In 1949, country music legend Hank Williams and his Drifting Cowboys took to the stage of the Grand Ole Opry, live on WSM radio “The Aircastle of the South”, to make his first appearance. He received six encores for his rendition of an old Tin Pan Alley song “Lovesick Blues”, his first #1 song. This year marks the 75th Anniversary of Hank’s debut on the world-famous stage, and The Island Jubilee Old Time Radio Music Show will recapture this magic by revisiting the songs, the stories and the legend of Hank Williams on its own radio broadcast over two shows.

The first is scheduled for Saturday Evening December 28th, 2024, 7:30PM at the Harbourfront Theatre in Summerside with guest stars Nudie, Lester MacPherson, and Mary Dennis, while the second will be on Sunday afternoon December 29th, 2024, 2PM at the Florence Simmons Performance Hall in Charlottetown featuring Nudie and Scott MacKay. Special guest Gordie MacKeeman will be sitting in with the Jubilee All Stars on both shows capturing the role of Jerry Rivers, famous southern style fiddle player for the Drifting Cowboys.

Headlining our guest stars is Nudie, who originally conceived the idea to honor Hank’s musical legacy on the anniversary of his passing on New Year’s Eve several years ago. This tribute with the Jubilee showcases Nudie’s vision to commemorate the influential artist’s work on this significant date. Nudie has toured long and far across North America and currently leads a Gordon Lightfoot tribute show, a similar vision that just recently wrapped up a very successful run at the Victoria Playhouse. Nudie’s impressive career includes appearances at prestigious events such as the North by Northeast Festival, the Ontario Council of Folk Festivals, the Americana Music Festival in Nashville, and the North American Folk Alliance in Memphis, Tennessee.

Lester MacPherson, known as the Island’s Country Gentleman, will also be starring on the show. His is an authentic voice shaped from a very young age by Hank’s southern vocal stylings. His country music collection at his home in Cardigan is a true testament of Lester’s reverence for the music of Hank Williams. Lester’s musical journey has been marked by the release of nine albums, including a heartfelt tribute that honors Hank Williams’ enduring legacy. This tribute not only showcases Lester’s artistry but also serves as a bridge connecting Hank’s timeless music to new generations of listeners.

Mary Dennis will also be making a special appearance on the show. Mary’s passion for her community and its people is what earned her the top position as Executive Director at the Harbourfront Theatre and while she now focuses on supporting other performers, she still occasionally graces community events, weddings, and benefit shows with her music. Mary was previously a prominent vocalist and acoustic guitarist in the country duo Family Tradition during the ’80s and ’90s. She performed extensively across Prince Edward Island and briefly in Ontario. Her passion for classic country is reflected in her performances of songs by legendary artists such as Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn and of course Hank Williams.

Nudie will also be anchoring the Sunday matinee show and will be joined on stage with special guest Scott MacKay. Scott has an affinity for country music of the 1950’s and the sounds of slapback echo, twangy Telecasters and swooning pedal steel guitars. Scott released ECMA award winning album Stupid Cupid that included 10 original songs offering a fresh modern take on classic country. While based in Calgary, MacKay was also honored with multiple Calgary Music Award nominations and earned honorable placements in CBC’s Searchlight and other international songwriting competitions. With his feet firmly planted back on his native home, Scott is looking forward to sharing his music on Island stages including some of his favourite Hank Williams songs.

The Island Jubilee Old Time Radio Music Show is an authentic captivating experience that transports audiences back to the golden age of radio. The show is co-hosted by Janet McGarry and her husband Serge Bernard, and the Jubilee All-Stars include Thomas Webb on steel guitar, Bobby McIsaac on acoustic & electric guitar, Johnny Ross on piano, Jason Burbine on bass and Gordie MacKeeman will be sitting in on fiddle for that extra bit of hillbilly stardust. Together they explore the early sounds of country music radio shows such as the legendary Louisiana Hayride on KWKH, Jamboree USA on WWVA Wheeling, and the famed Grand Ole Opry on WSM Nashville. All performances are recorded for broadcast on Tantramar 107.9FM CFTA and previous recordings will also be made available on their website www.tantramarfm.ca.

Tickets for the Summerside performance are available at harbourfronttheatre.com or by calling Box Office on 902 888 2500 (lines open Mon-Fri, 12pm-5pm), while tickets for the Charlottetown performance are available at Ticketpro.ca, in person at the box office, or by phone at 1-888-311-9090.