Issue 156 - April 30, 2008

From Your Director ...

Did you know the first ever Shannon Street Blues and Heritage Festival took place in July 1992 at the West Tennessee Farmers Market? It was funded by Jackson Main Street now known as Jackson Downtown Development Corporation. It grew out of research done at the Jackson-Madison County Library.

It doesn’t seem possible that another festival is just a month away. For the past 16 years people have donated their time and energy before, during and following the festival to support the ongoing efforts of JDDC in the revitalization of downtown Jackson. These volunteers help to keep alive the promising new legacy for downtown Jackson.

As we enter into our 17th year once again the call goes out to ask for the generosity of your time as a volunteer during the weekend festival June 6th and 7th. From working the gate to selling “blues bucks” there are opportunities for everyone. Register online or give us a call at 427.7573.

As the Shannon Street Blues and Heritage Festival draws near and the excitement mounts, I want to invite each of you to whet your appetite for 2008. The Jackson Madison County Library is hosting “Get the Blues at the Library.” James and Harold Botter from Daddy Mac Blues Band will perform live May 8th at Noon in the library program center. This Memphis Blues and Soul Program is sure to have you “singing the blues” and longing for more.

Let’s meet at the Library and get a taste of what’s to come!

Welcome to the future of Downtown Jackson ... one we can invent together!

Non Profit Executives Round Table

Mona Miller, of Strategic Excellence will present Strategic Planning for Non Profit Organizations at the monthly Non Profit Executives Roundtable.

All non profit Executive Directors, throughout the West Tennessee Area, are invited and encouraged to attend.

Thursday, May 1
8:00 a.m.
Chamber of Commerce
197 Auditorium Street

First Friday Forum

The First Friday Forum Steering Committee welcomes Dr. Brandon Goff of Lambuth's Entertainment / Music Industry Studies program. Dr. Goff’s presentation Jackson's Musical Heritage, Past . . Present . . Future will provide insight into the music movement in West Tennessee.

This is the final presentation prior to summer break with the program resuming in September. A $5.00 lunch is available.

Friday, May 2
12:00 p.m.
First United Methodist Church
200 South Church Street

For more information call 427.7573

Textural Techniques in Watercolor with Mary Spellings

Known for her paintings of Jackson, Bemis, southside landmarks and other scenes of historical significance, Mary Spellings brings her expertise to the Public. Only a few seats remain for the 8 hour class presented by the Jackson Art Association. Through Mary’s work she shares her appreciation and love for people, animals, places, relationships and nature with you in the hopes you will gain a deeper appreciation of your life and blessings.

Saturday, May 3
9:30 a.m.
Carnegie Center
305 East College Street

For more information and list of supplies call 424.2393.

Watch and Timepiece Show

Got a unique timepiece you want to show off or perhaps you would like to learn more about it? Come on down to the Depot Railroad Museum where there is more than trains to see! The first Saturday of each month the Watch and Timepiece collectors meet in the Depot Museum to show Timepieces and talk shop. They encourage all to come down.

Saturday, May 3
10:00 a.m.
N.C. St. L. Depot Railroad Museum
582 South Royal Street

For more information call 425.8223

Manufacturer’s Industrial Resource Show

With a total of 15,000 square feet of exhibit space, and seventeen successful shows, the M.I.R.S. is targeted for companies who sell to manufactures in West Tennessee and its contiguous states.  Purchasing decision makers are invited to the two day event.

Join them for the ribbon cutting on Tuesday May 6th.

Tuesday, May 6       10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday, May 7    10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Carl Perkins Civic Center
400 South Highland

For more information call 423.2200

Comedy and Fun Under the Tuscan Sun

Want to fill your belly and tickle it too? Make plans to see the benefit Comedy and Fun Under the Tuscan Sun featuring the nationally known professional stand up comic, Andy Vastola. Tickets are $40 and include a garden reception, Italian Dinner and the comedy show. The show is rated PG-13.

All proceeds benefit the Jackson Symphony and its community programs

Tuesday, May 6
6:00 p.m.
Aeneas Internet and Telephone
300 North Cumberland Street

For more information please call 427.6440