Sing For Joy, a radio production of St. Olaf College, is heard by thousands of listeners in nearly 200 communities nationwide. Its simple mission is to provide music and commentary that will support the church in evangelism and worship. Each program's music and commentary is based upon the scripture lessons specified in the ecumenical, common lectionary. The program seeks to prepare listeners for worship and reinforce that worship experience. In the fall of 2005, Sing For Joy went on the road in a series of hymn festivals in Milwaukee, Grand Rapids, Michigan, Cleveland, Fort Wayne, Chicago, and at home in Boe Memorial Chapel on campus. The St. Olaf Cantorei, conducted by John Ferguson, led the festivals with commentary provided by radio host and college pastor Bruce Benson and assistance from faculty colleagues Anton Armstrong and Martin Hodel. The tour was precipitated by an invitation to lead a hymn fest at Cleveland's Severance Hall, sponsored by Building Hope in the City, a Lutheran ministry to the inner city of Cleveland. In each venue, local choir singers were invited to share leadership responsibilities with the Cantorei. Arrangements were made to record the event in Cleveland, Fort Wayne and at home, hoping that some of the hymns could be used for broadcasts of Sing For Joy. Upon our return, it was determined that there was something very special about these recordings that justified releasing a CD to allow friends of the program to experience the entire festival. This recording is a compilation taken from the three locations recorded. There are many moments which make the recording very "real" -- make clear that this is not a studio recording where any blemish can be fixed. In Cleveland, the individual chairs "pop" up every time the assembly stands to sing. In Fort Wayne, the local singers really did "tell the story" responding to Dr. Armstrong's encouragement. At home, the gospel hymn almost flies out of control, such was the joy of the moment. We hope this live recording allows you to experience the spontaneity and delight that comes when God's people gather for prayer and praise. So now, please join us as we sing for joy. You may wish to stop the player in order to read Pastor Benson's commentary included in this booklet as you experience this hymn festival with us.