VSU recaps midterm elections

VALDOSTA, Ga. — Valdosta State University’s Department of Political Science and Pi Sigma Alpha: The National Political Science Honor Society will present Coffee Talk 2.0: “What Just Happened? Recapping the 2018 Midterm Elections,” 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 13, in Converse Hall Auditorium. Admission is free of charge and open to the public, university officials said. Coffee Talk 2.0: “What Just Happened? Recapping the 2018 Midterm Elections” will feature Dr. James T. LaPlant, dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, interim dean of the College of Science and Mathematics, and professor of political science; Dr. Mandi Bates Bailey, associate professor of political science; and Dr. Bernard Tamas, assistant professor of political science. Attendees will have an opportunity to hear from the political experts and ask questions, organizers said. The Department of Political Science presented Coffee Talk: ‘Previewing the 2018 Elections” on Oct. 18. Converse Hall is located on VSU’s Main Campus, opposite Nevins Hall on the Pedestrian Mall.

Dancers write cards to servicemen, veterans

DALTON, Ga. —  The dancers of the Dalton Arts Project’s “Nutcracker” recently took a break from rehearsals to write more than 300 cards for the American Red Cross Holiday for Heroes program which allowed them to “Give Something That Means Something” by sending cards of thanks and support to the members of the armed forces, veterans and their families. Holiday cards of the original “Nutcracker” art were filled with thanks, encouragement and holiday cheer from the appreciative dancers. The cards will be distributed by the Red Cross to thank and recognize members of the military, veterans and their families this holiday season. 

Music Hall to host Valido on Saturday night

LIVE OAK, Fla. — Hialeah’s Ricky Valido and his band will be at the Music Hall at the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park on Saturday.

The weekend gets started Friday with North Florida area artists such as Sadie Miller, Joe Martino, Chrystal Furst, Trinity Ann Martinez and Kassidy Kolwyck and more who will join former Nashville country artist Lyndie Burris Knowles for Open Mic Night with Lyndie.

Valido and his country band have played all across Florida with his unique country music. A singer, songwriter and guitarist from Hialeah where the saw grass dances with the wind, the alligators take refuge in the deep murky abyss, and country music can be heard wafting over the wetlands, Ricky has played the Suwannee River Jam twice, plays shows all across Florida and has opened for such country artists as The Bellamy Brothers, David Nail, Craig Campbell and more. He’s also played music at one of the largest race tracks in Florida. Ricky, a third generation Cuban-American, was born in South Florida where he learned to love country music. He just released a new video on www.YouTube.com with his latest song “Swamp Stomp.” One of his earlier songs, “69 Camaro,” and others he’s recorded are also available on YouTube.

Valido likes to call his country music modern classic country, but it was the older country sounds that have always appealed to him. Artists like Waylon Jennings, Buck Owens, Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard and George Jones all gravitated to Valido’s soul. This personable and strikingly handsome 25-year-old is a full-time country artist and is so excited to return to the SOSMP on Saturday for his energetic show.

Knowles will open Friday night’s Open Mic Night with Lyndie bringing to the stage her own country talent polished in Nashville for eight years. Also performing will be various other artists from across North Florida such as Miller, Martino, Furst, Martinez, Kolwyck and others. This is always a great night as are the artists.

Free admission both nights. Doors open each night at 6 p.m. for dinner, music begins at 8 p.m.