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Datebook: April 3 - Jesse James Killed by Robert Ford 130 Years Ago

Jesse James was an American outlaw, gang leader, bank robber, train robber, and murderer from Missouri and the most famous member of the James-Younger Gang. Already a celebrity when he was alive, he became a legendary figure of the Wild West after his death, on April 3, 1882. Some recent scholars place him in the context of regional insurgencies of ex-Confederates following the American Civil War rather than a manifestation of frontier lawlessness or alleged economic justice. Despite popular portrayals of James as a Robin Hood character, robbing the rich and giving to the poor, there is no evidence that he and his gang used their gains for charity. On April 3, 1882, Jesse James was killed by fellow gang member Robert Ford, hoping to collect the reward for James' head. Instead, Ford and his brother were charged with murder, but soon pardoned by the Governor and went on to perform a touring stage show that reenacted the shooting.

It’s Tuesday, April 3

The University of Tennessee at Martin Piano Ensemble will give a concert tonight.  The free concert features a wide variety of musical selections for four and eight hands, including works by Poulenc, Gershwin, and Bach.  The performance will be at 7:30 at Trinity Presbyterian Church, located at 145 Hannings Lane in Martin. 

The American Red Cross holds a blood drive tomorrow at the Baptist Campus Ministries House, located at 800 Waldrop Street on the campus of Murray StateUniversity.  Double red cell donations will be accepted.  Schedule an appointment and learn more at redcrossblood.org.

Land Between the Lakes offers a “Signs of the Spring Season” Hike on Thursday at 11AM.  Meet at the Nature Station for a guided hike in search of the signs of spring.  Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring an extra layer for a cool spring morning.  The hike is free with admission to the Nature Station.  For more information, visit lbl.org.

See details about community events at wkms.org, and thanks for listening.

Kala Dunn is a native of Princeton, Ky. She’s a 2006 graduate of the Interlochen Arts Academy with a concentration in flute performance and a 2010 graduate of Murray State University with a B.M. in piano performance. She lives in Hamlin, Ky.
Matt Markgraf joined the WKMS team as a student in January 2007. He's served in a variety of roles over the years: as News Director March 2016-September 2019 and previously as the New Media & Promotions Coordinator beginning in 2011. Prior to that, he was a graduate and undergraduate assistant. He is currently the host of the international music show Imported on Sunday nights at 10 p.m.
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