David Demirbilek, 18, of Vicksburg will play violin, piano and the harmonica during a Spring Pilgrimage candlelight tour concert at Duff Green Mansion Wednesday.(Melanie Duncan Thortis The Vicksburg Post)

[3/12/04]Local high school musicians will highlight this year’s tours with three concerts at tour sites listed on Vicksburg’s Spring Pilgrimage, which kicks off Saturday.

Organizers and artists are hoping the concerts performed by David Demirbilek, Carrie Neill and the Warren Central Madrigal Choir, on March 17, 24 and 31, will draw residents to the tour homes.

“For anybody who likes sitting down, relaxing and listening to music, this will definitely be a good thing to come to,” said Neill, 18 and a senior at St. Aloysius High School who plays the piano. Neill said she plans to play easy-listening music including some classic, current pop hits and jazz.

Neill will play at Great Hope Manor on March 24.

Demirbilek, an 18-year-old senior at Warren Central High School, is an independent violinist and will play the violin, piano and harmonica at Duff Green Mansion.

Since his concert at the mansion is slated for St. Patrick’s Day, Demirbilek plans to play Irish folk music.

“This is a good opportunity to do something I usually don’t get to do,” he said.

And rounding up the tour’s concert series, the Madrigal Choir will perform at the Southern Cultural Heritage Foundation March 31.

Tours on the nights that feature music are from 6 until 8 p.m., and the artists will play from 6:30 until 7:30. Hors d’oeurves will be served at each tour home.

Adding music to the tours began last year when those heading up the pilgrimage teamed with organizers of the Vicksburg International Chamber Music Festival.

Musicians from the series also played at tour homes.

“Tours were really well-attended with the addition of the chamber music, so this year we decided to showcase local artists,” said Chris Brinkley, co-owner of Anchuca Historic Mansion and Inn and president of Vicksburg Heritage Inc.

Though tours typically draw out-of-town and out-of-state guests, Brinkley said adding music has given Vicksburg and Warren County residents reasons to come to the homes.

Typically, Brinkley said homeowners could expect anywhere from three to 30 to show up at candlelight tours, but 40 to 60 attended the tours with musicians.

Organizers reported an attendance of 1,178 in the 2003 Fall Pilgrimage.

“Last year we had a big success in getting local people to turn out,” he said. “We want to encourage local families to attend.”

The pilgrimage will continue through April 3.