Classical music wafted through the courtyard at the Southern Cultural Heritage Center at lunchtime Friday during the first concert in this year’s rendition of Classics in the Courtyard.

This year marks the 10th year SCHC has held Classics in the Courtyard. Friday’s music was a mix of Americana, Celtic and folk music performed by Full Circle, which includes Nicholas and Julia Blake and Joanne Ryan. About 120 people were in attendance for the free event, which lasted about an hour.

“This event is pretty well known in the community,” Southern Cultural Heritage Foundation executive director Stacey Mahoney said. “People look forward to it and they are ready. They are waiting. We have people who call in and say put me down for all four weeks. This kicks it off.”

The event is free to attend and people have the option to purchase lunch for $10 to eat while listening to the music. Friday’s meal was prepared by Billy’s Italian Restaurant.

“My wife under orders,” Fred Briuer said of why he attended the event. “We come regularly. This time I really enjoyed it because I can recognize everybody, I had successful cataract surgery and I can recognize everybody.

“We know a lot of the people here. It is a pleasant respite. It is a nice institution.”

Each week’s event features a different meal and different genre of music performed by local artists.

“I come every year,” Glenda Loviza said. “The weather, the food, the companionship, it just brings back a lot of old memories. My kids went to school here. I like the music. I like it all.”

The event is funded by a grant from Entergy Mississippi, which pays for the musicians to attend. Unlike many events held there, Classics in the Courtyard is not a not a fundraiser for the SCHF.

“This is not a fundraiser or a money-making event for us. This is something we put out there for the community,” Mahoney said. “Part of mission is to provide cultural activities to the community for free if we can or low cost. This is one of those.”

The concert series resumes next Friday at noon featuring classic blues, rock, pop and some original music by Patrick Smith. The show on Nov. 3 will feature Maria Signa and Ralph Miller playing classic pop and country.

The final performance on Nov. 10 will feature Lee H. Abraham & the Boone Brothers playing classic blues, rock and original music.

Lunch must be reserved before 5 p.m. Thursday, the day before the event you wish to attend.

To reserve lunch or for more information, call the Southern Cultural Heritage Foundation office at 601-631-2997.