MONROE — Ring in the new year — literally — with a one-hour performance by the Ringing Badgers Handbell Ensemble of Madison. Directed by Dr. Mark Bloedow, the group will present its annual Sounds of the Season! concert in the Grand Hall of the Turner Hall of Monroe, 1217 17th Avenue, on Saturday, January 10, at 3 p.m. This is the second time the group will be performing at Turner Hall, and its the fifth visit to Monroe, with previous appearances in January of 2019 and 2020, December 2023, and January 2025. The Ringer Badgers’ Sounds of the Season! will feature a colorful selection of beloved traditional Christmas carols and arrangements of well-known popular songs of the season.

The Ringing Badgers is an auditioned handbell choir based in Madison that includes musicians from primarily south-central Wisconsin.  The group made its debut in 2012, and currently performs with 5 octaves of handbells and 7 octaves of handchimes, all made by the Malmark Bellcraftsmen of Plumsteadville, Pennsylvania.  The ensemble enjoys an exciting performance schedule each season presenting concerts, as well as guest appearances with other groups and solo concerts.

All are welcome to attend, with a free-will donation to be accepted for the ensemble.  To make the afternoon complete, the lower level Ratskeller Restaurant will be open following the concert until 8 pm.  The Ringing Badgers’ performance is the opening event of Turner Hall’s 2026 Swiss Heritage Series.  Turner Hall is a 501(c)(3) non-profit entity, listed on the National and State Registers of Historic Places, and is handicapped-accessible.