Second Saturday - September 2015

September 12th, Second Saturday Artwalk!

Record-breaking crowds have flocked to the Old Town Bay St. Louis event throughout the summer, undeterred by hot weather. Now the fall season of Artwalk series kicks off as cooler weather moves in.
- story with Ana Balka
photography Ellis Anderson

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The Mockingbird Cafe, always a happening spot, will feature family-friendly music under the stars with the Dave Knorr Trio, 6- 9pm!

Enjoy an event that has defined Bay St. Louis’s community spirit for the last twenty years: Second Saturday Art Walk. Main Street is lively all day with live music and shop specials, and from 4-8 the evening’s special events begin.  Live music on the streets, art openings at galleries, restaurant specials and shops are open late - many serving refreshments.

Two businesses are highlighted each month. September’s featured Hot Spots are Bay Cottages (305 Main Street) and the Bay St. Louis Little Theater (398 Blaize Avenue).

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Bay Cottages
305 Main Street
BSL
228.466.4793
VRBO #313124
VRBO #400259

Bay Cottages LLC vacation rental offers perfect location for your Old Town getaway. This historic registered 1920 stucco double is just steps from the shopping and dining of Main Street. Relax in either the “Southern Comfort” or the “Latitude Adjustment” suite surrounded by beautiful hardwood floors, beaded board walls and ceilings, and comfortable furnishings that provide a homey atmosphere for a few days, a week, or more. Enjoy the outdoors on the shared front porch or back deck.

Sit out front and watch the world go by, or take a walk to visit the variety of interesting shops, art galleries, restaurants, coffee shops and music venues within a few short blocks of our cottage. We are two blocks from the waterfront and less than one-half mile from the public beach and fishing pier, together with a walkway/bike path that goes for miles along the beach. We are also within a few minutes’ drive of a world-class golf course and several casinos.

Owners and Bay St. Louis residents Ronnie and Sandy Robert want to provide a place for visitors to live like locals, to enjoy the charm of our small town and friendly residents, and to find it hard to leave! The Roberts encourage guests to consider living in Bay St. Louis. They have succeeded, as many of their past guests now own homes in the area.

Both suites offer two bedrooms, one and one-half baths, fully equipped kitchens, laundry facilities, and off street parking. Bay Cottages is a prime location for families coming in for weddings, reunions, or just to have fun at one of the great festivals that take place throughout the year along the Gulf Coast. This is a great way to meet the residents and merchants of Bay St. Louis and to experience “A Place Apart.” The property is managed by Manieri Real Estate. Click on VRBO links above for complete information.

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Bay St. Louis Little Theatre
398 Blaize Ave
BSL
(228) 467-9024

Nearly seventy years ago, a group of theatrical buffs gathered in the living room of John and Mary Bell and the curtain came up on the Bay St. Louis Theatre.  

While the organization has presented hundreds of dramatic plays and comedies through the decades, it’s had to deal with real life drama as well.  

The biggest challenge came with Hurricane Katrina, when the theatre lost the building it had called home since 1948.  Instead of opting for a new building, the theatre board chose to renovate the historic Scafidi building in the Depot District in order to “give back” to the city.

The 1916 structure may have been completely derelict when they purchased it in 2008, but it came with a theatrical past.  Originally a grocery, in 1966 it served as the set of the film “This Property is Condemned,” starring Robert Redford, Natalie Wood, and Charles Bronson.

The October 2010 grand opening brought out 1200 community members, who celebrated with “This Property is Condemned” stars Mary Badham and Jon Provost, who were children when the film was made.

The theatre’s season runs from September through July and contains five shows, with annual events staged between productions.

Annual events include a nativity reenactment, a Valentine’s eve dinner theater, a “Stella yelling” competition in April to honor Tennessee Williams, and a summer dinner theatre in August. Each March they stage a Tennessee Williams play, since “This Property is Condemned” is based on a one-act by Williams.

In 2013, the theatre won the Governor’s Award for Excellence in the Arts, an honor that goes to people and organizations who “have made significant and lasting contributions for their work,” and whose previous winners include B.B. King, William Eggleston, and Bo Diddley. In 2014, the theatre received the Hancock County Community Award of Excellence.

The cast of "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner"

These awards reflect the deep sense of connection the theater shares with the community of Bay St. Louis.

“We’ve woven ourselves into the tradition of the community,” says Cheryl Grace, president of the organization.

On September 25, the theatre will continue breaking ground with the opening of the first-ever Mississippi stage production of “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner.” Larry Clark directs this adaptation of the 1967 Academy award–winning screenplay.

The film was controversial for bringing the realities of racial tension into people’s daily lives, with its portrayal of a young interracial couple attempting to navigate the misgivings of their parents.

While Clark points out that while plays like “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” can provide food for thought, the primary concern of the theatre is to entertain.

“We want to be your first choice in entertainment,” says Clark. “There is nothing like live theatre.”

Second Saturday column
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Other Old Town Happenings!

Antique Maison Ulman Tearoom  - 317 Ulman Ave. 
Open from 4 - 8pm on Second Saturday with amazing selection of antiques.  Serving refreshments!

Bay Books - 131 Main Street - J. Steven Spires, author of The Oak Tree and Three Little Shrimp, will be at Bay Books signing his book on Saturday, September 12th from 5:00-7:00.

Bay Emporium - 112 S. Second Street  - Thirteen cool shops at Bay Emporium, full of fun in the heart of Old Town."Steampunk Curiosities" documents the record-breaking temperatures with outrageously awesome weather machines. "In 2 Details" brings attention to the details of the coastal lifestyle. "Boesch and Co." transforms salvage into fine custom furniture. "Voila!" features French inspired goods, furniture and accessories. "Charbonnet and Charbonnet" combines antiques and reclaimed architectural doors and windows. "Armoire Noir" has a special summer sale rack of cool sundresses. And don't miss a new exhibit of assemblages, "Private Stock" by Vicki Niolet, on display inside "Paper Moon". All this and more in

Bay Life Gifts - 111 Main  - This exciting new shop and gallery has gifts and art  for everyone including Crabtree Evelyn products, Caspari napkins & placemats and Tervis Cups and Crestview lamps. Also at Bay Life  you will find Mississippi products like Oxford soy candles, Thimblepress Greeting cards, and AO Jewelry. Featured local regional artists include the popular Tehle McGuffee's coastal art as well as Tracy Steiffel's  hand- painted pillows , Lisa Hymel's seaglass artwork and Shirley Kautz's colorful bouys .  And each Second Saturday serving our refreshing non-alcoholic Bay Punch!

Bay-Tique - 125 Main St. - Summer Clearance Sale!

Bonner Collection - 108 South Beach Blvd., Suite D
Visit the Bonner Collection to see our new fall home decor, gifts, jewelry, art arriving almost daily. Would love to see you and enjoy some refreshments. Cheers!

California Drawstrings -  216 Main Street - Derrell Brown and Thomas Edwards will be performing during the eveing.  Plus Fall Festival of savings - Buy one item at regular price get the second item at 50% off! Also, 50% off sale rack!

Gallery 220 - 220 Main Street  - Always one of the liveliest places during the Artwalk, this co-op features work by more than 20 artists (who are usually there, which accounts for the liveliness!), refreshments and live music.  Featured artist is Annie Bazoon with driftwood crosses.

Fashion Express - 126 Main Street - Just Arrived  yoga waist stretch slacks in fall colors, grey, brown, black and jacquards, available in sizes small to XXLarge, easy care made in CA, USA.Novi Jewelry collection  designed in Laurel MS includes unusual  and unique wrap bracelets to fit anyone along with aluminum and copper dangle earring that are light as a feather!

Flair - Inside Bay Emporium -112 South Second St.
Shoppers will find a not-to-miss selection of cool gifts like the Perfect Gumbo Spoons; antique and vintage treasures; on-trend jewelry; home décor; popular retail lines like Snoozies slippers, Dammit Dolls and Peepers readers; and locally handmade art, including crosses, anchors and trees made from local driftwood. Also, Flair’s “Rug Room” features dozens of Mad Mats indoor/outdoor rugs in a variety of sizes, patterns and colors. All the rage, Mad Mats are stain, water, mold and sun-resistant and are as durable as they are stylish.

French Potager - 213 Main Street.  Host of Imagination Station sponsored by The Arts, Hancock County - Micky Arnold will teach kids how to make Artist Trading Cards from 4pm - til.

George’s Girls - 108 S. Beach Blvd. Ste B, (inside the French Settlement building).
Purveyors of Fine Linens.  George's Girls wants to prepare you for every football weekend with our  'Gameday' tees and new FALL '15 Collection! And don't forget about the SALES! We are running 30% off ALL Sailor Bags and 50% off ALL of the Acorn Shoes and Slippers! You can't miss this! Come see us this Second Saturday!

Magnolia Antiques, 200 Main Street.  If you haven't seen the totally rearranged shop, it's definitely worth a stop! We have completely turned it around.  And of course, we'll offer snacks and bargains!!

The Mockingbird Cafe - 110 S. Second Street   Family-friendly music under the stars with the Dave Knorr Trio, 6- 9pm  New works by artists Kat Fitzpatrick, Thomas Jackson, Marsha Prejean, Tim Waldrop, Barbara Speer and J.J. Foley. Delicious beers are on tap to pair with the ever popular Mockingburger (veggie or meat lover's). 

Serious Bread Bakery - 131 Main Street, Suite D - Along with signature artisan breads, flatbreads and sweet things, you can also try pesto, hummus and our special tomato sandwiches.  As always, we offer samples of our baked goods.

Smith & Lens Gallery - 106 S. Second Street - We have WONDERLAND artist, Marshall Blevins, coming from Lafayette, LA with some additional art to sell.  Marshall is a gifted painter and photographer and her work is as underpriced as it is magnetic.  Don't miss it!!

Social Chair - 201 Main Street -Social Chair is celebrating the arrival of all things Fall with game day gear, Halloween decorations, Thanksgiving napkins and cool weather scarves and wraps.  Serving Cranberry Pomegranite Lemonade during Second Saturday Artwalk.  Please stop in and see us.

Something Special  - 207 Main Street - September is our showcase month for our 26 artisans!  Each day a different one is spotlighted on Facebook and our website.  We feature 1,200 sq feet of antique, vintage and re-purposed items while representing the work of dozens of local artists. Stop by to find "your" something special!

Time After Time Antiques (Inside Bay Emporium), 112 S. Second St.  -  Offering a unique array of antiques, furniture from different eras, collectibles, and home decor.  Between the hours of 4PM and 8PM we offer 20% off furniture. New shipments of Pottery Candles, Melts and Wax Melters have arrived with more on the way with new fragrance offerings!  Hope to see you soon.

Twin Light Creations- 136 Main Street  It is time to start the Fall décor – inside and out.  Change those flags, put out the pumpkins, you know the drill.  Spruce up your outdoor space because cool weather is coming for you to enjoy!  Lots of new arrivals to choose from so you must come and see for yourself!

The Ugly Pirate - 144 DeMontluzin St.  - Come to a family and pet friendly place to enjoy great Pizza, Gyros and more. We have 16 Craft Beers, as well as various bottled beer. Live music every Saturday night beginning at 6 PM. 

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