A weeklong tribute to the 10th anniversary of Mississippi State University-based radio station WMSV and Rick’s Caf begins Monday.
To celebrate the milestones, WMSV and Rick’s will host a week’s worth of concerts as well as a night of free movies at Hollywood Premier Cinemas.
The station will be celebrating 10 years on the air, dating back to their first broadcast on March 21, 1994. Rick’s will also be honored for its 10th anniversary. The bar opened in January 1994.
Organizers said the week of events is a way of saying “thanks” to the community that has supported them.
“Being on the air 10 years is a big milestone, and we feel that we need to give back to the community to return out thanks for the support they have provided,” WMSV News Director Krista Vowell said.
WMSV Director Steve Ellis added, “When we went on the air on March 21, 1994, we did a lot of preparation and planning but didn’t quite know what to expect. We are proud to have become an integral part of the community.”
Rick’s Caf has also become something of a fixture in Starkville. Owner Rick Welch is proud of the bar’s longevity, saying it is an “accomplishment not too many bar owners reach.”
“It’s quite humbling to look back at the fact that [Rick’s] has grown a lot and it really is a pleasure to have been a part of this community for so long,” Welch said. “I encourage everybody to come out and enjoy the week’s activities.”
The weeklong celebration features events spanning from Monday, March 29, to the following Saturday.
On Monday, Hollywood Premier Cinemas will treat the first 1,500 customers to a free movie. Customers can choose any movie playing, but only the 7 p.m. showing is free.
There will also be a WMSV Appreciation Dinner at City Bagel.
Although the dinner is invitation only, students can win invites on-air.
Tuesday’s event will feature local bands at Rick’s and will also be free to everyone. Two local bands, the melodic rock trio The Persians and the heavier rock-based group Falter, will perform at the venue.
Wednesday is billed as National Band Night and will feature platinum recording artists Vertical Horizon and a solo performance from Emerson Hart of Tonic. Although the show will not be free, tickets are being given away on the air at WMSV.
Thursday’s event features performers from surrounding areas, including Nashville-based roots rocker Will Hoge, as well as Tennessee rhythmic rockers Young Agent Jones. These performances will also be free to the public.
Friday is Blues Night at Rick’s and the night’s free concert will feature country-blues guitar slinger Mike Henderson, backed by the Bluebloods. Delta bluesman Willie King will also be performing with the Liberators, closing out the week’s lineup.
For more information on the week’s events, visit WMSV’s Web site, www.wmsv.msstate.edu, and Rick’s Web site, www.rickscafe.net.