WINDHAM – On Saturday, Sept. 13th at 7 p.m., the Downeasters Chorus will perform a concert at the North Windham Union Church. The Downeasters sing barbershop harmony and have been entertaining fans in Greater Portland for almost 65 years. The chorus is made up of about 35 men ranging in age who all share a common passion for singing great harmony. They come from all over southern Maine with several members from the Windham/Raymond area including the conductor, Jack Baggs. The Downeasters concert will feature several chapter quartets, and will also include Flashpoint!, a women’s barbershop quartet from the Royal River Chorus.

This concert is the 18th in the “Music with a Mission” series sponsored by the North Windham Union Church. The church donates a portion of the proceeds to area non-profits. The first 17 concerts have provided more than $14,000 for mission support to the church and other community organizations. This year, the Downeasters have chosen to support the Richard Nickerson Scholarship Fund with the community proceeds from this concert. The scholarship fund was formed in appreciation of Dr. Richard Nickerson, the director of choral activities at Windham High School for the past 27 years. The ccholarship is a $1,000 award, granted each year to a graduating Windham High School senior who plans to pursue choral music as part of his or her college experience.

“We are absolutely delighted to have the Downeasters return to perform another Music with a Mission concert,” said Jim McBride, chairman of the church’s music Committee. “Last September’s Downeasters show was one of our most popular concerts, and we expect another big crowd this year.”

The Downeasters have won numerous awards at barbershop competitions during the past decade. They will be in prime voice as this is their last concert before the 2014 regional competition in October. McBride added, “We are also very pleased to see them support the Richard Nickerson Scholarship fund. What a great way for these talented musicians to show their commitment to the craft and inspire students who share their passion for music!”

Tickets will be sold at the door and are $12 for adults and $10 for students, children, and seniors. The box office opens at 6:15 p.m. and the doors will open at 6:30. The church is located at 723 Roosevelt Trail in Windham and is air-conditioned for your comfort. For more information, call 892-7149 or email MWAMconcerts@gmail.com.