Leonard Cohen | photo courtesy of the Gershman Y
Celebrate the work of Leonard Cohen in music and spoken word at the Gershman Y
It’s been six months since the passing of legendary songwriter Leonard Cohen, and it’s no doubt that his influence and inspiration will continue to live on through artists for years to come. To pay tribute to such an important figure, the Gershman Y is presenting An Evening of Leonard Cohen at the Y’s Levitt Auditorium on Thursday, May 18th.
The event will begin with a Philadelphia Jewish Film Festival screening of the 45-minute documentary, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN… MR. LEONARD COHEN, followed by readings from spoken-word artists Jacob Winterstein, Sarah Bloom, Otter Jung-Allen, and Natalie Anderson, interspersed alongside sets by local musicians.
Dick Rubin of Philly dance-rock group MINKA will highlight the quieter side of his persona, as well as his classical training in piano, to perform “Famous Blue Raincoat” and “So Long Marianne.” Later in the night, Rubin will switch gears and bring a jam-filled after-party to The Barbary. Also performing at the Cohen tribute event will be jazz vocalist Sharon Sable, accompanied by E. Shawn Qaissaunee. The duo are pros at Cohen covers, and will being “Hallelujah” and “Bird on a Wire” to the Y. Capping off the night will be bluesy rock four-piece TJ Kong & the Atomic Bomb, who will bring the show to a lively close.
Don’t miss out on this wonderful tribute of the late great Leonard Cohen. Listen to an intimate performance of “Suzanne” below to prep for the show, and find info on tickets here.