Mississippi Symphony Orchestra’s “Vibrant Echoes” presents a concert ode to the legacy and enduring spirit of African American music, in an acoustically rich, historical setting where it feels right at home – Tougaloo College’s Woodworth Chapel, 7:30 p.m., April 27. more

Mississippi Symphony Orchestra’s “Symphony in the Community” spring concert continues its collaboration with Cade Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in an April 21 matinee that resonates with impact and meaning. The centerpiece of the 3 p.m. concert is Joel Thompson’s haunting and emotionally charged Seven Last Words of the Unarmed, sung by Mississippi Valley State’s University Choir. more

New Stage Theatre presents Chicken & Biscuits by Douglas Lyons April 9 – 21! more

Mississippi Symphony Orchestra thrills with a sweep of 20th century masterworks in the season finale of its flagship Bravo series, “Ultimate Fusion.” A stellar saxophone spotlight and Shostakovich’s profound and triumphant Symphony No. 5 are concert hallmarks, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 13, at Thalia Mara Hall in Jackson. more

The Mississippi Metropolitan Ballet, under the artistic direction of Jennifer Beasley, will present the fairytale ballet “Alice in Wonderland” at Jackson Academy Performing Arts Center at 2 and 7 pm on March 23 and at 2 pm on March 24. With choreography by award-winning choreographer Charles Maple, the ballet is an action-packed adventure with all the wacky and wonderful characters from the beloved childhood classic: from the White Rabbit to the Queen of Hearts to the Mad Hatter. The ballet will feature more than 80 dancers from the metro-Jackson area. Patrons will have the opportunity to take tea with the Mad Hatter himself at the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, following the matinee performances. more

The state of Mississippi has long been renowned for its cultural diversity and soulful rhythms. The artistic landscape in Mississippi is rich in the realms of music, literature, and visual arts. Names like B.B. King, Eudora Welty, and Walter Anderson have become synonymous with our state.  As for the performing arts, and specifically dance, it is hard to compete with states like New York, who boast the Great White Way, the Metropolitan Opera, and two of the greatest ballet companies in the world: the New York City Ballet and American Ballet Theatre.  But, Mississippi holds its own! The USAIBC (United States International Ballet Competition) is the most respected and renowned ballet competition in the world, and is held in Jackson every four years.  Truly, the WORLD of ballet descends upon Mississippi every time the Competition rolls around.  But what about the years in between the IBC?  Luckily, central Mississippi has an abundance of local dance talent, and the Mississippi Metropolitan Ballet has been contributing to that portion of our artistic landscape for the past 30 years.  more

The dazzle of the USA International Ballet Competition goes far beyond the artistic athleticism of its brilliant young dancers, the thrill of their keen competition and the sparkle of tomorrow’s stars on the stage. more

Mississippi Metropolitan Ballet, under the direction of Jennifer Beasley, presents the full-length ballet “Frozen Heart” on Saturday, March 25, at 3:00 p.m. and Sunday, March 26, at 2:00 p.m. at Jackson Academy Performing Arts Center. Based on “The Snow Queen” fairytale by Hans Christian Andersen and set to a classic score by Hugo Alfven, the ballet features nearly 100 local dancers who are members of the ballet company and guest artists from Ballet Memphis and Manassas Ballet Theatre. more

Celebrating its 30th anniversary season, Mississippi Metropolitan Ballet (MMB) will present “The Nutcracker” on December 3 and 4 at Jackson Academy Performing Arts Center. A tradition for audience members and dancers alike, the full-length ballet is the perfect opportunity to introduce younger family members to the art form. The beautiful sets, dazzling choreography and splendid choreography are sure to please patrons of all ages. more

Anu Amen-Ra has perfected the art of hand-rolling fine cigars, including nearly half a decade of trips to Cuba and working in the famous Trinidad factory in Havana, and turned it into a luxury service. more

Mississippi Metropolitan Ballet (MMB) presents a new production of Charles Maple’s “Wizard of Oz” on April 2 and 3 at Jackson Academy Performing Arts Center. Featuring Maple’s inventive choreography, exquisite costumes and dynamic sets, this presentation of the classic story is sure to please audience members of all ages.   more

Mississippi Metropolitan Ballet, based in Madison since 1992, opens its 29th season Dec.4-5the holiday favorite “The Nutcracker,” featuring a cast of over 150 local dancers and guest artists from Ballet Memphis. Attending a performance of the ballet at Jackson Academy Performing Arts Center is an annual tradition for many in the metro area. In addition to witnessing the exciting choreography, sparkling costumes, beautiful sets and artistic feats of the production, patrons will have the opportunity to begin a new tradition this year as MMB introduces its Land of Sweets VIP Tour. more

Choreographed by Mississippi Metropolitan Ballet artistic director Jennifer Beasley, Cinderella returns to the stage at Jackson Academy featuring over 80 local dancers and a host of favorite guest artists. The production brings the classic fairy tale to life. more

A tradition continues in November when the Chula Homa Hunt rides to the hounds and to the thrill of the chase. more

Under the direction of Jennifer Beasley, Mississippi Metropolitan Ballet opens its 28th season with the holiday favorite The Nutcracker. The production will feature professional guest artists from across the nation and over 120 local dancers in four performances. more

Nearly 100 local dancers are set to dazzle audiences in March for the full-length ballet “Frozen Heart.” presented by the Mississippi Metropolitan Ballet, under the direction of Jennifer Beasley. more

The Mississippi Metropolitan Ballet, under the artistic direction of Jennifer Beasley, presents its annual production of The Nutcracker on December 14-15 at Jackson Academy Performing Arts Center on Ridgewood Road in Jackson. The holiday classic, the first production of the ballet company’s 27th season, features more than 140 local dancers and internationally-known guest artists. more

Ballet Mississippi’s spring performance, “Let the Ladies Dance,” will showcase the work of three wonderful female choreographers and selections from the classical ballet, “Paquita,” on Saturday, April 6 at 2 p.m. at Thalia Mara Hall. more

The Mississippi Metropolitan Ballet, under the artistic direction of Jennifer Beasley, will present their annual production of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker as professional guest artists will join a cast of over 100 local dancers for the company’s 26th annual presentation of the classic holiday ballet. more

Tucked away in the heart of the Belhaven Neighborhood, New Stage Theatre begins its 53rd Season September 11th with Morningside, a new comedy written and directed by Mississippi native Topher Payne. Building upon previous seasons, this year’s productions are grouped together under the theme “The Power of Place,” and have an exceptionally high number of plays by Mississippians or about Mississippi. more