Virtual concert benefits waterways

SOUTHERN VERMONT - The Southeastern Vermont Watershed Alliance presents a virtual benefit concert available for viewing on Saturday, July 24, at 7 pm.  Donations will support SeVWA’s ongoing effort to monitor, preserve, and restore the waterways that make southern Vermont so special.  
The three-set fundraiser will feature Norfolk, VA, folk musicians Bob Zentz and Jeanne McDougall Zentz; Newfane’s own Veronica Stevens; and southeastern Vermont’s newest musical duo, the honeycreepers.     
Through music, Bob and Jeanne McDougall Zentz have played an active role in bringing attention to the health of the earth’s water resources. Bob  Zentz spent two years as a crew member and performer aboard the late Pete Seeger’s Hudson River sloop, the Clearwater. His recording of his own  composition, “Horizons,” was selected to be included on a 2006 tribute to environmental author and pioneer Rachel Carson, entitled “Songs for the Earth.” His and Jeanne MacDougall Zentz’s “Shipmates” is a collection of water-themed songs, including traditional chanteys, sea songs, and nautical poetry. MacDougall Zentz’s recent book and CD, “The Waters,” is a collection of texts and tunes she wrote about the many “watery places” they have visited.  Together, they will teach the powerful role that music can have in bringing people together for a good cause and a good time.  Learn more about Bob and Jeanne at bobzentz.com
Stevens is a well-known performer on stages throughout Windham County. She is probably best-known for her ukulele performances at the Vermont Ukulele Harvest Festival, opening for the headliners since the festival’s inception in 2017. Stevens is also an actor, drummer, jazz vocalist, and visual artist.  Her drawings were recently selected for the Vermont Arts Council “I Am Gallery” of 2021. Whether drumming in a Brazilian samba band, starring in the Rock River Player’s production of “The Fantasticks,” or playing a Bach toccata on her ukulele, the style, the smile, and the energy are always pure Stevens. Learn more about her at  sites.google.com/view/veronica-stevens/about.
The honeycreepers are the musical fusion of vocalist Kelsea Burch, who dabbles on bass, and guitarist Matt Shea, who dibbles in vocals. The duo formed in 2012 while living on a farm in Hawaii and finally landed in the Green Mountain state after nearly a decade of exploration and music. Their latest self-produced release, 2020’s “Harborless,” takes the listener on a journey over vast waters, sometimes still but often unpredictable, in search of a place to call home. To listen, visit thehoneycreepers.bandcamp.com.
Those who enjoy kayaking, tubing or walking a riverside trail, who have a favorite fishing or swimming hole, or who simply appreciate the natural beauty of Vermont’s scenic waterways, can show appreciation to the organization that strives to keep them healthy by making a donation to the Southeastern Vermont Watershed Alliance. The performers have volunteered their time and talent, ensuring that all donations will go directly to monitoring and preserving southern Vermont’s treasured waterways.  
For concert links and donation information go to https://www.sevwa.org. For questions or more information call (802) 365-7232.