Family of Woodstock said this week that one of the Hudson Valley’s most anticipated holiday traditions is back.

The Sounding Joy concert returns this year on Saturday, Dec. 5 at 8 p.m. in a new location, Old Dutch Church in Uptown Kingston. Special guests this year include Academy Award-nominated actress and singer Amanda Seyfried, internationally acclaimed jazz musician Madeleine Perroux and The Union, an eclectic gospel duo from Buffalo who recently appeared at the Newport Folk Festival. Returning performers include Amy Helm, Gail Ann Dorsey, Marco Benevento and Simi Stone with more to be announced!

Over the years, Sounding Joy has brought together an exceptional collection of musicians who generously donate their time and talent to help raise funds for Washbourne House, Family of Woodstock’s domestic violence shelter, which the agency has operated since 1980. This year promises to continue that wonderful tradition at the Old Dutch Church, one of the region’s most historic locations and a perfect setting for a wonderful evening of holiday music.

Tickets range from $25 to $100 and can be purchased via Family’s website at www.familyofwoodstockinc.org.

Sounding Joy gets its name from an album by show producer Elizabeth Mitchell, released in 2013 by the Smithsonian Folkways record label. The album explores the Christmas songbook of Ruth Crawford Seeger, acclaimed 20th century folk singer and grandmother to Pete Seeger, and features performances by Peggy Seeger, Aoife O'Donovan and Happy Traum and liner notes written by Natalie Merchant.

About Washbourne House

Family of Woodstock opened the Washbourne House as a shelter for domestic violence survivors in 1980, making it the first to open between New York City and Albany. The shelter can house up to 17 individuals, including parents with children. Staff provide additional services including counseling, case management, group support sessions, employment search assistance, support with subsidy applications and children’s programming.