Wednesday, Nov. 2, marks the halfway point for the Calvary & the Arts Concert Series, Calvary Episcopal Church’s annual musical series in memory of Dottie Jones.

For nearly 30 of Calvary’s 179-year-old history, the church has highlighted the Memphis tradition of great musicians and great food with free concerts at the church, 102 N. Second St. This year’s concerts, on Wednesdays at 12:05 p.m., run through Dec. 7.

This week’s featured artist is Memphian Maria Spence, whose website describes her as performing Americana music with a blend of rock, country and blues.

Calvary & the Arts organizer Sumner Jenkins told The Daily News in September that the series’ main objective is an uplifting show featuring an eclectic mix of performers singing sacred and secular music for Downtown businesses, free of charge.

“It’s a wonderful refreshment that businesses can offer in the middle of the day to their employees without having to pay for it,” Jenkins said. “It’s in the middle of the week and it takes an hour and 15 minutes.”

Calvary & the Arts was created decades ago by Jones and her husband, Jack Jones, who experienced a similar concept in New York during a visit and decided to bring it to Downtown Memphis. Dottie Jones is the late mother of The Daily News Publishing Co. Inc. President Peter Schutt.

This year, Calvary is also offering a $5 light lunch option, which includes bottled water, a choice of sandwich, chips, fruit and a cookie.

“I’m calling them grab-and-go,” Jenkins said. “You can’t do that for $5 anywhere.”

Visit www.calvarymemphis.org/calvarythearts for the season’s remaining artists, which include Memphis Jazz Orchestra, Joyce Cobb, The Memphis Boy Choir and the Christmas Pops Concert.

The Daily News Publishing Co. Inc. is a supporter of the Calvary & the Arts Concert Series.