Grammy-Nominated Singer Perla Battala to Honor Leonard Cohen at SUNY Potsdam's Crane School of Music with a Full Band in Hosmer Hall
Community Performance Series Presents an Intimate Musical Tribute on Nov. 7, with a Buy-One-Get-One Ticket Offer Now Available
Potsdam, NY (11/03/2026) — Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Perla Batalla will bring her acclaimed tribute to legendary musician Leonard Cohen to SUNY Potsdam's Helen M. Hosmer Concert Hall on Saturday, Nov. 7, at 7:30 p.m. Presented by the Community Performance Series (CPS), the concert will feature Batalla and her full band as the 47th McElheran Visiting Artist.
Marking the tenth anniversary of Cohen's passing, "A Letter to Leonard: Tribute to a Friend" offers a rare, personal perspective on one of music's most influential voices. Through beloved Cohen songs, original compositions and intimate stories, Batalla will celebrate more than two decades of friendship and musical collaboration with the acclaimed poet and songwriter.
Cohen played a pivotal role in Batalla's artistic development, encouraging her to pursue her own songwriting career. Her first tribute album, "Bird on the Wire," was recorded with his blessing and personal involvement, including his participation in recording sessions and promotional photography.
Tickets
As a special thank-you to its supporters, CPS is offering a buy-one-get-one-free ticket promotion. Patrons can use the code BOGOPERLA during checkout to bring a friend for an evening celebrating Cohen's enduring musical legacy.
General admission tickets are $40 for adults, $30 for seniors and military members, and $20 for students and youth, including ticketing fees.
Tickets are available online at cpspotsdam.org/perla-batalla. Virtual box office assistance is available Monday through Friday, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., by calling (315) 267-2277. Walk-up tickets may be purchased at the venue beginning one hour before the performance.
The concert is generously supported by the McElheran Visiting Artist Endowment at the Community Performance Series.
About Community Performance Series:
The mission of the Community Performance Series is to foster a vibrant arts culture at SUNY Potsdam and throughout Northern New York by presenting an annual season of exceptional performances by distinguished artists and musicians. CPS also enriches education by offering high-quality performance classes, internships, workshops, artistic collaborations, and performing arts programs that inspire learning and creativity for students and community members of all ages. For more information, visit www.cpspotsdam.org.
About SUNY Potsdam:
Founded in 1816, The State University of New York at Potsdam is one of America's first 50 colleges -- and the oldest institution within SUNY. Now in its third century, SUNY Potsdam is distinguished by a legacy of pioneering programs and educational excellence. The College currently enrolls approximately 2,500 undergraduate and graduate students. Home to the world-renowned Crane School of Music, SUNY Potsdam is known for its challenging liberal arts and sciences core, distinction in teacher training and culture of creativity. To learn more, visit www.potsdam.edu.
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Media Attachments
Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Perla Batalla shares a moment with her longtime friend and musical collaborator Leonard Cohen. Batalla will honor the legendary musician with a special tribute concert at SUNY Potsdam’s Crane School of Music on Saturday, Nov. 7, marking the tenth anniversary of his passing. (Photo credit: Nancy Santullo)
Perla Batalla has performed on renowned stages around the world, including the Sydney Opera House and Kennedy Center, and collaborated with artists such as Nick Cave, Rufus Wainwright and Jackson Browne. She will perform as part of the Fall 2026 Community Performance Series season, presented at The Crane School of Music. (Photo courtesy of Perla Batalla)
Community Performance Series will host Perla Batalla and her band for "A Letter to Leonard: A Tribute to a Friend," on Saturday, Nov. 7 at 7:30 p.m., in the Helen M. Hosmer Concert Hall at SUNY Potsdam's Crane School of Music. For tickets, visit cpspotsdam.org.