Beginning in August, First Friday Forum will return to downtown Jackson to commemorate the bicentennial year.
According to – Leigh Anne Bentley Bicentennial Commission Marketing Chair – 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 South 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 $12 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
About the Jackson Madison County Bicentennial Celebration
The City of Jackson and Madison County will both celebrate bicentennial anniversaries, respectively in 2022 and 2021. This will be a once-in-a-lifetime commemoration of 200 years of history, culture and community. Madison County was established by the Tennessee Legislature on November 7, 1821, and was named after founding father and fourth President of the United States, James Madison. The City of Jackson was formerly known as Alexandria but was renamed in honor of Tennessee native and seventh President of the United States Andrew Jackson on August 17, 1822.
City Mayor Scott Conger and County Mayor Jimmy Harris asked local community volunteer Elaine Christian to serve as Commission Chair. Other Bicentennial Organizing Commission members include Anita Kay Archer, Ted Austin, Leigh Anne Bentley, Trey Cleek, Gayle Gilbert, Loni Harris, Dennis Henderson, Ken Newman, Judy Renshaw, Randy Wallace, Glenn Vaulx and Marda Wallace.
Planning is underway for multiple events during the year-long celebration, including a kick-off event in August 2021, Celebration of Madison’s County formation in November 2021, 200 Voice Choir performance, monthly themed educational programs, partnerships with local organizations, as well as a community homecoming celebration. The culmination of the year-long celebration will occur in August 2022 with a dedication of public art project, the creation of a time capsule to be opened in 50 years and a musical celebration with fireworks.
August 14, 2021
Birthday Bash – kick off the start of the Bicentennial Year
The Amp
November 13, 2021
Celebration of the 200th birthday of Madison County
The Ned
June 1, 2022
Unveiling of the City of Jackson Time Capsule from 1972
Muse Park
August 12, 2022
200 Voice Choir
Civic Center
August 13, 2022
Bicentennial Celebration Event: Parade and Concert
Ballpark
