The mystique of the American cowboy is ageless, infused with the romance of an age long gone. You can experience a bit of that timeless appeal this coming Sunday, April 7, at the Vero Heritage Center. It’s the Laura Riding Jackson Foundation’s 2019 Poetry BBQ – “Cowboy Poetry.” As always, this very, very popular event features three reciters. “Master Reciter” describes Montana native Randy Rieman, who, says the event promo, has performed at the Western Folklife Center National Cowboy Poetry Gatherings since 1986. Next up will be singer, reciter and tall-tale teller Andy Hedges, who hails from Lubbock, Texas. His saddle bag is filled with “classic cowboy poetry recitations, obscure cowboy songs, dustbowl ballads and blues.” From Alpine, Texas, Joel Nelson has performed at lots of major cowboy poetry festivals, including the aforementioned national gathering and the Texas Cowboy Poetry Gathering which, by the way, he co-founded. Nelson’s a Vietnam vet, custom saddle-maker and top horse trainer. He and his wife rise cattle on their Texas ranch. So – authentic modern-day cowboy. Of course, you know Indian River County has its own authentic cowboy poet, third-generation rancher and poet laureate Sean Sexton. This unique event includes live music, seriously awesome BBQ, wine and craft beer. Tickets always go fast so … check the website. Time: 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tickets: $25 lauraridingjackson.org.
If you are a lover of classical piano, take note: a pair of “dramatic piano trios” comprises the next installment of the Vero Beach Museum of Art and Atlantic Classical Orchestra’s excellent Chamber Music Series this Sunday, April 7. With Aleksandr Zhuk on violin, Ashley Garritson on cello and Catherine Lan at the piano, you’ll hear Bedrich Smetana’s first unquestionable masterpiece, “Piano Trio in G Minor.” This piece, according to the Museum’s promo, was composed during a difficult time in Smetana’s life and is “truly a grandiose and tragic work that is not nationalistic, but profoundly personal in inspiration.” Dmitri Shostakovich wrote his magnificent “Piano Trio No. 2 in E Minor” in memory of Ivan Ivanovich Sollertinsky, artistic director of the Leningrad Philharmonic, who had a heart attack and died in 1944 “as the orchestra was in evacuation in Siberia.” Shostakovich wrote to Sollertinsky’s widow that the 41-year-old was his closest friend and “I owe all my education to him.” Following this excellent, heavily dramatic concert, you can enjoy a wine and cheese reception with the musicians. The Museum/Orchestra’s highly successful partnership is in its 11th season. Time: 3 p.m. Tickets: members, $35; non-members, $50. 772-231-0707.
Mother Nature’s magnificent work of art welcomes a bit of elfin magic. You will find one of the most beautiful, magical places on the Treasure Coast, McKee Botanical Garden, even more magical this coming Saturday, April 6. It is the 9th Annual Fairy and Pirate Festival. There will, of course, be all sorts of enchanting things to do for the visiting fairies and pirates. But even if you left your wings at home, McKee is always well worth a visit. As you wander the garden’s serpentine pathways through verdant jungle and along sparkling pools and streams, you’ll feel body and mind relaxing. And, this Saturday, you might even run across a wood sprite or two, or a small swashbuckler. Time: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tickets: adults, $12; seniors, $11; 3-12, $8; members and children under 3, free. 772-794-0601.
