The Natchez City Cemetery Association invites you to join us for the 13th anniversary of our annual fundraiser, Angels on the Bluff. Our beautiful City Cemetery will serve as the stage on Nov. 9 and 10 for dramatic vignettes and musical performances that bring to life some of our city’s most interesting residents from years past.

Your evening begins at the Natchez Visitor Reception Center (640 South Canal St.) where you will board a bus at your reserved ticket time. Our enthusiastic and knowledgeable guides will accompany you to your destination where they will share interesting facts about our historic cemetery as they lead you along candlelit avenues under moonlighted oaks to each character’s presentation.

Tickets went on sale Aug. 1, at the visitor’s center. Plan to purchase your tickets early as they sell out quickly. Please call the center at 601-446-6345 for tickets or go online to www.visitnatchez.org for more information.

And now it is my pleasure to introduce this year’s entertainment:

-The War of 1812 — The Natchez City Cemetery is the final resting place for several individuals who served in the War of 1812. In tribute to the bicentennial of this historic event, our own Terry Trovato and band will delight you with a musical tribute honoring General Ferdinand L.H. Claiborne, Major Henry Chotard and Captain James Campbell Wilkins.

-Stephen Odell — New York native Stephen Odell arrived in Natchez in the mid 1840s and soon became one of the most successful gunsmiths in the region. Today his custom made silver mounted and engraved rifles and derringers are highly sought after by avid gun collectors. Longtime “Angels” presenter Rusty Jenkins returns to portray Odell and entertain you as only he can.

-Margaret Stewart — A striking marble angel marks the gravesite of local belle Margaret Stewart who died tragically at the age of 17. Veteran “Angels” actors will recreate the lavish funeral arranged by her grieving parents, Mr. and Mrs. William Percy Stewart, upon her untimely death in 1907.

-Dr. Charles H. Dubs — Philadelphia-born Charles H. Dubs was a well-known dental surgeon in mid-19th-century Natchez. The elegant brick townhouse that served as his office and residence still stands at 311 North Pearl St. Popular “Angels” presenter Dr. Doug Broome returns to portray Dr. Dubs and reveal a long-standing Dubs family mystery.

-Clarence “Bud” Scott — Bud Scott, one of the finest musicians ever to call Natchez home, led one of the most popular dance bands in the Miss-Lou in the early 20th century. We guarantee that local musician Tony Fields’s portrayal of this legendary musician will have you doing the shimmy.

-Dick Dana and Octavia Dockery — The “Goat Castle” murder has captured the interest of mystery lovers both near and far for nearly eighty years. Eccentrics Richard “Dick” Dana, son of Reverend Charles B. Dana and Octavia Dockery, daughter of Brigadier General Thomas P. Dockery, stood accused in 1932 of murdering their reclusive neighbor, Jennie Surget Merrill. Reports of their sensational trial made headlines in newspapers around the country. Actors Sam Jones and Sue Burkhalter will bring these colorful characters to life.

-Second Lieutenant Aaron “Tip” Stanton, CSA — Historians have dubbed Aaron “Tip” Stanton, who served under General John C. Breckenridge, the finest horseman in the Army of Tennessee. Adams County Supervisor David Carter and his horse will dazzle you with their presentation of Lieutenant Stanton’s story.

Paula Estes is a co-chairman of this year’s Angels on the Bluff.