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Giving Voice to Grief
Harvesting Memories and Tending Grief
September 29, 7 – 8 PM
Optional Placemaking starts at 6:30pm
A singing and sounding circle led by Lakewood Artist in Residence Sarah M. Greer.
Join Lakewood Artist in Residence, Sarah M. Greer for “Giving Voice to Grief,” an immersive sound and healing experience aligned with the changing seasons. Each one-hour singing session is bookended by a half hour at the beginning and end to transition in and out of the singing ceremony. Participants can arrive at 6:30 to help assemble the communal grounding space (altar) as a sound bath artist plays. All are invited (but not required) to bring a small item – i.e. a photo, book, plant, flower, name on a piece of paper, etc.) to add.
Once the space is made, the group will spend about an hour (7-8pm) singing and holding grief through music and songs. Sarah has a long practice of leading people in spontaneous song-making (Songtaneous) to meet the needs of the moment.
At the session’s close, participants are invited to help clear the communal space. In this way, participants who choose can practice allowing beauty and connections to form, holding them for a time and then releasing them.
This inspiring practice allows grievers to build community and learn to heal through song – together. Previous vocal or music experience is NOT required. Sarah says, “This is not about how well you sing – this is about being in community with other grieving bodies as they literally vibrate around you. This is singing and sounding for every body.”
About Sarah M. Greer
Based in the Twin Cities on Dakota homelands, vocalist Sarah M. Greer (www.sarahmgreer.com) has invented music on local and international stages. An avid singer and song carrier, she developed Giving Voice to Grief to help communities in the Twin Cities come together to hold and transmute our grief over local and global events. Sarah has led her song circle, Songtaneous, since 2006 and teaches singing at Minneapolis College as well as to private students. They are passionate, almost evangelical, about every person’s right to sing and about the power of singing to change the world.
About the Giving Voice to Grief project
In Giving Voice to Grief, Sarah will host four seasonal singing workshops in Lakewood’s historic chapel, inviting the audience to sing through emotions of grief and loss. Each of the four events will have a different theme.
The Historic Lakewood Memorial Chapel
This event takes place in the beautiful and historic Lakewood Memorial Chapel. This visually and sonically impactful building was completed in 1910. It was designed by architect Harry Wild Jones and is modeled after the Hagia Sofia in Istanbul. It is one of the only examples of Byzantine style chapels in the US, and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Click here for more information on the Lakewood Memorial Chapel.
Signs will be posted directing you to the event location or click here for GPS navigation through Google Maps.
FAQs
When should I arrive?
Seating will begin 30 minutes before the event starts.
Do I have to bring printed tickets or use the Eventbrite app?
No, printed tickets are not required and you do not need to use the Eventbrite app. We will have a guest list at the door.
What are my transportation and parking options?
Free parking is available along roads inside the cemetery, including reserved spaces for handicap parking near the chapel. There is a Metro Transit bus stop just outside of Lakewood’s front gates at 36th & Hennepin Ave. It is within walking distance from the chapel (1-2 blocks). If you come by bicycle, use the bike racks near the cemetery’s main gates.
Is the Chapel accessible?
Due to the historic nature of this venue, there are limited accessibility accommodations that can be made. Accessibility notices are below:
Parking: Reserved accessible parking spots are available near the Chapel’s entrance, which has a ramp to the front door.
Seating: All seating is in fixed pews with cushions. Behind the pews, there is space for wheelchairs, but it is limited.
Restrooms: Two single-occupancy washrooms are available on the main level. The chapel’s accessible restroom is located on the lower level. Because there is no elevator and the spiral staircase is not accessible for all guests, one can access the lower restroom from behind the building. Please ask staff for assistance with wayfinding.
We apologize for these inconveniences. While we strive to be welcoming to all, there are limitations within this historic space. If you have further concerns about accessibility, please call us at 612-540-5165 or email events@lakewoodcemetery.org.
What should I bring?
All are invited (but not required) to bring a small item – i.e. a photo, book, plant, flower, name on a piece of paper, etc.) to add to the communal grounding space.
As the seating is in pews, you are also welcome to bring a blanket or small pillow to make yourself a bit more comfortable.
About the Lakewood Heritage Foundation
The Lakewood Heritage Foundation is a proud sponsor of the Lakewood Artist in Residence program. The Lakewood Heritage Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization created to sustain Lakewood as a local treasure by supporting educational programming and the preservation and restoration of Lakewood’s landscape, art, architecture and public spaces—for the benefit of all.
Questions? Email the organizer at events@lakewoodcemetery.org.
