The Symposium, entitled “The Fifteenth Amendment: From U.S. Grant to Lyndon B. Johnson’s Voting Rights Act,” will be held on campus September 23-25 and will include a panel discussion with U.S. Justices moderated by former Mississippi Governor William Winter, and a number of speakers on the impact of the amendment both nationally and in our home state.

From Mississippi State University:

STARKVILLE, Miss.–A symposium at Mississippi State University aims to explore the struggle of African American voting rights and highlight how those historical struggles affect today’s society.

The Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Library and Association at MSU will lead the Sept. 23-25 event titled “The Fifteenth Amendment: From U.S. Grant to Lyndon B. Johnson’s Voting Rights Act.” Early bird registration is $50 through Saturday [Aug. 1], and $75 from Aug. 2-Sept. 15. Registration is $100 starting Sept. 16 and still will be available on-site on Sept. 23.

MSU students may register for free; however, all registrants, including MSU students, must pay $30 to attend Wednesday’s [Sept. 23] opening dinner at the Colvard Student Union and $40 to attend Friday evening’s closing dinner at the Hunter Henry Center.

The symposium marks the 50th anniversary of the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965, which legally guaranteed voting rights to all American citizens regardless of race or any state laws that might otherwise prohibit it, said John Marszalek, executive director and managing editor of the MSU based U.S. Grant Collection. It also marks the 145th anniversary of the 15th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, an amendment ratified during Grant’s presidential administration that first allowed African Americans the right to vote.

Through the symposium, Marszalek said speakers and panelists will explore the history of the time period between the 15th Amendment and the Voting Rights Act — a period rife with Jim Crow laws, literacy tests for voting and poll taxes, especially in southern states — and how those events shape today’s laws.

Following the 15th Amendment, Marszalek said, the U.S. Supreme Court issued mixed decisions that often upheld what he called the “traditional” view of the time that individual states had the authority to grant voting rights.

“Because of that, from that time (1870) right up until the Voting Rights Act (1965), there was no guarantee,” Marszalek said. “We know blacks (in some cases) were simply not allowed to vote, period.”

Marszalek observed that it will be helpful to people to understand what’s going on in contemporary America based on better understanding the history of African American voting rights.

“This is not an issue that was all taken care of in 1870 or in 1965. It’s continued to be an issue, and you can’t really understand what’s going on today without understanding the past,” he said.

Two published historians, Doug Egerton of LeMoyne College and Michael Fountroy of Howard University, will “bookend” the symposium, said Meg Henderson, senior library associate with the Grant collection, speaking at the opening and closing dinners, respectively. Egerton’s speech will focus on the 15th Amendment and the early days of Reconstruction, while Fountroy will focus Friday evening [Sept. 25] on the Voting Rights Act and its effect on African American political participation.

“They will bring a lot of value to the overall symposium,” she said.

Marszalek said he is most excited about Thursday morning’s [Sept. 24] panel session in Griffis Hall featuring Mississippi Supreme Court Chief Justice William Waller, former Mississippi justice Fred Banks and retired Rhode Island Chief Justice Frank J. Williams, who also serves as president of the Grant Association. The panel will focus on how both the 15th Amendment and the Voting Rights Act affect today’s court decisions. Former Mississippi Gov. William Winter will moderate the panel.

Other speaker panels will follow in Griffis Hall on Thursday [Sept. 24] and Friday [Sept. 25].

“We believe this will show that history is important,” Marszalek said. “It’s not just this dead stuff 100 years ago. It’s still affecting lives today, and I think that’s crucial.”

To register, or for a full schedule of symposium events, visit www.usgrantlibrary.org/newsandevents/15thamendment.asp.

Other sponsors for the event include the MSU Libraries, the offices of the President, Provost and Public Affairs, Shackouls Honors College, the African American studies program, the College of Arts and Sciences, the MSU political science department, the Mississippi Department of Archives and History, the National Park Service, the University Press of Mississippi and the office of the Starkville mayor.

“This symposium would not be possible without the support of our many departments at Mississippi State and the sponsoring organizations off campus,” Marszalek said.

We’re excited for our 2nd NEW SOUTH WEEKEND  in Mississippi’s College Town as welcome our family from Bulldog Nation back home — as well as our friends from Northwestern State! You’re in for a tailgating treat this weekend as well as plenty of shopping and dining, so read on to see what’s happening, including great resources for shopping and dining. You’ll find great information and helpful links for your best game weekend yet… HAIL STATE!

New South Weekends begin early with the annual Citywide Tailgate, set for 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18 – the day before the MSU Bulldogs’ home football game against Northwestern State. This year’s event features 14 tailgating spots across the heart of Starkville, and is sponsored by the United Way of North Central Mississippi, the Greater Starkville Development Partnership and Dynamic Fire Protection Inc.

Participating teams – including businesses, civic groups, churches, schools and more – will develop their Tailgate sites at their chosen location and decorate the site according to the “All About That STATE” theme for this year’s event, organizers say. This year’s Citywide Tailgate theme was inspired by a version of Trainor’s song that was adapted into an Internet video by an MSU student to show his love for the Bulldogs, organizers say.

Admission is $5 per person, and a wristband will serve as your ticket at each tailgate. Wristbands may be purchased at any of the tailgate tents. All proceeds from the wristband sales going to support the work of the 15 charitable agencies supported by the United Way.

We invite you to take a tour of these great themed tailgating participants, enjoy the Bulldog spirit and support local charities impacting the Starkville community! Here’s your map of sites…

GAME WEEKEND SHOPPING

There’s plenty of time this weekend to visit your favorite Starkville shops & boutiques to find tailgating supplies and the latest styles for Saturday’s WHITE OUT game!

Thank you to Main Street members, Giggleswick, Last Man Standing, Style Revel, Reeds and Luna Bella / Merle Normal for sharing a glimpse at some of their game day styles and tailgating ware!

Before Saturday’s contest with LSU, be sure to plan time to enjoy Starkville’s many local shops and restaurants! Our Starkville Main Street members always roll out the maroon carpet with sidewalk sales, dining and drink specials and more! This Google Map will serve as your walking tour guide!

View SHOP DOWNTOWN STARKVILLE in a larger map

GAME WEEKEND DINING

Another game weekend in Starkville — SWEET! And, we have just the new favorites for you with our Artisan Breads and Sweets Culinary Map. Pumpkin spice lattes, rosemary boules, sprinkle biscuits and more hand-crafted goodness are waiting at our table!

Download the full culinary map here.

And, if you missed our FAVORITES map, you can take a peek at it too!

**Scroll down to see our great options for brunch on Sunday!

TO & FROM THE GAME… LOGISTICS

PARKING DOWNTOWN:
Free parking in several lots as well as 2-hour curbside in Downtown Starkville for easy access to shopping, dining and transit to the game.

TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS:
Starkville offers three options for public transit to and from Davis Wade Stadium on gameday. Check out your options below, and visit SMART TRANSIT for a full list of routes, schedules and arrival times.

**NOTE: The MSU SMART office has made a change to the gameday Hwy 12 route. It will now drop off at Newell-Grissom rather than Giles Hall.

Looking for a great game day parking spot? Check out Cadence Bank’s lot on Russell Street next to Comfort Suites – all proceeds benefit Palmer Home for Children. Park where you see the “Parking for Palmer” sign.

MSU TRAFFIC INFORMATION

Campus Parking:
—View this link for a map of gameday parking lots (click the link).  

General Gameday Campus Info:

Golf Carts
–Fans are encouraged to follow all golf cart rules and respect the roads that are off limits beginning four hours prior to kick off.
–Full rules and regulations can be found here: fanguide.msstate.edu/parking/carts.php

Trash and Recycling
–Help keep campus looking nice on gameday for fans and visitors. Fans are encouraged to bag both their recyclable and disposable items during their tailgating.

Shuttles
Run three hours before kick off and two hours after the end of the game:
— Reserved RV/Wise Center–Picks up at RV Lots 29 and 31 and on the northwest corner of the Wise Center and drops off at Thompson Hall.
— Thad Cochran Research Park–Runs from Research Park to Humphrey Coliseum.
— Davis Wade Express–Picks up at Starkville Daily News and drops off at Giles Hall.
— S.M.A.R.T Downtown Route–Service to Giles Hall from the following locations: Patriots Park, Regions Bank, Bank of Commerce, Fire Station One, Hartness Street, Catholic Church, Sweet Peppers to Giles Hall.
–Highway 12 Express–Service to Newell Grissom from the following locations: WalMart, Kroger, Avenue of Patriots, Vowell’s Marketplace and The Mill at MSU Conference Center.
–For additional transportation choices that run throughout Starkville, visit www.smart.msstate.edu.

ADA Parking
–ADA parking is available on gameday. Visit bit.ly/MSUGameParking.
–The MSU Parking Assistance Center can provide golf cart shuttle services from all parking areas. On gameday, call662-325-9114 for all assistance needs.

Post-game egress:

Law enforcement will be working key intersections both on and off campus after the game, and they ask fans to:
—Pay attention and use precaution; follow intersection officers’ instructions.
––View this link for a map of key intersections and traffic flow for post-game egress (click the link).

BRUNCH IN STARKVILLE

Join us on Sunday for special shopping hours with some of your favorite Downtown retailers shown above as well as delicious brunch! Check out this list of Starkville restaurants and pick your table!

Restaurant Tyler
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Local food favorites featuring chicken and waffles, eggs benedict, and blue plate menu
SEE MENU

Central Station Grill
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Daily chef specials, Bloody Mary bar, $2 Mimosas
SEE MENU

Old Venice Pizza Company
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Old fashioned staples like french toast, belgian waffles, and build-your-own waffles
SEE MENU

Denny’s
24 hours
Full menu served 24 hours including breakfast sandwiches, omelets and sausage, and skillet plates
SEE MENU

Aramark – Fresh Food Company
10 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
All you care to eat buffet for $8 per person plus tax. Kids 12 and under eat for $5.50 plus tax, and children under 3 years old eat free.
SEE MENU

Dawg House Sports Grill
9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Breakfast sandwiches, steak and eggs, Bottomless Bloddy Mary’s and Mimosas for $20
SEE MENU

929 Coffee Bar
9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Savory house made quiche, breakfast casseroles, sweet breakfast options, coffee
SEE MENU

Veranda
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
House made quiche, waffles, omelets, blue plates, and even chicken and dumplins
SEE MENU

Dear Business Leaders,

Starkville and Oktibbeha County are enjoying tremendous growth in regards to development, private investment, and tourism and economic development. We’ve seen great improvements of public infrastructure throughout the City, as well as on State of Mississippi right-of-way like Highway 182. Soon, Russell Street will be renovated, thanks to a grant from the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT,) and will include the reduction of driving lanes and the addition of sidewalks and bike paths, aiming to increase safety and connectivity with Mississippi State University.

Highway 12 is a major gateway into our community and to Mississippi State University, and it’s the center of commerce in our City. In January 2014, the Greater Starkville Development Partnership (GSDP) released a strategic plan that included the formation of several key task forces, one of which was the Highway 12 Task Force. All Partnership members were invited to participate, and I’m grateful that ten members committed to the cause and have been with us ever since. The Task Force met for the first time in the Winter of 2014 and has met monthly, sometimes twice per month, over the last 20 months to formulate a plan for the Highway 12 corridor. The plan includes the formation of a Business Improvement District (BID,) with the express goal of improving safety and aesthetics on the corridor.

Mississippi statute allows for the creation of a BID, which is a special assessment district, in which property owners in the jurisdiction, assess themselves, and manage the totality of funds for improvement for that area. The proposed BID would include all businesses on Highway 12 from Mississippi State University to the Highway 25 bypass.

This post includes renderings of the possibilities with funding created by a BID. Because there is a 10 year sunset on the legislation, and therefore, guaranteed funding for the same time period, bonding is a possibility, which allows for an immediate impact over the full corridor. The renderings depict only one intersection and thoroughfare within the corridor, but the impact would be realized throughout the entire district.

The process for creating a BID depends on input from property owners. In fact, neither a detailed plan nor a budget can be created until input is received during a formal public input session. The following list depicts the necessary steps, according to Mississippi statute, that must be taken in order for a successful creation of the BID:

— 20% of property owners within the proposed district must sign a petition to begin the authorization process for the Highway 12 BID

— Planning session will be held for all Highway 12 property owners to determine specifics of the Highway 12 BID plan

— Public hearing will be held to review the plan and receive comment from the public

— Ballots will be distributed to all Highway 12 property owners with a deadline to return to the City of Starkville City Clerk

— Board of Aldermen establish Highway 12 BID through resolution and ordinance

— Mississippi Legislature approves local and private bill to create Highway 12 BID

We have an aggressive timeline to generate the support in order to present the Mississippi Legislature with a request for a local and private bill in the 2016 legislative session, so we must get started now.

How can you help? Assist us with signing the petition (download here) to authorize the process to begin if you’re a property owner on Highway 12, or spread the word to help us reach everyone. We look forward to hearing from you through the public input session, and I am available for questions or to listen if you’d like to meet. Please call our office at (662) 323-3322 to set-up a meeting or email me at jgregory@starkville.org with questions or comments.

Remember, the petition is only to authorize the process. There has not been an assessment determined for the BID, and there won’t be until the majority of the property owners present at the public input session concur on a path forward. This project is a priority for leadership at the GSDP, and I hope you share in my excitement as we take the path to this vision together. Please download the petition, sign, and return to the GSDP office at 200 East Main Street, so we can move forward to the public input session.

Thank you for your commitment to the business community in Starkville and Oktibbeha County, and I look forward to hearing from you during this exciting process.

Sincerely,
Jennifer Gregory
Chief Executive Officer
Greater Starkville Development Partnership

NEW SOUTH WEEKENDS are back in Mississippi’s College Town, and we are proud to welcome our family from Bulldog Nation back home — along with a few of our neighbors from Baton Rouge as well! We have a lot in store this weekend, so read on to see what’s happening, including great resources for shopping and dining. You’ll find great information and helpful links for your best game weekend yet… HAIL STATE!

Our first New South Weekend of the 2015 season kicks off Friday evening with the annual BULLDOG BASH produced by the MSU Student Association! The event hails as the largest free outdoor concert in Mississippi, and this year’s line-up includes X Ambassadors, Misterwivesand the headliner, Local Natives! Activities begin at 2pm in the Cotton District with music on the Clark Beverages Main Stage starting at 7pm.

It takes a lot of street space to hold a dance party for over 35,000 students and locals, so please note these upcoming road closures for Bulldog Bash: University Drive from Nash Street to campus will be closed from midnight Thursday through early Saturday morning. Side streets from Lumus to University including Maxwell and Colonel Muldrow will also be closed Friday at 10am through early Saturday morning. Campus to community transit, SMART, campus to community transit, will also close Cotton District East & West stops on Friday, resuming Saturday morning.

GAME WEEKEND SHOPPING

There’s plenty of time this weekend to visit your favorite Starkville shops & boutiques to find tailgating supplies and the latest styles for Saturday’s WHITE OUT game!

Thank you to Main Street members, Giggleswick, R. Tabb & Co, Occasions, and George Sherman Clothiers for sharing a glimpse at some of their game day styles and tailgating ware!

Before Saturday’s contest with LSU, be sure to plan time to enjoy Starkville’s many local shops and restaurants! Our Starkville Main Street members always roll out the maroon carpet with sidewalk sales, dining and drink specials and more! This Google Map will serve as your walking tour guide!

View SHOP DOWNTOWN STARKVILLE in a larger map

GAME WEEKEND DINING

Whether it’s BBQ from The Little Dooey, renown throughout the SEC, Mississippi’s Magazine’s 2015 Best Blue Plate from The Veranda, or Best Breakfast from Starkville Cafe or Best Brunch from Restaurant Tyler, traditions are grown around the table in Mississippi’s College Town! Don’t miss your visit to Starkville’s favorites before and after tailgating!

Download the full culinary map here.

**Scroll down to see our great options for brunch on Sunday!

TO & FROM THE GAME… LOGISTICS

PARKING DOWNTOWN:
Free parking in several lots as well as 2-hour curbside in Downtown Starkville for easy access to shopping, dining and transit to the game.

TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS:
Starkville offers three options for public transit to and from Davis Wade Stadium on gameday. Check out your options below, and visit SMART TRANSIT for a full list of routes, schedules and arrival times.

MSU TRAFFIC INFORMATION

Key timeline for road closures:
Thursday, Sept. 10 
–B.S. Hood closes at 5:30 p.m. for Cowbell Yell
–University officials reserve the right to close it sooner if gate lines become too long.
–Gates open at 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 11 
–University Drive closes from the bridge at the Hunter Henry Alumni Center to downtown Starkville from Paige Ave. to Col. Muldrow St. at 2 a.m. for setup of the Bulldog Bash main stage.
–Vendor and Fan Fair setup and installation of lights for the main stage begins at noon, resulting in the following street closures at that time: Maxwell St. at Lummus and Hogan St. (Maxwell St. will remain open).

Saturday, Sept. 12 
–Roads close at 4 p.m.
—View this link for a map of gameday parking lots (click the link).  

General Gameday Campus Info:

Golf Carts
–Fans are encouraged to follow all golf cart rules and respect the roads that are off limits beginning four hours prior to kick off.
–Full rules and regulations can be found here: fanguide.msstate.edu/parking/carts.php

Trash and Recycling
–Help keep campus looking nice on gameday for fans and visitors. Fans are encouraged to bag both their recyclable and disposable items during their tailgating.

Shuttles
Run three hours before kick off and two hours after the end of the game:
— Reserved RV/Wise Center–Picks up at RV Lots 29 and 31 and on the northwest corner of the Wise Center and drops off at Thompson Hall.
— Thad Cochran Research Park–Runs from Research Park to Humphrey Coliseum.
— Davis Wade Express–Picks up at Starkville Daily News and drops off at Giles Hall.
— S.M.A.R.T Downtown Route–Service to Giles Hall from the following locations: Patriots Park, Regions Bank, Bank of Commerce, Fire Station One, Hartness Street, Catholic Church, Sweet Peppers to Giles Hall.
–Highway 12 Express–Service to Newell Grissom from the following locations: WalMart, Kroger, Avenue of Patriots, Vowell’s Marketplace and The Mill at MSU Conference Center.
–For additional transportation choices that run throughout Starkville, visit www.smart.msstate.edu.

ADA Parking
–ADA parking is available on gameday. Visit bit.ly/MSUGameParking.
–The MSU Parking Assistance Center can provide golf cart shuttle services from all parking areas. On gameday, call662-325-9114 for all assistance needs.

Post-game egress:

Law enforcement will be working key intersections both on and off campus after the game, and they ask fans to:
—Pay attention and use precaution; follow intersection officers’ instructions.
––View this link for a map of key intersections and traffic flow for post-game egress (click the link).

BRUNCH IN STARKVILLE

Join us on Sunday for special shopping hours with some of your favorite Downtown retailers shown above as well as delicious brunch! Check out this list of Starkville restaurants and pick your table!

Restaurant Tyler
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Local food favorites featuring chicken and waffles, eggs benedict, and blue plate menu
SEE MENU

Central Station Grill
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Daily chef specials, Bloody Mary bar, $2 Mimosas
SEE MENU

Old Venice Pizza Company
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Old fashioned staples like french toast, belgian waffles, and build-your-own waffles
SEE MENU

Denny’s
24 hours
Full menu served 24 hours including breakfast sandwiches, omelets and sausage, and skillet plates
SEE MENU

Aramark – Fresh Food Company
10 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
All you care to eat buffet for $8 per person plus tax. Kids 12 and under eat for $5.50 plus tax, and children under 3 years old eat free.
SEE MENU

Dawg House Sports Grill
9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Breakfast sandwiches, steak and eggs, Bottomless Bloddy Mary’s and Mimosas for $20
SEE MENU

929 Coffee Bar
9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Savory house made quiche, breakfast casseroles, sweet breakfast options, coffee
SEE MENU

Veranda
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
House made quiche, waffles, omelets, blue plates, and even chicken and dumplins
SEE MENU

For the last five years, many of our Main Street member shops have opened their doors for special hours on game weekend Sundays in an event we call Bulldog Brunch & Browse. This year, we are proud to present the fifteen shops who will be participating for the 2015 football season as we welcome Bulldog fans for shopping and dining in Starkville.

In Mississippi’s College Town, the game weekend experience goes way beyond Saturdays at Davis Wade! Our New South Weekends Friday evening events have become a yearly anticipated kick-off to the Bulldog home game tradition. But, no trip to Starkville would be complete without a visit to our unique shops and the restaurants that have made our community the talk of the region’s culinary scene. That’s why we invite game-goers to stay in town after Saturday’s contests and sample brunch fare at some of Starkville’s favorites along with afternoon shopping from 11am to 3pm.

Eggs benedict, Tyler waffles, blue plates, mimosas, bloody marys, and more will delight your tastebuds Downtown and across town in restaurants including The Veranda, Restaurant Tyler and Central Station Grill. Plus, this year’s participating shops shown above offer special sales and a fun opportunity to shop for maroon and white goodies for the whole family. Mark your calendars now for game weekend Sundays in Mississippi’s College Town, and don’t leave without your chance to style and savor Starkville.

Restaurant Business Magazine’s August 2015 issue ranks Starkville No. 5 nationally in its “Best Places to Open a Restaurant” market index. Alongside larger beach and resort markets in the list, Starkville is one of two small towns gaining prominence as one of the best markets for restaurant growth. The list is part of the 2015 Restaurant Market Index, an annual ranking of growth by market compiled by Nielsen, a global provider of data insights.

“The culinary culture in Starkville is uniquely vibrant,” said Jennifer Gregory, CEO of the Greater Starkville Development Partnership. “The community supports a strong restaurant and entrepreneurial environment that has allowed both our established eateries and start-ups to flourish. This ranking shows that we are making great strides in developing Starkville as one of the premier culinary destinations in the South.”

The Nielsen insights show that tourism is playing a factor in areas of strongest restaurant growth nationally, and towns like Starkville, situated at the intersection of vital roadways are making significant gains. Starkville’s ranking jumped from No. 11 in 2014 to No. 5 this year.

Anchored by the huge number of yearly visitors to Starkville for MSU athletics and other university-related events, the reach of local restaurants is expanding, in addition to increases in new restaurants and start-ups. Starkville now has more restaurants per capita than any other community in Mississippi. A renewed emphasis throughout the community on local farms, locally-grown ingredients and locally-owned establishments has also built stronger demand for a more authentic culinary culture. This growth comes as no surprise to the Starkville Convention and Visitors Bureau, who has put an increased emphasis on marketing the community’s local culinary offerings through events and targeted advertising.

The award-winning Starkville Community Market has played a growing role in promoting the culinary business climate in Starkville. It has served as a culinary incubator, of sorts, allowing local artisan bakers and food producers to develop a following and fine-tune offerings. It has also helped to facilitate expanded relationships between local restaurateurs and area farmers and culinary artisans, opening more markets for locally produced goods. In the last two years, at least two vendors from the farmer’s market have expanded their businesses to brick-and-mortar restaurant locations in Starkville.

As part of building Starkville’s culinary culture, the CVB has also placed a focus on year-round culinary events. The annual Starkville Restaurant Week launched in 2013 as the largest restaurant week event in the state based on number of diners. The event expanded in 2015 to 10 days of dining emphasis. In addition, events like unWINE Downtown, King Cotton Crawfish Boil and Souper Bowl incorporate local restaurants and food-related retailers into fun, family experiences, expanding the concept of a community culinary environment.

“Food-centered events, local restaurants with menus determined by the seasons, and getting to know your farmers — we think we’re taking the best of how we were raised and giving it a New South spin,” said Gregory.

“The Starkville community loves restaurants and authentic food, and we are constantly working to welcome new businesses and new diners to our table.”

More from the Japan-America Society of Mississippi:

The Japan-America Society of Mississippi (JASMIS) will be hosting the taiko (Japanese drum) performance ensemble Shirohato Taiko from Sumida, Tokyo, for a series of performances around the state of Mississippi from August 20th to August 26th.

Throughout history, taiko has been used to communicate between troops during warfare, and also to motivate the troops before battle. To this day they are still used frequently in Kabuki and Noh plays, religious ceremonies, and for festivals and concerts. Powerful and expressive, the taiko performance (kumi-daiko) makes for a most exhilarating musical performance, and is best when a large ensemble is performing. 15 members of the 40+ member ensemble will be making their first trip ever to the United States.

“The Japan-America Society is lucky to be hosting these performers and being able to take them to these different venues” said Thom Eason, JASMIS board member and Treasurer. “One of the goals of JASMIS is to try and have genuine Japanese cultural events whenever possible, and my wife Mieko met them last year while we were in Japan for a conference, and she has been working with the group ever since to make this tour logistically possible. Personally, I have always been fascinated with taiko performances and I am looking forward to seeing a group of this size. I was able to meet several of them earlier this summer while we were over there, and I learned many of the members are second and third generation drummers and several of the older members have been doing this since childhood.”

The group will fly in from Tokyo on Wednesday, August 19th with the first performance on Thursday, August 20th in Tupelo, MS at the Tupelo High School Performing Arts Center. There will also be two matinees the following morning for some of the Tupelo school kids. On Saturday, August 22nd the group will be in Starkville, MS at MSU’s Lee Hall Auditorium.

On Sunday, August 23rd, the group will have a brief stop in Jackson for a matinee performance at the Mississippi Children’s Museum to help promote the museum’s upcoming “Hello From Japan” exhibit (scheduled to run this fall and winter) before traveling on to Hattiesburg for a concert on Monday, August 24th at USM’s Mannoni Performing Arts Center.

The final stop on the tour will be Saint Andrew’s Episcopal School on Wednesday the 26th where they will give a matinee performance for the students, with a concert that night for the general public at Saint Andrew’s Performing Arts Center in Ridgeland, MS.

“This will be a very tight schedule for the group, especially since there is no time to really recover from the flight before the first show” said JASMIS board member Mieko Kikuchi. “We hope to be able to squeeze in a few touristy things for them to do during the trip since this will be their first time in this country. We will get to spend some time in the schools where we are doing the matinees, and the younger performers will enjoy meeting children their own age and having lunch and some class time with them. And we will hopefully get to go watch a session at the Capitol while in Jackson, and zoos or any other tours and shopping we can manage some time for. One of the requests I have already received from the group is to take them to an American grocery store because they would like to see for themselves how they are so different from the stores we have in Japan!”

All shows will be general admission tickets available at the door the day of the show. Ticket prices are still being worked out, but tentatively will be $5.00 for general public and JASMIS members. The Hattiesburg show will also be free to all USM students.

Contributing Sponsors for these shows include Nissan North America, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Mississippi, Greater Starkville Development Partnership, Yokohama Tire Mfg. Mississippi, LLC, Renasant Bank, BancorpSouth, Northeast MS Daily Journal, WTVA, the City of Tupelo, Lee County Chancery Clerk, Auto Parts Mfg. MS, Inc. , Northeast MS Medical Center, BankPlus, Diversity-Vuteq, LLC, Toyota Boshoku Mississippi, LLC, Toyota Tsusho America, Inc., Blue Springs Metals, Magnolia Automotive Services LLC, Green Metals, Inc., Community Development Foundation, and Sakura Bana Restaurant.

About The Japan-America Society of Mississippi

The Japan-America Society of Mississippi is a private, non-profit organization established to serve all Mississippi residents and Japanese nationals with a mutual interest in each other’s economy and culture. The Society strives to serve this dual constituency by sponsoring a wide variety of business- related and cultural programs to benefit its members and the general public. It is tax-exempt under section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Japan-America Society of Mississippi is not a political or religious organization, and is not affected by policies of either nation or the State of Mississippi.

This Fall, there are SEVEN great reasons to spend the whole weekend in Mississippi’s College Town for Bulldog home games, and the Partnership is proud to showcase them! Our annual New South Weekends series kicks off for the 2015 season on Thursday, September 10, prior to the MSU-LSU show-stopper, and this year’s events are filled with fun for the whole family.

Our Partnership-led events include the return of family favorite, Pumpkinpalooza featuring Maroon Madness with MSU Basketball, unWINE Downtown, Christmas Open House and Black Friday Bonanza. In addition, our full schedule include TWO concerts to kick off opening weekend, tailgating Downtown, and chili-tasting with Starkville Junior Auxiliary. Mark your calendars now for our full schedule and don’t miss a single moment of the game weekend experience in Starkville celebrating food, family, tradition, and our MSU Bulldogs!

SEPTEMBER 10 – 13
Thu: Mac McAnally in Concert
Fri: BULLDOG BASH
Sat: MSU vs. LSU
Sun: Bulldog Brunch & Browse

SEPTEMBER 18 – 20
Fri: CITY-WIDE TAILGATE
Sat: MSU Homecoming vs Northwestern State
Sun: Bulldog Brunch & Browse

OCTOBER 9 – 11
Fri: PUMPKINPALOOZA with Maroon Madness
Sat: MSU vs. Troy
Sun: Bulldog Brunch & Browse

NOVEMBER 14 – 15
Sat: MSU vs Alabama
Sun: CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE & Cookies with Santa

NOVEMBER 27 – 29
Fri: BLACK FRIDAY BONANZA
Sat: MSU vs Ole Miss (Egg Bowl)
Sun: Bulldog Brunch & Browse

In addition to great gridiron action at Davis Wade Stadium, this fall’s football season also brings the return of New South Weekends for its fifth year, kicking off on Thursday, September 10! The Starkville Main Street Association was honored this summer to receive the award for Best Image or Branding Program from the Mississippi Main Street Association for the development of the series, and this year’s slate of events to be launched next week promises to be more fun than ever. One of our most popular programs, New South Weekends aims to expand the community’s hospitality on home game weekends as we welcome Bulldog Nation to Starkville during the Mississippi State University football season.

New South Weekends began in 2011 as plans generated during a Mississippi Main Street design charrette for the Starkville community began to materialize. The idea for the series came in response to needs identified during the charrette, with the goal of expanding Starkville game weekend traffic beyond football Saturdays to include Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons as well. The Starkville Convention & Visitors Bureau adopted “Mississippi’s College Town” as the community’s marketing identity, and began to develop New South Weekends as the brand’s signature program.  NSW has grown in popularity each year as we’ve developed a diverse series of Friday evening events prior to each MSU home game. The series also features special shopping hours on game weekend Sundays called Bulldog Brunch & Browse, promoting Starkville’s unique local shopping venues along with our regionally prominent culinary scene.

As we prepare to launch the fifth year of New South weekends, we’re taking a look back at the past years of the series and it’s award-winning image campaigns. With signature events like Pumpkinpalooza, the downtown harvest-fest, unWINE Downtown, a seasonal wine tasting and shopping event, and the incorporation of Christmas Open House, New South Weekends is anchored by annual events produced by Starkville Main Street and the Starkville Convention & Visitors Bureau.

In addition, SCVB has welcomed other community events to the schedule each year — events like Bulldog Bash, the largest free outdoor concert in Mississippi, bringing thousands of concert-goers to the Cotton District, and the Junior Auxiliary ChiliFest held each year at the MSU Amphitheater, showcasing hot bowls from favorite local restaurants. In years when the annual “Egg Bowl” contest with the University of Mississippi is held in Starkville on Thanksgiving weekend, the Starkville Convention & Visitors Bureau hosts Black Friday Bonanza to offer expanded bulldog deals on the nation’s biggest shopping day of the year. Sometimes New South Weekends include Thursday or Monday events when unique opportunities like this year’s Mac McAnally concert bring added excitement!

Take a look at this retrospective of New South Weekends posters from the first four years, and be sure to tune in next week as we reveal the 2015 poster and campaign on our website! We hope you’ll plan to spend the whole weekend in Starkville when you travel for MSU home games. Don’t miss the fifth year of New South Weekends!

The Starkville VCC typically invests $50,000 – $60,000 annually into the grant program and has historically funded programs and events such as:

“The Starkville VCC is proud to contribute tens of thousands of dollars to local event promoters and organizations that support tourism and community development through their events, projects, and programs. While we have high expectations and require detailed reporting, we feel this is a successful program that has provided for millions of dollars of economic impact,” said Jennifer Gregory, CEO of the Greater Starkville Development Partnership.

There are three (3) categories of the Starkville VCC Sponsorship Grant Program:

Sponsored Programs

All organizations, events, or programs applying for the first time; having received funding for one or two consecutive years; having received funding for non-consecutive years; or that have been denied for the Sustaining Grant or Dues categories should apply in the Sponsored Programs category.

Sustaining Grants

Organizations, events, or programs are eligible for the Sustaining Grant category if they have received three (3) consecutive years of funding from the Starkville VCC. If approved for the Sustaining Grant category, organizations, events, or programs will receive a commitment of dedicated funding for a three (3) year period.