What: “Tribute to Grandparents” show

Who: Mike Willette Swing Band

When: 7:30 p.m. Sept. 11

Where: Franco-American Heritage Center

Tickets: $15 in advance, $20 at door

Big band show honors grandparents

LEWISTON – The Franco-American Heritage Center at St. Mary’s will present The Mike Willette Swing Band in a “Tribute to Grandparents” performance at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 11.

This big band music opens the center’s 2004-2005 season.

This return performance follows a sold-out performance last season on the eve of Mother’s Day.

This show on the eve of this year’s National Grandparents Day will be presented in a “Branson, Mo., style” show. With a special guest and their toe-tapping music, the band will create a special and fun evening for those “special people in your life,” says a spokesman for the center.

In the show, Willette will feature the hit song from his CD, “The Grandparents Song.”

National Grandparents Day is the first Sunday after Labor Day, Sept. 12 this year.

Its threefold purpose is to honor grandparents, give grandparents an opportunity to show love for their grandchildren and to help children become aware of the strength, information and guidance older people can offer, according to www.grandparents-day.com.

In 1970, West Virginia housewife Marian Lucille Herndon McQuade initiated a campaign to set aside this day.

In 1978, five years after its inception in West Virginia inception, Congress passed legislation proclaiming the day, which was signed by President Jimmy Carter. September was chosen for the holiday, to signify the “autumn years” of life.

FMI: call 783-1585 or visit the center’s Web site at www.franco-americanheritage.org.