Music & Poetry Along the River Mini-Concerts

Poet Adrian Dunn reading her poem about the Hoosic River in her backyard.

The Hoosic River Watershed Association has commenced with our mini-concerts along the River. This is part of the Music & Poetry Along the River project whereby poets, singers, and musicians in the Hoosic River Watershed, having been inspired by the Watershed, will perform a mini-concert along the River. Each mini-concert will be videotaped by our summer intern Lucas Forman and posted to HooRWA’s YouTube channel for all to enjoy! Like and check out our Facebook and Instagram pages for dates and times to see the artists in person perform their inspired piece. Additionally, on Thursday, August 24 at 5:30pm join HooRWA and all the artists for a concert on the lawn at The Spruces in Williamstown.  And if you are an artist would like to get involved in this project we still have slots available  – read on…

Details about Music & Poetry Along the River

The Hoosic River Watershed Association (HooRWA) invites poets and musicians in the Hoosic River Watershed to find inspiration and craft a poem, song, or instrumental piece about and for the Hoosic River and/or its tributaries. Upon completion of the work, artists will coordinate with HooRWA and both parties will invite the community to a mini-concert whereby the artist will recite or play their piece and have it videotaped by HooRWA’s intern. This digital performance will be uploaded to HooRWA’s social media channels for all to enjoy. Artists maintain full rights to their material and are encouraged to share their work.

Artists of all ages and abilities will be screened by first providing an original piece for review. This piece does not have to be published, simply to demonstrate that your form of expression is authentic and earnest.

HooRWA’s intention is to help connect people to the Watershed through the medium of art. Music and poetry can inspire new perspectives on the beauty, tenacity, and fragility of the Watershed and why it is vital to protect the natural habitats in which we live and share space with wildlife. These mediums offer a heart-felt way to learn about and connect with the environment. In this age where information is at the click of a button, music and poetry offer a pause so as to deepen understanding and experience on a fully embodied level. HooRWA hopes that this project will promote discussion on the value of natural and recreational resources and ways the public can enjoy and protect the Hoosic River Watershed.

Additionally, this project will provide an avenue for artistic expression for local poets and musicians and to help their work shine in the public realm. Recognizing the importance of valuing an artist’s work, HooRWA will provide $100 stipends to the first 20 participating artists as a token of appreciation and honoring of the artists’ gifts to the world.

This program is supported in part by a grant from the Cultural Council of Northern Berkshire, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency. Additional sponsorship opportunities are available for interested businesses.

Artists and sponsors are encouraged to contact HooRWA at office@hoorwa.org for more information.

Sponsors, please see HERE HooRWA’s sponsorship opportunities to engage and sponsorship levels.

A culminating in-person concert featuring the artists is planned for Thursday, August 24, 2023 at 5:30pm at The Spruces in Williamstown, MA. Enjoy walks along the River and through the Pollinator Garden before or after the concert. Bring-your-own lawn chair or blanket. Picnickers are welcome.