NATCHEZ — Natchez Festival of Music members have teamed up with the community to help fight breast cancer by sponsoring a “Concerts 4 the Cure” music series starting with a free gospel concert at 4 p.m. Sunday at New Direction Outreach Ministries, 306 Oak St., Natchez.

While the concert is free, a love offering will be accepted to benefit the American Cancer Society.

The concert series is the brainchild of Dan Gibson and members of the Natchez Festival of Music board.

Gibson is the American Cancer Society’s nominee for a national “Real Men Wear Pink” contest to raise funds for breast cancer research in their communities.

Gibson and a team of sponsors are taking the contest very seriously.

“I thought it would be really fun to get Natchez involved and show the other teams how (fundraising) is really done,” Gibson said.

He and other members of the Natchez Festival of Music board decided to host a series of four concerts to raise money for the cure, all starting at 4 p.m. on the fourth Sunday for the next four months.

The 4 p.m. Sunday kickoff at New Direction Outreach Ministries will feature local gospel artists, an informative presentation by Miguel Figueroa — a doctor specializing in pain management at Merit Health in Natchez — and light refreshments.

Attendance is free and open to the public, and donations will be taken up and given to the American Cancer Society.

Sunday’s guest artists include the Rhythm of Gospel Awards nominee, Latonya “Lady T” Coleman; gospel recording artists from the “Brothers in Christ Music Ministry,” which features the Rev. David Green Jr. and Jerome Myles; recording artist, Dorothy Vaughn; the “Walk by Faith Ministry”; gospel artist, Donna Walton; recording artist, Tyree Thomas; and artists Lynn Beach Smith, Alvin Shelby and Kejuan Hawkins.

More events coming up include the “All Classical Concert” on Aug. 26 at Brandon Hall, tickets are $50 each; the “All Local Talent Concert” on Sept. 23 at Dunleith Historic Inn, tickets are $25 each and “The Grand Finale with Peter Lake” on Oct. 28 at Monmouth Historic Inn and Gardens, tickets are $75 each.

Gibson said a silent auction commences Sunday and concludes after the grand finale on Oct. 28. He said all contributions, talent and venues have been donated by members of the Natchez community.

“All of the ticket sales and sponsorships go to the American Cancer Society,” Gibson said. “Everything that is going on is all donated. It’s very fun to see Natchez come together like this. … We’re seeing a great outpouring of love and support in Natchez for a good cause.”

For more information, to purchase tickets or to make a donation, visit The Nest, Natchez Coffee Co., Monmouth Historic Inn or online at teamnatchez.org.