The Millsaps Arts & Lecture Series, which has been bringing nationally recognized writers, musicians, artists, scholars and political figures to the Jackson area for 35 years, has announced its upcoming season.

"We have an amazing lineup this year," said Arts & Lecture Executive Director Luran Buchanan. "The Arts & Lecture board and I are excited about featuring so many accomplished authors and musicians. We're looking forward to a wonderful season."

• Tuesday, September 9, 2003
Southern Writers: Sena Jeter Naslund and Anthony Grooms
On the 40th anniversary of the 16th Street bombings in Birmingham, we offer two perspectives on that time and place from two distinguished Southern writers. Sena Jeter Naslund's latest novel is Four Spirits, which refers to the victims of that September day in Birmingham. She is also the author of best selling Ahab's Wife or The Star Gazer, selected as one of the five best novels of 1999, and of Sherlock in Love and The Disobedience of Water. Anthony Grooms' latest novel, Bombingham, is set against the backdrop of the 1963 civil rights movement and chronicles a middle class black family's struggle to understand the meaning of faith. Grooms received the Lillian Smith Award for Best Fiction, which honors books that best promote racial harmony, for Trouble No More.

• Thursday, October 9, 2003
Christopher Hitchens
In the two decades since British writer and wit Christopher Hitchens arrived in the "former colonies," he has emerged as a singularly insightful, provocative and impossible-to-ignore critic of American politics and culture. His regular columns for Vanity Fair stand out for their clarity of thought and prose, and his television appearances are legendary. He is the author of more than 10 books, including Letters to a Young Contrarian, Why Orwell Matters and his most recent, A Long Short War: The Postponed Liberation of Iraq.

• Tuesday, October 28, 2003
Justine Shapiro
Host and co-writer of the adventure travel series Lonely Planet since its inception in 1994, Justine Shapiro has traveled to more than 40 countries. Her new series, "Globe Trekker," is broadcast in more than 30 countries. Shapiro is also a documentary filmmaker. Join Shapiro for two nights as the Arts & Lecture Series joins with Crossroads Film Society on Monday, Oct. 27, to present "Promises." On Tuesday, Oct. 28, Shapiro will explore the art of global travel, including footage and bloopers from her adventures.

• Thursday, November 20, 2003
Robert Dallek
One of the most acclaimed historians of the American presidency, Robert Dallek is the author of An Unfinished Life, the dramatic story of the troubled life and times of President John F. Kennedy. Balancing JFK's public and private weaknesses with his many strengths, he creates a vivid portrait of a bold, brave and very human president. Currently a professor of history at Boston University, Dallek is a frequent commentator on current events, appearing regularly on NPR and MSNBC, and is the author of six previous books.

• Tuesday, January 20, 2004
David Burgess
David Burgess, one of today's outstanding guitarists, will present "Guitar Music of Brazil." He was the first recipient of the Andres Segovia Fellowship and has won top honors at the Ponce International Competition in Mexico, the Guitar Competition in Toronto and the 31st International Music Competition in Munich. He has also performed in Carnegie Hall and at Lincoln Center.

• Thursday, March 4, 2004
Deborah Willis
Deborah Willis' book, Reflections in Black: A History of Black Photographers 1840 to the Present, shows images of pride, dignity, beauty and success. This work is largely a recognition of the cultural contributions of African Americans to American society in sports, music, dance, literature and politics, as well as a celebration of black social and economic life. Willis is a curator of photography at the Smithsonian Institution and has taught at New York University, the City University of New York and the Brooklyn Museum.

Series subscriptions are $50 for individuals and $30 for senior citizens. Single tickets are on sale at the door at each event at a cost of $10 for general admission and $5 for students, with group rates available. All events begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Gertrude C. Ford Academic Complex recital hall. Series subscribers will also enjoy two bonus programs this season: admission to one Millsaps Players production and an acoustical Appalachian music program featuring Adrienne Young.

The Millsaps Arts and Lecture Series specializes in providing unique and entertaining programs to residents of the Jackson area. Begun as a link between the College and the Jackson community, the series has evolved into a showcase for visiting writers, musicians, artists and political figures. To order season tickets or to be placed on the Arts & Lecture mailing list, call (601) 974-1043. For program updates or additional information, visit the Arts & Lecture homepage.