Thursday, June 15, 2023

Festival South is in full swing

Every day brings more reasons to be glad I live in Hattiesburg. Many people are going to see my FestivalSouth FestivalFibers exhibit, which will be at the Downey Gallery at University Baptist Church through June 24. It is a special thrill to see my quilt Prelude on the cover of Signature Magazine's June issue.  

June Issue 
Rehearsals for the Meistersingers concert of James Mulholland's Missa Romantica and three other pieces he arranged were enjoyable. Mulholland is a Laurel native and came from his home in Indianapolis to our dress rehearsal and concert. It was a special pleasure to perform works for a composer and have him be pleased with what he heard. Dr. Joel Dunlap directed, Dr. Susan Ruggiero was the soloist, accompanied by Kathy Vail.

Joel Dunlap, Artistic Director

James Mulholland 

The Program

One of the numbers we performed was "Keramos" (the potter's clay), which is based on a Henry Wadsworth Longfellow poem. I constantly hear these words in my head, and love to embrace their meaning: "All that inhabit this great earth are kindred and allied by birth."

I had a great time teaching children something about quilting at one of the FestivalSouth Youth events, lined up by Jennifer Timidaiski. The kids tried their hands at a fabric collage using fusible fabrics and  scissors and a background. Each child's piece showed an amazing artistic eye! We put each piece in a white mat and plastic sleeve so they could take home their art.


He interpreted the Biloxi lighthouse

An American Landscape was presented at the historic Train Depot featuring Dr Jay Dean directing  many talented musicians. Seating was in a semi-circle, with a delightful up-close view of the orchestra.  


One of the Coffee concerts was "Celtic in Your Cup," at the OLLI building. This family trio brought us a lively time, reminiscent of Irish music.
And this is only week two, with many events still to come. Full details and schedule are at FestivalSouth.

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