Ricky Skaggs / Kayla Manzolillo
Ricky Skaggs, the legendary Grammy-winning bluegrass and country artist, joins the show ahead of his concert at the Heindl Center for the Performing Arts on the campus of Northwest Mississippi Community College. In a warm, story-filled interview conducted by Hayden King, Skaggs looks back on his musical beginnings, singing harmony at home, getting pulled onstage by Bill Monroe as a child, working with Ralph Stanley, Emmylou Harris, Dolly Parton, and even collaborating with Barry Gibb. He talks about bringing Kentucky Thunder to Senatobia, why he’s adding classic country hits like “Honey (Open That Door)” and “Heartbroke” back into the live set, and how his music still inspires young players. He also highlights his recent contribution to a project inspired by the “Reagan” film and reflects on the importance of keeping roots music alive in front of family audiences.
Northwest Mississippi Community College theatre instructor Kayla Manzolillo makes her first appearance on the program to spotlight the fall theatre production of The Diviners. She shares how she discovered the script during graduate school, why its simple, community-centered story is so powerful for student actors, and how this production is stretching Northwest theatre students to be vulnerable, authentic, and character-driven onstage. Kayla lays out the show dates at the Fine Arts Auditorium, how to get tickets through the Northwest site, and gives a preview of upcoming performances, including the December musical theatre showcase and the spring production of the Golden Age musical Damn Yankees. It’s a great look at how NWCC continues to build its performing arts presence alongside the Heindl Center’s touring lineup.
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