The Buzz - February 2026

February 2026

Profile: Scott Parsons by Julie Bull

Creative culture

For the second month in a row, I had the privilege to hear stories about what it was like to be an artist performing at The Great George Gallery back in the 80s. Scott Parsons was an eager young man with a passion for music, sharing his talents on stage and learning from some of the Island’s great musicians, like Gene MacLellan and Lucian LaRoux. The vibrant arts and culture community of PEI was and is alive and well.

Scott has been playing guitar and singing in public since he was a teen, though his love of music can be traced back to a much younger age. “There is this photo of me at age two with my siblings and I am holding a plastic guitar.” Scott comes by his musical inclination honestly, noting generations of musicians in his family. “My grandmother was musically inclined, making sound and song with anything she could get her hands on.” Scott’s dad was also a musician, playing his way through WWII. “Though he didn’t play much in public, his love of music

supportive spaces for the Black community and continues to share cultural connections with all Islanders. Music is among one of the universal languages, transcending our differences. Scott has used his musical passions and abilities to bring people together in many ways. He was a social worker who worked in various organizations locally and across Canada, using the arts to connect with young people going through hard times. He has lived in several Canadian cities such as Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal, and Victoria. “I worked in group homes out west and sometimes I will hear from someone who has since become a social worker or is involved in other helping professions.”

Now retired from social work-related jobs, Scott still fills his weeks with music and volunteering. He rehearses a couple times a week with his musical mates Em Peters on guitar and vocals, Paul Broadbent on harmonica and vocals, and Sean Mooney on Bass and vocals. Scott cares deeply about the people in his community and is there to lend a hand to folks when they need it. He has been endowed with lifetime achievement awards from places like Music PEI and the Province of PEI. “It is such an honour to be seen by my peers and recognized for the contributions I continue to make.”

definitely influenced me.”

Growing up on the Island in the 60s and 70s, Scott has seen some big shifts and changes in both the composition and attitudes of the population. “I have always believed in the inherent goodness of Islanders.” We both excitedly gushed over our shared enthusiasm for wider ranges of cuisine that line the streets of Charlottetown as more people from around the world come to PEI to make a home. “I love watching our community learn and grow as more people move here.”

For many years, Scott was part of the Black Islanders Cooperative. The dissolution of that group left a gap for Black Islanders and in 2016, Scott was one of the founding members of Black Cultural Society (BCS) of PEI. “Many of the members of the original Cooperative had aged or even passed away and young people approached me to help support the development of a new group.” Now celebrating its 10th year anniversary, BCS has created

The number and variety of awards that Scott has received are too numerous to list. Suffice it to say, he is well loved and well respected in both the music community and the Black community. In 2025, he was named one of CBC’s Black Changemakers of the year. “I also received an Honorary Doctorate of Law from UPEI last year and at first I thought they made a mistake and that the award was actually for my brother,” he chuckled.

One of my favourite parts of chatting with creative people is to learn about their current projects and future aspirations. Scott is currently working on writing a six-part mini serries for television. “I have made music videos before, but this mini-series is completely different, and the learning curve is step.” No stranger to trying new things, Scott surrounds himself with creative people and builds relationships that span decades. Like much of Scott’s creative works, “the mini-series tells the story of six characters, bringing attention to the life of Black Islanders.”

“I always had music to focus on and that musical focus has helped me build community that spans decades and borders.” Scott’s music has brought him around the world, touring to various cities in North America, Europe, and the Caribbean. “I was sitting on a beach in Cuba, smelling the spices on the breeze, and I could feel my ancestors with me.”

JULIE

BULL

JAN. 31

7 PM - MIDNIGHT

BCSPEI GALA

VENUE: Delta Prince Edward (18 Queen Street)

The signature launch of Black History Month 2026, unveiling the theme Rooted in Legacy, Rising Together, and marking the 10th Anniversary of the Black Cultural Society of PEI at the Delta Prince Edward. Guests will enjoy a three-course meal, live performances, and remarks from community leaders, with attire encouraged to reflect Black pride, creativity, and resilience.

FEB. 2-6

11 AM - 2 PMLOCATION SPECIFIC

RAISING OF THE PAN -AFRICAN FLAG

BCS members will once again travel across the Island for ceremonial Pan-African flag raisings. These events foster visibility, unity, and community pride across PEI. Flags will be raised in Charlottetown, UPEI, Holland College, Stratford, Cornwall, Kensington, Summerside, Three Rivers, Borden-Carleton, and RCMP locations, symbolising a shared commitment to honouring Black heritage and advancing racial equity province-wide.

FEB. 7, 14 & 21

11 AM - 2 PM

COMMUNITY LUNCHEON SERIES: CONVERSATIONS THAT NOURISH THE SOUL

Celebrate Black excellence with three empowering luncheons: Feb 7&14– Black Women Empowered, Black Men United (Harmony House), and Feb 21- Black, Queer & Here ( Peers Alliance) . Each features inspiring speakers, interactive discussions, and Caribbean- and Bahamian-inspired dining, fostering connection, resilience, and community.

FEB. 28

12:30PM - 3:30PM

BLACK YOUTH ENGAGED! LUNCHEON

VENUE: Charlottetown Library’s Kitchen

Black Youth Engaged Luncheon –

The Cultural Kitchen: In partnership with BIPOC USHR, this celebration of Afro-Caribbean and African food, culture, and community features workshops and discussions empowering Black youth through leadership, social justice, and self-expression.

FEB. 1-20

PEI COMMUNITY NAVIGATORS: POSTER MAKING CONTEST FOR ISLAND YOUTH

To mark Black History Month 2026, BCS PEI and PEI Community Navigators invite Grades 1–12 students to enter an island-wide poster contest celebrating Black history in PEI.For more information, contact Rommel.Nacion@cbdc.ca or call (902) 853-3636.

DEADLINE: February 20, 2026.

FEB. 11

1PM - 2PM

CVITO -PEI (CRA /ARC)

VENUE: Virtual

Information Session on benefits and credits by Margaret McGee

CVITP & Benefits Outreach Officer

| Agente du PCBMI & programme de visibilité et de prestations

Visit our socials to register

FEB. 11

6PM - 8PM

BLACK BUSINESS INITIATIVE & BIPOC BPN

VENUE: The Foundry

BIPOC BPN and BBI will be hosting a Networking and Information Event for Black Entrepreneurs in commemoration of Black History Month in partnership with various ecosystem partners, Innovation PEI, Futurepreneur, CBDC and others

FEB. 15-16

PRESENTED BY PEI TRANSGENDER NETWORK, BIPOC USHR, THE BLACQ COLLECTIVE , PEERS ALLIANCE & PRIDE PEI

FEB. 3

11:45AM - 12:45PM

HOLLAND COLLEGE PANEL & FLAG RAISING

VENUE: Room 21C, Prince of Wales Campus

Celebrate Black History Month at Holland College!

Pan-African Flag Raising at 11:45 AM followed by the panel on Black legacy, resilience, and the future at 12:00 PM. All welcome.

VENUE: The Guild, 111 Queen St. Practising Care Without Permission: A public lecture on Black queer and trans ballroom culture (Feb 15), and a Vogue Femme and Old Way dance class led by Anton May (Feb16)

FEB. 21

1 PM - 3:30PM

STEAM PEI

VENUE: 149 Mount Edward Road, Charlottetown

A youth-friendly, hands-on STEAM event celebrating Black innovators through interactive activities, experiments, and career exploration.

FEB. 21

6:30 PM

BEYOND THE FRAMEBAM BAM: THE SISTER NANCY STORY FILM SCREENING & MIXER

VENUE: Tivoli Cinema (155 Kent Street )

Community screening of Bam Bam: The Sister Nancy Story, celebrating the life and impact of reggae icon Sister Nancy, followed by a post-film reggae and dancehall mixer with food and prizes.

Tickets: $10 (available on Tickit.ca)

FEB. 27 5:30PM

CARREFOUR DE L'ISLE -SAINT-JEANFREE AFROCARIBBEAN DANCE WORKSHOP

VENUE: 5 Acadian Dr. (5 Promenade Acadienne), Charlottetown

Come and join a joyful Afrocentric dance workshop led by Reequal Smith, exploring rhythm, culture, and live music through traditional and contemporary movement.

Open to ages 8+.

Childcare services available. Register at: www.carrefourisj.org

FEB. 28

10PM - 2AM AGE 19+

DREADBOSS ENT. & T’S JAMAICAN FLAVOURS- BOOTS ON THE GROUND

VENUE: The Guild (111 Queen Street)

Come out and enjoy a high-energy dance party where the beats hit hard, the floor stays moving and everyone comes ready to dance.

Tickets: $10 advance (Eventbrite), price increase at the door.

MAR. 6-8

THIS TOWN IS SMALL - TTIS ARTISTS RETREAT: REEQUAL SMITH

PEI public library service Island-wide library collaborations, highlighting literature and learning through a Black lens.

Featuring Catherine MacLellan and JP Cormier!

A Co-Presentation With Under The Spire

We’re delighted to invite you to become part of our history, by engraving your name (or that of a loved one) on a plaque affixed to the back of one of our seats!

Mary Poppins

8th Avenue Players bring Broadway musical to PEI stages

8th Avenue Players will bring the beloved musical Mary Poppins to Florence Simmons Performance Hall in Charlottetown and Scott MacAulay Performing Arts Centre in Summerside. Performances take place in Charlottetown on February 27, 28, March 1, 5, and 6, and in Summerside on March 21 and 22.

Starring Julia Cerisano as Mary Poppins, the production is directed by Hayden Lysecki, choreographed by Charlee Whitty, and produced by 8th Avenue Players founder Mark Cerisano, and features a large local cast and a live orchestra. The musical is an enchanting mixture of story, songs, dance, and stagecraft.

Based on the books by P.L. Travers and the classic Walt Disney film, Cameron Mackintosh and Disney’s Mary Poppins delighted Broadway audiences for over 2500 performances and received nominations for nine Olivier and seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical.

Jack-of-all trades Bert introduces us to England in 1910 and the troubled Banks family. Young Jane and Michael have sent many a nanny packing before Mary Poppins arrives

Gab n’ Greg

Interactive variety show at The Guild—Jan 30 & 31

Gab n’ Greg, Greg n’ Gab returns to The Guild in Charlottetown on January 30 and 31 at 7:30 pm.

Gab n’ Greg, Greg n’ Gab’s Variety Show is an engaging and interactive experience honouring what was best about the variety shows of the 60s and 70s, while making them more diverse and less divisive. Audiences can expect a combination of music, multimedia,

on their doorstep. Using a combination of magic and common sense, she must teach the family members how to value each other again. Mary Poppins takes the children on many magical and memorable adventures, but Jane and Michael aren’t the only ones upon whom she has a profound effect. Even grown-ups can learn a lesson or two from the nanny who advises that “Anything can happen if you let it.”

For tickets and performance times, visit 8thaveplayers.com.

theatre, audience participation, and a healthy dose of laughter. The show will feature new characters, more comedy and music, louder singalongs, and special guests.

Visit theguildpei.com for tickets.

Julia Cerisano stars as Mary Poppins

The Experience

Mind Bender’s magic, mind-reading, and comedy show

Magic, mind-reading, comedy, and daring escapes take the stage at Kings Playhouse on March 28 at 7:30 pm with Mind Bender’s electrifying live show, The Experience

Now touring across Canada, The Experience is a high-energy, interactive spectacle that blurs the line between reality and illusion. From impossible feats of mentalism to Mind Bender’s shocking body bag escape, the show offers entertainment for all ages.

The Experience features two 45-minute sets with a 15-minute intermission. In the first half, Mind Bender showcases his magic, illusions, and one of his daring escapes. The second half is packed with jaw-dropping mentalism and comedy magic.

Driven by a deep passion for his craft, Mind Bender’s career highlights include working alongside Criss Angel in Las Vegas, performing at Michael Jackson’s private residence in California, and currently headlining shows aboard Princess Cruises.

to the stage. He is best known for his escape from Kingston Penitentiary— where he broke Houdini’s historic jailbreak record—as well as surviving a daring 12-hour live burial.

Mind Bender brings a bold, modern blend of comedy, magic, and mentalism

@fter eight

Live comedy game show at The Guild—Feb 7

Programming in the Black Box Theatre at The Guild in Charlottetown this month includes @fter eight on February 7 at 8:07 pm.

Hosted by Andrea Avery, watch three PEI funny people battle through hilarious challenges. Stand-up vibes meet game show madness in this weird, wonderful night of comedy. Audiences can expect rules, drama, buzzer energy, perfectly timed puns, and just enough chaos. Get tickets at theguildpei.com.

Please Laugh

Open mic comedy at Hopyard

Please Laugh Comedy hosted by Jesse is Charlottetown’s newest weekly open mic, happening on Tuesdays from 8–10 pm at Hopyard. Enjoy sets from both experienced and amateur comedians—first-timers are encouraged, and seasoned performers are welcome to experiment. Admission is free, with donations appreciated.

Follow @charlottetown_comedy on Instagram for updates.

Doors open at 7 pm, with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages available for sale. The Playhouse is located at 65 Grafton Street, Georgetown. Visit magicinpei.eventbrite.com for tickets.

Stand-up Night

Comedy in The Cave—Feb 7

The Factory in Charlottetown presents Comedy in The Cave on February 7 at 8 pm.

Host Jalen MacLeod finds humour in the moments most people try to forget. He will be joined by “Canadianfamous” comedians Babin Karki (Nepal), Robbie Vino (Halifax), and Braydon Lynch (Saskatchewan).

This is a 19+ event. Doors open at 7 pm. Get tickets via thefactorypei.com.

HA Club

Improv sessions with Laurie Murphy at BIS

The HA Club is offering two different eight-week improv sessions taught by Laurie Murphy on Sundays, February 1–March 22, at the Benevolent Irish Society’s Irish Cultural Centre, 582 North River Road, Charlottetown.

Improv Basics runs from 4:30–6:30 pm, and Improv Scenework runs from 6:30–8:30 pm. Students must be 17+ years of age. For fees and additional information, email lauriemurphy@marram.ca, call 902-960-1735, or visit marram.ca.

Join

13 MARCH 1 MARCH 4

16 Secret Chords: Exploring the Theory Behind Iconic Canadian Songs

ADULT IMPROV

Mind Bender

Blurred Edges

The Guild, in partnership with Discover Charlottetown, invites audiences to experience Blurred Edges: An Evening of Collaborative Sound and Image on February 20 at The Guild. The performance is part of The Guild’s Guildy Pleasures series, which highlights adventurous, intimate, and artist-driven work. Doors open at 7:30 pm, with the performance beginning at 8 pm.

Blurred Edges features Norm Adams, bringing his improvisational cello practice to the forefront in an evening that blurs the lines between sound, image, structure, and spontaneity. A long-time seasonal Island resident with more than 30 summers on PEI, Adams explores questions of belonging, creativity, and connection through collaborative, in-the-moment music-making.

treated as graphic scores. Using an unconventional approach—playing the cello on a table—Adams draws out sculptural resonances and a broad palette of sound, inviting audiences to experience how image and sound slide together in real time.

“This show is an opportunity to share who I am as a musician and sound artist,” says Adams. “I’m drawn to colour, texture, collaboration, and spontaneity—and this performance is about discovering what happens when those values are shared with artists I deeply admire.”

Adams is joined by a compelling group of Island artists, including Andrew MacInnis, Carlie Howell, Max Gallant, and Jonathan MacInnis.

The second set features freely improvised music with Howell and Gallant, rooted in warmth, rhythmic exploration, and unexpected collisions. The final set welcomes MacInnis on saxophone for jazz and jazz-inspired works, where recognizable melodies, improvisation, and song invite playful exploration and shared joy.

Blurred Edges promises an evening that is thoughtful, surprising, and welcoming—opening ears to new sounds and hearts to the beauty of real-time human collaboration.

The program unfolds in three distinct sections. It begins at the outer edges, with Adams interacting live with Andrew MacInnis’ photographs,

Final Frost

Island Pro Wrestling at PEI Brewing Company—Feb 28

Island Pro Wrestling (IPW) returns to the PEI Brewing Company on February 28 at 6 pm for high-action wrestling in the middle of the winter frost. Final Frost is the final installment of Season 1 of The New Era of IPW. Doors open at 4:30 pm for VIP ticket holders and 5:30 pm for general admission.

There will be debuts, returns, tag teams, specialty matches, and titles on the line. Final Frost marks the debut of Salem Wilder, a New Era return for Jason Boa, and the much-anticipated dog collar match between Matt Chevron and Spike Estey. Also in action will be August Artois, Ricky Mortis, DemoniK, Chantal, Stormie

Tickets are available in advance at theguildpei.com or cash at the door, subject to availability.

Hale, Ronnie Payne, Rick Owens, Giant Orion, and many more.

A 50/50 draw will help support the PEI Humane Society. There will also be a door prize draw for VIP ticket holders, with a payout that includes an IPW Season 2 Full Pass for VIP access to all Season 2 premium events. Visit islandprowrestling.com for tickets and more information.

Norm Adams

Sobey Family Theatre

Winter performances at Confederation Centre of the Arts

Confederation Centre of the Arts has a full schedule of performances at the Sobey Family Theatre for February and March, featuring concerts, comedy, theatrical presentations, and orchestral performances.

Programming begins on February 12 with Classic Albums Live, presenting Pink Floyd – Dark Side of the Moon in a live concert format.

In March, the schedule continues with Golden Girls: The Laughs Continue on March 4, followed by The Rock Orchestra by Candlelight on March 5.

War on the Catwalk, hosted by Alyssa Edwards, takes place on March 9.

The PEI Symphony Orchestra returns to the Sobey Family Theatre on March 15 with its concert Reclaimed, featuring guest artist Cris Derksen.

A tribute concert, Still Standin’:

A Night of Elton John & Billy Joel, is scheduled for March 21, and the season concludes on March 22 with comedian Tom Green and his Stompin’ Comedy Tour

Visit confederationcentre.com for more information.

Photo by Mack Long

Classic Albums Live will perform Pink Floyd - Dark Side of the Moon on February 12

GET CREATIVE

Life drawing for adults

Drop-in life drawing sessions with a nude model are held twice a month on Sundays from 2–4 pm at the Gertrude Cotton Art Centre (57 Bunbury Rd, Stratford). The next sessions are February 1 and 15. All skill levels are welcome. Doors open at 1:30 pm, and participants are encouraged to arrive early for set-up. Participants must be 18+ or have written parent or guardian permission. Some easels are provided, but participants must bring their own drawing materials. 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.

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.

Paint Club for adults

Adults can drop in to the Charlottetown Library to paint, socialize, and hang out on February 2, 9, and 23 at 1 pm.

Creative fun for youth at the Charlottetown Library

Free hands-on activities for children and teens continue at the Charlottetown Library (97 Queen St). Creative Kids Club is held on Wednesdays at 3:30 pm and offers a selection of crafts and activities. Throughout February, families can take home a craft kit with activities, a book list, and recipes to try. On Saturdays, kids can learn all about chemistry, biology, engineering, and more with Brilliant Labs at 1 pm. Teens can make a communal painting to pass around to friends on February 2 at 2 pm. Crafternoon takes place in the Makerspace on February 11 at 1

pm, where participants can create their own Valentine’s Day card (pre-register at 902-368-4642). On February 13, kids aged 6–12 can build with Lego at 10 am. Crochet and chat during a Hooked on Crochet session with Julie in the Makerspace on February 21 at 10 am; beginners are welcome.

Seniors Art Activities

Confederation Centre of the Arts offers Seniors Art Activities on the first Thursday of the month from 10 am–12 pm in the Michael S. Schurman Family Studio. The next sessions are February 5, March 5, April 2, and May 7. Each session features a guided tour of the current exhibitions, followed by refreshments and a relaxed art-making session. There is a fee, with coffee, tea, and cookies provided. Visit confederationcentre.com for more details.

Creative fun for youth at the Summerside Library

Free arts activities continue this month at the Summerside Library (57 Central St). Crafternoon for Kids takes place as a drop-in session on Saturdays and Sundays from 1–3 pm. Throughout February, teens can write a note about why they love the library during open hours for a chance to win a prize. Teens can also bring a date or a friend to the library and complete challenges on a task card for a fun-filled adventure on February 8 at 2 pm. The Creative Corner runs on February 9 at 6:30 pm and February 18 at 2 pm; call 902-436-7323 to register. On February 13, kids aged 6–12 can smush and smash paint to make a work of art at 1 pm.

Exploring Visual Arts for Adults

Exploring Visual Arts for Adults begins its eight-week session on February 10. No previous experience is required. Presented by Confederation Centre of the Arts. For more details and registration info, visit confederationcentre.com,

call 1-800-565-0278, or visit the Centre’s box office at 145 Richmond Street, Charlottetown.

Sewing Club

Join fellow sewing and mending enthusiasts (ages 12+) in the Charlottetown Library Makerspace on the second Thursday of the month from 5–8 pm. The next meeting is February 12. Bring a machine and projects, start a beginner-friendly project, explore sewing tools and techniques, or try a machine with guidance.

Kindred Spirits Quilt Guild

The Kindred Spirits Quilt Guild meets on the third Wednesday of the month at the Benevolent Irish Society, 582 North River Rd, Charlottetown, from September through June. The next meeting is February 18 from 7–9 pm. Doors open at 6:30 pm. New members and visitors are welcome. This is a scent-free meeting. Info: 902-676-1000; @Kindred Spirits Quilt Guild of PEI on FB.

Family Sundays

Confederation Centre of the Arts offers Family Sundays on the last Sunday of the month (February 22, March 29, and April 26) at 11 am. Families are welcome to join the free, drop-in art and craft activities for all ages, with materials provided. Registration is requested. For more details and registration information, visit confederationcentre.com, call 1-800-5650278, or visit the Centre’s box office at 145 Richmond Street, Charlottetown.

Eptek Makers Session

The next drop-in makers session will be held on February 22 from 1–3 pm at the Eptek Art & Culture Centre in Summerside. Makers are invited to bring their latest project—or one they’ve been meaning to finish—and join the free session. There is no admission, and all are welcome.

PEI Modern Quilt Guild

The PEI Modern Quilt Guild will meet on February 26 from 7–9 pm at the PEI Farm Centre (420 University Ave, Charlottetown). Doors open at 6:30 pm. New members and visitors are welcome. This is a scent-free meeting. Info: peimqg@gmail.com, peimqg.carrd.co

by Tara Reeves

Eating for energy

As the sun dips below the horizon before the workday ends, many of us feel that familiar tug of hibernation. The frosty winter air has a way of draining our internal batteries, making the couch look far more appealing than the kitchen. It’s easy to reach for another cup of coffee or a sugary snack to bridge the gap between lunch and dinner, but that quick spark usually leads to a crash by mid-afternoon. Staying energized during the coldest months isn’t about finding a magic pill. It’s about embracing the hearty, rich, and vibrant foods that thrive when the temperature drops, providing the steady heat your body needs to stay active and alert.

If you want to keep your engine humming while the wind howls outside, turn your attention toward sturdy root vegetables. Carrots, parsnips, and beets aren’t just filler for a Sunday roast. They’re packed with complex carbohydrates that break down slowly, giving you a steady stream of fuel rather than a sudden spike. Roasting a big tray of these with olive oil and sea salt on Sunday evening means you’ve got a base dense with nutrients for your lunches all week. When you pair those earthy flavours with a scoop of quinoa or brown rice, you’re giving your body the fibre it needs to stay focused until the sun comes up again. These vegetables have spent months absorbing minerals from the soil, and that grounded energy translates directly to your own stamina.

We often forget about the importance of healthy fats when the weather turns grey. Adding half an avocado to your morning toast or stirring almond butter into your oatmeal does more than just add creaminess. These fats act like a log that burns slowly on a fire, keeping your metabolism steady and your brain sharp. For a boost in the middle of the day, a handful of walnuts or pumpkin seeds provides a satisfying crunch and a dose of magnesium, a mineral that helps convert food into usable energy. It’s a simple shift that prevents that heavy, foggy feeling that follows a snack high in carbs, allowing you to breeze through your afternoon without the usual mental fatigue.

Soup is the ultimate winter tool for anyone looking to stay productive. A thick lentil or split pea soup is essentially a hug in a bowl, but it’s also a

Arts education at the Centre

A variety of workshops and classes available

Confederation Centre of the Arts in Charlottetown is offering a variety of improv, theatre, and dance workshops and classes this winter.

PD Day offerings are available on February 2 and 13. On February 2 at 9 am, the PD Day Musical Theatre Intensive Camp offers ages 15–18 a full-day workshop focusing on storytelling, audition techniques, jazz dance, and improvisation with experienced instructors. Also on February 2 at 9 am, the PD Day Teen Animation workshop invites high school students to explore the fundamentals of analogue and digital animation, create original pieces, and learn animation history. On February 13, the Centre is hosting a PD Day Arts Camp, inviting campers ages 5–12 to explore visual arts, drama, music, dance, gallery tours, and more in an immersive arts education setting.

Feel The Rhythm: A West African Dance Journey begins on, February 2 at 8:00 pm and runs as a six-week series on Monday evenings through March 9. The series invites participants to explore traditional West African movement and rhythm in a supportive, beginner-friendly environment.

Secret Chords: Exploring the Theory Behind Iconic Canadian Songs is scheduled for March 1 at 2 pm, inviting adults to dive into music theory and songwriting through favourite Canadian repertoire.

The Adult Improv Workshop runs from March 4–April 8, meeting weekly at 6:30 pm, where adults can build confidence and creativity through playful improvisation games and storytelling.

For more details and registration information, visit confederationcentre. com, call 1-800-565-0278, or visit the Centre’s box office in person.

reliable source of sustained energy. Legumes are rich in protein, which helps warm you from the inside out because your body works harder to digest them. By tossing those roasted root vegetables directly into the pot, you add a natural sweetness and an extra layer of fuel that burns slowly. This combination turns a simple broth into a practical meal you can make in one pot that feeds the family and keeps everyone off the sugar rollercoaster.

As you navigate the season, remember that your kitchen is the best resource for beating the winter blues. Choosing seasonal foods dense with nutrients is a way of showing yourself kindness when the environment feels harsh. It’s about more than just calories. It’s about feeling capable and bright even when the world outside is grey and still. By making a few intentional choices with your next grocery haul, you can reclaim your stamina and move through the winter with a sense

DANCING

Irish Set Dancing

Dance to traditional Irish reels, polkas, jigs, and slides at the Benevolent Irish Society in Charlottetown at 6:30 pm on Wednesdays until March 11. Experienced instructors and dancers guide participants through easy-to-learn partner dances in a relaxed setting. Couples and singles of all experience levels are welcome; no previous experience is required. Dancing can be vigorous, but the speed of the music is adjusted to suit participants. Light, smooth-soled shoes and comfortable attire are recommended. There is a small fee per class. To register, email fredchorne@gmail.com or call 902-388-9277.

Eat, Move & Groove

Saturday of each month from 2–5 pm in Charlottetown. Each session features a different food and dance theme, encouraging gentle, joyful movement and the shared preparation of a meal. No partner is necessary. Email foodexchangepei@ gmail.com to register.

Bahamian Folk Dance

Eat, Move & Groove is a healthy eating and daytime dancing program for folks 50 and older, held on the fourth

Kids aged 13 and older can celebrate Black History Month at the Summerside Library, 57 Central St, on February 28 at 1 pm by immersing themselves in the vibrant world of Bahamian folk dance—a unique blend of African roots and European ballroom traditions. The class will guide participants through traditional steps that flow with the free movement of the torso, pelvis, and arms, all set to the rhythmic beats of the islands. Dancers will also have the chance to learn the quadrille, a classic Bahamian dance often performed at weddings, capturing the essence of the Bahamas’ cultural heritage. Register by calling 902-436-7323 or in person at the circulation desk.

INFO SESSIONS

Employment insurance

A free information session on Employment Insurance (EI) takes place at the Summerside Library, 57 Central St, on February 10 at 6:30 pm. The session will give an overview of the EI program, which provides support for workers who cannot work due to job loss, sickness, the arrival of a new child, or the need to care for a sick friend. The application process, the factors that impact an individual’s benefit amount, and client rights and responsibilities will be discussed.

Energy info sessions

Energy Democracy Now! Co-operative Limited (EDN!) is a community-based advocacy organization working to put power back in the hands of communities. EDN! knows that the climate crisis demands a bold shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy. They will discuss the solutions to having a grid that is stable, reliable, and affordable. Learn more at one of the upcoming information sessions taking place across PEI. All sessions start at 6:30 pm. Locations and dates to come. Visit energydemocracy.ca or contact info@energydemocracy.ca for details.

Helping kids navigate intense emotions

Drs. Kelsey Moore and Nadine DeWolfe will give an informative session and share practical strategies on managing children’s intense feelings while also encouraging positive behaviour. The Big Feelings, Little Hearts session will be held at the Charlottetown Library on February 14 at 11 am. Attendees will learn how to validate emotions, set healthy boundaries, and create a calm, supportive home environment. This is also an opportunity to connect with other parents and pick up parenting tools. Parenting isn’t easy, especially when big emotions come into play.

Service Canada info session

Service Canada will give an overview of the Canada Learning Bond (CLB) and the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) at the Charlottetown Library on February 17 at 1 pm. The CLB is an initiative that helps low-income families save for their children’s education and the RDSP is a long-term savings plan to help with disabilities save for the future.

How to talk to children effectively

Dr. Colin Campbell from UPEI will give a presentation on how to talk to children effectively at the Charlottetown Library on February 18 at 6:30 pm. Whether you work with children, have children, or know children, this presentation will outline simple strategies—using video examples—for communicating more effectively with younger children.

Free webinar: common-law relationships

Community Legal Information is offering a free webinar about common-law relationships on PEI and the key legal considerations involved. The session is hosted in collaboration with Amber Wilson from Key Murray Law and will run on February 18 from 12–1:30 pm. Amber will share clear and practical information to help attendees feel informed and prepared. The webinar is for people living on PEI who are entering a common-law relationship or

EXPLORE

already in one. It is also for anyone who wants to understand how common-law relationships differ from marriage, has questions about cohabitation agreements, or wants to know how a common-law relationship can affect property, finances, estates, and health-care decisions. The session is educational and open to the public. Everyone is welcome. Visit common-law-relationships-on-pei.eventbrite. ca to reserve a spot.

A Guide to the PEI Small Claims Process info session

The Law Society of PEI is offering a free public session entitled “A Guide to the PEI Small Claims Process” at the Charlottetown Library on February 23 at 6 pm. Presented by Karen Rose (Prothonotary) and Morgan Watts (Deputy Prothonotary) of the Office of the Prothonotary, the session will explain how PEI’s Small Claims Court works and what to expect if an individual becomes involved in a case. Participants will learn what Small Claims Court is and what types of disputes it handles, the monetary limit for small claims in PEI, whether a claim may be worth pursuing, the key steps in a small claims case, how settlement conferences work, the role of the Prothonotary, and court fees and other potential costs. Attendees will increase their legal literacy and confidence and gain a better understanding of the small claims process. To register, call 902-566-1666 or visit forms.office.com/r/ AL7jAHrYLG.

HAND

by Jill McRae

Father Adrien Arsenault Senior

Co-curated by Jennifer Matotek and Laura Ritchie

Art Windsor Essex

As Waves Break

JoAnna Howlett exhibition at Hilda Woolnough Gallery

This Town Is Small presents the solo exhibition As Waves Break by artist JoAnna Howlett at the Hilda Woolnough Gallery at The Guild in Charlottetown. The exhibition will be on display during gallery visiting hours, Wednesday to Saturday, noon–5 pm, from February 13 to March 26. All are welcome to attend the opening event on February 12 from 5–7 pm.

Fishing and sailing culture is steeped in superstition, and fishermen are steadfast in upholding tradition. Howlett’s paternal grandfather believed that women were bad luck aboard fishing vessels. As an act of defiance, she began fishing lobster on his boat a couple of years after his death. As Waves Break showcases recent work that addresses her grandfather’s superstition, tradition in the lobster fishery, familial legacy, and gendered labour. The exhibition foregrounds the emotional and physical labour involved in both continuing and challenging family legacy, while posthumously attempting to understand and mend complex familial dynamics.

Howlett is an emerging interdisciplinary artist and lobster fisher from Souris, PEI. Her work reflects on tradition and superstition in the Atlantic lobster fishery using industry-specific materials such as recycled rope, concrete, and lobster trap lumber, as well as photo and video to create installations and sculptures.

The gallery is located at 111 Queen Street in Charlottetown.

Arjun Thappa

Featured

artist at Breadalbane Gallery

Arjun Thappa will be the featured artist in the annex of the Breadalbane Gallery beginning February 13. All are welcome to attend the opening reception from 6–8 pm that evening.

A fascination with animals that began in childhood, along with a formative trip to the Moncton Zoo, shaped Arjun’s decision to focus exclusively on animals, reptiles, fish, and birds in his paintings. “They all have their own natural beauty,” says Arjun, and with his brush strokes he is able to capture the beauty and texture of feathers, fur, scales, and eyes. “When I finish a painting and look into the eyes of the animal painted, it feels like the animal is looking back at me.”

The Breadalbane Gallery is a casual community space, with a new show opening on the second Friday of every month. Located at 4023 Dixon Road,

Meet the Artist: Nan Ferrier

Painting series exhibition at Eptek Art & Culture Centre

Nan Ferrier’s painting series Somebody’s Child continues at Eptek Art & Culture Centre in Summerside through February.

Ferrier began attending the free breakfast program at Trinity United Church in Summerside and started drawing the people there—those who came for breakfast, family members, and others present. She has said they have “interesting faces” and noted that people are not often the focus of exhibitions. Somebody’s Child captures people in action, doing everyday things, and speaks to our shared humanity.

Ferrier will be onsite February 1 from 1–3 pm for a Meet the Artist

event celebrating the exhibition. This is an opportunity to meet Ferrier and view her work. The event is free, and everyone is welcome.

Mini Canvas Exhibition

Third annual show at Blank Canvas Art Supplies

Blank Canvas Art Supplies will present its third annual Mini Canvas Exhibition from February 2–28. This free, public exhibition showcases the creativity of the Island community through hundreds of small-scale works of art.

The entire collection will be featured in the large display case located between the Confederation Court Mall and the Holman Grand lobby. Visitors can enter the mall through the Holman Grand Hotel lobby on Grafton Street in Charlottetown.

An opening reception will take place on February 2 from 5–7 pm and will include light “mini” refreshments. All are welcome to attend.

Presented by Blank Canvas Art Supplies with support from the

Confederation Court Mall, the exhibition highlights the vibrant talent of local artists of all ages.

Art Night at The

Guild

Charlottetown Zine Fest hosts Zine Making Workshop

the Gallery is open Tuesdays from 11 am–3 pm, Wednesdays from 9 am–1 pm, and Thursdays from 4–8 pm, or by request by calling 902-303-8333 or emailing mjanowicz@hotmail.com

Art Night at The Guild, presented by CreativePEI, the City of Charlottetown, and The Guild, takes place on the first Friday of each month.

At the next event on February 6 from 5–7 pm, the Charlottetown Zine Fest will host a Zine Making Workshop. Participants can create

zines with friends, enjoy a snack, and read local works from the zine library. All are invited to attend. No registration is required. Anyone 14 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

Artwork by JoAnna Howlett

SUBMITTED

Mini Canvas Exhibition 2025

Dan, oil painting by Nan Ferrier

Arjun Thappa with one of his paintings

EXHIBITS

galleries, museums...

Blank Canvas Art Supplies

The third annual Mini Canvas Exhibition will be on view from February 2–28, in the large display case located between the Confederation Court Mall and the Holman Grand lobby. All are welcome to the opening reception on February 2 from 5–7 pm. Enter the mall through the Holman Grand Hotel lobby, 123 Grafton St, Charlottetown.

Breadalbane Gallery

Arjun Thappa is the featured artistin this month’s show. All are welcome to attend the opening reception on February 13 from 6–8 pm that evening. Open Tuesday from 11 am–3 pm, Wednesday from 9 am–1 pm, and Thursday from 4–8 pm, or by appointment (mjanowicz@hotmail. com, 902-303-8333). 4023 Dixon Rd, Breadalbane.

Confederation Centre Art Gallery

All are welcome to attend the Winter Exhibition Opening Reception on January 31 from 2–4 pm. Curator and artist tours begin at 2:45 pm. Exhibitions on view include Together With Time, alongside the Island Focus exhibition featuring

Brenda Whiteway, until February 15. Out of Hand, a group exhibition examining gesture, craft, and the expressive potential of the handmade from Expo67, is on view until May 3. Sarah Maloney’s Pleasure Ground, on view until May 17, explores themes of pleasure, labour, and ornament through immersive, decorative works. The Gallery is closed on Mondays this winter. Admission is by donation. 130 Queen St, Charlottetown. confederationcentre.com/artgallery

Cornwall Library Art Gallery

Aiden Barbour’s Movie Silhouettes, a collection of iconic 80s movies painted in coloured silhouettes, continues until February 13. Meet the South Shore Arts Council Artists and Friends on February 17 at 7 pm for the opening of An Eclectic Mix of Art. Works will be on display until March 27. Contact the library (902-6298415) for info on displaying in the gallery. 15 Mercedes Dr, Town Hall, Cornwall.

Eptek Art & Culture Centre

Through the Lens, featuring work from members of the Red Sands Photography Club continues until February 22. Somebody’s Child, a series of paintings by Nan Ferrier, continues through February. Ferrier will be onsite on February 1 from 1–3 pm for a free Meet the Artist event. All are welcome to attend. A permanent exhibition on the history and architecture of Summerside is also on display. Admission is by donation. 130 Heather Moyse Dr, Summerside. peimuseum.ca

Hilda Woolnough Gallery

This Town is Small presents As Waves Break, a solo exhibition by JoAnna Howlett, from February 13–March 26. All are welcome to attend the opening on February 12 at 5 pm. The gallery is located at The Guild, 115 Richmond St, Charlottetown. Open Wednesday–Saturday, from 12–5 pm. Info: thistownissmall.com

Summerside Rotary Library

Over 100 artworks by local artists, including original paintings, photography, handmade knits, mosaics, digital art, and more, adorn the library walls across three wheelchair-accessible levels, with an elevator for easy access. This ongoing exhibition changes throughout the year.

57 Central St, Summerside.

ART

Arts and Culture Awards nominations now open

The City of Charlottetown is accepting nominations for the 2026 Arts and Culture Awards. Created by the Charlottetown Arts Advisory Board, the awards are held biennially and honour those who contribute substantially to the city’s arts and culture sector. Awards are presented in the following categories: Emerging Artist Award; Artistic Excellence Award; Lifetime Achievement Award; Champion of the Arts; and Late Great Award. The recipients of each award will be announced at an awards ceremony in March. An independent panel of past winners of the Arts and Culture Awards will select this year’s winners and recipients in each category, with the exception of the Late Great Award, will receive a cash prize of $2000 and a unique hand-crafted award created by an Island artist. The deadline to submit nominations is February 4. To learn more about each award, including eligibility criteria, or to submit a nomination or self-nomination, visit charlottetown. ca/artsawards or call 902-566-5548.

Artmobile

The CreativePEI Artmobile is a travelling event where everyone is welcome. These events are aimed at folks for whom art and creativity play a major role in their lives, especially arts sector workers. Participants can choose from available art supplies to make something new, or bring their own materials or a work-inprogress project. Come create alongside your community, chat, seek advice, or get inspired. Although these events are primarily for adult audiences, children are welcome to attend with the supervision of a guardian, and everyone is encouraged to participate. This month’s schedule includes a mini needle-felting workshop with Christina Patterson at the Charlottetown Library on February 4 from 5–7 pm; a mini workshop (TBD) with Christina Patterson at the Charlottetown Library on February 18 from 5–7 pm; and an event for students and staff at Holland College on February 25 from 4–6 pm.

Arts Mixers

Arts Mixers take place in Mavor’s Lounge at Confederation Centre of the Arts in Charlottetown. Arts Mixers offer informal networking and community building for

artists, musicians, creatives, and more. This month, intermingle at the latest Arts Mixer on February 5 at 4 pm. For more details, visit confederationcentre.com.

New Visual Arts Bursary

The City of Charlottetown is accepting applications for the first-ever Charlottetown Visual Arts Bursary. The $1000 bursary is open to Charlottetown students graduating in 2026 from Charlottetown Rural High School, Colonel Gray High School, École François-Buote, Grace Christian School, or Immanuel Christian School, who are pursuing post-secondary education or training in the visual arts beginning in September. The new bursary is intended to encourage artistic creation among young artists in media arts, photography, painting, drawing, printmaking, ceramics, design, craft, and sculpture. Applicants must be residents of Charlottetown to be eligible. Applications must include full name, preferred pronouns, address, email, and phone number, a short essay outlining details of artistic practice, dedication to the visual arts, and plans for continuing education and development in the visual arts (include proof of application or acceptance, if available), between three and five high-quality images of the artistic practice (2MB maximum per photo), and the email address of one or two teachers to serve as references (optional). The application deadline is February 23 at 4 pm. Applications can be submitted via email at atddumais@ charlottetown.ca, dropped off in person to City Hall (199 Queen St), or mailed to: City of Charlottetown, PO Box 98, Charlottetown, PE C1A 7K2, ATTN: Doug Dumais.

Call for artists: Art Love

Art Love, the live painting competition at the Hom’Art Festival, is coming back to Charlottetown. PEI artists are invited to register to participate in a live painting competition at The Guild on June 1 at 6 pm. Since 2021, Art Love has showcased the talent and creativity of artists from across the Maritimes. Each artist has only 20 minutes to create a unique painting in front of an audience and a panel of three judges who determine the grand winner. Charlottetown is one of several stops on the Art Love Tour. Each local winner earns a spot in the grand finale in September in Shediac, NB, along with a $500 cash prize and two nights’ accommodation in Shediac. There is no registration fee, and all materials are provided. Artists must be 18 or older to participate. Spots are limited. Visit shediachomart. com/en for details and to register.

READERS/WRITERS

PEIWG Poetry Club

The Poetry Club meets at 10 am on the first Saturday of each month at the Voluntary Resource Centre (81 Prince St) in Charlottetown. The next meeting is February 7. Members share a favourite poem by another writer and, if they wish, one of their own. Open to PEI Writers’ Guild members. To become a member, visit peiwritersguild.com.

Book Talk, Q&A, and Signing

The Lucky Bean Café in Montague will host PEI authors Faye Pound and Theresa Redmond on February 7 from 1–3 pm. They will read short excerpts with songs from their novels, The Lighthouse Keeper and The Governor’s Granddaughter, followed by a chat about the appeal and challenges of writing historical fiction set on PEI. There will be time for questions on writing and local history. Books will be available for purchase, and they will be signing copies. Everyone is welcome. 576 Main St, Montague.

Queer Poetry Club

The Queer Poetry Club meets on the first Saturday of each month from 2–4 pm at the PEI Transgender Network office (Rm 505, 119 Kent St, Charlottetown).

The next meeting is February 7. The club offers members of the queer community an opportunity to write, read, and listen to poetry in a supportive environment. Snacks and materials are provided, and no poetry experience is needed. Info: queerpoetryclub@proton.me

Story Makers

A weekly writing group for kids (ages 6–12) is held on Tuesdays at 3:30 pm at the Charlottetown Library. The group includes story prompts and challenges, and gives writers space to work on their own projects.

Black History Month

Storytime

Kids can join a special story time celebrating Black History Month at the Summerside Library, 57 Central St, on February 12 at 1 pm.

Writers’ Social

The PEI Writers’ Guild (PEIWG) invites writers of all genres to a free, drop-in social at bar1911 in Charlottetown. Meet other writers, share ideas, and build community over tea or coffee. The Writers’ Social happens on the second Saturday of each month at 1 pm. The next meeting is February 14. Info: peiwritersguild.com

Book Lovers Book Club

The next Book Lovers Book Club meeting at the Charlottetown Library is on February 17 at 6 pm. Join an informal, conversation-style chat about books with other bibliophiles. No assigned reading or registration required.

Call for submissions: Holiday Stories Anthology

The Acorn Press invites submissions for an anthology of holiday writing by PEI writers, with a focus on holiday seasons such as Christmas, Yule, Thanksgiving, Hannukah, Eid, Diwali, Chinese New Year, and Kwanzaa. This will be a successor to the 2015 anthology Snow Softly Falling: Holiday Stories from Prince Edward Island. There is no requirement for “Island” content; stories may be set anywhere. Writers may submit unpublished short stories, poems, and/ or creative non-fiction (for example, personal essays). Potential contributors must have a significant PEI connection, for example: born or raised in PEI, lived in PEI for six months of the past two years, or another strong connection, such as a summer residence. Potential writers should indicate their connection with PEI in the cover letter. Submission guidelines for fiction and/or creative non-fiction: a maximum of two submissions (maximum 3500 words per story). For poetry: a maximum of five poems (10 pages total). All submissions must be typed and submitted by email as a Word document: prose double-spaced; poetry single-spaced. Include a covering letter that states the Island connection, an email address, and a phone number. Send submissions by email to co-editors Lee Ellen Pottie and Richard Lemm at lpottie@upei.ca. The deadline for submissions is February 20, 2026.

Creative Writing Group

A creative writing group meets at bar1911 in Charlottetown on the third Saturday of each month at 10 am. The next meet-up is February 21. Hosted by the PEI Writers’ Guild, the group offers a supportive space for writers to share work, read, workshop, receive constructive feedback, and develop their skills. Info: peiwritersguild.com

Afternoon Book Club

The Afternoon Book Club will meet at the Summerside Library on February 23 at 1 pm. Pick up this month’s selection at the circulation desk.

Monday Night Book Club

Monday Night Book Club meets at the Charlottetown Library (97 Queen St) on February 23 at 6 pm. The group of likeminded book lovers chooses a new title each month. New members welcome.

Ask an Author

The 2024 PEI Book Award Winner Theresa Redmond will be at the Charlottetown Library for Ask an Author on February 24 from 4–7 pm to answer questions about the writing process, sign books, talk about the PEI Book Awards, or simply chat with the public.

Redmond is an author of historical fiction novels, Bound and The Governor’s Granddaughter. All are welcome.

Writers’ Open Mic

The PEI Writers’ Guild hosts an open mic on the fourth Thursday of every month at the Gallery Coffee House and Bistro in Charlottetown at 7 pm. The next open mic is February 26. Writers, readers, and keen ears come together to experience an evening filled with support for the courageous wrtiers. Email openmic@peiwritersguild.com to sign up to read.

Summerside Book Club

The Summerside Book Club meets for lively discussions of today’s most thought-provoking books. Pick up the latest selection at the circulation desk. The next meetings are on February 28 at 2 pm at the Summerside Library (57 Central St).

Susan Buchanan Hideout Scholarship

Applications are open for the 2026 Hideout residencies and the Susan Buchanan Hideout Scholarship. Now in its seventh year, the Hideout offers residencies on PEI’s south shore for writers, artists, musicians, and self-care practitioners. Residencies are a week in length and allow for uninterrupted time to work on a creative project. In 2025, The Hideout welcomed residents and guests from 11 countries and all corners of Canada to create and restore. To support Maritime writers and practitioners, the Susan Buchanan Hideout Scholarship covers residency costs for an emerging or established writer or practitioner with financial need. Writers or wellness practitioners who identify as BIPOC or 2SLGBTQ+ are especially encouraged to apply. The scholarship deadline for 2026 is March 1. Info: thehideoutpei.com

Write OutLoud

Breadalbane Community Hall—Feb 18

The fourth season of Write OutLoud at the Breadalbane Community Hall continues this month with a lineup of Island talent.

Hosted by Jon Rehder and Haley Lewis, the next event will take place on February 18 at 6:30 pm. Special guests include singer-songwriter Brooke Miller, musician Jon Rehder, Haiku poet Nancy Richards, poet Leon Berrouard, writer Malcolm Stanley, and writer Vian Emery.

Admission is cash only at the door, with tea, coffee, and snacks included. The Breadalbane Community Centre is located at 4038 Dixon Road, Breadalbane.

A gift of Island Poetry

BACKSPACE

Writing notes to teachers used to be easy, but now it’s an existential crisis.

My husband, Backspace backspace.

My ex-husband, Backspace backspace

My wasband, Backspace backspace

My former partner, Backspace backspace

Veda’s father, That he will never not be.

—Mo Duffy

Mo Duffy is the Founder and Editorial Director of Pownal Street Press and the author of five books. Radiant.White.Light. is her latest collection of poetry and essays.

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

Poet Laureate collection

Launch event for Tanya Davis anthology of works

To conclude her tenure as Prince Edward Island’s eighth Poet Laureate, Tanya Davis is releasing a collection of works written during her term. A launch event will be held at The Guild in Charlottetown on February 3 from 5–7 pm.

The collection, entitled Words as Representatives and designed by Jordan Beaulieu, highlights specific events on Prince Edward Island as well as issues affecting Islanders and our global world. The anthology includes poems about community, art, and politics, alongside poems about words, wonder, and solar eclipses.

Many of these works have been performed publicly, but this marks the first time most of them appear in print. Words as Representatives will be available for purchase at the event and will also be available at PEI public libraries and online.

The anthology launch wraps up Davis’ term as Poet Laureate and serves as a marker of time, a gesture of thanks, and a celebration. It is made possible with support from Innovation

Poet Laureate Tanya Davis

PEI and the PEI Public Library. This event is free and open to all. There will be snacks, a cash bar, and a poem or two. tanyadavis.ca

Confederation Centre of the Arts is currently seeking housing rentals for artists and creatives involved in The 2026 Charlottetown Festival.

If you are able to help, visit confederationcentre.com/housing

PEI BOOKS

Turning the Tide: Climate Change, Social Change, and Islandness Island Studies Press

(Jean Mitchell, Laurie Brinklow, Anouk Mertens, Eric Mijts)

Turning the Tide: Climate Change, Social Change, and Islandness is a new collection of essays published by Island Studies Press. The collection looks at the intersection of climate change and social change on islands. Authors from around the world (Aruba, Tokyo, Grenada, Trinidad and Tobago, Malta, and PEI) contribute chapters on food security, local and Indigenous knowledge, policy, natural heritage management, and artistic practices as they relate to climate change, social change, and islandness.

This interdisciplinary approach foregrounds island storytellers as they convey worldviews, knowledge, and cultural values, beliefs, and emotions that are often missing from climate change discourses. How are the effects of climate change and catastrophic weather experienced and narrated by islanders? What stories need to be told? How do local, traditional, and Indigenous knowledge practices facilitate the capacity to improvise, innovate, and adapt to volatile weather events? How do social relations on climate-stressed islands continue to flourish? How do governance structures and issues of sovereignty support and/ or inhibit climate and social justice?

This groundbreaking collection is co-edited by Jean Mitchell, professor in Anthropology and the UNESCO Chair in Island Studies and Sustainability at UPEI; Laurie Brinklow, poet and assistant professor in Island Studies at UPEI; Eric Mijts, a researcher, educator, and manager at the University

of Aruba who focuses on sustainable development in small island states; and Anouk Mertens, the former project manager of the EU-funded SISSTEM Project, who has a particular interest in the intersection between sustainability and islandness.

Look for in-person and online events in the coming months. In the meantime, copies are available at local bookstores. For more info, contact Bren Simmers at Island Studies Press at 902566-0386 or ispstaff@upei.ca.

Flourish on a Dime:

Miss Lynsay’s Guide to Living Smart & Saving Money

Lynsay Lee Betts

Flourish on a Dime: Miss Lynsay’s Guide to Living Smart & Saving Money by Lynsay Lee Betts, a practical and heartfelt guide to living well without overspending, will be released on February 10 via Pownal Street Press in Charlottetown.

Flourish on a Dime challenges the idea that living within your means requires sacrifice. In this practical and heartfelt guide, author Lynsay Lee shares lessons learned from decades of raising a family, keeping a home, and making ends meet. From smart budgeting and zero-waste kitchen habits to canning, organizing, and preparing for the unexpected, the book shows how a shift in mindset can lead to a new kind of abundance. Filled with personal stories, practical tips, and heartfelt encouragement, Flourish on a Dime is not about perfection—it’s about resourcefulness, resilience, and rediscovering what truly matters.

Lynsay Lee Betts lives in PEI. A passionate DIY enthusiast and

money-saver, she learned much of what she knows from Google, hands-on experience, and the wisdom passed down from her mom. Lynsay believes that anyone can thrive, no matter their situation, and she’s made it her mission to teach others how to do just that—through creativity, determination, and a whole lot of heart. pownalstreetpress.com

Our Fallen Woman Steven Habbi

writer Steven Habbi, former Brand Chief of the London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG), is launching his debut historical novel, Our Fallen Woman, on January 31 at Confederation Centre of the Arts in Charlottetown. The private launch precedes an international release in London, UK, later in 2026.

At five years old, Erin Kelly is left in the care of the church after her father flees debtors’ prison, and her mother can no longer keep starvation at bay. From this beginning of poverty and abandonment in 1895 Galway, Erin learns early how fragile a life can be, and how fiercely it must be fought for.

Our Fallen Woman follows a cast of survivors driven by hunger for more than survival alone. Raised in a Dublin orphanage and forged by the streets of London, Erin grows into a woman navigating a society built to silence her. When she meets Paddy McCann, a charming hustler with ambitions as restless as her own, their lives collide in a complex bond of love, reliance and shared longing for escape.

Spanning continents and decades, Our Fallen Woman is a sweeping historical epic of resilience and desire; a story not only of one woman’s fight for agency, but of the men and women shaped by an era when survival demanded sacrifice, and reinvention came at a price.

Published independently, the novel is part of a wider storytelling project incorporating historical research and filming a documentary series across Ireland, UK and New York. The AI-enhanced series reconstructs the real history behind the fiction.

Habbi is a Canadian author and creative producer living in London, but he’s originally from the Island, and those roots still run deep in his work. For more than twenty years, Habbi has worked for many major global brands including Formula 1, Nissan, HSBC, to most recently leading the London Stock Exchange Group’s brand portfolio.

Digital copies are available online and hard copies can be purchased locally in Charlottetown.

ourfallenwoman.com

Glimpses: The Island

Glimpses: The Island is a book of fiction by Linda (MacLeod) van Omme. Van Omme was born and grew up on the Island, and thus achieved the much-sought-after honour of being “A Real Islander,” with very little effort on her own part.

In spite of living and working, with her husband John and their three daughters, all over the place in Canada, the Island is, and will always be, the home of her heart.

“Nothing in it is the gospel truth,” shares Linda. “In fact, most of it is pure unadulterated baloney. My excuse is a poor, sometimes terrible, memory, and a mild [Well, not that mild!] tendency to exaggerate, which I have tried, not very successfully, to conquer. There is a bit of the truth here and there in it all but, as my Gram would say, ‘It’s all justa’ packa’ lies!’”

This book is a mixture of foolishness and fact stirred together with a pinch of salt, and poured for the reader.

Glimpses: The Island can be purchased at Bookmark, 111 Kent Street Unit 110, Charlottetown.

PEI–born

Linda van Omme

À contre-mode

Thrifting documentary hits the airwaves

After many days of planning, filming, and editing, director Hélène Lebon and producer Louise Lalonde’s documentaryÀ contre-mode is now available to stream online at tv5unis.ca after airing on the UnisTV network on January 22.

Three young students, Joelle Blanchar, Milia Kebbi, and Lucas Calhoon take on the challenge of organizing a fashion show using only second-hand clothing for their peers. The film reframes fashion as a social and political phenomenon, addressing urgent issues of pollution, economics, and human rights, while highlighting the power of collective action and community mobilization.

Produced on Prince Edward Island, À contre-mode is the first French-language, 48-minute television documentary made on the Island in nearly seven years—a milestone that

Island Waves

Podcast returns for season 8

The podcast Island Waves, the Voice of Prince Edward Island, first aired in 2022 and is set to launch Season 8. The Island’s popular podcast channel continues to evolve, showcasing a growing range of programming and talent.

Island Waves features an eclectic mix of music across all genres, arts and culture programming, interviews with artists, musicians, and bands, coverage of local and regional events, literary readings, spotlights on community happenings, and conversations with everyday people.

Season 8 will see familiar programs returning alongside a range of new additions, including the premiere of Fireside Theatre. The program features literary works by national and local authors, playwrights, and thespians,

underscores both the challenges and the importance of documentary production in minority-language regions. In such settings, access to funding, character-driven storytelling, and distribution remain fragile.

À contre-mode affirms the role of documentary as a tool for memory, dialogue, and change—particularly in minority contexts, where telling one’s own story is an act of cultural resilience.

Continued investment from broadcasters in locally produced documentaries is essential—not only to sustain creative ecosystems, but to build the Acadian and francophone audiovisual archives of tomorrow, rooted in community voices and lived experience.

Community screenings of an English-subtitled version are in the planning phase and will soon be announced.

2026 Symons Medalist

The Honourable Rosalie Silberman Abella awarded

The Confederation Centre has announced that the Honourable Justice Rosalie Silberman Abella, CC, FRSC is the 2026 Symons Medallist, one of Canada’s most prestigious honours recognizing an individual who has made an exceptional contribution to Canadian life.

Justice Abella will receive the Symons Medal on September 25 at 1 pm, during a public ceremony at the Sobey Family Theatre in Charlottetown. She will also deliver the annual Symons Lecture, reflecting on the current state and future of Canadian Confederation.

“Justice Abella’s work in human rights, employment equity and elimination of discrimination has ensured Canadian employment law is built on just principles for all,” says Centre CEO Steve Bellamy.

Born on Canada Day (July 1, 1946) in Stuttgart, Germany, in a displaced persons camp, The Honourable Rosalie Abella immigrated to Canada as a child and went on to become one of the country’s most influential jurists and public thinkers. Over a remarkable career she became the youngest person appointed as a judge in Canada and helped redefine the role of women in judicial leadership.

Justice Abella served on the Supreme Court of Canada from 2004 to 2021, becoming the Court’s first Jewish woman and first former refugee. Her career also included senior appointments in Ontario’s Family Court and Court of Appeal.

of Canada since 1997, Justice Abella is often compared to U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg for her lasting influence on equality rights and constitutional law.

bringing old-time radio theatre to life in the 21st century.

With more than 400 shows available to stream 24/7, Island Waves can now be heard on podcast platforms in over 100 countries. “We’re bringing a little bit of PEI to the world,” says Melody Sainte James, host of Mid Morning Musical Melange.

Listeners are encouraged to participate and share their ideas. Anyone interested in learning more can contact Island Waves at islandwavespei@ yahoo.com or on Facebook (@Island Waves PEI). Mentorship and internship opportunities, open to all ages, are available in all areas of broadcast, communications, and performance production.

Island Waves is a non-profit, registered charity and is non-commercial and always free. The podcast received a 2024 PEI Arts Awards nomination for the Leo Cheverie Cultural Connector of the Year Award.

Justice Abella’s influence extends far beyond the bench. A leading advocate for employment equity and equality rights, her work has shaped Canadian law on issues including same-sex survivor benefits and human rights protections. Her contributions have been recognized nationally, including with a star on Canada’s Walk of Fame. A Fellow of the Royal Society

Bob Sear and Ralph Heitzman, Co-Chairs of the Symons Medal Committee, said the decision to honour The Honourable Rosalie Abella was unanimous. “The Symons Medal Committee was unanimous in its support of Justice Rosalie Abella as the 2026 Symons Medal recipient. She has established that we must be able to see the world from the perspective of the marginalized and cannot be indifferent to the treatment of others. We look forward to her comments on the current state and prospects of Canadian Confederation when she receives the award this Fall.”

Justice Abella was recently appointed a Companion of the Order of Canada, the Order’s highest rank. The Confederation Centre of the Arts is honoured to recognize her as the 2026 Symons Medallist. Ticket details for the Symons Medal Presentation and Lecture will be released in August.

Justice Rosalie Abella

SUBMITTED

(L–R): Estelle Lalonde, Joelle Blanchard, Milia Kebbi, Lucas Calhoun with a sixties paper dress.

PERFORMANCE

music, theatre, dance, comedy...

Mondays | 8 pm

Rat Tales Comedy Night Baba’s Lounge, Charlottetown

Tuesdays | 8 pm

Please Laugh Comedy

Open mic with host Jesse. Hopyard, Charlottetown

Jan 29–31 | 8 pm

Glory Days: The Music of Bruce Springsteen

Craig Fair Productions. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Jan 30 | 7 pm

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

Jan 30–31 | 7:30 pm

Gab n Greg, Greg n Gab’s Variety Show

The Guild, Charlottetown

Jan 31 | 7:30 pm

Blues Summit 4: Tightrope

With guests Roland Beaulieu and Adam Gaudet. Scott MacAulay Performing Arts Centre, Summerside

Feb 1 | 2 pm

Janet McGarry and Friends and Bluegrass Revival

Beaconsfield Carriage House, Charlottetown

Feb 1 | 2:30 pm

Amabile Singers

Spring Park United, Charlottetown

Feb 5 | 8 pm

Island Jazz: Mercy Please! with Spencer Soloduka Baba’s Lounge, Charlottetown

Feb 6 | 7:30 pm

Sarah Hagen: Lovesick!

Romance and Heartbreak in Classical Music

St. Paul’s, Charlottetown

Feb 6 | 8 pm

The Trio from Mars Album Launch

With Wrong Planet Band. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Feb 7 | 7:30 pm

Sirens: Riddle Me This Park Royal United, Charlottetown

Feb 7 | 7:30 pm

The Charlottetown

Improvisation Laboratory

Volume 5

City Cinema, Charlottetown

Feb 7 | 8 pm

Comedy in The Cave

Ft. Babin Karki, Robbie Vino, Braydon Lynch and host Jalen MacLeod. The Factory, Charlottetown

Feb 7 | 8:07 pm

@fter eight

Comedy game show with Andrea Avery and guests. The Guild, Charlottetown

Feb 8 | 2 pm

The PEI Intermediate Honour Band

UPEI Performing Arts Centre, Charlottetown

Feb 12 | 7:30 pm

Fiddlers’ Sons

Winter Shine Series. Scott MacAulay

Performing Arts Centre, Summerside

Feb 12 | 8 pm

Island Jazz: Forgalhorn with Ken Fornetran

Baba’s Lounge, Charlottetown

Feb 12 | 8 pm

Classic Albums Live: Pink Floyd—Dark Side of the Moon

Sobey Family Theatre, Charlottetown

Feb 13 | 7:30 pm

Yuk Yuks: Nikki Payne

Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside

Feb 13 | 8 pm

Dee Hernandez

Ella Fitzgerald tribute. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Feb 14 | 7 pm

We 3 and members of the former Blue Crystals

Jack Blanchard Hall, Charlottetown

Feb 14 | 7:30 pm

Yuk Yuks Presents Nikki Payne

Florence Simmons Performance Hall, Charlottetown

Feb 14 | 7:30 pm

Valentine’s Day Dinner & Show

Ft. Catherine MacLellan and Lucy Farrell. Copper Bottom Brewing, Montague

Feb 14 | 8 pm

Amanda Jackson with Route 225: Valentines Show

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Feb 15 | 1 pm

Valentines Sunday Brunch

Ft. Lawrence Maxwell and Kelley Mooney & Route 225. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Feb 15 | 2 pm

The Island Jubilee Old Time Radio Music Show: Valentine’s Special

Ft. Tara MacLean, Julien Kitson, Ellie and Brooklyn MacKinnon, and the Jubilee All Stars. Florence Simmons Performance Hall, Charlottetown

Feb 19 | 8 pm

Island Jazz: Tribute to Grahame Rhodes

Baba’s Lounge, Charlottetown

Feb 20 | 7:30 pm

Ledwell and Haines

Winter Shine Series. Scott MacAulay Performing Arts Centre, Summerside

Feb 20 | 8 pm

Blurred Edges: An Evening of Collaborative Sound and Image

The Guild, Charlottetown

Feb 20–21 | 8 pm

After Hours Band

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Feb 21 | 2 pm

Island A Cappella: Warm Voices for a Cold Day Park Royal United, Charlottetown

Feb 21 | 7:30 pm

Cabane Fever

Ft. Vishten, Maukin, Jean-Francois Berthiaume, and Louis-Simon Lemieux. The Mack, Charlottetown

Feb 26 | 7:30 pm

Salt Water Dollies, Rémi Arsenault, and Caroline & Family

Winter Shine Series. Scott MacAulay Performing Arts Centre, Summerside

Feb 26 | 8 pm

A Night of Songs & Stories

Ft. Shane Pendergast, Emilea May, and Liam Corcoran. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Feb 26 | 8 pm

Island Jazz: Groove Company

Baba’s Lounge, Charlottetown

Feb 27 | 7:30 pm

Jimmy Rankin’s Kitchen Party

Ft. Catherine MacLellan and JP Cormier. Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside

Feb 27 | 8 pm

Brother’s MacPhee: Nirvana

Unplugged in New York

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Feb 28 | 5:30 pm

Music PEI Week: Battle of the Bands

Ft. Space Bud, Kratom, Dear Blossom, Sundown, Her Travesty, The Driftways, and Lillian. The Guild, Charlottetown

Feb 28 | 6 pm

Island Pro Wrestling: Final Frost

PEI Brewing Company, Charlottetown

Feb 28 | 7 pm

Boots And Bets: A Night of Country Fun and Casino Action in support of the PEI Symphony Orchestra

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Feb 28 | 9:30 pm

Music PEI Week: Kick-Off Concert The Guild, Charlottetown

Feb 27–28, Mar 5–6 | 7:30 pm

Feb 28, Mar 1, 7–8 | 1:30 pm

Mary Poppins: The Broadway Musical

Florence Simmons Performance Hall, Charlottetown

Mar 1 | 4 pm

Music PEI Week: Gen XX All Ages Show

Ft. Broadcast Failure, Firing Squad, Dazey, Oakdrive. Generation XX Youth Club, Summerside

Mar 1 | 7 pm

The Very Big Show: Magic + Comedy

Ft. Simon King and Wes Barker. Florence Simmons Performance Hall, Charlottetown

Mar 1 | 8 pm

Tara MacLean with KINLEY and Ben Aitken

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

The Snake

PEI producer Jenna MacMillan launches her directorial debut at SXSW with The Snake An off-beat comedy written by and starring Susan Kent (Who’s Yer Father?, This Hour Has 22 Minutes), The Snake follows Jamie, an unlikely hero, who just can’t seem to get her life together.

Stacked with a Canadian cast including Robin Duke (Saturday Night Live), Emma Hunter (Slo Pitch), Dan Petronijevic (The Trades, Letterkenny), Jimbo (RuPaul’s Drag Race), and Jonathan Torrens (I Kill the Bear, Letterkenny), The Snake re-teams MacMillan and Kent after their success collaborating on Jeremy Larter’s Who’s Yer Father? which broke box office records in Charlottetown. The Snake will have its world premiere at SXSW in March where it is one of eight titles selected for the Narrative Feature Competition.

“SXSW was the festival that inspired me to tell stories like this,” says director and award-winning producer Jenna MacMillan. “We’ve always seen it as the dream festival for The Snake to have its world premiere. To be the first film shot in Prince Edward Island to screen there, and to share my home with SXSW audiences is a real honour.”

Despite her best attempts, Jamie just can’t get it together. The Snake brings the viewer along for a wild ride as Jamie navigates a rocky relationship, a few tussles with her venomous mother, and a recent eviction from her rightful inheritance, her late-Nana’s bright-pink house. The Snake brings a new kind of heroine to the screen in this off-beat, dark comedy.

“I started The Snake wanting to

write about ungovernable women, bad girls,” says writer and star Susan Kent, “but not the fantasy of the hot crazy demon-in-the-sack girl trope created by dudes. I wanted to make a story of a woman who came out of the rubble of reality, and so Jamie came into focus, inspired by my life, friends’s lives and women around me, and became an unlikely hero.”

A Club Red Production, The Snake is produced by Sharlene Kelly and Melani Wood and executive produced by Jenna MacMillan, Susan Kent, and Bill Lundy. Founded by MacMillan, Club Red Productions (Playback 10 to Watch in 2025) is PEI’s flagship film and television company. It is behind the films Who’s Yer Father?, Back For The Holidays, Tracy & Martina: Goin’ Out West, and more. Follow @thesnakefilm and @clu bredproductions for more.

SCREEN

The Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour

The Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour—Charlottetown Edition, presented by the PEI Adventure Initiative, will take place at the UPEI Performing Arts Centre on January 30 and 31. Doors open at 6:30 pm, with screenings beginning at 7 pm. Tickets can be purchased at Sporting Intentions in Charlottetown. Follow the Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour—Charlottetown Edition on Facebook, @Banff_film_fest_chtown on Instagram, or visit banffmountainfestival. ca/worldtour for more info.

Screenings at the Summerside Library

Screenings at the Summerside Library

The Summerside Library is hosting a series of films this February. Teens can drop in for popcorn, snacks, and a movie celebrating Black history on February 2 at 2 pm. The feature film is Straight Outta Compton (13+). The Afternoon Movie Club meets once a month for a movie screening. This month’s screening is Loving (G) on February 5 at 2 pm. Drop in for snacks and a viewing of the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics on February 6 at 12:30 pm and February 22 at 1 pm. There will also be screenings of different events throughout the Olympics. See library staff for specific days and times.

Eptek Lunchtime 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 lineup includes both new films and selections from the late Friend Blanche Hogg. There is no charge for admission. Upcoming selections include The Road Taken on February 5, Craft in America: IDENTITY on February 12, Mighty Jerome on February 19, and The Nature

Screenings at the Charlottetown Library

The Charlottetown Library Learning Centre offers a full slate of screenings this month. A watch party for Olympic Winter Games women’s hockey will take place on February 9 at 4 pm (Canada vs Czechia) and February 10 at 2 pm (Canada vs US). On February 10, adults can join the Anime Club (18+) at 6 pm to watch and discuss two episodes, with titles chosen at the start of each meeting. A watch party for Olympic Winter Games figure skating will take place on February 11 at 2:30 pm. The family movie screening on February 15 is The Secret Life of Pets at 1 pm.

Roving Picture Shows and Island Jazz

Roving Picture Shows and Island Jazz present three ciné-concerts this month. On February 13 at 8 pm, musicians Marc Carr-Rollitt and Iván Garnica will perform live improvised music to The Farmer’s Wife at The Guild in Charlottetown. On February 20 at 7:30 pm, musician Chris Corrigan will perform an improvised live guitar score to The Hands of Orlac at the York Point Community Centre in Cornwall. On February 28 at 5 pm, Island Jazz (musicians tba) will perform live improvised music to Chess Fever and The Man with a Movie Camera, at Tivoli Cinema in Charlottetown. Follow @rovingpictureshows on socials for updates and for tickets, visit linktr.ee/rovingpictureshows.

CLUB RED PRODUCTIONS

Susan Kent stars in The Snake

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 check the Venue Rental on our website and send us an email! 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 - $30.00

Dead Man’s Wire

January 29—February 3

Crime Drama. 14A, coarse language. Dir: Gus Van Sant, US, 2025, 104 min. Dacre Montgomery, Bill Skarsgård, Al Pacino, Cary Elwes.

“Bill Skarsgård leads this thoroughly gripping based-on-fact kidnap drama. He plays Tony Kiritsis, an Indianapolis businessman who, in 1977, snaps and abducts a mortgage broker, Richard Hall, after a business deal goes sour. Taking Hall to his apartment in full view of the police, he puts a ‘dead man’s wire’ around his captive’s neck, attached to a shotgun, that will trip if the cops try to intervene. From here, he tries to negotiate his demands, with TV news crews adding to the chaos.” —James Mottram, Radio Times

Wild Hearts & Grand River Grand

February 1, 2 pm

Documentary. Dir: Susan Rodgers, Canada, 2025, 110 min.

Back by popular demand after a sold-out screening last month!

GRAND RIVER GRAND: Souls and spirits heal when people and horses at a small ranch on Canada’s east coast get involved! Grand River Grand is a sweet and poignant documentary series about a remarkable woman, her staff, and the selfless volunteers who run a joyful equine adapted learning program for adults and children at a horse ranch in scenic Grand River, Prince Edward Island.

WILD HEARTS: Every job Candy Gallant has ever had was with animals and over the years she’s learned to care for a number of creatures. It’s well known on Prince Edward Island that if you come across an injured animal or abandoned babies, they should be transported to Candy for care. She’s a colourful individual who applied every two years for decades for a permit from the province. Now, after more than fifty years of rehabilitating wildlife, she inspires others to pay attention to the natural world around us.

No Other Choice

February 4–9

Dark Comedy/Thriller. 14A, violence, disturbing content, coarse language. Dir: Park Chan-wook, South Korea, 2025, 139 min. Lee Bryong-hun, Son Ye-jin, Park Hee-soon, Woo Seung Kim. In Korean with English subtitles.

Nominated for three Golden Globes including Best Picture and Best Actor, Winner TIFF International People’s Choice Award

“If the slapstick humor of Charlie Chaplin’s Modern Times developed a sense of bloodlust alongside its overwhelming empathy, it would look a whole lot like Park Chan-wook’s No Other Choice. The fallout of an untimely layoff for a long-tenured paper worker provides the premise of a pitch-black comedy... Rather than beat his competition in a tough job market, Man-su decides to eliminate them. He goes from getting the axe to wielding one... along with a gun and any number of other creative weapons... When the head honchos of giant corporations offer nothing but platitudes that there is ‘no other choice’ but to sacrifice their laborers at the altar of profits, it only makes sense that workers would eventually apply that ruthless market logic of scarcity to each other... Park expertly fuses genres, navigating deftly between broad satire and taut thriller… A hearty helping of gallows humor delivered with a marvelously mordant twist by the talented acting ensemble also cuts across both modes of filmmaking... Its centerpiece kill sequences feature some of Park’s most dazzling technical filmmaking spectacles yet... [Based on] Donald Westlake’s novel The Ax.” —Marshall Shaffer, The Playlist

Charlottetown Improvisation Laboratory

February 7, 7:30 pm

Regular - $20. Students/Artists - $10 Charlottetown Improvisation Laboratory returns to City Cinema for a fifth and final volume. This live concert experience transforms the 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. This iteration of the Lab will feature Iván Garnica on guitar, Julain Molnar on voice, Olasunkanmi Omotosho on violin, and Trevor Grant on drums. The program will present the premiere performance of a new composition by each member of the ensemble, as well as a few not-so-standards. Through the use of “structured improvisation” the performers will bring their diverse musical experiences together to create a common language that communicates across boundaries. Guaranteed to be a one-of-a-kind musical event.

Song Sung Blue

February 10–12, 17–18, & 20

Music/Drama/Biography. PG. Dir: Craig Brewer, US, 2025, 132 min. Hugh Jackman, Kate Hudson, Michael Imperioli.

Heartland Film Festival Winner, Truly Moving Picture Award

“Sometimes you just need a feel-good movie and a good tearjerker, and writer/ director Craig Brewer delivers both... Brewer explores the power of Neil Diamond’s music through the stranger-than-fiction story of the tribute band known as Lightning and

Thunder. Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson star as this musical married couple, known offstage as Mike and Claire Sardina... Fitting, then, that their breathtaking story is full of the emotional highs and lows of some of his most beloved songs. In Milwaukee, they are working as celebrity impersonators for state fairs and dive bars... One good date spirals into a jam session, a marriage, and a creative partnership that lasts the rest of their lives. Song Sung Blue charts their story through their musical courtship, co-parenting their kids from past relationships, and building a tribute band that makes them feel like rock stars as they bring unique life to Diamond’s discography. The movie focuses mostly on Mike and Claire, their romantic highs and their tragic lows... Beyond that, Lightning and Thunder’s family and story grow to envelope their collaborators and bandmates, allowing for a rich tapestry of characters to bring light and humor to the movie’s darkest corners... Through thoughtful storytelling, an impeccable cast, and a smartly chosen soundtrack that places the performances of Diamond’s songs thematically, Brewer creates a drama that is uplifting, heart-wrenching, and wondrous all at once. Bring tissues. Bring friends.” —Kristy Puchko, Mashable

Classic of the Month:

Somewhere in Time

February 13—16

Drama/Romance/Fantasy. PG, language. Dir: Jeannot Szwarc, US, 1980, 103 min. Christopher Reeve, Jane Seymour, Christopher Plummer.

“A charming, witty, passionate romantic drama about a love transcending space and time, Somewhere In Time is an old-fashioned film in the best sense of that term... In the finely wrought screenplay Christopher Reeve is a young Chicago playwright who becomes mysteriously fascinated by a 1912 photo of a stage actress (Jane Seymour). Reeve is drawn to a hotel on Mackinac Island in Michigan, where it transpires they actually did meet and have an affair at the time the photo was taken.” —Variety “Somewhere in Time is the epitome of a cinematic love story. It is literally saturated in romance, from John Barry’s timeless score, through the intoxicating performances from

Reeve and Seymour and the heart-wrenching story from the king of fantasy storytelling, Richard Matheson. Funny, smart, touching and, did we mention romantic? Somewhere in Time is a masterclass in acting, writing and emotive cinema. Required viewing.” —Grant Kempster, Starburst Magazine

Curiosity and Co. Present: Women & the Wind

February 19, 7 pm

Documentary. PG partial nudity, brief coarse language. Dir: Alizé Jireh, US. 2025, 90 min. Lærke Heilmann, Alizé Jireh, Kiana Weltzien.

“Women & the Wind is a thought-provoking voyage of discovery as three women sail from North America to Europe in 30 days, following plastic pollution on a renovated catamaran. It’s a story of adventure and reconnecting with nature. The three women are Alizé Jireh, director and cinematographer, Kiana Weltzien, captain and frequent solo sailor, and Lærke Heilmann, first mate and ocean conservationist... It’s a sharp, poignant and well edited account of their perspective on life, each other, and nature – and it might just be one of my favourite films of the year... It’s all captured by Jireh’s phenomenal cinematography... What the film does most brilliantly is balance the heaviest of subjects with the charm, laughter and love shared by these women. Each tells her story, and we learn what drives them... Exploring the subjects of life and our relationship with nature, it could easily stray into the pretentious, instead it tells a story of reflection, how it feels to be so far from land, what life means to them with total disconnection. Remaining poignant, poetic, and honest.” —Oliver Hackett-Watson, Filmbuffer

A Private Life (Vie privée)

February 21—25

Mystery/Thriller. PG, violence, coarse language, mature theme. Dir: Rebecca Zlotowski, France, 2026, 103 min. Jodie Foster, Daniel Auteuil, Virginie Efira. In French with English subtitles.

“Considering the subject matter, A Private Life shouldn’t be as funny as it is. But in Jodie Foster’s hands, it’s a darkly comedic triumph... This witty thriller sees Foster as an American psychiatrist in Paris turned amateur sleuth as she investigates the sudden death of a patient... With the film’s core mystery wrapped in golden-leafed Parisian streets, mid-century modernist furniture, and an almost exclusively auburn and navy costume palette, A Private Life is an autumnal delight... Lillian is a psychiatrist firm in her ethical principles, which are tested when her patient Paula dies suddenly by suicide... she can’t quite shake the feeling that she didn’t see Paula’s death coming, refusing to doubt her own psychiatry skills or deep connection to her patient, and launching into her own private investigation, she suspects foul play... She finds a fellow amateur sleuth in her charismatic ex-husband Gabriel, whose relationship with Lillian forms the film’s unexpected true heart... They almost gleefully attempt to uncover Paula’s secrets as exhilarated citizen detectives... As Lillian channels her misplaced guilt into sleuthing... Zlotowski’s film becomes more than a simple whodunnit, but a surprising, comedic, and brilliantly performed exploration of relationships and the extent to which we let people in. It’s a perpetual irony, Lillian acknowledges, ‘knowing people’s secrets and not being able to act.’ But ultimately, act she does.” —Shannon Connellan, Mashable

Merrily We Roll Along

February 26–March 1

Musical. PG, coarse language. Dir: Maria Friedman, US, 2025, 145 min. Daniel Radcliffe, Jonathan Groff, Lindsay Mendez.

“Stephen Sondheim’s musical-that-goesbackwards was a smash on Broadway in 2023... In the summer of 2024, right after its triumph at the Tony Awards, where it won best musical revival, several performances were filmed live at New York City’s Hudson Theater, and edited into the smart, intimate film that you can now catch for the price of a movie ticket. The story takes three best friends - composer Franklin, playwright Charley and novelist Mary - from the dissolution of their friendship in 1976 (it goes backwards, remember) to the dewy-eyed kids they were on the roof of their apartment building on the night Sputnik passed overhead in 1957. Which is to say, this show about creative types learning about life and showbiz gets happier (and more bittersweet) as it progresses. That proved confusing for audiences in 1981… but the creative team fixed the problems in various revivals, and this one is as assured as any smash. The central performances, electrifying on stage, remain pretty stunning… Radcliffe, who grew up on film sets, capitalizes on the camera’s intimacy more than his co-stars, but they’re all terrific… the score is breathtaking, the lyrics scintillating, the emotions true, and as a Sondheim lyric has it, ‘that’s the sound of a hit.’” —Bob Mondello, NPR

city cinema schedule

MARCH JANUARY

Dead Man’s Wire

Dead Man’s Wire

Dead Man’s Wire

Wild Hearts

Dead Man’s Wire

Dead Man’s Wire

Dead Man’s Wire

No Other Choice

No Other Choice

No Other Choice

No Other Choice

Ch’town Improv Lab

No Other Choice

No Other Choice

Song Sung Blue

Song Sung Blue

Song Sung Blue

Somewhere in Time

Somewhere in Time

Somewhere in Time

Somewhere in Time

Somewhere in Time

Song Sung Blue

Song Sung Blue Women & the Wind

Song Sung Blue

Life Merrily We Roll Along

Merrily We Roll Along

Merrily We Roll Along

Merrily We Roll Along FEBRUARY

Dead Man’s Wire Sun 1 7:00 Merrily We Roll Along

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

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

PERFORMANCE

music, theatre, dance, comedy...

…continued from page 20

Mar 3 | 6:30 pm

Music PEI Week Songwriter of the Year Concert

Ft. Diana Delirio, Lennie Gallant, Logan Richard, Shane Pendergast, and the PEI Symphony Orchestra. St. Paul’s, Charlottetown

Mar 4 | 6:30 pm

Music PEI Week: The Mill River Shuffle

Ft. Danny Drouin, Rick Sparkes, Shane Pendergast, and Richard Wood. Mill River Resort, Mill River

Mar 4 | 7 pm

Golden Girls: The Laughs Continue

Sobey Family Theatre, Charlottetown

Mar 5 | 6:30 pm

Music PEI Week Kitchen Party

Ft. Brooke MacArthur, Emilea May, KINLEY, and Lawrence Maxwell. Copper Bottom Brewing, Montague

Mar 5 | 7:30 pm

Rum Ragged

Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside

Mar 5 | 7:30 pm

Bad Reputation

Tribute to Joan Jett. Winter Shine Series. Scott MacAulay Performing Arts Centre, Summerside

Mar 5 | 8 pm

Jenn Grant: Cradled by the Waves PEI Brewing Company, Charlottetown

Mar 5 | 8 pm

Island Jazz: Sean Ferris Group Baba’s Lounge, Charlottetown

Mar 5 | 8 pm

The Rock Orchestra by Candlelight

Sobey Family Theatre, Charlottetown

Mar 6 | 6:30 pm

Music PEI Week: Music Mosaic Concert

Ft. Joce Reyome, Diana Delirio, Sam O, siddhu sneh, and Battle of the Bands winner. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Mar 6 | 9:30 pm

Music PEI Week’s Hip Hop LIVE

Ft. NODACOB, Rightflow, Melvis & APEE, and C. Ruth and Mango Street Trio. Baba’s Lounge, Charlottetown

Mar 7 | 12 pm

Free Whiskey Band

Tribute to the Pogues and the Music of Shane McGowan. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Mar 7 | 7:30 pm

25th Annual Music PEI Awards Gala

Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside

Mar 7 | 8 pm

More Soul

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Mar 8 | 7:30 pm

The Freewheelin’ Field Trip

All ages show ft. Braedem Lam and Schoolhouse. The Guild, Charlottetown

Mar 9 | 8 pm

War on the Catwalk

With host Alyssa Edwards. Sobey Family Theatre, Charlottetown

Mar 12 | 8 pm

Island Jazz Jam ft. Diana Deliro

Baba’s Lounge, Charlottetown

Mar 13–14 | 8 pm

The Fabulously Rich Tribute to The Tragically Hip. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Mar 14 | 7:30 pm

The Burning Hell

Copper Bottom Brewing, Montague

Mar 15 | 2 pm

Island Jubilee Old Time Radio Music Show

Florence Simmons Performance Hall, Charlottetown

Mar 15 | 2:30 pm

PEI Symphony Orchestra: Reclaimed Sobey Family Theatre, Charlottetown

Mar 19 | 8 pm

Island Jazz: Siobhan White Sextet

Baba’s Lounge, Charlottetown

Take The Mic

Live band karaoke at Copper Bottom Brewing—Feb 7

Take The Mic Live Band Karaoke is heading to Montague for the first time, stopping at Copper Bottom Brewing on February 7 at 7:30 pm.

Take The Mic is a PEI-based live band known for interactive performances featuring crowd-pleasing covers across rock, pop, funk, and soul. The group includes PEI musicians Todd MacLean, Liam Kearney, Adam MacGregor, and Deryl Gallant.

Audience members who want to sing backed by a live band are encouraged to review Take The Mic’s song list and register early.

Food service will be available and early reservations are recommended. This is a 19+ event. Admission is cash only at the door, with advance tickets available online. For tickets, the song list, singer registration, and more, visit takethemicband.ca

Black History Month 2026

Rooted in Legacy, Rising Together

The Black Cultural Society of Prince Edward Island (BCSPEI) is celebrating Black History Month 2026, taking place from January 31 to February 28, under the theme Rooted in Legacy, Rising Together. This year’s observance marks a significant milestone: the 10th anniversary of BCSPEI, the Island’s first Black-led organization dedicated to advocacy, cultural preservation, and community building.

Recognized nationally since 1995, Black History Month honours the heritage, achievements, and contributions of Black communities across Canada. For BCSPEI, the month is both a celebration and a living tribute to Black life on Prince Edward Island—past, present, and future. The 2026 theme reflects the strength of ancestral roots while highlighting collective growth, resilience, and the responsibility to carry this legacy forward together.

Throughout February, BCSPEI will present an Island-wide calendar of programming designed to educate, connect, and celebrate. Highlights include the Black Cultural Society Of PEI Gala (January 31), Pan-African flag-raising ceremonies across

PEI (February 2–6), a Community Luncheon Series (February 7, 14 and 21), youth-focused programming like the Black Youth Engaged Luncheon (February 28), film screenings, cultural dance workshops, public lectures, and collaborations with community partners, artists, educators, and organizations.

Each initiative is intentionally designed to honour Black culture and creativity while fostering dialogue, understanding, and meaningful connection. As PEI’s Black population continues to grow, BCSPEI remains committed to creating inclusive platforms that support representation, belonging, and collective progress across Island communities.

The Black Cultural Society of PEI invites all Islanders to participate in this milestone year by attending events, learning, reflecting, and celebrating Black history not only in February, but throughout the year.

For event updates and more information, follow @blackculturalsocietypei on Facebook and Instagram.

See ad on page 5 of this issue of The Buzz for a schedule of events

(L–R): Sasha Nandlal, Reequal Smith, and Uwa Festus-Olagbende raising the Pan-African flag at Holland College in 2025

COMMUNITY #1

Order of PEI nominations

Nominations for the 2026 Order of Prince Edward Island are now open. The Order of PEI is the province’s highest honour, awarded annually to up to three Islanders who have made remarkable contributions to the social, economic, or cultural life of Prince Edward Island. Nominees should demonstrate excellence or outstanding leadership in their community or chosen profession. Nominations are accepted in English or French. The deadline to submit a nomination is 4 pm on March 26. Nomination forms are available at orderpei.ca. Completed nominations may be mailed (Secretary to the Advisory Council, PO Box 2000, Charlottetown, PE C1A 7N8) or emailed (orderpei@assembly.pe.ca).

Community Foundation of PEI funding

The Community Foundation of PEI has announced the PEILCC Rural Community Fund and the PEILCC Urban Community Fund. Each fund provides grants of up to $25,000 to support charities making a positive impact in the province through activities and initiatives that promote the responsible use of alcohol. The Rural Community Fund supports initiatives in rural areas of the province, while the Urban Community Fund supports initiatives in urban areas. Eligible submissions must align with one of four focus areas: promoting healthy behaviours related to alcohol consumption, reducing the potential impacts of alcohol-related harms, enhancing community safety, and supporting the responsible use of alcohol. Applications will be accepted through CFPEI’s community grant application portal at cfpei. ca/peilcc. The submission deadline is February 6.

Protest Banner Lending Library

The Protest Banner Lending Library is a project started by Chicago artist Aram Han Sifuentes. The PEI edition is run by artist Kirstie McCallum, with support from Aram. McCallum will host creative sessions on February 5 and 11 from 6–8 pm at the Charlottetown Library Learning Centre Maker Space, where participants can make up-cycled cloth protest banners. Grassroots democracy matters more than ever, and these sessions offer space for people to connect, share what’s on their minds, and use colourful fabrics to express their voices. Participants will design banners that imagine a better world. No sewing experience is required, and the sessions are free to attend. Materials and snacks will be provided. The banners are made to be used, returned to the library, and then borrowed again by others. They carry the histories of the hands that made and held them, and the places they have traveled and will travel. The banners serve as tools for expressing solidarity

in moments when democratic rights are exercised through peaceful public demonstration. This series of workshops has a special focus on democratic community-building and environmental justice. Banner slogans will be discussed at the beginning of each session, and participants will vote to select each evening’s main project. The activity is open to adults and youth. Children under 12 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Bus fare and childcare coordination are available upon request. Preregistration by emailing studiozeugma@ gmail.com.

PEI Friendly Visitor Program

The PEI Friendly Visitor Program is seeking senior volunteers to match with seniors in need of a friend for weekly one-hour social visits. Being a senior is not always easy and having a friend to talk to can make all the difference in the world. Volunteers with the PEI Friendly Visitor Program can be that friend. This program is administered by the PEI Senior Citizens’ Federation. Info: peifvp@gmail.com, 902-368-9008

Teen volunteer and leadership

Teens interested in developing leadership skills and helping their community can join a volunteer and leadership program at the Charlottetown Library every Thursday from 3–6 pm. Participants can drop in to work on a volunteer project from start to finish while making a meaningful impact in the community.

The Push-Up Challenge

This February, the Canadian Mental Health Association PEI Division (CMHA PEI) is encouraging Islanders to push for better mental health by taking part in The Push-Up Challenge, a fitness-based mental health initiative running February 5–27. The free challenge invites people of all ages and abilities to complete 2000 push-ups over 23 days, honouring the approximately 2000 lives lost to suicide each day worldwide while raising funds for mental health supports. Participants can choose alternative exercises if needed, and progress is tracked through a dedicated app that also supports fundraising and community connection. To date, more than one million participants have completed over one billion pushups, raising more than $60 million globally for mental health initiatives. Every dollar raised supports Islanders in their recovery from mental illness and helps foster positive mental health outcomes. Register at thepushupchallenge.ca

Inclusive Ball Hockey Program

A popular pay-what-you-can ball hockey program is returning to Vernon River Consolidated School for a second season, thanks to the collaborative volunteer

efforts of The Equality Project, Vernon River Consolidated School, and the Montague RCMP. Launched in January, the eight-week program runs on Fridays from 4:30–5:30 pm and is open to students in Grades 3–6. Sessions are facilitated by community volunteer Michael Redmond, a former UPEI coach and executive director of The Equality Project, a nonprofit organization providing shelter, programming, and support services to Islanders facing hardship. Members of the Montague RCMP will also participate alongside students, offering mentorship and helping build trust between youth and law enforcement. Organizers hope the program’s continued success will inspire similar initiatives in other communities. Any proceeds raised will be reinvested directly into the Vernon River Home & School Association to support future programming. Registration is now open. Info: smadams@edu.pe.ca

Seniors Navigator

The Seniors Navigator will be at the Charlottetown Library on February 11 and 25 from 9:30 am–3:30 pm for drop-in assistance. The program helps seniors access services and programs offered by community organizations and all levels of government more efficiently.

Indigenous employment and mentorship programs

The provincial government has renewed a four-year funding agreement with the Mi’kmaq Confederacy of PEI for programs that help the Mi’kmaq and Indigenous communities in PEI gain valuable employment and mentorship experiences. A total of $1.67M in funding through SkillsPEI will support 144 Indigenous participants in two separate programs. The project-based program offers participants personalized mentorship to develop transferable skills using hands-on experience through social enterprises. The Workforce Essential Skills program supports adult learners with engaging and practical learning experiences within Lennox Island First Nation. Both programs are facilitated by the Mi’kmaq Confederacy of PEI under the direction of the Epekwitk Assembly of Councils. Info: mcpei.ca/programs/ employment-services

Confederation Centre seeking summer housing

The Confederation Centre of the Arts (CCOA) is currently seeking summer housing for artists involved in The 2026 Charlottetown Festival. PEI’s housing crunch makes it challenging to find accommodations, and CCOA relies on the support of the community to welcome top-tier talent to the Island. The Centre assists seasonal artists with their housing search by assembling a list of options from the community. Artists will then connect with a host directly to book, arrange payment, coordinate details, etc. Individual rooms with shared washroom spaces are acceptable. There are artists coming to the Island this summer who need accommodations between midMay and late September. The dates and

lengths of their stays vary; most artists will stay for the whole summer, but others only stay for three to eight weeks. Hosts with any availability within that window are encouraged to reach out. All types of accommodations are welcome, including houses, condos, apartments, secondary suites, spare bedrooms, etc. Places in Charlottetown are preferred but hosts in other communities can also submit. Locations within walking distance to the Centre, or near transit lines and bike-friendly areas are ideal. Providing accommodations for incoming artists is vital to the success of the Charlottetown Festival, and hosts will receive a few perks for making their rental space available. CCOA asks the community to share this call with friends, family, and co-workers to help spread the word. To submit an accommodation, visit confederationcentre.com/housing or email housing@confederationcentre.com.

PEI Group Meditation

PEI Group Meditation will take place on February 19 from 7–8 pm at the Beaconsfield Carriage House, 2 Kent St, Charlottetown. The session is a guided group meditation open to participants of all experience levels and will be led by Susana Rutherford and Michael Gaudet, experienced mindfulness educators with backgrounds in mental health care, who are offering this opportunity for the wider community to experience the benefits of this skill. Participants are encouraged to dress comfortably and warmly, and to bring personal comfort items such as cushions for floor seating or blankets, as the historic building can be chilly; chairs will also be available on site. The intention of the gathering is to create an inclusive space where secular, spiritual, and religious meditators can practice together, build community, and learn from one another. Accessibility, equity, and inclusion are important values for the organizers. For further information, including confirmation of location or accessibility needs, contact Susana Rutherford at firehorsestudios66@gmail. com or Michael Gaudet at michaelgaudet53@gmail.com, and follow @PEI Group Meditation Event on Facebook.

Camp Abegweit summer camp registration open

Registration for kids’ summer camp at Camp Abegweit is now open. Camp Abegweit is a faith-based camp, supported by the United Church of Canada through PEI congregations and Fundy St Lawrence Dawning Waters Region (PEI, NB, and Gaspé). It offers day and overnight camps for ages 5–15, and welcomes campers and staff from all faith traditions, all genders and orientations. Info/ register: campabby.ca

Teen advisory group

Teens are welcome to join the teen advisory group on Mondays at 3:30 pm at the Summerside Library. Meetings start with an opportunity for teens to share their voices and opinions, followed by assisting staff with various tasks. Participation allows teens to earn volunteer hours toward the Community Service Bursary.

Jack Frost Winterfest

Four days of family fun—Feb 13 to 16

Jack Frost Winterfest presented by Island Coastal returns February 13–16, 2026, promising family fun, exciting entertainment, three unique festival venues, and a brand-new live stage show inspired by the global popularity of KPop.

Jack Frost once again teams up with Craig Fair Productions for an original and exclusive children’s show. In this year’s production, Winter Forever: A KPop Tribute!, winter has disappeared. The snow is gone, and the once picture-perfect world—like scenes inside a snow globe—is no more. The story follows a quest to uncover who took winter away and to bring its magic back. The show invites audiences on an upbeat KPop adventure across the Island to track down the evil-doer who expelled the magic of winter, and to dance and sing their way back.

Jack Frost Winterfest will feature three key venues, creating a more connected and convenient festival experience while continuing to offer both free and ticketed programming.

Snowtopia, the snow-covered outdoor activity zone, returns to the Mark Arendz Provincial Ski Park Nordic Site, 15 minutes from Charlottetown. Families can enjoy tube runs, ice slides, horse and sleigh rides, buskers, face painting, live music, and ice sculptures daily from 10:30 am–5 pm (Feb 14–16). A ticket is required for admission.

Frosty Funland at the Delta Prince Edward features the indoor kids zone for family fun features inflatables, games, Jack Frost meet-and-greets, character appearances, and Winter Forever: A KPop Tribute! Open daily from 10:30 am–6 pm for general admission (Feb 14–16). A ticket is required for admission.

Warm and Glow Zone at Founders’ Food Hall & Market is now home to all of Jack Frost’s free programming, creating a festive, family-friendly hub with an outdoor skating rink, fireplaces, food vendors, and local shopping. Weekend highlights at the Warm and Glow Zone include a Friday night DJ Skate Party under the lights. On Saturday night, families can enjoy ice sculpting, buskers, horse-drawn wagon rides, live music, and a fireworks show. Islander Day Monday features the character skate on the outdoor rink, and throughout the whole weekend, visitors can take in live music.

The celebration officially kicks off Friday at 7 pm with Swift Kick, an allages Taylor Swift tribute concert at the Delta Prince Edward. A separate ticket is required.

For the schedule of events, hotel packages, and to buy tickets, visit jackfrostfestival.com or follow @ jackfrostpei.

Nominations for the 2026 Order of Prince Edward Island are open!

Nominations for 2026 must be received by 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 18, 2026.

Send completed nominations to: Secretary to the Advisory Council PO Box 2000 Charlottetown, PE C1A 7N8 or orderpei@ assembly.pe.ca

The Order of Prince Edward Island is the highest provincial honour awarded to residents. It’s presented annually to three Islanders who have made remarkable contributions to the social, economic or cultural life of our province.

If you know someone who has shown excellence or outstanding leadership in their community or in their chosen profession, this is your opportunity to nominate them for this special recognition.

Nomination forms and information about the Order are available online at OrderPEI.ca

The Council accepts nominations in English and French.

PHOTOS SUBMITTED

COMMUNITY #2

New Community Legal Clinic

The Government of PEI has entered into a memorandum of understanding with Community Legal Information and the Law Foundation of PEI to launch the province’s first Community Legal Clinic, which is expected to begin providing services this spring. To continue to improve access to justice across the province, the Community Legal Clinic will provide free additional civil law services within PEI’s legal systems, help people explore their legal options, connect people with additional programs and resources, as well as improve access to practical legal advice and in some cases, representation. The province and the Law Foundation are each contributing $250,000 per year for five years beginning in March to fund this initiative. Info: legalinfopei.ca

PEI Sociable Singles

PEI Sociable Singles is a social group for members aged 50 and over that meets weekly on Tuesdays at 7 pm at

membership fee is paid annually and members can attend as many activities as they want. If interested in attending a Tuesday meet-and-greet, drop in or email sociable_singles@yahoo.com.

Free playgroups at Chances

Chances is offering free playgroups for children 0–6 in Charlottetown, Cornwall, and Stratford. Caregivers and their children can join Chances staff for fun activities, sensory experiences, and various play while building a sense of connectedness and community with each other. Registration is required. Info/register: chancesfamily.ca or follow on FB.

Rainbow Youth Club

Members and allies of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community who are looking for new pals and fun times are welcome to join the PEI Rainbow Youth Club at the Summerside Library. The next meetings are February 3 and 17 at 6 pm. Each meeting offers an opportunity to

is open to youth aged 12–18. Youth will not be asked to self-identify and all are welcome to attend.

Mindfulness for self care

Atlantic Therapeutic Touch Network (ATTN) is a not-for-profit organization that offers mintdfulness exercises for self-care. Sessions are led by teachers recognized by ATTN and Therapeutic Touch Networks of Canada. To learn more, email info@atlanticttn.com.

PEI Breast Cancer Support Group

The PEI Breast Cancer Support Group will meet on February 7 at 11 am in Charlottetown. Regular meeting times resume April 13 at 2 pm. For the location, email charlottetownbreastcancersg@ gmail.com or call 902-569-3496.

ADHD monthly meeting

A monthly discussion for people interested in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is held at the Charlottetown Library. The next meeting is February 18 at 7 pm. This is a supportive space where peers can share personal experiences, seek advice on specific topics, or simply connect with others who understand the challenges of living

brings together research and insights from across sectors to create an easyto-digest overview of interconnected topics such as health, housing, education, environment, affordability, and more. Kent Hudson, Executive Director of CFPEI, notes that the key findings from the 2025 report reflect both progress and pressing challenges said. The full report can be downloaded at cfpei.ca. To turn insights into impact, CFPEI is launching eight new Community Impact Funds, each aligned with Vital Signs themes: affordability; arts, culture & recreation; diversity & getting started; environment; health & well-being; housing; learning & education; and people & work. Islanders are invited to contribute to these funds to support transformative projects that deliver measurable community impact.

Community fridges

Betty Begg-Brooks of Gifts From The Heart manages three community fridges, located at 10 Maple Hills Ave in Charlottetown, the West Royalty Community Centre, and the Stratford No Frills parking lot. Food donations can be dropped off weekdays from 9 am to 5 pm at the nearest location. Training is provided for new volunteers, with shifts running from 9 am–1 pm or 1–5 pm. Monetary and food donations are also accepted during the week at 10 Maple Hills Ave. For after-hours drop-offs, to volunteer, or to register as a client, call Betty at 902-393-0171.

READY TO QUIT?

The PEI Smoking Cessation Program covers 100% of the costs of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) products or prescription cessation medications.

TAKE THE FIRST STEP TODAY!

Contact your local pharmacy or primary care to schedule your appointment.

The PEI Association for Community Living invites adults and youth with intellectual disabilities (and their caregivers) to Library for All, a monthly program at the Charlottetown Library. This month, participants will bake doughnuts

La Leche League PEI Lunch

La Leche League PEI is holding a free drop-in Lunch and Learn program at Gentle Beginnings Prenatal Centre on February 10 at 12 noon. Breastfeeding/ chestfeeding support and information will be given by Chris Ortenburger in a warm, welcoming atmosphere with the help of Andrea and Nasim. A complimentary lunch will be provided. Location: 17B Alley St, Charlottetown. Register: gentlebeginnings.ca/events

2025 Vital Signs® Report and

The Community Foundation of PEI (CFPEI) recently released its 2025 Vital Signs® Report, offering a comprehensive snapshot of life on PEI based on social, economic, and environmental indicators. This evidence-based report highlights where Islanders are thriving and where urgent challenges remain, serving as a roadmap for action, investment, and collaboration. Vital Signs® is a community-driven reporting program led by Community Foundations of Canada and executed by local community foundations across Canada. It offers a “community check-up” on well-being, measuring trends across core dimensions that impact quality of life. The report

EAL conversation circles

The Immigrant & Refugee Services Association of PEI offers EAL conversation circles for adults this month at the Summerside Library on Tuesdays at 6 pm, and on Saturdays at 10:30 am. Conversation circles are also offered this month at the Charlottetown Library on Thursdays at 6:30 pm and Saturdays at 10 am. Adults looking to improve their English skills are welcome to join for informal conversation. No registration required.

Seniors Cafés

Seniors Cafés take place at the Charlottetown and Summerside libraries. The next session at the Summerside Library will be held on February 13 at 11 am. Seniors can enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and a friendly discussion. This month, Howard LaChapelle, from Culture Summerside, will be speaking about the services at MacNaught History Centre, the addition of Bishops, upcoming spring/summer scheduling, and a Q&A. Charlottetown Seniors Cafés run on the third Thursday of each month at 1 pm. The February 19 session features a needle felting workshop with The Messy Crow. Registration is required due to limited space and supplies. Feel free to stop in for refreshments at 2 pm even if not attending the workshop.

Tech help

Tech help is offered at the Summerside Library, 57 Central St, on Thursdays at 3 pm. Call the library in advance at 902-4367323 to register for a one-on-one session.

The Cove Journal by JoDee Samuelson

Snippets of the past

Artwork by Mari Basiletti

I’m not very good at New Year’s resolutions but I’ve quit beating myself up about it and plan to keep strolling through 2026 in the same old way.

Also I’m only so interested in recaps of the past year. That being said, I bought some handsome black art folios from Bookmark and am proceeding to put my Cove Journal columns, clipped from every Buzz 2010 to the present, into these albums. While reading these it occurs to me that I should share a few highlights with you.

November 2012: I write about the re-routing of the Trans-Canada Highway through an old grove forest (Plan B) and the community activism that ensues.

November 2016: Hurricane Matthew comes and goes.

April 2017: I give a shout-out to my neighbours for their summer-long canoe odyssey from the Cove to Montreal.

November 2018: A dead porpoise washes up at our shore.

October 2019: Hurricane Dorian puts power out for two days.

January 2021: No Cove Journal clipping. Did I mislay it? Nothing on my computer… Oh now I remember: Covid has arrived. No one is holding concerts or art shows, no one is advertising, and there’s no Buzz

Everything changes, but in the thick of Covid we find joy where we can. Bird watching, for example. A rare Eastern Towhee, black and white with a splash of red, entertains us with its vigorous footwork during the winter of 2021.

January 2022: Again no Buzz. I write to the editors: “Don’t give up! We need

you!” And they don’t give up. There’s been a Buzz in the lobby of our local grocery store every month since then. Thank you, beautiful Buzz staff, from the bottom of all of our hearts.

Autumn 2022: Hurricane Fiona throws our lives into turmoil. (With three hurricanes three years apart we almost expected one in 2025, but hallelujah! as my mother would say, that didn’t happen.) Since then, life continues rather humdrum. Don’t you just love humdrum?

February 2024: A gorgeous amber–hued female cardinal winters in a hollow tree near our feeder. A scarlet red male cardinal is spotted in the neighbourhood but keeps his distance from our yard.

January 2026: Exotic guests! Five Evening Grosbeaks arrive in a whirl under our feeder. The males are yellow, black and white, and the females are olive-grey with a tinge of gold. Their strong stubby beaks excel at seed-cracking—woops!—they swoop away in one breath and might or might not ever return. Well, that was exciting.

Flipping through my columns I see that I’ve drawn pictures of eagles, herons, mushrooms, grasses, eroded cliffs, coffee with friends. I note that some years are rainy, some dry, summer forest fires are always on the horizon, and life has a satisfying rhythm.

Before the Evening Grosbeaks flew in and out I had planned to write about who-knows-what down at the Cove, or about baking potatoes in the wood stove’s hot coals, or about the joys of digging into the winter larder and using our own frozen rhubarb, dried tomatoes, bean pickles and strawberry jam.

But I’ll save these for another day when I’ve finished my clipping and snipping.

GAMES

Charlottetown Scrabble Club

The Charlottetown Scrabble Club is celebrating its second anniversary on February 10. There will be refreshments, prizes, and, of course, Scrabble. The club meets weekly on Tuesdays from 5–8 pm. at the Charlottetown Library Learning Centre. All skill levels are welcome, and attendance is free.

Crokinole

Drop in to play crokinole on February 11 and 25 at 2 pm at the Summerside Rotary Library (57 Central St).

Escape room adventure

Teens can drop in to the Charlottetown Library to play Awaken the Mummy! An Escape Room Adventure on February 13 at 2 pm. Explore a mysterious pyramid filled with rumours of mummies coming to life.

2SLGBTQIA+ Adult Drop-in: Naughty Bingo Night

The next PEERS Alliance 2SLGBTQIA+ Adult Drop-in will feature Naughty Bingo Night on February 18 from 6–8 pm. Participants can expect spicy laughs, cheeky facts, and plenty of “did they really just say that?” moments in an evening where sexual health education meets shameless entertainment. Entry and play are free, with a chance to win prizes from Venus Envy. This is a dry event. The PEERS Alliance is located at 250B Queen St, Charlottetown. Info: scott@peersalliance.ca, 902-388-7837

Bridge to Go 2

Irene and Carol will review intermediate bidding and defence skills essential for your bridge toolbox over a five-week

FOOD & DRINK

Chef Nation

Chef Nation is held in the community kitchen at the Charlottetown Library Learning Centre on Tuesdays from 3–5 pm. Teens aged 13–18 are welcome to try crafts and activities, learn to cook, or just hang out.

Ladies’ Valentine’s Tea

A Ladies’ Valentine’s Tea, hosted in the historic Farringford House (now the Haviland), will be held on February 14 from 11 am–1 pm. Built in 1869 by Esther Lowden, this Victorian residence was once shared by Esther and her three daughters and still carries the charm and grace of a bygone era. Guests can dress in their

Bridge to Go 2 course. Sessions run on Wednesdays from 6:30–8:30 pm, February 18–March 18, at the Haviland Club in Charlottetown. For details, fees, and registration, email sheila.bacon22@ gmail.com or phone 902-940-0222.

Board Game Café

Bring family and friends to the Summerside Library on February 23 at 6:30 pm for an evening of board games. Bring your own or play one from the library’s collection.

PEERS Alliance Tabletop Roleplaying Games

PEERS Alliance will facilitate a weekly tabletop roleplaying game program for kids aged 12 and older at the Charlottetown Library on Thursdays from February 29–March 26 at 6 pm. The games are beginner-friendly and queerand trans-inclusive. Advance sign-up is required. To register, visit bit.ly/2026LibraryTTRPG. For questions, email kels@ peersalliance.ca.

Eptek Scavenger Hunt

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

Charlottetown Duplicate Bridge Club

The Charlottetown Duplicate Bridge Club promotes duplicate bridge for all ages, particularly encouraging seniors to engage in the social game. The club meets at the Irish Cultural Centre in Charlottetown on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday afternoons year-round. From September to June, instruction and coaching for novice players are offered in a non-competitive learning environment on Tuesday mornings. Everyone is welcome. Info: charlottetownbridge.ca

finest Valentine attire for an afternoon of tea, treats, and timeless elegance in a beautiful setting. To reserve, visit 3common.com/event/ladies-valentinetea/695878e0d54d0671e1eaec3c

Pancake Breakfast

A pancake breakfast fundraiser is being hosted and sponsored by The Local Pub and Oyster Bar on February 14 from 8–10 am to support the UPEI Global Indigeneity Study Abroad Program, in which UPEI students will be taking part in immersive Māori learning in May. The breakfast includes tea or coffee. Mimosas are extra. 202 Buchanan Dr, Charlottetown

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper

All are welcome to gather for pancakes and companionship at the Shrove Tuesday pancake supper at Spring Park United in Charlottetown on February 17 from 5–6:30 pm. Cost is by freewill offering. Diners can come as they are and be fed. Info: springparkunitedchurch.ca

NATURE

Nature PEI Members’ Night

Nature PEI’s annual Members’ Night— when the public can enjoy nature photos and stories from Nature PEI members— will be held this year on February 3 at 7:30 pm at Beaconsfield Carriage House in Charlottetown. Hosted by Gerald MacDougall, the evening will begin with a short meeting, followed by a raffle break and then the presentations. This event is free, and all are welcome to attend. The presentations will be livestreamed on the Nature PEI Facebook page (@naturepei) at 8 pm. Info: naturepei.ca

Guided hike at Winter River Trail

A guided hike through the Winter River Trail takes place on February 7 at 10 am. Led by staff from the City of Charlottetown and the Winter River–Tracadie Bay Watershed Association, participants can hike off the winter blues, enjoy the sights, and learn about conservation work being done in the watershed while exploring the 5 km natural area maintained by Island Trails. The group will meet at the Winter River Hiking Trail parking lot – East Suffolk Extension. Be

sure to bring appropriate winter clothing, boots or snowshoes, an insulated mug for hot chocolate, and anything else that will help you enjoy the hike (trekking poles, binoculars for birdwatching, etc.). A limited number of snowshoes and ice cleats will be available for use. Hot chocolate and treats will be provided.

PEI Wildlife Conservation Fund applications open

The PEI Wildlife Conservation Fund (PEIWCF) Committee is accepting applications for its spring round of funding. The PEIWCF provides financial support to groups working on projects that benefit wildlife and wildlife conservation in PEI. Projects should fit into one of five priority work categories, such as habitat restoration or enhancement; improvement or expansion of designated natural areas; education; research and monitoring; or other values for wildlife or wildlife habitat. Funding sources include annual conservation fees incorporated into PEI hunting, angling, and trapping licences, as well as conservation plates purchased for motor vehicles in PEI. Project awards are merit-based and determined by an evaluation committee. All applications, supporting documents, and reports must be submitted online through the CFPEI application portal at peiwcf.ca by the submission deadline of February 9 at 5 pm.

MARKETS/SALES

Our Lady of the Assumption Online Auction

An online auction via Facebook, in support of necessary repairs for Our Lady of the Assumption Parish Centre in Stratford, will run from January 30 at 6 am until February 6 at 5 pm. Almost 200 items and services are on offer. Join the event by searching “Our Lady of the Assumption Online Auction PEI” and return often to make a bid to purchase selected items and services.

Islander Day Crafted & Curated Market

The semi-annual event and second edition of the Islander Day Crafted & Curated Market will be held at the Beaconsfield Carriage House, 2 Kent St, Charlottetown, on February 16 from 10 am–4 pm. Attendees can explore a thoughtfully curated mix of vintage collectibles, home goods, clothing, and jewelry, alongside handcrafted treasures such as pottery, wooden crafts, needle felting, sweet treats, and permanent

jewelry—each created by talented local vendors. Vendors include Recycled Runway, Itchycoo Park, Green Room Vintage, R & B Vintage, Fac’N’Vintage, Karen Mair, TangleBug, In Stitches, Alex Made Crafts, Alex Bevan Baker Pottery, NennieMac Designs, Alice’s Kitchen, and SP Designs. There is something for everyone, whether they are an avid collector or simply enjoy discovering unique, one-ofa-kind finds. Admission is free, and cash, debit, and credit are accepted.

Charlottetown Thrift Market

The Charlottetown Thrift Market will be held in the cruise ship building at the Charlottetown Seaport, 1 Weymouth St, every Sunday, from 9 am–2 pm. Over 100 tables and booths will offer household products, baked goods, collectibles, antiques, vintage clothing, crafts, jewelry, and more.

Gifts from the Heart

Gifts from the Heart holds a public thrift sale from 10 am–3 pm on the last Saturday of each month at 10 Maple Hills Ave, Charlottetown. The next sale is February 28. 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. Info: giftsfromtheheartinc.com

2026 Spring Festival Fair

Chinese Society of PEI’s third annual event

The Chinese Society of Prince Edward Island will present its third annual Spring Festival Fair on February 21 from 9:30 am–3:30 pm and 6:30–9 pm at Eastlink Centre in Charlottetown.

The 2026 Spring Festival Fair is a large-scale community and multicultural celebration welcoming the public to experience Lunar New Year traditions through cultural stage performances, music, international cuisine food vendors, artisan booths, a seniors zone, and family-friendly activities, including a children’s stage and a bouncy castle.

Building on the success of previous years, this year’s event is expected to welcome approximately 5000 attendees. The fair is organized by

community volunteers and aims to celebrate diversity, cultural exchange, and community connection in PEI. Tickets are available at the door. Eastlink Centre is located at 46 Kensington Road in Charlottetown.

National 211 Day

Connecting Islanders in need to vital social services

As February 11 approaches, United Way PEI, part of United Way Maritimes, is proud to recognize National 211 Day and highlight the 211 service as a lifeline for individuals and families seeking help during these challenging times.

United Way Centraide Canada is a founding partner of 211 Canada, providing funding and support, and advocating for its availability in all communities across Canada. 211 is the country’s largest national database of community services and government programs, playing a critical role in helping people navigate local resources.

One way 211 Day is highlighted is through “United Glow,” where buildings and landmarks across the country light up red in support of 211 Day. Red highlights the deep connections between 211 and United Way.

This year has been especially difficult for many on PEI, with rising living costs, housing insecurity, and mental health challenges leaving more people in need of support. 211 helps bridge the gap through a free, confidential helpline that connects individuals to vital social services. Whether someone needs to find a shelter, access food support, or help navigating government assistance programs, help is just three numbers away.

211 PEI is free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year by phone and online. By dialing or texting 2-1-1 or emailing help@pe.211.

ca, trained Community Resource Navigators connect people to the right information and nearby supports, including mental health services, housing resources, and family programs.

From January 1 to December 31, 2025, 211 PEI received over 3100 contacts and tens of thousands of online searches from PEI residents seeking critical support. These contacts highlight the growing needs in the community and the vital role 211 plays in connecting individuals to essential services.

Requests for health related supports increased in 2025, including help finding medical professionals, specific medical condition supports, assistive devices, and medical expense assistance.

Financial supports included government benefit programs, subsidies, and general income supports.

Housing-related contacts included crisis and emergency housing, domestic violence shelters, homeless dropins, and supportive housing services, reflecting the deepening housing crisis in our region.

Contacts were made predominantly by adults (43 per cent) and older adults (13 per cent), demonstrating the broad age range of individuals turning to 211 for help. These trends reflect the urgent challenges facing our community and the critical need for accessible, reliable support services.

For more information, visitpe.211.ca or call 2-1-1.

The Nature of PEI

by Gary Schneider

Why I love forests

Prince Edward Island is awash with great birding habitats. Watching the loons and razorbills off the coast at East Point never gets old. Nor do the large flocks of scaup and other winter ducks that frequent Oyster Bay Bridge. Or the after-harvest corn fields around Vernon Bridge full of geese and snow buntings.

I love all these sites and many more. But truth be told, I fell in love with forests as a result of my interest in birds. Island forests keep drawing me back. For years I was part of a team that banded birds at two Macphail Woods sites. It was part of a continent-wide initiative to try to understand what was happening to bird populations. Were they successful in their migrations? Were they raising families that could replace the losses that inevitably result from age, predation, or habitat destruction?

Blackburnian Warbler

that one billion birds die from window strikes in the U.S. alone! That is a shockingly high number, though it is just one of the threats to birds.

What I really learned from those years was that our environment is fragile and full of unknowns, and that we should act accordingly. How does a bird weighing 10 grams fly south to a place where it has never been before? How do birds migrate back not only to the same area but to be captured in the exact same net as in previous years?

Equally important was the recognition of the beauty that is all around us. I had watched thousands of blackcapped chickadees in my life, but until I held one in my hand I hadn’t realized how beautiful they were. Anyone who has watched birds knows the beauty of migratory warblers in the spring—an American redstart or blackburnian warbler is a work of art. I’ve followed these birds in my binoculars countless times and appreciated their glamour. But seeing them up close—not through lenses—and understanding that they are even more beautiful and fragile really struck home.

We take for granted that beautiful birds will always be around but that doesn’t have to be the case. There are threats both in the summer and winter habitats and along the migration routes. Most birds migrate at night and lights in buildings can disorient the migrants and cause them to strike windows.

A recent study by scientists from the American Bird Conservancy estimates

Pesticides are having an increasingly negative impact on many types of wildlife, especially insectivores and pollinators.

We are also creating major problems with wildlife with how we are managing forests across the continent. We still we refuse to enforce the Migratory Birds Convention Act, which was designed to safeguard migratory birds by protecting their nests from cutting during the prime breeding season.

And despite what Fiona has taught us—that stands of shallow-rooted conifer plantations are susceptible to blow-down—we continue with this illfated strategy pretending that we are rebuilding forests.

While birds bring us beauty, they also provide many other values that are equally important. They can eat large numbers of caterpillars and other insects that that feed on the leaves of trees. Bird droppings contain high amounts of nitrogen, a nutrient that is in demand (but often short supply) in forests. Birds can also transport seeds and spores throughout a woodland that can increase biodiversity and improve forest health.

We need to make a concerted effort to understand the values that healthy forests—and all their residents—provide. Beautiful birds are just one of many gifts provided by forests.

Winter Bluegrass Festival

Four day event in Charlottetown in March

The Prince Edward Island Bluegrass and Old Time Music Society will present the 2026 PEI Winter Bluegrass Festival from March 19–22 at the Delta Prince Edward by Marriott in Charlottetown.

The Winter Festival is celebrating over 80 years of bluegrass music, with a four-day event that builds on the success of the festival’s inaugural edition in 2023.

The festival will pay tribute to the genre’s roots, from Bill Monroe’s landmark 1945 appearance on the Grand Ole Opry stage to bluegrass’ influence on contemporary music. Audiences can expect performances that highlight both the history and the ongoing evolution of the music.

In true Maritime spirit, the event draws on local heritage, weaving together bluegrass with its Irish and Scottish threads—the very influences that sparked the genre’s birth deep in the mountains of Appalachia. Leading that musical fusion is the Tim O’Brien Band, known worldwide for blending Appalachian, Irish, Scottish, and old-time traditions and ancient tones of the old world into a sound all his own. From his West Virginia upbringing to international acclaim with his band Hot Rize, O’Brien’s career embodies bluegrass’ global reach and timeless appeal.

In addition, the festival has established a new partnership with Holland College’s School of Performing Arts, contributing to the introduction of bluegrass music within the institution’s curriculum. A series of workshops, presentations, and in-class jam sessions were held in preparation for a special appearance by Mr. O’Brien, who will lead an intimate workshop at

the school itself.

The Tim O’Brien Band will anchor a lineup that includes Old Man Luedecke, Blue Meadow, The Janet McGarry Band, Shane Pendergast Trio, Bluegrass Tradition, The McMillan’s Camp Boys, The Stiff Family Band, Bad Hoss, the Holland College SOPA Student Band, The Sunny Mountain Gals, and more. Long-time fans and diverse music enthusiasts are encouraged to take part in this unique winter gathering of musicians, supporters, and genre-bridging performances.

Activities begin March 19 with a band-led welcome event and open mic jam. Friday’s schedule features the Bluegrass Market, the festival’s own vendor Music Row, combining nearly 20 local artisans and vendors with live music, leading into mainstage performances and a Slow Jam workshop with Ivan Rosenberg. On Saturday, a fireside chat, “Pioneering Women in Bluegrass Music,” hosted by The Sunny Mountain Gals with guests Barbara Martin Stephens and Betty Hartford, will kick off a full day of stage shows and late-night jam sessions. Festivities conclude Sunday with a Gospel Brunch hosted by the Stiff Family at Water’s Edge Restaurant. Festival amenities include an instrument check service and extended hours at the hotel restaurant to accommodate performance schedules. Holland College SoPA students and festival volunteers will be on site to assist attendees.

Tim O’Brien Band (above) and one of the conventional jams in the lobby

Talking from Experiences by

Ashleigh Tremere

Till your face hurts

January makes me want to be in my pj’s by 8 o’clock, speaking as little as possible, and definitely not making plans to go anywhere. So what could stop this clearly ancient woman from slipping into a state of semi-hibernation and instead put on her going-to-town pants on a frigid Friday night? Well, they told me it would be a laugh. Andrea Avery has co-opted the idea of the live comedy variety show and taken it to the stage at The Guild in Charlottetown. They’re calling it: @fter Eight.

I wasn’t quite sure what to expect when I arrived somewhat early for the distinctive door time of 7:37 pm. I do find myself more intrigued by bizarre specifics, like the joke has already started and at some point I’ll catch up. I have to shout out Becca Griffin’s installation in the North Nook Gallery for keeping me entertained while uncharacteristically early. When the velvet rope parted, the place filled up quickly, and I was happy for our advanced arrival as I foolishly hadn’t pre-purchased my tickets. Make a note of that for yourself because this was only the second instalment of what intends to be a monthly show.

The game itself is a fusion of ridiculous improv and bizarrely open-ended questions, where our host and audience reaction decide the points. Three brave and amusing locals face off to maybe want to win and maybe kind of want to lose. The prizes so far have been reported to be haunted and cost less than five dollars at the thrift store. So I guess it’s glory and the love of the bit that drew them to the stage.

It was so entertaining, I literally started laughing at the introductions and did not stop till the end. I genuinely began to wonder if I had one of those really distinct and recognizable laughs. You know what I mean, the ones that you

can pick out of any crowd and sometimes you’re laughing at the laugh. Regardless, I couldn’t stop myself if I did and thought it best to not consider it much more. The next day my face and throat both hurt about it though.

There were a number of interactive parts for the audience, both anonymously with your phone and getting pulled right up there on stage—but not against your will, so you can sit front row without fear.

I don’t want to give away too many of the categories because I’m assuming they change somewhat and also— spoilers—but about three quarters of the way through one of the contestants is eliminated. Then the final two go head to anonymous head for the last laugh and somewhat unsettling thrifted glory.

It was a hysterical evening in my opinion, though if you think of someone as a pearl clutcher, I probably wouldn’t choose them for your date. Go laugh till your face hurts on February 7 at the hyper-specific time of 8:07 pm.

Cabane Fever

A folk-fueled cure for feeling cooped up—Feb 21

Cabane Fever, a high-energy celebration of traditional folk music, song, and dance, is taking over The Mack in downtown Charlottetown on February 21 at 7:30 pm.

The evening brings together artists in Acadian, Celtic, and Québécois traditions, led by internationally acclaimed Acadian group Vishtèn, PEI’s dynamic new folk collective Maukin, and featuring a late-night square-dance blowout with Quebec favourites Jean-François Berthiaume and Louis-Simon Lemieux.

For more than 20 years, Vishtèn has been a driving force in Acadian music, earning international recognition for their electrifying blend of traditional French songs, powerful instrumentals, and contemporary energy. With performances across North America, Europe, and Australia, a JUNO Award nomination, and multiple ECMA and Music PEI Awards, the group continues to evolve while remaining deeply rooted in Acadian culture.

Also appearing is Maukin, one of PEI’s most exciting new folk projects. Drawing from Irish, Scottish, and Acadian traditions, the group blends rich melodies, pipes, whistles, fiddle, guitar, and bodhrán into bold, genre-defying arrangements. Featuring

musicians formerly known for their acclaimed work with Ten Strings and a Goat Skin, Maukin pushes Atlantic Canada’s folk traditions forward while staying firmly grounded in the musical heritage of the Island.

The night culminates in a joyful, high-octane square dance experience led by Jean-François Berthiaume, one of Quebec’s most in-demand callers, percussionists, and step dancers. With more than two decades dedicated to researching, performing, and living Quebec’s folk traditions, Berthiaume is renowned for his infectious energy and ability to bring dance floors to life. He is joined by Louis-Simon Lemieux, a multi-instrumentalist and fiddler known for his passion, virtuosity, driving rhythms, and deep knowledge of Quebec, Irish, and Scottish repertoires.

Cabane Fever is presented in partnership with Confederation Centre of the Arts, the Fédération culturelle de l’Île-du-Prince-Édouard, Festival Route 11, and the Carrefour de l’IsleSaint-Jean, celebrating living folk traditions and the communal joy of music and dance.

The event is family-friendly and open to all ages, with bar service available. Tickets are available at confederationcentre.com.

PHOTOS: STEWART MACLEAN

Jean-François Berthiaume (left) and a night celebration at Festival Route 11

Jean-François Berthiaume (left), Vishtèn (above), and Maukin

PEI RECORDINGS

The Sun Witch

The Sun Witch

PEI’s The Sun Witch released their debut album on January 30.

The Sun Witch is the newest project from Island musician Roger Carter.

Carter has been a staple of the Charlottetown music scene for decades as a member of multiple Island bands (Pearly Gates, Racoon Bandit, North Lakes), as well as collaborating with and backing many Island musicians, including Dennis Ellsworth, Liam Corcoran, Al Tuck, and Nudie and the Turks. He has also composed soundtracks for multiple short films, particularly those by filmmaker Millefiore Clarkes (December in Toronto, Island Green, Love in Quarantine, and An Impression of Everything).

Recorded and produced by Carter at his home studio in Charlottetown, The Sun Witch features unconventional recording techniques, including tape manipulation, heavy layering, and no audio separation. The result is an ethereal wave of sound, with roaring, crashing highs and quiet, intimate moments of beauty.

Across 11 songs, the full-length album explores themes of light and darkness, love and self-preservation, as well as darker subjects such as oligarchy, isolation, depression, and other diseases of modern life.

The Sun Witch is available to stream and download on all major platforms. A limited run of 12” vinyl copies is also available.

Island Sass

Alanna Jankov

PEI singer-songwriter Alanna Jankov released her debut folk album Island Sass on January 25.

Rooted in the landscapes, characters, and contradictions of Charlottetown, PEI, and Caribou Island, NS, Island Sass is a deeply personal yet widely relatable collection of original songs. With equal measures of grit, warmth, and humour,

the album celebrates lived experience—the kind shaped by place, family, resilience, and an ability to laugh while learning lessons along the way.

Jankov’s songwriting blends storytelling with wry observation and emotional honesty. The result is an album that feels grounded, generous, and unmistakably Island-made. Created entirely without label support, the album is a fully independent production. It was produced, recorded, mixed, and mastered by Nathaniel Ing, and features Island musicians Logan Richard (guitar, banjo), John MacGregor (bass), Lori Linkletter (keys, backing vocals), and Luka Hall (fiddle).

A special highlight of the album is the bonus track “Willow’s Song –Feel Good Friday,” featuring guest vocals by Jankov’s five-year-old niece, Willow McGraw.

With Island Sass, Jankov offers a debut that is confident, unpretentious, and rich with story. It is available on all major streaming platforms.

Battle of the Bands

New addition to Music PEI Week in 2026

Music PEI is hosting its first annual battle of the bands, where young, up-and coming artists in PEI’s music scene will showcase their original music to a panel of judges, on February 28 at 5:30 pm in The Black Box at The Guild.

The show features performances by Kratom, Dear Blossom, Sundown, Her Travesty, The Driftways, and Lillian.

The audience’s vote counts, so make sure to come out and support the bands. While the judges decide the winner, there will be a headlining set by Space Bud. Visit theguildpei.com for tickets.

The Guild is located at 111 Queen Street in Charlottetown.

The Island Jubilee

Valentine’s Special at Florence Simmons—Feb 15

The Island Jubilee Old Time Radio Music Show is set to present its Valentine’s Special on February 15 at 2 pm at the Florence Simmons Performance Hall in Charlottetown.

The event brings together Tara MacLean, Julien Kitson, and high-energy step-dance sisters Ellie and Brooklyn MacKinnon, backed by the Jubilee All Stars.

Canadian singer-songwriter Tara MacLean is an internationally renowned and award-winning recording and touring artist. She’s written and recorded eight solo albums and two with her band Shaye. She recently received the Senate of Canada medal for her work in her community as well as the SOCAN Songwriter of the Year Award. She released her memoir in 2023, Song of the Sparrow with HarperCollins, as well as the corresponding soundtrack. MacLean is also a playwright, author, zen student, and poet, and resides in her home province of PEI.

Julien Kitson is a Stratford, PEIbased songwriter and multi-instrumentalist with a deeply rooted Island musical upbringing. Performing from a young age alongside his father, Joey, he cut his teeth at ceilidhs and benefit concerts across the Island before stepping into featured roles in theatre productions such as Stan Rogers: A Matter of Heart and Singalong Jubilee as a teenager. Now fronting the indie rock band Gizmo, Julien has emerged as a distinctive voice in East Coast music, touring nationally and building a reputation for dynamic, guitar-driven performances. His recent work has earned multiple Music PEI Award nominations and a nod for SOCAN Songwriter of the Year, underscoring his growing

Bluegrass fundraiser

Beaconsfield’s Carriage House— Feb 1

The PEI Bluegrass & Old Time Music Society fundraising concert on February 1 at Beaconsfield’s Carriage House in Charlottetown will feature Janet McGarry and Friends and Bluegrass Revival. The concert will begin at 2 pm.

Admission is at the door, with all proceeds going to the PEI Bluegrass Society fundraising program for the

impact as both a performer and writer.

Sisters Ellie and Brooklyn MacKinnon of Stratford, PEI, are accomplished competitive step dancers with Alignment Dance Arts. Ellie has trained in multiple dance styles and is the Limelight Vault Champion (2023) and Mercy Overall Group Champion (2025). Brooklyn, also an award-winning performer and assistant teacher with the Petite Step Team, has earned top placements at Limelight, Mercy, and Electric Beat competitions. Both are dedicated members of the Senior Step Team under Maggie Burns and Juliette Roberts.

The Island Jubilee supports both the QEH Foundation—through proceeds from 50/50 draws and autographed guitar raffles—and the Holland College School of Performing Arts. Visit islandjubilee.com for updates and follow on Facebook. Tickets are available at ticketpro.ca, in person at the box office, or by phone at 1-888-311-9090.

and Serge

38th Annual PEI Bluegrass & Old Time Music Festival, scheduled for July 3, 4, and 5 at the Dundas Fairgrounds. There will be a 50/50 draw and raffle tickets for a Martin guitar. The Carriage House is wheelchair accessible.

(L–R, from top): Julian Kitson, Tara MacLean, Brooklyn MacKinnon, and Ellie MacKinnon

Janet McGarry

Bernard

Rum Ragged

In concert at Harbourfront Theatre in March

Harbourfront Theatre, as part of its Harbour Highlights series, co-presents Rum Ragged with Under the Spire on March 5 at 7:30 pm in Summerside. Rum Ragged take a bold approach to the distinct folk music of their home, Newfoundland and Labrador. With a reverence for their roots and a creative, contemporary edge, this young band has quickly become known as leading performers of a great, living musical tradition. Boasting bouzouki, fiddle, bodhran, banjo, guitar, and button accordion, these 2021 JUNO Award nominees enliven and enlighten audiences with their signature brand of Newfoundland folk music.

Harbourfront Executive Director Mary Dennis recalls her first Rum Ragged experience: “I saw this group at a performing arts conference in

Colin Grant

Workshop and square dance at the Pourhouse—Feb 14

Cape Breton fiddler Colin Grant will bring his high-energy traditional music to the Pourhouse in Charlottetown on February 14. Grant will offer a workshop from 2:30–4 pm, followed by a square dance that evening beginning at 7 pm.

The evening will feature a spirited mix of jigs, reels, strathspeys, and waltzes. Doors open at 5 pm, with a full menu available. Local fiddlers will perform from 7–8 pm, followed by dancing from 8–10 pm. Grant will be joined onstage by PEI piano accompanist Darla Chaisson MacPhee, with dances called by Ward MacDonald. No square-dancing experience is necessary. This 19+ event is presented by the Queens County Fiddlers, with a portion of proceeds supporting

Newfoundland. Fantastically talented artists, and the energy in the room was nothing short of electric. I’m not a dancer, but it was awfully hard to stay in my seat! So, when Jennifer from Under the Spire approached me about teaming up to co-present this show, I was totally on board. Can’t wait to see their show on the Harbourfront stage.”

Jennifer Bartlett, Executive Director of Under the Spire, adds, “It is incredibly exciting to unite our stages and our audiences. Rum Ragged was an Under the Spire favourite, and we look forward to welcoming Harbourfront’s audience alongside our own for this groundbreaking initiative. We hope this is the beginning of many more collaborations with Harbourfront Theatre.”

Visit harbourfronttheatre.com to purchase tickets.

the preservation and promotion of traditional music in PEI. Tickets are available in advance by e-transfer to queenscountyfiddlers@gmail.com and at the door, subject to availability.

The afternoon workshop is open to intermediate and advanced fiddlers. Registration is limited to 15 participants. Email queenscountyfiddlers@ gmail.com to register.

Singing in the Dark Times

Monthly musical gathering at Village Green Brewery

Singing in the Dark Times is a casual community pub sing led by Megan Stewart and Lucy Farrell. Inspired by pub sings where people take turns leading songs that everyone joins in on, the group gathers monthly to sing folk songs, rounds, traditional, and other well-loved tunes.

The sing happens from 6:30-9 pm on the first Tuesday of every month at Village Green Brewery in Cornwall. The upcoming dates are February 3, March 3, and April 7.

Drop in at any time during the evening—all are welcome, and no prior singing experience is required. Bring friends, bring a song to share, or just come and sing along.

DANCES

A Latin Valentine’s Day Dance will be held on February 14 at The Guild in Charlottetown. Doors open at 6:30 pm, with the dance beginning at 7 pm. Attendees can dance the night away to live Latin music—salsa, bachata, merengue, cumbia, and more—performed by Latinacion, a Latino band from Moncton, or simply take in the lively music and enjoy Peruvian food provided by Sumaq. A cash bar will be available. Food and drinks are not included in the ticket price. A Latin afterparty will follow, featuring reggaeton, Latin pop, and more. The dance is an opportunity for every heartbeat to find its rhythm, whether you’re single and looking to mingle or a couple wanting a night out. Tickets: locarius.io; theguildpei.com

Valentine’s Dance for QEH Foundation

A Valentine’s Dance will be held on February 14 from 8–11:30 pm at Our Lady of Assumption, 145 Stratford Rd., Stratford. Presented by E & A, attendees can dance to the music of Back in Tyme. Proceeds will support the QEH Foundation. A cash bar will be available. Tickets are available by reservation only (call 902-201-5900 or 514-570-3169).

Kick Off Concert

Music PEI Week gets underway at The Guild—Feb 28

This year’s Music PEI Week Kick-Off Concert will be held in The Black Box at The Guild in Charlottetown on February 28 beginning at 9:30 pm. Start off Music PEI Week 2026 right with high-energy guitars, locked-in grooves, and pop melodies. Featuring Ava + Lily, Hit the Coast, The Trio from Mars, and Coyote, the bands unite with one common goal: fill the room with the most energy possible. For tickets, visit theguildpei.com or musicpei.com.

Ava + Lily

SUBMITTED

Latin Valentine’s Dance

Latinacion

ONGOING MUSIC

ceilidhs, dances, series, sessions...

Blues Jam

The Blues Jam with the Plain Dirty Blues band runs on the last Saturday of each month from 5:30–8 pm at Baba’s Lounge. The next jam is on February 28. Admission is by donation. Follow Plain Dirty Blues Band on FB for updates. 189 Great George St, Charlotteown.

Dunstaffnage Ceilidh

A ceilidh hosted by the Road Masters Band with guest entertainers is held at the Dunstaffnage School Centre on the first Sunday of each month. This month’s event will be held on February 1 at 7 pm. Guest entertainers include Winnie Murphy Cantello, Mildred Dover, Leonard Gaudet and Vince Sevoie (fiddle), and Lisa Birt. There will be a 50/50 draw, and coffee, tea, and juice will be served at intermission. Admission is at the door, and the venue is wheelchair accessible. 13529 St. Peters 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: Roland Beaulieu (guitar/ vocals) on February 7; Love Fest with Em Peters (guitar/vocals) & Spencer (keys/ vocals) on February 14; Kelley Mooney (vocals) & Todd Maclean (keys/sax) on February 21; and a Birthday Party for Theresa Malenfant on February 28. 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: Mercy Please! with Spencer Soloduka on February 5; Forgalhorn with Ken Fornetran on February 12; Tribute to Grahame Rhodes on February 19; and Groove Company on February 26. Admission is by donation. 181 Great George St, Charlottetown.

Our Lady of Assumption Ceilidh

The Assumption Catholic Women’s League and Assumption Knights of Columbus host a ceilidh on the third Sunday of each month from 2–4 pm at Assumption Parish Centre in Stratford.

“Without music, life would be blank to me.”

—Jane

Austen (Emma)

Admission is at the door. A 50/50 draw, tea, and light refreshments are included. 145 Stratford Rd, Stratford.

Saturday Sociables at The Olde Dublin

This lively series runs on Saturdays from 2–5 pm, celebrating live music, community, and winter fun at The Olde Dublin in Charlottetown. House bands The Wannabeez or Vintage 4.0 will anchor each show, joined throughout the series by rotating weekly hosts musical guests. The upcoming guest lineup includes: Craig Fair on February 7; Richard Wood on February 14; and Christine Campbell on February 21. Follow on social media for updates. 132 Sydney 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.

Summerside Kitchen Party

A matinee kitchen party featuring classic country and old rock ‘n’ roll with Back in Tyme (Blair Coughlin, Peter Burke, George MacPhee, Bob Gagnon) is held at the Summerside Legion on Saturdays, February 7 and 28 from 2–5 pm. Admission is at the door. 340 Notre Dame St, Summerside.

Sunday Hootenanny

Join The Blizzard Goat Band at Copper Bottom Brewing for the weekly Sunday Hootenanny from 3–5 pm. Free admission. 567 Main St, Montague.

Sunday Session

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

Trad Night at Village Green

An Irish 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 in Cornwall.

Winsloe United Ceilidh

Fundraising ceilidhs take place at Winsloe United every second Sunday at 2 pm. On February 1, host Jacinta MacDonald and the Winsloe United House Band welcome special guests Blake Crockett and Crystal Paynter. On February 15, the afternoon will feature the Langille Family Band (Brian Langille, Roberta Smith, Josh, Sam, and Simon Langille). The church is wheelchair accessible, and a light lunch will be served during intermission. Admission is at the door, which opens at 1:30 pm. 121 Winsloe Rd, Winsloe.

Catherine & Lucy

Valentine’s Day show at Copper Bottom—Feb 14

Copper Bottom Brewing in Montague presents JUNO Award winner Catherine MacLellan and Lucy Farrell for an intimate Valentine’s Day dinner and show on February 14 at 7:30 pm.

Fresh off a UK tour together, Catherine and Lucy will bring a collaborative night of songs and stories.

Though they grew up half a world apart, songwriters Catherine MacLellan (PEI, Canada) and Lucy Farrell (Kent, England) connect through the quiet brilliance of their songcraft and the warm clarity of their delivery. Catherine and Lucy’s songs journal the characters, landscapes, and situations that populate

their lives and the broader world, unraveling and reweaving the threads of history and tradition with the deftness and surety that has made them notable touring and recording artists.

Doors open at 5:30 pm. Tickets are available at copperbottombrewing.com.

Warm Voices for a Cold Day

In concert at Park Royal United—Feb 21

Island A Cappella, PEI’s renowned women’s barbershop chorus, will present Warm Voices for a Cold Day—an uplifting concert of four-part harmonies and joyful performances—on February 21 at 2 pm at Park Royal United in Charlottetown.

The concert will feature a cappella music in the barbershop style, performed by Island A Cappella’s multi-generational chorus, along with special guest performers quartet QKnew and multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Ross Malcolm Boyd.

Founded in 1982 as the Abegweit Chimes, the chorus rebranded as Island A Cappella in 2014 and performs at festivals, churches, community events, fundraisers, and special occasions.

Island A Cappella is a registered non-profit organization and a chapter member of Harmony, Inc., an international women’s barbershop organization dedicated to empowering women through music, education, and friendship. The chorus also participates in an annual regional Convention and Contest in Sackville, NB while

maintaining a strong focus on community engagement and performances.

Tickets are available via Eventbrite or at the door, with a portion of the proceeds donated to Blooming House Women’s Shelter. For tickets and more information, visit islandacappella.ca.

Amabile Singers

Spring Park United—Feb 1

Amabile Singers will present a concert on February 1 at 2:30 pm at Spring Park United in Charlottetown. The choir is directed by Clem Carelse, with accompaniment by Sarah White. The program includes Don Macdonald’s setting of poetry by Malca Litovitz; three movements from John Rutter’s Requiem; selections from the songbook of Billy Joel; and music by Eric Whitacre, Ola Gjeilo, and Gordon Lightfoot. Admission is pay-what-you-can. The storm date is February 15.

Lucy Farrell (left) and Catherine MacLellan

ANDREW LEWIS

Island A Cappella chorus at the 2025 Area 1 Convention & Contest in Sackville, NB

Music Arcade

by Dennis Ellsworth

Nicolás Romero

Nicolás Romero is a young guitar player, singer, and songwriter from Cuernavaca, Mexico. He moved to Prince Edward Island on August 28, 2022 to attend Holland College’s School of Performing Arts and Berklee Pathway Program. He tells me that moving to Prince Edward Island is the best life decision he’s made, so far.

Nico was born with Bilateral Congenital Aural Atresia and Microtia (CAMM). This condition affects one in 100,000 newborns. He was born without ear canals, ear drums, or outer ears, and through multiple reconstructive surgeries, he now has the ability to hear. When he was a very young child, his parents believed he was deaf, but while out one day with his grandfather, they came upon a busker. His grandfather took Nico’s hand and placed it on the busker’s guitar and he responded to the vibrations coming from the instrument. This was the start of a transformation that has led him down this passionate path in pursuit of a life in music.

Global Mental Health Day. He has been quietly working on a broader collection of songs and has more releases planned for 2026. His recordings are self-produced and recorded at home with friends. “Make It Shine” was mixed by Adam Gallant at The Hill Sound.

Beyond songwriting and performing, Nico is a passionate photographer and advocate for creativity as self-expression and healing. Whether behind the guitar or the camera, he believes art is a universal language that transcends barriers.

Charlottetown Improv Lab

Fifth and final experiment at City Cinema—Feb 7

The Charlottetown Improvisation Laboratory will present the final concert in its five-part series at City Cinema in Charlottetown on February 7 at 7:30 pm.

Nominated for Music PEI Awards for Achievement in Jazz/ Blues Music as well as Achievement in Classical Music, the Improv Labs have brought together some of the Island’s most talented musicians. Over the five volumes, the series has commissioned twenty-five pieces of original music.

Nico’s primary instrument is guitar, and since his arrival in 2022, he has been a very busy collaborator and band mate to many. As a child, Nico played piano but it didn’t click for him and eventually he settled on guitar. Inspired heavily by the playing of John Mayer and the pop melody style of Coldplay, he started to refine his own sound. His warmth and groove are showcased in his versatility and ability to move seamlessly between genres such as funk, neo-soul, smooth jazz, pop, Latin, and folk. Aside from performing under his own name, he is a member of Lefunk, The Soosh, and he often plays with Diana Delirio, Julia Robichaud, Todd Maclean, Luisa Güiza, Island Jazz, and Maya Marquez.

Romero began songwriting in high school, but since moving to PEI, and feeling inspired by his community, it has really become a focus for him. It is a powerful outlet to process life and his struggles. His songs are deeply personal vignettes about rediscovering one’s place in the world. They are windows into his world of resilience, artistry, and heart. His journey hasn’t been an easy one, but through music, Nico has found healing. His energy is warm and kind, and his talent is clear.

His first single, “Make It Shine,” was released on October 10, 2025 to mark

He lives by the belief that no obstacle should stand between a person and their dreams, and his story is a reminder that resilience can turn challenges into inspiration and expression. Nico’s song, “Make It Shine,” can be found on any of the music streaming outlets. If you’d like to see him perform, you can find him in Charlottetown at upcoming School of Performing Arts Recitals with Paulina Cooper, Dawson Hall, and Kionna Paul-Dedam on February 6, and with his group Lefunk at Hunter’s on Valentine’s Day.

Rock ‘n’ roll fundraiser

Jack Blanchard Hall—Feb 14

The band WE 3 and members of the former Blue Crystals will host a Valentine’s Rock ’n’ Roll Concert at Jack Blanchard Hall in Charlottetown on February 14 from 7–9 pm. The evening is a fundraiser for the Brain Injury Association of PEI. Admission is available at the door. To reserve tables, contact Jo-Ann at 902-213-1480.

Directed and curated by bassist Adam Hill, the Charlottetown Improvisation Laboratory is an ever-rotating assembly of musicians who have never performed together. The group joins forces for a single evening of brand-new music. Combining artists that hail from different genres with diverse musical experiences, the show challenges members of the ensemble to find a common musical language— and everyone in the theatre gets to learn that language at the same time. Like previous Improv Lab bands, Volume 5 will showcase an all-star lineup of Island musicians featuring Iván Garnica on guitar, Julain Molnar on voice, Olasunkanmi Omotosho on violin, and Trevor Grant on drums.

Each member of the band will debut a new composition written specifically for this show, based on the concept of “structured improvisation.”

Grounded in elements of instruction and notation, each piece also includes room for conversation and risktaking. The composers will trade turns directing the musical material, and neither the audience nor the performers will know exactly how things will unfold. Along with the new compositions, Hill will lead the band through a few not-so-standards that build connections between the repertoire and give each performer an opportunity to shine. To top things off, Hill has created a colourful visual backdrop to be projected behind the band—ambient film that complements the musical textures created on stage. Advance tickets can be purchased online at citycinema.ca, with both adult and student/artist pricing available.

PEI Intermediate Honour Band

In concert at UPEI Performing Arts Centre—Feb 8

The PEI Intermediate Honour Band will perform in concert at 2 pm on February 8 at the UPEI Performing Arts Centre, under the direction of Dr. Jason Caslor of Arizona State University.

The PEI Intermediate Honour Band is a provincial organization first spearheaded by the PEI Intermediate Band Teachers’ Association in 1991. Now in its 35th year, its main goal remains the same: to provide an enrichment program for the Island’s most motivated senior-year intermediate band students.

This year, the band is made up of approximately 90 student representatives from 14 schools across PEI. They represent the Public Schools Branch,

La Commission scolaire de langue française, and Immanuel Christian School. Students were selected based on their musical ability and demonstrated commitment to their school band programs.

Among other works, the 2026 PEI Intermediate Honour Band is part of a commissioning consortium premiering a new piece by Steven Bryant titled “Engines of Wonder.” The work features electronic tracks and live loops created in a digital audio workstation and mixed with live wind and percussion instruments.

Seating is limited, and tickets must be purchased in advance from members of the band.

LIAM CERISANO

(clockwise from top-left): Julain Molnar, Iván Garnica, Trevor Grant, Olasunkanmi Omotosho and Adam Hill (centre)

PHOTOS SUBMITTED

TRIVIA

Be You Bar

February 5 (8 pm) with Artsy Fartsy Entertainment. Music Bingo on January 14 (8 pm) with Artsy Fartsy Entertainment. 119 Grafton St, Charlottetown.

Bogside Brewing

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

Borden-Carleton Legion

Feb 14 (7 pm) with Fallon. 240 Main St, Borden-Carleton.. 240 Main St, Borden-Carleton.

Churchill Arms

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

Copper Bottom Brewing

Taproom Trivia on Fridays (7 pm) with Dana Jones. 567 Main St, Montague.

The Factory Entertainment Trivia Thursdays (7 pm) with Darcy Campbell. Fridays (8 pm) with Mark Cameron. Music Bingo on Saturdays (7 pm) with Darcy Campbell. 189 Kent St, Charlottetown.

FiN Folk Food

Tuesdays (6 pm). 106 Beach Road Grand Tracadie.

Founders’ Food Hall & Market

Feb 28 (5 pm) with Darcy Campbell. 6 Prince St, Charlottetown.

Hopyard

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

Hunter’s Ale House

Entertainment Trivia on Thursdays (9 pm) with Darcy Campbell; Name That Tune Trivia on Sundays (9 pm) with Andrew Rollins. 185 Kent St, Charlottetown.

The Local Pub and Oyster Bar

Fridays (7:30 pm) with Kirk MacKinnon. 202 Buchanan Dr, Charlottetown.

Lone Oak Brewing Co

February 7 & 13 (7 pm). 103 Abegweit Blvd, Borden-Carleton.

Montague Legion

Thursdays (7 pm) with the Catch the King of Clubs draw. 15 Douses Rd, Montague.

Olde Dublin

Hurricanes Trivia on Mondays (7:30 pm); Trivia & Tunes on Thursdays (7:30 pm) with Wade Babineau. 132 Sydney St, Charlottetown.

Village Green

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

Live at Trailside

A selection from

February’s music lineup

The Trio From Mars Album Launch with Wrong Planet Band

February 6 ›› 8 pm

The Trio From Mars is releasing their Music PEI Award–nominated album General Store, with special guests Wrong Planet Band opening the show.

Amanda Jackson and Route 225 Valentine’s Show

February 14 ›› 8 pm

After a debut sold-out show, Amanda Jackson and Route 225 return with a special Valentine’s show.

After Hours Band

February 20 & 21 ›› 8 pm

This powerhouse six-member PEI cover band—featuring seasoned pros from Haywire and Ninth Hour—brings together Kenny Vail, David Rashed, Dean MacKinnon, Ron Atkinson, Matt Anderson, and Will MacKinnon for an electrifying live experience. With a guitar- and keyboard-driven sound, they deliver a high-energy mix of 80s and 90s rock and pop hits from Van Halen, Journey, Def Leppard, Loverboy, ZZ Top, The Cult, and more.

A Night of Songs & Stories

Shane Pendergast, Emilea May, and Liam Corcoran

Feb 26 ›› 8 pm

Shane Pendergast has folk music in his blood. Hailing from a long lineage of storytellers and musicians in PEI, he is keeping the Maritime folk tradition alive with his honest and insightful compositions. From acclaimed folk festivals around the world to the small halls of PEI, Shane has cemented himself as one of Atlantic Canada’s finest folk troubadours.

Emilea May is a PEI singer-songwriter whose music resonates with the raw beauty of her surroundings. With serene melodies paired with introspective lyrics, her music offers a glimpse into her soul. She weaves tales inspired by the mysteries of creation, the bonds of human connection, and the transformative journey of motherhood.

Liam Corcoran is a PEI singer-songwriter based in Charlottetown. He is also the lead singer and co-founder of the indie-pop group Two Hours Traffic.

Brothers MacPhee

Nirvana Unplugged in NY

February 27 ›› 8 pm

Join Curtis, Alex, Cory, Laurie, Dave, and Kev for a night of Nirvana Unplugged in New York, performing their rendition of the full-length album front to back. Unplugged was released on November 1, 1994. Audience members can sing along to all their favourites from this nostalgic album. After the album is finished, there will be bonus Nirvana tracks, along with a mash-up of 90s grunge and alternative songs to complete the night.

Boots and Bets

A Night of Country Fun and Casino Action in support of the PEI Symphony Orchestra

February 28 ›› 8 pm

Dust off your boots, dress in western gear, try your luck at the tables, take a spin on the dance floor, and browse silent auction items—all in support of the PEI Symphony Orchestra. Tickets include $1000 in casino cash.

Brothers MacPhee perform Nirvana Unplugged in New York on February 27

Riddle Me This

Songs that ask questions without

Sirens presents Riddle Me This at Park Royal United in Charlottetown on February 7 at 7:30 pm.

Step into a sound world where things aren’t always as they seem. Riddle Me This invites the audience to listen between the lines through riddles, tongue twisters, and texts that twist and turn as playfully as the music itself. Each piece offers a secret to uncover, a pattern to decode, or a mystery to simply sit within.

Off-kilter, curious, and full of delight, this program celebrates the joy

of not having all the answers—and the beauty that lives inside the questions.

From the ancient wisdom and swirling energy of Katerina Gimon’s “O Virtus Sapientiae,” to the sly wit of Jaakko Mäntyjärvi’s “Juliet November Tango,” and the luminous wonder of Ēriks Ešenvalds’ “Stars,” this concert moves between the playful and the profound. Pianist Stephanie Cole will also be featured in the performance. Tickets are available at sirenschoir. com/concerts or at the door, with paywhat-you-can pricing available.

TOURISM IS HIRING!

Fascinating Ladies of Country

Young at Heart Theatre touring new show this spring

Young at Heart Theatre, a charity theatre organization now in its 21st year of operation, will be touring a brand-new show this spring to venues across PEI.

Fascinating Ladies of Country is a celebratory musical revue featuring music from some of the most iconic and influential female country artists of the and “Miss Chatelaine.”

Fascinating Ladies of Country is written, compiled, and directed by Catherine O’Brien, with musical direction and arrangements by Brielle Ansems. The cast features PEI artists Olivia Blacquiere, Stephanie Ross, and Haley Zavo.

(L–R): Brielle Ansems, Haley Zavo, Olivia Blacquiere, Stephanie Ross, and Catherine O’Brien

Sirens Choir

Jimmy Rankin

With Catherine MacLellan and JP Cormier at Harbourfront

Harbourfront Theatre welcomes Jimmy Rankin’s Kitchen Party to its stage in Summerside on February 27 at 7:30 pm.

Gather in the spirit of a Cape Breton kitchen party hosted by renowned artist Jimmy Rankin and Atlantic Canadian songwriters JP Cormier and Catherine MacLellan. In this intimate songwriters’ circle format, audience members can immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of melodies and stories woven through the Maritime music scene and experience the heart and soul of Atlantic Canada’s music heritage, where every note is a celebration of our vibrant culture.

“We couldn’t think of a better event to kick off our 30th anniversary year,” says Mary Dennis, Harbourfront’s Executive Director. “This year is about celebrating the artists and experiences that have helped create our history over these last three decades, and all three of these artists have been great friends of our stage for many years.”

Tickets are available online at harbourfronttheatre.com.

Music PEI Week 2026

Honouring the past and future of Island music

Music PEI Week 2026 runs from February 28–March 7. The longstanding community festival marks a significant milestone this year: its 25th anniversary. Music PEI Week 2026 reflects both its past and future with new events, unexpected venues, and collaborations, combined with nostalgia sprinkled throughout the festival.

To honour its history, an exhibit will be presented at The Guild in Charlottetown, highlighting this year’s Visual Artist of the Year nominees. The exhibit will also feature a retrospective of the past 25 years of events and graphic design—a reflection on where Music PEI started and how far the organization has come.

The week also expands into film at City Cinema in Charlottetown with a screening of the Music Video of the Year nominees, followed by a double feature of This Is Spinal Tap and Spinal Tap II: The End Continues. The Music Video of the Year Award will be presented live between films.

Another notable addition this year is the first-ever Battle of the Bands. Featuring Kratom, Dear Blossom, Sundown, Her Travesty, The Driftways, and Lillian, these emerging musicians will showcase their music

Loreena McKennitt

The Mask and Mirror 30th anniversary tour

Canadian singer-songwriter Loreena McKennitt will be commemorating the 30th anniversary of her album The Mask and Mirror with a tour in Eastern Canada this fall, including a stop at the Sobey Family Theatre in Charlottetown on October 15. This marks the second leg of the anniversary tour, first performed for European festival audiences in the summer of 2024.

The 1994 studio album was described by Billboard Magazine that same year as “timeless and transcendent.” Celebrated for its cross-cultural fertilization, it weaves together Celtic, Spanish, and Moroccan influences. It has sold more than two million copies worldwide.

to a panel of judges and compete for a day of recording at The Hill Sound Studio and the brand-new Battle of the Bands Award. The night also includes a headlining set by Space Bud and doubles as a fundraiser for food scarcity; bring a non-perishable item in exchange for $5 off admission.

Music PEI Week 2026 is also venturing into alternative venues this year.

A special event will take place inside the indoor skate park at Generation XX Youth Club in Summerside. Starting with an open skate and ending with sets from Dazey, Oakdrive, Broadcast Failure, and Firing Squad, this all-ages event invites everyone to experience the energy and talent of PEI’s punk, metal, and emo music scene.

The SOCAN Songwriter of the Year Concert will also see an enhancement this year, with a selection of musicians from the PEI Symphony Orchestra joining the artists on stage to perform newly arranged versions of their songs. This collaboration offers a one-of-a-kind experience for showgoers, blending classical interpretation with the songs and tales of some of the Island’s best storytellers.

For full event details and tickets, visit musicpei.com.

The first set each evening will feature fan favourites, with the second set featuring every song on the album. Loreena will be accompanied by Caroline Lavelle on cello, Brian Hughes on guitar, Hugh Marsh on violin, Dudley Phillips on bass, and Robert Brian on drums.

“This album was a historical and musical pilgrimage for me and I’m thrilled to bring this concert home,” McKennitt states. “This is a milestone anniversary in my career and I look forward to celebrating it with Canadian audiences, including Atlantic

Lovesick

Pianist Sarah Hagen will perform “Lovesick! Romance and Heartbreak in Classical Music” on February 6 at St. Paul’s in Charlottetown.

Through storytelling and music, Hagen explores the love stories (good and bad) of some of her favourite composers. The 75-minute programme will include music by Satie, Bach, Piazzolla, and more.

An award-winning classical pianist with a wry wit, Hagen enjoys a rich and diverse concertising life, touring extensively to Europe and across Canada and the US, including twice to Carnegie Hall. She was selected by the National Arts Centre as an official artist for Expo Osaka in July 2025.

Doors open at 7 pm with music

Canada where we have not performed in a decade.”

McKennitt’s eclectic Celtic blend of pop, folk and world music has sold more than 14 million albums worldwide. Her recordings have achieved gold, platinum and multi-platinum status in 15 countries on four continents. She has twice been nominated for a Grammy Award and has won two JUNO Awards, as well as a Billboard International Achievement Award. McKennitt was inducted into the Canadian Songwriter’s Hall of Fame in March 2023 and The Canadian Music Hall of Fame in May 2025.

Tickets are on sale now at loreenamckennitt.com/tours.

at 7:30 pm. Admission is pay-whatyou-will at the door or by e-transfer to sarah@sarahhagen.com

For more information, email info@ sarahhagen.com.

Jimmy Rankin

Sarah Hagen

Solo piano recital at St. Paul’s—Feb 6

LIVE MUSIC

bars, lounges, pubs, cafés...

Albert & Crown Pub

Very Best of Up West (Jan 30 @7 pm); Joey Doucette (Feb 6/13/20/27 @8 pm); Crystal Paynter & Joey Doucette (13 @7 pm); Floyd Gaudet (14 @6 pm); Blair Gaudet (27 @6 pm); Perry Batten & Jim Williams (28 @6 pm). 480 Main St, Alberton.

Baba’s Lounge

Fridays & Saturdays (10 pm *unless noted): Good Dear Good (Jan 30); Plain Dirty Blues (31 @5 pm); DJ Night–Diego (31); TBA (Feb 6); DJ Hype - Retro Night (7); Javier & Diego (13); Emo Night (14); Vulgar - Classic Metal Night (20); DJ Iris, Ryskie, Sean Keating, D-Rok (21); Felix Fawkes (Cheeky Boys), DMayne Event, SoundSeeker (27); Plain Dirty Blues (28 @5 pm); Riptyde DJ Night (28). Open Mic with KINLEY on Wednesdays (9 pm). Island Jazz on Thursdays (8 pm). 181 Great George St, Charlottetown.

Bogside Brewing

Fridays & Saturdays (6:30–9:30 pm): Barry O’Brien (Jan 30); Billy White (31): Jon Matthews (Feb 6); Michael Sigouin (7); Adam MacGregor (13); Steve Zaat (14); Margarita Wayne (20); Ryan Merry (21); Marvin Birt (27); Rodney Perry (28). 11 Brook St, Montague.

Borden-Carleton Legion

Karen & Mike Penton on February 14 (9 pm). 240 Main St, Borden-Carleton.

Brothers 2

Thursdays (7–9 pm) & Fridays (7–10 pm): Danny Drouin (Jan 30); Jordan Cameron (Jan 5); Chris & Andy (6); Nick Hann (12); Lawrence Maxwell (13); Logan Maddix (19); D’Arcy & Moe (20); Marc Coughlin (26); Danny Drouin (27). 618 Water St, Summerside.

The Cave at The Factory

Live DJ on Saturdays (10 pm–2 am): Open Decks with Purdy (Jan 30 *Fri); Purdy (31); Jeremie (Feb 7); Open Decks with Purdy (13 *Fri); Purdy Boiler Room (14); TBA (21); Laey (28). 189 Kent St, Charlottetown.

Charlottetown Legion

Saturdays (9:30 pm–12:30 am): Kim Albert and Faces (Jan 31); Rustlers (Feb 7); The Wannabeez (14); Miller Creek (21); Kim Albert & Faces (28). 99 Pownal St, Charlottetown.

Copper Bottom Brewing

The Blizzard Goat Band on Sundays (3–5 pm). Live Band Karaoke on February 7 (7:30 pm) with Take The Mic. Catherine MacLellan and Lucy Farrell on February 14 (7:30 pm *ticketed). 567 Main St, Montague.

Evermoore Brewing

Tuesdays (6–8 pm): Nick Doneff (Feb 3); Braedon Quarles (10); Jordan Cameron (14 *Sat @5 pm); Jonny Ray Arsenault (17); Margarita Wayne (24). Irish Traditional Session with Geoff Charlton on Saturdays (1:30–4 pm). 192 Water St, Summerside.

The Factory

Live DJ on Fridays and Saturdays (11 pm): Derek (Feb 6/ 21/27); Douce (7/13/20); Method (14/28). 189 Kent St, Charlottetown.

FiN Folk Food

Fridays (5:30–7:30 pm): Nathan Carragher (Jan 30); Lawrence Maxwell (6/20); Mat Hannah (13/27). 106 Beach Rd, Grand Tracadie.

Founders’ Food Hall & Market

Ross Boyd (Jan 31 @5 pm); Nathan Carragher (Feb 7 @5 pm); Adam MacGregor (15 @12:30 pm); Martin Watson (16 @2:15 pm); Thatcher Mackay (21 @5 pm). 6 Prince St, Charlottetown.

Gahan House

Fridays (9 pm). 126 Sydney St, Charlottetown.

Hunter’s Ale House

Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays (11 pm): The VLTs (Jan 30); Neon Country (31); Carter MacLellan (Feb 5/19); Holy Hannah Trio (6/20); Neon Country (7/21); Jon & Liam Acoustic (12); Brad & Isaac (13/27); Gin N Tonic (14); Mat & Friends (26); Lieutenant Dan (28). Open Mic with Travis on Mondays (10 pm). 185 Kent St, Charlottetown.

John Brown Grille

Saturdays (2–5 pm *unless noted): Dave Woodside (Jan 31): Saul Good Duo (Feb 7); Stratton and Kays (14 @6 pm); Adam & Liam (16 *Mon @5 pm); Dave Woodside (21); Kim Albert (28). Live DJs on Saturdays (11 pm): Purdy (7); Dekz (14); Mojo (21); Jeremie (28). 132 Richmond St, Charlottetown.

Lone Oak Brew Pub

Thursdays (6–8 pm): Nathan Carragher (Feb 5); Kevin MacPhee (12); Mike Stratton (19); Brian Dunn (26). 15 Milky Way, Charlottetown.

Lone Oak Brewing Co

Fraser MacCallum (Feb 6 @7 pm); Dan Doiron (20 @7 pm). 103 Abegweit Blvd, Borden-Carleton.

Montague Legion

Saturdays (bi-weekly, 6–9 pm): Taylor Johnson (Jan 31); Lisa Birt (Feb 14); TBA (28). 15 Douses Rd, Montague.

Olde Dublin Pub

Fridays & Saturdays (6–9 pm). Saturday Sociables (2 pm): Vintage 4.0 with Craig Fair (Feb 7); Vintage 4.0 with Richard Wood (14); The Wannabeez with Christine Campbell (21); The Wannabeez with TBA (28). Saturdays late night (10 pm–2 am): MacBeth (Jan 31); Roundabout (Feb 7); TBA (14); Adam MacGregor and the Foes (21); Main Street Bullies (28). Trivia and Tunes on Thursdays (7:30 pm) with Cone and weekly guest. 132 Sydney St, Charlottetown.

PEI Brewing Company

Acoustic Fridays (4–7 pm): Ethan MacPhee (Jan 30); Wayne Gallant (Feb 6); Brothers MacPhee (13); Ethan MacPhee (20); Fraser McCallum (27). 96 Kensington Rd, Charlottetown.

PonyBoat

Live DJ on Fridays and Saturdays (11 pm). 157 Kent St, Charlottetown.

Razzy’s Roadhouse

Fridays (6–9 pm): Margarita Wayne (Jan 30); Kevin Arthur (Feb 6); Rod & Blake Duo (13); Brian Dunn (20); Margarita Wayne (27). 161 St. Peters Rd, Charlottetown.

RCAF Wing Summerside

Fridays (7 pm), Saturdays (9 pm) & Sundays (2 pm): Kevin Arthur (Jan 30); Dunk River (31); Still Kickin (Feb 1/8/15/22), TBA (6/13/20/27); Nightshift (7); Dave, Tom & Joey (14); Roundabout (21); Neon Country (28). 329 North Market St, Summerside.

Red’s Gold Cup Lounge

Saturdays (8–11 pm): Mat Hannah (Jan 31); Roger Stone (Feb 7); Lawrence Maxwell (14); Karen & Mike Penton (21); Brian Dunn (28). Red Shores, 21 Exhibition Dr, Charlottetown.

Slaymaker & Nichols

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

Summerside Legion

Kitchen Party with Back in Tyme on February 7 & 28 (2–5 pm). Johnny G and the Legionnaires on Fridays (9 pm). Open mic with Adam Bassett on Thursdays (7 pm). 340 Notre Dame St, Summerside.

MUSIC

UPEI Multicultural Choir

The UPEI Multicultural Choir meets every Tuesday from 4:30–5:30 pm at UPEI’s Robertson Library (Room 235) in Charlottetown. In each session, participants take turns leading simple songs in their own language or songs with cultural significance from their home country or region. The choir is a fun, non-judgmental opportunity to learn different languages and share the joy of music. All sessions are free to attend and

KARAOKE/ OPEN MIC

Baba’s Lounge

Karaoke on Mondays (10 pm). Open mic on Wednesdays (9 pm) with KINLEY. 181 Great George St, Charlottetown.

Be You Bar

Karaoke on February 4 & 11 (8 pm–12 am) with DJ Obsidian. 119 Grafton St, Charlottetown.

Copper Bottom Brewing

Live Band Karaoke on February 7 (7:30 pm) with Take The Mic. Sign up at takethemicband.ca. 567 Main St, Montague.

The Factory

Karaoke on Thursdays (10 pm) with Jack Day. 189 Kent St, Charlottetown.

Hunter’s Ale House

Karaoke on Mondays (10 pm) with Travis. 185 Kent St, Charlottetown.

Montague Legion

Karaoke on Fridays (8 pm–1 am) with Gloria. 15 Douses Rd, Montague.

Razzy’s Roadhouse

Karaoke on February 14 (7–10 pm) with Jack Day. 161 St. Peters Rd, Charlottetown.

Summerside Legion

Open mic on Thursdays (7 pm) with Adam Bassett. 340 Notre Dame St, Summerside.

open to all members of the community. No singing experience is necessary. Light refreshments are provided. Info: bmcduffee@upei.ca

Informal jam session

The next jam session for adults at the Summerside Library (57 Central St) will be held on February 9 at 6:30 pm. Bring or borrow an instrument from the library and join other musicians for an informal evening of playing music.

Kings County Music Festival

Organizers are seeking young musicians who enjoy performing to consider entering this year’s Kings County Music Festival (KCMF), taking place from May 4–8. KCMF is one of four local divisions of the PEI Kiwanis Music Festival Association, whose purpose is to promote and encourage musical growth through local festivals offering both competitive and non-competitive classes. Cash awards for top performers in each discipline are presented, and competitors may be recommended by adjudicators to the provincial music festival. KCMF offers classes in piano, voice, instrumental, and choral (school and community) for all levels, from beginner to advanced. Visit peikmfa.ca for guidelines, a list of classes, and online entry forms. The entry deadline is February 28. Questions can be directed to Anne White at 902-838-2681 or dawhite@pei.sympatico.ca.

BRIDGE TO GO 2! Irene and Carol will review intermediate bidding and defence skills essential for your bridge tool box. Five weeks on Wednesdays, February 18–March 18, 6:30–8:30 pm at Haviland Club. Registration $100. sheila.bacon22@ gmail.com, 902-940-0222.

ORGANIC VEGGIE DELIVERY

New customers get $5 off first order. Home delivery (year-round) of fresh local organic veggies and more. Veggie Boxes or custom orders. Aaron Koleszar 902-659-2575, aaron@organicveggiedelivery.com, organicveggiedelivery.com

ISSUE# 386 • FEBRUARY 2026

buzzpei.com @buzzpei

Editor: Yanik Richards

Editor: Michelle Ollerhead Website: Nakeesa Aghdasy

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

Contributors: Julie Bull, Mo Duffy, Dennis Ellsworth, Takako Morita, Tara Reeves, JoDee Samuelson, Gary Schneider, Bren Simmers, Ashleigh Tremere, Richard Vickerson

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.

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

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

COVER:

Runaway, acrylic on canvas, 16”x20” by Richard Vickerson

Richard Vickerson is a native of Charlottetown, PEI. Although very much a self-taught artist, he has attended workshops with Don Pentz, Alice Reed, and Barry Jeeves. He has participated in solo and group exhibitions throughout PEI at the Holland College Centre of Creative Arts, Confederation Centre of the Arts, The Island Art Gallery, Eptek Art & Culture Centre, and Details Fine Art Gallery. He has also exhibited at the Dowling Walsh Gallery in Rockland, Maine, and the Robertson Gallery in Ottawa. In 2008, Vickerson became an elected member of the Canadian Society of Painters in Watercolour. His work has been represented in the American Artists to Embassies Program, The Canadiana Collection, as well as many private and corporate collections.

Visit Details Fine Art Gallery online (detailsfineart.com) or in Charlottetown to see more of his works.

Advertising: sales@buzzpei.com

Editorial: info@buzzpei.com

Contraception: Know Your Options

Making informed choices about your sexual and reproductive health is important!

Did you know? Most prescription contraceptives are FREE, thanks to National Pharmacare, for PEI residents with a valid health card. No application is needed, and many options can be prescribed by a pharmacist.

Learn about your contraception options and how to access them at the Women and Gender Diverse People’s Health Hub.

FRIDAYS 7:30 PM