‘The Grand Tour' revives country's golden era across the Maritimes
P.E.I. concert series 'The Grand Tour' is dedicated to celebrating the golden era of country music – covering hits from the 1950s through the 1980s.
A group of seven Prince Edward Island musicians is striking a nostalgic chord with audiences across the Maritimes.
Known as 'The Grand Tour,' the show celebrates the golden era of country music – covering hits from the 1950s through the 1980s. With a sound that includes pedal steel, fiddle, piano and rich harmonies, their live performances are more than just concerts – they're a heartfelt tribute to legends like Conway Twitty, George Jones, and Merle Haggard.
'We wanted the show to be a classic country show,' said founding member Troy MacArthur. 'We decided to stick to those decades and really honour the sound and spirit of that time.'
Lead vocalist Jamie Matthews says joining the project felt like coming home.
'I've been singing since I was five years old. When they asked me to come and join them, I was more than excited to do it.'
The Grand Tour
The band says they're celebrating the music that shaped generations – and fans are responding. 'The Grand Tour' has sold out shows in venues across the region.
'We're a family show,' said MacArthur. 'It's heartwarming to get the reception that we're getting.'
Upcoming summer tour dates include performances in Fredericton on June 20 and Moncton on June 21, with a fall leg taking them to Halifax, Wolfville, Saint John, and Woodstock.
'At the end of the day, we just want people to leave with memories,' said MacArthur. 'If they're able to forget about everything for a couple hours and get taken back that means everything to us.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CTV News
21 minutes ago
- CTV News
Miniatures display at Muttart
Miniatures display at Muttart The Miniatures Enthusiasts of Edmonton are staging tiny model-plant displays at the Muttart Conservatory starting July 1 through Sept. 21.
CTV News
an hour ago
- CTV News
Stratford, Ont., artist portrays U.S. President Donald Trump as playing card in nod to 'No Kings' movement
A Stratford, Ont. artist's portrait of U.S. President Donald Trump, dressed as a court jester, is making waves around the world. CTV's Alexandra Holyk reports. A Stratford, Ont., artist isn't afraid to play her hand or playfully paint a head of state. Inspired by a growing political movement in the United States, Carlie Pearce decided to give President Doland Trump the royal treatment – a portrait on a playing card. 'I was seeing a lot of videos and photos from the 'No Kings' protests going on in the States, and I wanted to somehow incorporate that slogan into a painting,' she explained. The movement made waves south of the border earlier this month, with millions calling out Trump's authoritarian-like style of governance. 'I think in one way or another, we're all being affected by this,' Pearce said. Despite living in Canada, the artist wanted to use her talents to amplify the movement's message. 'I was just thinking, 'No kings. No kings. What could I do?'' Pearce recalled. 'And I thought of a playing card, sort of a half king, half joker.' Then it hit her. 'I wanted to hint him thinking that he's a king, but he's actually a joker.' Pearce shared the painting process on social media, and it quickly racked up millions of views on Instagram and TikTok. 'I thought it would go a bit viral,' she admitted. 'When I posted, it started picking up on comments and shares and it did exceed what I thought would happen with it.' Pearce said most people supported her work, though there was some negative feedback. 'That is what I think makes it a strong art piece,' she insisted. 'It creates strong emotions, whether it's good or bad.' 'Everybody's entitled to their opinion,' she added. Carlie Pearce Stratford No Kings artist artwork donald trump A portrait of U.S. President Donald Trump, inspired by the "No Kings" movement, by Stratford, Ont. artist Carlie Pearce of Stratford, Ont. on June 30, 2025. (Alexandra Holyk/CTV News) Some of the comments suggested she send the artwork to Trump himself. 'At first I laughed about it,' Pearce recalled. 'And then I was like, 'Wait a second, I can easily do that. That would actually be a really cool way of showing people that they can do something similar.' Even if it seems small, it can be an act of resistance.' Pearce's artwork is also listed online, with orders coming in from North America, Australia, Germany and the United Kingdom. 'I've had people say they're putting it on banners for protests, on flags, yard signs … t-shirts.' As for whether she will paint other political leaders, Pearce said she's not sure if it's in the cards. 'I really want to just do what I feel intuitively that I want to do next,' she said. 'So, we'll see.'
CTV News
2 hours ago
- CTV News
What to know ahead of Canada Day in Ottawa
Ottawa Watch From transit options to world-class live music, CTV's Katelyn Wilson has more on what to expect this Canada Day.
