Upcoming Events
SHINE Presents: The Sound of Music
Shine Theater is proud to present, "The Sound of Music" in partnership with the Mary C. O'Keefe Cultural Arts Center in Ocean Springs, Mississippi.
The final collaboration between Rodgers & Hammerstein was destined to become the world’s most beloved musical. Featuring a trove of cherished songs, including “Climb Ev’ry Mountain,” “My Favorite Things,” “Do-Re-Mi,” “Sixteen Going on Seventeen” and the title number, The Sound of Music won the hearts of audiences worldwide, earning five Tony Awards and five Oscars. The inspirational story, based on the memoir of Maria Augusta Trapp, follows an ebullient postulate who serves as governess to the seven children of the imperious Captain von Trapp, bringing music and joy to the household. But as the forces of Nazism take hold of Austria, Maria and the entire von Trapp family must make a moral decision.
Tickets are available at shinetheater.simpletix.com and are reserved seating. Considering it's popularity, we do expect a sellout. We suggest purchasing tickets as soon as possible. There are discount rates for groups of 15 or more. Follow the link to get your tickets for this extravaganza of a show today!
July Poets' Cafe
FREE TO THE PUBLIC!
Join us for live poetry readings, hot coffee, and sweet treats!
All event-goers are welcome to read!
Roasting the Coast 2025 ROUND 2
16 comedians from all 4 states of the Gulf Coast will compete for the title of Gulf Coast Roast Battle Champion!
The final champions will compete for this title AT THE MARY C. on August 2nd!
Closing Reception: Old Souls by Sarah Megan Jenkins
FREE TO THE PUBLIC
REFRESHMENTS WILL BE SERVED
Roasting the Coast 2025 FINAL ROUND
16 comedians from all 4 states of the Gulf Coast will compete for the title of Gulf Coast Roast Battle Champion!
August Poets' Cafe
FREE TO THE PUBLIC!
Join us for live poetry readings, hot coffee, and sweet treats!
All event-goers are welcome to read!
Music Alive Ensemble of New Orleans
Music Alive Ensemble of New Orleans will feature Stephanie Jordan and Rachel Jordan on Saturday, August 23rd 2025, at the Mary C. O’Keefe Cultural Arts Center.
The performance will include Stephanie Jordan's acclaimed vocals framed by an eight-piece jazz ensemble encased by a string quartet led by her sister, classical violinist Rachel Jordan. A version of their recent performance at The Historic Eldorado Ballroom in Houston, TX for the ROCO’s Unchambered Series may be viewed on YouTube. It builds on Stephanie’s signature trademark of singing jazz standards from the Big Band era.
Biannual Partners' Meeting
Mary C. Partners, it’s time to celebrate YOU! Join us for our NOW BIANNUAL Partners’ Meeting on August 28th, 2025 from 5:30 - 7:00 PM. Come enjoy great company, refreshments, and important information! We can’t wait to see you there!
Tea with Mary C. - A Chronicle of the Life & Times of Mary Cahille O'Keefe
Tea with Mary C. is a theatrical performance chronicling the life and times of Mary Cahill O’Keefe. (circa 1893-1980) The story and accompanying music was writtedn by Debbie Mathis Watts, with stage adaptation and direction by Tom Dolan. The piece is performed in the style of a one woman show, with interjections by a narrator portrayed as O’Keefe’s father, Jeremiah O’Keefe I. (circa 1860-1911) The show, in its full length, will run about 1.5 hours, with a shorter version adapted for school aged children to run 50 minutes.
Playing the role of Mary C. is the incredibly talented young actress Sarah Katherine Graham.
Sarah Katherine Graham is the daughter of Tracey and Eric Graham of Ocean Springs. She is 16 years old and just completed her sophomore year at Veritas Scholars Academy, a fully accredited online classical school. Sarah Katherine has been involved in music for 10 years and theatre for 8 years. Her piano instructors include Dr. Michaelle Harrison, Patience Pierini, and Jayne Edwards. Her voice instructors include Kate Sawyer and Jayne Edwards. Sarah Katherine has been directed in local theatre by Juliana Lewis (Biloxi Little Theatre) and Danny Mollise (Playhouse in the Park, Mobile). Her favorite roles include Ariel in the Little Mermaid (Wings Performing Arts at the Lynn Meadows Discovery Center), Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz (Biloxi Little Theatre), Charlotte in Charlotte's Web (Playhouse in the Park, Mobile), and currently Maria in The Sound of Music (Playhouse in the Park).
Showdates/Times:
September 10: 10-10:50 AM, 1-1:50 PM
September 11: 10-10:50 AM, 1-1:50 PM
September 12: 10-11:30 AM, 1-2:30 PM, 7-8:30 PM
September 13: 7-8:30 PM
Ticket Prices:
Student Tickets: $9
Adult Tickets: $12
Roasting the Coast 2025 ROUND 1
16 comedians from all 4 states of the Gulf Coast will compete for the title of Gulf Coast Roast Battle Champion!
The final champions will compete for this title AT THE MARY C. on August 2nd!
1st Saturday Collective: June
“Communities are where connections bloom, ideas flourish, and support systems thrive. Let’s make our community stronger together by supporting local small businesses!”
June Poets' Cafe
FREE TO THE PUBLIC!
Join us for live poetry readings, hot coffee, and sweet treats!
All event-goers are welcome to read!
May MSA Songs & Stories
Every third Thursday of the Month the Mississippi Songwriters Alliance host a Songs and Stories showcase at the Mary C. O'Keefe Cultural Arts Center located at 1600 Government St, Ocean Springs, MS 39564.
For information on being one of our monthly showcase artist contact the MSA @ admin@msafestival.org.
Drew has been crisscrossing the globe soaking up stories and experiences and translating the human experience into songs of longing, love, loss and learning. Drew has been co/writing with some of the top writers across the globe and is constantly writing, touring and recording. During the Lockdown of 2020, with life of the road no longer an option, Drew began a comprehensive re- invention and spent a full year writing and recording music. Aseries of Nashville recording sessions, with some of the top session players in Music City, resulted in 60 completed songs. Drew has been releasing these songs as singles and to date there has been an aggregate of over 3 Million streams across the catalogand the numbers continue to grow. Most recently, the single “Don’t Run Out Of Time” hit the iTunes Country chart at #2 in Spain.
Drew is no stranger to the road and is constantly running the highways in the US and is always looking to hit as many stages as possible.
Drew crosses the pond a few times a year to the UK and Sweden. Some highlights being the Maverick Festival, and The Long Road Festival in the UK, Live at Heart in Sweden, Camden Club, The Green Note and The Bedford in London and multiple appearances around the UK and Sweden.
Drew and acclaimedfilm-maker JB Lawrence produceda Mini-Doc “ From Dust We Came”that has been making the film festivaland venue circuit.Drew has been screening the 16 minute film, followedby a Q&A and a performance. To date, the film has placed in prestigious film festivals includingthe Atlanta Documentary Festivaland the Greek Film FestivalDrew is also the co-founder of the TivedenAmericana Songwriting Festival in Sweden and brings writers and artists from across the globe to the forestsof Sweden. Drew also is a speakerat numerous conferences across the globe and runs workshops on “Dissecting the Digital Dollar”.
Refreshingly honest, defiantly original and always mercurial and insightful, Drew’s music is sure to connect and resonate.
Contact: 917-519-9228:
drewyoung504@gmail.com
Del Cid Lecture Series: Restoring a Historic Gem in Ocean Springs, MS; The Austin House
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]
“Restoring a Historic Gem in Ocean Springs, MS; The Austin House; “
“One of the oldest built ca. 1,850’s on Front Beach Drive and subsequently moved. Katrina severely affected the house and initiated its deterioration. Was saved and restored by its enthusiastic Owners.” A combined presentation of the Restoration Process and discussion with Mr. Patrick (Pat) and Mr. Timothy (Tim) Sheehan.
Tea with Mary C. Auditions
Calling all local actors! We’re holding auditions for Tea with Mary C., and we’re looking for the perfect person to bring Mary C. O’Keefe to life! If you have a passion for storytelling and history, this is your chance to shine! (This is a paid role!)
Role: Mary C. O'Keefe (mid-twenties to seventies)
-Flexible actor age
-Must be able to act, sing, and preferably accompany yourself on the piano
-Must be available for blocking rehearsals for a week in late June, and for full rehearsal two weeks prior to the September show dates.
We are also on the hunt for one to two stage hands (also a paid position!)
Audition Dates: May 5th & 6th from 1:30 - 4:00 PM & 7:00 - 9:00 PM
-Cold readings will be from the script which will be given to auditionees in advance on the day of the audition. If the auditionee has a monologue or musical piece to perform, that is also welcome.
The show is one hour in length.
Candlelight Concerts: The Best of Hans Zimmer
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: A Tribute to The Beatles
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
May Poets' Cafe
FREE TO THE PUBLIC!
Join us for live poetry readings, hot coffee, and sweet treats!
All event-goers are welcome to read!
Exhibition Opening: Rhythms of Life - The Art of Ted Rose
FREE TO THE PUBLIC
REFRESHMENTS WILL BE SERVED
Thomas Hall: A Night of Rock N Roll
FREE TO THE PUBLIC!
Thomas Hall is a six piece rock band from William Carey University’s Winters School of Music. Under the direction of guitar professor, David Bryan, this exciting group of performs rock and roll hits from the 60s to the present with songs by Lynyrd Skynyrd, Rush, Toto, Eric Clapton, Led Zeppelin, Van Halen, Bon Jovi, Weezer, Chris Stapleton, John Mayer, and more!
Thursday, April 24th, 2025
7:00 - 9:00 PM
2025 OSEA Earth Day Festival
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.
MSA Songs & Stories April
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.
Del Cid Lecture Series: The History and Architecture of York, England
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’
“Rent's Due” by One More Sleep Productions
Rent’s Due is a light-hearted comedy that takes place in an apartment complex. The show consists of eight short scenes, all threaded together by one common narrator, Jeremy, a landlord, on the first of the month. This is his favorite day, not just because he needs to collect rent, but because he loves looking into his tenants’ lives and helping them out.
Genre: Comedy
Rating: PG
Show Dates: April 11-13, 18-20
Show Times: Friday/Saturday, 7:30 - 8:15 PM, Sunday Matinee, 2:00 - 2:45 PM
Location: The Trent Lott Theater
Ticket Prices: $10 General Admissions, $7 First Responder/Military/Senior/Student
Candlelight Concerts: Queen vs. ABBA
⭐ 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: Tribute to Adele
⭐ 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
April Poets' Cafe
FREE TO THE PUBLIC!
Join us for live poetry readings, hot coffee, and sweet treats!
All event-goers are welcome to read!
2025 State of the City Address
Location: Trent Lott Theater (1600 Government St.)
Time: 6-7 PM
