Lise Genova
Adam, and he brings that awareness and action into his work and family life. “We can lend ourselves to each other and empathize with each other’s experiences, even if they do not impact us directly.
“I do my best to teach these responsibilities to my kids as well. When we have these privileges, we also have responsibilities to our communities.”
It’s not easy to balance our roles and responsibilities when it comes to the economy and the community, and we can find ourselves facing many obstacles in our efforts. While some folks shy away from those conflicts and contradictions, Adam and I talked about the incredible opportunities that arise through those obstacles. The missteps and mistakes we make along the way are often seen as failure, but Adam reminds us that it is in those missteps that the greatest learning and growth can happen.
“Some of the greatest works come from there being a problem to solve,” he insists. “When I was younger, we’d sometimes create an obstacle if one didn’t naturally present itself. For example, we’d say ‘we need a challenge so let’s try writing this song without using the letter ‘g’”
This ingenuity has clearly stayed with Adam, and he was quick to put his experiences and insights into action during the pandemic.
When Adam and I met on a patio, it felt like old friends catching up. We had never met before that day, but we chatted up a storm and I was completely blown away with his insights, talents, and humility.
Adam Brazier is many things but is self-described as a theatre creator. Basically, that means he does a little bit of everything as it relates to theatre— actor, producer, artistic director, writer, singer. You name it, and Adam does or has done it.
He attended a performing arts high school in Toronto and completed the classical theatre program at George Brown College. From there, Adam spent 25 years as an actor where he performed many lead and supporting roles at prestigious places like the Stratford Festival and Broadway. It turns out that I likely saw Adam perform in at least two productions during the time that I lived in Toronto: The Rocky Horror Picture Show and We Will Rock You
Adam moved to PEI in 2014 to take on his dream job: the Artistic Director at
the Confederation Centre of the Arts. He still proudly leads this team and his enthusiasm for the arts is contagious.
Theatre is one of the many artistic forms that allow stories to be told in provocative and powerful ways. We all have stories to tell. The entire world is comprised of stories. As Adam mentions, “we often see the same stories told over and over again, but our country is filled with rich experiences from a variety of people and backgrounds.”
This understanding and awareness of peoples’ vast experiences in Canada led us to talk about social responsibility and accountability in the arts. We all have a role to play, and we also need to know when it’s time for us to pass the mic.
“Part of what I am interested in and passionate about is expanding the narrative of ‘Canada’ by decolonizing art.
“We need to think about what we are making, how we are producing it, and why we are creating it.”
Allyship has always been important to
Anyone who works in the arts and entertainment world knows that the audience capacity determines the types of shows that are possible. During the pandemic, a significant change in audience capacity meant additional changes to the programming.
“We all learned just how creative we actually are during the pandemic. Everything was changing rapidly, and the best laid plans still required ongoing revision to meet the shifting public health regulations and restrictions.”
Adam appeared unscathed by the all the shifts and changes throughout 2020/2021 and he enthusiastically notes, “I think this is the Confederation Centre’s most exciting year yet!”
“We have these opportunities to share and hear stories that we may not otherwise have been able to and that’s exciting for all of us.”
Adam still dabbles in a variety of artistic pursuits outside his role at the Confed Centre of the Arts, and you can find him collaborating with other Island creatives—as a backup singer for Tara McLean, as a member of an improv troupe, or dreaming about starting a performing arts school on the Island.
Art in the Open organizers welcome Islanders and visitors to come celebrate their 10th anniversary this year and discover the unexpected in Charlottetown on August 28 from 4 pm to midnight.
Art in the Open (AITO) is an outdoor, contemporary art festival which fills downtown Charlottetown with creativity, inspiration, and innovation. This year’s festival will feature more than 30 projects by artists from across Canada, with a focus on the Atlantic region, as well as community groups and organizations. Viewers can expect projects that range from unconventional workout performances to robotic moving boulders, to an eight-hour video projection.
After ten years working on AITO, Pan Wendt and Becka Viau are both stepping down from their leadership roles. With an eye to the festival’s future, AITO is drawing upon Viau and Wendt’s knowledge and building curatorial capacity on PEI with a Curatorial Training program. Visit artintheopenpei.org to read more about the program and what curators will gain from this internship.
This year’s AITO curatorial team includes: Pan Wendt; three participants
in the curational training program, JoAnna Howlett, Andrew Cairns, and Damien Worth; Lisa Theriault, Executive Director of this town is small, inc.; Norah Pendergast, curating FilmPEI’s signature project and independent projects; and the GLAM Collective (Heather Igloliorte, Julie Nagam, and Carla Taunton), who are bringing international Indigenous projects to the festival.
AITO will host a number of events leading up to the festival, including a live music show featuring General Khan on August 27, presented by BIPOC USHR. Everyone, especially BIPOC folks, are invited to join and celebrate local BIPOC music.
Art In The Open at 10 Years: An Incomplete Archive, a selection of artistand crowd-sourced images, relics and works from the festival’s history, is on display all summer at Confederation Centre of the Arts in Charlottetown. Read more about this exhibition at confederationcentre.com.
AITO organizers are seeking volunteers to help out during this year’s festival. Follow the link in the bio of their Instagram account @Art_In_The_Open to sign up.
artintheopenpei.org
GLAM Collective (Heather Igloliorte, Julie Nagam and Carla Taunton) will host the symposium Conversations on Art in the Public from 9:30 am–4:30 pm on August 26 in the amphitheatre at Confederation Centre of the Arts in Charlottetown.
As part of Art in the Open festival, the full-day outdoor symposium will include exciting and uplifting conversations among artists, curators and scholars from across Canada.
Over twenty speakers will share their perspectives on art-making, curatorial practice, public art and cultural institutions.
Conversations on Art in the Public is a family, 2SLGBTQIA+ and BIPOC friendly event that will engage and energize audiences in the celebration of art in Atlantic Canada.
Review: O The Grid by Sean McQuaid
As a COVID-haunted world emerges haltingly from hiding, mixed feelings loom: excitement over resumption of quasi-normal life, anxiety over the risks that come with it. Rich as I am in both underlying medical conditions and abject cowardice, I wondered: Can I make myself attend a live performance under these conditions, and will I enjoy it? I decided to nd out.
It’s been 16 months since my last review, when I caught a Fascinating Ladies show just before the pandemic shut down pretty much all things theatrical. I did no reviewing during the ensuing year-and-a-bit, not even on the rare occasions when a local play materialized. With a long history of respiratory infections and a strong aversion to death, you literally couldn’t pay me to set foot inside a theatre.
Come the summer of 2021, though, things are different. I’ve been partially vaccinated, the theatres are taking COVID precautions, and Canada’s corner of the pandemic seems to be waning. And so it was that, masked and sanitized and only slightly apprehensive, I made my way to sunny Victoria-by-the-Sea and the first play I’ve attended in well over a year: Off the Grid at the Victoria Playhouse, directed by Mark Fraser.
It’s a nice way to ease back into live theatre: even during its summer rush, Victoria’s not so claustrophobically teeming a mass of humanity as peak Charlottetown; and the charming Victoria Playhouse often serves up light, frothy theatrical comfort food, which pretty much describes Canadian playwright John Spurway’s 2019 comedy Off the Grid
Architect Marty (played by Melissa Kramer) and her husband Leonard (Dennis Trainor) are spending a week “off the grid” in a bare-bones, middle-of-nowhere cabin devoid of comforts like internet, TV or flush toilets, all so Marty can write an article about self-sufficient houses while she and Leonard celebrate their anniversary in romantic solitude. Missing civilization, Leonard has doubts about this wilderness getaway, especially after shady shack dweller Lowell (Lee J. Campbell) starts making neighbourly yet unsettling visits, and dark secrets gradually emerge.
Of course ‘dark’ is a relative concept, and what unfolds is a bit more Scooby Doo than Rear Window on the sinister scale, in keeping with the show’s light comedy tone (Lowell’s most suspicious act is accompanied here by the Pink Panther musical theme, for gosh sakes). Whether it’s due to that tone or Campbell’s low-key performance, Lowell’s never really all that menacing; and as Spurway’s script telegraphs the hermit’s big secret pretty transparently, there’s not much mystery here.
But Off the Grid isn’t really trying to be a mystery or a thriller, even if it contains some of the elements of same; it’s a light comedy mixed with relationship drama, and it largely succeeds on those terms. All three characters are likeable, the script is often amusing, and Fraser’s able, appealing cast has solid chemistry and comic timing. Your scaredy-cat critic was glad he came.
Cottagers and Indians by Drew Hayden Taylor will be on stage at North Rustico’s Watermark Theatre this summer with performances from August 10 to 28.
reconciliation. Told with warmth and humour, and encompassing issues of community, respect and ownership, it is a tale for our times.
The play explores the politics and issues surrounding a real life event still occurring in the Kawartha Lakes region of Central Ontario.
Drew Hayden Taylor’s 32nd play is a powerful dramatization of contemporary confrontations taking place between environmentalism and consumerism, Indigenous and non-Indigenous. 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.
Co-directed by Jay Northcott and Robert Tsonos, and starring Jan Rudd and Gordon Patrick White, Watermark Theatre’s production of Cottagers and Indians is timely, considering the ongoing discussions about Truth and Reconciliation and the treatment of Indigenous communities across the country.
OLD STOCK: A Refugee Love Story by Nova Scotia’s 2b Theatre Company will play August 12–September 4 on the Mainstage at Confederation Centre of the Arts in Charlottetown.
In Cottagers and Indians, wild rice sparks a battle royale between an Indigenous farmer and a white cottager, whose increasingly bitter dispute becomes a microcosm for
“I’m really looking forward to exploring the complexities of Indigenous and settler relationships. What does it take for us to create harmony and understanding through our differences and similarities?” asks director Jay Northcott. They continue, “The power of the play lies in the conversation it can create within this community, this is such a step forward in Watermark’s programming, presenting complex stories and ideas in a very thoughtful and charming way.”
Tickets: ticketwizard.ca, 963-3963
OLD STOCK is a humorously dark folk tale woven together with a high-energy concert. This fusion of concert and drama tells the true tale of two Jewish refugees from Romania. They meet in 1908 while awaiting medical inspection at Halifax’s Pier 21 immigration centre. The story moves forward to their lives as a couple in Montreal and backward to the horrors of the Continent.
Starring Ben Caplan, the music-theatre hybrid explores how to love and find a shared humanity after facing the horrors of war. It’s about refugees who get out before it’s too late, and those who get out after it’s too late. OLD STOCK’s rousing music blends Yiddish Klezmer with modern folk stylings, creating a wistful and energetic tone.
Written by Hannah Moscovitch, OLD STOCK is directed by Christian Barry and features songs by Caplan and Barry. confederationcentre.com
Pleasureville is a contemporary theatre sit-com which examines gender identity and intersectional feminism. Cast with relatable characters, Leah Bowman, played by Brieonna Locche, a student of human sexuality, is best friends with Ash, a law student who is non-binary. Their urban camaraderie is interrupted when a housing crisis and an inheritance spurs Leah’s relocation to small town, Pleasureville, Canada.
Leah and Ash, played by Stephane Hood, decide the town needs a sex shop. Culture clash hilarity ensues, embodied by local grandmother Rose, brilliantly played by Charlotte Moore, who comes of age as gender revolutions touch her personal life for the first time.
Ellen Denny’s writing is fast paced, very funny and the production succeeds in captivating viewers with a reflection of right here and now. The set displays Leah’s uninhibited sex shop, full of colorful props which are animated and delightfully repurposed throughout the play. Action is powerfully accompanied by the sound design of June Zinck, whose musical selections and sound effects draw viewers in to the familiarity of the place and time.
Charlotte Moore is razor sharp as Rose, with casually immaculate delivery and brilliant physical acting. It is a rare privilege to watch an actor of Moore’s expertise, in their prime and playing a more contemporary role.
Stephane Hood, as Ash, their first non-binary role, is flawless as a person who spreads empowerment out of necessity. Through Ash, audiences bear witness to the pain and frustration a
non-binary person experiences when they stop acting and give themselves permission to exist.
Brieonna Locche as Leah portrays the social justice entrepreneur of our era. Nuanced conflict is well written into her relationships with Ash and Rose, both of whom have lived more oppressive experiences under the patriarchy. Leah’s sophistication and righteousness is offset by her tragic flaw of egocentrism, she illustrates hypocrisies often present when feminism lacks intersectionality. Punchy dialogue enlivens the complex dynamics of Ash, Leah and Rose.
At times the urban and rural duality feels cliché driven but it allows Pleasureville to brilliantly navigate critical subject matter with a laugh a minute. Along the way the audience absorbs many appropriate sensitivities about gender identity. Pleasureville is an excellent production, satisfying entertainment with profound and hopeful messages and inspiring performances.
Visit Orwell Corner Historic Village, August 4 and 8, beginning at 6 pm, for an evening of courting and dining etiquette accompanied by a traditional three-course meal—and a romantic carriage ride. Experience dating the old-fashioned way. 98 McPhail Park Rd, Vernon Bridge
Farmgate Theatre will launch its inaugural season at Finally Farm in Bonshaw, with a special concert featuring Dave Gunning on September 10 and The Road To Belong, a rural theatrical adventure, on September 11 and 12.
Cameron MacDuffee and Karen Graves launched Farmgate Theatre, a new theatre company on PEI, in May. The company will create original theatrical works and present them outdoors at Finally Farm (their farm in Bonshaw) and at traditional theatres in the region. Their first production, The Good Time Radio Variety Show, is currently playing at the Victoria Playhouse on weekends to August 28.
Farmgate will launch their inaugural season of performances, kicking it off with a concert featuring Dave Gunning at 8 pm on September 10, followed by four performances of their new theatrical work, The Road to Belong, at 1 pm and 4 pm daily on September 11 and 12. The concert will be held at the
Sarah Hagen solo piano recital at St. Paul’s—Aug 13 & 14
new venue at Finally Farm—The Campfitheatre—an intimate amphitheatre centred around a fire. The artist will perform acoustically for the audience while they sit under the stars and listen to live music by firelight.
The Road to Belong is an original theatrical work created collectively by 16 professional PEI artists, including performers Julain Molnar, Julie PellissierLush, Greg Gale, Alicia Toner, Jan Rudd and Cameron MacDuffee, musicians Karen Graves, Jeffrey Bazett-Jones and Adam Hill, writers Bren Simmers, David Weale and Kendi Tarichia, dancer Reequal Smith, and visual artist Bruce Horak. The production is directed by Charlotte Gowdy and stage managed by Megan MacDonald.
The Road to Belong looks at the idea of belonging—with self, with others and with nature. The themes are explored through theatre, music, dance and poetry, and have the audience travelling around the farm as the story unfolds in the fields and meadows, gardens and forests.
Tickets are available online at farmgatetheatre.ca. Finally Farm is located at 1275 Appin Road, Bonshaw.
Pianist Sarah Hagen continues to delve into the music and stories of some of her favourite forgotten female composers. Wonder Women! comes to St. Paul’s in Charlottetown August 13 at 8 pm and August 14 at 2:30 pm.
The 75 minute recital will highlight piano works by 18th and 19th century composers, including Clara Schumann, Cécile Chaminade, Marianne von Martinez, and others.
Reserve places in advance (early is recommended) by emailinginfo@ sarahhagen.com or by filling out the reservation form at sarahhagen.com.
St. Paul’s is located atthe corner of Prince and Grafton streetsin Charlottetown. Admission is PayWhat-You-Will at the door.
sarahhagen.com
July 9
Rita MacNeil’s music never drifted my way when I was a child. I didn’t know her, but was still foolish enough and insensitive enough to make the same “jokes” as the other kids. Because we fear we won’t nd a community to belong to, we let ourselves say and do things we wouldn’t want to be said or done to us, just to t in.
Her music never drifted my way as a young man. I was far too busy trying to survive. I did hear her music in passing on radio and television. I only remember hearing two of her songs: “Working Man,” a song I didn’t know I could relate to until much later in life; and “Flying on Your Own,” a song that in hindsight, seemed to be sung as a tribute to my mother.
So often, we see celebrities as two-dimensional. It is unfair, but it is the truth of it. Maybe that is why we can so easily idolize and then, on the turn of a dime, vilify them. It is like they are not even human to us because we don’t get to see their humanity. Dear Rita gives a clearer picture of who Rita MacNeil was and is to us still.
Michelle (Bouey), Sheldon (Elter), Lindsay (Kyte), Kristi (Hansen), Melissa (MacKenzie), and Brendan (Wall) become MacNeil’s spirit as they
Experience the stories and songs of country music’s classic romance between June Carter and Johnny Cash in Kitbag Theatre’s newest original production, Johnny & June. The show runs August 25 to September 3 with performances in Charlottetown, Georgetown and Summerside.
Starring Jacob Hemphill as Johnny Cash and Melissa MacKenzie as June Carter, showgoers can expect the renowned country songs they know and love, intertwined with stories they may have never heard. Johnny & June will take the audience on a journey of
guide us through the highs and lows of her life. I use the performers’ first names as if I have known them all along. But I don’t know them or other things they have done. I feel I could speak of them now as friends, because they became a conduit for me to connect to someone who sees us in the best kind of light, that light being truth.
I was lucky to see Dear Rita twice. Each time, it felt as though new. The excitement of being out in public again, being able to once again enjoy other artists’ endeavours into creativity, certainly added to the evening. A good show can keep that momentum going. But a great show—well there is something special when you are in a room full of people whose hearts are moving in the same direction. Dear Rita is a great show.
From the simple set and the colours of the lighting, to the music arranged to feel new yet so familiar, Dear Rita is a show that gives you a lot more than you might expect. It gives you a chance to see MacNeil a little more fully and when you see her you can see the better part of yourself being reflected back to you.
Now, as an older man who has become far more patient and tolerant under the broad-brimmed red hat, I can finally drift in the music MacNeil gave us and not have to miss out on the insight she left behind.
the complicated relationship between these two legends of country music.
Johnny & June will run August 25–26 at Trailside Music Hall in Charlottetown, August 27–28 at Kings Playhouse in Georgetown, and September 2–3 at The College of Piping Celtic Performing Arts Centre in Summerside. Showtime is 8 pm.
Tickets: kingsplayhouse.com, trailside.ca, collegeofpiping.com
Info: @kitbagtheatre
Cloggeroo—the Island Folk Festival returns to Georgetown in Three Rivers August 12–15. The annual music festival is bringing its usual top notch line-up of roots, rock, folk and blues to its festival tent on the shores of the Brudenell River.
The lineup of musicians includes Theresa Malenfant and the Instigators, Shirley Jackson and her Good Rockin’ Daddies, Steve Marriner with guest Paul Reddick, The Sadies, Stephen Lewis and the Big Band of Fun, Andrew Waite and the Firm, Hawksley Workman, Brandon Howard Roy, The Haunted Hearts, Morgan Toney, Michelle Mock and the Moccasins, and Gordie McKeeman and His Rhythm Boys.
“This year, we’ve added a Thursday night show full of all blues music, including award winning artists Steve Marriner, Paul Reddick, Theresa Malenfant and The Instigators, and Shirley Jackson and Her Good Rockin’ Daddies,”says Kathleen Flanagan, Festival Board Chair.“And on Saturday, we’re having the first ever
Cloggeroo Craft Brew Picnic, in an outdoor setting with craft beers, ciders, food and music.”
A new Festival Bus will also be making round trips from Charlottetown and Montague. Local food vendors will be on site all weekend and the Cloggeroo Festival Campground will be open August 13 and 14.
Visit cloggeroo.com for the full schedule, tickets, camping information and more.
Acadian Museum of PEI
View the permanent exhibition and video The Island Acadians: The Story of a People which features the story of the Acadians of PEI since 1720 and celebrates the vitality of today’s Island Acadian community. Acadian genealogy resources available to researchers. The gift shop and Acadian flags, souvenirs and books in both French and English. A PEI Museum and Heritage site. 23 Main Dr. E, Miscouche, Rte 2. museeacadien@ gmail.com, 432-2880
The Acadians in Bedeque, a new exhibit created by Doug Sobey, President of the Bedeque Area Historical Society. It includes several well-documented panels on the Acadian presence in that area of the Island from 1750 onwards. 90 Linkletter Ave, Central Bedeque. bedequemuseum.ca, 887-3009
Confed Centre Art Gallery
On view: Art in the Open at 10 Years: An Incomplete Archive to September 19; BGL: Two Thumbs Up Arts and Crafts to December 5; A Life’s Work: Canadian Artist Robert Harris (1849-1919) to January 16, 2022. 145 Richmond St, Charlottetown. confederationcentre.com
Cornwall Library Art Gallery
Drawn to Water, watercolours by Kathy Stuart is on view August 3–September 10. Contact the library for information on displaying in the gallery. 15 Mercedes Dr, Town Hall, Cornwall. library.pe.ca, cornwall@gov.pe.ca, 629-8415
On view: works by Rosamond Bechtel, P. John Burden, Gale Colpitts, Gabriella Collier, Kevin Cook, Grace Curtis, Christina del Sol, Katharine Dagg,Daniel Gautier, Jamie Germaine, Doretta Groenendyk, Beverley Hawksley, Paul Healey, Larry Horowitz, Mary Jane
Lundy, Carole Malcolm,Tim Menees, Natasha Miller, Shelley Mitchell, Connie O’Brien, Jean Claude Roy, Bill Rogers, Gail Rhyno, Arlene Rice, Helen Rowlands, Dianna Shyne, Rene Tardif, Richard Vickerson, and Damien Worth.Along with blown glass, art pottery and designer jewellery, the gallery features Inuit Sculptures from Cape Dorset.Open Thursday to Saturday afternoons and by appointment.Extended hours beginning soon. 166 Richmond St, Charlottetown. 892-2233, detailsgallery@ eastlink.ca, detailsfineart.com
On view: works by Wayne Barrett, Maurice Bernard, Julea Boswell, Debbie Brady, Mary Carr-Chaisson, Susan Christensen, Ashley Anne Clark, Joan Creamer, Katharine Dagg, Tony Diodati, June Ellis, Nan Ferrier, Sheila Forsyth, Lise Genova, Jaime Germaine, Mel Giddings, Heather Hannon, Kim Jabbour, Betty Jenkins, Lynda Kelly, Sandi Komst, Eric Labor, Helene LaRouche, Haley Lewis, Eve Llyndorah, Marie Lyon, Monica Macdonald, Anne MacKay, Wendy Manning, Ellen Martin, Robert Milner, Louise Mould, Deb Murphy, Connie O’Brien, Linda Shaw Packard, Julia Purcell, Warren Christopher Reeson, Heather Reid, Cheryl Richards, Sylvia Ridgway, Dagny Rossignol, Helen Rowlands, Joan Savage, Jessica Sheppard, Terry Dunton Stevenson, Glen Strickey, Adam Sultan, Gail Sutherland, Lorraine Vatcher, Richard Vickerson, Lindsay Walker, Donna White, and Damien Worth. Open daily. 3622 Brackley Point Road, Rte #15. 672-2586, dunesgallery.com
Ellen’s
On view: works by Ben Stahl, Louis Mould, Scott O’Neil, Rosemary Terris, GeraldineYsselstein, Damien Worth, Emily Howard, Ken Spearing, Margaret Muzika, Marianne Janowicz, Debra Wellner, Henry Purdy C.M., RCA, Sylvia Ridgway, Maurice Bernard, Pam Ling, Marie McMahon-Young, P. John Burden, David Garcia Jimenez, Jim Steadman, Julia Purcell, Betty Jenkins, and Linda Shaw Packard. Mon–Fri 9 am–5 pm, Sat 10 am–3 pm year round. framingpei@gmail.com. 525 North River Rd, Charlottetown. 368-3494
William Stuart: Portrait of an Island Artist is on view to October 1. The exhibit offers a glimpse of Prince County rural life in the late 19th century and beyond, highlighting the historical contributions made by Reverend Stuart through his art. Keep an eye out for events relating to this exhibit, including curator tours. Visit the permanent exhibit on the history and architecture of Summerside. Admission is by donation. 130 Heather Moyse Dr, Summerside. peimuseum.com, 888-8373
On view: The Windhover and Waters Collection by Patricia Moore to August 5. Imperial by Olivier Bodart August 9–September 5, with opening reception August 11, 5–7 pm. 115 Richmond St, Charlottetown. theguildpei.com
The Gallery features an eclectic blend of local artwork displayed in an historic freight shed, often with an artist working on site. Stay tuned for new of a Plein Air event in September. Members showing this year: Debbie Bryanton, June Ellis, Shirley Ferguson, Sheila Forsyth, Sandy Gallant, Susan Maxfield, Ron Somers, Lise Genova, Donna Sutton, Dawna Bowles and Sharon Craig. 27 Commercial St, Kensington (behind the old train station). 432-0335
On view: to August 7 is Rahma & Friends: Art Will See Us Through, highlighting the artwork of 11 year old Syrian refugee, Rahma, and 13 year old Lauren Graham of Charlottetown; August 8–September 11 is Senior’s Art Exhibition, Shine!. 65 Grafton Street, Georgetown. kingsplayhouse.com
Sandra Ellis: A Retrospective is on view in the Lefurgey Room to the end of August. Free admission. Open weekdays. The exhibit can also be viewed on Saturdays when guides are onsite. 205 Prince St, Summerside. culturesummerside.com
this town is small presents: Beauty like a sunflower by Robin Gessy Gislain Shumbusho to August 30. 128 Richmond St, Charlottetown.
Free livestreams available for select concerts at Indian River
Music continues at Indian River Festival (IRF) at Historic St. Mary’s with Gordie MacKeeman and His Rhythm Boys in concert August 6 and Afternoon Arias, featuring performances by Nicole Bellamy, Andrea Núñez, Nathan Keoughan, Jillian Clow and Sébastien Comtois, on August 8.
Patrons can watch in-person or online. Experience the acoustics of an Indian River Festival concert from a phone or computer with Pocket IRF’s free livestream of select performances directly from Historic St. Mary’s.
In-person audience numbers have been slashed dramatically, and many loyal festival-goers won’t have the chance to make it to St. Mary’s this summer. Pocket IRF eliminates many barriers to entry, making these free select performances available to those who may not be able to afford tickets, are unable to travel due to geographical distance or restrictions, or simply are unable to sit through an hour-long concert without discomfort.
To watch livestreamed Pocket IRF concerts, register in advance at indianriverfestival.com. Links to watch each concert will be available upon registration. The concerts will be streamed at Atlantic Time and will only be available for the duration of the concert.
For in person tickets, visit indianriverfestival.com. All concerts take place at Historic St. Mary’s on Hamilton Road in Indian River.
Big Field Traditions has partnered with The East Pointers to present Harvest Home Festival, September 24 and 25 at Rollo Bay Fiddle Grounds near Souris. This is the second year for the fall festival. There will be a multi-artist lineup both evenings, craft stalls, food stalls and Saturday morning activities at the Field. Camping will be available. Visit eastpointers.ca and follow @HarvestHomeFest for updates.
HAWKSLEY WORKMAN ~ THE SADIES ~ STEVE MARRINER W/ SPECIAL GUEST PAUL REDDICK
STEPHEN LEWIS & THE BIG BAND OF FUN
GORDIE MCKEEMAN AND HIS RHYTHM BOYS
THERESA
& THE INSTIGATORS
There was a time when radio was our source for virtually everything. From the 1920s through the 1950s we tuned into local radio stations by the millions for the news, the weather and the popular music of the day, as we do today. But there was so much more than that during radio’s golden age. There was live music in the studio performed by full in-house orchestras. There were serialized radio shows like The Lone Ranger, Little Orphan Annie, Flash Gordon and The Shadow. There were even helpful household hints from The Betty Crocker Cooking School of the Air which actually ran for three decades. The Good Time Radio Variety Show at Victoria Playhouse gives audiences a taste of what it was like when radio was king.
The inaugural production of PEI’s Farmgate Theatre, this fun-filled, 80-minute show takes you to the sound stage of Island Radio Station CRPO for the weekly broadcast of—what else— The Good Time Radio Variety Show.
“It’s always a good time for a good time” is the mantra for the characters who call CRPO home and they really take that to heart as they dish out everything from local breaking news and ghost stories to helpful hints on how to talk to your plants. And in the true spirit of old time radio they also present serialized instalments of their homegrown Island soap opera, The Young And The Jobless.
It’s lighthearted fare, interspersed with snickers, guffaws, gasps and belly laughs, perfect for a summer evening out with the family or those pesky visitors from away. And as a member of the audience you get to play a part
too during some segments, responding to directions from the cast on how to react, where to react and when.
Every segment of the show is tied together by music, from original material created by members of the cast to handpicked gems from Regina’s folk/ bluegrass quintet The Dead South, Columbian Canadian Lido Pimienta, the late great Guy Clark, Texas swing pioneer Bob Wills, and several others.
The Good Time Radio Variety Show was created by Charlottetown Festival favourites Cameron MacDuffee and Julain Molnar, Karen Graves and Adam Hill of the Atlantic String Machine, and their director Charlotte Gowdy.
And they work their tails off here. MacDuffee, Molnar, Graves and Hill create all the characters, perform all the music, play all instruments and create all their own sound effects, just as they would have in old time radio. All four have written original music for the show, and there’s some lovely stuff. Director Charlotte Gowdy, whose credits include the Stratford Festival, PEI’s Watermark Theatre, and two previous shows for the Victoria Playhouse, has delivered the goods here.
The Good Time Radio Variety Show at Victoria Playhouse is the kind of entertainment many people seek out at this time of year. It strikes just the right balance of music, comedy and adventure.
There was so much more
just the right balance of music,The Brew by Bryan Carver
Aimed at creating a truly unique experience for Islanders and tourists alike, ve local beverage producers have joined together to establish a trail guiding guests to their facilities throughout Queens County. The “5/15 Fermentation Trail” highlights producers of mead, wine, cider, beer and spirits. Each location is within a 15 minute drive from another producer on the trail that stretches from Wheatley River to Riverdale.
At the top of the trail is Island Honey Wine Company, located on Millboro Road in scenic Wheatley River. On their farm that is home to various free-range animals, Charles and Laura Lipnicki grow haskap berries, lavender and a few other crops. They also produce a variety of award winning honey wine, known as mead, on site featuring their farm ingredients. If guests time it right they can enjoy a farm tour and a ride on the Meadmobile to take in the full experience that the Lipnickis have created on their picturesque farm.
Further into the trail sits Deep Roots Distillery. Located in Warren Grove on Route 248, Deep Roots Distillery was started by Mike and Carol Beamish and they focus on creating unique hand crafted spirits that aim to create an authentic PEI experience, a few of which have gone on to win a National Award, such as their Absinthe and Island Tide Liquor. They also have Gin and Vodka that can make the perfect PEI inspired cocktails. They have a few recipes published on their website.
Further down the trail in Cornwall is Village Green, PEI’s newest and smallest brewery. Owned and operated by brewer and Certified Cicerone, Bryan Carver (also the author of this article), Village Green makes small batches of beer that change on a regular basis. From hoppy IPAs to English influenced pub ales and Saisons paying tribute to Belgian brewing traditions. Enjoy a pint in the taproom or sit out on the patio to enjoy the summer sun. Be sure to grab a few cans when leaving, they tend to sell out quickly, so scoop up your favourites.
A short drive from Cornwall, perched on a sunny hill in St. Catherines is Matos Winery. Jim and Heather Matos started establishing their vineyard in 2008, with the winery officially opening in 2011. In the beautiful vineyard,
The 5/15 Fermentation Trail map.
the Matos family grows Gamay Noir and Chardonnay grapes that they harvest in the fall to make their award winning wines. Be sure to have a taste of the wines and unique spirits they produce on site. If you’re lucky, you might even be able to grab a bag of table grapes to snack on too.
Not far from the winery, Riverdale Orchard has their cider barn and orchard looking out over beautiful rolling hills. Here Anne and Alex Jamieson grow apples and create award winning Ciders, while highlighting the love of their home country of Scotland. Hopefully you’re hungry when you arrive, as Anne is an exceptional Chef. Grab a cider in the newly renovated tap room and if you’re lucky, you might even be able to get one of Anne’s exceptional Scotch Pies or delightful Oat Biscuits.
The “5/15 Fermentation Trail” has something for anyone that enjoys a drink, while highlighting the excep tional products that independent producers are making on PEI.
Singalong Jubilee: A Musical Tribute, continues at The Guild in Charlottetown August 2, 9 and 10, at 7:30 pm.
The theatrical show celebrates the music, people and stories of Singalong Jubilee, one of the most-watched television programs in Canadian history.
Singalong Jubilee is directed by Geordie Brown and stars Julien Kitson, Charlotte Moore, Brieonna Locche, Andrew Murray and Brown. theguildpei.com
Tapestry: A Tribute to Carole King will be on stage at The Guild in Charlottetown on select dates from August 3–21.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of Carole King’s album Tapestry Conceived and directed by Geordie Brown, this concert-style tribute will take the audience through the chart-topping songs that made history.
Tapestry stars Brown, Steph Hood, Charlotte Moore, Brieonna Locche, Julien Kitson and Andrew Murray. theguildpei.com
to Aug 1
Island Fringe Festival
Various locations, Charlottetown
July 29–31
The Gin Game
Watermark Theatre, North Rustico
July 29, 30, 31, Aug 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Dear Rita
Confederation Centre, Charlottetown
July 29–31, Aug 3–6, 11–14, 17–21
Tapestry: A Tribue to Carole
King
The Guild, Charlottetown
July 29, Aug 5, 7, 12, 19, 23, 26
Beauty & the Beast Jr.
The Guild, Charlottetown
July 29–Aug 12, Thu
July 29–Aug 27, Thu & Fri
Inside American Pie
Harmony House, Hunter River
July 29–Aug 28, Thu & Sat
Luka’s Fiddle
Harmony House, Hunter River
July 29–Aug 28
Le Paysan et le Roi
Mont-Carmel Parish Hall, Mont-Carmel
July 29–Sep 5, Sun–Thu
O The Grid
Victoria Playhouse, Victoria-By-The-Sea
July 30–Aug 1
The River Clyde Pageant
New Glasgow
July 30–Aug 27, Wed & Fri
Allegra’s Magic Flute
Harmony House, Hunter River
July 30–Aug 28, Fri & Sat
The Good Time Radio
Variety Show
Victoria Playhouse, Victoria-By-The-Sea
Aug 2, 9, 10
Singalong Jubilee
The Guild, Charlottetown
Aug 2, 9, 16, 23
Aladdin Jr.
The Guild, Charlottetown
Aug 2–16, Mon
Ebb & Flow
Haviland Club, Charlottetown
Aug 3–Sep 8, Tue–Wed
The Island Summer Review
Harmony House, Hunter River
Aug 4–21, Wed–Sat
Street Fusion
Confederation Centre, Charlottetown
Aug 6
Dan Hendricken & Friends
Comedy Show
Shaw’s Hotel, Brackley Beach
Aug 10–28, Mon–Sat
Cottagers and Indians
Watermark Theatre, North Rustico
Aug 12–Sept 4
Old Stock: A Refugee Love Story
Confederation Centre, Charlottetown
Aug 20
Stand-up Comedy Show
Hosted by Taylor Carver. Upstreet Brewery, Charlottetown
Aug 20
Oshun Dance
Kings Playhouse
Aug 21
Popalopalots Improv
The Guild, Charlottetown
Aug 25–26
Johnny & June
Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown
Aug 26
The Serenades
The Guild, Charlottetown
Aug 27–28
Johnny & June
Kings Playhouse, Georgetown
Aug 28
Jimmy Flynn
Review: The Gin Game by Sean
McQuaid
July 17
“Oh boy, cards! The paper rectangles old people think are fun!”
—Luz Noceda, The Owl House
Often the odd man out in my family, I differ from much of them perhaps most markedly in my persistent indifference to card games. Cards actually rather fascinate me as objects, as iconography, as metaphor; I just seldom enjoy most card games much, despite growing up amidst an intergenerational school of card sharks.
So Luz Noceda’s cheerfully careless remark above has some resonance for me, especially the younger me of yore. Card games were things the older folks in my life always enjoyed, though I never fully saw the appeal; but you don’t have to be old or a card player or both to appreciate Watermark Theatre’s superb production of The Gin Game, which makes about 90 minutes of old people playing cards weirdly compelling.
A big part of that is the Pulitzerwinning, Tony-nominated script penned by Donald L. Coburn back in 1976, which spawned several successful Broadway runs. Called “virtually plotless” by the New York Times, this two-person, two-act play depicts a series of gin rummy games played by two troubled residents of a shabby seniors home, Weller Martin (portrayed here by Richard Clarkin) and Fonsia Dorsey (Gracie Finley).
Sounds simple, and it is, but layers abound: both players are holding secrets—regrets, grudges, prejudices, delusions, ambitions, hopes and agendas—and it all comes out as
their card games become increasingly combative, deeply personal and ultimately destructive. Turns out those paper rectangles were loaded.
Director Robert Tsonos and company bring this darkly witty, impressively compact and occasionally disturbing tragicomedy to vivid life, crisply realizing all aspects of the production. This includes Pat Caron’s richly immersive light and sound design and Cory Sincennes’ lushly detailed, palpably decaying nursing home exterior set, which packs remarkable depth and levels into the small Watermark space, pretty much the perfect venue for a show this focused and intimate.
None of that means much in a two-person play without two good actors inhabiting that space, breathing life into the story, and the ClarkinFinley duo does that in spades. Both build distinctive, fully incarnated characters in terms of attitude, energy, physical presence and intention, such that we get a sense of who and what these characters are even when they’re not saying a word.
They say lots of words, of course, and Finley and Clarkin adroitly navigate it all in sequences ranging from playful banter to profane shouting matches to anguished confessions; and yet some of their quieter moments are among the most indelibly memorable, like a solo-dancing Finley dreamily swaying to nearby music, or a broken Clarkin slowly hobbling away.
It’s a short, simple play featuring a compact cast in a small space, but Watermark’s The Gin Game seems likely to loom large in this PEI theatrical summer as one of the smartest, most artfully crafted offerings of 2021.
La Cuisine à Mémé rebootée continues weekly on Tuesdays at 7 pm to August 24 at Mont Carmel Parish Hall. The full cast includes Tracy Arsenault, Wayne Robichaud, Chuck Arsenault and Albert Arsenault, all veterans of music and theatre, as well as fiddler Samantha Arsenault and stepdancer and singer Keera Gallant. The show features special guest musicians or comedians each week. Presented by Les Productions Cuisine à Mémé Inc this summer in Mont-Carmel. Tickets: productionsmeme.ca, 303-6766
Les Filles de la Factrie
Theatre, comedy and music continue at Mont-Carmel Parish Hall with the production of Les Filles de la Factrie. The French language dinner theatre, presented by Les Productions Cuisine à Mémé, takes place weekly at 7 pm, Wednesday–Saturday, until August 28. The story takes place in the old days at a fish plant when the employees were not allowed to talk while they worked. One day, one of the workers pours a potion into the supervisor’s tea, making her sleep all day while they chat, joke, dance and sing. The show features performers Debbie Rousselle-Montgomerym, Chuck Arsenault, Yolande Williams and Isabelle Fisk, and fiddlers Gilbert Arsenault and Samantha Arsenault. Paul D. Gallant is the author and artistic director. Tickets: productionsmeme.ca, 303-6766
La Veillée au Village continues at Village musical acadien (VMA) in Abram-Village with performances Tuesday–Thursday at 6:30 pm until August 31. Inspired by funny stories and local characters, playwrights Albert Arsenault and his sister Hélène Bergeron created the series of comedy sketches interwoven with music and song. The lively dinner theatre is the flagship summer production at VMA. Arsenault and Bergeron also serve as the production’s artistic directors. The cast features Island Acadian artists Louise Arsenault, Jonathan Arsenault, Keelin Wedge, Dawson Arsenault and Shane Arsenault. Expect surprises, costumes, scenery and more. The dinner theatre format has changed for this show, with the three-course meal being served first, followed by two 45-minute music-andsketch sets. Tickets must be purchased in advance at villagemusical.ca.
Review: Inside American Pie by Joce Reyome
July 16
“A deep dive into it all.”
What a fantastic way to start,this quote by Mike Ross, says it all about his new show Inside American Pie that is running at Harmony House in Hunter River. Ross and his wife Nicole Bellamy own Harmony House as of last year and boy, are we glad they do.
After moving back to Prince Edward Island from Toronto, Mike seems to have become a cultivator of incredible musicians and this means that the creative juices are flowing like the Hillsborough River. One of his more recent endeavours is that of creating a show based on the song “American Pie” by Don McLean. Now, before you get carried away, this show is nothing like you would expect. So let’s dive in, shall we?
Mike leads the performers on stage and suddenly we hear those lyrics that everyone recognizes ring out:
A long, long time ago
I can still remember how that music
Used to make me smile
Coming into the famous chorus, Ross cheekily sets the tone for the show in saying, “We’ll get to that.”
I have known Mike for almost a year and one of the most astounding things about him as a performer is his skill in delivery. The way he makes you think and question the song, and how he elaborates on the word-play and riddles that McLean has written, gives it
Chamber music concerts continue at the Kirk of St. James in Charlottetown with lunchtime performances at 12:10 pm on Thursdays to August 19. The concerts are organized by Kirk Music Director Frances McBurnie.
On August 5, Jeffrey Bazett-Jones and Sean Kemp will collaborate with McBurnie in an interpretation of the Bach Double Violin Concerto. Kemp will also perform romantic repertoire for violin and piano.
Friday, August 13
Alexandra Sorensen, soprano, and Shaw Nicholson, trumpet, will perform August 12, with accompaniment by McBurnie. Featuring a mix of Classical,
striking, smooth and smart
new meaning and I doubt that you will ever hear it the same way again. This show gives you glimpses into the songs, performers, and events that inspired McLean to write “American Pie,” most notably the untimely deaths of rock ‘n’ rollers Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and “The Big Bopper” J.P. Richardson.
On stage are musicians whose talent is unrivaled in the Maritimes, including Alicia Toner, Brielle Ansems, Greg Gale, and Kirk White. I have had the pleasure of working with all of them, as well as Mike Ross, and I am in awe of their skills as performers. The arrangements and twists on songs you know by heart are striking, smooth, and smart. With violin, electric and acoustic guitar, drums, and piano, each of these musicians shine in ways that you would think they wrote the songs. Four and five part harmonies make you feel as though you are floating in your seat and the blend of their voices go together like Kiwanis Dairy Bar and a walk through Victoria Park.
The questions you’ll ask yourself are some you’d never think of. What really happened that night in 1959? How do Bob Dylan, The Beatles, and Janis Joplin make their way into all this?
Who is Miss American Pie?
With the enrapturing storytelling, the masterful arrangements, and music coming from phenomenal musicians, this show is one that you must see.
Baroque,and modern repertoire for solo trumpet, solo voice, and duets for soprano and trumpet.
On August 19, James Mark, clarinetist, and Penelope Mark, pianist, will perform two comvpositions of the French woodwind literature.
Concerts are about 45 minutes in length. There is no admission fee but donations are appreciated.
The Guild Musical performances continue in August
The Guild Summer Festival’s Celebration Series continues in August with performances by Vince The Messenger, Shane Pendergast, and Ava & Lily.
An influential artist in the PEI hiphop music scene, Charlottetown’s Vince The Messenger will be on stage August 7 at 7:30 pm at The Guild in Charlottetown. He recently won the 2021 Music PEI Rap/Hip Hop Recording of the Year Award for Nowhere 2 Grow
Up-and-coming PEI folk artist Shane Pendergast will be on stage August 27 at 7:30 pm. Pendergast’s Maritime storytelling is seamlessly connected to his music and melodies. His songs are reminiscent of folk artists like Stan Rogers and Gordon Lightfoot. His sophomore album Second Wind was released in March 2021.
Charlottetown duo Ava & Lily will perform August 29 at 7:30 pm.
Multi-instrumentalist twins, Ava and Lily Rashed both feel at home on the guitar, piano or fiddle, and their voices complement one another. The pair have recently released their single “Just Yesterday” (feat. Vince The Messenger), and they plan to release their second album this summer. theguildpei.com
July 29, Aug 6, 12, 15, 7 pm
The Long Lane Home
Loretta Lynn tribute show. Music at the Manse, Marshfield
July 30–Aug 1
Festival Route 11
Shane Pendergast, Hauler, Irish Mythen (July 29); Kinley & Liam Corcoran, Tim
Kevin & Brent Chaisson, Lennie Gallant (31); The Route 11 Fiddlers, Catherine MacLellan, Vishtèn (Aug 1). Centre Goéland, Mont-Carmel
July 30, Aug 20, 7:30 pm
Janet McGarry & Wildwood
Kings Playhouse, Georgetown
July 30, 8 pm
Mo Kenney w/ Lucy Farrell
Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown
July 31, 7:30 pm
Gadelle and The Good Ol’
Boys
Roma at Three Rivers, Brudenell
July 31, 7:30 pm
Mo Kenney
Copper Bottom Brewing, Montague
July 31, 8 pm
Slowcoaster
Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown
Aug 1, 7:30 pm
Phase II & Friends
The Guild, Charlottetown
Aug 1, 7:30 pm
Rachel Beck & Kim Harris
Copper Bottom Brewing, Montague
Aug 1, 8 pm
Hauler
Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown
Aug 2, 7:30 pm
Lovely Nelly
Victoria Playhouse, Victoria-by-the-Sea
Aug 2, 8 pm
Arsenal Mills
Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown
Aug 3, 8 pm
Vishtèn: Connexions
With special guest Tim Chaisson. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown
Aug 5, 8 pm
Scot MacKay
Shaw’s Hotel, Brackley Beach
Aug 4–5, 8 pm
Garrett Mason
Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown
Aug 6, 7:30 pm
Ava & Lily Kings Playhouse, Georgetown
Aug 7, 14, 1:30 pm
Leo Marchildon
Roma at Three Rivers, Brudenell
Aug 7, 7:30 pm
Vince the Messenger
The Guild, Charlottetown
Aug 7, 7:30 pm
Songwriters Show with Tara MacLean, Alicia Toner & Kinley Dowling
Copper Bottom Brewing, Montague
Aug 7, 8 pm
Nathan Wiley Band
Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown
Aug 7, 8 pm
Scott Parsons
Harmony House, Hunter River
Aug 7, 14, 21 3 pm
Founders’ Heatwave Music Series
Kim Albert & Michael Arsenault (7), Fraser McCallum (14), Lucy Blu & Christopher Robin (21). Founders’ Food Hall & Market, Charlottetown
Aug 8, 15, 22, 11 am
Sunday Brunch with The Emeralds
Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown
Aug 8, 7:30 pm
Songs for a Small Planet
Watermark Theatre, North Rustico
Aug 9, 7:30 pm
Alicia Toner
Victoria Playhouse, Victoria-by-the-Sea
Aug 12–15, various showtimes
Cloggeroo
Shirley Jackson & Her Good Rockin’ Daddys, Theresa Malenfant & The Instigators, Steve Marriner with special guest Paul Reddick (12), Andrew Waite & The Firm, Stephen Lewis & The Big Band of Fun, The Sadies (13), Brandon Howard Roy, Haunted Hearts, Hawksley Workman (14), Morgan Toney,
Michelle Mock & The Moccasins, Gordie MacKeeman & His Rhythm Boys (15). West Street Park, Georgetown
Aug 13, 8 pm
Charlie A’Court
Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown
Aug 13, 8 pm
The Emeralds
Kings Playhouse, Georgetown
Aug 13, 8 pm
Dennis Ellsworth
Shaw’s Hotel, Brackley Beach
Aug 13, 8 pm, Aug 14, 2:30 pm
Sarah Hagen: Wonder Women!
St. Paul’s Church, Charlottetown
Aug 14, 7:30 pm
Nudie
Copper Bottom Brewing, Montague
Aug 14, 8 pm
The Royal North With Andre Petipas and The Giants. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown
Aug 16, 7:30 pm
Catherine MacLellan
Victoria Playhouse, Victoria-by-the-Sea
Aug 18, 8 pm
Dusted
With Absolute Losers. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown
Aug 18, 8 pm
Brandon Howard Roy & Josh
Carter
Shaw’s Hotel, Brackley Beach
Aug 19, 8 pm
Matt Steele
With Braden Lam. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown
Aug 20, 8 pm
Songwriters Circle
Lawrence Maxwell, Jenna-Marie Gallant, Shane Pendergast, and Justyn Thyme. Shaw’s Hotel, Brackley Beach
Aug 20–21, 8 pm
J.P. Cormier
Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown
Aug 21, 7:30 pm
Andrew Waite
Copper Bottom Brewing, Montague
Aug 22, 3 pm
Piano Piano Piano
Max Keenlyside, Magdalena Von Eccher, and Glen Montgomery. Historic St. Mary’s, Indian River
Aug 22–23, 8 pm
Christine Campbell & Blake
Johnstone
Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown
Aug 23, 7:30 pm
Justine Thyme
Victoria Playhouse, Victoria-by-the-Sea
Aug 25, 8 pm
Joce Reyome
Shaw’s Hotel, Brackley Beach
Aug 26, 8 pm
Logan Richard
Shaw’s Hotel, Brackley Beach
Aug 27, 8 pm
Arsenal Mills
Shaw’s Hotel, Brackley Beach
Aug 27, 4 pm
Gord Bamford
With Tim & the Glory Boys, Jason Benoit, Rik Reese. CBMF grounds, Cavendish
Aug 27, 7:30 pm
Shane Pendergast
The Guild, Charlottetown
Aug 27, 8 pm
Vince The Messenger
Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown
Aug 28, 4 pm
Tim Hicks
With Blackjack Billy, Robyn Ottolini, Lawrence Maxwell. CBMF grounds, Cavendish
Aug 28, 7:30 pm
Meaghan Blanchard
Copper Bottom Brewing, Montague
Aug 28, 8 pm
Alicia Toner
Harmony House, Hunter River
Aug 29, 7:30 pm
Ava & Lily
The Guild, Charlottetown
Aug 30, 7:30 pm
The Lumber Jills
Victoria Playhouse, Victoria-by-the-Sea
Aug 30–31, 8 pm
The Atlantic String Machine
With Catherine MacLellan. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown
Sept 6, 2 pm
Max Keenleyside
Old Victoria School, Victoria-by-the-Sea
Confederation Centre of the Arts in Charlottetown will host Street Fusion in August, its second free show presented in the Centre’s amphitheatre this summer that is intended to entertain, educate and promote intercultural understanding.
Street Fusion is written and choreographed by Dawn Ward and Joe Dames in association with Xclusiv Crew and Hurricanes Dance. It features Urban and Caribbean music and dance fused with traditional Island steps. It is a vibrant dance show celebrating how culture brings us together.
“Culture is learned in patterns; it is
Spice Girls, Patsy Cline and a Lucy Maud playlist
Charlottetown’s live music scene includes an homage to Anne of Green Gables this summer with Together
At Last Festival’s production Anne Mixtape. The Festival is also showcasing the productions Wannabe: A Spice Girls Tribute and A Closer Walk With Patsy Cline. All three productions take place at the Delta Prince Edward by Mariott in Charlottetown.
Anne Mixtape is a family-friendly revue that features songs from Anne & Gilbert—The Musical and other musicals based on LM Montgomery’s character Anne of Green Gables, along with tunes from Canadian artists, including East Coast musicians. The show was co-concieved by Barbara Johnston, Suzy Wilde and Anika Johnson.
the values, behaviors, and connections shared by people,” says Ward. “Culture is also a way of coping with the world we live in. It resides in the hearts of everyone. It’s the way we see each other and appreciate our differences. It is also the way we find common ground. This show displays how distinct cultures can come together and create and celebrate each other.”
Performances of Street Fusion will take place on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 5:30 pm, and on Saturdays at noon from August 4–21.
Visit confederationcentre.com or call 1-800-565-0278 to reserve tickets.
For Wilde and Johnston, the chance to perform songs from Anne & Gilbert—The Musical is thrilling, given their familial ties to the production: Wilde’s mother is Island singer-songwriter Nancy White, and Johnston’s father is Canadian songwriter and musician, Bob Johnston. White and Johnston co-wrote the musical along with Jeff Hochhauser.
The trio also brought a little spice to Charlottetown with Wannabe: A Spice Girls Tribute. Jenna Marie Holmes and Claire Byrne will join Wilde, Johnston and Johnson in the Charlottetown production of Wannabe
A Closer Walk With Patsy Cline rounds out the Festival which runs until September 3.
The Together At Last Festival company features Claire Byrne, Anika Johnson, Jenna Marie Holmes, Barbara Johnston, Nicholas Whelan, Suzy Wilde, Tuli Porcher, James Ervin, and David Cyrus MacDonald. The Festival is produced by Campbell Webster, Melanie Cantwell and Nick Whelan.
Info/tickets: together-at-last.com, 1-877-566-3346
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Roma at Three Rivers transports visitors back to 1732 when French merchant Jean Pierre Roma established a settlement and trading post at Three Rivers. Each day, guides in character as Roma’s settlers provide tours and lead a variety of activities, including blacksmith demonstrations, writing with quill pens, bracelet making and more. Daily activities also include archaeology digs for kids, heritage walks, toys and games from the 1700s, lunch and afternoon tea.
On August 7 and 14, Roma will host the Great Escape Festival to mark the 276th anniversary of Jean Pierre Roma escaping during the burning of the settlement by the British in 1745. There will be live music, an outdoor market with farm products and local artisan creations, demonstrations, historical reenactments, and more. A new dramatic orchestral piece by Leo Marchildon that illuminates Roma’s story, along with the short film that accompanies it, will also make its debut. Visitors can also view the work created by local sculpture Ahmon Katz to commemorate Roma’s accomplishments and legacy at Three Rivers.
Roma will also present Sea, Sand and Fire, a new ticketed show which brings to life the Island’s seafaring past through storytelling, music and food. It will take place on select dates to September 27.
Roma at Three Rivers National Historic Site is open daily from 10 am–5 pm. The fully licensed restaurant serves lunches that were popular in Roma’s time, as well as some modern favourites. To purchase tickets or for more information on daily activities and events, visit roma3rivers.com or follow on FB.
Roma at Three Rivers is located at 505 Roma Point Rd, off Rte 319.
PEI-based musical composer Leo Marchildon was commissioned to compose orchestral music to mark the anniversary of the burning of Roma’s Settlement in July 1745 by British Privateers. Founded by French entrepreneur Jean Pierre Roma, the national historic site Roma at Three Rivers is located on PEI’s eastern shore. Marchildon’s 23 minute orchestral dramatic piece, Roma’s Journey, will premiere August 7 and 14 at Roma’s Great Escape Festival.
Roma’s Journey is a musical adventure dramatizing various chapters in the visionary businessman’s life, beginning with his ocean voyage to Isle Saint-Jean to establish an intercolonial trading centre between France, Québec, the West Indies, and the French fortress of Louisbourg.The music describes everything from village life and construction, to personal conflicts and military tensions, and of course the fateful attack by British Privateers in 1745.
Marchildon has been gaining notice over the years as a composer of dramatic orchestral music. He was a composer and music editor for film and television in Los Angeles, and he has written for other commemorative occasions, including The Nine Lives of L.M. Montgomery (2008) marking the centenary of the publication of Anne of Green Gables and Canada, Our Dear Home (2014), honouring PEI’s role as the Birthplace of Confederation. Marchildon also contributed to the PEI Symphony Orchestra’s Cantata for Canada (2017) for the nation’s 150th anniversary.
A reduced orchestra of 16 musicians was recorded by Virtual Studios’ Perry Williams at Holland College’s Florence Simmons Performance Hall, and the final mix was sent to Adam-Michael James (co-writer with Leo on Nine
Lives) to add video elements, transforming Roma’s Journey into a multimedia event.
Roma’s Journey will be shown throughout the afternoon on August 7 and 14 as part of Roma’s Great Escape Festival, which marks the 276th anniversary of Jean Pierre Roma’s escape from the burning settlement. The festival celebrations also include live music, vendors, demonstrations, historical reenactments, and more. roma3rivers.com leomarchildon.com
Richard Wood: Through the Years covers three decades of music and memories on Wednesday evenings at 7:30 pm to August 25 at The College of Piping’s Celtic Performing Arts Centre in Summerside.
Featuring Richard Wood (fiddle, piano, djembe, step dancing), Brad Fremlin (piano, marching snare, handsaw), and Jon Matthews (vocals, guitar), the live concert uses archived photos and videos to catalog the illustrious career of a young award-winning dancer turned fiddle phenom. collegeofpiping.com
Vishtèn will present the final Connexions show on August 3 at Trailside Music Hall in Charlottetown, with special guest Tim Chaisson. The Acadian trio—Pastelle LeBlanc, Emmanuelle LeBlanc and Pascal Miousse—have been celebrating the existing connections between Island musicians and creating new relationships around their music and the unique art form of the crankie box, small moving panoramas that tell a story visually.
Island artists Monica Lacey and Norah Pendergast have each created a crankie to illustrate a selected Vishtèn piece. Tim Chaisson will play a few of his own tunes and chime in on Vishtèn’s blend of new and familiar material.
Showtime is 8 pm. Info: vishten.net Tickets at trailside.ca.
Off The Grid by John Spurway features Marty, an architect anxious to learn more about self-sufficient houses so she can write a magazine article about living “off the grid,”and her husband Leonard, who has reluctantly agreed to spend a week without his comforts. While Leonard adjusts, Marty receives guidance from Lowell, their reclusive neighbour. Leonard is wary of this recluse, it seems like he might be hiding something… but Lowell’s not the only one keeping secrets.
Directed by Mark Fraser, Off
The Grid stars Melissa Kramer, Lee J. Campbell and Jim Fowler, and plays select dates to September 5 at Victoria Playhouse, 20 Howard St, Victoria-by-the-Sea. victoriaplayhouse.ticketpro.ca
Farmgate Theatre’s The Good Time Radio Variety Show transforms Victoria Playhouse into the sound stage of Island Radio Station CRPO. A modern take on the classic radio variety show—with music, mystery, comedy, adventure and thrilling sound effects—is performed live in front of a studio audience. Directed by Charlotte Gowdy, the cast includes Island actors Julain Molnar and Cameron MacDuffee, and PEI musicians Karen Graves and Adam Hill.
The Good Time Radio Variety Show plays select dates to August 28 at Victoria Playhouse, 20 Howard St, Victoria-by-the-Sea.
victoriaplayhouse.ticketpro.ca
Ireland Meets Scotland continues on Tuesday evenings to August 17 at PEI Preserve Company in New Glasgow. Enjoy a scenic picnic supper featuring fresh, local ingredients, followed by a high-caliber celebration of Celtic heritage, music and dance.
Ireland Meets Scotland tells the story of Irish and Scottish immigrants leaving their homelands in the 1800s, many of them meeting here on PEI. The story is told primarily through music and dance, with prose and poetry laced with humour. It celebrates the Scottish and Irish heritage of PEI and new immigrants settling here.
Cast members include Colin Jeffrey (fiddle), Amanda Mark (flute, tin whistle) and Kevin Jeffrey (guitar, vocals), with Celtic dancer Madalyn Murdock.
Ticket options are available by calling or texting Kevin Jeffrey at 314-3078.
Info: @irelandmeetsscotland on FB
Ebb & Flow: Tides of Settlement on PEI, a live stage show presenting stories about the Island and the ebb and flow of people, continues in August at Charlottetown’s historic Haviland Club. The multimedia show is held weekly on Mondays from 8–10 pm, including intermission.
Ebb & Flow was created by a mainstay ensemble of musicians, singers and storytellers, including Julie Pellissier-Lush, Victor Cal Y Mayor, Nadia Haddad, Tim Hamming, Amanda Mark and Laurie Murphy. Each show features special guest artists, including guzheng player Dingyi Feng (August 2, 9, 16); rapper Vince The Messenger (9); and storyteller Dutch Thompson (16).
Chef Robert Pendergast will provide an Acadian culinary treat for an additional fee and lead a “pass-thehat” music jam session post-show in the Haviland Club tap room, licensed for those 19+ years of age.
Tickets are available at marram.ca/ shop or by chance at the door.
The inaugural Founders Busker Festival will take place August 27–29 in Charlottetown with daily live performances from noon until 8 pm at Founders Food Hall and Market. More details to come. Info: foundersfoodhall. com, @foundersfoodhall
Havenwood Studios will offer a new Theatre Performance Program (TPP) in Charlottetown this fall. Established theatre professionals Lisa MacNeil and Kristen Pottle will lead the TPP’s teaching faculty, as well as direct and choreograph musical productions for Havenwood’s 2021-22 season.
The new program will provide aspiring young performers with wellrounded theatre training.
As the TPP choreographer, Pottle will teach musical theatre classes for students ages five and up. She has performed in The Citadel Theatre, Vancouver Opera, and the North American Tour and Mirvish Production of The Wizard of Oz, as well as six seasons at the Charlottetown Festival, which included work as the associate choreographer and dance captain for Anne of Green Gables MacNeil, an enthusiastic theatre educator for over 25 years, will lead the TPP for students ages 13 and up. She holds a diploma in Musical Theatre from Sheridan College, an Honours B.A. in Drama from the University of Guelph, and a B.Ed from Western University. Lisa brings a wealth of experience to the program as a director, choreographer, writer, performer and adjudicator.
Havenwood’s TPP begins September 9 and runs until the end of May. Group placement interviews will take place August 11. All are welcome to join the program, regardless of previous experience or training. Reserve a spot at havenwooddance.ca.
Bonshaw Young Players Drama Group is resuming on Saturdays from 10:30 am–12 pm beginning September 18 at the Bonshaw Community Centre (at the bridge in Bonshaw). Children and youth ages six to 16 are welcome. Space is limited. Pre-register at rlacey688@gmail.com or 675-4282.
July 31
PG, coarse language. Dir: Fergus Grady, Noel Smyth, Spain, 2019, 80 min. Manny Domingo Jr., Neill Le Roux, Sue Morris.
year: a joyous sense of togetherness... The action unfolds in crowded store aisles and gossip-filled beauty salons where everyone knows everyone. The musical numbers, which blend hip-hop, Latin pop, salsa and other styles, frequently spill out into the surrounding neighborhood. The actors become dancers in an electrifying street ballet... A lot of this is packed into the movie’s transporting opening sequence, which brings us into this pan-Latino barrio in Washington Heights... our guide to this Upper Manhattan neighborhood is Usnavi de la Vega, played by a terrific Anthony Ramos... As he raps about the challenges of running his scrappy little business in a place that’s rapidly being gentrified, he’s joined by a chorus of voices from the neighborhood singing about their own struggles to get by. As much as he loves Washington Heights and the people who live there, Usnavi longs to return to the beaches of the Dominican Republic where he grew up... One of the more poignant insights of In the Heights is that everyone has a different concept of home... There are lovely moments here, like when Benny and Nina do a surreal, gravity-defying dance along the side of an apartment building... and there’s a knockout solo from Abuela Claudia, the neighborhood’s adopted grandmother... She’s the living embodiment of this movie’s loving and enduring spirit.” - Justin Chang, NPR
August 6–12
14A, violence, language and mature themes. Dir: Ty Roberts, USA, 2021, 118 min. Robert Duvall, Martin Sheen, Luke Wilson, Vinessa Shaw.
“Exploring themes of spirituality, wellbeing and religion, this is the inspirational journey of six strangers from New Zealand and Australia walking the 800km Camino de Santiago to overcome the personal and physical trauma that life has dealt them. Through blisters, shin splints and heat, the Camino forces pilgrims to defy their age and physical ability, while also acting as a catalyst for change. Both heart-breaking and inspirational, Camino Skies is an uplifting story about everyday people doing the extraordinary.” -
Alexa Dalby, Dog and WolfAugust 1–5
PG, course language. Dir: Jon M. Chu, USA, 2021, 143 min.Anthony Ramos, Melissa Barrera, Corey Hawkins, Leslie Grace.
Adapted from the bestselling novel, 12 Mighty Orphans tells the true story of the Mighty Mites, the football team of a Fort Worth orphanage who, during the Great Depression, went from playing without shoes - or even a football - to playing for the The Texas state championships. Over the course of their winning season these underdogs and their resilient spirit became an inspiration to their city, state, and an entire nation in need of a rebound, even catching the attention of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The architect of their success was Rusty Russell, a legendary high school coach who shocked his colleagues by giving up a privileged position so he could teach and coach at an orphanage. Recognizing that his scrawny players couldn’t beat the other teams with brawn, Rusty developed innovative strategies that would come to define modern football. “There hasn’t been a sports film since Hoosiers that has so beautifully blended the natural drama of sports with the unpredictability of the human spirit.” - Rick Bentley, Tribune News Service
“In the Heights couldn’t be more perfectly timed. For one thing, summer movies don’t get much more summery than this one, which takes place during a record-breaking New York heat wave. For another, this vibrant screen adaptation of the Lin-Manuel Miranda stage musical captures something we’ve largely gone without over the past
August 13–16
PG, violence and mature themes. Dir: Tracey Deer, 2020, Canada, 92 min. Kiawentiio, Violah Beauvais, Rainbow Dickerson, Paulina Alexis.
Best First Feature Film and Best Motion Picture, Canadian Screen Awards. Winner, Crystal Bear Generation Kplus - Best Film, Berlin International Film Festival.
Song succeeds and proves that fabulousness has no expiration date.” - Rachel Reeves, Consequence Film
18A, nudity, violence, sexual content. Dir: Janicza Bravo, USA, 2020, 90 min. Taylour Paige, Riley Keough, Nicholas Braun, Colman Domingo.
“A coming-of-age story set against the reallife Oka Crisis of 1990 - in which Canada’s indigenous Mohawk people engaged in an increasingly-violent 78-day land dispute with white residents of Oka, Quebec - Beans vibrates with ferocious anger and righteous pride. Based on Deer’s own experiences as a young Mohawk girl living through this tumultuous time, and with a predominantly indigenous cast, it has firm foundations in its authentic depiction of a little-known piece of history and a terrific central performance from Mohawk actress Kiawentiio... The screenplay neatly weaves the experiences of Mohawk teenager Tekehentahkhwa - who goes by her nickname Beans - with her people’s struggle to save their sacred land from becoming a golf course. As Beans’ own story hits familiar adolescent beats - she falls in with a tough crowd, changes her appearance, dabbles with drink - it’s her dawning realisation of how her people are being treated that makes the biggest impact on her character.” - Nikki Baughan, Screen Daily
August 17–21
PG, coarse language, mature themes. Dir: Todd Stephens, USA, 2020, 105 min. Jennifer Coolidge, Udo Kier, Linda Evans, Michael Urie. Winner, Audience Award Best Film, Monte-Carlo Comedy Film Festival.
”Zola feels refreshingly unique. It’s not just the way Bravo uses modern internet language to enhance the storytelling – for example, tweet sounds punctuate lines like rim shots – but the totally engaged performances she draws from her cast, especially a fearless Riley Keough, who delivers another all-in performance that should take her to another level. Keough plays Stefani, who Zola meets at a restaurant at which she’s working and the two become instant friends. Although, we know that’s gonna end thanks to the instantly engaging first line of the film, ’Y’all wanna hear a story... It’s kind of long but full of suspense.’ Zola ain’t lying about that. What unfolds is a hysterical and thrilling story of a road trip to Florida, on which the two ladies are accompanied by Stefani’s boyfriend and ’roommate’ (Colman Domingo)... The journey is undeniably worth the unforgettable ride here... It’s a major new film, one of the best of Sundance 2020 and a movie that is going to light the arthouse movie scene on fire when it gets released.” - Brian
Tallerico, RogerEbert.com14A, violence, coarse language. Dir: Michael Sarnoski, USA, 2021, 92 min. Nicolas Cage, Alex Wolff, Adam Arkin, Nina Belforte.
“Once lauded as the ‘Liberace of Sandusky, Ohio’ retired hairdresser Pat Pitsenbarger (Udo Kier) has given up. Now living in an institutional-style retirement home, Pat’s physical, mental, and emotional traumas weigh heavy over his daily life. However, things begin to shift when a visitor brings news that an old client has recently passed, requesting Pat’s stylist services for her final look. Pat sets out on a cathartic, healing journey that reopens old wounds and reawakens his fabulous inner self. Written and directed by Todd Stephens, Swan Song offers a touching, funny, and emotional journey of self-redemption told through a deeply personal lens... Udo Kier delivers the performance of a highly prolific lifetime. Trading in his stereotypical villain image for silk scarves, polyester suits, and sassy one-liners, he transforms in the absolute best possible way. Displaying a keen control over body language and subtle emotional shifts, Kier’s presence anchors the film... Swan
”If there’s one thing Nicolas Cage could always be relied on to deliver, it’s unpredictability... Cage’s newest film, Pig is a drama about a misanthropic former chef named Robin who lives in the woods of the Pacific Northwest with no friends, phone or shower, and who - after his prized truffle pig is stolen - leaves his run-down shack for the upscale foodie subculture of downtown Portland in which he was once a superstar. He has one mission: to retrieve the missing animal... In this strangely moving little film Cage reins in the tendency to overdo things, delivering a soulful performance of unexpected depth and quiet beauty. It’s his best work since the underrated Joe, from 2014, and a reminder
what the actor is capable of... Robin’s quest peels away, like an onion, the layers of a backstory involving painful loss, and a relationship with the pig that transcends the animal’s skills... Sarnoski is aided in telling this story - which also involves other characters who have experienced loss - by a strong cast... There’s a paradox at the heart of Pig that, rather than weakening the story, lends it strength. It has everything to do with Cage himself, who has always been at the top of his game when he plays against the volcanic emotions inside his character, rather than indulging them.” - Michael O’Sullivan, The Washington Post
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!
Box o ce opens 20 minutes before showtime Book tickets in advance at citycinema.ca
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.
We’re selling a reduced amount of our 70 seats per show, with checkerboard seat arrangement for distancing.
To help with social distancing we created a one-way traffic system, just follow the arrows!
Masks
We strongly encourage you to wear a mask when not eating your delicious popcorn. We have disposable masks available for free.
Subject to change
Film availability, showtimes and provincial COVID-19 guidelines are subject to change. Please check our website and book tickets in advance of show dates.
Rent City Cinema
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.
August 13 - 21, 2021
A twist on a favourite Island Tradition in Downtown Charlottetown.
Pony Rides | Open Air Ceilidhs | Horse & Wagon | Mayor’s Drive-Thru BBQ & Ice Cream Social | Photo Ops | Children’s Activities & More
$8.00 65 and over $8.00 14 and under $8.00
We now accept credit cards online and both debit and credit at the cinema
Annual Memberships–$25.00
oldhomeweekpei.com/country-days
William Stuart: Portrait of an Island Artist is on view at Eptek Art and Culture Centre in Summerside until October 1.
The exhibit brings together, for the first time, over 40 works by ScottishCanadian artist William Stuart. It shows his strong connection to PEI, where he held a charge with the Presbyterian Church in West Cape, Campbellton and the Brae, West Prince County, from 1865 to 1870. Stuart married and began a family on the Island, and these ties brought him back for the rest of his life. His descendants include the Drummond, Jeffery and Montgomery families, and many paintings and artifacts remain with them.
William Stuart: Portrait of an Island Artist chronicles the life and work of the artist from his early days in Scotland to images of family life, farmwork, homes, and the clothing of the era. Covering the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Stuart also depicts
scenes from his travels between the Maritime provinces and northeast United States.
The exhibit is on display at Eptek in partnership with the PEI Museum and Heritage Foundation. Curators Janet Whytock and Anne Neatby will hold tours in August and September. Visit peimuseum.ca/calendar for more info.
Eptek Art and Culture Centre is located at 130 Heather Moyse Drive in Summerside.
To celebrate and raise awareness of Epekwitk Mi’kmaq heritage and culture within the province, and in recognition of Aboriginal Awareness Week in May, L’nuey and the Government of PEI partnered once again to recognize Mi’kmaq place names across PEI.
Ten additional heritage signs were placed in Bedeque (Eptek), Cape Egmont (Mntuapskuk), Kensington (Kataqanek), Mill River (Atoqwa’sue’kaqn), Orwell (Mewisitek), Rice Point (Suomane’katik), Point Prim (Wejuowitk), Murray Harbour (Eskwatek), Montague (Mente’ken), and Souris (Sqoljwe’katik).
Film PEI will present a signature project at Art In the Open (AITO) on August 28 showcasing the works of ten acclaimed digital artists and animators, including Deborah Caitlin, Andrea Dorfman, Tori Fleming, Teresa Kuo, General Khan, Ruth Marsh, Skins workshops, Steve Woloshen and Tasman Richardson.
Epekwitk/PEI’s cultural dimensions will be expanded through the interface of digital and physical—in dreams audiences experience while wide awake. The project includes methods of video collage, internet sampling, stop motion, hand drawn animation, optical printing processes, scratched and painted film, machinima avatars, and taxidermy.
The experimental short film showcase will be projected onto the exterior wall of the Confederation Centre in Charlottetown from 8–11:30 pm. Followed the showcase, video collage artist Tasman Richardson (Toronto), who will maestro reflections of our relentlessly surveilled world with his performance of “Darkness is to Space as Silence is to Sound”— a 17 minute, live, three-channel AV performance where FM radio transmissions
from around the earth are captured and paired to their terrain as viewed by satellite.
The Film PEI signature project is curated by Norah Pendergast. Follow @art_in_the_open on Instagram or visit artintheopenpei.org.
Prior to Art in the Open, Film PEI will host a free workshop/artist talk and demonstration by video collage artist Tasman Richardson of Toronto. Scavenge and Manipulate: a beginner’s guide to the JAWA method of video collage will begin at 7 pm on August 25 at the Confederation Centre Art Gallery in Charlottetown.
Richardson will introduce his dogmatic sight and sound collage practice known as the JAWA method, an editing technique informed by fragments of philosophy and fringe science and the destruction and re-contextualisation of mainstream media.
The signs highlight locations with names that have a Mi’kmaq origin or that hold particular importance to the Mi’kmaq people. Mi’kmaq place names are insights into the Island’s geography and human history. Unlike many English language place names, the Mi’kmaq names are rooted in a description of that specific location or highlight activities that would take place there. Bedeque, for instance, has its origins in the Mi’kmaq word “Eptek,” which means “it is hot.”
“We are all treaty people,” expresses Chief Junior Gould of Abegweit First Nation. “This history belongs to all Islanders.”
Visit lnuey.ca to learn more.
French artist and author Olivier Bodart, currently based in PEI, will present his exhibit Imperial at The Gallery @ The Guild in Charlottetown. Imperial will be on display August 9 to September 5 with an opening reception on August 11 from 5–7 pm.
The Fathers of Confederation Buildings Trust, known as Confederation Centre of the Arts, recently welcomed photographer Ned (Edwyn) Pratt from St. John’s, Newfoundland, to its national board of directors.
Pratt grew up in St. Catherine’s in St. Mary’s Bay, NL. In 1986 he graduated with a BA in Art History from Acadia University then moved on to the University of British Columbia to study architecture. He then earned a BFA in Photography at the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design.
Upon graduation, Pratt worked as a freelance photo editor for the Sunday Express, a newspaper published in NL from 1989-1991. In subsequent years his work appeared in the New York Times, Newsweek, MacLean’s, Globe and Mail, Canadian Geographic and the Financial Post
His photography has been exhibited at the former Art Gallery of NL, the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, PREFIX Photo, the Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival (2012) and in Oh, Canada: Contemporary Art from North America at the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art. He holds the 2017 Large Year Award from Visual Artists NL for Excellence in the Visual Arts. His photographs are held in major public and corporate collections across North America, Europe and Australia.
Imperialis the name of a county in the far southeast of California in the Sonoran Desert. The sparsely populated area is very arid. “Life in this desert requires a certain will, or even a certain ingenuity,” explains Bodart.
Imperial, the project, describes the year (2020) that Bodart spent in this county, blocked between the four walls of a house he was renovating. The pandemic, fires and pollution—everything seemed to force him to stay confined in the desert.
Bodart set up a project that would evoke a possibility of escape. While the
Twenty-four Island artists recently received a total of $100,000 through the provincial Arts Grants program. The successful applicants were selected by a six-member jury of their arts community peers and follows the same model used by the Canada Council of Arts.
Some of the successful Arts Grants recipients and their projects include:
Bianca Pilar Garcia (Writing and Publishing, $5000): The release of a second issue of THE BLOCK, focusing on celebrating Pride and the Queer BIPOC community. THE BLOCK is the first magazine curated for BIPOC communities in PEI.
Corinne Chappell (Crafts, $6390): To gain a deeper understanding of the spiritual significance of Mi’kmaq petroglyphs and how to respectfully incorporate these ancient teachings into their art.
Dennis MacKenzie (Music, $4000): To record a debut album that tells the story of his time in the Canadian Armed Forces, suffering PTSD from serving in Afghanistan, and dealing with the loss of many friends.
Elizabeth Iwunwa (Writing and Publishing, $5000): An anthology of memoirs, essays, poems, food and drink recipes, paintings, short stories, photo essays, portraits, interviews, and illustrations by immigrants. It will encapsulate the Island immigrant life in words and pictures.
Jahan Bloch (Film and Media Arts,
outside natural elements were gradually coming inside the house, sand blowing through a crack in the door for example, Bodart reproduced, on the ground, a 3D map of Imperial County. The pile of sand gathering on the kitchen floor would become a dune, a stone washed up on the living room floor was transformed into a cliff. This new panorama at ground level became the scene of a photographic stroll, the setting favourable to a phantasmagorical and artistic escapade through the landscapes of a reconstructed valley. olivierbodart.com
$3700): To write the feature film script for the romantic comedy, The Bollywood Romance, a Western film heavily influenced by Indian (Bollywood) style of filmmaking.
Niyi Adeogun (Visual Arts, $5500): An augmented reality pop-up (fashion/visual art) experience with ZeroResistance Studios and Truly Motivated.
Noah MacDougall (Music, $5000): To explore and produce a debut album that aims to capture the complexities of their existence as a small town queer artist in 2021.
Oneil Kuku (Visual Arts, $1984): Island Photo Exhibit II will showcase the beauty of PEI and highlight the stories, journeys and experiences of immigrants on the Island.
Richard Pellissier-Lush (Film and Media Arts, $7466): To create 14 shorts that capture scenery of Epekwitk, the Mi’kmaq culture, and more.
Reequal Smith (Dance, $2000): Euphoria—A Rainbow in the Sky will glorify goddesses and kings who are revealed in a moment of intense social change. We are euphoric, our essence is rooted with the swish in our hips and vibration of the goat skin.
Learn more about the successful recipients, including Michelle Bouey, Geraldine Jadis, Reequal Smith, Alicia Toner, Dale Sorensen, Benton Hartley, Jordan Beaulieau, Megan Stewart, Catherine MacLellan, Robin Gislain Shumbusho, Sarah Eddie, Sharlene Kelly, Susan Rodgers, Alexis Bulman, and Tanya Davis, and their projects at princeedwardisland.ca.
Riverworks is a new initiative by The River Clyde Pageant and Creative PEI in which three artists—Doug Dumais, Kirstie McCallum and Alexis Bulman—present outdoor public artworks exploring ecological transformation through their distinct creative practices. The installation-based artworks engage with living shoreline projects and the natural environment.
Living shorelines are a naturebased solution to coastline protection. Mimicking natural processes, living shorelines slow erosion and are made with natural, biodegradable materials, planted native species of trees, shrubs and grasses, all of which stabilize the shoreline to prevent erosion.
Construction on the living shorelines began in July, and will unfold over the coming months.
Dumais’ artwork, Shoreline Palimpsest, consisted of a three-day performance in July. A makeshift artist studio was erected on the QEH shoreline in Charlottetown and served as the site for Dumais’ durational performance. The mobile studio, a 6x6x6-foot cube frame, held the essentials of a photographer’s studio. Dumais created photography and poetry on site that documented the daily, hourly, or even minute-by-minute changes along one section of the coast. After editing these images and then printing them in the mobile studio, observations were noted through poems written directly on the prints, which were given to visitors.
Alexis Bulman’s artwork was installed in July at the Stratford Waterfront Park. Lillian’s Place is a sculpture, an art installation and a performance all at once. It takes the form of a small wooden house, situated on an embankment where it will live in tandem with a living shoreline along the Hillsborough River. As years pass, the structure will age and its bright wood will transform to a weathered grey color. Lilian’s Place is an artwork in flux, a place where flowers grow, and a place where flowers are laid in remembrance. It will teeter on the edge of the shore, co-existing with living shoreline that stabilizes the littoral zone, striving to balance hope and loss, life and death, and past and future. McCallum’s artwork, Pollinator Clock, will be installed next spring. The artwork is designed to give back to the earth by delivering pollinator seed and soil enhancements to the meadow where it will be installed at Tea Hill. The work consists of 12 baskets woven from red osier dogwood and raspberry cane, installed in the pattern of a circular clock-face. A sapling planted in the circle will represent the centre of a sundial. Each basket will be filled with local flower seed and bulbs mixed with soil, and compost. Over time, the baskets will break open, and the plants will disperse across the site, encouraging the growth of wildflowers and inviting insects and birds to reinhabit the area.
The City of Charlottetown has opened both the call for nominations and the call for award design for the 2021 Arts and Culture Awards, to be held October 25 at Trailside Music Hall. Created by the Charlottetown Arts Advisory Board, the Awards are held bi-annually to honour those who make a substantial contribution to the arts and cultural sector in Charlottetown. The categories are Emerging Artist, Artistic Excellence, Lifetime Achievement, and Champion of the Arts. For complete details and to submit a nomination, visit charlottetown. ca/ArtsAwards. Each Arts & Culture Award winner will receive a one-ofa-kind award created by a local artist, and the Arts Advisory Board is seeking proposals for the four awards that will be presented during the 2021 Arts & Culture Awards Ceremony. The ideal award is locally handcrafted and a suitable size for presentation on stage and for display in a home or office. Inventive submissions that diverge from traditional trophy design are encouraged. Submit all proposals to the attention of The Arts Advisory Board c/o Charlotte Nicholson. Proposals can be dropped off at City Hall reception (199 Queen St.), emailed to cnicholson@charlottetown.ca, or mailed to PO Box 98, Charlottetown, PEI, C1A7K2. The submission deadline for both the nominations and award design proposals is August 27 at 12 pm. Info: charlottetown.ca/ArtsAwards
A Youth Creative Arts program takes place from 3–4:30 pm on Wednesdays in August at St John’s Church in Summerside. The program offers an opportunity for youth between 5 and 12 to learn and develop their artistic and creative gifts. Info/pre-register: 888-2234, 62 South Dr, Summerside
The annual Festive Wreath Contest and Exhibition will be held again this year at Confederation Centre of the Arts in Charlotttetown. Drop-off dates for entries will be in November. All are
invited to enter the competition—adults, young people, businesses and groups. Categories include traditional, green living/recycled, off the wall (sponsored by The Dunes Gallery), children solo, group and business/groups. There is a small entry fee, along with prizes to be won. The wreaths will be on display at the Centre throughout the holiday season. This is a project of The Friends of Confederation Centre of the Arts. 6286141, friends@confederationcentre.com
Looking for something fun and educational to do with the kids? Eptek Art & Culture Centre offers exhibit related scavenger hunts. Drop-ins are welcome but visitors are encouraged to call ahead. Admission is by donation. Open Tuesday–Saturday from 9 am–5 pm and Sunday 12–5 pm. 130 Heather Moyse Dr, Summerside. peimuseum.com
this town is small members
To renew a membership or to become a new member of this town is small, PEI’s artist-run centre, visit thistownissmall. com or contact Lisa Theriault at thistownissmall@gmail.com
ttis summer intern
PEI’s artist-run centre, this town is small (TTIS), welcomes Alexandra O’Sullivan as their new Communications Coordinator. The summer position is supported by the Young Canada Works internship program and is made possible in partnership with the Fédération culturelle de l’Î.-P.-É. O’Sullivan recently completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts at Concordia University, where she specialized in video, electronics, and sculpture. In addition to her own artistic practice, she has worked on a range of projects including designing props and sets for a feature film, and co-creating a web-radio to showcase Concordia student’s experimental sound art (IMCA Raydeeoh). O’Sullivan will be assisting TTIS with communications and project coordination. thistownissmall.com
The TD Summer Reading Club 2021 at the Confederation Centre Public Library is hosting free outdoor events for children ages 6–12 years old at the Connaught Square Park in downtown Charlottetown. The following programs take place from 10–11 am: build and problem solve challenges using every day objects on Aug 5 at Outdoor Engineering; put problem solving skills to the test and learn about what makes paper airplanes fly at Paper Airplane Olympics on Aug 12; take time to relax at Yoga in the Park on Aug 19; and join the Super Science fun on Aug 26. Registration is required at 368-4642. Programs may be cancelled or postponed due to weather.
Watson Gale, Stanhope summer resident and patron of the Indian River Festival (IRF) at Historic St. Mary’s, filled his time over the pandemic by painting PEI church spires. He recently donated 15 of these paintings to IRF for their annual summer fundraiser and the pieces are currently available in IRF’s online silent auction until August 15. Twenty five percent of the funds made from each painting will be donated to the church featured in the painting. Bid online at indianriverfestival.com.
The artwork is on display at St. Mary’s on weekdays from 12–5 pm or visit 32auctions.com/irfinspires to view the pieces online.
A virtual book launch with author Hope Dalvay will take place August 11 at 7 pm on the Acorn Press Facebook page @acornpresscanada. Join Dalvay as she answers questions from fans and reads from My Year as a Space Cadet. This sequel to the popular Welcome to Camp Fill-in-the-Blank, is a middle grade novel that explores the importance of standing up for yourself and for others, and shows how anybody can become an everyday hero. Available where books are sold.
Wild Threads Literary Festival takes place August 26–29. Join publishers, agents and authors, in person or virtually, for four days of workshops and events in Charlottetown. Presenters include Andre Fenton, Deirdre Kessler, El Jones, Jared Bland, Julie Bull, Patti Larsen, Shaun Bradley, Tanya Davis and Tara MacLean. For the complete list of presenters, more info and to register visit wildthreadsliteraryfestival.com.
The Friends of Summerside Library are holding an outdoor book sale from 10 am–4 pm on August 11 at the Summerside Rotary Library. Thousands of books, including fiction, non-fiction, and books for young readers, will be for sale. Donations of gently-used books are needed and can be dropped off during library hours. Call ahead at 436-7325 to confirm that library staff are available to accept donations. Proceeds will go toward equipment purchases, large print books and family programs.
As part of its community enhancement project, the Brackley 55+ Friendship Club recently unveiled a Self–Serve Library Box for their community. Take a book and leave a book at the new library box and get something new to read or share books with neighbours. Built by community resident Keith Panton, the library box was made possible with the PEI Dept of Health and Wellness’ Community Catalyst Grant and the Friendship Club’s partnership with the Rural Municipality of Brackley for the project. The library box is located at Brackley Commons and will be in place annually from April to October. The Brackley 55+ Friendship Club is open to all residents in the municipality. There are no fees or formal meetings, only opportunities to get together for fun and friendship.
Kinap Legends is currently a first issue comic book. It was edited by Jessica Francis, who is also the editor and co-writer of Bernard’s first publication, The Stick Persons, a 160 page graphic novel that follows the small time criminals, Joey, James and Derek.
Kinap Legends and The Stick Persons are published by the Bernard-Francis duo at Shoot From the Hip Comics, an independent comic book publisher in Charlottetown. Copies are currently available for purchase at Lightning Bolt Comics on Grafton Street in Charlottetown.
@shootfromthehipcomics
@the_stick_persons
Local Charlottetown comic book creator Riley James Bernard released the first printing of his comic book Kinap Legends in June.
Bernard’s story and artwork for Kinap Legends is influenced by traditional Mi’kmaq legends and folklore. It is a story of a Mi’kmaq family sometime in the 1700s, and it takes place in Mi’kma’ki, the land of the Mi’kmaq people, where they thrive and have all kinds of adventures.
“I am from Epekwitk and making comics has been something I have wanted to do since I was ten years old,” shares Bernard. “I grew up in Charlottetown with my grandparents. I never noticed how lucky I was to be with them, listening to them speak Mi’kmaq together. I’m sure they’re proud of my hard work in bringing this comic, Kinap Legends, to life. I make this for my people, and my love of Mi’kmaq folklore.”
PEI author Michael Pagé has released The First Noble Truth.
Acceptance of impermanence, as Buddhism tells us, is the key to freedom and enlightenment. While not the starting premise of the novel, or a lifetime of living, it may well be its conclusion.
In 2003, Ted Hume becomes publisher of the Informer, a struggling weekly newspaper in rural PEI. It is a tumultuous period. The US has invaded Iraq and on PEI a renewed move to restrict women’s rights is underway. As Ted searches for solutions to the Informer’s financial woes, June, his late grandfather’s assistant, suggests publishing a serialized novel.
This novel takes place at the height of the Vietnam War in a town on Cape Cod where the heavy hand of morality has no place. For Danieland his
girlfriend Rose, there is no escape from the cultural and military confrontations that are raging throughout the country and the world.
Ted, frustrated at seeing the same forces playing themselves out in his own time, decides to strike back by publishing the novel. As a result, he becomes entangled in political intrigue on PEI and must fight for the Informer’s survival. At the same time he is immersed in the complexities of love.
Set in different, yet similar times, both stories describe paths followed. Some lead towards independence, others to relying on pre-existing attitudes and beliefs—freedom versus security.
Pagé was born in Québec City and raised in Montreal. He moved to rural PEI in 1973. He has worked in teaching, carpentry, performing music and songwriting, as well as operating his own business producing handcrafted wood-turned bowls. Upon retiring in 2011, Pagé pursued his interest in writing fiction and poetry. He won the Milton Acorn Island Literary Award poetry prize in 2017.
The First Noble Truth is published by Tea Hill Press and is available in Charlottetown at Bookmark and in Montague at Lucky Bean Café. michaelpage.online
The Tracadie Good Neighbourly Club is planning sessions on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action. The TRC was created to formally uncover the past, no matter how uncomfortable, and to produce a plan to lead us toward reconciliation, mutual understanding, and respect. The Tracadie Club will work with Chief Gould and the Abegweit Band to better understand what this means. The public is invited to participate in presentations that will be held this fall. Stay tuned for details.
The Sir Andrew Macphail Homestead resumed their Lunch & Lecture series on Sundays beginning with lunch at 12:30 pm, followed by a lecture at the Sir Andrew Macphail Homestead in Orwell. Lineup: Dr. Lamont Sweet, The Great Pandemic Influenza of 1918 (Aug 1); Captain Greg Gallant, PEI and The Great War (8); Marian Bruce, Scottish Supernatural Beliefs Alive on PEI (15); Deirdre Kessler, Nurtured by or Stranded on an Island? (29); and Peter Metaxas, Mills & Dams of the Orwell Area (Sep 5). The Homestead is located at 271 Macphail Park Rd, Orwell, and is wheelchair accessible. Booking is essential. Register at macphailhomestead.ca or 651-2789. The lunch and lecture series is a fundraiser for the Sir Andrew Macphail Foundation.
Dr. Helen Kristmanson will give a talk on the Glenaladale archeological dig at 7 pm on August 7 at the Tracadie Community Centre, 148 Station Road, Tracadie Cross. Dr. Kristmanson will have some of the many artifacts on display. Reserve a spot by calling 394-6131.
Eoin O’Brien of Charlottetown recently published To Tell: Stories, Images and Reflections. The book of poetry was released on July 16.
O’Brien has had his poems published in poetry journals on both the East and West coasts of Canada. He records his observations of people and his continuing encounters with nature, and provides snapshots of memorable events through his poetry.
To Tell: Stories, Images and Reflections is available at Bookmark in Charlottetown.
The Victoria Playhouse and the Victoria Historical Association collaborated to present Our Island Talks at the Victoria Playhouse this summer. On August 12 at 2 pm, Joss Silver from Holland College’s carpentry program will present Our Heritage Buildings: Bringing the Past into the Future, a talk about appreciating and maintaining our Island. On August 26 at 2 pm, Harry Holman will present Potatoes & Passengers, Schooners & Steamers. This illustrated talk will discuss the development of Victoria, once known as Wesmoreland Harbour, a bustling seaport, and the vessels that brought the business. All are welcome to attend the free, informal chats. Donations are accepted. Call ahead to reserve or just show up. 20 Howard Street, Victoria. Info: 658-2025
all lissom-like the elm trees bend seawind lifts and scents my hair
my tongue attens, no a, e, i, or u to round to words, to keep earth-bound
I soar blue-black, wings wide take pleasure in the lemon-streaked sky
there are shapes in evening’s clouds cat morphs into wolf, dog-bear, whale
a moment comes and passes, a word bittersweet – and twilight is here
we sigh sing-song under the bright weight of moon, the graceful pines, and the sea
Yvette Doucette. In a Burst of Yellow Blossoms. Saturday Morning Chapbooks, 2014. Each month Deirdre Kessler selects a poem by an Island poet for The Buzz
The summer food security program is open for registration for families in need of support. Precooked meals that can be reheated are available for any Island family facing challenges in securing healthy food for their children. Registration is required and meals will be delivered to families at their homes in all areas of the province. Meals will be delivered twice a week every Wednesday and Friday between 10 am–1 pm. Each registered child will receive three meals on Wednesday and four meals on Friday. The program began in July and runs until September 3. To register, visit Summer Food Security Program at gpei.ca. For more information or questions, call 2135506 or email foodprogram@gov.pe.ca.
The Province invested another $3 million in the Community Housing Fund, a partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), to provide a second round of funding. Non-profits, community-based service organizations, municipalities and developers can apply for support to help create more affordable housing options for Islanders in need, including those in assisted living or individuals that require increased support. The Fund has three main categories: capacity building and research; project management and professional services; and construction and development. A selection committee of representatives from the Province, CMHA, and members of the public, will review the applications and make recommendations. The deadline to apply online at pei.cmha.ca/community-housing-fund is September 17.
Input received from Islanders through the animal welfare survey has been compiled and released. The PEI Animal Welfare Survey Report contains valuable input from over 4000 people and will help government better understand public knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to animal welfare and protection on PEI. The final report was developed by the animal health and research section of the provincial Dept of Agriculture and Land. The animal welfare survey was available online from December 15, 2020 until February 15, 2021. To read the report, visit princeedwardisland.ca.
A new restorative justice program will help people through the healing process after they have been impacted by a crime in PEI. Restorative justice is an approach to justice that focuses on addressing the harms caused by crime while holding the offender accountable for their actions. It gives victims and communities affected by the crime, the opportunity to engage safely in dialogue to share their experiences and identify what needs to be done in order to repair the harms after the crime has been committed. Referrals to the program are made by Victim Services, Probation Services, PEI Courts, Crown Attorney’s Office, defense counsel or law enforcement, on behalf of either the victims or offenders. Trained community restorative justice facilitators will bring together eligible participants to engage in
PEI National Park, Green Gables Heritage Place, and Skmaqn–Port-la-Joye–Fort Amherst National Historic Site are full of activities for visitors of all ages. Parks Canada, L’nuey and the Mi’kmaq Confederacy of PEI partnered once again to bring alive the Mi’kmaq history of Epekwitk. Join Mi’kmaq heritage presenters Monday–Friday from 9 am–5 pm until September 3 at Skmaqn–Port-la-Joye–Fort Amherst and until September 15 at Greenwich. Call to confirm attendance in advance.
Join yoga instructor Karen Langevin for Yoga on the Beach at 8:30 am on Wednesdays at Cavendish Campground Beach or on Thursdays at Stanhope Beach. The Hatha yoga sessions are bilingual and suitable for all levels. Book in person at the campground kiosks on the day of the activity.
For those who would like to try camping, but aren’t sure where to begin, Cavendish Campground is hosting Learn-to Camp events every Friday until September 3. This low-hassle option provides a campsite, some rental gear essentials, and a one-on-one tutorial on how to use the equipment.
At Green Gables Heritage Place, visitors can now take part in exclusive after-hours programs.
Visit parkscanada.gc.ca for details.
this program. Representatives from the Community and Correctional Services, Courts of PEI, the Crown Attorney’s Office, Island law enforcement partners, Legal Aid, Mi’kmaq Confederacy of PEI, and Victim Services have worked together over the last two years to provide the Province with recommendations on the design and development of a suitable restorative justice program for PEI. princeedwardisland.ca
The Campbell Webster Foundation announced its annual grants for poverty relief and sustainable development projects recently and Cooper Institute is among the organizations receiving funding this year. The grant will provide needed support for the Institute’s migrant worker program, which helps them to support migrant workers to advocate for their rights, engage community volunteers, and provide accompaniment and advocacy for migrant workers seeking to defend their human and labour rights. Cooper Institute is a popular education and community development collective, established in 1984. It carriess out programs related to livable income, food sovereignty, and
protection of land and water, to name a few. The Campbell Webster Foundation, has been providing grants annually since 2002 to registered Canadian charities in support of social justice and economic equity projects in Latin America and Atlantic Canada. cooperinstitute.ca, campbellwebsterfoundation.com
The successful PEI Healthy School Food Program that launched in 2020 will transition to a new non-profit organization, PEI School Food Program Inc. The new organization will continue to provide Island students with healthy, affordable, and locally sourced (whenever possible) lunch options, and will be responsible for managing the School Food Program beginning in September. The program will continue to use a pay-what-you-can model, to a max of $5/meal, in partnership with local food vendors to provide healthy lunch options in PEI schools that meet Canada’s Food Guide. The organization is operating with an interim board of directors. Funding is provided by the Dept of Social Development and Housing. The program’s website, which is where families will order school lunches beginning this fall, is currently being finalized. Info: @peischoolfood
The 2021 recipients of the Order of PEI were announced recently by the Chancellor of the Order, Her Honour the Honourable Antoinette Perry, Lieutenant Governor of PEI and Mr. Gerard Greenan, Chair of the Order of PEI Advisory Council. The three Islanders selected to receive the honour are Noreen Corrigan-Murphy of Ten Mile House, Maitland MacIssac of Charlottetown, and Dr. Heather Morrison of Charlottetown. The three individuals were selected from a total of 44 Islanders nominated to receive the award this year. The honour, first conferred in 1996, recognizing Islanders who have shown individual excellence or outstanding leadership in their community and in their chosen occupation or profession. It is the highest honour that can be accorded to a citizen of the Province. The Order of PEI is awarded annually, following a public nomination process with recipients being selected by an independent nine-person Advisory Council each year. Insignia of the Order will be presented by the Lieutenant Governor at a special investiture ceremony in the fall at Government House in Charlottetown. Read more about each of this year’s Order of PEI recipients at buzzpei.com.
A major infrastructure investment by the Government of Canada will result in an enhanced patron experience and better systems for staff at Confederation Centre of the Arts in Charlottetown. The $1.707 million investment from ACOA ($846,300 total), Canadian Heritage ($647,587), and the Confederation Centre ($213,113), supports major facility upgrades, including new track lighting and a new elevator in the gallery, new IT hardware for staff, electrical upgrades, updated audio-visual equipment, and other investments that help to modernize the facility, and improve the overall visitor and staff experience. It also includes funding to support the conceptual design phase of a revitalization and renovation project being proposed by the Centre.
Three Holland College employees were acknowledged for their contributions to the college with Holland College Excellence Awards recently. The Staff Excellence Award, which honours a staff member who has made an exceptional contribution within the College and the communities it serves, was presented to Colleen Myer, a curriculum support technician. The Teaching Excellence Award, which honours a faculty member who has exhibited consistent excellence in teaching and has had a significant impact on the personal and academic growth of students, was presented to GED instructor Sally Hitchcock. The Facilities Excellence Award, which honours a staff member who demonstrates exemplary performance and has made invaluable contributions within the facilities department and to the College as a whole, was presented to Boyd Hawkins, a facilities support technician at the Tourism and Culinary Centre.
The Sir Andrew Macphail Homestead resumed their informative Lunch & Lecture series, a fundraiser for the Sir Andrew Macphail Foundation, on Sundays this summer, beginning with a meal at 12:30 pm and followed by a speaker presentation at the Sir Andrew Macphail Homestead in Orwell.
Dr. Lamont Sweet will present The Great Pandemic Influenza of 1918 on August 1. He was PEI’s CPO from 1990–2007 and has a keen interest in the history of the Spanish flu of 1918, which hit PEI in late September 1918. By mid October, schools were closed, church services and all public gatherings were cancelled. It spread from the city to rural areas and eventually took 375 lives, with thousands infected.
Captain Greg Gallant will present PEI and The Great War on August 8. Gallant is the curator at the PEI Regiment Museum. He will present historical facts surrounding PEI’s involvement in World War One, the war that three Macphail men were active in, including Sir Andrew. On display will be artifacts from the war.
On August 15, Marian Bruce will present Scottish Supernatural Beliefs Alive on PEI. In her recent book—part memoir, part oral history—Bruce
reflects on stories about bad fairies, witch control, ghosts, second sight, divination, healing incantations, attitudes toward death, and other links between PEI and the Highlands and Islands of Scotland.
On August 29, Deirdre Kessler will present Nurtured by or Stranded on an Island. She will read excerpts from her forthcoming novel, Darwin’s Hornpipe
It is set in the 1850s during the same era when Catherine Elizabeth Moore Smith married William McPhail and moved to the Scottish community of Orwell. Her son, Sir Andrew Macphail, preserved the memory of Catherine, his father, and life in Orwell, in his memoir, The Master’s Wife. Kessler will contrast the lives of Catherine and William McPhail with the two main characters in her novel.
Peter Metaxas will present Mills & Dams of the Orwell Area on September 5. He has had an interest in mills since he stood in John MacPherson’s mill in Belfast many years ago and felt the rhythm of the work. Metaxas will talk about the design of mills and their importance to the local economy. Sir Andrew described three mills on the Orwell River during his childhood in the l870s in his book The Master’s Wife
The Homestead is located at 271 Macphail Park Rd, Orwell, and is wheelchair accessible. Booking is essential. Please register at macphailhomestead.ca or 651-2789.
In-school mentors of all ages, from communities all over PEI, are needed. Take a recess from your busy life and help a child succeed at the same time. Volunteer to spend an hour a week with a child at their school and help them reach their full potential, build their self-esteem, and provide guidance while having fun. Play games, make crafts or just chat. To find out more, visit pei.bigbrothersbigsisters. ca or call 569-KIDS.
Organizers and staff invite the community to join them as they bring the creative arts outside all summer long in their Growing Garden Gallery for Community Grows at Kings Playhouse in Georgetown. A series of community-based art and agriculture workshops that celebrate the earth, the gardens, food that nurtures and the surrounding beauty. Daily events will engage participants to seek out and create art with projects and workshops by local growers and creators. 65 Grafton St, Georgetown. 1-888-346-5666, kingsplayhouse.com
The Gold Cup Parade Committee are doing things a little different this year. The Parade in its traditional format will not take place, however, organizers will present the Gold Cup Parade Neighbourhood Tour in its place. The Neighbourhood Tour will commemorate the Gold Cup Parade with a select number of floats and spread PEI spirit throughout neighbourhoods in Charlottetown on the morning of August 20. goldcupparade.ca
Online monthly Grief Support Group meetings take place on the third Thursday of each month at 7 pm. These drop-in sessions use the Zoom online meeting app. To register, contact Lynn, Hospice PEI Grief Coordinator, at 3303857. One on one grief support Hospice volunteers are also available for private phone conversations. Hospice PEI is a volunteer-driven organization assisting people in PEI by preparing, supporting, and caring for those affected by a life-limiting illness before and after death. Learn more at hospicepei.ca. To be a part of the Hospice PEI community of caring, give your time, donations and support. canadahelps.org/en/dn/8339
The Coopérative d’intégration francophone of PEI has partnered with the Language Learning Centre of the Collège Communautaire du Nouveau-Brunswick (CCNB) to provide free language courses for immigrants to PEI with permanent residency status. CCNB, designated by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada to offer the free French courses, is currently accepting enrollment for the courses Cours de Langue pour les Immigrants au Canada (CLIC) and French for Parents. CLIC teaches French as an additional language and will help learners acquire basic French language skills. CLIC starts September 14 and runs to June. Admission is ongoing. Students
Charlottetown Mayor Philip Brown recently presented Charlottetown’s highest honour—the Key to the City—to PEI Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Heather Morrison and PEI Chief of Nursing and Professional Practice Officer Marion Dowling, along with healthcare professionals across the Island who have worked diligently to protect Islanders and stop the spread of COVID-19.
“It’s an honour to accept the Key to the City [of Charlottown] on behalf of the team at the Chief Public Health Office and our partners too,” said Dr. Morrison. “When I reflect on the level of cooperation and response from those in Charlottetown when things seemed especially challenging, we could not have asked for better collaboration or support from the City, local businesses, organizations and residents.”
can join the course at any time after they complete a required language assessment test administered by CCNB. French for Parents, a course created for immigrants with permanent residence whose children are attending a French school or enrolled in a French immersion program, will begin October 4. Info/register: Jacques Arsenault, jacques@cifipe.ca
The Law Foundation of PEI has launched new branding for its long-established funding program. The Legal Impact Grants program is being showcased as part of an awareness campaign about the work of the Law Foundation. Application deadline is October 4. For more information, visit legalimpactgrants.ca.
Swim for the South Shore is a fundraising event for the South Shore Watershed Association (SSWA), a non-profit that works to protect over 100 km of coastal water on PEI. The region’s point-to-point, one kilometre, open water swim event will take place August 7 beginning at the boat launch at 10 am and ending at the beach in front of By the Sea Kayaking in Victoria. Celebrating clean and healthy water in the region, the event is open to serious swimmers looking for a timed event, triathletes wanting to practice in open water, recreational swimmers setting personal goals, or anyone who is passionate about water quality and
making a difference locally. Visit raceroster.com/events/2021/49721/swim-forthe-south-shore to register. Visit sswa.ca or follow @SSWAPEI on social media for more information. Rain date is August 8.
A new funding program is available for festivals and events organizers to help offset costs associated with ensuring COVID-19 health and safety protocols are in place. Organizers may be eligible for funding through the Festivals and Events Stability Program for expenses related to increased heath and safety measures, such as: cleaning, security, staff, fencing, hand washing stations, insurance, and infrastructure for safety (chairs, tables, tents). Applications will be accepted until October 1 or while funds last. princeedwardisland.ca/FESP
A new program aimed at addressing the climate change emergency has been adopted by the City of Charlottetown and the Towns of Stratford and Wolfville (NS), representing Canada’s first multi-provincial energy efficiency and renewable program operating under a Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Financing Model. The programs, Switch Charlottetown and Switch Stratford, offer residents a simple, cost effective path to implementing residential energy efficiency and renewable projects. Switch participants are offered 0% financing
fixed up to 15 years with no upfront costs. The municipality will pay the contractor, with the homeowner paying back the loan from their anticipated energy savings. The Switch programs will finance a range of energy efficient products including heat pumps, solar systems, insulation, and more. The Switch programs are supported by $14.1 million in funding from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. The programs also include an energy coach who will guide homeowners through the entire upgrade process, including home energy assessments, project selection, and access to up-to-date rebates and incentives available through existing Provincial and Federal programs. Both programs officially launched in July. Visit switchcharlottetown.ca or switchstratford.ca to learn more.
The Province is inviting Islanders to share their comments on upcoming legal changes to modernize some of the existing laws in PEI. Three consultation papers are available online for people to review. The feedback will help the Dept of Justice consider further legislative changes to class action proceedings, statute of limitations, as well as digital assets. Islanders, community organizations and stakeholder groups can submit their comments in English or French to justicepolicy@gov.pe.ca by August 31.
Current or former international students on PEI between the ages of 18–35 may be eligible to take part in a doctoral research project exploring the experiences of international students and international student graduates on PEI. Research will involve a series of short Zoom interviews relating to Island communities and culture. Participants should have spent a minimum of three years on PEI and have arrived within the last ten years as an international student. Participants will receive a $25 Superstore gift card for each stage of the project (up to $125 total). Contact Trevor at trevor.corkum@mail. utoronto.ca for more information.
The City of Charlottetown is seeking applications for vacancies on its Food Council, which strives to improve the existing food system in Charlottetown as guided by the Food Charter. The City aims to compose a Food Council with a diverse membership that is truly representative of the food system, and the community it serves. As such, individuals from any area of the food system are encouraged to apply. This includes, but is not limited to, production, food retail, food distribution, health and nutrition, institutional, emergency food providers, non-profit food related groups, food processing, culinary arts, academia, individuals having lived experience with food insecurity, and community members at large with a vested interest in food security/the food system. To access applications and complete details, visit charlottetown.ca/foodcouncil or City Hall (199 Queen St). The deadline to apply is August 12 at 4 pm.
Canada’s Food Island is getting set to bring back its two biggest culinary festivals this September and both are gearing up to deliver jam-packed event schedules. The PEI Fall Flavours Festival and the PEI International Shellfish Festival will kick-off together for the first time with Feast & Frolic on September 16 at the Charlottetown Event Grounds.
Festival tickets go on sale August 5 at fallflavours.ca and peishellfish.com.
The PEI Fall Flavours Festival will run from September 16–October 10. Due to the on-going support of its returning sponsor, Sobeys, visitors and locals will see the return of popular Signature Events, including Toe Taps & Taters, Beef N’ Blues, and Savour Victoria. A twist on Lobster Party and a brand new three-day Street Feast in Charlottetown are also part of the festival’s four-week schedule, along with plenty of other culinary events.
Fall Flavours guest chefs, including Chef Michael Smith and Chef Chuck Hughes, will make appearances alongside popular Atlantic Canadian chefs.
The Taste of Coastal Communities series is also returning, with support from Atlantic Lottery, and will include
a Taste of Georgetown, An Exclusive Evening at Red Shores, and an event in the North Cape region.
Marking its 25th anniversary this year, the PEI International Shellfish Festival will pull out all the stops during its four-day event, from September 16–19.
The Festival’s signature kick-off event, Feast & Frolic, will be catered by local chefs Irwin MacKinnon, Andrew Smith and Jesse MacDonald. Along with a guest celebrity chef (TBA), the trio will collaborate to create a feast of PEI lobster, oysters, mussels, and beef.
Canada’s biggest shellfish festival will bring back popular competitions, including the PEI Potato Chowder Championship, the Tie-One-On Mussel Competition, Mott’s Clamato 2021 Shellfish Festival Caesar Competition, The Raspberry Point International & Irish Point PEI Shucking Competitions, and the new Garland Canada International Chef Challenge.
The Eastlink Kitchen Party will also return to the big tent.
Additionally, there will be even more live entertainment by local musicians and entertainers throughout the Festival this year, in celebration of its 25th anniversary.
Thank you to all the performers and partners who made the 2021 DiverseCity Festival a success!
Performers:
• Alliyah Annang
• Atlantic String Machine
• Ayessa Divina
• Beatrice Duong
• Bing Yiao
• Dawn Ward
• Dingyi Feng
• DWYL Collective with 2Bias
• Fela Ladies Dance
• Frederic Duong
• Havenwood Dance Studio
• Heli Mai
• Inn Echo
• I and the Village
• Jacques Arsenault
• Japanese Cultural Society
Funders:
• Jason Chan
• Joe Dames
• Jill Harris
• Kierrah Titus
• Loki250
• Mariko Osa Nicholson
• Mike Ross
• Mi’kmaq heritage Actors
• Montuno Cubano
• Oshuns Dance - Reequal Smith
• Samel Mathew
• Tiffany Liu
• Tina Wang Dancers
• Victor Cal y Mayor
• Vince the Messenger & DJ Nimo
• Vishtèn
Join staff from the Montague Rotary Library for a stroll around the town on August 11 and learn a little about its history. Space is limited. Info/register: montague@gov.pe.ca, 838-2928
The City of Charlottetown is offering lunchtime group forest bathing walks at Victoria Park from 12:15–12:45 pm every Tuesday and Thursday to September 2. Anyone is welcome to join these meditative walks. City staff meet participants at the Clubhouse veranda by the ballfields and guide them through Victoria Park’s forest as they practice mindfulness and quietly take in the sights, sounds and feelings of the natural environment. Staff offer guided exercises focused around breath, mind, body, and the environment. Anyone who wants to relax in nature is invited to come down and take a breather. Info: rkressin@charlottetown.ca
Take a haunted walk through the historic town with Haunted Georgetown on Thursday evenings. Hear ghostly stories of shipwrecks, eerie happenings, and the ghosts that still appear to this day. Hosted by Kings Playhouse. kingsplayhouse.com. 65 Grafton St, Georgetown
Confederation Centre of the Arts is offering Ghost Walks this summer. Join the Gravedigger as he guyids you through a spooky ghost walk across Historic Charlottetown. Ghost Walks take place on Friday evenings at 7:30 pm departing from the corner of Water and Pownal Streets in downtown Charlottetown. Tours are approximately 75 minutes in length. Book at confederationcentre.com or 1-800-565-0278
The PEI First Nation Chiefs were successful in securing a Regional Chief position for PEI on the Executive Committee of the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) when the resolution was brought back to the floor at the AFN annual general meeing in July.
Chief Darlene Bernard and Chief Junior Gould first brought the issue to the floor of the Assembly AGA meeting in July 2019. Since that time, the AFN Charter began a process aimed at review and renewal of the organizations’ Charter, including the issue of regional representation on the AFN Executive Council. With limited progress on the larger issue of Charter renewal, the PEI Chiefs decided to bring their resolution back to the floor this summer and they were successful in advocating and receiving the support of the required majority of Chiefs to amend the AFN Charter to include a Regional Chief for PEI.
While the AFN Charter includes provision for an Executive Council which reflects the current model of the Canadian federation with a Regional Chief representative for each Province and Territory (with the exception of Nunavut), neither PEI nor NL was provided a seat on the Executive Council. The Charter provided instead for a Regional Chief representative for NB and PEI.
Presenting Partner:
Community Partners:
Friday, August 13
“It made no sense for PEI to be excluded from that very important Executive Council,” says Chief Darlene Bernard. “This has been a long time coming and I could not be more pleased. The reality is that the AFN is a very important advocacy voice for Indigenous issues in Canada. For the same reason our Premier has a seat on the Council of the Premier’s table, the PEI First Nations need a voice at the AFN Executive Council. This is a great win for the PEI First Nations. We will be getting to work on a selection process as soon as possible.”
Introduces Our Family in Two Homes
Sponsors:
Advancing Event Inc.
Exit Realty PEI
Studio Brehault Architecture
A Resource Package that combines the knowledge and experience of our lawyers and a comprehensive workbook, so you can reach a separation agreement that works for your family.
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The Charlottetown Farmers’ Market is open weekly on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9 am–2 pm. Local farmers, crafters, artisans and hot food vendors sell local, organic produce, fish, meats, baked goods, preserves, roasted coffee, specialty teas and more. Online ordering is also available through the CFM2GO online marketplace at cfm2go. localfoodmarketplace.com. 100 Belvedere Ave, Charlottetown. charlottetownfarmersmarket.com
Find local produce, baked goods, meat, fish, prepared food, cheese, artisans and more at the Summerside Farmers Market. Open weekly on Saturdays from 9 am–1 pm at 250 Water St, Summerside. summersidefarmersmarket.com
The Charlottetown Flea Market is open weekly on Sundays from 9 am–2 pm at the Charlottetown Seaport. Find baked goods, vintage finds, antiques, plants, collectibles, Avon products, knitting, furniture, clothing, vinyl records, jewelry, Indigenous crafts and collectibles, wood work, fresh pretzels and more.
1 Weymouth Street, Charlottetown
The Downtown Farmers Market on lower Queen Street in Charlottetown is open weekly on Sundays from 11 am–4 pm to September 26. More than 70 local vendors sell products such as fresh local produce, preserves, ethnic and Canadian food service, baked goods, handmade soap and body products, wood work, knitting, hooked rugs, jewelry, artwork, gift ideas, pottery and more. Queen Street is closed between Grafton and Dorchester Streets during market hours.
The Murray Harbour Farmers Market is open weekly on Saturdays, 9 am–12 noon, to October 9 at the Murray Harbour Community Centre. The small market features a variety of products ranging from baked goods to professional paintings—all locally created, made and grown. Interact with the local artisans and residents. Each week visitors are encouraged to participate in a variety of activities that showcase the area’s history, culinary delights, culture, people and industries. Follow on Facebook for weekly activities and offerings. Main St, Murray Harbour
The Souris Farmers Market is open from 10 am–2 pm weekly on Fridays to September 24. There will be 24 vendors on site They will be selling fresh vegetables, Artwork, craft items, homemade jewelry, preserves, knitted items and so much more. 140 Main Street, Souris
The Tracadie Community Yard Sale will be held at 1257 Donaldston Road and other homes in the Tracadie area at 9 am on August 7 and 8. There will be kitchen supplies, plants, tools, vintage items, furniture, much more. 330-2248
Milton Yard Sale
There will be a Community Yard Sale on August 14 from 8 am–12 pm at Milton Community Hall. Rain or shine. Tables are available to rent. To reserve a table, email miltoncommunityhall@gmail.com or call 566-3154. 7 New Glasgow Rd Rte 224, North Milton.
Help the Victoria Historical Association promote and preserve the history of Victoria and its people. Purchase a raffle ticket for a chance to win a gift basket with hundreds of dollars worth of prizes and gift certificates from local businesses, artists and craftspeople in Victoria by the Sea. Tickets can be purchased at Victoria Glass Studio and other local merchants. Draw date is September 6.
There are so many beautiful areas on Prince Edward Island to observe nature—remnants of our native Acadian forest full of migratory warblers, breathtaking beaches dotted with shorebirds, o shore islands with colonies of great blue herons and cormorants.
One of my favourite places to visit in the summer and fall is Black Marsh, a boggy area in North Cape. There are spectacular views, the North Cape Wind Test Site, and the Wind and Reef Restaurant. But it is this unique natural area that keeps drawing me back.
The 5.5 km trail is a gentle walk along the coast, with the large windmills always in sight. About half of the distance is on a boardwalk through the wetter areas and there is signage along the way to help visitors understand what they are looking at.
Unlike most of our bogs—inland wet areas with no outflow and acidic soils, dominated by mosses and black spruce—this one is very close to high cliffs. Depending on the time of year, you will see a wide variety of birds and plants. In early summer, you can (carefully) look over the cliffs and spot sea ducks such as common eiders and black scoters. And if you’re lucky, you’ll catch sight of some black guillemots in their breeding plumage. I regularly see these small sea birds in the winter off East Point, when they are non-descript with grey and white plumage. But they breed along the cliffs along the north shore and they are a different beast altogether during late spring and early summer. Their plumage is jet black, with bright white wing patches and startlingly red feet.
The trees and shrubs are full of common yellowthroat warblers, yellow-rumped warblers, and song sparrows. Along the edges are dozens of bank swallows looking for insects. They nest in burrows in the cliffs and seem to have no fear of people. Researchers say that this species “has shown a severe long-term decline amounting to a loss of 98% of its Canadian population over the last 40 years… The reasons for these declines are not well understood, but are likely driven by the cumulative effects of several threats. These include loss of breeding and foraging
habitat, destruction of nests during aggregate excavation, collision with vehicles, widespread pesticide use affecting prey abundance, and impacts of climate change, which may reduce survival or reproductive potential.”
This is sad news, but we’re lucky to have some areas left where you can see these wonderful aerial acrobats.
While birds are one of my passions, the plants are what repeatedly draw me to this area. Walking along the boardwalk, you can find three orchids. Grass pink is a slender plant topped with an unusual pink flower, and you’ll also find the beautiful rose pogonia and common lady’s slipper. Other rarities include bakeapple and bog rosemary, as well are pitcher plants and round-leaved sundew, two carnivorous plants. In addition, you’ll see cotton grass, cinnamon fern, and a large variety of native shrubs, everything from wild rose and bayberry to serviceberry and chokeberry.
The area is highly affected by punishing winds, with stunted trees that are short but quite old. There are hummocks throughout the area that are about one foot tall, with balsam fir towards the shore and eastern larch behind it. It appears as though someone repeatedly clipped the tops of these almost horizontal trees, which I found particularly fascinating.
A visit to Black Marsh should be on everyone’s bucket list, and I suspect that as always, the closer you look, the more you will see.
The East Coast Music Association and Breaking Down Racial Barriers have two remaining sessions in their four-part roundtable panel discussion on antiBlack racism in Canada’s East Coast music and entertainment industry, entitled “Breaking Down Racial Barriers in the East Coast Music Industry: A FourPart Roundtable Series with Black Music Professionals from Atlantic Canada on anti-Black Racism.” Created and facilitated by Canadian music and entertainment mainstays Ian Andre Espinet and David “Click” Cox, upcoming online panels take place August 17 and September 14 at 1 pm ADT. Sessions are held online via Zoom and free to attend. The first two panels, held May 28 and July 13, are available on YouTube. Info/ register: ECMA.com
The PEI Centre for the Royal Canadian College of Organists (RCCO) is a small group of organists, choral directors and educators whose mandate is to promote the development of classical music, particularly choral and organ music, on PEI. With a shortage of trained organists on PEI and even fewer students on the horizon, RCCO hopes to encourage the development of future organists with the establishment of a scholarship fund. Valued at $400, the scholarship entitles the winning applicant to eight free organ lessons given by a qualified local organ instructor. Lessons begin in the fall. Applicants are asked to write a letter recounting their past musical experience, especially regarding keyboard skills, and include the number of years of prior study (if applicable) and what level they have currently attained (RCM grade).
Summer concerts continue at Harmony House in Hunter River with Scott Parsons on August 7 and Alicia Toner on August 28. Showtime is 8 pm.
Scott Parsons is a versatile and multi-dimensional talent whose musicianship and performance capabilities have taken him to countries around the world. He released Darkie’s Hollow in 2019, continuing his musical storytelling of Black Island history, and delivery of folk, blues, reggae and country styles. Parsons received the Music PEI Lifetime Achievement Award earlier this year.
Alicia Toner’s Americana blend of folk, pop and country-rock offers a
Applicants should also describe their aspirations and why they wish to study the organ in particular. Selected applicants will be asked to audition at a later date. The application deadline is August 31. Call 940-6724 for details and more info on how to apply.
The College of Piping in Summerside is offering Discover Your Passion fall classes for those who want to try piping, drumming, kit drumming, fiddle, step dance, ballet, hip hop, acro, jazz, and intro to dance. Book at time for a tour and interview/trial with an instructor. Online and in person classes available. collegeofpiping.com
At Indian River Festival, the 2021 IRF Academy will feature three different workshops with PEI-based musicians spread out over three days, August 17–19. Topics include vocals, strings and songwriting. Open to all ages, levels, and genres. Instructors include Sara Campbell, Natalie WilliamsCalhoun and John Connolly. Register at indianriverfestival.com.
Children get an immersive musical education, becoming part of a rock band for an entire week at Island Rock Camps. A musical mentor workshops with each band on three different musical numbers which are performed in a live show at the end of the week. Instruments include voice, guitar, drums, piano, bass, ukulele, fiddle, wind instruments, and more. Andrew and Nikki Waite have operated Island Rock Camps in Charlottetown since 2013. This year the camp is also offered at Kings Playhouse in Georgetown, in collaboration with Cloggeroo—the Island Folk Festival. Financial assistance specific to this camp is available. islandrockcamps.com
PEI Preserve Company
The Garden Café Sessions with JennaMarie Gallant and Danny Amos will take place August 6, 27, and September 10 at the PEI Preserve Company in New Glasgow.
Jenna-Marie and her uncle Danny will share their original songs and the stories that inspired them. PEI guitarist Mike Robicheau, a versatile and accomplished musician, will provide accompaniment. Shows take place from 7:30–9:30 pm in The Garden Café, a new performance room at the PEI Preserve Company.
The Emeralds will present a limited run this August with shows at Kings Playhouse in Georgetown and Trailside Music Hall in Charlottetown.
The trio, consisting of members Natalie MacFadyen, Hannah O’Donnell and Melissa MacKenzie, is reuniting for their first performance in five years. The group performed many sold-out shows at Trailside Cafe’s Hillsborough River Gospel Brunch in Mount Stewart, PE.
Audiences can look forward to old
The Monday Night Concert Series continues at Victoria Playhouse in August with performances by Lovely Nelly, Alicia Toner, Catherine MacLellan, Justyn Thyme, and The Lumber Jills.
Jenna-Marie Gallant and Danny Amos
Jenna-Marie and Danny Amos are members of a musical Gallant family from Rustico. They share a strong gift for capturing life in lyrics that may have the audience laughing, crying and everything in between.
Doors open at 6:30 pm with light fare and beverages available for purchase. Tickets can be purchased online at gardencafesessions.eventbrite.ca or by chance at the door.
melody-driven sound built around her emotive voice. Toner was classically trained on the violinm and she has had a successful acting career, performing in Dora award-winning productions in Toronto and as part of the repertory cast at the Charlottetown Festival for seven seasons. She released her sophomore album Joan in June.
harmonyhousepei.com
Lovely Nelly will bring traditional music for modern times to the stage on August 2 with their lively interpretations of Celtic music from Scotland, Ireland, and more.
Americana singer-songwriter Alicia Toner will charm the audience with her heartfelt songs and emotive voice on August 9.
Canadian folk music gem Catherine MacLellan will perform August 16.
Justyn Thyme will take the stage August 23. This rising singer-songwriter has a mellow acoustic pop
gospel favourites, new folk gems, and stories they will remember forever.
The Emeralds trio will be on stage at Kings Playhouse on August 13 at 8 pm, and at Trailside Music Hall’s Sunday Brunch on August 8, 15 and 22, at 11 am.
For tickets visit trailside.ca or kingsplayhouse.com.
The Lumber Jills
sound, reminiscent of Jack Johnson. Closing out the season on August 30, The Lumber Jills make the trip to PEI from New Brunswick to take their audience on a guided tour of traditional Old time fiddle music from their home province.
Visit victoriaplayhouse.com or call 1-800-925-2025 for tickets. The Victoria Playhouse is located at 20 Howard Street, Victoria-by-the-Sea.
Dream come true: Afternoon piano recital, Beethoven and Chopin pouring out of little building we call “The Rural Conservatory.” Guitars and singing with “The Bob Dylan Complete Lyrics” open on table. Conversation and laughter into the night.
Yes, summer visitors have arrived and we are living the dream.
We walk to the Cove and observe four seals basking offshore, heads and tails above water, torsos apparently resting on shallow rocks: they in turn observe us. In the evening we roast Costco hotdogs (better than in-store!) over an open fire. Family member makes rhubarb cake with twice the rhubarb, turning cake into pudding (damp but delicious). I prepare Irish moss pudding with twice the Irish moss, resulting in— well, a firm white product. (It is suggested that I try again with less moss, more milk, and additional flavouring.)
We hope the season brings many more events like imperfect puddings that we can re-live in the long months to follow. Fortunately we won’t have talk about Hurricane Elsa who came and went without a fuss. And unlike our friends in the West, we, so far, have been spared the ravages of fire.
My summer reading included The Miramichi Fire about the destructive fire of 1825 that wiped out much of New Brunswick’s virgin forest. That got me wondering about forest fires on our own Island, and it seems we’ve had our share. A fire swept the eastern end of the Island in the early 1700s. I once visited the 500-year-old Glencorrodale Elm (now deceased) which, when drilled into, revealed a black ring dating back about 300 years. Was this battered old elm a survivor of that fire?
In 1736 and 1742 fires destroyed forests
along the North Shore all the way from East Point to the Hillsborough River.
In 1784, with no rain from late May until July 10, fires set by new settlers for purposes of land clearing caused two thirds of the province to be burnt over.
In 1960 there was barely an inch of rain in the month of August, and forest fires destroyed 520 square kilometers of Prince County forest and farmland in what The Guardian-Patriot described as “The Greatest Single Disaster Ever to Hit PEI.”
We always hope that tragedies of this magnitude are behind us and we’ve learned our lessons, whatever they might be. This year we’ve had plenty of moisture and the Island is green green green. —Does anyone have earwigs like we do? They seem to love solar lights. Tip: shake ’em out into a bucket of hot water and they die instantly.
We’re taking summer one day at a time, earwigs and all, and we’re learning things about ourselves that we’ve forgotten. My visiting daughter-in-law has observed that Islanders love to chat. That everyone seems to know one another. That you can leave your bike unlocked down at the shore while you swim. Good things.
I don’t want to wake up from this dream. More Beethoven please!
Garden Party at Kings Playhouse in Georgetown takes place on Sunday afternoons all summer. It features live music, fancy hats, and locally inspired afternoon tea and croquet— overlooking the A.A. Macdonald Memorial Gardens. 65 Grafton Street, Georgetown. kingsplayhouse.com
Nathan Wiley returns with a six song EP, Modern Magic
“I never want to make the same record twice, and I started hearing this sound in my head that was less about guitars, and more about synths and horns.”
His most collaborative recording yet, Modern Magic features members
of Halifax’s well known R&B band the Mellotones, as well as appearances by Steve Berlin (Los Lobos), Ed Toth (The Doobie Brothers), Rob Crowell (Deer Tick), as well as many others.
“I was lucky enough to work with some musical friends that I’ve made throughout my career on this new record and I couldn’t be happier with the experience.”
Recorded between Halifax, NS, and Summerside, PE, the new recording explores themes like magic, love, lust and narcissism.
Find Modern Magic on all online downloading/streaming platforms, and at Back Alley Music in Charlottetown.
Charlottetown artist Hailey MacIsaac teamed up with friend and producer Bray Schurman for their second independent album, Poisonous, released on all major music platforms in June.
The seven-song sophomore record was written in the height of the global
Arsenal Mills
pandemic and features themes of introspection, empathy, and reclaiming one’s power in a modern world.
Poisonous pushes more toward the alternative/pop-rock category, in contrast to MacIsaac’s previous work in pop music. Throughout the project, the pop-based duo experimented with genre as they incorporated undertones of rock, pop/punk, rap, and R&B in their tracks, continuing to diversify their pop sound.
The album features four collaborations with some of Charlottetown rap artists, including Slime da Garbage Mane, MOSSBOY, Vince The Messenger, and GLORYWAVE. MacIsaac and Schurman introduced Toronto’s Mike Marra (João Carvalho Mastering) to their production team to help finalize the album’s production. The cover was shot by Stewart MacLean and finalized artistically by Jett Roberts.
PEI blues rock band Arsenal Mills recently released another retro-fueled rock ‘n’ roll tease ahead of their upcoming debut EP—a song about love called “Songs About Love.”
The single is an emotional journey of rock ‘n’ roll which really pulls at the heartstrings. Arsenal Mills frontman Brad Milligan says it “touches on the idea of innocence” and that it’s about “being young and naive.”
The band—Brad Milligan, Griffen Arsenault, Josh MacNeil and André Uyterlinde—enlisted mix-master Colin Buchanan to produce their brandnew track as well as Chuck Carvalho, engineer for Toronto-based studio João Carvalho Mastering. The song also features guest Ben Aitken on piano.
September 16 - October 10, 2021
We can’t wait to share the bounty of PEI’s land and sea with you again. Lots of exciting events, just scan the QR code below to get our digital brochure and see what’s happening!
(available from August 5th)
Tickets On Sale
Tickets On Sale
August 5th!
August 5th!
We’re back! fallflavours.ca
Ceili & Craic
Tuesday Night Ceili & Craic takes place at the Irish Cultural Centre on select Tuesdays at 7:30 pm in August. Cian Ó Móráin and Mary MacGillivray with Roy Johnstone, Family & Friends (Aug 6); Ward MacDonald and Hailee LeFort with Black Is The Colour (Keith Mullen, Mary Ellen Hurley, Rob Drew) (Aug 27). 582 North River Rd, Charlottetown. benevolentirishsocietyofpei.com
Chaisson Trio Ceilidh
The Chaisson Trio hosts a weekly ceilidh at 7:30 pm on Wednesdaysat Stanley Bridge Hall. Kevin Chaisson (piano), Rannie MacLellan (fiddle) and Louise Chaisson-MacKinnon (vocals). Special guests are invited to share the stage with them throughout the summer. Doors open at 7 pm. Tickets available online at eventbrite.ca or at the door. 4897 St. Mary’s Rd, Stanley Bridge. 314-1865
Copper Bottom Brewing
Sunset Sessions every Friday at 5 pm. Lawrence Maxwell (Aug 6); Joce Reyome (13); Noah Malcolm (20); Nick Doneff (27). Saturday Jams weekly Saturdays at 2 pm. Tunes on Tap weekly on Sundays at 3 pm. Admission is free. 567 Main St, Montague. 361-2337
The Dunk Concert Series
Friday evening concert series at The Dunk with Jon Rehder and his house band (Reg Ballagh, Chris Gauthier, Carlie Howell) plus a special guest each week from 8–10 pm. Lineup: Amanda Jackson (Aug 6); Bruce Cockburn tribute (13); John Connolly (20); Richard Wood (27); and Catherine MacLellan (Sep 3). BYO drinks and chair. Gate opens at 7 pm. Limited tickets must be purchased in advance. These are outdoor shows and therefore dependent on weather. Visit The Dunk’s FB page for tickets and up to date info. 3864 Dixon Rd, Breadalbane
A ceilidh takes place at 7 pm on the first Sunday of each month at Dunstaffnage School Centre. Hosted by the Road Masters Band and guest entertainers. Admission at the door. 50/50 draw. 13529 St Peter’s Rd, Dunstaffnage. 626-1698
Garden Café Sessions with Jenna-Marie Gallant and Danny Amos take place Aug 6, 27, and Sept 10 from 7:30–9:30 pm in The Garden Café, a new performance room at the PEI Preserve Company. Gallant and Amos share original songs and the stories that inspired them. Mike Robicheau provides guitar accompaniment. Doors open at 6:30 pm with light fare and beverages available for purchase. Tickets at gardencafesessions. eventbrite.ca or by chance at the door.
The Glenaladale Summer Concert Series hosted by the Glenaladale Trust is held every second Sunday in Tracadie Bay. Concert-goers can tour the property and enjoy live music in the grandeur of the house. Lineup: Mark Haines (Aug 1); Kelley Mooney (15); and Shane Pendergast (29). Showtime is 7:30 pm. Tickets: 394-6131, glenaladalepei@gmail. com. 257 Blooming Point Rd, Rte 118
Village Musical Acadiaen
Acadian band Gadelle (Louise Arsenault, Hélène Bergeron, Caroline Bernard and Rémi Arsenault) perform twice daily at 1:30 pm and 3 pm, Tuesday–Friday, until August 27. Admission is free but donations are appreciated. Young artists are showcased weekly on Saturdays at 1:30 pm until August 28. La Grange à Ti-Manuel, 1745, Route 124 AbramVillage. villagemusical.ca
Irish Cultural Centre Ceili
The longest running Ceili on PEI. Held weekly on Fridays at the Irish Cultural Centre. Tip’Er Back (Aug 6); Fiddler’s Sons with Eddy Quinn, John B. Webster, Keelin Wedge and Courtney HoganChandler (13); Lovely Nelly (20); Chaisson Trio with Kevin Chaisson, Rannie MacLellan and Louise Chaisson MacKinnon (27). Irish Cultural Centre, 582 North River Rd, Charlottetown. benevolentirishsocietyofpei.com
Island Jazz
Island Jazz at Baba’s Lounge every Thursday at 8 pm. 181 Great George St, Charlottetown. 892-7377
The Mike and Tom Ceilidh
Summer Ceilidhs at the Stanley Bridge WI Hall take place weekly on Thursdays to Sept 30. Hosts Michael Pendergast and Tom McSwiggan are joined by fiddler Andy Doucette, guitar player/singer
Shane Pendergast and dancer Veronica Murray. Traditional and local PEI music and fiddling. Showtime is 7:30 pm with tickets at the door (open at 7 pm). 4897 St Marys Rd, Breadalbane. 836-4310
Mont-Carmel Concerts
The Mont-Carmel Summer Concert Series is streamed live @CDCPMC on Facebook at 7 pm on the night of the performance. Lineup: Shane Pendergast (Aug 1); Flo Durelle (NB) (8); Keelin Wedge (15); Tara MacLean (22); and Josée Boudreau & Craig Fair (29).
Sunday Sessions, traditional music with host fiddler Roy Johnstone, weekly on Sundays from 2–5 pm. Schooner Sessions with Ward MacDonald & Friends weekly on Thursdays at 7 pm. 189 Great George St, Charlottetown. 892-5200
Michael Pendergast, with his house band
The Keggers, presents Pendy’s Pub at 7:30 pm on Tuesdays and Saturdays at The College of Piping’s Celtic Performing Arts Centre. Featuring Island entertainers in the convivial atmosphere of a local tavern, spirited tunes, sudsy songs and tall tales served up straight by Pendy himself. Special guests, featuring fiddlers on Tuesdays and singers on Saturdays, include: Victor Doucette (Aug 3); Dino Dunsford (7); Cynthia Keliher (MacLeod) (10); Keelin Wedge (14); Luka Hall (17); Kirk Bernard (21); Richard Wood (24); Blair Gaudet (28); and Chad Matthews (Sep 4). 619 Water St, Summerside. 1-877-224-7473
Saxafras Ceilidh
The Saxafras Ceilidh takes place weekly on Tuesdays at Stanley Bridge WI Hall with performers Todd MacLean and Gordon Belsher. 4897 St Marys Rd, Stanley Bridge. GuernseyCove.ca
Stompin’ Tom Centre
Canadian Cultural Series on Sundays, 3–5 pm. Stompin Tom Festival Series on Saturdays, 7–9 pm. Shucked-In Series with Kurk Bernard on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 2:30–3:30 pm. Lineup: Gordie MacKeeman & His Rhythm Boys (Jul 31); Gadelle (Aug 1); Billy MacInnis & Brian Edwards (6); Dave Gunning & JP Cormier (7); Treble Makers & Drumming Cousins (8); Myles Goodwin Trio (14); Blair Gaudet (15); Heather Rankin Trio (21); Vishten (22); Jimmy Flynn Comedy (28); Jimmy Rankin (29); Daniel Drouin
& julie Arsenault (Sep 4); Catherine MacLellan (5); Michael Myers Trio (11); Treble with Girls (18); and Chad Matthew Band Stompin Tom’ Tribute (25). 14024 Rte 14, Skinners Pond. 882-3214, stompintomfest.com
Summer Cabaret series
The Summer Cabaret series features the house band—Keelin Wedge, Rodney Arsenault, Danny MacNevin and Remi Arsenault—with a special guest each week. Shows take place on Fridays, 8–11 pm, to Aug 27 at Village musical acadien. Country, folk, Acadian, rock, contemporary and traditional music in the Acadian Festival’s barn. Lineup: Jordan LeClair (Aug 6); Jonny Ray Arsenault (13); Sandra Jones (20); and Cory Gallant (27). Bar service and snacks available. 1745, Rte 124, Abram-Village
Summerside Kitchen Party
Kitchen Party every Saturday from 2–5 pm at Summerside Legion, featuring Rheal Arsenault, Andy Paynter and a special guest each week. 340 Notre Dame St, Summerside. 436-2091
The Richard Wood Trio World Class Kitchen Party takes place weekly on Saturdays at 7:30 pm to Aug 28 at Stanley Bridge WI Hall. Featuring Richard Wood (fiddle, piano, djembe, step dancing), Brad Fremlin (piano, marching snare, handsaw), and Jon Matthews (vocals, guitar). Reserve at richardwoodlive@ hotmail.com. Doors open at 7 pm. 4897 St Marys Rd, Stanley Bridge.
september 16-19, 2021
Tickets on Sale: August 5, 2021
The Iron Mic Festival & Conference is a new contest-based music event that integrates both live and digital performances to showcase and empower hip hop and rap artists on PEI.
Earlier this summer, hip hop and rap artists on PEI were invited to submit their original music for a chance to perform, compete and win up to $1000 cash and become the Iron Mic Champion. Over 30 local artists submitted songs and the online community voted for the 12 artists they wanted to see perform live.
Featuring emcees, DJs and producers in PEI’s hip hop community, Iron Mic judges will put artists to the test through rapid-fire live performance rounds on August 14 at the Charlottetown Beer Garden. The judges for the live performance elimination rounds are Brandon Arnold of City Natives, Eric Broadbent, DJ IV, J-Bru, and LXVNDER.
The Iron Mic Conference and Showcase Finale will be held August 21 at the PEI Convention Centre in Charlottetown.
Visit ironmicfestival.com to learn more and follow @IronMicFestival on FB for info and livestreamed events.
The Saxafras Ceilidh in Stanley Bridge on Tuesday evenings with performers Todd MacLean and his father in-law Gordon Belsher continues through August. Growing enthusiastic audiences have been laughing, singing along, and marveling at the duo’s musical prowess and antics. While much of the show is based around saxophone fuelled classic jazz standards, Celtic gems, rock ‘n’ roll, and contemporary folk songs, MacLean and Belsher also alternate instruments, adding ukulele, piano, mandola and bodhran. For a twist on traditional fiddle tunes, audiences have
Enjoy an afternoon piano concert by Island pianist Max Keenleyside featuring ragtime and other popular tunes at the Old Victoria School on September 6 from 2–3:30 pm.
All proceeds collected will go to the Victoria community piano fund, a project of the Victoria Historical Association. All are welcome. Limited seating is available.
Old Victoria School is located at 730 Victoria Road in Victoria.
to hear MacLean’s velvet saxophone renditions of “Neil Gow’s Lament” and “Ashokan Farewell.”
Belsher and MacLean note that folks are finding the unplugged approach, using a sax, is indeed “a breath of fresh air.”
Visit GuernseyCove.ca for up to date info about ticketing.
The long running rock ‘n’ roll band Phase II & Friends will be on stage August 1 at 7:30 pm at The Guild in Charlottetown.
The band’s high energy and lively dance tunes feature covers by Elvis, Neil Sedaka, Connie Francis, Creedence Clearwater Revival, The Beatles, The Dave Clark Five, Bob Seger, John Mellencamp, ABBA, Johnny Reid, Joel Plaskett, Ed Sheeran, and more. Tickets: theguildpei.com
Located in The Arts Hotel, 155 Kent St, Charlottetown. Doors at 6:30 pm with music at 8 pm. Tickets at trailside.ca.
Hauler Aug 1
Nathan splits his time these days between writing new material, producing other Maritime acts and scoring short films. His new six song EP, Modern Magic, explores magic, love, lust and narcissism.
The Emeralds Aug 8, 15 & 22 Sunday Brunch at 11 am
The reunited trio—Natalie MacFadyen, Hannah O’Donnell and Melissa MacKenzie—will perform old gospel favourites, new folk gems and stories.
Charlie A’Court Aug 13
Planted at the crossroads of roots and soul, Charlie’s mighty voice, guitar work and contemporary songwriting have earned him an international following.
Blending and bending roots, rock and traditional Cape Breton Celtic music.
Arsenal Mills Aug 2
Formerly The Brad Milligan Band, this four-piece rock/blues lineup has reimagined modern rock ‘n’ roll. The music is complemented by a live show full of energy and soul.
Vishtèn Presents: Connexions with Tim Chaisson Aug 3
Royal North with Andre Petipas and the Giants
Aug 14
The Royal North are a 24 carat rock band—straight up, no chaser. They are lifelong players who love to rattle the walls. Rock band Andre Pettipas and the Giants released their new album No Fools No Fun in July.
Dusted with Absolute Losers
Aug 18
Dusted (Brian Borcherdt [Holy Fuck]) incorporates electric drums and synths on top of ghostly vocals, creating a foggy sound experience. Absolute Losers is an indie/post-punk trio that leans into their thin instrumentation with wiry guitar work, intertwining bass and drum parts, and nonchalant vocals.
Matt Steele with Braden
Blues-rock power duo, Christine Campbell and Blake Johnston have been building a name for themselves, entertaining audiences with their soulful tone, 60’s and 70s rock style guitar riffs and bewitching vocal harmonies.
Love Junkies Aug 24
Local party band featuring Colin Buchanan, Chris Coupland, Logan Richard, Dennis Ellsworth and Pat Deighan. A mix of popular cover songs, from 50s rock, 60s pop and 70s soul.
Kitbag Theatre Presents:
Johnny & June Aug 25 & 26
Jacob Hemphill and Melissa MacKenzie as Johnny Cash and June Carter.
Vince The Messenger Aug 27
While his influences vary in era, Vince The Messenger’s moody, boom-bap sound is that of the future—much of it built with fellow Islander and producer Niimo—referencing golden-era hip hop and carrying layers of personal-is-political lyricism that is timeless.
Atlantic String Machine with Catherine MacLellan
Aug 30 & 31
An evening of surprising covers and original tunes, featuring special guest Catherine MacLellan.
Wharf Rats Sept 3 & 4
The Acadian Celtic trio’s repertoire is amplified in collaboration with Island musicians and visual storytelling as they introduce PEI to the artform of the crankie box.
Garrett Mason Aug 4 & 5
Surrounded by blues music, Garrett’s favorite tapes at three years old were Canned Heat and Buddy Rich.
Nathan Wiley Band Album
Release Aug 7
Lam Aug 19
Matt Steele explores love and life with a whimsical nod to the nostalgia of seventies pop. He draws from his southern Kentucky roots, while embracing his Canadiana lineage.
Blending authentic songwriting with modern indie flare, Braden Lam is forging the path to new folk-pop.
J.P. Cormier Aug 20 & 21
His catalogue of recordings and the 150 or so records he’s produced on other artists resemble the tapestry he weaves in live performance.
Christine Campbell & Blake Johnston Aug 22 & 23
Grateful Dead Tribute Band from Halifax
FIN returns September 16–23 as a hybrid film festival for the first time in its 41-year history. The festival is moving forward with two separate identities: FIN Atlantic International Film Festival (in person) and FIN Stream (online).
Committed to being a platform for a diverse range of voices and offering the best and newest regional, national, and international screen content, FIN’s in-person event will take place in Halifax, NS. FIN Stream online will champion Atlantic Canadian content, curated from the overall FIN Atlantic International Film Festival program. With a focus on regional content and local filmmakers, FIN Stream will be available to all Atlantic Canadians with an internet connection.
Tickets for both programs will be sold online. The full program will launch August 18. finfestival.ca
This summer, Emma will be out exploring PEI and needs your help to create the ultimate PEI Summer Bucket List! What will you be checking o this summer? Send us your "must-dos" on social media and you'll be entered in a draw for your chance to win an Activate our Island prize pack!
Cavendish Beach Music Festival (CBMF) will present the Road Back to Cavendish Concert Series, a series of live shows throughout Atlantic Canada over the next ten months, wrapping up with CBMF in July 2022.
The first event of the series will kick off at the Cavendish Beach Events Centre in PEI on August 27 with Gord
Bamford, Tim & the Glory Boys, Jason Benoit and Rik Reese. The music continues August 28 with Tim Hicks, Blackjack Billy, Robyn Ottolini and Lawrence Maxwell.
Future stops on the Road Back to Cavendish Concert Series will be announced soon.
Tickets: cavendishbeachmusic.com
Bogside Brewing
Fridays and Saturdays at 6:30 pm and Sundays at 2 pm. Taylor Buote (Aug 6), Dave Woodside (7), Adam MacGregor (8), Carter MacLellan (14), Tyler Pineau & Allison Blacquiere (15), Abigail Hameline (20), Billy White (21), Stephen Szwarc (22), Ryan Merry & Emily Coffin (27), William Allen (28), Matt Hannah (29). 11 Brook St, Montague. 940-7403
Charlottetown Beer Garden
Daily at 6 pm. Macristo Trio (Aug 1/8/ 15/22/29), Taylor Buote & Dennis Dunn (2/9/16/23/30), Brad Milligan & Griffen Arsenault (3/17/31), Vintage
2.0 (4/11/18/25), Richie Bulger & Brian Lasngille (5/12/19/26), Kim Albert Trio (6/13/20/27), Donovan & Laura (7/14/21/28), Chris & Eric (10/24). 190 Kent St, Charlottetown. 367-6070
Fishbones
Wednesdays and Thursdays at 8 pm. Matt Hannah (Aug 4/11/18/25), Dave Woodside (5/12/19/26). 136 Richmond St, Charlottetown. 628-6569
Gahan House
Acoustic music on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 9 pm. Matt Hannah (Aug 4, 26), Adam MacGregor (5), Joce Reyome (11), Lawrence Maxwell (12/25), Dave Woodside (18), Stephen Szwarc (19). 126 Sydney St, Charlottetown. 626-BEER
Hunter’s Ale House
Live music at 9 pm. Jacob & Friends (Aug 2/9/16/23/30), Alyssa & Cory (3), Copycat (7/21), Donovan & Laura (17), Brad & Griffen (24). 185 Kent St, Charlottetown. 367-4040
Hunter’s at the Fox
Saturdays at 8 pm. Nathan Carragher (Aug 7), Fraser McCallum (14), Roland Beaulieu (21), Brad Milligan & Griffen Arsenault (28). 167 Kinlock Rd, Stratford. 370-5873
John Brown Grille
Saturdays at 2 pm. 132 Richmond St, Charlottetown. 370-4040
Lone Oak Brewing
Roland Beaulieu & Keelin Wedge every Sunday at 1 pm. Dave Woodside every Thursday at 5 pm. Brad Milligan & Griffen Arsenault every Friday at 6 pm.
Live music every Saturday at 7 pm. Julie Arsenault & Daniel Drouin (July 31)
Brian Dunn (Aug 7), Lawrence Maxwell (14), Adam MacGregor (21), Chris & Eric (28). 103 Abegweit Blvd, BordenCarleton. 729-2228
Marc’s Lounge
Fridays and Saturdays at 9 pm. Matt Hannah (Aug 6/28), Adam McGregor
(7/14), Mike Stratton & Albert Kays (13/21), Brooke MacArthur & Liv Roberts (20), Aaron MacDonald (27). 125 Sydney St, Charlottetown. 566-4620
Next Door @ The Merchantman
Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, various times. Stephen Szwarc (Aug 5, 19/26), Dave Woodside (6/21), Will Allen (7), Adam MacGregor (7/12/14), Shane Pendergast (13), Sarah Eddie (14/20/27), Nolan Compton (20), Lawrence Maxwell (21), Nathan Carragher (27), Ryan Merry (28). 23 Queen St, Charlottetown. 892-9150
Olde Dublin Pub
Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. 132 Sydney St, Charlottetown. 892-6992
Peakes Quay
Music daily at 8 pm. 11 Great George St, Charlottetown. 368-1330
PEI Brewing Company
Fridays in the Taproom at 6 pm. 96 Kensington Rd, Charlottetown. 629-2739
Piatto
Piatto Cavendish, Thursays at 5 pm. Piatto Charlottetown, Fridays at 6 pm. Piatto North River Saturdays at 5 pm. 892-0909
Ship to Shore
Saturdays at 8 pm. Benny Von (July 31), Brooke MacArthur (Aug 7), Nick Hann (14), D’arcy Ellis (21). 2684 PE-20, Darnley. 836-5475
The Old Triangle
Music at 7:30 pm. Taylor Johnson (30), Inn Echo (31), 189 Great George St, Charlottetown. 892-5200
Stay tuned to our website calendar at buzzpei.com for new shows and updates throughout the month!
Music PEI will host a workshop series aimed at strengthening engagement with the local Indigenous music community. The series consists of multiple workshops, and will be presented at both Lennox Island and Abegweit First Nations communities this winter.
“Music is an integral part of the culture, history and spirituality of Indigenous people. Despite colonial pressures, music was a unifying force that brought our people together. Unfortunately, there is sometimes a disconnect between the industry and the Indigenous music community,” says Tyler Gould, Music PEI’s Indigenous representative.
A survey began circulating in June to help the organization determine what topics will be most beneficial over the course of the series. Topics could range from drumming and songwriting, to professional development, to industry support for artists. To share feedback regarding the development of their Indigenous-focused workshop series, visit surveymonkey.com/r/ RHSVZ8J to complete the survey.
“These are first steps and we have a long way to go to create safer spaces and real career development opportunities for our Indigenous communities,” says Music PEI Executive Director Rob Oakie.
Music PEI is now offering free memberships for members of PEI’s Indigenous communities.
Additionally, submissions will open once again in September for the Diverse Voices program for BIPOC and 2SLGBTQIA+ to provide support for three artists to record and release a song. Music PEI partnered with FilmPEI in 2020 to launch the program, which includes studio time, mentoring and publicity from Music PEI, and a music video from FilmPEI.
GET YOUR OWN BUZZIFIED
30 words $18 (tax included). Buy in bulk to save—6 months for $80 (tax included). Copy and payment due by deadline.
MATURE FEMALE ASSISTANT
Charlottetown artist looking for a mature female assistant with business, creative and innovative skills Two hours weekly to start - $20/hour. Mary Margaret Land marymargaretland1@gmail.com
VISUAL ARTISTS Studios for rent daily, weekly or monthly, in BordenCarleton, starting at 25. Facilities nearby include motels, a campground, beaches, food outlets, and pub! Contact moragw@ eastlink.ca.
GLORY ZONE CONSIGNMENT
SHOP. There’s a new consignment shop in Charlottetown. Come see our great selection of collectibles, kitchen items, used books, quality used ladies’ fashions at 199 Prince Street.
HANDYMAN SERVICES! No Job
Too Small! Contact me to help you tackle your “to do” list! FACEBOOK: Joe Mullen Handyman Services. EMAIL: joemullenhandymanservices@gmail.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 902-629-2575, aaron@organicveggiedelivery.com
Submissions and advertising booking deadline for the September issue:
Advertising: sales@buzzpei.com
Editorial: info@buzzpei.com
The opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher or staff. Compensation for errors in advertising copy which are the proven responsibility of the publisher is limited to a maximum of the cost of the placement of the advertisement.
Little Kit Bag Inc., operating as The Buzz, acknowledges that we are located on and operate on Mi’kma’ki, the traditional unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq people who have lived here for many thousands of years, and who continue to live here.
NUMBER 333 • AUGUST 2021
Editor/Sales: Yanik Richards
Editor: Michelle Ollerhead
Creative Media: Greg Webster
Partners: Maggie Lillo (Ruby Square Graphic Design), Carly Martin (Hawthorne House Media)
Contributers: Julie Bull, Bryan Carver, Yvette Doucette, Doug Gallant, Lise Genova, Deirdre Kessler, Sean McQuaid, Takako Morita, Norah Pendegast, Joce Reyome, JoDee Samuelson, Richard Schroeter, Gary Schneider
Office: 160 Richmond Street, Charlottetown
Mail: P.O. Box 1945, Charlottetown, PE C1A7N5 Phone: 902-628-1958
E-mail: info@buzzpei.com
Social Media: @buzzpei
The Buzz is published monthly by Little Kit Bag Inc.
Cover:
Waiting for the Wave (detail), acrylic on canvas
Lise (Gravel) Genova was born in Quebec city. She studied at the BeauxArts before moving to Toronto, where her paintings appeared and received awards in many juried shows.
In 2008, Lise brought her creativity to PEI. She is past president of the Summerside Art Club and The Kensington Artist Co-op.
Her favourite mediums is acrylic, but she also loves watercolour and oil. She is fascinated by texture—using multiple layers of paint and colours to bring out images from the background and capture the feel of the Island, its folklore with imagery and colours. Lise lives in Summerside, where she operates her studio gallery. lise.genova@gmail.com
The Official Opposition caucus is honoured to represent you.
We invite you to connect with us this summer. We want to hear your thoughts and ideas on how we can create a more equitable and prosperous PEI that works for everyone.
