AGP Executive Report

Onstage: Mississippi Christian University presents The Prince of Egypt: The Musical Oct. 16–18. The weekend also brings a Musicians Medical Fund benefit at The Point on Oct. 17. Mississippi Music: Hayley Williams brought KIRBY and Big K.R.I.T. onstage at her Mississippi tour finale, while Craig Morgan is set for a November appearance at Grammy Museum Mississippi. Arts & Culture: Starkville Library is hosting Mississippi artist Wyatt Waters, and Jackson State has announced a new route for its 2026 Homecoming parade. Screen: Mississippi-born Breaking Bad actor and disability rights advocate RJ Mitte died at 34; co-stars, including Bryan Cranston, paid tribute. College Football: Ole Miss faces No. 13 Missouri in Oxford, while Mississippi State travels to LSU for a pivotal SEC matchup.

Live Music: The 9th annual Musicians Medical Fund benefit is set for Oct. 17 at The Point, while The Brook & The Bluff bring their swamp-rock sound to an MSU Music Maker’s concert. Journey’s “Final Frontier” tour is also headed to the Coast Coliseum. Holiday Sounds: The CPKC Holiday Train will make its first stops in Mississippi this year as part of a 182-community tour, with a lineup including American Authors, Chase Rice and Allen Stone. Arts & Film: “Dear William” includes scenes shot in Cleveland, and Laurel artist Teresa Mackey’s work—including mixed-media and recycled-art pieces—is on view at the Laurel-Jones County Library through Oct. 31. Mississippi Talent: Jackson native RJ Mitte, best known as Walter White Jr. on “Breaking Bad,” has died at 34. He was also a disability-rights advocate.

Live Music: Journey brought its farewell “Final Frontier” tour to Biloxi’s Coast Coliseum, giving Gulf Coast fans a chance to sing along to classics. Hayley Williams closed her Mississippi tour with surprise appearances by KIRBY and Big K.R.I.T. Film: “Dear William,” an independent movie based on Oxford writer David Magee’s memoir, wrapped filming after shooting in Greenwood, Oxford and Cleveland. Mississippi Talent: Jackson-born actor RJ Mitte, known for “Breaking Bad” and his disability-rights advocacy, has died at 34. Jackson Arts & Culture: Visit Jackson’s five-year tourism plan aims to draw visitors with the city’s music, culture, sporting events and food. Holiday Music: The CPKC Holiday Train will make its first Mississippi stops in Meridian and Jackson this year, bringing live music and support for local food banks.

Mississippi-Born Star: RJ Mitte, the Jackson-born actor who played Walter White Jr. on Breaking Bad, has died at 34. Co-stars remembered him as a gifted performer and disability-rights advocate. Fair Season: The Mississippi State Fair is hosting Disability Friendly Day Tuesday and has announced special events for the weekend. Arts & Culture: Starkville Library will host Mississippi artist Wyatt Waters, while The W Galleries plans a faculty exhibition, artist talks and a reception tied to a William Faulkner symposium. Students can also explore music careers at Mississippi State’s Music Discovery Day. On the Road: Thousands of classic-car fans headed home as Cruisin’ the Coast wrapped its 30th anniversary.

Mississippi on Screen: Jackson-born actor RJ Mitte, best known as Walter White Jr. on Breaking Bad, has died at 34. His representatives also remembered his work as a disability-rights advocate; the circumstances of his death remain under investigation. Coastline Celebration: Cruisin’ the Coast wrapped its 30th anniversary with 10,712 registrations, live entertainment and a car raffle that raised $45,000 for Make-A-Wish Mississippi. Fair for All: The Mississippi State Fair in Jackson hosts Disability Friendly Day Tuesday, with free admission, sensory tents, accessible activities and inclusive entertainment. Music and Tradition: Mississippi State’s Famous Maroon Band has received the national Sudler Trophy, honoring collegiate marching bands. Mississippi Christian University is also preparing its annual Follies for Bicentennial Homecoming. Car Culture: The Renaissance Euro Fest has been rescheduled to April 16–17, 2027, in Ridgeland and Jackson.

College Football: Mississippi State’s Oct. 17 game at LSU will air at 11 a.m. on ESPN; Ole Miss’ matchup with Missouri is set for 2:30 p.m. on the SEC Network. State Fair: The Mississippi State Fair’s weekend schedule includes special events, with free admission for military members and $35 ride wristbands on Monday. Mississippi Stories on Screen: Jackson recently hosted an Emmy-winning documentary about Black students who followed Richard Holmes in integrating Mississippi State University. Arts & Culture: Starkville Library is set to host Mississippi artist Wyatt Waters, while a photography exhibition at SOIL highlights Black farmers and the South’s heritage. Campus Spotlight: Brooke Bumgarner won the University of Mississippi’s Miss University pageant, advancing toward the Miss Mississippi competition.

Mississippi State Fair: The fair runs through Oct. 18 in Jackson, with free admission for veterans and active-duty military Monday and a Disability Friendly Day Tuesday morning. College Football: Ole Miss climbed to No. 9 and Mississippi State to No. 16 in the AP poll; the Rebels surged past Vanderbilt 52-17, while the Bulldogs prepare to visit No. 22 LSU on Saturday. Arts & Culture: Mississippi creators are featured in two October events at The MAX, while Starkville Library will host artist Wyatt Waters and W Galleries plans a faculty exhibition and Welty symposium reception. Music: Mississippi State’s Famous Maroon Band has received the national Sudler Trophy, a top honor for college marching bands.

Festival Scene: Cleveland’s Octoberfest brought live music, food and craft vendors to town, with Mississippi makers showcasing everything from woodworking to handmade soaps. Ole Miss Football: The Rebels bounced back from their loss to Florida with a 52-17 road win over Vanderbilt, led by Trinidad Chambliss’ four touchdowns. Arts & Culture: Starkville Library is set to host Mississippi artist Wyatt Waters, while The W Galleries will present a faculty exhibition, artist talks and a reception tied to a William Faulkner symposium. On the Calendar: Craig Morgan is scheduled for a special November event at Grammy Museum Mississippi, and Mississippi Christian University is preparing its 41st annual Follies during Bicentennial Homecoming. Mississippi Music: Mississippi State’s Famous Maroon Band has received the national Sudler Trophy, recognizing its contributions to college marching-band tradition.

Ole Miss Football: The Rebels bounced back from their loss to Florida, routing Vanderbilt 52-17 in Nashville behind a 42-3 halftime lead. Country Music: HARDY signed Jonesboro trio TRIPPP to his new Mockingbird Records label after bringing them onstage at his Starkville show. Mississippi Arts: Starkville Library is set to host Mississippi artist Wyatt Waters, while The W Galleries plans a faculty exhibition, artist talks and a reception tied to an Eudora Welty symposium. Music and Culture: Mississippi State University’s Famous Maroon Band received a national Sudler Trophy, and the Mississippi State Fair opened in Jackson with events and honors for first responders and veterans.

Mississippi Music: Mississippi State University’s Famous Maroon Band has received the national Sudler Trophy, a major honor for college marching bands. Delta State’s Music Institute also earned Billboard recognition as a top music business school for the fifth straight year. Arts Around the State: Mississippi creators are featured at two October events at The MAX in Meridian, while the museum’s Bill Steber exhibit on Mississippi blues runs through Dec. 1. The Mississippi Symphony Orchestra is opening Pearl River Community College’s Fine Arts Series. On the Calendar: Country singer Craig Morgan is set for a special event at Grammy Museum Mississippi in November. Cruisin’ the Coast drew thousands to its 30th anniversary celebration, with vintage cars filling the Gulf Coast. Local Scenes: Bay St. Louis residents gathered downtown Friday for live music as Hurricane Isaias approached the coast.

College Music: Mississippi State’s Famous Maroon Band has received the Sudler Trophy, a top national honor for collegiate bands, recognizing its performance, traditions and role in music education. Community Radio: Boswell Media’s Radiothons raised a record $51,164 for Make-A-Wish Mississippi, with events in Carthage, Philadelphia and Kosciusko. On the Calendar: Country singer Craig Morgan is set for a special event at Grammy Museum Mississippi in November. Coast Events: Cruisin’ the Coast’s 30th anniversary has drawn thousands of vintage-car fans, though some weekend activities were canceled as Hurricane Isaias approached. Music Education: Delta State’s Music Institute was again named a top music business school by Billboard, its fifth consecutive year receiving the recognition.

Storm & Events: Hurricane Isaias is forecast to bring dangerous winds, flooding and storm surge to southern Mississippi, putting weekend plans at risk. The storm could also disrupt rides and events at the Mississippi State Fair in Jackson. Biloxi Scene: Shaggy’s has opened its Crab House on Beach Boulevard, adding waterfront dining, a sweet shop, gift shop and live-entertainment stage. Mississippi Arts: Mississippi creators are set to take center stage at two October events at The MAX in Meridian, while Delta State’s Bill Steber blues exhibit is on view through Dec. 1. Music & Performance: The Delta Music Institute has again been named a top music business school by Billboard, and the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra is opening Pearl River Community College’s Fine Arts Series.

Storm & Events: Hurricane Isaias strengthened to Category 2 and threatens the Mississippi Gulf Coast, disrupting some weekend plans; weather could also affect rides at the Mississippi State Fair. Mississippi Arts: The MAX in Meridian is putting Mississippi creators in the spotlight with two October events, while the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra is opening the Pearl River Community College Fine Arts Series. Music & Industry: Biloxi-born songwriter Leland, who has written hits for Ariana Grande, BTS and Selena Gomez, recently attended the VMAs with collaborator Troye Sivan. Delta State’s music business program has been named a top program by Billboard for the fifth straight year. Fairgrounds: Mississippi’s State Fair opened in Jackson with a ribbon-cutting as visitors headed in for the annual event.

Storm and State Fair: Hurricane Isaias is forecast to bring dangerous winds, heavy rain and storm surge to Mississippi’s Gulf Coast late Friday or early Saturday. The Mississippi State Fair opened Thursday in Jackson, but rough weather could disrupt rides and events. Mississippi Music: Leah Angela Curry Williams, a longtime Mississippi Mass Choir member, has died at 61. Her passing marks a loss for the state’s gospel music community. Jackson Arts: Filmmaker and visual artist Talamieka Brice returned to Jackson for the Mississippi premiere of her latest film, WITNESS, at the Smith Robertson Museum and Cultural Center. Coming Up: Starkville-MSU Community Band opens its fall season with an Oct. 18 concert. The 100 Men Hall in Bay St. Louis will host its third annual Vampire Happy Hour, celebrating the release of V-Life: The Outing.

State Fair: Mississippi’s 167th State Fair opens Thursday in Jackson and runs through Oct. 18. Tropical Storm Isaias could bring rain, lightning and strong winds, prompting temporary ride closures. Music & Arts: Delta State’s Music Institute was named a Billboard Top Music Business School for the fifth straight year. The university will also host a Bill Steber exhibit on Mississippi blues through Dec. 1, while Meridian Museum of Art opens its Bi-State Exhibition on Oct. 10. Community Concert: The Starkville-MSU Community Band launches its fall series with a free concert Oct. 18 at Sills Band Hall. Gulf Coast Event: Bay St. Louis’ 100 Men Hall hosts a free Vampire Happy Hour and book signing Oct. 29, with costumes, a contest and donations benefiting scholarships for local young women of color.

Campus Talent: Mississippi State’s Got Talent put eight student acts onstage, with Zach Todd taking first place, Kaiya Ivy second and Sadie Kittler third. Film and Visual Arts: Jackson filmmaker and artist Talamieka Brice brought her latest film, WITNESS, to the Smith Robertson Museum for its Mississippi premiere. Music Industry: Delta State’s Delta Music Institute was named a Billboard Top Music Business School for the fifth consecutive year. Coming Up: Delta State hosts a Bill Steber exhibit on Mississippi blues from Oct. 8 to Dec. 1; Meridian Museum of Art’s Bi-State Exhibition opens Oct. 10, and The MAX in Meridian hosts Jackson Comics Experience on Oct. 17. Local Music: Mississippi Mass Choir member Leah Angela Curry Williams has died at 61.