Minneapolis is known for its vibrant music scene, and one of the most unique places in the city to hear an eclectic range of local musicians is Lakewood’s Music in the Chapel concert series. These popular concerts showcase a variety of folk, classical, jazz, and vocal groups and take place in Lakewood’s historic Byzantine mosaic Memorial Chapel. The stunning chapel, the centerpiece of Lakewood, was completed in 1910 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Unique performances in a one-of-a-kind space
Katy Vernon, a self-described “ukulele songbird” and “singer of sad songs on a happy instrument,” will be September’s featured Music in the Chapel artist.
Since childhood, Vernon has been defined by two key characteristics: her lifelong passion for songwriting, and the grief of losing both her parents at a young age. Her mother died when she was 12, and her dad passed away five years later.
Consequently, exploring grief has been a significant part of Vernon’s songwriting journey. “You navigate life from a place of loss and sadness, and a huge part of my life has been figuring out how to talk about my experience without having to comfort other people,” Vernon explains.
About twelve years ago, Vernon struggled with songwriter’s block. While attending a concert, Vernon was mesmerized by the artist’s ukulele playing, and within half an hour of trying the instrument, she’d written a song. “It really clicked for me that I didn’t have to be so serious or self-conscious about my deep emotions,” she says. “I thought, this actually sounds really good.”
Vernon’s husband finds her bio line about sad songs a bit misleading, as her current repertoire focuses more on finding joy and connection through her music. “It’s hard to feel sad when you listen to a ukulele,” she says, “because it has that cute little bounce.”
Vernon looks forward to playing at Lakewood, the final resting spot of arguably the world’s best-known ukulele player, Tiny Tim, who is memorialized in Lakewood’s Memorial Mausoleum. Vernon anticipates that both the unconventional space of a cemetery and the unique space of the chapel will perfectly complement her music.
An array of artists
In addition to Katy Vernon, the 2025 Music in the Chapel Series features a diverse lineup, including LAAMAR, a band that plays a mix of folk, soul, R&B and country, who will kick off the series in April. Other groups include vocal artists Cantus in June and Heartfelt in July. In November, the Makam Baklava Band, which celebrates cultural harmony through the rich musical traditions of Turkey, Bulgaria, and the Balkans, will perform. The series concludes in December with a holiday performance by soft rock/jazz musician Sarah Morris.
Learn more and purchase tickets for all concerts now.
