Sarahfest, a week-long celebration presented by UM’s Sarah Isom Center for Women and Gender Studies in proud partnership with the Yoknapatawpha Arts Council, will feature live music, films, photography, readings and panel discussions and will culminate in a live performance by Grammy award nominee, Neko Case at the Lyric Theatre on Sunday, Sept. 27 at 6 p.m.

Events for Sarahest run from Sept. 18-27th and include appearances by alt-music legends Jon Langford of the Mekons and Amy Ray of the Indigo Girls as well as a special pop-up edition of the Thacker Mountain Radio Hour at Rowan Oak, home of William Faulkner.

Proceeds from the Neko Case concert go to the Sarah Isom Center. Tickets for the Neko Case show are $30 in advance and $35 at the door and are available at the Lyric.

Dr. Theresa Starkey, Assistant Director of the Isom Center, said Sarahfest will provide Mississippians with cultural events that are unique, educational, and that foster community building and learning, while promoting the work of the Center.

“This festival is an opportunity for us to acquaint the community with the work we do at the Center in a non-academic setting and have fun while we’re doing it,” Starkey said. “We are especially proud that a major recording artist like Neko Case is coming to perform a benefit for the Center. Her generosity will really anchor the festival and give us a way to cap off the week in a strong way.”

Singer/songwriter Neko Case was born in Virginia and raised for the most part in the working -class town of Tacoma, Washington. In addition to her solo career Case is also known for her work with the rock band, The New Pornographers. For her solo work, she was nominated for a Grammy for her 2006 album, Middle Cyclone. Her 2013 release was nominated for Best Alternative Music Album. It’s called, The Worse Things Get, The Harder I Fight, The Harder I Fight, The More I Love You. Case’s TV appearances include, Austin City Limits, Jimmy Fallon and Comedy Central’s @midnight.

Langford and Ray will appear alongside Kelly Hogan, Atlanta band, Tenement Halls, at a free performance on The Thacker Mountain Radio Hour live from the Rowan Oak lawn on Saturday, Sept. 19 at 5 p.m. and later in a full concert at the Powerhouse at 10 pm. Lawn chairs are welcome for the Rowan Oak show; food and beverages will be for sale from Oxford Canteen. (No coolers, please). The radio performance (recorded for later broadcast) is free while tickets for the Powerhouse performance which we also feature songwriter Jim Mize with Laurie Stirratt are $10 (door), $7 advance.

Other highlights of the week include a screening of the documentary, Girls Rock: The Movie at the Powerhouse, Tuesday, Sept. 22 and a 3 p.m. Sunday concert (Sept. 27) by the UM Gospel Choir at the Paris-Yates Chapel. Weekday concerts will also take place at Snackbar and Lamar Lounge.