Quebecois band playing dance in Lewiston, concert in  Winthrop

LEWISTON — The celebrated Quebecois band Raz de Marée – whose name translates in English to “Tidal Wave” – has warned that they will be bringing a “deluge” of French-Canadian music to this coming weekend with performances scheduled in both Lewiston and Winthrop.

The quartet will play for an evening of contra dancing at Callahan Hall at the Lewiston Public Library on Friday, Aug. 9, from 8 to 11 p.m.

And at 1 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 10, the group will present a full program of both songs and instrumental numbers at the Winthrop Performing Arts Center. Admission for either event is $8 with a reduced charge of $5 for youth/students (up to age 22).

The Tidal Wave ensemble consists of fiddler Eric Favreau, accordionist Sabin Jacques, pianist and singer Rachel Aucoin, and string bass player Stuart Kenney. Now based primarily in the Quebec City area, the band’s members also have roots in the Gaspésie region of Quebec as well as in New Brunswick, Cape Breton in Nova Scotia, and – in Kenney’s case – Massachusetts.

Some of Maine’s rising young fiddle stars are expected to join the band to play a tune or tune, including 14-year-old Victor So of Lewiston, who has studied with Favreau.

Preceding the 8 p.m. dance will be a special French Canadian style “barn” dance from 6:30 to 7:45 facilitated by Cindy Larock of Lewiston, a Franco dance instructor affiliated with the Maine Arts Commission’s Traditional Arts Program who specializes in teaching dance to youngsters and beginners of all ages. A locally grown, multi-generational folk orchestra will provide the music for this family event, the admission charge for which is just $2 for adults, $1 for children/students.Those who prefer to just sit out and listen to the music are also welcome to attend, says Larock.

The Winthrop Performing Arts Center is located on the Winthrop High School campus at 211 Rambler Road, just off Rte. 202 in Winthrop. The Lewiston Public Library is located at 200 Lisbon St. at the corner of Pine Street in downtown Lewiston. More information on all of the above events is available on line at www.MaineFolqueCo-op.com or by calling207-782-0386.

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