April is National Poetry Month and in celebration, the Laura (Riding) Jackson Foundation announces its 12th Annual Poetry and Barbeque event to be held on Saturday, April 22nd at Indian River State College Richardson Center on Mueller Campus next to the historic LRJF Home in Vero Beach. This year’s theme, “Tying the Knot: When Poets Marry” features Poets David Kirby and Barbara Hamby of Tallahassee, Florida and Poets Jim May and Chelsea Rathburn of Macon, Georgia. This main event begins at 2:30pm with student and local poet readings. There will be a half hour break and the Featured Poets take the stage at 4:00. The program concludes with a delicious Southern BBQ dinner, meet the author book-signings, and raffle of fabulous items, including meals at area restaurants, visits to resorts, Arts and handmade gifts, etc. There will also be live entertainment. Tickets are $35 and include dinner. For tickets and information, go to LRJF.org
The poetry celebration weekend kicks off Thursday, April 20 with “Collaboration,” an evening program scheduled at the Garden Club of Indian River County at 2526 27th Avenue in Vero Beach, Fl 32960 with married Poet/Artists Sean Sexton/Sharon Sexton and Poets David Kirby and Barbara Hamby in humorous conjugal discussion and readings, 7:00—8:30pm. This event is sponsored by The Center for Spiritual Care in continuing liaison with our Foundation. Tickets are $10.00 at door and include a Wine and hors d’ oeuvres reception to follow with an RSVP to 772.567.1233.
Friday, April 21, an Adult Writer’s Workshop will be led by David Kirby and Barbara Hamby at. LRJF Writing Center 1914 14th Avenue in Vero Beach from 9:30am – 12:30pm. Tickets are $40 LRJF members and $50 non-members and can be purchased at lrjf.org.
Also, Friday, April 21, Teen Writer’s Workshops will be taught by Married Poets Jim May and Chelsea Rathburn at local area schools. For more information, contact LRJF.org. This supports LRJF continuing mission to promote and nurture creative writing in our community.
On Sunday, April 23, a Veteran’s Writing Workshop will be led by Jim May and Chelsea Rathburn from 9:00 – 11:30 at the LRJF Writing Center at 1914 14th Avenue in Vero Beach. Veterans and their families are invited to take part in a veterans-only writing workshop. To register, please visit lrjf.org.
The Laura (Riding) Jackson Foundation, (in its 30th year as a local non-profit tax exempt 501 c organization), 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.