Poets and lovers of poetry will feel like they’re in heaven this weekend with three events dedicated to the high art.
Warming up that expressive vibe will be the “Cowboy Poetry Faceoff.” hosted by the Center for Spiritual Care. This event features Shadd Piehl of North Dakota, and Sean Sexton, who is Indian River County’s Poet Laureate. The event begins 7 p.m. today, May 12 at the Garden Club of Indian River County. The Cowboy Poetry Faceoff is free to attend, but a $10 donation is requested, as are reservations. The Garden Club of Indian River County is at 2526 17th Ave., Vero Beach. Call 772-567-1233.
The next day, Friday, May 13, Shadd Piehl will conduct a “Modern Haiku” workshop. That runs from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Laura Riding Jackson Center, 1914 14th Ave., Vero Beach. Tickets are $45, with discounts available to LRJF members. Call 772-569-6718 or visit Lrjf.org.
The day after that, Saturday, May 14, is the really big deal: the “Best of the West” – the 11th Annual Poetry and BBQ. The Best of the West presents a local poets program beginning 2:30 p.m. Beginning 4 p.m., featured poets take the stage. Those poets include: Andy Wilkinson of Lubbock, Texas, Jerry Brooks of Prescott, Ariz., Shadd Piehl of Mandan, N.D., and Indian River County Poet Laureate Sean Sexton. A southern-style BBQ dinner will be served at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $35. The Best of the West Poetry and BBQ will be held at the Richardson Center, on the campus of Indian River State College, 1656 College Lane, Vero Beach. For more information, call 772-569-6718 or visit Lrjf.org.
A new choir, the Paradise Master Chorale, is forming and its organizers are looking for singers. It has already scheduled its first concert, “A Patriotic Extravaganza,” for July 3. In addition to the newly formed choir, that concert will feature the St. John’s Brass Ensemble and performances by Dr. Jacob Craig and Ryan Kasten, and will be held at St. John of the Cross Catholic Church in Vero Beach. But, if you sing, you can still get involved. The Paradise Master Chorale will begin rehearsals 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, May 15, at the St. John of the Cross Catholic Church, 7590 26th St. All singers are invited to perform. There is no fee to join the group nor is there an audition required. The Chorale is a joint venture between Craig and Kasten, two acclaimed musicians and church music directors. Craig is the director of music and arts at First Presbyterian Church in Vero Beach, and Kasten, an accomplished organist, serves as artistic director of the St. John’s Brass. They both worked on their master’s degrees in choral conducting at Florida State University, which is highly regarded for its music program. They will both assume roles of conductor, accompanist and featured musician. Rehearsals begin at St. John of the Cross on Sunday, May 15, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and all singers are invited to perform. There is no fee to join the group, and no audition required. Call 772-584-9744 or email kasfsu@gmail.com.
Dust off those binoculars and grab your cup of coffee, because you’ve got something different to do Saturday morning, May 14. It’s a Birding Tour organized by the Indian River Land Trust. The Birding Tour starts at 7 a.m. along a 1.5-mile path in a 111-acre protected area. The walk will be led by a knowledgeable birder. You’ll go around a mangrove forest, by ponds and past the lagoon. The tour lasts about 1 ½ hours and all are welcomed, especially families, whether you are an amateur or an experienced birder. In the past, the types of birds which have been spotted include roseate spoonbills, herons, egrets, ospreys, Bald Eagles and warblers. You don’t need to sign up ahead of time, just show up in time. Always wise, though, to check the organization’s website to make sure they haven’t had to cancel because of weather. The Birding Tour begins at the Bee Gum Point Preserve on Fred Tuerk Drive. Visit IRLT.org.
The Vero Beach Historical Walking Ghost Tour is scheduled for 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. this Friday, May 13, at the Driftwood Resort in Vero Beach. The walking tour presents tales from the past and stories of paranormal activities. It is not designed to frighten guests. It begins at the Driftwood Resort, 3150 Ocean Dr. For ticket prices, call 772-633-3955.