NATCHEZ &045; At first glance, concerts and the Grand Village of the Natchez Indians might not appear to have much in common.

But according to Sharon Ogden, an organizer of the historic site’s Music on the Mounds program, it’s a natural combination.

&uot;When you look around at the surroundings, it’s just such a nice place to spend the afternoon,&uot; Ogden said during one of Saturday’s performances. &uot;It’s a peaceful place to come listen to some good music.&uot;

Music on the Mounds, now in its 13th year, is a day of mini-concerts from bands of every genre from country to gospel to jazz &045; the latter, another connection to the Grand Village itself.

Grand Village and Historic Jefferson College historian Jim Barnett, Ogden explained, also plays bass in the Tattooed Serpent Jazz Band, a feature at every year’s Music on the Mounds.

In addition, that band is named after an important figure in the Natchez Indians’ history &045; their war chief.

Taking a short break from listening to the music himself, Barnett said Grand Village’s staff were pleased with Saturday’s attendance.

&uot;It’s been pretty good, especially considering the threatening weather,&uot; he said, glancing at the gathering clouds overhead.

And it’s added publicity for Grand Village, a site of the Mississippi Division of Archives and History that tells the story of the Native Americans from which Natchez takes its name.

&uot;And as Jim likes to say, ‘It shows people there’s something to do on a Saturday afternoon in October besides watch football,’&uot; Ogden said with a laugh.