Friday, January 29, 2016

Andrew Jackson? Musical? Jacksonville?


Ready for a non-conventional history lecture?  
It just so happens that the Jacksonville State University Drama Department is putting on a musical named “Bloody, Bloody Andrew Jackson”. This musical is about our 7th president’s childhood on the frontier and about his controversial reign in the White House. This musical will incorporate facts along with some pieces of fiction, and some material may not be appropriate for those under 16.
                Now, let’s learn more about the true Andrew Jackson.
Born March 15, 1767, to Andrew and Elizabeth Hutchinson Jackson, Scots-Irish colonists who immigrated to the states from Ireland in 1765, in the Carolinas. Unfortunately, Andrew was born 3 weeks after his father’s death. At the age of 13, he joined the militia in the Revolutionary war and was captured, along with his brother Robert, by the British in 1781. Andrew was 14 when they were released, and his brother and mother both died within weeks. The death of his family, leaving him an orphan, lead to his antipathy of the British.
In his late teens, Andrew started studying law in Salisbury, North Carolina. He was admitted to the bar in 1787 and appointed prosecuting attorney for the western region of NC at the age of 21. Andrew became very rich and obtained a plantation, The Hermitage, in Davidson County, Tennessee. When Andrew died, he had around 150 slaves working the cotton on his plantation.
Andrew Jackson was the 1st president to assume command of his veto power. He became involved with a battle against the 2nd Bank of the United States. Andrew believed that the bank was corrupt, manipulated paper money, and had too much power over the economy. His opponent in the 1832 re-election fought to reinstate the bank and sent a bill to Congress, which Andrew vetoed against. During his 2nd term as president, Andrew was the target of the 1st presidential assassination attempt in American history.
His legacy also has a lot of controversy with the Native Americans. Nearby Ohatchee includes the site of the former Fort Strother, Andrew Jackson’s headquarters during part of the Creek Indian War. In fact, there is a memorial off Highway 144 marking the Battle of Tallaseehatchee in 1813. There a marker also recaps the story of Lyncoya. Legend says that General Jackson found a dead Creek Indian woman embracing her infant son, and when Jackson feared that the child could be killed, he became his “protector,” nursed him back to health, and took him to the family home, The Hermitage. Rachel Jackson, Andrew’s wife, named the child Lyncoya, adopted him, raised him and educated him as their own.
So how is Andrew Jackson connected to Jacksonville, Alabama?
Founded in 1833, the land for the city of Jacksonville was a part of the Treaty of Cusseta 1832. The Creeks ceded the remainder of their land east of the Mississippi River in east Alabama to the U.S. government. There were many Creek Chiefs involved including Chief Ladiga. Jackson hoped that the Creeks would either become U.S. citizens and accept individual homesteads or move west. When he signed the Indian Removal Act of 1830, it forced many Native Americans to move west of the Mississippi River. Andrew also refused to enforce the Supreme Court’s decision, twice, when they ruled that the state of Georgia had no authority to seize 9 million acres of land that belonged to the Cherokee Tribe, which lead to the Trail of Tears.
In honor of the 7th President Andrew Jackson, the city was renamed from Drayton to Jacksonville in 1835.
                A few years later, in 1883, Jacksonville State University was founded.

Want to see some of this history come to life, with a twist? 
Make sure to get your tickets and go to Jacksonville State University and experience “Bloody, Bloody Andrew Jackson,” Show times: February 18-21 and 25-28, 2016 at 7:00 p.m.



Blogger: Brittany Noell, JSU Student (2012-2016)

Monday, January 25, 2016

Part 2: What’s going on in Calhoun County for 2016?

Sports and Recreation: 
*For ticket prices call the JSU Ticket Office- (256) 782-TIXX (8499)

Basketball
The Jacksonville State University Men’s Basketball team is coached by Head Coach James Green (7th season) and Assistant Coaches Reggie Sharp (4th season), Eugene Harris (3rd season), and Ronnie Dean (1st season). The Men’s team won the Division II National Championship in 1985.
The Jacksonville State University Women’s Basketball team is coached by Head Coach Rick Pietri (3rd season) and Assistant Coaches Altherias Warmley (3rd season), Eric Wise (2nd season), and Eryc Pittman (1st season).  Their 2013-14 Overall Record was 14-18 and they finished 5th in the OVC with a record of 8-8.
All games are located at Pete Matthews Coliseum on the JSU campus
January 28th, JSU Men’s Basketball vs Belmont at 7:00 p.m.
January 30th, JSU Women’s Basketball and JSU Men’s Basketball vs Tennessee State. Women’s tip off at 2:00 p.m., Men’s tip off at 4:30 p.m.
February 6th, JSU Men’s and Women’s Basketball vs Tennessee Tech. Women tip off at 2:00 p.m., Men tip off at 4:30 p.m.
February 17th, JSU Women’s Basketball vs Eastern Kentucky at 6:30 p.m.
February 25th, JSU Men’s Basketball vs Eastern Kentucky at 7:00 p.m.
February 27th, JSU Men’s and Women’s Basketball vs Morehead State. Women tip off at 2:00 p.m., Men tip off at 4:30 p.m.

Baseball
The Jacksonville State University Baseball team is coached by Jim Case, Evan Bush, and Mike Murphree. This season will be Coach Case’s 15th season, Coach Murphree’s 3rd season, and Coach Bush’s 1st season. In 2014 the teams overall record was 36-27 and they finished 3rd in the Ohio Valley Conference with a record of 18-12.
All games are located at Rudy Abbott Field on the JSU campus
February 19th-21st, JSU Baseball vs Valparaiso. Game 1: 3:00 p.m., Game 2: 1:00 p.m., Game 3: 1:00 p.m.
March 4th-6th, JSU Baseball vs Western Kentucky. Game 1: 3:00 p.m., Game 2: 1:00 p.m., Game 3: 1:00 p.m.
March 9th, JSU Baseball vs Troy at 6:00 p.m.
March 15th, JSU Baseball vs Oral Roberts at 6:00 p.m.
March 18th-20th, JSU Baseball vs Austin Peay. Game 1: 6:00 p.m., Game 2: 6:00 p.m., Game 3: 1:00 p.m.
March 29th, JSU Baseball vs Alabama State at 6:00 p.m.
April 5th, JSU Baseball vs UAB at 6:00 p.m.
April 8th-10th, JSU Baseball vs Murray State. Game 1 and 2 at 6:00 p.m., and Game 3 at 1:00 p.m.
April 19th, JSU Baseball vs Kennesaw State at 6:00 p.m.
April 22nd-24th, JSU Baseball vs Southeast Missouri. Game 1 and 2 at 6:00 p.m., and Game 3 at 1:00 p.m.
May 6th-8th, JSU Baseball vs Eastern Kentucky. Game 1: 6:00 p.m., Game 2 and 3 at 1:00 p.m.
May 19th-21st, JSU Baseball vs UT Martin. Game 1 at 6:00 p.m., Game 2 and 3 at 1:00 p.m.

Softball
The Jacksonville State University Softball team is coached by Jana McGinnis, Mark Wisener, and Julie Boland. This season will be Coach McGinnis’ 21st season, Coach Wisener’s 18th season, and Coach Boland’s 13th season. In 2015 their Overall Record was 38-17 and they finished 2nd in the OVC with a record of 18-6.
All games are located at University Field on the JSU campus
March 2nd, JSU Softball vs Alabama at 5:00 p.m.
March 5th, JSU Softball vs Samford. Game 1: 1:00 p.m. and Game 2: 3:00 p.m.
March 8th, JSU Softball vs Kennesaw State at 4:00 p.m.
March 16th, JSU Softball vs UAB at 5:00 p.m.
March 19th-20th, JSU Softball vs Tennessee Tech. Game 1: 1:00 p.m., Game 2: 3:00 p.m., and Game 3: 1:00 p.m.
March 25th, JSU Softball vs Eastern Kentucky at 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.
March 26th, JSU Softball vs SIU Edwardsville at 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.
April 14th, JSU Softball vs Alabama A&M at 5:00 p.m.
April 16th-17th, JSU Softball vs Morehead State. Game 1: 1:00 p.m., Game 2: 3:00 p.m., Game 3: 1:00 p.m.
May 7th-8th, JSU Softball vs Belmont. Game 1 and 3 at 1:00 p.m., Game 2 at 3:00 p.m.

Tennis
The Jacksonville State University Tennis teams are coached by Head Coach Andres Amores, Assistant Coach Robert Kjellberg, Graduate Assistant Coach Raisa Guasti, and Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach Ricky Rutledge.
In 2014 the JSU Men’s team Overall Record was 17-8 and their Conference Record was 8-1. In 2014 the JSU Women’s team Overall Record was 9-14 and their Conference Record was 5-5.
All games are located at the JSU Tennis courts
January 30th, JSU Women’s Tennis team vs Presbyterian at 9:00 a.m. JSU Men’s Tennis team vs UAH and at 10:00 a.m.
March 12th, JSU Men’s Tennis vs Chattanooga at 1:00 p.m.
March 25th, JSU Women’s Tennis vs UT Martin at 1:00 p.m.
March 26th, JSU Women’s Tennis vs Southeast Missouri at 10:00 a.m. JSU Men’s Tennis vs Tennessee Tech time is TBA
April 1st, JSU Men’s and Women’s Tennis vs Eastern Kentucky at 10:00 a.m.
April 2nd, JSU Men’s and Women’s Tennis vs Morehead State times TBA
April 15th, JSU Men’s and Women’s Tennis vs Murray State times TBA
April 16th, JSU Men’s and Women’s Tennis vs Austin Peay at 10:00 a.m.

Track and Field
The Jacksonville State University Track and Field team has earned the All-Academic Team Honor for the 4th time in the past 5 seasons. They are coached by Head Coach Steve Ray and Assistant Coach Brian Korn. All meets are located at the Gamecock Track and Field Complex on the JSU campus
March 12th, JSU Track and Field Team has a meet all day

Rifle
The Jacksonville State University Rifle team is coached by Head Coach Ron Frost and Graduate Assistant Coach Brent Books. In 2015 the team finished 3rd in the NCAA Air Rifle and 5th Overall in the NCAA Championships. All matches are located at the Gamecock Rifle Range
January 30th, JSU Rifle Team has a match.
February 20th, JSU Rifle Team has a match.

For the Runners, Cyclists and more... 
February 6th, the Boy Scouts of America are hosting their 3rd Annual Scout Strong 20k/10k/5k/1 Mile Trail Race at 7:30 a.m. at Camp Sequoyah in Delta, AL. For more information, email smiles101876@gmail.com. The White Plains Diamond Club 5K Fun Run/Walk begins at White Plains High School (gym) at 8:00 a.m. For more information, email pdod29@gmail.com.
March 9th, 2nd Annual College of Nursing Run/Walk for Your Life starts at 8:00 a.m. at JSU. For registration prices, contact Carla Willingham at 256-782-5425 or at cwilling@jsu.edu.
March 26th, Canyon Climb 5 Mile Race and 2.7 Mile Walk is located at the Tyler Center at Regional Medical Center. For more information, email tdowning@cableone.net.
April 16th, Run for FUNds 5k race begins at 8:00 a.m. registration begins at 6:30 a.m. at McClellan Medical Mall. For registration prices, contact familylinsed@gmail.com.
April 30th, YMCA and Anniston Orthopedics Spring 5k Run starts at 8:00 a.m. at the Anniston YMCA. For more information, go to www.ymcacalhoun.org.
May 15th, Cheaha Challenge begins at JSU Pete Matthews Coliseum at 7:30 a.m. For more information, go to www.cheahachallenge.com.
June 25th, 10th Annual Haley’s Team Twilight 5k/Kirk’s Kids 5k starts at McClellan Medical Mall. For more information, contact Randy Bright at 256-283-9379 or at randall.bright@gmail.com.

August 6th, come shake your tail feathers at the 35th Annual Historic Woodstock 5K and Kidstock 1 Mile. Afterwards enjoy great food, music and fellowship. Woodstock begins at 7:30 a.m. and Kidstock begins at 8:30 a.m. For more information, go to www.annistonrunners.com

Friday, January 22, 2016

What’s going on in 2016?


Here in Calhoun County, we love to spend time together as a community. To make that possible, we offer many different events and venues. There are college sporting events at Jacksonville State University, marathons, concerts, plays, dances, weekly wine tastings, and many festivals.

Plays & Concerts & Festivals:
January 22nd, The Oxford Performing Arts Center will be presenting The Donoho Schools production of Disney’s The Lion King at 7:00 p.m. For more information, go to www.oxfordpac.org.

January 30th, at 7:30 p.m. Oxford Performing Arts Center is hosting Dailey and Vincent for a Bluegrass concert. CMT called Dailey and Vincent “The Rockstars of Bluegrass,” the duo has 13 International Bluegrass Music Awards, and they have also been nominated for 3 GRAMMY Awards.

Love Southern Gospel music? Head over to Oxford Performing Arts Center February 5th, at 7:00 p.m. to hear The Booth Brothers. Ronnie, Michael, and Paul believe that Southern Gospel Music touches the soul and offers hope and encouragement.

February 13th, the Foothills Piano Festival starts at 10:00 a.m. at Mason Hall Performance Center at Jacksonville State University. The JSU Music Department has many talented musicians that work closely with their faculty to create a variety of ensembles that anyone will enjoy.




February 18th-21st and 25th-28th, JSU Drama Department presents “Bloody, Bloody Andrew Jackson” musical. For tickets and more information, go to www.jsu.edu/drama or call (256) 782-5648.
February 18th-21st, Community Actors’ Studio Theatre presents “The Miracle Worker,” the true story of Helen Keller and Annie Sullivan. For more information, go to www.castalabama.com.

February 24th, JSU is hosting the Wind Ensemble & Symphonic Band Concert at Mason Hall Performance Center at 8:00 p.m. JSU is home of the Marching Southerners, which performed in Queen Elizabeth I’s New Year’s Day Parade in 2012.

March 4th-5th, JSU Flute Festival starts at 2:00 p.m. at Mason Hall Performance Center. Contact JLBenson@jsu.edu for more information. This year the Marching Southerners will be traveling to Hawaii for the 75th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor.

March 17th-26th, Community Actors’ Studio Theatre presents “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike.” Go to www.castalabama.com for more information. Vanya and his stepsister Sonia have lived their entire lives in their family's farmhouse. While they cared for their ailing parents, their sister Masha has been gallivanting around the world as a successful actress and movie star, leaving Vanya and Sonia trapped and regretful. Their soothsayer/cleaning woman, Cassandra, keeps warning them about terrible things in the future, which include a sudden visit from Masha and her twenty-something boy toy Spike.

March 18th, the Foothills Piano Festival starts at 7:30 p.m. at Mason Hall Performance Center at Jacksonville State University. This presentation shows how music has inspired art and art has inspired music.

March 29th, JSU hosts the Steel Band & Latin Ensemble in Concert at Mason Hall Performance Center at 7:30 p.m. Contact Dr. Thomas McCutchen at tmccutchen@jsu.edu or Dr. Andy Nevala at anevala@jsu.edu. The JSU Community Band uses flexible instrumentation, and has both music and non-music major students.







April 2nd-3rd, the Noble Street Festival will begin at 10:00 a.m. in the Anniston Downtown District. Come watch the world-class pro bicycle race, listen to great live music, let your kids enjoy the day in the KidZone, and run for a cause in the Mellow Mushroom Mad Dash and YMCA 5K.

April 7th, Band-O-Rama starts at 7:00 p.m. at the Oxford Performing Arts Center. Contact Clint Gillespie at cgillesp@jsu.edu for more information. This year Band-O-Rama is called “Kaleidoscope Festival of Arts”, and has many performances from students and non-students.

April 8th, the 5th Annual JSU Jazz Festival begins at 8:00 a.m. at Mason Hall, Theron Montgomery Building (TMB) Auditorium, and Leone Cole Auditorium on JSU’s campus. Contact Dr. Andy Nevala at anevala@jsu.edu for more information. High school and college groups from around the area will be at the JSU campus for a non-competitive educational and musical experience, to help them grow the jazz community.

April 9th, Knox Concert Series presents The Midtown Men at the Anniston Performing Arts Center at 7:30 p.m. For tickets, contact Mandi King at mandiking@cableone.net. The Midtown Men are reuniting the four stars of Broadway’s Jersey Boys and bringing back to life the greatest hits of the Sixties.

April 14th, JSU is hosting Encore! Spring Concert at 7:30 p.m. at Mason Hall Performing Center. Contact Dr. Renee Baptiste at baptiste@jsu.edu for more information. Encore! Acts as ambassadors for JSU. They are available to perform for school and community events. They are JSU’s own Glee show.

“You can’t stop the beat” of this fantastic musical. Community Actors’ Studio Theatre presents “Hairspray” April 21st-May 1st. Go to www.castalabama.com for more information.

July 1st-3rd, Talladega Superspeedway hosts Dega Jam. Come and enjoy great music from great artist like Eric Church, Blake Shelton, Toby Keith, Kid Rock, Hank Williams, Jr., Martina McBride, Kip Moore, and many more. Tickets range from $179-$999. For more information go to www.degajam.com

Guest Blogger: Brittany Noell, JSU Student 2016