Main Street Columbus will host its eighth year of Noon Tunes at the courtyard of the Trotter Convention Center beginning Thursday.
For the next four Thursdays, from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm, visitors can enjoy local music while munching on food available for purchase from Zachary’s, followed by dessert from Cafe on Main, according to Main Street Columbus director, Barbara Bigelow. Drinks will be provided by Clark Beverage Group.
The events are free and open to the public.
“It’s a wonderful venue in downtown Columbus to come have a nice relaxing lunch, enjoy fresh air and local entertainment,” Bigelow said. “It’s just a real nice break in the day.”
Columbus resident Paul Brady, who will perform Apr. 9, has performed in Noon Tunes for several years. He always has fun.
“Trotter’s court is one of my favorite places to play,” he said during a phone interview with The Dispatch.
He described the atmosphere at the event as casual, with people coming and going during the two hours of music. Brady always tries to play a variety of songs so that his performances will appeal to everyone. He added that though he doesn’t know for sure what he’ll play, lately he’s been working on new songs from less well known artists.
Starkville resident Stephanie Jackson will perform Apr. 2. It will be her first performance at Noon Tunes. Jackson has been in performances put on by the Columbus Arts Council and has played at Main Street Columbus.
Jackson plays several different styles of music — classic rock, blues, jazz — on classical guitar. When she plays for audiences, she likes taking their requests and sometimes weaving together songs that multiple people have suggested.
“I like entertaining people,” Jackson said. “I like capturing people’s attention and sometimes making them laugh.”
Other performers include Tatum Shappley and Mississippi School of Math and Science music teacher Dawn Barham.
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