Island Jubilee

The Island Jubilee Old Time Radio Music Show presents its Christmas Special on November 30 at 2 pm at the Florence Simmons Performance Hall in Charlottetown. The festive showcase will feature Island performers Shane Pendergast, Meaghan Blanchard with Thomas Webb, and step dancer Alexis MacLaren.

The Jubilee returns to the performance hall venue on December 28 at 2 pm to celebrate the 76th anniversary of Hank Williams’ Grand Ole Opry debut. In 1949, Hank stepped onto the Opry stage for his first-ever performance—broadcast live on WSM radio—and his rendition of “Lovesick Blues” brought the audience to its feet six times. His artistry remains among the most iconic contributions to American music. His songs, expressed the shared emotions of love, loss, faith, and redemption. With rare honesty, he translated the human condition into song, creating a timeless body of work that continues to resonate with audiences around the world.

Seventy-six years later, the Island Jubilee will rekindle the spirit of that evening with special guests Nudie, Mike Dixon, Lester MacPherson, and Gordie MacKeeman.

Nudie leads the lineup of special guests with a tribute inspired by his desire to honour Hank’s legacy on New Year’s Eve—the anniversary of Hank’s passing. This Jubilee performance brings that vision to life and celebrates Hank’s enduring influence. A seasoned performer, Nudie has traveled extensively across North America and currently fronts a Gordon Lightfoot tribute show.

Cardigan’s Lester MacPherson, the Island’s Country Gentleman, will also perform. Influenced from a young age by Hank Williams’ southern sound, his extensive country music collection reflects his appreciation for Hank’s legacy. Lester released nine albums, including a heartfelt tribute that celebrates Hank’s enduring influence.

Summerside’s ECMA Award-winning singer-songwriter Mike Dixon makes his Jubilee debut. A longtime Island music historian, he’s spent over 30 years performing his signature Roots and Americana style—both solo and with groups like Rattlesnakin’ Daddies and Saddle River String Band. For this show, he has chosen a heartfelt selection of Hank’s most iconic tunes and beloved gospel favourites.

The spirit of Jerry Rivers—fiddler with Hank Williams’ Drifting Cowboys—will be revived through Island musician Gordie MacKeeman, who joins the Jubilee All Stars (Bobby McIsaac, Johnny Ross, Jason Burbine) and co-hosts Janet McGarry and Serge Bernard. The show will be emceed by Randy Geddes of Tantramar FM, who will weave Hank’s stories throughout the performance.

Visit islandjubilee.com for tickets.