Artifacts - July 26, 2002

Ford Orchestra to play tea dance

The 11-piece Jerry Ford Orchestra will perform from 2-5 p.m. Saturday in a tea dance at the University Center Ballroom.

The dance is the second in a series the band is playing this year. The band usually plays only private dances.

The $10 admission price includes music and light refreshments.

You don't have to dance to attend, Ford says. "It's more of a social mixer than it is a dance."

He said the band is trying to provide people who don't stay out late anymore with something to do on a weekend afternoon.

"For many years every dance we played was from 9 to 1," Ford said. "Now by 10 o'clock everybody is ready to go home."

People can dress any way they like. "Couples who are into ballroom dancing may dress very elegant. Some will be in coat and tie and others in slacks and shirt," he said. "There's nothing fancy about it."

Ford said tea dances were once a popular way for people to hear big band music in the big hotels.

More dances are planned Sept. 28 and Dec. 14.

Homecomers Celebration looking for talent

JACKSON, Mo. -- The Jackson Homecomers Celebration will be Aug. 20 to 24. The annual Talent Show will be each night Aug. 20 to 23, and will be held on stage in front of the courthouse. First-, second-, third-, and fourth-place winners of each division will be honored each night. Winners and runners-up will compete on Aug. 23.

The overall winner of the 13-21 age group will be invited to the Youth Talent Contest at the MidSouth Fair in Memphis, Tenn. A representative of the MidSouth Fair will be in Jackson on finals night and may invite others to appear in the Talent Contest at MidSouth Fair in Memphis.

Amateur acts of singing, dancing acrobatics and instrumentals are invited to attend, whether they be singles, groups, or duets. There is no piano, and the stage is outdoors.

The Homecomers Queen Contest will be held at 8 p.m. Aug. 24. It will also be held on the stage in front of the courthouse. The contest is open to all girls who will be entering the 11th or 12th grade during the 2002-2003 school year.

Entry forms for the talent show or queen contest may be picked up at the Jackson Chamber of Commerce office, or contact the Chamber at 243-8131. Talent forms must be returned no later than Aug. 13. The Queen Contest form deadline is Aug. 16.

There will be a limited number of contestants in both contests, and participation is on a first-come, first-serve basis. There are no entry fees for either contest.

'Camelot' opens at Muny Monday

ST. LOUIS -- Lerner & Loewe's romantic classic, "Camelot" opens at The Muny Monday. Bringing the story of Arthur and his Round Table to life are Mark Jacoby, Kim Crosby, and Nat Chandler. Songs featured include, "If Ever I Would Leave You", and "How to Handle a Woman." Shows begin at 8:15 p.m. each night. For more information, call (314) 361-1900, or go to www.muny.com. To charge tickets by phone, call (314) 534-1111.

Tickets are available at The Muny Box Office in Forest Park daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., at all MetroTix outlets, or by calling (314) 534-1111.

Museum workshops open Saturday

Workshops for youths continue this summer at SEMO University's Museum to coincide with its current exhibit entitled, "Masks and Faces."

Workshops are scheduled for Saturday for children who will enter grades 4-6 this fall.

The "Masks and Faces" workshop will allow children to see the museum's temporary exhibit of masks, and to make their own masks to take home. This workshop is scheduled from 1 to 2:30 p.m. The students will also write a short story or play using characters from the art works.

Cost of the workshop is $5 per person. Enrollment is limited to 15 participants, and advance registration is required. For more information or to register, call 651-2260.

University Museum hours are 9 a.m. to noon and 1-4 p.m. Monday through Friday. The museum is open noon to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

Planetarium to salute The King

MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- Fans of Elvis Presley will have a chance to "shake, rattle and roll" in tribute to The King on the 25th anniversary of his death at the Sharpe Planetarium in Memphis, Tenn.

The show is being called, "Elvis: Legacy in Light" and will be presented in the Planetarium during Elvis Week, being held Aug. 10-16.

For more information or reservations, call (901) 320-6362.

Author to sign Ste. Gen guidebook

Former Cape Girardeau resident mark Evans will sing copies of his new Ste. Genevieve house guidbook, "The Commandant's Last Ride," from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Book Bug, 127 Main St. in Jackson.

-- From staff reports