By Susan Wallner, JerseyArts.com
originally published: 03/26/2020
Songwriters by the Sea started in Asbury Park at a coffee shop in 2008, with a tip jar passed around. Since then, it’s grown to a ticketed event, but with an informal vibe. Top name performers play alongside local favorites. It was founded by singer/songwriters Joe D’Urso and Joe Rapolla. Rapolla is also a former music industry executive, and the chair of Monmouth University’s Music & Theatre Arts Department.
Producer Susan Wallner spoke to Rapolla about the history of this on-going series after the March 2020 Songwriters by the Sea concert was cancelled. While not making up for the loss of live music, Rapolla created a new Songwriters by the Sea playlist on Spotify, featuring recordings by every performer who’s played since 2008.
About the author: Susan Wallner is a principal of PCK Media, an independent production company. She is the co-series producer of the public television program 'State of the Arts,' a job that has introduced her to a wealth of talent and artistic diversity over the years. Susan's documentaries and performance specials have aired nationally. Most recently, her profile of the writer, aviator and celebrity, 'Anne Morrow Lindbergh: You’ll Have the Sky,' won the 2017 Mid-Atlantic Emmy for Best Feature Writing (it was Susan's 15th regional Emmy win). Narrated by Judith Light and Lily Rabe, it aired throughout the country on PBS and PBS World, and is available on DVD. Currently, Susan is working on a documentary about the self-taught city planner, builder, and artist, Kea Tawana.
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