Genetics institute benefit to feature Leah Tysse

BANGOR – The Maine Institute for Human Genetics and Health says Leah Tysse is coming home to Maine to present a concert with some of her friends and fellow artists.

The concert is designed to benefit the institute and will run from 7 to 10:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 30, at Wellman Commons on the former campus of Bangor Theological Seminary, Union Street, Bangor.

Tysse had a grass-roots start to her music career, singing in school choirs, musicals and churches. Audiences in Orono may remember that her sultry voice reminded many of Aretha Franklin.

Tysse has been hard at work since her earlier days entertaining crowds in eastern Maine. One of her songs received an award from the Billboard World Song Contest for best R&B song of 2007.

Although she loves living in the San Francisco Bay area, any time she can come home to put on a show, she does.

“Being asked to perform for Ann Marie’s Kitchen on July 30, in support of the Maine Institute for Human Genetics and Health, brings me great joy. For the past ten years I have worked in San Francisco as a singer, songwriter and producer. Of all the shows and benefits I’ve done, Ann Marie’s Kitchen is one of the most exciting. Not only do I have the rare treat of being able to play for the hometown crowd, but it’s for a great cause,” Tysse said.

“We are so grateful to Leah Tysse for her support of the new Maine Institute for Human Genetics and Health at this early stage in the development of its … research programs. The institute is working with scientific leaders in cancer, neurosciences and human genetics to find affordable solutions to reduce the high rates of cancer that may be linked to environmental risks. Ms. Tysse’s commitment to invest in the future of this region encourages the biomedical breakthroughs of tomorrow,” said Dr. Janet Hock, director of the institute.

The Leah Tysse concert will feature acclaimed musician Stevie Coyle and local artist Brian Catell and the Jump City Blues.

“I am absolutely a believer in participating in performances benefiting health care organizations. When Charley Earley asked me recently if I was interested in supporting the Maine Institute for Human Genetics and Health, I jumped pronto at the chance to help out the good folks of Maine, who have been kind to me on many occasions during my years of international touring with the Waybacks,” said Stevie Coyle, finger-style guitarist and singer and songwriter.

Tickets are $50 at 7 p.m., $30 at 9 p.m., and may be purchased at the Grasshopper Shop in Bangor, or by the calling the shop at 945-3132. Or call Ann Marie at 947-5885.