Beginning in August, First Friday Forum will return to downtown Jackson to commemorate the bicentennial year. The monthly forum will feature rotating speakers highlighting unique bicentennial programming themes from August 2021 to August 2022.

The first forum will feature Dr. Jeremy Tubbs speaking on Jackson and Madison County’s robust musical heritage throughout the past 200 years. Tubbs will highlight stories from yesterday, today and tomorrow.

Tubbs is the director of music and entertainment at The University of Memphis Lambuth Campus where he teaches music history and theory, music technology, performance practices and music business. From 1999-2007, he was a professional musician, music manager, teacher and bandleader, who traveled the world performing, coaching and mentoring musicians and music professionals. On average, he performed more than 200 shows a year either as a guitarist, drummer, bassist or vocalist. In 2016, he was elected and granted membership to the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences.  Currently, Dr. Tubbs is also the founder and president of the Jackson Area Music Society.

First Friday will be held at First Methodist church located at 200 S Church St in downtown Jackson on August 6. Doors will open at 11:30 a.m., lunch will be served starting at 11:45 a.m., and programming will start at approximately 12:30 p.m.

As this is a catered event, advance tickets are required for attendance. The cut-off for purchase is 6 p.m. the Tuesday prior to the event. Tickets will not be sold at the door. Tickets are $14 per person and can be purchased using a debit or credit card at https://fffaugust2021.pushpayevents.com/. Tickets can also be purchased by cash or check at the First Methodist business office during regular business hours (8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday-Thursday or 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Fridays).

First Friday is hosted by the Jackson Madison County Bicentennial Commission, City of Jackson, Madison County and First Methodist church.

Monthly Programming Themes

August 2021                 Musical Heritage
September 2021           Education/Arts & Culture
October 2021               Agriculture/Industry
November 2021            Patriotism/Veterans
December 2021            Religion
January 2022                Medicine/Health
February 2022              Black History
March 2022                  Politics/Government
April 2022                     Architecture/Open Houses
May 2022                     Small Business/Tourism
June 2022                     Athletics/Sports/Leisure
July 2022                      Transportation and Media
August 2022                 Celebration