AUGUST 2010

AUGUST 6, 2010 – “SUCARNOCHEE REVUE”
A live taping of the radio program featuring local and regional music talents from all venues. The Sucarnochee Revue Radio Program is featured on 59 public, commercial, and Internet radio stations from Alaska to Australia. Taping begins at 7 p.m. at the Temple Theater, Meridian, Miss. Admission: $8. For more information, contact Jack White, 205.652.6680.

AUGUST 20, 2010 — BRIAN MCKNIGHT
MSU Riley Center in Meridian presents Brian McKnight Saturday, August 28 at 7:30 p.m. With 16 Grammy nominations to his credit, Brian McKnight has a smooth sound that bears a remarkable likeness to the timbre and style of beloved vocalists such as Nat King Cole, Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye. Named Billboard Pop and R & B Songwriter of the Year, Brian has been featured in collaborations with Justin Timberlake, Mariah Carey, Willie Nelson and Josh Groban, to name a few. Most known for hits such as “Back at One,” “Love Is” and “Anytime,” this multiplatinum artist has hosted his own radio and television.For fans of: Marvin Gaye, Luther Vandross, Boyz II Men. Tickets: $55 and $49. Pre-Show Party at 6 p.m. www.msurileycenter.org

SEPTEMBER 2010

SEPTEMBER 3, 2010 – “SUCARNOCHEE REVUE”
A live taping of the radio program featuring local and regional music talents from all venues. The Sucarnochee Revue Radio Program is featured on 59 public, commercial, and Internet radio stations from Alaska to Australia. Taping begins at 7 p.m. at the Temple Theater, Meridian, Miss. Admission: $8. For more information, contact Jack White, 205.652.6680.

SEPTEMBER 10, 2010 — DIONNE WARWICK
MSU Riley Center presents Dionne Warwick, Friday, Sept. 10, 2010 at 7:30 p.m. Dionne Warwick’s reputation as a hit maker is firmly etched into public consciousness through an illustrious career that spans across four decades and includes five Grammy Awards. In 1968, she was the first African-American solo female artist to win the Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Pop Female Vocal Performance for the classic “Do You Know the Way to San Jose.” Warwick is best known for her work with Hal David and Burt Bacharach as songwriters and producers. Together they accumulated 30 hit singles, including the songs “I’ll Never Fall in Love Again,” “Message to Michael” and “This Girl’s in Love with You.” For fans of: Diana Ross, Burt Bacharach, Gladys Knight. Tickets: $63 and $57. Pre-Show Party at 6 p.m. www.msurileycenter.com

OCTOBER 2010

OCTOBER 1, 2010 – “SUCARNOCHEE REVUE”
A live taping of the radio program featuring local and regional music talents from all venues. The Sucarnochee Revue Radio Program is featured on 59 public, commercial, and Internet radio stations from Alaska to Australia. Taping begins at 7 p.m. at the Temple Theater, Meridian, Miss. Admission: $8. For more information, contact Jack White, 205.652.6680.

OCTOBER 1, 2010 — CAPITOL STEPS
MSU Riley Center presents Capitol Steps, Friday, Oct. 1, 2010 at 7:30 p.m. in Meridian. The Capitol Steps began as a group of Senate staffers who set out to satirize the very people and places that employed them. The performers have worked in a total of 18 congressional offices and represent 62 years of collective House and Senate staff experience. They have recorded more than 30 albums, including their latest, Barackin’ Around the Christmas Tree and Liberal Shop of Horrors, and have been featured on NBC, CBS, ABC, PBS
and NPR. What Critics Say: “Side-splitting … for those who yearn for the lighter side of the news and derive pleasure from seeing the mighty made ridiculous.” – The New York Times. Tickets: $35 and $29. www.msurileycenter.org

OCTOBER 5, 2010 — DAVID SANBORN TRI0
MSU Riley Center presents the David Sanborn Trio, featuring Joey DeFrancesco, Tuesday, Oct. 5, 2010 at 7:30 p.m. David Sanborn is an artist whose music has inspired countless other musicians. He has created a body of work that spans the genres of rock ’n’ roll, R & B, pop and jazz. A naturally gifted performer, Sanborn has helped define the saxophone’s modern sound while influencing a generation. The Trio will feature world-renowned jazz organist Joey DeFrancesco. DeFrancesco, a master of the Hammond B3 organ, was invited to join Miles Davis’ band when he was only 17 years old. He has also played with jazz guitarists Paul Bollenback, Jimmy Bruno and Dave Stryker. What Critics Say: “When he puckers up for a swinging instrumental, like Mr. Crawford’s ‘Stoney Lonesome,’ the effect is a disarming delight.” – The New York Times. For fans of: Kenny G, Miles Davis, Chris Botti. Tickets: $35 and $29. www.msurileycenter.org

OCTOBER 8, 2010 – MERIDIAN GOES RED GALA
Sponsored by the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association. Radiant Red and Black Tie Event with live and silent auction, gourmet dining, live entertainment and dancing. Time and location TBA. For more information, contact Rosa Wilson, 601.321.1213.

OCTOBER 17, 2010 — DAILEY & VINCENT
MSU Riley Center presents Dailey & Vincent, Sunday, Oct. 17, 2010 at 4 p.m. In two short years, this duo racked up 10 International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) Awards, including Entertainer of the Year for two years running and Album of the Year in 2008. Brothers from Different Mothers debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Bluegrass Album Chart and cracked the Top 50 on the Billboard Country Chart at No. 44. What Critics Say: “With new acts like these, the future of bluegrass is as sturdy as its past.” – The Associated Press; “The most celebrated new bluegrass act of the last few years.” – The New York Times. For fans of: Ricky Skaggs, Old Crow Medicine Show, Flatt & Scruggs, The Osborne Brothers. Trivia: Darrin is brother to Rhonda Vincent, who performed at the MSU Riley Center in 2009. Tickets $28 and $22. www.msurileycenter.org

OCTOBER 22, 2010 — GIGGLE, GIGGLE, QUACK The MSU Riley Center presents Giggle, Giggle, Quack, presented by the Dallas Children's Theater, Friday, Oct. 22, 2010 at 7:30 p.m. Duck on the loose! In this hilarious production adapted for stage from Doreen Cronin’s children’s book Giggle, Giggle, Quack, Farmer Brown decides to take a vacation and leaves his city-slicker brother, Bob, in charge with directions on how to care for the animals. However, Duck rewrites the instructions, demanding pizza for the hen, bubble baths for the pig and movie night for the cow. It’s a madcap musical mutiny, presented by the award-winning Dallas Children’s Theater, which also presented Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters and A Midnight Cry: The Underground Railroad to Freedom at the MSU Riley Center. Perfect for children 3 years of age or older. Tickets: Adult $18; Children $10. www.msurileycenter.org

OCTOBER 24, 2010 — RHYTHM OF THE DANCE
The MSU Riley Center presents Rhythm of the Dance, with the National Dance Company of Ireland, Sunday, Oct. 24, 2010 at 4 p.m. This two-hour dance and music extravaganza is a truly authentic Irish production. Presented by The National Dance Company of Ireland, Rhythm of the Dance preserves the traditions of Irish step dancing while presenting it in a modern format. The show features a live band, three tenors and some 22 dancers. Since its debut in 1999 on a stage in Norway, Rhythm of The Dance has played to more than 4.5 million fans in 44 countries worldwide. What Critics Say: “This is a thoroughbred dance show.” – The Celtic Café. For fans of: Riverdance, Lord of the Dance, Trinity Irish Dance Company. Tickets $35 and $29. www.msurileycenter.com

NOVEMBER 2010

NOVEMBER 5, 2010 – “SUCARNOCHEE REVUE”
A live taping of the radio program featuring local and regional music talents from all venues. The Sucarnochee Revue Radio Program is featured on 59 public, commercial, and Internet radio stations from Alaska to Australia. Taping begins at 7 p.m. at the Temple Theater, Meridian, Miss. Admission: $8. For more information, contact Jack White, 205.652.6680

NOVEMBER 5-6, 2010 – SOULE LIVE STEAM FESTIVAL & RAILFEST
Variety of demonstrations and exhibits. Art casting and moulten iron pour at 3 p.m. Sponsored by Soule Industrial Museum Association and City of Meridian Railfest. Held 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Soule Steam and Feed Works and Union Station’s Singing Brakeman Park. For more information, contact Greg Hatcher, 601.917.3471 or Lauderdale County Tourism, 601.482.8001.

NOVEMBER 6, 2010 — DAYTON CONTEMPORARY DANCE COMPANY
The MSU Riley Center presents the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, Sat., Nov. 6, 2010 at 7:30 p.m. DCDC, for short, was founded in 1968 and has claimed national and international praise. The group presents works by world-class choreographers in a highly inventive way. Case in point: the dancers will be accompanied by William Myles & YPOP, a local gospel choir, on numbers such as “His Eye is on the Sparrow,” “Precious Lord” and “Giants” when they perform at the MSU Riley Center. Rooted in the African-American experience, DCDC’s mission is to deliver contemporary dance of the highest quality to the broadest possible audience. What Critics Say: ““A continuing kaleidoscope of vitality, grace and strength.” – Seattle Post-Intelligencer. For fans of: Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Dance Theatre of Harlem, Pilobolus. Tickets are $28 and $22. www.msurileycenter.com

NOVEMBER 14, 2010 — THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK
The MSU Riley Center presents "The Diary of Anne Frank," by the Barter Theatre. For more than 60 years, Anne Frank’s words have kept her spirit alive in the minds and hearts of readers all over the world. Caught in a world of hate she couldn’t comprehend, this young Jewish girl has become an icon of light for all who dare to dream. Relive the incredible life of Anne Frank as this stage production shares her hopes, aspirations and observations on family, love and life. Barter Theatre is the longest-running professional Equity theater in the nation and the birthing place for such notable actors as Gregory Peck, Patricia Neal and Ned Beatty. What Critics Say: “A wonderful reminder of the strength of the human spirit. One of the most moving performances of the last decade.” – A! Magazine for the Arts. Tickets are $39 and $33. www.msurileycenter.com

DECEMBER 2010

DECEMBER 2, 2010 — THE MANHATTAN TRANSFER CHRISTMAS SHOW
The MSU Riley Center presents The Manhattan Transfer Christmas Show, Thursday, Dec. 2, 2010 at 7:30 p.m., with pre-show party at 6 p.m. The Manhattan Transfer has nearly 30 albums and eight Grammy Awards to its credit. The group’s 1992 Christmas album remains one of its most popular, including acclaimed songs such as “Snowfall,” “Silent Night, Holy Night” and “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear.” Don’t miss this spectacular holiday experience. For fans of: The Four Freshmen, Take 6. Trivia: The group’s 1985 album Vocalese triumphed financially and artistically, earning 12 Grammy nominations – making it second only to Michael Jackson’s Thriller as the most-nominated album ever at that time. Tickets are $47 and $41. www.msurileycenter.com

DECEMBER 12, 2010 — GARY MORRIS
The MSU Riley Center presents Gary Morris, From Back Roads to Broadway to Bethlehem, Sunday, Dec. 12, 2010 at 4 p.m. Just the sound of Gary Morris’ voice can move the listener’s heart and soul. Best known for his original recording of “Wind Beneath My Wings,” Morris’ country music career took off in the 1980’s with twelve albums that generated sixteen Top 10 singles and five No. 1 hits, including “Baby Bye Bye,” “100% Chance Of Rain,” and “Leave Me Lonely.” He has since released acoustic, Christmas and gospel albums to fans’ delight. What Critics Say: “There are voices that transcend seasons and settings. They are the kind of voices that through sheer beauty and unbridled passion soar above others. Gary Morris has one of those voices.” – Dallas Morning News. Tickets $28 and $22. www.msurileycenter.com

JANUARY 2011

JANUARY 21, 2011 - PATTY GRIFFIN WITH BUDDY MILLER
The MSU Riley Center Presents Patty Griffin, with special guest Buddy Miller, Friday, January 21, 2011 at 7:30 p.m., with a pre-show party at 6 p.m. In 1980, then-16-year-old Patty Griffin began writing music. Since then, she has released seven albums, won Album of the Year at the 2007 Americana Music Awards and picked up four Grammy nominations, including one in 2010 for her performance of “Beautiful Fire” with Dierks Bentley. She is touring with Buddy Miller, one of Nashville’s most sought-after instrumentalists and producers, to showcase her recent album, Downtown Church. Produced by Miller, the album was inspired by their deep love for gospel music. What Critics Say: “[Griffin’s] voice is an amazing instrument – powerful yet torn, riveting yet lost.” – Rolling Stone magazine. For fans of: Emmylou Harris, Nanci Griffith, Lucinda Williams. Tickets $42 and $36. www.msurileycenter.com

JANUARY 27, 2011 — DRUMLINE LIVE
The MSU Riley Center presents Drumline Live, Thursday, Jan. 27, 2011 at 7:30 p.m. This showstopping attraction returns to the MSU Riley Center after its sellout performance in 2009. The large cast from America’s top historically black colleges and universities is the first to bring the marching band tradition to the theatrical stage. The production presents the rhythmic sounds of the great brass past, including music of Earth, Wind & Fire and Tower of Power, side by side with the hottest contemporary hip-hop and R & B. What Critics Say: “It’s a marching band extravaganza that parades out of the football stadium onto the stage with explosive percussion, resounding brass and dazzling choreography.” – The Morning Call. Tickets $42 and $36.

FEBRUARY 2011

FEBRUARY 13, 2011 — BLUES AT THE CROSSROADS
The MSU Riley Center presents Blues at the Crossroads, the Robert Johnson Centennial Concerts, featuring Big Head Todd & the Monsters, David "Honeyboy" Ediwards and more, Sunday, Feb. 13, 2011 at 6 p.m., with a pre-show party at 4:30 p.m. Big Head Todd and The Monsters are known for producing a rootsy, emotionally direct variety of rock ’n’ roll that lends itself particularly well to a live setting. The platinum-selling group will be joined by Mississippi bluesmen “Honeyboy” Edwards, Hubert Sumlin, Cedric Burnside and Lightnin’ Malcolm. Appearing on stage solo and together, the group will perform a mix of their individual hits and Robert Johnson songs, honoring the late, great bluesman that forever shaped
the blues. What Critics Say: “Robert Johnson to me is the most important blues musician who ever lived. His music remains the most powerful cry that I think you can find in the human voice, really.” – Eric Clapton. Trivia: David “Honeyboy” Edwards was playing with Mississippi native Robert Johnson the night Johnson was fatally poisoned. Tickets are $49 and $43. www.msurileycenter.com

FEBRUARY 26, 2011— MSO & ITZHAK PERLMAN
The Meridian Symphony Orchestra will kick-off its 50th anniversary year with a performance by Itzhak Perlman, February 26, 2011 at 7:30 p.m. at the MSU Riley Center. Season subscriptions go on sale July 26, 2010; individual tickets will be on sale August 23, 2010. he Meridian Symphony Orchestra is celebrating its 50th Anniversary with a special concert featuring world-renowned violinist Itzhak Perlman. Considered the greatest violin virtuoso of our time, Perlman has performed with every major orchestra and major music festival in the world, appeared in over 40 television and motion pictures, including Fantasia, and recorded on multiple soundtracks, including that of Schindler’s List. www.meridiansymphonyochestra.com

MSU Riley Center
Announces Fall-Winter Season
Headliners like Dionne Warwick (Sept. 10), plays like "The Diary of Anne Frank" (Nov. 14) and holiday glee with Manhattan Transfer Christmas Show (Dec. 2) highlight the new lineup. For tickets and information, www.msurileycenter.com

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The Sun Shines on the Threefoot!
Go to the Threefoot Art Festival link here to see pics from this year's great festival and plan on attending next year's Threefoot Art Festival the first weekend in April, 2011.