Bethel Woods is closing out its family concert series this Sunday with an all-ages holiday sing-along featuring Grammy-winning musician Dan Zanes, along with Claudia Zanes and multi-instrumentalist Elena Moon Park. The multicultural performance will take place inside the museum’s Event Gallery, complete with songbooks so everyone can join in.
Katie Svoboda from the Bethel Woods Museum Education and Creative Programming team says the concert is part of the museum’s “pay what you wish” ticket initiative, designed to make arts access more inclusive.
“We understand that a big day out at Bethel Woods can be a big expense for folks,” Svoboda said. “The pay-what-you-wish model allows people to donate what they can to help us keep the series going. We’re a nonprofit, and the work we do is mission-driven — providing access to the arts for our community.”
The intimate Event Gallery will host a smaller crowd than the summer concerts — typically 100 guests — but Svoboda emphasizes that the size enhances the experience. “Last year, we had about 50 people show up, but it was wonderful. Folks were up and dancing, people of all ages were singing together. You really felt the community in the room,” she said.
Zanes is known for family-friendly, multicultural music, and Svoboda says the holiday sing-along reflects that diversity.
“There will be a Hanukkah song in Ladino, a song in Haitian Creole, and a song by a Palestinian musician. There are also classic Christmas songs. It’s really an opportunity for folks who celebrate different holidays to come together and enjoy a joyous experience,” she said.
In addition to the concert, attendees can access discounted tickets for the museum and the Holiday Light Show. “Make a day of it,” Svoboda said. “The show is at 4 p.m., doors open at 3:30. Museum tickets are just $5 if you want to check out the museum before the show, and we’ll provide coupons for the light show afterward.”
Bethel Woods continues to expand arts programming through its Museum Education and Creative Programming team. This year, more than half of summer participants received scholarships, and new initiatives like the Academy at Bethel Woods offer teens arts and music programming after school.
Svoboda said the mission is to provide broad access to creative experiences. “Many of our programs are paid, but there’s always an option to apply for tuition assistance. We’re happy to do it. Our goal is to share arts enrichment with as many people as possible,” she said.
For more information, visit bethelwoodscenter.org.
Image: Dan and Claudia Zanes. (Credit danandclaudia.com)