July 4, 2026, 11:00am-1:00pm
Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Experience, Meridian, Mississippi
Celebrate America’s 250th at The MAX with a free performance by Rising Stars Fife and Drum Band.
Led by “Fife Master” Shardé Thomas, granddaughter of the legendary Othar Turner, and percussionist Chris Mallory, their performance will honor freedom in all its forms: our nation’s independence, the emancipation of a people, and the creative spirit that defines Mississippi’s global artistic impact.
This program is part of By the People: Conversations Beyond 250, a series of community-driven programs created by humanities councils in collaboration with local partners. The initiative was developed by the Federation of State Humanities Councils and the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage.
