The Myth of Yazoo BluesJohn Pritchard is a Mississippi native whose newly released novel, "The Yazoo Blues," chronicles the adventures of a Delta man named Junior Ray Loveblood.
Jihad, DefinedCasual readers may view "How to Win a Cosmic War" (Random House, 2009, $26), the second book by acclaimed religious scholar Reza Aslan, as a defense of Islam. In part, this is an accurate assessment.
The Kids of Freedom SummerIn 1964, Tracy Sugarman began participating in and covering the Freedom Summer with the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. His reporting and illustrations are captured in "We Had Sneakers, They Had Guns" (Syracuse University Press, 2009, $34.95). The book focuses on …
Fat Poppies and MalbecOn a Tuesday night, I picked up a bottle of malbec at Kats Wine Cellar and drove to the clubhouse on the reservoir where artist Karen Blake teaches art classes to people of varying age and skill. Dressed in a …
Renita Full of HopeMississippi native Renita Martin will venture from New York City to Jackson this weekend to perform her one-woman show "Five Bottles in a Six Pack" at New Stage Theatre. Martin graduated from Crystal Springs High School and briefly attended Tougaloo …
Untangling FunkThe New Yorker editor and novelist Ben Greenman's new book, "Please Step Back", tracks the life and career of funk-rock star Robert Franklin, a.k.a. Rock Foxx, a fictional character based loosely on Sly Stone.
'First Understand MississippiIn her book, "Historic Photos of Mississippi", Anne B. McKee highlights nearly 200 photos from history archives and private collections.
It's Time to JAM, Y'allYou might have noticed the downtown streets blocked off as you came to work this morning. But just in case you've been hiding out, been out of touch or been procrastinating on buying tickets, we're here to tell you: Jackson's …
Emmett TillI don't think I'll ever forget the horrific photo of Emmett Till's open casket.
Gloria Norris and her Mississippi RoadWith her Nikon FE camera in tow, Mississippi native and noted author Gloria Norris drove down Highway 51 through Mississippi capturing the fleeting images of the state that characterized her childhood.
The Day the Music DiedMany of us carry around tiny, flat devices that hold hundreds or thousands of songsthe equivalent of hauling around crates upon crates of albums or CDs. How did we get here? Who took my Walkman, and why can't I find …
Tweaking Sound"Perfecting Sound Forever: An Aural History of Recorded Music" (Faber & Faber, 2009, $35) is a book for music nerds and casual fans alike. In it, Greg Milner explains sound recording from varied perspectives, analyzing its scientific beginnings with Thomas …
[At The Mic] Writer's SpotlightThere's something profoundly moving about listening to an artist express themselves, revealing his or her hidden self through art. Not only is the experience rewarding for the listener, but it's cathartic for the writer.
[In Celebration] "Juneteenth Celebration"Since 1965, African Americans have celebrated June 19 as the emancipation of slaves. Originating in Galveston, Texas, the day is an outpouring of joy in the black community and emphasizes community and celebration of freedom.
Crime & PunishmentWhen a best-selling author comes to Jackson, it's news. When three best-selling authors come in one exclusive event, it's historic.
When a best-selling author comes to Jackson, it's news. When three best-selling authors come in one exclusive event, it's historic.