The Buzz - December 2024

December 2024 Sandy Kowalik (detail)

Page A2 The BUZZ December 2024

The BUZZ December 2024 Page A3

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Page A4 The BUZZ December 2024

Profile: Patrick Ledwell by Julie Bull

outer worlds through his creative wonders. “Staying healthy means connecting with both my inner and outer worlds.”

Art of connection

Constantly growing and observing, Patrick’s comedy is often a re-telling of stories that happen in everyday life. “A lot of life on PEI lives on the sidewalks.” These observations and explorations turn into stand-up comedy sets, musical acts, or in published books. Patrick has many contributions in the arts, including recurring roles on CBC programming, countless comedy shows, and a live comedy album coming in 2025. “Laughter isn’t everything, but you’ll know when it has left.”

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“I write, but there is no guarantee that it will land midair.” As a storyteller, Patrick connects to his audience through his entertaining and relatable content. “One of the freest ways to express is through stand-up comedy because we get to rearrange in real time.” With many years of storytelling behind him, he continuously learns how to connect with people through his creative experiences. “The stage has a lot of sides, and it embodies the art of possibility.”

Patrick Ledwell is a creator from a creative family: “Creativity was encouraged and was just a part of our life. It wasn’t questioned, it was just practiced.” Watching his dad write poetry in the moment, demonstrating both a presence with his family and a dedication to his craft, Patrick grew up learning how to engage himself and the world through creativity. “We are given a creative life within us, and then we get to give it to the world.”

Seamlessly weaving eloquent reflections with witty banter and anecdotes about his creative family, Patrick graciously shared his experiences and insights. One of the things his father would often say was, “I act the way I want to feel and wait for the feeling to follow.” Patrick said he has taken those words to heart and practices their meaning in his life. “Be fully who you are and amplify what makes you, you.” Though it can be easy to fall away from this, Patrick was adamant that we “turn up what we are, not what we think others want us to be.”

With a daily writing practice and a habit of traveling through his inner world, Patrick often explores connection in all its forms. “I write as it comes to me.” Both the practice of writing on the page and performing on the stage are acts of connection for him. “It’s important to give the inner life enough value to explore it with curiosity.”

For those of us who explore and express ourselves creatively, we often ask, “how can I make it make sense for others?” For Patrick, he encourages and embraces the playful confusions, allowing them to fuel his exploration and expression. “It’s about finding ways to stretch a verbal picture for others to see and experience.”

He started comedy in his 30s, noting, “it started out as hobby that got out of hand.” Given his aptitude for observation and integration, it isn’t surprising that Patrick found his footing in stand-up comedy. “Stand-up comes from listening and observing.” He explores both his inner worlds and

While on stage, Patrick notes that a lot of learning happens in the in-between spaces. “The between space is essentially a portal and you get to feel and encourage the shape come into being.”

With a wide range of experiences, Patrick knows that nothing is lost, and little bits of previous universes will show up in his work, even decades later. “Nothing is wasted, even when we may not immediately see their connection.”

With an education background in literature and technology, and a teaching career, Patrick brings all his experiences into his creative practice.

“A surprising aspect of performing is that I use everything I have, including technology.”

Being true to himself and his inner world, Patrick says yes to things that connect. “Whether it’s connecting to a person, place, or moment, the connection is integral.” When preparing for an audience, whether as a host or performer, he draws on all his experiences. “There is a universe of material to choose from.”

Patrick is generous with his time and talents, and can be found hosting events throughout the province and across the country. He has too many upcoming appearances to list but we can eagerly anticipate some seasonal holiday shows, including Kings Christmas with Patrick Ledwell and Mark Haines at the Kings Playhouse in Georgetown. “One really great thing about creating here is that so many PEI friends and neighbours become collaborators.”

The BUZZ December 2024 Page A5

Erica Rutherford

Yarns and yarns Intertwining communities across the North Atlantic—Dec 3

Confederation Centre Art Gallery’s retrospective on Island artist Erica Rutherford will tour to four provinces starting in 2025 with a stop at the National Gallery of Canada.

The exhibition Erica Rutherford: Her Lives and Works includes over 100 pieces by the late artist and is accompanied by memorabilia and photographs that support the stories told by the work itself. Rutherford’s life was shaped by the search for identity and community, and her works explore themes of persona and gender, nomadism and home, and the relationships between artistic and biographical narrative.

“Erica’s artwork has contributed immensely to the conversation about gender, with impacts on her own life and well beyond it,” says Pan Wendt, the exhiThe Startled Model, 1977, lithograph and serigraph on bition’s curator. “The changing paper, 58 x 43 cm, Rutherford Family Collection public understanding of gender has raised the international profile of strongly for anyone walking the same her work, which in retrospect, looks to road. It’s lovely to see Erica’s life celebe focused on a courageous and often brated in this show.” solitary mission of working through The exhibition opened at CCAG questions that are only now being in June 2024 and will continue to be raised in mainstream public discourse.” on view until January 5, 2025. Its tour Earlier this year, Rutherford’s work to four other provinces will begin in was on view at the Venice Biennale.

June 2025 at the National Gallery of Of the over 300 artists selected for the Canada (Ottawa, ON) and continue prestigious event, Rutherford was the through 2027 with stops at The Rooms only Canadian featured in the main Provincial Art Gallery (St. John’s, NL), Owens Art Gallery (Sackville, NB), Art exhibition titled Foreigners Everywhere.

Windsor-Essex (Windsor, ON), Art She is also the first Prince Edward Gallery of Guelph (Guelph, ON), and Island artist to be presented there.

MSVU Art Gallery (Halifax, NS).

Born in Edinburgh in 1928, confederationcentre.com/artgallery Rutherford spent her early years living around the world exploring a variety of art forms, and eventually settled on painting as a focus. She adopted a hard-edged pop style that became her trademark in the 1970s and ‘80s. Her life was transformed by her transition to living as a woman in the mid-1970s, and by her permanent move to Prince Edward Island in 1985—which she described as a homecoming.

Rutherford described her life as Two exhibitions by Friends of a “struggle to realize and to express Confederation Centre my nature.” In her autobiographical The public is invited to view and enjoy writing, she repeatedly noted the close two holiday-themed exhibitions at relationship between her work as an Confederation Centre of the Arts in artist and her self-realization—as a Charlottetown this season. woman, as an explorer, and as a shaper The Festive Wreath exhibition is an of place and identity. annual tradition and features wreaths “I think she was pushed hard created by community members and by her inner struggle,” says Gail groups of all ages using a variety of Rutherford, Erica’s long-time partthemes and materials. ner. “She lived in a world where her The Festival of Trees exhibition identity was not understood and was features over 20 Christmas and holiday beyond most people’s understanding. trees decorated by volunteers.

I’m sure painting it out enabled her to Both exhibitions are projects of the survive, and it’s why the works from Friends of Confederation Centre. her period of transition resonate so

Wreaths and trees

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Retrospective exhibition to tour Canada

The Institute of Island Studies at UPEI is hosting an in-person and online hour of knitting and storytelling at the Gallery Coffee House & Bistro on December 3 at 1 pm. In collaboration with Arctic Island Studies Research (NAISR) and the Institute for Northern Studies, the event will feature discussions on northern islands and demonstrations of island knitting traditions that focus on mittens.

Local knitter Cheryl Wartman will talk about the tradition of making fishing mittens felted in salt water, as told to her by her grandmother Yoston from Launching Place, PEI. Kim Doherty Smith from Fleece and Harmony, a locally sourced wool mill in Belfast, PEI, will answer questions about how they mini mill their yarn from PEI sheep.

Lynda Harling Stalker, from a long line of Prince Edward Islanders, will join online from Antigonish, NS, to discuss handknit mitts and islandness.

Knitters can bring their current projects and mitten stories. There is no cost and all are welcome. Visit tinyurl. com/mv3pr23s to register. The Gallery is located at 82 Great George Street, Charlottetown.

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The Creator’s Gift

Exhibits, Yuletide Festival, demos, and more

Group exhibition of artwork by Mi’kmaq artists

As visitors walk through the tree lot trying to find the perfect Christmas tree or pull the artificial evergreen from its storage box, do they ever question where the Christmas tree tradition, along with so many other holiday customs, comes from? The answers can be found in The Magic of Christmas exhibitions at Wyatt Heritage Properties in Summerside from December 2–21.

The main floor of the historic Lefurgey Cultural Centre is transformed into an evergreen forest of decorated Christmas trees. The Christmas Tree Through the Ages exhibition offers a journey through time, beginning with the tradition’s origins and ending in the present day. The trees are decorated by theme and era, and a virtual tour of the exhibition is available online at culturesummerside.com.

In the gallery space of the MacNaught History Centre and Archives, visitors will find the Christmas Card exhibition showcasing selections from the archival collection. This exhibition highlights the long-standing tradition of sending holiday greetings to loved ones, reflecting on its cultural importance and speculating whether new technology may

The Creator’s Gift, a collection of artworks created by over a dozen Mi’kmaq artists, is on display at Eptek Art & Culture Centre in Summerside.

The exhibition offers an immersive artistic experience featuring quillwork, basketry, jewelry, drum-making, and more.

An opening reception will be held on December 8 from 1–3 pm. This is a free event with refreshments, snacks, and entertainment provided by the Lennox Island Mi’kmaq Culture Centre.

The Creator’s Gift will be on display

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until February 2025. Exhibition admission is by donation. peimuseum.ca

Breadalbane Gallery Next exhibition opens in mid December The Breadalbane Gallery will open its next show on December 13 with a reception from 6–8 pm.

Gallery artists are Zoe Novaczek, Laura Bain, Joan Parker Sutton, Will Baker, Denise Livingston, Patricia Lush, Sabine Nuesch, Leo (Liu, Xin), Vian Emery, Marianne Janowicz, Samantha Joyce, Gail Rhyno, and Yuzhu Yang. Many of these artists will be showing new work.

A Breadalbane Gallery Artists Christmas sale will be held on December 7 from 9 am–3 pm. Shoppers can enjoy hot cider and cookies while browsing the one-of-a-kind items.

The Breadalbane Gallery is a notfor-profit community gallery that

COURTESY THE ARTIST

lead to its decline. Both exhibitions are open Monday–Friday, 9 am–5 pm.

On the first three Saturdays in December (7, 14, 21), Wyatt Heritage Properties will expand its offerings as a partner in the Summerside Yuletide Festival, happening next door in Memorial Square from 4–8 pm.

Artist Maurice Bernard will be in his Lefurgey studio all three Saturdays from 4–8 pm to help those interested in painting a watercolour Christmas tree.

In addition to the two exhibitions, the Wyatt House Museum will be open on the evening of December 7. Pianists Carl Phillips and Claire Gallant will play carols on the 1890 piano and lead the singing. Due to space restrictions, and to preserve the integrity of the 1867 museum, 15 people will be admitted per half-hour for the singalong, with each group rotated out for the next. Blacksmith Steve Reaman will also be onsite on December 7 practicing the art of blacksmithing from the Wyatt portable blacksmith forge. There will be special treats.

For the full schedule of activities, check out the ads on pages A2 and A25 of this issue of The Buzz or visit culturesummerside.

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The Magic of Christmas

“Reminiscing,” photo by Joan Parker Sutton

showcases new work on the second Friday of each month. Located at 4023 Dixon Road, the gallery is open Tuesdays 11 am–3 pm, Wednesdays 9 am–1 pm, and Thursdays 4–8 pm.

The BUZZ December 2024 Page A7

This Seems Personal A new exhibition opens at the Confederation Centre Art Gallery this month.

Curated by Brandt Eisner, This Seems Personal, featuring works by artists Curtis Botham, Laura Kenney, Shauna MacLeod, Andrew Quon, and Miya Turnbull, will be on view from December 14 until April 13.

At the heart of this exhibition lies the recognition that personal narratives are never isolated; they are intricately connected to the broader fabric of social, cultural, and political contexts. Each piece of art is a testament to the ways Miya Turnbull, Mask #2 (Video Still), 2021, 16” x 20” in which personal struggles and triumphs are shaped by and, in to poignant examinations of systemic turn, shape the world around us. injustices, the artworks on display Through the diverse expressions of serve as both mirrors and windows, artists featured in this showcase, we reflecting our own experiences back to are invited to confront the complexities us while also offering glimpses into the of our shared humanity. From intimate lives of others. reflections on identity and belonging confederationcentre.com

COURTESY THE ARTIST

New exhibtion at Confederation Centre Art Gallery

Desire Paths Desire Paths, presented by This Town Is Small (TTIS), is on view until December 19 at the Hilda Woolnough Gallery at The Guild in Charlottetown. TTIS and CreativePEI will give a tour of the exhibition on December 6 at 5 pm.

Several of the participating artists will be present to speak about their work and answer questions.

Desire Paths is a group exhibition featuring recent works by 12 Epekwitk/PEIbased artists working in a Norma Jean Maclean, Monoblocs no.6, range of mediums including Oil on board, 2 x 2 ft, 2024 printmaking, painting, film, drawing, and sculpture. It feagrain of convention, or observing the tures recent artworks selected from an impacts of human activity, this exhiopen call for submissions seeking origbition considers how people navigate inal projects that are forward-thinking and shape the world around them. and incite conversation.

Participating artists in the show A desire path describes a walkway are Will Baker, Chanel Briggs, Andrew that emerges when people choose to Cairns, Millefiore Clarkes, JoAnna deviate from constructed routes. Over Howlett, Sandy Kowalik, Norma time, their footfall carves new pasJean Maclean, Jared Perry, Tessa Rose sageways into the landscape, inviting Rankin, Kal Ross, Damien Worth, and others to follow, forming well-trodden Leo (Liu, Xin). paths. Whether exploring the first steps TTIS and the gallery will be closed of a new process, cutting against the from December 20 to January 18.

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This Town Is Small exhibition at Hilda Woolnough Gallery

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Islanders celebrated at annual ceremony

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e v i t s e F A east F

2024 PEI Arts Awards

(L–R): Peter Richards (The Buzz), Megan Stewart (River Clyde Arts), Tanya Davis, Jane Whitten, Minister Cory Deagle, JoAnna Howlett, Sara Roach-Lewis and Julie Pellissier-Lush (Mi’kmaq Heritage Actors).

Island artists were recognized for their excellence at the 2024 PEI Arts Awards ceremony in November.

The awards honour outstanding achievements in the arts and culture community. The following recipients were distinguished at the annual gala: Artist of the Year: Tanya Davis; Gertie & Henry Purdy Emerging Visual Arts Bursary: JoAnna Howlett; Leo Cheverie Cultural Connector of the Year: Peter Richards, Sara

Roach-Lewis and Mi’kmaq Heritage Actors; Organization of the Year: River Clyde Arts; Premier’s Award for Stand-Out Project of the Year: Jane Whitten.

Each recipient received a cash prize and a unique work of art created in Prince Edward Island.

The Arts Awards program is part of the province’s Renewed Action Plan for Arts, Culture and Creative Industries across the Island.

AVC Artist-in-Residence Christopher Griffin is first to assume new role The Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC) at the University of Prince Edward Island welcomes its firstever artist-in-residence, Christopher Griffin. Known for his innovative and captivating works, Griffin will bring a creative spark to the College through this inaugural program.

From now until April 2025, Griffin will work on his Artist Christopher Griffin stands in front of his mural art in the annex area of the in the AVC Polar Bear Lounge AVC where students, faculty, staff, and visitors are invited to stop by, He also gives back to the communities watch his creative process unfold, and he calls home. In 2023, he raised $8000 engage with him about his work. for the Ottawa and PEI food banks.

“This initiative is an exciting At the AVC, his first piece of artistic opportunity to blend science and art, magic was to transform a student area, fostering a dynamic and inspiring affectionately called the Polar Bear environment at the College,” says Dr. Lounge, by creating an impressive Dominique Griffon, dean of the AVC. mural of polar bears using his unique Griffin is a well-known artist across techniques of grinding and painting.

North America and recently moved The artist-in-residence program from Ottawa, ON, to Charlottetown, represents a unique addition to the PEI, where he has opened a studio.

AVC community, highlighting the Griffin’s art draws inspiration from importance of interdisciplinary colnature and the animal world; his laboration and the arts in enriching works can be seen in outdoor spaces in educational spaces. Details on how to the nation’s capital and in public and apply to become an artist-in-residence private buildings across the continent. will be available in early 2025.

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The BUZZ December 2024 Page A9

Fix Your Plate by Tara Reeves

Holiday gift guide

What do you get the person who has everything? Especially if that person is a food lover?

I’ve got a few practical and thoughtful gift ideas that will please foodies in your life, across the board.

Kitchen Gadgets Add a little fun to their kitchen with some unique gadgets. A spiralizer can turn vegetables into noodles. A citrus juicer can make fresh juice in seconds.

A spice grinder can upgrade their spice game. A sous vide machine for the serious home chef, or a simple egg cooker for the busy professional, can be a great addition. When choosing gadgets, keep the recipient’s interests and cooking style in mind.

Cooking Classes and Workshops Give the gift of hands-on learning with a cooking class or workshop.

Many cooking schools and community centres offer classes for all levels, from beginner to advanced. They can learn new techniques, explore cuisines, or master a specific dish. Online cooking classes are a great option, as they’re flexible and usually offer many different topics.

Gourmet Food Baskets Curate a gourmet food basket filled with thoughtful treats. Think artisanal cheeses, gourmet chocolates, or specialty spices. You could also include specialty ingredients like truffle oil, high quality balsamic vinegar, or exotic teas. When choosing items for the basket, consider the recipient’s taste preferences and any dietary restrictions. A personalised touch, like a handwritten note or a custom gift tag, can make the gift even more special.

Subscription Boxes Subscription boxes are a great way to introduce them to new foods and flavours. There’s a subscription box for every type of foodie. It could be gourmet coffee, artisanal chocolates, a local CSA box or a meal prep kit like Hello Fresh.

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High-Quality Kitchen Tools A good cook knows that great tools make a big difference in the kitchen.

Gifting high-quality kitchen tools can enhance their cooking experience at home. A well-made chef’s knife, a sturdy cutting board, and quality measuring spoons are essential for any home cook. Look for tools made from durable materials like stainless steel or high-quality wood.

Personalized Cutting Boards A personalized cutting board adds a touch of style to any kitchen. Gifting a hand-made cutting board with custom engravings, like names or messages is a thoughtful gift that’s both practical and sentimental.

High-Quality Cookbooks A great cookbook can inspire a lifetime of creativity. Choose a one that matches their interests. It could be a specific cuisine, a dietary niche, or a special theme.

Look for cookbooks with beautiful photography and clear instructions.

You can even personalize it by adding handwritten notes or bookmarks.

Subscription to a Food Magazine A subscription to a food magazine can be a great gift for the food lover in your life. This gift will inspire them all year with new recipes, tips, and food trends. A magazine subscription is a great gift for seasoned chefs and beginner cooks, alike.

No matter what you choose to give this holiday season, think about the recipient’s interests and passions. A little research can help you find a gift that the foodie in your life will truly love. Make their holiday season unforgettable with one of these thoughtful gift ideas.

EARLY JANUARY BUZZ DEADLINE Tuesday, December 10

Page A10 The BUZZ December 2024

The North Nook Gallery

HOLIDAY MARKETS

New tiny art gallery at The Guild displays first exhibit

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Holiday Maker Market

The 10th annual Holiday Maker Market, featuring 150 artists, makers and food vendors from Atlantic Canada, continues on December 1 from 10 am–5 pm at the Eastlink Centre in Charlottetown.

Admission is at the door (free for children aged 10 and under) with proceeds going toward Small Business Grants. Follow on FB for upddates. 46 Kensington Rd, Charlottetown.

Victorian Christmas Market

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The Fitzroy St. Tiny Art Gallery and curator Monica Lacey have partnered with The Guild to launch a new tiny art gallery in the front window of The Guild at 111 Queen Street, Charlottetown. The new art space, The North Nook Gallery, will feature Birth of a City, a new sculptural work

by Lenny Gallant (birdmouse), on view from December 5–January 5.

Birth of A City continues the artist’s exploration of duality, while remaining committed to using reclaimed wood. This piece points to the dual nature of the reality we live in no matter the perspective.

Lenny Gallant is a self-taught artist working with reclaimed wood, digital media, and land art, creating work infused with play, experimentation, and care. Working in concert with his materials and the land, he is inspired by the truth of duality, the durability of the physical world, and the choiceless act of waking up every morning—and bread. He has created large-scale installations for numerous locations across PEI, as well as both functional and decorative pieces for private collections. He can be found @ birdmouse on TikTok and IG, and at birdmouse.ca

Artwork by Lenny Gallant (birdmouse)

The North Nook Gallery space was established this month and hopes to present new work by local professional artists on an ongoing basis. This first exhibit is made possible with support from the City of Charlottetown through its Arts & Culture Grants.

Those interested in sponsoring an artist for exhibition in this space can email bmarkham@theguildpei.com.

IONS TO THE 2024

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The Victorian Christmas Market continues on Queen Street in downtown Charlottetown on December 1. The 10th annual open-air market is reminiscent of European Christmas Markets and features over 50 artisans, crafters and food vendors, as well as hot cocoa and warm apple cider, fire pits and seating, live outdoor music, a Fresh Christmas Tree Shop, carolling, Yuletide Walking Tours, visits with Santa, and more.

Christmas in the Villages

The Murray Harbour and Murray River area is hosting its annual market, Christmas in the Villages, with local venues offering a selection of products that are locally created, owned, or grown. Some venues will feature live entertainment and an assortment of refreshments. The venues are: 10 Mariner Lane (an extension of the Murray Harbour Farmers Market), The Deck at Ocean Acres, The Home Plate and Bakery, Memorial United, Murray Harbours Farmers Market, Murray River Community Hall, Northumberland Arena, and The Old General Catering House. The market runs on December 6 from 6–9 pm and December 7 from 9 am–2 pm. Check venues for specific start times. Follow on FB Page @ ChristmasInTheVillages for updates.

Marché de Noël The Premier’s Award for Stand-Out Project of the Year Of Growing Concern: 40 Years of Textile Creation Amid the Havoc of Climate Change

by Jane Whitten The Organization of the Year Award River Clyde Arts

The Leo Cheverie Cultural Connector of the Year Awards Peter Richards, Sarah Roach-Lewis, and the Mi'kmaq Heritage Actors The Gertie & Henry Purdy Emerging Visual Arts Bursary JoAnna Howlett

The Artist of the Year Award Tanya Davis A PROJECT BY

This ad is paid for by the Government of Prince Edward Island.

Marché de Noël at the Centre Acadien Grand-Rustico takes place on December 7 from 10 am–4 pm. The market features local artisans and crafters selling local goods, as well as a canteen bistro, an art session with Lynn Gaudet, raffle tickets for Christmas baskets, and activities for

children. Admission is free. A donation of a non-perishable food item is welcome.

2244 Church Rd, Rte 243, Grand Rustico.

Our Lady of the Assumption Christmas Bazaar

The Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Women’s League is hosting their Christmas Bazaar at Assumption Parish Centre on December 7 from 10:30 am–12:30 pm. There will be a wide selection of homebaked goods, jams, pickles, fudge, crafts, holly, Christmas centrepieces, wreaths, gently-used books and puzzles, tickets for gift basket draws and a fruitcake, and silent auctions.

Admission is free and everyone is welcome. 145 Stratford Rd, Stratford.

Artisan Christmas Market

See what local craftspeople and artisans make at the Charlottetown Farmers Market on December 8 and 15, from 10 am–3 pm. Admission and parking are free. 100 Belvedere Ave, Charlottetown.

Breadalbane Gallery Artists Christmas Sale

Artists showing at the Breadalbane Gallery are hosting a Christmas sale of their works on December 7 from 9 am–3 pm at the Breadalbane Community Centre. Small paintings, cards and other items made by the artists will be available. Gallery artists include Patricia Lush, Sabine Nuesch, Leo (Liu, Xin), Joan Sutton, Vian Emery, Zoe Novaczek, Denise Livingston, Will Baker, Marianne Janowicz, Silver Frith, Laura Bain, Samantha Joyce, Gail Rhyno, and Yuzhu Yang. 4023 Dixon Rd, Breadalbane.

Mistletoe Market

The Mistletoe Market, a boutique pop-up market, offers a festive setting to shop for local holiday gifts. Running each weekend until December 22 in Boulder Park, locals and visitors can browse eight rustic artisan huts that have been transformed into little stores. 175 Richmond St (greenspace located on the corner of Grafton and Church St), Charlottetown. charlottetownchristmasfestival.com

The BUZZ December 2024 Page A11

ART Felt appliqué workshops

Rebecca MacDonald, founder of Unraveling Joy Embroidery, is offering beginner felt appliqué classes: Holiday Tree stitch-along at the Atlantic Maker’s Market at 10:30 am on December 1 at Eastlink Centre Charlottetown; and Life Preserver Wreath stitch-along at 1 pm on December 8 at Mill+ Birch Shop (8572 Cavendish Rd, Cavendish). Preregistration is required. All classes are beginner friendly, with no experience necessary, and all materials are included with the registration fee. Info/register: unravelingjoy.com

Seniors Art Activities

Seniors Arts Activities at Confederation Centre of the Arts are held on select Thursdays from 10 am–12 pm. Visit the Gallery on December 5 for an introduction to current exhibitions followed by an art-making activity in the Schurman Family Studio. Tea, coffee, and snacks will be provided. Info/register: confederationcentre.com; 902-566-1267

TTIS exhibition tour

As part of CreativePEI’s monthly art nights, This Town Is Small will host a tour of their most recent exhibition, Desire Paths, at 5 pm on December 6 at The Hilda Woolnough Gallery at The

Guild. The exhibition features recent works by 12 Island-based artists. Several of the participating artists will be present to speak about their work and answer questions. 111 Queen St, Charlottetown.

Pottery in the Park

Online registration opens December 9 for the winter session of pottery classes at the PEI Potters Studio in Victoria Park, Charlottetown. The sessions begin the week of January 6 and run for 10 weeks.

Perfect for beginners as well as those with previous experience, classes are taught by professional Island potters and are designed to be fun and educational.

Classes are small, relaxed, and informal.

The class covers the basics of clay preparation, wheel-throwing techniques, and glazing and decoration. Hand-building techniques can be explored depending on interest. A great way to relieve stress and enhance creativity while learning a new skill, participants create their own pieces from start to finish. Adult beginner classes run on Mondays and Thursdays (choose one) from 6:30–9:30 pm. Classes for children run on Saturdays beginning January 11: from 9–11 am (ages 9–11) and from 11:30 am–1:30 pm (ages 12–14+).

Due to limitied space, the selection process is as follows: adults who register between 7–8 pm on December 9 will be entered into a software program that selects names randomly. Selected participants will be notified promptly.

Questions can be forwarded by email to registration@peipottersstudio.ca. Info: peipottersstudio.ca

EXPLORE BOX OFFICE ENTRANCE

130 Queen Street, Charlottetown, P.E.I.

Makers Session at Eptek

The next drop-in Makers Session at Eptek & Art Culture Centre is on December 15 from 1–3 pm. Makers are invited to gather their latest project, or one they’ve been meaning to finish, and join the free session. See what other makers are creating. All are welcome (BYO project). 130 Heather Moyse Dr, Summerside.

Guided tour of Erica Rutherford exhibition

Join Pan Wendt, curator at Confederation Centre Art Gallery, for a guided tour of the exhibition Erica Rutherford: Her Lives and Works on December 4 at 7 pm. The tour will provide insight and background information on several of Rutherford’s most important works. To RSVP, email sjeong@confederationcentre.com. The tour is free but donations are welcome.

Life Drawing PEI

Life Drawing PEI’s weekly Sunday sessions will resume on January 5 at the Gertrude Cotton Art Centre. Email lifedrawingpei2022@gmail.com or follow @ LifeDrawingPEI on FB for updates. 57 Bunbury Rd, Stratford.

“I HAVE ALREADY SETTLED IT FOR MYSELF, SO FLATTERY AND CRITICISM GO DOWN THE SAME DRAIN, AND I AM QUITE FREE.” —Georgia O’Keeffe

NEW EXHIBTION

THIS SEEMS PERSONAL

DECEMBER 14 - APRIL 13 In the intricate tapestry of human existence, the threads of personal experiences and societal issues are tightly interwoven. This Seems Personal delves into this intersection, where the deeply intimate and the broadly communal converge, illuminating the impact of both on individual lives and collective consciousness.

Supported by:

Curated by Brandt Eisner

Laura Kenney, Friends (Quote, Unquote), 2024, hooked wool and silk on burlap, courtesy of the artist.

VIEWS FROM BELOW

LEAVING JANUARY 12 This exhibition presents irreverent works from Confederation Centre Art Gallery’s collection.

The artists featured deploy various ways to knock sacred cows off their pedestals, from absurdist humour and “low” imagery drawn from mass culture, to sculptures made with a chainsaw. Enjoy the flying pigs and vegetable-eating crocodiles!

Miya Turnbull, Mask #2, 2021, video still, courtesy of the artist.

ADMISSION BY DONATION

TUESDAY - SATURDAY SUNDAY

10 AM - 5 PM 1 - 5 PM

confederationcentre.com/artgallery

Curated by Pan Wendt

LEAVING JANUARY 5

ERICA RUTHERFORD: HER LIVES AND WORKS

GUIDED TOUR by Pan Wendt | Wed. Dec. 4 at 7 pm Reserve your space by contacting sjeong@confederationcentre.com

Rebecca Burke, Three Musclemen #1, 1984, charcoal and pastel on paper. Gift of the artist, 1997. Collection of Confederation Centre Art Gallery, CAG 98.13.2

SENIORS ART ACTIVITIES: DECEMBER 5

Please visit our website for tickets and upcoming Art Activities dates.

Page A12 The BUZZ December 2024

EXHIBITS galleries, museums...

Acadian Museum of PEI

A textile exhibit featuring items from the museum’s own artifacts collection continues this month. Visit the permanent exhibit and video, The Island Acadians: The Story of a People. Acadian genealogy resources are available and there is a gift shop on site. Hours vary in December.

Follow on FB for updates. 23 Main Dr. E, Miscouche.

AURA Art Gallery

Days on the Island—a photo diary of a mother by Sarah WangXin is on view until December 31. Unit 155, BDC Building, 119 Kent St, Charlottetown.

Breadalbane Gallery

A new show opens December 13 with a reception from 6–8 pm. Artists include: Zoe Novaczek, Laura Bain, Joan Parker Sutton, Will Baker, Denise Livingston, Patricia Lush, Sabine Nuesch, Leo (Liu, Xin), Vian Emery, Marianne Janowicz, Samantha Joyce, Gail Rhyno and Yuzhu Yang. A Breadalbane Gallery Artists Christmas sale will be held on December 7 from 9 am–3 pm. Open Tuesdays 11 am–3 pm, Wednesdays 9 am–1 pm, and Thursdays 4–8 pm, and by request (902200-3952, mjanowicz@hotmail.com). 4023 Dixon Rd, Breadalbane.

Confederation Centre

This Seems Personal, featuring works by artists Curtis Botham, Laura Kenney, Shauna MacLeod, Andrew Quon, and Miya Turnbull, will be on view from December 14–April 13. Currently on view are: Festive Wreaths and Festival of Trees two holiday-themed projects of the Friends of Confederation Centre; Erica Rutherford: Her Lives and Works until January 5; Views from Below (in the Frederic S. and Ogden Martin Concourse Gallery) until January 12; and The Sweet Spot until January 26. Open daily. 145 Richmond St, Charlottetown. confederationcentre.com

Cornwall Library Art Gallery

The December Youth Art Show will open December 3 with a reception at 7 pm

to meet the participating local artists.

Denise Livingstone’s exhibit, When Words and Paint Collide: exploring the interconnection of painting and literature, will open January 7 with a reception at 7 pm. This exhibit will be on view until February 14.

Contact the library at 902-629-8415 for information on displaying in the gallery.

Open Tuesday–Wednesday (1–8:30 pm) and Thursday–Saturday (9:30 am–12:30 pm and 1–5:30 pm). 15 Mercedes Dr, Town Hall, Cornwall. library.pe.ca

Eptek Art & Culture Centre

The Creator’s Gift, a collection of artworks created by over a dozen Mi’kmaq artists is on display until February 2025. An opening reception will be held on December 8 from 1–3 pm with entertainment provided by the Lennox Island Mi’kmaq Culture Centre. Visit the permanent exhibition on the history and architecture of Summerside. 130 Heather Moyse Dr, Summerside. peimuseum.ca

Hilda Woolnough Gallery

This Town Is Small (TTIS) is the new tenant at the Hilda Woolnough Gallery in The Guild. The group exhibition Desire Paths, is on view until December 19. Presented by TTIS, the participating artists are Will Baker, Chanel Briggs, Andrew Cairns, Millefiore Clarkes, JoAnna Howlett, Sandy Kowalik, Norma Jean Maclean, Jared Perry, Tessa Rose Rankin, Kal Ross, Damien Worth, and Leo (Liu, Xin). CreativePEI and TTIS will give a tour of the exhibition on December 6 at 5 pm. Several of the artists will be present to speak about their work and answer questions. Open Wednesday– Saturday from 12–5 pm. Closed December 20–January 18. 111 Queen St, Charlottetown. thistownissmall.com

Lefurgey Cultural Centre

The Christmas Tree Through the Ages exhibit is on view on weekdays from 9 am–5 pm from December 2–21. A virtual tour of the exhibit is available online at culturesummerside.com. Artist Maurice Bernard will be in his Lefurgey studio on Saturdays (December 7, 14, and 21) from 4–8 pm to help those interested in painting a watercolour Christmas tree.

205 Prince St, Summerside.

MacNaught History Centre and Archives Art Gallery

A Christmas Card exhibit drawn from the archival collection is on view on weekdays from 9 am–5 pm from December 2–21. 75 Spring St, Summerside.

The North Nook Gallery

The new tiny art gallery is located in the front window of The Guild at 111 Queen Street, Charlottetown. Birth of a City, a new sculptural work by Lenny Gallant (birdmouse), is on view from December 5 to January 5. @fitzroysttinyartgallery; theguildpei.com

Red Island Cider

Beyond Abstraction: Where a new narrative begins by Paul Myer is on view until the end of December. 101 Longworth Ave, Charlottetown.

The BUZZ December 2024 Page A13

FREE AT THE LIBRARY Charlottetown Library Learning Centre

Summerside Rotary Library

Fibre Arts Club

Art Journaling Club

Fibre Arts Club takes place weekly on Tuesdays. Bring supplies or a current project and drop in between 1–3 pm to join other knitters, crocheters, rug hookers, and fibre and textile makers for crafting and social time.

Art Hive Pop-up

The next Creative PEI Art Hive Pop-ups are on December 4 and 18 from 5–7 pm.

Drop in, make art, and chat. Supplies provided or bring a current project.

3D Print & Paint

Learn about 3D printing with library staff in the Makerspace on December 5 at 4 pm. Paint a personal 3D printed Sailor Moon magnet. Register at 902-368-4642 to reserve a spot. Recommended for ages 12+.

Aluminum embossed decorations

Teens can learn how to emboss aluminum and make their own foil decoration in the Board Room on December 8 from 1–3 pm.

Crafternoon

Crafternoon takes place on December 11 at 1 pm in the Makerspace. This month, participants will do some festive magnets to create their own work of art. All materials are supplied. Register in advance at 902-368-4642.

Snowman Candle Jar

Teens can enjoy craft making and create their very own snowman candle holder on December 23 from 2–3 pm. All supplies provided.

Kids Crafts

Kids are invited to drop by on December 24 from 9:30 am–12 noon to make a Perler bead snowflake decoration. On December 28 and 29, kids can design their own hat and mitts throughout the day.

Winter Story & Craft Hour

Families can join for an afternoon of stories, puppets, and craft time in the Children’s Room on December 30 at 1 pm. This program is presented by the Teen Volunteer Club.

Slime Party

Kids are invited to drop into the Makerspace on January 3 at 10 am for a slime party. Have fun making the coolest slime.

The Charlottetown Library Learning Centre is located at 97 Queen Street.

The Art Journaling Club meets this month on December 2 at 6:30 pm. Create an untraditional journal to record special moments using art and pictures rather than words.

Card and Gift Tag Making

Drop in anytime during hours of operation from December 5–19 to personalize holiday greetings by making holiday cards and gift tags.

Kids Crafternoon

Kids of all ages can drop by between 1–3 pm on Saturdays and Sundays for crafting time. Activities this month include: snowflakes (December 7–8); pine cone trees (December 14–15); reindeer crafts (December 21–22); and build something (December 28–29).

Holiday Ornaments

Join for a crafting and social hour and build holiday ornaments out of paper and other materials on December 9 at 6:30 pm or December 11 at 2 pm. Register for this program by calling the library at 902-436-7323.

Needlecraft

Bring needlecraft paraphernalia and join a needlecrafting session on December 12 at 2 pm for some crafting and social time with knitters, crocheters, rug hookers, and other fibre and textile makers. All skill levels are welcome.

Noon Year’s Eve

Visitors of all ages can drop in on December 31 from 1–3 pm to get ready to celebrate the New Year with fun crafts like hats, noise makers, and bubble wands.

The Summerside Rotary Library is located at 57 Central Street.

ARTISAN

MARKET DECEMBER 8 & 15

10AM TO 3PM FREE ENTRY

Tis the Season to Love, Live and Give Local CHARLOTTETOWN FARMERS’ MARKET 100 BELVEDERE AVE.

Page A14 The BUZZ December 2024

Eptek Lunch Film Series

The Friends of Eptek Centre’s Lunchtime Film Series runs until the end of April.

The films, some new and some from late Friend Blanche Hogg, are screened on Thursdays at noon in the main gallery at Eptek Art & Culture Centre in Summerside. There is no charge for the film presentation. Upcoming screenings include: Hands of History on December 5; The Cowichan Sweater: Our Knitted Legacy on December 12; and The Secret World of Christmas Chocolate on December 19. 130 Heather Moyse Drive, Summerside.

Afternoon Movie

Visit the Charlottetown Library for an afternoon movie on December 3 at 1 pm. This month they will screen Field of Dreams (1989). 97 Queen St, Charlottetown.

Snowy Cinema

Deck the Hall at Founders Food Hall & Market will screen two Christmas movies in December. The Grinch will play

“CHRISTMASTIME IS BUZZING IN MY SKULL. WILL IT LET ME BE, I CANNOT TELL.”

—Jack Skellington

Grand River Grand

Anime Club (18+)

Susan Rodgers’ documentary selected for ETHOS Film Award

Watch and discuss an episode of an anime at the Charlottetown Library on December 10 at 6 pm. Anime is shown in original Japanese with English subtitles.

97 Queen St, Charlottetown.

Monday Movie

Watch a movie on the big screen in the auditorium at the Charlottetown Library on December 16 at 6 pm. This month’s film is Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) (Rated PG). Popcorn is provided while supplies last. 97 Queen St, Charlottetown.

Christmas Family Movie

Families can enjoy a holiday movie in the Rotary Auditorium at the Charlottetown Library on December 23 at 1 pm. The Teen Volunteer Club will be offering popcorn and hot chocolate. Pillows and blankets are encouraged. 97 Queen St, Charlottetown.

Heartstopper Club

Teens aged 13–18 who are fans of the television series Heartstopper are invited to join the Heartstopper Club. Meet at the Charlottetown Library on December 30 at 3 pm for a discussion about the show. Share thoughts and opinions while making light-up leaf garlands. 97 Queen St, Charlottetown.

PEI filmmaker Susan Rodgers’ documentary lifestyle series, Grand River Grand, was selected for the ETHOS Film Awards, based in Santa Monica, California, and was screened live at the historic Laemmle Monica Film Centre in November.

The ETHOS Film Awards celebrate courageous talent and takes place annually in Santa Monica each November. The festival showcases purpose-driven films that promote peace, diversity, inclusion, and environmental sustainability. They see the art of film and storytelling as a sacred process that transcends cultures and languages.

Souls and spirits heal when people and horses at a small ranch on Canada’s East Coast are involved— Grand River Grand is a sweet and poignant six-part documentary series about a remarkable woman, her staff, and the selfless volunteers who run a joyful equine adapted learning program for adults and children at a horse ranch in scenic Grand River, PEI. The episode that played in California is the second in the series, “On Top of the World,” featuring Bobbi Jo LeClair of Tignish, PEI. Bobbi Jo may have a traumatic brain injury, but she doesn’t let it dim her light. She’s a spirited, fun-loving woman who loves horses and music. Her Uncle Ed, a volunteer at the ranch, recalls the dark, rainy night he got the call about a car accident that happened when Bobbi Jo was 16. Bobbi Jo’s parents remark on her successes since she started going to Grand River Ranch.

Grand River Grand was officially selected for the Charlottetown Film Festival (2023) and the Silver Wave Film Festival (November 2024), was a Finalist at TO Webfest (September 2024), and a Finalist at the ETHOS Film

SUBMITTED

SCREEN

on December 8 at 3 pm and Home Alone on December 14 at 6 pm. 6 Prince St, Charlottetown.

Bobbi Jo LeClair (left) and Nina

Awards (November 2024). The sixpart series can be viewed on Bell TV, channel 401, or screened via the Bell Fibe App. Grand River Grand credits include Director of Photography Bailey Dockendorff, Editor Tish Brown, Field Audio by Devon Ross, Production Manager Robin Sutherland, and volunteer Steve Reaman in grip/lighting. Written and directed by Susan Rodgers, it features the song “Where You Come From” by Cory Gallant and a score by composer Chris Corrigan.

“I wanted to make a series about the overwhelming joy that’s always present at Grand River Ranch,” says Susan Rodgers. “It’s a can-do place.

Regardless of ability or mental state, it’s a place that celebrates folks and lifts them up, whether they are a participant in one of the ranch’s programs or a volunteer.” susanrodgers.ca

Banff Mountain Film Festival Annual tour stops in Charlottetown—Jan 31 & Feb 1 The Banff Mountain Film Festival Tour— Charlottetown Edition, presented by the PEI Adventure Initiative, will be held at the UPEI Performing Arts Centre on January 31 and February 1. Doors open at 6:30 pm with the screenings starting at 7 pm.

Tickets will be available for purchase at Sporting Intentions in Charlottetown beginning December 1.

Follow @ Charlottetown Edition Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour on FB, @Banff_film_fest_chtown on IG, or visit banffmountainfestival. ca/worldtour, for more information.

The BUZZ December 2024 Page A15

Holiday Viewing by Sean McQuaid

Hokey Holidays Excellence isn’t everything when it comes to holiday viewing. Sometimes you just want junk food, guilty pleasures, the misfit toys in the seasonal cinematic toybox. Shows rich in Vitamin “C”—as in Christmassy, corny, cheesy and campy. For some happily hokey holiday viewing, check out the following: Santa Claus Conquers the Martians (1964 movie) This oddball camp classic features Martians trying to enslave Santa Claus in an effort to export Christmas to Mars, where Santa teaches them the true meaning of the holidays with the help of peppy theme music, idealistic children and not-so-special effects.

The Star Wars Holiday Special (1978 TV movie) So bad it’s never been re-aired or released on home video since its 1970s debut—“It was so awful,” says cast member Anthony Daniels (C-3PO)— this unholy stew of attempted comedy, animation, celebrity guests and musical numbers lingers online in zombie-like bootleg form, though its animation—featuring the first appearance of Boba Fett—has also been released on Disney+.

Yogi’s First Christmas (1980 TV movie) A McQuaid household holiday staple, this Yogi Bear special has a relentlessly corny script, a meanderingly repetitive plot, mostly forgettable music, an alarmingly romantically predatory Cindy Bear, and basic animation only slightly above the usual standards of legendarily corner-cutting TV animation producers Hanna-Barbera; but HB has a stable of funny, charming, well-designed, well-voiced characters, so a heartwarming holiday hangout with folks like Yogi, Boo Boo, Huckleberry Hound, Snagglepuss, Augie Doggie & Doggie Daddy is fun even in a vehicle this rickety.

The Smurfs Christmas Special (1982 TV special) What’s better than a holiday tale pitting those cute little blue Smurfs against their wizard archfoe Gargamel yet again? How about the bonus villainy of a thinly disguised Satan (voiced by an amply sinister Rene Auberjonois)? The Smurfs vs. Satan is the holiday gift we never knew we needed…

G.I. Joe - “ Cobra Claws Are Coming to Town “ (S1E39-1985) Cobra terrorists use a size-changing ray to infiltrate G.I. Joe HQ disguised as toys gathered by the Joes for charity.

A scenery-chewing Cobra Commander leads a takeover of the base, but the Joes prevail through the power of holiday spirit, product placement and a helpful gigantic parrot.

He-Man and She-Ra: A Christmas Special (1985 TV special) Derived from TV fantasy adventure cartoons He-Man and the Masters of the Universe and She-Ra: Princess of Power, this cornball nonsense sees stranded Earth kids bring Christmas cheer to He-Man’s home planet Eternia.

Highlights include villain Skeletor trying in vain to resist the influence of the holiday spirit, whining: “I don’t like to feel good. I like to feel evil.”

NOV 22 - JAN 2

CHARLOTTETOWN CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL

X-Men - “Have Yourself a Morlock Little X-Mas” (S4E12-1995) Sentiment about as subtle as an anvil suffuses this earnestly melodramatic holiday episode of the original X-Men animated series, as the team’s last-minute Christmas shopping is interrupted by a crisis in the Morlocks’ underground mutant community.

NOW - Dec 21

LIVE @ the Centre Holiday Shows

NOW - Jan 2

A Whoville-Inspired Village - Boulder Park

NOW - Dec 22 (Weekends)

Open-Air Mistletoe Market - Boulder Park

Nov 29 - Dec 1

Victorian Christmas Market - Queen Street

Nov 30 - Dec 1

Holiday Maker Market - Eastlink Centre

Dec 6 - 15 (Weekends)

Victorian Christmas Experience - Beaconsfield

Holiday Romances (various years) The romantic Christmas movie subgenre dates back to 1940s cinematic gems like Remember the Night (1940), The Shop Around the Corner (1940), Christmas in Connecticut (1945) and Holiday Affair (1949), but lately has been dominated by an endless stream of low-budget, oft-cheesy, made-for-TV films on platforms like the Hallmark Channel and Netflix.

Dec 6 - 22 (Weekends)

Deck the Hall - Founders’ Food Hall & Market

Dec 8 & 15

Artisan Christmas Market - Charlottetown Farmers’ Market

Dec 31

Capital New Year - Founders’ Food Hall & Market

Favourite modern hokey examples of the form in the McQuaid household include A Carol Christmas (2003), in which Tori Spelling’s Scrooge-like TV host finds love and holiday spirit with the aid of ghosts played by the likes of Gary Coleman and William Shatner; Christmas Caper (2006), my wife’s favourite holiday movie, in which Shannen Doherty’s cynical fugitive thief finds refuge and romance in her hometown Comfort while babysitting her sister’s kids; A Nutcracker Christmas (2016), the sweet but wildly implausible ballerina comeback story elevated by its eternally underrated star Amy Acker; and Christmas at the Drive-In (2022), an amiably contrived Danica McKellar vehicle that improbably combines my favorite holiday with my favorite way to watch movies.

EARLY JANUARY BUZZ DEADLINE Tuesday, December 10

PLUS: BREAKFASTS WITH SANTA, HORSE & WAGON RIDES, LIVE MUSIC + CAROLLING, ICE SCULPTING, FESTIVE WORKSHOPS & MORE!

A Boutique Open-Air Market BOULDER PARK NOW - DEC 22:

NOW - DEC 22 WEEKENDS

Fridays: 4PM - 8PM Saturdays: 10AM - 6PM Sundays: 12PM - 5PM • Outdoor artisans, crafters and food vendors • Live ice sculpting & carolling • Whoville inspired decor • Horse & wagon rides + more

A Magical Holiday Destination FOUNDERS’ FOOD HALL & MARKET DEC 6 - 22 WEEKENDS

• Fire pits & live ice sculpting • Outdoor cinema nights • Live music & culinary demos • Festive decor & photobooths + more

w w w.Char lot tetow n Chr istm a s Festi val .com

Page A16 The BUZZ December 2024

Conclave

Small Screen: Space

December 1–4

December 10, 8:30 pm

PG. Dir: Edward Berger, US, 2024, 120 min. Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow. Based on Robert Harris’ 2016 novel Conclave. In English and Italian with English subtitles.

A Video Art Screening presented by This Town Is Small. Doors at 8 pm.

Admission is by donation. All proceeds will go towards This Town Is Small purchasing a new projector for their gallery space.

computer apocalypse was never realistically lurking underneath us, but Y2K is a reminder that the return of the high concept comedy always was.” —Christian Zilko, IndieWire

The Greeks had a Word For Them Live-Dubbing December 15, 2 pm Cast includes Lambert Garceau, Leigh Emerson, Stacey Janzer, Tony Davis, and Victoria Walton.

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 Member 65 and over 14 and under

$12 $9 $10 $8

“Conclave begins with Cardinal Thomas Lawrence rushing to the dying pope’s bedside. The cardinal’s panicked breathing echoes through the Vatican as he rushes through the darkened halls, and it’s a solemn opening to a film burdened with heavy questions about faith and ambition… As the dean of the College of Cardinals, it falls on Lawrence to put together a gathering within the Sistine Chapel of cardinals from around the world to vote on which of them will become the new pope… During the voting process, the cardinals have to be sequestered away from the world to ensure that no outside influences can affect their decision-making. It’s a cunning setup for a simmering locked-room thriller, trapping these men and their secrets in a single location that becomes more tense with each new round of voting. And it helps that the cardinals, though pious men of God, behave like jealous high schoolers vying to become class president, dividing themselves into canteen cliques and gossiping incessantly about their rivals…

Watching the candidates rise and fall over the course of the election makes for a compelling spectacle, and Conclave has a knack for adding another wrinkle to the race at just the right time to maintain the suspense.” —Ross McIndoe, Slant Magazine

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

The videos respond to the theme Space through the following prompt: “ Space can be vast and infinite, like the cosmos above us, or intimate and personal, like the spaces we inhabit daily. Space is physical, celestial, abstract, and metaphorical. It can be the vacuum of the universe, the expanse between, or the act of taking up room in the world by asserting presence, or claiming identity. How does space shape us? How do we move through it, expand within it, or find boundaries? Space can refer to places, emptiness, social dynamics, expanses of time, or vast celestial bodies that spark wonder and exploration.”

Y2K December 13–17 Rating TBD. Dir: Kyle Mooney, US, 2024, 93 min. Jaeden Martell, Rachel Zegler, Julian Dennison.

Drive Back Home

A live dub of the 1932 movie The Greeks Had a Word for Them. Based on a play, it’s a fastpaced pre-code comedy that tells the tale of three former showgirls who get ahead by seducing rich men. Misunderstandings and squabbling ensue.

All the net proceeds will be donated to the Camp Aspen initiative (a 2SLGBTQ+ youth summer camp run by Peers Alliance). Film chosen in honour of the film’s David Manners, a gay man from Atlantic Canada who never forgot his roots and love of his home’s beauty.

Christmas Classic:

Elf December 18, 7 pm PG. Dir. Jon Favreau, US, 2003, 97 min.

James Caan, Will Ferrel, Zoey Deschanel.

Raised as an oversized elf, Buddy travels from the North Pole to New York City to meet his biological father, Walter Hobbs, who doesn’t know he exists and is in desperate need of some Christmas spirit.

Christmas Classic:

A Christmas Story December 19, 7 pm

December 6–12

PG. Dir. Bob Clark, Canada, 1983, 94 min.

Melinda Dillon, Peter Billingsley, Darren McGavin

14A. Sexually suggestive scene, coarse language. Dir: Michael Clowater, Canada, 2024, 100 min. Alan Cumming, Charlie Creed-Miles, Clare Coulter.

Screened at 2024 Charlottetown Film Festival. Produced by Islander Brian Mason.

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

Annual membership - $25.00

In the winter of 1970, a cantankerous, small town plumber from rural New Brunswick must drive his beat-up work truck 1000 miles to Toronto to get his estranged, gay brother out of jail after being arrested for having sex in a public park. The two men are then forced to drive back home together at the behest of their hard-nosed mother before they kill each other.

“Combining the youthful raunchiness of Superbad, a detailed nostalgia for the era of video stores and AOL Instant Messenger, this playful sci-fi spectacle splits the difference between early Stranger Things and The Terminator, with immaculate soundtrack vibes courtesy of Fatboy Slim and Chumbawamba.

Y2K might be one of the most natural crowd pleasers that A24 has ever produced. It’s December 31st, 1999, and all Eli and Danny want to do is party with the popular kids and lose their virginity… Eli is particularly interested in talking to Laura, the popular girl who doubles as a computer genius that he’s convinced is his soulmate. But their early flirtations are cut short by a brief power outage that derails the party just as the clock strikes midnight. Yep, Y2K is officially on… Rather than simply stop working, every electronic device develops its own conscience and sets out to destroy all the humans in its sight… A

In the 1940s, a young boy named Ralphie Parker attempts to convince his parents, teacher, and Santa Claus that a Red Ryder Range 200 Shot BB gun really is the perfect Christmas gift.

Christmas Classic:

Die Hard December 20, 7 pm 14A, violence, strong language. Dir. John McTiernan, US, 1988, 132 min. Bruce Willis, Alan Rickman, Bonnie Bedelia.

A New York City police officer tries to save his estranged wife and several others taken

The BUZZ December 2024 Page A17

Queer December 26–31 Rating TBD. Dir: Luca Guadagnino, US, 2024, 135 min. Daniel Craig, Drew Starkey, Jason Schwartzman. Based on William S Burrough’s 1985 novella Queer.

city cinema schedule

SIMULATOR NOW OPEN

DECEMBER Sun

1

4:00 Conclave 7:00 Conclave

2

Mon 7:00 Conclave

3

Tue

4

Wed 7:00 Conclave

Christmas Classic:

5

Thu

——— PRIVATE EVENT

Home Alone

6

Fri

7:00 Drive Back Home

7

Sat

2:00 Drive Back Home

NOVEMBER 2024 - MARCH 2025

7:00 Drive Back Home

Contact us at (902) 569-4653 or management@foxmeadow.pe.ca

hostage by terrorists during a Christmas party at the Nakatomi Plaza in Los Angeles

December 20, 4:30 pm & December 21, 2 pm PG. Dir. Chris Colombus, US, 1990, 103 min. Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern.

An eight-year-old troublemaker, mistakenly left home alone, must defend his home against a pair of burglars on Christmas Eve.

Christmas Classic:

It’s A Wonderful Life December 21 & 22, 7 pm PG. Dir. Frank Capra, US, 1946, 130 min.

James Stewart, Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore.

An angel is sent from Heaven to help a desperately frustrated businessman by showing him what life would have been like if he had never existed.

Christmas Classic:

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation December 22, 4 pm

“The actor who redefined James Bond goes for broke in Luca Guadagnino’s beautiful, filthy, extraordinary take on William S. Burroughs’ novel. His name is Lee … Bill Lee. A man slouching toward middle age and suffering the malaise of someone who’s seen it all, heard it all, shot it all into his veins, he’s embraced the dissolute life of an ex-pat. Sporting an endless supply of filthy linen suits and ever-present fedoras, Lee cruises the bars looking to score sex and junk in Mexico. Sweaty afternoons are spent buzzed on cheap tequila and bantering with his fellow social outcasts. Evenings are spent in the company of willing young men and needles. Life is debauched and consistent, until that handsome twentysomething gent wanders into Lee’s favorite watering hole.

You think heroin is hard to kick? Try detoxing from true love… This sordid, steamy, and exceedingly swooning take on Burroughs’ novel will certainly move you… And it will definitely alter your view of Daniel Craig…

Embodying Burroughs’ alter ego and cycling through Lee’s lust, jealousy, world-weariness, neediness, and bliss, Craig cracks this smitten, doomed romantic wide open. It’s the role of a lifetime if you hold nothing back.

So he doesn’t… Queer demands you meet Burroughs’ deadpan outrageousness on its own level, as well as leaving room for the more experimental cinematic interpretations of his prose that come from Guadagnino’s imagination and touchstones.” —David Fear, Rolling Stone

City Cinema and The Benevolent Irish Society present:

Waking Ned Devine December 29, 4 pm

PG. Dir: Kirk Jones, Ireland, 1998, 91 min.

James Nesbitt, David Kelly, Susan Lynch.

PG, language, mature content. Dir. Jeremiah S Chechik, US, 1989, 97 min.

Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo, Juliette Lewis.

7:00 Conclave

7:00 Drive Back Home

8

Sun

9

Mon 7:00 Drive Back Home

10

Tue

11

Wed 8:30 Small Screen: Space

12

Thu

7:00 Drive Back Home

13

Fri

7:00 Y2K

14

Sat

7:00 Y2K

15

Sun

2:00 The Greeks Had a

7:00 Drive Back Home

Word for Them 7:00 Y2K 16

Mon 7:00 Y2K

17

Tue

18

Wed 7:00 Elf

19

Thu

7:00 A Christmas Story

20

Fri

4:30 Home Alone

7:00 Y2K

7:00 Die Hard 21

Sat

2:00 Home Alone 7:00 It’s A Wonderful Life

22

Sun

4:00 Nation Lampoon’s

Christmas Vacation 7:00 It’s A Wonderul Life

Closed December 23–25

HAPPY HOLIDAYS! 26

Thu

7:00 Queer

27

Fri

7:00 Queer

28

Sat

2:00 Queer 7:00 Queer

29

Sun

4:00 Waking Ned Devine 7:00 Queer

30

Mon 7:00 Queer

31

Tue

7:00 Queer

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!

The Griswold family’s plans for a big family Christmas predictably turn into a big disaster.

When a lottery winner dies of shock, his fellow townsfolk attempt to claim the money.

citycinema.ca

READERS/WRITERS Eptek Book Club

The Eptek Art & Culture Centre Book Club will meet on December 5 at 4 pm to discuss Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline. 130 Heather Moyse Dr, Summerside.

Book launch: Richard Pellissier-Lush

Richard Pellissier-Lush will launch his book The Creator’s Plan in Memorial Hall at Confederation Centre of the Arts in Charlottetown on December 5 at 5:30 pm.

All are welcome to attend.

Book’in It Walking Club

The next Book’in It Walking book club meeting will be held at the Summerside Library on December 10 at 10 am.

Participants will head outside for a 20-minute stroll before returning to the library to discuss the latest reading selection. Register in advance (902-436-7323) and get a copy of the current book at the front desk. 57 Central St, Summerside.

Big Little Book Hunt

Drop by the Charlottetown Learning Library on December 14 from 2–4 pm to find hundreds of tiny books hidden throughout the library. Find as many tiny books as possible and submit them to the front desk for a chance to win a gift card.

Play as a family or individually. Talk to library staff for details. 97 Queen St, Charlottetown.

Afternoon Book Club

The Afternoon Book Club will meet at the Summerside Library on December 16 at 1 pm. Drop by the circulation desk to pick up a copy of this month’s book selection. 57 Central St, Summerside.

French for the Future National Essay Contest

Students are invited to write and submit a 750-word essay, in French, for French for the Future’s 2024–25 National Essay Contest. The theme this year is: “What makes a good friend?” Students can participate in one of two categories that apply to them: French as a first language or French as a second language. Since 2005, the contest has enabled students in Grades 10, 11 and 12 (Secondary 4 to CEGEP in Quebec) to win a scholarship to continue their post-secondary studies entirely or partially in French. This year, 102 scholarships ranging from $1000 to $28,000 will be awarded by 16 partner institutions, including Collège de l’Île in PEI. In addition to providing financial support for post-secondary studies, the contest is designed to encourage students to continue their education in French after high school. The deadline to submit an essay is December 20. Winners will be announced in March 2025. Visit french-future.org/programs/essay-contest for info or to submit.

Summerside Book Club

Join Summerside Book Club members 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 meeting is January 4 at 2 pm. 57 Central St, Summerside.

Christmas at Bonshaw Hall Music and celebration—Dec 14 Christmas at Bonshaw Hall will be held on December 14 at 6:30 p.m.

Join fellow community members to sing seasonal music, enjoy hot cider and cookies, and, of course, meet the man in red and white with goodies for all. The early start time accommodates families with young children.

A representative from the South Shore Food Share Food Bank will be present to accept donations of food, cash, or e-transfers.

Admission is by donation to defray costs. Children under 12 enter for free.

Jack Frost Winterfest Coming Family Day long weekend in February Jack Frost Winterfest, presented by Island Coastal, returns to Prince Edward Island over Family Day long weekend, February 14–17.

The festival kicks off with Swift Kick, an all-ages Taylor Swift tribute concert on February 14 at 7 pm at the Delta Prince Edward in Charlottetown. Fans are encouraged to dress in their favourite Era, trade friendship bracelets, and more. A separate ticket is required for this event, with early bird pricing available until December 31.

Snowtopia, Jack Frost’s outdoor playground, returns to the Mark Arendz Provincial Ski Park Nordic Site in Brookvale. This winter wonderland offers ice sculpting, ice slides, tube runs, buskers, horse and sleigh rides, and face painting. Snowtopia will be open daily from 10:30 am–5 pm, February 15–17, and a ticket is required for admission.

For indoor fun, Frosty Funland at the Delta Prince Edward in Charlottetown will have bouncy castles, inflatables, games, Jack Frost meet-and-greets, and live children’s shows. A ticket is required for admission and the venue will be open daily from 10:30 am–6 pm, February 15–17.

Building on the success of last year’s Once Upon a Time show, the festival is again teaming up with Craig Fair Productions to offer an all-new live children’s performance, Once Upon a Winter, Jack’s wondrous snowy journey featuring favourite Disney tales. Join the hero, Jack Frost, on an

Charlottetown Christmas Fest Continuing throughout December The Charlottetown Christmas Festival continues in the capital city until January 2.

This six-week event features festive programming, including Breakfasts with Santa, live music, Yuletide Walking Tours, horse and wagon rides, Christmas craft fairs, children’s entertainment, a Whoville-inspired Christmas Village, and more.

The Victorian Christmas Market takes place on Queen Street in downtown Charlottetown on November 29

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enchanting journey of discovery as he learns valuable lessons about balance and teamwork. Through a delightful mix of singing, dancing, and audience interaction, Jack and his friends explore the importance of communication and resilience against a magical snowy backdrop.

In addition to the ticketed events, families can enjoy free activities.

Sleigh Bell Boulevard in downtown Charlottetown on February 15 will feature a fireworks display, horse and sleigh rides, buskers, and live entertainment. The Warm and Glow Zone at Founders’ Food Hall & Market will host an outdoor skating rink, along with family programming, and a relaxing space to enjoy food and festivities.

Early bird pricing is in effect until December 31. Save up to 30 percent off on-site pricing by visiting jackfrostfestival.com. For in-person tickets, visit the Kent Street Market at The Shops of Confederation Court Mall.

Visit jackfrostfestival.com for more information, a schedule of events, and to book a stay.

and December 1. The Mistletoe Market, a boutique pop-up market in Boulder Park, continues each weekend until December 22.

Founders’ Food Hall & Market has been transformed into a holiday destination with over 40 Christmas trees, nutcrackers, and twinkling lights.

Their “Deck the Hall” series runs each weekend from December 6–22, featuring fire pits for gathering, ice sculpting, visits with Santa, outdoor cinema nights, a Night Market, and more.

Founders’ will also host Capital City New Year on December 31, offering free, family-friendly activities, including face painting, ice carving displays, live performances by The Last Forevers–a pop icon tribute band (think Tina Turner, Fleetwood Mac, Sabrina Carpenter, and more)—and a fireworks display at 7 pm. charlottetownchristmasfestival.com

A gift of Island Poetry WINTER WALK My boots grind out their crunch, with each step an age passes— another year in my ascent.

My knees knock the days, the years slip by, icing over.

Inside, my wife is icing a dark cake, humming Lightfoot.

The snow eddies outside her window so she cannot see my trudge back across the yard.

As the door falls open, heat’s breath overtakes the nippy air and draws me rejuvenated into her warm presence. Years melt off my arctic boots.

—Frank Ledwell Frank Ledwell (1930–2008) was named the first Poet Laureate of Prince Edward Island in 2004. He taught at St. Dunstan’s and UPEI and was the author of six books. Reprinted with permission from The Taste of Water (Acorn Press).

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

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PEI BOOKS The Creator’s Plan Richard Pellissier-Lush Illustrated by Jessica Jerome

Richard Pellissier-Lush will launch his book The Creator’s Plan in Memorial Hall at Confederation Centre of the Arts in Charlottetown on December 5 at 5:30 pm.

“My son, you do not need black hair, brown skin, or brown eyes like me to pray and practice your culture. You will learn the songs and the drumming in time. The Creator’s plan was to give you everything that makes you who you are, and you are perfect to me just the way you are! Always remember that, no matter what anyone else says to you. We need to pray for those children too, my son, as hard as that may seem. But remember, you are exactly how the Creator planned you to be, and I will love you until the end of time.”

—excerpt from The Creator’s Plan.

As a Mi’kmaq child, Pellissier-Lush grew looking different than other Indigenous children. He didn’t feel he fit in with the non-Indigenous or the Indigenous children he knew. His mother continually reminding him that he was part of the Creator’s plan empowered him to embrace his culture no matter what he looked like. Her chorus of encouragement stayed with him through his childhood and helped

make him the man he is today.

Pellissier-Lush is a Mi’kmaq man from Lennox Island First Nation, PEI. His passions are based on his Mi’kmaq culture, traditions, loyalty, and love of the First Nations communities and his family, the Mi’kmaq People. He works with L’nuey as an Engagement Officer and he previously worked with the PEI Aboriginal Sport Circle. He is one of the founders and original members of Mi’kmaq Legends (Mi’kmaq Heritage Actors), an all Indigenous theatre group that specializes in telling the stories, traditions, songs, dances, and culture of the Mi’kmaq from the past, and present.

The North Side of Happiness Sharon Lucy Robson

throughout PEI. The lives of four unlikely individuals intersect in a most poignant way, bringing to each other—even in their darkest hours— hope, courage, and tiny bits of happiness. Shimi believes playing music to her homemade cheese enhances the flavour. Belladane, an eccentric LGBTQ2S+ Jamaican-born artist, paints with her breasts and loves speaking in humorous metaphors. Eddie, a wandering American veteran, finds that PEI’s red roads and sand-dune beaches soothe his PTSD. Alice, a childless midwife, leads a life she secretly loathes.

After one unforgettably violent night, Shimi must face the human condition head-on, with all its pain and immorality. Through the friendship of Belladane, Eddie, Alice, and her dear dog, Darcy, Shimi hopes to find a way to live her best life. First she must learn that forgiveness starts with herself.

Robson lives on Panmure Island, PEI. The North Side of Happiness was shortlisted for the 2024 PEI Book Awards Book of the Year.

The North Side of Happiness is available for purchase locally at Bookmark in Charlottetown and Coles in Summerside.

In Bloom:

2S/TGDNB+ Tales From Epekwitk PEI Transgender Network Edited by Julie R. Bull

PEI author Sharon Lucy Robson has released her second book, The North Side of Happiness.

The novel celebrates five unique characters, one being popular locales

pieces of us are planted on every single page so that we may experience the various stages of growth.”

From the uncertainty of a planted seed through the tumultuous growth season to the fullest expression of their being, In Bloom is an exploration of self and community.

For more information or to purchase a copy, email info@peitn.com.

TURK:

One of the NHL’s Great Coaches—From Summerside to Madison Square Garden Fred MacDonald with Glenna Jenkins

The PEI Transgender Network (PEITN) recently published In Bloom: 2S/ TGDNB+ Tales From Epekwitk.

Edited by Julie R. Bull, this anthology includes twenty-three 2S/ TGDNB+ artists and authors: “We have come together for the second year to co-create this tangible reminder that we are here, we are growing, and we are building our futures. We hold this book in our hands as a reminder that we hold each other’s hearts in our words and in our actions. In these pages, we share our stories, our artworks, our struggles, and our successes. Little

TURK: One of the NHL’s Great Coaches— From Summerside to Madison Square Garden by Fred “Fiddler” MacDonald and Glenna Jenkins is available where books are sold.

Gerard “Turk” Gallant started playing hockey as a young boy in Summerside, PEI. He moved up through minor hockey, playing above his age group and garnering the attention of major junior teams and the NHL. The Detroit Red Wings drafted him as an 18-year-old and he became a

The BUZZ December 2024 Page A21

rising young star, being selected to an NHL All-Star team the same year he played for Team Canada in the World Championships. When a back injury ended his playing career, Turk applied his talents to coaching.

He began, in 1995, by shaping the Summerside Western Capitals into a winning junior A team. It won the Royal Bank Cup (now the Centennial Cup) in 1997, the first from the Maritimes to win in the tournament’s 26-year history. In the Quebec league, Turk did the same for the Saint John Sea Dogs in 2011, as it became the region’s first major junior team to win the coveted Memorial Cup. Stints coaching at the semi-professional level led to a stellar career in the NHL, where he took two teams, the Vegas Golden Knights, in their inaugural year, and the New York Rangers, an Original 6, to the Stanley Cup finals. In 2021, Team Canada won a gold medal, at the World Championship, under Turk Gallant.

Turk lives in Clinton, PEI, with his wife Pam.

Good Tidings on the North Shore:

A Green Gables Christmas Nov. 30 & Dec. 1, 10:00 am - 3:30 pm

Every weekend from Nov 16th-Dec 22nd, join us for festive celebrations and local shopping on PEI’s North Shore, including the magical A Green Gables Christmas!

Explore Anne’s Christmas-decked home, sip hot chocolate, decorate cookies, and enjoy live music, carolers, and holiday crafts!

UPEI Arts Review Vol. XIV

cavendishbeachpei.com/good-tidings

Submissions now open The UPEI Arts Review is now accepting submissions for its 14th volume, calling for literary and visual works from UPEI student writers, artists, and essayists. As a student-led, not-forprofit publication, the UPEI Arts Review showcases students’ creative works and aims to highlight and advocate for the creative voices of UPEI students.

Submissions of all kinds are welcome—poetry, prose, flash fiction, creative nonfiction, short stories, opinion pieces, memoirs, plays, academic essays, scientific papers, stream-of-consciousness writing, dream journals— anything a student has curated and wishes to showcase in a collection of shared works. Digitally submitted artwork can include, but is not limited to, paintings, sketches, photography, cartoons, abstract designs, and figure drawings.

Publishing writing and artwork can flex one’s creative muscle, help develop new skills in editing and collaboration, and expand one’s resume.

The book’s theme will depend entirely on the creative work submitted and curated to reflect the students’ collective voice.

The submission deadline is December 20. Submit works via email to artsreview@upei.ca, including a 100word abstract summarizing the piece.

See @upei.artsreview on IG and @upeiartsreview FB for more information.

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Page A22 The BUZZ December 2024

COMMUNITY #1 Seniors Navigator

The Seniors Navigator will be at the Charlottetown Library for drop-in assistance on December 11 from 9:30 am–3:30 pm. The Seniors Navigator helps seniors access programs and services from community organizations and municipal, provincial, and federal governments more efficiently. 97 Queen St, Charlottetown.

PEI Spelling Bee

Kids aged 6–14 can now register for the PEI Spelling Bee at spellingbeeofcanada. ca/registration. The event will take place on April 5, 2025, and the registration deadline is December 31. Email coordinator.pei@spellingbeeofcanada.ca or visit spellingbeeofcanada.ca for more info.

Exhibition hockey game

International junior hockey teams Team Germany and Team Slovakia will play an exhibition game at the Eastlink Centre in Charlottetown on December 12 at 7 pm, in preparation for the 2025 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championships, set to take place in Ottawa from December 26 to January 5. The event promises high-energy gameplay. Tickets are available online at eastlinkcentrepei.com, in person at the box office (46 Kensington Rd), or by phone at 902-629-6625.

Resources for Veterans

Canadian Veterans and their family members, friends, and community members who recognize the need for professional resources can receive help from the Royal Canadian Legion PEI Command. Reach out by phone (902-8922161) or email (royalcanadianlegion@pei. aibn.com) and ask to be referred to the Chairman of Veterans Services.

Teen volunteer hours

Teens aged 13–18 are invited to earn volunteer hours at the Summeride and Charlottetown libraries. Teens are welcome to join the Summerside Library’s Teen Advisory Group on December 2, 9,

and 16 at 3:30 pm. Meetings start with an opportunity for teens to share their voices and opinions, followed by assisting staff with various tasks. Participation also allows teens to earn volunteer hours toward the Community Service Bursary.

Teens interested in obtaining volunteer hours at the Charlottetown Library are welcome to meet on December 2 and 16 from 4–5 pm in the Community Kitchen to brainstorm and discuss new library programs. 97 Queen St, Charlottetown.

Anti-Racism Grants

Applications are open for the 2024–25 round of the Anti-Racism Grants with a total of $275,000 available—up from $100,000 in the previous round of funding. This funding will be used to develop and deliver anti-racism activities that benefit and impact racialized and Indigenous communities on the Island. The Anti-Racism Grant has been designed to help promote a culture of diversity and inclusion, address racism and strengthen the link between racial equality and community cohesion.

Eligible projects must promote anti-racism education and awareness, reduce systemic racial barriers, research and collect disaggregated data, foster community support and capacity-building, and improve organizational governance.

The application deadline is December 13 at 12 midnight. Visit princeedwardisland. ca to apply.

Pharmacy Plus PEI

Pharmacy Plus PEI marks its two-year anniversary with more than 143,000 assessments conducted since the program started. The program supports 50 participating pharmacies in 16 communities across the province to renew eligible prescriptions and assess people for certain common ailments and conditions originally prescribed by a physician or nurse practitioner. All Island residents with a current health card are eligible to receive services through the program by showing their card to the pharmacy at the time of the service. Info: princeedwardisland.ca/pharmacypluspei

Montague Community School

Montague Community School returns in January after welcoming over 200 students last year. Classes will be held on Tuesday evenings from January 7 to March 4, running from 6:30–8:30 pm.

Confirmed courses include beginner guitar, mental health fitness, ukulele, Hulafit, knitting, Tai Chi, meditation, yoga, and more. Info: @ montaguecommunityschool on FB

Brain Injury Association meeting

The Brain Injury Association of PEI meets the second and fourth Tuesday of the month at 2 pm in Suite 102 at 293 Allen St in Charlottetown. Info: Jo-Ann McInnis at jmmcinnis65@gmail.com

Tech help

Those needing tech assistance can register for one-on-one tech help at the Summerside Library on December 5, 12, and 19 at 3 pm. Call 902-436-7323 to register. 57 Central St, Summerside.

Farmers Helping Farmers Holiday Campaign

The 2024 Farmers Helping Farmers (FHF) Holiday Campaign is underway.

Each year, the campaign raises funds to continue FHF’s impactful work in Kenya.

Many of the gifts in this year’s holiday campaign will help Kenyan women produce food to feed their families, or help to provide food for a mid-day meal for school children. New gifts this year include best practices to make highly efficient, stress and pain-free donkey carts, and school grants which will allow students to finish high school. Thousands of women, children, families, and communities have benefited from FHF’s projects over the years, including milk for schools, water tanks, books, vegetable seeds, and chickens. Last year, FHF supporters helped to raise more than $100,000 during the holiday campaign, with 100 per cent of the donations going directly to families in Kenya. A donor who purchases an item will receive a personalized card in the mail that can be given to the recipient. Visit farmershelpingfarmers.ca to donate or use the form on page B10 of this issue of The Buzz.

Project Love donations

The not-for-profit organization, Gifts From The Heart, is seeking donations for its fifth annual Christmas program, Project Love. The program provides food hampers, toys, wrapped presents, and toiletries to families in need. Food, toys, gift cards, or cash donations are greatly appreciated, as well as turkey/ham donations. Contact Betty Begg (902-3930171) to support this project by adopting a family, gift-wrapping, hamper-filling, or for more info.

Summerside Heritage & Culture Award nominations Nominations are open for the 2024 Summerside Heritage and Culture Awards. The awards are given annually in recognition of individual and

group contributions to the preservation, promotion, education, and celebration of heritage, arts, and culture in the City of Summerside. Nomination categories include: Heritage Activities, Arts/ Culture Activities, Publication of the Year, Heritage, Arts or Culture Volunteer of the Year, Heritage, Arts or Culture Youth Volunteer the Year, and Award of Honour for Heritage/Culture. The nomination deadline is January 24 at 4 pm. Forms are available at culturesummerside.com, MacNaught History Centre and Archives, or by calling 902-432-1298.

Free children’s programming

Ongoing programs for babies, toddlers, and young children will continue at the Summerside Library in December, including Wiggle Giggle Read on Wednesdays at 9:30 am, Toddler Time on Thursdays at 9:30 am, and Saturday Storytime at 9:30 am. 57 Central St, Summerside.

Watershed Farmers Meeting

The Pisquid River Enhancement Project is hosting its annual Watershed Farmers Meeting on December 2 from 7–9 pm at St. Joachim’s Parish Hall. Kyra Stiles, agri-environmental development coordinator of the PEI Department of Agriculture, will speak on nutrient management and soil quality. Sophia Oku, agronomic extension specialist, will speak on nutrient management. Gwen Vessey, agri-environmental consultant with the PEI AgriWatershed Partnership, will speak on best management practice projects on the Island. All farmers are encouraged to attend and the general public is welcome. Refreshments will be provided.

5364 Georgetown Rd, Vernon River.

City of Charlottetown public budget consultations open

Residents, stakeholders and local businesses are invited to have their say on the City of Charlottetown’s 2025–26 annual capital and operational budgets. Residents can provide input into both budgets. An online survey is now available at charlottetownhall.ca/budget and will remain open until December 6 at 12 noon. Written feedback is also being accepted and can be submitted by email to citybudget@charlottetown.ca, or by mail or drop off to City Hall at the following address: Attention: Manager of Finance, City of Charlottetown, P.O. Box 98, 199 Queen Street, Charlottetown, PE C1A 7K2. The City’s annual budget process helps plan for the services and programs residents and businesses rely on every day. Info: charlottetownhall.ca/ budget

EAL conversation circles

The Immigrant & Refugee Services Association PEI hosts EAL conversation circles for adults on Mondays (Dec 2, 9, and 16) and Tuesdays (Dec 3 and 10) at 6 pm at the Summerside Library. Adults interested in practicing their English language skills are encouraged to join for some informal conversation. No registration is required. 57 Central St, Summerside.

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The Solstice Walk

TALKS, etc

River Clyde presents fifth annual event in New Glasgow

2023 River Clyde Solstice Walk

kids’ lantern-making workshop, both teaching participants how to create unique illuminated pieces using natural materials that can be brought to the procession. New workshops this year include a Circus Workshop with Petit Luna Circus, an Egyptian folklore dance workshop with Erika Perez, and Ecological Storytelling with Daniel MacRae. The program also features cooking workshops exploring diverse cuisines and traditions that celebrate the winter solstice.

Workshop spots are limited. To sign up for workshops, book tickets for the main event on December 21, and learn more, visit riverclydepageant.com/ solstice-walk.

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The Law Society of PEI will present “Finding & Working With a Lawyer” at the Summerside Library on December 3 at 5 pm. The presentation will cover topics such as: how to find a lawyer, asking the right questions, understanding legal fees, exploring service options, and managing legal costs. Call 902-436-7323 to register. 57 Central St, Summerside.

Island Lecture Series

Marlene Chapman Hosted by the Institute of Island Studies at UPEI, the next Island Lecture Series presentation is on December 10 at 7 pm in the Faculty Lounge, Main Building, UPEI. Marlene Chapman will discuss “How adaptive is the PEI lobster fishery?” exploring climate change and the social structures influencing the local fishery.

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EMILY BENOIT

The fifth edition of the River Clyde Solstice Walk in New Glasgow returns on December 21 from 6–8 pm. This beloved community event will feature a procession of illuminated lanterns, outdoor performances, food, and bonfires.

The Solstice Walk celebrates the promise of light on the darkest day of the year.

Participants are invited to join the walk with a lantern, candle or a light, travelling through the Gardens of Hope, across the New Glasgow Bridge, and ending up at The Mill in New Glasgow for music, snacks, and bonfires. For those who prefer to experience the Solstice Walk indoors, a cozy gathering will also take place in the sunroom of The Mill, offering indoor views of the lantern procession from across the river, live music, and a festive crafting activity.

In the weeks leading up to the Solstice Walk, River Clyde Arts is hosting a series of free workshops spanning arts, crafts, and culinary experiences. Laura Stinson will lead an all-ages lantern-making session, while Lokki Ma will host a dedicated

Law Society of PEI presentation

The lobster fishery has been a prominent feature of the Island’s economy and culture for over 150 years. In recent decades, it has become the most lucrative fishery in all of North America. Is it threatened by climate change? How adaptable are the fishers? What is the government’s role in protecting this fishery and the communities that depend on it? These questions will be explored through information gathered in interviews of local fishers, the researcher’s personal experience, and evidence found in scholarly and grey literature. Marlene fishes lobster out of Murray Harbour, PEI, and recently completed her Master of Arts in Island Studies graduate thesis on climate adaptation in the PEI lobster fishery. The event is free, and all are welcome to attend. 550 Univeristy Ave, Charlottetown.

Seniors Café

The next Seniors Café at the Summerside Library is on December 13 at 11 am.

Seniors are invited to enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and join guest speaker Brandon Higginbotham, who will be discussing the topic: “Senior Bank Fraud Prevention Strategies.” 57 Central St, Summerside.

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COMMUNITY #2 PEI Autistic Adults is an online and in-person peer-support group for autistic adults and 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 who do not wish to interact online can email peiautisticadults@gmail. com. PEI Autistic Adults is not affiliated with any organization.

PEI Rainbow Youth Club

Members and allies of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community looking for new friends and fun times can join the PEI Rainbow Youth Club at the Summerside Library. Open to youth aged 12–18, the Club offers opportunities for youth-led discussions, engaging activities, and creative self-discovery.

Led by trained PEERS Alliance staff and volunteers, meetings include a healthy snack. Participants will not be asked to identify and all are welcome to attend.

The next meetings are December 3 and 17 at 6 pm. 57 Central St, Summerside.

Government House Christmas Open House

As the holiday season approaches, the Lieutenant Governor extends an invitation to all for the annual Christmas Open House taking place on December 3 from 3–6 pm at Government House, 1 Terry Fox Dr, in Charlottetown. Guests can listen to holiday music provided by Jacqueline Sorensen-Young on the piano while viewing the decorations, arranged this year by Damien Packwood of Damien Morris Designs. Info: lgpei.ca

Victorian Christmas at Beaconsfield

Beaconsfield Historic House is holding its annual Victorian Christmas experience in Charlottetown this December.

Guests will be immersed in the house’s decorated rooms and slip back in time to experience the holiday spirit of the late 1800s. The program includes a viewing of the decorated house, uncovering the legacy of Victorian Christmas traditions in modern holiday celebrations, a live harp concert, and a festive treat. Visit peimuseum.ca or Beaconsfield Historic House, 2 Kent St, Charlottetown, for tickets. Info: 902-368-6603; @heritagepei

Christmas House Tour

A Christmas House Tour will be held on December 7 from 2–5 pm in Charlottetown. The locations of the house tour will be provided at the time

of purchase. Tickets can be purchased on weekdays from 9–11 am via phone at 902-894-5234 or in person at the Central Christian office, 192 Hillsborough St., Charlottetown.

A Green Gables Christmas

The public is invited to the enjoy festive celebrations and local shopping in Cavendish every weekend until December 22. At A Green Gables Christmas, taking place November 30 and December 1, visitors can explore Anne’s seasonally-decorated home, savour hot chocolate, decorate cookies, and enjoy live music, carollers, and craft making from 10 am–3:30 pm. Info: cavendishbeachpei.com/good-tidings

Holiday home decorating contest

Charlottetown residents are invited to participate in the City’s holiday home decorating contest this season. They are encouraged to share the magical spirit with neighbours and family by decorating the exterior of their homes. The registration deadline is December 2, and judging will take place during the week of December 9. Info/register: 902-6285809; jedoucette@charlottetown.ca

The Advisory Council on the Status of Women is hosting its 35th commemorative service for victims of violence at Memorial Hall in Confederation Centre of the Arts on December 6 from 12:30–1:30 pm.

The 2024 guest speaker is Jayelee Grady, manager of Victim Services.

Kelley Mooney will be performing and Todd MacLean will provide piano accompaniment.

All are welcome to attend and honour the women murdered in Montreal—Geneviève Bergeron (21); Hélène Colgan (23); Nathalie Croteau (23); Barbara Daigneault (22); AnneMarie Edward (21); Maud Haviernick (29); Maryse Laganière (25); Maryse Leclair (23); Anne-Marie Lemay (22); Sonia Pelletier (28); Michèle Richard (21); Annie St-Arneault (23); Annie Turcotte (20); Barbara KlucznikWidajewicz (31), the thousands of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls in Canada, and the PEI women whose lives have been lost to violence.

The Council continues to mourn, rage, and keep working for safety, equality and change. peistatusofwomen.ca

Hanukkah Menorah

Acadian Remembrance

Community candle lighting in Charlottetown—Dec 27

Ceremony at Skmaqn – Port-laJoye – Fort Amherst—Dec 13

For the Montreal Massacre and victims of violence—Dec 6

Arm Chair Travel

The public is invited to the Arm Chair Travel: Holiday Edition at the Summerside Library. On December 4 at 2 pm, travel through a virtual Holiday Market in Switzerland. Light refreshments will be provided. 57 Central St, Summerside.

NDP Holiday Social

NDP Women will host a Holiday Social on December 1 from 2–4 pm. Leader Michelle Neill will speak, and Elizabeth Okudzeto, the recipient of the Hilda Ramsay Fund Bursary, will be introduced. IWD’s Beaconsfield event and suggested action plans for the new year will be discussed as well. Fruit cake and tea will be provided. 1257 Donaldson Rd, Tracadie. Info: 902-330-2248

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PEI Autistic Adults

Memorial Service

In celebration of Hanukkah, the PEI Jewish Community is hosting a candle lighting of the Hanukkah Menorah.

The community event will be held on December 27 at 4:30 pm in front of the Coles Building in Charlottetown (Grafton St at Church St).

This marks the fourth annual display of the Hanukkah Menorah on the grounds of the Legislative Assembly.

An additional light will be added nightly for the culminating on the eighth night, on Wednesday, January 1.

All are welcome to attend. For information, info@peijc.org

The public is invited to the Acadian Remembrance Day ceremony taking place at Skmaqn – Port-la-Joye – Fort Amherst national historic site on December 13 at 10 am. This ceremony is held annually to commemorate the tragic Deportation of Island Acadians in 1758, recognized as the greatest human tragedy in the Island’s history.

Those wishing to participate are asked to reserve ahead of time by contacting the Acadian Museum of PEI at 902-432-2880 or museeacadien@gmail. com. In case of inclement weather, the cancellation would be announced on the Museum’s Facebook page, and a smaller ceremony would take place once the weather permits.

This event is a partnership between SAF’Île, Parks Canada, Fédération culturelle, Acadian Museum of PEI, and the Department of Education.

Noon Years Eve

Families can drop by the Charlottetown Library on December 31 from 11:30 am–12:30 pm for a story, dance party, and a New Year’s balloon drop. 97 Queen St, Charlottetown.

Working for healthy, thriving families after separation.

Capital New Year

The City of Charlottetown and Founders’ Food Hall & Market have collaborated again to celebrate Capital New Year in Charlottetown on December 31. The day will feature free, family-friendly activities including live music, a photo booth, giveaways, and a fireworks display at 7 pm. A full schedule of events will be announced in early December. 6 Prince St, Charlottetown.

89 Hillsborough Street Jacinta C. Gallant Family Lawyer & Mediator Waterstone Law Group

(902) 367-3901 info@waterstonelawpei.ca www.waterstonelawpei.ca

The BUZZ December 2024 Page A25

The Cove Journal by JoDee Samuelson

Charlottetown Christmas ...and an update on the chesnut soap

My dear Cove friend and neighbour Kay lived in Charlottetown in the 1950s and ‘60s and shared these thoughts with me.

We lived in a lovely old house on Hillsborough Street right in the middle of the block. Our huge backyard served as a local playground. Dad was a mechanic and once brought home a real airplane and parked it in back.

We’d slide down the wings, scramble into the cockpit—kids could do anything those days, climb trees, balance on fences, nobody was watching them every minute.

Week’s Grocery was at the corner of the block and Mill’s Meat Market was right across the street. We didn’t have a car but there were half a dozen grocery stores nearby so it was no trouble getting what we needed. Since we didn’t have a fridge, Mom would give me a list and I’d run across to Mill’s for a piece of meat. Mom was a good cook and did a lovely roast of pork with a thick crust on top, like candy.

Dad died when I was six years old.

Some of our relatives wanted to adopt me and my little brother and sister, but my oldest sister wouldn’t hear of it. Instead, she and the other siblings went to work, one at Canada Packers, two at Sterns Laundry, and one at Shama’s Grocery.

Christmas was different after Dad died, but it was still wonderful. Canada Packers gave toys (not what we wanted, but nice things) to children of needy families. (I guess that would be us, although I never felt poor.) They also distributed huge hampers full of olives, nuts, canned ham, jams, chutney, all tightly packed in straw. Sterns Laundry gave us toys too. And Dad’s brother in England and his wife sent a box of knitted caps, mittens, books, and long jewel-coloured candies with gel centres.

Christmas morning big wool stockings would be laid out on the couch, with a fat orange bulging in the toe of each. We’d pull things out and look at them, before running off to mass at the Basilica where ceremonies were still performed in Latin. Then it was home on the run to gobble down breakfast: “Come on Mom, hurry!” We were dying to get at the presents under the tree… that we’d finally get to open, one at a time, respectfully, joyfully, not in a hurry any more.

In the afternoon when we were all played out, it was time for our Christmas feast. Mom would’ve started roasting the goose hours ago, with stuffing made of bread, potatoes, bacon fat, onions and summer savory.

We’d all line up and help ourselves to juicy brown goose meat, boiled potatoes, gravy, mashed turnip and carrots, pickles and bread, followed by mincemeat pie, plum pudding and Mom’s almond icebox cookies, my favourite.

After dinner we’d relax in the living room and play Blind Man’s Bluff, listen to Christmas songs on the radio, or we’d say to my sister Elaine, “Tell us a ghost story!” We’d call them ghost stories but they weren’t horror, just suspenseful.

Our Christmas wasn’t what you’d call “High Tech” but it suited us just fine.

To this day I associate Christmas not with fancy decorations and presents, but with the smell of Mom’s almond cookies. I hope my own family feels the same way.

FYI Update on last month’s Cove Journal chestnut soap experiment: The chestnut soap bar was unsuccessful, but the liquid makes a nice addition to dish soap and is especially good for polishing around taps.

Earliest Islander found

Mi’kmaq Confederacy of PEI convention in October

Major discovery for the PEI Mi’kmaq

More than 170 justice professionals gathered at the PEI Convention Centre in Charlottetown in October for the Mi’kmaq Confederacy of PEI’s Indigenous Justice Gathering. The theme of the event focused on the unique systemic challenges faced by Indigenous women and girls in the criminal justice system.

Indigenous women represent (L–R): Indigenous Justice Senior Program fewer than four per cent of women Coordinator, Jennifer McKenney, Executive in Canada, yet they account for Director of the Mi’kmaq Confederacy of PEI, Kateri Coade, Knowledge Keeper and Lennox Island First half of all women in federal prisNation Councillor, Julie Pellissier-Lush, Senator ons due to many factors, including Brian Francis, Senator Kim Pate, Judge Laurel systemic racism, discrimination, Halfpenny-MacQuarrie, and Dr. Pam Palmater. and intergenerational trauma. The Indigenous Justice Gathering provided an opportunity to address these Indigenous communities control to challenges, create meaningful discusshape their own justice systems with sions, and encourage positive change Elders at the centre of healing plans. across systems.

Over 170 justice professionals from The gathering featured inspiring across Epekwitk attended. stories, lived experience, and firstAn important part of the gathering hand information from those working was raising cultural awareness and tirelessly to create change within the understanding. justice system. Presentations emphaTo learn more about the Indigenous sized urgent areas of focus including Justice Gathering, visit mcpei.ca/indigmoving beyond symbolic reconciliaenous-justice-gathering. To learn more tion, addressing the systemic flaws that about the Mi’kmaq Confederacy of contribute to the over-criminalization PEI’s Indigenous Justice Program, visit of Indigenous people, and allowing mcpei.ca/program/indigenous-justice.

PEI’s Smoking Cessation Program Now available at your local community pharmacy!

The PEI Smoking Cessation Program is here to help you by covering 100% of the costs of nicotine replacement therapy products (NRT) OR prescription cessation medications.

Contact your local pharmacy to schedule your appointment.

quitsmoking@gov.pe.ca This ad is paid for by the government of Prince Edward Island

The Mi’kmaq and their ancestral relations have lived on Epekwitk (Prince Edward Island) for more than 12,000 years—since time immemorial.

Recently, a human jawbone fragment was discovered near Stanhope, PEI, revealing the earliest known Indigenous ancestor on the Island. The bone, about 5000 years old, belonged to a woman who lived during a time when rising sea levels had shaped Epekwitk into the Island we know today. A swimmer found the jawbone fragment and handed it to authorities, who later confirmed its age and returned it to L’nuey on behalf of the Epekwitnewaq Mi’kmaq (Mi’kmaq of PEI).

“This discovery adds greatly to our understanding of the Mi’kmaw legacy and significantly advances what we know about the archaeological history of the Island and the broader Atlantic region, also known as Mi’kma’ki,” says Dr. Helen Kristmanson, senior archaeologist with L’nuey.

In support of L’nuey’s rights-based mandate, a newly formed archaeology team is working closely with its History and Outreach Program to bring together different types of knowledge—archaeological, oral, traditional, and historical—to tell a fuller story of the Mi’kmaq’s past on Epekwitk. This combined research is challenging narratives about Mi’kmaw presence on the Island and enriching awareness of their history across time.

Jenene Wooldridge, executive

STU NEATBY/THE GUARDIAN

Indigenous Justice

L’nuey’s senior archaeologist, Dr. Helen Kristmanson (left), and executive director, Jenene Wooldridge

director of L’nuey, notes, “This historic finding is incredibly important as it shows just how vital Mi’kmaw knowledge, values, and rights are in understanding our shared history. With the exciting launch of our Archaeology Program, we have strengthened our capacity to take a leading role in managing cultural heritage. Through this, we are ensuring that Mi’kmaw voices guide the way in studying and preserving the past, while also shaping our future.”

Epekwitnewaq Mi’kmaq are gaining a clearer understanding of ancestral Mi’kmaw society, culture, and way of life through the launching of L’nuey’s Archaeology program.

This information will support and empower Epekwitnewaq Mi’kmaq efforts to safeguard cultural history, and ultimately, advance the exercise of their Constitutionally protected Aboriginal Rights.

CHBA-PEI Awards Recognizing excellence in residential construction The Canadian Home Builders’ Association of PEI (CHBA-PEI) held (L–R): Atlantic Home Warranty CEO, Ian Lezama, an awards gala in early November Jonathan Gardner, and CHBA-PEI President, at the New London Carriage House Andrew Garth (Ravenwood Stairways). to recognize excellence in residential construction across PEI. T Net Zero Construction and Building The third annual Island Build Solutions; Skills PEI Youth Apprentice Awards recognized businesses/indiAward to Jordan Billard; and CHBAviduals in six categories. The recipients PEI Supporter of the Year to Atlantic were as follows: Best Kitchen Design Home Warranty. to Tops to Floors; Best New Home Atlantic Home Warranty also preUnder 2500/sq ft to DJC Construction; sented their Customer Choice Awards Best New Home Over 2500 sq/ft to New Homes Plus Entrepreneur: to Blue Heron Construction; Most 3-8 home possessions to Ninaber; and Transformative Renovation to Holmes Corporate: 9-20 home possessions to Construction; Net Zero Ready Home to Blue Heron Construction.

SUBMITTED

Page A26 The BUZZ December 2024

The BUZZ December 2024 Page A27

Christmas Bird Count

The Nature of PEI by Gary Schneider

Learn to love nature

For many of us, it is having someone taking an interest in our education. It can start with someWorkshop for educators at Macphail Woods one helping us to understand the complexities, beauty and sometimes fragility, that is all around us. It some our other staff created a two-day could be a parent, a camp counsellor, a workshop for Island teachers. In the teacher, or a local naturalist. And it can footsteps of the very popular “Field happen in a formal setting, such as a Guide to Nature Education” (by Eric school, or out in the wild on a beach or and Sarah Campion), about 50 Island in a forest. educators were tasked with reimagining how we teach about nature. This Most nature lovers have been influevent featured Indigenous particienced by one or more special people pation and contributions from other whose enthusiasm is contagious. That organizations that are involved in is not a tadpole, it is a TADPOLE!!! outdoor education.

People whose excitement at seeing a Red Fox or a Black-capped Chickadee From the exit surveys, there seems to is not diminished by their commonbe a hunger for this type of training. ness. I’m smiling as I type this, as I One participant wrote: “I would love remember people who have made a if this could be an annual conference. huge impact on how I try to care for It was so refreshing and exciting to be the natural world. with a group of inspirational leaders in the field.”

One thing that the Macphail Woods Another said: ”This was a transformaEcological Forestry Project in Orwell tive two days. I wish all educators in has always tried to do is to share our our school system had the opportunity love of nature. That’s why we’ve been to hear from your speakers. I have sporunning nature camps for almost thirty ken to so many about what I learned. I years. It is both rewarding and exciting hope you offer this again!” to see some of our “graduates” with science degrees and working to protect Early in November, Eric followed up the environment. with two well-attended workshops on nature education at the PEI Teachers The nature camps, the schoolyard Federation Annual Convention. plantings, the class visits, and the walks and workshops all help us to Eric will also be offering nature eduraise the level of interest in the natucation workshops for Island educators ral world. Over the past year, we’ve again during the summer. really tried to develop more material for teachers in Island schools, so that If you are interested, please keep an the footprint of our educational work eye on the macphailwoods.org website. is greatly expanded. In some way it is And you can download a copy of the like planting rare plants that will seed nature education publication by going into the surrounding forests. to: macphailwoods.org/resources/ nature-education Teachers already have a heavy workload and can be leery of taking on a subject that is outside what they have learned about in their university educational courses. But we’re working to change all that.

This summer, our long-time environmental educator Eric Edward and

EARLY JANUARY BUZZ DEADLINE Tuesday, December 10

MACPHAIL WOODS

Falling in love with nature can be a result of an accidental encounter. It could be as simple as a child finding in injured Blue Jay on the sidewalk and taking the time to rescue it and appreciate its beauty. Or someone walking into a forest and being overwhelmed by how beautiful the trees are. Or hearing a Barred Owl calling at night and then being fortunate enough to see such a beautiful, wild bird.

Dates and regions announced for 2024–25 For decades, Nature PEI has participated in Christmas Bird Counts (CBCs) between December 14 and January 5. These can be registered counts through Audubon and Bird Studies Canada (BSC) or unregistered counts.

Both field and bird feeder watchers can participate and there is no fee. There are four 24 km diameter Christmas Bird Counts on Prince Edward Island (see map).

To participate/register for the East Point Christmas Bird Count on December 14, contact Dwaine Oakley, dwaine.oakley@gmail.com.

The PEI National Park Christmas Bird Count on December 15 features a lunch time potluck at a location to be announced in Dalvay. Contact Dan McAskill at 902-569-4351 or jdmcaskill@pei.sympatico.ca to register.

The Hillsborough Christmas Bird Count on December 27 aims to have a

FOOD & DRINK Festive Feast

This holiday season, Chef Michael and Chastity Smith, along with The Inn at Bay Fortune Brigade, in partnership with Delta Hotels by Marriott Prince Edward, are hosting a Festive Feast Party Extravaganza with music by Chazz Smith’s Soul Food Quartet on December 12 from 6 pm to midnight. Taking place in the grand ballroom at the Delta in Charlottetown, this dinner event will be filled with holiday flavours and entertainment. The Festive Feast includes a cocktail hour and oyster bar, an interactive turkey dinner, wine, and prizes.

Individual tickets and tables of eight available. Book tickets at innatbayfortune.com.

Oh Snap! Cookie Decorating Teens can enjoy an afternoon of gingerbread cookie decorating and holiday music at the Summerside Library on December 15 at 2 pm. Call 902-436-7323 to register. 57 Central St, Summerside.

Meat Pie Festival Grand Finale

The grand finale of the Meat Pie Festival Du Pate takes place at the Cymbria Lions Club on December 15 at 6:30 pm. Awards for PEI’s best traditional

potluck after the event for participants at 6 pm. Contact Dan McAskill at jdmcaskill@pei.sympatico.ca to register.

To register for the Montague Christmas Bird Count on December 29, contact Scott Sinclair at scsinclair@ hotmail.com.

For more details, contact the coordinator as noted. Note that the date may change in the advent of severe weather so contact the coordinator.

and non-traditional meat pie will be announced. There will be live entertainment with a kitchen party featuring Tulli Porter, Brendon Peters, Jonny Ray Arsenault, Michael Richard, Richard Wood, J.J. Chaisson, and Megan Bergeron. Doors open at 6 pm. Two handpies from the Handpie Company are included in ticket purchase. 2184 Church St, Rustico. Visit tinyurl.com/ meatpiefestival for tickets.

Hot Chocolate Trail

The 2024 Hot Chocolate Trail invites locals and visitors to sip their way through a collection of the most delectable hot chocolate creations in the central coastal region on PEI. Running weekends until December 22, this annual event brings together cozy venues, talented chocolatiers, and creative baristas, each showcasing their unique spin on this classic winter beverage. This year’s trail promises an expanded lineup, with 33 participating cafes, restaurants, and more, offering an exclusive hot chocolate selection—from traditional creamy cups to unexpected flavours and inventive toppings. Presented by Central Coastal Drive. Info: hotchocolatetrailpei.com

The Angel’s Share

A Scotch whiskey-tasting fundraiser will take place in the great hall at Blackbush Resort on December 27 from 6–8 pm. The evening will include an amuse-bouche and live Scottish music. Proceeds will go toward the historical Glenaladale Estate.

There is limited seating. Text 902-3946299 or email pendymusic@gmail.com to secure a ticket. 20 Carrie Me Way, Grand Tracadie.

Page A28 The BUZZ December 2024

GAMES

Crokinole

Holiday games at the Summerside Library

Charlottetown Scrabble Club

The Summerside Library has some ongoing games for visitors this month.

Grab a Holiday Bingo card at the circulation desk and try to complete as many squares as possible to be entered into a draw. Or, drop by to play Find the Pickle between December 1–21. Find all ten hidden pickles, read about holiday traditions around the world, and be entered into a draw to win a pickle ornament. 57 Central St, Summerside.

Eptek scavenger hunt

Visitors of all ages are invited to test their skills (and eyesight) at Eptek Art & Culture Centre’s Scavenger Hunts. Try to find all 20 images. For upcoming activities, call 888-8373, follow @Eptek.Centre, or visit peimuseum.com. 130 Heather Moyse Dr, Summerside.

Board games and hot chocolate

Teens aged 13–18 are invited to bring their friends for an afternoon full of board game fun at the Charlottetown Library on December 3 at 2 pm. Hot chocolate and snacks provided. 97 Queen St, Charlottetown.

Socialize and play a game of crokinole at the Summerside Library on December 11 at 2 pm. 57 Central St, Summerside.

The Charlottetown Scrabble Club will meet this month on December 23 and 30 from 5–8 pm at the Charlottetown Library. All ages and skill levels are welcome. Tips and cheat sheets are offered.

Participants should bring a Scrabble set if they have one, paper, and a pencil for scorekeeping. Admission is free. 97 Queen St, Charlottetown.

Bridge Basics 4

The course Bridge Basics 4: Play of the Deal will run for eight weeks on Thursdays from 9:30 am–12 noon starting January 9 at the Irish Cultural Centre on North River Road in Charlottetown. The course covers topics like how to make a plan when the player is a declarer in a notrump or suit contract. It looks at the various techniques available to establish the extra winners needed in notrump contracts and to eliminate the extra losers in a suit contract. It illustrates how to implement the plan through the order of card play and how to guard against the defenders interfering with one’s plan. The course curriculum is based on Audrey Grant’s latest book. An adult learning model will be used. The cost will be on a sliding scale based on the number of tables. To register, call 902368-8416 or email ray.teaches.bridge@ gmail.com.

The BUZZ December 2024 Page A29

Talking from Experiences by Ashleigh Tremere

Creating community

Creating in a collaborative setting has loads of psychological and physical benefits—you can look them up.

You’ll experience them even if you don’t think what you made is good, and you don’t need to turn it into a side hustle either. Create for the joy, community, and fun of it! Do it at the next Art Hive Pop Up hosted biweekly by Creative PEI. I took one of my daughters to do just that, doodling shovels and a teapot, while she did some abstract painting.

Art Hives can take various forms, but they share central themes and goals. They’re inviting spaces where people can make art, talk, and build community—all for free! Becca Griffin and Molly Lecco, Creative PEI members, started this “off-the-side-oftheir-desk” community engagement initiative for all those reasons. Their program is also for all ages, so you can take the whole family. You can bring along your own project or use the lovely donated supplies they have available for public use.

The space was full the evening we dropped in—they even had to break out some more chairs and tables. Chill instrumental music played in the background while people created and chatted. There were folks of all ages and skill levels, from well-known local artists to kids having a family date night. A wide variety of projects were happening, including collage-making, sewing, felting, origami, and of course, painting and drawing. It’s two hours of relaxed, joyful creating and community-building.

The daughter with me is at that age where she’s becoming self-conscious and starting to think she’s “not a good

ASHLEIGH TREMERE

Do you know what’s a great way to feel creative? Go hang out with other creative people. It can be intimidating, particularly if you don’t think of yourself as a creative person. Honestly, I don’t think that’s actually a thing, but I’ve heard loads of people say it about themselves. Everyone is creative in some way. You might have just had it trained out of you, or maybe you really weren’t that great, so you stopped having fun with it. A shame, I recommend you let that all go—it’ll be good for your brain and heart.

artist.” She was hesitantly applying little brushstrokes to the canvas when some other kids said they liked the colours she made. Almost immediately, she let go. She stopped trying to make her picture into something specific, started having fun with it, and even collaborated with the other kids. It was right sweet. I stopped caring that my shovels were all wonky and my teapot lid wasn’t centered too—which is kind of a feat when you’re sitting next to an artist whose work hangs in your bathroom at home.

Creative PEI has also started Art Night at The Guild, collaborating with various art collectives and organizations to offer free programming for artists and the wider community. You can check out their websites for all the details.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS! 902-620-3977 peigreencaucus.ca

Opposition Green Caucus

Page A30 The BUZZ December 2024

ISSUE# 372 • DECEMBER 2024

buzzpei.com @buzzpei Editor: Yanik Richards Editor: Michelle Ollerhead Website: Nakeesa Aghdasy Advertising: Adriane Gaudet Partners: Maggie Lillo (Ruby Square Graphic Design), Carly Martin (Hawthorne House Media)

& BEST WISHES FOR A HAPPY HOLIDAY! SEAN CASEY

MP Charlottetown 1-902-566-7770 sean.casey@parl.gc.ca

www.seancasey.ca

Contributors: Julie Bull, Sandy Kowalik, Dennis Ellsworth, David Gladstone, Frank Ledwell, Sean McQuaid, Takako Morita, JoDee Samuelson, Tara Reeves, Gary Schneider, Bren Simmers, Ashleigh Tremere

Office: 160 Richmond St, Charlottetown Mail: P.O. Box 1945, Charlottetown, PE C1A7N5 Phone: 902-628-1958 E-mail: info@buzzpei.com The Buzz is published monthly by Little Kit Bag Inc. The opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher or staff. Compensation for errors in advertising copy which are the proven responsibility of the publisher is limited to a maximum of the cost of the placement of the advertisement.

COVER:

What the Garden Couldn’t Swallow, 2024

by Sandy Kowalik—from an annual series of assemblages (2019–2024) which uses objects found on one small Charlottetown property. All six are currently on view at the Hilda Woolnough Gallery in Charlottetown.

Sandy Kowalik is a Fine Art honours graduate of the Ontario College of Art and holds a diploma in pottery from Holland College School of Visual Arts, PEI. A native of Hamilton, Ontario, she has made her permanent home in Charlottetown, PEI since 1986.

In addition to creating her own work, she has organized and participated in numerous exhibitions, taught, served on arts boards, curated exhibitions, managed art galleries, and researched/written about artists, in particular women artists.

Kowalik’s work can be found in the Canada Council Art Bank, Prince Edward Island Art Bank, Confederation Centre of the Arts permanent collection, as well as private collections worldwide.

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.

EARLY JANUARY BUZZ DEADLINE Tuesday, December 10

SERVING PEI SINCE 1981 masonry fireplace and chimney builds

factory built stainless steel chimneys and liners

wood stoves and fireplace inserts

sweeps and WETT Inspections

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The BUZZ December 2024 Page A31

VESEYS CHRISTMAS IS UNIQUE! AMAZING TREES AT GREAT PRICES NATIVITIES, PUZZLES, ORNAMENTS CHRISTMAS DÉCOR, GIFTS & MORE

10% of sales of our outstanding selection of artificial trees will go to support The Salvation Army’s Santa’s Workshop Fund.

THIS CHRISTMAS, SHOP OUTSIDE THE BOX 411 York Road (Route 25) Garden Centre: 902-368-7333 Equipment: 902-892-8873

Open Mon. through Sat. veseys.com veseysequipment.com

Page A32 The BUZZ December 2024

Christmas with all the fixins!

Live Music | Meet Santa and Santa Paws | Gift Wrapping | Festive Events and Workshops for Kids and Adults Pick Up Your Free Mall Holiday Gift Guide In Stores Now! www.confedcourtmall.com

EPEKWITK | PEI’S GUIDE TO WHAT’S GOING ON

Performance December 2024 Section B

Gift of the Magi (2023), Watermark Theatre (photo David Gladstone)

Page B2 The BUZZ December 2024

Gift of the Magi

storm’s a’brewin’

Holiday production returns to Watermark Theatre

a boyle family brewery story

PHOTOS SUBMITTED

A Christmas Party full of festive fun, music & stormy surprises

(L–R): Rebecca Parent, Jacob Hemphill and Alan Kinsella

NOV 17 - DEC 21 (SELECT DATES) Festive Old-Fashioned Christmas Buffet!

Enjoy roast turkey, ham, all the traditional trimmings, fresh salads, and a delicious dessert. Plus, an incredible show with lively music—sure to be the most fun you’ll have all year!

FOR INFORMATION & TICKETS

Reserve tickets at: www.feastdinnertheatres.com Group reservations of 20 plus the Box Office call: 902-436-7674 info@feastdinnertheatres.com

brothers restaurant • pub • dinner theatre

book now

www.feastdinnertheatres.com

Following a successful debut last year, Watermark Theatre is bringing back its heartwarming holiday production, The Gift of the Magi and Other Festive Stories, by Alan Kinsella and Robert Tsonos, to the stage in North Rustico, with performances running from December 13–22.

Starring Rebecca Parent and Jacob Hemphill, these timeless Christmas stories are full of songs, laughter, and well-known tales of the season that explore themes of love, sacrifice, and the spirit of giving.

Alan Kinsella started his career as an actor, debuting at the Abbey Theatre in Ireland. He has since directed over 100 productions, including Gary Duggan’s Dedalus Lounge and TransEuro Express, as well as Spike Productions’ Decadence. His most recent work is directing Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the Al Green Theatre in Toronto. Kinsella is also the artistic director of Markham Theatre’s Discovery Program.

Jacob Hemphill, a PEI native,

debuted at Watermark Theatre in 2018 and is no stranger to its stage. An actor, musician, and producer, his recent credits include Jersey Boys and Anne of Green Gables—The Musical™ (The Charlottetown Festival), The Play That Goes Wrong (Neptune Theatre), and multiple productions at Watermark Theatre, including Boeing Boeing and Crimes of The Heart.

Rebecca Parent has performed at Watermark Theatre for six seasons, with roles including Eliza Doolittle in Pygmalion and Juliet in Romeo and Juliet.

She has also directed A Christmas Carol and The Drawer Boy at Watermark.

Other acting credits include W in LUNGS (Kitbag Theatre) and Anne Shirley in Anne & Gilbert (The Guild).

As a director, she has worked on Loin du coeur (Sheatre) and multiple Kitbag Theatre productions. Parent is a co-founder of Kitbag Theatre.

Tickets can be purchased online at locarius.io/organizations/26 or by calling the box office at 902-963-3963.

Group rates are available.

An ALL-OUT Island Christmas

SPONSORED BY:

Harbourfront Players return to Summerside’s Harbourfront Theatre with An ALL-OUT Island Christmas, a brand-new festive comedy. Written by Karen Slater and Wayne Murphy, and directed by Marlane O’Brien, the show runs from December 12–14.

The MacLeod family counts down the days, but not everyone is ready for Christmas. Betty tries online dating, fame goes to Elroy’s head, and Leroy pulls out all the stops for the holidays.

And . . . Mum’s the word, but a certain star shines brightly.

Since 2008, Harbourfront Players has been delivering laughs with plays such as Calendar Girls, Opening Night, Bedtime Stories, Lights, Camera, Island!, Maggie’s Getting Married, and more.

An ALL-OUT Island Christmas stars Elaine Chessman, Vernon Campbell,

Harbourfront Players

Wayne Murphy, Brian Cole, Shelley Tamtom, Steph Betts, Thane Clarke, John Allen, Brian Matthie, and Karen Slater. harbourfronttheatre.com

DYLAN EVANS

A festive comedy by Harbourfront Players

The BUZZ December 2024 Page B3

Tell Tale Harbour

902 888 2500 harbourfronttheatre.com

Original Canadian musical returns to Charlottetown Festival

SUN, DEC 1

LENNIE GALLANT LOUISE VESSEY

The Innkeeper’s Christmas

FRI, DEC 6 & SAT, DEC 7

FANDANGO’S CAROLS AT CHRISTMAS

The cast of Tell Tale Harbour - Charlottetown Festival 2022

Tell Tale Harbour, an original Canadian musical starring Alan Doyle, is returning to The Charlottetown Festival next summer with a newly reworked production.

The musical, full of East Coast pride, made its world premiere at The 2022 Charlottetown Festival and completed a cross-province tour of Newfoundland and Labrador. Since then, it has been workshopped by its creative team in preparation for its 2025 return.

Once its summer run at The 2025 Charlottetown Festival concludes, Tell Tale Harbour will make its mainland debut in Toronto with co-producers David and Hannah Mirvish.

“The Charlottetown Festival has a long history of producing new Canadian musicals, and an important part of that process is to revisit works to help them evolve so that they can be shared on stages across the country,” says Adam Brazier, the Centre’s artistic director of performing arts and one of the co-creators of Tell Tale Harbour.

“The 2025 version of this musical is the same story audiences fell in love with, but the entire world has been reimagined with new characters, additional songs, more dancing, and fresh set and costume designs.”

The musical is co-written by Alan Doyle, known for his solo material and as a member of the band Great Big Sea. Doyle starred in the 2022 production and will return in the lead role for the 2025 performances.

Tell Tale Harbour tells the story of a struggling Atlantic fishing village looking for a miracle when an opportunity arises to bring a state-of-the-art frozen french fry facility to town. There’s just one major obstacle: to secure the factory, the harbour must have a full-time resident doctor. Realizing this might be their last chance to save their beloved

community, the townspeople come together to charm an interim doctor into moving there permanently.

The musical comedy celebrates the people, the trials, and the triumphs of living in a small community in Atlantic Canada. The musical is based on the screenplay The Grand Seduction (2013)

by Ken Scott and is co-created by Brazier, Doyle, Bob Foster, and Edward Riche. The 2025 production will be directed by Brian Hill, with choreography by Tracey Flye.

Tell Tale Harbour will run from June 14–August 29, 2025, at the Sobey Family Theatre.

Playing alongside Tell Tale Harbour at The 2025 Charlottetown Festival is the popular jukebox musical Million Dollar Quartet. The show is set on December 4, 1956, when an extraordinary true-life twist of fate brought Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins together at Sun Records in Memphis. Their first and only time playing together would go down as one of the greatest jam sessions in the history of rock and roll.

This smash-hit show brings that legendary night to life with an irresistible tale of broken promises, secrets, betrayal, and celebrations. The score features hit songs that defined an era, including “Blue Suede Shoes,” “I Walk the Line,” “Great Balls of Fire,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” and more. Million Dollar Quartet has been staged around the world, including at The 2017 Charlottetown Festival.

Million Dollar Quartet will run from June 17–August 30, 2025, at the Sobey Family Theatre.

Tickets for The 2025 Charlottetown Festival are on sale now at confederationcentre.com/festival25.

The 2025 Charlottetown Festival will also feature shows at The Mack, to be announced at a later date.

With The Singing Christmas Tree

THUR, DEC 12 – SAT, DEC 14

Photo by Dylan Evans

SAT, DEC 28

THE HANK WILLIAMS

TRIBUTE SHOW

Hosted by The Island Jubilee Old Time Radio Music Show

SUN, DEC 29

DUFFLEBAG THEATRE’S

PETER PAN

GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE! Any denomination

A Kings Christmas Ledwell & Haines show in Georgetown—Dec 15 On December 15 at 2 pm, comedian Patrick Ledwell will join musician Mark Haines to present A Kings Christmas at Kings Playhouse in Georgetown.

Ledwell and Haines created an Island tradition with their popular show, The Island Summer Review. They will bring that charming blend of comedy and music to this holiday-themed show, full of Yuletide memories, melodies, and memorable mishaps.

Ledwell will perform comedy and slideshows exploring a range of helpful seasonal topics, from the dangers of traditional Christmas candy to pitfalls to avoid when re-gifting last year’s presents.

Haines will bring his multi-instrumental talents to the stage, re-imagining Christmas favourites on guitar, fiddle, and piano.

Tickets are available by calling 902652-2053, at kingsplayhouse.com, or at the door one hour before showtime.

Storm’s A’Brewin’ Feast Dinner Theatres Storm’s A’Brewin’—A Boyle Family Brewery Story continues at Rodd Charlottetown and Brothers 2 in Summerside on select dates until December 21.

The new holiday production by Feast Dinner Theatres is a Christmas party featuring lively music and an old-fashioned Christmas buffet.

Visit feastdinnertheatres.com to reserve tickets. For group rates, email info@feastdinnertheatres.com or phone 902-436-7674.

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof ACT presents Tennessee Williams play in January As ACT (A Community Theatre) prepares to celebrate 30 years of producing high-quality community theatre in Prince Edward Island, it will present Tennessee Williams’ Cat on a Hot Tin Roof this January at The Guild in Charlottetown.

Hailed as one of the greatest plays of the 20th century, this Pulitzer Prize-winning drama will be a fitting launch for ACT’s milestone anniversary season.

Set on a 1950s Southern plantation, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof follows the Pollitt family as they gather for Big Daddy’s birthday. Beneath the celebration, buried secrets and simmering tensions erupt, with Brick, a Adam Gauthier as Brick and Teresa Wright guilt-ridden ex-athlete, and as Maggie the cat Maggie, his determined wife, at the heart of the turmoil. classic,” says Whelan. “Its exploration The cast includes Teresa Wright of complex relationships and human as Maggie, Adam Gauthier as Brick, frailty is timeless, and our cast is Paul Whelan as Big Daddy, Barbara certainly rising to the challenge with Rhodenhizer as Big Mama, Mike commitment and heart.”

Mallaley as Gooper, Amanda Rae Mallaley, who is also juggling many Donovan as Mae, Aidan Gallant as Rev. hats in this production as co-producer, Tooker, and Terry Pratt as Dr. Baugh. assistant director and actor, brings Director Paul Whelan, stage manextensive experience to the show, havager Wallena Higgins and co-producing been involved in over 50 stage and ers Mike Mallaley and Colin Hood film productions. have been delighted with the evolution “Rehearsals have been a joy, with of the characters coming to life in the cast bringing unique perspectives rehearsals as the cast has embraced and real talent to this complex show,” their challenging roles.

Mallaley says. “What better way to Whelan, a seasoned figure in Island mark ACT’s 30th anniversary than theatre with a career spanning work with a timeless classic that explores in both professional and community themes as powerful today as they were productions, is excited to be taking on when it was written?” the role of director and actor in this Performances will take place production. While it is no small feat, it January 17–19 and 23–25, 2025, at The is the fulfillment of a lifelong dream.

Guild in Charlottetown. Tickets are “This play is a masterpiece, and available at eventbrite.com/e/cat-onI’ve long dreamed I could be part of a-hot-tin-roof-presented-by-act-ticka staging of this Tennessee Williams ets-1078190028399.

December Line Up Dec 6th Friday 6-9 Kevin Arthur Dec7th Saturday John MacAller Dec 14th Saturday 6-9 Brian Dunn

161 ST. PETERS RD CHARLOTTETOWN, PE 902-892-8810 WWW.RAZZYSROADHOUSE.CA

Dec 21st Saturday 7 to 10 J-ROD Karaoke and Trivia; Win Molson Prizes BOXING DAY THURSDAY Dec 26th 2 to 5 Karaoke and Trivia with J-Rod Prizes from Molson Dec 27th Friday 6-9 Kevin Arthur Dec 28th Saturday Dash & Rip Rocks 7 to 10

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Page B4 The BUZZ December 2024

The BUZZ December 2024 Page B5

Peter Pan

TWO INCREDIBLE CHORAL PERFORMANCES

TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW

DuffleBag Theatre at Habourfront and Kings Playhouse

CARRY THE LIGHT DECEMBER 14, 2024 11:30am | Memorial Hall

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Festive favourites DuffleBag Theatre (Snow White, Robin Hood), return to PEI on December 29 with their latest fun-filled festive treat, Peter Pan. They will perform at Harbourfront Theatre in Summerside at 2 pm, followed by a performance at Kings Playhouse in Georgetown at 6 pm. Full of their trademark humour and audience participation, this acclaimed touring company will bring to life this classic tale with magic pixies, charming pirates, and talking trees.

Since 1992, DuffleBag Theatre has traveled the globe with their original adaptations of fairy tales and classic stories, performing over 600 shows annually at theatres, schools, and festivals across North America and beyond. With wit and humour for all ages, DuffleBag creates theatrical magic by inviting audience members to star in the show.

The result is an exciting, interactive, and unique experience for all. In 2018, they were awarded Artistic Company of the Year by the BC Touring Council. harbourfronttheatre.com kingsplayhouse.com

EARLY JANUARY BUZZ DEADLINE Tuesday, December 10

DAWN ON OUR DARKNESS DECEMBER 20, 2024 7:30pm | Memorial Hall

confederationcentre.com/live-at-the-centre

Don’t miss two unforgettable musicals on stage next summer.

TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

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Tell Tale Harbour returns in a reimagined production, starring Alan Doyle See it for the first time or see it again – with fresh new songs, new characters, and even more to love in this story of community, laughter, and resilience.

Experience the thrill of Million Dollar Quartet, the iconic true-life meeting of Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Johnny Cash; packed with legendary hits like “Blue Suede Shoes”, “Folsom Prison Blues”, and “Great Balls of Fire”.

Million Dollar Quarter is presented in arrangement with Theatrical Rights Worldwide, New York.

Confederation Centre of the Arts presents Tell Tale Harbour in a co-production with David and Hannah Mirvish.

FOR MORE

DETAILS

confederationcentre.com/festival25

MORE ONLY UNTIL NOON DEC. 24

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Page B6 The BUZZ December 2024

Review by Sean McQuaid

Slice of Afterlife The Weir Watermark Theatre, North Rustico November 14, 2024 Even with Halloween behind us, November is a spooky month—darkening skies, descending temperatures, dying leaves—so it’s a good time for spooky stories. ACT leans into that seasonal vibe again this year with The Weir, an acclaimed drama penned by Irish playwright Conor McPherson in 1997.

Set in a rural bar near the town Carrick-on-Shannon in the northern Irish county of Leitrim, The Weir (named for a local river’s dam referenced in the play) takes place in a single blustery night, during which five people swap eerie stories over drinks. The conversation becomes doubly haunting as personal traumas and regrets gradually mix with the ghost stories and tales of local folklore.

The Weir is structurally reminiscent of the great British horror film Dead of Night (1945), another script in which a group of people take turns telling scary stories. Comparatively naturalistic and rooted in a much firmer sense of place, The Weir is a more grounded, nuanced and low-key affair. This subdued approach makes the play seem more real, and sometimes much more moving, but with less dramatic flair given The Weir’s scant plot and quietly anticlimactic ending. McPherson himself has described his play as “just people talking.”

Like ACT’s 2023 production of West Moon, The Weir is a spooky smalltown story with resonance for PEI. The men of this play are mostly lifelong residents of a small community that’s getting smaller and more isolated as the years go by, an uncomfortably familiar concept for many Islanders. It’s part of what makes McPherson’s storytellers lonely on both micro and macro levels, oft-solitary people rooted in an ever more lonesome landscape. A streak

of melancholy ripples persistently through the script and its characters.

Those characters include bar owner Brendan (played here by Malachi Rowswell), local garage mechanic Jack (Brian Matthie), local handyman Jim (Sam Edgcomb), prosperous married businessman Finbar Mack (Ryan Whitty) and intriguing newcomer Valerie (Laura Stapleton), a young lady from Dublin who has just moved into a nearby house. The men reminisce about their shared past and vie for Valerie’s attention, trying to impress her or spook her with their dark tales, though the talk grows more personal and confessional as the night wears on.

Stapleton gives the best performance of the evening, aided by having the juiciest role in the play. The whole cast are capable and have an easy rapport with each other, essential to the feel of the piece, though occasional lapses in articulation or projection can make parts of the dialogue tricky to follow with everyone speaking in accented Irish dialects.

Producer Carter Baird, director Gordon Cobb and stage manager/ set designer Sharon MacDonald dress and furnish the Watermark stage just enough to conjure the key components of Brendan’s bar, and Pat Caron’s intermittent windy sound effects add a little atmosphere.

Adele Thomas, director of a 2017 touring production of The Weir, once cautioned that the script is “so hyper naturalistic, it can very easily become a mumbley play about people in a pub.”

Cobb and company mostly avoid that here. There are static stretches where it feels like we spend a bit too long with the players chatting in profile upstage, but the blocking gets a little looser over the course of the night to the show’s benefit; and thanks in large part to some able actors, ACT’s production of The Weir conveys much of the play’s humour, humanity and heart.

The BUZZ December 2024 Page B7

Supporting playwrights

YOU ARE INVITED TO THE

Three projects in the works at Watermark Theatre

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15 AT 6:30 PM (doors open at 6pm) AT THE CYMBRIA LIONS CLUB (2184 Church Street, Rustico) MEAT PIE AND PEI’S BEST TRADITIONAL AT PIE WILL BE AWARDED! BEST NON-TRADITIONAL ME

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“I’m honoured to be Watermark’s first ever Playwright in Residence,” says Brynn. “As an Island writer, it’s an incredible opportunity to focus on developing my work right here at home. It means a lot that Watermark wants to nurture my growth as an artist through this residency, and it’s so exciting to have Island theatres supporting new work creation.”

TICKET PRICE INCLUDES TWO HANDPIES FROM THE HANDPIE COMPANY

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Watermark Theatre is supporting three projects by PEI playwrights, funded

by Innovation PEI’s Encore! The Prince Edward Island Theatre Revitalization Program. The company is commissioning a new play, providing dramaturgical support for another, and hosting its first-ever Playwright in Residence.

Playwrights Melissa Mullen and Rob MacLean have been commissioned to write a new play based on Making it Home, the memoir of J. Angus MacLean, a decorated World War II veteran, politician, federal cabinet minister, and provincial premier.

Playwright Jack King will receive dramaturgical support for his musical The Yankee Gale, set during the 1851 storm that became the worst maritime disaster to hit Prince Edward Island’s shores. He will collaborate with dramaturge Pamela Halstead and musician Greg Simm.

Brynn Cutcliffe will join the theatre as its first-ever Playwright in Residence. They will work on their new play Waiting for Her and receive dramaturgical support from Watermark’s artistic director. The residency is also supported by a PEI Arts Grant.

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Page B8 The BUZZ December 2024

Carols at Christmas Fandango Players production at Harbourfront Theatre Summerside’s Harbourfront Theatre welcomes back community theatre company Fandango Musical Players for the third production on their stage in two years: Carols at Christmas with The Singing Christmas Tree, on December 6 and 7.

This musical Christmas extravaganza, featuring a 25-foot-tall Singing Christmas Tree, will include dance, singing, and a selection of classic carols and festive favourites such as“O Holy Night,” “Silent Night“ (including audience participation), “Huron Carol,”

DANCING Downstreet programming

Dance class programming continues at Downstreet Dance this month. Tuesday classes are Bellydancing at 6:30 pm and All Levels 1940’s Swing at 7:30 pm.

Wednesday classes include Intermediate Tango at 5:30 pm and Beginner Tango at 6:40 pm. Thursday classes include Fosse Burlesque at 7:30 pm. Saturday classes include Intro to West Coast Swing at 5 pm, West Coast Swing Fundamentals at 5 pm, West Coast Swing Choreography at 6 pm, and West Coast Swing Level 1 at 7 pm. Downstreet Dance is a full non-profit studio offering solo and couples classes for ages 18+. 101 Grafton St, 2nd floor, Charlottetown. downstreetdance.com

Dance studio volunteers

Volunteers are needed to help keep things running smoothly at Downstreet Dance, a full non-profit studio in Charlottetown. Once everyone is signed

“Wexford Carol,” “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus,” and more. And of course, Santa himself will make a special appearance.

Fandango Musical Players is a notfor-profit community theatre company dedicated to bringing quality programming to Summerside. harbourfronttheatre.com

in for classes, volunteers are welcome to join for free. Hours can be credited for different volunteer programs. Learn more at the next volunteer information meeting on December 7 at 3:30 pm. Visit downstreetdance.com to fill out a volunteer form prior to attending. 101 Grafton St, 2nd floor, Charlottetown.

Holiday music and movement class for children

On December 15, Madame Abbey and Miss Kristen (Blossoming Heart Yoga) are hosting Giggle All the Way: A Holiday Music & Yoga Celebration for children ages 6 and under, along with their caregivers, at The Nest in Charlottetown. The interactive class includes singing holiday songs, playing new instruments, dancing, and enjoying gentle yoga stretches before wrapping up with a merry bubble dance party. Festive attire is encouraged. There are three time slots for the 45-minute classes: 9 am, 10:15 am, and 11:30 am. Visit thenestpei.com/drop-in to pre-register. The Nest is located in the Owl’s Hollow building, 95 Capital Dr, Charlottetown.

Downstreet Dance

This month’s social dance at Downstreet Dance in Charlottetown will be held on December 15 from 8–10 pm. These dances are an opportunity to practice the skills and moves learned in class and to see what else the dance world has to offer. All levels and styles of dance are welcome. 101 Grafton St, 2nd floor, Charlottetown. downstreetdance.com

Taylor Swift Dance Party

Families can make friendship bracelets and show off their best dance moves at the Taylor Swift Dance Party in the Children’s Room at the Charlottetown Library on January 2 from 10–11 am. 97 Queen St, Charlottetown.

The BUZZ December 2024 Page B9

LIVE @ the Centre

LIVE @ the Centre continues this month with performances from beloved Atlantic Canadian performers.

After a sold out run of 70 Mile Yard Sale at The 2024 Charlottetown Festival, Island comedian and storyteller Justin Shaw returns to The Mack with another solo show full of holiday havoc. Playing December 5 and 6, A Creature is Stirring: A Christm-ish Comedy tells the painfully true story of Shaw’s first Christmas in the big city— and being trapped in his home with a rodent. The wild tale is tied together with hilarious stories from past relationships, growing up on PEI, and his travels across Canada.

From family kitchens to St. John’s pubs to major festivals, folk group The Irish Descendants has shared the music of their ancestors for over 30 years.

With a mix of music, storytelling, and wit, the band delivers vivid memories of who they are and where they come from. They bring a special holiday show to the Sobey Family Theatre on December 7.

Island singer-songwriter and multiaward-winning entertainer Lennie Gallant returns to the Sobey Family Theatre on December 21 with his holiday show. The performance is full of original seasonal songs, holiday favourites, heart-warming stories, and visuals in a multimedia presentation.

A Green Gables Christmas Family festivities in Cavendish The third annual Christmas event at Green Gables takes place on November 30 and December 1, featuring live musical entertainment.

Each day offers unique music and activities designed for younger audiences, including Tunes & Tall

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LOUISE VESSEY

Celebrate the holidays with music and laughter

(top): The Confederation Singers. (bottom): Con O’Brien (left) and Rowan Sherlock of The Irish Descendants

Gallant will be joined by Acadian musician Patricia Richard, pianist Julien Robichaud, and fiddler Marie Andrée Gaudet.

The Confederation Centre of the Arts choirs will offer two holiday performances in Memorial Hall. On December 14, the Confederation Youth Chorus presents Carry the Light—a winter concert that explores the joys (and struggles) of learning new things, along with familiar seasonal songs in a celebration of the light that shines in each of us. On December 20, the Confederation Singers present Dawn on Our Darkness—a winter concert featuring seasonal favourites and exploring the journey from darkness into dawn, whether by a star in the east, the growing light of the sun, or the warmth of family and friends.

Tickets can be purchased online at confederationcentre.com, via phone at 902-566-1267, or in person at the Centre’s box office.

Tales, UPEI Carolers, Montgomery’s Birthday Celebration, The Nest with Madame Abbey, a group dance with the Historical Dance Society, and more.

This family-friendly event also provides a chance to explore Green Gables Heritage Place and trails, Anne’s house—decorated for the holidays— and enjoy festive attractions like a cookie decorating station, hot cider, hot chocolate, a snow globe light display, a DIY photo booth, a coloring station, historic Christmas crafts with the Bedeque Museum, and a mini workshop with Kool Breeze Farms.

Friday December 20 7:30 pm

Confederation Centre Tickets: confederationcentre.com or 902-566-1267 or 1(800)565-0278

barramacneils.com

PRODUCTIONS

A Brookes Diamond Production

Mysterium Luminos Ensemble at St. Paul’s—Dec 14

Luminos Ensemble

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Page B10 The BUZZ December 2024

Luminos Ensemble presents Mysterium, an intimate Christmas meditation, on December 14 at 7:30 pm at St. Paul’s in Charlottetown.

Luminos Ensemble’s Mysterium is a candlelit meditation on Christmas, providing a moment of reflection and peace in a hectic season. This intimate and immersive musical experience features the 16 exquisite voices of PEI’s

ECMA-winning professional choir.

They sing an enchanting and diverse selection of seasonal music including plainchant, traditional favourites like “O Holy Night,” “Silent Night,” and audience favourite “Ave Maria” by Franz Biebl. Mysterium is a concert to soothe the hurried soul.

Tickets are available at luminosensemble.com or at the door.

A Very Forte Christmas

movie. Imaginative settings of traditional carols, including “Good King Wenceslas,” “Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming,” “O Come, Emmanuel,” “In the Bleak Midwinter,” and “Angels We Have Heard on High,” will also be featured. The lively drinking song “Wassail” and a playful version of “Deck the Halls” promise to catch attendees off guard, and there will be some good old-fashioned audience sing-alongs as well.

Forte is a 16-member choir known for its uniquely warm blend of male (TTBB) voices. The ensemble is directed

by Dr. Margot Rejskind, accompanied

by Jacqueline Sorenson Young, with guest cellist Matthieu Hughes.

Admission is cash-only at the door.

For more information, visit @peimenschoir on FB, email islandchoralsociety@gmail.com, or call 902-628-6778.

Forte Men’s Choir at Kirk of St. James—Dec 15 The annual Advent concert A Very Forte Christmas, featuring the Forte Men’s Choir, will take place at the Kirk of St. James in Charlottetown on December 15 at 2 pm.

The program includes surprising arrangements like “Little Drummer Boy” and “Peace on Earth,” as sung by David Bowie and Bing Crosby, along with contemporary pieces such as Laura Farnell’s “A Gift for the King” and “Believe” from The Polar Express

Swingin’ Into Christmas 18-piece band, crooners, dancers and more—Dec 12 & 13 The holiday family show, Swingin’ Into Christmas, will be on stage at the Scott MacAulay Performing Arts Centre in Summerside on December 12 and 13 at 7:30 pm.

The show boasts an 18-piece band,

Christmas crooners, dancers, and more delivering favourite holiday songs from Frank Sinatra to Brian Setzer.

Attendees will be treated to classics like “White Christmas,” “Winter Wonderland,” “Feliz Navidad,” “Blue Christmas,” “I’ll Be Home For Christmas,” “Rockin Around The Christmas Tree” and more, all delivered by a cast of over 25 performers.

The cast includes members of the Charlottetown Jazz Ensemble, Aron Scott, Carrie MacLellan, and the modern dance company from the College of Piping. collegeofpiping.com

The BUZZ December 2024 Page B11

PEI String Collective

A Glorious Christmas

Orchestra welcomes guest Noah Malcolm—Dec 7

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On December 7 at 2:30 pm, the PEI String Collective will present its Autumn concert at St. Paul’s in Charlottetown, featuring the PEI premiere of Shostakovich’s “String Quartet No. 8” (string orchestra version). Written in 1960 and dedicated to the “victims of fascism and war,” this powerful piece feels especially relevant in today’s uncertain and tense times.

The orchestra will also welcome special guest Noah Malcolm, who will perform several of his songs, including new releases “January” and “Cereal,” with custom string arrangements written

by Natalie Williams Calhoun.

With five Music PEI and two ECMA nominations in 2024, Noah Malcolm will perform with custom string Island singer-songwriter Noah arrangements Malcolm is making his mark.

He has appeared at M for Montreal, “Ghost Milonga” by Jonathan Geer, and Lunenburg Folk Fest, Cavendish “The Merry Go Round of Life” from Beach Music Festival, JUNOFest, and Howl’s Moving Castle by Joe Hisaishi. the ECMA’s, and performed with the Admission is by free-will donation, PEI Symphony Orchestra. In addition supporting the orchestra and their to his folk-pop solo work, Malcolm is guest artist. a versatile songwriter with CYMBA The PEI String Collective is a Music, attending song camps in community-funded string orchestra Lunenburg, Toronto, Madrid, and comprising professional string playHelsinki. An active composer, he ers, music students, and community has scored numerous short films, TV amateurs. Founded in 2021 as part of scores, and his first feature-length the UPEI Music Department, it transifilm in 2023 (Paramount Plus). He is tioned to a community orchestra this currently working on his debut fullyear. With members coming from as far length album. afield as Morell and Summerside, the The program will also include orchestra rehearses once weekly with “Experience” by Ludovico Einaudi, conductor Natalie Williams Calhoun.

May the Fourth Be With You PEI Symphony Orchestra presents The Music of Star Wars The PEI Symphony Orchestra (PEISO), in collaboration with Confederation Centre of the Arts, will present May the Fourth Be With You: The Music of Star Wars on May 4, 2025 in the Sobey Family Theatre at 3 pm. Concert-goers are invited to the pre-concert chat from 2–2:30 pm.

Under the baton of PEISO Music Director Jaelem Bhate, audiences will be transported to a galaxy far, far away, as the orchestra brings to life the beloved themes of “Imperial March,” “Across the Stars,” “Battle of the Heroes,” “Duel of the Fates,” “Princess Leia’s Theme,” and more.

Unique to May the Fourth Be With You is the exploration of music from across

Summerside Community Choir at Trinity United—Dec 15

Summerside Community Choir will present its annual Christmas concert, A Glorious Christmas Celebration, on December 15 at 3 pm at Trinity United in Summerside.

Under the direction of John Wervers, the concert will feature musical guests, the Island Brass Quartet and the Greenfield Gator Choir.

Wervers took over as musical director earlier this fall, and working with him has been a wonderful experience, says Judy Logan, president of the choir.

This annual event promises to be a highlight of the season, offering an array of heartwarming songs to get the audience in the holiday spirit.

Doors open at 2:30 pm. Tickets are available at the door, with free admission for children under the age of 12.

For updates, follow on FB @summersidechoir or visit summersidechoir.ca.

the franchise, as well as the classical repertoire that inspired them. To that end, in recognition of the role that classical music had to play as inspiration to John Williams in his composition of his iconic soundtracks, the PEISO will perform excerpts of parallel classical works including pieces by Tchaikovsky, Strauss, and Stravinsky.

Note: this concert is not paired with any official movie clips.

The Star Wars film score, performed by orchestras across the world for decades, is known for its soaring melodies, powerful motifs, and emotional depth.

Ticket are on sale now at the box office (902-566-1267) and online at confederationcentre.com.

EARLY JANUARY BUZZ DEADLINE Tuesday, December 10

SCAN FOR OPENING DETAILS! 690 UNIVERSITY AVE., CHARLOTTETOWN, PE TOMMYGUNS.COM

Page B12 The BUZZ December 2024

PERFORMANCE music, theatre, dance, comedy…

Mondays | 8 pm

Rat Tales Comedy Night Baba’s Lounge, Charlottetown

until Dec 21 | select dates

Storm’s A’Brewin’—A Boyle Family Brewery Story

Feast Dinner Theatres. Rodd Charlottetown and Brothers 2, Summerside

Dec 1 | 2 pm

The Island Jubilee Old Time Music Radio Show Christmas Special. Season premiere.

Florence Simmons Performance Hall, Charlottetown

Dec 1 | 2 pm

Winsloe United Christmas Ceilidh Ft. guests The 4 Hearts and Jack with host Jacinta MacDonald. Florence Simmons Winsloe United, Winsloe

Dec 1 | 2 :30pm

Second Chances Band Holiday Concert Dr. Steel Recital Hall, UPEI, Charlottetown

Dec 1 | 7 pm

Brass the Halls Ft. the Great George Street Brass Band.

Zion Presbyterian, Charlottetown

Dec 1 | 7 pm

Phase II: A Rockin’ Island Christmas West River United, Cornwall

Dec 1 | 7 pm

Island Christmas Traditions

Ft. Kendall Docherty & Friends. St. Mark’s, Charlottetown

Dec 1 | 7:30 pm

Lennie Gallant Christmas Tour 2024

Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside

Dec 3 | 7:30 pm

UPEI Jazz Ensemble

UPEI Performing Arts Centre, Charlottetown

Dec 5 | 8 pm

Island Jazz: Holland College SOPA Showcase Baba’s Lounge, Charlottetown

Dec 5–6 | 8 pm

A Creature is Stirring: A Christm-ish Comedy

Dec 7 | 7:30 pm

Christmas with The Irish Descendants

Sobey Family Theatre, Charlottetown

Dec 7| 8 pm

Jingle & Mingle Ft. Kim Albert & Faces with Tip-Er-Back.

Red Shores Charlottetown

Ft. Justin Shaw. The Mack, Charlottetown

Dec 8 | 2 pm

Dec 5–7 | 8 pm

College of Piping, Summerside

Harmony House Holiday Kitchen Party Ft Alicia Toner, Mike Ross, Brielle Ansems, Trevor Grant, Carlie Howell and Joce Reyome. Harmony House, Hunter River

Dec 5–8 | 8 pm

Ledwell & Haines: A Trailside Christmas Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Dec 6 | 7 pm

Dave Gunning & J.P. Cormier The Fiddling Fisher Lookout, Souris

Dec 6 | 7 pm , Dec 7 | 1 pm

Christmas Winter Recital Dec 8 | 2 pm

Holiday Festival Concert

Village musical acadien, Abram-Village

Dec 8 | 2 pm

Fiddlers’ Sons Christmas

St. Andrews Presbyterian, Cardigan

Dec 8 | 2:30 pm

UPEI Concert Choir: A European Christmas Dr. Steel Recital Hall, UPEI, Charlottetown

Dec 13 | 8 pm

Sarah Hagen: Night Music St. Paul’s, Charlottetown

Dec 13 | 7 pm

Elf: The Musical

Revolution Dance Studio. Florence Simmons Performance Hall, Charlottetown

Dec 13 | 8 pm

Tip ‘Er Back Christmas

Irish Cultural Centre, Charlottetown

Dec 13, 14, 21 | 7:30 pm Dec 14, 15, 21, 22 | 1 pm

The Gift of the Magi and Other Festive Stories

Watermark Theatre, North Rustico

Dec 14 | 11:30 am

Confederation Youth Chorus: Carry the Light Confederation Centre Memorial Hall, Charlottetown

Dec 14 | 7 pm

Harmonia Youth Choir: Stars Tonight

Elf: The Musical

Dec 8 | 3 pm

Dec 6–7 | 7:30 pm

Ft. the Island Choral Society with members of the Luminos Chamber Orchestra, and soloists Georgia Edwards, Lindsay Connolly, Ian Solomon, and Brodie MacRae. St. Paul’s, Charlottetown

Harmonia Youth Choir: Stars Tonight

Fandango Musical Players. Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside

Dec 10 | 8 pm

Fiddlers’ Sons Christmas

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Dec 14 | 7:30 pm

Revolution Dance Studio. Florence Simmons Performance Hall, Charlottetown

Carols at Christmas with The Singing Christmas Tree

Dec 7 | 2:30 pm

PEI String Collective

With special guest Noah Malcolm. St. Paul’s, Charlottetown

Dec 7 | 2 pm

Ole’ Fashioned Celtic Christmas

Messiah and More: Christmas Joy

Holland College SoPA: Rock & Country Night

16-member Ukrainian folk group.

Florence Simmons Performance Hall, Charlottetown

Island Jazz: Caedda Enright Dec 12–13 | 7:30 pm

Swingin’ Into Christmas

Scott MacAulay Performing Arts Centre, Summerside

Dec 12–14 | 7:30 pm Dec 14 | 2 pm

An ALL-OUT Island Christmas!

Harbourfront Players. Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside

Dec 7 | 7 pm

Dec 12–14 | 8 pm

16-member Ukrainian folk group.

Florence Simmons Performance Hall, Charlottetown

Ft Alicia Toner, Mike Ross, Brielle Ansems, Trevor Grant, Carlie Howell and Joce Reyome. Harmony House, Hunter River

Gerdan: Never Mind The Night Tour

Souris Show Hall, Souris

Dec 14 | 7:30 pm

Baba’s Lounge, Charlottetown

Gerdan: Never Mind The Night Tour

Dec 14 | 7:30 pm

With Gizmo. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Two Hours Traffic

Dec 7 | 7 pm

Dec 7 | 7 pm

Park Royal United, Charlottetown

Noël Lounge with Lina Boudreau

Ft. Salt Water Dollies. Crapaud Hall

Donations and Toy Drive for Santa’s Angels. Ft. Todd MacLean, Justin Simard & Liam Kearney. Delta Prince Edward, Charlottetown

Dec 14 | 7 pm

Dec 11 | 8 pm

Dec 12 | 8 pm

Coming Home for Christmas

Park Royal United, Charlottetown

Harmony House Holiday Kitchen Party

La Bell-Alliance, Summerside

Luminos Ensemble: Mysterium St. Paul’s, Charlottetown

Dec 14 | 8 pm

Tyler Shaw Christmas

Florence Simmons Performance Hall, Charlottetown

Dec 14 | 7:30 pm

A Winter’s Night: The Sounds of the Season Craig Fair Productions. King’s Playhouse, Georgetown

Dec 15 | 2 pm

A Kings Christmas With Mark Haines and Patrick Ledwell.

Kings Playhouse, Georgetown

…continued on page B16

The BUZZ December 2024 Page B13

Island Jubilee returns

RIKI SULIS

The Island Jubilee Old Time Radio Music Show opens its season premiere with a Christmas Special at 2 pm on December 1 at the Florence Simmons Performance Hall in Charlottetown, featuring special guests Nudie, Keira Loane, and Grace Sulis-Chaisson, along with the Jubilee All Stars.

Leading the guest stars is Nudie, a beloved member of the Jubilee All Stars family. He returns for an occassional special guest appearance, sharing his charm and smooth baritone vocals. Since the inception of the Island Jubilee, he has served as bassist and lead singer, significantly shaping the show’s signature sound.

Keira Loane, a country music singer-songwriter based in Kilmuir, PEI, originally hails from Cape Breton, NS. Known for her powerful voice and emotional songwriting, she has made a notable impact on the local music scene, both as a solo artist and with her band, Keira Loane & the Commons.

Grace Sulis-Chaisson, a 15-year-old step dancer trained under Samantha Hughes, is the 2024 Grand Champion of the provincial finals dance competition in Abram-Village, PEI. The Island Jubilee Old Time Radio Music Show transports audiences back to the golden age of radio. Hosted by Janet McGarry and Serge Bernard, the show features the Jubilee All Stars, including Thomas Webb on steel guitar, Bobby McIsaac on acoustic and electric guitar, Courtney HoganChandler on fiddle, Johnny Ross on piano, and Jason Burbine on bass.

SUBMITTED

Season premieres with a Christmas Special

Keira Loane (top) and Grace Sulis-Chaisson

There will be a 50/50 draw and a guitar raffle, with proceeds going to the QEH Foundation at the end of the season.

All performances are recorded for broadcast on Tantramar 107.9FM CFTA, and previous recordings will be available at tantramarfm.ca.

Tickets are available at ticketpro.ca, in person at the box office, or by phone at 1-888-311-9090. islandjubilee.com

Richard Wood & Friends Richard Wood & Friends: East Coast Kitchen Party will take place at St. Paul’s in Charlottetown on January 31.

Doors open at 6:30 pm, with the show starting at 7 pm.

Now in its fifth year, the concert will feature five-time ECMA and multiple Music PEI award-winner Richard Wood, along with friends Brent Chaisson and Ward MacDonald, as well as special guests Brooke MacArthur, Dylan Menzie, Jill Chandler, and Roger Stone. Guest dancer Jordan Chowen and Samuel Richard, the 2022-23 College of Piping Wood Family Fiddle Award recipient, will also take the stage.

Richard Wood Wood organized the first Richard Wood & Friends show in 2021. His goal was to bring the community together during the pandemic and provide fellow musicians, venues, and techs with much-needed support.

Advance tickets can be purchased online at rwood.ca or by phone at 902330-3293. Hotel packages are available at The Great George Hotel by calling 800-361-1118.

STEWART MACLEAN

East Coast Kitchen Party at St. Paul’s in January

Page B14 The BUZZ December 2024

Sirens and Harmonia

GLORIA! Christmas at the Basilica—Dec 17

Sirens Choral Association (SCA) recently announced the 12th season of Sirens and the 10th season of Harmonia Youth Choir. With a diverse range of concerts, this season promises to be a journey through the rich tapestry of vocal harmony.

SCA Artistic Director Kelsea McLean says, “This year, we are especially excited to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Harmonia Youth Choir—a milestone that fills us with pride. As artistic director, my goal is to celebrate the skills and talents of our incredible singers, reigniting excitement for our concerts here on PEI. Our 2024-25 season embraces a return to our roots and a celebration of simplicity. You can look forward to performances featuring beloved pieces from our album Boundless, along with a fresh rendition of Katerina Gimon’s Elements, which we last performed a few seasons ago.

By revisiting these pieces, we highlight the timeless Sirens and Harmonia sound that keeps our audiences coming back for more.”

Harmonia kicks off the season with Stars Tonight on December 14 at 7 pm. This heartwarming program celebrates light and hope, featuring Seal Lullaby by Eric Whitacre, White Winter Hymnal by Pentatonix, and Tracy Wong’s Fly. On January 25 at 7:30 pm, Sirens presents Longing for Light. This reflective program explores the search for warmth and brightness in the winter darkness, with highlights like

LESLIE EVISON

St. Dunstan’s Basilica’s annual Christmas spectacular will take place on December 17 at 7 pm. Featuring 45 voices and a 35-piece orchestra under the direction of Leo Marchildon, this concert brings together musicians of all denominations from across the Island to celebrate the season.

This year’s theme, “GLORIA!,” highlights John Rutter’s dramatic 20-minute “Gloria,” which uses the Latin text as a springboard for a blend of rhythmic fanfare and cerebral transcendence. Also on the program is “The Wonders of His Love,” a contemporary cantata which has become a favourite amongst the singers because of its pop-style energy. The highlight of the evening is the singing of “Silent Night” by candlelight.

Admission is by donation at the door. Early arrival is suggested in order to get a good seat.

FARAAZ HUSSAIN

SUBMITTED

2024–25 concert season announced

(top): Sirens women’s choral ensemble. (bottom): Harmonia in concert, 2023

“Imaginary Garden” by Marie-Claire Saindon, “The Frost” by Erin Propp, and “Singkap Siaga” by Tracy Wong.

Harmonia’s final performance of the season, The Songs We Weave, will be on May 10 at 2:30 pm. This lively concert celebrates storytelling and movement with works like “My Letter to the World” by Toby Young, “Sing Gently”

by Eric Whitacre, “Jabberwocky” by Carolyn Jennings, and “Sing to Me” by Andrea Ramsey.

Sirens concludes the season with Elements on June 14 at 7:30 pm. This program celebrates the four elements— Earth, Water, Air, and Fire—and their influence on life and music, inspired

by Katerina Gimon’s Elements. Stay tuned for a second concert date to be announced soon.

All concerts take place at Park Royal United in Charlottetown.

In an effort to ensure a choral community that is accessible to all, SCA has introduced a pay-what-you-can ticket structure this season. sirenschoir.com

The BUZZ December 2024 Page B15

UPEI Dept of Music

Night Music

Fall season concludes with student ensembles

PHOTOS SUBMITTED

Sarah Hagen

The UPEI Jazz Ensemble (top) and the UPEI Concert Choir

Swing into the season with the UPEI Jazz Ensemble in concert on December 3 at 7:30 pm at UPEI’s Performing Arts Centre. Led by Bachelor of Music Education students Ross Boyd, Ivan Stewart, and Nathan Wright, the program will feature a variety of charts for big band.

Also on the concert will be a guest appearance by the Charlottetown Jazz Ensemble, a community group founded in 1996. Under the direction of Doug Millington, they will perform a number of seasonal selections for big band.

Admission is by donation to the UPEI Department of Music and will be used to enhance the students’ experience.

On December 8, the UPEI Concert Choir will present A European Christmas, an afternoon of music

inspired by the iconic festive markets of Europe. The concert will take place on the SDU Stage at UPEI’s Dr. Steel Recital Hall at 2:30 pm.

The choir will be joined by members of the PEI Regiment Band to perform Schubert’s majestic Deutsche Messe.

The program will also include favourite selections from The Sound of Music with pianist Leo Marchildon, glorious carols, and a special low brass feature.

The UPEI Concert Choir is under the direction of Hannah O’Donnell, and the PEI Regiment Band is under the direction of Captain Rory O’Donnell, both of whom are UPEI Music alumni.

For more information on the UPEI Department of Music’s upcoming recitals and events, visit upei.ca/music or contact music@upei.ca.

Fundraiser for Lebanon A fundraiser in support of communities in southern Lebanon affected by the recent outbreak of war will be held at the Farm Centre in Charlottetown on December 30 at 8 pm.

Many Lebanese-Canadians in PEI have been hearing from loved ones impacted by the violence, which has left thousands injured or killed and displaced countless families who are now without food or shelter.

Organized by the Help Lebanon PEI Committee, this concert fundraiser aims to provide critical support to

SUBMITTED

Performers support victims at PEI Farm Centre—Dec 30

PEI R&B artist Nadia

those displaced by the conflict. The evening will feature performances

by Nick Doneff, Wally Young and the Pacemakers, The Montgomerys, Flourish and Slumber, and Nadia.

Admission is by donation at the door or via e-transfer to helplebanonpei@gmail.com. For more information, call 902-316-1606.

Night Music returns to St. Paul’s in Charlottetown on December 13.

Pianist Sarah Hagen invites people yearning for a quiet moment in the midst of the holiday excitement to join her for an hour of carefully curated music by Bach, Scarlatti, Chopin, and others.

Inspired by Natkirke, a contemplative initiative in Denmark, Night Music is an opportunity for calm reflection through music. The audience is encouraged to enter quietly and the pieces will flow from one to the next without pause or applause.

Music will begin at 8 pm, and admission is pay-what-you-will at the door. All are welcome. sarahhagen.com

SUBMITTED

Pianist Sarah Hagen at St. Paul’s—Dec 13

Page B16 The BUZZ December 2024

PERFORMANCE music, theatre, dance, comedy… …continued from page B12 Dec 15 | 2 pm

Holiday Festival Concert

Village musical acadien, Abram-Village

Dec 15 | 2 pm

Forte Men’s Choir: A Very Forte Christmas Kirk of St. James, Charlottetown

Dec 15 | 2 pm

Fiddlers’ Sons Christmas Kelly’s Cross Community Centre

Dec 15 | 2:30 pm

Stratford Choir Christmas Concert Spring Park United, Charlottetown

Dec 15 | 3 pm

A Glorious Christmas

Summerside Community Choir. Trinity United, Summerside

Dec 19 | 8 pm

After Hours Band

Dec 20 | 8 pm

Dec 28 | 8 pm

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Tribute to Blink 182. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

The Love Junkies Dec 20–21 | 7:30 pm Dec 21 | 2 pm

A Winter’s Night: The Sounds of the Season

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Craig Fair Productions. Carrefour Theatre, Charlottetown

Dec 19–21 | 7:30 pm

Dec 21 | 7:30 pm

The Grand Tour: With A Dash of Christmas

Scott MacAulay Performing Arts Centre, Summerside

Dec 19–21 | 8 pm

Lennie Gallant Christmas Tour 2024

Sobey Family Theatre, Charlottetown

Dec 21 | 8 pm

Merry Christmas, Love Patsy

Dec 19 | 8 pm

Island Jazz Christmas Quartet Baba’s Lounge, Charlottetown

Dec 30 | 8 pm

The Night Social

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Fundraiser ft. Nick Doneff, Wally Young and the Pacemakers, The Montgomerys, Flourish and Slumber, and Nadia. PEI Farm Centre, Charlottetown

Dec 20

Fiddlers’ Sons Christmas Mill River Resort, Woodstock

Dec 20 | 7:30 pm

Barra MacNeils: An East Coast Christmas

Dec 22 | 2 pm & 8 pm

Tim Chaisson, Breagh Isabel and Dylan Guthro

Songwriters circle. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Tribute to Merle Haggard ft. Lawrence Maxwell and the Fugitives. Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside

Ft. Maukin, Fiona MacCorquodale & Isaac King, poet Rose Henbest and host Shane Pendergast. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

With Absolute Losers. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Dec 30 | 8 pm

The Motones

Dec 17 | 7 pm

Jack Pine Folk Club

Kiwi Jr.

Dec 21 | 8 pm

Presented by Central Queens Musical Friends. Central Queens United Church, Hunter River

Dec 17 | 8 pm

Dec 29 | 8 pm

Ft Alicia Toner, Mike Ross, Brielle Ansems, Trevor Grant, Carlie Howell and Joce Reyome. Harmony House, Hunter River

Dec 20 | 7:30 pm

St. Dunstan’s Basilica, Charlottetown

Dufflebag Theatre.

2 pm: Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside 6 pm: Kings Playhouse, Georgetown

Ft. Tian Wigmore, Nick Gauthier, Rémi Arsenault, Rich Knox and guests. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Memorial Carol Sing

Gloria!

Peter Pan

Ft Whitney Rose. Florence Simmons Performance Hall, Charlottetown

Dec 22 | 7 pm

St Paul’s, Charlottetown

Dec 29 | 2 pm/6 pm

Harmony House Holiday Kitchen Party

Sobey Family Theatre, Charlottetown

Dec 15 | 3 pm

Blink 902

Poet of the Common Man

Dec 20 | 7:30 am

Confederation Singers: Dawn on Our Darkness Confederation Centre Memorial Hall, Charlottetown

Dec 20 | 7 pm , Dec 21 | 1 pm

Elf: The Musical

Revolution Dance Studio. Florence Simmons Performance Hall, Charlottetown

Christmas Carol Concert

Dec 23 | 8 pm

Tibbs Eve: Andre Pettipas and The Giants PEI Brewing Company, Charlottetown

Dec 23 | 8 pm

Dan Hendricken & Friends Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Dec 26 | 8 pm

Island Jazz: Ross MacDonald Baba’s Lounge, Charlottetown

Dec 26 | 8 pm

Big Shiny Boxing Day Party

Help Lebanon PEI Committee

Dec 31 | 9 pm

New Year’s Eve at 54!

Craig Fair Music Productions. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Dec 31 | 11 pm

19th Nervous Breakdown New Years Eve

Tribute to the Rolling Stones. Sportsmans Club, Charlottetown

Jan 2 | 8 pm

Island Jazz: Jordan Taylor Baba’s Lounge, Charlottetown

Jan 3 | 8 pm

Groove Company

QEH fundraiser. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Jan 4 | 8 pm

Quitin’ Time

Tribute to Zach Bryan. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Craig Fair Music Productions: Ultimate 90s Throwback Experience. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Jan 9 | 8 pm

Dec 27 | 8 pm

Baba’s Lounge, Charlottetown

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

…more at buzzpei.com

Island Jazz: Jordan Taylor Birthday Party

Coyote

Dec 28, 29

Island Jubilee: Hank Williams Tribute Show Presented by Island Jubilee.

Dec 28, 7:30 pm: Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside Dec 29, 2 pm: Florence Simmons Performance Hall, Charlottetown

The BUZZ December 2024 Page B17

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Package available weekends, December-April 2025. Includes $100 dinner voucher at FiN plus Sunday Brunch for 2 at FiN.

Page B18 The BUZZ December 2024

Christmas in Abram-Village

Four Christmas concerts planned for December

Annual Holiday Festival at Village musical acadien

The annual Holiday Festival at Village musical acadien in Abram-Village continues this month with two festive Christmas concerts.

The first show, on December 8 at 2 pm, will feature Josée Boudreau & Le Groupe Maz. The band includes Josée Boudreau from Mont-Carmel, PEI, along with Jean-Marc O’Brien, Alexandre O’Brien, Isabelle Bourgeois, Ginette Caissie, Denise Guitard, Guy Mazerolle, and Mathieu Brun—all from New Brunswick. They will perform a mix of traditional midnight mass

Very Best of Up West

classics and modern Christmas hits.

The Festival’s final Christmas show, on December 15 at 2 pm, showcases professional and semi-professional artists from the Evangeline region.

An impromptu group featuring Nick Arsenault, Samantha Arsenault, Wayne Robichaud, Shane Arsenault, Géraldine Arsenault, and Debbie RousselleMontgomery will deliver a lively program of Christmas songs, instrumental pieces, and a few humorous touches.

Admission is at the door only. villagemusical.ca

Jack Pine Folk Club

Monthly music series at Albert & Crown Pub

Folk music and poetry at Trailside Music Hall—Dec 17

PHOTOS SUBMITTED

The Albert & Crown Pub in Alberton, PEI, presents the monthly music series Very Best of Up West in partnership with Blair Gaudet. A different artist is featured each month. The upcoming session in December, Best of Up West Christmas, will feature Sandra Jones on December 21 from 8–11 pm.

Blair Gaudet (left) and Wade Carragher “Up West” is a long-standing expression used to describe Gaudet’s partner in this endeavor the area of Prince Edward Island is Wade Carragher, a bass player who that includes Tyne Valley, O’Leary, complements any musician with his Alberton, and Tignish. riffs and steady beat.

Artist and songwriter Blair “Arnie” Once a month, Gaudet and Gaudet, born and raised in Tignish, Carragher feature local musical artists has been a passionate promoter of in a fun-filled, jam-style atmosphere local talent. Frequently sought after at the pub, a venue well-known for to organize musical entertainment for promoting local talent. various functions, his latest project—in Reservations are recommended and collaboration with the Albert & Crown can be made by calling 902-853-0000.

Pub—brings a monthly night of music For updates and future shows, folaptly named Very Best of Up West. low @albertandcrownpub on FB.

PHOTOS SUBMITTED

(above): Josée Boudreau & Le Groupe Maz . (bottom, L–R): Duo Nick & Samantha Arsenault, Wayne Robichaud, Shane Arsenault, Géraldine Arsenault and Debbie Rousselle-Montgomery.

Take a step back in time and enjoy an evening of folk music and poetry at the Jack Pine Folk Club with Island folk singer-songwriter Shane Pendergast on December 17 at Trailside Music Hall in Charlottetown.

The night will feature Maukin, a bold new folk collective from the Island.

Drawing inspiration from Irish, Scottish, and Acadian traditions, Maukin’s sound comes alive through Rowen Gallant on fiddle, Nick vanOuwerkerk on pipes and whistles, Jesse Périard on guitar, and Caleb Gallant on bodhrán and percussion. Their rich compositions and innovative arrangements promise a sonic journey through Atlantic heritage.

Also performing is the hard-driving

SUBMITTED

The PEI band Fiddlers’ Sons will perform four Christmas concerts this holiday season, featuring Christmas favourites and music from their recently released album, Love Don’t Divide.

Fiddlers’ Sons includes singer-songwriter and local author Eddy Quinn, songwriter and guitarist John B. Webster, and special guest fiddler Fiona MacCorquodale for these holiday events. Fiona, a local musician with over a decade of experience Fiddlers’ Sons with Fiona MacCorquodale and playing traditional fiddle Keelin Wedge (inset) music at ceilidhs and venues across the Island, has recently expanded her repertoire by performing MacDonald (902-687-2652). with local country bands Brooke & On December 15 at 2 pm, Fiddlers’ Brad and Quittin’ Time. She will share Sons will perform at Kelly’s Cross lively tunes and accompany folk songs Community Centre, located in from the Fiddlers’ Sons repertoire. the basement of St. Joseph’s (1475 Fiddlers’ Sons will perform at St. Route 13). For tickets, contact Jimmy Andrew’s Presbyterian in Cardigan Gorman (902-628-9204), Joe (902-394 on December 8 at 2 pm. There will 4253), Raeona (902-940-3779), or Ian be a bake sale during intermission.

(902-393-9114).

For tickets, contact Rhonda Fisher Fiddlers’ Sons will finish up the (902-969-8939).

Christmas tour with a Christmas show The band will play at the Souris and supper at Mill River Resort on Show Hall on December 14 at 7:30 December 20. Multi-instrumentalist pm. Tickets are available in advance and vocalist Keelin Wedge will join the at Evergreen Cafe and Second Time band. For tickets, contact the resort at Around Clothing, or from Thelma 902-859-3555 or millriver.ca.

PHOTOS SUBMITTED

Fiddlers’ Sons

PEI folk collective Maukin

traditional fiddle and guitar duo Fiona MacCorquodale and Isaac King.

Rounding out the evening, poet Rose Henbest will share a selection of captivating work. trailside.ca

The BUZZ December 2024 Page B19

ONGOING MUSIC ceilidhs, dances, series, 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, 902-569–3202, leowgallant@hotmail.com

Blues Jam

The Plain Dirty Blues Band plays at Baba’s Lounge on the last Saturday of each month from 5:30–8 pm. The next date is December 28. Admission is by donation. Follow Plain Dirty Blues Band on FB for updates. 181 Great George St, Charlottetown.

Ceilidh in the City

The 14th season of this weekly family-friendly ceilidh series at the Jack Blanchard Centre closes on December 4 at 7:30 pm. Hosted by Kendall Docherty, Peter Burke, Brian Knox, Brian Langille,

and Brian Blacquiere, the season finale, Rockin Around the Christmas Tree, is in support of Toys for Tots. Guests include Niall MacKay, Gary Cudmore, David Altass, Jimi Platts & Heather MacAulay.

The venue is fully accessible with parking, canteen and bar service. Admission is cash only at the door, which opens at 6:30 pm, and free for children 13 and under. For large group reservations or accessibility needs, contact Kendall at 902-569-1133 or peimusicman@gmail. com. 7 Pond 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.

The Electric Trains

The Electric Trains, featuring Joey Kitson, Chris Corrigan, Max Gallant and Maya Márquez Calle, will perform a matinee show at Salvadore Dalí Café on Sundays in December. The shows take place from 2–4 pm, except December 15 (3–5 pm) and December 22 (12–2 pm). 155 Kent St, Charlottetown.

Got Blues Matinee

Running from September to June since 2009, Got Blues with Chris Roumbanis and friends Mike Robicheau and Alan Dowling returns for its 15th season this month with weekly Saturday matinees from 2–4 pm at the Salvadore Dali Café.

Each week, a special guest joins the first set, followed by an electric blues jam in the second set. There is no cover charge; they pass the hat. The upcoming guest list includes: singer/guitarist Logan Richard (Dec 7); singer Chazz Smith & keyboardist Jon Rehder (14); singer/ guitarist Roland Beaulieu (21); singer/ guitarist Davis Ward (28). Follow on FB for updates. 155 Kent St, Charlottetown.

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.

The upcoming lineup includes: Holland College SOPA Showcase (Dec 5); Caedda Enright (12); Island Jazz Christmas Quartet (19); Ross MacDonald (26); Jordan Taylor (Jan 2). Admission is by donation. 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

A monthly Ceilidh will take place on the second Sunday of every month at the Cotton Centre in Stratford. Admission includes a light lunch. For more information, contact Erma Rose at 902-569-3956.

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

EARLY JANUARY BUZZ DEADLINE Tuesday, December 10 Advertising: sales@buzzpei.com Editorial: info@buzzpei.com

Page B20 The BUZZ December 2024

PEI RECORDINGS ALBUMS To Be Honest Luka Hall

Luka Hall recently released To Be Honest, an EP of all original music available on all streaming platforms.

Written and composed by Hall, this EP was produced by Jake Charron (SpaceCamp Productions), mixed

by Donny Richard (SpaceCamp Productions), mastered by John McLaggan (Parachute Mastering), and graphic design by Aidan Searle.

Musician credits include Hall on vocals, acoustic guitar, fiddle, lyrics, composition; Jake Charron on mandolin, electric guitar, harmony vocals (“When I Saw You”), jaw harp, piano, bass guitar; Lucy Farrell on harmony vocals (“The Flowers of Our Nature”); and Matt Kelly on steel guitar (“Too Broke for Love”).

This EP was made possible with the support of a PEI Arts Grant from Innovation PEI and Music PEI’s Golden Ticket program.

“LIVING IS EASY WITH EYES CLOSED, MISUNDERSTANDING ALL YOU SEE.” —John Lennon

SINGLES

MusicPEI’s Diverse Voices program, Hikado is already working towards his next single.

“Dark Moon” morph

“Back To Me”

“Winter Grace” Shane Pendergast

Hikado

Artist Hikado has returned with his latest single, “Back To Me,” accompanied by a music video released on November 22.

With “Back To Me,” Hikado continues to push boundaries in his creative journey. Following his growing success, he collaborated with director Jacob Puiras and cinematographer Oakar Myint, bringing in a fresh layer of energy through choreography by the UPEI Dance Club. The video’s dynamic visuals and seamless dance sequences capture the vibrant spirit of the track, adding a whole new dimension to the music.

Hikado produced and mixed the song himself, alongside a renowned mastering engineer who has collaborated with Portugal. The Man and Red Hot Chili Peppers, ensuring a high-caliber sound that’s both polished and immersive.

Hikado has been steadily building a name in the music scene, with accomplishments like performing at the DiverseCity festivals and being featured on CBC Radio. Now a part of

Sportsman’s Club in Charlottetown on December 7, sharing a bill with Joce Reyome (band) and Sisters.

Visit linktr.ee/hitthecoast or @ hitthecoastmusic for “Hideout” and all other Hit the Coast news.

Emerging Colombian duo, morph, released their newest single “Dark Moon” recently.

“Dark Moon” is an evocative trance track that delves into the human experience. It vividly portrays relatable people and situations, prompting listeners to ponder whether their current lifestyle aligns with their ultimate aspirations. morph is a global pop group with members based in Charlottetown, PEI, and Pereira, Colombia. The duo consists of Andrea Medina (singer, composer, producer, sax player) and Angela Sierra (songwriter, composer, producer, piano player).

“Hideout” Hit the Coast

PEI folk artist Shane Pendergast released “Winter Grace” on November 22. The single is the title track off his fourth album, Winter Grace, a work that promises to delve even deeper into the Maritime spirit that has always been at the heart of his music.

The album is set to be released in January 2025.

“Winter Grace” is a warm and ethereal offering from Pendergast.

The inspiration came from a joyous moment in the dead of winter, when the bay near his home had temporarily frozen over enough to go ice skating on with his girlfriend. Gliding on the open bay served as a beautiful contrast to the feelings of stagnation that often accompany snowy Island winters.

Currently residing in Corran Ban, PEI, Pendergast has brought his music to audiences across the globe with performances at renowned festivals like Celtic Colours International Festival and Small Halls Australia.

MUSIC Guess The Carol Hit the Coast’s new single “Hideout” is a summery ‘90s throwback—a big shiny tune for the top-down drive to the beach. In contrast to the dark, heavy sound of their last release, “Hideout” showcases a lighter side of the band, in a song that speaks to the importance of human connection.

Recorded with producer Colin Buchanan, the track also features Mat MacEachern on drums. The single artwork was created by Connor Bowlan.

The band will celebrate the release of the single with a performance at the

Kids aged 13–18 can test their knowledge of classic holiday tunes for the month of December at the Summerside Library. Try to figure out the name of carols based on images. Get enough songs right and win a small prize. 57 Central St, Summerside.

Informal jam session

The next jam sessions for adults at the Summerside Library will be held on December 9 and 23 at 6 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.

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Hank Williams tribute

Live at Trailside

Nudie celebrates artist’s 75th anniversary with two shows

A selection of upcoming music shows in December

In 1949, country music legend Hank Williams and his Drifting Cowboys took to the stage of the Grand Ole Opry, live on WSM radio, “The Aircastle of the South,” for his first appearance. He received six encores for his rendition of the old Tin Pan Alley song “Lovesick Blues,” his first #1 hit.

This year marks the 75th anniversary of Hank’s debut on the world-famous stage, and The Island Jubilee Old Time Radio Music Show will recapture this magic in Summerside and Charlottetown this month by revisiting the songs, stories, and legend of Hank Williams across two radio broadcasts.

The first Hank Williams Tribute Show will take place at Harbourfront Theatre in Summerside on December 28 at 7:30 pm with guest stars Nudie, Lester MacPherson, and Mary Dennis.

The second show will be at the Florence Simmons Performance Hall in Charlottetown on December 29 at 2 pm, with Nudie and Scott MacKay. Special guest Gordie MacKeeman will join the Jubilee All Stars for both shows, capturing the role of Jerry Rivers, the famous Southern-style fiddle player for the Drifting Cowboys.

Nudie originally conceived the idea to honor Hank’s musical legacy on the anniversary of his passing on New Year’s Eve several years ago. This tribute with the Jubilee showcases Nudie’s vision to commemorate the influential artist’s work on this significant date. Nudie has toured across North America and currently leads a Gordon Lightfoot tribute show. His impressive career includes appearances at the North by Northeast Festival, the Ontario Council of Folk Festivals, the Americana Music Festival in Nashville,

Two Hours Traffic with Gizmo December 11

Kiwi Jr.

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December 22

Nudie (top) will be joined by Scott MacKay (bottom) for the Charlottetown show

(L–R): Dylan Guthro, Breagh Isabel and Tim Chaisson

Popular East Coast petrformers and songwriters Tim Chaisson, Breagh Isabel, and Dylan Guthro will be playing two songwriter circles at the Trailside Music Hall on December 22 with a matinee (2 pm) and an evening show.

and the North American Folk Alliance in Memphis, Tennessee.

All performances are recorded for broadcast on Tantramar 107.9FM CFTA and previous recordings will also be made available at tantramarfm.ca.

Blink-902 December 28 Pop-punk will be on full display on Kent Street in Charlottetown on December 28. A standing-room-only blink-182 tribute show featuring blink902 will take place at Trailside Music Hall from 8–11 pm, followed by a Pop Punk Pity Party down the street at Pony Boat.

Known for their energetic rendition of pop-punk anthems and infectious stage presence, blink-902 is set to

Lawrence Maxwell’s Merle Haggard at Harbourfont—Dec 20

December 29

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with Absolute Losers

Two Hours Traffic will perform live at Trailside Music Hall on December 11 to celebrate the 15th anniversary and vinyl repress of their album Territory.

Special guest Gizmo will open the show. This is standing-room-only.

Tim Chaisson, Breagh Isabel and Dylan Guthro

Poet of the Common Man

Kiwi Jr. will perform at Trailside Music Hall on December 29.

Kiwi Jr. is an indie-rock band based in Toronto, Ontario, consisting of Jeremy Gaudet, Mike Walker, Brohan Moore, and Brian Murphy. Their debut album, Football Money, was released on Canadian label Mint Records. Since 2021, they have been signed to the American record label Sub Pop. Local favourites Absolute Losers will open the show.

The Night Social December 30 The Night Social, featuring Nick Gauthier, Tian Wigmore, Remi Arsenault, and Rich Knox, takes the stage at Trailside Music Hall in Charlottetown on December 30.

Billed as the quintessential social event of the season—at night—The Night Social reunites four old friends, along with special guests, for an evening of soul-warming music and good vibes.

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

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

Ruby SQUARE Lawrence Maxwell

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Poet of the Common Man: Songs and Stories of Merle Haggard returns to Summerside this holiday season.

Lawrence Maxwell and The Fugitives bring their captivating tribute to Merle Haggard back to the Harbourfront Theatre on December 20 at 7:30 pm.

The six-piece band will take audience members through decades of The Hag’s biggest hits and deep cuts, paired with powerful stories revealing a side of the Country Outlaw they’ve never heard before.

Tickets are available now at harbourfronttheatre.com.

deliver a performance that will have the crowd singing along.

After the concert, head over to Pony Boat for the Pop Punk Pity Party—an after-party where there will be themed cocktails, with the band spinning poppunk classics.

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Page B22 The BUZZ December 2024

this year by the Teachers & Friends in Harmony Choir. 550 University Ave, Charlottetown.

Lennie Gallant Christmas Tour 2024

PEI singer-songwriter Lennie Gallant’s Christmas Tour 2024 includes performances at Harbourfront Theatre in Summerside on December 1 and at Confederation Centre of the Arts in Charlottetown on December 21. This holiday favourite features new arrangements of traditional Christmas classics, along with several songs from Gallant’s upcoming album, set for release in 2025. The show is filled with original seasonal songs, heart-warming stories, and captivating visuals in a multimedia presentation. Joining him are Acadian musician Patricia Richard, her son Julien Robichaud on piano, and New Brunswick-based Acadian violinist/fiddler Marie-Andrée Gaudet. Showtime is 7:30 pm.

The Inn Crowd

The New Glasgow Christmas Choir will present the musical drama The Inn Crowd at New Glasgow Christian on November 30 and December 1 at 7:30 pm. Who was in The Inn Crowd that very first Christmas night? With music and humour, the performers discover how a surprisingly diverse group came together for the miracle of Christmas.

Admission is free but the choir hopes to raise enough money through donations to send a stable full of animals to a World Vision village. 617 Route 258, New Glasgow.

Winsloe United Christmas Ceilidh

Winsloe United’s Fall Series fundraiser ceilidh on December 1 at 2 pm will feature a joyful Christmas concert hosted

by Jacinta MacDonald and the Winsloe United House band. Special guests are The 4 Hearts and Jack, featuring Jacinta MacDonald, Keila Glydon, Darlene Bradley, Steve Perry, and Judy Lowe.

The event promises an afternoon of music, laughter, air-conditioned comfort, and wheelchair accessibility, with a light lunch provided. Admission is at the door, which opens at 1:30 pm. 121 Winsloe Rd, Winsloe.

Second Chances Band Holiday Concert

The Second Chances Band of PEI is holding their annual holiday concert at 2:30 pm on December 1 at Dr. Steel Recital Hall at UPEI. The band will be joined

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West River United is hosting Phase II’s final concert, A Rockin’ Island Christmas, on December 1 at 7 pm. The band has announced its retirement after this year’s New Year’s Eve event. Tickets are available at the door or in advance by calling 902-566-4052. 10 Church St, Cornwall.

Brass the Halls

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A Rockin’ Island Christmas

The Great George Street Brass Band will present Brass The Halls 2024 at Zion Presbyterian on December 1 at 7 pm.

The musical evening will feature the holiday sounds of PEI’s only full brass band as well as the popular audience sing-a-long and some special guest stars.

Admission by voluntary donation at the door. 135 Prince St, Charlottetown. Info: @PEIbrassband on FB

Island Christmas Traditions

Island Christmas Traditions with Kendall Docherty and Friends will be performed at St. Mark’s Presbyterian on December 1 at 7 pm. Fudge will be sold at intermission. Tickets are available by calling Lois at 902-368-8246 or the church office at 902-892-5255. 7 Tamarac Ave, Charlottetown.

Harmony House Holiday Kitchen Party

The Harmony House Holiday Kitchen Party is back at Harmony House in Hunter River with performances running on December 5–7, 12–14, and 19–21. PEI musicians Alicia Toner, Mike Ross, Brielle Ansems, Trevor Grant, Carlie Howell, Luka Hall, and Joce Reyome will be playing on stage for a rousing and heartwarming evening of stories and songs.

The program is written by Sarah Wilson.

Show time is 8 pm. A traditional turkey dinner will be available before the show with limited seating. Tickets: harmonyhousepei.ca, 1-888-311-9090

Jingle & Mingle

The Jingle & Mingle holiday dance, presented by Red Shores Park After Dark, will be held on December 7 at Red Shores in Charlottetown. The evening will feature live music by Kim Albert & Faces, with the opening act Tip ‘Er Back. Doors open at 7:30 pm, and the dance begins at 8 pm. This is a 19+ event. 58 Kensington Rd, Charlottetown. Tickets: 902-620-4264

The Ole’ Fashioned Celtic Christmas, featuring the Salt Water Dollies, will bring holiday magic to the Crapaud Hall on December 7 at 7 pm. Enjoy the talents of multi-instrumentalist Keelin Wedge, singer-songwriter Christine Cameron, and special guests. Their blend of ethereal harmonies and captivating vocals will set the perfect tone for a magical evening in the decorated Hall. For tickets, contact Connie MacKinnon at 902-6295634 or the Crapaud Municipal Office at 902-658-2558.

Christmas Winter Recital

The College of Piping will showcase their students’ talent with a Christmas winter recital at the Scott MacAulay Performing Arts Centre in Summerside on December 8 at 2 pm. collegeofpiping.com

Messiah and More: Christmas Joy

The Island Choral Society brings the Christmas sections of Handel’s “Messiah”to St. Paul’s in Charlottetown on December 8 at 3 pm. The concert is a full-sound performance by more than 50 voices of the Island Choral Society, with members of the Luminos Chamber Orchestra, and soloists Georgia Edwards, Lindsay Connolly, Ian Solomon, and Brodie MacRae. Besides “Messiah,” the concert will include “The First Noel” and “Silent Night,” and some audience sing-along. A special feature is Canada’s first Christmas carol, the traditional “Huron Carol” — authentically re-fashioned as “Iesous ahatoniá” by Wendatspeaker Andrée Levesque Sioui and arranged by Sarah Quartel. 101 Prince St, Charlottetown. islandchoralsociety.ca

Sturgeon Christmas Ceilidh

A Christmas Ceilidh will be held at 6:30 pm on December 8 at St Paul’s Hall.

Admission is by donation. Everyone is welcome. Rte 17a, Sturgeon.

UPEI in Charlottetown on December 8 at 7:30 pm. The evening of music is inspired by the iconic festive markets of Europe. The choir will be joined by members of the PEI Regiment Band to perform Schubert’s “Deutsche Messe.”

The program will also include selections from The Sound of Music with pianist Leo Marchildon, carols, and a special low brass feature. The UPEI Concert Choir is under the direction of Hannah O’Donnell, and the PEI Regiment Band is under the direction of Captain Rory O’Donnell. 550 University Ave, Charlottetown. Info: upei.ca/music

Tip ‘Er Back Christmas

The Benevolent Irish Society presents the Tip ‘Er Back Christmas Concert, featuring Allan Betts, Clive Currie, and Wade Murray, at the Irish Cultural Centre on December 13. Admission is at the door, which opens at 7 pm. Showtime is at 8 pm. 582 North River Rd, Charlottetown.

Carry the Light

On December 14 at 11:30 am, the Confederation Youth Chorus will present Carry the Light in Memorial Hall at Confederation Centre of the Arts in Charlottetown. The winter concert will explore the joys (and struggles) of learning new things, along with familiar seasonal songs in a celebration of the light that shines in each of us. confederationcentre.com

A Winter’s Night

A Winter’s Night: The Sounds of the Season by Craig Fair Productions will

take the stage at Kings Playhouse in Georgetown on December 14 at 7:30pm, and at Carrefour Theatre in Charlottetown on December 20 at 7:30 pm and December 21 at 2 pm and 7:30 pm. Starring Brandon Howard Roy, Kristen Pottle, Sarah Bell, Craig Fair, Morgan Saulnier, and Evan McCosham, this family-friendly show blends holiday classics and modern favourites, promising comfort and joy. Additional performances include Cole Brioux, The Smith Family, Samel Sunil, Felicity Maye, Ayanna Bellefleur, Della MacDonald, Priya MacDonald, Janelle Banks, and more. Tickets for the Kings Playhouse tickets: kinsplayhouse.com, 902-652-2053, or at the door one hour before showtime. craigfairproductions.com

Barra MacNeils—An East Coast Christmas

York Christmas Singalong

The annual York Christmas Singalong will be held at 7 pm on December 8 at York United. All are invited for an enjoyable evening of singing Christmas carols and songs. Admission is by donation. 757 Rte 25, York.

A European Christmas Concert

The UPEI Concert Choir will perform the holiday concert A European Christmas at Dr. Steel Recital Hall at

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Ole’ Fashioned Christmas

Barra MacNeils—An East Coast Christmas will be on stage at Confederation Centre of the Arts on December 20 at 7:30 pm. Presented by Brookes Diamond Productions, the five

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The Grand Tour: With A Dash of Christmas

The Grand Tour will bring their show, With A Dash of Christmas, to the stage at the Scott MacAulay Performing Arts Centre in Summerside December 19, 20, and 21 at 7:30 pm. Performing hits

NYE Dance with Fallback

The Stratford Choir is celebrating 25 years of singing with a Christmas concert at Spring Park United on December 15 at 2:30 pm. Tickets are available at the door and there is a family rate. 65 Kirkwood Dr, Charlottetown.

Holiday Drag Brunch

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from the 50s, 60s, 70s, and 80s, the band features Jamie Matthews on lead vocals, with Louise Arsenault on fiddle, Tanya Bernard on piano, Danny MacNevin on lead guitar, Troy McArthur on steel guitar, banjo, and harmonica, Kurk Bernard on bass, and Wayne Robichaud on drums. The group recreates the hits of George Jones, Vern Gosdin, Conway Twitty, Jim Reeves, and more. Tickets: collegeofpiping.com

Andre Pettipas and The Giants will perform at the PEI Brewing Company with special guests on December 23 to kick off Tibbs Eve festivities. Fans can dance to Pettipas’ unique rock-pop sound, complemented by The Giants’ infectious rhythms. Doors open at 7 pm, show starts at 8 pm. This 19+ event will donate all ticket sales to M.E. Callaghan Intermediate and Bluefield High School music programs, with donations matched up to $5000 by the Rising Tide Community Fund. Tickets: peibrewingcompany.com

Miz Majestix hosts the “Slaay-ride” Holiday Drag Brunch, bringing the magic and spirit of Christmas to the Ponyboat in Charlottetown on December 15 at 11 am. Performers include Rouge Fatale (@rougefatale), Lottie Max (@ lottiemaxqueen), Opal Dabris (@opaldebris), and Brook Lyn Dunn (@brook. lyn.dunn.drag). This festive brunch will also include an ugly sweater contest. The most ugliest of sweaters will earn chance to win. Doors open at 10 am.

Memorial Carol Sing

Memorial Carol Sing will take place at St Paul’s in Charlottetown on December 15 from 3–4:30 pm. This participatory event features Advent and Christmastime music, with most pieces inviting audience singing. In addition to music and readings, attendees can honour a cherished memory by inscribing a loved one’s name on a star to place on the Memorial Tree in the sanctuary. Refreshments will be available. Donations at the door support the maintenance of the church’s 1936 Casavant organ, with tax receipts provided upon request. Donations are optional; the focus is on coming together in fellowship to celebrate the season’s traditional music. 101 Prince St, Charlottetown. Info: stpaulschurch.ca, stpauls@pei.aibn.com; 902-892-1691

Holiday Hootenanny

Watermark Theatre’s popular Holiday Hootenanny, a musical celebration set to bring holiday cheer to the heart of North Rustico, returns on December 18 at 7:30 pm. This year’s Hootenanny brings together a lineup of Island musicians, including Leon Gallant, Chris Gauthier, Brendon Peters, Olivia Blacquiere, Barb Blacquiere and more, performing original music and Christmas favourites.

Tickets: locarius.io/organizations/26, 902-963-3963.

Whitney Rose Merry Christmas, Love Patsy: A Patsy Cline Christmas Show starring Whitney Rose will be on stage at Florence Simmons Performance Hall on December 21 at 8 pm. Whitney Rose, celebrated for her unique brand of classic country, has graced stages worldwide with her musical prowess. Praised by Rolling Stone and The New York Times, she has captivated audiences and shared stages alongside renowned artists including Emmylou Harris, The Mavericks, Dwight Yoakam, Jason Isbell, and Midland. Rose’s passion for classic country and vintage pop, combined with Cline’s timeless hits, holiday favourites, and a live band, promises a brilliant and festive evening of seasonal celebration. Doors open at 7 pm. Tickets: tproatlantic.ticketpro.ca/en/ pages/1629237801

Dawn on Our Darkness

On December 20 at 7:30 pm, the Confederation Singers present Dawn on Our Darkness in Memorial Hall at Confederation Centre of the Arts in Charlottetown. The winter concert will featuring seasonal favourites and explore the journey from darkness into dawn, whether by a star in the east, the growing light of the sun, or the warmth of family and friends. confederationcentre.com

Christmas Carol Concert

Central Queens United Church, Hunter River, will host a Christmas Carol Concert on December 22 at 7 pm. Presented by Central Queens Musical Friends, featured performers include Ellen Davies, Jodi Whitlock, Braiden Campbell, Wade Campbell, Chris DeRoche, and other visiting musical guests. Admission is by free-will offering. 19848 Rte 2, Hunter River.

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Merry Christmas, Love Patsy

Fans of the Big Shiny Tunes compilation albums won’t want to miss the Big Shiny Boxing Day Party on December 26 at Trailside Music Hall. The event will be a 90s throwback experience wrapped up in one big nostalgic package. Big Shiny Tunes favourites will be performed by a six-piece band and a never-ending rotating cast of singers. DJ Good Neighbour will keep the night going. Tickets: trailside.ca

E & A present a New Year’s Eve with Kim Albert & Faces on December 31 at the Charlottetown Fire Station (89 Kent St). Reservations are required. To reserve, phone Edith at 514-570-3169.

19th Nervous Breakdowns

The 19th Nervous Breakdowns will play a New Year’s Eve show from 11 pm–1:30 am on December 31 at the Sportsman’s Club in Charlottetown.

The 19th Nervous Breakdowns play the Rock ‘n’ Roll music of The Rolling Stones. The Charlottetown-based band features James Phillips, Dan Currie, Nudie, and J.D. Hughes playing the hits and some deep cuts. Admission at the door.

New Year’s Eve at 54!

New Year’s Eve at 54!—a Craig Fair Music Production—is back for its third year with an epic New Year’s Eve party on December 31 at Trailside Music Hall.

Studio 54 was the most glamorous, diverse, and progressive club in 1970s New York City. “New Year’s Eve at 54!” in Charlottetown promises a spectacular night of music, featuring a 12-piece band,

Fallback is hosting a New Year’s Eve dance on December 31 from 9 pm–12:30 am in the Empire Ballroom at The Loyalist Country Inn & Conference Centre in Summerside. Fallback covers hit songs from 50s and 60s Rock ‘n’ Roll artists like Elvis, Chuck Berry, The Beach Boys, The Beatles, and more. The band features Scott White, Dale Gaudet, Tom DesRoches, Wayne Robichaud, Steve Guy, and Johnny Ross. For tickets, call or text 902-315-0817, or message the band on FB. Sandwiches, sweets, coffee, and tea are included.

NYE Dance with Kim Albert & Faces

Big Shiny Boxing Day

The Rolling Stones

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Stratford Choir Christmas Concert

six vocalists, two DJs, and special guests.

It’s recommended to book early, as both previous years sold out well in advance.

Tickets: trailside.ca

Tibbs Eve with Andre Pettipas and The Giants

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Cape Breton siblings deliver a mix of traditional and original seasonal fare stamped with a Celtic vibe, lush vocal harmonies and instrumental brilliance.

Tickets: confederationcentre.com, 1-800-565-0278

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Music Arcade by Dennis Ellsworth

Maya Márquez Calle

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From Colombia to PEI

In 2020, Maya Márquez Calle was enrolled online and studying music in her native country of Colombia. When her application was accepted to the School of Performing Arts program at Holland College, she dropped everything and moved to Prince Edward Island to study bass guitar. She graduated in May 2024 and has made PEI her home.

Márquez Calle says that her education through the SoPA program was an excellent experience. It helped her grow her technical skills, further tap into her musical spirit, broaden her taste and versatility as a bass player, and it introduced her to a musical community that has fully embraced her.

Maya was born and raised in Medellin, Colombia. Growing up in Latin America, she was exposed to a rich musical culture and that music had a significant and lasting effect on her.

When her mother was pregnant, a psychic told her that her baby would grow up to be a musician. While in high school in Medellin, Maya played in bands and she became a bass player because there were always too many guitar players around. Now, at 22 years old, her musical life is unfolding in Prince Edward Island.

In the early days of her time in PEI she was a member of the short-lived band, Somewhere Soon. She met musicians and made friends through the college and the small, tight knit community in Charlottetown, and soon enough, artists were catching on to her prowess and inviting her to play in their bands.

In her two and a half years here in Prince Edward Island she has put

together an impressive resume, playing bass for Dylan Menzie, KINLEY, Kellie Loder, Whitney Rose, Noah Malcolm, Logan Richard, Joce Reyome, Vince the Messenger, and Dee Hernandez. She loves playing the supporting role and when given the chance, her goal is to demonstrate how valuable an artist’s work is and to offer a professional contribution and commitment to the performance or project.

She has performed at East Coast Music Week, Music PEI Showcase, Halifax Jazz Fest, JUNOfest, Canadian Music Week, Small Halls, Contact East, and she has toured throughout Canada with various artists. She is also a frequent member of the long-standing series, Island Jazz.

Her roots may be in Latin music, but she plays everything from rock n’ roll, to jazz, hip-hop, punk, folk, singer-songwriter, Americana, country and pop. She is a highly adaptable bass player who enjoys both structure and improv. Having spent a few hours with her, it was apparent that her musical spirit is very strong. She lives and breathes it every day and she is a wonderful addition to our musical community in so many ways.

Her latest project is a new group called The Electric Trains, also featuring Joey Kitson, Chris Corrigan, and Max Gallant. They play a wide variety of interesting covers and a selection of original material.

If you’re interested in seeing Maya play, you can catch her at The Electric Trains’ weekly Sunday matinee, beginning December 1, at Salvador Dali Café on Kent Street in Charlottetown.

LIVE MUSIC bars, lounges, cafés...

Albert & Crown Pub

Julie Arsenault, Jordan LeClair & Miley O’Halloran (Dec 5 @8 pm); Louise & Jonny Ray Arsenault (13 @6 pm); Joey Doucette (19) @8 pm); Very Best of Up West with guest Sandra Jones (21 @8 pm). 480 Main St, Alberton.

Baba’s Lounge

Fridays & Saturdays (10 pm)(unless noted): Heather, Spencer, Allyson Blush, Pete Forbes, Zebedee (Dec 6 @9 pm); Adjust the Facts, K Flow, M.D.B, Braeden V, Liz Leo (7); Girls Night, Sisters, Cherry Plaza (13); Danny Gallant Band (14 @5 pm); Riptide (14); Diego Amapiano Night (20); DNCTHNG (21); DJ Night with Brian Gauthier (26 *Thu @10 pm); Pearly Gates, Wood Andrews, Green Eyes Witch Hands (27); Doug Burton and the Plain Dirty Blues Band (28 @5 pm); TBA (28); NYE DJ Night with Dekz (31 *Tue @10 pm).

Acoustic Tuesday with Chris Corrigan (8 pm *except 24). Open Mic with KINLEY on Wednesdays (9 pm). Island Jazz on Thursdays (7:30 pm). 181 Great George St, Charlottetown.

Bogside Brewing

Fridays & Saturdays (6:30–9:30 pm): Jordon Cameron (Dec 6); Brian Dunn (7); Stephen Szwarc (13); Carter MacLean (14); Steve Zaat (20); Billy White (21); Lisa Birt (27); Barry OBrien (28).11 Brook St, Montague.

Brothers 2

Thursdays (7–9 pm) & Fridays (7–10 pm): Todd Gallant (Dec 2); David Woodside (6/19); Marc Coughlin (12); Chris Ahern (13); Danny Drouin (20). 618 Water St, Summerside

Charlottetown Legion

Saturdays (9:30 pm): Hache (Dec 7); Wrecking Crew (14); No Turmoil (21); Kim Albert (28); Rustlers (31 *Tue). All are welcome. 99 Pownal St, Charlottetown.

Copper Bottom Brewing

Boxing Day with Nick Doneff (Dec 26 @4–7 pm); Levee Day with Nick Van O, Jessie Periard & Rowen Gallant & Friends (Jan1 @1–5 pm). 567 Main St, Montague.

Craft Beer Corner

Live DJ on Saturdays (10 pm)(unless noted): The Corner Club with Diego (Funky house)(Dec 6 *Fri); Diego (7); Javier (14); Tully (21); Final Rewind: 2024 (31). 156 Great George St, Charlottetown.

Founders’ Food Hall & Market

Holiday Hits on Friday (5:30–7:30 pm *unless noted), Saturdays (2:15–4:15 pm) and Sundays (2:30–4:30 pm): A Very Bublé

Christmas with Nathan Carragher (Dec 6); Luka Hall & Tom Gammons (7); Margarita Wayne (8); A Willie Nelson Christmas with Carter MacLellan (13 @4 pm); Pierce Clark (14); Steve Zaat (15); A Very Dolly Christmas with Ava & Lilly (20); Nathan Carragher (21); Tiantian & Vivian (22); Nat & Wayne (27 @4:30 pm); Dan Doiron (28 @5 pm). The Music Man Holiday Edition on Sundays (8/15/22 @1:15 pm). 6 Prince St, Charlottetown.

Gahan House

Wednesdays & Thursdays (9 pm): Matthew Hannah (Dec 4); Ashley Gorman (5); Stephen Szwarc (11); Ryan Merry (12); Dave Woodside (18); Fraser McCallum (19). 126 Sydney St, Charlottetown.

Lone Oak at Fox Meadow

Fridays (6–8 pm): Nathan Carragher (Dec 6); Mike Stratton (13); Brad Milligan (20).

167 Kinlock Rd, Stratford.

Lone Oak Brew Pub

Craig Fair on Thursdays (6–8 pm). 15 Milky Way, Charlottetown.

Lone Oak Brewing Co

Sundays (1–3 pm): Dave Woodside (Dec 1); Lawrence Maxwell (Dec 8); Brad Milligan (15). 103 Abegweit Blvd, Borden-Carleton.

The Local Pub & Oyster Bar

Mike Stratton (Dec 6 @7 pm); Jacob Hemphill (7 @7 pm); Brian Dunn (20 @7 pm). 202 Buchanan Dr, Charlottetown.

Marc’s Lounge

Adam McGregor (Dec 21 @9 pm); Kevin McPhee (28 @9 pm). 125 Sydney St, Charlottetown.

Montague Legion

Boxing Day Bash on Dec 26. Karaoke with Gloria on Fridays (8 pm). 15 Douses Rd, Montague.

North Rustico Lions Club

Saturdays (8–11 pm) (unless noted): Rod & Blake Duo (Dec 7); Haché (14); Gypsy Soul (21); Christmas Eve with Kelly Buote (24 *Tue @4 pm); Danny Gallant Band (28). Jam Session on Tuesdays (7 pm start). Karaoke with Len Skinner (13/27 @8 pm). 17 Timber Ln, North Rustico.

Olde Dublin Pub

Main Street Bullies (Dec 6 @10 pm); Dan MacAulay & Taylor Johnston (7 @6 pm); Wrecking Crew (7 @10 pm); Marvin Birt (13 @6 pm); Wannabeez (13 @10 pm); Dan MacAulay & Taylor Johnston (14 @7 pm); Crimson Clay (14 @11 pm);Vintage

The BUZZ December 2024 Page B25

4.0 (20/21 @10 pm); Gypsy Soul Duo (22 @8 pm); Pierce Clarke Band (23 @10 pm); Wannabeez (26 @10 pm); Gypsy Soul (27 @10 pm); Adam MacGregor & The Foes (28 @10 pm); Stratton & Kays (30 @8 pm); Main Street Bullies (31 @10 pm); Levee with Brad Milligan (Jan 1 @4–7 pm). Trivia & Tunes with Cone, Robbie & Pierce on Thursdays (7:30 pm). 132 Sydney St, Charlottetown.

The Old Triangle

Fridays & Saturdays (8–11 pm): Gypsy Soul Duo (Dec 6); Roger Stone (7); Barry O’Brien (13); Jon Matthews & Liam Kearney (14); Dan Doiron (20); Steve Zaat (21); Saul Good Duo (27); Breakwater Acoustic (28); NYE with Dan Doiron (31 *Tue @9 pm). 189 Great George St, Charlottetown.

PEI Brewing Company

Fridays (5–8 pm): Curtis Reginald (Dec 6); Ryan Merry (13); Brothers MacPhee (20); Adam MacGregor (27). 96 Kensington Rd, Charlottetown.

Razzy’s Roadhouse

Kevin Arthur (Dec 6/27 @6 pm); John MacAller (7); Brian Dunn (14 @6 pm); Karaoke & Trivia with J-Rod (21 @7 pm /26 @2 pm); Karaoke with J-Rod (26 @7 pm); Dash & Rip Rocks (28 @7 pm). 161 St. Peters Rd, Charlottetown.

RCAF Wing Summerside

Saturdays (9 pm): Roundabout (Dec 7); Neon Country (14); TBA (21); Nightshift (28). 329 North Market St, Summerside.

Red’s Gold Cup Lounge

Fridays & Saturdays (9–12 pm): Mike Hannah (Dec 6); Nathan Carragher (7); Wayne Gallant (13); Roger Stone (14); Breakwater Acoustic (20); Barry O’Brien (21); Mat Hannah (27); Karen & Mike Penton (28). Red Shores, 21 Exhibition Dr, Charlottetown.

Salvador Dalí Café

Got Blues on Saturdays (2–4 pm) featuring weekly guests and blues jam. The Electric Trains on Sundays (2–4 pm *Dec 15 @3–5 pm, *Dec 22 @12–2 pm). 155 Kent St, Charlottetown.

The Silver Fox

Thursdays (6–9 pm *unless noted), Fridays and Saturdays (10 pm): Jonny Ray (Dec 5/12/19); VLTs (6); DJ Biggar Beatz (7/28); Swamp River (13); Dave Doyle Band (14); Ghost Town (20); Jingle Bell Rock with Kim Albert + Faces & Neon Country (21); Boxing Day Bash with Down With Darby (26*); Undercover (27).

Chase the Ace on Saturdays (2:30–5:30 pm): TBA (7); Acoustic Brothers (14); Floyd Gaudet (21); Logan Maddix (28). 110 Water St, Summerside.

Upstreet Craft Brewing

Fridays (7:30–8:30 pm): Benny Von (Dec 6); Josh Carter (13) The Devil’s Punchbowl (20); Story Allegory (27). 41 Allen St, Charlottetown.

Page B26 The BUZZ December 2024

BUZZ IFIEDS

Music PEI Week 2025 Nominees, voting and passes for March event

CHRISTMAS MARKETPLACE AT BLANK CANVAS Shop for

the perfect handmade gifts by local artists and makers this holiday season. November 19-December 23.

Blank Canvas Art Supplies 10 Prince Street, Charlottetown.

ORGANIC VEGGIE DELIVERY

Home delivery (year-round) of fresh local organic veggies, fruit, and other foods and products. $25 / $40 / $50 Veggie Boxes or custom orders.

Aaron Koleszar 902-659-2575, aaron@organicveggiedelivery.com, www.organicveggiedelivery.com

SHOP SUSTAINABLY WITH RECYCLED RUNWAY, offering

size-inclusive thrifted and vintage women’s fashions. Follow us for Thrift Thursday drops on Instagram and shop in-person by appointment or at events! Instagram: @ recycledrunwaypei

PROFESSIONAL ART PRODUCTS. The highest, profes-

sional calibre painting supplies to be found in Canada - including Gamblin Oils, Libeco Linen, Rosemary & Co and Princeton Brushes, Meeden Easels. www.professionalart.ca.

TEXT ONLY BUZZIFIEDS

30 words for $25 (+tax). Buy in bulk to save—6 months for $125 (+tax).

The countdown to Music PEI Week 2025 has begun. It’s that time of year again when the PEI music scene gets its well-deserved moment in the spotlight. On December 10 at 11 am, Music PEI will hold their annual press conference at The Guild in Charlottetown to announce the nominees for the 2025 Music PEI Awards. Everyone is invited, and all are welcome.

The date also marks the start of public voting for two fan-favourite categories: Entertainer of the Year and the Maritime Electric Music Video of the Year. Fans have until January 3 to cast their votes, so if a favourite artist rocked the stage or dropped the video of the year, now is the time to show support. The top five nominees in each category will be in stiff competition, with winners decided entirely by the fans. Every vote counts.

For those planning to attend Music PEI Week, Early Bird festival passes go on sale December 13—at nearly half the regular price. These passes offer access to all the major events, including the SOCAN Songwriter of the Year Concert at the Scott Macaulay Performing Arts Centre in Summerside, and the Awards Gala at

Confederation Centre of the Arts in Charlottetown. Discounted passes are only available until January 13 or until they sell out.

Local businesses and organizations still have time to get involved as sponsors. Music PEI is actively seeking partners until December 6.

Music PEI Week 2025 takes place from March 4 to 8. musicpei.com

WINTER WARMING Reduce heat loss in your home with these simple measures For low-to-moderate-income Islanders, the Winter Warming program provides FREE: •

Programmable thermostat installation

•

ENERGY STAR® LED light bulbs

•

Low-flow showerhead installation

•

Air Sealing

•

Voucher ($115 value) for heating system cleaning

Apply online:

PrinceEdwardIsland.ca/WinterWarming

This ad is paid for by the government of Prince Edward Island

or call

1-877-734-6336

The BUZZ December 2024 Page B27

Page B28 The BUZZ December 2024

Charlottetown Christmas Festival Signature Events

Nov 29TH Just follow Rudolph’s nose!

BELVEDERE AVE

T 0 3 v o N PM AT 5:00

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ALLEN ST

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Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

MCGILL AVE

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Parade ends here For more information, visit charlottetown.ca/HolidayActivities

RCMP

CBC

6:30 PM

Featuring performances by Alicia Toner, Dylan Menzie, and Inn Echo

UNIVERSITY AVE

Candlelight Promenade from Founders' Food Hall & Market

QUEEN ST

6:15 PM

ATLANTIC SUPERSTORE

Lou MacEachern Upper Plaza

AV E

Confederation Centre of the Arts

UPEI

GW OR TH

HAPPEN IN G AT

Parade starts here!

For more information, visit charlottetown.ca/parade

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S T N AU R A E R I E S . EV T S E W .R ENTS TELS.BRE S.BREWE V E .

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R REST S T .H WE . B R E S TAU R A N AU R A N T S S L E T RE REST S.HO T N A AU R REST

Give $50

.B LS T E T EN HO .EV ES .

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T T E A RE S E S. I E R A N AU R T S . T E L HO T R A N E R I E R .

R E U T W TAU E S V E N . H O N T S TA R E W S . B S .

E S R S S L R .B E T .E T E A . Btel & RE ES AN UR S.R ELS OT AN R S I o L H TE sorE Wt E RT A U RR E S T AV E N T. H O T T S . HT A U RR E W EL S e R O N S H S B E E R editS S. S. NT RA .RE LS. OT . BCr R E T E S U S A I E N H L E R AU R S TA E N T O T T S .

RA TE W U H E O N E A R .EV S. H ST T RA S. ST BR RE S .

N T E U E S A I R A AN EL E R AU R E ST R T W U O R .H RE EST TA S S B .

R T S RE AN EL R T U HO TA S. S T E R N December 31, From November 29 until RA U A S T receive a free $10 CASH CARD, or buy $50 in MHG Gift Cards and E R

0 1 $ t e G

0 0 1 $ Give + $20

0 2 $ t e G

buy $100 in MHG Gift Cards and receive two $10 CASH CARDS + a $20 Hotel & Resort Credit to use at MHG hotel locations.

Available at any

locations or online at MHGGIFTCARD.COM