The information in this biography was published in 2015, based on interviews prior to that date. Later events and accomplishments may not be included.
Lowell Huestis
Name
Huestis, Lowell
Pronunciation Guide
first syllable rhymes with "few"
Dates
1928-
Where Raised
Residence
Occupation
radio host, radio executive, dealer in Hammond Organs
Role
Piano Player, Radio Personality
Lowell Huestis was host of a long running show on CJRW in Summerside called West Prince Party Line that featured amateur talent from all over Prince County. Many prominent Prince County fiddlers were recorded on reel to reel tape in the CJRW studios, and if they needed accompaniment, Huestis -- an accomplished piano player -- would provide it (unfortunately, most of these tapes were lost when the station was sold in the mid-1990s). Among the fiddlers who were featured on the show were Eddy Arsenault, Toussaint Arsenault, Sid Baglole, Lini Bolger, Andrew Jones, Elmer Robinson, Ervan Sonier, and Russel Warren.
He also led a touring ensemble for many years called the Lowell Huestis Orchestra; it started out as a 1940s-era pop combo, but for most engagements they brought along a fiddler to play for a couple of old time sets. Most often the fiddler they worked with was Russell Warren.
Huestis was friendly with most of the members of Don Messer's and the Islanders. Among the stories they told him was one featuring an encounter between bassist Duke Neilson and a Rocky Mountain bear.
Images
Oral histories
| West Prince Party Line radio show | West Prince Party Line Show | info and transcript |
| Island dance halls & the Huestis Orchestra | Development of modern dance bands in Island dance halls | info and transcript |
| Duke and the bear | Duke Nielson and the bear | info and transcript |