POLAND — The public is invited to enjoy an evening of traditional French music performed by the multi-age ensemble Les Bijoux (translation: The Gems) at 6:30 p.m. Monday, July 9, at the Poland Spring Resort.
The members of Les Bijoux — who range in age from 5 years old to “vintage” — play music which pays homage to Maine’s Franco-American culture. Armed with multiple fiddles as well as guitar, mandolin, banjo, spoons and more, the group provides listeners with a mix of jigs and reels from Quebec, as well as waltzes and “musette” melodies popular in the cafes of France.
The musicians perform under the auspices of the Maine Folque Co-op, a small grassroots organization committed to celebrating Maine’s cultural heritage by bringing the generations together through traditional music and dance.
Sponsored by the Poland Spring Preservation Society as part of its Sunset Concert Series, Monday’s performance will take place in the gazebo located on the expansive front lawn of the Poland Spring Resort. Music lovers of all ages are encouraged to attend the free, family-friendly event, where hot dogs, whoopie pies and other Maine-favorite refreshments will be available for purchase, with proceeds earmarked to benefit the society’s cultural programming.
The Poland Spring Resort is located on Route 26 in Poland. Parking is available in the lot adjacent to the nearby All Souls Chapel. In the event of rain, the concert will be moved inside the chapel.
More information is available by calling 207-998-4142.
Other members of Les Bijoux are, from left, Josh White, 17, of Auburn, Don Cunningham of Lewiston and Owen Kennedy, 13, of Winthrop.
Alden Gilg, 10, and his brother Elliott, 5, are among the musicians who will perform Monday, July 9, in the gazebo at Poland Spring Resort. The brothers live in Gardiner.
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