WE BUY: RINGS, NECKLACES
BRACELETS, BROKEN GOLD
SELL US YOUR OLD ITEMS FOR CASH TODAY
Takako Morita
On March 8, in partnership with the Federal and PEI Provincial governments, the Mi’kmaq community of Lennox Island First Nation will launch an epic and historic Reconciliation event, The Ice Walk.
The Ice Walk will consist of a walk across the frozen path between Port Hill and Lennox Island by those who wish to unite in solidarity with the Mi’kmaq people, and acknowledge the actions of their ancestors or the entities they represent, who were responsible for many of the horrors faced by the first people of this land (Residential schools, Day schools, The 60’s Scoop).
In attendance will be Premier Dennis King, local dignitaries, clergy, law enforcement, government officials and the Mi’kmaq community.
The walk will be followed by traditional teachings and cultural ceremonies, including a Forgiveness Ceremony. The purpose is to not only bring awareness and understanding to the history and realities of the Mi’kmaq on PEI, but also to many other Indigenous communities across the country where ice roads are still active, and lives continue to be lost as a result.
“Beneath the Path of Crows,” a song written by three Indigenous and three non-Indigenous writers, will be released to radio in conjunction with The Ice Walk event, and will be used to raise money for Indigenous youth empowerment initiatives. The song was requested by the Mi’kmaq community on PEI to be written about them. It was performed live on CBC’s The Story and The Song featuring NS Hip Hop artist Shift from tha 902.
There is a six-part docuseries being made about The Ice Walk to highlight the stories of Mi’kmaq Elders and their experiences. This series will be led by Mi’kmaq Director Eliza Knockwood. The event will be live streamed
in classrooms across the nation and be available for viewing all over the world. A silent vigil is being planned for the estimated 20 minutes it will take to cross the ice. The live stream will be available via The Ice Walk YouTube channel and Facebook page.
Order of events: All walkers, security and crew meet at both launch and landing sites (12:30–12:45 pm); Ceremony at Port Hill (1 pm); Walk and silent vigil (1:15 pm); Arrive to ceremonial welcome at Lennox (1:45 pm); Procession into school 2 pm; Forgiveness Ceremony (2:30 pm); Speeches, presentations and performances (3:30 pm); Feast (4:30–5 pm).
During the 19th century, the loss of land and natural resources significantly undermined the economic security, sociocultural cohesion and human dignity of the Mi’kmaq on PEI. Members were segregated from the rest of the (settler) population and forced onto a reserve called Lennox Island, a small island off the coast of PEI, that was traditionally used as a summer residence for the Mi’kmaq people. It was only in the 1940s that a fishing boat began to serve as a public ferry from Lennox Island to Port Hill.
However, during the winter months, members were still forced to risk (or even lose) their lives crossing the ice to purchase basic goods and access services. The construction of a causeway in 1973 mitigated these hardships by ensuring transportation and access was available all year long. It furthermore put a physical and symbolic end to a long process of segregation and isolation.
Today, there are over 400 members that live in Lennox Island while thousands trace their roots to the area.
1-855-255-4255
she was encouraged and supported by other women to do so. She surrounded herself with like-minded and likehearted people who shared similar vision and priorities for addressing common challenges.
Now she is a twenty-something year old Executive Director and her leadership encourages and supports many.
“We have a duty to inspire others,” she emphasizes boldly.
Sweta beams with optimism and hope for the future as she says these challenging times also provide incredible opportunity. “The COVID-19 pandemic highlights structural issues that people were ignoring in the past.”
As she reflects on her peers and society more broadly, Sweta says there’s an increase in conversations and actions as it relates to policy. “People are more engaged, generally speaking, as we are collectively seeing the impacts and influences that policy has on our dayto-day life.”
When I was a graduate student studying policy nearly 15 years ago, we would have been hard pressed to find two young women hosting a podcast on policy (and not just because podcasts didn’t really exist then). Now, Sweta co-hosts Dialogue with Drake and Daboo, a progressive podcast on policy, politics, and pop culture.
“We are all experts in something,” she notes enthusiastically. “Everyone has something to teach and I’m so grateful that I get to talk to and learn from so many incredible people when they’re guests on the podcast.”
There’s nothing quite like meeting young women in leadership who are making waves and forging paths for other women to do the same simply by being themselves. I had the great pleasure to sit with Sweta Daboo, who reignited many fires in me as she talked about her big ideas and integrations.
“Hope is everywhere,” she quietly muses as we start our conversation.
The young woman from Mauritius (a small island near Madagascar) moved to PEI in 2016 to pursue her education. Now she is the Executive Director of PEI Coalition for Women in Government; she co-hosts the podcast Dialogue with Drake and Daboo; and she is a co-lead for Mask Central PEI, which is a collective created to allow various groups and organizations looking for donations of non-medical masks to connect and interact with generous donors.
As a fellow CFA, Sweta and I both shared our gratitude for the ways in which Islanders cultivate space for us to share our big, bold ideas. The
close-knit Island community allows for relational work to happen across sectors, departments, and industries.
“Government may not be easy, but it’s accessible,” Sweta says with conviction. “Unlike other jurisdictions where there is often a huge disconnect between politicians and other citizens, PEI has a unique position where we are all connected.”
Sweta is an integrator with big impact and influence. She sees injustices and gaps in systems and she endeavors to fill them through engagement and implementation. She’s all over the news now but when she started university, she was the quiet kid who didn’t say much.
“I sat next to this girl for the entire year and still didn’t know her name.”
This self-recognition propelled Sweta outside of her comfort zone as she started to dabble in student politics when she noticed low involvement and engagement of international students. She found her footing there because
I tried to get the inside scoop on who the special guests will be in March but we’ll have to wait and see. “I don’t want to jinx it,” she chuckles, “so stay tuned to hear our amazing guests for International Women’s Day.”
This year’s theme for International Women’s Day is #ChooseToChallenge and Sweta embodies this determination and drive to make the world a better place every day. I left our conversation feeling fired up and inspired to take on the world. Strong women like Sweta have a way of doing that.
“It’s ok to feel out of place and uncomfortable as we work in systems that were never set up for us. This shows us where the work needs to be done.”
Importantly, Sweta looped back to our conversation about relationships: “Don’t let your fire go out,” she says, “find the people who are like-minded and like-hearted and with the local and global community, the possibilities for connection are limitless.”
On February 1, The Black Collective Media (BCM) had a soft-launch of their digital media startup collective by releasing The Block, PEI’s first Black digital magazine.
PEI’s new media startup aims to fill a gap in the market for BIPOC focused media representation in Canada’s smallest province.
The Block magazine was developed and created by the founders of BCM. They were able to draw on their professional backgrounds in journalism, digital marketing, business, finance, entertainment, hospitality and wellness to bring a fresh perspective to market in the digital space. BCM chose to pay homage to Black excellence within their community in PEI during Black History Month, with the launch of their 90-page first issue.
“The Black Collective Media presents an opportunity to represent the Black community in the media, as well as the Indigenous community and other People of Colour, to uplift our voices and tell our stories without bias and prejudice,” says García.
BCM is developing Black-led digital media channels to focus the narrative on Black e’rything by providing valuable and engaging digital content that informs and uplifts.
The Watermark Theatre in North Rustico has produced classic and modern classic plays for the last 13 years. Artistic Director Robert Tsonos recently announced a new vision for the company that will now include contemporary plays in their programming.
“We must open up the mandate to include diverse voices,” explains Tsonos. “Classic and modern classic plays are almost entirely written by white men, about white people, living in white societies. A narrow viewpoint that is not inclusive and not always reflective of our society in 2021.”
The company will continue to produce, what Tsonos now calls “time-honoured” plays, realizing that there is still an appetite for plays that remain relevant and continue to explore the human condition.
The theatre is also taking action to improve their environmental footprint by completing a sustainability project on their building and by looking at how they design, build and dispose of set, prop and costume pieces.
Another change is that all public bathrooms at Watermark Theatre will now be gender neutral.
“The Black Collective Media’s goal is to uplift local BIPOC voices while drawing inspiration from the depths of the diaspora,” says co-founder Bianca García. The company’s website provides valuable, engaging digital content driven from the BIPOC lens.
“When you own the platform, you control the narrative. We aim to do just that,” says co-founder Tara Reeves
The Collective’s mission is to create cultural, lifestyle, art and entertainment content pertaining to the BIPOC community, to facilitate community, growth, understanding and opportunity.
“There is a strong narrative that has come out of the Black experience, and for us Black people, storytelling is our roots and wings. Stories have played a significant role in constituting meaning and constructing identities. I hope you enjoy The Block because we are here, and we matter.” says co-founder Daniel Ohaegbu.
Established in 2020, The Black Collective Media launched their digital media outlet with the intent to disrupt a closed market in the local, online media space. Founded in PEI by Bianca García, Tara Reeves and Daniel Ohaegbu. This Collective is the first in Canada’s smallest province, to bring a Black digital magazine to market. First week public engagement saw 229 website sign-ups and 795 engagements on The Block magazine, which is available on The Black Collective Media website at theblackcollectivemedia.com.
Plans for their summer season, with the new mandate reflected in their new programming choices, will be announced in early March.
watermarktheatre.com
The Benevolent Irish Society (BIS) will stage the 2021 St. Patrick’s Week Play For Better, For Worse, a comedy by Jimmy Keary of County Westmeath, Ireland, at the Irish Cultural Centre in Charlottetown March 18–20 and 23–25.
mother, is living with them. Aggie’s sister Lucy, now a widow, has come to stay for a while. Aggie is not treating Chrissie well and it has made Chrissie unhappy. Meanwhile, Gabriel is easily distracted by the women around him, including a new Femme Fatale named Miriam. On top of that, Gabriel’s friend Liam Gavigan is up to his usual tricks and manages to get himself and Gabriel in hot water quite often. The antics at the farmhouse continue.
Directed by Paul Whelan, this Irish comedy has a bit of everything— unsettled romance, collision of values between elder and youth, local gossip, interfering relatives, and more.
A limited number of tickets are available online at eventbrite.ca with seats sold in multiples of two only. There will be homemade fudge for sale at the event.
Info: Mary Ellen Callaghan, 2133924, me_callaghan@bellaliant.net
For the third consecutive year, the BIS Social Committee will continue the tradition of staging a St. Patrick’s week play. The event is a happy memory for many Islanders who grew up in Charlottetown between the 1940’s and 1980’s. The much anticipated “do not miss” event signalled the end of winter. Visitors at BIS Hall can view old photographs of a few productions from as far back as 1894 on display in the Katherine Hughes Memorial Hall.
For Better, For Worse is Keary’s three-act sequel to The Two Loves of Gabriel Foley, which was the St Patrick’s week play staged at BIS in 2020.
The story takes place in the early 1990’s in a small central Ireland town in County Westmeath. Local farmer Gabriel Foley and Chrissie McCabe are newly married. Aggie, Gabriel’s
Encore Theatre Company presents
The Odd Couple (female version) at the Celtic Performing Arts Centre at The College of Piping in Summerside with performances February 26–27 and March 5–6.
The Neil Simon comedy puts the old adage “opposites attract” to a hilarious test when prim and proper Florence Unger, recently separated, moves in with her disorganized and messy friend Olive Madison. They are joined on their journey into chaos by their weekly Trivial Pursuit gang, Mickey, Sylvie, Vera and Renee, and charmed and challenged by their neighbours, the Costazuela brothers.
Show time is 7:30 pm at The Celtic Performing Arts Centre, 619 Water Street East, Summerside.
New series puts spotlight on a different artist each week
Extra shows added at Harmony House—Feb 26–27 & Mar 5–6
There will be a little more musical night-life injected into downtown Charlottetown this winter with the Confederation Centre of the Arts weekly concert series, Tuesday Night LIVE!. Each night will set the spotlight on a different Island artist, offering something new and dynamic on the Centre’s Mainstage.
Tuesday Night Live! packs a punch in March with concerts featuring Cory Gallany (March 2); Afro-fusion artist OBEMBE (March 9); Brandon Howard Roy (March 16); Alicia Toner (March 23); and Logan Richard (March 30).
Darcy Campbell, Director of Sobeys LIVE @ the Centre, says “I think our patrons will enjoy the mix of established artists, a few rising stars of the local scene, and some talent that may be ‘new-to-you’.” He continues, “We are also encouraging patrons to support our great local restaurants and consider a downtown dinner before the show.”
Concert goers can bring a receipt from a local restaurant to the Tuesday night
show (from that same day) and be entered to win a $50 restaurant gift card. Front-of-House attendants will collect signed receipts before the show and a live draw will be conducted from the Mainstage.
Concert tickets are on sale now with a limit of 200 tickets sold for each performance. confederationcentre.com
Mike Ross has created new original musical arrangements for Signed, Sealed, Delivered at Harmony House in Hunter River, performing with Melissa MacKenzie. Added shows are February 26 and 27 and March 5 and 6 at 8 pm. Ross and MacKenzie take a look at the lost art of letter writing by snooping through the mail of some of history’s most famous figures, and a few ordinary people besides.
The evening will feature music ranging from Beethoven to Johnny Cash and the extraordinary letters that began and ended relationships, and changed the course of history. Tickets through the venue’s website, harmonyhousetheatre.com, Ticketpro or by calling 1-888-311-9090.
Confederation Centre of the Arts presents an evening of songs featuring Islander Jacques Arsenault and multi-instrumentalist Morgan Saulnier at The Mack in Charlotteown on March 20 at 7:30 pm. The concert is a celebration of International Francophonie Day and is part of Les Rendez-vous de la francophonie.
Jacques Arsenault’s musical career began as a virtuoso accordionist before he discovered his vocal talents. He has a Bachelor of Music from UPEI and a Masters of Music from the University of Alberta. Arsenault has performed throughout Canada in a wide range of repertoire from classical and contemporary opera to musical theatre. More recently he performed at the Indian River Festival. After living in Alberta and Ontario for many years, he and his family recently moved back to PEI.
“It will be a great privilege for me to be able to present a concert at The Mack,” shares Arsenault. “I have chosen songs that talk mostly about the sea, about travel, and the desire to travel. Given that the concert will take place on the first day of spring, I have also chosen a few songs to celebrate the arrival of the season.”
“I am so looking forward to sharing
the stage with my dear friend, Jacques, in this beautifully curated program,” adds Saulnier who will be playing piano and flute for the evening.
Most of the program will be performed in French but Arsenault has selected a few songs in English.
Concert tickets can be purchased at Confederation Centre box office, online at confederationcentre.com, or by calling 566-1267.
Winter SOULstice • March 4
2021 Credit Union Music PEI Week Presents: Diggin’ Deep Roots - March 5
Sounds for the Soul - March 6
Side Hustle • March 11
Popalopalots: Live Improv Comedy • March 12 & 27
Calypso Secrets • March 13 & 20
Absolution • March 17 - 19
With Love From Disney • March 20
Amazing Tales of the Atlantic • March 26
Lion King Jr. • March 27 & 28
Barnyard Moosicle • March 27 & 28
Gallery @ The Guild
At Play by Alyse Mercey • March 3 - 14
Gallery @ The Guild
David D’Aubin: A Retrospective • March 16 - April 5
T he Guild Music Theatre School March Break Camp
Register your child today!
Artistic Director Of Children’s Programming, Lori Linkletter
The Guild’s Improv Workshop
Instructors Graham Putnam & Rob MacDonald
Register today!
www.theguildpei.com 902.620.3333
Charlottetown choral ensemble Sirens will present In Good Company live in concert at Spring Park United on March 14 at 3 pm.
The women of Sirens are looking forward to this concert, their first since their Crazy in Love cabaret show in February 2020. Since that time, the group released its first album, Boundless, which received four Music PEI Award nominations. But for this group, nothing compares to singing for a live audience.
In Good Company will feature songs
of separation and togetherness with music to soothe, comfort and energize. We are all stronger when we feel that we are in good company.
The concert experience will be different, of course. There will be an operational plan in place and public health regulations will be closely followed. Seating will be socially distanced and limited.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit sirenschoir.com. Spring Park United is located at 65 Kirkwood Drive in Charlottetown.
Harris Project series continues at St Paul’s—Mar 27
The Atlantic String Machine (ASM) presents Arches, the next concert in the Harris Project series, at St Paul’s in Charlottetown on March 27 with a matinee at 2:30 pm and an evening performance at 7:30 pm.
Audience members can look forward to premiere performances of new works by Sean Kemp and Adam Hill, plus evocative pairings of pieces from Harris’ lifetime and ours.
Reservations can be made by emailing atlanticstringmachine@gmail.com with choice of time and the number of tickets requested. ASM will hold seats in the order that they receive the reservations. Due to the uncertain nature of public events at this time, ASM are preparing for various scenarios. Let them know in your email
if you are flexible and could attend either concert time slot, as it could prove helpful in distributing audience numbers over the two shows.
Confed Centre Art Gallery
On view: Eye Candy: Recent Gifts to the Collection to April 4. Give me Shelter to April 6; touring exhibition The Drive from the Art Gallery of Guelph to May 2; Gerard Clarkes: A Haunted Land to May 9. 145 Richmond St, Charlottetown. confederationcentre.com
Cornwall Library Art Gallery
On view: Barry Bain’s From Palette to Canvas: a mix of subjects that catch my eye to February 26. The Spring Group Art Show opens March 2 and runs to May 7
Each local artist will feature one piece of artwork that has never been shown in the gallery. Contact for info on displaying in the gallery. 15 Mercedes Dr, Town Hall, Cornwall. 629-8415, cornwall@gov.pe.ca, library.pe.ca
Eptek Art & Culture Centre
On view: Quills, Ash, and Bone: Current perspectives on traditional Mi’kmaq art to the end of March and features artists Noella Moore, Annie Gallant, Nora
April BUZZ deadline
Monday, March 15th
Richard, Kayla Sark, Melissa Peter-Paul, Cheryl Simon and Mary Catherine Sark. Visit the permanent exhibition on the history and architecture of Summerside. Admission is by donation. Eptek is a site of the PEI Museum and Heritage Foundation. 130 Heather Moyse Dr, Summerside. peimuseum.com
Gallery @ The Guild
On view: Canadian Cities by Andrew Melzer to Feb 28; At Play by Alyse Mercey, March 3–14; and David D’Aubin: A Retrospective by David D’Aubin, March 17–April 14. 111 Queen St, Charlottetown. theguildpei.com
Jubilation! A New Beginning, presented by Artisans On Main, opens March 15 and will debut new work by artists Helene LaRouche, Julia Purcell, Ann Clow and Geraldine Ysselstein. 65 Grafton St, Georgetown. kingsplayhouse.com
On view: this town is small presents Remote Transmissions, a non-juried group exhibition organized by Peake Street Collective. March 15–April 24. 128 Richmond St, Charlottetown. 367-3436
Charles Campbell joined the Confederation Centre Art Gallery (CCAG) team as adjunct curator in February. He is a Jamaicanborn multidisciplinary artist, writer and curator who grew up on PEI. Using performance, sculpture and installation, his work investigates the future prospects that have become possible in the wake of colonization.
Campbell will work remotely with the CCAG on special projects from his home in Victoria, BC, including an upcoming contribution to the national initiative, FIELDTRIP: Art Across Canada
“I’m thrilled to be joining the team at the Confederation Centre Art Gallery,” remarks Campbell. “Growing up in Charlottetown, the encounters with the arts at Confed Centre are among my most memorable experiences. I’ll be using the post of adjunct curator to research overlooked and underserved Canadian artists and present visions from BIPOC artists that can expand our world.”
Previously serving as chief curator of the National Gallery of Jamaica, Campbell embraced vernacular styles
and street art from Jamaica’s vibrant urban communities and expanded the national canon.
The artist has exhibited widely in North America, the Caribbean and Europe, including Rideau Hall, the Havana Biennial, Brooklyn Museum and Perez Art Museum Miami. He holds a B. FA from Concordia University and an M.A. in Fine Arts from Goldsmiths College, University of London.
Atlantic: The Podcast was launched in December 2020 and features an all star cast of Island actors, comedians, and even some famous guests. Each episode is a new chapter of one of three evolving tales: The DDT Detectives, The B’ylight Zone, and Anne of the Green Planet.
The first nine episodes of Amazing Tales of the Atlantic: The Podcast are available for free at anchor.fm/amazingtalesoftheatlantic or wherever you listeen to podcasts.
Amazing Tales of the Atlantic is a live radio play anthology series celebrating the unique residents of Atlantic Canada, taking characters in the community and putting them in wild scenarios. Performances have been staged at The Guild in Charlottetown since August 2020. Now fans can enjoy the show anywhere with Amazing Tales of the Atlantic: The Podcast.
Created by PEI comedian Sam MacDonald, Amazing Tales of the
The Acadian Museum of PEI is holding a photo contest this month. From March 1–31, participants can choose the oldest photo in their collection that has an Acadian connection and post it on the Acadian Museum of PEI Facebook page. Be sure to include the name of the place and/or people in the photo. Entries will get a chance to win the new book, L’Acadie de l’Île-duPrince-Édouard: 300 ans d’histoire. The draw will be held April 1. Info: 4322880, museeacadien@gmail.com
Nothing like the hearty staple of “meat and potatoes” to bring people together, provide comfort, and carry on family traditions. Enjoy exploring restaurants across the island and trying their take on this classic meal. And don’t worry, vegetarian options, too!
Amazing Tales of the Atlantic returns on March 26 at 8 pm.
The live radio play anthology series and podcast celebrates the unique residents of the Atlantic. It takes the characters in our community we all know and love and puts them in wild scenarios. The show features a cast of Island actors and comedians. Each performance will tell three unique stories, and every month audiences will be treated to three new chapters of the three ever-evolving tales.
This month’s tales include The DDT Detectives with “Escape From New Glasgow,” The B’ylight Zone with “Da ‘Ting,” and Anne of the Green Planet with “Robo-Cuth.”
Enjoy children’s theatre with The Lion King Jr. and Barnyard Moosical on March 27 at 10:30 am and 2 pm, and March 28 at 2 pm.
Desert Island Theatre Company will present I Know You by local playwright and actor Benton Hartley on February 25–27 at 8 pm.
Starring Islanders Kassinda Bulger and Patrick Jeffrey as Tabitha and Paul, whose relationship is charted from first meeting to break up.
Hartley worked closely with Rob MacDonald on developing the script. By teasing out the cyclical nature of relationships, I Know You tries to make sense of the patterns many people fall into while dating and the barriers preventing clear communication.
Winter SOULstice, featuring a cast orchestrated by Music Director Lisa MacDougall, will be on stage on March 4 at 7:30 pm.
MacDougall has been a touring and recording artist, musician, musical theatre director and teacher in the music business for over 25 years. While touring the world in both rock and rhythm and blues bands, the Halifax native became passionate about soul music.
While in Halifax, MacDougall created Lisa Mac and the Sexy Ida’s in 2012. Now living on the Island, she thought it would be the perfect time to do a PEI version with musicians Brieonna Locche, Nadine Haddad and Noah Malcolm.
MacDougall promises Winter SOULstice will feature “great songs with great arrangements, very much lending themselves to strong, gospel, rhythm and blues vocal performances,” including songs by Aretha Franklin, Dianna Ross and more.
Side Hustle is an all-women improv comedy company in PEI, and they will be on stage March 11 at 7 pm.
Join this collective comedic team as they bulldoze their musical, manic and maniacal way through audience suggestions, their hopes and dreams for a better future, and all things happy and hopeful. Laugh, judge and wish you were as cool as them. A night of frivolity fed by feral females needing attention and adoration.
Side Hustle includes Kirstin Lund, Patti Larsen, Caron Prins, Nancy McLure, Monica Rafuse, Sarah Brown, Jill Chandler and Doris Jenkins.
Popalopalots will perform their make-it-up-on-the-spot improv sketch comedy on March 12 and 27 at 8 pm. The performers will have you laughing when they succeed and laughing even harder when they fail.
Dancer and choreographer Reequal Smith (Oshun Dance Studios) will present her showcase Calypso Secrets March 13 and 20 at 8 pm.
Performed by an ensemble of four dancers, a vocalist and a drummer, Calypso Secrets highlights the diverse talents of its ensemble, incorporating a twist of Caribbean culture and diversity. Smith’s choreography will fuse modern, jazz, African and funk styles, paired with live and recorded music including Afro-Caribbean, Latin, funk, reggae and jazz.
Disney’s The Lion King has captivated the imagination of audiences around the world. The African savannah comes to life on stage with Simba, Rafiki and a cast of characters as they journey from Pride Rock to the jungle and back again.
In A Barnyard Moosical, the audience will meet a unique and talented group of animals living at an unusual farm. Between the gourmet goats that refuse to eat garbage, a chorust line of hoofing cows, neatnik pigs and funky dancing chickens, the musical will be sure to tickle the imagination and funny bone of performers and audiences alike.
The Guild presents Improv Workshop with local comedians Graham Putnam and Rob MacDonald.
With decades of improv experience between them, instructors Putnam and MacDonald will guide participants through this 10-week Improv Workshop designed for those with little-to-no improv or acting experience and those who would like to refresh their skills.
Participants will learn the very Basics of Improvisation, plus explore fundamentals like Advancing The Scene, Character Development, Object Work (like holding that imaginary cup of coffee while in a scene), Creating an Environment, and of course, Always Always Always Having Fun.
Info/register: theguildpei.com
Feb 25–27, 8 pm
I Know You
Desert Island Theatre Company. The Guild, Charlottetown
Feb 26–27, 8 pm
Signed, Sealed, Delivered
Harmony House, Hunter River
Feb 28, 8 pm
The Recital: The Show with Kimberly Mooney
Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown
Mar 2, 8 pm
Cory Gallant
Confederation Centre of the Arts, Charlottetown
Mar 4, 7:30 pm
Winter SOULstice
The Guild, Charlottetown
Mar 5, 7:30 pm
Diggin’ Deep Roots
2021 Credit Union Music PEI Week, The Guild, Charlottetown
Mar 5, 8 pm
Block Party
2021 Credit Union Music PEI Week, Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown
Mar 5–6, 8 pm
Signed, Sealed, Delivered
Harmony House, Hunter River
Mar 6, 7:30 pm
Sounds for the Soul
2021 Credit Union Music PEI Week, The Guild, Charlottetown
Mar 6, 8 pm
Red Dirt Rock
2021 Credit Union Music PEI Week, Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown
Mar 6, 7:30 pm
Ashley Condon
Copper Bottom Brewing, Montague
Mar 7, 8 pm
Darvel
With special guests Moment of the Eclipse, Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown
Mar 9, 8 pm
OBEMBE
Confederation Centre of the Arts, Charlottetown
Mar 10, 8 pm
Holland College Student
Spotlight Concert
Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown
Mar 11, 7 pm
Side Hustle
The Guild, Charlottetown
Mar 11, 8 pm
Shane Pendergast Album
Release
Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown
Mar 12, 7:30 pm
Fiddlers’ Sons
Benevolent Irish Society, Charlottetown
Mar 12, 8 pm
This Storm: Catherine
MacLellan & Tara MacLean
Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown
Mar 12, 8 pm
Popalopalots
The Guild, Charlottetown
Mar 13, 8 pm
The Love Junkies
Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown
Mar 13–16, 2 pm
The Princess and the Handmaiden
Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown
Mar 13, 8 pm
Calypso Secrets
The Guild, Charlottetown
Mar 14, 3 pm
Sirens
Spring Park United Church, Charlottetown
Mar 14, 8 pm
Craig Fair presents: Mix Tape
Sundays
Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown
Mar 15, 8 pm
Jill Chandler & Maureen
Trainor
Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown
Mar 15, 7:30 pm
Calypso Secrets
Kings Playhouse, Georgetown
Mar 16, 8 pm
Brandon Howard Roy
Confederation Centre of the Arts, Charlottetown
Mar 17, 1 pm, Mar 18, 8 pm
Grass Mountain Hobos
Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown
Mar 18–20, 7:30 pm
For Better, For Worse
Benevelont Irish Society, Charlottetown
Mar 21, 8 pm
Patrick Ledwell & Mark
Haines
Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown
Mar 20, 8 pm
Calypso Secrets
The Guild, Charlottetown
Mar 23, 8 pm
Alicia Toner
Confederation Centre of the Arts, Charlottetown
Mar 23–25, 7:30 pm
For Better, For Worse
Benevelont Irish Society, Charlottetown
Mar 24–25, 8 pm
Tara MacLean
With special guest Kierrah Celeste, Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown
Mar 26, 8 pm
Arsenal Mills
Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown
Mar 26, 8 pm
Amazing Tales of the Atlantic
The Guild, Charlottetown
Mar 27, 7:30 pm
Fascinating Maritime Ladies
Kings Playhouse, Georgetown
Mar 27, 7:30 pm
Holland College School of Performing Arts
Benevelont Irish Society, Charlottetown
Mar 27, 8 pm
Popalopalots
The Guild, Charlottetown
Mar 28, 1:30 pm
Jeanie & Charles
Kinkora Ceilidh, Kinkora
Mar 29, 8 pm
Vince The Messenger Album Release
Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown
Mar 30, 8 pm
Logan Richard
Confederation Centre of the Arts, Charlottetown
Apr 1, 8 pm
Coyote
Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown
Apr 3, 8 pm
Nudie
Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown
Apr 7, 8 pm
Joce Reyome
Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown
Apr 8–9, 8 pm
Nick Doneff
Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown
Apr 10, 8 pm
Brian J. Dunn
Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown
Apr 15, 8 pm
Kierrah Celeste
Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown
Apr 17, 8 pm
The Royal North
Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown
…more at buzzpei.com
Kings Playhouse will be warming things up all through March with a lineup of programming for all ages.
series. “Something From Nothing: Using Leftovers And What’s In Your Fridge To Cook Creatively” starts at 2 pm and is offered to teens and adults.
Jubilation! A New Beginning, presented by Artisans On Main, will open March 15 at Kings Playhouse Art Gallery. The exhibit will debut new work by artists Helene LaRouche, Julia Purcell, Ann Clow and Geraldine Ysselstein.
Kids can play away the winter blahs as they dance, act and create with Kings Playhouse March Break Camp, March 15–19. Register now for a whole week of fun activities for ages 6 to 12.
Confederation Centre will offer Visual Arts and Performance Arts camps over March Break for kids ranging in age from 6–17 years. Camps will run March 15–19.
On March 5 at 7:30 pm, Oshun Dance Studio will warm the soul with Calypso Secrets, a showcase featuring live Caribbean music and dance.
Amil Zavo will warm hearts and bellies with his creative cooking lesson on March 6, the next lesson in the Kings Playhouse Cooking Together
On March 27, Young At Heart Theatre will launch its 2021 season with Fascinating Maritime Ladies. The musical evening starts at 7:30 pm and marks the beginning of their Islandwide tour. Fascinating Maritime Ladies will celebrate the music of East Coast artists Anne Murray, Rita MacNeil, Marg Osburne, The Rankins and more.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit kingsplayhouse. com, call 1-888-346-5666, or drop in at 65 Grafton St, Georgetown to see what else is cooking in March and beyond.
When Gilbert and Sullivan’s H.M.S. Pinafore played at Charlottetown’s Market Hall in 1885, nobody could have imagined that 136 years later it would be attempted with a cast who are working remotely from their homes across Canada and the United States.
PEI Director Olivia Barnes came back to Charlottetown this winter, leaving her directing, acting and singing jobs behind, when the planned production of H.M.S. Pinafore at Moyse Hall in Montreal was cancelled during the rehearsal period. Barnes went from being the stage director of H.M.S. Pinafore to creator and cinematography director for the truncated version, Pinnacles of Pinafore, currently being produced for Zoom.
The show, produced by the McGill Savoy Society, is currently being directed by Barnes from PEI with the cast rehearsing and recording online via Zoom. Not being able to collaborate in-person has been tough on all artists, but creative people adapt.
Barnes has been busy this winter with online performances. On top of directing Pinnacles of Pinafore, she is singing the role of Plaintiff in the radio show, “Trial by Jury.” She is also a regular on Sunday night improv, usually live from Thêatre Sainte-Catherine in Montreal, but now broadcasting via Twitch stream.
Pinnacles of Pinafore is set to be released in April.
Performing arts camps are available for Junior Musical Theatre (ages 7–9), Intermediate Musical Theatre (ages 10–12), and Musical Theatre Intensive for Teens (ages 13–17). The instructors are musical theatre veterans Colton Curtis, Becca Griffin and Cam MacDuffee. All performing arts camps culminate in a final presentation on March 19, with parents invited to attend. Junior and Intermediate camps will be held at The Mack. The camps will help children discover the magic of life under the lights and include music, dance and drama, and they are equally fitting for beginners as well as those with experience. The Musical Theatre Intensive is for youth who have some previous training. Participants will study voice, acting and styles of dance associated with the world of musicals. All participants will receive a Certificate of Completion at the end of the program.
Visual Arts camps will be held at the Centre’s Schurman Family Studio. These camps are for kids ages 6-12 and will explore drawing, painting, sculpture and more. The sessions focus on creative thinking, visual literacy, art process and fun. Register for Visual Arts camps and Performance Arts camps by email at performingarts@confederationcentre.com or online at confederationcentre.com.
Kids can play away the winter blahs as they dance, act and create with Kings Playhouse March Break Camp, March 15–19. Register now for a whole week of fun activities for children ages 6 to 12. Info: 1-888-346-5666, kingsplayhouse.com
Kitbag Theatre and Trailside Music Hall present The Princess and the Handmaiden starring Brielle Ansems, Jessica Gallant and Melissa MacKenzie, with accompaniment by Morgan Saulnier. Performances take place at 2 pm from March 13 to 16 at Trailside Music Hall in Charlottetown.
Mean Girls meets Brothers Grimm in this clever 60–minute family musical about loyalty, friendship, magic potions and finding one’s self.
Whose grass is greener—the goodhearted, pampered princess or her jealous, hard-working handmaiden?
Written and composed by Leslie Arden and based on the Grimm’s fairy
tale “The Goose Girl,” The Princess and the Handmaiden follows two young women on a journey to a distant kingdom to cure an ailing king. Once best friends, the princess and the handmaiden find themselves driven apart by jealousy and a lack of understanding for each other’s circumstances. The handmaiden tricks the princess and takes her place in the new kingdom. The princess, meanwhile, has to fight to prove who she is.
Join Kitbag Theatre for this daring tale at Trailside Music Hall, 155 Kent Street, Charlottetown. Fun for the whole family. Tickets are available at trailside.ca.
The ACT Community Theatre Festival will return this year to delight audiences from April 24–25 at The Fox and Crow pub at UPEI’s W.A. Murphy Student Centre in Charlottetown. Seating will be limited to 50 patrons, so first come, first served.
ACT is accepting play submissions until March 19. For more info email actproductionspei@gmail.com.
Music Theatre March Break Camp for youth in grades K–6 will be offered at The Guild from March 15–19. The weeklong camp will be led by Lori Linkletter and Kennedy Leard. Youth will be mentored in acting, theatre and dance. The end of the week will feature a showcase for family to attend. The camp, entitled “A Week of the Ultimate Broadway Experience,” will be divided into three groups based on grade levels (K–1, 2–3 and 4–6). Attendees should wear a mask and bring indoor sneakers, snacks, lunch and a water bottle. Registration is available online at theguildpei.com or by calling the Box Office at 620-3333.
The PEI Community Navigators’ Cooking with Culture online classes via Zoom continue on Wednesdays at 6:30 pm to March 31. This free activity features some of PEI’s new residents and longtime locals who share their culture and guide participants through the cooking process of one of their favourite recipes. An ingredient list, locations to source ingredients and Zoom link will be supplied five days in advance. Registration is accepted only until 3 pm on the day of the event. Pending approval from presenters, a recording will be shared to those who register and attend each week. Email info.communitynavigator@cbdc.ca to register. Info: follow @PEICommunityNavigators on FB.
Kings Playhouse Cooking Together classes feature Island chefs preparing delicious and affordable meals using locally sourced ingredients. On March 6, Chef Amil Zavo will present “Something From Nothing: Using Leftovers And What’s In Your Fridge To Cook Creatively.” Classes start at 2 pm and are offered for teens and adults. Class size is limited but classes will be filmed and shared online. 1-888-346-5666, kingsplayhouse.com
The Haviland Club fundraiser will take place March 6 from 7–9 pm with tastings and demonstrations presented by Mike Beamish, President of Deep Roots Distillery. The evening will begin with a Little Pig Cider tasting followed by an Absinthe demonstration and tasting, and charcuterie paired with samples of Island Tide “Shine,” Ocean Pearl Vodka, Blueberry Liqueur, Maple Liqueur, as well as coffee and tea. Tickets are available at the Haviland Club, 2 Haviland St, Charlottetown. 894-4421
The PEI Symphony Orchestra’s annual fruit sale fundraiser begins February 27. The orchestra will be selling oranges and grapefruits at the Charlottetown Farmers Market on Saturdays through April. The annual citrus sale plays a key role in the symphony’s yearly fundraising efforts as the profits help fund concert events and educational outreach across PEI.
The PEI Humane Society Cupcake & Bake Day will be held at the Conferderation Court Mall March 8 from 8:30 am–4 pm in support of animal care and shelter operations. Families, offices, restaurants, bakeries, grocers and more are also encouraged to host their own treat day by baking cupcakes on March 8 (or anytime). Bring sweet treats to work or family gatherings and ask people to leave a donation for the PEI Humane Society. Info: peihumanesociety.com
The Culinary Institute of Canada (CIC) in Charlottetown reopened the Lucy Maud Dining Room to the public in February after months of planning and preparing for operations under the new guidelines for restaurants.
“After a delayed start to our programs, we are delighted to welcome back our guests. All of our food is prepared and presented by our students and their interactions with public are an important part of their training. Students are being prepared to work under the new realities of the hospitality industry,” explains Chef Austin Clement, program manager for Holland College’s culinary and hospitality programs.
The CIC also launched a Dining Room To Go take-out service. Guests can order ahead between 11:30 am–1 pm for lunch or between 6–8 pm for dinner. Additionally, the CIC’s new Too Tired to Cook weeknight menu will offer hot take-out meals with curbside delivery Tuesday–Friday from 4–6 pm starting March 2.
The Grab & Go onsite market,
located in the lobby of the Tourism and Culinary Centre, is also open from 11 am–6 pm, Tuesday to Friday, with a selection of artisan breads, pastries, salads, soups, and butchery items. On March 2, the Grab & Go will also feature Time Savours, ready-made, reheat-to-eat meals.
For more info call 894-6868 or email cic@hollandcollege.com.
The existence of hazy beers is nothing new to the beer world. In the last century, technological advancements allowed brewers to make beer much more polished. This brite beer became commonplace as larger brands grew in prominence and standardized this optic of beer. Prior to these advances most beers would have exhibited a varying degree of haziness.
There are plenty of traditional styles that showcase haziness. The classic German wheat styles, like Hefeweizen, have a mellow hazy stray from a distinct yeast strain that creates banana and faint clove aromas. In Belgium, the traditional Wit beer (also made with wheat) has a hazy appearance from its own distinct yeast strain, though the aroma varies greatly from its German counterpart, as spices like coriander and bitter orange peel are added to the brewing kettle during the end of boiling.
In the modern brewing world, brewers employ hazy to amplify a different set of flavours. Borrowing techniques from the traditional German and Belgian styles that utilize wheat or other grains with higher levels of protein, brewers use yeast strains that are fruit ester forward and hops that have a massive variety of distinct aroma compounds.
In recent years this particular practice in brewing has grown and led to the development of newer beer styles such as Hazy IPA’s and New England IPA’s (or NEIPA’s). Hazy IPA’s are hazy in appearance, as the name insinuates, but they are packed to the brim with hop flavour and aroma, often citrusy or tropical, or even ripe stonefruit.
NEIPA’s present very much like Hazy IPA’s but they lack bitterness, one of the key elements to IPA’s. NEIPAs are often softer and sweeter in mouthfeel and lack the balancing bitterness of Hazy IPAs. The name New England IPA is a reference to the region of the United States that saw the initial development of this particular branch of the IPA family tree.
Many Island brewers have brewed their own takes on this style which can be found at their breweries, retail shops and some PEI Liquor stores.
Often best as fresh as possible, these beers are best consumed right at the source. The fresher the better for these styles of beer, as with time the incredible fruity aromas tend to fade. When you are fortunate enough to get a fresh pint, the glass explodes with pleasant fruity delights.
Charlottetown gets a boost to its spirits this winter with the Ice City festival, a celebration of winter. Presented by Jack Frost Winterfest, which was cancelled this year due to health restrictions, the month-long festival in the capital city continues until March 14.
In addition to ice sculptures, wooden art installations and wintery decor, Ice City has engaged a wide range of businesses across the city to host events and other fun programming like Fitness in the Snow, Snowshoe Night Walks, Snowman Building, Sommelier Tastings, Sugar Shacks at Next Door (Merchantman) and the Charlottetown Beer Garden, Snoga, A Secret Sledding Hill, Sundaze on the Row (including UFIT with Gord), and much more.
“We’ve created a series of events that will bring families and friends together to enjoy the downtown and embrace winter in a safe way,” explains Heidi Zinn, Executive Director of Discover Charlottetown. “We’ve long been advocates for shoulder season development and we’re so excited to see Ice City take place at a time when industry needs it the most.”
Each weekend will also feature
Signature Events, including comedy and live music at venues throughout the city, an outdoor market within the Queen Street Parkade and at the Confederation Court Mall, and “Final Wave: A Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre” at the Delta Hotel.
Staycation packages will also be on offer all month-long and hotels throughout the city have created a number of enticing winter vacation options for residents.
Canadian Parents for French PEI will present a Live Bilingual Art Party hosted by East Coast Art Party on March 18 at 1 pm. Celebrate the Acadian theme of this year’s Les Rendez-vous de la Francophonie by painting a traditional Acadian flag. Register at projects@cpfpei.pe.ca.
The South Shore Arts Council (SSAC) is accepting applications for funding of projects in the visual, performing and creative arts from individuals and groups in the South Shore region of PEI. Grants are for community based projects with an emphasis on education and the development or preservation of the culture of the South Shore region. The maximum value of the grant is $750. Funding is provided by Innovation PEI. The application deadline is March 26. Contact Sylvia Ridgeway (sylviaridg@ pei.sympatico.ca, 658-2710) or Pat Smith (patstundensmith@gmail.com, 658-2670) for application forms.
The South Shore Watershed Association’s (SSWA) 2021 Photo Contest for amateur photographers is now open. Submit photos that capture the beauty of nature in all its manifestations. There are no entry fees and there will be cash prizes. Entry deadline is March 15. Results will be revealed at their AGM in April. For contest rules, maps and instructions, visit sswa.ca or email sswa@sswa.ca.
Family Sundays take place at Confederation Centre of the Arts in Charlottetown on the last Sunday of each month until April 25. The free art activities are held from 1:30–2:30 pm. All ages are welcome. Available in English and French. Pre-registration is required at confederationcentre.com.
Eptek Art & Culture Centre is offering exhibit related scavenger hunts for youth. Drop-ins are welcome but visitors are encouraged to call ahead. Eptek
Art & Culture Centre is a site of the PEI Museum and Heritage Foundation. Admission is by donation. 130 Heather Moyse Dr, Summerside. Info: 888-8373, peimuseum.com
In consideration of the economic impact of COVID-19 on artists, this town is small (TTIS) has waived membership fees for the 2020-21 year. If interested in becoming a member, contact Lisa Theriault at thistownissmall@gmail.com.
The PEI Modern Quilt Guild meets every fourth Thursday of the month from 7–9 pm. If interested in attending a meeting as a guest, email peimqg@gmail.com for details. The group follows public health guidance to determine whether meetings will be held virtually or in-person. Follow @peimqg on Instagram. Info: peimqg@gmail.com
Island artists are invited to submit their work by March 12 to be considered for purchase by the Provincial Art Bank. The Provincial Art Bank collection includes 257 works of art by 123 Island artists. The art bank acquires, loans and displays art that was purchased or donated. Pieces are displayed in public buildings and spaces for Islanders to enjoy and are available for educational use. Provincial Art Bank purchases are made possible through provincial government funding of $10,000 annually. For information on how to apply or to become a jury member, visit princeedwardisland.ca/ art-bank or call 368-6300.
After organizing four years of plein air festivals drawing artists from all over North America, the 5th Parrsboro International Plein Air Festival (PIPAF) will focus on plein air painters from Atlantic Canada. PIPAF Atlantic will be held in Parrsboro, NS from June 17–20. Award prizes for this juried event will total more than $4000. Interested artists from the Atlantic provinces are encouraged to visit parrsborocreative.com, review the prospectus and complete the application form by their deadline, March 31. Info: 902-728-2007, director@ parrsborocreative.com
The Gallery @ The Guild in Charlottetown will present two new art exhibitions in March. At Play by Alyse Mercey and David D’Aubin: A Retrospective.
Alyse Mercey only began painting in 2018 and just one year later when she moved from Ontario to PEI, she took up a regular art practice. Mercey says her paintings are a way to capture ordinary, everyday life and emphasize the little things. Her studio process leverages play to address this theme and satisfy her curiosity.
The exhibition At Play celebrates ideas brought to fruition through a variety of techniques and mediums that have helped Mercey develop her skill and style without any formal training. At Play will be on view from March 3–14.
Island artists are invited to submit their work to be considered for purchase by the Provincial Art Bank
PrinceEdwardIsland.ca/art-bank
Deadline for submissions is March 12, 2021
David D’Aubin: A Retrospective featuring artwork by the late David D’Aubin will be on display at The Gallery @ The Guild from March 17 to April 4, with an opening reception from 7–9 pm on March 17.
D’Aubin began painting and drawing more seriously after he retired from teaching in Nova Scotia. He and his wife Jeanette moved to PEI in 1998. D’Aubin was a long-time member of the Seniors College where he created a wide variety of work using bold colours and multimedia. D’Aubin also made large drawings with charcoal and enjoyed woodworking as a hobby—he made small wooden containers inspired by the patterns in the wood.
The Gallery @ the Guild is located at 111 Queen St in Charlottetown.
Indigenous Island artists are invited to submit work to be considered for purchase for the PEI Indigenous Art Bank
PrinceEdwardIsland.ca/IndigenousArtBank
To apply for an Indigenous Arts Grant visit: PrinceEdwardIsland.ca/IndigenousArtsGrant
Deadline for submissions is March 12, 2021
this town is small exhibit at Receiver Coffee in Charlottetown
The provincial government has launched two new art programs that celebrate and support the accomplishments of PEI Mi’kmaq and other Indigenous artists living in PEI. A key item of the PEI Culture Action Plan is for all Islanders to have opportunities to engage with the art forms that derive from Indigenous language, worldviews, practices, and protocols.
The PEI Indigenous Art Bank acquires, loans and displays art that was purchased or donated, and pieces
The 11th annual Art in the Open (AITO) festival will be held August 28. Organizers are seeking artist proposals for the 2021 festival.
will be displayed in public spaces. The Indigenous Arts Grants provide funding to assist and encourage the work of the Indigenous arts community on PEI.
Successful applicants will be selected by a jury of their Indigenous art community peers. Members of the Indigenous arts community are invited to apply to become a jury member.
The programs were developed in partnership with PEI Mi’kmaq artists and artisans, and with guidance from best practices across federal and provincial jurisdictions. They will provide Mi’kmaq and other Indigenous artists with increased opportunities to learn, create, and share their work.
Visit princeedwardisland.ca for more information.
with and participate in the art in some capacity, understanding that there is a possibility of restrictions or adapted capacity/participation limits in place.
As part of their 11th anniversary, organizers plan to make the event a celebration of the past 10 festivals.
A new exhibit by this town is small will be on view from March 15 to April 24 at Receiver Coffee in Charlottetown. Remote Transmissions is a non-juried group exhibition that brings together artworks that are informed by or created during the lockdown period that began in 2020, exploring themes of remoteness, isolation, sheltering in place and connection/disconnection.
Exhibition by Mi’kmaq artists extended at Eptek Centre
Quills, Ash, and Bone: Current perspectives on traditional Mi’kmaq art has been extended to the end of March at Eptek Art & Culture Centre in Summerside.
The exhibition Quills, Ash, and Bone features the work of Mi’kmaq artists Noella Moore, Annie Gallant, Nora Richard, Kayla Sark, Melissa Peter-Paul, Cheryl Simon and Mary Catherine Sark. The Mi’kmaq fine craft on display includes a variety of work using the traditional practices of quill art, basketry, beading and drum-making.
On March 3 from 1–3 pm, artists Noella Moore (quillwork) and Anita Gallant (beading) will be on site demonstrating their craft.
There are nearly 30 participating artists who are at a variety of stages in their careers, showing a range of perspectives during a troubling time.
The exhibition is organised by Peake Street Collective, an artist initiative that focuses on mentorship, experimentation, and artistic collaboration.
Receiver Coffee is located at 128 Richmond Street in Charlottetown.
The festival is looking for unique submissions that will transform downtown Charlottetown’s green spaces into magical, memorable, creative spaces that will be shared by all members of the community. They are interested in art projects that invite the attendees of the festival to engage
Artist submissions should be new, innovative, and represent excellence in the applicant’s field of art. The application deadline is April 6.
They recently launched a new website where applicants can find the all information required to apply. artintheopenpei.org
Eptek’s gift shop carries a variety of Island art and craft, as well as books on local themes. Be sure to also visit the permanent exhibition on the history and architecture of Summerside.
Eptek Art & Culture Centre is a site of the PEI Museum and Heritage Foundation and is located at 130 Heather Moyse Drive on the Summerside waterfront, adjacent to the Harbourfront Theatre.
Winter hours are Tuesday to Friday from 10 am–4 pm, and most Sundays from noon to 4 pm. Admission is by donation. For more information, call 888-8373 or visit peimuseum.com.
wonderful place, help the film find its modest way to a neat and satisfying conclusion. And that is the viewer’s own reward.” - John Griffin,
The Montreal GazetteMar 5–7 & 11
14A, coarse language. Dir: Elizabeth Lo, US, 2020, 72 min. Turkish with English Subtitles. Winner, Best International Documentary, Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival
Mar 4 & 7
G. Dir: Takako Miyahira, Canada/ Japan, 2010, 105 min. Honoka, Daniel Pilon, Rosanna Zanbon, Marlane O’Brien. In Japanese and English, with English subtitles. Winner, Best Film & Best Director, Asian First Film Festival. One of City Cinema’s Top ten Canadian Films ever.
“While the stray dogs of Istanbul were once met with violence and hostility, it is now illegal to cause harm to them. As a result, they roam the streets in large numbers... This documentary focuses on one of these street-wise strays, the strong willed Zeytin. Through her eyes, we see both aggression, compassion, and echoes of her own experience in the people around her who make up the population of Istanbul... While the concept of a film following stray dogs may sound like it might be quite a stressful experience, it is in fact much more sweet and comfortable... It is very easy to fall for Zeytin; she’s a smart, resourceful dog, and the film captures her soul, allowing for the film to be all the more touching and enriching. There’s a lot of life on display here, and Zeytin embodies the film’s overall spirit of perseverance and making the most of the hand you have been dealt. Following her through the city helps Lo construct a meaningful journey, one where parallels naturally form and enrich the experience. You may also come away with an overwhelming urge to adopt a pup and name it Zeytin, but that may just be me.” - Andrew Gaudion, The Hollywood News
to confront in their own lives, and it is brought to the screen in a truly breathtaking way. The love they have for one another is the bedrock of the drama... For both Firth and Tucci, while their talent is well-known, they bring something fresh and new to the drama. Tucci's Tusker is witty, sometimes quite naughty, but trying desperately to face his affliction head on... Firth's Sam is truly a man torn between the love for his partner and the fear of growing to resent him as time goes on, while desperately seeking 'the right thing' to do. Their performances are the anchor for the film, with the beautifully shot Lake District reminding us all how, when our stories seem small, they can be catastrophic and magnificent to us." -
Jenny Desborough, The Daily ExpressMar 12–14 & 18
14A, substance abuse, sexual content. Dir: Matthew Bissonnette, Canada/ Ireland, 2020, 101 min. Gabriel Byrne, Jessica Paré, Brian Gleeson, Antoine Olivier Pilon.
by two impoverished travelers, who aim to steal her milk under cover of darkness and use it to make the best darn oily cakes west of the Mississippi. Local traders and trappers pay handsomely for these buttery fried doughnuts. Even the Chief Factor falls for them, blissfully unaware of the purloined ingredient. Reichardt lets this story play out at a lovely, lazy pace. We get to know Otis ‘Cookie’ Figowitz and King Lu as they slowly get to know each other... Reichardt, adapting the novel The Half-Life by her frequent collaborator Jonathan Raymond, lets her camera drift and linger. It may pause on King Lu lighting a fire with some smoldering moss, while Cookie chops wood outside. Or take the scene in which they deliver a clafoutis (a kind of flan) to the Chief Factor; after some conversation, all the men go outside to see the cow, leaving two First Nations women to chat quietly in the now-still room. It’s a reminder that a heist needn’t be heavy on action and violence to capture an audience’s attention. Sometimes all it takes is a little flour, sugar, lard, cinnamon and honey. And a cow. One will suffice.” - Chris Knight, The National Post
“Looking for Anne is a sweet small movie about roses and boats, memories, miracles, and Anne of Green Gables. Yes, it’s set on Prince Edward Island. Young Takako Miyahira’s confident debut... follows three weeks in the life of a 17-year-old Japanese girl named Anri... Anri has travelled to P.E.I. as a tribute to her beloved grandmother, who died before she could make the pilgrimage herself. But Anri has little interest in the pull that the fictional Anne has had over generations of Japanese women.... She’s looking for an old Canadian Second World War veteran, who might live near a lighthouse on the island and whom she believes to have been her grandmother’s first love. Anri is not only shy; she’s romantic and secretive. Though her English is halting, and she has never travelled beyond the borders of her own country before, she’s determined to find her soldier herself, on a bike, with only the shakiest sense of direction. Luckily, she’s living under the broad wing of Mari, a long-time resident of Japan who has relocated to a cozy B&B she runs on the island as a safe haven for naive Japanese Green Gable watchers just like Anri. Mari’s a port in a storm, but not without turbulent waters of her own... The movie is all about loves – last loves, lost loves, and first loves, too... Looking for Anne resists every temptation to fall into gooey romance and maudlin regret. A taut, unpredictable script, restrained performances, and clean direction in both Japanese and English, enjoined with the natural beauty of a
Mar 6 (7pm)
PG, coarse language, mature themes. Dir: Harry Macqueen, UK, 2020, 93 min. Colin Firth, Stanley Tucci, Pippa Haywood.
“Films about booze-fuelled benders are supposed to be raucous, head-spinning affairs capped off with a final blaze of glory, but in Death of a Ladies’ Man, director Matt Bissonette quiets the genre to create a slow-burning masterpiece. The film follows Samuel O’Shea (Gabriel Byrne), a middle-aged professor of poetry at McGill University whose second marriage has just fallen apart and whose life is in tatters... After 40 years spent teetering on the edge of alcoholism, he has finally gone off the edge. Not to mention he is quickly losing his mind in a fit of hallucinations. Life couldn’t possibly be going worse for Samuel, that is until he gets some grim news from his doctor... Suddenly face-toface with his own mortality, Samuel goes on an impromptu trip to his native Ireland to finish his life’s work, as well as make sense of his childhood in the company of his dead father’s ghost. His visit to Ireland goes awry though as Samuel finds himself tumbling into one final romance, and rather than the curtains closing on his miserable life, he is called back for a wonderfully strange final act... Refreshingly original... Death of a Ladies’ Man is a hilariously disarming look at living, dying, and whatever it is that happens in-between.” - Tom Ndekezi - The Gateway. Featuring the iconic songs of Leonard Cohen.
"Colin Firth and Stanley Tucci star as Sam and Tusker... making their way cross-country in an RV for a concert, in which Sam is to return to the stage as a pianist... Sam is reluctant as he wishes to spend as much time as possible with Tusker, as Tusker is dealing with early on-set dementia, and is slowly becoming less able to remember and keep hold of his autonomy. Sam, the stoic, attempts to hold things together as well as possible... Tusker, meanwhile, is making his own decisions about what he wants his life to become... For Sam, he is willing to leave behind whatever career goals or aspirations he may have to support Tusker, while Tusker is utterly unwilling to become a burden to his beloved. It is a story, sadly, many are forced
Mar 19–21 & 25
PG, violence. Dir: Kelly Reichardt, US, 2020, 122 min. John Magaro, Orion Lee, Rene Auberjonois, Toby Jones. New York Film Critics Circle Awards 2020 Winner Best Film
“Kelly Reichardt’s First Cow stars Evie, a delightful, doe-eyed Jersey, portraying the first cow to be brought to a small fort and settlement in what was then Oregon Territory, circa 1820. The cow is owned by the Chief Factor – basically the head trader, or local bigwig. But she soon becomes part of a plot
Mar
PG, violent scenes, mature themes. Dir: Andy Goddard, UK, 2020, 99 min. Jim Broadbent, Judi Dench, Eddie Izzard.
Summer 1939 - Hitler’s power is growing and tensions between the UK and Germany are at boiling point. The Augusta Victoria College, a finishing school for daughters and god-daughters of the Nazi elite on the south-coast of England, is under close scrutiny after the mysterious disappearance of their teacher Mr. Wheatley. The school governess, Miss Rocholl (Judi Dench), hires journeyman teacher Thomas Miller (Eddie Izzard) to replace Wheatley and help prepare the girls for the Anglo-German fellowship. Thomas slowly raises the suspicions of Ilse Keller, the girls’ German tutor, who has secrets of her own. Caught in the crossfire, Thomas is framed for murder and goes on the run to clear his name and uncover Ilse’s true plan for the girls. Can he stop her before it’s too late?
Six Minutes to Midnight is a period thriller inspired by the real Augusta Victoria College for girls on the south coast-of England that taught German girls throughout the 1930s and only closed at the outbreak of WW2. “The dramatic location and period details are just right... Fine historical spy thriller entertainment, solid performances and a glimpse into a little-known, unsettling bit of British history.” - Cate Marquis, The St. Louis Jewish Light
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!
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
Please wear a mask when not eating your delicious popcorn. We have paper masks available free.
Film availability and provincial COVID guidelines are subject to change. Check our website on the day of the show.
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.
Admission Regular $11.00
Member $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
Regular $25
First public Island screening for many titles at City Cinema
Box office opens 20 minutes before showtime Book tickets in advance at citycinema.ca
Out of the Closet and Onto the Screen is a new initiative of Pride PEI that brings six queer film classics to City Cinema in Charlottetown for their first public screening on PEI.
Pride PEI Director Dave Stewart and Pride PEI Chair John Kimmel put the series together with the assistance of their fellow Pride PEI board member Hal Atwood.
“Pride has been looking for new initiatives to serve the community beyond the annual Pride Festival that we present,” says Stewart. “John, Hal and I are all film fanatics, so this seemed a natural outlet for us.”
The series kicks off on March 9 at 6:30 pm, with each subsequent screening taking place on Sunday afternoons every two weeks starting March 14.
“Pride PEI’s ‘must-screen’ list of Queer Cinema includes more than 260 entries, and everyone has their classic favourites—and their blind spots,” explains Pride PEI Chair John Kimmel, “which is why we’ve adopted a ‘secret-cinema’-style approach to this first set of films. We want to surprise and delight attendees with a great film they’ve either seen and love, or they’ve never heard of or had the chance to [see] before, so we’re keeping mum on
the film titles until attendees show up. We’ve got six can’t-lose films, most of which you won’t be able to find on a streaming service!”
Accompanying each feature film is one of six short episodes of “Before Grindr: The Secret Social History of PEI.” This series, produced by Dave Stewart and Laura Chapin with support from Pride PEI, PEERS Alliance and the Government of PEI via the PEI Arts Grants, features queer Islanders relating the social history of the queer community here in PEI.
“It’s important for the queer community to see ourselves on the screen, to see stories that reflect us, no matter how over the top that might be sometimes,” say Stewart. “We’ve chosen movies ranging from camp disco classics to contemporary dramas. We try to represent the range of our community with this series.”
Admission to each screening is pay what you can with a suggested donation of $10. Full series passes are also available at a discounted rate. Each admission includes popcorn.
There are only 30 seats available per show. Tickets are available at bit.ly/ ppei-secretcinema and at the door 30 minutes before each screening.
Your concerns are important to me and I want to hear from you.
I am available to chat, have a co ee, connect at my o ce, or even have a call on Zoom!
To request a meeting with me, please: call (902) 620-3977 or email olehammarlundmla@assembly.pe.ca
• Working for You in our Community •
Filmed in Lower Sackville, NS with an entirely local crew, Halifax Homicide focuses on major crime in the Halifax Regional Municipality and tells three decades worth of cases through interviews and re-enactments.
Several episodes feature Island actors who are currently residing in NS while pursuing their post-secondary education.
The second episode, “The Final Delivery,” examines the murder of Dartmouth pizza delivery driver Donald Chad Smith. The episode stars Mount Stewart’s Josh Langston as murder suspect Randy Riley and Hunter River’s Yeshua Okeafor as convicted murderer Nathan Johnson.
Three artists from PEI receive nominations
Argyle Shore native Brianna Best and Charlottetown’s Jad Ghiz also appear in prominent roles.
Yeshua Okeafor also appears in Episode five, “The Body by the Airport,” as the episode’s titular John Doe. His older sister, Hadeya Okeafor, worked throughout the series as a Production Assistant while also making several on-screen appearances.
Series producer Tieren Hawkins loved working with the Island actors.
“They were so excited, had a high work ethic, and really brought the best out in our team during the filming of their episodes. Josh was a natural star and really brought the intensity we were striving for all season. They were all so great,” he said.
Customers of Bell Fibe can watch the series now on Channel 1 or On Demand on the Bell Fibe TV app. Halifax Homicide was produced by Sleepy Bear Productions Ltd.
The Sequential Magazine Awards are a hybrid juried and fan voted awards program with the goal of promoting and celebrating the best independent comic books made by Canadians. This year, three creators from Prince Edward Island have been nominated for awards.
Comic book fans can submit their votes until February 28 at sequentialpulp.ca/ sequential-magazine-awards.
Brenda Hickey
Best Graphic Novel
Favourite Cartoonist
Brenda Hickey has been drawing and making comics for as long as she can remember. Her first professional credit was in 2013 with IDW publishing’s My Little Pony Micro Series: Applejack. From there she lent her art to many areas of the My Little Pony comic franchise. 2018 saw the publication of Ward’s Valley through Top Shelf Publishing, an original graphic novel written by Bobby Cunrow and illustrated by Brenda.
Hickey’s book The Halls of the Turnip King (nominated for Best Graphic Novel) centres around Prince Tatian, who would rather be at home playing video games than heading off on a diplomatic mission to the Dwarven Mines. Impatient and in way over his head, he fumbles along in the hopes of getting out as quickly as possible. But of course nothing ever works smoothly, especially when the prince and his entourage aren’t much smarter than a basket of turnips.
Brenda shares an in-home studio with her husband, comic creator Troy Little. Together the couple have
founded Pegamoose Press as a way to publish their creator-owned books.
Sandy Carruthers
Favourite Artist
Sandy Carruthers is probably best known for being the artist for The Men in Black—a comic book series that came out in 1980 and became the Hollywood blockbuster MIB. He also did a series of graphic novels for Lerner Publishing, as well as worked on Captain Canuck. He was part of the Charlton Neo revival initiative with writers Roger MacKenzie and Paul Kupperberg and is currently publishing his own comics through SANDSTONE COMICS—an Atlantic Canadian house based on PEI that publishes works such as CENTURY MAN, Leap Frog and Dark| SANCTUARY (with writer DA Stewart).
Troy Little
Favourite Cartoonist
Troy Little spent many years working in animation before shifting his focus full-time to comics. He’s written and illustrated The Powerpuff Girls, Rick & Morty VS Dungeons and Dragons, adapted Hunter S. Thompson’s novel Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, Kevin Eastman’s Radically Rearranged Ronin Ragdolls as well as his own books, Chiaroscuro, Angora Napkin / Harvest of Revenge, and Angora Napkin: The Golden McGuffin. Little has been twice nominated for an Eisner Award as well as the Harvey and Ringo Awards.
On a hidden shelf
In a jar of heavy glass
Deep, dark, and thick
Preserved while time has passed
In the dusty basement
With heirloom threadbare tablecloths
Discarded Tupperware
Where cedar guards against the moths
Bottled joy of that August day
Along the edge of the berry field
You trod lightly as you gleaned
I awkward as I kneeled
Under the sun
Quiet but for bee buzzing and birdsong
That filled the arching sky
All afternoon long
Something new for 2021
FilmPEI is able to offer many levels of training for writers interested in film and television. Regardless of training or experience, assistance is available to get a project off the ground for anyone with an idea they think would work as a feature film, web or tv series.
A major change this year is that past participants interested in continuing to develop their projects are encouraged to submit an application to receive customized mentoring. Recipients of film or television project development funding or participants of past PEI Screenwriters’ Bootcamp workshops
could be eligible to work one-on-one with a story editor or participate in a writers’ retreat at the end of May.
Beginners will be invited to attend training sessions in a virtual setting and all participants will have the option of training online. Some sessions will be offered in a virtual environment and some will be offered in-person. Organizers recommend getting in touch prior to submitting applications to ensure participants are aware of all the scenarios on offer.
On June 4, the public can attend Industry Day at the Haviland Club in Charlottetown where five writer/producer teams will vie for a $15,000 prize toward producing a “proof of concept” in the Pitch for Your Life competition, and engage with panelists from multiple industry groups including broadcasters and funding agencies. More details will be available soon.
For submission information, visit peiscreenwritersbootcamp.net or email Project Coordinator Louise Lalonde at louise@louiselalondeproductions.com.
Julie Bull’s debut poetry book, (h)in(d)sight 2020, the first in the Spir(itu)al Connection Collection, was published in December 2020 and launched in February.
Julie’s lyrical and whimsical use of language provides provocative ponderings for readers as they are taken on a journey of self-discovery. Part memoir, part manifesto, part musings, (h)in(d)sight 2020 is both an inward journey and an outward call to action. This is an interrogation; a heart and soul voyage toward decolonization. Challenging the status quo and perceived societal norms, (h)in(d)sight 2020 demonstrates another way forward, together.
Growing up in a rural area where there weren’t many children, Julie drew on their own imagination and storytelling abilities for entertainment. They’ve been creating poetry since they could speak.
In March 2020, Julie was awarded a residency at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity in the Indigenous Storytelling and Spoken-Word program. Using skills from their residency, Julie performed and was a top winner at the PEERS Alliance/PRIDE PEI OUT spoken Poetry Slam in the summer of 2020. They also performed in the Island Fringe Festival’s Pounding the Pavement: Celebrating and amplifying artists from the fringe (2020).
Purchase a copy of at juliebull.net/shop.
Released on January 22, Mystery at Ben’s Lake is the fourth book in the Camden Mystery Club series by author Anne Hotchkis.
Trish and the club members find themselves at Ben’s Lake, PEI, for a murder mystery weekend event
planned by manager Cal Morgan.
A real murder takes place while they are there, so Trish, Charlie, the Freeman twins (Josie and John) and Paul find themselves in the midst of their favourite activity—solving crimes.
The RCMP detectives and Trish’s club vie with each other to solve the mystery.
Mystery at Ben’s Lake was printed at Kwik Kopy in Charlottetown. Copies are available at Bookmark and Indigo in Charlottetown.
Volume 25
running out of stories, so the journey continues.”
In volume 25, RED welcomes PEI Poet Laureate, Julie Pellessier-Lush to tell about her deep connection to the Mi’kmaq drum—an instrument of great importance to the culture of her community and their proud history.
Another first timer is Bonnie LecLair, who has contributed a touching story about her mother, “My Mom, a Labour Strike and a Past Pandemic.”
Keith Milligan has pitched in with “The Gorbine,” a story about a little known monster that inhabits rural PEI.
Plus, RED will announce the champion of their first annual Saucy Pickle Award for the Island’s finest mustard pickles. Twenty six master picklers took part and one was crowned the Saucy Pickle Champion.
Illustrated by Vivian Aho
RED: The Island Storybook will be turning 25 (in volumes) in March.
When they started out, a little over ten years ago, they had no idea where the RED road would lead or how long it would last. To all of the tellers and lovers of stories, the publishers of RED say, “we couldn’t do it without you, and Islanders don’t seem to be
Summerside artist Vivian Aho and her daughter, author Megan Aho, published the children’s book The Flyaway Kite in February.
The story follows the gentle tale of a young boy whose homemade kite breaks free and flies away. It seems the kite is lost forever but after an extraordinary journey, it ends up in just the right place. Ultimately, the boy gains something far more valuable than what was lost.
The Flyaway Kite is ideal for children ages 3–8. Very young children will enjoy finding the little crow hidden on each page of the story. Included in the book are instructions for a paper kite that is both easy to build and a reliable flier.
Author Megan Aho was born and raised on PEI and currently resides in Hawaii. She plays folk music for children for her Molly Whuppie Music Project.
Vivian Aho’s illustrations in The Flyaway Kite were inspired by rural life on PEI.
The idea for the book came to Megan from a childhood experience of watching a kite fly away across the fields. She always wondered where it ended up.
The Flyaway Kite is available at local bookstores and online.
mollywhuppiemusic.com
Olivia Robinson’s first novel, The Blue Moth Motel, has been accepted for publication by Breakwater Books. Set mostly on PEI, Robinson’s novel is scheduled to be published in the fall.
Robinson graduated from UPEI in 2015 with a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in English. She continued her education at Memorial University of Newfoundland, earning a master of arts degree in English with emphasis on creative writing. Her graduate program supervisor was well-known Canadian fiction writer Lisa Moore. One of Robinson’s stories is included in a forthcoming anthology of new fiction writers edited by Moore.
Robinson’s work has appeared in Riddle Fence, Cargo Literary Magazine, The Overcast, and the UPEI Arts Review
In 2017, she was shortlisted for the Room Magazine fiction contest, and in 2020 for the Newfoundland and Labrador Credit Union’s Fresh Fish Award. Also in 2017, she completed a writing residency with the Tilting Recreation and Cultural Society on Fogo Island, which was where she first started writing The Blue Moth Motel
“I really owe a lot to UPEI and to my professors, Dr. Richard Lemm and
The International Women’s Day (IWD) organizing committee brings advocacy and celebration online this year with a podcast series, ”Choose to Challenge.”
Five exceptional women and gender diverse people will share their perspectives and experiences of ”choosing to challenge.” Each person will be interviewed by an inspiring member of the community, bringing the shared voices to ten.
The podcast series will be available March 8, International Women’s Day, on the PEI Status of Women Facebook page or wherever podcasts are available.
Members of the Eptek Centre Book Club will meet on March 4 at 7 pm to discuss the book Educated by author Tara Westover.
Contact the Eptek Centre or the book club organizers to register in advance for this free event. Space is limited. Eptek is located at 130 Heather Moyse Dr in Summerside. 888-8373, peimuseum.com
Dr. Brent MacLaine specifically, in my journey to become a writer,” she said.
“It was at UPEI where I truly felt like it [writing] was something I could do.”
Originally from Nova Scotia, Robinson lives in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador.
In addition, everyone is invited to participate by submitting a short video clip recognizing the IWD theme (#choosetochallenge). Send a recording, maximum 30 seconds in length, to PEI Status of Women at michelle@ peistatusofwomen.ca and they will include it in a collective banner for PEI.
IWD is a day to join women and gender diverse people worldwide in calling for gender equity and justice for all.
Proceeds from the sale of the first two printings The Biscuit Bible went to support the Prince Edward Home, a longterm care facility in Charlottetown. The goal for the Home was exceeded and demand for the book continued.
For the third and fourth printings of the book, author Dolores Griffin worked with existing vendors and new partners to support more local fundraising efforts.
Griffin will continue to partner with any local non-profit or community group interested in fundraising. For more info or to find out where to get a copy, email dgriffin@eastlink.ca.
Community activist Lynne Thiele welcomes NDP women to celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD) at her Stratford home. A reception will be held March 7 at 3 pm. This year’s theme is #choosetochallenge. To register, call or text 330-2248.
Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) is inviting Islanders to join the Big Little Challenge to help raise money for a great cause. Beginning March 8, the fundraiser will feature three weeks of themed challenges, a chance to win one of three Signature Challenges, and prizes. The weekly themes are Mental Health & Well-Being, Trying New Things and Making a Difference. There are team options for Work or Friends and Family. Teams who raise $100 have a chance to win a staycation prize package that includes a Green Gables Golf prize package, a $500 Confederation Court Mall shopping spree and a $250 Canadian Tire gift card. Info/register: 569-KIDS, info@ bbbspei.ca, bbbspei.ca
Canadian Parents for French PEI is hosting a members only bilingual family bowling event on March 19 from 1:45–3 pm. Registration is limited. Email edcpfpei@gmail.com to register.
The Canadian Mental Health Association
PEI’s Learning, Training & Support Hub will offer an online Exploring Self-esteem webinar on March 22 from 7–8:30 pm via Zoom. The webinar will explore why people struggle with self-esteem and the importance of fostering positive self-esteem. Join them for a conversation about strategies to improve self-esteem and learn how to take a more compassionate approach to self-evaluation. Email Amanda at a.gallant-squires@cmha.pe.ca to register for this free event.
A new research project allows anglers in PEI with a permit to take part in winter perch fishing until the end of March. The provincial government secured a Scientific Collection License from Fisheries and Oceans Canada to carry out the winter perch fishery as an experiment. Islanders must register to take part in the fishery and all perch must be recorded. To register, email anglingideas@gov.pe.ca. New permits will be issued once a week on Fridays. There are three locations where people can fish for perch: Doyles Pond (Tignish); Deroche Pond (Blooming Point); and Johnstons River. Participants can have up to four lines with three hooks per line, barbless only. The daily limit is 25. Any trout caught must be recorded and then immediately released unharmed. Info: 368-4683, princeedwardisland.ca
A UPEI research group is seeking participants for a study to test a new method for assessing head injuries. Participants
must be aged 16 to 27 years of age. The team is looking for participants in the following categories: healthy people (non-concussed, no known chronic diseases); people who have had a concussion within the last 36 hours; people who have had concussion symptoms for longer than three months but less than six months; people who have had a bone fracture within the last 36 hours; and boxers active in competition. If interested in participating, call 566-0827 or email concussion@upei.ca.
Work and Study Hubs are available to Islanders in 13 communities across PEI. The hubs are spaces where Islanders can bring their own device to access free, reliable internet to work and learn. Hubs are available at Tignish Initiatives, Northport/Alberton Community Centre, Future Tech West in O’Leary, Wellington’s Royal Canadian Legion, Bedeque’s Rural Women’s Business Centre, Stanley Bridge Hall, Kensington’s Credit Union Centre, North Rustico Lions Club, Grand Tracadie Community Centre, St. Peters Community Centre, Matthew McLean Building in Souris, Murray Harbour Community Centre, and the Cardigan Fireman’s Office. For location details, operating hours and more information on the Work and Study Hubs visit princeedwardisland.ca/ WASH. Physical distancing and mask use is required with up to six patrons permitted in the space at one time.
The PEI Association of Community Schools has been hosting virtual classes online via their Facebook page this winter. The final classes will be held March 11. All class videos will remain available to watch online until further notice. PEI Community Schools encourages Islanders to take in the many craft classes (and soon to come wood carving class), participate in the yoga and exercise classes, and to share and like often. The videos are available on Facebook @ PEICommunitySchools. Info: 1-800-5655629, peicommunityschools.com
The Community Foundation of PEI (CFPEI) and the Rotary Club of Charlottetown are combining efforts in the PEI Chase the Ace Online Lottery, a 100 percent online progressive jackpot, multiple-draw, and bi-weekly raffle. The bi-weekly prize is valued at 20 percent of ticket sales collected during the specific two-week period of each draw. The Chase the Ace Progressive Jackpot is valued at 30 percent of all ticket sales collected over the course of the multi-week campaign. CFPEI will disperse 50 percent of the proceeds through their COVID-19 Community Impact Fund. The Rotary Club of Charlottetown will disperse the remaining 50 percent of proceeds
in support of their charitable granting. Draws are made every second Tuesday during Rotary Radio Bingo on CFCY 95.1 FM live between 7–8 pm until the jackpot is won. Islanders can purchase tickets online at chasetheacepei.ca.
A monthly grief support group is held online via Zoom every third Thursday of each month at 7 pm. The drop-in sessions are facilitated by Social Worker Blanche Ward and Hospice PEI Grief Support Coordinator, Lynn Butler. To register, contact Lynn at 330-3857. First time Zoom users are welcome to join. Technical support can be arranged a few days before the session. One on one grief support Hospice volunteers are also available for private phone conversations.
Temporary shelter is available for Islanders in need, especially during extreme weather events or inclement weather. Islanders in urgent need of shelter can call the temporary shelter referral line at 1-833-220-4722 or dial 2-1-1.
The producers of the CBC hit television show Dragons’ Den are holding virtual auditions looking for the next big “thing” in business. Entrepreneurs from across the country will have a fresh chance to enter the Dragons’ Den in a bid to score some high-powered financial backing for their business ventures. Dragons’ Den gives aspiring entrepreneurs the opportunity to pitch their businesses to a panel of wealthy Canadian business moguls— the Dragons. Successful pitchers will have a chance to earn real investment from the Dragons’ own pockets. They are looking for the biggest and best deals from coast-to-coast. To view the application, visit cbc.ca/dragonsden/auditions. For information on how to prepare for virtual auditions, reference their Cheat Sheet at cbc.ca/dragonsden/blog/ audition-cheat-sheet.
A group meets for an in depth study and discussion of the text A Course in Miracles every Friday at 7 pm online via Zoom. The meeting ID number is 458 306 483. Info: 566-1859, ching2tu@yahoo.com
Mealshare, a Canadian charity on a mission to help end youth hunger with their Buy One, Give One program, has expanded to PEI. Their new national partnership with A&W Canada means that hundreds of meals will now be provided every year to PEI kids in need through two local charities. For every Mealshare item purchased at A&W, they will share one simple, healthy meal with a youth in need. The goal of the
partnership is to share 1,250,000 meals every year across Canada. In PEI, two A&W locations are participating with the goal of providing 2400 meals per year through the Charlottetown Boys and Girls Club and the Boys and Girls Club of Summerside. Info: mealshare.ca
The Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC) summer camp is an interactive, fun and engaging venture into the world of veterinary medicine. At the College’s annual Dr. Tim Ogilvie AVC Vet Camp, participants will learn about animals, meet others who share their love of animals, and take part in fun, educational activities. Get a taste of what being a veterinarian is really like. Junior camps (grades 7–9) are scheduled for July 5–9 and July 12–16; senior camps (grades 10–12) take place from July 19–23 and July 26–30. The deadline for applications is March 26. Info: upei.ca/avc/camp or call 566-0589
The Order of PEI Advisory Council nomination submissions for the 2021 awards must be received by the Office of the Secretary by their deadline, March 26 at 4:30 pm. The Order of PEI is the highest honour the Province can bestow. It was established to recognize Islanders who make remarkable contributions to the social, economic and cultural life of their province. Consider nominating someone who has shown excellence or outstanding leadership in the community or in their chosen profession. Info: 368-5970, assembly.pe.ca/opei
Redfox Flooring Warehouse in conjunction with Gifts from the Heart, The Guardian, Hot 105.5 and Ocean 100 are hosting the Gifts from the Heart annual clothes drive until March 26. Clothes donations can be dropped off from 8 am–3 pm daily at Redfox Flooring Warehouse, 167 Minna Jane Dr, Royalty Power Mall, Unit 6, (Former Sears Building), Charlottetown. Info: gary@ redfoxflooring.com, 626-3338
The Native Council of PEI (NCPEI) is pleased with the Dept of Social Development and Housing’s announcement that birth alerts will no longer be conducted in PEI. Birth alerts are when an expecting parent is flagged due to safety concerns for the coming baby without their consent. This controversial practice was deemed unconstitutional and illegal by BC’s Ministry of the Attorney General in May 2019. Birth alerts are widely considered to be harmful for Indigenous families in particular as the practice can break up families based on assumptions before the birth of a child. The National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls also found that birth alerts are racist, discriminatory and are a violation of the rights of the child and parents. The NCPEI is the self-governing authority for Indigenous peoples residing off-reserve across ancestral Mi’kmaq territory on Epekwitk (PEI). ncpei.com
Women in International Security (WIIS) Canada has named UPEI’s Stephanie Arnold as one of its Emerging Thought Leaders in the category of climate change. Arnold is a PhD candidate in Environmental Science and conducts research with UPEI’s School of Climate Change and Adaptation.
Arnold describes her research, “As climate change continues at an accelerating rate, pressures on current agricultural systems will intensify unlike ever before. Cropping systems will need to repeatedly adjust to new climate normals to continue supporting food, economic, and social securities.”
Arnold points out that most adaptations in agriculture have tended to be reactive in response to large-scale weather events. Her research focuses on applying a flexible, proactive and dynamic approach that presents growers with sets of possible future actions based on careful observations, calculations and predictions of climate change over time. She is also studying the use of drone technology in agriculture and building adaptation capacity across the sector.
“This award recognizes [Stephanie] Arnold’s leading research in addressing climate change,” said Dr. Adam
The 2021 PEI Museum and Heritage Foundation Awards were presented in February to individuals and groups in recognition of their contribution to heritage on PEI.
The award recipients are: Award of Honour, Nature PEI; Wendell Boyle Award, Culture Summerside for the Culture Summerside 2020 Ghostwalk; Volunteer of the Year, Louis Cooper; Boyd Beck Memorial Award, Julie Pellissier-Lush; Publication of the Year Award, J. Clinton Morrison for his book Logjams and Widow-Makers: Prince Edward Islanders in the Maine Woods; Natural Heritage Activity Award, Sharon Clark, Alma Currie and Ron Arvidson for their work on the Birding on PEI Facebook page; and Irene Rogers Architectural Award, Lori Pendleton.
The Heritage Recognition Award recipients are: Tara Maloney for her work on Tara Maloney House; The Summerside and Area Historical Society for the photo exhibit of the Historic Holman Department Store;
Fenech, her supervisor at UPEI’s School of Climate Change and Adaptation. “Her research is also a strong commitment to helping the potato growers of Prince Edward Island in adapting to our rapidly changing climate.”
WIIS-Canada is Canada’s premier organization advancing women’s leadership in the field of international peace and security through research excellence, professional development, mentorship, and networking.
Randy Arsenault for his work on the Cascumpec General Store, Antiques and Collectables; Paul Coles for his work restoring 15 Hillsborough St; PEI Association for Newcomers to Canada for their work preserving and celebrating Island heritage; Myron Matheson for preserving the history of CN Rail in PEI; Timothy Archer and Ricky Lee for their work restoring the Music at the Manse building and turning it into a music venue; The Resort Municipality of Cavendish for their work on Montgomery Park; Maxine Delaney for restoring Clifford’s House; Dale MacAusland for his work preserving PEI’s heritage through MacAusland’s Woolen Mills; Jody Jesso for her work in genealogy; Dan McAskill, Jim Hornby and Aggi-Rose Reddin for their work creating the Hillsborough River interactive virtual map; Hung-Min Chiang for his dedication and contribution to Island heritage; Mi’kmaq Heritage Actors Inc for sharing and preserving Mi’kmaq history through performance and storytelling; and Brenda Jones for her book Medicinal Herbs of Eastern Canada: A Picture Manual.
The Seniors College of PEI has decided to cancel its Spring term for 2021. The safety of their members and facilitators is paramount and they are committed to following the directives of the Chief Public Health Officer. Currently, the Board of Directors is working to develop a strong program for the 2021–22 year as they intend to return to in-person classes, welcoming new and existing members this fall. In the coming weeks, the College will offer online presentations on a variety of topics for members and friends. Follow them on Facebook or visit seniorscollege.ca for the latest updates.
The Province welcomes more Islanders to government agencies, boards and commissions. In January, seven Islanders were appointed or reappointed to the following boards: Advisory Council on the Status of Women, Council of the PEI College of Physiotherapy, Social Assistance Appeal Board and Victims Services Advisory Committee. Every month, government boards across many different industries are ready to welcome new members. To learn more about upcoming vacancies or to apply, visit Engage PEI at princeedwardisland.ca.
Holland College will offer the Aircraft Turbine Technician program again this September. The one-year program prepares students to inspect aircraft engines,
troubleshoot issues with mechanical systems, and modify, repair, and test turbine engines. Students are trained on a variety of turbine engines. Info: hollandcollege. com, 1-800-446-5265, recruitment@hollandcollege.com.
The City of Charlottetown’s twelve outdoor rinks are open to the public. The public is encouraged to check on the status of the rinks by visiting charlottetown.ca and selecting the Skating and Skiing page in the Recreation & Leisure drop down menu. The outdoor rinks webpage is updated daily, Monday through Friday. Each outdoor rink has a maximum limit which is based around physical distancing and the public gathering guidance limits. Rink capacities will be posted at each facility and can be found online with the rink conditions. Individual groups using the rinks must not exceed the restrictions on personal gatherings. Up-to-date restrictions and public health guidelines can be found at princeedwardisland.ca/covid19. A CSA approved helmet is required.
The PEI Fire Fighters Association Fire School provides volunteer firefighters
and students from the Atlantic Police Academy Fire Program with complete training and required skills to firefighting in different environments. Anyone wanting to become a firefighter goes through this facility to become part of one of 36 Island fire services across the province. Training topics can include defensive driving, pump operators, live fire simulation, medical first responder, ice rescue, vehicle extrication, rope rescue, hazardous materials awareness, confined space training and more. The fire school also provides various organizations with industrial safety training. Info: peiffa.com
The IWK Telethon for Children on CTV will return in 2021, celebrating its 37th year. This time-honoured annual fundraiser in support of the IWK will broadcast live from the CTV Atlantic studios in Halifax on June 6 from 10 am–6 pm. The telethon broadcast will continue to represent and celebrate the power of the Maritime community coming together in support of the IWK. Although there will not be traditional remote broadcast locations in Halifax, Saint John, Charlottetown and Sydney, the telethon will continue to connect Maritimers from every corner of our region using their virtual platforms. Funds raised will support urgent priorities and opportunities at the IWK including equipment, education, research and innovation.
Holland College (HC) will offer two new two-year sport and recreation programs in September. The Sport and Recreation Management program and the Kinesiology program replace the Sport and Leisure Management program the college has offered for several years. The two new programs will give students the opportunity to focus on their primary areas of interest. The Sport and Recreation Management program will prepare students for a career in community development, recreation programming, facility management, athletic administration, and similar employment opportunities. The Kinesiology program will prepare students for a career in recreation programming, facility management, fitness coordination, and similar employment opportunities. Info: hollandcollege.com
The Farmers Talk program has been renewed for a second year after assisting hundreds of PEI’s farmers and their families find help to deal with the mental and emotional stress associated with farming life. FarmersTalk.ca encourages farmers, producers and family members to open up about the challenges they face, to support each other, and to reach out for help with any mental health struggles. More than 250 counselling
sessions were provided free of charge last year to members of PEI’s agricultural community through Farmers Talk and the Farmer Assistance Program, offered by the PEI Federation of Agriculture. FarmersTalk.ca was developed by the Dept of Agriculture and Land in cooperation with Island farm organizations and provincial mental health services. This resource builds on other support available through the Farmer Assistance Program, which offers six free sessions to farmers, their families and their employees dealing with mental health issues.
The provincial government has created a special million-dollar fund to assist Island farmers in sectors that incurred extraordinary costs due to post-tropical storm Dorian. The Post-Tropical Storm Dorian Response Program will be available for farmers who can demonstrate extraordinary Dorian-linked expenses in three impacted sectors—corn, crambe and tree fruit. Agriculture is a pillar of PEI’s economy, employing thousands of people and contributing billions of dollars. Agriculture and Land will immediately begin work with the PEI Federation of Agriculture to develop a program and deliver this compensation. The program will be paid for using funds in the existing provincial 2020/21 operating budget.
HC Holland College (HC) will provide 250 Define What’s Next entrance awards and three new full tuition awards for Island students. Students must apply for acceptance in a HC program before they will be considered for a Define What’s Next award. Once they have applied to a program, they should apply for an award at hollandcollege.com by March 25. The three recipients of the tuition credits will be determined in three random draws to be held February 26, March 12 and March 26. All Island students who apply to a HC program before those dates are automatically entered into the draws. In addition to the 250 Define What’s Next Island Entrance Awards and the three tuition credits, HC has hundreds of other entrance awards, bursaries and scholarships for which students are eligible to apply. Info: hollandcollege.com, 1-800446-5265, awards@hollandcollege.com
Islanders can borrow MP3 players from public libraries for a loved one living with memory loss to help activate their memories through music. The new Music and Memory program provides access to MP3 players that can be loaded with personalized playlists. The goal is to help people living with memory loss or a physical condition reconnect with loved ones and the world around them through music memories and to improve their quality of life. Music and Memory is a collaborative initiative between the PEI Seniors’ Secretariat, the Sunlife Musical Lending Library program, the Friends of the Rotary Regional Library and the Rotary Club of Montague and Eastern PEI. To sign up, visit the PEI Public Library Service at princeedwardisland.ca.
The Board of Directors of the Kensington and Area Chamber of Commerce (KACC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Julie Corbett as the organization’s new Executive Director.
Corbett has worked in various positions in office settings dealing with customers, wish families, sponsors and Boards of Directors. She has lots of experience organizing and promoting events for non-profit organizations in particular.
“I am passionate about helping businesses thrive, especially during challenging times. Having grown up in the Kensington area, I have seen a lot of growth over the years and feel it is such a great community. [I’m] looking forward to getting reacquainted with the people that work and live in the area,” says Corbett. “I am [also] looking forward to working alongside the dedicated Board of Directors and the committees involved as well as the Businesses in the Community.”
Julie started her new role in February and is working from the Chambers office in Kensington. She encourages those interested in membership or more information about the
The War Amps began its 2021 key tag mailing to PEI residents in late January with the theme “You Are a Part of What We Do,” marking the 75th anniversary of the Association’s Key Tag Service and paying tribute to the public for helping make it a success.
The Key Tag Service was launched in 1946 so that returning war amputee veterans could not only work for competitive wages, but also provide a service to Canadians that would generate funds for the Association’s many programs, including CHAMP—The War Amps Child Amputee Program.
The Key Tag Service continues to employ amputees and people with disabilities and has returned more than 1.5 million sets of lost keys to their owners. Each key tag has a confidentially coded number. If the owner loses their keys, the finder can call the tollfree number on the back of the tag or place them in any mailbox in Canada, and The War Amps will return them by courier, free of charge.
For more information or to order key tags, call 1-800-250-3030 or visit waramps.ca.
Chamber to visit or contact her directly.
KACC was established in 1961 and is a non-profit organization of businesses, corporations and tourism stakeholders with the objective to promote and improve trade, commerce, tourism and the economic, civil, social welfare and growth of Kensington and the surrounding communities. KKAC currently represents over 120 members.
Gary Schneider
Coastal forests are incredibly important components of our Island ecosystem. The often-relentless winter winds pound the vegetation along our north shore, limiting the sizes and species of plants in the area. But instead of seeing these areas as impoverished, we really need to embrace their richness.
Many areas along the north shore of the province, especially throughout PEI National Park, have excellent examples of crooked or tangly woods known as krummholz. These are areas of short trees—mostly white spruce, but sometimes with balsam fir and Eastern larch. In our province, it is not unusual to see fir growing on the north shore in large, low spreading patches. In Newfoundland and Labrador, these areas are called tuckamore, and can include lots of larch growing very low to the ground. They often lack much branching on the windward side due to the drying winter winds and the salt spray. As you move farther away from the shore, the trees tend to get taller, and after a while you start entering a more mixed forest.
The krummholz acts as a screen, and is made up of plants that can tolerate harsh conditions. It reduces wind speed and catches salt spray. If you wanted to construct something to accomplish the same results, it would look like a short, tight fence along the shore with succeeding rows of slightly taller and more open fencing.
But instead of fencing, we have dynamic ecosystems that provide a great many ecological benefits. They store carbon, not just in the trees but in the many other plants that can occupy these sites. This includes hardy taller shrubs such as bayberry, wild rose, serviceberry, red-berried elder, willow,
and wild raisin, as well as smaller plants such as bunchberry, starflower, and wood ferns.
Creeping juniper is one of our native junipers that can be found in these areas. It is a low-growing shrub with cones that look like berries, and is well adapted to tough growing conditions. All junipers produce “berries” that can be used in the production of gin. The dense, light-green growth protects the soil and provides hiding spots for a variety of small wildlife species.
Crowberry is another low, creeping evergreen that can be found on the edges of krummholz. It is in the heather family, with short, light-green leaves and black berries. Crows and many other birds, as well as small mammals, feed on the berries.
Another ground-hugging woody plant found in these areas is large cranberry, with tart red fruit that provide food for both wildlife and humans.
In addition to the diverse plant life, these areas are often rich in birds and mammals. The dense growth provides a perfect spot for birds to hide from predators, while mammals use the areas for both hunting and hiding.
Krummholz are often a pain to travel through, so they tend to be overlooked and understudied. They are seen as wastelands, areas that serve no purpose. Yet that is far from the truth, as they provide wildlife habitat, store carbon, help slow erosion, and make it possible to grow less-hardy trees that would not survive without this protection.
These are remarkable areas that don’t get nearly the credit that they deserve.
March 2021 marks the centennial of radio broadcasting in PEI. A ground-breaking event led to the development of what we now take for granted—broadcast media.
Enthusiastic amateur radio operators called “hams” had been using Morse code for years. It was a demonstration of how a wireless radio set could receive concert music that provided proof that the latest technology had arrived on the Island.
It happened on March 11, 1921 in the Provincial Technical School in the Rena MacLean Memorial Hospital on the grounds of Government House in Charlottetown. Keith S. Rogers and his class of adult students successfully tuned into a broadcast from similar students at Union College in Schenectady, New York. A week later, the event was repeated for local dignitaries with special greetings for the PEI audience from New York.
World War I saw Keith Rogers posted with the Canadian Army in 1914 as a fortress signals officer at Citadel Hill in Halifax. In Charlottetown, Government House was turned over to the war effort, specifically as a convalescent hospital for recovering veterans. The construction of the Rena MacLean Memorial Hospital next door provided additional beds and eventually, as the focus turned from convalescent to rehabilitation for veterans, it housed the Provincial Technical School.
The 1921 broadcast showed the direction ahead, and Rogers began broadcasting locally that fall as an amateur with both announcements and music from phonographs.
group. Using that license, Walter Burke started broadcasting church services from Trinity Church in Charlottetown on January 25, 1925—only the second church in Canada to do so.
In 1925, Rogers obtained the first commercial radio license in Eastern Canada for a station that eventually became CFCY. Later, he planned for TV broadcasting on PEI, which his family completed after his death, launching CFCY-TV on July 1, 1956. His dream of connecting people through the airwaves of “the Friendly Voice of the Maritimes” was realized and the stations continue today with Maritime Broadcasting as the current owners of CFCY/Q93 and CBC purchasing the television operations.
A private event at Government House on March 11 will recognize the role that Fanningbank played in the early days of radio on PEI.
— Submitted by Ian Scott
February 18 - March 5, 2023
Prince edward isl and
Recently we were delighted to be invited over “for drinks” at the home of neighbours who moved to the Cove from England a few years back. “Come over for drinks”—what a concept! What a novelty in this year of self-isolation. Certainly we’ll come, thank you very much.
Isn’t it lovely when you step in the door and your host thrusts a goblet of wine into your hand? Cheers! There is something about wine that makes conversation flow, especially on a winter’s night when the warmth of human kindness is most welcome. It’s easy to social distance at our friends’ place because they live in a roomy high-ceilinged farmhouse built in the days of thick timbers and long boards. A few years ago during renovations, as layer upon layer of wallpaper was peeled off, they came across a fragment of newspaper from 1880 with an editorial bemoaning the cost of the new PEI Hospital for the Insane. That’s how old their house is.
This artifact is now a charming centerpiece on their kitchen wall.
With wine glasses in hand, cheerful fire crackling in the woodstove and smiles all around, we settled in and started talking.
“You moved here from the north of England,” says I. “What’s England like these days? I just read Hilary Mantel’s history of Thomas Cromwell and it seems that things were pretty tough over there in the 1500s. Plagues, beheadings and such.”
Our host laughed. “Plagues perhaps, but no beheadings. Life in England? Well, food is cheap but buying a house is out of the question. People go to pubs but don’t socialize much with friends at home, not like this.”
“So you came to Canada because houses are affordable?”
“No, it was because teenagers talk to adults here.”
“What!? Don’t teenagers talk to adults in England?”
“Not where we came from. We were used to lippy youngsters who wouldn’t talk to you on a dare. One summer we vacationed on Prince Edward Island and had a conversation with some friendly teenagers, just a normal conversation you know, but it was such a shock that we said to ourselves, this is where we want to raise our boys.”
That just blew me away.
Since then I’ve been paying closer attention to our teenagers and yes, I’d have to say that they are undeniably friendly. Yesterday as I was out walking I encountered four local girls jauntily making their way to the shore. Two of them had been in our Cove Christmas concerts over the years so we were slightly acquainted with one another, but I’m sure that if I had been a total stranger they would have smiled at me the same way. We had an impromptu chat, hello hello, lovely weather, how’s school, say hi to your folks for me, stay warm. It felt like a pleasant exchange among equals.
Teenagers talking to adults: let’s raise a glass to that! While we’re at it let’s also have a toast to the friendly parents who raised those teenagers.
April BUZZ deadline
Submissions and booking advertising
Monday, March 15th
Tough Stuff, the debut album by Charlottetown based indie-pop singer and songwriter Brandon Howard Roy, was released February 19.
After performing on stages across Canada for years as a musical theatre singer, Roy describes the album as an introduction to who he is as a creator.
“I’ve dedicated this album to anyone who is made of tough stuff because of the tough stuff they’ve been through. These songs are little snapshots of moments where I’ve struggled and triumphed, and I’m excited for my listeners to feel like they can triumph, too. And most importantly dance while doing it!”
Tough Stuff features six tracks, some of which have been released as singles. Nominated for two 2021 Music PEI Awards, Roy will be playing during Music PEI week and headlining a show March 16 on Confederation Centre’s Mainstage in Charlottetown. The album is available across all platforms. brandonhowardroy.com
Shane Pendergast’s sophomore album Second Wind will be released on March 5
Pendergast is a folk singer from PEI whose connection to Maritime folk music dates back to the efforts of his great-grandparents, preservers of PEI folklore. At age 22, Pendergast is known as an “oldschool troubadour,” performing about 200 gigs a year.
Second Wind is a collection of original folk songs featuring live-off-the-floor performances recorded in a church near Tracadie Bay. Second Wind follows Pendergast’s debut album, Place to the Name which dropped in early 2020 and recently earned him two Music PEI nominations.
Produced by Andrew Murray and Pendergast, Second Wind speaks of adversity, perseverance and
tradition. The title track tells the story of renewed courage, a contemporary theme that undergirds the 11-track album. The musician draws on traditional Maritime folk music, Beat Generation literature, old whaling songs, and the folk music revival of the 1960’s to comment on the present day.
“We recorded the album steps away from my family home, at St. Bonaventure’s Parish, a large wooden church at the mouth of the Tracadie Bay. With fully live vocal performances and much of the instruments recorded live, we were able to capture the spirit and honesty of each song.”
Second Wind will be available March 5 on Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes, Amazon Music and Bandcamp.
Recorded in February 2020, Another Suffer is the follow up to 2017’s self-titled album, Baby God. The new album is a breezy, homespun Sunday listen.
Another Suffer was written, performed and produced by Baby God. The album was mastered by Colin Buchanan at The Hill Sound Studio in Charlottetown.
“The first thing Andrew and I did to begin the process was sit down around my kitchen table, each with a guitar, and a notebook, and trade songs back and forth. As much as possible, we wanted to hang on to the feeling of that experience through to the final product” says Gill.
“We knew we had a small window of time to record Another Suffer, and so a lot of the record arose from just putting ourselves on the path of creativity, and trusting that something would come. I think we owe the vibe of the record to the relaxed nature of the process, as well as our willingness to just show up and get creative” adds Murray.
Another Suffer is available now at bbabygodd. bandcamp.com and on all streaming platforms.
Baby God, featuring the alternative-folk songwriting collaboration between Islanders Nathan Gill and Andrew Murray, released their second full length album Another Suffer on February 19.
The duo brings the pop and indie rock sensibilities of the Charlottetwon music scene to the group’s stripped back sound. Baby God’s song-first approach and laid back production style keep their recordings candid and direct.
PEI poet and songwriter Rick Sparkes, along with his band The Enablers, are set to release their second fulllength album, Pleasure in the Pathless Woods on March 18. The album is the follow-up effort to the band’s 2018 debut album, The Trouble with the Light, which earned a number of Music PEI Award nominations, including the 2020 SOCAN Songwriter of the Year.
Produced by Sparkes and Brent Chaisson from Studio Dimanche, Pleasure in the Pathless Woods finds Sparkes exploring new realms of creativity in his songwriting.
Lyrically, the album navigates familiar themes of love, loss, and redemption in much more personal, and often poetic, ways. In 2016 and 2019, Sparkes was awarded the Milton Acorn Poetry Prize as part of the Island Literary Awards.
While all the music and lyrics on the new album were written by Sparkes, he maintains that the finished product was very much a collaborative effort.
“I have an incredible team of musicians that I work with,” says Sparkes. “Danny Drouin, who’s a gifted singer/songwriter in his own right, plays lead guitar on this album; Ruth Ann MacMurdo sings most of the harmonies on the album, and my longtime co-producer, Brent Chaisson, not only played drums, percussion, and bass, he recorded, mixed, and mastered this album at Studio Dimanche, so I’m very
fortunate in that I get to work with some pretty talented folks, who also happen to be my best friends.”
The album also features performances by Carrie MacLellan, Dane Perry and Tim Chaisson.
Pleasure in the Pathless Woods will be available March 18. A limited number of vinyl copies are available for pre-order at ricksparkes.com.
students, Donald Richard, Rémi Arsenault and Maurice Hashie. Local musicians Patricia Richard, Albert Arsenault, Alice Bérubé and Josée Boudreau all helped the students craft the musical arrangements in class and in studio, while another Evangeline School alumnus, Megan Bergeron, of Fresh Start Digital, created the graphic design.
dynamic stage performances throughout Eastern Canada—where they now call home—honing their skills performing alongside artists such as Irish Mythen, KINLEY, Andrew Waite and Dylan Menzie. It’s now time for Reyome to step out on their own.
“Cross My Heart” was produced by singer, songwriter and producer Erin Costelo, and recorded with Colin Buchanan at The Hill Sound Studio in Charlottetown. The single drips of classic R&B and Blues, showcasing Reyome’s vocal prowess, while production alludes to that of Alabama Shakes or modern Mavis Staples.
“I’ve had a blast exploring a new, blues driven sound,” shares Reyome.
Their second single, “News,” was commissioned by CBC Radio’s Story And The Song project. Also recorded at Hillsound Studio, this single features a raw, emotional sound with poetic lyrics reminiscent of the times we live in.
While “Cross My Heart” is danceable and upbeat with relatable lyrics, “News” showcases Reyome’s thoughtful and thought-provoking artistry.
“I was first inspired while travelling to New Orleans in 2020,” they say, “It feels incredible to have a newfound connection with a whole genre of music.” Reyome will perform live at the Trailside Music Hall in Charlottetown on April 7 for their first full band show.
You can now stream “Cross My Heart” on Spotify, Bandcamp and Soundcloud. “News” will be available for streaming on March 20.
The Evangeline School’s Arts and Culture class launched their new album, Des vieilles nouvelles in February. The recording project features eight highschool students performing classics from traditional and popular Acadian repertoires as well as songs popularized by some of Canada’s best songwriters.
“The students have really done excellent work,” says music teacher, Chuck Arsenault, former member of the Acadian musical group Barachois and project co-ordinator for the album. “One of the goals of the Arts and culture specialization is to give students practical experiences to reinforce the skills they learn. The students’ willingness to set goals, to do the work, to collaborate, and to stretch their musical abilities has allowed them to create six solid tracks of beautiful music. Their individual musical backgrounds and preferences, as well as their desire to help others have brought a good feeling to the music that will, no doubt, bring a smile to your face.”
One of the goals of the album is to raise funds for Tracy Arsenault. An Evangeline School alumni and bus driver, Arsenault was diagnosed with aggressive Non-Hodgkin lymphoma in June 2020. “She is an amazing step-dancer, step-dancing teacher, aunt to Dawson and Gilbert Arsenault of our Arts and Culture class, and a very active member of the community,” says class member, Alyssa Gallant. “Tracy has done a lot for us and our school, and now it’s our turn to do something for her.”
Students featured on the album are: Amber Arsenault (piano, vocals, percussion); Dawson Arsenault (piano, lead-vocals, guitar); Gilbert Arsenault (fiddle, banjo, cello); Mia Bernard (bass, lead vocals); Briley Cameron (drums, percussion, vocals); Alyssa Gallant (mandolin, ukulele, vocals); Andraya Gallant (guitar, lead vocals); and Jaden McGinnis (drums, percussion, vocals).
An Evangeline School production, Des Vieilles Nouvelles was recorded and co-produced at the Goéland Centre by a trio of former Evangeline School
“Dive” is the second single from Charlottetown rapper Vince The Messenger’s forthcoming album Trustfall, which is set to be released in late March. Rapping over mesmerizing boom-bap production by frequent collaborator Niimo, Vince contemplates taking on the world in front of him despite unavoidable hardships.
Vince The Messenger (Daniel Butterfield) is an influential musician and voice in the local Hip-Hop scene on PEI. His previous album Nowhere 2 Grow has received a 2021 Music PEI Award nominateed for Rap/Hip-Hop Recording of the Year.
The album realease party for Trustfall is slated for March 29 at Trailside Music Hall in Charlottetown. Dive in it at vincethemessenger.bandcamp.com or on your favourite major music streaming service.
Joce Reyome’s debut single, “Cross My Heart” was released February 19 and will soon be followed up with “News,” set to be released March 20. Reyome has been captivating audiences with their
Fresh off his first release “Never Be Lonely,” Justyn Thyme hit the ground running—in his sandals—with the February 19 release of “Return Me.”
“Return Me” contemplates what it means to be human and reflects on the winding journey toward authentic self expression. The lyrics allude to themes of nature, ancestry and a search for identity.
Island-born and well-travelled, Thyme is a singer and songwriter who distills his experiences of the world around him into songs that resonate with lessons learned. Possessing a distinct guitar style, smooth vocals and uplifting lyrics, Thyme immerses his listeners in music that feels like an old friend.
Thyme has been around the PEI music scene for several years as a supporting and session musician for Island artists such as Lennie Gallant, Lawrence Maxwell and Jenni & The Hummingbird.
“Return Me” was recorded at The Hill Sound Studio in Charlottetown with engineer Logan Richard. The track features Nick Doneff (drums), Logan Richard (bass), Ben Aitken (keys), and Brielle Ansems (backing vocals). The cover art was created by Aidan Searle.
Enter to win great prizes! Prizes will be awarded March 16 -19 with the grand prize of a low-flow toilet on March 22 *
For more information and to enter visit: www.BeWaterFriendly.com
Plus, take advantage of water-saving solutions from Cornwall, Charlottetown & Stratford! some conditions may apply
• Replacement toilet flappers
• Faucet aerators
• Toilet tank banks
• Showerrhead Exchange (Charlottetown & Stratford)
• Toilet Rebate Program (Stratford)
• LIFT Program (Charlottetown)
• Water Audit Program (Stratford)
Island musician Kinley Dowling is bringing her passion for the violin to people of all ages.
The violin recording artist recently launched Violin with KINLEY, a subscription-based video service offering weekly violin lessons for beginner and intermediate violin players.
Weekly lessons will be posted online for subscribers to enjoy whenever it fits their schedule. There will also be an online monthly group lesson with KINLEY via Zoom.
Dowling has recorded violin and viola on 450 songs by other artists and she is eager to share everything she knows about the violin.
“I’m so excited to bring my love of the violin to everyone who has always wanted to learn,” enthuses Dowling. “If you or your child have always been curious to learn or haven’t quite mastered tone or technique or you’ve always wanted to use the violin you have lying around—let’s make music!”
Dowling has a Bachelor of Music in Viola Performance from Dalhousie University. The day after she graduated, she jumped in a van and toured the world for 10 years with indie rock band, Hey Rosetta!. These days she works on her solo project, KINLEY (kinleymusic.com).
For more information or to sign up, visit ViolinwithKINLEY.com.
Kitbag Theatre presents Songs for a New World at Trailside Music Hall in Charlottetown, March 30 and 31 at 8 pm. The show will feature four actors. Do I take a stand? Or turn around and go back?
Join Island performers Michelle Bouey, Colton Curtis, Aaron Hastelow and Emma Rudy as they explore these questions in Jason Robert Brown’s Songs for a New World.
Directed by Luc Trottier with music direction by Morgan Saulnier. Tickets available at trailside.ca.
Located in The Arts Hotel, 155 Kent St, Charlottetown. Doors at 6:30 pm with music at 8 pm. Tickets at trailside.ca.
Block Party Mar 5
Presented by Credit Union Music Week. Braeden Van Asperen, Slime da Garbage Mane, Hailey MacIsaac, Phyzxx, Spivey, Adjust the Facts, Vince The Messenger.
Red Dirt Rock Mar 6
Presented by Credit Union Music Week. Wrong Planet Band, The Royal North, Little Cities, Graves Of The Abyss.
Darvel with Moment of the Eclipse Mar 7
Alternative rock band featuring Sam Read, Drew Cassibo, Lucas MacCormack, Lucas Proud and Malcolm Orford.
HC School of Performing Arts
Student Spotlight Mar 10
Holland College students featuring rock, pop, R&B and more.
Shane Pendergast Album
Release Mar 11
The Love Junkies Mar 13
Colin Buchanan, Chris Coupland, Logan Richard, Dennis Ellsworth and Pat Deighan play popular cover songs.
The Princess and the Handmaiden Mar 13–16
March Break Family Matinees presented by Kitbag Theatre and Trailside Music Hall. Starring Brielle Ansems, Jessica Gallant and Melissa MacKenzie with accompaniment by Morgan Saulnier.
Craig Fair Presents: Mix-Tape
Sundays Mar 14
The 90’s Volume #1 with guests Logan Richard and Joce Reyome.
Jill Chandler & Maureen Trainor Mar 15
Arsenal Mills Mar 26
Arsenal Mills have a goal to reimagine modern rock and roll. The’ll be celebrating the release of their next upcoming single “Cry No More.”
Got Blues Matinee Mar 27
Chirs Roumbanis, Reg Ballagh, Mike Robicheau with special guests Kenny Pearl and James Phillips.
Mar 29
Island musician Shane Pendergast will launch his sophomore album Second Wind. Featuring live-off-the-floor performances recorded in a church beside the Tracadie Bay, Second Wind is a gritty collection of original folk songs, centering around themes of adversity, perseverance, tradition, and the Maritime way of life. Pendergast and his band will perform the 11-track album front-to-back.
This Storm: Catherine
MacLellan & Tara MacLean
Mar 12
Songs and stories of connection, isolation and creativity in a year of COVID-19.
An evening of covers spanning decades and genres.
Grass Mountain Hobos Mar 17–18
Rapper Daniel Butterfield’s style carries underlying elements of golden era hiphop with a refreshing, abstract feeling and approach. This show launches his highly anticipated new album Trustfall
Songs for a New World Mar 30–31
Presented by Kitbag Theatre. Starring Aaron Hastelow, Colton Curtis, Michelle Bouey and Emma Rudy. Directed by Luc Trottier with musical direction by Morgan Saulnier.
Mar 17 - St. Paddy’s Day Matinee with evening shows Mar 17 and 18. Their brand of music is equal parts carnival, farm, tavern and circus.
Patrick Ledwell & Mark Haines Mar 19–21
Highlights from eight years of Island Summer Review shows.
Tara MacLean with guest Kierrah Celeste Mar 24–25
Located at 19814 Route 2, Hunter River. Tickets at harmonyhousetheatre.com, Ticketpro or by phone 1-888-311-9090.
Signed, Sealed, Delivered
Feb 26–27, Mar 5–6
Mike Ross and Melissa MacKenzie take a look at the lost art of letter writing. Featuring music ranging from Beethoven to Johnny Cash and the extraordinary letters that changed the course of history.
MacLean is a veteran of the stage and an international touring artist. R&B singersongwriter Kierrah Celeste will open.
It’s a Pendergast Family Extravaganza will take place live on Facebook on March 21 as part of The March Break Concert series hosted by The Music Man, Michael Pendergast.
For more info go to the FB page @CanadianParentsforFrenchPEI.
Passports
Employment Insurance
Canada Child Tax Benefit/ Disability Tax Credit
Immigration
CPP/OAS/GIS
Student Financial Assistance
Office: 75 Fitzroy Street, Suite 201 Phone: 902-566-7770
Email: sean.casey@ parl.gc.ca
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
ISLAND ROOTS, Kathy Birt’s book of Island poetry offers nostalgia with these 1980s poems about PEI life, rural and urban. Available at Boomark, Chotto, An Gift Shop in Charlottetown.
ORGANIC VEGGIE DELIVERY
Home delivery of fresh local organic veggies, foods, and other natural products. $25 / $40 / $50 Veggie Boxes or custom orders. Aaron Koleszar aaron@organicveggiedelivery.com, 902-629-2575
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.
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.
ISSUE 328 • MARCH 2021
www.buzzpei.com
Editor: Yanik Richards
Editor: Michelle Ollerhead
Sales: Yanik Richards
Creative Media: Greg Webster
Partners: Maggie Lillo (Ruby Square Graphic Design), Carly Martin (Hawthorne House Media)
Contributers: Julie Bull, Bryan Carver, Deirdre Kessler, Takako Morita, Roderick MacDonald, JoDee Samuelson, Gary Schneider
The Buzz is published monthly by Little Kit Bag Inc.
Mail: P.O. Box 1945, Charlottetown, PE C1A7N5
Office: 160 Richmond Street, Charlottetown, PE C1A 1H9 Phone: 902-628-1958
E-mail: info@buzzpei.com
Social Media: @buzzpei
Cover: The room with a harp (detail) by Takako Morita.
Takako lives in Yamaguchi, Japan. She has been submitting cartoons to The Buzz each month since 1998.
Submissions and advertising booking deadline for the April issue: Monday, March 15th
Advertising: sales@buzzpei.com
Editorial: info@buzzpei.com
Baba’s Lounge
Island Jazz every Thursday at 8 pm. All Comedy Open Mic with Sam MacDonald every Saturday at 8:30 pm. 181 Great George St, Charlottetown. 892-7377
Bogside Brewing
Live music every Friday at 6 pm and Saturday at 5:30 pm. Taylor Buote (Feb 5), Adam MacGregor (6), Stephen Szwarc (12), Billy White (13), Dave Woodside (19), Nathan Carragher (20), Taylor Buote (26), Tyler Pineau & Allison Blacquiere (27). Brook St, Montague. 940-7403
Brothers 2
Live music every Thursday and Friday at 7 pm. Nick Hann (4), Karen & Mike (5), Zebedee (11), Chris & Eric (12), Mitch O’Blenis (18), Trevor Cameron (19), Dave Woodside (25), Pat DesRoches (26). Water St, Summerside. 436-9654
Copper Bottom Brewing
Saturday Jams with Brad Oliver and company every Saturday from 2–4 pm, featuring members of the Rubber Boot Band and friends. Guests include Mike Page, Peter Lux, Carter MacLellan, Ben Mitzuk, Scott Taylor, and more. St. Patrick’s Day (17) with Brad Oliver and Friends (4 pm) and The Fairdeal Exchange (6 pm). Admission is free. 567 Main St, Montague. 361-2337
Gahan House
Acoustic live music on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 9 pm. 126 Sydney St, Charlottetown. 626-BEER
Irish Cultural Centre
Benevoloent Irish Society hosts the St. Patrick’s Week Ceilidh with Fiddler’s Sons (Eddy Quinn, John B. Webster, Keelin Wedge and Courtney HoganChandler) (12). 582 North River Rd, Charlottetown. 892-2367
All events, shows and gatherings have been published The Buzz under the assumption that venues and organizers will be following protocols put in place by the Chief Public Health Office and adapting to new protocols as they come.
If you have any specific concerns, please contact the venue or organizer for details about how they plan to keep Islanders safe.
John Brown Grille
Live music every Saturday at 2 pm. Chris & Eric (6), Kim Albert (20), Richie Bulger (27). 96 Kensington Rd, Charlottetown. 629-2739
Lone Oak Brewing
Live music Saturdays at 6pm. Julie Arsenault and Daniel Druin (6). Other dates TBA. Every Sunday at 1pm, All Request Show with Chris Ahern and Eric Rogerson. 103 Abegweit Blvd, Borden-Carleton. 729-2228
Olde Dublin Pub
Live music every Friday and Saturday. 132 Sydney St, Charlottetown. 892-6992
The Old Triangle
Schooner Session with Ward MacDonald & Friends every Thursday at 7 pm. Roy Johnstone & Friends every Sunday at 2 pm. 189 Great George St, Charlottetown. 892-5200
PEI Brewing Company
Live music every Friday in the Taproom at 6 pm. 96 Kensington Rd, Charlottetown. 629-2739
Red Dirt Girl Music Room
Nolan Compton with Roland Beaulieu (Mar 20). Shows are at 7 pm (unless otherwise noted). Limited tickets available by reservation only at cameronproductionspe@gmail.com or 439-7591. 140 Dunk River Rd, Summerside.
Summerside Legion
Kitchen Party every Saturday at 2 pm, featuring Rheal Arsenault, Andy Paynter and a special guest each week. 340 Notre Dame St, Summerside. 436-2091
Stay tuned to our website calendar at buzzpei.com for new shows and updates throughout the month!
Jeanie & Charles bring their eclectic, on-the-fly musical style to the Kinkora Ceilidh on March 28 at 1:30 pm.
The duo of singer Jeanie Campbell and guitarist/singer Charles Reid perform and improvise orginals and reworked covers.
Reserve tickets at 887-2868. A light lunch is included.
Radley
“Totally Rad Trivia” on Wednesday at 7:30 pm. The Old Triangle, 189 Great George St, Charlottetown. 892-5200
Darcy Campbell
Entertainment trivia on Thursday at 9 pm. Hunter’s Ale House, 185 Kent St, Charlottetown. 367-4040
Barry Parsons
Trivia on Thursday at 7 pm. PEI Brewing Company, 96 Kensington Rd, Charlottetown. 629-2739
Spencer & Dan
Trivia on Friday at 7 pm. Lone Oak Brewing, 103 Abegweit Blvd, BordenCarleton. 729-2228
Dave Connolly
“Toughest Trivia in Town” on Saturday at 2:30 pm. The Old Triangle, 189 Great George St, Charlottetown. 892-5200
Andrew Rollins
Music trivia on Sunday at 9 pm. Hunter’s Ale House, 185 Kent St, Charlottetown. 367-4040
Jeanie
PACKAGE INCLUDES:
• 1 night stay
• Family welcome basket of treats & s’mores kit
• Bell Aliant Centre pool passes
• $50 Murphy Hospitality Group gift card
• Evening Fire Pit
• Movies in the meeting room
• Breakfast
• Wifi
• Parking
$169 STARTS AT
Available weekends, beginning February 19th
PACKAGE INCLUDES:
• Two nights in a Classic Room
• $500 in restaurant gift cards
• Stocked mini-bar in room
• Taxi vouchers
• Make your Break-Away your own and add an optional activity! We will book "excursions" for you in advance, based on operator availability.
$749 STARTS AT
Available ALL MARCH LONG