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Photo by Eric Engman

FAIRBANKS -- Since the Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival launched its Lunch Bites series in 1981, it’s become a tradition for people interested in sampling a musical buffet.

Each weekday through July 25, the festival will offer a free midday concert at the University of Alaska Fairbanks Great Hall. The eclectic concerts feature both visiting instructors and their students, playing in styles that range from Celtic to jazz to classical.

Jo Scott, the festival founder, said the concerts are a deal that can’t be beat. Not only do they feature top musicians, but they’re also free.

“You’d pay great cover charges to see shows like this,” she said.

The ACS Lunch Bites series kicks off on Monday, with a concert that Scott describes as “every kind of music except classical,” featuring a blend of virtually everything the festival offers. Tuesday’s show will cater to classical music fans. Performances both days will be by festival “guest artists,” who travel from around the country to teach local classes for the next two weeks.

Wednesday’s show is billed as a children’s show, with a mixture of styles that Scott says will appeal to both kids and adults. The shows will continue on weekdays after that, with performances by a blend of both teachers and festival students. The concerts also feature dance and vocal performances.

In the spirit of the brief concerts, which run from 12:10-1:15 p.m., the pieces will be quick and breezy.

“They’re little cameo performances — six minutes or less,” Scott said. “If you don’t like (it), wait a few minutes and something else will be coming.”

To help visitors traveling to campus to see the shows, parking is free from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Taku and Nenana lots at UAF. Shuttle service is available from the lots to lower campus. For more information, check the festival Web site at www.fsaf.org.

What: ACS Lunch Bites

When: 12:10 to 1:15 p.m., July 14-18, 21-25

Where: UAF Great Hall

Admission: Free