The Historic New Orleans Collection has revised the lineup for the October Concert in the Courtyard. On Friday, October 16, blues singer Thais Clark will perform with the BMWs instead of Marva Wright, who is still recovering from a series of strokes sustained earlier this year.

Born and raised in New Orleans’s Seventh Ward, Thais Clark has been performing for more than 30 years. Her high-energy performances feature passionate renditions of blues favorites and jazz standards. She has traveled the world in pursuit of her craft, in the company of such musicians as Wynton Marsalis, Dr. Michael White and the Blue Serenaders. She recently performed in Marva Wright’s stead at the 2009 Essence Festival in New Orleans.

In addition to the performances by Thais Clark and the BMWs, the October Concert in the Courtyard will feature handcrafted beer from Zea Rotisserie & Grill. Brewed at the Heiner Brau Brewery in Covington, Louisiana, Zea offers an ale, lager, porter, and more, all of which are available at Zea restaurants throughout the state.

Concerts in the Courtyard offer budget-friendly opportunities to enjoy live local music and cocktails in The Collection’s beautiful French Quarter courtyard at 533 Royal Street. Admission is $10, free for members of The Historic New Orleans Collection. (Household memberships begin at $35 per household and are valid for one year.) Guests must be age 21 or older to be admitted.