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USM Steel Pan Orchestra to Celebrate 30th Anniversary

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ourmshome.com – University of Southern Mississippi – 2024-05-28 16:30:24

SUMMARY: For 30 years, the University of Southern Mississippi’s Steel Pan Orchestra (SoMiSPO), led by Dr. John Wooton, has showcased the vibrant culture of steel pan music from Trinidad and Tobago. Founded in 1994 with six members, it now features 40, including various percussion instruments. Celebrated by its director Dr. Colin McKenzie, SoMiSPO has collaborated with renowned artists like Andy Narell and Robert Greenidge. Alumni like Josanne Francis highlight its impact on their careers. As part of its 30th anniversary, SoMiSPO will host a festival in April 2025, inviting alumni and guest artists. Dr. Wooton credits its sustained success to community support and rich cultural heritage.

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Our Mississippi Home

Porch Lights and Lightning Bugs: An August Evening in Mississippi

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ourmshome.com – Meredith Biesinger – 2025-08-01 16:26:00

SUMMARY: August evenings in Mississippi unfold with a golden warmth that lingers, accompanied by the chirping of crickets and the hum of distant country music. Time slows on wide, weathered porches where people sip sweet tea, watch lightning bugs blink like tiny lanterns, and savor the simple comfort of shared stories. The air is thick and ripe with garden fruits, and the porch becomes a sanctuary of stillness and memory. This in-between moment, marked by fading fireflies and porch lights flickering on, feels sacred—capturing the essence of Mississippi’s slow rhythm, timeless stories, and the gentle magic of a summer night.

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Our Mississippi Home

Water Valley Watermelon Carnival: The Last Taste of Summer

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ourmshome.com – Joy Lucius – 2025-07-30 18:50:00

SUMMARY: Summer is ending in Mississippi, marking the loss of homegrown tomatoes and watermelons. The 2025 Watermelon Carnival in Water Valley celebrates the state’s famed juicy watermelons, drawing up to 20,000 visitors each year. Recognized as a top festival in the Southeast, the carnival features delicious food like funnel cakes, live music, arts and crafts, contests, entertainment for kids, and a fireworks display. Originating during the Great Depression in 1931 to boost the local economy, the event began with overwhelming attendance. This year’s festivities start August 1 with a street dance and fireworks, followed by a parade, races, and more on August 2. More info at the Water Valley Chamber Facebook page.

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Our Mississippi Home

Mississippi Isn’t Just a State—It’s a State of Mind

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ourmshome.com – Meredith Biesinger – 2025-07-28 09:05:00

SUMMARY: Mississippi’s charm lies in its quiet strength and soulful stories—from the sunrise over cotton fields to the hum of pine trees and the comfort of a porch swing. Known for hardworking, proud people, the state is the birthplace of blues and gospel, shaping much of America’s culture. Its communities rally with kindness, respect, and close connections, while embracing both tradition and progress. From small-town festivals to innovators shaping the future, Mississippi balances resilience with growth. Its unpredictable spirit defines its dynamic people. More than a location, Mississippi is a feeling, a family, and a true home.

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