The Buzz - March 2023

March 2023

Richey Mayne

Coming home

away from saviorism into working from my own advocacy and community at large.”

I was humbled by Lucky’s candid explanation of their experiences as they’ve come to know themselves in the way they do now. “I used to understand transgender as a binary construct, so I didn’t relate to or identify with that. I was out of alignment in many ways, including with my gender, so learning about terms like non-binary helped me deconstruct what gender means to and for me.”

Anyone on a healing journey knows that it can be a difficult and challenging path, and we are all responsible to find the ways that best support our unique and individual journey. “One of the most profound parts of my healing has been learning how to play together with my inner child.”

Lucky is a multi-talented creator who dabbles in the visual, written and musical arts. They are especially drawn to materials like watercolour and clay. “I can let go and allow the materials to do what they want to do, which is good for a recovering perfectionist like me.” Like many writers, Lucky says their “poetry often comes from a place of deep anger and challenge.”

Listening to and playing music is one of the ways that Lucky continues to connect to their creativity, through the full spectrum of emotions.

Though Lucky Fusca didn’t grow up on Prince Edward Island, they are coming home to themselves as they connect with and build community on the Island.

One of the first things they said during our conversation was, “the ocean feels like home to me.” There was a sense of knowing and peace that accompanied that statement. The sense of feeling at home was palpable as they spoke. “The ocean and community are my happy places.”

Lucky grew up in Ontario and attended a private Catholic high school. Since they were drawn to the ocean, they decided to move to the East Coast where they attended Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Throughout all those formative educational experiences, Lucky was drawn to activism in its many forms. “I’ve always been a firecracker for injustice.”

When Lucky first moved to PEI, they worked in a variety of jobs, including in the resort and retail industries. One of their jobs in male-dominated spaces provided insight and awareness for them about where and how they spend their time and energy. “It often felt like I had to stifle who I am for the sake

of safety, and that is not a sustainable way to live.”

During their time working in resorts and retail, Lucky was still looking for ways to connect with community and to contribute their skills, interests, talents and activisms for the communities in which they are a part.

“PRIDE was looking for new board members and some of my friends encouraged me to put my name forward. I’m so glad I did! These experiences enhance my connection to community and support my own growth and healing.”

During difficult and dark times, we all need community-care alongside selfcare. “Sometimes others see something in us before we can see it for ourselves. When we are surrounded by supportive people, they can help propel us into movement when we feel stuck and alone.”

Lucky continues to sit on the board for PRIDE and they are the Executive Director of the PEI Transgender Network (PEITN). They are also active in a variety of community-based and mutual-aid oriented activities on the Island. “I had the chance to move

During our entire conversation, Lucky eloquently and effortlessly weaved the theory and practice of community care and mutual aid, noting that both these collective endeavors can help combat loneliness and fear. “Activism and community care fills my heart.”

We’ve all heard that “knowledge is power,” and Lucky says that “once we know what’s happening around us, we can do something about it.” This personal, political and professional knowledge gave Lucky the tools and the time to dig deeper into themselves.

“I now felt safe enough to think about and feel through some of my childhood experiences from a gender and sexuality lens, as I began the trauma healing journey. Everything changed when I started engaging with my own growth and healing by approaching it with curiosity instead of judgement.”

When we work in spaces of activism and advocacy, particularly in places where our own personal identities intersect with the work, it can be heavy and hard. Without dismissing the real challenges that exist, Lucky had the same sense of knowing and peace that started our conversation when they said, “there’s a world of hurt, but there’s also a world of opportunity.”

BUZZ

Pro le: Lucky Fusca by Julie Bull

New Executive Director

Mary Dennis changes role at Harbourfront Theatre

The board of directors of Harbourfront Theatre in Summerside recently announced the appointment of long-time staff member Mary Dennis as the theatre’s new executive director.

“I’m very excited to be moving into this new role for my next chapter at Harbourfront Theatre,” says Dennis. “We have an excellent team of staff and volunteers and a beautifully renovated facility, and I look forward to continuing to fulfill our mandate to be a significant driving force in the performing arts community showcasing local and touring productions yearround for the entertainment of Islanders and visitors.”

Dennis has held senior positions at Harbourfront Theatre since the venue opened in 1996. For most of her 27 years of service, she has been the director of operations, working closely with past executive directors. Her responsibilities have included programming theatre rentals, grant writing and managing

Every Woman Counts

International Women’s Day celebration—Mar 8

The PEI Advisory Council on the Status of Women invites everyone to join them in celebrating International Women’s Day (IWD) March 8 from 3–5 pm a the Charlottetown Library Learning Centre.

The IWD 2023 theme of Every Woman Counts speaks to resiliency, hope, and the insistence that every woman, everywhere, has an inherent, undeniable value.

The afternoon will begin with an invitation to Indigenous Round Dance, led by sisters Sophia and Ellie Bourque. Alicia Toner and members of Northern Lights will perform—featuring all female-identifying/non-binary PEI musicians. PEI Poet Laureate Tanya Davis will perform her incisive and aspirational poem “Restoring Community.” Community leaders will share information about initiatives that are happening on PEI.

People of all genders, identities and ages are welcome to attend this free event. There will be a kids’ corner set up with activities for them.

the day-to-day operation of the facility, including front of house and box office. harbourfronttheatre.com

Harbourfront Theatre Executive Director May Dennis

Dashan & Friends

Two nights of music with Mandarin comedy and poetry

The Charlottetown Festival

The Play That Goes Wrong

Islanders to star in 2023 mainstage production

Island Jazz presents a night of comedy, music and poetry at The Mack in Charlottetown March 24 and 25 at 7:30 pm. The show features Dashan with guest artists from the Chinese Canadian community. Dashan will be joined on stage for the first time by his brother Dan Rowswell with his Island Jazz Quartet.

Dashan (aka Mark Rowswell) has been called “the most famous foreigner in China,” where he has worked as a media personality and cultural ambassador for over 30 years. Born and raised in Canada, Rowswell began studying Chinese in the mid 1980s, first at the University of Toronto and later at Peking University. While in Beijing, he became interested in xiangsheng [she-ang shung], a revered form of traditional comedic dialogue in China, and was soon appearing on

Twelfth Night

Vagabond Productions returns with Shakespeare at UPEI—Mar 15 to 18

After a three year hiatus, for obvious reasons, Vagabond Productions returns, presenting Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night March 15–18 at Dr. Steel Recital Hall on the UPEI campus.

Asked why this play now, Greg Doran, the play’s director, said, “It feels like a very modern play, in its attitudes and questions about gender and identity. I think that this play has something to say to a contemporary audience. Also, we could all use a

national television under the stage name “Dashan.”

Repeated performances to hundreds of millions of television viewers turned “Dashan” into a household name across China, and his media career expanded from comedy to dramatic acting to hosting cultural, diplomatic, educational and commercial programs and live events.

In recent years Dashan has returned to his comedic roots, combining traditional Chinese comedy with Western stand-up in a ground-breaking solo show “Dashan Live.”

The language of music is universal, but the comedy and poetry for this show will all be in Mandarin Chinese. Tickets are available at the Confederation Centre of the Arts box office and confederationcentre.com. dashan.com

Confederation Centre of the Arts announced Islanders who will take the stage in The Play That Goes Wrong at The 2023 Charlottetown Festival.

Playing at Sobey Family Theatre, the Centre’s mainstage, The Play That Goes Wrong is a comedy that has taken over Broadway and London’s West End. 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. With an unconscious leading lady, a corpse that can’t play dead, and actors who trip over everything (including their lines), this masterpiece of malfunction is sure to bring down the house. The Play That Goes Wrong has garnered rave reviews from around the world, with HuffPost calling it, “the funniest play Broadway has ever seen.”

He is joined by Charlottetown native Aaron Ryder, who is no stranger to the Centre. He saw his first play at the Centre when he was five years old, which he says inspired him to pursue a career as a performer. He made his Festival debut as a child of Avonlea in Anne of Green Gables–The Musical™, and grew up attending arts education programs at the Centre, such as dance umbrella. He also performed in several Christmas pantomimes and was a Heritage Player for two summers. A graduate of Sheridan College and now based in Toronto, he is “thrilled to be coming home for this dream job.”

“I spent a huge portion of my childhood at Confederation Centre of the Arts and it truly feels like a second home,” adds Ryder.

The cast of Twelfth Night

laugh, so it was time to do a comedy.”

The doors will open nightly at 7 pm, with the show starting at 7:30 pm. It will be played without intermission. The show is appropriate for all ages. Admission is pay-what-you-can.

Info: gkillendoran@gmail.com, @ theatreatupei_vagabond on IG

Starring in the show is Graham Putnam, a veteran Island comedic actor known for his work on stage and screen. He was introduced to theatre at a young age through backstage work at the Centre, which led to him mounting various community theatre productions in Charlottetown. He was a founding member of the comedy group Sketch 22, which had seven successful seasons that included late night performances at The Mack. Since then, he has been in the long-running improv group Popalopalots, and co-written and performed in Christmas pantomimes at the Centre. He has also starred in several screen projects, including CBC’s Diggstown and the upcoming feature Who’s Yer Father? He jokingly refers to himself as a “single threat” as opposed to a triple threat.

“It is rare for a non-musical theatre actor to star in a mainstage production at The Charlottetown Festival, so I am incredibly excited for the opportunity,” says Putnam.

Another cast member is a familiar face—Dawn Dames, the Centre’s associate artistic director. Dames was the assistant director for the 2022 production of Anne of Green Gables–The Musical™ and is the co-director and choreographer of Munschables. She is the co-founder of Xclusiv Crew, a vibrant dance team who entertained audiences at the Centre’s Outdoor Amphitheatre the last two summers. Dames is a graduate of the theatre and dance performance programs at Holland College, where she founded the Hurricanes Dance Team. She has cemented herself into Charlottetown’s cultural landscape and remains dedicated to elevating and diversifying performing arts on PEI.

“After working behind the scenes on Festival productions, I am so excited to be on stage in this hilariously wellcrafted show that audiences are going to love,” says Dames.

Sponsored by Tim Hortons, performances of The Play That Goes Wrong run from June 14–September 23.

(left-right): Graham Putnam, Dawn Dames and Aaron Ryder SUBMITTED

Into the Woods (In Concert)

Musical performance of Stephen Sondheim musical

Broadway composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim’s Tony Awardwinning musical, Into the Woods, will be presented in concert at The Guild in Charlottetown. Featuring some of PEI’s finest professional musical theatre artists, performances will take place March 31 and April 1 at 7:30 pm, and April 2 at 2 pm.

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

A journey of humanism and emotion, Into The Woods is a musical in which obstacles are met, challenges overcome, and dreams are really magic. The show premiered in 1987 and ran on Broadway for two years; including the most recent Broadway revival and current US National Tour.

The Charlottetown production of Into the Woods (In Concert) features a cast of fourteen professional musical

theatre talents, including Rebekah Brown, Caroline Burton, Jessica Gallant, Rebecca Guilderson, Jacob Hemphill, Glenda Landry, Melissa MacKenzie, Kristena McCormack, Rebecca Parent, Hugh Ritchie, Brandon Roy, Brent Raddall, Christopher Wilson and Braeden Woods, with piano accompaniment by Morgan Saulnier. theguildpei.com

SUBMITTED

ITW cast features fourteen musical theatre talents and a pianist

Playwrighting winner

Marlene Campbell receives award for her play The Conversation

“We were thrilled by the number of scripts submitted, there were so many great plays to choose from,” says Tsonos, “It was a difficult decision but the dialogue in Marlene’s play was superb and her play was the favourite amongst the jury.”

The public reading of the play will be held on March 30 at 7:30 pm at the Watermark Theatre in North Rustico. Admission is free.

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

Anne & Gilbert

18th season to be directed by Wade Lynch

Anne & Gilbert - The Musical is set to return to the stage at Florence Simmons Performance Hall in Charlottetown this summer. The show will open May 31 and run until October 5.

Follow Anne Shirley as she navigates young adulthood in this year’s production which will be directed by Wade Lynch.

Marlene Campbell has won Watermark Theatre’s PEI Playwriting Competition with her play, The Conversation. The honour comes with a $1500 cash prize and a public reading of her play.

Nineteen plays were submitted to the competition by PEI playwrights. The jury for the competition consisted of Santiago Guzmán, Dia Gupta Frid and Watermark’s Artistic Director Robert Tsonos.

Campbell grew up in Southwest, Lot 16, and now calls Arlington, PEI home. She has a degree in political science from UPEI, and has worked as a news reporter, in agriculture, home care, and as a cultural programmer. She has written several books including, Vintage Christmas, and Memories of Christmas. Through her work with Culture Summerside she wrote the book, Lighting the Way: The 100 Year History of Summerside Electric, published in 2021. In her day job she has written two plays, numerous radio dramas, vignettes, and public programs.

Anne & Gilbert, celebrating its 18th season this year, invites audiences into a coming-of-age and love story. Anne is on the brink of adulthood and struggling with questions about her past, her place in the world, and whether she deserves love.

Lynch is well-known within the Island theatre community for his long-time role as Associate Artistic Director with Confederation Centre of the Arts. During his time with the Centre, he directed Anne of Green Gables—The Musical™ and delighted audiences as an actor in many shows including Canada Rocks, A Closer Walk With Patsy Cline and Anne of Green Gables—The Musical™

“It’s really important that the

audiences understand that the musical is not a sequel—it doesn’t re-tell the story of Anne Shirley; it continues it,” says Lynch. “[Anne] must learn to find herself worthy [of love]. The timeless appeal of Anne is her flaws—she is not a Disney princess.“

Tickets are now available at anneandgilbert.com.

SUBMITTED

Director Wade Lynch

SUBMITTED

Remembering Don Burnett (1954–2022) by Doug Gallant

Devotion

Dancer, choreographer, actor, producer and teacher

Don Burnett devoted most of his life to the development of the performing arts in PEI, achieving success on both sides of the curtain.

In a career spanning five decades he distinguished himself as a dancer, choreographer, actor, producer and teacher,shapingthe careers of countless young people seeking their own place in the spotlight.

His untimely death in December 2022 at the age of 68 brought the curtain down on a career that saw him perform on stages across Canada, the United States and England.

Don’s contribution to the performing arts went far beyond his body of work on the stage.

He was a co-founder of PEI’s Montage Dance Theatre and School of Dance and Drama andtheMontage Young Company, a vehicle for senior students to help them develop their creative skills. Healso co-founded the Nitapk Players, the Island’s first Indigenous performing arts company andStudio Theatre, a versatile community performance space which hostedhundreds of local, regional and national performing artists.

Don’s story beganin Charlottetown where he was born in 1954, the son of George and Jean Burnett. In 1959 his family moved to Guelph, Ontario where Don honed his skills as a gymnast, placing at the top for all apparatus in Guelph and third overall for the province. Returning to PEI in 1968 he graduated from high school in 1972, serving as class valedictorian.

As important as sports was to Don, the performingarts soon took centre stage. He trained and gained experience in all aspects of theatre, from choreography, performance, direction and production to lighting, set design and construction, sound and stage management.

He studied ballet and modern dance in London, England, New York, Toronto, Winnipegand other citieswith some of the most prestigious dance companies in the world. Don’s passion for dance tookhim to the London Dance

Centre at Covent Garden, the Martha Graham Studios and Joyce Trisler New Dance Group in New York,the Alberta Contemporary Dance Theatre, Toronto Dance Theatre and Winnipeg Contemporary Dance Theatre.

Here at home Don continued his stud ieswith members of the Charlottetown Festival, the Island Dance Ensemble and Montage Dance Theatre, which he co-founded with two other danc ers, Cathy Cahoon Burnett and Julia Lachow Sauve. As artistic director and principal choreographer, he choreo graphed numerous full length ballets like Witness, Wildflowers, Ghost Stories of the Island, Carmina Burana, Atlantic Suite, and Letting Go.

The business of the theatre is business so Don also devoted himself to learning all he could about that aspect of the theatre,frombusiness management to marketing and fundraising.

Don’s interest in the performing arts and in the people he worked with and the dancers he taught and nurtured never waned and those who saw him on stage and worked with him will never forget his passion and wonderful sense of humour.

A celebration of his life and a private family interment will be held at a later date at the Hillcrest Cemetery family plot in Alberton, PEI.

Don Burnett

Clifton Cremo comedy tour

With Shawn Hogan, Line Woods and Katherine Cairns—Mar 25

Mi’kmaw stand-up comedian Clifton Cremo is bringing his Big Red Man Comedy Tour to The Guild in Charlottetown on March 25 at 8 pm. Special guests include local comedians Shawn Hogan, Line Woods and Katherine Cairns.

Since beginning his career in stand-up comedy four years ago, Clifton has been entertaining Canadian audiences with his deft brand of storytelling and wry absurdism. His perspective on his Mi’kmaw upbringing and his unique outlook on First Nations issues brought him national attention by showing that no matter the divisiveness of an issue, humour can be a common ground. The Big Red Man comedy tour is the culmination of the past four years of laughter, condensed into one feature-length show.

Clifton has performed alongside some of Canada’s top comedians including Jon Dore, Nick Nemeroff and Leonard Chan. He was recently part of Rise Together with host Ron James—a

Hurricane Fiona fundraiser that raised over $100,000 for the Cape Breton Red Cross. Clifton has also appeared at the Halifax Comedy Festival for CBC television in 2022, and is scheduled to film with them again in April 2023. theguildpei.com

Brittany Campbell & Shawn Hogan

Saturday Night Comedy Series at Copper Bottom—Mar 18

Enjoy a night of stand-up at the Saturday Night Comedy Series, featuring Island comedians Brittany Campbell and Shawn Hogan on March 18 at 7:30 pm at Copper Bottom Brewing in Montague.

Brittany Campbell has been described as intelligently inappropriate, dark, relatable and surprisingly kind. Their unique and bold take on life, relationships, human nature, family dynamics and queerness has made them stand out as one of Canada’s freshest new comedy voices.

Britt performs regularly with Yuk Yuks as well as independent clubs and theatres across the country and is the new host of Rat Tales Comedy Night at Baba’s Lounge in Charlottetown.

Shawn Hogan has spent the last 10 years performing and living in Toronto, where he created, produced, and hosted one of Toronto’s most successful and unique comedy shows (The Hangover Cure Comedy Show), which made its Just For Laughs Festival debut in 2018.

Since moving back to the East

Review by Sean McQuaid

Political Punch

Mom Runs Amok Carrefour de l’Isle-Saint-Jean, Charlottetown, PE February 11, 2023

Politics, like theatre, moves in seasons and cycles. When gifted multihyphenate stage veteran Lorne Elliott mounted his long-gestating theatrical political satire Mom Runs Amok at Quebec’s Grove Hall in 2015, it debuted near the end of a marathon federal election campaign.

Over seven years later, as rumours swirl about a perhaps-imminent PEI provincial election campaign, Elliott has remounted his award-winning political satire (Playwrights Guild of Canada 2015 best comedy) in time for another election year, and the play’s cheerfully cynical take on Canadian politics—or any politics, really— remains relevant and recognizable, if somewhat cartoonish.

The titular Mom (played by Gabrielle Roddy) is an angry, Internetaddicted, conspiracy-minded, doom-scrolling drama queen who’s obsessed with political corruption, both real and imagined. She decides punching politicians in the face might make her feel better, and she fixates on federal MP Chaz Cleary (Greg Ellard) as her preferred target. Mom’s surprisingly sane son Jimmy (Tim Wartman) fails to talk her out of this plan, so she seeks out the ineptly oily Cleary and his sardonically long-suffering aide Bernard (played with lavish French accent by Elliott himself). Folly and fisticuffs follow.

Mounted multiple times in multiple provinces (including a Kings Playhouse run in Georgetown last year), the play is bolstered by Elliott’s usual bag of tricks—witty wordplay, musical flair (the show includes several songs) and a whimsically playful sense of silly fun—though this show feels like a little less than the sum of its parts by times.

entrances and exits. That’s not the only rough-around-the-edges element, execution-wise. Lighting is basic, sound effects aren’t always clear, the cast’s vocal projection is spotty at times and select onstage physical business is awkward, such that the show’s funniest and most convincing violence happens offstage.

The cast is a plus overall. Wartman is effective as a likeable everyman; Elliott is wryly amusing as Bernard; and Ellard’s gravel-voiced grifter, though one-notedly weaselly, scores some laughs by times. But Roddy outshines them all as Mom with the show’s funniest and most charismatic, versatile, energetic and expressive performance, also a vocal standout in terms of audibility, clarity and musicality (her song about how politicians ruin everything is a high point, for instance).

Of course, the show’s not-so-secret weapon is honest-to-gosh comedic national treasure Lorne Elliott himself. This show isn’t peak Elliott in terms of story or production polish, but the play’s cheeky if shopworn picture of political venality mostly works, and the angry, all-too-online character Mom feels even more timely now than she must have back in 2015; and like all Lorne Elliott projects, her story is cleverly articulate comedy.

The Guild—Mar 24

Coast, Sean has recorded for a Just For Laughs Originals album currently being featured on Spotify.

This is a 19+ event. Tickets are available in the taproom, online via Eventbrite or at the door (no refunds or exchanges). Copper Bottom Brewing is located at 567 Main St, Montague.

It’s a short script with a shorter plot, stretched out by assorted digressions (an aimless subplot about Jimmy wanting a government job, for instance, seems to exist mostly as an excuse for a wistfully comedic Elliott tune about said goal). Some characters are thinly sketched, and the meatiest role, Mom, changes course so erratically and arbitrarily over the course of the play as to seem more like a twist-generating plot device than an actual person at times.

In his pre-play warmup act of songs and stand-up comedy bits (a very welcome bonus), Elliott pre-emptively comments on the low-budget limitations of the production, such as a stage layout prone to obtrusive

Side Hustle improv will perform at The Guild in Charlottetown on March 24 at 7:30 pm.

They’re brave. They’re brilliant. And they’re ready to do whatever it takes to make the audience laugh so hard they forget to breathe.

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

theguildpei.com

Stand-up comedian Clifton Cremo

BERNI WOOD

MATT BAKER

Comedian Brittany Campbell

LIVE @ the Centre

Series continues with an assortment of programming

Tim Baker, classical music, street dance and more LIVE @ the Centre programming will hit the stage at Confederation Centre of the Arts in Charlottetown.

The PEI Symphony Orchestra continues their season with Goodnight Moon on March 5.

PEI’s own Karem J. Simon takes up the baton as the Guest Conductor, leading PEISO through works by Bizet, Beethoven, Champagne and more. The concert will also feature vocalists Hannah O’Donnell and Jillian Clow performing a variety of classic operatic repertoire.

Québécois jazz group Pulsart Trio comes to The Mack on March 18. They offer a rich variety of compositions with an unusual mix of instruments, including vibraphone, electric organ and drums.

Bboyizm, a street-dance company, comes to the Centre on March 23 with their show In My Body. The show brings together an intergenerational group of dancers and an international creative team for an intensely athletic investigation of the evolution of self and the effects of aging on street dancers.

Two of CBC’s top 30 classical musicians under 30 will perform in Memorial Hall on March 24. Debut Atlantic presents Liam & Lala, two of Canada’s brightest young talents. Métis cellist David Liam Roberts and Atlantic Canada’s own pianist LaLa Lee are dedicated to innovative programming and engaging performances of classical work.

Looking ahead to April, catch the Confederation Centre Youth Chorus perform a stirring suite of folk songs and classics in Voices of Spring on

Bits & Bites at bar1911

Comedy night returns with host Tanya Nicolle—Mar 15

Newsies the Musical

Colonel Gray High School production at Sobey Family Theatre

Colonel Gray High School’s upcoming production of Disney’s Newsies the Musical will run March 30–April 1 at Sobey Family Theatre in Charlottetown.

Based on the real-life Newsboys Strike of 1899, Newsies tells the story of a group of newsboys who rise against the powerful newspaper publishers of New York City. With music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Jack Feldman, this high-energy musical is sure to delight audiences of all ages.

Bits & Bites Comedy Series, a popular PEI stand-up comedy night, returns to bar1911 in Charlottetown on March 15. Showtime is 7:30 pm.

Hosted by PEI comedian Tanya Nicolle, the Bits & Bites Comedy Series showcases a variety of comedians from around the East coast, as well as touring professionals.

Doors open at 6:30 pm. Tickets are available at bar1911.com.

Colonel Gray High School’s talented cast has been working hard to bring this production to life, with dynamic choreography and powerful performances.

Director Andrew Petrie says this production has been a Colonel Gray Community effort, for students are involved in all aspects of the production—as performers, musicians, set design and painters, stage and make-up crew. Staff also lend a hand in everything from building sets to gathering props and sewing costumes. confederationcentre.com

April 2 at St. Paul’s Anglican. The Confederation Singers and guest soloists will also present Karl Jenkin’s “Requiem” and other works for Good Friday on April 7 at Zion Presbyterian. Recently announced, Tim Baker and All Hands will perform at the Centre on April 12. Best known as the writer and frontman of Hey Rosetta!, Baker will be playing songs from his newest solo album The Festival confederationcentre.com

Tim Baker (above); Cellist David Liam Roberts and pianist Layla Lee

Stand-up comedian Tanya Nicolle SUBMITTED

PERFORMANCE music, theatre, dance, comedy…

Mondays | 8 pm

Rat Tales Comedy Night

Hosted by Britt Campbell. Baba’s Lounge, Charlottetown

Mar 1 | 7:30 pm

IllumiNATION: SAMQWAN

With 24STRONG. Sobey Family Theatre, Charlottetown

Mar 2 | 8 pm

Island Jazz: Music of Sunny

Rollins

Baba’s Lounge, Charlottetown

Mar 2 | 8:45 pm

IllumiNATION: Matt Andersen & The Big Bottle of Joy

Earlier performances: (from 4:30 pm)

Brielle Ansems, Mi’kmaq Heritage Actors, members of Sirens, Toni Nylon, Joce Reyome, and Irish Mythen. Seaport Stage, Port Charlottetown

Mar 3 | 8:45 pm

IllumiNATION: Classi ed

Earlier performances: (from 4 pm)

Atlantic Breaking Alliance, Wolf Castle, Vince The Messenger, and Haviah Mighty. Seaport Stage, Port Charlottetown

Mar 3 | 7:30 pm

IllumiNATION: Atlantic

String Machine

With Christian “Kit” Goguen & Adrienne Gallant. Scott MacAulay Performing Arts Centre, Summerside

Mar 4 | 7:30 pm

Hired Guns; Shipwrecks

Scott MacAulay Performing Arts Centre, Summerside

Mar 4 | 12:30 am (after midnight)

IllumiNATION: Cory Gallant and The Red Dirt Posse

Earlier performances: (from 9:30 pm, Convention Centre) DeeDee Austin, Trinity Bradshaw and Nathan Wiley; (from 10 pm, Bowling Alley) Logan Richard and Peggy Clinton & Johnny Ross; (from 8:45 pm, Lobby) DJ Bones and Louse

Arsenault & Johnny Ray Arsenault. Credit Union Place, Summerside

Mar 4 | 2 pm, 8 pm

IllumiNATION: The Stories and Music of PEI’s Acadie

Featuring: Gadelle with guest Les Bouche Bées (2 pm); Sirène et Matelot with guest Christian ’Kit’ Goguen (8 pm). The Guild, Charlottetown

Mar 4 | 6:30 pm

IllumiNATION: Scott

Pien-Picard

Earlier performances: (from 1:30 pm) Oshun Dance Studios, Ashley Coa, Ti any Liu, Louise Guiza, Monelli Rahmatian, Tzu Cheng Wang, Christina Gallant-MacLean & Robin Ettles, Jianbin Li, Eliana Lialuik, Emmanuelle LeBlanc and Pascal Miousse. Seaport Stage, Port Charlottetown

Mar 4 | 10 pm

Dueling Pianos

Dali Café, Charlottetown

Mar 5 | 4 pm

Island Jazz at the Movies

Live soundtrack for Sherlock Holmes lm. City Cinema, Charlottetown

Mar 5 | 2:30 pm

PEI Symphony Orchestra: Goodnight Moon

Sobey Family Theatre, Charlottetown

Mar 8 | 3 pm

International Women’s Day celebration

With Sophia and Ellie Bourque, Alicia Toner and members of Northern Lights, and Poet Laureate Tanya Davis. Charlottetown Library Learning Centre

Mar 8 | 6:30 pm

Music PEI Awards Week: Opening Reception & KickO Party

DownStreet Dance, Charlottetown

Mar 8 | 8 pm

Jill Chandler; Jordan Cameron; Maureen Trainer; Doug Hoyer

Singer-songwriter circle. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Mar 9 | 7:30 pm

Shawn Hogan: A Work In Progress

The Gallery Coffee House, Charlottetown

Mar 9 | 7:30 pm

Music PEI Awards Week: SOCAN Songwriter of the Year Concert

Featuring Alicia Toner, KINLEY, Lawrence Maxwell and Dennis Ellsworth. St Paul’s, Charlottetown.

Mar 9 | 8 pm

Island Jazz ft. Tamara Steele

Baba’s Lounge, Charlottetown

Mar 9 | 8 pm

Liam Corcoran with band

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Mar 10 | 8 pm

Cat & Nat Un ltered Live

Sobey Family Theatre, Charlottetown

Mar 10 | 7:30 pm

Music PEI Awards Week:

Reprise! An Evening of Classical Music

Featuring Atlantic String Machine, Lindsay Connolly and Ti any Liu. Beaconsfield Carriage House, Charlottetown.

Mar 10 | 7:30 pm

Music PEI Awards Week: Red Dirt Rock

Featuring Logan Richard, Hazen Halls, Hired Guns, Knull, and The Moneygoround. Scott MacAullay Performing Arts Centre, Summerside.

Mar 10 | 8 pm

Lady Soul

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Mar 10 | 8 pm

Music PEI Awards Week:

Sounds for the Soul

Featuring Ava + Lily, Brandon Howard Roy, Nikkie Gallant, Nadia, and Campbell & Johnston Black Market Band. The Guild, Charlottetown.

Mar 11 | 1:30 pm

Music PEI Awards Week: Music Mosaic

Featuring Joce Reyome, Mi’kmaq Heritage Actors, Tzu-Cheng Wang, and The Umbrella Collective. The Guild, Charlottetown

Mar 11 | 2 pm

Got Blues Matinee

With guests Nick Gauthier and Chris Gauthier. Dali Café, Charlottetown

Mar 11 | 7:30 pm

Catherine MacLellan

Copper Bottom Brewing, Montague

Mar 11 | 7 pm

Music PEI Awards Week:

Diggin’ Deep Roots

Featuring Brielle Ansems, Kevin Chaisson and Friends, Dylan Menzie, Nick Done , and Nolan Compton. Fiddling Fisherman Lookout, Souris

Mar 11 | 8 pm

War on the Catwalk

Host Trinity The Tuck. Featuring Silky Ganache, Jasmine Kennedie, Jimbo The Drag Clown, Kylie Sonique Love, Heidi N Closet, and Gisele Lullaby. Sobey Family Theatre, Charlottetown

Mar 11 | 8 pm

Music PEI Awards Week: Block Party

Featuring Adam Robbins, BraedenV, Spivey, TNA, Vince The Messenger, and X-Plycit. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown.

Mar 12 | 12:30 pm

Alexis Normand

Rendez-vous de la Francophonie. Carrefour de l’Isle Saint Jean, Charlottetown

Mar 12 | 7:30 pm

St. Patrick’s Day Concert

Featuring Fiddlers’ Sons with Cynthia MacLeod. Kings Playhouse, Georgetown

Mar 12 | 7:30 pm

Music PEI Awards Week: Festival Finale

Featuring Alicia Toner, Cory Gallant & The Red Dirt Posse, Lawrence Maxwell, and Lennie Gallant. Florence Simmons Performance Hall, Charlottetown.

Mar 15 | 7:30 pm

Bits & Bites Comedy Series

With host Tanya Nicolle. bar1911, Charlottetown

Mar 15 | 8 pm

Michael Rault; Baby God

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Mar 15–18 | 7:30 pm

Twelfth Night

Vagabond Productions. Dr. Steel Recital Hall, UPEI, Charlottetown

Mar 16 | 8 pm

Island Jazz ft. Adam Hill

Songs of Freedom

Baba’s Lounge, Charlottetown

Mar 16 | 8 pm

Hired Guns; Stickey Honey

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Mar 17

SoPA Winter Concert Series

Florence Simmons Performance Hall, Charlottetown

…continued on page 16

Fix Your Plate by Tara Reeves

Three tips for travel

Travelling is fun and exciting, but it does involve some necessary planning and preparation. One of the most important aspects of any trip, for me at least, is the food. Being a chef, I like to try new things when I travel, especially if I have time to do some serious exploring. But at the same time, there’s nothing worse than worrying about what to eat or overspending on food while you’re travelling. Here are a few of my best tips to help you prepare for your next adventure.

Always bring more food than you think you need. Looking back at my own experience with travelling, I’ve found that there’s always been an extra night or two thrown into my itinerary because of delays or changes. The biggest problem during these instances is that you’re often stuck and don’t really have much control over what you eat. In fact, you might find yourself eating out a lot more often than you had originally planned or budgeted for after a few unexpected nights on the road. And for me at least, I would much rather spend my money on a nice meal at a restaurant, instead of pizza or vending machine snacks at the airport!

The best way to avoid this situation is by bringing more food than you think you’ll need. I like to bring a variety of snacks like granola or protein bars, fruit (when travelling domestically), nuts, and whenever feasible, I love to bring a few heat and serve meals or wraps with me for when I need a meal in a pinch or a snack to hold me over until my next meal.

Most people probably don’t do this but I highly recommend hitting the local grocery store when you first arrive at your destination. We all love to eat out travelling and while this may be an easy option, it can add up quickly and it can also be tricky if you have allergies or other dietary restrictions. If you’re a foodie like me, a trip to the grocery store in a new city or country can be a great way to learn about the local food culture and find new foods, but this is also a great way to stock up on a few items to make quick meals at your accommodations. Even if it’s just grabbing food for your breakfasts or some ingredients for packable handhelds like sandwiches or wraps, you’re going to pay less at the grocery store than at a restaurant in most tourist destinations. And let’s be honest, no one wants to be, or be with, the person who ruins the trip because they’re always starving!

Another great tip that seems obvious but is often overlooked is to bring a reusable water bottle with you when travelling. Whether you’re exploring a new city or visiting family, one of the most important things to do is bring your own water bottle; this is especially important when flying. You can usually refill your bottle in the airport, on the plane or at your accommodations. This will definitely save you money by not buying bottled water but it will keep you feeling good since you will be less likely to become dehydrated.

A little bit of planning when it comes to food for travel definitely goes a long way and can often make your trip even better when you don’t have to worry about what or when you’ll eat next!

MARKETS

Charlottetown Farmers Market

The Charlottetown Farmers Market is open weekly on Saturdays from 9 am–2 pm. Local farmers, crafters, artisans and hot food vendors sell local, organic produce, fish, meats, baked goods, preserves, roasted coffee, specialty teas and more. Online ordering is available through the CFM2GO online marketplace at cfm2go.localfoodmarketplace. com. 100 Belvedere Ave, Charlottetown. charlottetownfarmersmarket.com

Summerside Farmers Market

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

A Work In Progress

New monthly comedy show

by Shawn Hogan

In his new monthly show, A Work In Progress, PEI comedian Shawn Hogan will continually hone old and new material in preparation of recording his debut comedy album in 2023.

Each month this show will be its own unique journey, with Hogan bringing many never before seen or heard stories and material to the intimate Gallery Coffee House audience.

The next performance will be March 9 at 7:30 pm. The venue offers a great

La Jeunne compagnie

A series of activities are planned from now until fall

Encouraged by the positive experience of their first play Le Cadeau, the 30 or so volunteers and artists of all ages that make up the new troupe, La Jeune compagnie (The Young Company), have already started the process of planning at least five theatrical, dance and technical training projects.

In 2023, with various financial supports, the troupe wishes to take on:

A theatrical tour of schools and communities with young people from grades 4–8; the re-establishment of Acadiedanse, a provincial dance troupe featuring that was formed for the 2019 Congrès Mondial acadien; the training of young technicians in school/community centres; the production of the musical J’étions les best for youth in grade 9–12 this April; and

setting for comedy and has limited seating. Tickets can be purchased at the door or in advance at a discounted rate at thegallerypei.ca/event

after more than 30 years, the revival of the Acadian trilogy project “Port-LaJoye” during the week of August 15. For more information about La Jeune compagnie, to participate in upcoming projects or to be included on the mailing list, email pauldgallant@ gmail.com.

Comedian Shawn Hogan

PHOTOS SUBMITTED

(top): La Jeune compagnie’s rst project, the play “La Cadeau,” was presented in the fall of 2022; (bottom): This scene of the deportation of Acadians (Le Grand Cercle) will be incorporated into the Acadian trilogy “Port-La-Joye”, to be revived by La Jeune compagnie next summer.

SUBMITTED

DANCING

Afro Ballet workshop

Informal social dances

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

DownStreet social dance

Harbourfront Theatre

Spring things

Big musical talent, a ballet and comedy make the list

Several workshops are being held at Confederation Centre of the Arts in Charlottetown this month, including Afro Ballet for ages 11+ on March 10 from 4:30–5:30 pm. Hosted by Dawn Dames, this Afro ballet workshop explores the origins of dance—which are heavily influenced by sub-Saharan Africa and the traditional movements of its diaspora. African dance influences can be seen through every western dance style practiced today, including ballet. In this workshop participants will take the techniques and traditions practiced in the ballet studio and explore cultural movement. Come prepared to dance; participants should be dancing at an intermediate ballet level and have a strong understanding of ballet positions of the arms and legs. Advanced registration is required. Email dance@confederationcentre.com to book. Payment is taken at the door and is cash only. confederationcentre.com/artseducation

Dance and Social

Join members of Royal Canadian Air Force Association 201 (Confederation) Wing on March 31 at 7 pm for a Dance and Social at Malcolm Darrach Community Centre, 1 Avonlea Dr, Charlottetown. Admission is at the door. There is a bar, music is provided and a light lunch is served. This event is open to the public. Info: debbie.reid1234@ outlook.com

A social dance is held on the third Saturday of each month at DownStreet Dance studio in Charlottetown. The next dance is March 18 from 8–10 pm. A social dance is an opportunity to practice the skills and moves learned in class and to see what else the dance world has to offer. There are a variety of styles, including West coast swing, foxtrot, waltz, lindy hop and more. All levels and styles of dance are welcome. Admission is at the door or in advance at downstreetdancestudio.setmore.com. 101 Grafton St, 2nd floor, Charlottetown. Info: downstreetdance@gmail.com, downstreetdance.com

DownStreet dance classes

Downstreet Dance Studio has a variety of ongoing, drop-in and special event classes and lessons on offer. The studio is a volunteer-run non-profit group, dedicated to community, wellness and inclusivity through social dance for adults. The upcoming schedule includes: ConfiDANCE class (7:15 pm, Mar 1, 8, 15, 22); Open Hip Hop Practice (8 pm, Mar 5, 12, 19, 26); Persian Fusion (5 pm, Mar 3, 10, 17, 24); Beginner Salsa (6 pm, Mar 2, 9, 16, 23, 30); POISE (7:15 pm, Mar 2, 9, 16, 23); West Coast Swing (5 pm, Mar 11, 18, 25); Lindy Hop (7:30 pm, Mar 7, 14, 21); and Bellydance (6:30 pm, Mar 7, 14, 21, 28). 101 Grafton St, 2nd floor, Charlottetown. Info: downstreetdance@gmail.com, downstreetdance.com

Spring 2023 at Summerside’s Harbourfront Theatre will feature some of the nest music, comedy and dance acts from across Canada.

The Harbourfront Presents series of hand-picked selections continues, bringing some of the biggest names in Canadian talent and beyond to Summerside. Nova Scotia singer and songwriter Adam Baldwin will make his debut at the theatre on April 20 with special guest Old Man Luedecke. On April 30, The Hello Darlins will make their first visit to Harbourfront. The acclaimed ensemble of session musicians has worked with Shania Twain, The Crash Test Dummies and the late B.B King. Ballet Jörgen return with their latest interpretation of a classic, this time with the story of Cinderella on April 29.

The spring season will also feature the usual line-up of popular touring acts. Paying tribute to some of the biggest names in popular music, Harboufront will welcome The Atlantic Canada Tribute Tour to Zac Brown and Alabama on March 24, Paul Anthony’s celebration of Johnny Cash on April 13,

Queen: It’s a Kinda Magic on May 7 and The Wildflowers: North America’s #1 Tribute to Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers on May 27. They hand the stage over to comedy for hypnotist Jason Cyrus on April 14, Kenny vs Spenny’s 20th Anniversary Tour on April 27 and The Comic Strippers on May 25.

Harbourfront has formed a new partnership with FilmWorks Summerside, a volunteer-led organization that presents films that local communities might otherwise not have the opportunity to experience on a big screen. Taking advantage of the recently upgraded screen and projector at the theatre, FilmWorks’ next presentation will be the documentary The Return of Tanya Tucker featuring Brandi Carlile on March 8.

On March 27, Harbourfront Theatre will celebrate World Theatre Day on with an open house event for the community and announce the Summer 2023 season.

For tickets and more information visit harbourfronttheatre.com

SUBMITTED

Dawn Dames

The Hello Darlins (top) and Adam Baldwin (bottom) will each be making their Harbourfront Theatre debuts in April

Confederation Centre Art Gallery

New exhibitions

Two shows on view beginning March 18

On view starting March 18, Aftere ects: Emerging New Media Artists in Winnipeg presents the work of nine Winnipeg-based emerging artists who work in lm, video, audio and other digital mediums. Supported by the RBC Emerging Artists Program, the exhibition explores the cultural scene in Winnipeg through a close look at what up-and-coming artists are producing there.

“Winnipeg has always had a great art scene, especially for a city with under a million people,” says curator Pan Wendt. “Studio space is more abundant than in most Canadian cities, and artists seem to react to the brutal weather by hunkering down and working on their projects. It’s also distinctive culturally in that nearly a quarter of the population is Indigenous.”

The exhibition gives a glimpse into the future of Winnipeg art by focusing on a group of promising emerging artists working with technology. It captures the diversity of Winnipeg, but also reveals some distinctive recurring interests and obsessions, including the repurposing of outmoded mediums, the collision of past, present and future, the fragility of information and the discovery of promise in ruin and decay.

The artists featured in the exhibition include: Kristina Banera, Kelsey Braun, Meganelizabeth Diamond, Ray Fenwick, Dallas Flett-Wapash, Taylor McArthur, Hanna Reimer, Colby Richardson, and Chukwudubem Ukaigwe.

Also on view starting March 18 is Lou Sheppard and William Robinson: Cabinet Music (Cantata for Erosion). The unique exhibition combines audio and sculpture to reflect on the history of Confederation Centre of the Arts and the shifting perspectives on Canadian Confederation. The exhibition will feature a choral recording from Confederation Singers, which harkens back to the choir performance at the Centre’s official opening in 1964. They will also explore the process of erosion, inspired by the sandstone cladding of the building as well as PEI’s coastline.

Rendez-vous!

Performance by Alexis Normand and art by Angie Arsenault

For 25 years, the Rendez-vous de la Francophonie (RVF) has promoted French culture and traditions in all their diversity.

Programming for the 25th edition, taking place across Canada from March 1–31, was recently released at rvf.ca and includes a cross-country tour with Alexis Normand, official spokesperson for the RVF 2023.

Normand returns in 2023 as a solo artist with a new bilingual repertoire. Her live music delivers elegant songwriting, finely crafted lyrics and nuanced interpretations that delve into her doubts about identity and her insecurities around language.

Alexis Normand will be showcased during Soup’ART, a colourful event at the Carrefour de l’Isle-Saint-Jean in Charlottetown. Featuring international francophone soup tasting, a visual arts exhibition by artist Angie Arsenault and more, Soup’ART will be held from 12:30–3 pm on March 12.

Shift!

Hand-woven works on view in St. Peters Bay

Robinson and Sheppard are Halifaxbased artists who have both been finalists for the Sobey Art Award, Canada’s leading visual arts prize. Their work generally involves processes of recontextualization and translation, in which information and objects culled from historical research, and investigation of architecture and archives, is transformed and rearranged into new configurations.

For details on all Gallery events, visit confederationcentre.com.

On display at The Canadian Centre for Climate Change and Adaptation is Shift, a solo exhibition by artist Rilla Marshall, curated by Alexis Bulman.

Shift is a new series of hand-woven works that explores the continual process of erosion along the coasts of PEI, and which pulls visual cues from the data that monitors it.

Based on an archive of drone footage and data recorded by the UPEI Climate Lab ranging from 2018–2022 (including data collected after post-tropical storm Fiona), Shift highlights alterations to PEI’s shorelines in the wake of changing climate patterns. The interpretation of coastal geographies through the woven grid is an exploration of shifting shorelines.

During the weaving process, Marshall uses weft inlay to “colour in” areas with pattern while emphasizing coastal areas of absence where erosion has or will occur, as well as wrack lines, and shifting sediment.

These weavings explore the accelerated erosion brought about by weather events like Fiona, and the dynamic relationship between the sea and our fragile sandstone Island. Handweaving allows Marshall to investigate absence, transition, overlap, repetition, movement, and pattern existing in this liminal space.

Normand’s musical performance will be followed by a screening of her first documentary.

Admission is free and all are welcome to attend.

Rilla Marshall graduated from NSCAD University in 2004 with a BFA in Textiles. Marshall’s woven artwork has been exhibited in group and solo shows in PEI, NS, Alberta, Ontario, and Newfoundland and Labrador. She works in her home studio in a century-old school house in Belfast, Epetwitk/ PEI.

An art gallery reception for Shift will take place on March 25 from 4–6 pm at The Canadian Centre for Climate Change and Adaptation via Veteran’s Memorial Hwy in St. Peters Bay. Refreshments and snacks provided.

Weavings by Rilla Marshall SUBMITTED

AR Triptych, Panel 2 | Misko Namebin Zaaga’iagan: Piminahw Ispimihk Seepeesis (Red Sucker Lake: Flies Above the Stream), 2020, augmented reality print on paper

Alexis Normand

NICOLE ROMANOFF PHOTOGRAPHY

PERFORMANCE music, theatre, dance, comedy…

…continued from page 12

Mar 17 | 8 pm

St. Patrick’s Day Ceilidh

Featuring Fiddlers’ Sons with Keelin Wedge. Irish Cultural Centre, Charlottetown

Mar 17, 18 | 8 pm

The Fabulously Rich

The Tragically Hip tribute. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Mar 18 | 1 pm

Cornwall Community Choir: Spring Blessings Concert

West River United, Cornwall

Mar 18 | 2 pm

Got Blues Matinee

With guests Troy MacArthur and James Phillips. Dali Café, Charlottetown

Mar 18 | 7:30 pm

Pulsart Trio

The Mack, Charlottetown

Mar 18 | 7:30 pm

Brittany Campbell and Shawn Hogan

Copper Bottom Brewing, Montague

Mar 18 | 7:30 pm

Lady Soul; TOSH R&B Band

Scott MacAulay Performing Arts Centre, Summerside

Mar 18 | 8 pm

Phase II

The Guild, Charlottetown

Mar 19 | 4 pm

UPEI Dept of Music Faculty

Recital

Featuring Magdalena von Eccher, Stephen Bouey, Sung Ha Shin-Bouey, Morgan Saulnier, Greg Irvine, Frances Gray, Natalie Williams Calhoun, Jim Dickson, Nicole Strum, Karem J. Simon, and Amy Simon. Dr. Steel Recital Hall, UPEI, Charlottetown

Mar 19 | 8 pm

Feelings

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Mar 22 | 8 pm

After Hours Band

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Mar 23 | 7:30 pm

Bboyizm

Sobey Family Theatre, Charlottetown

Mar 23 | 8 pm

Island Jazz ft. Trio from Mars

Baba’s Lounge, Charlottetown

Mar 23 | 8 pm

Atlantic String Machine with Kierrah

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Mar 24 | 7:30 pm

Side Hustle Improv

The Guild, Charlottetown

Mar 24 | 7:30 pm

Debut Atlantic: Liam & Lala

Confed Centre: Memorial Hall, Charlottetown

Mar 24 | 7:30 pm

Winter’s Tales: The Three Tellers; Ashley Condon

With guest poet Julie Pellisier-Lush. Kings Playhouse, Georgetown

Mar 24 | 7:30 pm

Alabama & Zac Brown

Tribute Tour

Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside

Mar 24 | 7:30 pm

Julie & Dany: 90’s Country: Cryin’, Lovin’ or Leavin’

Scott MacAulay Performing Arts Centre, Summerside

Mar 24, 25 | 7:30 pm

Dashan & Friends

With Island Jazz Quartet and guest artists from the Chinese Canadian community. The Mack, Charlottetown

Mar 25 | 2 pm

Got Blues Matinee

With guest Steve Zaat. Dali Café, Charlottetown

Mar 25 | 7 pm

Winterjazz with Alicia Toner

The Pourhouse, Charlottetown

Mar 25 | 7:30 pm

J.J. Chaisson and Mary

Frances Leahy

Feauring Rémi Arsenault, Jake Charron & Frank Martinez. Village musical acadien, Abram-Village

Mar 25 | 7:30 pm

Winter’s Tales: Ledwell & Haines

With guest poet Julie Pellisier-Lush. Kings Playhouse, Georgetown

Mar 25 | 7:30 pm

Honey I’m Home

Shania Twain Tribute. Scott MacAulay

Performing Arts Centre, Summerside

Mar 25 | 8 pm

Carson Downy

Harmony House, Hunter River

Mar 25 | 8 pm

Swift Kick

Taylor Swift tribute. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Mar 25 | 8 pm

Clifton Cremo: The Big Red Man Comedy Tour

With guest comedians Shawn Hogan, Line Woods and Katherine Cairns. The Guild, Charlottetown

Mar 25

Sirens presents: Singers’ Choice

Park Royal, Charlottetown

Mar 26 | 2 pm

The Island Jubilee

Featuring Janelle Banks, Lester MacPherson, Katie McGarry, and the Island Jubilee House Band. Florence Simmons Performance Hall, Charlottetown

Mar 26

Tony Lee

R-rated hynotist. The Factory, Charlottetown

Mar 29 | 8 pm

More Soul; Adam MacGregor & The Foes; The Love Junkies

Blooming House Fundraiser. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Mar 30 | 8 pm

Island Jazz ft. Alan White

Group

Baba’s Lounge, Charlottetown

Mar 30 | 8 pm

The Hounds

Tribute to Tyler Childers. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Mar 30, 31, Apr 1

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

Mar 31 | 6 pm

Ripopee

Kings Playhouse, Georgetown

Mar 31 | 7:30 pm

UPEI Jazz Ensemble

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

Mar 31 | 7:30 pm

UPEI Faculty Recital

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

Mar 31 | 7:30 pm

Jack Pine Folk Club

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

Mar 31–Apr 2 | select times

Into The Woods (in Concert)

The Guild, Charlottetown

Mar 31 | 8 pm

Trinity Bradshaw; Roland Beaulieu; Route 225

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Mar 31–Apr 2 | select times

Birds of a Feather

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

Apr 1 | 7:30 pm

Dragcaddie

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

Apr 1 | 7:30 pm

Lorne Elliott

Harmony House, Hunter River

Apr 1 | 8 pm

Katie McGarry

Tribute to Miranda Lambert. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Apr 1 | 7:30 pm

Lorne Elliott

Harmony House, Hunter River

Apr 1 | 7:30 pm

Graham Nicholas Album

Release

With guest Shane Pendergast. Copper Bottom Brewing, Montague

Apr 1 | 7:30 pm

UPEI String Orchestra

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

…continued on page 20

Still on view…

Exhibitions closing this month

Imagination and Nature

Phyllis Gay’s first solo exhibit, Imagination and Nature, continues throughout March at the Lefurgey Cultural Centre in Summerside.

Nature is always the inspiration for Gay’s artistic work. She loves being outside in nature with her camera where she spends time with her family exploring trails and seeking out new photographic opportunities that can then be painted at her easel. She also loves to bring her imagination into play and have fun with the natural world. Gay says, “Painting makes my soul happy.” She sees her exhibit as a stepping stone in a continual artistic journey that has new goals.

Imagination and Nature can be viewed free of charge, Monday through Friday, 9 am to 4 pm at the Lefurgey Cultural Centre, 205 Prince Street, Summerside.

While Black: a forum for speculation on what the gallery can’t hold is on view at the Confederation Centre Art Gallery until March 5.

Documenting their relationship to the art gallery and its systems of representation, Black artists working in Canada consider ‘what the gallery can’t hold’. The exhibition features 17 artists including PEI-based artists Niyi Adeogun, Selecta Chevron, Robin Gislain, King Kxndi, Sammo Mossa, Baha Royalty and Reequal Smith. While Black continues until March 5.

Water is Time is Water by Monica Lacey, presented by this town is small, continues until March 21 at Receiver Coffee on Victoria Row in Charlottetown.

The installation is an elemental practice, an ongoing devotional exploration,

and the result of a gnawing curiosity about the true nature of time. Lacey explores the measurement of motion (time) through capturing moments of constant change underwater.

Inspired by nature and liminal spaces, Lacey prioritizes connection and communication in her work, play and practice.

Byrds of a Feather

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

Roberts is inspired by the mind and brilliance of Hayao Miyazaki and follows the beliefthat art is anything you can get away with.

Sparking Greatness, a new exhibition exploring the 2023 Canada Games theme, is on view at Eptek Art & Culture Centre in Summerside.

The 2023 Canada Winter Games are here and Eptek is taking the opportunity to highlight and celebrate all that the community has to offer. The exhibition, on view until March 24, showcases student art projects from various schools across the Island. Visitors can take part in crafts that will contribute to an overall mural and take part in the Eptek-a-thon, Eptek’s own Canada Games inspired obstacle course.

Info: @EptekCentre on FB, 888-8373, peimuseum.com

Sparking Greatness The

The Harvest: Cyan-o-Synthesis by Sarah Nicole Dart, presented by this town is small, continues at Receiver Coffee on Victoria Row in Charlottetown until March 21.

Sarah is a self taught cyanotype artist, designer and flower collector from Vancouver Island, BC, who moved to Charlottetown in January 2022. Using Photoshopped acetate transparencies as well as locally foraged flowers, weeds, seaweed and feathers, the artist uses alternative photography methods to print using the sun’s energy; often experimenting with household products like coffee, tea, vinegar, wine, paprika and baking soda to encourage “happy mistakes.”

Acadian florist and artist Elise Arsenault’s love of Island seascapes and flowers have shaped her work. The works of Monet and Van Gogh have inspired her use of texture and lush colours.

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

It’s More Than Sports

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

The exhibition features BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Colour) athletes from the past and present, with a glimpse into what sport could be in the future. Using historical photos and artifacts, contemporary photographs by Mi’kmaw photographer Patricia Bourque, drawings from Island children, and a vision statement for BIPOC sports on PEI, this exhibition draws attention to the often unacknowledged and powerful contribution of BIPOC peoples to the Island sporting community. It spotlights the numerous BIPOC athletes on PEI who have, and who continue to make, their communities proud, while also inspiring a new generation of BIPOC athletes to pursue their own dreams.

The exhibition organized by BIPOC USHR, with support from the 2023 Canada Winter Games 2023.

The Tidal Exchange

New podcast explores art, community and ecology

The River Clyde Pageant is offering digital programming this winter in the form of a new podcast. The Tidal Exchange is a documentary-style broadcast that explores the intersections of art, community and ecology. Episode 1, “Food and Performance,” aired in February.

Hosted by Jane Wells, the Pageant’s co-director, Episode 1 looks at the convergence of food and performance: why do they so often go hand-inhand? Examining two unique projects, MABELLEpantry in Toronto and Embrace in Whitehorse/Winnipeg, this podcast interviews artists and community advocates about the essential role of food in their communities and practices. Members of MABELLEarts speak to a food pantry program that began as a response to COVID-19 related food insecurity. Designed as an artful, inviting and playful farmer’s market, MABELLEpantry provides community connection and affordable food to vulnerable community members. Winnipeg artist Hazel Venzon is also featured describing her project Embrace which weaves together cooking lessons, karaoke and stories of immigration. Exploring her own roots as a Filipino Canadian, Venzon engaged the Filipino communities in Whitehorse to understand what brought them to the Yukon and was surprised to discover that preparing food was a means by which to learn and share those stories.

The idea to create this podcast emerged from the vibrant conversations that take place over meals every

Breadalbane Gallery

New exhibition opens March 10

A new exhibition of paintings and drawings will open at the Breadalbane Gallery with a reception on March 10 from 6–8 pm.

The Gallery features local PEI artists, including Vian Emery, Haley Lewis, Adrianna Chandler, Becka Viau, Will Barker, Joan Sutton, Marianne Janowicz, Zoe Novaczek, Laura Bain and Petra Hoss.

The Gallery is a casual community space that hosts artists from the Breadalbane area and around PEI. Artists interested in showing at the Gallery may submit photos of their work to breadalbanegallery.com.

summer at The River Clyde Pageant in PEI. Gathering artists from multiple disciplines and from across the continent, the process of creating the pageant is as much about the exchange of songs, ideas and stories as it is about the performance itself. The podcast creators, Ian McFarlane and Jane Wells, wanted to share the vibrancy of these exchanges and offer some inspirations that deeply affect their process to the wider community.

The Tidal Exchange features original music by Atlantic Canadian artists Callum Gaudet and Aaron Collier.

Season 1 will include four episodes exploring essential topics related to the Pageant’s process, ranging from interspecies collaboration to puppet design to community gardens.

Visit riverclydepageant.com/tidal-exchange for more information.

Niyi Adeogun solo show

With live music by Abi Hammeline at opening—Mar 18

The Salvador Dalí Café, in partnership with Discover Charlottetown, presents a solo exhibition of work by Niyi Adeogun from March 16 to April 21. This is the second exhibition in a new visual art series curated by Monica Lacey. An opening reception will be held in the Cafe on March 18 from 5–7 pm with refreshments and live music by Abi Hammeline.

Adeogun’s powerful artwork balances a razor-sharp design aesthetic with fearless experimentation and plenty of heart. His ever-evolving portrait style brings forth figures that are immediately iconic, pulsing with passion and confidence even in abstraction. Flowers, plants, and birds layer with geometric shapes and the human face, leaving us with a sense of the mythic as the archetypes shift and morph before our eyes.

An interdisciplinary artist, design engineer and creative entrepreneur, Adeogun has a passion for art and innovation and continually explores how integrating both can improve people’s daily interactions with the world around them. Over the past years, Niyi has been involved in project management and execution, creating community-driven events and AR/VR integration in art exhibitions through his innovative design agency, ZeroResistance Studios. The PEI Art Bank has purchased two of

Decapitation

Colonel Gray’s 2023 IB Art Show, Decapitation, will be on display at the Hilda Woolnough Gallery at The Guild from March 28 to April 13.

his artworks, and he was nominated for a Charlottetown Arts and Culture Award in the Emerging Artist category in 2021.

Monica Lacey is a multidisciplinary artist, writer, curator, educator and arts administrator in Charlottetown, PEI. She has curated projects for this town is small and independent projects such as the Fitzroy St. Tiny Art Gallery, a miniature art space on her front lawn. The Salvador Dali Cafe is located in The Arts Hotel at 155 Kent Street, Charlottetown.

niyiadeogun.com monicalacey.com

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

Decapitation is a collection of artwork completed by the graduating visual art students from Colonel Gray High School’s International Baccalaureate (IB) program. The collection to be displayed will feature pieces in a variety of media, including photography, illustration, printmaking and painting.

The students will host an opening reception for their show on April 4, from 6–7:30 pm at the Gallery, 111 Queen Street, Charlottetown. The

Artwork by Niyi Adeogun

Photo [detail] by Joan Sutton

public is invited to attend and help celebrate the completion of this part of their IB studies.

Colonel Gray student exhibition at Hilda Woolnough Gallery

Jane Wells serves soup at the 2021 edition of Sharing the Field

FARAAZ HUSSAIN

Radiant Rural Halls

Free public art events by this town is small

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

rising tide, shifting ground

Kings Playhouse in Georgetown will be exhibiting rising tide, shifting ground Curated by Laura Demers, the project will bring together artists from onand off-Island to present works with site-specific elements, examining the rural ecologies of PEI and the Atlantic regions.

Kings Playhouse will host an event and exhibition March 4–5. The full schedule includes repurposing beached plastics in a hands-on vessel-making workshop led by artist Somnia Lucent (Mill Cove, PEI) from 10 am–12 noon; Touch Tank, an audio-visual installation by artist Hailey Guzik (Montreal, QC) from 1–4 pm; a film screening of The Ice Walk, directed by Eliza Knockwood (Lennox Island, PEI), from 5–7 pm; and an ongoing luminous installation by artist Morgan Possberg (Calgary, AB). Visit thistownissmall.com/ radiant-rural-halls for details and registration.

Kings Playhouse is located at 65 Grafton Street in Georgetown, PEI.

Seasons Change

Seasons Change is a two-day Radiant Rural Halls event and exhibition taking place March 17 and 18 at the Glenaladale Schoolhouse in Mount Stewart. Seasons Change examines the effects of seasonal shifts and ideas of placemaking through the use of repetition, routine and the handmade.

The projects on display include Context is Everything, an immersive installation of thousands of intricate hand cut paper dandelions by artist Monique Martin (Saskatoon, SK); Our Neighborhood, a workshop where participants will use relief printmaking techniques to make their own paper lanterns of homes led by artists Nat Cann and Caitlin Wilson (Moncton, NB); and Certain Conditions, a multi-media installation that uses live weather data to explore the weather’s impact on routine by artist Evan Furness (Vernon River, PEI). Workshop registration and details available soon at www.thistownissmall.com/radiant-rural-halls.

Song Portraits: Milton

During the winter of 2023, Corbin Murdoch wrote a series of Song Portraits inspired by the individuals that contribute to the vibrancy and vitality of Milton Community Hall.

A Song Portrait is exactly what it sounds like: an artistic rendering of a person, but instead of paint and canvas, it uses melody and lyric. During a series of informal, one-on-one “portrait sittings” Corbin worked with individuals in the Milton community and composed original songs drawn from their stories and ideas.

Musical Director Carlie Howell has assembled a band of professional musicians who will perform each of the resulting songs. Project participants will sing their own portrait, live at the Hall, backed by the Song Portraits Band.

Portrait subjects are John Hooper, Joy MacIntyre, Ken Williams, Rosemarie Marsh, and more TBA. The Song Portraits Band includes Alicia Toner, Carlie Howell, Josh Langille and Mike Ross.

Event details and registration available at thistownissmall.com/ radiant-rural-halls

Mass for Shut-Outs

The upcoming Radiant Rural Halls event Mass for Shut-Outs will take place April 6 at Bonshaw Community Hall. Mass for Shut-Outs is a shout out

to anyone grappling with the complexity of faith, the inconsistency of awe, and the politics of organized religion.

Writer and performer Tanya Davis presents a poetic take on Sunday service, exploring enduring questions through a comedic and critical lens. Mass for Shut-Outs is for anyone on the spiritual fringes (willingly or not) who seeks meaning and transcendence while being shut out of—or disinterested in—traditional communities of faith. It is for atheists seeking connection, agnostics asking questions, and believers kindly curious about other people’s gods.

Event details coming soon at thistownissmall.com/radiant-rural-halls.

TWO

March

For more information and tickets: confederationcentre.com/whats-on/two-sheet-animation-workshop

FLIPBOOK

March 25 | 10:00am - 11:30am | Schurman Family Studio

For more information and tickets: confederationcentre.com/whats-on/flipbook-animation-workshop

Song Portraits: Milton is a musical performance at the Milton Community Hall in North Milton taking place March 31.

Context is Everything (detail) by Monique Martin

Touch Tank by Hailey Guzik

Portrait of Corbin Murdoch

MARK MARYANOVITCH

PEI Poet Laureate Tanya Davis

PERFORMANCE music,

theatre, dance, comedy…

…continued from page 16

Apr 1 | 7:30 pm

Andrew Packer; Moe Ismail

The Mack, Charlottetown

Apr 2 | 3 pm

Choral Music: Voices of Spring

St. Paul’s, Charlottetown

Apr 4 | 8 pm

Gerry Dee: Best Medicine Tour

Sobey Family Theatre, Charlottetown

Apr 5 | 8 pm

East Coast Comedy Spotlight with Shawn Hogan

Featuring Kyle Hickey. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Apr 6 | 7:30 pm

UPEI Wind Symphony

End-of-semester concert. UPEI

Performing Arts Centre, Charlottetown

Apr 6 | 7:30 pm

Snowed In Comedy Tour

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

Apr 6 | 8 pm

Island Jazz ft. Teresa Doyle Quintet

Baba’s Lounge, Charlottetown

Apr 6 | 8 pm

Craig Fair Presents Ultimate

Mixtape Night: 70’s–2000’s

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Apr 7 | 7 pm

Choral Music on a Holy Day

Zion Presbyterian, Charlottetown

Apr 7 | 7:30 pm

Logan Richard EP Release

Harmony House Lounge, Hunter River

Apr 7 | 8 pm

Popalopalots Improv

The Guild, Charlottetown

Apr 7 | 8 pm

Nick Done with band

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Apr 7, 8 | 7 pm

BREW-HA-HA Comedy Series: Dan Hendricken

With host Katherine Cairns. Gallery

Coffee House, Charlottetown

Apr 8 | 7 pm

Winterjazz: Jenn Grant & Daniel Ledwell

The Pourhouse, Charlottetown

Apr 8 | 7:30 pm

UPEI Faculty Recital

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

Apr 8 | 8 pm

Cure-Pipe

The Guild, Charlottetown

Apr 8 | 8 pm

Brad Milligan Band

With Emily MacLellan. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Apr 9, 10 | 8 pm

Randy*: Cheeseburger

Picnic Tour

*From Trailer Park Boys. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Apr 11 | 7 pm

Finny McConnell

Red Dirt Girl Music Room, Middleton

Apr 11 | 8 pm

Atlantic String Machine with Kierrah

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Apr 12 | 7:30 pm

Tim Baker & All Hands

With Georgia Harmer. Sobey Family Theatre, Charlottetown

Apr 13 | 7 pm

Shawn Hogan: A Work in Progress

Gallery Coffee House & Bistro, Charlottetown

Apr 13 | 7:30 pm

Babes, Babes, Babes!

Burlesque Tour

The Guild, Charlottetown

Apr 13 | 7:30 pm

Classic Albums Live: The

Beatles: Let It Be

Sobey Family Theatre, Charlottetown

Apr 13 | 7:30 pm

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

Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside

Apr 13 | 7:30 pm

UPEI Concert Choir

Steel Recital Hall, UPEI, Charlottetown

Apr 13 | 8 pm

BABES, BABES, BABES

Spring Break Burlesque Tour. The Guild, Charlottetown

Apr 13 | 8 pm

Island Jazz ft. Joel Miller Trio

Baba’s Lounge, Charlottetown

Apr 14 | 7:30 pm

Jason Cyrus Live!

Hypnosis show. Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside

Apr 14 | 7:30 pm

Joel Miller

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

Apr 14 | 7:30 pm

Side Hustle Improv

The Guild, Charlottetown

Apr 14, 15 | 8 pm

Tom Waits Songbook

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

Apr 14–16 | select times

What If

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

Apr 15 | 7 pm

2 Makes 12

Red Dirt Girl Music Room, Middleton

Apr 15 | 7:30 pm

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

The Mack, Charlottetown

Apr 15 | 7:30 pm

Paired Down Motown: Chazz

Smith and Mark Haines

Fortune Community Centre, Fortune Bridge

Apr 15 | 7:30 pm

Poet of the Common Man

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

Apr 15, 16 | 8 pm

Matt Minglewood

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Apr 16 | 11 am

PonyBoat Drag Brunch

With host Treyla Parktrash. PonyBoat Social Club, Charlottetown

Apr 16 | 2:30 pm

PEI Symphony Orchestra: Re ections

Featuring pianist Sarah Hagen. Sobey Family Theatre, Charlottetown

Apr 18, 19 | 8 pm

Adam Baldwin

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

Apr 19 | 7:30 pm

Bits & Bites Comedy Series: Patrick Ledwell

With host Tanya Nicolle. bar1911, Charlottetown

Apr 19–22 | select times

She’s Back

Winsloe Players. Carrefour Theatre, Charlottetown

Apr 20 | 8 pm

Island Jazz ft. Holland College SoPA Students

Baba’s Lounge, Charlottetown

Apr 20 | 8 pm

Adam Baldwin

With special guest Old Man Luedecke. Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside

Apr 20 | 8 pm

Eddy Quinn, John B. Webster and Keelin Wedge

Hillcrest United, Montague

Apr 20 | 8 pm

Scott Mackay; The Hypochondriacs

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Apr 20 | 8 pm

Madchild

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

Apr 21 O ce Romance

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

Buzz Guest Book by Melanie Snell

A guide for spring

Optimizing your health with Chinese and holistic medicine

We made it to spring! I don’t know about you, but I am especially excited to come out of winter hibernation this year. The days are longer and the sun is shining more. Spring makes us hopeful and happy, but for many, spring months can also bring irritability, anxiety, neck and shoulder pain, headaches, sinus issues, allergy are-ups and even colds—holistic medicine can help with that.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) claims to be the third-oldest medical system, preceded only by Egyptian and Babylonian medicine, give or take 3000 to 4000 years, which gives this medical system as a whole, a lot of credibility.

TCM uses many methods to diagnose and treat, but for the focus of this article, I would like to concentrate on how TCM uses the seasons to balance and strengthen the body.

There are five seasons in TCM—winter, spring, summer, late-summer and fall. Each season has its own unique set of properties and relationships within the body. For example, spring is associated with the wood element, which governs the liver and the gallbladder and their energetic pathways called meridians. The health of our liver/gallbladder system is vital for us to bend and flow in life and be able to plan and achieve with ease—if we are not balanced energetically and physically, we tend not to have any space for everyday life. As a result, we can feel overwhelmed by the tiniest details—hence the term, “I feel like I’m going to snap”—we have no room to bend.

Spring is a time of creativity and planning, and the liver is at its peak of releasing your Qi/energy stores from winter hibernation—strengthening your muscles and tendons to get ready for more activity. Being active and spending time outside can be great ways to support the liver/gallbladder energies during spring and help the body let go of pent-up energy that may be causing you issues, as I mentioned above.

Spring is also when fresh greens are abundant, and it just so happens that green is the colour TCM associates with spring. Including more fresh greens daily helps the liver detoxify the blood; dandelion greens, in particular, are a good source for detoxification

and are abundant for wild harvesting in spring. Other good greens are spirulina, chlorella, parsley, sprouts/microgreens and wheat grass.

Avoiding excessive stimulants like coffee, energy drinks and black tea during the spring months can help protect the body from excess energy that tends to deplete us, making us more tired. Instead, think about light, nourishing, cleansing foods and drinks that boost your vitality. By taking breaks from foods, activities and substances that strain the body, you make room for the body to heal and prepare for the fun summer months ahead.

Incorporating holistic medicine and acupuncture regularly is your ally in preventive medicine so that you can flow through the seasons with vitality. Be sure to find a board-certified acupuncturist in your area; lucky for us on PEI, we have many talented TCM practitioners ready to help.

—Melanie Snell, R.Ac is a practitioner at East ND in Charlottetown.

COURTESY EASTND

EXHIBITS

galleries, museums…

The Breadalbane Gallery

On view: works by Vian Emery, Haley Lewis, Adrianna Chandler, Becka Viau, Will Barker, Joan Sutton, Marianne Janowicz, Zoe Novaczek, Laura Bain and Petra Hoss. An opening reception will take place March 10 from 6–8 pm. Gallery hours are Tue 11 am–3 pm; Wed 9 am–1 pm; Thur 4–8 pm, or call/email 303-8333/mjanowicz@hotmail.com. 4023 Dixon Rd, Breadalbane.

Canadian Centre for Climate Change and Adaptation

On view: Shift, a solo exhibition by artist Rilla Marshall, curated by Alexis Bulman. An art gallery reception for Shift will take place March 25 from 4–6 pm. Located in St Peters Bay.

Charlottetown Library

Learning Centre

On view: Messages from the Cosmic Field by Renée Laprise to April 15. Presented by this town is small. Dominion Building, 97 Queen St, Charlottetown.

Confederation Centre Art Gallery

On view: While Black: a forum for speculation on what the gallery can’t hold to March 5; Aftereffects: Emerging New Media Artists in Winnipeg opening March 18; Lou Sheppard and William Robinson: Cabinet Music (Cantata for Erosion) opening March 18; It’s More Than Sports: A Celebration of BIPOC Athletes on Prince Edward Island to April 2; and Land is not a mat to be rolled up and taken away to May 21;. 145 Richmond St, Charlottetown.

Confederation Court Mall

On view: The City of Charlottetown’s historic pop-up exhibit, Celebrate Winter Sport, to March 11. Located in the exhibition space on the first floor of the Confederation Court Mall, 134 Kent St, Charlottetown.

Cornwall Library Art Gallery

On view: Curating Beautiful Words by Tania Pendergast to Mar 31. Meet the artist event Mar 14 at 7 pm. The Spring Group Show Poetic Imagery opens April 4. Contact the library for info on displaying in the gallery. 15 Mercedes Dr, Town Hall, Cornwall. 629-8415, library.pe.ca

Eptek Art & Culture Centre

On view: Sparking Greatness, exploring the 2023 Canada Games theme, to Mar 24. Visit the permanent exhibition at Eptek on the history and architecture of Summerside. 130 Heather Moyse Dr, Summerside.

Hilda Woolnough Gallery

On view: Colonel Gray IB’s Decapitation exhibition from March 27–April 13 with opening reception April 4 at 6 pm. 111 Queen St, Charlottetown.

Lefurgey Cultural Centre

On view: Sixty Days of Fame series, presented by Culture Summerside, featuring Imagination and Nature by Phyllis Gay to Mar 31. 205 Prince St, Summerside.

MacNaught History Centre and Archives

On view: Sixty Days of Fame series, presented by Culture Summerside, featuring Byrds of a Feather by Elise Arsenault and Meaghan Roberts to Mar 31. 75 Spring St, Summerside.

Receiver Co ee

On view: Water is Time is Water by Monica Lacey to March 21; and The Harvest: Cyan-o-Synthesis by Sarah Nicole Dart, to March 21. Presented by this town is small. Receiver Coffee, Victoria Row, 128 Richmond St, Charlottetown.

Salvadore Dali Cafe

On view: works by PEI-based artists Teresa Kuo and Melissa Morse to March 2; a solo exhibition of work by Niyi Adeogun from March 16–April 21. An opening reception will be held March 18 from 5–7 pm. Curated by Monica Lacey. The Arts Hotel, 155 Kent St, Charlottetown.

The Good Art Talks

Ten community conversations at Hilda Woolnough Gallery

The Good Art Talks is a series of ten community conversations that will explore the meaning of good, art and the intersection of the two.

The next event will take place March 30 from 5:30–8 pm at the Hilda Woolnough Gallery at The Guild. Attendees will enjoy locally made food in an intimate gallery setting, surrounded by art.

Facilitated by King Kxndi, 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?

theguildpei.com

Unifying Canada

Island artistry on display at Royalty Crossing Mall

Unifying Canada is a living community art piece made from wooden rounds, cut from fallen trees from hurricane Fiona. On display until mid-April at the Royalty Crossing Mall in Charlottetown, the piece was created by Island student and local artist Gary Torlone through the ArtsSmarts Canada Games’ Catch the Spirit program. Over 700 art kits were sent to learners across the Island, which included the wooden rounds along with sand, shells, feathers, porcupine quills, and pieces of PEI tartan. Each round was uniquely designed and decorated by

March Art Lotto

Win a pair of paintings by Norma Jean MacLean

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

March’s featured piece is a pair of paintings named Cedar View 1 and Cedar View 2 from Norma Jean MacLean’s Cedar View Series.

MacLean is a visual artist from the Island with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design. Her paintings and site-specific installations have been featured in Charlottetown’s Art in the Open Festival, the 2019 Confederation Centre Art Gallery exhibition Who’s Your Mother, and the 2013 Montreal group exhibition The Painting Project. A Snapshot of Painting in Canada (Galerie de l’UQAM).

Lottery tickets for this month are on saleMarch 1–31, or while supplies last. There are 100 tickets available each month. Tickets can be purchased online, via phone at 1-800-565-0278, or

an Island students or group of students. Together these rounds have been knotted together and hung to represent the outline of PEI. The final design and construction of this community art piece was done by Torlone.

ArtsSmarts is the largest educational initiative in Canada dedicated to improving the lives and learning capacity of Canadian children by injecting arts into academic programs. The importance of engaging young people in artistic activity is critical to their evolution as creative thinkers. artssmartspei.ca

in person at the Centre’s box office. confederationcentre.com/ whats-on/artlotto23

Norma Jean MacLean, Cedar View 1 and Cedar View 2, 2022, oil paint on board, each 30.5 x 30.5 cm

SCREEN

Eptek Film Series

The Friends of Eptek Centre’s Lunchtime Film series continues to the end of April. The films, mostly travelogues, are screened on Thursdays at noon at Eptek Art & Culture Centre in Summerside. There will be some new films, as well as some from late Friend, Blanche Hogg, and there is no charge. Upcoming films: Touring Through the Great National Parks of America: Glacier & Rocky Mountain (2); Women on the March (9); Over Ireland (16); Rudy Maxa’s World–Exotic Places: Turkey (23); Nature’s Serenade: The Four Seasons–Vivaldi (30). 130 Heather Moyse Dr, Summerside.

Filmworks Summerside

Filmworks Summerside has relaunched its film series at Harbourfront Theatre. The next screening takes place March 8 at 7 pm and features The Return of Tanya Tucker featuring Brandi Carlile. This documentary follows Tanya Tucker’s return to recording after a 17 absence and the rebuilding of her confidence with the gentle encouragement and support of Brandi Carlile. Newly renovated with a new screen and projector, the Harbourfront Theatre is the largest performing arts centre in Summerside. Admission is cash only at the door. No advance tickets are sold. Info: filmworks. summerside@gmail.com. 124 Heather Moyse Drive, Summerside.

Queer Eye viewing party

St. Paul’s Anglican and Trinity United are teaming up for their first ever Queer Eye Viewing Party. Everyone is invited to join on March 15 at 101 Prince Street (look for the rainbow door). The fun begins at 7 pm and will be followed by lively discussion, treats and special guests. Their hope is to make this a monthly event. They strive to create a safe space for everyone because they believe that we are all one hundred per cent worthy of love, acceptance and respect. For more info, contact Amanda at stpauls@pei. aibn.com or call 892-1691.

Ban Mountain Film Festival World Tour

The PEI Adventure Initiative will present the Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour at UPEI’s Duffy Amphitheatre in Charlottetown on March 26 and 27. Doors open at 6 pm. Showtime is 6:30 pm. Tickets and passes available at Sporting Intentions in Charlottetown. No reserves or refunds. Info: banffmountainfestival.ca/tour

Two Sheet Animation Workshop

A Two Sheet Animation workshop (ages 12–18) will be offered at Confederation Centre of the Arts on March 14 from 6–7 pm. Led by visual arts educator Andreas Fobes, learn how to make simple looping animations using only two sheets of paper, some drawing materials, and free animation software on any smartphone or tablet. This workshop will show participants how to create immediate and quick animation in just one sitting. All levels of animation experience are welcome. Registration can be done via the Centre’s website or box office. confederationcentre.com/artseducation

Film4Ward Program

Applications are being accepted for the 2023 edition of FilmPEI’s Film4Ward Progam. The program was designed to develop talent and content from emerging to professional PEI filmmakers to make them more competitive at a national and international level and forward the creative careers of these filmmakers in a meaningful and strategic way. From this program, creators will have calling card films they can use to enter international festival circuit/digital distribution and help them move their career forward to larger budget projects including feature films. This year’s edition includes two sub programs within the Film4Ward Program. The Beginner Shorts Program recipients will be provided with $20,000 worth of funding. The Pilot Program recipients will be provided with $40,000 worth of funding. Both programs provide workshops and training, as well as equipment. Full eligibility criteria and submission details can be found at filmpei.com.

Art ra e for The Vessel

From March 6 to April 4

The Vessel Artist Studios, an artist-run shared studio and co-working space in downtown Charlottetown, is running their first ever Art Raffle from March 6 to April 4, for a grand prize of art, media and merchandise from the studio tenants.

The Vessel is home to 10 PEI-based professional artists and arts organizations, and supports the practices of visual artists, musicians, filmmakers, writers and theatre makers. It was established in 2017 by artist and organizer Becka Viau, who was committed to creating community and making the space financially accessible for working artists. In 2022, Viau passed the management of the space onto CreativePEI, which now oversees administration while day-to-day operations are managed by the tenants.

The Vessel remains one of the few self-sustained initiatives allowing local artists and arts workers to create art and collaborate with their peers within a shared space. Many festivals, art and music events, and creative works have emerged from The Vessel since it began operating, and its tenants are committed to fostering the longevity and success of the space.

The grand prize package for the Art Raffle includes original artworks, event tickets, zines, music, jewelry and unique merchandise from Jordan Beaulieu, Millefiore Clarkes, Sarah Nicole Dart, Tanya Davis, Doug Dumais, Carlie Howell, Corbin Murdoch, Lisa Theriault, The River Clyde Pageant and this town is small.

The Art Raffle goes live March 6 and closes April 4.Tickets are only available for purchase online. Visit facebook.com/thevesselpei or thevesselpei.ca for a full list of items and to purchase tickets. Funds raised will cover studio improvements, vacancies and operational costs.

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

Avatar: The Way of Water

March 1–7

PG, violence, coarse language, not recommended for young children, photosensitivity warning. Dir: James Cameron, US, 2022, 192 min. Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldaña, Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang, Kate Winslet.

Nominated for four Academy Awards including Best Picture.

that ranges from subtle to shattering and makes The Whale more than essential viewing—it’s some kind of miracle.” —Peter Travers, ABC News

Below the Belt

March 11, 4:30 pm

Screening of the Groundbreaking PBS Documentary.

Dir: Shannon Cohn, US, 2023. Executive Producers: Hillary Rodham Clinton, Rosario Dawson, Corinne Foxx, Mae Whitman.

Tickets are $15 for all admission and can be booked at www.citycinema.ca.

is focused more on Sandra’s and Clément’s humanity than their indiscretions... Through Sandra, Hansen-Love delicately communicates how everyday hurdles can feel insurmountable in the face of a loved one’s mortality. It’s a challenging display of caregiving’s toll, and the ways in which hardship shapes a worldview... One Fine Morning surprises with a conclusion about the value of forging on and seizing opportunities for reinvention. In the midst of such darkness, it’s comforting to be reminded that the dawn always comes.” —Thomas Floyd, The Washington Post

Juniper

March 20–25

14A. Dir: Matthew J. Saville, New Zealand, 2023, 94 min. Charlotte Rampling, Marton Csokas, George Ferrier.

“The Way of Water is the movie of 2022, and James Cameron has, once again, simply reset the bar. The special e ects, notably groundbreaking underwater action sequences, are matched by a primally emotional storyline about the strength of a family unit... This is a family-friendly film with a sustained intensity not seen in most R-rated actioners. The e ect is utter exhilaration... The Way of Water juggles an ensemble of various species with precision. Three and a quarter hours hasn’t flown by like this since—well, Titanic The Way of Water delivers excitement audiences have been starved for, and then some.” —Samuel R. Murrian, Parade

The Whale

March 8–13

PG. Dir: Darren Aronofsky, US, 2022, 117 min. Brendan Fraser, Sadie Sink, Hong Chau, Samantha Morton.

Nominated for three Academy Awards including Best Actor and Best Supporting Actress.

In the personal and inspiring stories of four patients urgently searching for answers to mysterious symptoms, Below the Belt exposes widespread problems in our healthcare systems. Through the lens of endometriosis, a disease that a ects 1 in 9 women, the film shows how women are o en dismissed, discounted & disbelieved. From societal taboos and gender bias to misinformed doctors and profit-driven healthcare, the film reveals how millions are e ectively silenced and how, by fighting back, they can improve healthcare for everyone. The evening’s events will include the film screening, special guest speakers, and local sponsorships with exciting ra e prizes! Whether you are personally a ected by endometriosis, or are a support, healthcare professional, stakeholder, or interested community member, all are encouraged to join us for this special screening.

One Fine Morning

March 14–19

14A, sexual content. Dir: Mia HansenLøve, France/UK/Germany, 2023, 112 min. Léa Seydoux, Pascal Greggory, Melvil Poupaud, Nicole Garcia. In French with English Subtitles. Cannes Festival Winner, Europa Cinemas Prize.

“Ageing, alcoholism, loss, death, sorrow … this could have been really bleak viewing... but you’re soon drawn into the quietly compelling drama about a teenager, his father and paternal grandmother. Set in New Zealand in the ‘90s, Juniper is anchored by a strong script that wastes no words. Juniper berries are the key ingredient of gin, which flows freely across the three generations represented in this film. Sam is a taciturn high school student who has recently lost his mother. His father Robert has brought Sam’s wheelchair-bound grandmother, Ruth to New Zealand to take care of her... Ruth is di cult. Bitter. Blunt. She loves her gin. She swears at doctors and vicars and she’s tough on Sam, who is not remotely interested in getting to know his nan... There are a few moments of lightness in writer/director Matthew Saville’s first feature, which is partly based on experiences with his own grandmother. He draws fine performances out of his cast, particularly the talented Ferrier... Rampling is subtly sensational, conveying complex emotions with a single glance. Yes, Ruth is di cult, but Rampling makes her unforgettable... It’s a tall order, weaving these hard edged emotional themes into something balanced and watchable... but Saville’s done it extremely well, with great compassion and insight. Instead of something bleak, he’s made something that’s really quite beautiful.” —Annette Basile, FilmInk

“Brendan Fraser is on the march to Oscar. That’s how astonishing his acting is in The Whale, [playing] a man tipping the scales at 600 pounds... As expertly directed by Darren Aronofsky (The Wrestler, Black Swan) The Whale never turns away from Charlie’s humanity, not even when he seems to be eating himself to death... Charlie supports himself by teaching writing online—he turns o his camera so his students can’t see him. He has a friend in Liz, a nurse played with wonderful warmth and humor by the utterly sublime Hong Chau... Charlie, su ering from congestive heart disease, tells Liz he can’t pay for medical care. That’s a lie since Charlie has $120,000 saved for his estranged teen daughter, Ellie, who Charlie hasn’t seen since he le her mother for his gay lover. The man, Liz’s brother, killed himself, leading Charlie to binge away his sorrow... Fraser who keeps us riveted as he shows the optimism that keeps shining through Charlie’s grief, a hope for his angry, wounded daughter and the students to whom he assigns essays... And just for a little while—the two hours it takes for The Whale to run a direct path to your heart—Fraser shows us what it means to truly care about people... A tour de force performance

The Quiet Girl (An Cailín Ciúin)

March 25–April 2

“In One Fine Morning, a tender character study from Mia Hansen-Love, Léa Seydoux plays a Parisian widow whose personal and professional lives revolve around the needs of others. As a translator, Seydoux’s Sandra spends her days guiding American veterans through Normandy... Between jobs, she strolls the streets from one familial obligation to another, picking up her young daughter from school while caring for her ailing father... When Sandra reconnects with Clément, a married friend who leads a more adventurous life... she makes a casual concession: ‘I just feel my love life is behind me.’ But those words are promptly disproved when Sandra and Clément’s flirtations blossom into a full-blown a air... One Fine Morning, thankfully,

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

“The Quiet Girl is, not unexpectedly, a quiet film. With dialogue almost entirely in Irish, the film follows Cáit... A shy, sad schoolgirl in an unhappy family, sent away to spend the summer with her mother’s cousin; there, she’s shown a simple, uncomplicated tenderness, forging a family of the kind she’s clearly never experienced before. It’s a simple but artfully e ective debut feature. with a remarkable, heartbreaking debut performance from Clinch... Bairéad’s screenplay finds poetry in the shapes and contours of his native tongue, and even if you’re not an Irish speaker, you’ll find beauty in the language... The title nods to the quietness of its title character, but in truth, this is a film full of people unable to express themselves... Cáit’s parents are sad and unfulfilled; Cáit herself struggles to make friends; and her foster parents, though much more open and loving, have a grief-filled history they are not sharing... Bairéad’s debut film finds a comfort in stillness... The film is low on incident... but it’s generous to its characters and invigoratingly sweet, ultimately singing to the virtues of peacefulness. Sometimes, the film ponders, it’s better not to say anything at all. ‘She says as much as she needs to say,’ Cáit’s adoptive father says of her. ‘May there be many like her.’

A peaceful poem of grief, sadness and learning to find your voice, told with empathy and care.” —John Nugent, Empire

Magazine

Classics at City Cinema

Presented by Laurent Gariépy

Sponsored by The Hollywood Suite

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

JANUARY 28 - APRIL 2

IBGHY & LEMMENS:

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

FEBRUARY 17 – MAY 21

A er nearly 240 classic screenings over the past 5 five years, Classics at City Cinema Presented by Laurent Gariépy is changing as Laurent is moving out of province. For his final month, Laurent has five great films planned:

Sherlock Holmes - Mar 5

Silent film with live music by Island Jazz

The first classic shown in 2018 was the 1916 version of Sherlock Holmes starring William Gillette and was presented with a live musician. This is another great silent version of Sherlock Holmes starring John Barrymore. The screening features live music by Island Jazz.

Aquaman - Mar 9

For the collaborative series with Comic Hunter,  Classics at City Cinema Presented by Laurent Gariépy is playing Aquaman, starring Jason Momoa.

The Godfather Part 1 and 2 - Mar 12/19

By popular demand, The Godfather Part 1 and Part 2 will be screened on two consecutive Sunday a ernoons, March 12 and 19.

Destroy All Monsters - Mar 24

The final show of Classics at City Cinema Presented by Laurent Gariépy will be Destroy All Monsters, the 9th film in the Godzilla series, created to be the swan song of the franchise.

Thanks to everyone who supported Laurent’s series over the years and to the Hollywood Suite for sponsoring those screenings.

Although we are sad to see Laurent leave, we want to thank him for his dedication to our cinema, and let folks know that City Cinema will continue to show classic films in his absence.

LOU SHEPPARD AND WILLIAM ROBINSON:

CABINET MUSIC (CANTATA FOR EROSION)

MARCH 18 – MAY 21

AFTEREFFECTS:

WINNIPEG NEW MEDIA ARTISTS

MARCH 18 – MAY 21

MARCH 25 - 10:00 – 11:30AM

FLIPBOOK ANIMATION WORKSHOP

MARCH 26 - 1:30 – 2:30PM

RICHARD IBGHY & MARILOU LEMMENS, FUTURES , 2019.

ARTS

Free Art Workshop Series

Kings Playhouse is offering a free Art Workshop Series in Georgetown. Free workshops in March include Art with Amy—Intro to Paint Pouring on March 20 from 4–6 pm and You Can Paint with Jo-Anne Ford on March 27 at 6 pm. For more info and to pre-register, call 1-888346-5666 or visit kingsplayhouse.com. 65 Grafton St, Georgetown.

PD Day Arts Camps

dancing, music, prop making and more. Whether a child prefers to be centre stage or backstage, there are activities for all interests. Early drop-off and late pick-up times available. Info/register: confederationcentre.com/artseducation

Family Sundays at Confed

This month’s Family Sunday event at the Confederation Centre Art Gallery in Charlottetown will take place March 26 from 1:30–2:30 pm. These events offer free opportunities for families to explore visual art together. confederationcentre. com/artgallery

Pottery in the Park

from 10 am–12 pm. Registration is online and will be open March 29 from 7–9 pm. Once the registration period is over, everyone who has signed up for adult classes will be entered into a software program that will choose names randomly. Those who have been randomly chosen will be contacted as soon as possible. Up to date information on classes, as well as the link to the online registration form, will be posted at peipottersstudio. com. Email registration@peipottersstudio.com with any questions.

Artist Submission Call

provided but participants must bring their own drawing material. They are always looking for models. If interested, reach out on FB or email lifedrawingpei2022@gmail.com.

HC degree pathway with NSCAD

PD Day Arts Camps for ages 6–12 take place March 24 from 9 am–4 pm at Confederation Centre of the Arts in Charlottetown. In the visual arts camp, young artists will be taken through a combination of guided and open-ended activities in painting, sculpture, drawings and more. In the performing arts camp, students will be trained in drama,

The spring session of classes at the PEI Potters Studio in Victoria Park in Charlottetown will begin the week of April 10 and run for a 10-week period. Perfect for beginners as well as those with previous experience, classes are taught by professional Island potters and are designed to be fun as well as educational. Classes are small in size and relaxed and informal in style. The class covers the basics of clay preparation, wheel-throwing techniques, glazing and decoration. Hand-building techniques can also be explored depending on interest. A great way to relieve stress and enhance creativity while learning a new skill, participants will have the opportunity to create their own pieces from start to finish. Adult beginners can choose a class on either Tuesdays or Thursdays (TBD) from 6:30–9:30 pm. A class for children ages 9-14 will be held on Saturdays

Submissions are being sought for the REFRESH component of the Summerside Arts Festival. REFRESH is about creating a sculptural piece of art with recycled materials that is scrounged, hoarded, bartered or gifted. Only adhesives may be newly purchased for the project. There have been some amazing works created for past arts festivals. REFRESH is open to all Island artists interested in taking on the challenging project. Proposals must be received by March 31, with artists being notified of their success by April 28. Particulars can be found elsewhere in this issue of the Buzz or at wyattheritagepropertiesinc.com. The Summerside Arts Festival starts on July 17 and runs for three days on the grounds of the Wyatt Heritage Properties.

SSAC Call for Proposals

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

Kindred Spirits Quilt Guild

The Kindred Spirits Quilt Guild meets on the third Wednesday of the month from 7–9 pm, except for July, August and December, at the Irish Cultural Centre, 582 North River Rd, Charlottetown. New members and visitors are welcome. Info: Roberta (393-3222) or @ Kindred Spirits Quilt Guild of PEI on FB

PEI Modern Quilt Guild

The PEI Modern Quilt Guild meets every fourth Thursday of the month from 7–9 pm. If interested in attending a meeting as a guest and for further details, contact peimqg@gmail.com. Info: @peimqg on IG

Life drawing sessions

Holland College has signed a degree pathway agreement with NSCAD University that will enable graduates of the one-year Fundamental Arts certificate program to receive credit in the university’s Bachelor of Fine Arts degree program. The agreement stipulates that graduates of the Fundamental Arts program will receive approximately one year of credit toward the four-year degree program. The Bachelor of Fine Arts program gives students the unique opportunity to specialize in a selected area while also exploring other fine art disciplines. The purpose of the Fundamental Arts program is to enable students to explore the visual arts in order to build their portfolio and explore their interests. Holland College program manager Liam Corcoran said the agreement will provide graduates from the Fundamental Arts program with a seamless transition into university. For a complete list of the more than 130 degree pathway agreements Holland College has with universities across the country and around the world, visit hollandcollege.com/dp.

Scavenger hunts

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

Travel support fund

This town is small (TTIS), with the support of Innovation PEI through the PEI Culture Action Plan, is offering microgrants for professional PEI artists for travel costs associated with opportunities to support their artistic practice, including residency programs, presenting their work off-Island in a gallery/festival, mentorship, accessing resources not available on PEI, and other opportunities on a case-by-case basis. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis for this program. Visit thistownissmall.com/ travel-support-for-pei-artists for more details and to apply.

Flipbook Animation

For more information phone: 1-800-565-0278 or visit: confederationcentre.com

Weekly Life Drawing sessions take place at the Gertrude Cotton Art Centre, 57 Bunbury Rd, Stratford. The drop-in drawing sessions with nude model are held on Sundays from 2–4 pm, weather permitting (check @Life Drawing PEI on FB for cancellations). All skill levels welcome. Must be 18+ or have parent/ guardian written permission. Easels are

A Flipbook Animation workshop (ages 10–17) will be offered at Confederation Centre of the Arts on March 25 from 10–11:30 am. Interested in learning about animation? Not interested in fussing with complicated animation software? In this workshop led by visual arts educator Andreas Fobes, participants will learn simple animation techniques through the creation of flipbooks using cheap and easily accessible materials. All levels of animation experience are welcome. Registration can be done via the Centre’s website or box office. confederationcentre.com/artseducation

Norma Jean MacLean, Cedar View 1 and Cedar View 2, 2022 oil paint on board each 30.5 x 30.5 cm

FOOD/ DRINK

International Women’s Day

Gather at the Haviland Club on March 8 at 5 pm to celebrate International Women’s Day. Enjoy the traditional Bread & Roses along with baked beans supplied by the NDP Women’s Committee. Meet NDP candidates running in the upcoming election. Island New Democrat leader Michelle Neill will share her perspective, as a political leader, union activist and federal civil servant, on this year’s IWD theme, Breaking the bias. Admission is by donation. 2 Haviland St, Charlottetown.

Mayor’s Heritage Tea

The City of Summerside will present its 2022 Heritage and Cultural Awards at the Mayor’s Heritage Tea on March 10 at 1:30 pm. Mayor Dan Kutcher extends an invitation to all to attend. Numerous nominations highlighting heritage and cultural activities throughout the City in 2022 were received, which gave the committee much to ponder in making their decisions. Celebrating the City’s vibrant heritage and cultural community, the tea is also a time to mark a special event or anniversary in the City and Province. Since 2023 is the 150th anniversary of PEI joining Confederation, a special guest will give his take on 1873. This will be the first tea for Mayor Kutcher and his council. On behalf of Mayor and Council, Culture Summerside organizes the tea, which takes place in the Council Chamber of Summerside City Hall, 275 Fitzroy Street.

SALES

Wild Child Clothing Swap

PEI Wild Child will host its first Clothing Swap of the year on March 18 from 10 am–3 pm at the Charlottetown Library Learning Centre. This event is free and open to the public. It is not neccessary to give items in order to take items. Organizers accept gently used clothing, footwear and outdoor wear for all ages and sizes, from infant to adult. There will also be a free drop-in rag rug making workshop during the swap—stop by to learn how to turn scrap fabric into new items. Info: @ Sierra Club PEI Wild Child Program on FB, wildchildadmin@ sierraclub.ca

Annual Spring Yard Sale

Spring Park United is having its annual spring yard sale on April 22 from 9 am–12 noon. The sale will have household items, an extensive selection of

Free community meals in Georgetown

Free community meals continue this month at Kings Playhouse in Georgetown. Lunches are offered on Tuesdays from 11 am–1 pm on March 7, 14 and 21. Dinners are offered every other Thursday from 4–6 pm on March 9 and 23. All are welcome. Info/register: 1-888-346-5666, kingsplayhouse.com, 65 Grafton St, Georgetown.

Cooking workshops

Fusion Charlottetown, a local volunteer organization aiming to make Charlottetown a better place to live, work and play, will be hosting Fusion Flavours, a series of cooking workshops in partnership with Founders’ Food Hall & Market. With funding through the Gender Equity, Diversity, and Enhancement Program, a series of four workshops will take place in March. Tickets are by donation and all profits will go towards purchasing food for the Charlottetown Community Fridge. Workshops will aim to enhance the community by celebrating Charlottetown’s diversity and will run in the evenings at Founders’ Hall. Participants will get a recipe demo and tips from the Chef of the night, enjoy a meal together, and go home with enough ingredients to make the same meal at home another day. The first workshop is specifically open to newcomers and will feature Brittany Boothroyd of Wild Kitchen on March 15. The next three workshops feature newcomer chefs, including: Chefs Nikki and Adam Todd, End of the Road Beginnings (Mar 16); Chef Valerie Ladrezeau, Datcha (Mar 22); and Chef Nidhi Arjun Patel, local food blogger (Mar 23). Eventbrite ticket reservations open March 1. Limited spaces are available per event night.

Info: fusioncharlottetown@gmail.com, @ Fusion Charlottetown on FB

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

Pinch Penny Fair

The Island’s longest-running indoor yard sale, the Pinch Penny Fair, will be held April 22 from 10 am–1 pm at the Conderation Centre of the Arts in Charlottetown. Organizers are now accepting gently used items including household items, books, sporting goods, toys, plants, music, jewelry, furniture, tools, glassware, etc. Clothing, televisions and computers will not be accepted. Donations can be dropped off at the Richmond St entrance during operating hours of Confederation Centre of the Arts. Proceeds go to family activities, scholarships, and equipment purchases. A project of the Friends of Confederation Centre. Info: 628-6141 or email friends@ confederationcentre.com.

New Poet Laureate

Tanya Davis takes on role to promote literary arts on PEI

Literary maestro

A celebration of J.J. Steinfeld’s literary achievements—Mar 9

The Bookmark and the UPEI Faculty of Arts and English department will host a celebration of author J.J. Steinfeld’s literary achievements and contributions to the culture of PEI, Canada, and beyond on March 9 at 7 pm. The celebration will take place in The Carriage House at Beaconsfield, 2 Kent Street, Charlottetown.

Islanders gathered in mid-February to welcome and celebrate PEI’s new Poet Laureate Tanya Davis.

In her new role, Davis will act as a spokesperson for literature in PEI and raise awareness of poetry and the spoken word.

“The Poet Laureate position affirms the importance of the literary arts within our Island’s cultural landscape,” said the Honourable Antoinette Perry, Lieutenant Governor of PEI. “It is my great pleasure to welcome Tanya as our province’s newest Poet Laureate and ambassador for culture and the literary arts.”

Tanya Davis is a poet. She is a storyteller. She is a musician and a singer-songwriter and she fuses these elements together in a matrimony of language and sound, side-stepping genre and captivating audiences in the process. She has been awarded numerous local, regional and national awards for her writings.

“Art is a reflection of society and culture. It helps us understand what we are as human beings and influences how we relate to each other,” says Minister of Education and Lifelong Learning, Natalie Jameson. “Tanya has an exceptional way of weaving story and emotions into her

poetry…and we are excited to have her as our provincial Poet Laureate.”

Davis is replacing Julie PellissierLush, who has just completed her term. Previous PEI Poets Laureate include: John Smith (2003-2005), Frank Ledwell (2005-2008), David Helwig (2008-2010), Hugh MacDonald (2010-2013), Diane Hicks Morrow (2013-2016), Deirdre Kessler (2016-2019), and Julie Pellissier-Lush (2019-2023).

Poets Laureate often choose to engage in composing poetry related to legislative or state occasions and events of significance. Other elements of their work include visiting schools, presenting or arranging poetry readings and assisting with writing workshops and other activities.

The PEI Public Library Service has responsibility for the program. Poets Laureate are chosen through a peer assessment process and appointed by the Minister of Education and Lifelong Learning. To be selected, the Poet Laureate must be active and recognized as a poet of stature who has published at least one volume of poetry within the last ten years with a reputable publishing house, or whose body of work over the years has brought honour to themselves and the province.

“J.J. Steinfeld is one of the most multi-talented, prolific, and respected authors ever to grace the shores of Prince Edward Island,” said UPEI English professor Dr. Richard Lemm. “This short story writer, novelist, poet, and playwright has published 24 books since settling on the Island in 1980. With his tragicomic vision, intensely moral pathos, and ingenious ironic humour, Steinfeld is one of PEI’s unique artistic virtuosos.”

Steinfeld was born in a displaced persons camp in Germany, to Polish Jewish Holocaust survivor parents. After a circuitous journey, stopping along the way to get his master’s degree in history from Trent University and spending two years in a PhD program at the University of Ottawa, he moved to PEI to write full time. He lives in Charlottetown with his wife, visual artist Brenda Whiteway.

His books include 14 short story collections, eight poetry volumes, and two novels. Nearly 500 of his stories and over 1000 poems have appeared in anthologies and periodicals across Canada and, internationally, in twenty

Author J.J. Steinfeld

countries. Over 60 of his one-act plays and a handful of full-length plays have been performed in Canada and the United States.

Among his numerous awards are: winner of the Great Canadian Novella Competition, a Creative Writing Award from the Toronto Jewish Congress Book Committee, and a PEI Book Award for Fiction. His favourite literary honour was being a recipient of the Award for Distinguished Contribution to the Literary Arts on PEI.

The celebration will include short readings and tributes by Island writers and friends of Steinfeld. Admission to this event is free.

Writers’ Guild Open Mic Night

Bring friends and sign up to perform (or just listen)

The PEI Writers’ Guild, in collaboration with the Gallery Coffee House & Bistro, hosts a free monthly Open Mic Night in Charlottetown. The next event will take place March 23 at 7 pm.

Attendees are encouraged to bring some friends, sign up to perform, read their writing aloud, or listen to other writers perform their work.

To attend, register online at peiwritersguild.com. To perform, email director@peiwritersguild.com.

(left-right): The Honourable Antoinette Perry, Lieutenant Governor of PEI, PEI’s Poet Laureate Tanya Davis and Communities and Fisheries Minister Jamie Fox.

A gift of Island poetry

I pen my oddly godly poems odes to suns and thrones to dust rusted homes I trusted once

On my knees again my head is heavy in my hands folded over stories

I am sorry for sordid glories I once had I swear and vow but not often enough and not on anything holy I am weak and full of holes please, hold me

In the booth of secrets, be that truth or theatre, my basic wish is: tell me it’s ok, or that it will be and every day has meaning, or else it could.

Milton Acorn Centenary

A life celebration—Mar 30

READERS / WRITERS

Eptek Centre Book Club

The members of the Eptek Centre Book Club meet March 2 at 7 pm to discuss the book Maybe He Just Likes You by Barbara Dee. Eptek Art & Culture Centre is located at 130 Heather Moyse Dr, Summerside. For more info, call 8888373, visit peimuseum.com or follow @ EptekCentre on FB.

Anne Hotchkis book launch

A book launch for Queen Charlotte Drama by PEI author Anne Hotchkis will be held at the Cornwall Library on March 11 at 2 pm. 15 Mercedes Dr, Town Hall, Cornwall.

Elizabeth Iwunwa book launch & panel discussion

The 100th anniversary of the birth of noted Canadian poet Milton Acorn will be observed with a life celebration at the Haviland Club in Charlottetown on March 30 at 4 pm.

Born in Charlottetown on March 30, 1923, Acorn worked as a carpenter before finding his voice as a poet in Montreal in the 1950s, alongside other poets including Al Purdy, Irving Layton, and Leonard Cohen. While he also spent time in Vancouver and Toronto, Acorn’s very personal work includes many poems and prose pieces about Prince Edward Island, its landscape, history, and people. An individualist with strong views, his work ranges from the stridently political to the warmly personal.

Acorn was recognized by a group of Canadian poets with a special medal as the “People’s Poet” of Canada, awarded in 1970, and received the Governor General’s Medal for Englishlanguage poetry in 1976. He was given an honorary degree from UPEI in 1977. Acorn died in Charlottetown in 1986.

Pownal Street Press invites the community to the launch of Íjè An Immigrant’s Voyage into Prince Edward Island Life by Elizabeth Iwunwa, taking place at the Beaconsfield Carriage House in Charlottetown on March 16 from 7–9 pm. The launch will present readings by Elizabeth Iwunwa, Nindiya Sharma and Debbie Langston, followed by a panel discussion entitled, “Finding Home: Memory, Place, and Personhood” which will feature three more contributors to the collection, Chef Ilona Daniel, Dr. Charles Adeyanju, and Daniel Ohaegbu, and moderated by the Editor herself.

UPEI Creative Writing Master Class Reading

The annual public reading by UPEI’s Creative Writing Master Class will take place March 21 at 8 pm in The Carriage House at Beaconsfield, 2 Kent Street, Charlottetown. The reading will showcase a baker’s dozen of the Island’s talented emerging writers, including Joseph Simmonds, Bonnie Flavell, Brian Collins, Emma Willoughby, Jon Debly, Claire MacPhee, Adontae Pratt, Joanna Suchoszek, Olivia Jalbert, Sam Ching, Larissa Storey, Jason Mallard and Jennifer Tasker. They will read excerpts of fiction, creative non-fiction, poetry and writing for children. Audience members will visit a school for magic in England soon after the Second World War ends, listen to Island trees speaking to a devoted human in the aftermath of Hurricane Fiona, and experience the crisis of a young man addicted to the internet game world when his computer melts down. They will follow the adventures of Jhakem the fox in a rich wilderness encroached upon by suburbia, flee into the desert with a woman escaping a dystopian city, marvel at a boy who abandons normal speech for invented words, and visit aging parents during Christmas. Everyone is welcome and admission is free.

month

a poem by an Island poet for The Buzz

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

Tanya Davis At First Lonely (Acorn Books, 2011).

Each

Deirdre Kessler selects

LIONEL STEVENSON

BOOKS PEI

Almost Home

Adam Florian

Local artist Adam Florian released his latest graphic novel, Almost Home, in December 2022.

Almost Home tells the story of Artem, a Charlottetown bookseller with a small secret: he’s an alcoholic. When Artem meets Trinity, a Buddhist, she introduces him to her Lam Rim study group. There he encounters the wisdom that may be able to plant in him the seeds of change.

Described as “painful, relatable, and authentic,” Almost Home draws upon Florian’s own experience to tell a story of addiction with vulnerability and perspective.

Florian’s books are available at Amazon and locally at The Comic Hunter and Back Alley Music in Charlottetown. artbyadflo.com

Song of the Sparrow

Tara MacLean

Tara MacLean’s memoir, Song of the Sparrow, will be released March 14 with HarperCollins.

PEI singer/songwriter Tara MacLean has had an extraordinary musical career, from being discovered singing on a BC ferry to touring with Dido, Tom Cochrane and Lilith Fair, her solo albums and those with the band Shaye have touched legions of fans. But she hasn’t, until now, disclosed the details of how the power of song saved her from a childhood filled with danger.

From her earliest days in the backwoods of PEI, Tara was surrounded by nature, the songs of her musician

father and the love of her actor mother. But love was not enough to feed their growing family, nor were the Wiccan, then evangelical Christian teachings her parents followed. Hunger and uncertainty were constant companions, as were the dangers that began to enter her world. Predators can come in many forms from even the most trusted circles, and Tara soon learned that a young girl is never safe. It was only through her inner strength and the solace she found in singing that she created a refuge and a future for herself.

Song of the Sparrow is a daring, heartbreaking and provocative memoir of a life filled with music, told with the same raw, open poetry that her fans have come to expect.

“Tara MacLean has managed to tell a difficult coming of age story without begging for our sympathy. My heart broke and burst for her and her intricate family. With each turn of the page, I honestly did not know what would come next. Life is messy and marvelous and you won’t want to miss the chance to peek through this keyhole and get a front row seat to this fierce and lovely memoir,” says Jann Arden.

Tara’s new album, Sparrow, which is being released concurrently with this memoir, will be available March 31.

be(com)ing me

Julie R. Bull

be(com)ing me is the second book in The Spir(itu)al Connection Collection, the debut poetry series by Julie R. Bull. It follows (h)in(d)sight 2020, their first poetry book in the series, which was released in 2020. Both are available at Bookmark in Charlottetown.

Each book tells its individual set

of interrelated stories and together, the collection chronicles the journey of a queer, non-binary, two-spirit, white-presenting Indigenous person navigating the in-between spaces. Operating amongst binaries and systems of oppression, Julie is learning to settle into the discomfort of dualities, contradictions and paradoxes of being human. They invite readers to join them on this spir(itu)al journey.

be(com)ing me is a story about the journey from the head to the heart while integrating the interconnectedness of humans and the physical and spiritual world. The heart work is the hard work and be(com)ing me invites readers to connect deeply with themselves and the world around them.

Julie Bull is learning what it means to be a human being, not human doing. juliebull.net

Queen Charlotte Drama

Anne Hotchkis

murder mystery book for teens and the young at heart.

It’s ten years later. Trish Camden and John Freeman get married. Josie and Paul are married and expecting their first child. Trish is a lawyer and John is a teacher at Queen Charlotte Intermediate School. The Camden Mystery Club is reduced to four members as Charlie, an RCMP officer, and his wife Julie live in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia. Trish and John volunteer to put on a murder mystery musical during the school year at Queen Charlotte. One of the cast members is murdered for real. The CMC come together to work at solving the crime.

A book launch for Queen Charlotte Drama will be held at the Cornwall Library on March 11 at 2 pm.

India and Faraway Lands: 5,000 Years of Connected History

Ashutosh

Mehndiratta

Charlottetown-based author Ashutosh Mehndiratta recently released India and Faraway Lands: 5,000 Years of Connected History, a compact yet panoramic exploration of the story of India from a global perspective.

Meticulously researched, the book takes the reader on a journey around the world, in reverse chronological order, tracing pivotal events and unravelling intriguing connections with India. Mehndiratta’s retelling of the evolution of the United States, Britain, Ireland, Russia, Germany, Japan, France, Portugal, Central Asia, China, Rome, Persia, and Greece provides a context often missing in conventional histories of India. Along the way are recounted fascinating tales of travellers, the earliest accounts of interaction between the East and the West, forgotten cities that were once glorious, and books that changed the course of history.

PEI author Anne Hotchkis, creator of the Camden Murder Mystery Trilogy, returns with Queen Charlotte Drama, a

Mehndiratta was born and raised in New Delhi. He holds an MBA from the University of Alabama and has had a long career in consulting and the technology industry. He has lived in the US, India, and New Zealand, and travelled extensively around the world. It was his experience straddling between the East and the West for almost three decades that sparked his interest in global history. He and his wife now live in Charlottetown.

Currently, only the ebook version of India and Faraway Lands is available in Canada via Amazon. Paperback copies will be available soon.

It Remains for Me to Say The Memoirs of Archbishop

Harold Lee Nutter

Edited by Andrew Notere

Order of Canada, and a social reformer under NB premier Louis Robichaud. He was offered the Lieutenant Governorship of New Brunswick and a seat in the Senate. His son Andrew Notere was ordained on PEI in St Peter’s Cathedral.

The book is available at Bookmark in Charlottetown and from the St. Peter’s Cathedral Office.

RED: The Island Storybook Volume

31

Harold Lee Nutter, a New Brunswick Anglican Archbishop with generational ties to PEI, recorded his memoirs for the Provincial Archives of NB in 1992. It Remains for Me to Say: The Memoirs of Archbishop Harold Lee Nutter has been edited by his son Andrew Notere and includes a foreword by David Adams Richards.

Nutter was born in Welsford, a small village in NB. He married Islander Edith Carew and for many years in the 50s and 60s the family summered at their cottage on the North River in Charlottetown.

Nutter was named after his uncle who died in the Great War and whose name is included on the memorial at Vimy Ridge. His mother died of tuberculosis when he was nine. Unlike other boys of his age, interested in hunting and fishing, Harold began studying Greek at the age of 12. His father, who ran the village grocery store, found his son’s unusual interest difficult to explain to fellow villagers.

Nutter was the recipient of five honorary degrees, a member of the

Good news is, the days are getting longer and RED has another collection of tales to get their readers through the dregs of winter. Snuggle in, read RED: The Island Storybook Volume 31, and spring will be here before we know it.

In further good news, RED has no bad news. Just a brand new collection of soulful Island stories. From the bottom of their story slingin’ hearts, the folks at RED hope their readers enjoy Volume 31 as much as they enjoyed putting it together.

RED: The Island StorybookVolume 31 will be in stores Island-wide the first week of March. Also, in case you missed it, their RED special edition Horse Stories launched in February and is in stores now.

PEI Public Library Service programming

PEI Public Libraries offer programming for babies, children, teens, adults and seniors. Visit the Public Library events calendar at library.pe.ca or follow @PEI Public Library Service on FB for updated info about library events in PEI communities.

PEI Lymphedema Support

Anyone with a condition of Lymphedema or lipodema, or those interested in information, are welcome to attend a support and information group at 10 am on the third Saturday of each month at École François-Buote, 5 Acadian Dr, Charlottetown. Contact: Rose-Lune Goulet, 940-6780, rlygoulet@yahoo.ca

Bowl for Kids Sake: Event volunteers needed

Bowl for Kids Sake, Big Brothers Big Sisters PEI’s big community fundraiser, is coming up on March 18 and 19. Organizers are looking for volunteers in Charlottetown, North Rustico and Summerside to help with the registration, prize and food tables. More than 50 people are needed to help make their St Patrick’s Day themed Thank You Party a great experience for their fundraisers. If interested in helping out at this fun event or for more information, call Heather at 368-7759 or e-mail info@bbbspei.ca.

Anti-Racism Grants

The provincial government invites nonprofit and charitable organizations to apply for a one-time grant to assist with Anti-Racism activities that benefit racialized and Indigenous communities in PEI. The Anti-Racism Grant is a new $100,000 initiative to help promote a culture of diversity and inclusion, address racism and strengthen the link between racial equality and community cohesion. The following groups and organizations in PEI can apply for the grant until 5 pm on March 13: Indigenous governments, bands, councils or non-profits; non-profit organizations/associations; municipalities and townships; registered charities; social enterprises; and non-governmental public or private institutions. To be eligible for funding, projects must promote anti-racism education and awareness, community support and capacity-building, and improve organizational governance. Examples of activities include: create and/or implement seminars, workshops, trainings, mentorships that address racism; target online hate and promote digital literacy; promote social participation and reduce barriers in community sport, arts and culture; create and maintain historical resources that address the presence of systemic racism in PEI; enhance capacity-building for racialized communities and organizations. Go to Anti-Racism Grants at princeedwardisland.ca for full details and application.

Prostrate Cancer Support

The Charlottetown Prostate Cancer Support Group is a group of men and their partners who provide information and support for those living with prostate cancer. Join them on the third Tuesday of each month for about an hour and a half of updates on research and discussion of treatment options, as well as shared practical experiences of how others deal with difficulties. The group provides a comfortable environment to ask questions about all aspects of the disease and its treatment, and get answers from people who have experienced

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leadership in the community or in their chosen profession or occupation, and have them considered for this special honour. The mailing address is Order of Prince Edward Island, Legislative Assembly, 197 Richmond St, PO Box 2000, Charlottetown, PE, C1A 7N8. Info: 368-5970, assembly.pe.ca/opei

World Day of Prayer

The Summerside and area World Day of Prayer service will be held March 3 at 11 am at Trinity United, 90 Spring St, Summerside. The service was written by the World Day of Prayer committee of Taiwan: “I Have Heart About Your Faith.” Light refreshments will follow. The service will be led by the CWL from St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church Miscouche. The storm date is March 10 at 11 am at Trinity United. For more info about World Day of Prayer, visit wicc.org.

2023 Atlantic Black Policy Conference

Historic Pop-up exhibit

The City of Charlottetown’s historic pop-up exhibit, Celebrate Winter Sport, is on view until March 11 in the exhibition space on the first floor of the Confederation Court Mall.

Created in partnership with the PEI Regiment Museum, with support from the PEI Museum and Heritage Foundation, Celebrate Winter Sport features historic images from the city’s collection, vintage winter sporting equipment and artefacts such as a jacket from the first Canada Games in Montreal in 1967. For information on how to donate historic photos or to permit the city to scan historic images, contact the Planning and Heritage Dept at 629-4051 or nmunn@charlottetown.ca. Selected past exhibits can be found at charlottetownstories.wordpress.com.

cancer first hand. The meetings are open to men, their partners and family members. Everyone is welcome to attend. 51 Warburton Dr, Charlottetown. Info: Denis Dunne (ddunne65@gmail.com, 393-5504), prostatecancersupport.ca

2023 Seniors’ Secretariat grant application now open

Organizations and communities that work to improve the lives of Island seniors can now apply for provincial government funding. Applications are being accepted for 2023-2024 PEI Seniors’ Secretariat grants until Friday, April 21, 2023. The grants provide up to $5,000 per project to organizations or groups interested in enriching the lives of seniors. Groups eligible for funding include non-profit organizations, community-based coalitions, networks, municipal governments, and indigenous organizations across the Island. Preference will be given to projects that promote: Reducing social isolation of seniors; Promoting positive images of aging/ addressing ageism; Bringing awareness to and/or addressing financial security and safety; Supporting seniors to age in place (i.e. home first, in the community, etc.); Supporting age-friendly initiatives. For more information and to apply, visit the PEI Seniors’ Secretariat Grant webpage, or email seniors@gov.pe.ca or call the Office of Seniors at 902-620-3785.

Care Giver Support

Monthly Care Giver Support Group meetings take place in Queen’s county on the third Monday of the month from 1–3 pm at the Hospice PEI Provincial Office, 119 Water St, Charlottetown. Meetings take place in East Prince on last Wednesday of each month from 1:30 –3:30 pm in the ADL room at Summerside Rotary Library, 57 Central St. Meetings take place in West Prince on the second Thursday of the month from 6–7:30 pm at Kids West Family Resource Centre, 630 Main St, Alberton. To register, call 368-4095 (Queen’s), 438-4231 (East Prince), 859-3949 (West Prince). Info: hospicepei.ca

Order of PEI nominations

The Order of PEI Advisory Council are accepting nominations for the 2023 awards. All submissions must be received by the Office of the Secretary on or before March 17, no later than 4:30 pm. The Order of PEI is the highest honour the Province can bestow. It was established to recognize Islanders who make remarkable contributions to the social, economic and cultural life of their province. Those invested to the Order in 2022 included: Dr. John Wallace Andrew, Charlottetown, Mr. Gary Schneider, Stratford, and Mme Claudette Thériault, Abram-Village. This is an opportunity to nominate someone who has shown excellence or outstanding

The 2023 Atlantic Black Policy Conference will be held in April. Save the date, April 28–30 in Charlottetown. For updates follow @blackculturalsocietypei, #blackpolicyconference2023, #bpc2023, or visit blackpolicy.ca and bcspei.ca.

Card Play

The Tracadie Community Centre hosts 45’s singles at every Monday at 7 pm for a small cost to play. There are cash prizes and an opportunity to play the 50/50 draw. Everyone is welcome.

Tax ling information

Tax filing season has just launched. Dates to know: The first day to file taxes online was February 20, 2023. The typical close of tax season, April 30, falls on a Sunday this year—as a result, returns will be considered on-time if they are received or post-marked by May 1, 2023. If Canadians are receiving a T4, T4A, or other tax slip, they should be issued by the end February. March 1, 2023 is the last day to contribute to a Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP). Know what to claim: The CRA website has the information needed to make sure Canadians are claiming all eligible tax deductions and credits. Popular deductions include childcare, moving and employment expenses, while credits include qualifying home purchases and pension contributions. Get the quickest return: Registering for direct deposit and filing online allows a return to be processed in as little as eight business days. Sign up for CRA’s My Account to change an address, update a marital status or other information for filing season to avoid delays. Free tax help: Help those in your community with no to modest income take advantage of free tax help clinics where volunteers will do their taxes free of charge and get them the credits and benefits they are entitled to. Every dollar counts: The CRA has launched a new service to let taxpayers know if they have any uncashed cheques with the Agency. Government cheques never expire. Info: canada.ca/en/revenue-agency.html

(left): Charlottetown Figure Skaters at the Charlottetown Forum, 1955. The Charlottetown Figure Skating Club has been active since the 1940s. The Ice Follies that took place in March 1955 was an annual event where the club showed o their skill and grace. (right): The West End Rangers was a team from the Bog, a predominantly Black neighbourhood on the west side of the 500 Lot Area in the city. It consisted of such skilled players that they won against the more experienced Abegweits when they played against each other in 1900 – just one year after the Rangers’ formation.

CITY OF CHARLOTTETOWN ARCHIVES

PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND MAGAZINE, 1902

IllumiNATION Festival

Free public arts and culture events continue until March 4

Celebrating PEI and Canadian arts and culture, the 2023 Canada Games IllumiNATION Festival continues at Port Charlottetown and various partner venues across the province until March 4. All events are open to the public and free to attend.

The Main Festival Grounds at Port Charlottetown offers family-friendly winter activities including an outdoor skating rink and food pavilion at Founders’ Food Hall & Market, art installations, light displays and partner activations complete with sugar shacks, food demos and ice sculptures.

Samqwan with supporting act 24 Strong will be live in the Sobey Family Theatre at Confederation Centre of the Arts in Charlottetown on March 1. Free tickets can be reserved online at confederationcentre.com.

The Mainstage Concert Series at Port Charlottetown continues with daily programming featuring PEI musicians and entertainers, as well as headliners Matt Andersen & The Big Bottle of Joy on March 2 and Classified on March 3.

Ice City Fest

Programming and celebrations continue until March 5

The Summerside Mainstage at Credit Union Place features rotating stages with live entertainment, activities and giveaways. In concert on March 4 are DeeDee Austin, Trinity Bradshaw, Nathan Wiley, Cory Gallant & The Red Dirt Posse, Logan Richard, Peggy Clinton & Johnny Ross, Louise Arsenault & Johnny Ray Arsenault. Festival-goers can review the site map and full Festival lineup, including additional musical performances at partner venues in communities across the Island, at 2023canadagames.ca/ festival.

The distant cousin of Jack Frost Winterfest, Ice City Festival continues in Charlottetown with indoor and outdoor programming and celebrations for all ages until March 5.

Food and drink options, cozy seating areas, entertainment, musical performances, horse and wagon rides, family skates, free snowshoeing after dark on Friday nights in Victoria Park, Discover Charlottetown’s Flow in the Snow outdoor movement series, Disco Skates on Saturday nights outside Founders’ Food Hall & Market, DJs on Confederation Centre Plaza each Saturday, as well as kitchen parties, WonderGo Immersive Experiences, drag brunches, fat biking and more. Visit discovercharlottetown.com/ icecity for the full schedule.

For the past 4 years Green MLAs have been making a difference for Islanders. Our team believes in working for you to build a healthy vibrant province where everyone has access to the healthcare, housing, and support they need, when and where they need it.

making a difference making a difference working for you working for you

Samqwan will be live in the Sobey Family Theatre

Group meditation

Explore the benefits of group meditation with like-minded, open and supportive people. Meetings will be held at the Charlottetown Library Learning Centre. Call 626-5683 or 316-2942 for details.

PEI Autistic Adults

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

Canada Post Community Foundation grants

The Canada Post Community Foundation is now accepting grant applications for 2023. Canadian charities, schools and community organizations that provide programming for children and youth (up to age 21) can apply for the grants, which range in value up to $25,000. Up to four $50,000 Signature Grants are also available, including the Indigenous Truth and Reconciliation Signature Grant, introduced last year. Applications will be accepted from all communities across the country with a focus on local grassroots initiatives, such as literacy and language programs; youth outreach services; programs supporting Indigenous youth; gender diversity programs; arts and recreation projects and many others. The deadline to submit applications is March 9 at noon (Eastern Time) through the Community Foundation website at canadapost.ca/community. Grant recipients will be announced in August 2023. Local and regional groups that represent First Nations, Métis, Inuit or Urban Indigenous Peoples and that offer programs supporting these communities are once again encouraged to apply for the Indigenous Truth and Reconciliation Signature Grant. Valued at $50,000, the grant supports educational initiatives for children and youth that enhance understanding of Indigenous culture and foster meaningful conversations in the spirit of reconciliation. Info: canadapost.ca/ community

Island Stroke Support Network

The Island Stroke Support Network (ISSN), launched by March of Dimes Canada, will enable stroke survivors and their caregivers to make meaningful connections through one-to-one peer support, stroke support clubs and technology training. ISSN connects stroke

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survivors and their caregivers with highly trained, caring volunteers who are also stroke survivors, for one-on-one virtual support. Volunteers will share their lived experiences with stroke to bring hope and information to participants as they navigate their personalized stroke recovery plan. Additionally, Stroke Support Clubs held at select public libraries will allow stroke survivors and their caregivers to share their experiences and practical advice with one another. Each year, about 350 people will have a stroke in PEI. Peer support programs such as the ISSN are an important resource for fostering social connection and emotional support, and empowering people to rebuild their lives and achieve their goals after stroke. To learn more about how ISSN can help, call the Stroke Support Line at 1-888-540-6666 or email afterstroke@marchofdimes.ca.

Royal Commonwealth Day

The Royal Commonwealth Society of Prince Edward Island will observe Royal Commonwealth Day March 13, 2023 at The Kirk of St. James, Charlottetown at 7 pm. Guests are asked to be seated in the church by 6:30 pm prior to the arrival of the Vice Regal party. Sea, Army, Air and Navy league Cadets will parade the flags of the 54 Commonwealth countries. Music will be provided by the PEI Regiment Band and the Sung Ha Bouey choir. A reception to follow.

Charlottetown Toastmasters

Toastmasters is “Where Leaders are made.” Join the Charlottetown Toastmasters Breakfast Club to learn skills about speaking, presenting, communicating professionally, all while making new friends and having fun. Meetings are held every Tuesday morning at 7:15 am online via Zoom. A return to in-person meetings is anticipated later this year. If interested, contact Sue Flower at sueflo3979@gmail.com or 314-8489.

Pulmonary Fibrosis Support

A Pulmonary Fibrosis Support Group meets at 1 pm on the second Sunday of the month at the Stratford Town Hall. A time for sharing and supporting each other. The next meeting is March 12. Everyone is welcome.

GEBIS Happy Course

GEBIS (Great Enlightenment Buddhist Institute Society) is a volunteer, not for profit organization aimed at promoting mental and physical well-being within our communities. GEBIS will present a Happy Course on Compassionate Communication from March 22–April 12. Drawing from Marshall Rosenberg’s book Nonviolent Communication, this course helps participants learn how to respond more effectively when confronted with conflict. It presents a communication tool which transforms how

we relate to each other and ourselves. Participants will learn how to make observations without judgement, the concept of universal needs, how to make healthy connections, as well as making clear requests which result in positive outcomes. Happy Courses provide participants of all ages with opportunities for gaining personal insight along with practical tools based on science-based research, ancient wisdom and common sense. Class format includes meditations, presentations as well as group discussions. GEBIS is constantly updating the six modules with new approaches and familiar faces are welcome. Classes will take place each Wednesday evening from 6–8 pm. In Summerside classes will be held at Three Oaks Senior High and in Charlottetown at Colonel Gray Senior High. Info/register: @GEBIS Charlottetown on FB, happycourse@ gebis.org.

Online Grief Support

Online monthly Grief Support Group meetings are held on the third Thursday of the month. The next group is March 16, starting at 7 pm. These sessions use the Zoom online meeting app. To register, call the Hospice PEI Grief Coordinator, at 330-3857. Telephone-based grief support with Hospice trained volunteers is also available. Learn more about Hospice PEI, their programs and services, and how to get involved at hospicepei.ca.

CMHA PEI Learning Hub

The Canadian Mental Health Association PEI Division Learning Hub offers free courses for Islanders. The Learning Hub helps Islanders increase mental health awareness, improve their well-being, develop skills for resilience, connect with resources and share experiences in a safe, welcoming and facilitated environment. Each new calendar offers free in-person courses, webinars, workshops and events and for the first time, the self-guided pre-recorded webinar, Insights into Bipolar Disorder. Other session topics include: stress management; developing self-compassion; insights into depression; and caring for the caregiver. To view the full calendar, visit pei.cmha.ca. To register for courses and for more info, email register@cmha.pe.ca or call 628-1648.

Public beaches funding

A new funding program is available to enhance the user experience of beaches along the province’s coastline. The Beach Infrastructure Program provides grants, up to a maximum of $5000, to organizations to upgrade public beach infrastructure across PEI. The following expenses are eligible: purchase/construction of waste sorting stations; waste removal costs; portable washroom rentals; construction of permanent washrooms; beach access improvements, such as boardwalks, steps, beach wheelchairs,

etc; labour to undertake maintenance related issues; signage, such as welcome signs, no littering, etc; safety equipment, such as life rings; and other projects that will enhance the beach user experience. Applications will be accepted until March 15. To learn more about the program and apply, visit princeedwardisland.ca/en/service/apply-to-the-beachinfrastructure-program

Free Energy E ciency Sessions for Homeowners

The Canadian Home Builders’ Association of PEI’s winter schedule of free Energy Efficiency Sessions for Homeowners continues with virtual sessions running until March 22. Upcoming sessions include: Energy Efficiency of Window and Doors, Sealing, and Reducing Condensation (Mar 1); Heating, Ventilation, and House Depressurization (Mar 8); Air Sealing and Reducing Leaks (Mar 15); and Renewable Energy (Mar 22). Each session is about two hours in length. Participants can choose to take part in all sessions or pick and choose. Advanced registration is required at chba-pei.ca/wp/free-energy-efficiency-sessions. Info: chba-pei.ca.

New safety guides

The Workers Compensation Board (WCB) has recently published four new safety guides to support Island employers in keeping their workers and their workplaces safe. The guides and complementary resources are available for download at wcb. pe.ca. The new resourcesare Developing a Hearing Conservation Program, Developing a Respirator Program, Guide for Communicable Disease Prevention, and Guide for Employers of Young Workers. The WCB partners with employers and workers in building safe and healthy workplaces and support recovery, if an injury occurs, through the administration of the Workers Compensation Act and the Occupational Health and Safety Act. Urgent workplace health and safety matters can be reported anytime by calling the 24/7 emergency line at 628-7513.

Breast cancer support

The PEI Breast Cancer Support Group is a survivor driven group that provides one on one support, group support, a voice of solidarity for PEI breast cancer survivors, education and advocacy. Regular meetings are held on the first Monday of each month. Email charlottetownbreastcancersg@gmail.com or call Judy at 569-3496 to attend. The group has received financial support from the Canadian Breast Cancer Network (CBCN). CBCN’s patient-friendly website publication for those newly diagnosed will help increase understanding of diagnosis, treatment options and what to expect. Other resources include an Intimacy Workshop, Surgery guide, financial navigator, MedSearch, handbooks, and more. Hard copies can be ordered by email to cbcn@cbcn.ca or call 1-800-685-8820. Info: Judy (569-3496), Teri (218-1621), charlottetownbreastcancersg@ gmail.com, 1-800-685-8820

Schneider

An appreciation

This winter has been very up and down weather wise, with everything from unseasonably warm, sunny conditions to frigid, hide-in-your house wind storms. And just about everything in between. There are lots of irregular bird visitors around as well. The Baltimore Oriole that I mentioned in last month’s column is still around, and there are a fair number of Northern Cardinals showing up at people’s feeders.

One bird that is hanging out in the Tea Hill area is not uncommon, but it is always a pleasure to see. It will visit feeders, though we have none up at the present. But it seems to love gleaning insects from the birch trees in the yard.

From a distance, there is nothing special about creepers. The colours don’t jump out at you, and you often just get a glancing look at it, flitting from branch to branch. Its song, though quite melodious, is soft and not always easy to pick out.

As with many birds, though, a closer look is really worth the effort. Good binoculars do the trick, but I was very fortunate to have banded some at the Macphail Woods banding station. They are delicate birds, smaller than a Blackcapped Chickadee, and less round. From above, the feathers are an appealing blend of brown, white, black and blue. From below, the underparts are mostly white. It has a slender, curved bill, ideal for digging out insects from the bark of trees. Similar to woodpeckers, the tail feathers are quite long and stiff, which help these birds work their way up the tree when feeding.

Our two native nuthatches—Redbreasted and White-breasted—mostly fly to the top and work their way down a tree, feeding as they go. A Brown Creeper takes a different tact, spiralling up a tree in search of food. That is actually a good way to pick them out. You’ll notice a small, indistinct bird flitting about, but when it starts circling and moving up the tree, you’ll know it is a creeper.

I remember in the early years of Macphail Woods I was out with a group looking for birds. I could hear a creeper singing and tried to find it.

It was quite magical to see a mating display, where on a quite-low branch a male creeper brough food to its mate. Very delicate, and at least to my eyes, very loving. A short while later, one of the group excitedly said “I saw the creeper fly up under that bark!”

It was my introduction to creeper nests, another part of my forest education. The bark was a small patch hanging on to a dead balsam fir tree. Until then, I had never really paid attention to these dead trees (or “snags”) except to look for woodpecker nests. Several times I had visited properties with landowners who would push these trees over, thinking they were doing something good by cleaning up their forest. I knew at the time that this wasn’t a good thing to be doing, unless the particular tree posed a threat. I knew the trees weren’t harming anything, and would provide excellent habitat for woodpeckers, chickadees, nuthatches and other species of birds.

But the creepers also made great use of these trees. Underneath the loose bark, they tucked in grasses made a nest that was out of the weather. Which I think is ingenious.

I now have an even deeper appreciation of Brown Creepers and snag trees. It is wonderful how much you can learn about nature just from paying attention.

The Nature of PEI by Gary

The tiny and delicate Brown Creeper COURTESY MACPHAIL WOODS

NATURE

Nature PEI meeting

nutrient levels and consistently harsh, windy conditions—mainly on PEI’s north shore. Historically, these forests were overlooked due to their stunted, twisted wood; but have and continue to face pressures today from forest clearing for agriculture and coastal development. These unique forest habitats provide important shelter and food for wildlife as well as important ecosystem services, including protection from damaging winds and erosion control. The Nature PEI meeting will be held March 7 at 7:30 pm at Beaconsfield Carriage House in Charlottetown. All are welcome.

Island Lecture Series: Dr. Irené Novaczek

Nature PEI’s March meeting will highlight PEI’s krummholz and coastal forest habitats. Daniel McRae, environmental educator, forester and researcher with Macphail Woods Ecological Forestry Project is the guest speaker. Daniel has worked with Macphail Woods since 2008 and has become an expert in botany, data collection, mapping and forest assessment. Over the last two years, Daniel has led research to understanding the structure, ecology, and natural history of PEI’s exposed, wind-influenced, coastal forests. PEI’s krummholz forests, or “tuckamore” trees as they are known in Newfoundland and Labrador, occur in coastally exposed areas with low

Marine Ecologist Dr. Irené Novaczek will give an Island Lecture on the Ecosystem Restoration Project at Basin Head on March 21 at 7 pm in the Faculty Lounge, SDU Main Building, UPEI. Basin Head was designated as a “Marine Protected Area” under the Oceans Act in 2005, to conserve and protect a unique strain of Irish moss (Chondrus crispus) which is thought to exist only within the confines of Basin Head. The talk will focus on adaptive management of the Marine Protected Area to ensure that the unique giant form of Irish moss at Basin Head is able to survive in the coastal lagoon environment which is challenged by impacts of local agriculture, invasive European green crabs and ongoing climate changes. All are welcome to attend.

Passport to Nature

Bu er Zone Acquisition Program

The province is now offering to buy land near buffer zones, watercourses or wetlands. The provincial government will buy land from owners at fair market price to support conservation, tree planting and/or reforestation activities through the Buffer Zone Acquisition Program. Land that is eligible for purchase must include a riparian buffer zone of Island water features. Land must be near a mapped watercourse, wetland, coastal barrier beach pond or estuary. Acquisitions can include entire properties or a subdivided portion which contains the riparian buffer zone. Land acquired through this program will be managed by the Dept of Environment, Energy and Climate Action and included in the PEI Protected and Conserved Area Network. The land management may include active restoration and sustainable forest management. Landowners can contact Forests, Fish and Wildlife at 3686450 to learn more about this and other programs available to property owners interested in protecting local watersheds.

New forestry commission

Island Nature Trust’s Passport to Nature is back in full swing with a series of adventure and learning activities and there is something for all ages. The first activity will be an exploration of the sea-side cliffs of East Point with Daniel McRae, lead researcher from Macphail Woods. The afternoon excursion in late March will examine unique coastal flora, the ecological challenges of wind and salt as well as the role of krummholz in protecting Island shores. The Passport to Nature series wraps up in early November with their wildly popular Trivia Night For Nature Nerds. Island Nature Trust is hosting nine activities this year and spots are filling up fast. Register now at islandnaturetrust.ca. A hard-copy of the Passport to Nature will be given to each participant at the events. A digital version can be perused at islandnaturetrust.ca/wp-content/uploads/passport-to-nature-2023-online.pdf

A new forestry commission will help review the Island’s forest policy and legislation. PEI’s Forestry Commission will have 12 members plus Jean-Paul Arsenault as chair. Membership will include woodlot owners, forest management practitioners who use both traditional and eco-based approaches, a public policy expert, a research scientist, a climate change researcher, an Indigenous representative, members of the watershed community, and members of the forestry profession. The Commission will look at the real-world outcomes of extreme weather and identify ways to increase the resiliency of our forests to climate change. It will recommend changes that may be required to the Forest Enhancement Program and Forest Management Act. It will also identify key indicators to measure progress and assist with development of a new forest policy. This work will help address the findings of the Auditor General’s latest report to the Legislative Assembly as well. To find more information, visit the Forestry Commission’s web page at princeedwardisland.ca/en/information/ environment-energy-and-climate-action/ pei-forestry-commission

JULIE-LYNN ZAHAVICH

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Aiming for normal

Kings Playhouse is humming with activity this spring—concerts, gallery exhibits, community meals and more.

Things are returning to normal in the Cove. There are plenty of fallen trees and roofs sporting blue tarps, but Hurricane Fiona is becoming a legend rather than a reality.

Covid-wise, at our Women’s Institute meetings we chat and hug freely. It feels great. Last week one of our members brought 45 pairs of mittens for the school mitten drive. “I knit a pair a day,” she said with a smile. We do what we can to help one another.

Last weekend there was a community fundraiser to re-stock the food pantry. Music, muffins, coffee, warm greetings, and young children running back and forth in front of the stage: a winning combination.

We accept that there will be more storms, and that Covid-19 may be with us forever. Harder to accept is a power outage on the coldest day of the year. Fortunately that cold snap has ended, and many frozen-and-thawed pipes later, our plumbers are taking wellearned naps.

With the Island’s hardships temporarily on hold, things remain desperate in Türkiye and Syria. [Türkiye is the new name of Turkey.] Nature is at war with this region and it’s winter. I was saying to my friend Karren (she tries to improve me), “We know nothing about Türkiye.”

She said, “Don’t say WE know nothing; YOU know nothing.” True. So I’m learning what I can from words and maps. I read that Türkiye (formerly Anatolia / Asia Minor / Ottoman Empire) is the country where Europe ends and Asia begins… with the Black Sea to the north, Aegean Sea to the west, and Türkiye controlling the strait between the two… with historic cities like Istanbul (Byzantium/ Constantinople of the Holy Roman

Empire), Tarsus (Saul of Tarsus on his way to Damascus), Ephesus (Saul/ Paul’s letters to the Ephesians—hey, I was a minister’s daughter!)… ancient sites like Troy (Helen of Troy), Mount Ararat (where Noah’s ark supposedly grounded)… fabulous mosques, ceramic tiles, Turkish delight… Why aren’t we all heading to Türkiye?

Well, the earthquake for one thing. With thousands dead and millions homeless, it’s not a good time for a casual visit.

Something else I’ve read. The earthquake was caused by the movement of Tectonic Plates, those huge chunks of the earth’s crust that bump into one another. Türkiye on the Anatolian tectonic plate, is surrounded by the African, Eurasian and Arabian plates, and on February 6 the Arabian Plate butted into it with an enormous THUD. Oh, how the people of that region would love to have life return to normal.

Our little island is more-or-less safely situated in the middle of the North American tectonic plate but, like aging pottery, our plate is full of chips and cracks. Many of us remember the 1982 quake centred in Miramichi (N.B.) that sent wine glasses a-tinkling. “What was that?!”

Today, down at the Cove everything feels pretty normal. The ice sheets shift, crack and groan like Tectonic Plates. Of course, what we see—make that “what I see”—on the frozen crust is not necessarily what is happening underwater. But no danger here, just beauty.

From March 4–5, as part of the 2023 edition of Radiant Rural Halls, the Playhouse will showcase rising tide, shifting ground, a series of exhibits in our hall, gallery and theatre presented by this town is small. Curated by Laura Demers, the event will feature work from artists Hailey Guzik (QC), Somnia Lucent (PE), Morgan Possburg (AB) and Eliza Knockwood (PE). Visit thistownissmall.com/radiant-rural-halls for details and registration.

On March 12 at 7:30 pm, enjoy an early St. Patrick’s Day celebration with Island folk music group Fiddlers’ Sons, featuring Cynthia Macleod. Admission is at the door.

The second annual Winter Tales Festival runs from March 23–26 with events for all ages. including: Close to Home Show 2022, a virtual event, takes place March 23 at 7:30 pm; Drag Queen Storytime on March 24 at 9 am; The

Three Tellers with Ashley Condon featuring Julie Pellissier-Lush on March 24 at 7:30 pm; Ledwell & Haines featuring Julie Pellissier-Lush on March 25 at 2 pm; and Joce Reyome on March 26 at 7:30 pm. All Winter Tales events are Pay-What-You-Can.

Free Community Meals continue through March, with free community lunches on Tuesdays, March 7, 14 and 21, from 11 am–1 pm and free community dinners on Thursdays, March 9 and 23 from 4–6 pm. All are welcome.

The Kings Playhouse Free Art Workshop Series continues with Art with Amy Intro to Paint Pouring on March 20 from 4–6 pm and You Can Paint! with Jo-Anne Ford on March 27 at 6 pm.

Pre-registration is preferred for all events excluding Fiddlers’ Sons. For tickets and more information visit kingsplayhouse.com or call 1-888-3465666. Kings Playhouse is located at 65 Grafton Street in Georgetown.

PIXBYLORNE

Mark Haines and Patrick Ledwell

The Island Jubilee

Old-time radio-style music show series continues—Mar 26

The Island Jubilee’s next show at the Florence Simmons Performance Hall in Charlottetown is on March 26 and will feature singer-songwriter Katie McGarry, champion step dancer Janelle Banks and the Island’s country gentleman Lester MacPherson.

Lester MacPherson’s love of country music is as genuine as his love of the Island, his family and his PEI roots in Glenmartin on the St Mary’s Road. Traditional country music is what kept him connected, and it’s those deep roots that he carries with him everywhere on stage. Lester has nine recordings to his credit. His latest recording, “Don’t Stop the Music” is a George Jones classic that he’ll likely perform while making his debut appearance.

Janelle Banks is an accomplished dancer from Springvale, PEI. With over 20 years experience, she has established herself as a top competitor and performer, winning many awards including the national dance competition and world cup in Quebec in July 2022. Janelle has been a part of The Charlottetown Festival’s outdoor amphitheatre dance show for the past two seasons. She is also an accomplished choreographer for several children’s music theatre productions.

The featured Island artist this month is Katie McGarry. Katie has been writing and sharing her songs with audiences for over a decade. Her

influences draw on classic country and folk to pop and blues. Her most recent work is her involvement in Charlottetown’s folk-pop band, the Moneygoround, as well as the Miranda Lambert tribute shows with her band.

Nudie (bass), Thomas Webb (steel, banjo, dobro), Serge Bernard (house band leader, guitar, banjo, mandolin), Johnny Ross (keys), Bobby McIsaac (electric guitar), and Courtney HoganChandler (fiddle) will make up the house band.

Tickets for this show and future shows are available at Ticketpro, by contacting the box office at 894-6885, or in person weekdays from 12–4 pm.

The Island Jubilee is proud to support the Queen Elizabeth Hospital with proceeds from 50/50 tickets, as well as a guitar raffle autographed by Island Jubilee stars. A portion of the admission fee also supports Holland College’s School of Performing Arts. islandjubilee.com

Spring Ceilidh

Bonshaw Hall—Apr 2

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

Charlottetown Festival actor Cameron MacDuffee will tell the story of a 150 year old, five dollar fiddle found under a bed in Bonshaw—an artifact that helped weave the community together. Karen Graves will perform on that actual fiddle.

Julie Pellissier-Lush, a teacher, poet and author, actor and photographer, will share the powerful and rich cultural heritage of the Mi’kmaq on PEI through songs and stories.

Conifer tree seedlings will be given out to help support new growth of Island trees. Admission by donation at the door. Children free.

(left-right): Katie McGarry, Lester MacPherson and Janelle Banks

PHOTOS SUBMITTED

MUSIC ONGOING

ceilidhs, dances, sessions…

Assumption Parish Ceilidh

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

Blues Jam at Baba’s Plain Dirty Blues band plays at Baba’s Lounge on the last Saturday of each month (Mar 25, Apr 29, May 27) from 5:30–8 pm. Admission is by donation. Follow Plain Dirty Blues on FB for updates. 181 Great George St, Charlottetown.

Charlottetown Legion

Dance to live bands every Saturday night from 9 pm–1 am at the Charlottetown Legion. The lineup is: Rustlers (Mar 4); Wrecking Crew (11); Spuds (18); Kim Albert (25). All are welcome. 99 Pownal St, Charlottetown.

Dunsta nage Ceilidh

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

Got Blues Matinee

Blues matinee with Chris Roumbanis, Reg Ballagh, Mike Robicheau and special guest(s) from 2–4 pm. The 2nd set is always an electric blues jam. Upcoming guests are: singer/guitarist Nick Gauthier & Chris Gauthier (Mar 11); singer/guitarist Troy MacArthur & singer/guitarist James Phillips (18); singer/guitarist Steve Zaat (25). Dali Café, 155 Kent St, Charlottetown.

Island Jazz

Island Jazz takes place on Thursdays at Baba’s Lounge. Top local musicians perform original music, standards,jazzand pop favourites. Each show features a different group and two sets starting at 8 pm. Admission is by donation.

Lineup: Music of Sonny Rollins (Mar 2); Tamara Steele (9); Adam Hill Songs of Freedom (16); Trio from Mars (23); Alan White Group (30). 181 Great George St, Charlottetown.

Live in the Lounge

The weekly Live in the Lounge series at Harmony House features various Island singer-songwriters every Friday at 7:30 pm. 19814 Rte 2, Hunter River

The Lucky Bean - Stratford

Open Mic with Robert McMillan takes place every Sunday from 1–4 pm at the The Lucky Bean in Stratford, 17 Glen Stewart Dr. All are welcome.

RCAF Wing Summerside

Dance to live bands every Saturday night at 9 pm at The Wing. The lineup is: Roundabout (Mar 4); Neon Country (11); Dave Doyle Band (18), Cruizin (25). All are welcome. No cover. 329 North Market St, Summerside.

Schooner Sessions

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

Stratford Ceilidh

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

Sturgeon Ceilidh

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

Summerside Kitchen Party

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

Sunday Session

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

Winsloe United Winter Ceilidh Series

Winsloe United Winter Series Fundraiser ceilidhs happens on Mar 5 and 19 from 2–4 pm with host Eddy Quinn and house band (David Berrigan, Brian Langille and Judy Lowe). Special guests for these events are: Tip Er Back with guest drummer/singer Billy Matthews and Darlene Bradley on vocals (Mar 5); Lester MacPherson and fiddler Steven Perry with guest drummer/singer Billy Matthews (19). There will be coffee, tea and cold drinks at intermission. Wheelchair accessible. Doors opens at 1:30 pm. 121 Winsloe Rd, Winsloe.

Fiddlers’ Sons

At Kings Playhouse with guest Cynthia MacLeod—Mar 12

Island band Fiddlers’ Sons will play a special St. Patrick’s concert at Kings Playhouse in Georgetown on March 12 at 7:30 pm.

Fiddlers’ Sons are singer, songwriter and local author Eddy Quinn and guitar player and songwriter John B. Webster. They will feature special guest fiddler, Cynthia MacLeod.

Cynthia MacLeod has been carving a distinct style of fiddling that embraces both her local roots and her ancestral connection to the Scottish highlands. She has spent more than 20 years on stages on PEI, across Canada, in the US, and as far abroad as Cuba and Japan. Her recording career began in 2002 with the release of her debut album Head Over Heels at the age of 16, winning the Music PEI Award for Album of the Year. Cynthia has released a total of four studio albums and one live CD/DVD package, garnering regional awards and nominations along the way.

The shwowill feature some songs from their Irish repertoire, as well as some popular requests and lively tunes.Quinn will also share some stories from his latest book, Island Characters Volume 2. There will be bar service, a canteen and 50-50 draw. Admission is at the door.

Fiddlers’ Sons with Cynthia MacLeod

Winterjazz

Special guest is Alicia Toner—Mar 25

The Winterjazz winter concert series continues at The Pourhouse in Charlottetown with special guest Alicia Toner on March 25 from 7–9:30 pm.

With a presence that will grab the listener from the very first note, lyrics that hit straight in the heart, a sound that will leave fans of pop, rock, folk and Americana satisfied, and a voice that soars above it all, Alicia Toner’s star is quickly on the rise.

Born in Fredericton, NB, and now residing in Charlottetown, PE, Alicia grew up surrounded by music. Singing since she could speak she was also trained classically on the violin and was a member of the prestigious New Brunswick Youth Orchestra with whom she played Carnegie Hall. A performing veteran, she spent 10 years pursuing a successful theatre career before releasing her critically acclaimed and award-winning debut album, I Learned the Hard Way in 2017.

Her latest release Joan (2021) was nominated for seven Music PEI awards (taking home Solo Recording of the Year), two East Coast Music Awards, and won Solo Artist of the Year at the

UPEI Music recitals

The UPEI Department of Music will present several upcoming recitals featuring both students and faculty.

After being cancelled due to weather, the UPEI Department of Music Faculty Recital has been rescheduled for March 19 at 4 pm at Dr. Steel Recital Hall on the UPEI campus. Performers include Magdalena von Eccher (piano), Stephen Bouey (bass baritone), Sung Ha Shin-Bouey (soprano), Morgan Saulnier (flute), Greg Irvine (tuba), Frances Gray (piano), Natalie Williams Calhoun (cello), Jim Dickson (guitar), Nicole Strum (saxophone), Karem J. Simon (clarinet) and Amy Simon (bass clarinet). The faculty members have chosen a diverse selection of repertoire including compositions by Franz Liszt, Alexandre Tansman, George Frideric Handel, Amy Beach, and a new work for trombone by American composer James David.

The UPEI Jazz Ensemble, directed

Canadian Folk Music Awards.

Anchoring the Winterjazz concert series for the past 15 seasons is the house band, featuring Alan Dowling (drums), Ian Toms (guitar), Glen Strickey (sax) and Deryl Gallant (bass).

A portion of the profits from admission go toward a scholarship for Island students who are entering a jazz program.

To reserve a table, call 892-5200. For more information about the concert series, call or text 393-4536, or email glenstrickey@yahoo.ca.

Joel Miller

Saxophonist and composer debuts new music in April

Multi-award-winning saxophonist and composer Joel Miller is returning to PEI to present a show with an entirely local band. On April 14 at 7:30 pm, Joel will debut new music, joined by Chris Martell on bass and Mat MacEachern on drums, at St. Paul’s in Charlottetown.

Miller returned to his home of Atlantic Canada during the pandemic, relocating from Montreal, where he lived for the last three decades. Through the encouragement of his family and support from the wonderful community of musicians in the Maritimes, Joel has found artists to showcase his unique style of jazz.

Miller’s dedication has been recognized with a long list of honours including a JUNO award for Best Contemporary Jazz Album (Swim) and ECMA awards for his albums Swim (2012 Origin Records), Dream Cassette (2016 Origin

Records) and UNSTOPPABLE (2019 Multiple Chord Music). He lives and works in Fredericton, NB. Tickets are available on eventbrite at joelmiller2023Apr14.eventbrite.com. joelmillermusic.bandcamp.com

Sirens, ten years of song

25

by Dave Shephard, will present their end-of-semester concert on March 31 at 7:30 pm at Dr. Steel Recital Hall.

The UPEI String Orchestra will present their end-of-semester recital on April 1 at 7:30 pm at UPEI’s new Performing Arts Space. Directed by Natalie Williams Calhoun, the UPEI String Orchestra features UPEI Music Department students as well as members of PEI’s greater music community. Admission to the recitals is payable by cash at the door.

upei.ca/music

PEI women’s choral ensemble Sirens will continue celebrating its tenth anniversary season with the performance Singers’ Choice at Park Royal United in Charlottetown on March 25 at 7:30 pm.

Singers have chosen their most cherished tunes from the ensemble’s ten-year history to create an eclectic collection of songs. From Amy Beach to Dolly Parton, the concert will highlight Sirens’ love of exploring the many styles found in women’s choral music.

The concert will also feature music created especially for Sirens: “Lost

Voices” by Richard Covey, “Sorrow Song of Whales” by Jeff Enns, and “In Her Image” by Katerina Gimon.

Named after the singing femmes fatales of Greek mythology, Sirens is an award-winning women’s choral ensemble from Charlottetown, PEI. Under the artistic direction of Kelsea McLean, the group has been lauded for its pure tone quality, sensitive musicality and tight ensemble singing. Sirens is nominated for the 2023 ECMA Choral Recording of the Year Award. Tickets can be purchased in advance atsirenschoir.com.

Alicia Toner SUBMITTED

Singer’s choice performance at Park Royal United—Mar

ASM with Kierrah

A performance featuring R&B originals and covers

Emerging Artist Spotlight

PEI Symphony introduces new video series

The PEI Symphony Orchestra will introduce its Emerging Artist Spotlight Series this month. The one-of-akind video series features the PEI Symphony Orchestra and five singer-songwriters—Brandon Howard Roy, Joce Reyome, Logan Richard, Rachel Beck and Noah Malcolm.

Atlantic String Machine will present the third concert of their 2022-23 Season: Coming Together March 23 at 8 pm at Trailside Music Hall in Charlottetown. Following collaborations with Sirens and with Cameron MacDuffee, this concert will feature rising R&B artist Kierrah for a show that will celebrate a new dynamic of vocal textures with the string ensemble.

Hailing from Syracuse, New York, Kierrah enrolled in the SoPA program in 2019 at Holland College. Subsequently, she has performed on the stages of Sappyfest, PEI Festival of Small Halls, the Wild Threads Literary Festival, along with numerous other club performances. Following the release of several successful singles, Kierrah is currently working on her debut album with up-and-coming producer Sid Acharya.

Based on PEI, Atlantic String Machine is a dynamic ensemble of

string players who perform as many styles of music as they can fit into their portfolios. Their unique approach comes from a desire to keep live music relevant, transformative, and above all entertaining. In their efforts to keep themselves and their audiences engaged, they seek out interesting collaborations with other artists, unexpected venues for concerts, and write their own arrangements and compositions, keeping their repertoire fresh.

This collaborative performance will see a reinvention of Kierrah’s already released “Dedication,” as well as acoustic renditions of several of the songs slated for her upcoming record. In addition, Atlantic String Machine will deliver instrumental sets that feature arrangements of material from the Jackson Five, Erykah Badu, Stevie Wonder, Sampa the Great, and more.

Tickets are available online trailside. ca or in-person at Back Alley Music.

Spring Blessings

Cornwall Community Choir Concert—Mar 18

The Cornwall Community Choir will perform their Spring Blessings concert at West River United on March 18 at 1 pm.

The Choir will perform a selection of choral music under the direction of Lisa Stead. Young guest performers, Alix Lowe and Keili Johnston on violin will add to this celebration of spring.

Following the concert, the audience is invited to enjoy a light lunch hosted by the Choir.

The Cornwall Community Choir usually performs for residents of Community Care homes. Their last public concert was held in late 2019.

West River United is located at 10 Church Street in Cornwall. Enter through the church hall entrance. Admission is at the door with no charge for children 12 and under.

Info: 675-3838

Selected from a competitive roster of applicants, each artist’s distinguished songwriting was fitted with orchestral accompaniment prepared by PEISO member Natalie Williams Calhoun. The arrangements explore the depths of existing motifs while reflecting the integrity of each song’s conception. Speaking to this combination of heartfelt vocal stylings and the versatility of orchestral timbre, PEISO Associate Conductor Karem J. Simon commented that this collaboration “adds a unique colour to the sound; I’m very pleased with what we’ve achieved.”

Filmed and recorded in the Sobey Family Theatre at Confederation Centre of the Arts in Charlottetown, the Emerging Artist Spotlight Series includes five high-production music videos.

The PEISO brought together a range of talent from across the

province’s dynamic creative sector, bridging music and film disciplines. A collaborative undertaking at all stages of planning and production, the launch of this series speaks to the professionalism, dedication, and passion of those involved.

The Emerging Artist Spotlight Series release schedule is as follows: Noah Malcolm (March 3), Rachel Beck (March 17), Brandon Howard Roy (March 31), Joce Reyome (April 14), and Logan Richard (April 28). Videos will be released on the PEISO website at peisymphony.com and social media.

SUBMITTED

Atlantic String Machine (left) and R&B artist Kierrah

The Cornwall Community Choir

MUSIC

Queens County Music Festival

The Queens County Music Festival (QCMF) will be held Apr 24–May 5. This year, the Festival is returning to an in-person event and the public can attend the many classes. Organized and run by volunteers, QCMF is a competitive music festival open to all ages—junior (11 years and under) to advanced (30 years and under). QCMF is a member of The PEI Kiwanis Music Festival (PEIKMF) Association, a non-profit organization that represents four local festivals, and whose purpose is to promote and encourage growth in music through local festival performances in competitive and non-competitive classes. The adjudicators for QCMF are are Ross Simonds (Senior Piano), Elaine Boulanger (Junior Piano), Curtis Dietz (Instrumental), Katie Cochrane (Voice), and Marie Andrée Gaudet (Strings). The Adjudicators will recommend some festival participants to perform at the Rosebowl Competitions which will be held May 5 at 6:30 pm and 8 pm. For more info and entry forms, visit peikiwanismusicfestival.ca/queenscounty. Deadline for entries is Feb 28

Performance Venue

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

Sparrow

Tara MacLean to release reimagined recordings of her past work

The new album, Sparrow, is a reimagined collection of her past work (including the lead single “If I Fall”), as well as new material, produced by Daniel Ledwell (Fortunate Ones, Good Lovelies, Jenn Grant). “I knew I had to make this record when I began writing my memoir. It was important that I chose songs that were significant in changing my life, either publicly, or internally as a songwriter;” shares Tara. Ledwell took the songs to a whole new level, with stunning lush production and a

beautiful understanding of Tara as a vocalist and storyteller.

The album will be released March 31. Tara’s accompanying memoir, Song of the Sparrow, will come out on March 14 with HarperCollins. taramacleanmusic.com

Carson Downey Band

Blues Trio at Harmony House—Mar 25

Graham Nicholas will celebrate the release of his album Black Creek with special guest Shane Pendergast at Copper Bottom Brewing in Montague April 1 at 7:30 pm.

In this, his 4th full-length album, Nicholas has created an emotionally resonant world inhabited by troubled and love-hungry characters. Produced by Aaron Comeau (the skydiggers), the new recording finds him honing in on his concise form of storytelling and refining his irreverent sense of humour.

Shane Pendergast is a folksinger from Tracadie Cross, PEI. Shane’s connection to Maritime folk music dates back to the efforts of his great-grandparents, preservers of Island folklore. Shane is carrying the torch forward with his own songs, inspired by rural life and Maritime history.

This is a 19+ event. Doors open at 6:30 pm. Tickets can be purchased in the taproom or online via Eventbrite.

The Carson Downey Band takes the stage at Harmony House in Hunter River March 25 at 8 pm.

Featuring Carson Downey on guitar and main vocals, Marlowe Smith on bass, and Murray Downey on drums, the Blues trio has been performing in the Halifax region for many years.Their precise performances are a tribute to the time they’ve spent together perfecting their art.

The band’s fast-paced mix of blues and rock has earned them several awards, including the Fender East Coast Guitarist of the Year, ECMAs for Best Blues Group and Best New Artist, Maple Blues Awards for Drummer of the Year and Best New Artist, African Nova Scotia Music Awards for Artist

St. Patrick’s Day on Sydney

Celebrations at Olde Dublin Pub and Claddagh Oyster House

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on Sydney Street at the Olde Dublin Pub and Claddagh Oyster House in Charlottetown on March 17.

Entertainment begins at 8 am in the

Carson Downey

of the Year and Album of the Year, a half-dozen Real Blues Awards, and The Dutch Mason Award. harmonyhousepei.com

Olde Dublin with Sam’s Steppers and continues throughout the day: Gordon Belsher and Courtney Hogan Chandler (8:30 am); Lawrence Maxwell and Isaac King (11:30 am); Johnny Ross and Peggy Clinton (3 pm); Dana Lee Lynch and Steve Perry (5 pm); Tip ‘Er Back(7:30 pm); and Wannabeez(11 pm).

Downstair in the Claddagh Oyster House, musical entertainment will be provide by: Taylor Johnston and Dan MacAulay(4:30 pm); Saul Good Duo (7:30 pm); and Brad Milligan (11 pm). 131 Sydney St, Charlottetown.

LAURA PROCTOR

Graham Nicholas

Trailside Music Hall

Some of the many upcoming musical performances

Michael Rault with Baby God

Mar 15

Adam MacGregor & The Foes for a night of music and dancing in support of Blooming House Women’s Shelter. 100% of proceeds from this event goes to Blooming House.

The Hounds: Tyler Childers

Over the past decade, Canadian-born singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer Michael Rault released multiple critically acclaimed albums, EPs, and singles on various indie labels before settling into his current musical home at Wick.

Following a permanent move to Los Angeles, Michael recorded his 2022 10 track, self-titled album, on which he continues his exploration into the worlds of progressive pop, psych folk, yacht rock and beyond.

Baby God is the alternative-folk songwriting collaboration between Andrew Murray and Nathan Gill. Both hail from PEI and they bring the pop and indie rock sensibilities of the Charlottetown music scene to the group’s stripped back sound. Baby God’s song-first approach and laid back production style keep their recordings candid and direct.

After Hours Band

Mar 22

The After Hours Band is a six-member cover band that takes the audience on a musical journey through the 80s, 90s and beyond. This group of musicians are no strangers to the Island music scene, with years of experience (with members from PEI Bands Ninth Hour and Haywire!). The band consists of Dean MacKinnon, David Rashed, Ron Atkinson, Matt Anderson, Will MacKinnon and Kenny Vail. They deliver a guitar/keyboard driven sound that comes together to create a full rock experience.

Blooming House Fundraiser with More Soul, The Love Junkies and Adam MacGregor

Mar 29

Tribute

Mar 30

The Hounds, a Tyler Childers tribute band, play a collection of songs from live performances and different albums that Childers has released since 2011. The band, although new to the tribute scene, has been playing together for a few years and is excited to showcase this new venture.

Amanda Jackson, Roland Beaulieu and Route 225

Mar 31

& The Foes

Dust off your party shoes and join More Soul, The Love Junkies and

and

with PEI Blues Rock band Route 225, featuring island multi instrumentalist Todd MacLean, will join forces to create a special, up-close-and-personal journey through some of their favourite songs. This one-of-a-kind show has been put together specifically for Trailside Music Hall.

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.

Amanda Jackson

Roland Beaulieu

PEARL TANADA PHOTOGRAPHY

ALICE BAXLEY

More Soul

Amanda Roland

Music PEI Week

Performace lineup for 2023 music celebrations

non-binary lineup of PEI artists singing reimagined versions of Canadian songs produced by Alicia Toner and featuring special guests. This is a free event open to the public. Presented by Dyne Holdings.

Open Mic with KINLEY

March 8, 9 pm

Baba’s Lounge, Charlottetown

Join host KINLEY for an open mic night full of surprises. Presented by The Gray Group.

SOCAN Songwriter of the Year Concert

March 9, 7:30 pm

St. Paul’s, Charlottetown

Matt Rainnie hosts a returning favourite, featuring songs and stories by SOCAN Songwriter of the Year nominees Alicia Toner, KINLEY, Lawrence Maxwell and Dennis Ellsworth.

Reprise! An Evening of Classical Music

March 10, 7:30 pm

Beacons eld Carriage House, Charlottetown

Allow the symphonic sounds of nominees The Atlantic String Machine, Lindsay Connolly and Tiffany Liu to wash over you. Presented by The Terra Nova Fund.

Red Dirt Rock

March 10, 7:30 pm

Scott MacAulay Performing Arts Centre, Summerside

Music Mosaic

March 11, 1:30 pm

The Guild, Charlottetown

Take in a unique mix of performances showcasing the Island’s diverse music scene featuring Joce Reyome, Mi’kmaq Heritage Actors, Tzu-Cheng Wang and The Umbrella Collective. Presented by Maritime Electric.

Diggin’ Deep Roots

March 11, 7 pm

Fiddling Fisherman Lookout, Souris

A celebration of traditional and modern roots featuring nominees Brielle Ansems, Kevin Chaisson and Friends, Dylan Menzie, Nick Doneff and Nolan Compton. Presented by Souris Credit Union.

Block Party

March 11, 8 pm

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

A showcase of PEI’s rap, hip-hop and electronic scene with performances by Adam Robbins, BraedenV, Spivey, TNA, Vince The Messenger and X-Plycit. Presented by Hopyard.

Awards Party

March 12, 1 pm (by invitation only- not open to the public)

Rodd Charlottetown

Music PEI has announced the lineup for the upcoming 2023 Music PEI Week taking place March 8–12. The five-day festival will celebrate the best in Island music and bring together a diverse range of artists and events.

The festival features 11 events from Souris to Summerside, including performances by many of the 2023 Music PEI Award nominees and a few special guests. Music fans can expect a variety of music styles from traditional folk to contemporary pop, and a chance to discover new and emerging artists.

In addition to the music, Music PEI will feature a special transportation

option for out-of-town events. The Cavendish Farms Music PEI Week Shuttle bus will be providing limited free transportation from Charlottetown to Summerside and Souris and back for those who RSVP at musicpei.com.

Opening Reception & Kick-O Party

March 8, 6:30–9 pm

DownStreet Dance, Charlottetown

Mingle and meet some of this year’s talented nominees to celebrate the start of Music PEI Week and International Women’s Day. The evening will feature music by an all female-identifying and

Rock out to a high-energy lineup with performances by Logan Richard, Hazen Halls, Hired Guns, Knull, and The Moneygoround. Presented By Lennox Island First Nation.

Sounds for the Soul

March 10, 8 pm

The Guild, Charlottetown

A night of jams and vibes straight from the hearts of award nominees Ava + Lily, Brandon Howard Roy, Nikkie Gallant, Nadia, and special guests Campbell & Johnston Black Market Band featuring Rooted to the Island nominee, Christine Campbell. Presented by Hearts and Flowers.

An afternoon celebration for the award nominees and special guests, to recognize this year’s achievements amongst industry people and to announce the winners of this year’s awards. Music for the afternoon is provided by Lee Rosevere. Presented by Whitecap Entertainment.

Festival Finale

March 12, 7:30 pm

Florence Simmons Performance Hall, Charlottetown

This is the Festival Finale concert featuring some of the top nominees of 2023. Performances by Alicia Toner, Cory Gallant & The Red Dirt Posse, Lawrence Maxwell, and Lennie Gallant. Presented by Atlantic Lottery.

For more information about 2023 Music PEI Week or to purchase tickets visit musicpei.com.

A handful of the many artists performing during 2023 Music PEI Week

Cory Brielle

Lennie

Ava + Lily

Kinley

Joce

BraedenV Ti any

Brandon

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: Whaleskin, Fundance, DJ Groceries, Hotmail Summer (Mar 3); Nicotine Heartthrob (4); Single Mothers (9); Magnolias, Radio Roulette (10); Danny Gallant (11 @5:30 pm); Spring Fling with Selecta Chevron (11); St. Paddy’s Day Hip Hop Show with host X-Plycit (17); EMO Night (18); The High Tide, Feelings (24); Plain Dirty Blues Jam (25 @5 pm); Dekz, Foggyswoggle (26); Fields of Lilah (31). 181 Great George St, Charlottetown.

Bogside Brewing

Blizzard Goat on Saturdays at 3 pm.

Fridays and Saturdays at 6:30 pm: Stephen Szwarc(Mar 3); Lisa Birt(4); Brian Dunn(10); Taylor Johnson (11); St. Patricks Day with Carter MacLellan (17); Jordan Cameron(18); Keira Loane(24); Billy White(25); Dan Doiron(31). 11 Brook St, Montague.

Breakwater at Silver Fox

Fridays and Saturdays at 9:30 pm: Jonny Ray (Mar 3); Brooke MacArthur (4); Dave Doyle (10); Kim Albert (11); Scuttered for St. Patty’s Day! (17); Roland Beaulieu (18); Acoustic Brothers (24); TBA (25/31). 110 Water St, Summerside.

Brothers 2

Thursdays and Fridays at 7 pm: Roland Beaulieu (Mar 2 ); Nick Hann (3); Dave Woodside (9); Chris & Eric (10); Marc & Blair (17); Lawrence Maxwell (23); D’Arcy & Moe (24); Logan Maddix (30); Karen and Mike(31). 618 Water St, Summerside.

Charlottetown Legion

Saturdays from 9 pm–1 am: Rustlers (Mar 4); Wrecking Crew (11); Spuds (18); Kim Albert (25). All are welcome. 99 Pownal St, Charlottetown.

Craft Beer Corner

Live music on Wednesdays at 9 pm and Live DJ on Saturdays at 9 pm: Bridget Driver (Mar 1); Vince the Messenger (4); DJ Andy & Zim (11); Al Kays & Mike Stratton (15); Isaac & Fiona (17 @ 3 pm); Bleu (29). 156 Great George St, Charlottetown.

The Salvador Dalí Café

David Thompson on piano Fridays and Saturdays from 6–8 pm. Dueling Pianos (Mar 4 @10 pm). Got Blues Matinee on select Saturdays (Mar 11/18/25 @2 pm). 155 Kent St, Charlottetown.

The Factory

DJ Method on Thursdays at 10 pm and Fridays and Saturdays at 11 pm. Kent St, Charlottetown.

Gahan House

Acoustic music on Wednesdays at 9 pm: Dave Woodside(Mar 1/8); Adam MacGregor(2/29); Stephen Szwarc(9); Lawrence Maxwell (15/22); Fraser MacCallum(16/23/30). 126 Sydney St, Charlottetown.

Harmony House Lounge

Live in the Lounge featuring various Island singer-songwriters every Friday at 7:30 pm. Max Keenlyside (Mar 4/9/18 @6 pm); Nick Doneff (Mar 30 @6:30 pm). 19814 Rte 2, Hunter River.

Hunter’s Ale House

Hired Guns (Mar 3/25); CopyCat (4/18); Matt and Friends (6/13/20/27); Lieutenant Dan (7/14/21/28); Yakbak (24) Canadian Classics (31). Corner of Kent & Prince Sts, Charlottetown.

John Brown Grille

Live Music Friday nights and Saturday afternoons from 2–5 pm: Kim Albert (Mar 4); Nick & Brad (11); Richie & Brian (18); Chris Ahern (25). Late night dance floor every Saturday. 132 Richmond St, Charlottetown.

The Local Live music on select dates at 7 pm (unless otherwise noted): Steve Szwarc (Mar 1/10); David Woodside (2); Kay’s and Stratton (3); Richie Bulger and Brian LAngille (4); Lawrence Maxwell (5/19/26 @6 pm); Jonny Ray Arsenault (11); Carter MacLellan (24). 202 Buchanan Dr, Charlottetown.

The Lucky Bean—Stratford

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

Marc’s Lounge

Fridays and Saturdays at 9 pm. 125 Sydney St, Charlottetown.

The Old Triangle

Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm (artists TBA). 189 Great George St, Charlottetown.

Olde Dublin Pub

St. Patrick’s Day celebrations with Sam’s Steppers, Gordon Belsher & Courtney Hogan Chandler,Lawrence Maxwell & Isaac King, Johnny Ross & Peggy Clinton, Dana Lee Lynch & Steve Perry, Tip ‘Er Back, and Wannabeez (Mar 17 @8 am–close). Live music on Fridays and Saturdays and select weekdays at 10 pm and Saturday afternoons from 1:30–4:30 pm: Adam MacGregor & Liam Kearney (Mar 1); Adam MacGregor & The Foes (3); Vintage 2.0 (4 @1:30 pm); MacBeth (4); Carter MacLellan (5); Roundabout

(10); Gypsy Soul (11 @1:30 pm); Big Shiny Party Band (11); Brad Milligan and Nick Gauthier (16); Carter MacLellan (18 @1:30 pm); Hired Guns (18); Marvin Burt and Steve Szwarc (19 @1:30 pm); Gypsy Soul (19); Main Street Bullies (25); Wannabeez (31). 132 Sydney St, Charlottetown.

PEI Brewing Company

Fridays from 5–8 pm: Adam MacGregor (Mar 3/17); Ashley Gorman(10/24); Lawrence Maxwell(31). 96 Kensington Rd, Charlottetown.

Piatto Pizzeria + Enoteca

Fridays at 6 pm: Ryan Merry (Mar 3); Rodney Perry (10); Nathan Carrgher(17); Mike Stratton (24); John A (31). 45 Queen St, Charlottetown.

RCAF Wing Summerside

Saturdays at 9 pm: Roundabout (Mar 4); Neon Country (11); Dave Doyle Band (18), Cruizin (25). No cover. 329 North Market St, Summerside.

Upstreet Craft Brewing

Double Down Disco: A silent dance party with Dekz vs DJ Lex on Mar 3 at 9 pm. 41 Allen St, Charlottetown.

Catherine MacLellan

Copper Bottom—Mar 11

Catherine MacLellan released her first solo album Dark Dream Midnight in 2004. Catherine feels most at home on stage—that moment of connection is what matters most. She took home a JUNO Award in 2015 for her standout album, The Raven’s Sun, an intimate look into her musical work with long-time collaborator Chris Gauthier. Catherine has also been recognized with multiple East Coast Music Awards, Canadian Folk Music Awards, and Music PEI Awards.

This is a 19+ event. Doors open at 6:30 pm. Tickets can be purchased in the taproom or online via Eventbrite.

Copper Bottom in Montague presents Catherine MacLellan on March 11 at 7:30 pm.

RACHEL BECK

Insulation Rebates

APRIL BUZZ DEADLINE

Submissions and advertising booking deadline for the April issue:

MARCH 15

Advertising: sales@buzzpei.com

Editorial: info@buzzpei.com

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 over 12 thousand years, and who continue to live here.

ISSUE# 351 • MARCH 2023

www.buzzpei.com @buzzpei

Editor/Sales: Yanik Richards

Editor: Michelle Ollerhead

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

Contributors: Julie Bull, Tanya Davis, Deirdre Kessler, Doug Gallant, Richey Mayne, Takako Morita, Tara Reeves, JoDee Samuelson, Gary Schneider, Melanie Snell

Office: 160 Richmond Street, Charlottetown

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The Buzz is published monthly by Little Kit Bag Inc.

Cover:

Treeline, Keppoch (2012) by Richey Mayne (1950-2020).

Richey Mayne was born on PEI and grew up in Charlottetown where she graduated from UPEI before earning her master’s degree in social work from Dalhousie University in Halifax. She always had an affinity for colour and design, so in 2011, after a 36-year career with PEI Child Protection Services, she retired and set her inner artist free.

Richey has left a legacy of landscape paintings that brighten the homes of friends and family.

PEI ECMA nominees

The East Coast Music Association (ECMA) recently announced the 2023 East Coast Music Award nominees. PEI artists received 29 nominations including six for The East Pointers and four going to Andrew Waite.

This year, the East Coast Music Awards: Festival and Conference celebrates its 35th anniversary in the host city of Halifax, NS from May 3–7.

Here is a list of PEI nominees:

Album of the Year: Andrew WaiteAndrew Waite

Choral Recording of the Year: Dr. Zoo Featuring South African Singers Choir—We May Win; Luminos

Ensemble—I Am an Island That Dreams; Sirens—In Her Image

Classical Composer of the Year: Natalie Williams Calhoun

Classical Recording of the Year: Atlantic String Machine—A Single Juniper Post

Contemporary Roots Recording of the Year: The East Pointers—House Of Dreams

Folk Recording of the Year: Dylan Menzie—Modern Classic Group Recording of the Year: The East Pointers—House Of Dreams

Inspirational/Gospel Recording

of the Year: Dr. Zoo—20; Elijah MacDougall—The Boy Who Would Be Instrumental Recording of the Year: Atlantic String Machine—A Single Juniper Post; Sarah Hagen—Johann Sebastian Bach: Goldberg Variations

Pop Recording of the Year: The East Pointers—House Of Dreams

Rising Star Recording of the Year: Dylan Menzie—A Piece of Me Roots/Traditional Recording of the Year: Shane Pendergast—The House Before the Bridge

Song of the Year: Andrew Waite—

“Ain’t Goin’ Out Like That”; Brandon Howard Roy—“Give Me Love”

Songwriter of the Year: Andrew Waite; The East Pointers

TD Fans’ Choice Entertainer of the Year: The East Pointers

TD Fans’ Choice Video of the Year: Andrew Waite—“Full Time, Tryin’ 2 Luv” (Director: Brendan Henry); The East Pointers—“Save Your Lonely” (Director: Lucas Eastmure)

Artist Innovator of the Year: Dr. Zoo Event of the Year: Cloggeroo - The Island Folk Festival

Artist Management of the Year: Faye WilliamsWood

Media Person of the Year: Doug Gallant

Venue of the Year: Under The Spire Music Festival: Historic St. Mary’s Visual Artist of the Year: Ashley Anne Clark ecma.com