Dana Robinson
Songwriter ~ Americana ~ Old-Time

The Town That Music Saved is a snapshot of Vermont’s vibrant rural life, and is a testament to how much social activity continually occurs - music, art, theater, wellness, education, the list goes on. Just check out a billboard at your local village store.

The Flying Farmer is an homage to our neighbor farmer Will Ameden. It’s inconceivable to imagine being a farmer without having a multiplicity of skills and the capacity to conjure solutions for any problem that might arise on a daily basis on the average farm. This particular farmer was once a commercial pilot, and upon moving to Cabot built an airstrip and a hanger for his Cessna on the hill above his farm. 

No Billboards draws attention to that special something one notices as soon as you cross over state lines. Among the many other ineffable things, it likely has to do with Vermont’s No Billboard law.

Shine - For 14 years (1776-1790) Vermont was an independent republic. During those formative years Vermonters developed an attitude of, “we can take care of ourselves” which continues to this day. This trait serves Vermonters well in times of crisis (both economic and existential) whereby people tend to come together, help each other out, and exhibit a deep community spirit. 

Alibi Bag Rag - Harry’s Hardware in Cabot is home to The Den, our neighborhood pub, music venue and community meeting space. If one has, perhaps, lingered too long, there are small paper bags filled with nuts, bolts and screws that for a dollar you can take home to be your “alibi.” 

Ripton Country Store Inspired by Bill McKibben’s March 30th 2018, Op-Ed in the New York Times. Bill’s lovely article illustrates how essential Vermont’s village stores are to the social fabric and economic well-being of our rural communities.

Mud Boot Road - With over 8,000 miles of dirt (“improved”) roads in Vermont, mud season is a force to be reckoned with. Mud season heralds the transition between the long and dark winter and the promise of spring. 

Bayley Hazen Blues - Construction of the the Bayley Hazen military road was initiated in 1776 by General George Washington, to support the Continental Army's 1775 invasion of Quebec. Work was abandoned when British forces took advantage of the road to launch raids upon small communities along the route. To this day the road is part and parcel of the landscape in the north-east corner of Vermont. 

Forest of My Heart - Our home is situated between a forested hill and the Winooski River. Wildlife abounds in this slim corridor. From ermine, fox, hare, coyote, bear, deer and moose, to all the indigenous and migratory birds - the flora and fauna are innumerable. Vermonters feel an innate connection to nature and take deep pride in being stewards of it. Amid these turbulent times especially, there is solace in this connection. 

On November 30th 2018, nearly 3000 people came out to witness the newly-carved statue of Ceres, goddess of agriculture, being lifted and placed upon the Vermont Statehouse dome. They say, for the next 100 years, this Ceres will watch over Vermont, the city of Montpelier and the Winooski River as it flows by.  The feeling I had coming away from that ceremony inspired this song. I can’t help but think that this new Ceres will, in a way, bear witness to our state as it transforms with the times - perennial and enduring.