Monday, Jan. 26
Book groups — Book groups begin meeting weekly to discuss The Big Read’s “The Bridge of San Luis Rey” at noon at the Columbus-Lowndes Public Library. For information, call 662-329-5300.
Black Violin — The MSU Lyceum Series presents this viola and violin duo that fuse classical and hip-hop, at 7:30 p.m. in Lee Hall’s Bettersworth Auditorium on the university campus. Tickets are $25 (seniors, MSU faculty/staff $20; children 3-12 $12). For tickets or information, call 662-325-2930 or visit [email protected].
The Legacy of Wilsonianism — Part of the World War I Symposium at Mississippi University for Women, this talk by Dr. Brian Anderson is at 5:30 p.m. in MUW’s Painter Hall, Room 113.
Tuesday, Jan. 27
Big Read keynote speaker — Mississippi University for Women presents Thornton Wilder scholar Dr. Edyta Oczkowicz of North Carolina’s Salem College at 7 p.m. in Parkinson Hall, Room 117, on campus. Oczkowicz shares insight into the acclaimed author’s life. Limited free copies of Wilder’s “The Bridge of San Luis Rey,” Columbus’ Big Read novel, are still available at the Roseznweig Arts Center, 501 Main St. For more information, call 662-328-2787.
Jack White in concert — Rocker and record producer Jack White performs at Mississippi State University’s Humphrey Coliseum at 8 p.m. Get tickets at msuconcerts.com or call 662-325-2930.
Wednesday, Jan. 28
Mitt Romney at MSU — Former Governor of Massachusetts Mitt Romney is the featured speaker at Mississippi State University’s Global Lecture Series at 6 p.m. in Lee Hall’s Bettersworth Auditorium on campus. Admission is free, but attendees must have tickets, available at the Colvard Student Union Center for Student Activities, Suite 314. For information, call 662-325-2930.
Thursday, Jan. 29
MUW Lowndes alumni luncheon — The Mississippi University for Women Alumni Association Lowndes County chapter meets at 11:30 a.m. at Lion Hills Center in Columbus. MUWAA President Jenny Katool is guest of honor. Lunch cost is $12.15; reservations not required.
Black Mississippians in the Civil War — Dr. Max Grivno of the University of Southern Mississippi examines experiences of black Mississippians in the Civil War at noon at the Columbus-Lowndes Public Library, 314 Seventh St. N. For information, contact the library, 662-329-5300.
Friday, Jan. 30
Music program — Dr. Valentin Bogdan presents a faculty piano recital at 7:30 p.m. at Poindexter Hall on the campus of Mississippi University for Women. Free to the public.
Bully Gras Ball — This fundraiser for Oktibbeha-Starkville Emergency Response Volunteer Services is 7:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn, Starkville. Kannawermz entertains. Tickets are $50 at OSERVS, 501 Highway 12 W., Suite 130, or call 662-384-2200. Proceeds benefit OSERVS’ disaster and emergency preparedness and assistance.
Thursdays, Feb. 5 and 19
Gordy Series civil rights programs — The MUW Gordy Honors College Forum Series presents a two-part examination of the civil rights movement in Mississippi with a screening of the documentary “Spies of Mississippi” Feb. 5. Dawn Porter, the film’s producer/director, speaks Feb. 19. Programs are at 6 p.m. in Nissan Auditorium on campus. For information, contact Dr. Thomas Velek, 662-241-6850, or visit muw.edu/honors/forum.
Friday, Feb. 6
Guest artist recital — Dr. Ellen Elder, assistant professor of piano at the University of Southern Mississippi, presents a piano program at 7:30 p.m. in Mississippi University for Women’s Poindexter Hall. Free to the public. Elder presents a free master class Feb. 7 at 10 a.m.
Tuesday, Feb. 10
Book signing — Author Jonathan Odell signs copies of his new book “Miss Hazel and the Rosa Parks League” from 5:15-6 p.m. at The Book Mart, 120 E. Main St., Starkville. Free to the public. A meet-and-greet and author talk follows at The Homestead Education Center, 401 Lake Valley Road (limited tickets available at thehomesteadcenter.com).
Friday, Feb. 13
Big Band night — Gill Harris and the all-pro Big Band Theory featuring vocalist Denise Reid present an evening of music and dancing at Trotter Convention Center in Columbus at 8 p.m. Table seats are $30 in advance at the Rosenzweig Arts Center, 501 Main St., 662-328-2787. ($35 at door). Reserved tables for 10 are $240. Pre-concert dinner at The Southern ($19 advance; $27 at door) is available in seatings at 5:30 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. For dinner reservations, call 662-364-3021.
Saturday, Feb. 14
Lee Home Valentine Party — The Stephen D. Lee Foundation hosts the fifth annual Valentine’s Day Party at Primrose, the latest historical home restoration by Dr. John and Elizabeth Fields. For more information about the 7:30 p.m. event, contact Eulalie Davis, 662-328-3088. The fundraiser showcasing desserts and floral design is in support of the Stephen D. Lee Home and Museum.
A Magnolia Affair — The Starkville-MSU Symphony Association’s fundraiser at the Hunter Henry Center from 6-10:30 p.m. includes heavy hors d’oeuvres, wine, silent auction and music by David Reese, the MSU String Quartet and State Messengers. Raffle drawings for a grand piano and quilt will be held. Tickets are $65. For information, call 662-323-8075 or visit starkvillesymphony.org.
Thursday through Saturday, Feb. 19-21
Magnolia Film Festival — This independent film festival screens selected entries for three days at Hollywood Premier Cinemas in Starkville. Event includes a filmmakers’ workshop and awards. Watch for film schedule to be posted at starkvillearts.net, follow The Mag on facebook or call 662-324-3080 for more information.
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