Franco American Programs

3:30pm: Talk in English (HYBRID) by Pierre Lavoie, author of MILLE APRÈS MILLE:

MILLE APRÈS MILLE tells the story of three famous artists — La Bolduc, Rudy Vallée and Jean Grimaldi — as well as that of the working-class families they entertained, for whom mobility was a means of subsistence and existence, even a culture and an identity. Pierre will be speaking in-person at the Franco American Centre.  The talk and discussion will be simultaneously broadcast over Zoom.

5:30pm: Pot-luck Dinner at the Franco American Centre. Bring something if you can, don’t worry if you can’t. There is always more than enough food.

7pm: Film Screening with popcorn and discussion (in-person, Orono)

After hearing Pierre speak to us about Rudy Vallée in the afternoon,  we’ll join together to watch Rudy Vallée in Palm Beach Story. The film is fun and even today gets a 97% on Rottentomatoes! https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/palm_beach_story

9am-12pm: Sharing our work (HYBRID): We will establish this schedule once we get a better sense of who is planning on attending in person, who will be attending virtually, and who would like to share their work.  This event will be hybrid in some way or another, so please let us know if you want to present virtually or in person.

12pm-1pm: Lunch

2pm-3:30pm: Sharing our work (if needed) or if people prefer, a moderated discussion

4pm: Talk and concert (HYBRID) by Robert Sylvain:

As the keeper of songs in his generation, Robert inherited his Mémère’s cherished notebook of old Acadian ballads, which he has painstakingly researched for their historical sources, found the original melodies, translated and arranged the songs to present to new audiences as proof that Acadian culture still lives in Maine.

6pm: Dinner

10am-12noon: Debrief and wrap-up (in-person, Orono)