Grammy nominee Neko Case performs Sept. 27 at the Lyric to benefit the Sarah Isom Center for Women and Gender Studies.
OXFORD, Miss. – The Sarah Isom Center for Women and Gender Studies at the University of Mississippi is hosting an arts festival called Sarahfest later this week in partnership with the Yoknapatawpha Arts Council.
The festival, which runs from Friday (Sept. 18) to Sept. 27, will feature live music, films, photography, readings and panel discussions celebrating the Isom Center. The week of events will culminate with a performance by Grammy award nominee Neko Case at 6 p.m. Sept. 27 at the Lyric Theatre. Tickets for the concert are $30 in advance and $35 at the door, with proceeds going to the Sarah Isom Center.
Sarahfest will provide Mississippians with cultural events that are unique, educational and foster community building and learning, said Theresa Starkey, assistant director of the Isom Center.
“This festival is an opportunity for us to acquaint the community with the work we do at the center in both community and campus settings, and have fun while we’re doing it,” Starkey said. “We are especially proud that a major recording artist like Neko Case is coming to perform a benefit for the center. Her generosity will really anchor the festival and give us a way to cap off the week in a strong way.”
The festival will include events in several places around Oxford and the Ole Miss campus. Other highlights include appearances by musicians Jon Langford of the Mekons and Amy Ray of the Indigo Girls as well as a pop-up edition of “Thacker Mountain Radio” broadcast from William Faulkner’s Rowan Oak.
A screening of the documentary “Girls Rock: The Movie” is set for Tuesday (Sept. 22) at the Powerhouse, and a performance by the UM Gospel Choir is slated for Sunday (Sept. 27) at Paris-Yates Chapel. Concerts will also be held throughout the week at Snackbar and Lamar Lounge.
“I am deeply appreciative of the energy and creativity on the part of the Isom Center staff, especially Theresa Starkey, in enabling such a stimulating series of events to come to our community,” said Susan Grayzel, Isom Center director. “We look forward to seeing our students, faculty, staff and members of the community listening and learning all week long.”
For a full schedule of events, visit http://sarahfest.rocks.