Erica Brown and the Bluegrass Connection will present an evening of traditional French Canadian and bluegrass music at the Franco-American Heritage Center Friday, April 15. Special guest pianist will be Bob Choiniere.

The concert will begin with Brown paying tribute to her heritage, accompanied by Choiniere on piano. They will perform a selection of toe-tapping, old-time French Canadian jigs and reels.

Brown began playing fiddle at age 6. A year later, she competed in fiddle contests with children twice her age. By age 9, she was traveling with the Maine French Fiddlers throughout New England, Canada and Louisiana.

Brown has produced and released three CDs and has won numerous fiddle contests throughout New England and Canada.

She was named Junior Female Entertainer Of The Year by the Maine Country Music Association of Maine in 2003.

Choiniere, a resident of Rochester, N.Y., grew up in St. Albans, Vermont. He was raised in a musical family. His father played harmonica and his uncle played the fiddle. As a young child Choiniere participated in many soirees held in his home. He began playing piano at age 4, primarily being taught by his older sister. He recalls standing at the piano and his nose just barely touching the keys.

After graduating from Berklee School of Music, he continued performing in the Boston area for 10 years. Twenty years later, he now finds himself playing the music he loves and began playing as a child.

Following the tribute, Brown will be joined by The Bluegrass Connection, made up of her younger brother, Daniel Brown, Ted DeMille, Lincoln Meyers and Ken Taylor.

Brown creates a sound all his own and can take any style of music and give it a twist to suit his own bluegrass musical style.

DeMille, lead and harmony vocalist, has been performing around the bluegrass circuit for years. His bluesy and expressive vocals are influenced by traditional bluegrass and folk music. He is well known as a talented song writer.

Lending his flat-picking expertise to the band is Meyers, who is known for his first-rate style that blends well with each of the other musicians.

Taylor keeps the band tight with his solid bass playing. His style is powerful and his timing right on.

The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m.; doors will open at 7 p.m. General admission is $8. Advanced tickets may be purchased at all Bull Moose locations. Tickets will also be sold at the door.

The Franco-American Heritage Center is located in the former St. Mary’s Church on Cedar Street in Lewiston.

For more information, call 784-7540 or go to www.erica brownonline.com.