Batesville fans of Mississippi Delta blues and jazz music will be in for a treat on Saturday, May 20, when Greenville native Eden Brent takes the stage at SpringFest.

"I do a lot of blues, jazz and even some pop," Brent told The Panolian via telephone last week. "I perform a variety of music, but a lot of it has a blues feel to it.

"That’s the kind of music I love," she added.

Brent, 40, worked on her style of the blues under the tutelage of legendary bluesman the late Boogaloo Ames who gave her the nickname "Little Boogaloo."

Brent enjoyed a sixteen-year apprenticeship with Ames. Although she received a bachelor’s degree in music from the University of North Texas, Brent credits Ames with teaching her to play piano.

"Music school taught me to think, but Boogaloo taught me to boogie-woogie," she says.

Together with Ames, Brent starred in the 1999 television documentary, "Boogaloo & Eden: Sustaining the Sound."

Brent will take the SpringFest stage at 6:15 p.m. on May 20.
 

The wind and rain that moved into Panola County on Saturday did not blow away the crowds from the annual Answered Prayers Benefit at the Batesville Civic Center.

About 500 people attended the event which raised money to help four local disabled children. The total raised was about $13,000, according to Adrian Smith, treasurer for the Answered Prayers organization.

"We’re always hopeful there might be some more coming in," he said.

This year marks the sixth benefit hosted by the organization which selects different children to help each year.

The beneficiaries this year are Shamekia Money, Amber Lamar, Garrett Allen and Tia Cathey.

The event included entertainment by local musicians, auctions, a flea market, food and games for children.

The benefit has been months in the planning, and the Answered Prayers group has found that people in the community are now familiar with what they do.

"When we ask our contributors, they don’t say ‘no,’" said organization vice president John Ard. "We’ve shown them we’re a good organization, that our heart’s in the right place.

"We just want to help these families that so desperately need it."

Anyone who would like to make a contribution may contact Adrian Smith at First Security Bank,
563-9311.

The Peony Garden Tour on Wednesday, May 3 will pay homage to the love of gardening, a legacy passed down through generations. Sponsored by the Batesville Garden Club, visitors will tour the homes of Cindy Allgood, Kathy Burkhalter, and Mark Heafner between the hours of 2 and 6 p.m.

"The tour is the major fund-raiser of the club," explained Allgood, chairman of the event. " We are inviting everyone to enjoy touring these three beautiful gardens."

Cindy’s own garden at 1287 Goodhope Road will feature her collection of over thirty peonies.

"My great-grandmother gave the first peony in our family to my grandmother as a gift when my father was born in 1934. My grandmother passed cuttings on to my mother, Ellen Boyd, and she passed them to me."

The Heafner home, built in Batesville’s first subdivision soon after the end of World War II, is surrounded by wrought iron gates, brick walkways, and an array of plants. Hanging baskets of fuschia petunias grace the Southern-style verandah which is bordered with beds of begonias, azaleas, and pansies.

"My mother had me plant the magnolia tree in the front yard in April prior to her being diagnosed with cancer in June," Mark continued.

"We almost lost it, but now it is a thriving tribute to my mother."

One of three water features is located in the front yard with two elephant fountains, lilies, and monkey grass.

"Our garden is a sentimental garden with plants from both of our mothers and our friends," noted Kathy Burkhalter whose home at 109 Church Street was home of Dot and Jimmy Blakely until 1986 and built by the Snelling family circa 1908.

"Our yard is an heirloom yard that reflects our heritage," explained Kathy.

Tickets for the tour may be purchased for $5 at First Security Bank, Clark Insurance, and Maria Prather Designs. Call Kathy at 662-563- 9311 for more information.