Brownstone Center for the Arts at PRCC hosts evening of music

Published 7:00 am Saturday, September 22, 2018

By Jan Penton Miller

Item Correspondent

The first event of the 2018 performing arts season at the Brownstone Center located on the campus of Pearl River Community College in Poplarville delighted attendees.

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Crafton Beck, music director and conductor of the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra and his performers entertained with excellence.

Beck’s wit and warmth added an extra dimension to the well-chosen selections spanning the years and musical genres from James Newton Howard’s Grand Canyon Fanfare, to a well-received tribute to the Beatles. Selections from Annie, Frozen, The Last Jedi, as well as many others rounded out the program.

“This venue is our favorite place to play in Mississippi. The Brownstone is glorious. I speak not only for myself, but I believe for most of the members of the orchestra. So often we are on our electronic devices, have our ear buds in, or are watching television. During those times we fail to connect with others; we are alone. But when we gather together in our temples and churches as well as events like this one we connect with others and celebrate the best within us. Tonight we would like to celebrate the best of what we are in America by celebrating our armed forces,” Beck said.

A salute to the armed forces arranged by Bob Lowden followed with the audience participating by standing when music from their branch was played. Members of the audience were visibly moved by the well-deserved recognition of their personal sacrifices for America.

Charlotte Odom, a retiree from the nursing department at PRCC and a Picayune resident said, “I’m excited to be at the symphony at the Brownstone.

Cecile Ingram, also of Picayune, added, “How lucky we are to have this wonderful facility so close to home.”

Dr. Trevor Hunt, Brownstone Center for the Arts director, extended an invitation for community members to come and enjoy the varied upcoming events.  He thanked the generous sponsors of the 2018-2019 season for their support and the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra for their wonderful performance.

Upcoming 2018 events include the following:

October 23         Mr. Noah Feldman     Lecture    free of charge

October 25         PRCC Halloween Concert           $5

November 29    Christmas Concert                        $5

December 8        The Nutcracker                             $20/$15

Tickets may be ordered by calling the box office at 601-403-1180.

The generosity of Ethel Holden Brownstone as well as others has provided the residents of Pearl River County and the surrounding area with a state of the art facility to enjoy.