Families United in Newtown (FUN) in partnership with Anne and Pete Sibley, winners of the 2009 Great American Duet Sing-Off on A" Prairie Home Companion," is sponsoring a benefit concert and reception at Newtown Congregational Church, 14 West Street, on Friday, June 16, at 7 pm.Extraordinary Life (released in 2015), and continue to deepen their musical incarnations.Wandering to be Found (2012-EP), Coming Home (2009), Will You Walk With Me (2005), Winter on the Great Divide (2007), and Think of This River (2004). To learn more about the duo and to hear some of their music, visit anneandpetesibley.com.AutismSpeaks.org, it is estimated that one in 68 children will be diagnosed with some form of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Autism and ASD are general terms for a group of complex disorders of brain development. These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors.familiesunitedinnewtown.org or call 203-512-6284.

The Sibleys are a husband and wife bluegrass-folk duo based in California. They hit the national spotlit with their blue ribbon finish on National Public Radio in April 2009. They have performed live at New York City's Town Hall, Washington DC's Kennedy Center, and on festival stages from North Carolina's Merlefest to Colorado's Rockygrass.

In 2011, the Sibleys sold their home in Jackson Hole, Wyo., packed their children and any belongings that would fit into their Subaru, and hit the road. Four months later, after performing in front of hundreds of audiences while looking for the next place to call home, the family landed in California, when their dream home appeared by the ocean. They then began building the groundwork for their latest album,

"Being on the road that long taught us much about who we are as individuals," reflects Pete. "It showed us that when we are willing to let down our walls, people can sense that authenticity and are willing to support and help us. It wasn't always easy to receive from folks, sometimes total strangers, and it seems I had a lot to learn about how to be a gracious receiver. To receive from the generosity of Life itself."

The Sibleys continue to seek their authentic living through their music and live performance, yet often challenging audiences to ask themselves: what have you always wanted to do but have been putting off for any number of reasons?

In deep gratitude they sing their songs and fall in love with audiences night after night.

"I'm always impressed and hopeful for good in the world when I see people supporting us in our heart's passion," Pete shares. "What if we all believed we're supported in our heart's passion, be it music, parenting, dancing, astronomy or whatever? What will the world look like at that moment?"

CD releases include

Tickets for their June concert in Newtown are $15 for adults, $5 for children, and are available on their website, at Newtown United Methodist Church, 92 Church Hill Road in Sandy Hook, or by mail (send to checks to Anne and Pete Sibley Concert c/o FUN, 16 Walnut Tree Hill Road, Sandy Hook CT 06482. Tickets will also be available at the door.

A portion of the proceeds from the concert and donations received that evening will go toward supporting Families United in Newtown programming. FUN was established by resident Linda Jones, who started fundraising in 2005 with a dream of providing recreational programs and respite for families with special needs children. Five years later, following the death of her son Tyler, the program blossomed with the support of Newtown High School National Honors Society students.

In October 2010 the group held its first monthly meeting in memory of Tyler, and has hosted regular meetings ever since. The ultimate goal of FUN is to provide an outlet for families with special needs children as well as promoting Autism Awareness.

According to

ASD can be associated with intellectual disability, difficulties in motor coordination and attention and physical health issues such as sleep and gastrointestinal disturbances. Some persons with ASD excel in visual skills, music, math and art.

For more information visit

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