The Natchez CVB Blog

Natchez Literary and Cinema Celebration

natcheznews — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:29:35 +0000

Stories about the South have been told in a hundred different languages around the world, and this years Literary and Cinema Celebration turns its focus to Storytelling as it is, and has been, conducted in the South. What makes the writers from the South such iconic authors, is the way they tell their stories, and their methods are evident in stories like Willie Morris’ My Dog Skip and Eudora Welty’s The Robber Bridgegroom. Literary greats from around the region will lecture on a variety of storytelling methods of legendary authors of the South such as William Faulkner and Richard Wright, and how those styles affected the scripting styles of authors of contemporary Southern literature. John Grisham, Ernest Gaines, Anne Rice, and Greg Iles are just a few of the prolific writers who have developed their authoring skills in the light of their great predecessors, and made their own marks on literary history and storytelling in the South. The NLCC runs from February 23rd, starting with a 1:30 – 5 p.m. pre-conference screening of Tell About the South: Voices in Black and White, which will be narrated by Rita Dove, Professor of English at the University of Virgina, and culminates on February 26th with an oral history workshop and screening of Crazy Heart, a film by this years Horton Foote Award recipient, Scott Cooper. For more information and details regarding lectures, please visit the NLCC website and click on the brochure link. The site address is www.colin.edu/nlcc

Artists to Exhibit at Local Natchez Studio

natcheznews — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 20:59:52 +0000

On January 28th from 5 – 8 p.m., Conner Burns will share his studio with three other clay craftsmen who will be exhibiting a variety of their own works. This is a “one evening only” event and is open to the public and free of charge. The Natchez Project is a convergence of selected artists in Natchez for the purpose of exploration and creation of artwork. The intention of the Natchez Project is three-fold: to provide time and space for artists to create without distractions, to allow interactions between exceptional artists and to provide an exhibition of art. Lynn Smiser Bowers of Dallas works within a functional format and includes varied and often intricate surface designs.. Her artwork is exhibited throughout the United States and she is a highly sought after workshop teacher. Steve Hasslock of Covington, La., incorporates a variety of techniques that create a rich and varied surface and story. He has been active in the art world for decades and has experienced a vast array of processes and methods in the world of clay and in other media. His large-scale installations, intimate vessels and everything in between can be found throughout the country. And last, but not least by any means is Billy Ray Mangham of San Marcos, Texas, who seems to spend a significant amount of his time in a whimsical world of sculpture. During his 36-plus-year career he has exhibited internationally and has been celebrated by artists, critics and museums alike. He would tell you more about his artwork, but he is busy in his studio and at his “eye-of-the-dog art center.” Mangham spends his time creating fascinating creatures, teaching others to work with clay and hosting workshops and artists in a variety of media.

Natchez Project Art Exhibit

These 3 creative talents were awarded fellowships for the 2012 Natchez Project held annually at the studio of Conner Burns. Burns teaches workshops internationally to professional and amateur artists, and his works have been featured in books about teapots, bowls, glazes, cups and pitchers and has received awards from galleries, art festivals, art associations and national clay organizations. Burns’ work has been exhibited widely and is in collections across Europe, Asia and the United States. He makes vessels that are single fired and glazed with natural glazes that are subtle in color and texture. Information, call 601-446-6334 or go to www.connerburns.com.

Natchez Gets European Coverage

natcheznews — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 16:21:07 +0000

As hectic as the week of the Great Mississippi River Balloon Race is, the Natchez Convention and Visitors Bureau hosted 14 foreign travel writers who spent a week visiting parts of Mississippi during a FAM tour. FAM is a travel industry slang term for “familiarization”, and Natchez hosts a number of them throughout the year. During this particular FAM, travel writers from Norway, France, Germany and the Netherlands wereescorted by David Nicholson of Britain, and Wolfgang Streitberger of Germany, who partner as promoters of Memphis and Mississippi through their company, Deep South USA. During their visit to Natchez, the writers visited a few antebellum homes, took a bus tour through the city with a local step-on guide, and spent some time viewing the historic photographs of Natchez at the Stratton Chapel. Lunch was provided for the group by Natchez Coffee Company and the group dined at The Castle from a fixed menu. After dinner, they rounded off their stay with a night cap at the historic Under-the-Hill Saloon. Some of them have already chronicled their trip in articles for theirrespective publications and we’re sure that more are to come. Here is one of the articles which were forwarded to the Natchez CVB by Mr. Nicholson, written by the Dutch writer, Inge Lundgeren.

Dutch Article resulting from Fall FAM Tour

Christmas In Natchez…City of Lights

natcheznews — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 18:35:42 +0000

Just after Thanksgiving, Natchez seems to come to life with the flip of a switch. On Friday, November 25th, following a Turkey Gumbo Contest which begins at 4 p.m., the spirit of Christmas fills the air as the switch is flipped to light the city’s Christmas tree which stands 50 feet high in the center of downtown. Strings of white lights atop the downtown buildings are also turned on to make the City of Lights begin to put on its holiday best. There are a number of fun events to attend during the season too, most of them free and open to the public. For more details on all the season’s events, log onto www.christmasinnatchez.com and browse through the events so you can make plans to attend caroling, ice skating, fireworks displays and more as Christmas in Natchez unfolds through the end of 2011.

Natchez Logo Items as Great Christmas Gifts

natcheznews — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 15:22:46 +0000

If you love promoting Natchez when you travel, or have friends living in other parts of the country on your Christmas list, then make a trip to the Natchez Visitor Center. There you will find a great selection of logo items with the official Natchez logo printed or stitched on them like ball caps (golfers would love), t-shirts, tote bags, treats, and more. The shop also carries a great line of home accessories and decorative items, many stamped with the ever popular fleur di lis symbol that is synonymous with the region and our great neighbors to the South, New Orleans. There is a great line of t-shirts for kids, each with unique colloquialisms only heard in the South printed on the backs, transforming a simple t-shirt into a quirky conversation piece. There are just too many great gifts to name them all, so take a few minutes from your day and stop by to check out all the awesome inventory.

Angels and Elves on Slate for November

natcheznews — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 14:55:11 +0000

It is almost a waste of words to say anything about Angels on the Bluff at this juncture, as most of the tickets are sold out for November 11th and 12th. However, the tickets sold out so quickly, and the demand for tickets was so great, that event organizers decided to add a two hour window on Thursday night to allow those who missed out an opportunity to attend the highly coveted event. If you are interested in attending on Thursday, November 10, call the Natchez Visitor Center locally at 601-446-6345 or toll free at 800-647-6724.
Regarding the “Elves” mentioned in the title, believe it or not, Christmas In Natchez actually begins in November and continues through New Years Day. There are so many events taking place during Christmas in Natchez, it is too difficult to include them all in this blog. For a complete schedule, you can either visit their website at www.christmasinnatchez.com, e-mail us at info@visinatchez.org, or call Natchez Pilgrimage Tours at 800-647-6742. A new addition to the Christmas line-up is a skating rink that will be available in early December. Check out all the great events taking place, and make plans to come shop for unique Christmas gifs and some family holiday fun.

Excitment and Balloons Fill October Air

natcheznews — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 19:37:18 +0000

Cooler temperatures are trying to make their way into the region, and around Natchez, the first signs of Fall make folks begin to think about hot air balloons, music, and a weekend filled with fun. The Great Mississippi River Balloon Race remains one of the most heavily attended weekend events in the region, and this year’s event will be no exception. At present, there are 65 balloons on the roster, and a special shape balloon will be flying in the group this year, but if you want to know what it is, you’ll just have to come see first hand. There are only a few scattered hotel rooms available, but if you live within an hour’s drive of Natchez, you can still drive over for the day and there will be plenty to see and do. For more information on the race and the entertainment line-up for the 2011 GMRBR, log onto www.natchezballoonrace.com.

New Additions to Fall Pilgrimage Line-Up

natcheznews — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 18:38:44 +0000

Brandon Hall - Located just off the Natchez Trace Parkway

The Red Tour of the 2011 Fall Pilgrimage in Natchez will offer a property for tour which has never before participated in a Pilgrimage season. Sweet Auburn, circa 1833, is a recently restored home located on the outskirts of Natchez. It will be on tour on the same day as two other homes located outside the city limits, Selma, circa 1811, and Brandon Hall, circa 1856, which is located just off the Natchez Trace. The dates that these three particular homes will be on tour are October 1, 4, 10, and 13, and are on the morning tour from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. For more information about these and other homes included in Fall Pilgrimage, log onto www.natchezpilgrimage.com and for lodging, dining, and other tourism information, log onto www.visitnatchez.org.

Natchez Neighbor’s Fall Events Jam Packed with Sights and Sounds

natcheznews — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 15:50:28 +0000

The colors of Fall are about to begin appearing any time now, and so are the many wonderful events of Fall in Natchez. On September 11th, there will be a free concert at the Amphitheater on the Vidalia Riverfront, called the 9/11 Open Air Concert, to honor those who lost their lives during the terror attacks on U.S. soil. Music will be provided by the St. Joseph Orchestra and St. Joseph Jazzers. This weekend will mark the 10 year anniversary of the destruction of the World Trade Centers in N.Y., and the damage to the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., as well as the loss of many lives of innocent civilians and public servants. The event is being sponsored by the City’s of Natchez and Vidalia, LA, in conjunction with the Natchez Festival of music, and will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. that Sunday evening. A patriotic themed hot air balloon will be tethering at the performance venue, and if winds permit, the pilot will lift off as the concert begins. American flags will be available for purchase and the proceeds will go to the Natchez Festival of music. Refreshments will also be available for purchase. That is also the weekend of Second Saturdays in Natchez where specially designated stores remain open until 8 p.m. for late shopping convenience. Participating stores will be offering refreshments and some will even provide live entertainment to enjoy as you shop for treasures and bargains.

Before you take advantage of the late shopping hours in downtown Natchez, head over to Ferriday, Louisiana for the Delta Music Festival from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. to hear some great music. Guitar legend James Burton and the gospel group The Hemphills will be inducted into the Delta Music Museum Hall of Fame between performances that afternoon. Bring your lawn chairs and spend the day listening to these outstanding artists perform.
The performance schedule is as follows:
Texaco Country Music Showdown Talent Show 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Vince Hutchinson and the Heavy Storm Band 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
Slow Ride Band 12:30 p.m.-1:00 p.m.
Hall of Fame Induction (James Burton and The Hemphills) 1:15 p.m.-1:30 p.m.
The Hemphills (Gospel) 1:45 p.m.-2:45 p.m.
Jason D. Williams 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Frogmore Cotton Plantation & Gins Cotton Picking and Ginning will run from mid-September through November 15. Selected by Rand McNally as a “MUST SEE SITE.” Contrast 1800′s historical methods (drag a sack through the fields if you like) with computerized, technical methods of today – view the only completely computerized gin in U.S. Rare, historical steam cotton gin, slave cabins, plantation store and out buildings. Please arrive 1 1/2 hours prior to closing.
$12 adults, $5 students ages 6-18
Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Saturday 10:00 a.m.-2 p.m.
Directions: 20 minutes west of Vidalia/Natchez on U.S. Hwy. 84. 45 minutes east of Pineville, LA – take La. 28 to U.S. 84 East. Please call for weather delays before touring.

Angels on the Bluff Tickets on Sale at Visitor Center

natcheznews — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 16:38:00 +0000

Turning Angel of Natchez City Cemetery

The highly cherished event Angels on the Bluff will take place on Friday and Saturday, November 11th and 12th, and tickets are selling fast. Buses depart from the Natchez Visitor Center starting at 5 p.m. each evening and carry 50 people per group to and from the cemetery. The buses run every 15 minutes and the tickets are sold for specific time slots for the 15 minute intervals. Call the Natchez Visitor Center Staff at 800-647-6724 toll free or locally call 601-446-6345. For more information visit our website event calendar.