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Fall & holiday cultural calendar offers something for everyone!
Annual AiM Photography Show
Daily, October 18-November 20
AiM Book Club & Costume Party - Fair and Tender Ladies
7:00 PM, November 19 at Jack McConnico Library
AiM Theatre- Irving Berlin's White Christmas
7:30 PM & 2:00 PM, November 20-24 at MCHS Little Theatre
AiM Artisan Trail Holiday Tour
10:00 AM-5:00 PM, November 21 in McNairy County Artisan Studios
AiM Holiday Singers and Community Band Concert
6:30 PM, December 3 at Selmer First Baptist Church |
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Irving Berlin's White Christmas Cast and Crew Announced |
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 The cast has been announced and rehearsals are already underway for what is sure to be a great addition to the holiday season in McNairy County. The beloved movie musical White Christmas is being performed November 20-24 at the MCHS Little Theatre. Arts in McNairy is proud to be among the first community arts groups in the region to bring the newly adapted musical to the stage.
"This is a great cast composed of some seasoned theatre veterans and very talented newcomers," remarked director Bryan Essary, "Having such gifted and experienced thespians in the leads will make my job a challenge and I know the audience will fall in love with them." Mark your calendar now and make plans to attend White Christmas. It will be the perfect way to start a joyous holiday season.
White Christmas Cast
Bob Wallace - James Strachan
Phil Davis - Thomas Elam
Betty Haynes - Kelly Gilson
Judy Haynes - Tonya Freeman
General Waverly - Brad Woolworth
Martha Watson - Christi Charmack
Susan Waverly - Autumn Shackelford
Ralph Sheldrake - Tom Cook
Rita - Allie Pitts
Rhoda - Courtney Wilson
Mike - Dillon Rorie
Tessie - Mary Ann Pope
Cigarette Girl - Diana Moss
Ed Sullivan (Announcer) TBA
Ezekiel - Zach Martin
Seamstress - Mary Ann Pope
Assist. Seamstress - Julie Martin
Ensemble - Kelley Johnson; Emily Pitts, Julie Martin, Glenda Doles,
Sybil Dance, Linda Dixon, Molly Woolworth, Mara Campbell, Jessica Campbell, Dillon Rorie,
Dianna Moss,
Production Team
Director - Bryan Essary
Assistant Director/Stage Mngr. - Joanna Pitts
Assistant to Directors - Crystal Reece
Musical Director - Sarah Lemons
Assistant Music Dir./Accompanist - Jennifer Chambers
Choreographer - Jennifer Threadgill
Costumer - Barbara Tennyson
Prop Mistress - Patty Cook
Lighting - Alexis Carter
Sound - Jared Walters
Set Construction - Scotty Ashe
Box Office - Lynda Walters
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| Photography Show at UTM McNairy Through November 20th |
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 The 5th Annual Arts in McNairy Photography Contest and Show, once again, drew great interest and more than 200 stunning, amateur photos from around the region. A well attended reception, awards ceremony and exhibit opening took place Sunday Oct. 18 at the UTM center in Selmer. "The show just keeps getting better every year," commented contest coordinator Mark Boehler. "I would put it up against any amateur show, anywhere, as far as the quality of the artistry is concerned," he added.
Nathan Harrison of Michie, TN (Right) captured Best in Show honors as well as several other awards. Winners in each category are listed below. The show will be on display through November 20 during the Center's normal hours of operation. Much thanks to Boehler, George Souders and the AiM Visual Arts committee for another great photography contest and show!
Category: Natural Landscape
First - Brandy McClain of Selmer, TN. with "Make A Wish"
Second - Nick D'Acquisto of Finger, TN. with "The Beauty of Life"
Third - Cindy Smith of Walnut, Miss. with "Cypress I"
Honorable Mention - Charles Randolph of Bethel Springs, TN. with "Heavenly Sight"
Category: McNairy County
First - Cindy Smith of Walnut, Miss. with "Big Hill Pond"
Second - Debbie Harbin of Adamsville, TN. with "A Rose for a Legend"
Third - Nathan Harrison of Michie, TN. with "Dad and Boo"
Honorable Mention - Janet Holley of Guys, TN. with "Summer Days"
Category: Black & White
First -- Asa Black of Bolivar, TN. with "New Mexico - Land of Enchantment"
Second - Anita Nichols of Ramer, TN. with "Window to Tomorrow"
Third - Nick D'Acquisto of Finger, TN. with "Shadows at Play"
Honorable Mention - Lorie Null of Walnut, Miss. with "Peek-A-Boo"
Category: People
First - Michael Edwards of Corinth, Miss. with "Portrait of Claire"
Second - Brandy McClain of Selmer, TN. with "Always my Angel"
Third - Lisa Wilbanks of Corinth, Miss. with "Oh-Wow"
Honorable Mention: -- Virginia Williamson of Jackson, TN. with "Last Tango"
Category: Architectural Landscape
First - Lisa Wilbanks of Corinth, Miss. with "Heat of the Night"
Second - Karen Barclay of Tupelo, Miss. with "Rainbow Bodies"
Third - Daniel Patterson of Selmer, TN. with "Barn by the Lake"
Honorable Mention - Amy King of Bethel Springs, TN. with "Floating Market
Category: Pets and Animals
First - Anita Nichols of Ramer, TN. with "Mama G and Company"
Second - Steve Vetter of Bethel Springs, TN. with "Blue India Bunting"
Third - Karen Barclay of Tupelo, Miss. with "The Ancient One"
Honorable Mention - Nathan Harrison of Michie, TN. with "Peek-A-Boo"
Category: Digital Manipulation
(All Categories) Best of Show - Nathan Harrison of Michie, TN. with "Self Portrait"
First - Kala Mercer of Pocahontas, TN. with "Blue Beauty"
Second - Nathan Harrison of Michie, TN. with "Mirrored Fence"
Third - Brandy McClain of Selmer, TN. with "Dragon Fly Resting on a Toad Stool"
Honorable Mention: Nathan Harrison of Michie, TN. with "Sketch Compass" |
| Book Club Wraps Great Year - 2010 Book List TBA November 19 |
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 November's Book Club meeting will be Thursday 19th, 7:00 PM at the Jack McConico Memorial Library in Selmer. This will be the last meeting of 2009, however, it will not be a typical gathering. Just for fun, Book Club members are encouraged to come dressed as the most memorable 2009 Book Club character or perhaps an all time favorite literary character. Everyone is welcome, with or without a costume. Additionally, the Literary Committee is meeting this week to compile the new reading list for 2010 which will be announced at the November club.
So, get busy on those costumes and, as always, invite a friend to come along! Book Club is free and open to the public. All book lovers are encouraged to attend to give their input on the book of the month or suggest literary works for inclusion on future reading lists.
Nov. 19 Book Club Selection - Fair and Tender Ladies - Lee Smith
Congratulations to the AiM Book Club for a great 2009 season! Contact Arts in McNairy, Literary Arts Chair, Leanne Emmons at (731) 646-3851 for further details.
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| 2009 Artisan Trail Holiday Tour Coming November 21 |
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 The holiday Artisan Trail tour of studios is just around the corner. The artists will open their doors to the public from 10:00 AM-5:00 PM, Saturday November 21 and as usual, there will be several new stops and plenty of old, familiar, faces on the tour with lots of new, one-of-a-kind, handmade, items to pique your interest. This year's tour will include more than a dozen stops to help you complete your Christmas shopping list.
The biannual tour has quickly become one of the signature events for Southwest Tennessee's folk art and heritage craft community. McNairy County is fortunate to have some of the finest working artists and artisans in the Midsouth and this is their opportunity to shine. Visitors in the various studios are always fascinated by the demonstrations that allow them to witness the artisan's creative process first hand while picking up some unique Christmas gifts. All participating artisans and arts/heritage related businesses are juried into the tour to insure that visitors have the best possible experience. The most common comment we hear on trail dates is, "There is just too much to see and do in one day!"
Next months issue of Taking AiM will provide a detailed list of participating artists and activities for this popular holiday event. Mark you calendar now for November 21 for one of the most fascinating and entertaining days of holiday shopping you will ever enjoy! |
| Christmas Concert and Selmer Christmas Parade December 3 |
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One of the most anticipated events on the county cultural calendar is the community Christmas concert. The concert which is sponsored by the Arts in McNairy community band and chorus is typically hosted by one of the area churches in order to accommodate the seating demands of a large, enthusiastic audience. This year's version of the popular holiday concert will be held on the same night as the Selmer Christmas parade so that holiday revelers can take advantage of both events. The concert will be held at 6:30 at Selmer First Baptist Church, located at the end of the parade route, while the parade will get underway at 8:00.
Scheduled for December 3, 2009, the concert will feature almost 100 adult voices in the AiM Holiday Singers; a 60 member youth choir and hand bell ensemble; and the 30 member Community Band. Special guests this year will include, MCHS choir student Chelsea Rhodes and the popular vocal group 4-Joy. Planning is still in the early stages but organizational meetings and rehearsal schedules have just been announced.
The children's choir and Holiday Singers are organized by Pam Stackhouse. Pam is the immediate past president of Arts in McNairy and a former Music Committee Chair. She has been organizing the community vocal groups and the holiday concert for the last four years. The Community Band is directed by Ronnie Brooks who is serving his first term on the Arts in McNairy Board and is the current Music Committee Chair. Both are to be commended for their outstanding efforts to make music a part of the live of McNairy County citizens. |
| Community Band Goes Online |
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 Thanks to community band member John Weeks, the AiM Community Band has just gone online! Band members needed a way to keep track of rehearsal schedules and get up dates on band news. John's answer was a website complete with calendar, band news and photos and various other convenient features. The website went live two weeks ago and is already being used extensively by band members. Check it out at: www.aimcommunityband.com Thank you John! Thanks also to Fran Yount who helps facilitate band email and other communications.
The community band program is open to the public and no audition is required for participation. The band welcomes musicians of all age and skill levels. There are no fees for participation but members are required to provide and maintain their own instruments. Rehearsals are typically on alternating Monday nights throughout the season under the direction of Ronnie Brooks.
The band program also furnishes musicians for the various needs of AiM's theatre groups. For example, a small ensemble is now in rehearsals for the November performances of White Christmas. |
| We Need Your Help! |
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 In recent years, Arts in McNairy has been engaged in research about the various facets of Southwest Tennessee's rich heritage and culture. The homework has paid off in a number of ways including the development and success of the AiM Artisan Trail and the Rockabilly Highway project.
To understand the unique culture of any place, you have to have the cooperation of the people who live there. The AiM Heritage and Culture Committee has been very fortunate to have the enthusiastic support of many citizens in McNairy County who seem anxious to share insights about the area's cultural past. We are deeply indebted to all those who have provided information, pictures, local lore, and items for our consideration.
Research is still ongoing and there is plenty of work to do. We are seeking
information in several key areas and we need your help. If you have photos, newspaper clippings, items of cultural interest or just a good tale to tell, in any of the areas listed below, please contact the Arts in McNairy Culture and Heritage Committee. The 1949 photo at the Latta Building (above) is a great example of the sort of item that is of interest. Thanks to the Null and Latta families for sharing the photo with us. The original is still in their possession but they graciously allowed us to make digital copies. We are currently seeking:
- Information about the broom making traditions and families of Southwest Tennessee including: Old or new handmade brooms, photos of broom making or broom makers; broom making equipment; written information about the history or techniques of broom making in McNairy County; oral family histories related to the broom making tradition.
- Information about the musical heritage (Bluegrass, Old Time String Music, Gospel, Blues, Rockabilly, etc.) of Southwest Tennessee including: Photos of musicians or musical events; old playbills, programs or newspaper clippings; old audio or video recordings made in the county; locally made or historically significant musical instruments (Dulcimers, Tennessee Music Boxes, Mandolins, etc.); stories or family lore pertaining to the musical heritage of McNairy County.
If you can help with any of these, you are encouraged to contact the AiM Heritage and Culture Committee at: [email protected] or by contacting committee chair Shawn Pitts at: 731-645-3850 | |
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