Music & Theatre

The University of Southern Mississippi

The University of Southern Mississippi's School of Music in the College of The Arts has one of the most respected programs in the South, enhancing the region with a level of culture and class not experienced in most communities of this size. Performance opportunities abound at USM. Large ensembles include the USM Symphony Orchestra, five choirs, three concert bands, and the marching band; additional outlets include Opera Theatre, vocal and instrumental jazz ensembles, and chamber ensembles in all instrumental categories, among other programs.

In 1994, the College of the Arts at USM created the first annual, "Mississippi Celebration of the Arts", which featured performances and professional workshops in Symphony, Opera, Theatre, and a wide variety of instrumentals. This program was a great success, and is now an establishment involving many people and drawing performers and tourists alike from across the nation.

William Carey College

William Carey College, in Hattiesburg, offers a fine calendar of events including: concerts by guest artists, performances by a wide range of vocal and instrumental ensembles, and faculty and student recitals. William Carey College is especially noticed for its delightful Summer Dinner Theatre and annual December Madrigal Dinner.

Art

Lauren Rodgers Museum of Art

The Lauren Rodgers Museum of Art in Laurel has contributed to the cultural life in Jones County since its opening in 1923. The museum includes paintings, pottery, and sculpture from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries in Europe and America. There are several exhibits featuring Indian artifacts as well as a collection of Georgian silver included in the museum's holdings. A library section places special emphasis on art, history, genealogy, and Mississippians.

Festivals

TurtleFest

TurtleFest is an annual event sponsored and organized through the Lamar County Chamber of Commerce. The event, usually held in July, features and array of artisans and food vendors as well as various entertainment.

Hubfest

Hubfest is an annual event held each October in downtown Hattiesburg. This unique street festival features arts and crafts, food and drink, live entertainment, fine arts exhibits, trade shows, a tennis tournament, a golf tournament, and a 5-K run.

Old Time Fest

Old Time Festival is held each year in May. This Hattiesburg spring festival is characterized by concerts in the park, old-fashioned games, ethnic dances, food and entertainment- all in celebration of our Pine Belt Heritage.

Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest is celebrated every fall at St. John's Lutheran Church in Hattiesburg, and features authentic German food and live German music.

Blues and Bluegrass Festivals

South Mississippi celebrates its rich Blues and Bluegrass history year-round. It all comes together in the Lamar County/Hattiesburg area as thousands of people attend each of our major events, traveling here from throughout the United States to experience the music and fine Cajun cooking.

• Hattiesburg Zoo Blues Festival
• South Mississippi Bluegrass Jamboree
• Elks Lodge Acoustic Extraordinaire and Song Writer's Concert
• Crawfish Festival and Mississippi Region/Pizza Hut Bluegrass Showdown.

Jones County's modern facilities embody Southern Hospitality in every way. Individuals and groups can be comfortably accommodated at the Magnolia Center, located at Laurel.

 

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