The Buzz - August 2023

Grace Curtis (detail)

Photo by Louise Vessey

Thane

Dunn’s

NEW on tour

TWO TIME WORLD CHAMPION THANE DUNN SINGS THE HITS

From his natural physical resemblance, amazingly Elvis-like voice and spot on moves, Thane Dunn truly delivers the full Elvis package.

Event Schedule

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HEAR MEGA HITS FROM THE 60’S, 70’S, 80’S & 90’S Melly Dunn’s homage to the female powerhouses who defined American pop culture such as Patsy Cline, Abba, Tina Turner, Dolly, Shania & more!

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 8, 2023 RED

RACETRACK & CASINO

PARK AFTER DARK GOLD CUP & SAUCER KICKOFF PARTY

FEATURING THE LOVE JUNKIES • FOLLOWING THE RACES (APPROXIMATELY 10:30PM)

TRACKSIDE TUNES

WITH THE SPUDS • FOLLOWING THE RACES (APPROXIMATELY 10:30PM) THU

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HARNESS RACING KARAOKE STAR

FOLLOWING THE RACES (APPROXIMATELY 10:30PM)

Experience the ultimate post-race celebrations at Red Shores! During Gold Cup Week, the fun continues after the races with trackside performances and entertainment.

For more information about Gold Cup & Saucer 64, presented by Atlantic Lo ery, please visit redshores.ca

Helping hands

and they help me heal.” She is deeply committed to cultivating safer and braver spaces within her community. “I endeavour to make my community a better place and I’ve realized that some broken things can only be healed in community. This helps take our healing to the next level.”

Anastasia has been public about her own healing and transition journey as she continues her advocacy for self and others. “When I first came out as trans, there weren’t a lot of supports, formally or informally, on the Island and I’m glad to see that is changing. I’m honoured to play a role in the supports and services available for trans folks now. Knowing my effervescent self, I am comfortable putting myself out there in ways that others are not.”

One of the ways she has been putting herself out there is through her poetry. Though she has been writing poetry since she was a preteen, Anastasia just started sharing her poems publicly in the summer of 2022. In the year since her first sharing, she has become a regular at open mics and poetry events around Charlottetown. “The more opportunities I took, the more the universe provided them.”

“Sharing poetry has shown me how much we all share these human experiences and emotions. It really helps connect us, regardless of different aspects of our identities. We are all human beings, and we can connect to each other when we share our experiences and emotions. After a year of sharing my poetry, I see it as the ultimate form of anti-transphobia because I’m told I’m alien by the transphobes, yet when I read a poem, all people, even cis people, relate to the experiences and emotions that I share.”

Anastasia Preston has always been a helper. Our conversation together started by her recalling stories from childhood where she found herself in helping and advocacy roles, both at school and at home. As a student with learning disabilities, Anastasia learned self-advocacy from a young age.

“I was in a leadership club in elementary school, and I continued to be compelled into support and advocacy roles. My helping hands weren’t just hard at work in school. I remember when I was young and would help stock the shelves at the local grocery store to help and as something fun to do.”

Anastasia credits her mom for being such an important person in her life and for helping her learn how to be a powerful advocate. “I have a fierce momma bear and she was my greatest supporter, teaching me how to advocate for myself and others.” Over the years, Anastasia has taken on many advocacy roles, professionally and

personally. “Advocacy for others also helps me,” she says.

“Without my mom, none of the work I have done would have been possible. Her love for me as a trans person has helped keep me connected to the world. She has allowed me to be my best self and I am forever grateful.”

As the Trans Community Outreach Coordinator at PEERS Alliance, Anastasia’s dedication to community-building and advocacy has a solid place to thrive. Along with her professional roles, Anastasia is an active artist, exploring a variety of creative activities. She is a poet, a painter, and a photographer. “I love to take pictures of scenery and landscapes, though my camera cannot capture the beauty and essence that my eyes can see.”

Whether in her professional or personal life, Anastasia is here to help and to heal. “My work and my art help me make a better life for myself

In her work and in her life, Anastasia cultivates brave spaces where people can connect and heal. She helps others find their own joy and passion while rejecting the systems of oppression that attempt to silence trans people. Anastasia believes that her strength as an advocate is due in part to some of the hardships that she has faced: “I am forged in the crucible of my adversity.”

Throughout our conversation, Anastasia weaved elements of spirituality, emotional connection, and healing. Specifically, she talked about the joy that comes from spending time with nature.

“Even as a kid living in the city, you could find me on the balcony watching the birds.” This joy and connection stayed with her, and she can still be found watching the birds and communing with nature on a regular basis. “Nature is the most beautiful artist with endless teachings for us, if only we pay attention to its lessons.”

BUZZ

Pro le: Anastasia Preston by Julie Bull

Art in the Open

Outdoor festival returns for its 13th year—Aug 26

Art in the Open (AITO), will transform Charlottetown into a gigantic art gallery for one day again this year. PEI’s annual outdoor art festival will take place August 26 from 4 pm to midnight and feature twenty-two art installations across the city’s downtown core.

In its 13th year, AITO continues to engage local and visiting artists, encourage collaboration, and deliver compelling, thought-provoking and beautiful content that delights and provokes attendees. The annual March of the Crows is also set to return.

Art installation locations include the Confederation Centre of the Arts Plaza, Rochford Square, Beaconsfield Historic House and Victoria Park.

The 2023 curatorial team is Roxanne Fernandes, Janna Graham, Andrew Maize and Amy Siegel.

Fernandes is an arts administrator and budding programmer working in Toronto/Tkaronto. She writes, researches, thinks and creates through a lens that is experimental, archival, photographic and pedagogical. She is interested in photography, video and sound—memory, poetry and migration.

Coordinating Curator Janna Graham is an Epekwitk-based media artist and radio producer. In 2008, she co-founded White Rabbit Open Air Arts, a landscape-installation festival in rural Nova Scotia. For the past seven years, she’s been artistic director at Snowking’s Winter Festivalin a castle made of snow and ice on Great Slave Lake in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories.

Andrew Maize is an artist whose playful and meandering researchbased practice draws upon language, relationships and technology as catalysts for conversation.As an arts educator and organizer, he has been involved in collaborative projects such as White Rabbit Arts, the Circus of the Normal and the Lunenburg School of the Arts.

Siegelis a multimedia artist, educator, and organizer of artistic projects currently living and working in Sackville, NB, unceded Mi’kmaw territory. She is interested in nonfiction film, and site-specific and interdisciplinary practices. From 2018-2023, Amy was Creative Director of the ReFrame Film Festival, a social justice documentary film festival in Nogojiwanong/Peterborough, Ontario.

Curated projects include works by Rita McKeough (AB), Marlene Creates (NFLD), Shary Boyle (NB), Doug Dumais (PEI), Lisa Hirmer (ON), Brendan George Ko (ON), Melissa Marr & Karen Stentaford (NS & NB), Kirstie McCallum (PEI), Julie Pasila (ON), Melissa Peter-Paul (PEI), Darren Rigo (ON), Nicole Rampersaud (NB), Hrista Stefanova (NS), Winnie Truong (On), Michael Waterman (ON), and Patricia Bourque (PEI).

Art in the Open will also feature community installations by the Charlottetown Library and Learning Centre, the PEI Rape & Sexual Assault Centre, the PEI Crafts Council, the PEI Potters Studio Coop, Steam PEI and Nine Yards Studio.

Juried projects include works by Alexander + Crossman (NS), Millefiore Clarkes (PEI), Sarah Dart (PEI), Joanna Howlett (PEI), Helenia Lalande & Ben Gross (PEI), Alana Morouney (NB) and Joliz Deal Peña (QC).

The AITO Board has hired wellknown event manager and musician, Mark Carr-Rollitt, as Executive Director to manage the festival on a year-round basis. “I am excited to be working with this passionate team on a festival I have enjoyed for years,” says Carr-Rollitt. “It’s going to be an amazing day, so plan ahead and make sure you’re in Charlottetown at the end of August. I have family coming from California for it, and to walk in the [March of the Crows]!”

artintheopenpei.org

SUBMITTED

The annual March of the Crows at Art in the Open

Breadalbane Gallery

August show on the Dixon Road—opens Aug 10

Thick sound

Rita McKeough project to be featured at Art in the Open

Confederation Centre Art Gallery (CCAG) is once again partnering with Art in the Open (AITO), Charlottetown’s annual outdoor visual arts festival to be held this year on August 26 from 4 pm–midnight.

This month’s show at the Breadalbane Gallery opens August 10 with a reception from 6–8 pm.

The August show will feature a series of Marianne Janowicz’s oil and oil pastel paintings of the Dixon Road view from the Community Centre.

“I travel the road from the Community Centre to my house regularly and have been fascinated by effects of light, changing seasons, weather and stages of vegetation on that spectacular view. Capturing its essence has been a challenge and a delight,” says Janowicz.

The Gallery is a casual community space that hosts PEI artists. The August show will also include works by the gallery artists Silver Frith, Zoe Novaczek, Haley Lewis, Will Baker, Joan Sutton, Denise Livingstone, Brianna Longuepee, Adrianna Chandler, Laura Bain and others.

New artists are welcome. Email breadalbanegallery.com to submit photos of work.

Located at 4023 Dixon Road, the Gallery is open Tuesday (11 am–3 pm), Wednesday (9 am–1 pm), Thursday (4–8 pm), or by request (303-8333, mjanowicz@hotmail.com).

CCAG is supporting a significant project from artist Rita McKeough, whose work incorporates audio, electronics and mechanical performing objects. She works from a feminist perspective, and her recent work focuses on the environmental impacts of resource extraction while demonstrating a desire to use sound to create a rhythmic voice of agency and empathy to articulate forces of resistance in the natural world.

At AITO, she will debut her new work, Thick sound, an hour-long performance for ten humans and ten trees who are all committed to supporting each other by sharing their knowledge, survival skills, resources and experience in these troubled times. Ten vocalists will interact with an audio score by asking the trees questions about how they are coping with their challenges. There will be a translation module positioned near each tree, which will be triggered for translation based on the specific qualities of the voices heard. The module will listen to the vocalists’ questions and translate them for the trees, and then translate the response from the trees back to the human vocalists.

“I am very interested in using technology to facilitate these speculative conversations between species,” says McKeough. “It allows the viewers and the trees to contribute to the conversation and share how they have been impacted and their coping strategies for survival.”

That’s Me!

Illustrations at Kings Playhouse Gallery

That’s Me!, featuring illustrations by Sue Rose that are based on original music and story by Steve Zaat, is on display at Kings Playhouse Art Gallery until August 13.

The project aims to bring awareness and support of mental wellness throughout the grieving process.

That’s Me! is a booklet that was first published in 2008 in response to the grief suffered by a family after the loss of their young son. Steve was inspired to write the song and collaborated with visual artist Sue Rose, who created the paintings used as illustrations.

Kings Playhouse is located at 65 Grafton Street in Georgetown.

Study for Surrender (detail), watercolour by Silver Frith, 2023

CCAG is also supporting McKeough to be an artist-in-residence in 2024 with Annandale Artist Residency.

AMBER HELENE MÜLLER ST. THOMAS

Rita McKeough singing to a tree

Still on view…

Exhibitions continue into August and beyond

Abnormal

Vneed Art Gallery’s exhibition

Abnormal continues at the Hilda Woolnough Gallery until August 14. An opening reception is slated for July 29 at 2 pm. All are welcome.

permanent collection.

Generations: The Sobey Family and Canadian Art is on view until September 10. This nationally touring exhibition tells the story of the Nova Scotia Sobey family’s visionary engagement with Canadian and Indigenous art. It braids together works by early European newcomers, titans of Canadian 20th century art such as Emily Carr and various members of the Group of Seven, a rich display by the Québec Impressionists and Les Automatistes, as well as trailblazing artists of today, including contemporary Indigenous artist Kent Monkman.

images through the medium of rug hooking represents familiar and lesser-known works of master post-impressionist artist, Vincent Van Gogh. The exhibition is on view free of charge Monday–Saturday (10 am–5 pm) at 205 Prince St, Summerside.

Quilts of Covid

The Kindred Spirits Quilt Guild’s exhibition, Quilts of Covid, is on display all summer at Eptek Art & Culture Centre in Summerside.

Abnormal seeks to explore the boundless possibilities of the spirit. The human body is inherently limited, but the imagination can create possibilities beyond the physical form. The artists’ works serve as a surgical tool, capable of dissecting the innermost thoughts and extending external vitality. This is a start point of breaking the boundaries of existence and pursuing different vehicles.

The Gallery is located at The Guild, 111 Queen St, Charlottetown.

Conderation Centre Art Gallery shows

Summer exhibitions continue at Confederation Centre Art Gallery (CCAG) in Charlottetown.

Conversation Pieces is featured in the Frederic S. and Ogden Martin Concourse Gallery until September 3. It contains a selection of artworks in and about dialogue from CCAG’s

On view until September 30, Human Capital presents work that offers insight into the impact of Canada’s immigration policies and history: how it treats humans as capital, and the role it plays in shaping the complex and contested formation of a “Canadian identity.” The exhibition features work by Jeannie Mah, Esmaa Mohamoud, Shellie Zhang, and more.

Van Gogh in Wool

Van Gogh in Wool, an exhibition by the Lady Slipper Rug Hooking Guild and their fibre artist friends, is on vew to the end of September at the Lefurgey Cultural Centre Art Gallery in Summerside.

The exhibition of more than 30

The collection of quilts and fabric creations were completed during the pandemic. The Quilt Guild embraced the freedom to work on unfinished fabric treasures and the result was an explosion of fabric creations that have become an unexpected and positive outcome of difficult days.

Featuring over forty quilts, Quilts of Covid offers a glimpse into the historical significance of the many needles that moved across PEI in the 2020s.

Admission is by donation. Eptek is located at 130 Heather Moyse Dr, Summerside.

Artwork by Toof (Tidong Bao)

Esmaa Mohamoud, Deeper the Wounded, Deeper the Roots (1), 2019.

Quilts of the Kindred Spirits Quilt Guild

Hooked rug (detail) by Maureen Campbell

The Good Projxction

King Kxndi exhibition at Hilda Woolnough Gallery

The Good Projxction by King Kxndi will be on view at the Hilda Woolnough Gallery at The Guild in Charlottetown from August 18–September 15.

In this exhibition, King Kxndi presents “the internal externalized” by projecting her feelings and understandings onto paper via Sharpie. There are eight selected projxctions and a series of works showcasing the timeline of all of her art pieces since 2020. These pieces take the viewer on King Kxndi’s journey of learning, understanding, and righteous anger over the last four years. With the help of art, community, and reflection, King Kxndi landed at radical joy/ love. Here, she explores the concepts of good and art.

“The intention of this exhibit is to create a space to feel feelings,” she continues. “Feel the rage, the pain, the fire and then feel the goodness, the love, the magic. Feel the ebb and flow of life and learning. Feel the struggle and progress in navigating complexity. Feel how we deserve love, goodness and art always.”

The artist’s takeaway is that art and creativity are gifts from the universe,

a universal tool for all to journey through complexities, struggles, death, fear and pain. “It is also a tool to help us experience joy, community, peace and love.”

An opening reception with food and music is slated for August 18 from 6–8 pm at 111 Queen St, Charlottetown.

Rock Barra (2022) by King Kxndi

Tiny art galleries

Art by Becka Viau on view until mid-August

Navel Gazing: Passing Through Stargate 1, an exhibition by interdisciplinary artist Becka Viau, presented by the Fitzroy Street Tiny Art Gallery, is on view in the Charlottetown Tiny Art Gallery network until August 15. In this installation, Viau combines sculpture, sound and audience participation into an interactive journey within and into becoming, while inviting reflection and questions such as: When did you stop looking within? When did you decide there was only one way? What keeps you tethered to someone else’s reality? What box are you in?

Join Becka’s Artist Talk & Walk on August 13 at 5 pm, beginning at the Upstreet Taproom in Charlottetown. The group will travel from Upstreet down the Confederation Trail to Fitzroy Street, and end at Craft Beer Corner, a distance of approximately two kilometres. Refreshments will be provided and there is no cost to attend.

Peake Street Collective art

Group show by members at Receiver Co ee

The group exhibition Monumental and the Mundane continues to October at Receiver Coffee on Victoria Row in Charlottetown.

Presented by this town is small, Monumental and the Mundane features artworks by members of the Peake Street Collective that consider what is monumentalized and celebrated, and what fades into the background of everyday life.

The Charlottetown Tiny Art Gallery network consists of the Fitzroy St Tiny Art Gallery (295 Fitzroy St), the Taproom Tiny Art Gallery (41 Allen St), and the Kent St Tiny Art Gallery (156 Great George St). The galleries house a combination of curated professional exhibits and community artwork exchange.

In the next exhibition, from August 16–September 10, artist Fairouz Gaballa will present a series of miniature installations.

Follow @fitzroysttinyartgallery for the most current information or email info@monicalacey.com

Participants were asked in an open call for submissions to make artwork that rethinks which ideas, people, values, objects and experiences are monumental to their lives. Monumental and the Mundane is an invitation to celebrate the mundane as monumental, to question conventional monuments, or to explore what is of consequence and what is (seemingly) not.

This exhibition is organized by Peake Street Collective, an artist initiative that focuses on mentorship, experimentation and artistic collaboration and that operates under the umbrella of this town is small, PEI’s artist-run centre. The Collective was established in 2005 when ten Island artists began regularly exhibiting new works in

PEI 150th exhibit

The PEI Museum and Heritage Foundation, in partnership with Canadian Heritage and the City of Charlottetown, recently launched the Prince Edward Island 150th Anniversary Exhibit, commemorating 150 years since PEI joined Confederation as

a former garage space attached to a private home in Charlottetown. Currently there are 163 artist members. While the majority are established and emerging artists, the group recognizes the importance of fostering the growth of pre-emerging, first-time exhibitors. To this end, Peake Street shows are not juried and artists automatically become members when they participate in group exhibitions or artist challenges.

Canada’s seventh province. The photo exhibit is currently on view at Beaconsfield Historic House in Charlottetown until the end of August. It is also simultaneously being displayed in Ottawa until October, allowing Canadians to experience the Island’s journey over the past century and a half.

The exhibit aims to encourage the public to explore the photographs and engage with the stories behind them. Visitors will gain a deeper understanding of PEI’s cultural heritage and its contributions to the fabric of Canada. Info: peimuseum.ca; @heritagePEI

Artwork by Becka Viau

1023 Greenwich Road St. Peters Bay, PEI (902) 600-2391

Photo exhibit on view at Beacons eld Historic House

Fix Your Plate by Tara Reeves

Summer favourites

August is here, and it’s bringing us a whole bunch of fresh fruits and veggies to feast on. Get ready to dive into the deliciousness that this month has to o er!

Let’s start with the fruits, because who doesn’t love a juicy, mouthwatering sweet bite? August is the time for berries to shine. Blackberries, blueberries and raspberries are bursting with flavour and packed with antioxidants that do wonders for our well-being. These little gems are like tiny explosions of goodness in every bite.

And then we have the stars of the show—stone fruits. Apples, apricots, cherries, nectarines, peaches and plums are all ripe and ready to delight your taste buds. These beauties not only taste amazing but also come loaded with essential vitamins and minerals. Eating them is like a sweet reminder of how awesome nature can be. Peaches in particular, are a special summer favourite. The vibrant flesh, balancing sweetness and tanginess, is a treat for your senses. Delicious and nutritious, peaches offer vitamins, fibre and antioxidants. Elevate any dish with their natural sweetness and golden-orange hues.

Now, let’s talk melons. Watermelon, cantaloupe and honeydew are the ultimate summer fruits, and they’re at their absolute best in August. They’re super refreshing, hydrating and the perfect way to cool down on a hot day.

Moving on to the veggies, we’ve got a colourful lineup for you. Bell peppers are always a favourite this time of year. They add a nice pop of freshness to your salads and stir-fries. Plus, they’re loaded with vitamin C, antioxidants and fibre, which are all good news for your immune system and gut health.

Ah, sweet corn! This summer staple is here to add some natural sweetness to your barbecues and picnics. It’s a great source of fibre, essential B-vitamins and minerals, making it a tasty and nutritious addition to your summer dishes. Grill it, steam it, or toss it into a salad to enjoy its peak season goodness!

Cucumbers are the perfect snack for a hot summer day. They’re crisp, refreshing and oh-so-hydrating. Slice them up, toss them in salads, or enjoy them just as they are. These green

wonders are not only delicious but also great for digestion and keeping your skin glowing.

Last but not least, we have the mighty tomatoes. Bursting with flavour and vibrant colours, they’re like little bombs of juicy goodness. Tomatoes are packed with lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that’s been linked to all sorts of health benefits. So, go ahead and enjoy them in your salads, sandwiches, or even as a simple snack.

It’s the perfect time of year to embrace the abundance of delicious seasonal fruits and vegetables. Visit your local farmers’ market or go on a fun orchard adventure. Let’s celebrate the flavours of this month, nourish our bodies and enjoy the simple pleasure of eating in harmony with the season.

Peach & Pecan Salad

Serves 4

Ingredients

For the salad:

6 cups baby spinach

3 fresh peaches, sliced

½ cup pecans, halved

⅓ cup pomegranate seeds

⅓ cup dried cranberries

⅓ cup vegan or regular feta, crumbled

For the dressing:

4 tbsp. olive oil

4 tbsp. apple cider vinegar

1 lemon, juiced and zested

1 tbsp. maple syrup

Directions

1. Make the dressing by whisking together all the dressing ingredients and set aside.

2. To make the salad, place the spinach in a large bowl and add the peach, pecans, pomegranate, cranberries and vegan feta. Drizzle over the dressing and gently toss to combine.

SUBMITTED

The Art of Water Security

Free workshop during Art in the Open

The Art of Water Security is a free, community-engaged workshop to be held August 26 from 1–4 pm at Beaconsfield Carriage House during this year’s Art in the Open (AITO) festival in downtown Charlottetown. The workshop presents an opportunity for mapmaking, drawing, discussion, picnic and art experience.

This workshop is the culmination of an artist commission project offered by Engage with Nature-Based Solutions (ENBS), a new initiative to support communities who apply nature-based solutions to their local lands and waters. Five artists across Canada were commissioned by ENBS to produce research creation projects that straddle the art/science divide and contribute to understandings of climate change and NBS.

PEI’s Kirstie McCallum was selected as the East Coast artist for this project. Her work explores cycles of growth and decay, material agency and environmental sustainability. The event will provide an opportunity for McCallum to showcase her work and to engage with residents and local stewardship organizations on ideas surrounding climate, water, and NBS.

At the event, guest presenter Maleea Acker, post-doctoral research fellow with Environment and Climate Change Canada and Program Lead for ENBS (University of Victoria), will lead participants in a creative placemaking exercise that explores personal ties to local watersheds. The event will also feature presentations about Island ecosystems and waterways by local experts Charlotte Large, project manager of the PEI Watershed Alliance and Krystal Pyke, ClimateSense project manager at the UPEI School of Climate Change and Adaptation.

Natural systems—such as wetlands, estuaries, forests, and prairies—provide immense benefits to people and nature. They clean water, absorb floods, cool climate and remove carbon from the atmosphere. “Nature-based solutions” support planetary health and address societal challenges.

Through games, discussions, drawings and the creative use of maps, participants will share stories and make connections between human and non-human communities and the lifegiving freshwater sources of the Island. Learn about strategies that community groups and home-owners can use to encourage a sustainable water cycle in their backyards, neighbourhoods and community green spaces. Participants will talk about how to foster healthy and sustainable water relationships, and celebrate the important contribution art can make to discussions about climate change.

The event will close with a picnic in Victoria Park, next to the rain-catching sculpture, Cloudwell by Kirstie McCallum. Some refreshments will be provided, but blankets and snacks are welcome.

Email studiozeugma@gmail.com to RSVP for the workshop and visit engagewithnbs.ca to learn more about the research.

RHEA SZARICS

MARKETS

Charlottetown Farmers Market

The Charlottetown Farmers Market is open weekly on Saturdays from 9 am–2 pm year-round, and on Wednesdays from 9 am–2 pm until October 4. Local farmers, crafters, artisans and hot food vendors sell local, organic produce, fish, meats, baked goods, preserves, roasted coffee, specialty teas and more. 100 Belvedere Ave, Charlottetown. charlottetownfarmersmarket.com

Downtown Farmers and Artisans’ Market

The Downtown Charlottetown Market is open weekly on Sundays from 10 am–3 pm until September 24 on Queen Street (closed between Grafton and Dorchester Streets). More than 80 local vendors sell products including fresh local produce, preserves, ethnic and Canadian food service, baked goods, handmade soap and body products, wood work, knitting, hooked rugs, jewelry, artwork, pottery and more. downtowncharlottetownmarket.com

Murray Harbour Farmers Market

The Market is celebrating their 10th year of operation in 2023 and while much has changed, their commitment to promoting

everything local remains intact. Whether it is the pride instilled by their surroundings or the big hearts of their customers who live in the area, the little Market allows its friends, customers, supporters, visitors and vendors to showcase the Murray Harbour and area, its history, its culinary delights, its culture, its people, its music and its industries—all the best they have to offer. Open on Saturdays to October 7 from 9 am–12 noon at the Murray Harbour Community Centre.

Souris Market

The Souris Farmers Market is open on Fridays from 10 am–2 pm until September 29. A variety of vendors sell fresh, locally grown produce and homemade products. 140 Main Street, Souris. Follow on FB for updates.

Summerside Farmers Market

Find local produce, baked goods, meat, fish, prepared food, cheese, artisans and more at the Summerside Farmers Market. Open on Saturdays from 9 am–1 pm at 250 Water St, Summerside. summersidefarmersmarket.com

SEPTEMBER BUZZ DEADLINE

August 15th

EXHIBITS

Acadian Museum of PEI

The new exhibit Palette: Works by La Palette Artists’ Cooperative is on view to September 29. Visit the permanent exhibit and video The Island Acadians: The Story of a People. Acadian genealogy resources are available to researchers. A new artifacts exhibit area opened this year. The museum is one of seven PEI Museum and Heritage Foundation sites. 23 Main Dr. E, Miscouche.

Beacons eld Historic House

The Prince Edward Island 150th Anniversary Exhibit, commemorating 150 years since PEI joined Confederation as Canada’s seventh province, is on view to the end of August. The photo exhibit is presented by the PEI Museum and Heritage Foundation, in partnership with Canadian Heritage and the City of Charlottetown. 2 Kent St, Charlottetown.

Bedeque Area Historical Museum

Two new exhibitions, Clocks and the Island: 1770-1960 and Prince Edward Island and the Monarchy, are on view this summer.Permanent exhibitions include: the cultural history of the Island Mi’kmaq; the story of the 18th-century Acadian and Loyalist settlements of the Bedeque Bay area; the early 19th-century settlement of the Freetown area; and the story of the Borden ferry service. Items from the late Howard Clark’s Red Barn Museum, showing the Island way of life 100–140 years ago, are also on display, and tell the story of Callbeck’s Store, which operated in Central Bedeque for almost 100 years. The L.M. Montgomery Lower Bedeque School, where the famous author taught for a year, is also part of the museum. Open Tuesday–Saturday (10 am–5 pm), and Sunday (1–5 pm) until September 3. William Callbeck Centre, Central Bedeque.

Breadalbane Gallery

This month’s show opens August 10 with a reception from 6–8 pm. PEI artists showing their works this month are Marianne Janowicz, Silver Frith, Zoe Novaczek, Haley Lewis, Will Baker, Joan Sutton, Denise Livingstone, Brianna Longuepee, Adrianna Chandler, Laura Bain and others. A new show opens on the second Friday of each month. New artists can submit photos of their work to breadalbanegallery.com. 4023 Dixon Rd, Breadalbane.

Charlottetown Tiny Art Gallery network

Fitzroy Street Tiny Art Gallery presents Becka Viau’s exhibition, Navel Gazing: Passing Through Stargate 1, in the three Charlottetown tiny art galleries: the Fitzroy St Tiny Art Gallery (295 Fitzroy St), the Taproom Tiny Art Gallery (41 Allen St), and the Kent St. Tiny Art Gallery (156 Great George St). On view to August 15. All are welcome to Becka’s

galleries and museums

Artist Talk & Walk, August 13 at 5 pm starting at the Upstreet Taproom. From August 16–September 10, artist Fairouz Gaballa will present a series of miniature installations. Follow @fitzroysttinyartgallery for updates.

Confederation Centre Art Gallery

On view are Conversation Pieces to September 3, Generations: The Sobey Family and Canadian Art to September 10, and Human Capital to September 30. Guided tours of the current exhibitions are available. 145 Richmond St, Charlottetown.

Cornwall Library Art Gallery

Maya Simmonds’ The Librarian’s Sketchbook, a mixed media series of artworks inspired by classic and contemporary literature, is on view to August 4. Deborah Tremere’s exhibition Oh, the Places I Did Go! will open August 8. The paintings depict destinations visited by the artist since receiving a copy of Dr. Seuss’s Oh, the Places You’ll Go! on her 40th birthday (having never previously left Canada). Meet the artist on opening night at 7 pm. Contact the library for info on displaying in the gallery. 15 Mercedes Dr, Town Hall, Cornwall.

Eptek Art & Culture Centre

Quilts of Covid by members of the Kindred Spirits Quilt Guild is on view to September 29. Visit the permanent exhibition on the history and architecture of Summerside. Eptek is one of seven PEI Museum and Heritage Foundation sites. 130 Heather Moyse Dr, Summerside.

Hilda

Woolnough Gallery

Vneed Art Gallery’s exhibition, Abnormal, is on view to August 14 with opening reception July 29 at 2 pm. The Good Projxction by King Kxndi will be on view August 18–September 15 with opening reception August 18 at 6 pm. 111 Queen St, Charlottetown.

Kings Playhouse Gallery

That’s Me!, illustrations by Sue Rose, based on original music and story by Steve Zaat, is on view to August 13. 65 Grafton St, Georgetown.

Lefurgey Cultural Centre

On view to the end of September: the Famous 5 Maquette, a miniature of the F5F’s Women are Persons!; and Van Gogh in Wool by the Lady Slipper Rug Hooking Guild and other fibre artists. Open Monday–Saturday (10 am–5 pm). 205 Prince St, Summerside.

Receiver Co ee

Monumental and the Mundane, a group exhibition by Peake Street Collective, is on view to October. Presented by this town is small. Receiver Coffee, 128 Richmond St, Charlottetown.

ARTISTS & ARTISANS

studios, galleries, collectives

Anchors Away

Showcases Island artisans, bird and bat houses, sewing, hooked rugs, and antiques. Open daily to September 30, 10 am–4 pm. 15 Kinsmen Rd, Miscouche.

Art Gallery of Susan Christensen

Paintings, photo-etchings, prints and cards by Susan Christensen, who paints in her gallery on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Open Tuesday–Sunday, 11 am–5 pm. Located above Gaudreau Fine Craft Gallery, 11 Grand Pere Pt Rd, South Rustico. 9t63-2223, 963-2273, susanchristensenart.com

Art Gallery of Tony Diodati

Original works and more by Tony Diodati. Open daily in August, 10 am–6 pm. 241 Paynter Rd, off Rte 20, Spring Brook. 886-3009, tonydiodati.com

Artisans Waterfront

This cooperative, artist-run gallery features the works of more than 40 juried artists and artisans from across PEI. The gallery is located in a replica freight shed next to the former train station and displays high quality, hand crafted items

and original works of art, including paintings, photography, glass, textile arts, quilts, pottery and more. Open Monday–Saturday, 10 am–5 pm; Sunday, 1–5 pm. 1 Station St, Montague. 838-4387, artisanswaterfront.ca

Bailey Studio Gallery

Featuring specialty pieces, major works, and large, traditional glaze oil waterscape paintings, glaze oil classes; free demonstrations for visitors, and supplies for painters. Artists include Kathy Marlene Bailey, Lorraine Vatcher, Louise Doyle, Lynn Cassels Caldwell, Kim Jabbour, Suzi Biro, Hazel Spencer, Gerri MacWilliams, Julia Jay and Elaine Thompson. Email or call ahead. 11957 Shore Rd, Little Sands. 962-3642, kmb@ professionalart.ca

Bedford Station Gallery & Gardens

The gallery for local artisans, features the work of Margaret Wailes, Lilly-Anne Webster, Gene Wood, Ron Patterson, Garny Gallant, Wayne Crouse, Gweneth Branch-Rice, Helene Larouche, Gary Schoenfeldt, Carolyn Hayes Hessinger, Ricky Lee, Simonne Munzi Smith, Lucas Picard and Elaine Eskesen. The focus

is on contemporary artistic expression through painting, sculpture, photography and jewelry. Open weekdays, 1:30–5:30 pm. 96 Rte 6, Dunstaffnage.

Birch Tree Gallery

Showcases Mi’kmaq woven baskets by Noella and Ashley Moore, bisque under painting on pottery by Noella, medicine bags and engraved coasters by Mike Viau, beaded earrings by Anita Gallant, teepee models by Mike Julien, oil paintings and watercolour cards by Geraldine Ysselstein, and pottery and potato soap by Pieter Ijsselstein. Workshops on offer. Open daily, 10 am–6 pm. 8 Main St, Victoria. birchtreegallery.ca, 730-2004

Details Fine Art Gallery

On view: New works by Richard Vickerson titled “As the Crow Flies,” plus works by Gale Abbey, Grace Curtis, Doretta Groenendyk, Rebecca Krupke, Mary Jane Lundy, Shelley Mitchell, Connie O’Brien, Gabriella Collier, Cristina Del Sol, Peter Fischer, Beverley Hawksley, Brian Lorimer, Carole Malcolm, Tim Menees, Natasha Miller, Christine Nadeau, Jean-Claude Roy, Arlene Rice, Helen Rowlands, Susana Rutherford, Anna Syperek, Larry Horowitz, Paul Healey, Gordon Harrison, Rosemond Bechtel, Raymond Martin, Dorset Fine Arts, Sea Clay Pottery.Call for hours or appointment. 166 Richmond St, Charlottetown. 892-2233, detailsgallery@eastlink.ca, detailsfineart.com

Dunes Island Art Gallery

On view: works by Wayne Barrett, Maurice Bernard, Julea Boswell, Eric Brydges, Katharine Dagg, Tony Diodati, June Ellis, Nan Ferrier, Sheila Forsyth, Watson Gale, Lise Genova, Jaime Germaine, Trudy Gilbertson, Heather Hannon, Kim Jabbour, Betty Jenkins, Sandi Komst, Haley Lewis, Eve Llyndorah, Marie Lyon, Patricia MacDougall, Sandra MacGillivray, Vicki MacLean, Anne MacKay, Wendy Manning, Ellen Martin, Louise Mould, Deb Murphy, Connie O’Brien, Sunae Park, Linda Shaw Packard, Warren Christopher Reeson, Heather Reid, Sylvia Ridgway, Dagny Rossignol, Helen Rowlands, Joan Savage, Jessica Sheppard, Adam Sultan, Gail Sutherland, Rosemary Terris, Lorraine Vatcher, Richard Vickerson, Donna White, and Damien Worth. Gallery is open daily. 3622 Brackley Point Road, Rte #15. 672-2586

Ellen’s Creek Gallery

Tribute to the Trees by The Painted Ladies, presented by Ellen’s Creek Gallery, is on view to July 15. The Painted Ladies are Linda Griesbauer, Betty Jenkins, Sandi Komst, Wendy Lefebvre, Mary MacLean, Ellen MacPhail, Margaret Muzika, Claire Nantes, Linda Shaw Packard, Sylvia Poirier, Gina Rankin Deborah Roberts and Rosemary Terris. Open Monday–Saturday (10 am–5 pm). 525 North River Rd, Charlottetown.

Ebb and Flow PEI

Find in-house pottery, handmade jewelry line, original framed wool art and fine

art. Open Thursday–Saturday, 1–5 pm. 84 MacEwens Creek Rd, Canavoy.

Galerie La Palette

The collective features works from local artists, including paintings, prints, photography, sculptures, cards and bookmarks. Located in the yellow building at Village musical acadien. Open Tuesday–Sunday to September 3, 11 am–4:30 pm. 1745 Rte 124, Abram-Village. 854-3256, jeannetteblaquiere@gmail.com

Gaudreau Fine Crafts Gallery

Featuring pottery, wood, weaving, painting, glass and jewelry by Maritime artisans. Open Tuesday–Sunday, 11 am–5 pm. 11 Grand Pere Pt Rd, off Rte 6, South Rustico. 963-2223, 963-2273, woodmagic@ gmail.com

Island Winds

Features musically tuned, Island-made wind-chimes. 3827 Millvale Rd, South Granville. islandwindcraft.com

June Ellis’s Studio

Features landscapes, seascapes and lighthouses by PEI artist June Ellis. Commissions/appointments available. Rte 12, East Bideford, Ellerslie. 439-8774, juneellisartist@gmail.com, juneellis.com

Karen Gallant Gallery in Rustico

Paintings by local artist Karen Gallant, high-quality fine art reproductions, art cards and unique finds. Open Tuesday–Saturday, 10 am–5 pm. Located on the second level of A.P. Gallant’s Country Food Market, civic 1980, corner of Rtes 6 and 243, Rustico. karengallant.com

Kensington Art Co-op Gallery

The Gallery features an eclectic blend of local artists’ works, often with someone creating on site. Artists include Debbie Bryanton, Elaine Campanaro, Sharon Craig, June Ellis, Shirley Ferguson, Sheila Forsyth, President Karen Fullerton, Sandy Gallant, Lise Genova, Juanita Glenn, Shirley MacLeod, Cheryl Maclin, Susan Maxfield, Esther Mosher, Dawn Riley, Ron Somers, and more. Works include oil, acrylic and watercolour paintings, mixed media, linocut prints, pastels and more. The Gallery is holding its plein air event this year from September 8–10; email sheilafforsyth@ gmail.com to register. Open daily (10 am–4 pm). Info: Karen (886-0331). 27 Commercial St, Kensington.

Knit Pickers PEI Studio

Features Canadian goods only, including wool, knitting needles, knitting and weaving accessories, and weaving looms. Margaret McEachern is the on-site artisan, instructor and designer. Workshops on offer. Open Tuesday-Saturday, 10 am–4 pm. 566 Line Rd, Rte 13, Mayfield. knitpickerspei.com

Kro In The Skye Art Studio

Work by Cathy Murchison/Krolikowski, stained glass, mosaics, fine art, and dichroic and seaglass jewelry. Open

Tuesday–Sunday through October, 10 am–5 pm. 1800 Point Prim Rd, Belfast. 213-6807, krointheskye.com

Malpeque Fine Iron Products

Featuring pot racks, chandeliers, fireplace accessories, weathervanes, and garden creatures by Eric and Dianne Schurman. Barbara Weit Rd, Rte 180, Lower New Annan. malpequefineiron.com

Maroon Pig Art Gallery

Featuring original prints, paintings and sculptures by Richard Toms, along with unique, new and vintage gifts and collectibles. Open Tuesday–Saturday, 10 am–5 pm. 37 Water St, Georgetown. 6522569, maroonpig.ca

McAskill’s Fine Crafts Studio

Featuring furniture and crafts, pottery, fine art, metal work, glass and giftware by PEI and Atlantic artisans. 26 Beasley Ave, Charlottetown. 566-3416, mcaskillwoodworking.com

Messy Crow Studio

Showcases needle felting, framed work and dimensional pieces by Lisa Freeman, works from 12 Maritime artisans, and fair trade items. Learn and Lunch packages are available. Commissions welcome. Open Tuesday–Friday, 10 am–5 pm; Saturday, 10 am–2 pm. 470 St Catherines Rd, Souris. messycrowpei@gmail.com

Michael Stanley Pottery

The artist-run gallery showcases pottery by Michael Stanley and Malcolm Stanley, Seaclay smoke fired ceramics by Jamie Germaine, Robert McMillan Pottery, Dear Margret, Linko Pottery, Sydney White Ceramics, mugs by Alex Beven-Baker, paintings by Michelle MacCallum, prints by Renée Laprise, Lori Joy Smith and Holly Anne Doyle, and Gyotaku Fish Prints by Tracy L. Gallant. Also the south shore location for Moonsnail Soapworks and aromatherapy. Open daily, 10 am–5 pm. 22 Howard St, Victoria by the Sea. michaelstanleypottery.com

Northern

Watters Knitwear

Features handcrafted sweaters, shawls, stoles, ponchos, and PEI arts and crafts items. 150 Richmond St, Charlottetown. nwknitwear.com

PEI Crafts Council Gallery

Features two floors of local crafts representing 140 PEI artisans making glass, pottery, textiles, jewelry and much more. Summer workshops are offered on the gallery deck: indigo dyeing, quill work and basket making. Open Monday–Saturday, 10 am–6 pm; Sunday, 12–6 pm. 98 Water St, Charlottetown. 892-5152. peicraftscouncil.com

PEI Fox Den/Historic North Bedeque School

The Den features the works of over 60 local artists and artisans including pottery, candles, soaps, jewellery, apparel, visual art, photography, woodwork, hand-knitted and stitched products, tea,

chocolate, honey, jams, maple syrup, Island music and more. Located in an historic schoolhouse on the Island Walk. Picnics in the shade under the #oldmapletree in the schoolyard welcome. Open Wednesday–Sunday. 2852 1A, North Bedeque. 303-8327, peifoxden.ca

PhoArts Studio

Featuring photography, visual and digital art by artist Leona Arsenault. Her work is featured on canvas, fine art paper, metal and acrylic, for personal or commercial purposes. Open Tuesday–Sunday, 10 am–5 pm, and beyond these hours by appointment or by chance. 108 John Paul Rd Abram-Village. 315-1747

Purcell Parlour Gallery

Featuring original art, prints and cards by Julia Purcell. 48 Herlihy Dr, Clyde River. juliapurcell.ca

Red Cli Gallery

Home studio of artist Lorraine Vatcher featuring her painted scenes of PEI and floral still lifes from her own garden, placed in glass so the light can be refracted. Open by appointment. 68 Little Sands Wharf Rd, Little Sands. 962-2327, lorrainevatcher.com

Sandi Komst Studio-Gallery

Features oil and watercolour paintings by Sandi Komst. Open by appointment or by chance. 2060 Cape Bear Rd, Rte 18, Beach Point. 962-3612, outofourmindsgallery.com

Silkwalker Originals Studio & Fine Crafts

Features quality Island crafted products, including hand-painted silk art and accessories, Nessya’s Gems, local pottery, original art and prints, hand crafted paper, wood and leather work. Open daily, 12–6 pm and by appointment. Seawalk Park and Boutiques, North Rustico. heather@silkwalker.com, 3308188, silkwalker.com

Stanley Bridge Studios

Island crafts, jewelry, pottery, art, woodwork, ironwork, home and garden decor, clothing and accessories. Open daily, 9 am–6 pm. 10090 Rte 6, Stanley Bridge. 886-2800

Studio Gallery

Features a fine selection of original oil, acrylic and watercolour paintings by Maurice Bernard, Karen Gallant, Doreen Foster and Henry Dunsmore; batiks by Sylvia Ridgway; unusual pottery by Emily Dunsmore; high-quality fine art reproductions; and collectable, custom-printed gift cards. The artist-run gallery is the working studio of the etching/ aquatints of Doreen Foster and pigment prints by Henry Dunsmore. Open daily, 10 am–5 pm. 4 Howard St, Victoria by the Sea. studiogallery.ca

Thompson’s Woodcraft

Features wood-turning by Wilfred Thompson. 2979 Rte 1A, North Bedeque. 887-3459, thompsonswoodcraft.ca

GENERATIONS: THE SOBEY FAMILY AND CANADIAN ART

This impressive private collection of Canadian art demonstrates the Sobey family’s engagement and visionary leadership in the cultural sector.

HUMAN CAPITAL

Artworks o er insight into the impact of Canada’s immigration policies and history in the contested formation of a “Canadian Identity”.

CONVERSATION PIECES

A selection of artworks about dialogue from the Gallery’s permanent collection in the Frederic S. and Ogden Martin Concourse Gallery.

GUIDED TOURS OF EXHIBITIONS

Available Tuesday-Friday at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. or by appointment. For info or to book tickets visit “ EVENTS ” at

confederationcentre.com/artgallery

Visitors looking at paintings by Cornelius Kriegho (1815-1872).

Visitors looking at a painting by Marigold Santos entitled Re-grounded, 2011.

Gallery admission by donation.

Curated by Tak Pham

Curated by Pan Wendt

Organized and circulated by

Curated by Sarah Milroy Organized and circulated by

Galleries & Gardens open at 9am Café opens at 11:30am

Reservations for evening dining 902-672-1883

ART WORKSHOPS

Eptek Centre workshops

Eptek’s Wednesday Workshops continue in August with a different artist-led workshop each week. Visitors are welcome to view the live demonstration happening, however, registration is required to participate, and spaces are limited to four per workshop. The August workshops are: Fat Birds Watercolour with Jen DesRoche (2); Wet-on-Wet Watercolour Painting with Karen Fullerton (9); Linocut Printing with Sheila Forsyth (16); Acrylic Painting with June Ellis (23); and Three-dimensional Needle Felting (gnomes and animals) with Vivian Aho (30). Eptek is also hosting two, two-day Sea Glass & Stained-Glass workshops, the first on August 1 and 3, and the second on August 8 and 10. Participants will design and make their own sea glass and stained-glass art piece, with expert guidance and assistance from glass artist Lynne Provance. The workshops take five hours total, split across two days. Info/register: 888-8373

Glenaladale Schoolhouse workshops

Workshops continue this summer at Glenaladale Schoolhouse, 127 Blooming Point Rd, Tracadie Cross. These include felting workshops with Nana Maria Puiaa, Basket Making with Mi’kmaq artist Francis Jadis and Quill Art with Mi’kmaq artist Melissa Peter-Paul. The felting workshop schedule is Lighthouse in a Teacup from 1–4 pm, August 5 and Jellyfish from 2–3:30 pm, August 10. These are suitable for felters ages eight to adult. Adult supervision is required for participants ages 8–11. The Basket Making workshop will be held from 1–4 pm, August 22, and the Quill Art workshop, where participants will create their own eight-pointed star, takes place at 1 pm, August 31. Materials are included with the registration fee. Info/register: info@glenaladalepei.com

Art in the Gardens

Art in the Gardens with Patrick Guidon continues this month at Kings Playhouse in Georgetown. No experience is necessary and workshops are free or by donation with registration. The next

workshop dates are August 12 and 19 at 1 pm in the AA MacDonald Memorial Gardens behind Kings Playhouse. kingsplayhouse.com

Embroidery workshop

The PEI Crafts Council is holding an embroidery workshop with Rebecca MacDonald August 11 from 1–3 pm. The design, suitable for beginners and experienced embroiderers alike, includes simple forget me knot flowers that surround an area that holds a wallet size photo. All materials are provided. Fifteen percent of all ticket sales will be donated to the Alzheimer Society PEI. Pre-registration is required at unravelingjoy.com/shop/ embroidery-workshop-peicc

Painting Outside the Lines

Geraldine Ysselstein and Michele Miller are offering a two-day watercolour workshop and exhibit. The workshop will run August 25–26 from 9:30 am-1 pm, followed by an exhibit August 31 from 5–7 pm. The public is invited to see the final watercolour and oils on display at Birchtree Gallery in Victoria. Beginner and intermediate watercolour enthusiasts will explore watercolour painting and learning different painting techniques. For five days following the watercolour workshops, the two artists will be capturing the Island village vistas, seas and small town scenery by painting “en plein air” (outdoors) in and around Victoria. Register before August 18 by emailing birchtreegallerypei@gmail.com or by calling 730-2004. Visit birchtreegallery.ca for full details. 8 Main St, Victoria.

Shibori-Indigo Dyeing

Arlene MacAusland is offering ShiboriIndigo Dyeing experiences most Tuesdays in August from 10 am–1 pm on the back deck at the PEI Crafts Council, 98 Water St, Charlottetown. All ages and skill levels are welcome, with a limit of six people per class. Info/register: peicraftscouncil.com/events

Chocolate Making with Shoreline Designs

Kings Playhouse in Georgetown is hosting Chocolate Making workshops with Shoreline Designs on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 10 am until August 31. There is a limit of six people per class. Learn about chocolate making from the bean to the bar, and how chocolate was once used as currency. Then get a hands on experience creating chocolate to take home. Info/register: kingsplayhouse.com

Mi’kmaq Basket Weaving

Nora Richard is offering basket making classes most Wednesdays and Saturdays until August 30 at 10 am on the back deck of the PEI Crafts Council (dependent on interest). There is a limit of eight people per class. Book a pre-planned workshop or inquire about a private group. Workshops start at 10 am and last about three hours. Info/register: peicraftscouncil.com/events

Jiayu Su

@ thedunesstudiogallery dunesgallery.ca

Eve Llyndorah Barrett & MacKay

3622 Brackley Point Road Brackley Beach, PE

Peter Jansons

gallery gardens & café

EXPLORE THIS UNIQUE OASIS OF FINE ART, EXQUISITE CUISINE, AWE SOME SHOPPING & INSPIRING GARD ENS

Nash

Dave Brosha

The Community Players

Season 2 now available for streaming

Small Screen: Dreams

The Community Players is a mockumentary about a comical, quirky and dedicated community theatre troupe in St. Peters Bay, PEI, led by their eccentric, larger-than-life, artistic director.

After an acclaimed first season, and a timeless Holiday Special, the series returns with a larger than life second season. When the Courthouse Theatre is under threat of being turned into condos, the Players must join together to raise $100,000 to save their theatre.

VIDEOS

Easter Seals and dance umbrella’s ash mob video

The Community Players is a comedy digital series created by an Islander cast and crew. Featuring original music, hilarious characters and a story that tugs at the heart strings, the series stars PEI’s own Luc Trottier, Jessica Gallant, Rob MacDonald, Glenda Landry, Noah Malcolm and many more.

All episodes of The Community Players are can be viewed only on Bell FibeTV1.

volunteers performed the song for passengers disembarking a cruise ship at Port Charlottetown. The footage has been edited by Williams in a music video being shared on the organizations’ social media channels and on YouTube (youtu. be/2p7BtZIVAWg).

WCB Youth Video Contest winner

A collaboration between Easter Seals PEI and Confederation Centre of the Arts’ dance umbrella program culminating in a flash mob performance at Port Charlottetown has been captured in a music video organizers hope will go viral to help support the message of inclusion and accessibility in the arts.

Easter Seals PEI Executive Director Kelly Mullaly approached the dance umbrella leadership team with a proposal and they agreed to collaborate. Choreography was created based on “One Step At A Time,” an original song composed and recorded by Island musician and video producer Perry Williams, inspired by Katelyn and Meghan Rogers’ (Easter Seals PEI Ambassadors) motto, “Believe in yourself and don’t give up.” On July 4, students from various dance umbrella classes and additional community

Camren MacLeod, from Charlottetown Rural High School, is this year’s winner of the Workers Compensation Board (WCB) Youth Video Contest. Camren received a $1000 cash prize and his school received an additional $1000. Camren’s video highlights how workers can take charge of their own safety by wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), being aware of their surroundings, using equipment only after being trained, following proper procedures and avoiding shortcuts and taking care of their physical health. The video wraps up with a reminder that workers have the right to refuse unsafe work and the importance of asking questions. The video is available on YouTube (youtu.be/I3Emz5FjH_E). Every year, the WCB challenges PEI students across the Island to demonstrate their understanding of workplace safety and educate their peers, through an original drama, comedy, documentary, animation or music video. Regional winning entries are submitted to a national contest organized by the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS). Info: wcb. pe.ca; ccohs.ca

This town is small will present Small Screen: Dreams at City Cinema in Charlottetown on August 24 at 8:30 pm.

Small Screen: Dreams is a screening of experimental short videos by Epekwitk/PEI-based artists that were selected from an open call for submissions. This town is small, a PEI artist-run centre, values experimentation and this screening features finished works, works in progress and explorations, inviting artists to engage with new techniques and ideas.

The videos respond to the theme “Dreams” through the following prompt: “Dreams are a creation of the mind. While we sleep, deep within our unconscious, our minds are occupied with expression; creating stories, worlds, sensory experiences, and imagery that abstracts reality. Dreaming can also be a conscious act, a powerful tool used to envision and affect and shape change in the world. Dreams can depict visions of utopia, hazy and distorted perceptions, shape-shifting materiality, imaginative illusions, intangible memories, cherished aspirations, and surrealist fantasies of unlimited potential.”

This screening is presented in partnership with Art in the Open, and supported by the PEI Culture Action Plan through Innovation PEI.

Admission is by donation. Event and registration details are available at thistownissmall.com/ small-screen-dreams-event.

Video art screening at City Cinema—Aug 24 SEPTEMBER

August 15th

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

The Lesson

until Aug 2

18A. Dir: Alice Troughton, UK, 2023, 102 min. Richard E. Grant, Julie Delpy, Daryl McCormack.

Liam, an aspiring and ambitious young writer, eagerly accepts a tutoring position at the family estate of his idol, renowned author J.M. Sinclair (Richard E. Grant). But soon, Liam realizes that he is ensnared in a web of family secrets, resentment, and retribution. Sinclair, his wife Hélène (Julie Delpy), and their son Bertie all guard a dark past, one that threatens Liam’s future as well as their own. As the lines between master and protégé blur, class, ambition, and betrayal become a dangerous combination in this taut noir thriller. “Thrilling and darkly comedic” —Casey Baron, Tribeca Film Festival.

“A high-class thriller that examines class, ambition and the lengths people will go to achieve—and cling to—social status.” —Variety

Island Fringe Festival Performances

August 3–6

For performance times and complete schedule visit islandfringe.com

various passersby gather in a small desert town for an astronomical science competition. The emotional centre of the film is Augie Steenbeck, a war photographer and father of one of the competitors who mourns the recent loss of his wife, and Midge Campbell, a movie star in town for the competition with her own brainiac daughter. When an extraterrestrial visitor makes an appearance, forcing the town to go under military lockdown, Augie and Midge develop a melancholic chemistry... Asteroid City contains the brilliant ensemble of actors and creative collaborators and the tight stylistic formalism we’ve come to expect from Anderson. A comedy laced with tragedy, tonally, highlights Anderson’s mastery of wry comedic pacing... It’s a film about a television program about the making of a play, which coils itself so tightly in its own world... before pulling back into some deeply poignant reflections on tragic endings, exciting new beginnings, and how our identities are shaped for and by those around us... Asteroid City brilliantly threads the needle of utilizing the best of Anderson’s aesthetic to convey an emotionally compelling narrative, one which welcomes us to open ourselves up, even if for just a moment, to sharing the pain and joy that make us human.”

—Adam Mullins-Khatib, Chicago Reader

The Miracle Club

August 18—23

Should they embrace the girl who caused so much pain? Or should they hold on to anger that they may or may not have caused? Lest any of us be confused, this is a comedy. Not the funniest of set ups, I grant you, but there are a few sweet moments along the way. Mostly, they come from the experience of the veteran stars, including a dandy supporting bit from Stephen Rea, as a husband le to his own devices for the first time. And the interaction of the women is winning, even if their characters’ histories are not. Quietly, this is a movie about women trying to evolve, in whatever way they can, from the strict structures of the times in which they were raised. And who can’t root for that?”

—Joanna Langfield, The Movie Minute

Small Screen: Dreams

August 24

Admission is by donation. Event and registration details are available on this town is small’s website: thistownissmall.com/ small-screen-dreams-event

Doors at 8 pm. Screening at 8:30 pm.

Six Songs About Six Men I Have Dated June Morrow’s comedic exploration of dating apps, ambiguity, kink, red flags, and the search for love in middle age. Through original songs, stand-up, and re-enactments, she recounts six of her most memorable experiences.

Whiskey Flicks Live!

An unscripted, booze-infused deep dive into film. Michael doesn’t know what Daniel’s going to play, Daniel doesn’t know what Michael’s going to say, and the audience is along for the ride. Hopefully you’ll remember why you fell in love with the movies.

Asteroid City

August 5–17

PG. Dir: Wes Anderson, US, 2023, 105 min. Jason Schwartzman, Scarlett Johansson, Tom Hanks, Je rey Wright, Tilda Swinton, Bryan Cranston, Edward Norton, Adrien Brody.

Palme d’Or Nominee, Cannes Film Festival.

“A true achievement from one of America’s most unique cinematic voices. Set in 1955, the early days of the space age, a group of students, parents, military o cials, and

PG, coarse language, mature content. Dir: Thaddeus O’Sullivan, Ireland/UK, 2023, 90 min. Laura Linney, Maggie Smith, Kathy Bates, Stephen Rea, Agnes O’Casey.

This town is small is pleased to present Small Screen: Dreams, a screening of experimental short videos by Epekwitk/PEI-based artists that were selected from an open call for submissions. this town is small values experimentation and this screening features finished works, works in progress, and explorations, inviting artists to engage with new techniques and ideas.

The videos respond to the theme “Dreams” through the following prompt: “Dreams are a creation of the mind. While we sleep, deep within our unconscious, our minds are occupied with expression; creating stories, worlds, sensory experiences, and imagery that abstracts reality. Dreaming can also be a conscious act, a powerful tool used to envision and a ect and shape change in the world. Dreams can depict visions of utopia, hazy and distorted perceptions, shape-shi ing materiality, imaginative illusions, intangible memories, cherished aspirations, and surrealist fantasies of unlimited potential.” This screening is presented in partnership with Art in the Open, and supported by the PEI Culture Action Plan through Innovation PEI.

Bones of Crows

August 25–29

“This cozy charmer sneaks into the summer box o ce race as a perfect antidote to all the blazing big budget extravaganzas. First, what a collection of actresses has gathered to tell the tale of friends in a small corner of Dublin, pining to win a trip to the French town of miracles, Lourdes. Set in the socially revolutionary time of 1967, an essential part of the story takes place years before, in the 1950’s, when teenage pregnancies were handled in a particular, and sad, way. So now, when Laura Linney shows up from America, to attend her estranged mother’s funeral, Kathy Bates and Maggie Smith don’t quite know what to do.

14A, sexual violence, disturbing content. Dir: Marie Clements, Canada, 2023, 129 min. Grace Dove, Karine Vanasse, Rémy Girard.

Audience Choice Winner, Available Light Film Festival & Cinéfest Sudbury.

“The story of one of these [residential school] survivors is at the heart of the piercing drama Bones of Crows. Inspired by actual events, Marie Clements has cra ed a true epic… Spanning from the 1920s and continuing for nearly a century, the film centres on Cree matriarch Aline Spears, who, along with her siblings, is forcibly removed from her parents and forced to attend one of these so-called

Deviltown

New horror lm by PEI lmmaker William Wright

boarding schools… Pre-teen Aline and her siblings attempt to survive this new, hostile environment while keeping their family unit together... Aline has a gi —she can play the piano—which should be her ticket out of abuse, and is for a while until her gi becomes a curse… Her only hope to escape the school is to join the military, where eventually she finds work as a code talker during WWII…. Trauma follows Aline and her husband Adam home as they return to a country that still doesn’t see them as citizens, despite their heroism and sacrifices during the war…. While Clements’s script touches on seemingly every possible kind of trauma, abuse, and prejudice faced by Ingenious people, it never once feels like a pile… The story weaves in and out of the di erent timelines with ease, allowing the weight of each moment to settle… The filmmakers have tackled a di cult subject with tact and grace, never once falling for sensationalism or cheap sentimentality.” —Marya

E. Gates, The Playlist

Passages

August 30—September 3

Rating TBA. Dir: Ira Sachs, France/ Germany, 2023, 91 min. Franz Rogowski, Ben Whishaw, Adéle Exarchopoulos, Erwan Kepoa Falé. In English and French with English subtitles.

This September, emerging independent filmmaker William Wright will premiere his new feature-length, award-winning psychological horror movie Deviltown in Charlottetown.

Deviltown was recently awarded Best Horror Film by the Sin City Film Festival in Las Vegas and was nominated for Best Thriller by AltFF (Alternative Film Festival) in Toronto. The movie was produced, written and directed by William Wright, and all on a budget of exactly $0. Wright, who has been making films in PEI for the last four years, says audiences will be chilled and thrilled by many dark twists in Deviltown. It

is the second feature length movie he has written, produced and directed in PEI. A short film he released in 2020, Psychology of Demons, was presented with a number of international film festival awards.

“This movie is very personal to me,” Wright said. “I put my heart and soul into this, and I’m really looking forward to seeing it play on a big screen and sharing it with audiences.”

The story follows a young journalist investigating a series of murders in Charlottetown, PEI, while also being tormented by strange and horrifying dreams that, over time, begin to bleed into her waking reality. The film features a lot of surreal and uncanny imagery representing themes of trauma and mental health.

Starring in the movie is lead actor Julia Robichaud, an emerging singer/ songwriter known for her song “Jealous.” It also stars Kerry McCarthy, aka Kay Em, a local hip hop artist and founder of Small Island Dreamers, as well as Declan Rockwell, the lead singer of the indie rock band NORTER.

Deviltown also features original music, including tracks by Robichaud, Kay Em and Kilbride that will be released on iTunes, Spotify and other streaming music services this summer.

Deviltown premieres September 1 at The Guild in Charlottetown.

View the official trailer on YouTube (youtube.com/watch?v=3TtihhyxFe0).

“Tomas is a narcissist and a hot mess — that much is clear. Yet he’s also the kind of lovable scamp with sexual prowess that proves alluring to people almost against their will. There’s Martin, his husband, whose steady stability in their relationship isn’t enough to keep Tomas from sleeping with Agathe, a schoolteacher he meets at a party. Passages chronicles months in the love triangle’s life, with Tomas bouncing back and forth between Agathe and Martin and making everyone miserable, including himself. It’s an extremely European film from the American director Ira Sachs, full of homages to classics of European cinema, and a portrait of a rascal and the helplessness of the human heart.” —Alissa Wilkinson, Vox “Unapologetically sexy and infinitely wise” The AV Club “Brutally funny” —The Atlantic

Be sure to follow us on our social media pages for up-to-date reminders and updates 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!

Rated:

Rated: PG-13

Rated: PG

ART

Artist Talk & Walk

All are welcome to join Becka Viau’s Artist Talk & Walk on August 13 beginning at the Upstreet Taproom in Charlottetown at 5 pm. The Talk & Walk will visit Viau’s installation, Navel Gazing: Passing Through Stargate 1, at the three Charlottetown Tiny Art Galleries, travelling from Upstreet down the Confederation Trail to Fitzroy Street, ending at Craft Beer Corner, a distance of approximately two kilometres. Refreshments will be provided and there is no cost to attend. Follow @fitzroysttinyartgallery for the most current information or email info@monicalacey.com

The Good Project Art Talks

The Good Project Art Talks is a series of community conversations facilitated by artist, political scientist and activist King Kxndi. The series aims to explore the meaning of good, art, and the intersection of the two. Each week, attendees 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? Hosted at The Guild in Charlottetown, the next event will take place August 31 at 5:30 pm. Organizers welcome anyone and everyone to this series. There is a monthly capacity of 20 guests. theguildpei.com

Life drawing sessions

Summer Life Drawing sessions will be held August 13 and 27 at the Gertrude Cotton Art Centre from 2–4 pm (unless otherwise posted on their FB page). Arrive early for set up; doors open 1:30 pm. These are drop-in drawing sessions with a nude model. All skill levels are welcome. Participants must be 18+ or have parent/guardian written permission. Easels are provided but bring drawing materials. Organizers are always looking for models; if interested contact @LifeDrawingPEI on FB or email lifedrawingpei2022@gmail.com. 57 Bunbury Rd, Stratford.

Radiant Rural Halls 2024

This town is small (TTIS), PEI’s artist-run centre, is seeking submissions for the third edition of Radiant Rural Halls. This project invites contemporary visual artists to present at rural community halls in PEI between February and April 2024 (exact dates and venues tba). Radiance refers to emanating light, warmth and joy. TTIS sees community halls themselves as having a radiant quality and they are seeking works that engage with this idea, as well as with the liveliness and histories of community halls. TTIS encourages proposals in artistic mediums such as installation, media arts and performance. Proposals focused on community engagement such as workshops, demonstrations, presentation and storytelling are also highly encouraged. Work that highlights marginalized perspectives, is geared towards youth or senior communities, or has a meaningful connection to a particular area of PEI is welcome. The deadline to apply is September 10. View the full call at thistownissmall.com/submissions-rrh.

Call for submissions

This town is small (TTIS) is seeking proposals for their exhibition series at the Charlottetown Library Learning Centre (CLLC). Professional artists currently residing in PEI are eligible to apply. Artists can apply as individuals as well as part of an artist collective. TTIS, in partnership with the CLLC, will present four solo exhibitions per year in the TD Art Corridor. Artists are invited to submit recent artworks that are original, forward-thinking, and incite conversation, with preference given to works that have not yet been exhibited in the region. The deadline to apply is October 1. Visit thistownissmall.com/ttis-cllc-call for full details. Questions can be sent to Alexandra at info@thistownissmall.com.

Arts and Culture awards

The City of Charlottetown is accepting nominations for the 2023 Arts and Culture Awards and seeking proposals from local artists and artisans for the award design. The Arts and Culture Awards, created by the Charlottetown Arts Advisory Board, are held bi-annually and honour those who contribute substantially to Charlottetown’s arts and culture sector. Awards are presented

in the following categories: Emerging Artist Award; Artistic Excellence Award; Lifetime Achievement Award; Champion of the Arts; and Late Great Award. An independent panel of past winners will select the award winners. The panel is chaired by one (non-voting) member of the Arts Advisory Board. Award recipients in each category, with the exception of the Late Great Award, will receive a cash prize. The deadline to submit nominations is August 14 at 4 pm. The recipients of each award will be announced at an awards ceremony held on October 25. Visit charlottetown.ca/artsawards to learn more about each award, nominate someone, or self-nominate. The City of Charlottetown is also seeking proposals for four handcrafted awards to be presented to winners during the awards ceremony. The awards should be handcrafted and a suitable size for presentation on stage and display in a home or office. Inventive submissions that diverge from a traditional trophy design are encouraged. The maximum cost per award is $200 ($800 commission total). The deadline to submit a proposal for the award design is August 14 at 4 pm. Visit charlottetown.ca for full submission guidelines. To learn more about the Arts and Culture Awards, call 566-5548.

Scavenger hunts for kids

Eptek Art & Culture Centre offers exhibit-related scavenger hunts for kids. Drop-ins are welcome and 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

Guided tours at CCAG

Confederation Centre Art Gallery (CCAG) is hosting guided tours of the exhibitions on view this summer. The tours are offered Tuesday–Friday at 11 am and 2 pm, and run until September 8. Tickets can be booked through the Centre’s box office or at the reception desk at the CCAG. Customized group tours are also available. Exhibitions on view include: Generations: The Sobey Family and Canadian Art, a nationally touring exhibition that tells the story of one family’s visionary engagement with Canadian and Indigenous art. It braids together works by early European newcomers, titans of Canadian 20th century art, a rich display by the Québec

Impressionists and Les Automatistes, as well as trailblazing artists of today, including contemporary Indigenous artists; the Human Capital exhibition presents work that offers insight into the impact of Canada’s immigration policies and history—how it treats humans as capital, and the role it plays in shaping the complex and contested formation of a Canadian identity; and Conversation

Pieces, from Confederation Centre Art Gallery’s permanent collection, is a selection of works in and about dialogue. 1-800-565-0278, confederationcentre.com

Rock Barra Retreat

The Rock Barra Retreat cooperative is offering mini retreats to six artists under the banner, The Waters and the Wild. The co-op is partnering with this town is small for two week-long artist residencies in September and hosting a two-day climate change festival, Small Planet Gathering, August 19–20. Visit rockbarraretreat.com for full details.

Plein air event

The Kensington Art Co-operative Gallery is holding its plein air event September 8–10. Participants will have three days of painting followed by a sale of their new, wet works on the last day. Locations are in the Kensington and Summerside area with great plein air views; from harbours, heritage houses, expansive rural views, beaches and more. Info/register: 886-3482; sheilafforsyth@gmail.com

Rooted in Art

The City of Charlottetown is calling for proposals for Rooted in Art, an opportunity for Island artists to create temporary art installations inspired by Charlottetown trees. To celebrate trees and all they offer, Rooted in Art matches local artists with trees on public land in Charlottetown. This year, four artists will be selected to install temporary art installations in different locations around the City. The installations will be on display over a two-week period from September 23–October 8. All Island artists are eligible to submit proposals for Rooted in Art, with a limit of one proposal per artist. Applications will be accepted until August 13 at 4 pm and can be emailed to sgillis@charlottetown.ca or delivered to City Hall, 199 Queen St, Charlottetown. The project, held for the first time in 2020, engages the community with nature in

a new way and reflects the importance of the urban forest. Trees are a precious part of Charlottetown. Not only do they create a beautiful atmosphere for all to enjoy, but they also provide many essential services such as cooling and filtering the air, blocking wind, buffering noise, and assisting with stormwater management. Info: charlottetown.ca/roots

Save the date

The annual 2023 PEI Crafts Council Christmas Craft Fair, PEI’s longest running craft show, will be held this year from November 24-26 at the Seaport (Port Charlottetown). Vendor registration is now open at peicraftscouncil.com.

this town is small AGM

This town is small’s Annual General Meeting is August 15 at 7 pm via Zoom. All are welcome to attend but only members in good standing have voting rights. Full details at thistownissmall.com.

National Acadian Day

Celebrate at the Acadian Museum—Aug 15

L’Association du Musée acadien de l’ÎPÉ and the Sister Antoinette DesRoches Historical Committee partnered again this year to offer a full day of programming for National Acadian Day. Celebrate Acadian culture at the Acadian Museum of PEI in Miscouche on August 15 from 10 am–5 pm.

Historian Georges Arsenault will present talks in both French and English on the Island’s Acadie, past and present. Genealogists will be available in the Acadian Research Centre for those wanting to trace their family tree, and there will be demonstrations of traditional arts as well as music.

Admission is free for the day. The Acadian Museum of PEI is located at 23 Main Dr. E., Miscouche. Info: 4322880; museeacadien@gmail.com

Bedeque Museum

Two exhibits open for viewing

On July 8, Her Honour Lieutenant Governor Antoinette Perry declared the two new summer exhibits at the Bedeque Area Historical Museum officially open.

The two exhibits are The Wendell Feener Clock Collection: Clocks of the Island: 1770-1960 and Prince Edward Island and the Monarchy

The clock exhibit consists of a comprehensive display of some 150 historical clocks spanning the period from the 1770s to about 1960, which have been donated to the Museum by Wendell Feener of Summerside.

The exhibit on Prince Edward Island and the Monarchy tells the story of PEI’s connection to the Royal Family and the monarchy, which began with the naming of the counties and county-towns by Samuel Holland in 1765 and continued with the naming of the province after Prince Edward Duke of Kent, a son of George III, in 1798. Thereafter from the 1860s onwards, when four of Queen Victoria’s children successively visited the Island, members of the Royal Family have made regular visits to the province and the exhibit features some of these visits.

Open until September 3 on Tuesdays to Saturdays (10 am–5 pm), Sundays (1–5 pm).

Lieutenant Governor Antoinette Perry cuts the ribbon, held by Wendell and Fae Feener, to open Clocks of the Island: 1770–1950

READERS / WRITERS From the page to the stage

Poetry Night in Canada at Victoria Playhouse—Aug 20

Lori Gard book launch

Pownal Street Press is celebrating the PEI publication of Reg Goes Swimming by author Lori Gard with two book launches this month. Join Lori and Pownal Street Press on August 7 from 6:30–8:30 pm at the Alberton Arts & Heritage Centre, 420 Church St, and on August 8 from 6:30–8:30 pm at Beaconsfield Carriage House in Charlotteotwn. The author will present a short reading accompanied by musical guest, Carla Butt. Books will be available for sale.

Beacons eld Book Club

The Beaconsfield Book Club was launched to celebrate Pride PEI, in partnership with PEERS Alliance, Bookmark and the PEI Public Library. The group has been discussing queer historical romance novels by Olivia Waite, Cat Sebastian and Alexis Hall at the Beaconsfield Carriage House in Charlottetown. The next meeting is August 15. @heritagePEI; peimuseum.ca

Writing about a Writer

and Melanie J. Fishbane, author of the YA novel Maud.A signing will follow, with books available for sale courtesy of Bookmark.97 Queen Street, Charlottetown.

A Night at the Gallery

The PEI Writers’ Guild and The Gallery Coffee House & Bistro present A Night at the Gallery—Open Mic every fourth Thursday of the month in Charlottetown. This open mic is a platform for writers of all levels. Writers are encouraged to bring their friends, sign up to perform, read their writing aloud, or listen to other writers perform their work. To read aloud at a future open mic, writers should email director@peiwritersguild. com. The next event takes place August 24 at 7 pm at the Gallery Coffee House & Bistro on Great George St, Charlottetown. These events are free to attend.

Summerside Rotary Library Book Club

Pick up a copy of the Book Club’s latest selection at the Summerside Rotary Library’s main circulation desk and join them for a lively discussion about some of today’s most thought-provoking books. The next meeting takes place at 2 pm on August 26 at the Summerside Rotary Library in the Inspire Learning Centre, 57 Central St, Summerside

TD Summer Reading Club

Bookmark is hosting the conversation event, Writing about a Writer: Telling the Story of Anne of Green Gables author L.M. Montgomery, at the Charlottetown Library Learning Centre on August 24 at 6:30 pm. The evening will feature a conversation about the iconic Canadianwriter Lucy Maud Montgomery between two authors who have reimagined her life and work in fiction—Logan Steiner, author of the debut historical novel After Anne,

The 2023 TD Summer Reading Club, Canada’s biggest, bilingual summer reading program for kids of all ages, all interests, and all abilities, continues at PEI Public Libraries this month. The free program is co-created and delivered by more than 2000 public libraries across Canada. It celebrates Canadian authors, illustrators and stories, and is designed to inspire kids to explore the fun of reading in their own way—the key to building a lifelong love of reading. Children can register for the reading club at their local library and pick up a free reading kit. Families can also participate online at tdsummerreadingclub.ca where they can view resources and read free e-books. Family friendly activities and programs will continue in library branches throughout the province during August. Follow PEI Public Library Services at @PEILibrary.

Donna Morrissey in conversation with Ali Hassan

Bookmark presents Donna Morrissey in conversation with Ali Hassan on September 14 from 7–8:30 pm in Studio One at Confederation Centre of the Arts. Bookmark welcomes Donna Morrissey back to Charlottetown for the PEI launch of her newest book, Rage the Night Sponsored by Bookmark in support of the Wild Threads Literary Festival, the event is free to attend and everyone is welcome.

Poetry night in Canada is coming to the Victoria Playhouse August 20.

Poets will take the audience on a journey through the decades, sharing personal stories of connection, belonging, colonization, freedom and liberation. Accompanied by special musical guests, Poetry Night in Canada will tell a collective story of love and connection to the heartbeat of Mother Earth. The event will begin at 7:30 pm.

Curated by Island poet Julie Bull, Poetry Night in Canada is a celebration of Island poets in response to “150 years since confederation.”

“The poets at this event represent a wide range of perspectives and backgrounds, reflecting the beautifully diverse communities on Epekwitk. We are so excited to bring our words from the page to the stage at Victoria Playhouse,” says Bull.

The night will include performances from Epekwitk’s first Mi’kmaq

TALKS

PEI-150 History Talks

To commemorate the 150th anniversary of PEI joining the Canadian Confederation in 1873, the Bedeque Area Historical Museum has been hosting a series of talks featuring a variety of scholars and historians on a range of topics. The remaining three talks will be held on successive Mondays at 7 pm until August 14 in the Community Room of the William Callbeck Centre. The upcoming schedule features: Island Acadian historian and folklorist, George Arsenault with “The Island’s Acadian Community and Confederation,” July 31; Dr. Matthew McRae will talk about the commemoration of the historic event in “Celebrating the Cradle: Nationalism, Tourism and the 1964 and 1973 Centennials on PEI,” August 7; and Dr. Edward MacDonald brings the series to a close with “Enshrined: Island Tourism and the Confederation Story,” August 14. The speakers are knowledgeable in their field and entertaining storytellers. The talks will be illustrated with Powerpoint projections. The room is air-conditioned and refreshments will be served. There is no admission charge, though donations to the Museum’s work are welcome. 950 Callbeck St., Central Bedeque (entry is through the museum).

The Talks

The Talks lecture series on local history and culture is presented by the Keir Memorial Land & Sea Museum in Malpeque (2214 Route 20). Talks run from 10–11 am on Wednesdays until

Poet Laureate, Julie Pellisser-Lush, current Poet Laureate, Tanya Davis, with Island poets Julie Bull, King Kxndi, Eberechi Okwuwolu and Softest Spot, plus special musical guests.

Johanna Nutter, artistic director at Victoria Playhouse says, “One of my visions is to bring a variety of local performances to our stage to help build creative community. We have music concerts and talks happening throughout the summer. We’re honoured that some of PEI’s most talented poets are coming together for Poetry Night in Canada, and we look forward to welcoming them to the Playhouse!”

Funded in part by Innovation PEI, Poetry Night in Canada is a collaboration between Victoria Playhouse and the PEI Writers’ Guild.

Tickets are pay-what-you-feel and can be purchased at the Box office in person, by calling 1-800-925-2025, or online at victoriaplayhouse.com.

August 16 at Princetown United (2205 Rte 20). The upcoming talks are: Dr. D MacDonald with “Confederation and Tourism,” August 2; William Cousins with “Memories of Growing Up in Malpeque/ Baltic,” August 9; and George Dalton with “Samuel Holland & General Wolfe,” August 16. In addition, Tuesday Mornings at the Museum continues until August 15 with weekly guests sharing their expertise from 10:30 am–12 noon

Lunch and Lecture Series

The 2023 Lunch and Lecture Series is part of the annual fundraising campaign at Sir Andrew Macphail Homestead. The summer series takes place on Sunday afternoons at 12:30 pm and includes a brunch followed by a lecture presented by Islanders who donate their time. This month Kathleen MacMillan will present “From Sword to Pen, The Life and Works of the Honourable Cyrus J. MacMillan,” August 6; Theresa Redmond will present “Three Hundred Years of Treaty Making in PEI,” August 13; Sarah Fisher will present “Under the Cover: Discoveries the Stories of Book Owners,” August 20; and Bryan Grimmelt will present “Ecological Health of Charlottetown Ponds,” August 27. Reservations are encouraged (651-2789). The Homestead is located at 271 Macphail Park Rd, Orwell.

Our Island Talks

Our Island Talks, presented by the Victoria Historical Association and the Victoria Playhouse continue this month with “Every Artifact Has a Story” by Jason MacNeil August 10 at 2 pm, and “My Life in Cabbage“ with Ann Thurlow August 24 at 2 pm. The talks take place at the Victoria Playhouse, 20 Howard St, Victoria. victoriaplayhouse.com

Logan Melanie

A gift of Island Poetry

SONG OF THE SEA-WIND

by L.M. Montgomery

When the sun sets over the long blue wave

I spring from my couch of rest, And I hurtle and boom over leagues of foam

That toss in the weltering west, I pipe a hymn to the headlands high, My comrades forevermore, And I chase the tricksy curls of foam

O’er the glimmering sandy shore.

The moon is my friend on clear, white nights

When I ripple her silver way, And whistle blithely about the rocks

Like an el n thing at play;

But anon I ravin with cloud and mist

And wail ‘neath a curdled sky, When the reef snarls yon like a questing beast, And the frightened ships go by.

I scatter the dawn across the sea

Like wine of amber ung

From a crystal goblet all far and ne

Where the morning star is hung;

I blow from east and I blow from west

Wherever my longing be—

The wind of the land is a hindered thing

But the ocean wind is free!

L.M. Montgomery. The Watchman and Other Poems (Toronto: McCleeland, Goodchild & Stewart, 1916).

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

NOVEMBER 9-10, 2023

BRINGING TOGETHER ARTISTS, LEADERS, AND THE PUBLIC TO CONVENE FOR DISCUSSIONS ON MATTERS OF IMPORTANCE TO CANADIANS.

ARTS & CULTURE AWARDS

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS + CALL FOR AWARD DESIGN

Know someone who has significantly contributed to our city’s cultural landscape?

Nominate them today!

The City is also seeking proposals for the design and creation of the awards to be presented at the ceremony.

To learn more: charlottetown.ca/artsawards

DEADLINE: AUGUST 14, 4 P.M.

Meeting at Confederation Centre of the Arts next to the site of the 1864 Charlottetown Conference, the Charlottetown Forum seeks to promote open learning and sharing of diverse perspectives about the evolving identity of Canada.

This year’s event features three panel discussions and public roundtables on the topics of immigration, economic reconciliation, and finding shared national narratives in a fractured time.

$50 (plus taxes and fees) - FORUM PASS

$25 (plus taxes and fees) - STUDENT PASS

FOR TICKETS: 1 800 565 0278 or visit the Centre’s box o ce.

FOR COMPLETE DETAILS VISIT CONFEDERATIONCENTRE.COM/CHARLOTTETOWNFORUM

BOOKS PEI

Rolling the Stone: Imagine Sisyphus Happy

Leon Berrouard

Reg Goes Swimming

Lori

Gard

Illustrated by Emma Martin

Fifty years ago, Leon Berrouard was one of the seven poets from PEI who went on a Canada Council sponsored reading tour that covered six Canadian provinces. Since that time, he penned two books of poetry and now his third book is fresh off the press. Rolling the Stone: Imagine Sisyphus Happy is a collection of 75 poems in a book completely designed by the PEI author.

In his introduction, Berrouard states that, ”like Sisyphus in the Ancient Greek Underworld (condemned to repeatedly roll a boulder up a hill), we on earth have our own repetitive tasks as we shoulder our stones up hills we freely choose.” His poems roll up comfortable hills and occasional mountains. There’s no grave anguish or misery along the way. And yet, the poetry documents serious realities that echo in the lives of many. If universality is a desirable feature in poetry, these poems have that quality. Nostalgic images and a variety of motifs evoke a wide range of emotions.

The book begins and ends with the long poems, “Hilda’s Guild” and “An Elegy for Josh Underhay,” which eulogize the rich lives of two remarkable and well-known citizens of PEI.

Rolling the Stone is available at Bookmark and Indigo Books in Charlottetown, and at Clow’s Red and White in North Wiltshire.

Pownal Street Press is celebrating the PEI publication of Reg Goes Swimming by author Lori Gard. Reg—short for Regulate and pronounced with a hard /g/—is a black bear cub who likes to climb trees, eat snacks and sleep.

Written by Lori Gard and illustrated by Emma Martin, Reg Goes Swimming is a book with a message that supports parents and children in learning how to self-regulate their emotions. At first glance, Reg Goes Swimming is a story with a simple message, but there are deeper lessons for the reader. Throughout his day, Reg moves from being emotionally dysregulated by negative stressors to thoughtful self-regulation, where he returns to a state of calm.

Join Lori and Pownal Street Press on August 7 from 6:30–8:30 pm at Alberton Arts & Heritage Centre, 420 Church Street, and on August 8 from 6:30–8:30 pm at the Island’s picturesque Beaconsfield Carriage House. The author will present a short reading accompanied by musical guest, Carla Butt, and books will be for sale.

Lori Gard is a Canadian Certified Counsellor and a nationally certified Solution Focused Brief Therapist with CCPC Global with a certificate in Solution Focused Brief Therapy through OISE at University of Toronto. She is currently pursuing her Advanced Certificate in Couple and Family Therapy at The University of Guelph, and holds a Masters of Education from UPEI.

The Siege at Simeon Heights Kyle Steel

PEI-based author Kyle Steel has released his debut novel, The Siege at Simeon Heights

He thought they were only legend… until they threatened his family. Carter Mitchell, a single father of two, seeks a fresh start in the peaceful countryside near Simeon Heights, Oregon. However, his seemingly idyllic new life takes a perilous turn when he encounters legendary creatures that he once believed to be mere myths. As hostility from the creatures escalates, Carter finds himself caught in a dangerous turf war. Balancing the safety of his family with keeping up appearances becomes a daunting task. But along the way of this harrowing survival journey, he will find new allies, a new hope, and resolve lingering conflicts. Join Carter in this emotionally gripping family thriller as he strives to maintain his sanity, shield his children, and rebuild his life in a world where humans are not at the top of the food chain. Can this single dad emerge triumphant? Or will his family become the next victims of the beings that lurk in the backwoods—just beyond the tree line?

A PEI resident for the last 10 years, Kyle aims to offer his readers a thrilling adventure that challenges their perceptions and ignites their sense of wonder.

The Siege at Simeon Heights is available at amazon.ca.

No Ordinary Stone Andrea Conway

No Ordinary Stone is Andrea Conway’s debut novel. This book tells the story of a magical and charismatic little stone who is launched by the forces of nature onto an exciting journey of self discovery and high adventure. It is filled with quirky, engaging characters and is written for tweens and young teens but can be enjoyed by all ages.

Andrea has been a hobby writer all her life and as an avid sailor. She has had her sailing adventures published in various magazines such as Sailing

World, Latitudes and Attitudes and Small Craft Advisor. She has also received a PEI Literary Award for Biographical Short Story. She currently lives in PEI with her husband, two horses, two cats and a dog. They have three adult children. Andrea recently began writing her second novel, which will be a sequel to No Ordinary Stone

The book is available at Indigo and Bookmark in Charlottetown and online at amazon.ca, austinmacauley.com and goodreads.com.

Ellen Dougherty

Illustrated by Linda Shaw Packard

Translated by Raphaël Crétinon

Local author Ellen Dougherty has released When I went for a walk on the beach/Quand je suis allé me promener … à la plage. The bilingual children’s book was illustrated by local artist Linda Shaw Packard and translated into French by Raphaël Crétinon and Marc Brunelle.

Also available in an English-only version, this whimsical story recounts a child’s walk on the beach with just a bucket, a shovel, and their imagination. The child’s imagination and creativity provide for an eventual parade of friends who enjoy a walk together on the beach and promise to return to play again another day.

When I went for a walk … on the beach/ Quand je suis allé me promener … à la plage

This bilingual narrative, one of a series of books translated into various languages, brings to life the adventures ofa child and their imaginary friends and family. “The translations provide an opportunity to experience the child’s imaginary parade of ‘friends’ from different perspectives, revealing that children, in fact all of us, are similar, no matter what language we speak. Yet, paradoxically, our individual cultures, languages, and experiences make each of us unique,” shares the author.

Available in English/French or in an English-only version, When I went for a walk … on the beach / Quand je suis allé me promener … à la plage, can be purchased at The Dunes in Brackley, various gift shops, and at Bookmark in Charlottetownt. Translations are available in Arabic, Spanish, Italian, Chinese and other languages, by contacting the author at ellen.dougherty. books@gmail.com.

Mermaids Create Oceanic Park Terrilyn Kerr

Illustrated by Nancy Perkins

PEI author Terrilyn Kerr recently launched her latest children’s book, Mermaids Create Oceanic Park, in July.

Known for her Ben of the Island and The Little Red Marble series of children’s books, Kerr takes her audience on adventures anywhere from the bottom of the ocean to the top of the Wood Island Lighthouse. In Mermaids Create Oceanic Park, mermaids help to create a park where ocean animals can show off their skills with parades and presentations.

Mermaids Create Oceanic Park was illustrated by Island artist Nancy Perkins, who has collaborated with Terrilyn many times over the years. Primarily a marine painter with a reputation for authenticity, Perkins’ murals and paintings have been sold all over North America and Europe and have appeared in many books.

Copies of Mermaids Create Oceanic Park and other books by Kerr can be purchased at terrilynkerr.ca/shop.

Thursday, September 14th

7 PM DONNA MORRISSEY: IN CONVERSATION WITH ALI HASSAN STUDIO 1 – CONFEDERATION CENTRE OF THE ARTS

Friday, September 15th

7 PM TOO FUNNY: COMEDY SHOW WITH ALI HASSAN & CLIFTON CREMO HOSTED BY SHAWN HOGAN THE GUILD • ADMISSION - $30

Saturday, September 16th

2 PM JACK PINE FOLK CLUB FEAT. SHANE PENDERGAST & GUESTS VICTORIA PLAYHOUSE • ADMISSION - $15

7 PM LISTENING IN COLOUR: BIPOC ARTISTS IN THE ROUND TRAILSIDE MUSIC HALL • ADMISSION - $25

Sunday, September 17th

11 AM BRUNCHY SUNDAY READINGS FEAT. NICHOLAS HERRING, MUSICAL GUESTS INN ECHO & MORE SALVADOR DALI CAFÉ • ADMISSION – FREE

FOOD & DRINK

Pride Drag Brunch

A Pride Drag Brunch takes place at Pony Boat Social Club in Charlottetown on July 30. Presented by Dragx Entertainment, the event will feature Tristan Ginger, Lottie Max, Boof, Miz. Majestix and Molly Pocket. Doors open at 11 am with showtime at 12 noon. 157 Kent St, Charlottetown.

Breakfast on the Farm

Breakfast on the Farm returns to PEI this year at MacKenzie Produce in Stratford, hosted by Farm & Food Care PEI. After a hiatus during the pandemic, Islanders can once again enjoy a free breakfast on a local PEI farm on August 5 to celebrate Food Day Canada. Supported in part by ADL, visitors will sample local flavours, tour the farm, play games and meet farmers. See you in the cabbage patch. Visit farmfoodcarepei.com/project/ breakfast-on-the-farm/ to learn more.

Oyster Day at Keir Museum

The Keir Memorial Land & Sea Museum will host Oyster Day on August 5 from 12 noon–3 pm on the Keir Museum grounds, 2214 Route 20, Malpeque. The afternoon will include Malpeque oysters, mussels, a barbeque, strawberries and ice cream, vendors, live music and door prizes. Admission is by donation. Rain date is August 6.

Strawberry Social in Canoe Cove

The annual Strawberry Social in Canoe Cove will be held August 9 from 6–8 pm at the Canoe Cove School, 1066 Canoe Cove Road. All are invited to attend, meet friends and neighbours, and enjoy Island strawberries, complete with ice cream, biscuits and beverages. There will also be a bake sale and a 50/50 draw. All proceeds will go toward rebuilding the foundation of the heritage Canoe Cove School building.

West River United Strawberry Social

The West River United Church strawberry social will be held August 10 from 4:30–6:30 pm. A variety of sandwiches will be available as well as sweets, ice cream and strawberries, tea, coffee and juice. Gluten free options will also be available. West River United, 10 Church St, Cornwall

Open House and Cake Auction

Cape Bear Lighthouse & Marconi Station is hosting an Open House and Cake Auction on August 19 from 1–3 pm (rain date August 26). There will be live music, free tours, games, a cake and baked goods auction and more. Located at 42 Black Brook Rd, Murray Harbour. For tickets and more info, call 962-2917 or visit capebearlighthouse.com/events.

High Tea at Kings Playhouse

Kings Playhouse High Tea is held on Sundays until August 20. The Playhouse offers High Tea service on the deck overlooking the A.A. Macdonald Memorial Gardens. Visitors can enjoy sweets and savoury treats, homemade preserves, home-baked goods and Lady Baker’s Tea. Seatings begin at 1:30 pm and go until 4 pm. kingsplayhouse.com. 65 Grafton St, Georgetown.

Victorian-era Tea parties at Beacons eld

Experience Victorian-era tea and cakes at Beaconsfield Historic House throughout the month of August. Visitors can enjoy an assortment of European cakes and iced tea, prepared by Martin Watson and Airat Olaniyi-Ibiyeye, graduates of the Pastry Arts program at the Culinary Institute of Canada, Holland College. The tea service is 11:30 am–4 pm on Monday and Wednesday through Saturday. The menu features a selection of treats that were popular during the Victorian era, including Austrian chiffon cake, crinkle cookies, scones with cream and jam, and seed cookies, along with a rotation of other items on a weekly basis. Accompanying these treats is a refreshing cold-brewed Earl Grey mint tea. Visitors can also explore the PEI 150th anniversary photo exhibit hosted by the Museum and Heritage Foundation, Canadian Heritage and the City of Charlottetown. Info: peimuseum.ca; @heritagepei

Co ee Time at Macphail

Coffee Time at the Homestead takes place on Wednesday and Thursday mornings this summer from 9:30–11:30 am. Stop in for coffee and enjoy a game of cards on Wednesdays or bring crafting supplies on Thursdays. Sir Andrew Macpahil Homestead, 271 MacPhail Park Road, Orwell.

Arts & Culture Festival

On the Montague Waterfront—July 28 to 30

The Arts & Culture Festival runs from July 28–30 on the Montague Waterfront. The Three Rivers Festival Series celebrates art, culture and community with music and performances, an outdoor market, family activities, fireworks and more.

On July 28, attendees can enjoy local food vendors at the Outdoor Market, a performance of Where’s Jaki? with Jesse McCormac, Ella Laybolt, Jacob Pickering and Connor Young at 5:30 pm, and live music with Keira Loane at 6:30 pm, followed by the Big Shiny Tunes Tribute presented by Craig Fair Productions at 7:30 pm.

On July 29, the Outdoor Market continues from 11 am–5 pm, along with cultural exhibits, kids zones

LIBRARIES

PEI Public Library Service

PEI Public Libraries offers community programming for all ages—babies, children and families, teens, adults and seniors. Visit the Public Library events calendar at library.pe.ca or follow @PEI Public Library Service on FB.

Charlottetown Library Learning Centre

Programming continues this month at the Charlottetown Library Learning Centre (97 Queen St). Stop by on July 30 to snap some pictures with props at the Pride Week Selfie Wall and tag @PEILibrary. Drop by the Rotary Auditorium (ages 10+) and use one of the Oculus Virtual Reality headsets on Tuesdays (10 am-12 pm) or Thursdays (3-5 pm). The Adult Summer Library Challenge runs until August 31; grab a ballot card from any branch or email charlottetown@gov. pe.ca for a digital copy, then complete the challenges and return the ballot to be entered in a prize draw. Family Movie Nights take place on Mondays (6 pm) in the auditorium: Strange Worlds (August 7), Beauty & The Beast (live action) (14), and Encanto (21). Bring supplies and join fibre and textile makers at Fibre Arts Club on Tuesdays (1 pm). At the Senior’s College Presentation on August 10 (1 pm), Shirley will talk about all the offerings at Senior’s College in the next year. Drop by during opening hours to snap some pictures at the Old Home Week Selfie Wall with props on August 11 and tag @PEILibrary in social media posts. Register in advance for English Paper Piecing for ages 12+ on August 16 (6:30 pm) and learn a hand-sewing technique using paper, glue and fabric; all supplies provided. Writing about a Writer: Telling the Story of Anne of Green Gables

with inflatables, art and games, local food and more. The Montague Parade begins at 11 am, followed by live entertainment with East Coast Connection at 12 noon, Emma Gamble at 1 pm, Kobbler Jay Busker Show at 2 pm, Jorge Peña at 3 pm, Celtic Dancers at 3:45 pm, and Eddie Quinn & John B Webster at 4 pm.

On July 30, DiverseCity Festival, a celebration of Canadian multiculturalism, diversity and inclusion through music, dance, displays, information and food, will take place on the Montague Waterfront from 12 noon–10 pm. There will be a kids zone with inflatables, art and games, and fireworks at 10 pm. threeriversfestivals.com

author L.M. Montgomery takes place August 24 (6:30 pm). Participants will take part in a conversation with authors Logan Steiner (After Anne) and Melanie J. Fishbane (Maud). A signing will follow, with books available for sale courtesy of Bookmark. The Board Game Café takes place August 30 (6 pm) and has a variety of games to suit all types of gamers. Tech Help Drop-In will return in September.

Summerside Rotary Library

Programming continues this month at the Summerside Rotary Library (57 Central St). Play games like cribbage, crokinole, scrabble, checkers at Cards, Crokinole and Cronies August 9 and 23 (2 pm). Drop in to the Seniors Café August 11 (11 am) for a cup of tea/coffee and conversation. Make colourful sun catchers using glass beads at the Here Comes the Sun Catchers workshops

August 16 (2 pm) and August 21 (6 pm). Join the Book Club for a lively discussion August 26 at 2 pm. Pick up a copy of the latest book club selection at the main circulation desk. The library will be transformed into a movie theatre on Theatre Thursdays, every Thursday (2 pm).

The movie lineup is Flubber (August 3), Knives Out (10), The Bad Guys (17), Where the Crawdads Sing (24) and Finding Nemo (31). Children’s programming includes: TD Summer Reading Club Activities throughout August; Brilliant Labs for school age children (1 pm, Tuesdays), ages 0–3 (9:30 am, Wednesdays), ages 3–6 (10:30 am, Thursdays), and ages 7–12 (10:30 am, Saturdays). Join Nature Immersion for outdoor nature activities August 11 (10:30 am). Special guests from Parks Canada will talk about parks and The Park Promise August 18 (10:30 am).

Butterfly Tagging takes place August 25 (10:30 am). Learn about the endangered monarch butterfly. Teen programming on Tuesdays at 2:30 pm offers a Scavenger Hunt August 1, Wind Chimes August 8, Squash Books August 15, and Folklore Stories August 22.

A measure of racism on PEI BIPOC USHR invites Black, Indigenous and People of Colour communities on PEI to participate in an anti-racism survey that explores the prevalence, nature and psychosocial impacts of racism in healthcare, education and housing on PEI. In their effort to make PEI a better place to live, work and play, BIPOC USHR invites all Black, Indigenous and People of Colour Communities on PEI to share their personal lived experiences of racism. Current and past PEI residents and newcomers are encouraged to take part. The survey will touch on personal experiences of encountering racism within various systems, like healthcare, education, employment and housing. Contributions will be collected and will be part of a research study led by BIPOC USHR. Email research@bipocushr.org with any questions. To access the survey, visit surveymonkey.com/r/BJ2VQ6K

Anti-Racism Action Plan

The provincial government released An Anti-Racism Action Plan for PEI 20232028 to improve the social, economic, educational and health outcomes for racialized and Indigenous people living in the province. The vision of the action plan is to create an active, creative, open space that centers Indigenous ways of knowing and being. It will also elevate and amplify the global majority’s voices toward the construction of an equitable, flexible and evolving system. The action plan was developed with input from historically marginalized people and groups to ensure the vision was created by the communities. These groups include: ethnocultural organizations, racialized and Indigenous communities, international students, immigrants, women, youth, seniors, 2SLGBTQQIA+ community, and people from rural and urban areas. It was vital to have input from people with lived experiences. During the engagement process, three key pillars were identified along with other important areas including accountability, community and social conditions. The three pillars are: inclusive culture and community cohesion; BIPOC representation and advancement; and legislation, leadership, and program and policy review. A new AntiRacism Office, headed by the Manager of Anti-Racism Initiatives, will oversee the implementation of the action plan and ensure a collaborative, pan-government approach is used to address systemic racism, promote diversity and achieve anti-racist results. Learn more and read An Anti-Racism Action Plan for PEI 20232028 at princeedwardisland.ca.

Mi’kmaq Health Systems Navigators

Two Mi’kmaq Health Systems Navigators will help Mi’kmaq people access health services on PEI. Shelby Arsenault is the Mi’kmaq Navigator West, working out of the Lennox Island Health Centre. Crissy Riley is the Mi’kmaq Navigator East, working out of the Abegweit Health Centre. These roles were created in partnership with PEI’s Mi’kmaq communities. The Navigators will seek to build relationships of trust with Mi’kmaq clients and families and guide them through the health system; attend appointments, ensuring

COMMUNITY #1

early identification of client emotional, social, and spiritual needs and seeking Western and/or traditional resources and supports; coordinate care and assist with care transitions by serving as liaison between Mi’kmaq clients, their treatment team, and Western and traditional health and wellness system supports; educate clients and family members on disease, treatment options, and follow-up care requirements; facilitate communication and cultural understanding with Mi’kmaq clients, families, and care providers; and advocate for improvements in PEI health systems based on identified gaps facing Mi’kmaq clients and families. Many Mi’kmaq clients use the federally funded Non-Insured Health Benefits Program (NIHB) and the program is not well understood by mainstream care providers. The navigators will assist to ensure clients can access coverage needed to address their care. Each navigator brings their own unique set of skills and experience to the position, helping members of their respective communities navigate the sometimes confusing and complex pathways of the health care system. Arsenault, a 2017 Bachelor of Science in Nursing graduate from UPEI, was enticed back into nursing for this exciting position after a few years gaining experience outside of health care. Riley has been an LPN for more than 20 years and has been working with the Abegweit Health Centre for the last 12 years. Info: princeedwardisland.ca/en/information/health-pei/ patient-navigators

PEI FVPS family fundraiser

A day of family fun in support of PEI Family Violence Prevention Services will be held August 26 from 12 noon–3 pm at 87 John Yeo Dr, Charlottetown. Hosted by Royal LePage, the free event will have bouncy castles, face painting, a barbeque, 50/50 draws, ice cream, music, a popcorn machine, snow cones and more.

Pulmonary Fibrosis Support

A Pulmonary Fibrosis Support Group meets at 1 pm on the second Sunday of each month at Stratford Town Hall. The meetings are for anyone who has, or knows someone who has, pulmonary fibrosis. There is some time time spent discussing the illness but mostly the group shares tips on how to handle it. Everyone is welcome. Info: Doug/ Allison, 675-2970

2023 Gold Cup Parade

The 2023 Gold Cup Parade takes place August 18 in Charlottetown. The 2023 theme is An Island Summer. Starring in the Gold Cup Parade this year are special guests from MARVEL including SpiderMan, Captain Marvel and Thor. Serving as the Gold Cup Parade Marshalls are Arden Hopkin and Lucas Macdonald, two members of Team PEI to earn medals at the 2023 Canada Winter Games. This year the RCMP Musical Ride, as part of their 2023 Cross Canada Tour, will lead

the Gold Cup Parade through the streets of Charlottetown and will feature up to 32 riders. The Musical Ride will be accompanied by the RCMP Pipes and Drums Band and a Ceremonial Marching Troop as the RCMP celebrates their 150th anniversary. Applications to enter a float in the Gold Cup Parade are open until August 1, and new and returning organizations are encouraged to apply. Visit goldcupparade.ca for the parade route, float applications, volunteer opportunities and more.

Open Farm Day 2023

Save the date for this year’s PEI Open Farm Day event taking place on September 17. On Open Farm Day, 20+ Island farms open their doors for Islanders to explore and learn about agriculture. More details in September’s issue of The Buzz.

Children’s Food Program

The Children’s Summer Food Program is open for registration for families most in need of support this summer. Precooked meals that can be reheated are available for any Island family facing challenges in accessing healthy food for their schoolaged children. Registration is required and meals will be delivered in all areas of the province. Meals will be delivered to various types of housing including, apartments, duplexes, detached/single family houses or day programs. The program runs until August 31. Meals will be delivered twice a week every Tuesday and Thursday between 9 am–12 pm. Each registered child will receive three meals on Tuesday and two meals on Thursday. Someone must be present at the address to accept the meals. Meals will not be left unattended for food safety reasons. Info/register: princeedwardisland.ca/summerfoodprogram

Two-year anniversary for PEI Community Fridge

The PEI Community Fridge is marking their two-year anniversary milestone by hosting a free community BBQ August 6 from 2–4 pm at the parking lot of the Parkdale Sherwood Lions Bingo Hall on the corner of Queen and Connolly Streets in Charlottetown. There will be music, food, cake, henna, face painting, a dunk tank and more. The Community Fridge in Charlottetown has existed through the community’s generous support. Bring family, kids, friends and neighours; all are welcome. Food donations are welcome anytime. Feel free to bring any non-perishable food items. Visitors will can also sign-up to volunteer if they would like to be more involved. Info: @peicommunityfridge on FB

Community Fridges

Gratefully 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 and her volunteers also manage three new Community Fridges located at 10 Maple Hills Ave in Charlottetown, West Royalty Community Centre and the Stratford No Frills parking lot. Food donations can be dropped off directly at the nearest Community Fridge during operating hours, Monday–Friday from 9 am–5 pm. Call Betty at 393-0171 for after hours drop-off or to volunteer. The shifts are from 9 am–1 pm or 1–5 pm and training is provided.

Class of 1983 Reunion:

Charlottetown Rural

Graduates, class members, guests, and current and former Charlottetown Rural High School (CRHS) staff are welcome to attend the 40th reunion for the CRHS Class of 1983 at Lobster on the Wharf, Charlottetown on July 29 at 8 pm. This invitation is extended to the graduating classes of 1982 and 1984 as well. The evening will offer a chance to visit and dance to live music provided by Ritchie Bulger (Class of ’83) and his band, the Wannabeez. There will be a cash bar and light snacks provided. Admission is free, courtesy of an anonymous group of generous Class of ’83 graduates who are covering the cost of the facility and entertainment. Stay tuned to the FB event page, Reunion - Charlottetown Rural High School Class of 1983, for details.

Senior Islanders of the Year nominations open

Nominations are open for the 2023 Senior Islanders of the Year awards. Seniors can be recognized for their contributions in various areas, including volunteerism, fundraising, community participation, fitness and recreation, education and research, and other activities. To be eligible for an award, nominees must be: a current resident of PEI; 65 years of age or older; and willing to be nominated. The deadline for nominations for the 2023 PEI Senior Islander of the Year Award is August 15. They will be reviewed by members of the PEI Seniors’ Secretariat. Nominators must include detailed reasons for the nomination and a minimum of two letters of support (other than the nominator). For info and nomination submissions, visit princeedwardisland. ca/senioroftheyear or call 620-3785.

Cancer Support Group

A Cancer Support Group holds a monthly meeting on the first Friday of each month at 10 am. Facilitated by Health PEI Cancer Patient Navigator Michelle Barton, meetings are open to patients, caregivers and survivors. They take place at 178 Fitzroy St, Charlottetown and will soon be offered in Summerside. Info: mdbarton@ihis.org 894-2552

Island Stroke Support Network

The Island Stroke Support Club holds a meeting on the first Tuesday of every month from 6–7 pm at Trinity-Clifton United in Charlottetown (220 Richmond St). Connect with other stroke survivors and caregivers to share experiences and practical advice with one another.

Culinary showdown

PEI International Shell sh Festival unveils chef competitors

The PEI International Shellfish Festival has unveiled the esteemed lineup of chefs set to compete in its most prestigious culinary competition, the Garland Canada International Chef Challenge.

In front of a live audience, chefs will go head to head in a showdown, racing against the clock with a mere 45 minutes to create a PEI shellfish dish that will be evaluated by esteemed judges based on presentation, taste and menu. This year’s competition features an exceptional group of chef competitors who will vie for the coveted title of champion.

Chefs competing for the $10,000 cash prize are: Marc Lepine, Chef and owner, Atelier Restaurant (ON); Shai-ann Tyson, Executive Sous Chef, Summit Golf & Country Club (ON); Chris Irving, International Private Chef, (YT); Deseree Lo, Chef Consultant, (BC); O’Shay Lolley, Private Chef, (Delaware); Kyle Puddester, Chef and Owner, Fork (NL); Michael Hauschild, Founder and Personal Chef, InHaus Catering (ON); Leslie Flynn, Executive Chef, Merchantman Seafood House & Oyster Bar (PE); Salvatore Seminerio, Line Cook, MYSA Nordic Spa (PE); Nao Akutagawa, Chef de Partie, Quetzal Toronto (ON); Phil Nguyen, Chef de Cuisine, Amano Trattoria (ON); and

Vish Mayekar, Head Chef, Caffe La Tana & Pepino’s Spaghetti House (BC).

The Junior Chef Challenge competition returns for competitors between 15–18 years of age. The festival is accepting applications now for those who love to cook and are comfortable cooking with shellfish, are outgoing and confident to compete in front of a live audience. The deadline for applications is August 9.

Other competitions in September include: Irish Point Oysters Shucking Championship (Sept 15); Raspberry Point International Oyster Shucking Championship (16); Mott’s Clamato National Best Caesar in Town (15); Tie One On Mussel Industry Competition (16); and PEI Potato Chowder Championship (16–17).

peishellfish.com

PHOTOS SUBMITTED

PEI Highland Games

The PEI Highland Games take place August 5 at Lord Selkirk Park in Belfast. The Caledonian Club held the first Highland Games in Canada in PEI on September 5, 1864. The Highland dancing competition will eventually return, however for the present it will just be the Scottish Athletic Events portion, including Scottish dancing and singing, between the children’s events and the ladies and men’s athletics. Children’s races and the long jump will begin at 8:30 am, followed by the Junior Heavy Athletics (shot put, weight for distance and caber toss) at 10:30 am. Entertainment will follow until 12:30 pm. The Ladies Athletics (Braemar Stone, weight for distance, weight over bar and caber toss) will compete at 12:30 pm. Men’s Athletics (Braemar Stone, weight for distance, weight over bar, caber toss and the Farmer’s Walk) will take place at 2:30 pm. Bryan MacLean, athletic director for the greater Moncton Highland Games, and Michelle MacLean, will be on site to organize the event along. Admission is free. Donations to the Caledonian Club would be appreciated.

Red Island Regatta

Rowing PEI will host the fifth Red Island Regatta, Atlantic Canada’s only all-coastal rowing regatta, August 26–27 at Brudenell River Provincial Park. On day one at 12:30 pm, the rowers jump in coastal boats on the beach next to Brudenell marina and compete on a 2.5 kilometre course around large buoys. The day includes a hospitality event for competitors and an Awards Ceremony.

Day two, starting at 8 am, will feature beach sprint racing, a new racing format that may soon be included as part of the Olympic program. The sprints are head to head racing between two coastal doubles and two coastal singles. The competitors have to run from the beach, row a 250-metre course, slalom around three buoys, then back to shore. The finish line is back on the beach, so the race ends with another sprint. More than 60 competitors are expected from NS, NB and ON, as well as from the host club, Rowing PEI. This will be the first taste of competition for the club’s newest junior rowers, Crew 23,. Home base for the event will be the Activity Centre at Brudenell River Provincial Park. Spectators are welcome to come down to the water and cheer on the rowers. Info: 213-6951; eatkinson@sportpei.pe.ca

SCC Atlantic Canada’s Strongest Man

Hosted by Island Strength & Power, SCC Atlantic Canada’s Strongest Man will take place August 12 from 9 am–4 pm at the Charlottetown Event Grounds (360 Grafton St). Watch as the strongest men and women in Atlantic Canada battle it out to see who is the strongest. Events include tractor tire flips, max deadlift, truck pulls and more. Admission is free but donations will be accepted on behalf of the PEI Humane Society and Island Strength & Power. This is event is presented by RBC Dominion Securities, BAM Electric Contracting, and DJC Construction Inc.

COMMUNITY #2

PEI 55+ Summer Games

The 2023 Boyles Optical PEI 55+ Summer Games will be hosted by the Town of Kensington, September 9–15. The 55+ Games are open to anyone who has a PEI residence, 55 years and older by December 31 of this year. Registration for the Games will close August 31. Register online at and can be completed online at pei55plusgamessociety.ca or pick up a registration form at 40 Enman Crescent in Charlottetown, or at the Seniors Surfers Club in Kensington, 25A Garden Drive. Forms can also be mailed or emailed by request. Visit the website for the full list of events, schedule and more. pei55plusgames@gmail.com, 368-6570, pei55plusgamessociety.ca

PEI Museum and Heritage

The PEI Museum and Heritage Foundation’s summer schedule of events and activities at various sites across the province feature book clubs, tea parties, ghost tours and more. Several 50th anniversary events featuring cakes, dancers, music, animals, along with discounted 1973 admission prices continue at Basin Head Fisheries Museum (July 29); Green Park Shipbuilding Museum and Yeo House (August 12); and Orwell Historic Village (August 19). Info: @heritagePEI; peimuseum.ca

Online Grief Support Group

Monthly 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. For info on navigating through grief and for helpful resources, call 330-3857 or email griefsupport@hospicepei.ca. To learn more about Hospice PEI programs and services and how to get involved, visit hospicepei.ca.

Common ailments added to Pharmacy Plus PEI

Island residents can now receive three additional assessments through participating community pharmacies across PEI. The permanent Pharmacy Plus PEI program now includes assessment for hormonal contraception, impetigo and shingles. From October 2022 to June 2023 there have been over 40,000 assessments completed at pharmacies under Pharmacy Plus, with more than 28,000 patients impacted. Prescription renewals continue to be the most common reason for pharmacist assessments with over 26,722 renewals since the start of the program in 2022. Other common assessments include those for Urinary Tract Infections, COVID-19, allergic rhinitis, and cold sores. Through the publicly funded Pharmacy Plus PEI program, pharmacists can now assess and prescribe for 35 common ailments and conditions, including cough, sore throat, seasonal allergies, heart burn, minor joint

pain, thrush, and skin conditions like mild to moderate eczema and mild acne. There is no out of pocket cost for this service for eligible Island residents. Info: pharmacypluspei.princeedwardisland.ca

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, peiautisticadults. com, 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 the group is currently discussing becoming a non-profit. PEI Autistic Adults was started by an autistic senior and currently has over 70 members ranging from students to seniors. To participate in the meetings do not wish to interact online, email peiautisticadults@gmail.com. PEI Autistic Adults is not affiliated with any organization.

Atlantic Therapeutic Touch

Atlantic Therapeutic Touch Network is a not-for-profit that has volunteer teachers to provide the Therapeutic Touch modality that assists in the prevention of ill-health, and assists in healing. Classes provide participants with one more useful tool for their tool box to use on themselves, others and pets. Team teachers offer classes via Zoom. Class dates are September 9, 13, 16 and 23, from 6:30-9:30 pm. Contact team leader Cherry Whitaker at sakura.healings@gmail.com or 301-7791.

Lymphedema Support/ Education Group

The volunteer, not-for-profit Lymphedema Support/Education Group holds a meeting on the second Sunday of each month (except December). The meetings run from 11:30 am–1 pm at Beaconsfield Carriage House, 2 Kent St, Charlottetown. Refreshments are provided. These meetings are for those who are living with lymphedema/lipedema, have a health condition that requires lymphatic treatment, or whot want to learn more about this health issue. Info: rlygoulet@yahoo.ca; 940-6780

Cochlear implant support

MED-EL is hosting one-on-one appointments in October with audiologists Kim Twitchell and Uta Stewart for Islanders with RONDO or SONNET cochlear implant from MED-EL and are unsure about connectivity or accessories. They can provide support in Summerside on October 4 from 3–8 pm at the Loyalist Inn and in Charlottetown on October 5 from 3–7 pm at the Hampton Inn. Book a visit, bring accessories, and get your questions about connectivity and accessories answered. Family members are welcome

to come. To book: 1-226-919-4834 or kim. twitchell@medel.com. MED-EL is hosting a meeting on October 5 from 7–8 pm at the Hampton Inn in Charlottetown for those who are wondering if they are a candidate for cochlear implant. Learn about the expanded candidacy criteria for cochlear implants. Register at officecanada@medel.com.

Women of Impact Awards

Stingray recently announced the first annual Kerri Wynne MacLeod Women of Impact Awards to be presented each March during International Women’s Week. Nominations will open in September, on Kerri Wynne’s birthday, and will recognize women in five categories: Women in Business; Women in Music; Women in the Arts; Women in our Communities; and Women in Healthcare. For more info, visit ocean100.com

Stained glass fundraiser

St. Mary’s Anglican Church in Summerside is inviting the public on a theological, historical and musical journey through the 19th-century church’s stained glass windows across three nights—August 20 and 27, and September 3—at 7 pm. Three different windows will be highlighted each night, with their history, biblical reference and a hymn. A free will donation will be accepted to fund the replacement of the plexiglass protecting the stained glass from the street side. 277 Church St, Summerside.

PEI Sociable Singles

PEI Sociable Singles is a non-profit, non-denominational, social group for members ages 50 and over. The group provides the separated, divorced, widowed and unmarried with an opportunity to get out of the house and participate in healthy group and social activities with other singles. Sociable Singles is not a dating club. Meet compatible people who are unattached and in similar circumstances. The group holds Meet and Greet Socials every Tuesday at 7 pm at Hillsborough Hall Community Centre, 199 Patterson Dr, Charlottetown. Info: sociable_singles@yahoo.com

Celebrations

Aug 1

Join The Black Cultural Society of PEI in celebrating Emancipation Day 2023 on August 1.

The celebration activities, including entertainment, games, food, and more, will be held from 5–8 pm in The Bog at Rochford Square, Charlottetown. Follow @BCSPEI on their socials for the evening celebration program.

DiverseCity Festival

Two more events in 2023— Montague and Souris

After three successful events this summer in Charlottetown, Summerside and Alberton, DiverseCity Festival continues to spread its message of multiculturalism, diversity, inclusion and anti-racism across PEI/Epekwitk. The Festival will head to Three Rivers at Montague’s Waterfront Park July 30 from 12 noon–10 pm, and to Souris at CN Park August 6 from 2–4 pm.

DiverseCity Festival showcases food, music, dance, arts and crafts, community information and cultural demonstrations that represent newcomers, established settler communities, and the original people of Epekwitk, the Mi’kmaq First Nations. With new arrivals comes new talent, and typically the DiverseCity Festival

Indigenous PEI

New store opens doors to learning, celebration and connection

represents around 50 different cultures, which makes for a great day of celebration and community building.

The DiverseCity Festival is a project of the Immigrant & Refugee Services Association PEI (IRSA) whose mandate is to provide short-term settlement services, and long-term inclusion and community integration programs for new immigrants in PEI.

Be part of a day that celebrates Canadian multiculturalism, diversity and inclusion though music, dance, displays, information and food.

Admission is free and accessible to all. For more info about DiverseCity visit diversecityfest.com/events

of Abegweit First Nation. “This new venture invites residents and tourists of Epekwitk (PEI) to appreciate and connect with Indigenous culture in an authentic way.”

Artwork available for purchase includes wood-burned art, quill art, leather-crafted goods, beaded jewellery, handwoven baskets, and much more. To ensure authenticity and a local focus, all artisans showcased at the store are from PEI or a member of one of the Island’s First Nation communities.

A newly opened shop in downtown Charlottetown, Indigenous PEI, marks a significant opportunity for cultural celebrations, connections and important conversations amongst locals and visitors alike. Located at 111 Grafton St, across from Confederation Centre of the Arts, the new store showcases the artwork of local Indigenous artisans, hosts workshops and events, and connects the public with the Island’s Indigenous communities.

The storefront celebrates Indigenous artisans and the rich, enduring culture of the Island’s First Peoples. Operating as a social enterprise, the shop features artworks from over 20 Indigenous artisans and that number is only expected to grow.

“The new Indigenous PEI storefront creates a visible space in a high traffic area that has long been needed for our talented local Indigenous artists to proudly share their culture and sell their work,” said Chief Junior Gould

“Each piece reflects the unique stories, traditions, and deep-rooted spirituality of Epekwitnewaq Mi’kmaq,” said Chief Darlene Bernard of Lennox Island First Nation.

The space has also been thoughtfully designed to foster connections and encourage dialogue. Large TV screens mounted to the shop’s walls highlight upcoming Indigenous events and experiences across the Island. The all-Indigenous staff are also wellversed in sharing connections to the community and answering questions from the visiting public. So far, staff have found that many shop visitors are interested in gaining a greater understanding of reconciliation and the Island’s Indigenous culture.

“This is such a meaningful opportunity for our community to engage with locals and visitors, share our culture, and have valuable conversations, ” said Jamie Thomas, Chairperson of the Indigenous Tourism Association of PEI.

shop.indigenouspei.ca

DiverseCity 2021 in Charlottetown

NATURE

Swim for the South Shore

Celebrate clean, healthy water on the South Shore of PEI at the third annual Swim for the South Shore open-water swim on August 19 from 11 am–2 pm. All levels of swimmers are welcome. Swimmers must register a kayaker/ paddleboarder buddy to accompany them on the one (or half) kilometre swim. If necessary, contact the organizers for assistance in finding a buddy, as they will be able to provide a limited number. This bay swim begins at the Victoria boat launch and ends at the beach in front of By the Sea Kayaking in Victoria. Local musician Megan Ellands will be performing on the Victoria wharf from 11 am–2 pm. Each person or team (up to six people) is encouraged to raise a minimum of $50. The event benefits the South Shore Watershed Association (SSWA), a registered charity that works to protect over 100 kilometres of coastal water and streams. Registration fee includes a free membership to SSWA for one full year. Register online at raceroster.com/ events/2023/77389/swim-for-the-southshore-2023. Info: sswa@sswa.ca

WILD Outside program

Canadian Wildlife Federation’s (CWF) WILD Outside program is a free, fully accessible and inclusive conservation leadership program running in 26 cities across Canada, including Charlottetown. It is designed to get youth ages 15–18 outside and connected to nature, as well as inspire them to develop and deliver great community service projects. WILD Outside offers participants opportunities for personal growth while developing their own conservation ethic. Over 1700 participants have contributed over 49,000 service hours, completing over 559 community projects including repurposing plastic waste, planting pollinator gardens for seniors, installing bat houses, and removing invasive species. wildoutside.ca

Nature PEI travelling museum on Species at Risk

Nature PEI is expanding awareness of over 30 species at risk on PEI with its new travelling museum display, Everyone Needs a Home. It is currently at Basin Head Fisheries Museum from 9:30 am–5

pm daily until August 12. It will then move to the Bedeque Area Historical Museum until mid-September. The exhibit features carvings of an endangered bat, a piping plover and the endangered whales of the Gulf of St Lawrence by Summerside carver Donna Martin. Rotating cubes feature vivid portraits of several bird, insect and plant species by Island photographers. Interpretive panels explain terms, threats and what people can do to help. The story of a recovering population of River Otter includes a mounted specimen from the Cardigan River, on loan from PEI Forests, Fish and Wildlife Division. Follow @NaturePEI on FB or visit naturepei.com.

Landowner Info Guide

The Trout River Environmental Committee has launched a new website to help Islanders find all the information they need on environmental issues. Head to troutriverec.ca/landowner-information to find the new Landowner Information Guide. Topics covered include forest management, bat protection, domestic water treatment systems, fishing licenses, invasive plants, climate change, and boating rules. Information has been gathered from sources including the provincial and federal governments, the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative, Island Nature Trust, Ducks Unlimited and Nature PEI. The site contains a wealth of information on the environment, what Islanders can do to help, and the programs and services out there to help them, including answers to questions like: Did you know that there are three types of water filter that can remove different contaminants from your drinking water? That you can get improvement work done on your woodlot at little or no cost to you? That bats sometimes hibernate in abandoned wells on PEI? How to get trees, and people to plant them for you? That by delaying hay cutting until July you could be saving rare birds? That there is a program to pay landowners to retire environmentally sensitive land while still allowing livestock on it? How to get nuisance beavers removed? How to get substantial Provincial and Federal rebates for heat pumps? That there is an app to report invasive plants? What you are allowed to do (and not do) in a buffer zone? That watershed groups employ dozens of students each summer? The new site was funded by the PEI Wildlife Conservation Fund.

Montague the Beautiful

DANCING

Summer Square Dances

Square Dancing has been a part of the Island’s culture for hundreds of years. That dance tradition continues every Wednesday at 7:30 pm through August at the restored Lorne Valley Community Centre. For over 20 years the one-room schoolhouse has hosted a mid-week square dance, a favourite of locals and tourists alike. Built in 1939 and used as a schoolhouse until 1966, the hall still boasts a great dance floor. New dancers and regulars are invited to try a variety of waltzes, box-steps and the Souris Set with music by three fiddlers known to bring the dancers to their feet—Hailee, Ward and Allan MacDonald. The evening is suitable for all ages and includes a lunch and 50/50 draw. The hall is air conditioned. Admission is at the door is at the door. Free admission for youth under 16 years old. 522 Lorne Valley Rd, Lorne Valley.

From around 1975-1985, I lived in Montague, where I ran a bookstore and worked at the Eastern Graphic. There were some lovely people there, and the Montague River was gorgeous. The Garden of the Gulf Museum was an impressive building, as were many of the older homes in the town. But I never thought the town lived up to its title of Montague the Beautiful. There was a lack of attention paid to the waterfront, and the big oil tanks right on the waterfront by the bridge seemed especially intrusive.

Most of the towns I’d visited in the region valued and even highlighted their waterways. The rivers and bays were focal parts, attracting both locals and visitors to enjoy the cultural heritage and natural beauty.

These days, Montague is now part of the community of Three Rivers, though the signs are still there welcoming everyone to Montague the Beautiful. I don’t get out to Montague near as often as I used to. I had noted that the oil tanks were removed many years ago, a great example of addition through subtraction. And I knew that extensive work had been done on the waterfront.

But I’m ashamed to say that I hadn’t known how beautiful the area had become until two naturalists were visiting from Nova Scotia and we took a walk along the Confederation Trail. It was an eye opener, for sure.

The trail runs on the old railway line north of the river and starts in the heart of Montague. It is a remarkable mix of a gentle walking path that follows the scenic Montague River. Though you can see some damage from Fiona, the vegetation along the trail is in quite good shape. You can almost forget that we had that storm less than a year ago.

More than one Town Council has been involved in turning this area into quite a special place. They, and all the funders and volunteers should take a lot of credit for what they’ve created. This is a legacy that will reap benefits far into the future. During my visit, we saw many people walking the trail, sitting on benches, and using the marina. It is hard to resist the beautiful setting.

As we walked out of town along the trail, we noticed that the bird life was quite interesting. There were waterbirds along the edges of the river—various gulls, double-crested cormorants, lesser yellow legs, and Canada geese. Overhead, we heard an eagle vocalizing. As we watched it soaring, we were all reminded of how special it is to see such a large and beautiful bird.

Just east of the marina, we passed a large, tree-ringed pond on the north side of the trail. There we heard the chittering of a kingfisher, and watched it fly from perch to perch. We were also fortunate to observe a gray catbird in this area and to hear its distinctive call.

While in the area, we also spotted a black-capped chickadee making a cavity nest in a dead tree, an alder flycatcher, a northern parula warbler, and several song sparrows. I’m sure a longer walk concentrating more on birds than friends would have yielded many more species.

The plant life is equally diverse, with both large-tooth and trembling aspen, red oak, red maple, highbush cranberry, and a host of other species.

Thanks to all those involved for helping the town to truly live up to its name. It is inspiring to see what has been created in Montague the Beautiful.

DownStreet Social Dance

DownStreet Dance Studio holds a social dance on the third Saturday of every month at 8 pm. The next dance is August 19. Social dances are 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, salsa and more. All levels and styles of dance are welcome. 101 Grafton S., 2nd Floor, Charlottetown. downstreetdance@gmail.com

DownStreet Dance Classes

DownStreet Dance Studio offers a variety of classes for adults (16+) throughout the year. The non-for-profit organization aims to create an inclusive and active community through a variety of cultural and social dancing practices. Visit downstreetdance.com for details about drop-in, class block and dance card rates. The upcoming dance schedule includes: West Coast Swing outside at the Victoria Park Pavillion with a special Lindy Hop on Aug 7; (5 pm, Aug 7, 14, 21, 28); Bellydancing (6:30 pm, Aug 1, 8, 15, 22, 29); Intro to 1940’s Swing (7:30 pm, Aug 1, 8, 15, 22, 29); Ballroom (5:30 pm, Aug 2, 9, 16, 23); Burlesque Special 5-week sessional, pre-registration required (6:30 pm, Aug 2, 9); Dance Your You (5:30 pm, Aug 3, 10, 17, 24, 31); West Coast Swing Level 1 (6 pm, Aug 12, 19, 26); Beginner West Coast Swing (7 pm, Aug 12, 19, 26); Salsa Rueda (6 pm, Aug 6,13, 20, 27). Stay tuned for Persian Pop and West Coast Swing workshops coming this fall with guest instructors. downstreetdancestudio.com. 101 Grafton St, second floor, Charlottetown.

Dancing with the Stars

Hospice PEI’s 11th annual Dancing with the Stars takes place October 21 at the Delta Prince Edward in Charlottetown. Tickets can be purchased online at hospicepei.ca/events/dwts or call 368-4498.

FIEP DE BIE

The Confederation Trail in Montague

TOURS & TALES

Hauntings and History Walking Tours

Hauntings and History walking tours continue to the end of August. In Cardigan, walks take place on Tuesdays at 8:15 pm beginning at the Celebration Station. In Georgetown, walks take place onWednesdays at 9:15 pm in beginning at Kings Playhouse. Each tour includes a light snack and beverage, and will include facts and fables, and chilling ghost stories. Info: kingsplayhouse. com/events

Heritage Players Historic Walking Tours

Confederation Centre of the Arts offers historic walking tours of downtown Charlottetown, led by the Heritage Players. These knowledgeable guides help visitors learn about PEI’s role in shaping Canadian history, from the Island’s first inhabitants to Confederation and beyond. Tours include the Historic Great George Tour, which explores one of Canada’s most historic streets, and the Ghost Tour, a spooky stroll full of tales of Charlottetown’s dark and mysterious past. Tours are 75 minutes. For the full schedule and to book tickets, visit confederationcentre.com or call 1-800-565-0278.

Summerside walking tour

Discover Summerside’s self-guided walking tour has 36 points of interest. Pick up a booklet at the Lefurgey Cultural Centre (205 Prince St) or the Summerside Visitor Information Centre, and discover the city’s rich history, waterfront and tree-lined streetscapes.

Back in Time walk

Visit Victoria-by-the-Sea and experience a “Back in Time” walk around the historical village on August 6 and 13 at 11 am. The group meets at the lighthouse. Part historical fact, part anecdotal stories, the walk will allow participants to imagine

what life was like in Victoria during the past 150 years. For more info, contact vhapei2019@gmail.com.

Wee Historical Walk of Montague

The Garden of the Gulf Museum is hosting a Wee Historical Walk of Montague every Thursday at 9:30 am in August, weather permitting. The walk is approximately 2.5 kilometres and takes about 60-90 minutes, focusing on both sides of the Montague River close to the bridge. There are also a few ghost stories along the way. Pre-register at info@gardenofthegulfmuseum.ca. There is a small admission fee.

The Haunting of Yeo House

The Haunting of Yeo House tour is offered on select dates to August 31. Tours run from 4:30–5:30 pm, with attendees required to arrive by 4:15 pm at the Green Park Shipbuilding Museum at 360 Green Park Rd, Tyne Valley. This program is suggested for ages 12 and up. Join a guided tour through the shadowy corridors of Yeo House, where staff who have experienced the hauntings firsthand will serve as the guides. As visitors walk past the historic rooms, they will peer over their shoulder, captivated by tales of the home’s more wicked history. Dive into the intriguing world of Victorian mourning beliefs, unraveling the customs and rituals of the era. Prepare to encounter the Museum and Heritage Foundation’s most notorious haunted artifact, Wheelie. This enigmatic relic carries with it a mysterious past. Info/ tickets: @heritagePEI; peimuseum.ca; peimuseumshop.ca

Ghost Tales at the Light

Ghost Tales at the Light circles take place on Wednesdays to August 30 beginning at dusk (approximately 8:45 pm), at Cape Bear Lighthouse & Marconi Station, 42 Black Brook Rd, Murray Harbour. Rain dates are Thursday evenings. This circle of tales will enchant visitors with stories of old (and not so old) Murray Harbour and surrounding areas. Bring bug spray, a flashlight, a comfortable chair, and an open mind. It is recommended to dress in layers as it can get cool on the coast. The circle is limited to 20 people. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets are available at capebearlighthouse.com/events. Info: info@ capebearlighthouse.com; 962-2917

PEI Witch Market

Charlottetown Forum

National event brings together artists, leaders and the public

Leaders in politics, journalism, and the arts announced as speakers for the inaugural Charlottetown Forum

Passes are now available for the inaugural Charlottetown Forum—a national event that brings together artists, leaders, and the public to convene for discussions on matters of importance to Canadians.

Meeting at Confederation Centre of the Arts next to the site of the 1864 Charlottetown Conference, the Charlottetown Forum seeks to promote open learning and sharing of diverse perspectives about the evolving identity of Canada. The Forum is part of the Centre’s wider revitalization plan, which includes the creation of a national culture leadership institute housing new spaces for the creation of art, cultural learning, and public discourse.

This year’s event features three panel discussions and public roundtables on the topics of immigration, economic reconciliation, and finding shared national narratives in a fractured time. Panelists include leaders from politics, journalism, and the arts.

“As Canada continues to learn and grow, Confederation Centre of the Arts has a duty to do the same. Leadership is about listening and genuinely considering perspectives other than our own,” says Centre CEO Steve Bellamy. “The Charlottetown Forum is an opportunity for the Centre to demonstrate its role as a convenor for the interpretation of an evolving Canada; at a time of increasing divisiveness, we are providing opportunities for intercultural understanding, and learning

Small Planet Gathering

Celebrating action on climate change—Aug 19 & 20

For the second year, Rock Barra Retreat is hosting a full weekend of activities celebrating action on climate change. The Small Planet Gathering will take place August 19–20 and will feature a songwriters’ circle, film, outdoor sculpture-making, round circle discussions, stargazing and more.

heritagepreservation.ca

from one another, so that we can make real progress on real issues.”

The inaugural Forum is presented and curated by Confederation Centre of the Arts, in collaboration withsenior curatorial advisorDevyaniSaltzman, a Canadian writer, curator, and arts leader in-depth experience in multidisciplinary programming at the intersection between art, ideas, and social change.

“The Charlottetown Forum is an incredible opportunity to bring Canadians together for important conversations on how we can move forward together as a country,” says Saltzman. “We are thrilled to facilitate these engaging discussions with this impressive group of speakers, all of whom are leaders in their fields.”

The Charlottetown Forum will be held at Confederation Centre of the Arts on November 9 and 10, following the Symons Medal Presentation and Lecture on November 8. Passes are on sale at confederationcentre.com.

humans while scientific assessments claim stocks are down by 90 percent. At the heart of this documentary lies a passionate concern by all about the fate of the giant bluefin tuna.

In the afternoons on August 19 and 20, adults and children are invited to join Brittany Talarico and Birdmouse to create an outdoor sculpture made from beach finds.

Other activities include round circle discussions with representatives from environmental organizations and late night stargazing.

The award-winning film Bluefin will screen August 19. Bluefin is a tale of epic stakes set in North Lake, PEI. With stunning cinematography, director John Hopkins documents why the normally wary bluefin tuna no longer fear

The weekend will close with a songwriters’ circle featuring Dennis Ellsworth, Mathias Kom (Burning Hell), Emily MacLellan and Teresa Doyle.

All events are free except the Sunday evening concert. Located at 211 Big Pond Rd, Souris. Follow @ rockbarraretreat on FB or visit rockbarraretreat.com for more details.

LOUISE VESSEY

A PEI Witch Market pop-up will be held August 26 from 12 noon–5 pm at the Hilda Woolnough Gallery at The Guild in Charlottetown.

Created by Blair Holloway this market features some of the Island’s most crafty witches. There will be a selection of vendors, card readers and creators with treats, crafts and tarot/ oracle readings. The bartender will be slinging witchy brews and a signature cocktail, and there will be some entertainment during the day.

The Cove Journal by JoDee Samuelson

One day at a time

Riding to ght kids’ cancer

The tide clock indicates low tide so we think we’ll walk across the Cove. But morning low tides aren’t particularly low, and by the time we get to the shore the sandbars are already underwater. We wade in anyway, lifting feet carefully over snails, stones and sluggish swampy bits. No one else is around; the Cove belongs to us.

On the other side I choose my own route and end up on the far side of a mucky-bottomed brook. While my friends head back along the edge of the cape, I clamber up the opposite bank to walk barefoot on a mowed path through a meadow of timothy grass chest high, heads heavy with delicate purple blossoms… vetch in full bloom, tendrils reaching out to clamber up anything vertical… showy clusters of Queen Ann’s lace nodding gracefully atop long slender stems… sticky bedstraw spilling out of every empty space…

At trail’s end I pull on sandals, kneeling on a yellow roadside cushion of hop clover pompoms. Some scarlet strawberries catch my attention—oh the flavour! the aroma!—and as I refuse to let any wild strawberry go uneaten I become happily waylaid. My friends meanwhile are already down the road calling to me so I straighten up and hasten on past ditches filled with pink and purple lupins, red clover blossoms, pink roses, ox-eye daisies, showy golden birdsfoot trefoil, a patch of fireweed commemorating some blaze from the past, neon green ferns and lush glossy bayleaves. Can’t we hold this moment for a few more months?

Back in our own yard, yellow daylilies give way to their orange cousins, joined by California poppies, ladybells, bluebells, peonies—such a variety that I barely notice when another flower takes its turn on stage. We’re dining on home grown radishes,

spinach, garlic scapes, lamb’s quarters, baby carrots, strawberries, leaf lettuce, kale, new potatoes… feeling blessed… while hearing about floods in Vermont and fires burning out West. I can’t do anything about these things except worry. Closer to home, a neighbour has had a heart attack, another has an infection in his back, and a friend dislocated her shoulder for a second time—and here I can help. Bring over a loaf of my good molasses-oatmeal bread, stop by for a visit.

Hours pass. The high tide is starting to ebb and I’m ready for a swim. All day the Cove has been warming in the sun and oh my, the water takes no getting used to. You’d think there would be a big crowd at the shore, but beachgoers prefer low tide and the pleasures of sandbar life. A nice towel was left on a rock. Hopefully someone will come back for it.

A swallow speeds by just above the waterline plucking mosquitoes out of thin air. Two seals with wet doggy heads watch us from a sensible distance. A kingfisher flies overhead: what’s it doing so far out to sea? So many little dramas taking place under our very noses, and we’re taking them all in, one day at a time.

Annual yard sale

The annual yard sale at 1257 Donaldston Road in Tracadie will be held from 8 am–4 pm on August 26-27, just in time for back to school. There will be collector’s items, tools, kitchen items, plants, books, crafts, furniture and more. There will also be a bonus sale of crafts from around the world to assist with development projects in Honduras.

Run for the Cure committee seeking volunteers

The local organization committee for the annual CIBC Run for the Cure event is currently seeking volunteers. The event takes place October 1 in Charlottetown. The committee is currently half full and looking for people with experience in event logistics, communications, outreach and social media, who are passionate about the breast cancer cause and want an opportunity make an impact. Visit bit.ly/3m8DQzm or contact jo-ann. mead@cancer.ca for details about available positions and how to get involved.

Kidney Walk PEI

The annual Kidney Walk PEI Stronger Together events will be held in September to raise funds and awareness for The Kidney Foundation Atlantic Branch. Walk with friends and family to help support those living with kidney disease in our community. There will be entertainment and refreshments. The annual walk will take place in Charlottetown on September 9 beginning at Victoria Park Pavilion (Victoria Park Hwy) and in Summerside on September 16 beginning at Credit Union Place (511 Notre Dame St). Registration is at 10 am followed by the walk at 11 am for both locations. Info/register: kidneywalk.ca, velta.tomsons@kidney.ca

When it comes to fighting childhood cancer, Mona Reck, a resident of Stratford, is planning to ride 200 kilometres and raise $700 during the month of August for The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) in support of its 8th annual Great Cycle Challenge Canada. Founded in 2016, Great Cycle Challenge Canada has grown to become one of the biggest cycling events in the country. In seven years, over 115,000 riders from all provinces and territories have ridden 20.1 million kilometres, raising more than $39.4 million for research, care and the development of better treatments and cures for childhood cancer. This year, SickKids Foundation hopes more than 15,000 riders will take part to support of kids’ cancer. To learn more about Mona’s Great Cycle Challenge Canada and to make a donation, visit greatcyclechallenge.ca/Riders/MonaReck. To participate in Great Cycle Challenge Canada, visit greatcyclechallenge.ca.

Blooming House Ride for Refuge

Ride for Refuge, a family friendly walk/ bike event in support of Blooming House, will be held on September 23 from 10 am-1 pm at Malcolm Darrach Community Centre in Charlottetown. Register to raise funds and ride or walk together. Volunteers can sign up to help make this event a success. Info: bethany@ bloominghouse.ca; 213-3767; rideforrefuge.org/charlottetown

‘TIS THE SEASON

Summer is here!

The season we wait all year for, in the best place in the world to enjoy it. Make sure you get out this summer and take in as many of the wonderful PEI experiences as you can. ‘Tis the season, make the most of it!

www.seancasey.ca

Attention Residential Tenants and Landlords

The Residential TenancyOffice invites written comments from tenants and landlords on the maximum allowable rent increase for 2024.

Deadline for comments is Friday, August 11, 2023. Comments can be emailed, mailed or deliveredto:

MaximumAllowable@peirentaloffice.ca

Residential Tenancy Office 5th floor, National Bank Tower 134 Kent Street, PO Box 577Charlottetown, PEI C1A 7L1

For information on previous allowable increases go to: peirentaloffice.ca/allowable-rentincreases/

ISSUE# 356 • AUGUST 2023

www.buzzpei.com @buzzpei

Editor/Sales: Yanik Richards

Editor: Michelle Ollerhead

Website Editor: Nakeesa Aghdasy

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

Contributors: Grace Curtis, Julie Bull, Deirdre Kessler, L.M. Montgomery, Takako Morita, Via Reyes, JoDee Samuelson, Gary Schneider

Office: 160 Richmond Street, Charlottetown

Mail: P.O. Box 1945, Charlottetown, PE C1A7N5

Phone: 902-628-1958

E-mail: info@buzzpei.com

Social Media: @buzzpei

The Buzz is published monthly by Little Kit Bag Inc.

The opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher or staff. Compensation for errors in advertising copy which are the proven responsibility of the publisher is limited to a maximum of the cost of the placement of the advertisement.

Little Kit Bag Inc., operating as The Buzz, acknowledges that we are located on and operate on Mi’kma’ki, the traditional unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq people who have lived here for many thousands of years, and who continue to live here.

Cover: Beach Umbrellas, oil on cradled wood, 36”x36”, by Grace Curtis.

Grace Curtis is a visual artist living in Summerside, PEI. She paints primarily with oil. She holds a Master of Fine Arts in Studio Art from Pensacola Christian College in Florida.

Grace’s recent art reflects rural life on PEI—farm life, lazy beach days, peaceful landscapes. Her work has been shown in galleries throughout the Maritimes and can also be found in private collections across the US and Canada. In 2019, her statue design of Lucy Maud Montgomery was selected for the Montgomery Park in Cavendish, PEI.

Grace’s work can be viewed locally at Details Fine Art Gallery in Charlottetown.

Instagram @gracecurtisfineart gracecurtisfineart.com

SEPTEMBER BUZZ DEADLINE

Submissions and advertising booking deadline for the July issue:

August 15th

Advertising: sales@buzzpei.com

Editorial: info@buzzpei.com

Performance

August 2023 Section B

PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND’S GUIDE TO WHAT’S GOING ON

Junkanoo, DiverseCity Festival (photo: Via Reyes)

Bessie Carruthers is back

Play returns with two performances at Souris Show Hall

After its initial success at the 2019 Island Fringe Festival in Charlottetown, The Bessie Carruthers Study Club returns to the stage at the historic Souris Show Hall this month with two performances, August 24 at 7:30 pm and August 27 at 3:30 pm.

The Bessie Carruthers Study Club is a playful, thoughtful and amusing portrayal of women’s history. The musical is about PEI’s own suffragette history and transports audiences back to the transformative year of 1919, imagining a meeting between two very real women—Bessie Carruthers, a Women’s Institute activist from Charlottetown who played a vital role in advocating for women’s suffrage on PEI, and Miss Ethel Smyth, now known as Dame Smyth, a British musician and suffragette, whose legacy as a significant composer of the 20th century has been more recently rediscovered and celebrated.

Produced by Pirate Jenny Productions, the play stars Suzanne Campbell as Bessie and Jennifer King as Ethel.

Campbell is a celebrated mezzo-soprano and vocal instructor who recently contributed to the 2023

ECMA Choral Recording of the Year award-winning album by the women’s vocal ensemble, Sirens. King is a Halifax-based pianist, recording artist, and recipient of the ECMA Classical Recording of the Year award for her album, O Mistress Moon: Canadian Edition

The chemistry between Campbell and King, complemented by King’s formidable piano skills, has garnered widespread acclaim. The play sold out its run in 2019, captivating audience members of all ages.

Info/tickets: sourisshowhall.com

Music by Johnny Reid, Matt Murray, and Bob Foster Book and lyrics by Johnny Reid and Matt Murray

Photo by Louise Vessey

Empire of the Son

Play by Tetsuro Shigematsu

at Victoria Playhouse

Empire of the Son by Tetsuro Shigematsu will be on stage at the Victoria Playhouse August 30–September 3.

In the multi-disciplinary play, inspired by a series of audio interviews, Tetsuro discovers vast worlds contained within his emotionally remote father—from the ashes of World War II and Hiroshima, to swinging London in the 1960s. As he learns about how his own father was once a son, Tetsuro realizes all the ways in which he himself needs to step up and become a better dad.

Empire of the Son is a funny, emotional portrayal of parent/child relationships, and a reminder that no matter how far one journeys out into the world to find themselves—across decades and continents—one never stops being their parents’ children.

A former writer for This Hour Has 22 Minutes, Tetsuro became the first person of colour to host a daily national radio program in Canada. His theatrical solo-work, Empire of the Son, was described by theatre critic Colin Thomas as “one of the best shows ever to come out of Vancouver. Ever.”

Tetsuro’s other solo-work, 1 Hour Photo was a finalist for the Governor General’s Award for Drama (2019) and

was the co-winner of the Holden Street Theatres’ Edinburgh Fringe Award, (2021). Vancouver’s The Georgia Straight declared him to be “one of the city’s best artists.”

In 2018, Tetsuro earned his PhD in arts-based research from the University of British Columbia and now serves as the creative director of its researchbased Theatre Lab. Learn more at shiggy.com.

For tickets, visit victoriaplayhouse.com or call the box office at 1-800-925-2025.

The Happy Prince

An enchanting family musical for all ages at The Guild

The Happy Prince will be on stage at The Guild in Charlottetown with performances on select dates between August 10–19 at 2 pm.

Based upon the children’s short story “The Importance of Being Earnest” by Oscar Wilde, The Happy Prince is engaging entertainment for the entire family and the young at heart. Written by Canadian composer and lyricist, Leslie Arden, this one-act musical is a timeless tale about friendship, compassion and the transforming power of selfless love.

A once happy prince who never allowed sorrow to enter his palace, becomes a majestic golden statue in his afterlife. Standing high above his kingdom, he becomes aware of the challenges and misfortunes of his people. Meeting his beloved new friend, a gentle swallow, the two make sacrifices to help restore happiness to the subjects below. A tale of kindness and generosity set in a whimsical world full of magic and adventure.

Performers include Caroline

Burton (Into The Woods In Concert), Becca Guilderson (Anne & Gilbert–The Musical, SIMPLY SONDHEIM), Melissa MacKenzie (Kitbag Theatre, The Songs of Johnny & June), with accompaniment by Morgan Saulnier.

The running time is 50 minutes, perfect for an afternoon of family fun at the theatre.

theguildpei.com

MIKA SHIGEMATSU

Tetsuro Shigematsu

PHOTOS SUBMITTED

Melissa MacKenzie Becca Guilderson

Caroline Berton Morgan Saulnier

BOBCAYGEON BOBCAYGEON

The shows must go on

Feature productions continue at Watermark Theatre, Sobey Family Theatre and Florence Simmons Performance Hall

Gaslight

Watermark Theatre until August 25

Johnna Wright and Patty Jamieson’s Gaslight is on stage at Watermark Theatre until August 25.

Gaslight is based on the play Angel Street by Patrick Hamilton. The 1938 thriller spawned the term “gaslighting,” which is a word that is now used to describe an insidious form of mental abuse.

In Gaslight, Bella Manningham hears strange sounds and the gas lights dim for no apparent reason. Is she losing her grip on reason, or is it being loosened for her? Bella thinks she’s losing her mind. The truth might be far worse.

The Watermark production of Gaslight is directed by Martha Irving and stars Marlene Handrahan, Benton Hartley and Kristena McCormack and Risha Nanda.

Steel Magnolias

Watermark Theatre until August 26

Steel Magnolias by Robert Harling continues at Watermark Theatre in North Rustico until August 26.

A group of Louisiana women bond and gossip at a local beauty shop while following the marriage and motherhood of one of the customer’s daughters. As the title implies, these ladies can be as delicate as magnolias—and as tough as steel. When tragedy strikes, they draw on their underlying strength and love.

Directed by Samantha Wilson, the Watermark production of Steel Magnolias stars Gracie Finley, Marlene Handrahan, Sharleen Kalayil, Kristena McCormack, Risha Nanda and Marlane O’Brien.

Tickets for Steel Magnolias and Gaslight at watermarktheatre.com.

The Watermark Theatre company for summer 2023.

(top): Kristena McCormack, Marlene Handrahan, Marlane O’Brien and Gracie Finley. (bottom): Risha Nanda, Benton Hartley and Sharleen Kalayil.

Sobey Family Theatre until September 2

There is still time to catch MAGGIE at The Charlottetown Festival at Confederation Centre of the Arts.

Set in post-war Scotland, MAGGIE tells the inspirational tale of a fiery school cleaner living in the mining town of Lanarkshire. After suffering an unthinkable loss, she must rely on her strength, sense of humour, and fiercely loyal group of friends to raise her boys and protect them from the harsh and ever-changing world around them. The heartfelt show features a soul-stirring score by recording artistJohnny Reid, a Scot who immigrated to Canada as a teenager. The musical is based on the true story of his grandmother.

“

MAGGIE celebrates not only my Gran and her life, but also an entire generation of women who fought through some tough times by keeping faith, hope, love, family, friendship, and humour close to heart,” says Reid. “It reminds us that joy and laughter can be found, even in the darkest of times.”

Tickets at confederationcentre.com.

The Play That Goes Wrong

Sobey Family Theatre until September 23

The Charlottetown Festival presents The Play That Goes Wrong in the Sobey Family Theatre at Confederation Centre of the Arts until September 23.

The Sherlock Holmes meets Monty Python production is a play within a play, telling the story of a failing theatre troupe trying to put on a murder mystery. The show is chock-full of mishaps and madcap mania that delivers fun for all ages.

Set during the opening night of the fictitious play The Murder at Haversham Manor, things quickly go from bad to utterly disastrous—an unconscious leading lady, a corpse that can’t play dead, and actors who trip over everything (including their lines).

Anne & Gilbert: The Musical

Florence Simmons Performance Hall until September 2

Anne & Gilbert: The Musical continues at the Florence Simmons Performance Hall in Charlottetown until October 5.

Based on the novels Anne of the Island and Anne of Avonlea by L.M. Montgomery, Anne & Gilbert: The Musical features a 20-member cast and orchestra, award-winning songs, comedy and drama.

Hailed in Variety as “delightful” and “utterly charming,” Anne & Gilbert is the story of Anne Shirley’s journey into young adulthood as she experiences her first job, university and a tumultuous romance with Gilbert Blythe.

The family-friendly musical is reserved for ages four years and older.

Tickets at tproatlantic.ticketpro.ca anneangilbert.com

Directed by Herbie Barnes, The Play That Goes Wrong stars Graham Putnam, Aaron Ryder, Dawn WardDames, Jamie McRoberts, Julius Sermonia, Jay Davis, Jeremy Legat and Sweeney MacArthur. Tickets at confederationcentre.com.

(left–right): William Lincoln, Aidan Burke, Dharma Bizier and Lawrence Libor

Rebecca Guilderson as Anne and Hugh Ritchie as Gilbert

DAHLIA KATZ PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTOS SUBMITTED SUBMITTED

(Clockwise from top-left): The Play That Goes Wrong stars Graham Putnam, Aaron Ryder, Jamie McRoberts, Jay Davis, Julius Sermonia and Dawn Ward-Dames

Review by Sean McQuaid

Reign of error

The Play That Goes Wrong Charlottetown Festival, Sobey Family Theatre

June 24, 2023

As Krusty the Clown once said, “I’m a lazy, lazy man.” So, assigned multiple reviews in June, I sought reinforcements. The Play That Goes Wrong being billed as family fun, I cajoled wife Carol and daughter Elsa into helping me critique the show as a family. Three reviews for the price of one, a marvel of critical efficiency diminished only slightly by the spectre of child labour.

The Play That Goes Wrong (TPTGW) began in the UK as 2012’s The Murder Before Christmas, a one-act indie farce written by Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer & Henry Shields of Mischief Theatre. Their two-act TPTGW version debuted in 2014 and became an award-winning international smash.

The premise: an inept community theatre group lucks into some money and mounts an ambitious murder mystery (The Murder at Haversham Manor) which they proceed to botch in every way imaginable. Missed cues, misplaced props, mispronounced words, collapsing sets, physical injuries and more – it’s a spectacular theatrical train wreck, heavy on slapstick and light on plot. It’s not deep intellectual stuff (picture the rambunctious love child of Noises Off and America’s Funniest Home Videos), but when it’s as well-executed as it is here, it is relentlessly funny.

“It was one of the most perfect displays of organized chaos I’ve ever seen in a live performance,” says Elsa. The show is full of sight gags, special effects and physical stunts, often all at once. The kind of careful planning and precision timing that director Herbie Barnes, stage manager Christine Oakey and company need to make all this kerfuffle happen on cue boggles the mind.

TPTGW set designer William Layton’s expertly engineered, extensively booby-trapped set simulates the “death trap” conditions of the playwithin-a-play’s manor set and enables some oft-daring slapstick comedy routines. It’s a cleverly multi-functional structure, and Layton gives it the right look for hapless amateurs flush with cash—lavish but cheesy, stately yet slipshod, as bright and as fake as a presidential candidate’s smile.

The play has interactive elements, such as drafting audience members into helping prep the stage. “I enjoyed how the play kinda started before the play actually started,” Elsa says. “It’s like a fun little prologue.” TPTGW also has moments—some explicitly anticipated in the script, others more fluid—where the actors have leeway to improvise or interact with the audience, ideal fodder for one particular cast member.

Local improv comedy veteran Graham Putnam (full disclosure: a past colleague many moons ago) has been the face of the Festival’s TPTGW promotions, though the uniformly splendid cast also includes fellow Islanders Aaron Ryder & Dawn Ward-Dames, Festival alumni Jay Davis, Jeremy Legat & Sweeney MacArthur and Festival newcomers Jamie McRoberts and Julius Sermonia, all playing assorted murder mystery actors/characters and stage crew members.

Putnam’s character, drama society head Chris, directs the play-within-aplay and stars in it as Inspector Carter. This dual centrality helps explain Putnam’s publicity prominence, which also feels apt in other ways. With the Festival’s signature Anne musical on a non-pandemic hiatus for the first time in decades, this year’s summer casting has more latitude for non-singing, non-dancing performers like comedy savant Putnam, creating more opportunities for a wider range of local actors, and freeing up a mainstage slot for non-musical shows like TPTGW. The Putnam-centric publicity is the perfect symbol of this shift; his brief Annekenstein stint notwithstanding, no one is ever going to mistake Graham Putnam for Anne of Green Gables.

TLDR? Carol sums it all up: “The Play that Goes Wrong is hilarious and silly and perfect for summer viewing when your brain needs a rest. It is wonderful to see local folks get their time in the spotlight. Definitely a family-friendly show worth seeing.” More cuttingly, after seeing both of this summer’s mainstage Festival shows, Carol remarked: “Anne who?” Anne Shirley, we hardly knew ye…

River Clyde Pageant

Outdoor spectacle in New Glasgow

The River Clyde Pageant returns to New Glasgow for the seventh edition of its outdoor spectacle. The Pageant is created in collaboration with community members and artists from PEI and across North America, culminating in eight performances from July 27–30 and August 3–6.

The Pageant features giant puppets, stilt walkers, music, dance, a parade and many stories coming together to create a magical theatre experience. The show begins with an outdoor procession arriving at a performance site in a

Ebb & Flow

Indigenous and settlement stories, music and writings

Ebb & Flow: Tides of Settlement on PEI continues at Farringford House in Charlottetown on Monday evenings at 7 pm until August 14.

Through photographs, video, song and music, the all-ages show presents Indigenous and settlement stories about PEI and its people by an ensemble of musicians, singers, and storytellers. They include Tiffany Liu (pipa player), Julie Pellissier-Lush (storyteller, singer, author), Nico Romero (guitar), Musical Director Amanda Mark (flute, bass, vocals) and Artistic Director Laurie Murphy (vocals, songwriter, percussion). The upcoming weekly guests are Shane Pendergast (July 31), Scott Parsons (Aug 7), and Luisa F. Güiza (Aug 14). Technical direction is by Pat Caron.

field of wildflowers. Audience members are seated amidst a set built from windfall and debris from Hurricane Fiona, designed by Ian McFarlane. Performances start at 7:30 pm, and Saturday and Sunday shows are followed by an outdoor meal prepared by Chef Emily Wells of The Mill in New Glasgow. riverclydepageant.com

Tickets are available in advance at marram.ca or at the door on show dates starting at 6 pm. The venue is air-conditioned, offers bar service, and has accessible parking nearby. PEI Handpies will be available for purchase at intermission.

Info: @EbbandFlowPEI (Twitter); @EbbandFlowShow (IG)

The 2022 River Clyde Pageant ROBERT VAN WAARDEN

PHOTOS SUBMITTED

(clockwise from top-left): Amanda Mark, Ti any Liu, Laurie Murphy and Nico Romero; (centre): Julie Pellessier-Lush

Highland Storm

An evening of Celtic music and dance

Highland Storm continues until August 5 at the Scott MacAulay Performing Arts Centre in Summerside.

Highland Storm tells a story of the Scots arriving on PEI and reimagines their first year on the Island. Through Celtic music and dance, the show transports the audience back in time, over 250 years ago, when three ships— the Annabella, the Edinburgh and the Falmouth—arrived in PEI having carried families from their homeland in Scotland to a new land with little more than the clothes on their backs.

collegeofpiping.com

Fire In The Kitchen

A party of ddling, songs and stories

Fire In The Kitchen at the Scott MacAulay Performing Arts Centre in Summerside features an evening of PEI fiddling, songs and stories from the heart of the home—the kitchen.

This fiery party showcases a different PEI fiddle master at each show, along with a guest singer-songwriter and storyteller. The upcoming lineup of guests includes Mark Haines (July 31) and Gilbert Arsenault and Christine Gallant (August 7).

Rounding out the cast is the house band—Roland Beaulieu (guitar), Tanya Bernard (keyboard), Deryl Gallant (bass), Max Gallant (drums) and two guest step dancers each night. collegeofpiping.com

That’s The Island For Ya Deer!

Farmgate Theatre fare

A bounty of arts and entertainment in August

PEI’s Farmgate Theatre is busy this month, presenting The Gathering, an outdoor multi-disciplinary event at Finally Farm in Bonshaw, and producing The Good Time Radio Variety Show in collaboration with Victoria Playhouse in Victoria-by-the-Sea.

After the successful immersive theatre show The Road to Belong in 2021, Farmgate is once again offering an outdoor theatrical adventure at Finally Farm in Bonshaw. “This year’s event leans more toward a family-fun day on the farm,” says Karen Graves, co-producer at Farmgate Theatre and artistic director of The Gathering, which takes place in the afternoon on August 19 (raindate August 20).

Farmgate will welcome their first artist in residence this summer, performer Annie Lockerbie Newton, who will be featured in the August show. A recent graduate of esteemed school, École Internationale Jacques Lecoq in Paris, Annie will be creating an original piece based in clown and physical theatre, directed by Charlotte Gowdy.

Other highlights for this event include Julie Pellissier-Lush and Joseph Beeley, who will lead a poetic forest walk; a live concert of Bhakti song around the campfire, led by well-known Canadian theatre actor and musician Eliza-Jane Scott; and the PEI debut of Julea Boswell’s colourful, mood-boosting and touchable visual art project, Painted Dances. There will also be a walk through a large scale labyrinth in the field, a recess snack, and time to socialize around the fire and meet the artists. Tickets are available at farmgatetheatre.ca.

Farmgate continues its collaboration with Victoria Playhouse on The Good Time Radio Variety Show, created

Shirley Valentine

The final performance of That’s The Island For Ya Deer! Songs and Stories of the Island You THOUGHT You Knew! takes place July 29 at the Scott MacAulay Performing Arts Centre in Summerside. The show features Mike Pendergast and Shane Pendergast. collegeofpiping.com

Willy Russell play will return for a second run in September

After a successful run in July, Victoria Playhouse will again present the hit comedy Shirley Valentine by Willy Russell to end their summer season in Victoria-by-the-Sea. Performances will take place September 6–17.

“We had a lot of fun with this show at the Playhouse in 2021—the crowds loved it,” says MacDuffee. “So when the Playhouse’s new artistic director, Johanna Nutter, approached us about doing an updated version of it for their 2023 season, we jumped on it!”

Molnar adds, “It’s a whole new show with new music, new hilarious comedy sketches and a new thrilling ghost story. It’s also more of a play this time out, with an overarching story about the radio station and the personalities who are performing the show.”

Nutter worked with Molnar and MacDuffee, acting as dramaturg for their new script. “It’s been a wonderful process watching the two of them find the purpose of the show.”

The Good Time Radio Variety Show is playing at Victoria Playhouse from August 2–27. Tickets are available at victoriaplayhouse.com.

“Gone to Greece, back in two weeks.” This seven-word note meets one surprised husband after the frustrated Mrs. Joe Bradshaw decides to accept a friend’s offer of a free trip to Greece. Reduced to talking to the kitchen wall while she prepares her husband’s dinner, the former Shirley Valentine decides to regain some lost ground in this endearing story of a plucky housewife who sets out to rediscover herself, stretch marks and all, on a Greek Island.

Directed by Robert Tsonos, with set design by Scott MacConnell, the play stars Johanna Nutter. victoriaplayhouse.com

by Cameron McDuffee and Julain Molnar.

COURTESY THE ARTIST

Embrace by Julea Boswell

Review by Norah Pendergast

Beauty in its purest form

Steel Magnolias

Watermark Theatre, North Rustico

July 14, 2022

Performed by Gracie Finley (Clairee), Marlene Handrahan (M’Lynn), Sharleen Kalayil (Truvy), Kristena McCormack (Annelle), Risha Nanda (Shelby), Marlane O’Brien (Ouiser). Directed by Samantha Wilson. Written by Robert Harling. Supported by Cory Sincennes (set design), Julia Kim (costumes), Alison Crosby (lighting), Pat Carron (sound design), Samantha Bruce, Jeanna MacIsaac (stage managers), Barb Pineau (consultant)

The Watermark is offering two iconic plays this summer that support its claim to be “the best theatre on PEI.” Steel Magnolias, originally written for the stage, takes place entirely within the intimacy of a hair salon where the ensemble cast’s personalities flair against the backdrop of 1980s Chinquapin, Louisiana. The audience is greeted by a finely decorated, retro beauty parlor that promises all the indulgent excitement of freshly styled hair. The plot is driven by naturalistic dialogue rich with hilarious truisms and rural poetics, not unlike the lyrics of classic country songs.

Truvy (Kalayil), the shop owner, for whom, “there is no such thing as natural beauty,” hosts this homage to femininity. Annelle (McCormack), a kind, young stylist is maternally initiated into the parish town salon’s culture of sharing each other’s highs and lows and all the irresistable gossip. Physical acting of the rituals of esthetics flows with natural constancy, propelling the lively conversation and the sharp comedic writing leaves the audience thoroughly satisfied.

Hair styles show the passage of time, life phases, popular trends, camaraderie and connection. Outside the salon the characters are inhibited by economic and family demands, their victories and failures. Away from men, the salon allows a loosening of decorum of the feminine mystique, to which the audience are voyeurs.

It was refreshing to watch an entire play without a man setting foot on stage. Though they never make an appearance physically, amusing incompetences of men are vented. They are risk-taking buffoons or worse, but also they provide romantic fulfillment and devotion as committed companions. Steel Magnolias’ 1980s statements of feminism and femininity are dated but the story succeds as a celebration of friendship and femaleness that still rings true.

Veterans of the stage, Gracie Finley,

Marlene Handrahan and Marlane

O’Brien give memorable performances; Finley plays Clairee, the dignified widow of the mayor who refuses idleness in retirement and invests in becoming the boss and owner of a radio station. Handrahan’s lyrical drawl and maternal intuitions are perfect in the role of M’Lynn, the quintessential southern matriarch. O’Brien’s performance is raucously funny as the curmudgeonly Ouiser, whose bark is far worse than her bite. They are well balanced by young Kristena McCormack, who patiently responds with born again Christian idealism to the often ribald comedy of the others. Risha Nanda is flawless in the role of virtuously determined Shelby and Sharleen Kalayil as Truvy graces the stage with smooth wisdom and flattery that restores damaged hair and the egos of her patrons.

Each character is vital to the ensemble performance. Titillating gossip and dramatic life events engross the audience and as over two hours fly by, each character has turns being the center of the action. Together they demonstrate all the functions of friendship.

The second half of the play is more serious as the characters contend with the fragility of life and the temporality of companions who may be gone in body but who leave objects and influence and connections that endure.

Exiting into the still night of the Acadian village of North Rustico, humid perfume in the Watermark garden suspends the Louisiana climate, offering a gentle transition from the catharsis of the connection to characters and their world.

Written after the playwright lost his sister to diabetes, I promised myself to return and bring people whom Steel Magnolias reminds me to cherish, to share the beauty of this production that will blossom for many lucky audiences this summer.

DINNER THEATRE

La Cuisine à Mémé

Presented by Productions Cuisine à Mémé, performances of La Cuisine à Mémé dinner theatre take place August

1–2. Based on the success of the last two summers, this year once again returned to the very first years of the dinner show that took place at the former Acadian Pioneer Village in 1985-86. At that time, the character of Grandma was a puppet, a kind of mistress of ceremonies; she and the rest of the company presented comedic skits based on various characters and situations with a bit of improvisation and all sorts of surprises. There will be different special guests at each show. productionsmeme.ca

La Wake à Gélas

La Wake à Gélas café-theatre, presented by Les Productions Cuisine à Mémé, will be on stage at Mont-Carmel Parish Hall in Mont-Carmel August 3-5. Co-writer and artistic director Paul D. Gallant tells the story of La Wake à Gélas: After his daughter’s wedding in 2019, the summer of 2023 brings the sad news of Gélas’ tragic and unexpected death. The cast includes Gérald (Ge) Arsenault, Sophie Gallant, Debbie Rousselle-Montgomery, Jaden MacInnis, Katie Marchbank and Briley Cameron. The original script was written in 2017 by Ryan Doucette, Paul D. Gallant and Alexandre Poirier. Gallant made a few adjustments to better reflect its presentation in PEI. This is a café-theatre concept which doesn’t offer a full supper, but an ample snack with tea, coffee and cash bar service. productionsmeme.ca

La Veillée au Village Village musical acadien’s 2023 edition of La Veillée au Village dinner theatre

Acting classes

With Carl Marotte at The Guild

in Abram-Village continues through August. The show features comedy, music, singing, dancing and food, and is presented in French every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Showtime is 6:30 pm. The 2023 troupe includes Louise Arsenault, Jonathan Arsenault, Angie Arsenault, Dawson Arsenault and Shane Arsenault. Brother-sister duo Albert Arsenault and Hélène Bergeron wrote the show and are directing. Rémi Arsenault and Sylvie Toupin round out the musical and artistic direction team. The comedy and music revue formula features an announcer who introduces the acts and presents some funny commercials, with additional video clips incorporated. Audiences can expect traditional fiddle tunes and instrumental pieces, and contemporary and familiar songs. The evening begins with two dinner courses, followed by the first half of the show. Dessert will be served, followed by the final half of the show. Tickets must be reserved or purchased in advance at villagemusical.ca or at the Village musical acadien reception desk.

Keep It Canadian

The Stompin’ Tom Centre’s 2023 Festival Series presents the dinner theatre Keep It Canadian by Erin Dunn-Keefe on Tuesdays and Thursdays until September 28. Visitors can expect some Stompin’ Tom tunes and belly laughs courtesy of the cast of seasoned veterans: Danalee Lynch, Bruce Arsenault, Trish Handrahan and Brayden McGuigan, who is making his debut as Stompin’ Tom. The evening includes a three course dinner, with the entrée served during the first intermission followed by dessert, tea/coffee during the second intermission. 14024 Rte 14, Skinners Pond. stompintomcentre.com

Review by Sean McQuaid

Tricks of the light

Gaslight

Watermark Theatre, North Rustico

July 15, 2023

In recent years, the Watermark Theatre has aimed for a mix of classics and newer works with more diverse and inclusive perspectives. This often means alternating between oldies and modern fare; but some shows check both boxes, like Watermark’s slick new production Gaslight

It’s a new version of Patrick Hamilton’s 1938 hit British play Gas Light, which enjoyed a long Broadway run as Angel Street (1941-1944) and was also adapted in other forms, notably as two respected movies: the UK’s 1940 version and the USA’s 1944 remake, both titled Gaslight

This new Gaslight, written by actors Patty Jamieson and Johnna Wright, debuted at the Shaw Festival in 2022 and reinterprets the story through a feminist lens, giving its distressed damsel a larger role in rescuing herself. Victorian newlywed Bella (played here by Risha Nanda) adores her apparently doting husband Jack (Benton Hartley), but she’s also troubled. An orphan haunted by her mother’s history of mental illness, Bella fears for her own sanity when she suffers seeming memory lapses, hears mysterious noises, and notices her house’s gas-fueled lights dimming inexplicably.

A Few Good Men. The text also makes Elizabeth’s intentions so ambiguous and inconsistent that her portrayer is left to do much of the character-building via subtext. On the other hand, the new play’s versions of Bella and Jack are improvements, the former less passive and the latter less overtly sketchy.

Hartley excels at nice guy roles so he’s smoothly convincing as a supportive spouse, but there’s enough brooding intensity lurking just beneath that blandly placid exterior to fuel the story’s darker turns as needed. Nanda shows range aplenty as Bella, equally effective as starry-eyed lover, despairing neurotic and cagey reluctant sleuth. Meanwhile, Handrahan grounds Elizabeth in a sense of dignity with glimmers of perceptive insight, while McCormack leans into Nancy’s shamelessness with crowd-pleasing snark.

Director Martha Irving (full disclosure: daughter of my past collaborator Ron Irving), set designer Cory Sincennes, costume designer Julia Kim, lighting designer Alison Crosby and sound designer Pat Caron all do great work here in terms of establishing time, place, atmosphere and mood with eerily versatile lights and sound, attractive period outfits and a darkly handsome Victorian Gothic household set.

for negative or derogatory behaviour. The three classes on offer are:

Youth Intro to Acting on Saturdays, October 7–November 4, at 11 am; Adult Beginner Acting on Saturdays, October 7–November 4, at 1 pm; and Advanced Scene Study on Wednesdays, October 4–November 1, at 6 pm.

Complications include the tragic history of their London home, reportedly the site of a brutal murder and jewel robbery before their tenancy, a history their taciturn housekeeper Elizabeth (Marlene Handrahan) knows ominously well; and the arrival of new young maid Nancy (Kristena McCormack), a lazy troublemaker who clearly fancies Jack and may have darker designs on the household.

Registration is now open for fall acting classes at The Guild in Charlottetown.

Instructor Carl Marotte, who moved to PEI about six years ago, has worked as an actor, director and stunt performer, starred in several television series, and received two Gemini nominations. Marotte has travelled the world as an actor, and can count Susan Sarandon, Keanu Reeves and James Garner among his many co-stars. He adheres strictly to a judgement free zone in his classes so that participants are free to be, with no allowance made

Youth Intro is for discovering what it is like to be an actor, to tread the boards in front of a rapt audience or to step into a close-up on a movie set. Adult Intro is for those who wish to fulfill their dream of becoming an actor, or to help with everyday life, with confidence and poise. Adult Advanced Scene Study is for students who are looking to work seriously on their craft and admission is by interview only. This is a unique opportunity to study acting technique, scene breakdown, character development and working for the camera.

All three classes are offered in an inclusive judgement-free zone. Info/register: theguildpei.com

The new Gaslight omits the police detective who intervenes in the original story. This furthers the revamped play’s feminism since older versions wallow in mansplaining, with Jack and the policeman competing to define what’s happening and determine how Bella should handle it. Is she going mad or is someone trying to drive her insane? This question underlies every version of Gaslight to some extent, even inspiring the modern verb “gaslighting” in reference to insidious, sanity-eroding manipulation.

With no police around, the new Bella must do her own detective work; but the Jamieson/Wright script takes shortcuts here, such as Bella randomly stumbling upon a critical clue and Nancy later getting recklessly confessional on a level akin to Jack Nicholson’s courtroom meltdown in

Said set features unique, highly reflective walls, conjuring a hall-ofmirrors look that’s visually fascinating, potently claustrophobic and thematically apt; and depending on how they’re lit, these walls are often semi-translucent, sometimes even fully transparent, enabling effects ranging from subtly spooky to jarringly startling. Such beguiling tricks of the light are Irving’s secret weapon in a compellingly off-kilter show where audience and characters alike are never entirely sure of what they might see.

Carl Marotte

Island Fringe Festival

Seven productions at three venues in Charlottetown

The 12th annual Island Fringe Festival returns August 2–6. This year will showcase seven productions at three downtown Charlottetown venues— City Cinema, Havenwood Dance Studio and The Carriage House at Beaconsfield. The performing arts festival unites artists and audiences in fun, exploratory environments.

This year’s Festival includes 28 ticketed shows by local and visiting artists featuring contemporary and experimental theatre, dance, comedy, musicals and solo shows—all chosen by random draw. In addition, there will be an opening launch party, awards and closing party, and After Dark events every night, including Good Ol’ Variety Show, Trivia with Katie Perry and Cider Tasting with Red Island Cider.

The opening launch party on August 2 will give the audience some insight into this year’s performances, and encourage participation in a fun-filled, family-friendly game of Truth or Dare. Opening, closing and After Dark events are free to attend, however, tickets are required to attend performances.

The seven productions this year are detailed below. For the complete schedule and to purchase advance tickets, visit islandfringe.com. Cash admission will be accepted at the door.

Likehard: A Stand-up Comedy

by Tanya Nicolle

Tanya Nicolle’s stand-up comedy show reflects on her life through goofy observations, and raw stories—from growing up on a bizarre farm in rural PEI, to now living as an adult with mental illness.

Join Tanya for a rollercoaster of jokes, and truly learn what it means to

be a Likehard. This 45-minute show has mature themes.

Jinny and Jack vs The Thoughts in their Heads

by Chantalyne Beausoleil and Ryan Sutherland

Rhythm Fusion by Island dancers from the Rhythm Collective

Step into the world of rhythm and tap with this innovative Fringe Festival production. Watch as tap dancers fuse with various types of percussion to create a unique and exciting performance. This isn’t a typical tap show—they are breaking boundaries and going outside the box to bring the audience an energetic, one-of-a-kind performance.

Six Songs about Six Men I’ve Dated

by June Morrow

new play, battle lines will be drawn, and blood will be shed. The Prick is a love story—you’ve been warned. Starring Melissa MacKenzie, this 60-minute show is written and directed by Brynn Cutcliffe and is rated R.

Transpectrum

by Riley Jane Carson

Given their neurotic behaviours, Jinny and Jack aren’t the most popular of kids. They meet at an OCD support group where they develop a strong bond. As they confuse affection for romance, things take a turn for the awkward. In this whirlwind tale of self-acceptance and chosen family, the normal path was never on the radar anyways.

A comedic exploration of dating apps, ambiguity, kink, red flags and the search for love in middle age. In 2022, playwright June Morrow moved to PEI after dating every age-appropriate man in Ontario.

Through original songs, stand-up and re-enactments, she recounts six of her most memorable experiences. Directed by Island theatre and improv maestro Laurie Murphy, the show also stars Albert Arsenault. This is an 18+ show.

The Prick

by Brynn Cutcli e

Guenevere thought it would be easy: girl meets cactus, girl loves cactus, cactus loves girl back. She never meant for it to go this far.In this darkly comedic

This one-woman show follows the journey of Riley Jane Carson. This neurodivergent trans beauty queen explains how a love for Anne of Green Gables awakened her identity;and after over 30 years of self-denial, it took another red headed Ann to help her rediscover her gender identity.

Whiskey Flicks LIVE!

by Michael Niederman and Daniel McCoy

An unscripted, booze-infused deep dive into film. For each performance, Daniel curates a one-time-only series of themed movie clips, to which Michael reacts with an improvised mix of film criticism, social commentary and personal narrative... with whiskey. Michael doesn’t know what Daniel’s going to play, Daniel doesn’t know what Michael’s going to say, and the audience is along for the ride.

Each performance is a unique experience for both audience and performers, drawing on a century of cinema to delve into how we live now, to reflect on how art reflects life (and vice versa), and to remember why we fell in love with the movies in the first place.

PERFORMANCE

music, theatre, dance, comedy…

Mondays | 8 pm

Rat Tales Comedy Night

Hosted by Britt Campbell. Baba’s Lounge, Charlottetown

until Aug 2 | select dates, 6:30 pm

La Cuisine à Mémé

Mont-Carmel

until Aug 5 | select dates, 6:30 pm

La Wake à Gélas

Mont-Carmel

until Aug 25 | 12 pm

Munschables

Confed Centre: Outdoor Amphitheatre, Charlottetown

until Aug 25 | select dates/times

Gaslight

Watermark Theatre, North Rustico

until Aug 26 | select dates/times

Steel Magnolias

Watermark Theatre, North Rustico

until Sept 2 | select dates/times

MAGGIE

Sobey Family Theatre, Charlottetown

until Sept 2 | select dates/times

The Songs of Johnny & June

The Mack, Charlottetown

until Sept 22 | select dates/times

I’m Every Woman

The Mack, Charlottetown

until Sept 28 | Wed & Thu, 8 pm, select Sat, 2 pm

Inside American Pie

Harmony House, Hunter River until Sept 28 | 7:30 pm

The Play That Goes Wrong

Sobey Family Theatre, Charlottetown

until Sept 28 | select dates/times

Keep it Canadian

Dinner theatre. Stompin’ Tom Centre, Skinners Pond

until Sept 30 | Fri & Sat, 8 pm

The 27 Club

Harmony House, Hunter River

until Oct 5

Anne & Gilbert - The Musical

Florence Simmons Performance Hall, Charlottetown

July 27–30, Aug 3–6

River Clyde Pageant

New Glasgow

July 28 | 10:30 pm

Musical Hayhem

A Late Night Cabaret. The Guild, Charlottetown

July 28 | 6:30 pm

Cabaret for Change: Pride

Edition

Featuring Joce Reyome, Maggie Estey, Xclusiv Crew, Tristian Ginger and Wilma Checklear. The Guild, Charlottetown

July 28

Hauler

The Fiddling Fisherman Lookout, Souris

July 28 | 7:30 pm

It’s 5 O’clock Right Here! The Alan Jackson Experience

Featuring Aaron Halliday. Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside

July 28 | 8 pm

J.P. Cormier

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

July 28 | 6 pm, July 29 | 9 pm

Queens of Country

Featuring Jackie Putnam. The Manse, Marshfield

July 28–30

Three Rivers Arts & Culture Festival

threeriversfestivals.com

Montague Waterfront, Montague

July 28–30

Pride by the Sea

July 28, 7 pm; July 30, 2 pm: Are You There Margaret? It’s Me Gawd. Drag comedy featuring Uma Gawd. Victoria Playhouse, Victoria

July 29, 5 pm: Ephemeral. Outdoor circus presented by Vague de Cirque. Dunrovin Park, Victoria

July 28, 30, 31, Aug 1

The Wonder of It All Kings Playhouse, Georgetown

July 29 | 3 pm

Song Circle with Jay Gavin

Stompin’ Tom Centre, Skinners Pond

July 29 | 4 pm

Ghost Town + Alyssa Harper

Outdoor Show. BYO bevies and chairs. Red Dirt Girl Music Room, Middleton

July 29 | 6:30 pm

Jason McCoy

Stompin’ Tom Centre, Skinners Pond

July 29 | 7:30 pm

Fiddlers’ Sons

Featuring Eddy Quinn, John B Webster and Keelin Wedge. Souris Show Hall, Souris

July 29 | 7:30 pm

Jessica Gallant is Dolly Parton!

Under the Spire Music Festival. Historic St Mary’s, Indian River

July 29 | 8 pm

Lady Soul

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

July 29 | 7:30 pm

That’s The Island For Ya Deer!

Songs and Stories of the Island You THOUGHT You Knew! Featuring Michael and Shane Pendergst. Scott MacAulay Performing Arts Centre, Summerside

July 30 | 12 pm

Drag Brunch Pride Edition

With Tristan Ginger, Lottie Max, Boof, Miz. Majestix and Molly Pocket. Ponyboat Social Club, Charlottetown

July 30 | 3 pm

Guillaume Villeneuve and Bertrand Cuiller

Baroque chamber music. Under the Spire Music Festival. Historic St Mary’s, Indian River

July 30

DiverseCity Festival

Celebration of multiculturalism, diversity and inclusion though music, dance, food and more. Montague Waterfront, Three Rivers

July 30 | 7:30 pm

Finley Mullally and the River

Thieves

Rock Barra Retreat, Rock Barra

July 30 | 8 pm

Queer Songwriter’s Circle

Featuring Joce Reyome, Noah Malcolm, Lucia Dostal and host, Tori Nylon. Copper Bottom Brewing, Montague

July 30, 31 | 8 pm

Myles Goodwyn

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

July 31, Aug 7 | 7:30 pm

Fire In The Kitchen

Featuring Mark Haines (July 31) and Gilbert Arsenault & Christine Gallant (Aug 7); plus guest step dancers. Scott MacAulay Performing Arts Centre, Summerside

July 31, Aug 7, 14 | 7 pm

Ebb & FlowEbb & Flow: Tides of Settlement on PEI

Special guests Shane Pendergast (July 31), Scott Parsons (Aug 7), and Luisa

F. Güiza (Aug 14). Haviland Club, Charlottetown

Aug 1, 2

Vhikthør Vhølkhem, countertenor

Summer Concert Series.

Aug 1, 7 pm: St Simon and St Jude’s, Tignish

Aug 2, 1 pm: St. Dunstan’s Basillica, Charlottetown

Aug 1, 2, 22, 23 | 7:30 pm

Catherine MacLellan: The Songs of Gene MacLellan

Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside

Aug 1, 8, 15, 22, 28, 29 | 8 pm

Patrick Ledwell & Friend

Weekly special guest Dan Hendricken (Aug 1), Katherine Cairns (8), Tanya Nicolle (22) and a live recording (28–29). Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Aug 2–6

The Island Fringe Festival

Unconventional performances in unconventional venues. islandfringe.com Charlottetown

Aug 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 | 8 pm

C’Mon In! Atlantic Canada’s Best Kitchen Party

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Aug 2–27 | select dates

The Good Time Radio Variety Show

Victoria Playhouse, Victoria-by-the-Sea

Aug 3 | 7:30 pm

Perfect Pairings: Joce & The Pointer Sisters

The Guild, Charlottetown

Aug 3 | 8 pm

Island Jazz: Harp Jazz ft. Caedda Enright

Baba’s Lounge, Charlottetown

…continued on page B16

Pride 2023

Festival celebrations continue to July 30

The 2023 PEI Pride Festival continues to July 30, celebrating Island Pride with drag shows and brunches, comedies, parades, performances, an outdoor circus and more.

Events continue on July 28 with the all ages Creative Space at Beaconsfield Carriage House in Charlottetown at 4 pm. DragX Entertainment presents Cabaret for Change: Pride edition at The Guild in Charlottetown starting at 6:30 pm. This event begins with a cocktail social, exclusive Meet and Greet with Irma Gerd, followed by the cabaret show at 8 pm with Joce Reyome, Maggie Estey, Xclusiv Crew, Tristian Ginger, Wilma Checkclear and Irma Gerd. In Victoria, the Victoria Playhouse presents Are you there, Margaret? It’s me, Gahd at 7 pm. Uma Gahd performs her one-woman drag comedy exploring small talk and big issues like fame, family, feminism and failed marriages. Part environmental theatre, part cabaret, part drag show.

On July 29, the PEI Pride Parade begins at 12 noon in downtown Charlottetown; visit pridepei.ca/parade for the parade map. The Charlottetown Pride Market will follow at 1 pm in the

Confederation Court Mall. In Victoria, the outdoor circus show, Ephemeral, begins in Dunrovin Park at 5 pm and features daring acrobats defying the laws of gravity, with a zest for life that’s contagious. Back in Charlottetown, a Pride event at Founders Food Hall & Market features music and more from 6–9 pm, plus the Pride After Dark Dance Party, featuring DJs, Drag Queens, and more, takes place in Memorial Hall at Confederation Centre of the Arts at 10 pm.

On July 30, visit the Pride Week Selfie Wall at the Charlottetown Library Learning Centre and snap some pictures, use their props and tag @PEILibrary. Pride by the Sea continues in Victoria with a Pride Parade at 12 noon followed by the drag comedy show Are You There, Margaret? It’s Me, Gahd at 2 pm at Victoria Playhouse. DragX Entertainment presents Drag Brunch Pride Edition at Ponyboat Social Club in Charlottetown at 12 noon. The brunch features Tristan Ginger, Lottie Max, Boof, Miz.Majestix and Molly Pocket. In Montague, DiverseCity Festival takes place on the Waterfront and Copper Bottom presents a Queer Songwriter’s Circle with Joce Reyome, Noah Malcolm, Lucia Dostal and host Tori Nylon, at 8 pm. Visit pridepei.ca for the 2023 Pride Guide and follow @pridepei on their socials for updates.

Happy Pride, PEI!

Reliving the music

Travel back in time at Harmony House and The Mack

Johnny & June

The Mack until September 2

in the band. The show is full of hit songs like “Jackson,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” and “Ring of Fire.”

Tickets at confederationcentre.com.

I’m Every Woman

The Mack until September 22

Inside American Pie Harmony House until September 28

The 27 Club Harmony House until September 30

The Songs of Johnny & June continues at Confederation Centre of the Arts thissummer as part of The 2023 Charlottetown Festival. Performances run at The Mack until September 2.

The Songs of Johnny & June celebrates the lives and songs of Johnny Cash and June Carter—country music’s most iconic couple. From their first meeting to their final days, the show follows the legendary pair’s storied relationship through the renowned songs that audience members know and love, as well as stories they may have never heard.

The lively cabaret from PEI’s Kitbag Theatre features Island talent including Jacob Hemphill and Melissa MacKenzie, with direction from Rebecca Parent, accompanied by local musicians Josh Langille (drums), Sam Langille (bass), Logan Richard (guitar)

The lively cabaret show I’m Every Woman is playing at Confederation Centre of the Arts this summer as part of The 2023 Charlottetown Festival. Performances run at The Mack until September 22.

I’m Every Woman is a musical revue that travels through decades of iconic songs that changed the world. The soundtrack features songs from women like Aretha Franklin, Dolly Parton, Chaka Khan, and Taylor Swift.

The show stars vocalists Michelle Bardach, Nicola-Dawn Brook, Dharma Bizier, Alyssa LeClair and Clea McCaffrey. The play is directed and choreographed by Robin Calvert.

Tickets at confederationcentre.com

Inside American Pie continues at Harmony House in Hunter River with performances on Wednesday and Thursday evenings at 8 pm, and select Saturdays at 2 pm, until September 28.

This unique docu-concert dives deep into the meaning of the classic Don MacLean song, “American Pie.“ Using this staple of American songwriting, Mike Ross, Alicia Toner, Brielle Ansems, Greg Gale and Kirk White take the audience on a ride through the thrill and turbulence of the 1960s trying to explain the meaning behind the cryptic lyrics of one of the greatest songs of all time. Tickets at harmonyhousepei.com.

The 27 Club, a unique docu-concert created by Mike Ross (Inside American Pie), continues at Harmony House in Hunter River with performances at 8 pm on Friday and Saturday evenings until September 30.

The 27 Club investigates one of the strangest mysteries in all of rock and roll... why did so many iconic artists of the 20th century die at aged 27? Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, Jim Morrison, Amy Winehouse, Kurt Cobain and many more. Is it fame? Money? The Saturn Return?

A group of Island artists celebrate the music of these gone-too-soon icons and try to get to the bottom of one of rock and roll’s enduring mysteries. Joining Ross on stage are Keziah Collie, Kirk White, Brielle Ansems, Carlie Howell and Max Keenlyside. Tickets at harmonyhousepei.com.

Kings Playhouse

Coming up on stage in Georgetown

Comedy, ceilidhs, cabaret concerts and more will be on stage at Kings Playhouse in Georgetown this month.

Written by Mark Weatherly and starring Mark Weatherly and Monique Lund, the comic misadventure, The Wonder of it All, continues on the Playhouse stage with performances until August 1.

The KP Cabaret, sponsored by Island Press, continues August 10 with host John Connolly, The Fascinating Ladies (Kelley Mooney, Catherine O’Brien and Jo-Anne Ford), and Drag Queens Miz Majestix and Demona Devil. The Cabaret on August 17 will feature host Becca Griffin, headliner Brandon Howard Roy, the Fascinating Ladies and comedian Tanya Nicolle.

The Monday night Georgetown Ceilidhs continue to the end of August with hosts Jo-Anne Ford and Michael Buell, and special guests each week.

This Newfoundland duo, Gordon Cormier and Dave Pike, will bring their unique style, popular country tunes and traditional Newfoundland to the Playhouse on September 1 at 7:30 pm. kingsplayhouse.com

Brandon Howard Roy will perform in the KP Cabaret on August 17

LOUISE VESSEY

Jacob Hemphill and Melissa MacKenzie

PHOTOS SUBMITTED

(top): Nicola-Dawn Brook, Michelle Bardach and Dharma Bizier. (bottom): Alyssa LeClair and Clea McCa rey.

BUFFIE BOILY

(left–right): Kirk White, Brielle Ansems, Max Keenlyside, Carlie Howell, Mike Ross and Keziah Collie

PHOTOS SUBMITTED

Performing in Inside American Pie (clockwise from top-left): Mike Ross, Greg Gale, Brielle Ansems, Alicia Toner and Kirk White (centre)

Review by Sean McQuaid

Wheel of misfortune

MAGGIE

Charlottetown Festival, Sobey Family Theatre

June 23, 2023

Long on heart, short on story. That’s my six-word impression of MAGGIE, the new musical playing at the Charlottetown Festival this summer after a spring debut run in Hamilton, Ontario. A collaboration of the festival and Hamilton-based Theatre Aquarius, the show features book and lyrics by Johnny Reid & Matt Murray with music by Reid, Murray and music director Bob Foster, plus dramaturgy by director Mary Francis Moore.

Scottish born singer/songwriter Reid lends star power to the project. His first professional theatre credit, the play is a loving tribute to his late Scottish grandmother, on whom the titular Maggie is based. Unlike Alan Doyle in last season’s hit Tell Tale Harbour, Reid doesn’t star in his own musical; the lead here is the superb Dharma Bizier as Maggie, among the finest of the production’s many virtues.

Set in the Scottish mining town Lanarkshire in the years 1954 to 1976, the musical shows how proud, spirited school cleaner Maggie is widowed early and left to raise her three sons alone in a community plagued by sectarian religious tensions, financial hardship and a shrinking population (characters even resort to finding work in exotic Canada).

Maggie’s family suffers more than most, facing death, violence, poverty, substance abuse, religious strife, jail time and more; and perhaps it’s the musical’s based-on-a-true-story roots, but the narrative flow of it all feels aimless and meandering. Bad things happen to good Maggie, she endures; more bad things happen, she endures some more. The character and the musical both seem stuck on a hamster wheel of serial misfortune.

Lest that sound too bleak, there’s fun aplenty here: charming actors and lively musical numbers bring the Lanarkshire folk to life, and the ensemble’s chemistry builds an appealing sense of community with an occasional party vibe.

The supporting characters tend to be thinly sketched or broad types (like the boys’ flamboyantly gay uncle Charles), though Maggie’s salty pal with a social conscience Betty feels more real because she’s more specific. Maggie and her boys are fleshed out the most, though Maggie’s low on agency for a lead character and her troubled son Shug’s storyline just fades away towards the end.

Yasmine Lee’s choreography is charmingly playful but lacks visual pop or wow moments, often feeling like dancing calibrated for non-dancers. More impressive is Ken MacDonald’s set, dominated by a pair of working-class apartment building exteriors rendered in a three-quarter view that adds immersive illusory depth, and the working lights in the windows are a nice added touch.

Jeremy Legat plays Charles with winningly impish verve, Jamie McRoberts pairs potent charm with powerful pipes as Maggie’s chipper chum Sadie, and Nicola-Dawn Brook’s sharp comic timing as Betty steals scene after scene. Aidan Burke shows solid range as Maggie’s brainy son Jimmy (who’s got the best-developed story arc of the whole family), as does Kaitlyn Post playing his love interest Teresa.

Best of the lot by far, though, is Bizier, aces at both comedy and drama and gifted with a rich, emotionally resonant singing voice that elicits chills during numbers like “Unbreakable” and “My Confession.” MAGGIE the show may be an imperfect gem, but with Bizier as Maggie, the character always sparkles.

PERFORMANCE

music, theatre, dance, comedy…

…continued from page B12

Aug 3, 4, 5 | 7:30 pm

Highland Storm

Scott MacAulay Performing Arts Centre, Summerside

Aug 3 | 6 pm, Aug 4 | 7:30 pm, Aug 5 | 6 pm, Aug 6 | 2 pm

Island Fringe Festival (IFF): Jinny and Jack vs The Thoughts in their Heads

By Chantalyne Beausoleil and Ryan Sutherland. Havenwood Dance, Charlottetown

Aug 3 | 5 pm, Aug 4 | 6:30 pm, Aug 5 | 5 pm, Aug 6 | 1 pm

IFF: Rhythm Fusion

By Island Dancers from the Rhythm Collective. Havenwood Dance, Charlottetown

Aug 3 | 8:30 pm, Aug 4 | 7 pm, Aug 5 | 7 pm, Aug 6 | 3 pm

IFF: Six Songs about Six Men

I’ve Dated

By June Morrow. City Cinema, Charlottetown

Aug 3 | 7 pm, Aug 4 | 8:30 pm, Aug 5 | 8:30 pm, Aug 6 | 4:30 pm

IFF: Whiskey Flicks LIVE!

By Michael Niederman and Daniel McCoy. City Cinema, Charlottetown

Aug 3 | 4:15 pm, Aug 4 | 8:30 pm, Aug 5 | 7:15 pm, Aug 6 | 7:30 pm

IFF: The Prick

By Brynn Cutcli e. Beaconsfield Carriage House, Charlottetown

Aug 3 | 3 pm, Aug 4 | 7:10 pm, Aug 5 | 5:55 pm, Aug 6 | 5 pm

IFF: Transpectrum

By Riley Jane Carson. Beaconsfield Carriage House, Charlottetown

Aug 3 | 5:45 pm, Aug 4 | 6 pm, Aug 5 | 8:45 pm, Aug 6 | 6:15 pm

IFF: Likehard: A Stand-up

Comedy

By Tanya Nicolle. Beaconsfield Carriage House, Charlottetown

Aug 3–7

Festival Route 11 festivalroute11.com. Union Corner Provincial Park

Aug 4 | 7:30 pm

Midsummer Magic: Opera Favourites

Under the Spire Music Festival. Historic St Mary’s, Indian River

Aug 4, 11, 25 | 8 pm

Honey, I’m Home

Tribute to Shania Twain. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Aug 5 | 7 pm

Chamber music recital:

Barachois Summer Music Academy. Kirk of St. James, Charlottetown

Aug 5 | 7 pm

Myles Goodwyn

Stompin’ Tom Centre, Skinners Pond

Aug 5 | 8 pm

Absolute Losers Album

Launch

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Aug 5 | 8 pm

Bobcaygeon

Tribute to The Tragically Hip. The Guild, Charlottetown

Aug 6

DiverseCity Festival

Celebration of multiculturalism, diversity and inclusion though music, dance, food and more. CN Park, Souris

Aug 6 | 3 pm

Midsummer Magic: Summer

Songs

Under the Spire Music Festival. Historic St Mary’s, Indian River

Aug 6 | 7:30 pm

The Watermark Music Series: Rick Donair (Nick Done )

Classic Country & Western Night. Watermark Theatre, North Rustico

Aug 6 | 7:30 pm

Meaghan Blanchard

Rock Barra Retreat, Rock Barra

Aug 6 | 8 pm

Magnolia + Soul Filter + Shipwrecks

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Aug 7 | 7:30 pm

Lorne of Green Gables with Lorne Elliot

Monday Night Concert Series. Victoria Playhouse, Victoria

Aug 7 | 8 pm

After Hours Band

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Aug 8, 9

Jason Chen, organ and Leo Marchildon, organ

Summer Concert Series.

Aug 8, 7 pm: St Simon and St Jude’s, Tignish

Aug 9, 1 pm: St. Dunstan’s Basillica, Charlottetown

Aug 8, 15, 22

Tree Huggers Ball

Cabaret led by Joh Rehder with Reg Ballagh, Chris Gauthieer and Carlie Howell with invited guest. Victoria Playhouse, Victoria-by-the-Sea

Aug 8–12 | 6:30 pm

Y’a une étoile

Mont-Carmel

Aug 9 | 7:30 pm

Island Proud: Pierce Clarke

Band & Joce Reyome

Under the Spire Music Festival. Historic St Mary’s, Indian River

Aug 10 | 12:10 pm

Chamber music recital:

Shaw Nicholson, trumpet. Accompanied by Frances McBurnie, piano. Kirk of St. James, Charlottetown

Aug 10 | 7:30 pm

KP Cabaret

Featuring John Connolly, Demona Devil and Fascinating Ladies. Kings Playhouse, Georgetown

Aug 10 | 7:30 pm

Perfect Pairings: Nadia, Noah & Burt

The music of Burt Bacharach. The Guild, Charlottetown

Aug 10 | 8 pm

Island Jazz: ft Chris Corrigan

“Hounds of Summer”

Baba’s Lounge, Charlottetown

Aug 10 | 7:30 pm

Kaia Kater

Under the Spire Music Festival. Historic St Mary’s, Indian River

Aug 10 | 7:30 pm

Lorne of Green Gables with Lorne Elliot

Souris Show Hall, Souris

Aug 10 | 8 pm

Hot Fuss

Tribute to The Killers. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Aug 10–12, 15–19 | 8 pm

The Happy Prince

The Guild, Charlottetown

Aug 11 | 7:30 pm

Sundown: The Songs of Gordon Lightfoot

Under the Spire Music Festival. Historic St Mary’s, Indian River

Aug 11–13

Cloggeroo Music Festival

cloggeroo.com

Georgetown, Three Rivers

Aug 11, 18, 25

Musical Hayhem

A Late Night Cabaret. The Guild, Charlottetown

Aug 12 | 7:30 pm

The North Sound

Under the Spire Music Festival. Historic St Mary’s, Indian River

Aug 12 | 8 pm

Shaydid

Stompin’ Tom Centre, Skinners Pond

Aug 12 | 8 pm

Keira Loane

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Aug 12 | 2 pm

Another Flippin’ Ceilidh

Featuring Courtney Hogan-Chandler, Norman Stewart, Scott Chandler with Finnegan & Rankin Chandler, and Janelle Banks. Florence Simmons Performance Hall, Charlottetown

Aug 12 | 11 pm

Blue Collar Tour 2: Fortunato

With special guest JONO and music by Metaphyzik. Baba’s Lounge, Charlottetown

Aug 13 | 6 pm

Brice Tibish Band

The Manse, Marshfield

Aug 13 | 7:30 pm

Teresa Doye, Katlin Doyle and Patrick Bunston

Rock Barra Retreat, Rock Barra

Aug 13 | 8 pm

Brad Doiron & Friends

With Britt Campbell and Shawn Hogan. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

…continued on page B20

Review by Sean McQuaid

The two faces of Shirley

Shirley Valentine Victoria Playhouse, Victoria-by-the-Sea July 8, 2023

Pondering Victoria Playhouse’s newly remounted run of the 1986 romantic dramedy Shirley Valentine, my word-association-prone brain flashes back to an old Elvis Costello lyric from his 1977 curio “Alison,” where the song’s jaded narrator says he’s not going to get too sentimental “like those other sticky valentines.”

The play’s Shirley feels like both a rejection and realization of Costello’s lyrics. She’s unsentimental about some stuff, ultimately eager to discard everything and everyone that’s defined her life up to this point; but she does develop a sentimentally romantic concept of herself, or at least an idealized image of the happier woman she once was and yearns to be again. She calls that woman Shirley Valentine, her long-ago maiden name.

As the play begins, she’s technically Shirley Bradshaw, a middle-aged British housewife, so bored and lonely that she literally talks to the wall about everything, including her emotionally distant husband Joe (who seems to regard her as little more than his maid and cook), their problematic grown children, and her feminist friend Jane, who buys Shirley a ticket to Greece to join her on a two-week vacation. The trip is a game-changer for Shirley, who is soon tempted to make her transformative vacation permanent.

This one-woman, two-act play by Willy Russell—basically a block of monologues by Shirley about her life— was a big hit in the 1980s and oft-revived since. Victoria’s production of it back in 2008 starred Johanna Nutter, hired as the Playhouse’s artistic director in 2022. The 2023 revival directed by Robert Tsonos stars Nutter as well, wryly observing in publicity materials that she is now “finally old enough” for the role.

I was living out west when Nutter’s Shirley first graced Victoria, so it’s a brand-new show for me. Its pedigree was encouraging, based in part on great shows I’d seen last summer:

Watermark Theatre’s Educating Rita (another Russell play about a working-class woman broadening her

horizons), and Victoria’s Beyond the Sea starring Nutter.

As a Russell/Nutter combo, Victoria’s 2023 Shirley Valentine sounded like surefire stuff; but I ultimately liked it rather than loved it, due largely to the script. There’s wit and pathos, and Russell’s Shirley is charming and often sympathetic; but a monologue’s a trickier thing to sustain than a dialogue, and this one drags a wee bit in spots.

The story also doesn’t seem to fully own or reckon with the dark side of its main character’s journey, perhaps understandably since it’s all from Shirley’s perspective. The play paints this mostly in shades of you-go-girl affirmation, and an argument can certainly be made that Shirley’s earned some latitude after years of dreary domestic servitude; but some aspects of her Greek adventure are sufficiently selfish or reckless to add a slightly sour undercurrent to the character’s sweet success.

Misgivings aside, it’s a smart, humane and often amusing play with some worthwhile thoughts about living life to the fullest, and Nutter is perfect as Shirley—warm, genuine, likeable and funny, with enough range to capture both the bleak Shirley Bradshaw and the brighter Shirley Valentine. Nutter’s a radiant joy to watch in Greek holiday mode, as if character and actor are synching up on some quantum level, each living her best life.

Apart from Nutter, the show’s other MVP is the late W. Scott MacConnell. The longtime Victoria Playhouse set designer passed away in April, but his showy 2008 Shirley Valentine set design is back for this production, a revolving structure with Shirley’s kitchen on the front and a Greek beach on the back. Like Shirley herself, it’s an appealing, dual-sided creation filled with more than meets the eye.

Brad Doiron

Comedy night at Trailside

Lorne of Green Gables

One-man show in Victoria, Souris and Charlottetown

Travis Lindsay

Patio Laughs at Upstreet Craft Brewing

Comedian Brad Doiron and his friends are bringing a night of hilarity to the stage at Trailside Music Hall in Charlottetown on August 13 at 8 pm.

Brad has been making audiences laugh across the country for the last decade. He was living in Charlottetown between 2018–2022 and was a fixture in the Island comedy scene. Currently residing in Ottawa, ON, Brad will be coming to Trailside for one night only. Tickets at trailside.ca.

Comedian Lorne Elliott is bringing his comedy and music to three venues across the Island with his show Lorne of Green Gables

From Newfoundland to New York City, Los Angeles to Australia, humourist and musician Lorne Elliott has been making people laugh since the 1970s. He is an award winning playwright and novelist, and his CBC Radio Comedy Series, Madly Off In All Directions, was greeted with such enthusiasm that it continued for eleven seasons. His one-man shows share his unique look on life with a performance of comedy and music that is entertaining and uplifting.

Lorne of Green Gables will be on stage at Victoria Playhouse on August 7 at 7:30 pm, at Souris Show Hall on August 10 at 7:30 pm, and at Trailside Music Hall in Charlottetown on Sepember 14 at 8 pm.

Tickets: victoriaplayhouse.com sourisshowhall.com; trailside.ca

Patio Laughs is bringing another night of stand-up comedy to Upstreet Craft Brewing in Charlottetown with Travis Lindsay on August 16 at 8 pm.

One of the most prolific writers in Canadian comedy, Travis’s mix of jokes and storytelling has been captivating audiences since he was the age of 16. A festival favourite, he has made multiple appearances on CBC’s Halifax Comedy Festival and his debut album, The Kid is Alright went number one on the iTunes Comedy Charts.

In 2021, Travis joined Canada’s longest running comedy series, This Hour Has 22 Minutes, as an on-air correspondent and writer. He recorded for

Plus one

& Friend comedy series at Trailside

Home-grown Island comedy is showcased at Trailside Music Hall with the show Patrick Ledwell and Friend, on stage weekly on Tuesdays, August 1–22, as well as August 28–29.

PEI performer Patrick Ledwell will bring the best and the newest from his 15 years in stand-up comedy. His July shows played to sold-out audiences, leaving them in stitches with a full two hours of comedy.

A different comedian opens the show each night, lending their unique style and voice to that night’s show. The roster of performers includes the Halifax Comedy Festival regular Dan Hendricken (August 1), Katherine Cairns (August 8), and Tanya Nicolle (August 22).

Saving best for last, the final backto-back shows, August 28–29, will be recorded live at the Trailside, for a Ledwell comedy album to be released in the next year. These special evenings

Just For Laughs Originals, was selected to perform at the Just For Laughs in Montreal as a part of the New Faces of Comedy, and he released his second album, Killed at the Funeral. With recent appearances on Comedy Night with Rick Mercer and being featured on CBC’s The New Wave of Stand-Up Comedy, there’s no doubt about it, the kid is indeed alright.

The night will be hosted by Patio Laughs resident comedian Tanya Nicolle and will feature several local comics.

Tickets are available at shop. upstreet.ca or by calling the Taproom at 894-0543.

will open with a secret musical guest, and producer Daniel Ledwell (Patrick’s brother) will be on hand to capture all the energy and the laughter of the nights.

Join Patrick Ledwell and talented friends for side-splitting nights through August, filled with the surprises and audience connection that only live comedy can deliver.

Tickets at trailside.ca or 367-3311.

Patrick Ledwell

Patrick Ledwell

LORRAINE PAYETTE

Lorne Elliott

SUBMITTED

SUBMITTED

Travis Lindsay

Brad Doiron

Acadian Festival

Four days of events and entertainment in Abram-Village

The Evangeline Region Agricultural Exhibition and Acadian Festival will take place August 31–September 3 in Abram-Village. The four-day weekend includes concerts, skills and talent shows, fiddling and stepdancing, book launch, album launch, flying dog show, Acadian dances and more to entertain visitors of all ages.

August 31

The opening show on August 31 at 7 pm on the main stage will feature the Acazing Talent Night with host Ryamond J. Arsenault, a wide variety of Island amateur artists, Mascot Acazing, a prize drawn from among the French-language performances and a prize for the youngest participant.

September 1

September 1 will feature musical performances by local artists during the official opening ceremony at 1:30 pm, followed by the provincial finals of the PEI Youth Talent Competition at 2:30 pm.

Gadelle (Louise Arsenault, Hélène Bergeron, Caroline Bernard and Rémi Arsenault) will entertain the crowd during the Festin acadien avec homard, a four-course meal which begins at 5:30 pm at the Village musical acadien with host Georges Arsenault. Visit expositionfestival.ca for tickets. This year, a show exclusively for the residents of Le Chez-Nous Co-operative’s community care centre in Wellington will take place at 6 pm, featuring the Écho du Royaume choir, from Saguenay Lac St-Jean, Québec.

La Soirée des retrouvailles (An evening of reunions), one of two Acadian Festival dances scheduled this year will also take place September 1 at 9:30 pm. Festival-goers can step back in time at the square dance concert, which will feature Acadian country-folk music by Terry Melanson (NB) interspersed with instrumental tunes by traditional Québécois square dance caller Ghislain Jutras, who accompanies himself on diatonic accordion, jaw harp and seated stepdancing. Tickets will be sold at the door only.

September 2

On September 2 at 1:30 pm, the Acadian Festival will host the official launch of New Brunswick author Carolle Arsenault’s new historical novel Yelle, an Acadian novel with a direct link to the Agricultural Exhibition of a bygone era. There will be books for sale and Carolle will have a booth to meet people and do book signings.

A concert featuring Caroline Bernard and Rémi Arsenault with members of their families, and Nick and Samantha Arsenault with their friends, will be held September 2.

At the Évangéline and Gabriel Dance, the group Réveil (NB) promises “100 percent French music, a traditional Acadian feel, and an energetic show that promises to get everyone dancing” at their 14th Festival appearance on September 2 at 9:30 pm. Réveil is made up of Matt Hayes on fiddle, Joey McKinnon on drums, Marc Léger on bass guitar, Nancy Blanchard on vocals, Brian Hébert on electric guitar, Kevin Arsenault on vocals and acoustic guitar, and Richard Bourque on mandolin, acoustic guitar and banjo. Tickets will be sold at the door only.

The Festival strives to present a mix of traditional and new activities to its many visitors. A new facet added to this summer’s program is the Flying Dog Show which will be presented five times on the exhibition grounds over the weekend—September 1 (3 pm), September 2 (1:30 pm and 3:30 pm) and September 3 (12 noon and 4 pm). The Quebec-based flying team showcase their canine partners doing skilled tricks like agility, frisbee, canine dance, skipping rope, speed, jumps, canine skateboarding, comedy tricks and rhythmic choreography to music including obstacles.

September 3

September 3 will feature a fiddling and stepdancing show at 2:30 pm on the main stage showcasing Acadian, Scottish, Irish and other world styles of fiddling and stepdancing. A teen show by Keera Gallant and Avery, Riel and Dax Arsenault will follow at 4:30 pm and include a mix of traditional and contemporary pieces.

One of the most anticipated concerts of this year’s Festivial is Sirène et Matelot, featuring Lennie Gallant and Patricia Richard. Sirène et Matelot will be celebrating the launch of their second album. The duo set out to explore songwriting that reflects not only their roots and influences, but also their concerns about the current state of the world. The duo will close the weekend of festivities on September 3 at 7 pm on the main stage of the Evangeline Recreation Centre. They will be accompanied by several special guest performers during this album-launching show.

The theme for the Evangeline Region Agricultural Exhibition and Acadian Festival is V’nez fêter chez nous! (Come celebrate with us!). expositionfestival.ca

PHOTO: JENNA

RACHELLE

PERFORMANCE music, theatre, dance, comedy…

…continued from page B16

Aug 14 | 7:30 pm

Andru Branch & Halfway Tree

Victoria Playhouse, Victoria

Aug 14 | 8 pm

J.P. Cormier

Penzie’s Pub, Brackley Beach

Aug 14 | 8 pm

Nadia: A night of R&B

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Aug 15

Fêtes de l’Àcadie

Featuring Plywood Joe, Michel Lalonde, Keelin Wedge, Michael Bergeron and Mi’kmaq Heritage Actors. Founders Food Hall, Charlottetown

Aug 15, 16

Robin Perry, soprano and Leo Marchildon, organ

Summer Concert Series.

Aug 15, 7 pm: St Simon and St Jude’s, Tignish

Aug 16, 1 pm: St. Dunstan’s Basillica, Charlottetown

Aug 16 | 7:30 pm

Island Proud: The County Line Romance & Shane

Pendergast

Under the Spire Music Festival. Historic St Mary’s, Indian River

Aug 16 | 8 pm

Patio Laughs: Travis Lindsay

Hosted by Tanya Nicolle. Upstreet Taproom, Charlottetown

Aug 16 | 8 pm

The Ellis Family Band and Fiddlers’ Sons

Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside

Aug 17 | 12:10 pm

Chamber music recital: Zoe

Sullivan, violin

Accompanied by Sean Kemp, violin, and Frances McBurnie, piano. Kirk of St. James, Charlottetown

Aug 17 | 7:30 pm

KP Cabaret

Featuring Brandon Howard Roy, Tanya Nicolle and Rebecca Gri n. Kings Playhouse, Georgetown

Aug 17 | 7:30 pm

Perfect Pairings: Lawrence & Alan

The music of Alan Jackson. The Guild, Charlottetown

Aug 17 | 8 pm

Séan McCann

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Aug 17 | 8 pm

Island Jazz: ft Paul St.

Amand Soul Jazz

Baba’s Lounge, Charlottetown

Aug 17–20 | 6 pm

This is Anne “Older & Wiser”

Featuring Rusty & Maja. The Manse, Marshfield

Aug 18 | 7:30 pm

Rick Sparkes + The Enablers

Scott MacAulay Performing Arts Centre, Summerside

Aug 18 | 7:30 pm

Ben Caplan

Under the Spire Music Festival. Historic St Mary’s, Indian River

Aug 18–20 | 8 pm

A Kind of Magic - A Night of Queen

Craig Fair Presents: featuring Joce Reyome, Brandon Howard Roy and Josée Boudreau. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Aug 19 | 7:30 pm

Acadian Traditions Ceilidh

Free community event.Under the Spire Music Festival. Historic St Mary’s, Indian River

Aug 19 | 8 pm

Lennie Gallant

Florence Simmons Performance Hall, Charlottetown

Aug 19 | 8 pm

Peggy Clinton & Johnny

Ross

Stompin’ Tom Centre, Skinners Pond

Aug 19 | afternoon

The Gathering

Rain date August 20. Finally Farm, Bonshaw

Aug 20 | 3 pm

Charles Richard-Hamelin

Under the Spire Music Festival. Historic St Mary’s, Indian River

Aug 20 | 7:30 pm

Natalie MacMaster & Donnell Leahy

Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside

Aug 20 | 7:30 pm

Songs for a Small Planet

Featuring Dennis Ellsworth, Mathias

Kom, Emily MacLellan and Teresa Doyle. Rock Barra Retreat, Rock Barra

Aug 20 | 7:30 pm

The Watermark Music Series: Brad Milligan Band

Music from The Beatles, Eagles, Bruce Springsteen, and more. Watermark Theatre, North Rustico

Aug 20 | 7:30 pm

The Irish Scots

Featuring Courtney Hogan-Chandler, Maxime MacLellan and Norman Stewart. Stanley Bridge Centre, Stanley Bridge

Aug 20 (Sunday) | 8 pm

Island Jazz Show #300

Greatest Hits

Baba’s Lounge, Charlottetown

Aug 21 | 7:30 pm

Jeanie & Charles

Victoria Playhouse, Victoria

Aug 21 | 8 pm

East Coast Comedy Spotlight: Kyle Hickey

Hosted by Shawn Hogan. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Aug 24 | 12:10 pm

Chamber music recital:

Tanner Burns, Bass-Baritone

Accompanied by Frances McBurnie, piano. Kirk of St. James, Charlottetown

Aug 24

Drag Me To The Maritimes

Starring Stephanie Prince, Brooke Lynn Hytes and Sminty Drop. PEI Brewing Company, Charlottetown

Aug 24 | 7:30 pm

Perfect Pairings: Catherine & Joni

The music of Joni Mitchell. The Guild, Charlottetown

Aug 24 | 7:30 pm, Aug 27 | 3:30 pm

The Bessie Carruthers Study Club

Souris Show Hall, Souris

Aug 25

Mary Frances Leahy

The Fiddling Fisherman Lookout, Souris

Aug 25 | 7:30 pm

Junk

Hip hop show with DJ Selecta Chevron, S.N.K, Kilbride, Spivey, Kay’Em and Bingz. Baba’s Lounge, Charlottetown

Aug 25 | 7:30 pm

Irish Mythen

Under the Spire Music Festival. Historic St Mary’s, Indian River

Aug 25 | 7:30 pm

After Hours Band

Scott MacAulay Performing Arts Centre, Summerside

Aug 25 | 8 pm

Charlie A’Court

Penzie’s Pub, Brackley Beach

Aug 26 | 8 pm

Campbell & Johnston

Penzie’s Pub, Brackley Beach

Aug 26 | 5 pm

Billy McInnis Band

Stompin’ Tom Centre, Skinners Pond

Aug 26 | 7:30 pm

Ava + Lily

The Guild, Charlottetown

Aug 26 | 8 pm

Joey, Jamie & Kurk

Stompin’ Tom Centre, Skinners Pond

Aug 26 | 7:30 pm

Just Me

Tribute to Gordon Lightfoot. Copper Bottom Brewing, Montague

Aug 26 | 8 pm

Nathan Wiley with full band Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Aug 27 | 8 pm

Island Jazz: ft Groove Company

Baba’s Lounge, Charlottetown

Aug 27 | 7:30 pm

Adam Cicchillitti & Steve Cowan

Under the Spire Music Festival. Historic St Mary’s, Indian River

Aug 27 | 7:30 pm

Friends of Rock Barra

Closing Show

Rock Barra Retreat, Rock Barra

…continued on page B24

Presented in partnership with Bienvenue

Richard Wood

Scott MacKay Montuno Cubano

Daniel Goguen (NB)

The Bombadils (NS) Melissa Gallant, Rémi Arsenault & Megan Bergeron

Jabbour (QC)

Presented in partnership with the Conseil scolaire-communautaire Évangéline

La Famille LeBlanc (NB) Lawrence Maxwell Cynthia MacLeod

Kevin Chaisson & Friends

Dueling Pianos (with Craig Fair & Ben Aitken)

Les Bouches Bées (QC)

Kirk Recitals

Four chamber music recitals in August

Tree Huggers Ball

Gathering for the trees at Victoria Playhouse

The Tree Huggers Ball is a series of three Tuesday evening cabarets at Victoria Playhouse on August 8, 15 and 22 at 7:30 pm. Created to allow Islanders to process the tree grief due to post-tropical storm Fiona, the Ball is a celebration of PEI’s trees led by local musician Jon Rehder.

The summer series of chamber music recitals at the Kirk of St. James continues in August, with four recitals.

The Barachois Summer Music academy returns with four singers and two pianists on August 5 at 7 pm, presenting a program of French and Canadian vocal repertoire.

On August 10, at 12:10 pm, Shaw Nicholson, trumpet, presents music for trumpet and piano, including Purcell, Broughton, and an Ewazen selection he performs with his father, Bob Nicholson, bass trombone. Shaw studies at the University of Ottawa; he plays with the Confederation Brass and several other ensembles. Frances McBurnie assists on piano.

Zoe Sullivan, violin, performs on August 17 at 12:10 pm. She is assisted

by Sean Kemp, violin, and Frances McBurnie, piano. Zoe is an award-winning Island violinist entering her third year of study at UPEI. She presents a diverse program including works from Bach and Brahms.

The last recital on August 24 at 12:10 pm features a performance by Tanner Burns, assisted by Frances McBurnie, piano. Tanner Burns, Bass-Baritone, is a fourth year Vocal major attending UPEI’s Bachelor of Music Program, studying with Stephen Bouey. His recital will include pieces by G.F. Handel, Rodgers and Hammerstein, Mozart and more. Tanner is also a Choral Scholar at the Kirk of St. James.

Admission is free. Donations to the Kirk’s Choral Scholarships appreciated.

LENNIE GALLANT

“We will sing and dance and come together to process the multi-layered experience of this unprecedented storm,” Jon says.

Jon will be joined by Reg Ballagh, Carlie Howell and Nathan Wiley, and there will be different invited guests each week, including Peter BevanBaker on trumpet, accompanied by Tamara Steele.

There will be songs and stories about trees, dancing, a participatory choir, and even a clown with a chainsaw—Trilby Jeeves is a bouffon teacher and clown who is also dealing with the loss of her Milton-area woods and is doing much of the cleanup and replanting herself.

Artistic Director Johanna Nutter thought the Tree Hugger’s Ball would be therapy through music and fun: “This is a celebration of life, a way to work through the loss of our trees. Through music, laughter, and storytelling, we’ll honour the trees we lost in

the storm and celebrate the giants that make our world a better place. This is a chance to honour the fallen and cheer for the new growth together.”

The Victoria Playhouse will also be hosting the Island Nature Trust’s Action Tree throughout the month of August. Visitors and patrons can add a handwritten note on the tree as a gesture toward a greener and more sustainable future.

Visit victoriaplayhouse.com or call the box office at 1-800-925-2025.

Songs of Gene MacLellan

Four performances at Harbourfront in August

"Absolutely fantastic!"

"The highlight of our vacation!"

AN EXCITING UNIQUE TASTE OF THE ISLAND AND MUCH MORE FROM A MASTER SONGWRITER AND HIS FABULOUS BAND! SATURDAY

Catherine MacLellan: The Songs of Gene MacLellan made its world premiere at Summerside’s Harbourfront Theatre in July. The final four performances take place August 1, 2, 22 and 23. Show time is 7:30 pm.

This summer, JUNO-award winner Catherine MacLellan sets to re-embark on a series of shows featuring the songs of her father, Gene MacLellan. Part concert, part memoir, the show features songs ranging from country to pop to gospel. Catherine will be backed by a band of acclaimed musicians.

Gene MacLellan, one of Canada’s most recognized and celebrated songwriters across the world, came to fame in 1970 with the smash hit “Snowbird” and in 1971 with “Put Your Hand in the Hand.”

Gene died in 1995, when Catherine was just a teenager. The myths and errors surrounding the details of his

life are numerous and Catherine hopes to shed some light on who he was and celebrate the treasure trove of songs he left behind. harbourfronttheatre.com

Recipient of 19 ECMAs Music PEI 2023 Entertainer of the Year

ROSE SIMPSON

Island musician Jon Rehder will lead the Ball

Catherine MacLellan will perform a series of shows featuring the music of her father

PHOTOS SUBMITTED

(left–right): Recitalists Shaw Nicholson, Zoe Sullivan and Tanner Burns

Under the Spire

Twelve concerts to enjoy in August

The 28th season of Under the Spire Music Festival (USMF) at Historic St. Mary’s boasts a diverse lineup of performers from Canada and beyond.

Rounding out the performance schedule in July are Jessica Gallant is Dolly Parton on July 29 and Guillaume Villeneuve & Bertrand Cuiller on July 30. The concerts continue in August with a mix of folk, roots, country and multiple styles of classical music including opera, art song, cabaret, solo piano and chamber music.

This year’s Midsummer Magic, August 4 and 6, will celebrate the impact and legacy of Robert Kortgaard, who worked as the Festival’s artistic director for 25 years. Kortgaard has curated an evening of operatic favourites and an afternoon of some of his favourite summer songs. He will be joined on-stage by pianist Peter Tiefenbach, and singers Alex Halliday, Midori Marsh, and Parker Clements.

A special concert on August 11 will feature a tribute to Gordon Lightfoot. Curated by Alicia Toner, with performances by Alicia, Meaghan Blanchard, Shane Pendergast and Nick Doneff, this concert will feature some of Lightfoot’s best-known songs and stories of the musician’s impact in Canadian music.

The full August lineup includes:

Midsummer Magic: Opera Favourites (Opera) August 4 at 7:30 pm;

Midsummer Magic: Summer Songs (Opera)August 6 at 3 pm; Island

Proud: Pierce Clarke and Joce Reyome (Roots) August 9 at 7:30 pm; Kaia

Kater (Folk) August 10, 7:30 pm; Sundown: A Gordon Lightfoot Tribute, August 11 at 7:30; The North Sound (Country); August 12 at 7:30 pm; Island Proud: County Line Romance and Shane Pendergast (Folk) August 16 at 7:30 pm; Ben Caplan (Folk) August 18 at 7:30 pm; a free community Acadian Traditions Celidh August 19 at 7:30 pm; Charles Richard-Hamelin (Classical) August 20 at 3 pm; Irish Mythen (Folk) August 25 at 7:30 pm; and Cowan-Cicchilitti (Classical) August 27 at 3 pm.

Visit underthespire.ca or call 8364933 for the full schedule, ticketing and more information about the artists and their programs. Historic St Mary’s is located on Hamilton Road in Indian River, PEI.

PHOTOS SUBMITTED

(Clockwise from top-left): Alicia Toner, Shane Pendergast, Nick Done and Meaghan Blanchard will perform in a tribute to Gordon Lightfoot

PERFORMANCE

music, theatre, dance, comedy…

…continued from page B20

Aug 27 | 8 pm

Bryan Potvin & Kevin Kane

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Aug 28 | 7:30 pm

Jabbour

Victoria Playhouse, Victotria

Aug 30–Sept 3

Empire of the Son

With Tetsuro Shigematsu. Victoria Playhouse, Victoria-by-the-Sea

Aug 31 | 7:30 pm

Perfect Pairings: Brielle & Norah

The music of Norah Jones. The Guild, Charlottetown

Aug 31–Sept 3

Evangeline Region

Agricultural Exhibition and Acadian Festival expositionfestival.ca. Abram-Village

Aug 31, Sept 1, 8, 9

Still Standin’

Craig Fair Presents: featuring Craig Fair & Ben Aitken and an 18-piece orchestra. PEI Brewing Company, Charlottetown

Sept 1 | 6 pm

Écho du Royaume choir

Le Chez-Nous Co-operative, Wellington

Sept 1 | 7:30 pm

Gordon Cormier and Dave Pike

Kings Playhouse, Georgetown

Sept 2–3 | 6 pm

Jolee Patkai

The Manse, Marshfield

Sept 3 | 7 pm

Richard Wood & Dancers

Stompin’ Tom Centre, Skinners Pond

Sept 3 | 8 pm

Gordie MacKeeman & His Rythm Boys

Penzie’s Pub, Brackley Beach

Sept 3 | 8 pm

Sarah Segal-Lazar

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Sept 6–17

Shirley Valentine

Victoria Playhouse, Victoria-by-the-Sea

Sept 7 | 8 pm

Eric Broadbent with Braeden

V, Alleycat and 30 Russell

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Sept 8

Thane Dunn’s Elvis

Red Shores Racetrack & Casino, Charlottetown

Sept 8 | 8 pm

Shane Pendergast

Penzie’s Pub, Brackley Beach

Sept 8 | 7:30 pm

Mallory Johnson & Scott

MacKay

Under the Spire Music Festival. Historic St Mary’s, Indian River

Sept 8 | 8 pm

Joanie Pickens and band

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Sept 10 | 3 pm

La Fiammata

Under the Spire Music Festival. Historic St Mary’s, Indian River

Sept 12 | 7:30 pm

We Walk The Line

Tribute to Johnny Cash. Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside

Sept 12 | 8 pm

The Best Kind Comedy Tour

Featuring Mike Lynch, Colin Hollett and Bian Aylward. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Sept 14 | 8 pm

Lorne of Green Gables with Lorne Elliot Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Sept 15 | 8 pm

The Hounds

Tribute to Tyler Childers. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Sept 15–17 | 7:30 pm, Sept 17 | 2 pm

The Wonder of it All Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside

Sept 15–17 | 6 pm

The Loretta Lynn Show

Featuring Jolie Patkai. The Manse, Marshfield

Sept 16 | 8 pm

Kim Albert & Faces

Stompin’ Tom Centre, Skinners Pond

Sept 21 | 7 pm

Tim & The Glory Boys

Home-town Hoedown Tour. Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside

Sept 21 | 8 pm

David Francey

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Sept 22, 23 | 7:30 pm

Stairway to Zepplin

Tribute to Led Zepplin. Scott MacAulay Performing Arts Centre, Summerside

Sept 23 | 8 pm

More Soul

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Sept 24 | 8 pm

Michael Myers Band

Stompin’ Tom Centre, Skinners Pond

Sept 28 | 7:30 pm

Valdy

Scott MacAulay Performing Arts Centre, Summerside

Sept 28 | 8 pm

Jessica Rhaye & The Ramshackle Parade

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Sept 29 | 7:30 pm

Rachel Beck

Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside

Sept 29 | 7:30 pm

Brian Pata e’s Funny As Puck Tour

The Mack, Charlottetown

buzzpei.com

NEW ALBUMS

At the Mall Absolute Losers

The Answer

Güiza

Absolute Losers will release their debut album At the Mall on August 5.

The Charlottetown-based, postpunk trio writes pop songs hidden beneath wiry guitar work, intertwining bass and drum parts, and nonchalant vocals. Rather than overcompensating, Absolute Losers lean into the thinness of a trio with active interplay between instruments making each part count.

While there are hints of cabin fever and general frustration, At The Mall has a humorous air. The album is a danceable 12-track offering that confronts hardships without taking itself too seriously.

Absolute Losers celebrate the release of At The Mall at Trailside Music Hall in Charlottetown. Showtime is at 8 pm.

isletunes

New podcast features only

PEI musicians

Charlottetown based Latin pop trio Güiza released its debut EP, The Answer, on July 21.

Inspired by indie rock, pop, 70s disco, jazz and both contemporary and classical Latin music, The Answer is available on all streaming platforms.

The band has been praised over the past year as being one-of-a-kind in the Island music scene. Güiza members are Luisa F. Güiza (vocals), Matthew Kays (guitar), and Chris Gardiner (bass).

The EP was self-produced and recorded by the band in Gardiner’s apartment over the winter of 2023, and was mixed and mastered by Island musician/producer Colin Buchanan. guizaband.com

Island music both present and past, spanning all genres. What’s more, playlists will mix well-established acts with lesser known ones and spotlight BIPOC, Francophone and 2SLGBTQQIA+ artists.

“I’m amazed and thrilled by the sheer diversity of music we have here,” James says. “Fiddle music is naturally the most strongly associated with PEI, but we also have a treasure trove of rock, soul, jazz, hip-hop—there’s even a surprisingly robust punk scene.”

Islanders looking for one distinct place to hear music from their favourite local artists can now feast their ears on isletunes, a new podcast designed specifically to feature only songs from PEI. Writer and one-time DJ AdamMichael James has developed the radio-style podcast, which will play

James has partnered with Music PEI, who will curate their own segment of the podcast. He will also explore “rock blocks,” feature regular segments on Island history, announce upcoming gigs, and interview acts ahead of those gigs. So far over 60 PEI artists have contributed their songs to isletunes, including Fiddlers’ Sons, Baha Royalty, The Jive Kings, X-Plycit, Two Hours Traffic and Lefunk. isletunes premieres August 13, with new hour-long episodes posted every Sunday on podcast providers. isletunes.ca

Lovely Nelly in Concert at Glenaladale

Perfect Pairings

MUSIC AT ITS FINEST

FEATURING: The Irish Scots, The Proude Islanders, Louise & Jonny Ray Arsenault

When I pitched The Guild on presenting Perfect Pairings, I was excited about putting some of my favourite local artists together with the music of some of my all-time favourite artists. But both picks were challenging. We have a wealth of incredibly talented artists here on PEI and I could have programmed these shows 10 times over. And when it comes to my favourite music and iconic artists, I have pretty broad tastes. The concept is one I’ve used before, but this time the focus was just one-on-one, each show featuring the local artist’s music as well as the icon’s.

So, when it came time to pick, the first one that wrote itself on the paper was Catherine MacLellan and Joni Mitchell. Joni has been called by many the greatest songwriter of our time. Lyrically and musically, she has few equals. Catherine is one of our most accomplished singer songwriters, a JUNO-award winner and holds the record for most Music PEI award wins. The Catherine and Joni show will be August 24.

I can remember when the first Pointer Sisters album came out. I had first heard them singing incredible backup on a Taj Mahal album and then they released their debut album soaked in a glorious vocal mix of R&B, gospel, jazz, funk, blues and rock. I’ve seen Joce Reyome perform dozens of times and knew right away they were the one that could pull this off. Joce is a vocal powerhouse and lives in the blues and R&B, and will be up on August 3.

August 10 is a real deep dive into the 60s and 70s pop world. Burt Bacharach was one of the top hit writers of that era. “The Look Of Love” has one of those timeless melodies that is hard to forget. His list of chart toppers is impressive and includes iconic songs like “Raindrops Keep Falling on my Head.” I wanted someone special for this show and had the opportunity to see Noah Malcolm and Nadia perform

together at a showcase. I loved the way their voices sounded together and the way they collaborated.

August 17 is Lawrence Maxwell’s turn. I asked Max to pick his favourite country artist to cover and wanted him to keep it more classic country. His pick was Alan Jackson and it’s pretty obvious he is one of the best, with over 75 million in album sales and 35 number one hits. Lawrence Maxwell is carving out a nice career for himself so far with three albums and a multiple ECMA and Music PEI award nominee and winner.

Closing the series is another of my favourite icons, Norah Jones. I remember seeing her on the Grammys the year her album Come Away With Me took home five Grammys. She now has a total of nine wins for her storied career and has floated easily between jazz, folk, country and pop. Brielle Ansems has always been a fan of Jones and jumped at the chance to do a night of her music. Ansems has written some incredible ear worms herself with songs like “25 (And Still Awake).”

Thursday nights at the Guild all through August will be the place to be!

—submitted by Rob Oakie

Mondays at 7:30pm, Jul 31 - Aug 21

Adults $15, Kids 12 & under Free Lively Celtic music, guests & oatcakes! 257 Blooming Pt. Rd. Tracadie Cross

PHOTOS SUBMITTED

Joce Reyome (above) will sing the The Pointer Sisters and Lawrence Maxwell will showcase classic country from Alan Jackson

Rob Oakie’s summer music series at The Guild

Concerts Feature The Captivating Sounds Of Island Music

Monday night concerts

Music series carries on at Victoria Playhouse

The Monday Night Concert Series at Victoria Playhouse continues this month with a lineup of primarily Maritime artists.

Lorne Elliott is bringing his comedy and music show Lorne of Green Gables to the Playhouse stage August 7. Lorne began performing in 1974 as a folk musician in the Maritimes. At the same time he kept writing fiction as well as songs, monologues and one-liners. The outcome of such training is a very special show of comedy and music, totally original, entertaining, foolish and uplifting.

A reggae explosion is coming to the Playhouse on August 14 courtesy of Andru Branch & Halfway Tree. This internationally acclaimed seven-piece band will take the audience on a musical journey like no other.

Award-winning Canadian recording artist Andru Branch named his band Halfway Tree after the bustling music district in Kingston, where he has worked with many of Jamaica’s most celebrated musicians.

From his JUNO-nominated debut album, recorded with members of The Wailers, Branch’s single “Keep On Keepin’ On” was recently named one of Exclaim! Magazine’s essential Canadian reggae tracks. Currently producing their fifth studio album, Andru Branch & Halfway Tree continue to inspire fans around the globe, promoting equal rights and social justice. Their music is hypnotic and their message is positively uplifting.

The dynamic duo Jeanie & Charles will be on stage August 21 for an intimate evening featuring blues, country, jazz, pop and rock.

On August 28, Jabbour will unleash their infectious energy, fusing Cajun, roots, Celtic and old-time styles, swinging rhythm and bilingual lyrics. Featuring Guillaume Jabbour, Bill Gossage, Carl Rufh and Bill Collier, the band recently released Carling Lake,

a 12-song album produced by John McColgan. A nod to the past, while looking forward to a new era in the performing arts, this modern roots album incorporates sonic textures, interviews and field recordings to explore themes related to the complexity of the human condition.

All concerts begin at 7:30 pm.

Tickets: 1-800-925-2025; victoriaplayhouse.com

SUBMITTED

Andru Branch and Halfway Tree will bring reggae to the Playhouse on August 14

Bobcaygeon

Tribute to The Tragically Hip at The Guild—Aug 15

Double bill

The Ellis Family Band and Fiddlers’ Sons at Harbourfront

Harbourfront Theatre in Summerside, as part of its Harbour Highlights series, presents The Ellis Family Band alongside Fiddlers’ Sons on August 16 at 8 pm.

Bobcaygeon, a tribute to The Tragically Hip, will perform at The Guild in Charlottetown August 5.

Bobcaygeon delivers a high-quality performance designed to capture the interest of all Hip fans.

Band members include Paul Wilfred (vocals), Dave LeBlanc (bass), Jacques LeBlanc (lead guitar), Craig Gilliat (drums), and Jerome LeBlanc (rhythm guitar). When first formed in 2013, by members Paul and Dave, the band’s main focus was to perform on special occasions. However, Bobcaygeon has experienced steady growth and success in many parts of the Maritime provinces and now enjoys performing on a regular basis.

Showtime is 8 pm. Visit theguildpei. com for tickets.

The Ellis Family from Summerside, PEI, grew up surrounded by music. As kids, the four brothers Brian, Rick, Steve and Dave were exposed to all kinds of genres. Traditional Island fiddle music was introduced to the boys by the band founder and father, Russell Ellis, a well-known fiddle player. That style of music mixed with popular music from the 70s helped mould a unique musical sound that can still be heard today in The Ellis Family Band’s live performances. They are joined by long-time family friend and colleague Greg MacDonald.

Fiddlers’ Sons features storyteller, author and three-time Music PEI Male Vocalist of the year Eddy Quinn, singer-songwriter and guitarist John

B. Webster, and Island fiddler Keelin Wedge. Together, the group plays a mix of Island music with lots of tunes, local stories, heartfelt ballads, and a few laughs for good measure. harbourfronttheatre.com

Mont-Carmel concerts

Summer series continues in Mont-Carmel

The Mont-Carmel Summer Concert Series is in fullswing with weekly shows taking place every Sunday night at 7 pm until August 27 at the Mont-Carmel Parish Centre.

The August 6 performers are La Famille LeBlanc (NB), Lawrence Maxwell and Cynthia MacLeod.

Les Bouches Bées (QC), Dueling Pianos with Craig Fair & Ben Aitken, and Kevin Chaisson & Friends will perform on August 13.

On August 20, Daniel Goguen (NB), Montuno Cubano, Scott MacKay and Richard Wood will perform.

Jabbour (QC), The Bombadils (NS), Melissa Gallant, and Rémi Arsenault & Megan Bergeron will perform on August 27.

Doors open at 6:15 pm. There is a 50/50 draw and canteen service during the show.

Visit cooperativeculturelledemontcarmel.com to purchase advance

tickets; if any remain, they will be made available for purchase at the door on the night of the show.

The Parish Centre is located at 5786 Route 11, Mont-Carmel.

PHOTOS SUBMITTED

The Ellis Family Band (above) and Fiddlers’ Sons with Keelin Wedge take the stage on August 16

Les Bouches Bées (above) and Jabbour will make the trip from Quebec to perform

Another Flippin’ Ceilidh

New show puts a twist on tradition—Aug 13

PEI’s redheaded fiddler Courtney Hogan-Chandler will introduce her new show, Another Flippin’ Ceilidh, at Florence Simmons Performance Hall in Charlottetown on August 13 at 2 pm.

Courtney has shared the stage with many performers and bands and was the host of her own ceilidh for over 15 years. She has multiple Music PEI award nominations and has earned her spot as one of PEI’s most popular fiddlers. She recently expanded her musical talents for this new show and will also be performing on mandolin and keyboard.

Courtney will be joined on stage by her husband, Scott Chandler, a gymnastics National gold medalist and

The Irish Scots

Performing at Irish Cultural Center and Stanley Bridge Centre

The Irish Scots will perform at the Irish Cultural Centre on August 4 and at 8 pm at the Stanley Bridge Centre on August 20 at 7:30 pm.

Courtney Hogan-Chandler, Maxine MacLennan and Norman Stewart are a new PEI musical collaboration. The name, The Irish Scots, comes from Courtney’s husband Scott, who aptly named the band after the ancestry of the band members; Maxine and Norman from Scottish descent and Courtney from Irish descent.

Fiddle, guitars, mandolin, bodhran, vocals, original music and humour make up the elements of this group. The dynamic Island trio plays a mixture of Celtic, original, traditional, country folk and soft rock tunes.

Combined, Courtney, Maxine and

member of the PEI Sports Hall of Fame. Scott will be performing acrobatics and storytelling, as well as providing a unique flip to a traditional ceilidh.

There will be guest appearances by their children, six-year-old Finnegan Chandler (keyboard, acrobatic) and three-year-old Rankin Chandler (dance). Norman Stewart will perform guitar and vocals for the show, bringing his unique blend of Celtic and traditional music to the stage. And of course a kitchen party isn’t a kitchen party without a dancer, so world-class step dancer Janelle Banks will be performing as well.

Tickets are available at ticketpro.ca or by calling the box office at 894 6885.

Norman have numerous nominations for Music PEI and ECMA awards, and others outside of Atlantic Canada.

Stanley Bridge Centre is located at 9979 Route 6, Stanley Bridge. Irish Cultural Centre is located at 582 North River Rd, Charlottetown

(left–right): Maxine MacLennan, Courtney Hogan-Chandler and Norman Stewart

(L–R): Finnegan, Norman, Rankin, Courtney and Scott

EV Experience Tour

Try driving an electric vehicle in a community near you. Participants can enter a draw to win an e-bike (valued at approximately $1500).

August 4 - 11am - 3pm Canadian Center for Climate Change And Adaptation St. Peter’s Bay

August 12- 9am - 12pm Access PEI on Riverside Drive in Charlottetown

August 25 - 11am - 3pm Access PEI in Summerside

Stompin’ Tom Festival

Events in Skinners Pond continue throughout the summer

The Stompin’ Tom Festival Series is a tribute to Tom’s greatest passions: supporting musical talent and showcasing what it means to be Canadian. This summer, visitors can expect concerts, dinner theatre, themed events pairing food and drink with live music, and more at the Stompin’ Tom Centre, a fully licensed, open-air venue in Skinners Pond.

Featured artists in concert include Jason McCoy, Myles Goodwyn and Kurk Bernard, to name a few.

Richard Wood, recipient of the 2023 ECMA Stompin’ Tom Award, brings his fiery brand of Celtic music to the Stompin’ Tom Centre every Saturday until September 30 (and Sunday, September 3). Joining him are the Somerset Dancers.

Other events include free, live entertainment daily; the dinner theatre Keep It Canadian by Erin Dunn-Keefe;

For a full list of events and to sign up for a drive, visit: PrinceEdwardIsland.ca/EVs

themed tasting and drink menus at The Hammer Down on July 29 with Jay Gavin and Jason McCoy, and at the Hoedown on August 26 with fiddler Billy McInnis, Joey, Jamie and Kurk; and Shucked-In, a PEI version of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Screeched-In.

Visit stompintomcentre.com for tickets, schedule and full details.

Country & Western

The next instalment of the Watermark Music Series—Aug 6

The second concert in the Watermark Music Series will be a Classic Country & Western Night with Rick Donair (Nick Doneff) on August 6 at 7:30 pm. Curated by Hannah Melanson, the series features local talent interpreting famous songwriters.

Nick Doneff returns to the Watermark Theatre in North Rustico for the first time since the 2019 Tribute to Stompin’ Tom Connors, this time performing under his honky-tonkin’, jukebox hoggin’ pseudonym, Rick Donair, The Queens County Rambler.

Classic Country & Western Nights with Rick Donair began in 2016 as a Father’s Day tradition at the Trailside Café in Mt. Stewart, but have since become a fan favourite in music venues (and bar rooms) across the Island. With selections by artists such as Hank Williams, Lefty Frizzell, George Jones, Ray Price, Kitty Wells, Patsy Cline, Webb Pierce, Roger Miller, Buck Owens, Hank Snow and many more, Rick Donair rambles through the 40s, 50s and 60s pickin’ on a little something for everyone.

Tom Power, host of CBC’s “Q”, describes Nick Doneff’s music as a cross between Joel Plaskett and John

Prine and called him an artist that “you need to hear.” Doneff also regularly works onstage as an instrumentalist with some of PEI’s finest acts, including Tara MacLean, Liam Corcoran and Two Hours Traffic.

His most recent LP, The Late August Days, features contributions from Jim Creeggan (Barenaked Ladies), Aaron Comeau (Skydiggers), Mickey Raphael (Willie Nelson), Catherine MacLellan, Dave Haskett (Shawn Mendes), Blair Packham (The Jitters), and more.

Tickets can be purchased at ticketwizard.ca or by calling the box office at 963-3963.

Myles Goodwyn (April Wine) takes the stage August 5

Nick Done , also know as Rick Donair, The Queens County Rambler

Festival

Route 11

Bilingual folk festival at Union Corner Park—Aug 3 to 6

Summer concerts

Performances continue in Charlottetown and Tignish

Festival Route 11 returns for the third edition at Union Corner Provincial Park from August 3–6. The bilingual folk festival offers a multi-sensory experience, combining music, culinary arts and visual art installations.

This year’s concert headliners include four-time Grammy-nominated artist Cedric Watson with Bijou Creole, traditional Quebec music group De Temps Antan, and New Brunswick singer-songwriter Paul Hébert. Rounding out the lineup are Catherine MacLellan, The Small Glories, Shane Pendergast, Bruce Molsky, and a special performance of Vishtèn Connexions. Here We Go Barndance returns, featuring Richard Wood, Megan Bergeron and Nick van Ouwerkerk.

The festival grounds will be transformed once more with large-scale outdoor art installations inspired by the original work of Karen Gallant, overseen by artists Kelly Caseley and Patrick Brunet. At the helm of the concerts’ culinary accompaniment are Island chefs Robert Pendergast, Alex Clark and Caleb Gallant.

Presented by the Fédération culturelle de l’Île-du-Prince-Édouard, Festival 11 will also present the Fiddle Camp and the free-admission Family Day again this year.

Visit festivalroute11.com to volunteer, buy passes and for more details.

The summer concert series at St. Dunstan’s Basilica in Charlottetown and St. Simon and St. Jude’s in Tignish continues in August.

The August programming features countertenor Vhikthør Vhølkhem and organist Leo Marchildon in concert on August 1 and 2; organists Jason Chen and Leo Marchildon pair up for a performance on the 1882 Louis Mitchell tracker pipe organ in Tignish on August 8 followed by the 1923 Casavant instrument in Charlottetown on August 9; and soprano Robyn Perry of Tignish performs an eclectic program with Leo Marchildon on August 15 and 16.

All programs are about an hour long and begin at 7 pm in Tignish and at 1 pm in Charlottetown. Admission is by free will offering.

(Clockwise from top-left): Leo Marchildon will join forces with Robyn Perry, Jason Chen and Vhiktør Vhølkhelm for six performances in August.

OLIVIA LUZ PERILLO

Cedric Watson (above) and Paul Hébert are two of the headliners for this year’s event

PHOTOS SUBMITTED

MUSIC ONGOING

ceilidhs, dances, sessions…

Back Home Tonight

This summer concert series features host Gordon Belsher “back home” in the air conditioned Stanley Bridge WI Hall on Mondays at 7:30 pm. Belsher’s weekly guests are a combination of his son-in-law Todd MacLean (piano, ukulele, saxophone), and PEI fiddlers

Courtney Hogan-Chandler and Cynthia MacLeod. Each show will feature a roller coaster ride of singable songs, lively jigs, reels, airs and ballads. Todd MacLean & Cynthia MacLeod join Belsher on July 31. The August guest schedule features Todd Maclean & Cynthia MacLeod (Aug 7/28); and Todd MacLean & Courtney Hogan-Chandler (14/21). Doors open at 7 pm. Book seats in advance at gordonbelsher.com. Cash payment can also be made at the door. 4897 St Mary’s Rd, Stanley Bridge.

Ceilidh in the City

The summer concert series hosted by Island musicians Kendall Docherty, Peter Burke, Brian Knox, Brian Langille and Brian Blacquiere, takes place weekly on Wednesdays at 7:30 pm until November 8 at Jack Blanchard Hall in Charlottetown. Ceilidh organizers showcase the musical culture of PEI and each week offers a sampling of Island musicians. Special guests in August are The Treble Makers (2), Susan Campbell & Frank Whitty (9), Annual Old Home Week Rock N Roll Show with David Altass, Jimi Platts, Gary Cudmore, Heather McAulay (16), Leon Gallant and Billy MacInnis (23), and Keelin Wedge and Richard Wood (30). John Connolly and Kelley Mooney are the special guests on September 6. Admission is at the door, which opens for general seating at 6:30 pm. The Hall is centrally offers air-conditioning, cabaret-style seating, a full canteen with hot and cold menu options, and bar service. 7 Pond St, Charlottetown.

Ceilidhs at the Irish Hall

The Benevolent Irish Society’s Ceilidhs at the Irish Hall will feature The Irish Scots (Aug 4); Fullerton’s Marsh (8); The Chaisson Trio (11); Cian and Mary & Friends (18); Queens County Fiddlers (22); Fiddlers’ Sons (25). Tickets at eventbrite.ca or at the door. 582 North River Rd, Charlottetown.

Ceilidhs in the Park

Outdoor evening ceilidhs with Michael Pendergast will run on Fridays from August 4 to the end of September on the outdoor stage right next to Lefurgey Cultural Centre. Featuring mostly local Summerside talent, the August guests are: Ceilidh in the Park with Iain and Mia MacInnes, and Sam Richard (Aug 4); Ceilidh from Away with Graham Nicholas and Sam Richard (11); Ceilidh on the Keys with Pierce Clark and Sam

Richard (18); and Ceilidh Contemporary with Nathan Wiley and James Philips (25). Sponsored by Culture Summerside, Explore Summerside and Downtown Summerside, shows are free to all and are appropriate for both young and young at heart. 205 Prince St, Summerside.

The Chaisson’s Ceilidh

Join Kevin Chaisson and Louise Chaisson-MacKinnon, with fiddler Sheila MacKenzie, champion stepdancer Taylor MacBeath and host Marsha Weeks for a celebration that connects traditional music from PEI and Cape Breton. The evening of music is complete with stories, fiddling, laughter, song and stepdancing. The ceilidhs continue on Wednesday evenings in August at the historic Stanley Bridge WI Hall. Nova Scotia fiddler Troy MacGillivray will join the ceilidh August 2 and 23. Doors open at 7 pm. Showtime is 7:30 pm. Bring cash for the 50/50 draw and ice cream treats at intermission. Advance tickets online at peiceilidhs or purchase at the door on the evening of the performance. For info, call 314-1865 or email info@peiceilidhs.com.

4897 St. Mary’s Rd, Stanley Bridge.

Close to the Ground

The Egg Farmers of PEI concert series with hosts Fiddlers’ Sons and Keelin Wedge, run on Thursdays at 8 pm until September 28 at Hillcrest United. Fiddlers’ Sons invite a different musical guest to join them each week for a night of PEI Roots music and storytelling. The August lineup features: Keelin Wedge and Christine Cameron, (3); Barry O’Brien and Dan Currie (10); Billy MacInnis and Leon Gallant (17); Meaghan Blanchard (24); and Nick Doneff (31). There are no advance ticket sales; admission is at the door. 50 Wood Islands Rd, Montague.

Cymbria Lions Club Ceilidh

Ceilidhs take place at 7:30 pm on select Sundays this summer at the Cymbria Lions Club. The lineup includes: Fiddlers’ Sons with Keelin Wedge (July 30/Aug 13); Michael & Shane Pendergast (Aug 6); Louise & Johnny Arsenault (Aug 20); and Johnny Ross & Peggy Cliton (Aug 27). There will be a 50/50 draw and canteen service is available. Doors open at 6:30 pm. Admission at the door. The venue is wheelchair accessible and air conditioned. cymbrialions.ca. 2184 Church Rd, Rustico

Dunsta nage Ceilidh

A Ceilidh takes place 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.

Gadelle

Gadelle will present two 45-minutes shows a day from Tuesday–Friday, in Ti-Manuel’s Barn at Village musical acadien. Performances take place at 1:30 pm and 3 pm, Tuesday–Friday, until August 31. The Acadian folk group features Louise Arsenault (fiddle), Hélène Bergeron (vocals, organ), Caroline Bernard (vocals, guitar, accordion) and multi-instrumentalist Rémi Arsenault. The sound is Acadian, the songs are in French, and the banter is bilingual. villagemusical.ca. 1745 Rte 124, Abram-Village.

Georgetown Ceilidh

The Monday night ceilidh continues to the end of August at Kings Playhouse with hosts Jo-anne Ford and Michael Buell. Each week there are special guests, an open mic, a canteen bar and snacks. Admission is at the door. Ceilidhs begin at 7 pm. 65 Grafton St, Georgetown.

Glenaladale Schoolhouse

Ceilidh

Lovely Nelly are in concert on Mondays at 7:30 pm until August 21 in the Glenaladale Schoolhouse. Featuring fiddle tunes and songs, lively Celtic music, guests and oatcakes. Admission is free for ages 12 and under. info@glenaladalepei.com. 257 Blooming Pt Rd, Tracadie Cross.

Island Jazz

Jazz on Thursdays at Baba’s Lounge features top local musicians performing original music, standards,jazzand pop favourites. Each show features a different group and two sets starting at 8 pm. Admission is by donation. The August lineup includes: Harp Jazz feat Caedda Enright (3); Chris Corrigan “Hounds of Summer” (10); Paul St. Amand Soul Jazz (17); Island Jazz Show #300 Greatest Hits (Sunday, 20); Groove Company (27). 181 Great George St, Charlottetown.

Kings Playhouse Cabaret

Sponsored by Island Press, the KP Cabaret features a rotation of entertainment ranging from singing, dancing, comedy, drag and more. The 7:30 pm shows continue August 10 with host John Connolly, The Fascinating Ladies (Kelley Mooney, Catherine O’Brien and Jo-Anne Ford), and Drag Queens Miz Majestix and Demona Devil. The final Cabaret, on August 17, features host Becca Griffin, headliner Brandon Howard Roy, The Fascinating Ladies, and comedian Tanya Nicolle. kingsplayhouse.com. 65 Grafton St, Georgetown.

Leon Gallant & Friends

Concerts with Leon Gallant & Friends take place at 7:30 pm every Tuesday and Friday evening at 7:30 pm until September 29 at Stanley Bridge Hall. 4897 St Marys Rd, Stanley Bridge.

Mark Haines & Brad Fremlin

Matinee

Mark Haines & Brad Fremlin host matinees at the Stanley Bridge WI Hall

every Wednesday at 2 pm through August. The shows, suitable for all ages, celebrate Island culture and music and of course, strawberries and ice cream will be served. Admission is cash at the door. Info: 213-3314. 4897 St. Mary’s Rd, Stanley Bridge.

Michael Pendergast & Tom McSwiggan Ceilidhs

Michael Pendergast and “Uncle” Tom McSwiggan are in their 26th season of hosting ceilidhs. Their Malpeque Hall Ceilidh (2197 Rte 20, Malpeque) takes place weekly on Wednesdays until August 30. Their Stanley Bridge Hall Ceilidh (4897 St Marys Rd, Stanley Bridge) takes place weekly on Thursdays until September 30. Both ceilidhs run from 7:30–9:30 pm and feature family-friendly entertainment with a distinctive PEI flavour. Each evening showcases Celtic and Maritime music, fiddling, stepdancing and stories. Shane Pendergast (vocals, guitar) and Andy Doucette (fiddle) complete the band, and Veronica Murray is the featured stepdancer. Island strawberries and ice cream are available at intermission. Doors open at 7 pm. Admission is cash only at the door. Info: 836-4310

Mont-Carmel Summer Concert Series

The Mont-Carmel Summer Concert Series is in full-swing with weekly shows taking place every Sunday night at 7 pm until August 27 at the MontCarmel Parish Centre. August programming includes: La Famille LeBlanc (NB), Lawrence Maxwell and Cynthia MacLeod (6); Les Bouches Bées (QC), Dueling Pianos with Craig Fair & Ben Aitken, and Kevin Chaisson & Friends (13); Daniel Goguen (NB), Montuno Cubano, Scott MacKay and Richard Wood (20); and Jabbour (QC), The Bombadils (NS), Melissa Gallant, Rémi Arsenault & Megan Bergeron (27). Doors open at 6:15 pm. There is a 50/50 draw and canteen service during the show. Visit cooperativeculturelledemontcarmel. com to purchase advance tickets; if any remain, they will be made available for purchase at the door on the night of the show. 5786 Route 11, Mont-Carmel.

Musical Mayhem

The late night cabaret series at The Guild takes place on select Fridays at 10:30 pm until August 25. Performances feature professional musical theatre artists and local musicians, and themes include Unlucky or Love, Sweet Summer Sounds, Here & Queer, The Guild Grooves, Bubble Gum Pop, and Musical Madness. theguildpei.com. 111 Queen St, Charlottetown.

Orwell Corner Ceilidh

A fundraising ceilidh is held every second Thursday at 7 pm at Orwell Corner Historic Village. A light lunch, included with admission, is served. There is a 50/50 draw and if time allows, an open

mic. Admission is at the door. Free for children under 12. Info: Marion at 6512726. 98 McPhail Park Rd, Vernon Bridge.

Richard Wood: An Evening of Celtic Music

This year’s Stompin’ Tom Award recipient and five-time ECMA, multi-Music PEI Award winner, Richard Wood is presenting Richard Wood: An Evening of Celtic Music with Brad Fremlin at the Stanley Bridge WI Hall. The Saturday night ceilidh series, now in its 14th year, will run through September. Multiinstrumentalist and vocalist Keelin Wedge will join the pair on August 19, and September 2, 9 and 30. The venue is air-conditioned. Seats are available by e-transfer (richardwoodlive@hotmail. com), by phone (330-3293), or at the venue when doors open at 7 pm. Cash, credit or debit accepted. 4897 St. Mary’s Rd, Stanley Bridge. rwood.ca

Ross Family Ceilidh

A celebration of PEI’s traditional and contemporary roots music presented through song and story; bolstered by fiddle and stepdancing. This long-running show has new content and optional preshow dinner at the Clinton Hills location. Featuring Stephanie Ross (vocals, guitar, bodhran, percussion, dance), Danielle Ross (vocals, fiddle, dance); and Johnny Ross (piano). Shows take place every Tuesday until October 17 at The Guild in Charlottetown (111 Queen St). The Clinton Hills (123 Harding Creek Rd) dates go to September and include select Mondays and Wednesdays in August (2, 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23 and 30). rossfamily.ca

Schooner Sessions

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

St. Paul’s Parish Hall Ceilidh

Ceilidhs take place every second Sunday to October 22 at St. Paul’s Parish Hall. Upcoming dates are July 30, and August 13 and 27. Doors open at 6 pm and the ceilidhs begin at 6:30 pm. There is a 50/50 draw and biscuits with jam, tea/ coffee at intermission. Cambridge Rd, Sturgeon.

Stratford Ceilidh

A ceilidh takes place at the Robert L. Cotton Centre on the second Sunday of each month from 7–9:30 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

Stanley Bridge Centre’s Sunday evening ceilidhs

Stanley Bridge Centre has returned to its roots as a community organization. They are hosting a series of Sunday evening ceilidhs featuring traditional Island music with local musicians with performances by The Irish Scots, The Proude Islanders, and Louise & Jonny Ray Arsenault. Follow @ The Stanley Bridge Centre on FB for details. Showtime is 7 pm. 9979 Rte 6, Stanley Bridge.

VMA Summer Cabaret series

The Village musical acadien Summer Cabaret Concert series takes place on Friday evenings in the Acadian Festival Barn. The performing artists in August are: Jamie Matthews (4), Jonny Ray Arsenault (11), Ivan Daigle (18) and Marcella Richard and Larry Campbell (25). The backup band this summer features Danny MacNevin, Rodney Arsenault and Rémi Arsenault. Guest musicians, including Steve Perry, Keelin Wedge, Louise Arsenault and others, will occasionally join the band. Snacks and bar service will be available. Must be 19+ to attend. villagemusical.ca. 1745 Rte 124, Abram-Village.

Sunday Night Concert Series at Rock Barra

The Sunday Night Concert Series continues at Rock Barra Artist Retreat with Finley Mullally and the Riverthieves

(July 30), Meaghan Blanchard (Aug 6), Teresa Doyle, Patrick Bunston and Katlin Doyle (13), Songs for a Small Planet Songwriting Circle (20), and the Friends of Rock Barra Closing Show (27). Children and families receive discounted rates, and it is free for farmers. Doors open at 7 pm. Showtime is 7:30 pm. Tickets can be purchased at the door or by contacting info@rockbarraretreat.com. Info: @rockbarraretreat on FB, rockbarraretreat.com. 211 Big Pond Rd, Souris.

Sunday Session

A Sunday Afternoon Tune Session featuring traditional music and craic with host fiddler Roy Johnstone takes place weekly on Sundays from 2–4 pm at The Old Triangle. 189 Great George St, Charlottetown

Trad Night at Village Green

PEI’s smallest brewery, specializing in traditional and modern beer styles, hosts a Trad Night every Thursday evening. Enjoy free, live music from 7–9 pm in their taproom. Space is limited. Located at 30 Church St, in the old post office/ dental clinic (turn at Church St and Cornwall Rd) in Cornwall.

Tree Huggers Ball

Celebrations of PEI’s trees led by Jon Rehder with Reg Ballagh, Chris Gauthier and Carlie Howell, accompanied by special invited guests each week. Featuring songs and stories about trees, dancing, a

participatory choir, and a clown with a chainsaw, visitors can honour the fallen and cheer for the new growth together. Upcoming dates are August 8, 15 and 22 at 7:30 pm. 20 Howard St, Victoria.

Tuesdays in the Lounge

Harmony House presents a solo artist series downstairs in The Lounge during dinner service on Tuesdays from 6:30–8:30 pm until August 29. A series of troubadours perform live and solo in August with Emi Smith (1), David LaRonde (8), Kylie Fox (15), traditional fiddler Luka Hall (22), and Nick Doneff (29). This is a pay-what-you-can series. Reserve for dinner and show at 964-2255 or harmonyhousepeiresos@gmail.com. 19814 Rte 2, Hunter River. harmonyhousepei.com.

Tunes & Tastebuds

Every Tuesday from 6:30–8 pm, the PEI Preserve Company dining room will come alive with the fusion of music and flavours with Tunes and Tastebuds until August 15. Indulge in a dining experience while grooving to the tunes of Todd Gallant and Chris Arsenault. To reserve a table, call 964-4300 or visit preservecompany.com. 2841 New Glasgow Rd, New Glasgow.

Winsloe United Ceilidhs

Ceilidhs continue at Winsloe United this month. Jacinta MacDonald will host August 6 with special guest Terry Dunsford. Dino Dunsford will host August 20 with Chad Matthews Band featuring Chad Matthews, Danalee Lynch-Veinot and Steven Perry. Doors open at 6:30 pm. Ceilidhs begin at 7 pm. 121 Winsloe Rd, Rte 223, Winsloe.

Sounds of the Waterfront

The Sounds of the Waterfront, presented by the Dairy Farmers of PEI, runs eight hours a day, seven days a week to September 4, alternating between the outdoor stages at Founders’ Food Hall & Market and the Peake’s Quay courtyard in Charlottetown. Free and family-friendly, the series features over 40 Island musicians and celebrates a multitude of music genres and styles, from lively Cuban guitar to indie pop, fiddle folk, wind instruments, rap, country, blues and more.

The series is a joint project of Founders’ Food Hall & Market and Peake’s Quay Merchants Association. soundsofthewaterfront.com

Hip hop at Baba’s Lounge Ava + Lily in concert

Duo performs live at The Guild—Aug 26

Ava + Lily will be on The Guild’s stage August 26 at 7:30 pm.

Ava and Lily Rashed are 19-yearold twins from Charlottetown. They are both multi-instrumentalists and have guitar, piano, mandolin and fiddle covered. They classify their sound as pop/country/electronic.

In 2023, Ava + Lily won Music PEI’s New Artist of the Year award and were selected to be a part of Music PEI’s Golden Ticket program which led to the release of their current single, “I Won.”

They come from generations of successful musicians including their father, David Rashed, keyboardist for multi-platinum-selling 80s band Haywire, and their great grandfather was Canadian Country Hall of Famer Charlie Chamberlain. theguildpei.com

MUSIC FESTIVALS

For more event details, visit their websites

through September

Under the Spire Music Festival

Jessica Gallant is Dolly Parton, Guillaume Villeneuve & Bertrand Cuiller, Midsummer Magic (with Robert Kortgaard, Peter Tiefenbach, Midori Marsh, Parker Clements and Alex Halliday), Island Proud: Pierce Clarke Band and Joce Reyome, Kaia Kater, Sundown: A Gordon Lightfoot Tribute, The North Sound, Island Proud: The County Line Romance & Shane Pendergast, Ben Caplan, Charles Richard-Hamelin, Irish Mythen, CowanCicchillitti, Mallory Johnson and Scott MacKay, La Fiammata, Open Stage event with Noah Malcolm, Pride Ceilidh with Julie Bull, Keelin Wedge, Brandon Howard Roy, Community Listening Hours and more. Historic St. Mary’s, Indian River. underthespire.ca

July 28–30

Arts & Culture Festival

Montague

Keira Loane, Big Shiny Tunes Tribute presented by Craig Fair Music Productions, East Coast Connection (Carter MacLellan & Ben Mitsuk), Emma Gamble, Where’s Jaki? (Jesse McCormac, Ella Laybolt, Jacob Pickering, Connor Young), Kobbler Jay Busker Show, Jorge Peña, Celtic Dancers, Eddie Quinn &

Junk and Fortunato will each headline a show in August

Fortunato

August 12 SUBMITTED

Toronto hip hop artist Fortunato is bringing his Blue Collar Tour 2 to PEI this month. With special guest JONO and music by Metaphyzik, Fortunato will be live at Baba’s Lounge in Charlottetown on August 12 at 11 pm.

Junk

August 25

John B Webster, DiverseCity Festival and more. Waterfront Park, Montague threeriversfestivals.com

July 30; August 6

DiverseCity Music Festival

Performers, vendors, artisans, community groups and activity leaders. Waterfront Park, Montague (July 30); CN Park, Souris (Aug 6). diversecityfest.com

August 3–6

Festival Route 11

Cedric Watson, Bijou Creole, De Temps Antan, Paul Hébert, Catherine MacLellan, The Small Glories, Shane Pendergast, Bruce Molsky, Vishtèn Connexions, and Here We Go Barndances with Richard Wood, Megan Bergeron and Nick van Ouwerkerk. Union Corner Park Road, Mont-Carmel. festivalroute11.com

August 11–13

10th Cloggeroo

The Barr Brothers, The Town Heroes, Adam Baldwin & the Jenny Wren, Kellie Loder, The Mellotones, KINLEY, Big Country, Veranda, Theresa Malenfant, Garrett Mason, Campbell & Johnston’s Black Market Band, Wharf Rats, Out From Under, The Fabulously Rich, and Silent Discos with DJ DMayne Event and DJ VClay. Georgetown, Three Rivers cloggeroo.com

Island artists K3voh, Lizleo, Braeden V, S.N.K, Fats, Spivey and K-FLOW will open, with music by PEI’s DJ Allycat.

Born and raised in Toronto’s West End, Fortunato dropped his first album in 2008 which had several videos in high rotation on MuchMusic and Much Vibe. He is a two-time East Coast Music Award nominated rapper, known for his gritty hard-hitting raps and ferocious flow. He collaborated with Sean One on his EP Blue Collar, which hit number three on the National Hip Hop charts. His next album, 2 Bad Dudes featured DJ IV (Classified).

The key to Fortunato’s creative process is preparation and his experience, vocabulary and versatility. Onyx has been Fortunato’s number one influence not only through music but also around the business of music, touring and being a professional artist. Fortunato’s live performance encompasses all the elements of Hip Hop by using a DJ and B-boy. He has toured Europe with Onyx and collaborated with artists like Sean P, Smif N Wessun, Moka Only and Ghettosocks.

AMAC, a local music promoter and owner of PEI Underground Hip Hop, teamed up with Massimo Lepore, also known as Fortunato, to present this event. Advance tickets and meet & greet packages are available online at showpass.com/fortunato-the-blue-collar-tour-2-with-special-guest-jono-music-by-metaphyzik.

Charlottetown independent music promoter AMAC is hosting a hip hop show featuring Vancouver, BC artist Junk at Baba’s Lounge on August 25.

Presented by Household Records, Marked Up ENT and PEI Underground Hip Hop, this show will have local support from DJ Selecta Chevron and opening acts S.N.K, Kilbride, Spivey, Kay’Em and Bingz.

Junk is a freestyle specialist and former battle rapper who gained a following from the underground hip hop scene across Canada. He won MTV’s End of the Weak national freestyle competition in 2011, which secured him a spot in Paris, France to represent Canada, where he took third place in the international competition. That same year, Junk co-created the Vancouver rap duo Northwest Division with rapper Hungry. Together they released three albums and three mixtapes in five years.

In 2016, Junk signed to Snak the Ripper’s label, Stealth Bomb Records. His high-octane performance has been growing steadily. He has headlined solo tours, toured Canada and Europe with acts like Snak, Merkules and Onyx, opened for Tech N9ne, MGK, Yelawolf, Wu-Tang and more, and he has three albums and three EP’s under his belt.

Doors open at 10 pm. Show starts at 11 pm. There will be meet & greet packages (available online only) and a raffle for door prizes. Tickets are available from the opening acts, by texting 940-4369 or online at mynameisjunk. com/shows. This is a 19+ event.

Multi-instrumentalists and singers Ava and Lily Rashed

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Trailside Music Hall

Some of the many upcoming live performances

Absolute Loser album launch

August 5

Post-punk trio, Absolute Losers will celebrate the release of their debut album, At The Mall, August 5 at 8 pm. While there are hints of cabin fever and general frustration, the album has a humorous air. At The Mall is a danceable 12-track offering that confronts hardships without taking itself too seriously.

The band writes pop songs hidden beneath wiry guitar work, intertwining bass and drum parts, and nonchalant vocals. Rather than overcompensating, Absolute Losers lean into the thinness of a trio with active interplay between instruments making each part count.

Honey, I’m Home

August 11 & 25

Elegant and honest, Nadia’s voice is singular and potent. The result is a contemporary sound that is timeless. She evokes the classics like early Sade as much as current stars like Ariana Grande. Still, she possesses a sound that is intimately her own.

Nadia quickly turned heads in her hometown of Charlottetown, PEI. In 2023, she was nominated for the Music PEI Award for R&B Recording of the Year for her song “Off the High” featuring Vince The Messenger.

A Night of Queen

August 18–20

take the stage on August 27 at 8 pm.

The Grapes Of Wrath and The Northern Pikes were a part of the Canadian rock music scene in the 80s and 90s.

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

Feeling charged by their newfound musical chemistry, the duo began performing across Canada as Kane & Potvin and their self-titled debut album was released in 2016.

In 2017, Kevin joined Bryan and the other members of The Northern Pikes as second guitarist for their “Big Blue Sky” 30th anniversary tour. Afterwards, Kane became a permanent Pike as the band recorded their Forest Of Love album.

With Kevin now calling the south shore of Nova Scotia home (Bryan has resided there since 2014), the neighbours and musical duo are back.

Sarah Segal-Lazar album launch

September 3

MUSIC NEWS

DNTS recruiting members

Definitely Not the Symphony (DNTS) is an eclectic group of music enthusiasts who gather to play instrumental pieces on a regular basis. They are recruiting people who are interested in string, percussion and wind instruments, and they welcome all ages, genders and musical abilities. Consider joining DNTS and learn a new instrument or brush up on musical skills. Rehearsals are held Saturday mornings, September to June, in Charlottetown. Info: dntsstratford@ gmail.com; @dntspei

PEI Symphony Orchestra

Honey, I’m Home: Shania Twain Tribute Band will take to the stage with two performances, August 11 and 25, at 8 pm.

This lineup features Bridgette Blanchard on lead vocals singing all of Shania’s greatest hits, along with members from local bands like More Soul, Sunday Punch and The Motones.

Nadia

August 14

Nadia presents A night of R&B featuring special guests on August 14. Showtime is 8 pm.

After two sold out runs, “A Night of Queen” is back at Trailside with performances August 18, 19 and 20 at 8 pm.

Created and directed by Craig Fair, the night celebrates one of the rock legends of our time with a group of eleven local artists, including Joce Reyome, Brandon Howard Roy and Joseé Boudreau. This show will have the audience appreciating Queen songs in a whole new light.

Bryan Potvin & Kevin Kane

August 27

Sarah Segal-Lazar is celebrating the launch of her new album on September 3 at 8 pm. Sarah and her band will play all the new tunes, as well as some folk-country classics.

Sarah Segal-Lazar has been making music since before she could talk. By the time she was nine, she was sending songs into the local radio station. She has gone on to compose for others and release her own music, dancing at the crossroads where folk and country meet.

These days, the Femme Fatale of Folk splits her time between the busy streets of Montreal and the red shores of PEI—and sharing her tunes wherever the wind may take her.

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.

The PEI Symphony Orchestra’s 2023-24 season subscriptions are now available for purchase. Single ticket sales will begin in late summer. Entering its 56th year, this season marks a new chapter in the orchestra’s history, as the PEISO welcomes four guest conductors to the podium: Jaelem Bhate, Kira Omelchenko, Juliane Gallant and Daniel Black. Each is a finalist for the music director position and will complete a final audition by leading one of the upcoming PEISO concerts this coming season. Their profiles are available at peisymphony. com. As part of the audition process, PEISO season subscribers have an opportunity to contribute to the selection of the next music director. After each concert, patrons will receive an email survey to share their feedback on the performance and the guest conductor. The PEISO’s partnership agreement with ConfedTeration Centre of the Arts has been renewed for another two years, made possible through the Lou MacEachern Community Partnership Program. This will include four full-orchestra concerts per season in the Sobey Family Theatre. The first PEISO concert of the season will be October 15 with Jaelem Bhate. The early-bird subscription offer for all four concerts is available until August 31. peisymphony.com

Juror applications open for ECMA 2024

The 2024 East Coast Music Awards will take place in Charlottetown from May 1–5, 2024. Jury applications are now open. Successful applicants with experience in the music industry can help decide the winners for the 2024 East Coast Music Awards. Submissions will be open all summer. More info will be provided about next steps after applying. Visit ecma.com for details.

August 15th

Bryan Potvin of the Northern Pikes & Kevin Kane of the Grapes of Wrath

Nadia

Brandon Joce Josée

Boggeroo Blues Tent

Cloggeroo’s Sunday programming now at Bogside Brewing

What happens when you take PEI’s much-loved Cloggeroo music festival, mix in Three Rivers’ very own Bogside Brewing, and top it off with an afternoon of top-quality Canadian blues? It’s the “Boggeroo Blues Tent”!

For the first time ever, Cloggeroo’s Sunday afternoon (August 13) all-blues show will be happening at Bogside’s new outdoor venue overlooking the Montague River in Three Rivers.

This year’s Sunday festival lineup of smokin’ blues musicians from across the Atlantic region starts off with JUNO and Maple Blues award-winning artist Garrett Mason of Nova Scotia—considered by many to be Canada’s greatest living guitar player. Next up will be New Brunswick’s Theresa Malenfant, a vocal powerhouse in the tradition of Janis Joplin and Etta James. Theresa will be backed up by her band The Instigators featuring Scott Medford, Terry Patterson and Mike Hanlon.

Topping off the show will be Halifax based blues-rock power duo

Campbell & Johnston and the Black Market Band. Christine Campbell, originally from PEI, and Blake Johnston have been entertaining audiences with their soulful tone blended into 60s and 70s rock style guitar riffs and vocal harmonies, and have been opening for bands such as Burton Cummings, Steve Earle and Bob Seger. Their 2021 recording earned

them an award for Best Blues Album at the 2022 ECMAs and a Maple Blues nomination.Kenny Boone, a visual artist from Glace Bay, Nova Scotia will also be on stage, doing a live painting inspired by Garrett Mason’s music. Kenny has painted on stage with Matt Minglewood, Matt Mays , Slowcoaster, Men of the Deep, Rita McNeil, Colin Grant, Joe Murphy and many others.

Since 2019, Bogside Brewing has been brewing a full palette of award winning beer, cider and vodka soda on site, and pairing it with fresh food from Crafters Smokehouse, Hooked, and Famous Peppers Pizza—along with live music from all across PEI and beyond.

Cloggeroo, the ECMA-nominated music festival in Three Rivers, PEI, is celebrating its 10th year this summer. The annual festival takes place August 11–13 and features live music (The Barr Brothers, The Mellotones, Kellie Loder, The Town Heroes and more), a beer garden, live sand-sculpting, camping, silent discos and more along the shores of the Brudenell River in Georgetown.

Doors open at the “Boggeroo Blues Tent” on August 13 at 1:30 pm, with music from 2–6 pm.

Cloggeroo’s festival shuttles will be running from Cloggeroo’s campground for those with weekend or Sunday passes.

Visitcloggeroo.comfor more information and tickets.

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Blues-rock duo Campbell and Johnston will perform in the Boggeroo Blues Tent

MUSIC LIVE bars,

lounges, cafés…

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: Dayton Parade, Ivy Gardens, Space Bud, 20 Eyes (July 28); Shipwrecks, Willard Finch (29); Wasting Time, Sweetdarts (Aug 1); Kristine & Nick(3); Kay Em,DJ Shy Papi, Selecta Chevron, Bings, S.N.K.C., Ruth (4); Selecta Chevron, Elvis Nyong, Tanguy—afro house (5); By Divine Right, Gizmo (8); Fireball Kid(10); Lefunk (11); Fortunato (12); Ptarmageddon (15); Stubbs and The (17); Moontunes, Mercy Please (18); Riptyde Events post-festival meltdown (19); Fast Eddie, Scott Murray (22); Arielle Junk (25); The Darvel, 20 Eyes, Witch Hands(26). 181 Great George St, Charlottetown.

Bogside Brewing

Fridays and Saturdays at 6:30 pm and Sundays from 3–6 pm: Dan Doiron(July 29); Ivan Daigle(30); David Woodside (Aug 4/20); Lisa birt (5); Dan Doiron (6); Brian Dunn (11); Billy White (12); Margarita Wayne (18); Kevin Aitchison (19); Keira Loane (25); Carter MacLellan (26); Brock Mattsson (27).11 Brook St, Montague.

Breakwater at Silver Fox

Live music on Fridays and Saturdays at 9:30 pm. 80s & 90s Video Dance on Aug 26 at 9 pm. 110 Water St, Summerside.

Brothers 2

Thursdays and Fridays at 7 pm: David Woodside (July 28); Mitch O’Blenis (Aug 3); D’Arcy (4); Logan Maddix (10/18); Chris & Eric (11); David Woodside (17); Dylan Jensen (24/31); Nick Hann (25). 618 Water St, Summerside.

Charlottetown Beer Garden

Live music on the patio at 6 pm: Brad & Nick (Sun); Chris & Eric (Mon); Lieutenant Dan (Tue); Vintage (Wed); Richie Burger (Thu); Kim Albert (Fri); The Last Forevers (July 29/Aug 5/26);

Lu and the Crew (12/19). Live DJ inside at 10 pm: Javier & Tanguy (July 29); DJ Nova (Aug 5); Javier & Tanguy (12/26); Möjo (19). 185 Kent St, Charlottetown.

Charlottetown Legion

Saturdays at 9:30 pm: Kim Albert (July 29); Power House (Aug 5); Wrecking Crew (120; Rustlers (19); Kim Albert (26). All are welcome. 99 Pownal St, Charlottetown.

Craft Beer Corner

Saturdays at 9 pm (no cover). 156 Great George St, Charlottetown.

Evermoore Brewing

Tuesdays at 6 pm: Nick Doneff (Aug 1); Jessica Pearson (8); Brock Mattsson (15); Thatcher Mackay (22); Adam MacGregor (29). 192 Water St, Summerside.

The Factory

DJ Method on Thursdays. Dance Party on Fridays & Saturdays. Live Music at 10 pm: Main Street Bullies (Aug 11); The Woodpeckers Reunion (18). Kent St, Charlottetown.

Gahan House

Acoustic music on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 9 pm: TBA (Aug 2/3/10/17/30); Nathan Carragher (9/23/31); Marc Ekins (16/24). 126 Sydney St, Charlottetown.

The Hub Lounge

Live Music on Wednesdays from 6–8 pm, Friday Night Socials from 6:30–9 pm and Saturday Kitchen Party from 1–3 pm: Ashley Gorman (July 29); Trevor Cameron (Aug 2/16/25); Dave Connolly (4/30); Ashley Gorman (5); Geoff Warren & Nick Clow (9/18); Julie & Danny (11); Sam Ramsay (12); Dan Paynter (19); Brian Dunn (23); Nathan Carragher (26). Anderson’s Creek Golf Club, 68 North Rd, Stanley Bridge.

Hunter’s Ale House

Matt & Friends (Mondays); Lieutenant Dan (Tuesdays); Gizmo EP Release Party (July 29); Lieutenant Dan (Aug 4); CopyCat (5/19); Alyssa acoustic (10); Chamberlane, Supercar, Sticky Honey (12); Slowcoaster Duo (18); Brad & Nick (24/31); Hired Guns (26). Corner of Kent & Prince Sts, Charlottetown.

The Local

Tuesday to Saturday at 7 pm and Sundays at 6 pm: Cole Brioux(July 30); TBA (31); Lawrence Maxwell (Aug 1/8/15/22); Taylor Johnston & Dan MacAulay(2/16/30); Luka Hall (*4[Mon]/14); TBA (5/12); Cole Brioux(6/13/20/27); Stratton& Kays(9/23); Thatcher MacKay (10/25); Steve Szwarc (11); Holy Hanna(18/26); Saul Good Duo(19). 202 Buchanan Dr, Charlottetown.

Lone Oak Brew Pub

Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 6–9 pm (weather permitting): Brooke MacArther (July 28); Julie & Danny (29); Shane Pendergast (30); Brad Milligan (Aug 4); Mike & Karen (5); Stratton & Kays (6); Brooke MacArthur (11); Lawrence Maxwell (12); Roland Beaulieu (13); Dave Woodside (18); Julie & Danny (19); Brandon Gillis (20); Chris & Eric (25); Brian Dunn (26); Nathan Carragher (27). 15 Milky Way, Charlottetown.

Lone Oak Brewing Co

Fridays and Sundays from 1–4 pm (weather permitting): Dan Doiron (July 28); Julie Arsenault (30); Nathan Carragher (Aug 4); Shane Douthwright (6); Jon Matthews (11); Stubs and The (12 @7 pm); Brad Milligan (13); Dave Woodside (18); Acoustic Bros (20); Jonny Ray (25); Dan Doiron (27). 103 Abegweit Blvd, Borden-Carleton.

The Lucky Bean—Montague

Blooming House fundraiser with Luke Koleszar on August 4 from 4pm–7 pm. 576 Main St, Montague.

The Lucky Bean—Stratford

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

Next Door @ The Merchantman

Thursdays at 6 pm, Fridays from 5–7 pm/8–10 pm and Saturdays from 2–4 pm/7–9 pm: Rodney Perry/TBA (July 28); David Woodside (Aug 3); TBA (4); Adam McGregor/TBA (5); Brad Milligan (10); Fraser McCallum/TBA (11); Adam McGregor/Brooke MacAurthur (12); Fraser McCallum (17);Adam McGregor/ Pierce Clarke (18); Brad Milligan/Ryan Merry (19); Aaron (The Protogey)(24); Rodney Perry/David Woodside (25/31); TBA (26). 23 Queen St, Charlottetown.

The

Old Triangle

Live music on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm. 189 Great George St, Charlottetown.

Olde

Dublin Pub

Sunday to Wednesday at 7 pm, Thursdays at 8 pm, and Fridays and Saturdays at 10 pm: Sunday to Wednesday at 7 pm, Thursdays at 8 pm, and Fridays and Saturdays at 10 pm: Gordon Belsher & guest (SunCourtney Hogan Chandler [6], Todd MacLean [13], Allison Giggey [20/27]); Lawrence Maxwell (Mon [7/14/21]); David Woodside (Tue); Richie & Trevor (Wed [2/16/30]); Taylor Johnston & Dan MacAulay(Wed [9/13]); Vintage

2.0 (Thu); Gypsy Soul (Aug 4); TBA (5); Wannabeez (11); Big Shiny Party Band (12/26); Gypsy Soul (Aug 14 @11 pm); Old Home Week kickoff party (15 @11 pm); Adam MacGregor and the Foes (18); Main Street Bullies (19); Hired Guns (25). 132 Sydney St, Charlottetown.

The Outer Bar

Reggaeton dance music on Fridays and Saturdays at 10 pm. 4557 Wharf Road, Cardigan.

RCAF Wing Summerside

Live Music on Saturdays at 9 pm. No cover. 329 North Market St, Summerside. wingpei.com

Salt & Sol

Live music on Sundays from 3–5 pm. Salsa Dancing on Wednesdays at 9 pm. Chill House DJ on Fridays at 10:30 pm. DJ Dance Party (21+) on Saturdays at 10:30 pm. 2 Pownal St, Charlottetown.

•hormonal contraception (NEW)

•impetigo (NEW)

• shingles (NEW)

• COVID-19 (Paxlovid™)

•nasal allergies (i.e. hay fever)

•calluses or corns

•allergic skin rash

• cough

•dandru

•pre-menstrual and menstrual pain

• indigestion

• emergency contraception

•fungal skin infections

•heartburn (GERD)

• hemorrhoids

•cold sores (oral)

• acne (mild)

•headache (mild)

• eczema (mild to moderate)

•hives, bug bites and stings (mild)

• joint pain (minor)

• muscle pain (minor)

• sleep disorders (minor)

•nasal congestion

• nausea

• nicotine dependence (smoking cessation)

• diarrhea (non-infectious)

•thrush (oral fungal infection)

• canker sores

• sore throat

• threadworms or pinworms

•urinary tract infection (uncomplicated)*

•yeast infection (vaginal)

•warts (excluding facial and genital warts)

•dry eyes

*For women at least 19 years of age only.