What better way to celebrate the Skipworth Performing Arts Center’s first phase of renovations being nearly complete than with live music and entertainment?
The Skipworth’s autumn playbill featuring upcoming performances is being organized by the Kosciusko Foundation for Excellence in Education. The events will also give locals a chance to see some of the amazing changes made to the auditorium to date.
“A playbill is just what the fall will hold," Dr. Tim Alford of the KFEE said.
Locals will get the chance to see talented performers and experience something new in the area at the Skipworth Performing Arts Center.
Alford said all of the performers are very talented. The schedule features Jeff Bates, David Barnes, James Martin and the Holmes Community College Show Choir, Coachman Singers and Concert Chorale, led by Mike Yates.
While the first phase of renovations at the Skipworth are almost finished, a couple of things need to be done before phase two of renovations can begin.
Alford said that phase one is just a few projects away from completion. Among the projects are hanging historical Attala County photos, carpeting walkways, and adding additional lighting and acoustic paneling.
“Now there will be carpet in the aisle and lights dripping down the aisle,” Alford said.
Several artistic images from around the county will be hung at the Skipworth Performing Arts Center, according to Alford.
The pictures depict the original Kosciusko Cornet Band, the Mississippi All State Lions Band, and Charlton Ferguson. Ferguson played in the Big Red Band in the early ’40s and died on the USS Oklahoma’s tail fin during the attack on Pearl Harbor.
To improve the auditorium's sound, acoustic paneling will be added in the coming weeks. By installing the paneling, an echoing sound will be prevented during performances.
It is hoped that all these projects will be completed for the fall playbill.
Information on ticket prices and season ticket packages and how to purchase them will be announced by the KFEE.
Tickets will be sold starting in September, according to Alford. For ticket information or more information about the event, email kfeedirector@gmail.com or call 662-289-2981.
Coming up:
Below are the names, dates, description and times of each performance on the playbill:
— Jeff Bates, 7 p.m. Oct. 22, 7 p.m.
Country music singer-songwriter Jeff Bates’ two RCA albums accounted for seven chart singles on the Billboard country charts. “The Love Song” was his highest, at No. 8 in 2002. He is known to end every performance with “Amazing Grace.”
— David Barnes, 7 p.m. Nov. 19
David Barnes is a musician, singer and songwriter from Nashville, Tennessee. In 2012, Barnes was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Country Song for writing the song “God Gave Me You.” He also won a Dove Award in 2018 for his song "Washed by the Water.”
— James Martin, in collaboration with The Dance Company, 3 p.m. Dec. 4
A bass-baritone singer, James Martin has received international critical acclaim for his performances in opera, concert, musical theatre, on recordings and as a teaching artist and coach. He has toured prestigious stages, concert halls and festivals throughout North America, Europe and Asia.
— Holmes CC Chorale, Dec. 1, time TBA
A Christmas program will be presented by the Holmes Community College Show Choir, Coachman Singers and Concert Chorale, led by Mike Yates.