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Bangor

Leafy Greens and Mutton

The Leafy Greens and Mutton, a medieval vocal ensemble, will perform a selection of European medieval Yuletide pieces 7-9 p.m. Tuesdays, Dec. 13 and 20, at the JCPenney Court at the Bangor Mall. What’s more, they not only sing medieval songs, they dress the part.

The six-voice ensemble will sing an assortment of medieval music for the Christmas holiday, including pieces in French and Spanish. Some tunes are of near-ancient origin while others were composed in the mid-1600s.

Surprisingly, many of the songs are familiar to the modern audience, having survived five centuries or more.

Current members of the Leafy Greens and Mutton are Vicki Nemeth of Hudson, Jae Rose of Bangor, Monique Gibouleau of Old Town, Brian Hubbard of Glenburn, Griffeth Kellogg of Orono and Deborah Ellis of Bangor. For more information, e-mail LeafyGreens@yahoogroups.com.

Members of the Leafy Greens and Mutton are part of an international medieval recreation organization, the Society for Creative Anachronism, of which there are active groups in the northern, central and southern Maine regions. For more information on the central Maine branch and its many activities, visit www.endewearde.eastkingdom.org.

New ragtime CD

Jazzou Jones, Maine’s ragtime piano tickler, just released his new solo ragtime piano CD “Hilarity” on his own High Water Music label.

In addition to the title cut, “Hilarity Rag,” written by James Scott, the CD contains 14 other rags from Scott, Scott Joplin and Joseph Lamb, three top composers in the ragtime music genre. The CD also features “Ragtime Mary Greene, A Ghostly Two-Step,” composed by Jones. Capt. Mary Greene is affectionately known as the ghost of the Delta Queen. The piece is named in Greene’s honor.

When Jones is not working as cruise director and performing his one-man show, “Riverboat Ragtime” aboard the New Orleans-based Delta Queen, the Glenburn resident may be found around pianos in the Bangor area.

Jones operates Pine Tree Piano, a tuning service, accompanies the John Bapst Memorial High School choral organizations and musical productions, and serves as organist at St. Mary’s Church in Orono.

“Hilarity” is available at Patrick’s Hallmark in the Broadway Shopping Center, Bangor.

Jazzou will appear at Patrick’s Hallmark for its open house 4-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9, and 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 10. For more information, call 941-8533.

Brewer

Winter concert

The Brewer High School Music Department will present its winter concert at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 14, at the school. Audiences will enjoy performances by the concert band, concert choir and honors choruses. The band will feature Elliot del Borgo’s “Fantasia for Christmas,” based on the Ukrainian Bell Carol, Robert W. Smith’s “By Loch and Mountain,” and other selections.

The Honors Chorus will sing “That Lonesome Road” by James Taylor, and “Da Pacem Domine” arranged by Mary Goetze.

The Concert Choir will perform “Believe” from “The Polar Express” and Leroy Anderson’s “Sleigh Ride.”

Admission to the concert is $3, $2 students and children. Proceeds from the event benefit students and programs in the Brewer schools.

Orrington

Concert with the Hyssongs

Blessing people through their music is something the Hyssongs have been trying to do for years. The gospel-singing sensation will kick off the Christmas season with a bang as they perform at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, at East Orrington Congregational Church.

In 2001 the Hyssongs made their music and performing a full-time ministry. With family vocal harmony, lively energetic style, humor, love for God and brass instruments, they encourage and uplift wherever they appear. The group, whose members are Dell and Susan Hyssong and their son, Richard, has recorded seven albums.

It is said that Richard, who released his first solo album in January 2004, has never met anyone he doesn’t know. His singing, trombone playing and personality delight audiences of all ages. He has been singing with his father, Dell, ever since he can remember and had the privilege of singing in Carnegie Hall at age 15.

Susan Hyssong, who grew up in Alaska as a missionary kid, sings alto for the trio. She studied sacred music in Bible college and is a pianist and organist. In addition to her musical responsibilities, Susan does most of the secretarial work for the group, including mailings and bookkeeping.

Dell is ordained, has a master’s degree in ministry, and has served as a senior pastor for more than 25 years. He loves to travel and share the gospel through music and word. He has released a solo album, and encourages and motivates people wherever he goes.

As the holiday cheer spreads and decorations go up, the Hyssongs will be making Orrington a hot spot for the Christmas season. Admission is free. To learn more about the Hyssongs, visit www.thehyssongs.com.