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Print This PageBottles of whiskey, platters of tatties and neeps, bowls of haggis (flown in from Scotland), and bagpipe and fiddle music marked the celebration of Scottish poet Robert Burns’ 253rd birthday Wednesday night at the Irish Pub in downtown Sarasota.
The party, thrown by Georgia Court, owner of Bookstore1Sarasota, was highlighted by an appearance by the poet himself, dashing in fawn knee breeches, russet tails, waistcoat, ruffled jabot, felt hat and tall boots.
“I only own three outfits,” the poet cracked before reading “John Barleycorn” and other poems throughout the evening. “If you didn’t understand my Scottish brogue, so be it.”
Adam Ratner portraying Scottish poet Robert Burns. PHOTO BY SUSAN RIFE
Born Jan. 25, 1759, Burns is regarded as as Scotland’s national poet.
He was the oldest of seven children and the father of several children by multiple women, although, he quipped, “love did not find its way to me.”
He was portrayed at the party by Florida Studio Theatre actor Adam Ratner; he was accompanied by fiddler Greg Holt. Bob Gardner played bagpipes.
” I decided to put the party together as a thank you for the wonderful customers, community partners and good friends who have been so supportive of me in working to get the bookstore up and going in downtown Sarasota,” said Court. “And, besides, I just like a party!”
