About the project ...The Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association encouraged musicians throughout the 11,000-mile middle Susquehanna watershed (including all areas that feed into the North and West branches of the river) to share songs inspired by the river for our first Songs of the Susquehanna project.
We wanted to provide musicians an opportunity to showcase their music after a tough year of pandemic-cancelled gigs. We are also looking to engage new people about the benefits and needs of our river and its tributaries. We received 58 song submissions from a wide variety of artists, genres and topics. Musicians obviously put a lot of time and effort into this project -- a good reason to support their work by donating via the form in the right column and listening to their work to help us develop the most engaging playlist possible. Help us evaluate songsPlease take some time to listen to the following songs and then use the form at the bottom of this page to provide your feedback. Please note that this is not a competition -- everyone has a different opinion of what makes a song resonate well. We are looking for impactful songs that inspire people to care about our waterways. We want pieces that people will want to listen to over and over and share with their friends.
Songs were uploaded in a random order and artist names have not been included at this time so each piece can be assessed on its individual merit. Please note that these songs are copyrighted material of the artists who submitted them and are not available to download for personal use. The deadline for feedback on these songs is Monday, Feb. 28, 2022. Please share the link and encourage your friends to help us develop our most impactful final playlist! ** Those who take the time to provide feedback on the following songs using the form below will be entered to win a pair of tickets to the Susquehanna Greenway Partnership's World Tour Paddling Film Festival at the Campus Theatre in Lewisburg on April 9 -- along with a few other random prizes. Learn more about the festival here. |
Donate: Help musicians, Riverkeeper AssociationDonations specifically to the Songs of the Susquehanna project will be used to cover costs for the project (creating CDs/albums) and the rest will be divvied up among musicians whose songs make the the final playlist -- as a way to offset a tough year of lost gigs.
Donations specifically for the Songs of the Susquehanna project will be accepted through Feb. 28 using the form below.
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INSTRUMENTAL SONGS ...
SONGS WITH LYRICS ...
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Feedback on the project:"The river can be a metaphor for life, because life can be like a river. It ebbs and flows. Sometimes the river is calm and other times it's turbulent and destructive. These song writers use water as a metaphor to express what the river means to them. Some feel a joyful connection to the river and to others its more of a spiritual and emotional connection. They are using music as an incredible vehicle to express their life experiences." -- Ted DiCola, Selinsgrove
"Nice repertoire of songs that hit home at the River! Funny, historical, sentimental, quirky, sweet and cool! This is a beautiful project that sheds light on the preservation of our naturally wonderful resources in nature and in humanity!" -- Karen Meeks, Millersburg "I enjoy listening to last year's CD and look forward to listening to this year's project. I was disappointed last year's Hiawatha performance had to be canceled, and I hope there is an opportunity to hear some of these songs performed live." -- Judy Robertson, Williamsport "Excellent contributions! I really enjoyed the blend of genres and a few unexpected elements. Many of the songs resonated with me because of their familiarity to my own experiences." -- Kyra Smith-Cullen, Danville "This is a great project and opportunity for local artists. It was fun to hear the variety of music. Impressive and refreshing to have so many entries." -- Kristen, Factoryville "What resonated the most with me about these songs were the coming together of different aspects of songwriting- excellent heartfelt lyrics, good melodic structures, a passion for the Susquehanna River, thoughtful arrangements and just something about these songs that connected with me on a more spiritual level. I am amazed at the amount of talent and passion shown in all 58 songs that were submitted for the 2022 Songs of the Susquehanna project. I really do like every song on the list and as a songwriter myself I so appreciate the effort put forth by so many diverse artists. There are so many different styles of music here. It was a very difficult task to choose just 10 of my favorites. They are all great. And I also want to acknowledge John Zaktansky and all the others who had the vision and have worked so hard and carried on the project and idea into a second album of river songs. Thank you!" -- Don Shappelle, Wilkes Barre "Thank you to the talented musicians who participated. This is a unique and thoughtful way of raising funds and awareness of the need to care for our environment so that it exists for future generations." -- Linda Kibbe "What a great project! Something for everyone in the collection of entries. Variation among the instrumentals and harmonies in the vocals make for very enjoyable listening. Some listeners may pause and reflect, others may get up and dance. Music should do that for us!" -- Roselyn Hibbard, Montrose "It is a wonderful project, especially for a lover of songs as a way to express important messages and emotions. Great job!" -- Kathryn Maloney, Myrtle Beach "The songs I enjoyed reminded me of fishing from the banks with my Dad, camping with friends, dreaming with a high school sweetheart, or just returning to PA and seeing the first Susquehanna River sign. (The project) is a wonderful idea. There is so much history that the region could benefit from." -- Sara Roote, Tunkhannock "I love the original songs that were submitted. Many were very creative in sharing their experiences or knowledge of the river." -- Janette Berge, Lewisburg "It is nice to bring attention to the river and how much the river means to everyone." -- Geraldine Kijowski "I was very impressed after hearing the 2021 CD. Thank you, musicians, for all you do to brighten our lives!" -- Walter Scott Schell, Williamsport PA "All these works are thoughtfully performed and executed. It’s becoming a wonderful annual tradition. Was glad it’s in place again this year!" -- David Phillips, Sunbury PA "The vocals were clear, and catchy. The songs pertain to the river. I like the variety. What a lot of talent we have in this area!" -- Merrily Frey, South Williamsport PA "Great notion as a fundraiser for folks doing good work." -- Frank Hemingway, Viroqua WI "Instrumentals created a memorable mood. Songs with lyrics were well performed and told a vivid story. It's a wonderful project. Do it again, and again and again!" -- John Fries, Shamokin Dam "This is a great way to create interest in both nature and arts in Central PA." -- Jane Dent, Lock Haven "What a glorious mix of expression. Something for everyone. National sounds sandwiched with great heart and intent of growing songwriters." -- Flora Eyster, Sunbury "There was definitely a wonderful variety created by very talented musicians. The Songs of the Susquehanna project helps people think about the river more and its impact on our lives." -- Margaret Toluba, Mifflinburg "The collection of local talent is phenomenal. Thanks to all the musicians for sharing their enjoyable songs with us! Great idea for a fundraiser and to offer a showcase for local musicians." -- Melodie Schmouder, Williamsport "I am looking forward to CD #2." -- Gail Landers, Williamsport |