Refrains among the flora

Sep. 2—Under the influence of his father, George, who would take young Dana Cooper to Kansas City's Calico Cat and listen to Hank Williams and Ernest Tubb on the jukebox, the aspiring pop and folk musician found his calling. Writing his own songs by age 13, he'd go on to perform regularly at Missouri venues from age 16 on, and he cut his first record deal in 1973 (Elektra Records' Dana Cooper). In the years since, he's collaborated with prominent musicians, such as country singer Lyle Lovett and contemporary Irish folk singer Maura O'Connell, and his 1997 album, Miracle Mile (Compass Records), was nominated for Best Pop Album at the Nashville Music Awards.

Cooper, who's known for his angelic voice and powerful and poetic songwriting, plays live at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 7, as part of the Santa Fe Botanical Garden's Sunset Concert Series. Visitors can bring a picnic lunch and take in the music in an idyllic garden setting. Tickets are $7 (children under 12 are free). Purchase tickets in advance at santafebotanicalgarden.org. Use of face masks is encouraged.

Santa Fe Botanical Garden, 715 Camino Lejo, 505-471-9103, santafebotanicalgarden.org