Article by Source Staff
The kilts will be flying across the square as Jacksonville prepares to celebrate its first annual “Bobby Burns Night” on January 26th, a lively commemoration of Scottish poet Robert Burns birthday.
The free event will begin at Our Town Books on the Jacksonville Square, then follow the sound of Ken Bradbury’s bagpipes to the Pine Tree Studio where the kilt-clad guests (and those wearing pants) will be treated to a Burns fest of poetry and song.
Scots-for-the-Night performers include Robert Seufert, Bob Large, Tyler Stephenson, and Terri Benz. Seufert, the event organizer, said, “Robert Burns’ birthday is celebrated all over the world so we thought Why Not Jacksonville?”
The various performers have been brushing up on their brogues in preparation for what should be a high-spirited evening of fun celebrating Scotland’s famous son. The poetry of Robert Burns is a favorite of many of the evening’s entertainers. Local actor Bob Large said he looks forward to reprising a bit of Burns poetry that he performed for ten years at Lincoln’s New Salem as a part of the Bob Crowe/Ken Bradbury production of Abraham. “I never get tired of Burns,” said Large. “Every night when I did ‘To a Wee Mouse’ I’d hear the laughter in the audience.”
Along with a short program of Burns songs and poetry, a new poem will be presented by Ken Bradbury, “MacMurray’s Skirt.” The story of a fictional Scotsman from Jacksonville is taken from an upcoming book by Bradbury and Jacksonville’s Steve Varble.
It’s fun, it’s free, and no reservations are needed. Audience members are encouraged to break out any bit of plaid that they may own, and come join the haggis & scotch crowd for an evening of pure celebration.
This sounds like a fun night.