January | February 2012

Mississippi Blues Marathon and Half Marathon
January 7| Jackson
Run, race, and reach the finish line at this annual marathon that draws both professional and recreational runners from all over the country. Or if running isn't your cup of tea, cheer for the racers as music from talented musicians fills the air. Visit www.msbluesmarathon.com.

"Turn Over a New Leaf, a Gold Leaf" Workshop
January 14| vicksburg
Join master decorative artisan Teri Taylor Roddy as she teaches how to restore damaged gilding and create new items with gold, silver, and variegated leaf. Call 601.631.2997 or email info@southernculture.org.

Predators
January 15 to April 15 | Greenville
The Delta Children's Museum presents this engaging and educational exhibit offering insight into some of the most dangerous animals on land, sea, and in the sky. The 2,400-square-foot exhibit, created by the Museum of Discovery in Little Rock, Ark., will be housed in a storefront within the Greenville Mall. Call 662.379.6987.

William's Winter Soup Workshop
January 17 | vicksburg
Learn how to combine seasonal ingredients and interesting flavor combinations to create comforting bowls of soups. Presenter William Furlong will share recipes including chunky chicken chowder, hearty chili, French onion, and corn and crab bisque. Call 601.631.2997 or email info@southernculture.org.

Spamalot
January 17-18 | jackson
The winner of the 2005 Tony Award for Best Musical, Monty Python's Spamalot, is a laugh-out-loud musical comedy based on the film Monty Python and The Holy Grail. For more information, call 601.981.1847.

Rubber Soul–A Beatles Tribute Band
january 19| meridian
Hear the timeless songs of the one of the greatest musical groups of all time as Rubber Soul recreates the sound and excitement of a Beatles concert. Donning authentic garb and speaking with British accents, the members of Rubber Soul transport audiences back to the days of Beatlemania. Visit www.meridiancc.edu.

Jeff Dunham: "Controlled Chaos"
January 27 | Southaven
Enjoy an evening of laughter as Jeff Dunham, world-famous comedian and ventriloquist, performs his show at the DeSoto Civic Center. Call 662.470.2131 or visit www.desotociviccenter.com.

Delta Farm Toy Show
January 27-28 | Clarksdale
Vendors from near and far bring their collections of farm toys to exhibit at this great event for fathers and sons. Call 662.902.8831.

32nd annual Gulf Coast Orchid Show & Plant Sale
January 27-29 | Gautier
Commercial dealers, orchid societies from Mississippi, and growers from across the country display wonderful orchid exhibits. Many plants will be available for purchase at this event hosted by the Gulf Coast Orchid Society. Visit www.gcorchids.org.

The Pointer Sisters
January 28 | Meridian
Listen to the pitch-perfect harmonies of the Pointer Sisters as they sing hits dating back to their first album released in 1973. Visit www.msurileycenter.com.

Pass Christian Oyster Festival
january 28-29 | Pass Christian
This festival features oyster shucking and oyster eating contests, rides, games, music, arts and crafts, lots of food, and much more. Visit www.passchristianoysterfestival.webs.com.

Mid-South Swap Meet & Flea Market
January 28-29 | Southaven
New and used merchandise including trading cards, collectibles, jewelry, electronics, antiques, and more will be available at this flea market in Southaven. Call 662.342.7348.

Bruce Levingston and Guest Artists
January 31| Cleveland
Renowned pianist Bruce Levingston brings his gift to the Bologna stage with guest artists from his recent concerts in New York and Carnegie Hall. Violinist Colin Jacobsen and his brother, cellist Eric Jacobson, will join Levingston at this outstanding concert. Visit www.bolognapac.com.

Southern Miss Steel Pan Orchestra
February 7 | meridian
The steel pan orchestra at USM began as a six-piece ensemble. Today the group has 30 members who play outstanding classical, Cuban, and jazz music and much more. Come by the McCain Theatre and be blown away by the talent of these young musicians. Visit www.meridiancc.edu.

Oxford Film Festival
February 9-12| oxford
This four-day film festival attracts quality films and young filmmakers from the world over to north Mississippi. Films are screened from a variety of different categories in both showcase and competition settings; a number of other activities will engage audience members and allow them to interact with the filmmakers. Visit www.oxfordfilmfest.com.

Biloxi Boat & RV Show
February 10-12 | Biloxi
Join boating and recreational vehicle enthusiasts in the Mississippi Coast Coliseum as more than 100 exhibitors display fishing boats, recreational vehicles, yachts, accessories, equipment, and more at an event sponsored by Gulf Coast Shows. Visit www.gulfcoastshows.com.

Mississippi HeARTS Against AIDS
February 11 | Jackson
Bid on artwork donated by hundreds of artists at an auction to benefit the Mississippi Hearts Against AIDS organization. Local restaurants will cater this event that also includes live music. Visit www.mississippihearts.org.

Garrison Keillor
February 16 | meridian
Famous author and host of the radio program A Prairie Home Companion brings his midwestern charm to the MSU Riley Center. Visit www.msurileycenter.com.

Magnolia Independent Film Festival
February 16-18 | Starkville
"The Mag" is the world-class event that brings independent filmmakers to Starkville to showcase their films. Visit www.starkvillearts.org.

Riverdance
February 21 | Southaven
Experience the pulse-pounding performance of talented dancers as the worldfamous Riverdance crew comes to Southaven as part of its farewell tour. Call 662.470.2131 or visit www.desotociviccenter.com.

Betty Lavette in Concert
February 24 | Cleveland
Grammy-nominated artist Betty Lavette has been christened "The Great Lady of Soul." Her powerful voice reminds audiences that soul music still thrives as she presents musical favorites that everyone can enjoy. Visit www.bolognapac.com.

6th annual BBQ Throwdown & Festival
February 25 | D'Iberville
Teams compete for more than $5,000 in cash and prizes at this annual barbecue chicken, rib, and brisket cook-off. Live entertainment, arts and crafts, face painting, pulled pork tasting, a youth barbecue cook-off, and more will be available at this family-friendly event. Visit www.diberville.ms.us.

3rd annual Sustainable Living Conference: Saving Dollars, Making Sense
February 25 | Jackson
Learn about homesteading, family health, natural growing, local food, alternative energy sources for home and business, sustainable community planning, and much more at this event hosted by the Gaining Ground Sustainability Institute of Mississippi. Hands-on demonstrations, vendors, food, and childcare will be provided. Visit www.ggsim.org or call 662.694.0124.

53rd annual Gem, Mineral, Jewelry, and Fossil Show
February 25-26 | jackson
The Mississippi Gem and Mineral Society's annual show presents dealers from every aspect of the rock hobby and provides education about the earth sciences. There will be educational and hands-on booths, demonstrators, door prizes, jewels for sale, and more. Visit www.missgems.org.