Classic country dance in Jack Blanchard Centre
Urban Gillis to help provide the music
A classic country dance is set for the Jack Blanchard Centre for Saturday, beginning at 8 p.m.
Urban Gillis, a veteran country music performer, will join three other musicians to play classic country music.
Gillis was lead singer for the band Midnight, played in the late Neil Matthews band, and toured full-time throughout Canada singing lead for the band Silver Wings. Upon returning to P.E.I. he continued with his musical career and was one of the founding members of the popular classic country group, Urban Outlaws.
Joining Gillis will be Mike MacGary and Billy Matthews, who have been playing together in a group called The Boys for the last few years providing dancing music at the Royal Canadian Legion in Charlottetown on Saturday nights. This time MacGary will be playing his late father, Joe MacGary’s electric steel guitar as well as singing harmony.
Matthews, a musician like his late dad, Neil Matthews, played on the road while living in Ontario until the family moved back to P.E.I. Here he continued his music as a lead singer and drummer for Urban Outlaws and The Boys. Matthews will be sharing the lead vocals as well as playing drums.
Judy Lowe will be joing in the music making. She has a history of musical experience going back to the group Elliott Wight and his Orchestra, which played every Saturday night at the North River Fire Hall for many years. Lowe currently plays with the Lady Singers of our Century group, the Winsloe United Church ceilidh group and Dino and the Harmonies. She will be playing keyboard as well as singing harmonies The May 26 dance is a fundraiser for the Holy Redeemer and the Knights of Columbus. It is open to those 19 and over. There will be a 50/50 draw with a portion of the proceeds going to the QEH Equipment Fund. Tickets are available at the door for $10. Doors open at 7 p.m. The Jack Blanchard hall is located on Pond Street in Charlottetown.