Editor’s note: The puppy adoption day has been canceled due to expected rain. The Colt Ford Concert has been moved indoors to the Vidalia Conference and Convention Center.

NATCHEZ — Voices will sing, pianos will sound and puppies will romp this weekend in the Miss-Lou.

Natchez Festival of Music

Friday’s Natchez Festival of Music event, “A Night of Romance in the Salon” will feature pianist Julia Mortyakova at 7 p.m. at Waverly Plantation at 790 U.S. 61 South. The event will reflect the style of the 19th century venues, which offered high-class entertainment and intellectual conversation.

Two free daily events and the only performance of the operetta, “The Mikado,” will entertain the ears Saturday.

“The Sound of the Mighty Calliope,” a family concert at 3 p.m. at Memorial Park on the corner of Main and South Rankin streets will feature calliope player Burnley Cook.

The event will teach families about the steamboat-era instrument, perform a demonstration and allow attendees to give it a try themselves.

“You’ll learn about the mechanics of the instrument, it’s historical significance, and more, followed by a concert that’s guaranteed to leave a smile on your face,” Natchez Festival of Music organizer Mary Lessley said.

The Natchez High School and Robert Lewis Middle School choirs will present “Dancing in the Park” at 4 p.m. in Memorial Park.

The show will include songs such as “Footloose,” “A Michael Jackson Tribute Medley” and other 80s dance music.

“The Mikado,” a comedic mixture of musical theater and opera, will feature political satire — including a local angle — love triangles and more. The performance will be at 7 p.m. at the Margaret Martin Performing Arts Center at 64 Homochitto St.. Admission is $25.

EXPLORE! Early American Weapons

The Historic Jefferson College will present an EXPLORE! History program titled “Early American Weapons” from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday at the college.

Matt Avance, owner of Tennessee Valley Muzzleloading, will have a display of early American weapons, both authentic and replicas, for visitors to examine and will give informal informational talks on the subject.

This program is open to all ages and is free of charge.  For more information, contact Toni Avance at 601-442-2901 or tavance@cableone.net.

Kids helping Kids Variety Show

A fundraiser featuring local children to benefit the Natchez Children’s Home Services will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday at the Vidalia Convention Center.

Trinity Dance Team and other area schools are hosting this event, and the special guest will be the Kosmic Girlz. The vent costs $3 for children and $5 for adults.

Puppy Adoption Day

The Natchez-Adams Humane Society will host an adoption day at Home Hardware from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday in hopes of finding some of the shelter’s many puppies and kittens new homes.

The adoption fee is $45 for dogs and $35 for cats.

The humane society will schedule appointments for pets that have not been spayed or neutered and inform new owners when they can pick up their pets.

“We are just overloaded with puppies and kittens right now,” Humane Society board member Linda Kennon said. “We are having to turn them away because we just don’t have anywhere to keep them.”

Home Hardware is located at 187 Seargent Prentiss Drive.

Second Saturday events

The Big River Jamboree will be at the Shrine Hall on Morgantown Road. Gospel music will be featured from 6 to 7 p.m., and the Sunfire Band and guests will be from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $4 and $6.

ArtsNatchez gallery will be open from 6 to 8 p.m. and will feature R.W. “Red” Bryant, who will display bowls turned from local woods. Demarie Walters is hostess for the reception. Refreshments will be served.

Colt Ford concert

Country singer Colt Ford will perform from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday at the Vidalia Riverfront Amphitheatre as part of the performer’s 2012 The Declaration of Independence Tour.

Call 601-442-4895 for more information or purchase tickets at www.etix.com. Tickets range from $25 to $150.