JACKSON, MISS. – Nov. 30, 2017 – As part of Mississippi’s bicentennial celebration, the Mississippi Arts Commission, in partnership with Tougaloo College, will present the photography exhibit “Music and Dance in Central Mississippi” from Dec. 7, 2017, through Feb. 16, 2018, at the first floor gallery of the Bennie G. Thompson Academic and Civil Rights Research Center at Tougaloo College in Jackson, Miss. Exhibit photographs were taken by folklorist Kaitlyn Berle.

This exhibit is a curated showcase of photographs that highlight various music and dance traditions practiced in Central Mississippi. Featured artists include bluegrass fiddler Bill Rogers, the Canton Southernairs, Mr. Sipp, old-time musicians Jack Magee and Tim Avalon, seven-note singers Jim Moore and Sarah Woods, dance caller Bridget Edwards, sacred harp singer Mark Davis, St. Peter’s Cathedral Dancers, Rev. Jessie Primer, Jr., hip hop artist Stephen Brown and the Choctaw Tribal Dancers.

“The Mississippi Arts Commission is pleased to partner with Tougaloo College to present these photos that depict the unique cultural traditions of the people of Mississippi, traditions unique to our state that serve to enliven and unify our communities,” said Malcolm White, executive director of MAC. “An important part of our work at MAC is to document these traditions and make resources available to ensure their survival.”

The opening reception for the exhibit will take place on Thursday, Dec. 7, 2017, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Benny G. Thompson building of Tougaloo College in Jackson, Miss. During the reception, several of the exhibit’s featured artists will be present to share stories and educate the public about their traditional practices in a facilitated discussion.

This exhibit is sponsored by the Mississippi Arts Commission and funded through the support of the National Endowment for the Arts. This event is free and open to the public.

Contact:  Maria Zeringue | Folk and Traditional Arts Director | mzeringue@arts.ms.gov | (601) 359-6034