Diverse Third Week of FestivalSouth Features Outstanding Singers, Family Events and Golf

The third week of FestivalSouth® features events for all ages: Artie events for families, coffee concerts, a Liberace tribute concert and events celebrating June 19 and women’s compositions. The complete schedule and all the details are on festivalsouth.org.

“The impact of FestivalSouth cannot be underestimated,” said Artistic Director Dr. Mike Lopinto. “The variety of offerings at locations across the city provides both access and opportunity for so many to enjoy and enrich their lives.”

Born as Wladzlu Valentino Liberace, he became the best-known virtuoso pianist of the 20th century. Liberace embraced a wildly flamboyant lifestyle both on and off stage, and “didn’t just put on gigs, he put on a show”. He was best known for making classical music more fun and accessible to his cheering audiences. This year at FestivalSouth, we pay homage to Liberace with the incredible performer David Maiocco. On Thursday, June 16 at 7:30 p.m. at the Hattiesburg Cultural Center, dressed in the same flashy fashion, Maiocco embodies Liberace’s flamboyant style as soon as he takes the stage.

Friday at 9 a.m. at Twin Forks Rising, the incredible Katrina Cox shares moving and triumphant music to pay homage to black culture. Then, at 12:30 p.m., the FestivalSouth World Championship Golf Classic takes place on the greens of Canebrake Country Club. At 3 p.m., Meredith Johnson, soprano, and Joseph Brumbeloe, piano, perform familiar and beloved classics from opera and art song literature, including intriguing rarely performed works. “Precious Gems and Hidden Gems” inspires your 3 p.m. afternoon at Westminster Presbyterian Church.

Another big Saturday for FestivalSouth on June 18! From 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Artie will be at Kamper Park for a drumming performance by local musicians and a percussion instrument-making station that’s sure to get your toes tapping. Then, from 1 to 3 p.m., Artie heads to Beam Park in Sumrall for “A Royal Celebration.” There, a magical land of creativity and music, including live performances, artistic activities, story time and much more! All are asked to come dressed as a princess, prince or knight.

Saturday afternoon at 3 p.m. on the stage of the Thomas Fine Arts Auditorium Stage at William Carey University, enjoy a program of diverse works celebrating the music of a range of female composers. This collection of local performing artists features solo and chamber music that is sure to illuminate and delight.

Saturday night, FestivalSouth is proud to partner with the Downtown Hattiesburg Association for the Hattiesburg Craft Beer Festival in Town Square Park. Customers can choose from nearly 100 craft beers from breweries across the country, meet the people behind the beer, enjoy live music, great food, and celebrate the craft beer industry and its rapid growth in Mississippi. . Advance tickets are HIGHLY recommended.

On Sunday, Juneteenth, Juneteenth, the incredible Ora Reed joins Larry Robinson in “Precious Memories,” featuring music by African-American composers. The program of ancient spirituals, traditional gospel and popular music will touch your heart. The concert will take place at 3 p.m. at the historic Eureka School, itself a sight to see and enjoy the FestivalArt exhibit by featured artist Darryl Anderson.

For more information, visit festivalsouth.org and social media, including Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and Twitter.

An important cultural and economic engine for the Pine Belt, FestivalSouth calls on the community to join in and show their resilience by participating in and supporting the arts of this organization and others through their visible presence in the theater or through their digital devices. Performances are nominally priced or free to encourage the widest possible participation. Advance tickets for public events are highly recommended as venue capacities may result in sold-outs.

Generous sponsors and donors have made FestivalSouth possible for over a decade. Now, more than ever, they have re-invested to ensure the community remains a vibrant haven for the arts with FestivalSouth in mind.