The Buzz - April 2021

Gail Rhyno

April 2021

Strong sensitivity

collaborates with Mi’kmaq across the Island in their efforts toward self-determination.

“Self-determination is about being in the driver’s seat in all decisions that involve us as Indigenous Peoples,” he says. “Mi’kmaq have inherent rights and we get to determine our governance structures on our own terms.”

Richard’s work in self-determination isn’t just part of his day job: it’s his way of being in the world. He has forged his own path, on his own terms, and in his own way.

“Sports and athletics didn’t come naturally to me and I had to work and train really hard to get to where I am now.” He credits support from his parents, peers and coaches as major influences to his many athletic achievements.

With any list of accomplishments also comes a list of grief and loss. Richard shared many deeply personal parts of his journey with me as we sat together and we talked about the healing power of story and connection. Like many Indigenous people, Richard is deeply connected to Spirit and he is called on by the Creator through vision.

“When I realized the trauma I was carrying, I knew I had to do something to help myself heal.” As always, he turned to his culture for guidance.

“Though I was in some of my darkest times, I was reminded in my visions that Creator is with me and has a plan for me and my time here.” It is through these visions that many pieces of writing have been birthed.

Whether in work, play, or life, Richard Pellissier-Lush shows up as his full self and endeavors to live a life that inspires others to do the same. Richard, whose Mi’kmaq name is Gitbu Amalkewinu (Eagle Dancer), is a writer, actor, dancer, athlete and leader, among many other things. He is a proud Mi’kmaw man from Lennox Island who has already won lifetime achievement awards, though he’s barely in his thirties.

“I consider myself to be an advocate for my people generally, and for youth specifically,” he reiterated throughout our conversation. “I was fortunate to have many role models and opportunities so I do what I can to pay that forward for other young people.”

Although Richard is likely best known for football (playing and coaching), he takes the related comradery, sportsmanship and leadership with him off the field as well.

“I wear many different hats so every day looks different,” he says. “I could be recruiting for a football team or

interviewing knowledge keepers or writing a short story.”

In 2019, Richard was selected as one of eight Indigenous folks across the country to deliver a presentation to Senate. “Senator [Brian] Francis really helped show me what is possible and I want to keep showing other youth that they can do anything too.”

From Senate presentations to songwriting, Richard always finds ways to make sure his voice is heard so that he can share stories of strength and resilience from his community.

“I’m thinking about lots of other ways to get our messages out there through podcasts or music.” Richard’s natural leadership was shining through as he told me about plans for creating a recording studio and having the ability to broaden the scope of his pursuits.

Richard is a team-player and community-builder with big dreams for his people. In his day job, he is an Engagement Officer with L’nuey. In this role, Richard connects and

Richard recalls many instances where he felt he had to hold back tears or not show emotion. This toxic masculinity is rampant in athletics and he grappled with the false dichotomy of having to be sensitive or strong for many years. Then he was called into ceremony with Junior Peter-Paul, where he started to learn that we can, in fact, be both sensitive and strong, simultaneously. “When we connect to all of creation, the medicine flows through us,” he says, “and tears are medicine.”

Richard inspired me with his wholeheartedness and his unwavering commitment to community-building. We will continue to see many great things from him, including a new children’s book which is slated to be published later in 2021. The book explores the experiences of a light skinned Mi’kmaw boy learning his place within the culture and community and it is sure to be an educational and inspirational story for Indigenous and non-Indigenous people alike.

“As Indigenous men, our sensitivities are our strengths.”

JULIE BULL

Profile: Richard Pellissier-Lush by Julie Bull

Kitbag Theatre

New PEI company makes “theatre you can carry with you”

Young Company auditions

Young performers from across Canada are invited to submit video auditions for the 2021 season of the TD Confederation Centre Young Company. The season will run on-site from June to August, and is a proud part of The Charlottetown Festival at Confederation Centre of the Arts.

This summer, the Young Company will present The Rising!, exploring moments where society has come together to stand up for civil and judicial rights.

Music transcends geographic and cultural barriers and has played an essential role in protests for generations. Weaving songs from such artists as Tracy Chapman, Lady Gaga, Macklemore, CCR and Bob Marley, The Rising! is an inspiring, high-energy journey about striving for a better and more equitable humanity.

Performers between the ages of 18 and 30 are encouraged to apply to be a part of this important group of storytellers. Whether one’s stories come from spoken word or song, traditional or modern dance, the Centre is looking for voices of all backgrounds to come together on PEI for an unforgettable experience in the arts.

PEI’s newest theatre company, Kitbag Theatre, is co-founded by Island theatre professionals Jacob Hemphill, Melissa MacKenzie and Rebecca Parent. Their goal is to create, produce and present professional theatre yearround, with a commitment to hiring locally, and investing in the Island’s artistic community. They provide accessible, professional theatre to Islanders, believing it can be a transformative experience for everyone.

Kitbag first appeared on the Island theatre scene with their production of Tuesdays & Sundays at North Rustico’s Watermark Theatre in November 2020. “It was clear that Islanders were itching to get back out to the theatre,” shares Parent. “It was important to us that neither the content of the piece, nor the ticket pricing be an obstacle for audience members.”

For the company’s founders, the mandate of accessibility goes beyond ticket pricing. “Accessibility to us means meeting the needs of our community, whether it be financial, physical, or educational,” explains MacKenzie. “We are seeking to foster a safe and exciting theatrical experience for everyone— and we’re learning as we go!”

Another goal for these three young

artists is to provide year-round theatre in their home province. “We want Island audiences to see Islanders performing on stage,” says Hemphill, “Not only to showcase the immense talent that exists here, but to demonstrate to young Island artists that they don’t need to leave PEI to share their art and their stories.”

Kitbag is already producing four shows so far in 2021—three in April alone. Jason Robert Brown’s Songs for a New World runs at the end of March, followed by The Princess & the Handmaiden for young audiences by Leslie Arden in April. MacKenzie’s cabaret good girl and Final Wave: A Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre (written by Parent) will also take place in April. Kitbag plans to remount Tuesdays & Sundays in the coming months.

Kitbag Theatre shows at a glance: Songs for a New World at Trailside Music Hall, March 30–31 at 8 pm.

The Princess & the Handmaiden at Trailside Music Hall, April 10–11 and 17–18 at 2 pm.

good girl at Trailside Music Hall, April 20 and 21 at 8 pm.

Final Wave: A Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre at the Delta Prince Edward, April 23–24 at 7:30 pm.

Tickets: trailside.ca, eventbrite.ca

Rehearsals for the Young Company begin in mid-June and run through August 21. As it has for almost three decades, the program doubles as a summer training intensive, featured within The Charlottetown Festival.

Submissions are welcome from people of all cultures, genders and identities, with varying degrees of experience. Applicants are reminded that if they play a musical instrument or speak languages other than English, they should showcase this ability in their video audition. Traditional songs, dances and speeches are also welcomed and encouraged.

Applicants must be eligible to work in Canada. Full details can be found at confederationcentre.com/auditions.

Co-founders of Kitbag Theatre (l-r): Melissa MacKenzie, Jacob Hemphill and Rebecca Parent

MAY 7 and 8

Julain Molnar

Shane Pendergast

Kris Taylor

MAY 14 and 15

Vince the Messenger

Joce Reyome

Alicia Toner

MAY 21 and 22

Michelle Bouey

Kierra Celeste

Noah Malcom

MAY 28 and 29

Brielle Ansems

John Connolly

Jenna-Marie Gallant

7:30pm Tickets $25 www.harmonyhousetheatre.com

Tuesday Night LIVE!

New dates announced for spotlight series—April 13 & 20

Kitbag Theatre presents good girl, written, directed and starring Melissa MacKenzie with accompaniment by Morgan Saulnier, at Trailside Music Hall in Charlottetown, April 20 and 21 at 8 pm.

Recipe: Melissa MacKenzie.

Mix equal parts: crippling anxiety; private Christian school; attending Purity Class at said Christian school; theatre school; loving how the 1940’s looked; and hating how the 1940’s must have felt intersectional feminism.

Bake at 420° for 25 years and you’ve got good girl—navigating love, sex and the musical theatre industry after growing up good.

Initially presented to a sold-out crowd at Toronto’s 120 Diner in February 2020, and again to another sold-out crowd at the Trailside Music Hall last October, MacKenzie is thrilled to give this tale another tell.

Join MacKenzie, Saulnier and a team of musicians and performers for a night of Mrs. Maisel-esque storytelling and tunes of every genre.

Tickets: trailside.ca

MAY DEADLINE

Submissions and advertising booking deadline for the May Buzz:

Thursday, April 15th

Confederation Centre of the Arts in Charlottetown has announced new dates for their Tuesday Night LIVE! series, following the interruption due to the last circuit breaker.

A part of Sobeys LIVE @ the Centre, the concert series spotlights a different Island artist each Tuesday on the Centre’s Mainstage.

Rising star performer of Afro-fusion music, OBEMBE is the featured act for April 13. Joshua Obembe came to the Island as an international student and began making music under his new handle soon after. He defines his style as mixing sounds from many different parts of the world into an energizing, unique aesthetic

April 20 features the Centre debut of Music PEI New Artist of the Year

nominee, Brandon Howard Roy. Backed by a band of Island musicians, Roy’s unique indie-pop sound serves up the vocal stylings of Freddie Mercury and Barbara Streisand with a modern twist.

Concert tickets are on sale now at confederationcentre.com or by visiting the Centre’s box office in person, Monday to Friday, 12–5 pm. There is a limit of 200 tickets for each performance.

Concertgoers are also encouraged to bring a receipt from a local restaurant to the Tuesday night show—from that same day—and be entered to win a $50 restaurant gift card. Front-of-House attendants will collect signed receipts pre-show and a live draw will be conducted from the Mainstage.

confederationcentre.com

Mike Ross invites some of the best songwriters on the Island to each share 2 cover-songs and 2 originals in a night of conversation and song at Harmony House. Hear them collaborate and share the stories behind their choices in an intimate evening that's guaranteed to bring you closer to the magic of songwriting.

Charlottetown Afro-fusion artist OBEMBE (left) and indie-pop artist Brandon Howard Roy

Melissa MacKenzie

Summer varieties

Lineup for 2021 season features theatre, comedy and music

Watermark Theatre in North Rustico announced their 2021 summer season with a lineup that includes an outdoor performance of Mi’kmaq Legends by the Mi’kmaq Heritage Actors, bittersweet comedy The Gin Game by D.L. Coburn, Cottagers and Indians by Drew Hayden Taylor, and the Watermark Music Series featuring local musicians interpreting and performing songs by classic songwriters.

Drama, storytelling, music, dance and visual art combine to bring authentic Mi’kmaq lore to life in Mi’kmaq Legends. This free outdoor performance will be held July 10 at 1 pm.

1978 Pulitzer Prize winning drama, The Gin Game by D.L. Coburn uses a card game as a metaphor for life. Weller Martin is playing solitaire on the porch of a seedy nursing home. Enter Fonsia Dorsey, a prim, self-righteous lady. The pair discover they both dislike the home but enjoy gin rummy and as they play the game, they reveal intimate details about their lives. The Gin Game will be on stage from July 13 to 31.

In Drew Hayden Taylor’s Cottagers and Indians, wild rice sparks a battle royal between an Indeginous farmer and a white cottager, whose increasingly bitter dispute becomes a microcosm for reconciliation. Told with warmth and humour, the lighthearted and powerful play covers community, respect and ownership. Taylor’s unique style of

Indigenous commentary and storytelling has struck a chord with audiences at home and abroad, leading to his considerable success as playwright, author and screenwriter. Performances will take place from August 10 to 28.

The Watermark Music Series, curated by Rob Oakie, returns July 25 with The Music of John Prine, Songs for a Small Planet on August 8, and Swing Time USA on August 22.

Tickets are now available by calling 963-3963 or at ticketwizard.ca. Watermark Theatre is located at 57 Church Hill Ave in North Rustico.

watermarktheatre.com

Playwright Drew Hayden Taylor is one of Canada’s leading Indigenous writers and humourists

Watermark Theatre

EXHIBITS

Confed Centre Art Gallery

On view: Eye Candy to April 6. Give me Shelter to April 6; The Drive to May 2; and Gerard Clarkes: A Haunted Land to May 9. 145 Richmond St, Charlottetown. confederationcentre.com

Cornwall Library Art Gallery

The Spring Group Art Show runs until May 7. The show features one piece of art by each participating local artist that has never been shown in the gallery. Contact for info on displaying in the gallery. 15 Mercedes Dr, Town Hall, Cornwall. 6298415, cornwall@gov.pe.ca, library.pe.ca

Gallery @ The Guild

On view: David D’Aubin: A Retrospective by David D’Aubin to April 5; TRIAD in the Key of IB, April 7–18 with opening reception April 9, 5–7 pm; and The Time of our Lives April 21–May 9. 111 Queen St, Charlottetown. theguildpei.com

Eptek Art & Culture Centre

Visit the permanent exhibition on the history and architecture of Summerside. Admission is by donation. Eptek is a site of the PEI Museum and Heritage Foundation. 130 Heather Moyse Dr, Summerside. peimuseum.com

HC SoVA Showcase

Holland College School of Visual Arts

student showcase, Paradise Lost and Found, will be on display from April 8–30 at the Confederation Centre Art Gallery, 145 Richmond St, Charlottetown. Fundamental Arts; Photography & Videography; Video Game Art & Animation; and Graphic Design.

Kings Playhouse Gallery

On view: Jubilation! A New Beginning to April 23. Presented by Artisans On Main, the exhibit features new work by Helene LaRouche, Julia Purcell, Ann Clow and Geraldine Ysselstein. 65 Grafton St, Georgetown. kingsplayhouse.com

Lefurgey Cultural Centre

On view: Culture Summerside Sixty Days of Fame exhibit Love’s Hidden SymMeTrees by Patricia Clarkin. Open Monday–Friday, 9 am–4 pm, free of charge. 205 Prince St, Summerside.

Receiver Coffee Co.

On view: Remote Transmissions (Peake Street Collective) to April 24. Virtual opening online via Zoom, April 9 from 6–8 pm. Register at thistownissmall.com. 128 Richmond St, Charlottetown.

2021 Guild presents

April

Popalopalots: Live Improv Comedy

April 9 & 30

The Guild Music Theatre School Presents: Into the Woods Jr.

April 10 -18

The Guild Music Theatre School Presents: Honk! Jr.

April 16 - 25

Side Hustle

April 22

Amazing Tales of the Atlantic

April 23

Gallery @ The Guild: David D’Aubin -- A Retrospective On display until April 5th

Gallery @ The Guild: The Time of Our Lives

Opening Reception April 21

Gallery@ The Guild:

Triad in the Key of IB -- Colonel Grey High IB

Graduation Show • April 7-16

Opening Reception April 9th 5pm-7pm

Music PEI Awards

Menzie and MacLellan lead the pack with 3 wins each

902.620.3333

Music PEI recently held their 2021 Awards Party in Charlottetown. In total, 31 awards were handed out.

Catherine MacLellan took home three awards—Crabbe Road Productions Solo Recording, Music Publishers Canada Song of the Year (with Tara MacLean) and Contemporary Roots Recording of the Year.

Dylan Menzie received SOCAN Songwriter of the Year, FACTOR Entertainer of the Year, and his graphic design team tied with Lawrence Maxwell’s for The Buzz Album Art of the Year.

Other highlights in non-recording awards included Scott Parsons receiving the Upstreet Lifetime Achievement Award, Frances McBurnie receiving the ABCE Community Contributor of the Year and Nancy White for the Deep Roots Distillery Rooted To The Island Award.

Congratulations to all the nominees. This year’s Award winners are (otY = of the Year):

PEI Symphony Achievement in Classical Music – Sirens

Credit Union Album otY – Rachel Beck - Stronger Than You Know

The Buzz Album otY – Dylan Menzie

- Lost in Dreams (Graphic Designers: Ashley Anne Clark and Cohen McDonald); Lawrence Maxwell -

Almost Natural (Graphic Designer: Aidan Searle)

Digital Achievement otY – KINLEY

Copper Bottom Brewing Event otY –Indian River Festival

Francophone Artist otY – Vishtèn City of Charlottetown Group

Recording otY – Amanda Jackson Band - Ocean 8

Instrumental Recording otY – Sarah Hagen - Women of Note

Livestream otY – Vishtèn

Holland College Musician otY –Roland Beaulieu

Maritime Electric Lloyd Doyle New Artist otY – Logan Richard - Everyday Cymba Music Publishing Producer otY – Colin Buchanan

Recording Studio otY – The Sound Mill

SOCAN Songwriter otY – Dylan Menzie

Crabbe Road Productions Solo Recording otY – Catherine MacLellan - Coyote

Music Publishers Canada Song otY – Catherine MacLellan and Tara MacLean - “This Storm”

Venue otY – Mainstage Theatre, Confederation Centre of the Arts

FilmPEI Video otY – KINLEY“Run With You” (Directed by Jenna MacMillan)

Contemporary Roots Recording otY – Catherine MacLellan - Coyote

Electronic Recording otY – Hailey

MacIsaac - Down2U (feat. Mossboy)

Rock Recording otY – Little CitiesLittle Cities EP

Downtown Charlottetown Inc. Pop Recording otY – Brielle Ansems - This New Hurricane

Rap/HipHop Recording otY – Vince the Messenger - Nowhere 2 Grow

FACTOR Entertainer otY – Dylan Menzie

Long & McQuade Educator otY –Karson McKeown

Industry Person otY – Adam Johnston

Upstreet Lifetime Achievement Award otY – Scott Parsons

Deep Roots Distillery Rooted to the Island Award otY – Nancy White

Live Music Production Professional otY – Donald Richard

ABCE Community Contributor otY –Frances McBurnie

MILLIFIORE CLARKES

JARED DOYLE

Dylan Menzie

Catherine MacLellan

CONCERTS

Apr 1, 8 pm

Kimberley Mooney

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Apr 2, 7:30 pm

Haunted Hearts

Copper Bottom Brewing, Montague

Apr 3, 2 pm

Got Blues Matinee with Mark Haines

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Apr 3, 8 pm

Nudie

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Apr 6, 8 pm

Joce Reyome

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Apr 8–9, 8 pm

Nick Doneff

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Apr 9, 7:30 pm

Lawrence Maxwell & Shane

Pendergast

Copper Bottom Brewing, Montague

Apr 10, 2:30 pm

Sirens Choral Ensemble

Spring Park United, Charlottetown

Apr 10, 8 pm

Brian J. Dunn

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Apr 11, 8 pm

Craig Fair presents: Mix Tape

Sundays

Guests Logan Richard and Joce Reyome

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Apr 13, 8 pm

OBEMBE

Confederation Centre, Charlottetown

Apr 13, 8 pm

Greg Bungay

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Apr 15, 8 pm

Kierrah Celeste

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Apr 16, 8 pm

Wrong Planet Band and Absolute Losers

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Apr 18, 2:30 pm

PEI Symphony chamber

music concert

Confederation Centre, Charlottetown

Apr 18, 8 pm

The Royal North

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Apr 20, 8 pm

Brandon Howard Roy

Confederation Centre, Charlottetown

Apr 24, 2 pm

Got Blues Matinee with Davis Ward

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Apr 24, 7:30 pm

Rachel Beck & Kim Harris

Copper Bottom Brewing, Montague

Apr 24, 8 pm

Nathan Wiley with band

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Apr 25, 10 am, 1pm

Bluegrass Brunch with The Grass Mountain Hobos

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Apr 25–29, 8 pm

Irish Mythen

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Apr 30, 8 pm

Swift Kick: Taylor Swift

Tribute Band

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Apr 30, May 1, 8 pm

The East Pointers

Confederation Centre, Charlottetown

May 7–8, 7:30 pm

Julain Molnar, Shane

Pendergast, Kris Taylor

Harmony House, Hunter River

May 14–15, 7:30 pm

Vince the Messenger, Joce

Reyome, Alicia Toner

Harmony House, Hunter River

May 21–22, 7:30 pm

Michelle Bouey, Kierrah

Celeste, Noah Malcolm

Harmony House, Hunter River

Celtic Performing Arts Centre

Piping hot summer

Three new shows to enjoy in Summerside this year

The College of Piping’s Celtic Performing Arts Centre in Summerside will stage three new shows this summer—Pendy’s Pub, Richard Wood: Through the Years, and Highland Storm.

Michael Pendergast will present an all new version of Pendy’s Pub in July and August, showcasing Island fiddlers with their particular and pleasing mix of traditional Irish, Scottish and Acadian tunes on Tuesdays, and an assortment of guest singers from across the Island on Saturdays. Based on the popular cable television show from the late 1990’s, Pendy’s Pub will feature spirited tunes, sudsy songs and tall tales served up straight by Pendy himself. Join some of PEI’s favourite entertainers in the convivial atmosphere of a local tavern. With his house band The Keggers, Pendy will welcome both regulars and stragglers with a wink and a smile, and they will be quick to conjure a comical drinking song or an Irish ballad that will pull at the heartstrings.

Richard Wood: Through the Years will be on stage on Wednesdays, inviting the audience to voyage through three decades of music and memories that will take them around the world. From child prodigy to international touring artist, Wood’s show will feature never before seen videos and photos that take the audience from his humble beginnings as a step dancer taking the North

American competition circuit by storm, to being named by MacLean’s magazine as one of the Top 100 Canadians to watch in the 21st Century. Richard Wood: Through the Years will be an evening of heart pounding, show-stopping jigs and reels, harmoniously entwined with songs, slow airs, drums and a handsaw solo. Brad Fremlin, Jon Matthews, and students and instructors from The College of Piping will join Wood on stage.

Highland Storm, directed by Peter Gallant, has been revamped for the 2021 season. It will be on stage on Thursdays this summer and will transport the audience to Hillsborough Bay, PEI around 250 years ago when the Annabella, the Edinburgh and the Falmouth arrived carrying families from their homeland to a new land with little more than the clothes on their backs. The story of the Scots arriving on PEI will be performed by The College of Piping’s instructors and students and will showcase Celtic music, Highland and step dancers, sounds from the pipes and drums, combined with the haunting melodies of traditional songs and the fire of the fiddle.

The Celtic Performing Arts Centre at The College of Piping is located at 619 Water St East in Summerside. collegeofpiping.com

Richard Wood

East Coast Hoppers

FOOD & DRINK

ECMA brewery collaboration

Upstreet Craft Brewing in Charlottetown has joined four other Atlantic Canadian breweries in a historic partnership with the East Coast Music Association (ECMA). The partnership will expand existing ties between the regional brewing and music industries, while further supporting the ECMA’s mission to ensure that its members can sustain careers while based in Atlantic Canada. The partner breweries each represent one of the five regions where the ECMA holds its annual East Coast Music Awards: Festival and Conference. Each year, the brewery representing the ECMA host region will brew and release a special beer for the Festival and Conference, in collaboration with the other four breweries, as follows: Breton Brewing (CB) in 2021; Grimross Brewing (NB) in 2022; Garrison Brewing (NS) in 2023; Upstreet Craft Brewing (PEI) in 2024; and Quidi Vidi Brewing (NL) in 2025.

PEISO annual fruit sale

Local Food Asset Map

The Charlottetown Food Council has launched the City’s first Food Asset Map, an interactive tool in the form of a virtual map that identifies resources within the food system, such as retailers of local food, emergency food providers, and community gardens. The map is available at charlottetown.ca/foodmap and can be sorted by City ward, section of the Charlottetown Food Charter, or by asset category such as Buying, Growing, Learning, and Produce and Distribution. As part of the launch, the Charlottetown Food Council is looking for feedback on the map, including resources that could be added. A form to submit feedback is available on the Food Council webpage. To learn more about the City’s sustainability projects, the Food Council and the Charlottetown Food Asset Map, visit charlottetown.ca/FoodCouncil.

Spring Food Drive

Tucked away on the winding roads of Donagh, PEI is a small shop supplying homebrewers of all skill levels. Selling bags of grain, hops, yeast and all the equipment you could ever need, East Coast Hoppers has been building a reputation among homebrewers in all corners of the Atlantic region for the last few years.

Matt Bryenton never imagined running a business like this when he first caught the homebrew bug 25 years ago. While working at the CO-OP Grocery Store on Queen Street in Charlottetown, Bryenton bought a lager beer kit on a whim. He enjoyed figuring out his way through the process of making beer, while relishing in the results. It then became apparent to Bryenton that you could make damn good beer at home.

After a few years of making beer kits from various CO-OP shelves, Bryenton moved away from the kits-based brews and started using crushed grains and designing his own recipes. Shortly after, he realized that brewing small batches of beer at home was difficult on PEI. There was no business around supplying brewers with the raw material and equipment they needed.

Bryenton saw this as a great opportunity to help support local homebrewers and make sure that his brewing pantry was never bare. He started East Coast

Hoppers in 2017 as an online retail store. This allowed him to build a reputation as one of very few businesses supplying Atlantic Canadian homebrewers with both the raw materials and gear they need to set up their own home breweries.

Homebrewing has long had a strong presence among beer lovers. Many legendary brewing careers have been launched in the home garage over a boiling kettle or at the local home brew shop talking beer with friends. These earlier brewers sought to recreate flavours and aromas they had experienced in beers while traveling across the globe.

With East Coast Hoppers, Bryenton built an online storefront that can fully equip and supply brewers with anything they need to brew the beer they want to drink. A formidable brewer himself, Bryenton is able to guide amateur brewers through what they need to brew the beer they want to drink. As reputation and clients grew, Bryenton was able to add a physical storefront to his home in Donagh to better service Island brewers and mail supplies and gear to homebrewers across the Atlantic provinces.

If you are interested in brewing your own beer, be sure to visit the East Coast Hoppers website at eastcoasthoppers.ca.

The PEI Symphony Orchestra’s annual fruit sale fundraiser has resumed after a brief interruption. The orchestra will continue selling oranges and grapefruits at the Charlottetown Farmers Market on Saturdays until mid-spring. The annual citrus sale plays a key role in the symphony’s yearly fundraising efforts as the profits help fund concert events and educational outreach across PEI.

There will be a Spring Food Drive DriveThru on April 17 from 9 am–1 pm at the Sobeys parking lot at the corner of Allen St and University Ave in Charlottetown.

Ham and potato supper

Hillcrest United Church in Montague is holding a take-out ham and scalloped potato supper on, April 24 from 4:30–6 pm. Includes roll, sides and dessert. Reserve by April 20 by calling Margie (969-4788) or Melissa (969-9339).

Meat N’ Badaydas

Culinary showcase at restaurants across PEI—April 1 to 30

The PEI restaurant scene is getting an extra boost this April with the announcement of Meat N’ Badaydas, a month-long celebration that has chefs and restaurants across the Island dreaming up their tastiest take on the classic “meat and potatoes” dish. Patrons can discover new restaurants, trying unique flavour combinations, along with visiting their go-to establishments from April 1–30.

Presented by PEI Cattle Producers, Atlantic Beef Products Inc and Discover Charlottetown, Meat N’ Badaydas will celebrate beef and potato farming with over 60 participating PEI restaurants.

While restaurants have the creative freedom to use the meat of their choice, many have chosen to use beef and a select number are also using local vegetarian ingredients.

This Island-wide culinary initiative has partnered with a number of community, food and tourism associations.

Info: discovercharlottetown.com/ meatnbadaydas

The Brew by Bryan Carver

Matt Bryenton in his homebrewing supply shop

BRYAN CARVER

THEATRE/COMEDY

Mar 30–31, 8 pm

Songs for a New World Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Apr 9, 30, 8 pm

Popalopalots

The Guild, Charlottetown

Apr 10–11, 2 pm

The Princess and The Handmaiden

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Apr 10–11, 4 pm, Apr 10, 7 pm

Apr 17, 7 pm, Apr 18, 4 pm

Into the Woods Jr.

The Guild, Charlottetown

Apr 16, 7 pm, Apr 17, 4 pm

Apr 24, 4 pm & 7pm, Apr 25, 4 pm

Honk! Jr.

The Guild, Charlottetown

Apr 17–18, 2 pm

The Princess and The Handmaiden

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Apr 19, 22, 8 pm

Dan Hendrickson & Clare

Bedford Comedy Show

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Apr 20–21, 8 pm

good girl

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Apr 22, 7 pm

Side Hustle

The Guild, Charlottetown

Apr 23, 7:30 pm

Final Wave: Murder Mystery

Dinner Theatre

Delta Hotel, Charlottetown

Apr 23, 8 pm

Amazing Tales of the Atlantic

The Guild, Charlottetown

Apr 24, 12 pm

ACT Community Theatre Festival

The Fox and Crow, UPEI, Charlottetown

Flavoursyou won’tfind anywhereelse.

New ED at Indian River

Lindsay Connolly enthusiastically assumes the role

The Board of Directors of the Indian River Festival has selected Lindsay Connolly as their new Executive Director.

Connolly is a PEI-born musician and arts administrator who focuses on creating an inclusive environment prioritizing arts sustainability and fostering strong community relationships. A graduate of McGill University and University of Toronto, Connolly completed her Masters of music under a Joseph Armand Bombardier SHHRC scholarship for research into gender and performance.

Outside of her studies, Lindsay has performed with Opera Nova Scotia, the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, the Toronto Creative Music Lab, College Light Opera Company, and has assistant directed at the Segal Centre. Equally comfortable on stage and off, Connolly is a current fellow with the Association for Opera in Canada and has worked as an arts administrator and grant writer with ensembles such as Musique3Femmes, Opera5 and 23DegreeTheatre. She is thrilled to be returning to PEI and joining the Indian River Festival team

for what will be a memorable Islandcentred season.

“St. Mary’s is one of the most acoustically and visually beautiful venues on the Island with a rich history of sharing experiences through music,” says Connolly. “I hope to help every Islander experience the magic of musical connection that happens at the Indian River Festival.” indianriverfestival.com

Lindsay Connolly, new executive director for Indian River Festival

SUBMITTED

Way up West by Jan Cox

Lessons to learn

Educators from Hong Kong make PEI their new home

PEISO chamber music concert

Confederation Centre—Apr 18

The PEI Symphony Orchestra (PEISO) will present a chamber music concert at the Conferation Centre in Charlottetown on April 18 at 2:30 pm. Natalie Williams-Calhoun, Sean Kemp, and Glen Montgomery will perform Brahms Piano Trio No. 1 in B major and other works. peisymphony.com

Improv classes

HA Club improv classes by Laurie Murphy and guest instructors are offered from 7–8:30 pm every second Wednesday to June 9 at the Haviland Club in Charlottetown. Upcoming dates are April 7 and 14, May 5 and 12, and June 2 and 9. Improv is creating characters, scenes and situations on-the-spot, and is as fun and terrifying as it sounds. No prior improv experience is required. Students must be 16 years of age or older. Pre-registration is recommended. For more info: info@marram.ca, marram.ca

Holland College ads post-graduate programs

Holland College will offer two new eight-month post-graduate certificate programs in September of 2021 and January of 2022.

The Project Management program and Data Analytics program were developed to enable students who already have a post-secondary diploma or degree to augment their skills as they prepare to enter or re-enter the workforce. The programs were developed to meet the demands of industry.

The Data Analytics program will focus on descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive analytics using statistical models, forecasting tools, optimization, and simulation. Practitioners will better understand business performances, be able to make predictions about future performance, and develop interventions based on these predictions.

The Project Management program teaches students the skills, tools, and techniques to successfully manage projects from a wide variety of industries. Graduates will be prepared to initiate, plan, execute, monitor, and control a project to ensure its success.

More info: hollandcollege.com, recruitment@hollandcollege.com.

On a sunny and mild morning, with a view of the sea, I sat down with Chung Sze Leung (Angela) and her husband Sai Ming Chu (George).

When asked “why leave Hong Kong for Prince Edward Island,” the answer poured out from George, “For the environment. It is peaceful, clean, beautiful, friendly, helpful. Less stress. A total lifestyle change.”

George, a former elementary school Vice Principal, and Angela, a music teacher, journeyed here to join their two children, already International students in Canada. George explained their daughter was here at UPEI and their son was studying in Toronto. “They recommended coming to the Island. We love it!” Both children continue their studies in Ontario. And so, in September 2020 with plans in place, they opened their unique music school on Water Street in Summerside.

The excited and grateful couple told me of their future plans, but right now they are grounded in giving their piano students an enjoyable, relaxing learning experience.

“In this time of the pandemic, people needed something to do,” they both told me. “As we introduce them to music and to music theory. Some realize a fuller life lies ahead. A bigger picture of life. With new

found knowledge, the joy of music is discovered, whether the student is here for their own interest or looking forward to something more focused. As students relax and realize learning is not stressful; their confidence grows, they want to connect with people. They are less self-centered and have a greater sense of self-identity. As they grow and continue their studies, they approach learning with more perseverance and many discover talent they didn’t realize they owned. They want to achieve.”

I was ready to sign up for lessons—the first one is free!

One of their future dreams is to have their music school be a gathering place for the community. George, having so much to tell me, explained, “If people want to gather to play music together, they can come here! They can rent this space and our instruments. It’s beautiful. Or we can play for them, while they relax and enjoy.”

We shared some of the “possibilities are endless” type conversation: private party with catered dinners; birthday parties; piano students giving their own recital. Endless opportunities indeed.

Angela and George live in the heart of Summerside and are anxious to meet their business neighbours. They have given their hearts to this community.

Sai Ming Chu (George) and Chung Sze Leung (Angela), owners of A&G Music World in Summerside

New Director of Philanthropy

Virtual opening

Remote Transmissions group art exhibit—Apr 9

Confederation Centre Art Gallery

Last call in the gallery

Winter exhibitions making way for spring and summer

The Confederation Centre of the Arts welcomes Nadine Haddad to the Senior Management group as the Centre’s director of philanthropy.

Haddad joins the team following almost a decade fundraising for the arts sector in Toronto. As an emerging arts leader, she has worked with The National Ballet of Canada, The Toronto Symphony Orchestra, Opera Atelier, The Regent Park School of Music, and Toronto Arts Foundation.

After completing her undergraduate in music at the University of Prince Edward Island, Haddad continued her education in Arts Management at Western University.

“The combination of these two educational streams led me to pursue a gratifying career as a professional in fundraising, marketing, and events,” offers Haddad. “I look forward to being an advocate and promoter for the Centre and for the arts on PEI.”

Haddad grew up in Charlottetown and was previously a member of the Confederation Centre Young Company, a Front of House usher, and a summer volunteer at the Centre.

Peake Street Collective and this town is small invite the public to a virtual opening for the group exhibition Remote Transmissions, on view at Receiver Coffee in Charlottetown until April 24. The online event will be held April 9 from 6–8 pm via Zoom.

Donnalee Downe will begin with “A Brief History of Peake Street Collective” and the event will continue with a look at some of the works from the exhibit Viewers will also hear from some of the artists who will share their experiences of art-making during a global pandemic.

Organized by Peake Street Collective, Remote Transmissions is a non-juried group exhibition that brings together artworks that are informed by or created during the lockdown period that began in 2020, exploring themes of remoteness, isolation, sheltering in place, and connection/disconnection. The participating artists are at a variety of stages in their careers, showing a range of perspectives during a troubling time.

Peake Street Collective is an artist initiative that focuses on mentorship, experimentation and artistic collaboration, and that operates under the umbrella of this town is small, PEI’s artist-run centre.

The virtual opening is free and open to all. The Zoom link to join is available at thistownissmall.com.

With new spring and summer exhibitions on the horizon, it’s the last chance to take in four exhibitions at the Confederation Centre Art Gallery in Charlottetown. Give Me Shelter and Eye Candy will both close April 6, and Gerard Clarkes: A Haunted Land and The Drive both conclude in early May.

The Centre’s concourse features a selection of larger works by Canadian painters Marcel Barbeau, Louis Belzile, Wayne Boucher and David Urban. Dubbed Eye Candy, these rich and colourful works were recently donated to the Gallery’s permanent collection and present lively bursts of colour for winter-weary visitors.

Give Me Shelter is a two-gallery survey of emerging artists based in St. John’s, NL. This exhibition features a variety of mediums, ranging from painting and drawing, to video and photography, to sculpture and textile.

“I really enjoyed getting to know the artistic scene in St. John’s,” says exhibition Curator Pan Wendt. “Most of the

artists there are not actually from the city, which shelters many subcultures from around the world. This became a theme for a show—St. John’s as a sort of safe harbour, a place one can carve out a unique identity.”

The very popular winter exhibition

The Drive situates the work of Tom Thomson, the Group of Seven, and their peers in relation to diverse Indigenous and Canadian artists in order to highlight the complexity of the representation of landscape. Organized and circulated by the Art Gallery of Guelph, the exhibition speaks to the effects of colonization and changing relationships to the land through creative responses around sustainability and environmental justice.

PEI-based artist Gerard Clarkes is the focus of A Haunted Land, showing until May 9. This major exhibition features a large selection of the enigmatic, theatrical landscapes he produced in Toronto in the 1960s and 1970s as well as a selection of more recent works painted in Mexico over the past decade.

John MacDonald, Dinner in Scenic Green Bay, oil on panel, 30” x 48”, 2018

Nadine Haddad

Ashley Anne Clark, Eclipse (detail), mixed media on wooden panel, 20” x 24”, 2021

Community Theatre Fest

ACT’s annual presentation at The Fox and Crow—Apr 24

Directed by Melissa MacKenzie with accompaniment by Morgan Saulnier. Performances take place at 2 pm, April 10–11 and 17–18 at Trailside Music Hall in Charlottetown.

Mean Girls meets Brothers Grimm in this clever family musical about loyalty, friendship, magic potions and finding one’s self. Whose grass is greener—the good-hearted, pampered princess or her jealous, hard-working handmaiden?

Written and composed by Leslie Arden and based on the Grimm’s fairy tale “The Goose Girl,” the tale follows two young women on a journey to a distant kingdom to cure an ailing king. Once best friends, the princess and the handmaiden now find themselves driven apart. The handmaiden tricks the princess and takes her place in the new kingdom, leaving the princess to fight to prove who she is.

Harbour since 2019. A classy evening of lounge music and the promise of vaccinations for all are just the ticket to delight the company’s owner and relieve some of its crippling debt.

When the evening’s star suddenly and suspiciously dies, fingers are quick to be pointed. It’s up to an eager young journalism student to unearth hidden truths, peel back the curtain and unmask the true murderer.

Created by Kitbag Theatre, Final Wave was written by Rebecca Parent and features Cathy Grant, Emma Rudy, Simon Derome, Becca Griffin, Chris Chaisson and Michael Peters.

Amazing Tales

The Guild—Apr 23

ACT’s annual Community Theatre Festival will return April 24 at UPEI’s The Fox and Crow in Charlottetown. The Festival will look a little different this season, but the enthusiasm and dedication to the arts will be proudly showcased by this year’s performers.

Popalopalots

The Guild—Apr 9 & 30

Popalopalots perform improv sketch comedy at The Guild in Charlottetown April 9 and 30 at 8 pm.

The performers will have you laughing when they succeed and laughing even harder when they fail.

Sirens

Spring Park United—Apr 10

Choral ensemble Sirens will present In Good Company live in concert at Spring Park United in Charlottetown April 10 at 2:30 pm.

Sirens will sing music from their debut album Boundless and share songs of separation and togetherness. Organizers say the music will soothe, comfort and energize. “We are all stronger when we feel that we are in good company.”

Spring Park United is located at 65 Kirkwood Drive in Charlottetown. sirenschoir.com

Kid’s theatre

The Guild—Apr (various dates)

The Guild Musical Theatre School in Charlottetown will present Honk! Jr. and Into the Woods Jr. in April.

Doors open at 12 pm with admission by donation. As always, patrons are invited to join for a specific performance or stay for the whole afternoon. Seating will be limited. Visit actpei.com or @ACTPEI on Facebook for updates and schedule information.

Honk! Jr. is a heartwarming celebration of being different. Ugly looks quite a bit different from his darling duckling brothers and sisters. The other animals on the farm are quick to notice and point this out, despite his mother’s protective flapping. Feeling rather foul, Ugly finds himself on an adventure of self-discovery. Along the way, Ugly meets a whole flock of unique characters and finds out that being different is not a bad thing to be.

Into the Woods Jr. is a new take on Stephen Sondheim’s and James Lapine’s musical fairytale about wishes and the choices we make. This retelling of classic Brothers Grimm fables features Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack (and his beanstalk) and the Witch. The musical centers on: a baker and his wife, who wish to have a child; Cinderella, who wishes to attend the King’s festival; and Jack, who wishes his cow would give milk.

Into the Woods Jr. will take place April 10, 1l, 17 and 18. Honk! Jr. will be on stage April 16, 17, 24 and 25.

The Princess & the Handmaiden

Trailside—Apr 10, 11, 17 & 18

Kitbag Theatre and Trailside Music Hall present The Princess & the Handmaiden starring Michelle Bouey, Jessica Gallant and Jacob Hemphill.

Dan Hendricken and Clare Belford Comedy

Trailside—Apr 19 & 22

Dan Hendricken and Clare Belford will perform stand-up comedy at Trailside Music Hall in Charlottetown.

Maritimer Dan Hendricken cut his teeth in comedy at the Yuk Yuk’s club in Halifax and was featured on CBC TV as part of the Halifax Comedy Festival.

Clare Belford’s well-crafted writing and authentic delivery has made her a favourite among peers and audiences alike. She is signed with Canada’s premiere comedy label, Comedy Records, and is featured regularly on Sirius XM.

Side Hustle

The Guild—Apr 22

Side Hustle will be on stage April 22 at 7 pm at The Guild in Charlottetown. Join Kirstin Lund, Patti Larsen, Caron Prins, Nancy McLure, Monica Rafuse, Sarah Brown, Jill Chandler and Doris Jenkins as they bulldoze their musical, manic and maniacal way through audience suggestions, their hopes and dreams for a better future, and all things happy and hopeful.

Final Wave: Murder

Mystery Dinner Theatre

Delta Prince Edward—Apr 23

Final Wave: Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre has been rescheduled for April 23 at the Delta PE in Charlottetown.

A swanky 3-course supper serves as a pre-boarding soirée for the guests of the Crystal Duchess, the first cruise ship to sail out of the Charlottetown

Amazing Tales of the Atlantic will continue their live play radio anthology series at The Guild in Charlottetown on April 23 at 8 pm.

Each performance of Amazing Tales of the Atlantic tells three unique stories and every month audiences are treated to three new chapters of the three ever-evolving tales: The DDT Detectives, The B’ylight Zone, and Anne of the Green Planet.

The East Pointers

Confed Centre—Apr 30 & May 1

The Confederation Centre is betting the third time’s a charm with new dates for The East Pointers. Originally scheduled for New Year’s Eve, they will now perform April 30 and May 1 at 8 pm at the Confederation Centre Mainstage Theatre in Charlottetown.

The modern folk trio (Tim Chaisson, Koady Chaisson and Jake Charron) has criss-crossed the globe in recent years, playing over 450 shows across Canada, the US, Europe, Japan, Australia and beyond. They bring a furious energy to their live shows, pushing the boundaries of East Coast folk while lighting a path for a new generation of music lovers.

Mi’kmaq Heritage Actors are one of the acts at this year’s festival

PHILIP MATUSIEWICZ PHOTOGRAPHY

Family Sundays at Confed

Family Sundays take place at Confederation Centre of the Arts in Charlottetown on the last Sunday of each month until April 25. The free art activities are held from 1:30–2:30 pm. All ages are welcome. Available in English and French. Pre-registration is required at confederationcentre.com.

Eptek gallery games

Eptek Art & Culture Centre is offering exhibit related scavenger hunts for youth. Drop-ins are welcome but visitors are encouraged to call ahead. Eptek Art & Culture Centre is a site of the PEI Museum and Heritage Foundation. Admission is by donation. 130 Heather Moyse Dr, Summerside. Info: 888-8373, peimuseum.com

PEI Modern Quilt Guild

The PEI Modern Quilt Guild meets every fourth Thursday of the month from 7–9 pm. If interested in attending a meeting as a guest, email peimqg@gmail.com for details. The group follows public health guidance to determine whether meetings will be held virtually or in-person. Follow @peimqg on Instagram. Info: peimqg@gmail.com

Art in the Open submissions

Organizers are currently seeking artist proposals for the 11th annual Art in the

Open (AITO) festival to be held August 28 in Charlottetown. They are looking for unique submissions that will transform downtown Charlottetown’s green spaces into magical, memorable, creative spaces that will be shared by all members of the community. Artist submissions should be new, innovative, and represent excellence in the applicant’s field of art. The application deadline is April 6. For more information and to download the application, visit artintheopenpei.org.

The Hideout scholarship

The Hideout residency program provides weeklong self-directed spring and fall residencies for writers, artists, and wellness practitioners in rural setting in North Tryon. One full scholarship covering the costs of a weeklong residency will be offered this year to a writer or practitioner from PEI, NB or NS. Folks who identify as BIPOC or 2SLGBTQ+ are especially encouraged to apply. Regular residency applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, but the scholarship deadline is April 16. For more information and for application details, visit thehideoutpei.com

Membership with TTIS

this town is small is now at the beginning of their 2021-2022 membership year and folks are invited to renew their membership or become a new member. Find more information about this process at thistownissmall.com/membership or contact Lisa Theriault, Executive Director at thistownissmall@gmail.com.

Colonel Gray student art

Works from 2020 and 2021 International Baccalaureate program at The Guild

TRIAD in the Key of IB, a collection of artwork completed by graduating visual art students from Colonel Gray High School’s 2021 International Baccalaureate (IB) program will be on view at The Gallery @ The Guild from April 7 to 18.

TRIAD in the Key of IB will include pieces from a variety of media including photography, illustration, printmaking and painting. The group exhibition will also showcase artwork from the 2020 IB class since they were unable to host a public exhibition last year.

The opening reception is on April 9 from 5–7 pm.

The Guild is located at 111 Queen Street in Charlottetown.

The Time of our Lives

Seniors College group art show at The Guild

The Time of our Lives featuring the artwork of Seniors College students and instructors will be on view at The Gallery @ The Guild in Charlottetown from April 21 to May 9.

This is the ninth year for this group show, with some old favourites exhibiting and plenty of new faces as well. Although Seniors College classes have been cancelled due to COVID-19, members have continued to work on their art at home and in small groups,

making it possible for this popular show to go ahead this year.

Participants say they are at “a time in their lives” when work and family commitments are reduced, and they are thrilled to have the time to put into making art. The show will feature a variety of works including watercolour, acrylic, pastel, drawings and multimedia.

The Guild is located at 111 Queen St, Charlottetown. theguildpei.com

Madison Beaulieu, Day Dreaming (detail), pen and ink wash

Watercolour (detail) by Dawn Riley

Hidden SymMeTrees

New Sixty Days of Fame series exhibit by Trisha Clarkin

Love’s Hidden SymMeTrees is the new spring art exhibit for Culture Summerside’s Sixty Days of Fame series. It will feature the work of Patricia Clarkin and will be on view free of charge at the Lefurgey Cultural Centre in Summerside.

Patricia (Trisha) Clarkin grew up in Ontario and from a young age was enamoured with fabric, design and nature. In her heart she knew she was an artist. She studied fashion merchandising and, while working in the industry, continued her studies at the Ontario College of Art in textile design and at Ryerson in colour theory. In Portland, Oregon she studied apparel design. She also studied art history. But, an unexpected circumstance of life took Clarkin in a new direction.

At the age of thirty, Clarkin was diagnosed with a form of muscular dystrophy and left her unable to pursue her fashion career. She moved to PEI and in 1999 began her journey as a visual artist through the medium of digital art, video and documentary production, and Mandalas. Finally, she took up painting.

Trisha’s husband Michael suggested she try painting with watercolours, a medium she had previously avoided— fearing her physical disability would not allow her to accomplish the straight lines. But when he gifted her the paper and paints, she embraced the challenge and embarked on the creation of abstracts. From there she started working with acrylic.

Nature was her focus with the painting of one flower each week. Clarkin spent time connecting with the plant and attempting to capture its essence. Trees made their way into her work as she is surrounded by them in her rural PEI setting. Clarkin now donates the proceeds of her art sales to Treesisters, a UK registered social change and reforestation charity that funds tropical forest restoration.

Love’s Hidden SymMeTrees will feature some of Clarkin’s many works and will be open to the public, Monday through Friday, 9 am to 4 pm. Note the change of location (The Sixty Days of Fame series has been featured in the past at the MacNaught History Centre and Archives gallery). The Lefurgey Cultural Centre is located at 205 Prince Street, Summerside.

Grandmother Tree by Trisha Clarkin

Six Minutes to Midnight

Apr 1

PG, violent scenes, mature themes. Dir: Andy Goddard, UK, 2020, 99 min. Jim Broadbent, Judi Dench, Eddie Izzard.

magic, as well as the fictional Kumandra’s divided regions, in order to defeat a swirling purple plague called the Druun. There is an incandescence and a buoyancy to the animation that elevates the formula. Husky-voiced comedian Awkwafina is captivating as cuddly water dragon Sisu, her goofy earnestness in the same league as Robin Williams’s Genie.” - Simran Hans, The Guardian (UK).

“A joyous experience that champions a hopeful optimism in humanity’s ability to trust one another... the best animated Disney film since Moana.” - The Observer. “An ambitious family film that will work for all ages, and one that never talks down to its audience while presenting them with an entertaining, thought-provoking story. It also contains some of the most striking imagery Disney has ever produced, dropping its characters in a world that feels both classic and new at the same time.” - rogerebert.com

The Conductor

April 16–18 & 24

PG. Dir: Maria Peters, The Netherlands, 2020, 137 min. Christanne de Bruijn, Benjamin Wainwright, Scott Turner Schofield. In English, Dutch, and German with English subtitles. Winner, People’s Choice Award, Denver International Film Festival.

climate action outside the Swedish Parliament, Grossman follows Greta - a shy student with Asperger’s - in her rise to prominence and her galvanizing global impact as she sparks school strikes around the world. The film culminates with her extraordinary wind-powered voyage across the Atlantic Ocean to speak at the UN Climate Action Summit in New York City.

My Salinger Year

April 23–25 & 29

PG. Dir: Philippe Falardeau, Canada/Ireland, 2020, 101 min. Margaret Qualley, Sigourney Weaver, Douglas Booth.

“A middle-aged love story? Yes, possibly, but this gentle comedy drama is as subtle as the fragrances our protagonist conjures up. Anne Walberg is a professional ‘nose’ - someone whose sense of smell is so precise they are sought after for everything from perfume creation (at least, she used to be) to corporate jobs disguising the horrible smell seeping from a factory into a nearby village. Her reputation took a knock a few years ago and as she tries to rebuild it, she happens upon Guillaume - a single dad, himself looking for direction. He is tasked with chauffeuring the aloof Anne on her rounds. As the story develops, so too does their relationship... What begins as a master and servant dynamic eases into something more even and co-dependent. It’s the type of companionship you rarely look for in life, but are happy for when it arrives. As with most Gallic rom-coms, it’s shot and presented in an unassuming and casual way - stylish and sexy without ever really attempting to be either. You know, French. I found the performances captivating, particularly the dishevelled Guillaume’s Robin Williams-esque attempts to maintain a relationship with his daughter... When Harry Met Sally for people old enough to know better.”Jamie East, The Sun

Welcome to City Cinema from The Charlottetown Film Society

City Cinema is owned and operated by our non-profit Society. We will continue to present a diverse mix of films and welcome your suggestions and support. Become a member, bring friends, share feedback!

Summer 1939, Hitler’s power is growing and tensions between the UK and Germany are at boiling point. The Augusta Victoria College, a finishing school for daughters and goddaughters of the Nazi elite on the south-coast of England, is under close scrutiny after the mysterious disappearance of their teacher Mr Wheatley. The school governess, Miss Rocholl (Judi Dench), hires English teacher Thomas Miller (Eddie Izzard) to replace Wheatley and help prepare the girls for the Anglo-German fellowship. Thomas slowly raises the suspicions of the girls’ German tutor, who has secrets of her own. Caught in the crossfire, Thomas is framed for murder and goes on the run to clear his name and uncover Ilse’s true plan for the girls. Can he stop her before it’s too late?

Raya and the Last Dragon

April 2–5, 8–11 & 15

PG. Dir: Don Hall, Carlos López

Estrada, US, 2021, 107 min. Kelly Marie Tran, Awkwafina, Gemma Chan.

This inspiring transatlantic musical biopic is based on the true story of the brilliant Antonia Brico, the first woman to ever conduct a symphony orchestra. Born in the Netherlands and brought to the United States as a child in the 1920s, Antonia’s musical gifts soon guide her to want to lead an orchestra, an unimaginable idea for a woman in the male-dominated orchestral music scene of the time. Dissuaded from such dreams by successive music teachers, Antonia is undaunted. She returns to the Netherlands where she meets the famous conductor Willem Mengelberg, who actually encourages her dream and arranges for her to study in Berlin. She also meets Frank, perhaps the love of her life but a somewhat conventional man who is not sure about Antonia’s ambitions. After two years of intense life and study at the State Academy of Music in Berlin, is Antonia ready to take up the baton? Will she be permitted to? And will her dream of conducting destroy her love life? Set against the riotous and increasingly darkening interwar historical period of the late 1920s and 1930, The Conductor is an engaging story of passion and commitment, with an impressive performance by Christanne de Bruijn.

Fridays for Future, PEI

Presents: I Am Greta

Apr

20–22

PG. Dir: Nathan Grossman, Sweden, 2020, 98 min. Greta Thunberg, Malena Ernman, Pope Francis.

“My Salinger Year is a lovely, captivating film based on the memoir by Joanna Rakoff about working at the venerable Madison Avenue literary agency that represented iconic author J.D. Salinger. Margaret Qualley plays the endearingly driven Rakoff circa 1995 as she leaves graduate school and moves east to the Big Apple to become a writer, inspired by having sold two poems to the Paris Review... Joanna finds a job as the assistant to old school lit agent Margaret (Sigourney Weaver), who consigns her new hire to such mundane tasks as typing dictation and answering Salinger’s passionate fan mail... Although she’s never read The Catcher in the Rye, she forms a kinship with both Salinger and his adoring admirers... Her empathy for the author’s fans leads Joanna to take matters into her own naive hands, to amusing and unpredictable effect. Joanna’s journey of creative and emotional enlightenment - including the balancing act of trying to write when consumed by a day job - is managed with grace, tenderness and touching credibility by a wonderfully winning Qualley in concert with the smart, engaging direction and screenplay.”

- Gary Goldstein, Los Angeles Times

Perfumes

April 30–May 2

PG. Dir: Grégory Magne, France, 2020, 100 min. Emmanuelle Devos, Grégory Montel, Zélie Rixhon. In French with English subtitles.

Advance Tickets

Our new website citycinema.ca is live. We now accept all major credit cards online and both debit and credit at the cinema. Seating is limited—advance tickets are strongly recommend.

Limited Seating

We’re selling a reduced amount of our 70 seats per show, with checkerboard seat arrangement for distancing.

One-way Traffic System

To help with social distancing we created a one-way traffic system, just follow the arrows!

Masks

Please wear a mask when not eating your delicious popcorn. We have paper masks available free.

Subject to change

Film availability and provincial COVID guidelines are subject to change. Check our website on the day of the show.

Rent City Cinema

“Disney’s latest offering casts Star Wars’ Kelly Marie Tran as the voice of its south-east Asian princess protagonist, the sword-wielding Raya. Her mission is to unite all five pieces of a broken gem containing dragon

The story of teenage climate activist Greta Thunberg is told through compelling, never-before-seen footage in this intimate documentary from Swedish director Nathan Grossman. Starting with her one-person school strike for

City Cinema is available for rent for private film viewings! We provide the projectionist and will have the the canteen and bar open for your group. Info/rates: chtownfilm@ gmail.com.

CITY CINEMA TIMETABLE

Films wanted

The Charlottetown Film Society is making plans for the 7th Annual Charlottetown Film Festival—the little film festival of big dreams— (ChFF21) at City Cinema from October 22–24.

Dedicated to showcasing and celebrating films from and about Atlantic Canada with a special spotlight on PEI screen artists, ChFF21 is open for submissions from April 1 until June 30.

JoAnn Pineau, the new president of the Charlottetown Film Society Board of Directors hopes that after the unexpected challenges of 2020, the skills and lessons learned will benefit this year’s festival with a bigger outreach. ChFF21 will be a combination of locals enjoying films at City Cinema in Charlottetown and online streaming for East Coasters across the globe to connect and get a taste of home. Submission details can be found at charlottetownfilmfest.com.

news FILM

PEI Screenwriters’ Bootcamp

Box office opens 20 minutes before showtime Book tickets in advance at citycinema.ca

citycinema.ca

The 2021 PEI Screenwriters’ Bootcamp will take place May 22–28 at the Haviland Club in Charlottetown. Many levels of training for writers interested in film and television will be offered, regardless of training or experience. Some sessions will be offered online and some will be offered in-person. Organizers recommend getting in touch prior to submitting applications to become fully aware of the scenarios on offer. On June 4, the public can attend Industry Day at the Haviland Club where five writer/producer teams will vie for a $15,000 prize toward producing a “proof of concept” in the Pitch for Your Life competition. Info: peiscreenwritersbootcamp.net, louise@louiselalondeproductions.com

Charlottetown Film Camp

The Charlottetown Film Society is planning their first-ever Charlottetown Film Camp which will run through July and August with up to seven one-week sessions designed for campers ages 7–17. The camps will be held at City Cinema (owned and operated by The Charlottetown Film Society) in Charlottetown with an excursion to the Film PEI site. Guest presenters from the Island’s film community will lead each session, covering topics such as the history of visual media, social media and the evolving language of film, the movie-making process from start to finish, how to use a camera to tell stories, post production/editing, and how to give and receive constructive feedback. Each camp will end with a mini-film festival, with the campers’ work shown on City Cinema’s big screen. Info/pre-registration: chtownfilm@gmail.com

New ED at Island Nature Trust

Megan Downe (Cavendish) and the 4-H PEI Alumni Scholarship ($1000) was awarded to Neleah Lavoie (Cavendish).

Cavendish Agri Services established five 4-H Scholarships valued at $1000, each in relation to PEI’s 4-H Trust Legacy Campaign. This is the third year (of five in total) the scholarships were presented to support members in their post-secondary endeavors. The recipients were Isabella Acorn (Grand River East), Anna Doran (Ellerslie Adventurers), Jessica Larsen (Albany Centennial), Avery Nicholson (Cavendish), and Kim Bain (Dunstaffnage-Marshfield) 4-H.

Penny’s Point protected

Island Nature Trust acquires iconic Island coastline

Bianca McGregor has been appointed the new Executive Director for Island Nature Trust (INT). Incumbent Executive Director, Megan Harris has now moved into a strategic role focused on acquisition and stewardship as Director of Conservation.

McGregor has a wealth of experience in the not-for-profit sector, most recently as Manager of fund development, marketing and promotions at the Canadian Mental Health Association. She has served in senior management roles for not-for-profits in every capacity, from programming to marketing and promotions, to fund development and strategic planning. McGregor is responsible for overall operations at INT, with emphasis on fund development, strategic partnership, marketing and communications.

4-H PEI annual awards

The PEI Provincial 4-H Council recently held their Annual Awards Banquet, celebrating and recognizing many landmark achievements of 4-H leaders, members and community supporters from across the province.

Johanne Ings (Cherrycliffe), Gwen Thompson (Eastern Region), and David Younker (Wheatley River) received their forty year leader certificates. All three remain active in the program, continuing to support 4-H and the youth in their communities. A total of 30 volunteer leaders received certificates acknowledging their years of dedication to the 4-H PEI program.

2020 offered scholarship opportunities for both graduating 4-H members and those already attending post-secondary education. The 4-H PEI Council Scholarship ($1000) was awarded to

4-H PEI also celebrated 4-H Canada’s recent announcement of PEI’s Nancy Orr as a Lifetime Honourary Member of 4-H Canada. Orr has been a leader in the 4-H community and beyond, notably as the first female Provincial Court Judge, the first female Provincial Chief Judge, and as a distinguished champion of Canadian amateur hockey. Orr has served as a role model to youth in her 4-H club and to her fellow 4-H leaders on PEI, dedicating her knowledge, time and resources, including as Chair of the PEI 4-H Trust. Orr was recognized as 4-H Canada’s National Volunteer Leader of the Year in 2009. At both the provincial and national levels, Orr has been a generous donor to both the 4-H PEI Trust and Canadian 4-H Foundation.

Climate change webinar

Island Nature Trust (INT) recently acquired their first Natural Area in 2021: Penny’s Point Natural Area in Fortune Bridge—a small but ecologically important slice of PEI’s coastline.

The core area of the property is the coastal cliff and dune. It is 37 acres in size with 3800 feet of shore frontage, 1000 feet of which is beach. The site is one of only two owned by INT that hosts habitat essential for Piping Plover nesting—a species-at-risk on PEI. The property serves as a natural coastal buffer for the piping plover. The coastal headland includes ecologically important and fragile beach-dune habitat that will now be protected forever. The peninsula, named Penny’s Point Natural Area, is located within the Rollo Bay Wildlife Management Area and is on the south point at the mouth of Rollo Bay. It was transferred to INT for perpetual stewardship by land donors Tom Welch, Anne Lambert and Nancy Willis.

Penny’s Point is a significant part of the PEI coastline, which is under continued threat from erosion and wildlife displacement due to human encroachment. The property is part of the northeastern shoreline that hosts some of the best sand dune and beach systems in the Atlantic Maritime ecozone.

10 metres in height and may provide suitable habitat for burrow occupants such as threatened bank swallow, in addition to belted kingfisher. The beach-dune area within and immediately adjacent the property’s southeast corner is identified as critical habitat for endangered piping plover.

Penny’s Point has been named after land donor Welch’s mother, Jane Coyne, who was fondly known as Penny. His family’s love of PEI wildlife flourished over the decades as they vacationed to the Island every summer starting in the 1950’s. As a youngster Tom and his siblings enjoyed creeping through coastal forest, that existed before being cleared for farmland, to high ground where they would watch the seals sunbathing on the Rollo Bay sand bars at low tide.

“Penny would have been thrilled to know the headland is now protected forever.” shares Welch. “We spent 60 years travelling to Fortune and she loved the area so much. She was concerned about the threat of development since our family observed first-hand the surrounding area being steadily built on over the decades.”

The School of Climate Change and Adaptation at UPEI will host a series of free webinars on climate change. The one-hour webinars began in March and run weekly on Fridays at 3 pm to May 28.

Registration is free. The full list of the webinars is available at: files.upei.ca/climate/upei_climate_ webinar_series.pdf

PEI has experienced high historic rates of habitat loss to agriculture and other development. Although natural forest cover is about 50%, remaining habitat patches are generally small, fragmented and degraded. The acquisition of this property will allow INT to conserve vulnerable beach-dune and coastal bluff ecosystems while restoring the land back to native coastal krummholz forest, dominated by the Island’s red oak and other native hardwoods. The sandstone bluffs exceed

Fortune Bridge was and continues to be an important ancestral burial ground for Acadians. For the Mi’kmaq, the area has cultural importance including the harvesting of fish, birds, medicinal plants, and shellfish, specifically the fish harvesting of eels, trout, smelts; bird harvesting of ducks, geese; decorative and medicinal plant harvesting; and shellfish harvesting of oysters along the Fortune River. On the land, traditional Mi’kmaq use of the area includes feather gathering, campsites, and berry gathering.

islandnaturetrust.ca

Bianca McGregor

Dr. Adam Fenech is one of the presenters in the webinar series

Penny’s Point Natural Area in Fortune Bridge

A gift of Island Poetry

DAYS, WEEKS, MONTHS, YEAR

Individual days, weeks, months: unbound! Flung up into the air, released from meaning. Who cares for you? Alice says to the deck of cards in Wonderland. The cards rise up into the air and come flying down upon her.

Her scream of fright and anger wakes her and Wonderland recedes to dream, and so will we wake by-and-by, and order will be restored to the calendar.

Coronavirus will retreat to dreamscape. Nightmare.

Like Alice, we will awaken and emerge changed, never the same. Gigantic one moment, mouse-sized the next.

We will have learned how to move through other divisions of time. Chessboard squares shifted to 3-D and back to an ordinary set of days.

And we’ll be safe as houses, safe as a church, home safe, safe and sound, out of the woods, right as rain.

My island’s the house I sleep in at night

Laurie Brinklow

My island’s the house I sleep in at night is published by Island Studies Press at UPEI and is available for sale at Bookmark, the UPEI Bookstore and online through the distributor, Nimbus Publishing. This book was the recipient of a SSHRC Exchange Publication Award from the Vice-President Academic and Research Office at UPEI.

BOOKS PEI Island Lecture Series celebrates Poetry Month

Island Wings Geoff Hogan

Illustrated by Connie Gaudet

Laurie Brinklow and Bren Simmers in conversation with Richard Lemm

“Being an islander means that you aren’t like everyone else,” writes Laurie Brinklow in her new book, My island’s the house I sleep in at night. Bounded by water, you can live your life with certainty, knowing where your edges are. Drawn from interviews with artists, writers and musicians from Newfoundland, Tasmania and PEI, these poems capture what it means to be an islander. To know every rock and tickle, “the sea your road/the hole in the sky/your light to travel by.”

In her second collection of poems, Brinklow weaves stories and images with her own poetic imaginings. These are poems steeped in community memory, about belonging to a place like nowhere else, a kitchen party full of islanders telling stories about the patch of rock they call home.

Nature PEI is providing a new opportunity for families to learn more about the birds around them and have fun doing it. Island Wings, a colouring book produced by Nature PEI is now available for download as individual colouring sheets at naturepei.ca/ island-wings-colouring-book.

A description of each bird as well a link to more material on iNaturalist, a top site for citizen science, adds to the learning experience.

The illustrator, Connie Gaudet is an Island artist and biologist. The text of the book was written by the late Geoff Hogan, a biologist and avid Island birder. naturepei.ca/island-wings-colouring-book.

will be held virtually via Zoom on April 27 at 7 pm ADT. Brinklow and Simmers will each read from their new books, My Island’s the house I sleep in at night and If, When, respectively, and topics will range from the role of story, place and history in their poetry to their own poetic practices. There will also be an opportunity for questions from the audience.

Dr. Laurie Brinklow teaches in the Master of Arts in Island Studies program at UPEI. Her new book My Island’s the house I sleep in at night was published by Island Studies Press in 2021.

Bren Simmers is the managing editor of Island Studies Press. Her soon to be released book If, When is published by Gaspereau Press.

Dr. Richard Lemm teaches creative writing, Canadian literature and environmental literature at UPEI. He is the author of five poetry collections, the most recent being Jeopardy (Acorn, 2018), which won the PEI book award for Poetry.

This virtual event is free to attend and all are welcome. Advance registration is required at bit.ly/ILS-april2021.

For more information, email Maggie Henry at mjhenry@upei.ca or visit islandstudies.com.

The April session of the Island Lecture Series will celebrate Poetry Month and will feature Island poets Laurie Brinklow and Bren Simmers in conversation with Island poet Richard Lemm. This session

Poets Bren Simmers (left) and Laurie Brinklow SUBMITTED

Comic book award winners

Brenda Hickey and Sandy Carruthers are fan favourites

School for the Blind podcast

Charlottetown author Robert Mercer’s book, Mrs.Beaton’s Question: My Nine Years at the Halifax School for the Blind, has inspired the new podcast, Tales from the Halifax School for the Blind, hosted by singer, songwriter and professional speaker, Terry Kelly.

The Sequential Magazine Awards are a hybrid juried and fan voted awards program with the goal of promoting and celebrating the best independent comic books made by Canadians, along with allowing comic fans to show their appreciation for their favourite local comics and creators.

In February those fans voted, and this year three creators from PEI have received awards.

Brenda Hickey took the prize for Favourite Cartoonist, and her book The Halls of the Turnip King (Pegamoose Press, January 2020) was runner up for

Best Graphic Novel. Brenda has been drawing and making comics for as long as she can remember.

Fans voted for Sandy Carruthers as their Favourite Artist. Sandy is currently publishing his own comics through SANDSTONE COMICS—an Atlantic Canadian house based on PEI. Third Place for Favourite Cartoonist went to Troy Little. Together with partner and fellow artist Brenda Hickey, they run Pegamoose Press. brendahickeycomics.com sandstonecomics.com. meanwhilestudios.com

Mercer was born visually impaired, and for nine years he attended the School for the Blind in Halifax. His life could have been very different. As a youngster, he struggled in school but through the intervention of a caring teacher and the support of his family, he found his way to the Halifax School for the Blind and into the classroom of Mrs. Beaton. It was there that he discovered his voice.

Mrs. Beaton’s Question was published in 2019 by Acorn Press, and this month the audiobook was released, making this historical record and inspiring story more accessible for a wider audience.

Kelly, host of the new podcast based on Mercer’s book, has released seven full-length recordings which earned seven East Coast Music Awards, and nominations for four Canadian Country Music Awards and a JUNO.

ective

After reading Mercer’s book, Ryan Delehanty from Accessible Media Inc. (AMI) was inspired to pitch the idea to develop the show Tales From the Halifax School for the Blind.

The podcast shares the experiences of students who attended the Halifax School for the Blind and brings to life first-hand accounts from fellow students who tell stories of youthful mischief, school culture, inspiring teachers, and the lives they’ve enjoyed since graduation.

Podcast episodes are available at ami.ca/halifax-school.

Brenda Hickey (Favourite Cartoonist) and Sandy Carruthers (Favourite Artist)

Earth Day activity

To celebrate Earth Day, Tracadie community members invite those interested to join them for a road side clean-up in the Tracadie area. Meet at the Tracadie Community Centre at 2 pm on April 24. Bring gloves. Contact Marian at 330-2248 for more information.

CFPEI grants & scholarships

Each year, through the generosity of donors, the Community Foundation of PEI (CFPEI) is able to provide scholarships and community grants Islandwide. CFPEI currently manages over 100 funds and distributes them to all corners of the community—arts and culture, education, health, social services and the environment. Applications are now open for their spring granting season. All applications must be completed online with the majority of applications closing May 1. Through endowment funds, CFPEI has already provided over $175,000 in initial granting so far in 2021. Visit cfpei.ca for a description of all grants and scholarships, application forms, and the list of initial grant recipients for 2021.

Hillsborough River AGM

The Hillsborough River Association’s AGM will take place April 13 at 7 pm at Beaconsfield Carriage House in Charlottetown. There will be a photo essay covering the work completed in 2020. The guest speaker will be announced on their Facebook page @hra watershed_management. Pre-registration is required at pisquidwatershed@gmail. com for those attending in person.

Agriculture Climate Solutions Program

The Departments of Agriculture and Land and Environment, Energy and Climate Action are launching the PEI Agriculture Climate Solutions Program to help Island farmers combat climate change. The pilot will support activities in the field or on the farm that reduce greenhouse gases or that store carbon in the soil. Some of the activities that will be supported under the program include nurse cropping, extending rotations with perennial crops, no-till planting, willow tree planting, installing liquid manure storage cover systems, and improving grazing management systems. Island farmers can apply beginning April 1 at princeedwardisland.ca/ agclimatesolutions

Free French courses

The Coopérative d’intégration francophone of PEI has partnered with the Community College of New Brunswick (CCNB) to increase access to free language courses for immigrants to PEI with permanent residency status. CCNB, designated by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada to offer French courses, are currently accepting enrollment for Cours de Langue pour les Immigrants au Canada (CLIC) and French for Parents. CLIC teaches French as an additional language and will help

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learners acquire basic French language skills. CLIC runs from September–June and admission is ongoing. Students can join the course at any time after they complete a language assessment test administered by CCNB (as required by IRCC). The French for Parents course is for immigrants with permanent residence whose children are attending a French school or are enrolled in a French immersion program. It will help parents acquire basic French skills to help them navigate the francophone school system, French-immersion learning, as well as network and communicate with members of their child’s school community. The next French for Parents course will run April 12– June 2 with online classes on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6–8 pm. Info/register: Jacques Arsenault, jacques@cifipe.ca

Kiosk for parking tickets

The City of Charlottetown has installed a new, secure kiosk for paying parking tickets in an effort to reduce the need for in-person payments. The kiosk is located in the lobby of City Hall (199 Queen St) and is accessible during regular business hours, Monday–Friday, 8 am–4:30 pm. The kiosk replaces the in-person payments at City Hall and allows those with a parking ticket to access a secure network, logging in with their ticket number to make a payment. The kiosk accepts VISA and Mastercard. A phone is available at the kiosk that connects with the Police Station to assist those who don’t have their ticket number with them or who have misplaced their ticket. In-person payments are still accepted at the Charlottetown Police Station for those who would prefer to pay in person. Online payments can also be made any time at paypark.charlottetown.ca/pay.

Stratford CAPTURE program

The Town of Stratford will become the first municipality on PEI to partner with the RCMP on CAPTURE (Community Assisted Policing Through Use of Recorded Evidence). Stratford CAPTURE will allow residents and businesses who have security cameras on their property to register voluntarily with the Stratford division of the RCMP. A database (which is not made public) will be maintained by the RCMP. The cameras are not owned, operated or installed by the Town of Stratford or RCMP. The program will allow RCMP members to retrieve potential evidence from registered cameras if and when required. townofstratford.ca

Nat’l Advisory Committee

Canada’s Volunteer Awards (CVA) is accepting applications for its National Advisory Committee (NAC) until April 8. Members of the NAC play a critical role in the selection of CVA recipients by reviewing nominations and making recommendations to the

Minister of Families, Children and Social Development. The committee consists of 15 volunteer members from across Canada who are passionate about volunteering. Members are selected based on their knowledge and experience working or volunteering in support of community development. Members will reflect Canada’s diversity and will serve for a term of three years. People with experience in the social services sector, the private sector, or a municipality are encouraged to apply. Info: canada.ca

Islanders for Proportional Representation

Islanders for Proportional Representation will host an online viewing party April 24 at 2 pm featuring a screening of the recording of their event last fall, PR Vision 2000 and Beyond, with Willie Sullivan from the UK Electoral Reform Society explaining the success of electoral reform in Scotland. Sullivan explains the evolution of Scotland’s voting system from an antiquated First Past The Post (FPTP) system to a modern electoral system based on proportional representation (PR). The screening will take place during the week marking the second anniversary of the Provincial election held in April 2019 when the majority of ridings on PEI voted in favour of PR and many others offered substantial support. More information including the link for the online event can be accessed at islanders4pr.ca/events or fb.me/e/3Jrt4mpK5. Islanders for PR have remained active since the last Provincial election. To get involved, contact Leo at 940-5635.

Online grief support

A monthly grief support group is held online via Zoom every third Thursday of each month at 7 pm. The drop-in sessions are facilitated by Social Worker Blanche Ward and Hospice PEI Grief Support Coordinator, Lynn Butler. To register, contact Lynn at 330-3857. First time Zoom users are welcome to join. Technical support can be arranged a few days before the session. One on one grief support Hospice volunteers are also available for private phone conversations.

Pre-K program input

The Province is seeking the views and opinions of children, parents, early childhood educators and education stakeholders on how to deliver a quality pre-kindergarten program for Island children. Pre-kindergarten is an optional play-based program for all Island fouryear-olds. Starting in September 2021, the program will be free and offered 15 hours a week out of licensed early childhood centres. Currently, 76 percent of Island four-year olds are enrolled in pre-kindergarten. A new universal pre-kindergarten program will help ensure that cost is not a barrier to a child’s development and

success. For more information on how to participate in consultations on pre-kindergarten, visit princeedwardisland.ca/ prekindergarten.

Accessible transportation rebate program

The Province is providing $95,000 to the PEI Council of People with Disabilities to offer an Accessible Transportation Rebate Program to transportation operators that will help offset the costs of wheelchair accessible vehicles. Rebates will cover 20 percent of costs to a maximum of $10,000 for both vehicle and equipment purchases. Drivers of accessible vehicles must complete a training course provided by the PEI Council of People with Disabilities, in collaboration with Pat and the Elephant. To be eligible for the program, taxi and ride-sharing companies must be incorporated to do business in PEI. Recipients must agree to maintain and operate the vehicle for a 5-year period and preference will be given to new vehicle purchases. Operators who have used vehicles more than five-years old with less than 60,000 kms are also eligible to apply. Call 892-9149 to apply.

SSWA AGM

The South Shore Watershed Association (SSWA) will hold their AGM at Crapaud Community Hall April 21 at 7 pm. The evening will feature guest speaker Shawn Hill, ALUS Coordinator in PEI, a short AGM business meeting, and after a “People’s Choice” vote is taken by those in attendance, the winner of the 2021 SSWA Photo Contest Grand Prize will be announced. Due to seating restrictions, RSVP is required by calling 730-2052 or emailing ddavey@eastlink.ca.

Autism assitance

A new Health PEI program will provide early intervention for children who are awaiting an autism assessment from a psychologist. The Social ABCs program is a structured, evidence-based early intervention program for children (ages 3–12) identified as possibly having autism spectrum disorder (ASD), providing families with intervention support at the first signs of concern, even before diagnosis. PEI has Canada’s second highest prevalence of autism (one in 59 residents) according to Public Health Agency of Canada data. Nationally and globally, rates of autism are increasing and access to assessments with trained professionals has not increased at the same pace— meaning longer wait times. Health PEI is in the process of hiring an additional psychologist to address these wait times and recruitment is underway to hire a Social ABCs project lead and coach to begin working this spring. Parents play a major role in the program.

PEI Water Act

PEI will bring the Water Act into effect June 16, ensuring government is able to manage and protect water resources for the common good, including humans and the environment, now and into the future. Visit princeedwardisland.ca/ wateract for more information.

CFPEI scholarships

The Community Foundation of PEI (CFPEI) recently announced two new scholarships—the Jacob Simmons Sports Scholarship and the Janice Kun Memorial Scholarship.

The application deadline is May 1. For more information, visit cfpei.ca.

Jacob Simmons Sports

The Jacob Simmons Sports Scholarship endowment fund was established by family and friends in honour of Jacob Simmons of Belfast, PEI—an avid athlete who was killed at the age of 27 by an impaired driver while cycling on June 12, 2020.

“This scholarship is an important legacy for our family and friends to remember and honour Jacob, and to help another Island student achieve their dreams,” said Jacob’s mom, Brenda Simmons.

Jacob was an avid athlete who participated in many sports throughout his life, including basketball, soccer, volleyball, rugby, football, track and field, wrestling, running and cycling. He represented PEI on provincial basketball and soccer teams and was invited to try out for the National Men’s U-17 basketball team. He was also the 2019 PEI Roadrunners’ Male Runner of the Year.

Jacob also had a wide range of interests outside of sports, among them, chess, reading, music, travel, heritage and people. He worked with his father in the family agricultural tile drainage business and on their family farm in Point Prim, PEI.

The Jacob Simmons Sports Scholarship Fund will provide an annual scholarship for a graduating PEI high school student who is attending a post-secondary institution in the fall. For 2021, the scholarship will be valued at $2500.

Applicants should possess leadership qualities, contribute to their community, and have demonstrated potential that would allow them to

Funding for Glenaladale

succeed academically in post-secondary studies. Applications must be accompanied by a personal statement of up to 750 words that describes why the student feels they would be an appropriate recipient of the scholarship. Applicants are asked to also include two suggestions on how impaired driving could be reduced or eliminated in PEI.

Janice Kun Memorial

The Janice Kun Memorial Scholarship endowment fund was established as a tribute to Janice Kun who passed away from cancer in August 2019. The annual scholarship, valued at $1000 in this inaugural year, aims to support a young PEI art student by giving them the same encouragement and acknowledgement that benefited Janice so greatly when she first ventured from her secondary school in Charlottetown out into the wider world.

For those who knew her, Janice was a beautiful, kind, witty, thoughtful, daydreamy and creative soul who was loved and respected by friends, family and colleagues alike.

She worked professionally as an illustrator, while also creating a rich body of multi-genre fine art, drawing inspiration from sources such as nature, fashion, as well as her personal cultural heritage and experiences.

“It’s tremendously meaningful for Janice’s family, friends and I to have this legacy established in a manner fitting to Janice’s inspiring and generous nature,” said partner Daniel Turner.

The Janice Kun Memorial Scholarship Fund will provide an annual scholarship to a PEI high school graduating student who will be attending a post-secondary institution this fall with the intention of working towards an undergraduate degree or diploma in Fine Arts. Exceptions will be considered for students starting later in the year or who have taken a gap year off.

Glenaladale Heritage Trust will receive $484,000 in Legacy funding to help restore the Glenaladale Estate at 257 Blooming Point Road. Additional fundraising will allow the Trust to complete this work in advance of the 250th anniversary of the arrival of the Glenaladale settlers at Tracadie Cross on June 25, 1772.

The funding will assist the Trust in their efforts to preserve Glenaladale House as a centre for Scottish heritage, turn Glenaladale School into a cultural centre and gateway to the Estate, and add multilingual exterior

interpretation, a Sculpture Forest, Ancestors Garden, and Miss Nelly’s Orchard. Plans are also underway to host a range of events in honour of the anniversary, including a 10-day Festival of Scottish heritage and culture.

Glenaladale’s Sculpture Forest will be developed in partnership with the Confederation Centre of the Arts and Creative PEI. A call for proposals will go out soon and will hopefully attract a wide-ranging response from the Island’s artistic community.

For more information, visit glenaladalepei.com or email glenaladalepei@gmail.com.

Adult Bricks4kidz

Considering multilple requests, the PEI branch of Bricks4kidz (a locally-owned franchise) will now offer parties and events for adults.

The first one will be held at Founder’s Hall and Food Market on April 17 from 2–3 pm.

Instructions and materials for your build will be on hand for the event.

Bricks4kidz is a a Global enterprise that started when a mom found out how much fun it could be to teach her child with Lego Bricks.

For more info about the event, go to their FB page @b4kpei.

KRIS SINCLAIR

Glenaladale School

Free UTI assessment

Effective April 1, Island residents with a PEI health card who require assessment for uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) can visit any participating Island pharmacy to receive this assessment free of charge. Back in the fall, Island pharmacists were first able to assess and prescribe for uncomplicated UTIs, but Islanders were still required to pay a fee for the assessment. Now, government will fund this service so it is free of charge for all eligible Islanders.

Climate Challenge Fund

PEI’s Climate Challenge Fund helps Islanders adapt to climate change, develop new technologies and opportunities, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in innovative ways. Projects funded in the first year of the program range from work to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture and planting trees to sequester carbon, to helping homeowners adapt to increased flood risk and the Island’s technology sector to develop zero emission transportation. Announced in February 2019, the Climate Challenge Fund will provide $3 million ($1 million annually) until 2023. The projects approved in the first round of funding will receive up to $960,663 in support. The Climate Challenge Fund accepts applications from a wide range of organizations, including First Nations, municipalities, academic institutions, businesses and non-profit organizations.

UPEI projects supported

Recipients of the PEI Climate Challenge Fund include three projects led by scholars at UPEI. The Faculty of Sustainable Design Engineering received $99,400 to explore sustainable agriculture practices to improve crop productivity and mitigate climate change. The Department of Psychology was awarded $24,965 to develop of a tool to assess climate change anxiety and The School of Climate Change and Adaptation received $100,000 to develop high-resolution regional climate scenarios for PEI. Developing reliable and high-resolution climate projections for PEI will help local stakeholders and resource managers can make scientifically sound decisions.

Grants support inclusion and leadership for women

The 2021 Interministerial Women’s Secretariat (IWS) Grants for community group projects that focus on encouraging women and girls to pursue opportunities in science, technology, engineering and math, skilled trades and leadership, as well as engaging men and boys in gender-based violence prevention, were awarded to: Women’s Network PEI ($27,000 for Train UP: Deepening our Understanding of Violence Prevention);

PEI Coalition for Women in Government ($19,250 for Election HERSstory); PEI Business Women’s Association ($10,000 for Advancing Business Leadership for Young Women Entrepreneurs); STEAM

PEI ($40,000 for Girls Math Programs); East Prince Women’s Information Centre ($20,000 for leadership training); Sport

PEI ($15,000 for workshops/group coaching to female leaders in sport); The

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Adventure Group ($15,750 for Adventure in Kindness–Learning Empathy and Leadership During the Pandemic); and Actions Femmes IPÉ ($25,500 for a social reconnection project designed for Acadian and Francophone women in response to the pandemic).

Plagiarism-resistant exams

Dr. Yingwei Wang, an associate professor at UPEI’s School of Mathematical and Computational Science, crafted a method to evaluate his students which lowers the grade of plagiarists and make plagiarism less attractive. His new testing method is called TSINC, an acronym for its five attributes: Time-pressed, indicating students are given a very short time to answer each question; Sequential, meaning students are not allowed to go back to the previous question; Individualized, meaning every student will be given a unique exam in terms of question order and variation; Not searchable, meaning the questions should be worded in a way their answers cannot be found with a search; and Calibration-bound, specifying that the marks should be “calibrated” after the exam, so harsh requirements introduced by the previous attributes are compensated. Dr. Wang designed this method last summer and applied it to the courses he taught last fall. The results were positive. He wrote a manuscript to describe his method and it was published by SocArXiv in January 2021. Dr. Wang hopes this method, which is much needed during the pandemic, can help other instructors evaluate students fairly and meaningfully.

NFRF supports UPEI research

A research project by Dr. Marya Ahmed, assistant professor of chemistry at UPEI, is being supported with a contribution of $250,000 from the Government of Canada’s New Frontiers of Research Fund (NFRF). Dr. Ahmed is exploring methods to use short strings of amino acids, known as peptides, as a replacement to traditional treatments of mastitis infections in dairy cows. Mastitis is an inflammation of the mammary glands caused by invasive microbial pathogens. It is among the most costly and prevalent diseases in the dairy industry, resulting in considerable economic losses, decreased quality and quantity of milk production, and loss of animals. Dr. Ahmed’s lab is developing new peptides for use in bovine mastitis, and new ways of delivering them into the inflammation, including attaching the peptide to a polymer to customize the release of drug.

New PEIBWA program

The PEI Business Women’s Association (PEIBWA) has received a $10,000 grant from the PEI Interministerial Women’s Secretariat (IWS) to fund the new Advancing Business Leadership for Young Women Entrepreneurs program, slated to begin this fall. The 12-week

program will include six bi-weekly online presentations by business experts, informal peer-to-peer mentoring opportunities, and a series of profiles showcasing the stories of successful young women leaders and entrepreneurs. A volunteer advisory committee of young women in business will lend expertise and support to the program. Info: peibwa.org

Post-secondary investments

New investments in post-secondary education aim to ensure finances do not limit student achievement. The Province is investing over $2 million to lower the cost of post-secondary education for students and to support them on their path to success after graduation. New post-secondary education investments include: an increase of $500,000 to the Island Advantage Bursary to support low and middle income students who pursue post-secondary studies; a $200,000 Experiential Learning Fund to connect students to jobs and co-op placements within their field of study; UPEI Open Education Resource Development Program to reduce the costs of textbooks and program materials; doubling the Mental Health Supports Grant to each post-secondary institution; partnering with the Atlantic Police Academy to fund seats for under-represented groups and visible minorities; and deferring provincial student loan repayments until September 2021. UPEI, Holland College and Collège de l’Île will also receive a two percent increase in their operating budget to help keep tuition costs among the lowest in Canada.

Ground Search and Rescue

New equipment will help PEI Ground Search and Rescue (PEIGSAR) improve their search and rescue efforts. The Province is providing a one-time grant of $100,000 to purchase new safety equipment, kayaks, trailers and replacement vehicles. PEIGSAR is a volunteer-based, non-profit community organization that provides year round, 24-hour support to search for and rescue people who are lost or injured across the Island. The new equipment will ensure PEIGSAR volunteers can do their job safely and effectively. peigsar.ca

Electronic medical records

The Province has selected TELUS Health as the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) provider for PEI. An EMR allows for safe and secure sharing of patient information between physician offices, hospitals, laboratories and pharmacies, providing a comprehensive digital view of a patient’s health history. EMRs have become a standard tool used across the country and have been shown to reduce medical errors, improve communication between care providers and improve patient care in areas such as managing chronic diseases. EMRs also support modern care

models giving patients more consultation options, such as virtual care. The province has invested an initial $8.4 million for the implementation of a single Island-wide EMR solution along with an additional investment from Canada Health Infoway. Plans are underway to begin implementing the TELUS solution in physician offices this summer.

Incentives to buy EVs

Beginning this spring, the Government of PEI will offer the most generous electric vehicle (EV) incentive in Canada by providing $5000 to Islanders who purchase a new or used EV. Government will also offer a free Level 2 charger to people who purchase an EV and $2500 to those who buy a plug-in hybrid. Islanders will be responsible for all installation costs associated with charging infrastructure. Incentives will be administered at the point-of-sale, applied directly on the bill of sale or lease agreement. Dealerships will be responsible for completing the documentation required to receive the rebate and submit all forms to Access PEI. Vehicles must be purchased from an Island dealership to be eligible. Islanders who buy a new, fully electric vehicle may be eligible for up to $10,000 off the purchase price with the Federal Government rebate of $5000 and the PEI Universal EV Incentive combined. PEI will be the fourth province in Canada to offer an EV incentive. Supporting more sustainable transportation in PEI will help Islanders lower their impact on the environment. Encouraging the use of EVs is part of the Sustainable Transportation Action Plan. Info: princeedwardisland.ca/evs

Action plan for tourism

A new action plan is available to help guide the tourism industry through the 2021 tourism season. In addition to the action plan, new supports for the industry include: $3 million to create a Tourism Activation Grant Program to provide tourism operators with a non-repayable grant to assist with eligible costs associated with opening for the 2021 season;. $1 million to create an Air Access Recovery Program with YYG Charlottetown Airport to retain and restore air carriers to PEI; and funding to Tourism Industry Association of PEI to hire a Tourism Operator Advisor to help the industry navigate available supports and programs. The 2021 PEI Tourism Action Plan can be found at princeedwardisland.ca/en/publication/ tourism-action-plan-2021.

Gift of Giving Campaign

The PEI Liquor Control Commission (LCC) presented cheques to several charitable organizations from across the Island recently as part of its annual Gift of Giving Campaign. The Campaign is an annual event by the PEI LCC, which donates a portion of all gift card sales during the month of December to community organizations. This year, the campaign raised more than $16,000, and recipients include Blooming House, Bedford MacDonald House, MADD Canada, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Canadian Mental Health Association, and six PEI food banks. liquorpei.com

I Am Greta

What bird is that?

PEI Fridays for Future Climate Action Group will celebrate Earth Day with I am Greta screenings at City Cinema in Charlottetown from April 20–22.

The film explores Greta Thunberg, the 15 year-old Swedish climate activist who, in 2018, began holding school strikes outside her country’s Parliament building in Stockholm. At first she sat alone, handing out information and answering questions from passersby, and within months she had sparked a worldwide movement.

There are some fantastic books around on bird identification. Yet though I love books, I’ve never been particularly adept at leafing through field guides. Most of my learning has come from people teaching me things. That personal touch has been more difficult to find during these COVID times, but it is important. I vividly remember people teaching me what to look for, how to see things better.

It often starts with breaking things down, looking for easy ways to sort information. How large is it—chickadee size, robin size, crow size? What shape is it? Is it long and slender, or short and round? Is it perched in a tree or on the ground? Are the colours bold and striking or is it camouflaged? These observations help paint a general picture of what the bird is, and what it is not.

Habitat is also quite helpful. When I see a Northern harrier, the hawk pictured above, it is generally flying low over fields, looking for rodents to eat. While they will take small birds, amphibians and insects, rodents such as voles and mice make up a large portion of their diet. These birds slowly work their way across a field or open area, wings stretched out and often tipping from side to side, getting a bearing on the prey below.

I would not expect to find one in a forest. The long, relatively thin wings would be a detriment when flying through a wooded area. This is where understanding habitat can really help. When I see a hawk flying through the forest, if it is blue jay size, it most likely is a sharp-shinned hawk. If it is crow size, then it will generally be a Northern goshawk or a red-tailed hawk.

When I started birding many years ago, I was not very observant. I was so excited to see something, especially a species that I didn’t know, that I didn’t take the time to look for clues to identification. When I see a bird these days, one of the first things I do is look at the beak. The size and shape of the beak tells you so many things. When I talk with people about woodpeckers, the analogy that springs to mind is that they have chisels on the front of their face, in order to peck at wood.

The beak tells me so much. The Northern harrier has a big, strong, curved beak that is made for tearing apart meat. It is not a woodpecker (that’s not a chisel!). And it certainly isn’t a big seed or fruit eater. Birds don’t have knives and forks. They are reliant on their beaks for eating.

When I see a similar beak on our small saw whet owl, I know again that it is a meat eater. These migratory owls nest in holes in trees. But their beaks are curved for ripping meat and totally unsuitable for drilling holes in wood. They often rely on holes made by some of our larger woodpeckers—hairy, Northern flicker or pileated—after they are abandoned.

Besides beaks, start looking at how long the tail is, if there are any wing bars (stripes on the wings), does it have a ring around its eye or a stripe there, does it have strong talons for grasping prey or webbed feet to use for paddling.

Learning more about birds, including identification, can help bring you closer to our natural environment. In time, you become a part of nature, not just an observer.

Directed by Nathan Grossman, the film offers a personal and inspiring glimpse inside Greta’s path to becoming an internationally known environmental activist.

Showtime is 7 pm. Tickets available online at citycinema.ca and at the door. Afternoon showings are available for schools and overflow. earthday.org

What’s all the Buzz in York?

From tools, seeds and accessories to a wide variety of gardening gifts and decor.

Northern harrier

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2021 JUNO nominees

Can Folk Music Awards

Catherine MacLellan and The East Pointers to perform

Some Island pride as the nominees have been announced for the 50th Annual JUNO Awards.

PEI-born and raised, Halifaxbased Rose Cousins is nominated for Contemporary Roots Album of the year for her album, Bravado

Born in Wellington, PEI, Ottawabased photographer Remi Theriault has been nominated for Album Art of the Year as part of the team who worked on the album artwork for Just Words by Lynne Hanson.

The 2021 JUNO Awards will be broadcast nationwide May 16.

This year, the 2021 Canadian Folk Music Awards (CFMA) is hosting its awards celebrations online April 10 and 11. The virtual awards performance schedule includes performances by 2021 CFMA nominees, Catherine MacLellan and The East Pointers.

For her latest album Coyote, PEI’s Catherine MacLellan is nominated for Contemporary Album of the Year, Contemporary Singer of the Year and Solo Artist of the Year. With their

album Yours to Break, The East Pointers are nominated for Contemporary Album of the Year, Contemporary Singer of the Year (Tim Chaisson), Single of the Year (“Wintergreen”), and the Oliver Schroer Pushing the Boundaries Award.

The virtual CFMA Awards Show will be streamed via folkawards.ca (English) and prixfolk.ca (French), and on their social media channels. folkawards.ca

2021 CFMA award nominees The East Pointers

The Cove Journal by JoDee Samuelson

Unexpected

G’Ma Circle of Charlottetown

The G’Ma Circle of Charlottetown is celebrating the 15th anniversary of the Stephen Lewis Foundation’s (SLF) Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign (GTG) in April by raising awareness for the Together in Concert: In Solidarity with African Grandmothers event on April 15 at 8:30 pm.

Organized by Canadian grandmothers, the free online concert will feature a variety of Canadian performers from across the country. To register and watch the concert, visit cdngrandmothers.com (available for 72 hours).

Family Feud

The Montague Rotary Library will present Family Feud on April 14 from 7–9 pm at Copper Bottom Brewing.

Interested participants are encouraged to gather a team of five friends or family members and sign up for the fun Family (or Friend) Feud game. To secure a spot, teams should send their information the Montague Rotary Library by email at montague@gov. pe.ca. Space is limited so please wait to hear back for confirmation.

Spectators are also welcome. It is recommended to call the Brewery in advance to make a table reservation for this event.

Copper Bottom Brewing is located at 567 Rue Main, Montague.

March has been a month of unexpected, even bewildering, events. There was the COVID-19 scare with the long list of places one might have been and yep, we were at one of them. So Sunday morning we joined the long lineup at the government garage parking lot and inched our way towards the big doors around the final corner. It was something like parking on the ferry, and something like cows following one another up the ramp into… well, you know where. Fortunately, minutes later, nostrils slightly tender but nothing serious, we drove out the other side. Thank you, dear government, for caring so much about our wellbeing.

Another cold morning as we were eating breakfast, we glanced out towards the bird feeder and there was the towhee in the tray, eating his little heart out before the blue jays arrived and shoved him aside. We’re delighted that he decided to make our yard his winter home, but what he will do next? Hopefully he will head off to greener pastures and find a mate eager to share his colorful life.

Later that morning after blue jays, chickadees, mourning doves, juncos and red-winged blackbirds had descended on the feeder, we noticed a large dark lump in the snow. What the heck? Did you drop a chunk of firewood? No, did you? Out with the binoculars: It was a huge hawk, wings outspread, with a bird in its talons. Oh no! The towhee! … but it wasn’t the towhee. It was a starling. I know I should have felt bad for the starling, and I did, but I was so happy that it wasn’t our little darling. Well, we’re all a bundle of contradictions.

Another day, walking with friends along the shore road, beautiful sunlight, Strait half-iced in and Nova Scotia across the way, there in the field was a cheerful snowman, arms

outstretched, big mask over his carrot nose. Yay! People still make snowmen! I hope it hasn’t been too warm for him and that he’s still out there unexpectedly spreading good cheer.

Here’s something else unexpected: This morning the wind turbine at the top of the hill was not turning. For years and years that turbine has faithfully whirled in the faintest of breezes, and in fact, I have never seen it at rest. While this doesn’t mean anything, it feels strange.

Then there’s our good friend who has suddenly developed health problems that medicine cannot cure. No one lives forever, not humans, not starlings, and certainly not snowmen, but we want to keep our irreplaceable friends with us a little longer.

We sure didn’t expect that on March 11, 2020, the WHO would declare a global pandemic. But here we are one year later and spring is returning, as expected. Every day the sun shines a little brighter. The snow is melting, ice is leaving the Strait, bedding plants are getting their first leaves, and we’re going to get vaccinated soon.

It’s a wonderful world, and maybe we need a few surprises now and then to keep us on our toes.

Spring craft market

PEI grandmothers and “grandothers” have been inspired to provide help through awareness and fundraising events—such as their fabric and yarn sales—since SLF established GTG with the mandate to support African grandmothers raising grandchildren orphaned by the AIDS crisis.

Since the pandemic has halted so many of the G’Ma fundraising efforts, SLF greatly appreciates any donations.

The G’Ma Circle of Charlottetown would like to thank their many PEI supporters over the past 15 years. They hope to resume activities soon.

cdngrandmothers.com

grandmotherscampaign.org

Spring yard sale

The Spring Park United annual spring yard sale will take place April 24 from 8:30 am–12 pm. Suggested $2 donation at the door. The sale includes household items, a collection of depression/ carnival glass, jewelry, sporting equipment, furniture, books, puzzles, electronics, bedding, curtains, crafts, toys, indoor house plants and home decor. 65 Kirkwood Dr, Charlottetown.

Grades 1 - 12

The PEI Crafts Council’s Bloom Spring Market will be held at the Delta Convention Centre in Charlottetown on april 30 from 12 pm–9 pm and May 1 from 9 am–4 pm. Admissions is free. peicraftscouncil@gmail.com, 892-5152

NEW ALBUM RELEASES

The Grass Is Always Greener on the Other Side

Dennis Ellsworth

Ellsworth voices the importance of resiliency on the album in songs like “It’s Going to Be So Nice When This is Over” and “Don’t Tell Me How It Ends,” and expressions of devotion in “Sunny Winter Morning” and “Call Me Anytime.” He reflects on a life lived by love in “Bound By Love,” and the healing power of nature in “Warm Flowered Air” and “Thoughts and Buzz.”

Ellsworth is a songwriter, performer and producer from Charlottetown. He began writing songs in high school, bridging a variety of styles from folk, to rock n’ roll, to chill electro-pop.

“Bandcamp has gone above and beyond for artists during this precarious time, and as such, the full length albums will only be available there, in CD, LP, and digital formats,” said Ellsworth. “That said, streaming fans shouldn’t feel left out. As a companion to each full length album release on Bandcamp, we’ll be releasing a sampler EP to streaming services. If you want to hear and support the full project, you know where to find it. Everybody wins.” dennisellsworth.com

features eight songs, five of which were previously unreleased, and showcases Spivey’s lyrical integrity and descriptive narratives.

Dennis Ellsworth leans into the referential on his new full length album, The Grass Is Always Greener on the Other Side, released March 5. The album is the second installment in Ellsworth’s Bound By Love Series, which reconsiders the status quo of how artists release music, while sharing 32 new songs across three albums and three EPs.

“This is a condensed musical history of my life,” said Ellsworth, of the moving focus track, “Bound By Love.” “It stretches from the 1970s up to today, and uses my photographic memory to tie things together, reflecting on how time spent driving in my mother’s car as a kid shaped a lot of my musical life.”

Trustfall Vince The Messenger

Released in 2019, the first single “Space” has garnered over 20,000 streams so far. Topping that, with over 25,000 streams, the second single “Vibein” earned Spivey a 2021 Music PEI nomination for Best Rap/Hip-Hop Recording of the Year. Spivey used a more laid back, yet aggressive tone in his third single “Tuco Salamanca,” making use of a catchy style to keep his fans singing along.

Released under DNR Records, The Plague Doctor EP is available on all streaming platforms.

Oceans EP

Kierrah Celeste

Rapper Daniel Butterfield—aka Vince The Messenger—has released his highly anticipated second album, Trustfall, which picks up where his debut, Self Sabotage, left off.

Delving once again into the realm of introspection, touching on themes of courage, trust and self discovery, this collection of songs will leave listeners with new perspectives and powerful quotables.

Vince The Messenger’s music has been noted for its philosophical drive and focus on social issues and empowerment. His style carries underlying elements of golden era hip-hop but brings a refreshing, abstract feeling and approach to this familiar sound.

The Plague Doctor EP Spivey

Locally based hip-hop artist Spivey released his debut album The Plague Doctor EP on March 19. The album

Kierrah Celeste’s debut album Oceans is an EP exploring the struggles with mental health, insecurities, self-love, and purpose.

In Oceans, Kierrah delivers an alternative R&B feel and neo-soul vibe. Her smooth, warm and breathy tone capture the depth of her heartfelt lyrics.

Inspired by artists like Frank Ocean, Andra Day, SZA, HER and Beyoncé, Kierrah strives to showcase each of those influences on this EP.

Oceans was produced and recorded with fellow SoPA alumni Sid Acharya at his home studio and will be released April 14.

A release party for th new album is scheduled for April 15 at Traislide Music Hall in Charlottetown. Oceans can be found on popular streaming services including Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal and YouTube.

VENUES

Copper Bottom

Located at 567 Main Street, Montague. Doors at 6:30 pm with show at 7:30 pm. Tickets in the taproom or at eventbrite.ca. Shows are 19+.

Haunted Hearts Apr 2

Garrett Mason May 27–28

Mason is a true bluesman whose quest to become a musician started at a very early age. His favourite tapes at three years old were by Canned Heat and Buddy Rich.

Trailside Music Hall

Located in The Arts Hotel, 155 Kent St, Charlottetown. Doors at 6:30 pm with music at 8 pm. Tickets at trailside.ca.

Vince The Messenger Mar 29

Album release party to celebrate the release of his 2021 album Trustfall. Vince the Messenger’s style carries underlying elements of golden era hip-hop with a refreshing, abstract feeling and approach.

Nick Doneff Apr 8–9

The Royal North Apr 18

Haunted Hearts began in 2008 with Dennis Ellsworth, Mike MacDougall, Johnny Ross, Blu Gillis and Dan Currie. After going on hiatus in 2012, the original five-member band is back, writing new songs for another whirl around.

Lawrence Maxwell and Shane Pendergast Apr 9

Songwriter Lawrence Maxwell captures the pain and triumph of everyday life and relates it to the spiritual experience. Immersed in family kitchen parties, Shane Pendergast is a folksinger who learned to play by ear at an early age.

Rachel Beck and Kim Harris

Apr 24

The Recital: The Show Apr 1 Book insights and readings from author Kimberley Mooney. Music by Josh and Sam Langille, Lawrence Maxwell, Kelley Mooney, Katie McGarry, Justyn Young, The Good Ol’ Boys and Larry Koughan.

The Love Junkies Apr 2

The Love Junkies play a mix of popular cover songs from 1950’s rock to 1960’s pop to 1970’s soul.

Got Blues with Mark Haines April 3 (matinee)

Join Chris Roumbanis, Reg Ballagh, Mike Robicheau and guest Mark Haines for an afternoon of the finest Blues around. Doors at 1 pm.

Nudie Apr 3

Nick Doneff is known for his earnest songwriting and magnetic live performances. CBC Q’s host Tom Power described him as a cross between John Prine and Joel Plaskett.

Brian J. Dunn Apr 10

“Brian J. Dunn’s songs glow with an artistry that’s fuelled by personal experience, offering a direct doorway for anyone to enter into—and whether it’s in a live or recorded setting, Dunn can easily take you there, and profoundly lead you through it.” —Todd MacLean

Craig Fair: Mix-Tape Sundays with Logan Richard & Joce Reyome Apr 11

The 90’s Volume 1 with a song for everyone. Logan Richard released his self-titled EP in 2021, and Joce Reyome’s debut album is anticipated by the end of the year.

Greg Bungay Apr 13

Bungay has been a staple in the PEI music scene for many years as frontman for Boys in The Kitchen, playing music across the Maritimes.

Kierrah Celeste Album Release Party Apr 15

A 24-carat rock band—straight up, no chaser. Lifelong players who love to rattle the walls. There are, of course, nods to the staple albums from the band’s tour van, but they are more than that. For The Royal North, melody reigns supreme.

Got Blues with Davis Ward

April 24 (matinee)

Join Chris Roumbanis, Reg Ballagh, Mike Robicheau and guest Davis Ward for an afternoon of the finest Blues around. Doors at 1 pm.

Nathan Wiley with Full Band

Apr 24

Wiley has shared the stage with artists like Blue Rodeo, Sarah Harmer, Steve Earle, Billy Bragg, Matt Mays, Ron Sexsmith and more. He splits his time these days between writing new material, producing other Maritime acts and scoring short films.

Bluegrass Brunch with Grass Mountain Hobos

Apr 25 (10 am & 1 pm)

Banjo, fiddle, friends, family, brunch— who could ask for more? Their brand of old time entertainment is equal parts carnival, farm, tavern and circus.

Irish Mythen Apr 25–29

An Island sensation for years, Nudie has toured long and far and played in venues of all sizes across North America.

Joce Reyome Apr 6

Singer and songwriter Rachel Beck’s sophomore record, Stronger Than You Know, is sonically decorated with electronic rhythms and dreamy synth layers. Beck’s vocals float across the vivid, harmony-laden, ethereal soundscape.

Multiple Music Nova Scotia award and ECMA award winner, Harris’ album Heirloom was named one of the top 25 to look forward to in 2020 by CBC Music.

Vocal power, musical grace and control. Joce Reyome honed their skills performing alongside Irish Mythen, KINLEY, Andrew Waite and Dylan Menzie. They released their first single “Cross my Heart” in February.

Influenced by the sounds of R&B and artists like Beyoncé and Brandy, Kierrah has been making an impact with her ethereal performance style. This show is an album release party for her new EP Oceans

Wrong Planet Band with Absolute Losers Apr 16

PEI’s Wrong Planet Band is a three piece instrumental unit best known for their twanged-out reverb/tremolo/echo sound, drawing from surf, western and early rock & roll.

Absolute Losers is an indie/postpunk trio based in Charlottetown. The group leans into their thin instrumentation with wiry guitar, intertwining bass and drum, and nonchalant vocals.

Irish Mythen’s self-titled album gained Mythen recognition around the globe with nominations and wins coming from Music PEI, ECMA, Folk Alliance International and Socan.

Swift Kick: Taylor Swift Tribute

April 30

Featuring Laura Morgan, Donovan Morgan, Criag MacDonald, Brady MacDonald and Jordan Walsh.

NEW SINGLE RELEASES

“Fine” Emmet MacLellan

“On The Low” Nadia Haddad

Emmet MacLellan released their debut single “Fine” in March.

Co-written with the song’s producer, Adam Gallant, “Fine” is MacLellan’s introduction to the East Coast music scene.

“This song is about wanting to escape, codependency, and repressed anger fueling the ego/subconscious mind. It is emotionally chaotic lyrically and peppy at the same time. [Because everything is fine],” says Emmet.

MacLellan drew inspiration from a myriad of honest and open creative spaces. With raw emotion, ethereal vocals and a fresh take on indie folk, this single is a confirmation of their unbridled talent, and bright future.

The recording and video of “Fine” was supported by the Diverse Voices Program through a partnership between Music PEI and FilmPEI.

Nadia Haddad released her new single “On The Low” in March, introducing her to the music world.

“I wanted to explore my words, feelings and musicality through the creation of a song that fused my love for R&B and Pop,” says Haddad. The new single is a testament to her burgeoning musical flair, one that is modern, progressive and distinctly her.

Haddad has been involved with a myriad of community arts projects on PEI ranging from starring in the Charlottetown production of Stan Rogers: A Matter of Heart to lending her talents to good causes such as the “Beacon of Light” candlelight vigil commemorating the victims of the 2020 Beirut explosion.

“On The Low” was produced by Julien Lopes (Ramzoid) and written by Nadia Haddad.

Lidt mere Natmusik

Pianist Sarah Hagen returns to St. Paul’s in Charlottetown for another edition of Night Music on April 16 and 17 at 8 pm.

Inspired by Natkirke, a contemplative initiative in Denmark, the carefully curated hour-long programme will include works by Chopin, Rachmaninoff, Mendelssohn and others. In the spirit of shared reflection, the audience is encouraged to enter the space quietly, and pieces will flow from one to the next without pause or applause.

Reserve places in advance by emailing info@sarahhagen.com or by filling out the reservation form at sarahhagen.com. Night Music sells out well in advance so reserve early.

is

sarahhagen.com

Admission

pay-what-you-will at the door. St. Paul’s Church is located at the corner of Prince and Grafton Streets in Charlottetown.

Pianist Sarah Hagen is back at St. Paul’s—Apr 16 & 17

MUSIC LIVE

Baba’s Lounge

Island Jazz every Thursday at 8 pm. All Comedy Open Mic with Sam MacDonald every Saturday at 8:30 pm. 181 Great George St, Charlottetown. 892-7377

Bogside Brewing

Live music every Friday and Saturday at 6 pm. Chris Johnson (Apr 2), Ashley Gorman (3), Ryan Merry and Emily Coffin (9), Adam MacGregor (10), Billy White (16), Matt Hannah (17), Taylor Buote (23), Abigail Hamelin (24 at 6:30pm), Tyler Pineau and Allison Blacquiere (30). Brook St, Montague. 940-7403

Copper Bottom Brewing

Tunes on Tap is every Sunday at 3 pm. Special guests include: Rowen Gallant & Jesse Périard (Apr 4), Thomas Harrington CD Release (11), and Lovely Nelly (18). Admission is free. 567 Main St, Montague. 361-2337

Gahan House

Acoustic live music on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 9 pm. 126 Sydney St, Charlottetown. 626-BEER

John Brown Grille

Live music every Saturday at 2 pm. Richie Bulger (Apr 3), Kim Albert Duo (10), Chris & Eric (17), and Vintage 2.0 (24). 132 Richmond St, Charlottetown. 370-4040

Lone Oak Brewing

Live Music Saturdays at 6 pm. Nolan Compton & Roland Beaulieu (3), Mike & Karen Penton (10), Tim MacPherson (17), Darvel (24). Mike Pendergast every Sunday at 1pm. 103 Abegweit Blvd, Borden-Carleton. 729-2228

Music at the Manse

Host Tim Archer and local musicians. Jeannie and Charles (Apr 2, 3). Doors open at 6 pm. Shows begin at 7 pm. 14155 St Peter’s Rd, Marshfield. 213-2861

Olde Dublin Pub

Live music every Friday and Saturday. 132 Sydney St, Charlottetown. 892-6992

The Old Triangle

Schooner Session with Ward MacDonald & Friends every Thursday at 7 pm. Roy Johnstone & Friends every Sunday at 2 pm. 189 Great George St, Charlottetown. 892-5200

PEI Brewing Company

Live music every Friday in the Taproom at 6 pm. 96 Kensington Rd, Charlottetown. 629-2739

Red Dirt Girl Music Room

Roland, Adam and Owen (Apr 3 at 3 pm), Gordon Belsher & Todd MacLean (3), Whiskey Business (17 at 3 pm), Rattlesnakin’ Daddies (17), Red Dirt Girls (24), Garret Mason (May 29). Shows are at 7 pm (unless otherwise noted). Limited tickets—by reservation only at cameronproductionspe@gmail.com or 439-7591. 140 Dunk River Rd, Summerside.

Summerside Legion

Kitchen Party every Saturday at 2 pm, featuring Rheal Arsenault, Andy Paynter and a special guest each week. 340 Notre Dame St, Summerside. 436-2091

Stay tuned to our website calendar at buzzpei.com for new shows and updates throughout the month!

TRIVIA

Radley

“Totally Rad Trivia” on Wednesday at 7:30 pm. The Old Triangle, 189 Great George St, Charlottetown. 892-5200

Darcy Campbell

Entertainment trivia on Thursday at 9 pm. Hunter’s Ale House, 185 Kent St, Charlottetown. 367-4040

Barry Parsons

Trivia on Thursday at 7 pm. PEI Brewing Company, 96 Kensington Rd, Charlottetown. 629-2739

Spencer & Dan

Trivia on Friday at 7 pm. Lone Oak Brewing, 103 Abegweit Blvd, BordenCarleton. 729-2228

Dave Connolly

“Toughest Trivia in Town” on Saturday at 2:30 pm. The Old Triangle, 189 Great George St, Charlottetown. 892-5200

Andrew Rollins

Music trivia on Sunday at 9 pm. Hunter’s Ale House, 185 Kent St, Charlottetown. 367-4040

2021 ECMA nominees

The East Coast Music Association (ECMA) will host the 2021 East Coast Music Awards: Festival and Conference in Cape Breton, May 5–9. A full list of 2021 ECMA Award nominees can be found at ecma.com. Island artists nominated this year are as follows (otY = of the Year):

Album of the Year otY – Rachel Beck

- Stronger Than You Know (Producer: Daniel Ledwell); Rose CousinsBravado (Producer: Rose Cousins)

Children’s Entertainer otY – Silly

Robbie

Classical Recording otY – Sarah

Hagen - Women of Note

Contemporary Roots Recording otY

– Catherine MacLellan - Coyote; Rose Cousins - Bravado

Country Recording otY – Lawrence

Maxwell - Almost Natural

Folk Recording otY – Dylan MenzieLost In Dreams

Group Recording otY – Sorrey - In Full Bloom

Instrumental Recording otY – Sarah Hagen - Women of Note; Wrong Planet Band - Wrong Planet Band

Pop Recording otY – KINLEYKINLEY; Rachel Beck - Stronger Than You Know; Sorrey - In Full Bloom

Solo Recording otY – Catherine

MacLellan - Coyote; Dylan MenzieLost In Dreams; Rose Cousins Bravado

Song otY – Rachel Beck - “Warrior,” (Producer Daniel Ledwell)

Songwriter otY – Catherine MacLellan; Rose Cousins

Artist Innovator otY (In light of COVID-19) – The East Pointers

Video Director otY – Catherine

MacLellan and Tara MacLean - “This Storm”

Visual Artist otY – Ashley Anne Clark

Fans’ Choice Entertainer otY – Lennie Gallant; Rose Cousins; The East Pointers

Fans’ Choice Video otY – Andrew Waite - “Faith” (Director: Brendan Henry); Rose Cousins - “The Benefits of Being Alone” (Directors: Shebab Illyas & Rose Cousins)

Lawrence Maxwell nominated for Country Recording of the Year

STEWART MACLEAN

Here to Help

BUZZIFIEDS

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SHARING RECIPES: Not your best kept secrets is a cookbook worth owning. Island author Kathy Birt shares family and friend’s recipes. Available at Bookmark; Chotto Shoppe; An Gift Shop.

SINGING LESSONS for contemporary (non-classical) singers — pop, folk, jazz with Teresa Doyle. For the shy beginner or the touring musician, learn to improve breath, resonance, and range. 902-9690367, teresa@teresadoyle.com

ORGANIC VEGGIE DELIVERY

Home delivery of fresh local organic veggies, foods, and other natural products. $25 / $40 / $50 Veggie Boxes or custom orders. Aaron Koleszar aaron@organicveggiedelivery.com, 902-629-2575

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Editor: Yanik Richards

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Contributers: Julie Bull, Bryan Carver, Jan Cox, Deirdre Kessler, Takako Morita, JoDee Samuelson, Gary Schneider

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Cover: Lockdown (detail) by Gail Rhyno, Acrylic on canvas 12”x12”.

Gail Rhyno is a visual artist working in acrylics. She currently works as a Medical Lab Assistant at the QEH and lives in Charlottetown.

Her work can be found at Details Fine Art in Charlottetown and on Instagram @grrrhyno.

MAY DEADLINE

Submissions and advertising booking deadline for the May issue:

Thursday, April 15th

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Editorial: info@buzzpei.com