RELEASE
Governor’s Concert at Mississippi Bicentennial North Moves to Grove
Jackson, Miss. – Because of the tremendous response, the Governor’s Concert at the Mississippi Bicentennial Celebration North on June 24 is moving from the Gertrude C. Ford Center for the Performing Arts to the larger-capacity, outdoor Grove at the University of Mississippi.
“Interest in the Governor’s Concert showcasing Marty Stuart and many other Mississippi music stars has been consistent and strong,” said Gov. Phil Bryant. “The Grove provides ample space for many more families and friends to gather in celebration of Mississippi’s bicentennial.”
Moving from the Ford Center, which has limited seating, to the open-air Grove will allow thousands of walk-up fans to join the celebration. Attendees are encouraged to picnic and bring blankets and chairs while enjoying an exciting evening packed with some of Mississippi’s most talented performers and songwriters.
Entertainment on The Grove Stage will begin at 5 p.m., with the Governor’s Concert kicking off at 6:30 p.m., as previously scheduled. Country and Americana legend Marty Stuart will headline the lineup, appearing along with hit singer-songwriter Mac McAnally, Mississippi’s Music and Culture Ambassador Steve Azar and Shannon McNally.
“We Are Mississippi,” a salute to the state’s musical heritage conducted by Dr. Jay Dean, executive director of the Arts Institute of Mississippi, will lead festivities at 6:30 p.m. The showcase includes Vasti Jackson, the Roots Gospel Voices of Mississippi, 2015 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Contest winner David Lee, the Mississippi Bicentennial Symphony Orchestra and the Mississippi Bicentennial Singers.
The Bicentennial Celebration North includes a weekend of events beginning Friday, June 23, with a live taping of Thacker Mountain Radio Show in the Grove at 7 p.m., followed by the Mississippi Soul Singer Tribute Concert with Damein Wash. On Sunday, June 25, the University of Mississippi will host a Family Day tailgate in the Grove with food trucks and live music from Blackwater Trio beginning at 4 p.m.
Additional events hosted in Oxford throughout the June 23-25 weekend are listed at www.visitmississippi.org/200. All events during the Mississippi Bicentennial Celebration, including the Governor’s Concert, are free and open to the public.
Mississippi Bicentennial Celebration events are also planned for Jackson on Dec. 9 during the grand opening of the Museum of Mississippi History and the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum.
6/5/17
Magnolia Tribune
