The Island Jubilee Old Time Radio Music Show Celebrates the 76^th Anniversary of Hank Williams’ Grand Ole Opry Debut Sunday, December 28, 2025, at 2:00 PM at the Florence Simmons Performance Hall in Charlottetown.

In 1949, country music legend Hank Williams stepped onto the stage of the Grand Ole Opry for his first-ever performance, broadcast live on WSM radio. That night, his unforgettable renditions of “Lovesick Blues” brought the audience to its feet six times, marking one of the most celebrated moments in Opry history.  The artistry of Hank Williams continues to stand among the most iconic contributions to American music. His songs, framed by plaintive lyrics and unforgettable melodies, expressed the shared emotions of love, loss, faith, and redemption. With rare honesty, Hank Williams translated the human condition into song, creating a timeless body of work that continues to resonate with audiences around the world.

76 years after that legendary debut, The Island Jubilee Old Time Radio Music Show will rekindle the spirit of that evening—honoring the songs, stories, and enduring legacy of Hank Williams in a special anniversary show featuring special guests stars Nudie, Mike Dixon and Lester MacPherson along with the Jubilee All Stars featuring Gordie MacKeeman.

Nudie leads our lineup of special guests, bringing to the stage an idea born from his desire to honor Hank’s legacy on New Year’s Eve, the anniversary of Hank’s passing. This tribute with the Jubilee brings that vision to life and celebrates Hank’s influence on an afternoon full of meaning. A seasoned performer, Nudie has traveled extensively across North America and currently fronts a Gordon Lightfoot tribute show, which recently concluded a highly successful run at the Trailside. Over the years, Nudie has played at major festivals and events, including North by Northeast, the Ontario Council of Folk Festivals, the Americana Music Festival in Nashville, and the North American Folk Alliance in Memphis.

Lester MacPherson, the Island’s Country Gentleman, will also take the stage. From a young age, his authentic voice was shaped by Hank Williams’ unmistakable southern sound. At his home in Cardigan, Lester’s extensive country music collection reflects his deep appreciation for Hank’s legacy. Over the years, Lester released nine albums, including a heartfelt tribute that celebrates Hank Williams’ enduring influence—a work that bridges the spirit of classic country with a new generation of listeners.

Mike Dixon may be making his first appearance on the Jubilee, but he’s no stranger to the stage. A proud Summerside native and Island music historian, Mike has a passion for researching the region’s early songsters and preserving their stories. An ECMA Award-winning singer-songwriter, he’s well known for his authentic Roots and Americana style, captivating audiences for over thirty years as both a solo performer and a member of groups such as the Rattlesnakin’ Daddies and the Saddle River String Band. For this show, Mike has chosen a heartfelt selection of Hank’s most iconic tunes and beloved gospel favorites.

The legendary Jerry Rivers, fiddler and member of Hank Williams’ Drifting Cowboys, will be brought back to the spotlight through the Island’s own Gordie MacKeeman for this special performance.  Gordie will be sitting in with the Jubilee All Stars alongside co-hosts and award-winning artist Janet McGarry and her husband Serge Bernard, Bobby McIsaac on acoustic and electric guitar, Johnny Ross on piano and Jason Burbine on bass, sprinkling a genuine touch of hillbilly magic and capturing the timeless spirit that made the golden-age of radio famous worldwide.  The show is MC’d by Tantramar FM’s Country Radio Personality Randy Geddes, weaving Hank’s stories throughout the show.

Step back in time with the Island Jubilee Old Time Radio Music Show—an unforgettable celebration of classic country music that captures the magic of the golden age of radio. Co-hosted by award-winning artist Janet McGarry and her husband Serge Bernard, this lively program showcases the incredible talents of the Jubilee All-Stars: Thomas Webb on steel guitar, Bobby McIsaac on acoustic and electric guitar, Johnny Ross on piano, Jason Burbine on bass, and Courtney Hogan-Chandler on fiddle. 

Together they explore the early sounds of country music radio shows such as the legendary Louisiana Hayride, 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 at www.tantramarfm.ca.