lifesongs project.
Celebrating LGBTQ+ stories through original music. Participants work with Palaver musicians and professional songwriters to write, record, and perform songs of love, loss, courage, and affirmation.
about the program
Lifesongs Project celebrates the LGBTQ+ community through original music and storytelling. Originally conceived by Palaver cellist Matthew Smith as a collaboration with older adults, the project launched in Portland in 2021 in partnership with Planned Parenthood of Northern New England and MaineTransNet, opening participation to adults of any age.
As rising bigotry threatens hard-won rights and freedoms, these songs are important reminders of where we came from and how far we have to go.
Our next Lifesongs Projects will take place in June 2027 in Portland, ME. To participate, email sampson@palaverstrings.org.
Get involved →how participants describe it
“Songwriting is simply the tool that unlocks these stories. To sit in the room as words are spun into lyrics and sounds are made into melodies is magical. But the most beautiful thing to witness is the connection and trust made in these moments. Having started as strangers, the musician and the storyteller complete this process as friends, as humans.”
— Matthew Smith, Palaver Cellist“Lifesongs Project has been one of the most restorative moments I think any of us have had in the last year and a half… So many times did I hear the words ‘affirming,’ ‘safe,’ ‘resonating,’ ‘thankful,’ and ‘seen,’ uttered with smiles, laughter, and understanding eyes. What an absolute privilege and honor.”
— Sampson Spadafore, Artist2025 celebration concert
Watch the Lifesongs 2025 celebration concert, where participants shared the songs they created with Palaver musicians.
listen to past projects
Recordings from past Lifesongs Projects are available on SoundCloud.
photo gallery
explore more pmc programs
From early childhood music to strings lessons and community songwriting, the Palaver Music Center has a program for every stage of life.
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