Hank Williams tribute

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,” for his first appearance. He received six encores for his rendition of the old Tin Pan Alley song “Lovesick Blues,” his first #1 hit. 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 in Summerside and Charlottetown this month by revisiting the songs, stories, and legend of Hank Williams across two radio broadcasts. 

The first Hank Williams Tribute Show will take place at Harbourfront Theatre in Summerside on December 28 at 7:30 pm with guest stars Nudie, Lester MacPherson, and Mary Dennis. The second show will be at the Florence Simmons Performance Hall in Charlottetown on December 29 at 2 pm, with Nudie and Scott MacKay.  Special guest Gordie MacKeeman will join the Jubilee All Stars for both shows, capturing the role of Jerry Rivers, the famous Southern-style fiddle player for the Drifting Cowboys. 

Nudie 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 across North America and currently leads a Gordon Lightfoot tribute show. His impressive career includes appearances at 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.

All performances are recorded for broadcast on Tantramar 107.9FM CFTA and previous recordings will also be made available at tantramarfm.ca.