• playing piano
    Minnesota

    Mayo Clinic Announces Four Performances in January for the Rosemary and Meredith Willson Harmony for Mayo Program

ROCHESTER, Minn. — The public is invited to enjoy four Rosemary and Meredith Willson Harmony for Mayo Program concerts in January. Performances will be on Mondays from 12:10 to 1 p.m., unless otherwise indicated.

The schedule is:

Jan. 7: Michael Johnson, whose hit songs include "Bluer than Blue," will perform an acoustic folk concert in Barbara Woodward Lips Atrium, subway level, Rochester Methodist Hospital, Charlton Building, 10 Third Ave. NW. Billboard Magazine has called Johnson "a dazzling guitarist and wonderfully expressive singer." He has toured around the world with country and folk icons, including Alison Krauss and Union Station and legendary comedian, the late George Carlin. Johnson's 16 albums also include songs such as "Give Me Wings," Billboard Country Song of the Year in 1986. Johnson recently released "Moonlit Déjà vu," his first new studio album in 15 years.

Jan. 14: The Rochester Chamber Music Society will perform a concert in Lips Atrium. Formed in 2003, the group is dedicated to intimate instrumental and vocal combinations that promote artistically excellent chamber music. Pianist Horacio Nuguid is artistic director.

Jan. 21: Sounds of Blackness will perform a concert in honor of Martin Luther King Jr., at 7:30 p.m. at Christ United Methodist Church, 400 Fifth Ave. SW. This vocal and instrumental ensemble from Minneapolis performs in several genres, including soul, gospel, R&B and jazz. With five NAACP Image Award nominations and three Grammy Awards, this chart-topping group performs internationally and has released 15 studio albums.

Jan. 28: Bluegrass and chamber group, the Orange Mighty Trio, will perform a concert in Lips Atrium. With violin, piano and bass, the group blends composed pieces with spontaneity, creating a unique experience at each concert. The trio has been delivering energetic performances since 2006. The group released its third album, "Three," in 2012. The Pioneer Press describes Orange Mighty Trio's work as an "intriguing fusion of contemporary chamber music with American roots music."

Sponsored by Mayo Clinic Center for Humanities in Medicine, the Rosemary and Meredith Willson Harmony for Mayo Program is coordinated by Choral Arts Ensemble of Rochester. The series is generously funded by the late Rosemary Willson in memory of her husband, Meredith Willson, who wrote the Broadway musical "The Music Man." The gift is made in gratitude for the couple's care at Mayo Clinic. More information can be found online.

Media Contact: Rebecca Eisenman, 507-284-5005 (days), newsbureau@mayo.edu

Related Articles