By Jan Miller Penton

Guest Columnist 

Have you ever wished our area had more entertainment available? Have you perhaps longed for the spectacular venues of a larger city?

If so, you are not alone. There is so much talent in the world that lovers of beauty desire to experience all of it they can. It is a way of lifting oneself above the ordinary. A performance well done has a way of transporting patrons to a more excellent place.

I often check to see what entertainment is available in our area by perusing the brochures, newspapers, and Internet. Many times my calendar is filled with concerts and plays I would like to attend months in advance of the actual events, but unfortunately many on my calendar in the past have required driving a good distance.

When some interesting diversion is coming up I enthusiastically talk it up to anyone who will listen. I love seeing an event well attended, especially if it is of a worthy caliber.

When I spotted an advertisement for a night of music in Poplarville I took the opportunity to get some friends together for an evening out.

Mike and I and two other couples traveled to Pearl River Community College’s Brownstown Center for the Performing Arts last weekend. Steve Lippia and his ten-piece band performed Frank Sinatra’s hits in a show aptly named Simply Sinatra.

It could have been called Simply Sensational! The performance surpassed my grandest expectations, as well as those of my companions.

Steve Lippia’s smooth voice crooning classic Sinatra hits roused the crowd. Everywhere around me toes were tapping and eyes twinkling as the patrons strolled down memory lane or enjoyed these marvelous songs for the first time.

In his early years Mr. Lippia shared his gift of song by praising the One who gifted him, in his church choir. After many years of working in other fields he decided to take a chance. Steve Lippia’s father always told him music was not a real job, but the desire to make music burned in Steve’s heart. Fortunately for us Mr. Lippia finally followed his dream and has been performing professionally for fourteen years.

In speaking with Mr. Lippia after the performance he had nothing but praise for the Brownstone Center.

He said, “This facility is marvelous. Unfortunately, it sometimes takes a while for a new venue to catch on. Even though the crowd was small, I could really feel the energy!”

The acoustics at the Brownstone are excellent. We can all be proud of this state of the art center within easy driving distance of Picayune.

Not only is the facility beautiful, but the seating is intimate. There is not a bad seat in the house!

The PRCC Fine Arts and Communication Department on April 10 and 11 will perform Frank Loesser’s classic Broadway musical, Guys and Dolls.

If you are looking for some great local entertainment at a fabulous new facility you don’t want to miss this one.