AUBURN — Clover Health Care will celebrate Franco-American heritage from Monday, Aug. 18, to Friday, Aug. 22. The week’s itinerary will include Erica Brown and the Bluegrass Connection, The Troubadours — Alrette Couturier and Friends, Lorraine Ouellette & Friends and an evening concert with Nel Meservier & Friends.
Also premiering at this year’s Clover Franco week will be the Dirigo Rising Stars, an ensemble of seven young folk musicians from throughout Maine. The group will perform a repertoire of vintage reels and two-steps beloved of Franco-American fiddlers of yore, classic jigs and polkas from Ireland and contemporary folk tunes written by members of today’s Maine folk community.
The group, along with The Troubadours, is made possible by Cindy Larock, master artist within the Maine Arts Commission’s Traditional Arts Apprentice Program and artistic director for the Maine Folque Co-op. Larock and veteran musician, Don Cunningham, will accompany the group on guitar, mandolin and banjo.
As part of the week’s celebration, well-known presenter Rachel Desgrosseilliers will speak on the area’s Franco-American culture and history, the building of a Franco-American community and the contributions made by its people, as well as how the Franco legacy will carry on for future generations.
The week will be filled with traditional food, music, dance and merriment. For more information, please contact Donna Rousseau at 784-3573.
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