Event 1: Midtown/Millsaps Block Party!
When: Friday, 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Where: West Street lawn (behind the Christian Center)
Price: free
Why you should go:
by Liz Allen
Friday+Saturday editor
Music, dancing, community and adorable kids in oversized block party T-shirts: These all are some of my fondest memories from the past two years. The Millsaps-Midtown Block Party is not only the biggest event that 1 Campus 1 Community puts on, but it is also my own personal favorite event at this school (pardon my bias). This is the day when the pedestrian gates stay open and we get the chance to party with our neighbors on our own grounds. This year’s event will be even bigger, as 1C1C has partnered with the admissions department’s Open Doors weekend.
So, what’s this party got? Booths and tables with games hosted by a slew of different campus and student groups, bounce castles, snacks including popcorn and cotton candy, sports and reading time. (Rumor even has it that the P&W will be hosting some fun.) Last year, an impromptu flash Zumba mob/dance party brok out, so who knows what might occur this year? The Caf’ will also provide dinner on the lawn, so be sure to stay for that. You can pick up your free Block Party T-shirt outside the Caf’ throughout this week to wear out on Friday afternoon. If you’re not already participating with an on-campus group, come take advantage of the chance to come hang out, wander, play, chat and build community. For more info and updates, like the event on Facebook.
Event 2: The Molly Ringwalds
When: Friday, 8:30 p.m.
Where: Galloway Green, Millsaps College
Price: free
by Zachary Oren Smith
editor-in-chief
When we think back to humanity’s golden ages, we think the Elizabethan age, the Victorian age, the roaring 20s, and of course the 80s. The Molly Ringwalds are a time capsule quintet that bring all the make-up, teased hair and glorious guitar solos to contemporary audiences. This group, despite being known to fill up huge venues across the United States, will be bringing their talents to our own Galloway Green here at Millsaps.
As someone who got a chance to see their show in Hattisburg back in 2013, I put my reputation on the line that this is the show of the year. From their amazing twisted sister themed base player to their Karate Kid themed drummer (with a remote control moving drum kit) they have created an act the both celebrates and lampoons the 80s in all its colorful excess.
Don’t be the person who missed out on the show of the year. Come jam out to an age most of us can’t remember.
Event 3: The Laramie Project
Where: Galloway Memorial United Methodist Church, 305 N. Congress St.
When: April 11 & 12 at 7:30 p.m., Sunday matinee at 2:00 p.m.
Price: $7 for students, $17.50 for everyone else
by Camille Maker
contributor
The story starts in 1998, in Laramie, Wyo., with a young man named Matthew Shepard. Beaten and left to die, tied to a fence post, Shepard’s murder brought national attention to the struggle felt by many around the United States. Shepard is openly gay and suffered physical brutality because of his sexual orientation.
The Laramie Project, written by Moisés Kaufman, aims to shed light on not only the events of Shepard’s story, but on the issue of equality for all, in all forms.
Unlike traditional theater, The Laramie Project is a collection of real-life interviews of people in the Laramie community, including (but not limited to) Shepard’s family and friends. These interviews are interwoven to create a story line, but otherwise left intact to show the viewer the most honest depiction of the story, as spoken by those who knew Shepard and his attackers.
The production is a powerful experience, as the words spoken are those of true grievers, true protesters and true people. The Laramie Project does not entertain, it informs.
Fish Tale Group Theatre presents The Laramie Project at Galloway United Methodist Church. See the show April 10-13 at 7:30 p.m. or a matinee April 12-13 at 2 p.m.
Event 4: Walk Against Traffick
When: Saturday, 9 a.m.- 2 p.m.
Where: Duling Lawn (in front of 622 Duling Ave.—by Babalu, across from Brent’s Drugs)
Why you should go:
Walk Against Traffick (with a k—please don’t walk in front of actual traffic) is the Jackson manifestation of an international event raising money for and awareness about issues of child sex trafficking. The event starts with a 10-mile walk-a-thon (or run-a-thon or bike-a-thon or transport yourself-however-you-feel-a-thon). The goal of the walk-a-thon is to raise $100 per person, with each person paying $10 registration fees.
Musical performances on the lawn will take place from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., featuring local hip-hop artist 5th Child, Topher Brown and our own Millsaps College Gospel Choir. At 8 p.m. that night, Walk Against Traffick also partners with Duling Hall to bring even more music from Seryn, Rosco Bandana, and John and Jakob—the concert is $10 in advance and $15 at the door.
For more info, click here.