LEWISTON – The week of March 14th is known as “La Semaine de la Francophonie” (the week of the Francophones). With this in mind, the Franco-American Heritage Center at St. Mary’s will present a concert by Quebec folk singer Normand Perron.

The performance will be at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 18, at the center at Oxford and Cedar streets.The public is invited.

Many official dignitaries from Canada and throughout the state of Maine are expected to attend, according to a spokesman for the center.

Perron is known throughout Quebec and the Francophone European countries as a first-class composer, author and performer. He has produced numerous discs and albums that have brought him fame and recognition throughout Quebec, Belgium, France and Switzerland.

He has written music for films and has had many radio programs throughout these countries.

The second album he produced is “Meli-Melo,” a well-known tune among the French. It was chosen by La Fondation Internationale de la Francophonie de Paris to be played and heard from the four corners of the Francophone world.

The 325th anniversary theme song of the city of Contrecouer, Quebec, was composed by Perron. He sometimes performs with Liette Lomez or with his group of musicians, Les Bonhommes 7hres. His two albums “Derive” and “Balbuzard” are popular and have been called “very refreshing and soothing to the ears.”

During La Semaine De La Francophonie, the folk singer will tour Maine and Massachusetts, making appearances at The French Library and Cultural Center of Boston, The Franco-American Heritage Center in Lewiston, Franco-Fun Day in Augusta and West Roxbury High School in Massachusetts.

He will leave for France soon. He is also very involved in the program “Les Artistes a L’Ecole,” artists in the schools, with the minister of education.

Perron is an accomplished six and 12-string guitar player, and also plays the banjo, mandolin and harmonica.

Advance tickets are available at Victor News for $5 and at the door for $6.

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