A Secret Chord - Celebrating the Songs of Leonard Cohen

About

Join us for an in-depth exploration of lyrics-as-texts along with live music commemorating the poet and musician Leonard Cohen on the 10th anniversary of his death. Local musician, Mark Erelli, will cover well-known and less familiar Cohen tunes. Joining him in a discussion and study of Cohen's writing will be Michael Schwartz, rabbi and educator who has been teaching for the last decade about the profound spiritual, artistic, and cultural references and themes found in Cohen's work. Curious to learn more about Cohen? Check out this selection of titles available through the NOBLE network! About Mark: Mark Erelli is a critically acclaimed American singer-songwriter, producer, and guitarist known for his distinctive blend of rock, folk, and Americana. His music is known for its lyrical depth and intricate instrumentation, drawing influence from classic rock icons. Mark has collaborated with artists including Rosanne Cash, Sheryl Crow, and Anaïs Mitchell; opened for the likes of Marc Cohn, Watchhouse, Josh Ritter, and many others; released fourteen solo albums and three albums with his bluegrass band Barnstar!; and produced two records for GRAMMY-winning artist Lori McKenna. About Michael: Michael Schwartz moved to Melrose five years ago. His experience as a rabbi and as an educator stretches from Israel to Hong Kong, from Belgium to California, and now to the community he serves on the North Shore. He is the founding director of the “Human Rights Beit Midrash” program at the Hebrew University Hillel and editor of the book To Be Continued: Teachings on Parashat HaShavua. He served as Development Director for “Rabbis for Human Rights” and “EcoPeace.” He has led studies about Leonard Cohen's songs for the last ten years, exploring themes of spirituality, inspiration and creativity, love, "names" and others that arise from the oeuvre of Cohen's songs and poems. Sponsored by The Friends of the Melrose Public Library and Temple Beth Shalom.