MERIDIAN —     The MSU Riley Center announced a strong lineup of performances for its spring/summer concert series on Thursday, including Aaron Neville, Boz Scaggs, Babyface, Vince Gill and Jewel.

    “Every musical taste will find something to enjoy in this season’s offering,” said Dennis Sankovich, executive director of the MSU Riley Center. “The artists we are featuring have all made such an impact in their areas of expertise, and many will give ticket-holders a fresh perspective on their musical styles in these shows.

    “Our ticket packages this season are very flexible and great to give as gifts or keep for yourself."

    The season kicks off Friday, April 12, with a performance by Aaron Neville and his brother Charles.

    The Grammy-award winner's recently released album, “My True Story,” features Neville’s take on such classics as “Tears on My Pillow” and “Under the Boardwalk.”

    Also in the month of April are shows featuring Boz Scaggs and Jewel, two singers who aren’t afraid to experiment with musical styles. Scaggs’ album “Memphis” is due for release in March and Jewel's greatest hits album has just become available. Jewel’s concert will feature an acoustic playlist.

    Whether you’re a fan of the movie or just love an entertaining blues set, “The Official Blues Brothers Revue” swings through Meridian in May. The characters of Jake Blues and brother Elwood Blues take the stage with singing, dancing, and comedy as they front an eight-piece band.







    Soon after, a veritable country music Hall of Fame comes to town with The Time Jumpers, a supergroup consisting of Vince Gill and several other Nashville studio musicians who, collectively, have played with every hitmaker on the country scene.

    In June Keb’ Mo’, Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds, and Don McLean bring their talents to the MSU Riley Center. In his most recent album, “The Reflection,” singer/songwriter Keb’ Mo’ blends blues, jazz, R&B, and soul through collaborations with such artists as India.Arie and Vince Gill.

    Singer, producer and composer Edmonds, a 10-time Grammy winner, has written a long list of instantly recognizable hits. And Don McLean’s lengthy list of songs and albums include 1970's classic ballad “American Pie.”

    July brings with it a special event highlighting some of the world’s best singers and songwriters. “The Heart Behind the Music” tour treats ticketholders to performances by talented musicians singing their own songs and talking about the stories behind them. This performance features Kim Carnes (“Bette Davis Eyes”), John Ford Coley (“I’d Really Love to See You Tonight”), Gene Cotton (“Before My Heart Finds Out”), and Lenny LeBlanc (“Falling”), as well as special guest Greg Barnhill, a distant relative of Meridian’s own “Singing Brakeman” Jimmie Rodgers.

    The season will end with a bang, so to speak, as The Hit Men — the original stars of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons — bring their combined talents to Meridian in August, singing their own hits from the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s.

    Current season ticket-holders must renew by Friday, Feb. 15, to hold the same seats. New season ticket buyers can purchase their packages starting Wednesday, Feb. 20. A “build your own package” option, which includes a discount and early seating, is available for those who wish to purchase tickets to three or more shows. Tickets for these packages can be purchased starting Monday, March 4. Tickets for individual shows go on sale Monday, March 11.

    Performances start at 7:30 p.m. Select shows feature pre-show parties in the Grand Lobby, allowing patrons to socialize and enjoy refreshments as a prelude to the evening’s entertainment.

    Tickets and information are available by phone or in person at the MSU Riley Center box office, 2200 Fifth St., Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and one hour before showtime on the day of a show. Call (601) 696-2200.

    Here is the complete Spring/Summer Series lineup, including ticket prices:



• Aaron Neville

Friday, April 12, 7:30 p.m. / $52, $46

Pre-Show 6 p.m.

• Boz Scaggs

Friday, April 19, 7:30 p.m. / $69, $63

• Jewel

Friday, April 26, 7:30 p.m. / $69, $63

Pre-Show 6 p.m.

• The Blues Brothers Revue

Thursday, May 9, 7:30 p.m. / $45, $39

• The Time Jumpers featuring Vince Gill, Dawn Sears, Kenny Sears, and Ranger Doug Green

Friday, May 17, 7:30 p.m. / $69, $63

• Keb’ Mo’

Saturday, June 1, 7:30 p.m. / $42, $36

Pre-Show 6 p.m.

• Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds

Friday, June 7, 7:30 p.m. / $69, $63

Pre-Show 6 p.m.

• Don McLean

Saturday, June 22, 7:30 p.m. / $45, $39

Pre-Show 6 p.m.

• The Heart Behind the Music featuring Kim Carnes, John Ford Coley, Gene Cotton, Lenny LeBlanc, with special guest Greg Barnhill

Tuesday, July 16, 7:30 p.m. / $35, $29

• The Hit Men: The Original Stars of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons

Friday, Aug. 2, 7:30 p.m. / $28, $22