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Join us on Saturday, January 24th, from 2–4 p.m. at Wilser’s Room for a special afternoon of stories and songs. New Brunswick musicians Bruce Hughes, Eric LeBlanc, and Peter Hicks—each of whom has recently released a book—will come together for an intimate event of conversation, readings, and live music. Moderated by mystery author Chuck Bowie, the gathering highlights the deep connection between lyrics and literature, offering a warm, engaging showcase of local creativity. $10 at the door or free with a festival pass.About the performers:
Peter Hicks is a writer and singer-songwriter whose creative life has spanned stages, studios, and the page. As the founder of New Brunswick’s Sleepy Driver, he’s built a celebrated catalog of roots-infused Americana across six albums. Writing has always been his constant—songs, poetry, and stories of every length. Under the pen name Andi Ellis, he now crafts contemporary romance with humor, heart, and a sharp eye for modern relationships. His latest romantic comedy, Roughing It, is out now.
Bruce Hughes, born in Saint John, is a retired educator and youth worker with a lifelong passion for music and writing. A guitarist, singer, and songwriter for more than 45 years, he has written, recorded, and earned airplay with several New Brunswick bands, including Blind Dog, The UnHeard, and his current project, Bruce Hughes & The Northside Nomads. He holds a BA in Political Science and Psychology from UNB. After a series of rare strokes in 2017 left him paralyzed from the neck down, Bruce made a remarkable recovery and now serves as the Patient Experience Advisor of Therapeutic Services at Horizon Health, supporting stroke patients and their families. His memoir, A Stroke of Luck: Music, Medicine and a Miraculous Recovery, has been widely praised, earning multiple Top 5 placements in NB by Atlantic Books Today in 2025, including two months at #1. Bruce lives in Fredericton with his wife, Monica, and their lifesaving dog, Willow, and has been touring the Maritimes with interviews and book-signing events, sharing his message of hope.
Eric LeBlanc, born and raised in Fredericton, is a graduate of UNB with a Bachelor of Education. His wide-ranging career has included work as a labourer, construction foreman, electrician, proof-reader, sports writer, advertising salesman, creative copywriter, supply teacher, and customer service representative. In 1980 Eric established the Grasse Circle Jam which ran monthly for over 40 years. He is a longtime musician who has performed in rock, R&B bands, and singer-songwriter settings, frequently contributing to local fundraising events. In addition to his new short-story collection, Stories & Friends, Eric has released two albums and a songbook of original music.
About our moderator:
Chuck Bowie, born in Miramichi, graduated from the UNB with a Bachelor of Science. His writing is shaped by his fascination with human behaviour, and his love of food, wine, music, and travel—all of which find their way into his work. His latest novel, Death Between the Cays, was written under pseudonym Alexa Bowie.
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Wilser's Room, 368 Rue Queen, Fredericton, NB E3B 1B2, Canada
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.
