You can see the full story on Today’s THV website here. I got the message earlier today from the incomparable Warwick Sabin about the event which has been in development for a while now. Now it is confirmed as the magazine’s “first-ever Best of the South Gala in Little Rock on Saturday, April 3, 2010.” Freeman will accept The Oxford American’s inaugural award for Outstanding Contributions to Southern Culture.

“We are very pleased that Morgan Freeman will be the first recipient of this award, which we hope will create a long-standing pantheon of great Southern cultural figures,” said Warwick Sabin, the publisher of The Oxford American. “He was our first choice for this recognition, not only because of his remarkable career and accomplishments, but because he has remained involved with his community in Mississippi and has done so much to improve it.”

The press release cites Freeman’s roles in films such as Invictus, Batman, Million Dollar Baby and of course The Shawshank Redemption but his work on the recent documentary Prom Night in Mississippi deserves an award all by itself.

More information at http://www.oxfordamerican.org

The Oxford American Magazine is putting on a show. This weekend you can check out some incredible musicians.

Saturday, January 16th, 2010. A Night of Arkansas Stars Argenta Arts District. Downtown North Little Rock. All-Access Pass is $20

Sonny Burgess & the Legendary Pacers Jim Mize Larry Donn Sleepy Labeef Plus more to be named!

Live Arkansas Music in Four Great Main Street Venues:

Cregeen’s Irish Pub

Cornerstone Pub & Grill

Reno’s Argenta Cafe

Starving Artist Cafe