The Green-Wood Cemetery series of concerts featuring boundary-breaking performers continues in its historic Catacombs this summer, curated by acclaimed experimental singer, songwriter, and Broadway star Gelsey Bell.
Dating back to the 1850s, when they were established as an affordable alternative to traditional burial spaces, the Catacombs are rarely open to the public—except for these special programs. The acoustic quality of this cavernous, underground space makes it a truly original and atmospheric stage.
This spring, the season featured performances with Bell, along with improvisers Miguel Frascnoni (glass instruments), Sara Schoenbeck (bassoon), Erik Ruin (paper-cut artist and shadow puppeteer), and Palestinian Kanun (Mediterranean Zither) player and composer Firas Zreik.
On Wednesday, July 6th, and Thursday, July 7th, eddy kwon will display their unique brand of interdisciplinary performance art, which explores transformation and transgression, ritual practices and mythology. Their art is inspired by American experimentalism, as shaped by the Associate for the Advancement of Creative Musicians as well as Korean folk timbres and inflections, textures, and movements from natural environments.
On Wednesday, August 10th, and Thursday, August 11th, Zeena Parkins will bring their pioneering electro-acoustic style to the Catacombs. Parkins has designed a series of one-of-a-kind electric instruments and is also a master of modern harp practice.
And then, this fall, on Wednesday, September 21st, and Thursday, September 22nd, free jazz legend William Parker will perform with his blistering improvisational bass. The New York City native has had a prolific career, released over 150 albums, published six books, and influenced countless students, musicians and artists over his decades long career.
Because the Catacombs are deep in the Cemetery, attendees will be transported to and from the Catacombs from Green-Wood’s Main Entrance (25th street and Fifth Avenue) via trolley. There will be two performances each night, at 6:30 and 8pm.
Tickets start at $40, and are $35 for Green-Wood members. Attendees must wear a face covering at all times on the trolley and in the Catacombs. Doors close 30-minutes after the time on their ticket.