Salem Unsung was conceived by singer-songwriter Lindsay Garfield, who grew up on The North Shore, right outside of Salem and thought she knew all about the local lore. But in 2020 when she returned to Salem to live and work, she found a new appreciation of its rich history, and the strong, diverse community that had flourished in her absence. Garfield soon found herself joining the excitement in the heart of the city’s cultural district as a street performer, interacting with locals and tourists, and watching snippets of the walking tours that would file down Essex Street.
Who we are
Her afternoons performing and observing the city gave way to a question. What if she married her love of singing with the rich history of the city? She was inspired to create a singing walking tour. Through musical storytelling, she could share the stories that you can’t find in most history books. She invited her songwriting partner Halley Elwell to cowrite and produce the music for the tour. Elwell is a direct descendent of Esther Elwell, one of the women who was accused and jailed for witchcraft during The Salem Witch Trials. Together they have written 7 original songs, and are excited for their official launch in the Fall of 2024.