Oliva Aubin (centre) lived his life-long dream of travelling to Nashville with his son Gil Aubin and grandson Darren Savard. Aubin's talent for being able to play music by ear has been handed down to Darren, who currently plays alongside Derrick Ruttan and Willie Mack (two country stars out of Nashville). Savard plays lead guitar for the two artists when they travel through Canada.

Oliva's life-long dream was to play guitar in Nashville and be a star. His dreams came one step closer to reality when his family brought him to the country music capital. "Ever since we were kids, dad spoke of one day going to Nashville," explains Oliva's son Gilbert Aubin. "My sisters called me last year and said they wanted to take mom and dad on their dream holiday." Oliva went to Tennessee on vacation July 9 to 19, with his wife Marie, son Gilbert daughters Carmen and Dorine, and son-in-laws Mark and Romeo. Highlights of the trip were the Grand Ole Opry and Ryman Auditorium and always memorable Graceland. "It (the trip) was our way of thanking him for giving us so much joy through his music and for influencing his family one way or another and or to play an instrument and make music part of our lives," says Gilbert. His grandson Darren Savard also went to Nashville. He has inherited his grandfather's passion for music, and ability to play music by ear. "Darren is following in Pepere's footsteps," explains Oliva's daughter Carmen. "Darren has his foot in the door, currently playing with Derrick Ruttan and Willie Mack (two country recording artists)." Oliva began playing guitar at a tender age of five. Raised in Whitemud, the youngster would sit by the radio for hours and learn new songs. Gilbert says that his aunt remembers his dad's earnestness to learn new music. "He could barely get his arms and his hands around his guitar but managed to figure out the songs," Gilbert quotes his aunt Lucille Cote." It became a passion of his and he was surrounded by musical parents and family, which was encouraging." When he was in his early 20s, Oliva joined a band that would play to audiences in bars, at weddings, and other social engagements. His passion of music never ceased, joining Diamond Willow and continuing to play at parties around the region. "His influences are Chet Atkins, Marty Robbins, and Jim Reeves," explains Gilbert. "Dad really enjoys all the new young country players like Keith Urban and Vince Gill."