It’s been three long years since the Laura (Riding) Jackson Foundation has been able to host its annual fundraiser. The wait is over, and LRJF is proud to host its 11th annual Poetry and BBQ on May 14. In addition to the main event that our community has come to love, there are five other important ways that people can get involved.
On Thursday, May 13 at 7:00, in partnership with the Center for Spiritual Care, Indian River County Poet and beloved renaissance man Sean Sexton will partner up with North Dakota cowboy poet Shadd Piehl for an evening at the Garden Center: Cowboy Poets to Talk Poetry, Swap Stories, and Tell Lies.
On Friday morning from 9:30-12:30, Shadd Piehl will be running a poetry workshop during which he’ll explore the concept of image through modern haiku. Spaces are limited, and tickets are $45. On Friday evening, in partnership with the Community Church of Vero Beach, all three cowboy poets, Shadd Piehl, Jerry Brooks, and Andy Wilkinson will be part of a musical and poetic celebration at 7:00. This event is free.
The main event is the 11th annual Poetry and BBQ Best of the West on Saturday, May 14 from 2:30 – 7:00 when local poets and the three headline cowboy poets will do readings. There will be delicious BBQ on offer, fabulous raffle items, and live entertainment. Tickets are $35 and include dinner. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear these voices, eat well, and have fun!
On Sunday, May 15 from 9:00 – 11:30 at the Writing Center downtown, veterans are invited to take part in a veterans-only writing workshop with Lubbock, Texas cowboy poet Andy Wilkinson. And capping off the four days of extraordinary entertainment is the Community Church of Vero Beach’s jazz vespers at 6:00 where you’ll have a chance to hear music, poetry, and prayer. These two events are free.
The Laura (Riding) Jackson Foundation is the literary heart of our community and is proud and excited to bring such a full offering of literary and musical arts to Vero Beach. For more information about these events and to buy tickets, please visit lrjf.org.
