It was such a sweet thing to see their family settling in! and I loved that their first order of business was getting the trampoline and frisbee net set up. It made me think of my childhood best friend, my kindred spirit, who lived in that house. Of all the memories we made over countless summers on PEI.

After tree planting (where I learned a new sledgehammer technique) Mom and I went to the beach.

We wandered.

We found skipping rocks.

Then we got ice cream.

And somewhere between the sweetness and the brain freeze, we started reminiscing about when I was growing up and we owned the bakery. There were days when we’d finish work we’d take a notion to drive up to the ice cream shop and share a banana split.

*to take a notion* an Island way of saying to suddenly feel like doing something, on a whim, without needing a particular reason.

I think sometimes we’re so focused on creating the big moments of our lives that we forget how much life is actually happening in between them.

Today wasn’t a grand adventure. Yet somehow, it felt like exactly what summer was supposed to be.

A life where you can take a notion.

Where you can stop to say hello to your neighbours.

Where you can follow a sunny afternoon wherever it leads.

And it reminded me how quickly a life can unfold.

One moment, you’re the family moving into a new place, setting up the trampoline. Before you know it, you’re standing on a beach with your own grown children, remembering summers long ago.

Where you have time to remember and realize that while some of your most treasured memories are behind you, there are still so many waiting to be made.

Blessed memories. Blessed moments.

And a blessed future still unfolding. 🌿🍦☀️

📸 : stewartmaclean , alexanderpickering, darcywalsh

Over the next few months, I’ll be following the songs wherever they lead!... and I hope somewhere along the way, our paths will cross.

One of my favourite parts of being a musician is that no two shows are ever the same. One evening might be a lively ceilidh filled with stepdancing and singalongs, while another is an intimate concert where I get to share the stories behind my original songs. Every audience brings its own energy, and I treasure each one.

This season I’ll be performing across the Island with a variety of wonderful musicians, celebrating the traditions that make PEI so special while also sharing music I’ve written from my own experiences growing up here.

Whether you’re a local looking for a fun evening out or visiting the Island for the first time, I’d love to see you at one of these performances.

My Summer Schedule:

Mondays: July 6 - Sept. 28th - Brackley Community Hall - Come to the Ceilidh

Tuesdays & Fridays: July 7 - Oct. 9th - Stanley Bridge Hall - Leon Gallant & Friends

July

Mondays: Brackley Community Hall - Come to the Ceilidh

Tuesdays & Fridays: Stanley Bridge Hall - Leon Gallant & Friends

July 13,27: Tide and Tales

July 23,24,25,26: Riverclyde Pageant

July 24: Fin Folk Food

July 26th: Seaglass Festival with Fiddler Flora MacLaine

July 30,31: Riverclyde Pageant

August

Mondays:Brackley Community Hall - Come to the Ceilidh

Tuesdays & Fridays:Stanley Bridge Hall - Leon Gallant & Friends

August 1,2: Riverclyde Pageant

August 2: Little Red Schoolhouse

August 10, 24: Tide and Tales

August14: Fin Folk Food

August 15: Old Home Week * Harbourlight Trio *

August 28th: Craig Fair Production, Troubadors: Music of Carole King & James Taylor

If you’re planning to attend, please come say hello after the show! Meeting readers, listeners, and new friends is one of the best parts of performing.

Thank you for following along on this musical journey. Every ticket purchased, every song shared, every like&share on social media posts, every kind word, and every familiar face in the audience helps make it possible for me to keep creating and sharing music rooted in our Island traditions.

Here’s to another summer of fiddle tunes, storytelling, community, and making memories together.

See you down the road,

Olivia

Today I was thrifting with my mom and quietly singing as I walked through the aisles at Bibles for Missions. An older gentleman turned the corner, smiled warmly, and said:

“Oh, that’s you singing.”

We ended up chatting for a few minutes and I shared some of the things I’m excited about this week like my Harbourlight Trio show and family fun. As we finished talking, he turned and said:

“Thank you for taking your time to have a little chat with me.”

That tugged at my heartstrings.

Sometimes we become so disconnected from community in public spaces. I’m guilty too… getting caught in my own head, moving from one thing to the next, forgetting to pause and simply say hello.

But today I felt present. Open to exchange. And that tiny moment lifted my spirit more than I expected.

Later, walking the dogs through the back field, we stopped to admire the wildflowers and take in everything around us. I had *Life Is In The Waiting* by Kina Grannis playing in my headphones and it brought me back to that interaction.

Life isn’t waiting for the next goal.

Life is our everyday moments.

Taking time for appreciation. Connection. Presence. Patience.

My love reminds me of this often; “rest matters just as much as making time for the things that light you up.” ☀️ 🌼✨

I feel deeply blessed. These small moments of joy make the bigger moments feel even fuller. Birthdays always remind me of that.

Each year I celebrate my growth and letting my inner light shine brighter everyday.. not shying away from the flame but allowing myself to simply BE ME and let my little light SHINE 🕯️

One song that feels like a prayer to me lately is

*My Little Light* by Beautiful Chorus. Give it a listen

On my birthday my mom makes me feel extra special. A few years ago she started a “birth month” tradition so we celebrate all month long. Today she made me a scavenger hunt of little gifts that was so thoughtful I almost cried: a bumblebee wire sculpture for the garden, my favourite granola, a new hair clip… tiny things that somehow said: 💗 I know you. I love you. 💗

Cheers to another year around the sun, and to welcoming presence every day ☀️

Music pairing for my birthday:

• “Life Is In The Waiting” — Kina Grannis

• “Crooked Tree” — Molly Tuttle

• “My Little Light” — Beautiful Chorus

Hi friends,

My heart is especially full this month. Over the past year, after making some big life changes, something beautiful has unfolded: the floodgates of inspiration have opened. I began writing original music last year, and since then I’ve been learning to stay open and follow that inspiration wherever it leads.

I’m deeply grateful for the support you’ve shown me along the way. It means more than I can say.

June feels extra meaningful, as it’s my birth-month. In my family, we celebrate all month long, taking every opportunity to spend time together, be intentional, and, of course, make music!

This past Saturday, we gathered for a family party that naturally turned into a big singsong. At one point, I paused from playing just to take it in, the sound of everyone singing together was so full almost like one resounding voice it nearly brought me to tears. Watching our youngest cousins shaking instruments and dancing, and seeing new family members welcomed so warmly with big hugs filled my heart in a way that’s hard to put into words.

Moments like that remind me how powerful music is in bringing people together. 💖

~ ! Music This Month ! ~

🌟 Harbour Light Trio - June 27th & June 30th 7:30 pm | Stanley Bridge Hall

I’ll be performing my very first full band show with the Harbourlight Trio, sharing a set of original songs along with a few favourites.

Expect soaring fiddle lines, driving bass grooves, heartfelt storytelling, and lyrical songs that will have you tapping your toes one moment and reflecting the next, leaving you with something to hum home and think about for a little while

🎶 Come to the Ceilidh - June 23rd 7:30 pm | Stanley Bridge Hall

After a wonderful summer run last year with Shane Pendergast and Flora MacLaine, we’re back with local stories, nostalgic songs, and plenty of fiddle flair.

🎸 Family Traditions - June 26th 7:30 pm | Stanley Bridge Hall

Featuring the Gauthier brothers and special guests, this will be a night of music we were raised on! Full of kitchen party energy and familiar tunes!

I recently came across a quote that resonated deeply with me: “I don’t apologize for my growth. I celebrate it.”

So I’d love to invite you to celebrate with me. Your presence, support, and encouragement have shaped this journey, and it would mean so much to share this moment with you in person.

Let’s fill out space with music, joy, and community.

See you down the road,

Olivia 🌹

Hey friends,

There’s something about the first real stretch of summer on PEI that feels like the race is on.

The roads get dusty again. Windows roll down. Campfire guitars live in the backseat. Calendars fill up faster than you can keep track of, and suddenly every day holds the possibility of a new adventure, a new song, or a new familiar face in the crowd.

This is the season I dream about all year long. The “money season,” as we lovingly call it signifies; long drives, late nights, chaotic schedules, double bookings, and constant packing up / tearing down gear.

And honestly? I feel incredibly lucky.

Lucky that my summer is full.

Lucky that my schedule is slightly unhinged.

Lucky that I get to spend my days working on the farm, singing songs, telling stories, meeting people, and chasing sunsets from one gig to the next.

Music has brought so many beautiful people into my world, and if you’re reading this, you’re part of that story too. Whether you’ve come to a show, shared a song, sent a message, bought a ticket, or simply followed along quietly from afar… thank you! You’re helping keep independent East Coast music alive, and that means more than you know. #SupportTheArts #FolkMusic #EastCoastMusic

This summer is already shaping up to be a wild one, filled with ceilidhs, festivals, patios, community events. It’s giving late-night kitchen-party energy, and lots of roving adventures around the Island and Beyond.

UPCOMING SHOWS:

June 23rd: Come to the Ceildih with Shane Pendergast, Olivia Blacquiere & Flora Maclaine

June 26th: Family Traditions: Nick Gauthier, Chris Gauthier, Olivia Blacquiere

June 27th & 30th: Olivia Blacquiere & The Harbourlight Trio

And between those dates… there’s always a good chance I’ll pop up somewhere unexpected! So if you want to keep up with the day-to-day chaos and magic, sign up to follow this Substack Newsletter and keep an eye on my social media! Facebook & Instagram that’s where I post all the spontaneous gigs, music updates, and life moments in between.

More than anything, I hope you’ll come be part of it all this summer.

Bring your friends. Sing Along & Sing Loud.

See you down the road,

Olivia

Subscribe now

You can expect:

— stories from the road

— songwriting scraps and unfinished thoughts

— music updates and upcoming shows

— reflections on Island life, community, creativity, and growing up by the sea

In a world full of tunes & storytellers I think that spirit has shaped everything I create. More than anything, I hope this becomes a space that feels honest and human. Like staying after the show to see where the night takes us... to a kitchen party, a dive bar or a friends quiet living room.

Thank you for following along and supporting independent music and storytelling. It truly means the world to me.

There’s lots more to come.

See you down the road,

Olivia 🌹

@ oliviablacquiere.com