Music in the Chapel: Peter Pisano

The Music in the Chapel series showcases an eclectic range of performers and local musicians. Immerse yourself in the acoustic and visual charms of Lakewood’s historic Memorial Chapel as we welcome Dan Israel for this special performance.

Peter Pisano is a Minneapolis-based songwriter and vocalist, best known as the voice and guitarist of indie folk band Peter Wolf Crier. With that project, he released three albums on Jagjaguwar, appeared on NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert series, and saw his songs featured on television shows including Shameless and Fear the Walking Dead, as well as on international radio such as BBC Radio 6 Music.

After an intense stretch of touring and recording, Pisano stepped away from the music industry, moving to Toronto to teach English, psychology, and anthropology at a college preparatory school. That period functioned as a kind of musical hermitage, giving him time to reconsider what songwriting and performance might be in his life.

Returning to the Twin Cities in 2016, he reconnected with longtime collaborators from K*ll the Vultures and No Bird Sing and co-founded Mafic Ocean, an artist-led interdisciplinary studio that creates multi-sensory experiences for public and commercial spaces, including work with cultural institutions such as the Minneapolis Institute of Art. Within Mafic Ocean he began a new body of work with producer Stephen Lewis, writing folk-rooted songs arranged with custom-built instruments, choral textures, and ambient sound design.

In recent years, Pisano has immersed himself in Gregorian chant, choral singing, and classical repertoire, alongside a deep study of poetry. These investigations in voice, notation, and text have reshaped his approach to melody and language.

For Lakewood Cemetery’s Music in the Chapel series, Pisano will perform solo, sharing songs from this new chapter in an intimate acoustic setting. Lyric handouts will be provided, inviting listeners into the poetry at the center of the work.

This event takes place in the beautiful and historic Lakewood Memorial Chapel. This stunning building was built in 1910 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.

Questions? Call the Lakewood events line at 612-540-5165 or email [email protected].

Is this concert all ages?

Yes, all ages are welcome.

When should I arrive?

Arrive any time after 2 PM before the 3 PM show. Doors open at 2 PM to allow guests ample time to enjoy the art and architecture of Lakewood’s historic Memorial Chapel.

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 [email protected].

There is a coat rack available, and you may bring a water bottle. (There is a water dispenser available inside the building, too.) Please do not bring pets, food or drinks other than water.

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