HATTIESBURG, MS – Get ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant tapestry of arts as FestivalSouth announces its 15th season, bringing over 50 live events spanning art, music, theater, and dance to the Hattiesburg area from May 28 through June 22, 2024. The festival weekends are packed with performances from Thursday to Sunday, alongside special Artie Events for Families during the week. Secure your tickets and gather more information now at FestivalSouth.org.
The season kicks off with the Broadway sensation “Jersey Boys,” sponsored by Hancock Whitney Bank and supported by Visit Mississippi, Visit Hattiesburg, and benefactors Lisa and Rick Conn. This collaborative sponsorship enables FestivalSouth to offer this acclaimed production at a significantly reduced cost to patrons. “Jersey Boys” delivers an electrifying experience with its phenomenal music and deep dive into the lives of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, portrayed by the talented Hub City Players. From their perfect stage harmonies to the turbulent personal challenges, the show recounts how these icons became a global sensation.
The following weekend, FestivalSouth welcomes hometown hero and gold medalist Alexei Orohovsky. He will perform alongside Ballet Mississippi and South Mississippi Ballet in “Crowning Glory – A Night at the Ballet,” featuring the “Grand Pas Classique” from “Paquita” and two new contemporary pieces. Music enthusiasts can look forward to “The Mahler Experience,” a profound musical evening featuring Gustav Mahler’s “The Song of the Earth.” Performed by the FestivalSouth Chamber Players, under the direction of Jay Dean, and notable area soloists, this event marks the Mississippi premiere of this orchestral song cycle.
The third weekend continues to excite with the indie-pop band MisterWives, who bring their dynamic and infectious performances to the Saenger Theatre. The festival also honors the 100th anniversary of Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” with jazz and classical interpretations throughout the weekend, including “Fascinating Rhythm”, performed by the FestivalJazz Ensemble, including duo Jennifer and Sam Bruton.
FestivalSouth culminates in a finale weekend with highlights including “Masterful Tapestries – the Art of the Piano Quintet” and a special symphonic tribute to Journey’s musical legacy, encapsulating more than 50 years of iconic rock anthems in a single night.
“The shared investment of our community, including the City of Hattiesburg, Forrest County, Lamar County, The University of Southern Mississippi, and a vast network of business and individual sponsors and donors represent an ongoing mission to enrich the area with the arts,” said Artistic Director Dr. Mike Lopinto. “Every year, their support and our incredible community provides well-produced, top-quality events that are designed to entertain and educate a wide variety of people,”
In addition to the main events, FestivalSouth engages both children and families as well as with the visual arts community. Headed by coordinator Jennifer Timidaiski, Artie Events for Families, themed this year as “Artie’s Summer of Adventure” incorporates events that are designed to be interactive and educational, catering to children ages 2-12. Local artist Andrea Kostyal takes on the role of FestivalArt Coordinator this year, enhancing the variety and quality of art exhibits, which include contributions from the Mississippi Latinx Art Association and Southeastern Native American artists. Local artist Adam Trest, seen on the popular HGTV show “Home Town”, also lends his work to the festival as this years’ featured FestivalArtist. The 2024 commemorative painting, entitled “Rhythm in Blues” is available for auction with proceeds benefiting the festival, and an exhibition of Adam’s work will be at the Downey Gallery at University Baptist Church starting on June 1.
As a significant cultural and economic driver in the Pine Belt, FestivalSouth invites the community to participate actively by attending performances, which are reasonably priced or free to maximize accessibility. “The arts are vitally important to us as a community,” said Amanda Powell, chairwoman of the Hattiesburg Concert Association, parent organization of FestivalSouth. “Our mission to showcase the area’s arts and artists is no more apparent than in this epic summer showcase. ”
For the latest updates and additional information, visit festivalsouth.org
###
ABOUT FESTIVALSOUTH
FestivalSouth, the largest project of the Hattiesburg Concert Association (HCA), is an annual, multi-week festival presenting a variety of musical and other arts-related entertainment that aims to transcend social, cultural, and economic lines. Celebrating its’ 15th season, FestivalSouth is credited with bringing more than $1.5 million in economic impact to the community last year alone and has distinguished itself as the premier arts presenter in the region, drawing locals and tourists of all ages with its’ wide variety of cultural programming, that features exceptional performing and visual artists.
