‘Voices of Mississippi’ Debuts Sept. 14 at Ford Center

World premiere of multimedia event features historian Bill Ferris, area blues and gospel musicians

OXFORD, Miss. – The world premiere of “Voices of Mississippi,” a multimedia production chronicling some of Mississippi’s most iconic people and art, will kick off the 2021-22 performance season at the Gertrude C. Ford Center for the Performing Arts at the University of Mississippi. The multimedia event, set for Sept. 14, celebrates the people andRead the story …

Grammy Winners Highlight 2021-22 Ford Center Season

Slate also includes theater, jazz, blues and classical performances

OXFORD, Miss. – Grammy Award-winning classical and pop acts highlight the 2021-22 season of performances scheduled at the University of Mississippi‘s Gertrude C. Ford Center for the Performing Arts. The fall 2021 schedule opens Sept. 14 with the world premiere of the multimedia experience “Voices of Mississippi.” The program features musical performances by notable MississippiRead the story …

Former ‘SNL’ Writer Brings ‘The Heartbreak Henry’ to Oxford

UM alumnus David Sheffield's comic recollection comes to the Ford Center

OXFORD, Miss. – David Sheffield, a University of Mississippi alumnus who went on to write for “Saturday Night Live” and several Eddie Murphy movies, has taken to the stage with “The Heartbreak Henry,” a comedy based on his experiences as manager of an Oxford flophouse hotel in 1967. The Theatre Oxford production runs Aug. 12-15,Read the story …

Summer Sunset Series Returns to the Grove

Bring your lawn chairs and picnics every Sunday in June

OXFORD, Miss. – Live music is back! After more than a year of canceled events, bands will return to the Grove stage for the annual Summer Sunset Series on Sunday afternoons throughout June. The series, which is free and open to the public at the University of Mississippi, is a communitywide event made possible throughRead the story …

UM Opera Theatre Presents Fresh Approaches to Two Classics

Each show includes a condensed opera and selected scenes

OXFORD, Miss. – “From the Met to Broadway and Back Again” is more than just an invitation. It is an opportunity for anyone craving a unique and unexpected live music and theater experience. For the first time, the University of Mississippi Opera Theatre’s annual spring production will consist of condensed versions of two popular operas,Read the story …

Generous Donations Smash Record During Ole Miss Giving Day 2021

University family gives $2.485 million to soar past fundraising goals

OXFORD, Miss. – When the last online donation was made this week for Giving Day 2021, University of Mississippi faithful had shattered the fundraising record for the annual event. This year, Ole Miss alumni, students, parents, alumni, friends, faculty and staff contributed 1,575 gifts (1,328 unique donors), totaling more than $2.485 million – gifts dedicatedRead the story …

Ford Center Friendship Ornament Goes on Sale

New 2020 edition celebrates role arts play in bringing people together

OXFORD, Miss. – The Gertrude C. Ford Center for the Performing Arts at the University of Mississippi is offering its 2020 Friendship Ball just in time for the holidays. “This is the Ford Center’s third limited-edition cloisonne ornament that we call our Friendship Ball,” said Julia Aubrey, Ford Center director. “I chose the theme ‘TheRead the story …

Opera Theatre Offers a Duet of Duet Programs

Actors use safety protocols for dramatic effect in two live performances

OXFORD, Miss. – How do you safely present singers in a live performance during a pandemic? “The old joke would be, ‘very carefully,’” said Julia Aubrey, director of the University of Mississippi Opera Theatre and associate professor of music. The UM Opera Theatre presents a live performance of “It Takes Two: Duets from Opera, OperettaRead the story …

Ole Miss Women’s Council Set to Welcome Dolly Parton

Entertainment legend to receive Legacy Award on new date in April

OXFORD, Miss. – Dolly Parton’s highly anticipated visit to the University of Mississippi to accept the prestigious Legacy Award from the Ole Miss Women’s Council for Philanthropy will take place early next year after being delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Once again, the C Spire Foundation will be the presenting sponsor of the OMWC LegacyRead the story …

Walk of Fame to Honor Ford Center Supporters

Generous gift made to UM performing arts center's campaign

OXFORD, Miss. – A new Walk of Fame for supporters of the Gertrude C. Ford Center for the Performing Arts provides a path to the successful conclusion of the Celebrating the Arts campaign, funding a $3 million endowment for the University of Mississippi facility. “The magnificent Ford Center reflects our commitment to the cultural artsRead the story …