Artifacts 9/28/12

SI Country Fest set for next weekend

SPARTA, Ill. -- Southern Illinois Country Fest will be held Oct. 5 to 7 at the World Shooting and Recreation Complex in Sparta. Headlining acts for the event are Trace Adkins, Dierks Bentley and Tim McGraw. Other artists scheduled to perform are Corey Smith, Colt Ford, LoCash Cowboys, The Cadillac Black, Little Big Town, Casey James and The Farm. For more information, go to www.sicountryfest.com.

Luncheon will benefit Magnolia Manor

CAIRO, Ill. -- The historic Magnolia Manor, 2700 Washington Ave. in Cairo, will hold a luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday. A donation of $10 is requested, and reservations may be made by calling 618-734-0201. Reservations are requested. All proceeds will be used for the upkeep of the manor.

Extravaganza honors Cape Girardeau native

A music extravaganza will be hosted by Corean Perkins Johnson at 5 p.m. Oct. 6 at The Rock International Ministries, 204 S. Union Ave. in Jackson. The event will honor Cape Girardeau's own Quitman McBride III, who is studying at Berklee College of Music in Boston.

Orchestra opens concert season

The Southeast Missouri Symphony Orchestra will open its 2012-2013 concert season with a program of music by Russian composers Rimsky-Korsakov, Aram Khatchaturian and Sergei Rachmaninoff on Oct. 9 at Southeast Missouri State University's River Campus. The concert will be presented at 7:30 p.m. in the Bedell Performance Hall. Joining the orchestra for its gala season opening will be pianist Jack Gibbons in a performance of Piano Concerto No. 2 by Rachmaninoff. Gibbons has been described by the press as "one of England's most exciting young pianists." His performances have been received with standing ovations in some of the world's greatest concert halls, including New York's Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall and London's Queen Elizabeth and Royal Albert halls, and his recordings have consistently attracted rave reviews, awards and commendations. Tickets may be purchased at the River Campus box office in the Cultural Arts Center, 518 S. Fountain St., weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., or by calling 651-2265 or online at RiverCampusEvents.com.

Open house set at Lake Wappapello

WILLIAMSVILLE, Mo. -- The public is invited to bring ideas to an open house Oct. 6 at Lake Wappapello State Park near Williamsville. Sponsored by Missouri state parks, the open house will be held at 10 a.m. on the front lawn of the park's nature center. The event will highlight the park's interpretation program as well as the nature center. A camp cooking demonstration will be held for anyone wishing to participate, and lunch refreshments will be provided. The nature center will be open for visitors. The open house will also provide the public with an opportunity to meet with park staff and talk about events and projects at the park. Lake Wappapello State Park is eight miles east of U.S. 67 on Highway 172 in Wayne County. People requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting can make arrangements by calling the park directly at 573-297-3232. For more information about Missouri state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com.

-- From staff reports