Composer Cinzi Lavin

Here’s a bit of South Shore trivia: Hull has a town song.

“Underneath a Hullonian Sky” was voted the official town tune in 2009. But that’s not all. Hull has been honored by a musical tribute that locals have dubbed the Nantasket Trilogy--three distinct musical dramas dedicated to the special people and places of this seaside community. On This River is about Hull’s Weir River Estuary; Toilers of the Sea is based on the life of Hull native and legendary lifesaver Joshua James; and the trilogy wraps up with Where the Fun Begins, a celebration of Paragon Park.

Pretty impressive. What’s more impressive is that the town song and the musicals were all written and produced by Cinzi Lavin, a multi-talented composer, pianist, singer, actress, writer, talk show host, and educator, who recently found her home in Hull.

Born in Manhattan and raised in Texas, Cinzi arrived in Boston four years ago and quickly settled in Hull because she fell in love with its "artsy" feel, she says. Now, she puts much of her energy into cultivating the arts by promoting the local music scene.

Her work on the Nantasket Trilogy, specifically On This River, earned her the Massachusetts Cultural Council “Gold Star” Award for outstanding contribution to the state's arts and culture. Where the Fun Begins raised money for The Friends of the Paragon Carousel to help with expenses. Meanwhile, Cinzi’s weekly talk show that airs on the Hull Community Television Station, features a wide genre of musicians from the greater Boston area who share their stories and perform.

Aside from exposing the community to a variety of artistic styles, the show and the musicals serve as reminders that we have an eclectic artistic scene here on the South Shore, and that you need not travel into Boston to experience a phenomenal performance.

“There is a rising tide of art heading into the South Shore,” Cinzi said. “The foundation is being set for a strong arts infrastructure that attracts new artists to the area.”

What our towns really need, however, is support.

According to Cinzi, there is a tremendous need for South Shore residents to get involved, be it via a fund-raiser, sitting on the board of an organization, or merely spreading the word.

For her part, Cinzi serves as a commissioner for the Hull Historic District, she is the co-chair of the Hull Cultural Council, and president of the Hull Performing Arts. She is also trying to institute a mentoring program that will pair aspiring artists at the local grammar school with established artists in the community.

                                       White House Appearance

In between all of her outreach, Cinzi never stops performing---whether it is at the Fort Revere Amphitheatre, or in the First Family’s living room. Yes, indeed, last winter, Cinzi played piano at the White House, performing songs from her album “Dreamer.”

The album, a tribute to American composer Stephen Foster, includes vocals from singer Jennifer Love. Lavin and Love were at the White House last December performing for foreign dignitaries and friends of the First Family.

Since that visit, “Dreamer: The Songs of Stephen Foster” has been selected for inclusion in the Library of Congress “Song of America” database.

In addition to that prestigious honor, Cinzi was recently asked to write a song for The Peace Abbey in Sherborn. She has also succeeded in having Hull's famed John Boyle O'Reilly, an outspoken defender of racial equality, included in their Peace Memorial (there will be a formal ceremony this spring).

“In addition, I've just started a blues band,” she said.  Cinzi Lavin, Tom Downing, and Brian Girard are Brick, Rivet & Lime, and “Broken-Down Blues Man” is the name of the trio’s newly released single.

Between the long list of achievements and accreditations, one wonders where she finds the time and energy to do it all. But, it is very simple. Cinzi has found her passion. She is motivated by the music--and she hopes you will be, too.

 For more information or to contact Cinzi, visit her website: www.cinzilavin.com

By Stephanie Neil

Stephanie Neil is a journalist. Her business, technology, and human interest stories have appeared in a variety of print and online newspapers and magazines including eWeek, Managing Automation, The Harvard Alumni Bulletin, Huggies Baby Network, South Shore Woman, and The Boston Globe.  She lives on the South Shore with her two kids, two cats, and a dog. Contact info: stephanieneil@comcast.net  or 781-378-1652. Follow her on Twitter @StephanieNeil