Cold air is moving inside the 80-year-old Strand Theatre with the installation of a new air conditioning system, but with upcoming events the place is sure to be an entertainment hotspot.

Scheduled events will include viewings of silent comedy films, a short film competition and a concert by a jazz ensemble from Italy, Daniel Boone, the film programmer for the theatre said.

“We want to make the Strand a place where locals and visitors can assemble to experience films, entertainment and thought provoking programs,” Boone said.

• Saturday and Sunday the theatre will offer 12 short Charlie Chaplin silent comedies shown in blocks of three to celebrate the film star’s most iconic character “The Little Tramp,” said Boone.

“The actor, director, writer and composer Charlie Chaplin was born in 1889, but the “Little Tramp,” his most famous persona, was born in 1914 — 100 years ago,” said Boone, “and the Strand Theatre will celebrate the centennial of his early days of motion pictures.”

Each film runs 25 minutes and the collection of comedies features newly restored films, which have been digitally restored.

“Yes, these are old silent films, but they were made at a time when a person of any age could watch them and understand the humor as well as the emotions of the actors. I think grandparents should bring their grandchildren and vice versa, to these films. We have scheduled two programs that children 12 and under can see for free with their family. This will be a perfect family outing,” said Boone.

Advance tickets are $5 for a block of three films and $15 for all 12. Tickets will be $7 per block at the door.

 

The schedule: 

Saturday

• 3 p.m. — “The Floorwalker,” “The Fireman” and “The Vagabond” — free for ages 12 and younger with accompanying adult

• 5 p.m. — “One A.M.,” “The Count” and “The Pawnshop”

Sunday

• 1 p.m. — “Behind the Screen,” “The Rink” and “Easy Street” — free for ages 12 and younger with accompanying adult

• 3 p.m. — “The Cure,” “The Immigrant” and “The Adventurer”

 

Sept. 27:

• At 7 p.m. Sept. 27 the Strand Theatre will host the 17th Annual Manhattan Short, a non-touring festival that occurs simultaneously across the globe, bringing films to venues and allowing the audiences to select their favorites.

Strand audience members will see 10 short films, chosen from more than 500, said Boone, and at the conclusion of the movies they will have the opportunity to vote for the best film and best actor.

“Results of the worldwide polling will be announced Oct. 6,” he said.

“The Strand is one of only two theatres in Mississippi to participate in the festival, which takes place on six continents over a single week including over 120 art house cinemas in the U.S,” said Boone.

Tickets are $7.

• Diamante Gallina & the Italian Quartet will perform in concert at 7 p.m. Sept. 28.

“The group is on an American tour and their stop in Vicksburg will be the only one in Mississippi,” said Boone.

“I met Diamante in the coffeehouse earlier this year, and she left me some of her CD’s. When they put together an American tour, I told her we definitely wanted her group to play the Strand. I think this will be a rare treat for anyone from Italy, or anyone interested in visiting Italy, especially those who speak Italian, but any music lovers should also enjoy it,” he said.

Tickets are $15.

The Strand is at 717 Clay St. and advance tickets for all events will be available.

For more information, call 601-529-7252 or visit Westsidetheatrefoundation.com.

An air conditioning system was installed in the theatre this past summer.