Country music artist Tracy Millar says there’s something special about performing in small-town theatres — and Bonnyville’s Strathcona Performing Arts Centre left a big impression ahead of the Heartstrings & Honky Tonks show on May 1.

Before taking the stage for the live CFCW broadcast event, Millar sat down with Lakeland Connect backstage at the theatre, calling the venue “a beautiful thing for your community.”

“I’ve done a lot of different kinds of venues in my life, but I love these little small theatres,” Millar said. “They’re more intimate and up close and personal.”

The Heartstrings & Honky Tonks show combined a live audience experience with a live radio broadcast on CFCW, featuring performers including Clayton Bellamy, Chad Brownlee, Dan Davidson, Shane Larmand and Millar herself.

Millar explained she has a long history with CFCW, crediting the station as a major part of her music career over the past two decades.

“CFCW’s been very supportive of my music for over two decades,” she said. “They were integral in really getting my career kickstarted.”

Originally from the tiny northern Alberta community of Hines Creek, Millar taught herself guitar at just nine years old and eventually built a career performing across Alberta.

“My goal in my life was to make a living and be a musician in the province I grew up in,” she said. “And I’ve done that.”

One of the unique elements of the Heartstrings & Honky Tonks format is the inclusion of a local performer in each community stop. In Bonnyville, local musician Shane Larmand joined the ensemble on stage.

Millar said collaborating with new performers is one of the most exciting parts of the show.

“It takes on a life of its own,” she said. “It’s just fun to meet other people and see other people’s talents.”

The veteran performer also reflected on how much the music industry has changed over the years, from mailing physical press kits and making phone calls to navigating today’s social media-driven world.

“At the end of the day, music just needs to speak for itself,” Millar said.

The sold-out concert brought hundreds into the theatre while listeners across Alberta tuned in live on CFCW.

This sponsored highlight was brought to you by Northern Truck & Industrial Supplies — your official NAPA Traction dealer in the Lakeland.