Southern Cultural Heritage Foundation

June 2008


Ballroom Dance presented by James Frechette

The SCHF offers monthly ballroom dance classes. James Frechette, owner of Applause Dance Factory in Ridgeland, teaches classes in ballroom, Latin, swing and many other styles of dance. This month the dance will be the Rumba.

Class will meet Sundays, June 1 and 29 from 5 - 7 p.m. in the academy building.

Both individuals and couples are welcomed. The fee is $20 per person for each two hour session. For more information, please call the SCHF office. at 601-631-2997.


Martha Skelton:  Master Quilter of Mississippi

Martha Skelton: Master Quilter of Mississippi signing will be held at the SCHF Auditorium, Thursday, June 12 from 4 pm to 6 pm.

The book is an illustrated biography of one of the state's most beloved artisans and teachers. Like all art forms, quilting has its "masters," and Vicksburg, Mississippi's Martha Butcher Skelton is among them. Noted quilt scholar Mary Elizabeth Johnson chronicles Martha Skelton's life and her development into one of America's foremost quilt artists.

The book is an illustrated biography of one of the state's most beloved artisans and teachers. Like all art forms, quilting has its "masters," and Vicksburg, Mississippi's Martha Butcher Skelton is among them. Noted quilt scholar Mary Elizabeth Johnson chronicles Martha Skelton's life and her development into one of America's foremost quilt artists.

Having completed more than two hundred quilts, Skelton has been recognized as a master quilter and teacher of the craft. Twice she was selected to participate in the Smithsonian Institution's Folklife Festival.


Welcome Home Ellis Nassour
International entertainment journalist and the recognized expert on Patsy Cline

The Southern Cultural Heritage Foundation presents entertainment media journalist, author, playwright and Vicksburg Native, Ellis Nassour. Ellis will present a lecture on his book Honky Tonk Angel and also speak about his interviews with entertainers throughout the years. There will also be Patsy Cline musical tribute performances throughout the evening by Vicksburg vocalist, Maria Adona. This event will be held at the SCHF Auditorium on Friday, June 13th at 7:00 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public. A book signing will follow the next day at Lorelei Books on Washington Street.

Honky Tonk Angel, the first and definitive biography of Patsy Cline, the first female country singer to cross the line into pop and blues, is based on exclusive and extensive interviews with Patsy Cline’s mother, husbands, and also the country stars who knew and loved her.

Ellis Nassour has led a fascinating and colorful career. As vice president of artist relations for MCA Music, he participated in the development of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber's Jesus Christ Superstar and the careers of The Who, Elton John [supervising his American debut and first U.S. tour], Bing Crosby, Rick Nelson, Bill Cosby, Neil Diamond, Loretta Lynn, Brenda Lee, Conway Twitty, Crystal Gale, Florence Henderson,  classical guitarist Andres Segovia; and, independently, the careers of disco diva Gloria Gaynor, soul diva Millie Jackson and  Broadway composers Jerry Herman and Stephen Sondheim. Ellis coordinated tours headlining Patsy Cline, Johnny Cash, Peter, Paul & Mary, Al Hirt, Peter Nero, Connie Stevens, Julie London and Bobby Troupe. His first interview was with Bob Hope. He's a veteran of The New York Times and New York Daily News. Ellis provided the entire spoken word elements of the hit revue Always, Patsy Cline, which is an international hit; and has adapted his book into an original "Broadway" musical with the Patsy Cline hits and an original score with music by George Leonard and lyrics by Nassour.  Ellis has conducted numerous creative writing seminars.  He has endowed the University of Mississippi with the Mamie and Ellis Nassour Arts & Entertainment Collection, presently housed in the John D. Williams Library, in memory of his parents. Ellis was instrumental in getting Patsy Cline named to the Cowgirl Hall of Fame.  For more on Ellis and Honky Tonk Angel, visit www.patsyclinehta.com.


SPECIAL VICKSBURG NOTE:
VICKSBURG FARMERS' MARKET

Saturdays, 8:00-11:00 a.m. (June 14 thru September 13)
Downtown Vicksburg Waterfront
Levee Street at Grove Street


Southern Book Club

The Southern Book Club meets the third Wednesday of each month.

There is no fee to attend and it is open to the public. The group focuses on Southern authors and subjects, but is open to any good read. Book and author suggestions are welcomed.

For June, the Southern Book Club will discuss Deep South by Nevada Barr at 7:00p.m. on Wednesday, June 18, 2008.

Please call the SCHF office for meeting location or for more information.


SCHF Multicultural Arts Camp for Kids

The Southern Cultural Heritage Foundation welcomes back the Vicksburg Multicultural Arts Camp. The 2008 Multicultural Arts Camp will be June 23 - 27 from 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. The camp is open to any child age 6 to 12. The registration fee is $50 per child and includes all supplies, materials, and a daily snack.

During this unique camp, children discover the art, music and cuisine of a different culture. By studying cultural differences and similarities through the arts, students will learn new artistic techniques while developing an appreciation for the traditions and customs of others.

Experienced educators plan and oversee all aspects of the camp. This year we are pleased to welcome Kathy Gibson, art instructor at Vicksburg High School, and Tracy Gardner, music instructor at Warrenton Elementary.

The camp will culminate with a public performance and exhibit on the last day in the SCHF Auditorium. All family and friends are invited to attend.

Space is limited and reservations are required. For more information or to register, please call the SCHF office at 601-631-2997. Press release.


Meet the Folks behind the Food
The Southern Foodways Alliance Oral History Initiative at Year Three — Photo Exhibit

The Southern Cultural Heritage Foundation will host the “Meet the Folks Behind the Food: The SFA Oral History Initiative at Year Three.” This photo exhibit, featuring portraits of fifty individuals chronicled by the Southern Foodways Alliance Oral History Initiative, celebrates the unsung and uncelebrated men and women whose work has helped keep alive Southern Foodways.

The Southern Foodways Alliance is an institute of the Center for the Study of Southern Culture at the University of Mississippi. It is a member-supported organization of more than 800 people, including chefs and academics, writers and eaters. The organization’s mission is to document and celebrate the diverse food cultures of the American South, and this traveling exhibit is just one component of their documentary endeavors.

The traveling portrait exhibit brings attention to the cooks, chefs, restaurateurs, and producers whose work has helped keep alive Southern Foodways. It aims to highlight the import of maintaining those traditions on which Southern cuisine, its regions, and its identities are built. The exhibit will be on display at the Southern Cultural Academy Building through June 23-July 31. For more information on the work of the Southern Foodways Alliance, visit www.southernfoodways.com.


An Evening with Nevada Barr
New York Times bestselling author of the Anna Pigeon series

The Southern Cultural Heritage Foundation presents an “Evening with Nevada Barr”. The New York Times bestselling author will present a lecture on her books, life and art at the SCHF Auditorium on Tuesday, July 15th 7:00 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. A book signing will follow the program. (Lorelei Books will be selling books on site)

Because of the influx of inquiries and limited seating for this event, members of the Southern Cultural Heritage Foundation can make reservations. If you are not presently a member of the Foundation, you can contact the office to obtain an application. Without a reservation, seating will be on a first come first served basis.

For more information about this exciting event, please call the SCHF office at 601-631-2997.


CHIPS GALORE: BASIC STRINGING TECHNIQUE
Presented by Laura Tarbutton

Students will design and create a one-of-a-kind necklace using basic bead techniques. A variety of beads, gemstone chips and silver-tone tube beads will be used. Registration is $45/members and $50/non-members. All supplies are included.

Laura Tarbutton has been involved in arts and crafts all her life, but creating jewelry is her first love. Laura teaches Precious Metal Clay and beading classes through Millsaps College Community Enrichment Series and local craft stores. She also teaches at national bead shows and presents classes and workshops with Gem & Mineral Society chapters. Her studio is in Brandon, Mississippi.

For reservations or more information about this class, please call the SCHF office at 601-631-2997.


THE DUAL DEMO: ART AND COOKING SHOW
By Robert St. John and Wyatt Waters

The Southern Cultural Heritage Foundation proudly presents “The Dual Demo, Art and Cooking Show”. This entertaining event will consist of a cooking and art demonstration by Robert St. John and Wyatt Waters. This unique show will be held Saturday, August 2nd at 6:00 p.m. General admission is $25. Special limited V.I.P. (includes tasting-$50) and SUPER V.I.P. (includes tasting, Southern Seasons cookbook and front row seating-$100) tickets are available. A book signing will follow the show.

This exclusive event showcases the fascinating talents of both Robert and Wyatt. The audience will be able to observe the cooking styles of St. John as he prepares a five-course meal. While still being overtaken by the aroma of the southern cuisine, Waters will create and captivate you with an artistic masterpiece on site.

General admission and special V.I.P. tickets for this show go on sale Monday, June 2nd and space is limited. For more information or to purchase tickets, please call the SCHF office at 601-631-2997 or email info@southernculture.org.


SOUTHERN DRAMA KIDS
After School Performing Arts Program coming to the SCHF this Fall

The Southern Cultural Heritage Foundation is proudly partnering with the Vicksburg Theatre Guild to present the “Southern Drama Kids”. The performing arts classes will begin on August 19 and run through December. These classes will be held on Tuesdays from 3:45-5:00pm in the SCHF Auditorium. The fee for the program is $50 per student. The Southern Drama Kids program is open to any child ages 12-18.

Trained instructors will guide the students through stage crafts, improvisation, projection/delivery and reading/auditions. This program is designed to build acting skills, creative thinking, speaking skills, confidence, leadership abilities, self-esteem and enthusiasm. At the end of the program, an “Academy Awards” will be held for the students to showcase what they have learned to friends and family.

Space is limited and reservations are required.  To register or for more information, call the SCHF office at (601) 631-2997.


The SCHF salutes our fine 2008 Corporate Sponsors

If you would like more info on becoming a CORPORATE MEMBER of SCHF, please call (601)631-2997 or email info@southernculture.org.


For more information about activities, membership, or rentals, please call or stop by the SCHF office, 1302 Adams Street, Vicksburg, MS 39180, 601-631-2997.


1302 Adams Street
Vicksburg, MS 39180
Phone: 601-631-2997
Fax: 601-631-3734
E-mail: info@southernculture.org

Home ] Newsletter ] Past Events ] About Us! ] Rentals ] Membership ] Photo Gallery ] [ Event Photos ] Links ] Find Us! ]

Technology Partners