By Gabrielle Terrett

The Vicksburg Post

Jo Beth Britt wanted to find a way to combine her love of the arts and service.

To accomplish this goal ,she created Affairs of the Heart, which is a fundraiser that benefits the Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary and the Good Shepherd Community Center and features local performing artists.

This year will mark the ninth installment of the event, which will be offered at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday, at the Parkside Playhouse Theatre, 101 Iowa Ave.

Britt, who is on the Vicksburg Theatre Board and a member of the Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary said, after coming up with the idea, she presented it to the then local Army captain of the Salvation Army. 

“The Salvation Army does a lot in community service, and we have to have funding,” Britt said, so she asked if they would approve her idea.

“They looked at me like I was crazy, but since I held a title with them they went ahead and said yes, and here we are about to do Affairs of the Heart 9,” she said.

Opportunity for local acts

While the fundraiser serves as an opportunity to display local talent, it also allows entertainers the chance to perform for the community.

Britt said some of the past performances have included performances by Riverpointe Dance, The Debra Franco Preparatory School of Dance, the Teresa George School of Dance and the April Green Dance Studio.

And while some of these dance studios will return this year to participate, Britt said there will also be some new faces performing.

Although the event is a fundraiser, Britt said, she believes Affairs of the Heart also serves as a way to unite Vicksburg.

“This is a great way to bring the community together for a great cause, and I would love to figure out a way to bring in more entertainers,” she said. “I know there’s a lot more talent out there.”

Admission to Affairs of the Heart 9 is $10, $5 for ages six to 18 and free for ages 5 and younger.

For more information, call 601-618-5457 or email jbbr.seren.shel@usa.net.

“This is just a pat on the back for Vicksburg,” Britt said. “We have a lot of great things going on in the fine arts department.”