JFP Events - Event Listings for Jackson, Mississippi

Jackson Black Pride: Nov 20 – Nov 23.; Parties, LGBT health forum, coronation, spoken word, cookout and dance contests.; Jackson Hilton Hotel (1001 E. County Line Rd.).; Varies.

BodyForm: Nov 5 – Dec 5.; This is a unique exercise program that is performed utilizing proper positioning to isolate specific muscle groups and then using tiny, precise, yet powerful movements to tighten and reshape your body while increasing strength, flexibility, body awareness, and proper body alignment. This program stresses correct form while utilizing dumbbells, resistance bands, resistance balls, floor mats and ballet barres to sculpt the body in rapid fashion. Each muscle group is warmed, worked and then stretched to ensure total body health increasing strength, flexibility and endurance. And, because this method involves deep muscle work, you won't experience the bouncing and jarring found in high-impact activities, such as aerobics or jogging. This means students exercise safely and virtually injury-free. Men and women of all ages and fitness levels can benefit from this class. Modifications will be shown throughout the class for beginner, intermediate, advanced and/or anyone with limitations of any kind. Cost: $70; Wed., November 5-December 5; 6:15-7:30 p.m.; 6 class meetings. Instructor: Sally Holly; .; $70.

Yoga for Everyone: Sep 23 – Dec 9.; Restore, awaken and renew the body, mind and spirit. This yoga class is a blend of postures designed to strengthen muscles, increase flexibility and release stress. You will be introduced to techniques in breath awareness while combining movement and alignment principles to emphasize flexibility and injury prevention. This class will enable the more advanced student to be challenged, while encouraging those new to yoga or looking for a gentler class to participate at their own level. Modifications will be given according to the students' needs. Standing, seated, mild back bends, balancing and relaxation poses will be introduced in a positive and nurturing way. Home practice will be encouraged and supported with handouts and personalized guidance. Please note: Bring a yoga sticky mat and two firm blankets. Mats and blankets can be purchased from local merchants or online. Please come to the class on an empty stomach and wear comfortable clothes. Cost: $140; Tues., September 23-December 9, 6:15-7:30 p.m.; 12 weeks. Instructor: Sally Holly; Millsaps College.; $140.

Toys for Tots at the Jackson Zoo: Nov 10 – Dec 10.; Bring an unopened toy to the Jackson Zoo to receive $1 off of admission.; Jackson Zoological Park.; One unopened toy..

"Art to Art": Oct 13 – Dec 30.; This two man show features landscape paintings artist Alfred Nicols and functional artistic furniture by Hiram Creekmore.; Mississippi Arts Center.; Free.

The Mississippi Story: Jan 1 – Dec 31.; An exhibition of a selection of works from the museum's permanent collection of over 4000 pieces. This first exhibition of works from the permanent collection in the new museum space focuses on the state's rich artistic heritage. Patti Carr Black is the curator of this exhibition which features work by Walter Anderson, George Ohr, William Dunlap, Eudora Welty, William Eggleston and others.; Mississippi Museum of Art.; Free.

Dinosaurs!: May 24 – Jan 4.; From a Protoceratops with hatchlings to a Tyrannosaurus rex, these robotic dinosaurs are fascinating to children and adults alike. Hear them roar, and watch them feed and care for their young. Learn which beasts may have been fighters and active hunters of other dinosaurs as prey and which creatures fed on tender plants.See the Pteranodon, the prehistoric sky king, whose wingspread was as wide as a soccer goal. Find out which dinosaur had eyes as big as soccer balls and possibly binocular vision. Understand how the horn-faced Triceratops protected itself from attackers and how much time the peaceful Apatosaurus may have spent in the water and why. Kokoro, the company that created the robotic dinosaurs, consults with distinguished paleontologists on all aspects of the creatures� attributes and functioning during development. Each creature is individually handcrafted and computer-programmed.; Mississippi Museum of Natural Science.; $5, various discounts available.

"John James Audubon: American Artist and Naturalist": Sep 20 – Jan 4.; John James Audubon’s work stands as an unsurpassed contribution to the world of fine art, natural science, and American history and literature. This exhibition includes original paintings and letters, rare books, photographs, personal items, and sixty of the original large hand-colored Double Elephant Folio engravings from The Birds of America, selected from the collection and archives of the John James Audubon Museum at Henderson, Kentucky.; Mississippi Museum of Art.; $5 MMA Members, $7 Non-Members.

"A Painter’s Odyssey: The Art of Marshall Bouldin III": Sep 20 – Jan 4.; Artwork from across the career of the state’s most prominent portrait artist is presented. A full-color publication accompanies the exhibition.; Mississippi Museum of Art.; $5 MMA members, $7 non-members.

Mississippi Watercolor Society Grand National Watercolor Exhibitions: Oct 4 – Jan 4.; This annual presentation includes works from across the country in various water-based mediums, organized in conjunction with the Mississippi Watercolor Society.; Mississippi Museum of Art.; $5 MMA members, $7 non-members.

Poetry Out Loud: Sep 1 – Jan 31.; The Mississippi Arts Commission (MAC) is pleased to partner with the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and the Poetry Foundation to present Poetry Out Loud: National Recitation Contest. Poetry Out Loud is a program that encourages high school students to learn about great poetry through memorization, performance and competition. From September 2008 through January 2009, high schools statewide are invited to participate in classroom and school-wide contests, advancing to the forth annual state finals, to be held in Jackson on Friday, March 13, 2009. The state champion will advance to the National Finals held in Washington D.C. April 27-28, 2009. The program requires less than two or three weeks of class time and offers an outstanding educational experience for the students. In order to participate, a school must submit their registration form by December 31, 2008. All registered schools will receive a newly developed training DVD to help them prepare for the competition.; .

"Grandma's Hands": Nov 17 – Feb 28.; Celebrating the quilt code of the Underground Railroad.; Smith Robertson Museum.; Free.

Friday, November 21, 2008