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LEWISTON — Two bands from different genres will entertain at the Gendron Franco Center this month.
Genuine Cajun cooking and The State Street Traditional Jazz Band will be featured at a Mardi Gras party, with a Valentine’s Day twist, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 13. Doors and bar open at 6 p.m.
“From Bandstand to Billboard — On the Flip Side,” a collection of big hits from Billboard Magazine and American Bandstand, covering the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s will be featured at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24. Doors and bar open at 6:30 p.m.
The “Mardi Gras/Sweetheart” evening in Heritage Hall will feature the sounds of the Big Easy from Maine’s “State Street Traditional Jazz Band.”
There will also be free-flowing spirits and authentic Cajun cuisine. The menu includes Jambalaya with chicken and shrimp, Andouille sausage with peppers and onions, Cajun-roasted sweet potatoes, and King Cake for dessert.
Guests are encouraged to wear costumes. There will also be Mardi Gras masks available to borrow or buy.
The price of the ticket includes the meal, show-dancing and prizes.
At the Feb. 24 event, the cast of musical revue at Poland Spring Inn will bring is unique show, which has been sold out in the past, back to the Franco Center.
“From Bandstand to Billboard — On the Flip Side” was conceived by Eileen Messina, long-time actor, director and choreographer at L-A Community Little Theatre. In addition to Messina, the group features other favorites from central and southern Maine — Michael James Litchfield, Renee Mahon Davis, Duane Glover, Sophie Messina and Gerry Therrien. Mitchell Clyde Thomas is the event host and will emcee.
The other big feature of the show — “From Doo-Wop to Disco” — is the orchestra, featuring conductor Paul G. Caron on keyboards, Mike French on acoustic and electric guitar, Shane Davis on bass guitar, Mark Fredericks on percussion, Mike Plossay and Michael Truchon on trumpet, Bruce Theriault on trombone, Blaise Spath on reeds, Alex Wong on cello, and Kate Gray and Linda Vaillancourt on violins. All proceeds to benefit the Franco Center.
For more information and to buy tickets for either event, contact or visit the box office, 46 Cedar St., or purchase online at www.francocenter.org. Call 207-689-2000. Box office hours are noon to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
