May-June 2026

Summer Herb Cooking with kids

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Bluffs & Bayous is published monthly to promote the greater Southern area of Louisiana and Mississippi in an informative and positive manner. We welcome contributions of articles and photos; however, they will be subject to editing and availability of space and subject matter. Photographs, comments, questions, subscription requests and ad placement inquiries are invited! Return envelopes and postage must accompany all materials submitted if a return is requested. No portion of this publication may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. The opinions expressed in Bluffs & Bayous are those of the authors or columnists and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, nor do they constitute an endorsement of products or services herein. We reserve the right to refuse any advertisement. Bluffs & Bayous strives to ensure the accuracy of our magazine’s contents. However, should inaccuracies or omissions occur, we do not assume responsibility.

from the PUBLISHER

As we embrace in traditional terms the Merry Month of May and Midsummer’s June, we find our readers basking in an array of music, summer herb-related activities for children, and summertime cooking with finds from local farmers markets. We have discovered Courtney Thompson’s The Petal Club, a signature self-care series of workshops that bring wellness experiences closer to home. Sam Gwin offers estate planning advice, and our Up & Coming Calendar covers many activities in our readers’ areas to keep all informed about May and June events. Also, our Along and Beyond recalls the Flower Lover’s Club 27th Annual Festival of Flowers show with its amazing floral designs offered by their members.

I just returned from a thirteen-day European trip during which I traveled to Citta della Pieve, a medieval hilltop town in the province of Perguia in Umbria, Italy, for five nights and then on to Rome for two nights and to Paris for four nights. It was a marvelous venture, and I look forward to sharing my experiences and some images in the next issue. Until then, we wish all of our mothers and fathers a splendid and happy Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, respectively, and send congratulations to all of the upcoming graduates who will end one chapter of their lives and begin a new one as we celebrate our life along and beyond the Mississippi.

Southern Tea

Brent Rifles Chapter 2137, UDC, gathered on February 26, 2026, at the home of Barbara Willis, 411 Cherokee Drive in McComb, Mississippi, for a gracious Southern Tea and literary program. The beautifully appointed residence provided an elegant and welcoming setting for an afternoon devoted to history, fellowship, and heritage. The meeting was opened in customary form with chapter rituals, followed by the conducting of business. Reports were received, announcements shared, and chapter matters addressed in keeping with the organization’s traditions.

After rituals and business were concluded, members were invited to enjoy a thoughtfully prepared Southern tea. Polished silver, heirloom china, fresh florals, and carefully arranged refreshments reflected the timeless grace of Southern hospitality. Individual teacups filled with fresh fruit, cheeses, and savory selections were artfully presented alongside pastries and sweets, creating a charming and inviting display.

The featured program presented by Gail Spinnato centered on Pryor Knowledge by author M. B. Gibson. This historical novel, set in the antebellum South, prompted engaging discussion on themes of love, societal structure, and the cultural fabric of the era. Special focus was given to the legendary Thoroughbred racehorse Lexington, whose remarkable racing career and lasting influence on American bloodlines provided historical context to the afternoon’s presentation. Members participated in thoughtful conversation, reflecting on how literature can enrich understanding of Southern history. The gathering concluded with warm fellowship and appreciation for the preservation of heritage through education and shared dialogue.

Barbara Willis, Virginia Zeigler, and Connie Lambuth

Gail Spinnato, President Peggy McCullough, Sylvia Johnson, and Virginia Zeigler

Fancy teacup

Gail Spinnato presenting the program

Tammy Strickland and Barbara Willis serving tea

Flower Lovers Club 27th Annual Festival of Flowers

“Flower Lovers Club - The First 100 Years” was the theme for the 27th Annual Festival of Flowers, a non-judged flower show featuring floral designs and horticulture specimens, held on March 26, 2026, in the Pike National Bank Community Room in McComb, Mississippi. Over two hundred guests enjoyed their leisurely stroll through towering floral exhibits, aisles of breathtaking spring flowers, and a hospitality table filled with tasty refreshments.

Club members brought a wide array of spring flowers and foliage from their gardens for the horticulture displays, including early annuals, perennials, and evergreens. Each of the thirty-two club members brought flower arrangements in at least two of these categories: “Blossoms through the Decades,” “A Century in Motion,” and “Echoes of the Past.” A special youth category featured “Flowers for the Future” designs, and several professional florist designers were invited to exhibit in their choice of categories as special guests.

The Flower Lovers Club has a grand tradition of bringing together women who appreciate the beauty of nature; love learning about horticulture and floral design; and enjoy sharing their plants, flowers, and beautiful creations with others. For twenty-seven years they have hosted the Festival of Flowers during the Pike County Azalea Festival as their special spring gift to their Southwest Mississippi community.

The club had its beginnings in the early part of the twentieth century when the women’s club movement, which had been growing nationwide, reached rural states like Mississippi by the 1920s and opened doors for women who had previously only been leaders in their ladies’ church circles and the women’s auxiliaries to men’s clubs. Women’s garden clubs were already numerous in Jackson, Mississippi, by the mid-1920s; and so a group of civic-minded, well-connected women in McComb decided it was high time to start a garden club to promote the beautification of their own growing city.

In October 1926, The McComb Garden Club was organized in the home of Louise Gray, and she was elected President. Later the name was changed to Flower Lovers Club. (It’s well to note that Mrs. Gray

had studied plant material and landscape design at Peabody College and Harvard.) In November 1927, the club hosted its first public flower show in the home of Mrs. B. A. Heidenriech. In January 1928, the club sponsored a Beautiful Garden contest with monetary prizes for categories that included “yards showing the most improvement” and “the most attractive yard.” The club also lobbied for the protection of birds within city limits during its first decade and was instrumental in passing ordinances to that effect.

The Flower Lovers Club has evolved with the culture of our growing towns over the decades, but still meets monthly (except for summer months) and promotes a love of beautiful gardens, floral design, and community improvement. The club will officially celebrate its 100th Anniversary (and the beginning of its next 100 years) this October.

Follow the group’s Facebook page for the most up-to-date information on the contest at Facebook: /flowerloversclub.

ARTICLE | Beth Wild PHOTOS | Bill Perkins

OPERATION: Celebration—Games for a Cause

A community-focused fundraiser hosted by the Southwest Medical Foundation brought people together for a fun, relaxed evening centered around giving back—all based on the game Operation. Held on April 9, 2026, from 6:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. at the McComb Mill in McComb, Mississippi, the event featured life-size games such as Operation along with a silent auction, a bourbon drawdown and wine pull, and the Healthcare Hero Awards, which recognize individuals making a meaningful impact in patient care within Southwest Health. Funds raised through the Foundation directly support Southwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center and Southwest Health clinics, helping enhance patient care, expand services, and invest in facilities and resources that benefit the entire community.

Photography by Bill Perkins

Herb Cooking With Kids

As May winds down and June gives its high-five welcome to summer, children eagerly clamor for activities to fill the freedom promised by summer’s vacation from school and routines. The following projects involving herbs will turn children’s free time into fun time, all the while inspiring both their creative and culinary talents. So… sum-sum-summertime becomes best times!

Children love to help in the kitchen. They especially love cooking with herbs because herbs smell so good; and

children get to channel their energies into smashing, chopping, grinding, and beating the daylights out of things— and this is acceptable behavior!

Make the experience a real occasion—setting the table, brewing the tea, making an herbal centerpiece, preparing the herbal snacks—creating a very special treat. The herbal snacks can be something as simple as mint jelly dabbed on the top of a sugar cookie or chopped sage mixed into a soft cheese and spread on crackers.

ARTICLE | Mississippi State University Extension Service

Peter Rabbit's Tummy Tea

Bring 3 cups of water to a boil. Add 3 tablespoons of dried chamomile flowers and 6 whole cloves. Immediately remove from heat, cover, and steep for 20 minutes. Strain and sweeten with sugar, honey, or dollops of mint jelly. Chamomile has a soothing effect on rowdy youngsters helping to turn them into perfect little ladies and gentlemen at least for a few minutes!

Purchased tea blends can be easily altered into special treats by the addition of spices (cloves, cinnamon) or herbs (lemon verbena, pineapple sage, bee balm, anise hyssop, lemon balm).

Shortbread

These tea cookies are rich, crumbly, and satisfying. Pack them away in a cookie tin, then proudly serve them at your next herbal tea party.

1 cup butter

1 cup fine granulated sugar

3 cups flour

3-4 heaping tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped

Preheat the oven to 275º. Thoroughly cream the butter and sugar. Add 2 and one half cups flour and mix. Turn out on a board floured with the remaining one half cup flour. Wrestle (knead) in the rosemary along with the flour until the dough cracks on the surface and doesn't stick to the board. Roll it one-fourth inch thick, then cut into shapes. Bake on an ungreased cookie sheet 50 minutes, or until lightly browned. Cool on racks.

This is a lot of fun for kids to make. They can get as rambunctious as they like "beating" the ingredients all together.

1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese

2 very ripe Roma tomatoes

2 teaspoons mayonnaise

1 teaspoon minced oregano

1 teaspoon minced basil

1 teaspoon minced chives

Salt and pepper to taste

Let the kids "beat" all the ingredients together. Put the dip in the refrigerator to chill overnight. Serve with chips or crackers.

Herb Chop Butter

Adult supervision is needed with this recipe because kids get to use knives!

2 sticks unsalted butter, softened

3 cloves garlic, finely sliced

1 tablespoon minced basil

1 teaspoon black pepper

1 tablespoon minced marjoram

1 teaspoon minced sage

Chop, chop, chop all herbs and garlic. Combine with all other ingredients. Spread generously on bread or biscuits. Broil in oven until toasty brown. Store butter in refrigerator or freeze it.

Herb Project for Children: Bath Herb Bags

These bath bags are simple for little hands to assemble and make thoughtful gifts. Tie one of these bags under the tap as the tub fills with water. Squeeze the bag or swirl it around in the water as the tub fills. You can just throw the bag in the tub, also. If your child gives these as a gift have them write a little label explaining how it is to be used.

MATERIALS LIST:

Washcloths (inexpensive type)

Powdered milk (skin softener)

Dry oatmeal (gentle abrasive)

Dried herbs: Lavender, catnip, German chamomile, lemon verbena, lemon balm, mint, rose, rosemary, thyme, basil, sweet woodruff (Health food stores carry these.)

Rubber bands

Ribbon

Have children measure ½ cup of either the powdered milk or oatmeal into a small bowl. Add 3 tablespoons of any combination of the dried herbs listed above. Three tablespoons of one herb, such as lavender could be used. Mix well. Spread out one washcloth and pour the mixture into the center of the cloth. Show children how to gather all edges of the cloth together, and help them secure the top with the rubber band or a piece of ribbon. Now tie some long pieces of ribbon around the top. Leave the ribbon ends dangling so the bag can be tied to the faucet and submerged in the water.

Dr. Paul Riley

Centenarian Celebration of a Southern Lady

Family and friends gathered on Friday, March 13, 2026, at Roux 61 in Natchez, Mississippi, to honor Fannie Toney Case as they celebrated her 100th birthday. Known as “Aunt Fannie” by so many, she is a true southern lady whose age seems to defy time. Fannie was born on March 13, 1926, in Amite County to the late John Robert (Jake) Toney and Lola Hazel Jackson Toney of the Busy Corner Community. Today, she lives in Natchez with her husband of 53 years, Alton Case. During the celebration, Natchez Alderman

Sarah Carter Smith presented Fannie with a Certificate of Recognition from the City of Natchez. Photography by Melanie Sojourner

Mrs. Fannie Toney Case

Kathey Joffrion, Tracy Junot, Fannie Toney Case, Alton Case, and Stacy Jones

James Jackson, Tammy Jackson, Fannie Toney Case, Alton Case, and Kristi Landry

Delton Campbell, Logan Campbell, Kailee Phillips, Charli Phillips, Cole Averett, Wyatt Fuller, Trevor Campbell, Mary Ann Perritt, Fannie Toney Case, Alton Case, Kay Campbell, and Caroline Campbell

Aceyn Toney, Nathan Toney, Murry Toney, Fannie Toney Case, Alton Case, Alexis Toney, Tealo Toney, Madison Miller, and Aaron Toney

Tim Vance, Fannie Toney Case, and Alton Case

Jose “Hoss” Serio, Fannie Toney Case, Alton Case, and Ashley Murray

Fannie Toney Case, Michael Case, Brandon Case, and Alton Case

Tim Vance, Murry Toney, Mary Ann Perritt, Fanny Toney Case, Alton Case, Kay Campbell, and James Jackson

Sarah Carter Smith, Fannie Toney Case, and Alton Case

something scrumptious From Market to Table Eating Fresh This Summer

Local farmers markets are in full swing offering a great opportunity to eat healthier foods during the summer months. Knowing what to buy means knowing when to buy your favorite farmers market products. And that means knowing a little about what’s in season.

For example, apples are not local products and are, in fact, a fall crop. So, skip the booths with baskets of apples. Fruit that is in season for our region includes late strawberries as well as blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries. Peaches and plums will begin appearing in June. Local vegetables ready now include spring beans and peas, tomatoes, peppers, squash, and zucchini. Local melons should start appearing in regional farmers markets in June along with corn, field peas, and okra. Refer to the LSU AgCenter publication “What’s in Season Chart” created by Seeds to Success: Louisiana Farm to School Program available free on the AgCenter’s website.

Now that you know what’s in season, how do you know if the produce is really local? This starts with getting to know your farmers market vendors. If buying locally grown as opposed to nationally sourced is important to you, ask. If

ARTICLE

organic or sustainable growing practices are important to you, ask. Almost all vendors are open about their product sourcing and welcome the chance to engage with customers.

Fresh fruits and vegetables are not the only shopping options at a farmers market. Many vendors offer value-added products taking a fresh ingredient like berries and turning it into a ready-to-eat product like jam. Other examples include baked goods, honey, dried herbs, and seasoning blends. Proteins are also an option with local meat products, cheese, and dairy products available at some markets.

Another consideration when shopping at the farmers market is food safety. Meat, dairy, and prepared foods should be kept at a proper temperature in a refrigerator or warmer to prevent bacterial growth. Prepared foods such as baked goods should be individually wrapped to prevent contamination. Produce should be separated by type and be free of major blemishes and insect damage.

The recipes for this issue create a healthy meal for four using what’s in season in regional farmers markets. Grab your shopping list and head to the farmers market!

| Cecilia Stevens Cecilia Stevens (B.A. LSU and M.ED. Louisiana Tech) resides in Concordia Parish, works for the LSU AgCenter, and is the parent of two adult children.

Squash and Tomato Au Gratin

2 large fresh tomatoes

4 medium yellow squash

Olive oil cooking spray

¼ teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1 cup milk

8 ounces cheddar cheese

¼ teaspoon paprika

¼ teaspoon garlic powder

¼ teaspoon black pepper

¼ teaspoon additional salt (for tomatoes)

Preheat oven to 350°F. Select a 9x13 glass baking dish and prepare with cooking spray.

Select a medium saucepan. Melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 2 minutes at medium-low heat, stirring constantly. Slowly add milk to the butter mixture, stirring continuously. Cook for 2 minutes. Add cheese and stir until melted. Stir in seasonings. Reserve. Wash squash and remove ends; cut squash into ¼-inch slices. Place squash in a single layer in the baking dish. Spray lightly with cooking spray. Bake in preheated oven for 5-6 minutes or until tender but not browning. Remove from oven.

Wash tomatoes and core; cut into ½-inch slices. Place tomatoes in an even layer on top of the cooked squash. Salt tomato layer with reserved salt. Bake for 5 minutes. Remove from oven.

Stir cheese sauce and pour over the squash and tomatoes. Return the pan to the oven and increase the temperature to 425°F. Cook until the sauce just starts to bubble and brown. Remove from oven and serve immediately.

Cover and refrigerate unused portions for up to 48 hours.

Yield: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Southern Soppin’ Salad

2 large fresh tomatoes

2 large fresh cucumbers

½ cup sweet white onion (about ½ a large onion)

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

Salt and pepper to taste

One loaf French or baguette-style bread

Select a large mixing bowl for the salad. Peel and core tomatoes. Cut into ½-inch cubes and place in bowl. Peel the cucumbers and seed if desired; cut into ½-inch cubes and place in bowl. Remove the onion skin and half the onion. Reserve half for the green bean recipe. Dice the remaining onion into ½-inch pieces and place in bowl.

Add olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Stir so that all vegetables are evenly coated.

Cover the salad bowl with plastic wrap. Let sit on the counter for 30 minutes for flavors to combine. The tomatoes and cucumbers will release moisture adding to the volume of dressing. This creates the liquid used to “sop” with the bread.

Serve portions with a spoon to add a generous amount of dressing, and then provide fresh bread to “sop” the dressing. Cover and refrigerate any unused portions. Salad stays fresh for up to 48 hours in a covered container.

Yield: Serves 4

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Marinate Time: 30 minutes

Southern-Style Green Beans

1 pound fresh green beans

4 cups water

4 ounces bacon, diced

½ cup sweet white onion, diced

1 cup water

1 cup low sodium chicken broth

½ teaspoon black pepper

¼ teaspoon paprika

¼ teaspoon garlic salt

¼ teaspoon Cajun seasoning

¼ teaspoon onion powder

Remove ends from green beans and then snap into preferred length. Bring water to a rolling boil. Add green beans and blanch for 2 minutes. Drain in a colander and reserve.

Select a large saucepan or Dutch oven to prepare the beans. Place the bacon in the pan and cook over medium heat until fat begins to be released and the bacon starts to curl. Add the onions and cook until the onions are transparent. Add water, chicken broth, and seasonings. Stir to combine.

Add the drained green beans. Cook over medium heat, covered, for 20 to 25 minutes or until desired tenderness is achieved. Add additional water if necessary. Serve warm.

Remaining green beans may be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to three days or may be frozen to be added to a vegetable soup.

Yield: Serves 4

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Farm-Fresh Berry Parfaits

2 cups fresh seasonal berries, mixed

½ cup heavy cream

4 ounces cream cheese

4 ounces Greek-style yogurt

2 tablespoons powdered sugar

4 tablespoons maple syrup

Rinse and steam berries. Chop, if needed, into ½-inch pieces. Reserve berries and their juice.

Place cream in a large mixing bowl. Beat until stiff peaks form. Reserve. Place cream cheese in a medium mixing bowl. Beat until smooth. Add yogurt and powdered sugar. Beat until smooth.

Transfer cream cheese mixture into the whipped cream bowl. Fold gently to combine.

Layer berries and cream mixture in parfait glasses, beginning and ending with a berry layer. Top with 1 tablespoon maple syrup per serving.

Cover individually with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to chill. Serve cold. Parfaits may hold up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.

Yield: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Coo1 Time: 30 minutes

HISTORIC NATCHEZ

REFINED GARDENS

Krewe of Killarney Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Carter Burns served as St. Patrick XXXV for the Krewe of Killarney’s 2026 parade held in Natchez, Mississippi, on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, 2026. Burns is the great-great-grandson of Irish immigrant Patrick Burns who settled in Natchez. The annual parade recognizes all previous honorary St. Patricks and welcomes anyone who has Irish heritage or is an Irish “wanna be” to join the festivities with a walk down Main Street to the Band-Stand on the Natchez Bluff to witness St. Patrick driving the snakes into the Mississippi River. An after-party was held at The Rabbit Hole where green beer and Irish treats were served to guests and members of the Krewe of Killarney as they were entertained with a Irish band.

Photography by Ben Hillyer

legal Estate Purgatory

In Mississippi, a legal issue that has been around since the state was created but seems to be getting worse as the population grows is Estate Purgatory. By this term I mean “heir property.” Heir property occurs when Grandpaw and Granny die owning Blackacre (the term used on my law school exams representing a fictitious 160 acres).

When Grandpaw and Granny die, they hypothetically have five children named Ned, Ed, Jed, Fred, and Marcel. Well, being the oldest, Ned tells the other siblings there is no need to go to a lawyer since it would be an unnecessary expense; rather, they should keep Blackacre in the family; and they can all own it and all use it and all have a place called home. (It is shocking how often the above scenario plays out in Mississippi.) Hypothetically, none of the siblings bother going to an attorney to open Grandpaw or Granny’s estate; and they just continue with the property as is; and the siblings seem to get along; and everybody comes and goes hunting, fishing, gardening, and enjoying Blackacre. They pass the pot every year to pay the taxes.

Years go by, and then the Lord starts calling the five siblings to their eternal home, and each sibling has children numbered anywhere from two to eight. So, after all five siblings die, there are now (hypothetically) eighteen grandchildren who are scattered all over the country; and some of them have just not kept in touch so their whereabouts are unknown.

This scenario is the epitome of estate purgatory. What happens when one of the eighteen grandchildren wants to get control of the property, or at least manage the property, or get his portion of the property which now constitutes about 8.8 acres per heir?

This situation now becomes a very expensive legal matter; and while in the process of writing this article, I got a call from a client who had almost the identical issue that I have presented in the hypothetical circumstances above.

Where does one begin to sort through all of this saga’s details and developments? It is very complex, and most lay people do not understand the process even when explained, nor do they understand why it becomes so expensive to sort through.

The question is what does the family want to do with the property? Here are the options:

1) Sell it as a whole.

2) Buy and sell just certain family members’ interests.

3) Form a limited liability company, have all of the family convey into the LLC, and have a limited number of family members control and manage it.

4) Partite (divide) the land among all the family members, but be prepared to pay a fortune in survey costs.

5) Have the court order a sale at the courthouse of all the property to the highest bidder, and have the sales proceeds divided among all family members.

I can tell you, there are many legal complications and expenses associated with all of the options above, and this article will not allow me the space to articulate the multitude of problems.

However, the first question to be asked is this: Do the landowners know who all of the involved family members are and where they are located? I was once called upon to try to straighten out an estate that had three hundred acres and at the time over six hundred known heirs. This was a hopeless situation. I advised the family members who contacted me that the cost in the attempted process alone could produce fees and services that could exceed $25,000 to $30,000. That Was Just To Get Process Issued!

This expense did not include having to expend the time and effort in getting to court and having to deal with these many people’s different attorneys. The cost could be hundreds of thousands of dollars, and no family member wanted to spend money for an undivided interest which literally could amount to an undivided one acre. There are legal mechanisms for attorneys to get paid out of the estate; but in a case as the one I described above, an attorney has no idea of the time or effort. There is no guarantee he or she gets paid in full. So the above scenario of 600 heirs becomes an insurmountable problem. The problem just gets worse and worse when heirs die and their children or grandchildren double in number.

There are cases all over Mississippi like the one I have described above, and there is no easy or inexpensive answer to the problem. How do heirs avoid the above scenario? When Grandpaw and Granny die while owning Blackacre, go straight to an attorney and probate the estate. Stay on top of it and keep up with all the heirs (family). Assert your personal legal rights as early as possible based on your attorney’s advice.

ARTICLE | Lucien C. Gwin III

Lucien C. “Sam” Gwin III was admitted to the Mississippi Bar in 1981 and has been practicing many aspects of the law at the firm of Gwin, Punches & Kelley in Natchez, Mississippi, ever since.

January/February 2027

Reserve your space soon! bluffsmag@gmail.com or 601.442.6847

Scan QR Code for more info

THE socialSCENE NATCHEZ,

MS

Magnolia Festival Ball

Honoring the Natchez Garden Club’s 2026 Magnolia Festival Royalty, the Magnolia Festival Ball was held March 28, 2026, at historic Magnolia Hall in downtown Natchez, Mississippi. The event is an annual benefit for the non-profit organization branch, Preservation Society of Ellicott’s Hill, that maintains the multiple historic properties. Guests enjoyed a night under the stars while dining, enjoying the lively band music, bidding on silent auction items, and anticipating and applauding the raffle-ticket drawing for a sixseater golf cart. Photography by Bill Perkins

Leading the Cultural Community for 36 Years april 25 through may 16, 2026

Welcome to the 36 th Season of The Natchez Festival of Music

We are thrilled to invite you to a spectacular month of music this spring 2026. With a lineup as diverse as the community we serve, this season truly offers something for everyone—from country to classical.

This year’s program features an exciting musical theatre production alongside Broadway favorites, classical masterworks, iconic jazz, and grassroots Americana— creating a vibrant celebration of music in all its forms.

Natchez is a vibrant cultural hub, and over the next three weeks, we invite you to experience an exciting array of performances.

Opening Night: Saturday, April 25 Red Headed Stranger (On the Road Again)

The Luckenbach Willie Nelson Tribute Band brings the spirit of outlaw country to life with electrifying renditions of classics like On the Road Again and Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain. This dynamic six-piece ensemble pays tribute to legends such as Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, and Waylon Jennings, delivering heartfelt vocals, top-tier musicianship, and authentic Texas spirit. Get ready for a high-energy night that will keep you dancing at the Woodlands Event Center.

Thursday, April 30 & Saturday, May 2

Harp to Musical Theatre

On Thursday, April 30, Waverly welcomes harpist Dr. Kristina Finch in American Harpscape: Exploring America’s Music One String at a Time. This captivating program reveals the harp as an instrument of remarkable color and expressive range, weaving together folk traditions, jazz rhythms, and beloved melodies

reimagined in fresh, unexpected ways. With artistry and insight, Dr. Finch highlights the harp’s unique ability to reflect the heart and soul of American music. Seating is limited—reserve your tickets early.

On Saturday, May 2, Songs for a New World by Tony Award–winner Jason Robert Brown comes to life in a dynamic production that fuses pop, gospel, and contemporary musical theatre. This exhilarating song cycle explores life-changing moments, capturing the powerful truth that a single choice can alter everything. Performed at The Father David O’Connor Family Life Center by four exceptional vocalists—John Christopher Adams, Maryann Kyle, Peter Lake, and Sarah Stembel— this production delivers a thrilling journey of sound and storytelling that resonates with anyone standing at life’s crossroads.

Thursday, May 7 & Saturday, May 9 Jazz to Broadway

On Thursday, May 7, Legends in Time: 100 Years of Iconic Jazz celebrates the revolutionary artistry of Miles Davis and John Coltrane. From smoky ballads to electrifying improvisations, this concert honors the music that reshaped the landscape of American jazz. Performed by world-class musicians, including Larry Panella, it offers a mesmerizing journey through jazz history that every music lover should experience. The show will be held at The Father David O’Connor Family Life Center.

Come for the music; stay for the experience!

Now in my 15th year as Artistic Director, it has been a remarkable journey watching the festival flourish. I continue to be inspired by our extraordinary artists, dedicated board members, and generous supporters who make it all possible.

~ DR. JAY DEAN

Then, on Saturday, May 9, join us for An Evening with Rodgers and Hammerstein, a heartfelt tribute to Broadway’s legendary duo, Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II. Enjoy timeless songs from beloved classics like The Sound of Music, Carousel, Oklahoma!, and South Pacific. With stunning vocals and rich storytelling, this enchanting evening celebrates the golden age of musical theatre, also located at The Father David O’Connor Family Life Center.

Festival Finale: Thursday, May 14 & Saturday, May 16 Classical to Americana Don’t miss Rossini, Puccini, & Martinis…with an American Twist on Thursday, May 14. A beloved annual tradition at The Historic Natchez Foundation, this spirited evening blends the elegance of Italian opera with the energy of Broadway and the charm of patriotic favorites. Enjoy soaring arias, iconic show tunes, and star-spangled classics—all while sipping martinis. It’s a bold, bubbly celebration of world-class music where operatic tradition meets American flair.

We close the season with an unforgettable finale, Born in the U.S.A.: A Celebration of America’s Greatest Hits, at Natchez City Auditorium on Saturday, May 16. This high-energy journey showcases the sounds that have shaped our culture—blues, Motown, R&B, soul, rock, pop, and country—in one electrifying performance. From Stevie Wonder to The Supremes, from Jimmy Buffett to Lady Gaga, and from Backstreet Boys to Dolly Parton, this concert is a vibrant celebration of rhythm, melody, and memory.

Featuring an outstanding lineup of performers, the evening is anchored by Vasti Jackson, who electrifies the stage with classics like I Feel Good and Let the Good Times Roll. Krista Overby shines in a Supremes medley, followed by Storm Wade with high-octane renditions of Old Time Rock and Roll and Jump. Don’t miss Jacob Arnold performing The Dance, or Marion Conerly with a heartfelt take on When Will I Be Loved Born in the U.S.A. is more than a concert—it’s America’s living soundtrack!

ARTICLE | Jay Dean and Karen Foster

PHOTOS | Courtesy of Natchez Music Festival

SCAN FOR TICKETS

Tickets are sold at Eventbrite.com. Scan the QR Code for more event information.

2026 spring season events

APRIL 25 | 7PM

THE RED HEADED STRANGER ($35)

Woodlands Event Venue

398 Greenfield Road

Natchez, MS 39120

APRIL 30 | 7PM

AMERICAN HARPSCAPE ($30) WAVERLY

790 HWY 61 South

Natchez, MS 39120

MAY 2 | 7PM

SONGS FOR A NEW WORLD ($35)

Father David O’Connor Family Life Center 613 Main Street

Natchez, MS 39120

MAY 7 | 7PM

LEGENDS IN TIME: 100 YEARS OF ICONIC JAZZ ($30)

Father David O’Connor Family Life Center 613 Main Street

Natchez, MS 39120

MAY 9 | 7PM AN EVENING WITH RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN ($30)

Father David O’Connor Family Life Center 613 Main Street

Natchez, MS 39120

MAY 14 | 7PM ROSSINI, PUCCINI, & MARTINIS. . . WITH AN AMERICAN TWIST ($30)

Historic Natchez Foundation 108 S. Commerce Street

Natchez, MS 39120

MAY 16 | 7PM

BORN IN THE USA ($35) Natchez City Auditorium

207 Jefferson Street

Natchez, MS 39120

WCCA Field Day

Rich in tradition, Wilkinson County Christian Academy (WCCA) held its annual Field Day on Saturday, March 28,, 2026. This year’s theme was “Love Like a Ram” in memory of WCCA alumna Reily Ann Owens. Those in attendance enjoyed a wonderful musical program with countless numbers centered around LOVE! After the program, the children participated in an Easter Egg Hunt followed with games, bounce houses, and snowballs. The live auction was attended by the adults to help raise funds that go directly toward enhancing educational programs, supporting classroom resources, strengthening extracurricular opportunities, and ensuring that our students continue to receive not only a strong academic foundation but also the spiritual guidance that helps shape who they become. It was a fun-filled day enjoyed by all.

Family of Reily Ann Owens: Tanner Bryant; Lallie Elise Bennett; Tripp Bennett and Lallie Bennett; Luke Milton; Ed Walker; Emma Walker; Jennings Walker; Holli Walker; Wesley Bennett; Dr. Jennings Owen; May Katherine Bennett with son, Will; and Dr. Wes Bennett

Wesley Vannoy and Darrel Vannoy

Kyle White and Eliza White

Top Raffle Sellers: Addison Kogel, Kinsley Shedd, Toby Grace Stevens, and Emery Stevens

Kinsley Shedd and Ella Brown Collins Thomas, Kim Cavalier, and Weston Thomas

A few of the best teachers: Brittny Bordelon, Deborah Whetstone, Vicky Johnson, Mary Wilson, Jackie Ashley, Cara Branch, and Savannah Skinner

Hannah Moffett and Hayden Moffett Cole Cupit, Cohen Brown, and Jennings McCurley

Carrie Carter

Connor Partridge, Virginia Anne Miley, and Ryker Fisher

Moms, Dads & Grads

beyond

The Petal Club’s SNIP & SIP Her Garden Within

SNIP & SIP is The Petal Club’s signature self-care series, created to bring wellness experiences closer to home. The club’s “Her Garden Within” was held on March 21, 2026, in celebration of National Flower Day and welcomed women at the beautiful Big Muddy Inn for an afternoon centered on self-expression, creativity, and connection. The experience was guided by guest host Ranata Edgerson of New Orleans, Louisiana.

The afternoon featured live performances from poets Elanah Wilson and Shelby Strong, along with musical sets by Amy Allen and Tema Larry. Creating their own custom pieces to take home, guests also participated in a guided floral arrangement masterclass led by Dr. Andra Collins Jackson.

A variety of wellness touchpoints were woven throughout the event. Sponsor Julia Sullivan, Financial Advisor with Edward Jones, hosted a financial self-care station, offering guests a fresh perspective on caring for their future. Alicia Norris of Share Evolution Behavioral Health & Wellness led a grounding-breath work session, helping guests transition into the floral experience with intention and presence. The Gentle Space, a digital wellness platform founded by

Marcella Fleming provided reflective moments through QR-enabled touchpoints that encouraged guests to pause and reconnect.

The afternoon also included curated brunch bites, bottomless sangria and bellinis, and interactive elements like the “Bloom Bowl” during which guests engaged in selfreflection prompts.

The Petal Club is a floral wellness initiative founded in June 2025 by Courtney Thompson. What began as a popup, make-and-take bouquet bar encouraging people to slow down and pour into themselves has grown into a series of thoughtfully curated experiences designed to make selfcare feel less like a task and more like a joy. The initiative launched with its debut wellness program, The Petal Club, a floral wellness concept designed as a love letter to slowing down, planting peace, and making self-care feel accessible. Together, her work reflects a creative reimagining of everything she has built professionally, infused with her personal passion for wellness, connection, and community.

Thompson continues to expand her work through partnerships, activations, and client collaborations.

Courtney Thompson is available for bookings and can be contacted at booking.thecreativeco@gmail.com.

LOUISIANA

louisianatravel.com

A great site for everything Louisiana

ALEXANDRIA / PINEVILLE alexandriapinevillela.com rapidessymphony.org riveroaksartscenter.com lagniappetheatre.com themuseum.org

Every Tuesday

Alexandria Farmers Market 2727 Jackson St.

FERRIDAY concordialibrary.org deltamusicmuseum.com

BATON ROUGE visitbatonrouge.com lsumoa.org louisianastatemuseum.org rivercenterarena:baton-rouge. tickets-center.com batonrougeballet.org Red Stick Farmers Market brso.org lasm.org

Every Saturday

Red Stick Farmers Market & Arts Market Corner 5th & Main Streets 8am-Noon breada.org

May 8

Hot Art Cool Nights Mid-City 6pm–10pm / Free

MONROE / WEST MONROE monroe-westmonroe.org

Every Wednesday in May Brown Bag Concert Series The Pavillion @ 7th Square Noon

May 1–3

Red, White & Blue Airshow Monroe Regional Airport redwhiteandblueairshow.com

May 9 The River Market Downtown 9am–1pm

NEW ORLEANS

neworleansonline.com neworleanscvb.com ogdenmuseum.org nola.org newcombartmuseum.tulane.edu nobt.org neworleansfilmsociety.org neworleanscitypark.com neworleanszombierun.com FB: nolajazzmuseum/live theatreneworleans.org

Through May 3

NOLA Jazz & Heritage Festival Fairground’s Race Course nojazzfest.com

June 10–13 Food & Wine Experience nowfe.com

June 6–7

French Market Creole Tomato Festival frenchmarket.org

ST. FRANCISVILLE audubonstatehistoricsite. wordpress.com visitstfrancisvillela.com

FB: St. Francisville Farmers Market

Every Thursday Farmers Market 9961 Wilcox St. 8am-12pm / 225.245.1752

May 9

St. Francisville Stroll visitstfrancisvillela.com

VIDALIA cityofvidaliala.com vidaliaconventioncenter.com

MISSISSIPPI

visitmississippi.org hikinginmississippi.com

BROOKHAVEN

FB: VisitBrookhavenMS visitbrookhavenms.com brookhavenrecreation.com brookhavenlittletheatre.com llf.lib.ms.us visitbrookhavenms.com

June 5-7

Singin’ in the Rain Jr. Brookhaven Little Theatre brookhavenlittletheatre.com

June 25

Girls Night Out 3pm–9pm visitbrookhavenms.com

June 25–26

Aladdin KIDS

Brookhaven Little Theatre brookhavenlittletheatre.com

CANTON cantontourism.com

May 14

Canton Flea Market Arts & Crafts Show Downtown cantontourism.org

JACKSON dulinghall.com msmuseumart.org visitjackson.com balletms.com msmetroballet.com operams.org downtown-jackson.com newstagetheatre.com

May 9

Mississippi Makers Fest Two Mississippi Museums Downtown 10am–8pm / Free msmakersfest.mdah.ms.gov

June 5–6

Cathead Jam

Cathead Distillery Downtown catheaddistillery.com

MCCOMB pikeinfo.com mccombarts.com mcrrmuseum.com pcltmccomb.org

FB: McComb Farmers Market

May 15

23rd Annual Golf Tournament

Quail Hollow Golf Course

Percy Quin State Park pikeinfo.com

May 16

Crown in Blooms By-U Belle Event Center 2pm empowerhercoalition@gmail.com

May 18 Live @ 5 Downtown 5pm pikeinfo.com

NATCHEZ Live Music Events Calendar visitnatchez.org/full-eventcalendar visitnatchez.org kreweofphoenixnatchez.com natchezpilgrimage.com thetowersofnatchez.com natchezgardenclub.org thenatchezlittletheatre.com natchezfestivalofmusic.com FB: Downtown Natchez Farmers Market

Every Saturday in May & June Natchez Farmers Market Broadway Street 8:30am-Noon

Every Friday in May Live @ 5 Bandstand on the Bluff 5:30pm

Throughout May Natchez Festival of Music natchezfestivalofmusic.com

May 2

Nat’l Football Foundation

Golf Tournament

Duncan Park 601.493.6450

May 7

Pickleball Tournament

Duncan Park 5pm Registration visitnatchez.org

May 9

Stay Tuned Music Fest

Dunleith Historic Inn 11am–9pm visitnatchez.org

May 9

Miss-Lou Makers Market

The Bluff 9am–4pm visitnatchez.org

May 9

Family Fun Day

Natchez Bluff 10am–3pm visitnatchez.org

May 25

Memorial Day Parade From Vidalia to Natchez visitnatchez.org

May 28–30

Songwriters Festival natchezsongwritersfestival.com

May 30

Natchez Bicycle Classic 7:30am visitnatchez.org

June 25–28

The Wizard of Oz Natchez Little Theatre thenatchezlittletheatre.org

June 27

Blind Bourbon Tasting Sunnyside 6pm–8pm /$100 601.807.1148

MADISON/RIDGELAND visitridgeland.com madisonthecity.com mscrafts.org

Tuesdays

Farmers Market Main Street @ Caboose 3:30pm–6:30pm

May 1–3

Gardens of Madison County 9am–5pm exploreridgeland.com

May 2–3

Ridgeland Mother’s Day Craft & Vendor Market Northpark Mall 11am–8pm exploreridgeland.com

May 8

Pepsi Pops Old Trace Park 7:30pm–9pm msorchestra.com

May 8

Magnolia Garden & Flower Festival Renaissance & Colony Park 10am–3pm exploreridgelan.com

June 26

Celebrate America Balloon Glow Northpark 5pm / Free SUMMIT pikeinfo.com

May 16

Williamson Nursery 5th Annual Farmers Market 8am–Noon pikeinfo.com

VICKSBURG southernculture.org visitvicksburg.com vicksburgartassociation.org tarawildlife.com vicksburgtheatreguild.com downtownvicksburg.org

Every Saturday in May & June Farmers Market 8am–Noon vicksburgfarmersmarket.org

May 1 – 3

12 Angry Jurors Parkside Playhouse 7:30pm & 2pm vicksburgtheatreguild.com

May 3

Murals in Action Riverfront Murals 4pm–6pm / $5

May 8, 22 & 29

Sip & Stroll Old Mississippi River Bridge 8am–3pm

June 13

2nd Saturday

Crawford Square Stage Downtown Noon–4pm

WESSON

FB: Wesson Chamber Happenings Woodville woodvillems.org woodvillemainstreet.org

FB: Woodville/Wilkinson County Main Street Association

Announce your special engagement or wedding in our January Wedding Edition of Bluffs & Bayous.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

• Wedding coverage includes up to ten photographs and a wedding story. Engagement coverage includes one photograph and engagement information.

• Submit your formal wedding announcement of up to 850 words or your engagement announcement of up to 250 words in a Word document only. Editorial staff may make slight changes to the wording but will not compose the announcement from information submitted in lists.

• Submit up to 10 wedding photographs from which the editorial staff will choose the number relative to the length of your announcement. Photographs must be provided as jpeg files at 300 d.p.i resolution, sized at 3x5” or larger.

PACKAGES

• Engagement Only - $250

• Wedding Only - $350

• Wedding & Engagement Package - $450 (Package includes engagement and wedding coverage.)

Meal preparation

Personal hygiene

Medicinal reminders

Light housekeeping

At PERSONAL HOMECARE SERVICES our family is your family! Our clients remain in the comfort of their home, with their belongings and memories, where they are most comfortable. Our caregivers allow you to regain the time and energy to get back to being a true family member and not just a caregiver. PHS is one of the first non-medical services specializing in live-in care working in conjunction with doctors, healthcare and hospice providers to provide continuous around-the-clock care without the worry and expense of hourly services. Our clients call us because someone they trusted shared their experience with PHS.

Transportation to appointments

Companionship

Service area includes all of Mississippi and Louisiana