v18n11 - Best of Jackson 2020

JAC K S O N

VOL 18 NO. 11 // JANUARY 22 - FEBRUARY 4, 2019 // SUBSCRIBE FREE FOR BREAKING NEWS AT JFPDAILY.COM

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Your votes helped us land 20 nominations

January 22 - Fabruary 4, 2020 • jfp.ms

in this year's 'Best of Jackson' poll!

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contents January 22 February 4,2020 • Vol. 18 No. 11

JACKSONIAN

ON THE COVER illustration by Zilpha Young

Lorenzo Sutton

4 Editor’s Note 7 Talks

7 Violence Solutions Residents talk prevention.

8 #MSLeg, Week 1

Bipartisanship to conflict.

12 opinion

Taylor Dunn

14 Best of Jackson

er people with all the enthusiasm, and the knowledge and info that they have to share with me, it’s always amazing,” Sutton says. “I’m always learning something and figuring something out each and every day.”

Sutton especially enjoys meeting people who have played on Mississippi teams in past decades and learning about that history.

“They can enlighten me and help me to remember exactly how everything was during that time,” he says.

In his job, Sutton does everything from leading tours when necessary to making sure the building gets necessary repairs.

It’s important to preserve Mississippi’s sports history, he says, because the state has ties to many different teams and sports.

For example, many people do not know that Jimmy Johnson coached a year at Picayune Memorial High School in 1966. Also, Coach Marian “Chief” Henley led the Picayune football team that held the record for most consecutive wins at 64 until South Panola High School exceeded that number in 2007.

When Sutton isn’t at the Hall of Fame, he likes attending church, cooking and traveling for barbecue events. He is married to Tysha Sutton, and they have a daughter, Kennedi Sutton, 10, who is a member of the Northwest Rankin Athletic Association’s fast-pitch baseball team.

—Amber Helsel

20 Community & Culture 24 Nightlife & Music 30 Food & Drink 10 Urban Living 46 events 47 sPORTS 50 music listings 52 Puzzles 52 Sorensen 53 astro 53 Classifieds

January 22 - February 4,2020 • jfp.ms

L

orenzo Sutton has been a sports fan all of his life.

He played football and basketball while in high school at Northwest Rankin High School, and has also participated in sporting events such as watching the Mississippi Mudcats play hockey and attending drag races.

“I’ve been all over the place,” he says. “I’ve traveled to Florida, I’ve been everywhere to watch football games and basketball games.

I’ve been an avid fan of the history of all the sports, and just anything dealing with Mississippi and (sports).”

Sutton, a Brandon native, is the oldest of three children. He graduated from Northwest Rankin High School in 1996 and then attended Hinds Community College to study electrical work. He worked at Jackson State University’s eCenter doing maintenance work until he became the building manager at the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum in July 2019.

He stumbled across the job, Sutton says. He was browsing social media one night when a post about the job came up in his feed. “I said, ‘What the heck. I don’t have anything to lose,’ so I gave it a try, and it’s been a blessing to me ever since,” he says.

Every time he walks through the halls of the museum, he says, he always finds out something new about Mississippi sports.

“And the people that come through, all the people, the young-

14 People

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editor’s note

by Donna Ladd, Editor-in-Chief

W

hen Todd Stauffer, Stephen Barnette and I, with the help of Jimmy Mumford, Alisa Price, Bingo Holman and other supporters, launched the Jackson Free Press back in 2002, we had several goals. A primary one was to “introduce Jackson to Jackson,” as Mr. James Meredith told some of our staff a couple weeks to explain this newspaper

That, of course, means to help the capital city catapult past the negativity and division that keeps people in their own lanes, barely knowing what was happening in other parts of town, especially along race lines. Media then didn’t bother to bridge gaps or correct myths about Jackson.

Our urgent mission was to help the capital city believe in its own greatness and potential. Report on the lesser-known people rolling up their sleeves and doing re-

January 22 - February 4,2020 • jfp.ms

It is vital to see our potential to be excellent and not settle.

4

markable things despite the odds—to both introduce as Mr. Meredith said, but also to help the city and its residents believe in our potential to change and grow together.

Key is a state of mind that is trendy in education and workplaces these days—a “growth mindset.” If we believe we can keep growing and improving, whether as individuals or a community, we are more likely to reject the same old patterns that hold us back ad nauseum as we look for someone else to blame when nothing improves. That indicates a “fixed mindset.”

At work, this can be someone struggling with deadlines but refusing to examine their planning and work practices for a new strategy to work smarter rather than harder, choosing instead to blame others. In a city, that can mean learning from our mistakes what doesn’t work, and then looking for smarter, evidence-based ways to make so-far elusive improvements that stick.

A successful growth mindset doesn’t re-

quire working harder or more. Think about it: When we are overcome with distraction when we should be focused, we inevitably end up exhausted from working late nights and weekends to get a project done due to time wasted. In a city’s case, when we keep doing the same thing over and over again or kicking problems down the road to a future generation—think water-billing mistakes and inefficient pothole tracking and repair—we get locked into a vicious cycle of failure. It’s exhausting, we become cynical, and we may give up and move.

Systemic violence is a dramatic example we’re wrestling with right now. Since I moved back to Mississippi in 2001, I’ve seen minimal evidence of the community figuring out (a) that policing cannot prevent most violence and (b) that the community as a collective can make us all safer if it’s willing to embrace innovative ideas.

We’re essentially stuck on a violence treadmill—a spate of crime happens, and people panic. They demand more and tougher policing, despite that not being the most effective response. They may attend a forum and talk ideas, but most settle back into their routine with little effort expended.

Then another outrageous crime happens; maybe a child gets shot. And the exhausting cycle starts over and falters again.

This cycle of failure does not result from a healthy growth mindset. And it won’t lead to different outcomes because we repeat the same assumptions and the same blaming, panicked reactions.

Stanford University psychologist Carol Dweck is the queen of the concept of “growth mindset” in education. She explains in Education Week that it doesn’t mean a student must work harder and more. (Remember: That often backfires.)

Judy Meredith

Jackson’s Need for a Collaborative ‘Growth Mindset’

James Meredith says the Jackson Free Press “ introduces Jackson to Jackson.” He is pictured with Editorial Assistant Azia Wiggins (see page 12).

“Perhaps the most common misconception is simply equating the growth mindset with effort,” she wrote. “Certainly, effort is key for students’ achievement, but it’s not the only thing. Students need to try new strategies and seek input from others when they’re stuck. They need this repertoire of approaches—not just sheer effort— to learn and improve.”

Think about your problems, say, with completing tasks on time without distraction. (One I’m very familiar with in myself and others.) New strategies like tools to limit your social-media time while working, timeboxing your calendar for certain projects in advance, and setting a phone timer can make all the difference and help you work more relaxed, finish quality work on time and not freak out about deadlines.

On vexing community issues like violence, we can find and embrace solutions that are evidence-tested in other cities and that make a hell of a lot of sense for Jackson

contributors

Nick Judin

Alyssa Bass

Mauricio J. Quijano

State reporter Nick Judin grew up in Jackson and graduated from the University of Mississippi. He is covering this year’s legislative session. Try not to run him over when you see him crossing State Street. He wrote a recap of the first week of the new session.

Freelance writer Alyssa Bass serves as executive editor at the University of Southern Mississippi’s student-led newspaper, The Student Printz. In her free time, she enjoys watching reality TV and pretending to be bougie at brunch. She wrote Best of Jackson blurbs for this issue.

Mauricio J. Quijano was a journalist for eight years in his home country, Colombia, and now he wants to be one here. He loves to live in Mississippi because there are many friendly people, and it has an interesting history. He wrote Best of Jackson blurbs for this issue.

if we bother to get off the mental treadmill.

The startup credible-messenger strategy that Rukia Lumumba, Terun Moore and Benny Ivey are leading is the most exciting (and vetted) violence solution I’ve seen Jackson ever consider. It is a way to interrupt violence before it happens, allows people who’ve been there to be trained to do the work and is a job-creation program for those returning from incarceration.

But it requires a growth attitude to understand why it’s more effective at preventing violence than mass police sweeps used more for public relations and to fill prison beds and, thus, continue the violent cycle.

Jackson desperately needs more people to embrace curiosity and creativity right now to join all the amazing warriors for our city fighting and creating daily in a city they could just as easily leave behind. It is vital to see our potential to be excellent and not settle, as other down-on-their-luck cities from Birmingham to Memphis have figured out.

We must get organized, seek new ideas and strategies, and do it.

We put a Best of Jackson ballot in the very first issue of this newspaper back in October 2002 to infuse a sense of excellence and potential into what we publish and those who read it. We’ve never let up on that quest, and neither have many of the people and organizations who are winners and finalists in this annual issue and those who took the time to vote for excellence.

Jackson, we can be anything we want to be. It takes tenacity, new ideas, smart planning and a boat load of believing in our own potential for excellence.

Donna Ladd is the editor-in-chief and CEO of the Jackson Free Press and co-founder of the upcoming mississippifreepress.com.

Thank You For Making us Finalists In...

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JEFF GOOD Best Local Business Owner Best Public Figure Best Urban Warrior

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“Challenge the narrative that everything is our fault as Jacksonians.”

TALK JXN

@jxnfreepress

@jacksonfreepress

— Rukia Lumumba at a violence forum at Mt. Helm Baptist Church on Martin Luther King Day

@jxnfreepress

ce eren rev

Causes, Solutions to Gun Violence Emerge at MLK Day Forum

by Seyma Bayram

Attorney and activist Rukia Lumumba (left front) addresses attendees of a public forum on gun violence in Jackson at the Mt. Helm Baptist Church in downtown Jackson on Jan. 20, 2020.

first, to start, by loving them like y’all did me,” Knight told the group.

The formerly incarcerated Knight grew up in the Washington Addition neighborhood, like Pitchford. They were next-door neighbors when Knight was a kid, though Pitchford eventually moved to the nearby town of Terry. He has been mentoring at-risk young people in Jackson since his release from prison the last time.

Knight described the challenges of reaching children in Washington Addition and other impoverished, at-risk neighbor-

hoods in Jackson today. He spoke of the breakdown of trust and interpersonal relationships in the community since his childhood and a culture of fear among residents due to elevated levels of crime. He pointed to the ongoing disinvestment in these neighborhoods, which means a lack of enrichment programs for kids, programs that existed when he was growing up.

“These kids now, age 25 and under, they’re coming up in a different fashion, they’re coming up on a different kind of love than we came up under. They love

Splitting the Vote Yeah, we know. It was bad enough when voters selected then-Gov. Haley Barbour as the Best Public Figure back in his day in the Governor’s Mansion. But it was a shock to the Jackson Free Press team to see that former (and rather embarrassing) Gov. Phil Bryant—he of Confederate Heritage Month and now Brexit devotion—won that award this year. We wouldn’t in any way call him a friend of the capital city and most of its residents. It’s obvious to us that the other finalists split the majority of the vote among them so we honor them below.

P.S. If you needed proof that we don’t choose the BOJ winners, we present this “winner.”

Radical Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba

Motivators James & Natasha King

Urban Warrior and Restaurateur Jeff Good

Laugh Queen Rita Brent

the streets more than they’re loving their mom, loving their brothers, loving their cousins,” Knight said. “… They have a lot of different things to get into, a lot of different drugs they’re experimenting on, a lot of younger parents who wasn’t raised right to love their kids or show their kids how to accept love.”

“Some people don’t know how to go to them, some people don’t know how to get them to really understand that the situation that they’re in can be changed,” Knight added. He emphasized the importance of people from similar backgrounds, like himself, coming back to the community to mentor young people and dissuade them from going down the wrong path.

Knight acknowledged the severity of violence in Jackson, but he stressed that it can be fixed over time. One solution, he suggested, was to fund community centers and youth-enrichment programs in impoverished areas like the Washington Addition, south of Jackson State University.

“There’s different programs we need to get the city council and the government to fund to funnel more money into programs for kids,” Knight said. “We have centers, we have everything we need to not get in trouble. … So we have to fix that, more VIOLENCE SOLUTIONS, p 8

January 22 - February 4,2020 • jfp.ms

Recognizing the Conditions

John Knight, an anti-violence activist with the Strong Arms of Jackson—Jackson’s credible-messenger and violence-interruption strategy—and panel member at the forum, responded to Pitchford. “Well

Seyma Bayram

V

eteran educator and Jackson native Edith Pitchford stood before a crowd inside of Mt. Helm Baptist Church in downtown Jackson on Martin Luther King Day. She reflected on the difficulties of seeing her students walk along a forked path over the years. Though many worked toward, and achieved, secure and successful lives, she noted that some of her students fell into a life of crime.

“How do I as a teacher help?” she asked several dozen community members, who had convened inside Jackson’s first black church for a public forum on the multi-faceted issue of reducing gun violence in the city on Jan. 20.

“I know how to help my students individually, but when you have about 70 to 100 students, how do you help them?” she continued.

Pitchford acknowledged that everybody makes mistakes and cited the frustration of watching people struggle, even those who had made serious efforts to turn things around. “You can’t reach everyone,” she added, before inquiring about community services to which she could refer at-risk students. “I’d like to know where to start.”

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TALK JXN

#MSLeg, Week 1

Bipartisanship, Prisons, Gangs, Teacher Pay and Tarnished Lawmakers

by Nick Judin

M

Gangs to Prisons to Gangs

Sen. Juan Barnett, D-Heidelberg, now chairs the Senate Corrections Committee. The appointment is a daunting task for the legislator, coming on the heels of an eruption of violence at the Mississippi State Penitentiary in Parchman. Barnett struck a cautiously optimistic tone the day of his appointment, assuring the press that he would visit not only Parchman but all the state’s prisons. On Jan. 16 and 17, members of the Senate Corrections Committee visited the South Mississippi Correctional Institution in Leakesville, as well as Parchman. Barnett indicated willingness to consider private prisons as a solution to the crisis.

But it is Sen. Brice Wiggins, R-Pascagoula, who is already using the prison crisis to push specific legislation, which ironically could increase the number of gang members in the state’s prisons, even though Mississippi leaders are focused on gang activity as the source of the recent prison violence.”[B]y all accounts, the gangs are the problems that’s created this latest incident in MDOC,” Wiggins told WLBT for a Jan. 10 report on his plan to re-introduce his gang bill that has failed twice in recent sessions.

In 2018, the proposed revised language of Mississippi’s Streetgang Act of 2001 included targeting anyone who “entices, solicits, coerces, encourages, or intimidates” children to engage in anything defined as “gang(s) or gang-related activities.” This language is overly broad and unnecessary,

criminal-justice experts say, warning that police should target actual criminal behavior inside or outside gangs rather than a mere label, which may or may not be connected to criminal behavior.

Critics of expanding the gang law to make it easier to arrest Mississippians for gang association alone, such as State Public Defender Andre de Gruy, suggested the reform would open the door to increased racial profiling. De Gruy revealed to the Jackson Free Press in 2018 that between fiscal years 2010 and 2017, law enforcement arrested only black

in our correctional facilities right now, and that legislation will end up hurting us more than we already are suffering,” he said, adding that expanding the gang law could mean more racial profiling. “The outcome would be increased prison population, longer prison sentences when the speculation may be false or misguided from the beginning.”

The Jackson Free Press did in-depth and award-winning coverage of the first two attempts to expand the gang law. The stories are at jfp.ms/gangs.

Drew Dempsey

ississippi’s legislative session kicked off Jan. 7 with all the fanfare of a divine host, horns blaring and choirs singing. Beneath the pomp, however, lay a light schedule with little other than key committee appointments for the long term, which ends May 10, and lawmakers scrambling for parking spaces.

Delbert Hosemann’s ascent to the lieutenant governor’s seat opened the possibility for a more bipartisan Senate than in recent sessions, even as Mississippi faces its most Republican-led state government since Reconstruction—when the Republican Party was quite different. The announcement of the Senate committees on Friday, Jan. 10, buoyed those hopes with Hosemann putting several Democrats in charge of Senate committees, including those slated to take on some of the session’s most critical issues.

Lt. Gov. Hosemann, Tate Reeves and Elee Reeves shortly before the governor’s inauguration.

Mississippians under present gang laws, despite evidence from the Mississippi Association of Gang Investigators that 53% of verified gang members in the state are white.

The Jackson Free Press asked the senator from Pascagoula if the language of the bill he plans to introduce will mirror his previous attempts, such as 2018’s Senate Bill 2868. “It’s still being worked on,” Wiggins said. “Things may change, but the goal is the same: To give law enforcement the tools to investigate gangs.”

Sen. Derrick Simmons, D-Greenville, opposed Wiggins’ gang bill two years ago and plans to again. He pushed back in WLBT on using recent prison violence as a way to justify sending more gang identifiers to prison. “I wouldn’t want to just pass legislation just because of what’s going on

‘Ambitious’ Education Moves

The new chairman of the Senate Education Committee, Sen. David Blount, D-Jackson, told the Jackson Free Press that he shared Hosemann’s goal of exceeding the $4,300 teacher pay raise Gov. Reeves promised on the campaign trail. “Yes, we have to be ambitious,” Blount said the day of his appointment.

“The goal is to attract people to the teaching profession. We want our best and brightest people to stay here in Mississippi, and we want them to consider teaching.”

Reeves’ plan represents a much more meaningful raise than the one now-Gov. Tate Reeves allowed to move forward last session—a $1,500 increase that failed to keep up with inflation. The proposed $4,300 raise would take effect over five years, a timescale that can leave the state’s teacher pay the lowest in the nation.

But with elected leaders bragging about Mississippi’s full coffers and legislators on both sides of the aisle vocally supportive of a more competitive school system, this session may be an opportunity for a significant pay increase.

Sen. David Jordan, D-Greenwood, took the plans a step further, introducing Senate Bill 2024, which would increase base teacher salary to $40,000 over four years, and thereafter peg teacher pay to the southeastern regional average. The bill now goes to the Education and Appropriations committees.

Hosemann also announced the members of an administrator advisory council as part of his campaign promise to consider the input of public educators. Nineteen school administrators from across the state staff the council, inmore Week 1 p10

January 22 - February 4,2020 • jfp.ms

VIOLENCE SOLUTIONS, from page 7

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and maybe then we can fix some of these problems with these at-risk juveniles.”

The breakdown of relationships, poverty, and hopelessness were among barriers to ending gun violence and building healthier communities, said Knight and others on the eight-person panel. It also included defense attorneys, a prosecutor, anti-violence advocates, a mental-health counselor, a police officer and others. But disinvestment in Jackson communities, lax gun-control laws and a failing mental health system—all under the State’s purview—create conditions for violence. So do gentrification, white flight and black flight, they said.

‘Challenging the Narrative’

The Mt. Helm forum comes on the heels of a deadly year in Jackson, with 82 murders in 2019, a 2% decline from the previous year. Since 2017, homicide rates have increased dramatically in the capital city, jumping from 64 murders to 84 in 2018—a 31% increase.

Gun violence has continued to spike in Jackson despite the launch of various joint task forces between local, state and federal law enforcement officials to combat violence. The increase coincided almost exactly with the multi-agency Project Eject.

Both the public and the panelists who

spoke at the forum overwhelmingly agreed on one thing: by the time law enforcement arrives, it is too late, a point Jackson Mayor Chokwe A. Lumumba has repeatedly made. Instead, community members, including survivors and families who had lost loved ones to gun violence, shared resources and focused on identifying solutions and approaches to prevent violence from occurring in the first place.

Attorney and activist Rukia Lumumba, another panelist and the mayor’s sister, acknowledged that while violence is a systemic issue and Jacksonians have a responsibility to repair relationships and heal their

communities from within, that the onus cannot fall solely on them.

“Guns didn’t just show up on our block. Most of the people in Jackson are too poor to afford a gun in the first place, but they showed up in our community, just like drugs showed up in our community at mass amounts, being flown in from airports, and ain’t none of us on planes,” Lumumba said.

“This is not just a problem of our people,” she continued. “This is a problem of a system that continues to funnel things into our communities, and we are not doing the job well enough to begin to prevent more violence solutions p 10

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#MSLeg, Week 1, from page 8

‘Lynching’ Rep Now Leader

A shocking appointment came on Wednesday, Jan. 8., when House Speaker Philip Gunn, R-Clinton, announced Rep. Karl Oliver, R-Winona, as the vice chairman of the House Appropriations Committee. In a 2017 Facebook post, Oliver called for Louisiana’s state leadership to be “LYNCHED!” for their plans to remove Confederate monuments.

Members of both parties condemned Oliver for his comments, including Gunn.

Oliver offered a brief apology, chalking his words up to a passion for “preserving all historical monuments.” That apology seems to be sufficient for Gunn.

The House Appropriations Committee is one of the most powerful appendages of the Legislature, with its regulatory power over expenditures.

Democratic legislators expect little collegiate furor over Oliver’s appointment. The influential assignment, the ones reached for this story agreed, was likely based on seniorDesoto County Democratic Party

cluding Lori G. Torrey, principal of Spann Elementary School in Jackson.

“I look forward to working with this group and other administrators to continue advancing student achievement and supporting our schools,” Hosemann said in a statement. The office of the lieutenant governor, in concert with the Senate Education Committee, will keep the advisory council apprised of legislation that concerns the state’s educators. Between the 2020 and 2021 Legislative session, lawmakers will consult the council on prospective bills for the year to come.

“I applaud Lt. Governor Hosemann,” Blount said. “All of us at the Capitol need to hear from the leaders who are in the schools every day.”

Hester Jackson-McCray formally joined the Mississippi House of Representatives as the session opened, but a special House committee will determine the fate of her seat.

ity. Any lasting anger or embarrassment over Oliver’s lynching comments, it seems, lies outside the Capitol.

Sen. Lydia Chassaniol, a Republican from Winona, maintains her position as chairwoman of the Senate Tourism Committee. Chassaniol drew outrage in 2009 for giving a keynote speech to the Council of Conservative Citizens, the white-supremacist organization that later inspired Dylann Roof’s church massacre, at its national convention in Jackson.

As of press day, Speaker Gunn had not announced the majority of this session’s House committees. The delay is not unprecedented and is part of the first-term torpor that necessitates this year’s longer legislative session.

House Conflict from the Start

One of the earliest committees cobbled together at the Legislature will determine the outcome of an election challenge stemming from House District 40, in which Democratic challenger Hester Jackson-McCray, who is black, unseated white Republican incumbent Ashley Henley.

Henley lost the district just south of Memphis in north Mississippi by a 14-vote margin, and seeks to have the Republicanled House of Representatives overturn the election. Jackson-McCray took her seat with the rest of the elected legislators as the session opened. The committee, chaired

by Rep. Rob Roberson, R-Starkville, will make its recommendation, at which point the House may call for a new election or potentially seat Henley directly.

House District 40 is one of nine state elections currently subject to review. But only Henley’s challenge is subject to legislative fiat: local judges will rule on the rest of last November’s contested elections.

The election between Henley and Jackson-McCray focused heavily on education agendas. Much of Henley’s institutional support comes from proponents of school privatization and private-school voucher advocates. Jackson-McCray ran on platforms of well-funded public school and increased teacher pay.

Early Developments

While legislative committees actually seated held minimal meetings, lawmakers presented a few of 2020’s first bills to the Legislature in the session’s first week.

Of particular note is Senate Bill 2011, which amends state law to add members of the Mississippi Legislature to the list of occupations entitled to a probable-cause hearing prior to arrest for a crime committed during official duties.

Legislators would join public-school teachers, corrections officers, youth counselors and law enforcement in this privilege.

For the general public, the probable-cause hearing may take place after an arrest.

The added scrutiny may prevent embarrassing and politically damaging arrests.

Those not covered under the law typically have their probable-cause hearing at their arraignment, after their arrest.

Speaker Gunn created a conflict over legislator pay early in the session when he demanded four incoming legislators choose between their state pensions and their legislative salaries.

The Public Employee Retirement System changed its policy in 2019 to allow for retirees serving in the Legislature to draw their state pension as well as half of their legislative pay. But Gunn claims that PERS’ decision violates state law and calls the combination pay “double dipping” from taxpayer funds. All four targeted lawmakers are Republicans.

Email state reporter Nick Judin at nick@ jacksonfreepress.com and follow him on Twitter at @nickjudin.

January 22 - February 4,2020 • jfp.ms

VIOLENCE SOLUTIONS, from page 8

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that from happening in the first place. So we need to look at that, as well as our interpersonal relationships. Yes, we need to improve our education system and begin to take it into our own hands. We recognize that the State is not doing what we need them to do, in any way.”

Lumumba pointed to disinvestment in Jackson at the State level in areas ranging from underfunded education— dating back to forced integration, when the State allowed less funding to predominantly black Jackson Public Schools than white-majority schools—to lack of adequate funding to address vital infrastructure needs such as roads and even housing.

She also emphasized the urgency of challenging gun laws in Mississippi as part of wider efforts to hold state officials accountable in their dealings with Jackson.

Housing instability, lack of education, the easy accessibility of guns—all of this “creates conditions of violence,” Rukia Lumumba said.

“The gun laws are not Jackson laws, they are State laws.

Even when people go to prison, they’re normally sentenced by the county, not by a municipality,” she reminded attend-

ees, urging them to “challenge the narrative that everything is our fault as Jacksonians” while continuing to carry out their responsibility “to figure out how we take care of ourselves,” which requires resources and funding.

Mississippi has some of the most liberal gun laws in the United States. The state’s weak gun laws have earned it an “F” ranking with the Giffords Law Center, a publicinterest law firm that advocates for tighter gun legislation.

In Mississippi, people can openly carry guns on their person or keep concealed guns in their cars without a license. They can also carry concealed weapons outside vehicles with a permit.

Implementing background checks, overhauling the state’s permitless carry legislation and funding proven “violence intervention programs” are among some of Giffords Law Center’s recommendations to Mississippi lawmakers to end the epidemic of gun violence there.

Supportive Services, Violence Intervention

The forum highlighted the lack of mental-health services in Jackson and throughout the state as a contributor to

the cycle of violence. Last September, U.S. District Court Judge Carlton W. Reeves ruled that the State of Mississippi violates the civil rights of those who suffer from mentalhealth issues.

Among other revelations, the four-week-trial revealed that Mississippians were being institutionalized in State-run hospitals because of the lack of community-based supportive services in their own cities and towns.

Intensive community-based treatment, aimed at people with severe mental-health issues that have not shown improvement through outpatient programs, do not exist in 62 of Mississippi’s 82 counties.

The lack of supportive and mental-health services extends to those struggling with drug-addiction issues or those who are imprisoned.

This story continues online at jfp.ms/ MLKViolenceForum.

Also see the JFP’s award-winning archive of reported solutions to help prevent violence at jfp.ms/preventingviolence.

Follow City Reporter Seyma Bayram on Twitter at @SeymaBayram0. Send tips to seyma@jacksonfreepress.com.

Thank you from Jender Foods for the Best of Jackson 2020 nominations for our family of restaurants!

CAET Seafood and Oysterette

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Best Fine Dining Best Restaurant Best Outdoor Dining Best Place for a First Date

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Local 463

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Parlor Market 115 W Capitol St, Jackson | 601.360.0090

Best Italian Restaurant

125 South Congress Street, Jackson | 601.969.7101

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Walker’s Drive-In

3016 North State Street, Jackson | 601.982.2633

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AZIA WIGGINS

Dear Jackson, If people really took time to get to know the soul of you, truly taking in the good with the bad, loving you would come easy. Anybody who has heard of Jackson, even those not from here can immediately vomit out a list of negatives concerning you, a predominantly black capital city. We often hear: “Jackson? You mean Jacktown?

Oh nooo, they’re murderers, thieves, STD ridden, ratchet thugs.” Or, “Capitol Street?

Nah, I don’t feel safe on that side of Jackson.” Or, “There’s nothing to do in Jackson. Don’t make no sense for the taxes to be that high with that many potholes.”

I’m not romanticizing away all your flaws. I see the displaced homeless community as I drive up and down the craterridden streets, cursing under my breath as my car’s rear-end scrubs against the jagged potholes, many unmarked. I read the countless articles documenting the blood spilled from innocent children, young men and women doing everyday things like I do. They are murdered on a day that started like any other, only to end in wails and gutwrenching screams from their loved ones haunted by the question, “Why my baby?”

The public schools are underfunded, understaffed and structurally compro-

January 22 - February 4,2020 • jfp.ms

I see opportunity to not only rebuild, but build better.

12

mised. I’ve sat in high-school classrooms, flipped through their battered textbooks, and talked to students with immature and negligent parents who only get hot meals when they decide to come to school. Many of our neighborhoods are unkempt, full of abandoned and condemned houses that reek of perpetuated brokenness.

I have family and friends with hearts of gold who have become hardened by racial disparity and poverty, and the only vision now is to do what it takes to survive, even if that includes robbing, selling drugs, scamming or selling their bodies for money. Jobs are scarce, and too many companies are ridden with discrimination and favoritism.

As an educated, black woman millennial, I know the struggle of finding a job in your field and being paid your worth. Instead, we hustle three to four jobs of low pay just to make ends meet. On top of that, corrup-

AziA Wiggins

Love Letter to Jackson: You Need My Grind, Sweat and Tears

Editor-in-Chief and CEO Donna Ladd Publisher & President Todd Stauffer Associate Publisher Kimberly Griffin Creative Director Kristin Brenemen REPORTERS AND WRITERS City Reporter Seyma Bayram State Reporter Nick Judin Politics Reporter Ashton Pittman Culture Writer Aliyah Veal JFPDaily.com Editor Dustin Cardon Contributing Writers Dustin Cardon, Bryan Flynn, Alex Forbes, Jenna Gibson, Tunga Otis Torsheta Jackson, Mike McDonald, Anne B. Mckee EDITORS AND PRODUCTION Deputy Editor Nate Schumann Editorial Assistant Azia Wiggins Consulting Editor JoAnne Prichard Morris

Local artist Justin Ransburg’s “I Believe in Jackson” art piece hidden is plain sight off East Capitol Street. Azia Wiggins believes in it, too.

tion has long defined capital-city politics.

That being said, I can’t lie and say that I don’t understand why you are so hard to love. If I didn’t know better, I would do what most have already done—move to a more progressive city—but that’s not how love works. When I think of you, Jackson, I think of how my siblings and I played up and down the Queens in the ’90s, parking our bikes on the lawn of the candy ladies, roller skating, playing freeze tag early in the morning while waiting on the bus headed to Raines Elementary.

I think about the summers I spent at my grandma’s house in the Bottom, helping her renovate the duplex next door, learning how to properly water her immaculate gardens and grocery shopping with her every Saturday at the Walmart on Ellis Avenue.

She always bought us the big bag of Lifesaver Gummies. I think about the one-dollar movies I saw with my dad behind the Metrocenter and eating Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels at Auntie Annie’s while shopping for school clothes with my mom.

I remember fondly coming back home to work my first 8-5 p.m. big-girl job at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in 2014. I would leave work and on the drive home through west Jackson, I’d see children outside playing, young men walking home with their friends, laughing, all sweaty from sports, and high schoolers with their instruments if they weren’t still on the field practicing formations.

When I moved to West Capitol Street, I would witness the same things: parents getting up every day, pushing through the daily grind and monitoring their babies as

they ran around with glee in the yard. It always warms my heart to see kids being kids and families doing what should be done to protect their children and ensure they are loved and free as they can be.

Each day I get to spend walking my puppy around downtown, I fall in love a little more with the hidden art murals, the architectural beauty of our historic buildings and the rich legacy I can almost taste with every breath. That’s my reality of you, Jackson, my capital city, and just because many families are fighting disparity each day, and some of the communities are not as shiny and new as they once were, Jackson is building legacy with every generation and is now at a place of peak potential.

Most drive through you and see abandonment, emptiness, a shell of what used to be. I see a blank canvas, a fertile ground to plant seeds of innovation and progressive solutions. I see opportunity to not only rebuild, but build better.

I’ll say it again: Jackson, Miss., is the new mecca for innovation and forward progress and will be an example for cities nationwide with similar back stories. I refuse to leave you right when you need my grind, sweat and tears to help set you on a hill where your light can shine. Despite those that hate you and can’t see your heart, I know I’m not alone when I say I see you.

I will fight for your integrity and freedom, and most importantly, I love you.

Azia Wiggins is the editorial assistant of the Jackson Free Press. Email her at azia@ jacksonfreepress.com.

This column does not necessarily reflect the views of the JFP.

ART AND PHOTOGRAPHY Senior Designer Zilpha Young Contributing Photographers Seyma Bayram, Acacia Clark, Imani Khayyam, Ashton Pittman, Brandon Smith ONLINE & DIGITAL SERVICES Digital Web Developer Ryan Jones Web Editor Dustin Cardon Social Media Assistant Robin Johnson Web Designer Montroe Headd Let’s Talk Jackson Editor Kourtney Moncure SALES AND MARKETING (601-362-6121 x11) Sales and Marketing Coordinator and Writer Andrea Dilworth Advertising Designer Zilpha Young Events Assistant Leslyn Smith DISTRIBUTION Distribution Coordinator Ken Steere Distribution Team Yvonne Champion, Ruby Parks, Eddie Williams TALK TO US: Letters letters@jacksonfreepress.com Editorial editor@jacksonfreepress.com Queries submissions@jacksonfreepress.com Listings events@jacksonfreepress.com Advertising ads@jacksonfreepress.com Publisher todd@jacksonfreepress.com News tips news@jacksonfreepress.com Jackson Free Press 125 South Congress Street, Suite 1324 Jackson, Mississippi 39201 Editorial and Sales (601) 362-6121 Fax (601) 510-9019 Daily updates at jacksonfreepress.com The Jackson Free Press is the city’s award-winning, locally owned news magazine, reaching more than 35,000 readers per issue via more than 600 distribution locations in the Jackson metro area—and an average of over 35,000 visitors per week at www. jacksonfreepress.com. The Jackson Free Press is free for pick-up by readers; one copy per person, please.

First-class subscriptions are available to “gold level” and higher members of the JFP VIP Club (jfp.ms/ vip). The views expressed in this magazine and at jacksonfreepress.com are not necessarily those of the publisher or management of Jackson Free Press Inc. © Copyright 2019 Jackson Free Press Inc.

Email letters and opinion to letters@jacksonfreepress.com, fax to 601-510-9019 or mail to 125 South Congress St., Suite 1324, Jackson, Mississippi 39201. Include daytime phone number. Letters may be edited for length and clarity, as well as factchecked.

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JACKSON-Academic-Technical Center | JACKSON-Nursing/Allied Health Center | RANKIN | RAYMOND | UTICA | VICKSBURG In compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX, Education Amendments of 1972 of the Higher Education Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and other applicable Federal and State Acts, Hinds Community College offers equal education and employment opportunities and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability or veteran status in its educational programs and activities. The following have been designated to handle inquiries regarding these policies: EEOC Compliance: Sherry Franklin, Vice President for Utica Campus and Administrative Services, Box 1003, Utica, MS 39175; Phone: 601.885.7002 or Email: EEOC@hindscc.edu. Title IX: Randall Harris, Vice President for Advancement and Student Services, Title IX Coordinator, Box 1100 Raymond MS 39154; Phone: 601.857.3889 or Email: TitleIX@hindscc.edu.

January 22 - Fabruary 4, 2020 • jfp.ms

hub.hindscc.edu/best | 1-800-HINDSCC

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Best Bartender; Sexiest Bartender: Katie Fortenberry

We here at the Jackson Free Press like to keep our focus on local: local people, local business, local food—you get the idea. There’s nothing to us more local than Best of Jackson. We’re officially in our 18th annual award season.

(Fondren Public, 2765 Old Canton Road, 769-216-2589)

courtesy Katie Fortenberry

Here is who you voted as the best local people, places, food and more.

Best New Chef; Best Caterer: Godfrey Morgan; Godfrey’s Carribean Restaurant (2460 Terry Road, 601-398-3602)

January 22 - February 4,2020 • jfp.ms

Best Caterer Finalists: 4Top Catering (4500 Interstate 55 N., 601-942-4999, 4topcatering.com) / Basil’s (2906 N. State St., Suite 104, 601-982-2100; 120 N. Congress St., Suite L1, 601-944-9888) / Fresh Cut Catering & Floral (108 Cypress Cove, Flowood, 601-939-4518, freshcutcateringandfloral.com) / Local 463 Urban Kitchen (1000 Highland Colony Parkway, Suite 5002, Ridgeland, 601-707-7684, local463.com) / Mangia Bene Catering (4465 Interstate 55 N. Frontage Road, 601-362-2900, mangiabene-catering.com)

To see past winners, visit bestofjackson.com.

Best Bartender Finalists: Andrew Gully-Luckett (Bar 3911, 3911 Northview Drive, 601-586-1468) / Jamie Moss (Fenian’s Pub, 901 E. Fortification St., 601-948-0055, fenianspub.com) / Kree’ Blackwell (Bar 3911, 3911 Northview Drive, 601-586-1468) / Kurt Monaghan (Hal & Mal’s, 200 Commerce St., 601-948-0888, halandmals.com) / Alry Lee (4th Avenue Lounge, 209 S. Lamar St., 855-246-9636, 4thavenuejxn.com) Sexiest Bartender Finalists: Courtney Boykin (Ole Tavern on George Street, 416 George St., 601-960-2700, oletavern.com) / Jamie Moss (Fenian’s Pub, 901 E. Fortification St., 601-948-0055, fenianspub.com) / Kree’ Blackwell (Bar 3911, 3911 Northview Drive, 601-586-1468) / Kurt Monaghan (Hal & Mal’s, 200 Commerce St., 601-948-0888, halandmals.com)

Best Fitness Trainer: Misti Garner

(Get Fit with Misti, 123 Old Fannin Road, Flowood, 601-540-3601)

Longtime fitness trainer Misti Garner has the skills and experience to help clients reach their fitness goals. She owns Get Fit Studio, which she calls her “happy place,” and has been helping people in the Jackson metro transform their bodies ever since. Garner’s program is known as Get Fit with Misti. She works alongside a team of 12 other coaches who run various programs and regimens of their own within the studio.

In her Motivation Monday message, Garner says: “A goal without a plan is just a wish. It’s not too late to get a plan. You CAN do this.” Get Fit Studio is offering free trials throughout January 2020. Find Get Fit with Misti on Facebook.

— Tunga Otis

courtesy Misty Garner

14

Best New Chef Finalists: Anna Mabry (The Manship Wood Fired Kitchen, 1200 N. State St., Suite 100, 601-398-4562, themanshipjackson.com) / Denton Wallace (Walker’s Drive In, 3016 N. State St., 601-982-2633, walkersdrivein.com) / Hunter Evans (Elvie’s, 809 Manship St., 601863-8828, elviesrestaurant.com) / Rashanna Newsome (Aplos Simple Mediterranean, 4500 Interstate 55 N., Suite 174, 601-714-8989, eataplos.com) / Sonya Allen (The Kitchen Angel, 119 Square St., Canton, 601-940-8557)

Aliyah Veal

Godfrey Morgan’s signature blend of flavors from Carribean, Asian and southern cuisine in his recently opened south Jackson restaurant, Godfrey’s Carribean Restaurant, earned him the honor of Best New Chef and Best Caterer.

Born in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, Morgan grew up watching his grandmother, Emiline Leer, cook. She had her own business in Jamaica, and Morgan’s memories of her kitchen inspired him to enter the food industry himself. He feels honored when people enjoy his dishes and loves to create innovative recipes to satisfy their palates. “I’ve always loved to see how customers verify quality,” he says.

Morgan ran food and learned to cook his first dishes In his first job at 16 years old at a hotel called Boscobel. He then went on to work in several hotel restaurants in Jamaica, honing his skills in preparing Caribbean, Italian, German, American and Asian food. He moved from Jamaica to Jackson to enroll in Hinds Community College, where he studied culinary arts.

“My eyes opened, because I knew many techniques, but only when I went to college did I know how to gather knowledge and skills,” he says.

After gaining years of professional experience, in March 2019, Morgan opened Godfrey’s, which includes menu items such as oxtail, sticky ribs, jerk chicken spring rolls, fried chicken and lobster-shrimp toast. He initially thought his business would be catering only, but high demand led Godfrey’s to also become a sit-down restaurant as well. Find Godfrey’s on Facebook.

— Mauricio J. Quijano

Katie Fortenberry has been a bartender at Fondren Public for about three years. When asked what her favorite part of the job is she jokes, “The booze. No, I’m just kidding.The people. I have some amazing customers, regulars, coworkers and management.”

She is a favorite among the crowd, so it felt only right to ask her how she does it. “I’ve had a lot of great bartenders that have shown me how to take care of people. I know how I like to be treated, and I try—try, mind you—to treat other people the same way. I’m lucky to have really fun customers and coworkers, and that makes it easy.”

This seems simple enough, but Katie does it with a flair that leaves lasting impressions among her customers.

Finally, when asked what tips she would give someone new to the business, she offers: “Just to try and make people feel seen and cared for. Some of the roughest days of my life, I ended up in a bar where the bartender was kind to me, and I’ll never forget that.”

— Sarah Kate Pollard

Finalists: Curt McAfee (KutFit Personal Training) / Kendrick Lawson (Xplicit J3 Fitness, 1625 E. County Line Road, 601-850-3425, xplicitj3fitness.com) / Natascha Donald-Williams (G.I. Jan3 StudioX, 201 Ring Road, Suite 20, Ridgeland, 205-441-8291) / Pia Nedjar (Crunch Fitness, 2000 E. County Line Road, Ridgeland, 769-216-0693, crunch.com) / Terry Sullivan (Fondren Fitness, 2807 Old Canton Road, 601-540-0338, fondrenfitness.com)

Are you a finalist? Didn’t get your party invitation? Email party@jacksonfreepress. com or call 601-362-6121 x17

Best Dressed; Best Hair Stylist: Nikki Gallagher

Best Facialist/Esthetician; Best Makeup Artist: April Epps

Nikki Gallagher is a mom, fashionista and hair stylist who has been doing hair for 12 years after getting her start right after high school. Gallagher says she knew that she wanted to go into styling hair because it allowed her to be creative. Additionally, Gallagher’s mother instilled a love of fashion and shopping into her at a young age.

Rather than having a specific go-to style, Gallagher says her style varies day-to-day from edgy to elegant.

As a stylist, Gallagher says that her favorite part of the job is interacting with customers. “I have absolutely loved getting to be a part of people’s lives, from the day-to-day struggles and victories to the big moments like proms, weddings, births and funerals.

I have been there with them through it all,” she says.

— Kayla Sims

“Love what you do and the rest will fall into place,” April Epps of A Renée Makeup Artistry says.

She is a Best of Jackson veteran, winning Best Facialist/Esthetician in 2018 and 2019, and she was a finalist in 2017 for Best Makeup Artist.

This year, she takes the win in both categories. Epps has worked in the makeup industry for 16 years and in skin care for six. She regularly takes the time to learn and stay up on what’s trending.

One of her favorite aspects of her job is meeting people and building relationships with them. “I love my clients.

They become my family,” she says. She values whenever she is specifically chosen to do work for important events in people’s lives, like weddings. Recently, Epps did Elee Reeves’ makeup in preparation of Gov. Tate Reeves’ inauguration on Jan. 14.

“It means so much when people trust me enough to pick me. You know these huge moments will last forever for them,” she says.

— Sarah Kate Pollard

(A. Reneé Makeup Artistry, 601-850-7658, areneemakeup.com)

Best Hair Stylist Finalists: Gena Steele (THairapy Garden, 587 Highway 51, Suite M-1, Ridgeland, 601-8325351) / Hannah Roland (The Hair Lounge, 151 E. Metro Parkway, Flowood, 601-8963178) / Kacey Harrell (ACEY Custom Hair Design, 3015 N. State St., 601-362-0326) / Larson Graham (Molly Gee & Company, 219 Garden Park Drive, Suite 200A, Madison, 601-853-0054, mollygeeandco.com) / Lauren Ellis Knight (Top Attractions Salon, 2619 Courthouse Circle, 769-251-1667)

Best Chef: Nick Wallace

(Nick Wallace Culinary, 601-919-6328, nickwallaceculinary.com) courtesy Nick Wallace

Finalists: Alex Eaton (The Manship Wood Fired Kitchen, 1200 N. State St., Suite 100, 601-398-4562, themanshipjackson.com) / Daniel White (Local 463 Urban Kitchen, 1000 Highland Colony Parkway, Suite 5002, Ridgeland, 601-707-7684, local463.com) / Denton Wallace (Walker’s Drive In, 3016 N. State St., 601-982-2633, walkersdrivein.com) / Derek Emerson (CAET Seafood and Oysterette, 1000 Highland Colony Parkway, Suite 9015, Ridgeland, 601-321-9169, caetseafood.com) / Jesse Houston (Fine & Dandy, 100 District Blvd. E., 601-202-5050, eatdandy.com)

Best Facialist/Esthetician Finalists: Emily Miraglia (AQUA the Day Spa, 1000 Highland Colony Parkway, Suite 8001, Ridgeland, 601-898-9123, aquathedayspa.com) / Jess King (Smoak Salon, 622 Duling Ave., 601-982-5313, smoaksalon.com) / Katelyn Bass (Kat’s Korner Spa, 116 Livingston Church Road, Flora, 601-955-2427) / Kristin Bomar (Cole Facial Clinic & Skin Care, 204 E. Layfair Drive, Flowood, 601-933-2004, colefacialclinic.com) Best Makeup Artist Finalists: Anna Catherine Hester (Molly Gee & Company, 219 Garden Park Drive, Suite 200A, Madison, 601-853-0054, mollygeeandco.com) / Camille Moenkhaus (THairapy Garden, 587 Highway 51, Suite M-1, Ridgeland, 601-832-5351) / Christine Cody (Makeup By Cody, 1234 Art Guru, Flowood, 601-760-2776, facebook.com/Makeupbycody35) / Hannah Roland (The Hair Lounge, 151 E. Metro Parkway, Flowood, 601-896-3178) / Kayla Jones (The Beauty Pantry, 504 N. Bierdeman Road, Pearl, 601-850-9038)

Best Barista: Victoria Fortenberry

(Cups Espresso Cafe, multiple locations, cupsespressocafe.com)

Victoria Fortenberry worked as a barista at Cups Espresso Cafe in Fondren until 2018, when Fondren Public General Manager Brad Dreher invited her to work as a barista at his establishment. She later returned to Cups as a barista in the summer of 2019.

“Cups is like a family home to me, and I was glad to come back to my old routine and schedule and see all of my old regulars again,” Fortenberry says. “I love the beauty of coffee, and I feel that Cups really brought that here to Fondren. It’s easy to be here because of how close-knit we all are.”

— Dustin Cardon

Sara Bannerman

Chef Nick Wallace describes the moment he became the first African American executive chef at the Jackson Marriott Hotel in 2003 as magical.

“I realized what I’m holding down because I’m the first African American to do it, but I’m not going to be the first African American to do it and be sloppy with it,” he says.

Seventeen years later, Wallace has his own farm-to-table business, Nick Wallace Culinary; is a winner of Food Network’s “Chopped: Alton Brown’s Challenge”; and is presently working with “The Help” Director Tate Taylor for a film production project that aims to bring awareness to African American restaurant and business owners.

Growing up on a farm with grandmothers who loved to cook, a sister who did not and a mom who worked two jobs, Wallace was encouraged to be creative and put his heart into every dish. In 2017, his childhood experience motivated him to establish Creativity Kitchen, a nonprofit organization dedicated to teaching children and staff in the Jackson Public School District how to prepare healthy meals.

Today, Wallace offers a taste of what’s to come: details on his opportunity to represent Mississippi abroad and his book, “Rooted,” coming in 2021.

— Alyssa Bass

courtesy April Epps

courtesy Nikki Gallagher

Best Dressed Finalists: Alex Moore / Angela Jordan / Kristy Thompson / Melissa Kirksey / Tiffany Jefferson

Finalists: Cody Cox (Urban Foxes, 826 North St., 769-572-5505, urbanfoxesjxn.com) / Jasmine Rivera / Michaela Fisk (Sneaky Beans, 2914 N. State St., 601-487-6349) / Maya Miller (Cups Espresso Cafe, multiple locations, cupsespressocafe.com) / Josh Tannehill (Cups Espresso Cafe, multiple locations, cupsespressocafe.com

January 22 - February 4,2020 • jfp.ms

(Ritz Salon, 574 Highway 51, Ridgeland, 601-856-4330)

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Best Local Business Owner; Best Urban Warrior: Jeff Good

Best Massage Therapist: Tiffany Melton

Although Jeff Good may count 25 years in the restaurant business, he hadn’t envisioned that career path as a possibility at the outset. He originally worked for a computer company here in Jackson, but when AT&T bought the company in 1991 and his branch closed, Good found himself unemployed, although hopeful that some other opportunity may present itself.

He already had ideas about opening a restaurant and decided to pursue the dream after a conversation with his high-school friend Dan Blumenthal, who had moved to California to work as a chef. “We lacked experience and money. We worked on a business plan for two years and figured out a way to attract private investment by hosting private dinner parties at my house and showcasing different foods,” Good says. “We eventually secured $10,000 each from a select group of people and, in 1994, were able to open our first restaurant, Bravo!”

Good and Blumenthal, of course, did not stop there, subsequently creating and founding Broad Street Baking Company in 1999 and Sal and Mookie’s New York Pizza and Ice Cream Shop in 2008. All his restaurants are created with purpose for not only culinary delight, but community connectivity as well. “I want good food and good experiences here in the capital city,” Good says.

His newest project is the nonprofit Refill Café, located in the building that once housed Koinonia Coffee. “This is a workforce training program for people who are looking for a fresh start,” Good says, upbeat as usual.

— Mike McDonald

Even when we do not immediately notice, our day-to-day grind can tax our body—the perfect time for a great massage.

Jacksonians have once again selected Tiffany Melton as Best Massage Therapist. She has been a winner or a finalist in the category multiple times since she began her practice after graduating from the Mississippi School of Therapeutic Massage in 2011. In 2016, Melton opened Massage by Tiffany, which operates inside Warehouse Gym in Flowood.

Melton personally communicates with clients to draft a plan to offer an effective and relaxing customized session tailored to fit each clients’ diverse wants and needs. “Whatever you are dealing with, I can help and find the best treatment option based on your individual needs,” she says.

— Tunga Otis

Best Local Business Owner Finalists: Christopher Lockhart (Capital City Kayak, 571-322-6051, capitalcitykayak.com) / Cody Cox (Urban Foxes (826 North St., 769-572-5505, urbanfoxesjxn.com) / Jenni Sivils (The Prickly Hippie, 500 Highway 51, Suite F, Ridgeland, 601-910-6730, pricklyhippie.com) / Melissa Kirksey (BB’S LIVE–Bonny Blair’s, 1149 Old Fannin Road, Brandon, 769-4475788) / Phillip Rollins (Offbeat, 151 Wesley Ave., 601-376-9404, offbeatjxn.com)

(Rouge Nails Lash Wax, 5352 Lakeland Drive, 769-572-4747)

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courtesy Mia Chambers

January 22 - February 4,2020 • jfp.ms

Best Local Drag Performer: Mia Chambers

Joshua Conerly, better known as Mia Chambers, is Jackson’s best drag performer for the second year in a row. In the local drag community for nearly two decades, Conerly has seen the evolution of the craft and watched as younger queens made a splash, but says his old “glamour queen” style still sets him apart.

Taking cues from old Hollywood, Conerly blends the style into his vintage looks. He says he loves performing and especially the support he gets in Jackson.

Conerly found his outlet in drag performing, from sewing to singing. “Drag is a form of religion for me,” Conerly says. “I have been doing it for over 17 years, and it has saved me more than once. It is really nice to get recognized. It just shows that people actually care about what you are doing and that they still want to see you around.”

— Caleb McCluskey Finalists: Brooklyn Alexander / Erin Steele / Ke’Charra Illuminati / London Du’More

Finalists: Christopher Jordan (iRevive Bodyworks Massage & Spa, 1900 Dunbarton Drive, Suite C, 601-259-8918) / Courtney Mansell (Licensed Massage Therapist, 16 Northtown Drive, Suite 106, 601-966-1459) / Eclecius Franklin (E Fitness and Massage, 577 Highway 51, Suite C, Ridgeland, 601-790-7602) / Greg Griffin (Drench Day Spa & Lash Lounge, 118 W. Jackson St., Ridgeland, 601-707-5656, drenchdayspa.com) / Shanna Hartzog-Smith (Therapeutic Connections, 3003 Lakeland Cove, Suite C, Flowood, 601-214-9109, therapeuticconnect.com)

Best Nail Technician: Kristy Nguyen

Growing up, Kristy Nguyen dreamed of becoming a nurse. Raised in a family of manicurists, she learned the craft at a young age and later used it to pay her way through the University of Mississippi. But a year into the Hinds Community College nursing program, she realized that her true love was not medicine. “I really enjoyed working with nails,” she says.

Nguyen, who works at Rouge Nails Lash Wax, earned her certification as a nail technician and began working as a full-time manicurist in 2012. “I like connecting with different people and learning about them and their lives and occupations,” Nguyen says.

She offers a variety of services, including manicures, acrylic, dip-powder nails and pedicures, but her passion is nail care. “I love teaching people about what is best for their nails and what their options are,” she said. “I think that is very important, and people want to know.”

— Torsheta Jackson

courtesy Kristy Nguyen

Best Urban Warrior Finalists: Amanda Paige / Brad Franklin / Phillip Rollins / Tonja Murphy

courtesy Tiffany Melton

(Massage by Tiffany, 4435 Mangum Drive, Suite B, Flowood, 601-317-1788) Stephen Wilson / File Photo

(Mangia Bene Management Group, 3317 N. State St., 601-982-4443)

Finalists: Adrienne Williams (Fondren Nails, 2906 N. State St., 601-316-9264) / Brian Nguyen / Sonny Nguyen (The Nail Lounge, 4500 Interstate 55 N., Suite 1038, 601-3984451, thenailloungehv.com) / Victoria Walker (Cuticles Nail Studio, 2947 Old Canton Road, 601-366-6999)

The 2020 Best of Jackson Party is Sunday 1/26/20 in downtown Jackson. Invitation only! If you are a finalist or winner and need to RSVP, please call Andrea @ 601-362-6121 ext 17 by Friday at 3 p.m.!

Visit bestofjackson.com to read about last year’s winners.

Are you a finalist? Didn’t get your party invitation? Email party@jacksonfreepress. com or call 601-362-6121 x17

Best Photographer: Crystal Marie Thompson

Best Professor: Robert Ward

Crystal Marie Photography offers a versatile range of services to capture some of the most important moments of any customer’s life. From weddings to baby pictures, the business covers an array of memorable experiences.

A native of Montana, Crystal Thompson relocated along with her love for photography to Mississippi in 2015. Originally starting her practice as a part-time gig, the mother of eight aimed to fully invest into her craft after her own children inspired her to do so. “Being able to provide and capture other people’s memories and understanding their importance is due to my experience with my children,” Thompson says.

Make inquiries or book appointments by finding Crystal Marie Photography’s business page on Facebook.

— Luis Montgomery

The power a strong professor brings to their classes is undeniable, whether that manifests itself as mastery of complex ideas or genuine care and respect for their students.

Robert Ward, assistant professor of psychology and counseling at Mississippi College, claims that honor this year. Ward is a Mississippi professor through and through, earning two bachelor’s degrees from Mississippi College, and finishing his master’s and doctorate degrees at the University of Southern Mississippi, returning to his first collegiate alma mater to teach. Students nominated Ward for his personable approach to teaching and the interest he devotes to those in his classroom.

— Nick Judin

(Mississippi College, mc.edu)

Best Real Estate Agent: Shandra Thompson

(The Agency Real Estate Services, 350 Arbor Drive, Suite A, 601-291-1158)

Ashton Pittman

At a recent housewarming-barbeque party, real-estate agent Shandra Thompson enjoyed meeting her client’s family and friends.

“Maybe I sometimes eat unhealthily, such as on this day we had grilled pork ribs, but I always enjoy celebrating with my customers after they have moved into their new homes,” she says with a giggle.

Thompson says he purchase of a new home is probably the best way to achieve her clients’ goals of generational wealth. “I want to meet their families and see the excited faces. So many sales are a slow process. I don’t want to rush it,” Thompson says. “It is important to find the home that best suits the clients’ needs. I enjoy the search as much as my customers do, and I want to be transparent and realistic. Buying a home is a big investment and my clients become my friends. Honesty, integrity and kindness are all part of the sale.”

Thompson earned her bachelor’s degree from Jackson State University and her master’s from Belhaven University. She works for The Agency Real Estate Services and is married with two small children. She and her husband are active community volunteers.

—Anne B McKee

courtesy Shandra Thompson

Best Public Figure: Phil Bryant

This year’s winner for Best Public Figure, Dewey Phillip Bryant, just wrapped up his eight-year term as Mississippi’s 64th governor. From 2008 to 2012, Bryant served as the state’s lieutenant governor, an arguably more powerful position in Mississippi politics. In that role, Bryant presided over the Senate and had considerable say over what legislation to push forth or kill.

As governor, in 2015, Bryant vehemently defended the Mississippi flag, which contains the Confederate battle emblem. He annually declares April “Confederate Heritage Month” and won an award from the Sons of Confederate Veterans named for Mississippi’s secessionist and slave-owning governor. He has been a vocal opponent of LGBTQ rights, signing HB 1523 in 2016, which allowed businesses and government officials to withhold services from same-sex couples on the grounds of religious beliefs.

Bryant also signed the controversial “heartbeat bill” last spring, which would ban abortions past six weeks, the time at which most women even learn that they are pregnant. The Center for Reproductive Rights characterized the bill as “blatantly unconstitutional.” Last year, reporter Ashton Pittman revealed the extent of Bryant’s involvement in setting up and promoting Brexit US.

Like Haley Barbour before him, Phil Bryant now has the distinction of showing the breadth of the Jackson Free Press’ readership and voting pool in the Best of Jackson contest.

— Seyma Bayram

Courtesy Mississippi College

D’Artagnan Winford

Finalists: Camille Moenkhaus (MILLE.ME, 769-610-6608) / Mallory Ann Stricklin (Hazy Dreams Photography, 601-405-6568) / Melody Thompson (Melody Ellis Photography, 769257-9449) / Tristan Duplichain (Tristan Duplichain Photography, 601-946-3708, tristanduplichain.com) / Wiley Smith (Geran Photography, 601-826-1696, geranphotography.com)

Finalists: Joshua Cotton (Jackson State University, jsums.edu) / Mark Henderson (Jackson State University, jsums.edu) / Tracey Wells-Harmon (Jackson State University, jsums.edu)

Finalists: Amy Boes (Ann Prewitt Realty, 601-898-0663, bhhsannprewittrealty.com) / Candy Whitehead (KeyTrust Properties, 601-259-0758, keytrustproperties.com) / Hayley Hayes (Overby Residential, 1808 N. State St., 601-366-8511, overby.net) / Kevin Partridge (eXp Realty, 7048 Old Canton Road, 601-720-0707, kevinpartridge. com) / Kimberlee Haralson (Crye-Leike Realtors, 601-825-1125, crye-leike.com)

Finalists: Chokwe Antar Lumumba / James & Natasha King / Jeff Good / Rita Brent To see past winners, visit bestofjackson.com.

January 22 - February 4,2020 • jfp.ms

(Crystal Marie Photography, 601-691-0487)

17

Are you a finalist? Didn’t get your party invitation? Email party@jacksonfreepress. com or call 601-362-6121 x17

Best Server/Waitperson: Alex Moore

Best Teacher: Harriet Eppes

courtesy Alex Moore

While many people who have waited tables have found the job daunting, Alex Moore, this year’s winner for Best Server/ Waitperson, strives to make the most out of his job every day in every way.

Growing up, Moore had a love for fashion, but he soon discovered a new passion.

Beginning his journey as a waiter at The Bulldog, he worked his way up to general manager within two years. Realizing that he missed being on the floor, he stepped down from his position and began working as a server for Saltine Restaurant in June 2019. Moore says he enjoys the communicative nature of being a server, because he gets to interact with customers, which he says is beautiful.

Moore values his position as a waiter and server and prides himself on doing what he can to be mindful of those he serves. He says you never know someone’s situation, so giving customers a positive human interaction can be important.

“Treat every customer right. I know sometimes we prejudge people, but give them the same energy as you would give your mom, dad, family, friends or anybody else. Give them the same energy you wanted to be given because you never know their situations,” he says.

— Kayla Sims

(Jackson Academy, jacksonacademy.org)

Finalists: Chiquila Pearson (Gary Road Intermediate School, hinds.k12.ms.us/gri) / Hanna Bourque (Oak Forest Elementary, jackson.k12.ms.us/oakforest) / Leigh Ann Westbrook (Park Place Christian Academy, goppca.com)

Finalists: Ainsley Smith / Amelia Brunson (The Manship Wood Fired Kitchen, 1200 N. State St., Suite 100, 601-398-4562, themanshipjackson.com) / Casey Hardigree (Walker’s Drive In, 3016 N. State St., 601-982-2633, walkersdrivein.com) / Michelle Corbin (Saltine Restaurant, 622 Duling Ave., Suite 201, 601-982-2899, saltinerestaurant.com) / Taylor Decell (The Briar Patch, 1150 Old Cedars Lane, Flora, 601-559-8565)

Best Barber: Chris Paige

(Custom Cuts & Styles, 2445 Terry Road, 601-321-9292)

(wyattwaters.com)

January 22 - February 4,2020 • jfp.ms

Imani Khayyam / file photo

Wyatt Waters has been a painter since his earliest childhood memories, beginning at only 2-and-a-half years old when his mother would let him splatter paint on their soon-to-be-remodeled kitchen floor.

After taking a brief hiatus from painting during high school, Waters again pursued his art seriously at Mississippi College. “I went to college (so that) I could invent myself again,” Waters says. “So my sophomore year I began painting in earnest.”

After completing his master’s degree at MC, Waters worked various craft fairs and worked the Jackson area ever since and plans to continue his work while transitioning to larger studio pieces in the future.

Waters says he creates his works with the goal of spurring thought from his viewers. “It’s important to encourage people to think,” he says. “My goal is to ask them to think and to feel and respond. I have faith that people will come to conclusions that are good.”

— Ashley Hobson

Finalists: Azha Sanders (azhatattoos.com) / Camille Moenkhaus / Eli Childers (elichilders.format.com) / Justin Ransburg (jransburg.carbonmade.com) / William Goodman (williamgoodmanart.com)

Chris Paige says the key to his success, beyond his barbering skills, is customer service. He wants his clients to feel like getting a haircut is like a “vacation away from work and home.” For his business practice, Paige draws a similarity between being a barber and being a bartender, in the sense that he works to make sure customers are comfortable. “When (customers) come to my barber shop, they feel comfortable and relaxed, and they get away from the stress of home or the job. They come here, and they can be themselves,” he says.

Paige has been a barber for about 20 years and has owned Custom Cuts & Styles in Jackson for nearly 10 years. Custom Cuts has been a previous winner for Best Barber Shop and is often listed as a finalist. Find the business on Facebook.

— Richard Coupe Finalists: Audrey Kendall (Fondren Barber Shop, 2939 Old Canton Road, 601-8260707) / Blake Stevens (The Barbershop at Great Scott, 4400 Old Canton Road, Suite 100, 601-984-3500, greatscott.net/the-barber-shop) / Christian Favorite (HunterPhillips Salon, 151 E. Metro Parkway, Suite 49, Flowood, 601-519-1399) / Lanis Noble (Noble Barber, 1065 Highland Colony Parkway, Suite F, Ridgeland, 601-856-6665; noblebarber.com) / Matt Heath (Noble Barber, 1065 Highland Colony Parkway, Suite F, Ridgeland, 601-856-6665; noblebarber.com)

The 2020 Best of Jackson Party is Sunday 1/26/20 in downtown Jackson. Invitation only! If you are a finalist or winner and need to RSVP, please call Andrea @ 601-362-6121 ext 17 by Friday at 3 p.m.!

Visit bestofjackson.com to read about last year’s winners.

courtesy Chris Paige

Best Jackson Visual Artist: Wyatt Waters

18

Harriet Eppes, a third-grade teacher at Jackson Academy, has been teaching at the school for more than 35 years.

Born in Florida, Eppes graduated from Suwannee High School in Live Oak, Fla., then went on to Queens College in Charlotte, N.C., where she received a bachelor’s degree in music in 1978. She worked as a music teacher in Florida for one year beginning in 1981 before moving to Jackson in 1982, where she took a job as a paralegal at the Watkins and Eager law firm.

Eppes continued her education at Belhaven University in Jackson and received her elementary-teaching certification there in 1984. After receiving her bachelor’s degree, she began teaching at Jackson Academy while pursuing a master’s degree in education at Mississippi College in Clinton, which she received in 1986. She moved to Madison in 2001.

“I love working with children throughout the year and getting to know them all personally,” Eppes says. “Teaching at Jackson Academy surrounded by exceptional people makes me feel like my job isn’t just a job, but a kind of ministry, something I was meant to do.”

— Dustin Cardon

courtesy Jackson Academy

(Saltine Restaurant, 622 Duling Ave., Suite 201, 601982-2899, saltinerestaurant.com)

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January 22 - Fabruary 4, 2020 • jfp.ms

Best of Jackson 2018 Best of Jackson 2019

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Best Museum; Best Tourist Attraction: Mississippi Civil Rights Museum

Best Radio Personality or Team; Best Radio Station: Nate and Bender, WYOY

Best Museum

Finalists: Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Museum (1150 Lakeland Drive, 601432-4500, msagmuseum.org) / Mississippi Children’s Museum (2145 Museum Blvd., 601-981-5469, mschildrensmuseum.org) / Mississippi Museum of Art (380 S. Lamar St., 601-960-1515, msmuseumart.org) / Mississippi Museum of Natural Science (2148 Riverside Drive, 601-576-6000, mdwfp.com) Best Tourist Attraction

Finalists: Eudora Welty House & Garden (1109 Pinehurst St., 601-353-7762, mdah. ms.gov/welty) / Medgar Evers Home Museum (2332 Margaret W. Alexander Drive, 601-977-7839, civilrightstrail.com) / Mississippi Children’s Museum (2145 Museum Blvd., 601-981-5469, mschildrensmuseum.org) / Mississippi Petrified Forest (124 Forest Park Road, Flora, 601-879-8189, mspetrifiedforest.com)

Best Art Gallery: Fondren Art Gallery

20

Best Radio Personality or Team Finalists: Bo Bounds (ESPN The Zone 105.9, thezone1059.com) / “Dirty D” (Darrell Arnold) and Melissa K (WPBP 104.5) / Mista Maine (WRBJ 97.7FM) / Tambra Cherie (97.7 WRBJ) / Traci & Hef (US 93.3, yourcountryus96.com) Best Radio Station Finalists: WHLH (Hallelujah 95.5, hallelujah955.iheart.com) / WJMI (99 Jams, 99.7, wjmi. com) / WMPN (Mississippi Public Radio, 91.3, mpbonline.org) / WRBJ (The Beat of the Capital, 97.7, thebeatofthecapital.com) / WUSJ (US 96.3, yourcountryus96.com)

Best Arts Organization: Mississippi Museum of Art (380 S. Lamar St., 601-960-1515, msmuseumart.org)

Richard McKey’s Fondren Art Gallery features a variety of art pieces from local and international artists that rotate throughout the year. The gallery also offers a variety of services including guitar lessons, framing and art lessons. Artists’ works are available for purchase.

McKey credits the growth of Fondren for much of the gallery’s success and is excited to see how the area will change and grow in the upcoming years. “I’ve been here about 15 years, and I’ve seen a lot of changes in Fondren,” McKey says. “It pleases me very much to see the growth.”

Although locals have appreciated the Fondren Art Gallery since it opened in 2003, McKey says the gallery gives visitors who are passing through a visual piece of the state to take home. “I love when people come in from out of state because they want some Mississippi art to remember their time here,” McKey says.

— Ashley Hobson

The Mississippi Museum of Art serves as a cultural hub not only for the city of Jackson but also for the state of Mississippi. It displays a variety of art collections and regularly rotate exhibitions. The museum also features the works of several Mississippi artists through mediums such as paint, photography and sculpture.

Additionally, the museum facilitates several community programs including Gallery Talks, Art Nights, the Creative Healing Studio and the Center for Art & Public Exchange. The museum caters to its younger audiences through programs such as “Look & Learn with Hoot,” a hands-on storytime for parents and their children ages 5 and up. The museum is open Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. For more information on upcoming events or collections, visit msmuseumart.org. — Ashley Hobson

Finalists: AND Gallery (133 Millsaps Ave., andgallery.org) / Brown’s Fine Art & Framing (630 Fondren Place, 601-9824844, brownsfineart.com) / Fischer Galleries (736 S. President St., 601-291-9115, fischergalleries.com) / Jackson Street Gallery (637 Highway 51, Ridgeland, 601-790-7001) / Offbeat (151 Wesley Ave., 601-376-9404, offbeatjxn.com)

Finalists: Craftsmen’s Guild of Mississippi (950 Rice Road, Ridgeland, 601-856-7546, craftsmensguildofms.org) / Greater Jackson Arts Council (201 E. Pascagoula St., Suite 103, 601-960-1557, greaterjacksonartscouncil.com) / Mississippi Arts Commission (501 N. West St., Suite 1101A, 601-359-6030, arts.ms.gov) / Mississippi Symphony Orchestra (201 E. Pascagoula St., Suite 104, 601-960-1565, msorchestra.com)

Trip burns/file photo

January 22 - February 4,2020 • jfp.ms

(3242 N. State St., 601-981-9222, fondrenartgallery.com)

courtesy Nate and Bender

(Y101, 101.7, y101.com)

Nate West and Chris Bender credit their show’s success to keeping their content light and real. For instance, neither of the hosts are afraid to rave about their top-40 faves like Post Malone, Billie Eilish and Lizzo.

West’s career in radio started 24 years ago in the building where “The Morning Showgram” is recorded. He remembers the day Y101 went live.

“I just knew it was one of those things where it was the cool, new, happening thing in town. I just felt like it was going to be big, and I did everything I could to get on the air,” West says.

West’s initial partnership with Bender started in 2004 and ended in 2009 when Bender left the station. When Bender returned to Mississippi six years later, he knew he wanted to work with West again. “I got a call asking if I wanted to come back and get my old job back, and I was like, “Hell’s yeah.

I’d love to come back to Mississippi and be around my peeps,’” Bender says.

Listen to “The Morning Showgram with Nate and Bender” Monday through Saturday from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m.

— Alyssa Bass

courtesy MDAH

(222 North St., Suite 2205, 601-576-6800, mcrm.ms.gov)

The world-famous Mississippi Civil Rights Museum’s eight galleries highlight the struggle civil-rights activists and everyday people faced in no-holds-barred fashion such as seeing the names of those lynched prominently displayed throughout a gallery.

Stephenie Morrisey, deputy director of programs and communication, said many people walk out moved and want to come back. “It sparks family discussion, (and) it sparks discussion between visitors who don’t know each other. It’s a very serious topic, and people respond to that in a lot of different ways,” Morrisey said.

— Aliyah Veal

Best Category We Left Off: Best Outdoor Activity Here in the South where the weather is warm more days than it’s not, Jacksonians often take to the outside for enjoyment. Those who enjoy nature can fish or canoe at Mayes Lake, visit the nature trails behind the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science or stroll through the Mississippi Petrified Forest. Sports enthusiasts can grab a few friends for a pickup game of tennis at Parham Bridges Park, golf a few holes at the Country Club of Jackson or catch a baseball game at Trustmark Park. Outdoor gatherings like Fondren’s First Fridays and Belhaven Lights Belhaven Nights bring locals together for music, food and fun.

No matter your preference, Jackson offers something to get you outside and moving. —Torsheta Jackson Finalists: Best Local Facebook Group / Best Manager / Best Mobile Learning Lab / Best Principal

Are you a finalist? Didn’t get your party invitation? Email party@jacksonfreepress. com or call 601-362-6121 x17

The Mississippi Children’s Museum uses its Gertrude G. Ford Literacy Garden, on its first floor, as both an outdoor activity area and a gallery space.. The purpose of the space, inspired by the poem “The Enchanted Land of Story,” is to encourage growth and connection between children and their parents, Director of External Affairs Susan Branson says. “It’s meant to inspire conversation between parents and children. It’s all about developing language and reading skills,” she says.

This fun space looks straight out of a children’s book with its whimsical mushrooms, a tree house inspired by “Jack and the Beanstalk” and even a “word waterfall.” The garden also has a section where children are encouraged to help with planting and harvesting. — Ashley Hobson Finalists: Art Garden at the Mississippi Museum of Art (380 S. Lamar St., 601-960-1515, msmuseumart.org) / Clinton Nature Center (617 Dunton Road, Suite 4303, Clinton, 601926-1104, clintonnaturecenter.org) / Lefleur’s Bluff State Park (3315 Lakeland Terrace, 601-987-3923, mdwfp.com) / Mynelle Gardens (4736 Clinton Blvd., 601-960-1894)

Best Dance Group: Ballet Magnificat!

(5406 Interstate 55 N., 601-9771001, balletmagnificat.com)

(March, halsstpaddysparade.com)

The 36th-annual Hal’s St. Paddy’s Parade on March 28 will feature a 5k run, a pet parade, a children’s festival, a second-line march, and musical performances from guests such as Robert Randolph, Freedom, The Molly Ringwalds and Sweet Crude. The theme is “Here’s Looking at Rude, Kid,” which refers to a line from the film “Casablanca” and nods to 2020 parade grand marshal Trace Alston, leader of the Rude Men marching krewe. Jill Conner Browne and the Sweet Potato Queens will participate, and Mustache the Band, The Chee-Weez and AJC the DJ will perform at the after-party. Tickets for the after-party are $10 and are available at seetickets. us.

— Dustin Cardon Finalists: Bright Lights Belhaven Nights (August, greaterbelhaven.com) / Cathead Jam (May, catheadjam.com) / Jackson Indie Music Week (January, jxnindiemusic.com) / Mistletoe Marketplace (November, mistletoemarketplace.com) / WellsFest (September, wellschurch.org/wellsfest)

Kathy Thibodeaux learned ballet in Jackson and became one of the first contracted dancers for the Jackson Ballet Company (now Ballet Mississippi) under the direction of Thalia Mara. Keith Thibodeaux grew up a child actor, playing roles like Little Ricky on “I Love Lucy” and Johnny Paul Jason on “The Andy Griffith Show.” The couple met and married in 1976, and established the Christianbased Ballet Magnificat! a decade later in her hometown. The dance group tours and trains dancers from child to adult. It also features a trainee program, which lasts up to three years and has drawn in applicants from more than 15 countries. The organization offers scholarships for its various programs.

For more details, visit balletmagnificat.com.

— Brianna Gibson Finalists: Dancing Dolls (The Dollhouse Dance Factory, 1410 Ellis Ave., 770-265-1111, dollhousedancefactory. com) / Kinetic Etchings (1347 Fontaine Drive, 601946-6506) / Montage Theatre of Dance (Hinds Community College, 601-857-3460, hindscc.edu) / Purple Diamonds Dancers (Diamond Dance Company, 1256 W. Capitol St., 601-323-7476)

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January 22 - February 4,2020 • jfp.ms

(2145 Museum Blvd., 601-9815469, mschildrensmuseum.org)

Best Annual Event: Hal’s St. Paddy’s Parade & Festival Kristin Brenemen

Best Community Garden/ Nature Attraction: Mississippi Children’s Museum’s Gertrude C. Ford Literacy Garden

21

Best New Restaurant; Best New Addition to Jackson: Cultivation Food Hall

Best Kids’ Event: KidFest! Ridgeland

(1200 Eastover Drive, Suite 125, 601-487-5197, cultivationfoodhall.com)

The 18th Annual KidFest! Ridgeland, a four-day festival filled with shows, amusement rides, interactive activities and more that Best of Jackson voters love, is Saturday, April 18, to Sunday, April 19, and from Saturday, April 25, to Sunday, April 26, at Freedom Ridge Park (253 W. School St., Ridgeland).

Attractions will include Zoppe, an Italian Family Circus, the Magical Poodles dog show, a backyard circus, a “Wolves of the World” exhibit, leprechaun magician Connor O’Carraig, carnival and train rides, hat-making stands, fair food stalls and more. Gates open at 9 a.m. on April 18 and 25 and at noon on April 19 and 26. The festival closes at 6:30 p.m. on all four days. Tickets are $12 per person, and children younger than 2 get in free. All attractions, shows, rides and activities are included in the ticket price. Printable coupons for $2 off admissions are available online at kidsfestridgeland.com/ticket-info.

— Dustin Cardon

(April, kidfestridgeland.com) Acacia Clark

Cultivation Food Hall, located inside The District at Eastover (1200 Eastover Drive, Suite 125), opened in January 2019. The food hall includes six food vendors, a bar and a coffee shop. Vendors include Bocca Pizzeria, Whisk, a Creperie by La Brioche, Poké Stop, Atlas Greek Down South, Gold Coast bar, il Lupo Coffee and the food hall’s most recent additions, Ariella’s Pasta Bar and Yuzu Ramen.

The food hall gives local entrepreneurs a way to open their own dining venues without taking on a full-scale restaurant. Alivia Ashburn-Townsend originally opened Ariella’s NY Delicatessen, a New York-style deli, inside the food hall but has since reopened as an Italian restaurant called Ariella’s Pasta Bar in November 2019. Jackson native Connor Mize, who previously worked as executive chef at Saltine Oyster Bar and sous chef at Estelle Wine Bar & Bistro, opened Yuzu Ramen in November 2019.

— Dustin Cardon

Best New Restaurant Finalists: Godfrey’s Caribbean Restaurant (2460 Terry Road, 601-398-3602) / Sophomore Spanish Club (200 District Blvd. E., 601-203-3333, sophomorespanish.com) / Sweetie Pies (120 N. Congress St., 601-487-8121) / Urban Foxes (826 North St., 769-572-5505, urbanfoxesjxn.com)

Best Festival: Bright Lights Belhaven Nights (August, greaterbelhaven.com)

January 22 - February 4,2020 • jfp.ms

Bright Lights Belhaven Nights, the historic Belhaven neighborhood’s annual street festival that launched in 2004, draws people from all over Jackson for live music from local bands, vendors, food and more every August. Last year’s event, on Aug. 10, 2019, brought more than 3,500 visitors to the Belhaven neighborhood’s Poplar, Kenwood and Carlisle streets. The American Planning Association designated Belhaven as one of its “Great Neighborhoods in America” in 2014, and Bright Lights, Belhaven Nights won the Best Festival award in Best of Jackson 2019.

— Dustin Cardon

22

Finalists: Cathead Jam (June, catheadjam.com) / Farish Street Heritage Festival (September, farishstreetheritagefestival.com) / Jackson Indie Music Week (January, jxnindiemusic. com) / Mississippi Science Festival (September, mssciencefest.org) / WellsFest (September; wellschurch.org/wellsfest)

Best Local Live Theater/Theatrical Group: New Stage Theatre (1100 Carlisle St., 601-948-3531, newstagetheatre.com)

New Stage Theatre, now in the midpoint of its sixth decade in operation, is a Jackson institution. From its first performance of “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” to its upcoming production of Matilda the Musical, New Stage has been a font of local culture and artistic educa-

Best Local Podcast: Key to the City (facebook.com/key2thecitypod)

“Key to the City” podcast host Keoni Gray knows it’s important to acknowledge black artists, activists and other community members who do anything outside of the box before they achieve mainstream success. Since the podcast’s first episode aired in June 2019, he has interviewed 32 creatives and community leaders such as Kansas Gray, Mookey Montana and Lorenzo Wesley.

Gray moved back to Jackson after spending time in Texas as a small-business lender following Hurricane Harvey. In addition to the podcast, he devotes his time to freelance videography and editing. Gray says the pod- Keoni L. Gray cast allows for the community to appreciate the positive contributions of his guests and exhibits the resiliency of black Mississippi trailblazers.

“(I’m) not saying that I’m shying away from anyone else of any other demographic, but I love to focus on my people,” Gray says. “We need more positive aspects and visuals and audio of people that are doing things in our community to show others that, ‘Hey, we can do the same thing. If we come together, we can really be a powerful force.”

Listen to new episodes of “Key to the City” every Monday on your favorite streaming app.

— Alyssa Bass

Humbled Visuals Photography

Best New Addition to Jackson Finalists: Bar 3911 (3911 Northview Drive, 601-586-1468) / Fondren Fitness (2807 Old Canton Road, 601-540-0338, fondrenfitness.com) / Godfrey’s Caribbean Restaurant (2460 Terry Road, 601-398-3602) / Sophomore Spanish Club (200 District Blvd. E., 601-203-3333, sophomorespanish.com) / Urban Foxes (826 North St., 769-572-5505, urbanfoxesjxn.com)

Finalists: Boo at the Zoo (October, jacksonzoo.org) / Dr. Seuss’ Silly Birthday Celebration (February, mschildrensmuseum.org) / Touch a Truck Jackson (April, touchatruckjackson. com) / WellsFest (September; wellschurch.org/wellsfest)

Finalists: JXN Transplants (soundcloud.com/jxntransplants) / Reality Breached (facebook. com/realitybreached) / The Roguish Gent (facebook.com/TheRoguishGent) / Token Talk (facebook.com/TokenTalkPodcast)

tion for ages. New Stage also has a beloved series of workshops and summer camps for children. Its education focus makes the theater so influential in Jackson’s creative development.

Its 54th season kicked off with “Into the Breeches,” a comedy about an all-woman production of “Henry V” set against the backdrop of World War II. In 2020, after “Matilda the Musical” (Jan. 28-Feb. 9) comes “Pipeline” (March 10-15, March 17-22). Finally, two plays adapted from novels, Mark Haddon’s “The Curious Incident of

the Dog in the Night-Time” (April 21–26, April 28May 3) and E.L. Doctorow’s “Ragtime” (June 2-7, June 9-14.)

— Nick Judin Finalists: Black Hat Shows (601-376-9005, facebook.com/ BlackHatBurlesque) / Black Rose Theatre Company (103 Black St., Brandon, 601-825-1293, blackrosetheatre.wordpress. com) / Fondren Theatre Workshop (fondrentheatreworkshop. org) / Hearth & Mantel Theatre Company (769-218-9496, hearthandmanteltheatre.com) / MADDRAMA Performance Troupe (Jackson State University, maddrama.com)

Are you a finalist? Didn’t get your party invitation? Email party@jacksonfreepress. com or call 601-362-6121 x17

Best Public Forum or Speaker Series: Play Eat Learn

Best Nonprofit Organization: The Mustard Seed, Inc. (1085 Luckney Road, Brandon, 601-992-3556, mustardseedinc.org)

Finalists: Friday Forum (Refill Café, refillcafejackson.com) / History is Lunch (Mississippi Department of Archives and History, mdah.ms.gov) / Ideas on Tap (Mississippi Humanities Council, mshumanities.org) / Millsaps Arts and Lecture Series (millsaps.edu)

Best Locally Owned Business: The Prickly Hippie

(500 Highway 51, Suite F, Ridgeland, 601-910-6730, pricklyhippie.com) Brandon Smith

Finalists: BB’S LIVE–Bonny Blair’s (1149 Old Fannin Road, Brandon, 769-447-5788) / Capital City Kayaks (601-953-7615, capitalcitykayaks.com) / Offbeat (151 Wesley Ave., 601-376-9404, offbeatjxn.com) / Sneaky Beans (2914 N. State St., 601-487-6349) / Spray Tans by Kayla (504 N. Bierdeman Road, Pearl, 769-251-0852)

To see past winners, visit bestofjackson.com.

Best Reason to Live in Jackson: Food

The metro area’s food landscape seems to improve and change constantly. There’s always something new and local to try, whether it’s a new food vendor like Atlas at Cultivation Food Hall or Ed’s Burgers, which is coming to Fondren soon. But if you don’t want to try something new, there are always old favorites like Broad Street Baking Company, Beatty Street Grocery or Keifer’s. If you don’t know what to try, just ask one of the local Facebook foodie groups such as Jackson Foodies or Eat Mississippi #TriCountyFoodies. They have regular meet-ups, and someone always knows of a hidden Jackson gem.

— Amber Helsel Finalists: Community / Cost of Living / Culture / Diversity / Fondren / The People

Finalists: The Bean Path (4215 Medgar Evers Blvd., thebeanpath.org) / Cheshire Abbey (cheshireabbey.com) / Community Animal Rescue & Adoption (960 N. Flag Chapel Road, 601-922-7575, carams.org) / Pearl Riverkeeper (pearlriverkeeper.com) / Stewpot Community Services (1100 W. Capitol St., 601-353-2759, stewpot.org)

Best Stage Play: “Mama, I Want to Sing” (The Department of Art & Theatre at Jackson State University, jsums.edu/art)

In September 2019, the Jackson State University’s Department of Art & Theatre showed out with a production of “Mama, I Want to Sing.” The play tells the story of a young girl who dreams of leaving home and pushing beyond her church-choir roots to pursue a professional musical career, despite her mother’s objections. The tale is based on the life of Doris Troy, who rose to stardom in 1963.

The production ran for six shows.

In addition to actors from JSU, the cast included members from local churches, high schools and the Mississippi Mass Choir.

Mark Henderson, a professor at JSU and the production’s director, says community engagement was just as important as the lessons the play’s story told. “I wanted to do a musical and think about what our community needed,” he says. “I wanted them to have a place to come and forget about politics and our problems for a while.”

The goals of the play were to provide an opportunity for the community to come together and to offer an escape, Henderson says. The department has two new plays set for the spring 2020 semester, “New Beginnings” and “Sister.”

— Ashley Hobson

mark Henderson

When Jenni Sivils founded The Prickly Hippie, one of the newer businesses to take root in the area, it primarily sold succulents and cacti, which take far less water and attention than other plants. Every plant in the shop had been planted weeks earlier and tested for proper rooting and growth. Today, the business has gained renown for its coffee, baked goods and various handcrafted goods.

The bakery’s menu includes freshly made goods such as homemade pop-tarts, doughnuts, cake bites and brownies—as well as KETO options like salted chocolate espresso Jenni Sivils cupcakes, breakfast bagels and more.

The Prickly Hippie donates a portion of its proceeds to a different local nonprofit organization each month. More information, including tips for caring for succulents and cacti, is available at pricklyhippie.com.

— Luis Montgomery

Courtesy Mustard Seed

“Play. Eat. Learn.,” a series of lectures for parents and activities for children at the Mississippi Children’s Museum, launched through a partnership between the University of Mississippi Medical Center’s Center for Advancement of Youth, the Junior League of Jackson and the MCM in October 2018.

During the events, JLJ members provided dinner and cared for children ages 3-10 while they played in the museum during dinner. CAY experts delivered lectures on topical subjects for parents. The program, which was free and open to the public, took place through September 2019. The “Play. Eat. Learn.” lecture series covered topics such as child development, caring for children with autism or ADHD, parenting teenagers, dealing with anxiety or depression in youth and more. For more information on CAY and other UMMC programs, visit umc.edu or follow UMMC on Facebook.

— Dustin Cardon

For 39 years, The Mustard Seed has worked to meet the physical, intellectual, emotional and spiritual needs of “Seedsters”— adults with disabilities.

The faith-based organization is inspired by the Bible verse Matthew 17:20, which informs readers that they can do anything even if they have faith the size of a mustard seed.

The Seedsters live in group homes on The Mustard Seed’s campus, participate in ceramic art-therapy sessions and the Bells of Faith handbell choir, and travel off campus for activities on Fridays.

Community Relations Director Mandy Sisson says the Seedsters are positive examples of true friends who display unconditional love. “I think that’s one of the most rewarding parts about this job,” Sisson says. “Maybe the Seedsters didn’t have as many social activities outside of their special-education classes, and maybe they were drug around to brothers and sisters’ games and ballet recitals and things. Then they come to The Mustard Seed, and because of our ceramics program and the ways that we integrate them into the community, I think that they really get to shine.”

Visit mustardseedinc.org.

— Alyssa Bass

Finalists: “The Dying of Ida Greene” (Hearth & Mantel Theatre Company, 769-218-9496, hearthandmanteltheatre.com) / “Kansas City: The Story of the Negro Baseball Leagues” (Montage Theatre of Dance, Hinds Community College, hindscc.edu) / “Murder on the Orient Express” (New Stage Theatre, 1100 Carlisle St., 601-948-3531, newstagetheatre.com) / “Sister Act” (New Stage Theatre, 1100 Carlisle St., 601-948-3531, newstagetheatre.com)

January 22 - February 4,2020 • jfp.ms

(UMMC Center for Advancement of Youth, umc.edu)

23

Best Happy Hour; Best Open-Mic Night; Best Outdoor Dining: Shaggy’s on the Rez

Best Country Artist/Band; Best Musician; Best Singer: Zach Bridges

Ron Ladner had been buying real estate in Pass Christian, Miss., shortly before Hurricane Katrina hit in 2005.

He had already been thinking of turning one of his properties into a place that could serve fresh seafood and cold drinks alongside scenic surroundings. When Katrina swept his newly bought bait shop off the map, Ladner decided to pursue his goal after all and began developing plans for his restaurant. After three months of construction, Shaggy’s opened its doors.

Shaggy’s on the Rez, which opened in fall 2018, brings an island-style atmosphere to the Jackson metro, as it overlooks the reservoir.

The menu features seafood options like fish dip, crab cakes, oyster baskets and shrimp tacos, as well as cheeseburgers, po-boys, wraps, nachos, pasta, fried eggplant and more. Shaggy’s also hosts family events throughout the year, and it has its own prize-winning fishing team. Shaggy’s also participates in food drives, a scholarship program and fishing camps. To learn more, visit shaggys.biz. — Mike McDonald

After being a contestant on the 2019 season of “The Voice,” Pearl native Zach Bridges has witnessed a rise in his local following, with his shows often packed with supporters.

The 29-year-old grew up loving sports, playing baseball in college before deciding to pursue music more seriously after chancing upon the opportunity to play for a bar in Hattiesburg, where he studied kinesiotherapy at the University of Southern Mississippi. After graduating, he moved back to the Jackson area and has been a mainstay in the local music scene ever since.

He and his wife, Taylor, are expecting a daughter in March this year. Outside of music, Bridges works as an X-ray technician at G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center and also enjoys hunting and woodworking. To learn more, visit zachbridgesofficial.com.

— Nate Schumann

(1733 Spillway Road, Brandon, 601-724-2990, shaggys.biz)

(zachbridgesofficial.com)

Best Open-Mic Night Finalists: BB’S LIVE–Bonny Blair’s (1149 Old Fannin Road, Brandon, 769-447-5788) / Fenian’s Pub (901 E. Fortification St., 601-948-0055, fenianspub.com) / Martin’s Downtown (214 State St., 601-354-9712, martinsdowntownjxn.com) / Synergy Nights @ Mediterranean Grill (1200 E. County Line Road, Ridgeland, 601-956-0082)

Best Blues Artist/Band: Bobby Rush

24

Rick Olivier

January 22 - February 4,2020 • jfp.ms

(bobbyrushbluesman.com)

Bobby Rush is immortal. This is not purely a turn of phrase. At age 83, he clinched his first Grammy Award for his 2017 album “Porcupine Meat.” Its followup, “Sitting on Top of the Blues,” is nominated for the same award in 2020.

Just last year, Rush appeared in Eddie Murphy’s hit comedy “Dolemite Is My Name.” Most legends may get a comfortable cameo: seated and smiling, honored in passing. Rush performed “I Ain’t Studdin You,” backup dancers and all.

Who else could believably rewind time a half-century, back to when they were merely entering the third decade of their career? Bobby Rush does it countless nights every year.

Best Musician Finalists: Ariel Blackwell (facebook.com/ArielBlackwellMusic) / Brian Jones (Lillian Axe, lillianaxe.com) / Chad Wesley (chadwesley.com) / Gena Steele (Steele Heart, reverbnation.com/ steeleheart) / Hunter Gibson (huntergibson.com) Best Singer Finalists: Ariel Blackwell (facebook.com/ArielBlackwellMusic) / Brooke King (facebook. com/brookekingmusic) / Chris Boyles / Gena Steele (Steele Heart, reverbnation.com/steeleheart) / Hunter Gibson (huntergibson.com)

Best Place to Watch the Game; Beer Selection (Restaurant): The Bulldog

(6111 Ridgewood Road, 601-978-3502, draftfreak.com)

The Bulldog is very serious about beer, with 62 beers on tap and more than 75 in bottles. The company uses nitrogen and CO2 pump to serve beer. The restaurant has more than a dozen large-screen televisions distributed throughout the restaurant for patrons to watch various sports games, and customers are able to cheer or boo over replays over in the New Orleansstyle patio. It also dontates to local charities each year.

— Richard Coupe

courtesy The Bulldog

Best Outdoor Dining Finalists: Babalu Tapas & Tacos (622 Duling Ave., Suite 106, 601-366-5757, eatbabalu.com) / Fine & Dandy (100 District Blvd. E., 601-202-5050, eatdandy.com) / Keifer’s (710 Poplar Blvd., 601-355-6825, keifers.net; 120 N. Congress St., 601-353-4976, keifersdowntown. com) / Sophomore Spanish Club (200 District Blvd. E, 601-203-3333, sophomorespanishclub.com) / Walker’s Drive In (3016 N. State St., 601-982-2633, walkersdrivein.com)

courtesy Zach Bridfges

courtesy Shaaggy’s on the Rez

Best Happy Hour Finalists: Babalu Tapas & Tacos (622 Duling Ave., Suite 106, 601-366-5757, eatbabalu. com) / CAET Seafood and Oysterette (1000 Highland Colony Parkway, Suite 9015, Ridgeland, 601-321-9169, caetseafood.com) / The Manship Wood Fired Kitchen (1200 N. State St., Suite 100, 601-398-4562, themanshipjackson.com) / Saltine Restaurant (622 Duling Ave., Suite 201, 601-982-2899, saltinerestaurant.com)

Best Country Artist/Band Finalists: The Ballard Journeay Show (facebook.com/ballardjourneayshow) / Burnham Road (artistecard.com/burnhamroad) / Chasin’ Dixie (facebook.com/Chasindixie) / Jason Miller Band (facebook.com/TheJasonMillerBand) / Young Valley (youngvalleymusic.com)

Best Place to Watch the Game Finalists: 4th & Goal Sports Café (5100 Interstate 55 N. Frontage Road, 769-208-8283) BB’S LIVE–Bonny Blair’s (1149 Old Fannin Road, Brandon, 769-447-5788) / Capitol Grill (5050 Interstate 55 N. Frontage Road, Suite F, 601-899-8845, capitolgrillofjackson. com) / Fondren Public (2765 Old Canton Road, 769-216-2589) / Georgia Blue (multiple locations, georgiablue.net)

— Nick Judin

Finalists: The Bailey Brothers (facebook.com/TheBaileyBros) / Chad Wesley (chadwesleyband.com) / Chris Gill (chrisgillmusic.com) / Dexter Allen (dexterallen.com)

Best Beer Selection (Restaurant) Finalists: Barrelhouse (3009 N. State St., 769-216-3167, barrelhousems.com) / Fondren Public (2765 Old Canton Road, 769-216-2589) / The Pig & Pint (3139 N. State St., 601326-6070, pigandpint.com) / Saltine Restaurant (622 Duling Ave., Suite 201, 601-9822899, saltinerestaurant.com)

Are you a finalist? Didn’t get your party invitation? Email party@jacksonfreepress. com or call 601-362-6121 x17

A frequent finalist and winner in Best of Jackson, Shucker’s Oyster Bar rings in 2020 as this year’s winner for Best Place to Dance. It is also a finalist for six other categories this year, including Best Bar, Best Live Music Venue, Best Place to Drink Cheap, Best Place to Play Pool and Best Hangover Food.

Every Friday and Saturday, Shucker’s hosts “On the Deck,” featuring live music, seafood, cold drinks and many opportunities for dancing. Additionally, on Wednesdays, the bar holds “Terry’s $2 Takeover,” a ladies night event that offers $2 wine, beer and mixed drinks, as well as music by Proximity.

For the bar’s specials, menu and live entertainment, visit shuckersontherez.com.

— Sarah Pollard Finalists: BB’S LIVE–Bonny Blair’s (1149 Old Fannin Road, Brandon, 769-447-5788) / Ole Tavern on George Street (416 George St., 601960-2700, oletavern.com) / Pop’s Saloon (2636 S. Gallatin St., 601-961-4747) / Bar 3911 (3911 Northview Drive, 601-586-1468)

Best Club DJ: DJ Finesse

Jackson resident Brad Dreher, owner and general manager of Fondren Public, first opened the popular hangout in September 2013. Fondren Public’s drink selection includes 24 beers on tap, including craft brews, as well as bottled beers, cider, liquors and mixers. The menu includes public chips, five flavors of sliders with house cut fries; chicken and waffle sandwiches; and more.

The bar also has a bocce ball court, a shuffleboard court, arcade games, cornhole and giant Jenga pieces. Fondren Public is open from 4 p.m. to midnight on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Thursday, 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Friday and 2 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Saturday. Find it on Facebook.

— Dustin Cardon

Award-winning DJ Finesse, real name Chris Carr, has been in the industry for more than 30 years.

Finesse started out as a DJ with a local rap group by the name of Profile Crew and later branched out on his own. He now promotes club events and some of the world’s biggest record labels, including Interscope and Warner Brothers; and ends his nights with the number one Arbitron-rated radio night show in the state of Mississippi, 99 Jams WJMI. His motto is: “I just love to party!”

Finesse fell into the radio business by being a club DJ. He later began traveling with the station making a name for himself. Born and raised in Jackson, he has taken his love for music and transformed it into Finesse Entertainment, a multimedia company where he serves as CEO. His is also the current president of Core DJs. “My goal is to make sure that my mixes will have everyone enjoying themselves,” he says. For bookings, questions and more information, find him at djfinesse.com.

— Deja Davis

Finalists: BB’S LIVE–Bonny Blair’s (1149 Old Fannin Road, Brandon, 769-447-5788) / Fenian’s Pub (901 E. Fortification St., 601-948-0055, fenianspub.com) / Ole Tavern on George Street (416 George St., 601-960-2700, oletavern.com) / Pop’s Saloon (2636 S. Gallatin St., 601-961-4747) / Shucker’s Oyster Bar (116 Conestoga Road, Ridgeland, 601-853-0105, shuckersontherez.com)

(djfinesse.com)

COURTESY DJ FINESSE

(116 Conestoga Road, Ridgeland, 601853-0105, shuckersontherez.com)

Best Bar: Fondren Public

(2765 Old Canton Road, 769-216-2589)

Finalists: DJ 901 (97.7 WRBJ) / DJ Mason (facebook.com/601djmason) / DJ Tank / DJ Unpredictable / DJ Young Venom (djyoungvenom.com)

Open Doors to Curiosity. Discovery.

Belonging.

Shine Light on the Power of Courage.

Step through our doors today. Come explore the many stories that connect us all as Mississippians.

Explore the movement that changed the nation—and the people behind it.

222 North Street, Jackson museumofmshistory.com

222 North Street, Jackson mscivilrightsmuseum.com

January 22 - February 4,2020 • jfp.ms

Best Place to Dance: Shucker’s Oyster Bar

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Are you a finalist? Didn’t get your party invitation? Email party@jacksonfreepress. com or call 601-362-6121 x17

Best Cover Band: 601 LIVE

Best Gospel Artist/Group: Mississippi Mass Choir

While 601 Live has performed in many cities and states, band manager Cario Armstrong says there is nothing better than playing in the Jackson area. “We’re like Dorothy, you know? There’s no place like home,” he says. “Not only do we have our fans and supporters, but we have our friends and families with us (in Jackson), too.

Having it all right here means so much.”

Armstrong says one of the band’s favorite parts about performing is simply having the opportunity to share the band’s musical gifts. “Whether it’s one person or one thousand, we wanna be able to deliver a good experience,” he says. “The band definitely loves interacting and engaging with the crowd. Having them participate and get up there to sing or dance with us is always a great part of performing.” Find the band’s performance schedule on Instagram or Facebook.

— Sarah Pollard

In the song “This Morning When I Rose,” the instrumentals suddenly turn an upbeat tempo, and the vocals thunder across a sound system as a burst of energy might radiate across a flat surface. Even if the listener is not partial to the gospel sound, he or she may find it difficult to remain seated without moving as the Mississippi Mass Choir almost mandates movement through performed song and accompanied motion.

The Mississippi Mass Choir can be traced back to 1988 when a man named Frank Delano Williams formed the collective. Williams was a member of the gospel group The Jackson Southernaires, who enjoyed national success during the 1970s and 1980s. He had a partnership with Malaco Records during his time with that group, and while working as director of gospel promotions, decided on the creation of a statewide mass choir. To date, the choir counts 230 members, has performed in 40 states and numerous countries, and is the only choir to perform on location at the Grecian Acropolis. It also boasts 10 albums among its many accolades.

— Mike McDonald

(facebook.com/601liveband)

(facebook.com/TMMC1)

Best Jazz Artist/Group: Southern Komfort Brass Band

January 22 - February 4,2020 • jfp.ms

Finalists: Benjamin Cone, III & Worship (malaco.com) / Four Washington (fourwashington.com) / Jason Gibson & Destiny Project (facebook.com/JasonGibsonandDestinyProject) / Rhonda Chambers-Davis

Best Pub Quiz/Trivia Night: Lost Pizza Co.

Best Place to Play Pool: The Green Room

(facebook.com/southernkomfort)

(multiple locations, lostpizza.com)

(444 Bounds St., 601-718-7665)

Long-time Best of Jackson winner Southern Komfort Brass Band rings in 2020 with the Best Jazz Band honor.

The band, which formed in 2010, found its footing squarely in New Orleans-style jazz, but members pride themselves on the flexible nature of their playing. The band also won BOJ awards in both 2013 and 2014 for Best Jazz Band, as well as the Best Original and Cover Band honor in 2013 and 2014.

One of the band’s drummers, Tim Boyd, says what makes the band so unique is not playing solely brass band music, also fluidly cycling through jazz and reggae or even pop. Boyd says the band’s focus is to make people feel good and dance.

From Sir Mix-a-Lot’s “Baby Got Back” to Pharrell’s “Happy,” the band has a large repertoire of covers to pull from as well as original songs like “Jacktown” and “SK Theme.” The band’s core group of members are Jamie “Blophish” Abrams, Tim Boyd, Cedric Eubanks, Lorenzo Gayden, Joseph Handy, Corey Hannah, Gerard Howard, E. Antony James and Terry Miller.

— Caleb McCluskey

College roommates Brooks Roberts and Preston Lott had a dream of opening a restaurant with great beer and even better pizza.

But college graduation and jobs deferred those dreams as the duo immersed themselves in the “real world.” However, they reunited in 2007 to make their college dream come true with the opening of Lost Pizza Co. They opened the first restaurant in their hometown, Indianola, Miss., in September 2007 and have since opened up locations in the Jackson metro. On Tuesday nights, the restaurant hosts a Trivia Night from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. that offer gift-card prizes, and live music on Thursdays. Trivia Night draws a lot of regulars. “They take up a whole half of the restaurant. They come every single week. They’re very serious about it. It’s definitely a big night for us,” Assistant Manager J.D. Fike says.

Lost Pizza Co. makes its pizzas with no preservatives, fillers or artificial ingredients.

They use house-made dough and sauces as well.

— Aliyah Veal

Manager Theresa Burgardt says her number-one rule when people walk into the Green Room is safety, particularly when it comes to the well-being of women. “I always try to keep the women safe and just have a fun atmosphere. No clowning around. No fights. People get loud, they can go out. We don’t put up with nothing,” Burgardt says of the venue.

The Green Room is a sports bar and pool hall open for 20 years. Burgardt says the laidback atmosphere and the customers have kept her around for her 11 years. The establishment is popular for its drinks, food and monthly 9-ball tournament. People from all over the southeast come to play in it. People from Texas, Alabama and Georgia come to play,” she says.

The bar’s most popular drink among male customers is the Leg Spreader, which is a combination of rums and different juices. “I want (customers) to leave with a smile on their face and to be glad for whatever money they spent, that they had a good time,” she says.

— Aliyah Veal

courtesy Southern Komfort Brass Band

26

courtesy Mississippi Mass Choir

courtesy 601 live

Finalists: Hunter Gibson & the Gators (huntergibson.com) / Just Cauz (justcauzofficial.com) / Keys vs. Strings (facebook.com/KeysvsStrings) / Pop Fiction (facebook.com/popfictionms) / Steele Heart (reverbnation.com/steeleheart)

Finalists: Barry Leach (barryleach.com) / Gena Steele & Buzz Pickens (facebook.com/SteelePickens) / Raphael Semmes / Tiger Rogers (tigersrogers.com)

Finalists: Fenian’s Pub (901 E. Fortification St., 601-948-0055, fenianspub.com) / Library Lounge (734 Fairview St., 601-948-3429) / The Pig & Pint (3139 N. State St., 601-326-6070, pigandpint.com) / Urban Foxes (826 North St., 769-572-5505, urbanfoxesjxn.com)

Finalists: Dockery Grill (6791 S. Siwell Road, Byram, 601-665-4758) / Capt’n Jack’s Hot Shots (6034 Interstate 55 S. Frontage Road, Byram, 601-376-0141) / Pop’s Saloon (2636 S. Gallatin St., 601-961-4747) / Sam’s Lounge (5035 Interstate 55 N. Frontage, 601983-2526) / Shucker’s Oyster Bar (116 Conestoga Road, Ridgeland, 601-853-0105, shuckersontherez. com)

Are you a finalist? Didn’t get your party invitation? Email party@jacksonfreepress. com or call 601-362-6121 x17

Best Hip-Hop Artist/Group: Dear Silas

Best R&B Artist/Band: Stephanie Luckett

Silas Stapleton III, known as Dear Silas, used to blend into the crowd, but after embracing his authentic self he is more recognizable than ever. The rapper, anime-lover and trumpet player’s song “Gullah Gullah Island” from his 2016 album “The Day I Died” caught listeners’ ears. But it was “Skrr Skrr” that sealed the deal, literally and figuratively. The song acquired viral success after the chorus was dubbed over a Dexter’s Laboratory meme.

It grabbed the attention of various record labels, and he eventually signed a partnership deal with RCA in 2018 and released his second album, “The Last Cherry Blossom,” the same year. Dear Silas is a shining model of success amid a narrative that local artists have to leave home to achieve success. In October 2019, he headlined the Mississippi State Fair’s Music on the Midway and performed at comedian Hannibal Buress’ first Isola Fest in Isola, Miss., in December. The emcee’s success is a big win for hip-hop culture in Jackson.

— Aliyah Veal

Stephanie Luckett embodies the soulful roots of Mississippi with vocal ability that is full of heart and lyrical content that connects with listeners. Her debut LP “Kemistry” features the track “Intoxicated,” a vocal and emotional melody produced by Donovan Scott.

“When I perform, I perform with the thought that I want someone to enjoy my show. So, I give 1,000%,” Luckett says. “I want people to leave my shows with the thought that they got more than what they paid for.”

Luckett was thrilled to learn she was a finalist for this award. “To know that Jackson supports me fills my heart with so much joy,” she says. “Being a finalist chosen by the people in my hometown tells me I’m doing exactly that. Jackson, Miss., has some of the most creative, artistic and amazing artist musician on earth.”

When creating, Luckett draws inspiration from the people she meets, including the local artists she has sung background for in the past before taking the spotlight herself. “I get my creative process from everyone I encounter. … Sometimes it’s surreal to hear me call myself an artist. I get goosebumps at times thinking about it because I’m living my dream. (I had) a late start, but when God says it’s time he will move you,” she says.

— Robin Johnson

(facebook.com/dearsilas)

courtesy stepHanie Luckett

Justin Hardiman

Finalists: 5th Child (5thchildmusic.bandcamp.com) / Timaal Bradford (reverbnation.com/timaalbradford) / Vitamin Cea (thevitamincea.bandcamp.com) / Yung Jewelz (facebook.com/YungJewelzMusic)

(facebook.com/stephanieluckett)

Finalists: Alexander FRE$CO (alexanderfresco.com) / Kerry Thomas (artistecard.com/kerrythomasmusic) / Lari Johns’n (facebook.com/4larij) / Paige Dineen (paigedineen.com)

BEST PLACE FOR COCKTAILS

209 S LAMAR ST | DOWNTOWN JACKSON, MS

January 22 - February 4,2020 • jfp.ms

FOR MAKING US A WINNER

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Are you a finalist? Didn’t get your party invitation? Email party@jacksonfreepress. com or call 601-362-6121 x17

Best Karaoke DJ: Angela Pittman

Best Rock Artist/ Band: Steele Heart

Krazy Karaoke’s origins begin around 25 years ago. After Angela Pittman started singing at an attorney friend’s parties, more people started to ask her to perform at their events. Eventually, Pittman decided to turn her talents into a business, giving birth to Krazy Karaoke, a family-friendly band of singers who invite others to participate and sing. Pittman describes herself as a “paralegal by day and rockstar by night.”

Along with working in the Jackson metro, Krazy Karaoke has also traveled across the state as well as around the country. Krazy Karaoke has had several different promotions wherein the winner could open for a national recording artist.

Pittman gives credit to Krazy Karaoke’s loyal following, saying she could not do what she does without their support, and she calls her team “the best.”

— Brianna Gibson

Steele Heart stole the hearts of this year’s voters with their classic-rock inspired covers. Husband and wife duo Gena and David Steele started playing together in 2010, and the pair evolved into a five-piece group.

“It’s quite an honor (to be recognized),” Gena Steele says. “It was kind of strange, too, because I’ve been playing in Jackson since 1984, and this is the first time I’ve been recognized, so this is neat.”

Steele says what makes their band stand out is the musical blend the group offers listeners. “It’s a unique sound—kind of our own sound,” she says. “We do covers, of course, but they just don’t sound like a jukebox. It has its own style.”

Band members include David Steele, Gena Steele, Carlos Calabrese, Cucho Gonzalez and John McNaughton.

— Caleb McCluskey

(Krazy Karaoke)

(reverbnation.com/steeleheart)

courtesy Steele Heart

courtesy Angela Pittman

Finalists: Brian Jones (Lillian Axe, lillianaxe.com) / Empty Atlas (emptyatlas.com) / Just Cauz (justcauzofficial.com) / Lovin Ledbetter (lovinledbetter.com) / Sweet Tooth Jones (facebook. com/sweettoothjonesband)

Finalists: Charlie Keister (Ole Tavern on George Street, 416 George St., 601-960-2700, oletavern.com) / Matt Collette / Rob Lehman (crowdpleasersdj.com)

Best Live Music Venue: Duling Hall

Best Service Industry Hangout: Last Call Sports Grill (1428 Old Square Road, 601-713-2700)

After a long day of work, sometimes people need a place where they can kick back and recover, let their minds and bodies reset before they dive headfirst into their next shifts. Last Call Sports Grill provides that atmosphere for many in the local service industry. The restaurant and bar features a full kitchen for the peckish, largescreen televisions for sports fans, DJs hosting late-night dancing for the spirited, and karaoke for the brave and talented. Last Call also hosts special events throughout the year, such as last November’s best pajama or December’s ugly-sweater contests and a “Grown Folks Day” earlier this month featuring with specialty drinks and prizes. Last Call also has hookahs available. Find it on Facebook.

— Richard Coupe Finalists: BB’S LIVE–Bonny Blair’s (1149 Old Fannin Road, Brandon, 769-4475788) / F. Jones Corner (303 N. Farish St., Suite 3227, 601-983-1148, fjonescorner. com) / Fenian’s Pub (901 E. Fortification St., 601-948-0055, fenianspub.com) / Sam’s Lounge (5035 Interstate 55 N. Frontage, 601-983-2526)

Best Place to Drink Cheap: Capitol Grill

January 22 - February 4,2020 • jfp.ms

(5050 Interstate 55 N. Frontage Road, Suite F, 601899-8845, capitolgrillofjackson.com)

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(622 Duling Ave., 601-292-7121, dulinghall.com)

Arden Barnett, founder of entertainment company ardenland, has been operating Duling Hall in Fondren since finalizing a long-term lease with the building’s owner, Mike Peters of Peters Development, in January 2014. Barnett had previously run ardenland out of his home. Barnett has since hosted everything from concerts and private parties to weddings and high-school proms at the venue, which has space for up to 400 people without tables.

The venue has housed concerts for hip-hop artists like Isaiah Rashad, indie-pop bands such as The JAG and Rainbow Kitten Surprise, reggae group The Wailers, a cappella group Street Corner Symphony, Led Zeppelin tribute band Zoso and more.

Visit ardenland.net or dulinghall.ticketfly.com.

— Dustin Cardon Finalists: BB’S LIVE–Bonny Blair’s (1149 Old Fannin Road, Brandon, 769-447-5788) / Brandon Amphitheater (8190 Rock Way, Brandon, 601-724-2726, brandonamphitheater. com) / Hal and Mal’s (200 Commerce St., 601-948-0888, halandmals.com) / Martin’s Downtown (214 State St., 601-354-9712, martinsdowntownjxn.com) / Shucker’s Oyster Bar (116 Conestoga Road, Ridgeland, 601-853-0105, shuckersontherez.com)

Best Place for Cocktails: 4th Avenue Lounge (209 S. Lamar St., 855-246-9636, 4thavenuejxn.com)

Capitol Grill strives for affordability and fun, branding itself as a sports bar obsessed with everything SEC that tries to have everyone’s favorite college team on at least one television inside. While watching the game, customers can enjoy affordable drinks from cocktails and wines to beer. The bar has seven beers on draft, 12 craft beers, 11 domestic beers, eight imported beers and varying seasonal beers.

The bar is open Monday through Friday from 2 p.m. to 2 a.m. and Saturday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. with happy hour from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. everyday with a nightly dinner special. From Thursday to Sunday, the bar has a second happy hour from 10 p.m. to midnight for those who either missed the first one or want to come back for more. To learn more, see capitolgrillofjackson.com. — Caleb McCluskey

Ja’Nee Powell says she and her husband, Chad, wanted to create a place that offered diversity and felt safe, which led to them founding 4th Avenue Lounge, a culmination of the couple’s concepts from travels to cities such as Atlanta, Dallas and Miami. “It’s supposed to feel intimate. We wanted to do a contemporary feel and really enhance the ambiance that you can embody when being downtown,” she says.

Powell wanted “Instagram worthy” cocktails, which are made with freshly squeezed juices and premium liquor. “We’re just making sure people get their dollars worth when they are looking for something to cut the edge and want to relax and want a refreshing cocktail,” she says. “I want them to really feel like it was worth getting dressed and coming downtown.”

— Aliyah Veal

Finalists: Fenian’s Pub (901 E. Fortification St., 601-948-0055, fenianspub.com) / Martin’s Downtown (214 State St., 601-354-9712, martinsdowntownjxn.com) / Pop’s Saloon (2636 S. Gallatin St., 601-961-4747) / Sam’s Lounge (5035 Interstate 55 N. Frontage, 601-9832526) / Shucker’s Oyster Bar (116 Conestoga Road, Ridgeland, 601-853-0105, shuckersontherez.com)

Finalists: The Apothecary at Brent’s Drugs (655 Duling Ave., 601-366-3427, brentsdrugs. com) / Babalu Tapas & Tacos (622 Duling Ave., Suite 106, 601-366-5757, eatbabalu.com) / Barrelhouse (3009 N. State St., 769-216-3167, barrelhousems.com) / BB’S LIVE–Bonny Blair’s (1149 Old Fannin Road, Brandon, 769-447-5788) / CAET Seafood and Oysterette (1000 Highland Colony Parkway, Suite 9015, Ridgeland, 601-321-9169, caetseafood.com)

730 Lakeland Dr. Jackson, MS | Èä£ ÎÈÈ ÈäÎÎÊUÊSun-Thurs: 11am - 10pm, Fri-Sat: 11am - 11pmÊUÊWE DELIVER FOR CATERING ORDERS: Fondren / Belhaven / UMC area

MEDITERRANEAN GRILL

Thank you for your votes!

Winner: Best Ethnic Market, Best Place for Healthy Food Best Vegetarian Options, Best Place for Hummus

January 22 - Fabruary 4, 2020 • jfp.ms

Finalist: Best Meal Under $10

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To see past winners, visit bestofjackson.com.

Best Ethnic Market, Best Place for Healthy Food, Best Place for Hummus, Best Vegetarian Options: Aladdin Medditerannean Grocery; Aladdin Medditerannean Grill (730 Lakeland Drive, 601-366-6033, aladdininjackson.com)

Best Ethnic Market Finalists: Carnicería Valdez (2275 Highway 80, 601-352-6300; 6530 Old Canton Road, Ridgeland, 601-899-6992) / Mr. Chen’s (5465 Interstate 55 N. Frontage Road, 601-9781865, mrchensms.com) / Patel Brothers (1999 Highway 80 W., Suite 15, 601-353-6611; 6800 Old Canton Road, Ridgeland, 601-952-0332, patelbros.com) / Asian Market (901 Lakeland Place, Suite 6, Flowood, 769-572-7050, asianmarketflowood.com) / India Bazaar (957 Highway 80 E., Clinton, 601-272-4000, indiabazaarms.com)

January 22 - February 4,2020 • jfp.ms

Best Place for Healthy Food Finalists: Crossroads Café (398 Highway 51, Ridgeland, 601-790-7141) / Kale Me Crazy (1067 Highland Colony Parkway, Suite D, Ridgeland, 601-499-0459, kalemecrazy.net) / Mama Nature’s Juice Bar (655 Lake Harbour Drive, Suite 400, Ridgeland, 601-499-4936, mamanatureswellness.com) / Vitality Bowls (Franchise) (multiple locations, vitalitybowls. com) / Refill Café (136 S. Adams St., 601-540-7231, refillcafejackson.com)

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Best Place for Hummus Finalists: Aplos Simple Mediterranean (4500 Interstate 55 N., Suite 174, 601-714-8989, eataplos.com) / Athenos Greek & Lebanese Cafe (111 Colony Crossing, Suite 490, Madison, 601-605-1400, athenoscafe.com) / Keifer’s (710 Poplar Blvd., 601-355-6825, keifers.net; 120 N. Congress St., 601-353-4976, keifersdowntown.com) / Krilakis Greek Gyros & Salads (207 W. Jackson St., Suite D, Ridgeland, 601-790-9463, krilakis.com) / Zeek’z House of Gyros (96 Laurel Park Drive, Flowood, 769-572-4802, zeekzdogwood.com) Best Vegetarian Options Finalists: BRAVO! Italian Restaurant & Bar (4500 Interstate 55 N., Suite 244, 601-9828111, bravobuzz.com) / Mama Nature’s Juice Bar (655 Lake Harbour Drive, Suite 400, Ridgeland, 601-499-4936, mamanatureswellness.com) / North South Tadka (119 Colony Crossing Way, Suite 600, Madison, 601-707-5824, northsouthtadka.com)

Best Restaurant; Best Fine Dining; Best Steak; Best Wine List/Wine Selection: Char Restaurant

(4500 Interstate 55 N. Frontage Road, 601-956-9562, charrestaurant.com)

With its extensive wine menu full of whites, reds, sparking and rosé from across the world, including Argentina and Italy, it’s no surprise that Jacksonians voted Char for Best Wine List/Wine Selection. No matter what your taste is, the restaurant probably has something for you, whether it’s a Villa Pozzi pinot grigio by the glass or Dom Perignon Champagne by the bottle. For those who like something a little strong, try a cocktail like the Mississippi mule with Cathead honeysuckle vodka, lime, a strawberry simple syrup and ginger beer.

Char, also a winner for Best Fine Dining, Best Restaurant and Best Steak, has a menu that includes appetizers such as a crabtini with jumbo lump crab, lettuce and vinaigrette, and main dishes like the chili-rubbed Cowboy Ribeye with maitr d’butter. The restaurant has five private dining rooms that can seat anywhere from 10 to 200 people, depending on the room and type of seating.

Each room has an audio-visual projector and screen. The Highland Room has two projectors and a TV behind the bar.

Char is open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

For more information, visit jackson.charrestaurant.com.

— Amber Helsel

courtesy Char

Seyma Bayram

Since 2004, Yoseph Ali’s Aladdin Mediterranean Grill has been Jackson’s go-to spot for healthy, meat- and vegetablebased Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine. The Fondren restaurant’s menu includes a wide range of dishes: beef and chicken kebabs; lamb chops; kibbeh; dips and salads, including baba ganoush, fatouche and tabbouleh; baklava. Its vegetarian options, like the famous falafel plate, and its hummus earned the restaurant multiple Best of Jackson awards this year.

Jacksonians looking to try something new or craving the taste of home can head next door to shop at Aladdin Groceries, which won Best Ethnic Market in Jackson.

Customers can browse the aisles for jams (apricot, fig), grains, herbs, nuts, cheeses (feta, nabulsi, halloumi), labneh (yogurt cheese), soujouk (a popular Middle Eastern dried beef sausage), pickled vegetables, tins of stuffed grape leaves, olives, Turkish biscuits and chocolates, candies, teas, oils and much more.

The market also offers halal whole and ground beef, chicken, lamb or goat by the pound. Pro tip: Place an order in advance with Mohamed and pick it up on a Wednesday, when the weekly meat shipments come in.

Perhaps best of all is Aladdin’s selection of plump medjool dates. The date palm—a sacred tree for Middle Easterners and North Africans, one the Qu’ran frequently references—bears a fruit widely considered a delicacy. Aladdin sells 5- and 11-pound boxes of the dates. Deep honey-colored and delicious, they make you wonder what was really inside of the glowing suitcase that Jules popped open in “Pulp Fiction.”

— Seyma Bayram

Best Fine Dining Finalists: BRAVO! Italian Restaurant & Bar (4500 Interstate 55 N., Suite 244, 601982-8111, bravobuzz.com) / CAET Seafood and Oysterette (1000 Highland Colony Parkway, Suite 9015, Ridgeland, 601-321-9169, caetseafood.com) / Koestler Prime (1000 Highland Colony Parkway, Suite 6001, Ridgeland, 601-957-3753, koestlerprime. com) / Table 100 (100 Ridge Way, Flowood, 601-420-4202, tableonehundred.com) / Walker’s Drive In (3016 N. State St., 601-982-2633, walkersdrivein.com) Best Restaurant Finalists: Amerigo Italian Restaurant (6592 Old Canton Road, 601-977-0563; 155 Market St., Flowood, 601-992-1550, amerigo.net) / BRAVO! Italian Restaurant & Bar (4500 Interstate 55 N., Suite 244, 601-982-8111, bravobuzz.com) / Godfrey’s Caribbean Restaurant (2460 Terry Road, 601-398-3602) / The Manship Wood Fired Kitchen (1200 N. State St., Suite 100, 601-398-4562, themanshipjackson.com) / Walker’s Drive In (3016 N. State St., 601-982-2633, walkersdrivein.com) Best Steak Finalists: Ely’s Restaurant & Bar (115 W. Jackson St., Suite 2E, Ridgeland, 601-6056359, elysrestaurant.com) / Kathryn’s Steaks & Seafood (6800 Old Canton Road, Suite 108, Ridgeland, 601-956-2803, kathrynssteaks.com) / Koestler Prime (1000 Highland Colony Parkway, Suite 6001, 601-957-3753, koestlerprime.com) / MM Shapley’s Restaurant (868 Centre St., Ridgeland, 601-957-8000, msshapleys.com) / Tico’s Steak House (1536 E County Line Road, Suite 1905, Ridgeland, 601-956-1030, ticossteakhouse.com) Best Wine List/Wine Selection Finalists: Amerigo Italian Restaurant (155 Market St., Flowood, 601-992-1550; 6592 Old Canton Road, Ridgeland, 601-977-0563, amerigo.net) / BRAVO! Italian Restaurant & Bar (4500 Interstate 55 N., Suite 244, 601-982-8111, bravobuzz.com) / CAET Seafood and Oysterette (1000 Highland Colony Parkway, Suite 9015, Ridgeland, 601321-9169, caetseafood.com) / Koestler Prime (1000 Highland Colony Parkway, Suite 6001, 601-957-3753, koestlerprime.com)

Are you a finalist? Didn’t get your party invitation? Email party@jacksonfreepress. com or call 601-362-6121 x17

Best Local French Fries; Best Hangover Food; Best Meal Under $10: Keifer’s

(710 Poplar Blvd., 601-355-6825, keifers.net; 120 N. Congress St., 601-353-4976, keifersdowntown.com)

Best Hangover Food Finalists: BB’S LIVE–Bonny Blair’s (1149 Old Fannin Road, Brandon, 769-447-5788) / Basil’s (2906 N. State St., Suite 104, 601-982-2100; 120 N. Congress St., Suite L1, 601-944-9888) / Green Ghost Tacos (2820 N. State St., 601-487-6082; 1290 E. County Line Road, Ridgeland, 601-957-7436, greenghosttacos.com) / Rooster’s (2906 N. State St., Suite 104, 601-982-2001, glennfoods.com) / Shucker’s Oyster Bar (116 Conestoga Road, Ridgeland, 601-853-0105, shuckersontherez.com) Best Meal Under $10 Finalists: Aladdin Mediterranean Grill (730 Lakeland Drive, 601-366-6033, aladdininjackson.com) / Basil’s (2906 N. State St., Suite 104, 601-982-2100; 120 N. Congress St., Suite L1, 601-944-9888) / Beatty Street Grocery (101 Beatty St., 601-355-0514) / Bully’s Restaurant (3118 Livingston Road, Suite 6103, 601-362-0484) / Green Ghost Tacos (2820 N. State St., 601-487-6082; 1290 E. County Line Road, Ridgeland, 601957-7436, greenghosttacos.com)

The 2020 Best of Jackson Party is Sunday 1/26/20 in downtown Jackson. Invitation only! If you are a finalist or winner and need to RSVP, please call Andrea @ 601-362-6121 ext 17 by Friday at 3 p.m.! Visit bestofjackson.com to read about last year’s winners.

MISSISSIPPI’S CONSIGNMENT SHOPS

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thank you for voting Repeat Street & Orange Peel among Jackson’s Best Consignment Shopping!

Stop in & see what’s on our shelves today!

January 22 - February 4,2020 • jfp.ms

Best Local French Fries Finalists: Aplos Simple Mediterranean (4500 Interstate 55, Suite 174, 601-714-8989, eataplos.com) / CAET Seafood and Oysterette (1000 Highland Colony Parkway, Suite 9015, Ridgeland, 601-321-9169, caetseafood.com) / Fine & Dandy (100 District Blvd.

E., 601-202-5050, eatdandy.com) / Rooster’s (2906 N. State St., Suite 104, 601-9822001, glennfoods.com) / Stamps Superburgers (1801 Dalton St., 601-352-4555)

TRIP URNS / FILE PHTOO

While Keifer’s is a repeat Best of Jackson winner and finalist in categories like Best French Fries and Best Hangover Food, this year Jacksonians have helped Keifer’s become a finalist under a new nod: Best Geek Hangout. The restaurant has extensive seating both inside and out, so Keifer’s is perfect for those who want to game on their laptops or read comic books, and it has an extensive menu that caters to everyone from college students looking for a place to eat, study and chill to people celebrating a birthday.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a complete visit without getting fries from the restaurant (they are this year’s winner for Best Fries, after all). Guests can choose from two types: curly and cottage, which are fried slices of a whole potato with feta dressing. If you’ve had a crazy night out and need some food to recover, Keifer’s has you covered, from more than 10 types of gyros to salads to appetizers like pita mozz. The downtown location also has daily specials like a bacon cheeseburger and a veggie wrap, and both locations feature a soup of the day.

Keifer’s in Belhaven is open Sunday through Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. The downtown location is open from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information, visit keifers.net or find the restaurant on Facebook.

— Amber Helsel

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Best Local Fried Chicken; Best Lunch Counter or Buffet; Best Soul Food: Mama Hamil’s Southern Cookin’ & BBQ

Best Margarita; Best Veggie Burger; Best Place for a First Date: Babalu Tapas & Tacos

When my mom visited from Montana, Mama Hamil’s was one of the dining places that offered a tasteful and memorable introduction to the state. The restaurant has a down-home quality where the customer can feel a sense of warmth and comfort when stepping inside the log walls. The tables and food are laid out in a way to suggest serious eating will take place once the customers enter and take an assessment of their surroundings while figuring out which home-cooked food will be first on the plate.

The restaurant’s namesake comes from the Hamil family, who founded the establishment in 1977. Highway 51 in Madison has been the home of the restaurant since its creation, although the original spot was a small cabin with a maximum capacity of 50 people, and now the current building is situated behind that cabin.

The restaurant boasts a private event space, catering and delivery service within a 20-mile area.

The current manager, Bob Hamil, assumed management control in 1994 and inherited the recipes from his grandmother. Like many business owners and cooks, Hamil learned the labor and attention to detail that accompanies food preparation and preservation as well. He would watch his grandmother use vegetables from the garden and his grandfather butcher a hog. This early introduction to what we might now label as farm-to-table engendered a love of cooking to the young Hamil.

— Mike McDonald

Known for its unique Latin American cuisine and hand-crafted adult beverages, Babalu again takes multiple Best of Jackson awards. “Its atmosphere isn’t too romantic or too family-oriented, making it a comfortable and enjoyable place to have a first date,’’ says Amanda Spradley, general manager of the Fondren location. “It’s no secret that the vegetables we use for tacos, salads, guacamole and more are fresh, locally sourced as much as possible and crazy good. Because of this, I think it’s natural for our loyal customers to think our Black Bean Burger is the best,” Spradley adds.

The owners plan to completely renovate the Fondren restaurant, beginning this summer. The renovations will reinvent the kitchen and guest area and will create a large private dining room for special occasions and events. The owners hope to keep the restaurant open during the renovations.

Babalu, which opened in 2010, is known for original drinks like its signature Baba Rita with pomegranate mix, hand-squeezed sour mix and Patron tequila. “Babalu mixologists work tirelessly to create top-notch margaritas and hand-crafted cocktails for guests to enjoy,” Spradley says.

— Mauricio J. Quijano

(751 Highway 51, Madison, 601-856-4407, hamils.com)

(622 Duling Ave., Suite 106, 601-366-5757, eatbabalu.com)

January 22 - February 4,2020 • jfp.ms

Best Lunch Counter or Buffet Finalists: Brent’s Drugs (655 Duling Ave., 601-366-3427, brentsdrugs.com) / McDade’s Market (1220 E. Northside Drive, 601-366-8486; 653 Duling Ave., 601-366-5273; mcdadesmarkets.com) / Pearl’s Southern Cooking (3505 Terry Road, 601-372-2100) / Ichiban Chinese Buffet; Ichiban Hibachi & Sushi (multiple locations, ichibanbuffetms.com)

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Best Soul Food Finalists: Bully’s Restaurant (3118 Livingston Road, Suite 6103, 601-362-0484) / Gloria’s Kitchen (2430 Bailey Ave., 601-362-0009; 3417 N. West St., 601-397-6173) / Sugar’s Place (168 E. Griffith St., 601-352-2364) / Yum Yum’s Kitchen & Catering (1815 Hospital Drive, 601-398-1880)

courtesy Babalu

courtesy Mama Hamil’s Southern Cookin’ & BBQ

Best Local Fried Chicken Finalists: Local 463 Urban Kitchen (1000 Highland Colony Parkway, Suite 5002, Ridgeland, 601-707-7684, local463.com) / Lou’s Full-Serv (904B E. Fortification St., Suite B, 601-4876359, lousfullserv.com) / Primos Café (2323 Lakeland Drive, Flowood, 601-936-3398; 515 Lake Harbour Drive, Ridgeland, 601-898-3600; 201 Baptist Drive, Madison, 601-853-3350, primoscafe.com) / Rooster’s (2906 N. State St., Suite 104, 601-982-2001, glennfoods.com) / The Gathering at Livingston (106 Livingston Church Road, Flora, 601-667-4282, livingstonmercantile.com)

Best Margarita Finalists: El Sombrero (multiple locations) / Green Ghost Tacos (2820 N. State St., 601487-6082; 1290 E. County Line Road, Ridgeland, 601-957-7436, greenghosttacos.com) / Picante’s Mexican Grill (960 N. State St., 601-398-1344) / Sombra Mexican Kitchen (140 Township Ave., Suite 100, Ridgeland, 601-707-7950, sombramexicankitchen.com) / Sophomore Spanish Club (200 District Blvd. E., 601-203-3333, sophomorespanish.com) Best Veggie Burger Finalists: BRAVO! Italian Restaurant & Bar (4500 Interstate 55 N., Suite 244, 601-9828111, bravobuzz.com) / The Farmer’s Table (929 High St., 601-940-4241) / Crossroads Café (398 Highway 51, Ridgeland, 601-790-7141) / Local 463 Urban Kitchen (1000 Highland Colony Parkway, Suite 5002, Ridgeland, 601-707-7684, local463.com) Best Place for a First Date Finalists: Amerigo Italian Restaurant (155 Market St., Flowood, 601-992-1550; 6592 Old Canton Road, Ridgeland, 601-977-0563, amerigo.net) / Char Restaurant (4500 Interstate 55 N. Frontage Road, 601-956-9562, charrestaurant.com) / Mama Nature’s Juice Bar (655 Lake Harbour Drive, Suite 400, Ridgeland, 601-499-4936, mamanatureswellness.com) / Sophomore Spanish Club (200 District Blvd., Suite E, 601-203-3333, sophomorespanish. com) / Walker’s Drive In (3016 N. State St., 601-982-2633, walkersdrivein.com)

To see past winners, visit bestofjackson.com.

Best Barbecue: The Pig & Pint

(3139 N. State St., 601-326-6070, pigandpint.com)

“Come for the Pig. Come for the Pint.” This awardwinning restaurant is a local go-to for anyone who appreciates barbecue cuisine. The Pig and Pint offers catering and delivery through Waitr.

The menu options range from barbecue chicken tacos, pork belly corn dogs, baby back ribs, brisket, nachos

and other creative takes on southern staples. Patrons can pair their meals with one of 100 craft beers from the restaurant’s selection.

A popular stop in Fondren, The Pig and Pint strives to serve flavorful barbecue with a side of nostalgia, a little flair, and warm, friendly southern hospitality. You can visit pigantpint.com to view the full menu.

— Luis Montgomery

Finalists: E & L Barbeque (1111 Bailey Ave., 601-355-5035) / Hickory Pit (1491 Canton Mart Road, 601-956-7079) / Jefferson’s Grill Restaurant & Catering (5612 Old Canton Road.

601-863-5227) / Little Willie’s BBQ (115 Village Square, Suite G, Brandon, 601-992-6328; 5419 Highway 25, Suite L, Flowood, 769-572-4238; 3015 Highway 80, Pearl, 601-3976698) / Sylvester’s MS Style BBQ (9434 Highway 18, Raymond, 601-346-8000)

Are you a finalist? Didn’t get your party invitation? Email party@jacksonfreepress. com or call 601-362-6121 x17

Best Bakery; Best Breakfast: Primos Café

(multiple locations, cupsespressocafe.com)

Best College Student Hangout Finalists: Deep South Pops (1800 N. State St., 601-398-2174; 4500 Interstate 55 N. Frontage Road, 601-398-0623, deepsouthpops.com) / Fenian’s Pub (901 E. Fortification St., 601948-0055, fenianspub.com) / Fondren Public (2765 Old Canton Road, 769-216-2589) / Ole Tavern on George Street (416 George St., 601-960-2700, oletavern.com) / Sneaky Beans (2914 N. State St., 601-487-6349) Best Place to Get Coffee Finalists: Coffee Prose (1619 N. West St., 769-208-0230, coffeeprose.com) / Mocha Mugs (1800 W. Government St., Brandon, 601-825-1006; 5610 Highway 25, Brandon, 601-9193684; 119 Grandview Blvd., Madison, 601-605-0160; mochamugs.com) / The Prickly Hippie (500 Highway 51, Suite F, Ridgeland, 601-910-6730, pricklyhippie.com) / Sneaky Beans (2914 N. State St., 601-487-6349) / Urban Foxes (826 North St., 769-572-5505, urbanfoxesjxn.com)

Best Brunch: The Iron Horse Grill

(320 W. Pearl St., 601-398-0151, theironhorsegrill.com)

The Iron Horse Grill is a repeat winner and finalist in Best of Jackson for a lot of reasons, such as its live music and good drinks. But it’s a perennial favorite in one particular category: brunch. On Sundays, chefs at the Iron Horse are busy chatting with guests at the different stations, adding meats, vegetables and cheeses to omelettes and toppings like berries, whipped cream and chocolate chips to waffles. Iron Horse’s brunch menu also includes hash browns, bacon, cheese grits, sausage, champagne, freshly squeezed orange juice and more, as well as bottomless Bloody Marys and mamosas. Local musician Thomas “Tiger” Rogers performs live on Sundays from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The Iron Horse serves brunch from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

For more information, visit theironhorsegrill.com.

— Amber Helsel Finalists: BRAVO! Italian Restaurant & Bar (4500 Interstate 55 N., Suite 244, 601-9828111, bravobuzz.com) / Char Restaurant (4500 Interstate 55 N. Frontage Road, 601-9569562, charrestaurant.com) / The Manship Wood Fired Kitchen (1200 N. State St., Suite 100, 601-398-4562, themanshipjackson.com) / Saltine Restaurant (622 Duling Ave., Suite 201, 601-982-2899, saltinerestaurant.com) / Table 100 (100 Ridge Way, Flowood, 601-4204202, tableonehundred.com)

Best Bakery Finalists: Broad Street Baking Company (4465 Interstate 55 N., Suite 101, 601-362-2900, broadstbakery.com) / Campbell’s Bakery (3013 N. State St., 601-362-4628; 111 Colony Crossing Way, Madison, 601-362-4628, campbellsbakery.ms) / La Brioche Patisserie & Bistro (2906 N. State St., 601-988-2299, La Brioche at the Museum, 380 S. Lamar St., 601965-9900, labriochems.com) / The Prickly Hippie (500 Highway 51, Suite F, Ridgeland, 601-910-6730, pricklyhippie.com) / Urban Foxes (826 North St., 769-572-5505, urbanfoxesjxn.com) Best Breakfast Finalists: Brent’s Drugs (655 Duling Ave., 601-366-3427, brentsdrugs.com) / Broad Street Baking Company (4465 Interstate 55 N., Suite 101, 601-362-2900, broadstbakery.com) / Jo’s Diner (241 Ridge Way, Flowood, 601-988-9000, josdiner.net) / La Brioche Patisserie & Bistro (2906 N. State St., 601-988-2299, La Brioche at the Museum, 380 S. Lamar St., 601965-9900, labriochems.com) / Sneaky Beans (2914 N. State St., 601-487-6349)

Best Beer Selection (Store): Hops & Habanas

(2771 Old Canton Road, 769-572-4631, hopsandhabanas.com)

Beer is a craft, and the people from Hops and Habanas understand that well. From domestic and imports to both local and nation-wide craft selections, Hops and Habanas has something for all tastes.

The store has a wide selection of both bottled and canned beer, as well as a cornucopia of beer on tap from classic labels like Pabst Blue Ribbon to favorites from breweries closer to home like Southern Prohibition Brewing in Hattiesburg and Abita Brewing Company of Abita Springs, La.

The store also sells kegs of various sizes from 5.23-gallon tanks all the way to 15.5 gallons. Owner Richard Miles’ blog at hopsandhabanas.com talks about new arrivals and upcoming store events.

— Caleb McCluskey

courtesy Hops & Habanas

Best Geek Hangout Finalists: The Hangout Gamer Lounge (1149 Old Fannin Road, Brandon, 769-572-7887, thehangoutgamer.com) / Keifer’s (710 Poplar Blvd., 601-355-6825, keifers.net; 120 N. Congress St., 601-353-4976, keifersdowntown.com) / Offbeat (151 Wesley Ave., 601-376-9404, offbeatjxn.com) / Sneaky Beans (2914 N. State St., 601-487-6349) / Van’s Comics, Cards & Games (731 S. Pear Orchard Road, Suite 1, Ridgeland, 601-898-9950, vansccg.com)

Primos Café has been around since the 1920s, so it’s no wonder that they are honored in multiple categories after spending so long establishing their credibility with Jacksonians. Dessert lovers can find all types of scrumptious sweets including cookies, petit fours, fudge squares and pies.

Whether you need a whole dessert for the family or a slice of heaven for yourself, the business’ amazing two- and threelayer cake choices of caramel, Italian cream, German chocolate or strawberry cake will fit the bill.

For those who understand that the most important meal of the day is great for any time of the day, Primos has that covered, too. It serves southern breakfast staples such as omelets, bacon, pancakes, oatmeal and parfaits all day and always has a daily breakfast feature. The biscuits are wonderful.

— Torsheta Jackson

trip burns / file photo

Tera Eichelberger

College students are known for their obsessions with coffee shops. Always looking for a relaxed place to study, do homework or hang out with friends, college students can find the perfect, cozy spot at Cups Espresso Cafe.

Now with 11 locations, Cups serves drip coffee, iced coffee, espresso, tea, and seasonal favorites like Pumpkin Spice, Irish Cream, Chocolate Hazelnut, Frosty’s Favorite and Christmas Snow. The cafe also offers Cups Originals, such as the Capitol Street, Brunette and Diablo.

In addition to serving coffee made with beans they roast themselves, Cups strives to support local artists by displaying their art on the walls and looking for artists to hire as baristas as they pursue their careers in media, visual arts or music. Cups has become a place not only for college students, but also anyone in Jackson who wants to support local and harbor community. To find a Cups near you, visit cupsespressocafe.com.

— Alyssa Bass

(2323 Lakeland Drive, Flowood, 601-936-3398; 515 Lake Harbour Drive, Ridgeland, 601-898-3600; 201 Baptist Drive, Madison, 601-853-3350, primoscafe.com)

Finalists: Barley’s Beer Barn (1716 Highway 51, Suite E, Madison, 601-790-7901) / Craft Beer Cellar (500 Highway 51, Suite P, Ridgeland, 601-790-7474, craftbeercellar.com) / LD’s BeerRun (5006 Parkway Drive, 769-208-8686) / McDade’s Market (1220 E. Northside Drive, 601-366-8486; 653 Duling Ave., 601-366-5273; mcdadesmarkets.com)

January 22 - February 4,2020 • jfp.ms

Best College Student Hangout; Best Place to Get Coffee; Best Geek Hangout: Cups Espresso Cafe

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Best Chinese Food; Best Sushi/Japanese: Ichiban Chinese Buffet; Ichiban Hibachi and Sushi

Best Italian Restaurant; Best Place for Dessert: Amerigo Italian Restaurant

(multiple locations, ichibanbuffetms.com)

Best Chinese Food Finalists: Great Wall Chinese Restaurant (218 Clinton Blvd., Clinton, 601-925-4922) / Hunan Wok Carry Out (6556 Old Canton Road, Ridgeland, 601-956-8988) / Mr. Chen’s Authentic Chinese Cooking (5465 Interstate 55 N. Frontage Road, 601-978-1865, mrchensms. com) / Tokyo Tasty Chinese & Sushi Buffet (Old Square Road, 769-216-2420, tokyotastingbuffet.com) / Wok to Go (4329 N. State St., 601-981-2112) Best Sushi/Japanese Finalists: Bonsai Japanese Steakhouse (1925 Lakeland Drive, 601-981-0606, bonsaijxn.com) / Edo Japanese Restaurant ( 5834 Ridgewood Road, Suite C, 601-899-8518, edojapaneserestaurantjacksonms.com) / Little Tokyo (876 Avery Blvd. S., Ridgeland, 601-991-3800) / Nagoya Japanese Sushi Bar (111 Colony Crossing Way, Suite 380, Madison, 601-856-5678, nagoya-ms.net) / Sakura Bana (4800 Interstate 55, 601-982-3035, sakurabanajackson.com)

(6592 Old Canton Road, Ridgeland, 601-977-0563; 155 Market St., Flowood, 601-992-1550; amerigo.net)

courtesy Amerigo

Nick Judin

Starting from Ichiban’s original Lakeland space in 2006, owners Kam and Ling Ngai aimed to bring an upscale model of panAsian buffet to the Jackson metro. The formula worked, and the result is the most wildly popular buffet and sushi spot in town. The metro now has five different Ichiban restaurants since the 2019 opening of a Madison location. Kam Ngai laughed when I asked him how many more were planned for this year, but if the business became a nationwide chain, Jacksonians wouldn’t be surprised.

Variety is partially to thank for the brand’s success, from the wide array of buffet menu items to the different types of restaurants: buffet, hibachi, traditional sit-down and conveyor-belt options are available across the different locations. But it’s the freshness of the fish, not a quality typically associated with buffet sushi, that is Ichiban’s hallmark.

— Nick Judin

Amerigo’s Italian Restaurant is one of the best-loved places to dine on Italian cuisine in the Jackson metro. The restaurant has been operating in the area for more than 30 years with an extensive menu, which includes pastas such as Shrimp Primavera and Cannelloni Al Forno, pizza and traditional entrees including its popular Veal Saltimbocca.

The restaurant also offers Sunday brunch featuring the Tuscan Breakfast, a wide selection of wines and signature cocktails, and desserts like the Pecan Butter Crunch Cake and Tiramisu. With so many alternatives, it truly speaks to the atmosphere, quality of food and service, and consistency that Amerigo’s has maintained its position as a Jackson favorite with many Best of Jackson awards over the years to prove it.

— Malcolm Marrow Best Italian Restaurant Finalists: BRAVO! Italian Restaurant & Bar (4500 Interstate 55 N., Suite 244, 601-9828111, bravobuzz.com) / Cerami’s Italian Restaurant (5417 Lakeland Drive, 601-919-2829, ceramisitalian.com) / Fratesi’s (910 Lake Harbour Drive, Ridgeland, 601-956-2929, fratesisrestaurant.com) / Parlor Market (115 W. Capitol St., 601-360-0090, parlormarket.com) Best Place for Dessert Finalists: Char Restaurant (4500 Interstate 55 N. Frontage Road, 601-956-9562, charrestaurant.com) / La Brioche Patisserie & Bistro (2906 N. State St., 601-988-2299; La Brioche at the Museum, 380 S. Lamar St., 601-965-9900, labriochems.com) / Lou’s Full-Serv (904B E. Fortification St., Suite B, 601-487-6359, lousfullserv.com) / The Prickly Hippie (500 Highway 51, Suite F, Ridgeland, 601-910-6730, pricklyhippie.com) / Urban Foxes (826 North St., 769-572-5505, urbanfoxesjxn.com)

Best Local Chicken Sandwich: Rooster’s

(2906 N. State St., Suite 104, 601-982-2001, glennfoods.com)

January 22 - February 4,2020 • jfp.ms

(1801 Dalton St., 601-352-4555)

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Tucked into a residential strip in Jackson’s Washington Addition neighborhood, Stamps Super Burgers has been serving its award-winning burgers for over 40 years.

Algernon Stamps Sr. opened the restaurant in 1970, and it continues to be family-run with sons Algernon Jr., Philippian and Timothy Stamps at the helm.

Its most popular burger is the Super Burger, also known as the Stamps Burger, which Algernon Sr. first began to sell around 1982 for $1.65. Today, at $6.45, it is still affordable. The burger consists of a 12- to 13-ounce ground beef patty, ketchup, mayonnaise, mustard, pickles, lettuce, tomatoes and onions. Stamps offers turkey burgers, too, and other dishes.

Al Jr. said that his father opened the burger joint because he couldn’t find a burger in Jackson that he liked. So, he made one himself and perfected the recipe “till he got it just right.” His father was not out to simply make money, though, Al Jr. said.

He wanted to feed his community. “As I see people out and about, they just tell me things about how when they were coming up and they didn’t have any money, my father would never turn anybody away. ... It’s the same thing right now,” Al Jr. said.

— Seyma Bayram Finalists: Babalu Tapas & Tacos (622 Duling Ave., Suite 106, 601-366-5757, eatbabalu.com) / Burgers & Blues (1060 E. County Line Road, Suite 22, Ridgeland, 601-899-0038, burgersblues.com) / Fine & Dandy (100 District Blvd. E., 601-202-5050, eatdandy.com) / Lou’s Full-Serv (904B E. Fortification St., Suite B, 601-487-6359, lousfullserv.com) / Rooster’s (2906 N. State St., Suite 104, 601-982-2001, glennfoods.com)

Nick Judin

Best Local Burger: Stamps Super Burgers

For those in search of a good local chicken sandwich, you’re in luck because Rooster’s in Fondren has a few to choose from. They include simple ones like a grilled chicken sandwich, which includes lettuce, tomato, pickles and onions on a choice of white, wheat or jalapeno cheddar buns, but the restaurant also have special choices, like the fried chicken club, which has lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, Monterey Jack cheese and bacon. For those who like a challenge, there’s always the Hot, Hot Fried Chicken Sandwich. Like the name suggests, it is hot, but the coleslaw, pickles and cheese help tamp down some of the spice (I also suggest using ranch dressing). For those who want something a little healthier, Rooster’s has salads with chicken, including the Devil’s Caesar, which is a regular Caesar salad but with pieces of the hot fried chicken on top.

Rooster’s is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. For more information, visit glennfoods.com.

— Amber Helsel Finalists: Barrelhouse (3009 N. State St., 769-216-3167, barrelhousems.com) / Fine & Dandy (100 District Blvd. E., 601-202-5050, eatdandy.com) / Josephine’s Kitchen (4638 Hanging Moss Road, 769-572-4276, josephineskitchenms.com) / Lou’s Full-Serv (904B E. Fortification St., Suite B, 601-487-6359, lousfullserv.com) / Saltine Restaurant (622 Duling Ave., Suite 201, 601-982-2899, saltinerestaurant. com)

Are you a finalist? Didn’t get your party invitation? Email party@jacksonfreepress. com or call 601-362-6121 x17

Best Seafood; Best Place for Oysters: Half Shell Oyster House

COURTESY HALF SHELL OYSTER HOUSE =

(115 Laurel Park Cove, Suite 105, Flowood, 769-257-7586, halfshelloysterhouse.com)

Founded in Gulfport in 2008, Half Shell Oyster House made its debut in the Jackson metro with a location in Flowood in 2015.

Since then, the restaurant has provided Jacksonians with oysters and other seafood dishes like fish and lobster. Its most popular dish is Redfish Orleans, blackened redfish topped with Orleans spicy Creole sauce, five gulf shrimp, crab meat and parmesan cheese. It also serves chicken, steak, hand-cut ribeyes and po-boys.

Half Shell serves dinner all week, lunch on weekdays and brunch on Sundays. Business hours are from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Visit halfshelloysterhouse.com.

— Brianna Gibson

Best Seafood Finalists: CAET Seafood and Oysterette (1000 Highland Colony Parkway, Suite 9015, Ridgeland, 601-321-9169, caetseafood.com) / Crab’s Seafood Shack (6954 Old Canton Road, Ridgeland, 601-956-5040) / Sal & Phil’s Seafood Restaurant & Lounge (6600 Old Canton Road, Suite B, Ridgeland, 601-957-1188, salandphils.com) / Saltine Restaurant (622 Duling Ave., Suite 201, 601-982-2899, saltinerestaurant.com) / Shaggy’s on the Rez (1733 Spillway Road, Brandon, 601-724-2990, shaggys.biz) Best Place for Oysters Finalists: CAET Seafood and Oysterette (1000 Highland Colony Parkway, Suite 9015, Ridgeland, 601-321-9169, caetseafood.com) / Drago’s Seafood Restaurant (1005 E. County Line Road, 601-957-1515, dragosrestaurant.com) / Saltine Restaurant (622 Duling Ave., Suite 201, 601-982-2899, saltinerestaurant.com) / Shaggy’s on the Rez (1733 Spillway Road, Brandon, 601-724-2990, shaggys.biz) / Shucker’s Oyster Bar (116 Conestoga Road, Ridgeland, 601-853-0105, shuckersontherez.com)

Best Crawfish: Crawdad Hole

(1150 Lakeland Drive, 601-982-9299, thecrawdadhole.com)

January 22 - February 4,2020 • jfp.ms

Finalists: The Crawfish Hut (6956 Old Canton Road, Ridgeland, 601-957-8900) / Mudbugs (1299 Old Fannin Road, Brandon, 601-992-5225; 151 W. Government St., Suite D, Brandon, 601-706-4751; mudbugscrawfish.com) / Sal & Phil’s Seafood Restaurant & Lounge (6600 Old Canton Road, Suite B, Ridgeland, 601-957-1188, salandphils.com) / T’Beaux’s Crawfish and Catering (941 Highway 80 E., Clinton, 601-926-4793; 5752 Terry Road, Byram, 769-230-3855)

COURTESY CRAWDAD HOLE

The shady patch of forest near the Agricultural Museum is a good spot for the Crawdad Hole. It too feels like a slice of history, with its creaky wood and picnic seating.

On the right night you can enjoy the gentle sway of the trees above the deck as you polish off a pound of crawfish or shrimp. And if the summer heat is too oppressive you can slip through the takeout line, in and out in five minutes. No one needs to know how many pounds of seafood you’re putting away. That’s between you and God. It’s the seasoning that makes the meal, that perfect balancing act of savory heat and cajun flavor. The rest of the menu is tailored to complement the main course, from corn and potatoes to plump sausages and tamales. —Nick Judin

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Are you a finalist? Didn’t get your party invitation? Email party@jacksonfreepress. com or call 601-362-6121 x17

When some people think of a food truck, they imagine someone slinging hamburgers, hotdogs or fried foods. But One Guy Steak and Chicken goes beyond those standards to provide a gourmet food-truck experience. With nearly three decades of experience in the food industry under his belt, chef Kendrick Gordon has refined his menu to feature dishes including crab cakes, marinated redfish, grilled filet mignon, leek mashed potatoes and more. “I want my food truck to provide my customers with a taste of fine dining,” Gordon says.

With no shortage of palate-pleasing options being served for lunch and dinner, locals have flocked to One Guy Steak and Chicken. With such a heavy demand for his food, Gordon will be opening a brick-and-mortar restaurant later this year. Visit oneguysteakchicken.com or follow the food truck on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

— Tunga Otis

Finalists: Char Restaurant (4500 Interstate 55 N. Frontage Road, 601-956-9562, charrestaurant.com) / Hal & Mal’s (200 Commerce St., 601-948-0888, halandmals.com) / T’Beaux’s Crawfish and Catering (941 Highway 80 E., Clinton, 601-926-4793; 5752 Terry Road, Byram, 769-230-3855) / Fat Tuesday’s (6923 Old Canton Road, Suite 105, Ridgeland, 601956-2971) / Gumbo Spot (640 Grants Ferry Road, Flowood, 601-724-5118)

courtesy One Guy Steak and Chicken

(601-503-5908, oneguysteakchicken.com)

Jacksonians have many good reasons to make that drive to New Orleans, but getting a good bowl of gumbo isn’t one of them. Gumbo Girl is ringing in the decade with its fourth consecutive Best of Jackson win for Best Gumbo.

Marilyn Kithukain

Marilyn Kithukain opened the restaurant in 2015 and has since spent her days in the kitchen whipping up aromatic creations. While Gumbo Girl is best known for its made-from-scratch gumbo, its menu includes other foodie favorites like the Cajun “Pot,” which features spicy seasoned turkey necks, as well as seafood platters and even burgers and salads.

Gumbo Girl is opening a new location off County Line Road in the next few months. “Gumbo Girl is coming bigger and stronger. There will be more good eats and a lot more surprises in store for our customers,” Kithukain says. Not only will the menu expand, but the space will as well.

The new location will include a large dining area, a bar, and a place for parties and special events. Visit gumbogirl.com.

— Tunga Otis

Imani Khayyam / File Photo

Best Gumbo: Gumbo Girl

Best Food Truck/Mobile Vendor: One Guy Steak and Chicken

(5681 Highway 18, Suite C, 601-790-0486, gumbogirl.com)

Finalists: 2 for 7 Kitchen (601-837-1794) / 30 Below Rolled Ice Cream (601-7203847) / Bessi Roo’s (601-214-1843, bessiroos.com) / Burgers & Blues (601-8990038) / Oops! All Vegan Mobile Eatery

Best Liquor/Wine Store: Corkscrew Fine Wine and Spirits (4800 Interstate 55, 601-981-1333)

January 22 - February 4,2020 • jfp.ms

Trip Burns / File photo

Everyone loves the coworker who brings a box of doughnuts to share with the rest of the staff, but where is the best place for the rings of sugary joy? Monroe Donuts and Bakery is a popular and delicious option.

For more than 20 years, the familyowned shop has been serving fresh doughnuts made from scratch every day. The business started when owner Monroe Jackson began selling doughnuts and pastries from the den in his home on Medgar Evers Boulevard. In 2003, a hurricane destroyed his family’s home, which prompted Jackson to open Monroe’s Donuts in a storefront.

Monroe’s offers a variety of sweets from classic glazed doughnuts to cinnamon rolls and apple fritters. While his store has received a lot of positive reception, Jackson continues to tweak his recipes. “We are always working on improving on our recipe,” Jackson says. “The best is yet to come.”

— Tunga Otis

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Finalists: Donut Barn (1069 Highway 51, Suite D, Madison, 601-605-8100) / Donut Palace (multiple locations) / The Do-Nut Shop Cafe (718 Highway 49, Richland, 601-936-2037) / Pillow Donuts (1679 Old Fannin Road, Suite, D, Flowood, 601-992-6040; 707 Beau Pre Drive, Ridgeland, 601-790-9697) / The Prickly Hippie (500 Highway 51, Suite F, Ridgeland, 601-910-6730, pricklyhippie.com)

Nick Judin

Best Doughnuts: Monroe Donuts

(6310 Medgar Evers Blvd., 601-981-3208; 255 E. McDowell Road, 601-3711185; 3820 Northbrook Drive, 601-982-1883; monroedonutsandbakery.com)

The first thing you’ll notice when you step foot into Corkscrew Fine Wine and Spirits is all the activity. Move quickly through the lanes. There’s probably someone behind you. Product moves fast at Corkscrew, which claimed its status as the state’s largest volume liquor store in 2016.

The second thing you’ll notice are the prices. I Chris Pennock assumed the steep discounts were a side effect of the store’s wholesale business, which serves more than 100 other restaurants and liquor stores statewide. Not so, says manager Derek Crenshaw: It’s more about purchasing. The store knows how to take advantage of a good deal. So does everyone who shops there.

— Nick Judin Finalists: Briarwood Wine & Spirits (4949 Old Canton Road, 601-956-5108, briarwoodwineandspirits.com) / Fondren Cellars (633 Duling Ave., 769-216-2323) / Kats Wine & Spirits (921 E. Fortification St., 601-983-5287, katswine.com) / McDade’s Wine & Spirits (McDade’s Wine & Spirits, 601-366-5676, mcdadeswineandspirits.com) / Wine & Spirits in the Quarter (1855 Lakeland Drive, 601-366-6644, drinkinman.com)

The 2020 Best of Jackson Party is Sunday 1/26/20 in downtown Jackson. Invitation only! If you are a finalist or winner and need to RSVP, please call Andrea @ 601-362-6121 ext 17 by Friday at 3 p.m.!

Visit bestofjackson.com to read about last year’s winners.

New Stage Theatre Presents

Arts and Lecture Series www.millsaps.edu/artsandlecture

Tuesday, February 18, 2020 THE LIFE AND CAREER OF DOROTHY MOORE Peggy Brown, Executive Director of the Mississippi Musicians Hall of Fame, will talk with Moore about her life and career, and Moore will perform some of her greatest hits.

Sponsored by the Greater Jackson Arts Council

MUSIC & LYRICS

TIM MINCHIN

DIRECTED BY

MUSIC DIRECTOR

SHARON MILES

CAROL JOY SPARKMAN

January 28-February 9, 2020 SPONSORED BY

TICKETS:

601-948-3533 or newstagetheatre.com

ROALD DAHL’S MATILDA THE MUSICAL is presented by special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).

All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.MTIShows.com

Tuesday, April 28, 2020 KINETIC ETCHINGS DANCE PROJECT Founded in 2015 by husband and wife team Amile and Kathryn Wilson, Kinetic Etchings is Mississippi’s premier contemporary dance company. Kinetic Etchings provides professional contemporary dance experiences to Jackson and throughout the state with original, engaging, and educational programming.

January 22 - Fabruary 4, 2020 • jfp.ms

BOOK

DENNIS KELLY

Tuesday, March 24, 2020 THE ART AND SCIENCE OF CORAL REEF CONSERVATION Dr. James W. Porter, Josiah Meigs Professor of Ecology, Emeritus, Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, Athens, will present a multifaceted program on the art and science of coral reef conservation.

Sponsored by the Garden Club of Jackson

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Are you a finalist? Didn’t get your party invitation? Email party@jacksonfreepress. com or call 601-362-6121 x17

Best Thai Restaurant: Surin of Thailand

Best Plate Lunch: Georgia Blue

(3000 Old Canton Road, Suite 105, 601-981-3205, surinofthailand.com)

(multiple locations, georgiablue.net)

Finalists: Fusion Japanese & Thai Cuisine (1002 Treetops Blvd., Flowood, 601-6647588; 1030 Highway 51, Madison, 601-790-7999, orderfusioncuisine.com) / Jutamas Thai Restaurant (multiple locations, jutamasthai.com) / Thai Tasty (5050 Parkway Drive, Suite 7, 601-540-2534) / Thai Time Thai & Sushi Restaurant (1405 Old Square Road, 601-9829991, thaitimems.com)

Trip Burns / File photo

Trip Burns / File photo

Surin of Thailand opened in March 2015 inside what was formerly Nick’s Restaurant on Old Canton Road in the heart of Fondren. Surin’s popular menu includes pad thai, masaman with avocado, coconut soup, chicken and shrimp curry, spicy beef noodles, pot stickers with red curry, dim sum, tom yum shrimp soup and chicken panang among customer favorites.

The restaurant also has indoor and outdoor seating, a private room for parties and events, a sushi menu and a full bar. For more information, visit surinofthailand.com.

— Dustin Cardon

The most popular day for Georgia Blue’s daily blue-plate specials is Friday, featuring catfish with hushpuppies. Simon Kazey, floor and bar manager for the Madison location, says many regulars arrive early to claim their favorite spot, but there seldom is a wait.

“When I make table visits for refills, I am greeted with big smiles,” Kazey says.

Simon says the business has happy employees as well. “When I was hired in 2013, I came on board as a server, and now I am in management. I quickly learned that the management at Georgia Blue works as a team.” In addition to the daily plate specials, Georgia Blue offers a menu featuring a plethora of freshly prepared options, such as steaks, salads, pasts and a variety of seafood. It also features live music, which can be checked weekly on the business’ website at georgiablue.net.

—Anne B McKee Finalists: Bully’s Restaurant (3118 Livingston Road, Suite 6103, 601-362-0484) / McDade’s Market (1220 E. Northside Drive, 601-366-8486; 653 Duling Ave., 601-366-5273, mcdadesmarkets.com) / Nonna’s Café (5311 Highway 80, Pearl, 769-233-8430) / Primos Café (2323 Lakeland Drive, Flowood, 601-936-3398; 515 Lake Harbour Drive, Ridgeland, 601898-3600; 201 Baptist Drive, Madison, 601-853-3350, primoscafe.com) / The Trace Grill (574 Highway 51, Suite F, Ridgeland, 601-853-1014, thetracegrill.com)

To see past winners, visit bestofjackson.com.

Best Local Pizza: The Pizza Shack

January 22 - February 4,2020 • jfp.ms

(925 E. Fortification St., 601-3522001, pizzashackms.com)

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The Pizza Shack provides Jackson with culinary concoctions that are sure to pique the interest of any pie lover. In 2017, Cecilia and Tony Hollins took over ownership and have worked hard to preserve the excellent legacy and following that original owners Michael Parker and Larry Emmett built. Pizza Shack is like visiting a pizza shop you would see on television—the service is friendly, and the aura is always inviting. The pizzas are loaded with fresh ingredients and you can tell a great deal of care went into each step.

Special pizzas include the justifiably named Carnivore to more adventurous fare such as The Greek, Thai Chicken and Chicken Curry delight. In addition to great pizza, they offer some of the best wings in the city as well; they are crisp yet juicy with great sauces.

During the holiday season, the company devoted a day’s worth of profits to their employees as a Christmas bonus. Learn more at pizzashackms.com.

— Malcolm Marrow Finalists: Basil’s (2906 N. State St., Suite 104, 601-9822100; 120 N. Congress St., Suite L1, 601-944-9888) / Lost Pizza Co. (multiple locations, lostpizza.com) / The Manship Wood Fired Kitchen (1200 N. State St., Suite 100, 601-398-4562, themanshipjackson.com) / Sal & Mookie’s New York Pizza & Ice Cream Joint (565 Taylor St., 601368-1919, salandmookies.com) / Soulshine Pizza Factory (multiple locations, soulshinepizza.com)

Best Mexican/Latin: El Sombrero (multiple locations)

Lights of varying colors welcome guests who make their way to El Sombrero, this year’s choice for Best Mexican/Latin food. Luis Antonio Angel, born in Jalisco, Mexico, came to the United States as a resident and later gained citizenship. He opened the first of El Sombrero in Starkville 35 years ago. Since then, the business expanded to 10 locations, including its Flowood spot 15 years ago, starting in a small building. In 2016, the business moved across the street to a big house on Dogwood Boulevard so that it could hold more people.

“It was very well decorated, so I think customers were curious to look inside and came back when they noticed the excellent food and good services,” says Álvaro Macías, manager of the Flowood location. Macías says the restaurant has a family atmosphere and serves fresh margaritas as well as dishes that embody the flavors of Mexico.

— Mauricio J. Quijano Finalists: Cazadores (500 Highway 51, Ridgeland, 601853-4417) / El Charro Authentic Mexican Restaurant (2086 Lakeland Drive, 601-362-4447) / Green Ghost Tacos (2820 N. State St., 601-487-6082; 1290 E. County Line Road, Ridgeland, 601-957-7436, greenghosttacos. com) / Sombra Mexican Kitchen (multiple locations, sombramexicankitchen.com) / Sophomore Spanish Club (200 District Blvd. E., 601-203-3333, sophomorespanishclub.com)

Best Sandwich Place: Room Service (4659 McWillie Drive, 601-362-4617; 1010 Highland Colony Parkway, Suite 104, 601-707-3600, roomservicejackson.com)

Owner Hays Thompson opened Room Service more than 35 years ago and has been successful ever since. Thompson started out by making everything by hand from scratch and only using natural ingredients, after which he then personally carried his salads and sandwiches on foot around the city. His first deliveries started with women in beauty salons, and Room Service had committed customers in no time.

Room Service has since grown into a catering service that now serves more than 35 gourmet salad choices and 38 sandwiches, all with original names like the Destin, Jamaican, Washington, Bombay, Louisianne and more.

Some people can never get to all the choices because they find themselves so hooked on their favorite ones. Instead of missing out on what could be your favorite thing since sliced bread, visit roomservicejackson.com to learn more about the options. Remember, Room Service delivers.

— Deja Davis Finalists: Basil’s (2906 N. State St., Suite 104, 601-982-2100; 120 N. Congress St., Suite L1, 601-944-9888) / Beagle Bagel (4500 Interstate 55 N., Suite 145, 769-251-1892; 100 Mannsdale Park Drive, Madison, 601-856-4377, thebeaglebagelcafe. com) / Broad Street Baking Company (4465 Interstate 55 N., Suite 101, 601-362-2900, broadstbakery.com) / Steve’s (125 S. Congress St., 601-969-1119; 200 S. Lamar St., 601714-5683; stevesdowntown.com)

Thanks for the Best of Jackson votes!

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January 22 - Fabruary 4, 2020 • jfp.ms

Low-Priced (many < $20) Tasting Team Wines!

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Best Animal Shelter: Community Animal Rescue & Adoption

Best Barber Shop: Fondren Barber Shop

The Community Animal Rescue & Adoption is a no-kill animal shelter that prides itself on placing cats and dogs into loving homes, supporting spay and neuter programs, and promoting responsible pet ownership. Private donations support the shelter that the Better Business Bureau recognizes as an accredited charity.

Anyone who is on the fence about adopting can try CARA’s Adopt A Leash program, which allows people to take a pet out for a day. People can also help by donating money and supplies or volunteering at the shelter. Those looking to adopt can find available pets in the shelter or on CARA’s website, which is updated daily. When you’ve found the one, you’ll end up on CARA’s Happy Tails page, where photos of recently adopted pets appear. For more information, visit carams.org.

— Alyssa Bass

Fondren Barber Shop owners Eddie Outlaw and Justin McPherson opened the business in 2013, and have received the award for Best Barber shop for the sixth year in a row. Fondren Barber Shop offers men’s haircuts and various other services. The shop shares a space with the William Wallace Salon. The full team is dedicated to excellent customer service and providing a place where men can feel comfortable talking about their grooming needs. For more information, call 601-826-0707 or find Fondren Barber Shop on Facebook.

— Dustin Cardon

(960 N. Flag Chapel Road, 601-922-7575, carams.org)

(2939 Old Canton Road, 601-826-0707)

Stephen Wilson

Best Fitness Center/Gym: Baptist Healthplex

(717 Manship St., 601-968-1766, mbhs.org; 102 Clinton Parkway, Clinton, 601-925-7900, healthplexclinton.com; Healthplex Performance Center, 501 Baptist Drive, Madison, 601-856-7757, healthplexperformance.com)

Baptist Hospital first opened the Baptist Healthplex in downtown Jackson in 1989. The facility offers body sculpting, abdominal classes, aquatic exercise, senior fitness, Pilates, yoga and dance fitness, an indoor track and heated pool, personal training, group exercise, small group training for three or more people and more.

“I’m excited for the opportunity we’ve been given to be honored in this way,” Baptist Healthplex Director Tony James says about being nominated for a Best of Jackson award. “Everyone here is proud to represent the fitness industry here in Jackson. Our facility just recently underwent a remodel, and now we have expanded and improved locker rooms and flooring as well as a whole new, more modern look for the whole facility.” For more information, call 601-968-1766 or visit mbhs.org.

— Dustin Cardon

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Best Dance Studio: Dollhouse Dance Factory (1410 Ellis Ave., 770-265-1111, dollhousedancefactory.com)

“Five, six, seven, eight.” When dancers hear these numbers, they know it is time to perform. Dollhouse Dance Factory made its mark on Aug. 23, 2010, from the heart of Jackson. Jackson native, mentor and dancer Dianna Williams’ studio had been in the limelight for some time but the studio’s team, but the Dancing Dolls of Jackson, put this dance factory on the map.

The dance troupe has gained worldwide acclaim after it was featured on Lifetime’s hit show “Bring IT!” for five consecutive years.

Again and again, Patty Peck Honda reassures customers that they are not alone when buying a new vehicle. They understand the gravity of the choice and extend a hand to guide the prospective buyer through the initially daunting process. Servicing the customer is a clear goal for the company. Their user-friendly approach extends online as well. One can shop for a new or used vehicle without leaving home and, if intrigued, schedule a test drive where the car awaits before you enter the dealership doors.

Catering to the automotive needs of the Jackson community for 25 years means continuity and customer satisfaction. For example, all customers are eligible for a Powertrain Warranty on new purchases, entitling them to unlimited miles and nationwide coverage. Patty Peck customers receive a lifetime Powertrain warranty, complimentary car washes, vacuum services and 40-point inspections. Loans flow from a variety of lenders and offer greater flexibility on the proper financial option for their unique fiscal situation. Their finance and lease options extend to cars, trucks, minivans and sport utility vehicles. Visit pattypeckhonda.com. — Mike McDonald Finalists: Bob Boyte Honda (2188 Highway 18, Brandon, 601-591-5000, bobboytehonda. com) / Gray-Daniels Auto Family (multiple locations, graydanielschevy.com) / Herrin-Gear Automotive Group (multiple locations, herringear.com) / Mac Haik Mississippi (multiple locations) / Paul Moak Automotive (Honda, 802 Harding St.; Subaru/Volvo, 740 Larson St., 601-300-6856, paulmoak.com)

Jessica King / File Photo

January 22 - February 4,2020 • jfp.ms

Finalists: The Club at St. Dominic’s (970 Lakeland Drive, 601-200-4925, stdom.com) / Crossfit 601 (210 Industrial Cove, Ridgeland, 601-941-8904, crossfit601.com) / Fondren Fitness (2807 Old Canton Road, 601-540-0338, fondrenfitness.com) / Starke Fitness (109 Dees Drive, Madison, 601-856-9111, starkefitness.net) / Xplicit J3 Fitness (1625 E. County Line Road, 601-850-3425, xplicitj3fitness.com)

Best Car Dealer (Used or New): Patty Peck Honda

(555 Sunnybrook Road, Ridgeland, 601-957-3400, pattypeckhonda.com) courtesy Patty Peck Honda

Finalists: Animal Rescue Fund of Mississippi (395 Mayes St., 769-216-3414, arfms.org) / Cheshire Abbey (cheshireabbey.com) / Mississippi Animal Rescue League (5221 Greenway Drive, 601-969-1631, msarl.org) / Webster Animal Shelter (525 Post Oak Road, Madison, 601-605-4729) / Rescue Revolution of Mississippi (rrofms.org)

Finalists: ACEY Custom Hair Design (3015 N. State St., 601-362-0326) / The Barbershop at Great Scott (4400 Old Canton Road, Suite 100, 601-984-3500, greatscott.net/the-barbershop) / Custom Cuts & Styles (2445 Terry Road, 601-321-9292) / Maurice’s Barber Shop (1220 E. Northside Drive, Suite 360, 601-362-2343; 398 Highway 51, Suite 60, Ridgeland, 601-856-2856) / Noble Barber (1065 Highland Colony Parkway, Suite F, Ridgeland, 601856-6665; noblebarber.com)

The Dollhouse offers a variety of classes for dancers ages 3 to 18 that cover styles such as ballet, tap, jazz, hiphop, majorette and liturgical. To enroll as a student, one

must fill out an application, with the registration process occurring once a year, so be sure to keep track of the deadline. The Dollhouse Factory has two more locations in Birmingham, Ala., and Stone Mountain, Ga.

— Deja Davis Finalists: Judah School of Performing Arts (731 S. Pear Orchard Road, Suite 30, Ridgeland, 769-257-0330, judahschool. com) / Salsa Mississippi Club & Studio (605 Duling Ave., 601-213-6355, salsamississippi.com) / Studio K (900 E. County Line Road, Suite 200A, Ridgeland, 601-316-5713, ) / Studio Sole Dance (2999B Highway 49, Florence, 601-8453326, studiosoledance.com) / XPress Dance Company (2160 Main St., Suite D, Madison, 601-853-0826, xdance.net)

Are you a finalist? Didn’t get your party invitation? Email party@jacksonfreepress. com or call 601-362-6121 x17

Best Beauty Shop/Salon: Watercolor Salon

Best Veterinarian/Vet Clinic: Briarwood Animal Hospital (1471 Canton Mart Road, 601-956-5030, briarwoodhospital.com)

courtesy Watercolor Salon

Christa and Todd Freeman opened their first Watercolor Salon location in Ridgeland more than 10 years ago.

Its name is borrowed from the art world and much like artists, the owners see their guests as opportunities “to create something beautiful.” Men and women can receive haircuts and color processes in a lovely space filled with modern furnishings and the most up-to-date equipment available.

The salon also provides makeup, nail and waxing services. Whether guests have an appointment or just walk in, the salon has nearly 20 stylists on staff to give patrons a fresh new look. “(Christa and Todd) understand this business and what it takes to make it work,” Howard Freeman, the salon’s business manager and Christa’s father, says. “We hire new graduates, and they learn our way.”

— Torsheta Jackson Finalists: The Glossary Salon (109 E. Main St., Florence, 601-845-1111, glossaryhairsalon. com) / Molly Gee & Company (219 Garden Park Drive, Suite 200A, Madison, 601-8530054, mollygeeandco.com) / Smoak Salon (622 Duling Ave., 601-982-5313, smoaksalon. com) / THairapy Garden (587 Highway 51, Suite M-1, Ridgeland, 601-832-5351) / William Wallace Salon (2939 Old Canton Road, 601-982-8300)

Briarwood Animal Hospital has served Jackson almost 60 years since Hugh Ward founded the business in 1960. The clinic houses up-todate pet-care technology with five experienced veterinarians on staff who regularly attend conferences and lectures across the country to ensure they are providing cutting-edge care. It offers surgical services, dental procedures, an X-ray system, an ultrasound unit, a bloodwork laboratory and boarding facilities.

The vet clinic’s mission statement reads in part: “We strive to exceed our clients’ expectations by treating owners and their pets with respect, honesty and compassion.

We treat all animals as if they were our own pets. While treatment of the pet is a priority in our practice, we recognize the importance of emphasizing client education and communication.” For information, visit briarwoodhospital.com.

— Brianna Gibson

courtesy Briarwood Animal Hospital

(1220 E. Northside Drive, Suite 300, Jackson, 601-366-9343; 115 W. Jackson St., Suite 1-H, Ridgeland, 601-605-4448, watercolorsalon.com)

To see past winners, visit bestofjackson.com.

Finalists: All Creatures Animal Care Center (262 New Mannsdale Road, Madison, 601856-5333, allcreaturesanimalcarecenter.com) / Crossgates Veterinary Clinic (5544 Highway 80, Pearl, 601-932-1245, crossgatesvet.com) / Hometown Veterinary Hospital (2001 Creek Cove, Brandon, 601-825-1697, hometownvethospital.com) / Mannsdale Animal Clinic (488 Mannsdale Road, Madison, 601-499-5200, themac.vet) / North State Animal & Bird Hospital (5208 N. State St., 601-982-8261, northstateanimalhospital.com)

Best Flower Shop: Greenbrook Flowers

Best Bank or Credit Union: BankPlus

Weddings, birthdays, anniversaries and funerals—all of these typically share a commonality: flowers. Whatever the occasion, perennial Best of Jackson winner Greenbrook Flowers has the means to provide. Founded in 1917 at Mynelle Gardens in west Jackson, the shop since relocated to where it now resides in downtown Jackson. Aside from the guaranteed fresh flowers, the business boasts an assortment of handcrafted arrangements, as well as same-day delivery.

Owned by brother-sister duo Daniel Jacobs and Gwen Dearman, Greenbrook Flowers offers a variety of select services, baskets and gifts that customers can order in person, online or over the phone. Each year Greenbrook celebrates “Good Neighbor Day,” which originated in 1994, by giving out a dozen free roses to everyone who enters the shop while supplies last.

“We love Jackson, and we want to bring a sense of community back to our home. What better way to do that than with a flower,” Dearman says. For more information, visit greenbrookflowers.com.

— Kayla Sims

BankPlus originally opened in Belzoni, Miss., as Citizens Bank & Trust Company in 1909 and changed to BankPlus in September 1994 following the merger of Southeast Mississippi Bank in Quitman and CB&T.

In Jackson, the bank offers personal checking and savings accounts, personal, auto and real estate loans, home equity credit lines, treasury services, mobile banking and more.

BankPlus launched its Affordable Housing Program in early 2002 to help local residents become homeowners and also to assist nonprofit organizations that provide affordable housing. It also operates an Adopt-a-School program that provides resources for local schools and takes part in the American Bankers Association Education Foundation’s annual National Teach Children to Save Day. Visit bankplus.net.

— Dustin Cardon

courtesy bankplus

courtesy Greenbrook Flowers

Finalists: A Daisy A Day (4500 Interstate 55 N., Suite 194, 601-982-4438, adaisyadayjackson.com) / Green Oak Florist & Garden Center (5009 Old Canton Road; 1067 Highland Colony Parkway, Suite E, Ridgeland; 601-956-5017, greenoakflorist.com) / Mostly Martha’s Florist and Gifts (353 Highway 51, Ridgeland, 601-956-1474, mostlymarthasflorist.com) / The Prickly Hippie (500 Highway 51, Suite F, Ridgeland, 601-910-6730, pricklyhippie. com) / Whitley’s Flowers (740 Lakeland Drive, 601-362-8844, whitleysflowers.com)

(multiple locations, bankplus.net)

Finalists: Community Bank (multiple locations, communitybank.net) / Hope Credit Union (multiple locations, hopecu.org) / Magnolia Federal Credit Union (240 Briarwood Drive, 601-977-8300, magfedcu.org) / Mississippi Federal Credit Union (2500 N. State St.; 350 W. Woodrow Wilson Drive; 500 Clinton Center Drive, Clinton; 601-351-9200, msfcu.us) / Trustmark (multiple locations, trustmark.com)

January 22 - February 4,2020 • jfp.ms

(705 N. State St., 601-957-1951, greenbrookflowers.com)

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Best Local Women’s Clothing Store: Material Girls

Best Nail Salon: The Nail Lounge

courtesy Material Girls

From a classy night out to a county fair, customers can find the right outfit for a number of occasions at a local boutique called Material Girls, founded in 2004.

Winning again for Best Local Women’s Clothing Store, Material Girls offers a variety of fashionable shoes, clothing, jewelry, accessories and gifts for girls and women of every age, size and style preference, from brands like AGOLDE, Karlie and My Girl.

Staff members are trained to help customers style outfits that suit their personal tastes, for both formal and casual events. Visit shopmaterialgirls.com.

— Kayla Sims

(4500 Interstate 55 N., Suite 1038, 601-398-4451, thenailloungehv.com)

Finalists: Libby Story (1000 Highland Colony Parkway, Suite 5003, Ridgeland, 601-7173300, libbystory.com) / Maison Weiss (4500 Interstate 55 N. Frontage Road, 601-981-4621, maisonweiss.com) / Pink Possum Boutique and Gifts (105 Lexington Drive, Gluckstadt, 601-898-1844, pinkpossumboutique.com) / Red Square Clothing Company (4500 Interstate 55 N., Exit 100, Suite 188, 601-398-3403; 1000 Highway Colony Parkway, Suite 9004, Ridgeland, 601-853-8960, redsquareclothingco.com)

Best Local Jeweler/Jewelry Store: Carter Jewelers

January 22 - February 4,2020 • jfp.ms

courtesy Carter Jewelers

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Finalists: Albriton’s Jewelry (4500 Interstate 55 N., Suite 184, 601982-4020, albritons.com) / Beckham Jewelry (120 District Blvd., Suite D110, 601-665-4642, beckhamjewelry.com) / Jackson Jewelers (253 Ridge Way, Flowood, 601-992-1700, jacksonjewelersinc.com) / Juniker Jewelry Co. (1485 Highland Colony Parkway, Madison, 601366-3754, junikerjewelry.com) / Mike Wright Jewelers (1139 Old Fannin Road, Suite A, Brandon, 769-447-

Finalists: Cuticles Nail Studio (2947 Old Canton Road, 601-366-6999, cuticlesnailstudio. com) / Monaco Nails (1450 W. Government St., Brandon, 601-824-1441) / Rouge Nails Lash Wax (5352 Lakeland Drive, Flowood, 769-572-4747) / Serenity Nail Spa (101 Lexington Drive, Suite D, Madison, 601-707-7430) / ZaZa Nails and Spa (1053 Highway 49 S., Richland, 769-447-5959)

Best Local Men’s Clothing Store: The Rogue

(711 High St., 601-352-3549, carterdiamonds.com)

Many of us at one point or another find ourselves browsing jewelry options for important events including engagements, anniversaries, birthdays, holidays and more.

Jacksonians looking for jewelry for a loved one or those who want to treat themselves to something nice often look to Carter Jewelers. The business has been in the Jackson area for more than 160 years, and claims the mantle as the third-oldest jeweler in the United States. The store serves as a trusted source for brilliant diamonds, fine jewelry, high-end watches, custom work and jewelry repairs.

Carter Jewelers treats customer service as its raison d’etre both before and after the purchase. The professionals who work there understand that some items may need repaired, cleaned or modified, and they are ready to work with the specific needs of anyone who steps through the store’s door. Visit carterdiamonds. com to find out more.

— Richard Coupe

Whenever you are having a rough day (we all have those) or simply need a day of relaxation and pampering, or even just some quality “me time,” you may want to stop by The Nail Lounge.

Sonny Nguyen and his family opened the business two and a half years ago.

The Nail Lounge is a full-service nail salon and spa in Highland Village that provides countless nail-care services and focuses on giving their clients the most relaxing experience while receiving their desired service.

The salon offers the usual manicures and pedicures, which includes nail enhancements, dip powders and regular or gel acrylics, but the salon also offers lash and eyebrow tinting, waxing, spray tanning, kids’ services and other additional services as well—including alcoholic beverages for the adult clients. The Nail Lounge allows takes walk-ins, appointments and gift cards. Plus, all prices are listed under the services tab on their website, thenailloungehv.com.

— Deja Davis

courtesy The Nail Lounge

(734 McKenzie Lane, Flowood, 601-992-4533; 1000 Highland Colony Parkway, Suite 7005, 601-605-1605; shopmaterialgirls.com)

(4450 Interstate 55 N. Frontage Road, 601-362-6383)

In 1967, William “Billy” Neville III founded The Rouge as a small ready-to-wear menswear store in Fondren. The store moved to its current location in the early 1970s and has continued to serve the Jackson community ever since. While Neville has recently passed away, his legacy continues. Today, the store offers an extensive menswear collection of formalwear, sportswear and casual options such as Peter Miller, Duck Head, Jack Victor and many others. Known in the community for its personalized service and wardrobe consultation, The Rogue also employs in-house tailors to provide any needed alterations. For information on current sales and other information on products and the company, visit therogue.com.

— Richard Coupe Finalists: Great Scott (4400 Old Canton Road, Suite 101, 601-984-3500, greatscott.net) / Kinkade’s Fine Clothing (120 W. Jackson St., Ridgeland, 601-898-0513, kinkadesfc.com) / Mozingo Clothiers (3100 N. State St., Suite 101, 601-713-7848) / Offbeat (151 Wesley Ave., 601-376-9404, offbeatjxn.com) / Red Square Clothing Company (4500 Interstate 55 N., Exit 100, Suite 188, 601-398-3403; 1000 Highway Colony Parkway, Suite 9004, Ridgeland, 601-853-8960, redsquareclothingco.com)

Best Day Spa: AQUA the Day Spa

(1000 Highland Colony Parkway, Suite 8001, Ridgeland, 601-898-9123, aquathedayspa.com)

Aqua the Day Spa is serious about bringing tranquility to the metro area. Upon entering, guests are invited to the relaxation room and provided a robe and slippers before their personalized session.

Inside private spa rooms, highly trained staff members offer specialized services such as the signature “Aqua Body Polish” body treatment and “Relaxenergy Body Massage.” Guests can experience “hot stone” and “paraffin” treatments in the luxury spa manicure and pedicure area. Aqua also has services designed for men, expectant mothers, teens and preteens. There are also spa packages for those who want to sample everything.

Once guests have had their stress washed away, they can retire to the on-site steam room, which comes with hot tea, cucumber lemon water and snacks. Staff members may even arrange an add-on spa lunch from a nearby restaurant if a customer’s path to relaxation lasts more than a couple hours.

Whether you need a full day or simply a quick getaway, Aqua has you covered. — Torsheta Jackson Finalists: Drench Day Spa and Lash Lounge (118 W. Jackson St., Suite 2B, Ridgeland, 601-707-5656, drenchdayspa.com) / Massage Envy (multiple locations, massageenvy.com) / The Skin District (2629 Courthouse Circle, Suite B, Flowood, 601-981-7546, theskindistrict. com) / Soul Spa (Westin Jackson, 407 S. Congress St., 769-235-8401, soulspajackson.com) / The Wellness Spa (5419 Highway 25, Suite R, Flowood, 601-479-5392, thewellnessspa.center)

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January 22 - Fabruary 4, 2020 â&#x20AC;¢ jfp.ms

Best Place for Unique Gifts: O! How Cute Boutique & Gifts

Best Place to Book a Party or Shower: Fairview Inn

O! How Cute Boutique & Gifts is the place to go if you are looking to give someone a gift with a local touch. The shop has locations around the Jackson metro area— including in Brandon, Pearl, Flowood and Madison.

Customers can find jewelry, clothes, candles, candies and more at O! How Cute, which won Best Place for Unique Gifts.

Founded in 2005, the store offers a variety of home decor and goods, along with food. Jessica Phillips, the store’s founder, says that O! How Cute prides itself on its customer service, which she describes as “second to none,” as well as its variety of styles for all ages. “We treat customers like family and never let our success define us,” Phillips adds.

For more information on O! How Cute Boutique & Gifts or to shop online, visit shopohc.com.

— Kayla Sims

One of the few historic houses left in Jackson, the Fairview Inn in Belhaven came about in 2000 when suites were renovated into the building to accommodate overnight guests, transforming it into a bed and breakfast, with a bar, restaurant and other amenities one may need for a fun getaway, a business meeting, a corporate event or other gatherings.

The inn makes a great venue for an office party or bridal shower, among other types of get-togethers.

At 25,000 square feet, Fairview Inn has space for groups of between 10 and 450 persons, and the business provides an event manager to help organize and coordinate events for customers. The house, built in 1908, has both indoor and outdoor options for events, as well as luxury rooms and suites with fireplaces and Jacuzzis. Additionally, the inn has a spa and a couple dining options, including 1908 Provisions, which regularly hosts live music. For more information, visit fairviewinn.com.

— Sarah Kate Pollard

(734 Fairview St., 601-948-3429, fairviewinn.com)

Amber Helsel

Finalists: Apple Annie’s Gift Shop (106 Autumn Ridge Place, Suite 6, Brandon, 601-9929925; 1896 Main St., Suite D, Madison, 601-853-8911, shopappleannies.com) / Beacon (3030 N. State St., 601-919-7477, unboundstudios.org) / Offbeat (151 Wesley Ave., 601376-9404, offbeatjxn.com) / Pine Cone (500 Highway 51, Ridgeland, 601-713-1421) / The Prickly Hippie (500 Highway 51, Suite F, Ridgeland, 601-910-6730, pricklyhippie.com)

Best Place to Buy Antiques: The Flea Market, Mississippi’s Trade Place

January 22 - February 4,2020 • jfp.ms

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Long-time Best Place to Buy Antiques winner The Flea Market, Mississippi’s Trade Place, is full to the brim with anything you could think of for an entry fee of only $1. The 65,000-square-foot market features more than 220 vendor booths, plenty of antiques, collectibles and craft items, and a salvage market for larger items such as old wood, signs, doors and more. Visitors can find everything from furniture and old signs to comic books, baseball cards, coins, glassware, pottery, paintings, vintage video games and more.

The Flea Market is open Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. For information, visit flowoodantiquefleamarket. com or find the business on Facebook.

— Dustin Cardon Finalists: Antique Aly (294 Commerce Park Drive, Ridgeland, 769-300-0262) / Antique Mall of the South (367 Highway 51, Ridgeland, 601-8534000, antiquemallofthesouth.com) / Interiors Market (659 Duling Ave., 601-981-6020) / Old House Depot (639 Monroe St., 601-592-6200, oldhousedepot.com) / Repeat Street (242 Highway 51, Ridgeland, 601-605-9123, repeatstreet. net)

Finalists: CAET (1000 Highland Colony Parkway, Suite 9015, Ridgeland, 601-321-9169, caetseafood.com) / The Cedars (4145 Old Canton Road, 601-366-5552) / Ice House (251 W. South St., 601-398-3200, icehousevenue.com) / Mississippi Children’s Museum (2145 Museum Blvd., 601-981-5469, mschildrensmuseum.org) / The Prickly Hippie (500 Highway 51, Suite F, Ridgeland, 601-910-6730, pricklyhippie.com)

Best Place to Get Married: Bridlewood of Madison

Best Place to Buy Kid Clothes/ Toys: Once Upon a Child

(3024 Highway 22, Madison, 601-7074024, thebarnatbridlewood.com)

(1230 E. County Line Road, Ridgeland, 769447-5150, onceuponachildridgeland.com)

The sweet sound of wedding bells and the intimate union of two partners comes with excitement, but choosing the best place to have your wedding vow ceremony can be challenging. Bridlewood of Madison, also known as The Barn at Bridlewood, has the whole package to make sure your special experience is cherished for a lifetime. Marcus Kirby and Tori and Nathan Banks created the privately owned elegant venue to assist couples in making their dream weddings come to life. They offer full-day access that includes two bars, a stage for band or DJ, a PA sound system, dressing rooms and more. In addition to weddings, The Barn is also available for birthdays, meetings, family reunions, proms and more. For those who are looking for venues, visit thebarnatbridlewood.com.

— Deja Davis

Whether you are looking for something fast, easy and affordable to accommodate your rapidly growing child, or you want to give away unwanted kid clothes, toys and books, Once Upon a Child has you covered.

Once Upon a Child is a one-stop-shop for toys, high chairs, strollers, books and name-brand kid clothes up to 70% less than the retail prices. Catering to children up to 12 years old, customers can buy, sell ,and trade unwanted or gently used children’s items.

Customers who sell their children’s items are able to receive same-day pay or store credit. Urica Martin, owner of Once Upon a Child, says that these types of stores work in the community’s favor. “We have a large selection and low prices,” Martin says.

Once Upon a Child is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. Appointments are not required to sell or donate goods. For more information, visit onceuponachildridgeland.com.

— Kayla Sims

Courtesy Bridlewood of Madison

(1325 Flowood Drive, Flowood, 601-9535914, flowoodantiquefleamarket.com)

Courtesy Fairview Inn

(304 E. Government St., Suite 2, Brandon; 158 Promenade Blvd., Flowood; 200 Riverwind E., Suite 106, Pearl; 100 Depot Drive, Madison, 844742-9120, shopohc.com)

Finalists: The Cedars (4145 Old Canton Road, 601-366-5552, fondren.org) / Fairview Inn (734 Fairview St., 601-948-3429, fairviewinn.com) / Ice House (251 W. South St., 601-398-3200, icehousevenue.com) / The Ivy (1170 Luckney Road, Flowood, 601-608-8891, theivyvenueflowood.com) / The South Warehouse (627 E. Silas Brown St., 601-939-4518)

Finalists: Helen’s Young Fashions (4750 Interstate 55 N., 601-362-0317) / Leap Frog Children’s Consignment & More (104 Village Blvd., Madison, 601-898-0727, leapfrogmadison.com) / Mississippi Children’s Museum (2145 Museum Blvd., 601-981-5469, mschildrensmuseum.org) / Nursery Rhymes (1200 Eastover Drive, Suite 180, 601368-9997, shopnurseryrhymes.com) / Wee the People (119 Colony Crossing Way, Suite 640, Madison, 769-231-7496, wethepeoplems.com)

Are you a finalist? Didn’t get your party invitation? Email party@jacksonfreepress. com or call 601-362-6121 x17

Best Place to Get Your Car Fixed: Capitol Body Shop

Best Place to Work: University of Mississippi Medical Center

Capitol Body Shop has been a mainstay for car repairs in Jackson since 1963.

Chad White started the company in a leased building with only himself and two other employees. Within five years, they were recognized as the largest collision repair shop in Mississippi. Since they first opened their doors, they have expanded to operating in surrounding cities such as Flowood, Byram, Ridgeland and Gluckstadt. This was done under the guidance of Doug White, Chad’s son, upon realizing the potential of growth after purchasing the company from his father in 1987.

The shop offers a wide variety of automotive services including 24-hour towing, body/collision repair, painting, full-service mechanical repair and automotive glass repair. “We love serving our customers; we thrive on making sure they leave satisfied with their services,” says George Taylor, the appraisal representative at the Jackson location. “We can’t thank them enough; without their support we wouldn’t be here.”

Visit capitolbodyshop.com to learn more.

— Malcolm Marrow

The University of Mississippi Medical Center keeps growing, a city within a city, drawing professionals from across the globe to Mississippi’s capital. The state’s only research hospital, hosting the state’s sole children’s hospital, UMMC accounts for roughly 10% of the metro area’s economy. Somewhere in the realm of 20,000 people travel its campus daily. UMMC remains a foundational element of Jackson. In 2020 it celebrates its 65th year of operations, and its employees voted to keep it the defending champion as the city’s Best Place to Work.

— Nick Judin

(2500 N. State St., 601-984-1000, umc.edu)

Best Tattoo/Piercing Parlor: Electric Dagger Tattoo (2906 N. State St., 601-982-9437, electricdagger.com)

Imani Khayyam/ file photo

Electric Dagger features three tattoo artists—Jason Thomas, Mike Richardson and Mallory Kay Palmertree— who help those who walk in the door leave with body art that meets their expectations.

“I saw something great in Jackson and wanted to make it a better place,” Thomas said when asked about why he decided to open Electric Dagger. Thomas, who started his career in tattoo artistry in 1998, previously owned The Ink Spot Gallery & Black Diamond Tattoo in the area before opening Electric Dagger in 2013.

The artists on staff frequently study books and other sources on tattooing and drawing to polish their skills, and customers can browse a variety of designs in the shop, especially ones that embody the traditional American style. Patrons who bring in designs can have them realized in tattoo form as well. Visit electricdagger.com.

— Brianna Gibson Finalists: Black Lotus Tattoo Shop (420 N. Bierdeman St., Pearl, 601-933-1120) / Hard Rocs Tattoo (1149 Old Fannin Road, Brandon, 769-251-5363) / House of Pain Tattoo (30 Holiday Rambler Lane, Byram, 601-321-9040) / Inkk Junkies Tattoos (182 Raymond Road, 601-503-6030)

The 2020 Best of Jackson Party is Sunday 1/26/20 in downtown Jackson. Invitation only! If you are a finalist or winner and need to RSVP, please call Andrea @ 601-362-6121 ext 17 by Friday at 3 p.m.!

Visit bestofjackson.com to read about last year’s winners.

trip burns / file photo

courtesy Capitol Body Shop

Finalists: Barnett’s Body Shop (multiple locations, barnettsbodyshop.com) / Car Care Clinic (multiple locations, carcareclinicjetlube.com) / Freeman Auto Repair (847 S. State St., 601948-3358, freemanautorepair.com) / Tony’s Tire & Automotive (5138 N. State St., 601-9812414)

Finalists: Baptist Medical Center (1225 N. State St., Jackson, 601-968-1000) / BB’S LIVE– Bonny Blair’s (1149 Old Fannin Road, Brandon, 769-447-5788) / Cole Facial Clinic & Skin Care (204 E. Layfair Drive, Flowood, 601-896-0112, colefacialclinic.com) / Mississippi Children’s Museum (2145 Museum Blvd., 601-981-5469, mschildrensmuseum.org) / St. Dominic Hospital (969 Lakeland Drive, 601-200-2000, stdom.com)

Best Thrift/Consignment Shop: Repeat Street

(242 Highway 51, Ridgeland, 601-605-9123, repeatstreet.net)

Jackson residents have named Repeat Street as the Best Thrift/Consignment Shop for a ninth consecutive year. The 17,000 square foot store offers shoes, apparel and accessories, knick-knacks and home decor items, salvaged items, and a regularly changing selection of furniture, artwork and jewelry. Repeat Street also has an outdoor area with garden and patio items and more.

The store has also partnered with Community Animal Rescue & Adoption, a no-kill animal shelter in Jackson, to raise funds for rescue animals through The Pawlour at Repeat Street. Customers can donate furniture, home décor, seasonal clothing and other items in great condition to support The Pawlour Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Repeat Street also has a sister location, the Orange Peel, in Fondren. For more information, find the business on Facebook.

— Dustin Cardon Finalists: Leap Frog Children’s Consignment & More (104 Village Blvd., Madison, 601898-0727, leapfrogmadison.com) / N.U.T.S. (114 Millsaps Ave., 601-355-7458, followme2nuts.com) / Orange Peel (422 Mitchell Ave., 601-364-9977, orangepeelfondren.com) / Private Collection Consignment (1018 Village Blvd., Madison, 601-607-6004)

Best Yoga Studio: Soul Synergy Center (5490 Castlewoods Court, Suite D, Flowood, 601-992-7721, soulsynergycenter.com)

Soul Synergy Center won Best Yoga Studio for the second year in a row, and will celebrate its two-year anniversary in Flowood in February. Owners Jill and Daniel Clark opened Soul Synergy to bring holistic healing techniques to Mississippi. Jill, a native of south Jackson, says she and Daniel decided they needed to return to Mississippi after spending time elsewhere because more people have become open to holistic alternatives for healing. More than just a yoga studio, Soul Synergy offers massage, meditation, Mississippi’s first salt cave and more.

Soul Synergy offers a number of yoga options, including all-ages yoga, chair yoga, flow yoga, restorative yoga, donations-based yoga and more. For more information, visit soulsynergycenter.com.

— Brianna Gibson Finalists: Butterfly Yoga (butterflyyoga.net) / Jenifer Simcox (Namaste at the Bar, namastejxn.com) / M Theory Yoga (118 W. Jackson St., Ridgeland, 601-790-7402, mtheoryyoga. com) / StudiOm Yoga (665 Duling Ave., 601-209-6325, studiomyogaofms.com) / Tara Yoga (601-720-2337, tara-yoga.net)

January 22 - February 4,2020 • jfp.ms

(multiple locations, capitolbodyshop.com)

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Looking for something great to do in Jackson? Visit JFPEVENTS.COM for more.

JFP SPONSORED Junior League Jumble Jan. 30, Feb. 1, 6-10 p.m. (6240 Old Canton Road). The ultimate rummage sale features lmore than 9,000 items including furniture, home décor, children’s clothing, toys and more. Proceeds supports the mission of the Junior League of Jackson and helps to fund over 30 community projects in Jackson metro. Tickets online and at door. The Jumble First Finds on Jan. 30 allows ticket holders of the Reveal Party to get first dibs on the best merchandise from 6-7 p.m. and the Jumble Reveal Party is from 7-10 p.m. On Feb. 1, early birds can attend the Peek and Purchase from 6-8 a.m. and the general admission sale is from 8 a.m.-12 p.m. Jumble will close briefly at 12 p.m. to set up for the half-price sale from 1-3 p.m. $60 1st finds/reveal, $50 reveal, $10 early, $5 general; call 601-948-2357; email jumblechair@jljackson.org; juniorleaguejumble.com.

COMMUNITY Jackson Scavenger Hunt: Pretty Mississippi Jan. 22-Feb. 5, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., at Let’s Roam Scavenger Hunts (400 Mississippi St.). Let’s Roam hosts scavenger hunts for the Jackson area. Participants race against the clock as they take photos of the items on the list. $11 scavenger hunt ticket; call 833-202-7626; letsroam.com.

History Is Lunch: The Life and Legacy of B.B. King–A Mississippi Blues Icon Jan. 22, noon, at Two Mississippi Museums (222 North St.). In the Craig H. Neilsen Auditorium. New Jersey native author, Diane Williams presents a discussion of her new book and gives an overview of

Saturday 1/25 Beginner Photography Class is from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Mt. Salus Christian School (1580 Clinton Raymond Road, Clinton). The crash course, for beginners or novices in need of a refresher course, covers camera operations and functions. Participants are PIXABAY encouraged to bring their own DSLR camera as cameras are not provided. The event includes an outline for taking notes and refreshments. $90 general admission; call 601-924-5863; email bdavis@mtsalus.org; find it on Facebook.

King’s life including memories of the artist from his children and interviews with musicians such as Bobby Rush, Jesse Robinson and Melvin “Housecat” Hendrex. Book sales and signing to follow. Free admission; call 601-576-6800; email cgoodwin@mdah.ms.gov; find it on Facebook.

Koinonia Friday Forum Jan. 24, Jan. 31, 9 a.m., at Refill Cafe (136 S. Adams St.). The weekly series features lectures and presentations on various topics from a number of reputable guests.

The topic of the forums change every week. Free admission; email nmcnamee72@gmail.com.

Habitat for Humanity Mississippi Honors Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr Jan. 25, Feb. 1, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., at Habitat for Humanity Mississippi Capital Area (615 Stonewall St.). Habitat for Humanity links with 13 other entities to rehab a home for a local family in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Together with 360 volunteers and 125 hours of construction work from the

homeowners, the rehab project spans over 11 consecutive Saturdays until completion. Free admission; call 601-353-6060; email vstein@ habitatmca.org; habitatmca.org.

JXN Flea Market Jan. 25, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., at Duling Hall (622 Duling Ave.). The Flamingo hosts an annual market that supports local businesses and vendors. The event takes place indoors, so no tents are needed. All vendors should bring a table and their products. Free admission, vendor prices vary; call 601-2927121; email jxnflea@gmail.com; jxnflea.com.

All Ages Pokémon League Jan. 25, Feb. 1, noon-4 p.m., at Van’s Comics, Cards and Games (731 S. Pear Orchard Road, Suite 1, Ridgeland).

Participants gather each Saturday to play the Pokémon Trading Card Game. Free admission; call 601-898-9950; find it on Facebook.

Vison 20/20 Book Club Launch Event Jan. 25, noon-2 p.m., at Cultivation Food Hall (1200

Eastover Drive, Suite 125). Cultivation Food Hall hosts their first book meeting of the year to discuss “Heaven Can You Hear me!” by author S.P.I.R.I.T. The event includes a light lunch.

RSVP required by January 20. Free admission; call 601-487-5196; find it on Facebook.

Sankofa Book Club Jan. 25, 5 p.m., at Urban Foxes (826 North St.). Women for Progress of MS invite book lovers to gather and discuss the life of the protagonist Hiram Walker and his magical journey to freedom during the antebellum era in Ta-Nehisi Coates’ novel, “The Water Dancer.”. Free admission; call 769-572-5505; find it on Facebook.

Easybridge: Bridge Lessons Jan. 28, Feb. 4, 9:30 a.m.-noon, at Jackson Bridge Association (300 Park Circle Drive, Flowood). The Jackson Bridge Association hosts weekly introductory classes that teach attendees the basics of the card game bridge. Classes are free through March 3. Each class thereafter costs $6. James Tullos teaches the class. Free through 3/3/20, $6 each class thereafter; call 601-992-1153; email jrtullos@ bellsouth.net.

KIDS Play. Eat. Learn. – Let’s Talk: Development of Early Childhood Speech and Language Jan. 28, 5:30-7:30 p.m., at Mississippi Children’s Museum (2145 Museum Blvd.). Brooklyn Sparnecht and Lilian Hines present on the development of early childhood speech and language.

Dinner provided, first-come, first-served. Childcare available for kids ages 3 to 10. Children allowed to play in the museum with supervision provided by members of the Junior League of

2019 POP UP WINNERS

I

n addition to the Best of Jackson 2020 winners and finalists, we would like to remind our readers of the people, businesses and organizations from our three Best of Jackson pop-up ballots throughout 2019 that also helps put the “great” in the greater Jackson area. See more (and party pictures soon) at bestofjackson.com.

Best of Jackson: Medical January 22 - February 4,2020 • jfp.ms

Best Dentist; Best Pediatric Dentist: LaMonica Davis Taylor (Smiles on Broadway Dental Care for Kids, 5442 Watkins Drive, 601665-4996, smilesonbroadwaydental.com) Best Chiropractor: Stanley Sims (Sims Chiropractic Clinic; 500 E. Woodrow Wilson Ave., Suite F; 601-982-0988) Best Cosmetic Dentist: Deidra Snell (Ridgewood Smiles Dentistry; 5800 Ridgewood Road, Suite 105; 601-398-2934; ridgewoodsmilesdentistry.com) Best Cosmetic Surgeon: Scott Runnels (Runnels Center, 1055 River Oaks Blvd., 601939-9778, runnelscenter.com) Best Doctor: Timothy Quinn (Quinn 46 Healthcare, PLLC; 768 Avery Blvd. N.,

Ridgeland; 601-487-6482; quinntotalhealth. com) Best Hospital: University of Mississippi Medical Center (2500 N. State St., 601-9841000, umc.edu) Best Nurse Practitioner: Stacia Dunson (Harmony House Calls and Medical Services, 7 Lakeland Circle W., Suite 500; harmonyhousecallsllc.com) Best Optometrist/Ophthalmologist: Tonyatta Hairston (Envision Eye Care & Optical Boutique, 1316 N. State St., 601-987-3937, 987eyes.com) Best Orthodontist: Chandra Minor (Smile Design Orthodontics; 201 Riverwind Drive E., Pearl; 601-965-9561; smiledesignorthoms.com) Best Physical Therapist: Brittany Flaggs (Healing Hands Rehabilitation Services; 105

Lexington Drive, Suite H, Madison; 601-9107300; hhrehab.com) Best Specialty Clinic: Mississippi Sports Medicine (multiple locations, mississippisportsmedicine.com) Best Urgent Care: Baptist Medical Group Clinics (multiple locations, baptistmedicalclinic. org) Best Women’s Health Clinic: Jackson Healthcare for Women (291 E. Layfair Drive, Flowood; 601-936-9190; jhcfw.com)

Best of Jackson: Household Best Contractor; Best Roofers/Roofing Company: Watkins Construction and Roofing (1072 High St., 601-202-8363, watkinsconstructioninc.com) Best Heating & AC Service; Best Plumber/Plumbing Service: Environment Masters (168 E. Porter St., 601-353-4681, environmentmasters.com) Best Lawn and Garden Center: Lakeland Yard

Looking for something great to do in Jackson?

Visit JFPEVENTS.COM for more.

Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Jan. 25, SPORTS & WELLNESS 12:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m., Jan. 26, 1:30 p.m., at

Jackson while adults attend the program. Free admission; call 601-981-5469; email erin@ mcm.ms; mschildrensmuseum.org.

Learning Tree Book Club Feb. 1, 2-3:30 p.m., at Jackson Medical Mall Thad Cochran Center (350 W. Woodrow Wilson Ave.). The children’s book club gets together to read and talk about books on the first Saturday of each month.

Books provided. Free admission; call 601-3720229; find it on Facebook.

FOOD & DRINK Food Is Peace: Vegan and Pescatarian Gathering Jan. 25-26, Feb. 1-2, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., at Soul Wired Cafe (111 Millsaps Ave.). Soul Wired Cafe hosts a pop-up style fellowship in celebration of vegan and pescatarian street food every

Spinning Babies® Workshop w/ Tammy Ryan Jan. 25, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., at Jackson Medical Mall - UMMC Conference Center (350 W. Woodrow Wilson Ave., Suite 3140 ). The workshop hosted by Israel Getty is open to professionals who serve pregnant women. These classes cover how to maximize comfort during pregnancy, improve fetal position, solutions for long and painful labor, how to reduce labor stalls with the trademarked Three Levels Solutions technique that effectively changes the size of the pelvis and more. Advanced Doula Tammy Ryan is the trainer. Refunds are available by emailing the trainer. $225 general admission; call 601-8156110; find it on Facebook.

TSPN 8 Ball Tournament Jan. 25, noon, at This

Tuesday 1/28 Easybridge: Bridge Lessons is from 9:30 a.m. to noon at Jackson Bridge Association (300 Park Circle Drive, Flowood).

The Jackson Bridge Association hosts weekly introductory classes that teach attendees the basics of the card game bridge. Classes are free through March PIXABAY 3. Each class thereafter costs $6. James Tullos teaches the class. Free through March 3. Additional date Feb. 4. $6 each class thereafter; call 601-992-1153; email jrtullos@bellsouth.net. weekend. Free admission, food prices vary; call 601-790-0864; find it on Facebook.

Ramen Night Jan. 27, Feb. 3, 6-10 p.m., at Saltine Oyster Bar (622 Duling Ave.). Saltine Restaurant serves house-made vegetarian, Nashville hot chicken, seafood and more flavored ramen bowls every Monday. Free admission, food prices vary; call 601-982-2899; find it on Facebook.

Is It Bar & Grill (3401 Rainey Road). TSPN Central Mississippi hosts a free-roll tournament for TSPN members that requires participants to sign up to reserve a spot. Cash rewards are given to placed winners: first place $350, second place $200, third place $100 and fourth/fifth place $50. Free for TSPN members; call 601373-5966; email furlow69@aol.com; find it on Facebook.

Mississippi Coliseum (1207 Mississippi St.).

The event features a monster trucks performing jumps and other stunts and includes specialty acts, including freestyle motocross athletes and Megasaurus, the fire-breathing dinosaur robot. $20 general admission, $28 best seats; call 601353-0603; find it on Facebook.

Magnolia Classic Dodgeball Tournament Jan. 25, 12:30-7 p.m., at Jackson Academy (4908 Ridgewood Road). Joni and Friends Mississippi presents the annual tournament to raise funds for families with disabilities to attend a retreat.

There are four divisions and each team should have 6 members each: unified, youth, adult and high intensity. Registration required. Free admission; call 601-362-9676; find it on Facebook.

Latin Dance Party Jan. 25, Feb. 1, 10 p.m.-2 a.m., at Salsa Mississippi Club & Studio (605 Duling Ave.). Salsa Mississippi Club & Studio hosts a Latin dance party every Saturday that includes a free dance lesson. $5 student/military, $10 general admission; call 601-213-6355; find it on Facebook.

Free West African Dance Class Jan. 26, 2-3:30 p.m., at Central United Methodist Family Life Center (517 N. Farish St.). Shanina Carmichael teaches participants the art of West African dance. Open to all ages and experience levels.

Includes live music by Alkebulan Music Philosophy. Donations encouraged. Free admission, donations accepted; call 601-983-9305; email shanina.carmichael@gmail.com; find it on Facebook.

2nd Annual Resilient Round Table Feb. 1, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., at King Edward Hotel (102 N. Mill St.). The event features mental-health professionals discussing and educating participants on various dynamics related to improving communication and relationships. Seating is limited.

Admission TBA; call 601-981-2707; email ariel@resiliencecrc.com; eventbrite.com.

S L AT E

the best in sports over the next two weeks

by Bryan Flynn, jfp.ms/sports

Super Bowl LIV matchup is set with the Kansas City Chiefs reaching the NFL’s biggest game for the first time in 50 years The San Francisco 49ers’s last Super Bowl ended with the lights going out in the Superdome and a failed comeback.

THURSDAY, JAN. 23

Women’s college basketball (6-8:30pm SECN): University of Mississippi v. Auburn University.

FRIDAY, JAN. 24

Men’s college basketball (8-10:30pm FS1): Marquette University v. Butler University.

SATURDAY, JAN. 25

College Football (1:30-4pm NFLN): 2020 Senior Bow. SUNDAY, JAN. 26

NFL (2-5:30pm ABC): 2020 NFL Pro Bowl.

MONDAY, JAN. 27

Men’s college basketball (6-8:30pm ESPNU): Florida A&M University v.

Norfolk State University.

TUESDAY, JAN. 28

Men’s college basketball (6-8:30pm ESPN2): Mississippi State University v. University of Florida.

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 29

Men’s college basketball (8-10:30pm ESPNU): Baylor University v. Iowa State University.

THURSDAY, JAN. 30

Best of Jackson: Legal Best Lawyer; Best Defense Attorney: Carlos Moore (Cochran Firm Mississippi Delta; 100 Highland Colony Parkway, Ridgeland; 877-227-9920; tuckermoorelaw.com) Best Bankruptcy Attorney: Frank Coxwell (Coxwell Attorneys; 1675 Lakeland Drive, Suite 102; 601-948-

4450; mississippibankruptcyhelp.com) Best Business Attorney: Price Donahoo (Donahoo Law Firm; 732 Magnolia St., Madison; 601-213-0883; donahoolawfirm.com) Best Estate Planning Attorney: R. Kelly Kyle (Kyle Wynn & Associates; 406 Orchard Park, Ridgeland; 601-978-1700; kyle-wynn.com) Best Family Law Attorney: Melissa Malouf (Malouf & Malouf, 501 E. Capitol St., 601-522-2222, malouflaw.com) Best Law Firm: Chhabra & Gibbs (120 N. Congress St., Suite 200; 601-948-8005; cglawms.com) Best Personal Injury Attorney: Rocky Wilkins (Morgan & Morgan, 4450 Old Canton Road, Suite 200, 601-949-3388, forthepeople.com) Best Real Estate Agent: Robert “Bobby” Moorehead (Robert E. Moorehead, Attorneys At Law; 220 W. Jackson St., Suite A, Ridgeland; 601-956-4557; lawrem.com) Best Tax Attorney: Ashley Wicks (Butler Snow; 1020 Highland Colony Parkway, Suite 1400, Ridgeland; 601-948-5711; butlersnow.com)

Women’s college basketball (6-8:30pm SECN): University of South Carolina v. UM. FRIDAY, JAN. 31

Men’s college basketball (6-8:30pm ESPN2): Virginia Commonwealth University v. Rhode Island University.

SATURDAY, FEB. 1

Men’s college basketball (11am-1:30pm ESPN2); UM v. Louisiana State University.

SUNDAY, FEB. 2

NFL (5:30-9pm Fox): San Francisco 49ers v. Kansas City Chiefs.

MONDAY, FEB. 3

Women’s college basketball (6-8:30pm SECN): University of Georgia v. MSU. Read more about Mississippi sports at jacksonfreepress.com/sports.

January 22 - February 4,2020 • jfp.ms

and Garden (4210 Lakeland Drive, Flowood; 601939-7304; lakelandyardandgarden.com) Best Local House Cleaner/Service: Two Maids & A Mop (409 Briarwood Drive, Suite 310; 601-419-3888, twomaidsjackson.com) Best Local Pest Control: Dependable Pest Service (100 First Choice Drive, Madison; 601-853-1869; dependablepest.net) Best Local Pool Service: Bob’s Pool Service (5014 Highway 80, Pearl; 601-939-3388; bobspoolserviceinc. com) Best Tree Service: Big John’s Tree Service (312 Turtle Hollow, Flowood; 601-941-7773; bigjohnstree.net)

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Looking for something great to do in Jackson? Visit JFPEVENTS.COM for more.

STAGE & SCREEN Broadway Revue! Jan. 22, 6:30 p.m., at Power APAC School (1120 Riverside Drive). Power APAC presents a night of Broadway classics including songs from Once On This Island, Seussical and Peter Pan. Tickets are sold at the school’s front office. $3 students, $5 adults; call 601-960-5387; find it on Facebook.

Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical Jan. 28-31, Feb. 1-2, Feb. 4-5, 7:30 p.m., at New Stage Theatre (1100 Carlisle St.). The theater presents a production of “Matilda,” a novel by Roald Dahl relaying the story of a young girl who uses her courage and imagination to push beyond her poor circumstances. $30 general admission; call 601-948-3533; newstagetheatre.com.

CONCERTS & FESTIVALS Jazz Nights Jan. 22, Jan. 29, Feb. 5, 6 p.m., at 4th Avenue Lounge (209 S. Lamar St.). The venue hosts weekly live jazz performances. Free admission; call 855-246-9636; email 4thavenuejxn.com.

Events at Duling Hall (622 Duling Ave.) • Sweet Crude Live Jan. 22, 7:30 p.m. Ardenland presents the indie-pop six-piece band performing live. $10 general Admission; call 601-292-7121; find it on Facebook.

• Christone “Kingfish” Ingram Jan. 23, 7:30 p.m. The 20-year-old bluesman from the Mississippi Delta performs. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

Minors under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to enter. Seating is first-come, first-serve. Persons under 21 must pay a $5 upcharge. $20 advanced, $25 at-door; call 601292-7121; dulinghall.ticketfly.com.

• James McMurtry with Bonnie Whitmore Jan. 24, 8 p.m. The singer-songwriter performs live with Bonnie Whitmore as a special guest. Doors open at 6 p.m. Minors under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to enter. Seating is first-come, first-serve. Persons under 21 must pay a $5 upcharge. $15 advanced, $20 day-of; call 601-292-7121; dulinghall.ticketfly.com.

Charlie’s Effin’ Karaoke Jan. 22, Jan. 29, Feb. 5, 9 p.m.-2 a.m., at Ole Tavern (416 George St.).

Ole Tavern hosts a karaoke event that includes $10 beer buckets and $2 Bartenders choice shots from 9 p.m. to close. Come sing your heart out.

Free admission; call 601-960-2700; find it on Facebook.

January 22 - February 4,2020 • jfp.ms

Events at Martin’s Downtown (214 S. State St.)

48

• Front Room Series: Ruth Pooley, Daniel Masterpiece Jones, Matt Heath Jan. 23, 8-11 p.m.

The event features acoustic guitar, pop rock and contemporary sounds performed live by select music artists. $7 general admission; call 601-3549712; find it on Facebook.

• Jason Hawk Harris Live Jan. 24, 10 p.m.-1:30 a.m. Singer, guitarist and songwriter performs punk rock meets classical country music live. $10 cover charge; call 601-354-9712; find it on Facebook.

• William Matheny with deFrance Jan. 25, 10 p.m.-1:30 a.m., at Martin’s Downtown (214 S. State St.). The country music artist performs live, fusing sounds of alt-country, rock, roots and pop.

TBA; call 601-354-9712; find it on Facebook.

• Killer Whale w/Denton Hatcher Live Jan. 31, 10 p.m.-1:30 a.m. Artist performs live with unique sounds of folk rock and psychedelic elec-

tronica fused with surf rock and Caribbean fare. $10 cover charge; call 601-354-9712; find it on Facebook.

• Perpetual Groove with Funk You Feb. 1, 10 p.m.-1:30 a.m. Rybolt Productions presents the Georgia native, American jam band playing funk music live. $22.85 general admission; call 601354-9712; find it on Facebook.

Offbeat Friday Night Live Jan. 24, Jan. 31, 8 p.m., at Offbeat (151 Wesley Ave.). The weekly event features live music from various alternative acts in genres such as hip-hop, indie-rock and R&B. Doors open 7 p.m. $5 cover charge; find it on Facebook.

Chamber II - Mozart by Candlelight Jan. 25, 7:30-9:30 p.m., at Belhaven University - Center for the Arts (835 Riverside Drive). Mississippi Symphony Orchestra holds its annual program set to warm a winter evening with hundreds of candles and orchestral artistry. Includes performances by Principal Horn and Mimi Linehan.

The box office will reopen one hour prior to the concert. $23 adult, $5 student/children ages 4-18; call 601-960-1565; email rroberts@msorchestra.com; msorchestra.com.

Synergy Night Jan. 25, 9-11:30 p.m., at The Med Fish and Grill (1200 E. County Line Road, Ridgeland). Maranda Joiner hosts the open mic night. Participants sing, read poetry and more. Includes giveaways, food and drinks. $10 general admission, $5 open mic participants; email maranda@marandajoiner.com; find it on Facebook.

Pops II - STAR WARS Feb. 1, 7:30-9:30 p.m., at Thalia Mara Hall (255 E. Pascagoula St.).

The Mississippi Symphony Orchestra presents a performance of John Williams’ Star Wars scores, from Episodes I through VIII, plus Rogue One. The box office will reopen at Thalia Mara Hall one hour prior to the start of the concert. $27-$74 adult, $5 students/children ages 4-18; call 601-960-1565; email rroberts@msorchestra. com; msorchestra.com.

CREATIVE CLASSES Beginner Photography Class Jan. 25, 9-11 a.m., at Mt. Salus Christian School (1580 Clinton Raymond Road, Clinton). The crash course, for beginners or novices in need of a refresher course, covers camera operations and functions.

Participants are encouraged to bring their own DSLR camera as cameras are not provided. The event includes an outline for taking notes and refreshments. $90 general admission; call 601924-5863; email bdavis@mtsalus.org; find it on Facebook.

Beginner’s Handlettering Class Jan. 28, 6:30-8 p.m., at Downtown Giftery (151 W. Government St., Brandon). East Brandon Gifts hosts a hand lettering class for those 12 years old and up. The cost covers all materials and attendees can receive a 20% discount on purchases at the Downtown Giftery. Limited space. $40 general admission; call 601-724-1347; find it on Facebook.

Shut Up and Write/Create Workshops Feb. 8 (writing); March 21 (creativity), 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Join Jackson Free Press editor-in-chief Donna Ladd’s popular intense, run and interactive Saturday workshops on writing and creativity.

Learn the tools to stay on course and follow your dreams. Breakfast, lunch, snacks, supplies included. Each workshop $250, but $175 until 1/31; both workshops $300. Write class@writintochange.com to register; info and testimonials

at writingtochange.com. Call for info: 601-9660834. Check/credit cards/cash.

ARTS & EXHIBITS Events at Mississippi Museum of Art (380 S. Lamar St.) • Art in Mind Jan. 22, 10:30 a.m.-noon. MMA partners with Alzheimer’s Mississippi and the Mind Center at UMMC to use art exploration in the galleries, followed by hands-on engagement in the studio to stimulate observation, recall and cognition. Art therapist Susan Anand joins MMA educators in creating experiences for participants of all skill levels. Registration required. Free admission; call 601-960-1515; email mindclinic@umc.edu; find it on Facebook.

• Creative Healing Studio Feb. 5, 12:30-2 p.m.

Art therapist Susan Anand leads the bimonthly art activity for adults being treated for cancer or those who have previously been diagnosed with cancer. All skill levels welcome. Registration required. Free admission; call 601-960-1515; email smainlay@aol.com; msmuseumart.org.

PROFESSIONAL & BIZ Mississippi Hereford Association Annual Meeting & Dinner Feb. 1, 6-9 p.m., at Mississippi Cattlemen’s Association (680 Monroe St.). The Mississippi Hereford Association presents the first annual meeting of the year to continue the mission of promoting and assisting Hereford breeders and youth in Mississippi. RSVP for din-

Attache’ Alumni Dinner Theatre and Silent Auction Jan. 25, 7-10 p.m., at Anderson Hall (200 Capitol St., Clinton). The fundraising event includes refreshments, a silent auction and a competition set performed by the show choir which is comprised of Mississippi College Alumni. The silent auction features a $500 gift card for Gateway Tire, a tuition certificate to DanceWorks Studio, two tickets to the Junior Civic League Gala, various household items, jewelry, gift certificates for dry cleaning, house cleaning, restaurants, gyms, and photography sessions.

All profits support Clinton Highschool Attache’ Show Choir program. $45 general admission; call 601-473-9557; email Krobinson770@gmail. com; find it on Facebook.

2020 Central MS Point-In-Time Homeless Count Jan. 27, 5:30 a.m., at Voice of Calvary Ministries (531 W. Capitol St. ). Central MS Continuum of Care hosts a day of service where volunteers come together to serve and update the numbers of the homeless community. Free admission; call 601-969-3088; find it on Facebook.

Tower Talk - Human Trafficking Awareness Jan. 28, 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m., at First Baptist Church of Richland (1102 Highway 49 S., Richland). The Center for Violence Prevention partners with the Richland Police Department for a discussion about Human Trafficking. Parents and children 12 years old and up are encouraged to attend.

Childcare for children under 12 provided via RSVP. Free admission; call 601-939-1715; find it on Facebook.

Friday 1/31 Winter Coat and Clothing Drive begins at noon at Good Samaritan Center (114 Millsaps Ave.). The Good Samaritan Center hosts a coat drive to provide low income families with appropriate apparel for the winter season. Free admission; call 601-355-6276; find it on Facebook.

PIXABAY

ner required. Free admission; call 601-354-8951; find it on Facebook.

BE THE CHANGE Teen Dating Violence Awareness Summit Jan. 25, 8 a.m.-3 p.m., at Mississippi e-Center at Jackson State University (1230 Raymond Road).

The Mississippi Coalition Against Domestic Violence is hosting the Teen Dating Violence Awareness Summit. The summit will be held Saturday, January 25, 2020. We are inviting youth between the ages of 13 and 19 to participate in the summit at no charge. The summit will break down the definition of “relationship” and what it looks like to be in a healthy one. Our Teen Advisory Council has created an event that helps other teens learn about relationships and recognize the signs of an unhealthy connection. Author, actress, and advocate April Hernandez-Castillo will be our keynote speaker. Mrs. Castillo devotes her time spreading awareness, hope, and breaking the silence on Teen Dating Violence across the United States. Admission TBA; call 601-9819196; email tara.steverson@mcadv.org; mcadv. coalitionmanager.org.

Winter Coat and Clothing Drive Jan. 31, noon, at Good Samaritan Center (114 Millsaps Ave.).

The Good Samaritan Center hosts a coat drive to provide low income families with appropriate apparel for the winter season. Free admission; call 601-355-6276; find it on Facebook.

LITERARY SIGNINGS “Race Against Time” Book Signing Feb. 4, 4-6 p.m., at Lemuria Bookstore (4465 I-55 N.). Jerry Mitchell signs copies of his book. $28 signed copy; call 601-366-7619; lemuriabooks.com.

Check jfpevents.com for updates and more listings, or to add your own events online. You can also email event details to events@ jacksonfreepress.com to be added to the calendar. The deadline is noon the Wednesday prior to the week of publication.

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner!

Pre-order your chocolate covered strawberries and handmade chocolates today!

MARCH 7

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January 22 - Fabruary 4, 2020 • jfp.ms

MDWFP.COM/MUSEUM

49

courtesy D’lo Trio

1/23 - 2/4 Wednesday 1/22 Alumni House, Pearl - Gena & David Steele 7 p.m.

Char - Tommie Vaughn 6 p.m.

Hal & Mal’s - New Bourbon Street Jazz Band 7 p.m.

Duling Hall - Sweet Crude 6 p.m.

Jackson Yacht Club - Larry Brewer & Doug Hurd 5:30 p.m.

Kathryn’s - The Gator Trio 6:30 p.m.

Martin’s - Open Mic 9 p.m.

Pelican Cove - Gary & Mel Osborne 6 p.m.

Shucker’s - Sonny & Co. 7:30 p.m.

Table 100 - Andy Henderson 6 p.m.

Thursday 1/23 Bonny Blair’s Live, Brandon - Stace & Cassie 8 p.m.

Char - Tommie Vaughn 6 p.m.

Drago’s - Scott Stricklin 6 p.m.

Fenian’s - Live Music 9 p.m.

F. Jones Corner - Chris Minter & The KJ Funkmasters 11 p.m. $5 Fitzgerald’s - Doug Hurd 7 p.m.

Genna Benna, Brandon - Candy Lee Dobbs 7 p.m.

Georgia Blue, Flowood - Casey Phillips 7 p.m.

Georgia Blue, Madison - Todd Smith 7 p.m.

Hal & Mal’s - D’Lo Trio 7 p.m.

Iron Horse Grill - Ryan Lee Crosby 6 p.m.

Kathryn’s - Dirt Road Cadillac 6:30 p.m.

Pelican Cove - Sonny & Don 6 p.m.

Shucker’s - The Road Hogs 7:30 p.m.

Table 100 - Andrew Pates 6 p.m.

January 22 - February 4,2020 • jfp.ms

Friday 1/24

50

1908 Provisions - Chuck Bryan 6:30 p.m.

Alumni House, Pearl - Doug Hurd 7 p.m.

Ameristar Bottleneck Blues Bar, Vicksburg - The Chill 8 p.m.

Bar 3911 - DJ Taboo 8 p.m.-2 a.m.

Bonny Blair’s, Brandon - Keys vs.

Strings 9 p.m.

Char - Ronnie Brown 6 p.m.

Drago’s - Jeff Reynolds 6 p.m.

Duling Hall - James McMurtry & Bonnie Whitmore 6 p.m.

F. Jones Corner - The Blues Man midnight $10 Genna Benna, Brandon - Scott Stricklin 7 p.m.

Georgia Blue, Flowood - Dan Confait 7 p.m.

Georgia Blue, Madison - Ben Dew 7 p.m.

Hal & Mal’s - Bill Temperance & Jeff (Dining Room); Seth Power (Red Room) 7 p.m.

Iron Horse Grill - Brint Anderson 9

See more music at jfp.ms/musiclistings.

To be included in print, email listings to music@jacksonfreepress.com.

D’lo Trio

p.m.

Kathryn’s - Acoustic Crossroads 7 p.m.

Martin’s - Jason Hawk Harris 10 p.m.

Pelican Cove - Royal Orleans 6 p.m.

Shucker’s - Chris Gill Trio 5:30 p.m.; Jason Miller Band 8 p.m. $5; Cole Decter 10 p.m.

Table 100 - Tommie Vaughn 6 p.m.

Two Rivers, Canton - Sid Thompson & DoubleShotz 8 p.m.

Saturday 1/25 Ameristar Bottleneck Blues Bar, Vicksburg - 80’s Night with M’80’s 8 p.m.

Bar 3911 - Drag Performance & Dance Party feat. DJ Taboo 8 p.m.-3 a.m. free before 10 p.m.

Bonny Blair’s Live, Brandon - Just Cauz 9 p.m.

Cerami’s, Flowood - Ron Sennett 6 p.m.

Char - John Clark 6 p.m.

CS’s - Karaoke 8 p.m.

Cultivation Food Hall - John Clark 6 p.m.

F. Jones Corner - Big Money Mel & Small Change Wayne 10 p.m. $5; Jamell Richardson midnight $10 Genna Benna, Brandon - Jason Turner 7 p.m.

Georgia Blue, Flowood - Aaron Coker 7 p.m.

Georgia Blue, Madison - Jenn N Josh 7 p.m.

Iron Horse Grill - Chris Gill & The Soulshakers 9 p.m.

Kathryn’s - The McGees 7 p.m.

Martin’s - William Matheny w/ deFrance 10 p.m.

Pelican Cove - Steele Rockin 6 p.m.

Shucker’s - Acoustic Crossroads 3:30 p.m.; Jason Miller Band 8 p.m. $5; Chad Perry 10 p.m.

Table 100 - Tommie Vaughn 6 p.m.

Char - Big Easy Three 11 a.m.; Tommie Vaughn 6 p.m.

Hal & Mal’s - CMBS presents Blue Monday 7 p.m. $5 Kathryn’s - Barry Leach 6 p.m.

Table 100 - Raphael Semmes Trio 11 a.m.-2 p.m.; Dan Michael Colbert 6-9 p.m.

Wellington’s - Andy Hardwick 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Tuesday 1/28 Bonny Blair’s Live, Brandon - Open Jam 7 p.m.

Char - Tommie Vaughn 6 p.m.

Drago’s - Hunter Gibson 6 p.m.

Fitzgerald’s - Shaun Patterson 7 p.m.

Hal & Mal’s - CMBS presents Blue Monday 7 p.m. $5 Kathryn’s - Johnny Crocker 6:30 p.m.

Table 100 - Andrew Pates 6 p.m.

Wednesday 1/29 Alumni House, Pearl - Johnny Crocker 7 p.m.

Bonny Blair’s Live, Brandon - Josh & Patrick 7 p.m.

Char - Tommie Vaughn 6 p.m.

Fitzgerald’s - Hunter Chappell 7 p.m.

Hal & Mal’s - New Bourbon Street Jazz Band 7 p.m.

Kathryn’s - Larry Brewer & Doug Hurd 6:30 p.m.

Martin’s - Open Mic 9 p.m.

7 p.m.

Georgia Blue, Flowood - Jenn N Josh 7 p.m.

Georgia Blue, Madison - TBA 7 p.m.

Kathryn’s - The Sole Shakers 6:30 p.m.

Pelican Cove - Gena Steele 6 p.m.

Shucker’s - Hunter & Chris 7:30 p.m.

Table 100 - Andrew Pates 6 p.m.

Friday 1/31 1908 Provisions - Chuck Bryan 6:30 p.m.

Alumni House - Gena Steele & Chris Link 7 p.m.

Ameristar Bottleneck Blues Bar, Vicksburg - Jason Miller Band 8 p.m.

Bar 3911 - DJ Taboo 8 p.m.-2 a.m.

Bonny Blair’s, Brandon - Lovin Ledbeter 9 p.m.

Char - Ronnie Brown 6 p.m.

Dockery Grill, Byram - Sid Thompson & DoubleShotz 8 p.m.

Drago’s - Barry Leach 6 p.m.

F. Jones Corner - Live Music midnight $10 Genna Benna, Brandon - Jenn N Josh 7 p.m.

Georgia Blue, Flowood - Brandon Greer Duo 7 p.m.

Georgia Blue, Madison - Dan Confait 7 p.m.

Hal & Mal’s - Jason Turner in Dining Room; Cary Hudson & Cary Morin courtesy Tiger Rogers

Tiger Rogers

Sunday 1/26 Char - Big Easy Three 11 a.m.; Tommie Vaughn 6 p.m.

Duling Hall - Billy Strings (SOLD OUT) 6 p.m.

Iron Horse Grill - Saxophonist Tiger Rogers 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Kathryn’s - SOULSTEW 6 p.m.

Pelican Cove - Chris & Rick 12-4 p.m.; Hunter Duo 5 p.m.

Shucker’s - Steele Heart 3:30 p.m.

Table 100 - Raphael Semmes Trio 11 a.m.-2 p.m.; Dan Michael Colbert 6-9 p.m.

Wellington’s - Andy Hardwick 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Monday 1/27 1908 Provisions - Knight Bruce 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Saturday 2/1 Ameristar Bottleneck Blues Bar, Vicksburg - Get Sideways 8 p.m.

Bar 3911 - Drag Performance & Dance Party feat. DJ Taboo 8 p.m.-3 a.m. free before 10 p.m.

Bonny Blair’s Live, Brandon - Sweet Tooth Jones 9 p.m.

Char - John Clark 6 p.m.

CS’s - Karaoke 8 p.m.

Cultivation Food Hall - John Clark 6 p.m.

F. Jones Corner - Live Music midnight $10 Genna Benna, Brandon - Live Music 7 p.m.

Georgia Blue, Flowood - Live Music 7 p.m.

Georgia Blue, Madison - Live Music 7 p.m.

Iron Horse Grill - The High Frequency Band 9 p.m.

Kathryn’s - Jay Wadsworth & The Round Up Band 7 p.m.

Martin’s - Perpetual Groove w/ Funk You 10 p.m.

Offbeat - Live Music 6 p.m.

Pelican Cove - Jason Turner 6 p.m.

Shucker’s - Live Music 3:30 p.m.; Live Music 8 p.m. $5; Live Music 10 p.m.

Table 100 - Tommie Vaughn 6 p.m.

Sunday 2/2 1908 Provisions - Knight Bruce 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Char - Big Easy Three 11 a.m.; Tommie Vaughn 6 p.m.

Iron Horse Grill - Saxophonist Tiger Rogers 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Pelican Cove - Trace Hunt 12 p.m.

Shucker’s - Live Music 3:30 p.m.

Table 100 - Raphael Semmes Trio 11 a.m.-2 p.m.; Dan Michael Colbert 6-9 p.m.

Wellington’s - Andy Hardwick 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Monday 2/3 Char - Tommie Vaughn 6 p.m.

Hal & Mal’s - CMBS presents Blue Monday 7 p.m. $5 Kathryn’s - Joseph LaSalla 6:30 p.m.

Table 100 - Andrew Pates 6 p.m.

Pelican Cove - Seth & Summer 6:30 p.m.

Shucker’s - Sonny & Co. 7:30 p.m.

Table 100 - Andy Henderson 6 p.m.

Thursday 1/30 Bonny Blair’s Live, Brandon - Phil Yarbrough 8 p.m.

Char - Tommie Vaughn 6 p.m.

Drago’s - Daniel Fehrenbacher 6 p.m.

Fenian’s - Live Music 9 p.m.

Genna Benna, Brandon - Wes Bailey

in Red Room 7 p.m.

Iron Horse Grill - Deeb’s Blues 9 p.m.

ISH - Avant 6 p.m.

Kathryn’s - Faze 4 Dance Band 7 p.m.

Offbeat - Live Music 6 p.m.

Pelican Cove - Larry Brewer & Hunter Gibson 6 p.m.

Shucker’s - Denise Owens 5:30 p.m.; Burnham Road 8 p.m. $5; Hunter Chappell 10 p.m.

Table 100 - Tommie Vaughn 6 p.m.

Tuesday 2/4 Char - Tommie Vaughn 6 p.m.

Drago’s - Larry Brewer 6 p.m.

Fenian’s - Open Mic 9 p.m.

Hal & Mal’s - Dinner, Drinks and Jazz: Raphael Semmes & Friends 9 p.m.

Kathryn’s - Scott Stricklin & Brian Smith 6:30 p.m.

Table 100 - Chalmers Davis 6 p.m.

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February

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Restaurant Open

D’Lo Trio

Seth Power with Kevin Daniel and the Bottom Line Red Room - 7:00pm

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MARCH

Cary Hudson AND Cary Morin Red Room - Doors 7:00pm

Jason Turner Dining Room - 7:00pm - Free

Saturday 2/1

Monday 1/27

Central MS Blues Society presents:

Restaurant Open

Dining Room - 7 - 11pm $3 Members $5 Non-Members

Tuesday 1/28

Dinner Drinks & Jazz with Raphael Semmes and Friends

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Friday 1/31

Restaurant Open

Blue Monday

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Thursday 1/30

Saturday 1/25

Central MS Blues Society presents:

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Monday 2/3

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Tuesday 2/4

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January 22 - Fabruary 4, 2020 • jfp.ms

E

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 2

51

45 Croquet need 47 “Far out!”

49 “Smallville” villain Luthor 50 “Moonrise Kingdom” director Anderson 51 Addis ___ (Ethiopia’s capital) 55 Breed of chicken once known as Indian Game 58 Vexation 59 Kimono sash 60 Punny Stephan Pastis comic strip, out of order?

63 Guitar master Paul 64 “Honor Thy Father” author Gay 65 River from Lake Victoria 66 Turn purple?

67 Like some tomatoes 68 Boat bottom

BY MATT JONES

denote the first two letters 32 Letters on a boom box 33 ‘80s “This Old House” host Bob 34 Persevere, out of order?

36 Some side dishes 42 Country singer Campbell 44 Fail to bring up a memory 46 Is 48 Cassette contents 50 During 52 Eagle’s perch 53 Disney “princess” fond of reading 54 Adams who photographed Yosemite 55 Target of some over-the-counter

Last Week’s Answers

medicine 56 Toe the line 57 Go after flies 58 Went 40 in a 20 zone, e.g.

61 Mint-condition 62 Ending for Nepal ©2019 Jonesin’ Crosswords (jonesincrosswords@gmail.com) For answers to this puzzle, call: 1-900226-2800, 99 cents per minute. Must be 18+. Or to bill to your credit card, call: 1-800 655-6548. Reference puzzle #924

Editor’s Note: Psycho Sudoku by Matt Jones has been discontinued.

Down

1 Building locations 2 Mature 3 Disperse 4 “All ___ go!”

5 College square 6 “... join in ___ reindeer games” 7 Photographer Goldin 8 Short loin cut 9 ___ gobi (Indian potato dish) 10 Mailed, as a contest entry, way back when 11 Temperature where the Fahrenheit and Celsius scales meet, out of order?

12 Boo-boo 13 They give shade 18 ___-Provera (birth control injection) 22 “But she’s calling ___” (“Mr. Brightside”) 24 Off-the-highway eatery 25 It pairs with steak 28 Parking person 29 Malia’s sister 30 Buffoonish 31 1970s song whose first two words

“You’re All Out of Order” --it’s all about the position.

Across

1 Bodily pouches (and not something like what Santa carries, unfortunately) 5 Airline to Adelaide 11 Adversary 14 How some sit by 15 Lacking the resources 16 Hedwig, for one 17 Midday song by The Moody Blues, out of order?

19 Cup edge 20 Blissful 21 Jots down 23 Throat problem, briefly

24 “Forgot About ___” (2000 single) 26 Frigid 27 Oscar winner 29 Stylish, to some 32 “We try harder” rental company 35 “Forever Mine” singer Day 37 Ray of sunshine 38 “Good Will Hunting” campus 39 Comedian Black who was Anger in “Inside Out” 40 GOP fundraising org.

41 It’s red, white, and blue for a bunch of countries 43 “Love Story” author Segal 44 “The Duchess of Alba” painter

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AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18):

I’m a big fan of self-editing. For example, every horoscope I write evolves over the course of at least three drafts. For each book I’ve published, I have written but then thrown away hundreds of pages that I ultimately deemed weren’t good enough to be a part of the finished text. And yet now and then, I have created a poem or song in one rapid swoop. My artistic artifact is exactly right the first time it flows out of me, with no further tinkering needed. I suspect you’re now entering a phase like that, Aquarius. I’m reminded of poet Allen Ginsberg’s operative principle: “first thought, best thought.”

Who don’t you want to be, Pisces? Where don’t you want to go? What experiences are not necessary in your drive to become the person you were born to be? I encourage you to ask yourself questions like those in the coming weeks.

You’re entering a phase when you can create long-term good fortune for yourself by knowing what you don’t like and don’t need and don’t require. Explore the positive effects of refusal.

Wield the power of saying NO so as to liberate yourself from all that’s irrelevant, uninteresting, trivial, and unhealthy.

ARIES (March 21-April 19):

German writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749–1832) declared that English writer Lord Byron (1788–1824) was the greatest genius of the 19th century. Here’s an interesting coincidence: Byron regarded Goethe as the greatest genius of the 19th century. I bring this to your attention, Aries, in the hope that it will inspire you to create a similar dynamic in your own life during the coming months. As much as possible, surround yourself with people whom you think are wonderful and interesting and enlivening—and who think you are wonderful and interesting and enlivening.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20):

Taurus-born Johannes Brahms (1833–1897) was a renowned German composer who lived most of his life is Germany and Austria. He became so famous and well-respected that England’s Cambridge University offered him an honorary degree if he would visit the campus. But Brahms was too timid to risk crossing the English Channel by boat. (There were no airplanes and Chunnel in those days.) He declined the award.

I beg you not to do anything even remotely like that in the coming weeks, Taurus. Please summon the gumption necessary to claim and gather in all you deserve.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20):

According to my analysis of the astrological omens, the coming weeks will be one of those rare times when you can safely engage with influences that might normally rattle you. You’ll be protected as you wander into the unknown and explore edgy mysteries. Your intuition will be highly reliable if you make bold attempts to solve dilemmas that have previously confounded and frustrated you. If you’ve been waiting for the perfect moment to get a bit wild and exploratory, this is it.

CANCER (June 21-July 22):

J. M. W. Turner (1775–1851) is regarded as one of England’s greatest painters. He’s best known for his luminous and imaginative landscapes. His experimental use of light and color influenced the Impressionist painters who came after him. But the weird thing is that after his death, many of his works were lost for decades. In 1939, a famed art historian found over a hundred of them rolled up like tarpaulins in the basement of an art museum. Let’s apply this event as a metaphor for what’s ahead in your life, Cancerian. I suspect that buried or lost elements of your past will soon be rediscovered and restored. I bet it will be fun and illuminating!

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22):

In my early adult life, I lived below the poverty line for many years. How did that impact me? Here’s one example: I didn’t own a mattress from ages 23 to 39, but rather slept on a twoinch thick foam pad that lay directly on the floor. I’m doing better now, thank you. But my early experiences ensured that I would forever have profound empathy for people who don’t have much money. I hope this will serve as inspiration for you, Leo. The next seven weeks will be the Empathy Building Season for you. The cosmos will reward you if you build your ability to appreciate and understand the pains and joys of

other humans. Your compassion will be tonic for both your mental and physical health.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22):

Ancient Greek author Theophrastus was a scientist before the concept of “scientist” existed. His writings on botany were influential for hundreds of years after his death. But some of his ideas would be considered unscientific today.

For example, he believed that flute music could heal sciatica and epilepsy. No modern research suggests that the charms of the flute can literally cure physical ailments like those. But there is a great deal of evidence that music can help relieve pain, reduce anxiety, reduce the side effects of drugs, assist in physical therapy, and even make you smarter. And my reading of the current astrological omens suggests that the therapeutic effects of music will be especially dramatic for you during the next three weeks.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22):

“Learning to love is difficult, and we pay dearly for it,” wrote the serious and somber author Fyodor Dostoevsky. “It takes hard work and a long apprenticeship,” he added. All that’s true, I think. To hone our ability to express tenderness and warmth, even when we’re not at our best, is the most demanding task on earth. It requires more courage than that of a soldier in the frenzy of battle, as much imagination as a poet, and diligence equal to that of an architect supervising the construction of a massive suspension bridge. And yet on the other hand—contrary to what Dostoevsky believed— sometimes love is mostly fun and inspiring and entertaining and educational. I suspect that the coming weeks will be one of those phases for you.

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SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21):

How well do you nurture yourself, dear Scorpio? How diligent are you in providing yourself with the sustenance that ensures your body, mind, and soul will thrive? Are you imaginative in the ways that you keep yourself excited about life? Do you take strong measures to avoid getting attached to mediocre pleasures, even as you consistently hone your focus on the desires that lead you to joy and deep satisfaction? The coming weeks will be an excellent time for you to meditate on these questions.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21):

Seven books of the Bible’s Old Testament refer to a magical place called Ophir. It was a source of exotic finery and soulful treasures like gold, peacocks, jewels, frankincense, and precious sandalwood. One problem: No one, not even a Biblical scholar, has ever figured out where it was. Zimbabwe?

India? Tunisia? Its location is still unknown. I am bringing this to your attention because I suspect that in 2020 there’ll be a good chance you’ll discover and gain access to your own metaphorical Ophir: a fount of interesting, evocative resources. For best results, be primed and eager to offer your own skills and riches in exchange for what this fount can provide to you.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19):

Capricorn filmmaker Steven Soderbergh says it’s crucial for us to have a well-developed story about who we are and what we’re doing with our lives. It’s so important, he feels, that it should be the trigger that flings us out of bed every morning. We’ve got to make our story so vivid and interesting that it continually motivates us in every little thing we do. Soderbergh’s counsel is always good to keep in mind, of course, but it will be even more so for you in the coming months.

Why? Because your story will be expanding and deepening, and you’ll need to make the necessary adjustments in how you tell your story to yourself.

Homework: I’ve gathered all of the long-term, big-picture horoscopes I wrote for you in the past few weeks, and bundled them in one place: https://bit.ly/2020BigPicture

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Used 2016 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring

Used 2018 Lexus ES ES 350

Sale Price: $30,741

Sale Price: $17,217

Sale Price: $32,621

Used 2018 Toyota Camry XSE

Used 2018 Honda Fit EX-L Navigation

Used 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LD LT

Sale Price: $17,946

Sale Price: $23,556

STOCK #: P14942 | Mileage: 35,608 HWY: 27 MPG | CITY: 19 MPG

STOCK #: KM729908A | Mileage: 37,482 HWY: 39 MPG | CITY: 28 MPG

Sale Price: $23,577

STOCK #: P14934 | Mileage: 62,172 HWY: 30 MPG | CITY: 24 MPG

STOCK #: N14898 | Mileage: 71 HWY: 36 MPG | CITY: 31 MPG

STOCK #: P14964 | Mileage: 7,962 HWY: 30 MPG | CITY: 21 MPG

STOCK #: P14921 | Mileage: 27,270 HWY: 22 MPG | CITY: 15 MPG

Advertised price excludes tax, tag, registration, title, and $179.85 documentation fee.

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