INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — On Saturday March 1 from 1 to 3 p.m., visitors to McKee Botanical Garden will be treated to the happy sounds of yesteryear as members of the Carousel Organ Association of America (COAA) gather to play their hand-cranked organs for Street Music Saturday.
Street Music Saturday will pay homage to the street musicians who centuries ago earned their living playing what has been referred to as “the happiest music on earth.” For many people, these organ grinders were a single source for music before the invention of the phonograph and radio.
The event will feature six organ grinders from the COAA positioned along McKee’s Greeting Area. Visitors will have an opportunity to see and hear the vintage organs play as they stroll the Garden.
“Street Music Saturday is a chance to travel back and experience a unique piece of music history,” said McKee Executive Director Christine Hobart. “These organs have brought smiles and joy to many people, and we are grateful to the COAA for their efforts to preserve and share the legacy of these instruments.”
The rally at McKee is part of a weekend long COAA mid-winter meeting. COAA Director Bill Hall has been collecting and restoring organs for years. His vintage Wurlitzer organ has been featured at the Garden’s “Holidays at McKee” events.
Hall chose McKee as the setting for this year’s rally because of its natural Florida surroundings and the enthusiasm expressed by its visitors.
“Garden members and visitors have always shown an appreciation and enjoyment for the appearance of band organs at the holiday events, and will certainly enjoy the smaller hand-cranked organs that will play on March 1,” Hall said.
In addition to listening to the organ music, visitors also will be able to view the Seward Johnson Sculpture Exhibition featuring 20 life-size bronze sculptures depicting life and art by American artist Seward Johnson. The exhibition, which contains installations from Johnson’s series entitled Celebrating the Familiar and Beyond the Frame, is on view at McKee through April 27.
General admission rates apply for Street Music Saturday.
The Carousel Organ Association of America (COAA) is dedicated to enjoying, preserving and sharing knowledge of all mechanical musical instruments. For more information, please visit www.coaa.us.
