Join the Ocean Springs Environmental Alliance for an Earth Day celebration and enjoy family fun, informational booths, live music, and food trucks!

Date: 4/19/25

Time: 10 AM - 2:30 PM

Location: 1600 Government Street Lawn

FREE TO THE PUBLIC

Come learn about the many ways you can help be better stewards of the Blue Planet upon which we depend. Take part in hands-on activities for all ages that celebrate the variety of organizations, businesses and groups that promote nature and environmental stewardship.  

Elements of the “Come and Go” event include: 

• Educational booths from at least 20 different environmental organizations, eco-focused businesses and groups 

• Hands-on activities that directly engage participants about the topics covered by participating organizations 

• Scavenger Hunt for children with prizes 

• Music from Singers and Songwriters throughout the day 

• Food from a variety of vendors 

The Ocean Springs Environmental Alliance is proud to partner with the Mary C, the Historic Ocean Springs Association and the City of Ocean Springs to share a fun-filled, family friendly day of learning and camaraderie at the Mary C. 

For more information about this event, please contact Nancy Wilson of OSEA at wilsonnl2000@yahoo.com

Sponsored By: The Ocean Springs Environmental Alliance, The City of Ocean Springs, The Historic Ocean Springs Association, and The Mary C.

Meet Three Songwriters...

Taylor Craven

Taylor Craven has been recognized twice by American Songwriter Magazine. He has had songs recorded by many versatile artists, including legendary hall of famer, Ray Stevens, and by such young talents as Dee White and Wade Sapp, as well as award winning artist and writers, Dallas Moore, Lance Dubroc and Eric Erdman. He has shared the pen with legendary writers such as Wild Bill Emerson, MarkSherrill, Wood Newton, Rafe Van Hoy, and Bo Roberts, just to name a few. He is from Clarksdale, MS, and now lives in Ocean Springs, Ms, where he served as a founding board member of the Mississippi Songwriter Alliance and the Mississippi Songwriter Festival.

Dana Woods

Dana Woods is asinger/songwriter born and raised in Pascagoula. She has been playing guitarsince the age of 12 and serves as music minister in her church. Dana has been aproud participant in the MS Songwriters' Festival since its beginning in 2010.In 2022, she recorded her seventh studio album titled "Baggage Claim"under the direction of Producer, Casey Combest of Blue Sky Studios in Jackson,MS.

Victor Abendano

Victor Abendano is a Mexican-born, Texas-raised singer-songwriter currently based in Ocean Springs, MS. His music reflects a deep well of personal experiences, blending elements of his heritage, upbringing, and life journey into a rich, heartfelt sound.

Born in Mexico, Victor moved to Texas with his family as a child. After their work visa expired, they lived undocumented, facing the struggles and uncertainties that come with immigration. These challenges deeply influenced his songwriting, infusing his lyrics with themes of resilience, identity, and hope.

‍A U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Victor’s time in service added another layer of depth to his storytelling, shaping his perspective and artistry. His music carries a raw authenticity, drawing from his diverse experiences to create songs that resonate on a deeply personal level.‍

In 2022, he released his debut studio album, Seasons Pass, recorded in Nashville and produced by Monty Russell and James Cook. The album is a collection of songs that showcase his evolution as an artist, blending folk, Americana, and Latin influences into a sound that connects with listeners across backgrounds. He also released a live album with Louisiana based band, Jelly in the same year.‍

Looking ahead, Victor is set to release a new EP in late 2025, further expanding his sonic landscape and lyrical depth.

His music is available on streaming platforms like Spotify, where his soulful melodies and introspective lyrics continue to reach new audiences. As he grows as an artist, his dedication to storytelling and authenticity remains at the heart of his work.

Tuesday, April 15, 2025               

FREE TO THE PUBLIC

Location: HOSA Room or Duckett Gallery, TBD   

[6:00 PM Klatsch and Conversation]

[6:30 PM:  Lecture Initiates]

“The History and Architecture of York, England;

A City Established more than 2,000 Years.” ‘One of the Most beautiful Historic Cities with Roman Roots and Viking Past.’ York has seen the crowning of Roman Emperors, Viking trade with Iran (Persia), the arrival of William the Conqueror, Oliver Cromwell, York Chocolates and a new thriving York University’

⭐ Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Mississippi Gulf Coast. Get your tickets now to discover the music of Queen vs. ABBA at Trent Lott Theater - The Mary C. O'Keefe Cultural Arts Center under the gentle glow of candlelight.

General Info
📍 Venue: Trent Lott Theater - The Mary C. O'Keefe Cultural Arts Center
📅 Dates and times: April 5th, 8:30 - 9:30 PM
⏳ Duration: 60 minutes (doors open 45 mins prior to the start time and late entry is not permitted)
👤 Age requirement: 8 years old or older. Anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult
♿ Accessibility: this venue is ADA compliant
❓ View the FAQs for this event here
🪑 Seating is assigned on a first come first served basis in each zone

Tentative Program

• Dancing Queen - ABBA

• SOS - ABBA

• Money, Money, Money - ABBA

• Bohemian Rhapsody - Queen

• I Want to Break Free - Queen

• Waterloo - ABBA

• Super Trouper - ABBA

• Mamma Mia - ABBA

• Don't Stop Me Now - Queen

• We Will Rock You - Queen

• We Are the Champions - Queen

Performers

• Listeso String Quartet

⭐ Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Mississippi Gulf Coast. Get your tickets now to discover the music of Adele at Trent Lott Theater under the gentle glow of candlelight.

General Info
📍 Venue: Trent Lott Theater - The Mary C. O'Keefe Cultural Arts Center
📅 Dates and times: April 5th, 6:30 - 7:30 PM
⏳ Duration: 60 minutes (doors open 45 mins prior to the start time and late entry is not permitted)
👤 Age requirement: 8 years old or older. Anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult
♿ Accessibility: this venue is ADA compliant
❓ View the FAQs for this event here
🪑 Seating is assigned on a first come first served basis in each zone

Tentative Program

• Hello

• Rumour Has It

• Make You Feel My Love

• Water Under the Bridge

• Oh My God

• Someone Like You

• Send My Love (To Your New Lover)

• Chasing Pavements

• Skyfall

• When We Were Young

• Set Fire to the Rain

• Easy On Me

• Rolling in the Deep

Performers

• Listeso String Quartet

FREE TO THE PUBLIC!

Join us for live poetry readings, hot coffee, and sweet treats!

All event-goers are welcome to read!

Location: Trent Lott Theater (1600 Government St.)

Time: 6-7 PM

FREE TO THE PUBLIC!

Jim McCormick is a Grammy and CMA nominated, multi-platinum sellingsongwriter who has scored three #1 songs atop Billboard’s Country Airplay chart:Gabby Barrett’s “The Good Ones,” which spent two weeks at #1; Jason Aldean's “Take A Little Ride,” which spent 3weeks at the top; and Brantley Gilbert's "You Don’t Know Her Like I Do."  “The Good One’s” received the Country Music Association’s 2021 Song of the Year nomination and won Favorite Country Song at the AmericanMusic Awards that year.  Other recent releases co-written by McCormick include MattStell’s “One of Us,” Dalton Dover’s “Here About a Girl,” Luke Bryan’s “All MyDreaming There,” Jason Aldean’s “Lights Go Out,” Harry Connick Jr’s “I Do LikeWe Do,” Kelly Clarkson’s “Minute,” Jon Pardi’s “Lucky Tonight,” Charlie Pride’s“Standing In My Way,” Payton Smith’s “Need You to Not,” and Trace Adkins’ “WelcomeTo” and “Jesus and Jones.” His songs also have been recorded by Tim McGraw, JameyJohnson, Keith Urban, Randy Travis, Trisha Yearwood, Ronnie Milsap, Tyler Farr,Cody Johnson, Matt Stell, Dalton Dover, James Barker, Shenandoah, SmashMouth, Samantha Fish, and many others.  He has served as a board governor and vice-president for the RecordingAcademy and on the board of the Nashville Songwriters AssociationInternational. He is also an alumnus of Nashville’s Leadership Music.  For over a decade now McCormick has been onthe faculty of Loyola University New Orleans where he teaches “The Craft andBusiness of Songwriting.” He’s guest lectured on songwriting at BerkeleeCollege of Music, Georgetown, Vanderbilt, Belmont and Tulane, as well asGrammyPro and NSAI events.  He is a recipient of the Academy of American Poets’ “Poetry Prize” as well at the New Orleans Cutting Edge MusicConference’s “Lifetime Achievement Award.”  He earned a Bachelor’s degree in English from Georgetown University and a Masterof Fine Arts degree in creative writing from the University of New Orleans. Anative New Orleanian, he divides his time between his two homes in Nashvilleand New Orleans.

Experience the magic of Ireland at Celtic Eire - a celebration of Irish culture featuring the Irish band Emerald Accent.

Accompanying Emerald Accent are dancers from the Mississippi location of the Niall O'Leary School of Irish Dance. This show is more than a concert—it's a fundraiser supporting Feisin’ the Coast, a 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to promoting Irish culture here on the Mississippi Gulf Coast through dance, song, and music.

Join us for a night of Irish rhythms, beautiful melodies, and the spirit of Ireland, all for a great cause. Immerse yourself in Irish tradition this St. Patrick's Day weekend!

•Friday, March 14, 2025 6:30 PM

•Reserve your seats https://celticeire.eventbrite.com

Christian Bailey’s powerful sculptures explore mental health, body image, and society’s marginalization of the atypical. Through his art, he courageously shares his personal experiences, laying them bare to spark conversations and remind us that no one is truly alone. Crafted with kiln-fired techniques and adorned with warm, soulful surface decorations, his work invites viewers into a deeply personal yet universal narrative of resilience and self-discovery.

Don’t miss Christian’s tea talk, where he shares his journey and the inspiration behind this profoundly moving collection!

FREE TO THE PUBLIC!

Tuesday, March 11, 2025               

FREE TO THE PUBLIC

Location: HOSA Room or Duckett Gallery, TBD   

[6:00 PM Klatsch and Conversation]

[6:30 PM:  Lecture Initiates]

“Thomas Jefferson, The Man, The Architect”

Thomas Jefferson is an intrinsic figure in the formation and development of the United States of America. Many have visited his home ‘Monticello’, few have visited his latter home ‘Poplar Forest’ in Virginia, and scholars continue to study ‘The Man’, and his accomplishments.

The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe is a stage adaptation of the book of the same name by C. S. Lewis, the first installment of The Chronicles of Narnia. The play follows the four Pevensie children, Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy, who evacuate wartime London to stay in the countryside, where they find a wardrobe leading to the fantasy world of Narnia. The siblings learn that their arrival was prophesied and they must rally its inhabitants under Aslan to defeat the forces of Jadis, the White Witch.

Tickets: $5/Person

Suitable for all ages!

Date: March 8th, 2025

Showtimes: 1:00 & 3:00 PM Matinees

FREE TO THE PUBLIC!

Join us for live poetry readings, hot coffee, and sweet treats!

All event-goers are welcome to read!

William Carey University presents a concert honoring the rich history of Black Composers throughout history.

• Featuring faculty and student performers.

March 1st, 2025 - 7-9 PM

FREE TO THE PUBLIC!

Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Mississippi Gulf Coast. Get your tickets now to discover the music of Hans Zimmer at Trent Lott Theater - The Mary C. O'Keefe Cultural Arts Center under the gentle glow of candlelight.

General Info
📍 Venue: Trent Lott Theater - The Mary C. O'Keefe Cultural Arts Center
📅 Dates and times: February 28th, 2025, 8:30 PM
⏳ Duration: 60 minutes (doors open 45 mins prior to the start time and late entry is not permitted)
👤 Age requirement: 8 years old or older. Anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult
♿ Accessibility: this venue is ADA compliant
❓ View the FAQs for this event here
🪑 Seating is assigned on a first come first served basis in each zone
🕯️ If you would like to book a private concert or buy regular tickets for a large group (+30 people), click here
🎻 Check out all the Candlelight concerts in Mississippi Gulf Coast
🎁 To treat your friends and family to a Candlelight gift card, click here

Tentative Program

• Time - Inception

• This Land - The Lion King

• Zooster’s Breakout - Madagascar

• Supermarine - Dunkirk

• Honor - The Pacific

• A Dark Knight - The Dark Knight

• Wonder Woman Suite

• Gladiator Suite

• Cornfield Chase - Interstellar

• Dune Suite

• Discombobulate - Sherlock Holmes

• Pirates of the Caribbean Suite

Performers

• Listeso String Quartet

Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Mississippi Gulf Coast. Get your tickets now to discover the music of The Beatles at Trent Lott Theater - The Mary C. O'Keefe Cultural Arts Center under the gentle glow of candlelight.

General Info
📍 Venue: Trent Lott Theater - The Mary C. O'Keefe Cultural Arts Center
📅 Dates and times: February 28th, 2025, 6:30 PM
⏳ Duration: 60 minutes (doors open 45 mins prior to the start time and late entry is not permitted)
👤 Age requirement: 8 years old or older. Anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult
♿ Accessibility: this venue is ADA compliant
❓ View the FAQs for this event here
🪑 Seating is assigned on a first come first served basis in each zone
🕯️ If you would like to book a private concert or buy regular tickets for a large group (+30 people), click here
🎻 Check out all the Candlelight concerts in Mississippi Gulf Coast
🎁 To treat your friends and family to a Candlelight gift card, click here

Tentative Program

• Here Comes The Sun

• I Want To Hold Your Hand

• Help!

• Michelle

• Penny Lane

• Come Together

• We Can Work It Out

• While My Guitar Gently Weeps

• Lady Madonna

• Blackbird

• Here, There, and Everywhere

• Eleanor Rigby

• Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds

• Yesterday

• With A Little Help From My Friends

• Hey Jude

Performers

• Listeso String Quartet

Mary C. Partners, it’s time to celebrate YOU! Join us for our NOW BIANNUAL Partners’ Meeting on February 27th, 2025 from 5:30 - 7:00 PM. Come enjoy great company, refreshments, and important information! We can’t wait to see you there!

The musical collaboration of husband and wife singer-songwriters, Darwin and Dana Nelson (aka The former Mayor & First Lady of Lucedale, Ms.) known as "Double Dee" has taken them far from coastal Gulfport and their small-town roots of Lucedale, Mississippi and carried them across the country where they have created a name for themselves at numerous songwriting festivals, house concerts, and top-flight venues.  Darwin and Dana's most recent album is "Adjust The Sails", produced by their friend and legendary singer/songwriter/producer Keith Sykes from Memphis, Tenn.

They were part of the Mississippi/Sweden Songwriter exchange program in September of 2022, participating in the Tivedstorp Songwriting camp and performing at the Tiveden Americana Festival outside of Orebro, Sweden.

They have performed at Margaritavilles from New Orleans to Pensacola Beach as well as entertained audiences ages 2-92 at other venues from Texas to Florida. The acoustic duo has been described by others as Americana/Folk/Gulf Western/Country, blending harmonic originals with a Mississippi accent.  These two have opened up for such recording artists as Keith Sykes, Mac McAnally, Molly Hatchet, Louisiana’s Leroux, Ronnie McDowell, Will Kimbrough, John Conley, Jeff Bates, and Darrell Worley among others.  They have entertained for Parrotheads at pre and post Jimmy Buffett concerts, festivals and events from Pensacola Beach, and New Orleans to Galveston, Austin and Illinois. They are founding members of the Mississippi Songwriters Festival.

Tuesday, February 11th, 2025               

FREE TO THE PUBLIC

Location: HOSA Room or Duckett Gallery, TBD   

[6:00 PM Klatsch and Conversation]

[6:30 PM:  Lecture Initiates]

"The Art of Anders Zorn and the Preservation of Sweden's Traditional Architecture"

A combined presentation and discussion with Ocean Springs’s painter/artist Jerrod Partridge following his recent study-trip to Sweden, and additional discoveries of the Swedish Artist. Del Cid will present ‘The Island of Skansen’ and the Swedish way to preserve its traditional architecture.

Free to the Public!

William Carey University Orchestra Concert

-Under the Direction of Dr. Jorge Gonzales

-Featuring Guitarist David Bryan

Enjoy Three Romances for Guitar and Strings by John Brunning plus String Orchestra Masterpieces!

FREE TO THE PUBLIC!

Join us for live poetry readings, hot coffee, and sweet treats!

All event-goers are welcome to read!

Join us for the opening reception and tea talk of "Trigger Warning" by Christian Bailey!

Date: RESCHEDULED DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER! -Thursday, January 30th, 2025

Time: 5:30 - 7:00 PM

Tea Talk: Date TBD

Location: Local Creatives Gallery (1600 Government Street)

Christian Bailey’s powerful sculptures explore mental health, body image, and society’s marginalization of the atypical. Through his art, he courageously shares his personal experiences, laying them bare to spark conversations and remind us that no one is truly alone. Crafted with kiln-fired techniques and adorned with warm, soulful surface decorations, his work invites viewers into a deeply personal yet universal narrative of resilience and self-discovery.

Don’t miss Christian’s tea talk, where he shares his journey and the inspiration behind this profoundly moving collection.

oin us for the opening reception and tea talk of "Expressions" by Ellen Ellis Lee!

Date: RESCHEDULED DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER! -Thursday, January 30th, 2025

Time: 5:30 - 7:30 PM

Tea Talk: 6:00 PM

Location: The Duckett Gallery (1600 Government Street)

Discover Ellen’s captivating one-of-a-kind sculptures, wall art, and functional pieces inspired by the beauty of nature, fashion, music, and repurposed treasures. After an incredible 35-year career designing costumes for Broadway, television, and film, Ellen’s work now reflects her joyful exploration of new artistic dimensions in Mississippi.

Don’t miss her inspiring tea talk, where she shares her creative journey and the magic of transformation in her art. Refreshments provided!

FREE TO THE PUBLIC

SEATING IS FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED

🖤✨ It’s Black Friday! Snag 20% OFF your Candlelight tickets with code 🚨CDLBF20🚨, but act fast—tickets are limited!

⭐ Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Mississippi Gulf Coast. Get your tickets now to discover the music of Adele at Trent Lott Theater under the gentle glow of candlelight.

General Info
📍 Venue: Trent Lott Theater - The Mary C. O'Keefe Cultural Arts Center
📅 Dates and times: Friday, January 17th, 8:30 PM
⏳ Duration: 60 minutes (doors open 45 mins prior to the start time and late entry is not permitted)
👤 Age requirement: 8 years old or older. Anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult
♿ Accessibility: this venue is ADA compliant
❓ View the FAQs for this event here
🪑 Seating is assigned on a first come first served basis in each zone
🕯️ If you would like to book a private concert or buy regular tickets for a large group (+30 people), click here
🎻 Check out all the Candlelight concerts in Mississippi Gulf Coast
🎁 To treat your friends and family to a Candlelight gift card, click here

Tentative Program

• Hello

• Rumour Has It

• Make You Feel My Love

• Water Under the Bridge

• Oh My God

• Someone Like You

• Send My Love (To Your New Lover)

• Chasing Pavements

• Skyfall

• When We Were Young

• Set Fire to the Rain

• Easy On Me

• Rolling in the Deep

Performers

• Listeso String Quartet