With a Southern sunset as his backdrop, a one-man jazz band plays as locals and out-of-towners sip cool drinks on the patio.

The venue is the new Courtyard by Marriott, and the time is each Wednesday evening from 6 to 9.

If you go

Jazz Nite at the Courtyard by Marriott, off East Clay Street near the Outlets at Vicksburg, is from 6 to 9 p.m. each Wednesday. Admission is free. Call 601-636-8788.

The free entertainment offering, called Jazz Nite, began June 10. Entertainment has been by Warren Burrell Jr., called Mr Bee, (yes, no period), a jazz and blues artist from Pearl.

“We wanted to create movement in the hotel, and this is a big jazz and blues area,” said hotel sales manager Donna Perez.

Lois Anderson, a Vicksburg local who came to Jazz Nite this past Wednesday, said, “It’s a nice crowd. It’s a good listening atmosphere.”

At the first jam session, about 30 people showed up, and more appeared to attend the second.

“It’s a great opportunity to get people out and network,” said retired Brig. Gen. Robert Crear, best known around Vicksburg for his role as commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Mississippi Valley Division.

“We need to do more of this in Vicksburg,” said Crear, who retired from his MVD post last year.

A New Orleans native, Mr Bee began his musical career at the age of 8, using an empty cigar box and a stick. During his teen years, he played all sorts of instruments at all different venues in New Orleans.

He’s played in bands, but Mr Bee finds flying solo is more his speed. It began 15 years ago after two band members failed to show up for a gig.

“I like to play by myself and not have to worry about anybody showing up,” he said.

Mr Bee offers a variety of music, but his latest album, “Mr Bee Living the Blues,” is all about what he calls funky blues — not to be confused with Delta blues.

“I write all my music and songs. I write about my friends and then I write about myself and my experiences — that’s how I came up with my titles,” he said.

Mr Bee will perform throughout June.

“For a one-man band, he’s got a great sound. It kind of makes you feel like you’re back in the old South,” said hotel guest Barry Maxwell of Memphis.

Hotel managers are hoping to include local musicians later in the summer or fall.

Other entertainment offerings in Vicksburg include Ameristar and Horizon casinos, Beechwood Restaurant and Lounge and Borrello’s.

“This makes a good middle-of-the-week, after-hours event to wind down to,” said Perez.

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Contact Manivanh Chanprasith at mchan@vicksburgpost.com