By Michèle De Meglio
Green-Wood Cemetery will soon be the site of a musical extravaganza. Yep, you read right. On January 21, the cemetery will play host to a trio of innovative rock, jazz and folk musicians. The show is a throwback to the days when Green-Wood was a popular destination for Brooklynites looking for a scenic location for a picnic. When the weather was warm, folks would often head to the cemetery and, while enjoying scrumptious sandwiches, would marvel at Green-Wood’s lush hills and eye-catching monuments. Visitors have long been impressed by the 7-foot-tall statue of the Goddess of Minerva, which maintains a view of the Statue of Liberty and stands on Battle Hill, the location of the first combat of the American Revolution. These stunning surroundings are what have attracted locals to Green-Wood, for which the main entrance is located at 25th Street and Fifth Avenue. Spending a day in Green-Wood “is a glorious experience,” explained Jillann Hertel, producer of the upcoming concert, which has been dubbed “Wintery Slopes.” “There is a sense of the Brooklyn community and peace there.” “Green-Wood is so much more than a cemetery. It was inspiration for Central Park and Prospect Park. People used to go there to be in nature, reflect, relax, be at peace. It is still that kind of park-like experience – nature, grass, ducks, ponds,” she continued. “It is a great place to read, hike, view historical statues and memorials, and get away from the city.” With so much beauty in one area, Green-Wood is a prime spot for entertainment events like “Wintery Slopes,” Hertel said. “It’s a wonderful place for the arts because it is so alive in its peaceful demeanor. The arts, specifically music in this case, attract new visitors as well as long-time supporters, to partake in a living experience within its restful beauty,” she said. “Wintery Slopes” will be held in one of Green-Wood’s most striking structures – its chapel. Made of limestone, the chapel was built at the beginning of 20th century. “The chapel is such a special place, it’s majestic and intimate [and] the perfect locale for the occasional mellow indie rock [concert],” Hertel said. “You have to see it to believe it – ornate details, stained glass.” Taking advantage of the chapel’s unique acoustics will be singer-songwriter Dawn Landes, who has worked with indie veteran Suzanne Vega. “Dawn is amazing, her style is so natural and immediate. She always communicates such an honest performance,” Hertel explained of why she selected Landes for the show. The singer’s ability “to draw the audience in is unparalleled,” she added. “When she sings, the quirky beauty in her songs makes an instant fan out [of] an eclectic mix of audiences. She appears shy and calm yet the power she wields with her voice is brazen.” Joining Landes will be Mark Lesseraux of local rock band the Citizens. Armed with a soulful tenor, Lesseraux’s stage persona has been compared to that of the late Jeff Buckley. “He is a real singer, his range is wide and rich. His songs are completely transforming – they are funny and sad, honest and hopeful. Most importantly, they are all good. This guy can’t write a bad song! His work with the Citizens is proof of that. His solo work is just as engaging,” Hertel said. “He mixes a whimsy with a rawness and comes out soulful and direct.” Rounding out the lineup is Brazz Tree, which blends Celtic, Indian, roots, rock, and jazz music. “Brazz Tree is something you simply must see to understand fully. Think Ella Fitzgerald and Tracy Chapman combined, with a violin in hand, and a deft guitar to accompany her,” Hertel said. Live music and the architectural beauty of Green-Wood Cemetery are expected to make “Wintery Slopes” a night to remember. “The music is stellar quality. There is no padding here, each artist is a must-hear experience,” Hertel said. “And if that weren’t enough, ‘Wintery Slopes’ is in an original space far, far away from the noisy clubs.” “Wintery Slopes” will start at 7 p.m. Chapel doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 and may be purchased at the door. Log onto www.green-wood.com for more details.
