Memorial Weekend, Sunday, May 27th – The One-And-Only
Tim O'Brien

Grammy Award winner and Americana music master Tim O'Brien brings big-time entertainment to the small stage at century-old Bartlett Arboretum.

A bluegrass virtuoso but so much more, O'Brien represents a triple threat: singer, songwriter, instrumentalist extraordinaire. He is the REAL deal, purveyor of style and a legend among Americana musicians. Mark Knopfler described O'Brien as "a master of American folk music, Irish music, Scottish music – it doesn't matter; a fine songwriter and one of my favorite singers."

It adds up to a a dream-come-true concert among the trees in Belle Plaine.

You will not want to miss this event.

Promise.

Gates open at 3. The show starts at 4. Pack a picnic or take advantage of BBQ from the Lyon's Den or Tuscan cuisine from Luciano's at the show. But please – leave the pooch at home.

Just $10 at the gate. Ample lawn seating.

timobrien.net

Mosaic Workshop ~ June 16 & 17

Recycle those heirloom chipped china dishes and broken jewelry into one-of-a kind mosaic art.
This two-day workshop will provide all materials and know-how... plus you will take home a beautiful finished project.
$80 per person which will also include a panini meal.

Three time slots to choose from:
10-12    1-3    4-6

You are welcome to bring your own broken china, jewels, beads, etc. to personalize your creation.
One item to purchase: flat end tile nippers (about $10 at Home Depot or Lowe's... we have a few but you might want your own for future art works.)
Wear old clothes. Prepare to get dirty. Have fun!

For more information contact DeeDee Walters: 913.469.9289 or cwalters@kc.rr.com

More Upcoming Events

June 10 - Darrell Scott
June 17 - Pop & The Boys
Sept 9 - Driven
Sept 30 - Kelly Hunt Band
Oct 21 - Slaid Cleaves
Oct 27 - Feel Like A Natural Woman Retreat

Bluebird

Just released in time for the first robin of spring, five new tunes which continue to celebrate lessons learned from the good earth. Go here for credits and lyrics.

Price: $5 + $3 shipping and handling.

Also Available via iTunes and Amazon MP3.

Songs from the Garden

Robin Macy sings from her heart and from the heartland on a collection of songs that blend sophisticated musicality, lyrics rooted in the black Kansas soil and brilliant accompaniment by an all-star cast. "Songs from the Garden," Robin's first solo effort, draws on all of the forces at her disposal: her strong, other-era voice, gifted songwriting, network of exceptional musician friends and inspiration from Bartlett Arboretum, the bountiful patch of nature she calls home.

Musicians from Nashville to Austin to Portland – Kentucky White, Darol Anger, Chris Searles, Stuart Duncan, Sara Hickman, Monica Taylor and others – stepped forward to help with this project. From the first track's salute to simplicity to the last song's testament to the healing power of digging in the earth, this collection is a tribute to the importance of finding your own roots and following your heart.

Original cover and booklet design by Jo and Craig Tomson perfectly capture Robin's spirit, and that of the music – making this one album that's as visually entrancing as it is musically engaging.

Proceeds exclusively benefit Bartlett Arboretum.

Price: $15 + $3 shipping and handling.

Songs From the Garden may be purchased in the Wichita area at Johnson's Garden Centers. If you prefer, send $18 check or money order to:
Bartlett Arboretum
Post Office Box 871
Belle Plaine, Kansas 67013

Also Available via iTunes and Amazon MP3.

Located 20 miles south of Wichita, the century-old, historic Bartlett Arboretum is home to massive cypress, oaks and champion Japanese maples. For nearly 100 years many generations of Kansans have enjoyed this unique sanctuary once touted as "the only mature arboretum between the Mississippi River and the Rocky Mountains."

In 1910 Dr. Walter Bartlett, a general practitioner from Belle Plaine, purchased about 40 acres of pastureland along a winding stream called the Euphrates Creek. A consummate naturalist, Dr. Bartlett collected waterfowl and minerals, but the hobby that continued throughout his lifetime and into a second century and a fourth generation was his passion for horticulture and his varied collection of trees. In the 1930s the arboretum became an approved government testing ground; the Department of Agriculture sent plants and trees from all over the world to Belle Plaine to see if they could be grown locally. In 1926 the first Tulip Festival was held at the arboretum and it was open each year until 1942 when World War II made it impossible to get help or import bulbs. In celebration of the 1961 Kansas State Centennial the garden was again open to the public and then closed officially for good in the mid-1990s.

In its mature state the arboretum has great educational value. Each year many students of botany visit the grounds. But mostly it remains a haven for wildlife, artists, nature and bird lovers, brides and grooms. The Bartlett Arboretum is privately owned and is not endowed or subsidized. Current steward Robin Macy and her volunteers are in the process of restoring the grounds, rebuilding bridges, removing dead and diseased plant material and trees in an effort to preserve this favorite retreat. Although the property is no longer open daily to the public, Ms. Macy makes the gardens available for educational purposes, concerts on the lawn and for private functions.