The Facebook page “about” section has a single, simple declaration: They are “a group of musicians in the Catskills using their talents for the greater good.”

That group is Sullivan Sings (SS), and its most recent call to action was simple. “We are ready to start organizing this wonderful event [created to] benefit the Sullivan County Federation for the Homeless,” Monticello resident and project creator Cris Spinner enthused. “It’s one night only and a chance for Sullivan County musicians to shine, even more than they already do!”

Seeing that, I contacted Cris, and asked how I could help. When she suggested that I join the chorus and lend my voice to the cause, I volunteered instead to photograph the recording process to “save them the embarrassment.” 

And I did just that, alongside Hard Drive Recording Studio’s Greg Fiske, who was on site to create the audio-visual recording which people will be able to purchase for a nominal fee, with 100 percent of the money going directly to the federation, a most worthy (IMHO) organization led by Sullivan County’s Kathy Kreiter.

This year’s group, under the direction of music educator Spinner, was composed of 35 local musicians who gathered to record Bill Withers’ 1972 smash hit “Lean on Me,” accompanied by a five-piece band. Before they began, she was quick to point that “The Center For Discovery generously supports this project by giving us the use of The Michael Ritchie Big Barn in Hurleyville for recording and filming.”

“We are recording the song to be released as a ‘digital single’” Spinner said by way of explanation, “which will be released in November. The download only costs $5, but folks can donate any amount they wish.”

As the singers and musicians gathered in small pods before the final rehearsal, I marveled at how such a diverse group of talented musicians found the time to gather as one and create something out of nothing, just as the group’s Facebook page suggests, “for the greater good.”

Recently the group kicked off the project, which is in the final editing process, by performing “Lean on Me” at Dutch’s in Rock Hill, NY at their First Monday Open Mic Night.

“It serves as a way to garner interest in the recording,” Spinner informed the appreciative crowd, “and provides an opportunity to tell everyone to be on the lookout for information on how to purchase the song.”

“The song and video will be out before Thanksgiving” she continued, “and you can check out the Sullivan Sings page on Facebook for more information, including a link to make your donations.”

Afterward, I grabbed the opportunity to ask a few participants to share their thoughts on Sullivan Sings. And I received some inspiring messages from the folks who gathered that afternoon in Hurleyville, all of whom generously donated their considerable time and talents to the project.

“There is an incredible amount of power in music,” The Center’s Lee Karasik said. “To know that this project will have the potential to change so many lives, especially during the holiday season, was all I had to hear. Thanks to Cris Spinner for inviting me to be part of something so magical.”  

“I loved joining so many fine singers and musicians for a great cause,” John Quick added. “The project was great fun and Cris did a fantastic job putting it all together. I hope many people support the project by purchasing the recording.” 

The band—made up of Fiske (sax), Eric Nies (keyboard), Billy Paschal (drums), Steve Schwartz (guitar) and Ken Windheim (bass) was in fine form, and again, I was beyond impressed by the professionalism exemplified by all concerned.

Schwartz, who owns and operates Steve’s Music Center in Rock Hill, had this to say: “In a time when we have never felt more divided, and people feel that they need to pick a side and stay there, music is a great way to get us unified. Kudos to Cris Spinner,” he added, echoing the sentiments of all involved, “for getting a very diverse group together for a cause that affects everyone.”

Among the many lending their voice to the project was Barbi Neumann Marty, senior unit director at the Boys and Girls Clubs of America (Sullivan and Northern Orange). When asked for a few words, she had this to share: “Participating with Sullivan Sings was a wonderful experience. It was a gentle reminder to look at those around me and remember that everyone carries something, but that it just takes one person for them to lean on, to help them get through.”

In conclusion, Spinner had this to say: “It’s an amazing thing to gather so many people, people who generally do not know one another, and watch them turn into a chorus of friends singing and helping others that they will likely never meet. It’s an incredibly beautiful thing.” 

“There really are so many wonderful people in this world,” she said, “and it was nice to be among some of the most talented musicians in the area singing a song of hope for a community like Sullivan County. Positive things tend to bring positive changes.”

Perhaps songwriter Bill Withers said it best.

“Lean on me, when you’re not strong  and I’ll be your friend; I’ll help you carry on.”

For a complete listing of all of the volunteers who participated in this year’s Sullivan Sings project, follow it on Facebook. Go to www.scfederation.org/ for more on the Sullivan County Federation for the Homeless.

Fun Fact: In addition to “Lean on Me,” Bill Withers wrote “Ain’t No Sunshine,” for which he won a Grammy at the 14th annual awards in 1972.