I get out; I hear things. Some of those things are (IMHO) best kept behind closed doors, while others should be printed in the River Reporter for all the world to see. This is one of those things, and it’s called Sullivan Sings.

I’d heard those words bandied about while schmoozing at one event or another over the last few months, and that Sullivan County newcomer Cris Spinner was behind it—but what it was, was an unknown. Intrigued, I called Cris and asked for details. 

“Early in 2023 I had an idea,” Spinner said when asked. “What if I could create a chorus out of a group of musicians who live here, produce a song and a video with them and use it to raise money for the homeless and food insecure in our county? I contacted my friend Steve Schwartz of Steve’s Music Center in Rock Hill to brainstorm, and asked him if he would help me with the project and assist in choosing an organization to benefit from the project.

“Very quickly we decided on the Sullivan County Federation for the Homeless. Steve and I put our heads together and I set about sending texts, emails and messages to everyone we could think of, and Sullivan Sings was born. It wasn’t long before we had formed a sizable group of singers and a five piece band.”

Spinner, a retired music teacher and vocalist in her own right, has had a home here since 2013 and made the move permanent close to five years ago. She immediately immersed herself in the local music scene and created bonds with musicians from all corners of the county. 

Selecting a song to secure the rights to and produce came next. “I chose Todd Rundgren’s ‘Love Is the Answer’ for this project. It was recorded in 1979 by England Dan and John Ford Coley, and the sentiment seemed fitting.

“Everyone volunteered their time.” Cris said. “After months of preparation, Gregory Fiske [Hard Drive Recording] recorded and filmed the final product. The Center for Discovery [CFD] provided us with rehearsal space and The Michael Ritchie Big Barn for the recording. CFD also made staff available for anything we needed, including lighting and sound assistance. In order to make the song widely available, we decided to sell digital downloads of the recording online, with one hundred percent of the proceeds going to the Federation.” 

A few weeks ago, Sullivan Sings kicked off its fundraiser with a performance at Dutch’s open mic in Rock Hill and I reached out to several of them after the performance for their thoughts.

“I’m incredibly proud to have been asked to be part of this project.” Lee B Karasik told me. “There’s no better feeling than being able to give back [through music] to those in the community who might be less fortunate or struggling—especially during the holiday season.”  

Singer Teri Paris concurred. “It was thrilling to be a part of Sullivan Sings; hope this is the start of something big!” 

“Hats off to everyone who shared their time and talent to make this a reality,” the Federation’s Kathy Kreiter enthused. “The feeling in the room when we recorded was nothing short of pure magic.”  

Others shared Kreiter’s sentiments. Educator Joana Dutcher had this to say: “Being a teacher in Monticello, I see all the good that the Federation for the Homeless has done for our families and our community. I participated in this project to help a wonderful organization continue to provide their services.”

“Kudos to Cris Spinner for coming up with the wonderful idea of this recording to benefit the homeless,” actor/singer Mark McGrath stated in an email. “We need more people like her! I was honored to be part of ‘Sullivan Sings’ and to add my voice with all of the other talented singers for such a worthy cause. Thank You!”

Vocalist Laura Garone chimed in, saying she is “thankful I was a part of such a magical and rewarding experience!”

“When Cris first came to me with this idea, I was a little skeptical,” Spinner’s “aide-de-camp,” Steve Schwartz, candidly admitted in response to my query. “Antoinette [Sorrentino] and I spoke about all the moving parts and how tough it would be to choreograph all of this. But with Cris’ exceptional leadership skills and energy… and the great attitudes of all the singers and musicians involved, Sullivan Sings really came together. I think the outcome exceeded everyone’s expectations… and it was great to see the musical community do something for one of the most worthy organizations in the area.”

Added chorus member Joanna M. Gass, “Cris Spinner has spent her entire life using music as a tool for comfort and joy. She inspires me every day to do the same.”

We too, can play a part in Sullivan Sings, because every penny makes a difference at the Sullivan County Federation for the Homeless. For just $5, (feel free to donate more!) one can download a recording of “Love is the Answer,” and it’s so easy to do that I didn’t need help from That Dog Named Gidget, who was born tech-savvy. “Anyone can do it,” she said with an arf. “Even you.”  

As for what’s in store next for Cris Spinner and Co.? Stay tuned. 

To make a donation and receive your digital download, visit Sullivan Sings on Bandcamp at www.bit.ly/3NBNzcv.