Live French-Canadian Music Returns to the Historical Museum

Photo: Molly Haley, mollyhaley.com

By Brian Boisvert

The Sanford-Springvale Historical Museum is set to host a late-spring event that promises to be a vibrant celebration of French-Canadian culture. On Sunday, June 9, the Museum—at the historic former Town Hall (505 Main Street, Springvale)—will come alive with the sounds of fiddles and pianos as the renowned musical duo, Don and Cindy Roy, take the stage.

For nearly four decades, the Roys have been torchbearers of Franco-American music in Maine. Their dedication to preserving the rich tapestry of this musical tradition has earned them accolades from critics and fans alike. The Bangor Daily News has lauded them as “outstanding musicians,” with roots that trace back to the Maritimes and Quebec. It is this lineage that fuels their passion for French Canadian and Celtic music, a passion that is deeply intertwined with their family heritage.

Don Roy, a virtuoso fiddler whose family hails from Quebec, and Cindy Roy, a talented pianist and step-dancer with roots in Prince Edward Island, have become synonymous with the genre. Their performances are more than just concerts; they are a gateway to a bygone era, a time when music was the heart of community gatherings and celebrations.

The duo’s journey through music has seen them grace stages at prestigious venues such as Wolf Trap, the National Folk Festival, Carnegie Hall, and on the airwaves of National Public Radio’s A Prairie Home Companion. Their ability to connect with audiences and share the joy of their culture ensures that every performance is a toe-tapping, soul-stirring experience.

Don’s unique fiddling style, a blend of New England, Quebec, and Canadian Maritimes influences, is complemented perfectly by Cindy’s keyboard accompaniment. Together, they form a crowd-pleasing pair that guarantees an authentic and resonant musical experience. Don’s craftsmanship extends beyond the stage as he is also a skilled luthier, handcrafting violins, violas, cellos, and basses that sing with the history and spirit of their music.

The Roys’ commitment to their art goes beyond performance. They are educators and mentors, leading the community fiddle orchestra Fiddle-icious, which boasts over 100 members. Their teaching extends to music camps, private lessons, and Don’s shop in Gorham, Maine, where he guides aspiring craftspeople in the art of instrument making.

The upcoming concert at the Sanford-Springvale Historical Museum is not just an afternoon of entertainment; it is an immersive cultural experience. Doors open at 2:15 pm, with the performance commencing at 3:00 pm. Admission is $15 for adults, with children welcomed free of charge. Tickets are available at the door or you can reserve in advance by emailing gcauger@me.com or calling 207-651-1980. The Museum is also handicapped accessible.

Don’t miss this opportunity to step into the rhythm of French-Canadian history and be part of this captivating musical journey at the Sanford-Springvale Historical Museum!