Classical guitarist Robin Welch of Hampton will be in Suffolk Friday, performing a musical tribute to internationally acclaimed guitarist and Chuckatuck native, the late Charlie Byrd.

Welch is this month’s featured performer at Main Street United Methodist Church’s First Fridays Concert Series. His 30-minute free concert is at noon Nov. 1.

The concert will be followed by a soup-and-sandwich luncheon in the church fellowship hall. A $5 donation is suggested for lunch, with all proceeds going into the church’s organ fund.

Welch’s musical studies have taken him to Switzerland and through seven other European countries. He has also lived in Linz, Austria, where he taught music and led a church choir while studying at the Bruckner Conservatory.

Welch has also had opportunities to play before several political dignitaries, including former Gov. Doug Wilder, an ambassador from Spain and the president of Austria.

&uot;I always enjoy performing in Suffolk,&uot; Welch said. &uot;I’m looking forward playing there on Friday.&uot;

Welch credits Byrd – who was one of the seven local musicians recently inducted into Norfolk’s new Music Walk of Fame – with helping launch his professional career.

Back in 1972, Charlie Byrd returned to Hampton Roads to perform with the Peninsula Symphony Orchestra. In the days leading up to the performance, Welch, standing in as Byrd’s rehearsal guitarist, played all of Byrd’s arrangements so the orchestra could practice.

&uot;That was a big break for me,&uot; said Welch. &uot;I got to meet Charlie Byrd and a lot of other important musicians for the first time.&uot;