The Buzz - April 2023

Sita MacMillan

Rise up

Megan’s admiration for and recognition of Ker’s influence in her life was evident during our conversation. “I learned so much from Ker, not just in theatre, but in life. I also credit him in cultivating the bread-maker in me because he gave me a sourdough starter and told me to run with it, which I did!”

Ker and Megan continued their creative collaborations back here on PEI. They co-directed and co-produced the first four years of the River Clyde Pageant.

“Ker passed away from his battle with cancer in 2019 which was a difficult and devastating time.” Megan turned to writing as one of the ways to work through this significant loss in her life. What started as flow writing to process grief and loss has become the start of a solo show that Megan aims to bring to the stage.

“I had written so much as I was processing the loss and then I didn’t look at it for a year. When I picked it up again after the year, I thought ‘there’s something here!’ so I decided to keep working at it to bring a solo show to the stage. On Bread Time is a story about loss, transformation, and the slow process to re-find self through grief.”

Along with processing grief, Megan and I talked a lot about process, generally. “It’s all about the process!” she eagerly proclaimed. As a fellow process-enthusiast, I enjoyed hearing about ways Megan approaches theatre co-creation, staying true to her relational and interdisciplinary philosophy.

Megan Stewart is no stranger to the theatre landscape on Prince Edward Island. Notably, she co-founded the March of the Crows parade in 2011 and the Island Fringe Festival in 2012. Though she isn’t involved in either of these annual events now, they have both become staples in the summer theatre scene in Charlottetown.

Megan grew up in Charlottetown and left the Island to pursue post-secondary education in the arts. She was in her high school musical, part of the Young Company, and was involved in an ACT Christmas show. Both her undergraduate and graduate degrees are in fine arts and her focus has been on theatre. Megan is an actor, a writer, a sourdough bread maker (even before we all became sourdough bread makers during the pandemic), a stiltwalker, and a director.

While she enjoys and has worked in most theatre roles, Megan naturally gravitates toward the director position. “As a director, I consider myself a stitcher of things, helping to bring it all to life.”

Particularly, Megan is keenly interested in theatre and art in unconventional spaces. “Theatre in unconventional spaces creates a more compelling audience experience.”

Unconventional theatre can seem a world away from academic programs and processes, so Megan found herself disenchanted with some of those parts of her graduate program.

“I was struggling with some of the structural aspects of the master’s program and then I met Ker Wells. I had heard about him and had been told he’s someone I should know because of our connections to PEI, and our shared interest in outdoor and community-engaged theatre.”

In a beautiful act of serendipity, Ker became Megan’s graduate supervisor, and she completed her MFA at Simon Fraser University. “Now that I was finding my people, it was a smoother process through the rest of the program. I was able to create interdisciplinary art in action that was built on collaboration.”

The process of producing and directing the River Clyde Pageant is a beautiful example of that.

“We have a ten-week process leading up to the pageant where the show itself is co-created through a series of workshops on such things as music, performance, puppet making, and stilt walking. Each ensemble is its own unique and amazing experience. Then we bring them all together to see the co-creation come to life. People of many ages and backgrounds see themselves reflected in the project.”

I was excited as I listened to Megan talk about bringing all these weird and wonderful components together. I was compelled to ask her if she had any insight for other interdisciplinary and unconventional thinkers and artists and am happy to report that I am on the right weird track!

“Pursue your wild ideas, and find the other weirdos to collaborate and build community with and bring the ideas to life!”

BUZZ

Pro le: Megan Stewart by Julie Bull

Victoria Playhouse

In Story and Song

2023 Festival is set for Victoria-by-the-Sea

She’s Back

The Winsloe Players perform at Carrefour Theatre—Apr 19 to 22

Victoria by the Sea’s gem of a theatre is all polished up and ready for a brand new chapter with the Victoria Playhouse Festival 2023: Our Lives in Story and Song.

“This year is all about collaborations, community, and showcasing the surprising and delightful artists from right on our doorstep to the other side of the continent,” shares Artistic Director Johanna Nutter.

The season begins and ends with Johanna reprising the titular role in Shirley Valentine, Willy Russell’s captivating story of a 1980s housewife from Liverpool who dreams of drinking a glass of wine in a country where the grape is grown. Directed by Robert Tsonos, it plays July 5–23 and September 6–17.

August brings a collaboration with Farmgate Theatre in Cameron MacDuffee and Julain Molnar’s The Good Time Radio Variety Show. First presented to sold-out houses in 2021, this new iteration promises to be fun and fast-paced, filled with music, mystery

and comedy, with all original content based on PEI themes. Directed by Laurie Murdoch, it plays August 2–27.

The story of two generations of CBC Broadcasters and the radio silence between them, Empire of the Son is a funny, emotional portrayal of parent/ child relationships by a former writer for This Hour Has 22 Minutes. Tetsuro Shigematsu brings this work from Vancouver for a one-week run, August 30 to September 3.

Tuesday evenings in August will feature the Tree Huggers Ball. These cabaret celebrations of PEI’s trees will be led by Jon Rehder with Reg Ballagh, Chris Gauthier and Carlie Howell, accompanied by special invited guests each week.

Many more collaborations and pop-up events are in the works, along with the Monday Night Concert Series, which will include an appearance by the one and only Lorne Elliot.

Info/tickets: call 1-800-925-2025 or visit victoriaplayhouse.com

The Winsloe Players present She’s Back at Carrefour Theatre in Charlottetown with performances April 19–22.

The cast includes Roger Smith, Joan Reeves, Roger Burke, Barb Jenkins, Dianne MacLean, Joy MacIntyre, Gordon Aten and Judy MacGregor. Tickets are available at Proude’s Shoes (894–3504), Winsloe Irving (569–0166), Clow’s Red & White (6210500), QEH foundation (894-2425) and from the cast members. Proceeds will go to support the QEH Foundation’s Big Day.

RACHEL PETERS

JONATHAN ELLUL

Cameron MacDu ee (left) and Julain Molnar

SUBMITTED

The cast of She’s Back

Into the Woods (In Concert)

Musical performance of Stephen Sondheim musical

Broadway composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim’s Tony Awardwinning musical, Into the Woods, will be presented in concert at The Guild in Charlottetown. Performances will take place March 31 and April 1 at 7:30 pm, and April 2 at 2 pm.

With music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by James Lapine, Into The Woods is a musical in which classic Brothers Grimm fairy tale characters such as Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack (and the Beanstalk), and the fabled Witch are brought together to meet a childless Baker and his Wife.

The Charlottetown production of Into the Woods (In Concert) features a cast of fourteen professional musical theatre talents, including Rebekah Brown, Caroline Burton, Jessica Gallant, Rebecca Guilderson, Jacob Hemphill, Glenda Landry, Melissa MacKenzie, Kristena McCormack, Rebecca Parent, Hugh Ritchie, Brandon Roy, Brent Raddall, Christopher Wilson and Braeden Woods, with piano accompaniment by Morgan Saulnier. theguildpei.com

Local talent

Mostly Island actors at Watermark Theatre this summer

Five out of the seven actors hired by Watermark Theatre for this summer’s productions of Steel Magnolias and Gaslight are from PEI.

Gracie Finley, Marlene Handrahan, Benton Hartley, Kristena McCormack, and Marlane O’Brien are all local PEI actors. Sharleen Kalayil (Halifax, NS) and Risha Nanda (Toronto, ON) complete the casting for the summer.

“Every year we try to cast as many local actors as possible and this year worked out really well,” says Artistic Director Robert Tsonos. “There’s so much talent right here on the Island. I’m always thrilled when we can give local actors work.”

Directed by Samantha Wilson, Steel Magnolias by Robert Harling will run from June 27 to August 26.

Gaslight by Johnna Wright and Patty Jamieson, based on the play

Angel Street by Patrick Hamilton, will run from July 7 to August 25. It will be directed by Martha Irving, who directed last summer’s hit production, Educating Rita watermarktheatre.com

Kristena McCormack, Marlene Handrahan, Benton Hartley, Marlane O’Brien and Gracie Finley

Sharleen Kalayil (left) and Risha Nanda

Live @the Centre in April

Tim Baker, Classic Albums Live, PEISO, and more

Several acts are hitting the stage at Confederation Centre of the Arts in the month of April.

Catch the Confederation Centre Youth Chorus perform a stirring suite of folk songs and classics in Voices of Spring on April 2 at St. Paul’s in Charlottetown. The Confederation Singers and guest soloists will also present Karl Jenkin’s “Requiem” and other works for their annual Good Friday performance on April 7 at Zion Presbyterian in Charlottetown. The performance will feature soloists Shannon Scales, Jillian Clow and Suzanne Campbell with the Atlantic String Machine.

Tim Baker and All Hands will perform at the Centre on April 12. Best known as the writer and frontman of Hey Rosetta!, Baker will be playing songs from his newest solo album The Festival Classic Albums Live returns to the Centre to perform The Beatles: Let It Be on April 13. A perennial Centre must-see, Classic Albums Live presents skilled musicians recreating the greatest albums of the ’60s and ’70s live on stage—note for note—cut for cut. Let It Be is the final studio album by The Beatles featuring songs like “Across the Universe,” “Get Back” and “The Long and Winding Road.”

On April 15, enjoy a night of laughs from Yuk Yuk’s Comedy with Ted Morris and Cedric Newman at The Mack. Morris brings his intelligent, offbeat humour and Newman’s love for making people laugh is undeniable.

The PEI Symphony’s 2022-23 season concludes on April 16 with performance of Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 4 and pianist Sarah Hagen performing Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3. Having recently performed in Europe and across the US and Canada, Hagen has emerged from the pandemic at the

top of her game.

Confederation Centre’s dance umbrella will close out the season with two performances. On April 22, join the music theatre class for Ahoy! Pirate Tales of the Sea—a swashbuckling adventure full of singing and dancing. The year-end showcase Meet Me at the Barre is scheduled for May 6. This annual performance displays the year’s training as students move, leap and turn their way across the stage. confederationcentre.com

SUBMITTED

SIMON REID

Tim Baker (above); Confederation Youth Chorus

Noises O

Play set for May at Florence Simmons Performance Hall

stage, and thus the set must be quite versatile. The two-story construction includes multiple flights of stairs and two full balconies that will support several actors at once.

The production was ready to go in March 2020 when the world came to a halt. The set and costumes were placed in storage and the scripts put away.

Directed by Keir Malone, the show stars Brian Collins, Amanda Rae Donovan, Richard Haines, Colin Hood, Marti Hopson, Mike Mallaley, Noah Nazim, Amy Sobol and Laura Stapleton.

Tickets are available now. actpei.com

Mindful eating

Do you ever think about how you eat? Do you grab just anything on the way to work and eat it in the car? Do you try to eat while checking emails or working? If you are not being intentional about how and what you eat, it may be impacting your digestive system. Mindful eating is simply eating with intention and paying attention to your food, including when, what, and how much you eat. Research has shown that mindful eating improves digestion, eating habits, and overall health. It can also have a positive impact on the emotional and psychological aspects of eating.

Thinking about food before eating it actually prepares your mind and body for the first stage of digestion because the brain starts to anticipate the smell and taste of the food, stimulating digestive juices. It also triggers the release of enzymes that will help break down the food. On the other hand, if you eat mindlessly and don’t pay attention to your food, then your brain doesn’t prepare properly. You have actually cheated your brain, and it may lead to poor digestion and weight gain.

Eating while working can increase the stress hormone cortisol. This hormone suppresses the production of enzymes, stomach acid, and saliva needed to digest food, resulting in undigested food, lost nutrients, acid reflux, gas, and bloating.

Mindless eating often leads to over-eating. Inhaling food quickly prevents you from noticing your body’s signals that it is full. It can result in poor digestion or even complications with your digestive system, such as inflammatory bowel disease. Our ability to digest food and absorb nutrients is also affected by stress, hormones, gut microbial imbalance, toxins, and food sensitivities.

Practicing mindful eating is not as intimidating as it sounds, and the more you practice, the more effortless and less of a process it becomes. It does not have to be long and drawn out, but

mindful eating should be just that— mindful, intentional, and focused. Here are a few simple ways to start eating more mindfully:

1. Plan your meals, or at least what you are going to eat for your next snack or meal. Planning ahead gives your mind and body a chance to prepare for and anticipate what you will be consuming. Planning also prevents you from grabbing something unhealthy at the last minute that you will end up scarfing down in a hurry and allows you to set aside enough time to actually enjoy your meal.

2. Sit down and remove distractions. Whether you are at home, the office, or even a restaurant, make it a point to prepare your place to eat. Sit down at a table or desk and set phones, computers, or work files to the side. This is not the time to check your social media or cram in one more thing on your to-do list; this is your time to fuel and nourish your body.

3. Eat with intention. Focus on your meal. What are you eating? What are the flavours? If you made it yourself, can you taste the spices you used? What is the texture? Pay attention to how you cut the food. After you take a bite, set down your utensils. Chew for several seconds; don’t gulp. After you swallow, notice any flavours that linger in your mouth. Then, pick up your utensils and prepare another bite.

Food should be fuel for your body and should be something you enjoy. Reflect on your eating habits. If your habits do not reflect this, your eating might require a little more mindfulness.

Play reading

The Conversation by Marlene Campbell at Watermark Theatre

Friday, April 14

A free public reading of The Conversation by Marlene Campbell will take place March 30 at 7:30 pm at the Watermark Theatre in North Rustico.

Campbell recently won Watermark Theatre’s PEI Playwriting Competition. The honour came with a $1500 cash prize and a public reading of her submission, The Conversation

In her play, the conversation at the supper table between an elderly mother and her caretaking daughter takes an unexpected turn into uncharted territory. In the desire for a real conversation not all of what is revealed is welcomed, but both women realize that time is slipping away, taking with it the opportunity for understanding and forgiveness.

Marlene Campbell

Kenny vs. Spenny

Live on stage in Charlottetown and Summerside

Review by Sean McQuaid

Improbable ction

Twelfth Night Dr. Steel Recital Hall, UPEI

March 17

It’s a night of comebacks. The staging of William Shakespeare’s 1602 romantic comedy Twelfth Night marks the first Shakespeare show at UPEI in ages, and the first play staged by the UPEI Theatre Studies company Vagabond Productions since the pandemic shut down all things theatrical in 2020.

Kenny vs. Spenny are bringing their 20 Year Anniversary Tour to the stage at Trailside Music Hall in Charlottetown on April 26 and at Harbourfront Theatre in Summerside on April 27.

It’s been 20 years since a pair of old friends first appeared on Canadian Television airwaves (CBC and Showcase). The sho,w produced by South Park Creators Matt Stone and Trey Parker, ran for six seasons.

Popalopalots

Good Friday Gooder Improv

Get ready to LOL, ROFL and maybe even LMAO. Popalopalots, the unpredictable improv comedy group, is set to take the stage April 7 at The Guild in Charlottetown to present their Good Friday Gooder Improv Show. Showtime is 8 pm.

The Popalopalots have been entertaining audiences for well over a decade with their unique blend of improv comedy and chaos—fast-paced sketches, witty banter, outrageous characters and plenty of surprises. theguildpei.com

Side Hustle

Improv at The Guild—Apr 14

Side Hustle improv will perform at The Guild in Charlottetown on April 14. Showtime is 7:30 pm.

Join the collective comedic team of Side Hustle as they bulldoze their musical, manic and maniacal way through audience suggestions, their hopes and dreams for a better future, and all things happy and hopeful. Laugh, judge and enjoy a night of frivolity fed by feral females needing attention and adoration. theguildpei.com

Airing on Comedy Central made it one of the few Canadian comedies ever to migrate to American Television.The show did not simply run its course like most TV, Kenny vs. Spenny created an international cult sensation and took on a life of its own.

Both shows are at 8 pm. Tickets for the Trailside are available at trailside. ca and for Harbourfront Theatre visit harbourfronttheatre.com.

A Work in Progress

Shawn Hogan comedy at Gallery Co ee House—Apr 13

Vagabond’s Twelfth Night also marks the return of theatre to the Dr. Steel Recital Hall in UPEI’s Steel Building. Lacking wings and curtains it’s not fully equipped as a theatrical space, but its raised stage, specialized lighting and audience seating make it UPEI’s most theatre-like location (until the university’s long-foretold new performance venue materializes anyway).

After attending plays at Steel and performing there back in the 1990s, I’ve got a soft spot for the venue and have long wished more theatre was staged there; but Vagabond Productions has never used the hall until now, operating in a jumbled array of on-campus and off-campus locales, even a string of shows staged in a faculty lounge. Steel feels like a real step up for Vagabond, even with limited production values in evidence this time around.

Directed, produced and adapted by Greg Doran and co-designed by Doran and stage manager Adi Vella, Twelfth Night features twins Viola and Sebastian (played here by MacKenzie Cutcliffe and Brennan McDuffee), who are separated in a shipwreck. Viola ends up in Illyria, where she mitigates the vulnerability of being a woman alone in a strange land by assuming a male identity as Cesario, working for Duke Orsino (Songobele Mulenga). Orsino seeks to woo the countess Olivia (Madison Walsh), who falls in love with Cesario instead, even though Cesario/Viola secretly loves Orsino.

dormancy. Among the very best are the engagingly expressive, likeable and crisply articulate Cutcliffe as Viola; the fascinating Walsh, finding real range in assorted facets of Olivia; and the very funny Doiron as comic relief Toby. Also excellent are Aleeq’s cartoonish but oft-hilarious Malvolio, Gaboya’s vividly feisty Maria and Acorn’s delightful Feste, whose impish attitude and quirky physicality make her fun to watch even if her lines blur a bit in spots due to pacing or projection issues.

Speaking of projection, Songobele Mulenga adds ample charm and presence as Orsino but is not consistently audible, especially whenever he’s not directly facing the audience. Also on the quiet side in smaller roles are Carmody (seemingly reciting her lines more than feeling them at times) and Divya Daboo (who could use a bit more discernible intention in her characters’ less active moments). McDuffee, Ching and Fawzy fill their roles capably, though the latter is prone to indicating.

Fawzy’s Fabian describes the play’s events as “improbable fiction,” and he has a point—Shakespeare piles on coincidences, conveniences and complications as the tangled plot takes shape—but it’s a fun tangle (give or take some arguably excessive Malvolio abuse) full of wit, quotable lines, moments of genuinely sweet romance and intriguing multilayered gender confusion, and Doran’s players do it all justice.

Shawn Hogan, the early years

A Work in Progress, featuring PEI comedian Shawn Hogan, will be held April 13 at 7 pm at the Gallery Coffee House & Bistro in Charlottetown.

In his monthly one-person show, Hogan is continually honing old and new material to prepare for recording his debut comedy album later this year. Each month the show will be its own unique journey, with Hogan bringing many never before seen or heard stories and material.

Tickets at thegallerypei.ca.

Meanwhile, Olivia’s drunken uncle Sir Toby (Noah Doiron), his dissolute chum Sir Andrew (Sam Ching) and Olivia’s jester Feste (Sophie Acorn) and servants Maria and Fabian (Audrey Gaboya and Hashem Fawzy) conspire against Olivia’s officious steward Malvolio (Mohamed Aleeq), tricking him into thinking Olivia is in love with him. Toby also cultivates an Andrew–Cesario feud just for kicks. When Viola’s twin Sebastian reaches Illyria with the aid of sea captain Antonia (Reese Carmody), he further complicates matters as people start mistaking him for Cesario.

Part of the fun of UPEI drama is getting to see future stars of PEI theatre in the making, and fresh faces abound here after Vagabond’s years of

Fresh from the Island submissions

Submissions officially open for the annual Fresh from the Island: A New Works Festival at Kings Playhouse in Georgetown on April 14.

New writers and playwrights are invited to submit their work for the Festival, which will take place later this season. This is a great opportunity for emerging playwrights to bring their work to a larger audience.

Submissions will be accepted until June 16. Visit kingsplayhouse.com for more details.

“wit, quotable lines, genuinely sweet romance”

Ryan Doucette

Stand-up comedy show at The Guild—Apr 21

Comedian Ryan Doucette will be live on stage at The Guild for a night of laughter on April 21. The show will feature opening acts Maggie Estey (NB) and Tanya Nicolle (PEI).

Ryan is an Acadian actor, comedian and writer from Clare, Nova Scotia. Winner of the Creative NS Awards’ Grand-Pré 2020 Award, he is best known for hosting and writing “Le sens du punch” for Unis TV.

As a standup, Doucette has performed for crowds in Los Angeles, Toronto, Montreal, Edmonton, Halifax and more. He has performed at the Winnipeg Comedy Festival, Festival RIEN, Cecitte c’t’un spectacle acadien de Minifest, Un rire à l’autre in Moncton, NB, Hubcap Comedy Festival, and he just finished touring his one-man show, Punch moi, as part of the ROSEQ 2022.

Ventastic

Ventriloquist comedian at Harbourfront—May 1

Michael Harrison’s Ventastic is coming to Harbourfront Theatre in Summerside on May 1 at 7 pm. Full of original puppets and creative routines, the show is sure to entertain and delight audiences of all ages.

Harrison is a ventriloquist, puppeteer and comedian with a lifetime of experience in this unique field of entertainment. He channels the talents of Frank Merryfield, his famous vaudeville ventriloquist great grandfather, into a one-man, laugh-out-loud romp into the past with his new up to date twist on this longlost art form.

Known for his performances on America’s Got Talent and Disney Cruises, Harrison has worked with Kelly Clarkson, The Muppets and Boyz to Men. He has headlined on luxurious

cruise lines, including Disney, Royal Caribbean, Princess, Norwegian and Crystal. He has also written and performed on the television show Kids in the Firehall and stars in the reality TV pilot, The Dummy Test.

Tickets: harbourfronttheatre.com

Doors at 7:30 pm. Showtime is 8 pm. Tickets are available online at theguildpei.com, the box office, or by phone at 620-3333.

Brew-HA-HA comedy

Patrick Ledwell

Bits & Bites Comedy Series with host Tanya Nicolle

Comedian Patrick Ledwell will perform at bar1911 in Charlottetown on April 19 as part of the Bits & Bites Comedy Series hosted by local PEI comedian Tanya Nicolle. Doors open at 6:30 pm. Showtime is 7:30 pm sharp.

Ledwell’s quick-witted comedy has brought him national recognition with many appearances on CBC Radio’s The Debaters. He is a popular host at events across Canada, from the East Coast Music Awards to a performance in Inuvik, above the Arctic Circle. Ledwell has written two popular books and co-starred with Mark Haines in a series of sold-out Island Summer Reviews.

Bits & Bites Comedy Series is one of PEI’s most popular stand-up nights. The series showcases a variety of comedians from around the East coast, as well as touring pros.

Tickets: bar1911.com

Hosted by comedian, writer and actor Katherine Cairns, the Brew-HA-HA Comedy Series returns to the PEI Brewing Company on April 7 with special guest headliner, Dan Hendricken. Showtime is 8 pm.

Originally from PEI, Dan is one of the top comics to come out of the Maritimes. He has headlined all over the country. Islanders may know him from Yuk Yuk’s in Halifax, the Halifax Comedy Festival, LOL on CBC Radio, and Hubcap Comedy Festival.

Charming and hilarious, Dan draws in the attention of every audience he performs in front of with his likeability and knack at keeping folks laughing.

The Brew-HA-HA Comedy Series showcases a variety of up-and-coming comedians workshopping brand new material. Each series features a special guest from the comedy scene.

Advance tickets available in person at PEI Brewing Company, 96 Kensington Road, Charlottetown. Cash only on the day of the show.

PHOTOS SUBMITTED

Dan Hendricken (left) and host Katherine Cairns

STEWART MACLEAN

SUBMITTED

Ventriloquist, puppeteer and comedian Michael Harrison

PERFORMANCE music,

theatre, dance, comedy…

Mondays | 8 pm

Rat Tales Comedy Night

Hosted by Britt Campbell. Baba’s Lounge, Charlottetown

Mar 30 | 8 pm

Island Jazz ft. Alan White Group

Baba’s Lounge, Charlottetown

Mar 30 | 8 pm

The Hounds

Tribute to Tyler Childers. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Mar 30, 31, Apr 1

Newsies: The Musical Colonel Gray High School production. Sobey Family Theatre, Charlottetown

Mar 31 | 6 pm

Ripopée

Kings Playhouse, Georgetown

Mar 31 | 7:30 pm

UPEI Jazz Ensemble

End-of-semester concert. Dr. Steel Recital Hall, UPEI, Charlottetown

Mar 31 | 7:30 pm

UPEI Faculty Recital

Featuring Karem Simon, Sean Kemp, Karen Graves, Je rey Bazett-Jones, and Natalie Williams Calhoun. Hillcrest United, Montague

Mar 31 | 7:30 pm

Jack Pine Folk Club

Featuring Kelley Mooney, Noah Malcolm, poet Andrew Cairns, ddler Luka Hall, and host Shane Pendergast. The Pourhouse, Charlottetown

Mar 31 | 8 pm

Trinity Bradshaw; Roland

Beaulieu; Route 225

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Mar 31–Apr 2 | select times

Into The Woods (in Concert)

The Guild, Charlottetown

Mar 31–Apr 2 | select times

Birds of a Feather

Watermark Children’s Theatre Festival. Watermark Theatre, North Rustico

Apr 1 | 7:30 pm

Dragcadie

Featuring Tori Nylon, Peach, Rose Beef, Lady Boom Boom, Era, and Barb Wire. Carrefour Theatre, Charlottetown

Apr 1 | 7:30 pm

Lorne Elliott Harmony House, Hunter River

Apr 1 | 8 pm

Katie McGarry

Tribute to Miranda Lambert. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Apr 1 | 7:30 pm

Graham Nicholas Album

Release

With guest Shane Pendergast. Copper Bottom Brewing, Montague

Apr 1 | 7:30 pm

UPEI String Orchestra

End-of-semester concert. UPEI

Performing Arts Centre, Charlottetown

Apr 1 | 7:30 pm

Andrew Packer; Moe Ismail The Mack, Charlottetown

Apr 2 | 3 pm

Choral Music: Voices of Spring St. Paul’s, Charlottetown

Apr 4 | 8 pm

Gerry Dee: Best Medicine

Tour

Sobey Family Theatre, Charlottetown

Apr 5 | 8 pm

East Coast Comedy Spotlight with Shawn Hogan

Featuring Kyle Hickey. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Apr 6 | 7:30 pm

UPEI Wind Symphony

End-of-semester concert. UPEI Performing Arts Centre, Charlottetown

Apr 6 | 7:30 pm

Snowed In Comedy Tour

Featuring Dan Quinn, Paul Myrehaug, Pete Zedlacher, and Erica Sigurdson. Sobey Family Theatre, Charlottetown

Apr 6 | 8 pm

Island Jazz ft. Teresa Doyle Quintet

Baba’s Lounge, Charlottetown

Apr 6 | 8 pm

Craig Fair Presents Ultimate Mixtape Night

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Apr 7 | 7 pm

Choral Music on a Holy Day

Zion Presbyterian, Charlottetown

Apr 7 | 7:30 pm

Logan Richard EP Release

Harmony House Lounge, Hunter River

Apr 7 | 8 pm

Popalopalots Improv

The Guild, Charlottetown

Apr 7 | 8 pm

Nick Done with band

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Apr 7, 8 | 7 pm

BREW-HA-HA Comedy

Series: Dan Hendricken

With host Katherine Cairns. PEI Brewing Company, Charlottetown

Apr 8 | 7 pm

Winterjazz: Jenn Grant & Daniel Ledwell

The Pourhouse, Charlottetown

Apr 8 | 7:30 pm

UPEI Faculty Recital

Featuring Karem Simon, Sean Kemp, Karen Graves, Je rey Bazett-Jones, and Natalie Williams Calhoun. St. Paul’s, Charlottetown

Apr 8 | 8 pm

Cure-Pipe

The Guild, Charlottetown

Apr 8 | 8 pm

Brad Milligan Band

With Emily MacLellan. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Apr 9, 10 | 8 pm

Randy*: Cheeseburger

Picnic Tour

*From Trailer Park Boys. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Apr 11 | 7 pm

Finny McConnell

Red Dirt Girl Music Room, Middleton

Apr 11 | 8 pm

Atlantic String Machine with Kierrah

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Apr 12 | 7:30 pm

Tim Baker & All Hands

With Georgia Harmer. Sobey Family Theatre, Charlottetown

Apr 13 | 7 pm

Shawn Hogan: A Work in Progress

Gallery Coffee House & Bistro, Charlottetown

Apr 13 | 7:30 pm

Babes, Babes, Babes!

Burlesque Tour

The Guild, Charlottetown

Apr 13 | 7:30 pm

Classic Albums Live: The Beatles: Let It Be

Sobey Family Theatre, Charlottetown

Apr 13 | 7:30 pm

Cash – A Celebration of the Life & Music of Johnny Cash

Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside

Apr 13 | 7:30 pm

UPEI Concert Choir

Steel Recital Hall, UPEI, Charlottetown

Apr 13 | 8 pm

BABES, BABES, BABES

Spring Break Burlesque Tour. The Guild, Charlottetown

Apr 13 | 8 pm

Island Jazz ft. Joel Miller Trio

Baba’s Lounge, Charlottetown

Apr 14 | 7:30 pm

Jason Cyrus Live!

Hypnosis show. Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside

Apr 14 | 7:30 pm

Joel Miller

With Chris Marte and Mat MacEachern. St. Paul’s, Charlottetown

Apr 14 | 7:30 pm

Side Hustle Improv

The Guild, Charlottetown

Apr 14, 15 | 8 pm

Tom Waits Songbook

Featuring Brielle Ansems, Kelley Mooney, Mike Ross, and Nathan Wiley. Harmony House, Hunter River

Apr 14–16 | select times

What If

Watermark Children’s Theatre Festival. Watermark Theatre, North Rustico

Apr 15 | 7 pm

2 Makes 12

Red Dirt Girl Music Room, Middleton

Apr 15 | 7:30 pm

Yuk Yuk’s Comedy Tour: Ted Morris & Cedric Newman

The Mack, Charlottetown

…continued on page 16

Presented by

Watermark Theatre

Children’s Theatre Festival

Two productions on stage for 2nd annual edition

The 2nd annual Watermark Children’s Theatre Festival will feature two productions this month. Birds of a Feather from March 31–April 2 and What If by Katey Hoffman from April 14–16.

Birds of a Feather by Robert Watson is a play about two youngsters who meet in Hawaii and discover they share a love for the wildlife around them. Through dance and make-believe Violet and Sarah learn that birds come in all sorts of varieties; just like families. As they observe the lives of two playful albatross, the youngsters learn about compromise, believing in yourself, and that family is made up of the people you love.

Produced by Neptune TourCo (Halifax), Birds of a Feather is directed by Rebecca Wolfe and stars Ella MacDonald and Moneesha Bakshi. Design by Lucas Arab, Kaelen MacDonald and Ryan Rafuse.

What If by Katey Hoffman tells the story of Nicky, who wakes up every day with knots in her stomach and worries in her brain. While most kids can’t wait for recess so they can hit the playground, anxious Nicky would rather spend her time safely hidden away in the school’s sick room with her Big Book of Birds. In the sick room, Nicky can enjoy her routine in peace and quiet—but when Milo, a rambunctious boy with diabetes, comes barreling into her life, Nicky’s peace and quiet turns to chaos. At first, these polar opposites’ worlds collide, but as time goes on, cautious Nicky and adventurous Milo both come to discover they may have more to learn from each other than they think.

Produced by Geordie Theatre (Montreal), What If is directed by Amanda Kellock and stars Symantha Stewart and Jackson Thouret.

JUNE 9 –

Both productions are for ages five and up. All shows are at 1 pm. Tickets can be purchased online at ticketwizard.ca or by calling the box office at 963-3963. Watermark Theatre is located at 57 Church Hill Ave, North Rustico. watermarktheatre.com

SEPTEMBER 18, 2023

Presented by

JUNE 9 – SEPTEMBER 18, 2023

Presented by

JUNE 9 – SEPTEMBER 18, 2023

JEREMY DUTCHER •  SIRENS • DAN MANGAN

CHRISTINA BOUEY • PIERRE ANDRÉ DOUCET

HARD TIMES ORCHESTRA • ARCHETYPE TRAD

ISIDORE QUARTET • LOGAN RICHARD

THE HAPPENSTANCERS • JESSICA GALLANT GUILLAUME VILLENEUVE AND BERTRAND

CUILLER • MIDORI MARSH •  PARKER CLEMENTS

JEREMY DUTCHER •  SIRENS • DAN MANGAN

CHRISTINA BOUEY • PIERRE ANDRÉ DOUCET

ALEX HALLIDAY •  PETER TIEFENBACH

ROBERT KORTGAARD •  PIERCE CLARKE BAND

HARD TIMES ORCHESTRA • ARCHETYPE TRAD

JOCE REYOME •  KAIA KATER • THE NORTH SOUND

ISIDORE QUARTET • LOGAN RICHARD

SHANE PENDERGAST • THE COUNTY LINE ROMANCE

THE HAPPENSTANCERS • JESSICA GALLANT

BEN CAPLAN • CHARLES RICHARD-HAMELIN

GUILLAUME VILLENEUVE AND BERTRAND

CUILLER • MIDORI MARSH •  PARKER CLEMENTS

IRISH MYTHEN • COWAN-CICCHILLITTI •  MALLORY JOHNSON • SCOTT MACKAY •  LA FIAMMATA

ALEX HALLIDAY •  PETER TIEFENBACH

ROBERT KORTGAARD •  PIERCE CLARKE BAND

JOCE REYOME •  KAIA KATER • THE NORTH SOUND

SHANE PENDERGAST • THE COUNTY LINE ROMANCE

BEN CAPLAN • CHARLES RICHARD-HAMELIN

IRISH MYTHEN • COWAN-CICCHILLITTI •  MALLORY

JOHNSON • SCOTT MACKAY •  LA FIAMMATA

Tickets on sale now!

JEREMY DUTCHER •  SIRENS • DAN MANGAN

CHRISTINA BOUEY • PIERRE ANDRÉ DOUCET

HARD TIMES ORCHESTRA • ARCHETYPE TRAD

UnderTheSpire.ca

1-866-856-3733

ISIDORE QUARTET • LOGAN RICHARD

THE HAPPENSTANCERS • JESSICA GALLANT

GUILLAUME VILLENEUVE AND BERTRAND

CUILLER • MIDORI MARSH •  PARKER CLEMENTS

ALEX HALLIDAY •  PETER TIEFENBACH

ROBERT KORTGAARD •  PIERCE CLARKE BAND

JOCE REYOME •  KAIA KATER • THE NORTH SOUND

SHANE PENDERGAST • THE COUNTY LINE ROMANCE

BEN CAPLAN • CHARLES RICHARD-HAMELIN

IRISH MYTHEN • COWAN-CICCHILLITTI •  MALLORY

JOHNSON • SCOTT MACKAY •  LA FIAMMATA

Moneesha Bakshi stars in Birds of a Feather

New Managing Director

Monelli Rahmatian takes new position at Victoria Playhouse

The Victoria Playhouse Board of Directors recently announced the organization’s next chapter with a new co-leadership model—Artistic Director Johanna Nutter is joined by new Managing Director Monelli Rahmatian. An Iranian born artist who exudes joy, Monelli brings a wealth of administrative experience and community spirit to the role.

“I am incredibly excited and grateful for this opportunity to be the managing director of Victoria Playhouse!” shares Monelli. “I adore the world of performing arts and have had the pleasure of working as a Persian dance specialist on the Island for the last three years. I have a passion for building, supporting and maintaining community, and I look forward to meeting you all at the Playhouse this summer!”

“Monelli’s passion and dedication for the arts, nature, and personal

DANCING

Informal social dances

An informal social dance is held on the final Friday of each month at the Cymbria Lions Club hall, 2184 Church Rd, Rustico. A variety of musical styles from classic rock and roll to country to big band jazz and modern pop are played. All ages are welcome, with or without a partner, and no dance experience is necessary. Each dance kicks off with a short, free introductory lesson in a popular dance style. In no time dancers will be out on the floor feeling confident and having fun dancing salsa, jive or two-step. The next dances take place March 31 and April 28 at 7:30 pm. Info: pmcdouga@unb.ca or 782-377-2456

Dance and Social

Join members of Royal Canadian Air Force Association 201 (Confederation) Wing for a monthly dance and social at Malcolm Darrach Community Centre, 1 Avonlea Dr, Charlottetown. Upcoming events take place March 31 and April 28 at 7 pm. Music is provided, a light lunch is served, and there is bar service. These events are open to the public. Admission is at the door. Info: debbie.reid1234@ outlook.com

Social dance at DownStreet

A social dance is held on the third Saturday of each month at DownStreet

development is beautiful to witness,” recounts Johanna. “Prior to moving to the Island, Monelli worked in the corporate world for 13 years, ending that career as an HR manager in leadership and development. She brings with her a unique blend of corporate and creative experience to support her as she enters the not-for-profit arts sector. I’m delighted to see our teamwork already flourishing and looking forward to watching the Playhouse thrive as a result.”

Babes, Babes, Babes!

Spring Break Burlesque tour lands at The Guild—Apr 13

Dance studio in Charlottetown. The next dance is April 15 from 8–10 pm. A social dance is an opportunity to practice the skills and moves learned in class and to see what else the dance world has to offer. There are a variety of styles, including West coast swing, foxtrot, waltz, lindy hop and more. All levels and styles of dance are welcome. Admission is at the door or in advance at downstreetdancestudio.setmore.com. 101 Grafton St, 2nd floor, Charlottetown. Info: downstreetdance@gmail.com, downstreetdance.com

DownStreet dance classes

Downstreet Dance Studio offers a variety of ongoing, drop-in and special event classes and lessons. The volunteer-run non-profit group is dedicated to community, wellness and inclusivity through social dance for adults. Upcoming schedule: West Coast Swing (5 pm, April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29); Beginner West Coast Swing (7 pm, April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29); Salsa Rueda (6 pm, April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30); open Hip Hop/Breaking practice (8 pm, April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30); Bellydancing (6:30 pm, April 4, 11, 18, 25); Ballroom Foxtrot (6 pm, April 5, 12, 19, 26); POISE (8:30 pm, April 5, 12, 19, 26); ConfiDANCE (7:15 pm, April 5, 12, 19, 26); Line Dancing (7:15 pm, April 6, 13, 20, 27); Beginner Salsa (6 pm, April 6, 13, 20, 27); Persian Fusion (5 pm, April 7, 14, 21, 28); and Lindy Hop (7:30 pm, April 25 and May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30). 101 Grafton St, second floor, Charlottetown. Info: downstreetdance@gmail.com, downstreetdance.com

Babe, Babes, Babes! Burlesque Tour is coming to Charlottetown with a performance at The Guild on April 13 at 7:30 pm. Five world-renowned Burlesque Babes take to the road to tour and tease. The sexy and comedic show combines dance, vaudeville, comedy, extravagant costumes and, of course, the art of the tease in a raucous, naughty show.

The Babes are Mega-Babe Zyra-Lee Vanity, voted Top 50 Burlesque Figure Worldwide (21st Century Burlesque); Mayor of Babe-Town Belle Jumelles, Top 3 Burlesque MC in Canada (Imperial Burlesque Canada); Ruthless

Babe Wrong Note Rusty who had his bare behind censored on Canada’s Got Talent; World’s #1 Babe BonBon Bombay, winner of Montreal Burlesque Festival (2009) and finalist on iUmor; and the Babe Himself, James & The Giant Pasty, two-time winner of Most Comedic (Burlesque Hall of Fame). Audience members will leave feeling empowered—knowing that everyone, no matter what age, size, race, gender, ability or sexuality, can feel sexy.

This is a 19+ event. Tickets at theguildpei.com.

PonyBoat Drag Brunch

With host Treyla Parktrash

The PonyBoat Drag Brunch on April 16 at PonyBoat Social Club in Charlottetown starts at 11 am. Doors open at 10 am.

Hosted by Treyla Parktrash and presented by DragX Entertainment, audience members can rock the boat at this Drag Brunch Extravaganza and treat themselves to a morning of mimosas, brunch, and uproarious yet glamourous drag performances.

There will be a 50/50 draw with proceeds going to PEI Trans Network, providing supports and resources to the PEI trans community.

This is a 19+, mature audience event. Visit ponyboat.ca for tickets. Treyla Parktrash

Victoria Playhouse Managing Director Monelli Rahmatian

STEWART MACLEAN

Ballet Jörgen’s Cinderella

Performances in Summerside and Georgetown

Canada’s Ballet Jörgen is coming to PEI this spring with performances in Summerside and Georgetown.

Ballet Jörgen returns to Harbourfront Theatre in Summerside April 29 with their latest production, Cinderella, an innovative take on the classic fairy tale. Bengt Jörgen’s choreography balances the fairy tale elements of the story with a contemporary treatment of Cinderella and her family relationships. Returning to the original tradition of having women perform the roles of the stepsisters, Jörgen builds a more realistic and human look at Cinderella and her circumstances, and then uses these scenes to both counterpoint and highlight the magical aspects of the story.

Glenn Davidson’s set design creates a fantastical environment based on the

Ripopée

Kings Playhouse—Mar 31

Ripopée is coming to PEI with a performance at Kings Playhouse in Georgetown on March 31 at 6 pm.

L’Aubergine’s Ripopée is a clown-esque fable about the strength of friendship, blending modern clowning and storytelling with cirque-style acrobatics.

Founded in 1974, L’Aubergine’s mission is to create and widely present professional clowning shows of all types and to all audiences while focusing on innovation, quality and refinement. They aim to give clowning credibility by developing a dramaturgy based on the search for authentic and modern characters.

Visit kingsplayhouse.com for tickets (pay-what-you-can option).

idea of the natural world reclaiming man-made structures. Inspiration for the set pieces is drawn from ice storms and old growth forests. Costume designs by Robert Doyle playfully echo each character’s personality.

Ballet Jörgen will perform The Dance For All Project at 7 pm on May 7 at Kings Playhouse in Georgetown.

The Dance For All Project will feature all of the classics from the renowned dance company. Great for all ages, this mixed program will showcase excerpts from major classical ballets such as Romeo & Juliet, The Nutcracker, and Anne of Green Gables–The Ballet®, along with exciting new contemporary works by Canadian choreographers. This show has a pay-what-you-can option. harbourfronttheatre.com

kingsplayhouse.com

AFTEREFFECTS:

SPONSORED BY

Emerging New Media Artists in Winnipeg CONTINUING UNTIL MAY 21

LOU SHEPPARD AND WILLIAM ROBINSON:

Cabinet Music (Cantata for Erosion)

CONTINUING UNTIL MAY 21

IBGHY & LEMMENS:

Land is not a mat to be rolled up and taken away CONTINUING UNTIL MAY 21

APRIL 6 - 7:00PM

ARTTALK: Land is not a mat to be rolled up and taken away

Talk with the curator, Sylvie Fortin, and artists Richard Ibghy and Marilou Lemmens.

APRIL 30 - 1:30 – 2:30PM

FAMILY SUNDAY - FREE ACTIVITIES

This month we will be making paper plate animal puppets inspired by our current exhibit Land is not a mat to be rolled up and taken away.

Dallas Flett-Wapash and Taylor McArthur, still from Azimuth Nitehi , 2021, mixed media installation, Commissioned by Video Pool Media Arts Centre.

PERFORMANCE music, theatre, dance, comedy…

…continued from page 12

Apr 15 | 7:30 pm

Paired Down Motown: Chazz

Smith and Mark Haines

Fortune Community Centre, Fortune Bridge

Apr 15 | 7:30 pm

Poet of the Common Man

Tribute to Merle Haggard featuring Lawrence Maxwell and the Band of Fugitives. Copper Bottom Brewing, Montague

Apr 15, 16 | 8 pm

Matt Minglewood

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Apr 16 | 11 am

PonyBoat Drag Brunch

With host Treyla Parktrash. PonyBoat Social Club, Charlottetown

Apr 16 | 2:30 pm

PEI Symphony Orchestra: Re ections

Featuring pianist Sarah Hagen. Sobey Family Theatre, Charlottetown

Apr 18, 19 | 8 pm

Adam Baldwin

With special guest Old Man Luedecke. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Apr 19 | 7:30 pm

Bits & Bites Comedy Series: Patrick Ledwell

With host Tanya Nicolle. bar1911, Charlottetown

Apr 19–22 | select times

She’s Back

Winsloe Players. Carrefour Theatre, Charlottetown

Apr 20 | 8 pm

Island Jazz ft. Holland

College SoPA Students

Baba’s Lounge, Charlottetown

Apr 20 | 8 pm

Adam Baldwin

With special guest Old Man Luedecke. Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside

Apr 20 | 8 pm

Eddy Quinn, John B. Webster and Keelin Wedge

Hillcrest United, Montague

Apr 20 | 8 pm

Scott Mackay; The Hypochondriacs

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Apr 20 | 8 pm

Madchild

With Robbie G. The Fox & Crow, UPEI, Charlottetown

Apr 21 O ce Romance

Classic lm screening with live voices and sound e ects by ACT (a community group). City Cinema, Charlottetown

Apr 21 | 8 pm

The Stan elds Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Apr 21 | 8:00 pm

Ryan Doucette

With Maggie Estey and Tanya Nicolle. The Guild, Charlottetown

Apr 21, 22 | 7:30 pm

Fandango on Broadway

Scott MacAulay Performing Arts Centre, Summerside

Apr 22 | 6 pm

Ahoy! Pirate Tales of the Sea dance umbrella: Musical Theatre performance. The Mack, Charlottetown

Apr 22 | 8 pm

Villages

Album release. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Apr 22 | 8 pm

Songs for a Small Planet

With Teresa Doyle, Meaghan Blanchard, Dennis Ellsworth and Todd MacLean The Guild, Charlottetown

Apr 23 | 2 pm

Island Jubilee

Featuring Lawrence Maxwell, Kendall Docherty and step dancer Paige LeClair. Florence Simmons Performance Hall, Charlottetown.

Apr 23 | 7 pm

Amabile Singers: Echoes of the Heart

St. Paul’s, Charlottetown.

Apr 24 | 8 pm

Comedy Records Goes East!

Featuring Adrienne Fish, Garrett Jamieson and Claire Belford. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Apr 25 | 8 pm

Brian Potvin & Kevin Kane

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Apr 25 | 8 pm

The Missing Pages with CBC’s Tom Allen

Harmony House, Hunter River

Apr 26 | 7:30 pm

The Stories of Stompin’ Tom

Featuring member of Tom’s original touring band, including Billy MacInnis. Scott MacAulay Performing Arts Centre, Summerside

Apr 26, 27 | 8 pm

Kenny vs Spenny

20 Year Anniversary Tour.

Apr 26: Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Apr 27: Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside

Apr 27 | 7 pm

Doogie & Dun

Joined by Rheo Rochon and Billy McInnes. Red Dirt Girl Music Room, Middleton

Apr 27 | 7:30 pm

Holland College SoPA: Music

Performance Showcase

Florence Simmons Performance Hall, Charlottetown.

Apr 27 | 8 pm

Steve Zaat

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Apr 28 | 8 pm

Island Jazz: Spring is Here

Baba’s Lounge, Charlottetown

Apr 28 | 8 pm

The Stories and Songs of Stompin’ Tom Connors

Featuring members of Tom’s original touring band, including Billy MacInnis. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Apr 29 | 2 pm, 7 pm

Everybody Dance Now

24STRONG dance showcase. Each show features di erent routines. Sobey Family Theatre, Charlottetown

Mar 31 | 7:30 pm

Jack Pine Folk Club

Featuring Lovely Nellie (EP launch), poet John MacKenzie, and host Shane Pendergast. The Pourhouse, Charlottetown

Apr 29 | 7:30 pm

Queens of Country Drag

Tour

Staring Staring Kaos, Miss Fiercalicious, Makayla Couture, DJ Johnny Rivex, Tori Nylon, Miz Majestix, and Treyla Parktrash. PEI Brewing Company, Charlottetown

April 29

You have Made Me, Earth

Featuring Harmonia Girls’ Choir. Park Royal, Charlottetown

Apr 29 | 7:30 pm

Madison Violet

Copper Bottom Brewing, Montague

April 29 | 7:30 pm

Ballet Jörgen’s Cinderella

Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside

Apr 29 | 8 pm

The Town Heroes; Andrew Waite

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Apr 29, 30 | 7:30 pm

The Hello Darlins

Apr 29: Kings Playhouse, Georgetown

Apr 30: Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside

Apr 30 | 2:30 pm

Island Choral Society

Zion Presbyterian, Charlottetown

Apr 30 | 8 pm

The Ennis Sisters

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

May 1 | 7 pm

Michael Harrison: Ventastic Ventriloquist comedian. Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside

May 3 | 8 pm

The Fortunate Ones

With special guest R.C. Stanley. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

May 4 | 8 pm

Island Jazz ft. Trio from Mars ++

Baba’s Lounge, Charlottetown

May 5, 6 | 8 pm

Dancing Queen

Tribure to ABBA. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

May 5–7, 10–13 | select times

Noises O

ACT a community theatre. Florence Simmons Performance Hall, Charlottetown

May 6 | 2:30 pm, 7:30 pm

Meet Me At The Barre

dance umbrella: Year-end Showcase. Sobey Family Theatre, Charlottetown

…continued on page 20

April Art Lotto

Island residents have the unique opportunity to win a specially curated piece through an exclusive art lottery.

Friends of Confederation Centre of the Arts are hosting Art Lotto, a fundraiser to support arts education programs at the Centre as well as Island artists. Each month, a unique piece from an Island artist is raffled off via a limited number of $20 tickets.

April’s featured piece is photograph named Succession by Doug Dumais. “Though it appears to be a straightforward photograph of a root system, the image is heavily edited and, upon closer inspection, reveals that several roots twist and curl over copies of themselves,” says Dumais. “The repetitions or visual ‘rhymes’ that appear in the image are meant to remind viewers of the constructed nature of photographs and evoke, on a micro-level, the repetitive patterns in nature that occur on a scale that can only be measured in centuries or millennia.”

The photograph was included at his recent solo exhibition, Double Takes, at the Hilda Woolnough Gallery at The Guild. Dumais is a Charlottetown artist with an MA in Art History from Concordia University.

Lottery tickets for this month are on saleApril 1–30, or while supplies last. There are 100 tickets available each month. Tickets can be purchased online, via phone at 1-800-565-0278, or in person at the Centre’s box office while supplies last.

Info: confederationcentre.com/ whats-on/artlotto23

VISUAL ARTSPERFORMING ARTS

VISUAL ARTS

Ages 6 - 12

KINDER VISUAL ARTS

Half-Day camp | Ages 4 - 5

MAKE IT MOVE:

TEEN ANALOGUE

ANIMATION CAMP

Ages 13 - 17

EXPLORING PERFORMING ARTS

Ages 6 - 12

DANCE CAMPS

Junior | Intermediate | Senior MUSICAL THEATRE INTENSIVE

Ages 12 - 17

KINDER PERFORMING ARTS

Half-Day camp | Ages 4 - 5

PD DAY CAMPSWORKSHOPS

CHOOSE FROM VISUAL ARTS OR PERFORMING ARTS

Visual Arts camp allows your young artist to create paintings, sculptures, drawings, and various crafts to take home.

Performing Arts camp are packed with drama, dancing, music, prop making, and more!

April 21, May 5 and May 19

POST SECONDARY ADVISEMENT IN THE ARTS

A workshop which will give advice and resources to participants who are interested in pursuing the arts after high school.

First-come first-served basis. Located in Studio 2 or the Schurman Family Studio.

April 14, 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Doug Dumais, Succession, 2020 (printed 2022), inkjet print on archival paper, 81.3 x 66.0 cm, framed

Feature is a photograph by Doug Dumais

EXHIBITS galleries and museums

Charlottetown Library Learning Centre

Messages from the Cosmic Field by Renée Laprise is on view in the TD Art Corridor until April 15. (re)Visions by Damien Worth’s will be on view April 25–July 22. Presented by this town is small. Dominion Building, 97 Queen St, Charlottetown.

Confederation Centre Art Gallery

On view: It’s More Than Sports: A Celebration of BIPOC Athletes on Prince Edward Island to April 2; Lou Sheppard and William Robinson: Cabinet Music (Cantata for Erosion) to May 21; Aftereffects: Emerging New Media Artists in Winnipeg to May 21; and Land is not a mat to be rolled up and taken away to May 21. 145 Richmond St, Charlottetown.

Cornwall Library Art Gallery

Curating Beautiful Words by Tania Pendergast is on view to March 31. The Spring Group Show Poetic Imagery opens April 4 with a reception at 7 pm. Each artist has contributed one piece of art inspired by a poem. The show runs until May 12. Contact the library for info on displaying in the gallery. 15 Mercedes Dr, Town Hall, Cornwall. library.pe.ca

Eptek Art & Culture Centre

Yesterday, Today II: A Portrait of Summerside by Eddy Schwartz is on view from March 31–May 12 with a Meet and Greet the artist on April 2 from 1–3 pm. Visit the permanent exhibition at Eptek on the history and architecture of Summerside. 130 Heather Moyse Dr, Summerside.

Hilda Woolnough Gallery

Colonel Gray IB’s group exhibition Decapitation is on view until April 13. An opening reception will be held April 4 at 6 pm. 111 Queen St, Charlottetown.

Lefurgey Cultural Centre

The Sixty Days of Fame series, presented by Culture Summerside, features Imagination and Nature by Phyllis Gay until Mar 31. Up next in the series: Everyone has a Story, on view April 3–May 30, with opening reception April 14 from 2–4 pm. Participants are Noella Richard, Pam Detlor, Marlene Cameron, June Ellis, Joan Savage, Phyllis Gay, Lise Genova, Vivian Aho, Jackie MacNeill Doiron, Anne Farrell, Karen MellishMay, Wayne Wright, Mary Callaghan, Marlene Campbell, Sara Zilke and Sheila Forsythe. 205 Prince St, Summerside.

Receiver Co ee

Artwork by Donnalee Downe and Ahmon Katz will be on view April 18–June 19. Presented by this town is small. Receiver Coffee, Victoria Row, 128 Richmond St, Charlottetown.

Salvadore Dalí Café

A solo exhibition of work by Niyi Adeogun is on view until April 21. Curated by Monica Lacey. The Arts Hotel, 155 Kent St, Charlottetown.

Timothy’s World Co ee

Recent Island paintings by artist Danielle Plante and works by Island artist Haley Lewis are on view through April. 154 Great George St, Charlottetown.

(re)Visions

Damien Worth exhibition at Charlottetown Library

(re)Visions by PEI artist Damien Worth will be on display from April 25–July 22 in the TD Art Corridor at the Charlottetown Library Learning Centre. Presented by this town is small.

This series of mixed media paintings explores literary fiction as a means to explore contemporary landscape based dilemmas. Worth has selected a series of well known written works that use landscape as a central theme and ‘re-visions’ the content to reflect current ecological, social and economic concerns.

Worth sees the project as a call/response activity that establishes a dialogue through time/history and our evolving relationship with land usage and stewardship.

“I was immediately drawn to books that favour themes like resilience, rebellion and reflection. I wanted to dissect our associations of a romantic, myth based idea of ‘site,’ and contrast it to modern usage of land as commodity,” says Worth. “I knew I wanted to abstract the idea of ‘destination’ as it relates to travel and navigation, and have the characters deal with a landscape that has agency. How would Thoreau’s Walden be revisioned during a never-ending wildfire

season? How would the cast of Lost in the Barrens fair in the tundra if methane clouds were rampant?”

Damien Worth is a multi-disciplinary artist that has exhibited in national and international venues. His work is held in public collections such as the Confederation Centre Art Gallery, UNB art centre, the PEI and NL art banks, and Global Affairs art collection for embassies and consulate offices abroad.

ArtTalk & exhibition tour

An ArtTalk and exhibition tour of Land is not a mat to be rolled up and taken away, with the curator Sylvie Fortin and artistsRichard Ibghy and Marilou

Lemmens, will be offered at the Confederation Centre Art Gallery on April 6 at 7 pm. confederationcentre. com/artgallery

PHOTO: H&S

Richard Ibghy & Marilou Lemmens, Movement of Spot and Futures Market Prices for Agricultural Commodities (2005-2012) from the series Futures, 2019. Wood and ink; 72 x 24 x 23 cm.

Artwork (detail) by Damien Worth

With Sylvie Fortin, Richard Ibghy and Marilou Lemmens

Radiant Rural Halls

Free public art events by this town is small

Radiant Rural Halls is a series of free public art events held in rural PEI community halls and organized by this town is small.

Song Portraits: Milton

Song Portraits: Milton will take place March 31 at Milton Community Hall in North Milton. A Song Portrait is an artistic rendering of a person, but instead of paint and canvas, it uses melody and lyric. Corbin Murdoch wrote a series of Song Portraits inspired by individuals that contribute to the vibrancy and vitality of Milton Community Hall. Corbin worked with John Hooper, Joy MacIntyre, Ken Williams, Rosemarie Marsh and more, and composed original songs drawn from their stories and ideas. Project participants will sing their own portrait, backed by the Song Portraits Band. Assembled by Musical Director Carlie Howell, band members are Alicia Toner, Carlie Howell, Josh Langille and Mike Ross.

Mass for Shut-Outs

April 6 at Bonshaw Community Hall, writer, performer and PEI poet laureate Tanya Davis will present a poetic take on Sunday service, exploring enduring questions through a comedic and critical lens. This is for anyone on the spiritual fringes (willingly or not) who seeks meaning and transcendence while being shut out of, or disinterested in, traditional communities of faith. It is for atheists seeking connection, agnostics asking questions, and believers kindly curious about other people’s gods.

Soul Soliloquies

River Clyde Pageant Open House

Seeking community input

Mass for Shut-Outs is a shout out to anyone grappling with the complexity of faith, the inconsistency of awe, and the politics of organized religion. On

Soul Soliloquies is a performance and gathering which will be held at Celebration Station in Cardigan on April 22. Holy Trinity presents Soul Soliloquies, an honest insight into Black sacredness. Holy Trinity, made up by Softest Spot, King Kxndi and Eberechi, is a trio of multidisciplinary artists dedicated to glorifying Black people.

For event details and registration, visit thistownissmall.com/ radiant-rural-halls

River Clyde Pageant (RCP) is hosting an Open House on April 25 from 6:30–8:30 pm at New Glasgow Lobster Suppers in New Glasgow.

The purpose is to gather community input on the planning phase of a major project that would see the organization acquire a permanent home base in New Glasgow, PEI. This home base would be the locale for a rural arts hub and community centre in New Glasgow, allowing the organization to deliver year-round programming.

The project’s viability is currently being examined through a four-part feasibility study. Preparations for a capital campaign to fund a property purchase are also underway. River Clyde Pageant is seeking input from residents of New Glasgow and surrounding communities on the development of these plans.

All are welcome to attend—young and old, those who are familiar with RCP and those who are curious to learn more.

This Open House is a first step in the planning process, and more events will be offered in the coming months. Those who are unable to attend the event on April 25 but want to be involved or have a say in the project development, are encouraged to write to RCP Artistic Director Megan Stewart at riverclydepageant@gmail.com

New Glasgow Lobster Suppers is located at 604 Route 258. Refreshments will be served.

PEI Poet Laureate Tanya Davis

Holy Trinity

ROBERT VAN WAARDEN

PERFORMANCE

music, theatre, dance, comedy…

…continued from page 16

May 6 | 7 pm

Julie & Danny

Red Dirt Girl Music Room, Middleton

May 7 | 7 pm

Queen: It’s a Kinda Magic

Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside

May 7 | 7:30 pm

Ballet Jörgen: The Dance for All Project

Kings Playhouse, Georgetown

May 9 | 8 pm

Adyn Townes

With Benny Von. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

May 10 | 8 pm

The Good Brothers

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

May 11 | 8 pm

Tuns

With Absolute Losers. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

May 12 | 7:30 pm

Ana & Eric

The Guild, Charlottetown

May 12, 13 | 8 pm

Nolan Compton with band Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

May 18 | 7:30 pm

Don Ross & Pipo Romero

The Guild, Charlottetown

May 20

Don Ross & Pipo Romero

Fiddling Fisherman Lookout, Souris

May 20 | 7 pm

Acoustic Tradition

Red Dirt Girl Music Room, Middleton

May 23 | 8 pm

Great Lake Swimmers

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

May 24 | 8 pm

The Rural Alberta Advantage

PEI Brewing Company, Charlottetown

May 25 | 7:30 pm

The Comic Strippers

Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside

May 25 | 8 pm

Cavy

Album release show with DJ Moles and other guests. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

May 27 | 7:30 pm

Wild owers

Tributes to Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside

May 27 | 7:30 pm

Rockers for Recovery

Bene t for Lennon House and CMHA featuring The Busted Skulls, Powerhouse and Random Zero. Scott MacAulay Performing Arts Centre, Summerside

May 27 | 8 pm

Nathan Wiley with band

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

May 31–Oct 5

Anne & Gilbert - The Musical Florence Simmons Performance Hall, Charlottetown

June 2 | 7:30 pm

Hells Bells

Celebrating 50 Years of AC/DC. Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside

June 2, 3 | 8 pm

Two Hours Tra c Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

June 3 | 8 pm

Bobcaygeon

Tribute to The Tragically Hip. Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside

June 6 | 7:30 pm

Coronation St. The

Honeymooners: Tim & Abi

Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside

June 10 | 8 pm

Glory Days + Green River

Revival

Tributs to Bruce Springsteen and CCR. Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside

June 14–Sept 23 | 7:30 pm

The Play That Goes Wrong

Sobey Family Theatre, Charlottetown

June 16 | 7:30 pm

Jeremy Dutcher

Under the Spire, St. Mary’s, Indian River

June 21 | 7:30 pm

Rumours

Tribute to Fleetwood Mac. Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside

June 21–Sept 2 (select dates)

MAGGIE

Sobey Family Theatre, Charlottetown

June 22 | 8 pm

Elton Songs: The Elton John Experience

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

June 23 | 7:30 pm

Abra Cadabra

Tribute to ABBA. Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside

June 24 | 7:30 pm

Sirens: Spark

Under the Spire, St. Mary’s, Indian River

June 24 | 8 pm

Love Junkies Summer Kick

O

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

June 27–July 8 | 12 pm

Mi’kmaq Stories of Rabbit & His Friends

The Mi’kmaq Heritage Actors. Confed Centre: Outdoor Amphitheatre, Charlottetown

Jun 27–Aug 26 (select dates)

Steel Magnolias

Watermark Theatre, North Rustico

June 28 | 8 pm

James Mullinger

10 Years in Canada Tour. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

June 29 | 8 pm

The 19th Nervous

Breakdowns

Tribute to Rolling Stones. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

June 30 | 7:30 pm

Dan Mangan

Under the Spire, St. Mary’s, Indian River

June 30, July 1, 2 | 8 pm

Gypsy

Tribute to Fleetwood Mac. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

July 2 | 3:00 pm

Christina Bouey & Pierre

André Doucet

Under the Spire, St. Mary’s, Indian River

Last call on the wall

Exhibitions closing this month

Byrds of a Feather

Byrds of a Feather, a joint exhibition by long-time friends Elise Arsenault and Meaghan Roberts continues to March 31 at the MacNaught History Centre and Archives Gallery in Summerside. The exhibit celebrates the last decade of their adventures together as “bessy mates, mothers and artists on PEI.”

Byrds of a Feather can be viewed free of charge, Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm at MacNaught History Centre and Archives, 75 Spring Street, Summerside.

Gray High School’s International Baccalaureate (IB) program. The collection to be displayed will feature pieces in a variety of media, including photography, illustration, printmaking and painting.

The students will host an opening reception for their show on April 4, from 6–7:30 pm at the Gallery, 111 Queen Street, Charlottetown. The public is invited to attend and help celebrate the completion of this part of their IB studies.

Niyi Adeogun show

balances a razor-sharp design aesthetic with fearless experimentation and plenty of heart.

The Salvador Dalí Café is located in The Arts Hotel at 155 Kent Street, Charlottetown. niyiadeogun.com

Messages from the Cosmic Field

Messages from the Cosmic Field by Renée Laprise, presented by this town is small, is on view at the Charlottetown Library Learning Centre until April 15.

IT’S MORE THAN SPORTS: A CELEBRATION OF BIPOC ATHLETES ON PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND

JANUARY 28 - APRIL 2

It’s More Than Sports: A Celebration of BIPOC Athletes on Prince Edward Island continues in the Frederic S. and Ogden Martin Concourse Gallery at Confederation Centre of the Arts until April 2.

Messages from the Cosmic Field is a recent iteration of The Cosmic Field, a series of 78 paintings that were displayed in a grid at the Hilda Woolnough Gallery in Charlottetown and also made available as the Cosmic Portal Oracle deck. The deck, similar to a tarot deck, uses imagery and prompt words that are then interpreted as messages by its users.

OPENING RECEPTION FEBRUARY 25 AT 7:00 P.M.

IGBHY & LEMMENS:

LAND IS NOT A MAT TO BE ROLLED UP AND TAKEN AWAY

FEBRUARY 18 – MAY 21

The exhibition features BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Colour) athletes from the past and present, with a glimpse into what sport could be in the future. It spotlights the numerous athletes on PEI who have, and who continue to make, their communities proud, while also inspiring a new generation of BIPOC athletes to pursue their own dreams.

The stories told in each painting are inspired by her past and present-day experiences intermingled with nature and local PEI landscapes. reneelaprisearts.com

OPENING AND ARTTALK WITH CURATOR SYLVIE FORTIN AND THE ARTISTS

FEBRUARY 17 AT 7:00 P.M.

FAMILY SUNDAY - FUN ART MAKING ACTIVITIES

FEBRUARY 26 FROM 1:30 - 2:30 P.M.

The exhibition organized by BIPOC USHR, with support from the 2023 Canada Winter Games. Colonel Gray’s 2023 IB Art Show, Decapitation, will be on display at the Hilda Woolnough Gallery at The Guild until April 13.

Decapitation

Decapitation is a collection of artwork completed by the graduating visual art students from Colonel

Presented by The Salvador Dalí Café, in partnership with Discover Charlottetown, a solo exhibition by interdisciplinary artist Niyi Adeogun is on view until April 21. This is the second exhibition in a visual art series curated by Monica Lacey.

Adeogun has a passion for art and innovation, and continually explores how integrating both can improve people’s daily interactions with the world around them. His powerful artwork

Renée Laprise, Discipline, 9”x12”, acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas, 2022

A collage of artwork by Colonel Gray High School IB progam students

Artwork by Niyi Adeogun

Fairouz Gaballa by Patricia Bourque PHOTOGRAPH OF FAIROUZ GABALLA BY PATRICIA BOURQUE

ORGANIZED BY BIPOC USHR, WITH SUPPORT FROM THE 2023 CANADA WINTER GAMES.

Eddy Schwartz solo show

Yesterday, Today II: A Portrait of Summerside at Eptek Centre

The solo exhibition Yesterday, Today II: A Portrait of Summerside by Eddy Schwartz will be on display from March 31–May 12 at Eptek Art & Culture Centre.

Portraying Summerside homes, buildings and churches, this installation features thirty-six paintings of proud architectural landmarks of the city. The exhibit is a follow-up to

Schwartz’s Yesterday, Today in 2018. Eddy will be on site at Eptek on April 2 from 1–3 pm. Visitors can drop in to meet and greet the artist and discuss his work. This is a free event and all are welcome. Masks are requested. Eptek Art & Culture Centre is a site of the PEI Museum and Heritage Foundation. It is located at 130 Heather Moyse Drive in Summerside.

Everyone Has a Story

The next Sixty Days of Fame exhibition, Everyone Has a Story, will be on view at Lefurgey Cultural Centre in Summerside from April 3–May 30.

The statement, “How often have you heard older people say that they almost feel invisible when in public?” led to a multi-discipline exhibition. Eight Island artists were asked to paint a portrait of a fictitious senior one might encounter around town, then eight Island creative writers were tasked with coming up with a life story for one of the portraits.

Vivian Aho, curator of the show, says, “We hope that everyone who views the exhibit will be encouraged to take time to recognize and value the people they encounter as they go about their day. Who knows? One might meet a fascinating new friend.”

An official opening is slated for April 14 from 2–4 pm. Olive Bryanton will deliver opening remarks and exhibition participants— Noella Richard, Pam Detlor, Marlene Cameron, June Ellis, Joan Savage, Phyllis Gay, Lise

Genova, Vivian Aho, Jackie MacNeill Doiron, Anne Farrell, Karen MellishMay, Wayne Wright, Mary Callaghan, Marlene Campbell, Sara Zilke and Sheila Forsythe—will be in attendance. Lefurgey Cultural Centre is located at 205 Prince Street in Summerside.

Painting by Eddy Schwartz

Artwork by Noella Richard

Photo art by Noella Richard at Lefurgy Cultural Centre

Tales From Island Boy

Justin Shaw on the TV

Comedian and storyteller Justin Shaw will present a new TV show, Tales From Island Boy. The show features Shaw returning home to work on a brand new story. Through many laughs and reunions with old friends and family, the show reveals how the wonders of PEI can inspire art, identity and countless tall tales.

Tales from Island Boy is available on Bell Fibe TV1 and justindshaw.com.

Acting for lm and television

Classes with actor Carl Marotte

Acting for Film and Television classes with actor Carl Marotte will begin this month at The Guild in Charlottetown.

Carl Marotte has been a working actor for most of his life, beginning at the Montreal Children’s Theatre for two years as a young teen. He later studied at Dawson College in their Professional Theatre Program. After graduation, Marotte landed several roles in film productions shooting in the Montreal area, allowing him to hone his skills working in front of the camera.

“What followed was an enriching and fulfilling career shooting around the globe, from Paris to Prague, from Los Angeles to Sydney Mines and most spots in between,” shares Marotte. “I have worked with some of the most respected names in the business, Susan Sarandon, Sharon Stone, Anne Heche and Keanu Reeves to name but a few.”

In this introductory course (for ages 18+), Marotte offers a distillation of his years as an actor, what it means to be an actor, and how an actor prepares.

“Your tool is your body and I will guide you, through my five week course, to understanding how to use that tool effectively. With the use of time tested exercises I will bring your focus down to using your body and voice more effectively, be it on the stage, in front of the camera or simply in your everyday life.”

Classes will be offered from 6–7:30 pm on Tuesdays from April 11–May 9, and Wednesdays from from April 12–May 10. The classes are judgment free zones and an inclusive positive arena where outside-of-the box thinking is encouraged.

theguildpei.com

FILMS

Eptek Film Series

The Friends of Eptek Centre’s Lunchtime Film series continues to the end of April. The films, mostly travelogues, are screened on Thursdays at noon at Eptek Art & Culture Centre in Summerside. There will be some new films, as well as some from late Friend, Blanche Hogg. There is no charge for the film presentation. The upcoming film schedule includes: Nature’s Serenade: The Four Seasons–Vivaldi (March 30); Touring Scotland (April 6); A Tour of the Vatican Museums (13); Secrets of the U.S. Mint –Transforming Metals to Money (20); and Being Black in Halifax (27). There is no charge for the film presentation. 130 Heather Moyse Dr, Summerside.

Kids Movie Series in Georgetown

Kings Playhouse is hosting kids’ films. This month’s feature is Disney’s Strange World, with two screenings, April 1 and April 8, both at 3 pm. Admission is five dollars. There will be a wide selection of affordable concessions, including fresh popcorn. On April 8, the Playhouse is also hosting their Easter Eggstravaganza: Easter Egg Hunt at 1 pm. Participants can take part in an outdoor egg hunt, followed by snacks and activities at the Playhouse. 65 Grafton St, Georgetown. kingsplayhouse.com

Filmworks Summerside

Filmworks Summerside has relaunched its film series at Harbourfront Theatre. The next film screening will feature Guitar Lessons on April 12 at 7 pm. Newly renovated with a new screen and projector, the Harbourfront Theatre is the largest performing arts centre in Summerside. Admission is cash only at the door. No advance tickets are sold.

Info: filmworks.summerside@gmail.com. 124 Heather Moyse Drive, Summerside.

A new collaboration is coming in April from City Cinema and ACT (a community theatre).

The classic film, Office Romance (1977), will be screened at City Cinema on April 21 with all voices and sound effects performed live by actors in the theatre. The event is a fundraiser, with a portion of the proceeds going to a Canadian charity, Veterinarians Without Borders, for their Ukrainian Emergency Relief Fund.

Office Romance (1977) is the Soviet Union’s heartwarming take on a classic screwball comedy. Anatoly, a shy statistics clerk, is pressured into a bet that he can win the affections of Ludmila, his strict, career-driven boss.

Bringing a movie like this is a new project and the group considered several films but ultimately, Leigh Emerson’s choice, Office Romance, was chosen. Emerson, who voices Ludmila, proposed this movie as a timeless, ever-relevant story of love and charming characters.

To bring this project to life, Leigh started by translating the film’s script into English. The actors then started to prepare for the performance.

“It’s a tricky combination, to not

only match the pacing of the Russian dialogue but also act and pour the emotions out with only our voices, but I know we are more than up for the task,” says Emerson.

With producer Marti Hopson, this daunting task has been taken on by actors Leigh Emerson, Lambert Garceau, Michelle Neville, Tim Fry, Mathilde Sinnasse, Carrie Weatherbie and Jaimie Neville. Live sound effects to add even more vibrancy and life to the performance.

The show will include an intermission and refreshments will be available. City Cinema is located at 64 King Street in Charlottetown. citycinema.ca, actpei.com

The Quiet Girl (An Cailín Ciúin)

until April 2

PG. Dir: Colm Bairéad, Ireland, 2022, 94 min. Carrie Crowley, Andrew Bennett, Catherine Clinch. In Irish Gaelic and English, with English subtitles. Audience Award Winner, Dublin, Montclair, Taipei, and Valladolid Film Festivals. Academy Award Nominee, Best International Feature.

whose husband is an abuser, doesn’t want to make a fuss. Lest it all sound too grim, Women Talking is actually very warm, with moments of humour and tenderness beaming through it... The women laugh, sing together and sometimes disagree... The journey to their trepidatious decision is propulsive and gripping... For those who want to listen—and those who need to hear it – this is a film full of hope.” —Jessie Thompson, The Independent

Close

April 9–13

PG. Dir: Lukas Dhont, Belgium/ Netherlands/France, 2022, 104 min.

Eden Dambrine, Gustav De Waele, Émilie Dequenne. In French, with English subtitles.

Cannes Film Festival Winner, Grand Prize of the Festival. Nominated for an Academy Award, Best International Feature Film.

Welcome to City Cinema from The Charlottetown Film Society

City Cinema is owned and operated by our non-profit Society. We will continue to present a diverse mix of films and welcome your suggestions and support. Become a member, bring friends, and share feedback!

Advance Tickets

Please visit our website at citycinema.ca, we accept all major credit cards online and both debit and credit at the cinema. Seating may be limited, advance tickets are strongly recommended.

Subject to Change

Film availability and showtimes are subject to change. Please check our website and book tickets in advance.

Rent City Cinema

City Cinema is available for rent for private film viewings! We provide the projectionist and will have the the canteen and bar open for your group. Please fill out the form under Venue Rental on our website and we’ll respond with information and rates.

Admission

Regular $11.00

Member $8.00

65 and over $8.00

14 and under $8.00

We now accept credit cards online and both debit and credit at the cinema

Annual membership - $25.00

“While The Quiet Girl, Colm Bairéad’s multiaward-winning Irish-language drama, might be small in scale, it’s one of the most exquisitely realised films of the year... The quiet girl is Cáit (the remarkable Catherine Clinch), one of an ever-expanding brood of neglected kids on an impoverished smallholding in early-80s rural Ireland. With her mother expecting yet another baby, and her father skulking sullenly in the background like an unspoken threat, Cáit is sent to stay with distant relatives: warm, wise Eibhlín wraps her in love immediately; Seán is taciturn and reserved but no less bonded to the child. Under their care, Cáit blossoms. ‘All you needed was some minding,’ says Eibhlín. It’s an accomplished work from first-time feature director Bairéad, who, appropriately, has the knack of telling us everything we need to know without words: a tense momentary stando over some sticks of rhubarb, for example, is more eloquent than pages of dialogue could ever be.” —Wendy Ide, The Guardian (UK)

Women Talking

April 3–8

14A, mature content. Dir: Sarah Polley, US, 2023, 104 min. Rooney Mara, Claire Foy, Jessie Buckley, Ben Whishaw, Frances McDormand, Sheila McCarthy. Academy Award Winner, Best Adapted Screenplay.

“A tale of growing up, growing apart and grief, Close sees young Belgian actor Eden Dambrine give a powerful performance as 13-year-old Leo. Sporty, boisterous Leo and shy, sensitive Remi are as close as brothers. But when the best friends start secondary school, Leo becomes uncomfortable with the intensity of their bond and how others perceive it. He pushes Remi away, preferring new company... Beautifully shot, the sun-dappled Flemish flower fields perfectly capture the sense of enjoyment the boys have, with long, carefree days of playing and riding bikes together. But they then become the backdrop to sudden nostalgia for an irreversible loss of innocence... This is a sensitive, tender and heartbreaking tale of consequences, lives changed forever and an emotional and anguished yearning for the things we leave unsaid.” —Dulcie Pearce, The Sun

I Like Movies

April 14–18

14A, mature content and themes. Dir: Chandler Levack, Canada, 2022, 99 min. Isaiah Lehtinen, Alex Ateah, Dan Beirne. Winner, Emerging Canadian Artist, Calgary International Film Festival

family’s less-than-lo y financial reality... New York is an awfully long way from Burlington... So, searching for some quick cash and a distraction from growing tensions with Matt, Lawrence gets a job at his local video store. In awe of his new surroundings, he quickly becomes infatuated with his boss Alana… who has her own history in the film industry. This leads to some supremely uncomfortable moments, played to peak laughs. The ensemble cast is fantastic… Although Lawrence is o en unlikeable, awkward and alienating, he is also relatable in his desire to seek out and devour a bigger, more exciting world, to take advantage of the full feast of burgeoning adulthood… Levack has done a remarkable job with her feature-film debut… see this in theatres, if you can.” —Amil Niazi, The Globe and Mail

National Canadian Film Day April 19

City Cinema will be part of National Canadian Film Day (CanFilmDay), a massive, coast-tocoast-to-coast salute to Canadian cinema. Free admission, donations welcome to The Charlottetown Film Society, or bring a non-perishable food item for the Food Bank.

Strange Brew

This year is the 40th anniversary of this Canadian comedy classic. When her father dies suddenly, Pam is orphaned, and control of her family’s brewery threatens to fall into the hands of the conniving Brewmeister Smith. In stumble Bob and Doug, who land jobs as beer inspectors when their scheme involving a mouse in a bottle impresses the brewery brass. Hilarity ensues as the boys attempt to foil the Brewmeister’s sinister plot to take over the world. Though the film appears at first glance to be a bonehead comedy, it is a deceptively clever farce based on William Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Long before Wayne and Garth or Beavis and Butt-Head, there was Bob and Doug. Canada is proud to call them our own.

Viking

“This is the kind of cinema that endures... For the past few years, the women in this isolated religious community have been drugged and assaulted in their sleep... It actually happened— Miriam Toews wrote a novel about it in 2018, on which this film is based... The women meet in a haylo to talk about what to do: nothing, stay and fight, or leave... The subject matter is explosive. But Polley’s film is more like a hymn or a prayer, a gentle meditation on forgiveness, survival and how to make a better world... The trauma shows on the women’s bodies in di erent ways. There are bruised thighs. Lost teeth. Recurring panic attacks... And in the same way that the physical impact di ers, so do each of these women in their responses... Salome has tried to kill one of the men. Ona is le with profound questions (if the women stay and fight, what are they fighting for?), while Mariche,

“Set in 2003, the archly comic film follows 17-year-old Lawrence, a wry, sarcastic teen who longs to go to NYU film school and become an acclaimed director like his idol Paul Thomas Anderson. Alongside Matt, Lawrence is adding that cinematic flair to his high school’s yearbook movie, though things start going o the rails quickly as the friends’ visions don’t always align… Meanwhile, Lawrence’s lo y dreams are constantly being brought back down to earth by his mother, who reminds Lawrence of their

The first manned mission to Mars is in danger of failing because the crew is at each other’s throats. The solution? Put together a surrogate crew to simulate and predict the astronauts’ interactions. As the mock tensions begin to become all-too-real, the line between life and performance blurs, sending all the fake astronauts on a collision course with each other. This unique and charming comedy from Stéphane Lafleur balances absurdist humour with a poignant reflection on the human condition.

Movie Trivia Night at the Cinema

April 20

Doors open at 7:30 Trivia begins at 8:00 $5/person

Do you remember that movie with that star who did that thing while that hit song was playing in the background?!

You think you know a thing or two about films, do you? Now is your chance to prove it!! Come alone or bring a team of up to four people and show o your cinematic knowledge. Come early, have a drink, and let the fun begin! The categories will cover a variety of genres, so you won’t really know what you’re gonna get. Lots of laughs will be had, with plenty of awesome prizes to be won.

O ce Romance by ACT

April 21

A new collaboration from City Cinema and ACT (a community theatre)! A classic film will be screened with all voices and sound e ects performed live by actors in the theatre. O ce Romance (1977) is the Soviet Union’s heartwarming take on a classic screwball comedy. Anatoly, a shy statistics clerk, is pressured into a bet that he can win the a ections of Ludmila, his strict, career-driven boss. When she begins to warm up to him, sparks fly! ACT is excited to present this timeless, ever-relevant story of love and charming characters, and a portion of proceeds will be donated to the Ukrainian Emergency Fund of Veterinarians without Borders.

Enter The Drag Dragon

April 22–23

Rating TBA. Dir: Lee Demarbre, Canada, 2023, 99 min. Jade London, Samnang

Tep, Beatrice Beres.

Winner of three Hollywood Blood Horror Festival awards including Best Director.

Emily

Apr 24–27 & 29

PG, sexual content. Dir: Frances O’Connor, UK/US, 2022, 130 min. Emma Mackey, Oliver Jackson-Cohen, Gemma Jones, Finn Whitehead. Winner, Best Director, Stockholm Film Festival.

city cinema schedule

“From the director of Jesus Christ Vampire Hunter comes a new wild and wooly indie action comedy... About an amateur detective and drag queen named Crunch who takes what should be a simple case looking for a lost dog. Soon Crunch and his friends are dealing with mummies, zombies, a group of special powered gangsters, androids, and ghosts in the abandoned movie theater they call home. Can Crunch’s drag-fu help defeat these foes and return the dog to its owner?… This is one of the most outrageous, over the top odes to exploitation films to be released in recent years… But as wild as the characters are, [there is] a coherent, linear story that has character arcs, laughs, and songs… The jokes are lewd, crude, and fitting for the world in which these characters live. There is a high production aesthetic and all the colorful costumes and props create a unique visual identity… Underneath the surface of the ball-room dresses and cha-cha heels are statements about drag culture, acceptance of various life styles, greed, and even workplace harassment. There is also the theme of friendship and being comfortable in one’s own skin… I laughed so hard my wife had to ask if I was okay.”

—Mark Krawczyk, We Live Entertainment

“In 19th-century Northern England, Wuthering Heights author Emily (Emma Mackey) chafes against the expectations of her widowed vicar father. She yearns for freedom, running in the moorland—and rolling in the hay with sexy new curate William Weightman, who is captivated by her independence in spite of himself. There is no record of Weightman committing carnal acts with English novelist Bronte, and barely any of Bronte herself. She was known to be a recluse. But what a boring movie Emily would be otherwise—and how could a girl so sheltered conceive a rapturous literary masterpiece like Wuthering Heights?… The speculative biopic… marries life and literature, as well as family drama and gothic romance, to imagine the subject’s interior life. Emily’s nurturing yet rivalrous relationships with her wordsmith sisters were an influence… Debauched brother Branwell is, however, the love of Emily’s life. He and Weightman, of course. The movie suggests that Wuthering Heights was inspired by the pain of losing them both and of her consuming a air. And it boldly channels all of the book’s beauty, sensitivity and tortured passion back into the tragic central love story with those eternal Yorkshire moors as overcast as Emily’s troubled brow. This rainswept period romance is fervent and sensuous, as if scripted by Emily Bronte herself.” —Whang Yee Ling, The Straits Times

Beau is Afraid

Apr 28–May 3

Rating TBA. Dir: Ari Aster, Canada/ Finland/US, 2023, 179 min. Joaquin Phoenix, Parker Posey, Amy Ryan.

A bold and ingeniously depraved new film from writer/director Ari Aster (Hereditary, Midsommar). Beau is an extremely anxious man who is trying to visit his smothering, mysterious mother. However, a er being besieged by random, distressing events, he is run over by a seemingly a able couple, Roger and Grace, who take him home with them and nurse him back to health. The strangeness of Beau’s past and present collides as he tries to get home to his mother.

Be sure to follow us on our social media pages for up-to-date reminders and lastminute changes to our schedule.

Email info@citycinema.ca to sign up for our newsletter and stay in the know with all the goings on at City Cinema!

The Good Art Talks

The Good Project Art Talks is a series of ten community conversations facilitated by artist, political scientist and activist King Kxndi. The series aims to explore goodness and art on PEI. Attendees will enjoy locally made food in an intimate gallery setting, surrounded by art. The guiding questions are: What is art? Who makes art? Where is art? What is good? Who is good? Why be good? Is art inherent and/or good? Can art create/ lead to collective good? The next two events in the series will be held at 5:30 pm on March 30 and April 27 at the Hilda Woolnough Gallery at The Guild in Charlottetown. Organizers welcome anyone and everyone to this series. There is a monthly capacity of 20 guests. theguildpei.com

Art Ra e fundraiser

The Vessel Artist Studios, an artist-run shared studio and co-working space, is running an Art Raffle until April 4. The grand prize package includes original artworks, event tickets, zines, music, jewelry and unique merchandise from Jordan Beaulieu, Millefiore Clarkes, Sarah Nicole Dart, Tanya Davis, Doug Dumais, Carlie Howell, Corbin Murdoch, Lisa Theriault, The River Clyde Pageant and this town is small. Established in

2017 by Becka Viau, CreativePEI now oversees administration while day-today operations are managed by the tenants. The Vessel remains one of the few self-sustained initiatives allowing local artists and arts workers to create art and collaborate with their peers within a shared space. Tenants are committed to fostering the longevity and success of the space for years to come. Funds raised through the Art Raffle will cover studio improvements, vacancies and operational costs, keeping rent consistent and affordable for tenants. Visit @thevesselpei on Facebook or thevesselpei.ca to purchase tickets.

SSAC call for proposals

The South Shore Arts Council (SSAC) is accepting applications for funding of projects in the visual, performing and creative arts from individuals and groups in the South Shore region.Grants are for community-based projects with emphasis on education and the development or preservation of the culture in that area. The maximum value of the grants is $750. Funding is provided by Innovation PEI.Applications must be received by April 21. Contact Pat Smith (658-2670) or Jamie Germaine (658-2415) for more info and to receive an application.

Post-secondary advisement in the arts workshop

Confederation Centre of the Arts is hosting the workshop Post-Secondary Advisement In The Arts on April 14 from

4:30–6 pm. The workshop gives advice and resources to participants (ages 12+) who are interested in pursuing the arts after high school. Whether participants are interested in post-secondary education or how to transition into a working career, the knowledgeable panel will be able to provide the knowledge and expertise to get them started on their journey to a career in the arts. Topics range from which post-secondary programs are available for different arts disciplines, to budgeting and grant writing basics for the newly professional artist, to the various career pathways available in the arts. Email dance@confederationcentre.com to book a spot. A cash only payment of ten dollars is taken at the door.

Summer arts camps

PD Day Arts Camps

Registration is open for summer arts camps at Confederation Centre of the Arts. Arts education programs at the Centre encourage creative expression in a variety of ways, from dancing and drawing to sculpting and singing. The wide range of summer camps for ages four to 17 include guided tours of the Gallery, performances at The Charlottetown Festival, visits from guest artists, and more. Visual Arts takes place July 3–August 25, Exploring Performing Arts takes place July 11–August 25, Dance (Junior, Intermediate, Senior) and Kinder Performing Arts take place July 31–August 4, Kinder Visual Arts takes place July 31–August 4, Analogue Animation takes place July 31–August 4, and Musical Theatre Intensive takes place August 14–25. Visit confederationcentre.com for full details and registration.

Family Sunday in the Gallery

This month’s Family Sunday in the Gallery will take place April 30 at 1:30 pm. These all ages events offer an hour of free art activities for the whole family at Confederation Centre Art Gallery. This month, make paper plate animal puppets inspired by the current exhibit Land is not a mat to be rolled up and taken away confederationcentre.com/artgallery

Artisans Waterfront seeking new members

Artisans Waterfront is seeking new members to join their cooperative. Members work in all media—painting, photography, glass, quilting, rug hooking, pottery, woodworking, jewelry and artisanal foods. During the summer season, the artist-run facility operates on the Montague Marina. Fine artists and craft artisans in all mediums are encouraged to apply. The next Jury session is May 15. For more info and the application form, visit artisanswaterfront.ca.

There are still a few more PD Day Arts Camps for ages six to 12 at Confederation Centre of the Arts in Charlottetown this school year. In the visual arts camp, young artists will be taken through a combination of guided and open-ended activities in painting, sculpture, drawings, and more. In the performing arts camp, students will be trained in drama, dancing, music, prop making, and more. Whether a child prefers to be centre stage or backstage, there are activities for all interests. The next PD Day Arts Camps take place April 21. These fun-filled days run from 9 am–4 pm, with early drop-off and late pick-up times available. Visit confederationcentre.com to register.

Kindred Spirits Quilt Guild

The Kindred Spirits Quilt Guild meets from 7–9 pm on the third Wednesday of the month—except July, August and December—at the Irish Cultural Centre, 582 North River Rd, Charlottetown. New members and visitors are welcome. Masks are optional and refreshments will not be served at this time. Follow @ Kindred Spirits Quilt Guild of PEI on FB for updates or call Roberta at 393-3222.

PEI Modern Quilt Guild

The PEI Modern Quilt Guild meets on the fourth Thursday of each month from 7–9 pm. If interested in attending a meeting as a guest or for more info, contact peimqg@gmail.com. Follow @peimqg on IG for updates.

Life drawing sessions

Life Drawing sessions take place weekly at the Gertrude Cotton Art Centre, 57 Bunbury Rd, Stratford. The drop-in drawing sessions with nude model are held on Sundays from 2–4 pm, weather permitting (check @Life Drawing PEI on FB for cancellations). All skill levels welcome. Must be 18+ or have parent/ guardian written permission. Easels are provided but participants must bring their own drawing material. Organizers are always looking for models. If interested, reach out on FB or email lifedrawingpei2022@gmail.com.

Scavenger hunts for kids

Eptek Art & Culture Centre offers exhibit-related scavenger hunts for kids. Drop-ins are welcome but visitors are encouraged to call ahead. Admission is by donation. Follow on FB for upcoming activities. 130 Heather Moyse Dr, Summerside. 888-8373, peimuseum.com

Dumais, Succession, 2020 (printed 2022) inkjet print on archival paper, 81.3 x 66.0 cm (HxW) framed

A gift of Island poetry

A SEED FOR PEACE

The grapevine is healthy & The green grapes will turn purple Why am I nervous & why do I cry?

The tall sun owers will bloom In just a few weeks from now & We already have zucchinis & snow peas

The garlic is ready to harvest & The sun shines most days & We get enough rain

Why this pain & why these tears Thinking of the distant Ukraine?

Today I’m not satis ed or happy So I o er this poem—a seed for peace

Leon Berrouard. Rolling the Stone—Imagine Sisyphus Happy (Red Wheelbarrow Press, 2023).

Each month Deirdre Kessler selects a poem by an Island poet for The Buzz

Schmoozing with poets

Five Island poets in conversation and reading—Apr 13

Leonard Cohen wrote, “Poetry is just the evidence of life.” To celebrate that evidence and to launch Canada’s 25th annual National Poetry Month on PEI, Bookmark and the UPEI Faculty of Arts and English Department will host an evening of five Island poets in conversation about the art and value of poetry and reading from their poetic work.

The celebration will take place April 13 at 7 pm in The Carriage House at Beaconsfield, 2 Kent Street, Charlottetown. Admission is free.

The five poets bring a wealth of poetic, other literary, and life experience to the conversation.

Laurie Brinklow teaches Island Studies at UPEI. In addition to scholarly writing, she has published two books of poetry,including My island’s the house I sleep in at night, which received the 2022 PEI Book Award for Poetry.

Judy Gaudet is a poet, diarist, sketcher, gardener, teacher, librarian, mother of three, grandmother of three,

Together We Rhyme

National Poetry Month celebration

Celebrate National Poetry Month at the Charlottetown Library Learning Centre. Together We Rhyme, hosted by PEI poet Julie Bull, will be held April 20 from 7–8:30 pm.

Together We Rhyme is an open mic and showcase event open to all poetry enthusiasts and anyone curious or intrigued about the art of rhyming.

Each year, the League of Canadian Poets determines a theme for National Poetry Month. The theme for 2023 is joy. Island poets will read poetry and perform spoken word art with joy in mind. Join in the celebration and support PEI poets and National Poetry Month. Together we rhyme and together we rise.

To sign up as a reader or performer, contact the library at charlottetown@ gov.pe.ca or 368-4642 by April 10. Organizers will save some space for the procrastinating and pensive poets to sign up at the door.

The Charlottetown Library Learning Centre is located 100-97 Queen Street. Admission is free.

READERS/ WRITERS

Eptek Centre Book Club

The members of the Eptek Centre Book Club will meet April 7 at 7 pm to discuss the book The Boat People by Sharon Bala. Eptek Art & Culture Centre is located at 130 Heather Moyse Dr, Summerside. For more info, call 888-8373, visit peimuseum.com or follow @EptekCentre on FB.

PEI Writers’ Guild Open Mic

The PEI Writers’ Guild presents a free Open Mic Night on the fourth Thursday of each month at the Gallery Coffee House & Bistro in Charlottetown. The next event takes place April 27 at 7 pm. Attendees are encouraged to bring their friends, sign up to perform, read their writing aloud or listen to other writers perform their work. To perform, email director@peiwritersguild.com.

Clint Morrison book launch Tragic and Bizarre: Stories from Old Prince Edward Island by Summerside writer J. Clinton Morrison will be launched at Eptek Art and Culture Centre in Summerside on April 30 at 1 pm. All are welcome to attend.

and Islander. In addition to her two poetry books, she edited the anthology Canada 150+ Canada’s History in Poetry

Jane Ledwell is author of three books of poetry, most recently Return of the Wild Goose about writer and activist Katherine Hughes, and has contributed to many literary and community-building projects as a writer and editor.

Lee Ellen Pottie is an editor of literary and academic manuscripts, a poet and reviewer, a sessional professor at UPEI, and an amateur photographer and painter. Her most recent chapbook—“worthless,” poems about Van Gogh—was published by The Alfred Gustafson Press.

Bren Simmers is the winner of the 2022 CBC Poetry Prize, and the author of three poetry books, most recently If, When, and a lyrical memoir. She is the publishing manager of Island Studies Press at UPEI.

Join these poets for a conversation about this ancient and timeless form of discovery and revelation.

Milton Acorn Centenary

Haviland Club—Mar 30, 7 pm

Indie Bookstore Day

Celebrate and support local shops on April 29

Readers across the country will have the opportunity to support local independent bookshops by participating in Canadian Independent Bookstore Day (CIBD) on April 29.

With more than 150 participating shops expected, including Bookmark in Charlottetown, CIBD is an annual cultural celebration and an opportunity for book buyers, authors, illustrators and publishers to acknowledge the vibrant literary ecosystem created by indie bookshops. With contests, customer giveaways, product exclusives and bookseller activities planned, CIBD will appeal to book buyers across all ages and interests.

bookstore supports every part of book-creating, from encouraging reading and appreciation to supporting emerging writers and publishers to selling and celebrating the books that matter in the community where we live,” shares Ledwell.

“Every book I have read this year so far has been from my independent bookstore or the library, and each one was recommended to me in a conversation with a bookseller or a friend— or a bookseller friend—I met by the shelves,” she continues.

The 100th anniversary of the birth of noted Canadian poet Milton Acorn will be observed with a life celebration at the Haviland Club in Charlottetown on March 30 at 7 pm.

There will be reminiscences, readings, music, and two National Film Board films on the Island poet will be shown. Admission is by donation.

Indie booksellers are experts in their field, passionate about facilitating connections between reader and writer and creating genuine, lasting relationships with their customers. The shops function as pillars of the community— inclusive spaces for conversation and hubs for events promoting enlightenment and entertainment.

Bookmark’s 2023 Bookstore Ambassador is local poet and author, Jane Ledwell.

“I love that my independent

“As a poet, I often joke that I make dozens—literally dozens—of dollars from my poetry every year. Well, my local independent bookstore only makes dozens of dollars in a good year from my poetry books, too, and yet they keep them on their shelves, because they care about sharing local stories and voices.”

This year’s celebration highlights include a chance to win a $1000, $500 or $250 Bookmark gift certificate. Visit cibabooks.ca after April 3 to check out the prizes and start drafting a “books to buy” list. There will also be lots of book swag and exclusive merchandise while quantities last, as well as double points on all qualifying purchases for the Bookmark Reader Rewards Program—sign up in-store, it’s free.

LIONEL STEVENSON

Drag Queen Storytime

Family-friendly activities at Kings Playhouse—Apr 15

Kings Playhouse in Georgetown will host Drag Queen Storytime on April 15 from 9–10 am.

This family friendly event will feature two books shared by the host, a short break for snacks and refreshments, and a puppet show by a local puppeteer. Cake and activities will follow. There will also be a selfie booth

LIBRARIES

PEI Public Library Service

PEI Public Libraries offers community programming for all ages. Visit the Public Library events calendar at library. pe.ca or follow @PEI Public Library Service on FB for updates.

Charlottetown Library Learning Centre

Programming continues at the Charlottetown Library Learning Centre this month. Through the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP), CVITP, the library is hosting free tax clinics where volunteers file returns for people with a modest income and simple tax situations. Drop-off on Thursdays from 6–8 pm until April 27 or get in-person help on Saturdays from 1–3 pm until April 29. Use an Oculus VR headset at Virtual Reality for ages 10+ on Thursdays from 3–5 pm. Get Tech Help from one of the teen volunteers on Saturdays from 10 am–12 pm. Bring supplies and join knitters, crocheters, rug hookers and fibre and textile makers at Fibre Arts Club on Tuesdays at 1 pm. Join Douglas Malcolm, PhD for a weekly class to improve writing skills and learn to write more effectively at Writing Bootcamp on Thursdays at 6:30 pm. Register in advance; new members welcome. The Local Author Showcase takes place April 6 at 6:30 pm. Join for author talks, book displays and on-site publishing and marketing tips. A Hydroponics Grow Tank hands-on demonstration for ages 16+ takes place April 17 at 6 pm. Registration required. Create a potted egg carton cactus at Crafternoon on April 19 at 1 pm. Register in advance; supplies provided. The Seniors Café on April 20 at 1 pm will feature a meditation and mindfulness session with GEBIS. Join Julie Bull and other local talent for an evening of poetry and spoken word in celebration of National Poetry Month at Together We Rhyme on April 20 at 7 pm. Contact charlottetown@gov.pe.ca to share. Space is limited. The Board Game Café takes

with fun props and plenty of rainbows to take a photo with the wonderful host. Feel free to dress up and/or bring a brightly coloured parasol for the parasol parade.

Free general admission, with advance tickets available. Donations are graciously accepted.

kingsplayhouse.com

place April 26 at 6 pm and has a variety of games to suit all types of gamers. Kelsey, the Nurse Practitioner at Sexual Health, Options & Reproductive Services (SHORS) PEI will share info about perimenopause and menopause, and dispel some common myths, at Menopause Education on April 26 at 2 pm. 97 Queen St, Charlottetown.

Summerside Rotary Library

Programming continues at the Summerside Rotary Library this month. Adult programming includes: Nifty Knitters and Needlecraft with fibre and textile makers on Thursdays at 1 pm. Bring supplies. All skill levels welcome. Community Volunteer Income Tax Program drop-ins take place in-person on Tuesdays from 6–8 pm until April 25. Drop-offs are held until April 25 during library hours. Call the library for eligibility details. Play games April 12 and 26 at 2 pm at Cards, Crokinole, and Cronies. Visit the Seniors Café for a cup of tea or coffee and an engaging info session April 14 at 11 am. Create a spring art project at Cricut Crafting (ages 15+) on April 17 at 6 pm or April 19 at 2 pm. Call the library to pre-register. The CMHA will give a Coping With Stress presentation on April 24 at 6 pm. Join the Book Club on April 29 at 2 pm and discuss some of today’s most thought-provoking books. Pick up a copy of the latest selection at the main circulation desk. Children’s programming: Wiggle Giggle Read for 0–36 months (9:30 am, Wednesdays); Family Storytime for ages 3–5 (10:30 am, Thursdays); Puppet Play for the whole family (11 am, April 1); Board Games Kids for ages 5–12 (11 am, April 8); Baby and Toddler Yoga for ages 0–3 years (9:30 am, April 15 ); Let’s Get Growing On Science Saturday for ages 6–12 (11 am, April 15); Fun With Paint Kids for ages 6–12 (10:30 am, April 21–22); and Multicultural Storytime & Conversation Hour with IRSA (10 am, April 29). Teen programming takes place on Tuesdays in April at 4 pm with Teen Advisory Group (4); Protect Your Peeps (11); Pause & Putter (18); Paint Chip Poetry (25). 57 Central St, Summerside.

BOOKS PEI

In-Between: An Anthology by PEI Transgender Network

Edited by Julie R. Bull

In-Between: An Anthology by PEI Transgender Network will be available April 1.

PEI Transgender Network’s first anthology, edited by Julie R. Bull, is a collection of stories by and for members of the transgender and gender diverse communities on Prince Edward Island.

In In-Between, the authors share their collective wisdom and insights, providing a beautiful sense of connection and belonging. “Individual poems and short stories are weaved together to tell our stories, by us, in our own words.”

In a world preoccupied with binaries, the stories in this anthology take the reader on a journey of the spaces and places “In-Between.” peitn.com

trans(form)ing

Julie R. Bull

PEI author Julie R. Bull will release their new book, trans(form)ing, April 1. trans(form)ing is about confronting and transforming fear.

Bull integrates learnings and teachings from physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual experiences through a compilation of poems that tell a story of deep feeling and hard healing.

Julie’s connection to and understanding of their own non-binary gender, coupled with their collective integrations, take the reader on a journey of transformation.

Julie Bull is queer, non-binary,

Inuk poet, philosopher, and PhD from Nunatukavut, currently based on Epekwitk. As a recovering academic turned entrepreneur and artist, Julie’s motivation and vision remain the same: justice and sovereignty for Indigenous peoples.

@juliebull_poet, juliebull.net

From Sword to Pen

The Life and Works of the Honourable Cyrus J. MacMillan

Kathleen MacMillan

“Born and raised on PEI and holding degrees from McGill University and Harvard, Cyrus MacMillan returned to McGill as a Professor of English and played a major role in establishing McGill’s theatre program from 1910 until his retirement in 1947,” said Peter F. McNally, Professor Emeritus, McGill University.

“Kathleen MacMillan’s well-researched and insightful study of her distant relative’s remarkable career retrieves the memory of a man who was largely forgotten. In outlining his life as an academic administrator, lecturer, researcher, soldier, public servant, and politician, she reveals that he was a complex and multi-faceted man deserving further study. One suspects that this biography will inspire more investigation,” McNally continued.

Kathleen MacMillan resides in Kilmuir, PEI.

Raps, Rants & Rhymes

I Tasted a Raspberry

Kathy Birt

That is a lot considering there are 72 pages of raps, rants and rhymes in her book of the same name. In Raps, Rants and Rhymes, Birt takes on the struggles of life today for young people and issues of social inequity.

Birt covers personal reflections of PJ Day, her love of summer, a distaste for the wind, and much more in these new poetry collections.

Stay tuned for details about the upcoming double book launch.

Tragic and Bizarre: Stories from Old Prince Edward Island

J. Clinton Morrison

PEI author Kathleen MacMillan recently released a familial biography of Cyrus John MacMillan (1878-1953).

Published by Penumbra Press, From Sword to Pen: The Life and Works of the Honourable Cyrus J. MacMillan is available now at penumbrapress.net.

Island author and journalist Kathy Birt will launch two new books of poetry, I Tasted a Raspberry and Raps, Rants & Rhymes, later this month.

I Tasted a Raspberry includes the title poem and many free-verse poems written over the years.

“All poems in both books have been shared at open mics, pre-pandemic,” notes the author.

The latest book about the Island by Summerside writer J. Clinton “Clint” Morrison, Tragic and Bizarre: Stories of Old Prince Edward Island, will be launched at Eptek Art and Culture Centre in Summerside on April 30, at 1 pm. Everyone is welcome to attend.

The book covers 47 little-known tragic or bizarre events that happened to Islanders over two centuries of PEI history. Clint’s work, carefully researched and written, provides additional historical background to the stories as well as pertinent illustrations and source references which give further credence to them.

Tragic and Bizarre is a sequel-of-sorts to Clintís sixth book, Strange Tales and True Stories (2006), but differs substantially in format and content, and contains only stories exclusive to PEI. The 184 page book is illustrated with 40 maps, drawings and photographs. The cover was designed by PEI artist P. John Burden.

Tragic and Bizarre is Clint’s thirteenth book as author or general editor. It will be available at Bookmark (Charlottetown) and Coles Books (Summerside) as well as other Island retail outlets and direct from the author.

Ultimate Chef Battles

FOOD FOR FUNDS

Charlottetown restaurants compete for diners’ votes Confederation Centre Youth Chorus fundraising dinner

This spring, Charlottetown restaurants are bringing the “Ultimate Chef Battles,” a grassroots event developed by Sea City Collective, in partnership with Discover Charlottetown. The campaign will feature Burger Battles from April 13–23 and Taco Battles from May 4–13.

During each campaign, participating restaurants will present their themed signature dish and diners are invited to vote for their favourite chef’s creation. Both campaigns will feature competing dishes priced at $19 a plate.

Sea City Collective is a group of like-minded Charlottetown businesses that are trying to do something a little different. Operating as an informal not-for-profit group, the founding members are Abbiocco, Hopyard, Lone Oak Brewpub, Slaymaker and Trailside Music Hall. Sea City Collective works together on creating unique events that have a positive impact on Charlottetown. For more information and a list of participating restaurants, visit chefbattles.ca.

The Confederation Centre Youth Chorus is hosting its annual fundraising dinner on April 6 at 6 pm. Held in Memorial Hall at Confederation Centre of the Arts in Charlottetown, the evening features a reception, dinner, awards presentation and a performance from the Youth Chorus. Tickets can be purchased at the Centre’s box office. The ticket fee includes the donation. Funds raised will support the Youth Chorus’ trip to perform at Disney Performing Arts OnStage. confederationcentre.com

Prince Edward Aqua Farms Annual Spring Gala

The Canadian Mental Health Association PEI (CMHA PEI) announced the upcoming Prince Edward Aqua Farms Annual Spring Gala will be held on April 28 at 7 pm in the Veteran’s Convention Centre at Credit Union Place in Summerside. Tickets include a three course meal, silent auction, entertainment by Dennis Ellsworth with Dan Currie, and a powerful presentation by Meaghan Grant,

Peer Support Worker at CMHA, who will share her journey of recovery and hope. All proceeds will go towards the programs and services of CMHA PEI. Visit pei.cmha.ca for tickets. Info: 628-3668, b.tremblett@cmha.pe.ca

Evening of the Stars: Gala Dinner and Auction

The 15th annual Evening of the Stars Gala Dinner and Auction will take place on May 19 at the Delta Prince Edward in Charlottetown. Funds raised are in support of the Stars for Life Foundation for Autism. Enjoy a four-course dinner and a live and silent auction while being entertained by PEI comedian Patrick Ledwell. Corporate tables and individual tickets are available by calling 894-9286 or by emailing kandice@starsforlife.com

Free community meals in Georgetown

Free community meals continue this month at Kings Playhouse in Georgetown. Free hot lunches for seniors are offered on Tuesdays from 11 am–1 pm.

Folks are welcome to dine in, pick up their lunch, or have it delivered in partnership with Meals on Wheels.

1-888-346-5666, kingsplayhouse. com, 65 Grafton St, Georgetown.

Build resilient communities

Island not-for-profit organizations and municipalities can access financial assistance to further develop rural areas of PEI. Through the Community Revitalization Program (CRP), municipalities and incorporated not-for-profit organizations can request financial support for infrastructure projects that are culturally, socially and economically important to rural areas across the province.

Beginning April 1, applications can be submitted to a local Community Development Officer. Funding will be available under two streams: small projects—funding up to 75 per cent of eligible costs to a maximum of $250,000; large, strategic investment projects—funding up to 50 per cent of eligible costs to a maximum of $2 million. Visit the Community Revitalization Program at princeedwardisland.ca for more info.

EARLY BUZZ DEADLINE

Friday, April 14

Care Giver Support

Hospice PEI offers monthly Care Giver Support Group meetings at three locations in PEI. In Charlottetown, meetings take place on the third Monday of the month from 1–3 pm at the Hospice PEI provincial office, 119 Water St. Meetings take place in Summerside on last Wednesday of each month from 1:30–3:30 pm in the ADL room at Summerside Rotary Library, 57 Central St. Meetings take place in Alberton on the second Thursday of the month from 6–7:30 pm at Kids West Family Resource Centre, 630 Main St. To register, call 368-4095 (Charlottetown), 438-4231 (Summerside), 859-3949 (Alberton). Visit hospicepei.ca to learn more about their programs and services, and how to get involved.

PEI Seniors’ Secretariat Grant applications

Organizations and communities that work to improve the lives of Island seniors can now apply for provincial government funding. Applications are being accepted for 2023-2024 PEI Seniors’ Secretariat grants until April 21. The grants provide up to $5000 per project to organizations or groups interested in enriching the lives of seniors. Groups eligible for funding include non-profit organizations, community-based coalitions, networks, municipal governments, and Indigenous organizations across the Island. Preference will be given to projects that encourage: reducing social isolation of seniors; promoting positive images of aging/addressing ageism; bringing awareness to and/or addressing financial security and safety; supporting seniors to age in place (home first, in the community, etc); supporting age-friendly initiatives. For more info and to apply, visit the PEI Seniors’ Secretariat Grant webpage at princeedwardisland.ca, email seniors@gov.pe.ca or call the Office of Seniors at 620-3785.

PEI Museum and Heritage Foundation meeting

All are invited to attend the PEI Museum and Heritage Foundation’s Annual General Meeting at Eptek Art & Culture Centre in Summerside on April 13. Doors open at 6 pm with the AGM beginning at 6:30 pm. The guest speaker is Daniel McRae, lead researcher at Macphail Woods Ecological Forestry Project, who will be speaking about his fascinating research on Island forests. The PEI Museum and Heritage Foundation is a not-for-profit organization charged with preserving and sharing the Island’s human and natural heritage.

Bonshaw AGM

Notice is hereby given that an annual meeting of the shareholders of the Bonshaw Hall Co-operative Limited will be held at the Bonshaw Hall on May 17 at 7 pm for the following purposes: to receive the financial statements of the Corporation for the year ending March 30, 2023; and to transact such further and other business as may properly be brought before the meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof.

COMMUNITY

The Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on April 28, 2023 as the record date for the meeting. All shareholders of record on that date are entitled to notice of and to vote at the meeting. By order of the Board of Directors Karen L. Graves, secretary. 9 Green Rd, Bonshaw.

Pulmonary Fibrosis Support

A Pulmonary Fibrosis Support Group meets at 1 pm on the second Sunday of each month; however, due to Easter Sunday, this month’s meeting will be held on April 2. The meetings take place at Stratford Town Hall and they are for anyone who has, or knows someone who has, pulmonary fibrosis. There is some time spent discussing the illness, but mostly the group shares tips on how to handle it. Everyone is welcome. For more info, contact Doug or Allison at 675-2970.

Forty- ves in Tracadie

The Tracadie Community Centre hosts a Forty-fives singles card game every Monday at 7 pm for a small fee to play. There are cash prizes and a 50/50 draw. Everyone is welcome.

PEI Autistic Adults

PEI Autistic Adults is an online and in person peer-support group for autistic adults/seniors on PEI to talk about autism, share experiences of navigating PEI as autistic adults, and support each other. The website has a public blog where members can share their views, a private discussion forum, private chat functionality, and links to their social media. There are weekly meetings via Zoom and plans to expand once the group is larger. PEI Autistic Adults was started by an autistic senior and currently has 70 members ranging from students to seniors. Visit peiautisticadults.com for info. To participate in the meetings but do not wish to interact online, email peiautisticadults@gmail.com. PEI Autistic Adults is not affiliated with any organization.

Online Grief Support

Online monthly Grief Support Group meetings are held on the third Thursday of the month at 7 pm. These sessions use the Zoom online meeting app. To register, call the Hospice PEI Grief Coordinator, at 330-3857. Telephone-based grief support with hospice trained volunteers is also available. Learn more about Hospice PEI, their programs and services, and how to get involved at hospicepei.ca.

Seniors’ Food Pilot Program

The provincial government has partnered with The Wheelhouse, Kings Playhouse and Meals on Wheels PEI to operate a Seniors’ Food Pilot Program in the Georgetown and Cardigan areas for 12 weeks. PEI seniors aged 65 and older can register to receive up to five meals per week. Eligible seniors will pay a flat

rate of four dollars per meal. Delivery and pick up takes place every Tuesday. Meals on Wheels PEI will deliver meals between 10:30 am and 3 pm on Tuesdays. Participants must arrange to have someone present at the delivery location during this time. Those picking up their weekly meals can do so at Kings Playhouse in Georgetown between 12—2 pm on Tuesdays. All meals are pre-cooked and re-heatable. Payments must be made to Kings Playhouse prior to weekly meal delivery or at pickup. To be eligible for the pilot program, seniors must be eligible for the Seniors Independence Initiative and complete the application form. Eligible participants will be contacted for additional info in regard to meal delivery or pick up. Participants will also be contacted to complete an evaluation before and after the pilot program. To learn more about the application process and/or the Seniors Food Pilot Program, call 368-6369 or email seniors@gov.pe.ca. princeedwardisland.ca/seniorsmealpilot

Propelle in Kensington

Women’s Network PEI will be offering their Propelle program in Kensington from May 8–June 30. Propelle is a no-cost life skills and employment readiness program for women and gender-diverse people who are interested in building employability skills and community connections. The online application form and program details are available on online at wnpei.org/propelle. Email admin@wnpei.org or call 368-5040 for more information.

Bridge course

Ray Malone is offering an eight-week bridge course for advanced beginners and intermediate players from April 20–June 1. The course is called Play it Safe: Making sure of your contract. The curriculum is based on the work of Barbara Seagram and David Bird, two internationally famous Bridge teachers and authors. Topics include: finessing the right way; holdup plays in notrump; how many tricks do I need; safety plays when missing the ace, king, queen or jack; hold-ups in a suit contract; establishment plays in notrump; and establishment plays in a suit contract. The course take place weekly at the Irish Cultural Centre on North River Road in Charlottetown from 9:30 am–noon. The fee will be on a sliding scale based on the number of tables. For more info or to register, contact Ray at ray.teaches.bridge@gmail.com or call 368-8416.

A Chip and A Chair

A Chip and A Chair, presented by Kimberly Mooney, Kelley Mooney and Larry Koughan will be held at the Haviland Club in Charlottetown on April 22 at 7 pm. Doors open at 7:30 pm. The idea, Kim says, is that as long as people have a single chip and a seat at the table,

they can win the game of life with a little music, a little laughter and an inspiring message. The message, created by Rick Warren of Saddleback Church, California, resonated with Kim when she first heard this presentation on Oprah in 2016. With Warren’s consent, Kim will be sharing some of the concepts of A Chip and A Chair. The evening will include music, reflection and more. Tickets: eventbrite. ca. Info: kimmooney123@gmail.com

CFPEI community grant applications open

Applications will be accepted at the Community Foundation of PEI (CFPEI) for their Spring 2023 community grants. CFPEI recently launched their new community grant management system, a unique portal designed to streamline the process for applicants, maintain request history and communicate status updates to ensure applying for financial support is easier than ever. For info about community grant criteria, deadlines, amounts and access to the portal, visit cfpei.ca/ apply/community/. All applications must be completed online through the CFPEI’s portal, with the majority of applications closing April 30 at midnight.

Family Place programming

Family Place offers prenatal, postnatal and family programming that is held online via Zoom and in-person in Summerside at the Family Place (75 Central St) and Credit Union Place (511 Notre Dame St, S), in Kensington at Murray Christian Centre (School St), and in Borden-Carleton at the Community Library in the Fire Hall (244 Borden Ave). Some of the programs offered are: New Beginnings Prenatal Group (free/online); Music, Movement & Me (free, Family Place, Summerside); Beyond the Bump Postnatal Group (CUP, Summerside); Kensington Playgroups; Full Circle Family Doula (free/ Family Place, Summerside); Rock & Talk Playgroups (Family Place, Summerside); BordenCarleton Playgroups; Summerside Playgroups (Family Place). Visit familyplacepei.com for the full list of programming, date, time, location and more. For more info or to register for programs, call 436-1348, email familyplace@ eastlink.ca, or drop in to Family Place in Summerside.

Free tax help clinics

Free tax help clinics are on offer in Summerside and Charlottetwon to the end of April. Raising children, paying rent, or just keeping up with the bills is not always easy. That’s why, more than ever, every dollar counts.

The Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVIT) is a free tax-help program that assists those with modest-to-no income to report and a simple tax situation to access eligible benefits and credits like the Canada Child Benefit, simply by helping them to file their taxes. Volunteers may even be able to help eligible clients claim past benefits and credits by filing tax returns for previous years. For an up-to-date listing of CVITP in-person and virtual clinics, call 1-855516-4405 or visit canada.ca/taxes-help.

Yom HaShoah

Holocaust Memorial Day commemoration—Apr 16

The Prince Edward Island Jewish community will observe Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Memorial Day) with a memorial ceremony on April 16 at 4:30 pm in Memorial Hall, Confederation Centre for the Arts.

The six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust will be commemorated with the lighting of six memorial candles, reading aloud the names of victims, reciting the Mourners’ Prayer, and chanting of the Prayer for the Soul of the Departed.

The keynote speaker is award-winning PEI poet, fiction writer and playwright J. J. Steinfeld. He will address the subject of “Identity Dreams and Memory Sounds: The Holocaust, Jewish Identity, and Intergenerational Trauma through the Lens of a Second-Generation Author’s Post-Holocaust Writing.”

Steinfeld was born in a displaced persons camp in Germany, of Polish Jewish Holocaust survivor parents. After a circuitous existential,

geographical and academic journey, in 1980 he wound up living and writing on PEI.

This event is free of charge. Everyone is invited and welcome to attend. For more information email info@peijc.org.

NOW ACCEPTING DONATIONS

NOW ACCEPTING DONATIONS

All types of gently used items (in good condition): household items, books, sports equipment, toys, plants, music, jewellery, furniture, tools, and glassware. You name it! (no clothing, TVs, or computers, please)

All types of gently used items (in good condition): household items, books, sports equipment, toys, plants, music, jewellery, furniture, tools, and glassware. You name it! (no clothing, TVs, or computers, please)

PLEASE DROP

at the Richmond Street entrance

at the Richmond Street entrance

Author J.J. Steinfeld

HERE TO HELP MP Office Services

SALES

Etsy Atlantic Spring Market

The Etsy Atlantic Spring Market will be held April 8 from 10 am–5 pm at the Prince Edward Delta in Charlottetown. With over 130 makers from Atlantic Canada, visitors can shop local and find unique handcrafted gifts. Admission is at the door. Free for kids 10 and under. Hosted by Etsy Team PEI and Etsy NB.

Pinch Penny Fair accepting donations

items, an extensive selection of jewelry, sports equipment, furniture, books, puzzles, electronics, bedding, curtains, crafts, children’s toys, home decor, and indoor and outdoor plants. Admission is by suggested donation of a toonie at the door. 65 Kirkwood Dr, Charlottetown.

St. Mark’s online auction

St. Mark’s Presbyterian in Charlottetown is hosting an online auction from April 24–29 on Facebook @ St. Mark’s Presbyterian Church Online Auction 2023. Dozens of items are featured, including baked goods, preserves, gift baskets, jewelry, puzzles and games, gift cards to stores, restaurants and services,household items, handcrafted items (pottery, quilted items, etc) and more. The auction site will go live at 6 pm on April 24. Info: stmarksprespei.org, 892-5255, stmarkspres@eastlink.ca

Gifts from the Heart

Friends of Confederation Centre are now accepting donations for one of their most anticipated annual fundraising events—the Pinch Penny Fair. The Centre is accepting gently used items, including household items, books, sporting goods, toys, plants, music, jewelry, furniture, tools, glassware, etc. Clothing, televisions, and computer donations cannot be accepted. Donations can be dropped off at the Richmond Street entrance of the Centre during operating hours. Funds raised through the fair support arts education programs at the Centre. This year’s Pinch Penny Fair is set to take place April 22 from 10 am–1 pm at Confederation Centre of the Arts. Admission is two dollars and children 12 and under are free. Info: 628-6141, friends@confederationcentre.com

Annual Spring Yard Sale

Spring Park United’s annual spring yard sale takes place April 22 from 9 am–12 noon. Shoppers will find household

Supported by caring donors, Betty Begg-Brooks and her volunteers at Gifts From The Heart offer free food, clothing, furniture and housewares to qualified low income families and those experiencing temporary hardship. Betty’s popular End of Month Sale is held from 10 am–3 pm on the last Saturday of the month and offers a chance for the public to thrift shop her inventory. The monthly sale proceeds defray operating costs. The next End of Month Sale date is April 29. Betty also manages three new Community Fridges that should be up and running later this spring—one at the Gifts From the Heart location on Maple Hills Ave in Charlottetown, one in West Royalty and one in Stratford. “I’m thrilled to further reach those in need with our new Community Fridge project. Gifts From The Heart is humbled by the outpouring of community support for this important initiative. Hunger should not be an issue on the Island.” Donations of food, new and gently-used clothing, furniture and household items can be dropped off at 10 Maple Hills Ave on Monday and Wednesday from 10 am–4 pm. Monetary donations gratefully accepted. Call 6286871 (office) or 393-0171 (Betty) for more info or to register as a client. Open Mon–Thur from 10 am–4 pm, and Fri from 10 am–3 pm.

Office: 75 Fitzroy Street, Suite 201

MATT RAINNIE (CBC)

Lynn Hodgson and Shirley Moase

The Nature of PEI by Gary Schneider

Laws in place

There has been a lot of talk about Prince Edward Island forests post-Fiona, including the impacts on wildlife populations. The full-day Forest Resiliency workshop in Tracadie in early March was an excellent gathering of people concerned about how to protect and enhance forests.

Speaking with people during breaks, it occurred to me that one of the things we all need to know about is the Migratory Birds Convention Act. Nobody willingly tries to wade through a Federal Act unless they have a good reason, but this particular one is of great importance to those who love healthy forests and their wildlife.

In order to understand forests, we need to know what lives there. Just as humans are part of a forest, so are the almost infinite number of birds, mammals, amphibians, reptiles, insects, fungi, lichens… you get the picture. This complex community is extremely interdependent. The trees provide shade and food and nesting habitat, while the small mammals are busy planting acorns or spreading beneficial fungi. Insects are busy pollinating flowers that will eventually become food that is eaten by a variety of other creatures.

The purpose of this Act is to protect and conserve migratory birds and their nests. It does so by prohibiting the intentional or unintentional harming, disturbance or killing of migratory birds, including nests and eggs. Clearcutting woodland in the prime breeding season (mid-May to mid-July in this region) will always be having a negative impact on birds breeding in the area. This Act recognizes that migratory birds that breed in Canada deserve, and indeed must have protection, yet enforcement is almost non-existent.

Birds such as the Canada Warbler (pictured) winter in Venezuela and Peru, and then fly over 4500 km (2800 miles) to come to our region to nest and raise their young. That can be risky business for a tiny bird.

It is important to note that songbird decline is a very real thing. The world-renowned Cornell Lab of Ornithology recently published the first-ever comprehensive assessment of net population changes in the U.S.

Fusion Earth Week

Fusion Charlottetown, in partnership with the City of Charlottetown’s Sustainability Department, is hosting their 3rd Annual Fusion Earth Week. This series of events and contests runs April 16–22, ending on Earth Day with a cleanup along the Confederation Trail.

Organizers hope to collect over 500 pounds of trash from the trail this year, to beat the 400 pounds the community gathered last year.

Follow Fusion Charlottetown’s social media for updates.

Easter Eggstravaganza

Kings Playhouse is hosting their Easter Eggstravaganza: Easter Egg Hunt this year on April 8 at 1 pm.

Self Love Saturday

The sixth annual Self Love Saturday takes place at PEI Brewing Company in Charlottetown on April 29.

In partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Murphy Hospitality Group is focusing on ways to reset and recharge. From yoga to food and drinks, to music and more—because everyone recharges differently. Ticket proceeds support CMHA PEI Youth Programs. Visit mhgpei.com for more details.

Brave Spaces

PEERS Alliance is presenting Brave Spaces 101, a workshop on gender diversity, at Kings Playhouse in Georgetown on April 11 at 6 pm.

and Canada. The study revealed that “the North American bird population is down by 2.9 billion breeding adults, with devastating losses among birds in every biome. Forests alone have lost 1 billion birds. Grassland bird populations collectively have declined by 53%, or another 720 million birds.”

There are many reasons for the decline, including habitat loss, pesticide usage, window strikes and cats. Staying with the Canada Warbler, the population of this beautiful and relatively uncommon migratory bird declined by 62 per cent between 1970 and 2014. It nests at the base of shrubs and fallen trees. In all my years of birding and looking for nests, I’ve never found one. You can imagine how difficult they would be to spot from the cab of a harvester. The federal government report found that, “The primary threats to Canada Warbler include land conversion of breeding and nonbreeding habitat, forest harvesting and silviculture, removal of shrubs, energy and mining exploration and extraction, overbrowsing, reduced availability of insect prey, and collisions with windows.”

At Macphail Woods, we have had a “silent season” since we started in 1991. Our agreement with the provincial government to manage 800 hectares (2000 acres) of Public Forest Land spells this out—wood harvest is prohibited during the sensitive wildlife nesting and denning season, from May 15 to July 15.

Enforcing existing legislation that protects wildlife populations already in serious decline is just one step towards creating healthy forests that would benefit all Islanders, including future generations.

Participants are invited to take part in an outdoor Easter egg hunt, followed by snacks and activities at the Playhouse. This event will be followed by this month’s Kings Playhouse Kids Movie Series screening of Disney’s Strange World at 3 pm.

Kings Playhouse is located at 65 Grafton Street in Georgeotown. kingsplayhouse.com

The interactive, family-friendly, educational workshop will explore the changing landscape of the language associated with the diversity of gender and sexuality, drag queens and gender expression, and strategies for creating brave, inclusive spaces.

All are welcome. Free to attend.

Kings Playhouse is located at 65 Grafton Street in Georgeotown.

Info/register: 652-2053, 1-888346-5666, info@kingsplayhouse.com

DONNA MARTIN

The Canada Warbler

Under the Spire 2023

Programming for 28th season at Historic St. Mary’s

Since its founding in 1996, Under the Spire Music Festival (USMF) has hosted some of the best Canadian performers, bringing traditional, pop, classical, jazz, country and world music to Historic St. Mary’s on Hamilton Road in Indian River, PEI.

Always striving to present musical excellence spanning multiple styles, USMF’s 28th season will feature over 25 concerts and community events from June to September.

In June, USMF will feature: Jeremy Dutcher (16); Youth Legacy Concert (18); Sirens’ 10th anniversary concert (24); Choral Fundraiser (25); and Dan Mangan (30).

Performing in July are: Christina Bouey & Pierre Andre Doucet (2); Hard Times Orchestra (9); Archetype Trad (14); Isidore Quartet (16); Logan Richard (21); Happenstancers (23); Jessica Gallant is Dolly Parton (29); and Guillaume Villeneuve & Bertrand Cuiller (30).

Kortgaard steps down

After 25 years as artistic director at Under the Spire Music Festival

After more than two decades of curating performances at Historic St. Mary’s, Robert Kortgaard recently announced he will step down as Under the Spire Music Festival’s (USMF) artistic director.

Kortgaard has been actively involved with USMF since its early days, serving as artistic director for 25 of the 28 years the Festival has been running. Notably, Kortgaard was responsible for curating Midsummer Magic, a weekend-long celebration of classical music that continues today.

Pianist Robert Kortgaard completed his Bachelor and Master’s degrees at the Juilliard School in New York City. As a recipient of arts awards from the Canada Council, he furthered his musical studies in Italy and England. Kortgaard has performed as a soloist with major Canadian orchestras and has given recitals throughout Canada and the United States, as well as in England, Finland, Portugal, Italy, Indonesia, the Czech Republic, China and Japan. He is a favourite collaborator of many of Canada’s finest instrumental soloists, vocalists and

The August lineup includes: Midsummer Magic with Robert Kortgaard, Peter Tiefenbach, Midori Marsh, Parker Clements, and Alex Halliday (4–6); Island Proud: Pierce Clarke Band and Joce Reyome (9); Kaia Kater (10); The North Sound (12); Island Proud: The County Line Romance & Shane Pendergast (16); Ben Caplan (18); Charles Richard-Hamelin (20); Irish Mythen (25); and CowanCicchillitti (27).

USMF performances in September include Country Night: Mallory Johnson and Scott MacKay (8) and La Fiammata (10).

In addition to concerts, USMF is committed to fostering a sense of togetherness through a series of community events, such as songwriting workshops, pre-concert talks and more. A variety of accessible community concerts and events will be announced closer to the season. underthespire.ca

chamber groups. His performances are frequently heard on CBC Radio.

“My time at Under the Spire Music Festival has been a beautiful journey, and one for which I am endlessly grateful,” says Kortgaard. “These past 25 years as the Festival’s artistic director have allowed me to meet incredibly talented artists, work alongside passionate and dedicated music-lovers, and, of course, partake in amazing performances.”

“Robert has been pivotal in making the Festival the world-renowned event it is today, and…we wouldn’t be here without him,” says Lindsay Connolly, USMF executive director.

To help ease the transition, Kortgaard will continue his work with the Festival as artistic advisor for the remainder of the year, providing support to Connolly and the programming committee.

USMF Executive Director Lindsay Connolly and now Artistic Advisor Robert Kortgaard

Samuelson

End of Winter

Joel Miller

Saxaphonist and composer at St. Paul’s—Apr 14

Jenn Grant & Daniel Ledwell

Winterjazz concert series at The Pourhouse—Apr 8

The Winterjazz concert series, with house band Alan Dowling, Ian Toms, Glen Strickey and Deryl Gallant, will welcome special guests Jenn Grant and Daniel Ledwell on April 8 from 7–9:30 pm at The Pourhouse in Charlottetown.

The woodpile is getting down. Last week we had the chimney cleaned. How lovely to pay someone to do this important task. In the past we cleaned it ourselves, but now that we have a slippery steel roof we don’t feel like scampering around up there. Every day is a little warmer and soon we won’t need a re on at all.

It seems that we’re having an election. Billboards unapologetically clutter the roadside with familiar and unfamiliar faces vying for our vote. Billboards were prohibited in 1988 under the Highways Signage Act (what a class act that was!) but apparently elections and Canada Winter Games are exempt from its regulations.

Speaking of Canada Winter Games: just like the long months of winter they came and went. Thousands of Islanders gave a big push to make it all happen. We attended a few events and had a grand time cheering for both teams. The men’s hockey final, for example. Who to choose, Ontario or Saskatchewan? When either team had a breakaway or made an amazing shot, the audience cheered wildly. The rest of the time during play the arena was perfectly silent. You could hear skates scraping the ice and voices of the young athletes calling to one another. Lovely.

Friends gave us tickets to the Gold Medal mixed doubles curling match in Montague, and here’s a piece of advice: Always bring a blanket to a curling rink. It was astonishing to be right there next to the ice, but the steel seats of the bleachers were, well, made of steel. I don’t know what I expected. Alberta won over Ontario, just barely. All the curlers were obviously committed to their sport and could “draw to the button” time after time. Do I have that right? There’s a lot of lingo and I admit that I know very little about

curling. But I can see that it’s fun!

The drive to Montague was an emotional experience. The forests of King’s County are truly decimated. What’s going to happen to all those broken trees? We’ve become used to the appearance of own landscape here in the Cove, but to see the destruction along Highway 3 through new eyes…

Staying positive… We seem to be on the other side of Covid. It’s delightful to spend time with people we haven’t seen in, it seems, years. And spring is here! Pepper and tomato seeds have sprouted, Easter candy is on sale, goldfinch breasts are turning gold, and our neighbour is firing up the old barbeque. Mmm. Something in my primitive brain loves the smell of charred meat.

Down at the Cove a dozen seals sun themselves out on the shoal. Two eagles keep company along the river. It seems that every living creature is thinking about love. What an exciting time to be alive!

We meander under the capes at low tide examining unusual rocks, fossils, buoys, driftwood. Winter is already a distant memory, and in the bright spring sunlight everything looks new and full of possibilities.

Tracadie annual May Flower Walk

The Tracadie Good Neighbourly Club invites Islanders to their annual May Flower Walk.

Meet at the Tracadie Community Centre on April 30 at 2 pm. The walk is open to any age and goes rain or shine.

Saxophonist and composer Joel Miller will debut new music at St. Paul’s in Charlottetown on April 14 at 7:30 pm.

Miller returned home to Atlantic Canada during the pandemic, relocating from Montreal, where he lived for the last three decades. While here, Joel found artists to showcase his unique style of jazz and will be joined by Chris Martell on bass and Mat MacEachern on drums for this concert.

Miller’s dedication has been recognized with a long list of honours including a JUNO award for Best Contemporary Jazz Album (Swim). He currently lives and works in Fredericton, NB.

Info/Tickets: joelmillermusic. bandcamp.comjoelmiller2023Apr14. eventbrite.com.

Champagne Problems, her eighth album and first in the producer’s chair alongside partner Ledwell, gathers 13 musicians from coast to territory to coast in a series of collaborative Canadian magic tricks spun into classic country, lost disco hits and ruminative folk fables.

This is a rare opportunity to see Grant and Ledwell perform in a small intimate setting in their home province. Seating is limited for this ticketed event. Tickets are available by cashonly at The Old Triangle, 189 Great George St, Charlottetown. Reservations will not be taken without payment. A portion of the profits from admission go toward a scholarship for Island students who are entering a jazz program.

Info: email glenstrickey@yahoo.ca; call/text 393-4536

Joel Miller SUBMITTED

The Missing Pages

Musical mystery reconstruction at Harmony House—Apr 25

The Missing Pages, with CBC Music host Tom Allen, will be performed at Harmony House in Hunter River on April 25 at 8 pm.

The Missing Pages tells the story of organist and composer Theodore Molt, the one Canadian who met Ludwig van Beethoven, twice, in December of 1825.

Because of his deafness, all ofBeethoven’s conversations were recorded in notebooks, and Molt’s greeting to him is indeed in one of the books, but four pages following were (at some point) mysteriously ripped out. Betrayal? Competition? Scandal? Or just old-fashioned ego and pride?

Narrated by Tom Allen, The Missing Pages is a reconstruction of what might have happened between the two men. It features renowned Canadian actor Derek Boyes, soprano Patricia O’Callaghan, pianist Gregory Oh, and harpist Lori Gemmell.

Allen (host of CBC Music’s weekday show About Time) narrates “chamber musicals”—a blend of theatrical storytelling, humour, drama and music created around little-known

Thank you for the music

What an improbable delight it's been for this Manhattanite to lead the Prince Edward Island Symphony Orchestra for the past decade. There's been something magical about our partnership, how resiliently, creatively and good-humoredly it has endured and ourished.

facts from music history. Toronto Summer Music, the Stratford Festival, Music Niagara and the Tuckamore Festival have featured this as a dedicated presentation. vimeo.com/458256905

It all came about so serendipitously. A chance encounter during a Cape Breton vacation led to an invitation to conduct the Nova Sinfonia in Halifax. Members of that orchestra played (and still play) in the PEISO. When a vacancy arose here for Music Director, they urged me to apply. I arrived in a February snowstorm (the legendary fruit sale was in full tilt) with the crazily ambitious program of Rachmaninoff Second Symphony. (That turned out to be a harbinger of future projects; we've liked punching above our weight.) The orchestra and I felt a mutual, well, love, and as the saying goes, the rest is history.

I will long treasure the memories of our many excellent adventures, including our bilingual Cantata for Canada150, symphonies and more by Barber, Beethoven, Berlioz, Britten, Copland, Delius, Dvorák, Holst, Korngold, Mahler, Mozart, Nielsen, Prokofiev, Ravel, Rachmaninoff, Shostakovich, Sibelius, Stravinsky, Tchaikovsky, Wagner; commissions, premieres and revivals by Canadian composers including Kati Agócs, Linda Bouchard, Richard Covey, John Estacio, Christos Hatzis, Alice Ho, Leo Marchildon, Kevin Morse, KellyMarie Murphy, Abby RichardsonSchulte, Harry Stafylakis, Andrew Staniland; solo turns by Denise Djokic, Marc Djokic, Sarah Hagen, Suzie LeBlanc, Julia MacLaine, LouisPhilippe Marsolais, Paul Merkelo, Karem Simon, Dale Sorensen; collaborations with Atlantic roots artists including Hey Cuzzins, Lenny Gallant, Paper Lions, Ten Strings and a Goatskin, Vishtèn; collaborations with student competition winners, Singing Strings, and PEI adult and youth choruses; even though, between November 2019 and October 2022, the full PEISO and I were able to give just two concerts together.

Etched in my heart are community members no longer with us. I think

often of PEISO's late principal trumpet Dan St. Amand. Dan embodied everything that was greatest and best about the PEISO. An experienced, capable and sensitive player, he graciously declared himself an ally who understood and supported both my commitment to collegiality and my artistic and expressive vision. He sought always to be part of the collective solution, and I never once heard him complain. I think now that, when I came on the scene, Dan had evolved in his personal journey to a point where he was able and eager to see beneath surfaces— deeply—and to perceive and value the true substance and vitality of all that we were actually accomplishing together musically. I'm forever grateful, as I am to so many others in our organization, too numerous to name.

Since 2012, whenever I’ve boarded a plane at LaGuardia or Newark that was the first leg of my trek to Charlottetown, I’ve felt my spirit open and release. I’ll miss that feeling, and all that goes with it: my friends and colleagues in the orchestra, the wonderful audience and community, and PEI itself.

Part of my soul will dwell here permanently, and I hope—I know— that, one way or another, I'll be back. Meanwhile, as we do nowadays: come find me on the internet. Thank you for everything. markshapiromusic.com

(clockwise from top-left): Tom Allen, Derek Boyes, Lori Gemmell, Patricia O’Callaghan and Gregory Oh

DARELL THERIAULT

Mark Shapiro, PEISO Music Director 2012–2023

A Fond Farewell by Mark Shapiro

The Confederation Centre Youth Chorus performs a suite of folk songs and classics they have performed on various chorus tours.

The Confederation Singers, guest soloists and orchestra present Karl Jenkin’s ‘Requiem’ and a selection of shorter works fitting for the day.

Re ections

PEISO welcomes Sarah Hagen for season nale

Maestro Mark Shapiro concludes his decadelong tenure with the PEI Symphony Orchestra (PEISO) on April 16 at the Confederation Centre of the Arts. Prominently featuring Tchaikovsky’s fateful Symphony No. 4, a composition regarded for its fullness of colour, texture and thematic depth, Reflections is the final concert of the 2022–23 season.

PEISO will be joined by pianist Sarah Hagen, who will perform Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3. Hagen’s extensive performance career has taken her across North America and to venues in Sweden, France, Germany and Italy—including two appearances at New York City’s Carnegie Hall.

Echoes from the Heart

Amabile Singers spring concert at St. Paul’s—Apr 23

UPEI music recitals

Performances by students, faculty and more

The UPEI Department of Music is presenting several upcoming recitals featuring UPEI students and faculty, as well as members of the PEI music community.

The UPEI Jazz Ensemble, directed by Dave Shephard, will present their end-of-semester concert on March 31 at Dr. Steel Recital Hall.

The UPEI Department of Music Faculty Recital featuring clarinetist Karem J. Simon will take place March 31 at Hillcrest United in Montague and April 8 at St. Paul’s in Charlottetown. Dr. Simon, who is in his final year at UPEI, is collaborating with string quartet members Sean Kemp and Karen Graves, violinists; Jeffrey Bazett-Jones, violist; and Natalie Williams Calhoun, cellist. The performance will present two masterpieces for clarinet and string quartet by Mozart and Brahms.

Throughout his 32-year career at UPEI, Dr. Simon’s Clarinet Spectrum Series has featured the finest traditional, contemporary and original works performed in a myriad of standard and unique venues. These performances are uniquely suited to the acoustics of these two churches, which enhance the experience for performers and audience members alike. Admission to Hillcrest United is by a free will offering. At St. Paul’s, admission is cash only at the door.

The UPEI String Orchestra, under the direction of Natalie Williams Calhoun, will present their end-of-semester recital on April 1 at UPEI’s new performing arts space. The program features all PEI-based composers,

including compositions written by members of the Atlantic String Machine, as well as a work written by UPEI faculty member Rick Covey.

The UPEI Wind Symphony, under the direction of Dale Sorensen, will perform at UPEI’s new performing arts space on April 6. The program, “Nerve & Verve,” takes its title and inspiration from a recent piece by PEI-born composer E.K.R. Hammell. This will be its Island premiere. Also featured is Irish composer Amanda Feery’s “Heartworm,” led by guest conductor Nicole Strum, as well as an eclectic variety of works by American composers Scott Boerma, Charles Ives, Anne McGinty, Russell Peck, and Luigi Zaninelli.

The UPEI Concert Choir, under the direction ofSungHaShin-Bouey, will perform selections from“The Creation” byHaydn, with UPEI voice majors as soloists, at Dr. Steel Recital Hall on April 13.Otherworks on the program include“Ave verum corpus”by Byrd,“Stars I Shall Find”by Dickau,“I’ve Got Rhythm,”“Fogarty’s Cove” and “Cape Breton Lullaby.” Guest performances include vocal solos by UPEI Music alumni, and a collaboration of“Sogno di volare”(“The Flight of Dream”), which is the CIVILIZATION VI theme song by Christopher Tin, performed with the PEI Regiment Band (Rory O’Donnell, director).

All performances begin at 7:30 pm. Admission is payable by cash at the door unless otherwise noted.

Info: upei.ca/music

Amabile Singers will present their spring concert Echoes from the Heart at St. Paul’s in Charlottetown on April 23 at 7 pm.

Under the direction of Ruth Ann Read-Clay, the Charlottetown-based choral ensemble currently has twenty-four members.

The program features “Daffodils” by E.K.R. Hammell (Evan). Originally from PEI, Evan is currently based in Toronto, ON, where he works as a composer, arranger and music editor.

Amabile Singers will perform a number of folksong arrangements, including “Un Canadien errant” by Mark Sirett, “Away from the Roll of the Sea” by Diane Loomer, “Four Strong Winds” by Ian Tyson and Larry Nickel, and “Shenandoah” by James Erb.

Other choral highlights will include an arrangement of the Scottish song “Loch Lomond” by Canadian composer Jonathan Quick, and “Oculi Omnium,” written by contemporary British composer, Alexander L’Estrange.

Clement Carelse, organist/choirmaster at St. Peter’s Cathedral, will perform a transcription of “Crown Imperial: A Coronation March” by William Walton, in recognition of the coming coronation of King Charles III. It was commissioned in 1937 for the coronation of King George VI.

Admission to the concert is by (cash) donation, with a portion of proceeds going to support local community members in need.

Island Choral Society

To perform Requiem in D Minor at Zion Presbyterian—Apr 30

Island Choral Society will present Requiem K. 626 by W.A. Mozart on April 30 at 2:30 pm at Zion Presbyterian in Charlottetown. Tickets are available at the door or online at ICSMozart.eventbrite.ca.

Mozart’s Requiem in D Minor is surrounded by myth and mystery, as he famously died before he could complete it. More than 230 years since its creation, the Requiem remains one of the most iconic works in the choral repertoire, and choirs around the world continue to bring it to life.

Artistic director Dr. Margot Rejskind

Island Choral Society will present it with members of the newly-formed Luminos Chamber Orchestra, all under the direction of artistic director and conductor Dr. Margot Rejskind. luminosensemble.com

Tickets are available in-person at the Box Office, by phone or online at confederationcentre.com

Pianist Sarah Hagen

Ceilidh in the Park

With Michael Pendergast this summer in Summerside

In partnership with Explore Summerside, Downtown Summerside and Culture Summerside, the city is collaborating with Island musician and storyteller Michael Pendergast to curate a new weekly Ceilidh in the Park celebration.

Beginning August 4, the all ages ceilidh will be held from 5:30–7:30 pm on Fridays for nine consecutive weeks on the outdoor stage at Wyatt Heritage Properties. Admission is free but donations will be accepted with the proceeds going to aid city-based causes.

Pendergast is an ambassador for all things Island, turning the stories of PEI into songs and the songs of PEI into stories. Finding tunes and tales to suit the occasion, he appeals to the heart

Quinn, Webster and Wedge

A concert at Hillcrest United in Montague—Apr 20

Eddy Quinn, John B. Webster and Keelin Wedge are playing a concert at Hillcrest United in Montague on April 20 at 8 pm. All three musicians perform together in the folk music group Fiddlers’ Sons, well known across PEI for their blend of traditional Maritime music as well as their own contemporary compositions about Island life.

Wedge is a recording artist and multi-instrumentalist from Wellington, PEI. She is a member of Lennie Gallant’s band and his French duo, Sirène et Matelot with Patricia Richard. She is also a guitarist for international touring artist Richard Wood. Wedge currently has three albums including two that were self produced. Her

Spring Ceilidh

Bonshaw Hall—Apr

2

Bonshaw Hall is hosting a celebration of Spring’s arrival with a ceilidh on April 2 at 2 pm. Families are especially welcome and the sing-a-longs will have some numbers for the kids.

Actor Cameron MacDuffee (The Charlottetown Festival) will tell the story of a 150-year-old, five dollar

with the sounds of life on the sea, the farmer’s field, and the chatter of Island folk. True to the origins of the word ceilidh, Pendergast will curate each show as a visit to both comical and poignant places, and will influx a variety of guest performers to enhance that journey. This means that no two shows will be exactly alike for the nine-week run so people can enjoy coming to the show more than once.

The Hello Darlins

Music collective comes to PEI for two shows in April

The Hello Darlins are coming to PEI this month with performances at Kings Playhouse in Georgetown on April 29 and at Harbourfront Theatre in Summerside on April 30.

The Hello Darlins is a collective of artists and special guests. Led by Mike Little, Murray Pulver, Candace Lacina and a powerhouse cast, the band combines all of their skills and influences to forge a distinct hybrid of country, gospel and blues. Their work with artists includes a list that ranges from Shania Twain to the late B.B. King. With their debut album Go By Feel (2021), The Hello Darlins have quickly risen to international acclaim.

The live show is energetic, engaging and everything audiences expect from a stage of seasoned professionals. They are currently touring ahead of their latest release, In The Sundust Visit kingsplayhouse.com or harbourfronttheatre.com for tickets.

Queens of Country

Drag Tour at PEI Brewing Company—Apr 29

The Queens of Country Drag Tour, presented by Cavendish Beach Music Festival, is coming to the PEI Brewing Company on April 29 at 8 pm.

current plans are to release her first vocal album of original songs. She will add her lively mix of music to the show.

Quinn recently released his second book of short stories, Island Characters Volume 2. He will share a few of these stories and copies of the book will be available at the concert. There will also be a 50/50 draw and admission is at the door. All are welcome.

Hillcrest United is located at 90 Wood Islands Rd, Montague. There is ample parking and it is fully accessible.

fiddle that was found under a bed in Bonshaw, an artifact that helped weave the community together. Karen Graves will perform on the actual fiddle.

Mi’kmaq Heritage Actors youth will share the powerful and rich cultural heritage of the Mi’kmaq on PEI through song and dance.

Conifer tree seedlings will be given out to support new growth for our Island trees.

Admission is by donation at the door. Free admission for children.

The show stars Miss Fiercalicious and Kaos, as seen on Canada’s Drag Race, and features Makayla Couture, DJ Johnny Rivex, and local queens Tori Nylon, Miz.Majestix and Treyla Parktrash—guests better have their sparkles and spurs ready.

There will be exclusive Meet & Greet tickets also available for a photo op with the queens.

Paired Down Motown

Fortune Community Centre presents Paired Down Motown on April 15, a concert featuring Chazz Smith and Mark Haines. Showtime is 7:30 pm.

The duo will perform songs of the Motown and Soul era, arranged for piano, percussion and great harmonies. Doors open at 7 pm. Admission is at

Showtime is 8 pm. This is a 19+ event. Visit whitecapentertainment. com for tickets.

the door. Advance tickets are available by etransfer to fortunemotown@gmail. com (provide name of ticket-holder). The Fortune Community Centre is located at 220 Fortune Wharf Road N in Fortune Bridge.

Miss Fiercalicious (left) and Kaos

(left–right): Eddy Quinn, John B. Webster and Keelin Wedge

Chazz Smith and Mark Haines

Featuring Chazz Smith and Mark Haines—Apr 15

MUSIC ONGOING

ceilidhs, dances, sessions…

Assumption Parish Ceilidh

A ceilidh takes place every third Sunday of the month from 2-4 pm at Assumption Parish Hall in Stratford. A 50/50 draw, tea and light refreshments are included with admission. Proceeds go to Our Lady of the Assumption Parish. Hosted by Assumption Knights of Columbus and Assumption Catholic Women’s League. 145 Stratford Road, Stratford.

Blues Jam at Baba’s

Plain Dirty Blues band plays at Baba’s Lounge on the last Saturday of each month (Apr 29, May 27) from 5:30–8 pm. Admission is by donation. Follow Plain Dirty Blues on FB for updates. 181 Great George St, Charlottetown.

Dunsta nage Ceilidh

The Dunstaffnage Ceilidh is held on the first Sunday of each month at 7 pm at the Dunstaffnage School Centre. Hosted by Road Masters Band and guest entertainers. There is a 50/50 draw. Admission at the door. 13529 St. Peter’s Rd, Dunstaffnage. 626-1698

Got Blues Matinee

Blues matinee with Chris Roumbanis, Reg Ballagh, Mike Robicheau and special guest(s) from 2–4 pm. The 2nd set is always an electric blues jam. Upcoming guests are: singer/harmonica Michael

“Shrimp Daddy” Reid from NS (Apr 1); singer Kelley Mooney & keyboards/ sax Todd MacLean (8); singer/guitar

Anica from NB (22); singer/guitarist Dan Currie & singer Katie McGarry (29). Dali Café, 155 Kent St, Charlotttetown.

Island Jazz

Island Jazz takes place on Thursdays at Baba’s Lounge. Top local musicians perform original music, standards,jazzand pop favourites. Each show features a different group and two sets starting at 8 pm. Admission is by donation. Lineup: Alan White Group (Mar 30); Alan White Group (Mar 30); Teresa Doyle Quintet (Apr 6); Joel Miller Trio (NB) (13); Holland College SOPA Students (20); Island Jazz “Spring is Here” (27); Trio from Mars++ (May 4). 181 Great George St, Charlottetown.

Music at the Corner

Music at St Lukes Hall takes place on Wednesdays at 7:30 pm. Music by the Kitchen Party Band featuring Kevin Kelly, Orville Rogers, Dale Howard, Ray

Arsenault and Robbie Thibideault, along with special guests and emcee Perry Batten. Admission is at the door. 1020 O’Leary Rd, O’Leary.

Schooner Sessions

Schooner Sessions with Mark Douglas and friends take place weekly on Thursdays at 7 pm at The Old Triangle, 189 Great George St, Charlottetown

Stratford Ceilidh

A ceilidh takes place at the Robert L. Cotton Centre on the second Sunday of each month from 2–4 pm. Featuring local entertainers and a light lunch. The venue is air-conditioned. Admission at the door with all proceeds going to Camp Gencheff. 57 Bunbury Rd, Stratford

Sturgeon Ceilidh

A ceilidh takes place at St Paul’s Parish Hall in Sturgeon every other week on Sundays from 6:30–9 pm. Featuring live music, fiddling, singing, comedy and fun. Everyone is welcome. Doors open at 6 pm. 1133 Cambridge Rd, Route 17a, Sturgeon

Summerside Kitchen Party

Kitchen Party at the Summerside Legion every Saturday from 2–5 pm. Featuring Rheal Arsenault, Andy Paynter and a different special guest each event. 340 Notre Dame St, Summerside. 436-2091

Sunday Session

Jack Pine Folk Club

Folk music and poetry with host Shane Pendergast

Sunday Afternoon Tune Session, traditional music and craic with host fiddler Roy Johnstone, take place weekly on Sundays from 2–5 pm at The Old Triangle. 189 Great George St, Charlottetown

Winsloe United Winter Ceilidh Series

Winsloe United Winter Series Fundraiser ceilidhs happens on Apr 2, 16 and 30 from 2–4 pm with host Eddy Quinn and house band (David Berrigan, Brian Langille and Judy Lowe) and guest drummer/singer Billy Matthews. Special guests for these events are: Keelin Wedge and Christine Cameron (Apr 2); Sandra and Ricky Jones with comedy by Barb Perry (16); Peggy Clinton and Johnny Ross (30). There will be coffee, tea and cold drinks at intermission. Wheelchair accessible. Doors opens at 1:30 pm. 121 Winsloe Rd, Winsloe.

Once per month, Shane Pendergast hosts The Jack Pine Folk Club featuring folk music and poetry from special guests. The event follows the traditions of coffeehouses of the ‘60s.

Kelley Mooney, Noah Malcolm, poet Andrew Cairns and fiddler Luka Hall will be the special guests on March 31.

Special guests, Celtic music group Lovely Nellie, will launch their debut

Island Jubilee

With Lawrence Maxwell, Kendal Docherty and step dancer Paige LeClair

EP Live at Glenaladale on April 29. The group consists of piper Mark Douglas, fiddler Colin Jeffrey, and vocalist/ guitarist Claudie Mackula. Shane Pendergast will host the evening, and poet John Mackenzie will present a reading.

These events take place at the Pourhouse in Charlottetown. Shows start at 7:30 pm. Admission is cashonly at the door.

Island Jubilee will take place at Florence Simmons Performance Hall in Charlottetown on April 23 at 2 pm. The next old-fashioned-style radio show will showcase step dancer Paige LeClair, musician Kendall Docherty, and featured artist, singer-songwriter Lawrence Maxwell.

Maxwell is fresh from performing at Music PEI Week where he and his album Ballad of Miles received the most Music PEI Award nominations. His song “Better You” was selected in the Top 100 for CBC Searchlight in 2022. Maxwell fronts the Merle Haggard tribute show, Poet of the Common Man. Kendall Docherty has been entertaining Island audiences for over 30 years. He is a versatile musician who can pull from a vast repertoire music. Docherty has five recordings to his credit. A co-founder of Ceilidh in the City, he has been hosting the concert series for 13 years.

PEI step dancer and musician Paige LeClair has been entertaining audiences for over 20 years. Career highlights include performing for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge when they visited PEI in 2011, and performing in Highland Storm at Summerside’s College of Piping.

Proceeds from a guitar raffle and a 50/50 draw go to QEH. A portion of the admission fee supports Holland College’s School of Performing Arts.

Tickets: Ticketpro or 894-6885

Info: @islandjubileeradio on FB, islandjubilee.com

PHOTOS SUBMITTED

Fiddler Luka Hall (left), and Lovely Nelly

PHOTOS SUBMITTED

Lawrence Maxwell (above) and Kendall Docherty (missing: Paige LeClair)

SUBMITTED BRIAN MCINNIS

Red Dirt Girl Music Room

Performances resume with three shows in April

The Red Dirt Girl Music Room will open its doors again with three performances—Finny McConnell on April 11, 2 Makes 12 on April 15 and Doogie & Dun on April 27.

After more than 30 years of leading renowned Celtic punk rockers, The Mahones, founder and band leader Finny McConnell decided it was time to make an album for himself.

His love letter to everyone important in his world, The Dark Streets of Love collection showcases McConnell’s intimate songwriting skills. He also includes covers of songs with deep meaning to him by songwriters Bruce Springsteen, The Tragically Hip, Lou Reed and Shane McGowan.

Tanner Gaudet and Evan Raynor form the duo 2 Makes 12 from Western PEI. The duo plays classic country and bluegrass, along with some Newfoundland songs thrown in the mix.

The Doogie and Dun show features popular Canadian songs and other musical gems. The accomplished musicians keep the audience entertained with their impromptu comedy, funny stories and banter between songs.

Band leader Duncan Fremlin (vocals, banjo), had a weekly segment on CBC’s Tommy Hunter Show called “the Ol’ Back Porch.” Douglas John Cameron is a multiple JUNO-Award nominee. Doogie & Dun are joined by PEI artists Rheo Rochon (bass) and Billy MacInnis (fiddle).

Sommo

New two-day festival in Cavendish this summer

Whitecap Entertainment recently announced Sommo, a new two-day festival taking place in Cavendish, PEI this summer.

Presented by Bell, the inaugural festival will be held July 14–15 and feature live music, dining al fresco, and main stage performances by Mumford & Sons, Maggie Rogers, Lord Huron, Vance Joy, Tegan and Sara and Charlotte Cardin.

Sommo will have a strong focus on culinary and beverage experiences. Culinary experiences will feature Gail Simmons, Matt Moore, Ilona Daniel and Adam Loo. Guests will have the opportunity to meet celebrity chefs, participate in live food demonstrations

Madchild

Live hip hop show at The Fox & Crow, UPEI—April 20

The M.A.D.E. Canadian Tour featuring Madchild and Robbie G will be live at The Fox & Crow on the UPEI campus in Charlottetown on April 20. Local PEI acts Braeden V, SNK, Lizleo & K3voh will open the show.

Canadian artist Madchild, a member of the Vancouver-based hip hop groupSwollen Members, will put on a performance that takes the listener on a trip throughout his career, touching on collaboration tracks and some of his most well-known songs for the crowd to sing along with.

Some of his music releases include the solo EP The Madchild EP (2009), and his first album, Dope Sick (2012), followed by Lawn Mower Man (2013) and Silver Tongue Devil (2015). Since then, Madchild has released seven more projects including a collaboration with Tom MacDonald.

Final mixtape

Craig Fair’s wrap-up of hit series at Trailside Music Hall—Apr 6

Arielle Mac (Underground Hip Hop) partnered with Chelsie Grobins (Where It’s At Entertainment, Vancouver, BC) and Robbie G (ofR-Evolution Media Studio, Guelph, ON) to present this event.

Doors open at 7 pm. Showtime is 8 pm. Tickets are available from the local opening acts or online at eventbrite. VIP Meet & Greet packages are available online and include admission, a meet and greet with the artists after the show, and one photograph with each headlining artist. This is a 19+ event.

news MUSIC

PEI Symphony’s Emerging Artist Spotlight Series

All three shows start at 7 pm. Admission at the door. Red Dirt Girl Music Room is located at 140 Dunk River Rd in Middleton. Bring beverages and snacks. For more info @ reddirtgirl2019 on FB.

and try local breweries and wineries.

Sommo will see multiple stages come to life with performances by both local and internationally recognized artists. Bringing together fans of both pop and rock genres, the weekend will kick off July 14 at the Sandbar Stage with Andrew Waite, Dear Rouge, Crown Lands, JJ Wilde, Death From Above 1979 and Liam Corcoran.

Bell Main Stage performances include Skye Wallace, Joel Plaskett Emergency, grandson, Tegan and Sara, Lord Huron, and headliner, Grammynominated songstress Maggie Rogers.

Performing July 15 are Housewife, Izzy Heltai, MONOWHALES, Wild Rivers, Yoke Lore and Kiwi jr on the Sandbar Stage, with BRKN LOVE, Ruby Waters, Allison Russell, Charlotte Cardin and Vance Joy warming up the Bell Main Stage crowd for a headlining performance by Mumford & Sons.

For more info or to buy tickets visit sommofest.com.

Craig Fair Presents the Ultimate Mixtape Night at Trailside Music Hall in Charlottetown on April 6, marking the end of these popular shows.

“After two years of producing this hit series, we are gonna wrap it up with this Ultimate Mixtape Night!” exclaims Fair. There will be “songs from all the genres we have celebrated: the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, 2000’s; and who could forget our 60’s night and that Beatles medley! We will definitely have you rewinding back in time so don’t miss this rockin’ ending!”

Mixtape Nights are produced, created and directed by Craig Fair Music Productions. Each event starred Craig Fair with an accomplished group of musicians and vocalists, music from a new genre, era or artist, as well as featured special guests.

Doors open at 6:30 pm. Showtime is 8 pm. Tickets at trailside.ca.

The PEI Symphony Orchestra’s (PEISO) Emerging Artist Spotlight Series is a oneof-a-kind video series featuring PEISO and five singer-songwriters—Brandon Howard Roy, Joce Reyome, Logan Richard, Rachel Beck and Noah Malcolm. Selected from a competitive roster of applicants, each artist’s distinguished songwriting was fitted with orchestral accompaniment prepared by PEISO member Natalie Williams Calhoun. The arrangements explore the depths of existing motifs while reflecting the integrity of each song’s conception. The series includes five high-production music videos that were filmed and recorded in the Sobey Family Theatre at Confederation Centre of the Arts in Charlottetown. Each video is being released via peisymphony. com and on the PEISO’s social media platforms. Upcoming releases for the Series include Brandon Howard Roy (March 31), Joce Reyome (April 14) and Logan Richard (April 28). Videos featuring Noah Malcolm and Rachel Beck were released in March.

Performance Venue

Brackley Beach Community Centre has openings for summer ceilidhs and entertainment. Situated at 3330 Brackley Point Road, it is close to the North shore and only 15 minutes from Charlottetown. The building seats 120 and includes a kitchen for serving snacks and drinks. It is air-conditioned and wheelchair accessible. There is plenty of parking. Contact Ellen at ellencudmore4@gmail.com for more information.

Craig Fair

Madchild (Swollen Members)

SUBMITTED

RON BOUDREAU

Finny McConnell (above) and Doogie & Dun

Trailside Music Hall

Four of the many upcoming live performances

Matt Minglewood

April 15 & 16

Cure-Pipe

Psychedelic rock and garage pop at The Guild—Apr 8

Adam Baldwin

With Old Man Leudecke at Trailside and Harbourfront

Matt Minglewood’s music and song writing has the natural universality one only hears from a born storyteller. The songs can be somewhat autobiographical, like “Me and the Boys,” a song about the carefree days of his youth, or social issues he puts forth in “Long Way From Texas.” Many of his tunes grapple with the universal feelings of passion, frustration, hope, loneliness, love, disappointment and regret, as well as his deep love of the Maritimes.

The Stan elds

April 21

Meet The Stanfields: a maelstrom of rock and roll, bluegrass, celtic and blues. Hailing from the gritty post-industrial towns of Nova Scotia, The Stanfields play every show like it’s their collective last night on earth. Their kitchen party harmonies, thunderous rhythm section, high octane stage show and genuine chemistry have won over audiences clear across their tiny corner of the world.

Villages album release

April 22

Villages will celebrate the release of their new album Dark Island

The band explains that the concept of Dark Island is metaphorical, “When you’re at the end of your life, taking stock of it, what will you think about?

Villages

No matter what you land on, good or bad, that island is yours—the dark surely looms, but it also covers all you’ve ever experienced.”

For the folk-rock quartet Villages, the concept is also literal. The band is from Cape Breton Island, a lush landscape of great complicated beauty with its rocky coast covered in sea salt and leaning defiantly into harsh winds. On Dark Island, Villages marries metaphor to roots on 11 tracks that offer an experience meant to echo a visit to Cape Breton itself: otherworldly, euphoric, sobering, celebratory and reverent

Kane & Potvin

April 25

Cure-Pipe, the solo psychedelic rock and garage pop project of singer-songwriter Thomas Dakin Perron from Jonquière-Nord, QC, is coming to The Guild in Charlottetown on April 8. Showtime is 8 pm.

Active under this name since 2017, Cure-Pipe released the album Mazeless Loudness in early 2021. Following a tour across Quebec in 2022, Cure-Pipe released his new album, J’avais, in February 2023.

Tickets at theguildpei.com

Adam Baldwin with special guest Old Man Leudecke will be on stage at Trailside Music Hall in Charlottetown April 18 and 19 and at Harbourfront Theatre in Summerside on April 20.

Singer-songwriter Adam Baldwin has been a mainstay of the Atlantic Canada music scene for over a decade. Starting as a member of rock combo Gloryhound before joining Matt Mays & El Torpedo in 2009, Baldwin’s own music has continued to evolve since his award winning self-titled solo debut EP in 2013.

Joining Baldwin is acclaimed Maritime singer-songwriter, Old Man Luedecke. trailside.ca harbourfronttheatre.com

Fans of Canadian rock music from the 80’s and 90’s are probably familiar with The Grapes Of Wrath and The Northern Pikes.

Back in 2014, after a chance meeting between Kevin Kane (The Grapes of Wrath) and Brian Potvin (The Northern Pikes) at a guitar store in Toronto, the two made plans to get together and hang out, which quickly turned into regular rehearsal sessions.

Charged by their new-found musical chemistry, the duo began performing across Canada as Kane & Potvin.

Trailside Music Hall is located at 155 Kent Street in Charlottetown.

Showtimes are 8 pm with doors opening at 6:30 pm (unless otherwise stated). For tickets and info visit trailside.ca or call 367-3311.

NEW RECORDINGS

And the winners are…

Music PEI Awards presented in March

Growing Up

Alli Walker

ALBUM SINGLE

at the 2022 CMAOntario Awards. She has been featured on Apple Music’s The Ty Bentli Show, CTV’s etalk, Global’s The Morning Show, and more. alliwalker.ca

“Trendsetter”

BraedenV

PEI native and country music artist Alli Walker released her sophomore album Growing Up in March.

The deeply personal album showcases the singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist’s growth since the release of her 2019 debut album, The Basement Sessions. “I always want to make music based on where I am in life and that hasn’t changed with this album,” says Walker.

In addition to more playful songs, the new single and title track tells Walker’s story of moving away from home (PEI) to chase a dream, following her through the ups and downs of partying, financial struggles and homesickness that come while trying to find yourself in a new, unfamiliar place.

After dedicating over a decade to honing her craft, writing music and playing hundreds of shows, The Basement Sessions landed Walker a multi-week spot on the Top 10 iTunes country charts. She was named Spotify’s Radar Artist on the Horizon in 2022 and nominated for Rising Star

BraedenV returns with a new remix of his 2022 release “Trendsetter,”a collaborative track between BraedenV and fellow Music PEI nominated artist, Spivey. The remix is available on all streaming platforms and a promo snippet is online @braedenva on Instagram. BraedenV describes the track “as a catchy hip-hop banger, bursting with confident lyrics with a fun sense of attitude.” The new remix includes an extended instrumental and guest appearance verses from UA the Duo, high-energy American rappers/brothers from Utah. It was recorded, mixed and mastered at DNR Studios. The uptempo instrumental and beat was co-produced by BraedenV and production partner Vangs. withkoji.com/@BraedenV

The 2023 Music PEI Awards were announced in March during the Music PEI Week Awards Party hosted by Noah Malcolm.

The East Pointers led the way with three awards for Album, Single and Songwriter of the Year, followed by Atlantic String Machine, Lennie Gallant and the Burning Hell with two awards each.

The following is the complete list of the 2023 Music PEI Award winners:

FACTOR Album of the Year: The East Pointers—House of Dreams

The Buzz Album Art of the Year: The Burning Hell— Garbage Island

The Guild Achievement in Classical Music: Atlantic String Machine

KENT Community Contributor of the Year: Mi’kmaq Heritage Actors

Combat Computers Digital Presence

Award: Brandon Howard Roy

Long & McQuade Educator of the Year: Richard Pellissier-Lush and Ryan

Elliot Drew, Music Alive Program

Whitecap Entertainment Entertainer of the Year: Lennie Gallant

SRL Solutions Industry Person of the Year: Alyssa Gallant

PEI Mutual Instrumental Recording of the Year: Atlantic String Machine—A Single Juniper Post

Arsenault Best Cameron & Ellis

Lifetime Achievement Award:

Maureen McTague

Maritime Electric Live Sector Award: Under the Spire Music Festival

Cymba Music Publishing Live Music

Production Professional of the Year: Kyle Gallagher

Lennox Island First Nation Music

Video of the Year: Andrew Waite— “Full Time Tryin’ 2 Luv” (Directed/ Animated by Brendan Henry)

Holland College Musician of the Year: Nick Gauthier

Rising Tide Community Fund Lloyd Doyle New Artist of the Year: Ava + Lily Rashed—“Silver Car”

Downtown Charlottetown Pop

Recording of the Year: KINLEY, Daylight

City of Charlottetown Rap/Hip Hop

Recording of the Year: Vince the Messenger—If These Walls Could Talk

Atlantic Lottery Recording Sector

Award: Adam Gallant

Discover Charlottetown Rock

Recording of the Year: The Burning Hell—Garbage Island

Souris Credit Union Rooted to The Island: Christine Campbell

Caledonia House Roots Recording of the Year: Lennie Gallant—Christmas Day on Planet Earth

Fiddling Fisherman Lookout R&B/ Soul Recording of the Year: Logan

Richard—Live at The Trailside

Upstreet Libra Single of the Year: The East Pointers—“Stronger Than You Know”

SOCAN Songwriter of the Year: The East Pointers

SUBMITTED

Maureen McTague was honoured with the Music PEI’s Lifetime Achievement Award

MUSIC LIVE

bars, lounges, cafés…

Albert & Crown Pub

Live music at 8 pm (unless otherwise noted): Brayden McGuigan & Dustin Perry (Apr 1); 2 Makes 12 (6); Joey Doucette (13); Brock Mattsson (14 @6 pm); Blair Gaudet (21 @6 pm); Joey Doucette (27); Alyssa & Corey (28 @8:30 pm). 480 Main St, Alberton.

Baba’s Lounge

Open Mic w/KINLEY on Wednesdays at 9 pm. Island Jazz on Thursdays at 8 pm. Live music at 10:30 pm (unless otherwise noted): Bass Fools, Jabird, Spanx & Komah (Apr 1); TBA (7); Stonehouse, Sticky Honey, Heather (8); Dark Folk Country Night (14); Tanguy (15); Le Funk (20); DJ Alleycat, DMayne Event (21); Danny Gallant Band (22 @5:30 pm); Dave Dweller, Death Valley Driver (22); Braden Lam, Kylie Fox, John Moorhead (28 @ 9 pm); Plain Dirty Blues Jam (29 @ 5 pm); DJ DNCTHNG; Guiza & Abi (29). 181 Great George St, Charlottetown.

Bogside Brewing

Blizzard Goat on Saturdays at 3 pm. Fridays and Saturdays at 6:30 pm: Dan Doiron(Mar 31); Brock Mattsson (Apr 1); Adam MacGregor (7); Dave Woodside (8); Stephen Szwarc (14); Taylor Johnson (15); Brian Dunn (21); Billy White (22); Carter MacLellan (28); Keira Loane (29). 11 Brook St, Montague.

Breakwater at Silver Fox

Fridays and Saturdays at 9:30 pm: Dan Doiron (Apr 1); Alyssa & Corey (7); Mitch O’Blenis (8); Kim Albert (14); Brooke MacArthur (15); TBA (21/22/28/29). 110 Water St, Summerside.

Brothers 2

Thursdays and Fridays at 7 pm: Logan Maddix (30); Karen and Mike(Mar 31); Roland Beaulieu (Apr 6); Nick Hann (7); Marc & Blair (14); Lawrence Maxwell (20); Logan Maddix (21); Trevor Cameron (27); Karen & Mike (28). 618 Water St, Summerside.

Charlottetown Legion

Saturdays from 9 pm–1 am: Powerhouse (Apr 1); The Spuds (8); Wannabeez Dance Band (15); Kim Albert (22); Rustlers (29). All are welcome. 99 Pownal St, Charlottetown.

Claddagh Oyster House

Occasional live music: Adam MacGregor and Liam Kearney (Apr 29 @10:30 pm). 132 Sydney St, Charlottetown.

Copper Bottom Brewing

Acoustic music on Saturdays at 3 pm: Brandon Howard Roy (Apr 1); Chris Johnson (8); Craig Fair (15); Bridgette Blanchard (22); Andrew G Macdonald (29). 567 Main St, Montague.

Craft Beer Corner

Live music on Wednesdays at 9 pm and Live DJ on Saturdays at 9 pm: Bleu (Mar 29); Dekz (Apr 1); Möjo (8); Evan McCosham (12); Brock Mattsson (*17); Javier Fernandez (22); Doug Hoyer (26); DJ Vinod and special guest (29). 156 Great George St, Charlottetown.

Evermoore Brewing Co

Brock Mattson (Apr 16). 192 Water St, Summerside

Gahan House

Acoustic music on Wednesdays at 9 pm: Adam MacGregor (Mar 29); Fraser MacCallum(30); Dave Woodside (Apr 5/12/27); Stephen Szwarc (6); Dave woodside (12); Lawrence Maxwell (13/19); Adam MacGregor (20); Fraser MacCallum (26). 126 Sydney St, Charlottetown.

Harmony House Lounge

Logan Richard EP Release (Apr 7 @7:30 pm, ticketed event); Max Keenlyside (13/22 @6 pm); Live in the Lounge Friday (21/28 @7:30 pm). Nick Doneff (27 @6:30 pm). 19814 Rte 2, Hunter River.

The Local

Saturdays at 1:30 pm and 7 pm and Sundays at 6 pm: Dana Lee Lynch and Steve Perry (Apr 1 @1:30 pm); Stratton and Kay’s(1/15 @7 pm); Lawrence Maxwell (2); Adam MacGregor and Liam Kearney (8 @1:30 pm); Steve Szwarc (21/28 @7 pm); Ivan Daigle (22 @1:30 pm); Johnny Ray and Louise Arsenault (29 @1:30 pm); Lawrence Maxwell (30). 202 Buchanan Dr, Charlottetown.

Lone Oak Brew Pub

Thursdays at 6 pm: Nathan Carragher (Apr 6); Rodney Perry (13); Roland Beaulieu(20); Dave Woodside (27). 15 Milky Way, Charlottetown.

Lone Oak Brewing Co

Live Music on Saturdays at 6 pm, Sundays at 1 pm: Brandon Gillis (Apr 1); Fraser McCallum (2); David Woodside (8); Max K (9); BluRobin Music (15); Shane Douthwright (16); Jonny Ray (22); Dan Doiron (23); Stratton and Kays (29); Nathan Carragher (30). 103 Abegweit Blvd, Borden-Carleton.

The Lucky Bean—Stratford

Open Mic w/Robert McMillan every Sunday 1–4 pm. 17 Glen Stewart Dr, Stratford.

Marc’s Lounge

Fridays and Saturdays at 9 pm: Brooke MacArthur (Apr 1/21); Mike Stratton (7); Mat Hannah(8/22); Dave Woodside (14); Nathan Carragher (15/29); Lawrence Maxwell(28). 125 Sydney St, Charlottetown.

The Old Triangle

Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm. 189 Great George St, Charlottetown.

Olde Dublin Pub

Live music on Fridays and Saturdays at 10 pm: Gypsy Soul (Apr 1); MacBeth (7); Big Shiny Party Band (8); Hired Guns (14); Adam MacGregor and Foes(15); Wannabeez (22); Main Street Bullies (28); Down With Darby (29). 132 Sydney St, Charlottetown.

PEI Brewing Company

Fridays from 5–8 pm: Lawrence Maxwell (Apr 7); Shane Pendergast(14); Adam MacGregor(21). 96 Kensington Rd, Charlottetown.

Piatto Pizzeria + Enoteca

Fridays at 6 pm: John A (Mar 31); TBA (Apr 7); Nathan Carragher (14); Ryan Merry (21); Mike Stratton (28).. 45 Queen St, Charlottetown.

RCAF Wing Summerside

Saturdays at 9 pm: Roundabout (Apr 1); Neon Country (8); Dave Doyle Band (15/19); Hoss and Friends (22). No cover. 329 North Market St, Summerside.

The Salvador Dalí Café

Got Blues Matinee on Saturdays from 2–4 pm (Apr 1/8/2/29).DEHSK with special guest on Apr 14, 21 and 22 from 10 pm–midnight. 155 Kent St, Charlottetown.

Upstreet Craft Brewing

T’s Jamaican Flavours presents Jamaica Dancehall & Reggae Party on April 7 from 7–12 pm. Ticketed event. 41 Allen St, Charlottetown.

Songs for a Small Planet

The Guild—Apr 22

Songs for a Small Planet, a songwriters circle with Todd MacLean, Teresa Doyle, Dennis Ellsworth and Meaghan Blanchard, will be on stage at The Guild in Charlottetown on April 22 at 8 pm. Doors open at 7:30 pm.

Songs for a Small Planet is an international songwriting collective focused on climate activism and promoting environmental sustainability and social justice through the power of original music. Created by musician Teresa Doyle, author/musician Todd MacLean and arts administrator Rob Oakie, the intent is to ignite a network of musicians around the globe to compose visionary songs of hope, community, justice, and environmental renewal. theguildpei.com

SINGING LESSONS FOR NON-CLASSICAL SINGERS with Teresa Doyle. Improve your breath, pitch, resonance, and learn exercises to use your voice to reduce stress. For shy beginners and seasoned professionals, all ages. teresa@teresadoyle.com

TIPS and TECHNIQUES—sharpening your painting skills: 1. EXPLORING COMPOSITION April 15th, Augustine Cove, 10:30 am–3 pm, $40. More info— moragw@eastlink.ca.

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ISSUE# 352 • APRIL 2023

Editor/Sales: Yanik Richards

Editor: Michelle Ollerhead

Partners: Maggie Lillo (Ruby Square Graphic Design), Carly Martin (Hawthorne House Media)

Contributors: Leon Berrouard, Julie Bull, Deirdre Kessler, Sita MacMillan, Takako Morita, Tara Reeves, JoDee Samuelson, Gary Schneider

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The Buzz is published monthly by Little Kit Bag Inc.

Cover:

Girls Night Out, No. 2 (detail), 8”x 8”, Acrylic on canvas by Sita MacMillan

Sita MacMillan is a visual artist, photographer and poet living on Epekwitk (PEI). She is Nêhiyaw and a member of Zagime Anishinabek First Nations with Scottish family from the Glasgow region.

Sita paints using acrylic on canvas, and her creations are meant to bring colour, joy and play to the space. Her artwork is currently in view at The Gallery Coffee House & Bistro in Charlottetown.

Instagram @sita.macmillan.art sitamacmillan.com

Rain Barrel Sale!