For more than 50 years, Project Joy has brought live music and entertainment to seniors — some of whom can’t easily leave their care facilities — sharing not just songs, but connection, nostalgia, and a sense of community. What began as a small idea to brighten seniors’ days has grown into an enduring volunteer arts program in Spokane.

Originated in 1972, Project Joy is made up of musicians, singers, and entertainers ages 50 and older.

“There’s a huge variety of what people do,” says Suzanne Montgomery, who has worked as Project Joy’s administrative assistant for about three years and performed with the nonprofit for over six.

The organization provides performances for care centers, retirement homes, and occasionally private groups. Its offerings include vocal and instrumental acts, solos, small groups, a 50-voice choir, a 50-piece orchestra, sing-along karaoke sessions led by DJ Dan, storytellers, puppeteers, country bluegrass musicians, and more.

The nonprofit's model is twofold — not only does it bring entertainment to seniors, but it gives senior performers a space to continue doing what they love.

Today, Project Joy has more than 200 volunteer members across about 40 groups, who perform over 300 times a year, averaging about 25 to 30 performances each month throughout the Spokane area, says Harlan Henderson, executive director of Project Joy.

“It fills that spot for seniors," says Henderson. "It provides a group for them to belong to, to work together toward a common goal. They love going out to perform — sharing music and spreading joy.”

Henderson has been the music director of the Senior Serenaders, a 50-voice choir, since 2015. He stepped into the role of executive director of Project Joy in 2018.

“He’s an excellent singer,” Montgomery says of Henderson.

Project Joy was founded by Marian Herzer, the former co-director of the Sinto Senior Activity Center. Initial funding came from the Older Americans Act, a law passed by Congress in 1965, and was administered by the City of Spokane Parks & Recreation department, according to Project Joy's website.

Today, the nonprofit continues to receive partial funding from City of Spokane Parks & Recreation, along with donations from the facilities it serves.

Henderson had the chance to meet Herzer, who passed away in 2019, and describes her as “a dynamic lady, a go-getter, and someone with a big personality.”

She was deeply committed to ensuring seniors had a place to remain active as performers and musicians. She started the Sinto Singers — a choral group — from which Project Joy eventually grew and grew, Henderson says.

According to Henderson, Herzer once said, “Age does not stop creative growth in any way, and doesn’t stop us from serving others.”

Project Joy is supported by two part-time staff members — Henderson and Montgomery — with guidance from an 11-member advisory council and the music directors of its three largest groups, the organization's website states.

Those interested in joining can reach out via email, at [email protected].

Prospective members audition in front of Montgomery and Henderson and can attend a rehearsal to ensure it’s a good fit.

There are no membership dues, though certain groups may have small fees for things like uniforms. Applicants receive a packet detailing expectations and what involvement looks like.

Project Joy, which is based out of the Southside Community Center in Spokane, also regularly appears at public events such as the Spokane Falls Folk Festival and local health and wellness fairs. Prospective entertainers can learn about the organization and meet members at these events, or attend the various other performances — all of which are listed on the organization's website — and experience the spirit of Project Joy firsthand.

Today, that spirit of Herzer lives on through Project Joy: For the seniors who perform and the seniors who listen, the show goes on and the joy keeps spreading.