Meridian
“ Georgia on My Mind ” commemorates the late singer , pianist , and Georgia native Ray Charles in the best way possible : with great music . Charles was an American treasure . He transcended racism , cultural upheavals , and musical genres , mixing gospel , blues , jazz , and country influences .
Presenting classics from the Charles songbook in celebration of his legacy is an all-star cast : singer-host Clint Holmes (“ Playground in My Mind ”), the a cappella vocal group Take 6 , jazz singer extraordinaire Nnenna Freelon , and saxophonist Tom Scott . Together , they carry on the brilliant legacy of one of the world ’ s musical geniuses .
Tickets : $ 50 to $ 115 ( included in Fall / Winter Season ).
Brown Bag Lunch Concert :
Grits & Greens
Thursday , May 19 , from 11:30 a . m . -1 p . m . The MAX , downtown Meridian
Grits & Greens offers a style best described as southern rock with a soulful and jam-heavy delivery . Their lyrics tie it all together , sharing stories that are personal , playful , and perfectly satirical . The obvious love that the band has for playing music is beautifully exemplified by their warm stage presence and tight performances .
For a unique experience , bring your lunch and a friend or two to The MAX courtyard and enjoy live music . Free and open to the public .
Third Thursday in
Downtown Meridian
Thursday , May 19 , from 5-8 p . m . Dumont Plaza
Featuring live music , food trucks , beverages and art exhibitors .
WineDown : Pinot Grigio
Thursday , May 19 , from 7-9 p . m . The MAX , downtown Meridian
The second most popular white wine in America , Pinot Grigio ( aka Pinot Gris ) is a dry white wine that has a punchy acidity with flavors of lemons , limes , green apples , and honeysuckle . At its most basic , Pinot Grigio is a refreshing white wine that , when served cold , is the perfect respite from a hot summer ’ s day .
Rules for the WineDown : Put together a 2 – 3 person team and bring three identical bottles of Pinot Grigio to the WineDown — two ( chilled ) to taste and one for the pot . If your bottle is chosen best bottle , you ’ ll take home a variety of Pinot Gris to enjoy this summer . $ 15 , non-members ; free for members . Registration required .
The World Famous
Glenn Miller Orchestra
Thursday , May 26 , 7:30 p . m . MSU Riley Center , downtown Meridian
The sweet sound and lush melodies of the Glenn Miller Orchestra continue to captivate audiences 78 years after Miller himself disappeared while flying over the English Channel during World War II . The Miller estate established the present orchestra in 1956 after the movie The Glenn Miller Story became a box-office smash . The band has been touring ever since , bringing the characteristic Miller sound to worldwide audiences for 300 shows a year . Let such beloved standards as “ In the Mood ,” “ Chattanooga Choo Choo ,” “ A String of Pearls ,” and “ Tuxedo Junction ” carry you back to the big-band era .
Tickets : $ 10 to $ 40 ( included in Fall / Winter Season ).
June
MAXLive Concert : Will
Kimbrough
Friday , June 3 , from 5-9 p . m . The MAX , downtown Meridian
An outdoor concert featuring multi-talented Will Kimbrough — a prolific singer-songwriter , guitarist , mandolinist , and record producer . Kimbrough ’ s songs have been recorded by Jimmy Buffett , Little Feat , Todd Snider , Jack Ingram , Gretchen Peters , to name just a few . Kimbrough performs with Willie Sugarcapps and DADDY , and is currently touring with Emmylou Harris and her Red Dirt Boys .
This fundraiser supports The MAX Sound of Success programs . Cash bar . Advanced registration preferred . $ 35 , Members ; $ 45 Non-members .
State Games of Mississippi
Opening Ceremonies
Friday , June 3 , from 7-8:30 p . m . City Hall , downtown Meridian
Join the Parade of Athletes , marching with others from their hometowns . Meet real Olympians from the state of Mississippi who have competed all over the world , watch the spectacular Torch Lighting streak across the sky — all culminating with an “ oooh … aaah ” -inspiring fireworks show .
Audio Engineer Camp
June 7-10 and July 12-15 , from 1-3 p . m . The MAX , downtown Meridian
This summer The MAX is offering Audio Engineer Camps in June and July . Participants ages 13 – 18 will receive a hands-on experience in the Governor ’ s Recording Studio working with a sound engineer in this four-day , 2.5-hour camp . Students will learn the fundamentals of sound recording techniques , tracking , recording software , recording hardware , signal routing , effects , plug-ins , and much more .
Limited class size . $ 100 , members ; $ 115 , non-members . Early Bird Specials : Register by May 31 ( for June session ) or by July 5 ( for July session ) and receive a $ 10 discount on class fees .
Movies at The MAX : “ The
Adventures of Huck Finn ”
Friday , June 10 , from 7:30-10 p . m . The MAX , downtown Meridian
This summer , The MAX will focus on movies made in Mississippi . First up is “ The Adventures of Huck Finn ” ( 1993 ). Synopsis : In Missouri during the 1840s , young Huck Finn , fearful of his drunkard father and yearning for adventure , leaves his foster family and joins runaway slave Jim in a voyage down the Mississippi River toward slavery-free states . Rated PG . Length : 1h 48min . “ The Adventures of Huck Finn ” © 1993 Disney Enterprises , Inc .
Ward Emling , Retired Director of the Mississippi Film Office , will introduce the film and provide interesting behind-thescenes commentary . Bring a lawn chair or a blanket and enjoy the film from the courtyard and lawn . Free popcorn , and snacks for purchase . Doors open at 7:30 p . m .; film at 8 p . m . Free and open to the public .
www . meridianstar . com
• 47