The Jackson Symphony Association is proud to announce the outstanding performance lineup of its 56th season. In true style, the 2016-17 season will offer all the excitement and beauty of the past 55 years.  Whether Bizet’s “Carmen Suites,” Mozart’s “Clarinet Concerto” or Rachmaninoff’s thrilling “Paganinni Variations,” this season features giants of the orchestral repertoire. A full concert of Rodgers and Hammerstein and the brilliant Gypsy Jazz band “Velvet Caravan” will have you singing along while dancing in your seats.

Jonathan and Fiona Harlan of Aeneas Internet & Telephone invited the public to their annual block party. The eagerly anticipated party was held in the lovely courtyard on the east side of the Aeneas building, which in years past was the First Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

Daryl Chansuthus, Executive Director of WRAP, and her team provided an entertaining night at the Carl Perkins Civic Center, where their largest fundraiser was held. The entertainment was provided by Mike Walker & Friends, whose theme of “The Sounds of Jackson” moved the audience. Smooth Jazz Progression was an accompanying music group that enhanced the night.

The Barn at Snider Farm was rocking to the sound of The Kimberlie Helton Band, intermingled with rounds of bingo, good food from Coyote Blues, wine from Party Mart and a silent auction. The Jackson Service League presented their 4th Annual Boots, Bands and Bingo event at the Barn at Snider Farm on April 8th to a capacity crowd.

The 18th Annual Fur Ball was held at the Jackson Country Club for a large group of supporters. Event sponsors included Bruce and Dottie Dorris, The City of Jackson, Antonia's Paw Spa and Retreat, and Kirkland's. Media sponsors were VIP Jackson Magazine, Golden Circle Graphics, The Jackson Sun, WBBJ-TV, Six in the City, and Forever Communications.

The Jackson-Madison County Sports Hall of Fame held the 31st annual banquet on the evening of April 7th. This exciting evening was to give recognition to many outstanding sports figures in our community.

“A Night of Hollywood Glamour” was held at the New Southern Hotel as a fundraiser for the Jackson Downtown Development Corporation. The downstairs lobby was the host center for a glass of champagne and meeting friends before going upstairs to the ballroom or the speciality tasting room. Food was located in various locations allowing guests to visit and mingle prior to the band playing.

Christy Futrell and her band of supporters put together a fun-filled night for the American Heart Association‘s “Go Red for Women.” This event was equivalent to any New York fashion show with Macy’s as the national sponsor providing outfits for the talented lineup of local business leaders and youth participants.

The University School of Jackson presented its third annual “Boots and Bowties” fundraiser on February 20th. The night featured musical talent by Jonathan Singleton and the Grove and dinner by Coyote Blues. While USJ is known throughout West Tennessee and beyond for its annual “Holiday Mart” fundraiser, Boots and Bowties is just as important, if somewhat smaller, in raising money to help the school meet its education standards.

Augustine School hosted “An Oxford Evening,” featuring the works of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. The room was decorated in a distinct British theme with English roses, Antique Tolkien books, an old manual typewriter and typical English foods. One of the extraordinary items on the silent auction was a trip to Oxford, England.

The Imagination Library is a program started by Dolly Parton to bring books into homes for children up to age five. Children who have not been exposed to the opportunity to read grow up without an interest in reading. The Jackson Library Association receives donations to co-fund this book program. Less funding means there are children in our area who do not receive a book.

On March 6, 2016, Lane College celebrated its 2nd annual Founder’s Day Scholarship Dinner and Gala. The event was held on the campus of Lane College in the gymnasium which was transformed into an elegant setting which included fresh flowers, trees, chandeliers and formal place setting. Attendees were greeted and escorted to their tables by students of the college.

Union University’s Carl Grant Center was the setting of the Jackson Chamber of Commerce’s “Annual Celebration” ceremony. The center was well decorated, the “DJ5” disc jockey had the lights and music rocking as guests arrived. After the registration everyone was given a drawing ticket and directed to the buffet line. Door prizes included items like an Apple Watch and iPad, and the grand prize was a 50” plasma TV.