Franco Festival coming

La Coopérative d’Intégration Francophone (CIF) and Le Carrefour de l’Isle-Saint-Jean have announced that the second annual Franco Festival, a multicultural arts and music celebration, will be held at Le Carrefour de l’Isle-Saint-Jean, Saturday, Sept. 9, starting at 7 p.m., and Sunday on Victoria Row, starting at 1 p.m.

Admission is free at both events.

This year, the festival features a lineup of local and Canadian artists, ranging from singer Marie-Ève Lapierre, a 2016 quarter finalist on the popular Québec television show “La Voix”, to Montreal-based world music group Africa Vibes. Also performing will be Acadian fiddler Louise Arsenault, accompanied by Hélène Bergeron and Jonathan Arsenault, as well as Michael Pendergast.

On Saturday night, Lapierre, Africa Vibes and a special local guest artist perform at Le Carrefour de l’Isle-Saint-Jean. Sunday afternoon, on Victoria Row, these performers will be joined by a number of other acts as part of a seven-show extravaganza.

Other activities will include balloon sculpting, a magic show, a photo booth and face painting and Henne workshops.

“Franco Festival is an occasion for francophones and anyone interested in French music and culture from across the province to gather in downtown Charlottetown and celebrate the rich diversity of the Francophone music world,” said Jacinthe Lemire, executive director of CIF.

For details, go to http://tonile.ca/fr/, or visit https:// www.facebook.com/events/138517523414488/.