The Buzz - September 2023

Heather Millar

The spirit of art

with a wide range of films and I create teaching and learning packages for the classroom.”

Along with others, Norah was an organizer for the Meet us Halfway Conference, held in July of this year. With a focus on arts publishing, the group aspires to cultivate and create a critical arts journal on PEI. “We are in the research and development stage, and we are learning what the arts community in PEI would like to see regarding a critical arts journal.” Norah is interested in both the informational and archival components of arts writing, including critical and creative components. “Documenting the art and the artists of our time is an important endeavor in capturing the creative and collective essence of our community.”

Though culture shifts are slow to occur and can be a challenge for those of us who prefer to move at a faster pace, Norah understands the importance of collaboration and community-driven initiatives that include a wide range of voices. “Diverse communities and voices increase and improve the quality and content of whatever we are doing.

“I do what I can to break down the artificial and superficial boundaries that we have collectively built, and I hope to contribute to finding ways to move beyond the competitive aspects of art into a critical culture of decorum.”

Norah says her own art practice ebbs and flows while she is focused on the important role of raising three teenagers. “I do love to paint and sketch, and I often donate my art to local charities.”

Norah Pendergast grew up in rural PEI and comes from a family of critical thinkers and creative people. Though art was not seen as a viable career path, that didn’t stop Norah from weaving artistic practices and pursuits throughout her career. She is a high school teacher who is a erce advocate for the arts, both inside and outside the classroom. Norah is passionate and knowledgeable about visual literacy and media literacy, and she is keen to share what she knows with others.

“Teaching helps keep me connected to how other people are creating and capturing the moment, especially those who have different backgrounds and perspectives from my own.”

With an interest in arts publishing, Norah was keen to attend the first Charlottetown Zine Fest in 2022. “Zines are such a fun and accessible means of art publishing. Most people can find access to a photocopy machine, allowing wider ranges of people to publish original material.” She has since incorporated zine making in the classroom, providing a creative space for students to explore their publishing interests.

Norah’s passion for and dedication to education transcends the classroom. One of her contributions is as a writer and content creator for the education division at the National Film Board (NFB). “I have the pleasure to engage

Norah eloquently described her connection to painting as both an internal and external relationship, allowing her to connect to herself and the world around her. “Painting is like a little swatch of the world. It helps us notice things in how we see and walk through the world. Painting is also a non-verbal expression of our psyche.” Describing art as a spiritual component to being alive, Norah says that “inspiration comes from respiration…the breath of life.”

Along with the ebbs and flows of her art, Norah talked about the ebbs and flows of life’s experiences and the impact that those experiences have on our emotional and mental health. “Art is a safe haven for so many people, particularly those with divergent minds.” Moving from doom and gloom into a place of joy and possibility, Norah is learning how to feel the joy and love on the roller coaster of emotions and experiences that life offers. “As I grow and evolve as a human, so, too, does my art. I feel I am currently in this space of transition and I’m excited to see how that will be reflected in my art.”

BUZZ

Pro le: Norah Pendergast by Julie Bull

Confederation Centre Art Gallery

New exhibitions

Five new shows for fall into winter

This fall, Confederation Centre Art Gallery (CCAG) in Charlottetown presents five new vibrant exhibitions, speaking to climate change, Canadian history and Atlantic Canadian identity.

Destruction Recrafted: Hurricane Fiona Up Close and Personal

September 9–January 7

Sixteen Island artisans work through a devastating event by finding inspiration in the debris created by Hurricane Fiona.Organized by the PEI Crafts Council, artists include Jim Aquilani, Alex Bevan Baker, Ellen Burge, Ashley Anne Clark, Fairouz Gaballa, Trudy Gilbertson, Jessica Hutchinson, Cathy Murchinson Krolikowski, Arlene MacAusland, Lucas MacDonald, Rilla Marshall, Noella Moore, Julia Purcell, Nora Richard, Ayelet Stewart and Jane Whitten.

the currents that carry us

September 23–January 7

Channelled through the artwork of eight emerging artists with origins or long-standing relationships to the provinces of Atlantic Canada, a contemporary and interdisciplinary take on storytelling is explored. Curated by Roxanne Fernandes, featuring works byAlex Antle, Carley Mullally, Emily Shaw, Excel Garay, Jordan Beaulieu, Morgan Possberg Denne, Natalie Michelle Goulet, Nicole Rampersaud and Somnia Lucent.

Daphne Irving: A Retrospective

September 30–January 28

A celebration of the lush paintings of one of Prince Edward Island’s most celebrated living painters. Her career has spanned over 50 years and includes fluid and inventive watercolour landscapes, a period of

abstraction, and then a more figurative approach in the 1980s focused on depictions of religious narratives. Curated by Pan Wendt.

Making History

October 7–January 21

Selected from CCAG’s permanent collection, this exhibition features artistic responses to charged moments in Canadian history, including the Great War, the Red River Rebellion, and the FLQ crisis. Curated by Pan Wendt, artists include Jeff Funnell, Pegi Nicol McLeod, Edward Poitras, Dennis Tourbin and Jack Turner.

Common Collective: 40-Tonne

View nder

October 21–February 24

This immersive multimedia installation, constructed within an abandoned grain bin, examines how a specific patch of rural land is shaped and reshaped at various scales by human agricultural practices. Environmental sounds and projected visuals transport the viewer back to the farmland the silo inhabited for over 50 years. Curated by Pan Wendt, featuring works by Jeremey Cox,

Nick Kuepfer, Luke Mistruzzi and Mark Preston.

(above): Daphne Irving, North River Hay eld Motif #1, 1974, watercolour on paper, 49 cm x 60 cm. (below): Cathy Murchinson Krolikowski, Portrait of Fiona, stained glass

Free open day in Bedeque

Season ending at Bedeque Area Historical Museum

The Bedeque Area Historical Museum closes with a free open day on September 3 from 1–5 pm.

Visit the three new exhibits of the summer: The Wendell Feener clock collection, Clocks of the Island, 1770-1960; Prince Edward Island and the Monarchy; and the story of George Uglow Pope (1820-1908).

The clock exhibit consists of a comprehensive display of some 150 historical clocks spanning the period from the 1770s to about 1960. Among the most significant is the Adams clock, brought to the Quaker settlement of New London in 1774 by John Adams.

Also on display until September 3 is Nature PEI’s Species at Risk Travelling Exhibit. It features over 30 species, including bats, bumblebees and otters.

The Museum’s permanent exhibits continue, as does the Lucy Maud Montgomery Lower Bedeque Schoolhouse, across the road from the Museum.

Admission is free, however donations are welcome.

Survivor-based exhibit

Content Warning: this exhibit contains references to sexual assault and the confrontation of abuse.

In collaboration Sugar Sugar Boudoir, the PEI Rape and Sexual Assault Centre presents what i would tell my rapist at the Hilda Woolnough Gallery. The survivor-based photography exhibit opens during Sexual Assault Awareness Week on September 17 with a reception at 7 pm.

There are some stories that people work relentlessly to hide. Stories they seek to reduce, be it out of shame, guilt and isolation, rather than acknowledge how deeply they are woven into the narratives of their lives. what i would tell my rapist stands as a declaration, a confrontation, a cathartic release of these stories people so frequently leave untold.

The narratives of 15 survivors are committed upon bodies of community members, creating a tapestry of unity and interconnectedness. Each image, taken by photographer Emily Coffin, owner of Sugar Sugar Bourdoir, is a statement of resiliency that reclaims agency over traumatic experiences while confronting the conspiracies of silence and challenging the isolation that stems from them.

The viewer is invited to bear witness, to reflect and to stand in solidarity with survivors as they amplify their

OCTOBER BUZZ

September 15th

voices and recognize the profound strength it takes to reclaim agency and control of their narratives.

Honour these survivors’ journeys as their stories become a testament to the power of turning adversity into advocacy. Join them in celebrating the boundless potential of the human heart to heal, to empower and to forge reciprocity amongst strangers.

A boudoir session can be a healing, transformational experience, but it is also a vulnerable one. Photographer Emily Coffin, owner of Sugar Sugar Boudoir, provides experiences based on empowerment, self-love and inclusivity. As an advocate for body neutrality and body autonomy, it is her goal to create a safe space for clients to explore and reflect on their relationship with their bodies and themselves. Emily works from a trauma-informed perspective, following Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) concept of trauma and guidance to support clients on their self-love journey.

The Hilda Woolnough Gallery is located at The Guild, 111 Queen Street, Charlottetown.

SUBMITTED

Photography for PEI Sexual Assault Awareness Week

Paper Thin

BJ Lecours exhibition at Charlottetown Library

This town is small, in partnership with the Charlottetown Library Learning Centre, presents four solo exhibitions per year in the TD Art Corridor. Paper Thin by PEI artist BJ Lecours is currently on view until November 3.

This series combines symbolic materials and still life painting as a nostalgic exploration of printed papers as they age and change meaning in society. These paintings grasp at themes of memory and change, via the aesthetics of materials. They reflect on the urge to touch paper, the yearning to hold on to a shell, and the desire to collect things to feel their meanings.

BJ Lecours is an artist and educator dedicated to arts accessibility and finding creative ways to inject art into public life. Her artistic practice includes illustration, oil painting, performance, and installation work. She has an M.A. in Art Education and a B.F.A. in Studio Arts from Concordia University.

The Power of a Wish

Group exhibition at Kings Playhouse Art Gallery

The group exhibition, The Power of A Wish, is on view from September 1–30 at the Kings Playhouse Art Gallery. Through hand-painted art pieces, the Buddhist nuns at Great Wisdom Buddhist Institute (GWBI) will be displaying a story of a little parrot’s courageous journey and how she braved the forest fires to save her friends.

Kensington Plein Air

The Kensington Art Co-operative Gallery is hosting this year’s plein air event September 8–10. There are still a few spots for interested artists.

Participants will have three days of painting, followed by a sale of their new wet works on the last day from 1:30–6 pm at the Kensington Art Gallery (27 Commercial St, Kensington).

The painting locations are in the Kensington and Summerside area with great plein air views—from harbours, heritage houses, expansive rural views, beaches and more.

To register, email Sheila Forsyth at sheilafforsyth@gmail.com.

Rooted in Art

To celebrate trees and all they offer, the City of Charlottetown’s tree appreciation initiative, Rooted in Art, matches local artists with trees on public land in the city.

This year, four local artists will install temporary art in trees at different locations around the city. The installations will be on display over a two-week period, from September 23–October 8. Visit each of them to see trees through the eyes of artists.

The artwork was inspired by a famous story in Buddhism. The nuns wanted to find a way to show support for the firefighters and all who have been affected by the fires. They hope the little parrot’s message of kindness and perseverance can give comfort and inspiration.

The Playhouse Gallery is located at 65 Grafton Street in Georgetown.

The Rooted in Art project was held for the first time in 2020. It engages the community with nature in a new way and reflects the importance of the urban forest.

Trees are a precious part of Charlottetown. Not only do they create a beautiful atmosphere for all to enjoy, but they also provide many essential services such as cooling and filtering the air, blocking wind, buffering noise, and assisting with stormwater management.

Info: charlottetown.ca/roots

The TD Art Corridor is located inside the Charlottetown Library Learning Centre at 97 Queen Street in Charlottetown.

Artwork by BJ Lecours

God’s Own Image

Life drawings by Nan Ferrier at MacNaught History Centre

God’s Own Image, life drawings by Nan Ferrier, will be on view from September 6–October 17 at MacNaught History Centre and Archives Art Gallery.

For 87 years, well-known Island artist Nan Ferrier has been drawing and painting. She feels that her hundreds of life drawings created over the decades are her best works. Now, the artist is bringing her unframed works of line, shaded and coloured drawings out of her storage cupboards for the God’s Own Image exhibit.

Ferrier, who studied at the Ontario College of Art, is excited for the adult show. “I am now in my nineties, and I want people to see and enjoy the life drawing works I have compiled throughout my long career.”

As hundreds of life drawings will be part of the exhibit, only a small number will be hung. The others will be displayed on tables and visitors are invited to look through them, and select a work to add to their collection. The asking price on each work is low. Ferrier laughingly says, “They may be worth far more in the future.”

Radiant Rural Halls

Third edition of contemporary art and events series planned

God’s Own Image can be viewed Tuesday through Saturday, 10 am–4 pm at the MacNaught History Centre and Archives, 75 Spring Street, Summerside.

art experiences across the province.

“The highlight of 2023 was Song Portraits,” shares Milton Hall staff member Shari MacDonald, “Corbin Murdoch interviewed six hall volunteers and wrote them each a song that captured their essence. The musical team rehearsed with the volunteers, before performing their songs with professional lighting, sound and a fivepiece band. It was incredible!”

Cameron Cassidy is the returning RRH’s Project Coordinator and will work alongside TTIS staff and the RRH steering committee to plan, promote and execute the events.

TTIS is currently seeking proposals from artists. The call for submissions is open until September 10 at midnight.

PEI artist-run centre this town is small (TTIS) will present the third edition of Radiant Rural Halls (RRH), a series of contemporary art projects and events presented in community halls across rural PEI, February–April 2024. RRH organizers plan to feature contemporary art performances, installations, workshops, community collaborations and more that engage with the liveliness and histories of the halls and their surrounding communities.

TTIS is looking forward to gathering and engaging with artists and communities to present contemporary

Selected artists will present their projects and have an opportunity to speak about their work in a public setting such as a meet and greet, artist talk or round-table discussion. A printed catalogue featuring photographs and original writings that reflect on the artistic presentations and engage with the unique history and contemporary culture of PEI’s community halls will be created as an extension of the project. Professional artists residing in Canada are eligible to apply, and artists with connections to rural communities will be prioritized. Submissions will be reviewed by a jury of professional artists and community representatives. Artists can learn how to apply online at thistownissmall.com.

GREG ELLISON

Performers from Corbin Murdoch’s project Song Portraits: Milton (Milton Community Hall, Radiant Rural Halls 2023).

SUBMITTED untitled drawing by Nan Ferrier

Closing soon

Last chance to view these exhibitions in September

The Good Projxction

that moved across PEI in the 2020s. Admission by donation. 130 Heather Moyse Dr, Summerside.

Van Gogh in Wool

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CULINARY RETREAT

The Good Projxction by King Kxndi continues at the Hilda Woolnough Gallery at The Guild in Charlottetown until September 15.

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

111 Queen St, Charlottetown.

Quilts of Covid

September is the final month to enjoy the exhibit Van Gogh in Wool, featured in the Lefurgey Room of the historic Lefurgey Cultural Centre in Summerside.

It consists of 31 hooked rugs depicting the paintings of Van Gogh. The exhibit is the creation of the Lady Slipper Rug Hooking Guild and friends.

Open for viewing on weekdays from 9 am–4:30 pm at 205 Prince St, Summerside.

Famous 5 National Leadership Tour

An interactive Fall Harvest culinary event from Thursday to Saturday from October 19 to November 11, 2023. For twelve nights only, enjoy a creative multi-course tasting menu crafted by our Fire Brigade & receive a copy of Chef Michael Smiths' NEW cookbook, Farmhouse Vegetables.

The Kindred Spirits Quilt Guild’s exhibition, Quilts of Covid, is on display until September 29 at Eptek Art & Culture Centre in Summerside.

The collection of quilts and fabric creations were completed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Quilt Guild embraced the freedom to work on unfinished fabric treasures and the result was an explosion of fabric creations that have become an unexpected and positive outcome of difficult days.

Featuring over forty quilts, Quilts of Covid offers a glimpse into the historical significance of the many needles

The Famous 5 National Leadership Tour exhibit that has been hosted in Summerside for the summer of 2023 will be moving to its next stop in late September.

Islanders and visitors are invited to the Lefurgey Cultural Centre during the first three weeks of September for a final opportunity to view the bronze maquette of Canada’s Famous5, and to discover more about what these women achieved for the rights of Canadian women.

The exhibit can be viewed on weekdays from 9 am–4:30 pm at 205 Prince St, Summerside.

Quilts of the Kindred Spirits Quilt Guild

Hooked rug (detail) by Maureen Campbell

The F5 Maquette, a miniature of the F5F’s Women are Persons! monument

Rock Barra (2022) (detail) by King Kxndi

EXHIBITS galleries and museums

Acadian Museum of PEI

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

Bedeque Area Historical Museum

Open until Sept 3. On view: Clocks and the Island: 1770-1960; Prince Edward Island and the Monarchy;the story of George Uglow Pope (1820-1908). Permanent exhibitions include: the cultural history of the Island Mi’kmaq; the story of the 18th-century Acadian and Loyalist settlements of the Bedeque Bay area; the early 19th-century settlement of the Freetown area; and the story of the Borden ferry service. Items from the late Howard Clark’s Red Barn Museum, showing the Island way of life 100–140 years ago, are also on display, and tell the story of Callbeck’s Store, which operated in Central Bedeque for almost 100 years. The L.M. Montgomery Lower Bedeque School, where the famous author taught for a year, is also part of the museum. Free open day from 1–5 pm on Sept 3. William Callbeck Centre, Central Bedeque.

Breadalbane Gallery

This month’s show opens Sept 15 with a reception from 6–9 pm. Artists showing are Vian Emery, Haley Lewis, Denise Livingstone, Erin Veitch, Zoe Novaczek, Will Baker, Laura Bain, Silver Frith, Marianne Janowicz, Adrianna Chandler, Brianna Longuepee and Joan Sutton. A new show opens on the second Friday of each month. New artists can submit photos of their work to breadalbanegallery. com. 4023 Dixon Rd, Breadalbane.

Charlottetown Library Learning Centre

Paper Thin by PEI artist BJ Lecours is on view to Nov 3 in the TD Art Corridor. Presented by this town is small. Dominion Building, 97 Queen St, Charlottetown.

Charlottetown Tiny Art Gallery network

Fitzroy Street Tiny Art Gallery presents a series of miniature installations by Fairouz Gaballa in the three Charlottetown tiny art galleries: Fitzroy St (295 Fitzroy St); Taproom (41 Allen St);

and Kent St (156 Great George St). On view to Sept 10. @fitzroysttinyartgallery

Confederation Centre Art Gallery

On view: Conversation Pieces closes Sept 3; Destruction Recrafted: Hurricane Fiona Up Close and Personal opens Sept 9; Generations: The Sobey Family and Canadian Art closes Sept 10; the currents that carry us opens Sept 23; Human Capital closes Sept 30; Daphne Irving: A Retrospective opens Sept 30; Making History opens Oct 7; and Common Collective: 40–Tonne Viewfinder opens Oct 21. Guided tours are available. The gallery will be closed Sept 11–15. 145 Richmond St, Charlottetown.

Cornwall Library Art Gallery

Oh, the Places I Did Go! by Deborah Tremere is on view to Sept 15. Pigment to Pixel: the merging of media by Giselle Déziel opens Sept 19. Meet the artist on opening night at 7 pm. Contact the library for info on displaying in the gallery. 15 Mercedes Dr, Town Hall, Cornwall.

Eptek Art & Culture Centre

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

Hilda Woolnough Gallery

The Good Projxction by King Kxndi is on view to Sept 15. The PEI Sexual Assault Awareness Week exhibit, what i would tell my rapist, opens Sept 17 with a reception at 7 pm. Presented by the PEI Rape and Sexual Assault Centre. 111 Queen St, Charlottetown.

Kings Playhouse Art Gallery

The Power of A Wish by the Buddhist nuns at Great Wisdom Buddhist Institute (GWBI) is on view Sept 1–30. 65 Grafton St, Georgetown.

Lefurgey Cultural Centre

On view to the end of Sept: The Famous 5 Maquette; and Van Gogh in Wool by the Lady Slipper Rug Hooking Guild and other fibre artists. Open weekdays (9 am–4:30 pm). 205 Prince St, Summerside.

MacNaught History Centre and Archives Art Gallery

God’s Own Image by Nan Ferrier is on view Sept 6–Oct 17. 75 Spring St, Summerside

Receiver Co ee

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

Nourish for sleep

The consensus is clear: obtaining seven to nine hours of sleep per night isn’t just a recommendation; it’s an essential requirement for optimal functioning and overall well-being. You’re likely familiar with those nights when sleep proves elusive due to a range of reasons, such as a restless mind, an over owing to-do list, work commitments, or parental responsibilities.

Your focus and engagement go down the drain because sleep usually plays hard to get in situations like these. Numerous studies have revealed the gravity of the matter, emphasising the negative impact of inadequate sleep on cognition, emotional states, learning capacity, and even the potential escalation of accidents and injuries. In addition, chronic sleep deprivation may increase the likelihood of developing dementia, type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

If you’re tired of tossing and turning, your dreams might come true with a little help. Try adding these foods to your diet, especially if sleep has been playing hard to get.

Chamomile:

Chamomile is commonly known as a mild tranquilliser or sleep inducer. It has calming effects that may decrease anxiety and initiate sleep. Some chamomile tea can be a great idea before heading to bed to unwind, relax and de-stress.

Pistachios:

Pistachios are not only tasty, but they are a jackpot for sleep. They are jam packed with magnesium, protein, and vitamin B6, which have a major role in inducing sleep. Consuming a healthy amount of pistachios before going to bed will knock you out like nothing else. You can eat them raw or add them to a glass of warm milk. However, more than one ounce of pistachios will have a reverse effect on your body; eat in moderation to avoid exacerbating your sleep issues.

Kiwis:

Kiwis boast not only serotonin, a neurotransmitter contributing to sleep regulation, but also vitamin C and carotenoids, which possess anti-inflammatory properties. This collective composition makes them beneficial in promoting enhanced sleep quality.

Tart Cherry Juice:

Tart cherry juice contains high levels of melatonin that regulate your internal clock and send signals for your body to get ready to sleep.

Bananas:

This fruit is a powerhouse of magnesium and potassium, which serve as natural sleep aids for your body. If you’re feeling wide awake late into the night, try a banana to get yourself to sleep. Bananas are high-glycemic fruits, so try adding a good source of fat like walnuts with this snack so sugar levels don’t skyrocket into the night.

Walnuts:

Walnuts contain tryptophan, which helps produce melatonin and serotonin in the body and improve the quality of our sleep by regulating the sleep cycles.

Pumpkin Seeds: Pumpkin seeds are a great source of magnesium that supports deep, restorative sleep by maintaining healthy levels of GABA (a neurotransmitter that promotes sleep). Magnesium deficiencies are associated with heightened stress and anxiety, which of course lead to less sleep, so be mindful of your magnesium intake.

If you’ve been searching for the solution to get more sleep, no need to keep searching. Try to avoid the over-thecounter sleep aid and add these foods to your bedtime routine to get your body on the right path to sound sleep!

gallery gardens & café

& INSPIRING GARD

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

Reservations for evening dining 902-672-1883

Fix Your Plate by Tara Reeves

SUBMITTED

Jiayu Su

Barrett & MacKay

Nash

Eve Llyndorah

Dave Brosha

Breadalbane Gallery

Next exhibition opens September 15

The next art show at the Breadalbane Community Gallery opens September 15 with a reception from 6–9 pm.

The Gallery is a casual community space that hosts PEI artists. The September show will feature both the August artwork, which included a series of Marianne Janowicz’s paintings of the Dixon Road view from the Community Centre, and additional paintings that provide an artist’s interpretation of scenes from the Dixon Road.

Artists represented include Vian Emery, Haley Lewis, Denise Livingstone, Erin Veitch, Zoe Novaczek, Will Baker, Laura Bain, Silver Frith, Marianne Janowicz, Adrianna Chandler, Brianna Longuepee and Joan Sutton.

Located at

Dixon Road,

Gallery is open Tuesday (11 am–3 pm), Wednesday (9 am–1 pm), and Thursday (4–8 pm), or by request (3038333, mjanowicz@hotmail.com).

PEI Fibre Festival

October event features a marketplace, workshops and more

The first annual PEI Fibre Festival will be held October 5–7 at the Delta Prince Edward in Charlottetown. Celebrate the Island’s wool industry and the crafts people who work with wool and fibres through knitting, crocheting, felting and rug hooking.

TODAY

ARTS EDUCATION @ THE CENTRE CAMPS & CLASSES REGISTER

PD DAY CAMPS

VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS PD DAY CAMPS

Through a combination of guided and open-ended activities, your young artist will create various crafts to take home.

AVAILABLE: September 29, October 27, November 16, November 17, November 24, March 8, April 19

VISUAL ARTS PD DAY CAMP

AVAILABLE: May 3

STILL ACCEPTING REGISTRATIONS for the 2023/24 season of dance umbrella for ages 18 months to adult. For the past 30+ years, dance umbrella has provided high-quality dance and movement classes, helping students build self-confidence, healthy bodies and minds, and creativity.

For more information visit confederationcentre.com Phone: 902-628-6134 | email: artseducation@confederationcentre.com

Up to 2000 participants are expected to attend the marketplace, featuring over 30 vendors from across Canada, with yarns made from wool and other natural fibres, many handdyed with natural products, tools of the trade and more.

The festival includes over 50 workshops by local and international instructors. Of note, Patty Lyons is offering five workshops. She is an internationally recognized knitting teacher and technique expert who is known for teaching the why, not just the how, in her pursuit of training the mindful knitter. Specializing in sweater design and sharing her love of the gauge and blocking, Lyons’ designs and knitting skill articles have been published in many popular publications. In Modern Daily Knitting, she writes a knitter’s advice column called, Ask Patty, and she is a repeat guest on PBS’s Knitting Daily TV.

Sue Maton from The Mercerie (UK) is hosting four workshops. Maton creates crochet projects designed to be used and loved. The Mercerie’s unique online crochet courses enable crafters to connect with people all over the

world and work playfully, intuitively and mindfully. Learning with her is not just about making a product—it is about colour theory, design and aesthetics, confidence building, mindfulness, and being part of a dynamic global craft community.

Kristin Drysdale (Uta) is an independent knitwear designer, instructor, and author of The Nordic Knitting Primer. Inspired by her heritage, she specializes in Scandinavian colourwork and design. Drysdale has self-published over 100 patterns, her designs have been published in magazines, and she has designed for Harrisville Designs and Brown Sheep Company.

Workshop instructor cyber educator Michael Sellick, established as The Crochet Crowd based out of Nova Scotia, is prolific in creating resources for crocheters in real-time speed, from delivering advice and stitch tips to full-on projects and anecdote storytelling.

Local felting artist Lisa Freeman will offer two workshops. Lisa and her husband moved to PEI from Ontario in 2016. In 2017, Messy Crow Studio was hatched, a quaint seasonal studio on their property in Souris, PEI.

Rounding out the program is a social event at Trailside Music Hall where participants can meet some of the celebrities of the knitting world and get books signed.

peifibrefestival.com

4023

the

Near Emerald (detail), painting by Marianne Janowicz

Last chance to see our popular summer exhibitions, and also take in new fall shows speaking to climate change and Atlantic Canadian identity.

SEPTEMBER 9 - JANUARY 7, 2024

Destruction Recrafted: Hurricane Fiona up Close and Personal

confederationcentre.com/artgallery

145 Richmond Street, Charlottetown, P.E.I.

UNTIL SEPTEMBER 10, 2023

Generations: The Sobey Family and Canadian Art

UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30, 2023

Human Capital

SEPTEMBER 23, 2023 – JANUARY 7, 2024 the currents that carry us

SEPTEMBER 30, 2023 – JANUARY 28, 2024

Daphne Irving: A Retrospective

admission by donation

Alex Bevan Baker, Fiona “Treepot” Set, 2023. Stoneware - Wild Clay Glaze.

Photo credit: Peter Young.

Daphne Irving, North River Hayfield Motif #1, 1974, Watercolour on paper, 49 x 60 cm Confederation Centre Art Gallery collection.

Morgan Possberg, Hand Tanned Atlantic Salmon Skins. Photo by Dan Cardinal McCartney.

Kent Monkman (b. 1965), Study for “mistikôsiwak (Wooden Boat People): Resurgence of the People,”(Final Variation), 2019, acrylic on canvas, 107.3 x 213.4 cm, Collection of the Sobey Art Foundation,© Kent Monkman

Esmaa Mohamoud, Deeper the Wounded, Deeper the Roots (1), 2019, 101.6 x 152.4 cm, archival pigment print on paper, edition 1 of 5 (1 AP). Collection of the MacKenzie Art Gallery, 2021-01.

ARTS

Call for submissions: Radiant Rural Halls

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

Call for proposals:

As the Crow Flies

Eptek Art & Culture Centre, in collaboration with Lady Slipper Rug Hooking, is calling for artists to submit their work for As the Crow Flies, a group exhibit to be on display at the Centre next summer. Submissions should be original artworks that connect to the exhibition theme, featuring and/or inspired by crows, or anything that a crow might see from their perspective. Submissions are welcome from artists at any stage of their career. All mediums will be considered (with the exception of photography), and preference will be given to artworks that have not been displayed previously. Multiple submissions are encouraged, but final selection is limited. For the full call, visit bit.ly/EptekCallSummer2024. Submissions must be sent using the online submission form at bit.ly/ EptekCrowSubmissionForm. The deadline to apply is Oct 15 at midnight. Applicants will be notified of their acceptance by Nov 15. Space is limited and the organizing committee will select pieces

on the basis of excellence in technique, use of materials, and design, as well as those that will build a cohesive exhibit that best fits the theme. Eptek Art & Culture Centre is committed to equal opportunities, and encourages applicants who identify as Indigenous, members of visible minorities, LGBTQ2SIA+, and persons with disabilities to apply and self-identify in their application. Successful applicants will have their work shown in Eptek’s main gallery as part of the summer exhibit from June–September 2024. Work must be completed by June 1, 2024. Info: 888-8373; eptek@gov.pe.ca

Call for submissions: TD Art Corridor

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

Fibre Arts Club

Drop in to the Charlottetown Library Learning Centre for Fibre Arts Club on Tuesdays 1–3 pm. Bring supplies or a current project and join other knitters, crocheters, rug hookers and fibre and textile makers for some crafting and social time. 97 Queen St, Charlottetown.

The Good Project Art Talks

The Good Project Art Talks is a series of community conversations facilitated by artist, political scientist and activist King Kxndi. The series aims to explore the meaning of good, art, and the intersection of the two. Each week, attendees enjoy locally made food in an intimate gallery setting, surrounded by art. The guiding questions are: What is art? Who makes art? Where is art? What is good? Who is good? Why be good? Is art inherent and/or good? Can art create/lead to collective good? Hosted at The Guild in Charlottetown, the next event takes place on September 28 at 5:30 pm. Organizers welcome anyone and everyone to this series. There is a monthly capacity of 20 guests. Info: theguildpei.com

Artist Talk & Walk

All are welcome to join the Artist Talk & Walk on Sept 7 beginning at 5 pm at the Upstreet Taproom (41 Allen St, Charlottetown). The Talk & Walk will visit Fairouz Gaballa’s three distinct miniature spaces, each showcasing a unique concept and storytelling, on display at the three Charlottetown Tiny Art Galleries. The walk will travel from Upstreet down the Confederation Trail to Fitzroy Street, and end at Craft Beer Corner, a distance of approximately 2 km. Refreshments will be provided and there is no cost to attend. Follow @fitzroysttinyartgallery for the most current info or email info@monicalacey.com.

Artistic process discussions

Bedford Station Gallery & Gardens’ artists Lilianne Webster and Simonne Smith are hosting an art talk this month. The artists will be on site at the gallery on Sept 3 between 2–4 pm to discuss their artistic process and influences, focusing on the importance of a creative support group encouraging artists to nurture their own creative voice and practice. Admission is free. 96 Rte 6, Dunstaffnage.

Seeking new artists

Artisans Waterfront cooperative gallery features the works of more than 40 juried artists and artisans from across PEI. On display are high quality, hand crafted items and original works of art, including paintings, photography, glass, fibre arts, pottery, jewellery and more. The gallery is currently looking for artists and artisans in all three dimensional mediums to join the family of artisans. The next jury session will be held Sept 15. Visit artisanswaterfront.ca for membership info, application guidelines, and jury instructions. Open Mon–Sat (10 am–5 pm) and Sun (1–5 pm). 1 Station St, Montague.

Life drawing sessions

Life Drawing sessions resume on Sept 10 and are held every Sunday at the Gertrude Cotton Art Centre from 2–4 pm, unless otherwise posted @ Life Drawing PEI on FB. Drop-in drawing sessions with nude model. All skill levels welcome. Must be 18+ or have parent/ guardian written permission. Easels are provided but participants must bring their own drawing material. Arrive early for set up; doors open at 1:30 pm. They are always looking for models; email lifedrawingpei2022@gmail.com if interested. 57 Bunbury Rd, Stratford.

Kindred Spirits Quilt Guild

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

PEI Modern Quilt Guild

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

Pottery in the Park

The fall session of classes at the PEI Potters Studio, located in Victoria Park in Charlottetown, will begin the week of Sept 25 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, and 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 beginner classes will be held on Mondays and Tuesdays (choose one) from 6:30–9:30 pm. A class for children ages 9–14 will be held on Saturdays from 9–11 am and, depending on demand, from 11:30 am–1:30 pm. Registration is online and will be open on Sept 12 from 7–8 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 info on classes, as well as the link to the online registration form, will be posted at peipottersstudio. com. For inquiries email registration@ peipottersstudio.com.

Eptek Gallery activities

Eptek Art & Culture Centre has added a colouring station to their gallery to encourage visitors of all ages to spend some time colouring pages that highlight each of the seven sites of PEI Museum & Heritage Foundation. Take some to share with others or colour at home. Eptek offers exhibit-related Scavenger Hunts as well. Fun for visitors of all ages to test their skills this month and find all 20 images in a gallery full of quilts. Admission is by donation. Follow on FB for upcoming activities. 130 Heather Moyse Dr, Summerside. 888-8373, peimuseum.com

Eptek Centre workshops

In celebration of the upcoming PEI Fibre Festival, another series of artist-led workshops will be offered on Sundays this month at Eptek Art & Culture Centre. Visitors are welcome to view the live demonstration, but registration is required to participate. Spaces are limited. The line-up for September includes: Pumpkin Needle Felting with Lisa Freeman of Messy Crow Studio (10); and Beginner Landscape Embroidery with Rebecca MacDonald of Unravelling Joy (24). Info/register: 888-8373; peimuseum. com; @EptekCentre. 130 Heather Moyse Dr, Summerside.

Festive Wreath Exhibition

The annual Festive Wreath Contest and Exhibition will be held this holiday season at Confederation Centre of the Arts in Charlottetown. All are welcome to participate—adults, youth, businesses, and groups. The categories are traditional, off the wall, and recycled materials. Create a wreath and drop it off at the Centre boardroom (Richmond St entrance), Nov 18–19 between 1–3 pm. There is a small entry fee. Wreaths will be displayed through Dec and there are prizes to be won. This is a project of the Friends of Confederation Centre. Info: friends@ confederationcentre.com; 628-6141

PEICC Christmas Craft Fair

Save the date. The annual 2023 PEI Crafts Council Christmas Craft Fair, PEI’s longest running craft show, will be held this year from Nov 24-26 at a new venue, the Seaport (Port Charlottetown). Vendor registration at peicraftscouncil.com.

Tiny art exhibits

Three miniature spaces by Fairouz Gaballa on view

An exhibition by Fairouz Gaballa is now on view in the three Charlottetown Tiny Art Galleries until September 10.

Fairouz is presenting three distinct miniature spaces, each showcasing a unique concept and storytelling. The Book Lover’s Dream Room set features bookshelves adorned with over 300 meticulously crafted miniature books, along with posters and figurines. The Yellow Wallpaper is a mini set inspired by the short story of the same name, and captures the eerie ambiance of the narrator’s room. The most striking element is the shadow of a lady concealed within the wallpaper, echoing the narrator’s obsession and descent into madness. And finally, drawing inspiration from the Supernatural and Scooby-Doo crossover episode, the third mini set depicts the iconic Mystery Machine alongside a ring of salt with the phrase, “stay inside the salt circle.” The background features an open magazine page from Entertainment Weekly’s Supernatural Special Edition, adding a meta touch to the set.

Born in Cairo, Egypt, Fairouz moved to PEI at the age of nine. Her artistic journey began with paintings in 2019, which led to exploring digital

art and animation, skeleton art, prints and stickers. After taking a course on creativity in Psychology in her final year of university, Fairouz began creating miniatures, a process with challenges and intricacies that ignited a new creative passion. Her artistic focus revolves around crafting intricately detailed sets that encompass various themes and stories. From the escapist charm of reading or watching movies to the evocative narratives found in literature and television shows, she seeks to transport viewers into captivating miniature worlds.

Viewable 24/7, the three Tiny Art Galleries are Fitzroy St at 295 Fitzroy St, Taproom at 41 Allen St, and Kent St at 156 Great George St.

Exhibiting artists present a free Artist Talk & Walk. The next event is September 7, beginning at the Upstreet Taproom at 5 pm. It will travel from Upstreet down the Confederation Trail to Fitzroy St, and end at Craft Beer Corner, a distance of approximately 2 km. Refreshments will be provided and there is no cost to attend.

Local artist and animator Teresa Kuo will have works in the tiny galler ies beginning mid-September.

Info: @fitzroysttinyartgallery; @ fairouz_art_; artbyfairouz.etsy.com

Highlights

October

Confederation Centre Art Gallery will be CLOSED September 11 – 15 to prepare for upcoming exhibitions.

For

Location: Delta Hotels Prince Edward 18 Queen Street, Charlotetown

FOOD & DRINK

Love Summerside BBQ

Summerside and Area Christian Council is hosting a free Love Summerside Community BBQ from 11 am–1 pm on Sept 2 at Veteran’s Memorial Park. Everyone is invited. 89 Summer St, Summerside.

High Tea in Georgetown

The Kings Playhouse High Teas, offered on the deck overlooking the A.A. Macdonald Memorial Gardens, continue Sept 3 and 10. Book early as the seats get filled quickly. kingsplayhouse.com, 65 Grafton St, Georgetown

Clammin’ & Jammin’

Sample Island shellfish and enjoy Acadian music at the 14th Clammin’ & Jammin’ on Sept 16 at 6 pm at Village musical acadien in Abram-Village. There will be samples of about a dozen different dishes served throughout the evening, a cooking competition featuring local chefs and cooks competing for the right to proclaim that their culinary creation is the champion of the year; a few lucky audience members will be chosen as judges. Local Chefs Greg Arsenault and Robert Pendergast will be cooking and competing, there will be several local musical performers, and Raymond J. Arsenault returns as the emcee for a second year in a row. Tickets must be purchased in advance at villagemusical. com. 1745 Rte 124, Abram-Village.

Harvest Soupfest Fundraiser

Under the Spire Music Festival’s Harvest Soupfest fundraiser will take place from 1–3 pm on Sept 17. The afternoon will be filled with music and an array of homemade soups. Various restaurants

OCTOBER BUZZ

September

Historic Squares

Pop-up exhibit marks 225th anniversary for plan of Charlottetown

and chefs create soups made with fresh, local ingredients. Patrons can sample four different soups, homemade biscuits, and wander between the pavilion where the soup will be served and Historic St. Mary’s where music will be performed all afternoon. This is the ninth year for this fundraising event. underthespire.ca, 1374 Hamilton Rd, Indian River.

PEIBC Oktober-feast

Oktober-feast returns to the PEI Brewing Company in Charlottetown on Sept 30. Oktober-feast puts a twist on tradition, with German-inspired food stations, beers brewed on-site, games and prize tournaments, including axe-throwing, washer toss, cornhole, stein-holding, and keg races, as well as live acoustic entertainment. Tickets: peibrewingcompany.com. This year, all are welcome to join the Oktober-feast Pre-Party at the Brewery from 5–8 pm on Sept 29 for live music, and the launch of their limited edition Oktober Festbier. 96 Kensington Rd, Charlottetown.

Fall Flavours

Feed the soul on Canada’s Food Island at the 15th Fall Flavours Food & Drink Festival presented by Sobeys. There are over twenty events happening across the Island from Oct 1–15. Visit fallflavours.ca for all the details and follow @fallflavourspei for updates.

Taste of Georgetown

Taste of Georgetown, a Fall Flavours event at Kings Playhouse on Oct 3, will feature tasting stations of local seafood, including lobster, scallops, oysters and mussels. Enjoy a music and storytelling presentation in the Playhouse theatre, then sit down in the decorated hall for a three-course dinner prepared by local chefs. Tickets: fallflavours.ca

Street Feast

Street Feast returns to Kent Street in Charlottetown Oct 6–7. The free event features local food and drink, live music and dance, party games and more. discovercharlottetown.com

The City of Charlottetown presents Charlottetown’s Historic Squares, a pop-up exhibit created in partnership with the PEI Regiment Museum.

This exhibit marks the 255th anniversary for the first plan of the City of Charlottetown. It explores the history of Queen Square as well as the City’s four historic greenspaces—Rochford Square, King Square, Hillsborough Square and Connaught Square. In 1768, Queen Square was set aside as a place for political, judicial and ecclesiastical purposes. Three years later, the other four squares were created.

The exhibit is located on the first floor of the Confederation Court Mall and is available for viewing until September 9.

For info on how to donate historical photos or to permit the City to scan historical images, email nmunn@charlottetown.ca or call 629-4051.

SUBMITTED

(top): Early Days by artist Spencer Macky in 1924, depicts Queen Square in approximately 1860. (bottom): Rochford Square, Postcard c. 1910. Rochford Square was one of four greenspaces set aside in the 1771 Wright Patterson Plan of Charlottetown.

Who’s Yer Father?

PEI lmmaker Jeremy Larter’s lm premieres at AIFF

Cinema Under the Stars

The 43rd Atlantic International Film Festival (AIFF) takes place September 14–21 in Halifax, NS.

There are eight programs, 56 short films, and 20 films representing Atlantic Canada, including the world premiere of Who’s Yer Father? directed by PEI’s Jeremy Larter.

In the PEI-set crime-comedy caper, a down on his luck private investigator (Chris Locke) is hired by Luke Thorne(Matt Wells), a rich businessman in the seafood industry, to investigate suspicious black-market lobster sales in Sandbar Cove. What Larry lacks in investigative skills, he makes up for in plucky optimism and enthusiasm. He takes the job and heads to the scenic rural community where he meets Rhonda (Susan Kent), a local convenience store clerk. When Larry and Rhonda discover a secret about Thorne’s wife, they hatch a plan to blackmail her and escape in pursuit of a new life together—but that plan quickly goes hysterically awry.

For those outside of Halifax, select Atlantic Canadian features and shorts will be available to stream via AIFF Online from September 14–24, giving online patrons an extra three days after the in-person festival is over to

catch up on any films they may have missed. Tickets can be purchased for individual feature films, while the shorts can be accessed with the AIFF Online Shorts Pass. atlanticfilmfestival.ca

Across the Spider-Verse

The City of Charlottetown’s free, outdoor movie screenings continue at the Victoria Park Cultural Pavilion until September 2.

The movie lineup includes Mamma Mia! (2008) on August 31, rated PG-13 for some suggestive content; Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023) on September 1, rated PG-13 for sci-fi action and violence, language, and thematic elements; and The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023) on September 2, rated PG for fantasy action and mild, rude humor.

All screenings commence at 8:30 pm. Blankets and folding chairs are encouraged, and a designated area for blankets will be marked to ensure an optimal viewing experience for everyone. Concessions will be available for purchase onsite, cash only. charlottetown.ca/cinema

The Kids Cinema Series continues at Kings Playhouse with Spider-man: Across the Spider-Verse on September 30 at 3 pm.

The Playhouse is located at 65 Grafton Street in Georgetown. kingsplayhouse.com

Susan Kent and Chris Locke star in the crime-comedy caper Who’s Yer Father

Mamma Mia!

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 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

Passages until September 3

18A, sexual content. Dir: Ira Sachs, France/Germany, 2023, 91 min. Franz Rogowski, Ben Whishaw, Adéle Exarchopoulos, Erwan Kepoa Falé. In English.

boyfriend’s Aries star sign. Fire and water rarely mix. Through flashbacks, we watch Cea try to fit in wherever she and Michelle land. As o en as not, Cea doesn’t fit anywhere, either because she is too woo-woo to pass for a run-of-the-mill urban kid, or too self-aware and sober to blend in with the thoroughly blunted... North of Normal is gi ed with strong and committed performances... This lovely film with its unapologetically female gaze kept me beguiled throughout.”

—Kim Hughes, Original Cin

Driving Madeleine

September 11–17

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

The AV Club

“Brutally funny” —The Atlantic

North of Normal September 4–10

PG, violence, coarse language, mature content. Dir: Carly Stone, Canada, 2022, 90 min. Sarah Gadon, Robert Carlyle, James D’Arcy.

Emerging Canadian Artist Award Nominee, Calgary International Film Festival.

14A, mature theme. Dir: Christian Carion, Belgium/France, 2022, 91 min. Line Renaud, Dany Boon. In French with English subtitles. Best Actress Winner and Best Film Nominee, Beijing International Film Festival.

“A serene and nourishing adaptation of a 1978 nonfiction book by the late author Tsutomu Mizukami. In spirit and sensibility, it’s hard to imagine a more Japanese film, rooted in an unsentimental — and yes, very Zen — outlook. Kenji Sawada gives an agreeably rumpled performance as Tsutomu, who has turned his back on the conveniences of the modern world in favor of a more rustic existence. Living alone in the mountains of Nagano Prefecture, he spends his days immersed in an ascetic lifestyle that revolves mainly around food: tending his garden, foraging for ingredients, then returning to the kitchen to turn them into something scrumptious. The movie pays close attention to the passing of the micro-seasons, each of which brings its own treats: bamboo shoots, ume plums, eggplant and daikon... Tsutomu’s preparation of these ingredients is shown with meticulous attention to detail... Over the space of the year, Tsutomu will have to deal with a death in the family and straighten out his not-strictly-professional relationship with his editor, Makiko, who turns up periodically for a good meal and to pester him for his next manuscript. He also has to reckon with his own mortality... Though Tsutomu has devoted himself to a routine that’s as predictable as the passing seasons, he’s getting older, and a close brush with death will force him to decide on what he values most in life.”

—James Hadfield, The Japan Times

“The French do this sort of thing well... It comes down to the superb acting and the lack of sentimentality in telling a long lifestory embracing both terror and romance. Even in the darkness of this tale of loss and stoicism, there is humour and warmth. When taxi driver, Charles (Dany Boon) reluctantly takes on an early-morning booking, he begins to regret his decision even more so his customer turns out to be a cantankerous old woman, Madeleine (Line Renaud). At the age of 92, she must bow to the pressure of family and doctors and be forced into an assisted living facility. With a day at her disposal, Madeleine asks to be taken to various places of significance in her life... Everywhere they go elicits a story from her past – love, loss, high drama, humour and tragedy are part of this long life. Inevitably, Dany becomes close to Madeleine despite their brief acquaintance and a surprisingly deep friendship blossoms which causes him to rethink his own life and what is important. In the tradition of Driving Miss Daisy this film portrays the delicate relationship that develops between two people from vastly di erent backgrounds... We enjoyed this beautifully cast film very much.” Living Arts Canberra

Jules

September 25–Oct 1

PG, language. Dir: Marc Turtletaub, USA, 2023, 87 min. Debbie Liebling, Andrew Daly, Michael Clark, Alex Turtletaub, Marc Turtletaub, Ben Kingsley.

“Filial love... is complicated. Add in drugs, poverty, and general instability and things are guaranteed to not run smoothly. But where there is genuine love, hope prevails... That might be the simplest way to sum up North of Normal, director Carly Stone’s tender comingof-age drama... Adapted from onetime model Cea Sunrise Person’s 2014 memoir about her deeply unconventional childhood in the wilds of western Canada and the Yukon... the film firmly elevates its stars, notably the always-luminous Sarah Gadon, as a young, perennially pot-smoking mother and maker of chronically bad decisions who is nevertheless deeply devoted to her child. Some of those bad decisions can be attributed to Michelle’s (Gadon) own o eat upbringing... When we meet the two, they are living o -grid in the woods with Michelle’s anti-authority, free-spirited parents... When Michelle decides to leave the relative stability of her parents’ camp to follow a vagabond paramour... we know things won’t end well long before Michelle reveals that she’s a Pisces to the

“A crowdpleaser that boasts, at its core, a pair of phenomenal lead performances.”

—David Nusair, Reel Film Reviews

The Zen Diary

September 18—24

Rating TBA. Dir: Yuji Nakae, Japan, 2022, 111min. Kenji Sawada, Takako Matsu. In Japanese with English subtitles.

“Alien movies tend to go one of either two ways: horror or tenderness. Jules falls squarely in the latter category... But while the film’s premise will be familiar to anyone [who has seen] E.T., Jules replaces the usual child protagonists with a trio of ba ed senior citizens, all of whom find kinship with the alien’s outsider status... Milton (Ben Kingsley) is struggling with a fading memory and a strained relationship with his adult daughter, whose insistence that he see a psychiatrist escalates when he tells her an alien spaceship destroyed his bird bath... Milton invites the injured extraterrestrial into his home, and the two quickly form a bond. Before long, Milton’s neighbors Sandy and Joyce learn of the visitor and... decide to help Milton keep their new friend a secret... Jules is full to the brim with empathy for its elderly characters... Kingsley’s performance as Milton injects dignity into a character that could have easily (and cruelly) been played just for laughs, and Harris and Curtin provide similar complexities to their respective roles. In Jules, all three of them are reminded of the importance of companionship in their lives... Turtletaub keeps the film’s campier elements to a minimum, preferring to highlight the quaint suburban setting and a lighthearted, understated sense of humor. Jules is sweet, charming, and o en hysterical. It makes you feel good about the world for 90 minutes.” —Mike

McGranaghan, The Aisle Seat

city cinema schedule

SEPTEMBER

by Derek Martin (founder, City Cinema)

Starts along the way

City Cinema celebrates 30 years of lms in September

was formulated, money was raised, a space was found, and used equipment and seats were located and installed.

City Cinema’s opening night was September 28, 1993, with the appropriately aspirational Strictly Ballroom onscreen.

It was a bit of a leap from a weekly film series to a full-time cinema, and we might not have made it through that first winter without Jane Campion’s The Piano. It was hugely popular and gave us the shot in the arm we needed.

Other milestones were finally getting air conditioning, and later, new seats— which led to some controversy over the loss of our centre aisle, to the point of being tweeted about by a senator.

One way to think about the story of City Cinema (so far) is as a series of beginnings.

You could say the very beginning was the start of cinema itself—evolving from the first story told to the first play, to the first film. Amazing when introduced, the movies evolved and became ever better at making the fantastic more real, and the real more fantastic. They became part of both high culture and pop culture, and a true art form.

On a personal level, a beginning was in the late 1960’s when being a movie fan became part of my identity. We moved within a few blocks of Ottawa’s somewhat seedy Rialto Theatre, and I would escape to the one o’clock matinees on Saturday. Three movies for fifty cents, Hitchcock’s sublime suspense, the suave menace of Vincent Price, the battling skeletons of Ray Harryhausen. Or, elsewhere with the family, Oscar-quality titles like Little Big Man and The Sting

Another beginning was the PEI Film

Society of the late 70s and early 80s (worthy of their own article someday), who ran a yearly film series on 16mm, and along with Brian Collins’ subsequent films at UPEI, were the forerunners of Peter Richards’ Sunday Cinema, a mainstay of local film culture for several years. Not only did they provide examples of how to screen films here, they helped keep an audience alive.

That led to the start of a working relationship with Peter, when he curated Canadian films for the 1991 Canada Games arts festival I was organizing. Sunday Cinema was also a starting point for Off the Wall Video, his alternative video rental outlet in a basement on Richmond Street in Charlottetown. I volunteered there, and our talks were the beginning for City Cinema that really set the reels in motion.

With moral support and practical advice from Peter Gaskin and Gordon Parsons of Halifax’s Wormwood’s Dog and Monkey Cinema (a much cooler name than City Cinema), a plan

The next beginning was a big one for the whole movie industry—digital projection. We had our ups and downs with our old Century projector and Cinemeccanica film tower, but they served us well and could have continued for some years. But 35mm was phased out and there was no choice but to make the expensive change.

This would require fundraising that suited a non-profit better than a private business, and so The Charlottetown Film Society was born, another beginning. Board members and others worked hard to make the switch a reality, and they assumed ownership in March 2019, just in time to successfully tackle the challenging task of seeing the cinema through the COVID-19 pandemic.

City Cinema was and is made possible with the help of too many to name— staff, volunteers, tradespeople, and the film-loving public. Thanks to you all from the bottom of my heart. Happy Anniversary!

P.S. The Charlottetown Film Society is a non-profit registered charity, and has embarked on another beginning, fundraising for a next-generation projector. You can support this by donating, and of course by going to the movies!

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

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

Sta and volunteers of City Cinema out for dinner with Gordon Pinsent who was on PEI screening his (then) new lm Heyday!

ARTISTS & ARTISANS

studios, galleries, collectives

Anchors Away

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

Art Gallery of Susan Christensen

Paintings, photo-etchings, prints and cards by Susan Christensen, who paints in her gallery on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Open Tuesday–Sunday, 11 am–4 pm. Located above Gaudreau Fine Craft Gallery, 11 Grand Pere Pt Rd, South Rustico. 963-2223, 963-2273, susanchristensenart.com

Art Gallery of Tony Diodati

Original works and more by Tony Diodati. Open daily from 10 am–6 pm until Sept 3. 241 Paynter Rd, off Rte 20, Spring Brook. 886-3009, tonydiodati.com

Artisans Waterfront

This cooperative, artist-run gallery features the works of more than 40 juried artists and artisans from across PEI. The gallery is located in a replica freight shed next to the former train station and displays high quality, hand crafted items and original works of art, including paintings, photography, glass, textile arts, quilts, pottery and more. Open Monday–Saturday, 10 am–5 pm; Sunday, 1–5 pm. 1 Station St, Montague. 838-4387, artisanswaterfront.ca

Bailey Studio Gallery

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

Bedford Station Gallery & Gardens

The gallery for local artisans features the work of Margaret Wailes, Lilly-Anne Webster, Gene Wood, Ron Patterson, Garny Gallant, Wayne Crouse, Gweneth Branch-Rice, Helene Larouche, Gary Schoenfeldt, Carolyn Hayes Hessinger, Ricky Lee, Simonne Munzi Smith, Lucas Picard and Elaine Eskesen. The focus is on contemporary artistic expression through painting, sculpture, photography and jewelry. Open weekdays, 1:30–5:30 pm, and by appointment, to the end of Sept. 96 Rte 6, Dunstaffnage.

Birch Tree Gallery

Showcases Mi’kmaq woven baskets by Noella and Ashley Moore, bisque under painting on pottery by Noella, medicine bags and engraved coasters by Mike Viau, beaded earrings by Anita Gallant, teepee models by Mike Julien, oil paintings and watercolour cards by Geraldine Ysselstein, and pottery and potato soap by Pieter Ijsselstein. Workshops on offer. Open daily to Oct, 10 am–6 pm (1–5 pm on Sunday). 8 Main St, Victoria. birchtreegallery.ca, 730-2004

Details Fine Art Gallery

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

Dunes Island Art Gallery

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

Ellen’s Creek Gallery

Dedicated to promoting PEI artists and producing high quality custom framing. Open Monday–Saturday (10 am–5 pm). 525 North River Rd, Charlottetown.

Galerie La Palette

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

Gaudreau Fine Crafts Gallery

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

Island Winds

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

June Ellis’s Studio

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

Karen Gallant Gallery in Rustico

Paintings by local artist Karen Gallant, high-quality fine art reproductions, art cards and unique finds. Check the website for September hours. Located on the second level of A.P. Gallant’s Country Food Market, civic 1980, corner of Rtes 6 and 243, Rustico. karengallant.com

Kensington Art Co-op Gallery

The Gallery features local artists, including Debbie Bryanton, Elaine Campanaro, Sharon Craig, June Ellis, Shirley Ferguson, Sheila Forsyth, President Karen Fullerton, Sandy Gallant, Lise Genova, Juanita Glenn, Shirley MacLeod, Cheryl Maclin, Susan Maxfield, Esther Mosher, Dawn Riley, Ron Somers, and more. The Gallery is holding its plein air event Sept 8–10; email sheilafforsyth@ gmail.com to register. Open daily to Oct 1. There will be a sale on the last three days (Sept 29, 30 and Oct 1). 27 Commercial St, Kensington.

Knit Pickers PEI Studio

Canadian goods only, including wool, knitting needles, knitting and weaving accessories, and weaving looms. Margaret McEachern is the on-site artisan, instructor and designer. Workshops on offer. Opening hours change: Sept 5–Oct 4, Tuesday–Saturday, 11 am–4 pm; Oct 14– Dec 17, Saturday–Sunday, 12–4 pm. 566 Line Rd, Rte 13, Mayfield. knitpickerspei.com

Kro In The Skye Art Studio

Work by Cathy Murchison/Krolikowski, stained glass, mosaics, fine art, and

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

Malpeque Fine Iron Products

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

Maroon Pig Art Gallery

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

McAskill’s Fine Crafts Studio

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

Messy Crow Studio

Showcases needle felting, framed work and dimensional pieces by Lisa Freeman, works from 12 Maritime artisans, and fair trade items. Learn and Lunch packages are available. Commissions welcome. Open Tuesday–Friday, 10 am–4 pm; Saturday, 10 am–1 pm. 470 St Catherines Rd, Souris. messycrowpei@gmail.com

Michael Stanley Pottery

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

Northern Watters Knitwear

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

PEI

Crafts Council Gallery

Features two floors of local crafts representing 140 PEI artisans making glass, pottery, textiles, jewelry and much more. Summer workshops are offered on the gallery deck: indigo dyeing, quill work and basket making. Open Monday–Saturday, 10 am–6 pm; Sunday, 12–5 pm. 98 Water St, Charlottetown. 892-5152. peicraftscouncil.com

PEI Fox Den/Historic North Bedeque School

Featuring the works of over 60 local artists and artisans including pottery, candles, soaps, jewellery, apparel, visual art, photography, woodwork, hand-knitted

and stitched products, tea, chocolate, honey, jams, maple syrup, Island music and more. Located in an historic schoolhouse on the Island Walk. Picnics in the shade under the #oldmapletree in the schoolyard welcome. Open Wednesday–Sunday. 2852 1A, North Bedeque. 3038327, peifoxden.ca

PhoArts Studio

Featuring photography, visual and digital art by artist Leona Arsenault. Her work is featured on canvas, fine art paper, metal and acrylic, for personal or commercial purposes. 108 John Paul Rd Abram-Village. 315-1747, phoarts.com

Purcell Parlour Gallery

Featuring original art, prints and cards by Julia Purcell. 48 Herlihy Dr, Clyde River. Open Saturday–Sunday, 12–5 pm. juliapurcell.ca

Red Cli Gallery

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

Sandi Komst Studio-Gallery

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

Silkwalker Originals Studio & Fine Crafts

Features quality Island crafted products, including hand-painted silk art and accessories, Nessya’s Gems, local pottery, original art and prints, hand crafted paper, wood and leather work. Open daily, 12–6 pm and by appointment until Labour Day. Seawalk Park and Boutiques, North Rustico. heather@silkwalker.com, 330-8188, silkwalker.com

Stanley Bridge Studios

Island crafts, jewelry, pottery, art, woodwork, ironwork, home and garden decor, clothing and accessories. Open daily, 10 am–6 pm. 10090 Rte 6, Stanley Bridge. 886-2800

The Studio Gallery

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

Thompson’s Woodcraft

Features wood-turning by Wilfred Thompson. Open Monday–Saturday, 9 am–5 pm. 2979 Rte 1A, North Bedeque. 887-3459, thompsonswoodcraft.ca

SYMONS MEDAL PRESENTATION & LECTURE

November 8 at 1 PM 2023

BY MICHAEL IGNATIEFF, PC CM

CANADA IN THE WORLD: HOPE, OPTIMISM, AND THE HUMAN PROJECT

This year’s recipient of the prestigious honour will be Michael Ignatie , a writer, historian and former politician well-known for his time as the leader of the Liberal Party of Canada. His lecture, Canada in the World: Hope, Optimism, and the Human Project, will discuss such issues as the climate crisis, artificial intelligence and nuclear war. The lecture asks how we revive hope in the human project as these issues raise the spectre of humanity’s end and explores whether Canada is meeting these challenges.

BOOK YOUR FREE TICKETS TODAY |

STREAM ONLINE confederationcentre.com

NOVEMBER 9-10, 2023

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

This year’s event features three panel discussions and public roundtables:

Thursday, November 9 | 1 – 3 p.m.

NEWCOMERS, IMMIGRATION, AND THE NEEDS OF A RAPIDLY CHANGING NATIONAL COMMUNITY

SPEAKERS: Nicholas Keung, Shamira Madhany and Taleeb Noormohamed

MODERATOR: Elamin Abdelmahmoud

Friday, November 10 | 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

ECONOMIC RECONCILIATION

SPEAKERS: Jonathan Davey, Kateri Coade, and Keith Martell - MODERATOR: Harvey McCue

Friday, November 10 | 1 – 3 p.m.

SHARED NATIONAL NARRATIVES IN A FRACTURED TIME

SPEAKERS: Naheed Nenshi, Tanya Talaga, and Jesse Wente

$50 (plus taxes and fees) - FORUM PASS (all 3 panels)

$25 (plus taxes and fees) - STUDENT PASS (all 3 panels)

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

DELIVERED

BOOK LAUNCHES

A. J. B. Johnston

A. J. B. (John) Johnston will launch his new book, Into the Wind: A Novel of Acadian Resilience at the Acadian Museum of PEI on Sept 7. 23 Main Dr E, Miscouche.

Kara Gri n

A book launch for The Sea That Sings To Me, the debut children’s book by Kara Griffin, will be held at 10 am on Sept 9 at the Charlottetown Yacht Club. The Sea That Sings To Me is illustrated by NB artist, writer and illustrator, Marla Lesage. 1 Pownal St, Charlottetown.

Karen MacLeod-Wilkie

Karen MacLeod-Wilkie will celebrate the launch of her fifth book in five years, The Rising (Book 3 in The Prophecy Series). On Sept 10, there will be an open house and book celebration from 2:30–4:30 pm. There will be cake, punch and books available for purchase. 1561 Route 225, North Wiltshire.

Hilary MacLeod

A book launch for Hilary MacLeod’s new book, For the Love of Sea View, will take place at Sea View Hall on Sept 10 at 3

pm. There will be a book reading, a book signing, refreshments and a view. 3749 Rte 20, Sea View.

Pownal Street Press

Pownal Street Press will officially launch Fiona: Prince Edward Island Accounts of Canada’s Biggest Storm on Sept 17 from 2–3:30 pm at the Salvador Dali Café in Charlottetown. Featured presenters include Jay Scotland, Adrian McNally Smith, PEI Poet Laureate Tanya Davis and Island Nature Trust. 155 Kent St, Charlottetown.

M.G. Field

Author, singer and songwriter M.G. Field will launch his second mystery/thriller, Balaclava, along with his recent EP, Look Ahead, at The Gallery Coffee House & Bistro, a licensed facility, on Sept 22 from 5–8 pm. This free event will feature live music by Gordon Belsher, Courtney Hogan-Chandler and M.G. Field, as well as a reading and book-signing. 82 Great George St, Charlottetown.

Lawrence Maxwell

Lawrence Maxwell will host a launch for his book of poetry, Collection Plates & Slot Machines, on Sept 24 at 1 pm at Trailside Music Hall. The matinee will feature readings from the book and an intimate acoustic musical performance. Doors open at 12 noon. Visit trailside.ca for tickets. 155 Kent St, Charlottetown.

Judith Graves

A book launch for Judith Graves’s debut

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 14TH

1:00 pm

Join

7:00 pm

INTRODUCING UNFORGETTABLE CHARACTERS workshop with Donna Morrissey

Charlottetown Library Learning Centre, Charlottetown

DONNA MORRISSEY BOOK LAUNCH WITH SPECIAL GUEST MODERATOR ALI HASSAN Studio 1, Confederation Centre of the Arts, Charlottetown

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15TH

1:00 pm

SEPTEMBER 14–17,2023

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO BOOK YOUR TICKETS: WWW.WILDTHREADSLITERARYFESTIVAL.COM

4:30 pm

picture book, A Tale of Two Kitties, will be held at Coles Summerside from 11 am–1 pm Sept 30. County Fair Mall, 475 Granville St, Summerside.

Hope Dalvay

A book launch for The Multiplication Rap by Hope Dalvay, illustrated by Kate Chisholm, will be held at Coles Summerside from 11 am–1 pm on Sept 30. County Fair Mall, 475 Granville St, Summerside.

Gaelic Culture Lectures

During Glenaladale Estate’s Scottish Culture Week, September 9–13, retired St. FX University Professor Catriona Parsons will be hosting two lectures and discussions.

On Sept 11 at 7 pm, she will present “Who Are We Celts and Why Does it Matter?” She will also launch her new book of Gaelic poetry, Cridhe’s Anam On Sept 13 at 2 pm, she will present “PEI and Its Place in the Gaelic World.” All events are at the Glenaladale Schoolhouse. Admission is by donation and free for children. Info: info@ glenaladalepei.com; @Glenaladale House on FB. 257 Blooming Pt Rd, Rte 218, Tracadie Cross.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16TH

10:00 am STORY PLAY: THE ART OF WRITING FICTION workshop with Trevor Corkum Old School House, Victoria-by-the-Sea

1:00 pm USING TRANSFORMATIVE LIFE EXPERIENCE TO WRITE FICTION workshop with Fawn Parker Charlottetown Library Learning Centre, Charlottetown

2:00 pm JACK PINE FOLK CLUB featuring Shane Pendergast, Nicholas Herring, Bren Simmers, Rowen Gallant & Mark Haines Victoria Playhouse, Victoria-by-the-Sea

7:00 pm

7:00 pm

FINDING YOUR VOICE WITHOUT LOSING YOUR COOL: BALANCING WRITING & LIFE featuring Judith Graves, Jenene Wooldridge & Sara Roach Lewis

Start Up Zone, Charlottetown

POETRY: THE MOST ACCESSIBLE ART FORM featuring Bren Simmers, Tanya Davis & Eberichi Okwuwolu

The Guild, Charlottetown

TOO FUNNY: COMEDY SHOW with Ali Hassan, Clifton Cremo & Meg MacKay

Hosted by Shawn Hogan

The Guild, Charlottetown

LISTENING IN COLOUR: BIPOC ARTISTS IN THE ROUND featuring Luiza F. Güiza, Tuli Porcher, Kierrah & Joce Reyome

Hosted by Evelyn Bradley Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 17TH

11:00 am BRUNCHY SUNDAY READINGS featuring Fawn Parker & Nicholas Herring with music by Inn Echo

The Salvador Dali Café, Charlottetown

2:00 pm “FIONA” BOOK LAUNCH featuring special guest readers from the book!

The Salvador Dali Café, Charlottetown

4:00 pm WILD THREADS OPEN MIC

The Salvador Dali Café, Charlottetown

7:00 pm AN EVENING WITH AMAL EL-MOHTAR Carriage House, Charlottetown

Rhapsody with Science

Lecture by UPEI writer-in-residence Harry Thurston

Harry Thurston is an award-winning poet, naturalist and globe-travelling journalist whose environmental and nature writing has appeared widely in North American magazines, including Audubon, Equinox, Canadian Geographic, and National Geographic Thurston will give the 2023 UPEI Don Mazer Arts & Science Lecture on October 3, 7:30 pm, at UPEI’s McDougall Hall, room 248.

His talk, “Rhapsody with Science: The Education of a Nature Writer,” will address “the separation between the sciences and the arts.”

Thurston writes, “My personal journey has made me question this supposed divide. Instead, like the great biologist and writer E. O. Wilson, I believe that ‘neither science nor the arts can be complete without combining their separate strengths’ and that nature writing seeks to make our minds and hearts whole again.”

Thurston has published 17 books of nonfiction. Tidal Life, A Natural History of the Bay of Fundy (1990) won all three Atlantic Provinces’ nonfiction book awards and has been called a “natural history classic.” The Atlantic Coast, A Natural History (2011) received the Lane Anderson Award for the best science writing in Canada. His awards include the National Magazine Award for Science and Technology and the Canadian Science Writers Association Science and Society Awards.

A life-long Nova Scotia resident, Thurston began writing poetry while training as a biologist at Acadia

University, and has published 12 poetry collections, His most recent, Ultramarine (2023), explores the passage of time, both as individuals and as a species. A passionate fly fisher, in 2020 he published a fishing memoir, Lost River, The Waters of Remembrance A cultural as well as conservation activist, he has served as chair of The Writers’ Union of Canada.

Thurston’s lecture is presented by the UPEI Faculty of Arts and Faculty of Science, and supported by Bookmark Charlottetown. The lecture series is named in honour of Dr. Don Mazer, an esteemed UPEI Psychology professor who led the development of UPEI’s Environmental Studies Program, and whose interests have bridged the Arts and Sciences on PEI. The public is invited, and admission is free.

READERS / WRITERS

Donna Morrissey in conversation with Ali Hassan

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

So, You Want to Write a Novel

Join author L. P. Suzanne Atkinson for the two-day interactive workshop, So, You Want to Write a Novel, offered Sept 23 from 10:30 am–4:30 pm and Sept 24

from 1:30–4:30 pm at the Charlottetown Library Learning Centre (97 Queen St). Bring along pen and paper or tablet/ computer for writing exercises and taking notes. Register in advance.

PEI Writers’ Guild open mic

The PEI Writers’ Guild and The Gallery Coffee House & Bistro present A Night at the Gallery—Open Mic on the fourth Thursday of each month at 7 pm. This open mic is a platform for writers of all levels. Writers are encouraged to bring their friends, sign up to perform, read their writing aloud, or listen to other writers perform their work. To read aloud at a future open mic, writers should email director@peiwritersguild. com. The next open mic is Sept 27 at 7 pm. These events are free to attend. 82 Great George St, Charlottetown.

Poet, naturalist and journalist Harry Thurston SUBMITTED

BOOKS PEI

Collection Plates & Slot Machines

Lawrence Maxwell

death. This collection is both confessional and observational in its delivery, dealing with temptation and strength, the mundane and the wonderful, all witnessed through the veil of Spirit.

The book will be available for purchase on September 6 online and at various local retail outlets. Join Maxwell on September 24 for a matinee featuring readings from the book and an intimate acoustic musical performance at Trailside Music Hall in Charlottetown. Visit trailside.ca for tickets.

Into the Wind

A Novel of Acadian Resilience

A. J. B. Johnston

this moving tale, the main characters Marie and Charles are fictional, but the story is not. It is based on well-documented historical facts about the 1755 removal of Acadians from Grand-Pré. Into the Wind presents that well-known event in a fresh way. It makes for a poignant, suspenseful novel about how two kids and a village deal with forces and events far beyond their control.

Johnston is the author or co-author of 21 books: 16 on different aspects of the history of Atlantic Canada and five novels. The Canadian Historical Association awarded a Clio prize to his Endgame 1758: The Promise, the Glory and the Despair of Louisbourg’s Last Decade, and Ni’n na L’nu: The Mi’kmaq of Prince Edward Island was selected in 2014 as the best published Atlantic book. John was made a chevalier of France’s Ordre des Palmes académiques in recognition of his many publications on the French presence in Atlantic Canada. He lives in Halifax, NS with his wife Mary.

Into the Wind is published by Acorn Press in Charlottetown, PE. ajbjohnston.com

Fiona:

Experiencing the beauty and tragedy of the world through the lens of a restless mind—that is the theme for Lawrence Maxwell’s debut book of poetry, Collection Plates & Slot Machines. With references to the natural landscapes and relationships forged in his home province of PEI, Maxwell plays on the idea that we are all part sinner and saint with the capacity for both loving kindness and thoughtless malice. The correlation between a collection plate and a slot machine is that both are vessels through which we hedge bets for a better life. In this collection, life itself is seen as a gamble. There are instances where humour and brevity are used to cleanse the palate of the heavier subjects, and the sequencing has been crafted in such a way as to move through life—the flow between childhood, adolescence, adulthood and

Prince Edward Island Accounts of Canada’s Biggest Storm Pownal Street Press

first shocking moments to the absolute wonder experienced as the lights came back on, home by home. It is a historical record of a weather event that will never be forgotten, and serves to capture the impact of climate change on Canada’s smallest province.

With an introduction by CBC meteorologist Jay Scotland, Fiona includes written work by the Island Nature Trust, Kim Griffin of Maritime Electric, PEI Poet Laureate Tanya Davis and former Poet Laureate Julie Pellissier Lush, the Great Wisdom Buddhist Institute, and cartoonist Wayne Wright. Works by Lisa Chandler, Jennifer Platts Fanning, Michael Pendergast, Millefiore Clarkes, Jordan Beaulieu, Jessica Fritz, Dianne Hicks Morrow and Adrian McNally Smith are also featured. Photography by the Island Nature Trust, Angela Rowlings, Andrew Lewis and more.

“This book is an important record of Island weather history,” says Kevin “Boomer” Gallant.

Royalties from the book’s sales will be donated to the Island Nature Trust. pownalstreetpress.com

For the Love of Sea View

A book launch for Into the Wind: A Novel of Acadian Resilience by A. J. B. (John) Johnston will take place at the Acadian Museum of PEI in Miscouche on September 7.

On a gusty August morning two children spot sails on the horizon … foreign soldiers enter their village. In

Charlottetown’s independent publishing house, Pownal Street Press, will officially launch Fiona: Prince Edward Island Accounts of Canada’s Biggest Storm on September 17 from 2–3:30 pm at the Salvador Dali Café in Charlottetown. Featured presenters include Jay Scotland, Adrian McNally Smith, PEI Poet Laureate Tanya Davis and the Island Nature Trust.

All Islanders will remember September 24, 2022, when post-tropical cyclone Fiona made landfall as one of the most intense storms to ever hit our coastal shores. In an unprecedented outage that left 95 percent of customers without power, Fiona left in her wake Islanders ravaged and disoriented. But as Islanders struggled in the days and weeks that followed, what revealed itself was a community whose spirit cannot be broken.

This collection in poetry, essay and photographs records Islanders’ experiences of the storm, from Fiona’s

A book launch for Hilary MacLeod’s new book, For the Love of Sea View, will take place at the Sea View Community Hall on September 10 at 3 pm. There will be a book reading, a book signing, refreshments and a view.

MacLeod is a prolific author of six PEI Shores murder mysteries, and recently revealed the source of her inspiration: the 30 summers she spent in Sea View, PEI. Her latest book, For the Love of Sea View, is a non-fiction description of life in a tiny cedar shingle house on the North shore. It is published by Acorn Press.

For the Love of Sea View is peppered with stories about the unusual, extraordinary and deeply moving. It is part

memoir, part ode to a place she clearly loves. In this, Hilary is very far from alone: the people of Sea View take pride in their past, in their farming and fishing culture, always just a breath away from vivid, vocal remembering in someone’s kitchen or at the hall. And the house, the house that she had loved not wisely but too well? Risen from the ashes, it shakes in the wind, on the high ground over the sea.

Balaclava

M. G. Field

making him a sympathetic, relatable character, even in the midst of his troubling situation.

In a combined launch, the novel and Field’s recent EP, Look Ahead, will be released at The Gallery Coffee House & Bistro, a licensed facility in Charlottetown, on September 22 from 5–8 pm. This free event will feature live music by Gordon Belsher, Courtney Hogan-Chandler and M. G. Field, as well as a reading and book signing. Copies of Field’s books and CDs will be available for purchase.

In the Hollow Lotos Land

T.K.

Pratt

PEI-based author, M. G. Field, is releasing Balaclava, his second mystery/ thriller. The book will soon be available on Amazon and at local book stores.

Dan Middleton is forced off a quiet road in Southwest Florida and confronted by a blackmailer wearing a balaclava. Two years earlier, Dan had been charged with his wife’s murder in Massachusetts. Even though the charges were dropped, he found himself living under a black cloud of suspicion. Moreover, his in-laws threatened to sue him for wrongful death, compelling him to give them custody of his young daughter.

A former college hockey star who descended into opioid addiction after a painful injury, Dan has taken on the identity of J. R. Kincaid and forged a new life on the Gulf Coast with the beautiful and mysterious Kateryna. Now he has been found out: the blackmailer demands $25,000 on the threat of revealing his true identity to the police and his girlfriend. He is loathe to pony up the money, but how can he risk losing Kateryna—who will surely feel betrayed and doubt his innocence?

With a background as a penitentiary counsellor, Field uses his understanding of addictive and criminal behaviour to add depth to his characters. Dan’s motivations, emotions, and actions are nuanced and realistic,

As the University of Prince Edward Island begins its intense search for a new president, T.K. Pratt releases In the Hollow Lotos Land, his new novel on just such a presidential search.

When James Knowlton, Associate Professor of English at a small Maritime university, is denied a well-deserved promotion by his surly Dean, he spins a plot of revenge that makes today’s election hackers and dirty tricks operators look like rank amateurs.

Retired UPEI professor T.K. Pratt, who chaired both an English department and a search committee for president, knows the outrageous world of university politics from the inside. The reader will never look at their alma mater in the same way again.

The Writers’ Federation of Nova Scotia judges awarded an earlier version of In the Hollow Lotos Land with the H.R. Percy Prize for an unpublished novel in the 2004 Atlantic Writing Competition.

The book is available online and at Bookmark in Charlottetown.

…continued on page A26

BOOKS PEI

…continued from page A25

The Rising

Karen MacLeod-Wilkie

Summer in the Spotlight

Liz Johnson

metaphor, but as melodies, percussion, and harmonies ringing from the waves. She tries to find someone else in the town who can hear what she hears, but everyone is too noisy and busy to pay attention. When a giant storm comes to her town, it makes an enormous cacophony—and in the silence afterwards, when the townspeople finally put down their work and come down to the water’s edge, the girl finally meets a friend who can hear the music too. With lyrical words and illustrations, The Sea That Sings to Me is an ode to the special connection we have with the natural world.

wasn’t love. It was revenge. Plain and simple. Payback from their humans for the litter box situation. It really wasn’t good. Soon, it’s two cantankerous cats against one loveseat, leather-bent on being the new bestie. Setting aside their differences won’t be easy for the furry adversaries, but cat naps are calling.

Virtual and in-person PAWthor visits forgrades 3–6 classrooms can be booked for this fall by emailing judithgraves@ymail.com. Her sessions offer short writing and drawing sprints to inspire creativity and can be tailored.

Graves’s YA fiction includes Exposed and Infiltrate: Retribution with Orca Book Publishers. A Tale of Two Kitties is published by Acorn Press.

Copies of A Tale of Two Kitties is available locally at Bookmark, Indigo Charlottetown and Coles Summerside, and online at acornpresscanada.com, nimbus.ca and amazon.ca.

The Multiplication Rap Hope Dalvay

Liz

On September 10, Karen MacLeodWilkie will celebrate the launch of The Rising, her fifth book in five years, and the third in The Prophecy Series.

In the Fairy Realm, Asa receives a message of anguish from the trees. He and his mentor, Donovan, must figure out what has happened as they travel the Realm with Queen Amethyst. On their journey, new gifts open up within Asa, and he is pushed to his limits in unexpected ways. Meanwhile, on Earth, a young dwarf called Rebel convinces his mother to mount a rescue mission in search of his father. Their journey is fraught with danger, and Rebel has to face difficult choices that will change the course of his life forever.

MacLeod-Wilkie is a retired United Church of Canada Minister, a practitioner of the Healing Pathway and an avid long-distance runner and hiker. She lives on PEI with her husband Paul in an old farmhouse which they are continually renovating.

On September 10, there will be an open house and book celebration at 1561 Route 225, North Wiltshire, from 2:30–4:30 pm. There will be cake, punch and books available for purchase.

Books can also be purchased locally at Bookmark, Indigo Charlottetown, Cavendish Tourish Mart, Clow’s General Store, Tides and Tales in North Rustico, Victoria Glass Studio. It is also available on Amazon or by email request to kmacleodwilkie@gmail.com. kmacleodwilkie.com

Kelsey Ahern’s childhood was filled with performances at the Victoria Playhouse. She continued her stage presence as an adult until a hurricane destroyed the building. Now, not only is she an actress without a stage, but her job as a high school drama teacher is in jeopardy. However, there is someone who may be able to help.

Levi Ross, the facilities director at the school, has a reputation for being able to fix anything—and there is more to him than meets the eye. Levi has admired Kelsey for years, but he can’t seem to find the courage to tell her. When a popular weatherman arrives in town and takes an interest in Kelsey, Levi realizes he needs to speak up—or lose his chance.

Johnson is the New York Times bestselling author of more that a dozen novels. She works in marketing, makes her home in Phoeniz, Arizona, and daydreams of returning to PEI. lizjohnsonbooks.com

The Sea That Sings To Me

Kara Gri n

Illustrated by Marla Lesage

The Sea That Sings To Me is the debut children’s book by PEI author Kara Griffin. It is illustrated by NB artist, writer and illustrator, Marla Lesage, and published by Acorn Press.

The story follows an Island girl who can hear music in the ocean—not as a

Kara Griffin was born and raised in PEI, growing up on the North Shore. Her writing is inspired by her love for nature and animals. Her hopeful stories celebrate the beauty and wonder of nature and invite the reader to see and understand the world through their hearts. She lives in Charlottetown with her cat, Amelia. karagriffinstories.com

A Tale of Two Kitties

Judith Graves

Illustrated by Kate Chisholm

PEI author, screenwriter and illustrator

Judith Graves has released her debut picture book, A Tale of Two Kitties A book launch will be held at Coles Summerside from 11 am–1 pm on September 30.

Mittens and Boots have nothing in common. Nada. Zilch. Okay, maybe they live in the same house, but sharing is not in their vocabulary. They each have their own food bowls, bathing rituals and bad habits. And they like it that way. Life is glorious until IT arrives—the loveseat—replacing their usual cozy armchairs. PAW-lease. This

A book launch for The Multiplication Rap by Island author Hope Dalvay, will be held at Coles Summerside from 11 am–1 pm, September 30.

Published by Acorn Press, this book teaches a song the reader won’t soon forget. It’s called “The Multiplication Rap” and it makes multiplying a snap. Join Mr. Mathias Whiz and his students as they learn a new song. The rhymes are catchy, so be prepared to sing along. But, most of all, just have fun and relax, and let the power of song help with the multiplication facts.

The amusing rhymes by Dalvay and comical illustrations by Kate Chisholm in The Multiplication Rap intend to delight and entertain readers as they learn the times tables.

Dalvay began writing her debut middle-grade novel Welcome to Camp Fill-in-the-Blank as a way to escape the notoriously harsh winter of 2015 in her home province of PEI. As a child, she was often found with her nose buried in a book, blissfully lost in another world. Her love of words continued into adulthood when she fell into a career as a copyeditor. She rediscovered the joy of children’s literature while reading bedtime stories to her two boys.

Johnson concluded her Prince Edward Island Shores Series with Summer in the Spotlight, released in August.

A gift of Island Poetry

METAL ROOF, RAIN, ROBIN

Patter-pattern soft at rst,   with whole-note rests,  then wind-altered.

In the maple’s upper storey  under a canopy of leaves,   the robin.

Notes rise and fall in pitch,   robin holding the rhythm steady,  rain at the whim of clouds and wind.

Time signatures   of the day.

Deirdre Kessler. Deirdre’s most recent poetry collection is The Jubilance of Jig

Poetry reading and workshops

With UPEI writer-in-residence Harry Thurston

A poetry reading and two writing workshops will be offered in September by this year’s UPEI writer-in-residence—poet, nature and environmental author, and conservation activist Harry Thurston.

There has long been a close connection among nature writing, the life and earth sciences, environmental concerns, and poetry.

Thurston will read from his new poetry collection, Ultramarine, on September 27, 7:30 pm, at the Gallery Coffee Shop and Bistro at 82 Great George Street in Charlottetown. The reading is presented by the UPEI Faculty of Science and Faculty of Arts and Bookmark.

The author of 12 poetry collections, Thurston began writing poetry while studying biology at Acadia University, which awarded him an honorary doctorate in 2013. His 17 non-fiction books and abundant articles have earned him numerous nature, environmental, and science writing awards.

In addition to the poetry reading, Thurston, in his capacity as UPEI’s 2023 writer-in-residence, will offer two workshops.

The first workshop, Poetry and

Poetry panel

Part of the Wild Threads Literary Festival

‘The Other’ in this “More-than-Human World,” will take place September 29, from 12:30–4 pm at Main Building (room 335) on the UPEI campus.

Thurston writes, “While much poetry is about the human condition of love and loss and written from a deeply personal point-of-view, there is poetry of ‘the other’ in this ‘morethan-human-world,’ to borrow a phrase from eco-philosopher David Abram. In this workshop, we will look at poems about plants and animals, written about them from the human perspective as well as imagined from the other’s viewpoint.”

His second workshop, The Future of Environmental Writing: Wonder, Despair, and Social Justice, will be held on September 30, 9:30 am–1 pm, at Main Building (room 213) on the UPEI campus.

“What should the future of nature writing look like in this era of the Anthropocene, when human activity has become a geological force altering Earth’s life-sustaining climate and precipitating a sixth extinction event in Earth history?” asks Thurston, “Is it still possible to see and write about the world with a sense of wonder, and without despair? Further, clearly the Eurocentric view of nature no longer addresses the needs of the disadvantaged and oppressed. We will examine these questions through readings and a round-table discussion.”

Each workshop will be limited to 25 participants. Fees vary for students and seniors. Email lpottie@upei.ca for the link to register.

Wild Threads Literary Festival will present Poetry: The Most Accessible Art Form on September 15 at 4:30 pm at The Guild in Charlottetown. The panel will feature Bren Simmers, Tanya Davis and Eberechi Okwuwolu.

In 2019, at the first Wild Threads Literary Festival, George Elliott Clarke called poetry “the most accessible art form.” Join author and CBC Poetry Prize Winner Bren Simmers, poet Eberechi Okwuwolu, and PEI Poet Laureate Tanya Davis to explore where the breath of poetry begins, where the artform can take a person, and how rhythm and pace can carry a person’s words along, even when they’re not sure where exactly they might be going.

Bren Simmers is the author of

four books, most recently If, When (Gaspereau Press, 2021). She is the winner of the CBC Poetry Prize and The Malahat Review Long Poem Prize. Her poetry collection Spell ‘World’ Backwards is forthcoming in 2024. She lives on PEI.

Eberechi Okwuwolu is an entrepreneur, podcaster and interdisciplinary artist residing in PEI. He uses art therapy as a tool to explore different forms of self-expression and the connections people make as they share their emotions and thoughts with others.

Tanya Davis is an interdisciplinary artist based in rural PEI. She creates for the page, the stage, the stereo, and the screen and is PEI’s current Poet Laureate. theguildpei.com

FUNDRAISERS

Kidney Walk PEI

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

Blooming House Ride for Refuge

Ride for Refuge, a family friendly walk/ bike event in support of Blooming House, will be held on Sept 23 from 10 am–1 pm at Malcolm Darrach Community Centre in Charlottetown. Register to raise funds and walk, run or ride together. Volunteers can sign up to

help make this event a success. Blooming House is the only low-barrier shelter for women experiencing homelessness in PEI. Their goal for Ride 2023 is to raise $40,000 by Sept 23 with the support of over 25 teams and 150+ participants. The money raised will help some of the Island’s most vulnerable individuals; ensuring more unhoused women will have access to safe shelter, basic necessities, and support to work towards stability and self-sufficiency. Info: bethany@ bloominghouse.ca; 213-3767; rideforrefuge.org/charlottetown

Run for the Cure committee seeking volunteers

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

PHOTOS SUBMITTED

(L-R): Eberechi Okwuwolu, Tanya Davis and Bren Simmers

De ning Mental Well-Being Initiative

In Sept, the PEI Alliance for Mental WellBeing is hosting a conference on mental well-being where researchers, government and community groups will come together to develop a shared research plan on PEI. This plan starts with understanding what mental well-being means to those who live here. There are two forms (English and French) to gather answers from people across PEI. These answers will be displayed at the conference to help start this important work. To contribute, fill out this short form. English: forms.office.com/r/ XytQmH3rdB French: forms.office. com/r/W5cjHxKECq

Street Market Night in Alberton

The West Prince Chamber of Commerce and the Town of Alberton are looking to bring people and communities together by creating a weekly Street Market Night. With so many newcomers and businesses to the region, the Market Night will be designed to be a welcoming area to gather and have conversations, make connections, and get to know the community better. Organizers are calling on local business members, vendors, entertainers, food trucks, artisans and those with locally made products and services who may be interested in participating, beginning Wednesday, Sept 6 from 6–9 pm and running weekly on Wednesdays to Oct 25, on Main Street in Alberton. If interested, fill out the vendor application form and westprincechamber.com. Info: westprincechamber.com/commercialstreet-night-market-new-event/

PEI Touch A Truck 2023

PEI Touch A Truck is a family event and fundraiser being hosted by Family Place at Kool Breeze Farms in Summerside on Sept 24 from 1–4 pm. Fun for the whole family, the event will have trucks, face painting, food, entertainment, and more. See, touch, and learn about a variety of vehicles. Net proceeds from the fundraiser go to support Family Place’s free programs and services for children and families. Free admission for children under one year old. This event is rain or shine (in the event of severe weather it will be cancelled/rescheduled). Info: 4361348; fp@familyplacepei.com. 231 Read Corner, Summerside.

Community Fridges

Gifts From The Heart offers free food, clothing, furniture and housewares to qualified low income families and those experiencing temporary hardship. Betty Begg-Brooks and her volunteers also manage three Community Fridges, located at 10 Maple Hills Ave in Charlottetown, West Royalty Community Centre, and the Stratford No Frills parking lot. Food donations can be dropped off directly at the nearest Community Fridge during operating

COMMUNITY #1

hours, Monday–Friday from 9 am–5 pm. Call Betty at 393-0171 for after hours drop-off or to volunteer. The shifts are from 9 am–1 pm or 1–5 pm and training is provided.

Charlottetown Ostomy Peer Support Group

The Charlottetown Ostomy Peer Support Group meets on the last Wednesday of each month in Room 207 of the Murphy’s Pharmacies Community Centre on Richmond Street in Charlottetown. The next meeting takes place on Sept 27 at 7 pm. Info: 566-1459

Breast Cancer Support Group

The Breast Cancer Monthly Support Group meets on the first Monday of each month, unless it falls on a holiday, then it is held on the following Monday. The next meeting is Sept 11 at 7 pm. Info: Judy at 569-3496 or charlottetownbreastcancersg@gmail.com; or 1-800-685-8820.

Lymphedema Support/ Education Group

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

Trade HERizons

Trade HERizons is a career exploration and college preparation program for women and gender-diverse people with a focus on exposure to trades and technology careers, enhancing essential skills, career exploration and personal development. Participants experience hands on learning opportunities with Holland College and CAPEI, meet mentors, and tour with employers in industry. The program runs Sept 13–Dec 15. For more details about the program and eligibility criteria, visit wnpei.org or follow @ Women’s Network PEI on FB and IG.

Farm Day in the City

Farm Day in the City takes place Oct 1 on Queen Street in Charlottetown. The free event features over 180 vendors and exhibitors, kids’ activities, live music, a beer garden and more.

Open Farm Day 2023

This year’s PEI Open Farm Day event takes place Sept 17. On Open Farm Day, 20+ Island farms open their doors for Islanders to explore and learn about agriculture. Info: @peiopenfarmday on FB

Orwell Farm Days

Orwell Farm Days take place Sept 2 from 1–4 pm at Orwell Corner Historic Site. There will be farm demonstrations, hooked rugs and demonstration, a quilt show and a corn boil. Fun for all ages. Admission upon entry. Info: 651-2202

PEI’s Sexual Assault Awareness Week

Healing isn’t linear and can look differently for everyone. Join the PEI Sexual Assault and Rape Centre for PEI’s 2023 Sexual Assault Awareness Week, Sept 17–23, to celebrate reclamation, empowerment and radical knowledge sharing. Upcoming events include: a survivor-based photography exhibit opening at 3 pm on Sept 17 at the Hilda Woolnough Gallery in Charlottetown; a Consent is Revolution Workshop Series, Sept 18–23, with Rachele Manet, Daze Jefferies and Pathways to Thrive providing meaningful dialogues on how to create cultures of consent through varying communities; Take Back the Night grassroots march and speeches on Sept 21 at 5 pm, followed by a feminist market and a youth focused all ages punk show; and Resist! Revolt! Rebel! with Charlottetown Burlesque performances at The Guild on Sept 22 at 7 pm and Sept 23 at 8:30 pm. Follow @peirasc for updates, schedule and registration info. peirsac.org

Fall School Food Lunch program

To ensure families have equitable access to healthy food for their school aged children, the PEI School Food Program meal service will begin on Sept 11 in PEI schools. Ordering for the first meal period will open Sept 2 and close Sept 7 at 12 pm. To order with the PEI School Food Program and for a full menu, visit peischoolfood.ca.

UPEI Presidential Search Committee online survey

The Presidential Search Committee launched an online survey as part of the consultation phase of the 12-month search process that will select a new President and Vice-Chancellor for the University of Prince Edward Island. The Search Committee has met several times with executive search firm Perrett Laver to plan and develop the year-long, multi-phase process for the comprehensive and inclusive search. The planning phase, which is now complete, began in May with the formation and announcement of the committee. The consultation phase, which will run to Sept, will offer members of UPEI and broader community several ways to provide input on the development of the candidate profile for the president and vice-chancellor role. One option is to complete the confidential, anonymous online survey that is available until Sept 8 at eu.surveymonkey.com/r/NXHSKRH. In addition to

the survey, the Search Committee will hold virtual and in-person meetings with key stakeholder groups and accept written submissions at presidentialsearch@upei.ca until Sept 8. The search process also includes the candidate search, candidate assessment, interview and announcement phases. Info: upei.ca/ presidentialsearch

Fall Colours Walk

The Tracadie Good Neighbourly Club will hold their annual Fall Colours Walk on Oct 1. The group will meet at 2 pm at the Tracadie Community Centre, 148 Station Rd, and walk through local trails onto the Confederation trail. Info: 330-2248

Hauntings and History Walking Tour

Kings Playhouse Hauntings and History walking tours continue through Sept in Georgetown. Walks take place on Wednesdays beginning at Kings Playhouse. Each tour includes a light snack and beverage, and will include facts, fables and chilling ghost stories. Info: kingsplayhouse.com/events

Charlottetown Rural 50th Reunion for 1973 Grads

Graduates, class members, guests and current and former Charlottetown Rural High School (CRHS) staff are welcome to attend the 50th reunion for the CRHS Class of 1973 at the Haviland Club in Charlottetown on Oct 10 at 6 pm. The evening will offer a chance to celebrate and reminisce about cherished memories. Stay tuned to the FB event page (search Class of 1973 50th Class Reunion) or email chtownruralreunion73@gmail.com to receive updates.

Women in Leadership Bursary

The Hilda Ramsay Bursary of $500 is granted annually to a female identifying student at UPEI or Holland College. The application deadline is Nov 1. Forms can be found at ndppei.ca. In 2019, the NDP PEI Women’s committee established the bursary to encourage activist women on the Island. Funds for this bursary are raised at a biennial dinner, set for June 2024. Hilda Ramsay was the first woman on PEI to run for the provincial legislature in 1951. To support the Hilda Ramsay Fund, call 330-2248.

Happy Hearts Seniors Club

Adults aged 50+ are invited to the inaugural meeting of the Happy Hearts Seniors Club on Sept 6 from 2–4 pm at Pinette Raceway. Joy, friendship and fulfillment are at the center of this vibrant community. The Club aims to create a haven for seniors to forge new friendships, embrace exciting activities, and share the joys of life with kindred spirits. The first meeting is an opportunity to get to know one other better and set the foundation for a vibrant and fulfilling journey ahead. Info: follow @Happy Hearts Seniors Club on FB; email happyheartsseniorsclub@gmail.com. 3712 TCH, Belfast.

LIBRARIES

PEI Public Library Service

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

Charlottetown Library Learning Centre

The following programming is offered at the Charlottetown Library Learning Centre (97 Queen St). Try the Oculus Virtual Reality headsets for ages 10+ in the Rotary Auditorium (Thur, 3–5 pm). Bring supplies and join fibre and textile makers at Fibre Arts Club (Tues, 1 pm). Learn about Emergency Preparedness from the PEI Emergency Measures Org (Sept 6, 1 pm). Learn how the bus system works and how to properly read the schedules at the T3 Transit Info session (Sept 11, 9:30 am). All ages/skill levels are welcome to join the French Conversation Group to practice French skills and enjoy casual conversation, games and books (Mon, 4 pm, through Sept). Learn how to sign up and access Maple Virtual Healthcare at the Maple: Virtual Clinic presentation (Sept 12, 10 am). Watch the first two episodes of a popular anime and chat about it with some new pals; discuss new releases, favourite shows, and anything and everything anime at Anime Club for ages 18+ (Sept 12, 6 pm) and for all ages (Sept 20, 4 pm). Register for the MidMorning Book Club (Sept 13, 10 am).

Bust common myths and learn best practices for training a well-mannered and well balanced, happy dog at the Would My Dog Make a Good Therapy Dog? presentation by a certified trainer from Spot On Dog Training (Sept 14, 6:30 pm). Take part in the Community Clothing

Swap and find clothing, footwear and outerwear for all ages/sizes (Sept 16, 10 am–3 pm). Contact Wild Child for dropoff details; do not drop off items off at the library. Visit the Seniors Café for tea/ coffee, sandwiches, and a library tour for anyone interested (Sept 21, 1 pm).

Register for L. P. Suzanne Atkinson’s two-day interactive So, You Want to Write a Novel workshop (Sept 23–24). Book a one-on-one Resumé Help with Kelly Robinson from CDS PEI (Sept 27, 9:30 am-4 pm). The Board Game Café has a variety of games to suit all types of gamers (Sept 27, 6 pm).

Summerside Rotary Library

Programming continues at the Summerside Rotary Library (57 Central St). The Sunday Matinee screenings include E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial (Sept 3, 1 pm) and Cruella (Sept 17, 1 pm). The Seniors Café (Sept 8, 11 am) will feature tea/coffee and a Wills & Estate Planning presentation by Hannah Jones from Community Legal Information. Play games at Cards, Crokinole and Cronies (Sept 13, 27; 2 pm). Learn Emergency Preparedness from the PEI Emergency Measures Org (Sept 12, 6:30 pm). Designed to help prepare Islanders for emergencies that affect their communities, in conjunction with

the Emergency Preparedness Guide, this presentation will provide info about the risks faced by Islanders, how best to prepare a personal emergency plan, and give an example of a 72-hour emergency kit. All skill levels are welcome to bring needlecraft paraphernalia and join Nifty Knitters and Needlecraft for craft and social time with fibre and textile makers (Sept 14, 28 at 1:30 pm; Sept 25, 6 pm). Take plants or cuttings to the library and swap with fellow plant lovers at the Plant Swap (Sept 17, 2 pm). Register to create Pebble Art (Sept 18, 6 pm; Sept 20, 2 pm). Watch A Dog’s Way Home at Theatre Thursday (Sept 21, 2 pm). Get a copy of the latest selection at the circulation desk and join the Book Club for a discussion (Sept 23, 2 pm). Sexual Health, Options & Reproductive Services PEI will share info about perimenopause and menopause and dispel some common myths at Menopause Education (Sept 26, 6:30 pm). Children’s programs include: Wiggle Giggle Read (9:30 am, Wed); Toddler Time (9:30 am, Thur); Family Storytime (10:30 am, Thur); Puppet Play for the whole family (Sept 2, 10:30 am); Moon Lander Challenge workshop (Sept 9, 10:30 am; Design a Wind Chime workshop (Sept 16, 10:30 am); E is for Energy workshop in celebration of Science Literacy Week (Sept 23, 10:30 am); and Popup Drive-In with a craft session before watching Minions (rated G) with popcorn and drinks (Sept 29, 1 pm). Teen programming offers Guess the Page Count (Sept 1–30), Cricut Banks (Sept 10, 2:30 pm), In Stitches (Sept 17, 2:30 pm), Rainbow Youth Club (Sept 19, 6 pm), and the Monday Movie, Now You See Me, (Sept 25, 5:30 pm).

Focusing Action for Positive Change Grant Program

Preparing for hurricane season

Heavy rain, sustained winds, storm surge, flooding and power outages are all things that can be expected during a hurricane or tropical storm. The Provincial Emergency Management Organization (EMO) wants to remind everyone that hurricane season is underway, and the best response to these events is proper emergency planning. Helpful reminders when planning for an emergency include: making a household emergency plan to help everyone know what to do in case of emergency; updating your preparedness kits, including extra food, pet supplies, water, masks and hygiene products; bringing in or tying down furniture, play equipment, barbeques or anything that can become projectiles in the event of high winds; ensuring you have fuel for generators and vehicles, as well as propane for outdoor cooking devices such as barbeques; replacing batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide alarms; and keeping up with the latest information from reliable sources such as following PEI Government, local media, and law enforcement social media channels. PEI EMO collaborates with the Canadian Hurricane Centre to provide government depts, municipalities, community organizations and agency partners with the latest information so that roles can be fulfilled and everyone is prepared. For more on how to be prepared for an emergency, visit princeedwardisland. ca/en/information/justice-and-publicsafety/how-to-be-prepared-for-an-emergency. Additionally, eligible non-profit community groups and municipalities can now take proactive action by accessing provincial funding to purchase and install generators at designated reception centres. For more info, visit princeedwardisland.ca/en/information/ fisheries-tourism-sport-and-culture/ reception-centre-resiliency-fund/

Emergency preparedness

The PEI Emergency Measures Organization (EMO) are delivering an emergency preparedness presentation in Charlottetown and Summerside this month. In conjunction with the Emergency Preparedness Guide, this presentation provides information on understanding the risks faced by Islanders, how best to prepare a personal emergency plan, and offers an example of a 72 Hour Emergency Kit. The free presentations will take place at the Charlottetown Library Learning Centre on Sept 6 at 1 pm, and at the Summerside Rotary Library on Sept 12 at 6:30 pm.

Free school supplies for Island students

Once again, the province will provide free school supplies to all students from kindergarten to grade 9 in the public-school system. The province is providing $980,800 to the school authorities to purchase school supplies for the 2023/24 school year. Over 16,200 students are anticipated to be enrolled. Parents are reminded that students will still need to bring their own indoor shoes, backpacks, lunch bags, and where applicable, calculators and headphones.

COMMUNITY #2

Post-Fiona Impressions

PEI artist and therapist Patricia MacAulay invites Islanders to take part in an art project to mark the first anniversary of Hurricane Fiona. To participate, Islanders can recall the moment they emerged from their shelter and answer two questions: What did you see? How did you feel? The artist will respond to these recollections by creating a series of art pieces that encapsulate this shared post-hurricane experience. She will compile Islanders’ memories and the art pieces into a flip book to be distributed among participants by Sept 24. Responses can be sent to: landmarkproject@gmail.com. Info: sweetpeacottage.ca

Pulmonary Fibrosis Support

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

Online Grief Support Group

Monthly grief support meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month at 7 pm. These sessions use the Zoom online meeting app. To register, call the Hospice PEI Grief Coordinator at 330-3857. For info on navigating through grief and for helpful resources, call 330-3857 or email griefsupport@hospicepei.ca. To learn more about Hospice PEI programs and services and how to get involved, visit hospicepei.ca.

Free tuition available for nursing and paramedicine

Island residents looking to pursue a career in healthcare can receive financial assistance to support their training. Through the Licensed Practical Nurse and Paramedic Support Program, the Province of PEI will subsidize all tuition costs to licensed practical nursing, primary and advanced care paramedicine students who are graduating as early as Dec 2023. Eligible students who receive these tuition subsidies will be required to complete a two-year return of service agreement upon completion of their training program. The Dept of Workforce, Advanced Learning and Population will also be renewing its partnership with Holland College through the addition of 32 more seats in the licensed practical nursing program, as well as continued full tuition subsidies to resident care worker students. Since launching the Resident Care Worker Support Program last year, 125 individuals have been supported as part of the Health Care Priorities Pilot Program. Info: princeedwardisland.ca/ en/information/licensed-practical-nursing-and-paramedic-support-program

Joe Smallwood Memorial Recognition Award

Nominations are open for the 2023 Joe Smallwood Recognition Award. The award is in memory of longtime horseman Joe Smallwood and was established to recognize individuals who have made a positive impact on the harness racing industry on PEI at the grassroots level. The award was created in 2019 and previous recipients are Clarkie Smith, Ron Gass, the late Earl Smith, and Ralph Annear. There are two ways to nominate a candidate: submit a nomination form online at peiharnessracing.ca or mail nominations to the PEI Harness Racing Industry Association office. (Suite 204A, 420 University Ave, Charlottetown, PEI C1A 7Z5). The deadline is Sept 15. Nominations will be reviewed by an independent selection committee and the recipient will be announced during Atlantic Breeders Crown weekend in Charlottetown. Info: peiharnessracing. ca/joe-smallwood-memorail-recognition-award

Leadership Awards

Luncheon

Tickets are now available for the Dementia Friends Leadership Awards Luncheon, which takes place Sept 22 from 11:30 am-2 pm in the Georgian Ballroom at the Rodd Charlottetown Hotel. The luncheon is celebrating leaders in the community with: greetings from Hon Mark McLane, Minister of Health and Wellness; Awards presentations; 2023 World Alzheimer Report update; stand-up comedy with Crone Wisdom–Colleen MacQuarrie & Co; and a three-course lunch. Tickets: eventbrite.ca/e/dementia-friends-leadership-awards-luncheon-tickets-687210433907

Care Giver Support Group

Monthly Care Giver Support Group meetings take place on the third Monday of each month at 1 pm in Queen’s County; the last Wednesday of each month at 1:30 pm in East Prince; and on the second Thursday of each month at 6 pm in West Prince. To register, call the Hospice PEI Coordinator in Queen’s (368-4095), East Prince (438-4231) or West Prince (859-3949). Meetings resume in Sept. Visit hospicepei.ca learn more about Hospice PEI, their programs and services, and how to get involved.

Cochlear implant information

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

connectivity and accessories answered. Family members are welcome to come. To book, call 1-226-919-4834 or email kim. twitchell@medel.com. MED-EL is also hosting a meeting on Oct 5 from 7–8 pm at the Hampton Inn in Charlottetown for those who are wondering if they are a candidate for a cochlear implant and want to learn about the expanded candidacy criteria for cochlear implants. Register at officecanada@medel.com.

Bridge Course with Ray Malone

A Bridge course specializing in Defense will be held weekly on Thursdays, Oct 5–Nov 23, from 9:30 am–12 noon at the Irish Cultural Centre in Charlottetown. Most of the time in this course will be spent on three signals to give a partner: attitude, count, and suit preference. Participants will bid and play hands that demonstrate these signals. As time permits, the course will cover: opening leads; lead directing doubles; discarding and more. The cost is on a sliding scale based on the number of tables. Info/ register: 368-8416; ray.teaches.bridge@ gmail.com

Volunteer re ghter recruitment campaign

The Charlottetown Fire Dept has launched its 2023 volunteer firefighter recruitment campaign. Residents over the age of 19 have the opportunity to make an impact on their community and join a tight-knit, dedicated team of firefighters responsible for fire safety and emergency preparedness in the City of Charlottetown. All volunteer firefighters learn valuable skills they can transfer to their professional and personal lives and receive training and leadership development, insurance coverage, and annual honorariums. The City’s two fire stations include volunteers who perform many duties, including rescues, firefighting, operating and maintaining vehicles and equipment, and assisting with fire prevention and education programs. Application packages are available until Sept 8 at the Charlottetown Fire Dept Station One, 89 Kent St, and between 10 am–2 pm on Saturdays and Sundays at Station Two, 152 St. Peters Rd. Completed applications are due by Sept 29 and must be returned to Station One. Info: 629-4083; charlottetown.ca/ volunteer_fire_recruitment

PEI Autistic Adults

PEI Autistic Adults is an online and in-person peer-support group for autistic adults/seniors on PEI to talk about autism, share experiences of navigating PEI as autistic adults, and support each other. The website, peiautisticadults. com, has a public blog where members can share their views, a private discussion forum, private chat functionality, and links to their social media. There are weekly meetings via Zoom and the group is currently discussing becoming a non-profit. PEI Autistic Adults was started by an autistic senior and currently has over 70 members ranging from students to seniors. To participate in the meetings, without interacting online, email peiautisticadults@gmail. com. PEI Autistic Adults is not affiliated with any organization.

Schneider

What’s in a name?

I’ve been thinking of names a lot recently, wondering why people seem to go out of their way to make things confusing. When I’m teaching classes or leading walks, I often talk about how yellow-rumped warbler is a great name for a small songbird with a yellow patch on its butt. But Swainson’s thrush? That’s not nearly as helpful.

It is the same with trees. Striped maple has lovely stripes on its bark. This tree is doubly well named, as it is often called “goosefoot” maple, accurately referring to the shape of the leaf. On the other hand, the name mountain maple only tells you it is a maple. It should be called “shrubby,” or “shorty” or “maple that grows along streams.”

And don’t get me started on eastern larch (which is also called “juniper,” which it’s not, and “hackmatack,” which refers to a krummholz-like area of tangled woods where it grows). This species just seems to go out of its way to be confusing. You’ll often hear people referring to “hardwoods” and “softwoods” when they’re talking about trees, especially when they’re getting in their winter’s supply of firewood. These categories are meant to divide deciduous trees and coniferous trees. Larch is a coniferous tree, as it has seeds in cones. But it is also a deciduous tree, being the only native conifer that sheds its needles every Autumn. And though it is technically a “softwood,” it is harder than many of our hardwoods, especially species such as trembling aspen, striped maple, and balsam poplar. Clear as mud?

And what about shrubs? Fireberry

hawthorn is a beautiful native shrub with long thorns. It is in the apple family and the fruits are called haws, and fireberry refers to the brilliant orange berries that hang on over the winter. Was that so hard? The same goes for winterberry holly (though our native holly is deciduous, unlike most of the domesticated hollies, but don’t get me started on that…). Anyway, it has lovely orange berries that hang on over the winter.

If you are sensing a pattern here, you’re right. I prefer names that help you to remember or understand what you are looking at. I am fine with people having flora or fauna named after them in Latin. But for common names, it is good to have them useful.

Tree Stories

Marking the rst anniversary of Hurricane Fiona

In a poignant tribute to the resilience of Prince Edward Island’s communities and natural landscapes, the Tree Stories event is set to take place at Beaconsfield Carriage House in Charlottetown on September 23.

The event is organized by Tree Stories, a grassroots initiative dedicated to preserving and celebrating the natural heritage of PEI, in collaboration with the PEI Museum and Heritage Foundation.

As Tree Stories founder Stuart Hikcox explains, “This Spring, the new artistic director of the Victoria Playhouse, Johanna Nutter, asked for my help. As a fellow tree hugger, she asked if I could find three personal stories about how the loss of trees during post-tropical storm Fiona affected Islanders. Her plan was to highlight these stories as part of the broader program for the Tree Hugger’s Ball at the Playhouse in August. I embraced the challenge, and instantly had a problem. There were too many stories for the Playhouse events.

“I decided to embark on a new mission—spend the summer seeking out people to hear and publish their

stories of loss and recovery, and to discover how Fiona made them feel. Treestories.ca was born.”

This event brings together a meaningful and impactful space for reflection, dialogue, and community engagement on the first anniversary of Hurricane Fiona.

At its heart, the event seeks to share and highlight the stories of trees lost in the storm, as well as the profound impact this loss had on individuals across the Island. It aims to facilitate a transition from mourning and loss to a collective commitment to restoring the natural beauty of the Island and strengthening its communities.

The event is free to the public and will feature participatory art projects, interactive displays, and engaging presentations centered around the themes of restoration and community unity.

Islanders are invited to come together, share their stories, and embark on a journey of healing, restoration, and renewed hope. Through the power of collective action and creativity, the aim is to create a stronger, more resilient Island community for generations to come.

“Every story I hear quickly pivots from grief to confidence,” says Hikcox. ”If you have a tree story, please visit the site to share.“

Visit treestories.ca to share tree stories and learn more about the initiative. Follow @heritagepei for event updates.

Let’s look at some other favourite names that I find very helpful.

Ironwood is one of our rarest native trees and the wood feels almost as strong as iron. I remember shaking a young one at the Macphail Woods arboretum and feeling such resistance to movement—unlike a birch, which would easily sway under pressure.

Chokecherry (also called bitter-berry) is definitely not your domesticated sweet cherry, or even a sour cherry. Once cooked, it makes a great jelly or syrup. But eaten raw, you understand why it bears the word “choke” in its name. It is both sour and astringent.

The native aspens (or poplars) all have descriptive names that aid in identification. Trembling aspen leaves rattle in the slightest breeze. The leaves of the large-tooth aspen do indeed have large “teeth” along the leaf edges. And the relatively rare balsam poplar exudes a “balm” or scent from both the buds and the leaves.

Someday if I discover a new species of oak, I won’t mind at all if it gets named Quercus schneiderii, but I really hope it would have a useful common name—chipmunk oak, largeleaf oak, or anything that would help a budding naturalist.

PHOTOS SUBMITTED

The bark and leaves of a striped maple

NATURE

Expanding awareness of species at risk on PEI

Nature PEI’s Travelling Museum exhibit on species at risk, entitled Everyone Needs a Home, is finishing a stop at the the Bedeque Area Historical Museum Labour Day weekend then moving to Carr’s Wildlife Museum in Stanley Bridge for the rest of Sept. The exhibit features photographs and carvings of endangered and threatened species, including bats, birds like the piping plover and Canada warbler, endangered whales of the Gulf of St Lawrence, and other insects and plants. Interpretive panels explain terms, threats, and what people can do to help. A good news story of recovering river otters includes a mounted specimen from the Cardigan River, on loan from PEI Forests, Fish and Wildlife Division. naturepei.com

The Neil Bennett Autumn Birding Classic

Combining citizen science and natural areas conservation, each autumn for the last 29 years, Island Nature Trust (INT) and Nature PEI (Natural History Society of PEI) have joined forces in a team event for birds and nature. The Neil Bennett Autumn Birding Classic is a fundraiser and a significant birding event. Teams of 4–6 gather pledges and head out in the wee hours of the morning to find as many species of birds as possible in one 24-hour period. This year’s Bennett will be held Sept 30 (rain date is Oct 1). The “youth Bennett” will once again be hosted on the same day. Young budding

MARKETS

Charlottetown Farmers’ Market

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

Murray Harbour Farmers’ Market

The Market is celebrating their 10th year of operation in 2023 and while much has changed, their commitment to promoting everything local remains intact. Whether it is the pride instilled by their surroundings or the big hearts of their customers who live in the area, the little Market allows its friends, customers, supporters, visitors and vendors to showcase the Murray Harbour and area, its history, its culinary delights, its culture, its people, its music and its industries—all the best they have to offer. Open on Saturdays

birders (ages 5–12) can join INT staff in a guided birding walk. Time and location tbd. First started in 1995 as the Autumn Birding Classic, it was and continues to be both a fundraiser and an important citizen science event. Shortly after Neil Bennett’s death in 2000, the Autumn Birding Classic was renamed the Neil Bennett Autumn Birding Classic to celebrate Neil’s many contributions to both of the lead organizations. It is hoped that this event will continue to encourage the documentation of new sightings. Normally held in mid to late Sept, the event documents the species seen during autumn migration. The results are published in the Island Naturalist for researchers to help explore species change over the decades in PEI. The contributions to this fundraiser will support conservation of natural areas on the Island. Since it was started, over $59,070 has been raised. To make it a success, INT needs people to make a pledge or, better still, form a birding team (it can be a backyard bird count team with friends of a field team) and collect pledges for the great work being done by the INT on natural areas conservation. To form a team, participate or to make a donation, contact Jordan at 892-7513 or admin@islandnaturetrust.ca, or Dan McAskill at 393-4385.

Island Nature Trust AGM

Island Nature Trust’s 2023 Annual General Meeting will be held on Sept 19 at 6 pm in the Carriage House at Beaconsfield. Join them for an engaging review of last year’s conservation achievements. There is a max capacity of 100 people and admission is first-come, first-served. Doors open at 5:30 pm. Questions can be directed to admin@islandnaturetrust.ca. 2 Kent St, Charlottetown.

to October 7 from 9 am–12 noon at the Murray Harbour Community Centre.

Downtown Farmers’ and Artisans’ Market

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

Souris Market

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

Summerside Farmers’ Market

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

The Cove Journal by JoDee Samuelson

It’s all ours

Canoe Cove Celebration

200 year anniversary of the historic schoolhouse

All are invited to the Canoe Cove Celebration on September 9, from 11 am–4 pm at the Historic Canoe Cove School.

The event will include a Mi’kmaq ceremony and a gathering of school alumni to celebrate the 200 year anniversary of the Canoe Cove School and 150 years of Confederation for Prince Edward Island.

Kids and youth will be encouraged to participate in creating a time capsule, which will be buried on the School grounds to be opened 50 years from now.

Vacationers reluctantly leave the Cove to face the realities of life elsewhere, perhaps in another province or another country, or just in Charlottetown. Farewell!

Meanwhile, the Cove belongs to us. Or should I say, it belongs to the shore birds. Sandbars are alive with skittering long-legged long-billed plovers and sandpipers scavenging for edible morsels at the water’s edge. Handsome black-headed forked-tailed terns bob companionably in tidal pools, while a mélange of herring, ring billed and great black-backed gulls relax on sandbars, grateful for a life free of noisy humans and optimistic dogs. Should a human (such as I) enter their space, the gulls—all heading the same direction for quick take-off—give me a suspicious look before wings go up, legs start churning (almost like a cartoon), and one by one they lift off, leaving downy feathers floating gently on the breeze.

We’ve noticed that the Cove beach has been mucky this summer, like something came in and scooped up the sand, leaving a thick layer of black mud and decomposing rockweed. Did Hurricane Fiona wash the sand out to sea? Possibly. Another thing: we’ve had hardly any jellyfish. (Not a problem for us swimmers.) We usually have our share of them. Is the extreme heat responsible?

Never thought I’d say this, but I’m feeling kindly disposed to young people on ATVs. We recently had a summer guest with a poor sense of direction who impulsively thought she’d like to take a bike ride after supper. Away she sped up the road—sans cellphone—but when she did not return in a timely manner, naturally we started to worry. Just as we were preparing to send out a modest search party, the phone rang:

“I’m lost, but a nice young man is bringing me home.” Shortly thereafter an ATV pulled into the driveway. Our friend hopped off, the smiling driver took the bike off the rack, revved his engine and roared away.

It turned out that our friend had gone down one of those unpaved “Heritage Roads” that feature steep slopes, deep ruts and washouts, overhanging branches, looming shadows, and creatures that rustle in the undergrowth. She got to the very bottom of the long hill with no choice but to turn around and walk back up… when as if by magic, two ATVs appeared out nowhere. “That’s when I phoned you… such nice young men… the one who gave me a ride was from the ___ Road, I guess it’s quite a ways away… we chatted about his plans for the fall… I gave him something by way of thanks, he didn’t want to take it… a real gentleman…”

Which is to say that those ATVs in the backfield don’t bother me like they used to. Isn’t it good that we can change?

Something that doesn’t change: the turn of the seasons. Farewell to blue moons, leaf lettuce and radishes, summer visitors and socials. On to the harvest moon, wood stacking and long pants. Hoping for normal weather, even a cold winter.

But wait! I give myself a shake. There are three weeks of summer left! The water in the Cove is still swimmable. And it’s all ours.

There will be music, hot dogs, cake and beverages. Everything is free.

For more details go to canoecove. org or to I love Canoe Cove on FB. 1066 Canoe Cove Rd, Canoe Cove.

Seeking input on new Dog Owners Act

Islanders are being asked to provide additional comments and feedback on a new piece of legislation that focuses on enhancing safety for dog control.

As outlined in a previous consultation, the new Dog Owners Act will replace the Dog Act, and will focus on updating dog control and safety provisions while also improving on effective means of enforcement when a dangerous situation arises.

Islanders are encouraged to visit princeedwardisland.ca/en/information/agriculture/consultation-for-thedog-owners-act and provide written submissions by email to agr-feedback@ gov.pe.ca by September 14.

BUZZIFIEDS

DO YOU HAVE A STORY or a news release to write? Journalist Sally Cole can help you get your message out there. Contact Sally at 902-368-1367 or gypsygale@gmail.com

PRIVATE ART LESSONS with Susan Christensen. For more information contact susanahchristensen@gmail.com or (902) 394-6552

GET YOUR OWN BUZZIFIED

30 words $25 (+tax). Buy in bulk to save—6 months for $100 (+tax).

OCTOBER BUZZ DEADLINE

Submissions and advertising booking deadline for the July issue:

September 15th

Advertising: sales@buzzpei.com

Editorial: info@buzzpei.com

ISSUE#

www.buzzpei.com

Editor/Sales: Yanik Richards

Editor: Michelle Ollerhead

Website Editor: Nakeesa Aghdasy

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

Contributors: Heather Millar, Julie Bull, Deirdre Kessler, Takako Morita, Danielle Rochon, JoDee Samuelson, Gary Schneider, Ashleigh Tremere

Office: 160 Richmond Street, Charlottetown

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

Phone: 902-628-1958

E-mail: info@buzzpei.com

Social Media: @buzzpei

The Buzz is published monthly by Little Kit Bag Inc.

BACK TO SCHOOL

Have a great year!

September is here and that means students of all ages are back to school. Best wishes for a successful school year filled with new learnings, new friends, and new experiences.

And remember, my staff and I are here to help!

Office: 75 Fitzroy Street, Suite 201

Phone: 902-566-7770

Email: sean.casey@parl.gc.ca

www.seancasey.ca

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

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

Cover:

Let’s Colour, oil on canvas, 8”x 8”, by Heather Millar.

Heather Millar is a professional painter living and working in PEI since 2008. She completed her BFA at Alberta College of Art and Design in Calgary in 1998. Her work has evolved into her own unique blend of impressionist melded with realism, with the overall impression of contemporary pop-art whereupon the image depicted is the sole focus of the painting.

Heather is currently represented atCanvas Gallery in Toronto, ON, Adele Campbell Fine Art Gallery in Whistler, BBC and Jones Gallery in Saint John, NB.Her work can be found in private collections worldwide, in public collections nationwide, and on the set of “Suits” and HGTV.

The Guest Book by Ashleigh Tremere

Our spot Holistic Wellness Market

We haven’t been to the creek since early spring. Summer is our busiest time, but I woke with the urge to go. The morning held perfect weather for heading down the open elds. A nice strong breeze, rolling clouds and scattered, warm sunshine.

When we made it to our spot, the place where the spring emerges from the Earth, still existing despite the fields that have filled and tilled up to it for years now. I’m sure that at one point the waters started running at least 100 yards or more sooner, the plants that remain paint that story for anyone who knows how to look at it. But where it emerges now is where we always set up.

The spring becomes the creek, becomes the Hillsborough river. It’s an intertidal place full of life.

Today the jewel weed is blooming, squirrels are chattering, dragonflies dart and six different kinds of birds are singing a chorus. The kids draw and read, build boats out of leaves and put their feet in the cool waters. The wind moves the clouds and the trees carry its song.

We shift our blanket up the bank as the tide slowly rises to meet us. We are in no rush to leave. The creek is not a place we go to rush. The creek is a space for lingering, for admiring, for solitude. It’s a nostalgic escape for me, I grew up surrounded by forest, with little creeks and streams to follow. Taking my family and their friends there pulls at the core strings of my being and I hope that those notes build melodies in their memory to carry too.

But then I notice the forest’s silence and there’s a strange taste in the air. Time to go I think. When we break from the canopy’s shelter, my

suspicion is confirmed; the potato fields are being sprayed with fungicide… again.

The kids know I don’t let them out of the house while it’s happening, I call them inside and close all the windows or we jump in the car like we are fleeing the scene of some crime we didn’t mean to witness.

I don’t blame the farmers, I blame the system that’s been created around them. A system that binds them. Farmers are incredible really. If you’ve ever lived near one, you’d see for yourself the extent of their endurance and passion. I see them. I’m thankful for them.

But I feel angry. It shouldn’t be happening with the wind at these speeds. Yet I have no choice, no say about what comes right to our backyard and within the reach of ‘our spot.’

We head across the neighbours field instead. He’s been letting his fields heal, he told me they needed the rest. Little conciliation as the wind carries that taste. The girls bike ahead and I pull my son in the wagon, encouraging my dog that her old little legs can make it back without another break.

My head hurts now and I wonder what else has been lost in the spray, beside a day carved out in the creeks solitude.

I wish I could steward more of this land that surrounds us. I’d plant more trees in winding paths, I’d tell all the neighbours children to go run and build forts—to seek out the creek and watch the tadpoles become frogs. I’d linger and admire and the air would taste only of cool, damp earth and tides. Maybe someday I will have the say, the choice to let a piece of land I love heal.

Robyn Gauthier of Mystic Owl will host the next Holistic Wellness Market at the Stratford Town Hall Gym on September 16, from 12 noon–4 pm.

The market will highlight over 20 local healers and practitioners of the mind, body and soul. It will feature energy healers, life coaches, councillors, a holistic doula, holistic apothecary, bath and body products, yoga instructors, essential oils, custom jewelry, acupuncture and more.

Robyn has created and organized these holistic wellness markets to increase local awareness as to what alternative health options are available

SALES

Judy Hood: Silent Auction

A Silent Auction of original paintings by artist Judy Hood, who passed away in 2012, will be held at The Gallery Coffee House & Bistro, with viewing and bidding from Sept 8–10. A reception is set for Sept 10 from 5–7 pm. Judy Hood’s friend Reg Porter recalls the artist’s curiosity and artistic expression. He says a special studio was built into the back extension of her house in Pownal, PEI, and from there she produced art, in media and many forms that sold all over North America. “Not content to stick to a particular style, Judy was a bold experimenter, trying out all sorts of subjects and media from more formal pictures to wild hilarious caricatures,” he says. On PEI, Judy’s art was displayed at Pilar Shephard Gallery in Charlottetown. 82 Great George St, Charlottetown.

Summerside Record and Memorabilia Show

St. Eleanors Lions Club in Summerside is hosting a record and memorabilia show at the Club hall in Summerside on Sept 16 from 9 am–4 pm. Refreshments will be available. All proceeds will go to the St. Eleanors Lions Club to support their projects in the community. Admission is a toonie and there are 20–24 vendor tables that are reasonably priced. Vendor access is at 7 am. Info: mcdonald2895@ gmail.com or 992-2895. 121 East Dr, Summerside.

70 mile yard sale

The 24th annual 70 Mile Coastal Yard Sale will take place Sept 16 and 17 in Eastern PEI. Find a treasure at every table. Visit woodislands.ca/70-milecoastal-yardsale for the full details.

Island A Cappella’s Autumn Bazaar

Island shoppers are invited to a one-day fundraising Autumn Bazaar. Island A

to Islanders. Many are not aware of what holistic wellness means or what services are commonly offered. These markets provide a place to learn about new and upcoming holistic products, techniques and services. With the conventional healthcare system becoming more burdened, people are seeking more holistic remedies. This increase in interest is what initiated the beginning of these quarterly markets.

For detailed information about each of the 20 vendors, or to register as a vendor, visit mysticowl.ca/ holistic-wellness-market.

Cappella is hosting a pop-up sale on Sept 23 from 12 noon–4 pm at the North River Fire Dept. There will be an assortment of baked goods, autumn-themed crafts and décor, perennial plants, houseplants, crafts and books, collectibles and trinkets, and a 50/50 raffle draw. All sales are cash only. The rain date is Sept 24. Island A Capella is PEI’s only women’s chorus, singing four-part a cappella harmonies in the barbershop style. Island A Capella celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2022. The group is a member of Harmony, Inc, an international organization that shares a purpose to empower all women through singing, education, friendship and fun. 644 Capital Dr, Cornwall.

Moonlight Bazaar

Discover Charlottetown’s Moonlight Bazaar 2023 will be held Sept 23 from 5 pm–midnight on Victoria Row in Charlottetown. The evening will feature shopping, food and drink, music, dancing and pop-up performances.

Craft Supply Flea Market

A craft supply sale is set for Sept 30 from 9 am–12:30 pm at the Sherwood Recreation Hall in Charlottetown. There will be plenty of vendors to help people get stocked up on craft supplies for the fall and winter. Admission is free. Info: Kim Farrell, kimfarrell1968@hotmail. com. 56 Maple Ave, Charlottetown.

Gifts from the Heart sale

Gifts from the Heart End of Month Sales are held in Charlottetown on the last Saturday of each month (Sept 30) from 10 am–3 pm at 10 Maple Hills Ave, Charlottetown. The sales offer the public a chance to thrift shop the inventory with sale proceeds going toward operating costs. Gifts from the Heart offers free food, clothing, furniture and housewares to qualified low income families and those experiencing temporary hardship. Visit the new Gifts Room during the sales. Donations of new and gently-used clothing, furniture and household items are welcome. Monetary and food donations are gratefully received. Call Betty (393-0171) for more info or to register as a client.

Sand Sculpture by Abe Waterman

(photo: Danielle Rochon)

Victoria Playhouse

Empire of the Son

Tetsuro Shigematsu’s solo-work

Review by Sean McQuaid

Potent radio activity

The Good Time Radio Variety Show Victoria Playhouse, North Rustico August 11, 2023

Victoria Playhouse had great success in 2021 with The Good Time Radio Variety Show (GTRVS) starring its creators Cameron MacDuffee and Julain Molnar and others, a lighthearted musical comedy built around a smalltown radio show. GTRVS is back by popular demand but it’s no mere remount, boasting a new script, new songs, and a largely new cast and creative team.

radio often feels more like the stuff of decades past, especially its custom commercials and old-school radio dramas.

The commercials are fun little miniature works of art promoting various real-life local businesses, arguably peaking with a surreally sexy ad for Martin Ruben Consulting (definitely a crowd-pleasing climax of some sort), giving assorted Victoria Playhouse sponsors some extra bang for their buck and adding local colour.

A happy convergence brings Empire of the Son to Victoria-by-the-Sea this month. Thanks to a local resident, audiences at Victoria Playhouse will have an opportunity to see Tetsuro Shigematsu’s multi-disciplinary play about two generations of broadcasters and the radio silence between them, August 30–September 3.

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

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

For show times and tickets, call 1-800-925-2025.

victoriaplayhouse.com

The story: station CRPO (Crapaud Radio) is staging a live national radio broadcast at the historic Victoria Playhouse despite personality frictions, technical difficulties, and the odd electrical catastrophe. MacDuffee stars as CRPO’s co-owner and host W.G. ‘Wig’ Adamson, joined this time by new co-stars Judy Marshak (as Wig’s partner DeeDee Kisinevsky), Sarah Segal-Lazar (as Salinger ‘Sal’ Gallant) and Tim Hamming (as Max Mayhem), backed by co-writer/co-creator Molnar, director Laurie Murdoch, music director Ben Aitken, stage manager Kyra Harwood-Lister and assistant stage manager Zoe Nichols.

The actors make their own music and sound effects, so the stage is awash in musical instruments, microphones, props and foley (sound effects) tools; the cast navigates the inevitable logistical labyrinth of cues with relative ease, much to the credit of their directors and stage managers. A degree of audience interaction is also encouraged, often via handheld cue cards designed to elicit responses like applause or boos.

The play’s radio content is a fun, oft-anachronistic, wildly eclectic mix of musical numbers, phone-in shows, commentaries, weather, sports reports, commercials and radio dramas. The show is set in 2023, but CRPO’s style of

Local colour saturates this show, whether it’s Wig’s eloquently affectionate “sandbar” commentary about life on PEI, those commercials, or the script’s many references to local subjects, notably talk of the beautiful Victoria Playhouse itself, rhapsodically described as “a shrine to having a good time.”

The music, some of it created for the show, is mostly written by members of the cast and crew, though cover tunes from other sources are mixed in as well. Highlights include MacDuffee’s infectious “Good Time Theme,” Marshak’s poignant “Better Day” and an eerily elegiac performance of SegalLazar’s “When I Go.”

The show often has a party vibe but gets literally and figuratively darker in spots, notably during “Haunted Isle Mystery Theatre” (a spooky ghost story narrated nicely in shadow by a flashlight-faced MacDuffee) and the hilariously twisted serial “Evil Wears a Bonnet” featuring the wicked schemes of Anne Shirley’s rival Josie Pye. Forget Netflix’s Anne with an E… this sinister slice of Pye is the Anne of Green Gables spinoff we’ve always needed.

While MacDuffee, Marshak and Segal-Lazar all assume a dizzying array of characters and voices on the air, Marshak may be the MVP in terms of the sheer variety and comedic potency of her repertoire, like a female Mel Blanc; but the best single character voice is Segal-Lazar’s Josie Pye, basically an evil Kristen Chenoweth with occasional flashes of Eartha Kitt and Margaret Hamilton. Seriously, CBC or somebody needs to turn “Evil Wears a Bonnet” into an actual series right the heck now.

Which segues nicely into perhaps the highest praise I can offer The Good Time Radio Variety Show: I wish it was all real. I wish “Haunted Isle Mystery Theatre” and “Evil Wears a Bonnet” were airing new episodes every week, I wish commercials were always this entertaining, and I wish CRPO was really out there filling the airwaves with its folksy retro charm. Until such time, we’ve got GTRVS’s fictional radio universe to fill that void. As they say on CRPO, “It’s always a good time for a Good Time!”

DAN TOULGOET

Tetsuro Shigematsu

season line-up

Award-winning musicians, comedians, innovative dance companies, and more will be coming to Confederation Centre of the Arts in Charlottetown this fall and winter.

The 2023-2024 LIVE @ the Centre season will kick off with a performance from stand-up comedian Whitney Cummings, one of many comics coming to the Centre this year. Courtesy of Yuk Yuk’s Comedy, audiences can also laugh along with Peter Anthony, Ahren Belisle, Travis Lindsay and Derek Seguin.

Music continues to be a pillar of the LIVE @ the Centre program, with this year’s lineup featuring internationally-acclaimed performer Jeremy Dutcher, JUNO award-winning folk artist Donovan Woods, and jazz crooner Matt Dusk with his Frank Sinatra tribute show.

There will also be performances from several Maritime favourites, including an intimate evening of storytelling and song from Tara MacLean, an EP release show with The East Pointers, and holiday concerts from Matt Andersen and Lennie Gallant.

Beyond comedy and music, LIVE @ the Centre will feature a contemporary circus performance from FLIP

Fabrique, an Indigenous storytelling and dance piece from the Atlantic Ballet Theatre of Canada, and a one-woman show from Candace Bushnell—the international best-selling novelist and creator of Sex and the City confederationcentre.com

(from the top): Atlantic Ballet Theatre of Canada, Whitney Cummings and Donovan Woods will perform in the Sobey Family Theatre in October

Acting Classes For Young People (ages 14 to 18)

Acting Classes: Adult Beginner

Advanced Scene Study for Film and Television (admission by interview only), email bmarkham@theguildpei.com

Harbourfront Theatre

The Wonder Of It All

Comedic play by Mark Weatherley in Summerside

As part of its Harbour Highlights series, Harbourfront Theatre in Summerside presents The Wonder Of It All, a comic misadventure for modern lovers by Mark Weatherley, September 15–17.

If marriage is the right to annoy one special person for the rest of your life, then Charmaine and Kingsley have the perfect marriage. That is until a surprise from their past meddles with the certainty of their future. But after 25 years is it too late for them to rediscover the redemptive power of love?

Full of humour and heart, The Wonder Of It All is a witty and touching comedy. Written in a similar vein to the comedies of playwrights Neil Simon and Norm Foster, Canadian playwright Mark Weatherley originally wrote The Wonder Of It All for Stratford Festival Ontario.

Directed by Canadian actress Seana McKenna, The Wonder Of It All stars real-life married couple, Mark Weatherley and Monique Lund, both of whom have a varied career on stage and screen, including 12 seasons at The Charlottetown Festival.

Monique is an actress, singer, director and dancer who was born in Charlottetown, PEI and now calls Stratford, ON her home. Her 30-year career has taken her from coast to coast in Canada and the United States. She has performed at The Charlottetown Festival, The Stratford Festival, and in Toronto musicals Cats, Joseph and His Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat with Donny Osmond, and The Who’s Tommy with Pete Townshend. She also played

DINNER THEATRE

Keep It Canadian

Keep It Canadian, a dinner theatre by Erin Dunn-Keefe, continues at the Stompin’ Tom Centre in Skinners Pond on Tuesdays and Thursdays until September 28. Visitors can expect some Stompin’ Tom tunes and belly laughs courtesy of the cast of seasoned veterans, including Danalee Lynch, Bruce Arsenault, Trish Handrahan and Brayden McGuigan. The evening includes a three course dinner, with the entrée served during the first

Lilli Vanessi/Kate in Kiss Me, Kate, directed by Tony award winner John Doyle at The Stratford Festival. In 2017, Monique won the Brian MacDonald Award for emerging directors at The Stratford Festival Guthrie Awards.

Mark is a playwright, actor, director, musician, composer and lyricist. Originally from Vancouver, BC, he now lives in Stratford, ON. As an actor he has performed on stages throughout North America, the UK and Israel. He wrote and performed in The Wonder Of It All with Monique for the Here For Now Festival. Other plays are Whack!, his one-person show Infinite Possibilities, Fitz Happens!, for which he wrote the book, music and lyrics and has had several productions across Canada; Ale Wives, Framed! and Mozart and her Brother.

harbourfronttheatre.com

intermission, followed by dessert, tea and coffee during the second intermission. 14024 Rte 14, Skinners Pond. stompintomcentre.com

Tracadie Players Fall Dinner Theatre

The Tracadie Players will present a dinner theatre at the Tracadie Community Centre October 28 and 29. Join the ever popular Players for a fun-filled evening of food and entertainment. A homestyle chicken dinner is served along with tea, coffee and dessert. Bar service is available and the hall is wheelchair accessible. Doors open at 5 pm with dinner served at 6 pm, followed by three original skits.Tickets are available beginning September 1 by calling Barry at 388-0240. A seating map is available online at tracadiecc.com.

Monique Lund and Mark Weatherley star in The Wonder of it All

WITH SHAWN HOGAN, CLIFTON CREMO, ALI HASSAN & MEG MACKAY

WITH BREN SIMMERS, TANYA DAVIS & EBERICHI OKWUWOLU

Don’t miss out

Charlottetown Festival shows continue into September

It is the final month to catch performances of The 2023 Charlottetown Festival at Confederation Centre of the Arts.

Playing at Sobey Family Theatre until September 23, the Centre’s mainstage, The Play That Goes Wrong is an award-winning smash-hit 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.”

Playing at The Mack until September 22, I’m Every Woman is a musical revue that travels through decades of iconic songs that changed

the world. The show features almost 50 empowering tracks from legendary women, like Aretha Franklin, Dolly Parton, Chaka Khan and Taylor Swift. confederationcentre.com

(top): Aaron Reid Ryder, Sweeney MacArthur, and Jamie McRoberts in The Play That Goes Wrong.

(bottom): Clea McCa rey, Nicola-Dawn Brook, Dharma Bizier, Alyssa LeClair, and Michelle Bardach in I’m Every Woman.

Victoria Playhouse

Shirley is back

Round two for Willy Russell play in September

Victoria Playhouse’s encore presentation of the hit show Shirley Valentine by Willy Russell will be on stage September 6–17.

The comedy is directed by Robert Tsonos and Johanna Nutter’s performance as Shirley earlier this season has garnered high praise from audience members.

“Johanna Nutter was spectacular, covering such a wide range of emotions, with brilliant comic timing and poignant moments of vulnerability,” says audience member Peter Bevan-Baker. “She portrayed the complex role wonderfully, and the energy of the standing ovation perfectly reflected the striving of Shirley V. towards a life of spontaneity and arousal. Go see it!”

A Liverpool housewife, Shirley Valentine makes chips’n egg for her husband while talking to the wall. What happened to her dreams?

Out of the blue, her best friend offers her a trip to Greece for two weeks and she secretly packs her bags. Travel with Shirley as she learns how to fall in love with being alive again.

Loin du coeur

Sheatre brings its teen dating violence program to PEI

Ontario-based professional arts organization Sheatre is bringing its award-winning teen dating violence prevention program Loin du coeur (LDC) to PEI this fall. At the core of the program is a forum theatre play, a participatory style of theatre, tackling such topics as consent, healthy relationships and sexual violence. Island actor Kristen Thompson will play Rachel.

LDC and the English version, Far From the Heart (FFTH), use this interactive style of theatre to allow youth to engage directly with the topics. A problem play is acted out by four professional actors, riddled with realistic, if not ideal, situations. The forum then follows, returning to the beginning of the story; scenes are replayed, but this time, students are encouraged to stop the action and become a character on stage. They improvise with the actors to try to find a healthier or safer outcome. This is referred to as a “rehearsal for reality.”

Playwright Willy Russell’s iconic female character is most associated with Pauline Collins, who starred in the 1988 West End and 1989 Broadway productions, and also in the 1989 film adaptation.

“We saw Shirley Valentine at the Victoria Playhouse here on Prince Edward Island last night,” said Ken Wilson. “Having seen Pauline Collins in the original London production of Willie Russell’s play back in the 1980s, I was wondering how Johanna Nutter would deal with such a challenging role. I must say I was bowled over by her performance.”

For tickets, call the Playhouse Box Office at 1-800-925-2025 or visit victoriaplayhouse.com.

Anne & Gilbert

Continuing into October

Performances of Anne & Gilbert: The Musical continue until October 5 at Florence Simmons Performance Hall in Charlottetown.

Based on the novels Anne of the Island and Anne of Avonlea by L.M. Montgomery, Anne & Gilbert is the story of Anne Shirley’s journey into young adulthood as she experiences her first job, university and a tumultuous romance with Gilbert Blythe.

The musical features a 20-member cast and orchestra, award-winning songs, comedy and drama. tproatlantic.ticketpro.ca

A recent Sheatre College Musical Theatre graduate, Kristen Thompson of Charlottetown joins the cast of four actors. They wish they had had access to this kind of programming when they were in junior high and high school. “Children do need this, young people do need this,” says Thompson. “I’m so grateful that it gets to be me, I get to give back to my community.”

Sheatre has toured FFTH and LDC throughout ON and SK since 2006. Island theatre-maker Rebecca Parent toured with the shows in ON before returning permanently to PEI in 2018. “I am so eager to finally be bringing this important artwork to my home

province,” says Parent. “I have witnessed the powerful conversations it has sparked in young communities, and the power of this interactive style of theatre.”

A key aspect of the program is its partnerships with local resources in mental health, violence prevention, and social services. Representatives attend each show, facilitating postshow debriefing conversations, and providing support to students.

The PEI dates will include two performances open to the general public on September 30 and October 7.

For more information, contact Rebecca Parent at loinducoeur@ sheatre.com or visit sheatre.com and farfromtheheart.com.

Resist! Revolt! Rebel!

Charlottetown Burlesque at The Guild—Sept 22 & 23

As part of its Sexual Assault Awareness Week programming, the PEI Rape and Sexual Assault Centre, in collaboration with Charlottetown Burlesque, is producing a weekend performance in honour of Take Back the Night, a global movement to end all forms of sexual violence. Resist! Revolt! Rebel! with Charlottetown Burlesque will be on stage at The Guild September 22 at 8:30 pm and September 23 at 7 pm.

Charlottetown Burlesque will Take Back the Night with performances that will “embody therapeutic revolution, erotic rebellion, and a gosh darn bawdy revolt,” say organizers.

“Join us as we lean deeply into sexual freedom and physical reclamation on September 22 and the 23.”

The troupe is reimagining lyrics from influential feminist bangers from over the decades, such as “You Don’t Own Me,” “Feel A Sin Comin’ On,” and “Je cherche une homme,” among others.

The Saturday show will include a one-hour Feminist Happy Hour from 7–8 pm, with music from folk-punk harpist Beatty, drink specials, canapes, and special guest performances from Alicia Toner and Kinley Dowling. theguildpei.com, peirsac.org

Kristen Thompson will play Rachel in Sheatre’s teen dating violence prevention program

MOSTAFA ALIZADEGAN

Johanna Nutter stars as Shirley Valentine

Watermark Theatre

Letters to my Grandma

Creative team announced for October production

Watermark Theatre’s creative team is working on their fall production of Letters to my Grandma by Anusree Roy. The production will run October 17–21 at the theatre in North Rustico.

In the haunting Letters to my Grandma, Malobee unearths letters detailing her grandmother’s fight to survive the 1947 partition of India, which resonates with Malobee’s own struggles to create a new life in present-day Canada. A grand multi-generational tale of love, regret, hatred, and forgiveness, this one-person show weaves the remarkable stories of these two women together, inextricably linking their histories and delving into how the hatred bred between Hindus and Muslims in the Old World consumes families in Canada today.

Starring Asha Vijayasingham, with set and costume design by Khushi Chavda, Letters to my Grandma will be directed by Rahul Gandhi.

Rahul Gandhi is a bilingual director, actor and producer based in Montreal, QC. The Concordia University graduate’s notable directing credits include Jesus Hopped the ‘A’ Train (House of Actors), which won BroadwayWorld Montreal’s Best Direction of a Play (2022). He was the past director of

operations for the Quebec Drama Federation, and had a seat on PACT’s National Advocacy Committee.

Khushi Chavda is a Montreal, QC based scenographer. Currently pursuing her degree at Concordia, she has been a part of various productions and films as a set designer and art director. She takes inspiration from Indian cinema and architecture. Her practice focuses on telling stories of minority cultures through theatre and film, helping the narration with her design skills and exploring sustainability in theatre.

Asha Vijayasingham is an actor, voice performer and singer based in Toronto, ON. Select theatre credits include Other People’s Children (Imago Theatre); Bend It Like Beckham: The Musical (Starvox Entertainment); Rice Boy (Stratford Festival); Enchanted Loom (Cahoots/Factory); Free Outgoing (Nightwood Theatre); and A Girl Lives Alone (Theatre Mischief). She has also worked in film and television, directed a podcast series, and worked as an associate producer. She is a coach at the LB Acting Studio and leads Improv Socials at SoCap Comedy.

Visit ticketwizard.ca or call the box office at 963-3963 for tickets. watermarktheatre.com

PHOTOS SUBMITTED

(L–R): Asha Vijayasingham, Rahul Gandhi and Khushi Chavda

THEATRE news

Acting with Carl Marotte

Registration is open for the fall acting classes at The Guild in Charlottetown taught by instructor Carl Marotte. Carl has worked as an actor, director and stunt performer, starred in several television series, and received two Gemini nominations. He has travelled the world as an actor, and can count Susan Sarandon, Keanu Reeves and James Garner among his many co-stars. Adhering strictly to a judgement free zone, participants are free to be, with no allowance made for negative or derogatory behaviour. The three classes on offer are: Youth Intro to Acting on Saturdays, Oct 7–Nov 4, at 11 am; Adult Beginner Acting on Saturdays, Oct 7–Nov 4, at 1 pm; and Advanced Scene Study on Wednesdays, Oct 4–Nov 1, at 6 pm. Youth Intro is for discovering what it is like to be an actor, to tread the boards in front of a rapt audience or to step into a close-up on a movie set. Adult Intro is for those who wish to fulfill their dream of becoming an actor, or to help with everyday life, with confidence and poise. Adult Advanced Scene Study is for students who are looking to work seriously on their craft and admission is by interview only. This is a unique opportunity to study acting technique, scene breakdown, character development and working for the camera. All three classes are offered in an inclusive judgement-free zone. Info/register: theguildpei.com

Bonshaw Young Players Drama Classes

Bonshaw Young Players drama classes will not begin this fall but will resume on Saturdays from 10:30 am–12:30 pm beginning Jan 20, 2024. Sessions will emphasize the triple threats: song, dance and improv drama; and will include a workshop on comedy. Open to ages 6–16. Classes will take place at the Beaconsfield Carriage House, 2 Kent St, Charlottetown. Pre-registration is necessary. Info/register: Ruth Lacey, rlacey688@gmail.com, 675-4282

BUZZ DEADLINE

September 15th

The best medicine

Storyteller Dutch Thompson at Crapaud Community Hall

Too Funny Comedy Show

Hosted by Wild Threads Literary Festival at The Guild

Wild Threads Literary Festival’s Too Funny Comedy Show featuring host Shawn Hogan, special guests Clifton Cremo and Meg MacKay, and headlining act Ali Hassan, will be on stage at The Guild in Charlottetown at 7 pm on September 15.

Clifton Cremo is a Mi’kmaw stand-up comedian hailing from Cape Breton who audience members may recognize from CBC’s Halifax Comedy Festival or Just For Laughs Originals on Sirius XM.

Storyteller Dutch Thompson will present his show, Laughter is the Best Medicine—Liquor and Animals Edition, live at the Crapaud Community Hall on October 6 at 7 pm. Thompson will share many of his favourite Island stories at this entertaining multimedia event. Doors open at 6:30 pm.

Tickets are available by cash only in advance at the Foxy Fox Coffee House & Boutique in Crapaud and cash only at the door.

Side Hustle

Improv at The Guild—Sept 16

Meg MacKay is a comedian and comedy writer who is trying her best. As a television writer, she wrote for Baroness von Sketch and was a staff writer for the Canadian comedy show This Hour has 22 Minutes. Her album Probably a Witch (2020) is available on Howl and Roar Records.

Headliner Ali Hassan will cap off the evening. Ali is the host of CBC’s

hit stand-up comedy show Laugh Out Loud, a frequent guest host of CBC Radio’s national flagship arts and culture show, Q, and for the past six consecutive years has hosted Canada Reads—the annual battle of the books celebrating the best of Canadian literature.

theguildpei.com

Comedy nights

Three comedy tours at Trailside Music Hall in September

Comedy shows are plentiful at Charlottetown’s Trailside Music Hall this month.

Side Hustle improv will perform at The Guild in Charlottetown on September 16 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 Hustle as they bulldoze their musical, manic and maniacal way through audience suggestions, their hopes and dreams for a better future, and all things happy and hopeful. Laugh, judge and enjoy a night of frivolity fed by feral females needing attention and adoration.

theguildpei.com

Comedian Jimmy Flynn will be on stage September 10 dressed in his trademark red checkered shirt, yellow sou’wester and rubber boots. Of all the entertainment acts this country has to offer, The Jimmy Flynn Show has remained for more than 35 years. With a high-energy blend of side-splitting comedy and popular music, Jimmy Flynn is Canada’s “Ambassador of Good Cheer.”

Three Newfoundland comedians— Mike Lynch, Colin Hollett and Brian Aylward—are bringing their Best Kind Comedy Tour to the Trailside stage on September 12. The show has become one of Canada’s biggest independent comedy tours with four coast to coast tours and over 150 shows under their belt. They are back with a brand new show in 2023.

Lorne Elliott is bringing his comedy and music show, Lorne of Green Gables, to the stage at Trailside on

September 14 at 8 pm.

From Newfoundland to New York City, Los Angeles to Australia, humourist and musician Lorne Elliott has been making people laugh since the 1970s. He is a playwright and novelist, and his CBC Radio Comedy Series, Madly Off In All Directions, continued for eleven seasons. His oneman shows share his unique look on life with a performance of comedy and music that is entertaining and uplifting. Shows begin at 8 pm. Tickets are available at trailside.ca

Ali Hassan will headline the Too Funny Comedy Show

BERNI WOOD

PAT MARTEL/CBC

Comedian Jimmy Flynn

Review by Sean McQuaid

Theatre at the movies

Island Fringe Festival 2023 City Cinema, Charlottetown August 3, 2023

The Island Fringe Festival (IFF) is like Forrest Gump’s proverbial box of chocolates: you never know what you’re gonna get, as the shows are selected by random drawing. Review-wise, sometimes I sort them into bundles organized by theme, format, style; but this year I’m sorting them by venue, for two reasons.

Reason #1: IFF has a swell venue lineup this year. It’s conveniently compact (only three locations) and all solid choices: no sweltering heat, no physical obstacles, no intrusive distractions, just sensibly workable performance spaces. City Cinema’s an especially nice addition.

Reason #2: the venues self-sorted their material a bit. The one-person shows are all in the Carriage House, for instance, while Havenwood gets the shows with dance content, and City Cinema hosts a couple of multi-performer, multilayered, semi-interactive shows rooted in the personal perspectives of their key performers.

First up at City Cinema, appropriately enough, was unscripted, “booze-infused” film commentary series Whiskey Flicks LIVE!, a long-established series of live stage or streaming events in which New York-based film fans Michael Niederman and Daniel McCoy screen film clips and comment on same.

More specifically, McCoy assembles a unique, one-time-only assortment of film clips before each show, unseen by Niederman beforehand, and a whiskey-sipping Niederman offers spontaneous comments on each clip as McCoy plays them, often engaging McCoy in dialogue, plus occasional audience interaction.

The general tone is comedic, so wisecracks abound; but there’s also smatterings of serious film criticism, social commentary, philosophical musings, even self-reflection—at one point, Niederman blames his recent loss of a friend on his own big mouth and the whiskey poured into same—all of it grounded in the duo’s infectious passion for movies.

Their IFF premiere’s theme was islands, with eclectic clips from films like Castaway, Jurassic Park, The Blue Lagoon, Jaws, Anne of Green Gables, Lord of the Flies, The Banshees of Inisherin and many more.

I was sorry that island-related oldies like The Ghost Breakers (1940), I Walked With a Zombie (1943), Island of Lost Souls (1932) or Isle of the Dead (1945) didn’t make the cut; but there’s

no way to squeeze all of film history’s islands into one hour, plus McCoy earned infinite brownie points with me by including the criminally underrated, ever-delightful Muppet Treasure Island All in all, Whiskey Flicks LIVE! is a thoughtful and often funny celebration of film, like Siskel & Ebert plus jokes.

City Cinema’s other IFF show is scripted romantic musical comedy fare, Six Songs about Six Men I’ve Dated, written by its star, June Morrow. She recently moved to PEI “after dating every age-appropriate man in Ontario,” using those romances as fodder for this collection of original songs, stand-up comedy and sketches exploring what it’s like dating in your forties and fifties.

Mining personal heartbreak for theatrical confessional purposes is one of the oldest tricks in the IFF book, and Morrow’s particular brand of it— heavy on the sex and salty language— is a tough sell for a stuffy old character like me; but her mix of luminous energy, undeniable charm, self-deprecating comedy and emotional vulnerability is compelling, and the packed house on opening night adored her.

Morrow’s songs are often funny and clever, sometimes even moving. And unlike a lot of IFF tell-all vehicles, this is no solo show: wily veteran PEI musician/comedian/actor Albert Arsenault co-stars as the many men in Morrow’s life, and smaller parts are filled by another Island stage icon, an often-offstage Laurie Murphy (full disclosure: a past collaborator many moons ago). It’s still very much Morrow’s show, but this ensemble approach adds layers beyond the usual IFF confessional fare.

Murphy also serves as director and stage manager, which helps explain how such a new show from an emerging artist is one of IFF 2023’s most smoothly executed, technically polished productions.

PERFORMANCE

music, theatre, dance, comedy…

Mondays | 8 pm

Rat Tales Comedy Night

Hosted by Britt Campbell. Baba’s Lounge, Charlottetown

until Sept 2 | select dates/times

MAGGIE

Sobey Family Theatre, Charlottetown

until Sept 2 | select dates/times

The Songs of Johnny & June

The Mack, Charlottetown

until Sept 2 | 7:30 pm, Sept 3 | 2 pm

Empire of the Son

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

until Sept 22 | select dates/times

I’m Every Woman

The Mack, Charlottetown

until Sept 23 | 7:30 pm

The Play That Goes Wrong

Sobey Family Theatre, Charlottetown

until Sept 28 | Wed & Thu, 8 pm

Inside American Pie

Harmony House, Hunter River

until Sept 28 | Tues & Thurs

Keep it Canadian

Dinner theatre. Stompin’ Tom Centre, Skinners Pond

until Sept 30 | Fri & Sat, 8 pm

The 27 Club

Harmony House, Hunter River until Oct 5

Anne & Gilbert - The Musical

Florence Simmons Performance Hall, Charlottetown

Aug 31 | 7:30 pm

Perfect Pairings: Brielle & Norah

The music of Norah Jones. The Guild, Charlottetown

Aug 31 | 8 pm

Island Jazz: ft Groove Company

Baba’s Lounge, Charlottetown

Aug 31–Sept 3

Evangeline Region

Agricultural Exhibition and Acadian Festival

expositionfestival.ca. Abram-Village

Aug 31, Sept 1, 8, 9 | 8 pm

Craig Fair Music Presents: Still Standin’

A night of Elton John & Billie Joel featuring Craig Fair & Ben Aitken and an 18-piece orchestra. PEI Brewing Company, Charlottetown

Sept 1 | 6 pm

Écho du Royaume choir

Le Chez-Nous Co-operative, Wellington

Sept 1 | 7:30 pm

Country Legends Tribute

Kings Playhouse, Georgetown

Sept 1 | 7:30 pm

Gordon Cormier and Dave Pike

Kings Playhouse, Georgetown

Sept 1 | 8 pm

Neil Young Tribute With Peter Forbes & Friends. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Sept 2 | 8 pm

The Love Junkies

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Sept 2–3 | 6 pm

Jolee Patkai

The Manse, Marshfield

Sept 3 | 7 pm

Richard Wood & Dancers

Stompin’ Tom Centre, Skinners Pond

Sept 3 | 8 pm

Gordie MacKeeman & His Rythm Boys

Penzie’s Pub, Brackley Beach

Sept 3 | 8 pm

Sarah Segal-Lazar

Album launch. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Sept 6–9, 13–16 | 7:30 pm, Sept 10, 17 | 2 pm

Shirley Valentine

Victoria Playhouse, Victoria-by-the-Sea

Sept 7 | 8 pm

Eric Broadbent with Braeden

V, Alleycat and 30 Russell

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Sept 7 | 8 pm

Island Jazz: ft Ken Fornetran

Baba’s Lounge, Charlottetown

Sept 8

Thane Dunn’s Elvis

Red Shores Racetrack & Casino, Charlottetown

Sept 8 | 8 pm

East Coast Comedy Spotlight

Featuring Allyson Smith and Kyle Hickey. The Silver Fox, Summerside

Sept 8 | 8 pm

Shane Pendergast

Penzie’s Pub, Brackley Beach

Sept 8 | 7:30 pm

Country Night: Mallory

Johnson & Scott MacKay

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

Sept 8 | 8 pm

Joanie Pickens and band

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Sept 9 | 7:30 pm

The Good Ol’ Boys

Featuring Nick Done and Lawrenence

Maxwell & Band. Souris Show Hall, Souris

Sept 10 | 12 pm

Fascinating Ladies

Celebrating Canadian female artists. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Sept 10 | 3 pm

La Fiammata

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

Sept 10 | 7 pm

Scottish Culture Days

Featuring Catriona Parsons, special guest Sister Joan Campbell, and more. Glenaladale Schoolhouse, Tracadie Cross

Sept 10 | 7 pm

Grand Ruisseau Song

Festival

Featuring Michel Lalond (with Keelin Wedge, Rémi Arsenault and Caroline Bernard), Peggy Clinton, Alphy Perry, Jordan LeClair and Johnny Ross. MontCarmel Parish Hall, Mont-Carmel

Sept 10 | 8 pm

Comedian Jimmy Flynn

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Sept 12 | 7:30 pm

We Walk The Line

Tribute to Johnny Cash. Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside

Sept 12 | 8 pm

The Best Kind Comedy Tour

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

Sept 13 | 7 pm

Scottish Culture Days

Featuring The Queens County Fiddlers, Sheila MacKenzie, and step dancer Gerard Beaton (CB). Glenaladale Schoolhouse, Tracadie Cross

Sept 14 | 8 pm

Island Jazz: ft Liam Corcoran

Baba’s Lounge, Charlottetown

Sept 14 | 8 pm

Lorne Elliott presents: Lorne of Green Gables

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Sept 15| 7 pm

Too Funny Comedy Show

Featuring Ali Hassan, Clifton Cremo, Meg MacKay and host Shawn Hogan. The Guild, Charlottetown

Sept 15 | 7:50 pm

The Fabulously Rich

PEI International Shell sh Festival. Charlottetown Event Grounds

Sept 15 | 8 pm

The Hounds

Tribute to Tyler Childers. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Sept 15 | 9:30 pm

Shanneyganock

PEI International Shell sh Festival. Charlottetown Event Grounds

Sept 15–17 | 7:30 pm

Sept 17 | 2 pm

The Wonder of it All Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside

Sept 15–17 | 6 pm

The Loretta Lynn Show

Featuring Jolie Patkai. The Manse, Marshfield

Sept 16 | 2 pm

Jack Pine Folk Club

Hosted by Shane Pendergast. Victoria Playhouse, Victoria

Sept 16 | 7 pm

Listening in Colour: BIPOC Artists in the Round

Featuring Joce Reyome, Luisa F. Güiza and Tuli Porcher. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

…continued on page B14

DANCING

DownStreet Dance Studio

DownStreet Dance Studio is a not-forprofit that offers a variety of classes for adults year round. The studio’s mission is to create an inclusive and active community through a variety of cultural and social dancing practices. DownStreet hosts a monthly social dance on the third Saturday of each month. The next dance is Sept 16 at 9 pm and all levels and styles of dance are welcome. The studio is seeking volunteers to run the front desk, greet guests, sign everyone in, take payment, and help with basic tidying up. To learn more, the next volunteer meeting is Sept 5 at 5:30 pm at the studio. DownStreet’s Sept dance class schedule includes:Bellydancing (6:30 pm, 5, 12, 19, 26); Intro to 1940’s Swing (7:30 pm, 5, 12, 19, 26); Ballroom (5:30 pm, 6, 13, 20); West Coast Swing Level 1 (5:30 pm, 2, 9, 16, 23, 30); Beginner West Coast Swing (7 pm, 2, 9, 16, 23, 30); Salsa Rueda (6 pm, 3, 10, 17, 24); and Burlesque Special (7:30 pm, Sept 14–Oct 26; pre-registration required). For details about drop-in, class blocks and dance card rates, visit downstreetdance.com. 101 Grafton St, 2nd floor, Charlottetown. Info: downstreetdance@ gmail.com

Free Scottish Culture Week lessons for all ages

Glenaladale Heritage Estate is hosting a week-long Scottish Culture Week from Sept 9–13 with retired St. FX Celtic studies Professor, Catriona Parsons. A free Gaelic language class for kids will be held on Sept 9 from 10 am–12 noon. Participants will learn some basic Gaelic vocabulary as well as songs and stories. From 10:30–11:30 am, Cape Breton step dancer Gerard Beaton will be on hand to do step dancing workshops for parents of children attending the lessons, and any other interested adults who would like to attend. At 1:30 pm, a similar step dancing lesson will be offered to children. Also at 1:30 pm, Catriona will be offering the adult beginner’s workshop: Gaelic pronunciation demystified. All events take place at the Glenaladale Schoolhouse, 257 Blooming Pt Rd, Rte 218, Tracadie Cross. Admission is by donation and free to children. Bring a brown bag lunch and enjoy a picnic on Glenaladale’s grounds. info@glenaladalepei.com; @Glenaladale House on FB.

Heritage Social Dancing

The Heritage Social Dance Group will welcome new members when their fall session begins Sept 13 at 7 pm. This group has been dancing in the Carriage House at Beaconsfield for 20 years and do well-known Scottish and English country dances, as well as quadrilles and round dances that are danced around the world. Also included will be some ceilidh dancing—such well-known dances as Dashing White Sergeant, Gay Gordons and St. Bernard’s Waltz. The emphasis

will be on the social aspect of dancing, aiming to have a grand time while learning the basics and getting exercise. Anyone who can walk briskly and turn around without getting dizzy is welcome to join. Partners are welcome but not required. Note that new participants should plan to start no later than Sept 26. The fall session will conclude with a dance party in late Nov or early Dec. Info/register: Karen Beauregard (3945877, karenbea@live.ca) or Christine Scott (724-2278), scottchrissie@gmail.com

Modern Square Dancing

The Charlottetown Square Dance Club will offer modern square dancing this fall. Young, old, singles and couples are all welcome to learn the basics and join the fun. Info: call/text 218-6399

Dancing with the Stars

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

OCTOBER BUZZ DEADLINE

September 15th

Review by Sean McQuaid

Ladies’ night

Island Fringe Festival 2023 Beaconsfield, Charlottetown August 4, 2023

The Beaconsfield Carriage House (BCH) has been an Island Fringe Festival (IFF) venue for ages. It has occasional acoustics issues, but it’s a good space—roomy, historic, versatile. Said versatility comes in handy: BCH’s IFF productions this year are all one-woman shows from PEI, but three very different shows by three very different women.

Likehard: A Standup Comedy Show stars local comedian Tanya Nicolle. She talks about growing up on a farm in Marshfield—literally a marsh and a field, she quips—and spins jokes and anecdotes about rural PEI, her bisexuality, PEI’s dating scene, her career in sex toy sales, cemetery shopping and more.

Much of her set mines her own history of mental illness, and her show’s title references “likehards” such as herself who are way too desperate to be liked, though she also talks about mastering the comedic ability to joyfully express how much she hates herself. Her material’s occasional vulgarity can be off-putting, but she’s a smart, funny, confident comic who’s brave enough to confront her own demons and try to beat some laughs out of them.

Also theatrically courageous: “neurodivergent trans beauty queen” Riley Jayne Carson, whose solo show Transpectrum is about realizing she was a woman after decades of denial. She covers this in monologues and songs, discussing what shaped her, performing a little music, and lip-synching to recordings of her favourite tunes.

The sometimes-sparse monologues are overshadowed by the show’s listless, oft-overlong lip-synch numbers, and Transpectrum feels like it could

use some workshopping and technical polish. Still, Carson’s a likeable presence, and a confessional show like this takes guts. As one audience member put it, “Courage is a thing, isn’t it?”

BCH’s belle of the ball this year was The Prick, a one-act dark comedy written and directed by PEI-raised, Toronto-based Brynn Cutcliffe of Smile Theatre and starring Kitbag Theatre co-founder Melissa MacKenzie. It’s the smartest, funniest, strangest show of IFF 2023, uniquely original and surprisingly moving.

The Prick is the story of Guenevere (played to manic perfection by MacKenzie), a plant lover whose obsessive fascination with her cactus Kira turns toxic. Guenevere warns the audience early on that this is a love story, and the way she talks about Kira has the ring of parodically bizarre romance; but the sweetness sours as Guenevere, sensing Kira doesn’t love her back, spirals into madness.

She cultivates competing relationships with other plants, notably a comely orchid named Deirdre, trying to make Kira jealous. Increasingly abusive and controlling, Guenevere locks Kira up in a sunless dungeon, concocts elaborate threats of torture and forced cannibalism involving cactus tea, and worries that “Plant Services” will swoop in to liberate Kira because they know what’s up.

Cutcliffe’s direction makes the most of the BCH space, with a very mobile MacKenzie working the room in its entirety and her cactus nemesis largely confined to its offstage dungeon, indirectly glimpsed on occasion via shadow puppetry that’s often quite funny but also builds up Kira’s ominous mystique as this literally dark figure looming over the proceedings, like some spiny latter-day version of Beckett’s Godot.

Guenevere’s oft-profane anger masks a poetic soul, talking about having “blood on our hands, but butterflies in our hearts” (one of Cutcliffe’s many deft linguistic flourishes), but she’s consumed by her mania—running around the room, screaming defiance out the BCH’s front door, possibly freaking out passing tourists.

Crazy? Sure. But love makes you crazy, and the most amazing thing about the balancing act achieved by Cutcliffe’s nuanced characterization and MacKenzie’s finely calibrated performance is that Guenevere remains, for all her boundless rage and creeping lunacy, a sympathetically vulnerable and thoroughly human figure desperate for intimacy, validation, connection. Or as Guenevere puts it: “Love, amiright?”

V’nez fêter chez nous

Evangeline Area Agricultural Exhibition and Acadian Festival

Séance reenactment

Explore the spiritualism of the Victorian era in October

When a group of Urbainville farmers decided to organize a local agricultural exhibition to promote the improvement of the quality of their livestock and produce in 1903, they probably had no idea that it would continue for well over a century. The Evangeline Area Agricultural Exhibition is celebrating its 120th anniversary this year from August 31–September 3 in Abram-Village. The event has been known for years now as the Evangeline Area Agricultural Exhibition and Acadian Festival.

Organizers aim to highlight the event’s traditional agricultural facets and competitions. In an effort to encourage more participation and to maintain these traditions for years to come, people are encouraged to get a copy of the event’s prize catalog to learn more about the competitions and contests. It is available at the Festival office, the Wellington Co-op, and at expositionfestival.ca.

The Exhibition’s attractions include plenty of judged events for grains, roots, vegetables, fruits, flowers, arts, crafts and domestic sciences entries, as well as 4-H projects, rabbits, light horse and pony, and beef. There will also be culinary demonstrations, a craft sale and craft demonstrations, a draft horse show, the PEI Provincial Holstein Show, a mallet-operated strength-testing machine, an axe-throwing cage (ages 10+), the small animal farm, the Provincial Horse Pull Championships, and the famous Cow Patty Bingo.

The Evangeline Region Agricultural Exhibition and Acadian Festival theme is V’nez fêter chez nous! The four-day celebration also includes an official opening ceremony, skills and talent shows, French language performances, fiddling and stepdancing, a book launch, a flying dog show, and much more. The Acadian dance, La Soirée des retrouvailles, will have music

from Terry Melanson (NB) with square dance caller Ghislain Jutras (QC). The Évangéline and Gabriel dance will feature Réveil (NB). The Festival will also have music by Gadelle, and concerts with Caroline Bernard and Rémi Arsenault, Sirène et Matelot, and more. Visit expositionfestival.ca for the full schedule, tickets, a copy of the prize catalog, and more.

This Halloween season, step into the world of Victorian-era spiritualism at Beaconsfield Historic House in Charlottetown. From October 5–28, visitors can participate in a reenactment of a 19th-century séance and explore what spirits may lurk within the walls of Beaconsfield.

Each Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evening, visitors will participate in a meticulously-crafted reenactment of a Victorian-era séance, presented by a team of museum interpreters and performers. Guests will experience the beguiling tricks and illusions that awed audiences of the 19th century. After the reenactment,

2023 Song Festival

September 10

• Michel Lalonde (with Keelin Wedge, Rémi Arsenault & Caroline Bernard)

• Peggy Clinton, Alphy Perry, Jordan LeClair & Johnny Ross

September 17

• Marcella Richard (with Patricia Richard, Roland Beaulieu & Rémi Arsenault)

• Laurie LeBlanc (NB)

TICKETS & INFORMATION: www.cooperativeculturelledemontcarmel.com

delve into the historical significance of these séances during an interactive talk-back session. Explore the impact of spiritualist events on Victorian society and gain insights into the methods and artistry that underpinned these mesmerizing performances.

This event is a participatory theatrical program and no actual spirits will be summoned. Attendees are encouraged to embrace the experience for its historical and entertainment value, and to savor the thrill of a unique journey into the past.

Tickets (ages 14+) are available at visiting peimuseum.ca or call 368-6602.

ORGANIZED BY:

SUNDAYS AT 7 P.M.

Mont-Carmel Parish Hall

September 24

• Julie & Danny Rémi Arsenault, Caroline Bernard, Riel Arsenault & Benoit Arsenault

(featuring Josée Boudreau, Isabelle Bourgeois, Ginette Caissie, Denise Guitard, Alex O’Brien, Jean-Marc O’Brien, Guy Mazerolle & Mathieu Brun) Chad Matthews Band

ADMISSION: Adult: $15 / Member: $12 / Student: $5

Preschooler: Free

Gadelle, one of the many entertainment o ferings at this year’ festival

PERFORMANCE music, theatre, dance, comedy…

…continued from page B10

Sept 16 | 7:30 pm

Fiddlers’ Sons

Souris Show Hall, Souris

Sept 16 | 7:30 pm

Side Hustle Improv

The Guild, Charlottetown

Sept 16 | 8 pm

Kim Albert & Faces

Stompin’ Tom Centre, Skinners Pond

Sept 16 | 9:20 pm

Signal Hill

PEI International Shell sh Festival. Charlottetown Event Grounds

Sept 17 | 1 pm

Harvest Soupfest: Lawrence

Maxwell

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

Sept 17 | 3:55 pm

Two Hours Tra c

PEI International Shell sh Festival. Charlottetown Event Grounds

Sept 17 | 8 pm

Feeling Bublé

Tribute to Michael Bublé. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Sept 17 | 7 pm

Grand Ruisseau Song Festival

Featuring Marcella Richard (with Patricia Richard, Roland Beaulieu and Rémi Arsenault) and Laurie LeBlanc (NB). Mont-Carmel Parish Centre, Mont-Carmel

Sept 21 | 7 pm

Tim & The Glory Boys

Home-town Hoedown Tour. Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside

Sept 21 | 8 pm

Island Jazz: ft Mark Haines

Baba’s Lounge, Charlottetown

Sept 21 | 8 pm

David Francey

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Sept 22 | 8 pm

Sarah Hagen

St. Paul’s, Charlottetown

Sept 22 | 8 pm

Rock Stars

Tribute to Nickleback. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Sept 22, 23 | 7:30 pm

Stairway to Zepplin

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

Sept 22, 23 | 8:30 pm

Charlottetown Burlesque: Resist! Revolt! Rebel! The Guild, Charlottetown

Sept 23 | 8 pm

More Soul

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Sept 24 | 6 pm

L’nu Camp re StoriesStories from the Past The Guild, Charlottetown

Sept 24 | 7 pm

Grand Ruisseau Song Festival

Featuring Julie & Danny and Rémi Arsenault, Caroline Bernard, Riel Arsenault and Benoit Arsenault. Mont-Carmel Parish Centre, Mont-Carmel

Sept 24 | 1 pm

Lawrence Maxwell

Poetry book launch. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Sept 24 | 8 pm

Michael Myers Band

Stompin’ Tom Centre, Skinners Pond

Sept 27 | 7 pm

Snowbird Lifestyle

Presentations: Michelle

Wright, John Wing and George Canyon

Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside

Sept 28 | 7:30 pm

Valdy

Scott MacAulay Performing Arts Centre, Summerside

Sept 28 | 8 pm

Island Jazz: ft Roland

Beaulieu

Baba’s Lounge, Charlottetown

Sept 28 | 7:30 pm

Jessica Rhaye & The Ramshackle Parade

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Sept 29 | 7 pm

Glitch Queens

With hosts BILF and Lottie Max, starring Mauseeah, Sage, Queer Al, Ivy Pro n, Lady Fefe Fierce and Monica Darling. 18+, Dry event. Howie’s Loft, Charlottetown

Sept 29 | 7:30 pm

Rachel Beck

Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside

Sept 29 | 7:30 pm

Phase II and Friends

The Guild, Charlottetown

Sept 29 | 7:30 pm

Brian Pata e’s Funny As Puck Tour

The Mack, Charlottetown

Sept 29 | 8pm

Here We Go Barndance

Rum-Running Festival. Tracadie Community Centre, Tracadie Cross

Sept 29, 30 | 8 pm

Swift Kick

Tribute to Taylor Swift. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Sep 29–30

Goolaholla Festival

Australian artists Charm of Finches, Emma Memma, and Tullara; and Emily MacLellan, Grass Mountain Hobos, Mairi Rankin & Mac Morin, Tunes & Tales, Mi’kmaq Legends, Rose Cousins & Band, and The East Pointers. goolaholla.com

Rollo Bay Fiddle Festival Grounds

Sept 30 | 6:30 pm

Inn Echo Album Release

Florence Simmons Performance Hall, Charlottetown

Sept 30 | 7 pm

Sound Series XIV

PEI experimental and electronic musicians. Kirk of St. James, Charlottetown

Sept 30 | 8 pm

Kurk Bernard Stompin’ Tom

Tribute

Stompin’ Tom Centre, Skinners Pond

Oct 1 | 2 pm

Rum-Runners Ceilidh

Rum-Running Festival. Featuring Mike Pendergast & Friends and comedy by Shawn Hogan. Glenaladale Schoolhouse, Tracadie Cross

Oct 1 | 7 pm

Grand Ruisseau Song Festival

Featuring MAZ (Josée Boudreau, Isabelle Bourgeois, Ginette Caissie, Denise Guitard, Alex O’Brien, Jean-Marc O’Brien, Guy Mazerolle and Mathieu Brun) and Chad Matthews Band. Mont-Carmel Parish Centre, Mont-Carmel

Oct 3 | 7:30 pm

Colin James

Sobey Family Theatre, Charlottetown

Oct 4 | 8 pm

Tommy Stinson

With special guest Pasteur Papillon. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Oct 5 | 7:30 pm

Whitney Cumming

Sobey Family Theatre, Charlottetown

Oct 5 | 8 pm

Tommy Stinson

Tribute to Alanis and No Doubt. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Oct 5 | 8 pm

Island Jazz: ft Dan Doiron

Baba’s Lounge, Charlottetown

Oct 6 | 7 pm

Dutch Thompson

Laughter is the Best Medicine— Liquor and Animals Edition. Crapaud Community Hall

Oct 6 | 7:30 pm

Lawrence Maxwell: Poet of the Common Man

Tribute to Merle Haggard. Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside

Oct 7 | 7:30 pm

The Ellis Family Band

Scott MacAulay Performing Arts Centre, Summerside

Oct 7 | 7:30 pm

Tara MacLean: Song of the Sparrow

Sobey Family Theatre, Charlottetown

Oct 7 | 8 pm

J.P. Cormier

With special guest Pasteur Papillon. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Oct 11 | 7:30 pm

Donovan Woods

Sobey Family Theatre, Charlottetown

…continued on page B18

Under the Spire

2023 season wraps in September with concerts and soups

The 2023 Under the Spire Music Festival (USMF) at Historic St. Mary’s boasted a diverse lineup of performers from Canada and beyond during its 28th season. The series of concerts will end with Mallory Johnson featuring Scott Mackay on September 8 at 7:30 pm, followed by Canadian piano duo La Fiammata on September 10 at 3 pm.

USMF’s Harvest Soupfest fundraiser will be held from 1–3 pm on September 17. The afternoon will be filled with music and an array of comforting, homemade soups. Various restaurants and chefs create soups made with fresh, local ingredients. Patrons can sample four different soups, homemade biscuits, and wander between the pavilion where the soup will be served and Historic St. Mary’s where music will be performed

Rachel Beck

all afternoon. This will be the ninth year for this fundraising event. underthespire.ca

In concert at Harbourfront Theatre—Sept 29

Harbourfront Theatre presents Rachel Beck September 29 at 7:30 pm.

Beck is a PEI singer and songwriter who has been captivating audiences across Canada with her catchy pop hooks, distinctive piano melodies and emotive vocals.

Her 2020 six-track album

Stronger Than You Know won the Music PEI Album of the Year (2021) and was nominated for three ECMAs. It followed Beck’s self-titled debut, which garnered multiple awards. Her song “Reckless Heart” won a SOCAN #1 Award, hit number one on the CBC Music Top 20 Chart, was named one of the Top 100 Canadian Songs of 2018, and ranked fourth on the All Canadian Fan Favourites of 2018 by CBC Music.

Beck’s tour highlights include performing for Their Royal Highnesses

The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall, appearing twice at the Stan Rogers Folk Festival, opening the 2019 ECMA Gala Awards Show, and playing

at festivals and stages from the Rogue Folk Club in Vancouver, BC to the Imperial Theatre in Saint John, NB. This event is part of Harbourfront Theatre’s Harbour Highlights series. harbourfronttheatre.com

SUBMITTED

DANIEL DELANG

APRYL STEAD

(top, L–R): Mallory Johnson and Scott MacKay. (bottom): La Fiammata are Linda Ruan (left) and Charissa Vandikas

SUBMITTED

Review by Sean McQuaid

All the right moves

Island Fringe Festival 2023 Havenwood, Charlottetown August 5,

2023

One of the finer additions to Island Fringe Festival (IFF) venues in recent years is the Havenwood Dance Studio: downtown location, ample seating for an IFF audience, good lighting, few distractions, and a long playing space suitable for a variety of shows—including, not surprisingly, dance.

Both of this year’s IFF Havenwood shows include dance content: PEI dance/percussion ensemble Rhythm Collective’s impact-fest Rhythm Fusion, and the quirky theatrical comedy Jinny and Jack VS The Thoughts in Their Heads (JJVTTH), written and performed by a couple of young actors from Chesterville, Ontario.

Rhythm Fusion features four tap dancers, step dancers and percussionists—Janelle Banks, Marius Lavoie, Molly MacEwen and Dante Toccacelli— in eight musical numbers designed to showcase the rhythms found in everyday life. Concepts and choreography are crafted jointly by the Rhythm Collective and their curator/director Michelle Banks. Various dance styles (mostly tap and step) appear, as do multiple musical genres, background settings (achieved via sound/light tech Spencer Knudsen’s projections), assorted props and percussion instruments, and a shifting array of tones.

This music-based, variety-pack approach evokes Walt Disney’s 1940 animated musical anthology film Fantasia, especially in terms of its opening. The film’s first, largely abstract musical segment starts off featuring its orchestral players in shadow, and Rhythm Fusion opens with its initially seated dancers tapping out beats in the dark until the lights come up.

The anthology format’s success varies here in terms of how effective each piece is, but the climactic stepdance

party of “The Barn” is a highlight, and other memorable bits include dances with brooms, frisbee antics and a bit where one dancer is lifted up and her tap shoes used as drums while a couple of wooden stage boxes used for standing or drumming are likewise held aloft and converted into suspended tom-toms.

All four dancers are impressive, appealing performers. Banks and MacEwen might be the most crisply articulate and rhythmically surefooted tappers, Lavoie is lyrically graceful, and Toccacelli has a charmingly goofy comedic flair. Together, they craft an energetic and diverse sonic spectacle, albeit a fleeting one: at around 30 minutes, Rhythm Fusion is one of the briefest candles in IFF 2023’s chandelier.

Created by and starring Chantalyne Beausoleil and Ryan Sutherland as Jinny and Jack, JJVTTH is a comingof-age relationship comedy romp in which two troubled neurodivergent teens bond in a support group, become friends, then sabotage it by attempting a romance—this despite hints aplenty that Jack is gay and Jinny’s a lesbian, though each is slow to realize or accept same. Hijinks ensue.

Heartfelt hijinks, to be sure—both kids are going through some difficult self-discovery here, and they care about each other—but a whimsical tone persists, partly because the teens and their voice-over narrator repeatedly acknowledge that they’re in a stage play and have some recurring meta fun with that.

The whole thing has the feel of a dream (including some literal dream sequences) or a live-action cartoon, with broad acting, oddball props, overthe-top music and sound cues, and lots of big, bold physical movement—some of it actual dance sequences, but also lots of random dancer/gymnast moves just sprinkled into otherwise conventional physical action.

The surprisingly agile Beausoleil is especially good at injecting bursts of fluidly showy physicality into routine activity, like a live-action version of the oft-cartwheeling Yzma from The Emperor’s New School (2006-2008)— my second Disney animation reference in this live theatre review, yes, but we all have our vices.

With two such skillfully executed, satisfying shows, Havenwood probably has the strongest lineup of any IFF venue this year. JJVTTH in particular is one of 2023’s funniest and most endearing Fringe entries, even winning some well-deserved awards from their peers: Staff Pick of the Fringe and Artists’ Pick of the Fringe. Or as they say in JJVTTH, “Everything always works out for the gays.”

Island Jubilee returns

Season two debuts at Florence Simmons in October

A legacy of the 2023 Canada Games, the Island Jubilee will start its new season at Florence Simmons Performance Hall in Charlottetown on October 22 with singer Jacinta MacDonald, stepdancer Janelle Banks, and special guests Ivan & Vivian Hicks.

As a nod to CBC’s Don Messer’s Jubilee, The Island Jubilee is an old-style radio show that revisits the early sounds of country and old-time music recorded in front of a live studio audience. Featuring the region’s brightest music stars, step dancers and storytellers, backed by a professional cast, The Island Jubilee’s season will run until April 2024.

Ivan & Vivian Hicks epitomize the Down East style of fiddle music, continuing the tradition of Don Messer, Ned Landry and others who carved this joyful sound from its humble surroundings. With over 50 fiddle compositions to their credit, hundreds of awards and accolades, and appearances numbering in the thousands all over North America, Ivan & Vivian Hicks continue to entertain audiences from near and far at their home in Riverview, New Brunswick. Overlooking the Petitcodiac River, their home features a 50 seat intimate theatre setting and music memorabilia room with a collection spanning an impressive 70 year career.

Sharing the season debut is PEI singer Jacinta MacDonald. Jacinta is the winner of Island talent competitions such as the Summerside Lobster Carnival and the Bud Country Talent

Country Legends

Tribute Tour at Kings Playhouse—

Sept

1

September kicks off at Kings Playhouse in Georgetown with The Country Legends Tribute Tour, live on stage September 1 at 7:30 pm.

Newfoundland duo Gordon Cormier and Dave Pike will perform popular country tunes by legendary artists Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, George Jones, Conway Twitty, Charlie Pride and more, with some delightful traditional Newfoundland music thrown in.

For tickets and information, visit kingsplayhouse.com or call 652-2053.

Contest. Her notable appearances include Country Music Week in Hamilton, ON, the Canadian National Exhibition in Vancouver, BC, and she has shared the stage with CBC’s Wayne Rostad. Her recordings include Good Old Maritimes and collaborations on Stars of the Island.

The show is co-hosted by Nudie, Janet McGarry and Serge Bernard. The house band includes Thomas Webb (steel guitar), Bobby McIsaac (acoustic/electric guitar), Courtney HoganChandler (fiddle), Johnny Ross (piano), as well as Nudie (bass) and Serge (guitar/banjo/mandolin).

Doors open at 1:30 pm. Showtime is 2 pm. Tickets will go on sale in October at ticketpro.ca and in person or by phone (894-6885) at the box office. islandjubilee.com

Neil Young tribute Trailside Music Hall—Sept 1

Pete Forbes & Friends will perform a tribute to Neil Young at Trailside Music Hall in Charlottetown on September 1 at 8 pm.

The Neil Young Tribute will showcase two sets of music spanning several decades of Neil Young’s songbook. This is the band’s first appearance at Trailside.

Guest vocalists from the Island music scene, including Dave Woodside, Alyssa Harper, Garrett Curley and Thao Nguyen, will be featured in the second set. trailside.ca

Vivian and Ivan Hicks will perform in the season opener of Island Jubilee in October

PERFORMANCE

music, theatre, dance, comedy…

…continued from page B14

Oct 14| 2:45 pm

Disney All Ages Halloween Drag Show

With host BILF, starring Sage, Lottie Max, Ivy Pro n and Queer Al. Downstreet Dance Studio, Charlottetown

Oct 14 | 7:30 pm

A Good Catch Circus: Casting O

Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside

Oct 15 | 2:30 pm

PEI Symphony Orchestra: Guest conductor Jaelem Bhate. Sobey Family Theatre, Charlottetown

Oct 16 | 7 pm

Relive the Music: 50s & 60s Rock n Roll

Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside

Oct 17 | 7:30 pm

An Evening with Bruce Cockburn

Sobey Family Theatre, Charlottetown

Oct 17, 18 | 7:30 pm

‘Til I Hear You Sing: The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber

Oct 17: Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside

Oct 18: The Mack, Charlottetown

October 17–21 | 7:30 pm, Oct 21 | 1 pm

Letters to my Grandma

Watermark Theatre, North Rustico

Oct 18 | 7:30 pm

Classic Albums Live:

Fleetwood Mac: Rumours

Sobey Family Theatre, Charlottetown

Oct 19 | 7:30 pm

United by Song

Fundraiser for United Way of PEI. Sobey Family Theatre, Charlottetown

Oct 20 | 7 pm

Legends: A Tribute to Roy Orbison, Connie Francis, Elvis Presley, and Motown Sobey Family Theatre, Charlottetown

Oct 20 | 7:30 pm

Lady Soul

Scott MacAulay Performing Arts Centre, Summerside

Oct 20, 21 | 7:30 pm

Murray McLauchlan…

Hourglass

Oct 20: Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside

Oct 21: Sobey Family Theatre, Charlottetown

Oct 21 | 7:30 pm

Luminos Ensemble: The Phantom of the Opera

Scott MacAulay Performing Arts Centre, Summerside

Oct 21 | 8 pm

Matt Minglewood Band

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Oct 22 | 2 pm

Island Jubilee

Ivan & Vivian Hicks with Jacinta MacDonald and Janelle Banks. Florence Simmons Performance Hall, Charlottetown

Oct 24 | 7:30 pm

Atlantic Ballet Theatre of Canada: Pisuwin

Sobey Family Theatre, Charlottetown

Oct 27 | 7:30 pm

Jimmy Rankin Trio

Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside

Oct 28 | 7:30 pm

Calm Baretta Performs: Talking Heads

Copper Bottom Brewing, Montague

Oct 28 | 7:30 pm

The Return of Supernaut!

Tribute to Black Sabbath with special guest Rocket. Scott MacAulay Performing Arts Centre, Summerside

Oct 28 | 8 pm

Songs for a Small Planet

Songwriters Circle. The Guild, Charlottetown

October 28–29 | 6 pm

Tracadie Players Fall Dinner

Theatre

Tracadie Community Centre, Tracadie Cross

Nov 1 | 7:30 pm

Gord Bamford

Canadian Dirt Tour. Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside

Nov 1 | 7:30 pm

Take It To The Limit

Tribute to The Eagles. Sobey Family Theatre, Charlottetown

Nov 1 | 8 pm

Two Hours Tra c

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Nov 2 | 7:30 pm

Mike Dusk sing Sinatra

Sobey Family Theatre, Charlottetown

Nov 2 | 7:30 pm

Piano Heist: Nico Rhodes & Patrick Courtin

Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside

Nov 4 | 7:30 pm

Just For Laughs Comedy Tour

Featuring Malik Elassal, Joyelle Nicole Johnson, Arthur Simeon and host Roy Wood Jr. Sobey Family Theatre, Charlottetown

Nov 7 | 7:30 pm

Raine Maida & Chantal

Kreviazuk

The Forgive Me Tour. Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside

Nov 9, 10 | 7:30 pm

Ron James: Not Nearly Done

Yet

Nov 9: Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside

Nov 10: Sobey Family Theatre, Charlottetown

Nov 10 | 7:30 pm

The Ultimate Robin Williams Tribute Experience

Starring Roger Kabler. Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside

Nov 12 | 8 pm

Dan Mangan: Going

Somewhere Tour With special guest Aysanabee.

PEI Brewing Company, Charlottetown

Nov 12 | 7:30 pm

Still the One: The Shania

Twain Tribute Experience

Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside

Nov 14 | 8 pm

Big Wreck

PEI Brewing Company, Charlottetown

Nov 17, 18 | 8 pm

Irish Mythen

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Nov 18 | 7:30 pm

Yuk Yuk’s Comedy: Peter

Anthony

The Mack, Charlottetown

Nov 19 | 2:30 pm

PEI Symphony Orchestra

Guest conductor Kira Omelchenko. Sobey Family Theatre, Charlottetown

Nov 22 | 8 pm

Classic Seger

Bob Seger’s Greatist Hits Live. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Nov 23 | 8 pm

Jenn Grant

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Nov 23–25 | 7:30 pm,

Nov 25 | 2 pm

Provocation: A Play

The Guild, Charlottetown

Nov 24 | 7:30 pm

DakhaBrakha

Sobey Family Theatre, Charlottetown

Nov 25 | 7:30 pm

Confederation Singers: In Endless Song

Sobey Family Theatre, Charlottetown

Nov 30 | 7:30 pm

Jesse Cook

Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside

Dec 2 | 7:30 pm

dance umbrella: The Nutcracker

Sobey Family Theatre, Charlottetown

Dec 2 | 7:30 pm

Lennie Gallant: The Innkeeper’s Christmas

Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside

buzzpei.com

Choral music program

New director named at Confederation Centre of the Arts

The choral music program at Confederation Centre of the Arts (CCOA) in Charlottetown is under the new leadership of conductor, educator and performer Nick MacDonald.

Born in Boston and raised in New Hampshire, he completed his Bachelor of Music in Music Education at the University of Southern Maine. He continued his private vocal studies with tenor Mark Sprinkle of the Blue Heron Renaissance Choir and has participated in numerous workshops and master classes with choral leaders such as Rollo Dilworth, Hilary Apfelstadt, John William Trotter, Caron Daley and Craig Jessop. MacDonald has worked as a choral director and music teacher in public and private schools, churches and community choruses, and as a private instructor in voice and guitar. Before relocating to PEI in 2017, he served as Choral Director at the Waynflete School and Music Director of the Tri-City Community Chorus.

Since moving to PEI, he has offered voice and movement workshops as part of CCOA’s arts education program, as well as classes and performances for young children through Family Place and the Summerside Arts Festival. He has also performed as a bass-baritone with Luminos Ensemble and Under the Spire Music Festival’s Spire Choir.

“Nick has had a rich career in choral music, and we are thrilled to have him join our team,” says Francesca Perez, CCOA’s director of arts education and heritage. “He is known for offering inclusive spaces and I know all choir members will feel welcome to learn, grow and share their authentic voice under his leadership.”

CCOA’s choral music program is comprised of two choirs: Confederation Centre Youth Chorus, for Island youth aged 8–18, and Confederation Singers, a choir for adults.

Choral music has a long history at CCOA and can trace its origins back to the Centre’s official opening in 1964, when the Centennial Choir took the stage at the Royal Variety Performance. In addition to a series of annual performances in PEI, the Centre’s choirs have toured extensively across Canada, the US, and Europe. Highlights include performing at Expo 67, partaking in the dedication for the newly restored Canadian National Monument in Vimy, France, and two concerts at the Vatican.

“It is an honour to continue the historic legacy of the Centre’s choral music program,” says MacDonald. “I am passionate about exploring the power of group singing to inspire joy, creativity, and connection in all people, and I am excited to start making music.”

Registration for the new choral music season is now open. For details, visit confederationcentre.com.

United by Song

Stories and song to raise awareness and say thank you

United by Song will celebrate community through storytelling and song October 19 at 7:30 pm at Confederation Centre of the Arts in Charlottetown.

This event will bring to life the stories of Islanders who have triumphed with the help of donations made to United Way of PEI. Individuals who have benefited from United Way funded programs have been matched with local artists who will compose original songs based on their experiences. These songs and stories will be shared live on stage at the Sobey Family Theatre.

A United Way of PEI signature event, presented by BMO Private Wealth, United by Song is an opportunity to raise awareness and to say thank you to community members for their generosity and support of their neighbours, friends, family and co-workers.

confederationcentre.com

Nick MacDonald, new director of choral music at Confederation Centre of the Arts (above); Confederation Singers perform Handel’s Messiah, 2022

SINGERS & PLAYERS

Forte Men’s Choir

Forte Men’s Choir will resume Saturday morning rehearsals (10 am–12 noon) on September 9 at the Kirk of St. James in Charlottetown. New members are welcome. The group will be working toward a Remembrance Day video and a smorgasbord of pieces for December performance. The choir has a rich blend of TTBB voices. It welcomes all male-identifying and non-binary singers who love great singing and great camaraderie. Saturday mornings are full of good music and good fun, too. No audition is necessary. Info: islandchoralsociety@ gmail.com

Scottish Gaelic Choir

During a week-long Scottish Gaelic language and culture event taking place at Glenaladale Estate from September 9–13, retired St. Francis Xavier professor Catriona Parsons will be assisting organizers with the formation of a Scottish Gaelic Choir. Learning sessions are scheduled for September 9 (1:30 pm) and September 12 (10 am and 1:30 pm) at which participants will learn to sing hymns, psalms, songs, including “O Canada.” All sessions take place at the Glenaladale Schoolhouse, 257 Blooming Pt Rd, Rte 218, Tracadie Cross. Info/ register: info@glenaladalepei.com; @ GlenaladaleHouse on FB

Choral music program at Confederation Centre

The choral music program at Confederation Centre of the Arts in Charlottetown is comprised of two choirs: Confederation Centre Youth Chorus, for Island youth aged 8–18, and Confederation Singers, a choir for adults. Registration for the new choral music season is now open. For details, visit confederationcentre.com.

Harmonia Choirs

Harmonia has new youth choirs for all children and young adults ages 10–20. In past seasons, Harmonia provided

singing opportunities for female students but this year they opened their programming to all young people, regardless of gender identity. Now in its ninth season, Harmonia is Sirens Choral Association’s principal educational program striving for musical excellence. Have fun, make new friends and discover the joys of singing in a group setting—Harmonia is a community where everyone can feel safe to find their voices through music. Under the leadership of Kelsea McLean, artistic director, and Andrea Ellis, assistant director and pianist, Harmonia’s programming includes two choirs: Harmonia Junior for ages 10–14 or unchanged treble voices, and Harmonia Senior for ages 14–20 for treble and changed voices. Rehearsals begin in September. Info/register: sirenschoir.com/harmonia

Island Choral Society

The Island Choral Society is a mixed SATB choir that rehearses on Tuesday evenings from 7–9 pm at the Kirk of St. James in Charlottetown. New members are welcome. The first rehearsal is Tuesday, September 12. For the 2023–24 season, the principal works will be Bach’s Magnificat on December 9 and Verdi’s Requiem on April 28, 2024. There is no audition to join. Past choral singing experience is recommended, but not necessary. To register, visit islandchoralsociety. ca. Info: islandchoralsociety@gmail.com

De nitely Not The Symphony

Definitely Not The Symphony (DNTS) is an eclectic group of music enthusiasts who gather to play instrumental pieces on a regular basis. They are recruiting people who are interested in string, percussion and wind instruments, and they welcome all ages, genders and musical abilities. Consider joining DNTS and learn a new instrument or brush up on musical skills. Rehearsals are held Saturday mornings, September to June, in Charlottetown. Info: dntsstratford@ gmail.com; FB @dntspei

Who will lead?

PEI Symphony Orchestra 2023–2024 season programming

Impromptus

Sarah Hagen performs at St. Paul’s—Sept 22

The PEI Symphony Orchestra (PEISO) has unveiled its 2023–24 programming, setting the stage for a new chapter as they choose a new Music Director from the four exceptional guest conductors.

PEISO is enthusiastic about engaging community in this decisive phase, inviting their subscribers to actively participate in the audition process. After each concert, patrons will receive an email survey to share their feedback on the performance and the guest conductor.

On October 15, the concert season begins with guest conductor Jaelem Bhate. Prepare to be captivated by a rich tapestry of sound, featuring Katerina Gimon’s evocative Roots Beneath, Roydon Tse’s Remembrance, and Tchaikovsky’s dramatic Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture. The concert’s second half will accentuate this vibrant palette with Coleridge-Taylor’s passionate Ballade for Orchestra and concludes with the fiery pulse of Stravinsky’s Firebird Suite.

Guest conductor Kira Omelchenko will take the reins on November 19, steering the audience through a diverse program that spans cultures and eras. Featured is Bizet’s Farandole from L’Arlésienne Suite No. 2, Liu Tieshan’s and Mao Yuan’s Dance of the Yao People, Debussy’s Tarantelle Styrienne & Sarabande, Kevin Lau’s Sea of Blossoms, Shostakovich’s Waltz No. 2, and Satchmo! (A Tribute to Louis Armstrong). The expedition

continues post-intermission with Copland’s “Hoedown” Rodeo Ballet, Alla Pavlova’s Thumbelina Ballet Suite (mvt 5), Piazzolla’s Libertango (arr. James Kazik), and Rimsky-Korsakov’s Capriccio Espagnol, Op. 34.

On February 25, 2024, guest conductor Juliane Gallant will command the podium for an enchanting afternoon concert, commencing with the soothing serenity of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6 “Pastorale.” Postintermission, the Symphony will move to the modern with Emily Doolittle’s Green/Blue for Orchestra and conclude with the playful charm of Stravinsky’s Pulcinella Suite. A divine synergy of old and new awaits.

On April 7, 2024, guest conductor Daniel Black will guide the orchestra through a sweeping season finale, embarking with Dinuk Wijeratne’s evocative Yatra, Jocelyn Morlock’s poignant My Name is Amanda Todd, Joseph Bologne’s charming Symphony in D Major, and Brahms’ jubilant Academic Festival Overture. The concert’s second half presents Dvorak’s Evergreen Symphony No. 8, a resounding conclusion to the 2023–24 season.

All concerts are held on Sunday afternoons at 2:30 pm in the Sobey Family Theatre at Confederation Centre of the Arts. Season subscriptions and single tickets are available for purchase at the Box Office or by calling 1-800-565-0278.

peisymphony.com

Pianist Sarah Hagen invites music lovers on PEI to a twelve-course feast of Impromptus—one for every key from D flat to C major. Join her at 8 pm on September 22 at St. Paul’s in Charlottetown.

The program will include works by Chopin, Sibelius and Gershwin and promises to satisfy even the hungriest classical piano lover.

Anyone who has attended Hagen’s concerts knows her insightful commentary—peppered with a dash of humour—is the perfect complement to this rich musical meal.

Admission is pay-what-you-will at the door.

For more info, visit sarahhagen.com or email info@sarahhagen.com.

OCTOBER BUZZ

DEADLINE

September 15th

PHOTOS SUBMITTED

(clockwise from top-left): The four guest conductors for PEISO 2023–24 season are Kira Omelchenko, Daniel Black, Juliane Gallant and Jaelem Bhate

MCKINNON PHOTOGRAPHY

NEW ALBUMS ALBUMS

OrraChan: Teresa Doyle

the natural world; the heart of Celtic Spirituality.

OrraChan features Doyle (vocals), Schroer (violin/ recorder/bells/ Tibetan singing bowl/guitar), Bill Brennan (keyboard/vocals/bell/ water bell), Rebecca Blair (Celtic harp), Corbin Keep (cello), David Woodhead (bass), and Irene Schroer (Caoineadh Mhuire). The album was produced, arranged and engineered by Schroer, mixed by Schroer and Andrew St. George, and mastered by St. George.

Hemispheres

Inn Echo

Teresa Doyle will release her latest album, OrraChan via Panda Digital on September 8.

OrraChan (Ora khan) is an obscure Gaelic word meaning rhymed prayer, charm or incantation. Teresa teamed up with producer, arranger and multi-instrumentalist Oliver Schroer, and together they created a deeply restful, mystical and contemplative work of art.

The Irish Goddess Brigid, Mary Magdelene and the Virgin Mary have a strong presence in Celtic Spirituality. Like many ancient cultures, the Celts embrace the feminine in their relationship with the spirit world. These ancient Celtic songs are deeply emotive, evoking the passionate and tragic love of Mary for her child, and at times lighthearted recounting the power to turn water into beer. Teresa recreates these songs with layered vocals, ethereal lines inspired by Hildegard combined with deeper harmonies that reinforce one’s connection to

Charlottetown, PEI-based band Inn Echo will release their sophomore album Hemispheres in September.

Hemispheres is the band’s first full-length album since their debut in 2019. It was recorded and produced in Charlottetown, PEI by Space Camp Productions (Jake Charron and Donald Richard) with graphic design by Jud Haynes. The album features ten tracks, including two live tracks recorded in 2022 at Australia’s Woodford Folk Festival.

Inn Echo is comprised of Tuli Porcher (five-string fiddle and cello), Tom Gammons (guitar) and Karson

McKeown (fiddle). They have been busy touring around the world for the past two years, gaining influences along the way, and refining their unique sound. They strive to push the boundaries of traditional music while staying true to the origins of the style. There will be a launch at Florence Simmons Hall in Charlottetown on September 30 at 7:30 pm. innechomusic.com hyperfollow.com/innechomusic

SINGLES

“Kangaroo”

Brandon Howard Roy

“Kangaroo,” the most recent single from multiple ECMA nominee Brandon Howard Roy was released on all platforms on August 18.

“There are so many romantic love songs out there but I wanted to write a song about a kind of love I value a lot, and that’s the love between friends,” says Roy. “I truly have no idea where I’d be without my pals. I find myself looking back at my summer, at the late nights, beach days and festivals and all the old and new pals that made it amazing. I want this song to be a nostalgic dance party for the world.”

The song was produced by Toronto’s Kayla Diamond with support of Music PEI’s Diverse Voices program. It kicks off a busy fall for Roy who will be showcasing at Germany’s Reeperbahn Festival with his full band later this month. It is the last single off his upcoming record Bravo Hotel Romeo coming late in October.

The cover design is by Aaron Hastelow with photography by Constance Creates.

brandonhowardroy.com

“Quicksand Town” Soul Filter

Summerside, PEI’s alt rock-pop group Soul Filter has released their latest single, “Quicksand Town.”

“The self-produced, high energy rock song is about trying to escape the pressure of expectations; the ones we put on ourselves and the ones put on

us by society,” says the band. “Written during the pandemic, the uncertainty and isolation of the time influenced themes of feeling stuck; in time and in your own head.”

Recorded at Penton Productions and Studio Dimanche, the song was written and produced by Karen Ann Penton and John Michael Penton, and mixed and mastered by Brent Chaisson (Studio Dimanche).

Soul Filter is a four-piece band comprised of Karen Penton (vocals), Marc Robichaud (drums), Ronnie Arsenault (bass) and Mike Penton (electric guitar). Their debut album A Minor Conspiracy was nominated for Music PEI’s Rock Recording of the Year (2020). In 2022, the band released The City Knows, produced by John Angus MacDonald of The Trews, as part of Music PEI’s Golden Ticket program. The song was selected as a semi-finalist in 2022’s International Songwriting competition. soul-filter.com

“Said Good Bye”

Pam Marsh

PEI-based record producer Andrew A. Melzer is releasing the single “Said Good Bye” by Pam Marsh on September 8 via Panda Digital.

The song was co-written by Pam Marsh of Halifax, NS, and Brian MacLeod of Chilliwack, BC, who shares songwriting credits with Bryan Adams, Loverboy and Germaine Jackson. It features Marsh (vocals), McLeod (guitar), Doug Riley (piano), Ken Morris (bass), Paul Stamp (drums), and Rhonda Silver (harmony). Andrew A. Melzer arranged and produced the recording.

Marsh was a member of the groups Everyday People, Eastgate Sanctuary and Surrender. She has recorded with April Wine, Crowbar, Michael Pagliaro, Johnny Nash, Rick James, Shooter, Rita MacNeil and Matt Minglewood. Her Dream Come True was released in 2008.

Ei el Tower

New music video by KINLEY released in August

PEI musician KINLEY has released the second video from her third album Daylight (2022). The music video for “Eiffel Tower” was released August 18.

“In the dreamy backdrop of Cavendish, Prince Edward Island, the story unfolds between our two main characters—both visitors to the Island,” says musician Kinley Dowling. “It’s a story about seeking connection in a setting perfect for new friendships. This video has a summer holiday atmosphere of nostalgia, fun and playful moments.”

PEI serves as a character, with various iconic locations used to accentuate the visual narrative—the landmark motels Anne Shirley Motel & Cottages and Green Gables Bungalow Court, tourist attractions Sandspit and the Cavendish Boardwalk, ice cream at Cow’s and PEI fries at Captain Scott’s Fish and Chips.

Directed by Jenna MacMillan of Club Red Productions, “Eiffel Tower” stars Quinn Corcoran and Wyatt Riehl, with Colby Corcoran, Kelli Corcoran and Sean Corcoran. The video was produced by MacMillan and KINLEY, and edited by Millefiore Clarkes.

“I wrote this song in the city of love, as the lyrics go, before it all turned sour. To me the video gives a feeling we’ve all felt: the depth and complexity of the human experience. Jenna’s empathetic and collaborative approach to directing is complimented by Mille’s ability to visually capture the characters’ innocence and vulnerability.

“[This video is] a labour of love from dozens of people that you do not see on screen. To do what I love surrounded by people who inspire my own creativity is magic.”

“Eiffel Tower” can be viewed online at kinleymusic.com.

Sarah Segal-Lazar

Album release show at Trailside Music Hall—Sept 3

Sarah Segal-Lazar is celebrating the launch of her new album at Trailside Music Hall in Charlottetown on September 3 at 8 pm. Sarah and her band will play all the new tunes, as well as some folk-country classics.

Sarah Segal-Lazar has been making music since before she could talk. By the time she was nine, she was sending songs into the local radio station. At nineteen, she moved to New York City to study the art of acting, but she couldn’t leave the music behind. She started playing in dive bars in the Lower East Side and jazz bars in Greenwich Village and eventually headed north back to Canada.

Sarah has gone on to compose for others and release her own music,

dancing at the crossroads where folk and country meet. These days, she splits her time between Montreal, QC and PEI.

trailside.ca

MUSIC ONGOING

ceilidhs, dances, sessions…

Back Home Tonight

This summer concert series features host Gordon Belsher “back home” in the air conditioned Stanley Bridge WI Hall on Mondays at 7:30 pm. Belsher’s weekly guests are a combination of his sonin-law Todd MacLean (piano, ukulele, saxophone), and PEI fiddlers Courtney Hogan-Chandler and Cynthia MacLeod. Each show will feature a roller coaster ride of singable songs, lively jigs, reels, airs and ballads. The Sept guest schedule features Todd Maclean & Courtney Hogan-Chandler (Sept 4); Cynthia MacLeod & Courtney Hogan-Chandler (11); Finale with Todd MacLean, Cynthia MacLeod & Courtney Hogan-Chandler (18). Doors open at 7 pm. Book seats in advance at gordonbelsher.com. Cash payment can also be made at the door. 4897 St Mary’s Rd, Stanley Bridge.

Ceilidh in the City

The summer concert series hosted by Island musicians Kendall Docherty, Peter Burke, Brian Knox, Brian Langille and Brian Blacquiere, takes place weekly on Wednesdays at 7:30 pm until Nov 8 at Jack Blanchard Hall in Charlottetown. Ceilidh organizers showcase the musical culture of PEI and each week offers a sampling of Island musicians. Admission is at the door, which opens for general seating at 6:30 pm. The Hall is centrally offers air-conditioning, cabaret-style seating, a full canteen with hot and cold menu options, and bar service. Special guests include John Connolly and Kelley Mooney (Sept 6); Eddy Quinn & Lester MacPherson (13); Mike McGarry & Dino Dunsford (20); Terry Dunsford & Steve Zatt (27); Thanksgiving Gospel Ceilidh with Ed Dorion & Sarah MacPhee (Oct 4). 7 Pond St, Charlottetown.

Ceilidhs at the Irish Hall

The Benevolent Irish Society’s Ceilidhs at the Irish Hall will feature Fullerton’s Marsh (Sept 1); Tip ‘Er Back (8); Salt Water Dollies (15); Fiddlers’ Sons (22); and The Ross Family (29). Tickets at eventbrite.ca or at the door. 582 North River Rd, Charlottetown.

Ceilidhs in the Park

Outdoor evening ceilidhs with Michael Pendergast continue on Fridays from 5:30–7:30 pm to the end of the month on the outdoor stage next to Lefurgey Cultural Centre. The shows are free and family-friendly. This month’s ceilidhs are: Ceilidh Hand me downs with Shane Pendergast and Emily MacLellan (Sept 1); Ceilidh Canadiana with Shane Pendergast and Tre Sutherland (8); Ceilidh with Elvis featuring Victor and Cathy Doucette (15); Ceilidh Song Makers with Shane Pendergast and guest (22); and Ceilidh On The Floor with Jeff Charleton and friends (29). 205 Prince St, Summerside.

The Chaisson’s Ceilidh

Join Kevin Chaisson and Louise Chaisson-MacKinnon, with fiddler Sheila MacKenzie, stepdancer Lauren Graham and host Marsha Weeks for a celebration that connects traditional music from PEI and Cape Breton. The evening features stories, fiddling, laughter, song and stepdancing. Ceilidhs continue on Wednesday evenings in this month at the Stanley Bridge WI Hall. Nova Scotia fiddler Troy MacGillivray will join the ceilidh on Sept 13 and 20. Doors open at 7 pm. Showtime is 7:30 pm. Bring cash for the Women’s Institute 50/50 draw and ice cream treats at intermission. Tickets are available online at peiceilidhs. com and at the door on the evening of the performance. For info, call 314-1865 or email info@peiceilidhs.com. 4897 St. Mary’s Rd, Stanley Bridge.

Close to the Ground

The Egg Farmers of PEI concert series with hosts Fiddlers’ Sons and Keelin Wedge runs on Thursdays at 8 pm until Sept 28 at Hillcrest United. Fiddlers’ Sons invite a different musical guest to join them each week for a night of PEI Roots music and storytelling. The September lineup features Lawrence Maxwell and Kelly Mooney (7); Johnny Ray and Louise Arsenault (14); The Three Tellers—David Weale, Gary Evans and Alan Buchanan (21); and the finale with Lester MacPherson and Mr. Jim Williams (28). There are no advance ticket sales; admission is at the door. 50 Wood Islands Rd, Montague.

Dunsta nage Ceilidh

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

Georgetown Ceilidh

The Monday night ceilidh continues this month at Kings Playhouse with hosts Jo-anne Ford and Michael Buell. Each week there are special guests, an open mic and a canteen bar. Admission is at the door and includes a light snack. Ceilidhs begin at 7 pm. 65 Grafton St, Georgetown.

Got Blues Matinee

Got Blues Matinee with Chris Roumbanis, Reg Ballagh, Mike Robicheau and special guest(s) is held at the Salvadore Dali Dali Café from 2–4 pm. The second set is always an electric blues jam. Upcoming guests include Nova Scotia singer/keyboardist Doris Mason (Sept 9); singer/guitarist Dan Doiron (23); and Quebec singer/guitarist/harpist Jeff Coates (30). 155 Kent St, Charlottetown.

Island Jazz

Jazz on Thursdays at Baba’s Lounge features top local musicians performing original music, standards,jazzand pop favourites. Each show features a different group and two sets starting at 8 pm. Admission is by donation. The upcoming lineup includes: Groove Company (Aug 31); Ken Fornetran (Sept 7); Liam Corcoran (14); Mark Haines (21); Roland Beaulieu (28); Dan Doiron (Oct 5). 181 Great George St, Charlottetown.

Leon Gallant & Friends

Concerts with Leon Gallant & Friends take place every Tuesday and Friday evening at 7:30 pm until Sept 29 at Stanley Bridge Hall. 4897 St Marys Rd, Stanley Bridge.

Michael Pendergast & Tom McSwiggan Ceilidh

Michael Pendergast and “Uncle” Tom McSwiggan are in their 26th season of hosting ceilidhs. Their Stanley Bridge Hall Ceilidh takes place weekly on Thursdays until September 30 from 7:30–9:30 pm and feature family-friendly entertainment with a distinctive PEI flavour. Each evening showcases Celtic and Maritime music, fiddling, stepdancing and stories. Shane Pendergast (vocals, guitar) and Andy Doucette (fiddle) complete the band, and Veronica Murray is the featured stepdancer. Island strawberries and ice cream are available at intermission. Doors open at 7 pm. Admission is cash only at the door. 4897 St Marys Rd, Stanley Bridge. Info: 836-4310

Orwell

Corner Ceilidh

A fundraising ceilidh is held every second Thursday at 7 pm at Orwell Corner Historic Village. A light lunch, included with admission, is served. There is a 50/50 draw and if time allows, an open mic. Admission is at the door. Free for children under 12. Info: Marion at 6512726. 98 McPhail Park Rd, Vernon Bridge.

Richard Wood: An Evening of Celtic Music

This year’s Stompin’ Tom Award recipient and five-time ECMA, multi-Music PEI Award winner, Richard Wood presents Richard Wood: An Evening of Celtic Music with Brad Fremlin at the Stanley Bridge WI Hall. The Saturday night ceilidh series, now in its 14th year, will run through Sept with multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Keelin Wedge joining the pair Sept 2, 9 and 23. The venue is air-conditioned. Seats are available by e-transfer (richardwoodlive@hotmail. com), by phone (330-3293), or at the venue when doors open at 7 pm. Cash, credit or debit accepted. 4897 St. Mary’s Rd, Stanley Bridge. rwood.ca

Ross Family Ceilidh

A celebration of PEI’s traditional and contemporary roots music presented through song and story; bolstered by fiddle and stepdancing. This long-running show has new content and optional

pre-show dinner at the Clinton Hills location. Featuring Stephanie Ross (vocals, guitar, bodhran, percussion, dance), Danielle Ross (vocals, fiddle, dance); and Johnny Ross (piano). Shows take place every Tuesday until Oct 17 at The Guild in Charlottetown (111 Queen St). The Clinton Hills (123 Harding Creek Rd) dates are Sept 6, 11 and 20. rossfamily.ca

Schooner Sessions

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

St. Paul’s Parish Hall Ceilidh

Ceilidhs take place every second Sunday at St. Paul’s Parish Hall. The final dates this fall are Sept 10 and 24, and Oct 8 and 22. Doors open at 6 pm and the ceilidhs begin at 6:30 pm. There is a 50/50 draw and biscuits with jam, tea/coffee at intermission. Cambridge Rd, Sturgeon.

Stratford Ceilidh

A ceilidh takes place at the Robert L. Cotton Centre on the second Sunday of each month from 7–9:30 pm. Featuring local entertainers and a light lunch. The venue is air-conditioned. Admission at the door with all proceeds going to Camp Gencheff. 57 Bunbury Rd, Stratford.

Sturgeon Ceilidh

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

Sunday Session

A Sunday Afternoon Tune Session featuring traditional music and craic with host fiddler Roy Johnstone takes place weekly on Sundays from 2–4 pm at The Old Triangle. 189 Great George St, Charlottetown.

Trad Night at Village Green

PEI’s smallest brewery, specializing in traditional and modern beer styles, hosts a Trad Night every Thursday evening. Enjoy free, live music from 7–9 pm in the cozy taproom. Space is limited. Located at 30 Church St in the old post office/ dental clinic (turn at Church St and Cornwall Rd), Cornwall.

Winsloe United Ceilidhs

Ceilidhs at Winsloe United with host Eddy Quinn and the Winsloe United House Band joined by special guest Leon Gallant and fiddler Steven Perry (Sept 3); and host Dino Dunsford and the Winsloe United House Band joined by special guest Lester MacPherson and fiddler Steven Perry (17). The evenings feature music, hot and cold drinks served at intermission, and ice cream for sale. Doors open at 6:30 pm. Ceilidhs begin at 7 pm. Admission is at the door. 121 Winsloe Rd, Rte 223, Winsloe.

Rum-Running Festival

Activities and entertainment over three days in Tracadie

The ghosts of music past

Mainstage shows at Harmony House continue in September

Created by Mike Ross, performances of Inside American Pie will run until September 28, and The 27 Club has extended its summer run until September 30 at Harmony House in Hunter River.

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

This year’s Glenaladale Estate RumRunning Festival in Tracadie will take place over three days, September 29–October 1, with events at the Glenaladale Schoolhouse and Tracadie Community Centre. Festival goers can expect art in the Glenaladale Estate woods trails, disc golf, a birding activity, house tours, a rum-running video series, a story circle, a barndance, a speakeasy, a ceilidh and more.

The popular Here We Go Barndance will kick things off on September 29 at the Tracadie Community Centre at 8 pm, with music by Richard Wood. Free admission for youth under the age of 16.

On September 30, Birds of Glenaladale Heading South will get things started at 10 am, followed by a Story Circle with Dutch Thompson at the Glenaladale Schoolhouse at

1 pm. Join John Flood and Allison Wolvers at the Schoolhouse for the Video Screening Party at 2:30 pm, featuring the video animation of Wade Helmsworth’s prohibition song, “The Story of the I’m Alone.”

Dress like it is the Roaring ‘20s and head to the Speakeasy at The Brick on September 30. The event will begin at 7 pm with rummy cocktails by Leslie Quinn, oysters and charcuterie with Chef Robert Pendergast, and musical entertainment provided by Johnny Ross on the piano.

The Rum-Runners Ceilidh will begin at 2 pm on October 1 at the Glenaladale Schoolhouse, closing the weekend’s festivities with music by Mike Pendergast & Friends and comedy by Shawn Hogan.

For more information, email info@ glenaladalepei.ca or call 380-3334.

Grand Ruisseau Song Fest

Weekly performances at Mont-Carmel Parish Hall

The 14th edition of the Grand Ruisseau Song Festival will take place weekly on Sundays at 7 pm from September 10–October 1 at the Mont-Carmel Parish Hall. Performances feature a variety of artists, putting the art of songwriting and songs at the forefront.

Performing on September 10 will be Michel Lalonde with Keelin Wedge, Rémi Arsenault and Caroline Bernard; and Peggy Clinton, Alphy Perry, Jordan LeClair and Johnny Ross.

The performers on September 17 include Marcella Richard with Patricia Richard, Roland Beaulieu and Rémi Arsenault; and Laurie LeBlanc (NB).

On September 24, performers include Julie & Danny; and Rémi Arsenault, Caroline Bernard, Riel

Arsenault and Benoit Arsenault.

Closing the series October 1 will be MAZ, featuring Josée Boudreau, Isabelle Bourgeois, Ginette Caissie, Denise Guitard, Alex O’Brien, JeanMarc O’Brien, Guy Mazerolle and Mathieu Brun; and Chad Matthews Band.

Doors open at 6:15 pm. There will be 50/50 tickets and canteen service at each show. Seating is limited. Visit cooperativeculturelledemontcarmel. com or cdcpmc.eventbrite.com to purchase advance tickets. Any remaining tickets will be available at the door on show night.

Mont-Carmel Parish Centre is located at 5786 Route 11 in Mont-Carmel.

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

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

PHOTOS SUBMITTED

(left–right): Chef Robert Pendergast provide the grub, Leslie Quinn serves up the giggle water and Johnny Ross tickles the ivories at the Speakeasy on Saturday evening

BUFFIE BOILY

PHOTOS SUBMITTED

(top): Performing in Inside American Pie (clockwise from top-left): Mike Ross, Greg Gale, Brielle Ansems, Alicia Toner and Kirk White (centre). (bottom, L–R): The 27 Club performers Kirk White, Brielle Ansems, Max Keenlyside, Carlie Howell, Mike Ross and Keziah Collie

Scottish Culture Days

Two concerts at Glenaladale Estate—Sept 9 & 13

The Glenaladale Estate will host two concerts as part of its week-long Scottish Culture Days, taking place September 9–13.

A concert on September 10 will showcase Scottish songs and singalongs with event instructor Catriona Parsons, special guest Sister Joan Campbell, and more. Originally from Scotland, Catriona is now a retired professor of Gaelic language at St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, NS.

A Scottish fiddle concert will take place on September 13, featuring the Queens County Fiddlers, Sheila MacKenzie, and Cape Breton step dancer Gerard Beaton.

Both concerts will begin at 7 pm in the Glenaladale Schoolhouse at 257 Blooming Point Road, Route 218, in Tracadie Cross. Admission is by donation and free to children.

The Scottish Culture Days event will also feature a series of Gaelic language workshops, lectures and step dancing. For more information, email info@glenaladalepei.com or visit Glenaladale House on FB.

Goolaholla Festival

Two days of “good times” in Rollo Bay—Sept 29 & 30

The East Pointers’ Goolaholla Festival runs September 29 and 30 at the Rollo Bay Fiddle Festival Grounds. The Festival will feature Australian artists Charm of Finches, Emma Memma, and Tullara, as well as local acts Emily MacLellan, Grass Mountain Hobos, Mairi Rankin & Mac Morin, Tunes & Tales, Mi’kmaq Legends, Rose Cousins & Band, and The East Pointers.

The two-day festival will include art exhibitions and talks, beer tastings, camping, craft workshops, a family square dance, folk choir with Lucy Farrell, forest walks, Goolaholla Comedy hosted by Shawn Hogan, swimming, voice and yoga workshops, and the free Goolaholla Games. Visit goolaholla.com for the tickets and all the details.

MuchMusic Experience

Documentary screening and interactive in Charlottetown

The MuchMusic Experience Tour is making a stop at Confederation Centre of the Arts in Charlottetown on October 24.

The event will begin with a screening of the documentary feature 299 Queen Street West in the Sobey Family Theatre, followed by an Intimate & Interactive with Director Sean Menard and MuchMusic VJs.

With unprecedented access to the MuchMusic archives, the two-hour film tells the origin story and meteoric rise of the seminal music and pop culture brand, highlighting its beginnings as a scrappy Canadian television upstart. 299 Queen Street West is narrated by some of the original

trailblazing VJs, who at the time had no prior TV hosting experience, received no direction, no scripts, and broadcasted live across the country.

The documentary showcases how MuchMusic’s rise in popularity intersected with rap music entering the mainstream, the birth of grunge and alternative rock, and pop stars causing teenage hysteria at MuchMusic’s street level studio. VJs and iconic personalities featured include Steve Anthony, Rick Campanelli, Monika Deol, Denise Donlon, Erica Ehm, Namugenyi Kiwanuka, Sook-Yin Lee, George Stroumboulopoulos, Bill Welychka, and Michael Williams.

299queenstreetwest.com

(L-R): Performers from Australia—Charm of Finches, Emma Memma and Tullara

PHOTOS SUBMITTED

(L–R): Rick Campanelli, Sean Menard, Steve Anthony and Erica Ehm

The Glorious Sons

North American tour stops at Eastlink Centre in December

Concerts at Shell sh Fest

Five bands perform at the Charlottetown Events Grounds

Among the many events at this year’s PEI International Shellfish Festival, running September 14-17 at the Charlottetown Event Grounds, is the Biggest Kitchen Party in Atlantic Canada presented by The Local Pub & Oyster Bar.

Headlining acts include The Fabulously Rich and Shanneyganock on September 15, Signal Hill and Honey, I’m Home Shania Twain Tribute on September 16, and Two Hours Traffic on September 17. Visit peishellfish.com for the full event schedule.

Noise-making

The Glorious Sons are bringing their North American headlining tour to PEI. The Glory Tour will stop at the Eastlink Centre in Charlottetown on December 6 with special guests, The Blue Stones.

The Glorious Sons are a JUNOaward winning, two-time platinum and six-time gold certified Canadian rock band. Since their 2015 debut, The Union, the band has earned success and a dedicated fanbase with hit singles like “S.O.S.” and “Panic Attack,” internationally-acclaimed albums, and record setting airplay.

At almost 300 million collective streams to date, The Glorious Sons’ music resonates with fans and their energy and spirit, complemented by a jarring theatrical delivery, creating a mesmerizing live show. The Canadian band has headlined clubs, arenas and festivals, played tiny rooms and massive shows with The Rolling Stones,

Pearl Jam and Twenty-One Pilots, and toured across the US with The Struts.

The Glory Tour is in celebration of their fourth album, Glory, coming out this fall. sonicconcerts.com

ECMA Award submissions open September 1

Be a part of the 2024 ECMAs in Charlottetown, PEI. The 2024 ECMA awards and submission manuals for music, industry and honourary awards, as well as showcasing, are available online. Read through all of this year’s info, requirements and guidelines at ecma.com.

All submissions will be accepted at ecma.awardstage.com from September 1 until October 3 at 11:59 PM (ADT).

Kirk of St. James—Sept 30

Join a vibrant noise-making community at Sound Series XIV on September 30 in Charlottetown.

PEI experimental and electronic musicians will be showcasing new work from 7–10 pm at the Kirk of St. James, located at 35 Fitzoy Street. Anyone with an interest in new sounds is welcome to enjoy or perform.

JUNO-award winning, platinum and gold certi ed Canadian rock band The Glorious Sons

Eric Broadbent and Moves

New record launch at Trailside—Sept 7

Still Standin’

A Night of Elton John & Billy Joel at PEI Brewing Company

Eric Broadbent will launch his new record Eric Broadbent and Moves on September 7 at Trailside Music Hall in Charlottetown.

Broadbent will have support from Allycat and Braeden V. The band 30 Russell will follow.

Tickets are available at trailside.ca.

Craig Fair Music presents Still Standin’: A Night of Elton John & Billy Joel at the PEI Brewing Company with performances at 8 pm August 31 and September 1, 8 and 9.

The combined library of music from Elton John and Billy Joel is timeless. With their repertoire, Craig Fair Music‘s Still Standin’ will deliver a powerful, theatrical concert experience.

Still Standin’ stars Dueling Pianos duo Ben Aitken and Craig Fair accompanied by an 18-piece orchestra and special guests.

This show was conceived and directed by Craig Fair with arrangements by Fair and Ben Aitken and orchestrations by Fair.

Tickets are available online at peibrewingcompany.com.

Sunshine Baby on tour

Jessica Rhaye and The Ramshackle Parade at Trailside—Sept 28

Jessica Rhaye and The Ramshackle Parade’s upcoming tour, supporting their new album Sunshine Baby, will stop in Charlottetown on September 28 at Trailside Music Hall.

With the release of Sunshine Baby, Rhaye’s second album with The Ramshackle Parade, the New Brunswick-based singer/songwriter expands her reach as a lyricist and vocalist with a set of alternately personal and observational songs.

Sunshine Baby explores elements of vulnerability and darkness, walking

away from the comfort zone into heavy shades and breaking out, back into the light. It has haunting pacing and theatrical drama, with Rhaye’s writing neatly tied into the musical chops of the Ramshackle Parade by the deft hand of producer Dale Murray. While Rhaye illuminates the darker corners of her world on some tracks, the album’s lead single and title track makes it clear she’s never lost sight of the possibility for redemption and hope.

Tickets: trailside.ca

Info: jessicarhaye.com

Eric Broadbent

NAOMI PETERS

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 (unless otherwise noted): Magnolia, LeafGreen (Sept 1); Astrofalcons West Ave (2); Drag Show (8); Danny Gallant Band (9 @5 pm); Tanguy Student Night (9); Paris Pick & The Pricks, Joce Reyome, Damien Alblas (15); Hip Hop Show with Choclair (16); Dylan Hennessey at (21); The Human Rights (22); Danny Gallant (23 @5 pm);Shawn Campbell (Redmond), Milu Santi (23); Mercy Please (29); Got Blues with Doug Burton (30 @5 pm); Out From Under with Len O’neil (30). 181 Great George St, Charlottetown.

Bogside Brewing

Fridays and Saturdays at 6:30 pm and Sundays from 3–6 pm: JordonCameron (Sept 1); *closed (2); Carter MacLellan (3); 8 Adam MacGregor (8); Stephen Szwarc (9); Dan Doiron (10); Marvin Birt (15); Sarah Segal Lazar (16); Taylor Johnson (22); John McAllar (23); Billy White (29); Carter MacLellan (30).11 Brook St, Montague.

Breakwater at Silver Fox

Live music on Fridays and Saturdays at 9:30 pm: Swamp River(Sept 1); VLTs(8); Logan Maddix(9); Tragic Little PillAlanis & No Doubt Tribute (16 @9 pm, 19+); Shipwrecks(22); Ghost Town(29). 110 Water St, Summerside.

Brothers 2

Thursdays and Fridays at 7 pm. 618 Water St, Summerside.

Charlottetown Legion

Saturdays at 9:30 pm: Power House (Sept 2); Rustlers (9); Wrecking Crew (16); Kim Albert (23); Rustlers (30). All are welcome. 99 Pownal St, Charlottetown.

Craft Beer Corner

Saturdays at 9 pm (no cover). 156 Great George St, Charlottetown.

Charlottetown Beer Garden

Live music on the patio at 6 pm: Kim Albert (Sept 1/8/15); Isaac King Fiddle Duo (2/9), Brad & Nick (3/10); Chris & Eric (4/11); Lieutenant Dan (5/12); Vintage (6/13); Richie Burger (7/14); The Last Forevers (16). Live DJ inside at 10 pm: (6/13); Richie Burger (7/14); The Last Forevers (16). 185 Kent St, Charlottetown.

The Factory

DJ Method on Thursdays. Dance Party on Saturdays. Live Music on Fridays at 10 pm: Live DJ (Sept (1); TBA (8/29); Main St. Bullies (15); Denton Fender (22). Kent St, Charlottetown.

Founders Hall Food Market

Live Music at 2 pm and 6 pm (unless otherwise noted): Dan Doiron/Brooke MacArthur (Sept 1); Kelley Mooney/ Lefunk (2); Kari-Lyn (3 @12 pm); Brian J Dunn/Charlotte Russel (4) END. 6 Prince St, Charlottetown.

Gahan House

Acoustic music on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 9 pm: Kari Lyn (Sept 6/7); Dave Woodside (13/20/27); Nathan Carragher (14/21); Adam MacGregor (28). 126 Sydney St, Charlottetown.

The Hub Lounge

Friday Night Socials from 6:30–9 pm and Saturday Kitchen Party from 1–3 pm: Dave Connolly (Sept 1/29); Steve Zaat (Sept 2/16); Kelsey Albert (8); Ashley Gorman (9/23); Sam Ramsay (15); Wayne Gallant (22). Anderson’s Creek Golf Club, 68 North Rd, Stanley Bridge.

Hunter’s Ale House

Matt & Friends (Mon); Lieutenant Dan (Tue); Copycat (2/16/30). Corner of Kent & Prince Sts, Charlottetown.

The Local

Select days Monday–Saturday at 7 pm (unless otherwise noted) and Sundays at 6 pm: Stratton and Kays (Sept 1/16); Gypsy Soul Duo (2); Cole Brioux (3); Robbie Doherty (4); Breakwater (6); Thibodeau (9 @11 am); David Woodside (9/23); Harv MacPherson (10); Lawrence Maxwell (12/19/26); Carter MacLellan (22/29); Thatcher MacKay (23 @1:30 pm). 202 Buchanan Dr, Charlottetown.

Lone Oak Brew Pub

Thursdays from 6–9 pm (weather permitting): Fraser McCallum (Sept 7); Matthew Hannah (14); Brian Dunn (21); Nathan Carragher (28). 15 Milky Way, Charlottetown.

Lone Oak Brewing Co

Live Music from 1–4 pm (weather permitting): Ivan Daigle (Sept 1); Jon Matthews (3); TBA (9/10/16/17) Nathan Carragher (24); Shane Douthwright (30). 103 Abegweit Blvd, Borden-Carleton.

Loan Oak Beer Garden

Taylor Buote on September 7 and 14 from 6–9 pm. Avonlea Village, Cavendish.

The Lucky Bean—Montague

Fundraiser for Chad McCormack with Gary and Abe Waterman on September 7 from 7–9 pm. 576 Main St, Montague.

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: SteveZatt(Sept 1); Kari Lyn(2); Jordan Cameron(8, 22); Nathan Carragher(9); Adam MacGregor(15); TBA (16); (23); Fraser McCallum(29); Lawrence Maxwell(30). 125 Sydney St, Charlottetown.

The Old Triangle

Live music on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm. 189 Great George St, Charlottetown.

Olde Dublin Pub

Sunday to Wednesday at 7 pm, Thursdays at 8 pm, and Fridays and Saturdays at 10 pm: Gordon Belsher & guest (Sundays - Todd MacLean [3/24], Courtney Hogan Chandler [10/17]); Robbie Doherty (Mon [4/25]); Lawrence Maxwell (Mon [11/18]); David Woodside (Tue); Richie & Trevor (Wed); Vintage 2.0 (Thu); Wannabeez (Sept 8); Roundabout (9); Lawrence Maxwell (13 @12 pm); Big Shiny Party Band (15); Down with Darby (16); Gordon Belsher (19 @12 pm); Main Street Bullies (22); Adam MacGregor and The Foes (23); Gordon Belsher (26/27/28/29 @12 pm); Hired Guns (29); The Wrecking Crew(30). 132 Sydney St, Charlottetown.

Peake’s Quay

Live Music at 7 pm: Kiera (Sept 1/9); Stratton and Kays (2/22/30); Gypsy Soul Duo (8/29); Billy White (15); TBA (16/23). Live DJ on Saturdays at 10:30 pm: DJ Flycore (July 2/23); DJ Hype (9); DJ Dex (16/30). 11 Great George St, Charlottetown.

PEI Brewing Company

Fridays from 5–8 pm (from Sept 29): Kevin MacPhee (Sept 29). 96 Kensington Rd, Charlottetown.

RCAF Wing Summerside

Live Music on Saturdays at 9 pm. No cover. 329 North Market St, Summerside. wingpei.com

Salt & Sol

Chill House DJ on Fridays at 10:30 pm.DJ Dance Party (21+) on Saturdays at 10:30 pm. 2 Pownal St, Charlottetown.

RBC Golden Ticket Program

Music PEI initiative supports up-and-coming musicians

Emerging musicians often grapple with the challenge of entering a complex industry independently. Recognizing this, the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) has partnered with Music PEI to support the freshly re-branded RBC Golden Ticket Program—a Music PEI initiative that provides vital support to promising artists aiming to establish themselves in the competitive realm of music.

With a new investment of $25,000, the RBC Golden Ticket Program boosts its capacity to launch the careers of up-and-coming musicians. Designed for six emerging artists annually, the program is open to artists from any genre who have demonstrated commitment to their craft and a strong desire for industry advancement.

A cornerstone of the program is its emphasis on live performance artists with ambitions of national and international touring. It guides artists through recording and releasing a single,

BUZZ DEADLINE September 15th

teaching short-term business planning and registering recording catalogues with performance rights organizations. Notable past participants include Alicia Toner, Scott MacKay, and Joce Reyome. All three artists achieved significant milestones since their participation, with Toner winning a Canadian Folk Music Award, MacKay clinching an ECMA, and Reyome earning Music PEI’s Entertainer of the Year award.

Results continue to unfold from last year’s program participants: Ava & Lily, Baby God, Knull, Nadia, Noah Malcolm and Reade Gauvin.

The recent leadership transition, with Colin Buchanan at the helm, underscores the program’s dedication to excellence. Drawing from his experience as a member of Paper Lions, Buchanan brings valuable insights gained from years of professional musicianship, enriching the Golden Ticket Program’s mentorship.

As this new chapter unfolds, the RBC Golden Ticket Program continues as a vital and resonant support for emerging artists. Music PEI is currently accepting applications for this program round, with submissions closing September 15.

musicpei.com