27th Annual North Quabbin Garlic and Arts Festival Saturday and Sunday, Sept 27th and 28th, 2025.  I wrote A rousing song for Orange, MA's Garlic and Arts Festival. It captures the buzz of local artisans, live music, and the wild “stinkin' chef” cook-off, celebrating community and good times.

Garlic Fest

Orbit of Wonder is an evocative folk ballad honoring the extraordinary journey of NASA astronaut Megan McArthur. Inspired by her 213 days in space, her pioneering role as the first woman to pilot a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, and her profound perspective on Earth's fragility, this song weaves a tapestry of cosmic wonder and human achievement. With heartfelt lyrics and a soaring melody, it captures McArthur's legacy-from her work on the Hubble Space Telescope to her scientific contributions aboard the International Space Station. Perfect for stargazers, dreamers, and advocates of exploration, this track is a tribute to a trailblazer who touched the stars and brought their light back to Earth.

Megan McArthur's Orbit of Wonder

Explore the mystery of Saturn’s moon with Beneath the Ice of Enceladus, a song inspired by the scientific search for life beyond Earth. This piece reflects on Enceladus’ hidden ocean, where water and organic molecules suggest the possibility of microbial life. With thoughtful lyrics and a serene sound, the track encourages listeners to consider the universe’s mysteries and humanity’s pursuit of knowledge in space. Ideal for those fascinated by science, stars, or the unknown, this single offers a musical journey to a distant world.



Verse 1

Out in the cosmos, where the cold winds blow,

Saturn's moon shines with a frosty glow.

Enceladus, small, in the starry night,

Hides a secret deep, beneath the ice so bright.



Chorus

Where there's water, there's a chance for life,

In the ocean's depths, away from strife.

Enceladus calls, with its icy streams,

Could it hold the spark of extraterrestrial dreams?



Verse 2

Fountains of water, shooting high to the sky,

From cracks in the ice, where the secrets lie.

Organic molecules, complex and grand,

Found in the plumes-could life be at hand?



Chorus

Where there's water, there's a chance for life,

In the ocean's depths, away from strife.

Enceladus calls, with its icy streams,

Could it hold the spark of extraterrestrial dreams?



Bridge

No little green men, no creatures with eyes,

Just microbes, perhaps, in the ocean's disguise.

Scientists ponder, in labs they recreate,

The chemistry of life, and its possible fate.



Verse 3

Beyond the red Mars, where the sunlight is weak,

Enceladus whispers, a future we seek.

A subsurface ocean, a hope unforeseen,

Could life in the cosmos be more than a dream?



Chorus

Where there's water, there's a chance for life,

In the ocean's depths, away from strife.

Enceladus calls, with its icy streams,

Could it hold the spark of extraterrestrial dreams?



Outro

So we search the stars, with our hearts held high,

For the signs of life in the cosmic sky.

Enceladus waits, with its frozen embrace,

A chance for life in the vastness of space.

Beneath the Ice of Enceladus

"Druid's Oak" is a hauntingly beautiful ballad inspired by the ancient, 800-year-old tree standing resilient in Buckinghamshire’s woodlands. This song weaves a tapestry of reverence for nature’s enduring strength, blending ethereal melodies with evocative lyrics that honor the tree’s legacy as a haven for wildlife and a monument to time. Rooted in the mysticism of ancient druids and informed by modern conservation efforts, the track captures the spirit of the oak’s timeless endurance through storms, droughts, and centuries. Perfect for fans of folk traditions and nature-inspired music, "Druid's Oak" is a heartfelt ode to the living legends that shape our landscapes and our stories.

Druid's Oak

"Massachusetts Rising" is an anthem celebrating the Commonwealth's 2025 redesign of its state seal, flag, and motto. Blending folk and indie vibes, it honors unity and change with imagery of whales, chickadees, and golden stars. This heartfelt track captures Massachusetts' pride and resilience, inviting listeners to join a shared vision of hope.

Massachusetts Rising

Mount Holyoke, Hear Us! is a powerful anthem born from the courage of nearly 200 Mount Holyoke College workers—dining staff, housekeepers, and facilities workers—who took to the picket lines on September 2, 2025, demanding fair wages and respect. Led by a stirring female vocal, backed by a soaring mixed choir, and enriched with emotive violin and driving guitar, this song captures the heart of their struggle and the solidarity of students chanting “pay your workers.” From Rhonda’s resolve to Jorge’s dreams for his family, each verse weaves their stories into a call for justice, echoing the legacy of labor icon Frances Perkins, a Mount Holyoke alumna. This folk-inspired protest anthem is both a tribute to the workers’ unbreakable spirit and a rallying cry for dignity and change. All proceeds support the striking workers of SEIU Local 32BJ and UAW Local 2322. Join us in amplifying their voices—Mount Holyoke, hear us!

Mount Holyoke, Hear Us!

(Verse 1)
We rise at dawn, with hearts so strong,
The backbone of this place we've been all along.
From dining halls to dorms we sweep,
Grounds we tend, and promises we keep.
But the wages low, they break our soul,
No living wage, it takes its toll.
We're cooks, we're cleaners, we're the core,
Mount Holyoke, hear us, we'll take no more!

(Chorus)
Stand up, stand tall, we're answering the call!
For justice, for fairness, we're fighting for all.
With courage and pride, we're striking today,
Mount Holyoke workers, we're paving the way!

(Verse 2)
Rhonda's voice, it rings out clear,
Seven years of toil, she's still right here.
Jorge dreams for his children three,
A better life, through unity.
Bonnie's served for nineteen years,
Ann's first strike, she's faced her fears.
Rich invokes Frances Perkins' name,
Her legacy fuels this righteous flame.

(Chorus)
Stand up, stand tall, we're answering the call!
For justice, for fairness, we're fighting for all.
With courage and pride, we're striking today,
Mount Holyoke workers, we're paving the way!

(Bridge)
Students chant, their voices soar,
“Pay your workers!” they implore.
Purple stickers, yellow too,
Solidarity shines in all we do.
The college speaks of deals to make,
But empty words won't heal the ache.
A living wage, respect, and care,
That's the future we demand to share!

(Verse 3)
We're the heart that keeps this campus alive,
Through every season, we help it thrive.
From convocation to the halls we roam,
We're the ones who make this place a home.
No more silence, no more delay,
We're standing firm, we're here to stay.
With unions strong, we'll break the chain,
Together we'll rise, through struggle and pain.

(Chorus)
Stand up, stand tall, we're answering the call!
For justice, for fairness, we're fighting for all.
With courage and pride, we're striking today,
Mount Holyoke workers, we're paving the way!

(Outro)
Honk your horns on College Street,
Feel the pulse of our heartbeat.
From South Hadley to the world we'll sing,
Workers' rights are everything!
Mount Holyoke, hear our cry,
For dignity, we'll fight, we'll rise!
Solidarity forever, we'll never sway,
Mount Holyoke workers, we lead the way!

Mount Holyoke, Hear Us!

I received this message about one of my songs on bandcamp: Subject: Rematriation of land in Belchertown Adam.... you new song about the North Quabbin got me thinking that you might write a song about the proposal by a local group to rematriate (land back) 430 in Belchertown to the Nipmuc people.  For details see: https://www.lampsonbrook-landback.org/  Thanks for the song you wrote about Jeffrey Amherst based on my Amherst Indy article! --- John Gerber Write the lyrics to the song John recommends and give it the following title "Nipmuc Rematriated" 

Verse 1

In the heart of Belchertown, where the rivers meet the sky,

Lies a patch of earth where our ancestors lie.

Through the forests and the fields, their spirits still remain,

Calling us to honor them, to heal the land again.



Chorus

Return the soil, return the seed,

To the hands that once did lead.

Nipmuc hearts, strong and true,

Rematriate what was taken from you.



Verse 2

The farm stands silent, waiting for the day,

When the Nipmuc return to show the way.

With agri-hoods and kitchens shared,

A future built on love and care.



Chorus

Return the soil, return the seed,

To the hands that once did lead.

Nipmuc hearts, strong and true,

Rematriate what was taken from you.



Bridge

Through legislation and community voice,

The land returns, we make the choice.

To honor those who came before,

And open wide the healing door.



Chorus

Return the soil, return the seed,

To the hands that once did lead.

Nipmuc hearts, strong and true,

Rematriate what was taken from you.



Outro

So here's to the land, to the people, to the dream,

A future where we all redeem.

Nipmuc Rematriated, the circle now complete,

Together we rise, together we meet.

Buy The Album

Nipmuc Rematriated

Today while walking across the Windsor Dam at the Quabbin Reservoir, I met a group of friendly DCR staff who spend their days caring for our parks, forests, and waters. Our conversation about music and the land inspired this song. “DCR is Walking With the Land” is meant to be sung together - simple, steady, and uplifting, like footsteps on a trail. May it carry the spirit of community, nature, and stewardship wherever it's sung.

DCR is Walking With The Land

Blood Moon Rising is a celestial journey woven through the innovative lens of cybernetic fusion-a bold blend of ancient ancestral echoes and cutting-edge electronic soundscapes. Inspired by the vivid imagery of the March 2025 total lunar eclipse, this track captures the haunting beauty of a crimson moon as it rises over Asia, Africa, and beyond. Drawing from the spirit of ancient Celtic and Mediterranean traditions, the song features evocative lyre-like plucks and droning harp tones, reminiscent of long-lost rituals, seamlessly fused with pulsating modern beats and ambient synth pads. The result is a hypnotic sound that feels both timeless and futuristic, pulling listeners into the cosmic dance of Earth, moon, and stars. Perfect for stargazers, dreamers, and those who feel the pull of the universe's mysteries.  

Blood Moon Rising

(Verse 1)
Under the stars, where the night unfolds,
A crimson glow in the sky takes hold.
From Asia's plains to Africa's shore,
The moon turns red, like tales of lore.

The sun and Earth in a cosmic dance,
Cast a shadow, a fleeting trance.
At seventeen-thirty, the world holds its breath,
A blood moon rises, defying death.

(Chorus)
Blood moon rising, painting the night,
A scarlet dream in the soft starlight.
No glasses needed, just lift your gaze,
The heavens burn in a mystic blaze.
Blood moon rising, oh, can't you see?
The sky's alive with eternity.

(Verse 2)
In Canberra's glow or Colombia's skies,
The moon turns red as the evening flies.
Europe catches a glimpse at dawn's first light,
While the Americas sleep through the night.

Scattered rays through the atmosphere bend,
Red waves linger where blue ones end.
A fleeting moment, yet ancient and grand,
The moon's bold hue grips the heart of the land.

(Chorus)
Blood moon rising, painting the night,
A scarlet dream in the soft starlight.
No glasses needed, just lift your gaze,
The heavens burn in a mystic blaze.
Blood moon rising, oh, can't you see?
The sky's alive with eternity.

(Bridge)
Milligan chases the sun's embrace,
Through eclipses, he's run the race.
But this blood moon calls, a prelude to more,
To August's shadow in twenty-six's core.

From Spain to Iceland, the skies will align,
A total eclipse, a moment divine.
Yet tonight we stand, beneath the red glow,
Where dreams and cosmos forever flow.

(Chorus)
Blood moon rising, painting the night,
A scarlet dream in the soft starlight.
No glasses needed, just lift your gaze,
The heavens burn in a mystic blaze.
Blood moon rising, oh, can't you see?
The sky's alive with eternity.

(Outro)
So look to the heavens, let wonder take flight,
The blood moon rises this Sunday night.
A fleeting marvel, a cosmic art,
It stains the sky and it stirs the heart.

Blood Moon Rising

 "Pioneer Valley Spuds" is a heartfelt American folk anthem inspired by the Szawlowski family's century-long legacy of potato farming in Pioneer Valley. From the fields of Northfield to the packing sheds of Barnwood Valley Farms, this song celebrates the hard work, family bonds, and pride of growing spuds that feed folks from Maine to Florida. With soulful male vocals, soaring female harmonies, and the warm twang of guitar, mandolin, and violin, we honor Hadley, Northampton, and Amherst-where the soil runs deep and the Szawlowski name shines. Dive in and feel the spirit of Pioneer Valley's potato heritage!

Verse 1
In Pioneer Valley where the potatoes grow,
The Szawlowski clan, their love does show.
For a hundred years, with Hadley's soil they've toiled,
In fields of Hatfield, where the earth's been spoiled.
Colin and his kin, with their hands in the dirt,
Plantin' russets and reds, in the sun and the hurt.
From Northfield's fields to the markets afar,
Pioneer Valley Spud's the name, their spuds are the star!

Chorus
Oh, the spud of Pioneer Valley, it's in their blood,
From Maine to Florida, through the rain and the mud.
With Barnwood Valley Farms, they're feedin' the land,
Pioneer Valley's spud, with an Irish hand!

Verse 2
Young Colin learned from his father and kin,
In Hadley's packin' shed, where the work don't end.
With uncles and brothers, they built a new dream,
Pioneer Valley Spud's rise, like the Connecticut's gleam.
Andy Pollack came with a plan so grand,
A market for spuds from this Pioneer land.
From Stop and Shop to the Big E's fries,
These Hadley spuds shine in the hungry eyes.

Chorus
Oh, the spud of Pioneer Valley, it's in their blood,
From Maine to Florida, through the rain and the mud.
With Barnwood Valley Farms, they're feedin' the land,
Pioneer Valley's spud, with an Irish hand!

Verse 3
The fields rotate with cows and greens,
Two years of spuds, then a rest, it seems.
Mother Nature's their partner, fickle and wild,
The smoke and the heat test the farmer's child.
But in Hadley's barns, with the solar bright,
They wash half a million by day and night.
From Northampton's fairs to Amherst's plate,
Pioneer Valley Spud feeds the Bay State.

Chorus
Oh, the spud of Pioneer Valley, it's in their blood,
From Maine to Florida, through the rain and the mud.
With Barnwood Valley Farms, they're feedin' the land,
Pioneer Valley's spud, with an Irish hand!

Bridge
Raise a pint to the farmers, their hearts so true,
To the Szawlowski name, and the work they do.
For the spud's in their soul, like the Irish green,
In Pioneer Valley's fields, it's a sight unseen.

Chorus
Oh, the spud of Pioneer Valley, it's in their blood,
From Maine to Florida, through the rain and the mud.
With Barnwood Valley Farms, they're feedin' the land,
Pioneer Valley's spud, with an Irish hand!

Outro
So here's to the spud, and the family's way,
In Pioneer Valley, where the potatoes sway.
From Hadley's heart to the coast's far strand,
Pioneer Valley's spud, with an Irish hand!

Pioneer Valley Spuds

Cântico espírita de abertura, criado para harmonizar o ambiente e elevar as vibrações antes do início dos trabalhos espirituais ou do Evangelho no Lar.

A letra invoca o Plano Superior logo nos primeiros versos, pedindo que as forças luminosas preparem o espaço físico e espiritual, purifiquem o ambiente e alinhem os pensamentos dos presentes com o propósito do bem. Ao longo dos versos, a canção alterna entre súplica, entrega e exaltação serena à presença do Cristo, conduzindo quem a entoa a um estado de recolhimento e fé raciocinada.

A imagem associada representa o sentido profundo da letra: pessoas reunidas em torno de uma mesa, estudando o Evangelho sob uma luz simbólica que irradia do centro, evocando a presença da espiritualidade maior.

Trata-se de um cântico de preparação e conexão, que transforma o lar em templo, a palavra em prece e o silêncio em vibração de amor — um convite para que o Divino habite o cotidiano e guie cada ato em direção à paz.

Preparação ao Evangelho no Lar

Please follow the "buy" link to make a purchase.  Only $1.50 per song!  That's very affordable.  Pay a little extra if you can afford it.   This is my only source of income from songwriting.  Thank you very much!

Nipmuc Rematriated

Sweet Songs