NOV. 19
Art scene: Fondren Unwrapped, the annual holiday open house for the Jackson neighborhood’s merchants, rolls out the welcome mat and hands out the holiday cheer as businesses, galleries and more welcome strollers and shoppers, 5-9 p.m. Park curbside and hop the Fondren Express Trolley for a circuit that includes The Cedars and the Pearl River Glass Studio show there.
Funny stuff: Comedians Arnez J and Michael Colyar go for the laughs in the Capital City Comedy Show, 8 p.m. at Jackson’s Thalia Mara Hall. Tickets are $18 in the balcony, $22.50 closer to the action. Dubbed “the black Jerry Lewis,” Arnez J combines charisma and physical agility. Actor (House Party 3, The Longshots, Norbit) and funnyman Colyar voices the part of Buford in the Disney’s upcoming The Princess and the Frog.
Music: The Black Hollies with Bryan Scary and the Shredding Tears entertain at Ole Tavern. Fenian’s has St. Brigid’s, while Big G & The Groove take the stage at Martin’s.
NOV. 20
Shopping scene: More than 160 merchants doubtless have what everyone on your guest list needs or wants: the handcrafted items at the Holiday Handworks Market at the Mississippi Trade Mart, through Nov. 21.
At the movies: A homeless teenager, taken in and transformed by Leigh Anne and Sean Tuohy, realizes his potential as a student and football player in The Blind Side, based on the true story of athlete Michael Oher. Oher, an Ole Miss standout, was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens. Sandra Bullock, Tim McGraw and Quinton Aaron (as Oher) star.
The animated alien adventure comedy Planet 51 follows an astronaut’s discovery of little green people living an innocent 1950s-ish existence.
Precious: Based on the Novel “Push” by Sapphire, tackles the toughest of issues in its story about an illiterate, abused teen who journeys from oppression to self-determination under a teacher’s guidance. With Gabourey Sidibe, Lenny Kravitz, Paula Patton, Mo’nique and Mariah Carey.
Sink your teeth into the second installment of Stephenie Meyer’s vampire hit with The Twilight Saga: New Moon. Bella Swan delves deeper into the supernatural world, with peril and passion resulting. With Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner.
Steppin’ out: Capital City Classic fun continues with a concert featuring R&B masters Frankie Beverly & Maze, Glenn Jones and Teresa Griffin. It’s 7 p.m.-until at the Jackson State University Athletic Assembly Center and tickets are $25-$35. There’s a reception at 8:30 p.m. Visit thecapitalcity.com for more details.
Music: Bill Ellison and Temperance Babcock kick up tunes at The Auditorium, while Johnny Crocker sings the night away at McB’s. Find the Jason Turner Band at Ole Tavern and Hunter Gibson and the Gators at Shuckers. Sons of the Subway featuring Virgil Brawley bring the blues to F. Jones Corner.
NOV. 21
Steppin’ out: The Capital City Classic commences with a 1 p.m. kickoff at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium. Following the Jackson State/Alcorn State match, stick around for the Fifth Quarter Challenge of the Bands. Later, step out on the town to any of the after party choices, including the seventh annual Party of the Year at the Jackson Convention Complex West (formerly Mississippi TelCom Center) and the Capital City Classic Red Carpet Event at the Jackson Convention Complex East. See thecapitalcityclassic.net for more details. Freelon’s and Touch Nightclub are also in on the after party action.
NOV. 22
Out and about: University Press of Mississippi holds its annual Bookfriends Fall Membership Party, 3-5 p.m. at The Auditorium Restaurant at the old Duling School. Honoring late author Willie Morris on the 75th anniversary of his birth, the party also marks a new, limited edition of his essay, My Two Oxfords. Pulitzer Prize-winning editorialist and The Historical Present author Edwin M. Yoder will speak at the event. It’s open to the public; Bookfriends nonmembers may purchase an annual membership for $50, payable at the event.
