The Endless Chain is a documentary being produced to take viewers on an intimate journey into Pete Sutherland’s life and artistry. In the film, Pete reflects on his lifelong journey of making music, his philosophy of teaching, and his dedication to preserving and evolving musical traditions. Through candid interviews, archival footage, and live performances, this film offers an inspiring glimpse into the life of a man whose passion for music, art, and storytelling blended with his relationships and community-building to touch the lives of countless people. It’s a film that invites viewers to not only hear the music but feel it—capturing the heart and soul of an artist whose life’s work will continue to resonate with all who encounter it.

Peter Jeffrey Sutherland was a beloved musician, songwriter, poet, artist, and teacher whose creative spirit radiated from his distinctive blend of roots music. With a career spanning more than 50 years, Pete was a musician’s musician, highly regarded for his virtuosity on a variety of instruments, especially the fiddle. But Pete was far more than just a skilled performer—he was a storyteller, a poet, and a true embodiment of the Vermont spirit: earthy, resilient, and full of heart.

Whether playing with an ensemble or in solo settings, Pete captivated audiences with his passion, skill, and heart. His engaging performances resonated deeply with audiences who appreciated his honest approach to music. Pete’s music transcended genres and mediums, and his commitment to preserving and evolving the roots of American musical traditions earned him a loyal following among those who appreciate authenticity and innovation in equal measure. His genuine warmth made audiences feel as if they are part of an intimate conversation, not merely spectators.

As a songwriter, Pete’s had an uncanny ability to craft songs that touch on the universal and the intimate alike. Whether his songs reflect his Vermont roots or on the joys and complexities of life, his words resonate with a deep sense of place and purpose.

A celebration of the legendary Pete Sutherland and his ongoing influence as a musician, songwriter, performer, artist, poet, and teacher.

In addition to his own musical career, Pete Sutherland was an influential teacher and mentor, known for his warmth, patience, and dedication to nurturing his students, especially young musicians. He was a mentor to countless emerging musicians, and a vibrant part of the artistic fabric, especially in Vermont. His teaching was a profound and transformative experience, marked by a rare combination of deep expertise, patience, and a genuine love for sharing the magic of music with others. But perhaps the most remarkable aspect of Pete’s teaching is the way he nurtured not only technical proficiency but also emotional expression through music. His teachings continue to inspire countless students to pursue music with passion and purpose.

Pete’s creative reach extended beyond music. He was a poet of life, capturing the joys and sorrows of the human experience with honesty, grace, and a gentle, steady wisdom. His artistry not only enriched the cultural landscape of Vermont but has left a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to encounter his music and words.

Stephen Mease photography

Video teaser

Jon Flanders photography

CORE PRODUCTION TEAM

This documentary is being produced by MS Projects, LLC in association with Piggysnout Productions. The production will rely on the hands, hearts, and contributions of scores of people dedicated to telling Pete’s story. Key members of the production team include:

  • Mark Sustic has organized and presented cultural events for over 45 years. Mark founded and directed an impressive array of non-profit arts organizations in Vermont, including the Welcome Table Coffeehouse, the Champlain Folklore Cooperative, the Champlain Valley Festival, and Young Tradition Vermont. He has taught courses at the University of Vermont as Coordinator of Very Special Arts activities and ‘Traditional Music and Dance’ at Castleton University, and has been a contributor to numerous Vermont-based and national publications. Mark has consulted with, advised and produced festivals, concerts and other events for a wide variety of arts organizations in Vermont and the US and Canada. In addition to his focus in traditional arts, Mark has worked as an educator for more than fifty years as a classroom teacher, a home visitor, an early interventionist, and an administrator for public schools and non-profits.  Mark has also worked at the Vermont Agency of Education, the Vermont Community Foundation, the University of Vermont, Save the Children, and a range of other organizations, foundations and individuals.  

  • Fletcher Fischer has a rich career in film, broadcast television, and radio production. His numerous areas of expertise have enabled him to serve as a producer, editor, camera operator, and advisor on countless projects. His impressive body of work highlights his skills in audio, lighting, camera, engineering, and master control. Notably, Fletcher spent 15 years at Vermont PBS in the production and engineering departments and was a studio technician for an ABC news affiliate. He has produced multiple documentaries funded by the National Endowment for the Arts about the traditional roots of Vermont music and musicians and co-produced a program for RTÉ (Ireland's public service broadcaster). Fletcher currently owns and operates a media company that produces music documentaries and social justice video projects. In addition to media production, Fletcher has promoted many live events featuring traditional music.

  • Larry Edelman honed his skills over 40 years of producing both short-form and feature-length documentaries. He has produced hundreds of short-form documentaries and training films on topics related to early childhood education, disabilities, and inclusion. As a musician and dance teacher, Larry’s feature-length films have focused on his love of traditional music and dance. During the 1980s, during a Fellowship in Folk Arts from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, he produced the highly-praised documentary, Dance to the Music and Listen to the Calls, about traditional rural square dancing. Inspired by the music of the southwest, he produced the documentary, Eva Nuanez: Memories of My Musical Life. In 2019, Larry produced the acclaimed feature-length documentary, Dance All Night – The Highwoods Stringband Story. In 2023, Larry produced, directed, and edited the film, The Canote Twins, which just completed a theatrical run and was an official selection of a number of film festivals. Larry is the Executive Producer of Piggysnout Productions.

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