The Buzz - April 2025

Ben Kinder (detail)

LIVE @ The Centre

Island performers to close out the season

LIVE @ the Centre will highlight several Island performers before wrapping up the 2024-2025 season in May.

Two-time JUNO Award winner Rose Cousins returns to Confederation Centre of the Arts with new music on April 16. Ever the emotional explorer, the beloved Island singer-songwriter plumbs the depths of the human condition with her unique blend of folk-pop that dives into the complicated feelings of love.

Several arts education programs at the Centre will present year-end performances in April and May.

On April 12 at Memorial Hall, Confederation Singers will perform Hearts All Whole—a springtime celebration of gratitude. The choral performance explores the many gifts we share, from a sense of community and wondrous love to the wonders of the natural world, that can all help our hearts feel whole.

Intermediate and senior dance umbrella students will perform their musical theatre showcase at The Mack on April 26. The performance will weave together stories in a triple threat performance of singing, dancing, and acting.

The Confederation Youth Chorus

NEXT!

Young at Heart Theatre tours the Island

Young at Heart Theatre presents NEXT! written and performed by Gabrielle Roddy and Greg Ellard. Directed by Catherine O’Brien and Wade Lynch, with musical direction by Jamie Cordes, the show will tour Island community care facilities, long-term care, hospitals, and community halls.

The original one-act musical follows a year in the life of two older actors, Alex and Don, who meet and become friends over a series of auditions. It is a light-hearted look at the realities of aging that transcends any job or career and speaks to the feeling of becoming invisible or irrelevant in a world that keeps moving ahead.

A special fundraising performance will take place on May 2 at 2 pm at the Crapaud Community Hall. Admission is pay-what-you-wish at the door.

Upcoming public performances

will perform Beautiful As You Feel at Memorial Hall on May 3. The songs in this choral performance celebrate the joy in each moment, share ways to show (and grow) the love in our hearts, and remind us that every one of us can make the world more beautiful.

After a full season of training at Confederation Centre of the Arts, over 200 dance umbrella students will perform their year-end showcase on May 10. The performance will feature a variety of dance styles, including ballet, contemporary, jazz, and more.

Tickets can be purchased online at confederationcentre.com, via phone at 902-566-1267, or in person at the Centre’s box office.

of NEXT! include: April 5, 2 pm, at Lower Montague Women’s Institute, 88 Lower Montague Rd, (902-9691391); April 10, 7:30 pm, at Milton Community Hall, 7 New Glasgow Rd, Rte 224, North Milton (miltoncommunityhall@gmail.com); April 12 and 26, 2 pm, at Benevolent Irish Society, 582 North River Rd, Charlottetown (benevolentirishsocietyofpei.com/ events); April 15, 12:30 pm, at Cornwall 50+ Club, 29 Cornwall Rd (902-393-2531); April 16, 2 pm, at Three Rivers 50+ Club, 4279 Chapel Rd, Cardigan, (902-583-2662); April 19, 2 pm, Seniors Active Living Centre, Charlottetown, (902-628-8388 or salc@ pei.aibn.com); April 26, 7 pm, Eastern Kings Community Centre, 85 Munns Rd, Souris (902-357-2046 or easternkingscommunitycenter@gmail.com); April 30, 2 pm, at Kings Playhouse, 65 Grafton St, Georgetown (kingsplayhouse.com or 1-888-346-5666); April 30, 7 pm, at Uigg Community Hall, 4894 Murray Harbour Rd, Vernon River (902-628-7209); and May 3, 2 pm, St. Peters Circle Club, St. Peters Bay (902-393-1482).

BEEFY

Rose Cousins takes the stage at Sobey Family Theatre on April 16

Profile: Matt Rainnie by Julie Bull

Creative curiosity

It felt like an arts and culture homecoming on the day that Matt Rainnie and I met. I was sitting at the table waiting for him at a local café and as he walked in the door, he stopped or was stopped by someone sitting at each table between the door and where I was sitting. “How lovely that I get to see so many people who are part of the bustling arts community!”

And how lovely for me that I got to be the one asking Matt the questions for a change!

Just a few days before we met, Matt was hosting the awards night gala for Music PEI. “I love being able to stay connected to the arts and culture community through events like this one.”

Most Islanders will know Matt from his tenure as the host of CBC Mainstreet and I had the pleasure to

I found my footing and where I stayed for decades.”

After more than 30 years with CBC, Matt retired earlier this year. “I’ll miss the people and the conversations most of all.” A humble and generous host, Matt recalled stories of people he interviewed in the years gone by. “I have so much gratitude for all the people who shared parts of themselves with us over the years. I cherish the memories I have from all those who showed up in the studio and on the streets.”

The relational aspects of his role were a highlight. “I had the great privilege to interview people in early stages of their careers and then witness their journeys. Some people were in high school during our first interview and then went on to win national or international awards.”

Matt started working at CBC when he was 21 years old and now, he is ready to start writing the next new chapters of his own journey. Remembering back to the end of his degree and start of his time at CBC, he says, “I was on rewrite 20 of a screenplay, had a full-time job, and a young family. Something had to go, so my screenwriting was put on the back burner.” Now, decades later, he is dusting off some of those old writings, bringing them back to the forefront. “I never lost the curiosity.”

Matt has had a passion for writing, film, and movies since he was a child. His love of film isn’t just about their entertainment value, though that is a part. “I am so curious about the creation of film and the study of film.” Since his retirement, he has already found himself on the set of a television show in Nova Scotia. “I am the world’s oldest intern! I’m in the sponge phase where I get to soak in all the possibilities and opportunities as I re-establish routines and structure.”

learn so much more about the man behind the mic.

“I’ve always loved writing and that is what I thought I’d do in school and afterward.” Matt went to Kings College in Halifax where he studied journalism and at some point in his education journey, he was required to specialize, picking one aspect of journalism as the focus. He chose broadcasting. Along with his formal education, he was interested in film and thought “someday I will write a screenplay.”

Near the end of his degree during spring break, one of Matt’s professors recommended that he take on a temporary hosting job with CBC PEI. That one-week gig in the spring turned into a summer job and then into his fulltime 30+ year career at CBC. “I started in TV, but I loved radio so that’s where

With a wide range of creative and communications experiences and insights to draw on, Matt is re-imagining how the next chapter of his life will unfold. His creative background also includes acting and sketch comedy. He was part of Sketch 22 and a founding member of 4-Play. We took a few trips down memory lane, talking about shows happening at venues such as Myron’s. “I loved my time in sketch comedy, and it might be fun to give that another go!”

Though we won’t be hearing his voice on CBC Mainstreet anymore, we can anticipate hearing more from Matt through his creative endeavors. “I plan to create new stories and perhaps reimagine some of the old scripts from decades ago.”

“What a gift that I get to go slow, catch my breath, and say yes to things that excite me.”

BUZZ

Two hundred years

Benevolent Irish Society of PEI celebrates anniversary

On April 18, 1825 at the Wellington Hotel in Charlottetown, the Benevolent Irish Society of PEI (BIS) was formed. The May 6, 1825 front page of the Island Register newspaper recorded the event in the following manner: “At a meeting held at the Wellington Hotel in Charlotte Town on April 18, 1825 for the purpose of establishing a charitable society on this island to be denominated the ‘Benevolent Irish Society of Prince Edward Island’ the following Rules and Regulations were submitted to such meeting and agreed to be adopted.”

Founding officers were elected at the first meeting: Frederick “Fade” Goff (president), Francis Longworth (vice-president), J. B. Palmer (second vice-president), and Charles DesBrisay (secretary). The Society’s first patron was Lieutenant-Governor John Ready, an Irishman who came to PEI in 1824. By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, other BIS branches in Emerald, Souris, and St. Patrick’s/St. Ann’s were established. The other branches eventually folded, but BIS Charlottetown has had 200 years of continuous operation.

During the first 150 years of existence, particular emphasis was “to provide relief to the poor regardless of race or religion.” The City of Charlottetown was divided into wards, each with a charity committee. Individuals could approach the ward committee with a request for assistance. To raise money for its many charitable activities, which included supplying coffins, financing funerals, and buying food, fuel and clothing for those in need, the Society organized concerts, plays and picnics.

St. Patrick’s Day has always been important to BIS members. In 1826, the first March 17 traditional dinner was celebrated and in 1866 the first St. Patrick’s Day Parade took place in Charlottetown. The tradition remained until 2010 when aging membership

caused it to be discontinued. St. Patrick’s Week plays were performed in Charlottetown from 1880–1989 and served as fundraisers for the BIS. The play was brought back in 2019.

For the 200-year anniversary of the Society, the BIS is holding major events across PEI starting April 18 with the Wellington Hotel Launch from 2–4 pm. Members of the public are welcome to attend and view some of the artifacts collected over 200 years of existence.

Additional upcoming events include: the Confederation Centre exhibit - Benevolent Irish and Social (June–September); a three-day Celtic Heritage Fair (August 8–10); free concerts at the Tignish Legion with Fiddlers’ Sons (August 3), the Emyvale Community Centre with Taylor Johnston and Ward MacDonald (August 5), and the Kinkora Community Centre with Fullerton’s Marsh (August 10); four concerts with Richard Wood & Friends (August 7, 9, 12, and 14); historic Irish walking and self-driving tours of Charlottetown, Eastern PEI and Western PEI; and traditional instrument workshops for harp, tin whistle, and fiddle.

Visit benevolentirishsocietyofpei. com for more information.

SUBMITTED

DANCE

Tango Milonga

Enjoy Argentine tango with “Spring In Your Step” Milonga at Kettle Black in Stratford on March 30 at 2 pm. There is an admission fee for the session. Everyone is welcome. 17 Glen Stewart Dr, Stratford.

Irish Set dancing

Dance to traditional Irish reels, polkas, jigs, and more at the Benevolent Irish Society in Charlottetown at 6:30 pm on Tuesdays in April and May. Instructors and dancers will guide participants through easy-to-learn partner dances. This is social dancing for fun. Couples and singles with all levels of experience are welcome; no previous experience required. Light, smooth-sole shoes and comfortable attire are recommended. There is a small fee. All are welcome. Irish ancestry is not required to enjoy this cultural dance. Info/register: fredchorne@gmail.com; 902-675-4246

Downstreet programming

Dance classes at Downstreet Dance continue in April. Intermediate Tango runs on Mondays at 6 pm. Tuesday classes include Beginner Bellydancing at 6:30 pm and All Levels 1940’s Swing at 7:30 pm. Classic Burlesque runs on Thursdays at 7:30 pm. Saturday classes include Zumba at 10:30 am, Intro to West Coast Swing at 5 pm, West Coast Swing Fundamentals at 6 pm, West Coast Swing Choreography at 7 pm, and West Coast Swing Practice at 8 pm. Sunday classes include Colombian Cumbia/ Salsa at 1 pm (April 6 and 20), Drop in Tango Practica at 2 pm, Beginner Salsa Cuban Style at 6 pm (starting April 13), and Beginner International Samba at 4:30 pm (starting May 18). 101 Grafton St, Charlottetown. downstreetdance.com

Downstreet social dance

This month’s Downstreet social dance will be held on April 19 from 8–10 pm. All levels and styles of dance are welcome. 101 Grafton St, 2nd floor, Charlottetown. Info: downstreetdance.com

Review by Sean McQuaid

Cross purposes

Godspell

8th Avenue Players

Florence Simmons Performance Hall March 15, 2025

A confession: I’ve long been lukewarm on the 1971 hit musical Godspell. Storywise, it’s kind of a lightweight cousin of Jesus Christ Superstar. Instead of the fuller exploits of Jesus, we get a series of oft-playful Biblical parables told by Jesus and his followers until the show takes a dark turn and that whole crucifixion thing spoils everybody’s fun in the home stretch.

Seems sparse on paper, but the show’s long history—legendary 1970s runs off-Broadway, on Broadway and in Toronto, plus a 1973 film adaptation and many stage revivals—proves the enduring appeal of this musical, created by John-Michael Tebelak (based largely on the Gospel of Matthew) with music & lyrics by Stephen Schwartz (later of Wicked fame).

That appeal lies partly in Godspell’s soundtrack, full of memorable tunes like “Day by Day,” a top 10 hit in Canada. The show’s allure also stems from its flexibility. It’s been revised repeatedly over the years, and new productions often modify it—even the characters’ names change, with Jesus’s followers mostly rechristened in each show to suit each cast.

The shape-shifting quality of Godspell, often incorporating audience interaction, fourth wall breakage, ad libs and improv, means no two productions are alike—heck, no two performances, even—giving the show a life beyond the page that’s hard to verbalize. Even more than most live theatre, on some level it boils down to: “You had to be there.”

In this case, “there” was Holland College’s handsome performance hall, and it was a very good place to be. That’s where the 8th Avenue Players revived Godspell as part of a two-city, multi-week run spanning Charlottetown and Summerside.

I’ve been wanting to see an 8th Avenue show but I had never managed it until now, partly because they mostly operate an hour away in Summerside. This tour having removed that geographic hurdle, the group has a shot at reaching a wider audience, me included.

Some of the performers are familiar from other shows by other companies— it’s a small Island, after all—but others are new to me. The whole group is excellent, some doing multiple jobs; the show features Jesus (played by co-director/vocal director Hayden Lysecki), John the Baptist/Judas (set designer/ builder Ryan Whitty), Babekah (assistant choreographer/wardrobe

assistant Rebekah Brown), Rico (puppet designer/builder Eric Cerisano), Jubi (Julia Cerisano), MacK (MacKenzie Cutcliffe), Didi (Adia Laureijs), Gaston (Marius Lavoie), Samwich (Sam Marchionda), Peach (Carter McDevitt), Will (James Ronahan), Emsie (Emi Smith) and CharChar (co-director/choreographer Charlee Whitty).

Ryan Whitty’s set, a literal playground with slide, swings & teeter-totter, cultivates an air of childlike whimsy echoed and sustained by the effervescent cast. Brown, Marchionda, Smith and Charlee Whitty in particular are contagiously joyful figures. It’s a cast steeped in both chemistry and versatility; the whole gang has an easy, affectionate rapport with each other, and they all do ever-shifting voices, vocal styles and personas as they act out the parables. Brown is an especially crowd-pleasing chameleon in this regard, though every actor has memorable moments.

Lysecki’s Jesus is a warm, charismatically whimsical figure who can turn on a dime into deadly serious intensity as needed, and Ryan Whitty shows compelling range as an uplifting John and a tormented Judas. Both are fine singers in a cast full of same, with highlights such as Brown’s boisterous “Learn Your Lessons Well,” Smith’s showstopping “Turn Back O Man” and Lysecki’s haunting “Beautiful City.” There’s also fun dancing shaped by Charlee Whitty’s exuberant, oft-intricate choreography, and a very physically expressive, fun-to-watch cast in general under the guidance of co-directors Whitty & Lysecki. They use the entire venue as a playing space with lots of action happening offstage, making it an immersive and surprising show.

All this plus charming, slightly hippy-dippy costuming from Cadina Meadus; solid light & sound work by Samantha Bruce, Pat Caron, Peter Gallant, Joseph Cole & Dylan Smith; a slick program designed by stage manager Vanessa MacArthur, also available online (always a plus); an expertly rocking pit band led by producer and music director Mark Cerisano; a strikingly memorable puppet created by Eric Cerisano (though less open robes on its operators might have tightened its visual a bit); decades-spanning, genre-hopping musical styles and pop culture references; and the best impersonation of Satan by a blanket ever (again, you had to be there).

It all adds up to one of the most entertaining, professional-class musicals you’ll see on PEI, especially outside of The Charlottetown Festival season. This town should have an 8th Avenue more often.

Four Island productions

The 2025 Charlottetown Festival at The Mack

Four shows full of Island talent will play at The Mack this summer as part of The 2025 Charlottetown Festival.

In addition to Tell Tale Harbour and Million Dollar Quartet at the Sobey Family Theatre, the Confederation Centre of the Arts’ main stage, The Mack will host four productions featuring comedy, music, and Indigenous storytelling.

Based on the book written by Lennox Island’s Richard Pellissier-Lush, The Creator’s Plan explores his coming of age as a Mi’kmaq. Richard grew up looking different than other Indigenous children, but his mother continually reminded him that he was part of the Creator’s plan and empowered him to embrace his culture, no matter what he looked like.

Performed by the Mi’kmaq Heritage Actors, this story of encouragement and identity is told in an interactive show for all ages. The Creator’s Plan runs June 30–August 1 with admission by donation.

Island comedian and storyteller Justin Shaw will return to the Festival with Have Jokes, Will Travel—a new show with tales that celebrate the experience of being an Islander on the mainland. A rising star heralded as the next Stuart McLean, Shaw is back after a sold-out run of 70 Mile Yard Sale last summer. Have Jokes, Will Travel runs July 12–26.

Written by Canadian playwright Mark Crawford, Chase the Ace is a solo comedy show featuring 17 colourful characters in a story of greed and a local lottery. Directed by Charlottetown’s Charlotte Gowdy, the show follows a big-city radio personality who is forced to take a gig managing a small-town station after losing

his job. A global pandemic begins during his first week, and he finds himself chasing a story of municipal corruption. Chase the Ace runs July 30–August 9.

Back by popular demand after a sold-out run at The 2024 Charlottetown Festival, Islander Jessica Gallant returns with the heartfelt and high-energy cabaret show Becoming Dolly She takes a musical journey through the life of country music legend Dolly Parton with renditions of iconic songs like “9 to 5,” “Coat of Many Colours,” “Jolene,” and more. Becoming Dolly runs August 13–30.

More Island talent will be in main stage shows, with Melissa MacKenzie and Kristen Pottle in Tell Tale Harbour, and Jacob Hemphill set to play Johnny Cash in Million Dollar Quartet. The Festival kicks off with Tell Tale Harbour, running from June 14–August 29. Million Dollar Quartet runs from June 17–August 30.

Tickets for all Festival shows can be purchased at the Centre’s box office, online at confederationcentre.com/festival25, or via phone at 1-800-565-0278.

Jörgen’s

LOUISE VESSEY

Jessica Gallant in Becoming Dolly (2024)

The Velveteen Rabbit

Geordie Theatre of Montreal at Watermark—Apr 25 & 26

Geordie Theatre of Montreal will present their production of The Velveteen Rabbit by Jimmy Blais at Watermark Theatre in North Rustico on April 25 and 26 at 1:30 pm.

After moving to a new home, Riley receives a plush rabbit that offers comfort and sparks imaginative adventures, and an AI assistant, Lexa, who leads them into exciting digital escapades. Conflict arises between the comforting, imaginative world of the Velveteen Rabbit and the thrilling digital adventures with Lexa, highlighting themes of emotional connections and the balance between reality and technology.

The production is directed by Dean Patrick Fleming and stars Audrey Ferus, Brontae Hunter, and Giordano Imola.

Montreal’s Geordie Theatre is an English-language professional theatre for audiences of all ages, entertaining

Gay AF Comedy

Trailside Music Hall—Apr 10

and engaging the imaginations of children and their families since 1980. Tickets can be purchased at locarius.io/organizations/26 or by calling the box office at 902-963-3963.

Canadian Comedy Award-winner Robert Watson, the Gay AF Comedy Tour features Just For Laughs headliner and CBC Comedy alumni Ava Val for a night of pro Queer stand-up at Trailside Music Hall in Charlottetown on April 10.

Queer comedy institution Gay AF Comedy has been serving big laughs in Toronto since 2019 with a focus on amplifying comedic voices from the many intersections of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.

Canadian stand-up star Ava Val brings her high octane brand of hilarity that invites everyone to laugh and be enlightened by her experiences as a transgender woman. trailside.ca

Brontae Hunter

Gay AF Comedy is taking its uplifting brand of stand-up to PEI. Hosted by

SUBMITTED

Robert Watson (left) and Ava Val

Fix Your Plate by Tara Reeves

Grow fresh at home

Spring is finally here, and there’s no better time to start a vegetable garden right inside your home. Even if it’s still chilly outside, you can get a head start by growing fresh veggies and herbs indoors. It’s easier than you think, and in just a few weeks, you’ll have strong, healthy plants ready to move outdoors when the weather warms up. Plus, there’s something incredibly satisfying about growing your own food from scratch.

If you’ve never started seeds indoors before, don’t worry. Some vegetables and herbs are practically foolproof. Leafy greens like lettuce, spinach, and kale grow quickly and don’t take up much space. Cherry tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers also do well indoors, especially if you have a sunny windowsill or a small grow light. Herbs like basil, parsley, cilantro, and chives are perfect for a kitchen garden, and they add fresh flavour to any meal.

snipping the weaker ones at the base. It may seem harsh, but this allows the strongest plants to thrive. If you’re growing tomatoes or peppers, consider transplanting them into larger pots before moving them outdoors.

FOOD & DRINK

Chef Nation for teens

Youth aged 13–18 can join Chef Nation in the Community Kitchen at the Charlottetown Library every Tuesday, 3–6 pm, to learn practical cooking skills and food literacy. Presented by Boys & Girls Club, this program teaches how to make simple meals and snacks. 97 Queen St, Charlottetown.

Wine & Dine

Wine & Dine, an evening at Red Shores Racetrack & Casino on April 24 from 6–11 pm, kicks off the Winemakers Dinner Series, part of the Festival of Wines. In celebration of Canada as the featured country, the event includes a Canadian-inspired four-course dinner at Top of the Park restaurant, wine pairings with each course, live entertainment by The Fabulously Rich—The Tragically Hip Tribute, and a ticket to the Festival of Wines Grand Tasting on April 26. To book, call 902-620-4264. Info: redshores. ca/wine-dine

Roast beef dinner

The key to success is setting up the right environment. Seeds need warmth, light, and moisture to sprout. A south-facing window is ideal, but if you don’t have enough natural light, an LED grow light will do the trick. Keep the temperature between 65-75°F (18-24°C), and make sure your seed trays or pots have drainage holes to prevent overwatering.

Speaking of pots, you don’t need anything fancy to get started. Egg cartons, yogurt cups, or biodegradable peat pots work great. Just fill them with a light, well-draining seed-starting mix, plant your seeds according to the packet instructions, and keep the soil moist but not soaking wet. Covering your containers with plastic wrap or a humidity dome will help trap warmth and speed up germination.

Most seeds sprout within a week or two. Once they do, remove the cover and make sure they get plenty of light. If they start looking tall and leggy, they need more light. Moving the seeds closer to a window or grow light will help with this. A small fan on low speed can also strengthen seedlings by mimicking a natural breeze. Water them gently when the top of the soil feels dry, but be careful not to overwater, since soggy soil can lead to root rot.

As your seedlings grow, you might notice them getting crowded. When this happens, thin them out by

After about 4–6 weeks, your plants will be ready to move outside. But don’t rush them! Sudden exposure to wind, sun, and cooler temperatures can shock them. Instead, introduce them gradually by placing them outside for a few hours each day, increasing the time over a week. This process, called hardening off, helps them adjust to outdoor conditions.

If you don’t have an outdoor garden, you can still grow plenty of veggies indoors. Herbs, salad greens, and even cherry tomatoes thrive in pots on a sunny windowsill. With the right care, you can have fresh produce all year round, no backyard required.

And that’s it! In just a few simple steps, you’ll have a thriving vegetable garden, whether you have a backyard, a balcony, or just a kitchen windowsill. By starting indoors, you’ll give your plants a strong head start, so by summer, you’ll be harvesting fresh, homegrown veggies and herbs right from your own garden.

If you’re looking for local, organic seeds check out PEI Seed Alliance at peiseedalliance.ca or pick some up at the Summerside Farmer’s Market at the Emmerdale Eden Farm booth on Saturdays. Veseys Seeds in York also has a good selection of organic options. Browse them at veseys.com.

So grab some seeds, get your hands a little dirty, and enjoy the process. You’ll be amazed at how rewarding it is to grow your own food.

Dinners can be picked up at the Sydney Street door on April 26 from 4:30–6 pm.

Pancakes for Parkinson

The PEI Parkinson Association will hold its third annual Pancakes for Parkinson fundraising breakfast at the Malcolm Darrach Community Centre on April 26 from 8:30–11 am. The event will feature 50/50 tickets and fresh tulips from Vanco. Proceeds will support the Association’s local programs, including the Dancing with Parkinson’s movement group and the Treble Tremors music therapy group, with hopes of expanding programs and services for Islanders living with Parkinson’s and their care partners.

17th Annual Village Feast

Trinity United in Charlottetown is hosting a take-out roast beef dinner this month. The menu is roast beef with gravy, vegetables, a roll, and dessert. Tickets must be purchased in advance by calling 902-892-4114 or in person at the church office (220 Richmond Street).

The 17th Annual Village Feast—a community celebration for a great cause— will run on July 6 from 3–6 pm outside the Souris Regional School. The feast with Chef Michael Smith and friends will feature a sizzling steak dinner, a classic lobster boil, and a spread of fresh local favourites—all while supporting children in need, both at home and abroad. Menu highlights include chargrilled NY striploin, seawater lobster, shellfish chowder, fresh-baked bread, strawberry rhubarb shortcake, and more. Proceeds support local food programs and school cookhouses in Kenya. Visit villagefeast.ca to buy tickets, sponsor, or volunteer.

EXHIBITS

galleries, museums...

Acadian Museum of PEI

As part of its Les Rendez-vous de la Francophonie celebrations, the new Lobster bites! exhibit, on loan from the Musée acadien de l’Université de Moncton, will open March 30 at 2 pm. Visit the permanent exhibit and video, The Island Acadians: The Story of a People Acadian genealogy resources are available and there is a gift shop on site. 23 Main Dr. E, Miscouche. Info: 902-4322880, museeacadien@gmail.com

Breadalbane Gallery

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

Confederation Centre Art Gallery

Ben Kinder: Still Lifes and Views opens March 29 with a reception at 7 pm. The exhibition is on view until May 4. Also on view are: Views from Below until April 6; This Seems Personal until April 13; Kim Morgan: Blood and Breath, Skin and Dust until May 11; and Kathleen Daly and George Pepper: The Land and its People until October 5. Open daily. Admission is by donation. 130 Queen St, Charlottetown. confederationcentre.com

Cornwall Library Art Gallery

The spring group show Inspired by Travel is on view from April 1–May 9. All

“THE MAIN THING IS TO BE MOVED, TO LOVE, TO HOPE, TO TREMBLE, TO LIVE .” —Auguste Rodin

are welcome to meet the artists at the opening celebration on April 1 at 7 pm. Contact the library at 902-629-8415 for information on displaying in the gallery. Open Tuesday–Wednesday (1–8:30 pm) and Thursday–Saturday (9:30 am–12:30 pm and 1–5:30 pm). 15 Mercedes Dr, Town Hall, Cornwall. library.pe.ca

Details Fine Art Gallery

On view this spring: Lifting the Veil, a curated collection of paintings by Maine artist Avy Claire. 166 Richmond St, Charlottetown. detailsfineart.com

Eptek Art & Culture Centre

Quilting into Spring by members of the Northern Lights Quilt Guild runs from April 8–May 23, with an official opening reception on April 13 at 1 pm. All are welcome. The April lobby exhibition is Lucy Neatby: Knitting Mechanic. Visit the permanent exhibition on the history and architecture of Summerside. Admission is by donation. 130 Heather Moyse Dr, Summerside. peimuseum.ca

MacNaught History Centre and Archives

As part of Culture Summerside’s Sixty Days of Fame exhibition series, PEI: Then & Now by Chris Mollins will be on view throughout April and May. An opening reception will be held on April 9 from 6:30–8 pm, and all are welcome. The exhibition is open for viewing Tuesday–Saturday, 10 am–4 pm. Free admission. 75 Spring St, Summerside.

Summerside Rotary Library

The library walls showcase 74 artworks by many local artists across three wheelchair-accessible levels, with an elevator for easy access. The variety of works include original paintings, photography, handmade knits, mosaics, digital art, and more. The ongoing exhibition changes throughout the year. Call 902-436-7323 for hours of operation. 57 Central St, Summerside.

Review by Sean McQuaid

Duo of doom

…destroyed surely Vagabond Productions UPEI Performing Arts Centre March 12, 2025

Humans, take heed: UPEI theatre company Vagabond Productions brings you wisdom from the thrilling days of yesteryear, two Irish plays from the early 1900s that deliver a simple yet timeless message: We’re all doomed. I oversimplify, but only a smidgen. Vagabond’s evening of two one-act plays by Irish writer John Millington Synge—mercilessly bleak slice of seaside life Riders to the Sea (1904) and rural black comedy In the Shadow of the Glen (1903)—is staged under the collective title “…destroyed surely,” a phrase included in both plays, where a recurring theme of certain doom has various characters either predicting or lamenting an inevitable downfall.

Inspired by the summers Synge spent in the Aran Islands, Riders to the Sea is set in a cottage on an island off the western coast of Ireland. Elderly matriarch Maurya (played here by Kyra Brewster) heads a family that is already mostly dead as the play begins, lost in various ways to the vast, pitiless ocean. With yet another son gone missing, Maurya repeatedly warns her remaining children Cathleen (Audrey Kyle Setia Gaboya), Nora (Reese Carmody) and Bartley (Spencer Knudsen) that death isn’t done with them yet, a sadly accurate prediction.

As a tale of maritime life in a rural setting, it’s a play with resonance for PEI; but Synge paints it dark, depicting a family and a community resigned to a lifestyle of inescapable hardship, suffering and death. As Maurya concludes grimly, “What more can we want than that? No man at all can be living for ever, and we must be satisfied.” Yikes.

The night’s second play handles a similar setting and themes with a lighter, livelier touch. This time the rural Irish cottage is in a shady glen, where acerbic housewife Nora Burke (played here by Madalyn Clempson) is holding a one-woman wake for her largely unlamented farmer husband Daniel (Brennan McDuffee), who may not be as dead as he seems. A tramp (Julian Knowles) seeking shelter joins the party, as does meek sheep herder Micheal Dara (Domonik

MAY

Monday, April 14

Skomorowski), whom Nora seems to be auditioning as a potential replacement spouse.

Again, there are PEI-compatible themes: rural life, farming, isolation. “I got used to being lonesome,” says Nora, “…seeing nothing but the mists rolling down the bog… and hearing nothing but the wind crying out in the bits of broken trees were left from the great storm, and the streams roaring with the rain.” Synge’s characters, especially Nora and the cheerfully philosophical Tramp, have an occasional flair for the poetic that’s appealing, as is the streak of playfulness running through all except weary, workaday Dara. Characters get “destroyed” in some fashion again as the Burke household implodes, but there are notes of humour and hope here as opposed to the all-consuming gloom of Riders to the Sea Brewster is genuinely moving in her quieter, more measured moments, but sometimes too unsubtly loud and gruff. Carmody’s projection and articulation fluctuate, perhaps due in part to a tendency to rush her lines; Gaboya’s more organic sense of timing and pacing helps give her excellent range and clarity; Knudsen is a believable, understatedly heartfelt Bartley; and Mohamad Ateeq, Sam Ching and Jane Cox offer able support as assorted villagers.

Back in the glen, Clempson might be the night’s strongest all-around performer: clear, crisp enunciation, a natural sense of pacing, solid range and comedic chops. Natural, expressive, charming and a good verbal and physical comedian, Knowles is a fun and likeable presence. McDuffee is forceful and often funny but sometimes talks too fast, blurring his lines a bit. Skomorowski starts off too quiet but his projection improves, and the audience seems to enjoy his cartoonishly craven take on Dara. That said, the brightest star here is good old-fashioned stagecraft, Vagabond having sunk more time and money into production values than usual. Director/designer/producer Greg Doran, stage manager Oliver Chaffey, associate director Benton Hartley and their technicians and crew have built a proper three-walled cottage set, nicely dressed (and redressed somewhat for the second play), with period props and actors in period costumes and even a credible little fireplace. Along with solid light and sound, it looks and feels like an honestto-gosh play you might see in one of PEI’s regional theatres, not just a class project. Plenty fancy for a Vagabond... Id aliquet lectus proin nibh. Praesent elementum facilisis.

New Growth

Transforming the Hilda Woolnough Gallery

This spring, This Town is Small (TTIS) is transforming the Hilda Woolnough Gallery at The Guild in Charlottetown into an open space for making, learning, and hanging out. Alongside a series of artist-led workshops, visitors can drop in anytime during gallery hours (Wednesday–Saturday, 12–5 pm) to read, create, or spend time in the space. New Growth is a dedicated time to water ideas, plant the seeds of learning, and tend to creative exploration.

In the gallery, there will be a library of art books and the Charlottetown Zine Library to look through, as well as supplies for zine-making and crafting. Join a workshop, start a project, or flip through a book—the space is open for creative learning.

The New Growth spring workshop schedule features Power Tools for Artists with Kelly Caseley on March 29 from 1–5 pm. A hands-on introduction to using power tools safely and effectively in an art practice. Open to TTIS members and the general public with a small fee, and registration is required.

Grant Writing Jam, a relaxed co-writing session for artists, runs April 2, 5–8 pm. Get feedback from experienced grant writers in a supportive

space. This session is free and open to the public. No registration is required.

Electronic Music Show & Tell, presented by Sound Series, runs 6–9 pm on April 9. Sound Series is a concert, meet-up, and open jam for Island electronic musicians and audio experimentalists. All are welcome to listen, learn, and participate. Free and open to the public—no registration required.

On April 10 from 9:30 am–12 noon, Donnalee Downe of Peake Street Collective presents “Improve Your Eligibility for Professional Artist Calls and Grants—A Twelve Month Plan.” Designed for early-career artists, this workshop helps strengthen applications for exhibitions and grants. Open to Peake Street Collective members only. Bring a lunch.

On April 12 from 9 am–5 pm, Evan Furness presents “How to Install Artwork” (TTIS members only). Learn measuring, drilling, leveling, and hanging hardware for professional installations—ideal for artists, curators, and exhibitors.

All are welcome to become a member of TTIS and/or Peake St Collective. For details, membership, or registration, visit thistownissmall.com.

PEI: Then & Now

Chris Mollins’ journey through past and present

PEI’s red dirt roads, ever-changing coastline, and deep connection to the sea have long shaped its identity. In his latest exhibition, PEI: Then & Now, artist Chris Mollins takes viewers on a journey through the Island’s past and present, capturing its natural beauty, culture, and Maritime spirit through bold colour, impressionistic brushstrokes, and flowing movement.

“This exhibition is a PEI experience delivered through art like none other,” says Mollins. “Through variations of colour and brushstrokes that flow like the wind and sea, I aim to tell the story of the Island—its landscapes, history, and ever-changing nature.”

Works by Leo

Breadalbane Gallery’s April exhibition

Works by Leo (Liu, Xin) will be showcased in the Breadalbane Gallery’s April exhibition. Leo will also deliver this month’s artist talk at the opening reception on April 11 from 6–8 pm.

As part of Culture Summerside’s Sixty Days of Fame exhibition series, the show will be on display at the MacNaught History Centre and Archives throughout April and May. Mollins’ work captures the feeling of the Island, the rhythm of the tides, the warmth of the land, and the pull of a familiar red dirt road.

Born in Summerside, Mollins has been painting since childhood, focusing on Atlantic Canadian landscapes. He studied Fundamental Arts and Graphic Design at Holland College and completed Creative PEI’s HIVE program.

An opening reception will take place on April 9 from 6:30–8 pm at the MacNaught History Centre and Archives, 75 Spring Street, Summerside. All are welcome.

EXPLORE

BEN KINDER

Known to Islanders for his 2024 Jie Qi‘s Dragon project, Leo embraces both the Eastern and Western approaches to art. “Beyond traditional oil paintings, I am interested in incorporating Chinese painting, the adaptation of Chinese culture to a local context, themes of ice hockey and winter, as well as decorative explorations of the human form,” says Leo. “After the 2024 exhibition, I found myself immersed in various aspects of my surroundings, particularly in local themes. While I don’t wish to follow the exact same path as before, I am eager to explore new directions on multiple levels. The upcoming April exhibition may reflect this diversity.”

The Breadalbane Gallery is a not for profit community gallery featuring new work on the second Friday of

STILL LIFES AND VIEWS

each month. The main gallery features work by artists Denise Livingstone, Zoe Novaczek, Laura Bain, Joan Parker Sutton, Will Baker, Patricia Lush, Lily-Anne Hein, Sabine Nuesch, Vian Emery, Haley Lewis, Marianne Janowicz, and more. Artists wishing to show can submit photos of their work to breadalbane.gallery@gmail.com. The gallery is located at 4023 Dixon Road in Breadalbane. Open 11 am–3 pm Tuesday, 9 am–1 pm Wednesday, and 4–8 pm Thursday, or by calling 902-200-3952.

A tribute to the late artist’s search for beauty in the familiar. Kinder especially enjoyed the process of assembling and finding visual inspiration in still lifes from everyday objects, as well as the landscape of his chosen home, Prince Edward Island.

Please join us for the opening reception on Saturday, March 29, 7PM

UNTIL APRIL 6

UNTIL APRIL 13

UNTIL MAY 4 KIM MORGAN BLOOD AND BREATH, SKIN AND DUST

UNTIL MAY 11

KATHLEEN DALY AND GEORGE PEPPER THE LAND AND ITS PEOPLE UNTIL OCTOBER 5

THURSDAY, APRIL 3 AND THURSDAY, MAY 1

by

Untitled new work (detail) by Leo (Liu, Xin)

Curated by Pan Wendt

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

Curated by Brandt Eisner

Curated

Pan Wendt

Sunlight Flare on New Harmony Road (detail) by Chris Mollins

Ben Kinder collection

Works by Island artist at Confederation Centre Art Gallery

A collection of still life and landscape paintings by Island artist Ben Kinder will be on view at Confederation Centre Art Gallery this spring. An official opening reception will be held at the Gallery on March 29 at 7 pm.

“Ben Kinder was a long-time friend and valued colleague at Confederation Centre Art Gallery,” says Kevin Rice, director of the Gallery. “He hung hundreds of art exhibitions and he never tired of looking at the art. He delighted in exhibition openings; welcoming people, meeting artists, and chatting over a glass of wine.”

Ben Kinder: Still Lifes and Views is a tribute to the late artist’s search for beauty in the familiar. Kinder especially enjoyed the process of assembling and finding visual inspiration in still lifes from everyday objects, as well as the landscape of his chosen home—Prince Edward Island. His preferred medium was watercolour, with its balance of control and happy accident and its rich colour palette. He was a lover of the poetic, in words, in paint, and in one’s actions.

Quilting and knitting

Textile exhibitions at Eptek Art & Culture Centre

Two new exhibitions open this month at Eptek Art & Culture Centre in Summerside.

Members of the Northern Lights Quilt Guild return to the Centre with their exhibition Quilting into Spring. This guild has been in operation for over 20 years and will be displaying a wide range of items: from miniature pieces to king-size quilts, and everything in between. The exhibition opens April 8, with an official opening reception on April 13 at 1 pm. This is a free event. Refreshments will be served and all are welcome. The quilts will remain on view until May 23.

exhibit of her original designs features a collection of colourful knitwear and textiles, including socks, hats, and double-knit reversible blankets. Neatby loves to share her knowledge about yarn and stitch structure, and her innovative use of colour and pattern will enthrall knitters and non-knitters alike.

Born in 1949 in Hamilton, Ontario, Kinder studied at the Dundas Valley School of Art, graduating in 1973. He soon acquired and custom fit his so-called “painting van”—a 1967 Chevy van with the roof chopped off and replaced with the top half of a VW station wagon, which he fit with windows, transforming it into a travelling studio. He moved to PEI in 1975 and quickly fell in love with the place. In his words, “As soon as the tires of my van hit the shore, I felt like I was

Lifting the Veil

Avy Claire collection at Details Fine Art Gallery

East Coast American abstract artist Avy Claire unveils Lifting the Veil, a curated collection of her work at Details Fine Art Gallery in Charlottetown this spring.

Claire’s abstract paintings feature rhythmic layers of brush strokes and colour to express what is beyond the obvious, exposing the human collective unconscious, a place where all people connect, while embodying a physical process mimicking the energy and dynamics found in nature. She calls this process “lifting the veil.”

at home. I had been other places, and very nice places as well, but I’ve never had such a strong sensation of being at home.”

For the next two decades, Kinder was a fixture of the Island’s artist community, helping to found the Great George St. Gallery—Charlottetown’s first artist-run centre. There he hung the shows as the gallery’s preparator and held numerous solo exhibitions over the years. In 1991, he became preparator at Confederation Centre Art Gallery, retiring in 2020. In the late 1990s, he turned his energy to acting, and became a mainstay in PEI’s theatre scene for decades.

The exhibition Ben Kinder: Still Lifes and Views is on view until May 4. confederationcentre.com/artgallery

Avy Clair, #theworldisamessyplace 17.05.22, 24”x24”, Acrylic on Cradled Dibond Panel

Details Fine Art Gallery is located at 166 Richmond St, Charlottetown. detailsfineart.com

The April 2025 Lobby exhibit is Lucy Neatby: Knitting Mechanic. Neatby is an internationally recognized knitting designer and instructor living on Tancook Island, Nova Scotia. This

Retro/

Perspectives

One-day art show by Heather Millar

Retro/Perspectives, a one-day painting show and sale by artist Heather Millar, will take place at 94 Water Street in Charlottetown on April 26 from 11 am–4 pm.

The event will feature a scope of works that are synonymous with Millar’s name, including her iconic vintage toy stories, fun figuratives, wildlife and florals, and her most

Eptek Centre is located at 130 Heather Moyse Drive in Summerside. Admission is by donation. For more information call 902-888-8373, visit peimuseum.ca, or follow @eptek.centre.

Knitted works by Lucy Neatby

Ben Kinder, Self-portrait, watercolour on paper, private collection

SUBMITTED

GET CREATIVE

Monday Night Painting Group

The Monday Night Painting Group, led by Sophia Djuk, meets weekly at North Rustico Lions Club from 7–9 pm. Each week is a different theme. Canvas, paints and brushes are provided, but fee is reduced for those who bring their own. 17 Timber Ln, North Rustico.

Fibre Arts Club

Fibre Arts Club runs weekly on Tuesdays at the Charlottetown Library. Bring supplies or a current project and drop in between 1–3 pm to join other knitters, crocheters, rug hookers, and fibre and textile makers. 97 Queen St, Charlottetown.

Art Hive Pop-ups for all ages

Creative PEI’s Art Hive Pop-ups are an opportunity for folks of all ages to come and make with other community members. The next events will be held at the Charlottetown Library in the Makerspace on April 2 and 16 from 5–7 pm. Bring a work-in-progress (WIP), or start something new from the materials provided. 97 Queen St, Charlottetown.

Creative Kids Club

Kids aged 6–12 can join a creative afterschool club at the Charlottetown Library. The club meets weekly on Wednesdays at 3:30 pm. Each week offers a selection of crafts, activities, robots, science experiments or games. Activities this month include: 5 senses (April 2); jungle (April 9); ocean (April 16); robots (April 23); and spring (April 30). 97 Queen St, Charlottetown.

Seniors art activities

Seniors are invited to visit the Confederation Centre Art Gallery on April 3 and May 1 from 10 am–12 noon for an introduction to current exhibitions followed by an art-making activity in the Schurman Family Studio. Tea, coffee, and snacks are provided. Info/register: 902566-1267; confederationcentre.com

Crafternoon for kids

Kids of all ages can drop by the Summerside Library between 1–3 pm on Saturdays and Sundays to craft. Activities include: animal eggs (April 5, 6); secret messages (April 12, 13); pipe cleaner flower (April 19); and bridge building challenges (April 26, 27). 57 Central St, Summerside.

Life Drawing sessions for adults

Drop-in life drawing sessions with a nude model are held weekly on Sundays from 2–4 pm at the Gertrude Cotton Art Centre. All skill levels are welcome. Doors open 1:30 pm. Participants are encouraged to arrive early for set up and must be 18+ or have parent/guardian written permission. Some easels

are provided but participants must bring their own drawing material. Life Drawing PEI is a not-for-profit organization. There is a fee for sessions, with proceeds going toward an honorarium for the model. Email lifedrawingpei2022@ gmail.com if interested in being a model. Follow @LifeDrawingPEI on FB for updates. 57 Bunbury Rd, Stratford.

Paint Club for adults

Adult artists can bring their projects and supplies to the Charlottetown Library to paint, chat, and connect with fellow painters on April 7 and 21, 1–3:30 pm. 97 Queen St, Charlottetown.

Art Journaling Club

The Art Journaling Club meets monthly at the Summerside Library to create an untraditional journal. Record special moments using art and pictures rather than words. The next session is April 7 at 6:30 pm. 57 Central St, Summerside.

Crafternoon

Crafternoon in the Makerspace at the Charlottetown Library takes place on April 9 at 1 pm. This month, participants can create a work of art with wooden mushroom painting. All materials are supplied. Call 902-368-4642 to pre-register. 97 Queen St, Charlottetown.

Needlecraft session

Bring needlecraft supplies to the Summerside Rotary Library on April 10 and 24 at 2 pm for some crafting and social time with knitters, crocheters, rug hookers, and other fibre and textile makers. All skill levels are welcome. 57 Central St, Summerside.

Sewing Club (12+)

Join fellow sewing and mending enthusiasts (12+) in the Charlottetown Library Makerspace on April 10, 5–8 pm. Bring a machine and projects, start an entrylevel project, or try a machine with gentle guidance. Explore sewing tools and techniques. 97 Queen St, Charlottetown.

Makerspace hangout

Kids aged 6–12 can drop by the Makerspace at the Charlottetown Library on April 11 at 10 am to try robotics, Rubik’s cubes, building straws, a craft station, and more. 97 Queen St, Charlottetown.

Egg drop challenge

Kids can drop by the Summerside Library on April 11 at 10:30 am to build a contraption to protect their eggs from being scrambled. 57 Central St, Summerside.

Flower pot painting

Teens can decorate their own little pot for flowers and plants at the Charlottetown Library on April 11 at 2 pm. All supplies provided. 97 Queen St, Charlottetown.

PD Day Arts Camp

Nurture a child’s interest in visual arts or performing arts and sign them up for a PD Day Arts Camp at Confederation Centre of the Arts on April 11 and May 2. Through a combination of guided and open-ended activities, young artists will explore painting, drawing, singing, dancing, and more. Info/register: confederationcentre.com; 902-566-1267

Paint party with Denise Livingstone

Denise Livingstone and the Greenvale Women’s Institute (WI) are hosting a paint party at the Hunter River Community Centre on April 12 from 10 am to 12 noon. There is a fee to attend, with proceeds supporting the WI ramp project. Participants will receive all necessary paint supplies, a greeting card, and an 8×10 Denise Livingstone art print. Denise will demonstrate how to use water pencils as participants work their way outside for a WI lunch. The event also features a photo booth with props painted by Denise, an art show of her original artwork, and a door prize draw entry for all participants. Info/tickets: 902-393-5561

Exploring visual arts

A new eight-week session for budding visual artists will be held at Confederation Centre of the Arts from April 12–May 31. There are two sessions, one for ages 6–8 and another for ages 9–12. Held Saturday mornings, these classes will explore the elements of art through a series of diverse drawing, painting, and sculpting activities. Students will also visit the Gallery to explore a range of contemporary and historical artworks. Info/register: confederationcentre.com; 902-566-1267

Scrapbooking Guild of PEI

The Scrapbooking Guild of PEI will host two days of card-making, scrapbooking, paper crafting, and more with a group of enthusiasts at Brackley Common Community Centre on April 12 and 13 from 9 am–7 pm. Attendees can bring their own projects, a lunch, and enjoy creative social time. All are welcome. There is a fee to attend. 14 Union Rd, Charlottetown. Info: @ thescrapbookingguildofpei on FB; julievwatson2021@ gmail.com; 902-566-9748

Needle felting for teens

Teens can drop by the Board Room at the Charlottetown Library on April 14 at 2:30 pm to chat about books and needle felt a little creature. 97 Queen St, Charlottetown.

Kindred Spirits Quilt Guild

The Kindred Spirits Quilt Guild meets on the third Wednesday of the month (except July, August, and December) from 7–9 pm at the Benevolent Irish Society. The next meeting is April 16. New members and visitors are welcome. This is a scent-free meeting. Info: Roberta

(902-393-3222); @Kindred Spirits Quilt Guild of PEI on FB. 582 North River Rd, Charlottetown.

Eggs in a basket

Learn how to create an egg-shaped bunny and a basket for it to nest in at a crafting and social hour on April 16 (2 pm) and April 21 (6:30 pm) at the Summerside Library. Call 902-436-7323 to register. 57 Central St, Summerside.

Stratford Poppy Project

Drop into the Makerspace at the Charlottetown Library to knit or crochet poppies on April 19 from 10 am–12 pm. Help create the Poppy Drape that will be unveiled at the Stratford Town Hall on November 11. All supplies will be provided. Someone will be available to teach beginners. 97 Queen St, Charlottetown.

PEI Modern Quilt Guild

The PEI Modern Quilt Guild meets on the fourth Thursday of every month from 7–9 pm. The next meeting is April 24. This is a scent-free meeting. If interested in attending a meeting as a guest or for inquiries, contact peimqg@gmail.com.

Makers session

Drop-in for the makers session at Eptek & Art Culture Centre from 1–3 pm on April 27. Gather an unfinished project and join the free session. All are welcome. 130 Heather Moyse Dr, Summerside.

Let’s Get Creative: Kids Art Club

Ryan McAdam-Young, an art educator with Let’s Get Creative, will instruct an eight-week art program for kids aged 5–14 at Eptek Art & Culture Centre. Sessions will run from 12:30–1:45 pm or 2:15–3:30 pm on Sundays, April 27–June 15. Children will get messy and creative while experimenting with art, including painting, clay, collage, paper crafts, puppet making, drawing, and more. Call 902-888-8373 to pre-register. 130 Heather Moyse Dr, Summerside. Info: @ letsgetcreative on FB

Knitting workshops at Eptek

Knitting designer Lucy Neatby will instruct a series of artist-led workshops next month at Eptek & Art Culture Centre in Summerside. Island knitters of all levels can learn practical skills and strategies. The workshops on May 1 are Hallelujah Grafting (9 am) and Phoenix From The Ashes (1 pm). On May 2, the workshops are Wondrous Pockets for Single Layer Knitting (9 am) and Dabble Into Double (1 pm). Registration is required. Info: 902-888-8373

Art camp at Good Vibes

Good Vibes Art School offers a summer art camp for kids aged 5–13, with sessions starting June 30, July 7, and July 14. Activities include painting, drawing, mixed media, printmaking, and sculpture. Limited space available. Call 902-916-0891 to register. 3421 Brackley Pt Rd, Brackley.

PEI Fashion Weekend

A celebration of style, creativity and community

PEI Fashion Weekend (PEIFW), running April 4 and 5 in Charlottetown, brings designers, retailers, and fashion enthusiasts together for a weekend filled with style, creativity, and empowerment. Presented by Jems Boutique, this event highlights both emerging talents and established brands, showcasing collections that inspire confidence, individuality, and self-expression.

More than just a runway show, PEIFW is an immersive fashion experience. Attendees can expect high-energy runway presentations, exclusive pop-up shopping, and networking opportunities that connect fashion industry professionals with style-conscious audiences. From bold statement pieces to timeless classics, this event is a celebration of fashion in all its forms.

A key highlight of this year’s event is its commitment to community impact. PEIFW supports First Impressions, a not-for-profit boutique providing free and affordable clothing to women in need.

The weekend also introduces new collections from brands and designers, giving guests a front-row seat to the latest trends. Whether a designer, stylist, boutique owner, or fashion lover, PEIFW offers a chance to engage with the industry, discover fresh inspiration, and celebrate local and international talent.

PEIFW kicks off April 4 at 7:30 pm with a fashion show at the Delta Hotel

Call for submissions: This Town is Small programming

This Town is Small (TTIS) is looking for visual and interdisciplinary artists, groups, and curators from Atlantic Canada who are interested in contributing to its programming for the 2025–26 season. Artists are invited to submit applications that highlight their overall practice. Submitting an artist profile to TTIS is a way to introduce one’s artistic and/or curatorial practices, share ideas to explore, and showcase unique perspectives. TTIS will collaborate directly with selected artists and curators to realize their projects, provide support for creative development, and identify opportunities for artistic growth and meaningful engagement. Artist profile

in Charlottetown. The event features fashion, music and style, plus headlining designer Lesley Hampton, live entertainment by Encore, Joce Reyome, DJ Colin, and more.

Fashion City Day on April 5 features a pop-up market, hair and makeup demos, styling and model coaching, red carpet photography, and a fireside chat with Lesley Hampton. Over 40 designers and retailers are participating. Admission is free.

For tickets and event details, visitjemsboutique.ca, and follow @peifw on social media for updates.

submissions from artists across all disciplines and at any stage of artistic development are welcome. Applications are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the year for TTIS programming including exhibitions, events, rural projects, workshops, development opportunities, and more. Info: info@ thistownissmall.com

PEI Arts Grants funding applications open

The PEI Arts Grants support, assist and encourage the arts community in the province. Funding is available to professional PEI-based artists through a peer-assessed grant application process. Applications for the Spring 2025 intake period will be accepted from April 14 at noon until May 12 at 4 pm. For funding information, eligibility requirements and to apply, visit princeedwardisland.ca/ en/service/pei-arts-grants-funding.

DAVE BROSHA

Anyssa Murray in Michnat (PEIFW 2024)

Emma Donoghue

An evening at Florence Simmons hosted by Bookmark

Bookmark welcomes bestselling, award-winning novelist Emma Donoghue to Charlottetown for the launch of The Paris Express on April 25 at 7 pm at the Florence Simmons Performance Hall in Charlottetown. The evening will be moderated by Deirdre Kessler.

Emma Donoghue, the “soul-stirring” (Oprah Daily) nationally bestselling author of Room, returns with a sweeping historical novel about an infamous 1895 disaster at the Paris Montparnasse train station.

Based on an 1895 disaster that went down in history when it was captured in a series of surreal, extraordinary photographs, The Paris Express is a propulsive novel set on a train packed with a fascinating cast of characters who hail from as close as Brittany and as far as Russia, Ireland, Algeria, Pennsylvania, and Cambodia. Members of parliament hurry back to Paris to vote; a medical student suspects a girl may be dying; a secretary tries to convince her boss of the potential of moving pictures; two of the train’s crew build a life away from their wives; a young anarchist makes a terrifying plan, and much more.

Donaghue is a novelist, screenwriter and playwright. Her novel Room has sold almost three million copies, won the Rogers Writers’ Trust Fiction Prize, the Commonwealth Writers’ Prize, and was shortlisted for the Man

BOOK LAUNCHES

Forecast: Pretty Bleak

Chris Bailey will launch his new poetry collection, Forecast: Pretty Bleak, at the monthly Jack Pine Folk Club hosted by Shane Pendergast on April 23 at 7 pm. Bailey will read selections from his new book, and musicians Jon Rehder and Roger Stone will perform. The event will be held at The Pourhouse, 189 Great George St, Charlottetown. Info: bookmarkreads.ca/events

home:

poems about family

Celebrate the release of the anthology, home: poems about family, at the book

Booker and Orange Prizes. Donoghue scripted the film adaptation, which was nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Picture. The Wonder was shortlisted for the Scotiabank Giller Prize, and Donoghue co-wrote the screen adaptation. The Pull of the Stars was nominated for the Trillium Book Award and Scotiabank Giller Prize. Donoghue’s fiction ranges from the contemporary to the historical and includes two books for young readers.

An Evening with Emma Donoghue is a free, ticketed event and open to everyone. Tickets are available online (bookmarkreads.ca/events) or by calling Bookmark (902-566-4888).

launch on April 27 at 4 pm at The Gallery Coffee House & Bistro in Charlottetown. Editor Julie Bull and many of the authors will be sharing their poetry at the launch. Books will be available for purchase. Seating is limited—register in advance at locarius.io/events/2136/ book-launch-community-poetry-anthology. This event is free to attend.

Global Voices for Peace

A book launch for Global Voices for Peace: An Introduction to Peacebuilders and the Hope They Bring will be held at Beaconsfield Carriage House in Charlottetown on April 29 from 7–9 pm. The event, co-hosted by PEI-based editor and creator Susan Hartley and musician and climate action advocate Todd MacLean, will feature a panel conversation with PEI contributors to the anthology and readings from the book. Refreshments will be provided, and the book will be available for purchase.

A gift of Island poetry

CHERRY BLOSSOMS

I’ve lain here so long I’ve seen nothing become magnificent cherry blossoms and then nothing, again

until yellow then orange then just in these last sickly sweet days, red.

I’ve been so quiet I’ve heard the birds discuss what is wrong with me.

The flowers are quieter, kinder. In their rotation they don’t get to know you:

the ones with large personalities wave and on lonelier days I wave back. Maybe ask them their names.

—Rose Henbest

Rose Henbest lives in rural PEI and works with her local church. She has an MA in English and Creative Writing from the University of New Brunswick and a forthcoming chapbook with Emergency Flash Mob Press.

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

READERS/WRITERS

April Art Night at The Guild: Poetry Month

This month, CreativePEI and Art Night at The Guild, along with local poet Julie Bull, are celebrating the start of National Poetry Month with a poetry party on April 4 at 5–7 pm at The Guild. This event will be a choose-your-ownadventure poetry night, with different sections set up with supplies for a variety of poetry writing techniques. Julie Bull has been writing poems since they could hold a crayon and loves to share their passion for writing with other poetry enthusiasts and folks curious about the art form. No poetry experience is required and all materials are provided. This event is free and everyone is welcome. 111 Queen St, Charlottetown.

Black-out poetry for teens

In honour of Poetry Month, teens can drop by the Summerside Library in April to try their hand at black-out poetry using markers and old book pages. 57 Central St, Summerside.

Breadalbane Write Outloud

The Breadalbane Write Outloud, a monthly event at the Breadalbane

Community Centre showcasing poetry, short stories, and song, is at the end of its third season. Hosted by Jon Rehder and Haley Lewis, the final event on April 23, from 6–8 pm, will feature Yvette Doucette, Leon Berrouard, Kent MacLennan, and Jon Rehder, as well as a few surprise guests. Admission is cash-only at the door. 4023 Dixon Rd, Breadalbane.

French for the Future National Essay Competition

Sadie Lunn of Montague, PEI, a student at Université de Moncton (NB), is among the winners of the 2024-2025 French for the Future National Essay Contest. Lunn distinguished herself with the quality of her text and received a $5000 award. A total of $413,000 in bursaries was awarded to 102 winners to support their post-secondary studies in French. The 2024-2025 edition, launched last fall, encouraged young people to develop their writing skills and compete for scholarships from 16 partner institutions. Students wrote 750-word essays on the theme: “What makes a good friend?” Interest in the contest has grown, with 870 submissions—double the previous edition. Info: french-future.org

PEI BOOKS

home: poems about family a community anthology

Edited by Julie R. Bull

The anthology home: poems about family will be released on April 27.

As the culmination of their poet-in-residence program at The Gallery Coffee House & Bistro, Julie R. Bull has edited this collection to commemorate the moment by inviting local poets to write about the theme for National Poetry Month 2025: family.

home: poems about family is a collection of poems by 24 Island poets that explore and express myriad experiences with family: found family, chosen family, blood family, animal family, friendship family, plant family, nature family, the connection of all things.

Many of the authors will be sharing their poetry at the launch on April 27 at 4 pm at The Gallery Coffee House & Bistro in Charlottetown. Registration (free) is encouraged at locarius.io/

events/2136/book-launch-community-poetry-anthology.

Books will be available for purchase at the launch.

Kindling Hope: Daily Passages from Darkness into Light Zhen-Ru

PEI’s Pownal Street Press will release Kindling Hope: Daily Passages from Darkness into Light by Zhen-Ru, translated by the PEI-based Amrita Translation Foundation in collaboration with Kacy Lin, on April 29.

This book is filled with insight and encouragement—to be kind, ethical, forgiving, and loving. It offers peace, solace and support for living joyfully in the current world. With each passage, readers are invited to enter a life of joy, and to sometimes shift perspectives. A collection from

Buddhist teacher Zhen-Ru, these short passages and musings invoke the stillness needed for daily contemplation. Available for the first time in English, each passage aims to help readers access the compassion, understanding and gratitude that is needed to hold space for each other and for the earth.

Zhen-Ru was born into a family of educators. As a child, she began thinking deeply about existential questions. After extensive reading and research, she was determined to raise her consciousness by instilling the Buddha’s teaching into her own life. She left the traditional education system and traveled extensively throughout Asia, studying and learning from Tibetan spiritual teachers.

For Canadian orders, email orders@raincoast.com.

Global Voices for Peace:

An Introduction to Peacebuilders and the Hope They Bring Susan Hartley

Global Voices for Peace: An Introduction to Peacebuilders and the Hope They Bring by PEI-based editor and creator Susan Hartley launches on April 29. A book launch will be held from 7–9 pm at Beaconsfield Carriage House,

Charlottetown.

Global Voices for Peace is a collection of reflections on themes related to the state of peacebuilding across the world. In one page, each contributor has offered their thoughts, reflections and actions in response to questions such as: What needs to happen for humanity to find a way to peace for our world, our communities, and our societies? What actions can be taken—can we take—now to move this forward?

Featuring more than 100 peacebuilders, Global Voices for Peace introduces the reader to a diverse network of individuals, groups and organizations from more than 50 nations who work directly to bring peace to their neighbourhood, community, and society, as well as on the global stage. Local contributors include Leo Broderick, Marie Burge, Jill McCormack, Martin Rutte, Julie Pellissier-Lush, Todd MacLean, Sharon McKay, Chris Batchilder, Oliver Batchilder, and the late Tim Goddard.

This anthology also introduces readers to the intersections between peace and conflict, and the climate and environmental crises, food insecurity, inequality, gender, migration, sport, colonialism, and mental health. The focus on peacebuilding is broadly presented through reflections on personal, family, community, societal, and global peace work.

globalvoices4peace.ca

Reg Catches a Salmon: A Growth Mindset Story for Kids

Lori Gard

Illustrated by Emma Martin

PEI’s Pownal Street Press will release Reg Catches a Salmon: A Growth Mindset Story for Kids (Tales for Big Feelings #3) on April 8. Written by Lori Gard and illustrated by Emma Martin. Reg is a bear whose name rhymes with EGG. Reg wakes up one fine summer morning with his head full of possibilities: swimming, berry picking,

fishing for minnows. Then his big sister Co-co tells him that today she’s going to teach him to catch a salmon. Reg’s heart beats louder, his muscles clench up, everything aches. He doesn’t know how to catch a salmon. What if he just CAN’T? Co-co reminds him to breathe and relax his body.

Reg Catches a Salmon, the latest in the Tales for Big Feelings series, guides readers through the challenge of learning new, hard things and the joy of trying and trying again.

Gard is the author of two other children’s books, Reg Goes Swimming and Reg Takes a Trip. She lives in Mill River East, PEI.

Martin is a fine artist and the illustrator of the Tales for Big Feelings series. She lives in Michigan, USA.

Lowfield

Mark Sampson

PEI-born, Toronto-based author Mark Sampson returns with a new novel this spring. Lowfield, a tale of horror and paranormal suspense set on PEI, will be released April 15 by Now or Never Publishing.

Laureate Lectures

Tanya Davis explores through poetry and conversation

PEI Poet Laureate Tanya Davis will visit select PEI libraries this April for National Poetry Month, exploring the following questions through poetry and conversation: If language is a tool, then how do we use it? What happens if the tools are broken, or stolen, or lost? Can we build a better world with words, and can we make it beautiful?

“On Words, Wars, and Wonder: how poetry can help us navigate the world” with Tanya Davis will make stops at the Breadalbane Public Library (4023 Dixon Rd) on April 3 at 6:30 pm, the Souris Public Library (75 Main St) on April 5 at 2 pm, the

Lowfield taps the rich traditions of dark fantasy and weird fiction, with nodding homages to the works of Edgar Allan Poe, H.P. Lovecraft, Shirley Jackson, and Stephen King. But it is also a deeply PEI book, steeped in the Island’s language, culture, and history.

Set mostly in and around Montague during the summer of 1995, the novel features a traumatized former RCMP officer, a nosy community newspaper editor and his ambitious journalism student intern, as well as allusions to PEI’s first settlers, the Charlottetown Conference, the Island’s legacy of anti-abortion legislation, and the plebiscite for and construction of the Confederation Bridge.

Profound, richly layered, and terrifying, Lowfield is a white-knuckle page turner for those who love a good scare.

Sampson is a fiction writer, poet, book reviewer, and literary critic. He is the author of seven books.

Montague Rotary Library (53 Wood Islands Rd) on April 8 at 6:30 pm, the O’Leary Public Library (18 Community St) on April 10 at 6:30 pm, and the Summerside Rotary Library (57 Central St) on April 11 at 11 am. SUBMITTED

Indie Bookstore Day

Celebrating the more personal experience

Bookmark, Charlottetown’s locally owned, independent bookstore celebrates Canadian Independent Bookstore Day on April 26.

Canadian Independent Bookstore Day is the annual day when readers, writers, illustrators, publishers, and others come together to celebrate indie bookstores across Canada. By joining the celebration, participants are advocating for independent businesses, supporting a flourishing bookselling community, and investing in Canadian culture.

Indie booksellers are experts in their field, passionate about facilitating connections between reader and writer, and creating genuine, lasting relationships with their customers. The shops function as pillars of the community— inclusive spaces for conversation and hubs for events promoting enlightenment and entertainment. Local booksellers also play a vital role in the Canadian literary ecosystem. They are conduits of discovery, championing Canadian creators at all career stages, and introducing Canadian readers to a diverse range of voices from across Canada’s rich cultural landscape.

Bookmark’s 2025 Bookstore Ambassador, local poet, Brent Maclaine, says it’s personal:

“It’s personal, of course: the kind of bookstore that one prefers. Whether charmingly disheveled or meticulously organized, whether carpeted or dusty floored, whether spacious or (more likely) crowded, our independent bookstore is bound to be original, singular, even idiosyncratic. That’s what ‘independent’ means.

“But note the pronoun—’our.’ Our relationship to the store is as personal as our relationship to the books we choose from its shelves. The genre or title scarcely matter: classic or contemporary, fantasy or philosophy, gardening or garnishing, history or

hagiography. Our choosing to engage with a particular book is a fractal of our choosing to enter the store.

“The choosing is part of the pleasure, no doubt, and independent bookstore staff are our valued guides and helpmates. They suggest, locate, order, and deliver. They are characters in an Ishiguro novel, characters in our community, our personal librarians. Owners and staff are community builders. They make local authors into local stars; they invite us to readings with literary icons; they organize book launches and literary events. They are right out there with the first responders and health professionals—stamping out wild fires of ignorance and illiteracy, bandaging our hurting needs, our struggling souls with ‘a good read.’

“There is no oppression of the market place in independent bookstores. We enter them with anticipation and we leave them with hope. We are among our own people in our own community. And all of those books making a brightly coloured display with their front covers and their spines are visitors in all manner of dress— they await our invitations, to be welcomed by us and to be among us.”

This year’s celebration at Bookmark includes a chance to win a $1000 or one of four $200 Bookmark gift certificates (visit indiebookstores.ca/CIBD for contest rules). Their popular Spin to Win contest is back, offering chances to win extra points, swag, products, or donations to the local food bank. There will also be book swag and exclusive merchandise while supplies last, plus double points on all qualifying purchases for the Bookmark Reader Rewards Program (sign up—it’s free). For more information, contact Lori Cheverie at 902-566-4888 or lori@bookmarkreads.ca.

—Submitted by Dan MacDonald

PEI Poet Laureate Tanya Davis

TALKS/LECTURES

Family Law 101

A free legal information session, Family Law 101, will be held at Summerside Library on March 31 at 6:30 pm. Presented by Amber Wilson of Key Murray Law in partnership with the Law Society, this session is designed to help Islanders understand the basics of family law. Key topics include separation and divorce, child support, and property division. Call 902-436-7323 or register at the circulation desk. 57 Central St, Summerside.

Gambling Awareness

Nora McCarthy-Joyce, a gambling education specialist with PEI’s Department of Health and Wellness, will lead a onehour Gambling Awareness Education session at the Charlottetown Library on April 2 at 2 pm. She will cover types of gambling, signs of gambling harm, and available resources in PEI. All are welcome. 97 Queen St, Charlottetown.

Contemporary Buddhism

The UPEI Department of Asian Studies is presenting a lecture titled “Contemporary Buddhism: A Guide to Good Life” by Dr. Jin Y. Park on April 3, from 2:15–4 pm, in the Faculty Lounge (Room 201), SDU Main Building, UPEI. This lecture is part of the Asian Studies

International Seminar: Korean Studies Speaker Series 2025. Everyone is welcome to attend. Dr. Park is the chair and a professor in the Department of Philosophy and Religion at American University in Washington, DC. Since 2006, she has authored, co-edited, or translated over 10 scholarly books. She has also published 60 articles, presented about 200 keynote speeches, invited lectures, and conference papers on modern Korean (East Asian) Buddhism, women and Buddhist philosophy, and postmodernity and deconstructionism.

Theology on Tap

The UPEI Department of Religious Studies will present Theology on Tap at 7 pm on April 7 at the Salvador Dali Cafe in Charlottetown (155 Kent St). Dr. Callum Beck, a sessional lecturer at UPEI, will give a presentation titled “Riots, Civil Disobedience, and Protests: Theological and Practical Reflections on the Belfast (1847) and Orange Day (1877) Riots.” Dr. Beck will contrast how the governing authorities handled the Belfast Riot—the Island’s worst—with how they dealt with the Orange Day riot 30 years later. Following a brief summary of each riot and the government’s response to them, he will give examples of civil disobedience in the past 200 years to see what lessons political leaders today can

draw from these two riots. The audience will then have the opportunity to discuss among themselves the question of the night: “How should the government respond to protests, civil disobedience, and riots?” Dr. Beck will then take questions from the audience. Dr. Beck recently published a book, The Belfast Riot of 1847, which will be available for purchase at the event. All are welcome to attend and participate in this discussion.

PEI Foster Care Program

Social workers from the Department of Social Development and Seniors will give a presentation on the province’s Foster Care Program at 6:30 pm on April 14 at the Summerside Library (57 Central St). The session will provide an in-depth look at the foster care system, including how it operates, the role of foster parents and how to become one, the needs of children in care, and the rising need for foster families in PEI.

Canadian Immigration Legal Information

A free information session on the Canadian immigration process will be held at the Charlottetown Library (97 Queen St.) on April 14 and at the Summerside Library (57 Central St.) on April 15 at 6 pm. Presented by immigration lawyer Hanaa Al Sharief in partnership with IRSA, the Charlottetown Library Learning Centre, and the Law Foundation of PEI, the session will provide clear and practical legal insights to help attendees navigate the immigration

process with confidence. To register, visit forms.office.com/r/Y1DnxZQtLG or call 902-566-1666 for the Charlottetown session and 902-436-7323 for the Summerside session.

The Magdalen Islands

The next Island Lecture Series, hosted by the Institute of Island Studies at UPEI, will feature guest speaker Audrey Keating presenting, “The Magdalen Islands: A Living Lab for Territorial Innovation.” The lecture will be held in the Faculty Lounge at UPEI’s Main Building on April 15 at 7 pm. Admission is free and all are welcome to attend. Keating, an economic and community development professional, will talk about how the Magdalen Islands are leveraging its unique environment to foster economic development opportunities. Keating is currently Commissioner for Business Development and Partnerships at La Vague, an innovation and development corporation leading the Magdalen Islands’ investment attraction strategy. Previously at the Community Economic Development and Employability Corporation, she fostered partnerships across public, private, and civil sectors to support English-speaking communities in Québec.

Employment Insurance

David Lund from Service Canada will give a free information session about Employment Insurance at the Charlottetown Library (97 Queen St) on April 29 at 2 pm.

& 24, 2025

Restoring Dialogue in an Age of Polarization

Responding to Climate Change A Collective Approach to Canadian Healthcare

The 2025 Charlottetown Forum is where bold ideas meet open dialogue. Over two days, artists, experts, and thought leaders will tackle the most pressing issues facing Canada today. With dynamic panels, interactive discussions, and powerful artistic responses, this is more than just a conference—it’s a conversation that matters to Canada

To register and info on Moderators and Panellists, visit the Forum website.

In an era of misinformation and division, explore how we can rebuild meaningful public discourse and engage in productive conversations across differences.

Panelists Include: Sabreena Delhon Owais Lightwala

Moderator: Nora Young

From rising sea levels to creative resilience, examine how Islanders are confronting climate change through science, policy, and the power of artistic expression.

Panelists Include: Stephanie Arnold

Kim Griffin

Melissa Peter-Paul

Moderator: Anna Keenan

Bringing together doctors and artists, discuss how we can address systemic healthcare challenges and integrate creativity into care for better outcomes.

Panelists Include: Dr. Megan Miller

Dr. Paula Cashin

Dr. Eberhard Renner

Moderator: Dr. Jillian Horton

PANEL 1:

PANEL 2:

PANEL 3:

Poets & Pints

Celebrating National Poetry Month

“A poet’s work is to name the unnameable, to point at frauds, to take sides, start arguments, shape the world, and stop it going to sleep.”

—Salman Rushdie

April is National Poetry Month. Bookmark, Charlottetown’s locally owned, independent bookstore is celebrating with their annual Poets & Pints event featuring local poets on April 29 at 7 pm in the Provinces Room of the Rodd Charlottetown. Admission is free and all are welcome.

This year’s event features PEI poets Chris Bailey, Rose Henbest, and Jessi MacEachern reading from their new poetry collections, followed by a conversation between the poets moderated by Richard Lemm, and an audience Q&A. The event will conclude with an open mic for other local poets and aspiring poets to share their poetry with the audience. Register for the open mic by emailing charlottetown@ bookmarkreads.ca.

Chris Bailey is a graphic designer and commercial fisherman from PEI. He holds a MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Guelph. Chris’ writing has appeared in Grain, Brick, The Fiddlehead, Best Canadian Stories

Time Flies

A new e-book, Time Flies, Online Edition: A Story Map Companion to Time Flies: A History of Prince Edward Island from

Humanities at

2021, Best Canadian Stories 2025, and elsewhere. His debut poetry collection, What Your Hands Have Done, is available from Nightwood Editions. His piece “Fisherman’s Repose” was a winner of the 2022 BMO 1st Art! Award. Forecast: Pretty Bleak is his second poetry collection.

Jessi MacEachern, was born in Epekwitk/PEI, but currently lives in Tiohtià:ke/Montréal, where she teaches English literature. As a poet, professor, and scholar of contemporary feminist poetics, her critical and creative writing has appeared in journals and anthologies across Canada and around the world. Her debut poetry collection A Number of Stunning Attacks was published by Invisible Publishing in 2021. Cut Side Down is her second poetry collection.

Rose Henbest lives in rural PEI where she sees the sunrise every morning, writes to understand her world, and works with her local church. She has an MA in English and Creative Writing from the University of New Brunswick. Her chapbook You Look Like Someone I Love will be published by Emergency Flash Mob Press this spring.

UPEI, and Bailey Clark, research assistant at MacFadyen’s GeoREACH Lab and Masters of Arts in Island Studies student.

Time Flies, Online is a web-based story map companion to MacFadyen’s 2023 book, Time Flies: A History of Prince Edward Island from the Air, which documents changes in numerous urban, rural, and coastal areas at over 50 locations on PEI from 1935 to 2020.

Like the book version, the e-book uses historical aerial photography and maps, accompanied by analysis, to explore the transformation over the same time period of more than 10 new sites on PEI—from Freeland in West Prince County to Crapaud and Victoria in South Queens County to Dundas Farms, a large western-style ranch in Kings County.

Visit projects.upei.ca/geolab/timeflies for more information.

BOOK CLUBS

Silent Book Club

The Silent Book Club meets in Charlottetown on April 7 at PEI Brewing Co (96 Kensington Rd) and April 23 at Upstreet Craft Brewing (41 Allen St). Each session starts at 6 pm with 30 minutes of socializing—readers introduce themselves and share what they’re reading. At 6:30 pm, enjoy an hour of silent reading, followed by more book chat or silent reading time. All are welcome.

“Book”in It Walking Book Club

The “Book”in It Walking Book Club meets at the Summerside Library (57 Central St) on April 8 at 10 am. Members will enjoy a 20-minute stroll before heading inside to discuss the latest book. Register in advance at 902-436-7323 and pick up a copy at the front desk.

Book Lovers Book Club

The Book Lovers Book Club will meet at the Charlottetown Library (97 Queen St) on April 15 at 6 pm for an informal, conversation-style gathering. Participants

can chat about what they’re currently reading, share old favourites, offer recommendations, and celebrate their love of reading with fellow bibliophiles. There is no assigned reading, no pressure, and no registration required.

Afternoon Book Club

The Afternoon Book Club meets at the Summerside Library (57 Central St) on April 21 at 1 pm. Pick up this month’s book at the circulation desk.

Summerside Book Club

Summerside Book Club members meet for a lively discussion about some of today’s most thought-provoking books. Pick up a copy of the latest book club selection at the circulation desk. The next meeting is April 26 at 2 pm at the Summerside Library (57 Central St).

Book Club

A Book Club meets in the Bluejay Room at the Charlottetown Library (97 Queen St) on April 28 at 6 pm to discuss The Spoon Stealer by Lesley Crewe. Pick up a copy at the welcome desk.

MAY BUZZ DEADLINE

Monday, April 14

(L–R): Jessi MacEachern, Rose Henbest and Chs Bailey

the Air, has been published by Dr. Joshua MacFadyen, Canada Research Chair in Geospatial

Bailey Clark and Dr. Joshua MacFadyen

Tivoli Cinema

Tivoli Cinema screens a variety of new and old releases. Upcoming screenings include: Solastalgia (2019, G, Dir: Millefiore Clarkes) & Geographies of Solitude (2022, G, Dir: Jacquelyn Mills) on March 30; Goodbye Horses: The Many Lives of Q Lazzarus (2024, PG) from March 31–April 2; Silence of the Lambs (1991, R) on Mar 31 & April 2; April Fool’s Day (1986, R) on April 1; Charade (1963, PG) on April 3; Zoolander (2001, R) on April 4; The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie (2025, PG) from April 4–8; Love & Pop (1998, PG-13) on April 9–11; Den of Thieves (2018, R) on April 12; Jackass: The Movie (2002, R) on April 13; Double Feature: RoboCop (1987, R) & Cop Land (1997, R) on April 13; Midnight Run (1988, R) on April 14; Jackie Brown (1997, R) on April 15; Ginger Snaps (2000, R) on April 16 (free admission); To Live and Die in LA (1985, R) on April 17; Wallace & Gromit: Curse of the Were-Rabbit (2005, G) from April 18–19; Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971, PG) from April 18–19; The Luckiest Man in America (2025, R) from April 18–20; Double Feature: Smiley Face (2007, R) & Reefer Madness (1936, PG) on April 20; Princess Mononoke (2024, PG-13) from April 21–24; Abruptio (2023, R) from April 25–26; Warfare (2025, R) from April 25–May 1; All That Jazz (1979) from April 26; The Shawshank Redemption (1994, R) on April 27; A Silent Voice: The Movie (2016, PG)

on April 29. For showtimes, updates and tickets visit tivolicinema.com. 155 Kent St, Charlottetown.

Monday Movie

Visit the Charlottetown Library and watch a movie on the big screen in the auditorium on March 31 at 6 pm. The Monday Movie choice is Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret (2023) (PG-13). 97 Queen St, Charlottetown.

Afternoon Movie

Visit the Charlottetown Library for an afternoon movie on April 1 at 1 pm. This month’s screening is Being John Malkovich (R)(1999). 97 Queen St, Charlottetown.

Eptek Lunch Film Series

The Friends of Eptek Centre’s Lunchtime Film Series runs on Thursdays at noon in the main gallery until the end of April. The films include some new and some from late Friend Blanche Hogg. There is no charge for the film presentation. Upcoming screenings include: Craft in America: Quilts on April 3; The Quiltmaker’s of Gee’s Bend on April 10; Craft in America: Visionaries on April 17; and Wildest – Falkland Islands: Penguin Paradise on April 24. 130 Heather Moyse Drive, Summerside.

Anime Club (18+)

Watch and discuss two episodes of anime at the Charlottetown Library on April 8 at 6 pm. Titles change monthly and are chosen at the start of every meeting. 97 Queen St, Charlottetown.

Wild Robot Monday

Families can enjoy the flick The Wild Robot in the auditorium at the Charlottetown Library on April 14 at 2 pm. Popcorn provided. 97 Queen St, Charlottetown.

The Boys in the Boat

Rowing PEI is hosting a public screening of The Boys in the Boat at City Cinema in Charlottetown on April 27 at 2 pm for anyone interested in learning about rowing. The Boys in the Boat is the true story of the 1936 American men’s eight rowing team on their quest for Olympic gold. Rowing PEI members will be in attendance with information about their summer programs and a video highlighting rowing on PEI. Admission is by donation. All proceeds will go toward Rowing PEI. Reserve seats at citycinema. ca starting April 1. Info: rowingpei.ca

A Hidden History

A special screening of A Hidden History, a Bell-Fibre TV mini-series, will take place at Eptek Art & Culture Centre on May 4 at 1 pm. Is Canada’s smallest province hiding a secret history? On Hidden History, author Katie Hickox travels to the Island to investigate a centuries-old mystery that has captivated her for decades. Katie and her team will be on site to answer any questions. Presented by the Summerside Historical Society, this is a free event and all are welcome. Call 902-888-8373 to reserve seats as space is limited. 130 Heather Moyse Drive, Summerside.

Hosted by Sean Doke, L’nuey’s media relations officer, Juku’e is a podcast series focused on current matters in the Mi’kmaq Community.

In its latest episode, “Laying the Groundwork for Pituamkek: The Journey to Establish a National Park Reserve with Jesse Francis and Tracey Cutcliffe,“ host Sean Doke speaks with Jesse Francis and Tracey Cutcliffe—two key figures in the creation of Pituamkek National Park Reserve. Together, they explore the foundational work that led to the establishment, including the determination of Mi’kmaw leadership and collaborative effort with Parks Canada, the cultural and ecological significance

Island Digital Voices

Season 3 of podcast celebrating local stories

Island Digital Voices is back with a new season as it continues celebrating storytelling, community, and the Island’s diverse voices.

Island Digital Voices is an initiative of the Government of PEI, led by PEI Museum and Heritage Foundation (PEIMHF). It captures and preserves the stories of community members, ensuring they remain part of the province’s history.

Season three features new content from across the Island, including videos about the life of Stella Shepard, the story of Soleil’s Farm, and ballet dancer Marissa Ladéroute.

of this sacred landscape, and how this milestone represents a step forward in Mi’kmaw rights and reconciliation. Tune in to learn about the history of Pituamkek, the ongoing work of the Pituamkek Conservation Project, and the next steps in the establishment of this national park reserve, where Mi’kmaw knowledge and stewardship will guide the protection of this extraordinary place.

Visit lnuey.ca/media/podcast for Juku’e (meaning ‘come here’ in Mi’kmaq) episodes and updates.

to all released content, visit islanddigitalvoices.ca. To suggest a story to be profiled in future seasons, contact PEIMHF. Follow @heritagepei on social for updates.

(L–R): Jesse Francis, Tracey Cutcliffe and Sean Doke

Welcome to City Cinema from The Charlottetown Film Society

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

Advance Tickets

Please visit our website at citycinema.ca, we accept all major credit cards online and both debit and credit at the cinema. Seating may be limited, advance tickets are strongly recommended.

Subject to Change

Film availability and showtimes are subject to change. Please check our website and book tickets in advance.

Rent City Cinema

City Cinema is available for rent for private film viewings! We provide the projectionist and will have the canteen and bar open for your group. Please fill out the form under Venue Rental on our website and we’ll respond with information and rates.

Admission

Regular $12

Member $9

65 and over $10

14 and under $ 8

We now accept credit cards online and both debit and credit at the cinema

Annual membership - $25.00

The Way, My Way

March 31–April 5

PG. Dir: Bill Bennett, Australia, 2025, 98 min. Chris Haywood, Jennifer Cluff.

“As the title suggests, the central character in The Way, My Way has firm opinions on how he should walk the popular 800 km Camino de Santiago pilgrimage path through Spain. He shuns modern trekking poles, in favour of a “gnarled and knotty” staff. He has a bad knee yet breaks a promise to his wife to “take it easy” on the first days of the month-long walk… “I’m not a patient man,’’ he admits. He is the Australian filmmaker Bill Bennett and this documentary-drama hybrid is his screen adaptation of his 2013 memoir of the same name. He is played by veteran Australian actor Chris Hayward. Bennett’s wife of 41 years, the actor Jennifer Cluff, plays herself… Most of the speaking parts are real pilgrims going their way on the visually spectacular Camino Way… Bennett has his own confessional moment near the end, speaking to his wife by phone, and while it’s acted by Hayward, it feels real… This is a quiet, gentle, uplifting film about freeing oneself from the everyday and discovering the comfort of strangers - though not in the way Ian McEwan imagines. It made me want to walk the Camino, despite my two bad knees.”

—Stephen Romei, The Australian

City Cinema and The Benevolent Irish Society present:

The Magdalene Sisters

April 6, 4 pm

14A, strong violence, strong sexual scenes. Dir: Peter Mullan, Ireland, 2002, 119 min. Geraldine McEwan, Anne-Marie Duff, Nora Jane Noone.

Three young Irish women struggle to maintain their spirits while they endure dehumanizing abuse as inmates of a Magdalene Sisters Asylum.

Miséricorde (Misericordia)

April 7–11

PG. Dir: Alain Guiraudie, France/ Portugal/Spain, 2024, 102 min. Félix Kysyl, Catherine Frot, Jacques Develay. In French with English subtitles.

crafted another elegantly haunting dissection of the power dynamics shaping queer sexuality, this time in the form of an fantastically tender, alluring, and peculiar small-town tale of murder, desire, and repression. In the rural village of Saint-Martial, the death of a local baker prompts the return of his one-time protégé Jérémie, who comes to stay with the baker’s wife, Martine; this in turn arouses the suspicions of her son, Vincent, who seems unusually stirred by the return of this former acquaintance. Whatever the nature of their past relationship, Vincent would prefer it stay buried… A picturesque hamlet in the Ardèches, Saint-Martial is another one of Guiraudie’s cloistered worlds, a labyrinth of slate roofs and cobbled streets that soon gives way to chestnut groves and holm oak forests. It’s in the privacy of the woods, away from prying eyes, that a chance encounter between Jérémie and Vincent one afternoon turns aggressive… Guiraudie derives both comedy and tragedy from closeted compulsions and the communal silence in which his characters conceal their enactments, even as the church’s ambiguous presence adds a fresh element to the filmmaker’s latest meditation on all that’s predatory and sacrificial about our most pathological desires.”

—Isaac Feldberg, RogerEbert.com

Date Matinee: Before Sunrise

April 12, 2 pm

14A. Dir: Richard Linklater, US, 1995, 101 min.Ethan Hawke, Julie Delpy. Date matinee! Members get two for one admission.

A young man and woman meet on a train in Europe, and wind up spending one evening together in Vienna. Unfortunately, both know that this will probably be their only night together.

Charlottetown Improvisation Laboratory

April 12, 7:30 pm

Regular - $20. Students/Artists - $10. This live concert performance will transform the City Cinema theatre into an intimate listening room. Double bassist Adam Hill will lead an ensemble of five musicians in an exploration of improvisational music that crosses genre and style. The group will feature Tiffany Liu on pipa, Chris Corrigan on electric guitar, Mat MacEachern on drums, and Maya Márquez Calle on electric bass. The program will present the premiere performance of a new composition by each member of the ensemble, as well as a few not-sostandards. Through the use of “structured improvisation” the performers will bring their diverse musical experiences together to create a common language that communicates across boundaries. Guaranteed to be a one-of-a-kind musical event.

City Cinema and The Benevolent Irish Society present: The Guard

April 13, 4:30 pm

14A, strong language, brief violence. Dir: John Michael McDonagh, Ireland, 2011, 96 min. Brendan Gleeson, Don Cheadle, Mark Strong.

An unorthodox Irish policeman with a confrontational personality is partnered with an uptight F.B.I. agent to investigate an international drug-smuggling ring.

Canadian Film Week!

Celebrate Canada with an entire week of film screenings. Including the work of auteurs like Atom Egoyan, Denis Villeneuve, and David Cronenberg; genre classics like Fubar and Bon Cop, Bad Cop; and a matinee of Paw Patrol: The Movie!

The Sweet Hereafter

April 14, 7 pm

14A. Mild profanity. Dir: Atom Egoyan, Canada, 1997, 112 min. Ian Holm, Sarah Polley, Maury Chaykin.

A bus crash in a small town brings a lawyer to defend the families, but he discovers everything isn’t what it seems.

Bon Cop, Bad Cop

April 15, 7 pm

14A. Profanity, severe violence. Dir: Érik Canuel, Canada, 2006, 117 min. Patrick Huard, Colm Feore, Michel Beaudry. In English and French with English subtitles. Two Canadian detectives, one from Ontario and the other from Quebec, must work together when a murdered victim is found on the Ontario-Quebec border.

National Canadian Film Day: Incendies

April 16, 7 pm

14A. Severe violence, frightening scenes. Dir: Denis Villeneuve, Canada, 2010, 131 min. Lubna Azabal, Mélissa DésormeauxPoulin, Maxim Gaudette. In English, French & Arabic with English subtitles. Twins journey to the Middle East to discover their family history and fulfill their mother’s last wishes.

Fubar

April 17, 7 pm

18A. Severe profanity, severe drug use. Dir: Michael Dowse, Canada, 2002, 79 min. Dave Lawrence, Paul Spence, Gordon Skilling.

Headbangers Terry and Dean explore the depths of friendship, and the art and science of drinking beer like a man.

Date Night: The Fly

April 18, 7 pm

14A. Severe violence, frightening scenes. Dir: David Cronenberg, Canada, 1986, 96 min. Jeff Goldblum, Geena Davis, John Getz.

Date night! Members get two for one admission.

A brilliant but eccentric scientist begins to transform into a giant man/fly hybrid after one of his experiments goes horribly wrong.

Paw Patrol: The Movie

April 19, 2 pm

G. Dir: Cal Brunker, Canada, 2021, 86 min. Tyler Perry, Ron Pardo, Will Brisbin. Ryder and the PAW Patrol pups are called to Adventure City in order to stop the recently-elected Mayor Humdinger from wreaking havoc.

“Just over a decade ago, Alain Guiraudie won Cannes’ best director prize for Stranger by the Lake, a spellbinding erotic thriller in which sex and death swirl together at a gay cruising spot. With Miséricorde (Misericordia)... he has

So Bad it’s Good: Troll 2

April 19, 7 pm

City Cinema presents its first So Bad it’s Good screening of the infamous low-budget horror movie Troll 2. A baffling and hilarious story about a vacationing family that discovers the entire town they’re visiting is inhabited by goblins (yes, Goblins), disguised as humans, who plan to eat them.

So Bad, It’s Good is a monthly interactive movie game series that brings a twist to the movie-going experience. With unique prompts to encourage participation, it promises to be a wild and fun night at the movies!

Retro Cannabis presents:

420 Mystery Movie

April 20, 2 pm

14A. Severe profanity, heavy drug use. Free admission

Retro Cannabis is excited to invite all Islander enthusiasts to our 2nd Annual Mystery Movie at City Cinema. Admission is FREE, but we’ll be accepting donations at the door in support of the PEI Food Bank. To secure your spot, be sure to reserve your seat at citycinema.ca. All that’s left is to decide which of your favorite Retro Cannabis products is the ultimate shiz-nittlebam snip-snap-sack — and let the Retro crew know when you arrive!

No Other Land

April 21—24

18A. Dir: Basel Adra/Hamdan Ballal/ Yuval Abraham/Rachel Szor, Palestine/ Norway, 2024, 95 min. In Arabic, Hebrew and English with English subtitles. Winner - Best Documentary Feature Film at the 2025 Oscars.

“It’s important to clarify what kind of documentary No Other Land is. It follows the life of Basel Adra, a young Palestinian man living in Masafer Yatta, a collection of 20 small villages in the West Bank. Since childhood, Basel has filmed life in the village. As he’s grown up, he’s been predominantly recording the destruction of his home and those around it. Masafer Yatta is disputed land. Repeatedly, Israeli soldiers come to tear down the houses of Palestinians, stating that they’re illegally built on an Israeli military training ground. From 2019 to 2023, when the film ends, this cycle continues. Every time a home is rebuilt, it’s destroyed… It’s a moving, challenging watch. A girl stands crying as her home is ripped apart by a digger. A family makes a home in a cave, the only solid home available to them. Masked Israeli ‘settlers’ throw rocks at Adra and his family as soldiers watch. A man is shot by a soldier for trying to resist

the theft of his electricity generator. There is occasional voiceover for context, but mostly these images are presented without editorialising. They tell their own story, one of endless persistence… There is not an ending because there is not yet an end.”

—Olly Richards, Time Out (UK)

On Swift Horses

April 25–30

18A. Nudity, profanity, heavy drug use. Dir: Daniel Minahan, US, 2025, 117 min. Daisy Edgar-Jones, Jacob Elordi, Will Poulter.

“On Swift Horses is the kind of big, sweeping romantic drama that Hollywood just doesn’t make anymore. Director Daniel Minahan… fills every widescreen shot with gorgeous landscapes and sumptuous colors, fully transporting us to a time when space was abundant and America felt full of possibility. The film… is an emotionally complex love triangle that branches out into something even more complex. Muriel marries Lee while pining for Julius who seems to have much more complicated feelings for her, mixed in with a genuine love for his brother. Over time, both Muriel and Julius find other lovers, writing to each other all the while without Lee’s knowledge. Julius meets Henry while working at a casino in Las Vegas, and the two begin a passionate, caustic love affair. Down in the valley, Muriel skips work to fool around with her neighbor Sandra , a woman living openly as a lesbian despite the stigma. With Henry, Julius finds a man even wilder than him, full of endless ambition. But when it comes to Muriel and Sandra, it’s harder to tell if the feelings are real. Both Julius and Muriel love to gamble, but while cards are his poison, she prefers betting on horses. Much like their shared vice, their queer love lives are just as dangerous… On Swift Horses is about the shapes love can take, the varied lives we live and the many different ways one can make a home. It’s beautiful, heartbreaking and demands to be seen on the biggest screen possible.”

—Jordain Searles, The Hollywood Reporter

City Cinema and PEI Green Party present: Flow

April 26, 2 pm

PG. Dir: Gints Zilbalodis, Latvia, 2024, 85 min.

Winner - Best Animated Feature Film at the 2025 Oscars.

Free admission with donation to the PEI Green Party.

Join the PEI Greens for a special Earth Day screening of the Oscar winner Flow! A dreamy animated adventure following a cat and a band of unlikely animal friends as they navigate a great flood.

City Cinema and Rowing PEI present: The Boys in the Boat

April 27, 2 pm

PG. Dir: George Clooney, US, 2023, 85 min. Joel Edgerton, Callum Turner, Peter Guinness. Free admission with donation to Rowing PEI.

The Boys in the Boat is a sports drama based on the #1 New York Times bestselling non-fiction novel. The film is about the 1936 University of Washington rowing team that competed for gold at the Summer Olympics in Berlin. This inspirational true story follows a group of underdogs at the height of the Great Depression as they are thrust into the spotlight and take on elite rivals from around the world.

City Cinema and Roving Picture Shows present:

The Lodger: A Story of the London Fog

April 27, 4:30 pm

PG. Dir: Alfred Hitchcock, UK, 1927, 93 mins. Ivor Novello, Marie Ault, Arthur Chesney. Presented with a live musician performing a soundtrack.

Tickets - $15

‘’Hitchcock’s most successful silent movie, as he himself acknowledged to Francois Truffaut, was the first that could plausibly be called Hitchcockian. This variation on the hunt for Jack the Ripper features themes and motifs that would recur throughout Hitchcock’s career’’ —The Guardian

Save the Planet Series!

In celebration of Earth day City Cinema is proud to present a series of film screenings centered around the contentious relationship between humans and the power of nature.

How to Blow Up a Pipeline

April 6, 7 pm

14A. Strong language. Dir: Daniel Goldhaber, US, 2022, 104 min. Ariela Barer, Kristine Froseth, Lukas Gage. A crew of environmental activists plot a daring plan to disrupt an oil pipeline.

Take Shelter

April 13, 2 pm

14A. Frightening scenes. Dir: Jeff Nichols, US, 2011, 121 min. Michael Shannon, Jessica Chastain, Shea Whigham.

Plagued by a series of apocalyptic visions, a young husband and father questions whether to shelter his family from a coming storm, or from himself.

Twister

April 20, 7 pm

PG. Dir: Jan de Bont, US, 1996, 113 min. Helen Hunt, Bill Paxton, Phillip Seymour Hoffman.

Plagued by a series of apocalyptic visions, a young husband and father questions whether to shelter his family from a coming storm, or from himself.

Snowpiercer

April 22, 9:10 pm

14A. Strong violence, frightening scenes. Dir: Bong Joon Ho, South Korea/US, 2013, 126 min. Chris Evans, Jamie Bell, Tilda Swinton.

In a future where a failed climate change experiment has killed all life except for the survivors who boarded the Snowpiercer (a train that travels around the globe), a new class system emerges.

MARCH

From Ground Zero

2:00 7:00 4:30 7:00 7:00

LOTR: Fellowship

LOTR: Two Towers

Song of the Sea

LOTR: Return…King

The Way, My Way

APRIL

The Way, My Way

The Way, My Way

The Way, My Way

The Way, My Way

The Way, My Way

The Way, My Way

Magdalene Sisters

…Blow Up a Pipeline

Miseriocordia

Miseriocordia

Miseriocordia

Miseriocordia

Miseriocordia

Before Sunrise

Ch’town Improv Lab The Guard

Take Shelter

The Sweet Hereafter Bon Cop, Bad Cop Incendies

Fubar

The Fly Paw Patrol: The Movie Troll 2

Mystery Movie

Twister No Other Land No Other Land

Snowpiercer No Other Land No Other Land On Swift Horses Flow On Swift Horses

The Boys in the Boat

The Lodger On Swift Horses On Swift Horses On Swift Horses On Swift Horses

COMMUNITY #1

Transformative action

A training conference on transformative action will be offered on April 24 and 25 at Credit Union Place in Summerside. Delivered by the PEI Rape & Sexual Assault Centre, the conference will address racial injustice in gender-based violence work and the systemic barriers faced in accessing healing and care. Info: events@peirsac.org, peirsac.org/ get-engaged

Black Islander History: Bog Tours

Islanders and visitors can learn about Black Islander history with the Bog Tours, starting at Beaconsfield Historic House, 2 Kent St, in Charlottetown. Explore the historic Bog neighbourhood in Charlottetown, where many Black Islanders once lived. Tours run Fridays and Saturdays from April 11 to May 31. Info: peiblackhistorytour@gmail.com

Chainsaw safety training courses

A two-day Chainsaw Safety Training Level I & II course will take place at Macphail Woods on April 5 and 6, with another course for women only taking place April 26 and 27. The courses run from 8 am–4 pm and cover basic chainsaw techniques such as saw operation and maintenance, personal protective equipment (PPE), safe felling, bore-cutting, limbing, and bucking. While chainsaws are dangerous power tools, when used with proper training, they become an invaluable tool in helping make forests healthier. There is a fee for these courses. Visit macphailwoods.org/ education/chainsaw-safety-training for info and to register.

Under One Roof Clinic

The Summerside Library, in partnership with Service Canada, the Canada Revenue Agency, and the John Howard Society, will host its first Under One Roof Clinic on April 8 from 9 am–1 pm. This event is designed to provide vital

support and resources, including assistance with tax matters, the Wrap Around Housing Program, the Prevention and Diversion Program, the Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Security, Canadian Dental Care Plan, and more. It is a collaborative initiative to deliver crucial services to individuals facing homelessness or housing insecurity, as well as those re-entering society after involvement in the justice system and in need of guidance and support. 57 Central St, Summerside. Info: 902-436-7323

Doors Open Down East

Experience the charm of Down East as businesses in Eastern PEI welcome visitors on April 26–27, from 10 am–4 pm daily. Meet local business owners, tour businesses, explore unique accommodations, and discover hidden gems from Vernon to Panmure and beyond. There will be prizes, giveaways, samples, and more throughout the weekend. Info: doorsopendowneast@gmail.com

PEI Business Summit

The Greater Charlottetown Chamber of Commerce has announced the inaugural PEI Business Summit, a half-day event uniting business leaders, innovators, and decision-makers to shape the future of business in PEI. Taking place April 9 at the Delta Prince Edward in Charlottetown, the summit will address economic challenges and foster industry collaboration. The event features renowned speakers, including national pollster and public opinion expert Nik Nanos, technology expert Amber Mac, and leadership consultant Steve Jones. Engaging panels will also tackle workforce challenges, labour shortages, employee retention, trade barriers, and global market expansion, equipping businesses with actionable strategies for growth. The PEI Business Summit is presented by the Greater Charlottetown Chamber of Commerce, Innovation PEI, and Stingray Radio. Info/register: charlottetownchamber. chambermaster.com/events/details/ pei-business-summit-1903

Interministerial Women’s Secretariat Grant

Non-profit organizations across the Island can apply for funding to implement projects that focus on benefiting women and girls across the province. The Interministerial Women’s Secretariat (IWS) Grant provides funding to support initiatives that promote the legal, health, social and economic equality of women and girls. The primary objectives of the grant include supporting organizations delivering direct services and programs for the benefit of Island women and girls, raising awareness, and building capacity. The deadline to submit is 4 pm on April 25. Visit the Interministerial Women’s Secretariat Grant page at princeedwardisland.ca to learn more.

PEI Spiritual Expo 2025

The PEI Spiritual Expo 2025 will take place at the Rodd Royalty Inn in Charlottetown on May 17 from 9 am–4 pm. The day will be filled with spiritual enlightenment, personal growth, and education with professional practitioners. Connect with like-minded individuals, browse through vendors, and attend workshops and presentations. Participants can discover new healing modalities, psychic readings, and meditation techniques. The Expo offers something for everyone, from seasoned practitioners to beginners—an opportunity to grow and nurture the soul in a supportive space. Online registration is opening soon. On-site tickets will also be available. 14 Capital Dr, Charlottetown. Info: 902-626-9857.

Elimination draw fundraiser

The New London Community Complex is hosting a fundraising Elimination Draw on April 5 at 7 pm. Support the centre by purchasing one of 300 tickets for a chance to win: $10K (last ticket drawn), $2K (second last), $1K (third last and first), or $500 (100th and 200th). Tickets are available from board members or by messaging @newlondoncc on Facebook.

UPEI Class of 2025 mixer

Celebrate UPEI’s Class of 2025 at The Fox & Crow on April 4 from 5–7 pm. This mix ’n mingle is open to all 2025 grads and UPEI, SDU, and PWC alumni. Enjoy

WORKING FOR CHARLOTTETOWN

free refreshments, live music by Ryan Merry, door prizes, and more. Every 2025 grad receives a complimentary gift and a chance to win prizes, including two $1000 cash prizes sponsored by TD Insurance (must be present to win). Alumni attendees can enter to win an alumni prize pack. RSVP at upei.ca/ notice/2025/03/upei-class-2025-mixand-mingle. Info: fsteeves@upei.ca; 902-566-0687

PEI Spelling Bee

The Spelling Bee of Canada – PEI Chapter will be holding the second annual PEI Spelling Bee at the Charlottetown Library (97 Queen St) on April 5 at 10 am. Children aged 6–14 will be spelling to win one of three cash prizes. All are welcome to attend.

IODE invites new members

The IODE is a charitable women’s organization that has been giving back to communities across Canada for 125 years, with two active chapters on PEI. Both chapters are currently seeking new members who would like to give back to their community, make new and lasting friendships, and reflect the diversity that is part of PEI. Island members raise money for scholarships, purchase snacks for students in several Island schools, donate books for early learning centres, and contribute to countless community projects to help Island families. The two current chapters meet in person once a month. Online chapters are also an option for those who prefer virtual meetings. Email ronbmaclean@gmail.com or text 902-330-6404 for more details.

Free pelvic floor physio

The provincial government is funding a one-year pilot program through the PEI Physiotherapy Association to provide pelvic floor physiotherapy for Islanders that are under insured or have no insurance coverage. Treatment available for pelvic floor conditions include: urinary or faecal incontinence; emptying disorders of the bladder or bowel; pelvic organ prolapse; chronic pelvic pain; or sexual dysfunction. Pelvic floor physiotherapy is the gold standard of care for many pelvic floor conditions. It has been proven to improve quality of life, reduce the risk of chronic conditions and, in some cases, eliminate the need for surgery. Eligible patients will receive an initial pelvic floor assessment and follow-up treatment sessions at no cost, provided by a designated physiotherapist from one of the nine participating clinics. To qualify, patients must have a clinical diagnosis and a completed referral form from a physician or nurse practitioner. Info: princeedwardisland.ca/en/ service/2024-25-health-innovation-fund

ADHD PEI

A monthly discussion to talk about Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) will take place at the Charlottetown Library (97 Queen St) on April 16 at 7 pm. Peers can seek advice from others on a particular subject or simply have personal experiences and frustrations heard and understood.

The Cove Journal by JoDee Samuelson

Spring cleaning

We did it. It’s Spring. Six months of darkness are behind us and we have officially stepped into the six brightest months of the year.

The Oxford English Dictionary requires six pages to define “spring”— about as many pages as were needed to list all the MacDonalds in an old PEI phone book.

I think spring begins on March 21 but the Farmer’s Almanac states that Spring Equinox won’t occur on March 21 again until the year 2101. I must put this date behind me for the rest of my life.

The equinox is the day when the sun rises due east and sets due west, and everyone—whether in the Northern or Southern Hemisphere—receives an equal amount of sunlight (12 hours).

People around the world—in Mexico, Cambodia, Peru, Egypt, Malta, Ireland and Italy—have celebrated this day for centuries, erecting ingenious structures where on the equinox light peeps through a hole or casts certain enigmatic shadows.

We have nothing that clever here in the Cove. We know it’s spring when romantically-inclined squirrels start chasing each other around the chestnut tree, male goldfinches turn gold, returning geese honk overhead, when we wake up early—we feel like getting up!—to hours of glorious sunshine.

What to do with all this light and energy? Of course we can uncover the garlic, clean the woodshed, sweep the path and rake the muddy driveway, but we’ve lived indoors all winter and it’s time to pick up after ourselves. Yes, it’s time for Spring Cleaning.

Because I have a friend who’s a big fan of Martha Stewart, I checked Google to see what Martha says about spring cleaning. You can read her instructions

for yourself but simply put, she is big on Deep Cleaning. Stoves, mattresses, toilets, cupboards, toaster ovens, all deep cleaned. Books and ceiling fans dusted, couch cracks and floorboards vacuumed, doorknobs polished. No speck left untouched.

She recommends using vinegar and baking soda. No mention of Murphy’s Oil Soap, Bon Ami spray… or Hired Help. If you’ve seen the documentary Martha on Netflix you’ll know that she drives herself pretty hard but also has plenty of staff.

My mother knew that spring cleaning is not something that should be tackled alone. She enlisted her staff— us kids—to wash, wax and polish the floors, clean the porch, vacuum under beds, sweep the basement. I always got stuck with dusting the furniture. How I hated those old photos on top of the piano!

Meanwhile Dad would climb a ladder, take off storm windows and wash the outside glass. Suddenly the whole outside world was new and shiny too! None of this happened in one day. Many things had to settle for a lick and a promise. Secret cleaning product? Elbow grease.

I happen to have plenty of elbow grease on hand so I’m going to start spring cleaning—shining up my own world—by washing our dust-and-saltsprayed windows.

… Did that. Oh dear, I see dust on the stairs, on the bookshelf… there’s a price to pay for letting all that brightness into the house. I guess dusting is my destiny….

Women of Impact

Recognition for five remarkable Island

The 2nd Annual Kerri Wynne MacLeod Women of Impact Awards were presented in March. Each year during International Women’s Week, as a tribute to Kerri Wynne’s legacy, Stingray presents five awards to PEI women who are making remarkable contributions and having an impact on the province.

The 2025 Awards recognized women in five categories: Women in the Arts, Reequal Smith; Women in Healthcare, Erin Kinnee Richard; Women in Music, Yvonne Higgins and Joan Murchison; Women in Business, Juanita Leary; and Women in our Community, Candy Gallant.

Women in the Arts Award winner, Reequal Smith, is the founder and artistic director of Oshun Dance Studios in PEI. Originally from The Bahamas, Smith blends her Bahamian heritage with Canadian dance culture, celebrating and evoking the vibrant rhythms of the Caribbean. She is a multidisciplinary artist with over ten years of performance experience, and as an alumna of Holland College’s School of Performing Arts, she is deeply involved in community initiatives and cultural arts. Smith is also the program and events coordinator for the Black Cultural Society of PEI, and the administrator/outreach coordinator for the Canadian Women of Colour

Easter Seals PEI

The Easter Seals PEI Ambassador’s School Tour will begin April 23. A 44-year Island tradition, the tour visits every school in the provincial Public Schools Branch and French Language School Board in just six days, ending April 30.

Remi Dean is the 2025 Easter Seals PEI Ambassador. She is eight years old and in third grade at Ellerslie Elementary. Remi lives in Freeland with her parents Danielle and Norman,

contributors

Leadership Network in Ottawa, ON. She champions diversity and inclusion in the arts serving on boards like The Fringe Festival, Fusion Charlottetown, and Kinetic Studio Dance based in Halifax, NS. Her artistic contributions span festivals, community events, and media, including music videos and documentaries. Through her work as a fire dancer, choreographer, and educator, Smith fosters inclusivity and empowerment—creating spaces where diverse artists and youth can unite to celebrate the Caribbean spirit in PEI’s artistic scene.

Visit ocean100.com/women-of-impact-awards to learn more about the awards and this year’s recipents.

and siblings Sully and Lottie. She was born prematurely, weighing only three pounds, and was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, a condition that affects her muscle function. Remi hopes by sharing she can help more people become aware of cerebral palsy, and understand its impact. She wears leg braces to help her walk, as her muscles don’t grow with her bones, which makes walking and running more difficult. Remi will visit Island schools to meet the thousands of students who will be part of the upcoming school tour and share her story and information about Easter Seals PEI, including her motto: “And always remember that you can do hard things.”

Islanders are encouraged to consider donating to Easter Seals PEI. Funds raised will support registered charities on PEI through the organization’s annual provincial grant program. To donate, visit eastersealspei.org. Easter Seals PEI is a project of the Rotary Club of Charlottetown in partnership with the Rotary Club of Montague and Eastern PEI and the Rotary Club of Summerside. Its mission is to enhance the quality of life, self-esteem and self-determination of Islanders with disabilities.

Reequal Smith received the 2025 award for Women in the Arts

2025 Easter Seals Ambassador Remi Dean

2025 Ambassador School Tour

COMMUNITY #2

A Wellness Journey for Health and Weight Loss

Revitalize: A Wellness Journey for Health and Weight Loss is a program for mature adults focused on increasing vitality through nutrition, exercise, and emotional well-being. It helps participants understand and manage their health more effectively by providing practical strategies and support to improve overall health and energy. The program runs from March 31–May 12, 1–4 pm, and includes exercise, wellness sessions, and healthy snacks. It is held at Beaconsfield Historic House, 2 Kent St, Charlottetown. There is a fee for this program. Info: completehealth.me/revitalize

Sleep Apnea Refurbishment Program expands

The provincial government is providing funding to LungNSPEI to upgrade equipment and expand its Sleep Apnea Refurbishment Program to help low-income Islanders with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Through the Health Innovation Fund, $50,000 will support this initiative aimed at providing life-changing medical equipment. Obstructive sleep apnea affects about 10,000 Islanders, and an estimated 3000+ people are uninsured or underinsured for the cost of the equipment. LungNSPEI will use the funds to purchase new CPAP and BiPAP machines to meet urgent demand. They will also expand their refurbishment program to restore and redistribute donated equipment. All machines will be distributed to low-income Islanders to help eliminate the program’s long waitlist by the end of April. Visit princeedwardisland.ca/en/ service/2024-25-health-innovation-fund for more details and to learn about the other goals of this initiative.

EAL volunteers needed

United for Literacy, in partnership with IRSA PEI, is seeking volunteers to par-

Summerside. Volunteers will be paired with an EAL learner, and meet once per week to engage in English conversation. Training is provided and virtual options are available. Info: bdemontbrun@unitedforliteracy.ca

Brain injury support group

The Brain Injury Association of PEI meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 2 pm at 293 Allen Street (Canada House) in Charlottetown. For more information, contact Jo-Ann McInnis at jmmcinnis65@gmail.com.

Free tax filing clinics

Free tax filing clinics are available to Island residents with modest or no income to report and a simple tax situation who need assistance in completing their tax and benefit return. Super Clinics will be offered again this year, featuring additional service providers, like the Seniors Navigators, to offer information on programs and support. Filing an annual income tax return is key for claiming benefit payments like the PEI child benefit, Canada child benefit, Canada workers benefit, Guaranteed Income Supplement and GST/HST credit. Clinics are available at libraries and community centres across the province in Alberton, Borden-Carleton, Cardigan, Charlottetown, Cornwall, Georgetown, Hunter River, Kensington, Kinkora, Montague, Morell, Mount Stewart, Murray Harbour, Murray River, O’Leary, Souris, Stratford, St. Peter’s, Summerside, and Tignish. For a list of locations and times, visit Be Aware, Get Your Share at princeedwardisland.ca.

Health PEI Patient Navigators

Health PEI Patient Navigators will be available to offer assistance to those who need help accessing health care services and supports throughout PEI at the Charlottetown Library on April 3

am–12 pm; and the Montague Library on April 30 from 10 am–12 pm. These sessions are designed to educate and inform the public on the resources available to them. Call 902-436-7323 to register for the Summerside session.

Accessibility and Inclusion Awards recipients

Local champions of accessibility and inclusion were honored in March for their efforts to improve accessibility for persons with disabilities. The annual Accessibility and Inclusion Awards recognize individuals, groups, and businesses making a significant impact in Charlottetown. Recipients are selected by the City’s Civic Board for Persons with Disabilities based on nominations received from the community. The volunteer Board was established in 2004 to promote inclusion and empowerment for persons with disabilities, and to advise Council on issues that affect accessibility. This year’s winners in the Accessibility (Mobility) category are Pony Boat Social Club, Stephen Brousseau, Ceilidh in the City (Kendall Docherty, Brian Knox, Peter Burke, Brian Langille, and Brian Blacquiere), The Comfort Inn, and Blaze Pizza. St. Dunstan’s Basilica Parish received an award in the Accessibility (Hearing) category, while Pat and the Elephant was recognized in the Transportation category. To learn more about the nomination process for the Accessibility and Inclusion Awards, visit charlottetown.ca.

Breastfeeding support

Pregnant individuals and new parents are invited to a breastfeeding information and support meeting on April 29 from 4:30–5:30 pm at Beaconsfield Carriage House, 2 Kent St, Charlottetown. Hosted by accredited leaders of La Leche League PEI, topics include preparing to breastfeed and dealing with challenges. Light refreshments are provided and all are welcome to attend. Follow @LLLC.PEI on FB for updates. Info: 902-316-2167

Seeking public input on Active Transportation Plan

cycle and use other active transportation. Charlottetown’s new Active Transportation Plan will identify challenges and propose solutions and systems to increase active transportation options that can be implemented over the next 10 years. Key goals include: proposing a complete network of accessible, safe and connected active transportation pathways throughout the city; ensuring active transportation is included in the community in an accessible and wellplanned way, to create a safer, more livable city; developing phases for implementation in the short, medium and long term, including measurable goals and targets; promoting and embracing sustainable transportation options; and fostering strong partnerships to support the implementation of AT infrastructure into the future. Residents are invited to complete the online Active Transportation Survey at surveymonkey.com/r/charlottetown-atp before April 10. In-person engagement events will be announced soon. Info: charlottetownhall.ca/atplan; sustainability@charlottetown.ca

Free children’s programming

Ongoing programs for babies, toddlers, and young children continue at the Summerside and Charlottetown libraries in April. Wiggle Giggle Read runs on Wednesdays at 9:30 am in Summerside (57 Central St) and on Mondays at 10 am and Thursdays at 2 pm in Charlottetown (97 Queen St). Family Storytime takes place on Tuesdays at 10 am in Charlottetown. Toddler Time is on Thursdays at 9:30 am in Summerside and on Wednesdays at 10 am and Thursdays at 11 am in Charlottetown. Saturday Storytime starts at 9:30 am in Summerside.

Seniors Cafés

Seniors Cafés take place at the Charlottetown and Summerside libraries. The next session at the Summerside Library (57 Central St) is on April 11 at 11 am, where seniors can enjoy tea or coffee and socialize. The next session at the Charlottetown Library (97 Queen St) is on April 17 at 1 pm and will feature chair yoga with Ivy Wigmore. All mate

Talking from Experiences by

Ashleigh Tremere

Up for debate

“You don’t see with your eyes; you perceive with your mind,“ a classic Gorillaz song was brought to my mind as I left UPEI’s latest Research on Tap presentation. “The Puzzle of Existence and Reality” from Philosophy professor Dr. Nebojsa Kujundzic. I’m not built for institutional learning. I figured that out in university, but I am a huge geek. I seek out knowledge on various subjects, deep diving for fun all the time. I just love learning. There is something different about being in a room full of people all interested in the same topic though. The madness of crowds can sometimes result in reason, and as with the subject being a philosophical matter, reflection.

As I pulled into Upstreet Brewing’s parking lot, I wondered if my perception may already be bending around reality. It seemed a faraway white noise was building. It turned out the radio dial just got bumped. Yet I couldn’t help but laugh at the synchronicity. The place was completely packed! I was told by multiple people that Dr. Neb always gets a crowd out. His students and peers described him as ‘beloved.’ I could see why. He spoke with authority but in a jovial manner. You wanted to listen. He literally brought out the Oxford dictionary and it didn’t seem a weird thing at all, completely natural at the mic.

I won’t go far into his discussion but the main premise revolved around how some things exist without being real and others are real without existing physically. That language and technological advances continually impact our conception of the two. As someone who loves to peek around for the webs of connection in this existence, I totally dug it. If you’re interested as well, do some digging into Dr. Kujundzic’s works too.

The Research on Tap series has been going on for years now, and Upstreet

seems to be the current establishment holding these gatherings. Various researchers come out and informally talk about their work and then open the floor for questions. There was also some free food and of course, drinks to purchase. Knowledge sharing is an integral part of human nature. We are built for it—sensory beings who have evolved with complex communication systems. Sharing a meal, a drink and a discussion may be one of the most ancestral human activities we still partake in regularly. It’s beautiful and fundamental in my opinion.

The presentation and question period really set off some conversations in the room. It got rowdy in there; people were engaged. Debates ensued. Heck yes I say! That is another element I appreciated, we don’t debate each other in person nearly enough anymore. Or when we do, it seems more like an argument than a discussion of opposing viewpoints. So much of our discord takes place online, in silos. When in reality, I think we all understand that there exists entirely different outcomes from healthy face to face engagement. Check out the next free event and decide for yourself.

Charlottetown Scrabble Club

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

Auction in Dunstaffnage

The card game Auction is played weekly on Fridays at 7:30 pm at Dunstaffnage School Centre. Admission is at the door. 13529 St. Peter’s Rd, Dunstaffnage.

Crokinole

Socialize and enjoy a game of crokinole on April 9 and 23 at 2 pm at the Summerside Rotary Library. 57 Central St, Summerside.

Board Game Cafe

Bring family and friends to the Summerside Library on April 28 at 6:30 pm for an evening of board games. Bring a game or choose to play one of the library’s. 57 Central St, Summerside.

Speedcubing

Kids can have fun while solving Rubik’s cubes and participating in different challenges at the Summerside Library on April 12 at 1 pm. 57 Central St, Summerside.

Library Jeopardy

Teens can test their knowledge about libraries with Library Jeopardy at the Summerside Library on April 27 at 2 pm. Categories include library collections to fun factoids about them. 57 Central St, Summerside.

Eptek scavenger hunt

Visitors of all ages are invited to test their skills at Eptek Art & Culture Centre’s scavenger hunts. Try to find all 20 images. 130 Heather Moyse Dr, Summerside.

Trivia

Find a variety of trivia events happening around PEI at buzzpei.com/events (search for “trivia”).

Dr. Nebojsa Kujundzic leads UPEI’s Research on Tap at Upstreet

PERFORMANCE

music, theatre, dance, comedy…

until Mar 29 | 7:30 pm

What’s Eating You?

Play by Jay Gallant. The Guild, Charlottetown

Mar 29 | 7:30 pm

Echoes: A Night of Garth Brooks

Craig Fair Productions. Copper Bottom Brewing, Montague

Mar 29 | 8 pm Whirlwind

Tribute to Lainey Wilson. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Mar 29–30 | 7:30 pm

Mar 30 | 2 pm

J’étions les Best

Scott MacAulay Performing Arts Centre, Summerside

Apr 3 | 7:30 pm

Snowed In Comedy Tour

Ft. Erica Sigurdson, Pete Zedlacher, Dan Quinn, and Paul Myrehaug. Sobey Family Theatre, Charlottetown

Apr 3 | 8 pm

Island Jazz: Latin Jazz ft. Maya Márquez Calle Baba’s Lounge, Charlottetown

Apr 4 | 8 pm

Songwriter’s Circle

Ft. Brooke MacArthur, Lawrence Maxwell, Ava & Lilly, and Brad Milligan. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Apr 4 | 10:30 pm

Trevor Lowell & The Barn Cat Poetry Beat

With Luisa Güiza and DJ Gufaah. Boonoonoonoos, Charlottetown

Apr 4–5 | 7:30 pm

Super Trouper: A Night of ABBA

Craig Fair Productions. Kings Playhouse, Georgetown

Apr 5 | 1:30 pm

dance umbrella: Musical Theatre Showcase

Primary & Elementary. The Mack, Charlottetown

Apr 5 | 7 pm

Concert at Park Royal

Ft. We3 and members of the former Blue Crystals. Park Royal United, Charlottetown

Apr 5, 10, 12

Young at Heart Theatre: NEXT!

Apr 5 (2 pm): Lower Montague Women’s Institute, Montague

Apr 10 (7:30 pm): Milton Community Hall, North Milton

Apr 12 (2 pm): Benevolent Irish Society, Charlottetown

Apr 6 | 2 pm

Spirit of Spring Concert

Ft. The Chaisson Trio, Cian O’Morain & Mary MacGillivray, Maxine MacLennan, Jo-Anne Ford & Sheila MacKenzie, Bluestreak, and stepdancer Gerard Beaton. Montague Regional High School, Montague

Apr 6 | 2 pm

Island Jubilee Old Time Radio Music Show

Season finale ft. John Connolly and Catherine O’Brien. Florence Simmons Performance Hall, Charlottetown

Apr 6 | 2:30 pm

Men of the Harvest Concert in support of Hospice PEI. Trinity United, Summerside

Apr 6 | 2:30 pm

PEI Symphony Orchestra: Encounters

Sobey Family Theatre, Charlottetown

Apr 6 | 8 pm

Devin Cuddy

With special guest Lawrence Maxwell. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Apr 9 | 8 pm

PEI’s Got Talent

In support of Blooming House. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Apr 10 | 8 pm

Island Jazz: Jon MacInnis & Mark Parsons

Baba’s Lounge, Charlottetown

Apr 10 | 8 pm

Don Ross in Concert

With special guest Julie Malia. Harmony House Theatre, Hunter River

Apr 10 | 8 pm

The Gay AF Comedy Tour

Ft. host Robert Watson and headliner Ava Val. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Apr 10–12 | 7 pm, Apr 12 | 1 pm

Spongebob Jr. The Musical

Summerside Intermediate School. Scott MacAulay Performing Arts Centre, Summerside

Apr 11 | 8 pm

Kylie Fox

With special guest Joce Reyome. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Apr 12 | 7:30 pm

Richard Wood Album Launch

Sterling Women’s Institute Hall, Stanley Bridge

Apr 12 | 7:30 pm

Confederation Singers: Hearts All Whole

Confederation Centre Memorial Hall, Charlottetown

Apr 12 | 7:30 pm

Lightfoot: A Celebration of the Man & His Music

Ft. Nudie & the Sundowners, Bobby McIsaac and Serge Bernard. Kings Playhouse, Georgetown

Apr 12 | 7:30 pm

Echoes: A Night of Bruce Springsteen

Craig Fair Productions. Copper Bottom Brewing, Montague

Apr 12 | 7:30 pm

Charlottetown Improvisation

Laboratory Volume 3

Ft. Adam Hill, Maya Márquez Calle, Tiffany Liu, Chris Corrigan, and Mat MacEachern. City Cinema, Charlottetown

Apr 12 | 8 pm

Ian Sherwood

Harmony House, Hunter River

Apr 12 | 8 pm

More Soul

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Apr 13 | 8 pm

Alfie Zappacosta

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Apr 14 | 7 pm

Steve-O: Super Dummy! Tour

Sobey Family Theatre, Charlottetown

Apr 15 | 8 pm

Songs On Fire: Live and in the Round

Ft. Catherine MacLellan & Rachael Kilgour and host Ben Kunder. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Apr 15, 16, 19

YAH Theatre: NEXT!

Apr 15 (12:30 pm): Cornwall 50+ Club, Cornwall

Apr 16 (2 pm): Three Rivers 50+ Club, Cardigan

Apr 19 (2 pm): Seniors Active Living Centre, Charlottetown

Apr 16 | 6 pm

PEI String Collective

With Hannah O’Donnell, mezzo soprano. Dr. Steel Recital Hall, UPEI, Charlottetown

Apr 16 | 7:30 pm

Rose Cousins: Conditions of Love Tour

Sobey Family Theatre, Charlottetown

Apr 17 | 7:30 pm

Brent Butt

Sobey Family Theatre, Charlottetown

Apr 17 | 8 pm

Land of Talk

With special guest Marleana Moore. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Apr 17 | 8 pm

Island Jazz: SOPA Improv Showcase

Baba’s Lounge, Charlottetown

Apr 18 | 7:30 pm

Dennis Ellsworth Album Release

The Guild, Charlottetown

Apr 18 | 8 pm

Liam Corcoaran Band & Newbridge

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

...continued on page 34

The Nature of PEI

by Gary Schneider

Watershed groups

Thank goodness for watershed groups. They have been part of the Island landscape for as long as I can remember. While many started out as organizations that promoted recreational fishing, at some point they morphed into broader conservation organizations.

One of my earliest introductions to these groups was working with Dave Biggar, the legendary President of the O’Leary Wildlife Federation who passed away in 2007. David would drive down from O’Leary to Macphail Woods in his truck and a borrowed horse trailer and fill up on native plants of all shapes and sizes to help diversify the Trout River area. This was long before there was much interest in native plants in the province. I loved that he would send me pictures of handsome Yellow Birch and Sugar Maples that had migrated from Macphail Woods to the Trout River. We’d talk about ruffed grouse and black ducks coming to his feeder and following him up his driveway. Or the idea of outfitting a chainsaw with a large drill bit to start holes for cavity-nesting birds in trees.

Dave loved fishing, for sure. But his interests and restoration work went far beyond just improving habitat for fish and it really showed in the work of his organization.

This same interest and concern for all aspects of nature is evident among today’s watershed groups. Fred Cheverie has retired after many years guiding the Souris and Area Wildlife Federation, but he put in place an outstanding crew that continues his great work. They’ve built a strong community throughout Eastern Kings with their innovative projects.

The Belfast Area Watershed Group is a more recent organization, but under the leadership of coordinator Sherry Pelkey they have made a real impact on improving the health of the environment in that area. They’re involved in everything from workshops to wetland restoration.

There are many more stories just like these and Prince Edward Island is very fortunate to have 25 watershed groups active from Tignish to Montague. Thanks to funding from the provincial government, private donors, and other funding sources, they are helping to create a more diverse and resilient landscape and a healthier environment for all Islanders.

The list of activities of these groups is remarkable, considering that not too long ago there were far fewer groups and most were almost totally reliant on student and Employment Development Agency labour.

We have come a long way and it shows in the work being done. That could be planting a hedgerow to slow down wind and trap nutrients from a nearby field. Or adding diversity and birdfriendly habitat in one of our provincial parks. Or carrying out enrichment plantings in degraded forests, where the species include rarities such as Ironwood, Witch Hazel, Christmas Fern, and Yellow Violet.

We are also fortunate to have the PEI Watershed Alliance serving as a strong voice for these organizations. The Alliance—which is made up of representatives from various watershed groups, plus core staff—is tasked with promoting and improving communication and cooperation between Island watershed groups. This can take many forms. With support from the province and other funding sources, the Alliance helps groups to collaborate on the provision of training and services. They also are a source for tools and monitoring equipment that would be underutilized and too expensive for an individual group to purchase.

Seeing so many watershed groups active across the province with a strong network of support leaves me hopeful that we are making progress on keeping our waterways safe and improving habitat for all forms of wildlife— humans included.

NATURE

Nature PEI Meeting

Nature PEI will hold its regular monthly meeting at Beaconsfield Carriage House, 2 Kent St, in Charlottetown on April 1 at 7:30 pm. Guest speaker Morgan McNeil, a soil scientist with the PEI Department of Agriculture and former Nature PEI Newsletter editor, will present “Secrets of the Soil” at 8 pm. Her illustrated talk will include stories of soil creatures. The event is free and all are welcome. It will be live-streamed on the Nature PEI Facebook page. Info: naturepei.ca

PEI Untamed with Kate MacQuarrie

Learn, explore, and reconnect with nature with Kate MacQuarrie at PEI Untamed. Upcoming sessions include Natural Species & Spaces of PEI on April 7 in Stratford, Introduction to Mushrooms (via Zoom) on April 22, Foraging & Cattail Pickles with the Beach Goats on May 17, and Edible & Medicinal Plants on May 24 in Hazelgrove. Info/ register: pei-untamed.com

Hillsborough River

Association AGM & speaker

The Hillsborough River Association’s annual general meeting will be held in the Southport Room at Stratford Town Hall (234 Shakespeare Dr) on April 7 at 7 pm. Guest speaker Kate MacQuarrie, one of the Island’s foremost naturalists and the creator of PEI Untamed (pei-untamed.com), will present: “Important Natural Species and Spaces of PEI on the Hillsborough.” For over three decades, Kate has surveyed and documented a wide variety of plant and animal species on the Island and worked to conserve natural landscapes. Her presentation will cover various Island habitats, why they are important, some interesting plants and animals in each, and how people can protect or enhance habitats on their own land. The AGM will also feature a photo essay on the Association’s 2024 stream improvement achievements.

Owl Prowls

Gary Schneider and Daniel McRae of the Macphail Woods Forestry Project are hosting two free Owl Prowls on April 12

and 19 at 7:30 pm. These events offer an opportunity to learn about the Island’s owl population and spend time in nature after dark. Each prowl begins with a presentation inside the Nature Centre, followed by a nighttime walk around the property to hoot for owls. Registration is required. These are popular events, so participants are asked to limit their attendance to only one owl session. Visit macphailwoods.org/education/ free-workshops to register. 269 MacPhail Pk Rd, Vernon Bridge.

Fossil Day

The public is invited to the 2025 Fossil Day presented by the PEI Museum & Heritage Foundation on May 2 from 1–3:30 pm at Beaconsfield Carriage House, 2 Kent Street, Charlottetown. This all-ages event will feature fossil displays, hands-on family-friendly activities, a talk by fossil expert Laura MacNeil, founder of Prehistoric Island Tours, and more. Admission is free. Donations are accepted, with all proceeds going toward purchasing additional cabinets for new fossil storage. Info: 902-3686600; peimuseum.ca; @heritagepei

Annual May Flower Walk

The annual May Flower Walk, sponsored by the Tracadie Good Neighbourly Club, will start at the Tracadie Community Centre on May 4 at 2 pm. Walkers will search for the first flowers of the season. Everyone is welcome and there is no fee. 148 Station Rd, Tracadie.

Under The Spire 2025

30th season programming details coming in April

Under The Spire will announce its 30th season lineup in April. From classical programming to folk, jazz, world music, and beyond, the festival showcases live performances while supporting the local arts community. Ticket packages are available now at underthespire.ca or locarius.io. Info: music@underthespire.ca; 902-836-4933

SALES

Fundraising garage sale

An indoor fundraising garage sale will be held at Trinity United in Charlottetown (220 Richmond St) on April 4 from 9 am–3 pm and April 5 from 9 am–2 pm. Browse a wide selection of items, including china, crystal, CorningWare, and a collection of new Ty Beanies. Admission is free, and everyone is welcome.

Holy Redeemer fundraiser

Holy Redeemer will host its annual fundraising sale at Jack Blanchard Hall on April 11 from 9 am to 1 pm. The sale will feature pre-owned jewelry, used books, and plants, along with a chance to win a gift basket. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own bags. 7 Pond St, Charlottetown.

Clothing swap and market

Village & Values is hosting a clothing swap and market on April 18 from 11 am–4 pm at Beaconsfield Carriage House (2 Kent St, Charlottetown). Attendees can swap up to five clothing items for free, with more details to come. The swap runs alongside a market featuring local handmade goods, vintage clothing, decor, and more. There is a small admission fee at the door.

Atlantic Maker Market

Shop from 180 Atlantic Canadian makers at the Spring Atlantic Maker Market from 10 am–5 pm on April 19 at Eastlink Centre in Charlottetown. Info: @makermarketpei; atlanticmakermarket.ca

Spring Park yard sale

Spring Park United is hosting its annual spring yard sale on April 26 from 8:30 am–12 pm at 65 Kirkwood Dr, Charlottetown. The sale will include a selection of jewelry, household items, sports equipment, furniture, books, puzzles, electronics, bedding, curtains, crafts, children’s toys, home decor, and a variety of plants. A small donation is suggested at the door.

Gifts from the Heart

Gifts from the Heart holds a public thrift sale on the last Saturday of each month from 10 am–3 pm. Proceeds support operating costs. Led by Betty Begg-Brooks and volunteers, the organization provides free food, clothing, furniture, and housewares to low-income families and those facing temporary hardship across PEI. 10 Maple Hills Ave, Charlottetown. giftsfromtheheartinc.com

UPEI Medical Brigade volunteer group fundraiser

The UPEI Medical Brigade volunteer group is hosting a spring craft fair to fundraise for its trip to Panama. The fair will run from 9 am–4 pm on April

26 and from 11 am–4 pm April 27 at the Winsloe Lions Club (14 Campbell Rd). There will be handmade crafts, artisanal goods, beauty products, and seasonal items from Island artisans and makers. Admission is by donation at the door. Proceeds will help cover travel costs for UPEI Medical Brigade volunteers, who will work alongside medical professionals in a rural community, providing mobile clinic services, health education, and essential supplies like medications and hygiene products.

Pinch Penny Fair

Friends of Confederation Centre of the Arts are accepting donations for one of its annual fundraising events—the Pinch Penny Fair. For over 50 years, this event has raised funds to support arts education programs at the Centre. This year’s fair will be held on May 17 (10 am–1 pm) at Confederation Centre of the Arts. Admission is free for children 12 and under. This giant indoor yard sale includes books, sporting goods, toys, plants, music, jewelry, furniture, tools, glassware, and more. Donations for the fair will be accepted at the Centre’s box office entrance at 130 Queen Street in Charlottetown on May 3 (1:30–5:30 pm), May 9 (3–7 pm), and May 13 (10 am–1 pm and 3–6 pm). Clothing, televisions, and computer donations cannot be accepted. Info: friends@confederationcentre.com

WoHeLo/QEH Auxiliary sale

The WoHeLo/QEH Auxiliary will host its three-day spring sale at 122 Dorchester Street in Charlottetown on May 22 from 12–8 pm, May 23 from 10 am–6 pm, and May 24 from 9 am–2 pm. Last winter’s sale raised $26,177 for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) to use for purchases. All proceeds from the spring sale will fund the purchase of breastfeeding chairs for the NICU and a biliblanket. The NICU encourages parents to spend as much time as possible at their baby’s bedside. These chairs help promote skin-to-skin touch which aids in bonding and establishing breastfeeding. The sales serve many purposes, including allowing donors to clear out gently used clothing in good condition for buyers to enjoy. The clothes are received washed, pressed, and hanger-ready. The buyers always leave the sale feeling like they’ve refreshed their current wardrobe without breaking the bank and helping our youngest, most fragile Islanders at the same time. At the close of the sale, community groups in need of clothing are invited to collect items free of charge for their clients and residents. Last year, organizers welcomed ER, Mental Health ER, Stroke Care, Physical Medicine, and Social Work from the QEH; the Community Outreach Centre, Park Street House Centre, Trinity United for Coats for Kids, Lacey House, Blooming House, First Impressions, Bibles for Missions, and Gifts from the Heart. Other interested community groups are welcome to contact @QEHAuxiliary on FB. Follow for updates.

PEI String Collective

With Hannah O’Donnell at Dr. Steel Recital Hall—Apr 16

The PEI String Collective welcomes guest mezzo-soprano Hannah O’Donnell to Dr. Steel Recital Hall on April 16 at 6 pm. She will perform Mahler’s “Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen” (“Songs of a Wayfarer”), arranged for string orchestra by conductor Natalie Williams Calhoun.

Hannah O’Donnell received her Bachelor of Music from UPEI and her Master of Music from Memorial University of Newfoundland. Her opera credits include The Medium in St. John’s, NL; Alcina in Lucca, Italy; Le Nozze di Figaro in Charlottetown, PEI; and seasons with Opera RoadShow in St. John’s, NL. She has performed as a soloist with the PEI Symphony Orchestra, Confederation Centre Chorus, the Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra, Luminos Chamber Orchestra, and the Sackville Early Music Festival. A Music PEI Award-winner, O’Donnell is a performer across genres as a singer and bassist. She made her Charlottetown Festival premiere in Becoming Dolly (2024) and will reprise that role this summer. O’Donnell is a member of the music faculty at Holland College’s School of Performing Arts.

Following its collaboration with O’Donnell, the PEI String Collective will perform its most challenging work to date: Tchaikovsky’s “Souvenir de Florence,” Op. 70 (1892). Originally written for string sextet (two violins,

two violas, and two cellos), the piece has been reimagined for string orchestra and features all the romance and passion one would expect from Tchaikovsky.

The PEI String Collective is a string orchestra funded entirely by community and member support. It is composed of professional string players, music students, and community amateur performers. Founded in September 2021 as part of the UPEI Music Department, it became a community orchestra in 2024. The ensemble rehearses weekly under conductor Natalie Williams Calhoun.

Admission is by freewill donation in support of the orchestra and the guest artist.

Canada: This is My Home

Summerside Community Choir spring concert—Apr 27

The Summerside Community Choir, led by John Wervers, presents its spring concert, Canada: This is My Home–Songs of Joy, Peace, and Love, on April 27 at 3 pm at Trinity United in Summerside.

When Wervers chose “peace” as the theme for the spring term of the Choir, he may have sensed how timely it would be. The program features “Song for Peace,” “Let There Be Peace on Earth,” and a moving anthem to

Community Choir

Canada, “This is My Home.” The concert also includes “Three Songs of the Island,” an original collection by Dr. Robert Hall.

As part of its Community Outreach Program, the choir will perform Easter selections at Saint Mary’s in Kensington on April 6 at 9:30 am.

For tickets to the spring concert and choir updates, follow @ Summerside Community Choir on FB or email sumchoir@gmail.com.

Hannah O’Donnell, mezzo-soprano

Summerside

Encounters

2024–25 Season finale for PEI Symphony Orchestra—Apr 6

The PEI Symphony Orchestra (PEISO) will conclude its season with a bold and captivating concert, Encounters, on April 6 at Confederation Centre of the Arts. This event promises a musical journey across cultures and space, featuring works that engage and challenge the imagination.

Encounters explores the theme of connection—between people, cultures, and the cosmos. The concert opens with Caroline Shaw’s “The Observatory,” a piece that emerged from Shaw’s time standing beneath the Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles, contemplating the stars above and the city below. Shaw’s deeply reflective work connects the listener to the vastness of the universe, blending the celestial with the earthly in a strikingly original way.

Next, the orchestra will soar into the cosmos with Mason Bates’ “Mothership,” a sonic exploration that reimagines the orchestra as a spaceship traveling through the galaxy. In this dynamic work, four non-orchestral soloists—electric guitar, violin, guzheng, and bass guitar—improvise alongside the orchestra, creating a

The Armed Man

The Island Choral Society will present The Armed Man: a Mass for Peace at 2:30 pm on April 27 at St. Paul’s in Charlottetown.

In 1999, Welsh composer Karl Jenkins was commissioned to create a work that would mark a new chapter for Britain’s Royal Armories Museum, celebrate the Millennium, and honour the victims of the 1998-99 war in Kosovo. Jenkins created a progression of moods which runs from martial bravado, through the ghastly horrors of war, to a resolution in joyous peace. While the framework is that of a church mass—with Kyrie, Sanctus, Agnus Dei, and Benedictus—its sections draw on a wide-ranging variety of other religious and historical sources. The piece begins with a threatening march—a drumbeat and the tune of the 15th-century folk song “The Armed Man is to be Feared.” After a Muslim call to prayer and a traditional Kyrie, soldiers implore God to help them against enemies, chanting “Save Me From Bloody Men” using text from Psalm 59. A menacing Sanctus follows, then “Hymn Before Action” (from Rudyard Kipling’s poem) and “Charge!” — with words from John

vibrant exchange of sound and enhancing the piece’s cosmic journey.

The concert will close with one of the most beloved and iconic works in the orchestral repertoire: Modest Mussorgsky’s “Pictures at an Exhibition,” orchestrated by Maurice Ravel. This vibrant suite takes the audience on an auditory journey through an art exhibition, with each movement depicting a different painting or scene, from the whimsical to the dramatic. Ravel’s masterful orchestration brings these “pictures” to life.

“I’m excited to end the season with a program that takes us on a global and cosmic journey,” says Jaelem Bhate, PEISO music director. “Each of these pieces invites us to encounter something beyond ourselves—whether it’s the stars, distant worlds, or the transformative power of art. Encounters is a celebration of connection, imagination, and the limitless possibilities of music.”

The 2:30 pm concert will be preceded by a free, pre-concert talk at 1:30 pm at Confederation Centre, offering insight into the program and the music.

confederationcentre.com

Dryden, Jonathan Swift and Horace — tells them they will be blessed to die for their country. But battlefield glory fades into eerie silence and the strains of The Last Post. Horror grows with “Angry Flames” (words of a Hiroshima victim), and “Torches” (from the Mahabharata) which describes the burning of animals. The mood shifts through Agnus Dei and “Now the Guns have Stopped,” conveying the guilt felt by some returning survivors of World War I. The mass ends with “Better is Peace,” words from Sir Lancelot, Tennyson’s poem “Ring Out, Wild Bells,” and from Revelations, “God Shall Wipe Away All Tears.”

The Island Choral Society is led by Dr. Margot Rejskind, noted for her leadership of the professional Luminos Ensemble and the Forte Men’s Choir. The gripping instrumental backing for this concert is provided by members of Margot’s Luminos Chamber Orchestra. The piece features the rich mezzo-soprano voice of Hannah O’Donnell.

Tickets are available online at islandchoralsociety.ca or cash-only at the door. For more information, email islandchoralsociety@gmail.com or phone 902-628-6778.

The Island Choral Society in concert at St. Paul’s—Apr 27

PERFORMANCE

...continued from page 30

Apr 18–19, 25–26 | 8 pm

Soundtrack Songbook

Ft. host Brielle Ansems with Melissa MacKenzie, Braeden Woods, Mike Ross, Drew Cassibo, and Kirk White. Harmony House Theatre, Hunter River

Apr 19 | 8 pm

After Hours Band

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Apr 22 | 8 pm

Songs for a Small Planet Collective & Friends

Ft. Emmanuelle Leblanc & Megan Bergeron, Katie Mcgarry & Dan Currie, Teresa Doyle, Todd Maclean, and Dennis Ellsworth. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Apr 24 | 8 pm

Island Jazz Quartet

Baba’s Lounge, Charlottetown

Apr 24–26 | 7:30 pm

Matilda: The Musical

Colonel Gray High School production. Sobey Family Theatre, Charlottetown

Apr 24–26 | 8 pm

Against All Odds - A Night of Peter Gabriel and Phil Collins

Craig Fair Productions. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Apr 25 | 7:30 pm

An Evening with Elvis

Ft. Jonah Anderson with Jennifer Carson and Marylynn Côté. Kings Playhouse, Georgetown

Apr 25 | 7:30 pm

Sarah Hagen: Pictures at an Exhibition

St. Paul’s, Charlottetown

Apr 25–26 | 1:30 pm

The Velveteen Rabbit Watermark Theatre, North Rustico

Apr 26 | 2 pm

The Nanas and The Papas

Ft. the residents of Whisperwood Villa. Kings Playhouse, Georgetown

Apr 26 | 6:30 pm

dance umbrella: Musical Theatre Showcase

Intermediate & Senior. The Mack, Charlottetown

Apr 26 | 10 pm

Signal Hill

PEI Brewing Company, Charlottetown

Apr 26, 30

YAH Theatre: NEXT!

Apr 26 (2 pm): Benevolent Irish Society, Charlottetown

Apr 26 (7 pm): Eastern Kings Community Centre, Souris

Apr 30 (2 pm): Kings Playhouse, Georgetown

Apr 30 (7 pm): Uigg Community Hall, Vernon River

Apr 27 | 2 pm

PEI Bluegrass & Old Time

Music Society fundraising concert

Ft. Janet McGarry Band, Bluestreak, and Sunny Mountain Girls. Beaconsfield’s Carriage House, Charlottetown

Apr 27 | 2:30 pm

The Armed Man: a Mass for Peace

Presented by the Island Choral Society. St. Paul’s, Charlottetown

Apr 27 | 3 pm

Canada, This is my Home –Songs of Joy, Peace and Love. Summerside Community Choir. Trinity United, Summerside

Apr 27 | 7 pm

Carroll Baker: One Final Tour Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside

Apr 29 | 7:30 pm

Holland College Community Band: Broadway

With special guests PEI Regiment Band. Florence Simmons Performance Hall, Charlottetown

Apr 30 | 7:30 pm

The Ennis Sisters Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside

Apr 30 | 7:30 pm

ABRA Cadabra

Tribute to ABBA. Sobey Family Theatre, Charlottetown

May 1 | 7:30 pm

Shaun Majumder: Cool Dad Tour

Sobey Family Theatre, Charlottetown

May 1 | 8 pm

Island Jazz: Iván Garnica

Baba’s Lounge, Charlottetown

May 1 | 8 pm

Garrett Mason Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

May 1–3 | 7:30 pm, Mar 4 | 2 pm

Black Comedy by Peter Shaffer

Seaside Theatre Company. Scott MacAulay Performing Arts Centre, Summerside

May 2 | 7 pm

Sherwood School Playground Fundraising Show

Ft. host Patrick Ledwell and local performers including Lawrence Maxwell, Brooke MacCarthur, and Vintage 2.0. Eastlink Centre, Charlottetown

May 2 | 7:30 pm

The Céline Experience

Tribute to Céline Dion. Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside

May 2 | 8 pm

Hit The Coast Album Launch

With Benny Von and Emilea May. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

May 2, 3

YAH Theatre: NEXT!

May 2 (2 pm): Crapaud Community Hall, Crapaud

May 3 (2 pm): St. Peters Circle Club, St. Peters Bay

May 3 | 11:30 am

Confederation Centre Youth

Chorus: Beautiful As You Feel

Confederation Centre Memorial Hall, Charlottetown

May 3 | 2 pm

Many Journeys

Fundraiser for the Hall. Bonshaw Hall, Bonshaw

May 3 | 7:30 pm

Walk The Line

Tribute to Johnny Cash. Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside

May 3 | 8 pm

Kelley Mooney & Route 225

Tribute to Bonnie Raitt. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

May 4 | 3 pm

PEISO: May the Fourth Be With You

The Music of Star Wars. Sobey Family Theatre, Charlottetown

May 4 | 7:30 pm

Classic Troubadours

The Songs of James Taylor, Joni Mitchell, Jackson Browne & Carole King. Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside

May 8–9 | 7:30 pm

Black Comedy by Peter Shaffer

Seaside Theatre. Scott MacAulay Performing Arts Centre, Summerside

May 9 | 8 pm

Brothers MacPhee

Tribute to Nirvana (Unplugged in NY). Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

May 10 | 2:30 pm

Harmonia Youth Choir: The Songs We Weave

Park Royal United, Charlottetown

May 10 | 2 pm & 7 pm

dance umbrella: Year End Showcase

Sobey Family Theatre, Charlottetown

May 10 | 7 pm

Ballet Jörgen: Sleeping Beauty

Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside

38th PEI Bluegrass Fest

Returning to Dundas Fairgrounds in July

The 38th Annual PEI Bluegrass & Old Time Music Festival is being held at the Dundas Fairgrounds, Dundas, PEI on July 4, 5 and 6. Headline performers from the USA are The Kody Norris Show and The Grass Messengers. Common Ground and Country Connection from Nova Scotia will make their Festival debuts and from New Brunswick comes Shane Douthwright and the Virtuosos. PEI bands are Janet McGarry Band, The Stiff Family, Bluestreak, Whitecap Drive, The Bad Hoss, SK Bluegrass, Heartfelt Bluegrass and Bluegrass Revival.

mandolin, banjo, guitar and threepart harmony. Other members of the band are Ellery Marshall and Christian Apuzzo.

Island Jubilee finale

Last show features John Connolly and Catherine O’Brien

The season finale of the Island Jubilee Old Time Radio Music Show scheduled for April 6 at 2 pm at Florence Simmons Performance Hall in Charlottetown, will feature John Connolly and Catherine O’Brien, both steeped in the music and theatre industry for many years.

John Connolly recently stepped down from a remarkable tenure with Kings Playhouse in Georgetown. Catherine O’Brien also enjoyed a significant tenure at Georgetown’s cultural hub and the two will bring the magic of shared experiences to the Jubilee’s season finale.

The three-day festival includes stage shows on Friday and Saturday (afternoon and evening) and Sunday, along with Open Mic stages on Wednesday and Thursday for early arrivers. The Festival also offers camping facilities, workshops, a children’s program, food services, and late night jamming sessions. Registration is available at peibluegrass.ca and an Early Bird Special Price is available until June 1.

The Kody Norris Show from Tennessee are the reigning Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music of America Entertainers of the Year. The group is made up of frontman Kody Norris, banjo player Josiah Tyree, fiddler Mary Rachel Nalley-Norris, and bassist Charlie Lowman. They combine traditional bluegrass styles with a colourful stage presence. The group recently performed at the Grand Old Opry and their new album is called Rhinestone Revival

The Grass Messengers, featuring lead singer Chris Luquette, are based in New York State. This young band specializes in well-known bluegrass favourites skillfully played with

Shane Douthwright & The Virtuosos features Shane fronting some of the best bluegrass musicians in Canada. Shane has been performing bluegrass for 30 years beginning as a youngster with family band, The Douthwrights. They bring a blend of bluegrass, classic country and original songs and stories to Festival listeners. The Virtuosos are Marcel Duplessis on bass, Ryan Dillman on banjo and Richard Bourque on mandolin.

One of Canada’s most recorded and awarded bluegrass performers, Janet McGarry will take the stage with her husband and multi-instrumentalist Serge Bernard, along with bandmates Trevor Boutilier and Karen DaCoste, award-winning musicians from the Nova Scotia group Bluegrass Tradition.

This year’s Festival lineup also includes County Connection from Nova Scotia and, from PEI, Bluestreak, The Stiff Family, Whitecap Drive, Heartfelt Bluegrass, The Bad Hoss, SK Bluegrass, and Bluegrass Revival.

Tickets and festival details are available at peibluegrass.ca/tickets or by calling 902 218-8916.

The Island Jubilee is an authentic old time country music experience that transports audiences back to the golden age of radio. It is co-hosted by Janet McGarry and Serge Bernard with the Jubilee All-Stars (Thomas Webb, Bobby McIsaac, Johnny Ross, Jason Burbine, and Courtney Hogan-Chandler).

Each show is recorded live for Tantramar 107.9FM CFTA in Amherst, NS. Recordings are available at tantramarfm.ca.

The show also arranges charters for Tantramar FM listeners. The charter

departs Moncton on show day, picking up fans in Sackville, Amherst, and Port Elgin before arriving for brunch in Charlottetown, followed by the show. This season, the show has welcomed over 150 travellers from the charters. The end-of-season guitar raffle will be drawn at the finale. Dignitaries representing sponsors will be present, as well as officials from the QEH Foundation to make presentations and receive funds collected from the show’s 50/50 draw and guitar raffles. Visit ticketpro.ca for tickets and islandjubilee.com for more details.

MAY 17 | 10AM to 1PM

of gently used items (in good

books, sports equipment,

plants, music, jewellery, tools, glassware, etc. (no clothing, TVs, or computers please)

May 03 1:30PM to 5:30PM Friday May 09 3PM to 7PM Tuesday May 13 10AM to 1PM

One of this year’s headliners, The Kodi Norris Show

John Connolly and Catherine O’Brien

Improv Lab Volume 3

Experimenting with the language of music—Apr 12

Transforming an arthouse theatre into an intimate listening room, Volume 3 of the Charlottetown Improvisation Laboratory will return to City Cinema on April 12 at 7:30 pm.

Launched by bassist Adam Hill this past fall, the Charlottetown Improvisation Laboratory assembles five musicians who have never performed together for an evening of brand-new music. Combining artists that hail from different genres with diverse musical experiences, the project challenges the members of the ensemble to find a common musical language.

Skydiggers

Tour announced with a stop at Trailside Music Hall in June

Like the previous shows, Volume 3 will showcase an all-star lineup of Island musicians. The band will feature this year’s Music PEI Musician of the Year, Maya Márquez Calle on electric bass, along with Tiffany Liu, who received the Achievement in World Music. Regional heavyweights Chris Corrigan and Mat MacEachern will contribute their widely valued musical voices on electric guitar and drum set. And Hill will hold things down on the upright bass.

Each member of the band has written a new composition for this specific show based on the concept of “structured improvisation.” The tunes are

Signal Hill

written with some elements of notation, but each one includes lots of room for interpretation and risk-taking. The composers will trade turns directing the musical material, while everyone on stage and in the audience gets to participate in the conversation.

Along with the new compositions, Hill will lead the band through a few not-so-standards that will build connections between the repertoire and give each performer an opportunity to shine. And to top things off, Hill has created a colourful visual backdrop to be projected behind the band, the ambient tessellations complementing the expanding textures being created on stage.

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

Fundraiser concert for Oak Acres Children’s Foundation

PEI Brewing Company in Charlottetown welcomes Signal Hill for a special fundraising event for the Oak Acres Children’s Foundation (OACF) on April 26 at 10 pm.

Signal Hill is a four man acoustic rock band from St. John’s, NL, currently based out of Halifax, NS. Since 1991 they have toured Canada and beyond, to places such as Mali, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic. Their shows are a blend of traditional Newfoundland, Irish and Cape Breton music, along with random pop and rock hits. Everything’s rearranged for acoustic guitars, piano, bass and drums, and big four part harmony. Proceeds from the event will go

Skydiggers have just announced their upcoming tour, which includes a stop in Charlottetown on June 7 at Trailside Music Hall.

For over three decades, Skydiggers have been at the heart of Canada’s roots, rock and folk scene, known for crafting songs that are both timeless and deeply resonant.

To tell the story of Skydiggers is to tell the story of a thriving musical collaboration that was born in friendship and has abided with trust. Over the course of 15 studio albums and countless miles on the road, Skydiggers have grown from enthusiastic youngsters

Ian Sherwood

into husbands, fathers, and mentors. And while band members have changed over the decades, Josh Finlayson and Andy Maize remain its beating heart. With new collaborators bringing their unique musical histories into the circle, the sound of Skydiggers continues to evolve.

Rooted in a deep appreciation for storytelling and melody, their music reflects life’s highs and lows with honesty and heart. Whether on stage or in the studio, Skydiggers create songs that resonate—music made by friends, for friends.

Tickets are available at trailside.ca.

In concert at Harmony House—Apr 12

Halifax-based songwriter Ian Sherwood will perform live at Harmony House in Hunter River on April 12 at 8 pm. Guitar, saxophone, songwriting and a voice that won him a Canadian Folk Music Award for Contemporary Singer, Ian Sherwood brings the light to every stage he stands on. A born storyteller and a constant creator, his music dances the line between folk and pop. His live performances thrive on intimacy. When not touring the UK, Australia, the US, or Canada, Sherwood produces for other artists as well as for theatre, film and television. He recently won a Robert Merritt award for Outstanding Original Score for the play Tompkinsville. He has been named Best Male Artist of the Year by the International Acoustic Music Awards

(clockwise from left): Adam Hill, Chris Corrigan, Tiffany Liu, Maya Márquez Calle, and Mat MacEachern

ABRA Cadabra

A Tribute to ABBA at Sobey Family Theatre—Apr 30

Moon Coin Productions presents ABRA Cadabra: A Tribute to ABBA on April 30 at 7:30 pm in the Sobey Family Theatre, Confederation Centre of the Arts in Charlottetown. Featuring a live band, electrifying vocals, dancers, multimedia effects, and costumes, this interactive, family-friendly stage extravaganza promises to leave audience members belting out their favourite ABBA classics.

From “Mamma Mia” to “Dancing Queen,” “Take a Chance on Me” to “Waterloo,” and many more hits like “SOS,” “Fernando,” and “Money, Money, Money,” their show is a celebration of ABBA’s timeless tunes.

For over two decades, ABRA

Cadabra has been sharing ABBA’s music across the globe—from entertaining the Malaysian Royal Family and the Prime Minister of Malaysia to performing at theatres like the Queen Elizabeth Theatre in Vancouver and the Esplanade Theatre in Singapore, and to sharing the stage with Kool & The Gang at Universal Studios Florida. With a history of bringing the magic of ABBA to audiences of all ages and cultures, including televised concerts, casino shows, and festivals around the world, ABRA Cadabra’s infectious energy and passion for the music shine through in every performance.

Tickets are available at confederationcentre.com.

ROSE COUSINS

HEARTS ALL WHOLE APRIL 12, 2025 7:30pm | Memorial Hall TWO

BEAUTIFUL AS YOU FEEL MAY 3, 2025 11:30am | Memorial Hall

confederationcentre.com/live-at-the-centre

Sponsored by:

Richard Wood

Album launch at Sterling Women’s Institute Hall—Apr 12

Richard Wood will officially launch his multiple award nominated 10th album (and first live album) Richard Wood Live! An Evening of Celtic Music on April 12 at the Sterling Women’s Institute Hall in Stanley Bridge, PEI— in the same spot it was recorded live.

From the lively, heart-pounding jigs, reels, and strathspeys to poignant pieces rich in emotion, the audience will be taken through the performance and the energy Wood creates through the pieces that made this recording.

Show starts at 7:30 pm. For advance seats and more information, visit rwood.ca or call 902-330-3293. Any remaining seats will be available for purchase when doors open at 7 pm.

Men of the Harvest

Concert for Hospice PEI at Trinity United Summerside››Apr 6

A Men of the Harvest concert in support of Hospice PEI will take place at Trinity United in Summerside on April 6 at 2:30 pm.

Men of the Harvest is a group of male singers from the Kensington and Summerside area. This concert kicks off a series presented by Hospice PEI in support of local charities.

Tickets are available at the door and through @Hospice PEI on Facebook.

Earth Day fundraiser

With Songs for a Small Planet Collective and Friends—Apr 22

An Earth Day fundraising show featuring a variety of Island entertainers will take place on April 22 at 8 pm at Trailside Music Hall in Charlottetown. Presented by the Songs for a Small Planet Collective and Friends, the lineup includes Emmanuelle Leblanc & Megan Bergeron of Vishtèn, Katie McGarry & Dan Currie, Emilea May,

Kings Playhouse live

Musical favourites in Georgetown throughout April

Super Trouper: A Night of ABBA

Craig Fair Productions

April 4 & 5 ›› 7:30 pm

It was only a matter of time before Craig Fair Productions brought their own version of ABBA to the stage. With a catalog of endless hits, every song is a certified banger. “Dancing Queen,” “Waterloo,” “Mamma Mia,” “Voulez Vous,” and “Super Trouper” are a few of the songs audiences will hear. This night of freedom, bell bottoms, and disco is a musical roller coaster that takes the audience from a wild party to heartfelt moments filled with smiles, memories, and more.

Lightfoot: A Celebration of the Man & His Music

Featuring Nudie & the Sundowners

April 12 ›› 7:30 pm

Justyn Thyme, Nico Romero Dada, Todd MacLean, Teresa Doyle, Dennis Ellsworth, and more.

Doors open at 6:30 pm. Tickets are available at trailside.ca. All funds raised from the night will go to The Ocean Cleanup (theoceancleanup.com).

Fabulous Blue Suedettes. Experience Jonah’s tribute to Elvis with professional backing tracks and harmonies—and yes, real hair and sideburns.

Lightfoot: A Celebration of the Man & His Music celebrates the music of Canadian troubadour Gordon Lightfoot, with an evening of iconic songs that have defined generations— from the heartbreaking “If You Could Read My Mind” to the epic “Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald.” This heartfelt tribute captures the essence of Lightfoot’s music, from the sweet folk melodies of his early work to the sultry electric guitar riffs and grooving bass lines of Sundown Nudie & the Sundowners feature lead guitarist Bobby McIsaac, bassist Serge Bernard, and host Nudie on vocals and guitar.

An Evening with Elvis

Starring Jonah Anderson April 25 ›› 7:30 pm

An Evening with Elvis stars Jonah Anderson as Elvis and features Jennifer Carson and Marylynn Côté as The

Playground fundraiser

Featuring local performers at Eastlink Centre in May

Sherwood Elementary students and staff moved into a new school building recently. Within the budget for the build, there were no funds allocated for a playground. To create a safe and engaging play space, a group of parent volunteers formed the Sherwood School Playground Fundraising Committee, working alongside princi-

Email carsonjennifer@hotmail.com to purchase advance tickets, or get them at the door (cash only) on the night of the show.

The Nanas and The Papas Free concert

April 26 ›› 2 pm

The Nanas and The Papas, composed of residents and staff from Whisperwood Villa in Sherwood, PEI, is led by activity assistant Kellie Annett and activity director Joseph MacMillan. They have brought joy to residents, staff, and families through music. The celebratory concert at the Playhouse will feature covers of their favourite songs, spanning decades and various styles.

Kings Playhouse is located at 65 Grafton Street in Georgetown. Tickets for all shows (except An Evening with Elvis - see show description for details) are available at 902-652-2053, kingsplayhouse.com, or at the door one hour before showtime.

pal Parker Grimmer to raise $500,000.

The committee has already raised approximately $100,000 and is now organizing its next fundraiser—a special evening of local music and talent. Hosted by Patrick Ledwell, the event will take place at Eastlink Centre in Charlottetown on May 2 from 7 pm–1 am. Confirmed performers include Lawrence Maxwell, Brooke MacArthur, and Vintage 2.0, all donating their time and talent to the cause.

This 19+ event is held in partnership with the Sherwood Parkdale Lions Club. The club will donate 100% of bar profits to the playground fundraiser.

Tickets and further details will be announced soon.

Craig Fair Productions presents Super Trouper: A Night of ABBA on April 4 & 5

Jonah Anderson as Elvis

Don Ross & Julie Malia

Solos and collaborations at Harmony House—Apr 10

Don Ross in concert with special guest Julie Malia at Harmony House, Hunter River—an intimate venue just 20 minutes from Charlottetown—on April 10 at 8 pm.

Experience the unmatched talent of two world class masters of the guitar, Don Ross and Julie Malia. After collaborating at a guitar festival in Europe, Ross and Malia uncovered a sound that was too exceptional to overlook. Julie is one of Europe’s most treasured guitarists, known for her captivating performances that masterfully navigate various guitar styles, blending virtuosity with exceptional song writing. Don is an acclaimed and pioneering figure whose innovations have shaped an entire generation of acoustic guitarists. He is the only two-time U.S. National Finger-Style Guitar Champion, and his unique style of playing is celebrated by fans worldwide. Over the span of his career Don has amassed millions of YouTube views and streams, won multiple Canadian Folk Music Awards, is JUNO nominated, was awarded Guitar Player Magazine’s Best New Talent,

collaborated with Bruce Cockburn on his latest release Water (2023) and was awarded the prestigious Walter Carlton Prize for Excellence in Performing Arts by the Canada Council for the Arts.

This concert will feature solo performances from each artist plus collaborations for a set of music that will reveal their unique chemistry as they push the boundaries of the genre and deliver an experience that is both technically impressive and deeply expressive.

Tickets can be purchased at harmonyhousepei.com or via Ticketpro at 1-888-311-9090.

The Ennis Sisters

On April 30 at 7:30 pm, Summerside’s Harbourfront Theatre welcomes the return—for the first time in over 15 years—JUNO Awardwinning Newfoundland trio, The Ennis Sisters.

This trio has been captivating audiences worldwide for over 25 years with their seamless harmonies and compelling songwriting. Flavoured by Celtic and traditional Newfoundland influences, their music offers a broad mix of original songs as well as uniquely interpreted tunes and ballads.

In 1997, Maureen, Karen and Teresa Ennis took their first steps into the spotlight with the release of their debut album, Red is the Rose, showcasing their innate talent and deep-rooted connection to the folk traditions of their home. They have since released 14 full length studio albums and have earned numerous accolades along the way, including a JUNO Award for Best New Country Artist/ Group (2002), a SOCAN Award for

Bluegrass concert

Fundraiser at Beaconsfield Carriage House—Apr 27

The PEI Bluegrass & Old Time Music Society fundraising concert, scheduled for April 27 at 2 pm at Beaconsfield’s Carriage House in Charlottetown, will feature Island bluegrass performers the Janet McGarry Band and Bluestreak with a guest appearance by the Sunny Mountain Girls.

One of Canada’s most recorded and awarded bluegrass performers, Janet McGarry will take the stage with her husband, the multi-instrumentalist Serge Bernard, along with supporting musicians Karen DeCoste and Trevor Boutilier from Nova Scotia’s Bluegrass Tradition band.

past three albums, plus some new songs having their Island debut.

Bluestreak consists of Larry Campbell on guitar, mandolin and vocals, Roger Wightman on banjo, David Blue on upright bass, Marcella Richard on guitar and vocals, and Peter Richards on dobro. Their set will feature popular selections from their

Admission is at the door. A 50/50 draw will be held, and raffle tickets for a Martin DX-2 guitar will be available. All proceeds support the PEI Bluegrass Society’s fundraising program for the 38th Annual PEI Bluegrass & Oldtime Music Festival, happening July 4–6 at the Dundas Fairgrounds. The Carriage House is wheelchair accessible.

For further information, contact Shirley Jay at 902-218-8916.

Top Grossing Country Single (2022), and multiple ECMAs and MusicNL Awards.

As proud cultural ambassadors, The Ennis Sisters continue to enchant audiences with their timeless music, proving that the melodies of Newfoundland & Labrador can resonate and echo across the world. harbourfronttheatre.com

SUBMITTED

Julie Malia and Don Ross

Janet McGarry Band (above) and Bluestreak

PHOTOS SUBMITTED

Spirit of Spring Concert

Fundraiser for St. Mary’s at Montague High School—Apr 6

St. Mary’s Parish in Montague has organized an afternoon of music and fun to help fundraise for furnace and roof repairs to their church.

The Spirit of Spring Concert will take place on April 6 from 2–4 pm at Montague Regional High School and features a lineup of Island entertainers, including the Chaisson Trio; Irish singer and multi-instrumentalist Cian O’Morain and Mary MacGillivray, a singer of Scottish and Celtic songs; Cape Breton stepdancer Gerard Beaton; a new trio consisting of Maxine MacLennan, Sheila MacKenzie, and Jo-Anne Ford; and a special performance by Bluestreak, who, after a long hiatus, are back with all-new original songs, and even a new recording.

The afternoon will also include a 50/50 draw, a chance to win the Best Seats in the House—comfy, reclining armchairs generously provided by Beck’s Home Furniture and Appliances in Montague—a baked goods auction, and a bake sale.

All ages are welcome, with admission by donation.

MUSIC

Informal jam session

The next jam sessions for adults at the Summerside Library (57 Central St) will be held on April 14 and 28 at 6 pm. Bring an instrument or borrow one from the library and join other musicians for an informal evening of playing music.

Home Routes/Chemin Chez Nous

For nearly two decades, Home Routes/ Chemin Chez Nous has been bringing live music directly into homes and small venues across Canada, fostering intimate, welcoming spaces where artists and audiences connect. As Canada’s pioneering touring concert network, Home Routes has built a strong community of music lovers while providing invaluable opportunities for touring musicians. Now, as they expand their reach, they’re actively recruiting new volunteer hosts to help them continue this mission. By opening their homes or small venues, hosts play a key role in creating meaningful live music experiences while strengthening their local arts community. To learn more about how Home Routes works, its impact on local communities, the experience of hosting a concert, upcoming tours, featured artists, and how music lovers can get involved and support live music in a meaningful way, visit homeroutes.ca.

Trailside Music Hall

A few of the live music shows in April

Devin Cuddy

With Lawrence Maxwell April 6 ›› 8 pm

From an early age, Toronto-based singer-songwriter Devin Cuddy was drawn to music of the past. While sifting through his father’s (Jim Cuddy of Blue Rodeo) CD collection, he found the music of Louis Armstrong and New Orleans blues piano players like Dr John and Professor Longhair.

After attending York University for Jazz Piano, Devin starting hanging around Toronto’s Cameron House, where he was inspired by the local singer-songwriter scene. He began his performing career alone at the piano, playing every Wednesday night. It was during this time that he began writing and testing out his own material on an ever growing crowd. Drawing from inspirations like Randy Newman and Steve Earle, Devin started to build up a catalogue of his own material.

PEI country-folk singer-songwriter Lawrence Maxwell will open the show. He’ll tell it to you like it’s folk and sing it to you like it’s country.

Kylie Fox

With Joce Reyome

April 11 ›› 8 pm

Marleana Moore’s songs cross personal bedroom confessionals with grunge influenced guitar tones in a tight pop-song package.

Liam Corcoran / Newbridge

April 18 ›› 8 pm

Liam Corcoran is the co-founder of the Canadian indie-pop group Two Hours Traffic. Since the group disbanded, he has embarked on a solo career, releasing the mini-album Rom-Drom and fulllength albums Nevahland, Giving Tree And Other Songs, and Hints And Traces

Canadian folk-songstress Kylie Fox brings her album Sequoia (2024) to the stage for her There Are Only So Many Great Nights Tour. Joined by her fivepiece band, she will share the stories behind songs like “Confetti” and “Brandi Baby” that delve into themes of gratitude towards the women in her life, the environment, her relationships and herself. The show is an homage to the record, exhibiting whimsical flute solos, three part harmony, quiet acoustic moments, and a captivating voice. With inspiration from the likes of Aretha Franklin, Janis Joplin, and Tracy Chapman, Joce Reyome brings old school vibes to the new times. Their single “Mr. Rain” recently took home the Music PEI Award for R&B/Soul Recording of the Year.

Land of Talk

With Marleana Moore April 17 ›› 8 pm

Lizzie Powell of Montreal’s Land of Talk has always been a risk-taker. As the creative force behind the influential Canadian outfit Land of Talk, the Montreal-based songwriter has over the past 15 years amassed a catalog of four unimpeachable albums that stretch the boundaries of indie rock. But Performances, their fifth LP, feels like a total reinvention: an unflinching statement from an artist who’s not afraid to say how they feel.

Emerging from the ashes of traditional music, Newbridge is a blend of Americana, folk, and roots-rock from Halifax, Nova Scotia. The band features Canadian music veterans Keith Maddison (Maddison Avenue), Glen Nicholson (In-Flight Safety), Jeff Mosher (The Mellotones, Matt Andersen), Warren Robert (Myles Goodwyn, Pogey), and Robbie Crowell (Sturgill Simpson, Deer Tick, Midland, Matt Mays).

Against All Odds: A Night of Peter Gabriel and Phil Collins

Craig Fair Productions April 24–26 ›› 8 pm

In 2024, Craig Fair Productions debuted a brand-new production, Against All Odds: A Night of Peter Gabriel and Phil Collins, intertwining the musical journeys of the two legends. From bandmates to iconic solo artists, these two have remained at the forefront of the international music scene, continually inspiring audiences with their composand electrifying performances.

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

4

Also

will be doing a live art show and prints will be for sale. Showtime is 10:30 pm. Admission is at the door with one dollar from each entry going towards aid in Palestine. 177 Great George St, Charlottetown

Devin Cuddy takes the Trailside stage on April 6

Trevor Lowell & the Barn Cat Poetry Beat will be live at Boonoonoonoos in Charlottetown on April 4.

performing are Luisa Güiza and DJ Gufaah. Teresa Kuo

Music Arcade by Dennis Ellsworth

Alicia Toner

Alicia Toner grew up in Fredericton, New Brunswick. Her parents didn’t play music, but it was in her family. Alicia’s father’s side of the family was very musical, and she credits her grandmother and her uncle for musically influencing her in her youth. She was always encouraged to pursue her artistic dreams, and she credits her mother for really believing in her. At the age of fourteen, she told her mother she wanted to go to Julliard to study violin, and without hesitation, her mother championed the idea.

She didn’t end up at Julliard, but she did study Music Theatre at Sheridan College in Oakville, Ontario and upon completion, she spent ten years as a professional singer, dancer, singer, and musician. Alicia first started coming to Prince Edward Island as a cast member of The Charlottetown Festival in 2012. In those years, she would spend four inspired months here and the other eight months waiting to return. In 2014, she bought a house in Charlottetown and made PEI her permanent home.

As a songwriter/musician, she is a Canadian Folk Music Award winner, a Music PEI award winner, and an ECMA nominated artist. In 2024, Alicia was the artist-in-residence at Under the Spire, curating shows and performances throughout the festival’s season.

Alicia’s Toronto days and struck up a strong musical and personal connection.

Alicia blends folk and roots music with pop-rock, and she delivers her heartfelt songs with a very moving and emotive voice. There is a firm power in her voice, but she can turn on a dime and really hit you hard with tenderness as well. Her songs are inspired by real life, and by therapeutic means, they allow her to process trauma or feelings she might otherwise avoid.

Lately, she draws inspiration from her daughter. She feels a sense of determination and finds herself working harder toward her goals. Alicia admits, “she makes small things beautiful again, makes the bigger picture more visible, and that shows up in the words that I write.”

To date, she has released two albums, both produced by Stuart Cameron, a very accomplished Canadian musician in his own right, and the son of John Allan Cameron. They met during

In recent years, she has been working more often in the theatrical side of music and she is thriving in the collaborative landscape of this creative PEI community. She has been a part of shows produced by Craig Fair and is a regular performer at Harmony House Theatre in Hunter River. Alicia met and worked with Harmony House co-owner Mike Ross in her Toronto days, and since his return to PEI, they’ve co-created two shows, Ladies of the Canyon and Beyond the Veil: A Lucy Maud Concert Experience. Most recently, she was in Toronto for a three-week run of the Harmony House Theatre hit, Inside American Pie, presented by Mirvish Productions.

She has plans to make a third Alicia Toner album, but for the immediate future, she will be very busy in performance at Harmony House for the Summer 2025 season. You can catch her in The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald, Beyond the Veil, Ladies of the Canyon, and Inside American Pie

“I love that I make things that didn’t exist before. It might be a small contribution, but it feels like a necessary good contribution to the universal energy around us. I think we need as many people making art as possible.” She admits, “I plan to keep going until I drop dead, because I have to. If I’m not making or singing something, I get sad.”

GAETZ

PHOTOGRAPHY

PEI RECORDINGS

ALBUMS

Richard WOOD Live!

An Evening of Celtic Music

Richard Wood

Richard Wood’s 10th album, and first live album, Richard WOOD Live! An Evening of Celtic Music will be released on April 12.

From the lively, heart-pounding jigs, reels, and strathspeys and the energy Wood creates through them at his live performances to poignant pieces rich in emotion, the listening audience gets a taste of what it’s like to be a part of his live audience, whose clapping and reactions become part of the overall experience.

“Some of these live pieces are very emotionally connected and meaningful to me,” says Wood.

The album was recorded live by Brent Chaisson of Studio Dimanche at the last show of a record-breaking 15th season of Wood’s “Evening of Celtic Music,” presented annually at the Sterling Women’s Institute Hall in Stanley Bridge, PEI. Chaisson also engineered and mastered the album. It features Richard Wood (fiddle), Brent Chaisson (guitar, percussion),

Kimberley Holmes (keyboard), and Skip Holmes (guitar, bouzouki). The cover photo and graphic design are by Faye WilliamsWood. rwood.ca

Bird’s Eye

Gammons & Knorr

Guitar and fiddle duo Gammons & Knorr will release their debut EP Bird’s Eye for streaming on April 23. Originally from Regina, SK, Ray Knorr grew up competing in fiddle competitions and attending camps across Western Canada. As a three-time Saskatchewan and two-time Grand North American Fiddle Champion and a four-time finalist at the Canadian Grandmasters, he has earned his reputation as one of Canada’s rising fiddle talents.

It was out West that Ray met Tom Gammons in 2016, a guitarist from Montana with dreams of pursuing a career in traditional music in the Maritimes. Now, Tom is embedded in PEI’s music scene, a graduate of the Holland College School of Performing Arts and member of the JUNO Awardnominated trad trio Inn Echo. When Ray decided to embark on a cross-Canada road trip from Vancouver to the

tip of Newfoundland in the summer of 2023, he reached out to Tom, thinking he’d visit PEI for a week or two. That trip turned out to be a permanent move and the start of a new project.

Bird’s Eye includes original compositions, traditional tunes and a feature from Vermont fiddler Romy Munkres. It was developed in the duo’s home in Stratford, PEI, recorded by Sergey Varmalov at Crabbe Road Productions, and mastered by John McLaggan at Parachute Mastering. Artwork by Brooklyn-based painter Robin Gammons.

@gammonsandknorr

SINGLES

”Moments” Hikado

Rising indie artist Hikado returns with a deeply personal new single, “Moments,” a collaboration with the string quartet Atlantic String Machine. Released on March 15, the song is a heartfelt tribute to his late father, blending lush orchestral arrangements with Hikado’s signature sound. Adding to its emotional depth, “Moments” also features Arabic lyrics, weaving in a cultural and personal connection that makes this release truly special.

Following his growing success, Hikado was recently awarded Digital Presence of the Year at the 2025 Music PEI Awards, recognizing his strong artistic identity and online influence.

He also delivered a live performance at the Music PEI Awards Gala, further solidifying his presence in the local music scene.

As Hikado carves out his place in the music industry, fans can look forward to more emotionally charged and innovative releases.

“Junto A Mi”

Diana Delirio

Colombian-born and now based in PEI, Diana Delirio brings fresh and bright energy with her latest track, “Junto A Mi.” Her warm and powerful voice spreads joy, empowerment, and connection, mixing Latin rhythms, electronic elements, and art pop into a unique sound.

The song was produced by Matt Smith, who worked on Lido Pimienta’s Miss Colombia, and was created as part of Music PEI’s RBC Golden Ticket program. It was recorded at David Rashed Studio at The Guild in Charlottetown with musicians Maya Márquez Calle, Sean Ferris, Nicolas Romero, and Mark Carr-Rollitt.

“Junto A Mi” has echoes of Aurora, Björk, and Begonia, but with a special twist from Delirio’s Colombian roots. The track combines dreamy melodies with lively percussion, creating a sound that feels both magical and down-to-earth, inviting listeners to move and enjoy.

Delirio is working on her second EP, Junto A Mi, a cross-cultural project with Canadian and Colombian collaborators. This EP will show her artistic growth and explore the challenges of living between two cultures.

ONGOING MUSIC

ceilidhs, dances, sessions...

Aaron’s Jam Jar

Aaron Stevenson hosts a monthly community jam at the Bonshaw Community Centre. The upcoming dates are April 19 and May 17 from 1–4 pm. Admission is free and all are welcome. 25 Green Rd, Bonshaw.

Assumption Ceilidhs

A ceilidh is held on the third Sunday of each month from 2–4 pm at Assumption Parish Centre in Stratford. Hosted by Assumption Catholic Women’s League and Assumption Knights of Columbus, the afternoon features Young at Heart (Leo Gallant, Randy Cheverie, Norman LeClair, Dave Shephard, Paul Chandler, Robert Cain and Dave Moore) with special guests. Admission is at the door. A 50/50 draw, tea, and light refreshments are included. Proceeds go to Our Lady of the Assumption Parish. Info: Leo Gallant, 902-569–3202, leowgallant@ hotmail.com

Dunstaffnage Ceilidh

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

Got Blues Matinee

Got Blues, led by Chris Roumbanis with friends Mike Robicheau and Alan Dowling, hosts a weekly Saturday matinee from 2–4 pm at the Salvadore Dali Café. Each week, a special guest joins the first set, followed by an electric blues jam in the second. There is no cover charge; they pass the hat. The upcoming performances feature: singer/guitarist Dan Doiron (Apr 5); singer/guitarist Jon Hines from NS (12); singer/guitarist Roger Jones (19); singer/keyboardist/ guitarist Mike Ross (26). 155 Kent St, Charlottetown.

Island Jazz

Jazz on Thursdays at Baba’s Lounge features top local musicians performing original music, standards, jazz and pop favourites. Each show features a different group and two sets starting at 8 pm. The upcoming lineup includes: Latin Jazz ft. Maya Márquez Calle (Apr 3); Jon MacInnis & Mark Parsons (10); SOPA Improv Showcase (17); Island Jazz Quartet (24); Iván Garnica (May 1). Admission is by donation. 181 Great George St, Charlottetown.

Schooner Sessions

Sessions with Mark Douglas and friends take place weekly on Thursdays at 7 pm at The Old Triangle, 189 Great George St, Charlottetown.

Stratford and Area Lions Club

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

Summerside Legion

A kitchen party featuring classic country and old rock ‘n’ roll with Back in Tyme (Blair Coughlin, Peter Burke, George MacPhee, and Bob Gagnon) is held at the Summerside Legion on Saturdays, April 5, 12, and 26, from 2–5 pm. Admission is at the door. 340 Notre Dame St, Summerside.

Sunday Blues Jam

Dan Doiron hosts a weekly blues jam on Sundays from 2–5 pm at Copper Bottom Brewing. Each week, a special guest joins him for the first set before the floor opens for others in the second. The upcoming guests are Spencer David and Em Peters (Mar 30), Graeme Hunter (Apr 6), Jon Hines (13), no jam (20), and Mike Page (27). Free admission. 567 Main St, Montague.

Sunday Session

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

Trad Night at Village Green

A Trad Night is held every Thursday in the taproom at Village Green. Enjoy free, live music from 7–9 pm. Space is limited. Located at 30 Church St in the old post office/dental clinic (turn at Church St and Cornwall Rd), Cornwall.

Very Best of Up West

Artist and songwriter Blair “Arnie” Gaudet, joined by bass player Wade Carragher, presents a monthly music series in collaboration with the Albert & Crown Pub. Once a month the pair will feature a different artist performing live in a fun-filled, jam-style atmosphere at the pub. This month’s guest on April 17 from 8–11 pm is Tanner Gaudet. Reservations are recommended by calling 902-853-0000. Info: @albertandcrownpub on FB. 480 Main St, Alberton.

Winsloe United Celidh

The next fundraising ceilidh at Winsloe United will take place on March 30 at 2 pm. Host Jacinta MacDonald and the Winsloe United House band will welcome Chad Matthews. The church is wheelchair accessible and will serve a light lunch during intermission. Admission is at the door, which opens at 1:30 pm. 121 Winsloe Rd, Winsloe.

TRIVIA

Bogside Brewing Tuesdays (6:30 pm). 11 Brook St, Montague.

Churchill Arms

Tuesdays (8:30 pm) with Henry. Saturdays (2 pm) with Wade Babineau. Reserve by calling 902-367-3450. 89 Kent St, Charlottetown.

Copper Bottom Brewing

Fridays (7 pm) with PEI Beer Guy. 567 Main St, Montague.

The Factory

Entertainment Trivia Thursdays (7 pm) with Darcy Campbell; Fridays (8 pm) with Doc. 189 Kent St, Charlottetown.

FiN Folk Food

Thursdays (5:30 pm) with Adam Ramsay. 106 Beach Rd, Grand Tracadie.

Hopyard

Wednesdays (8 pm) with Hank. 151 Kent St, Charlottetown.

Hunter’s Ale House

Sundays (9 pm) with Andrew Rollins; Thursdays (9 pm) with Darcy Campbell. 185 Kent St, Charlottetown.

Lone Oak Brewing Co

Fridays (7 pm) with Bailey Dawson or Cody Dawson. 103 Abegweit Blvd, Borden-Carleton.

Lone Oak at Fox Meadow

Fridays (7 pm) with Kirk MacKinnon. 167 Kinlock Rd, Stratford.

North Rustico Lions Club

April 11 & 25 (7:30 pm) with Barry Parsons. 17 Timber Ln, North Rustico.

O’Brien’s Social Bar & Kitchen (Red Shores)

Thursdays (7–9 pm) with Jerry McCabe. 21 Exhibition Dr, Charlottetown.

Olde Dublin Pub

Hurricane Trivia on Mondays (7:30 pm); Trivia & Tunes on Thursdays (7:30 pm) with Cone. 131 Sydney St, Charlottetown.

The Old Triangle

Saturdays (2 pm) with Dave Connolly. Register by calling 902-892-5200. 189 Great George St, Charlottetown.

Razzy’s Roadhouse

Trivia and Karaoke on Apr 19 (7 pm) with J-ROD. 161 St. Peters Rd, Charlottetown.

Village Green Brewery

Saturdays (7 pm) with Bryan Carver. 30 Church St, Cornwall.

Soundtrack Songbook!

Explore the music behind the movie at Harmony House

Soundtrack Songbook! is on stage at Harmony House in Hunter River with four performances, April 18, 19, 25, and 26, at 8 pm.

The Breakfast Club, Casablanca, Flashdance, The Wizard of Oz—some of the best-selling albums of the last several decades have been movie soundtracks. There are some songs that are so strongly associated with a particular movie that you can’t hear one without picturing the other. What is the connection between movies and music? Is that connection as strong as it used to be? Do movies today have the power to produce a legendary, chart-topping hit the same way that The Bodyguard, Dirty Dancing, or Titanic did?

In this signature Harmony House songbook event, Brielle Ansems (host and music director) and a team of actor/singers will peek behind the big screen into some of music’s greatest hits and the movies they come from. By recreating famous film scenes live and delving into sweet cinematic nostalgia, they’ll revisit some favourite movie moments.

Featuring Brielle Ansems, Melissa MacKenzie, Braeden Woods, Mike Ross, Drew Cassibo, and Kirk White.

To make dinner reservations in The Lounge before the show, email harmonyhousePEIresos@gmail.com.

Sarah Hagen

Solo piano recital at St. Paul’s—Apr 25

Pianist Sarah Hagen performs Mussorgsky’s magnificent “Pictures at an Exhibition” on April 25 at St. Paul’s in Charlottetown. Virtuosic and evocative, the suite is a musical depiction of walking through a gallery of drawings and watercolours by architect and painter Viktor Hartmann. The programme will also include Mozart’s beloved Sonata in A major K. 331, most famous for its Turkish March finale.

Hagen tours across Canada and internationally and is the recipient of Music PEI’s 2025 Award for Achievement in Classical Music.

The concert will begin at 7:30 pm and will be approximately 75 minutes without intermission. Admission is pay-what-you-will at the door or by e-transfer to sarah@sarahhagen.com. sarahhagen.com

And the winners are…

2025 Music PEI Awards presented in March

Music PEI Week took place from March 4–8 with events across the Island celebrating PEI’s music scene. On March 8, Music PEI Week 2025 culminated with the Awards Gala presented by Atlantic Lottery at the Confederation Centre of the Arts in Charlottetown. Hosted by Matt Rainnie with musical content produced by Craig Fair Productions, the gala included performances by the top nominees, including Lawrence Maxwell, Dylan Menzie, Hikado, Tiffany Lui and Vishtèn Connexions. The Music PEI Award winners are:

Sarah Hagen—Achievement in Classical Music (Presented by The Terra Nova Fund of PEI)

Carlie Howell—Achievement in Jazz Music

Tiffany Liu—Achievement in World Music

Dylan Menzie - North American Dream Kid (Presented by Graphic Design by Niyi Adeogun, Photography by Justin Rix)—Album Art of the Year (Presented by The Buzz) Vishtèn Connexions - Expansion Album Of the year (Presented by Atlantic Lottery)

Rory O’Donnell—Leo Cheverie Community Contributor Award (Presented by SRL Solutions)

Tara MacLean - Live in My Hometown—Contemporary Roots Recording Of the year Hikado—Digital Presence Of the year

Mark Parsons—Educator Of the year (Presented by Long & McQuade)

Brad Milligan—Entertainer Of the year (Presented by Ocean 100 & Hot 105.5) Inn Echo - Hemispheres—Instrumental Recording Of the year (Presented by Craig Fair Productions)

ECMA 2025

Vishtèn Connexion leads PEI nominations with five

The East Coast Music Association (ECMA) recently announced the 2025 nominees, with 15 nominations for Prince Edward Island artists.

Vishtèn Connexions received five nominations. Expansion is up for Album of the Year, while “Kouma” is nominated for both Folk Release of the Year and Fusion Release of the Year. “Gaillard,” featuring De Temps Antan, is in the running for both Roots Release of the Year and Traditional Release of the Year.

Noah Malcolm earned two nominations: Folk Release of the Year for “Cereal” and Pop Release of the Year for “January.”

Phase II—Lifetime Achievement Award (Presented by City of Charlottetown)

Chris Knox—Live Music Production Professional Of the year (Presented by ADL)

Craig Fair Productions—Live Sector Award (Presented by Pride PEI)

Lawrence Maxwell - What You See In Me” (feat. Brooke MacArthur) (Presented by Directed by Jesse Duarte)—Music Video Of the year (Presented by Maritime Electric)

Maya Márquez Calle—Musician Of the year (Presented by Holland College) Bettii - Shyyyyyy)”—Lloyd Doyle New Artist Of the year (Presented by The Gray Group)

Absolute Losers - At The Mall—Pop Recording Of the year (Presented by Discover Charlottetown)

Aubin pi la S.C.B—Prix de L’Acadie (Presented by Rising Tide Community Fund)

Joce Reyome - Mr. Rain”—R&B/Soul Recording Of the year (Presented by City of Summerside)

Cavy - Bad Games” (feat. Merkules) Rap/Hip-Hop Recording Of the year (Presented by The Guardian)

Colin Buchanan—Recording Sector Award (Presented by Receiver Coffee Co.)

Gizmo - Buddy System—Rock Recording Of the year (Presented by Rodd Hotels & Resorts)

Absolute Losers - “By Fright”—Single Of the year (Presented by Stay Golden Custom)

Dylan Menzie—Songwriter Of the year (Presented by SOCAN)

Vishtèn Connexions - Expansion Traditional Roots Recording Of the year (Presented by KENT Building Supplies)

Other Island nominees include Richard Wood, whose song “CareBear Forever” is up for Global Music Release of the Year, and Logan Richard / Moira & Claire, nominated for Pop Release of the Year for “Unrequited Love Blues.” Sirène et Matelot’s “Coeur chaviré” is nominated for Acadian or Francophone Artist of the Year, while Absolute Losers’ “By Fright“ is up for Rock/Alternative Release of the Year.

Dylan Menzie and Lennie Gallant are both nominated for the Fans’ Choice Entertainer of the Year Award. Industry Award nominees for PEI include Ariel Sharratt for Innovator of the Year and Goolaholla! for Event of the Year.

The 37th East Coast Music Awards: Festival & Conference will take place in St. John’s, Newfoundland & Labrador, from May 7–11. ecma.com

LIVE MUSIC

bars, lounges, cafés...

Albert & Crown Pub

Louise & Jonny Ray Arsenault (Apr 4 @7 pm); Joey Doucette (10/17/24 @8 pm); Bruce Jones (11 @6 pm); Very Best of Up West with Tanner Gaudet (12 @8 pm); Dana Lee & Vanessa (18 @6 pm); Blair Gaudet (19 @6 pm); Floyd Gaudet (25 @6 pm); Crystal Paynter & Wade Carragher (26 @7 pm). 480 Main St, Alberton.

Baba’s Lounge

Fridays & Saturdays (10 pm *unless noted): GG Band, Driving, Space Bud (Apr 4); Emo Night (5); Braeden V Hip Hop Night (11); Danny Gallant Band (12 @5 pm); Riptyde (12); Dumb Crush, Cherry Plaza, Dazey, Pearly Gates (18); Guiza & Guests (19); Rudy Pacé, Shane Pendergast, Lawrence Maxwell, Dennis Ellsworth (25); Plain Dirty Blues (26 @5 pm); Javier & Diego (26). Open Mic with KINLEY on Wednesdays (9 pm). Island Jazz on Thursdays (8 pm). 181 Great George St, Charlottetown.

Boonoonoonoos

Trevor Clements & the Barn Cat Poetry Beat, Luisa Güiza, Gufaah (Apr 4 @10 pm). 177 Great George St, Charlottetown.

Bogside Brewing

Fridays & Saturdays (6:30–9:30 pm): Rodney Perry (April 4); Lisa Birt (5); Margarita Wayne (11); Dan Doiron (12); Steve Zaat (18); Keira Loane (19); Carter MacLellan (25); Barry O’Brien (26). Blizzard Goat on Saturdays (3–5 pm). 11 Brook St, Montague.

Brothers 2

Thursdays (7–9 pm) & Fridays (7–10 pm): David Woodside (Apr 3); Danny Drouin (4); Todd Gallant (10); Chris Ahern (11); Lawrence Maxwell (17); D’arcy & Moe (18); Marc Coughlin (19); Nick Hann (25). 618 Water St, Summerside.

Charlottetown Legion

Saturdays (9:30 pm–12:30 am): Wrecking Crew (Apr 5); Wannabeez (12); Miller Creek (19); Kim Albert (26). All are welcome. 99 Pownal St, Charlottetown.

Copper Bottom Brewing

Sunday Blues Jam with Dan Doiron and guests on Sundays (2–5 pm *except Apr 20). Echoes: A Night of Bruce Springsteen (Apr 12 @7:30 pm *ticketed); A Trad Brunch with Gammons & Knorr (26 @11 am). 567 Main St, Montague.

Craft Beer Corner

Live DJ on Saturdays (10 pm). 156 Great George St, Charlottetown.

FiN Folk Food

Fridays (5–7 pm): Brothers MacPhee (Apr 4); Nathan Carragher (11/18/25). 106 Beach Rd, Grand Tracadie.

Founders’ Food Hall & Market

Fridays (4:30–6:30 pm) & Saturdays (5–7 pm): Bling Sisters (Apr 4); Caitlin Robinson & Polina Cooper (5); Nathan Carragher (11); Margarita Wayne (12); Mike Stratton (19). 6 Prince St, Charlottetown.

Gahan House

Fridays & Saturdays (8–10 pm): Swift Kick (Apr 5/19); Stephen Szwarc (11/25); TBA (12/26). 126 Sydney St, Charlottetown.

Kettle Black: Stratford

Open Mic with Robert McMillan on Sundays (2–4 pm). 17 Glen Stewart Dr, Stratford.

Lone Oak at Fox Meadow

Fridays (6–8 pm): Fraser McCallum (Apr 4); John McLaren (11); TBA (18/25). 167 Kinlock Rd, Stratford.

Lone Oak Brew Pub

Thursdays (6–8 pm): Craig Fair (Apr 3/10/17); Mike Stratton (24). 15 Milky Way, Charlottetown.

Lone Oak Brewing Co

Saturdays (6–8 pm): Lawrence Maxwell (Apr 5); Nathan Carragher (12); Dan Dorion (19); Brian Dunn (26). 103 Abegweit Blvd, Borden-Carleton.

Marc’s Lounge

Fridays & Saturdays (9 pm): David Woodside (Apr 4/25); Bruce Rooney & Curtis Klein (11/19); Mike Stratton (12); Jocelyn Fraser (26). 125 Sydney St, Charlottetown.

North Rustico Lions Club

Saturdays (8–11 pm): The Danny Gallant Band (Apr 5); TBA (12); Gypsy Soul (19); Spring Fling Dance with Hache and Kelly Buote (26). Jam Night on Tuesdays (7 pm start). 17 Timber Ln, North Rustico.

O’Brien’s Social Bar & Kitchen (Red Shores)

Red Shores Unplugged on Saturdays (5–8 pm): Wayne Gallant (Apr 5); Roger Stone (12); Billy White (19); Lawrence Maxwell (26). 21 Exhibition Dr, Charlottetown.

The Old Triangle

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

Olde Dublin Pub

Wannabeez (Apr 4/5 @10pm); Carter MacLellan (11 @7 pm); Brian Dunn (12 @6 pm); Gypsy Soul (12 @10 pm); Down With Darby (25 @10 pm); Dan Doiron (26 @6 pm); Main Street Bullies (26 @10 pm).

Trivia & Tunes on Thursdays (7:30 pm). 132 Sydney St, Charlottetown.

PEI Brewing Company

Fridays (4–7 pm): Stephen Szwarc (Apr 4); Ryan Merry (11); Fraser McCallum (18); private event (25). 96 Kensington Rd, Charlottetown.

PonyBoat

DJ Gufaah & DJ Mando on Fridays and Saturdays (11 pm). 157 Kent St, Charlottetown.

Razzy’s Roadhouse

Fridays (6–9 pm): Brian Dunn (Apr 4); Rodney & Blake (11); Dan Doiron (25). 161 St. Peters Rd, Charlottetown.

RCAF Wing Summerside

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

Slaymaker & Nichols

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

Summerside Legion

Back in Tyme (Apr 5/12/26 @2 pm). 340 Notre Dame St, Summerside.

Upstreet Craft Brewing

Fridays (7:30–8:30 pm): Magnolia (4); Brian Dunn (11); Wayne Easter (25). Open Mic with Basil Wong-Southey on April 19 (7 pm). 41 Allen St, Charlottetown

KARAOKE

Boonoonoonoos

Saturdays (9–11 pm) with KiiKii Rose & DJ Selecta Chevron. 177 Great George St, Charlottetown.

Baba’s Lounge

Mondays (10 pm). 181 Great George St, Charlottetown.

Montague Legion

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

North Rustico Lions Club

April 4 (8 pm) with Len Skinnner. 17 Timber Ln, North Rustico.

Razzy’s Roadhouse

Apr 19 (7 pm) with J-ROD. 161 St. Peters Rd, Charlottetown.

RCAF Wing Summerside

Sundays (7–10 pm). 329 North Market St, Summerside.

Summerside Legion

Thursdays (7 pm) with Lesa Coughlin. 340 Notre Dame St, Summerside.

Village Green Brewery

May 10 (9–11 pm) with Christina MacLean. 30 Church St, Cornwall.

ISSUE# 376 • APRIL 2025

buzzpei.com @buzzpei

Editor/Sales: Yanik Richards

Editor: Michelle Ollerhead Website: Nakeesa Aghdasy

Partners: Maggie Lillo (Ruby Square Graphic Design), Carly Martin (Hawthorne House Media)

Contributors: Julie Bull, Dennis Ellsworth, Rose Henbest, Ben Kinder, Sean McQuaid, Takako Morita, Tara Reeves, JoDee Samuelson, Gary Schneider, Bren Simmers, Ashleigh Tremere

Office: 160 Richmond Street, Charlottetown

Mail: P.O. Box 1945, Charlottetown, PE C1A7N5

Phone: 902-628-1958

E-mail: info@buzzpei.com

Social Media: @buzzpei

The Buzz is published monthly by Little Kit Bag Inc.

Little Kit Bag Inc., operating as The Buzz, acknowledges that we are located on and operate on Mi’kma’ki, the traditional unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq people who have lived here for many thousands of years, and who continue to live here.

COVER:

Untitled, undated watercolour on paper, by Ben Kinder, private collection.

Ben Kinder (1949–2024) was born in Hamilton, Ontario. He studied at the Dundas Valley School of Art, graduating in 1973. He moved to PEI in 1975, and for the next two decades he was a fixture of the Island’s artist community, helping to found the Great George St. Gallery. In 1991, he became preparator at Confederation Centre Art Gallery (CCAG), retiring in 2020.

A tribute to his work, Ben Kinder: Still Lifes and Views, is on view at CCAG until May 4.

The opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher or staff. Compensation for errors in advertising copy (proven responsibility of the publisher) is limited to a maximum of the cost of the placement of the advertisement.

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

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