Saturday, June 29, 7-8:30pm, First Unitarian Universalist Church, 93 W. Weisheimer Rd.

We’re all going to die at some point, and the sooner that realization really hits home, the sooner we can live our precious lives to the fullest. With that in mind, please join me as I sing a wide variety of songs about life and death.

Don’t worry. This won’t be a depressing morbid look at death and it won’t include any theological proselytizing either. In fact, the main thrust of the show is that it may actually be liberating when we realize that our inevitable deaths give our lives meaning and open the door for us to be the best that we can be.

Folk songs will be a big part of this program. But there will also be some 1950’s-style oldies-but-goodies, a children’s tune, a dramatic Irish song, and even some country touches. Plus a surprise or two. All with a link to death. Here are some clues: Danny Boy, Pete Seeger, John Prine, Teen Angel, Sarah McLachlan, Shel Silverstein, Eddie Fisher, Phil Ochs, and Satchmo.

Our fast-paced lives and electronic gadgets often help us avoid even thinking about death. But at this concert, we’ll try to slow down and do something different. With a smile, a laugh, a story, and a tear or two, we’ll acknowledge death. And we’ll celebrate life.

Admission is free. We’ll simply “pass the hat” for donations. I’ll be splitting the proceeds with the Funeral Consumers Alliance of Central Ohio, the sponsor of this concert.

This group encourages people to plan their funerals and memorials in advance, so that they can be exactly what they want, more affordable, and not subject to financial manipulation in a time of sorrow and loss. More than 1,300 central Ohioans are members of this non-profit group.

For more information, please contact me at 614-263-3851 or at billcohen@columbus.rr.com.