Dates Set for Conference on the Front Porch at Plein Air

What began as a small gathering of self-proclaimed “front porch nerds” in Taylor three years ago has now blossomed into a full-blown festival, celebrating the Southern significance of everything front porch: community, food, music and literature.

Conference Director Campbell McCool has an all-star lineup of speakers and performers headlining the two-day event at Plein Air in Taylor Oct. 25-26.
John Barry, author of the seminal Mississippi River book “Rising Tide,” will be the keynote speaker. This is the 20th anniversary of the book’s publication and according to McCool, the book has developed “a cult-like following.” In addition to Barry, the 200 attendees (limited audience) will hear HGTV’s Erin and Ben Napier, Mississippi poet laureate Beth Ann Fennelly, Wyatt Waters, Robert St. John, Wildrose Kennel’s Mike Stewart, noted Atlanta architect Suzanne Stern and “Garden & Gun” editor CJ Lotz.
One of the exciting changes for 2018 is the sponsorship of the conference by “Garden & Gun Magazine.”

“‘Garden & Gun’ attended the conference in 2017 and has signed on to sponsor the event this year,” McCool said. “This is a lifestyle magazine based in Charleston that chronicles culture, literature, music and history in the American South. Since its launch 10 years ago, it is one of the most awarded magazines in America.”
The program format is intense with speakers, lectures and panels in the mornings followed by tours of Oxford’s historic homes and Ole Miss in the afternoon. Entertainment will fill the bill the first night with actor Johnny McPhail performing his one-man version of “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof,” taking on the role of Big Daddy as only the Oxford actor can. The second evening’s entertainment will feature the highly acclaimed Nashville band, Drew Holcomb and The Neighbors. The band is best described as a mix of Americana and Country and has released 12 albums. The band attracts large audiences and has opened for a number of well known entertainers such as The Avett Brothers, Los Lobos and Ryan Adams, just to name a few.
Tickets to Conference on The Front Porch are available on the website for $395. Attendance will be capped at 200. In addition to the literature, music and community spirit, field dinners will highlight some amazing cuisine. An exciting, fun and educational event awaits all this October at Plein Air in Taylor.

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Steve Vassallo is a HottyToddy.com contributor. Steve writes on Ole Miss athletics, Oxford business, politics and other subjects. He is an Ole Miss grad and former radio announcer for the basketball team. Currently, Steve is a highly successful leader in the real estate business who lives in Oxford with his wife Rosie. You can contact Steve at sovassallo@gmail.com or call him at 985-852-7745.
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