I've always maintained that music is always better sans flute, unless, of course, you are a classical orchestra or Jethro Tull. Native American-style flutes are a whole different story, its penetrating tone taking on a mysterious, haunting quality that's really quite lovely. If you appreciate the plaintive melodies of Native American flutes, you'll probably want to drop by the Fourth Annual Heart's Breath Flute Extravaganza, a Saturday afternoon fest celebrating Native American culture and music. A assortment of Native American flute players perform, including Dock Green "Silverhawk," Linda Brassell, Benjamin Dehart, Joseph Z, John Prozak and Lydia M. Swystun. Other amusements include a flute-building workshop, and a silent auction and bazaar featuring Native American-themed items. Sat., Aug. 11, 1-5 p.m., Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive N.E., St. Petersburg, free admission (all ages welcome), 727-453-6500, pinellascounty.org/events.
This article appears in Aug 8-14, 2007.