If it's been a while since you've seen a play, we encourage you to consider seeing local New Stage Theatre's production of Shakespeare in Love, a romantic comedy.  New Stage Theatre is a local organization based in the Belhaven neighborhood of Jackson. You can catch the show on April 22 & 29 at 2:00 pm. What a perfect girl's day or date idea! 

“I will have poetry in my life. And adventure. And love. Love above all.”
Penniless and indebted to two demanding producers, struggling young playwright William Shakespeare is tormented by writer’s block until he meets the beautiful Viola de Lesseps, daughter of a wealthy merchant, whose fiery passion for poetry and drama leaves her secretly longing to be an actor. Both are despondent when they learn that Viola’s father has promised her to the stuffy Lord Wessex in order to gain a title for their family. Under the veil of secrecy, Will and Viola’s passionate love affair becomes the basis of the very play he is writing--Romeo and Juliet. With opening night—and the wedding day—fast approaching, the plots race toward a parallel conclusion. Will it all work out in the end or are the two star-crossed lovers destined for tragedy? Recommended for ages 14 and older for sexual situations and mature themes related to blooming romance, theatrical ego, and mildly tortured artistic souls.
 
(Sourced from New Stage Theatre)

For tickets and more information please visit New Stage Theatre's website. 

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A love of fairies and all things whimsical was brought to life for the 6th Birthday Party of cousins Lucy Mason and Wesley Kyzar. "We wanted to go back to our childhood! Both of our girls adore fairies and Kelly (Weslee's mom and my sister) and I grew up in Summertree subdivision. We had our own birthday parties there for years! So we loved the idea of bringing our daughters back to celebrate their birthdays at the same clubhouse as we did. It also provided the perfect venue for our enchanted fairy party theme," says Kristen Mason, Lucy's mom. 

"The fairy houses guests created was one of our favorite details," smiles Kristen. "It was fun to let the girls each create their own fairy garden! We supplied craft items down the center of the tables and the girls used their own creativity to decorate their garden as they wished! The 'fairy magic' dust was sprinkled on them at the end and that was a big hit! Lots of giggles!"

Event Venue: Summertree Clubhouse|  Photographer: Kristen Mason, Merry Mason Photography |
Invitations: Ruff Draft Papers | Event Planners: Kristen Mason & Kelly Kyzar| Linens​: Eventful 

With Mother's Day and wedding anniversaries coming up for many of us, we wanted to feature local jeweler Albriton's in today's post. Albriton's carries a wide variety of fine jewelry designers and you are certain to find something incredibly special with the help of their wonderful staff. Keep reading for more on the story of Albriton's, Mississippi's Foremost Diamond Merchant.

A simple, but ambitious retail dream led John Leslie Albriton, Sr. to open Albriton’s Jewelry in 1920. This dream, to provide the highest quality merchandise backed by impeccable customer service, has been a reality for Albriton’s Jewelry for almost 100 years. ​

A World War I veteran, John Leslie Albriton, Sr., faced the uncertainty of a  looming economic crisis and eventual Great Depression, but remained undaunted in the pursuit of his ream. The former master watchmaker for Webb C. Ball Watch Company of Cleveland, Ohio drew from his rich background of experience in the industry to navigate his fledgling store through those troubling times. His keen business acumen and unparalleled attention to customer details helped forge a reputation for excellence that soon spread throughout the southeast. Coupled with an improving United States economy and new found brand awareness, Albriton’s rapidly became one of the most trusted names for quality jewelry and service. His belief that every selection should be reflective of its value and investment became Albriton’s business mission. The original Albriton’s was located on Capitol Street in the heart of Jackson, Mississippi’s state capitol. Through controlled and managed growth, the business continued its expansion and added more vendors to an already impressive product line. Three separate relocations and yielded the modern showroom in Highland Village of Northeast Jackson. In 1947, John Jr. assumed control of business operations. That mantle was shared with John III in 1974, and today Cameron continues the rich Albriton’s tradition.

As the jewelry industry is constantly evolving, so is Albriton’s. New technology, trends, and up and coming designers keep it exciting! “We love jewelry and always try to stay open and up to date with what is going on in the jewelry world,” smiles Cameron. “We are thrilled to welcome a new bridal line to our store, Verragio, and a new watch line, Omega,” says Cameron. “Verragio offers brides endless possibilities in customization. Each ring is made exactly for the person wearing it. Omega, founded in 1903, has stood the test of time with classic style and innovation. They have been word by presidents and kings, astronauts and spies, movie stars and you.” ​

As part of the ever evolving industry and staying up-to-date with changing times, Albriton’s relocated in March to a more modern and larger showroom across the street from its previous location in Highland Village in Northeast Jackson. “We are excited about having more visibility with a free standing building and having state of the art showcases, lighting, and store design in our new location,” says John Albriton Jr. “We are committed to the city of Jackson and staying here to continue serve our customers is important to us.” 

Article Written by Jill Dale 
Photography Courtesy of Albriton's Jewelry & Adam + Alli Photography 
For more information on Albriton's Jewelry please visit the website. 
Albriton's Jewelry 
​4460 OLD CANTON ROAD
JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI 39211

​This coming Saturday, April 14th friends and family of Tait Hendrix will gather to celebrate his life with the fifth annual Team Tait Home Run Derby. 

In June of 2014, Tait Hendrix died in a motorcycle accident. The evening of his funeral, his best friends put together a home run derby for everyone who was still in town. Growing up, Tait loved playing "Country J" with his family at his Granny's house.  This was just a front yard version of a home run derby. 

Baseball was a great love of Tait's, so the Team Tait Home Run Derby  was created as a perfect way to honor him.  Three of Tait's best friends, Swayze Waters, Jimmy Nix, and Brett Benson, worked hard in that first year to think of a way to honor Tait's memory.  They raised money to build a covered hitting area named the Tait Hendrix Player Development Facility at Jackson Prep.  Each year to raise money, there has been a Home Run Derby at Prep.  This year will be the 5th annual event. After the batting cage was complete, Tait's friends started brainstorming other ways to use the money raised, as a result  The Tait Hendrix Foundation was created.  

Tait's friends continue to honor his memory through the work of the Home Run Derby and the Foundation throughout the year.  Sam Waters has put together a website for the Foundation where you can donate, sponsor a student in the next Tough event, and buy tickets to the Home Run Derby.  

The 5th Annual Home Run Derby will take place Saturday, April 14th at 6:30 at Jackson Prep. In the event of rain, the event will be held at the St. Andrew's Episcopal School's ARC on the Ridgeland Campus. This announcement will be made via social media and the Tait Hendrix Foundation's website.  It is $25 to attend the derby  or $35 to attend and hit. This ticket price  includes dinner and a t-shirt.  At the event there will be a bounce castle for kids. The Team Tait Home Run Derby is a fun event for the entire family!  Thanks to the talented work by Waters Creative, you can now register for the Derby and donate online.  Our website is www.taithendrixfoundation.org

While here competition, competitors have the opportunity to take classes twice a day from well-known teachers and ballet dancers. The eliminated participants will also have the opportunity to be taught a piece of choreography they will perform on stage. At the same time they are taking classes and competing, they are also networking with other dancers and company directors worldwide.
Volunteers are an integral part of the competition. It takes over 600 volunteers to help put the competition on. Volunteers range from people that help prepare Thalia Mara Hall for the competition to dancer ambassadors or host families. Dancer ambassadors are assigned to a dancers and they are their point person while they are in Jackson.
“If it weren’t for Thalia Mara and her vision and many community leaders including Billy Mounger, the USA IBC would not be in Jackson,” remarks Nicholas. “We want to carry on her dream and her vision.” Almost 40 years ago, Thalia Mara put Jackson on the map in the international ballet community. Because of her tireless efforts and the community support of so many in Jackson, the USA IBC remains one of the oldest and most respected dance competitions in the world.

To learn more about USA IBC, please visit www.usaibc.com
You can also purchase tickets for the 2018 competition that is taking place June 10th through the 23rd on the website. 
Piece written by Jill Dale 
​Photography by Richard Finkelstein, USA IBC