 22 for details. … Dreamz JXN hosts Centric Thursday with Calico Panache at 7 p.m. … Barry Leach is at Underground 119. … Burgers and Blues has music by the Delta Mountain Boys. … Larry Brewer performs at Kathryn’s. … Andy Hardwick performs at Knokers Sports Cafe. … Bat Masterson plays at Hal & Mal’s.

MONDAY 3/28

Jesse “Guitar” Smith plays at F. Jones Corner’s blues lunch. … Taste of Mississippi at Highland Village (4500 Interstate 55 N.) is at 7 p.m. and benefits Stewpot. $150 call 601-353-2759. … The Central Mississippi Blues Society Jam at Hal & Mal’s is at 7 p.m. $5. … Martin’s hosts an open-mic free jam. … Fenian’s has karaoke.

TUESDAY 3/29

Teresa Nicholas signs copies of “Buryin’ Daddy” at Lemuria Books (202 Banner Hall, 4465 Interstate 55 North) at 5:30 p.m. $28 book; call 601-366-7619. … Irish Frog hosts Karaoke with Kids. … Hunter & Rick perform at Fitzgerald’s at 8 p.m. … Cody Cox hosts open-mic at Ole Tavern.

WEDNESDAY 3/30

Author Teresa Nicholas speaks during History Is Lunch at the William F. Winter Archives and History Building (200 North St.) at noon. Bring a lunch; call 601-576-6998. … Doug Frank’s Wednesday Nite Jam at C Notes is at 7:30 p.m. Free. … Poets II has music with DJ Phingaprint. More events and details at jfpevents.com. Hip-hop artist Snoop Dogg performs at Fire March 23 at 8 p.m. EMIMUSICPUBLICITY.NET

THURSDAY 3/24

“Cavalleria Rusticana” and “Pagliacci” at Russell C. Davis Planetarium (201 E. Pascagoula St.) at 2 p.m. $16; call 601960-2300. … The Sunday Jam with JoJo Long at C Notes is from 2-6 p.m. Free. … The Rhyme & Riesling wine tasting at BRAVO! (4500 Interstate 55 N.) is at 4 p.m. $35; e-mail mitchelle@bravobuzz.com to RSVP. … Amir Gwirtzman performs at Wells Memorial United Methodist Church (2019 Bailey Ave.) at 7 p.m. Call 601-353-0658. … The African Children’s Choir performs at New Jerusalem Church (5708 Old Canton Road) at 7 p.m. Free; donations welcome; call 601-206-5844. … Point Blank is at Burgers and Blues.

jacksonfreepress.com

WEDNESDAY 3/23

jfpevents

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JFP-SPONSORED EVENTS Radio JFP on WLEZ ongoing, at WLEZ 100.1 FM and wlezfm.com. Join Donna Ladd and Todd Stauffer every Thursday from noon-1 p.m., where they discuss vital issues and play local music. Listen to podcasts of all shows at jfpradio.com. Free; call 601-362-6121, ext. 17. Fondren Zippity Doo Dah March 24-26. The weekend includes Doo Dahin’ in Fondren March 24 from 5-8 p.m.; the Big Hat Luncheon at Sal & Mookie’s (565 Taylor St., $20 in advance, $25 at the door) March 25; and a full day of events March 26 such as The Market at Fondren at 8 a.m., a street carnival at 10 a.m. behind Sal & Mookie’s, music by the Earth Angels at Brown’s Fine Art (630 Fondren Place) from 4-6 p.m. and the Zippity Doo Dah Parade at dusk featuring the Sweet Potato Queens and the Magnolia Roller Vixens. The Mustard Seed will also have a ceramics show at The Cedars (4145 Old Canton Road) each day. Visit zippitydoodahparade.com for a complete schedule. Proceeds benefit Blair E. Batson Children’s Hospital. Call 601-981-9606. Intentionally Building Community April 1, 7 p.m., at Duling Hall (622 Duling Ave.). “Cohousing: Neighbors Building Neighborhoods/ Maximizing a Southern Sense of Place,” features architects and authors Charles Durrett and Katie McCamant. $15 in advance, $20 at the door; visit intentionallybuildingcommunity.org. Mississippi Happening ongoing. Guaqueta Productions hosts the monthly broadcast featuring a special musical guest. Download free podcasts at mississippi happening.com.

COMMUNITY “History Is Lunch” March 23, noon, at William F. Winter Archives and History Building (200 North St.). Author W. Ralph Eubanks discusses his book “Ever Is a Long Time: A Journey Into Mississippi’s Dark Past.” Bring a lunch; coffee/water provided. Free; call 601-576-6998. “The Legacy of African American Women in Civil Rights” March 23, 6:30 p.m., at Tougaloo College, Woodworth Chapel (500 W. County Line Road). A panel discusses the legacies of Victoria Gray Adams, Annie Devine and Fannie Lou Hamer. Panelists include Pam Brooks, L.C. Dorsey and Tiyi Morris. The event is part of the Medger Evers/ Ella Baker Civil Rights Lecture Series sponsored by JSU’s Hamer Institute. Free; call 601-979-1563. Veterans of the Mississippi Civil Rights Movement Conference March 23-26, at Jackson State University (1400 John R. Lynch St.). The theme is “Too Much Reform and Not Enough Change.” The first day of the conference is at Tougaloo College (500 W. County Line Road, Tougaloo). Activities include panel discussions, a banquet, workshops and a town hall meeting. Presenters include the Minister Louis Farrakhan, Kathleen Cleaver and Poet of Truth. $20 per event, $25 banquet, $10 students; call 601-979-1515 or 601-918-7809.

March 23 - 29, 2011

All 4 Children Consignment Sale March 24-26, at Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum (1150 Lakeland Drive). The semi-annual event gently-used name-brand and boutique items for children and teens, home decor and furniture. Hours are 9 a.m.5 p.m. March 24-25 and 8 a.m.-1 p.m. March 26. Call 601-566-7046.

Zip39 CEO Forum March 24, 4 p.m., at Butler, Snow, O’Mara, Stevens and Canada (1020 Highland Colony Parkway, Ridgeland). Panelists include Joel Bomgar, CEO of Bomgar Corporation, and Hu Meena, CEO of CellularSouth. $30; e-mail zip39@madisoncountychamber.com. Precinct 4 COPS Meeting March 24, 6 p.m., at Redeemer Church (640 E. Northside Drive). These monthly forums address community issues, from crime to potholes. Call 601-960-0004.

LGBT Support Group for Youth/Young Adults March 24, 6:30 p.m., at A Brave New Day (Fondren Corner, 2906 N. State St., Suite 204). Rise Above for Youth welcomes youth and young adults age 14-24 to connect and to share experiences and resources. Free; call 601-922-4968. “Obesity Increases Melanoma Growth” Lecture March 24, 7 p.m., at Clinton Community Nature Center (617 Dunton Road, Clinton), in Price Hall. Dr. Elizabeth Brandon discusses ways of inhibiting some of the growth factors the semi-annual event. Free, donations welcome; call 601-926-1104. Student Planning Conference: Emerging Issues in Southern Cities March 25-26, at Jackson State University (1400 John R. Lynch St.). JSU’s Department of Urban and Regional Planning hosts students, faculty members, professionals and community members to explore issues pertaining to planning in Southern cities. Ellen Dunham-Jones of the Georgia Tech College of Architecture gives the keynote address. Hours are noon-4:30 p.m. March 25 and 8 a.m. 4:30 p.m. March 26. $70, $35 students; call 601-432-6865. Relief from Sinus Misery: Balloon Sinuplasty March 25, 11:45 a.m., at Baptist Health Systems, Madison Campus (401 Baptist Drive, Madison), in the Community Room. If you suffer from frequent sinus infections and chronic sinusitis, learn about a procedure that may relieve symptoms. Dr. Vinod Anand speaks. Lunch provided; registration required. Free; call 601-948-6262 or 800-948-6262. The Nussbaum Lecture March 25, 12:30 p.m., at Millsaps College, Ford Academic Complex (1701 N. State St.). In room 215. Hank Thomas discusses Perry Nussbaum and the Freedom Riders. Free; call 601-974-1334. Forever Friday March 25, 10 p.m., at Knokers Sports Cafe (4586 Clinton Blvd.). Enjoy music from DJ Phingaprint, performances by local musicians and poets, and art displays. $10 before 10 p.m.; call 601-454-8313. Homebuyer Education Class March 26, 9 a.m., at Jackson Housing Authority (2747 Livingston Road). The class covers topics such as personal finances, home inspections and the role of lenders and real estate agents. The Jackson Housing Authority requires the class for loan applicants. Registration required. Free; call 601-362-0885, ext. 115. “Honoring the Goddess” Workshop March 26, 9 a.m., at Mississippi School for Therapeutic Massage (1935A Lakeland Drive). Share personal stories, and get art therapy, refreshments and pampering. Register with a friend and get 50 percent off one ticket. $90; visit intuitive encounters.com. “Great Lessons from the Journey” Lecture March 26, 9:30 a.m., at Galloway United Methodist Church (305 N. Congress St.). Paula D’Arcy, author and spirituality retreat leader, speaks. A Q&A session and a book signing follows. Registration is from 8:45-9:15 a.m. Lunch included; child care provided. $20, $30 couple; call 601-326-3443. Great Southern Motorcycle Expo and Crawfish Boil March 26-27, at Mississippi Trade Mart (1200 Mississippi St.) and Mississippi State Fairgrounds (1200 Mississippi St.). The event includes bike shows, demonstrations, ATV and power sports vehicle exhibits and vendor booths. Enjoy performances by Corey Ledet and his zydeco band, and Brandon Giles & the Tricky Two. Gates open at 10 a.m. both days. The Christian Motorcycle Association hosts a church service on the fairgrounds at 11 a.m. March 27. $15 two-day armband, $20 armband and bike show; call 601-939-5861 or 601-832-3020. Euro Summit March 26, 5 p.m., at Renaissance (1000 Highland Colony Parkway), in the parking lot in front of Ethan Allen. Bring your European car and meet other car owners. All European marques welcome. Free; call 601-853-1042. Legends Ball March 26, 7 p.m., at Jackson Convention Complex (105 E. Pascagoula St.). The Metro

Humanities Festival Week 2011 March 27-April 3, at Tougaloo College (500 W. County Line Road). â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Power of the Arts and Lettersâ&#x20AC;? features cultural events such as a Tougaloo College Concert Choir performance March 27, a poetry slam and music faculty recital March 28, an opera workshop and art exhibit March 30, a music studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; recital March 31 and the play â&#x20AC;&#x153;Crimes of the Heartâ&#x20AC;? April 1. Free; call 601-977-7870. Rhyme and Riesling March 27, 4 p.m., at BRAVO! (4500 Interstate 55 North). Sommelier Norm Rush leads a tasting of Riesling wines such as Rocky Gully Dry, Frankland Estate and Spy Valley. Reservations required. $35; e-mail mitchelle@bravobuzz.com. Panel of American Faiths March 27, 5:30 p.m., at Northminster Baptist Church (3955 Ridgewood Road). The theme is â&#x20AC;&#x153;Building Bridges of Understanding.â&#x20AC;? The event is in conjunction with the Mississippi Religious Leadership Conference. A reception follows. Free; call 601-982-4703. Taste of Mississippi March 28, 7 p.m., at Highland Village (4500 I-55 North). Dozens of Mississippi chefs and restaurateurs share culinary favorites. Event includes a silent auction and live music. Proceeds benefit Stewpot Community Services. $150; call 601-353-2759.

FARMERSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; MARKETS Byram Farmers Market (20 Willow Creek Lane, Byram), through Oct. 29. The market is open Monday-Saturday from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Products include fresh produce, wildflower honey, roasted peanuts, jams, jellies, birdhouses, baskets and gourds for crafting. Call 601-373-4545. Mississippi Farmers Market (929 High St.), through Dec. 17. Shop for fresh locally-grown fruits and vegetables, specialty foods, and crafts from local artisans, including the Greater Belhaven Market. The market is open Saturdays from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Call 601-354-6573. Old Fannin Road Farmersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Market (1307 Old Fannin Road, Brandon), through Dec. 24. Farmers sell homegrown produce Monday-Saturday from 8 a.m.-7 p.m. and noon-6 p.m. Sunday. Call 601919-1690.

STAGE AND SCREEN Events at Russell C. Davis Planetarium (201 E. Pascagoula St.). â&#x20AC;˘ Planetarium Spring Break Specials through March 25. Mega-HD Cinemas include â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hurricane on the Bayouâ&#x20AC;? at noon weekdays and 4 p.m. Saturdays, and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Fly Me to the Moonâ&#x20AC;? at 2 p.m. Monday-Saturday. Sky Shows include â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Wright Way to Flyâ&#x20AC;? a 1 p.m. Monday-Saturday and â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Case of the Disappearing Planetâ&#x20AC;? at 3 p.m. Monday-Saturday. Prices vary; call 601-9601552. â&#x20AC;˘ Art House Cinema Downtown March 25-26. Films include â&#x20AC;&#x153;Another Yearâ&#x20AC;? at 7 p.m. and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Barneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Versionâ&#x20AC;? at 9:15 p.m. Popcorn and beverages included. $7 per film; visit msfilm.org. â&#x20AC;˘ Mascagniâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;Cavalleria Rusticanaâ&#x20AC;? and Leoncavalloâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;Pagliacciâ&#x20AC;? March 27, 2 p.m. Mississippi Opera and the Mississippi Film Institute present La Scala opera films. $16; call 601-960-2300. Mike Epps and Friends March 25, 7 p.m., at Mississippi Coliseum (1207 Mississippi St.). The comedy show includes Sheryl Underwood. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster. $35.50-$44.50; call 601-353-0603 or 800-745-3000. Disney Live! Mickeyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Magic Show March 27, 1:30

p.m., at Mississippi Coliseum (1207 Mississippi St.). Characters perform magic from Disney films. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster. $14 and up; call 601-353-0603 or 800-745-3000.

Thursday, March 24th

Amazin Lazi boi & Sunset challenge blues band

MUSIC Snoop Dogg March 23, 8 p.m., at Fire (209 S. Commerce St.). The hip-hop artist entertains the masses. Tickets available through Ticketmaster. $30; call 800-745-3000.

10PM no cover until Midnight

Jazz Night Live March 25, 7 p.m., at circa. Urban Artisan Living (2771 Old Canton Road). Enjoy Jazz Beautiful featuring Pam Confer, a glass of wine and a cash bar with artisan beer and mixers for your spirits on the last Friday of each month. Light snacks included. $10; call 601-362-8484. Bravo V: Beethovenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Incomparable Fifth March 26, 7:30 p.m., Thalia Mara Hall (255 E. Pascagoula St.). Selections by Beethoven paired with Mussorgskyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;Night on Bald Mountain,â&#x20AC;? Ralph Vaughan Williamsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Lark Ascendingâ&#x20AC;? and Verdiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;Macbeth.â&#x20AC;? $20 and up; call 601-960-1565. Spring Concert March 27, 4 p.m., at Tougaloo College, Woodworth Chapel (500 W. County Line Road, Tougaloo). The Tougaloo College Concert Choir performs. Free; call 601-977-7870. African Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Choir March 27, 7 p.m., at New Jerusalem Church (5708 Old Canton Road). The choir raises awareness of the plight of Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s children. Free, donations welcome; call 601-206-5844.

LITERARY AND SIGNINGS Events at Lemuria Books (202 Banner Hall, 4465 Interstate 55 N.). Call 601-366-7619. â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;&#x153;The End of the World Clubâ&#x20AC;? March 23, 3:30 p.m. Jon Voelkel signs copies of his book. $16.99 book. â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Tigerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Wifeâ&#x20AC;? March 23, 5 p.m. Tea Obreht signs copies of the book; reading at 5:30 p.m. $25 book. â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;&#x153;Georgia Bottomsâ&#x20AC;? March 24, 5 p.m. Mark Childress signs copies of his book; reading at 5:30 p.m. $24.99 book. â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;&#x153;Swamplandia!â&#x20AC;? March 25, 5 p.m. Karen Russell signs copies of her book; reading at 5:30 p.m. $24.95 book. â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;&#x153;Buryinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Daddyâ&#x20AC;? March 29, 5 p.m. Teresa Nicholas signs copies of her book; reading at 5:30 p.m. $28 book. Mississippi and the Arts Week March 28-April 1, at Hinds Community College, Raymond Campus (501 E. Main St., Raymond). Presenters include author Neil White, blues guitarist Bill Abel, Front Porch Dance and former William Morris executive Sam Haskell. Visit hindscc.edu for a schedule. Free admission; call 601-857-3360.

CREATIVE CLASSES Sushi Workshop March 26, 5 p.m., at Viking Cooking School (Township at Colony Park, 1107 Highland Colony Parkway, Ridgeland). Learn about authentic Japanese ingredients, making sushi rice, nigiri-zushi and slicing maki-zushi. $99; call 601898-8345. Spring Community Enrichment Series, at Millsaps College (1701 N. State St.). Most classes start the week of April 4. Take arts and crafts, computer, dance, health and fitness, heritage and history, home and garden, language and literature, money and business, music or personal development. Contact Continuing Education for a list of classes and fees. Call 601-974-1130. Salsa Mississippi Dance Classes ongoing, at Salsa Mississippi Studio and Club (605 Duling Ave.). Take salsa, zumba, bachata, Bollywood aerobics,

More EVENTS, see page 36

FRIDAY, March 25th

Amazin lazy boi 10PM no cover until Midnight

SATURDAY, March 26th

The Legendary house rockers

10PM NO COVER UNTIL Midnight $10 Cover after midnight

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Happy Hour Everyday 4pm-7pm

LATE NIGHT HAPPY HOUR Sunday - Thursday 10pm - 12am

2-FOR-1, YOU CALL IT!

601.978.1839

6270 Old Canton Rd. Jackson, MS 39211

jacksonfreepress.com

Jackson Alcorn Alum Chapter honors fellow alumni at the black-tie affair. A percentage of the proceeds goes to the Alcorn State University Foundation and the chapterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s local scholarship fund. Tickets available through Ticketmaster. $50; e-mail gyates1@ comcast.net.

jfpevents

from page 33

flamenco, cha cha and more. Join a beginner’s salsa class is also taught at the Chapatoula Building (115 Cynthia St., Clinton) Mondays from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Visit salsamississippi.com. $10 per class; call 601-213-6355.

Cedars Historic Home (4145 Old Canton Road). Pam Holmes, owner of The Eye’s Detail, showcases 15 black-and-white photographs, inspired by personal stories. Proceeds benefit Galloway United Methodist Mission Outreach Program for Honduras. Free admission; call 601-981-9606.

EXHIBITS AND OPENINGS

Events at Old Capitol Museum (100 S. State St.). Free; call 601-576-6920. • Mississippi Hall of Fame Portrait Unveiling March 27, 2 p.m. A portrait of Mississippi author Richard Wright is presented to the Hall of Fame.

Events at Mississippi Museum of Art (380 S. Lamar St.). Free; call 601-960-1515. • Symphony Dinner and Lecture Series March 26, 5:30 p.m., at Mississippi Museum of Art (380 S. Lamar St.), in Trustmark Grand Hall. Attend a prelude to the orchestra’s night of music. Enjoy cocktails at 5:30 p.m., dinner at 6:15 p.m. and the lecture at 6:45 p.m. Reservations required. $25-$40 dinner; call 601-960-1515. • Scholastic Art & Writing Awards Exhibit through March 27. Students from middle, junior high, and senior high schools across the state participate. Honorable mention artwork is displayed as a slide show. The open house, noon-1:45 p.m., is March 27, followed by the awards presentation at the Jackson Convention Complex. • Breach of Peace: Portraits of the 1961 Freedom Riders through June 12. The exhibition shares journalist and photographer Eric Etheridge’s project displaying 328 mugshots alongside 15 contemporary portraits of Freedom Riders. Free. “Outstanding Voices Fighting for Women’s Equal Rights” through March 24, at Jackson State University (1400 John R. Lynch St.), in the Legacy Area of the Student Center. The traveling exhibit celebrates contributions of women. In conjunction with the exhibit, poet, author and professor Nikki Giovanni speaks March 23 at Rose E. McCoy Auditorium at 7 p.m. Free; call 601-979-2241. Photography Exhibit March 25, 6 p.m., at The

FIGMENT Art Festival Call for Entries through April 15. FIGMENT, an arts event, seeks artists and volunteers for the May 14-15 festival at The Plant (1424 Highway 80 W.). Admission deadline is April 15. Free; call 601-960-1557 or 646-391-4729. Check jfpevents.com for updates and more listings. To add an event, e-mail all details (phone number, start/end date and time, street address, cost, URL, etc.) to events@jacksonfreepress.com or fax to 601510-9019. The deadline is noon the Thursday prior to the week of publication. Or add the event online yourself; check out jfpevents.com for instructions.

BE THE CHANGE “Meanwhile, Back at Cafe Du Monde...” Jackson Show March 23, 5:30 p.m., at Lumpkin’s BBQ (182 Raymond Road). The event includes a barbecue buffet, monologues by local celebrities such as Tom Ramsey, Monique Davis and Malcolm White, and music by Liver Mousse. A cash bar is included. A portion of ticket proceeds benefit the Music in Motion program to buy instruments for underprivileged children. Seating is limited; please RSVP. $35; call 601-373-7707.

by Jesse Crow

March 23 - 29, 2011

hen I first picked up “Swamplandia!” (Knopf, 2011, $24.95), I was skeptical at best. As a Florida native, I was excited to read a book set in my home state, but a book about a 13-year-old girl who is an alligator wrestler with a self-described “falling” family sounds a bit sketchy. As intriguing as the concept is, I didn’t know how author Karen Russell would be able to write it without being ridiculous. But she did, and she did it well. “Swamplandia!” is Russell’s debut novel and chronicles narrator Ava Bigtree’s life on Swamplandia!, her parents’ alligator-themed amusement park and island home in the swamps of southern Florida. The novel is an extension of her short story, “Ava Wrestles the Alligator,” published in 2006. “Swamplandia!” opens with an epigraph from Lewis Carroll’s “Through the Looking-Glass,” setting the stage for an otherworldly and somewhat mystical journey. Themes of searching and escaping are present throughout the novel. In the first pages, readers are introduced to Ava’s mother, Hilola Bigtree, who dives into a pool of alligators and swims to the other side unscathed. She’s the headliner of Swamplandia’s show and brings in flocks of tourists. After Hilola dies of ovarian cancer, and after competing theme park ,the World

of Darkness, opens on the mainland, the Bigtree family begins to fall apart. Ava thought the worst happened when her mother died. But she realizes “that one tragedy can beget another, and another— bright-eyed disasters flooding out of a death hole like bats out of a cave.” The protagonist’s father, not-so-affectionately known as Chief, also ventures to the mainland to find capital to support renovations—the park’s “Carnival Darwinism,” as the Chief calls his vision of the Swamplandia’s evolution. Ava is left alone on Swamplandia, until the Bird Man comes to the island. After some persuasion, he takes her to the underworld so she can find Osceola, begin to repair her family and save Swamplandia. Russell interweaves the multiple narratives of the Bigtrees throughout the novel. Russell’s command of the English language will draw you into “Swamplandia!,” making you feel like you’re there with Ava. The author’s words had a grip on me that wouldn’t let go. Karen Russell reads and signs “Swamplandia!” at Lemuria Books (202 Banner Hall, 4465 Interstate 55 N., 601366-7619) March 25 at 5 p.m.

COURTESY KNOPF

Mystical Alligator Wrestling

by Ward Schaefer

COURTESY JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY

Poetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Progress

lain spoken and impassioned, poet Nikki Giovanniâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s body of work is a testament to the power of words to fulfill and inspire. Born in 1943, Giovanni grew up in the suburbs of Cincinnati, Ohio, surrounded by a tightly knit family that figures heavily in her work. In her widely anthologized 1968 poem â&#x20AC;&#x153;Nikki-Rosa,â&#x20AC;? she noted of her childhood, â&#x20AC;&#x153;all the while I was quite happy.â&#x20AC;? Giovanni attended Fisk University in Nashville, where she was swept up in a renaissance of black artistic expression. In 1967, she graduated with a degree in history. She published her first book of poems, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Black Feeling, Black Talk,â&#x20AC;? in 1968. Later that year, she published a second book of poetry, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Black Judgment.â&#x20AC;? The two books, with their strong, even militant sense of African American identity, garnered Giovanni a wide audience early. â&#x20AC;&#x153;So let us work / for our day of Presence / When Stokely is in / The Black House / And all will be right with / Our World,â&#x20AC;? Giovanni concluded one early poem from â&#x20AC;&#x153;Black Feeling.â&#x20AC;? Gradually, though, the ardent political focus of Giovanniâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s early work gave way to a softer, more personal style, especially after the birth of her son, Thomas, in 1969. She has published more than 15 books of poetry, numerous books for children and an autobiography, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Gemini,â&#x20AC;? that was a finalist for the National Book Award. In addition to her writing, audiences know Giovanni as a spokenword performer; she earn a 2004 Grammy nomination for her album, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Nikki Giovanni Poetry Collection.â&#x20AC;? She embraces the link between poetry, spoken-word and hip-hop and collaborated with hip-hop group Blackalicious. Since 1987, Giovanni has served as a distinguished professor of English at Virginia Tech.

The Key of G by Garrad Lee

Giovanni speaks at 7 p.m. March 23 at Jackson State University in honor of the JSU Student Government Associationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Emphasis Week.â&#x20AC;? Her speech in the Rose Embly McCoy Auditorium at 1400 Lynch St., is free and open to the public.

Follow Mississippi Happening on Twitter and Facebook.

Kerry-ed Away

or two himself about crooning for the ladies, inspired him to pick up his guitar two years after initially buying it. On a road trip with a female friend of his, Thomas says all they had to listen to during the car ride was John Mayer. Instead of being annoyed by background music from one artist for the duration of the trip, he says, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I fell in love with (Mayerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s) music, and he is the reason I picked up the guitar in the first place.â&#x20AC;? Thomasâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; current project is a collaboration album, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Love and Justice,â&#x20AC;? with rapper Chief Lion. The duo, which has dubbed themselves Evani Tribe, expects to release the album in late spring. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Love and Justiceâ&#x20AC;? is a concept album split into two parts. Part one deals with love and relationshipsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;â&#x20AC;&#x153;my niche,â&#x20AC;? the singer says, and the second half of the album, Thomas and Chief Lion deal with justice and political issues. The album features a guest appearance from one of Jacksonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s finest rappers, PyInfamous, and has â&#x20AC;&#x153;meshed together to become a beautiful project,â&#x20AC;? Thomas says. The singer also plans to release his solo project, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Songs About Her,â&#x20AC;? in the fall of this year. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This one covers the full circle of a relationship,â&#x20AC;? he says, â&#x20AC;&#x153;from meeting to resolution.â&#x20AC;? Thomas performs every third Sat-

V COURTESY KERRY THOMAS

â&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll never forget the first time I saw Kerry Thomas, known as KT on stage, perform live at Dreamz JXN for Forever Friday. It was Sept. 10, 2010. Alone on stage with only an acoustic guitar and a microphone, he captivated a very vocal contingent of female audience members with his soulful renditions of Musiq Soulchild songs. About halfway through his performance, my wife looked at me and, over the screaming women on the front row, said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Damn, this kid is good.â&#x20AC;? As it turns out, that was one of the 26-year-oldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first live performances; he played it cool like he had been having that effect on women with his singing for years. Thomas has known for a while that he could sing, but it wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t until about three years ago that he got his first guitar, an impulse buy at a pawnshop. About two years after that, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I actually picked it up and tried to play it,â&#x20AC;? he says. Thomas taught himself to play the guitar watching videos on the Internet, trying to learn as many songs as he could. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Maybe Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll take lessons one day,â&#x20AC;? he says. The self-taught guitarist/singer says Stevie Wonder, Luther Vandross and Musiq Soulchild, among others, influence his â&#x20AC;&#x153;poppish neo-soulâ&#x20AC;? vocal style. John Mayer, a young man that knows a thing

Renowned poet and educator Nikki Giovanni speaks at 7 p.m. March 23 at Jackson State University.

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Kerry Thomas performs at 9 p.m. every third Saturday of the month at Suite 106.

urday at Suite 106 (106 Wilmington St.) at 9 p.m. These performances are usually solo, acoustic affairs, but sometimes the musician throws a beat machine into the mix to switch it up. You can also catch Thomas at any number of hip-hop-themed events throughout the city, as he is one of the most ardent supporters of the scene. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s even known to jump on stage with rappers to perform some back-up singing duties. Beyond all this, Thomas is one of the nicest people in the Jackson music scene, and heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s always a pleasure to work with. He sings, plays, and heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nice, ladies. Get in line, or you wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stand a chance. To keep up with Kerry Thomas shows and upcoming releases, follow him at twitter.com/anotherredhead.

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jacksonfreepress.com

DIVERSIONS|music

livemusic MARCH 23 - WEDNESDAY

Live music!

Wednesday, March 23rd

BILL & TEMPERANCE

(Bluegrass) 8-11, No Cover Thursday, March 24th

BARRY LEACH

(Jazz) 8-11, No Cover Friday, March 25th

EDEN BRENT

(Delta Blues) 9-1, $10 Cover

T-Baby & The Soul Survivors Saturday, March 26 9:00pm-1:00am

Happy hour

Mon - Sat | 2pm - 7pm 2 for 1 All Mixed Drinks, $1 Off Draft & Wine and 50Â¢ Boneless Wings

Saturday, March 26th

KING EDWARD

1428 Old Square Road in Jackson 601.713.2700 lastcallsportsgrill.com

(Blues) 9-1, $10 Cover Wednesday, March 30th

BILL & TEMPERANCE

(Bluegrass) 8-11, No Cover Thursday, March 31st

THE RHYTHM PRIESTS (Blues) 8-11, No Cover Friday, April 1st

CHRIS GILL & THE SOLE SHAKERS (Blues) 9-1, No Cover

March 23 - 29, 2011

Saturday, April 2nd

GRAND CHAMPION CD RELEASE PARTY (Blues) 9-1, $10 Cover

119 S. President Street 601.352.2322 www.Underground119.com

THURSDAY - MARCH 24 LADIES NIGHT DRINK FREE 9-11PM FRIDAY - MARCH 25

Dylan Moss Project & SATURDAY - MARCH 26

Hillbilly Deluxe

SUNDAY - MARCH 27 8 BALL TOURNAMENT MONDAY - MARCH 28

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601-961-4747

www.myspace.com/popsaroundthecorner

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with Cody Cox

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A M A LC O T H E AT R E

by Brandi Herrera

South of Walmart in Madison

ALL STADIUM SEATING Listings for Friday, Mar. 25th - Thursday, Mar. 31st

Sucker Punch PG13 Limitless

PG13

The Lincoln Lawyer R Paul Battle: Los Angeles Mars Needs Moms

R PG13 PG

Red Riding Hood PG13 Rango

The Adjustment Bureau PG13 Beastly Hall Pass

PG13 R

Big Momma’s: Like Father, Like Son PG13 I Am Number Four PG13 Unknown

PG13

GIFT CARDS AVAILABLE DAILY BARGAINS UNTIL 6PM Online Tickets, Birthday Parties, Group & Corporate Events @ www.malco.com

Movieline: 355-9311

o watch an infant sleep is to witness one of the most deeply peaceful processes. With every soft rise and fall of the baby’s small belly, a natural expansion and contraction occurs that seems effortless, even archetypal. It’s easy to feel envy at such a full state of mental and physical relaxation. And though we were all brought into the world in the same way—breathing as nature intended—our culture quickly conditions us to become shallow, upper chest breathers. Many of us have been doing it incorrectly almost our entire lives. Breath is the foundation of life; we would cease to exist if not for this vital function. But it’s also more than just corporal utility. World cultures have recognized the fundamental connection between breath and the soul for centuries. Whether in Sanskrit, Greek, Latin, Hawaiian, Chinese or Japanese, the terms for breath—prana, pneuma, spiritus, ha, qi and ki—are synonymous with the essence of our spirit. Each of these cultures has historically placed great importance on breath work (the focused study and conscious altering of our breath) as the key to achieving physical, mental and spiritual wellness. Practitioners have developed and used various techniques and exercises for thousands of years to help us realize greater balance through the restoration of proper diaphragmatic breathing. We’re taught from a young age to suck in our bellies and keep everything “tight,” and because we are also a forward-moving, future-oriented society that exists in a constant state of stress and anxiety, we literally “forget” sometimes to breathe at all. Our breath is just not something we pay attention to or consciously work toward improving. As a result, a large portion of the population breathes shallowly in the upper chest (rather than with the diaphragm) using only a fraction of lung capacity, which restricts the level of oxygen intake we require for optimal health. Over the course of a lifetime,

Try This At Home

ere’s a simple breathing exercise you can feel comfortable trying at home without supervision. If you’re interested in trying other, more intense forms of breath control, it’s advisable to first consult a physician and to work with a trained instructor. Practice this exercise for 15 minutes, once or twice a day:

Inhale • Begin by gently pushing the abdomen forward as you breathe in. • Push the ribs sideways while continuing the intake. Your abdomen will automatically move slightly inward. • Lift your chest and collarbone up as you keep breathing in. • This should be done in one continuous motion with each step flowing smoothly into the next. Avoid any jerky movements or using force.

March 23 - 29, 2011

Exhale

• Allow your collarbone, chest and ribs to relax. The air in your lungs will automatically be expelled. • Once you have released all of the air, gently pull the abdomen in slightly to expel any remaining air in the lungs. • Exhaling is more passive, except during the second stage when you slightly pull in the abdomen.

MARK FORMAN

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Roderick Rules PG

(Re)Learning to Breathe

shallow breathing puts one at risk for a number of health complications, like heart disease and chronic fatigue, as well as digestive, gynecological and sleep disorders. It would seem then of utmost importance that we focus more on our breath, but few of us do. Many individuals don’t reconnect with their breath until they engage in an activity that demands they do so. Singers, athletes and those practicing various forms of meditation must all learn how to discipline their breath to perform effectively. It wasn’t until I took my first yoga class five years ago that I was exposed to the concept of Pranayama (Sanskrit for “control of force”), one of the eight main tenets of yogic thought, which aims to tame negative and restless energy in the body and mind through deep, systematic, cleansing breaths. The instructor had us participate in a short exercise to determine whether we were chest or abdominal breathers. Lying on the floor, she asked us to take several deep breaths without asking ourselves whether we were “right” or “wrong.” Then she asked us to observe what we saw and felt happening, paying particular attention to our chest, abdomen and shoulders. I noticed right away that my chest puffed out, my shoulders raised an inch, and my stomach flattened with each inhalation—all signs I was using only the upper portion of my lungs to breathe. When you engage in deep diaphragmatic breathing, the abdominal muscles relax as you inhale, while the diaphragm contracts and moves down—giving one’s abdomen the appearance of “filling up.” The movement of the diaphragm allows the lungs to fill with oxygen. During exhalation, the diaphragm relaxes again and abdominal muscles contract, giving our abdomen the appearance of “falling.” When you breathe properly, you’ll almost certainly improve concentration and relax your mind. But doing so also benefits your body in many crucial ways, including detoxifying the organs, increasing blood flow and peristalsis (systematic muscular contractions) of the intestines, as well as increased oxygen supply to the brain and muscles. Various techniques and exercises exist to aid us to control our breath, purify our bodies and clear our minds so that we remain more balanced. Among some of the most long-standing are pranayama and qigong. Unlike other forms—such as anapanasati, the fundamental form practiced by the Buddha that asks individuals to simply pay mindful attention to their breath—pranayama and qigong specifically train individuals to discipline their breath. When practiced on a daily basis, meditative breathing has the ability to change one’s relationship with his or her thoughts in a profound way, helping to dispel negative energy, promote the flow of good energy and keep restlessness at bay. Take time now to reconnect with this vital force, and you may just find that your spirit comes alive.

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dining

by Andrew Dunaway

ANDREW DUNAWAY

I am the king of omelets at home. At Fratesi’s, it would be the veal scaloppini; it’s a simple dish that requires delicate timing. What your cooking style here at Fratesi’s? JS: It’s mainly trattoria (an informal restaurant or tavern serving simple dishes) style. We have all homemade sauces and lasagnas. Everything at Fratesi’s is homemade and is served in a relaxed homey atmosphere.

Fratesi’s Italian Foods owner Pam Fratesi (left) and chef Jereme Sullivan serve homemade-style cuisine.

t’s time for a night out, and your taste buds are craving Italian. You’re pining for cherry-red tomato sauce and al dente pasta, or maybe you’re more in the mood for the bubbling layers of lasagna. Either way, Jacksonians have an extensive selection of Italian restaurants from which to choose, from national chains to homegrown favorites. With newcomers crowding the stage, though, some of the old guard have to work a little harder to remain in the spotlight. Since opening their doors in fall 1993, Fratesi’s Italian Foods (910 Lake Harbour Drive, Ridgeland, 601-9562929) covers all the bases, offering a range of Italian American favorites like seafood lasagna, veal scaloppini and the beloved favorite, spaghetti and meatballs. Each table comes with a straw-wrapped Chianti-bottle candle holder, so you can twirl your pasta by candlelight. “The Fratesi’s originally came from Ancona, right above the heel of the boot,” owner Pam Fratesi says. “These are all Nonna (Italian for grandmother) Fratesi’s and Terry Fratesi’s recipes.” To see what makes the kitchen at Fratesi’s tick, I sat down with Fratesi and 28-year-old Jereme Sullivan, the restaurant’s chef. Sullivan is a Jackson native who graduated from Northwest Rankin High School in 2000. He’s been cooking for 10 years, but started off bussing table at Fratesi’s when he was 18. What is your cooking background? Jereme Sullivan: I learned the basics from my parents but (I’m) mostly self-taught.

March 23 - 29, 2011

What was the first recipe you mastered, in general, and at Fratesi’s? JS: In general, it would be breakfast: bacon and eggs.

What are some of your favorite dishes on the menu? Pam Fratesi: Mine would be spaghetti and meatballs. JS: Me, too. It would have to be spaghetti and meatballs, or the seafood lasagna. Our meatballs are all ground beef with garlic, pecorino and Parmesan cheese. What is the most valuable kitchen tip or trick that you learned over the years? JS: Probably keeping your composure in difficult situations. You’ve got to have a cool head and entertain the customers. What is the one item you would ban from your kitchen? PF & JS: Cheddar cheese. PF: It pains me to see a good Italian salad ruined when a customer asks for shredded cheddar. If you could cook for/serve anyone in America, who would it be? JS: Anthony Bourdain. PF: Andrew Zimmerman. You have to choose your last meal. What’s in it? JS: I’m not sure, but I think red meat—probably a beef tenderloin with salt, pepper and cooked medium rare. PF: Red sauce and pasta—cappellini—an easy-totwirl pasta. Does Fratesi’s have any particular communityservice involvement? PF: We have made lasagnas for HeARTS scaloppini Against Aids, and we’ve fed Habitat for Humanity workers. What is one piece of advice you would give anyone wanting to become a chef? JS: You have to know that this work can be both stressful and rewarding. It’s a stressful job. You have to have a passion for cooking and take pride in your work.

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, boiled or baked 1 pound cottage cheese 1 pound cream cheese 2 cans (12 ounces each) [condensed] cream of mushroom soup 1/2 cup diced red onion 1 diced tomato 2 cloves of fresh garlic chopped 1/4 pound fresh spinach 1 can (14 ounces) artichoke hearts Jereme Sullivan’s chicken 2 ounces olive oil and artichoke lasagna 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese 1/2 cup shredded Romano cheese 1 pound shredded mozzarella 1 bottle Italian dressing 1 package of lasagna noodles Salt and pepper

Chop chicken and place in Italian dressing. Marinate in refrigerator for one hour. In a medium-sized double boiler, combine cream of mushroom soup, cream cheese and cottage cheese over medium heat until mixture melts. Stir frequently to prevent burning. In a medium skillet, heat two ounces of olive oil over medium heat for one minute. Add red onion and chopped garlic. Add spinach with a pinch of salt and pepper; toss spinach until it wilts. Add the spinach mixture to the cheese base in the boiler. Drain the marinated, chopped chicken and add to the pot. Chop the artichoke hearts and add to the pot. Add salt and pepper to taste. Reduce heat to simmer. Place 12 lasagna noodles in hot water just long enough to soften. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. In a 12-by-10-inch glass baking dish, place a layer of lasagna noodles evenly across the bottom. Spread a quarter to a third of the filling evenly across the pasta, then sprinkle with Romano, Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. Repeat the noodles, filling and cheese combination for three to four layers, depending on the size of the baking dish. Finish the top layer with the chopped tomato and the remainder of the cheese. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for 25 minutes more or until golden brown. Remove from the oven, and cool for 15-25 minutes. Serves nine to 10.

FROM OUR ROASTERY, TO YOUR CUP. voted best coffeeshop in jackson 2003-2010

ANDREW DUNAWAY

Nonna’s Recipes

FRATESI’S CHICKEN AND ARTICHOKE LASAGNA

%*/&+BDLTPO Paid listyour yourrestaurant.r restaurant.r Paid advertising advertising section. section. Call Call 601-362-6121 601-362-6121 x11 x1 totolist

BARBEQUE

Hickory Pit Barbeque (1491 Canton Mart Rd. 601-956-7079) The “Best Butts in Town” features BBQ chicken, beef and pork sandwiches along with burgers and po’boys. Haute Pig (1856 Main Street, 601-853-8538) A “very high class pig stand,” Haute Pig offers Madison diners BBQ plates, sandwiches, po-boys, salads, and their famous Hershey bar pie. Lumpkins BBQ (182 Raymond Rd. Jackson 866-906-0942) Specializing in smoked barbeque, Lumpkin’s offers all your favorites for on-site family dining or for catered events, including reunions, office events, annivesaries, weddings and more.

BARS, PUBS & BURGERS Brady’s Bar and Grill (6720 Old Canton Rd., Ridgeland, 601-812-6862) Everything you’d expect from a bar and grill, from classic pub fare to their Krispy Sweet Pepper Chicken. Burgers, seafood baskets, salads, steaks and lunch specials. And, ladies get one free Apple Martini or Cosmo during Brady’s Thursday Ladies Night! Cherokee Inn (960 Briarfield Rd. 601-362-6388) Jackson’s “Best Hole in the Wall,” has a great jukebox, great bar and a great burger. Plate lunches, cheesy fries and tons more, including a full bar and friendly favorites. Cool Al’s (4654 McWillie, 601-713-3020) A Best of Jackson fixture, Cool Al’s signature stacked, messy, decadent, creative burgers defy adjectives. And don’t forget the fries! Fenian’s Pub (901 E. Fortification St. 601-948-0055) Classic Irish pub featuring a menu of traditional food, pub sandwiches and beers such as Guinness and Harp on tap. Stamps Superburgers (1801 Dalton Street 601-352-4555) Huge burgers will keep you full until the next day! The homestyle fries are always fresh. Hal and Mal’s (200 S. Commerce St. 601-948-0888) Pub favorites meet Gulf Coast and Cajun specialties like red beans and rice, the Oyster Platter or each day’s blackboard special. Last Call (3716 I-55 N. Frontage Road 601-713-2700) Burgers, sandwiches and po-boys, plus sports-bar appetizers and specialities. Pay-per-view sporting events, live bands. Martin’s Restaurant and Lounge (214 South State Street 601-354-9712) Lunch specials, pub appetizers (jalapeno poppers, cheezsticks, fried pickles) or order from the full menu of po-boys and entrees. Full bar, massive beer selection and live music most nights. Time Out Sports Café (6720 Old Canton Road 601-978-1839) 14 TVs, 1 projector and two big-screens. Daily $9 lunch specials, pub-style appetizers, burgers, seafood and catfish po-boys, salads, and hot entrees including fish, steak and pasta. Ole Tavern on George Street (416 George St. 601-960-2700) Pub food with a southern flair: beer-battered onion rings, chicken & sausage gumbo, salads, sandwiches and weekly lunch specials. Plus, happy hour 4-7pm Monday through Friday. Poets Two (1855 Lakeland Drive, Suite H-10, 601-364-9411) Pub fare at its finest. Crabcake minis, fried dills, wings, poppers, ultimate fries, sandwiches, po-boys, pasta entrees and steak. The signature burgers come in bison, kobe, beef or turkey! Sportsman’s Lodge (1120 E Northside Dr. in Maywood Mart 601-366-5441) Voted Best Sports Bar in 2010, Sportman’s doesn’t disappoint with plenty of gut-pleasing sandwiches, fried seafood baskets, sandwiches and specialty appetizers. Underground 119 (119 South President St. 601-352-2322) Jumbo lump crabcakes, crab quesadillas, beef tenderloin parfaits, orange-garlic shrimp, even “lollipop” lamb chops. Add a full bar and mix in great music. Opens 4 p.m.-until, Wed-Sat. Wing Stop (952 North State Street, 601-969-6400) Saucing and tossing wings in a choice of nine flavors, Wingstop wings are made with care and served up piping hot. Every order is made fresh to order; check out the fresh cut seasoned fries!

ASIAN

Pan Asia (720 Harbor Pines Dr, Ridgeland 601-956-2958) Beautiful ambiance in this popular Ridgeland eatery accompanies signature asian fusion dishes and build-your-own stir-frys using fresh ingredients and great sauces.

COFFEE HOUSES

Cups Espresso Café (Multiple Locations, www.cupsespressocafe.com) Jackson’s local group of coffeehouses offer high-end Arabica beans, a wide variety of espresso drinks. Wi-fi. Wired Espresso Café (115 N State St 601-500-7800) This downtown coffeehouse is a true gathering place, featuring great coffee and a selection of breakfast, lunch and pastry items. Wi-fi.

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SOUTHERN CUISINE

Two Sisters Kitchen (707 N. Congress St. 601-353-1180) 2010 Best of Jackson winner for fried chicken offers a sumptious buffet of your choice of veggies, a salad bar, iced tea & one of three homemade desserts. Lunch only. Mon-Friday, Sun. Sugar’s Place (168 W Griffith St 601-352-2364) Hot breakfast and week-day lunch: catfish, pantrout, fried chicken wings, blue plates, red beans & rice, pork chops, chicken & dumplings, burgers, po-boys...does your grandma cook like this? Located downtown near MC Law School.

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%*/&+BDLTPO BAKERY

Broad Street Bakery (4465 Interstate 55 N. 601-362-2900) Hot breakfast,coffee espresso drinks, fresh breads and pastries, gourmet deli sandwiches, quiches, soups, pizzas and dessert. Primos Cafe (2323 Lakeland 601-936-3398/ 515 Lake Harbour 601-898-3400) A Jackson institution featuring a full breakfast, blue-plate specials, catfish, burgers, prime rib, oysters, po-boys and wraps. Save room for something from their famous bakery! For Heaven’s Cakes (4950 Old Canton Road 601-991-2253) Cakes and cupcakes for all occasions including weddings, parties, catered events. Beagle Bagel (4500 I-55 North, Suite 145, Highland Village 769-251-1892) Mmmm... Bagels. Fresh bagels in tons of different styles with a variety of toppings including cream cheese, lox, eggs, cheese, meats and or as full sandwiches for lunch. Paninis, wraps and much more!

PIZZA

The Pizza Shack (1220 N State St. 601-352-2001) 2009 and 2010 and 2011’s winner of Best Pizza offers the perfect pizza-and-a-beer joint. Creative pizza options abound along with sandwiches, wings, salads and even BBQ. Plus... great prices on that pitcher of beer to go with your pie! Sal & Mookie’s (565 Taylor St. 601-368-1919) Pizzas of all kinds plus pasta, eggplant parmesan and the local favorite: fried ravioli. Best Kid’s Menu & Best Ice Cream in the 2011 Best of Jackson. Plus, Pi(e) Lounge in front offers great drinks... and a grown-up vibe.

ITALIAN

BRAVO! (4500 Interstate 55 N., Jackson, 601-982-8111) Wood-fired pizzas, vegetarian fare, plus creative pastas, beef, and seafood specials. Award-winning wine list, Jackson’s see-and-be-seen casual/upscale dining. Cerami’s (5417 Lakeland Drive, Flowood, 601-919-28298) Southern-style Italian cuisine features their signature Shrimp Cerami (white wine sauce, capers artichokes) along with veal, tilapia, crawfish, chicken and pasta dishes. Now with liquor license! Fratesi’s (910 Lake Harbour, Ridgeland, 601-956-2929) “Authentic, homey, unpretentious” that’s how the regulars describe Fratesi’s, a staple in Jackson for years, offering great Italian favorites with loving care. The tiramisu is a must-have!

STEAK, SEAFOOD & FINE DINING Crab’s (6954 Old Canton Rd., Ridgeland, 601-956-5040) Crab’s Seafood Shack offers a wide variety of southern favorites such as fried catfish and boiled shrimp. Full bar complete with multiple televisions for all of your favorite sporting events. Eslava’s Grille (2481 Lakeland Drive, 601-932-4070) Danny Eslava’s namesake feature Latin-influenced dishes like ceviche in addition to pastas, steaks, salads and other signature seafood dishes. Rocky’s (1046 Warrington Road, Vicksburg 601-634-0100) Enjoy choice steaks, fresh seafood, great salads, hearty sandwiches and much more in the “polished casual” dining room. Open 24/7 in the Riverwalk Casino. Parker House (104 South East Madison Drive, Ridgeland 601-856-0043) European and Creole take on traditional Southern ingredients. Crawfish, oysters, crab and steaks dominate, with creative option like Crab Mac ‘n Cheese, Oysters Rockefeller and Duck Jezebel.

MEDITERRANEAN/GREEK/INDIAN

March 23 - 29, 2011

Aladdin Mediterranean Grill (730 Lakeland Drive 601-366-6033) Delicious authentic dishes including lamb dishes, hummus, falafel, kababs, shwarma and much more. Consistent award winner, great for takeout or for long evenings with friends. Bombay Bistro (3716 I-55 N - 601-487-8370) Bombay Bistro is Jackson’s newest source for authentic, tasty Indian food. Their lunch buffet runs everyday and features an assortment of Kebobs, Kurries, and Naan for only $7.99. Dinner options abound, with fresh ingredients, authentic spices and big-city flair. Kristos (971 Madison Ave @ Hwy 51, Madison, 601-605-2266) Home of the famous Greek meatball! Hummus, falafel, dolmas, pita sandwiches, salads, plus seasoned curly fries (or sweet potato fries) and amazing desserts. Mezza (1896 Main St., Suite A, Madison 601-853-0876) Mediterranean cuisine and wood fired brick oven pizzas. Come experience the beautiful patio, Hookahs, and delicious food. Beer is offered and you are welcome to bring your own wine. Vasilios (828 Hwy 51 in Madison 601-853-0028) Authentic Greek dining featuring fresh seafood daily along with gyros, greek salads, appetizers and signature Mediterranean desserts. Their redfish is a standout, earning rave reviews.

VEGETARIAN

High Noon Café (2807 Old Canton Road in Rainbow Plaza 601-366-1513) Fresh, gourmet, tasty and healthy defines the lunch options at Jackson’s own strict vegetarian (and very-vegan-friendly) restaurant.

Eslavaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Grille

SUNDAY

5A44 FX 5X

Seafood, Steaks and Pasta

is Thursday Night

By popular demand, we have added Shrimp Scampi to our menu!

Free Apple Martini or Cosmo

Live Music

BRUNCH

A Metro-Area Tradition Since 1977

Lunch: Fri. & Sun. | 11am-2pm Dinner: Tues. -Sat. | 5pm-9pm 5417 Lakeland Drive ~ Flowood, MS 39232

No cover.

Wednesday 3/23 - Kenny Davis Thursday 3/24 - Shaun Patterson Friday 3/25 - Jason Bailey Saturday 3/26 - Karaoke

11 a.m. - 2 p.m. 601-919-2829

Ladies Night

Danilo Eslava Caceres, Executive Chef/GM 2481 Lakeland Drive Flowood, MS 39232

601-932-4070 tel 601-933-1077 fax

4654 McWillie Dr., Jackson|Hours: Mon.-Thurs. 10AM-9PM Friday & Saturday 10AM-12AM, Sunday 11AM-5PM

6720 Old Canton Rd., Ridgeland | 601.812.6862

Thanks For Voting Us BEST FRENCH FRIES IN JACKSON!

Live Music

Jackson

Back!

Byram

1801 Dalton Street (601) 352-4555

5752 Terry Road (601) 376-0081

thE bailEy brothErS wEdnESday, March 23rd |6:30pM

Monday â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Saturday, 10 a.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 8 p.m.

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AUTHENTIC GREEK DINING

â&#x20AC;˘ Fresh Seafood Daily

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2003-2011, Best of Jackson

707 N Congress St., Jackson | 601-353-1180 Open 11am-2pm, Sunday thru Friday

104 S o u t h E a St M a d iS o n d r i v E ridgEland, MS 601.856.0043 w w w . t h E pa r k E r h o u S E . c o M

Come Try the Best Bar-

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856 Main Street Madison, MS 39110 - (601)

(a very high-class pig stand)

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Come Try the Best Bar-B-Que In Madison 856 Main Street â&#x20AC;˘ Madison, MS â&#x20AC;˘ 601.853.8538

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by Julie Skipper

friend recently tweeted that Metallica’s “Black Album” is now considered classic rock and wondered if this means he’s old. We all have those moments when something makes us pause and say, “I’m so not in my 20s (30s, 40s) anymore.” Maybe it’s seeing college kids, or not being able to recover from a big night quite as quickly. This week, I had one of those moments, but, ultimately, I was reminded that age is only a number. Wednesday night I made the rounds with one of my favorites, Michael Kennedy. (Sidebar: In his duties as Man of Honor for a friend’s wedding, Michael is throwing her a shoe shower. Best. Idea. Ever.) JULIE SKIPPER

Mandy Hattaway wore a white button-down with a great sparkly belt, and Emily Simmons wore metallic accessories to transition from day to night at Blondes vs. Brunettes Draft Day Party.

We started out after work at Hal & Mal’s and then decided to go visit the endearingly snarky Vince Falconi, who was bartending at Ole Tavern at George Street. At the downstairs bar, we encountered a Young Thing, a Belhaven student hanging out there with some schoolwork.

That part made me a little wistful for college, but her outfit flat-out made me feel old. I suddenly became painfully aware that I am beyond the years of even thinking of wearing ripped tights with shorts in a sort of Ke$ha-esque homage. I’d simply look pathetic, like I’d just had a really rough night and gotten into a fight with a holly bush. I tried to drown out the “you’re old” voice in my head, but the next morning only seemed to reiterate the fact that yes, time is carrying on. (Vince makes a mean gimlet.) Ready to lift my spirits, Thursday night I attended the one-woman show featuring Anna Deavere Smith at the Jackson Convention Complex. The show was inspiring, but even better, one of the Women’s Fund’s founders, Joan Bailey, happens to be one of my favorite people in life and the woman I wish to become when I grow up. And I got to chat with her during the cocktail hour. Though she’s small in stature, her energy and passion for life are enormous (as evidence, she’s in the Sweet Potato Queens’ books). At one point, she related a recent dinner with a certain set of friends where she kept thinking how old they all were. But it wasn’t so much a matter of their age (the same as hers) as how they acted. It made her want to be around her wider range of friends—young and old, black and white, gay and straight, from different professions—because their diversity and vitality give her energy and inspiration. I walked away vowing to continue to immerse myself in all of the different circles in Jackson and to cultivate a diverse group of friends. It really does make life more interesting and fun. That thought was still with me on another night out with friends at the Blondes vs. Brunettes Jackson Draft Day. At the party announcing the teams (I’m on Team Brunette) and coaches for this flag football game in May benefitting the Alzheimer’s Association, folks mixed and mingled at Albert’s (the Parlor Market event space), and, afterward, a number of us walked down to the restaurant. While sitting at the bar, I couldn’t help but notice a table of three women. They looked like women who had a story, so I decided to go speak to them. Indeed, I found out they were three generations out celebrating the matriarch’s 86th birthday. She invited me to sit with them, and we ended up talking about life and Jackson. She’s a longtime Fondren resident and shared her memories of

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Old is Young Again

Walter Zinn wore a fab orange tie and pocket square at Blondes vs. Brunettes Draft Day Party.

downtown and Farish Street in their heyday. Being with three generations of Jackson women who’ve led full lives and still enjoy a night on the town in celebration of life, I felt their spirit and was reminded that you really can be young at any age. But I wouldn’t turn away a visit from a youth fairy bearing Botox. Follow @IamJulieSkipper on Twitter.

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