Top 5 reasons to be at the Institute/Facing South anniversary bash this Saturday

Lots of Facing South readers in North Carolina -- and even a crew from New York! -- have already reserved tickets for the Institute's 40th Anniversary bash in Durham this Saturday, and we can't wait to see you.

Looking for something fun to do this weekend? Still on the fence? Here are five reasons why you should come out Saturday evening:

1) YOU'LL BE INSPIRED: Rev. Lennox Yearwood, president of the Hip Hop Caucus who has worked with Jay Z and other stars to mobilize young voters, is one of the most electrifying speakers in the country today (check this out).

2) YOU'LL MEET A LEGENDARY MEDIA MUCKRAKER: If that's not enough, we'll also have Eric Bates of Rolling Stone, who oversaw the magazine's bombshell investigation into U.S. Gen. Stanley McChrystal and the Afghanistan war that shook up the country.

3) YOU'LL HAVE A BLAST: Just want to kick back and have a good time? Then come to hear Cool John Ferguson -- the amazing blues/jazz/rock legend that Taj Mahal called "one of the five best guitar players in the world."

4) IT'S HOT! Don't just take our word for it -- the Independent Weekly picked our 40th bash as a top recommended event for North Carolina's Triangle this weekend!

5) YOU'LL HELP A GREAT CAUSE: All proceeds from the event will go to the Institute Investigative Fund, which makes possible our in-depth investigations into BP's oil disaster, big-money political operatives and other important issues.

You won't want to miss it! But space is limited, so reserve your tickets online or RSVP on Facebook to let us know you're coming.

WHAT: Celebrating 40 Years of Change in the South -- ISS 40th Anniversary Bash
WHEN: Saturday, March 27, 7pm
WHERE: Bay 7, American Tobacco Campus, Durham, NC
WHO: Rev. Lennox Yearwood of the Hip Hop Caucus, Eric Bates of Rolling Stone magazine, guitar legend Cool John Ferguson, and YOU!
TICKETS: $35 ($15 students; children 12 and under free) -- get them here

See you on Saturday!

PS -- Still can't make it? You can still support the Investigative Fund with a donation here -- just scroll to where it says "I can't attend, but I'd like to donate now" and we'll make sure and acknowledge your gift!

PHOTO: Rev. Lennox Yearwood, president of the Hip Hop Caucus and keynote speaker at the Institute's 40th Anniversary celebration this Saturday.