










anniversary this year, so “we will be doing something special to commemorate that in the fall.”
Along with her participation in Charlottetown Burlesque, Cameron is a singer, actor, and performer who crosses many genres through her creative expression. “As performers and community builders, we have a platform that we can use to support
Centre (PEIRSAC). This play explored the stories of the women who founded PEIRSAC. “Theatre is a community, and I’m grateful to be part of that community here.”
“I also helped plan the first Pride Ceilidh at Under the Spire, and now it has come full circle for me to be the Pride PEI ED and see that event continue.”
As the Executive Director for Pride PEI, Cameron brings a wide range of community building skills and experience from her creative background. Before becoming ED, she was a board member and co-chair, witnessing big changes and shifts within the organization. “I want to listen to and learn from the community. We have so many amazing events as part of the festival this year because of the many partnerships we are growing.” With a deep commitment to community, the creativity to innovate, and the courage to create change, Cameron is growing Pride PEI through community-led direction.
As the community continues to grow and change, so do the needs within it. “We are creating spaces and adapting to our needs as they shift.” The 2024 PEI Pride Festival is an expansive series of events happening at various locations across the Island. “We are building partnerships to co-host community-led events across the Island, based on community feedback.”
Alongside her performances and work with Pride PEI, Cameron is also the president of the cooperative housing where she lives. “We have this lovely community and this year we are focusing some extra attention on a garden in our outdoor space.” In work and in life, Cameron cultivates community connection. “It’s cool to look out and see someone start to work in the garden and then a few minutes later, more people have joined. It really is a community project, and we are building it together.”
Cameron’s community building knows no limits, and she is a fierce advocate for supporting local arts in all the ways. “Pride PEI’s office space is now in The Guild building so we get to be close to this artistic hub in downtown.” There are endless opportunities for creative collaborations under Cameron’s leadership and with the ongoing partnerships being formed through Pride PEI.
Cameron has also brought her creative insights to this town is small as the coordinator for Radiant Rural Halls. Her passion for community-centered programming was evident throughout the project, as it is in the roles she chooses to play. For example, she acted in a local TV series, Aww, Shucks, and has recently been in a play, Provocation, with the PEI Rape and Sexual Assault
Knowing how much work it takes to plan and coordinate events, I was curious if Cameron had ideas on how to balance out the busy workload coming up in the next few months. Her answer was readily available and is excellent inspiration for all of us as we move into the summer season: “I commit to having more beach days!”
of experience leading non-profit arts organizations, festivals, and strategic planning initiatives, including 12 years as Head of Programming at the Woodford Folk Festival—Australia’s largest multi-arts outdoor event. During her tenure at Woodfordia Inc., Goodyear created the award-winning Festival of Small Halls Australia regional touring program, inspired by the Festival of Small Halls on PEI. She is also the Operations Manager of The East Pointers’ Goolaholla Festival.
“There is a wonderful sense of freshness and opportunity at The Guild right now, and great strength in the existing staff— including Brian Markham, director of operations—who understand and centralize the needs of Island artists,” says Goodyear. “The Guild occupies a unique niche in the creative landscape as a multi-use space with a primary focus as an incubator and host for DIY artistic output. I am thrilled to work alongside artists, partners, tenants, staff, our community, and the Board of Directors…for a flourishing future.”
As Interim Executive Director, Goodyear will spearhead the development of a long-term and sustainable strategy and vision for the organization, in close collaboration with the arts and culture community, that aligns with The Guild’s objectives.
The Board of Directors began the interim executive director search process in January 2024 and has appointed Goodyear for an 18-month term.
Kings Playhouse partners with Artisans Waterfront
A new partnership between two Kings County cultural organizations will showcase the best in local visual art. Artisans Waterfront, an artist-run gallery in Montague, will coordinate and curate exhibitions in the gallery space at Kings Playhouse, a cultural hub in Georgetown featuring a proscenium theatre, art gallery, and event space.
“Kings Playhouse has a terrific exhibition space, and Artisans Waterfront has expertise in displaying beautiful locally made art. It’s an exciting partnership that will showcase more of the best in local art,” says John Connolly, executive director at Kings Playhouse.
The current show in the gallery space features the works of about a dozen painters and one quilter who are members of Artisans Waterfront. Future exhibits may include guest artists or solo shows.
The Artisans Waterfront/Kings Playhouse gallery will focus solely
on hung art. Patrons of the theatre or attendees at the many Playhouse events can view and purchase the artwork on display.
On view: a new textile exhibit featuring items from the museum’s own artifacts collection; and 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. 23 Main Dr E, Miscouche.
Over 30 exhibits are on view this summer, including the United Empire Loyalist exhibit, posters telling the story of Islanders of African descent who were brought as slaves by some of the Loyalists, a new poster about shipbuilding at Bedeque and the significant role of the Pope family, Clocks of the Island, and the new Wayne Wright–100 Cartoons exhibit. Historic children’s games in the Loyalist Monument Park are available as part of the museum. Admission is charged except when noted—such as for the free official opening, a public event on July 6 at 10:30 am. Open until September 1, operating hours are Tuesday–Saturday (10 am–5 pm) and Sunday (1–5 pm). 950 Callbeck St, Central Bedeque.
A new show opens July 12 with a reception from 6–8 pm featuring work by artists Silver Frith, Denise Livingstone, Laura Bain, Zoe Novaczek, Marianne Janowicz, Joan Sutton, Leo (Xin Liu), Patricia Lush, Sabine Nuesch, and Will Baker. Open Tuesday (11 am–3 pm), Wednesday (9 am–1 pm), Thursday (4–8 pm), and by request (mjanowicz@hotmail.com; 902-303-8333; 902-621-0575). 4023 Dixon Rd, Breadalbane.
Canadian Centre for Climate Change and Adaptation
Akin by Climate Artist-in-Residence Chanel Briggs is on view until July 10. The gallery is open every Friday from 9:30 am–4 pm in St. Peters Bay.
Charlottetown Library Learning Centre
Presented by this town is small, An Unexpected Series in Unexpected Times by Carol Moffatt is on view until September 6 in the Art Corridor. A drop-in exhibition tour and rug hooking event with the artist will be held on July 6 from 1–4 pm. Admission is free and registration is not required. 97 Queen St, Charlottetown.
Confederation Centre Art Gallery
On view: Yellowknife Forever! until September 29; Together Apart Under One Roof: Aganetha Dyck, Diana Thorneycroft, Reva Stone until October 27; Erica Rutherford: Her Lives and Works until January 5; and The Sweet Spot until January 26. Open daily. Summer admission rates in effect until October. Admission is by donation on Thursdays from 5–8 pm. 145 Richmond St, Charlottetown. confederationcentre. com/artgallery
Confederation Court Mall
The Canadian Bookbinders and Book Artists Guild’s travelling book arts show, Kindred Spirits—The Lucy Maud Montgomery Legacy as Interpreted by Contemporary Book Artists, is on view until August 23. 123 Grafton St, Charlottetown.
Cornwall Library Art Gallery
Little Jewels: discovering the little jewels in my life by Yuzhu Yangis is on view until July 26. Coming Back: a return to roots, the ocean, and making art by Anne Marie Fitzgerald opens July 30 with a reception at 7 pm and will be on view until September 6. Contact the library at 902-629-8415 for info 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.
As the Crow Flies, featuring over 50 Island artists, is on view until September 27. The opening reception for this exhibit
will take place on July 7 from 1–3 pm. All are welcome. Visit the permanent exhibition on the history and architecture of Summerside. 130 Heather Moyse Dr, Summerside.
The Gallery Coffee House & Bistro
The artist rotation presented by the PEI plein air artist group known as #groupoffivepei (Gloria Wooldridge, LiliAnne Webster, Lori-Ann Lingley, Kim Jabbour, and Simonne Smith), continues until September 3. 82 Great George St, Charlottetown. thegallerypei.ca
Two Views: Celebrating Diversity in Rug Hooking by Darlene Rhodenizer and JoAnn Plummer is on view until July 15 with daily rug hooking demos and a reception on June 29 at 2 pm. P.O.T.S! by Leo (Liu, Xin) opens with a reception on July 19 at 7 pm and will be on view until August 3. The Guild, 111 Queen St, Charlottetown. theguildpei.com
Kings Playhouse Gallery
Coordinated and curated by Artisans Waterfront, an artist-run gallery in Montague, the current show in the gallery space at Kings Playhouse features the works of about a dozen painters and one quilter who are members of Artisans Waterfront. 65 Graton St, Georgetown.
Lefurgey Cultural Centre
Meet Elaine, a group exhibition by members of the Lady Slipper Rug Hooking Guild, is on view until September 30. Admission is by donation. Open weekdays. 205 Prince St, Summerside.
MacNaught History Centre and Archives Art Gallery
Rug Hooking Creations of Jessie Thompson is currently on view. Open Tuesday–Saturday (10 am–4 pm). 75 Spring St, Summerside.
Vignettes: Where serendipity meets intent by Paul Myer is on view all summer. 101 Longworth Ave, Charlottetown.
of
Island trailblazer Erica Rutherford, the first Island artist to be featured at the prestigious Venice Biennale, is being honoured through a retrospective at Confederation Centre Art Gallery (CCAG).
Born in Edinburgh in 1928, Rutherford spent her early years living around the world exploring a variety of art forms, and eventually settled on painting as a focus. 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.
The myriad of periods of Rutherford’s life and career will be explored at CCAG with the exhibition Erica Rutherford: Her Lives and Works. The show will include over 100 pieces and be 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. Curated by Pan Wendt, the exhibition will be on view until January 5.
Together Apart Under One Roof: Aganetha Dyck, Diana Thorneycroft, Reva Stone
This exhibition celebrates the distinct practices and the enduring friendship of Winnipeg-based artists Aganetha Dyck, Diana Thorneycroft, and Reva Stone, who have been studio neighbours in Winnipeg for over 30 years. Curated by Denise Lawson and Angela Somerset. On view until October 27.
Other exhibitions on view at CCAG this summer include:
Yellowknife Forever!
The seven artists in this exhibition use local vernacular, photography, scrap plywood found at the dump, or moosehide sewn into gothic forms, each exploring the anti-picturesque character of northern life. Curated by Sarah Swan. On view until September 29.
The Sweet Spot
A selection of works from Confederation Centre Art Gallery’s permanent collection that aim for the “sweet spot”—that elusive place or moment that finds just the right balance between order and possibility, the ideal distance between intimacy and perspective, between freedom and generosity. Curated by Pan Wendt. On view until January 26.
The Haviland Club is hosting a Coast to Coast Canada Day brunch, barbeque and more on July 1. Brunch will be a local food experience and guests can enjoy a Fireside Chat on the history of The Haviland around confederation. After brunch, attendees can join the Coast to Coast Stroll, led by provincial/ territory flag bearers, to Victoria Park for the Canada Day opening ceremonies. The activity-filled day includes house tours, lawn games, and a barbeque at 4 pm featuring Canadian music. Proceeds will support the restoration and preservation of the Haviland house. Email thehavilandclub@gmail.com to purchase tickets for the brunch and barbeque. Follow @thehaviland on their socials for updates. havilandclub.com
The 16th annual Village Feast will be held from 3–6 pm on July 7 at the Souris Regional School Grounds. Chef Michael Smith leads the outdoor culinary event, supported by the Inn at Bay Fortune Brigade, alongside a dedicated team of friends and community volunteers. Attendees can enjoy the feast, entertainment and more. Proceeds will go toward Farmers Helping Farmers’ Kenya cookhouses, the PEI School Lunch Program, the Souris Food Bank and Community Fridge, the Souris School Breakfast Program, and Coats for Kids. To contribute as a volunteer, sponsor, or to purchase tickets, visit villagefeast.ca.
of events this summer at their newest venture, Stoked Bakehouse & Preserve Company, located in New Glasgow. The venue will host ice cream socials and live entertainment from 12–2 pm on July 13 with the Singing Strings Trio, and on August 18 with a local brass band. Admission is by donation. Follow @ preservecompany, @stokedpei or visit preservecompany.com for updates.
The Andrews Senior Care Strawberry Social will be held at the Victoria Park Pavilion in Charlottetown on July 14 from 1–3 pm. The public is invited to join for an afternoon of complimentary strawberry shortcake, tea and coffee, and a live music performance by Fullerton’s Marsh.
Spilling the Tea, a dinner affair for GBTQ+ men, and a PEI Pride Festival 2024 event, will take place at 5:30 pm on July 15 at Beaconsfield Carriage House. The free dinner will offer a chance to connect, dine and engage in a vibrant and supportive atmosphere. Attendees can participate in the Sex Now survey, hosted by the Community-Based Research Centre (CBRC). The CBRC will also run a Pop-up Dried Blood Spot Testing Clinic and Health PEl will run a Pop-Up M-pox Vaccine Clinic. Guests can engage in guided conversations about MSM and sexual health, and foster an open dialogue on important topics. Admission is free and all gay, bisexual, trans, queer
are encouraged to wear their best beach clothes to fit the theme. 157 Kent St, Charlottetown.
A Strawberry Social and Cake Auction will be held at St. Martin’s on July 26 at 6 pm. All are welcome. The church is located at 3961 PE-19 in Cumberland.
Breakfast on the Farm
Breakfast On The Farm will take place at Kool Breeze Farms (231 Read Dr, Summerside) on July 27 from 8–11 am. This event is a unique opportunity for farmers, visitors and Islanders to share a meal and have a conversation about food and farming. Guests will be treated to a free, locally sourced breakfast, and will have the opportunity to tour a modern PEI family farm, ask questions of real farmers, and have some fun. Info: farmfoodcarepei.com
Stoked Bakehouse is offering a refined high tea experience this summer. Guests can savour a selection of teas, pastries, and crudités. Reservations can be made at preservecompany.com or 902-964-4300.
Sir Andrew Macphail Homestead is hosting Afternoon Tea on Wednesdays and Fridays from 2–4 pm this summer in celebration of Anne of Green Gables author L. M. Montgomery’s 150th birthday. The event includes a short presentation about Governor General Earl Grey meeting Montgomery at the Macphail Homestead in 1910. A Q&A session will follow. Reservations are required at 902-651-2789
French and Acadian culinary journey back to the 1730s
This summer, guests are invited to immerse themselves in a captivating journey to the early 1700s at the picturesque Roma at Three Rivers National Historic Site with Amuse Bouche, a culinary event celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Prince Edward Island’s early French settlers. Amuse Bouche will debut on July 16, with additional dates on July 30, August 6, and August 20. Each evening will blend authentic cuisine and music in the historic setting. Savour the essence of PEI’s heritage with culinary creations by Chef Robert Pendergast. Attendees will be transported to the heart of the 1730s with the folk songs and storytelling of Michael Pendergast. Roma at Three Rivers National Historic Site is dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of PEI’s early French settlers. Availability is limited. Secure a spot at Eventbrite or roma3rivers.com.
Three workshops at Roma
Roma at Three Rivers is offering a series of workshops delving into the rich world of edible flowers, wild plants, and the art of lacto-fermentation.
Led by Lise Morin and Ginette Turgeon, and running from 1–3 pm, the workshops are: Introduction to Edible Flowers on July 28; Dock Seed and Seaweed Special on August 11; and Lacto-Fermentation Made Easy on September 8. For information and tickets visit roma3rivers.com.
Fix Your Plate by Tara Reeves
Summer in Prince Edward Island boasts an abundance of fresh, local food. But beyond the burst of flavour that comes with seasonal produce, there are compelling reasons to choose food grown or raised right here on the Island.
First and foremost, buying local food supports the hard-working farmers and producers who cultivate our food. It’s a chance to invest directly in the people who nourish our community. This investment goes beyond economics; it fosters a connection between consumers and the source of their food. Visiting farmers markets allows you to meet the individuals who grow your vegetables and raise your livestock. This connection fosters a sense of appreciation for the effort that goes into bringing food to your table.
Local food also offers a distinct health advantage. Produce picked at its peak ripeness retains more vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants than those shipped long distances. By choosing local, you’re ensuring your meals are packed with the essential nutrients your body needs.
It goes without saying that opting for local food significantly reduces your impact on the environment. Locally produced food travels shorter distances, minimising reliance on long distance transport. Additionally, many local farms employ sustainable practices that protect soil health and biodiversity, contributing to a healthier environment for everyone.
The impact on taste is undeniable. Locally sourced fruits and vegetables arrive at the market or your table at their freshest, resulting in a more vibrant flavour profile. This freshness translates to a more enjoyable eating experience and a deeper appreciation for the abundance of foods grown right here, at home.
Now that you’re convinced of the benefits of buying local, how can you find fresh, local food on PEI? Here are a few tips:
Farmers Markets
PEI boasts a vibrant network of farmers markets throughout the summer and fall months. These markets offer a wide variety of fresh produce, meat, dairy products, and baked goods directly from local farmers.
Community Supported Agriculture
Consider joining a Community
Supported Agriculture (CSA) program. CSAs connect you directly with a
local farm, and you receive a weekly or bi-weekly box of seasonal produce throughout the growing season.
Farm Stands
Many farms on PEI operate farm stands where you can purchase their fresh produce directly. Look for signs along rural roads or visit local farm websites for information on farm stand locations and hours.
Local Community Gardens
Many communities across the Island now have amazing community gardens available for public use. Connect with your local community to find out how you can get involved with growing your own produce close to home, for free.
Choosing local food is a win-win for you, your health, your community, and the environment. By supporting local farmers and producers, you’re not just getting delicious, fresh food, you’re contributing to a more sustainable and vibrant Prince Edward Island. So the next time you’re planning your meals, take a moment to seek out locally grown and produced products. Your taste buds and your local producers will thank you for it!
New exhibits, guided walking tour and festival planned
be read rather than merely looked at. Visitors are invited to enjoy a chuckle or even a hearty belly-laugh, and ask themselves, as many others have upon
New show opening July 12
This month’s show at the Breadalbane Gallery opens July 12 with a reception from 6–8 pm. All are welcome to attend, meet the artists, and view this month’s exhibition.
Artists showing works include Zoe Novaczek, Silver Frith, Laura Bain, Joan Sutton, Denise Livingstone, Marianne Janowicz, Xin Liu “Leo,” Patricia Lush, Sabine Nuesch, and Will Baker.
The Gallery at 4023 Dixon Road is open Tuesdays 11 am–3 pm, Wednesdays 9 am–1 pm, Thursdays 4–8 pm, or by request; email mjanowicz@hotmail.com or call 902-3038333, 902-621-0575.
P.O.T.S! by Leo (Liu, Xin) will be on view from July 19 until August 3 at the Hilda Woolnough Gallery at The Guild in Charlottetown. The opening reception is on July 19 at 7 pm.
Born in China, Leo was introduced to art by his father, who loved Wyeth, Zorn, and Kollwitz. This early exposure led Leo to pursue over a decade of professional training before enrolling at the Xi’an Academy of Fine Arts, where he earned his BFA in oil painting. He then worked as a Creative Director in advertising, overseeing strategy, creativity, and production for global brands.
In 2024, he launched Jie Qi’s Dragon, an art project involving 24 teenagers that merges traditional Chinese climate philosophy with local themes. Inspired by his son’s hockey lessons, Leo also began creating hockey-themed artworks.
In 2017, he returned to painting, initially focusing on digital ink paintings, characterized by symbolism and form, before moving to contemporary oil paintings. Leo developed a unique style combining abstraction and realism with Indian ink.
Leo moved to PEI before Hurricane Fiona in 2022, which inspired his first exhibition, The Story of Fiona, in 2023.
P.O.T.S! features Leo’s recent works. The title, an inverted “STOP,” symbolizes his exploration and commitment to the relentless spirit of art. Leo’s journey through various countries, roles, and climates mirrors his love for the PEI Marathon, which he has completed multiple times. This exhibition, a gift to the community, reflects his thoughts on climate, cultural integration, father-son relationships, sports, and life.
Exhibitions closing this month
Until July 5
Canadian Centre for Climate Change and Adaptation Gallery, St. Peters Bay
Through their graphic black and white drawings depicting human gestures, Briggs delves into the profound interconnectedness of community building, especially highlighting Black and queer voices. Employing curved lines and organic shapes reminiscent of mycelium, Briggs illustrates how these often marginalized voices intricately weave networks of support and solidarity. Akin asks: What can we create together when we understand that we are not solitary beings but rather strands in a vast interconnected web of existence? Could cultivating structures of care and generosity nourish the roots of a more just and sustained future, while that very future is continually shaped and reshaped by a changing climate?
Gifts from the Heart holds an End of Month Sale on the last Saturday of each month, offering the general public a chance to thrift shop the inventory. The next sales are June 29 and July 27 from 10 am–3 pm. Proceeds from the monthly sales help to defray operating costs. Serving clients throughout PEI, Betty Begg-Brooks and volunteers at Gifts From The Heart offer free food, clothing, furniture and housewares to qualified low income families and those experiencing temporary hardship. 10 Maple Hills Ave, Charlottetown.
Darlene Rhodenizer / JoAnn Plummer
Until July 5
Hilda Woolnough Gallery, Charlottetown
diversity of rug hooking, where tradition and innovation converge to create stunning works of art. The exhibition showcases Rhodenizer’s whimsical interpretations which explore the unconventional “higgle-piggily,” non-traditional method of rug hooking, and Plummer’s rugs tell stories through intricate patterns, vibrant colours, and meticulous detail. Each rug offers a glimpse into the artist’s soul and a testament to the endless possibilities of this timeless craft. Explore ‘two views’ and discover the boundless creativity that lies within the world of rug hooking.
Cape Bear Lighthouse and Marconi Station Inc. will hold a Bring and Buy Auction with Auctioneer Angela Gallant on July 20 from 2–4 pm. Bring an item for the auction and stay to bid on the donated items. Rain date is August 3. 42 Black Brook Rd, Murray Harbour.
A pop-up rug hooking supply sale on July 30 from 10 am–3 pm at the Dutch Inn in Cornwall. Quality items for sale include rug hooking cutters and cartridges, hand-dyed yarn and wool, patterns, dyes, frames, imported linens and more. Info: periwinklelaine.ca; periwinklelaine@gmail.com
A used book sale will take place on the patio at the Summerside Rotary Library on July 11 from 10 am–4 pm. Thousands of gently used books will be for sale, including fiction, non-fiction and books for young readers. Rain date is July 12. Info: 902-436-READ.
The City of Charlottetown invites artists at all levels of experience and working in any medium to submit images or copies of their original art for a temporary lightbox exhibit that will illuminate downtown Charlottetown from August 26–November 8. Artists are encouraged to submit work based on the theme of “Your Community in Bloom,” and creatively interpret the natural world (plants, flowers, trees, fields, lands, beaches, streams, rivers, waters, animals, etc.) through the lens of community. The theme is intended to celebrate the City of Charlottetown hosting the 30th annual Communities in Bloom National Symposium and Awards Ceremony in October. The exhibit will feature 20 double-sided lightboxes, enhancing the vibrancy of downtown, showcasing the exceptional talent of Island artists and highlighting the cultural significance of our landscapes and waterways. A peer selection panel will review all application materials through a single-stage competition process and recommend artworks to be included in the exhibit. Successful artists will be paid an artist fee of $450 plus tax (if applicable). The City will be responsible for producing and installing the lightboxes. The deadline for submissions is July 15 at 12 noon. Info: charlottetown.ca
Stories in Stitches returns from September 10–14. The event, hosted by the Kindred Spirits Quilt Guild and St. Paul’s, showcases quilts, hooked rugs, needlecraft and other fabric arts, and attracts over 1200 visitors. Organizers are calling for artisans and craftspersons, including quilters, rug hookers and other needlework artists, to enter the exhibition. The registration deadline is August 16. There is no registration fee. The main contact, Carol Macdonald, can be reached at carolmcdnld70@gmail.com or 902-2182213. Other contacts are Penelope Player (pplayer@pei.sympatico.ca) and Charlene Miller (keppochbeach@icloud.com, 902 388-8970). Register at stpaulschurch.ca.
Island artist Mary Curtis is organizing an exhibit of works created by her current and former art students over the last 40 years. She plans to host an open house art show on September 21 in the Mayflower Room at the Stratford Town Hall. Curtis hopes that each student will bring a favourite art piece to display. It can be work from her art classes or another piece they have created and would love to share. Contact Mary Curtis at artofmarycurtis@gmail.com to sign up for this event. artofmarycurtis.com
ERICA RUTHERFORD: HER LIVES AND WORKS
NOW UNTIL JANUARY 5
Curated by Pan Wendt
This exhibition surveys the fascinating and multifaceted career of Erica Rutherford, whose work was recently shown at the 2024 Venice Biennale. The show will include over 100 works that explore themes of persona and gender, home and landscape, the search for identity and community.
YELLOWKNIFE FOREVER!
NOW UNTIL SEPTEMBER 29
Curated by Sarah Swan
Supported by the Northwest Territories Arts Council
The North has a particular allure, often imagined in paradoxical extremes. The seven artists in this exhibition use local vernacular, photography, scrap plywood found at the dump, or moosehide sewn into gothic forms, to explore the anti-picturesque character of northern life.
TOGETHER APART | UNDER ONE ROOF
Aganetha Dyck, Reva Stone, Diana Thorneycroft
NOW UNTIL OCTOBER 27
Curated by Denise Lawson and Angela Somerset
Originally
This exhibition celebrates themes of feminist art practice, the creative power of relationships, and the interplay between human and non-human.
Brewery: Located in Montague, PEI
• 22 Taps in our Taproom
• Family-Friendly & Large Beer Garden
• 4 Restaurants: Pizza, BBQ, Seafood & Tacos
• Live music every Friday, Saturday & Sunday
New Location: Bogside Glasgow in New Glasgow, PEI
• Bar with our Bogside Beer, Cider & SNAP. Vodka Soda
• Stoked Bakehouse: Baked Goods & Wood Fired Pizza
• Retail Cold Beer to go
• Cozy & welcoming
Find out more about Bogside!
Brewery: 11 Brook St, Montague | Bogside Glasgow: 190 Rt 258 New Glasgow Road
Art Gallery of Tony Diodati
Original works and more by Tony Diodati. Open 10 am–6 pm Monday–Saturday and 12–6 pm on Sunday. (902886-3009). tonydiodati.com. 241 Paynter Rd (off Rte 20), Spring Brook.
Artisans Waterfront
Features the work of more than 40 juried artists and artisans from PEI. Members offer works in all mediums—fiber, clay, wood, silver, glass and paint. Visitors are welcome to enjoy the display of high quality handcrafted items and original works of art. Open daily Monday–Saturday 10 am–5 pm and Sunday 1–5 pm until September 21. artisanswaterfront.ca. 1 Station St, Montague.
Bailey Studio Gallery
Features specialty pieces, major works, large, traditional glaze oil waterscape paintings by Kathy Marlene Bailey, and professional calibre painting supplies. Email or call ahead (902-962-3642, kmb@ professionalart.ca). 119757 Shore Rd, Little Sands.
Bedford Station Gallery
Displays artists’ creations that guests can enjoy and offers gardens to stroll. Open daily 1:30–5:30 pm beginning July 1. Open evenings and weekends by appointment. 96 Rte 6, Bedford.
Birch Tree Gallery
Showcases Mi’kmaq woven baskets, painting, pottery, beaded jewelry and more. Open daily 10 am–6 pm and Sunday 12–5 pm. (902-730-2004, birchtreegallerypei@gmail.com). 8 Main St, Victoria.
Blank Canvas
Art supply store with a dedicated Maker
Space offering a variety of handmade arts and crafts by over 20 Islanders, including original artwork and prints, jewelry, pottery and more. Open daily 10 am–6 pm and Sunday 11 am–5 pm. (902-629-0298; @blankcanvasartsupplies; blankcanvasartsupplies.ca). 10 Prince St (corner of Prince and Water Sts), Charlottetown.
Dunes Island Art Gallery
Features handcrafted paintings, sculptures, pottery, jewelry, woodwork, metalwork and more. Open daily 9 am–8 pm. dunesgallery.ca. 3622 Brackley Pt Rd, Brackley Beach.
Galerie La Palette
Works by local artists, including paintings, prints, photography and sculptures. Open Tuesday–Sunday 11 am–4:30 pm. (902-854-3256, jeannetteblaquiere@gmail.
com). Located in the yellow building at Village musical acadien. 1745 Rte 124, Abram-Village.
Gaudreau Fine Crafts Gallery
A unique collection of pottery, wood, weaving, paintings, glass and jewelry by Maritime artisans. Open Tuesday–Sunday 11 am–5 pm. (902-963-2273, woodmagic@gmail.com). 11 Grand Pere Pt Rd, Rte 242, South Rustico.
Features musically tuned, Islandmade windchimes. (1-800-824-9463). Islandwindcraft.com. 3827 Millvale Rd, South Granville.
Original art on display, open Wednesdays and Saturdays 9 am–4 pm at the Charlottetown Farmer’s Market. Email hello@juliapurcell.ca to register for watercolour lessons. 100 Belvedere Ave, Charlottetown.
Features original paintings of landscapes, seascapes and lighthouses, prints, notecards and bookmarks by PEI artist June Ellis. Commissions and appointments available (juneellisartist@gmail.com, 902-439-8774). juneellis.com. Rte 12, East Bideford, Ellerslie.
Features paintings, prints and unique finds by artist Karen Gallant. Open Tuesday–Saturday 10 am–4 pm. (902963-3999). karengallant.com. 1980 Rte 243, Rustico (second level of the Gallant’s Country Food Market, entrance through the store doors).
Features an eclectic blend of local artists’ works including Debbie Bryanton, Elaine Campanaro, Sharon Craig, June Ellis, Shirley Ferguson, Sheila Forsyth, Karen Fullerton, Sandy Gallant, Lise Genova, Juanita Glenn, Shirley McLeod, Susan Maxfield, Esther Mosher, Dawn Riley and Ron Somers. New members Laurie Anderson, Susan Ferguson and Pat Lush as well as the work of 18 other Island artists. Host artists often paint on site. Open daily 10 am–4 pm. (902-886-0331). 27 Commercial St, Kensington, behind the old train station (Island Stone Pub).
Knit Pickers PEI Studio
Features Canadian goods only, including wool, knitting needles, knitting and weaving accessories and wool pellets made from waste wool. Margaret MacEachern is the on site artisan,
instructor and designer. Visit knitpickerspei.com/workshops to register for workshops. Open Tuesday–Saturday (10 am–4 pm) and Tuesdays (7:30–9 pm). 566 Line Rd, Rte 13, Mayfield.
Kro In The Sky Art Studio
An assortment of dichroic and seaglass jewelry, stained glass, mosaics and fine art. Open Tuesday–Sunday 10 am–5 pm. (902-213-6807). krointhesky.com. 1800 Point Prim Rd, Belfast.
McAskill’s Fine Crafts Studio
Featuring furniture and crafts, pottery, fine art, metal work, glass and giftware by PEI and Atlantic artisans. (902-5663416). mcaskillwoodworking.com. 26 Beasley Ave, Charlottetown.
Messy Crow Studio
Showcases needle felting and works of a dozen Maritime artisans along with some Fair Trade wool and fiber arts. Learn and Lunch packages available. Open Tuesday–Friday 10 am–4 pm and Saturdays 10 am–1 pm. (messycrowpei@ gmail.com). Rte 335, St Catherine’s Rd, Souris.
Michael Stanley Pottery
Showcases pottery by Michael Stanley and other Island artisans. Open daily. (902-393-2339). michaelstanleypottery. com. 22 Howard St, Victoria.
Northern Watters Knitwear
Features handcrafted sweaters, shawls, stoles, ponchos, and PEI arts and crafts items. Open daily 9 am–8 pm, Saturday 9 am–6 pm and Sunday 11 am–5 pm. nwknitwear.com. 150 Richmond St, Charlottetown.
PEI Crafts Council
Displays two floors of handmade local crafts from 134 craftmakers on PEI. Craft workshops are offered outside on the deck in the summer. Open daily 10 am–6 pm and Sunday 12–5 pm. peicratftscouncil.com. 98 Water St, Charlottetown.
PEI Fox Den
Features the works of over 60 local artists and artisans including pottery, apparel, candles, soaps, visual art, knitted goods, embroidery, woodwork, chocolate, tea, coffee, honey, maple syrup, music, FloaTEA treats and the home of the original PEI Fox Mug™. Open daily yearround except Mondays. pei-foxden.ca. 2852 1A, North Bedeque.
Showcases photography, visual and digital art by photographer and artist Leona Arsenault. The studio features her work on canvas, fine art paper, metal, acrylic and other materials. Open Tuesday–Sunday 10 am–5 pm. (902-854-2543). 108 John Paul Rd, Abram-Village.
Features quality Island crafted products, including hand-painted silk art and
accessories, Nessya’s Gems, local pottery, original art and prints, hand crafted paper, wood and leather work. Open daily 12–6 pm and by appointment. (902-330-8188, heather@silkwalker.com). silkwalker.com. Seawalk Park, North Rustico.
Island crafts, jewelry, pottery, art, woodwork, ironwork, home and garden decor, clothing, accessories. Open daily 10 am–5 pm. (902-886-2800). 10090 Rte 6, Stanley Bridge.
Paintings, photo-etching, prints and cards by Susan Christensen, who often paints on site. Open Tuesday–Sunday 11 am–4 pm. (902-963-2223). susanchristensenart.com. 11 Grand Pere Pt Rd, Rte 242, South Rustico (upper level, Gaudreau Fine Crafts Gallery).
Features wood-turning by Wilfred Thompson. Open daily 9 am–6 pm and Sunday by appointment. (902-887-3459). thompsonswoodcraft.ca. 2979 Rte 1A, North Bedeque.
Trailside Art Gallery
Features works of local artists. Open Thursday–Monday 10 am–4 pm and by appointment. (902-778-0075). trailsideart.ca. Harbourview Dr, Seawalk Park, North Rustico.
Dedicated to promoting PEI artists and producing high quality custom framing. Open Monday–Friday 9 am–5 pm. (902-368-3494). 525 North River Rd, Charlottetown.
Featuring quality hand-crafted knitwear (sweaters and wool accessories), created using traditional, unique and contemporary patterns, as well as giftware. (902963-3576). rusticosweaters.pe.ca. 7218 Rustico Rd, North Rusico.
Features original art by prominent Island artists as well as fine art from national and international artists in a wide variety of media and subject matter, including paintings, sculpture, art glass, ceramics, and designer jewellery. Island artists include: Gale Colpitts Abbey, Grace Curtis, Connie O’Brien, Arlene Rice, Helen Rowlands, Sea Clay Pottery, Richard Vickerson. Open Monday–Saturday, 10 am–5 pm. (902-8922233). detailsfineart.com. 166 Richmond St, Charlottetown.
Featuring custom jewellery of Jeanette Walker & fine art of Lindsay Walker. Open by appointment only (902-3936376). jeanettewalkerjewellery.com
Eptek Art & Culture Centre’s artist-led Wednesday Workshops are held in the Summerside gallery every Wednesday in July, August and September. Visitors can view the live demos but registration is required to participate. The July workshops are: Jane Whitten’s Coiled Basket Wrapping (July 3); Katelynn Kelly’s Family Mixed Media Landscape (10); Rebecca MacDonalds Felt Appliqué Fox on Tartan Fabric Ornament (17); and Noella Moore’s Basketry Making (31). For info, pricing, and to register, call 902-888-8373.
PEI Crafts Council members offer summer workshops on the back deck at 98 Water St, Charlottetown. Workshops in July include: Mi’kmaq Basket Weaver with Nora Richard, Indigo Dyeing Experience with Arlene, Felt Appliqué Fox on PEI Tartan Fabric Ornament with Unraveling Joy, PROUD mugs with Julia from TATA Ceramics (Pride event), and Upcycled Embroidery with Unraveling Joy. Info/register: peicraftscouncil.com
Eptek Art & Culture Centre in Summerside is hosting Sea Glass & Stained-Glass workshops with guidance and assistance from glass artist Lynne Provance. The two-day workshops take place once a month: July 9 and 11; August 20 and 22; and September 10 and 12. For details, fees, and to register, call 902-888-8373.
Mi’kmaq Elder Noella Moore will instruct basket weaving workshops bi-weekly on Tuesdays from 9:30 am–12:30 pm at the Birchtree Gallery in Victoria. Upcoming workshops include: Bread Basket (July 16); Muffin Basket (July 30); Round Basket (August 13); and God’s Eye Basket (August 27). The fee includes all necessary materials. To pre-register, call 902-730-2004.
This summer Rock Barra Artist Retreat is offering an array of unique workshops. July’s workshops include: Men’s Retreat with Riley Smith & Stu Murray (Jul 5–7); Deepen—Authentic Relating with Brittany Talarico (12–14); Women’s Immersion—Daughters of Devotion with Abi Totty, Emily Doyle and Katlin Doyle (19–21); and Wild sculpture with Lenny Gallant of Birdmouse (28). For more info, fees, and to register, visit teresadoyle. com/rock-barra-retreat.
Unraveling Joy and Mill + Birch are offering beginner embroidery workshops at Cavendish Corner on Wednesdays in July at 1 pm (2 pm on July 17). Workshops include: Slow Stitching & Mindful Making (July 3, 17 and 31); Upcycled Embroidery—Maritime Moments (10); and Learn How to Embroider Anne (24). Beginner classes are also being offered on Thursdays at the PEI Crafts Council in Charlottetown. Fees include all necessary materials. Info/register: unravelingjoy.com/shop/ embroidery-workshops/
Monday, July 15th
A two-day beginner’s rug hooking workshop with Charlene and Debbie of Periwinkle Laine will be held on August 6 and 13. Hosted by Eptek Art & Culture Centre in Summerside, the easy-to-follow workshop is called Island Tapestry: Hooking the PEI Landscape. The fee includes all materials and equipment. To register, call 902-888-8373.
Teens can visit the Summerside Library in the Inspire Learning Centre this summer and take part in the free arts programming offered on Tuesdays at 2:30 pm. Activities in July include: frisbee starburst painting (July 2); moon mobiles (9); ninja stars (16); glass bead sun catchers (23); and space trivia (30). 57 Central St, Summerside.
Drop in to the Charlottetown Library Learning Centre anytime between 1–3 pm on Tuesdays for Fibre Arts Club. Bring supplies or a current project and join other knitters, crocheters, rug hookers and fibre and textile makers for some crafting and social time.
Creative PEI’s Art Hive pop-up takes place on July 3 and 17 from 10 am–12 noon at the Charlottetown Library Learning Centre. Drop in to make art and chat. Supplies are provided or bring a current project.
Kids ages 6–12 are invited to the Summerside Library at 57 Central St to join guests from Brilliant Labs and get hands-on with different activities every Thursday at 11 am.
Life drawing sessions will be held this summer on July 7 and 21 from 2–4 pm at the Gertrude Cotton Art Centre. Arrive early for set up; doors open at 1:30 pm. All skill levels are welcome at the drop-in drawing sessions with nude model. Participants must be age 18+ or have parent/guardian written permission. Easels are provided but participants must bring their own drawing material. Email lifedrawingpei2022@gmail.com if interested in being a model. Follow @ LifeDrawingPEI on FB for updates. 57 Bunbury Rd, Stratford.
Makers are invited to gather up their latest project, or one they’ve been
meaning to finish, and visit Eptek & Art Culture Centre for the next drop-in Makers Session on July 21 from 1–3 pm. The free sessions offer a chance to catch up with some friends, meet new ones, and see what other makers are creating. Everyone is welcome (BYO project).
The PEI Modern Quilt Guild meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month from 7–9 pm. If interested in attending a meeting as a guest or for inquiries, contact peimqg@gmail.com. Info: @peimqg on IG
As part of Culture Summerside’s Summerside Arts Fest in July, Eptek Art & Culture Centre will offer a large community art project inspired by their summer exhibit, As the Crow Flies. On July 23 and 24, visitors are invited to decorate a feather to add to their Crow Wall, which will eventually turn into two large wings—a great summer selfie spot that will evolve as the Crow Wall grows with every new addition. Info: 902-888-8373.
Get help with a cricut project at the Charlottetown Library Learning Centre. See a staff member to book an appointment (times vary). Bring project supplies and learn how to get started. 97 Queen St, Charlottetown.
Eptek Art & Culture Centre
Visitors of all ages are invited to test their skills (and eyesight) with Eptek’s Scavenger Hunts. Try to find all 20 images. Admission is by donation.
Eptek Art & Culture Centre is a site of the PEI Museum and Heritage Foundation. 130 Heather Moyse Dr, Summerside. Info: 902-888-8373.
Wyatt Heritage Properties— July 22 to 24
Discover the vibrant creativity of Islanders at the Summerside Arts Festival, held this summer from July 22–24 at Wyatt Heritage Properties in historic downtown Summerside.
Festival-goers can explore the Meet Elaine Lady Slipper Rug Hooking Guild exhibition, admire the rug hooking creatings of Jession Thompson, participate in art yoga, listen to live music performances, experience the drivethru art show and the walk-thru artist and artisan demonstrations, engage in youth art activities, and much more.
The festival runs daily from 11 am–8 pm at Wyatt Heritage Properties, 205 Prince St, Summerside. Admission is free. The rain date is July 25. To learn more, call 902-432-1298 or visit wyattheritagepropertiesinc.com.
With Carol Moffatt—July 6
This Town is Small and Carol Moffatt will offer a free, drop-in rug hooking event from 1–4 pm on July 6 in the Charlottetown Library Learning Centre’s Rotary Auditorium.
Participants are invited to bring a rug to work on, or to drop in and learn about rug-hooking. No registration is required and materials will be provided. Afterwards, join Moffatt for a tour of her exhibition, An Unexpected Series in Unexpected Times, featuring her experimental rug-hookings currently on display until September 6 in the Art Corridor at the Charlottetown Library.
Local farmers, producers, crafters, and artisans offer fresh, locally grown produce, dairy, cheese, flowers, and homemade products weekly on Fridays from 10 am–2 pm, starting July 5 and running until September 27. 140 Main St, Souris.
The market is open weekly from 9 am–2 pm on Saturdays year-round. Local farmers, crafters, artisans and hot food vendors sell local, organic produce, fish, meats, baked goods, preserves, roasted coffee, specialty teas and much more. Discover the charm of art and lunch at the market on Wednesdays from 9 am–2 pm until September 4. 100 Belvedere Ave, Charlottetown. Info: charlottetownfarm-
More than 80 local vendors selling fresh local produce, preserves, food service, baked goods, handmade soap, woodwork, knitting, hooked rugs, jewelry, artwork, gift ideas, pottery and more. Open weekly on Sundays from 10 am–2 pm, starting July 7 until the end of September. 2 Great George St, Confederation Landing, Charlottetown.
A selection of fresh seasonal produce, handcrafts, preserves, baked goods, soaps and artwork from local vendors at the Murray Harbour Community Centre. Open weekly on Saturdays, July 6–October 12, from 9 am–12 noon. 27 Faye Fraser Dr, Murray Harbour.
The market offers a unique opportunity to connect with the region’s rich heritage with a variety of handcrafted treasures and local artisans demonstrating with pottery, textiles, jewelry and more. It includes traditional dishes from the Heritage Kitchen, fire oven-baked
homemade bread and live Acadian and Scottish music. Talented storytellers and actors will transport attendees back to the 1700s with captivating tales and performances and skilled artisans will demonstrate bushcraft, navigation and cod fishing techniques from the Roma era. Open weekly on Saturdays, July 6–August 24, from 10 am–2 pm. Roma at Three Rivers National Historic Site (505 Roma Pt Rd), Brudenell. Info: roma1732@ gmail.com, roma3rivers.com
Find local produce, baked goods, meat, fish, prepared food, cheese, artisans and more. Open weekly on Saturdays from 9 am–1 pm. 250 Water St, Summerside.
The Hello Summer Artisan Market will be held on July 13 at Central Christian in Charlottetown from 10 am–4 pm. The market is a fundraiser for Dodgeball PEI and their players, and will feature a curated selection of PEI artisans and their unique creations. The church is located at 223 Kent St, Charlottetown.
The third annual Pride Vendors Market will be held in the Confederation Court Mall in downtown Charlottetown on July 20 from 1–4 pm. The vibrant space will feature live music and over 40 vendors with an array of items, from pottery and art to pins, candy and more. The market will take place after the PEI Pride Parade set for July 20 at 12 noon. The 2024 PEI Pride Festival returns to Charlottetown July 12–21. Since 1994, PEI’s 2SLGBTQIA+ community has marched in the streets of Charlottetown, coming together with allies to demonstrate support for 2SLGBTQIA+ equality and equity. For updates about events and scheduling, visit pridepei.ca and follow Pride PEI on their socials. 134 Kent St.
The musicabilia market offers a selection of vinyl records, CDs, cassettes, audio equipment and more. Open weekly on Saturdays from 10 am–4 pm, starting July 20, upstairs at Plough The Waves Hall. Small admission fee at the door. 13056 Shore Rd, Wood Islands. Info: wiadc@ woodislands.ca
New lifestyle series set on Prince Edward Island
A new PEI series for Bell Fibe TV1 is now in production. In Here Fishy, Fishy…, Katie Mac, a fishing devotee, takes the audience with her to explore new and tested fishing locations, joined by guest experts and novices. The catch of the day will make its way back to the kitchen, where seasoned chefs will create exciting new dishes with locally sourced, sustainable fish.
Chefs Adrianna of Inn at Bay Fortune, Chanelle Doucette, executive chef at Government House, and Rachel Sauvé and Rebecca Reardon, both of The Cork & Cast, will be preparing local fish recipes that viewers can add to their favourite dishes.
The series, produced and directed by Louise Lalonde, will air this fall on Bell Fibe TV1. Visit louiselalondepro ductions.com for more details.
PEI short doc Evelyn is YFF2024 Best of Festival
The short documentary Evelyn, directed by Islanders Millefiore Clarkes and Davy Weale, recently won the Best of Festival Golden Sheaf award at the 77th Yorkton Film Festival in May. Evelyn looks at the life of Evelyn Christopher, a 94-year-old woman who still grows enough food to give away to her neighbours. She is one of the last of her kind, and with her goes a way of being in the world: dirt under the fingernails, chores every morning at dawn, knowing just how to grow a turnip, stacking every stitch of firewood for the lean winter months. The film also won in the Short Subject Non-Fiction category. The Yorkton Film Festival is the longest continuously running film
festival in North America. A total of 30 Golden Sheaf awards were presented in 29 categories. yorktonfilm.com
Charlottetown Film Festival film submissions
Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the Charlottetown Film Festival 2024 will run from October 17–20 on PEI. Presented by the Charlottetown Film Society, the Festival will continue its mandate to champion emerging filmmakers, pro gram new films across all genres, and provide rewarding networking opportu nities for creatives in the entertainment industry. Canadian and international filmmakers are invited to submit films of all lengths and genres including shorts, features, music videos, web series episodes, and experimental—in both documentary and narrative. The online submission portal is open at filmfreeway. com/CharlottetownFilmFestival-ChFF. Info: charlottetownfilmfest.com
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 $12
Member
$9
65 and over $10
14 and under $ 8
We now accept credit cards online and both debit and credit at the cinema
Annual membership - $25.00
June 30
14A, coarse language. Dir: Joel Coen/ Ethan Coen, US, 1998, 117 min. Jeff Bridges, John Goodman, Julianne Moore.
“This comic update of the world crystallized by Raymond Chandler charts the disastrous involvement of laidback dopehead Jeff ‘the Dude’ Lebowski in a kidnapping case involving the wife of his millionaire namesake. The Dude is hired as bagman and of course finds himself increasingly at risk as he makes his way about an LA populated by the rich, strange and dangerous. Nor do his bowling buddies help: Donny is frankly several pins short of a strike; while Walter, a crazed, irascible Viet vet, is so determined to stand his (and the Dude’s) ground that he causes more trouble than he solves. Immensely inventive and entertaining… It’s still a prime example of the Coens’ effortless brand of stylistic and storytelling brilliance. Thanks to Roger Deakins’ gleaming camerawork, T-Bone Burnett’s eclectic soundtrack selection and the Coens’ typically pithy dialogue, it looks and sounds wonderful. Moreover, far from being shallow pastiche, it’s actually about something: what it means to be a man, to be a friend, and to be a ‘hero’ for a particular time and place.” —Geoff Andrew, Time Out (London)
July 2–6
PG, violence. Dir: Rebecca Snow, Canada, 2024, 96 min. Richard Armitage, Christopher Heyerdahl, Ari Millen.
“Based on a true story, this is a finely made survival drama set in the final years of World War II. The historical realities provide a horrific edge… But writer-director Rebecca Snow skillfully maintains the youthful perspective, which keeps the actual violence off-screen… In Nazi-occupied Poland in 1943, the last Jewish residents are being ‘resettled’, but 12-year-old Max is sent by his desperate mother to the countryside to live with farmer Jasko and his wife Kasia. But when the Germans begin snooping around, Max has to go live alone in a bunker in the forest. As he learns how to survive, he runs into the younger Yanek. But there’s danger everywhere as they forage for food and try to stay out of sight from hunters and both German and Russian soldiers. Filmed in northern Canada, the settings are remarkably realistic… Young Klyne has terrific screen presence in a demanding role, portraying a sharp boy who is observant and thoughtful. His quietly methodical approach, even in the
most nightmarish situation, is inspiring and even powerful… The details of this account are remarkable, and they are dramatized with skill.” —Rich Cline, Shadows On The Wall
July 5–12
14A, sexual content, strong language. Dir: Pamela Adlon, US, 2024, 104 min. Ilana Glazer, Michelle Buteau, Elena Ouspenskaia.
“When I say Babes is one messy comedy, I mean that in the best possible way. Eden and Dawn have been besties since they were 11 years old — but now that Dawn has just given birth to her second child and Eden is about to become a single mother, their friendship is put to the test as they each cope with the emotional and physical messiness of life. With Pamela Adlon directing in a style reminiscent of the best Nora Ephron movies of the 1970s and 1980s, a sharp and hilarious and poignant screenplay… And winning performances from the co-leads, Babes is one terrific friend-com, or should we say a mom-com… A celebration of the miracle of new life, and an unflinching look at the realities of what it means to become a mother. Babes never makes a misstep even as it delves into a number of familiar tropes and we’re pretty sure we know where things are going. The journey is joyful and also darkly funny, and the ending … Well, I just loved the ending.” —Richard Roeper, Chicago Sun-Times
“It is so fun. If you loved Bridesmaids, you will love Babes.” —Christy Lemire, FilmWeek
July 13, 18, 19
14A. Dir: Alfred Hitchcock, US, 1951, 101 min. Farley Granger, Robert Walker, Ruth Roman.
Presented in Celebration of The PEI Pride Festival.
“If Hitchcock is the Master of Suspense on screen, Patricia Highsmith has more than a claim to being the literary equivalent, and so this adaptation of her debut novel – with a screenplay written by Raymond Chandler, no less – was always going to be a triumph. The plot concerns a chance meeting between a charming psychopath and a tennis professional aboard a train, with the former proposing a deal: that they each commit a murder on the other’s behalf. The tennis player agrees, thinking his new acquaintance can’t actually be serious, but soon finds himself desperately having to prove his
innocence. Full of his trademark suspense, it features some of Hitchock’s best set pieces –most notably a thrilling scene at a fairground towards the film’s conclusion.” —Patrick Cremona, Radio Times
July 13, 16, 17
14A, sexual content, strong language, violence. Dir: F. Gary Gray, US, 1996, 123 min. Jada Pinkett, Queen Latifah, Vivica A. Fox.
Presented in Celebration of The PEI Pride Festival.
“Rob a bank? Sure, why not. Each of the four L.A. housing-project girlfriends who get into the heist business in Set It Off has been messed up by the system, and none have anything to lose. Frankie was recently fired from her bank-teller job. Tisean, a single mother, has lost her toddler son to child welfare until she can come up with the money she needs to pay for child care while she cleans offices. Cleo, a raucous, pot-smoking lesbian, is always up for messing around. And Stony, in shock after cops kill her brother in a case of mistaken identity, just wants the means to get out… So the girls get guns, learn to shoot, put on wigs and sunglasses that make their bad old selves look like early Tina Turner clones, and go into the bank-robbing business - the success of which inevitably leaves them wanting more. You can hear echoes of Boyz N the Hood, Thelma & Louise, and even Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid in Set It Off, but none of those influences account for the very particular, very engaging dark and loose qualities of this fresh piece of work… Sisterhood (and, in Tisean’s case, motherhood) binds these friends together in ways no boy in the hood could understand… Set It Off [is] a valuable model for a new kind of girl-pack story: one that’s not just for girls.” —Lisa Schwarzbaum, Entertainment Weekly
July 14–15
14A, nudity, sexual content, strong language. Dir: Gus Van Sant, US, 1991, 104 min. River Phoenix, Keanu Reeves, James Russo.
Venice Film Festival Winner, Best Actor, River Phoenix; TIFF Winner, International Critic’s Award.
Presented in Celebration of The PEI Pride Festival.
never does). It’s a road movie filmed mainly from the point of view of gay hustler Mike (Phoenix, superb), a narcoleptic who falls unconscious without warning at moments of stress. As Mike tours the Pacific Northwest doing ‘dates’, he meets up with mayor’s son Scott, and together they set off in search of Mike’s mother. The disconcerting realities of the situation are punctuated by sequences of surreal, dreamlike beauty, ‘documentary’-style inserts, and playful variations on Shakespeare, with Scott still playing Prince Hal to the Falstaffian Bob, a thief and ex-hustler, in the knowledge that he will soon be ‘King’. Stunning to look at - the dawn and dusk landscapes are sublime - and seductively scored, the film’s uniqueness lies in its remarkable emotional open-heartedness.” —Wally Hammond, Time Out
July 20–25
14A, violent scenes. Dir: Daina OniunasPusić, UK/US, 2024, 111 min. Julia LouisDreyfus, Lola Petticrew, Arinzé Kene.
“What if Death weren’t an ominous figure shrouded in a black cloak and sickle but a shape-shifting red macaw parrot with a lonely disposition and a penchant for gangsta rap music? Tuesday, the brilliant feature debut of filmmaker Daina O. Pusić, evokes tears and raucous laughter in a sublime exploration of life’s inevitable end. Julia Louis-Dreyfus delivers one of the best performances of her acclaimed career as a mother who refuses to accept her terminally ill daughter’s fate. Tuesday takes audiences on a wildly creative journey into the most tragic of circumstances.” —Julian Roman, Movieweb “Pusíc conjures magic out of this story... strange and wonderful.” —The Wrap
July 27–31
14A. Dir: Christian Sparkes, Canada, 2024, 110 min. Mark Lewis Jones, Sara Canning, Mary Walsh, Andy Jones.
Atlantic Film Festival Winner for Best Screenwriting and Best Atlantic Director
“The town is dying. That’s the start of Christian Sparkes’ new drama Sweetland The residents have a chance at government-assisted relocation and job retraining, but the offer is only good if every resident takes it, and Moses Sweetland doesn’t want to... He has little reason to leave: his whole life has been spent in the village... At its core, this is a very Newfoundland story. Outport communities have been resettled in a number of ways over the last 60 years, and the death
of these small communities comes with a cultural cost... Jones is well known for playing gruff characters (Outlander, Star Wars: The Last Jedi), and as such, this role feels like it’s made for him... As much as it’s Lewis’s film, though, there are a few memorable supporting performances as well... One other constant is the stark but stunning beauty of Newfoundland... In Sweetland, the landscape itself is a character and perhaps the only one that Moses is truly comfortable with... Sweetland is unabashedly Newfoundland and captures the vibe of small-town living incredibly well; both the community and the isolation that can be created as a result... It is, in short, a good film, and a good Canadian film, and one worth seeing.” —Mathew Simpson, That Shelf
City Cinema and The Benevolent Irish Society present:
July 28, 4 pm
PG, language. Dir: John Carney, Ireland, 2016, 106 minutes. Ferdia Walsh-Peelo, Jack Reynor, Aidan Gillen, Maria Doyle Kennedy.
“Sing Street just might be your next favourite musical. Director John Carney previously proved his melodic movie-making prowess with Once and Begin Again, both of which used music to great effect.. Sing Street shifts the focus to Dublin during the 1980s... The film is set when many dreamt of escaping economic blight by boarding a ferry to London. The story centres around Conor, a 15-year-old who uses music to tune out his parents’ nightly arguments. With their divorce looming, he is sent to a cheaper Catholic school where he’s a target for bullies and a dictatorial headmaster. But none of that matters after Conor spies Raphina, a blow-dried, bangle-clad vision of beauty. To impress her, he forms a band with other like-minded misfits. Propelled by the power of 1980s pop, eye shadow and copious amounts of hair gel, Conor (who renames himself Cosmo) begins to find his own voice... The band becomes proficient surprisingly fast, but you’ll be too busy bopping your head to quibble. Like any great musical, this works because the synth-driven songs move the story forward... Boy falling for a girl who’s out of his league is nothing new, but it’s the open-hearted conviction of Carney and Walsh-Peelo’s approach to the material that makes this movie sing.”
—Eli Glasner, CBC
The Big Lebowski
The Big Lebowski
The Big Lebowski
The Big Lebowski JUNE
Closed — HAPPY CANADA DAY! JULY
Boy in the Woods Boy in the Woods Boy in the Woods Boy in the Woods Babes Boy in the Woods Babes
Babes
Babes Babes Babes
Closed — Private Event For a full schedule of
7:00 7:00 2:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 2:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 2:00 7:00 4:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00
Babes
Babes
Strangers on a Train Set It Off
My…Private Idaho
My…Private Idaho Set It Off Set It Off
Strangers on a Train Strangers on a Train Tuesday Tuesday Tuesday Tuesday Tuesday Tuesday Tuesday
Sweetland
Sweetland
Sing Street
Sweetland
Sweetland
Sweetland
Sweetland
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!
City hosts its first official event: Community Walk & BBQ—July 14
The City of Summerside will host its first official pride event, the Summerside Pride: Community Walk and BBQ, on July 14. The event is part of the Pride PEI Festival 2024.
The event has been organized by the City of Summerside’s newly developed Welcoming, Diversity, Inclusivity, and Accessibility Committee (WDIAC). City Councilor Nick Cameron and Culture Summerside are spearheading the event. Cameron hopes that this is just the beginning of a growing event to promote inclusivity.
On July 14, there will be a pride flag raising at City Hall (275 Fitzroy Street) at 11 am, followed by a walk to the historic Wyatt Heritage Properties (205 Prince Street) for a free community BBQ until 1:30 pm.
When the walk route has been finalized, it will be posted on the City of Summerside’s Facebook page.
More Island artists are being recognized as the Province acquired 10 new pieces for the Island Art Bank collections.
The PEI Art Bank and Indigenous Art Bank celebrate the diversity of Island visual artists through annual acquisitions of new pieces as part of their respective broader collections. The 10 newly acquired works will be loaned out for display in public spaces across PEI.
“Having my work recognized, and for others to resonate with my art means so much to me. It encourages me to keep creating and growing as an artist,” says Annie Martin, founder of RoseWolf Creations. “I love what I do. Knowing that space is held for Indigenous artists across the Island is significant— there is so much Indigenous talent across Epekwitk that it is an honour to be selected.”
The Prince Edward Island Art Bank collection was established in 1979 to support and encourage visual artists living in PEI. Three years ago, the Indigenous Art Bank was launched to celebrate and highlight the artistic accomplishments of the Mi’kmaq people of PEI. Since the inception of our Island Art Banks, over 150 artists have
Pathfinder (oil and charcoal on canvas) by Damien Worth; Pulchra Notiones #1 (watercolour) by Hans Wendt; Carry on. (reclaimed wood) by Lenny Gallant; Painting the Past (photography) by Sion Irwin-Childs; and Neriage Vase in Grey and Blue (clay, ceramic stain) by Isako Suzuki.
Learn more about the Indigenous Art Bank and the PEI Art Bank at princeedwardisland.ca.
Explore Summerside’s historic district
Take part in the Summerside Architectural Scavenger Hunt. Grab a free leaflet from the MacNaught History Centre and Archives (75 Spring St) or Lefurgey Cultural Centre (205 Prince St), and follow the clues to explore the historic district’s unique architectural features.
This activity is perfect for individuals or groups. Info: 902-432-1332.
A week of celebrations and the annual parade—July 12 to 21
The Pride PEI Festival 2024 returns from July 12–21 with a jam-packed week of events, including the annual PEI Pride Parade set for July 20 from 12–1 pm in downtown Charlottetown.
Since 1994, Prince Edward Island’s 2SLGBTQIA+ community has proudly marched through the streets of Charlottetown, uniting as a collective voice alongside allies to advocate for 2SLGBTQIA+ equity. This year, the tradition continues with the official Pride Parade, a vibrant celebration of the community’s resilience and strength. The parade will wind through downtown Charlottetown, featuring colourful floats, inspiring performances, and an atmosphere filled with love and solidarity. Whether part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community or an ally, presence helps amplify the message.
Skateboarding. Also on July 14, the Summerside Pride: Community Walk & BBQ, a Pride Piano Bar, the FrancoQueer ÎPÉ Pride Square Dance, and Queer Plays in a Day presented by the Island Fringe Festival.
The Pride PEI Festival 2024 Kick off Social takes place on July 12, along with Speed Friending, and the Pride Style Party at Jems Boutique.
On July 13, Pride events include a Community Choose Your Own Adventure, which features a Self Love writing workshop, Ringette 101, PEI Witch Market, retail discounts at participating locations, and the Central Coastal Drive: Cone to Cone Ice Cream Trail. Also taking place on July 13, a Two Spirit Drag Show, and a PEITN Trans Yoga Class.
On July 14, the Community Choose Your Own Adventure continues with retail discounts at participating locations and the Central Coastal Drive: Cone to Cone Ice Cream Trail, as well as MRS Dog Training Pack Walk, INKclusive tattoo charity drop-in for Gender Affirming Care PEI, and Learn to Skateboard with Wise
Pride events continue on July 15 with Spilling the Tea: A Dinner Affair for GBTQ+ Men and the Queer AF Comedy Show. On July 16, join the 30th Anniversary Rally at Confederation Landing or take in the Pride Ceilidh at Under the Spire. On July 17, the PEERS Alliance presents a Rainbow Youth Dance, and Queens on Parade: A Variety Drag Show takes place at Kings Playhouse. On July 18, PEERS Alliance will present the OUTSpoken Pride Poetry Slam, and Late Night Bingo will be presented by PEITN & NCPEI. Programming on July 19 includes Let’s Kiki: A BIPOC Dance and The Muff Diver: A Pop-up Dyke Bar. On July 20, the Charlottetown Pride Market follows the Parade, and Pride PEI will present The Rainbow Road Party on Kent Street from 4–11 pm. The Festival will close on July 21 with the Island Vibes Variety Pride Brunch for all ages at the PonyBoat Social Club in Charlottetown.
For updates, the complete schedule of events, pre-registration links and more, visit pridepei.ca and follow Pride PEI on their socials.
68th annual culinary and entertainment event—July 11 to 13
The 68th annual Summerside Lobster Carnival returns July 11–13.The culinary celebration of Island lobster will run from 12 noon–11 pm daily on the grounds of Credit Union Place.
This year’s Carnival promises a vibrant array of activities and events for all attendees. Highlights include lobster culinary demonstrations and taste testing with Chef Robert Pendergast, as well as lobster suppers and a community barbeque.
Keir outdoor summer
Camp Keir’s annual series of seaside summer camps for kids ages 6–15 will run until August 14 in Canoe Cove. The camps are: Indiana Keir (June 30–July 5); “Keir” (July 7–12); Enkeirto (July 14–17); Super Keiro Bros (July 21–26); Keirwizard Cup (July 28–Aug 2); Adventures of Keiralot (Aug 4–9); and Land Before Keir (Aug 11–14). Info/register: campkeir@ gmail.com; campkeir.ca
Summer arts camps
Registration is open for summer camps at Confederation Centre of the Arts in Charlottetown. A wide variety of summer camps are on offer from July 2–August 23 for youth ages 4–17, including musical theatre, animation, dance, visual arts, Shakespearean theatre, and more. To register, visit confederationcentre.com, email artseducation@confederationcentre.com or contact the box office.
In honour of Anne of Green Gables author Lucy Maud Montgomery’s 150th birthday, the Sir Andrew Macphail Homestead is hosting a L.M. Montgomery children’s day camp this summer. The camp will be held in the Homestead’s Great Room, which will be converted into a one-room schoolhouse classroom, and children will experience a school day like Montgomery’s characters.
The entertainment tent will resonate with the sounds of East Coast music. Carnival-goers can also look forward to a variety of competitions in which to participate and view. Additionally, the event will feature a parade, the East Coast Amusements Midway, and more. Admission is by donation to the grounds, located at 511 Notre Dame Street in Summerside.
Visit summersidelobstercarnival.ca for more details.
Reading excerpts from Montgomery’s books, creative writing, penmanship, baking recipes from her books for lunch, and walking the Homestead property will be part of the experience. The oneday camp is open to children beginning grade 3 and older, from 10 am–4 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays from July to September. Pre-register at macphailhomstead@gmail.com or 902-651-2789. macphailhomestead.ca
Holland College Canes Camp and the School of Performing Arts are offering the Video Game Music and Sound Design week-long summer camps in July and August, where students will learn how to compose and record music and create sound effects electronically. The camps will be guided by Craig Dodge, an award-winning audio designer and film, television, and video game composer and an instructor in the college’s Music Performance program. Camps run from July 8–August 8 and are open to students entering grades 4–12. To register, visit recreation.hollandcollege.com. Info: canescamp@hollandcollege.com.
Kings Playhouse is offering performing arts camps for kids this summer from July 15–August 9. The camps are designed to ignite children’s imaginations and provide a nurturing environment for them to sing, act and dance. Camp weeks are July 15–19; July 22–26; and August 5–9. Visit kingsplayhouse. com for details and to register.
Featuring performances of music and dance, displays, traditional arts and crafts, demonstrations, and ethnic food from a variety of countries, the DiverseCity Festival is a project of the Immigrant & Refugee Services Association PEI (IRSA).
After the Charlottetown event in June, the Festival will move across PEI in July and August, bringing its celebration of multiculturalism and inclusion to Alberton on July 7,
on July 28, Souris on August 11, and Kensington on August 18.
“The DiverseCity Festival is a great way for people from all backgrounds to celebrate their culture,” says IRSA Executive Director Bernadette Reynolds, “and we know how much people appreciate the opportunity to share their talents and traditions.”
DiverseCity Festival is free and accessible for all. Visit diversecityfest. com for the full details.
FRIDAY, JULY 26
6 p.m.
Official Opening on the grounds of the Farmers’ Bank of Rustico & 1772 Doucet Log House. Entertainment by Mi’kmaq Heritage Actors, food samplings (Oysters on the half shell, Fishcakes, Chicken Fricot & Bannock).
SATURDAY, JULY 27
8:30 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Pancake breakfast at the Cymbria Lions Club.
$10 per person
9 a.m.
Acadian Pickleball Tournament at the Carrefour de l’Isle-Saint-Jean.
9 a.m.
Acadian Rec Pickleball Tournament at École Saint-Augustin.
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Visit the gardensof the Farmers’ Bank of Rustico & 1772 Doucet Log House
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Visit the Farmers’ Bank of Rustico & 1772 Doucet Log House.
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Walk the “Sentier de nos racines”.
10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Guided tours of the presbytery with Father Albin Arsenault. Goodwill offering to the ALPHA Program.
11 a.m.
“Butter & Bannock by the Bay“ demonstration by the Farmers’ Bank of Rustico & 1772 Doucet Log House.
4 p.m.
Noon
Explore your genealogy with Clem Gallant on the 2nd floor of the Farmers’ Bank of Rustico Museum.
1 p.m.
“Qui sont les pionniers de Rustico?“ lecture by Georges Arsenault on the 2nd floor of the Farmers’ Bank of Rustico Museum.
1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Family activities, games and entertainment by Serpentine Entertainment & The Joggler’s Busker.
1 p.m.
Drum-making demonstration by Brett Bernard inside the barn at the Farmers’ Bank of Rustico & 1772 Doucet Log House.
2 p.m.
Cast Iron Cooking demonstration by the Farmers’ Bank of Rustico & 1772 Doucet Log House.
2 p.m.
Explore your genealogy with Clem Gallant on the 2nd floor of the Farmers’ Bank of Rustico Museum.
2:30 p.m.
Workshop “Learn to play the spoons” with Brendon Peters.
3 p.m.
Basket-making demonstration by Jimmy Bernard inside the barn at the Farmers’ Bank of Rustico & 1772 Doucet Log House.
4 p.m.
“Who are the pioneers of Rustico?“ lecture by Georges Arsenault on the 2nd floor of the Farmers’ Bank of Rustico Museum.
“Butter & Bannock by the Bay“ demonstration by the Farmers’ Bank of Rustico & 1772 Doucet Log House.
5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Beer & Mussels on the deck with entertainment by Allison Blacquiere at the Cymbria Lions Club.
5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Supper at the Farmers’ Bank of Rustico & 1772 Doucet Log House. On the menu: Fishcakes & Beans served with Bannock with Homemade Ice Cream & Cookies as dessert. Adults - $15 / Children - $10
8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
1755 Concert
Adults - $30 / Children - $20
10 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Fire Dance Show with Serpentine Entertainment.
10 p.m. to midnight
Entertainment in the lounge of the Cymbria Lions Club by Jonny Ray Arsenault & Shane Arsenault.
SUNDAY, JULY 28
9 a.m.
Acadian Pickleball Tournament at the Carrefour de l’Isle-Saint-Jean.
10:30 a.m.
Bilingual mass at St. Augustin church.
11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Visit the gardens of the Farmers’ Bank of Rustico & 1772 Doucet Log House.
11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Visit the Farmers’ Bank of Rustico & 1772 Doucet Log House.
11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Walk the “Sentier de nos racines”.
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Free family BBQ (hotdogs, hamburgers, juice, water) on the grounds of the Farmers’ Bank of Rustico & 1772 Doucet Log House.
1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Family activities, games and entertainment by Serpentine Entertainment & The Joggler’s Busker.
1 p.m.
“Butter & Bannock by the Bay“ demonstration by the Farmers’ Bank of Rustico & 1772 Doucet Log House.
1 p.m.
“Les pique-niques paroissiaux d’autrefois à Rustico“ lecture by Georges Arsenault on the 2nd floor of the Farmers’ Bank of Rustico Museum.
1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Guided tours of the presbytery with Father Albin Arsenault. Goodwill offering to the ALPHA Program.
2 p.m.
Cast Iron Cooking demonstration by the Farmers’ Bank of Rustico & 1772 Doucet Log House.
2:30 p.m.
Workshop “Learn to play the spoons” with Brendon Peters.
4 p.m.
“Butter & Bannock by the Bay“ demonstration by the Farmers’ Bank of Rustico & 1772 Doucet Log House.
4 p.m.
“Rustico’s old-fashioned parish picnics“ lecture by Georges Arsenault on the 2nd floor of the Farmers’ Bank of Rustico Museum.
5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Community Supper (Acadian Meat Pie, Chicken Fricot, Rolls & Dessert) at the Cymbria Lions Club.
Adults - $15 / Children - $10
7 p.m.
Circus Performance outside the concert tent with Serpentine Entertainment.
8 p.m.
Lennie Gallant Concert
Adults - $30 / Children - $20
All activities are free unless otherwise indicated.
The Pride PEI Festival 2024, taking place from July 12–21, features a bounty of celebratory events, including the 9th annual OUTspoken Poetry Slam presented by PEERS Alliance on July 18 from 7–10 pm at The Guild in Charlottetown.
Join PEERS Alliance in celebrating the communities’ rebellious and unwavering joy. “We welcome folks from all decades, all backgrounds, all genders, and no genders, to join us gleefully as we revel in tales of burgeoning attractions, awakening truths, brave defiance, and queer relentless radiance,” share organizers.
Slam Poetry is not a passive experience. Slam Poetry stomps its feet and rattles the bars of complicity to create movements that challenge the status quo. This year’s performers are challenged to focus on what exuberant queer joy means to them; in their community and labours, activism and movements, rest and resistance, love and art. How are they sharing queer bliss? Performers will have have four minutes to titillate the audience, move them to tears, or both, with their righteous slams.
Interested participants can email candace.ml.hagen@gmail.com.
OUTspoken is sober, free, and while the event is all-ages, there could be explorations of sexuality, rebellion, acceptance and unmitigated highs and lows that may have adult themes. pridepei.ca
The Pride PEI Festival 2024 schedule includes a family-friendly, drop-in event: Self Love: A Journey Through Writing. Members of the PEI Writers’ Guild Board will guide participants in exploring selflove and intimacy through writing. This drop-in style workshop is designed to let writers move through stations at their own pace, providing opportunities for both experienced and new writers to participate. The event will be held on July 13 from 1–4 pm at Beaconsfield Carriage House in Charlottetown.
The Queer Book Club hosts a meet-up to discuss different reading material in Charlottetown. Email peiliberationreads@gmail.com to get added to the list and receive details on the meeting location.
Silent Book Club takes place at the Charlottetown Library on July 7 from 1:30–3:30 pm. There is no assigned reading at Silent Book Club; audiobooks, ebooks, textbooks, comic books—it’s bring-your-own-book. Everyone settles in for an hour of silent, sustained reading. At the end of the hour, attendees can socialize—or not.
Join the Summerside Rotary Library Book Club for a lively discussion about some of today’s most thought-provoking books. Pick up a copy of the latest book club selection at the main circulation desk. The next meeting is July 27 at 2 pm.
UPEI launched a $15-million fundraising campaign to revitalize the Robertson Library. Opened in 1975, the Robertson Library has served the campus community, the province, and a world-wide community of users for almost 50 years. As well as providing essential resources and study spaces to students and researchers, it offers information literacy skills training and unique learning opportunities, and provides support for Open Education Resources (OER), reducing barriers to learning and making education more affordable. Funds raised during the campaign will be used to support teaching and learning by upgrading existing group and individual study spaces and renovating former storage space to create new study areas. Housed within the Robertson Library is the PEI collection, which includes many historical documents and artifacts that are invaluable to students, researchers, and scholars. Funds raised will be used to expand and enhance the space where the collection is stored in ways that will improve the preservation and sharing of the province’s shared published heritage. Donations to the Robertson Library revitalization project at all levels are welcome. To donate, visit upei.ca/ loveourlibrary.
New book launch at Charlottetown Library—July 18
Bookmark, Charlottetown’s locally owned independent bookshop, will welcome Lesley Crewe to Charlottetown on July 18 for the launch of her new book, Death & Other Inconveniences. An Evening with Lesley Crewe will take place from 6:30–8 pm in the Rotary Auditorium of the Charlottetown Library Learning Centre. The event is free and open to everyone.
The national bestselling author’s new novel explores widowhood, complicated family dynamics, and growing up at any age. Well, Dick’s dead. Now what? Margo, his widow, is trying to dodge the tsunami of paperwork coming her way. She doesn’t want to deal with the details—why do you think she was married in the first place? Lately life has been a tornado of siblings, children, pets, marriages, health issues, and endless bureaucracies. And at the centre of it all is Margo, living alone for the very first time, trying to endure everyone else’s judgements about the woman she is when she doesn’t even know herself. With humour and heart, Crewe walks readers through the incredibly
Author Leslie Crewe
disruptive domino effects of the death of one unremarkable man. Crewe is the author of many novels, including The Spoon Stealers, Recipe for a Good Life, Nosy Parker, Amazing Grace, Chloe Sparrow, and Relative Happiness, which has been adapted into a feature film. Previously a columnist and freelance writer, Crewe lives in Homeville, Nova Scotia.
A book launch for TWiG 6, a collection of works from The Writers in Group (TWiG), will be held on June 29 from 2–4 pm at the Haviland Club, 2 Haviland St, Charlottetown. Authors will read selected works. Free refreshments will be offered with a cash bar. Admission is free and all are welcome to attend. Info: thewritersingroup@gmail.com
Acorn Press is launching three new fiction titles The Floating Days by Susan Rodgers, Ken’s Corner by Katie Mac and A Sea of Spectres by Nancy Taber—on June 29 from 3–5 pm at Beaconsfield Carriage House, 2 Kent St, Charlottetown. All are welcome to attend.
Follow the Goose Butt to PEI
Follow the Goose Butt to Prince Edward Island by Colleen Landry, Beth Weatherbee and Odette Barr
will launch on July 15 at 1 pm in the Children’s Room at the Charlottetown Library Learning Centre, 97 Queen St.
Kelly Kieran Sampson book launch
A book launch for Kelly Kieran Sampson’s new book Through the Haze, will be held on July 16 from 7–8:30 pm at Beaconsfield Carriage House, 2 Kent St, Charlottetown. Books will be available for purchase.
Bren Simmers book launch
Bren Simmers will launch her new poetry collection, The Work (Gaspereau Press), on July 27 at 7 pm at the Beaconsfield Carriage House in Charlottetown. She will be joined by friends and fellow poets Keagan Hawthorne from Sackville, NB, and Jamella Hagen from Whitehorse, YT. The evening will feature music by Adam Hill and include three short readings by the guests. The event is free, and everyone is welcome to attend. Books will be available for purchase, thanks to Bookmark.
It’s summer solstice and a cool wind is carrying the smell of lilacs and cut grass. I didn’t know I missed the mating calls of lawnmowers, the off-key
roofer who belts out every radio chorus, the thwack of screen doors, dogs barking, or traffic like the hum of an oversize fridge. The world unfurling after a great pause, while my fronds remain closed, resting. I didn’t know that I missed this close proximity to others. On the anniversary of my dad’s death, an eagle circled overhead. A gift, like the Nâzim Hikmet on my shelf, cursorily read, then let go. I didn’t know how to love then, still don’t. Tending this patch of self. Weeds growing as hard as they can. Near the end, my father gave away all his books, saying a library is meant to be read. Hikmet said: The weight of living is heavier than the thought of death. My dad’s ashes weighed seven pounds. I didn’t know that a cumulus cloud one-kilometre-long and tall weighs as much as a herd of 100 elephants. All those water particles held aloft by air. I didn’t know that all this noticing was love. Breathing in and out.
One day we’re here and the next, clouds.
—Bren Simmers
Tours at Orwell Corner Historic Village in July
The PEI Museum and Heritage Foundation’s programming at Orwell Corner Historic Village includes For the Love of Maud from 1–4 pm on Thursdays in July (4, 11, 18, and 25). Spend an afternoon in the time of Lucy Maud Montgomery, author of Anne of Green Gables, via this unique immersive experience. A costumed guide will lead visitors through the
village, connecting Orwell Corner’s authentic late-Victorian charms to Montgomery’s life and facilitating hands-on historic activities. Visit the farm animals, learn to waltz on the village green, enjoy some afternoon tea, and follow in Montgomery’s own footsteps by taking a wagon ride along a route she travelled in 1910.
This program is intended for adult audiences, but children over seven years old are allowed with supervision. Costumes are welcome but not required. Saturday tours may be available for groups of 10+ upon request.
Orwell Corner Historic Village is located at 98 McPhail Park Road, Vernon Bridge. Visit peimuseum.ca for information and tickets.
Porch to Porch:
Edited by Blanca Baquero and Carole Martignacco
The first-ever anthology of Maritime haiku has been published by Haiku Canada Publications. Porch to Porch: A Maritime Haiku Anthology includes the work of 52 poets—among them are such literary notables as Brian Bartlett, George Elliott Clark, Geoffrey Cook, Mariam Dunn, Raymond Sewell and others. Their poems range from classically-influenced to vibrantly contemporary and are as varied as the provinces they celebrate. “You will find here a lively poetic conversation that speaks from porch to porch and to the world beyond.” —Haiku Canada
Edited by Blanca Baquero and Carole Martignacco, the book features cover artwork by Geoff Slater with cover design by Sarah Robinson. Layout was done by Mike Montreuil. Porch to Porch was launched at the 47th annual national conference of Haiku Canada, held at Acadia University in Wolfville, NS, in May. It can be purchased on PEI at Bookmark in Charlottetown.
“While this is a Maritime anthology, it is by no means limited to regional matters. The contributors write about the seasons and landscape, the flora and fauna, but also of concerns beyond their borders. As well there are poems dealing with ‘human’ nature, often buoyed by legendary Maritime humour…,
“I would like to congratulate the editors on an impressive and ground-breaking anthology that will help bring haiku to a much wider audience. We look forward, too, to welcoming many more Maritime members to Haiku Canada,” Angela Leuck, President, Haiku Canada.
Blanca Baquero, of Wolfville, NS, is author of the French-language haiku collection Aussi loin que le vent (Les Éditions David, 2022). Carole Martignacco, of St. Andrews, NB, is author of Teasing the Tides: Haiku (Yarrow Press, 2023).
Haiku Canada is a society of haiku poets and enthusiasts dedicated to promoting the creation and appreciation of haiku and related forms (tanka, renga, senryu, sequences, haibun, and visual haiku) among its members and the public at large. It fosters association, friendship, communication and mutual support among haiku poets in Canada and abroad.
Local poet Beth Powell is the only poet from Prince Edward Island included in the anthology, which was named for one of her poems.
Contact: haikucanada.org, office@ haikucanada.org, @HaikuCanada
Kelly
Kieran Sampson
Kelly Kieran Sampson will launch her novel, Through the Haze, at the Beaconsfield Carriage House in Charlottetown on July 16 from 7–8:30 pm. Copies of the book will be available for purchase.
Trapped between Heaven and Earth, sixteen-year-old Tilly discovers she is not the only victim of her serial killer, four more teens have met the same fate. This small group comes together and sets out to catch their killer but slowly figures out that catching a serial killer is the least of their problems.
Through the Haze explores Tilly’s concept of death as she journeys
friends, sibling dynamics, love and
Local poet Bren Simmers will launch her new collection, The Work (Gaspereau Press), on July 27 at 7 pm at the Beaconsfield Carriage House in Charlottetown. She will be joined by friends and fellow poets Keagan Hawthorne from Sackville, NB, and Jamella Hagen from Whitehorse, YT. The evening will feature music by Adam Hill and include three short readings by the guests.
The poems in The Work engage with the work of love and loss and the hope that we might somehow learn to carry our portion of grief. Simmers writes of churning in an accumulation of losses—the sudden death of her father, the descent of her mother into dementia, her sister-in-law’s terminal illness— and of the work of slowly making wholeness out of brokenness. Her writing fosters a vulnerability and wit that sidestep easier tropes, a reminder that healing often comes through saying “Hello” and “Yes”; a realization that “all this noticing/was love.”
Simmers is the author of four other books: If, When (2021), Pivot Point (2019), Night Gears (2010) and Hastings-Sunrise (2015), which was a finalist for the City of Vancouver Book Award. Her writing has won The Malahat Review Long Poem Prize and the Arc Poem of the Year Award, and poems from this new collection won the 2022 CBC Poetry Prize.
The event is free, and everyone is welcome to attend. Books will be available for purchase, thanks to Bookmark.
Confederation Centre of the Arts is offering historic walking tours of downtown Charlottetown this summer. From the Island’s first inhabitants to Confederation and beyond, these tours offer a captivating blend of Canadian history, cultural landmarks, intriguing facts, architectural gems, and more.
The tours are led by the Heritage Players, a troupe of enthusiastic and knowledgeable guides who dress in period costumes to make history come alive in an entertaining and memorable way.
Three tours are on offer this summer. The Historic Great George Tour, available in English or French, explores PEI’s role in shaping Canadian history. A classic Ghost Tour led by a mysterious gravedigger is full of spooky tales of Charlottetown’s dark, mysterious, and haunted past. New this year is a Behind the Scenes Tour that
dives into the storied 60-year history of Confederation Centre of the Arts. Guests can learn about the Centre’s origins and evolution and visit backstage to explore decades of theatre memorabilia.
Tours are approximately 75 minutes. For the full schedule and to book tickets, visit confederationcentre.com or contact the Centre’s box office at 1-800-565-0278.
Book arts show at Confed Court Mall until August
The Canadian Bookbinders and Book Artists Guild (CBBAG) brought their travelling book arts show, Kindred Spirits—The Lucy Maud Montgomery Legacy as Interpreted by Contemporary Book Artists, to the Confederation Court Mall in Charlottetown for the first leg of its Canada-wide tour. An homage to L.M. Montgomery’s life and literary contributions, marking what would have been her 150th birthday, the juried exhibition will be on view until August 23.
The display highlights the vibrancy and innovation within the book arts community and includes 37 meticulously crafted pieces by CBBAG members. Each piece is a testament to the timeless impact of Montgomery’s work, celebrating her as a source of inspiration. The works were selected by a distinguished panel of jurors: Don Taylor, Bookbinder; Liz Menard, Printmaker; and Kate Macdonald Butler, granddaughter of L.M. Montgomery. confedcourtmall.com
Honouring L.M. Montgomery: Join us for the kicko event on June 29th at Avonlea Village. Experience 'Raising Her Voice: Celebrating 150 Years of LM Montgomery' with live art, music and more!
“A plate of apples, an open fire, and a jolly good book are a fair substitute for heaven.” —Lucy Maud Montgomery
For our tip-to-tip events happening all year, visit: lmmontgomeryliterarytour.com | @inspiringworldof_lmmontgomery
Capital City Canada Day returns to Victoria Park in Charlottetown on July 1. This year’s festivities will feature a full day of free activities including kid-friendly games, inflatables, community activations and festive giveaways throughout the day (while supplies last). There will be local food and artisan vendors, Indigenous cultural demonstrations, guest speakers and a 21 gun salute. Live music featuring The Fabulously Rich, a Tragically Hip tribute band, will headline the talented musical lineup and a display of fireworks will start at dusk. charlottetown.ca
The annual Canada Day celebration at North Rustico Seawalk Park will take place on July 1, featuring a full day of activities beginning at 8 am. The street parade will start at 10:30 am, followed by a lineup of musical entertainment from 12 noon into the evening. Vendors will be participating all day, and children’s activities, including bouncy castles, will be part of the festivities. The fireworks will begin at dusk.
Pregnant individuals and new parents are invited to Breastfeeding Essentials, a presentation on July 3 from 10–11 am at the Beaconsfield Carriage House. Hosted by La Leche League PEI, the course covers preparing to breastfeed and dealing with challenges. The presentation is free to attend and all are welcome. 2 Kent St, Charlottetown. Follow @LLLC.PEI on FB for updates. Info: 902-316-2167
until July 5 under eight different categories: Farmscapes, Commercial Fisheries and Aquaculture, Celebrating Farming Families, PEI’s Next Generation Farmers, Fresh from the Land, Animals of Agriculture, Wild Side and Youth. Category winners will be presented with an Old Home Week gate pass, a $50 Canada’s Food Island gift card and their framed images after Old Home Week. To participate, visit princeedwardisland.ca/ agriphotocontest.
The Island Peace Committee will have an information table at the Charlottetown Farmer’s Market on July 6, open from 9 am–2 pm. Drop by to learn about their Boycott Divest Sanction (BDS) campaign. Members continue to work in solidarity with victims of genocide in Palestine. Info: 902-368-7337
Cape Bear Lighthouse and Marconi Station Inc will celebrate being in operation to the public for 25 years with Cape Bear Day on July 6 from 2–4 pm. The day will feature cake, music, radio operators and more. All are welcome. Rain date is July 13. 42 Black Brook Rd, Murray Harbour.
The Children’s Summer Food Program is open for registration for families who need help accessing healthy meals for children this summer. Precooked, frozen meals that can be reheated are available throughout July and August for Island families with school-aged children. Registration is required and meals will be delivered to all areas of the province. The program begins July 3 and runs until August 28. Meals will be delivered every Wednesday between 8 am–4 pm. Each registered child will receive seven meals. Someone must be present at the address to accept the meal delivery. Meals will not be left unattended for food safety reasons. For more information or to register for the program, visit princeedwardisland.ca/en/service/ childrens-summer-food-program.
The Department of Agriculture is inviting Islanders to showcase and enjoy PEI’s beauty by participating in their annual Celebrate PEI Agriculture photo contest. Photos can be submitted
Looking to meet new friends in the community but not sure where to start? Join Speed Friending at Beaconsfield Carriage House in Charlottetown on July 12 at 5 pm. The event is designed to help individuals break the ice, connect with new people, and engage in fun, structured conversations. The hour-long event is part of the Pride PEI Festival 2024 programming and facilitated by Claire Byrne. Admission is free. Pre-registration is required: locarius.io/events/1098/ speed-friending-friday-july-12th
Buddhist nuns on PEI are inviting everyone to tour the new monastery buildings at Great Wisdom Buddhist Institute on July 13 and 14 from 10 am–4 pm. Learn what a day is like in the monastery, check out the displays and activities, sit in on a presentation, or chat with the Buddhist nuns. Register: openhouse.gwbi.org
Islanders and visitors are invited to the Lieutenant Governor’s free public garden party on the grounds of Fanningbank, 1 Terry Fox Drive in Charlottetown, on July 17 from 2–4 pm. Light refreshments will be served and balloon creations will be made by The Joggler’s Busker. Musical entertainment will be provided by the PEI Regiment Band. There will be no public tours of Government House on this day and parking will be limited to those requiring assistance.
PWC reunion invitation
The Prince of Wales Campus (PWC) reunion committee is inviting PWC graduates to this summer’s PWC reunion at the Florence Simmons Performance Hall in Charlottetown on July 27 at 2 pm. Alumni will have a chance to reconnect, celebrate, and share stories with fellow PWC past graduates. RSVP to alumni@ upei.ca or 902-566-0687 by July 28.
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 at 902-892-2161 or royalcanadianlegion@pei.aibn.com and ask to be referred to the Chairman of Veterans Services.
WCB’s free online certificate courses and resources
The Workers Compensation Board (WCB) is offering free online certificate courses and resources in multiple languages. These courses can be used as standalone learning opportunities, as part of safety orientation in PEI workplaces or as part of a workplace’s safety program. The content is tailored to PEI workplaces as the courses are based on legislation in effect in the province. In addition, the WCB now has a series of resources—posters and FAQs—available in English, French, Chinese simplified, Punjabi, Filipino and Spanish. All resources are accessible at wcb.pe.ca.
Save the date. The Black Cultural Society of PEI is planning an event in honour of Emancipation Day on August 1 from 5–8 pm in The Bog at Rochford Square in Charlottetown. All are welcome.
The PEI Rural Beautification Society’s 77th annual competition is underway. With 18 different categories, there is a competition for every age group and skill level. The competition awards $15,000 in prizes and the contest is open to all rural PEI residents. Competition books are available online at peirbs.ca and at all Access PEI locations, Veseys Seeds, Kool Breeze Farm, and other Island greenhouse locations. The entry deadline is July 31. Visit peirbs.ca for full details, guidelines, award categories and to enter the competition online.
Community Quilt Hang Out Day PEI will be celebrating their love for quilts by putting them on display across PEI on August 3. Everyone is invited to share their enjoyment of this long standing craft on PEI by hanging their quilt(s) out on the clothesline, from a deck/porch, from a window, a lighthouse, a business or other display ideas. The quilts can be a friend’s, a family member’s, a gift, a purchase or a find. Take a photo(s) of the displayed quilt(s) and share on FB
and IG @peiquilthangoutday or by email peiquilthangoutday@gmail.com. Rain date is August 4.
Islanders are invited to fill out a survey on forest policy. Towards A New Forest Policy—a discussion paper by the PEI Forestry Commission contains 13 key issues related to forestry including the future of a legislative framework, sustainability of biomass supply, and increasing readiness for extreme weather. The survey will help the Commission understand more about Islanders’ forestry priorities and the issues facing PEI forests. The discussion paper and survey are available at princeedwardisland.ca/ forestsurvey. The deadline for feedback is August 31. Public meetings will take place in communities across PEI this summer, with dates and locations tba.
PEI 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 do not wish to interact online can email peiautisticadults@gmail. com. PEI Autistic Adults is not affiliated with any organization.
Ongoing programs for babies, toddlers and young children continues at the Summerside Library in July, including: Summer Reading Fun (2 pm, Tuesdays); Wiggle Giggle Read (9:30 am, Wednesdays); Toddler Time (9:30 am, Thursdays); and Saturday Storytime (1 pm, Saturdays). 57 Central St, Summerside.
A French conversation group is held on Mondays at 4 pm at the Charlottetown Library. Individuals ages 12+ who are interested in practicing their French language skills are encouraged to join for some casual conversation, games and books. All skill levels are welcome. 97 Queen St, Charlottetown.
The Immigrant & Refugee Services Association PEI is hosting EAL conversation circles for adults this summer on Tuesdays at 6 pm at the Summerside Library, and on Wednesdays at 6:30 pm at the Charlottetown Library. Adults who are interested in practicing their English language skills are encouraged to join for some informal conversation. No registration is required.
PEI is celebrating the 150th birthday of its most beloved literary icon and the top-selling children’s author of all time, L.M. Montgomery. Join the festivities and delve into the life of the creator of Anne of Green Gables Tourism Cavendish Beach and the Central Coastal Tourism Partnership have teamed up with local individuals and businesses to present activities continuing into the fall. This collaboration honours Montgomery’s legacy through a series of special events and activities showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the region.
Live Art events inspired by Montgomery’s quotes and the PEI Photography Club’s exhibit showcasing photos inspired by her work. Harmony House will present a show inspired by her poetry, and Carr’s Oyster Bar in Stanley Bridge recounts Montgomery’s connection to the sinking of the Marco Polo.
Montgomery’s lesser-known talent as a photographer will be explored through exhibits of her photos. Join Ian Carter for photo tours of her favourite spots, or participate in cyanotype workshops with Julia Purcell. Little Dutch Flowers is offering flower arranging workshops, garden walks, and literary corners for journaling and reflection. Songs, stories, readings, and deli cakes and teas will be presented at PEI Preserve Company, the Barachois Inn, and the Bideford Parsonage. Kids can enjoy programs at Bedeque Museum and the MacPhail Homestead, reflecting Montgomery’s experiences as a rural teacher.
Macphail Homestead honours Montgomery’s 150th birthday with a L.M. Montgomery Children’s Day Camp and a For the Love of Maud Afternoon Tea. The Homestead has a special connection to Montgomery who was at the Homestead when
Governor General Earl Grey visited the Island in 1910 expressly to meet her. At the time, Sir Andrew was actually far more prominent than Montgomery and since the Governor General’s admiration for her was not well-known, the publicity of the visit focused on Earl Grey’s connection to Sir Andrew. LMM wrote about the visit in her diary and Mary Rubio’s biography of LMM, The Gift of Wings, provides new details.
Celebrations kick off June 29 at Avonlea Village with Raising Her Voice: Celebrating 150 Years of L.M. Montgomery, featuring live art, live music, a Cavendish inspired food hike and more.
For a complete list of events, visit lmmontgomeryliterarytour.com.
Researcher seeking community input
Sandy MacQuarrie is a paramedic and is formerly from PEI. Recognizing the importance of documenting the service of those Islanders who have come to the aid when needed most, MacQuarrie is researching the history of PEI ambulance services from the early days until now. Since records are scarce, he is seeking to chat with Islanders who may have information
1966 Chrysler, MacLean Ambulance Service
to share about any of the services over the years. MacQuarrie is also very interested in any pictures or memorabilia from across the years. He hopes to tell the stories of those who have answered the call. Contact sandymacquarrie@gmail.com.
The Cove Journal by JoDee Samuelson
What are you bringing to the Social? I think I’ll make rhubarb custard pie. We always need pies. You? Rhubarb cookies; I found a good recipe on Pinterest.
The hostess of the Rhubarb Social planning meeting passes around tea and a plate of “Swedish brownies” that are not brown at all but white and almond-flavored. What about tablecloths? We threw away the clear plastic covers, but our white tablecloths are too good to use without something over them. Who will be the greeter at the door? Pour the tea and coffee? Clean the tables? Do the dishes?
What about flowers by the door? Apple blossoms would be lovely… but apple blossoms might be gone by next week. Honeysuckle branches? Perfect. We’ll need small bouquets for the tables too. What are our choices?
Crocuses have come and gone, also elderflowers, tulips, primroses and forsythia. Forget-me-nots would be good—every nook and cranny is filled with them—but they’re on their way out. Same with violets and ground phlox. Too soon for daylilies and phlox. Johnny-jump-ups would work, or even Creeping Charlie. How about Siberian irises, lupins, lilacs, comfrey or columbine… or rhubarb blossoms? Of course! The school will look beautiful.
Discussions wander off into every direction and we have to be repeatedly pulled back to the topic at hand. Are we finished then? Everything under control? Seems to be. Okay, see you Monday. Will you turn on the fridge? Of course.
We’ve spent all year waiting for this. The Rhubarb Social! The Strawberry Social! Living outdoors. Cooking over a fire. Wearing only one layer of clothes. Oh there are mosquitos and sometimes more rain than we’d want,
but it’s summer, lovely summer, and destiny had brought us to this beautiful island.
The Rhubarb Social in the Cove is such a happy event because we’re celebrating the completion of our New Foundation Project. Our 150-year-old one-room schoolhouse/community centre was built atop a 150-year-old sandstone foundation; now it rests on cement. Clean-up is over! Pictures are back on the wall, chairs and tables are washed, the water is tested, the inspector has come and gone, and the Woman’s Institute (I’m a member) is holding a Rhubarb Social next week.
If you’re a visitor and you want a taste of the Island, go to a Social. “What do people do at a Social?” You stand in line, chat with the people next to you; buy a ticket and go inside, chat with the people next to you; eat delicious lovingly prepared local specialties, and chat with the people next to you. Socials are very social. Suggested topics of discussion: the weather, where you’re from, people you know in common, other places you’ve been, electric cars, grandchildren. You’ll figure it out.
If you live here and want to feel part of your community, join the planning committee for a Social and eat Swedish brownies together. On the day of the event wash dishes… and chat with the person next to you.
Okay, no time to dawdle. Those pies won’t make themselves. Happy Summer!
The Ev Experience Tour is coming to a community near you this summer.
The Government of Prince Edward Island, with Safe Drivers PEI, will be answering your questions about electric vehicles and sharing information about the provincial and federal EV rebates. See for yourself what it is like to drive an EV when we come to your community.
June 28 – 9 am - 2 pm
Stratford Town Hall
July 6 – 9 am - 1 pm
Access PEI in Charlottetown (Riverside Drive)
July 12– 10 am - 2 pm
Access PEI in in Summerside
July 19 – 10 am - 2 pm
Access PEI in O’Leary
July 26 – 10 am - 3 pm
Access PEI in Montague
August 2 – 11 am - 3 pm
Canadian Centre for Climate Change, St. Peter’s Bay
August 10 – 9 am - 1 pm
Access PEI Charlottetown (Riverside Drive)
August 17 – 10 am - 1 pm
Kensington High School
August 23 – 10 am - 2 pm
Ellerslie Visitor Information Centre
The Government of PEI and UPEI have come together to survey PEI’s changing coastline every year and build a number of tools that allow Islanders to understand their property’s vulnerability to coastal erosion. Dr. Adam Fenech of UPEI’s Climate Lab, is touring the province to speak about coastal erosion and the vulnerability of Island communities to climate change, and to show the new, revamped version of coastal erosion visualization tool: CoastaL Impacts Visualization Environment (CLIVE), an internationally award-winning video game that allows Islanders to fly over PEI, raise and lower sea levels, and click on-and-off coastal erosion rates. The date, time and location of upcoming CLIVE presentations are: July 2 at Beaconsfield in Charlottetown (3 pm) and Victoria Schoolhouse in Victoria (7 pm); July 3 at Historic St Mary’s in Kensington (3 pm) and Eliyahou Wellness Centre in North Rustico (7 pm); July 4 at the Wind Energy Institute in Tignish (3 pm) and West Point Harbourside Centre in West Point (7 pm); and July 5 at The Lodge in Souris (3 pm) and Dr. Roddie Community Centre in St Peter’s Bay (7 pm). Info: climate@upei.ca
The Bedeque Area Historical Museum will continue their annual History Talk series this summer, held on Mondays from 7–9 pm, beginning July 8 and running until August 19. Talks in July include: “An A–Z: The Odd and Unusual on PEI” with historian Dutch Thompson (July 8); “Loyalists and Slaves on the Island of St. John: 1784 and After” with author Jim Hornby (15); “PEI and the Monarchy—From 1765 to the Present” with Bedeque Area Historical Society President, Doug Sobey (22); and “PEI and the American Revolution” with American evolutionary war historian Mike Barbieri of Vermont (29). There is no cost to attend and all are welcome. Donations are accepted.
Sir Andrew Macphail Homestead’s Lunch and Lecture series will run on Sundays at 1 pm in July, August and September. The events feature a brunch and Island speakers presenting unique topics, such as: “Belfast PEI 1847 Riot” with Dr. Callum Beck; “Becoming Green Gables” with Dr. Alan MacEachern; “My Life in Cabbage” with Ann Thurlow; and “Dr. Eliza MacKenzie: PEI’s first female doctor” with Katherine Dewar. Reservations are required at macphailhomstead@gmail.com or 902-651-2789.
PEI Untamed, with Biologist and Naturalist Kate MacQuarrie, offers a unique and immersive experience for those interested in the wild side of PEI, including foraging and wild food recipes, PEI natural history, plant identification, tours and much more, as well as free local content on the PEI Untamed website and social media. Upcoming events in July include: Foraging with The Beach Goats (July 11 and 25); Bog & Orchid Hike (20); and Edible & Medicinal Plant Talk (26). Info/register: PEI-untamed.com
This year’s Pride PEI Festival will feature Dry Happy Hour, a series of networking opportunities, panel discussions and more, taking place on select dates from 3–5 pm at The Guild. The series includes: the panel discussion, “Lesbianism, not a Dying Art: A Conversation on the Lesbian Roots of Feminist Pride,” presented by Women’s Network PEI (July 15); the “Queer Networking” event presented by UPEI Experiential Education (17); the panel discussion, “Exploring Indigenous Gender Identities” presented by the Native Council of PEI (18); and “From Awareness to Action: Confronting Microaggressions and Protecting BIPOC Trans Women” presented by the Black Cultural Society of PEI (19). pridepei.ca
The Abegweit (PEI) Branch of the United Empire Loyalists’ Association of Canada will present a free public lecture by Adjunct Professor and Loyalist Studies Coordinator at University of New Brunswick, Dr. Bonnie Huskins. “Reflections of Loyalist Freemasonry, St. John’s Lodge No. 26, Charlottetown, PEI” will be presented on August 8 at 6:30 pm in the Rotary Club Room at the Charlottetown Library. To reserve a seat, email membership.pei.uelac@gmail.com by August 2. For more details, visit abegweit.uelac.ca/activities.
by Gary Schneider
One of my favourite birds is the Tree Swallow, back now in full force across the province. Each year I spend a lot of time worrying that they might not show up again in the numbers that I’m used to. To watch these wonderfully acrobat aeronauts has always been one of the highlights of my summers.
Insectivores such as swallows have been in decline for quite some time, probably a combination of destruction of both winter and nesting habitat, and the lower insect populations due to the use of agricultural pesticides. They spend winters in southern Florida and Central America, and long migrations always put birds at risk.
Tree Swallows are handsome birds, with a blue-black almost iridescent back and a bright white front. We do have other swallows, but they are relatively easy to tell apart if you look closely. Two other swallows found in the province are Bank Swallows and Barn Swallows. Both are being monitored across the region due to their declining numbers.
Bank Swallows are found almost exclusively along our coastline, where they dig nests into the bank. They have brown backs and a brown “necklace” above their white bellies. Barn Swallows are mostly found around— you guessed it—barns with openings that allow the birds to nest inside on flat parts of the structure. They have longer, forked tails, and while their colours can be similar to the Tree Swallow, they have a much more patterned head and usually quite a bit of orange-brown in their belly feathers.
Tree Swallows really stand out on their own. They are strictly a cavity nesters, and since we seem to be having less and less natural cavities—though Fiona might have changed that temporarily—they really benefit when people put up nest boxes. And this is one of the species for which the effort you put into constructing, placing, and cleaning a nest box usually pays off. We have placed nest boxes at school plantings and when naturalizing areas and are often surprised at how quickly they become occupied. We also have them placed around the Macphail Woods nursery and there is always at least one pair using them.
Explore eerie legends and lore
The PEI Museum and Heritage Foundation’s July programming at the Green Park Shipbuilding Museum and Yeo House in Tyne Valley features The Haunting of Yeo House, an hour-long tour for ages 12 and up.
Participants will explore eerie legends and lore of this Victorian-era home, guided by staff who have experienced the hauntings.
Tours are every Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday from 4:30–5:30 pm, with an additional tour on Friday from 6:30–7:30 pm. Info/tickets: peimuseum.ca
Nest boxes are easy to construct, though the entrance hole must be the proper size and boxes should be cleaned each spring. They should be in place well before the birds come back to nest—usually around early May.
While we’re not sure of the exact numbers of Tree Swallows in this province, some watershed groups are helping with this research. Last year the Kensington North Watershed Association built and placed boxes across the watershed. Matt Ginn, a biologist with the province, bander Fiep de Bie, and community volunteers banded 70 birds—a combination of adults and juveniles. This year, the Trout River Environmental Committee has joined in the effort (along with other watershed groups) and produced the excellent Cross-Watershed Tree Banding Booklet.
The booklet contains lots of information on Tree Swallows, including very detailed plans for constructing nest boxes. This is a great resource for anyone interested in these wonderful birds.
You can get a free copy to download by going to troutriverec.ca/tag/ tree-swallow/
Banding started in early June this year, and there were already some recaptures of birds that had been banded last year. Thanks to the watershed groups, all the banders, volunteers, the provincial Department of Environment, Energy and Climate Action and the PEI Wildlife Conservation Fund. This is important work that will provide useful information over the long term. It is great to see these types of collaborative efforts. Well done.
Flower workshops are being offered in late July, August and early fall at Little Dutch Flower Farm in Summerside with flower farmer Shellilee. Follow on FB/IG for updates on workshops. For more info email littledutchflowers@gmail.com.
Celebrate Pride at the MRS Dog Training Pack Walk on July 14. Participants will meet at the Victoria Park Pavilion in Charlottetown at 10 am to start the hour-long community pack walk with owners and dogs (all dogs are welcome). Dog owners are encouraged to keep a personal bubble the length of their leash, and to not let dogs meet. Pack walks are designed to allow safe socialization while focusing on neutrality around dogs. Pride wear and colours are encouraged. Visit pridepei.ca for the full Pride PEI Festival 2024 list of events.
Mona Reck, a resident of Stratford, PEI, will ride 200 km in August and aims to raise $500 for the SickKids Foundation as part of the Great Cycle Challenge Canada (GCCC). The challenge raises money for research, care, and the development of better treatments and cures for childhood cancer. Founded in 2016, GCCC has become one of the biggest cycling events in the country. In eight years, over
The Charlottetown Scrabble Club meets every Tuesday from 5–8 pm at the Charlottetown Library Learning Centre. All ages and skill levels are welcome. Tips for improving one’s game and cheat sheets are offered. Participants should bring their own Scrabble set if they have one, as well as paper and a pencil for scorekeeping. Admission is free. 97 Queen St, Charlottetown.
Hang out with fellow Nintendo Switch enthusiasts ages 13+ at the Charlottetown Library on July 3 from 3:30–4:30 pm. Visit
130,000 riders from all provinces and territories have ridden 24.2 million kms, raising more than $47 million. This year, SickKids hopes more than 15,000 riders will take part. GCCC encourages cyclists across Canada to challenge themselves and set their own personal riding goals throughout August. To learn more about the cycle challenge, make a donation, or participate, visit greatcyclechallenge.ca.
The Cornwall Run Club holds a social run every Thursday at 6 pm that is approximately 5 kms. Runners of all calibers are welcome. The run starts and ends at Village Green Brewery (30 Church St at the old post office/ dental clinic in Cornwall). Follow @ CornwallRunClub on FB for updates.
Charlottetown Pickleball Club is offering pickleball classes on Tuesday evenings and Saturday mornings for four weeks, led by Certified Coach and top-ranked PEI player Suzanna Woods. The progressive sessions will teach students basic skills, strategies and rules of play. Eye protection and membership with Pickleball Canada (insurance) is mandatory. Info/register: pickleballcanada.org/club/ charlottetown-pickleball-club/35990
each other’s Animal Crossing islands, trade and battle Pokémon, or get a race on in Mario Kart. Bring controllers, games and Switch, or use the library’s equipment. 97 Queen St, Charlottetown.
Join other seniors for an afternoon of playing board games and socializing at the Charlottetown Library on July 8 and 22 from 1–3 pm. Play a favourite game or learn a new one. 97 Queen St, Charlottetown.
Socialize and play games like cribbage, crokinole, scrabble, checkers and more at the Summerside Rotary Library on July 10 and 24 at 2 pm. 57 Central St, Summerside.
Ashleigh Tremere
The PEI Witches Market has been putting on events for a while now, and I’ve been super keen to go to them, but my schedule has always conflicted. There was one day when I could have made it work, but when I arrived at the Haviland, the line-up was out the door to the street! It was awesome to see, but I have always been averse to waiting in long lines, so off home I went.
Then, when I saw they were doing a Psychic Fair on a day I didn’t have to be anywhere else, I knew I had to go check it out. Unfortunately, I don’t think the stars were actually aligning in my favour, though.
I’m a huge fan of the mystic, and I’d definitely say I am a spiritual person who is open to the possibilities of things we can’t fully comprehend or explain. I’m here for it. I also admit that there are some who may be keen on taking advantage of people’s openness to such things, so you have to accept that there is the good with the bad. There definitely weren’t any bad actors there, but it wasn’t quite as advertised either.
The ad said there would be eight readers and an energy healer available, but there were only three readers. In my opinion, the space at The Guild didn’t quite have the vibe I think would align with such a cool event, or maybe it was the lack of an energy healer. Who’s to say for sure? There were some very cool artisans there, though not as many as I had expected.
I had taken two of my kids along and told them they could get a reading. However, the only available reader at the time wasn’t comfortable providing their service for children, which is completely fair and totally their right, obviously. So I got a divination rod reading, and the kids got to choose something from the artisans. I also grabbed a card for a future purchase from a New Brunswick vendor, Wildwomen Crafts, who make very cool bags in support of The Atlantic Wildlife Institute. You can check them out online if you like original, wellmade bags and supporting wildlife rehabilitation.
I’ve only ever heard of a divination rod and never actually seen it in action, except in movies, so I wasn’t really prepared for it. It seems a rather vulnerable thing to try in such an open space with others waiting in line behind you.
I think I would have liked it more at least with the illusion of some privacy. The person doing it was very kind and thoughtful though.
Despite not being able to get a reading, the kids thought the whole thing was really awesome, and they’d like to go back again. I would have loved to experience it more in the Haviland setting and as advertised. Maybe next time. Things happen, people have to cancel sometimes for average, corporeal reasons too.
The Residential Tenancy Office invites written comments in French/English from tenants and landlords on the maximum allowable rent increase for 2025.
Deadline for comments is Wednesday, August 14, 2024.
Comments can be emailed to: MaximumAllowable@peirentaloffice.ca
(or)
Mailed/Delivered to:
Residential Tenancy Office 5th floor, National Bank Tower
134 Kent Street, PO Box 577 Charlottetown, PEI C1A 7L1
For information on previous allowable increases go to: peirentaloffice.ca/allowable-rent-increases/
ISSUE# 367 • JULY 2024
Editor: Yanik Richards
Editor: Michelle Ollerhead
Website: Nakeesa Aghdasy
Advertising: Adriane Gaudet
Partners: Maggie Lillo (Ruby Square Graphic Design), Carly Martin (Hawthorne House Media)
Contributors: Julie Bull, Dennis Ellsworth, Monica Macdonald, Takako Morita, JoDee Samuelson, Tara Reeves, Gary Schneider, Bren Simmers, Ashleigh Tremere
Office: 160 Richmond Street, Charlottetown
Mail: P.O. Box 1945, Charlottetown, PE C1A7N5
Phone: 902-628-1958
E-mail: info@buzzpei.com
Social Media: @buzzpei
The Buzz is published monthly by Little Kit Bag Inc.
The QEH Foundation Ultimate Shed Giveaway (QEHUSG) brings together community-minded individuals in PEI’s construction, design, and building supply industry to raise funds for priority medical equipment needs at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital by building a backyard garden shed with a luxurious twist. Proceeds from this year’s giveaway will support medical equipment for breast health care.
This summer the giveaway returns with a brand new concept, Pine Haven. This fully-furnished luxury shed is valued at almost $40,000 and comes insulated, wired and decorated, with free delivery, on-site trenching and electrical hook-up within PEI. QEHUSG tickets are $25 each or 5 for $100 and can be purchased online until July 2 by visiting qehfoundation.pe.ca/shed or in person at the QEH Foundation and Sherwood Timber Mart at 167 Minna Jane Drive in Charlottetown until July 5 at 10 am. The draw will be held at Sherwood Timber Mart on July 5 at 12 noon and will be broadcasted live on the QEH Foundation FB page.
Cover:
Playing in the Fields, Acrylic on canvas by Monica Macdonald.
PEI artist Monica Macdonald received her BFA from NSCAD in Halifax and has been the recipient of several grants and art awards. Her paintings are a celebration of the world around her and a testimony to her love of color and expressive mark making.
Monica’s work can be found hanging in many private and corporate collections nationally and internationally including the PEI Art Bank, UNB permanent collection and The Canadiana Fund National Commission.
The opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher or staff. Compensation for errors in advertising copy which are the proven responsibility of the publisher is limited to a maximum of the cost of the placement of the advertisement.
Little Kit Bag Inc., operating as The Buzz, acknowledges that we are located on and operate on Mi’kma’ki, the traditional unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq people who have lived here for many thousands of years, and who continue to live here.
EXPLORE CHARLOTTETOWN AT YOUR OWN PACE with our downloadable self-guided walking tour. Discover hidden gems and historical sites on our 1.5 hour tour. Visit TourMyTownPEI.com to start your adventure today!
THE MOTHERZ OF CONFEDERATION. Keep an eye out for The Motherz of Confederation appearing and performing at random on a sidewalk or public space near you this summer!
FALL ART SHOW. We are planning a Fall Art Show for current and previous students’ artwork, and their families, friends and the community. Contact Mary M Curtis at artofmarycurtis.com.
MARY M CURTIS STUDIO. Contact Mary M at artofmarycurtis. com. *Looking for an assistant 3 hours a week for $20/hr. Please contact Mary at artofmarycurtis@ gmail.com
PROFESSIONAL ART
PRODUCTS. The highest, professional calibre painting supplies to be found in Canada - including Gamblin Oils, Libeco Linen, Rosemary & Co and Princeton Brushes, Meeden Easels. www.professionalart.ca.
SQUARE Ruby grap hic design
PRIVATE ART LESSONS FOR ADULTS. Contact Mary M Curtis at artofmarycurtis.com. Special 6 weeks including supplies $200.
STEEL TRIATHLON
TEXT ONLY BUZZIFIEDS. 30 words = $25 (+tax). Buy in bulk to save—6 months for $100 (+tax).
UNDERSTANDING OUR PAST, RECONCILING OUR FUTURE: FIRESIDE CHAT WITH JULIE PELLISSIER-LUSH
RICH:
at/à Confederation Court Mall
Confederation Court Mall, Level 1, in the glass cabinet outside Grand Senses Spa
Confederation Court Mall, Niveau 1, à l'extérieur du Grand Senses Spa
Célébrez le 150e anniversaire de L.M. Montgomery avec notre exposition GRATUITE sur les arts du livre qui présente 37 œuvres uniques. Find out more about our mall events, visit: confedcourtmall.com
Celebrate L.M. Montgomery’s 15 0th birthday with our FREE book arts exhibition featuring 37 crafted works. June 19th - August 22nd / 19 juin - 22 août S aturday, July 20th
Confederation Court Mall Starts at 1pm, after the Pride Parade
The Bessie Carruthers Study Club is touring Nova Scotia and PEI this summer, and will stop at Beaconsfield Carriage House in Charlottetown on July 24 and 27, and at the Courthouse Theatre in St. Peters on July 25.
Imagine if a renowned British composer and suffragist had visited Charlottetown in 1919, inspiring local women to work for the vote. That’s the premise behind pianist Jennifer King and mezzo-soprano Suzanne Campbell’s original musical show.
Although the meeting didn’t happen, the historical character was real. British musician, composer, and renowned suffragist Ethel Smyth, who is now known as Dame Smyth, has been rediscovered as a significant composer of the last century and a formidable voice in the work of British suffragettes. The PEI connection, Bessie Carruthers, played an important role in persuading political leaders of the day to grant women the right to vote on PEI. Coincidentally, Carruthers is a close relative of former PEI Premier Catherine Callbeck.
Produced by Pirate Jenny Productions, The Bessie Carruthers Study Club stars Suzanne Campbell as Bessie and Jennifer King as Smyth.
Suzanne Campbell, a mezzo-soprano, teaches singing to students of
all ages and performs frequently as a soloist across the Island. She is also a member of Sirens, a women’s vocal ensemble that won the 2023 ECMA for Choral Recording of the Year.
Jennifer King, based in Halifax, is a pianist, educator, and host of the Cecilia Concerts Sensory Accessible Concert series at Halifax’s Central Library. She is also a recording artist whose latest work, O Mistress Moon: Canadian Edition, received the 2023 ECMA Classical Recording of the Year. The Bessie Carruthers Study Club was part of the 2019 Island Fringe Festival in Charlottetown where it performed to sold-out, standing-room-only audiences throughout the festival. Visit jenniferkingpiano.com/events for tickets and more information.
The first part of the Acadian Trilogy, the musical play Port-La-Joye, will be performed at the Scott MacAulay Performing Arts Centre in Summerside this month. Showtimes are July 27 at 7:30 pm and July 28, the commemoration day of the Deportation of the Acadians from the Island, with two performances at 2 pm and 7:30 pm.
Port-La-Joye tells the story of the arrival of the French on Saint Croix Island in the Bay of Fundy, the settlement of Beaubassin (Amherst, NS), and the 1755 deportation of Acadians from Grand-Pré, NS, by British forces. It also recounts the lesser-known and deadlier 1758 deportation of the Acadians from Île Saint-Jean (now PEI) at Port-La-Joye (near Charlottetown).
Written by Paul Daniel Gallant,
with music and choral arrangements by Scott MacMillan, Tanya Bernard, and Debbie Rousselle-Montgomery, the play is performed primarily in French with music, dance, and action scenes. An English summary is available. The Acadian Trilogy is one of three projects being undertaken by the PEI Alliance for Sustainable Development, alongside a community radio initiative and a low-income housing project. Work with the production team, actors, dancers, and musicians is well underway. The Alliance is seeking individuals for summer student positions in stage technology, set construction, costume production, radio programming, and more. Email laddipe23@gmail.com if interested.
Tickets: collegeofpiping.com
The stage version of the Stephen King thriller Misery, adapted by William Goldman and directed by Rahul Gandhi, opens this month at Waterfront Theatre in North Rustico. The play will run on select dates from July 5 until August 30.
In Misery, true life becomes stranger than fiction when an acclaimed romance novelist, played by Rob MacLean, wakes up in the home of his “Number One Fan,” played by Jody Stevens. Rescued from a wintery car crash, Paul Sheldon finds himself incapacitated in the secluded home of Annie Wilkes, a seemingly kind nurse. When events take a nightmarish turn, the injured Paul realizes Annie has no intention of letting him leave.
The romantic comedy Same Time, Next Year by Canadian playwright Bernard Slade, directed by Robert Tsonos, is currently playing select dates until August 31.
Visit locarius.io/organizations/26 or call 902-963-3963 for tickets.
New London Carriage House— July 13
The Native Council of PEI presents a Two Spirit Drag Show at the New London Carriage House in Green Gables on July 13 from 7–9 pm.
This night of celebration and diversity is part of the Pride PEI Festival 2024. Celebrating identity and empowerment through captivating performances blending tradition and modernity. Admission is free.
Visit pridepei.ca for shuttle registration, tickets, and the full Pride PEI Festival 2024 events schedule.
The touring charity concert, Unbroken Ukraine, will be performed at the UPEI Performing Arts Centre in Charlottetown on July 27 at 6 pm and at Harbourfront Theatre in Summerside on July 28 at 7:30 pm.
The PEI Ukrainian community (Ukrainian Canadian Congress - PEI Branch), together with Ukrainian organizations from Halifax, Fredericton, Moncton, and Quebec City, and the Barvinok Ukrainian Dance Ensemble (Mississauga, ON), are touring Unbroken Ukraine across the Maritimes and Quebec in July.
Each concert will feature mesmerizing Ukrainian traditional dances by the Barvinok Ukrainian Dance Ensemble and local artists and performers who have volunteered to share their talent in support of Ukraine. The goal is to raise $50,000 to purchase specialized equipment needed by the Unbroken Rehabilitation Centre in Lviv, Ukraine, to support war-affected Ukrainians, treat traumatic brain injuries (TBI), and aid with neurorehabilitation after concussions. All proceeds from the concert will be donated to the Centre via the Canada-Ukraine Foundation.
For 55 years, Barvinok Ukrainian Dance School has taught traditional Ukrainian dance to generations of
Ukrainians in Southern Ontario.
Today, with over 400 students, the school is still committed to celebrating Ukrainian heritage, expanding Canada’s cultural diversity, and strengthening community identity.
Concert tickets can be purchased at eventbrite.ca (Charlottetown) or harbourfronttheatre.com (Summerside). Humanitarian aid can also be sent to Ukraine using the new PEI shipping service, Meest Canada (ca.meest.com).
Served in Summerside in July
Feast Dinner Theatres presents The Shellfish Mystery, a PEI whodunnit, with performances this month at Brothers 2 Restaurant in Summerside and in August at Rodd Charlottetown.
The theatrical feast includes food, drama and a mystery waiting to be cracked.
Tickets and the full schedule at feastdinnertheatres.com.
New outdoor show at The Charlottetown Festival
A dynamic new show from Island performers will bring lively dance and music to downtown Charlottetown this summer at Confederation Centre of the Arts. The 2024 Charlottetown Festival will feature a new production from the Mi’kmaq Heritage Actors at the Centre’s Outdoor Amphitheatre, a venue known for accessible and family-friendly performances.
Celebrating over a decade as Atlantic Canada’s premier Indigenous theatre company, the Mi’kmaq Heritage Actors return to The Charlottetown Festival for the fourth year with the new show Rhythms and Stories of the Red Earth. The performance will share the history of Indigenous peoples on Epekwitk (PEI) through stories, songs, and beautiful traditional dance. This fun and interactive show features colourful regalia, traditional instruments, and teachings for all ages. Performances run at noon from Monday to Friday from July 4–26.
The Mi’kmaq Heritage Actors company includes Caleb Acorn,
Keegan Bernard, Rory Cote, Tristan Harrison, Mike Julian, Britt Lush, Sean Lush, Alex Maclean, Julie PellissierLush, and Richard Pellissier-Lush. They are joined by several local youth, including Caseon Acorn, Makayla Bernard, Warren Bernard, Stakayla Brown, Ellie Bourque, Liam Bourque, Sophia Bourque, Esme Davidson, Paisley Labobe, Talia Labobe, Miah Lush, Aandeg MacDonald, Jaylynn Tuplin, Bailey Sark, Layla Sark, Taite Wooldridge, and Taya Wooldridge.
Admission to performances at the Outdoor Amphitheatre is free, with donations welcome.
The 2024 Charlottetown Festival is in full swing. Other shows on stage this month include the legendary musicals Jersey Boys and Anne of Green Gables–The Musical™, and the cabaret show Becoming Dolly.
Tickets for The 2024 Charlottetown Festival are on sale now and can be purchased at the Centre’s box office, online at confederationcentre.com, or via phone at 1-800-565-0278.
SUN, JULY 14, 2PM & 7:30PM NATALIE
An acoustic concert with their children LAST TICKETS REMAINING!
THU, JULY 18, 7:30PM MATT MINGLEWOOD BAND
Thru The Years
SUN, JULY 28, 7:30pm BARVINOK
All proceeds supporting those affected by war
WED, AUG 28
WED, AUG 14
An evening with
An evening with RANDY J. MARTIN
music, theatre, dance, comedy…
››› until Aug 31 | select dates
Anne of Green Gables—The Musical™
Sobey Family Theatre, Charlottetown
››› until Aug 31 | select dates
Same Time, Next Year Watermark Theatre, North Rustico
››› until Sept 21 | select dates
Jersey Boys
Sobey Family Theatre, Charlottetown
››› until Oct 15 | select dates
Anne & Gilbert: The Musical
Florence Simmons Performance Hall, Charlottetown
Mondays | 8 pm
Rat Tales Comedy Night
Baba’s Lounge, Charlottetown
June 28, 29 | 8 pm
Inside American Pie
Ft. Mike Ross, Brielle, Greg Gale, Alicia Toner and Kirk White. Harmony House, Hunter River
June 29 | 6 pm
Steve Somers & Friends
Copper Bottom Brewing, Montague
June 29 | 8 pm
Cory Gallant & The Red Dirt Posse
Stompin’ Tom Festival Series. Stompin’ Tom Centre, Skinners Pond
June 29 | 9 pm
Hysteria
Tribute to Def Leppard. The Silver Fox, Summerside
June 29, 30
Festival of Lights
Ft. Vintage 4.0, The Fabulously Rich, Wannabeez, and Rockstars. Peake’s Quay Waterfront, Charlottetown
June 29, 30, July 1 | 8 pm
Dancing Queen
Tribute to ABBA. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown
June 30 | 3 pm
Philip Chiu
Under the Spire. Historic St. Mary’s, Indian River
June 30 | 8 pm
Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance
Credit Union Place, Summerside
July | select dates
The Shellfish Mystery
Feast Dinner Theatres. Brothers 2 Restaurant, Summerside
July 1
Coastal Vibes
Capital City Canada Day ft. Got Blues, Julia Robichaud, Hit The Coast, Kylie Fox, Brandon Howard Roy, KINLEY, Julie
Pellissier-Lush, Lefunk, and The Fabulously Rich. Victoria Park Pavilion, Victoria Park, Charlottetown
July 1 | 3 pm
Bruce & Robert Jones
Stompin’ Tom Festival Series. Stompin’ Tom Centre, Skinners Pond
July 1 | 6 pm
Joey, Jamie & Kurk
Stompin’ Tom Festival Series. Stompin’ Tom Centre, Skinners Pond
July 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 24–27 | 8 pm
July 27 | 2 pm
The 27 Club
Ft. Mike Ross, Brielle Ansems, Keziah Collie, Carlie Howell, Max Keenlyside and Kirk White. Harmony House, Hunter River
July 3, 10, 17, 31 | 8 pm
July 14 | 4 pm
Lightfoot - A Celebration of the Man & His Music
Ft. Nudie & The Sundowners. Victoria Playhoues, Victoria-by-the-sea
July 4 | 12:10 pm
Ian Soloman, tenor
Kirk Recital Series. Kirk of St. James, Charlottetown
July 4 | 7:30 pm
Souris Songs
Songwriters circle ft. Alicia Toner, Emilea May, Owen Davies and host Nick Doneff. Souris Show Hall, Souris
July 4 | 8 pm
Island Jazz Harp ft. Caedda
Enright
Baba’s Lounge, Charlottetown
July 4, 5 | 7 pm
Chorale Saint-Jean:
J’appartiens (I Belong)
July 4: Trinity United, Summerside
July 5: St. Paul’s, Charlottetown
July 4–26 | 12 pm
Mi’kmaq Heritage Actors: Rhythms and Stories of the Red Earth
Outdoor Amphitheatre, Confederation Centre, Charlottetown
July 4–Aug 24 | select dates
Becoming Dolly
The Mack, Charlottetown
July 5 | 8 pm
Willie Stratton
Fiddling Fisherman Lookout, Souris
July 5 | 8 pm
High Voltage
Tribute to AC/DC. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown
July 5 | 8 pm
Salt Water Dollies
Village Musical Acadien, Abram-Village
July 5–7
37th PEI Bluegrass & Old Time
Music Festival
Dundas Fairgrounds, Dundas peibluegrass.ca
July 5–7
Cavendish Beach Music
Festival
Cavendish Beach Festival Grounds, Cavendish cavendishbeachmusic.com
July 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20 | 8 pm
July 6, 13, 20 | 2 pm
Inside American Pie
Ft. Mike Ross, Brielle, Greg Gale, Alicia Toner and Kirk White. Harmony House, Hunter River
Jul 5–Aug 30 | select dates
Misery
Watermark Theatre, North Rustico
July 6 | 7:30 pm
Chad Matthews Band
Souris Show Hall, Souris
July 6 | 7:30 pm
Side Hustle Improv
The Guild, Charlottetown
July 6 | 8 pm
Jay Gavin
Stompin’ Tom Festival Series. Stompin’ Tom Centre, Skinners Pond
July 6 | 8 pm
J.P. Cormier
Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown
July 6, 13, 20 | 7:30 pm
That’s The Island For Ya Deer
Ft. Michael and Shane Pendergast. Scott MacAulay Performance Centre, Summerside
July 7 | 3 pm
Duo Concertante
Under the Spire. Historic St. Mary’s, Indian River
July 7 | 7 pm
Mont-Carmel Concert
Ft. Peggy Clinton, Alphy Perry, Jordan Leclair, Johnny Ross, Julie Pelissier-Lush, Remi Arsenault, Caroline Bernard, Riel Arsenault, Benoit Arsenault, Melissa Gallant and Megan Bergeron. Mont-Carmel Parish Hall, Mont-Carmel
July 7 | 7:30 pm
Ryan Williams
Lone Oak Brewing, Borden
July 7 | 7:30 pm
The Starlings Choir & Friends
Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside
July 8–Sept 30 | 7:30 pm
Two Tellers & Tunes
Ft. Gary Evans and Alan Buchanan with Norman Stewart, Maxine MacLennan and Courtney Hogan-Chandler. Kings Playhouse, Georgetown
July 9 | 7 pm
Mythos: Ragnarok
Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside
July 9 | 7:30 pm
Passarim: Bossa Nova Tribute Show
Harmony House Lounge, Hunter River
July 9, 23, 30 | 8 pm
Patrick Ledwell & Friend
With special guest opener. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown
July 9–Aug 28 | Tue & Wed
La Veillée au Village 2024 Dinner theatre. Village Musical Acadien, Abram-Village
July 11
Jamie Matthews
Pre-show for Evangeline Blugrass Festival. Exhibition Grounds, Abram-Village
July 11 | 8 pm
Island Jazz Quartet plays Movie Jazz
Baba’s Lounge, Charlottetown
July 11 | 8 pm
@canada.gov.pe LIVE! Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown
July 11, 12, 17, 18, 25, 26 | 7:30 pm
Anything for Love: The Music of Meat Loaf
Craig Fair Music production ft. Joce Reyome, Brad Milligan, Marli Trecartin, Brandon Howard Roy and Carrie MacLellan. PEI Brewing Company, Charlottetown
Jessica Gallant returns to The Charlottetown Festival
Island performer Jessica Gallant returns to The Charlottetown Festival this month with a new production that pays tribute to country music legend Dolly Parton.
Becoming Dolly is an exhilarating cabaret show that explores the life of one of the greatest singer-songwriters of our time. Gallant takes a musical journey through Parton’s life with toe-tapping renditions of iconic songs like “9 to 5,” “Coat of Many Colours,” “Jolene,” and more.
Audiences may be familiar with a previous show, Jessica Gallant is Dolly Parton, which had three sold out runs between St. Peters Courthouse Theatre and Under the Spire Festival. Becoming Dolly is a new production that Gallant will debut at Confederation Centre of the Arts.
“Bringing a show I created to The Charlottetown Festival is something beyond my wildest dreams,” says Gallant. “Dolly Parton is a symbol of authenticity, generosity, and power; I’m thrilled to be exploring her stories deeper and developing this piece at The Mack.”
Gallant has a long history with The Charlottetown Festival—she was a member of the Young Company and continued to perform at the Festival for several seasons. Most notably, she was the second Island-born actor to play Anne Shirley in Anne of Green Gables–The Musical™. Other Festival credits include Mamma Mia!, I’m Every Woman, Alice Through the Looking Glass, and the world premiere of Evangeline
Gallant has performed at theatres across Canada, with credits including a Dora Award-winning musical adaptation of Alice in Wonderland (Bad
Jessica Gallant will perform as country music legend Dolly Parton
Hats Theatre Company); Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid (Drayton Entertainment); Freaky Friday (Theatre Aquarius); and the North American premiere of Mythic (Segal Centre)— for which she won BroadwayWorld Montreal’s Vocalist and Performer of the Decade. Her film and television work includes In My Heart (CBC Gem), The Community Players (Bell Fibe TV), and Diggstown (CBC).
Becoming Dolly plays at The Mack from July 4–August 24 as part of The 2024 Charlottetown Festival. Also playing at this year’s Festival are the legendary musicals Jersey Boys and Anne of Green Gables–The Musical™ confederationcentre.com
Community-engaged theatre in New Glasgow
The River Clyde Pageant returns to New Glasgow this summer for its ninth year of magical, community-engaged theatre along the banks of the River Clyde. The renowned summer spectacle will present eight shows from July 25–28 and August 1–4.
This year’s Pageant expands upon 2023’s production, further exploring themes of disruption, transformation, and the constellations that connect us all. Pageant artists and community performers are currently preparing for their roles as puppeteers, stilt-walkers, musicians, dancers, and actors. The show begins with a celebratory outdoor procession down a hillside dotted with wildflowers. The audience gathers at the base of the hill to experience the emergence of a cast of characters from a living set built from windfall from Hurricane Fiona and woven willow branches, designed by Ian McFarlane.
A new addition this year, courtesy of Pauley Charter and Adventure Tours, is a free shuttle service from Charlottetown to New Glasgow on select dates. The Pageant also offers on-site golf cart transportation and accessible parking, which can be reserved in advance.
A celebration of the Man & His Music at Victoria Playhouse
a matinee at 4 pm on July 14.
Celebrating the music of Canadian troubadour Gordon Lightfoot, Nudie & The Sundowners will take the stage to perform the iconic songs that have defined generations. With the heartbreaking “If You Could Read My Mind” and the epic “Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald,” the evening promises to be a heartfelt celebration of the man and his songs.
Nudie & The Sundowners are: lead guitarist Bobby McIsaac, bassist Serge Bernard, and host Nudie on vocals and guitar.
Lightfoot–A Celebration of the Man & His Music performances continue in August, on Wednesdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 4 pm. victoriaplayhouse.com
Performances start at 7:30 pm, and Saturday and Sunday shows are followed by an outdoor meal prepared by Chef Emily Wells of The Mill in New Glasgow.
There are many volunteer opportunities available, offering a unique way to experience The River Clyde Pageant. Tickets for the 2024 production were released in late June. For remaining tickets, transportation assistance, shuttle service, volunteering, or subscribing to the newsletter, visit riverclydepageant.com.
Downstreet programming
Downstreet Dance offers solo and couples classes for ages 18+. A partner is not needed. Monday classes are Zumba at 7:30 am and 5 pm. Tuesdays feature Bellydancing at 6:30 pm and 1940’s Swing at 7:30 pm. Wednesday classes include Heels Unleashed–Unleash Your Confidence at 7:30 pm. Thursday classes include Burlesque at 6:30 pm and Heels Unleashed at 7:30 pm. Friday classes feature Heels Unleashed at 4:30 pm. Saturday classes include Intro To West Coast Swing at 5 pm, West Coast Fundamentals at 5 pm, West Coast Swing Choreography at 6 pm, and West Coast Swing Level 1 at 7 pm. 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 in, volunteers are welcome to join the class for free. Volunteer hours can go towards credit hours for different volunteer programs. Learn more at the next volunteer info meeting on July 9 at 5:30 pm. Note there will be no volunteer meetings in August. Visit downstreetdance.com for more info and to fill out a volunteer form prior to attending the monthly meeting.
Variety Drag Show at Kings Playhouse—July 17
Boof and Lottie Max, in partnership with Pride PEI and Kings Playhouse, will present Queens on Parade: A Variety Drag Show at Kings Playhouse in Georgetown on July 17. Show time is 7:30 pm.
Queens on Parade is a Pride event featuring a dazzling lineup of talent, including hosts Boof, always stunning in green and always bringing the highest level of camp, and Lottie Max, known for her signature pink ensembles and witty lip sync numbers.
There will be performances by local drag queens Miz Majestix and Monica Darling, the burlesque talents of Tristan Ginger, and the dynamic dance troupe Xclusiv Crew.
The evening will be a fusion of drag, burlesque, intricately choreographed dancing, and much more. This Pride show is set to be a colourful, high-energy celebration of love, diversity and self-expression.
Tickets are available at 902-652-2053 and kingsplayhouse.com, or at the door, one hour before showtime.
Celtic music and dance at Scott MacAulay Centre
Highland Storm will be on stage at the Scott MacAulay Performing Arts Centre in Summerside with performances running on July 18, 24, 25, 30 and 31, and August 7, 8, 14 and 15.
The evening of Celtic music and dance will captivate the audience and transport them back to a pivotal time in PEI over 250 years ago, when three ships—the Annabella, the Edinburgh and the Falmouth—arrived having carried families from their homeland in Scotland to a new land with little more than the clothes on their backs.
Highland Storm is the story of the Scots arriving on PEI and a reimagining of their first year on the Island. Directed by Peter Gallant, the show is performed by the College’s instructors and students, and features fiddler Gilbert Arsenault and vocalist Christine Gallant.
Show time is 7:30 pm. collegeofpiping.com
The Patrick Ledwell & Friend series returns to Trailside Music Hall in Charlottetown this summer with performances on July 9, 23, and 30, and August 5, 6, 13, and 20.
Ledwell has become a household name on PEI, known for his quick and smart comedy and his ability to pinpoint the unique qualities of Island life. Over the past 15 years, he has built a reputation for leaving audiences rolling in the aisles, from the Halifax Comedy Festival to the Island Summer Review.
The upcoming show at Trailside promises a new mix of Ledwell’s most popular material and his latest crop of observations. He brings a fresh batch of humour with an entertaining Island perspective, good for all audiences. In addition to his stand-up routine, the show will include on-stage graphics, and news plucked from recent headlines that add a visual element to the storytelling performance, and a different special guest opener every night.
“This year, I’m looking forward to hosting all musical guests,” shares
Ledwell. “Mainly because of the good friends I have in that creative walk of life. With different talents like Mark Haines and Jenn Grant coming, it’ll lend a whole new dimension to the show, and make each night very unique.” Tickets can be purchased at trailside.ca or 902-367-3311.
Albert Arsenault and Laurie Murphy collaborate on Never Before Scene, featuring an ensemble cast of musicians, improv players, and PEI celebrities. The show blends playful improv with serious fiddle performances. Catch them Thursday evenings, July 18–August 29, 8–10 pm (including intermission), at the Haviland Club in Charlottetown.
The rotating ensemble includes Janet Coughlin Cameron, Margie Carmichael-Scotto, Sue Flower, Patti Larsen, Adam “Honker” MacDonald, Lucas Panizz, Graham Putnam, and
surprise guests. PEI celebrities, such as Sheldon White (July 18), Melissa PeterPaul (July 25), and Kate MacQuarrie (August 1), will be interviewed in the improv segment “Get to Know a PEI Celebrity.” Others include Rebekah Brown, Catherine MacLellan, Ed MacDonald, and Nathan Wiley. Get advance tickets via e-transfer to lauriemurphy@marram.ca or online at marram.ca. Enjoy heated PEI Handpies and bar service pre-show. Nearby parking and air-conditioned venue.
Info: 902-960-1735
Featuring comedian KatieEllen Humphries—July 15
Celebrate Pride with the 4th annual stand-up comedy show, Queer AF, at The Guild in Charlottetown on July 15 at 8 pm. Featuring all queer performers, Queer AF is hosted by Tanya Nicolle and stars this year’s headliner, Katie-Ellen Humphries.
Humphries is a comedian, writer and sketch performer whose comedy has been featured on CTV, CBC, APTN and OUT-TV, and whose comedy album Ladyfinger debuted in 2020. With a sensibility that falls somewhere between the library and the locker-room, this performer has become a favourite of audiences across Canada and the US. Humphries is also a writer, performer, and associate producer of The Debaters, the longest
Live stand-up at Lone Oak Brewing—July 7
Ryan Williams will be performing at Lone Oak Brewing in Borden-Carleton on July 7 at 7:30 pm.
Williams is one of Canada’s most exciting comics. His debut album Manual Labour of Love was released by Comedy Records and went #1 on the iTunes Canada Comedy charts. He has appeared at Just for Laughs New Faces 2023, The New Wave of Comedy on CBC Gem, CBC Radio’s The Debaters and Laugh Out Loud, The Winnipeg Comedy Fest, Just for Laughs Vancouver, Just for Laughs Toronto, JFL 42, JFL Northwest, Grindstone Comedy Fest, Hubcap Comedy fest, and was a finalist in Sirius XM’s Canada’s top comic.
Taylor Carver headlines at Upstreet Craft Brewing—July 24
Island stand-up comedy is back at Upstreet Craft Brewing this summer, with the 4th season of Patio Laughs. This month’s show on July 24 is hosted by Tanya Nicolle and headlined by Taylor Carver. Showtime is 8 pm.
Taylor Carver has performed stand-up all across the Island, New Brunswick and Toronto, while being heard on such places as CBC Radio and Sirius/XM Radio.
Katie Ellen Humphries headlines an all-queer lineup of stand-up comedians
running and most popular comedy show on CBC radio.
Visit pridepei.ca for the full Pride PEI Festival 2024 schedule of events. theguildpei.com
Visit jumpcomedy.com for tickets.
Taylor Carver
music, theatre, dance, comedy…
…continued from page B6
July 12 | 7:30 pm
Gordie MacKeeman & The Rhythm Boys
Under the Spire. Historic St. Mary’s, Indian River
July 12 | 7:30 pm
From The Heart: A Tribute to Loretta Lynn
Ft. Jolee. Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside
July 12 | 8 pm
Dave Gunning
Fiddling Fisherman Lookout, Souris
July 12 | 9 pm
Marcella Richard & Sandra Jones
Village Musical Acadien, Abram-Village
July 12–14
22nd Annual Evangeline
Bluegrass Festival
Exhibition Grounds, Abram-Village evangelinebluegrassfestival.ca
July 13 | 6 pm
The Fabulously Rich Lobster Crusher event. Bogside Brewing, Montague
July 13 | 7 pm
Phase II: A Rock N’ Roll
Summer West River United, Cornwall
July 13 | 7 pm
Two Spirit Drag Show
New London Carriage House, Green Gables
July 13 | 7:30 pm
Elizabeth Shepherd Trio
Under the Spire. Historic St. Mary’s, Indian River
July 13 | 7:30 pm
Terra Spencer
Souris Show Hall, Souris
July 13 | 8 pm
Nathan Wiley with full band Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown
July 13 | 8 pm
Jamie Matthews & Wade Carragher
Stompin’ Tom Festival Series. Stompin’ Tom Centre, Skinners Pond
July 13 | 9 pm
Signal Hill
With Roundabout. The Silver Fox, Summerside
July 14 | 2 pm/7:30 pm
Natalie MacMaster & Donnell
Leahy
Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside
July 14 | 3 pm
Maryna Krut
Under the Spire. Historic St. Mary’s, Indian River
July 14 | 4 pm
Pride PEI Piano Bar
Ft. host Brandon Howard Roy with piano accompaniment by Craig Fair. Salvador Dali Cafe, Charlottetown
July 14 | 7 pm
Mont-Carmel Concert
T’Monde (LA), Montuno Cubano and Cynthia MacLeod. Mont-Carmel Parish Hall, Mont-Carmel
July 14 | 7 pm
Queer Plays in a Day
Presented by the Island Fringe Festival. The Guild, Charlottetown
July 14 | 8 pm
Leeroy Stagger
With special guest Dennis Ellsworth. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown
July 15 | 8 pm
Bobby Bazini
Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown
July 15 | 7:30 pm
Queer AF
All queer performers ft. headliner KatieEllen Humphries and host Tanya Nicolle. The Guild, Charlottetown
July 17 | 7:30 pm
Queens on Parade: A Variety Drag Show!
Ft. Miz Majestix, Monica Darling, Boof, Lottie Max, Tristan Ginger and Xclusiv Crew. Kings Playhouse, Georgetown
July 18 | 12:10 pm
Gaige Waugh, baritone
Kirk Recital Series. Kirk of St. James, Charlottetown
July 18 | 7 pm
Route 225
The Pourhouse, Charlottotown
July 18 | 7:30 pm
Island At Heart
Souris Show Hall, Souris
July 18 | 7:30 pm
Matt Minglewood Band: Thru The Years
Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside
July 18 | 8 pm
The Motones
Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown
July 18 | 8 pm
Island Jazz: Victoria Row Quartet
Baba’s Lounge, Charlottetown
July 18–Aug 29 | Thu, 8 pm
Never Before Scene
Featuring Albert Arsenault, Laurie Murphie and special guests. Haviland Club, Charlottetown
July 18, 24, 25, 30, 31 | 7:30 pm
Highland Storm
Scott MacAulay Performing Arts Centre, Summerside
July 19, 26 | 2 pm
Tunes & Tall Tales: The Adventures of Hedgie and Bear
Victoria Playhouse, Victoria-by-the-Sea
July 19 | 8 pm
Quittin’ Time
Tribute to Zach Bryan. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown
July 19 | 8 pm
Nudie & Willie
Victoria Playhouse, Victoria-by-the-Sea
July 19, 20 | 7:30 pm
The Once
July 19: Under the Spire. Historic St. Mary’s, Indian River
July 20: Copper Bottom Brewing, Montague
July 19–21
Rollo Bay Fiddle Festival
Rollo Bay Festival Grounds, Rollo Bay. rollobayfiddlefest.ca
July 19, 20, 25 | 7:30 pm
July 23, 30 | 1 pm
Stan Rogers: A Matter of Heart
Florence Simmons Performance Hall, Charlottetown
July 20 | 7:30 pm
Nico Paulo
With Janina MacGillivray. Souris Show Hall, Souris
July 20 | 8 pm
Shaydid
Stompin’ Tom Festival Series. Stompin’ Tom Centre, Skinners Pond
July 21 | 11 am
Drag Brunch
All ages. Ponyboat, Charlottetown
July 21 | 3 pm
SHHH!! Ensemble
Under the Spire. Historic St. Mary’s, Indian River
July 21 | 7 pm
Mont-Carmel Concert
Marcella Richard with Patricia Richard and Roland Beaulieu, Fiddlers’ Sons with Eddy Quinn, Keelin Wedge and John Webster, and Louise and Jonathan Arsenault with Helene Bergeron. Mont-Carmel Parish Hall, Mont-Carmel
July 21 | 7:30 pm
Shane Pendergast
Rock Barra Retreat, Souris
July 21, 23 | 7:30 pm
Off The Rock: A Tribute to Great Big Sea
July 21: Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside
July 23: Kings Playhouse, Georgetown
At Kings Playhouse in Georgetown throughout the summer
Gary Evans and Alan Buchanan, two members of the “Four Tellers,” along with a cast of Island musicians, have created a new show titled “Two Tellers and Tunes.” This production will be performed at Kings Playhouse in Georgetown every Monday evening at 7:30 pm, starting July 8 and running until September 30.
“It’s going to be a great show,” assures Evans. “Since there’s only half of us, we have to be twice as good.”
Buchanan and Evans will entertain every week with the full array of characters and stories that have come to define their brand of entertainment as “the real Island deal.”
“We’re so excited to have these guys back for the summer,” says John Connolly, executive director at the Playhouse. “Gary and Alan are carrying on an art form that is quickly dying on PEI. At one time, storytelling was the heart and soul of local culture on PEI. The storyteller and the fiddler were as essential to a community as the clergy and the doctor.”
Audiences will be treated to both storytellers and fiddlers. Joining
Buchanan and Evans on stage are Island singer-songwriters, Norman Stewart and Maxine MacLennan, along with fiddler Courtney HoganChandler, as well as occasional guest musicians.
For tickets, call 902-652-2053 or visit kingsplayhouse.com.
CAMPS AVAILABLE JULY 2 TO AUGUST 23
5, 6:00PM
The shows have been selected, the venues are ready, and volunteers are being recruited in time for the Island Fringe Festival, taking place this year from July 31 to August 4.
The Island Fringe Festival (IFF) produces a four-day indie theatre and performance festival every year in downtown Charlottetown. Fringe festivals are dedicated to supporting independent, boundary-pushing theatre and live performance at affordable rates. With a lineup of 10 shows and over 40 performances, this year’s festival is set to be a time to remember. With drama, comedy, musicals, and storytelling, there is something for everyone.
Highlights from IFF 2024 include five PEI performances: How it Happened; How to be a Vase; Next: After the Chorus Line; Short Circuits; and Thinking about a Dog. National performances include: Cornflake from Montreal, QC; Enchantment from Halifax, NS; and So an Autistic Priest and a Service Dog Walked into a Bar... from Dorval, QC. International performances are: Furniture Boys from Brooklyn, NY; and Ink Addicted from Orlando, FL.
IFF is partnering with The Guild this year, which will be home to both the opening and closing events and will serve as a daytime drop-in spot for artists and audience members alike. Folks will be able to purchase tickets, explore art, meet some of this year’s performers, and enjoy fun-filled, family-friendly activities at The Guild throughout the festival.
For a complete schedule and to purchase tickets in advance, visit islandfringe.com. To volunteer, email islandfringe@gmail.com.
IFF is a grassroots, non-profit organization that runs the Fringe Festival each summer. It offers unconventional performances in unconventional venues all within walking distance of one
another in downtown Charlottetown and strives to be accessible, inclusive, and offer safe spaces for all artists, patrons, volunteers, and staff. islandfringe.com
Presented by Island Fringe Festival at The Guild—July 14
During Pride PEI Festival 2024, the Island Fringe Festival will celebrate community, creation, and craziness in an exhilarating evening of live theatre with Queer Plays in a Day from 7–9 pm on July 14 at The Guild in Charlottetown.
With only 24 hours from concept to curtain, teams of local queer thespians will plan, prepare, and present entirely new and original stage performances in whatever style they wish. Queer Plays in a Day will feature theatre, puppetry, dance—who knows what each team will bring to the stage when given prompts and parameters to ignite their creativity and keep it burning through 24 sleepless, manic hours leading to a showcase of 10-minute performances.
Visit islandfringe.com for tickets. Visit pridepei.ca for the full schedule of PEI Pride Festival events.
Stan Rogers: A Matter of Heart is a theatrical celebration of the musical legacy of Canadian singer and songwriter Stan Rogers, taking place at Florence Simmons Performance Hall this summer.
From the rousing “Barrett’s Privateers” to his heartfelt “Forty-Five Years,” Stan Rogers painted a vivid musical landscape of the people and places in Canada and the stories they had to tell. His body of work continues to inspire and entertain people all over the world to this day. Directed by Wade Lynch with music by Don Fraser, the production stars Beth Rogers, James Medeiros, Kade McCloud, and Matt Kinney.
Since the show made its original debut in 1997, it has been performed to critical acclaim both in Ontario and on the East Coast. As part of the 2024 Island Theatre Festival, this upcoming production’s cast of four will include Stan’s daughter, Beth. She has been performing Stan’s body of work in concert settings for many years at venues such as Hugh’s Room in Toronto and
Performances are scheduled for July 19, 20, 23, and 25 at 7:30 pm, with a matinee on July 30 at 1 pm. The show continues with evening performances at 7:30 pm on August 2, 10, 17, 20, and 22, and matinees at 1 pm on August 7 and 15.
For more information, visit stanrogersmoh.com. Tickets are available online at ticketpro.ca.
Thru the Years tour with full band at Harbourfront—July 18
Canadian rock, country, and blues artist Matt Minglewood returns to Summerside’s Harbourfront Theatre on July 18 at 7:30 pm, performing with his full band for the first time since the early 1980s, including original bassist Donnie Hann, who is rejoining the band after a 40-year hiatus.
The show, Thru The Years, will feature songs and stories from Minglewood’s first album, Legendary Red Album, right up to his latest recording, Fly Like Desperados
Originally from Cape Breton, Minglewood is a natural-born musician who learned to play the fiddle before he could read. He gravitated toward blues and rock ‘n’ roll as a teen when he fell for the guitar. Influenced by artists such as B.B. King, Muddy Waters, Chuck Berry, and Hank Williams, Minglewood infuses his blues sense with country and Celtic elements.
Minglewood has 14 recordings and three gold records. Many of his tunes grapple with the universal feelings of passion, frustrations, hope, loneliness, love, disappointment, and regret, as well as his deep love of the Maritimes.
…continued from page B10
July 22 | 8 pm
The Hounds of Winter Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown
July 24
Island Proud Series: Emilea
May
Under the Spire. Historic St. Mary’s, Indian River
July 24 | 7 pm
Tim Baker PEI Brewing Company, Charlottetown
July 24 | 8 pm
Patio Laughs: Taylor Carver
With host Tanya Nicolle. Upstreet Craft Brewing, Charlottetown
July 24, 25, 27
The Bessie Carruthers Study
Club
July 24 & 27: Beaconsfield Carriage House, Charlottetown
July 25: Courthouse Theatre, St. Peters
July 25
Carsie Blanton
Souris Show Hall, Souris
July 25 | 7:30 pm
The Liverpool 4: Canada’s Tribute to The Beatles Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside
July 25 | 8 pm
Logan Richard Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown
July 25 | 8 pm
Island Jazz: Sean Kemp
Originals
Baba’s Lounge, Charlottetown
July 25– 28
River Clyde Pageant New Glasgow
July 25– 28
Festival Route 11
Union Corner Park Rd, Mont-Carmel. festivalroute11.com
July 26 | 8 pm
La Band du Cabaret
Village Musical Acadien, Abram-Village
July 26, 27
Mary Frances Leahy
July 26 | 7:30 pm: Fiddling Fisherman
Lookout, Souris
July 27 | 8 pm: Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside
July 26, 27 | 8 pm
The Fabulously Rich
Tribute to The Tragically Hip. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown
July 26, 28
Ukraine Unbroken
Barvinok charity tour featuring the Barvinok Ukrainian Dance Ensemble, and local artists and performers.
July 26 | 6 pm: UPEI Performing Arts Centre, Charlottetown
July 28 | 7:30 pm: Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside
July 27 | 7 pm
Dan Doiron Band
The Pourhouse, Charlottetown
July 27 | 7:30 pm
Salt Water Dollies
Souris Show Hall, Souris
July 27 | 7:30 pm
Alicia Toner presents…(Inner) Life is Beautiful
Under the Spire. Historic St. Mary’s, Indian River
July 27 | 8 pm
1755
Rendez-vous Rustico. Cymbria Lions Club, Rustico
July 27 | 8 pm
Kurk Bernard’s Stompin’ Tom Tribute
Stompin’ Tom Festival Series. Stompin’ Tom Centre, Skinners Pond
July 27, 28 | 7:30 pm
July 28 | 2 pm
Port-La-Joye
Part 1 of The Acadian Trilogy. Scott MacAulay Performance Centre, Summerside
July 28 | 2 pm
Another Flippin Ceilidh
Florence Simmons Performance Hall, Charlottetown
July 28 | 3 pm
Duel by Pallade Musica
Under the Spire. Historic St. Mary’s, Indian River
July 28 | 7:30 pm
Finley Mullally and the River Thieves
Rock Barra Retreat, Souris
July 28 | 7:30 pm
Songs of Land & Sea
Ft. Shane Pendergast, Raine Hamilton and Milanda Carroll. Watermark Theatre, North Rustico
July 28 | 7 pm
Mont-Carmel Concert
Flo Durelle (NB), DeeDee Austin (NS), and Richard Wood. Mont-Carmel Parish Hall, Mont-Carmel
July 28 | 8 pm
Lennie Gallant
Rendez-vous Rustico. Cymbria Lions Club, Rustico
July 31 | 7:30 pm
Island Proud with Aaron Comeau
Under the Spire. Historic St. Mary’s, Indian River
Jul 31–Aug 4
The Island Fringe Festival 10 shows at various locations. Charlottetown
July 31–Aug 1, 9, 10, 14, 15, 23, 24, 30, 31 | 8 pm
Aug 10, 14, 24, 31 | 2 pm
The Leonard Cohen Songbook
Feat Mike Ross, Amanda Jackson*/Keziah Collie*, Brandon Howard Roy, Tanya Davis, Carlie Howell and Garrett Sherwood. Harmony House, Hunter River
August | select dates
The Shellfish Mystery
Feast Dinner Theatres. Rodd Charlottetown
Aug 1 | 7:30 pm
Saltwater Hank
Souris Show Hall, Souris
Aug 1 | 8 pm
Island Jazz: Jacob Reddin and the Striped Shirt Band
Baba’s Lounge, Charlottetown
Aug 1–4 | 8 pm
A Kind of Magic: A Night of Queen!
Craig Fair Music production ft. Brandon Howard Roy, Joce Reyome, Josée Boudreau and Craig Fair. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown
Aug 1–30 | 12 pm
Island Steps
Roberts Academy of Dance and Xclusiv Crew. Outdoor Amphitheatre, Confederation Centre, Charlottetown
Aug 2 | 7:30 pm
Midsummer Magic: The Four Seasons and a Melting Iceberg by Pallade Musica
Under the Spire. Historic St. Mary’s, Indian River
Aug 2 | 8 pm
Fundraiser with Jordan Leclair
Village Musical Acadien, Abram-Village
Aug 2 | 8 pm
J.P. Cormier
Fiddling Fisherman Lookout, Souris
Aug 2, 3
The Wonder of it All Souris Show Hall, Souris
Aug 2, 3, 7, 8, 16, 17, 21, 22 | 8 pm
Aug 3, 7, 17, 21 | 2 pm
The 27 Club
Ft. Mike Ross, Brielle Ansems, Keziah Collie, Carlie Howell, Max Keenlyside and Kirk White. Harmony House, Hunter River
Five shows at Rock Barra Artists Retreat this summer
The Sunday Concert Series at Rock Barra Artist Retreat features a unique musical experience ton the scenic northeast shore of PEI on Sunday evenings this summer.
Shane Pendergast will open the series with a performance on July 21. Finley Mullally and the River Thieves will take the stage on July 28.
Lawrence Maxwell will bring his musical talents to Rock Barra on August 4. Teresa Doyle and guests will entertain on August 11, and Lucy Farrell will perform on August 18. Doors open at 7 pm. Showtime is 7:30 pm. Admission is free for farmers and children under 12. For tickets, visit teresadoyle.com/ rock-barra-retreat.
The Summer Cabaret concert series at Village musical acadien begins July 5 and continues until August 23. PEI musicians, backed by the Cabaret Band, will perform every Friday from 8–11 pm in the Acadian Festival Barn.
Starting off the summer season is folk duo Salt Water Dollies, featuring singer-guitarist Christine Cameron and multi-instrumentalist fiddler Keelin Wedge on July 5. Country-bluegrassfolk singer-guitarists Marcella Richard and Sandra Jones will perform on July 12. This show will run from 9 pm to midnight, as it is held in collaboration with the Evangeline Bluegrass Festival. Admission will be free for those with a Festival bracelet. Taking the barn stage on July 19 is country singer-guitarist Kurk Bernard, who has played with Dolly Parton and Merle Haggard and recorded numerous albums. La Band du Cabaret, a group of exceptional country, rock and folk musicians, will play on July 26.
The August lineup includes: Fundraiser with Jordan Leclair (August 2); Cory Gallant (9); Jonny Ray Arsenault (16); and Peggy Clinton (23).
The Cabaret Band this summer, includes guitar player Danny MacNevin, drummer Rodney Arsenault, fiddler Keelin Wedge and bass player Rémi Arsenault. On July 12, fiddler Louise Arsenault will fill in for Keelin Wedge.
Kurk Bernard (above) and Salt Water Dollies perform in July
Snacks and bar service are available. This series is 19+. villagemusical.ca
Entertainment and a meal at Village musical acadien
This year’s edition of the La Veillée au Village dinner theatre, featuring comedy, music, singing, dancing, and a four-course meal, will be presented in French every Tuesday and Wednesday from July 9 to August 28, plus Thursday, August 1, at 6:30 pm.
The 2024 troupe consists of Louise Arsenault, Jonathan Arsenault, Shane Arsenault, Caroline Bernard, and Rémi Arsenault.
Husband-and-wife duo Rémi Arsenault and Caroline Bernard direct the show, which pays tribute to Acadian artists from today and yesteryear, and from the Evangeline region and beyond, including Rustico, Louisiana, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Quebec. Audiences will also enjoy new comedy skits.
The evening includes the first three courses of the meal and the first half of the show, followed by dessert and the final half of the show. A cash bar is available throughout. Tickets must be reserved or purchased in advance online at villagemusical.ca or at the Village musical acadien reception desk.
Harbourfront Theatre—July 7
The new Summerside contemporary Starlings Choir will perform at Summerside’s Harbourfront Theatre on July 7 at 7:30 pm.
The songlist in this eclectic show includes a few originals by local songwriters, as well as a few from artists like Amanda Marshall, The Beatles, and Aerosmith. Audiences can expect solo performances from both rising and established PEI singers as well. harbourfronttheatre.com
Solo concert at Harbourfront Theatre—July 27
Mary Frances Leahy will perform a solo concert to launch her new album at Harbourfront Theatre in Summerside on July 27 at 7:30 pm.
Leahy is a fiddler, pianist, dancer, and composer who has been developing her own style, rooted in her Celtic heritage and heavily influenced by jazz and Latin genres. This fusion is displayed on her debut recording, which features all original material.
Since age five, Leahy has been performing shows throughout North America with her parents, Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy, with an estimated 600 live performances under her belt. She has also performed piano with Yo Yo Ma on the recording “So You Love.”
Learning to Read Music through Iconic Canadian Songs
Established in 1937, Chorale Saint-Jean of the University of Alberta’s Campus Saint-Jean in Edmonton, Western Canada’s largest francophone choir, is poised to fulfill a seven-year-old dream: to share their francophonie through music with francophone communities in NB and PEI this summer.
“J’appartiens” (I Belong), the title chosen to symbolize this tour, is for many choristers a return to their Acadian roots, including its artistic director, Laurier Fagnan, whose maternal grandparents were Acadian, and its assistant conductor, Marie-Josée Ouimet, whose grandfather settled in Alberta and never returned to his homeland in Acadia.
“Le Retour” (The Return), is one of the emblematic songs of this tour, written by Franco-Albertan composer France Levasseur-Ouime. Amongst other pieces, the choir will present the multimedia work “Elles s’appelaient Marie,” a 16-tableaux choral suite
for choir, soloists, and piano, written for the choir by France LevasseurOuimet and arranged by Allan Bevan. It evokes the joys and sorrows of a young woman named Marie who left the East to settle in the West at the beginning of the 20th century. Because the majority of francophone Catholic women were named Marie in that era, this suite represents the universal story of the pioneer women who sacrificed so much for their families and the establishment of new communities. The songs are interspersed with narration by Carole Saint-Cyr, who is also Acadian, and accompanied by a background of historical photos. Chorale Saint-Jean will also share its varied repertoire chosen specially for this tour.
Concerts on PEI take place at 7:30 pm on July 4 at Trinity United in Summerside and July 5 at St. Paul’s in Charlottetown. Tickets are available at islandchoralsociety.ca and at the door.
Recital series at the Kirk of St. James this summer
AUGUST
Confederation Centre of the Arts will host a one-of-a-kind workshop for choral music enthusiasts on July 5.
Secret Chords: Learning to Read Music through Iconic Canadian Songs invites singers to explore the art of music reading and ear training under the expert guidance of Nick MacDonald, the Centre’s director of choral music.
Participants will delve into the sheet music of Canadian classics, discovering the craft behind songs by Leonard Cohen, Joni Mitchell, Gordon Lightfoot, and more. This hands-on workshop not only enhances musical literacy but also fosters a deeper appreciation for Canada’s rich musical heritage. Concluding with a lively sing-along, attendees will put theory into practice in a joyous celebration of music.
The workshop is for adults age 18+ and will be held on July 5 from 6–8 pm. Visit confederationcentre.com to register.
The Kirk of St. James’ Lunchtime Recital Series of chamber music continues this summer. Concerts begin at 12:10 pm and are over by 1 pm.
Ian Soloman, tenor, presents his program on July 4. Originally from the East Coast, Soloman studied with Stephen Bouey during his Bachelor of Music at UPEI and recently completed his Master of Music at the University of Ottawa with Christiane Riel. Soloman has performed as soloist in many sacred works.
Gaige Waugh, baritone, sings on July 18. A graduate of the Bachelor of Music program at UPEI, Waugh is currently active as a vocalist, trombonist, and carpenter based out of PEI. Gaige is the lead vocalist of the jazz quartet Jazz Avenue, soloist in oratorio and historical musical presentations, as well as member of the professional choir Luminos Ensemble. He also provides sacred music as a soloist and
choir member to faith communities across PEI.
Performing in August are Tanner Burns on August 8 and Echo Lau on August 22.
Frances McBurnie, director of music at the Kirk, is the collaborative pianist for the singers.
The Kirk is located at 35 Fitzroy Street in Charlottetown. Admission is free, but donations are accepted to help support the Kirk’s Choral Scholars.
2024–25 season announced under Jaelem Bhate
The PEI Symphony Orchestra (PEISO) has unveiled its 2024–25 concert season, setting the stage for a new chapter as they welcome new Music Director, Jaelem Bhate. The 57th season will feature four unique concerts taking place on Sundays at 2:30 pm at Confederation Centre of the Arts.
The season opens October 20 with People, places, and things, a celebration of a new chapter beginning, and the building blocks of the foundation for years to come. The concert lineup includes Canadian composer Jared Miller’s “Surge and Swell,” Erik Satie’s “Gymnopédies 1 & 3” orch. Debussy, Helena Munktell’s “Bränningar,” and Sergei Rachmaninoff’s “Symphonic Dances.”
On November 24, PEISO welcomes guest oboist Ari Cohen Mann, who will perform the rarely heard Oboe Concerto by Clémence de Grandval. This concert, entitled Influencers, highlights how the course of history can often be changed by one good influencer, which is reflected with Leonard Bernstein’s “Overture to Candide” and Florence Price’s “Symphony No. 1 in E minor.”
Ex-Romantico kicks off the second
half of the season on March 2. Along with Gabriel Fauré’s “Pavane” and Felix Mendelssohn’s “Symphony No. 3 in A minor,” guest soloist James Sommerville, former principal horn of the Boston Symphony, joins the PEISO for the Island premiere of the boundless Kati Agócs’ Horn Concerto, co-commissioned by the PEISO.
The season wraps up on April 6 with Encounters, an adventurous and thunderous finale. Featuring works by Caroline Shaw (“The Observatory”), Mason Bates (“Mothership”) and Modest Mussorgsky (“Pictures at an Exhibition”), Encounters is music that speaks to engagement across cultures, communities and geography.
To kick-off the season, take advantage of the early-bird subscription offer until August 17, after which series subscriptions will be available on a tiered basis. To keep PEISO concerts accessible to students and families, subscriptions and single tickets for children, youth, and students are half-price.
Call or visit the Confederation Centre Box Office to purchase a season subscription at 1-800-565-0278. For more information about the 2024-25 season visit peisymphony.com.
Tribute to Loretta Lynn at Harbourfront Theatre—July 12
A Tribute to Loretta Lynn will be on stage at Summerside’s Harbourfront Theatre on July 12 at 7:30 pm. Take a walk down memory lane with Jolee, as she brings to life the songs and stories of country legend Loretta Lynn. From her humble beginnings in Butcher Hollow, Kentucky, to the Grand Ole Opry, Nashville, and
Back at Union Corner Provincial Park—July 25 to 28
Festival Route 11, presented by the Fédération culturelle de l’Î-P-É, returns to Union Corner Provincial Park from July 25 to 28. PEI’s only bilingual folk festival features celebrated folk musicians, Island meals, and large-scale art installations.
This year’s lineup includes 6 Hearts, Morgan Toney, Jourdan Thibodeaux & Les Rodailleurs, Maukin, Dustin Dale, Gaspard, Inn Echo, Veranda, Here We Go Barndance, and more.
Union Corner Provincial Park will
Festival celebrating its 30th year—July 26 to 28
become an artistic landscape, curated by artists Kelly Caseley and Patrick Brunet. Their large-scale installations complement the festival’s music and the locally inspired meals prepared by local chefs Clarke and Robert Pendergast.
Saturday’s free-admission Family Day will feature Shane Pendergast’s Jack Pine Folk Club and a full day of games and family-friendly programming. Festival-goers can also sign up for workshops at the fiddle camp. festivalroute11.com
1755 on July 27 and Lennie Gallant on July 28. Showtime is 8 pm.
For the full schedule of events, see page A25 of this issue of The Buzz. For tickets, visit rendezvousrustico.com.
Summer festival of music at Historic St. Mary’s
Under The Spire’s season continues this month, showcasing traditional, pop, classical, jazz, country, and world music concerts at Historic St. Mary’s. The Festival will also present a Pride Ceilidh, and the Island Proud Series, which features PEI entertainment and hospitality.
Closing out June will be a performance by pianist Philip Chiu on June 30 at 7:30 pm.
Under the Spire (UTS) will host their third annual Pride Ceilidh in partnership with PEERS Alliance and Pride PEI on July 16 at 7:30 pm. This free, family-friendly concert will feature performances by Tunes & Tales, Somerset Step-Dancers, PEI Poet Laureate Tanya Davis, Craig Fair, and Anastasia Desroches. Visit pridepei.ca to register for shuttle service.
In July, concerts continue with Duo Concertante (July 7), Gordie
Music festival returns to Three Rivers in August
Cloggeroo music festival is set to bring an array of musical talent to Three Rivers, from August 9 to 11. The event promises to deliver a mix of performances that cater to all ages and tastes.
The festival opens Friday with a lineup featuring Dave Sampson, Deedee Austin, and Christine Tassan et les Imposteures, headlined by The Sadies.
Saturday afternoon features a paywhat-you-can admission with performances by Old Man Luedecke, and Steve Somers, along with Tunes & Tall Tales. For families, there’s a dedicated kids’ zone.
Saturday evening is headlined by Jake Clemons. Known not only for
MacKeeman & The Rhythm Boys (12), Elizabeth Shepherd Trio (13), Maryna Krut (14), The Once (19), free Open Stage (20), SHHH!! Ensemble (21), (Inner) Life Is Beautiful featuring Alicia Toner, Meaghan Blanchard, Emily Howard, Emilea May and more (27) and Duel by Pallade Musica (28).
This year, Under the Spire’s Island Proud Series is inspired by the theme: Everlasting. It features a diverse lineup of 45-minute concerts showcasing songwriting, cultural celebrations, food and music pairings, and chamber repertoire. A reception with the artist will follow each show.
The series begins late this month with Aaron Comeau on July 31. In August, performances include: Alicia Toner (Aug 7); Tiffany Liu (14); Shane Pendergast (21); and Emilea May (28).
For more details, tickets and programming, visit underthespire.ca.
Brazilian Bossa Nova at Harmony House—July 9
Passarim, with Island musician Carlie Howell, will perform at the Harmony House Lounge on July 9 as part of its first international tour through Canada. Passarim is a project by four Brazilian musicians, along with Carlie Howell, who all share a love for Brazilian music, especially the Bossa Nova of Antonio Carlos Jobim and João Gilberto. Coming out of São Paulo’s intense indie music scene, these musicians carefully adapted the vocal and orchestral arrangements from Jobim’s first gold album, Passarim (1987), into a reduced formation with a unique style, creating a renewed Bossa Nova vibe with vocal effects, electric guitars, synths, and a touch of psychedelia. The performance is classy, captivating, and magnetic.
Showtime is at 7:30 pm, and admission is pay-what-you-can. harmonyhousepei.com
his solo work but also as a member of Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band, Clemons is expected to deliver a powerful performance. He is joined by Jah’mila, The Hypochondriacs, and The Converts.
Sunday afternoon takes the festival to the Boggeroo Blues Tent at Bogside Brewing in Montague, with MonkeyJunk, Theresa Malenfant and the Instigators, and Amanda Jackson & Route 225.
Cloggeroo offers a host of other attractions. A variety of vendors will be on-site, offering food, festival merchandise, and local brews. Attendees can marvel at live sand sculpting by “Mediocre Abe” Waterman. Festivalgoers with camping tickets gain exclusive access to the Upstreet Silent Disco, featuring DMayne Event on Friday and DJ VClay on Saturday. And for convenience, the festival provides free shuttles for ticket holders.
Tickets and camping passes are on sale now at cloggeroo.com.
First of three concerts at Watermark—July 28
The Watermark Music Series begins this month with the concert, Songs of Land & Sea, on July 28.
Songs of Land & Sea with Shane Pendergast, Raine Hamilton and Malinda Carroll, will feature these three Island singer-songwriters reimagining the classics and unveiling their own original music.
This season’s themed nights are curated by Sarah Segal-Lazar. The next two concerts are: Canadian Greats with Lawrence Maxwell, Ava & Lily, and Clever Hopes on August 11; and The Brill Building: 60s Pop Hits with Joce Reyome, Ben Aitken, and Brielle Ansems on August 25.
Visit locarius.io/organizations/26 or call 902-963-3963 for tickets.
watermarktheatre.com
“Coeur
chaviré”
Zebedee
“What You See in Me”
Lawrence Maxwell and Brooke MacArthur
(violin), Roland Beaulieu (guitar), and Colin Buchanan (bass, guitar, keys). Mastering was done by John McLaggan (Parachute Mastering), with photography by Justin Rix, and cover art by Hood&Searle.
Atlantic String Machine feat. Keeper E.
Following the recent release of their collaboration with R&B singer Kierrah, Atlantic String Machine teamed up with Halifax-born, Montreal-based indie-pop sensation Keeper E. for their new single, “Making Me Sicker.”
Recorded in Halifax during a celebration of East Coast music, the track captures the best of what the Atlantic music scene has to offer: catchy hooks, insightful lyrics, sophisticated musicianship, and that multi-genre collaborative spirit. A departure from Keeper E.’s largely electronic production, the track features Atlantic String Machine providing both the groovy low-end as well as the textural tops. And the vocals from Keeper E. offer a cutting but clever narrative that grounds the tune in an emotional malaise.
July 15th
Featuring a string arrangement by String Machine bassist Adam Hill, the cut was shaped by recording engineer Thomas Stajcer, mix engineer Adam Gallant, and mastering engineer John D.S. Adams. The track drops on all streaming services July 26.
Sirène et Matelot
PEI Acadian band Sirène et Matelot, formed by Lennie Gallant and Patricia Richard, released a new single for radio called “Coeur chaviré.” The song is from their latest album, Un monde de dissonances, released by Le Grenier musique in 2023. It is available on CD and all digital platforms.
The composition was inspired by the rhythm of Patricia’s dancing footwork. As Lennie explains, artist Jac Gautreau helped with the lyrics to complete the song’s musical universe. He says, “The song examines the difficulties of maintaining a secure loving relationship in a modern world where people are constantly bombarded with external stimuli and so many of us are pulled in so many directions at once.” Patricia adds that “despite the many varied distractions and distance many of us deal with, we must count on the strength and beauty of love in this crazy world. It’s the only thing that makes the journey worthwhile. If we search hard enough, we will find a peaceful harbour for our nearly shipwrecked hearts.”
With lyrics by Lennie, Patricia, and Jac, and music by Lennie and Patricia, musicians on the track include: Lennie (vocals, guitar); Patricia (vocals, foot tapping); Julien Robichaud (keyboard); Davy Gallant (guitar, mandolin, percussion); Simon Blouin (drums); Rémy Malo (bass guitar); and Gilles Tessier (electric guitar). Davy Gallant produced the song and the album.
MacMaster, Leahy and their children in concert—July 14
Summerside’s Harbourfront Theatre welcome Natalie MacMaster, Donnell Leahy and their seven children for an acoustic concert on July 14 at 2 pm and 7:30 pm.
When MacMaster and Leahy married in 2002, they could not have predicted that they would produce a large family and ensure their mantelpiece was jammed with JUNO and East Coast Music Awards. Together they have released three albums, toured the world, and regularly feature their seven music-loving children in their performances.
Summer concert series at Hillcrest United
The Close to the Ground concert series, hosted by Fiddlers’ Sons, featuring Eddy Quinn, Keelin Wedge, Cynthia MacLeod, and John B. Webster, is returning to Hillcrest United this summer, running every Thursday at 8 pm from July 4 until September 26.
Fiddlers’ Sons invite a different musical guest to join them each week for a night of PEI roots music and storytelling. This year’s guests include ECMA Award winners and nominees, Music PEI Award winners, veteran performers, and up-and-coming young talents.
Returning for its 14th season
Ceilidh in the City has returned for its 14th season on Wednesday evenings at 7:30 pm until December 4 at the Jack Blanchard Centre.
Hosted by Island musicians Kendall Docherty, Peter Burke, Brian Knox, Brian Langille, and Brian Blacquiere, this family-friendly concert series offers a variety of PEI music and features musical guests each week. The guest performers in July are:
The season begins on July 4, when Fiddlers’ Sons will release their new album, Love Don’t Divide. Special guests in July include The Ellis Family Band (July 11), Johnny Ross and Peggy Clinton (18), and Kelley Mooney, Keelin Wedge, and Christine Cameron (25).
Admission is at the door with no advance tickets sold. The church is located at 50 Wood Islands Road in Montague.
PEI’s redheaded fiddler Courtney Hogan-Chandler returns with her show Another Flippin’ Ceilidh on July 28, from 2–4 pm, at the Florence Simmons Performance Hall in Charlottetown.
Courtney, a Music PEI Award nominee, will be joined on stage by her husband, Scott Chandler, a gymnastics National gold medalist and member of the PEI Sports Hall of Fame. He will perform acrobatics and storytelling, adding a unique twist to the traditional ceilidh. Their children, Finnegan (keyboard, acrobatics), and Rankin (vocals, dance), will make guest appearances.
Norman Stewart will also perform guitar and vocals, bringing his unique blend of Celtic and traditional music.
Special guests include Maxine MacLennan and Janelle Banks. Visit ticketpro.ca or call 902-8946885 for tickets.
Kitchen party fundraiser featuring the Chaisson Trio
The St. Margaret of Scotland Parish Hall’s kitchen parties and square dances are underway. Featuring the music of the Chaisson Trio—Kevin Chaisson, Louise Chaisson-MacKinnon and Sheila MacKenzie—the events are
held each Sunday at 7:30 pm.
This ongoing fundraising event for the community centre is more than just a square dance or social gathering. With stubborn determination reminiscent of the Scottish immigrants that settled the area, the community’s goal is the preservation and strengthening of the rich Gaelic music and culture that defines Eastern PEI.
All ages are encouraged to attend. The kitchen parties are welcoming for meeting friends old and new who are more than willing to show the way on the dance floor. There might even be a few old stories shared.
A light lunch is served at intermission with a 50/50 draw each week. Admission is cash only at the door.
St. Margarets Hall is located at 111394 Northside Road in St. Margarets, approximately 20 minutes from Souris and St. Peters in either direction. Follow @ St. Margarets Kitchen Parties & Square Dances on FB
Terry Dunsford & Jacinta MacDonald (July 3); East Coast Legends Show with the music of Stan Rogers, Ron Hynes, Stompin Tom Connors, and Anne Murray with guests Eddy Quinn & Marcella Richard (10); The Irish Scots with Maxine MacLennan, Norman Stewart & Courtney Hogan-Chandler (17); Peggy Clinton & Alphie Perry (24); and The Treble Makers (31).
The venue, located at 7 Pond Street in Charlottetown, is fully accessible, with ample parking, canteen and bar services, and air conditioning.
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.
Locally owned and operated for over 20 years!
ceilidhs, series, sessions...
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
Gordon Belsher is “back home” hosting the concert series on Mondays at 7:30 pm until September 16 at the cozy (and air-conditioned) Stanley Bridge WI Hall this summer. Guests include Todd MacLean on piano, ukulele, and saxophone, and Island fiddlers Courtney Hogan-Chandler and Cynthia MacLeod. Each show will feature a combination of three of them on a rollercoaster ride of singable songs, jigs, reels, airs, poignant ballads, and a few surprises. Note there is no show on Canada Day, July 1. Seats can be booked in advance at gordonbelsher.com or cash payment at the door, which opens at 7 pm. 4897 St. Mary’s Rd, Stanley Bridge.
A ceilidh takes place at Orwell Corner this month on July 4 and 18 at 7 pm. There is a 50/50 draw and a light lunch. Admission is at the door with proceeds going toward Orwell Corner Historical Village. 98 Macphail Park Rd, Orwell. Info: 902-651-8515
Aug 11); Johnny Ross & Peggy Clinton (Jul 21); Stephanie & Johnny Ross (Aug 18); and Jordan LeClair, and Michael Richard & Family (Aug 25).Admission is at the door, which opens at 6:30 pm. There is a 50/50 draw, canteen services, and the venue is accessible and air-conditioned. 2184 Church Rd, Rustico. Info: 902-963-2166, cymbrialions.ca or follow on FB for updates.
Now in its 14th season, this ceilidh series is held on Wednesdays at 7:30 pm until December 4 at the Jack Blanchard Centre. Hosted by Kendall Docherty, Peter Burke, Brian Knox, Brian Langille, and Brian Blacquiere, the family-friendly events feature a variety of PEI music and musical guests each week. The lineup in July is: Terry Dunsford & Jacinta MacDonald (Jul 3); East Coast Legends Show with the music of Stan Rogers, Ron Hynes, Stompin Tom Connors, and Anne Murray with guests Eddy Quinn & Marcella Richard (10); The Irish Scots with Maxine MacLennan, Norman Stewart & Courtney Hogan-Chandler (17); Peggy Clinton & Alphie Perry (24); and The Treble Makers (31). The venue is fully accessible and air-conditioned, with parking, and canteen and bar services. 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.
The Benevolent Irish Society’s ceilidhs in July feature local bands and musicians, including: The Irish Scots (Maxine MacLennon, Norman Scott, Courtney Hogan-Chandler) with Alan Buchanan and dancers Janelle Banks and Molly MacEwan (Jul 5); Killick Junction (Edna MacMaster, Len Buell, Wayne B MacLean, Jerry Keefe and Vincent Keoghan) (12); Tip ‘Er Back (Allan Betts, Wade Murray, Clive Currie, Darlene Bradley and fiddler Steve Perry) (19); and The Chaisson Trio (Louise ChaissonMacKinnon, Kevin Chaisson and Sheila MacKenzie) (26). Music starts at 8 pm. Doors open at 7 pm. Tickets available at the door or benevolentirishsocietyofpei. com. 582 North River Rd, Charlottetown.
Ceilidhs take place at 7:30 pm. The lineup this summer includes: Michael & Shane Pendergast (Jul 7/Aug 4); Eddy Quinn, John B Webster & Keelin Wedge (Jul 14/
Concerts in the Garden
Local musicians and bands perform on the outdoor stage at Wyatt Heritage Properties from 6:30–8:30 pm on Wednesdays, July 3–August 21. The performance lineup in July includes: Fred Martin and Kevin Arthur (July 3); Cathy Jackman and Andy Paynter (10); Bluezone (17); Buchanan Family (24); and The Proud Islanders (31). Admission is by donation and spectators should bring their own chair. Wyatt homemade ice cream will be sold at intermission. Located at 205 Prince Street in Summerside Info: culturesummerside. com; 902-432-1298
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.
Presented by the Ross Family Ceilidh, this new show explores the rich music and dance traditions of Celtic and Acadian PEI, through song and story, as well as contemporary sounds of the Island and more. Siblings Stephanie Ross, Johnny Ross, and Danielle Ross present Gone is the Kerosene Lamp at 7:30 pm at the Florence Simmons Performance Hall with upcoming performances on July 3, 8, 17, 22 and 29, and August 6, 12, 22 (2 pm matinee) and 29, and September 5, 9, 18 and 25. Visit rossfamily.ca or call 1-888-311-9090 for tickets. 140 Weymouth St, Charlottetown.
Hosted by Fiddlers’ Sons (Eddy Quinn, Keelin Wedge, Cynthia MacLeod, and John B. Webster), this weekly concert series takes place on Thursdays at 8 pm, from July 4–September 26, at Hillcrest United. Fiddlers’ Sons invite a different musical guest to join them each week for a night of PEI roots music and storytelling. The lineup this month includes: Fiddlers’ Sons album release (Jul 4); The Ellis Family Band (11); Johnny Ross & Peggy Clinton (18); and Kelley Mooney, Keelin Wedge, and Christine Cameron (25). Admission is at the door with no advance tickets sold. 50 Wood Islands Rd, Montague.
The East Coast kitchen party with hosts Robbie Doherty and Pierce Clarke, along with their seven-piece band, returns for its third season at Trailside Music Hall in Charlottetown this summer. Performances run on Wednesdays in July, August and September. This high-energy show is a celebration of East Coast music and features crowd participation, prizes, and a mix of traditional folk, sea shanties, and contemporary East Coast hits. Visit trailside.ca for tickets. 155 Kent St, Charlottetown.
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 July lineup includes: Island Jazz Harp feat. Caedda Enright (July 4); Island Jazz Quartet plays Movie Jazz (11); Victoria Row Quartet (18); Sean Kemp Originals (25). Admission is by donation. 181 Great George St, Charlottetown.
June Morrow sings a mix of covers and originals with special guests every Saturday from 1–4 pm at The Lucky Bean–Montague. Admission is free. There is a tip jar for the musicians. The series runs until mid-September. 576 Main St, Montague.
A concert series featuring traditional Acadian songs and music will run daily through August with performances every Tuesday to Friday at 1:30 pm and 3 pm in Ti-Manuel’s Barn at Village musical acadien. The lineup includes Michel Lalonde (vocals), Caroline Bernard (vocals, guitar, accordion, piano), Gilbert Arsenault (fiddle), and Rémi Arsenault (bass) Admission is by donation. 1745, Rte 124, Abram-Village.
Lot 7 Ceilidhs
Weekly ceilidhs take place on Thursdays at 7:30 pm at St. Mark’s Parish Hall. The lineup this month includes: Cathy Jackman and Kevin Paynter (Jul 4); Hélène Bergeron with brothers Peter and Albert, and guests (11); Robert and Bruce Jones (18); Robert Doucette, Ricky Gallant, and Brian and Shane Arsenault (25); and Sandra Jones and family. (Aug 1). There are door prizes, a 50/50 draw, and lunch at intermission. 8091 Rte 14, Burton.
The Morell and Area Development Corporation’s summer concert series features two-hours of free, live music with local entertainers at the Leo Rossiter Park Pavilion.The show on July 4 from 6:30–8:30 pm features The MacDonald Sisters (Doris and Marie) followed by Dwayne Doiron. On July 14, The Fraggle Rockers will perform from 2–4 pm. Leo Rossiter Park is located at 35 Riverside Drive in Morell.
Now in their 27th season, Michael Pendergast and ‘Uncle’ Tom McSwiggan host family-friendly entertainment with a distinctive PEI flavour at two locations all summer. The ceilidhs feature Celtic, traditional and local songs and stories, fiddling and step dancing, and strawberries and ice cream at intermission. Shane Pendergast (vocals, guitar) and Andy Doucette (fiddle) complete the band, and Veronica Murray is the step dancer. Ceilidhs take place on Wednesdays until August 28 at Malpeque Hall (Rte 20, Malpeque) and on Thursdays at Stanley Bridge WI Hall (4897 St. Mary’s Rd, Stanley Bridge). Showtime is 7:30 pm. Admission is cash only at the door, which opens at 7 pm. Info: 902-836-4310
Now in its 15th season, this concert series takes place on Saturdays at 7:30 pm at the Stanley Bridge WI Hall. In addition to the pure East Coast music with five-time ECMA Award winner Richard Wood, there is a 50/50 draw, and strawberries and ice cream at intermission. Call 902330-3293 or visit rwood.ca for advance reserved seats. Remaining seats are available on a first come basis on show day when the doors open at 6:30 pm. The Hall is fully accessible, air-conditioned, and has free parking. 4897 St. Mary’s Rd, Stanley Bridge.
The Proud Islanders play on Sunday evenings at 7 pm from June 30–September 1. Also performing are Louise & Jonny Ray Arsenault on Jun 30, Jul 14 and 28, and Aug 11 and 25. 9979 Rte 6, Stanley Bridge.
A ceilidh featuring Troy MacGillivray and The Chaissons, runs on Wednesdays in July and August at 7:30 pm. These
ceilidhs celebrate the traditional music of PEI and Cape Breton Island and feature an evening complete with stories, fiddling, songs, laughter, and, of course, step dancing. The group includes piano player Kevin Chaisson, singer and guitarist Louise Chaisson-MacKinnon, fiddler Sheila MacKenzie, Cape Breton step dancer Gerard Beaton, host Marsha Weeks, and special guest fiddler Troy MacGillivray. 4897 St. Mary’s Rd, Stanley Bridge. Info: peiceilidhs.com
Join the Chaisson Trio, featuring Kevin Chaisson, Louise Chaisson-MacKinnon and Sheila MacKenzie, at St. Margarets Community Hall every Sunday at 7:30 pm this summer for traditional Island fiddling, songs, square dancing and more. This all ages, authentic Island experience includes a 50/50 draw, homemade lunch, Northside tea and coffee at intermission. The Sunday night kitchen parties are a fundraiser for the upkeep of the hall. There is no event on July 21 due to the Rollo Bay Fiddle Festival. Admission is cash at the door. 11394 Northside Rd, Souris.
Sessions with Mark Douglas and friends take place weekly on Thursdays at 7 pm at The Old Triangle, 189 Great George St, Charlottetown.
The summer music series continues at the Stompin’ Tom Centre with Cory Gallant & The Red Dirt Posse (June 29); Canada Day with Bruce & Robert Jones, and Joey, Jamie and Kurk (July 1); Jay Gavin (6); Shaydid (20); and Kurk Bernard’s Stompin’ Tom tribute show (27). Showtime is 8 pm. Tickets are available at 902-882-3214 or stompintomfest. com. 14024, Rte 14, Skinner’s Pond.
A ceilidh is held at the Robert L. Cotton Centre on the second Sunday of each month from 2–4 pm. The next ceilidh is July 14 . Coffee, tea, and a light lunch are provided. 57 Bunbury Rd, Stratford. Info: 902-569-3956
The Summer Cabaret concert series at Village musical acadien features PEI musicians performing every Friday, July 5–August 23, from 8–11 pm in the Acadian Festival Barn. Backed by The Cabaret Band (Danny MacNevin, drummer Rodney Arsenault, Keelin Wedge, and Rémi Arsenault), special guests this month are: Salt Water Dollies with Christine Cameron and Keelin Wedge (Jul 5); Marcella Richard and Sandra Jones (12, *9 pm–12 am); Kurk Bernard (19); La Band du Cabaret (26). There will be bar service and snacks for purchase. This is a 19+ event. 1745, Rte 124, AbramVillage. villagemusical.ca
Kitchen parties take place at the Summerside Legion most Saturdays from 2 to 5 pm. The upcoming lineup features the McGarry Brothers on June 29, and Back in Tyme on July 6 and 20. 340 Notre Dame St, Summerside.
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.
Featuring Mike Pendergast and Shane Pendergast, That’s The Island For Ya Deer plays at the Scott MacAulay Performing Arts Centre in Summerside on July 6, 13 and 20, and August 3 and 10. Showtime is 7:30 pm. This show is quintessential PEI and features the songs behind the stories and the stories behind the songs—an evening full of musical curves and detours. 619 Water St East Summerside.
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.
A fundraising ceilidh will be held on June 30 at 2 pm at Winsloe United. Each week features a host, the Winsloe United House Band—Dave Berrigan, Brian Langille, Brian Knox, Steve Perry, and Judy Lowe—and special guests. On June 30, host Dino Dunsford and the house band will welcome special guest Leon Gallant for a mix of Celtic, traditional, and country music. Tea, coffee, and cold drinks are served at intermission. Admission is at the door, which opens
Square dances will be held every Wednesday at 7:30 pm in July and August at the Lorne Valley Community Centre. Live entertainment will be provided by Ward, Hailee and Alan Macdonald, and will feature special guests weekly. 922 Lorne Valley Rd, Lorne Valley.
Join the Chaisson Trio, featuring Kevin Chaisson, Louise Chaisson-MacKinnon and Sheila MacKenzie, at St. Margarets Community Hall every Sunday at 7:30 pm this summer for traditional Island fiddling, songs, square dancing and more. This all ages, authentic Island experience includes a 50/50 draw, homemade lunch, Northside tea and coffee at intermission. The Sunday night kitchen parties are a fundraiser for the upkeep of the hall. There is no event on July 21 due to the Rollo Bay Fiddle Festival. Admission is cash at the door. 11394 Northside Rd, Souris.
A benefit dance and silent auction put on by family and friends for Richie Ross will happen on July 6 at the Malcolm Darrach Hall, 1 Avonlea Drive, in Charlottetown. The benefit is for Richie after he suffered a major heart attack and triple bypass among other major health issues that surfaced more recently. The doors will open at 11:30 am and the silent auction will begin at 11:45 am, running into the evening. Family friendly activities at 12 noon will include door prizes, a 50/50 draw, a take-out dinner by donation and all-ages karaoke from 1:30–6 pm. The Lions Club bar opens at 7 pm and The Rustlers will provide live entertainment at 8 pm. This is a 19+ after 7 pm.
A square dance/danse carrée fierté will be held at La Belle Alliance in Summerside on July 14 from 7:30–10 pm. Dance callers will guide attendees through easy-to-learn square dances and round dances for a night of music,
joy and dancing. All are welcome to dance, surrounded by queer pride and heart-pounding fiddle music. No experience is necessary. This is a bilingual event, open to everyone, and presented in partnership with Franco-Queer îPÉ and Here We Go! barn dances. Info/ tickets: locarius.io/events/1094/freeshuttle-registration-pride-square-dancedanse-carree-fierte-on-sunday-july-14th
PEERS Alliance and Pride PEI have collaborated to host a Rainbow Youth Dance on July 17 from 7–9 pm at Beaconsfield Carriage House in Charlottetown. As a part of this year’s Pride Festival, the dance is an opportunity for 2SLGBTQ+ youth and allies ages 12–18 to celebrate pride, dance and be in community with one another. The event will feature a DJ, refreshments and numerous side activities such as a photo station, colouring sheets and more. This free event will be facilitated by trained volunteers in the 2SLGBTQ+ community. Info: rachel@ peersalliance.ca.
A BIPOC dance titled “Let’s Kiki” will take place at The Guild on July 19 from 7–11 pm, as part of this year’s Pride PEI Festival. Admission is free. 111 Queen St, Charlottetown.
Strawberry Social Productions presents Amuse Bouche, a queer dance party at The Pourhouse above The Old Triangle on July 19 from 9 pm–1 am. DJ bb Bottle will be playing all the favourite dance and pop classics as partiers whet their pride appetite and spin, sparkle and slay at the unofficial pride party. Strawberry Social Productions is a local collective of queer community members creating safe spaces and fun events. Tickets available online or at the door. This is a 19+ event. Follow on IG @strawberrysocialproductions for more info.
This month’s social dance at Downstreet Dance in Charlottetown will be held on July 21 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. downstreetdance.com
The Festival of Lights offers two nights of live entertainment, food and drinks on June 29 and 30 at Peake’s Quay Waterfront in Charlottetown. Performances include Vintage 4.0, The Fabulously Rich, Wannabeez, and Rockstars, a Nickelback tribute band. Tickets are on sale at locarius.io.
Capital City Canada Day returns to Victoria Park in Charlottetown on July 1 with a full day of free activities, live
Brandon Howard Roy and Craig Fair
Pride PEI presents the Pride PEI Piano Bar as part of its 2024 Festival. Hosted by Brandon Howard Roy with piano accompaniment by Craig Fair, the event takes place at the Salvador Dali Cafe at The Arts Hotel in Charlottetown from 4–6 pm on July 14.
entertainment, and the all-day musical celebration, Coastal Vibes at the Victoria Park Pavilion.
Attendees can enjoy an afternoon and evening filled with performances from a lineup of local entertainers, including: Got Blues (1:30 pm); Julia Robichaud (2:30 pm); Hit The Coast (3:30 pm); Kylie Fox (4:30 pm); Brandon Howard Roy (5:30 pm); KINLEY (6:30 pm); ‘Understanding Our Past, Reconciling Our Future: Fireside Chat’ with Julie PellissierLush (7:30 pm); Lefunk (8 pm); and headliner, The Fabulously Rich: The Tragically Hip tribute band (9 pm). charlottetown.ca/canadaday.
you can find locals and visitors elbowto-elbow in crowded and boisterous quarters.
With a lively host guiding the singalong, piano bars, especially within Queer culture, are known for their show tunes and camaraderie, with a decided lack of focus on the singing ability of its attendees.
“The idea is to have the best time possible,” says Dave Stewart, Festival partner for this event. “Whether or not you can sing doesn’t matter in the least. Just remember to tip your host!”
Marie’s Crisis and Don’t Tell Mama are popular examples of long standing piano bars in New York City, where
“They’re must-visits for a lot of people I know,” adds Stewart, “so why not bring the piano bar to Islanders for a change, instead of the other way around, especially during Pride?”
There is no admission charged for the Pride PEI Piano Bar, but tips for the hosts are encouraged. Attendee spaces are first come, first served, and are limited. Allies are welcome and encouraged to attend this 19+ event.
The 2024 PEI Pride Festival runs July 12–21. For a full Festival schedule, visit pridepei.ca, or follow Pride PEI on its social media channels.
37th annual music festival weekend—July 5 to 7
The 37th Annual PEI Bluegrass & Old Time Music Festival is being held at the Dundas Fairgrounds in Dundas on July 5, 6, and 7. Headline performers from the USA are Nick Chandler & Delivered and Joe Hott & The Short Mountain Boys. Bluegrass Tradition from Nova Scotia returns, along with festival favourite Ray Legere & Acoustic Horizon. The Hound Dog Ramblers, featuring Ivan Rosenberg from New Brunswick, will also perform. PEI bands include the Janet McGarry Band, The Stiff Family, Bluestreak, Whitecap Drive, Just Grass, SK Bluegrass, Heartfelt Bluegrass, and Bluegrass Revival.
In addition to three days and evenings of stage performances there will be Open Mic events on the Wednesday and Thursday prior to Festival
Lined with performaces by Maritime favourites
The 22nd edition of the Evangeline Bluegrass Festival will run from July 12–14 in Abram-Village.
This year’s festival will feature performances by Maritime bluegrass favourites Ray Légère & Acoustic Horizon and Eddy Poirier & Grassline. Other featured bluegrass bands include the Bluegrass Diamonds, Shane
Sundays at the Parish Hall
The summer concert series at the Mont-Carmel Parish Hall returns in July with performances every Sunday evening at 7 pm.
Performers on July 7 are Peggy Clinton, Alphy Perry, Jordan Leclair, Johnny Ross, Julie Pelissier-Lush, Remi Arsenault, Caroline Bernard, Riel Arsenault, Benoit Arsenault, Melissa Gallant and Megan Bergeron.
opening; workshops with members of the Hound Dog Ramblers on Saturday morning, a children’s program led by Hannah of the Stiff Family; food concessions, merchandise and, of course, bluegrass jamming after hours.
Visit peibluegrass.ca/tickets or call 902-566-2641 for tickets and info.
Weekend musical celebration—July 19 to 21
The 48th Rollo Bay Fiddle Festival, running from July 19–21, is celebrating four decades of preserving Prince Edward Island’s musical heritage. This year’s lineup features worldclass performers like 6 Hearts, Richard Wood, Kindle, Andrea Beaton, Inn Echo, and more, including: Dara Smith-MacDonald and Adam Young, Margie and Dawn Beaton, Chaisson Trio, Shane Pendergast, Rodney MacDonald and Glenn Graham, Douglas and Lawrence Cameron, Thomas Harrington and Hailee
MacDonald, Cynthia MacLeod, Colette Cheverie and Zakk Cormier, TunesN-Tales, Luka Hall, Irish Millie, The Receivers, Kelly MacArthur, Rollo Bay Fiddle students, Rollo Bay Kitchen Group, Julie Pellissier-Lush and Queens County Fiddlers. Held every third weekend of July, the festival draws fans young and old from around the globe. Attendees can enjoy music workshops, weekend camping, modern on-site facilities and the best traditional music anywhere. rollobayfiddlefest.ca
Douthwright & The Virtuosos, and High River, all from New Brunswick. Nova Scotia’s Bluegrass Tradition will also perform, while PEI’s homegrown bluegrass talent will be showcased by Janet McGarry & Serge Bernard, Heartfelt Bluegrass, Blue Zone, The Treble Makers, SK Bluegrass, and The Stiff Family. Classic country singer Jamie Matthews and friends will give a pre-festival show on July 11. Marcella Richard and Sandra Jones, known for their traditional country style, will perform at the Country Music Cabaret.
The program begins July 12 with an open mic at 1 pm.
Camping is available on-site. To reserve, call 902-439-7411. For the full schedule and more information, visit evangelinebluegrassfestival.ca.
The Adventures of Hedgie the Bear at Victoria Playhouse
Pourhouse—July 27
On July 14, musicians T’Monde (LA), Montuno Cubano and Cynthia MacLeod take the stage.
Performers on July 21 include Marcella Richard with Patricia Richard and Roland Beaulieu, Fiddlers’ Sons with Eddy Quinn, Keelin Wedge and John Webster, and Louise and Jonathan Arsenault with Helen Bergeron.
The concert on July 28 features Flo Durelle (NB), DeeDee Austin (NS), and Richard Wood.
Admission is free for preschool children. For tickets and more details, visit cooperativeculturelledemontcarmel. com. The hall is located at 5786 Route 11 in Mont-Carmel. Stay tuned for the August lineup.
The Tunes & Tall Tales band will present the family-friendly production, The Adventures of Hedgie and Bear, on July 19 and 26 at Victoria Playhouse. The 45-minute matinee performance will feature three original musical stories presented with piano, voice and strings. The content is carefully crafted to engage and connect to audiences of all ages. Beautiful illustrations will be presented on a crankie box, featuring original art curated for the show.
victoriaplayhouse.com
The Dan Doiron Band will play a show at the Pourhouse in Charlottetown on July 27 at 7 pm.
With Deryl Gallant on bass, Max Gallant on drums, and Todd Mac Lean on keys and sax, the band will play a mix of their energetic originals from Doiron’s four ECMA-nominated albums, as well as their own versions of well-known classics.
Admission at the door, which open at 6:30 pm. Reservations are recommended by calling 902-892-5200.
A selection of upcoming live music
Dancing Queen June 29 & 30
Dancing Queen is bringing the disco heat to PEI on June 29, 30 and July 1.
Dancing Queen plays all the ABBA hits audience members know and love, as well as a selection of rarities and deep cuts, and rounds it out with some of the greatest disco songs ever written.
Cormier July 6
Singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, sideman, innovator, recording artist, award winner—his titles are many. Underlying all that is a young man with an old soul who has traveled the world for the past 23 years, bringing a unique brand of joy to audiences wherever he goes.
Leeroy Stagger | Dennis Ellsworth and his band July 14
It’s said the cells in your body replace themselves every decade or so. After eleven albums, two EPs, and seventeen years as a singer-songwriter, Leeroy
Monthly concert series at the Pourhouse
Route 225 is starting a monthly concert series at the Pourhouse in Charlottetown this month. The first performance is set for July 18 from 7–9:30 pm, followed by shows on August 15 and September 12.
Stagger has been wondering if maybe the soul works the same way. Ten years sober, with two kids, a home in Lethbridge, Alberta, and a worldclass recording studio to go with it, he’s far removed from the hard-living twenty-something who started on this musical path. As far as Stagger can see, they aren’t even the same person.
Dennis Ellsworth and his band will open the show.
The Fabulously Rich July 26
Join The Fabulously Rich for an unforgettable tribute to one of Canada’s most beloved bands, The Tragically Hip. For two exclusive nights they will bring to life the essence and spirit of The Hip. Each evening will feature a complete album performance followed by a set filled with Hip classics.
The July 26 performance will feature Day for Night. Experience the iconic album in its entirety—a perfect blend of deep lyrics and memorable melodies that capture the band’s profound narrative.
On July 27, relive the groundbreaking album Fully Completely—a defining piece of The Hip’s musical legacy, from the energetic anthems to the soulful ballads.
Trailside Music Hall is located at 155 Kent Street in Charlottetown. Showtimes are 8 pm with doors opening at 6:30 pm (unless otherwise noted). For tickets and info visit trailside.ca or call 367-3311.
SUBMITTED
Canada’s tribute to The Beatles at Harbourfront—July 25
Summerside’s Harbourfront Theatre will welcome The Liverpool 4, Canada’s Tribute to The Beatles, on July 25 at 7:30 pm.
Beatles’ fans can travel through time and experience this live show through all eras of the band’s career. The Liverpool 4, Canada’s Tribute to The Beatles have been delighting
audiences for nearly two decades with their high energy two-act performance. They have performed thousands of shows across North America, including appearances on Global TV’s morning show, Maple Leaf Gardens, Universal Pictures, Massey Hall, and countless theatres and festivals.
harbourfronttheatre.com
Tribute to Great Big Sea plays two shows in July
Off The Rock, North America’s premier tribute to Great Big Sea, will be on stage at Harbourfront Theatre ins Summerside on July 21 and at Kings Playhouse in Georgetown on July 23. Both shows are at 7:30 pm.
Off The Rock brings an interactive and engaging show that is sure to have audiences singing, dancing, and clapping along with Great Big Sea’s greatest hits and Newfoundland traditional tunes.
Featuring the musical talents of Anthony Clayton, Thom Danger Speck, Sean Battams, Steve Peckford,
Aaron Spink, and David Skolnick, this dynamic group brings the spirit of the Canadian East Coast home, wherever home may be.
Songs and stories at Victoria Playhouse—July 19
Island troubadour Nudie will perform at Victoria Playhouse at 8 pm on July 19 and August 9.
Route 225, featuring band members Roland, Adam, Todd, and Deryl, has the musical depth to explore various styles and genres with ease, taking audiences on a journey. They have backed artists such as Amanda Jackson, Anica, Trinity Bradshaw, and Brooke MacArthur.
Admission is cash at the door, which opens at 6:30 pm. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling 902-892-5200.
An Island sensation for years, Nudie has toured long and far and played in venues of all sizes across North America. A natural raconteur, Nudie will be telling the stories behind his songs, and recall his tales of busking out front and going backstage on Willie Nelson’s 2006 Canadian tour.
With Bobby McIsaac on guitar and vocals, the show will feature a mix
of Willlie’s biggest hits and Nudie’s original compositions—producing an evening of music and storytelling not to be missed.
victoriaplayhouse.com
by Dennis Ellsworth
Picking away at the unknown
Benny Von spent the first six years of his life in York, Prince Edward Island. He is the oldest of five kids. At six years old, his family moved to Mount Stewart. When his parents split at age fourteen, he moved to Morrell to live with his father and at sixteen, he moved back to York to live with his aunt and uncle so he could attend high school at Charlottetown Rural.
Benny has always sort of picked away at songwriting, and although that creative idea has been with him since he was much younger, the road he took to get here has been slow, with many twists, turns and bumps.
For a good portion of his life he has been looking for acceptance, by others and by himself. He grew up in a religious home, but for much of it, he shrugged it off. Halfway through his senior year at Charlottetown Rural, his search for somewhere to belong led him back to religion. Not long after, his mother introduced him to a young Pasteur (ex-addict) from the United States who moved here with his wife and two kids to take over the Faith Bible Church on St Peter’s Rd. Benny moved into that family’s basement and began feeling guided and more connected to something meaningful. He dove headfirst into Christianity, gained responsibility under the wing of the young Pasteur and he started to feel power in the act of helping people. It felt like he had the answer.
From here, he moved to Fredericton where he lived with his uncle, also a Pasteur, and Benny started to consider becoming one himself. Under his uncle’s care, he went all in with the Church. This is when the pendulum suddenly swung the other way. He was tapping into things relating to his upbringing. These revelations knocked him sideways, and his faith started to blur. His beliefs in the Church and what it was teaching waned, and he felt like what he had spent years committed to was contrived and lacked reality. He left the church, once again in pursuit of something.
While still in Fredericton, he welcomed his fifteen-year-old brother into his home and Benny helped him through high school. He was his caretaker.
During this time, Benny worked as a server/bartender and he started doing stand-up comedy. He did this for three and a half years, and in 2018, he moved back to PEI. Looking for ways to express himself about the past few decades of his life, he went back to the creative well and songwriting clicked.
For the past few years, he has been collecting songs. Very authentic songs. They come from an honest place. They are from a life of experience. At 31, he’s finding a creative voice through music and he’s been tinkering in the recording studio with Adam Gallant at The Hill Sound Studio.
His debut single, ”PEI Waltz,” was released in January, and most recently, “That’s Nice” and “A Thousand Lives in One” were released simultaneously in April. He has plans for more releases and he’s got the songs, but he’s happy letting things develop at a natural pace.
West River United—July 13
Phase II presents “A Rock N’ Roll Summer,” an evening of live music featuring the best of the 50s and 60s, at West River United in Cornwall on July 13. Showtime is 7 pm. Refreshments will be served during intermission. Tickets are available at the door or in advance at 902-566-4052.
6 Hearts, Kindle, Andrea Beaton, Richard Wood, Inn Echo, Dara Smith-MacDonald & Adam Young, Margie & Dawn Beaton, Chaisson Trio, Shane Pendergast, Rodney MacDonald & Glenn Graham, Douglas & Lawrence Cameron, Thomas Harrington & Hailee MacDonald, Cynthia MacLeod, Colette Cheverie & Zakk Cormier, Tunes N Tales, Luka Hall, Irish Millie, The Receivers, Kelly MacArthur, Rollo Bay Fiddle Students, Rollo Bay Kitchen Group, Queens County Fiddlers, Julie Lush
bars, lounges, cafés...
Albert & Crown Pub
Danny Drouin (July 5 @6 pm); Bruce & Robert Jones (11 @7 pm); Blair Gaudet (12 @6 pm); Chad Matthews (13 @8 pm); Rick Sparkes (14 @4 pm); Louise & Jonny Rae Arsenault (19 @6 pm); Joey Doucette (25 @8 pm); Sandra Jones (26 @6 pm); Chad Matthews (27 @8 pm). 480 Main St, Alberton.
Baba’s Lounge
Tuesdays (8 pm) and Fridays & Saturdays (10 pm) (unless noted): Postfun, Gizmo, Klarka Band, Somewhere Soon, Daniel Hornel and others (June 29); Pete Eastmure (July 2); Broke 182 (4 *Thu @10:30pm); Adam Robbins, Kay Em, Bo Dean, K Flow, DJ Biggar Beats (5); Paratomb (6); TBA (9/12/16); The Danny Gallant Band (13 @5 pm); The Stoopheads, Life Left, North Park, & guests (13); Riptide with Novah, Burgerz, & guests (19); Todd King (20 @5 pm); Diary of a Tribute Band performing Ozzy Osborne (20); Doug Hoyer and Joe Vicars (23); Megan Aversa (25 *Thu @10:30pm); Juice Box with guests (26); Doug Burton and The Plain Dirty Blues Band (27 @5 pm); Smokespell, The Devil’s Punchbowl (27); Spencer Swain (30). Island Jazz on Thursdays (7:30 pm); Open Mic with KINLEY on Wednesdays (9 pm). 181 Great George St, Charlottetown.
Barnone Brewing
Saturdays (8–11 pm): Amanda Jaskson (July 6); Jon Rehder (house band)(13); Rebecca Rehder (20); Nathan Wiley (27). 4248 Route 225, Rose Valley.
Bogside Brewing
Fridays & Saturdays (6:30–9:30 pm) and Sundays (3–6 pm): Marvin Birt (June 29); Keira Loane (30); Adam MacGregor (July 5); Billy White (6); Jon Matthews (7); Stephen Szwarc (12); Lobster Crusher, Fabulously Rich (13 @7 pm, *ticketed); Dan Doiron (14); Barry OBrien (19); Keira Loane (20); Margarita Wayne (21); Taylor Johnson (26); Carter MacLellan (27); Lisa Birt (28). 11 Brook St, Montague.
Brothers 2
Thursdays (7–9 pm) & Fridays (7–10 pm): Nick Hann (4/19); D’Arcy & Moe (5); David Woodside (11/12/25); Emi Smith (18); Nick Hann (19); Jordan Cameron (26). 618 Water St, Summerside.
Charlottetown Beer Garden
6–10 pm): Brad Milligan Duo (Sun); Chris Ahern Duo (Mon); David Woodside Duo (Tue); Vintage 2.0 (Wed); Richie Bulger Duo (Thu); Kim Albert (Fri); TBA (July 6); Eric & Alyssa (13); Adam MacGregor & The Foes (20); The Last Forevers (27). Late night DJ Dance Party on Saturdays. (185 Kent St, Charlottetown.
Saturdays (9:30 pm): Kim Albert (June 29); The Wrecking Crew (July 6); Haché (13); The Rustlers (20); Kim Albert (27). All are welcome. 99 Pownal St, Charlottetown.
Trad music on Sundays (3–5 pm): Hailee, Ward & Allan MacDonald (June 30); Karson McKeown (July 7); Romy Munkres, Hailee & Ward MacDonald (14); Andrée Mackula (21); Lovely Nelly (28). 567 Main St, Montague.
Craft Beer Corner
Live DJ on Saturdays (10 pm): Tully (6); Whaleskin + Fundance (13); Diego (20); DMayne Event (27). 156 Great George St, Charlottetown.
The Deckhouse Pub & Eatery
Saturdays (7–10 pm): Acoustic Brothers (6); Dave Doyle & Wayne Robichaud (13); Scuttered (20); TBA (27). 150 Heather Moyse Dr, Summerside
Evermoore Brewing
Tuesdays (6–8 pm): Hugo RousseauxBridle (July 2); Jordan Cameron (9); Nick Doneff (16); TBA (23/30). Celtic Jam with host Geoff Charlton on Saturdays (2–4 pm). 192 Water St, Summerside.
The Factory
Late Night DJ Party on Fridays & Saturdays (unless noted). Live music TBA (July 6/20). 189 Kent St, Charlottetown.
The Fiddling Fisherman
Seaside Musical Revival on Tuesdays (8-10 pm). 13 Lower Rollo Bay Road, Souris.
Founders’ Food Hall & Market
Canada Day live music (11 am–3 pm). Live music Monday to Saturday (12–2 pm/6–8 pm) and Sundays (12–2 pm/2:30–4:30 pm): Tom Gammons & Ray Knorr/ The Trash Bling Sisters (July 2); Mark & Spencer Phillips/Nat & Wayne (3); Claire on Keys/Steve Zaat (4); Ava & Lily/Carter Maclellan (5); Dan Doiron/ John MacAllar (6); The Somerset Step Dancers/Adam MacGregor (7); Patrick Nabuurs & Jordan Taylor/Ryan Merry (8); Margarita Wayne/BraedenV (9); Abi Marie/Jerry Laird (10); Barry O’Brien/ Jacob Reddin & the Striped Shirt Band (11); Ava & Lily/John MacAllar (12); 30 Russell/Jorge & Luis Peña (13); The Somerset Step Dancers/Carter Maclellan (14); Mark & Spencer Phillips/ Matt Steele (15); Pierce Clarke/Nathan Carragher (16); Patrick Nabuurs & Jordan Taylor/Ross Malcolm Boyd (17); Reade Gauvin/Blu Robin Music (18); Dan Doiron/Shipwrecks (19); John MacAllar/ Chris Burke (20); BraedenV/Kelley
Mooney (21); Jerry Laird/Ryan Merry (22); Spencer O’Brien/Nathan Carragher (23); Margarita Wayne/Claude Bergeron (24); Luka Hall/Barry O’Brien (25); Adria Jackson Harp/The Somerset Step Dancers (26); Blu Robin Music/Jorge & Luis Peña (27); Adam MacGregor/ Flora MacLaine & Grace Sulis-Chaisson (28); Dan Doiron/Charlotte Russell (29); Jordan Taylor/Tom Gammons & Romy Munkres (30); Davis Ward/Nat & Wayne (31). 6 Prince St, Charlottetown.
Gahan House
Wednesdays & Thursdays (9 pm): Curtis Reginald (July 3); Adam MacGregor (4); Billy Bob Boy (10); Stephen Szwarc (11/18); no music (17); Nathan Carragher (24); Jackie Sullivan (25); Ryan Merry (31). 126 Sydney St, Charlottetown.
The Hub Lounge
Fridays (6–9 pm) and Saturdays (1–4 pm): Kelsey Albert (July 5); Wayne Gallant (6/27); Dave Connolly (12/20); Brian Dunn (13); Steve Zaat (19); Nick Clow & Geoff Warren ((26). Andersons Creek Golf Club, 68 North Rd, Stanley Bridge.
Hunter’s Ale House
Lieutenant Dan (July 4/11/18/25); Red Fox Band (6); Hit the Coast (27). Corner of Kent & Prince Sts, Charlottetown.
Island Chef At The Pier
Sheila Smith on Wednesdays (4:30–7 pm). 9796 Cavendish Rd, Stanley Bridge.
John Brown Grille
Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays (10 pm): Chris Ahern Duo (July 4/11/18/25); MacPhee Brothers (5/12); TBA (6/19/26); Dave & Kirk (13/27); Adam & Liam (20). 96 Kensington Rd, Charlottetown.
The Local Pub & Oyster Bar
Sundays (6–9 pm) and Monday to Saturday (7–10 pm): Luka Hall (Sun); Cole Brioux (Mon); Lawrence Maxwell (Tue); Taylor Johnston & Dan MacAulay (Wed); Thatcher MacKay (Thu); Dan Doiron (July 5); Todd MacLean & Justin Simard (19); Marvin Birt (20); Brian Dunn (26); Saul Good Duo (27). 202 Buchanan Dr, Charlottetown.
Lone Oak Brew Pub
Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays (6–8 pm): Nathan Carragher (July 4/11/18/25); Mat Hannah (5); Mike Stratton (6); Benny Von (12); David Woodside (13); Brothers MacPhee (19); Jordan Cameron (20); TBA (26/27). 15 Milky Way, Charlottetown.
Lone Oak Brewing Co
Sundays (1–3 pm) (unless noted): Brian Dunn (June 30); Karen & Mike Penton (July 7); Nathan Carragher (14); Chris Scott (20 *Sat @1 pm); Dan Doiron (21); Brian Dunn (28). 103 Abegweit Blvd, Borden-Carleton.
Lone Oak Beer Garden Patio Taylor Buote on Thursday (6–9 pm). Avonlea Village, 8779 Rte 6, Cavendish.
The Lucky Bean: Stratford
Songwriters Circle on the third Saturday (July 20, 2–4 pm). Open Mic with Robert McMillan on Sundays (1–4 pm). 17 Glen Stewart Dr, Stratford.
The Lucky Bean: Montague
June Morrow & Friends on Saturdays (1–4 pm). 576 Main St, Montague.
Marc’s Lounge
Fridays & Saturdays (9–11 pm): Adam MacGregor (June 29); Jordan Cameron (July 5); John McLaren (6); Eddy Currents (12); Jordan Cameron (13); private event (20); Mike Stratton (20); Brooke MacArthur (26); Lawrence Maxwell (27). 125 Sydney St, Charlottetown.
Nick Doneff (July 14 @3 pm); No Turmoil (27 @9 pm). 15 Douses Rd, Montague.
Next Door @ The Merchantman
Thursdays (6 pm), Fridays (5–7 pm/7:30–9:30 pm) and Saturdays (2–4 pm/7–9 pm): Adam MacGregor/Aaron (The Protogey) (June 29); Adam MacGregor (July 4); Ryan Merry/Matt Steele (5); Brooke MacArthur/Ashley Gorman(6); Adam McGregor (11); Aaron (The Protogey)/ Ashley Gorman (12); Keira Loane/Mat Hannah (13); Ryan Merry (18); Aaron (The Protogey)/Steve Zaat (19); TBA/ Mat Hannah (20); Ryan Merry (25); Adam MacGregor/Rodney Perry (26); Brooke MacArthur/Mat Hannah (27). 23 Queen St, Charlottetown.
Saturdays (8–11 pm): Roland Beaulieu (June 29); Dan Doiron (July 6); Marc Ekins (13); The Wrecking Crew Duo (20); Karaoke with Tammy Campbell (27). Tuesday Jam Nights (7 pm start). 17 Timber Ln, North Rustico.
Olde Dublin Pub
Sunday to Thursday (7–10 pm) and Fridays & Saturdays (10 pm): Gordon Belsher & Courtney Hogan-Chandler (July 7/14); Gordon Belsher & Cynthia MacLeod (21); Gordon Belsher & Todd MacLean (28); Lawrence Maxwell (Mon); Robbie Doherty (Tue); Richie Bulger & Trevor Campbell (Wed—3/17/31); Saul Good duo (Wed—10/24); Vintage 2.0 (Thu); MacBeth (6); Wrecking Crew (12); Threat Level Midnight (13); Alyssa Harper Project (19 @11 pm); Gypsy Soul (20); Adam MacGregor and The Foes (26); Wannabeez (27). 132 Sydney St, Charlottetown.
Peake’s Quay
Every day (7–10 pm) (unless noted): Thatcher MacKay (July 2/9/16/23/30); Steve Szwarc & Marvin Birt (3/10/17/24/31); Billy White (4/18); Robbie & Pierce Show (5/12/19/26 @8 pm); Karen & Mike Penton (6); Wil McGonegal (7/14/21/28); Pierce Clark (8/15/22/29); Gypsy Soul Duo (13); Acoustic Brothers (20). Live DJ on Saturdays (10:30 pm): DJ Method (June 29);
DJ Dex (July 6) TBA (13); DJ Deuce (20); DJ Flycore (27). 11 Great George St, Charlottetown.
Razzy’s Roadhouse
Fridays (5–8 pm) and Saturdays (4–7 pm): TBD (July 5); Kevin Arthur (6/26); Brian Dunn (12); Tarky Whitlock the Bearded Barber (13); Brian Dunn (19); Dan Doiron (20); Grant Pye (27). 161 St. Peters Rd, Charlottetown.
RCAF Wing Summerside
Saturdays (9 pm). 329 North Market St, Summerside.
Red’s Gold Cup Lounge
Fridays & Saturdays: Karen & Mike Penton (June 29); Barry O’Brien (July 5); Mat Hannah (6); Billy White (12); Nathan Carragher (13); Wayne Gallant (19); Steve Zaat (20); Wil McGonegal (26); Roger Stone (27). Red Shores, 21 Exhibition Dr, Charlottetown.
The Silver Fox
Fridays (9:30 pm) and Saturdays (2:30–5:30 pm) (unless noted): VLTs (July 5); Nick Hann (6); Bandaoke with Roundabout (6 @9:30 pm); Powerhouse (12); Marc Eakins (13); Signal Hill with Roundabout (13 @9 pm, ticketed); Kenny Pearl and the Oysters (19); Floyd Gaudet (20); 70s/80s Retro Club Night with DJ Biggar Beats (20 @9:30 pm, ticketed); Ghostown (26); Saturdays 2:30–5:30 pm: TBA (27). 110 Water St, Summerside.
The PEI Symphony Orchestra (PEISO) has launched the PEISO Academy for Young Musicians, an education program that will foster the chamber ensemble skills of young musicians aged 18 and under.
Using the Haviland in downtown Charlottetown, the program will offer weekly, small chamber ensemble and musicianship classes tailored for PEIbased students. Led by PEISO musicians, the program’s initial focus will be on developing small string ensembles, including piano, with 2–5 players per group.
Teaching artists include Natalie Williams Calhoun (cello), Madeline Kapp MacDonald (violin), Jeffrey Bazett-Jones (viola), and Stephanie Cole (piano).
Financial assistance is available to ensure that the program is accessible and admission is through audition, with an anticipated enrollment of 12–16 students starting September. Auditions will be held in Charlottetown at the Haviland on June 30 at 1 pm (strings only) and at the Kirk of St. James on July 3 at 4 pm (piano and strings).
For details, audition and eligibility requirements, visit peisymphony.com.
The 27 Club is back for another season at Harmony House in Hunter River, playing from July 3–August 22. The 27 Club investigates one of the strangest mysteries in all of rock and roll: why did so many many iconic artists of the 20th century die at aged 27? Island artists Brielle Ansems, Keziah Collie, Carlie Howell, Max Keenlyside, Mike Ross and Kirk White celebrate the music of gone-too-soon icons and try to get to the bottom of one of rock and roll’s enduring mysteries. Also playing at Harmony House this season are, Inside American Pie, running now until July 20; The Leonard Cohen Songbook, opening on July 31; and Ladies of the Canyon, starting August 28.
harmonyhousepei.com
Pride PEI’s refreshed signature event—July 20
Pride PEI presents The Rainbow Road Party on July 20 from 4–11 pm on Kent Street in Charlottetown. Pride PEI’s signature event, Pride After Dark, is getting a refresh for the Pride PEI Festival 2024 with The Rainbow Road Party—a vibrant celebration featuring an eclectic mix of music, dance, storytelling, and drag. Enjoy special Pride food and beverage offerings from Craft Beer Corner, HopYard, PonyBoat Social Club, and Abbiocco.
This outdoor event welcomes everyone. Admission is by donation, and no one will be turned away for lack of funds. From 4–8 pm, the event is open to all ages, making it a family-friendly affair. After 8 pm, the party continues for those ages 19 and over. The night of celebration and community features food vendors and bar service. Don’t miss this new addition to Pride PEI’s lineup.
Music PEI has announced significant changes to its Investment Program to better support artists and music businesses in PEI. These revisions adapt to industry shifts, eliminate competition between project types by providing equal support for both touring/exporting and non-touring recording artists, and enhance support across all stages of development.
The categories “emerging,” “exporting/export-ready,” and “career” will be replaced with Artist I, Artist II, and Artist III. These levels will be determined by participation in the revamped Takin’ Care of Business program and broader eligibility criteria, including prerequisite professional development workshops.
With increased funding from Innovation PEI, the number of Artist I grants will rise from eight to twelve per year. The Artist II grant amount will increase from $3000 to $3500, though the number of grants will decrease from 12 to 10. Artist III grants remain unchanged at four grants per year at $8000.
The Music Business Development fund, which supports music-related businesses within the province through
Business Investment and Professional Development streams, will increase from $1500 to $2000, with two grants available per year.
A significant portion of the budget will go to the new Market Access Fund, which will provide $20,000 annually to support artists and industry professionals attending conferences, festivals, business meetings, and songwriting trips, aiming to expand global networking opportunities.
The Microgrant Program, serving historically excluded communities, will increase from $300 to $500, with eight grants available per year.
The Artist Development Fund and Music Business Fund will have two deadlines per fiscal year: July 10, 2024 and January 31, 2025. The Market Access Fund and Microgrant Program will accept applications on a rolling basis until funds are depleted.
An in-person information session on the changes and eligibility requirements will be held at 6 pm on July 3 in the third-floor boardroom at The Guild in Charlottetown.
For more information email programs@musicpei.com or visit their website at musicpei.com.
JULY 7
JULY 12
JULY 13
JULY 16
JULY 14
JULY 19
JULY 20
“CARNEGIE HALL MEETS ANNE OF GREEN GABLES -WORLD-CLASS MUSIC IN NATURE'S SUPERB SETTING!”
DUO CONCERTANTE
GORDIE MACKEEMAN & THE RHYTHM BOYS
ELIZABETH SHEPHERD TRIO
PRIDE CEILIDH WITH ANASTASIA
DESROCHES, CRAIG FAIR, AND MORE!
b FREE COMMUNITY EVENT b
UKRAINIAN BANDURIST
MARYNA KRUT
THE ONCE
OPEN STAGE
b FREE COMMUNITY EVENT b
JULY 21
JULY 27
JULY 28
AUGUST 2
AUGUST 4
AUGUST 8
AUGUST 9
AUGUST 11
SHHH!! ENSEMBLE (INNER) LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL WITH ALICIA TONER, EMILY HOWARD, MEAGHAN BLANCHARD, EMILEA MAY AND MORE! DUEL BY PALLADE MUSICA
VIVALDI’S FOUR SEASON’S WITH A BAROQUE CHAMBER ORCHESTRA
BAGELS & BACH WITH SARAH HAGEN RUM RAGGED
JACKSON/WILSON DUO
SECHILE SEDARE