Issue 97 - March 14, 2007

From Your Director ...

The warm weather seems to bring out the best in all of us. I saw more people this past week engaging in outside activities, walking and talking to each other and enjoying the sights and smells. I know there were more birds in our backyard this weekend and now I've got to remember where we stored the hummingbird feeders. I threw open the windows, hung sheets on the line, and we even ate a meal on the back porch. It was great.

Now, which comes first, the chicken or the egg? That is an age old conundrum, and so too, is the correlation between nature and the arts. Does what we feel and see in nature and our surroundings create our artistic inspiration, or does art merely reflect that which we find beautiful or meaningful?

Are the architectural features of the beautiful downtown buildings art? Do we really appreciate the Jackson Union Sculpture Tour's (JUST) "Art in Public Places" that you find throughout downtown? Do we really understand the vision for the Cultural Arts District as defined in the Urban Land Institute (ULI) study? Do we realize the positive economic impact for the City and the County in promoting Cultural Tourism, a real hot button these days? We really do have an array of ongoing traditional forms of art; the symphony, art exhibits, the Ned, performing arts, theater, galleries, and full scale presentations at the Civic Center. We also offer other forms of art with the International Rock-A-Billy Hall of Fame, the Groit Collective's and of course the many festivals and special events held downtown on a regular basis.

I hope you will allow yourself the chance to reflect on both the beauty of nature this Spring, and the beauty of the Arts that are readily available to you . . . . . . You'll be glad you did!

JDDC Receives the "Top 20 Events" Award

JDDC has received the "Top 20 Events" award for the Shannon Street Blues and Heritage Festival from Southeast Tourism Society. Events in an eleven state region compete to receive this prestigious Top 20 designation through a nomination process. The competition has been in place since 1985.

The Top 20 distinction is sent to over 300 newspapers, magazines, radio and TV stations, and 125 AAA publications.The Bluesfest has definitely gone big time. Congratulations Bluesfest committee and volunteers.

Tuesdays with a Gardener'  Continues

"Tuesdays with a Gardener" continues March 20th at 11:30 a.m. at the Jackson-Madison County Library, 433 East Lafayette Street. Brenda DePriest will be talking about "Shade Gardening."

The Library, UT Extension and Madison County Master Gardeners, sponsor this monthly series in the Library Program Center. Bring a brown bag lunch and the Master Gardeners and the Library will provide a beverage. This program is free and open to the public. For more information you can call 425.8600.

NAIA is Back In Jackson

For one week in March, the community has the opportunity to experience and share in the excitement of the 2007 NAIA Division I Women's Basketball National Championship.

Thirty-two teams from across North America battle for the right to be named the NAIA National Champions. The games run from March 14th through the 20th at Oman Arena. First Round games are on March 14th and 15th. The Parade of Champions takes place on the 14th at 7:30 p.m. Second Round games will be on the 16th. The Quarter Finals will take place on the 17th with the Semi Finals on the 19th. The Championship Game is to be played on the 20th at 6:00 p.m. For more information you can call 616.7474.

Neely House, Artopia Grand Opening

The Neely House ARTOPIA, 575 South Royal Street, invites you to attend the exhibit of Michigan Artist Doug E. Bowens on March 17th through April 14th.

A special reception for Mr. Bowens will be held from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. on March 17th in conjunction with Artopia's "Gala Grand Opening."

You can celebrate St. Patrick's Day, enjoy the sounds of The Blueberry Jam Band during the wine and cheese reception and Open House. What a great evening you won't want to miss. Admission is free.

For more information you can call 554.2929.

WZDQ 102.3 to Host a March 16th concert featuring Saliva

Jackson radio station WZDQ 102.3, known as "The Rocket", will host a March 16th concert at the Carl Perkins Civic Center, featuring four mainstream and contemporary Christian rock groups. The performance will start at 7:00 p.m. The concert will feature Saliva with Crossfade and Ligion as well as Day of Fire. Lead singer, Josh Brown, is from Jackson.

WZDQ will also be celebrating their three year anniversary. Tickets are available at www.JacksonCentre.com or at the Jackson Centre Box Office. For more information you can call 888.262.8867.

Lunch and Dinner Available at Oakslea Place

The newly restored, Oakslea Place Bed & Breakfast & Events Facility, 1210 North Highland Avenue, is now featuring special dining opportunities. Weekly lunch and dinner specials are available with a new and special menu each week for your dining delight.

Lunch hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 to 9:30 p.m. for dinner. Plan on taking advantage of this fine dining opportunity at "Viola's". For more information you can call 554-1760 .