Make Plans to Join in The-Day Meridian Festival of Music, Art & Fun
MERIDIAN, Miss. (September 23, 2015) – The Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Center (MAEC) invites the public to its official The-Day Meridian festival celebrating the official groundbreaking ceremony of the MAEC site at 2155 Front Street, Meridian, Mississippi.
Entertainment starts at 1 p.m. Saturday, October 3 with the groundbreaking at 2 p.m.
The MAEC, slated to open in 2017, is expected to educate and inspire millions of people while making a significant contribution to Mississippi’s creative economy. MAEC’s mission is dedicated to celebrating the essence of Mississippi’s statewide legacy in the arts by recognizing and honoring Mississippi artists in all disciplines—including dance, drama, literature, music, and the visual arts.
The MAEC will be housed in an iconic, two-level structure consisting of 58,500-square-feet of which 22,000 will be exhibition space. Other elements of this highly innovative facility include a Hall of Fame, gift shop, broadcast studio, art studio, and multi-purpose room, an outdoor stage and courtyard. Many spaces can be used by schools, civic clubs, churches and individuals for special programs and events. The existing Hollywood-style Walk of Fame, designed to pay tribute to Mississippi arts and entertainment honorees, is also an MAEC attraction.
“This is a great opportunity for the public to join us for The-Day Meridian festival and MAEC groundbreaking,” said Marty Gamblin, executive director of the MAEC. “It will be a monumental day for Meridian and the State of Mississippi as we commemorate MAEC’s purpose to capture and celebrate the essence of Mississippi’s legacy in the arts.”
There will be all kinds of booths representing arts organizations, museums and festivals from across the state. Food and refreshments will be available for purchase at Gourmet Food Trucks invited to the celebration. According to Gamblin, concessions are about the only thing that won’t be free at the groundbreaking.
Jimmie Rodgers tribute artist, Britt Gully, will kick off the festival at 1 p.m. with a few “Father of Country Music” favorites. Next on stage will be Homemade Jamz Blues Band, known for their astounding sound that blends Mississippi and Chicago with contemporary juke joint blues. The crowd will be energized as activities progress to the 2 p.m. groundbreaking.
Rounding out the afternoon at 3 p.m. will be festival headliner Paul Thorn, a popular root-rock songwriter and performer. Thorn, a native of Tupelo, will be performing songs from his recently released “Too Blessed to Be Stressed” album as well as others from his previous half-dozen albums. Thorn has toured as an opening act for Huey Lewis & the News, Sting, Bonnie Raitt, Toby Keith and other notable stars of the music industry.
Other events hosted in Meridian on October 3 include: the Queen City Race for Life; Earth’s Bounty, a once-a-month grand farmers’ market; the 25th Annual Rock & Roll Revival Antique Car Show; and the Brickhaus Craft Beer Festival.
“We look forward to seeing a great crowd for the groundbreaking and encourage the public to check out what’s happening around town,” Gamblin added.
For more information on the ground breaking visit www.msarts.org or call 601-581-1550.