Wednesday, Feb. 19
Table Talks: Friends of the Columbus-Lowndes Public Library revives its Table Talk series at 5 p.m. with author John Bateman of Starkville discussing his book, “Who Killed Buster Sparkle?,” at the library at 314 Seventh St. N. Free. Call 662-329-5300 for more information.
Artist talk: Brent Funderburk of Starkville presents an artist talk, “Stories from the Soul House,” at 10 a.m. at the Oktibbeha County Heritage Museum, 206 Fellowship St., Starkville. This Chit Chat Series program is free to the public.
The Orators: The Mississippi State Shackouls Honors College presents Denise James, director of Women’s and Gender Studies at the University of Dayton, with “The Poet Audre Lorde Goes to Mississippi: An Imperfect Person Called Hero” at 2 p.m. in the Griffis Hall Forum Room. A reception follows. For more information, contact Donna Clevinger, 662-325-2522.
Wednesday through Sunday, Feb. 19-23
“Mamma Mia!”: Theatre MSU presents this hit musical featuring the songs of ABBA at 7:30 p.m. (except 2 p.m. Feb. 23) at McComas Theatre on campus. Tickets are $15; $10 students. Get them at events.msstate.edu, or call 662-325-3320.
Feb. 20-23 and 25-29
“Blame it on Beckett”: Starkville Community Theatre presents this witty play at 7:30 p.m. nightly (except 2 p.m. Sunday) at the Playhouse on Main, 108 E. Main St. in downtown Starkville. Tickets are $15; $10 students. For reservations, contact the box office, 662-323-6855. Limited seating.
Friday, Feb. 21
Spring recital: Mississippi University for Women Department of Music presents a spring recital at 7:30 p.m. in Poindexter Hall on campus. Free to the public.
Saturday, Feb. 22
Mardi Gras party: This West Point Clay County Animal Shelter fundraiser is 6 p.m.-midnight at the Town Creek Farm Pavilion, 32476 Highway 50 E., West Point. From 6-9 p.m. enjoy a wine, beer and spirits tasting with heavy appetizers. From 9 p.m.-midnight, a cash bar and dancing to music by Fast Scarlet. Tickets are $30 ($250 for a reserved table for eight). Get them in West Point at the WPCC Animal Shelter, The Smokestack or Frank’s Package Store.
Sunday, Feb. 23
Bands concert: Mississippi State Department of Music presents a concert by its community, concert and symphonic bands at 2 p.m. in Lee Hall’s Bettersworth Auditorium on campus.
Monday, Feb. 24
Starkville Community Theatre: One night only: SCT presents “A Public Reading of an Unproduced Screenplay About the Death of Walt Disney” at 7:30 p.m. at McComas Hall at Mississippi State. (Contains strong language.) SCT won Best Production and other awards with this at the Mississippi Theatre Association Festival. Tickets $10 at the door; donations toward travel to regional competition are appreciated. Email [email protected].
Reflect & Rejoice: Mississippi State presents this Black History Choral Concert at 7 p.m. at Starkville’s First Baptist Church, 106 E. Lampkin St. Free to the public.
Tuesday, Feb. 25
New Music at The W: This Mississippi University for Women choral concert featuring new music begins at 7:30 p.m. in Poindexter Hall on campus. Free to the public.
“Artrageous!”: Mississippi State’s Lyceum Series brings this troupe of artists, musicians, singers and dancers that pay tribute to art forms and music genres, culminating in a gallery of finished paintings. Show is 7 p.m. in Lee Hall’s Bettersworth Auditorium. Tickets are $30; $25 for seniors and MSU employees. $10 for children 3-12 with school ID/uniform. Free for MSU students with ID. For more information, visit lyceum.msstate.edu or call 662-325-2930.
Thursday through Saturday, Feb. 27-29
Templeton Ragtime Jazz Festival: Mississippi State University Libraries present the 14th annual Charles H. Templeton Ragtime & Jazz Festival, with the Gatsby Gala, concerts, silent movies, seminars and more at Mitchell Memorial Library on campus. For information and tickets, visit festival.library.msstate.edu, or call 662-325-6634.
Magnolia Independent Film Festival: A variety of independent films will be screened at Hollywood Premier Cinemas in Starkville. A workshop on making a documentary film will be offered Feb. 29. Learn more and purchase tickets at magnoliafilmfest.com.
Friday, Feb. 28
MUW Concert: Mississippi University for Women presents a concert featuring the MUW Choral Singers and MUW Chorale at 7:30 p.m. in Poindexter Hall on campus. Free to the public
Friday and Saturday, Feb. 28-29
Possum Town Tales Storytelling Festival: The Columbus Arts Council presents professional national storytellers Barbara McBride-Smith and Dolores Hydock at its eighth annual festival at the Rosenzweig Arts Center, 501 Main St. Performances are 7 p.m. nightly; Hydock also presents a free workshop at 10 a.m. Feb. 29 titled “Every Picture Tells a Story: Norman Rockwell as Storyteller.” Weekend passes are $25 for CAC members; $30 non-members. Nightly tickets are $15 members, $17 non-members, at columbus-arts.org, or call 662-328-2787 (closed Mondays).
Saturday, Feb. 29
Caledonia cleanup: Volunteers are asked to meet at Ola J. Pickett Park in Caledonia for a community cleanup day from 8 a.m.-noon. Lunch will be provided. For information, contact Mitch Wiggins, 662-549-2132, or Rick Hayes, 662-574-8964.
Monday, March 2
Guest artists recital: Mississippi University for Women Department of Music presents mezzo-soprano Janet Hopkins and pianist Armen Shaomian in recital at 7:30 p.m. in Poindexter Hall. Free to the public.
Wednesday, March 4
Book signing: Author Michael Farris Smith attends a reception and book signing for his latest novel, “Blackwood,” at 5:30 p.m. at the Columbus Arts Council’s Rosenzweig Arts Center, 501 Main St.
Thursday, March 5
Taco Hop: Visit downtown Starkville’s Main Street for this event from 5-8 p.m. featuring craft beer tastings, tacos by Starkville restaurants ($2 each) and live music. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 day of event. For more information, go to visit.starkville.org, 662tix.com or call The Partnership, 662-323-3322.
Thursday through Saturday, March 5-7
Music by Women Festival: The W’s Music by Women Festival in Poindexter Hall includes lecture-recitals, papers, presentations and performances related to music composed, taught and performed by women. For more information, visit muw.edu/musicbywomen or email [email protected].
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