Familiar faces at next Back Door Coffeehouse
Lici Beveridge
Local actor, director and retired educator Paul VanZandt will return to the Back Door Coffeehouse stage, with a farewell performance of his Nick Beat character created for Back Door many years ago.
In addition, the coffeehouse will feature Pure Chance, a group of local musicians, including Paul Laughlin, Lori Shuck, Jack Linton, James Polk and John Alcorn.
The coffeehouse entertainment will begin at 7:30 p.m. Friday in the fellowship hall of University Baptist Church on Arlington Loop. Doors open at 7 p.m. Light refreshments include popcorn, candy, gourmet coffee from JavaWerks and more. A nursery option is available for parents with young children.
Also, in June, expect to see the return of Back Door favorite Kate Campbell, with Tricia Walker and Sharon Gerald.
Live at Five
This year, Live at Five will offer an extra show, so if you didn't make it to Jazz Fest to see Cary Hudson and the Piney Woods Players, you will get a chance to at 5 p.m. Friday at Town Square Park.
The band features other local favorites Katrina Miller on violin, and Scott Chism and Lynsey Terry, better known as Scott Chism and the Better Half on bass and vocals.
Bring lawn chairs or blankets and sit out under the stars and start your weekend with some homegrown music. You can bring your own picnic basket or sample some of the many dishes offered by food vendors.
The Hattiesburg Arts Council will have its drawing horses out for anyone who wants to make art for themselves during the concert. Find the art space at the gazebo.
The encore performance will be the last until the music series resumes in October.
Southern Prohibition Brewing will show "Coming to America" on Friday in its outdoor area. The movie will start when the sun goes down, but guests may come early to claim their spot. The brewery recommends you bring a lawn chair or blanket.
Admission is $12, which includes the movie, a tour of the brewery and six samples for those over 21. There will be food from Glory Bound Gyro Co. and frozen treats from Deep South Pops for sale during the movie so bring a little extra cash.
Incidentally, the screenplay was co-written by Southern Miss alum David Sheffield, a School of Mass Communication Hall of Famer.
Free comic books
Saturday is Free Comic Book Day, and our local comic book stores are ready to make sure you have a good time while you pick up a new comic book or two to add to your collection.
Southern Fried Comics on Front Street is holding a costume contest for children. Pre-registration is required if your child wants to participate for a chance to win a prize.
There will also be other fun free stuff and a raffle to benefit Hub City Humane Society. The shelter for cats and dogs (and sometimes other animals) will have a few furry friends at the store to pet for a small donation.
For more information, visit the Facebook event page at www.facebook.com/events/208890506148851.
Bombshell Comics on Hardy Street will have featured comic book artists Alexis Ziritt (Space Riders) and Aaron Conley (Sabretooth Swordsman) in the store and there will be pizza from Papa Murphy's among other things the store is doing to make the day fun and festive.
For more information, visit the Facebook event page at www.facebook.com/events/1443271189336096.
Lici Beveridge is the engagement editor and audience analyst for the Hattiesburg American. Reach her at lbeveridge@hattiesburgamerican.com or (601) 584-3104.