The Buzz - February 2025

Stephen B. MacInnis

In My Neighbourhood

A series of Marianne Janowicz’s paintings, In My Neighbourhood, featuring Breadalbane and its surroundings, will be showcased at the Breadalbane Gallery’s February exhibit, opening on February 14. The reception runs from 6–8 pm, with the collection installed in the Gallery annex. Janowicz will also deliver this month’s artist talk.

“I dont have to travel far to find inspiring images to paint,” says Janowicz. “In this collection, I will be showing oil pastels and oils of images that have captured my imagination over the past 16 years. In many cases, I have paintings of the same scene but in different seasons or weather.”

The Breadalbane Gallery is a notfor-profit community gallery featuring new work on the second Friday of each month. Gallery artists, many of whom

Abundance Return

New work by Carina Phillips at North Nook Gallery

North

Gallery

new work by Carina Phillips, entitled Abundance Return, for the month of February.

The artist was gifted from a friend the plant, Lunaria, and has created a gift for viewers with an installation of shining seed remnants from this plant, also known as Honesty Plant, Money Plant and Silver Dollar. A globe shape reminiscent of the moon or a planet— one that she dreams would someday wholly value the indigenous philosophy of the gift economy, and understand that the abundance of nature is to be shared.

Phillips is a farmer, interdisciplinary artist and florist from the Byrnes Road in Morell, PEI. She works with fibers such as dried flowers, embroidery, and natural dyeing. Her relationships in nature have been her largest areas of research. Community-based

will be showing new work in the main gallery, are Zoe Novaczek, Laura Bain, Joan Parker Sutton, Will Baker, Denise Livingstone, Patricia Lush, Sabine Nuesch, Leo (Liu, Xin), Vian Emery, Marianne Janowicz, Samantha Joyce, Gail Rhyno, Lily-Anne Hein, and Yuzhu Yang.

The gallery is located at 4023 Dixon Road in Breadalbane.

SUBMITTED

projects also interest her and the process of creating beautiful things that reflect seasons or times in life that are impermanent and beautifully fleeting. She can be found online at @floweringshrubbb and at sweetpeafarm.ca.

The Fitzroy St. Tiny Art Gallery and Curator Monica Lacey partner with The Guild at this new tiny art gallery space in the front window of The Guild at 111 Queen Street in Charlottetown. The February exhibit is made possible with support from GoldNET Smart Technologies. To sponsor an artist for exhibition in this space, email bmarkham@theguildpei.com. For updates, follow @fitzroysttinyartgallery or @theguildpei.

This month at Eptek

Exhibitions by Arnold Smith and Chester Hewlett open

Two exhibitions wrap up and two debut this month at Eptek Art & Culture Centre in Summerside.

Black Islanders: Four Centuries and Counting, curated by the PEI Museum & Heritage Foundation, closes February 7. This photo exhibit highlights the untold stories and significant contributions of PEI’s Black community over four centuries.

The Creator’s Gift, showcasing Mi’kmaq artistry like quillwork, basketry, jewelry, drum-making, and woodworking, closes February 9.

Arnold Smith’s Collection of Historic, Vintage & Reproduction Clothing opens February 18. Since the summer he portrayed one of the Fathers of Confederation in 1989, Smith has been saving and restoring historic and vintage clothing for over 35 years. A wide range of garments he’s created and

acquired are showcased. An opening reception will be held on February 23 from 1–3 pm. Guests can meet Arnold and discuss his work at this free event. All are welcome. Smith will also host a series of workshops in March; call 902888-8373 for more info and to register. The lobby exhibition for the month of February features work by artist Chester Hewlett. Originally from Ghana, Hewlett first discovered his ability to draw in the fourth grade. With no prior art lessons, he was able to do more with his hands than anyone could have imagined. Hewlett continues to explore his talent and has a particular fascination with nature, from mighty waterfalls to tiny butterflies. Eptek Centre is located at 130 Heather Moyse Drive in Summerside. Admission is by donation. peimuseum.ca

Mini Canvas Exhibition

Black Canvas Art Supplies

The second annual Mini Canvas Exhibition at Blank Canvas Art Supplies in Charlottetown opens with a reception on February 3 from 6–8 pm. The exhibition will run during regular store hours from February 4 to March 2. This family-friendly event is open to the public.

Artists of all ages and skill levels were invited to submit mini artworks no larger than 3x3 inches in various mediums, including paint, printmaking, ink, markers, dry media, collage, mixed media, fibre arts, and photography. The exhibition showcases a wide range of artistic expressions. Visit the gallery at 10 Prince Street,

Charlottetown, or find more details on the BCAS Exhibition page at blankcanvasartsupplies.ca.

Some of Arnold Smith’s collection (left) and artwork by Chester Hewlett

The

Nook

will showcase

Abundance Return by Carina Phillips

(L–R): From my driveway and Skim of snow: Rose Valley by Marianne Janowicz

Breadalbane Gallery to showcase series by Marianne Janowicz

Profile: Reequal Smith by Julie Bull

Rooted in dance

It’s how I express myself in the world and how I connect spiritually.” She is classically trained in a variety of dance styles and carries traditional knowledge as a fire dancer. She understands the importance of bringing culture and tradition into contemporary entertainment in considerate and meaningful ways. “I’m proud to bring my culture to the stage and respectfully weave traditions into contemporary movement.”

Reequal came to PEI to attend the School of Performing Arts Program at Holland College, and she fell in love with the Island and decided to stay. She has been actively involved in the community since her arrival. Reequal has shared her love of dance with many people through her work as a dance teacher, choreographer, and most recently as the lead on a project to address gender-based violence. She has been part of the River Clyde Pageant since 2019 and has been a continuous contributor to DiverseCity Multicultural Festival. “This is what I live for. I feel alive and free when I can express myself through dance.”

Along with her many artistic contributions, Reequal is also the Program and Events Coordinator with Black Cultural Society of Prince Edward Island. “It has been such an honour to coordinate events for Black History Month and Emancipation Day for the last few years.”

Reequal Smith has been involved in dance since she was four years old. Reluctantly at first, she became an integral part of the dance community in her hometown of Nassau, Bahamas. “There was a time I didn’t want to dance but my mom reminded me that we don’t let anyone take away our joy.” Since then, through all the ups and downs, Reequal continues to focus on the joy and fun associated with dance. “It’s not always easy, but I always remember to come back to myself, to my culture.”

Through her dedication and discipline in dance, Reequal had opportunities for cultural exchanges when she was younger. “You learn a lot when you’re immersed in someone else’s culture, in their home. I’m so grateful for the ways that those experiences opened my mind and my heart.” Being exposed to other cultures, including

other ways of dancing, are core and formative memories for Reequal. “These experiences opened my eyes to what is possible.”

Never one to shy away from hard things, Reequal brings a life-long love of movement into all she does. She shared beautiful stories of connection to the land that birthed her. One of the dances she choreographed paid homage to the flamingo, the national bird of the Bahamas. “The flamingos were taken from their natural habitat and almost went extinct, but they survived and now thrive in their homelands.” Reequal unapologetically and eloquently likened the experience of the flamingo to the experiences of her ancestors. “Everything I do includes my culture.”

For Reequal, dance is a way of life. “It’s community, it’s culture, it’s connection.

Reequal effortlessly weaves culture and education into her dance and her life. Whether on stage or behind the scenes, Reequal’s commitment to sharing her culture never wavers. “Dance is a healing practice and helps me connect deeply to my roots.”

As the owner and operator of Oshun Dance Studios, Reequal is committed to curating spaces for women to feel empowered and connected. “Dance is one of the ways that I encourage people to take up space.” As I listened to Reequal talk about her relationship with movement, it became clear that there are many lessons to be drawn from dance that can be applied in daily life. “Every step on stage has a purpose, even if it doesn’t look or seem that way to the onlooker.”

Recalling and retelling stories from her prolific dance career, Reequal graciously shared her appreciation for all the people and places that held and supported her in the journey. “I wouldn’t be where I am without all the people who supported me along the way.” As a self-proclaimed life-long learner, Reequal eagerly partners and collaborates with a wide range of creatives to bring her magic to the stage. “I want to continue building these community connections so that we can all share our cultures and traditions in contemporary spaces.”

Confederation Centre Art Gallery

Winter Exhibitions

Exploring social issues and communal experiences

New exhibitions featuring a wide range of Canadian artists are on view this winter at Confederation Centre Art Gallery. The public is invited to view the exhibitions at the Winter Gallery Opening on February 1 at 7 pm. Guests will enjoy light refreshments, live music, and a cash bar.

Views from Below

Until April 6

This exhibition presents irreverent works from Confederation Centre Art Gallery’s collection that undercut the exclusivity and self-seriousness of high culture. Featured artists deploy various ways to knock sacred cows off their pedestals—from absurdist humour to “low” imagery drawn from mass culture to sculptures made with a chainsaw. Enjoy the flying pigs and vegetable-eating crocodiles! Curated by Pan Wendt.

This Seems Personal

Until April 13

In the intricate tapestry of human existence, the threads of personal experiences and societal issues are

tightly interwoven. This exhibition delves into this intersection, where the deeply intimate and the broadly communal converge, illuminating the impact of both on individual lives and collective consciousness. In a world where the personal is often deemed separate from the political, This Seems Personal challenges such notions, asserting that our individual stories are inherently intertwined with broader social realities. Whether grappling with issues of race, gender, mental health, or environmental sustainability, the artists featured here remind us that no aspect of human existence exists in isolation. Curated by Brandt Eisner. Artists featured include Andrew Quon, Miya Turnbull, Curtis Botham, Laura Kenney, Shauna MacLeod, Lux GowHabrich, and Monique Silver.

Kathleen Daly and George Pepper: The Land and its People Until October 5

For over three decades following their marriage in 1929, Kathleen Daly and

George Pepper crisscrossed Canada, capturing its people and its landscapes in paintings and drawings. Like the Group of Seven—whose influence can be seen in their sense of line and compositional rhythm—they were interested in the unique character of the country, but Daly and Pepper emphasized its people and their ways of life, rather than an idealized wilderness. Both artists were known for the empathy of their portraits of Canada’s inhabitants, and a concern for social issues common to many prominent artists working in the 1930s. This exhibition features a selection of paintings and works on paper that document Canadian life from Alberta to Newfoundland to Quebec and the North.

Kim Morgan: Blood and Breath, Skin and Dust

February 1–May 11

An enchanting night sky populated with magnified images of human blood cells, a 7-foot inflatable dust ball imprinted with magnified images of belly button lint, an oversized fabric floor-sculpture of a human skin flake that subtly ripples and breathes…this exhibition presents the human body as you might never have thought about it before. Halifax-based, interdisciplinary artist Kim Morgan began exploring scanning electron microscopy (SEM) while her mother was facing terminal cancer, requiring many blood transfusions. The artist wondered what might be discovered at the cellular level about blood relationships and disease, and began doing SEM scans of her own blood. Captivated by the tiny universe of vibrant matter that SEM revealed, and convinced of the expressive potential in using magnified images of human blood to consider physical and socio-cultural realities, Morgan embarked on this series of immersive installations, sculptures, and videos. Curated by Susan Gibson Garvey.

The Winter Galley opening is free to attend, and no registration is required. confederationcentre.com

(left): Kathleen Daly, Untitled (Young Man & Landscape), oil on canvas, 96.5 x 83.8 cm; (right): George Pepper, Leonard, undated, oil on canvas, 43.1 x 48.3 cm, Gift of the Estate of Kathleen Daly, 1994

Call for permanent public art installation

The City of Summerside, in partnership with Lennox Island First Nation and Downtown Summerside, is calling for First Nations Mi’kmaq artists to submit a proposal for a permanent public art installation in Summerside’s downtown. The deadline to submit applications is February 28. Applications are available online at culturesummerside.com or in person at Lefurgey Cultural Centre, 205 Prince St, Summerside. Info: 902-432-1327

Artisans Waterfront seeks new members for 2025

Artisans Waterfront Gallery, an artist-run gallery at the Marina in Montague, is holding a jury session on March 14 for new members for its 2025 season. Artisans Waterfront can help those who are looking for an opportunity to showcase their talent. The gallery is currently

“ART IS THE ONE PLACE WE ALL TURN TO FOR SOLACE.”

—Carrie Mae Weems

ART WANTED EXPLORE

seeking three-dimensional craft—pottery, leather, artisanal foods and glass, but all artists/artisans are encouraged to apply. Visit artisanswaterfront.ca for membership information, application guidelines, and jury instructions.

Call for submissions: TTIS 2025-26 programming

This Town Is Small (TTIS) is seeking visual and interdisciplinary artists, groups, and curators from Atlantic Canada interested in contributing to its programming for the 2025–26 season. Artists are encouraged to submit applications that highlight their overall practice. Submitting an artist profile to TTIS provides an opportunity to introduce artistic and/or curatorial practices, share ideas to explore, and showcase the unique perspectives brought to their work. TTIS will collaborate directly with selected artists and curators to realize their projects, provide support for creative development, and identify opportunities for artistic growth and meaningful engagement. TTIS welcomes artist profile submissions from artists across all disciplines and at any stage of artistic development. Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the year for TTIS programming, including exhibitions, events, rural projects, workshops, development opportunities, and more. The rolling deadline includes cut-off dates throughout the year. View the full call for submissions at thistownissmall.com/calls. Info: info@thistownissmall.com

Perceptions of Nature

Sixty Days fo Fame features artist Edna Gallant

Perceptions of Nature by Edna Gallant, a visual artist from the Evangeline Region, will be featured as the Sixty Days of Fame exhibition at the MacNaught History Centre and Archives in Summerside this February and March. The artist extends an invitation to her official opening on February 6 from 6:30–8 pm.

Living next to the sea is a great inspiration to Gallant. Nature, or some aspect of it, is the prominent subject matter for her artwork. In Gallant’s paintings, she uses several layers of mediums to create a hint of mystery, much like what is found in nature. She says her paintings are “just like the flower or bark on a tree, which reveal more details the closer you get.” While always absorbed in the arts, Gallant’s interests broadened once her three children were grown. She began painting in 2016, learning through online tutorials and workshops with local instructors like Lise Genova and Sandi Komst.

Perceptions of Nature can be viewed Tuesday–Saturday from 10 am–4 pm at MacNaught History Centre and Archives, 75 Spring Street, Summerside. Admission is free.

KIM MORGAN

BLOOD AND BREATH, SKIN AND DUST

FEBRUARY 1 - MAY 11

An enchanting night sky populated with magnified images of human blood cells… a 7-foot inflatable dust ball imprinted with magnified images of belly button lint… an oversized fabric floor-sculpture of a human skin flake that subtly ripples and breathes… Kim Morgan’s exhibition Blood and Breath, Skin and Dust presents the human body as you might never have thought about it before.

DALY AND GEORGE PEPPER THE LAND AND ITS PEOPLE UNTIL OCTOBER

Curated by Pan Wendt

Curated by Susan Gibson Garvey and organized and circulated by Dalhousie Art Gallery

Kim Morgan, Blood Clot, detail, 2014. Photo: Steve Farmer

Curated by Brandt Eisner

Curated by Pan Wendt

Edna Gallant and her painting Along the Barachois

Black History Month 2025

Black Cultural Society of PEI celebrates 10 years

The Black Cultural Society (BCS) is celebrating 10 years of Black History Month (BHM) on PEI by inviting the community to a month packed with meaningful events, inspiring performances, and enriching discussions. This year’s theme, “Redefining Success: Empowering Black Artists, Students, and Entrepreneurs,” highlights the contributions and achievements of Black individuals across PEI. Mark the calendar for flagship events happening throughout BHM on PEI.

A powerful tradition celebrating unity and pride across PEI, PanAfrican Flag Raising Ceremonies are scheduled for February 3, 4, and 5. BCS members will travel across the Island to raise the Pan-African flag in various locations, including Charlottetown, UPEI, Stratford, Cornwall, Kensington, Summerside, Three Rivers, and Borden-Carleton.

The Community Luncheon Series will provide opportunities for participants to share experiences, ideas, and joy, featuring special guest keynote speakers and menus crafted by local Black culinary specialists. These luncheons will highlight the following themes: “Black Women Empowered!” on February 8; “Black Men United!” on February 15; “Black, Queer & Here!” on February 22; and “Black Youth Engaged!” on February 22. The youth luncheon will be held in the BCS Theatre from 12–3 pm, while all other luncheons will take place at Harmony House Theatre in Hunter River from 11 am–2 pm. The luncheons are open only to self-identified members of the Black community. Register at bcspei.ca.

The annual BHM Lecture will take place on February 16 from 1–3 pm at The Guild in Charlottetown. Tamara Steele will engage in conversation with past recipients of the Black Cultural Society Scott Parsons Literary Award (2022–2024).

Every year Black History Month ends with a celebration of Black life and communities with the BHM Film Screening. This year’s program, held

on February 23 from 2–4 pm at City Cinema in Charlottetown, is being curated by playwright, actor, film director, and a founding member of Women In Film & Television Atlantic (WIFT-AT), Juanita Peters. In previous years, films represented filmmakers from PEI, Canada, and beyond, showcasing examples of the Black community from different perspectives and through a variety of genres.

In addition to these flagship events, BCS is hosting weekly events on their social media channels (@ blackculturalsocietypei).

Spotlight Mondays at 10 am feature Black changemakers in art, education, and entrepreneurship on IG, FB, and YouTube. At 2 pm, Mentor Talks deliver quick IG Lives or interviews where Black mentors share actionable advice.

On Resource Roundup Tuesdays at noon, curated tools, grants, and programs support Black artists, students, and entrepreneurs. At 6 pm (Feb 4, 18), Breaking Barriers: Couch Talks hosts interactive discussions with Black creatives, highlighting resilience, individuality, and success.

Wagwan Wednesdays at noon celebrate Charlottetown’s Black community through interviews. The Creative Express Challenge, also on Wednesdays, inspires creativity in art, writing, or performance, with a chance to be featured.

Success Redefined Trivia on Thursdays at 10 am on IG and FB; learn about Black excellence and win prizes. At 4 pm, Vibrant Visuals showcases Black artists in visual art, fashion, and photography.

Takeover Fridays offers behind-thescenes looks at Black creatives in classrooms, studios, and stages. Melting Pot Friday invites recipe submissions for a diverse cookbook, while What Do You Recommend highlights books, music, and artists tied to this year’s BHS theme.

Event updates, details, and RSVP links will also be available @blackculturalsocietypei.

LIVE MUSIC EVERY FRIDAY & SATURDAY!

• 22 Taps in our Taproom

• Tuesday Trivia & Wing Nights

• Winter Lunch Specials: Mon–Thurs

11 Brook St, Montague, PEI Brewery Open Daily, Year Round

Pan-African Flag Raising Ceremony at UPEI

EXHIBITS

galleries, museums...

Blank Canvas Art Supplies Gallery

The second annual Mini Canvas Exhibition is on view from February 4–March 2. All are welcome to the opening reception on February 3 from 6–8 pm. 10 Prince Street, Charlottetown. blankcanvasartsupplies.ca

Breadalbane Gallery

A new show featuring an artist talk and exhibition by Marianne Janowicz will open February 14 with a reception from 6–8 pm. Other gallery artists include Zoe Novaczek, Laura Bain, Joan Parker Sutton, Will Baker, Denise Livingstone, Patricia Lush, Sabine Nuesch, Leo (Liu, Xin), Vian Emery, Samantha Joyce, Gail Rhyno, Lily-Anne Hein, and Yuzhu Yang. Open 11 am–3 pm Tuesday, 9 am–1 pm Wednesday, and 4–8 pm Thursday, or by calling 902-200-3952. 4023 Dixon Rd, Breadalbane.

Confederation Centre

Winter Gallery Opening is on February 1 at 7 pm. All are welcome to attend. The gallery is open daily. Admission is by donation. 145 Richmond St, Charlottetown. confederationcentre.com

Cornwall Library Art Gallery

When Words and Paint Collide, an exhibition by Denise Livingstone exploring the interconnection of painting and literature, is on view until February 14. Ink Doodles: Illustrations done with calligraphy ink by Jason Johnston open with a reception on February 18 at 7 pm. Contact the library at 902-629-8415 for information on displaying in the gallery. Open Tuesday–Wednesday (1–8:30 pm) and Thursday–Saturday (9:30 am–12:30 pm and 1–5:30 pm). 15 Mercedes Dr, Town Hall, Cornwall. library.pe.ca

Eptek Art & Culture Centre

Donnalee Downe’s Collective/Collection: Twenty Years of Peake Street, showcasing archival documents from Peake Street Collective’s 20-year history, and the Collective’s latest group exhibition, Milestones & New Beginnings. 111 Queen St, Charlottetown. thistownissmall.com

The Gallery - Coffee House & Bistro

For the first time, Music PEI, as part of its Music PEI Week 2025 programming, will present an exhibition showcasing the artwork of Music PEI’s The Buzz Album Art of the Year Award nominees. The album artworks will be on view from February 24–March 10. 82 Great George St, Charlottetown.

MacNaught History Centre and Archives

Perceptions of Nature by Edna Gallant is on view until March 31. The opening is on February 6 from 6:30–8 pm. Open for viewing Tuesday–Saturday, 10 am–4 pm. Free admission. 75 Spring St, Summerside.

The North Nook Gallery

Kathleen Daly and George Pepper: The Land

until October 5. The

Work by Chester Hewlett is on view in the lobby for the month of February. Black Islanders: Four Centuries and Counting closes February 7. The Creator’s Gift closes February 9. Arnold Smith’s Collection of Historic, Vintage & Reproduction Clothing opens February 18 with an opening reception February 23 from 1–3 pm. Visit the permanent exhibition on the history and architecture of Summerside. Admission is by donation. 130 Heather Moyse Dr, Summerside. peimuseum.ca

Hilda Woolnough Gallery

Presented by This Town Is Small, two exhibitions continue until March 22:

Abundance Return by Carina Phillips is on view for the month of February. The new tiny art gallery is located in the front window of The Guild, 111 Queen St, Charlottetown. Info: @fitzroysttinyartgallery; theguildpei.com

Fix Your Plate by

Tara Reeves

Winter Wellness

The days may be shorter and the weather colder, but winter offers plenty of delicious foods that can help you stay healthy and energized throughout the winter months. These foods are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Let’s look at some of the winter foods that can boost your immune system and keep you feeling your best.

Citrus fruits are generally very easy to find in the winter. From juicy oranges and tangy grapefruits to lemons and limes, these winter fruits are rich in vitamin C, a potent antioxidant that strengthens your immune system and aids in iron absorption. Incorporating citrus into your diet is super easy. Squeeze fresh lemon or lime juice over fish, poultry, or vegetables. Add sliced oranges or grapefruit to salads or yogurt. Make a refreshing citrus-infused water by combining sliced citrus fruits with mint and cucumber.

You can incorporate kale into your diet by sautéing it with garlic and spices, enjoying it as a crispy kale chip, or blending it into your morning smoothie. Kale can also be added to soups, stews, and salads.

Experiment with other seasonal winter produce such as Brussels sprouts, pomegranates, and winter squash.

WinterDine

20th year for culinary celebration in Charlottetown

WinterDine, the winter dining festival presented by Downtown Charlottetown Inc., is celebrating its 20th year. With 23 of the city’s top dining establishments taking part, WinterDine 2025 is showcasing the best of Charlottetown’s diverse and vibrant culinary scene over three consecutive weeks, until February 9.

Diners can indulge in expertly crafted three-course meals at participating restaurants, curated by some of Charlottetown’s finest chefs, at a price point of $45 or $55 per person.

WinterDine-Lunch also returns for its third year, offering two-course lunch specials for $12 or $16 per person at participating restaurants.

Diners can vote for their favourite WinterDine menu in the People’s Choice Menu Award and enter to win a $100 gift card for a participating restaurant. Past winners include chefs from The Pilot House, Slaymaker & Nichols Gastrohouse, Claddagh Oyster House, and Sim’s Corner Steakhouse.

For the list of participating restaurants and menus, visit winterdine.com. Reservations are recommended.

FOOD & DRINK

Hearts for Hope

Lennon Recovery House will hold its second annual Hearts for Hope Valentine’s Dinner Fundraiser on February 8 at 6 pm, hosted by the Cymbria Lions Club. Along with a decadent three-course meal prepared by Chef Adam Todd, the event will include entertainment, prizes, and a cake auction to sweeten the night. Tickets are available online at eventbrite.com. 2184 Church Rd, New Glasgow.

Wine and chocolate pairing

The Haviland Club in Charlottetown is hosting a Valentine’s Day wine and chocolate pairing event on February 14 at 6 pm. Enjoy live music by Jon Rehder, trivia, a light lunch, and three expertly paired wines with chocolates from Jane and Sue Chocolate of Stanley Bridge. For tickets, call 902-330-0889 or email thehavilandclub@gmail.com.

Pancake breakfast

Trinity Clifton United is hosting a pancake breakfast on March 8, from 8:30–10:30 am. The menu includes pancakes, sausages, fruit, juice, tea, and coffee. Purchase individual or family tickets by calling 902-892-4114 or visiting the church office at 220 Richmond St, Charlottetown.

Be sure to consult your doctor before consuming grapefruit, as it can interfere with medications.

Root vegetables are a favourite in the winter months. Carrots, sweet potatoes, beets, turnips, and parsnips are not only delicious but also rich in vitamins, minerals, and fibre. These winter vegetables provide sustained energy, support digestive health, and also contain antioxidants.

Carrots are a good source of vitamin A, which is essential for good vision and a healthy immune system. Sweet potatoes are rich in beta-carotene, an antioxidant that the body converts into vitamin A. They are also a good source of fibre, which promotes digestive health and helps regulate blood sugar levels. Beets are a good source of folate, a B vitamin that is essential for cell growth and development. They also contain nitrates, which can help improve blood flow and lower blood pressure.

Kale has been a trendy superfood for some time now, and for good reason. This leafy green is a rich source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium, iron, and fibre. Vitamin K is essential for blood clotting and bone health. Calcium is crucial for strong bones and teeth, while iron is essential for the production of red blood cells.

Brussels sprouts are members of the cabbage family and are rich in vitamins C and K, as well as fibre and antioxidants. They can be roasted, steamed, sautéed or kept raw and added to salad.

Pomegranates are a good source of antioxidants and fibre. They can be eaten fresh, juiced, or added to salads and yogurt.

Winter squash, such as butternut squash and acorn squash, are rich in vitamins A and C, as well as fibre and antioxidants. They can be roasted, steamed, or pureed into soups and stews.

This winter, incorporate these vibrant flavours of the season into your meals. Experiment with new recipes, discover the unique tastes of seasonal produce and let the benefits of eating with the seasons guide you toward a healthier winter. Your body will thank you!

February 14

CREATIVE

Crafternoon for kids

Kids of all ages can drop by the Summerside Library between 1–3 pm on Saturdays and Sundays for crafting time. Activities this month include: Being friends (February 1, 2); love bugs (February 8, 9); fun with flags (February 15, 16); and let’s build something (February 22, 23). 57 Central St, Summerside.

Imagination station for kids

Kids aged 6–12 can drop by the Children’s Room at the Charlottetown Library weekly on Sundays from 1–2 pm for crafts, games, and science experiments at the imagination station. Activities this month include: Winter crafts (February 2); Valentine’s story and craft (February 9); origami (February 16); and homes and houses (February 23). This program is presented by the Teen Volunteer Club. 97 Queen St, Charlottetown.

Art journaling

The Art Journaling Club meets monthly at the Summerside Library to create an untraditional journal and record special moments using art and pictures rather than words. The next session is February 3 at 6:30 pm. 57 Central St, Summerside.

Beginner crochet course for teens and adults

Teens and adults can learn the basics of crochet in a five-week beginner course at the Summerside Library starting February 4 at 3:30 pm. Participants can make and take home a drink coaster or two at the end. Space is limited. Register by calling 902-436-7323. 57 Central St, Summerside.

Creative kids club

Kids aged 6–12 can join a creative afterschool club at the Charlottetown Library. The club meets weekly on Wednesdays at 3:30 pm in the Children’s Program Room. Each week there will be a selection of crafts, activities, robots, science experiments or games. Activities this month include: Alma Thomas art (February

5); pop-up cards (February 12); Artic animals (February 19); and electricity experiments (February 26). 97 Queen St, Charlottetown.

Creative PEI’s Art Hive Popups

Creative PEI’s Art Hive Pop-ups are an opportunity for folks of all ages to come and make in community. The next Pop-up events will be held at the Charlottetown Library Learning Centre in the Maker Space on February 5 and 19 from 5–7 pm. Folks are welcome to bring their own Work-In-Progress, or start something new from the materials provided. 97 Queen St, Charlottetown.

Seniors Arts Activities

Seniors Arts Activities are held at Confederation Centre of the Arts on February 6 from 10 am–12 noon. Participants visit the gallery for an introduction to the current exhibitions, followed by an art-making activity in the Schurman Family Studio. Tea, coffee, and snacks are provided. 145 Richmond St, Charlottetown. Info/register: 902-5661267; confederationcentre.com

Needlecraft

Bring needlecraft paraphernalia and join a needlecrafting session at the Summerside Library on February 6 and 20 at 2 pm for some crafting and social time with knitters, crocheters, rug hookers, and other fibre and textile makers. All skill levels are welcome. 57 Central St, Summerside.

Macramé Bookmark

The crafting and social hour at the Summerside Library on February 10 (6:30 pm) and February 19 (2 pm) will feature macramé. Participants will learn how to twist and tie to create a macramé bookmark. Register by calling 902-436-7323. 57 Central St, Summerside.

Crafternoon

Crafternoon takes place on February 12 at 1 pm in the Maker Space at the Charlottetown Library. This month, participants can create puzzle piece heart wreaths. All materials are supplied. Register in advance at 902-368-4642. 97 Queen St, Charlottetown.

Sewing (ages 12+)

Join fellow sewing and mending enthusiasts (ages 12+) in the Maker Space at the Charlottetown Library on February 13 from 5–8 pm. Bring a current project, try out a machine with gentle guidance, or visit to see what the club has to offer. 97

their latest project or one they have been meaning to finish, and join the free session. All are welcome. 130 Heather Moyse Dr, Summerside.

Cool It Cupid for teens

Teens can make their own bow and arrow and participate in other anti-Valentine’s Day fun at the Summerside Library on February 16 at 2 pm. 57 Central St, Summerside.

Kindred Spirits Quilt Guild

The Kindred Spirits Quilt Guild meets on the third Wednesday of the month (except July, August, and December) from 7–9 pm at the Benevolent Irish Society. The next meeting is February 19. New members and visitors are welcome. This is a scent-free meeting. Info: Roberta (902-393-3222); @Kindred Spirits Quilt Guild of PEI on FB. 582 North River Rd, Charlottetown.

Family Sunday

Confederation Centre Art Gallery is hosting free art and craft activities for the whole family on February 23 from 11 am–12 noon. Explore current exhibitions at a leisurely pace and create fun and simple crafts to take home. Drop in for a bit or stay the full hour. All materials will be provided. 145 Richmond St, Charlottetown.

PEI Modern Quilt Guild

The PEI Modern Quilt Guild meets on the fourth Thursday of each month from 7–9 pm. The next meeting is February 27. This is a scent-free group. If interested in attending a meeting as a guest or for inquiries, contact peimqg@gmail.com.

Life Drawing sessions

Drop-in life drawing sessions with a nude model are held weekly on Sundays from 2–4 pm at the Gertrude Cotton Art Centre. All skill levels are welcome. Doors open 1:30 pm. Participants are encouraged to arrive early for set up and must be 18+ or have parent/guardian written permission. Some easels are provided but participants must bring their own drawing material. Life Drawing PEI is a not-for-profit organization. There is a fee for sessions, with proceeds going toward an honorarium for the model. Email lifedrawingpei2022@gmail.com if interested in being a model. Follow @ LifeDrawingPEI on FB for updates and storm cancellations. 57 Bunbury Rd, Stratford.

Eptek workshops

Drop-in crafts for families

Families are invited to drop into the Charlottetown Library weekly on Saturdays and Sundays to make crafts at the craft station. 97 Queen St,

The next drop-in makers session at Eptek & Art Culture Centre is from 1–3 pm on February 16. Makers are invited to gather

Painting Palooza

Guided workshop with artist Bonita Mwiza Feb 7

This month, Creative PEI is teaming up with the Black Cultural Society to present a one night Painting Palooza workshop guided by artist Bonita Mwiza.

This event will be held in The Guild’s black box theatre from 5–7 pm on February 7. It is free to the public, open to all ages, and drop-in style. Refreshments and painting supplies will be provided.

Painting Palooza offers an opportunity for artistic individuals to be inspired by and enjoy the company of peers, while creating something new. The Guild is located at 111 Queen Street in Charlottetown.

Wearable Art Party

Part of Peake Street Collective celebrations at The Guild—Mar 15

As part of its celebrations for the 20 year anniversary of Peake Street Collective, This Town Is Small will be throwing a Wearable Art Party on March 15 from 7–11 pm at The Guild in Charlottetown.

Get out the glue guns, sewing machines, weird fabric, and big ideas. Guests are encouraged to start thinking about their outfits early. This event will be a two floor party at the Guild, featuring DJs, dancing, and immersive installations upstairs in the black box theatre space, and a lounge area in the Hilda Woolnough Gallery.

Arnold Smith will instruct two workshops next month at Eptek & Art Culture Centre where his exhibit, Arnold Smith’s Collection of Historic, Vintage & Reproduction Clothing, is currently on display. The workshops are: Making Your Own Reproduction Clothing on March 9 at 1 pm; and Embellishment and Button Making on March 23 at 1 pm. Visitors are welcome to view the live demos but registration is required to participate. 130 Heather Moyse Dr, Summerside. Info: 902-888-8373

Artist webinar series

CARFAC Maritimes has developed a new monthly live webinar series for visual artists across the Maritimes. Its mandate is to protect the economic and legal rights of visual artists. Topics discussed aim to educate and inform artists on all aspects of fair treatment. Info: 506-866-8747; carfacmaritimes.org

Bonita Mwiza

Winter Warmth Festival

Three week seasonal celebration in Summerside

Celebrate the magic of winter in Summerside at the Winter Warmth Festival, running from February 3–23. This year’s festival offers a lineup of activities and events designed to bring families, couples, and friends together.

Visitors can take part in high-energy activities like Cosmic Bowling at The Lanes or the Birdie Blizzard Indoor Golf Tournament, and serene experiences such as the CUP Nordic Spa Pop-Up thermal experience or the guided Sips & Snowshoes treks. Families can revel in the Winter Field of Fun, couples can enjoy evenings with Stellar Somme Wine Experts, and friends can dance the night away at the Après Ski Snow Ball.

Hits of the Beach Boys by Craig Fair Productions at Harbourfront Theatre; Water Street Window Wonderland, an interactive augmented reality art display; and Monster Snow Hills featuring outdoor sledding adventures for all ages.

SCREEN

Tivoli Cinema

Tivoli Cinema screens a variety of new and old releases—classics to curios. Upcoming screenings include: Hippo (2023, Dir: Mark H Rapaport) from January 31–February 6 (7:15 pm); Do the Right Thing (1989, Dir: Spike Lee), presented by the Black Cultural Society of PEI, on February 1 (5 pm); Paying For It (2024, Dir: Sook-Yin Lee) from Feb 7–13 (7:15 pm); The Notebook (2004, Dir: Nick Cassavetes) on February 14 & 15 (7:15 pm); Dream Team (2024, Dir: Lev Kalman, Whitney Horn) from February 16–20 (7:15 pm); RATS! (2024, Dir: Carl Fry, Maxwell Nalevansky) from February 28–Mar 6 (7:15 pm). For more films, info and updates, visit tivolicinema.com. 155 Kent St, Charlottetown.

Eptek Lunch Film Series

Banff Mountain Film Festival Tour

The Banff Mountain Film Festival Tour— Charlottetown Edition, presented by the PEI Adventure Initiative, will be screened at the UPEI Performing Arts Centre January 31 and February 1 at 7 pm. Doors open at 6:30 pm. Tickets are available at Sporting Intentions in Charlottetown. Follow Charlottetown Edition Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour on FB or @Banff_film_fest_ chtown on IG for updates.

Afternoon Movie

Visit the Charlottetown Library for an afternoon movie on February 4 at 1 pm. This month they will screen Spike Lee’s BlacKkKlansman (R) (2018). 97 Queen St, Charlottetown.

Anime Club (18+)

With activities for every interest and age, other festival highlights include: CHOPPED Summerside Edition, a culinary showdown featuring PEI chefs; Good Vibrations:

Jack Frost Winterfest

Various locations—Feb 14 to 17

Celebrate winter at Jack Frost Winterfest, running February 14–17.

A musical highlight is Swift Kick, an all-ages, ticketed, Taylor Swift tribute concert on February 14 at the Delta Prince Edward in Charlottetown.

From February 15–17, explore Snowtopia at the Mark Arendz Provincial Ski Park Nordic Site in

Chinese Spring Festival Fair

Eastlink Centre—Feb 1

The Chinese Society of PEI will host the 2025 Chinese Spring Festival Fair at the Eastlink Centre in Charlottetown on February 1 from 9:30 am–3:30 pm. This event offers an opportunity to experience the rich traditions and vibrant culture of the Chinese community in PEI and celebrate the Year of the Snake through a variety of activities and performances. The event will kick off with a

Full event details and ticket information are available at exploresummerside.com/winter-warmth. Follow Explore Summerside on social media for the latest updates, sneak peeks, and exciting giveaways.

Brookvale, featuring a coastal tube run, ice sculpting, obstacle courses, and more. Frosty Funland at the Delta offers indoor activities like bouncy castles, live children’s shows, and games.

Don’t miss Once Upon a Winter, a live children’s performance by Craig Fair Productions, and free activities like Sleigh Bell Boulevard on February 15 with horse rides, buskers, live entertainment, and a fireworks display.

The Warm and Glow Zone at Founders’ Food Hall & Market will feature outdoor skating, family programming, and more.

Visit jackfrostfestival.com for tickets, packages, and details.

powerful and dynamic lion dance performance to bring good fortune, followed by Chinese folk dances, musical showcases, and children’s performances. There will be interactive activities, like calligraphy, paper cutting, and other traditional Chinese crafts. Local chefs will have authentic Chinese dishes and festive treats to try, and there will be a lucky draw for a chance to win prizes.

The Spring Festival is family-friendly and open to everyone. It’s a great way to learn about Chinese culture and long-standing festivities.

There is a small admission fee, and donations to support the PEI Chinese Association are welcome. eastlinkcentre.com

The Friends of Eptek’s free lunchtime film series continues on Thursdays at noon in the main gallery at Eptek Art & Culture Centre, 130 Heather Moyse Drive, Summerside. Upcoming screenings include: Connections: A Cultural Look into Lunar New Year Celebrations on January 30, The Nature of Things - Secret Agents of the Underground Railroad on February 6; The Road Taken on February 13; A Stitch in Time (episodes 1 and 2) on February 20; and A Stitch in Time (episodes 3 and 4) on February 27.

PEI Beer Festival

Sample wares from over 25 breweries—Feb 21 & 22

The PEI Beer Festival returns on February 21 and 22 with new vendors at a new venue, Eastlink Centre Charlottetown.

Choose from three sampling sessions to try coolers, ciders, and beers from over 25 breweries across the East Coast and beyond. There will be local food and non-alcoholic vendors as well, all paired with live music.

Watch and discuss two episodes of anime at the Charlottetown Library on February 11 at 6 pm. Titles change monthly and are chosen at the start of every meeting. Anime is shown in original Japanese with English subtitles. 97 Queen St, Charlottetown.

Monday Movie

Watch a movie on the big screen in the auditorium at the Charlottetown Library on February 24 at 6 pm. This month’s Monday Movie choice is Twisters (2024) (PG-13). 97 Queen St, Charlottetown.

Visit beerfestpei.com for tickets and all the details.

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

All We Imagine as Light

February 1–6

14A. Dir: Payal Kapadia, India, 2024, 118 min. Kani Kusruti, Divya Prabha, Chhaya Kadam. In Malayalam and Hindi with English subtitles.

“A poetic and profound cinematic spellbinder that you don’t want to miss. Alternately tough and tender, it’s a tale of female sisterhood in a big city full of societal, economic and political pressures that can force out intimacy and kill the yearning to hold onto a dream… The stunner of an opening shows the people of Mumbai, many transplants, bustling to work, their thoughts expressed in voiceovers that show their determination and the staggering loneliness that comes with dislocation… The focus is on three Hindu women in various stages of crisis. Each works in a large city hospital, two as nurses and the other as a chef… Head nurse Prabha lives in a tight squeeze of an apartment with a stray cat and a much younger nurse, Anu, a dynamic contrast to Prabha’s reserve. Both have guy problems with an Indian twist. Anu defies rules against interfaith relationships by secretly carrying on with the Muslim Shiaz. And Prabha hasn’t heard from her husband since their arranged marriage a year ago… Complicated? Heck, yeah. It’s Prabha and Anu’s widow friend, Parvaty, the middle-aged hospital cook, who sparks the plot when she is evicted from her shantytown… That’s when Parvaty asks her two friends to help her move back to her home village by the sea… Barriers of language, culture and politics vanish in the light of our common humanity. Just sit back and behold.” —Peter Travers, ABC News

Hard Truths

February 7–13

PG. Dir: Mike Leigh, UK, 2024, 97 min. Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Michelle Austin, David Webber.

“Hard Truths, is the story of a London woman, Pansy, a middle-aged wife and mother stuck in a cycle of anger and resentment that [director Mike] Leigh is not about to break simply because it would give us a sense of relief… Put simply: Pansy is a piece of work. She snaps constantly at her family, husband Curtley and adult son Moses, and both of them are near-mute in the wake of her constant, bitter hectoring. She picks arguments in shops and car parks. She doesn’t have a nice word to say about anyone. The only person to whom she shows vulnerability is her sister,

Chantelle, a hairdresser whose warm rapport with her own grown-up, confident, happy daughters is in sad contrast to the absence of any real connection in Pansy’s suburban London household. Hard Truths offers a gentle, inquiring curiosity about ‘everyday’ emotional lives; about what goes on behind closed doors; about the intimate relationship between character and place (often that place is London); about what Leigh himself has boiled down to ‘family stuff’. It’s a film of deep empathy, but a tough one, too.” —Dave Calhoun, Time Out (UK)

Charlottetown Improvisation Library

February 8, 7:30 pm

Regular - $20, Students/Artists - $10

This live concert performance will transform the City Cinema theatre into an intimate listening room. Bassist Adam Hill will lead an ensemble of five musicians in an exploration of improvisational music that crosses genre and style. The group will feature Karen Graves on violin, Siddhu Sachidananda on keyboards, Tom Gammons on guitar, and Ryan Drew on percussion. The program will present the premiere performance of a new composition by each member of the ensemble, as well as a few not-so-standards. Through the use of “structured improvisation” the performers will bring their diverse musical experiences together to create a common language that communicates across boundaries. Guaranteed to be a one-of-akind musical event.

Valentine’s Day: The Princess Bride

February 14, 7 pm

PG. Dir: Rob Reiner, US, 1987, 98 min. Cary Elwes, Mandy Patinkin, Robin Wright.

A bedridden boy’s grandfather reads him the story of a farmboy-turned-pirate who encounters numerous obstacles, enemies and allies in his quest to be reunited with his true love.

I’m Still Here

February 15–19

PG. Frightening scenes. Dir: Walter Salles, Brazil/France, 2024, 136 min. Fernanda Torres, Selton Mello, Fernanda Montenegro. In Portuguese with English subtitles.

Winner Golden Globe for Best Actress - Drama

“The opening stretch of Walter Salles’ steely but moving family drama set in 1970s Rio de Janeiro throws you for a loop. Framed in sunbleached Super 8, kids play on Copacabana Beach, ice creams are eaten, and fresh-fromthe-waves teenagers come and go from the elegant home of the Paiva family nearby. Only the odd helicopter overhead disturbs this dreamy vision of middle-class Brazilian life… But the veteran Brazilian filmmaker delivers

a proper needle-scratch: those choppers are part of the country’s 1970 military junta, a dictatorship hell-bent on tracking down dissidents, including this real-life family’s patriarch Rubens, a former left-wing politician. Beach football is soon a distant memory as dad is taken away to give a ‘deposition’ while leather-jacketed goons loiter awkwardly in his wife, Eunice’s front room. Played wonderfully by Fernanda Torres, Eunice is onscreen almost throughout. She’s at the centre of a family drama and political thriller that really blossoms as a survival story, about a dogged woman determined to do her best for herself and her family under brutal circumstances… Stirring and poignant. You can feel the shadow of a contemporary Brazilian leader, Jair Bolsonaro, hanging over it.” —Phil de Semlyen, Time Out (UK)

The Seed of the Sacred Fig

February 20—23

14A. Violence. Dir: Mohammad Rasoulof, Iran, 2024, 168 min. Soheila Golestani, Missagh Zareh, Mahsa Rostami. In Persian with English subtitles.

“An Iranian lawyer named Iman has just been promoted to “investigating judge.” The position gets him a higher salary, promises him a luxurious three-bedroom home and arms him with a gun. Iman’s new role requires him to produce and confirm evidence for prosecutors to use; that makes him a target for those convicted by or seeking to sway Iran’s secretive Islamic Revolutionary Court… At dinner with his wife, Najmeh, and their daughters, Rezvan and Sana, he informs the two teenagers of the dangers he faces. Rezvan and Sana look worried, but they agree to help keep him safe by not discussing his work outside their home. Iman isn’t just their father and their family’s breadwinner: He’s their hero too. Until he’s not. Iman’s latent paranoia and growing inability to separate his work life, where he’s actually rubber-stamping convictions, not investigating them, from his home life turn him into his family’s very own autocrat. The Seed of the Sacred Fig itself shape-shifts from a quiet study of a close-knit foursome into a high-octane thriller. The film is, as a result, a portrait of how [director] Rasoulof perceives the systematic oppression within his home country, from which he is now exiled. The government’s rejection of its citizens’ efforts for change is personal to him—as devastating and painful, the film suggests, as having a father turn against his own flesh and blood.” —Shirley Lee, The Atlantic

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Black Cultural Society of PEI BHM Film Screening

February 23, 2 pm

Every year Black History Month ends with a celebration of Black life and communities with the BHM Film Screening. This year’s BCS’s program is being curated by playwright, actor, film director, and a founding member of Women In Film & Television Atlantic (WIFT-AT), Juanita Peters. In previous years, films represented filmmakers from PEI, Canada, and beyond, and showcased examples of the Black community from different perspectives and through a variety of genres. We’re excited about Juanita’s 2025 selection!

Do the Right Thing

February 24, 7 pm

14A. Coarse language, violence. Dir: Spike Lee, US, 1989, 120 min. Danny Aiello, Ossie Davis, Ruby Dee.

On the hottest day of the year on a street in the Bedford-Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn, everyone’s hate and bigotry smolders and builds until it explodes into violence.

Sorry to Bother You

February 25, 7 pm

14A. Coarse language. Dir: Boots Riley, US, 2018, 112 min. LaKeith Stanfield, Tessa Thompson.

In an alternate present-day version of Oakland, telemarketer Cassius Green discovers a magical key to professional success, propelling him into a universe of greed.

Django Unchained

February 26, 7 pm

18A. Coarse language, graphic violence. Dir: Quentin Tarantino, US, 2012, 165 min. Jaimie Foxx, Christoph Waltz, Leonardo DiCaprio.

With the help of a German bounty-hunter, a freed slave sets out to rescue his wife from a brutal plantation owner in Mississippi.

Shaft

February 27, 7 pm

14A. Moderate violence. Dir: Gordon Parks, US, 1971, 100 min. Richard Rountree, Moses Gunn, Charles Cioffi.

Crime lord Bumpy hires a private eye, John Shaft, to find and retrieve his kidnapped daughter in this crime action thriller.

Coming to America

February 28, 7 pm

city

cinema schedule Thu Fri 30 31 7:00 7:00 Raising Arizona Raising Arizona

JANUARY

FEBRUARY

All We Imagine…

All We Imagine…

All We Imagine…

All We Imagine…

All We Imagine…

All We Imagine…

All We Imagine…

Hard Truths

Hard Truths

Charlottetown

Improvisation Library

Hard Truths

Hard Truths

Hard Truths

Hard Truths

Hard Truths

The Princess Bride

I’m Still Here

I’m Still Here

I’m Still Here

I’m Still Here

I’m Still Here

I’m Still Here

The Seed…Sacred Fig

The Seed…Sacred Fig

The Seed…Sacred Fig

14A. Coarse language. Dir: John Landis, US, 1988, 117 min. Eddie Murphy, Paul Bates, Garcelle Beauvais. An extremely pampered African prince travels to Queens, New York and goes undercover to find a wife that he can respect for her intelligence and strong will.

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

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

citycinema.ca

7:00 7:00 7:00 2:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 2:00 7:00 2:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00

The Seed…Sacred Fig

BCS Screening

The Seed…Sacred Fig

Do the Right Thing

Sorry to Bother You

Django Unchained Shaft

READERS/WRITERS

Black History Month

Storytimes

Families are invited to a special storytime celebrating the start of Black History Month. The Charlottetown Library (97 Queen St) will host the event in the Children’s Program Room on February 1 at 10:30 am with guest reader Precious Onogwu. Another session will take place at the Summerside Library (57 Central St) on February 13 at 1 pm with a special guest reader to be announced.

Upstreet Poetry Workshop

An erotic poetry workshop with Julie Bull will be held on February 11 from 6–8 pm at Upstreet Craft Brewing, 41 Allen St, Charlottetown. Tickets are available at eventbrite.ca.

Writing workshop with L. P. Suzanne Atkinson

Author L. P. Suzanne Atkinson is offering a two-day interactive writing workshop at the Summerside Library on February 15 at 10:30 am and February 16 at 1:30 pm. The workshop is designed for those who have ideas and concepts but need help building a book—organizing the components, focusing on content, and moving their project forward. The goal is to realize a framework and formulate individual goals in order to assemble the structure of a manuscript. Register at the circulation desk or call 902-436-7323. 57 Central St, Summerside.

Free poetry workshop with Julie Bull

Join Island poet, Julie Bull, for a winter full of poetry fun. From January to April, Julie is the poet-in-residence at The Gallery Coffee House & Bistro. There will be monthly workshops, weekly prompts,

Friday, February 14

plus a few surprises along the way. On February 16, Julie will present the interactive, generative workshop, “The writing is on the wall: Response poetry.” Participants will be invited to enjoy the artworks on the walls of The Gallery and to write response poetry based on the feelings, thoughts, and ideas that emerge from engaging with visual art. All workshops are free and open to all poetry enthusiasts above 18 years old. No registration is required. Attendees are encouraged to come early to get situated. Space is limited and on a first come basis. Sessions take place from 1–4 pm with this general timeline: facilitated poetry workshop from 1:30–2:30 pm, followed by self-directed poetry play from 3–4 pm. All sessions take place in the back room at The Gallery. All materials are provided and no previous poetry experience is required. 82 Great George St, Charlottetown.

Breadalbane Write Outloud

The Breadalbane Write Outloud, a monthly winter event at the Breadalbane Community Centre showcasing poetry, short stories, and song, returns for its third season. The next event on February 20, from 6–8 pm, will include Bonnie LeClair, Bobby Molyneaux, Stuart MacFarlane, Leon Berrouard, and Tony Reddin. Admission is cash only at the door. 4023 Dixon Rd, Breadalbane.

Susan Buchanan Hideout Residency Scholarship

Applications are open for the spring and fall writing and creative residencies at The Hideout. The Susan Buchanan Hideout Residency Scholarship is available to cover residency costs for one writer or practitioner with financial need. The scholarship application deadline is March 1. Each residency lasts one week, offering uninterrupted time to work on a creative project. Last year, the program supported over 20 writers, artists, creators, psychotherapists, and wellness practitioners. Writers or wellness practitioners who identify as BIPOC or 2SLGBTQ+ are especially encouraged to apply. Info: thehideoutpei.com

My Inescapable Vow

New e-book from author L. P. Suzanne Atkinson

My Inescapable Vow: A Stella Kirk Mystery # 7 by Summerside PEI author L. P. Suzanne Atkinson is the latest installment in the mystery series. Books are available for pre-order across all platforms and will be released on March 1.

In May 1982, Hester Painter and Angus Raspberry find themselves embroiled in a murder investigation. They are depending on Stella Kirk to prove Angus isn’t the perpetrator. My Inescapable Vow speaks to the bond between couples—a bond which may be worthy of personal sacrifice—or not. Follow Stella Kirk and Aiden North as they work through the entanglements of illegal activities, friendships, marriages, affairs, work colleagues, and community speculation before they understand that the vows made by one are not necessarily the vows made by another. Sometimes a close examination of one’s own relationship is forced into the mix.

BOOK

CLUBS

Black History Month Book Club

The Black History Month Book Club will meet weekly on Thursdays at 6 pm at the Charlottetown Library to discuss Jacqueline Woodson’s Red at the Bone. To register, email programs@bcspei.ca. 97 Queen St, Charlottetown.

Book’in It Walking

The next Book’in It Walking Book Club meeting at the Summerside Library is on February 11 at 10 am. Participants will

A private book launch will be held in late April. For an invitation, contact the author at lpsa.books@ eastlink.ca.

enjoy a 20-minute stroll before returning to discuss the latest reading selection. Register in advance at 902-436-7323 and pick up a copy of the current book at the front desk. 57 Central St, Summerside.

Afternoon Book Club

The Afternoon Book Club will meet at the Summerside Library on February 17 at 1 pm. Drop by the circulation desk to pick up a copy of this month’s book selection. 57 Central St, Summerside.

Book Lovers Book Club

The next informal, conversation-style book club at the Charlottetown Library is on February 18 at 6 om. Participants can chat about what they’re currently reading, share old favourites, offer recommendations, and celebrate their love of reading with fellow bibliophiles. No assigned reading, no pressure, and no registration required. 97 Queen St, Charlottetown.

Summerside Book Club

Summerside Book Club members meet 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 circulation desk. The next meeting is February 22 at 2 pm. 57 Central St, Summerside.

Monday Book Club

The Monday Book Club will meet in the Bluejay Room at the Charlottetown Library on February 24 at 6 pm to discuss Policing Black Lives: State Violence in Canada from Slavery to the Present by Robyn Maynard. Pick up a copy of the book at the welcome desk. 97 Queen St, Charlottetown.

A gift of Island Poetry SEEKING SUMMER RENTALS

AIRS OF PROVENCE

September in southern France and the purple and pink bougainvillea still blooms outside my hotel room, its honeyed scent almost overpowering, perhaps surprising is better, mixing delicately with wafts of thyme when I walk on the grass or the dried lavender, not as purple as when still on the bush. Maybe it’s the rosemary in the confiture de prune on the breakfast bar. I untangle the odours of scrambled eggs, pain au chocolat and small crusty country rolls fresh from the bakery. The plain yoghurt made at a farm nearby can be paired with fresh local figs, or oranges and grapefruit from Spain. Later, in the garden, I capture the fragrance of plane and pine trees, the garrigue flavoured in the wild herbs of Provence, the dry air heated by sun on the limestone of les Alpilles, ripening grapes or the pungent yeast from those already picked, crushed by machines not the romantic stomp of feet married to the laughter of the treaders. Perhaps it’s the whiff of wood ovens and hearths, or the alarming perfume of forest fires current and past. The stench of airplane fuel used by the Canadairs as they bomb those blazes with salt water from the Mediterranean. Or the smell of my imagination working overtime.

—Lee Ellen Pottie

Lee Ellen Pottie is an editor of literary and academic writing, a poet and reviewer; a sessional professor at UPEI; and an amateur photographer and painter.

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

COMMUNITY #1

ADHD PEI

A monthly discussion to talk about Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) will take place at the Charlottetown Library on February 19 at 7 pm. Peers can seek advice from others on a particular subject or simply have personal experiences and frustrations heard and understood. 97 Queen St, Charlottetown.

2-1-1 PEI

February 11 is 211 Day. A signature service of United Way of PEI, 211 PEI is a navigation service that quickly connects Islanders to a community resource navigator over the phone who will guide them to critical human, social, community, and government services across Epekwitk/PEI. Free and confidential, the service is available 24/7/365 by dialing 2-1-1 or by visiting pe.211.ca.

Living with Loss

Living with Loss is a support group for parents who have experienced miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant loss. Led by a therapist, the group provides a safe space for parents with shared experiences to come together. Hope and support are offered as families express their grief, share coping strategies, and find comfort in connecting with others who understand the journey of navigating life without their beloved child. Info: jfitzpatrick-hopkins@ihis.org; 902-894-2962

Seniors Navigator

The Seniors Navigator will be at the Charlottetown Library for drop-in assistance on February 5 and 19 from 9:30 am–3:30 pm. The Seniors Navigator helps seniors access programs and services from community organizations and municipal, provincial, and federal governments more efficiently. 97 Queen St, Charlottetown.

Brain Injury Association

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

Bowl for Kids Sake

Big Brothers Big Sisters of PEI will hold its 50th annual Bowl for Kids Sake fundraiser on March 2. The event is held in several communities, including Charlottetown, Summerside, and North Rustico. Email info@bbbspei.ca or call 902-368-7765 to register a team.

Resources for Veterans

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

Pan-African Flag Raising Ceremonies for BHM

Pan-African Flag Raising Ceremonies are scheduled for February 3, 4, and 5 at various locations, including Charlottetown, UPEI, Stratford, Cornwall, Kensington, Summerside, Three Rivers, and BordenCarleton. This powerful tradition celebrates unity and pride across PEI. Members of the Black Cultural Society of PEI will travel across the Island to raise the Pan-African flag. Visit bscpei.ca for details and more information about Black History Month events on PEI in February.

Outdoor skating rinks

The Founders’ Hall greenspace ice surface, located at 8 Prince Street in Charlottetown, is open daily from 10 am–10 pm for free recreational skating. Outdoor rinks are also open at Gordie Griffin Multi-Sport Facility, West Royalty Community Centre Multi-Sport Facility, Mulberry Park Multi-Sport Facility, and the Winsloe Lions Club Multi-Sport Facility. Consistent temperatures of -6 degrees Celsius are ideal to build and maintain the outdoor rinks. The status of the rinks is updated daily, Monday to Friday, at charlottetown.ca/winterrecreation. As a reminder, all participants are required to wear a CSA-approved helmet. Info: 902-368-1025

Breastfeeding support

Pregnant and new parents can receive breastfeeding information and support provided by La Leche League PEI accredited leaders on February 25, from 4:30–5:30 pm, at Beaconsfield Carriage House, located at 2 Kent St, Charlottetown. Topics will be preparing to breastfeed and dealing with challenges. Admission is free and all welcome. Info: 902-3162167; @lllc.pei on FB

Feedback wanted

The Province is inviting residents to share their opinion on changes to provincial laws in PEI. The Department of Justice and Public Safety continues to regularly modernize provincial legislation. Consultation documents for An Act to Amend the Prearranged Funeral Services Act and the Fortified Building Act are available online at princeedwardisland.ca. Email comments, in English or French, for all documents, to justicepolicy@gov.pe.ca. Comments will be accepted until February 15.

PEI Smoking Cessation

National Non-Smoking Week, which was January 19–25, highlights the health risks of smoking and vaping and reminds Island residents of the support available to help them take meaningful steps toward a tobacco and vape-free life. The PEI Smoking Cessation Program supports Islanders at every stage of their quit journey. This year, the program has expanded to make access easier than ever. Island residents can now connect with services through their local

pharmacies or primary care centres to receive 100 per cent coverage for nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) products or prescription medications to quit smoking, vaping, or using other tobacco products. Twenty minutes after quitting, blood pressure and heart rate return to normal. Eight hours later, oxygen levels improve, and the chance of having a heart attack starts to decrease. Within 24 hours, the lungs begin to clear, and after 48 hours, the body is nicotine-free, and sense of taste and smell begin to return. For more info about the PEI Smoking Cessation Program, visit princeedwardisland.ca/quitsmoking, call the Smokers’ Helpline at 1-877-513-5333, or visit smokershelpline.ca.

Community yoga and fitness

The Tracadie Good Neighbourly Club offers yoga classes on Tuesdays and fitness classes on Thursdays at 9:30 am with instructor Courtney Steele from Full Throttle Fitness at the Tracadie Community Centre, located at 148 Station Rd, Tracadie. Classes are open to all. There is a small fee per session. Info: 902-629-9190

Breast Cancer Support

The monthly Breast Cancer Support Group will meet at 11:30 am on February 1 (storm date February 8) and March 1 (storm date March 8). For location details, email charlottetownbreastcancersg@gmail.com or call 902-569-3496.

Rainbow Youth Club

Members and allies of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community looking for new friends and fun times can join the PEI Rainbow Youth Club at the Summerside Library. Open to youth aged 12–18, the Club offers opportunities for youth-led discussions, engaging activities, and creative self-discovery. Led by trained PEERS Alliance staff and volunteers, meetings include a healthy snack. Participants will not be asked to identify and all are welcome to attend. The next meetings are February 4 and 18 at 6 pm. 57 Central St, Summerside.

Community fridges

In addition to offering free food, clothing, furniture and houseware to qualified low income families and those experiencing temporary hardship, Betty Begg-Brooks and the volunteers at Gifts from the Heart also manage three community fridges. Food donations can be dropped off during community fridge operating hours (Monday–Friday from 9 am–5 pm) at the nearest fridge location: 10 Maple Hills Ave in Charlottetown; the West Royalty Community Centre; or the Stratford No Frills parking lot. Training is provided for those interested in volunteering at the community fridges. Volunteer shifts are from 9 am–1 pm or 1–5 pm. Monetary and food donations are accepted during the week at the Charlottetown office location, 10 Maple Hills Ave. Call Betty at 902-393-0171 for after hours drop-offs, to volunteer, or to register as a client.

A.A. Secular 12-step Group

The A.A. Secular 12-step Group meets every Thursday at 6:30 pm at Beaconsfield Carriage House. Secular

A.A. generally consists of members with an agnostic, atheistic, or free-thinking view of recovery. They peruse the book Beyond Belief: Agnostic Musings for 12 Step Life by Joe C. All are welcome. 2 Kent St, Charlottetown.

CCOA seeks summer housing

Confederation Centre of the Arts is seeking summer housing for artists involved in the 2025 Charlottetown Festival. PEI’s housing crunch makes it challenging to find accommodations, and the Centre relies on the support of the community to welcome top-tier talent to the Island. The Centre assists seasonal artists with their housing search by assembling a list of options from the community. Artists will then connect with a host directly to book, arrange payment, and coordinate details. There are artists coming to PEI this summer who need accommodations between mid-May and late September. The dates and lengths of their stays vary; most artists will stay for the whole summer, but others only stay for 3–8 weeks. Hosts with any availability within that window are encouraged to reach out. All types of accommodations are welcome, including houses, condos, apartments, secondary suites, and spare bedrooms. Places in Charlottetown are preferred but hosts in other communities can also submit. Locations within walking distance to the Centre, or near transit lines/ bike-friendly areas are ideal. Providing accommodations for incoming artists is vital to the success of the festival. Hosts receive a few perks. Info: confederationcentre.com/housing; housing@ confederationcentre.com

Cornwall Run Club

The Cornwall Run Club holds a social run every Wednesday at 6 pm, covering approximately five kilometres. Runners of all skill levels are welcome. The run starts and ends at Village Green Brewery (30 Church St, at the old post office/ dental clinic in Crornwall). Follow @ Cornwall Run Club on FB for updates.

Glenaladale Schoolhouse—Feb 9

Love is in the air at the Glenaladale Schoolhouse with the Be My Valentine event on February 9 from 1:30–3 pm. Attendees are encouraged to join in for a trip down memory lane by celebrating valentines of the past. Bring along and share any special vintage valentines saved over the years. Live music and refreshments will be provided.

Located at 257 Blooming Point Road, Tracadie Cross. Follow @ GlenaladaleHouse on FB for updates or call 902-394-6536.

The Nature of PEI by

Gary Schneider

Our own three pines

If you are a fan of the author Louise Penny, you’ll know that she sets her wonderful mysteries in the fictitious Quebec town of Three Pines. Penny is a Canadian treasure and I always impatiently await hert latest books. I admit to being drawn to a town—even an unreal one—named after trees. The “three pines” are a trio of large trees that are a focal part of the town. That was once more common but today it is a rarer thing.

It is fun to think of “three pines” in relation to Prince Edward Island. While we have brought in many non-native pines—Scots Pine, Austrian Pine, even the stunted Mugo Pine—we have three native pines.

People sometimes have a difficulty time distinguishing one conifer—a tree that produces cones—from another. It is a simple matter, really, especially with the pines. The needles on pines all come in bundles. The way I learned how to identify White Pine was that “white” is a five-letter word, and that White Pine needles are in a bundle of five.

The needles of White Pine are soft and slender, with a blue cast. Once you know what to look for, these trees are easy to identify, especially if they are growing out of the woodland canopy. Most of our Bald Eagles build their nests in White Pine, as the soft wood of this tree often breaks off, leaving a perfect scaffold upon which to build a nest.

White Pine is one of our most versatile native trees, and has long been used in shipbuilding, furniture making, and housing construction. There was talk of White Pine in the Belfast area having a diameter of two metres, though those were cut long ago. Still, I regularly see lovely tall, straight White

Pine that are one metre in diameter and over 20 metres tall.

White Pine is a relatively fast grower on the proper site. It prefers dry areas that are protected from the worst of the winter winds—usually those from the northeast. White Pine planted out in open areas often run into three problems. The winter winds can suck the moisture out of the needles, leaving them quite brown. The species grows fast in the open but can be a target for the European shoot moth, which destroys the form of the tree by creating multiple leaders and dramatically reducing the value of the wood. It is always better to grow this species with a little bit of shade, making them excellent choices for enrichment plantings in slightly open woodlands. And finally, the fungus White Pine Blister Rust can target these trees and actually kill them.

Our other two native pines have needles in bundles of two. When I am teaching tree identification, my memory trick is “Jack’s too short, Red’s too long.” It is an easy way to remember that Jack Pine—a rare tree in our Acadian/Wabanaki forest—has two quite short, slightly curved needles. Red Pine has two quite long needles. If you remember that simple phrase, you’ll never confuse these species.

These two species also grow on dry soil but both are quite rare outside of plantations. There is not a lot of natural regeneration of either species. That doesn’t mean we should be pounding in more of these in conifer plantations. Instead, when we find them growing in the wild, we should be careful to preserve them.

Knowing what is living around you can make the outdoors more interesting and enjoyable—and that is something we should all strive towards.

MACPHAIL WOODS

White Pine needles

COMMUNITY #2

Professional journalism and public broadcasting forum

UPEI is hosting a public forum to explore questions about the future of professional journalism and public broadcasting. It will be led by Ian Petrie (former national and regional reporter for CBC), Paul MacNeill (publisher of the Eastern Graphic), Teresa Wright (freelance journalist covering politics and policy), and Sally Pitt (journalist and instructor at Holland College), with Rick MacLean (journalist and UPEI instructor) serving as moderator. The forum will be held at the UPEI Performing Arts Centre (building 21 on the campus map) on February 5 from 7–9 pm. The discussion will centre around the following questions: Why are many professional journalism organizations, including the CBC, losing audience, and in some cases, trust? What does this loss of audience and trust mean for democracy, and keeping those in power accountable? What can be done to preserve the integrity, expand the reach, and ensure the economic viability of professional journalism into the future?

Wildlife Conservation Fund project submissions open

and highway maintenance vehicles, and other emergency responders with special permission, already use blue lights in emergencies. The provincial Highway Traffic Act has been amended allowing more emergency vehicles to use blue lights. Emergency vehicles can use a range of colour lights in emergencies.

Free tax-help program

Community organizations are being sought out and encouraged to host free tax clinics, and individuals to volunteer through the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program this tax season. This free tax-help program assists those in need to access qualifying benefits and credits by filing their income tax and benefit return. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is looking for volunteers to file taxes to help those in need get their benefit and credit payments. Visit canada.ca/ taxes-volunteer for info or to volunteer.

Basic income guarantee workshop

The Women’s Network of PEI (WNPEI) invites the public to a free workshop on basic income guarantee, hosted at Kings Playhouse on February 15 from 10 am–12:30 pm. This engaging session will explore vital topics such as affordability, the concept of a basic income guarantee, and the gendered experiences of poverty. Participants will also learn about how a basic income guarantee could be implemented on Prince Edward Island. Complimentary tea, coffee, and pastries will be provided. Produced by Kings Playhouse with the support of the Interministerial Women’s Secretariat, this event is open to everyone. Join for an insightful and thought-provoking discussion. 65 Grafton St, Georgetown.

Code Club

The PEI Wildlife Conservation Fund (PEIWCF) is accepting project applications that benefit wildlife and wildlife conservation in PEI for the spring. Financial support is provided to conservation groups by the PEIWCF through annual conservation fees incorporated into PEI licenses for hunting, angling and trapping, and conservation plates purchased for motor vehicles in PEI. Proposed projects should fit into one of the five work priority categories: habitat restoration or enhancement; natural areas; education; research and monitoring; or value for wildlife or wildlife habitat in PEI. Project awards are merit-based and determined by an independent committee of 11 volunteers who represent specific wildlife interest groups on the Island. The Community Foundation of PEI is the PEIWCF administrator and responsible for the overall administrative support and processing of applications approved by the WCF Committee. The application deadline is February 10 at 5 pm. All applications, supporting documents, and reports are to be submitted online only through the CFPEI Application Portal at peiwcf.ca.

Flashing blue lights on emergency vehicles

Ambulances and fire trucks can now use flashing blue lights in emergencies, improving visibility and safety after PEI paramedics and firefighters requested the change. Blue lights help vehicles stand out more clearly from regular lights and traffic lights, especially in low visibility situations like fog or nighttime. In PEI, police, snowplows

Kids aged 9–12 can join the Code Club at the Charlottetown Library. The Club will meet weekly on Wednesdays in the Makerspace at 4 pm. Topics include a wide variety of interests, including robotics, Scratch, video game design, and 3D printing design software. All experience levels welcome. 97 Queen St, Charlottetown.

Free children’s programming

Programs for babies, toddlers, and young children continue at the Summerside and Charlottetown libraries in February. Wiggle Giggle Read: Wednesdays at 9:30 am (Summerside), Mondays at 10 am and Thursdays at 2 pm (Charlottetown). Toddler Time: Thursdays at 9:30 am (Summerside), Wednesdays at 10 am and Thursdays at 11 am (Charlottetown). Family Storytime: Tuesdays at 10 am (Charlottetown). Saturday Storytime: 9:30 am (Summerside) and 10:30 am (Charlottetown).

The Cove Journal by JoDee

Samuelson

Bread poultice

“Well I never! A bread poultice!” I whispered to my neighbor, “Did you ever hear of such a thing?” She shook her head.

“It’s easy to make,” said K the presenter. “Warm some milk—not to boiling, but hot, then stir in some chopped bread and a little baking soda till it’s thick.”

“White bread?” M asked. I wondered that too.

“Any bread. When it’s all cooled a bit put some on a cloth and lay it on the wound. I swear it healed the infection around my husband’s ingrown toenail in one day.” K nodded her head knowingly and continued. “You’ve heard of mustard plasters for lung congestion?” We all had. “A tablespoon of mustard powder and tablespoon of white flour mixed with water to a paste. Spread some on cheesecloth and place it on the chest. —Has anybody here seen cheesecloth lately? It’s surprisingly thin. Maybe it always was, I don’t know. You’ll need several layers.”

“You could use old pillowcase material,” D volunteered.

B chimed in. “Mom swore by Vick’s Vap-o-rub.”

“And cod liver oil!” exclaimed W.

“Certainly,” said the presenter. “Our parents were still in touch with the old ways. I remember running down to the gravel pit to pick brown alder buds for mother to boil up when anyone had diarrhea. Goodness me, it smelled bad!”

H offered, “Mom gave us Watkins Wild Strawberry Extract. The name sounds delicious—who doesn’t love wild strawberries?—but it tasted terrible.”

“It probably wasn’t made from the berries. Anyhow,” K continued, “I suppose you’ve heard of the benefits of emu oil?” No, we hadn’t. “It’s a cure—can we call it that?—for arthritis, bruises, cuts. The oil comes from a strip of fat across an emu’s back. A lot of people raised emus here for a while, it seemed like a real farming option, but then it ended. Too bad.” She shook her head sadly.

“And does anybody remember your mother putting a slice of onion by your bedside when you had a cold?” Some women nodded. “Onions are miraculous. Chop an onion up fine, cover it with honey for a few days, and sip a tablespoon of the onion-honey liquid from time to time. You’ll be amazed how it clears the lungs.”

Other women chimed in: “Honey is good for burns.” “Medics in the war used to carry honey with them to put on open wounds. It’s an antiseptic of sorts.” “They found honey in the pyramids that’s still good!”

We had to be called back to order. “A few more ideas before I finish,” said K. “A drop of pure lavender oil for bug bites and itches… Epsom salts for… peppermint oil on the temples calms a headache… tallow from grass-fed cattle mixed with avocado oil…” I’m taking notes furiously but miss a lot.

It’s a cold black night in January and we’re holding the first Woman’s Institute meeting of the year. We’re glad to see one another, we love talking about traditional remedies and about life in the Cove, and we couldn’t be having a nicer time.

Gilbert Buote Award

Presented to the Friends of the Farmers’ Bank of Rustico

Arnold Smith, president of the Friends of the Farmers’ Bank of Rustico and Georges Arsenault, president of the Sister Antoinette

The Sister Antoinette DesRoches Historical Committee presented the Gilbert Buote Award to the Friends of the Farmers’ Bank of Rustico (FFBR) for producing a bilingual educational

NATURE

Nature PEI Members Night

Hosted by Gerald MacDougall, Nature PEI’s Members Night will be held on February 4 at 7:30 pm at Beaconsfield Carriage House. Enjoy nature photos and stories from Nature PEI members. All are welcome. 2 Kent, Charlottetown.

Hike the Winter River Trail

Join the City of Charlottetown and Winter River - Tracadie Bay Watershed Association on February 8 at 10 am for a winter hike through the Winter River Hiking Trail. Staff will lead hikers through the 5 km natural area maintained by Island Trails. Enjoy the winter sights and ask questions about the conservation work that’s being done in the watershed.

kit on Father Georges Antoine Belcourt, parish priest in Rustico in the mid-1800s. The kit, titled Father Georges-Antoine Belcourt: Missionary, Educator, Visionary, Fighter for Human Rights, includes 13 full-colour fact sheets highlighting his work in the Red River region (Manitoba and North Dakota) and Rustico, PEI. Distributed free to all provincial schools, the plain-language texts feature excerpts from Father Belcourt’s correspondence, helping Island students appreciate his contributions to Rustico’s economic, educational, and socio-cultural development during his ten years at St. Augustine’s parish.

FFBR also made the fact sheets available to the public in magazine format, available at their boutique or online at farmersbank.ca/discover-rustico/father-belcourt/. This is the second time the committee has honoured the Friends of the Farmers’ Bank with the Gilbert Buote Award, recognizing their significant contributions to preserving Acadian heritage and highlighting key chapters in the province’s history. The award is presented annually for projects of merit in Acadian history and heritage.

A limited number of snowshoes and ice cleats will be available for use. Hot chocolate and treats will also be provided. Meet at the Winter River Hiking Trail parking lot, located at E Suffolk Extension. Bring appropriate winter clothes, boots or snowshoes, a insulated mug for hot chocolate, and anything else to help enjoy the hike, such as trekking poles or binoculars for birdwatching.

PEI Untamed with Kate MacQuarrie

Visit Kate MacQuarrie’s PEI Untamed to learn, explore, and reconnect with nature. The upcoming sessions are: Natural History of PEI on February 8 in Clyde River; Geology & Fossils via Zoom with Laura MacNeil on February 18; Edible & Medicinal Plants via Zoom on March 18; and Introduction to Mushrooms via Zoom on April 22. Info/register: pei-untamed.com

Gifts from the Heart sale

SALES

Islander Day Crafted & Curated Market

February 14

An Islander Day Crafted & Curated Market will be held at Beaconsfield Carriage House on February 17 from 10 am–3 pm. A curated selection of vintage treasures, antiques, unique pottery, and upcycled items from local vendors will be for sale. The event has something for everyone, whether a collector or buyer of one-of-a-kind pieces. Admission is free. 2 Kent St, Charlottetown.

Gifts from the Heart sales take place on the last Saturday of each month. The next sale is February 22 from 10 am–3 pm, with proceeds going toward operating costs. Led by Betty Begg-Brooks and volunteers, the organization provides free food, clothing, furniture, and housewares to low-income families and those facing temporary hardship across PEI. Donations of new and gently-used clothing and household items can be dropped off at 10 Maple Hills Ave on Mondays and Wednesdays from 10 am–4 pm. Food, furniture and monetary donations are gratefully received Monday–Thursday (10 am–4 pm) and Friday (10 am–3 pm).

DesRoches Historical Committee.

LECTURES

Psychology Month presentations

The Charlottetown Library will host a series of free Psychology Month presentations throughout February, all beginning at 6:30 pm. On February 6, a presentation titled Managing Screentime: Creating Healthy Relationships with Your Devices will be offered. This session, designed for parents and kids, will explore psychological principles behind device use and provide practical strategies for building healthier relationships with technology. On February 12, Clinical Psychologist Dr. Magda Pietruch will give a talk on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). This evidence-based approach is effective in treating a variety of mental health issues. Dr. Pietruch will explain how CBT works and share strategies psychologists use to help clients overcome common challenges. Psychologist Angelina MacLellan-Muise will present on Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) on February 13. This session will delve into the nature of GAD, discuss effective coping strategies, and highlight how CBT can help manage anxiety. On February 20, Child Psychologist Christine Beck will lead a presentation and discussion on treating suicidal thoughts and depression. She will address clinical depression, a complex health condition often accompanied by suicidal ideation, and emphasize the importance of risk assessment and professional support for those in distress. Finally, on February 27, Psychologist Angelina MacLellanMuise will return to present on EmotionFocused Couple Therapy (EFT). This insightful session will explore how EFT helps partners rebuild connection and intimacy. Whether attendees are curious about the therapeutic process or seeking ways to strengthen their own relationships, this talk offers valuable perspectives on fostering emotional understanding and healing.

Black History Month Lecture

The annual Black History Month Lecture

thought-provoking discussion with past recipients of the Black Cultural Society Scott Parsons Literary Award (2022–2024). 111 Queen St, Charlottetown.

Senior’s Friendship Day

For Senior’s Friendship Day, author, poet, and educator Dianne Hicks Morrow will give a presentation on February 16 at 2 pm at the Haviland Club. A light lunch will be served. Admission is free, and seating is first-come, first-served. 2 Haviland St, Charlottetown.

Legal education talk: Common Law vs Marriage

Lawyer Kassia Curley of Cox & Palmer, in partnership with the Law Society, will present on common law versus marriage at the Summerside Library on February 25 at 6:30 pm. The talk will cover the legal rights and obligations of both. To register, call 902-436-7323. 57 Central St, Summerside.

Island Lecture Series

The Island Lecture Series presents “The Salt Marshes of the Hillsborough River: Nature, Culture, and Deep Time,” featuring Dr. Donald Cayer as the speaker. This event will take place on February 25 at 7 pm in the Faculty Lounge of the Main Building at UPEI. Hosted by the Institute of Island Studies at UPEI, this presention is free and all are welcome to attend. Author Sarah Orne Jewett begins her celebrated book A Marsh Island with an artist painting marsh scenery “in no way remarkable.” Of course, beneath that surface observation lies a dynamic story of nature and culture. Similarly, the buried strata of PEI’s salt marshes—its morphostratigraphy—tell a deep story of emergence from the last continental glaciation, followed by drowning of the Island’s river valleys. But in the act of drowning, bogs were replaced by resilient marshes capable of keeping up with rising seas. The Island’s salt marshes were thus born, providing Mi’kmaq, Acadian, and British with food for the table, fodder for animals, and thatch for shelter. Building on the insights of Frank Pigot and Rosemary Curly, this talk gives a deep time morphostratigraphic perspective on the natural and cultural history of the remarkable salt marshes of the Hillsborough River. As a geomorphologist and research professional in the Département de géographie, Université Laval, Dr. Donald Cayer has gleaned more than a quarter century of insight into the coastal evolution of the St. Lawrence River, Estuary and Gulf.

Dr. Donald Cayer

Talking from Experiences by

Ashleigh Tremere

Poetry to my ears

The Jack Pine Folk Club is an evocative name. It conjures intrigue and for me, curiosity. Where does this name come from? Surely not the defoliating budworm or the tree itself? No, I have a feeling given the context of the ongoing event, it’s a nod to the iconic painting from Tom Thomson. If you can’t immediately call the image to mind, look it up—you’ll likely recognize it. It’s one of the most reproduced and widely recognized artworks in Canada.

These events began back in 2021, and I have been trying to make my way there for the last six months. A story and a song always has me sold. Make that story poetry and I’ll eventually find my way there. Shane Pendergast is the procurer and host of these evenings, and with a name like Pendergast attached, you’ll either be well fed or well entertained. In this case it can be both.

The Pourhouse seems to be the current establishment for these monthly events and in my opinion the atmosphere of it suits. I arrived a few minutes late to the prompt 7:30 pm start while Shane and fiddler Cailyn MacAulay started the night off. I don’t know if it’s just the East Coast in me, but a fiddle sure will get your head bobbing or your foot tapping. The crowd had a wide age range to it and I noted plenty of other local musicians and authors in attendance. Which both alludes to the draw of the content and the desire for it.

Oftentimes poetry is just a melody away from being music really. Those who appreciate music with depth, can also find appreciation in the layers of language in recitations. I also find poignant new depth to poetry presents itself when listening to someone recite their pieces. John Flood performed a series of pieces inspired by paintings and the North. At ease on the stage

and offering some rather amusing anecdotes about their work’s inspirations. Which is not surprising given his lifelong career of bringing great works into the public sphere.

I love the entire premise of the Jack Pine Folk Club, poetry bookended with music. A standing event with rotating guests also keeps a kind of continuity that allows for variety to evolve in its evenings. Both within the crowd and the entertainment.

Chris Corrigan and upright bass player Adam Hill closed out the evening. Chris is, of course, an East Coast legend so anything he plays just entrances you. You get pulled right into it. He said he wasn’t doing stage patter that evening, though we did get a smidge. The duo didn’t need it, they just communicated to us and each other through their joy of playing music.

Jack Pine Folk Club aims to happen monthly, excluding the Summer. A midweek bit of music and poetry serves a Winter soul well. The 10:30 pm end means you can also be home in bed by 11 pm (if you live nearby).

GAMES

Caribbean community nights at Boonoonoonoos

Play, or learn to play, the fast-paced game of Jamaican-style dominoes on Fridays from 8–11 pm at Boonoonoonoos Jamaican Restaurant in Charlottetown. Everyone is welcome. 177 Great George St, Charlottetown.

Bingo at Upstreet

Play Bingo on February 13 and 27 from 8–10 pm at Upstreet Craft Brewing. Small fee for sheets. 41 Allen St, Charlottetown.

Queer Naughty Bingo

The PEERS Alliance 2SLGBTQIA+ adult drop-in Naughty Bingo Night will take place on February 19 from 6–8 pm at PEERS Alliance, 250B Queen St, Charlottetown. The free event will feature games like bingo and mini-trivia rounds with a twist to learn about sexual

CAMPS

PD Day Arts Camp

Nurture a child’s interest in arts by signing them up for the PD Day Arts Camp on February 3 at Confederation Centre of the Arts. Through a combination of guided and open-ended activities, young artists will explore painting, drawing, singing, dancing, and more. Info/register: 902-566-1267; confederationcentre. com

Winter Break Arts Camp

Registration is open for the winter break arts camp taking place from March 17–21 at Confederation Centre of the Arts. The camp will lead children aged 6–12 through a variety of activities, from drawing to painting to music to dance. Alongside these activities, campers will take guided tours of the Gallery and a backstage tour of the Sobey Family

health and prevention in a fun, engaging way. There will be prizes, and snacks and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided free of charge.

Crokinole

Socialize and play crokinole at the Summerside Library on February 12 and 26 at 2 pm. 57 Central St, Summerside.

Board Game Cafe

Bring family and friends to the Summerside Library on February 24 at 6:30 pm for an evening of board games. Bring a game or choose to play one of the library’s. 57 Central St, Summerside.

Charlottetown Scrabble Club

The Charlottetown Scrabble Club will celebrate its one year anniversary on February 11. The Club meets on Tuesdays from 5–8 pm at the Charlottetown Library. All skill levels are welcome. Scoresheets, strategy tips, and cheat sheets are provided. Admission is free. 97 Queen St, Charlottetown.

Theatre by Centre staff. 145 Richmond St, Charlottetown. Info/register: 902-5661267; confederationcentre.com

Dr. Tim Ogilvie AVC Vet Camp applications open

Applications are open for the 2025 Dr. Tim Ogilvie Atlantic Veterinary College Vet Camp at UPEI. These immersive, week-long camps are a unique summer experience for junior and senior high school students to get a taste of what it’s like to be a veterinarian. Each camp offers hands-on activities, labs, lectures, field trips, and discussions, all led by AVC’s faculty, staff, students, and veterinary experts. The AVC Vet Camps welcome students from across the world. Spaces are limited with selections made through a random lottery system. Students entering grades 7–9 in the fall of 2025 can apply for junior camps and students entering grades 10–12 can apply for senior camps. The deadline to apply is March 14 at 11:45 pm. Info/register: upei.ca/avcsummerprograms/vetcamp

CHILD BENEFIT • $29,531,000 delivered to Charlottetown families through the Canada Child Benefit (2023-2024 benefit year)

Office: 75 Fitzroy Street, Suite 201 Phone: 902-566-7770 • Email: sean.casey@parl.gc.ca

(L–R) Shane Pendergast, John Flood, Chris Corrigan and Adam Hill

ISSUE# 374 • FEBRUARY 2025

buzzpei.com @buzzpei

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Editor: Michelle Ollerhead

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Contributors: Julie Bull, Dennis Ellsworth, Stephen B. MacInnis, Sean McQuaid, Takako Morita, Lee Ellen Pottie, JoDee Samuelson, Peter Richards, Tara Reeves, Gary Schneider, Bren Simmers, Alana Sprague, Ashleigh Tremere

Office: 160 Richmond Street, Charlottetown

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The Buzz is published monthly by Little Kit Bag Inc.

COVER: Twins, watercolor on paper, 9”x 12” by Stephen B. MacInnis.

Stephen B. MacInnis is a visual artist from Charlottetown, PEI. Primarily a painter, his work also explores drawing, collage and mixed media.

For the past several years Stephen has been working on a long-term project entitled Long Series, a series of over 1300, 12×12 inch mixed media paintings—with plans to complete 10,000 works in this series.

He also does custom framing.

See more of Stephen’s work on Instagram @stephenmacinnis.

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.

Craig Fair Productions: 2025 Season Launch, Trailside Music Hall (photo: Alana Sprague)

LIVE @the Centre

More music and comedy this winter

Lawrence Maxwell, Music PEI’s 2024 Entertainer of the Year, brings his original tunes and country favourites to The Mack on February 1, blending blue-collar poetry and honky-tonk brashness.

Classic Albums Live returns to the Sobey Family Theatre on February 8, recreating the Eagles’ greatest hits— note for note, cut for cut—including “Take It Easy,” “Desperado,” and “Take It to the Limit.”

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with

Live, Laugh, Love! at The Mack on February 14 and 15. This cabaret features Jessica Gallant, Adam Brazier, and a live band for a night of romantic comedy and music.

Comedian Sugar Sammy performs at the Sobey Family Theatre on February 20, combining fearless humour and sharp crowd work to tackle cultural, social, and political topics with charm and wit. confederationcentre.com

The Pal in

Valentine’s Day

Sketch comedy and music at The Guild—Feb 13

After a successful Island Fringe Festival run, comedy duo Greg Ellard and Gabrielle Roddy bring Let’s Put the Pal in Valentine’s Day to The Guild in Charlottetown on February 13. Accompanied by Sue Stanger on piano, Ellard and Roddy will entertain with sketches, music, and even group sing-alongs.

Showtime is 7:30 pm. Tickets are available at theguildpei.com.

Venus in Fur

Drawstring Productions presents play by David Ives

PEI’s newest theatre company, Drawstring Productions, debuts its inaugural show, Venus in Fur, just in time for Valentine’s Day. Performances run at 7 pm on February 6–8 and 13–15 at the Benevolent Irish Society Hall in Charlottetown.

This darkly comedic, intense two-person, one-act play delves into the intricate dynamics of power and influence in relationships. One reviewer described it as “a whirlwind of energy and fluctuating intensity… a dark, funny, and intense script by David Ives.”

Starring local actors Afton Mondoux and Keir Malone, and directed by Alyssa Malone, Venus in Fur promises to captivate and entertain.

What’s

Due to intense themes and suggestive dialogue, the show is recommended for mature audiences.

Tickets are available at locarius.io/ organizations/65/. For updates, follow @DrawstringProductions on FB and IG.

Eating You?

New play by Jay Gallant

Sometimes, it takes an apocalypse to find yourself.

What’s Eating You?, a powerful and comedic play written by playwright and activist Jay Gallant, is coming to The Guild in Charlottetown next month.

Featuring cast members Ash Arsenault, Cameron MacDonald, Graham Putnam, Kassinda Bulger, Marli Trecartin, and Noah Nazim, this groundbreaking production explores themes of gender identity, mental illness, and resilience—all set against the backdrop of a zombie apocalypse.

Gallant’s semi-autobiographical play follows the journey of a trans man confronting his gender identity in middle age while navigating a complex reunion with an estranged childhood friend. As zombies close in, What’s Eating You? serves up a compelling tale of survival, self-empowerment, and forgiveness—with just the right dose of undead mayhem.

Drawing inspiration from his own experiences as a trans man and advocate, Gallant uses the play to weave together personal storytelling and timely social commentary. For over 20 years, Gallant has championed gender and sexual diversity, working with schools, organizations, and government institutions across PEI.

What’s Eating You? has been years in the making, beginning as a selection

in the 2020 Island Fringe Festival’s Pounding the Pavement event and later evolving through the Fresh from the Island: A New Works Festival in 2021. After a sold-out staged reading in 2022, this full production promises to captivate and inspire.

Performances run on March 27, 28, and 29. Doors open at 7 pm. Audiences can enjoy the pre-show event at 7:30 pm featuring performances by local artists each evening, creating a dynamic and community-focused atmosphere. The main show begins at 8 pm.

Visit island-fringe.tickit.ca for tickets. Rates are available for students, seniors, and those under waged, general seating, and complimentary for those needing financial support.

Playwright Jay Gallant

Greg Ellard and Gabrielle Roddy

Keir Malone (left) and Afton Mondoux

SUBMITTED

Jessica Gallant and Adam Brazier

CITY OF CHARLOTTETOWN OPENING RECEPTION:

FEATURING THE BUZZ ALBUM ARTWORK OF THE YEAR EXHIBIT

The Guild: 7:30–10:00 PM | Presented by The Gray Group

MARCH 5

ON SALE NOW AT

The Guild: 7:30–10:00 PM | Presented by Pride PEI

OUT LOUD SESSIONS DOWN EAST STINGER

King’s Playhouse: 7:30–9:30 PM | Presented by Ocean 100 & Hot 105.5 Stingray Radio Stations

RHYTHM & FLOW-CASE Craft Beer Corner: 7:30–10:00 PM | Presented by Maritime Electric

HAPPY HOUR TRIVIA

Evermoore Brewing: 4:00–6:30 PM | Presented by City of Summerside

SOCAN SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR CONCERT

Scott MacAulay Performance Centre: 7:30–9:30 PM | Presented by City of Summerside

DRY HAPPY HOUR MIXER & MARITIME ELECTRIC MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR SCREENING

Beaconsfield Carriage House: 5:00–6:00 PM | Presented by PEI Car Rental

ALL AGES AMPLIFIED

Beaconsfield Carriage House: 6:00–8:30 PM | Presented by PEI Mutual

MUSIC MOSAIC

Trailside Music Hall: 8:00–10:30 PM | Presented by Cavendish Farms

MARCH 6 MARCH 7 MARCH 8

24TH ANNUAL MUSIC PEI AWARDS GALA

The Confederation Centre of the Arts: 7:00–9:30 PM | Presented by Atlantic Lottery

THE WHITECAP NIGHTCAP AFTERPARTY Invite Only | Presented by Whitecap Entertainment

PERFORMANCE

music, theatre, dance, comedy…

Jan 30–Feb 1 | 8 pm

Anything For Love: The Music of Meatloaf

Craig Fair Productions ft. Joce Reyome, Brad Milligan, Marli Trecartin, Brandon

Howard Roy and Carrie MacLellan. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Jan 31 | 7 pm

Richard Wood & Friends: East Coast Kitchen Party St. Paul’s, Charlottetown

Jan 31 | 7:30 pm

Dr. Frances Gray Music Performance Competition

Dr. Steel Recital Hall, UPEI, Charlottetown

Jan 31 | 8 pm

Winter Rhythms

Fusion DJ Dance Party Series ft. DJ Jane Blaze. The Guild, Charlottetown

Feb 1 | 2 pm

Tzu Cheng Wang and Family Kings Playhouse, Georgetown

Feb 1 | 7:30 pm

Lawrence Maxwell

The Mack, Charlottetown

Feb 1 | 8 pm

Popalopalots Improv

The Guild, Charlottetown

Feb 6 | 8 pm

Island Jazz: Spencer Soloduka with Max Keenlyside

Baba’s Lounge, Charlottetown

Feb 6–8 | 7 pm

Venus in Fur

Drawstring Productions. Irish Cultural Centre, Charlottetown

Feb 7 | 7 pm

SoPA Winter Concert Series

Ft. Iván Garnica, Kendra Lyttle, Daniel Gonzalez, Chris Chisholm, and Charlotte Lloyd. Florence Simmons Performance Hall, Charlottetown

Feb 7 | 7:30 pm

Magdalena von Eccher

Dr. Steel Recital Hall, UPEI, Charlottetown

Feb 7 | 8 pm

The 19th Nervous Breakdowns

Tribute to the Rolling Stones. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Feb 8 | 7 pm

Winterjazz: Nathan Wiley

The Pourhouse, Charlottetown

Feb 8 | 7:30 pm

Charlottetown Improvisation

Laboratory Volume 2

Ft. Karen Graves, Siddhu Sachidananda, Tom Gammons, Ryan Drew, and Adam Hill. City Cinema, Charlottetown

Feb 8 | 7:30 pm

The Burning Hell

With special guest Tanya Davis. Copper Bottom Brewing, Montague

Feb 8 | 7:30 pm

Good Vibrations: The Hits of The Beach Boys

Craig Fair Productions. Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside

Feb 8 | 7:30 pm

Classic Albums Live: The Eagles Greatest Hits

Sobey Family Theatre, Charlottetown

Feb 8 | 8 pm

Side Hustle Improv

The Guild, Charlottetown

Feb 8 | 8 pm

Lady Soul

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Feb 9 | 2 pm

The Island Jubilee Old Time Radio Music Show

Valentine’s Special ft. Ivan & Vivian Hicks, Courtney Hogan-Chandler and Olivia Blacquiere. Florence Simmons

Performance Hall, Charlottetown

Feb 9 | 8 pm

Stephen Fearing

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Feb 13 | 8 pm

Island Jazz: Nathan Wright with Corduroy

Baba’s Lounge, Charlottetown

Feb 13 | 7:30 pm

Let’s Put the Pal in Valentine’s Day

The Guild, Charlottetown

Feb 13 | 8 pm

Nick Doneff, Dennis Ellsworth & Scott MacKay

Songwriters circle. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Feb 13–15 | 7 pm

Venus in Fur

Drawstring Productions. Irish Cultural Centre, Charlottetown

Feb 14 | 8 pm

Amanda Jackson & Route 225

Valentine’s (or not) show. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Feb14–15 | 7:30 pm

Live, Laugh, Love!

Ft. Jessica Gallant and Adam Brazier. The Mack, Charlottetown

Feb 15 | 2 pm

Ray Anderson’s Family Magic & Illusions Show

Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside

Feb 15 | 4:30 pm & 7:30 pm

ECHOES: A Night of Fleetwood Mac

Craig Fair Productions ft. Carlie Howell, Craig Fair, Joce Reyome, Alicia Toner, Nick Gauthier, Brielle Ansems. Copper Bottom Brewing, Montague

Feb 15 | 7:30 pm

Greg Morton Live & Friends

With guests magician Ray Anderson and comedian Darren Frost. Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside

Feb 15 | 10 pm

The Love Junkies

PonyBoat, Charlottetown

Feb 15–16 | 8 pm

After Hours Band

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Feb 18 | 7:30 pm

A1A Jimmy Buffet Tribute Show

Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside

Feb 19 | 7:30 pm

The Highwaymen Show

Tribute to American Outlaw. Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside

Feb 19 | 7:30 pm

Jack Pine Folk Club

Ft. host Shane Pendergast with guests

Alexander Gallant, Sarah Simpson and Sam Ramsay, and poet Brent MacLaine. The Pourhouse, Charlottetown

Feb 19 | 8 pm

Ashley MacIsaac

50th Birthday Tour. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Feb 20 | 7:30 pm

Sugar Sammy

Sobey Family Theatre, Charlottetown

Feb 20 | 8 pm

Songs on Fire: Live and in the Round

With host Ben Kunder and guests. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Feb 20 | 8 pm

Island Jazz: Chris Coupland

Trio From Mars

Baba’s Lounge, Charlottetown

Feb 20 | 9 pm

Queer/3 Fest: Show Tune

Sing-a-Long

Ft. Garry Williams (piano). The Guild, Charlottetown

Feb 21 | 9 pm

Queer/3 Fest: Lip Sync

Roulette

Ft. local drag performers. The Guild, Charlottetown

Feb 21–22 | 8 pm

Brooke & Brad: Country Classics

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Feb 22 | 7:30 pm

Fiddlers’ Sons

Kings Playhouse, Georgetown

Feb 22 | 8 pm

Queer/3 Fest: 333 - The Story of the Toronto Bathhouse Raids

Live staged reading of play by Jay Gallant. The Guild, Charlottetown

Feb 23 | 2 pm

Tunes and Tales

Kids Keilidh ft. Lucy Farrell, Leah Ellis, and Brieonna Locche Richard. Bonshaw Hall, Bonshaw

Feb 26 | 7:30 pm

Steven Lee Olsen

Country Night in Canada Tour with JoJo Mason. PEI Brewing Company, Charlottetown

Feb 27 | 7 pm

Cover Me

Ft. Georgia Mooney, Joce Reyome, KINLEY and Noah Malcolm. The Guild, Charlottetown

Feb 27 | 7:30 pm

Aerialists

Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside

Feb 27 | 8 pm

Sonreal

All Things Aside Tour with Sunsetto. PEI Brewing Company, Charlottetown

Music PEI Week 2025

Full lineup and ticketing info for all events

Music PEI has unveiled its lineup for the 2025 Music PEI Week.

From March 4–8, the Island will come alive with five days of performances, featuring this year’s Music PEI Award nominees and special guests. Tickets are available now at Music PEI’s website and Locarius, PEI’s locally owned ticketing platform.

The festival kicks off on March 4 with a sponsor reception at The Gallery Café in Charlottetown, where, for the first time, The Buzz Album Art of the Year nominees will be on display. The exhibit, running from February 24–March 10, invites everyone to check out the artwork of this year’s nominees. That evening, at 7:30 pm, Grooves at The Guild will spotlight Island icons like Richard Wood alongside rising stars Lefunk, Bettii, Gizmo, and Pearly Gates.

On March 5, Out Loud Sessions will take over The Guild in Charlottetown at 7:30 pm, with performances by Dazey, Carlie Howell, Noah Malcolm, Inn Echo, and Joce Reyome. Meanwhile, in Georgetown, the Down East Stinger at Kings Playhouse will showcase Shane Pendergast, Whitney Rose, Dennis Ellsworth, and Aubin Pi la S.C.B.

March 6 introduces a brand-new festival highlight: Happy Hour Music Trivia from 4–6:30 pm at Evermoore Brewing in Summerside. This lively event offers nominees, sponsors, and guests a chance to come together and flex their knowledge of the PEI music scene. That evening, at 7:30 pm, the SOCAN Songwriter of the Year Concert at the Scott MacAulay Performing Arts Centre in Summerside will feature nominees Dylan Menzie, Gizmo, Lawrence Maxwell, Noah Malcolm, and Whitney Rose. Together, the artists will perform in a Songwriters’ Circle to give a glimpse into the stories behind the songs. The evening ends with the presentation of the SOCAN Songwriter of the Year Award.

Also on March 6, Charlottetown’s Craft Beer Corner will host the Rhythm

and Flow-Case at 7:30 pm, showcasing some of PEI’s top rap and hip-hop artists, including DEMIXX, Norm Strangely, Rightflow, BraedenV, and Cavy, with DJ Alley Cat spinning on the decks.

March 7 begins with an all-ages Dry Happy Hour Mixer at Beaconsfield Carriage House in Charlottetown from 5–6 pm, where the Music Video of the Year nominees’ videos will be screened. Following this, the All Ages Amplified show will feature performances by 20 Eyes, Oakdrive, Space Bud, Heather, and Absolute Losers. Later, at 8 pm, the popular Music Mosaic event at Charlottetown’s Trailside Music Hall will showcase Todd MacLean, Luisa Güiza, Tiffany Liu, Hikado, and Vishtèn Connexions.

March 8 begins with the Awards Gala Red Carpet at Confederation Centre of the Arts, celebrating this year’s nominees and special guests as they enter the Sobey Family Theatre. The week concludes with the 24th Annual Music PEI Awards Gala, hosted by Matt Rainnie. From 7–9:30 pm, the gala will honour the outstanding achievements of PEI’s artists and industry professionals as the 2025 Music PEI Awards are handed out. Some of this year’s top nominees will take the stage, including Vishtèn Connexions, Dylan Menzie, Hikado, and Lawrence Maxwell, with Craig Fair’s house band.

After the gala, sponsors, nominees, and guests are invited to the Whitecap Nightcap Official Awards Afterparty featuring Take The Mic, PEI’s premiere live karaoke band.

The Music PEI Week VIP Raffle Contest is now open. The prize package includes two festival passes, a one-night stay with dining at the Rodd Charlottetown Hotel, a Confederation Bridge pass, and a sponsor gift bag valued at over $650. Tickets are available at locarius.io/events/1923/ music-pei-vip-raffle.

For Music PEI Week tickets and details, visit musicpei.com or call 902-894-6734.

By the Family Resolution Hub. Created by Jacinta Gallant, family lawyer.

MIKE BERNARD

Inn Echo performing at the 2024 Music PEI Awards Gala

DANCING

Winter Rhythms

Presented in partnership with Oshun Dance Studio, Winter Rhythms: A Fusion DJ Dance Party Series will be held at The Guild in Charlottetown with DJ Jane Blaze on January 31 at 8 pm. Formerly known as DJ She, DJ Jane Blaze is an East Coast Canadian powerhouse and heavy hitter on the DJ scene. Former manager of Vancouver’s Beatstreet Records and former host and creative director of Vancouver-based Grounded TV, she is the founder of Jane Blaze Productions. From funk and disco to soul, hip-hop, and house, Jane Blaze creates her own style of mid-tempo madness, spinning driving, dense mixes that captivate audiences from the first beat. The event will also include giveaways, pop-up guest performances, and more. 111 Queen St, Charlottetown.

Stupid Cupid Dance Party

Lovebirds, singles—all are invited to the Stupid Cupid Dance Party at Ponyboat Social Club in Charlottetown on February 14 at 10 pm. Music will be provided by DJ Mando. Wear pink, win pink merch, and drink pink drinks. This is 19+ event. Admission is at the door. 157 Kent St, Charlottetown.

Love Aroma (Valentines Affairs)

Boonoonoonoos Jamaican Restaurant will host a night of dancing and music on February 14 at 11 pm featuring international guest DJ Pusha Jr., all the way from The Bahamas. This is a 19+ event. Tickets are available at Boonoonoonoos in advance or at the door on the night of the event. 177 Great George St, Charlottetown.

Queer/3 Fest

Community-making at The Guild—Feb 20 to 22

Organized by new PEI queer performance collective, East Meets Breast, the Queer/3 Fest brings three evenings of queer community-making to The Guild in Charlottetown from February 20–22.

The festival begins on February 20 with a Show Tune Sing-a-Long from 9–11 pm, where attendees can sing their favourite Broadway hits with live piano accompaniment by Garry Williams. Admission is free but tips and donations are encouraged for song requests.

On February 21, Lip Sync Roulette will feature local drag performers showcasing their skills in lip-sync battles, competing against each other in head to head showdowns to songs they won’t know are coming. Running from 9–11 pm, proceeds from this event will go to a local charity.

The festival concludes on February 22 with 333, a live staged reading of a new play by PEI’s Jay Whitehead that explores the Toronto Bathhouse Raids, and offers a powerful look at a significant moment in LGBTQ+ history. This event will run from 8–10 pm.

For full details, tickets, and more, visit the FB page: Queer/3 - Mini Queer Performance Fest.

Review by Sean McQuaid

Hooked on a feline

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof ACT (a community theatre) The Guild, Charlottetown January 17, 2025

When PEI community theatre pillar ACT launched its 30th anniversary season with Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, my wife and longtime theatre companion Carol was so excited she urged me to review it regardless of time or date, skipping our usual scheduling back-and-forth entirely. Said Carol, “I never turn down Maggie the Cat!”

The play started as a 1952 short story (“Three Players of a Summer Game”) by Tennessee Williams, who converted it into a Pulitzer-winning stage play that premiered in 1955. It’s since been remounted repeatedly around the world and adapted for film multiple times.

It’s the tale of a wealthy Southern plantation family, the Pollitts, celebrating the birthday of ailing patriarch “Big Daddy” Pollitt (played in the ACT run by its director Paul Whelan) while they discuss his health and other concerns, notably the troubled marriage of his favourite son Brick (Adam Gauthier), an injured ex-athlete turned mopey alcoholic, and Brick’s estranged, vocally love-starved wife Maggie (Teresa Wright). Brick is also suspected of having had a gay romance with his deceased best friend Skipper, which Brick fiercely denies.

Seeing the play for the first time in years, I was struck by how much the 1958 film version excises the play’s gay content; how clearly the play’s gay subplot echoes Lillian Hellman’s 1931 play The Children’s Hour; and how Williams’ play no longer feels quite as transgressive, subversive or sensational as it once did in terms of its sexual content.

The ACT production’s artfully eye-catching poster trumpets the show’s “shock and fervour”; but while Williams’ intense characters still supply the fervour, the show’s not as shocking now as it would have been in the 1950s, nor even as daring as it seemed in the 1990s when I first encountered it.

Sex talk such as Maggie’s openly frustrated lust, Big Daddy’s leering lechery or the late Skipper’s self-loathing homosexuality feels less novel today; and as groundbreaking as they once were, The Children’s Hour and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof both see gay content through a retro cautionary lens. Both plays feature close friends accused of gay romance, both pairs deny it, both cases turn out to be half-true when one half of the duo realizes he or she may be gay, and in each play the gay friend spirals into self-destruction. To be fair,

some of Williams’ characters seem surprisingly broad-minded regarding homosexuality; but regardless, these are plays from different times with different attitudes.

That said, while Williams’ play has lost a little of its salacious kick over the decades, it’s no less steeped in humanity and heart. The Pollitts are all distinctive, complicated, messy and moving characters: Maggie’s volatile mix of calculated guile and genuine heartbreak, Big Daddy grappling with mortality, Brick longing for the liberty of numbness, matriarch Big Mama (Barbara Rhodenhizer) lost in a fog of denial and devotion, Brick’s successful older brother Gooper (Mike Mallaley) all too aware of how little his family loves him, his scheming wife Mae (Amanda Rae Donovan) relentlessly coveting the family fortune.

Whelan’s cast—also including Aidan Gallant & Terry Pratt as visitors Reverend Tooker & Dr. Baugh—is lavishly stacked with some of the best and most accomplished actors in PEI community theatre, some of whom have worked with ACT for decades.

The talented, appealing Gauthier/ Wright duo are somewhat uneven as Brick and Maggie—Wright takes a while to hit her stride opposite Gauthier’s suitably muted Brick early on, though she’s livelier as the play’s clashes escalate—and not all of the cast’s southern accents are created equal (Gauthier and Mallaley sound especially generic at times); but Whelan’s crowd-pleasing curmudgeon Big Daddy elicits both pathos and laughs, Gallant is amusingly awkward as Tooker, Mallaley brings poignancy to the unloved Gooper, and Rhodenizer steals the show as an achingly sad Big Mama. Performances like that and the enduring appeal of the play’s colourful, crackling and commendably humane script help ensure there’s far more than nine lives left in Williams’ much-loved theatrical cat.

Downstreet social dance

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

DJ Jane Blaze

DJ Pusha Jr.

Aerialists

Folk music group at Harbourfront Theatre—Feb 27

JUNO Award-nominated and Canadian Folk Music Award-winning ensemble Aerialists will showcase their blend of neo-trad, folk and Celtic music at Summerside’s Harbourfront Theatre on February 27 at 7:30 pm.

Aerialists alchemize Scottish, Irish, and Nordic folk traditions, alongside post-rock influences into a sound with striking clarity. It’s ethereal yet precise, technical yet visceral.

The ensemble consists of harpist Màiri Chaimbeul, fiddler Elise Boeur, and guitarist Adam Iredale-Gray.

Asserting the belief that a harp can groove like a drum kit, that a fiddle can be as ferocious as a distorted electric

guitar, and that traditional tunes are sturdy and flexible enough to thrive in the landscape of indie-rock instrumentation, this performance promises to give audiences an uplifting and refreshing new perspective on folk and Celtic music.

This is a pay-what-you-will performance, an initiative from Harbourfront Theatre which helps to make events in its seasons accessible to everyone in the community. All audience members require a ticket (free of charge at the time of booking) and will be invited to pay what they wish, following the performance. harbourfronttheatre.com

JUNE 14 - AUG 29

SOBEY FAMILY THEATRE

A struggling Atlantic fishing village aims to charm a doctor into taking up full-time residency in this musical comedy full of East Coast pride – starring Canadian music icon Alan Doyle. A co-production with David and Hannah Mirvish.

JUNE 17 - AUG 30

SOBEY FAMILY THEATRE

Experience one of the greatest real-life jam sessions in the history of rock and roll –featuring hit songs that defined an era, like “Blue Suede Shoes”, “Great Balls of Fire”, “I Walk the Line”, and more.

Musical adaptation by ADAM BRAZIER, ALAN DOYLE, BOB FOSTER, EDWARD RICHE

Directed by BRIAN HILL

PERFORMANCE

Mar 1 | 7:30 pm

Rendez-vous Mardi Gras

Feb 27 | 8 pm

Hello Mischief; Jazz Avenue Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Feb 27 | 8 pm

Island Jazz Quartet plays Paul Simon Baba’s Lounge, Charlottetown

Feb 28 | 7:30 pm The Irish Rovers

60 Years - A Roving Tour. Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside

Feb 28 | 8 pm

Royal North Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Feb 28 | 7:30 pm

Mar 1 | 2 pm & 7:30 pm

Rise Again: East Coast Women in Song

Ft. Alicia Toner, Joce Reyome, Brielle Ansems, and Emilea May. Kings Playhouse, Georgetown

Ft. Vishtèn and Danser Collé. The Mack, Charlottetown

Mar 1 | 8 pm

Stolen Good

Tribute to Chris Stapleton. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Mar 2 | 2 pm

PEI Bluegrass: The Stiff Family and Whitecap Drive

Fundraising concert. Beaconsfield Carriage House, Charlottetown

Mar 2 | 2 pm

Island Jubilee Old Time Radio Music Show

Ft. Whitney Rose, Julien Kitson and Abi Marie. Florence Simmons Performance Hall, Charlottetown

Mar 2 | 2:30 pm

PEI Symphony Orchestra: Ex-Romantico

Ft. guest soloist James Sommerville. Sobey Family Theatre, Charlottetown

ARTS EDUCATION

Mar 2 | 2 pm

Oh What A Night!

Tribute to Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons. Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside

Mar 4 | 7:30 pm

Music PEI Week: Grooves At The Guild

Ft. Richard Wood, Lefunk, Bettii, Gizmo, and Pearly Gates. The Guild, Charlottetown.

Mar 5 | 7:30 pm

Music PEI Week: Out Loud Sessions

Ft. Dazey, Carlie Howell, Noah Malcolm, Inn Echo, and Joce Reyome. The Guild, Charlottetown.

Mar 5 | 7:30 pm

Music PEI Week: Down East Stinger

Ft. Shane Pendergast, Whitney Rose, Dennis Ellsworth, and Aubin Pi La S.C.B.. Kings Playhouse, Georgetown

Mar 6 | 7:30 pm

Music PEI Week: SOCAN Songwriter Concert

Ft. Dylan Menzie, Gizmo, Lawrence Maxwell, Noah Malcolm, Whitney Rose. Scott MacAulay Performing Arts Centre, Summerside

Mar 6 | 7:30 pm

Music PEI Week: Rhythm and Flow-case

Mar 8 | 2 pm

The Alphabet of Awesome Science

Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside

Mar 8 | 7 pm

Music PEI Week: 24th Music

PEI Awards Gala

Ft. Vishtèn Connexions, Dylan Menzie, Hikado, Lawrence Maxwell. Sobey Family Theatre, Charlottetown

Mar 8 | 7:30 pm

The Grand Tour: Timeless Country Classics

Scott MacAulay Performing Arts Centre, Summerside

Mar 8 | 7:30 pm

International Women’s Day

Songwriters Circle

Ft. Catherine MacLellan, Meaghan Blanchard and Ashley Condon. Copper Bottom Brewing, Montague

Mar 8 | 8 pm

Jamie Fine

PEI Brewing Company, Charlottetown

Mar 8 | 8 pm

Southbound

Tribute to Carrie Underwood. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Mar 9 | 7:30 pm

Ft. DEMIXX, Norm Strangely, Rightflow, BraedenV, Cavy. Craft Beer Corner, Charlottetown

Mar 6 | 8 pm

Gerry Dee: Funny You Should Say That Sobey Family Theatre, Charlottetown

Mar 6 | 8 pm

Island Jazz: SOPA Gets Real Baba’s Lounge, Charlottetown

Mar 7 | 6 pm

Music PEI Week: All Ages Amplified

Ft. 20 Eyes, Oakdrive, Space Bud, Heather, Absolute Losers. Beaconsfield Carriage House, Charlottetown

Mar 7 | 7:30 pm

Raine Hamilton String Trio Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside

Mar 7 | 8 pm

Music PEI Week: Music Mosaic

Ft. Todd Maclean, Luisa Güisa, Tiffany Liu, Hikado, Vishtèn Connexions. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Mar 7 | 8 pm

Aysanabee

Now and Then tour. PEI Brewing Company, Charlottetown

Brett Kissel: The Side You’ve Never Seen

Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside

Mar 13 | 7:30 pm

Chris Funk: Redefining Wonder

Sobey Family Theatre, Charlottetown

Mar 13 | 8 pm

Island Jazz: Adam Hill

Baba’s Lounge, Charlottetown

Mar 13 | 8 pm

Free Whiskey Band

Tribute to The Pogues. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Mar 14 | 7:30 pm

Alan Doyle: Welcome Home Tour

Sobey Family Theatre, Charlottetown

Peter Richards

Picking the program

On March 2 the Prince Edward Island Symphony Orchestra will present the third concert of the season with Music Director Jaelem Bhate, at Confederation Centre in Charlottetown.

Just prior to the November, 2024 concert, on behalf of The Buzz, I met with Jaelem and asked him how he goes about programming an orchestral season.

“To me the music is about storytelling. It’s never been about the nuts and bolts, the otes and rhythms behind the counterpoint. All that is just in service of the story. And by story I don’t even mean pieces that tell a story—programmatic music. My process in creating a program is to focus on the storytelling element, stories which would resonate most with the Island community.”

The March concert is entitled Ex-Romantico, presenting Pavane Op. 50 by Gabriel Fauré, Horn Concerto by Kati Agócs and Symphony No. 3 in A Minor by Felix Mendelssohn. The PEISO is one of five orchestras that commissioned the piece by Kati Agócs that was written specifically for James Sommerville, a Canadian who is principal hornist for Boston Symphony. I asked Jaelem to elaborate on what the Ex-Romantico theme represented.

“The French horn is, to me, a very romantic instrument. Not romantic as in love but romantic impressionist in a way. Romantic as in reflecting human expression.

“So that got me thinking to what does Romantic music even mean. We classify it as this epoch in classical music of about thirty to forty years in the 19th century. The idea of romantic goes on in my mind with the fact that Kati’s piece has a small instrumentation, so I was thinking what else can I put with this that reflects the same type of ideas? And that led to Gabriel Fauré, kind of an Impressionist composer but very romantic in the sense that [laughs] all late 19th century Parisians were.

“And that led to—who else tells these type of over the top story of humanity? And Mendelssohn fit the instrumentation and also fit the theme. Mendelssohn may have pre- dated the Romantic era by a few decades but the music he wrote was almost like pre- Romantic in a way... His Scottish Symphony has a sweeping quality like you’re on a cliff in Scotland, and then he writes about Mary, Queen of Scots, being executed and the slow movement is very sad and it’s reflective. So, if we go by the definition of Romantic music as telling a big story

about human experience, I would say that Mendelssohn is romantic. I’d say that Fauré is romantic and Kati Agócs is romantic. Do any of them come from that forty-year period that music historians call the Romantic period? Nope, so it’s Ex-Romantico.”

In December Jaelem went to London, England to assist Alexander Shelley and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

“The chance to go to an international centre and expand your skills, expand your perspective and your knowledge of what’s out there is always a huge and very exciting opportunity. PEI, wherever I go, is always on my mind so even as I trek to London I’m always thinking about what lessons I can bring back to the orchestra. Then I will repeat that process with the Chicago Civic Symphony in February and the Seattle Symphony in April.”

This is part two of three in conversation with Jaelem Bhate. Next month—Into the Future.

Improv Lab, Vol. 2

Listening room returns to City Cinema—Feb 8

Following a one-of-a-kind concert experience that transformed a movie theatre into an intimate listening room last fall, the Charlottetown Improvisation Laboratory will return to City Cinema with Volume 2 on February 8 at 7:30 pm.

The brainchild of bassist Adam Hill, the lab brings together five musicians who’ve never performed together for an evening of never-before-heard music. Combining artists that hail from different genres with diverse musical experiences, the project challenges the members of the ensemble to find a common musical language.

This iteration features Karen Graves (Atlantic String Machine) on violin, Siddhu Sachidananda (Umbrella Collective) on keyboards, Tom Gammons (Inn Echo) on guitar, and Ryan Drew (PEI Symphony Orchestra) on percussion, and Hill on bass.

For this event, each member of the band has composed a brand-new piece of music based on the concept of “structured improvisation.” The tunes are written with some elements of notation, but each one includes plenty of room for interpretation and risk-taking. The composers will trade turns directing the musical material, while everyone on stage and in the audience gets to participate in the conversation. Along with the new compositions, Hill will lead the band through a few

Rise Again

East Coast songwriters at Kings Playhouse—Feb 28

Kings Playhouse in Georgetown presents the world premiere of Rise Again: East Coast Women in Song on February 28 at 7:30 pm, and March 1 at 2 pm and 7:30 pm.

not-so-standards that will build connections between the repertoire and give each performer an opportunity to shine. To top things off, Hill has created a dynamic visual backdrop to be projected behind the band; the ambient colour-textures complementing the spontaneous music being created on stage.

Advance tickets can be purchased online at citycinema.ca. Both adult and student/artist prices are available.

Fundraiser at Jack Blanchard Hall—Feb 13

A Valentine’s Kitchen Party, in support of the Brain Injury Association of PEI, will take place at Jack Blanchard Hall on February 13 from 7–9 pm. Admission at the door. The hall is located at 7 Pond Street in Charlottetown.

Celebrating classic East Coast songs written or performed by women, the show features Alicia Toner, Joce Reyome, Brielle Ansems, and Emilea May. Rise Again is directed by Kristen Pottle, with musical direction by Craig Fair, and produced by Kings Playhouse with support from the Interministerial Women’s Secretariat.

Tickets are available in advance

at kingsplayhouse.com, by calling 902-652-2053, or at the door one hour before the show.

SUBMITTED

February’s guest soloist James Sommerville

A Chat with Jaelem Bhate by

PHOTOS SUBMITTED

(clockwise from top-left): Karen Graves, Adam Hill, Tom Gammons, Ryan Drew and Siddhu Sachidananda

PHOTOS SUBMITTED

(clockwise from top-left): Brielle Ansems, Joce Reyome, Emilea May and Alicia Toner

ALBUMS SINGLES PEI RECORDINGS

Winter Grace Shane Pendergast

Island folk singer-songwriter Shane Pendergast has released his fourth album, Winter Grace, a collection of heartfelt songs that delve into themes of loss, resilience, and finding grace in dark times.

The title track, “Winter Grace,” draws inspiration from a magical moment near Shane’s home, when a frozen bay offered the freedom to skate in the dead of winter. Other songs on the album reflect Shane’s deep connection to the landscapes and lore of the Maritimes, combining intimate storytelling with the warmth of traditional folk music.

Produced by Logan Richard, Winter Grace features Pendergast (vocals, guitar, harmonica), Richard (guitar, piano, bass, percussion), Aaron Comeau (piano, slide guitar), Sam Langille (bass), Josh Langille (drums, guitar), Rowen Gallant (fiddle), Michael Pendergast (accordion), and Emilea May (backup vocals). The album was mixed and engineered by Adam Gallant, and mastered at Parachute Mastering, with photography by Justin

Rix and album design by Chris Bailey.

Winter Grace is available to stream online, and CDs are available for purchase at Back Alley Music in Charlottetown.

Southpaw

Wayne Francis

Wayne Francis released his new album, Southpaw in January following his 2022 release, Halfway to Infinity. Once again, Francis collaborated with Bob Doidge and Amy King of Grant Avenue Studio to bring his singular vision to life.

Among the ten original tracks is the Gordon Lightfoot tribute, “Weaver of the Moonlight,” which features an evocative atmosphere and insistent rhythm. Early mixes received praise from members of the late singer’s management.

The album also includes the baseball-themed title track, “Southpaw,” the delta blues-inspired “Path of Least Resistance,” country-tinged songs “Resolute Road” and “Fine Country Living,” and mid-tempo folk-rock tracks like “Wings of a Dream,” “Shasta,” and “The Road Not Taken.” Closing the album is the reflective folk ballad, “After All.”

Southpaw is available for local purchase, streaming, and at waynefrancis. bandcamp.com.

“Keep

It Coming”

Two Hours Traffic

Two Hours Traffic released “Keep It Coming” in January, their first new single in 12 years.

In 2013, Two Hours Traffic played their farewell concerts after touring together for more than a decade. Five years later, in 2018, they quietly came out of retirement for what was meant to be a one-off performance, and have been playing sporadically since.

“Keep It Coming” was written during a pretty tough year when ‘keep it coming’ became “a bit of a mantra, as well as a reminder not to worry about every little thing in the future and to trust that you will be able to deal with whatever comes your way,” says Andy MacDonald.

Liam Corcoran adds that the song has “the kind of arrangement we’ve tried to develop over the years, with lots of empty space on the recording and a focus on the groove and the rhythms. Our friend Dan Griffin (Teen Ravine) added keys and synths which ended up being the glue that made the recording really work.”

Two Hours Traffic formed in 2002 at the University of PEI, where they began carving out a space for themselves in the Canadian indie rock scene. Over the next decade, the Charlottetown-based band released four full-length albums and three EPs. In 2007, their album Little Jabs earned widespread critical acclaim, including a spot on the 2008 Polaris Music Prize

shortlist which helped to catapult the band into the national spotlight. twohourstraffic.ca

“Paseo Yugoslavo “ NEBO

NEBO’s new single, “Paseo Yugoslavo,” released in January, reflects on leftist ideals during the Spanish Civil War and 20th-century Chilean upheaval: “Sadly, the time of socialist heroes is over. This song asks if the leftist struggle was an illusion or merely a ‘dream of wanderlust.’”

Formed in early 2023, NEBO is a Charlottetown-based band spanning three generations of musicians. The band members are Liam Corcoran (vocalist), Sergey Varlamov (lead guitar, strings, keyboards), Garrett Sherwood (drums), Cameron Menzies (bass, vocals), Neb Kujundzic (rhythm guitar), and Sean Ferris (keyboards).

The single was written by Kujundzic, arranged by the band, and recorded and produced by Sergey Varlamov in his own studio, Crabbe Road Productions. NEBO released its first album, Metaphysical Machines, in October 2024.

“Ticking” Hit The Coast

PEI band Hit the Coast returns with new alt-rock single “Ticking,” the final track to be released from what will be the band’s debut album, coming out this spring.

The track moves seamlessly between dark, brooding grooviness

and full-throttle, headbanging thrash. With an off-kilter time signature and some tense guitar riffs, the track rides the line of a stressful yet satisfying listen, like a deranged joy ride by someone hanging on to the last shred of their sanity. The lyrics compliment these sounds, referencing the call of the void that each person feels inside of them.

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

The track is available at linktr.ee/ hitthecoast.

@hitthecoastmusic

“Up From Here”

Logan Richard

On his contemplative new single, “Up From Here,” Logan Richard offers a clear-eyed expression of support for a family member living with addiction issues.

“Up From Here” is a warm and dreamy folk-pop tune that finds Richard extending a helping hand, building a soothing atmosphere— with an assist from producer and

multi-instrumentalist Joshua Van Tassel—that envelops the listener like an embrace from a dear friend. “Sooner or later it was bound to be; was it the way you played your hand or was it destiny?” Richard sings. “What does it matter—I’m here with you now, and I’ll hold your hand through all the darkness ‘til your sun comes out again.”

The song was written by Logan Richard (vocals, guitar, bass) and Chris Kirby, and produced by David Myles and Joshua Van Tassel (drums, percussion, piano), who mixed the track as well. It was mastered by Heather Kirby.

“Up From Here” is available January 29 on all platforms.

“En Un Café ” morph

Following the warm reception of their debut single “Dark Moon,” morph has returned with their latest release, “En Un Café.”

This new track is sung in Spanish and merges alternative pop with elements of hip-hop and electronic music. The lyrics explore the emotional chaos that arises when facing painful experiences, vividly portraying the tumult of feelings and internal struggle that such moments provoke. Still, it conveys a message of hope, healing, and the strength found in forgiveness, showing a way forward even amidst the deepest scars.

morph is a global pop duo based in Charlottetown, PEI, and Pereira, Colombia. The duo features Andrea Medina (singer, composer, saxophonist) and Angela Sierra (composer, producer, pianist).

SUNDAY, MARCH 2, 2025 – 2:00 PM

HARBOURFRONT THEATRE SUMMERSIDE

DANCE

Dance with Elan Mackey

Families can join the energetic dance class, Dance Your Socks Off, where fun meets expression with Elan Mackey in the auditorium at the Charlottetown Library on February 3 at 11 am. All are welcome to unleash their creativity, build confidence, and discover the joy of movement. 97 Queen St, Charlottetown.

Seeking volunteers

Volunteers are needed to help keep things running smoothly at Downstreet Dance, a full non-profit studio in Charlottetown. Volunteer hours can go towards credit hours for different volunteer programs, as well as earning free dance classes with the studio. Learn more at the next volunteer info meeting on February 8 at 4 pm. Visit downstreetdance.com to fill out a volunteer form prior to attending the meeting. 101 Grafton St, 2nd floor, Charlottetown.

Bahamian Folk Dance

A free class on Bahamian Folk Dance, a unique blend of African roots and European ballroom traditions, will be offered at the Summerside Library on February 22 at 11 am. The class will guide dancers through traditional steps that flow with the free movement of the torso, pelvis, and arms, all set to the rhythmic beats of the islands. Participants will also have the chance to learn the Quadrille, a classic Bahamian dance often performed at weddings, capturing the essence of The Bahamas’ cultural heritage. 57 Central St, Summerside.

Irish Set dancing classes

Dance to traditional Irish reels, polkas, jigs, and more at The Old Triangle in Charlottetown from 6:30–8:30 pm on Tuesdays until March 11. Experienced instructors and dancers will guide participants through easy-to-learn partner dances. This is social dancing for fun. Couples and singles with all levels of dance experience are welcome. No previous experience is required. Lightweight, smooth-sole shoes and comfortable attire is recommended. There is a small fee per class. 189 Great George St, Charlottetown. Info/register: fredchorne@gmail.com; 902-675-4246

Downstreet programming

Programming at Downstreet Dance in Charlottetown this month includes: Intermediate Tango at 6 pm on Mondays; Bellydancing at 6:30 pm and All Levels 1940’s Swing at 7:30 pm on Tuesdays; Classic Burlesque at 7:30 pm on Thursdays; Zumba at 10:30 am, Intro to West Coast Swing at 5 pm, and West Coast Choreography at 7 pm on Saturdays; and a drop-in Tango Practica at 2 pm on Sundays. Downstreet is a full non-profit studio offering classes for ages 18+. Info: downstreetdance.com

Live at Trailside Music Hall

A selection of performances in

February

Anything For Love: The Music of Meatloaf

January 30–February 1

Presented by Craig Fair Productions. Meatloaf’s music celebrates themes of individualism, uniqueness, rejection, acceptance, sacrifice, passion, heartache and above all, love. Audiences can expect iconic hits like “I’d Do Anything For Love” and “Paradise by the Dashboard Light,” along with deeper cuts like “What About Love” and “Cry Over Me.”

19th Nervous Breakdowns

February 7

The 19th Nervous Breakdowns return with their Rolling Stones tribute. Enjoy a night of Stones classics performed by Charlottetown’s all-star band—James Phillips, Dan Currie, Nudie and J.D. Hughes.

Lady Soul

February 8

Channeling soul and funk divas of yesterday and today, nine-piece ensemble Lady Soul performs dynamic renditions of classic tracks by Aretha Franklin, Jackson 5, Amy Winehouse, Jully Black, and more.

Amanda Jackson and Route 225

February 14

perform a Valentine’s (or not) show. Couples, groups, and singles are all welcome—Valentine’s or not. The show will feature popular love songs from various eras, blending romance and rock.

This is a 19+ event.

The duo of Brooke MacArthur and

Brook & Brad: Country Classics

February 21 & 22

Brad Milligan celebrate the nostalgic sounds of country with heartfelt ballads, boot-scootin’ anthems, and playful duets. Expect hits and timeless classics from artists like the Chicks, Carrie Underwood, Alan Jackson, Tim McGraw, and more.

Hello Mischief; Jazz Avenue

February 27

Featuring Kelley Mooney, Emi Smith, and K’eziah Collie on vocals, the group includes Mark Parsons and Joanna McKearney on horns, Dave Gordon on keys, Jason Rogerson on bass, Kirk White on drums, and Chad Deagle on guitar.

Stephen Fearing

February 9

With a career spanning decades and numerous acclaimed albums, Stephen Fearing has shared stages and studios with legends like Merle Haggard, Richard Thompson, and Cassandra Wilson. As a co-founder of Canadian roots-rock icons Blackie and the Rodeo Kings, his music captures the messy splendour of the human condition, weaving deeply resonant tales.

“I’m a storyteller more than a singer/songwriter,” Fearing says, “because I understand that the story is more interesting than my story.”

A Songwriters Circle featuring PEI-

Songwriters Circle

February 13

Route 225 will

Two PEI bands, Hello Mischief and Jazz Avenue, share the bill.

Hello Mischief, a five-piece band featuring Amanda Beazley, Andrea Boehner, Chloe Cork, Jinny Greaves, and Kat MacNeil, blends folk, Americana, and pop with unique instrumentation, haunting harmonies, and heartfelt lyrics.

Jazz Avenue brings a vibrant mix of jazz genres, from New Orleans and swing to Latin and big-band standards. With Gaige Waugh, Sue Stanger, Davy Weale, and Sieg Eschholz, their set keeps audiences guessing and grooving from boogie to blues.

Hailing from PEI, Royal North delivers

Royal North February 28

dynamic rock ’n’ roll with infectious energy and catchy melodies. Blending classic rock influences with a modern edge, they captivate audiences across the Maritimes with passionate performances and compelling lyrics.

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

based artists Nick Doneff, Dennis Ellsworth, and Scott MacKay. Join these three Island treasures for an intimate evening of songs and stories. Amanda Jackson and

Stephen Fearing performs at Trailside on February 9

Ex-Romantico

PEISO concert premieres Kati Agócs concerto

PEI Symphony Orchestra’s (PEISO) concert Ex-Romantico, on March 2 at Confederation Centre of the Arts, promises an afternoon of elegance, passion, and musical grandeur. The orchestra will showcase a special premiere and welcome guest soloist James Sommerville, former principal horn of the Boston Symphony Orchestra.

Ex-Romantico is a program designed to explore music that amplifies and exaggerates human emotions, capturing the essence of Romanticism while reaching beyond its traditional boundaries. The concert highlights the debut performance of Kati Agócs’ “Horn Concerto,” co-commissioned by the PEISO and composed for Sommerville. With its soaring melodies and rich emotional depth, this concerto blends innovation with tradition.

“I inherited Canadian composer Kati Agócs’ ‘Horn Concerto,’ and I’m honoured to be able to premiere it on PEI,” says Jaelem Bhate, PEISO Music Director. “Kati wrote this work with James Sommerville in mind, and together, they create something truly extraordinary; they are both kind of a big deal!”

The concert will open with Fauré’s poignant “Pavane,” a piece that pulls at the heartstrings. Following this, the PEI premiere of Agócs’ “Horn Concerto” will take centre stage, with Sommerville’s virtuosity on full display. The afternoon will conclude with

Mendelssohn’s fiery “Symphony No. 3,” often referred to as the “Scottish Symphony,” inspired by the composer’s travels to the rugged highlands of Scotland.

All concert attendees are invited to enjoy a free, pre-concert talk beginning at 1:30 pm at Confederation Centre. The concert will begin at 2:30 pm in the Sobey Family Theatre. Tickets and subscriptions are available at confederationcentre.com or 902-566-1267. peisymphony.com

Tzu Cheng Wang and family

Community concert at Kings Playhouse—Feb 1

Tzu Cheng Wang, an internationally acclaimed musician, has performed in some of the world’s most prestigious concert halls, including Lincoln Center in New York, Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, Shanghai Oriental Art Center, National Concert Hall in Taipei, Shenzhen Concert Hall in China, Tsuen Wan Town Hall in Hong Kong, and Victoria Concert Hall in Singapore. Now, he brings his extraordinary talent to Kings Playhouse for a special community concert with his family.

Tzu Cheng will be joined by his wife, Yu Hsuan, a gifted cellist, and their daughter, Bettii, a rising star who just released her debut album in Asia. Bettii is not only a talented musician but also a YouTuber and a first-year student at Holland College in PEI. PEI bassist Adam Hill will showcase his musicianship. Even their youngest daughter, six-year-old Isla, may make an appearance during the performance.

This heartfelt event, celebrating one of PEI’s remarkable musical families, will take place on February 1 at 2 pm. Tickets are available by calling 902652-2053, at kingsplayhouse.com or at the door one hour before showtime.

SoPA Winter Concert

Holland College Music program’s second show—Feb 7

Second-year students from Holland College’s Music Performance program, part of the School of Performing Arts (SoPA), will present the next show in the SoPA Winter Concert Series on February 7. The concert will be held at the Florence Simmons Performance Hall in Charlottetown at 7 pm.

The students featured in this concert include guitarist Iván Garnica, vocalists Kendra Lyttle and Daniel Gonzalez S, and bassists Chris Chisholm and Charlotte Lloyd.

This show will feature music from a wide variety of genres, including jazz funk, indie pop, video game music, a little classical, and some original compositions from two of Chris Chisholm’s bands—Mango Street Trio

and We Bully Clouds.

Program Manager Liam Corcoran says the music the students choose can be deeply personal: “In each concert, five students create 20-minute sets that represent their own unique musical journey; the students select the music they want to play and the musicians that will help them bring this music to life on stage.”

The Winter Concert Series features four nights of music. The third concert will take place March 7, with the final performance on March 28. All concerts in the series are free to attend. Cash donations and non-perishable food items will be accepted in support of the Holland College Food Bank.

PHOTOS SUBMITTED

(L–R): Chris Chisholm, Charlotte Lloyd, Daniel Gonzalez S, Kendra Lyttle and Iván Garnica

Composer Kati Agócs

Tzu Cheng Wang

ONGOING MUSIC

ceilidhs, dances, series, sessions...

Assumption Ceilidhs

A ceilidh is held on the third Sunday of each month from 2–4 pm at Assumption Parish Centre in Stratford. Hosted by Assumption Catholic Women’s League and Assumption Knights of Columbus, the afternoon features 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

Dunstaffnage Ceilidh

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

Got Blues Matinee

Got Blues with Chris Roumbanis and friends Mike Robicheau and Alan Dowling host a weekly Saturday matinees from 2–4 pm at the Salvadore Dali Café. Each week, a special guest joins the first set, followed by an electric blues jam in the second set. There is no cover charge; they pass the hat. The upcoming performances feature: singer/guitarist Troy McArthur & singer/guitarist James Phillips (Feb 1); singer/guitarist Roland Beaulieu (8); Got Blues tunes by Mike & Chris with Todd MacLean (15); singer Theresa Malenfant (22). Follow on FB for updates. 155 Kent St, Charlottetown.

Groove Court

Groove Court and special guests play classic rock, blues, and groove classics on the third Saturday of each month from 5–8 pm at Baba’s Lounge. Admission is pay-what-you-can at the door. 181 Great George St. Charlottetown.

Island Jazz

Jazz on Thursdays at Baba’s Lounge features top local musicians performing original music, standards, jazz and pop favourites. Each show features a different group and two sets starting at 8 pm. The upcoming lineup includes: Spencer Soloduka with Max Keenlyside (Feb 6); Nathan Wright with Corduroy (13); Chris Coupland Trio from Mars (20); Island Jazz Quartet plays Paul Simon (27). Admission is by donation. 181 Great George St, Charlottetown.

Schooner Sessions

Sessions with Mark Douglas and friends take place weekly on Thursdays from

7–9 pm at The Old Triangle, 189 Great George St, Charlottetown.

Stratford and Area Lions Club

A monthly Ceilidh is held on the second Sunday of every month at the Cotton Centre in Stratford. Admission includes a light lunch. Info: Erma Rose (902-569-3956).

Summerside Legion

A kitchen party is held on Saturdays from 2–5 pm at the Summerside Legion with Back in Tyme (Blair Coughlin, Peter Burke, George MacPhee and Bob Gagnon.) Upcoming dates include February 1, 8, 15 and 22. Admission at the door. 340 Notre Dame St, Summerside.

Sunday Blues Jam

Sunday Blues Jam with Dan Doiron & Friends happens weekly from 3–6 pm at Copper Bottom Brewing. Each week Dan will be joined by a special guest for the first set, then open the floor for other to join in the second set. The guests for February are: Roland Beaulieu (Feb 2); Doug Burton (9); Chris Roumbanis and guests (16); Todd MacLean. 567 Main St, Montague.

Sunday Tune Session

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

Trad Night at Village Green

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

Winsloe United Winter Series Ceilidh

A ceilidh is held at 2 pm every second Sunday at Winsloe United. Host Jacinta MacDonald and the Winsloe United house band, with guest drummer Todd Gallant, welcome a special guest for each show. On February 2, special guests are singer Kelley Mooney and comedy act “Sarah” presented by Barb Perry. On February 16 the ceilidh will feature Kim Albert and Mike Arsenault. Tea, coffee and a light lunch are served at intermission. Admission is at the door, which opens at 1:30 pm. The church is wheelchair accessible. In case of inclement weather, call 902-894-9901 for updates. 121 Winsloe Rd, Rte 223, Winsloe South.

Island Jubilee

Old Time Radio Music Shows—Feb 9 and Mar 2

The Island Jubilee Old Time Radio Music Show has two upcoming concerts at Florence Simmons Performance Hall in Charlottetown.

On February 9, Ivan and Vivian Hicks will headline the Valentine’s Special. The concert will feature Maritime fiddle favorites, a duet with Jubilee fiddler Courtney Hogan-Chandler, and a lively step-dancing fiddle set with PEI step dancer Olivia Blacquiere.

On March 2, the show will feature special guests Whitney Rose, Julien Kitson, Abi Marie, and the Jubilee All Stars.

Whitney Rose is celebrated for her unique blend of classic country and vintage pop. Acclaimed by Rolling Stone and The New York Times, she has shared stages with Emmylou Harris, The Mavericks, Dwight Yoakam, Jason Isbell, and Midland. Whitney has released six original albums since 2012.

PEI songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Julien Kitson began performing at a young age alongside his father, Joey, at ceilidhs and benefit shows across the Island. As a teen, he appeared in Stan Rogers: A Matter of Heart and Singalong Jubilee. Kitson found his voice in songwriting as the frontman of local indie rock group Gizmo.

PEI performer, model and award-winning step dancer Abi Marie has graced stages across the Maritimes, including last summer’s Island Steps show at the Charlottetown Festival. She has earned accolades at Maritime dance competitions and models at

The Irish Rovers

In concert at Harbourfront Theatre—Feb 28

Celebrating 60 years on the road, The Irish Rovers, led by George and Ian Millar, return to Summerside’s Harbourfront Theatre on February 28 at 7:30 pm.

Music veterans in both Canada and their native Ireland, The Irish Rovers have delighted generations of fans for 60 years. In 2022, they reached Spotify’s Viral Top 50 in both the US and the UK/Ireland, culminating in the recording of their latest album, No End In Sight

Honoured as one of Ireland’s

New York Fashion Week. The Island Jubilee Old Time Radio Music Show is co-hosted by Janet McGarry and Serge Bernard, with the Jubilee All Stars, including Thomas Webb on steel guitar, Bobby McIsaac on acoustic and electric guitar, Johnny Ross on piano, Jason Burbine on bass, and Courtney Hogan-Chandler on fiddle.

Showtime is 2 pm. Tickets are available at ticketpro.ca, in person at the box office, or by phone at 1-888311-9090. Visit islandjubilee.com for updates and follow on FB.

greatest exports by Dublin’s EPIC Ireland Museum and celebrated in their hometown of Ballymena, these Kings of Celtic have earned numerous accolades over their career. Their achievements include seven JUNO Award nominations, a Grammy nomination, and a VIMA Award win. Most recently, in 2023, they were nominated for Single of the Year at the Canadian Folk Music Awards.

harbourfronttheatre.com

Whitney Rose (top), Julien Kitson (left) and Abi Marie

by Dennis Ellsworth

Alan Dowling

Alan Dowling’s musical journey began at 10 years old, playing spoons on stage with his grandfather, his father, and his sister on a selection of fiddle tunes. However, it was The Beatles on the Ed Sullivan show in 1964 that sent him dreaming of a life in music. He vividly remembers watching Ringo Starr play the drums on that show and he knew he wanted to be a drummer.

When Alan was 12 years old, he joined the Birchwood Band and the Sea Cadets Marching Band. By grade 8, although still in middle school, Alan was recruited by the Colonel Gray Band and the military band. These recruitments were great for his confidence and he embraced the opportunities.

In high school, he got his first drum kit (with the Ringo black oyster pearl finish) and started playing in rock ‘n’ roll bands. He started thinking about a career and he slowed down on music while he studied General Arts and Math at UPEI, but after two years at UPEI, Alan took a leap of faith and moved south to study percussion at Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts. Following a year in the US, he moved home and finished his music degree on PEI.

From there, he moved to Newfoundland and began his life as an educator. After three years, he returned home and got BSC in Math at UPEI. Following this, he worked in IT but kept busy in music by playing nights and weekends in cover bands around town. Always a lover of jazz, he formed the Alan Dowling Trio and played in Charlottetown Jazz Ensemble.

In an interesting twist, a promoter who

College and from this meeting, Berklee presented him with an interesting proposal. Would Holland College be interested in becoming Berklee’s first Global Partner in North America?

By March 2013, Berklee had approved Holland College’s use of their curriculum and by September 2013, it was fully integrated.

In 2015, Dowling brokered an articulation agreement (also known as a 2 + 2) with Berklee College of Music, whereby a student can study two years at Holland College and two years at Berklee and graduate with a four-year degree from Berklee. In 2016, the Berklee Pathways initiative began referring international students to Holland College. This influx of international students has had a significant and positive effect on the fabric of the music scene in Charlottetown.

Songs on fire

New monthly concert series at Trailside Music Hall

was bringing Freddy Fender to town recruited Alan to play drums for two sold out shows at The Confederation Centre. Alan has also played drums for Doug Riley and Bobby Curtola.

In the late 90s, Alan founded the group, The Jive Kings. The group released two albums, which won them a few ECMA awards but in 2002, they folded.

By this time, Alan was teaching IT at Holland College. Simultaneous to his teaching, he started working on a curriculum for a percussion course. This course was inspired by the Berklee education he had received back in the 70s. In 2004, Alan pitched this course to the head of Holland College, but it fell flat.

In 2006, Alan had a serendipitous conversation with Mike O’Grady who had ideas about starting an arts program at Holland College. O’Grady was trying to build a partnership with the Confederation Centre for dance and theatre studies, and he wanted Alan to look after the music component. Priorities and a lack of time kept these endeavors on hold until 2009 when Alan was formally asked to start building the music program. In 2010, he stopped teaching IT and was given a year to focus on the Holland College Music Program. In 2011, the School of Performing Arts at Holland College officially launched with 11 students.

There was always one thing Alan wanted for the program. He wanted to use Berklee’s books and he wanted to integrate their curriculum into that of Holland College’s. He approached Berklee, and they initially declined, but in 2012, he travelled to Berklee with the materials he had crafted for Holland

In 2017, Alan retired from his post as Head Educator for SoPA at Holland College, but his dedication to developing that program will have a lasting effect on the arts and culture of this province. Never one to completely close a door, Alan remains an instructor at the College.

Alan stays busy playing drums with KINLEY, Nolan Compton, Cory Gallant, Jolene Patkai, Got Blues, Winterjazz, and Island Jazz.

Acclaimed Canadian songwriter and composer Ben Kunder is launching a new monthly concert series, Songs on Fire: Live and in the Round, starting February 20 at Trailside Music Hall in Charlottetown.

Each month, Kunder will be joined by two guest songwriters for an evening of songs and conversations exploring “the how and why we write songs.” This community-focused show offers audiences a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process and the secrets of songwriting.

Showtime is 8 pm. Tickets are available at trailside.ca.

samedi 1er mars

SATURDAY, MARCH 1 @ THE MACK 19:30 h / 7:30 PM

L’ÉVÉNEMENT D’OUVERTURE DES RENDEZ-VOUS DE LA FRANCOPHONIE OFFICIAL OPENING EVENT!

Joignez-vous à nous pour l’événement d’ouverture des Rendez-vous de la Francophonie et un concert festif de Mardi Gras.

Join us for the opening event for Rendez-vous de la Francophonie and a joyous Mardi Gras concert.

Avec / Featuring: Vishtèn et/and Danser Collé de/from Louisiana avec/featuring Roddie Romero and Friends

Billets 25 $, ou 12,50 $ pour les jeunes de moins de 18 ans, plus frais et taxes Tickets $25, or $12.50 for youth under 18, plus fees and taxes.

ISJAKI STUDIO

SUBMITTED

Songwriter and composer Ben Kunder

PEI Brewing Company

Four upcoming music shows at Charlottetown venue

Steven Lee Olsen

Country Night in Canada Tour

February 26, 7:30 pm

Grammy-nominated country artist

Steven Lee Olsen is known internationally for his country-pop hits. His songs blend nostalgia, adventure, and the classic country themes of love, work, and play.

Presented by Cavendish Beach Music Festival. Visit whitecapentertainment.com for tickets. Use code BUZZ25 for 10% off.

SonReal

All Things Aside Tour

February 27, 8 pm

SonReal’s fresh style blends hip-hop, pop, and R&B influences. A dynamic artist, his distinctive sound and charismatic stage presence captivates audiences. Expect his biggest anthems, new releases, and personal favourites. Presented by Sommo Festival. Visit whitecapentertainment.com for tickets. Use code BUZZ25 for 10% off.

Aysanabee

Now and Then Tour

March 7, 8 pm

Oji-Cree alternative indie artist Aysanabee, originally from Sandy Lake First Nation in Northwestern Ontario, began making music under his mother’s maiden name when moments of stillness allowed him to slow down and create music that truly represented him as an artist. In March 2024, Aysanabee made history as the first Indigenous artist to win the JUNO Awards for Alternative Album of the Year and Songwriter of the Year for his EP Here and Now. His debut album, Watin (2022), was shortlisted for the 2023 Polaris Music Prize.

Visit whitecapentertainment.com for tickets. Use code BUZZ25 for 10% off.

Jamie Fine

March 8, 8 pm

Four-time JUNO Award-nominee

Jamie Fine uses her music to inspire audiences to explore emotions people feel but often struggle to express, ranging from anger and isolation to joy and connection. Her hit single “If Anything’s Left” reached Platinum status in Canada.

Visit whitecapentertainment.com for tickets. Use code BUZZ25 for 10% off.

A player in Memphis

wins top prize at International Blues Challenge

Island blues musician Joce Reyome recently took home the top prize in the Solo/ Duo category at the 2025 International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee. The five-day event welcomed hundreds of blues musicians from around the world.

Reyome earned their spot in the quarter-finals through the Maritimes to Memphis qualifier competition, presented by the East Coast Blues Society in September 2024 in Dartmouth, NS. Cape Breton’s Jon Hines Trio, a semi-finalist in Dartmouth, also made the trip to Memphis and advanced to the semifinals.

Joce Reyome has been captivating audiences with their dynamic performances on stages throughout the East Coast of Canada, where they now call home. Winner of the 2022 Music PEI Entertainer of the Year Award, Reyome brings authenticity to their performances, turning audiences into active participants in a journey through heartbreak and humour.

and a magazine profile.

“This is a really big step in my career in terms of legitimacy,” says Reyome. “I’ve had wonderful support from Music PEI, Innovation PEI, and the East Coast Blues Society. I couldn’t have done it without them.”

This top prize earned Joce a ticket on the Blues Train in Colorado, a Rhythm & Blues Cruise, a full set of Lee Oskar harmonicas, a cash prize,

Winterjazz

The 2025 International Blues Challenge, the world’s largest gathering of blues musicians, represents the worldwide search for blues bands and solo/duo blues performers ready for the international stage, yet just needing that extra big break. Run by The Blues Foundation, the event took place on the famous Beale Street in Memphis, Tennessee, from January 7–11, with over 20 clubs hosting the challengers and fans.

For more about Joce Reyome, visit jocereyome.com.

Season closer with Nathan Wiley—Feb 8

The 17th season of the popular Winterjazz winter concert series will close with special guest Nathan Wiley joining the house band—featuring Deryl Gallant, Glen Strickey, Ian Toms, and Max Gallant—on February 8 at The Pourhouse in Charlottetown. Summerside, PEI’s Nathan Wiley earned acclaim with his 2002 debut, Bottom Dollar, which won an East Coast Music Award for Alternative Album of the Year and was named one of Billboard Magazine’s top ten albums of 2002. His mix of classic sounds and a modern, world-weary perspective resonated with listeners, featuring subtle melodies and lyrics addressing universal yearnings. Wiley has built on this success with

the ECMA-winning High Low (2004), the Steve Berlin-produced The City Destroyed Me (2007), Bandits (2015), and Modern Magic (2021), which won Music PEI’s Album of the Year and Songwriter of the Year, and earned another ECMA nomination. Wiley has shared the stage with Blue Rodeo, Sarah Harmer, Steve Earle, Billy Bragg, Matt Mays, and Ron Sexsmith, among others. His music has been featured in TV, film, and stage productions. Showtime is at 7 pm. Admission is cash-only at the door. As always, a portion of this event’s profits will go toward a scholarship fund for Island students entering a jazz program. Reservations are recommended by calling 902-892-5200.

Joce Reyome outside the Orpheum Theatre in Memphis, TN

Joce Reyome

LIVE MUSIC

bars, lounges, cafés...

Albert & Crown Pub

Evan Oliver (Feb 7 @6 pm); Crystal Paynter & Cory Gallant (14 @7 pm); Very Best of Up West (15 @ 8 pm) Bruce Jones (21 @6 pm); Floyd Gaudet (28 @6 pm). 480 Main St, Alberton.

Baba’s Lounge

Live music on Fridays & Saturdays (10 pm). Open Mic with KINLEY on Wednesdays (9 pm). Island Jazz on Thursdays (8 pm). 181 Great George St, Charlottetown.

Boonoonoonoos

DJ Pusha Jr. on February 14 (11 pm). Karaoke on Saturdays (9–11 pm) with KiiKii Rose & DJ Selecta Chevron. 177 Great George St, Charlottetown.

Bogside Brewing

Fridays & Saturdays (6:30–9:30 pm): Rick Arsenault (Jan 31); Jordon Cameron (Feb 1); Steve Zaat (7); Keira Loane (8); Barry O’Brien (14); Lisa Birt (15); Carter MacLellan (21); Billy White (22); Brian Dunn (28). Blizzard Goat on Saturdays (3–5 pm). 11 Brook St, Montague.

Brothers 2

Thursdays (7–9 pm) & Fridays (7–10 pm): Danny Drouin (Jan 31); Todd Gallant (Feb 6); Chris Ahern (7); Nick Hann (13); Todd & Chris (14); Lawrence Maxwell (20); D’Arcy & Moe (21); David Woodside (27); Karen & Mike (28). 618 Water St, Summerside.

Charlottetown Legion

Saturdays (9:30 pm–12:30 am): Wrecking Crew (Feb 1); Miller Creek (8); Wannabeez (15); Kim Albert (22). All are welcome. 99 Pownal St, Charlottetown.

Copper Bottom Brewing

Blues Jam with Dan Doiron & Friends on Sundays (3–6 pm). The Burning Hell (Feb 8 *ticketed); Echoes: A Night of Fleetwood Mac (15 *ticketed). 567 Main St, Montague.

Craft Beer Corner

The Corner Club with DJ Diego on Feb 7 (9 pm). Live DJ on Saturdays (10 pm): MOJO (Feb 1); Javier (8); D.R.O.K & guest (15); Tully (22). 156 Great George St, Charlottetown.

Evermoore Brewing

Tuesdays (6–8 pm): Nick Doneff (Feb 4); Shane Pendergast (11); Ryan Merry (18); Geoffrey Charlton (25). Celtic Jam with Geoffrey Charlton on Saturdays (2–4 pm). 192 Water St, Summerside.

FiN Folk Food

Fridays (5–7 pm); Nathan Carragher (Jan 31); Shane Pendergast (Feb 7/14/28); Nathan Carragher (21). 106 Beach Rd, Grand Tracadie.

Founders’ Food Hall & Market

Fridays (4:30–6:30 pm) & Saturdays (5–7 pm): Ryan Merry (Jan 31); Dan Doiron (Feb 1); Nat & Wayne (8); Tiantian & Vivian (14); Adam MacGregor (15); Carter MacLellan (7/22); Mike Stratton (21); Mark & Spencer Phillips (28). 6 Prince St, Charlottetown.

Gahan House

Fridays & Saturdays (8–10 pm): Curt & Kev (Jan 31); Lawrence Maxwell (7/15); Laura & Donovan (8/22); Stephen Szwarc (28). 126 Sydney St, Charlottetown.

Lone Oak at Fox Meadow

Fridays (6–8 pm): John McLaren (Feb 7); TBA (14/28); Nathan Carragher (21). 167 Kinlock Rd, Stratford.

Lone Oak Brew Pub

Craig Fair on Thursdays (6–8 pm). 15 Milky Way, Charlottetown.

Lone Oak Brewing Co

Saturdays (6–8 pm) and Sundays (1–3 pm): Nathan Carragher (Feb 1); Brad Milligan (2); TBA (8/15/22); Lawrence Maxwell (9); Dan Doiron (16); David Woodside (23). 103 Abegweit Blvd, Borden-Carleton.

The Local Pub & Oyster Bar

Thatcher MacKay (Feb 1 @6 pm); Mary MacGillivray (2 @2 pm); Cian O’Morain & Mary MacGillivray (7 @7 pm); Brian Dunn (14/21 @6 pm); Ryan Merry (22 @6 pm). 202 Buchanan Dr, Charlottetown.

Marc’s Lounge

Fridays & Saturdays (9 pm): Kevin MacPhee (Jan 31); Curtis Klein (Feb 1/21); Mat Hannah (7); Lawrence Maxwell (8/28). 125 Sydney St, Charlottetown.

Montague Legion

Karaoke with Gloria on Fridays (8 pm). 15 Douses Rd, Montague.

North Rustico Lions Club

Saturdays (8–11 pm): Roland Beaulieu (Feb 1); The Rod & Blake Duo (8); Haché (15); Nathan Carragher (22). Jam Session on Tuesdays (7 pm start). Karaoke with Len Skinner (7/21 @8 pm). 17 Timber Ln, North Rustico.

O’Brien’s Social Bar & Kitchen

Saturdays (6–9 pm): Karen & Mike Penton (Feb 1); Wayne Gallant (8); Roger Stone (15); Mat Hannah (22). Red Shores, 21 Exhibition Dr, Charlottetown.

Olde Dublin Pub

Luka Hall (Jan 31 @6 pm); Brian Dunn (Feb 1 @6 pm); MacBeth (1 @10 pm); Wannabeez (8 @10 pm); TBA (15 @10 pm); Tip ‘Er Back (22 @1:30 pm); Down With Darby (22 @10 pm). 132 Sydney St, Charlottetown.

The Old Triangle

Fridays & Saturdays (8–11 pm). 189 Great George St, Charlottetown.

PEI Brewing Company

Fridays (4–7 pm): Stephen Szwarc (Jan 31); Ryan Merry (Feb 7); Lawrence Maxwell (14); Ethan MacPhee (21); Adam MacGregor (28). 96 Kensington Rd, Charlottetown.

PonyBoat

DJ Gufaah & DJ Mando on Fridays and Saturdays (11 pm). Stupid Cupid Dance Party with DJ Mando (Feb 14 @10 pm); Love Junkies (15 @10 pm). 157 Kent St, Charlottetown.

Razzy’s Roadhouse

Fridays (6–9 pm): Dan Doiron (Jan 31); Brian Dunn (Feb 7); Valentine Night with Kevin Arthur (14); Karaoke & Trivia with J-ROD (15 *Sat); Dash and Rip Rocks (21); Dan Doiron (28). 161 St. Peters Rd, Charlottetown.

RCAF Wing Summerside

Saturdays (9 pm). 329 North Market St, Summerside.

Salvador Dalí Café

Got Blues on Saturdays (2–4 pm) fea turing weekly guests and blues jam. 155 Kent St, Charlottetown.

Slaymaker & Nichols

Village Green Theme Party

Rewind back to the 80s—Feb 15

Village Green Brewery is hosting its first theme party, “Back to the 80s,” on February 15 from 9–11 pm.

Guests are invited to shake off the winter blues, dress the part, grab some friends and put on their dancing shoes for a night of 80s music, snacks, and drink specials. Plus, there’s a prize for the best costume.

30 Church Street, Cornwall.

Nick Gauthier on Fridays & Sundays (2–5 pm). 82 Fitzroy St, Charlottetown.

Summerside Legion

Kitchen Party on Saturdays (2–5 pm) with Back in Tyme. Karaoke with Lesa Coughlin on Thursdays (7 pm). 340 Notre Dame St, Summerside.

Tekila

Daniel Rodriguuz Mariachi on Fridays (7–9 pm). Mango Street Trio on Saturdays (7–9 pm). 165 Prince St, Charlottetown.

Upstreet Craft Brewing

Zebedee (Feb 7 @7:30 pm); Soft & Wet Valentine’s Drag Show (14 *ticketed); Joe Chevarie (21 @7:30 pm); Sam Olscamp and Green Eyes, Witch Hands (22 *ticketed); Ice Cream Social (28 @7:30 pm). 41 Allen St, Charlottetown.

MARCH

BUZZ DEADLINE

Friday, February 14

The Burning Hell

Live at Copper Bottom Brewing—Feb 8

The Burning Hell will perform at Copper Bottom Brewing in Montague on February 8 at 7:30 pm. The evening will be supported by songwriter and poet Tanya Davis.

The Burning Hell is the ongoing musical project of songwriter Mathias Kom and multi-instrumentalist Ariel Sharratt, based in Eastern Kings, PEI. Their densely populated genre-shifting songs are packed with an abundance of literary, historical, cultural, and pop-cultural forebears, heroes and villains, stories and hooks. They move with heavy rhyme and a light step, incorporating a frequent fixation on apocalypse and ruin into work that celebrates participation in a mutually created, occasionally beautiful world.

Tanya Davis is a writer and performer who creates for the page, the

MUSIC

Belfast Pipe and Drum Band seeks new members

The Belfast Pipe and Drum Band is seeking pipers and drummers. Email heatherjoudrie@gmail.com for details.

Music for early years

Molly Whuppie is offering a music workshop for young children and families on February 8 from 10:30–11:30 am in Studio 1 at Confederation Centre of the Arts. Families, educators, and other childcare providers are invited to join her in a playful community music experience that also offers ideas and tools to help engage young ones with music. Whuppie will blend familiar tunes with her original songs for children. All ages are welcome. Info/register: confederationcentre.com/ artseducation

Music and movement for kids

New music activities at Confederation Centre of the Arts in Charlottetown include Rhythm Adventures: Music and Movement for Kids, a six-week session that introduces children ages 5–7 to the joy of music through active learning. Classes will cover rhythm, melody, solfège and more. Info/register: confederationcentre.com/artseducation

Informal jam session

Informal jam sessions for adults are held regularly at the Summerside Library. Upcoming sessions will be held at 6 pm on February 10 and 24. Bring

stage, the stereo, and the screen. She is PEI’s current Poet Laureate.

This is a 19+ event. Tickets can be purchased in the taproom or online via Eventbrite. 567 Main St, Montague.

an instrument or borrow one from the library and enjoy an evening of music-making with others. 57 Central St, Summerside.

Survey for people who play music on PEI

The Province of PEI, in collaboration with TIAPEI, is conducting a survey in order to better understand the living and working conditions of people who play music on PEI. The survey is available online and in-person at the following locations: Copper Bottom in Montague with host Ashley Condon on February 13 from 4–6 pm; Trailside Music Hall in Charlottetown with host Pat Deighan on February 14 from 10 am–1 pm; and in Summerside (venue tbd) with host Catherine MacLellan on February 15. To register, fill out the survey online, and enter a draw for a chance to win a prize, visit form.jotform. com/250044977074258/.

Kings County Music Festival

The Kings County Music Festival is set for May 5–9 and is inviting young musicians to participate. As one of four divisions of the PEI Kiwanis Music Festival Association, the Festival promotes growth in music through competitive and non-competitive classes. Cash awards are given to top performers in each discipline (participants must enter two or more classes to qualify). Adjudicators may also recommend competitors to the provincial music festival. Classes are available in piano, voice, instrumental, and choral (school and community) for all levels, from beginner to advanced. Guidelines, class lists, and online entry forms are available at peikmfa.ca/kings-county. The entry deadline is February 28. Info: 902-8382681; dawhite@pei.sympatico.ca

Tributes at Harbourfront

Take a step back in time for some musical classics

Good Vibrations

Feb 8, 7:30 pm

Led by producer and performer Craig Fair (Craig Fair Productions), Good Vibrations: Hits of the Beach Boys features a cast of ten PEI artists: Fair, Brielle Ansems, Carrie MacLellan, Alan White, Evan McCosham, Nick Gauthier, Bruce Rooney, Ben Aitken, Jeff Doherty, and Brad Milligan. Together, they will perform Beach Boys classics like ”I Get Around,” “Good Vibrations,” “Surfin’ USA,” “Help Me Rhonda,” and “Wouldn’t It Be Nice.”

Presented by Explore Summerside and Harbourfront Theatre as part of the 2025 Winter Warmth Festival, the show will transport attendees from winter’s chill to California’s warm sands with the timeless hits of the Beach Boys.

Tickets are available at exploresummerside.com/winter-warmth.

A1A Jimmy Buffett Tribute Show

February 18, 7:30 pm

The A1A band’s journey began after they won a Jimmy Buffett sound-alike contest for Margaritaville Records.

Fiddlers’ Sons

Kings Playhouse in Georgetown will welcome Fiddlers’ Sons to its stage on February 22 at 7:30 pm.

Since forming in 1997, Fiddlers’ Sons list of accomplishments and awards has grown to rival any traditional music group in the Maritimes. The concert will feature the band’s current lineup: Eddy Quinn, John B. Webster, and multi-instrumentalist Keelin Wedge.

For over two decades, Fiddlers’ Sons has mesmerized audiences with their authentic, soul-stirring brand of grassroots music, performing to

Since then, they have performed extensively, including with members of Jimmy’s band over the years— Greg Taylor, Mac McAnally, Michael Utley, Robert Greenidge, Peter Mayer, Amy Lee, Nadirah Shakoor, and Tina Gullickson.

For tickets or more information visit harbourfronttheatre.com.

Oh What A Night!

March 2, 2 pm

In this musical revue audiences can expect to hear songs from the dynamic songbook of the boys from Jersey, Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, including “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” and more.

For tickets or more information visit harbourfronttheatre.com.

Harbourfront Theatre is located at 124 Heather Moyse Drive, Summerside.

packed houses across the region. Tickets are available by calling 902-652-2053, visiting kingsplayhouse. com, or at the door one hour before showtime.

A1A Jimmy Buffett Tribute Show will take the stage on February 18

(L–R): Eddy Quinn, John B. Webster and Keelin Wedge

Mathias Kom and Ariel Sharratt

PEI Bluegrass concert

Fundraiser with The Stiff Family and Whitecap Drive—Mar 2

The PEI Bluegrass & Old Time Music Society is hosting a fundraising concert on March 2 at 2 PM at Beaconsfield’s Carriage House in Charlottetown, featuring Island bluegrass performers The Stiff Family and Whitecap Drive.

The Stiff Family consists of Dave on guitar and Heather on bass, along with their children: Aaron on banjo and dobro, Hannah on mandolin, Elizabeth on fiddle, and Abigail on fiddle. The group is known for the smooth vocal harmonies that only a family band can provide.

Whitecap Drive, formed last year, is made up of seasoned Island bluegrass players Harold and Marnie Noye and Kim Tuplin. Harold sings lead and plays guitar and mandolin, Marnie plays upright bass, and Kim sings and plays guitar. Fourth member Troy MacArthur is unavailable for this show, but his place will be taken by Vans Bryant.

Admission is at the door. There will

Jack Pine Folk Club

The Pourhouse—Feb 19

Island folk singer-songwriter Shane Pendergast will bring PEI’s beloved Jack Pine Folk Club to the Pourhouse stage for a night of music and poetry on February 19.

The show will feature Nova Scotian songwriter Alexander Gallant, traditional music duo Sarah Simpson and Sam Ramsay, and poet Brent MacLaine.

Admission is at the door. Showtime is at 7:30 pm.

Keilidh for Kids

Bonshaw Hall—Feb 23

Musician Lucy Farrell, along with friends Leah Ellis and Brieonna Locche Richard, will present Tunes and Tales at Bonshaw Hall (9 Green Road) on February 23 at 2 pm. This delightful event features stories, songs, and dances for children—and adults—of all ages.

BUZZIFIEDS

PROFESSIONAL ART

PRODUCTS. Bailey Studio Gallery offers the highest, professional calibre painting supplies to be found in Canada - including Gamblin Oils, Libeco Linen, Meeden Easels and Boxes, Rosemary & Co and Princeton Brushes. www.professionalart.ca.

SHOP SUSTAINABLY WITH RECYCLED RUNWAY, offering size-inclusive thrifted and vintage women’s fashions. Follow us for Thrift Thursday drops on Instagram and shop in-person by appointment or at events! Instagram: @ recycledrunwaypei

The Stiff Family

be a 50/50 draw, and raffle tickets for a Martin DX-2 guitar will be available. All proceeds go to the PEI Bluegrass Society fundraising program for the 38th Annual PEI Bluegrass & Oldtime Music Festival, scheduled for July 4–6 at the Dundas Fairgrounds.

The Carriage House, located on West Street in Charlottetown, is wheelchair accessible.

Trad duo Sam Ramsay and Sarah Simpson

Pourhouse is located above The Old Triangle at 189 Great George Street in Charlottetown.

Admission is by donation to help cover costs, with free entry for children under 12.

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.

(L–R): Leah, Brieonna and Lucy

The

Showtime in Charlo etown

New vendors. New venue. Same great vibes. Try coolers, ciders, and beers from the best breweries on the East Coast and beyond! Choose from three sampling sessions, all paired with live music.

at THE EASTLINK CENTRE 46 Kensington Rd. Ch’town

ALL THINGS ASIDE

Presented by Sommo Festival, SonReal’s fresh style blends hip-hop, pop, and R&B influences. A dynamic artist, his distinctive sound and charismatic stage presence captivates audiences. Expect his biggest anthems, new releases, and personal favorites.

at PEI BREWING COMPANY 96 Kensington Rd. Ch’town

A four-time Juno nominee with nearly 1.5 million followers, Jamie Fine’s ability to convey intense emotion is her superpower. Her music inspires us to explore emotions we all feel but often struggle to express.

Presented by Cavendish Beach Music Festival, Grammy-nominated Steven Lee Olsen is known internationally for his country-pop hits. Sometimes nostalgic, often adventurous, always in tune with country’s themes of love, work, and play.

at PEI BREWING COMPANY 96 Kensington Rd. Ch’town

Aysanabee is a multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter whose striking sound is equal parts hypnotic and melodic. Solemn and soaring, backed by a swirling blend of indie, soul and electronic soundscapes, mournful saxophone and pulse-quickening fingerpicking.

PEI BREWING COMPANY 96 Kensington Rd. Ch’town

Bankas is a comedian who mocks politics, current events, pop culture, and himself. He has performed with Andrew Schulz, Joe List, and Louis J. Gomez, and has a surprisingly diverse cult-like following of fans.