The Heather Pierson Jazz Trio – Heather Pierson (piano and vocals), Shawn Nadeau (bass) and Craig Bryan (drums) – returns for two shows of their take on Vince Guaraldi’s “A Charlie Brown Christmas” at 4 and 7 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 12, at One Longfellow Square in Portland.

“A Charlie Brown Christmas” was originally telecast in December 1965 and was an instant hit with audiences who connected with Peanuts creator Charles M. Schultz’s cast of characters – especially with its rounded-headed hero Charlie Brown, his woefully scrawny Christmas tree, and his typewriter-wielding dog Snoopy. Nearly given the ax by CBS studios at the time of its release, this beloved holiday classic resonates with both children and adults of every generation. Over fifty years on, it still holds up as one of the most endearing Christmas tales ever told, and the story of commercialism run rampant echoes clearly to this day.

The musical score for “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” composed by the late Vince Guaraldi, is just as poignant and touching as the story and includes the hugely popular hit “Linus and Lucy”. His gentle jazz riffs established musical trademarks that, to this day, still prompt smiles of recognition.

The Heather Pierson Jazz Trio will perform the entirety of “A Charlie Brown Christmas” album as recorded by the Vince Guaraldi Trio, as well as other Guaraldi compositions.

Based in Conway, N.H., The Heather Pierson Jazz Trio also performs a rich variety of Pierson’s originals, jazz and blues standards, and unique re-workings of familiar American music. Pierson is a pianist, singer/songwriter, and performer known for her bell tone vocals and equal parts New Orleans-Oscar-Brubeck jazz piano leanings.

One Longfellow Square is located at 181 State St., Portland. For more information, please visit onelongfellowsquare.com. More artist information is available at www.heatherpierson.com.