Classics in the Courtyard is returning for an encore in October after what organizers called a successful debut in 2008.

The lunchtime concert series, sponsored by the Southern Cultural Heritage Foundation, drew more than 850 guests during its five-week run, which started in mid-October and ran through mid-November.

“The excitement and energy is still good,” said Annette Kirklin, the Southern Cultural’s executive director. “People wanted us to do more of this throughout the year.”

Set in the courtyard of the SCHC, the events will feature live entertainment and lunch catered by local restaurants. The first in the series will kick off at noon Oct. 9, and the sessions will run each folling Friday in October.

Like last year, music offerings will range from Celtic and country to pop and blues.

Kirklin encourages reservations — and make them early. The music is free, but lunch is $9. Classics in the Courtyard T-shirts are $10 and must be pre-ordered.

The SCHC sits on a whole city block bound by Adams, Crawford, Clay and Cherry streets.

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Contact Manivanh Chanprasith at mchan@vicksburgpost.com

If you go

The Southern Cultural Heritage Foundation’s Classics in the Courtyard lunchtime concert series begins at noon Fridays in October. The music is free, but it costs $9 to eat. T-shirts are $10. To make reservations or to order a shirt, call 601-631-2997. For information, visit www.southernculture.org.

The lineup:

• Oct. 9 — Celtic and folk music by Reed Bishop and Nicholas and Julia Blake; lunch by Wayne’s Bistro Subs and Suds.

• Oct. 16 — Classic country and pop favorites by Jim Robinson and Maria Adona; lunch by Martin’s at Midtown.

• Oct. 23 — Classics pop and originals by Lee H. Abraham and the Boone Brothers; lunch by Goldie’s Express.

• Oct. 30 — Blues, rock, pop and originals by Patrick Smith; lunch by Palmertree Catering.