The Natchez City Cemetery Association invites you to an afternoon of musical and dramatic entertainment at the first annual Serenade in the Cemetery from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, April 22. Enjoy complimentary refreshments as you stroll through the park-like landscape of our historic city cemetery — considered by many to be one of the most beautiful cemeteries in the South.

Revolutionary War veteran Major Isaac Guion, legendary steamboat captain Thomas P. Leathers, and the ill-fated Count Casimir Dembouski are just a few of the cemetery’s more colorful “residents” who will be at Serenade, eager to share their often tragic tales with you. Well-known local storyteller Joan McLemore will also be on hand to entertain you with her fascinating stories about Victorian-era funeral customs.

A highlight of this year’s Serenade will be live music throughout the afternoon by Father Walton and the Funky Friars, the Last Band Standing, Sylvia Johns-Ritchie and the hand bell choir of First Baptist Church.

While enjoying the performances of these talented area musicians, take time to admire John Grady Burns’ stunning floral arrangements on display throughout the cemetery. Burns, an internationally known floral designer and Natchez native, will be at Serenade to autograph copies of his best-selling design books.

For those who believe it’s never too early to start thinking about Christmas, we encourage you to stop by our holiday table where we’ll be taking orders for fresh evergreen wreaths to place at your family gravesite during December.

Before leaving Serenade, we encourage you to pick up a copy of our newly released cemetery driving/walking tour CD and one of our beautiful Serenade T-shirts. Legends of the Natchez City Cemetery, a beautifully illustrated book by local historian and veteran cemetery tour guide Don Estes, will also be on sale.

Parking for Serenade visitors will be available at the Natchez Little Theater parking lot at 319 Linton Ave., with free shuttle service to the cemetery. Limited parking will also be available at the cemetery (2 Cemetery Road).

Don’t miss your opportunity to be a part of this year’s Serenade. Tickets, $15 each, may be purchased at the Natchez Visitor Center (640 S. Canal Street). Call today! 601-446-6345 or 800-647-6724.

We look forward to seeing you at Serenade!

 

Teri D. Tillman is the publicity chairman for Serenade in the Cemetery.