Performer Lina Boudreau at Skye

REGION -- New England Celtic Arts, in conjunction with the 2014 World Acadian Congress, will present Lina Boudreau at Skye Theatre Performing Arts Center in South Carthage on Wednesday, and at the Franco American Heritage Center in Lewiston on Thursday.

Curtain is 7 p.m. at Skye and the Franco Center. A pre-show jam session starts at Skye one hour prior to curtain.

New England Celtic Arts director Phill McIntyre has undeniable connections to his Acadian and Celtic roots and will be featuring Acadian performers over the next couple of years leading up to the World Acadian Congress both through the Skye Theatre Celtic Series and the newly formed Crossroads International Celtic Festival.

Lina Boudreau has been selected to launch and represent the Congress in the region and will be featured in events beyond this initial tour. In the official words of the Congress “The road to the 2014 World Acadian Congress will lead toward a rediscovery of our roots, allowing each of us to recapture our Acadian heritage. Beyond the borders that we share, northwestern New Brunswick, Northern Maine (USA), and the Témiscouata region of Québec are united by our shared history and family ties.”

This area, known as Acadia of the Lands and Forests, is a uniquely multicultural and international region that encompasses, unites and represents a vibrant cultural community. This series of events will serve to launch the invitation to all in New England region with ties to Acadia to come and gather for this World wide event.

Lina Boudreau is a native of Memramcook, a quaint little French village in New Brunswick, considered the cradle of New Acadia. In this haven of peace, Lina discovered at a very young age that she was not only a lively communicator, but has a unique voice that drew attention to her. As a singer-songwriter, Lina is distinguished not only by the words she sings but by the tone of her beautiful voice -- making her one of the most popular singers of Acadian, Quebecois, and First Nations songs.

Over the years, LINA has received much recognition, but one of the most memorable moments of her singing career was without a doubt when she was officially invited to sing for Céline Dion and René Angélil at their son René-Charles’s highly publicized baptism.

Lina has presently four CD’s to her name and she is thrilled to soon be releasing her fifth album. LINA has had the privilege of participating in several major international events such as the G7 and various summits of la Francophonie, which allowed her to perform in Singapore, Saudi Arabia and Guinea.

The Franco American Heritage Center is located on 46 Cedar St. in Lewiston, Skye Theater is located three miles west of East Dixfield village at 2 Highland Dr. off Winter Hill Road and Rt. 2 in South Carthage. Ticket price is $15 at the door. For reservations at The Franco Center and at Skye Theatre call 562-4445. Reservations are strongly suggested.