U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson recently visited the Skipworth Performing Arts Center to see the progress that has been made at the once condemned auditorium at Kosciusko Junior High School.
The facility has been transformed into the perfect place for community performances and concerts.
“It’s a space that people want to come perform in,” said Dr. Tim Alford with the Kosciusko Foundation for Excellence in Education.
Alford said Thompson’s office became interested in the KFEE’s project to restore the Skipworth about a year ago.
“The foundation has had conversations with Rep. Thompson’s office. They like the project because it is renovating an existing historic structure, and it also serves the needs of all walks of humanity,” said Alford. “They like the fact that we have rebranded the auditorium, the Skipworth Performing Arts Center, which conveys more of a community reach rather than just school use.”
Thompson took a day to visit the center earlier this year. He also enjoyed a performance of “This Little Light of Mine” by Regina Coats’ first grade class.
“I think that really touched Mr. Thompson,” said Alford.
The KFEE is currently requesting $3 million to continue much-needed renovations from Thompson, who will receive an allotment of around $20 million to distribute in for his congressional district.
State Sen. Lydia Chassaniol, who is chair of the Tourism Committee, and Nathan Upchurch, who works in the office of Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann, have also toured the facility.
“It was kind of hard to make people believe that a blown-out, old dilapidated 60-year-old asbestos-ridden facility could be brought back,” said Alford. “But now people can see, and they’ve heard performances in it, and they now realize this is a jewel, and we’re going to do what we can in the community to preserve it.”
He also said the Skipworth continues to receive donations privately and locally from “generous people who are now sharing the vision of this.”
“So many people in the community have been so very generous,” Alford said. “Scarborough Building Supply has provided materials for much of the renovations, and also Bill Collins woodworking and mill shop has been a life saver for a lot of the finer word detail that has gone up there.”
The next phase of the project will feature a $1 million restroom renovation and expanding the lobby.
Some upcoming events at the Skipworth include:
• Grammy winner and 15-time nominee Charlie Musselwhite and his band will perform at 7 p.m. April 29 at the Skipworth. Tickets are available at https://kfee.ticketleap.com/charlie-musselwhite/. Advance tickets are $30 each. At the door, tickets will be $40 each.
• The Mississippi Lions Band is returning to perform at the Skipworth. The date and time are to be determined.
• The Mississippi Symphony Orchestra is set to perform in September.
• On Sept. 16, there will be a performance by two Russian brothers who are world-class musicians and came to the United States seeking political asylum.
• The Skipworth is also gearing up to present a summer theater camp for children.
