Once Upon a River
Once Upon a River is an annual event originally produced by pianist, composer, and writer Dan Chouinard (The Singer’s Voice, Cafe Europa) as an Earth Day tribute. The cherished event brings together renowned musicians, storytellers, and conservationists to celebrate the natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of the St. Croix River through music and spoken word.
Performed annually for a decade, then on hiatus for six years, Once Upon a River was revived in 2025 in partnership with Chouinard, North Woods & Waters of the St. Croix Heritage Area, and the St. Croix Festival Theatre, and held in St. Croix Falls.
2025 Revival
After a six-year hiatus, Once Upon a River triumphantly returned on April 6, 2025. Co-presented by North Woods and Waters of the St. Croix Heritage Area (NWW) and St. Croix Festival Theatre, this Earth Day tribute celebrated the natural, cultural, and historic richness of the St. Croix River watershed through music, storytelling, and community connection.
Hosted and curated by Dan Chouinard, and co-produced by NWW’s Marty Harding, the afternoon featured unforgettable performances by Prudence Johnson, Barbara McAfee, the River City Quartet, Sharon Day, Laurie Allmann, Margaret Pennings, Dan Guenthner and Unexpected Company Chorale. Together, they wove a tapestry of song and story that honored the river and those who care for it.
The event included a vibrant pre-concert exhibit, where nearly 450 attendees engaged with representatives from the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, Wild Rivers Conservancy, St. Croix 360, the St. Croix Valley Food Alliance, and with NWW board members.
More than a performance, Once Upon a River was a meaningful opportunity to share our mission and showcase the power of the arts to inspire, educate and celebrate the St. Croix watershed.
This event was made possible thanks in part to support from the St. Croix Valley Foundation and Wild Rivers Conservancy.
