The Buzz - April 2024

presented by

performances by THE EAST POINTERS

TARA MACLEAN

MORGAN TONEY

JENN GRANT

ÉMILIE LANDRY

RUM RAGGED

TIM BAKER

MAGGIE ANDREW

LENNIE GALLANT

Damien Worth (detail)

THURSDAY MAY 09

FRIDAY

MAY 10

FRIDAY

MAY 10

The Freshest Lobster of the Season

Talented Chefs and Performers One Unforgettable Weekend

PRESENTED BY

Party at the Pearl

VALLEY PEARL OYSTER CO, TYNE VALLEY

DOORS: 6:00PM · DINNER & SHOW: 6:30PM

A four course meal featuring Island Lobster and Valley Pearl Oysters. Raise a glass and have a laugh with our special guest comedian, Patrick Ledwell.

Island Chef Showcase

DELTA HOTEL, CHARLOTTETOWN · START: 5:30PM

14 Chefs from all over PEI come together to celebrate the best the Island has to offer. Be treated to an all-you-can-eat roving-feast of fresh Island hors d’oeuvres.

Barra MacNeils Live!

ZION PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

DOORS: 8:00PM · SHOW: 8:30PM

An unforgettable evening with multi-award winning Celtic ambassadors; The Barra MacNeils! Get ready to stomp your feet and clap your hands.

SATURDAY

MAY 11

Freshest Lobster Feast

DELTA HOTEL, CHARLOTTETOWN

RECEPTION: 5:30PM · MEAL: 6:00PM

Island Chef Extraordinaire Adam Loo has prepared a mouth-watering 5 course menu featuring a whole one pound fresh PEI lobster. To top it all off, an unforgettable concert from Island group 6 Hearts.

SUNDAY MAY 12

Mothers Day Brunch

COPPER BOTTOM BREWING, MONTAGUE SEATINGS AT 10:30AM & 2:00PM

Foodies and Music lovers rejoice! Delightful Mother’s day brunch with traditional Maritime Music from Rachel and Darren of COIG.

Profile: Benton Hartley by Julie Bull

Life on stage

Benton Hartley wears many jackets in the theatre world: he is an actor, playwright, director, producer, dramaturge, and comedian. “I don’t remember a time when I wasn’t involved with theatre in some way.” From being the only elementary school kid with a speaking role to eventually studying at George Brown Theatre School, Benton has had “a lifelong love affair with theatre.”

This life-long relationship to theatre seems to be a common thread among the theatre folks I’ve talked to. “I remember being three or four years old in a cottage in Eastern Kings and I would dictate plays and my mom would write it out for me.”

As he learned to write himself, Benton would write stories about some of his favourite characters, like Batman. “Essentially, I was processing my own emotional struggles through writing things like ‘Batman is scared of… ’”

comfortable place to do that.” Benton offered an analogy that theatre is like the whistle on the kettle. “Without the release that comes from that whistle, everything stays deeply under pressure.”

While writing and acting are not everyone’s comfort zone, Benton took his childhood love of storytelling and brought it into his educational journey. He graduated from the University of Prince Edward Island with a BA in English in 2013, an honours English degree in creative writing in 2015, and he went on to graduate from George Brown Theatre School in 2019. With all this training behind him and a whole lot of possibilities in front of him, Benton was ready to take on the world in 2020. As we know, 2020 had different plans for all of us.

Faced with the isolation of living in Toronto during the start of the pandemic, Benton decided to make a trip home to PEI for a few weeks to be around friends and family. “As soon as I finished my quarantine, I ended up falling and breaking both my arms!”

As life and time would have it, Benton decided to stay on the Island and has been actively involved in many aspects of Island theatre life. He is the founder and artistic director of Desert Island Theatre Company and is involved with Vagabond Productions at UPEI and is on the Board of Directors for the Playwrights Atlantic Resource Centre (PARC). Benton has also acted in productions across PEI, including at the Victoria Playhouse in Victoria by the Sea and the Watermark Theatre in North Rustico.

Perhaps this externalizing and processing of emotions is unsurprising since Benton is the only child of two psychologists. “I have been processing out loud my whole life. I didn’t become a therapist, but there are certainly therapeutic aspects to theatre.”

These therapeutic features are especially prevalent in his solo works which have explorations of the self. His play, Cowardice—which won the 2021 PARC award at the Island Fringe Festival—told the story of “one man’s history with hospitals, panic attacks and the great American sitcom.” Benton’s authenticity, vulnerability, and humour bring audiences on a highly relatable journey.

Processing and integrating through writing is common among writers, yet many people keep those writings to themselves, despite the profound power in sharing. “We all need a way to share and for me, theatre is a

Before the pandemic, Benton described himself as an actor first, but he now wears all the theatre jackets and no longer sees them as a means to an end; rather, he is actively engaged and learning in all aspects of the theatre process. In the 2024 iteration of Benton, he is most drawn to directing. “I particularly love the rehearsal process. The lines are like a mystery to be solved and we get to play around with how we bring the words to life on stage.”

In his role as the artistic director of Desert Island Company, Benton is collaborating on a show for the 2024 Island Fringe Festival. “My work is highly dependent on the season. Like most artists on the Island, summer is the busiest season for performance and then during the quiet months, I write and create.”

Benton’s passion and enthusiasm for all aspects of theatre was clear throughout our entire conversation and I left with a newfound respect and perspective on the personal and therapeutic components of theatre. “Theatre has capacity to change the world.”

BUZZ

Foreigners Everywhere

Erica

Rutherford art at Biennale Arte 2024 in Venice

For the first time ever, a PEI artist has been officially selected to the Biennale Arte 2024 in Venice, Italy, which opens April 20 and runs until November 20.

The Biennale Arte is the oldest (since 1895) and arguably the most important art exhibition in the world, recently attended by over 800,000 visitors in 2022.

Erica Rutherford (1923–2008) was a respected and beloved figure in the PEI art scene and an inspiration to many. She is the only Canadian artist among over 300 artists selected for the exhibition. Five of her paintings will be included in the exhibition.

Susana Rutherford, Erica’s daughter, along with her husband Gary Torlone, will be traveling to Venice for the preview week. They’ll be accompanied by two PEI artists, Norah Pendergast and Sarah Wendt, and Quebec artist Michel deBroin.

“The equivalent in the film world would be the Cannes Film Festival,” says Susana, “and we’re so happy she is being recognized in this way.”

Brazilian Adriano Pedrosa is the curator of Biennale Arte 2024, which he titled Stanieri Ovunque – Foreigners Everywhere, explaining that “wherever you go and wherever you are you will always encounter foreigners—they/we are everywhere. Secondly, that no matter where you find yourself, you are always truly, and deep down inside, a foreigner.” The phrase comes from the name of a Turin collective who fought racism and xenophobia in Italy in the early 2000s.

Erica Rutherford described her work in parallel terms, as part of a lifelong struggle to become her true self. This included explorations of gender dysphoria and her eventual transition, and a long search for home, culminating in a permanent move to Prince Edward Island in 1977. She will be celebrated with a retrospective, Erica Rutherford: Her Lives and Works, this summer at Confederation Centre Art Gallery in Charlottetown.

Break the Cis-tem

Live performance and 2STGDNB+ visual art show

Won’t Back Down on March 31 at The Guild in Charlottetown will feature trans experiences and storytelling through a live stage performance from 7–8:30 pm. A reception will follow in the Hilda Woolnough Gallery to celebrate the grand opening of the visual art community exhibition. A signature event for Break the Cis-tem 2024, Won’t Back Down will be an evening of gender foolery, anarchy and trans declarations in celebration of Transgender Day of Visibility 2024.

“Share an evening to remember filled with live music, spoken prose, and showcases by trans noisemakers,” encourage organizers.

This 19+ event is pay-what-you-can. Donations will go directly back into serving the transgender and gender diverse community. Allies are welcome and encouraged to attend.

The Won’t Back Down exhibition will be on view until April 13. theguildpei.com

Art at Bogside

Get creative with Patrick Guindon—Apr 2

The Taproom at Bogside in Montague is getting creative with a night of art instruction and inspiration with local artist Patrick Guindon from Creative Rebel Studio. Join the fun and create a masterpiece on April 2 from 6–8:30 pm. Tickets are available at bogsidebrewing.com. All supplies are included. Limited spaces available. This event is for 19+ only and art instruction is for entertainment purposes.

COURTESY OF THE ESTATE OF ERICA RUTHERFORD

The Diver, 1968, acrylic on canvas (left) and Rubber Maids, 1970, gouache on paper.

A Journey in Colour

Art exhibition by Sheila Forsyth at Lefurgey Cultural Centre

PEI artist Sheila Forsyth presents a solo exhibition that explores subjects and colours of beautiful places and spaces that have inspired her from across PEI and around the world.

Here and There: A Journey in Colour is on view at Lefurgey Cultural Centre in Summerside from April 3–May 31 as part of the Sixty Days of Fame series

Forsyth invites viewers to come on a journey of exploration with her to enjoy colourful fishing sheds, bright buildings, sea rocks and arches, happy harbours, beaches, and more from around the world.

Forsyth is always exploring media, but primarily works in oils along with linocut printmaking, silk dyes,

Gallery tour

With arts educator Andreas Fobes—Apr 11

Join visual arts educator Andreas Fobes at 12 noon on April 11 at the Confederation Centre Art Gallery in Charlottetown for a free tour of the current exhibitions, including Donald Andrus: A Retrospective Drawn from over thirty years of work, Donald Andrus: A Retrospective looks at the career of an Island artist known for experimentation with the materials, processes and ideas that underpin the making of images. This exhibition aims to provide an overview of this period of the artist’s career, featuring highlights from his various bodies of work, ranging from drawings and abstract painting to his later portraits.

and mixed media. She loves plein air painting. The spark for this exhibition came when she was in Ireland painting a row of buildings and the thought occurred to her that she could paint rows of buildings from around the world for an exhibition.

The exhibition can be viewed Monday–Friday from 9:30 am–4:30 pm, free of charge. Lefurgey is located at 205 Prince Street in Summerside.

Wisqoq, The Basket Tree

Climate Artist-in-Residence Elder Francis Jadis

Wisqoq, The Basket Tree, a solo exhibition by Climate Artist-in-Residence, Elder Francis Jadis, is on view at the Canadian Centre for Climate Change and Adaptation art gallery in St Peter’s Bay until May 7.

Wisqoq (Black Ash) is a tree species specially adapted to grow in water-saturated soils. Once plentiful, Wisqoq graced the banks of rivers and wet forests across the Maritimes and throughout Turtle Island. For millennia Wisqoq has been harvested by the Mi’kmaq for basketry, canoe construction and much more, but are now in decline due to climate change-induced environmental stressors.

Climate Artist-in-Residence Elder Francis Jadis has been harvesting Wisqoq in Northern Maine his whole life, but his ability to do so has become increasingly complicated due to climate change. Wisqoq, The Basket Tree showcases a collection of intricately woven baskets displayed alongside family photographs, highlighting the rich tradition of skill-sharing and storytelling inherent in basket weaving. Through this visual narrative, Jadis underscores the interconnectedness of families and communities fostered by the diminishing Wisqoq, serving as a poignant reminder of the collective responsibility to safeguard both cultural heritage and the environment.

This exhibition, presented by Creative PEI in partnership with The Canadian Centre for Climate Change and Adaptation and Indigenous PEI, was curated by Alexis Bulman with financial support from the Government of PEI’s Climate Challenge Fund.

Elder Francis Jadis is Mi’kmaw

from Abegweit First Nation and comes from a family of basket makers. Jadis began learning basket weaving at six years old and as his skills developed, he joined his parents, family and community in the production of baskets. Over his 60 years as a basket weaver, Jadis has designed and created baskets for personal and commercial uses: from potato baskets for the agricultural community to smaller and more intricate designs for tourism. He has developed techniques to repair antique baskets, often working on those woven by his parents. Jadis continues to harvest in the territory where he was taught and processes all of his materials. He is committed to ensuring Black Ash seeds and the skills he’s developed over a lifetime are passed forward to future generations.

The gallery is open every Friday from 9:30 am–4 pm. To book a tour of the exhibition for a group or school field trip outside of regular gallery hours, contact Alexis Bulman at alexis@creativepei.ca.

Fish Sheds by Sheila Forsyth

SUBMITTED

Woven baskets by Elder Francis Jadis on display at the Canadian Centre for Climate Change and Adaptation

SUBMITTED

Donald Andrus, ICARUS No. 21, 2016, mixed mediums on canvas 121.9 x 91.4 cm

Confederation Centre Art Gallery

Mn’tu wikk ti!

New exhibition reflects on Indigenous food cultures

A new exhibition featuring work from Indigenous artists related to gathering, histories, and culinary heritage is on view at Confederation Centre Art Gallery this month. Presented from April 13–June 9, Mn’tu wikk ti! is named after a playful Mi’kmaw expression that refers to the northern Maritime idiom, “that’s a bad good.” In other words, ever delicious!

Food brings us together; what happens next? This exhibition gathers artworks reflecting on Indigenous food cultures through ceramics, porcupine quillwork, photography, ash basketry, and music production. The featured artists are from Indigenous communities across the Wabanaki and Nunatsiavut territories that share the Atlantic coastline. Artists include Sandra Racine, Barry Pottle, Melissa Peter-Paul, Nancy Oakley, Jerry Evans, Jeremy Dutcher, Charles Doucette, and Patricia Bourque.

The exhibition is a part of

Breadalbane Gallery

Next exhibition opens with talk

by Laura Bain

This month’s group exhibition at the Breadalbane Gallery kicks off on April 12 with an opening reception from 6 to 8 pm. The event will include an artist talk by Laura Bain, one of the featured artists. All are welcome.

Growing up on the West Coast of Canada, Bain learned to notice things from her grandmother Claudia Bain, a watercolour artist who viewed the world with wonderment and curiousity. In the past 10 years, watercolour has been her primary medium, chiefly for its ease of application and transportation (painting on planes and in cafés). Bain’s style is rooted in the experiential and expression of feeling.

On April 12, Bain will discuss her projects over the year of art residency in the woods on the Dixon Road, touching on the entanglement of vulnerability and identity in expressionistic art. While she can typically be found teaching nurses at UPEI, lately Bain has

Petapan: Maritime Indigenous Artist Symposium, which arrives in Prince Edward Island for its 10th anniversary this spring. Over the past decade, Petapan has offered space for Indigenous artists to share knowledge, learn skills, and build community, resulting in life-long friendships.

Curated by Aiden Gillis for Mawi’Arts, Mn’tu wikk ti! celebrates Petapan and Indigenous artists—everyone who has joined this community, and those who have yet to arrive.

been weaving portals in the woods and painting in little notebooks and on big rolls of paper, all the while navigating new motherhood and savouring the liminal land of maternity leave.

The Breadalbane Gallery, located at 4023 Dixon Road presents new work monthly, holding an opening reception on the second Friday of each month. Artists wishing to show can submit photos of their work to breadalbane. gallery@gmail.com.

Opening hours are 11 am–3 pm Tuesday, 9 am–1 pm Wednesday and 4–8 pm Thursday.

COURTESY THE ARTIST

Jerry Evans, Mimajuaqne’kati (Place of Life), 2019, lithograph on somerset 100% rag paper, 76.2 × 55.9 cm.

SUBMITTED

Watercolour by Laura Bain

EXHIBITS

galleries, museums...

Acadian Museum of PEI

The story of Henry “Hank” Gallant from Nail Pond, PE is currently on view. Hank is a long distance walker and the first person to complete the TransCanada Highway on foot. He also walked across 12 countries. Visit the permanent exhibit and video The Island Acadians: The Story of a People. Acadian genealogy resources are available to researchers and a new artifacts exhibit area opened last year. 23 Main Dr. E, Miscouche.

Breadalbane Gallery

The next group exhibition opens April 12 with a reception from 6–8 pm featuring an artist talk by Laura Bain, one of the featured artists. All are welcome. Artists include Patricia Lush, Sabine Nuesch, Xin Liu, Joan Sutton, Vian Emery, Yuzhu Yang, Zoe Novaczek, Denise Livingston, Will Baker, Haley Lewis, Marianne Janowicz, Silver Frith, Adrianna Chandler and Erin Veitch. Artists wishing to show can submit photos of their work to breadalbane.gallery@gmail.com. Open 11 am–3 pm Tuesday, 9 am–1 pm Wednesday and 4–8 pm Thursday. 4023 Dixon Rd, Breadalbane.

Canadian Centre for Climate Change and Adaptation

Wisqoq, The Basket Tree, a solo exhibition by Climate Artist-in-Residence Elder Francis Jadis is on view until May 7. The gallery is open weekly on Fridays from 9:30 am–4 pm in St. Peter’s Bay. To book a tour for a group or school field trip, email alexis@creativepei.ca.

Charlottetown Library Learning Centre

Circulations by Doug Dumais is on view until May 25. The exhibition is presented by this town is small. 97 Queen St, Charlottetown.

Confederation Centre Art Gallery

Mn’tu wikk ti! featuring artists Sandra Racine, Barry Pottle, Melissa Peter-Paul, Nancy Oakley, Jerry Evans, Jeremy Dutcher, Charles Doucette, and Patricia Bourque, opens April 13 and will be on view to June 9. Currently on view are: Arctic Visions, Arctic Life until April 7; Gestures: Traces of Embodiment until April 14; Donald Andrus: A Retrospective until May 19; and The Sweet Spot until January 2025. Visual arts educator Andreas Fobes will give a free tour of the current exhibitions on April 11 at 12 pm. 145 Richmond St, Charlottetown.

Cornwall Library Art Gallery

The Spring Group Art Show runs until May 3. Each local artist has contributed one work of art to the exhibition. Contact the library at 629-8415 to learn more about displaying work in the gallery. Open 1–8:30 pm Tuesday–Wednesday, and 9:30 am–12:30 pm and 1–5:30 pm Thursday–Saturday. 15 Mercedes Dr, Town Hall, Cornwall.

Eptek Art & Culture Centre

Of Growing Concern: 40 Years of Textile Creation Amid the Havoc of Climate Change, a retrospective of Jane Meredith Whitten is on view until April 5. Visit the permanent exhibition on the history and architecture of Summerside. 130 Heather Moyse Dr, Summerside.

Hilda Woolnough Gallery

Won’t Back Down, a 2STGDNB+ visual art community exhibition will be on view from March 31–April 13. A live stage performance on March 31 will feature trans experiences and storytelling from 7–8:30 pm, followed by the opening reception for Won’t Back Down in the Gallery. Promise Ojo’s exhibition Solitude will be on view from April 17–May 5. An opening reception will be held on April 20 from 2–4 pm. The Guild, 111 Queen St, Charlottetown.

Kings Playhouse Gallery

Meander by Marite Kuus and Lauren Runions will be on view April 6 and 7. This is a Radiant Rural Halls event, presented by this town is small. Info/register: thistownissmall.com/radiant-rural-halls. 65 Grafton Steet, Georgetown

Lefurgey Cultural Centre

Sheila Forsyth’s solo exhibition Here and There: A Journey in Colour is on view as part of the Sixty Days of Fame series from April 3–May 31. Open from 9:30 am–4:30 pm Monday–Friday. Admission is free. 205 Prince St, Summerside.

Radiant Rural Halls

Two free public art events in April

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

Two RRH events will take place in April.

Meander by Marite Kuus and Lauren Runions will be on view at Kings Playhouse in Georgetown on April 6 and 7. A large-scale immersive labyrinth installation, Meander is a sensuous geography, directing the viewer through inquiry and reflection. The double labyrinth is an uninterrupted shell for (the illusion of) isolation, meditation, solitude, wander and rest. The labyrinth incorporates meditative elements into its production, second hand fabrics, and discarded fishing ropes supplied by the Scotian Shores beach clean-up team woven into the walls. The weaving techniques embrace the slow moving qualities of the movement embodied by the installation.

Beyond the Regalia by Patricia Bourque will be on view at the Lennox Island Mi’kmaq Culture Centre from April 12 to May 28. Beyond the Regalia is a portrait series by Bourque that

—Pablo Picasso

Lennox Island Mi’kmaq Culture Centre

Beyond the Regalia by Patricia Bourque will be on view from April 12 to May 28. All are welcome to the opening celebration on April 12. This is a Radiant Rural Halls event, presented by this town is small. Info/register: thistownissmall. com/radiant-rural-halls. 8 Eagle Feather Trail, Lennox Island.

highlights Mi’kmaq women, showcasing their beauty, dignity, strength and sacredness. All are welcome to the opening celebration on April 12. Visit thistownissmall.com/radiant-rural-halls for full event details and registration.

Music and Sounds of the Island

Outdoor lightbox exhibit showcases 15 Island-based artists

The City of Charlottetown recently launched Ensemble: Music and Sounds of the Island, an outdoor lightbox exhibit showcasing the artistic talent of 15 Island-based artists.

Inspired by the theme “Music and Sounds of the Island,” the exhibit seeks to capture PEI’s rich auditory identity. From songbirds to whale songs and traditional fiddle music to indie rock, each artwork in Ensemble offers a unique visual interpretation of the region’s diverse soundscape.

Several artists who contributed to the exhibit are Charlottetown residents, such as Gloria Wooldridge, who has painted professionally for the past seven years. Another artist, Omar Broderick, has spent several years contributing to the City’s artistic vision through photography, music

and art. His piece, Crawfish Therapy, depicts Louisiana-based singer-songwriter Cedric Watson, whose musical style celebrates the cultural similarities between Acadian and Cajun cultures. Other artists include Agate HoffmannDousset, Andrew Lewis, Ashley Anne Clark, Duncan Brooks, Jen DesRoche, Josiane Vlitos, Karen Gallant, Katelynn Hicks, Kels Smith, Kristen Campbell, Lindsey Ross, Patricia Bourque, and Sandra MacGillivray.

The artworks are displayed in lightboxes attached to lamp posts around the downtown area to help celebrate PEI Music Week (March 6 to 10) and the 33rd annual East Coast Music Awards (May 1 to 5).

The exhibit runs until May 6. Visit charlottetown.ca/publicart to view a map of the lightbox locations.

Meander by Marite Kuus and Lauren Runions (above) and photos from Beyond the Regalia by Patricia Bourque at The Guild in 2019.

“EVERY CHILD IS AN ARTIST”

Fix Your Plate by Tara Reeves

Edible flowers

Spring isn’t just about colourful blooms bursting outside. It’s also a time for fresh, delicious food! But have you ever thought about adding the flowers themselves to your meals? Believe it or not, many flowers are edible and surprisingly tasty, adding a touch of beauty and flavour to your spring dishes.

Picture a salad sprinkled with colourful pansies and violets. Their delicate petals wouldn’t just look pretty, they’d also add a hint of sweetness to every bite. Or how about a refreshing glass of lemonade infused with fragrant lavender sprigs? The subtle floral aroma and hint of herb is a nice twist on the classic summer drink. Edible flowers are a way to elevate your spring dishes, transforming them into something beautiful to look at and eat.

Of course, you can’t just pick any flower from your garden and chow down. Just like some houseplants can make your pet sick, some flowers are best left alone. Stick to varieties specifically identified as edible. Look for these at your local farmers market or a garden centre specialising in edible plants. Talk to the experts, ask questions, and let them guide you through the wonderful world of edible flowers.

Here are some popular and easy-tofind edible flowers to get you started:

Pansies and Violas: These beautiful little flowers come in a wide range of colours and have a mild, sweet flavour. They’re perfect for sprinkling on salads, cakes, or even garnishing beverages.

Nasturtiums: These vibrant blooms with a peppery kick can be chopped and used as a colourful confetti over pasta dishes or crudités with a creamy dip. Nasturtium leaves are also edible and have a similar peppery taste.

Borage Blossoms: With their starshaped appearance and refreshing cucumber-like flavour, borage blossoms can be used as a garnish or steeped in beverages for a unique twist.

Lavender: These fragrant purple flowers boast a subtle floral flavour and calming aroma. Use them to infuse honey, sugar, or even dress up a simple fruit salad.

Edible flowers are more than just decoration; they’re a way to celebrate the beauty of spring on your plate. You’ll be sure to impress any dinner

SUBMITTED during brunch for the month of April

guest when they discover a hidden pansy in their salad, or experience the delightful fragrance that fills the air with a batch of homemade rose petal tea. Edible flowers are an invitation to explore new flavours and create unforgettable meals.

Let your creativity blossom alongside the flowers, and discover the hidden flavours waiting to be explored in your kitchen. After all, beauty isn’t just for looking at: sometimes, it’s meant to be tasted too!

Lavender Lemonade

Ingredients:

1 cup fresh lemon juice

4 cups water

1/2 cup granulated sugar (adjust according to taste)

2–3 tablespoons dried lavender buds (make sure they are food-grade)

Instructions:

1. In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of water and the granulated sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is completely dissolved. This will create a simple syrup. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

2. In a large pitcher, combine the freshly squeezed lemon juice, the remaining 3 cups of water, and the cooled simple syrup.

3. Place the dried lavender buds in a tea infuser or a small piece of cheesecloth tied with kitchen twine. Place the infuser or bundle in the pitcher with the lemonade mixture.

4. Refrigerate the lavender lemonade for at least 1-2 hours to allow the flavours to infuse.

5. Before serving, remove the lavender infuser or bundle from the pitcher.

6. Serve the lavender lemonade over ice and garnish with fresh lavender sprigs or lemon slices, if desired.

Crafternoon Wednesday

CREATIVE Solitude

Fibre Arts Club

Drop in to the Charlottetown Library Learning Centre anytime between 1–3 pm on Tuesdays for Fibre Arts Club. 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 Street, Charlottetown.

Creative PEI Art Night

Creative PEI Art Night takes place on Wednesdays at 5–7 pm at the Charlottetown Library Learning Centre. Make art and chit chat. Supplies are provided or bring a current project. 97 Queen Street, Charlottetown.

Seniors Arts Activities

Seniors Arts Activities at Confederation Centre of the Arts are held one Thursday a month from 10 am–12 pm. Visit the Gallery for an introduction to current exhibitions followed by an art-making activity in the Schurman Family Studio. Tea, coffee, and snacks are provided. The next sessions are April 4 and May 9. To register, visit confederationcentre.com or contact the box office.

Life drawing sessions

Life drawing sessions are held on Sundays from 2–4 pm at the Gertrude Cotton Art Centre (unless otherwise posted @LifeDrawingPEI on FB). Arrive early for set up. Doors open at 1:30 pm. All skill levels are welcome at the drop-in drawing sessions with nude model. Participants must be age 18+ or have parent/guardian written permission. Easels are provided but participants must bring their own drawing material. Email lifedrawingpei2022@gmail.com if interested in being a model. 57 Bunbury Road, Stratford.

MAY BUZZ DEADLINE

Monday, April 15

The next Crafternoon Wednesday takes place on April 10 at 1 pm at the Charlottetown Library Learning Centre. This month, make coffee filter peonies. All supplies are provided. Register in advance via phone at 368-4642 or in person at 97 Queen Street, Charlottetown.

Braided Bookmarks

Teens are invited to the Summerside Rotary Library in the Inspire Learning Centre on April 14 at 2:30 pm to create unique bookmarks by folding scrapbook paper. 57 Central Street, Summerside.

Bee Crafty

Visit the Summerside Rotary Library in the Inspire Learning Centre at 57 Central Street for a crafting and social hour. Create a delightful bee-themed canvas at one of the Bee Crafty sessions on April 15 at 6 pm or April 17 at 2 pm. Register by calling the library at 436-7323.

Crafty Kids

Crafty Kids: Spring is Here features multiple activities for children to use tension and force to have fun with springs. Crafty Kids takes place on April 19 from 1–3 pm at the Summerside Rotary Library, 57 Central Street.

Arts & Crafts

The next Arts & Crafts event for children at the Summerside Rotary Library is Decorating Flower Pots on April 20 at 10:30 am. Kids are invited to have fun with arts and crafts while they decorate flower pots for their plants. 57 Central Street, Summerside.

Nifty Knitters & Needlecraft

Bring needlecraft paraphernalia and join knitters, crocheters, rug hookers and other fibre and textile makers at the Summerside Rotary Library for some crafting and social time. All skill levels are welcome. The next session is April 29 at 6 pm. 57 Central St, Summerside.

Cricut Tech Help

Want help with a Cricut project but don’t know where to start? The Charlottetown Library Learning Centre can help. Sign up for an appointment time by emailing charlottetown@gov.pe.ca, bring supplies and projects, and learn how to get started. 97 Queen St, Charlottetown.

Promise Ojo exhibition at Hilda Woolnough Gallery

Promise Ojo’s exhibition

Solitude will be on view from April 17–May 5 at the Hilda Woolnough Gallery. An opening reception will be held on April 20 from 2–4 pm.

Solitude offers the solace of being alone, free from the weight of judgment, applause and approval.

Promise is an emerging artist known for his captivating exploration of life’s intricacies through art. His nomination for the Charlottetown Arts Award in 2021 speaks to his growing recognition within the artistic community.

“In solitude, each breath is cherished, every intention detached from the world’s demands—a reprieve from obligations,” shares Promise. “But idealizing this paradise can be harmful; longing for it means evading oneself, trapped in a self-made prison.

“Paradise, once seen as a blissful escape, becomes a mirage where the balance of opposites is lost, and reality blurs with solitude and companionship. This distortion is damaging.”

Drawing inspiration from the ebb and flow of life’s experiences, Promise’s work reflects the delicate balance between chaos and harmony. Through mediums like acrylic paint and digital design, he creates immersive pieces that invite viewers to delve into the complexities of existence.

With each brushstroke or digital manipulation, Promise seeks to evoke introspection and curiosity in his audience. By capturing the essence of human emotions and experiences, he aims to foster a deeper connection between viewers and his art.

As Promise continues to evolve as an artist, his commitment to exploring the human condition remains steadfast. Through his work, he invites

audiences to embark on a journey of self-discovery and reflection, ultimately enriching their understanding of the world around them.

New Roots Social

A community for an abundant future

The idea for the New Roots SocialBuilding Community for an Abundant Future (NRSCAF) was created when a group of friends came together with the understanding that most Islanders are concerned about the cost of living. They believe it is up to people and communities to help each other out and make life easier for everyone.

On April 29, at the Breadalbane Community Centre, NRSCAF will focus on growing food, creating more food security, making natural health remedies and simple living.

At the heart of this Social is the concept of exchanging knowledge. Across PEI, many people grow gardens, forage for wild plants and make natural health care products. Eight speakers will give presentations on a variety of subjects like gardening, foraging food in the wild, making tinctures and salves, forest bathing and more.

There will be local small businesses selling and promoting their home made products and services.

The full day event goes from 11 am to 7 pm and will conclude with a meal prepared by Heartbeet Organics/ Farmacy Fermenary.

Small businesses that make local product can contact newrootssocial@ outlook.com for a table.

Promise Ojo, Solace is Nothingness

Art camps and PD days at Confed

Nurture a child’s interest in arts by signing them up for an arts camp at Confederation Centre of the Arts.

Exploring Visual Arts camp runs on Saturdays from April 13–June 1 and explores several types of art-making activities. Through fun exercises and lessons, students develop their visual literacy and technical abilities. Activities are supplemented by gallery visits where students explore a range of contemporary and historical artworks.

The Visual Arts and Performing Arts PD Day camp on April 19 is a combination of guided and openended activities where young artists explore painting, drawing, singing, dancing and more.

The Visual Arts PD Day camp on May 3 is for budding young artists to explore the visual arts through a combination of guided and openended activities in painting, sculpture, drawings and more.

Registration is also open for a wide variety of summer camps on offer for youth ages 4–17. These camps run from July 2–August 23 and include musical theatre, animation, dance, visual arts, Shakespearean theatre, and more.

To register, visit confederationcentre.com or contact the box office.

ARTS

Arts funding to help prevent gender-based violence

Island artists can now access funding to help raise public awareness of gender-based violence, its impacts, and prevention. To support the continued growth of the arts community, this funding will help with the creation and dissemination of artistic projects. The funding for this initiative is $100,000, with up to $25,000 prioritized for Indigenous artists or works that focus on violence prevention in Indigenous communities or missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQIA+ people. Applications can be submitted online until 3:59 pm on April 16. Learn more and apply at princeedwardisland.ca/en/service/artsgrants-call-for-applications-for-genderbased-violence-prevention-projects/.

Artisans Waterfront jury

Artisans Waterfront, an artist run gallery at 1 Station Street, Montague, will be holding a jury session in May for new members for their 2024 season. They are currently seeking three dimensional crafts (pottery, leather, woodworking, artisanal foods and glass) but do encourage all artists and artisans who are looking for an opportunity to showcase their talent to apply. Visit artisanswaterfront.ca for membership information, application guidelines and jury instructions.

APRIL GALLERY EVENTS

Seniors Art Activities - APRIL 4 & MAY 9

Guided Gallery Tour - APRIL 11 Join us for an introduction to our current exhibitions followed by an art-making activity. Tea, coffee, and snacks will be provided. Cost is $10.00 per person.

Visual Arts Educator Andreas Fobes will provide insights into the gallery’s current exhibitions, with a focus on Donald Andrus: A Retrospective.

Talent to Watch program

FilmPEI continues their support for emerging PEI filmmakers

FilmPEI is a Designated Industry Partner for the 2024 edition of Telefilm’s Talent to Watch program, which supports emerging filmmakers looking to finance the production stage of their first feature film project(s) with support of up to $250,000.

FilmPEI members who meet Telefilm’s eligibility criteria (telefilm. ca) can submit their projects and all required documents to FilmPEI for a jury review process. FilmPEI will then select projects to continue on to Telefilm’s own juried application process, with a letter of support included from FilmPEI. FilmPEI is able to nominate three projects in total under the industry partner stream: Main, Indigenous and Official Language Minority Community.

Applications must be submitted to FilmPEI no later than April 23. The Talent to Watch opens April 16 and closes April 30. Send applications to info@filmpei.com.

Strike a Pose

Pride PEI goes bowling at The Alley—Apr 13

Pride PEI is hosting a night of bowling, food and fun at The Alley on April 13 from 7–10 pm.

Strike a Pose: Pride PEI Goes Bowling participants can register with an established team or be placed on a team. Don’t want to bowl? Register as a non-bowling attendee and cheer on friends.

Visit Pride PEI @pridepei on IG to register at the link in their bio, or email info@pridepei.ca.

The Alley is located at 200 Richmond Street in Charlottetown.

Free children’s activities

At the Summerside Library

Free children’s programming continues at the Summerside Rotary Library at 57 Central Street in April.

A few of the many activities are:

Check This Out–Coding With Scratch at 10:30 am on April 13; Crafty Kids–Spring Is Here at 1 pm on April 19; and Arts & Crafts–Decorating Flower Pots at 10:30 am on April 20.

Ongoing programs for babies, toddlers and young children include: Wiggle Giggle Read at 9:30 am on Wednesdays; Toddler Time at 9:30 am on Thursdays; Saturday Storytime at 1 pm on Saturdays; and Puppet Play at 10:30 am on April 6.

Pickleball training

Clinics to be held in Charlottetown & Cornwall

The Charlottetown Pickleball Club is hosting Cameron Taylor from Taylored Pickleball Academy (TPA) to do clinics for all levels of play at the University of PEI on April 7 and at the Cornwall APM Centre on April 8.

As in the past, sessions offered will focus on specific pickleball topics and strategies geared towards beginner to advanced skill levelled players. The TPA team will keep participants engaged and having fun while elevating their skills on the court.

For more information and to register, visit tayloredpickleballacademy.ca.

Watch Evelyn

The short documentary film, Evelyn, about the original spirit who was Evelyn Christopher, will be released online on Vimeo at 9 am AST on April 1. Directors Millefiore Clarkes and Davy Weale are excited to share this film with the world, especially with those who knew and loved Evelyn.

Evelyn knew the cycles of the earth intimately and she would have anticipated the coming spring planting season with relish. The film’s release date is in the spirit of honouring Evelyn, and those like her, who know how to grow food and do so with care for the land we all rely upon.

Evelyn enters the world of the wise and wry human that was Evelyn Christopher, and offers a little window into what we have lost with all our rushing around. With a visionary understanding earned by almost a century of working the land, Evelyn offers dire warnings for the future if society cannot reconnect with humility to the web of nature.

In the film, Evelyn Christopher is 94 years old, living fiercely independently, and still growing enough food to give surplus away to neighbours. She comes from a place where pace was in step with the seasons. She understands the land, the sea, and the air. She is one of the last of her kind,

SCREEN

Afternoon Movie Club

Visit the Charlottetown Library Learning Centre for an afternoon movie on April 2 at 1 pm. This month they will screen the movie, Brazil. 97 Queen Street, Charlottetown.

Filmworks Summerside at Harbourfront

The Filmworks Summerside at Harbourfront Series continues with Priscilla on April 8 at 7 pm. Customers can book advance tickets via phone at 888-2500, online at harbourfronttheatre. com/shows/filmworks-summerside, or in person at the box office. Tickets can also be purchased on the day of the screening. 124 Heather Moyse Drive, Summerside.

Anime Club

Watch and discuss an episode of anime at Anime Club (ages 18+) on April 9 at 6 pm

and with her goes a way of being in the world: dirt under the fingernails, chores every morning at dawn, knowing just how to grow a turnip, stacking every stitch of firewood for the lean winter months …

Though she barely travelled from her own plot of land, Evelyn’s impact in the surrounding community was deep. Mention the name Evelyn Christoper while ‘up West’ on PEI, and almost everyone will know who you mean, and furthermore they will want to share a story of her spirit, her resourcefulness, her wisdom or her independence.

The film recently screened at the Halifax Independent Filmmakers Festival, the Charlottetown Film Festival, the Lunenburg Doc Fest, and the Atlantic International Film Festival where it won Best Score in an Atlantic Film for PEI composer Devon Ross.

at the Charlottetown Library Learning Centre. Anime is shown in original Japanese with English subtitles. 97 Queen Street, Charlottetown.

Movie Day at Kings Playhouse

Kings Playhouse Family Festival programming features a Movie Day on April 28. Watch Disney’s Frozen on the big screen at 1 pm, or journey back in time with the 80s hit Back to the Future at 3:30 pm. Indulge in popcorn, candy, and drinks. 65 Grafton Street, Georgetown. Info: kingsplayhouse.com

Movie Monday at the Charlottetown Library

Head to the Charlottetown Library

Learning Centre for Movie Monday: 80’s Night on April 29 at 6 pm. Watch a movie on the big screen in their auditorium. This month they are showing Who Framed Roger Rabbit? (1988), a classic cartoon noir film starring Bob Hoskins and Christopher Lloyd. Rated PG. 97 Queen Street, Charlottetown.

Welcome to City Cinema from The Charlottetown Film Society

City Cinema is owned and operated by our non-profit Society. We welcome donations, and can provide tax receipts. 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

Perfect Days

until April 3

PG, some language, partial nudity and smoking. Dir: Wim Wenders, Japan/ Germany, 2023, 123 min. Kôji Yakusho, Tokio Emoto, Arisa Nakano. In Japanese with English subtitles.

Academy Award Nominee for Best International Feature Film; Cannes Festival Winner, Best Actor and Ecumenical Jury Prize

“In the days before the Internet, arthouse cinemas used to bring us the world: this is how moviegoers in America would have seen Kôji Yakusho, famous in his home country of Japan, in movies like Tampopo or Shall We Dance? For longtime moviegoers, Yakusho’s performance in Wim Wenders’ sublime Perfect Days is a kind of homecoming. His character, Hirayama, has either retreated from the world or is fully embracing it, depending on your perspective: He’s a Tokyo janitor who cleans public toilets for a living, driving from job to job accompanied by the music streaming from his van’s cassette deck. His daily companions are Patti Smith, Lou Reed, the Kinks, Nina Simone - artists who mark him as a music lover of a certain age, but who also bind the past to the present in an elastic embrace.

Yakusho’s performance is a marvel of openness: Hirayama observes all that’s around him - the pattern of light on the waves of a river, the tracery of leaves on a tree he sees every day - as if taking the world in with every breath, and subliminally, he urges us to do the same.”

—Stephanie Zacharek, Time Magazine

Demon Slayer:

Kimetsu no Yaiba – To the Hashira Training

April 4–8

14A, violence. Dir: Haruo Sotozaki, Japan, 2024, 104 min. Natsuki Hanae, Akari Kito, Hiro Shimono, Yoshitsugu Matsuoka, Tomokazu Sugita. In Japanese with English subtitles/English dubbed.

“Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba first took the world by storm in 2018. The series follows Tanjiro Kamado, a young man whose family was tragically murdered by demons... However, his little sister, Nezuko, isn’t completely gone and is transformed into a demon herself. To save his sister Tanjiro enlists in the Demon Slayer Corps. What makes Demon Slayer stand out is its beautiful animation, stellar score, and intense fight scenes. The show’s first feature quickly became one of the highest-grossing anime films ever… Demon Slayer: To the Hashira Training, takes new and

previously released episodes and creates a cinematic experience... Demon Slayer: To the Hashira Training shows that this series is best seen on the big screen…. an incredibly enjoyable experience.” —Michael Thomas, Collider

Discover Charlottetown Presents: The Witches

April 7, 4 pm

PG, mild violence, mild profanity. Dir: Nicolas Roeg, US, 1990, 91 min. Angelica Huston, Rowan Atkinson, Jasen Fisher. Ticket price: $5

Adapted from Roald Dahl’s classic children’s novel, a young boy stumbles onto a witch convention and must stop them, even after he has been turned into a mouse. Somehow, some way, we got a family friendly venture from the sicko responsible for Don’t Look Now. Not to be missed!

Problemista

April 9–13

14A, language, mature content. Dir: Julio Torres, US, 2024, 104 min. Tilda Swinton, Julio Torres, RZA, Greta Lee.

“The hero of Problemista sees the world differently. He’s an aspiring toy designer named Alejandro who thinks today’s toys are too fun. He proposes a toy truck with a deflating tire to teach kids they’re running out of time… Julio Torres, stars, directs and has written Problemista, an off-kilter and very winning movie… It’s not like a Wes Andersontype hyper-whimsy, but more like the surreal bursting joy of Everything Everywhere All at Once. It even breaks space and time like the latter…. It tells the story of Alejandro, an El Salvadoran immigrant desperate to work for Hasbro but needing to extend his work visa... A twist of fate gets him into the orbit of Elizabeth, the widow of an artist who has been cryogenically frozen… To afford to keep her husband on ice, she must locate and sell his unloved paintings - a 13-painting series of eggs in different places - and she needs the computer and gofer assistance of Alejandro. Tilda Swinton plays the widow as an unhinged, self-involved, rude and frightening force of nature… These two very opposite souls need each other and not just in a transactional sense. She needs his calmness and vision, and he needs her forthrightness… Torres displays a Kafkaesque bent as he illustrates the byzantine hurdles of red tape that immigrants face, with Alejandro negotiating a fantasy office maze, like a human rat… The movie even speeds more than 300 years into the future. In that cool future, we’re pretty certain they’ll be talking about the

big directorial debut of a talented filmmaker. Torres is just starting to toy with us.” —Mark Kennedy, Associated Press

Uproar

April 13–16 & 18

14A, language, mature content. Dir: Paul Middleditch, Hamish Bennett, New Zealand, 2023, 110 min. Minnie Driver, Rhys Darby, Julian Dennison.

“Star Julian Dennison, who charmed audiences with his witty comic timing and rich emotionality in Hunt for the Wilderpeople, once again brings his signature warmth, humor, and pathos for a singular and deeply affecting performance. Set during a turbulent time in New Zealand history when the Apartheid-era South African Rugby team’s 1981 nationwide tour sparked protests, the film brings a decidedly political twist to the coming-of-age genre… The film has such a big heart it’s hard to resist its crowd-pleasing charms. Dennison plays Josh, a jovial 17-yearold who lives with his English mum and his brother Jamie. His only goal is to get through school in one piece, often hiding from his racist classmates in the library. When one of his teachers (Rhys Darby, funny as ever) suggests Josh join the drama club and his best friend Grace gets involved in the protest, Josh finds himself with a new calling and a deeper connection to his culture. With his signature charm and wit, Josh’s journey allows Dennison to tap into a deeper well of complex dramatic emotions.” —Marya E. Gates, RogerEbert.com

Discover Charlottetown Presents: Be Kind Rewind

April 14, 4 pm

PG. Dir: Michel Gondry, US, 2008, 102 min. Jack Black, Mos Def, Danny Glover. Ticket price: $5

When two store clerks inadvertently erase all of the tapes in their video store, they remake every film in the store by hand in order to keep the business running. Gondry’s love letter to independent filmmaking, sure to ignite a spark in young viewers and aspiring artists alike.

I Used To Be Funny

April 17, 6:30 pm

18A, mature theme. Dir: Ally Pankiw, Canada, 2023, 105 min. Rachel Sennott, Jason Jones, Sabrina Jalees, Caleb Hearon.

National Canadian Film Day special screening. Free admission; donations welcome at the door.

A dark dramedy that follows Sam, an aspiring stand-up comedian and au pair struggling with PTSD. Sam must decide whether or not to join the search for a missing teenage girl she used to nanny. Writer-director Ally Pankiw’s debut feature is equally funny and heartbreaking in its honest and refreshing look at trauma and recovery, and how they affect the relationships and communities that shape us.

Wicked Little Letters

April 19—24 & 27

14A, coarse language. Dir: Thea Sharrock, UK, 2024, 100 min. Olivia Colman, Jessie Buckley, Timothy Spall.

“Amusing and delightfully sweary, Wicked Little Letters sees a welcome on-screen reunion of The Lost Daughter stars Olivia Colman and Jessie Buckley in a comedy mystery [with] considerable charm… This zippy, eminently watchable film is based on a true poison-pen scandal that rocked 1920s Britain. Colman plays Edith Swan, a puritanical single woman living at home with her elderly parents in the picturesque seaside village of Little Hampton, in the wake of the First World War. After initially forming a bond with her next-door neighbour Rose Gooding… the pair have fallen into decidedly frosty relations. Rose, a single mother who has immigrated from her home in Ireland, is unapologetically loud, sexually liberated and decidedly unladylike, in stark contrast to her Bible-clutching, curtain-twitching neighbour. Things deteriorate further when Edith begins to receive profane anonymous letters which quickly become the talk of the town and eventually garner national attention. The suspicion for these vulgar missives lands squarely on Rose’s doorstep, and she faces losing her freedom… The town’s often patronised ‘woman police officer’ Gladys Moss smells a rat, and along with a trio of local women and budding amateur detectives, they determine

to get to the bottom of the impropriety… Colman and Buckley shine as they exchange increasingly heated insults, while Timothy Spall brings a touch of edge and menace to the proceedings… The riotous atmosphere of Wicked Little Letters is tempered by a portrait of a society on the brink of change. A rollicking good watch.” —Sarah McIntyre, RTÉ (Radio Television Ireland)

You Can Call Me Bill

April 25—30

14A, language, mature content. Dir: Alexandre O. Philippe, US, 2023, 96 min. William Shatner.

“Captain Kirk. T.J. Hooker. Denny Crane. Big Giant Head. Alexander the Great. Henry V. Priceline’s Negotiator. These are but a handful of the innumerable masks worn by William Shatner over seven extraordinary decades onstage and in front of the camera. A peerless maverick thespian, electrifying performer, and international cultural treasure, Bill (as he prefers to be called), now 91 years young, is the living embodiment of his classic line ‘to boldly go where no man has gone before.; In unprecedented fashion, You Can Call Me Bill strips away all the masks he has worn to embody countless characters, revealing the man behind it all.” —Letterboxd

Discover Charlottetown Presents: Fantastic Mr. Fox

April 28, 4 pm

PG. Dir: Wes Anderson, US, 2009, 87 min. George Clooney, Meryl Streep, Bill Murray.

Ticket price: $5

An urbane fox cannot resist returning to his farm raiding ways and then must help his community survive the farmers’ retaliation. In his debut animated feature, Anderson’s style perfectly melds with Dahl to create the perfect balance and thrills & whimsy.

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!

citycinema.ca

city cinema schedule

GAMES

Perfect Days

Perfect Days

Perfect Days

Perfect Days MARCH

Perfect Days

Perfect Days

Perfect Days

Demon Slayer /subs

Demon Slayer /dub’d

Demon Slayer /subs

Demon Slayer /dub’d

The Witches

Demon Slayer /dub’d

Demon Slayer /subs

Problemista

Problemista

Problemista

Problemista Uproar

Problemista

Be Kind Rewind Uproar Uproar Uproar

I Used To Be Funny Uproar

Wicked Little Letters

Wicked Little Letters PRIVATE FUNCTION

Wicked Little Letters

Wicked Little Letters

Wicked Little Letters

Wicked Little Letters

Scrabble Club

The Charlottetown Scrabble Club meets every Tuesday from 5–8 pm at the Charlottetown Library Learning Centre. All ages and skill levels are welcome. Tips for improving one’s game and cheat sheets will be offered. Participants should bring their own Scrabble set if they have one, as well as paper and pencil for scorekeeping. Admission is free. 97 Queen Street, Charlottetown.

Nintendo Switch meetup

Hangout with fellow Nintendo Switch enthusiasts (ages 13+) at the Charlottetown Library Learning Centre on April 3 from 3:30–4:30 pm. Visit each other’s Animal Crossing islands, trade and battle Pokémon, or race in Mario Kart. Bring controllers, games, and Switch or use the Library’s. 97 Queen Street, Charlottetown.

Bridge Course

Instructor Ray Malone will teach the eight-week bridge course Taking Precautions for bridge players who are interested in improving their game. The curriculum is taken from the bridge book Planning the Play: The Next Level by Barbara Seagram and David Bird, and an adult teaching model will be used. Topics include: planning safety plays; keeping the danger hand off lead; retaining trump control; avoiding ruffs and trump promotion; and planning your play to trick one. The course will run weekly on Thursdays from April 4–May 23 at the Irish Cultural Centre in Charlottetown. The cost will be a sliding scale based on the number of tables. To register, call 368-8416 or email ray.teaches.bridge@gmail.com.

Chess Club

Free programming at the Summerside Rotary Library includes Chess Club on Saturdays at 2 pm. Drop-in and join other players for a friendly game of chess. All skill levels are welcome. 57 Central Street, Summerside.

Seniors Board Game Club

Join other seniors for an afternoon of playing board games and socializing at the Charlottetown Library Learning Centre from 1–3 pm on April 8 and 22. Play a favourite game or learn a new one. 97 Queen Street, Charlottetown.

Cards, Crokinole, and Cronies

Wicked Little Letters

Fantastic

You

Socialize while playing games such as cribbage, crokinole, scrabble, checkers, and more at 2 pm on April 10 and 24 at the Summerside Rotary Library, 57 Central Street.

Board Game Café

The next board game cafe at the Charlottetown Library is on April 24 at 6 pm. There is a wide variety of games to suit all types of gamers if players are not interested in traditional games or they find some newer games too complicated. 97 Queen Street, Charlottetown.

READERS/WRITERS

The Life and Times of Roger Connors

The Life and Times of Roger Connors is now available for purchase at the O’Leary Guardian Drug Store and at the Little Red Schoolhouse Gift Shop in O’Leary.

Live graphic novel project with Louise Carota

Visual artist Louise Carota has stepped outside her comfort zone, and inspired with a story, started a graphic novel project. Currently, she is in the middle of creating the rough sketches, having done 500 and counting. These will be the foundation for the final illustrations to be created on Adobe Illustrator. If that wasn’t enough of a challenge, she recently got the idea to do livestreams about the project. The viewer will be able to watch live as Carota creates the art for the novel, ask questions about different art processes, or get tips on accessing their own creativity. The decision to venture into the world of YouTube and social media was made with the hope that others would be inspired to embark on a creative project of their own. To learn more, visit louisecarota.com or subscribe to her YouTube channel @LouiseCarota.

Writing workshop with Tara MacLean

Presented by Bookmark and the UPEI Faculty of Arts and English Dept, PEI singer-songwriter Tara MacLean, author of the best-selling memoir Song of the Sparrow, will give a memoir writing workshop on March 30 from 9:30 am–1:30 pm in Main 213 on the UPEI campus. The workshop, entitled Writing with Ghosts—A Guide to Excavating Memories, is limited to 25 participants. To register, visit @winters.tales on FB or use the link: forms.gle/vn92wyVqnG3cjp4j7. MacLean will talk about and read from her memoir, in conversation with Richard Lemm, on March 28 at 7 pm at UPEI’s Performing Arts Centre. Admission is free.

Summerside Rotary Library Book Club

Join the Summerside Rotary Library Book Club for a lively discussion about some of today’s most thought-provoking books.

Pick up a copy of the latest book club selection at the main circulation desk. The next meetings are March 30 and April 27 at 2 pm. 57 Central Street, Summerside.

Beaconsfield Book Club: BIPOC Speculative Fiction

The final two Beaconsfield Book Club: BIPOC Speculative Fiction Society meetings with culture critic and diversity specialist Evelyn Bradley and writer and historical interpreter Caitlyn Paxson will be held from 1–2:30 pm at Beaconsfield Carriage House. Bradley and Paxson will discuss March’s book selection, The Black God’s Drum by P. Djèlí Clark, on March 31. April’s book choice, The Conductors by Nicole Glover, will be covered on April 21. Light refreshments will be served. Copies of the books are available at a 15 percent discount for book club members at Bookmark and for free at the Charlottetown Library. Limited spaces available. Visit bit.ly/beaconsfield-bipoc-book to reserve a space. The book club is recommended for ages 18+. For updates, visit peimuseum.ca or follow @ heritagepei. 2 Kent Street, Charlottetown.

Book signing, reading and chat with Lorraine Clements

Lorraine Clements, the author of The Girl From 108, will be at Indigo Charlottetown from 1–2 pm on April 6 for a book signing and reading. Stay for a chinwag about the book, the boarding house, the adoption, or the kids from King Street, who grew up in the 50s and 60s in Charlottetown. 455 University Ave, Belvedere Plaza, Charlottetown.

Book signing with Finley Martin

Drop by Bookmark, Charlottetown’s independent bookstore, on April 6 for a book signing with Finley Martin from 1–2:30 pm. Martin is the author of many books including four mysteries and a personal account of his sailing adventures. He will be signing copies of Flynn’s War, his latest mystery, but fans can also have copies of his other books signed too. 172 Queen Street, Charlottetown.

Chrystyna Zorych Holman book launch

Join author Chrystyna Zorych Holman for the launch of her book, New Country, New Life: A Family Memoir, on April 6 at 2 pm at the Summerside Rotary Library, 57 Central Street.

Children’s storytime, reading and book signing

Bookmark, in partnership with the Charlottetown Learning Library Centre, will host Storytime on April 7 from 2–3 pm. Join NS author Danielle MetcalfeChenail and her special guest, PEI’s own Kara Griffin, in the Children’s Room at the Library (97 Queen Street) to hear them read their latest children’s books,

including Freddie the Flyer and Flitt’s Call This is a free event. Both authors will be doing a book signing at Bookmark (172 Queen Street) after the reading.

L. P. Suzanne Atkinson book launch and reading

L. P. Suzanne Atkinson will launch Fate Deals The Cards, the sixth novel in the Stella Kirk Mystery series, on April 7 from 2–3:30 pm in the Key Family Room of the Summerside Rotary Library. All are invited. Books will be available for purchase. 57 Central Street, Summerside.

A Writer’s Toolkit: workshop series

Island author Trevor Corkum will host a series of three new writing workshops this April and May. A Writer’s Toolkit workshops are designed to help writers and other creative folks navigate the business side of writing. Topics covered include submitting work to literary contests and magazines, plotting the road to publication, applying for grants, and developing story and project pitches for magazines and publishers. Workshops will be held at the Charlottetown Library Learning Centre from 6–8 pm on April 10 and 24, and May 8. Spaces are limited and advanced registration is required. Info/register: trevorcorkum.com/ writers-toolkit

Book Lovers Talk Books

Join Book Lovers Talk Books, an informal conversation-style book club where participants talk about the books they are currently reading with fellow certified book lovers. Get recommendations and share the love of reading with others

Future Poets Award

Applications open until May 1

For the third consecutive year, Three Oaks Senior High School (TOSH) is offering students the opportunity to showcase their individual poetry and compete for a grand prize of $500. The Future Poets Award is designed to give a voice to students who use poetry to express and explore their struggles. The Award is open to all students, regardless of their grades.

Last year, submissions to the Future Poets Award tripled, with Lauren Johnston capturing First Prize. Johnston’s truth reverberates with life and reverence, a reminder that the practice and patience of telling one’s truth has healing and transformational qualities both for the individual and for society.

Second Prize winner Seth C.G.’s verses are the labour of a young man who is re-drafting his story as he moves through the world—questioning

at the next meeting on April 16 at 6 pm at the Charlottetown Library Learning Centre. Register in advance (368-4642) 97 Queen Street, Charlottetown.

James MacNutt book launch

James W. MacNutt’s will launch Disasters at Sea on April 17 at 6:30 pm at the Charlottetown Library Learning Centre (97 Queen Street). The book contains a full novel, The Yankee Gale 1851, and a novella, The Mystery of The Kirk Bell Pealing 1853. Both are accounts of ship wrecks off the coast of PEI and both are written in the fictionalized history style of writing. The event will feature a guest speaker and an opportunity for attendees to tell their stories related to the events. Info: jamesmacnutt@icloud.com

Brent MacLaine book launch

Brent MacLaine will launch his new poetry book, A Skeptic in Springtime, on April 24 at 7 pm in the Faculty Lounge, Main Building Room 201, on the UPEI campus. Books will be available for purchase. The event is sponsored by Island Studies Press, the UPEI English Department, and Bookmark. This event is free and all are welcome to attend.

Write from the Heart: A Spring Writing Retreat

Write from the Heart: A Spring Writing Retreat will be offered from April 24–26 at a spacious farmhouse outside Victoria-by-the-Sea. Led by Island author Trevor Corkum, Write from the Heart is designed for both new and experienced writers, combining writing workshops, gourmet meals, and independent writing time. Info/register: trevorcorkum.com/ wfth2024-retreat-overview

himself and the world. There is an agile capacity in C.G.’s framing that regenerates the heavyweight of negative thoughts into a trust bond that self-awareness is the key.

The application deadline is May 1. The application form is available at the school or online at: tinyurl.com/ FuturePoet.

Poetry and spoken word

Open mic at Charlottetown Library Learning Centre—Apr 4

Join Poet Laureate Tanya Davis and other local talent on April 4 from 6–7:30 pm for an evening of poetry and spoken word at the Charlottetown Library Learning Centre. Spaces are limited; to share, contact the library via phone at 3684642 or in person at 97 Queen Street, Charlottetown.

A gift of Island Poetry

CLOTHESLINE

When your favourite shirt reaches out to greet you, it’s like a more comfortable version of yourself has offered its sleeve, stripped of everything and at ease with the angles it recedes to. I step forward when the clothesline leans back, and wait for prevailing winds to drape me in their directions. All week I’ve been pinned to what others send my way, and I want to excuse what the indoor world has made of me, resume my rightful place among these restless sculptures of polyester and cotton. The clothesline shoulders them, holds the house to the tree, places my whole family under its care, arms open to our every imperfection. Where else can you sit and watch socks take flight, swirl off with the ambition of early aviators who hoped, if only for a while, to fly by chute or sail? They took to the sky, then fell to earth, so that’s where I choose to leave them.

—Dave Hickey

Dave Hickey’s poems most recently appeared in Safe Vehicles for a Dying Planet, a chapbook from Baseline Press.

Each month Bren Simmers selects a poem by an Island poet for The Buzz

Storytelling

heritage. Participants are encouraged to be part of a collective storytelling experience that transcends generations.

Poets and Pints

Bookmark hosts National Poetry Month celebration

“The purpose of poetry is to restore to mankind the possibility to wonder.” — Octavio Paz April is National Poetry Month and Bookmark is hosting their annual Poets and Pints event to celebrate. Join them at the Queue on April 30 from 7–9 pm to celebrate local PEI poets. This year’s event features local poets Bren Simmers, Renée Blanchette and Brent MacLaine reading from their new poetry collections, followed by a moderated conversation between the poets and an audience Q&A. The event will conclude with an open mic where other poets and aspiring poets can read

their poetry to the audience. Register for the open mic by emailing charlottetown@bookmarkreads.ca.

Refreshments will be available as well as a cash bar. All are welcome. The Queue is located next to the Pilot House at 70 Grafton Street, Charlottetown.

L’nu Storytellers of PEI at The Guild—Apr 13 MAY

This month’s edition of L’nu Storytelling at The Guild in Charlottetown takes place on April 13 from 4–6 pm. All are welcome for an afternoon filled with the warmth of shared stories and the celebration of the rich heritage of the Mi’kmaq people on Epekwitk/PEI.

Embarking on a journey of cultural richness and connection, L’nu Storytellers of PEI, led by Julie Pellissier-Lush, invite attendees to share the vibrant tapestry of Mi’kmaq

The gathering, open to all, aims to cultivate an exchange of wisdom, knowledge, and the living history of the Mi’kmaq people through the art of storytelling. A new theme each month provides a focal point as organizers compile an anthology of Mi’kmaq tales, encouraging everyone to contribute their unique narratives. Themes for future gatherings promise diverse and engaging discussions, fostering a sense of community and understanding.

A sign-up sheet will be available at the event. Registration is free (and optional) on Eventbrite, and walk-ins are welcome. Donations are also welcome at the door.

SALONDULIVREIPE.CA

April 15

PHOTOS SUBMITTED

(left–right): Local poets Renée Blanchette, Brent MacLaine and Bren Simmers

PEI BOOKS

Disasters at Sea

James W. MacNutt

Recently published in New York, two stories are contained in the latest book, Disasters at Sea, written by local author James W. MacNutt. They are both accounts of shipwrecks off the coast of PEI, resulting in the loss of many lives.

The book contains a full novel entitled The Yankee Gale 1851 and a novella entitled The Mystery of The Kirk Bell Pealing 1853. They are written in the fictional history-style of writing, enabling an interpretation of the facts and animating those on land and at sea affected by the disasters.

Disasters at Sea unveils the poignant yet inspiring chronicle of Island residents, who, propelled by compassion, rallied to extend a lifeline to beleaguered seamen. Their unwavering aid echoed the noble deeds of the Newfoundland residents during the 9/11 crisis. With hearts brimming with empathy, they embarked on a mission of rescue, recovery, and honour for the fallen, manifesting an enduring maritime bond.

The narrative reflects on the ethos of neighbourly duty prevalent in 19th-century Atlantic Canada, highlighting a stark contrast against the seemingly indifferent response of the vessel owners in the aftermath, who appeared to evade accountability for the lost souls and shattered vessels. Disasters at Sea navigates through the haunting whys of fate’s discernment amidst the storm, unearthing the profound human spirit that surges even amidst the darkest squalls, painting a timeless tableau of maritime valor and human resilience.

A book launch will be held at 6:30 pm on April 17 at the Charlottetown Library Learning Centre.

The Land Girl on Lily Road

Jillianne Hamilton

The Land Girl on Lily Road is the third book in Jillianne Hamilton’s WWII romance trilogy, Homefront Hearts. Set on England’s homefront during the early years of the Second World War, each book in the trilogy features a forbidden romance between two people brought together by the unexpected circumstances of war. The first in the trilogy, The Hobby Shop on Barnaby Street, was released in 2022 and the second, The Seamstress on Cider Lane, was released in March 2024.

Hamilton’s debut novel, Molly Miranda: Thief for Hire, was previously shortlisted for the 2016 PEI Book Award for Fiction, and her first historical novel, The Spirited Mrs. Pringle, was longlisted for the 2022 Historical Fiction Company Book Award. Signed copies of the Homefront Hearts books can be purchased at Bookmark in Charlottetown. jilly.ca

A Skeptic in Springtime

Brent MacLaine

Brent MacLaine will launch a new poetry book called A Skeptic in Springtime on April 24 at 7 pm in the Faculty Lounge, Main Building Room 201, on the UPEI campus.

A Skeptic in Springtime wrestles with uncertainty and aging, hurricanes, gravity, and particle theory. Amid all the unknowns, “Still, the whitethroated sparrow cries I’m here, here,

here, here.” Rooted in the PEI landscape where he grew up, MacLaine’s gaze ranges farther afield to Assyrian myth in “Killing a Lassamu,” to the Song Dynasty in “Su Dongpo Makes Ink,” to art in “Claude Monet in the Waiting Room.”

The book closes with a tribute to the late John Smith, former poet laureate of PEI. Combining keen observation of the natural world and the human condition, the poems in this collection contain “a universe which has leapt from nothing into something.”

Brent MacLaine is a professor emeritus at the Department of English at UPEI and the author of six volumes of poetry. He grew up in the rural community of Rice Point, PEI, to which he returned after teaching at universities in Vancouver, Edmonton, China, and Singapore. His awards for poetry include a League of Canadian Poets prize, the PEI Book Award, and the Atlantic Poetry Prize.

The book launch is free to attend and all are welcome. The event is sponsored by Island Studies Press, the UPEI English Department, and Bookmark. Books will be available for purchase.

Journey:

A Guided Journal for Becoming and Unbecoming Katherine Stetson

Published by Pownal Street Press, Journey: A Guided Journal for Becoming and Unbecoming by Katherine Stetson is an interactive resource for those interested in the intersection of mindfulness, mental health and journaling.

Journey invites readers to discover themselves in a new light. Sharing her perspective as a mental health nurse, the author guides readers step-by-step towards an inquiry into their beliefs, their behavioural patterns and their identities by offering a sequence of over 150 thought-provoking questions, meant to investigate unique histories

and past and present complexities.

From cultivating self-knowledge to tapping into the simplest of joys, Stetson uses the principles of psychology and mindfulness to invite the reader in. Her questions are designed to spark reflection, insight and change—and to give life its greatest meaning. With generous space for thoughts and musings, Journey uses the power of introspection to restore readers to their most authentic selves — the selves that are clear, grounded, motivated, grateful, and complete.

A registered emergency nurse, Stetson shifted gears to become a comprehensive mental health nurse. Diving head-first into best practices, her studies have covered many topics, including cognitive behavioural therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and trauma-informed care.

The cover art was designed by Jordan Beaulieu.

pownalstreetpress.com

Writers’ Guild open mic

Gallery Coffee House—Apr 25

The PEI Writers’ Guild hosts a monthly open mic at The Gallery Coffee House & Bistro in Charlottetown on the fourth Thursday of each month at 7 pm.

To encourage fresh writing and spark creativity, each month features a different theme, accompanied by a writing prompt. Priority will be given to writers who will be reading pieces related to the monthly theme, however, a couple of spots are held at each event for those who are inspired in the moment, so bring writing, sign up the night of, and be prepared to read. All levels and all genres of writers are encouraged to participate.

Admission is free and open to all, but priority is given to PEIWG members for getting on the readers list. To be a reader, submit by email to director@peiwritersguild.com.

Indie Bookstore Day

Celebrate local shops at Bookmark in Charlottetown—Apr 27

On April 27, readers across the country will have the opportunity to support local independent bookshops by participating in Canadian Independent Bookstore Day (CIBD). With more than 150 shops expected to participate, CIBD is an annual cultural celebration and an opportunity for book buyers, authors, illustrators, and publishers to acknowledge the vibrant literary ecosystem created by “indie” bookshops. The stores in this national network act as key community ambassadors, convenors of important conversations, and contributors to vibrant local economies. With contests, customer giveaways, product exclusives, and bookseller activities planned, CIBD will appeal to book buyers across all ages and interests.

Indie booksellers are experts in their field, passionate about facilitating connections between reader and writer and creating genuine, lasting relationships with their customers. The shops

Salon du livre de l’Î.-P.-É.

Sixth edition for PEI book fest—May 30 to June 1

The Salon du livre de l’Île-du-PrinceÉdouard (book fest) returns for its sixth edition, May 30–June 1, at the Carrefour-de-l’Isle-Saint-Jean in Charlottetown. This year, the event will celebrate the love of books and reading with the theme “Viens voir! Viens lire!” (“Come see! Come read!”).

The organizing committee will soon release two programs, one for schools and one for the general public. There will be interactive activities for people of all ages, a keynote conference, fireside chats with authors and books will be on sale, among other activities. The Carrefour de l’Isle-Saint-Jean will host most of the events for the general public. School groups will have the opportunity to visit the book fest and authors will also visit students in both French schools and schools offering the French immersion program.

Book fests are significant cultural events that take place all over the world with the goal of showcasing literature of all kinds. Some world-famous book fairs include the Frankfurter Buchmess (Germany), the London Book Fair (UK) and the Salon

function as pillars of the community— inclusive spaces for conversation and hubs for events promoting enlightenment and entertainment.

This year’s celebration at Bookmark includes: comments from their 2024 Bookstore Ambassador, award winning Island author, Nicholas Herring; a chance to win a $1000 or one of four $200 Bookmark gift certificates (indiebookstores.ca/CIBD for contest rules); the popular Spin to Win contest with chances to win extra points, swag and product or donations to the local food bank; lots of book swag and exclusive merchandise (while quantities last); double points on all qualifying purchases for the Bookmark Reader Rewards Program (sign up, it’s free); and live music featuring Bookmark’s bookseller Joseph Simmonds on piano and sibling Abigail on cello.

Bookmark is located at 172 Queen Street in Charlottetown.

du livre de Montréal, which has been running annually for over 45 years.

The Salon du livre de l’Î.-P.-É. is a non-profit organization which organizes a book fair every two years, alternating the event between Charlottetown and Summerside. The event brings together 5000 participants, over 25 French-speaking authors from across the country and readers from all over the province to take part in activities, conferences, workshops, and presentations. Book sellers are also on site representing more than 100 publishers. Visit salondulivreipe.ca or follow on social media for updates.

Poet-in-Residence

PEI Poet Laureate Tanya Davis is the Poet-in-Residence at the Charlottetown Library Learning Centre on the second Thursday of each month.

The next Poet-in-Residence day is April 4 from 3–5 pm. Davis will be writing, reading, and happy to speak one-on-one with Island writers about a specific project of theirs, or the writing life in general.

To set up an appointment, contact the library via phone at 368-4642 or in person at 97 Queen Street, Charlottetown.

Tanya Davis at Charlottetown Library Learning Centre

COMMUNITY #1

Full solar eclipse—April 8

On April 8, an amazing astronomical event—a full solar eclipse—will take place over Canada, including PEI. All students in both the English and French school boards will be dismissed two hours early that day out of an abundance of caution. A spectacular and rare phenomenon, a solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the earth and the sun, casting its shadow and darkness on the earth. PEI will experience the effects of the eclipse at various times between 3:26 pm and 5:44 pm depending on the region, which coincides with the time students would be walking or being transported home from school. Island teachers are well-prepared with professional resources to educate students about the eclipse, the dynamics of the solar system, and essential safety practices to follow on April 8. The early dismissal is an added layer of protection. The province will distribute safety information to Early Years Centres and after-school programs to assist in their planning for the day. PEI’s Chief Public Health Office and the Government of Canada website have information related to solar eclipses and precautions people can take to protect themselves.

Eclipse Extravaganza

An Eclipse Extravaganza at the Summerside Rotary Library on April 6 from 1–3 pm will allow kids to get hands-on and explore the wonders of an eclipse through multiple activities. 57 Central Street, Summerside.

Atlantic Therapeutic Touch Network

Atlantic Therapeutic Touch Network, a not-for-profit, is offering courses in a self care modality that can assist in relaxation and more, and can be offered to family, pets or friends. To receive a free online session of Therapeutic Touch®️ on Mondays at 6:30 pm or Thursdays at 7 pm, email info@atlanticttn.com. In person sessions are offered monthly in Kensington as well. Info: info@atlanticttn.com; atlanticttn.com

Men’s Focus Group

Men are invited to join a focus group on April 15 from 3–5 pm to help shape support services offered by The Engaging Men and Boys Working Group as part of the Family Violence Prevention Premier’s Action Committee. The organization is seeking men’s valuable input, to share their ideas and thoughts, and receive a $125 honorarium plus lunch and dinner. Contact Scott Alan at scott@peersalliance. ca to participate in working toward a safer, more supportive community. Info: fvps.ca/men-and-boys

Family Eclipse Viewing

Gathering

A Family Eclipse Viewing Gathering at the Charlottetown Library Learning Centre will be held on April 8 from 3:30–5:30 pm. Viewing glasses will be provided and there will be eclipse-inspired activity stations for all ages at this special event. 97 Queen Street, Charlottetown.

Tooling up with Bike Friendly Communities

Bike Friendly Communities’ bicycle toolkits are now available in the Library of Things located in the Rotary Auditorium at the Charlottetown Library Learning Centre (97 Queen Street). Info: bfcpei.ca

Resumé help

Resumé Help Sessions will be offered on April 10 from 10 am–4 pm at the Charlottetown Library Learning Centre. Book some one-on-one time to polish a resumé with a representative from Career Development Services PEI. Register in advance (368-4642). 97 Queen Street, Charlottetown.

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 meetings every Saturday via Zoom. PEI Autistic Adults was started by an autistic senior and currently has over 100 members ranging from students to seniors. Those who wish to participate in the meetings but do not wish to interact online can email peiautisticadults@gmail. com. PEI Autistic Adults is not affiliated with any organization.

Beginners French Course

Volunteer Gustavo Gonzalez will be offering a French Course for Beginners at the Charlottetown Library Learning Centre. The French lessons for adults will take place on Saturdays in April and May from 12 noon–2 pm. Register in advance as space is limited (368-4642). 97 Queen Street, Charlottetown.

French Conversation Group

A French Conversation Group is held on Mondays at 4 pm at the Charlottetown Library Learning Centre. Individuals ages 12+ who are interested in practicing their French language skills are encouraged to join for some casual conversation, games and books. All skill levels are welcome. 97 Queen St, Charlottetown.

Breastfeeding support

Pregnant and new parents are welcome to attend an in-person support group meeting hosted by La Leche League PEI on April 3 from 10–11 am at Beaconsfield Carriage House in Charlottetown. Information and support will be provided by a certified peer support LLL leader. The meeting topics will be based on the needs and interests of the participants, especially focusing on preparing to breastfeed and dealing with challenges. Free admission. All ages welcome. Info: 316-2167; @LLLC.PEI on FB

PEI Rainbow Youth Club

Members and allies of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community who are looking for new pals and fun times are welcome to join the PEI Rainbow Youth Club at the Summerside Rotary Library. The Club is open to youth ages 12–18. Each meeting provides youth with the opportunity to participate in youth-led discussions and fun activities, complete with

opportunities for creativity and self-discovery. These sessions are led by trained PEERS Alliance staff and volunteers, and include a healthy snack. Participants will not be asked to identify and all are welcome to attend. The next meetings are April 2 and 26 at 6 pm. 57 Central Street, Summerside.

Lymphedema support

The PEI Lymphedema Education and Support Group meetings take place at 12:30 pm on the second Sunday of each month at Beaconsfield Carriage House in Charlottetown. The meetings are open to anyone with an interest. There are options to participate in person, online, or both. Contact Rose-Lune Goulet at 940-6780 or rlygoulet@yahoo.ca for info.

Hospice PEI meetings

Hospice PEI holds monthly online meetings via Zoom on the third Thursday of the month at 7 pm. This spring, a structured eight-week, in-person grief support group will be held in the West Prince area. This group will occur once a week and participants are encouraged to commit to the full eight weeks. To register for either group and for more info, call the Hospice PEI grief support coordinator at 330-3857. For info on navigating through grief and for helpful resources, call 3303857 or email griefsupport@hospicepei. ca. To learn more about Hospice PEI programs and services and how to get involved, visit hospicepei.ca.

Seniors Café

The next Seniors Café at the Charlottetown Library on April 18 at 1 pm will feature a hands-on workshop introducing the basics of 3D digital design for 3D printing using Tinkercad. All supplies will be provided, followed by snacks and refreshments. 97 Queen Street, Charlottetown.

Four-week Coding Club

Join Digital Moment volunteers in the Charlottetown Library’s Makerspace for a four-week coding club workshop series from 3:30–4:30 pm on April 2, 9, 16 and 23 for kids ages 8–12. Registration (call 368-4642) and a full four-week commitment is required. Space is limited. Laptops will be provided. 97 Queen St, Charlottetown.

Easter Seals School Tour

Lucie Gallant, the 2024 Easter Seals PEI Ambassador will be making her way across the Island as the Ambassador’s School Tour starts its visits to schools beginning April 24. A 43-year Island tradition, the Tour visits every school in the province in just six days.

Lucie is ten years old, a Grade 5 student at École-sur-Mer in Summerside, and the first-ever bilingual ambassador. Diagnosed on the autism spectrum, she has experienced social and cognitive challenges but is excited to help increase awareness about neurodiversity and the power of optimism with her motto: “With a positive mind

MEALS

PEI Burger Love for Anderson House

Now a charitable fundraiser, this year’s PEI Burger Love, running from April 1–30, will feature 88 Give Back Burgers for Anderson House. Restaurants were not required to pay registration fees to participate—instead, one dollar for every PEI Burger Love burger sold this April will go directly to supporting Anderson House and their many community efforts across the Island. Visit peiburgerlove.ca for participating restaurants and more.

Pancakes for Parkinson

The PEI Parkinson Association has partnered with the East Royalty Lions Club to present their second annual Pancakes for Parkinson fundraising event on April 6 from 8:30–11:30 am at the Malcolm Darrach Community Centre (1 Avonlea Drive, East Royalty). Along with breakfast, there will be a 50/50 draw and fresh tulips for sale. Funds raised will support the Association’s local programs, including the Dancing with Parkinson’s movement group and the Treble Tremors music therapy group, and hopefully toward building additional programs and supports that are needed for Islanders living with Parkinson’s and their care partners. Admission is by cash donation at the door. This is a cash only event. Info: @PEIParkinson on FB; peiparkinsonassiciation@gmail.com

Spring Brunch Fundraiser

The Spring Brunch Fundraiser at Dunstaffnage School Centre (13529 St. Peters Road) will be held on April 14 from 10:30 am–1 pm. There will be pancakes, sausages, quiche, baked beans, homemade biscuits, muffins, juice, coffee

you can do extraordinary things.”

Lucie encourages all Islanders to consider making a donation to Easter Seals. Funds raised will be disbursed to various registered charities on PEI through the organization’s annual provincial grant program.

Visit eastersealspei.org for more information or to donate.

and tea. Admission is free for children six and under. Info: odsc13529@gmail.com

RCAF 100th Anniversary Mess Dinner

The 201 (Confederation) Wing Charlottetown is hosting the RCAF 100th Anniversary Mess Dinner at 12 noon on April 14 at the Malcolm Darrach Community Centre. Info: Debbie Reid (367-0450). 1 Avonlea Dr, Charlottetown.

Annual Village Feast in Souris

Tickets are on sale now for the 16th annual Village Feast in Souris. The Feast will be held on July 7 at its new home, the Souris Regional School Grounds. This event is a great way to support the work of Farmers Helping Farmers. Money raised goes towards community projects in Souris helping kids and families, as well as school gardens and cookhouses in Kenya. Farmers Helping Farmers is an award-winning, Island-based organization whose goal is to assist Kenyan farmers in becoming more self-reliant in agricultural food production, and their work with dairies, women’s groups, schools and farmers has been ongoing since 1980. To learn more, visit farmershelpingfarmers.ca or folllow @farmershelpingfarmers. To reserve Village Feast tickets, visit at villagefeast.ca/tickets-1.

Evening of the Stars Gala Dinner and Auction

This year’s Evening of the Stars Gala Dinner and Auction will take place on May 17 at the Delta Prince Edward in Charlottetown. All proceeds raised from the event will go to the Stars for Life Foundation to provide vital day program and residential services to adults on the autism spectrum on PEI. For more info, call the Stars for Life office at 894-9286 or email paige@starsforlife.com.

HECKBERT’S PHOTOGRAPHY

Lucie Gallant is the 2024 PEI Ambassador

Lucie Gallant

COMMUNITY #1

Breast cancer support

Charlottetown Breast Cancer Support Group will resume their meetings on April 6 at 2 pm. Meetings are held on the first Monday of each month, unless it falls on a holiday and will instead be held on the following Monday. Info: 569-3496; charlottetownbreastcancersg@ gmail.com

PEI Museum and Heritage Foundation AGM

The PEI Museum & Heritage Foundation’s Annual General Meeting will be held at Beaconsfield Carriage House on April 16 at 6:30 pm. Featuring Melissa Peter-Paul as the esteemed speaker, this year’s meeting promises to be engaging and informative. Melissa is a distinguished Mi’kmaq artist from Abegweit First Nation. She was the recipient of the 2023 Atlantic Indigenous Artist Award and the 2023 Leo Cheverie Cultural Connector of the Year Award. Her insights into Mi’kmaq heritage and the significance of Indigenous artwork will undoubtedly leave members and guests inspired. Members of the public are welcome to attend this event, where they will have the opportunity to engage with Melissa and learn more about the work of the PEI Museum and Heritage Foundation. 2 Kent Street, Charlottetown.

PEI Public Library Services seeking public feedback

The province is asking for feedback from Islanders on public library services, programs and resources across PEI. An online survey running to the end of April seeks input from both library users and non-users to capture insights on the effectiveness of services and programs offered, as well as perceptions of libraries among non-users. By understanding the needs and preferences of the community, PEI Public Library Services hopes to improve accessibility and relevance of library resources. The anonymous survey takes approximately 5–10 minutes to complete and is available in English and

French at princeedwardisland.ca/en/ news/public-feedback-wanted-on-public-library-services.

Forestry Commission seeking feedback from Islanders

Islanders are invited to fill out a new survey on forest policy. Towards A New Forest Policy—a discussion paper by the PEI Forestry Commission contains 13 key issues related to forestry including the future of a legislative framework, sustainability of biomass supply, and increasing readiness for extreme weather. The survey will help the Commission understand more about Islanders’ forestry priorities and the issues facing PEI forests. The discussion paper and survey are available at princeedwardisland.ca/ forestsurvey. The deadline for feedback is August 31. Public meetings will take place in communities across PEI this summer, with dates and locations tba.

PEI Seniors’ Secretariat grant application deadline

Organizations and groups that work to improve the lives of Island seniors are invited to submit applications for the 2024-2025 PEI Seniors’ Secretariat grant. The grants provide up to $5000 per project designed to improve the lives of seniors. Groups eligible for funding include non-profit organizations, community-based coalitions, networks, municipal governments, and Indigenous organizations across PEI. Preference will be given to projects that promote positive images of aging and/or address ageism, support healthy aging, improve personal safety and/or address abuse or neglect of seniors, improve financial security of seniors, address social isolation, support intergenerational connection and support aging in the right place for the individual senior. Applications will be accepted until April 5. Visit the PEI Seniors’ Secretariat Grant page at princeedwardisland.ca, email seniors@gov.pe.ca or call the Office of Seniors at 620-3785.

Green

Free tax help clinics

Free tax help clinics are currently available to Island residents with modest-to-no income and a simple tax situation who need assistance to complete their tax and benefit return. Super Clinics will also be offered this year, where additional service providers will be on hand to provide info and support. Filing an annual income tax return is key to accessing the benefits people may qualify for, such as the Canada Child Benefit, Canada Workers Benefit, the Guaranteed Income Supplement and the GST/HST credit. Clinics are available at libraries and community centres across the province in Charlottetown, Cornwall, Morell, Hunter River, Kinkora, Montague, O’Leary, St. Peter’s, Mount Stewart, Summerside, Tignish, Alberton, Stratford, Souris, Borden-Carleton and Kensington. For a full list of locations and times, visit: Be Aware, Get Your Share at princeedwardisland.ca/en/ information/social-development-and-seniors/be-aware-get-your-share. To check qualifications for assistance and for details on tax help clinics call 1-855516-4405 or visit canada.ca/en/revenue-agency.html.

Community fridges

In addition to offering free food, clothing, furniture and houseware to qualified low income families and those experiencing temporary hardship, Betty Begg-Brooks and the volunteers at Gifts from the Heart also manage three community fridges. Food donations can be dropped off during community fridge operating hours (Monday–Friday from 9 am–5 pm) at the nearest fridge location—10 Maple Hills in Charlottetown, the West Royalty Community Centre, or the Stratford No Frills parking lot. Training is provided for those interested in volunteering at the community fridges. Volunteer shifts are from 9 am–1 pm or 1–5 pm. Monetary and food donations are accepted during the week at the Charlottetown office location, 10 Maple Hills Ave. Call Betty at 393-0171 for after hours drop-offs, to volunteer, or to register as a client.

2024–2025 school calendar

To help families and school staff plan for the year ahead, the province has released the calendar for the 2024–2025 school year, which includes 182 instructional

days. The school calendar lays out all the important dates families and the school community need to know for the year ahead, including when classes are in session, when teachers have training days, parent-teacher interview dates, and when school holidays are happening. Families are encouraged to use the school calendar as a resource for planning family commitments, vacations and other activities, to optimize students’ time spent in school. The calendar is available online at princeedwardisland.ca/en/information/ education-and-early-years/2024-2025school-calendar.

North Shore summer transit routes

Rural transit routes to Cavendish and other North Shore communities will resume in June to help support tourism operators, employees and residents during the busy summer season. Two routes—one from Summerside and one from Charlottetown—will provide daily service to Cavendish and the North Shore area, seven days a week. The routes will operate in June, July and August with stops in Kensington, Stanley Bridge, Cavendish, North Rustico, Oyster Bed and Winsloe. The complete Cavendish and North Shore transit schedule will be available in the coming weeks. Rural public transit is taking approximately 160 personal use vehicles off Island roads per day. Monthly transit passes are available with rates for adults, seniors and post-secondary students, and is free for children and students K-12. transitpei.ca

PEI Sociable Singles

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

Communities in Motion:

Video Premiere

Go to the movies with Bike Friendly Communities (BFC) at 11 am on April 20 in the Southport Room at the Stratford Town Hall. BFC are releasing their bike safety videos just in time for spring bike rides. Have some popcorn, learn about BFC, and check out the short videos. Visit bfcpei.ca/events to RSVP and to sign up for the newsletter. 234 Shakespeare Dr, Stratford.

Tech Help

Drop in for Tech Help at the Charlottetown Library Learning Centre on Saturdays from 2–4 pm. Bring devices and questions and get paired up with one of the teen volunteers for Tech Help. 97 Queen Street, Charlottetown.

The Cove Journal by JoDee Samuelson

Sites of Spring

The big snowmelt has come and gone, and freshets have been replaced by puddles and more puddles. If you’re thinking about moving to the Island, visit now. My partner recalls living on a red dirt road in the 1970s when in spring the only way to get to the highway was by catching a lift behind the neighbor’s tractor… in a manure spreader. Yes, the good old days.

Here’s more advice: check out property in March or April. Say it’s a sunny day the middle of August, you’re inspecting an older house with a clay cellar, and you happen to ask, “What’s a sump pump doing in this perfectly dry basement?” Hmm. You’ll know the answer in a few months.

You need to be flexible this time of year. Our Women’s Institute meeting was cancelled in February due to record-breaking snowfall that shut things down for three days. This month freezing rain kept some women home. But during COVID we became so used to changing plans at the last minute that things like that don’t bother us so much anymore.

Is it fair to say that the Island is a mess? Snowplows have torn up the shoulders of the roads, potholes abound, and ditches are decorated with a winter’s supply of beer cans and paper cups. Something remarkable that we roadside-picker-uppers have noticed: no one tosses wine bottles out of the car. This must mean that people don’t glug wine as they drive along, but bring it home and drink it properly, in wine glasses, with dinner and friends. Let’s hear it for oenophiles!

Down at the Cove things are scruffy in a different way. Friable damp capes crumble gently into heaps of sandstone rubble, and toppled broken trees dangle precariously over the edge of the world. Along the beach, piles of black

seaweed are decorated with tangles of rope and fishnet, and when I kick at a sodden clump, beach fleas hop out, ready to carry on where they left off.

Life ramps up without any assistance from humans. Plump shoots of tulips, daffodils and daylilies are poking curiously through the soft soil of empty flowerbeds, while under the grass crocuses await their cue to make a dazzling splashy debut.

In tight formation, Canada geese return from Mexico, tanned and happy, honking joyfully overhead as they spy our potentially verdant hills. If they plan to stay, it will take them a little while to settle in and get everything shipshape—not that nature gives a hoot about shipshape, but we humans do.

No shortage of projects in the days ahead. Uncover the garlic, tie up the current bushes, put away winter boots. Fix the shed door that doesn’t close. Rake up the chips and bark around the woodpile. Here’s a good thing: soon we will escape the tyranny of firewood. Of course this also means that the quiet season of contemplation will be over, but I can handle that.

In the Cove we deal with rain, snow and changeable weather one day at a time—or make that one glass of wine at a time. À votre santé!

May Flower Walk

The

It’s Complicated

The Ever-Evolving Urban Environment with Ken Kelly

Urban planner Ken Kelly will present the lecture “It’s Complicated: The Ever-Evolving Urban Environment” in the Rotary Auditorium at the Charlottetown Library Learning Centre on April 18 at 7 pm.

“As Charlottetown continues to grow and prosper, there are many facets to its successful development as a balanced community,” says Kelly. “How do we address the housing crunch, solve the street issues, increase density to accommodate expansion while preserving the character of our community, and how do we do all this in the context of sustainability? These are issues that need to be

Guaranteed livable income

Senator Kim Pate will speak on “Why We Need a Guaranteed Livable Basic Income” at two free public events in PEI this month. The presentations, both at 7 pm, will be held at Westisle Composite High School in Elmsdale on April 3, and at UPEI’s MacDougall Hall, Room 242, on April 4.

Senator Pate has introduced a bill in the Senate called S-233, An Act to Develop a National Framework for a Guaranteed Livable Basic Income. This bill is currently being studied by the Standing Senate Committee on National Finance.

The Hon. Kim Pate was appointed to the Senate of Canada in 2016. She is a nationally renowned advocate who has spent the last 40 years working in and around the legal and penal systems of Canada, with and on behalf of some of the most marginalized, victimized, criminalized and

addressed and I hope to spark conversations about innovative solutions.”

The lecture is funded by the Catherine Hennessey Endowment Fund which was created in 2010 by the City of Charlottetown to honour the contributions of Catherine Hennessey to the city, especially in the areas of urban planning and heritage preservation. The purpose of the endowment fund is to create learning opportunities that enhance urban planning and the appreciation of heritage preservation.

Mr. Kelly is a Halifax resident who has worked throughout Canada in the public, private, and university sectors contributing to the revitalization of downtowns and inner cities. He was part of the planning team which wrote the first amalgamated Charlottetown Official Plan in 1999.

Info: nmunn@charlottetown.ca

institutionalized—particularly imprisoned youth, men and women. She is a member of the Order of Canada, a recipient of numerous awards, and holds six honourary doctorate degrees.

These events are sponsored by the Saint Dunstan’s University Institute for Christianity and Culture at UPEI.

Gardening guidelines

Presentation by Kool Breeze Farms—Apr 3

Special guests from Kool Breeze Farms will be at the Summerside Rotary Library on April 13 at 2 pm to talk about gardening guidelines.

The presentation will focus on topics such as starting a veggie garden, keeping pests away, good versus bad bugs in the garden, growing seasons, garden layouts, and more on how to make your vegetable patch thrive.

57 Central Street, Summerside.

NATURE

Island Nature Trust’s quarterly magazine

Island Nature Trust (INT) recently launched their March INT quarterly magazine, a vibrant celebration of the shared commitment to protecting the natural beauty of PEI. In this edition, they continue to explore ways that individuals can support conservation through Island Nature Trust’s Be A Champion For Nature campaign. The issue delves into the indispensable work of their stewardship team, offering insights into their monitoring and maintenance efforts across local natural areas. The issue will be of interest to landowners who are seeking to make a difference in conservation, and for those who wish to gain valuable insights into protecting their own land. Learn what it means to volunteer as a conservation guardian and coastal guardian, and how to get involved. All this and more in the latest issue. Visit islandnaturetrust.ca/magazine to read.

Nature PEI meeting: Mushrooms of PEI Atlas

Join Nature PEI for their next monthly meeting at 7:30 pm on April 2 at Beaconsfield Carriage House in Charlottetown (2 Kent Street). Admission is free and all are welcome to attend. The meeting will feature Ken Sanderson, coordinator for Nature PEI’s Mushrooms of PEI Atlas project. Ken will share an update on the Mushrooms of PEI Atlas with a focus on his work to better understand the diversity of macrofungi found in PEI’s coastal sand dunes. Ken is a GIS developer for a conservation-based research institute and a long-time naturalist with a specific focus on fungi. Ken established the Mushrooms of PEI project on the citizen science platform, iNaturalist, in 2021 as an accessible way to collect mushroom observations from the public. Prior to the Mushrooms of PEI Atlas project, little was known about PEI’s fungal community. In Wild Species 2020: The General Status of Species in Canada, a report issued every decade

with input from provinces, territories and the federal government that details species that exist in Canada, where they occur, and their status, PEI listed only 98 macrofungi. While Nova Scotia and New Brunswick listed 1731 and 992 macrofungi, respectively. Since 2021, over 640 citizen scientists have submitted their mushroom observations to the Mushrooms of PEI iNaturalist project, resulting in over 12,500 observations and over 800 species. naturepei.ca

Owl Prowls at Macphail

The public is invited to check out the Macphail Woods Ecological Forestry Project for a talk on owls and then to walk the trails learning how to hoot for native owls of the Wabanaki-Acadian forest from 7:30–9:30 pm on April 13 or April 20. To register, visit macphailwoods.org/courses/free-workshops

Youth Outdoor Survival Skills

Join Mark Arsenault and Island Nature Trust to learn all about outdoor survival skills in the Youth Outdoor Survival Skills workshop for youth ages 8–12 on April 20 from 1–5 pm. Learn how to build a lean-to, leave no trace techniques, and go through first aid kits. End the day by building a fire and enjoying hot chocolate. This workshop is suitable for all outdoor skill levels. April can be chilly and wet—be prepared to get muddy. Wear warm shoes, appropriate clothing and bring water and snacks. This will be a no-phone-zone as it is an opportunity for kids to unplug. For more info and to register, visit: secure.islandnaturetrust. ca/civicrm/event/info?reset=1&id=86/. When registering online, use a caregiver’s email address. Caregivers are welcome to stay during the workshop.

masonry fireplace and chimney builds factory built stainless steel chimneys and liners wood stoves and fireplace inserts sweeps and WETT Inspections

No “waste” wood

We often hear people talking about “waste” in forests. We’ll use “waste” wood for biomass. Or that a fallen tree is being “wasted.” Or even that Fiona laid “waste” to our forests.

This point of view comes from the fact that we so poorly understand what makes up a healthy forest and how it has come to be healthy.

Since this region had glaciers creeping across the landscape 10,000 years ago, our soils have slowly built up organic matter, nutrients, and water-holding capability by having plants grow and die. This started with lichens and mosses growing on rocks and the cracks between them. As plants grew and then died, tiny amounts of soil would be created which allowed other, larger plants to grow.

Eventually we get to trees, the result of thousands of years of plants dying and falling to the ground. These dead trees become food and water reservoirs for the next generation of plants. This doesn’t mean that trees should only be left to grow and die. When I was learning about forests, I was taught that we can look at tree growth and potential harvest rates as the interest in our bank account. If we are careful and wise, we should be able to safely harvest the interest—the amount of extra wood that the trees grow each year.

You should never dip into your principle, just keep skimming off the interest. That is a very different vision than emptying your entire bank account and hoping that it will somehow come back.

Much of the land that suffered the greatest damage from Fiona had an agricultural interruption. It was a forest for thousands of years, then the European colonizers cleared the trees and farmed the land for centuries. Agriculture is—for the most part— hard on soils. This became especially

apparent when we started using chemical fertilizers (which added no organic matter) instead of manure or seaweeds (which added lots of organic matter).

When many of the fields were abandoned in the 1920s and 1930s, the soils were in poor shape. Because of the soil condition and the availability of nearby seed sources, most grew up in white spruce. These stands are relatively short-lived, shallow rooted, and susceptible to windthrow.

This is why when I visit stands that have suffered a lot of blowdown, I think it might just be nature’s way of getting more nutrients, organic matter, and water back into these impoverished ecosystems.

When White Juan hit in 2004, I visited a stand on the Macphail Homestead and surveying all the trees that had fallen. My initial reaction was that now there was a lot more work to do cleaning up the trails and dropping trees that could fall on visitors. But shortly after that, I began to understand that the storm had actually done me a favour.

Instead of an old field white spruce forest with a few large trembling aspen and little undergrowth, there was now more organic matter on the ground that would store water, add nutrients to the soil, and create excellent habitat for certain species of wildlife. It also had diversified the forest floor. Instead of a quite even, flat area (the result of centuries of farming) it now had “pits” where the trees had been upended and “mounds” where the roots and logs lay above the ground. And more light now reached the forest floor, allowing for lots of new plant growth.

We all need to learn that wood on the ground is not being wasted—it is adding to the health of our future forests.

Earth Day roadside clean-up

Tracadie community members invite the public to join in on a roadside clean-up for Earth Day on April 22. The clean-up starts at 1 pm at the Tracadie Community Centre. Everyone should arrive with gloves and a couple of garbage bags. There’s also interest in a beach clean-up on the weekend prior to Earth Day. Updates coming soon. Info: 330-2248

Atlantic Zero-Emission Energy System Lab funding

Dr. Yulin Hu, an assistant professor in the UPEI Faculty of Sustainable Design Engineering, has received funding from the federal and provincial governments to establish a new Atlantic Zero-Emission Energy System Laboratory (AZEESL) that will produce clean and sustainable fuels and materials from biowaste. Dr. Hu and her research team will develop clean and sustainable fuels and materials, including hydrogen, syngas, drop-in fuels and carbon dioxide bio-adsorbents that can be used as substitutes for fossil fuels-derived fuels and materials. They will use a wide range of biomass and organic waste ranging from agricultural and forestry waste to industrial and municipal solid waste to produce material and chemicals that are normally produced from fossil fuels. The new lab will be located in the Faculty of Sustainable Design Engineering building on the UPEI campus in Charlottetown.

Forest fire season

PEI’s wildfire risk season runs from March 15 to November 15 each year. Residents planning on burning brush outdoors must check for burning restrictions by calling 1-800-237-5053 or visiting the province’s fire information page at princeedwardisland.ca. Restrictions are updated daily at 2 pm. Permits are not required for domestic brush burning (Category 1); however, burns can only be conducted after 2 pm if conditions allow. The 2 pm start time allows the province to process weather data and develop a fire danger risk that is predicted for the current day. Wildfire experts know that evening humidity and other factors can help prevent fire from spreading. Burn brush safely by checking for burn restrictions and reviewing the latest guidance on the website, keep fires small and, if possible, burn in a contained fire pit or an approved outdoor burning structure, and have adequate water and fire suppression tools on hand. Have enough help on hand to control the fire and ensure it’s completely out after burning is finished for the day; keep a charged phone nearby to call 911 if the fire escapes, or to report any wildfires. Campfires do not require burn permits, but check for fire restrictions before starting a campfire. Municipalities may have their own bylaws, residents should check with their local jurisdiction. It is crucial to have landowner permission before lighting a fire. Industrial, prescribed burning, or large burns for the purpose of land-clearing require permits. Contact Forest, Fish and Wildlife for assistance.

SUBMITTED

Dr. Yulin Hu

MACPHAIL WOODS

Evan Young (Macphail Woods) surveying Hurricane Fiona damage

HERE TO HELP MP

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 Canada Child Benefit / Disability Tax Credit

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 CPP / OAS / GIS

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Phone: 902-566-7770

www.seancasey.ca

ISSUE# 364 • APRIL 2024

buzzpei.com

@buzzpei

Editor: Yanik Richards

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Contributors: Julie Bull, Dave Hickey, Stewart MacLean, Sean McQuaid, Takako Morita, JoDee Samuelson, Tara Reeves, Gary Schneider, Bren Simmers, Ashleigh Tremere, Damien Worth

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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.

Canada Dental Care Plan information session

Angie McCarthy from Service Canada will be at the Charlottetown Library Learning Centre on April 10 at 10 am to provide information about the Canada Dental Care Plan. She will also help set anyone up who has received their invitation letter. 97 Queen St, Charlottetown.

Seniors Café in Summerside Visit the Seniors Café at the Summerside

Cover:

Passage, 2024. Airbrush acrylic, watercolour and ink on paper, 20” x 28” by Damien Worth.

Damien Worth is a multidisciplinary professional artist living in Belfast, PEI. He graduated from the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design (NSCAD) in 2011. His interest in experimental approaches to art production are focused in the mediums of painting, expanded media, video, and installation, and his work utilizes landscape as a narrative framework—a stage that depicts situations of uncertainty, faulty navigation, and dislocation.

Worth has participated in various solo and group exhibitions in national and international venues and his work is held in various private and public collections including the Confederation Centre Art Gallery permanent collection (PE), University of New Brunswick Art Centre permanent collection (NB), The Rooms provincial art bank (NL), The Prince Edward Island art bank (PE), and the Canadian Global Affairs Art collection for embassies and consulate offices abroad.

You can see more of Damien’s art at damienworth.wixsite.com/damienworth or on Instagram @damworth78.

Rotary Library on April 12 at 11 am for a free cup of tea or coffee and a discussion with guest geriatrician Dr. Katerina McKay. 57 Central St, Summerside.

Pharmacare discussion with

Matthew Green

Matthew Green, New Democrat MP from Hamilton Centre, will be on the Island April 26 and 27. He will meet with Islanders to discuss Pharmacare and other issues proposed by the Federal NDP in the confidence and supply agreement. Mr. Green will also attend the Island New Democrat Annual Convention as a guest speaker.

Info: 856-0259

Talking from Experiences by Ashleigh Tremere

Animal loving

I am definitely one of those people who feel an internal conflict when it comes to animals in “show.” In pretty much any scenario where animals are part of the exhibit, I struggle to actually enjoy myself. I once tried to go to a zoo out West and I straight-up walked out.

I love the idea of seeing different animals up close and while I want to experience it, mostly I just feel weird, sad and uncomfortable. Clearly I have a lot of feelings, particularly about wild things in cages. We’re not going to get too much deeper into that here, but it’s been a problem ever since childhood. Yes, I was a real fun sponge to some family and friends growing up—and who are we kidding, I clearly still am.

However, I recently went to a petting zoo and for the first time in my life, it didn’t make me feel one bit sad!

I had been hearing about this place for some time but I had hesitations, so getting there took me a while to work up to. It’s called Brudenell Miniatures, and one early November morning we found ourselves trekking down East to check it out. The wind was a bit overzealous and brisk but the sun was full-on making up for it with that golden autumn glow.

We pulled in a few minutes before opening and were just barely the first to arrive. There was an immediate thought in the back of my head that I might cut and run, then just as quickly, I realized it was going to be different at this place.

As the kids went barrelling down the wide pathway that leads you through enclosures, the animals started coming out to greet us. They wanted to be petted! They could have easily stayed out of reach or ignored us, like I’ve found at most other petting zoos, but nope, they wanted to check us out just as much as we did them.

The whole place is lovingly handcrafted—all the fencing, shelters and hutches are well designed and rustic. It’s really nice and for a farm, man it was clean. I spotted the owner winding his way around visiting each pen and cleaning up their dishes, giving everyone a little scratch or treat. You could tell, just by his presence, that he has a great connection with the animals

SALES

Gifts from the Heart monthly sales

Betty Begg-Brooks and the volunteers at Gifts from the Heart offer free food, clothing, furniture and houseware to qualified low income families and those experiencing temporary hardship from their Charlottetown office (10 Maple Hills Ave). Donations of new and gently-used clothing, furniture and household items can be dropped off on Mondays and Wednesdays from 10 am–4 pm. Monetary donations are gratefully received throughout the week. End of Month Sales are held from 10 am–3 pm on the last Saturday of each month (March 30, April 27) for the public to thrift shop the inventory. The monthly sales help to defray operating costs. To register as a client, call 393-0171.

Spring Craft & Flea Market

The Parkdale Spring Craft & Flea Market will be held at Park Royal United on April 13 from 9 am–1 pm. There will be plenty of new and new-to-you sales, including baked goods, children’s items, jewelry, wax melts, spring decor and more. Admission is two dollars at the door. The venue is wheelchair accessible and has plenty of free parking. 11 Christie Drive, Charlottetown.

the Art Gallery loading dock on Grafton Street (across from the Holman Grand Hotel) from 10 am–4 pm on March 30 and April 5, 6, 12 and 13, and volunteers will be there to help bring in items. As a reminder, donations should be gently used items, such as books, sporting goods, toys, plants, music, jewelry, furniture, tools, glassware, etc. Clothing, televisions, and computer donations cannot be accepted. Funds raised through the Fair support arts education programs at the Centre. Admission is two dollars at the door and free for children 12 and under. The Friends are also looking for volunteers to help receive donations, sort donations (April 19) and to help with the Fair itself. There are also other volunteering opportunities throughout the year. To support the Friends and the Centre email friends@confederationcentre.com.

Mom2Mom Sale for Anderson House

and takes a lot of pride in their place.

We actually ended up staying way longer than intended, circling round and revisiting the over 30 different kinds of animals multiple times, giving and getting lots of love—and one light head bunt. It was an adorable and conflictless morning well spent.

Brudenell Miniatures is at 74 Brudenell Point Road and I highly recommend that you go spend some time there. I went with my kids because I have them but I don’t think that they’re truly necessary for enjoying such a place. I think you just need to be an animal lover.

Spring Park United Church Annual Spring Yard Sale

Spring Park United Church is having their annual Spring Yard Sale on April 20 from 8:30 am–12 noon. There will be household items, a collection of depression and carnival glass, jewelry, sports equipment, furniture, books, puzzles, electronics, bedding, curtains, crafts, children’s toys, indoor house plants and home decor for sale. Admission is by a suggested two dollar donation at the door. 65 Kirkwood Drive, Charlottetown. Info: springparkunitedchurch.ca

Holy Redeemer Earth Day Fundraising Sale

The Holy Redeemer Parish CWL annual fundraiser will take place on Earth Day, April 20, from 9 am–2 pm. There will be a good selection of new-to-you items for sale, including: pre-owned books (children’s titles, adult fiction and non-fiction, paperback and hardcover); jewelry; house plants; items in good condition; and a gift basket draw. Go green by buying pre-owned. Attendees should bring their own bag(s). 3 Pond Street, Charlottetown.

Pinch Penny Fair 2024

The Mom2Mom Sale returns to the Eastlink Centre on April 27 from 10 am–1 pm. Browse over 100 tables packed with used items for children and babies, including clothing, toys, books, baby gear, sporting equipment, and more. Admission proceeds will go to Anderson House. For interested vendors, it is $25/ table with a maximum of two tables per person and table(s) can be secured by sending an etransfer to admin@ fvps.ca. In the notes section, mention “mom2mom” and include a name, email address, and what specific items will be sold so that vendors can be put in the right section (newborn–24 mths, boys 2–12 yrs, girls 2–12 yrs, boys/girls 2–12yrs). This sale is for the purpose of selling used children’s clothing, toys, books, sports equipment, etc, and businesses are not permitted to set up full tables to sell their items. Vendors with a business targeted towards children are required to also sell used children’s items and not devote the entire table to their business. Find Mom2Mom Sale - Spring 2024 n FB for updates. Admission is two dollars at the door. 46 Kensington Road, Charlottetown.

G’Ma Fabric & Yarn Sale

The G’Ma Circle of PEI will be holding its annual Fabric & Yarn Sale on May 4 from 9 am–12 noon at West River United. All proceeds from this event will go to the Stephen Lewis Foundation to support African communities and grandmothers raising children orphaned by AIDS. Donations of yarn, fabric and notions are gratefully appreciated. Volunteers to help with various aspects of the sale (publicity, sorting donations, setting up and working at the sale) are also needed. Call 892-2837 to arrange for pickup or delivery of goods, or to volunteer. 10 Church Street, Cornwall.

Friends of Confederation Centre of the Arts are accepting donations for one of their most anticipated annual fundraising events—the Pinch Penny Fair—held this year on April 20 from 10 am–1 pm. There is a new drop-off location this year to better assist those who donate items. The donations will be accepted at

ASHLEIGH TREMERE

The Mousetrap

Inaugural show for PEI’s newest theatre company

Agatha Christie’s classic murder mystery The Mousetrap is coming to the Scott MacAulay Performing Arts Centre in Summerside, performing three shows on May 9, 10 and 11.

Written by the best selling fiction writer of all time as judged by the Guinness Book of World Records, The Mousetrap is the longest running play anywhere in the world, and has been seen by over 10 million people in London alone since opening in 1952.

A snowstorm isolates a guest house in the English countryside, and traps the couple who own the house with six strangers. One stranger is murdered, and an intrepid police officer, who has arrived on skis, has to try to prevent the unknown murderer from claiming more victims. As the investigation continues, hidden connections among the guests are gradually revealed… but will the identity of the murderer be discovered before another victim has been claimed?

Audiences will recognize many community theatre veterans, as well as new faces in this production, with Marc Arsenault, Melinda Briell, Brian Collins, Mark Enman, Kelly Gillis, Shelley Tamtom, and Ashley Vautour

as cast members. The production team includes Director Stuart Smith, Assistant Director Al Harrington, Stage Manager Trish Taylor, Assistant Stage Manager Vanessa MacArthur (social media, programs), and Production Assistant Carol-Anne Perry.

The Mousetrap is the inaugural show of the Seaside Theatre Company, PEI’s newest community theatre, which is based at the Scott MacAulay Performing Arts Centre. The company aims to build community through theatre by drawing on the many talents found throughout the Island, and by presenting a wide variety of theatrical productions for both audiences and participants to experience.

Visit collegeofpiping.com for tickets and more information.

LIVE @ the Centre

Sex and the City creator, Yuk Yuk’s Comedy, and more

The international best-selling novelist and creator of Sex and the City, Candace Bushnell, is one of many acts coming to Confederation Centre of the Arts this month for CompassTech LIVE @ the Centre.

On April 6, Yuk Yuk’s Comedy returns to The Mack with Peter Anthony. Originally from Pictou, NS, he is a Canadian Comedy Award winner who has appeared at the Just for Laughs Festival, Halifax Comedy Festival, and on MTV, MuchMusic, and CBC’s The Debaters. His stand-up is full of East Coast references that will leave audience members in stitches.

Candace Bushnell will bring her one-woman show to the Centre on April 11. She takes the audience on whirlwind tour of New York City, from Studio 54 to the Lipstick Jungle and beyond, sharing her remarkable stories of fashion, literature, and sex while pouring cosmos in Manolos.

The two choirs at Confederation Centre of the Arts will perform their final concerts of the season at The Mack this month. Catch Confederation Singers on April 13 with Lift Every Voice. The concert seeks to lift up a diverse array of voices and features the works of women, Black, and Indigenous composers and arrangers. Confederation Centre Youth Chorus will perform Singing Our Stories on April 27. The concert will feature songs from a variety of styles and influences and incorporate pieces chosen by the singers themselves. Selections include works from Matilda and The Greatest Showman, and more.

The dance umbrella students at the Centre will also present their final performances of the season. On April 20, catch the musical theatre class present

Once Upon a Fairytale at The Mack. The performance will recount familiar tales of magic and mystery with a bit of a twist and feature adorable animals, hardworking dwarves, evil villains, courageous heroes and, of course, happy endings. After a full season of training at the Centre, dance umbrella students are thrilled to perform their Year-end Showcase on May 4 at the Sobey Family Theatre. Both productions have matinee and evening shows. confederationcentre.com

The Addams Family

Charlottetown Rural High School musical in

May

Charlottetown Rural High School will present The Addams Family: A New Musical Comedy this spring. Performances will be held in the Sobey Family Theatre at Confederation Centre of the Arts on May 9, 10 and 11 at 7:30 pm.

The Addams Family: A New Musical Comedy by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice is based on characters created by Charles Addams, with music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa and orchestrations by Larry Hochman. Tickets are available via phone at 566-1267 or 1-800-565-0278, online at confederationcentre.com, and at the Centre’s box office.

Sex and the CIty creator Candace Bushnell

FADIL BERISHA

Artistic team announced

Two local actors to star in Watermark’s summer season

Watermark Theatre recently announced the artistic team working on their summer plays, Same Time, Next Year from June 25–August 31 and Misery from July 5–August 30.

Local PEI actors Rob MacLean and Cameron MacDuffee will be joined by Halifax-based actor Jody Stevens in bringing the characters to life. They will be working with directors Robert Tsonos (Same Time, Next Year) and Rahul Gandhi (Misery), set and costume designer Khushi Chavda, and lighting designer Alison Crosby.

“We’ve put together an incredible group of artists this year,” says Tsonos, “and I’m so pleased to give such great roles to two local actors.”

In Same Time, Next Year by Bernard Slade, a one-night stand turns into a quarter-century affair. The play follows George and Doris’ clandestine weekend rendezvous over the course of 25 years. Cameron MacDuffee and Jody Stevens star as the starry-eyed lovers.

In Misery, adapted by William Goldman, based on Stephen King’s best-selling novel, true life becomes stranger than fiction when an acclaimed romance novelist, played by

Mean Girls

Bluefied High School musical—Apr 11 to 24

The Bluefield High School musical returns this spring with Mean Girls

Public performances of this 21st century musical based on the iconic 2000s movie, will take place on April 11, 12 and 13 at 7 pm and April 14 at 2 pm in the school cafeteria.

Mean Girls is the brutally hilarious musical from writer Tina Fey (30 Rock), lyricist Nell Benjamin (Legally Blonde) and composer Jeff Richmond (Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt).

Adapted from Fey’s hit 2004 film, the Mean Girls musical took Broadway by storm and was nominated for 12 Tony Awards.

Cady Heron may have grown up on an African savanna, but nothing prepared her for the wild and vicious ways of her strange new home: suburban Illinois. How will this naïve newbie rise to the top of the popularity pecking order? By taking on The Plastics, a trio of lionized frenemies led

Rob MacLean wakes up in the home of his “Number One Fan,” played by Jody Stevens.

Visit locarius.io/organizations/26 or call 963-3963 for tickets.

by the charming but ruthless Regina George. When Cady devises a plan to end Regina’s reign, she learns the hard way that you can’t cross a queen bee without getting stung.

Tickets will be sold at the door (entrance to cafeteria), in the main office (from 9:30 am– 2:30 pm on weekdays until the day of that showtime), at Bobby Clows Red and White in North Wiltshire, or by etransfer (in the notes section include the show date and the name of the individual(s) the ticket(s) are for; then pick up the tickets at the door at that performance).

SUBMITTED

The cast of Mean Girls

PHOTOS SUBMITTED

(top): Cameron MacDuffee, Rob MacLean (middle): Jody Stevens, Rahul Gandhi (bottom): Khushi Chavda, Alison Crosby

70 Mile Yard Sale

Island-inspired comedy coming to Charlottetown Festival

A one-man comedy show inspired by Prince Edward Island’s 70 Mile Coastal Yard Sale will be a part of The 2024 Charlottetown Festival at Confederation Centre of the Arts.

Written and performed by Islander Justin Shaw, 70 Mile Yard Sale shares a story about a madcap journey across the Island to retrieve a lost family heirloom. Equal parts funny and heartfelt, this tall tale is about family, friendship, and finding more than what you bargained for.

Shaw is a comedian and storyteller who has performed at JFL42 at Just For Laughs Toronto, appeared on Mike Birbiglia’s Working It Out comedy show, opened for Fortune Feimster, and tours regularly with Yuk Yuk’s. As a comedy writer, he has written for Feast Dinner Theatres and presented solo shows across Canada, with his work being featured on his TV series Tales From Island Boy on Bell FibeTV1.

His debut comedy album Human Money showcases his down-home yet outrageous sense of humour and can be heard on SiriusXM.

Early versions of 70 Mile Yard Sale have been presented at the Hamilton Fringe Festival and The Guild Summer Festival. Shaw is further developing the show for its run at The Charlottetown Festival.

“Confederation Centre of the Arts is proud to continue fostering Island stories on our stages,” says Adam Brazier, the Centre’s artistic director of performing arts. “Justin’s writing is already hilarious, and we are thrilled to be nurturing the ongoing development of this show.”

When Shaw began writing the piece, he asked Island residents to submit memories and experiences from

Intro to Clowning

Improv and playfulness workshop at Howie’s Loft—Apr 14

Folks who are curious to explore their inner clown and want to liberate their ridiculousness are invited to register for the Introduction to Clowning: Improvisation and Playfulness

the Yard Sale to ensure the show had an authentic Island voice and spirit. He received over thirty different stories from all walks of life across PEI.

“The stories I’ve received are both beautiful and bewildering, and have given tremendous inspiration and insight in developing this new story,” says Shaw.

Organized by the Wood Islands and Area Development Corporation since 1998, the 70 Mile Coastal Yard Sale brings thousands of visitors to southeastern PEI for two days of treasure hunting amongst hundreds of residents—with many selling wares from their backyards.

70 Mile Yard Sale will have four performances at The Mack from September 18–21 as part of The 2024 Charlottetown Festival. Also playing at this year’s Festival are the legendary musicals Jersey Boys and Anne of Green Gables–The Musical™, and the cabaret show Becoming Dolly

Review by Sean McQuaid

So much light

Radium Girls

UPEI Performing Arts Centre

March 14, 2024

“So much light.” Spoken by a doomed Grace Fryer about her factory workplace, that’s the first line of Radium Girls, U.S. playwright D.W. Gregory’s popular historical drama about the workers, mostly young women, exposed to dangerous radiation while hand-painting glow-in-the-dark watches and other products for the United States Radium Corporation.

First produced in 2000 and frequently remounted since, Gregory’s darkly comic, melancholy true story is the first show staged in the new UPEI Performing Arts Centre by the UPEI theatre program’s company, Vagabond Productions.

Light is a selling point of the new venue, a 400-seat, amphitheatre-style hall with professional light and sound equipment. Armed with these new toys, director/producer/designer Greg Doran occasionally suspends the play’s characters in a sickly green glow that feels right for a tale of radioactive science gone wrong, even one resulting in neither a Hulk nor a She-Hulk.

As a practicing attorney, fictional radioactive do-gooder She-Hulk might have come in doubly handy here. When the real-life “radium girls” fell gravely ill, they had to go to court to fight for compensation since their employers tried to dodge responsibility for their grisly fates. Set primarily in 1920s New Jersey, Gregory’s script follows both workers and management as U.S. Radium’s dark side gradually comes to light.

Brewster-Clempson-Chapman trio have solid chemistry, the oft-animated Brewster has good comic instincts, and Clempson is also earnestly effective as social activist Katherine Wiley.

The entire cast has standout moments—McDuffee is believable and moving as Grace’s fiancé Tom Kreider, Biswas is a palpably disillusioned Mrs. Roeder, Carmody is shameless as a sensational “Sob Sister” reporter and Lavoie makes the most of his part as opportunistic U.S. Radium executive Charlie Lee—but the most versatile and vividly memorable of the bunch is Ateeq, especially as attorney Edward Markley and U.S. Radium founder Dr. Von Sochocky. Ateeq’s often big, broad choices have a slight whiff of ham by times, balanced precariously between compelling and cartoonish; but his five characters all feel sharply distinct from each other, his natural flair for villainy fits the oleaginous Markley like a glove, and he brings affecting, understated humanity to the ultimate downfall of the once-pompous Von Sochocky.

The cast’s pacing feels rushed in spots, especially scenes featuring fast-talking reporters (Carmody and McDuffee)—their rat-a-tat recitation in the manner of old-time news announcers is a valid stylistic choice but needs fractionally slower delivery or crisper articulation than it gets here; and Carmody’s roles as factory supervisor Mrs. MacNeil and Grace’s mother Mrs. Fryer feel like interchangeably onenote scolds by times.

Workshop on April 14 from 1–5 pm at Howie’s Loft in Charlottetown.

In this workshop, participants will learn skills in physical comedy, improvisation, and how to tap into their innate joyfulness to uncover their unique clown persona. Think Mr. Bean or Charlie Chaplin—NOT the weird birthday party clowns.

In the spirit of serious playfulness, participants will be guided through various games and exercises to develop spontaneity, creativity, sensitivity, confidence, technical precision, and how to master the art of spectacular failure. Each participant will receive the world’s tiniest mask: a red plastic clown nose. Laughter guaranteed.

Limited spots available. Must be 18+. For more info or to register, email charlottegowdy@gmail.com.

The play features over 30 characters but is designed for a cast of nine or ten actors, most playing multiple roles. Only two parts are big enough that their portrayers have single roles: Grace Fryer (played here by Jalyn Chapman) and U.S. Radium president Arthur Roeder (Adi Vella). The other parts in Vagabond’s version are filled by Mohamed Ateeq, Grace Biswas, Kyra Brewster, Reese Carmody, Madalyn Clempson, Marius Lavoie and Brennan McDuffee.

A capable Vella is smart and sympathetic albeit somewhat muted as conflicted executive Roeder, but Chapman shows greater range and energy as Grace: genuine, likeable, funny, and as fiery or forlorn as the story’s assorted twists demand; no character in this production feels more fully alive than Chapman’s Grace, deepening the play’s already pervasive sense of tragedy.

Brewster and Clempson offer sturdy support as Grace’s friends and fellow painters Kathryn and Irene. The

The staging is simple—just one minimalist set with an oversize luminous clock face looming over everything, and the cast spends the whole show on stage, taking turns performing. In idle moments the actors sometimes feel conspicuously detached from the proceedings, like random bystanders waiting for a bus that never comes; but Doran’s cast is focused most of the time, and Vagabond’s able production helps illuminate a dark time in American history.

KAT BARANOWSKI

Comedian Justin Shaw

PERFORMANCE

music, theatre, dance, comedy…

Mondays | 8 pm

Rat Tales Comedy Night

Baba’s Lounge, Charlottetown

Mar 29 | 8 pm

Rock Stars

Tribute to Nickelback. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Mar 30 | 7:30 pm

Garrett Mason Copper Bottom Brewing, Montague

Mar 30 | 7:30 pm

Alicia Toner

With Joce Reyome and Brielle Ansems. Kings Playhouse, Georgetown

Mar 30 | 8 pm

Slowcoaster

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Mar 31 | 7 pm

Break the Cis-tem: Won’t Back

Down

In celebration of Transgender Day of Visibility. The Guild, Charlottetown

Mar 31 | 8 pm

Epic Eagles: The Definitive Tribute to The Eagles

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Apr 1 | 8 pm

Eric Johnston: Undeniabull Comedy Tour

bar1911, Charlottetown

April 3 | 8 pm

The Hounds of Winter

Feat. Sean Kemp, Chris Corrigan and Adam Hill with special guests Pete, Reg & Mike. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Apr 2 | 8 pm

K-OS

The Fox & Crow, UPEI, Charlottetown

Apr 3, 7, 13, 14, 17, 20, 27

Young at Heart Theatre: The Rules and Regulations for Hanging Out The Wash

Apr 3, 1 pm: Cornwall 50+ Club, Cornwall Civic Centre

Apr 7, 7 pm: Milton Community Hall

Apr 12, 7 pm: Kings Playhouse

Apr 13, 2 pm: Senior’s Active Living Centre, UPEI

Apr 14, 2 pm: St. Peter’s Bay Circle Club

Apr 17, 2 pm: Three Rivers 50+ Club

Apr 20, 7 pm: Eastern Kings Community Hall

Apr 27, 2 pm: Final show and fundraiser.

Crapaud Community Hall

Apr 4 | 7:30 pm

Snowed In Comedy Tour

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

Apr 4 | 7:30 pm

Epic Eagles: The Definitive Tribute to The Eagles

Scott MacAulay Performing Arts Centre, Summerside

Apr 4 | 7:30 pm

UPEI Wind Symphony Recital: Glow

UPEI Performing Arts Centre, Charlottetown

Apr 4 | 8 pm

Hawksley Workman

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Apr 4 | 8 pm

Island Jazz: Sean Kemp

Original Music

Baba’s Lounge, Charlottetown

Apr 5 | 8 pm

Tony Lee Comedy: Hypnosis Tour

Scott MacAulay Performing Arts Centre, Summerside

Apr 5 | 8 pm

Lady Soul

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Apr 5, 6 | 8 pm

The 1984 Songbook

Feat. Melissa MacKenzie, and Jacob Hemphill with Joce Reyome, Ben Aitken, Trevor Gallant and Josh Langille. Harmony House, Hunter River

Apr 6 | 7:30 pm SOLD OUT

Daniel Lanois

Kings Playhouse, Georgetown

Apr 6 | 7:30 pm

UPEI Concert Choir and Chamber Singers Recital

Dr. Steel Recital Hall, UPEI, Charlottetown

Apr 6 | 7:30 pm

Yuk Yuk’s Comedy: Peter Anthony

The Mack, Charlottetown

Apr 6 | 7:30 pm

Votive Dance: Whodunit?

Murder mystery jazz dance show. Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside

Apr 6 | 8 pm

After Hours Band

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Apr 7 | 2:30 pm

PEI Symphony Orchestra

Guest conductor Daniel Black. Sobey Family Theatre, Charlottetown

Apr 9 | 7:30 pm

UPEI Jazz and Popular Music Ensemble Recital

Dr. Steel Recital Hall, UPEI, Charlottetown

Apr 10 | 7:30 pm

Simon Leoza

The Mack, Charlottetown

Apr 10 | 8 pm

Classic Seger

Tribute to Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Apr 10, 11, 12, 18, 20 | 7:30 pm;

Apr 20 | 2 pm

RENT

Presented by ACT (A Community Theatre). Florence Simmons Performance Hall, Charlottetown

Apr 11| 7:30 pm

Candace Bushnell: True Tales of Sex, Success, and Sex and the City

Sobey Family Theatre, Charlottetown

Apr 11 | 8 pm

Island Jazz: Kind of Blue with the IJQ

Baba’s Lounge, Charlottetown

Apr 11 | 7:30 pm

Lip Sync Showdown

Benefit for Blooming House. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Apr 11, 12, 13 | 7 pm, 14 | 2 pm

Mean Girls

Presented by Bluefield High School. Bluefield High School cafeteria

Apr 12 | 7:30 pm

The Comic Strippers

Sobey Family Theatre, Charlottetown

Apr 12, 13 | 8 pm

The 1984 Songbook

Feat. Melissa MacKenzie, and Jacob Hemphill with Joce Reyome, Ben Aitken, Trevor Gallant and Josh Langille. Harmony House, Hunter River

Apr 12 | 8 pm

Quittin’ Time

Tribute to Zach Bryan. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Apr 13 | 2 pm/7 pm

Just A Little

Misunderstanding

Presented by the Belfast Players. Belfast Recreation Centre, Belfast

Apr 13 | 7:30 pm

Confederation Singers: Lift Every Voice

The Mack, Charlottetown

Apr 13 | 7:30 pm

Island Girls Music and Comedy

Feat. Bette MacDonald, Heather Rankin, Lucy MacNeil and Jenn Sheppard. Sobey Family Theatre, Charlottetown

Apr 13 | 7:30 pm

James Mullinger: Greatest Hits Tour

Scott MacAulay Performing Arts Centre, Summerside

Apr 13–14 | 8 pm

Brooke & Brad Play Country Classics

Feat. Brooke MacArthur and Brad Milligan. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Apr 14 | 2 pm

Island Jubilee Old Time Radio Music Show

Season Finale featuring Alicia Toner, Roger Stone, Janelle Banks, and the Jubilee All Stars. Florence Simmons Performance Hall, Charlottetown

Apr 17 | 7:30 pm

CBC Radio’s Laugh Out Loud with Ali Hassan

Guests Patrick Ledwell, Tanya Nicolle, Shawn Hogan, Britt Campbell, Taylor Carver and Katherine Cairns. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Apr 17–20 | 7:30 pm

Whodunnit

Presented by the Winsloe Players. Carrefour Theatre, Charlottetown

Apr 18 | 7:30 pm

ABBA Revisited

Sobey Family Theatre, Charlottetown

Apr 18 | 7:30 pm

Celebrating Celine: The Ultimate Tribute to Celine Dion

Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside

Apr 18 | 8 pm

High Voltage

Tribute to AC/DC. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Hanging out the wash

New musical comedy from Young at Heart Theatre

Young at Heart Theatre is bringing a brand-new musical comedy to seniors all across the Island this month. The Rules and Regulations For Hanging Out The Wash by Diane Barnes and Wade Lynch, with original music composed by Tyler Casat and Don Fraser, will make its debut in April, touring PEI long-term care and community care facilities, hospitals, community halls and senior’s clubs.

Based on PEI history, research for the play includes newspaper stories, oral history, songs, personal accounts and provincial archives.

“The play is essentially about the under-appreciated labour performed by women in the last two centuries. The intent is for senior women in care to realize that contemporary Canadians recognize and appreciate their contributions to their families and communities”, says co-writer Wade Lynch. “It’s also a lot of fun, as we enjoy the relationship of two neighbours (with very different opinions and traditions) develop and sweeten throughout the laundry day.”

Directed by Marlane O’Brien, The Rules and Regulations For Hanging Out

RENT

ACT stages Jonathan Larson play in Charlottetown

ACT (a community theatre) in association with Kendra Stretch and Coldwell Banker Parker Realty will present, for the first time on PEI, RENT by Jonathan Larson. Performances will be staged at Florence Simmons Performance Hall in Charlottetown on April 10, 11, 12, 18 and 20 at 7:30 pm, with a matinee on April 20 at 2 pm.

The themes of love, loss and the struggle of young artists in a time of sickness define RENT, echoing Larson’s inspiration, Puccini’s libretto La Bohème. Homelessness and the struggle to simply exist in poverty are

Winsloe Players

Mystery farce Whodunnit at Carrefour Theatre—Apr 17 to 20

the Wash stars Jamie Cordes (who also serves as the musical director), Brynn Cutcliffe, and Marlene Handrahan.

The public will have plenty of opportunities to see the play this month with performances at: Cornwall 50+ Club at the Cornwall Civic Centre on April 3 (393-2531); Milton Community Hall on April 7 (miltoncommunityhall@gmail.com); Kings Playhouse on April 12 (652-2053); Senior’s Active Living Centre, UPEI on April 13 (628-8388); St. Peter’s Bay Circle Club on April 14 (camcgrath21@ gmail.com); Three Rivers 50+ Club (limited space) on April 17 (583-2662); Eastern Kings Community Hall on April 20 (easternkingscommunitycenter@gmail.com). Contact the specific venues for ticket information.

A final performance and fundraiser will be held at the Crapaud Community Hall on April 27 at 2 pm. Tickets will be available at the door. There will be a 50/50, door prizes and snacks.

Young at Heart Theatre is a charity organization dedicated to enriching the lives of seniors on PEI through story and song.

Info: info@yahtheatre.com.

universal topics, and timeless ones.

“Even today on Prince Edward Island, we see the struggle between the needs of our homeless population and people with addiction, and the desires of Island homeowners,” shares ACT.

“We can identify with young people unable to afford to pay rent, and their desire for a better world. The struggle remains the same, in Puccini’s 1830’s Paris, Larson’s 1990’s New York, and today’s Charlottetown.”

The hope and passion of these young artists is also universal, and in RENT, “we get to change our perspective, and experience the struggle for a few hours, in the comfort of the audience.”

Tickets are now on sale at the Florence Simmons Performance Hall and online at tproatlantic.ticketpro.ca/ en/pages/HC_RENT.

The Winsloe Players will present the mystery farce Whodunnit at the Carrefour Theatre. Performances will run from April 17–20 at 7:30 pm.

Whodunnit follows three struggling singers who seek refuge from a storm in the abandoned Hughes mansion, only to encounter strange and sinister characters. The house is rumoured to be haunted because of a murder that took place two years prior. As the clock strikes midnight, old man Hughes seeks revenge, and dark and devious events unfold.

Tickets are available at Proude’s Shoes (894–3504), Winsloe Irving (569–0166), Clow’s Red & White (6210500), QEH Foundation (894-2425), and from cast members. Donations will be accepted at the door. Refreshments and fudge will be for sale during intermission.

The theatre is located at 5 Acadian Drive in Charlottetown.

Tracadie Players

Spring dinner theatre fundraiser—Apr 27 and 28

The Tracadie Community Players present their spring dinner theatre on April 27 and 28 at the Tracadie Community Centre. Tickets for this community fundraiser include the Tracadie Players acting in three original comedic skits, a homestyle chicken dinner, dessert, tea and coffee.

Doors open at 5 pm with dinner service at 6 pm. The venue is fully accessible with bar service. To request seating, visit tracadiecc.com to check availability then email tracadieplayers@gmail. com with the date, table number and the number of seats requested (include name, phone number and email address). Requests can also be made by calling Barry at 388-0240.

Belfast Players

Two fundraising performances of comedic play—Apr 13

Just A Little Misunderstanding, a threeact comedic play presented by the Belfast Players, will be staged at the Belfast Recreation Centre on April 13, with performances at 2 pm and 7 pm. Tickets for this fundraiser range in price, (adult/youth, free for children under 10), and they are available at Cooper’s Store, from Margie Gallant by calling 393-3348, and at the door. Proceeds will go to the Belfast rink.

SUBMITTED

(left–right); Brynn Cutcliffe, Jamie Cordes and Marlene Handrahan

(back, left–right): Joan Reeves, Allie Webster, Barb Jenkins, Roger Smith, and Dianne MacLean; (front, left–right): Judy MacGregor, Gordon Aten, Becky Allain, Virginia Proude, and Joy MacIntyre

DANCING

Downstreet programming

Downstreet Dance is a full non-profit studio offering a variety of solo and couples classes for ages 18+ (a partner is not needed). The upcoming dance class schedule includes: Zumba at 7:30 am and 5 pm on Mondays; Bellydancing at 6:30 pm on Tuesdays (except April 30); 1940’s Swing for Continuing Dancers at 7:30 pm on Tuesdays; Zumba at 7:30 am on Wednesdays; Tango at 5:30 pm on Wednesdays; ConfiDANCE at 7:30 pm on Wednesdays; Salsa on 2 at 5:30 pm on Thursdays starting April 4; Classic Burlesque on Thursdays starting April 4; Line Dancing at 1:30 pm on Saturdays starting April 6; Beginner West Coast Swing at 5 pm on Saturdays (new block April 6); West Coast Choreography at 6 pm on Saturdays; West Coast Swing Level 1 at 7 pm on Saturdays; Salsa Rueda at 6 pm on Sundays; and Dance Your You at 7:30 pm on March 31 and April 28. Info: downstreetdance.com

Dance studio volunteer meeting

Downstreet Dance is a not-for-profit studio offering classes for adults (18+) year round. Volunteers are needed to help keep things running smoothly. Once everyone is signed in, volunteers are welcome to join the class for free. Volunteer hours can go towards credit hours for different volunteer programs. Learn more at the next volunteer information meeting on April 2 at 5:30 pm. 101 Grafton St, second floor, Charlottetown. Info: downstreetdance@gmail.com

FallBack’s dance series

Dance to 50s and 60s rock ’n’ roll music at FallBack’s Spring Ahead Dance Series on Thursdays from 8–11 pm, April 4–May 30, in the Empire Room at the Loyalist Country Inn, 195 Heather Moyse Drive, Summerside. FallBack is a six-piece group compiled of Scott White, Dale Gaudet, Tom DesRoches, Johnny Ross, Wayne Robichaud and Steve Guy. The band performs hit songs from artists like Elvis, Buddy Holly, Beach Boys, Chuck Berry, and many more. Admission is at the door, which opens at 7:30 pm. These are 19+ events. Each night there is a 50/50 draw with proceeds going to the local food bank.

Traditional Chinese dance

A Traditional Chinese Dance Workshop will be offered at Confederation Centre of the Arts on April 5 at 6 pm. Classical Chinese dance is rooted in five millennia of Chinese civilization, with origins going back to dances in ancient imperial palaces. Classical Chinese dance training includes three main components—technical skill, form, and bearing. Instructor Selina Zhao will introduce unique movements and postures that deeply connect to the dancer’s breathing. To register, visit confederationcentre.com or contact the Centre’s box office.

Irish set dance sessions

Irish Set Dance Sessions resume on Sundays from 1–3 pm, April 7–May 26, at York Point Community Centre, 346 York Point Road, Cornwall. Dance to traditional Irish reels, polkas, jigs and more. This is social dancing for fun, not for performance. Experienced instructors and dancers guide participants through easy to learn partner dances. Couples and singles are welcome. No previous dance experience is required and all levels of dance experience are welcome. Participants should wear lightweight, smooth sole footwear and comfortable clothing. Info: fredchorne@gmail.com

West African dance

A West African Dance Workshop will be offered at Confederation Centre of the Arts in Charlottetown on April 12 at 7 pm. Learn the foundations of West African movement to rhythmic drums full of high energy. Instructor Reequal Smith and drummer Mark Carr-Rollitt will introduce participants to percussive rhythms, synchronization, and emphasize how the body moves as opposed to how it looks, as well as individual expression. To register, contact the box office or visit confederationcentre.com.

Monthly social dance

Downstreet Dance hosts a social dance on the third Saturday of each month from 8–10 pm. The next dance is April 20. Social dances are an opportunity to practice the skills learned in class. There are a variety of styles, including west coast swing, tango, lindy hop and more. All levels and styles of dance are welcome. Classes often prepare a special demo performance to the delight of all attendees. 101 Grafton St (2nd floor), Charlottetown. downstreetdance.com

Lip Sync Showdown

Fundraiser for Blooming House at Trailside—Apr 11

The Lip Sync Showdown: A Blooming House Benefit Battle is coming to Charlottetown this month. Trailside Music Hall, in collaboration with Blooming House, invites the public to join on April 11 beginning at 7:30 pm.

Whether attendees are gearing up to compete with their own team or simply looking forward to cheering on pals, their presence contributes to making a real difference in the lives of Island women facing homelessness.

Trailside will unite the community with a singular goal: raising funds for Blooming House while crowning their inaugural Lip Sync Stars.

For details on registering a team, contact Bethany at info@bloominghouse.ca or Pat at info@trailside.ca.

Doors open at 6:30 pm.

Babes! Babes! Babes!

Burlesque and drag tour at The Guild—Apr 19 and 20

The Babes! Babes! Babes! burlesque and drag tour will be on stage at The Guild in Charlottetown with performances on April 19 at 8 pm and on April 20 at 7:30 pm and 10:30 pm.

Four babes—Bon Bon, Wrong Note Rusty, Ethan The County Queen, and James and the Giant Pasty—are on the road touring, teasing, titillating and doing what they do best in this empowering, sexy and comedic show. They combine burlesque, drag, pole dancing, extravagant costumes and the art of the tease in a raucous naughty show. The babes also celebrate sexuality, 2SLGBTQIA+ identities and body confidence with inspiring performances and heartfelt moments.

Bon Bon is a delightfully dark and sexy burlesque dancer, clown and sideshow artist. Wrong Note Rusty is an accomplished burlesque artist, pole dancer, and contemporary movement artist who was once censored on Canada’s Got Talent for giving the judges too much. Ethan The County Queen serves up the most glamourous drag and the deepest grungiest 90s nostalgia, charming audiences with her powerful voice and gleeful

renditions of classic show tunes. James and the Giant Pasty captivates with his raunchy stripteases, heartfelt naked storytelling and playful jabs at traditional ideas of masculinity.

Babes! Babes! Babes! is a 19+ cabaret event with a licensed bar. Tickets are available at theguildpei.com.

Country Divas Drag Night

Giddy on up to Ponyboat Social Club—Apr 26

PEI performers Lottie Max, Sage, Vera Getty, Monica Darling, Boof, Nauseeah and the fabulous host, Miz. Majestix, invite Islanders to wear their best country attire, grab their dancing boots, and giddy on up to Ponyboat Social Club on April 26 for Country Divas Drag Night.

The evening will feature country divas and drag, burlesque, a 50/50 draw for the PEI trans network, and prizes to be won.

The Comic Strippers

The

Sobey Family Theatre—Apr 12

The Comic Strippers will be on stage at Confederation Centre of the Arts on April 12 at 7:30 pm.

The fictitious male stripper troupe is played by a cast of Canadian

improvisational comedians, including Roman Danylo, Ken Lawson, Chris Casillan, and Denise Jones. Constantly grooving and gyrating, in between scenes they banter with the crowd and perform their twist on improv sketches. This male stripper parody and improv comedy show is completely unscripted. The Comic Strippers take off their shirts and take on audience suggestions to create a whole new genre of comedy.

This is a 19+ show for all genders.

Ponyboat is located at 157 Kent Street in Charlottetown.

Anne–The Ballet

Canada’s Ballet Jörgen performs in Summerside—Apr 27

Following popular past spring visits to Harbourfront Theatre with Cinderella, Coppelia and Romeo and Juliet, Canada’s Ballet Jörgen returns to Summerside this month with their production, Anne of Green Gables–The Ballet®. The performance will take place on April 27 at 7:30 pm.

Anne of Green Gables–The Ballet® is a playful, colourful and evocative production that will transport audiences to early 20th century Atlantic Canada. With choreography by Bengt Jörgen and based on the beloved Canadian novel by Lucy Maud Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables – The Ballet® follows the adventures of Anne Shirley, an orphan girl sent to live on a farm in the fictional town of Avonlea, PEI. The ballet is danced to music from Anne of Green Gables-The Musical ™, composed by Norman Campbell.

The professional company will also be joined on-stage by youth members of local PEI dance schools.

Canada’s Ballet Jörgen was founded in 1987 to support the development and dissemination of Canadian choreography and to bring dance to underserved communities. Since its inception, the company has exclusively danced works created for the company by Canadian and Canada based choreographers and has effectively reached households with low incomes.

harbourfronttheatre.com

Votive Dance: Whodunit?

Dance, music and storytelling at Harbourfront Theatre—Apr 6

Summerside’s Harbourfront Theatre will welcome acclaimed Nova Scotian dance troupe

Votive Dance, with their unique and immersive show Whodunit? on April 6 at 7:30 pm.

Weaving together dance, music and storytelling, this accessible and fun show is suitable for all ages, and is unlike anything that has been on Harbourfront’s stage before.

A company of dancers and musicians are gearing up for their big performance when suddenly, one of the performers disappears. They do their best to continue with the show as planned, but it becomes clear they need to turn their attention to where the performer has gone. But who to suspect… the dancers? the musicians? the audience?

Saint Mary’s University in Halifax, Kathleen moved to Calgary to attend Decidedly Jazz Danceworks’ Professional Training Program. Upon returning to Halifax in 2012, Kathleen co-founded Votive Dance, and has worked as artistic director since the company’s inception.

Featuring live jazz music, Whodunit? celebrates jazz dance and music at the forefront, with a fun twist on a classic murder mystery.

Whodunit? features choreography by Kathleen Doherty, and original jazz music by Andrew Jackson.

Doherty is a dancer, choreographer, and dance educator based in Kjipuktuk/Halifax. After completing her Bachelor of Commerce degree at

Votive Dance was established in 2012 by Kathleen Doherty and Stephanie Mitro, and has been under the artistic direction of Doherty since inception. Based in K’jipuktuk/ Halifax, the company was founded to support and develop professional artists from the Atlantic region and to create more performance and choreographic opportunities for local artists.

harbourfronttheatre.com

PERFORMANCE

music, theatre, dance, comedy…

…continued from page B6

Apr 18 | 8 pm

Island Jazz: Holland College SoPA Students

Baba’s Lounge, Charlottetown

Apr 19 | 7:30 pm

Nathan Wiley Band

Scott MacAulay Performing Arts Centre, Summerside

Apr 19 | 8 pm

Adam Baldwin & the Jenny Wren

With Eric Stephen Martin. PEI Brewing Company, Charlottetown

Apr 19 | 8 pm

Salt Water Dollies

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Apr 19 | 8 pm

Apr 20 | 7:30 pm/10:30 pm

Babes! Babes! Babes!

Burlesque and Drag Tour

The Guild, Charlottetown

Apr 19, 20 | 7:30 pm

A Tribute to Johnny Cash: San Quentin Revisited

Apr 19: Florence Simmons Performance Hall, Charlottetown

Apr 20: Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside

Apr 20 | 1:30 pm/6:30 pm

dance umbrella: Once Upon A Fairytale

The Mack, Charlottetown

Apr 20

Owen Hann Tribute

Feat. Ellis Family Band, Route 225, Kenny Pearly & The Oysters, and Old Habits. Silver Fox, Summerside

Apr 20 | 7:30 pm

Catherine MacLellan

With special guests Emilea May and Justyn Thyme. Copper Bottom Brewing, Montague

Apr 20 | 8 pm

Liam Corcoran

bar1911, Charlottetown

Apr 20 | 8 pm

East Coast Songwriters Tour

Feat. Kylie Fox (NB), Daniel James McFadyen (NS), Logan Richard (PE) and Quote the Raven (NL). The Fiddling Fisherman Lookout, Souris.

Apr 20 | 8 pm

More Soul

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Apr 20, 21 | 7:30 pm

Ian Thomas: Not Gone Yet

Apr 20: Sobey Family Theatre, Charlottetown

Apr 21: Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside

Apr 21 | 7:30 pm

Linda McLean

The Guild, Charlottetown

Apr 23 | 7:30 pm

ABBA Revisited

Tribute to ABBA. Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside

Apr 23, 24, 25, 26 | 8 pm

DIY Comedy Tour

Down East Mega-Tour feat. Scott Porteous, Frank Russo and Mike Payne

Apr 23: Village Green, Cornwall

Apr 24: Loyalist Country Inn, Summerside

Apr 25: Tignish Legion, Tignish

Apr 26: Moth Lane Brewing

Apr 25 | 8 pm

Island Jazz: Chris Coupland and Trio From Mars

Baba’s Lounge, Charlottetown

Apr 25 | 8 pm

Magnolia

With Taketa Taketa. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Apr 26

Country Divas Drag Night

Lottie Max, Sage, Vera Getty, Monica Darling, Boof, Nauseeah and host, Miz. Majestix. Ponyboat Social Club, Charlottetown

Apr 26 | 7:30 pm

Charlottetown Jazz Ensemble

Dr. Steel Recital Hall, UPEI, Charlottetown

Apr 26 | 7:30 pm

Poet of the Common Man

A Tribute to Merle Haggard feat. Lawrence Maxwell. Kings Playhouse, Georgetown

Apr 26, 27 | 8 pm

The Stanfields

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Apr 27 | 1:30 pm

Once Upon A Time

Presented by Craig Fair Music Productions. Kings Playhouse Family Festival. Kings Playhouse, Georgetown

Apr 27 | 3 pm

Confederation Centre Youth Chorus: Singing Our Stories The Mack, Charlottetown

Apr 27 | 7 pm

Nathalie Duguay

With The Alyssa Harper Project. La Centre Belle-Alliance, Summerside

Apr 27 | 7:30 pm

Lightfoot: A Celebration of the Man and His Music

Feat. Nudie & The Sundowners. Copper Bottom Brewing, Montague

Apr 27 | 7:30 pm

Ballet Jörgen: Anne of Green Gables The Ballet® Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside

Apr 27 | 2 pm/7 pm

24STRONG: Shining Bright Sobey Family Theatre, Charlottetown

Apr 27, 28 | 6 pm

Spring Dinner Theatre

Presented by the Tracadie Community Players. Tracadie Community Centre

Apr 28 | 2:30 pm

Verdi’s Requiem

150th anniversary performance feat. Island Choral Society, Luminos Ensemble and Luminos Chamber Orchestra, with soloists Georgia Edwards, Hannah O’Donnell, Justin Simard, and Brodie MacRae. Led by Dr. Margot Rejskind.

Zion Presbyterian, Charlottetown

Apr 28 | 8 pm

East Coast Songwriters Tour

Feat. Kylie Fox (NB), Daniel James McFadyen (NS), Logan Richard (PE) and Quote The Raven (NL). Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Apr 29 | 8 pm

Jazz Avenue

Feat. Gaige Waugh, Sue Stranger and Sieg Eschholz. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Apr 30 | 7:30 pm

Holland College Community Band: Heroic Measures

Florence Simmons Performance Hall, Charlottetown

May 1

ECMA Opening Night

Feat. The East Pointers, The Once and Two Hours Traffic. Delta Prince Edward, Charlottetown

May 1–5

East Coast Music Awards Various locations, Charlottetown ecma.com

May 2 | 8 pm

ECMA 2024 Awards Show

Feat. The East Pointers (PE), Tara MacLean (PE), Rum Ragged (NL), Morgan Toney (CB), Maggie Andrew (NS), KAYO (NS), Jenn Grant (NS/PE), Émilie Landry (NB), and Lennie Gallant (PE). Co-hosted by Damhnait Doyle (NL) and Rose Cousins (PE). Delta Prince Edward, Charlottetown

May 3 | 7:30 pm

The Alan Jackson Tribute Experience

Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside

May 4 | 2:30 pm, 7:30 pm

dance umbrella: Year-end Showcase

Sobey Family Theatre, Charlottetown

May 4 | 7:30 pm

Queen: It’s Kinda Magic Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside

May 5 | 2:30 pm

ECMA 2024 Songwriters Circle

Feat. Émilie Landry (NB), Kellie Loder (NL), Morgan Toney (CB), Reeny Smith (NS) and The East Pointers (PE). Co-hosted by Damhnait Doyle (NL) and Rose Cousins (PE). Delta Prince Edward, Charlottetown

May 7–Oct 15 | select dates

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

May 8, 9

The Good Brothers

May 8, 8 pm: Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

May 9, 7:30 pm: Copper Bottom Brewing, Montague

May 9, 10, 11 | 7:30 pm

The Addams Family: A New Musical

Presented by Charlottetown Rural High School. Sobey Family Theatre, Charlottetown

May 9, 10, 11 | 7:30 pm

The Mousetrap

A Murder Mystery By Agatha Christie. Presented by Seaside Theatre Company. Scott MacAulay Performing Arts Centre, Summerside

May 9, 10, 11 | 8 pm

The Journey: A Night of Martin Sexton

Feat. Logan Richard, Alicia Toner, Joce Reyome, Mike Ross and Craig Fair. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

…continued on page B14

Family Festival

Food, music, movies and a wagon ride—Apr 27 and 28

Shake off the late April dust on PEI with the Kings Playhouse Family Festival on April 27 and 28 in Georgetown.

Kickstart Saturday, April 27 at 12 noon with the Family Favourites Lunch at Kings Playhouse. Catered by Georgetown’s renowned Wheelhouse Restaurant, indulge in classic kidfriendly dishes like macaroni and cheese or grilled cheese sandwiches while adults savour hearty soup and sandwiches accompanied by coffee and tea.

Following lunch, at 1:30 pm, attendees can immerse themselves in the magical world of Once Upon A Time, a Disney extravaganza that wowed audiences at the recent Jack Frost Festival. Featuring four vocalists backed by a four-piece band, this captivating Craig Fair Music Productions show serenades the audience with favourites such as “Part of Your World,” “A Whole New World,” “The Circle of Life,” and more.

Round off the day with a free Horse & Wagon Ride through the historic streets of Georgetown from 2:45–4:45 pm. Visitors can extend their stay with a special Family Festival accommodation rate at Stones Throw B&B.

On April 28, it’s Movie Day at Kings Playhouse. Watch Disney’s Frozen on the big screen at 1 pm, or

Once Upon A Time features four vocalists and a four-piece band

journey back in time with the 80s hit Back to the Future at 3:30 pm. Indulge in popcorn, candy and drinks for the ultimate movie experience. Plus, don’t miss out on free face painting between 3–5 pm.

Conclude the day at Copper Bottom Brewing in Montague, where Family Festival attendees can enjoy a discount on all meals on April 28. Ticket holders can simply show their ticket to redeem their discount.

Experience the irresistible charm of Georgetown and the joy of family fun at the Kings Playhouse Family Festival on April 27 and 28.

Visit kingsplayhouse.com for tickets and more information.

Songs for a Small Planet

Songwriters circle for climate activism and justice

Songs for a Small Planet will present an Earth Day concert at The Pourhouse on April 19 at 7:30 pm.

Featuring Emelia May, Justyn Thyme, Teresa Doyle and Todd MacLean, the evening will be a musical celebration for Planet Earth, with a songwriters’ circle on themes of environmental activism, climate change and social justice.

Songs for a Small Planet is an international songwriting collective focused on climate activism and promoting environmental sustainability and social

justice through the power of original music. Core members include Todd MacLean, Teresa Doyle, Rob Oakie, Catherine MacLellan, Emmanuelle LeBlanc and Dennis Ellsworth.

Stay tuned for details about an upcoming workshop hosted by Songs for a Small Planet during the ECMA’s in Charlottetown in May (songsforasmallplanet.com).

Tickets will be available at the door, which opens at 7 pm. The Pourhouse is located above The Old Triangle at 189 Great George Street in Charlottetown.

JACK FROST

(left–right): Justyn Thyme, Teresa Doyle, Todd MacLean and Emelia May

PEISO season finale

With guest conductor Daniel Black—Apr 7

The PEI Symphony Orchestra’s season finale with guest conductor Daniel Black takes place on April 7 at 2:30 pm in the Sobey Family Theatre at the Confederation Centre of the Arts.

This concert not only offers a journey through diverse musical landscapes but also represents a significant moment in the PEISO’s 56th season, highlighting the orchestra’s commitment to excellence and innovation. Celebrating the conclusion of a season that welcomed memorable

End-of-semester

UPEI Department of Music students in concert

The UPEI Department of Music will present several end-of-semester concerts featuring students currently enrolled in the music program.

Verdi’s Requiem

150th anniversary performance—Apr 28

The grand majesty of Verdi’s Requiem will resound in Charlottetown on April 28 at Zion Presbyterian at 2:30 pm, celebrating the piece’s 150th anniversary.

It’s a haunting performance led by Dr. Margot Rejskind and comprises the 45 voices of the Island Choral Society, plus the Luminos Ensemble, and the Luminos Chamber Orchestra, with soloists Georgia Edwards, Hannah O’Donnell, Justin Simard, and Brodie MacRae.

Composer Guiseppe Verdi put all the drama and flair of his pen into an almost operatic setting of the funereal mass. He was no stranger to mourning: early in his career he had lost two infant children and then his young wife, but he wrote his Requiem not for them, but to honour Alessandro Manzoni, a respected Italian author and patriot for whom Verdi had had a lifelong admiration. It had its debut in May of 1874.

A major reason for the Requiem’s ongoing success is the strength of emotion it evokes. It has, for example, been done in modern times as a commemorative tribute to performances that were sung in the Nazi concentration camp, Terezin. And in 2021, the Metropolitan Opera did it for the 20th anniversary of

the September 11th attacks.

The Island Choral Society has impressed audiences with other major classics — Vivaldi’s Gloria in D, Fauré’s Requiem, Mozart’s Requiem and Bach’s Magnificat. The group is led by Dr. Margot Rejskind noted for her leadership of the Luminos Ensemble, other vocal groups, and the Luminos Chamber Orchestra, as well as her teaching. The two Luminos groups are joining in this performance of the Verdi Requiem.

Admission is at the door or purchase online at islandchoralsociety.ca.

Heroic Measures

Holland College Community Band concert—Apr 30

The Holland College Community Band will present their concert Heroic Measures on April 30 at Florence Simmons Performance Hall in Charlottetown. Showtime is 7:30 pm.

Donations for local food banks will be gratefully accepted at the door.

On April 4, the UPEI Wind Symphony will perform Glow at the UPEI Performing Arts Centre. The program will feature traditional and contemporary works for winds and percussion by Vaughan Williams, Joni Greene, Kim Archer and Joanne Harris, and showcase trombone soloist Jacob Reddin in Ferdinand David’s dramatic “Concertino.”

The UPEI Concert Choir and Chamber Singers will perform an evening of choral music on April 6 at the SDU Stage in Dr. Steel Recital Hall. Under the direction of Sung

Ha Shin-Bouey, the ensembles will perform Christopher Tin’s “Sogno di Volare,” an inspirational theme song from the video game Civilization

VI, staged musical selections from the opera Carmen, “Mass in G” by Schubert, and choral gems by Byrd, Whitacre and Rutter, among others.

On April 9, UPEI’s Jazz and Popular Music Ensemble will perform a concert featuring a program of music spanning a variety of genres and styles. Led by Shawn Doiron, the Jazz and Popular Music Ensemble concert will take place at the SDU Stage in Dr. Steel Recital Hall.

All recitals begin at 7:30 pm. Admission is by cash at the door. upei.ca/music

Charlottetown Jazz Ensemble

Big band performance at Dr. Steel Recital Hall—Apr 26

The 18-member Charlottetown Jazz Ensemble will bring its big-band mix of contemporary and classic jazz to UPEI’s Steel Recital Hall on April 26 in a concert presented by the UPEI Music Department.

Since 1996 the Charlottetown Jazz Ensemble (CJE) has been PEI’s only community big band with personnel comprised mostly of current or former UPEI graduates. Current band members are thrilled to be able to perform under the auspices and on the campus of their alma mater.

Among the dozen tunes to be presented, the concert will feature several premieres including an arrangement of Gershwin’s “But Not For Me” by CJE lead alto Dan Rowswell. There will also be a first-ever Island performance of “Persevere,” a rockin’ chart by the late Frank Mantooth, during which

CJE guitar soloist Perry Williams will be turning the distortion wa-a-ay up. In another first, the band will dip into the vault of the Maynard Ferguson big band for a window-shattering cover of Janis Joplin’s hit, “Move Over.”

Admission will be at the door with music starting at 7:30 pm.

facebook.com/charlottetownjazz

SUBMITTED

The Island Choral Society, led by Dr. Margot Rejskind

The UPEI Wind Symphony

PHOTOS SUBMITTED

guest conductors Jaelem Bhate, Kira Omelchenko, Juliane Gallant, and now Daniel Black, PEISO looks toward a future under the guidance of a new music director.

(clockwise from top-left): 2023/24 guest conductors Daniel Black, Kira Omelchenko, Juliane Gallant and Jaelem Bhate

Under the Spire

2024 Season announced at Historic St. Mary’s

After a record-breaking season in 2023 and over a quarter of a century presenting traditional, pop, classical, jazz, country, and world music, Under the Spire (UTS) has revealed the full lineup of concerts for its 2024 season

Alicia Toner is the Artist-inResidence this year, continuing UTS’s long-standing tradition of artist-led programming. Taking after Robert Kortgaard, the organization’s former artistic director, Toner will curate several performances throughout the season.

Under the Spire takes place at Historic St. Mary’s, idyllically set overlooking Malpeque Bay. This year’s theme is Everlasting and features a diverse lineup of concerts showcasing dreamy songwriting, cultural celebrations, unique food and music pairings, and fairytale-inspired chamber repertoire. Some highlights include an intimate solo concert with Joel Plaskett, the 85-person Halifax Gay Men’s Chorus, Ukrainian musician Maryna Krut performing the bandura, the storytelling of siblings Leela Gilday and Jay Gilday as Sechile Sedare, and the return of the annual classical music festival Midsummer Magic.

The 2024 season begins in June with the Halifax Gay Men’s Chorus (June 22), Mass for Shout-Outs by Tanya Davis (23), Joel Plaskett (28) and Philip Chiu (30).

In July, performances include Duo Concertante (July 7), Gordie MacKeeman & The Rhythm Boys (12), Elizabeth Shepherd Trio (13), Maryna Krut (14), The Once (19), SHHH!! Ensemble (21), Alicia Toner presents… (27) and Duel by Pallade Musica (28). The Island Proud Series, which features PEI entertainment and hospitality, also kicks off in July with Emilea May, formerly known as Emily MacLellan (24) and Aaron Comeau (31).

In August, Midsummer Magic returns with The Four Seasons and a Melting Iceberg by Pallade Musica (August 2), and Bagels & Bach with Sarah Hagen (4). The Island Proud Series continues with PEI performers Alicia Toner (7), Tiffany Liu (14) and Shane Pendergast (21). UTS concerts in August also include a Kitchen Party with Rum Ragged (8), the Jackson Wilson Duo (9), Sechile Sedare (11), Mi’gmafrica by Les Productions Mosaiculture (16), Lara Deutsch & Adam Cicchillitti (18), Vishtèn Connexions (23), Duo CBJ & MH (25) and Morgan Toney (30).

UTS closes in September with Sundown: The songs of Gordon Lightfoot (6–7) and David Potvin, piano (15).

In addition to concerts, UTS is committed to fostering a sense of togetherness through a series of community events, such as the annual ceilidh series, songwriting workshops, pre-concert talks, and more. There are a variety of accessible community concerts and events scheduled for this summer which will be announced closer to the season.

Tickets are available at 836-4933, 888-311-9090 (TicketPro), and underthespire.ca. For unique experiences and deals, join Soundtrack at underthespire.ca/soundtrack, the new member program with perks, exclusive pricing, giveaways, and more.

East Coast Songwriters Tour

The Fiddling Fisherman Lookout—Apr 20

Four award-winning songwriters from each of Canada’s Atlantic provinces will join each other for the East Coast Songwriters Tour at The Fiddling Fisherman Lookout on April 20 at 8 pm.

Young, indie-folk singer songwriters

Kylie Fox (NB), Daniel James McFadyen (NS), Logan Richard (PE) and Quote the Raven (NL) will are touring the East Coast in April to showcase, and tell the stories behind their original songs, preceding the East Coast Music Awards that take place in Charlottetown in May.

Doors open at 7 pm. Tickets on available at fiddlingfishermanlookout.com.

Musician Alicia Toner is Under the Spire’s Artist-in-Residence for 2024

PERFORMANCE

music, theatre, dance, comedy…

…continued from page B10

May 10 | 7:30 pm

Fandango On Stage

Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside

May 12 | 1 pm

Dolly Parton Mother’s Day

Feat. Kelley Mooney, Keelin Wedge and Christine Cameron. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

May 15 | 8 pm

Boy Golden

With Fontine. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

May 17 | 7:30 pm

The Slocan Ramblers Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside

May 17–18 | 8 pm

Gypsy

Tribute to Fleetwood Mac. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

May 18

Danspirations

Scott MacAulay Performing Arts Centre, Summerside

May 18 | 7:30 pm

Styx

Credit Union Place, Summerside

May 19 | 8 pm

20 Eyes

With Green Eyes, Witch Hands. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

May 23| 7:30 pm

Brian Pitafie: Funny as Puck Tour

Feat. Brian Pitafie, Milton NG and Hector Rivas. The Mack, Charlottetown

May 23, 24

Matilda Junior

Presented by Athena Consolidated School. Scott MacAulay Performing Arts Centre, Summerside

May 25 | 7:30 pm

Rory Gardiner

Kings Playhouse, Georgetown

May 25 | 7:30 pm

Jimmy the Janitor

Scott MacAulay Performing Arts Centre, Summerside

May 25 | 7:30 pm

Logan Richard

With special guests Moira & Claire. Copper Bottom Brewing, Montague

May 26 | 2 pm

International Children’s Memorial Place Fundraising Concert

Feat. Terry Kelly, The Ross Family and Leon Gallant. Scott MacAulay Performing Arts Centre, Summerside

May 29 | 8 pm

Chastity: Trilogy Tour

Album release. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

May 30 | 8 pm

A Tribute to Talking Heads

Featuring members of Coyote, Sorrey and Calm Baretta. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

May 31 | 7:30 pm

Fiddle Fandamonium II

Feat. Richard Wood, Howie MacDonald, Melissa Gallant, Roy Johnstone and Beverly MacLean. Centre 150, Summerside

May 31 | 7:30 pm

Dave Gunning & J.P Cormier Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside

May 31 | 7:30 pm

The Country Legends Tribute Show

Feat. Gordon Cormier and Dave Pike. Kings Playhouse, Georgetown

June 1 | 7:30 pm

Daniel Champagne

The Guild, Charlottetown

June 1 | 7:30 pm

The Hounds

Tribute to Tyler Childers. Copper Bottom Brewing, Montague

Adam Baldwin & the Jenny Wren

In concert at PEI Brewing Company—Apr 19

Sommo presents Adam Baldwin & the Jenny Wren on April 19 at the PEI Brewing Company in Charlottetown. Eric Stephen Martin will open the show at 8 pm. Baldwin has been a mainstay of the Atlantic Canada music scene for over a decade. With his sophomore album Concertos & Serenades, Baldwin, who was born and raised in Nova Scotia, offers an East coast testimony that challenges the typical tourism marketing gloss. The singer-songwriter bears witness and pays tribute to a tradition of desperation: sinners and losers, perpetual failures, and down-and-out phantoms that haunt his home’s coastlines and back roads— without a passing judgement. Some of the tales happened, some didn’t, and most walk a tightrope between truth and fiction.

Doors open at 7:30 pm. This is a 19+ event. Visit peibrewingcompany. com for tickets. PEIBC is located at 96 Kensington Road in Charlottetown.

Liam Corcoran

Fundraising for his new album at bar1911—Apr 20

Liam Corcoran will play at bar1911 in Charlottetown on April 20 at 8 pm.

Whitecap Entertainment’s Rising Tides Community Fund is supporting this event. All ticket proceeds will be donated to Corcoran in support of getting his album Hints and Traces to vinyl.

Corcoran was the co-founder of the Canadian indie-pop group Two Hours Traffic. When the group disbanded, he embarked on a solo career, releasing the mini-album Rom-Drom (2015) and the full-length Nevahland (2017).

Tickets for this show are available at bar1911.com. Hints and Traces is also available to pre-order.

SUBMITTED

Ian Thomas

Live in Summerside and Charlottetown

Ian Thomas: Not Gone Yet will be on stage at Confederation of the Arts in Charlottetown on April 20 and at Harbourfront Theatre in Summerside on April 21.

Thomas is an author, actor, film-composer, voice-over artist, and a JUNO Award-winning singer-songwriter. He first garnered major radio airplay in 1973 with “Painted Ladies,” followed by a string of hits with his band The Boomers. His music has been covered by artists like Santana and Bon Jovi, and his many hits continually achieve heavy rotation on radio. Thomas joined fellow singer-songwriters Murray McLauchlan, Marc Jordan and Cindy Church to form Lunch At Allen’s, touring coast to coast for the past two decades, and now with five albums to their credit.

Adam Baldwin

SUBMITTED

ECMA Opening Night

Plus complete Festival lineup and schedule available

Celebrating Atlantic Canada’s vibrant music industry, over 100 Atlantic Canadian artists and bands have been announced to showcase at the 36th annual East Coast Music Awards, Festival and Conference in Charlottetown May 1–5. The full artist lineup is now available at ecma.com.

ECMA 2024 will kick off with an Opening Night Concert starring PEI’s pop-folk duo The East Pointers, Newfoundland’s roots-folk trio The Once, and PEI’s pop-rock group Two Hours Traffic. The show will take place at the Prince Edward Confederation Ballroom at the Delta Prince Edward in Charlottetown on May 1 at 8 pm. A limited number of tickets for this concert are on sale now at ecma.com. Note that the Opening Night Concert is a separate ticketed event and is not included with the ECMA Festival Pass.

“The ECMAs are coming back to our beautiful Charlottetown and it will be buzzing,” says Jake Charron with The East Pointers. “We’ll be playing a show with some of our favs to kick off the week.”

ECMA has also unveiled the festival schedule of performances and events, including the Screamin’ Teens all ages show, Patio Parties and late night concerts. Performance venues include Charlottetown Beer Garden, Delta Prince Edward Hotel, John Brown Richmond Street Grille, Salvador Dali Café, St. Paul’s Church, Trailside Music

Hall and Upstreet Brewing. Previous announcements have unveiled the performers for the annual Awards Show and the Songwriters Circle. This year’s program has something for everyone. For the complete artist lineup, Festival schedule, tickets and more, visit ecma.com.

The 1984 songbook

Led by Melissa MacKenzie and Jacob Hemphill

Harmony House’s songbook tradition is back again this spring with a brand new concert built around the year that was 1984. The 1984 Songbook will be on stage at the theatre in Hunter River on April 5, 6, 12 and 13.

The 1984 Songbook will combine historical events, pop culture happenings and, of course, the unforgettable music that made 1984 a year to remember. Pop culture royalty like Prince, Madonna, Cyndi Lauper and Michael Jackson can all call 1984 the year that made them.

Melissa MacKenzie and Jacob Hemphill lead an electric ensemble of Island musicians, including Joce Reyome, Ben Aitken, Trevor Grant

and Josh Langille on this trip down a musical memory lane. Whether audience members were 16 years old or not even born yet, this songbook will make them long for a time of synthesizers, power jackets, and Gremlins.

Showtime is 8 pm. Tickets are available at harmonyhousepei.com.

SUBMITTED SUBMITTED

BRADLEY JOSEPH

(top–bottom): The Once, The East Pointers and Two Hours Traffic

PHOTOS SUBMITTED

Jacob Hemphill Melissa MacKenzie

NEW SINGLES

The following six recordings were made through Music PEI’s Golden Ticket program

“When I Saw You”

Luka Hall

At just 16 years old, Luka Hall stands as a prodigious fiddle-playing virtuoso hailing from PEI. Since the age of nine, Luka has been captivating audiences with his mesmerizing performances, establishing himself as a rising star in the vibrant island trad music scene.

With “When I Saw You”, released through Music PEI’s Golden Ticket Program, Luka steps into a brighter spotlight as not only an instrumentalist but also a vocalist. Working alongside Jack Charron from The East Pointers, the two were able to capture an explosive performance and adorn the recording with depth and atmosphere.

“When I Saw You” is the first self penned recording for the young musician. It was released on March 1.

Photography by Hannah Rene.

“Good Mother”

Emilea May

Singer-songwriter Emilea May released “Good Mother” on March 7.

Emilea May’s music resonates with the raw beauty of her surroundings. With an effortlessly beautiful voice and introspective lyrics that cut to the

core, Emily’s music offers a glimpse into her soul. She weaves tales inspired by the simplicity of nature, the bonds of friendship, and the transformative journey of motherhood.

“Good Mother” was produced by Josh Van Tassel (David Myles, Bahamas) and recorded at Crabbe Road Studio through Music PEI’s Golden Ticket Program. Speaking to the journey of motherhood, the song is meant to validate mothers and make them feel heard and seen through their struggles but it is also meant to bring them a glimmer of hope and remind them what they are capable of.

Photography by Andrew Lewis.

“Retracing”

Hit the Coast

PEI alt-rock up-and-comers Hit the Coast recently released their latest single and accompanying music video “Retracing” on March 21.

The song was produced by Loel Campbell (of Wintersleep) through Music PEI’s Golden Ticket program. Loel also played drums on the track, which was engineered by Jon Matthews, mixed by Matt Snell and mastered by Kristian Montano. The single artwork is by Connor Bowlan, with photography by Justin Rix. Video animation and storyboard by Luca Bisceglia, with videography and editing by Oakar Myint, and assistant videographer Bailey Dockendorff.

Formed in 2022, the band draws from influences such as Foals, Big Wreck and Kings of Leon as they explore adventurous arrangements while keeping their songwriting relatable. Lead vocalist Curtis Klein is joined by Bruce Rooney and Evan McCosham, whose past projects include ECMA and MPEI Awardwinning bands Coyote, Sorrey and many others.

Their debut singles “Drowning” (2022) and “Past Life” (2023) garnered CBC play locally, while performances throughout PEI have shown the band’s

live chemistry. In 2023 Hit the Coast released a self-produced live video series called “Live at Kim’s” which is available to watch on Youtube.

With “Retracing,” Hit the Coast pulls the listener into the deep end and forces them to face their inner critic. The track’s gritty vocals, relentless rhythm, and intricate textures challenge the status quo of modern rock music while compelling listeners to confront the uncomfortable.

linktr.ee/hitthecoast

“Let It Land”

Carlie Howell

Carlie Howell is a performer, composer and arts worker. An in-demand bassist, they have played with Jenn Grant, The Queer Songbook Orchestra, and synth-pioneer Beverly Glenn-Copeland.

A strong musical voice across genres, Carlie has written for string quartet, chamber orchestra, percussion ensemble and more.

Through Music PEI’s Golden Ticket Program, Carlie is proud to present “Let It Land,” which was released on March 22. The single was produced by Maia Davies (Serena Ryder, Mother Mother) and features a string arrangement composed and performed by Howell, Kinley Dowling and Natalie Williams Calhoun. Carlie also worked with Millefiore Clarkes on a new music video and Story Thorburn on photography.

“Gravy”

Tigwe

Tigwe is a Nigerian-Canadian artist with a lyrical prowess that resonates deep, much like the echoes of his influences—the poetic storytelling of J. Cole and the introspective brilliance of Kendrick Lamar. His distinct vocal timbre is a sonic fingerprint, carving out a space for him in the crowded realm of hip-hop.

While crafting his verses, the young artist has been juggling the demanding world of academia, pursuing a degree in engineering. This duality speaks volumes about his dedication

and work ethic, demonstrating that his pursuit of knowledge extends beyond the confines of the studio.

Tigwe’s latest release “Gravy” was made possible by Music PEI’s Golden Ticket Program and dropped March 28. Tigwe also collaborated with local photographer Justin Rix to create a series of photos and videos that tell the origin story of the young artist and their approach to music making.

“Video Games”

Somewhere Soon

Step into the freaky realm of Somewhere Soon, where music transcends boundaries, and innovation knows no limits. This dynamic trio, comprised of Hannah Melanson on keys, Joey Esker on drums, and bassist Maya Catalina Marquez Calle, brings a fresh and exhilarating perspective to the world of progressive jazz.

In their short time together as a band, Somewhere Soon has quickly developed a reputation as a mustsee live show and their debut single “Video Games” was released on March 29 through Music PEI’s Golden Ticket Program.

The band recorded with producer Adam Gallant (Dennis Ellsworth, Logan Richard) at The Hill Sound Studio and collaborated with producer and mixer Josh Van Tassel (David Myles, Bahamas) to finalize the single.

Design by Ali Mombourquette.

Music PEI’s Golden Ticket Program is made possible thanks to funding from RBC, FACTOR through the Government of Canada and Canada’s Private RAdio Broadcasters, Innovation PEI and ACOA.

JUSTIN RIX

STORY THORBURN

ONGOING MUSIC

ceilidhs, dances, sessions...

Assumption Ceilidhs

A ceilidh is held on the third Sunday of each month from 2–4 pm at Assumption Parish Centre in Stratford. Hosted by Assumption Catholic Women’s League and Assumption Knights of Columbus, the afternoon features the music of The Young at Heart with Leo Gallant, Randy Cheverie, Norman LeClair, Dave Shephard, Paul Chandler, Robert Cain and Dave Moore, plus special guests. Admission is at the door. A 50/50 draw, tea and light refreshments are included. Proceeds go to Our Lady of the Assumption Parish. Info: Leo Gallant, 569–3202, leowgallant@hotmail.com

Blues Jam at Baba’s

Blues Jams with the Plain Dirty Blues band will take place from 5:30–8 pm on April 6 (rescheduled from March 30), April 27 and May 25 at Baba’s Lounge. Admission is by donation. Follow @Plain Dirty Blues on FB for updates. 181 Great Geoge St, Charlottetown.

Dunstaffnage 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.

Got Blues Matinee

Got Blues with Chris Roumbanis, Reg Ballagh, Mike Robicheau and special guest(s) is held at the Salvadore Dali Café from 2–4 pm. The second set is always an electric blues jam. Special guests in April are: singer/guitarist Brian Langille & saxophonist Jonathan’s MacInnis (Apr 13); singer/guitarist Christine Campbell & singer/guitarist Blake Johnston from NS (27). 155 Kent St, Charlottetown.

Home-Grown Harmony

Jo-Anne Ford and Michael Buell host

Home-Grown Harmony in the Hambly Room (upstairs) at the Cavendish Wellness Centre on Thursdays at 7 pm. The weekly, all-ages show features old school country, rock, folk, gospel, Celtic, originals and more. New headliners are featured weekly, along with special guest entertainers and an open mic. A free light lunch, tea and coffee are provided. There is a 50/50 draw and the canteen is open. Tickets are available by cash only at the door, which opens at 6:30 pm. The venue has well lit parking, and the Hambly Room is accessible by elevator. Visit @ joanne.ford.and.michael.buell on FB for updates and message Jo-Anne to be an entertainer. 21 Sullivan Ln, Montague.

Island Jazz

Jazz on Thursdays at Baba’s Lounge features top local musicians performing original music, standards, jazz and pop favourites. Each show features a different

group and two sets starting at 8 pm. Admission is by donation. The April lineup includes: Sean Kemp Original Music (Apr 4); Kind of Blue with the IJQ (11); Holland College SOPA Students (18); Chris Coupland and Trio from Mars (25). 181 Great George St, Charlottetown.

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.

Stratford and Area Lions

Club Ceilidh

A ceilidh takes place at the Robert L. Cotton Centre on the second Sunday of each month (Apr 14) from 2–4 pm. Coffee, tea and light lunch is provided. 57 Bunbury Rd, Stratford. Info: 569-3956

Summerside Kitchen Party

A Kitchen Party at the Summerside Legion is held on Saturdays from 2–5 pm. 340 Notre Dame St, Summerside.

Sunday Session

An 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. 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.

Spring Ceilidh

Bonshaw Hall—Apr 7

Celebrate spring’s arrival at the Welcome Spring Ceilidh at Bonshaw Hall on April 7 at 2 pm.

Families and children are especially welcome. There will be a short singalong for the kids, singer-songwriter Alicia Toner will be telling stories through songs, and virtuoso ragtime, stride and jazz pianist Max Keenlyside will entertain. Conifer seedlings will be given out and folks can choose a book from the wide selection.

Admission is by donation at the door with proceeds supporting the Hall. Admission is free for children under age 12.

Gabriel Minnikin

With Out From Under at Baba’s Lounge—Apr 20

Gabriel Minnikin and Out From Under are sharing the bill at Baba’s Lounge in Charlottetown on April 20.

Nova Scotian singer-songwriter Gabriel Minnikin is a mainstay in the Maritime music scene with his outstanding musicianship, densely-woven melodies, and poetic lyrics that both haunt and intrigue. He has written songs with The Guthries, Matt Anderson, Cameron Nickerson, Gabrielle Papillon, and Terra Spencer to name a few. Minnikin has been a side session player for many international artists and continues to perform on stages throughout the world.

Out From Under have been a mainstay on PEI’s bar, barn and bbq circuit for over 20 years. After an extended hiatus, they are back in the garage blending salt country with folk and hints of psychedelic.

In performance at The Guild—Apr 21 Linda McLean

Linda McLean will be on stage at The Guild in Charlottetown on April 21 at 7:30 pm.

McLean writes taut memorable songs full of fire and emotion. No Language (2005) followed steadfastly on the heels of her debut, Betty’s Room (2002), with a chorus of universal acclaim on both sides of the Atlantic.

Music reviewers have ranked McLean among the best of her North American contemporaries, including praise such as: “Linda is a singer-songwriter in the best tradition of fellow Canadian Joni Mitchell’s ‘70s work,” from VARA radio in the Netherlands, and “There is a ‘holy trinity’ of Canadian singer-songwriters: Sarah Harmer, Kathleen Edwards, and Linda McLean,” from CBC Radio.

Nathan Wiley

Scott MacAulay Performance Centre—Apr 19

Originally scheduled for March 15, Summerside’s Scott MacAulay Performance Centre will welcome Nathan Wiley and Band on April 19 at 7:30 pm. Joining Wiley are James Phillips (electric guitar), Tom Desroches (bass), and Neil Wiley (drums).

Showtime is 10 pm. Admission is at the door. Find @gabrielminnikinmusic and @out_from_under on IG.

The acclaimed singer-songwriter’s most recent recording, Songs for the Book, is an intimate acoustic production to accompany her book The Importance of Being Important. theguildpei.com

Wiley first earned acclaim for his ECMA Award-winning debut Bottom Dollar, one of Billboard Magazine’s top ten albums of 2002. Since then, he has released High Low (2004), the Steve Berlin (Los Lobos) produced effort The City Destroyed Me (2007), Bandits (2015) and Modern Magic (2021). He has shared the stage with Blue Rodeo, Sarah Harmer, Steve Earle, Billy Bragg, Ron Sexsmith and more, and his work has appeared on television, film and stage. Wiley recently scored the feature film, Nightblooms.

Gabriel Minniken

Linda McLean

Island Jubilee finale

Featuring Alicia Toner, Roger Stone and Janelle Banks

The Island Jubilee Old Time Radio Music Show will celebrate its season finale at the Florence Simmons Performance Hall in Charlottetown on April 14 with special guests Alicia Toner, Roger Stone, and Janelle Banks, as well as the Jubilee All Stars.

Singer-songwriter Alicia Toner’s music is a fusion of pop, rock, folk and Americana influences delivered with a vocal range, presence and authenticity that resonates with her audience. Classically training on the violin, her musical journey led her to become a member of the esteemed New Brunswick Youth Orchestra, showcasing her skills at renowned venues like Carnegie Hall. She has released two albums, I Learned the Hard Way (2017) and Joan, (2021).

Roger Stone’s music journey spans 40 years, influenced by mid-70s rock, country-rock, folk, bluegrass, and traditional music. He co-founded Cape Breton band Brakin’ Tradition with friends Cyril MacPhee and Harold Davidson. With groups like Miller’s Jug and McGinty, he has performed nationally and internationally. Settling in PEI in 2022, he continues teaching and collaborating while enjoying select

K-OS tour

Live at The Fox & Crow, UPEI—Apr 2

PEI Underground Hip Hop and R-Evolution Media Studio have collaborated to bring Canadian rap artist K-OS’ cross-country tour to The Fox & Crow at UPEI in Charlottetown with a live performance on April 2. DJ AllyCaT will be spinning for PEI’s local opening acts BraedenV, SNK, Spivey and KAY’EM.

K-OS, originally from Trinidad and Tobago before moving to Ontario at age four, is a singer, songwriter and producer. His inventive sound has been classified as “alternative hip

appearances and fostering a new generation of traditional music enthusiasts.

Step dancer Janelle Banks is an accomplished champion step dancer with over 20 years of experience in the dance world. Janelle has been a part of the Charlottetown Festival’s outdoor amphitheater dance show at the Confederation Centre of the Arts for the past two seasons and she is also a choreographer for several children’s music theatre productions.

The show is co-hosted by Nudie, Janet McGarry and Serge Bernard, and the Jubilee all-stars Thomas Webb, Bobby McIsaac, Courtney HoganChandler and Johnny Ross, as well as Nudie and Serge.

All performances are recorded for broadcast on Tantramar 107.9FM CFTA and available on their website. Proceeds from the 50/50 draw and guitar raffle will be presented to the QEH Foundation at this show.

Tickets are available at Ticketpro.ca, in person at the box office, or by phone at 1-888-311-9090. Doors open at 1:30 pm with showtime at 2 pm. Season three will begin on October 6. islandjubilee.com

tantramarfm.ca

hop,” and draws influence from rock, pop, soul, jazz, reggae, R&B and electronic music. K-OS’ introduction to the Canadian music industry came in 1993, when his video “Musical Essence” premiered and received regular airplay on MuchMusic. He writes his own material and his albums are largely self-produced. Some of his well known hits are “Musical Essence,” “Rise Like the Sun,” “Crabbuckit,” “Man I Used to Be,” “B-Boy Stance,” “4-3-2-1,”and “Heaven Only Knows.”

This coming August K-OS will be releasing his first full-length LP, Everyone in Your Dream is You, which has been executively produced by international star Drake.

Doors open at 7 pm. Show time is 8 pm. VIP Meet & Greet packages are available. This is a 19+ event. Tickets are available at eventbrite.ca.

Trailside Music Hall

Some of the many upcoming shows

Hawksley Workman

Apr 4

Hawksley Workman is a JUNO Awardwinning and Gold Record certified singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. Since his self-produced indie debut For Him and The Girls (1999) through to chart-topping singles of 2020, Workman has careened between major label international smash hits to Canadiana soaked indie releases.

Lady Soul

Apr 5

Channeling soul and funk divas of yesterday and today, Lady Soul is a ninepiece ensemble that performs dynamic renditions of classic tracks by Aretha Franklin, Jackson 5, Amy Winehouse and more.

Featuring Kelley Mooney and Emi Smith on vocals, this show welcomes their newest singer, K’eziah Collie. The group also includes Mark Parsons and Joanna McKearney on horns, Dave Gordon on keys, Jason Rogerson on bass, Kirk White on drums, and special guest Chad Deagle on guitar.

Classic Seger: Bob Seger’s Greatest Hits Live

Apr 10

The North American touring act Classic Seger: Bob Segers’s Greatest Hits Live features a nine-piece band performing an impressive mix of Seger’s classic hits and deep cut gems. The show delivers the spirit of a Bob Seger concert and makes audiences feel like they have gone back in time to the 70s and 80s.

The Stanfields

Apr 26 & 27

The Stanfields are coming for two performances at Trailside Music Hall. A maelstrom of rock and roll, bluegrass, celtic and blues, The Stanfields hail from the gritty post-industrial towns of Nova Scotia and play every show like it’s their collective last night on Earth. Their kitchen party harmonies, thunderous rhythm section, high octane stage show and genuine chemistry have won over audiences clear across their tiny corner of the world.

East Coast Songwriters Tour Apr 28

Songwriters from each of the Atlantic Canadian provinces are coming together to showcase and tell the stories behind their original songs. The musicians are touring the East Coast in April, ahead of the East Coast Music Awards that take place in Charlottetown in May.

The East Coast Songwriters Tour includes indie-folk singer-songwriters Kylie Fox (New Brunswick), Daniel James McFadyen (Nova Scotia), Logan Richard (PEI) and Quote the Raven from (Newfoundland & Labrador).

Trailside Music Hall is located at 155 Kent Street in Charlottetown. Showtimes are 8 pm with doors opening at 6:30 pm (unless otherwise noted). For tickets and info visit trailside.ca or call 367-3311.

Spring Fling

Neon Country at

Borden-

Carleton Legion—Apr 6

A Spring Fling Dance will take place at the Borden-Carleton Legion on April 6 from 10 pm–1 am.

Neon Country will rock the night away, upstairs in the hall, with classic rock and 80s and 90s country gems Pre-sale tickets can be purchased in the Legion Lounge and Ceretti’s Grocery & Hardware in Borden-Carleton.

“KINDNESS KNOWS NO SHAME”

PHOTOS SUBMITTED

Alicia Toner Roger Stone Janelle Banks

Copper Bottom presents

Two shows on stage in April

Copper Bottom in Montague will present two feature performances in April. Both shows start at 7:30 pm.

Catherine MacLellan

with special guests Emilea May and Justyn Thyme

Apr 20

Catherine MacLellan is a PEI singer-songwriter who has a passion for connecting with her audience. She has traveled extensively, performing her original material all over the world. Catherine takes great pride in her Island roots. Her songs reflect her deep connection to nature, and her ability to craft poignant lyrics and unforgettable melodies has earned her a reputation as one of Canada’s beloved songwriters.

Justyn Thyme embodies the artistic emancipation of ECMA Awardnominated and Music PEI Awardwinning artist Justyn Young. He is a singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and proud member of the low-vision/blind community.

Emilea May is a singer-songwriter whose voice and introspective lyrics cut to the core, offering a glimpse into

Lightfoot: A Celebration of the Man & His Music

Apr 27

Celebrate the music of Canadian troubadour Gordon Lightfoot. Nudie & The Sundowners will take the stage to perform the iconic songs that have defined generations. From the heartbreaking “If You Could Read My Mind” to the epic “Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald,” the evening is a heartfelt celebration of the man and his songs. From the sweet folk licks of Lightfoot’s early music, to the sultry electric guitar riffs and grooving bass lines of Sundown, lead guitarist Bobby McIsaac, bassist Serge Bernard and host Nudie, on vocals and guitar, capture the spirit of Lightfoot’s music.

Nudie has toured long and far and played in venues of all sizes across North America. Along with club and festival shows in Canada and the United States, Nudie has showcased at the North by Northeast Festival, the Ontario Council of Folk Festivals, the Americana Music Festival in Nashville and the North American Folk Alliance in Memphis, Tennessee. His songs have been featured in CTV television’s Saving Hope as well as the 2021 crime/ thriller, A Small Fortune

Ripple Effect

Music PEI launches gender safety initiative

Music PEI (MPEI) recently launched Ripple Effect, a new initiative aimed at combatting sexual assault and gender-based violence within the music industry locally and beyond.

Working under the slogan “We make this space safer together,” Ripple Effect seeks to foster a community-wide paradigm shift in how Music PEI treats women and gender expansive musicians, audience members and music industry professionals.

During Phase 1, from now until the end of June, MPEI will provide comprehensive harm-reduction education, skills and resources on topics such as bystander intervention to MPEI staff, Board of Directors, members and community stakeholders. Their goal is to build a community of leaders, employees, volunteers and collaborators in PEI’s music scene who are equipped to spot, intervene, support and report incidents of sexual violence at events.

This work is supported by facilitator Stacey Forrester of Good Night Out Vancouver, and carried out in collaboration with local organizations PEIRSAC, the RISE Program and SHIFT. It is generously funded by PEI’s Gender Equity Diversity Inclusion and Community Enhancement Program. The initiative is coordinated by Rebecca Ford (Now and Then event services) and Carlie Howell (musician, arts worker), together with Andy Glydon (MPEI program manager).

Everyone deserves to be safe in the music scene but not everyone is. Alarming rates of sexual harassment and abuse occur in the music industry, often against women and gender-expansive individuals. According to a study conducted by Midia Research

and TuneCore, 34 percent of women, 42 percent of trans individuals, and 43 percent of nonbinary individuals in the music industry report being sexually harassed or abused at work. Sixtyfour percent of music creators who identified as women named sexual harassment or objectification as a key challenge in the music industry.

Howell says, “The major challenge we’ve historically faced is a culture of silence. The music industry wants to be seen as a fun and joyful place, and when that’s not the case for everyone, it challenges the status quo to talk about it. Victims of sexual misconduct or harassment are often afraid to speak out for fear of being labeled negatively or losing their gigs.”

Ford notes, “There is a really big need [and want] for this work in PEI. It’s better to have uncomfortable conversations than have really unfortunate situations happen to people.”

Music PEI wants to change this. They believe that all people, from performers to industry professionals to audience members, should have equitable access to the music scene on PEI. That starts with constructive dialogue, practical resources, and engaging the whole community in creating safer spaces.

For updates and to get involved, follow @musicpei on IG or sign up to their mailing list at musicpei.com.

Two shows to catch in April Magnolia

Magnolia will play two shows in Charlottetown this month. Catch them on April 5 at Baba’s Lounge with New Brunswick’s The Daily Grind and PEI’s Stickey Honey, or take in their show on April 25 with local band Taketa Taketa at Trailside Music Hall.

Formed in 2021, Magnolia is a Charlottetown-based, four-piece band with Denis Dorion on guitar and vocals, Zach Bernard on lead guitar, Yannick Gagnon on drums and Isaac Williams on bass. Together they combine their love of 90s and 00s music

through heavy riffs and hard hitting songs, crafting their own sound over the last few years.

The band has released two EPs, The Meadows (2022) and New Day Rising (2023), and new tunes will be available soon on all streaming platforms. Magnolia will be featured at the Far Out Music Fest this July.

Nudie

Catherine MacLellan

(left–right): Coordinators Carlie Howell, Rebecca Ford and Andy Glydon

(left–right): Isaac Williams, Denis Doiron, Zach Bernard and Yannick Gagnon

LIVE MUSIC

bars, lounges, cafés...

Albert & Crown Pub

DanaLee Veniot (5 @6 pm); Joey Doucette (11/18/25 @8 pm); Blair Gaudet (19 @6 pm); Bruce Jones (26 @6 pm). 480 Main St, Alberton.

Baba’s Lounge

Karaoke with Britt on Mondays at 10 pm. Open Mic w/KINLEY on Wednesdays at 9 pm. Island Jazz on Thursdays at 8 pm. Live music on Tuesdays at 8 pm; Fridays and Saturdays 10 pm (unless noted): Todd King (Apr 2); Magnolia, Sticky Honey, The Daily Grind (5); Doug Burton and The Plain Dirty Blues Band (6 @5 pm); Javier & Diego (6); Ryan Kirkpatrick Vinyl Night (9); Life Left, Leafgreen, Space Bud (12); Freddy J (Calgary) (13); Vinyl Night 45’s with Thatmattymofo (16); Hip Hop Night (19); Gabriel Minnikin, Out from Under (20); Curtis Klein & Bruce James (23); Aj Bates (26 @7:30 pm); TBA (26); Doug Burton and The Plain Dirty Blues Band (27 @5 pm); DNCTHNG + Guests (27); Myhill, Doug Hoyer & Sarah Legal-Lazar (30). 181 Great George St, Charlottetown.

Borden-Carleton Legion

Spring Fling with Neon Country April

6 from 10 pm–1 am (ticketed event). 240 Main St, Borden-Carleton.

Bogside Brewing

Fridays and Saturdays from 6:30–9:30 pm: Brian Dunn (Mar 29); Billy White (30); Jon Matthews (Apr 5); Keira Loane (6); David Woodside (12); Margarita Wayne (13); Dan Doiron (19); Carter MacLellan (20); Stephen Szwarc (26); Keira Loane and the Commons (27, ticketed event); Billy White (May 3); Taylor Johnson (4); Adam MacGregor (10); Lisa Birt (11); Barry O’Brien (17); Carter MacLellan (18); Chris Johnston (24); Steve Zaat (25); Dan Doiron (31). Blizzard Goat Band on Saturdays from 3–5 pm. 11 Brook St, Montague.

Brothers 2

Thursdays and Fridays at 7 pm: David Woodside (Mar 29); Lawrence Maxwell (Apr 4); Alyssa & Corey (5); David Woodside (11/26); Nick Hann (12); Steve Zaat (18); Chris & Eric (19). 618 Water St, Summerside.

Charlottetown Legion

Saturdays at 9:30 pm: Kim Albert (Mar 30); Rustlers (Apr 6); Power House (13); Spuds (20); Kim Albert (27). All are welcome. 99 Pownal St, Charlottetown.

Craft Beer Corner

Saturdays at 10 pm: DJ Novah (6); DNCETHNG (13); Diego (20); Javier (27). 156 Great George St, Charlottetown.

The Dalí Café

Live piano music every Thursday from 6–8 pm. Got Blues Matinee (Mar 30/ Apr 13/27 @2 pm); David Thompson on piano (Apr 6/13/19 @6 pm); Sheila Smith on piano (27 @6 pm).155 Kent St, Charlottetown.

Evermoore Brewing

Tuesdays from 6–8 pm. Celtic Jam on Saturdays from 2–4 pm with host Geoff Charlton. 192 Water St, Summerside.

The Factory

Tim Archer Album Release (Apr 5). Karaoke on Thursdays. 2 DJs/2 Dance Floors on Fridays and Saturdays. 189 Kent St, Charlottetown.

Founders’ Food Hall & Market

Live music on Fridays from 4:30–6:30 pm and Saturdays from 5–7 pm: John MacAller (Mar 30); Brooke MacArthur (Apr 5); Loose Pocket (6); Dan Doiron (12); Adam MacGregor (13); Margarita Wayne (19); Benny Von (20); Blu Robin (26); Nathan Carragher (27). 6 Prince St, Charlottetown.

Gahan House

Acoustic music on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 9 pm: Nathan Carragher (Apr 3/18); Stephen Szwarc (4); David Woodside (10); Fraser McCallum (11); Benny Von (17/24); Justyn Thyme (25). 126 Sydney St, Charlottetown.

Hunter’s Ale House

Love Junkies (Apr 6); CopyCat (13); Super Tuesday! (20); Brad & Nick Acoustic (26); CopyCat (27). Corner of Kent & Prince Sts, Charlottetown.

John Brown Grille

Fridays at 10 pm and Saturdays from 2–4 pm: Wannabeez (Apr 5); Kim Albert (6); TBA (12/13/19); Stratton & Kays (20); Kim Albert (26); Richie Bulger Duo (27). 96 Kensington Rd, Charlottetown.

The Local Pub & Oyster Bar

Fridays and Saturdays from 7–10 pm and Sundays from 5–8 pm: Stephen Szwarc & Marvin Birt (Mar 29); Holy Hanna (30); Harv MacPherson (31); Dan Doiron (Apr 5); TBA (6/13/19); Carter MacLellan (7); Saul Good Duo (12); Thatcher MacKay (14); Adam MacGregor & Liam Kearney (20); Johnny Ross (21); Ryan Merry (26): Holy Hanna (27); Marc Ekins (28). 202 Buchanan Dr, Charlottetown.

Lone Oak Brewing Co

Live music on Thursdays from 6–8 pm and Saturdays from 6–9 pm: Chris Ahern (Apr 4); David Woodside (6); Mike

Stratton (11); Nathan Carragher (13); Fraser McCallum (18); Rick Sparkes (20); Dan Doiron (25); Blue Robin (27). 103 Abegweit Blvd, Borden-Carleton.

Lone Oak at Fox Meadow

Fridays from 6–8 pm. 167 Kinlock Rd, Stratford.

The Lounge at Harmony House

Live music at 6:30 pm: Max Keenlyside (Apr 3/11/27); Brian Dunn (19); Nick Doneff (25). 19814 Route 2, Hunter River

The Lucky Bean—Stratford

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

Marc’s Lounge

Fridays and Saturdays from 9–11 pm: Adam MacGregor (Mar 29); Lawrence Maxwell (30); Fraser McCallum (Apr 5); Steve Zaat (6 @8 pm); Mike Stratton (12); Justyn Young (13); Ashley Gorman (19); Barry O’Brien (20); Rodney Perry (26); Mat Hannah (27). 125 Sydney St, Charlottetown.

Montague Legion

Carter MacLellan & Ben Mitsuk (Mar 29); Karaoke with Gloria (Apr 5/12/19 @8 pm); Nick Doneff (6 @8 pm); Joe Hynes (13 @7 pm); Carter MacLellan & Ben Mitsuk (26 @8:30 pm); Joe Hynes (27 @7 pm). 15 Douses Rd, Montague.

North Rustico Lions Club

Live Music on Saturdays from 8–11 pm.

Tuesday Jam Session on Tuesdays from 8–11 pm. 17 Timber Ln, North Rustico.

Olde Dublin Pub

Stratton & Kays (Apr 6 @7 pm); Gypsy Soul (6 @10 pm); Alyssa Harper & Jim Williams (12 @11 pm); Down With Darby (13 @10 pm); Wrecking Crew (19 @10 pm); Wannabeez (20 @10 pm); Dan Doiron (21 @7 pm); Saul Good (26 @10 pm); Adam MacGregor and The Foes (27 @10 pm). 132 Sydney St, Charlottetown.

PEI Brewing Company

Acoustic Fridays from 5–8 pm: Mat Hannah (Apr 5); Adam MacGregor (12); Stephen Szwarc (19); Brothers MacPhee (26). 96 Kensington Rd, Charlottetown.

Razzy’s Roadhouse

Saturdays from 8–11 pm: John MacAllar (Mar 30); Todd King (Apr 6); Kevin Arthur (13); Karaoke (20); Brian Dunn (27). 161 St. Peters Rd, Charlottetown.

RCAF Wing Summerside

Karaoke on Mondays at 7 pm. Live music on Saturdays at 9 pm. 329 North Market St, Summerside.

Red’s Gold Cup Lounge

The Silver Fox

Fridays at 9:30 pm: Powerhouse (Mar 29); Bollywood Club Night with DJ Sahil Sally (30 *Sat, ticketed event); Ghostown (Apr 5); Kim Albert and Faces (12); Roundabout (19); Owen Hann tribute feat. Ellis Family, Route 225, Kenny Pearl Oysters, Old Habits (20 *Sat, ticketed event); Wrecking Crew (26). 110 Water St, Summerside.

Fridays and Saturdays: Lisa Birt (Mar 29 @10 pm); Nathan Carragher (30 @10 pm); Lawrence Maxwell (Apr 5 @10 pm); Wil McGonegal (6 @10 pm); Richie Bulger (12 @8 pm); Keira Loane (13 @8 pm); Mike & Karen Penton (19 @8 pm); Billy White (20 @8 pm); Roger Stone (26 @8 pm); Margarita Wayne (27 @10 pm). Red Shores, 21 Exhibition Dr, Charlottetown.

Bilingual rock concert

Nathalie Duguay with The Alyssa Harper Project—April 27

Nathalie Duguay and The Alyssa Harper Project will play a bilingual rock concert at La Centre BelleAlliance in Summerside on April 27 at 7 pm.

After fronting cover bands such as Tidal Tones, Route 21 and Nat & Wayne, and performing in shows of all kinds for well over a dozen years, the fluently bilingual (French and English) lead singer Nathalie Duguay, is making her mark with her own original songs and shows, highlighting her dynamic stage and vocal energy.

The rock and R&B singer from Donagh, PEI recorded her first EP at Studio Dimanche in June of 2023. The bilingual, six-song collection, Virtuel, spotlights the bluesier rock side of her vast talent with four original French and two English songs that express the highs and lows of life’s pleasures, love and loss. She was nominated for the Collège De L’Île Prix de L’Acadie at Music PEI 2024. Nathalie enjoys belting out the big vocals of artists like Chrissy Hindes, Aretha Franklin, Janis Joplin, Susan Tedeschi, Janiva

Red Rock Rumble

Red Rock Wrestling event in Charlottetown—Apr 19

Red Rock Wrestling returns to Eastlink Centre in Charlottetown with the Red Rock Rumble on April 19 at 7 pm.

PEI’s own Bradford “Montague” Gillis will take on Charlie Hubley in a Hardcore Match for the Light Heavyweight title, plus many more.

Kowboy Mike Hughes will be the special guest referee for the Rumble.

Advance tickets are available at various sponsor locations, The Factory in Charlottetown, Phinley’s Diner in Stratford and Totally Taco in Montague. Eastlink Centre is located at 46 Kensington Road, Charlottetown

Magness, Etta James, Stevie Wonder and Beth Hart. She also enjoys covering songs from the big vocals of French bands and artists such as Corbeau (Marjo), Offenbach, Marc Dery, ZAZ and Patricia Kaas.

The Alyssa Harper Project is a fivepiece hard rock band featuring Alyssa Harper (vocals), Scott Cleary (bass), Kyle Culleton (guitar), Aron Scott (guitar) and Vincent Bouchard (drums). belle-alliance.ca

Variety shows

St. Mark’s—Apr 26 & 27

St. Mark’s in Charlottetown will host two old-fashioned variety shows at 7 pm on April 26 and 27.

Each night will feature entertainment by Kendall Docherty, Keila Glyden, Frank Whitty and Luka Hall, a variety of other performers and a special appearance by Sarah.

All funds raised will go towards repaving the church parking lot.

For tickets and more information, call Barb (368-2620), Lois (368-8246), or the church office (892-5255).

A pot to piss in

Ceilidh at the Pourhouse—Apr 4

A Pot To Piss In is a Rollo Bay Fiddle Festival bathroom renovation fundraiser ceilidh. The monthly series has been taking place at the Pourhouse, above The Old Triangle in Charlottetown. The next ceilidh, on April 4 from 4–6 pm, will feature Douglas & Lawrence Cameron of Cape Breton, and PEI’s Shane Pendergast.

Tickets are available in advance at rollobayfiddlefest.ca or at the door.

Charlotte

KINLEY releases new music video

“Charlotte” is the third music video released from KINLEY’s album Daylight (2022). The song was co-written with Carleton Stone and Colin Buchanan as part of Music PEI’s Song Conference. The video was directed by Jenna MacMillan and edited by Millefiore Clarkes.

Set in Charlottetown’s Baba’s Lounge, “Charlotte” takes viewers on a mesmerising journey through the midnight hour, a time when desires often entice people towards the nightcap they crave but do not necessarily need. The evocative imagery and KINLEY’s haunting vocals converge to create a narrative that resonates on a visceral level.

“‘Charlotte’ is a reflection of the intoxicating power certain elements from our past can hold over us,” says KINLEY. “It’s about the internal struggle between succumbing to familiar temptations and finding the strength to break free. The video’s setting in a smoky bar after midnight symbolizes

Jack Pine Folk Club

The Pourhouse—Apr 24

Take a step back in time with some fantastic folk music and poetry at the Jack Pine Folk Club. Host Shane Pendergast will welcome acclaimed songwriter Tim Chaisson to the Pourhouse stage, as well as fiddler Karson McKeown (Inn Echo), and poet Renee Blanchette.

The show takes place April 24 from 7:30–9:30 pm at the Pourhouse above

Spring Ahead dance series

Thursdays with FallBack

FallBack’s spring series of dances will run from 8–11 pm on Thursday evenings beginning April 4 and running until May 30. Dance to 50s and 60s rock ‘n’ roll in the Empire Room at the Loyalist Country Inn and Conference Centre in Summerside.

FallBack is a Music PEI nominated six-piece group featuring Scott White

that bewitching moment of choice and the captivating dance we engage in with our own desires.”

KINLEY is an innovative artist known for her emotive songwriting and ethereal vocals. Her music explores the complexities of human emotions, offering listeners a deeply resonant experience. She is a multiple MPEI and ECMA Award-winning artist, known for her songwriting and as a recording musician, and as an advocate for women’s rights.

Tim Chaisson

The Old Triangle in Charlottetown. Admission is at the door.

(lead vocals, guitar), Dale Gaudet (lead vocals, guitar), Tom DesRoches (vocals, bass guitar), Johnny Ross (keyboards), Wayne Robichaud (vocals, drums) and Steve Guy (saxophone). The group performs hit songs from artists like Elvis, Buddy Holly, Beach Boys, Chuck Berry, and many more.

Admission is at the door, which opens at 7:30 pm. These are 19+ events. Each night there is a 50/50 draw with proceeds going to the local food bank. Attendees are encouraged to grab a meal before the dance at the Iron & Salt Pub, located in the hotel. The Loyalist Country Inn also offers a special rate for attendees.

Nathalie Duguay and band (above) and The Alyssa Harper Project

PHOTOS SUBMITTED

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Epic 80s Sing-Along

Choir! Choir! Choir! in Summerside—Apr 19

On April 19, the internationally renowned community singing sensation Choir!

Choir! Choir! will be making their Summerside debut with their Epic 80s Sing-Along.

Daveed Goldman and Nobu Adilman (AKA “DaBu”) started Choir! Choir! Choir! in Toronto as a weekly drop-in singing event in 2011. Equal parts singing, comedy and community-building, the duo now travel around the world to bring friends, foes and strangers together to sing the greatest songs of all time. Nobu and Daveed instantly connect with audiences to create a group feeling like no other.

BUZZ IFIEDS

For the Epic 80s Sing-Along at Harbourfront Theatre, they will be teaching Summerside some of the biggest hits of the 80s, from artists including Prince, Madonna, George Michael, Bon Jovi and Whitney Houston. There are no auditions, and all levels of singer are welcome.

Choir! Choir! Choir! has performed in bars, at festivals, and on big stages around the world including Carnegie

MUSIC

Belfast Pipe and Drum Band seeking drummers

The Belfast Pipe and Drum Band is looking for drummers for their drum core. The band practices every Monday night from 7–9 pm in Winsloe. If interested, email heatherjoudrie@gmail.com.

East Coast Community Band seeking new members

The East Coast Community Band is up and running and they are still looking for members who are interested in playing with a group of passionate musicians. Bring an instrument and join them on Wednesdays from 6:30–8 pm in the band room at Summerside Intermediate School, 247 Central Street (use the front door). If in need of an instrument, the band may be able to find one. For more information, email Kim Knight-Picketts at raxawa7@yahoo.ca.

Informal Jam Session

The next Jam Session for adults at the Summerside Rotary Library will be held on April 8 at 6:30 pm. Bring an instrument or borrow one from the library and join other musicians for an informal evening of playing music. 57 Central St, Summerside.

Hall, Radio City Music Hall, Massey Hall, Lincoln Center, The JUNO Awards, Joe’s Pub, Art Gallery of Ontario, Parliament Hill in Ottawa, National Arts Centre, Luminato Festival, at TEDx Toronto, the Polaris Music Prize Gala and more. They’ve also been by joined by guest singers such as David Byrne, Patti Smith and Rufus Wainwright to name but a few.

In 2016, the Choir! Choir! Choir! Foundation was launched (in association with the Toronto Foundation) to formalize their deep commitment to fundraising activities. Since launching, it has raised over $110,000 for local, national and international causes.

ECMA seeking volunteers

The East Coast Music Awards: Festival and Conference (ECMA) is a five-day musical celebration showcasing and recognizing the best of East Coast artists and music. This year, from May 1–5, ECMA is coming back to Charlottetown for their 36th year, bringing hundreds of Atlantic Canadian artists, industry professionals, Canadian and international delegates, and music fans together for a week of events including their flagship award show, festival showcases, conference sessions, a Fan Fest and more. Volunteers are an integral part of the execution of the ECMA’s every year, and they are looking for their next batch of superstars to help run the show in Charlottetown. Sign up for one of their many volunteer positions at ECMA2024—from box office to venue management, ticket scanning and tech and stage crew, there are a bevy of behind the scenes roles to fit every skillset. Volunteers will have access to some great perks during the festival. These include: networking with Atlantic Canadian event producers; access to the ECMA 2024 conference and showcases; snacks, coffee and refreshments available at volunteer services throughout the festival; daily draws for prizes; branded ECMA 2024 t-shirt and pass; Volunteer of the Week Award Program; and volunteer appreciation party. Volunteer applications are open at bttr.im/02v9e. Volunteering questions can be emailed to volunteers@ecma.com. Learn more about ECMA2024 at ecma.com/ecma-2024/.

SQUARE Ruby

PERFORMANCE VENUE FOR RENT. Brackley Beach Community Centre has openings for summer ceilidhs and entertainments. Seats 100-120, air conditioned, wheelchair accessible. Contact ellencudmore4@gmail.com or b.vandi18@gmail.com

TEXT-ONLY BUZZIFIEDS

30 words = $25 (+tax). Buy in bulk to save—6 months for $100 (+tax). Text and payment due by mid-month deadline.

PRIVATE VOICE LESSONS for non-classical singers with JUNO nominated recording artist Teresa Doyle. For shy beginners to touring musicians. Contact teresa@teresadoyle.com

1 IN 8 ISLANDERS WORK IN TOURISM

Whether you are a farmer or a fisher, a shop owner or a storyteller, a historian or a chef, a musician or a festival producer, you contribute to our thriving community.

Rural Operators are opening their doors on April 20 from 1 pm to 3 pm to meet and discuss the many opportunities available. For more information visit www.tiapei.pe.ca/rural-hiring-day/