Songs of the Susquehanna Benefit Concert Cruise just $15 a ticket for two-hour Sept. 25 fundraising event

​Update as of Sept. 24, 2021: Due to high water issues at the Hiawatha boat dock, our Sept. 25 Songs of the Susquehanna Benefit Concert Cruise has been cancelled. Check back soon for details about new concert opportunities in the spring and fall of 2022.

In May of 2019, Luzerne County musician Don Shappelle received an invitation to develop a river song aboard the Hiawatha Paddleboat near Williamsport for the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Floating Classroom series.
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“I went into it with a few ideas, but basically had about 45 minutes to write a song with about 40 to 50 kids and their parents,” he said. “We got a song out of it – ‘A Happy River is a Clean River’ – and it was so much fun.”

The excitement of the kids helped fuel the creative process for Shappelle.

“They were all so into it, and well aware of the situation with clean water and pollution. They all wanted to add something to this song,” he said. “I just thought it was really cool.”

Shappelle will return to the Hiawatha this Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021, from 6-8 p.m., to perform with three other local musicians for the 2021 Songs of the Susquehanna Benefit Concert Cruise.

​Check out a preview of Don Shappelle's Song of the Susquehanna submission, "A Happy River is a Clean River":

Gary Gyekis, Hannah Bingman and Steve Hulslander will round out the musicians who will share music during the two-hour program, which is sponsored by the Rusty Rail Brewing Company out of Mifflinburg.

Tickets cost $15, with all proceeds going back to the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association.

"What a cool way to usher in the fall season than listening to some incredible musicians share their river-inspired songs while cruising on the river aboard the Hiawatha," said Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper John Zaktansky. "We value the effort musicians across the region put into this project, and we are excited to show off their great talent while raising awareness about the river and enjoying the evening together."