University of Maine celebrates culture of Franco-Americans

ORONO – The University of Maine is marking a monthlong celebration of Franco-American culture with music, food, poetry readings and history discussions.

“UMaine is committed to Francos on and off campus and has activities planned that speak to them,” says Susan Pinette, director of UMaine’s Franco-American studies program and assistant professor of interdisciplinary studies.

For more information about Franco-American Month, contact the Franco-American Centre at 581-3764. The schedule of events is:

. Friday, Feb. 22: Buckwheat Zydeco, performance featuring Creole accordionist Stanley “Buckwheat” Dural Jr., will be held at 8 p.m. in the Maine Center for the Arts. For information, contact the Maine Center for the Arts ticket office at 581-1755.

. Sunday, Feb. 24: Author and poet Marie Therese Beaudet Martin will read her own and her husband’s poetry 6-8 p.m. at Estabrooke Hall Lounge. “Elder Fire” is part of the Maine Poetry and Story Exchange.

Martin’s book “My Grandmother’s Face” centers on the stories of women who survived deportation. It also includes traditional Acadian recipes still made by women living in Maine.

. Tuesday, Feb. 26: A panel presentation and discussion dedicated to the scholarship of Robert LeBlanc and the future of Franco-American studies will be held 12:30-2:30 p.m. in Soderberg Hall.