Floral Larceny

In Lawrence, Kansas, hidden beneath a breakfast restaurant, lies a classy yet unassuming speakeasy called John Brown’s Underground. It’s one of my absolute favorite places to visit while in town, as they offer an array of unique drinks. One night while there with friends after a concert, I was introduced to a smoke-infused bourbon drink invented by the server. She called it a Floral Larceny. The drink and presentation were perfect: smokey, rich bourbon with delicate lavender. I asked if I could borrow the name as the experience had just inspired a new work, and thus, Floral Larceny the opener was born!

Alternate Program Note:

Nectar can simply be defined as a “delicious drink.” In flowers, nectar is a sugary fluid that attracts various insects and small animals. In turn, these bees, butterflies, birds, and bats aid in reproduction as they inadvertently transport pollen while dining on nectar. However, it is also possible to reach a flower’s nectar without encountering its pollen. This method of extraction usually involves a forcible entrance (e.g., biting a hole in the base of the flower) and has been given the term, “floral larceny.” What all of this has to do with music is anyone’s guess, I suppose; I simply thought it would make an incredible title!