The Buzz - November 2025

Bette Young (detail)

OCTOBER 30, 31

OCTOBER 31

The 39 Steps

NOVEMBER 1, 6, 7 & 8, 2025

NOVEMBER 1, 6, 7 & 8, 2025

Seaside Theatre production at Scott MacAulay Centre

Seaside Theatre Company’s fourth production, The 39 Steps, adapted by Patrick Barlow, takes the stage on November 20, 21, 22, and 23 at 7:30 pm at the Scott MacAulay Performing Arts Centre in Summerside.

Mix a Hitchcock masterpiece with a juicy spy novel, add a dash of Monty Python, and you have The 39 Steps—a fast-paced whodunit for anyone who loves the magic of theatre. This two-time Tony and Drama Desk Award–winning script is packed with nonstop laughs, over 150 zany characters, an onstage plane crash, a thrilling train escape, and a good old-fashioned romance.

Mind of a Chef Oysters, Pearl & Smoke Experimental Workshop

Mind of a Chef Oysters, Pearl & Smoke Experimental Workshop

The Seven Courses Gourmet Breakfast

The Seven Courses Gourmet

Foraging Tour

Foraging Tour

In The 39 Steps, a man with a completely boring life accidentally becomes “involved” in murder and mystery when a woman who professes to be a spy is murdered in his apartment. Soon, a mysterious organization starts pursuing the man across the British Isles. After many adventures

and close calls, he faces the organization in a death-defying finale. The cast includes Carol-Anne Luddington, Katie Kelly, Zachary Martin, Meghan Skerry, and Ashley Vautour. Directed by Stuart Smith, with additional direction by Al Harrington and Shelley Schurman, and stage-managed by Vanessa MacArthur. Visit tproatlantic.tickepro.ca to purchase tickets.

Art Forest & Woodland Trails

Art Forest & Woodland Trails

Sir Alfred’s

Christmas

Christmas dinner theatre in Morell

The Morell and Area Development Corporation, in cooperation with the Morell Volunteer Fire Department, has confirmed dates for its second annual Christmas dinner theatre. The 2025 production, Sir Alfred’s Christmas Extravaganza, supports the Morell Fire Truck Replacement Fund and will take place at the Morell Fire Department. Performances include a matinee at 1 pm on November 30, followed by

evening shows at 7 pm on December 1, 2, 5 (sold out), 8, and 9. Doors open at 6:30 pm for evening performances. Directed by Eamon Dooley, the cast features Sheila Fitzpatrick, Thomas Hogan, Breanna MacAdam, Roderick MacDonald, Louise MacKinnon, and Vera Teschow, with costumes by Jenny Dunn. Ticket-holders will enjoy a three-course Christmas meal provided by Holy Cow, while the Morell Firefighters will offer a cash bar and a 50/50 draw.

Tickets are available by e-transfer to morell.area.dev.corp@gmail.com or in person (cash only) at the Morell Credit Union. When ordering, indicate if a gluten-free meal is required. For more information, contact Darlene Doiron at 506-381-8255 or Cletus Dunn at 902-853-7648.

(L–R): Katie Kelly, Zachary Martin, and Meghan Skerry

Profile: Dan MacDonald by Julie Bull

Book love

business. After doing the latter for a short time, he found his way to following that dream of owning a bookstore. “Bookmark was listed for sale in the same week that my job ended.” The serendipitous moment was not without its challenges. “There was a doom and gloom energy with the rise of online shopping, e-readers, and audiobooks.” Some people were skeptical about the longevity of brick-and-mortar shops selling physical books but as any booklover will say, “there’s nothing quite like having a book in hand, getting lost in the stories that fill the pages.”

Dan didn’t allow the challenges to stop him, and Bookmark continues to grow, now with three locations (Charlottetown, Halifax, and Fredericton). “I’m especially proud of the ways that we can support local authors in various events throughout the year.” When dreaming up what it would be like to own a bookstore, Dan said he didn’t really think much about author events, and now those events are a cornerstone to Bookmark and the literary community.

Not only is Dan committed to supporting local authors through his work at Bookmark, but he also supports local businesses and suppliers whenever possible for all aspects of the operations of the store. “We are a beautiful community of small businesses supporting each other in this circular economy.”

With so many beautiful benefits of operating in a small community, Dan’s leadership at Bookmark is evidence of a familial feeling within the business world. “Our store and its patrons have strong relationships, and we get to know people who come here often.”

I typically meet the folks I profile at local coffeeshops but when it’s time to profile the owner of an independent bookstore during the first week in their new location, you bet we met at the bookstore. Dan MacDonald, owner of Bookmark, graciously and generously shared his time with me as we tucked away to chat in a back office not yet fully unpacked from the move. “Our team worked really hard to get everything out from the old location and set up in this new space.”

As a fellow booklover, I loved hearing that Dan also has the dual hobbies of both buying books and reading books. We agreed that those are two different hobbies!

When I imagine how a bookstore owner’s home looks, I picture piles of books and bookshelves everywhere. Dan corroborated this hypothesis. “There are piles of books everywhere!” While most of Dan’s life revolves

around books, he also enjoys gardening, spending time with his large family (six children and 16 grandchildren!), and he has a small woodworking space at his home. “I enjoy woodworking projects, and I need to build some more shelves for all those books!”

As a life-long learner, Dan is typically reading multiple books at the same time, leaning into non-fiction subjects of interest and importance. “I’ll often have one fiction book in the mix while mostly reading non-fiction.” Dan always loved books and grew up in a home where reading was encouraged. We reminisced about the Scholastic Book Fairs and how exciting they were for us when we were kids.

Before becoming the owner/operator of Bookmark, Dan worked most of his life at the same company. He had two passions that he considered following when leaving the long-term job: owning a bookstore or consulting in small

Though we may not get to see the storytelling side of Dan in our interactions with him at author events or at Bookmark, I had the great privilege to hear so many stories from him during our conversation. He is deeply committed and compassionate, generously sharing stories from years of owning and operating independent bookstores. From signature events like “Poets and Pints” to standalone events that bring national and international authors to the Island, Dan has done so much for the literary community. “We build our events and programming based on the types of things that the community asks for. We are receptive and responsive to the needs of the local writing community.”

Dan’s love of literature and supporting the literary community is second only to his curiosity and love of learning. He brings all these aspects together in the operations of Bookmark. “The opportunities to create and connect continue to present themselves and we are grateful to continue building the structures and supports for local authors.”

Renaiss-ARTS musicals

Angèle and Lucille opens 2025-26 season

The Renaiss-ARTS project has unveiled its 2025–26 season, featuring three major musicals celebrating Acadian history, culture, and imagination at the Scott MacAulay Performing Arts Centre in Summerside.

The first production, Angèle and Lucille, written by Paul D. Gallant will open the season with performances on November 10 at 7:30 pm and November 11 at 2 pm and 7:30 pm.

This dramatic play takes place in the Acadian village of Tignish on the eve of World War II. It tells the story of two inseparable sisters, Angèle and Lucille, who are so close that it seems as if they share the same heart.

Daughters of Éric Gaudet, owner of the general store and postmaster of the village, they do everything together. They even get married on the same day, September 1, 1939—the day Germany invaded Poland, triggering that cursed war. What should have been the happiest moment of their lives becomes the turning point of a human tragedy in which war would forever change their destiny.

Acadian sisters Robyn and Holly Perry—actresses and singers from the Tignish area—will play Angèle and Lucille, respectively. The duo has been active in theatre and music since childhood and, in recent years, one or both of them have appeared in Anne & Gilbert: The Musical, Belle Alliance, PortLa-Joye, and J’étais les best

The production also features a diverse cast of local favourites, including Alexandra Arsenault (also the show’s musical director), Jean-Louis Arsenault, Thomas Arsenault, Yolande Williams, Vincent Gallant-Côté, Ciaràn McGuire, Aya Taarji, Billy MacLean, Julie Savoie, Stephanie Ross, Anne

Arsenault-Doucette, Albert Arsenault, Charlotte Smith, France Gallant, Renée Turner, Chris James, Maurice (Moe) Hashie, Stéphane Bouchard, Yves Arsenault, Joceline Leblanc, Marc Arsenault, and more.

The season will continue at the Scott MacAulay Performing Arts Centre in 2026 with Ma grande foi de Dieu on March 28 and 29 and La Grand cercle on July 27 and 28.

Ma grande foi de Dieu (Oh, my God!) is a witty, thought-provoking comedy is about faith, pride, and the human condition. In a bar run by God Himself, angels serve drinks and the Archangel Gabriel is the bouncer. But when a patron claims he could do a better job than God, his wish is granted.

Le Grand cercle (PEI version) is the final chapter of the Acadian Trilogy of Prince Edward Island, inspired by the 2004 World Acadian Congress and adapted for PEI. From the rise of the co-operative movement to the creation of a new world government, this sweeping production concludes the trilogy with power and vision.

Through these works, RenaisseARTS continues to bring Acadian and Francophone culture to life, offering audiences original productions filled with music, dance, and humour.

Tickets are on sale now at smpac.ca.

SUBMITTED

Holly (left) and Robyn Perry star in Angèle and Lucille

Review by Sean McQuaid

Of bows and beaus

The Waltz Watermark Theatre, North Rustico October 15, 2025

The Watermark Theatre’s been lucky in love this year. First their flawless postal courtship gem Dear Jack, Dear Louise outshone everything else on PEI stages this summer; and now a second romantic comedy, Watermark’s charming production of Marie Beath Badian’s The Waltz, is lighting up the offseason.

A popular Filipino-Canadian playwright, Badian is best known for The Prairie Trilogy, a multi-generational triptych of plays spanning fifty years set in rural Saskatchewan. The trilogy began with 2013 play Prairie Nurse, a comedy of culture clashes and romantic misunderstandings set in 1967, featuring Filipino immigrant nurses Puring and Penny working at a smalltown Saskatchewan hospital. The Waltz, the second play in the trilogy, premiered in 2022; it takes place in 1993 when Penny’s son meets Puring’s daughter. The trilogy’s third play, The Cottage Guest, is still in development. While themes, geography and family lineages connect these plays, they function as self-contained stories. You don’t need to see Prairie Nurse to understand or enjoy The Waltz, though there are Easter eggs and references in the latter that have extra meaning if you know the earlier play. At its core, The Waltz is a simple boy-meets-girl story, albeit in the very specific cultural and geographical context of two 1990s Filipino-Canadian teens connecting at a prairie cabin. Badian herself has called the play “my coming-of-age-love letter to the Saskatchewan Sky [and] growing up second gen in the 90s.”

Goofily cheerful Romeo “RJ” Alvarez Jr. has graduated as valedictorian and is driving from Ontario to British Columbia to attend university when he stops in Saskatchewan to look up some of his mother’s old

a sweet blend of romance, comedy and 90s nostalgia

friends. One of those friends is out, but his cabin is occupied by a guest, an angrier, angstier teen named Beatrice “Bea” Klassen. How angry? Well, she repeatedly menaces RJ with a crossbow, none too impressed to find an unexpected stranger on her rustic doorstep at dusk. Hijinks ensue.

I’ll pause here to note how many romance-adjacent components are winkingly layered into this setup: the script has fun at RJ’s expense regarding the connotations of his first name, but both teens have names in common with Shakespearean lovers (from Romeo and Juliet and Much Ado About Nothing); and prairie spitfire Bea may not be a conventional Cupid, but she still spends much of The Waltz threatening to pierce RJ’s heart with an arrow.

Iconography aside, the meat of this tale is a meet-cute, albeit one that starts off rockier than most; the cynical, sharp-tongued Bea is not the friendliest host, but the kids gradually find common ground as they talk, laugh, drink and dance, sharing stories and losing themselves in a vast, velvety Saskatchewan night.

Badian’s smart, funny script is a sweet blend of romance, comedy and 90s nostalgia with two sharply drawn, likeable and distinctive characters. Anthony Perpuse and Kryslyne-Mai Ancheta have good chemistry as RJ and Bea, believably and winningly embodying both characters. Ancheta’s expressions and reactions are big enough at times to border on seeming affected, but Bea is a performatively melodramatic teenager and Ancheta’s vibe feels more organic as Bea relaxes, so I may just be overthinking this.

Regardless, the actors, director Santiago Guzmán, set/costume designer Brenda Duran, lighting designer James Clement, sound designer Pat Caron and stage manager Anne Putnam all do fine work here in bringing to life these characters, their clothes, their music, their era, Bea’s cabin and even a little slice of the Saskatchewan sky via projections suspended over Duran’s coherently structured, invitingly detailed set.

“Love at first sight is total fiction,” says RJ at one point; but in its best moments, Watermark’s polished production of Badian’s heartfelt script is an eloquently persuasive rebuttal of that jaded sentiment.

Trailside Christmas

Ledwell and Haines return with their holiday variety show

Trailside Christmas with Patrick Ledwell and Mark Haines plays four nights from December 4 to 7 at the Trailside Music Hall in Charlottetown.

For Ledwell and Haines, the best way to celebrate the season is a variety show full of high-spirited stories and songs from across the holiday tradition. Trailside Christmas is a festive tour through the sights and sounds of the season, with roll-in-the-aisles comedy, music, and storytelling. Haines will treat audiences to multi-instrumental gifts—on fiddle, guitar, and piano. Ledwell is baking up a fresh batch of holiday comedy, including tips on how to pick a perfect tree and how to avoid perfectly horrible handicrafts.

might want to pack your bathrobe, just in case.”

“We’re already hard at work on holiday surprises,” comments Ledwell. “I’ve been in touch with lounge singer Terry Velour, by calling his number at the back of the Sears Wishbook.”

“I am just hopping with yuletide anticipation,” says Haines. “I will be tuning the festive fiddle for some great Christmas classics. Bring your best singing voices and oh yeah … you

Fairytale of New York

Feast Dinner Theatres for the holiday season

Feast Dinner Theatres will present Fairytale of New York this holiday sea son, with performances on select dates from November 20 to December 20 at the Rodd Charlottetown and Brothers 2 in Summerside.

Tickets are available at feastdin nertheatres.com. For group bookings of 20 or more, call 902-436-7674 or email info@feastdinnertheatres.com.

Trailside welcomes group bookings for dinner and shows—celebrate the season with family, friends, colleagues, or community groups. Tickets are available online at trailside. ca or through Back Alley Music in Charlottetown, in person or by phone at 902-367-3311.

Patrick Ledwell (left) and Mark Haines

SUBMITTED

Love Sick

ACT production at The Guild

This November, ACT (a community theatre) presents Love Sick by Kristina Poe—a dark comedy with a grim sense of humour—at The Guild in Charlottetown. Performances run at 7:30 pm on November 6, 8, and 19–22.

Emily, played by PEI actress Jenna Marie Holmes, is love sick. Her husband has left her for a younger woman. Dating is murder. And worse, she’s started smoking again. Family and friends offer no help, and group therapy ends up disappointing her. Can a mysterious man rekindle her lost passion? Or will her husband finally realize the love he’s thrown away?

The production team includes Director Alyssa Malone and Stage Manager Sharon MacDonald.

SUBMITTED

Life of Leisure

Derek Seguin in Summerside and Charlottetown

Stand-up comedian Derek Seguin is bringing his Life of Leisure tour to PEI this month, with performances at Harbourfront Theatre in Summerside on November 13 and at The Mack in Charlottetown on November 29. Showtime is 7:30 pm.

“The struggle of the main character

to make sense of her world spoke to me,” shares MacDonald, who has stage managed some of ACT’s most celebrated shows. “I think a message that could be taken from this show is that things are not always black and white; there is not a clearly defined good guy/bad guy in most conflicts and sometimes one needs to step outside of oneself to see the truth.”

Visit theguilpei.com for tickets.

Christmas in Cape Breton

New version coming to Harbourfront Theatre in December

Christmas in Cape Breton returns to PEI this month with a performance at Harbourfront Theatre in Summerside on December 4 at 7:30 pm.

The show stars Bette MacDonald— “the funniest woman on earth,” according to Rick Mercer—and Maynard Morrison. They’re joined by an ensemble that includes Celtic stars and Beòlach members Mac Morin and Wendy MacIsaac, plus long-time cast member Jordan Musycsyn. The five have been putting their musical and comedic talents to work throughout the year to create a riotous new version of the show for the upcoming season.

The characters—Mary Morrison,

Beulah Claxton, Martin MacKinnon, Wayne Tomko, and their island friends—will be decking the halls with all performers showing off their musical and comedic chops.

The tour is presented by Brookes Diamond Productions. Visit harbourfronttheatre.com for tickets.

Seguin is celebrating his 20th year as a professional joke-teller. His two-time JUNO Award–nominated stand-up is always a pure reflection of his dysfunctional life—naturally seen through his “slightly” twisted looking glass. This show will feature more of his stories about the challenges of relationships with his girlfriend, his three nearly grown-up children, and everyday life in a mixed-up world that he finds peculiar at best.

One of CBC’s The Debaters’ fan favourites, Seguin often surprises audiences with the raw nature of his stand-up—and how short he is. His live shows are full of surprises; no

Jalen MacLeod and Friends

At The Comedy Cave—Nov 22

The Comedy Cave at The Factory in Charlottetown will host a comedy night on November 22 at 8 pm.

Hosted by Jalen MacLeod, the evening will feature comedians Mitch Tousenard from Halifax, along with Toronto talents Stephen Karmazyn, Shanil Patel, and Dimi Kolovopoulous.

This is a 19+ event. Doors open at 7 pm. 189 Kent Street, Charlottetown. Visit thefactorypei.com for tickets.

subject is off limits and no rabbit hole too deep.

PEI comedian and frequent Debaters guest Patrick Ledwell will open the Summerside show with his quick-witted comedy. Visit harbourfronttheatre.com or confederationcentre.com for tickets. These performances are intended for mature audiences.

Victoria Playhouse theatrical proposals

The Victoria Playhouse is extending an invitation to independent theatre companies, theatre artists and/ or producers to submit a proposal to present a theatrical production as part of the Victoria Playhouse 2026 Festival Season. The Playhouse is offering an incentive guarantee to enable artists to develop and present their ideas.

Interested artists are asked to submit a Request For Proposal (expression of interest) to admin@victoriaplayhouse.com. Find the link @victoriaplayhouse on FB for more info.

Derek Seguin

(L–R): Sharon MacDonald, Jenna Marie Holmes, and Alyssa Malone

Ron James

Shows in Summerside and Charlottetown

The new standup comedy show The Noise Between Our Ears starring Ron James will be on stage at Harbourfront Theatre in Summerside on November 6 and at Confederation Centre of the Arts in Charlottetown on November 7.

The Noise Between Our Ears sees Ron as the ever-struggling “Everyman,” doing his best to make sense of a world off kilter while bedeviled by forces beyond his control, where airlines constantly lose luggage, stock portfolios nosedive, mortality has become the new reality, and the barber spends more time trimming your ears than he does your head.

Showtime is 7:30 pm. For tickets, visit harbourfronttheatre.com and confederationcentre.com.

Oh, Charlie! Silent Night

Florence Simmons—Nov 22

Scott and Finnegan Chandler

Oh, Charlie! Silent Night will be on stage at Florence Simmons Performance Hall in Charlottetown on November 22 at 7 pm.

Charlie Chaplin sets out to help an orphan find Christmas—but in true Chaplin style, everything that can go wrong does.

Written, directed, and performed by Scott Chandler, the production also features his son Finnegan as an orphan searching for family, home, and the true meaning of Christmas.

The performance includes live music by Norman Stewart, Courtney Hogan-Chandler, and special guests.

Tickets are available at ticketpro.ca or by calling 1-888-311-9090. A portion of proceeds will go to support the PEI Upper Room.

Sponsored

Review by Sean McQuaid

A full fall Fringe

Island Fringe Festival 2025

Various venues

October 9–12, 2025

The Island Fringe Festival (IFF) staged eight shows this year in four venues: the Beaconsfield Carriage House, the Black Cultural Society Theatre, The Guild and “The Kirk” at St James Presbyterian Church. The biggest change was when they did it: October, instead of IFF’s usual summer run. Darkness-dwelling, heat-shunning hobgoblin that I am, I quite fancy the switch to less sweltering nights— though I heard mixed reviews from fellow patrons in that regard; and speaking of reviews, here’s a countdown summary of my 2025 favourites in 100+ words apiece…

8. A Guide to Collecting Antique Maps (comedy from New York at Beaconsfield Carriage House)

Written by Kathryn Taylor, this dark comedy stars her and Charlie Hume as rural married couple John and Jill Hanks, increasingly at odds since Jill’s return from vacationing at a “commune” that is most definitely a cult. Apart from some technical difficulties there’s fine stagecraft here, and the appealing Taylor-Hume duo performs the thoughtful, sometimes amusing script well (hence the show’s Artists’ Pick of the Fringe award); but the story’s climactic twist is so glaringly telegraphed and deeply unpleasant that the play left a bad taste in my mouth despite its merits—though I

flamboyantly gay, quasi-anthropological take on the baffling quirks of heterosexuals—also called “Breeders” or “Dry Toast” or “The Fun Police” here—with detours into Walker’s own youth, enabling him to show some range as his closeted, glumly subdued younger self “John”; but the bulk of the show belongs to the very queer, gleefully crazed “Johnnie” as he lampoons “The Straights” while sharing tips on how to weaponize Bette Midler music or get salacious kicks from Archie digests.

6. Drag Me to the Opera (solo musical from Calgary, AB at The Kirk) Winner of this year’s Patrons’ Pick of the Fringe award, this charming musical revue is written and performed by Steven Morton, who appears primarily (though not exclusively) in his larger-than-life drag persona as “Aida Cupcake” here, monologuing and singing his way through his long, strange journey into professional opera while performing classics by the likes of Gounod, Mozart and Puccini. Morton combines vocal virtuosity and show biz flair with moving pathos, shifting from arch theatricality to raw vulnerability and back again as he asks of his operatic dream: “Can I plausibly pursue this!?” I would answer most emphatically yes—though admittedly, much of what I know about opera I learned from Bugs Bunny.

5. She, is ME. (dance dramedy from

this mass meditation on the lives of female dancers skews a smidgen preachy or pretentious in spots but more often rings warmly wise as a confessional and cri de coeur that morphs into a manifesto. Brown smoothly cuts through the music and motion as the voice of the show and all the dancers have their moments, such as Hannah’s serene poise, McPhee’s fierce energy or the fun dance/sax “El Cumbanchero” pairing of Ward-Dames and Delirio.

4. Where it’s Too Deep to See (drama from PEI at the Black Cultural Society Theatre)

Written by Kris Williams and directed by Kassinda Bulger, this PARC Award-winning play follows struggling lobster fisher Mike (played by Ben Hartley), his long-suffering righthand man Frenchy (Cam MacDonald) and their crude crewman Marshall (John MacCormac) as they navigate tensions in the fishing community, plus corrupt DFO agent Walter (Adi Vella) blackmailing Mike and Frenchy about a murder. Staging the show in the round enhances the play’s intimacy and intensity, Bulger gets strong drama out of improv comedy veterans Hartley and MacDonald, MacCormac is a sullenly weaselly Marshall, Vella is quietly effective as an oddly moralistic blackmailer and the whole cast creates moments of comedy—especially MacDonald, looking like some lost Maritime Mario Brother in his luridly primary-coloured fishing garb—but a preposterously ill-motivated confession and a confounding plot twist subvert an otherwise strong script.

3. Afterbirth (drama from PEI at The Guild)

Written and directed by Candace Hagen with the reliable offstage voice talents of Graham Putnam, this otherwise solo show stars Rosie Shaw as tart-tongued, hard-drinking, surreptitiously smoking senior citizen Theodora Finch, an unimpressed occupant of the underwhelming Sagewood Manor facility. With little to do apart from drink, smoke and reminisce, Rosie talks about her life in the theatre (even sharing the stage with Gracie Finley as Anne Shirley way back when), how her best friend Madge built her up (“she made me bigger”) but ultimately broke her heart, and how she scorned societal expectations like marriage and motherhood. Hagen and Shaw craft a memorable and slyly funny if somewhat misanthropic character here, and Shaw has one of the best entrances of IFF 2025 as she creeps

transgressively onto the stage during an IFF volunteer’s show introduction. Winner of the Staff Pick of the Fringe award.

2. Bless You! (dark comedy from PEI at The Kirk)

Winner of 2025’s Oscar Wilde Award, this melancholic mirth machine is directed by Dana Doucette and written by Jay Gallant, who also stars as the self-proclaimed voice of God, said voice emanating from a hospital chapel’s Kleenex box. (Wait, what?) Chapel visitors include semi-estranged sisters Manny (played by Lindsay Schieck) and Sarah (Marli Trecartin), both coping with the imminent death of their religious but emotionally distant father—especially Manny, a lonely and bitter divorced lesbian atheist who is understandably weirded out when a box of tissues offers her advice. Schieck (full disclosure: my cousin) is great as the lead here, hitting the dramatic moments hard, nailing the comedic beats and crafting a believable, appealing character, while the voice of Gallant charms as a cheerfully heretical tissue deity, and the Trecartin-Schieck duo is a powerfully emotional combo. Hannah McGaughey also has fun cameos as a random person blown away by the chapel’s divine tissues.

1. The Forest Ends With You (multimedia dramedy from Toronto, ON at The Guild)

Created by Big Kids Theatre, a collaborative “devised theatre company” specializing in “magical-realist, multidisciplinary works,” The Forest Ends With You (TFEWY) is an alternately creepy and charming tale set in suburbia circa 2004. Seven teenage friends— played by Aryan Kalra and the script’s co-devisors Dylan Carter (also lighting designer/game developer), Matthew Finnigan (also fight/intimacy director), Zoe Magirias (also sound design assistant), Payton Oswald, Madeline Sadai and Makenah Welsh—spiral into soul-searching and in-fighting after finding a classmate’s dead body, and then slowly realize their favourite textbased RPG video game seems to be coming to life. A darkly playful blend of acting, dance, music, puppetry and video gaming, naturalistically acted by its ensemble yet made surreally dreamlike by staging devices like occasional Greek chorus outbreaks, TFEWY has a low-tech, low-budget guerilla theatre feel that suits its characters, its fringe status and its commendably Val Lewton-like approach to cultivating horror via shadows and suggestion, though the show’s concretely climactic monster puppet undercuts that Lewtonian vibe somewhat. Regardless, TFEWY is an inventive, earnestly heartfelt show that plays like the precocious thespian love child of Stand by Me (1986) and Stranger Things (2016up), a smart blend of quirky nostalgia and coming-of-age drama.

by Tara Reeves

Reset your pantry

The air is cooler, the days shorter, and suddenly the kitchen feels like the heart of the home. Just as we swap sandals for sweaters, our pantry deserves a little seasonal attention. Clearing out shelves might sound like a chore, but it can be surprisingly satisfying. A tidy, well stocked pantry makes cooking easier, inspires creativity, and ensures nothing goes to waste.

Start by taking everything out. Yes, everything. Lay jars, boxes, and bags across your counter and take a moment to see what is actually there. Check dates, sniff spices, and peek inside containers. Toss anything stale, and set aside unopened items you will not use for donation. Wipe down shelves, corners, and edges. That little bit of cleaning alone makes the space feel lighter. It is a small reset that signals a fresh start for the season ahead.

Next, group your ingredients. Grains with grains, baking items together, and canned goods stacked neatly. Think about where you reach most often. Keep frequently used items at eye level, heavier jars on lower shelves, and small packets or spices in baskets or tiered racks. Clear jars are a lifesaver. You can see what is inside without rummaging, and labels help keep everything in check. When the pantry is visible and organized, it is easier to cook efficiently, reduce waste, and make the most of what you already have.

Now, think about the foods that make fall cooking feel comforting. Vegetable broth, canned tomatoes, beans, lentils, oats, whole grains, and nut butters are all great staples. Warming spices like cinnamon, cumin, turmeric, paprika, and dried herbs instantly make dishes feel seasonal. Arrange ingredients by how you use them. Keep soups and stews in one area, baking essentials in another, and snacks within reach. Even little changes, like grouping similar items or keeping older products at the front, can save time and stress when cooking.

As you restock, focus on items that you will actually use. A few high quality ingredients are better than a shelf full of things you ignore. Consider small baskets for nuts, dried fruit, or snack packets, and do not forget freezer-friendly staples such as chopped vegetables or berries for quick meals. A practical, functional pantry makes it easier to cook meals that are both nourishing and satisfying.

Once your shelves are full and organized, take a step back. A tidy pantry is not just about neatness. It is a tool for better meals, better planning, and less waste. You will find yourself grabbing ingredients with purpose and cooking more intuitively. With everything in sight, old items get used up, leftovers find a home in new dishes, and the kitchen feels ready for whatever the season brings.

So put on some music, grab a cup of tea, and tackle your pantry one shelf at a time. By the end of the afternoon, you will have a space that feels intentional, inspiring, and practical. Open the doors, take stock, and restock thoughtfully. A clean, organized pantry is more than storage. It is a small act of care that makes every meal a little easier, a little healthier, and a lot more enjoyable.

FARMERS MARKETS

Charlottetown

The Charlottetown Farmers’ Market is open year-round from 9 am–2 pm on Saturdays. Local farmers, crafters, artisans, and hot food vendors sell local, organic produce, fish, meats, baked goods, preserves, roasted coffee, specialty teas, and more. 100 Belvedere Ave, Charlottetown.

Summerside

Find local produce, baked goods, meat, fish, prepared food, cheese, artisans and more at the Summerside Farmers’ Market. Open weekly on Saturdays from 9 am–1 pm at 250 Water St, Summerside.

GET CREATIVE

Creative fun for youth at the Charlottetown Library

Get creative this November with free hands-on activities for children and teens 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. Teens can join in for crafts (needle felting, crochet, knitting) and cookie decorating in the board room on November 6 at 2 pm. Crafternoon takes place in the Makerspace on November 12 at 1 pm, where participants can make their own leaf prints (pre-register at 902-368-4642). Kids aged 6–12 are invited to Crafty Tales on November 16 at 1 pm, featuring stories, games, and crafts. On November 21 at 10 am, kids can create their own mini books with materials supplied.

Creative fun for youth at the Summerside Library

The Summerside Library, located at 57 Central St, offers a variety of free arts activities for children and teens this month. Kids of all ages can drop in on Saturdays and Sundays from 1–3 pm for Crafternoon for Kids. On November 4 at 3 pm, kids can choose their own adventure with rotating activities in science, technology, crafts, and art. Letter Art for kids takes place on November 7 at 10:30 am. Teens can show their support for veterans by making a pinwheel poppy on November 9 at 2 pm. The Creative Corner runs on November 17 at 6:30 pm and November 19 at 2 pm; call 902-4367323 to register.

Life drawing for adults

Drop-in life drawing sessions with a nude model are held weekly on Sundays from 2–4 pm at the Gertrude Cotton Art Centre (57 Bunbury Rd, Stratford). All skill levels are welcome. Doors open at 1:30 pm. Participants are encouraged to arrive early for set up and must be 18+ or have parent/guardian written permission. Some easels are provided, but participants must bring their own drawing 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 November 3 and 17 at 1 pm.

Creative PEI Artmobile

Drop in to the Makerspace at the Charlottetown Library on November 5

and 19 from 5–7 pm for creative art time with the Creative PEI Artmobile. Make something new from the art supplies provided, or bring your own materials/ work-in-progress project.

Sewing Club

Join fellow sewing and mending enthusiasts (ages 12+) in the Charlottetown Library Makerspace on November 13 from 5–8 pm. Bring a machine and projects, start a beginner-friendly project, explore sewing tools and techniques, or try a machine with guidance.

Eptek Makers Session

The next drop-in makers session runs from 1–3 pm on November 16 at Eptek & Art Culture Centre (130 Heather Moyse Dr, Summerside). Makers are invited to gather their latest project or one they have been meaning to finish, and join the free session. There is no admission and all are welcome.

Kindred Spirits Quilt Guild

The Kindred Spirits Quilt Guild meets on the third Wednesday of the month from 7–9 pm at the Benevolent Irish Society (582 North River Rd, Charlottetown). Note there is no meeting in December. New members and visitors are welcome. This is a scent-free meeting. Info: 902676-1000; @Kindred Spirits Quilt Guild of PEI on FB.

Watercolour for teens

Youth aged 13+ are invited to join the teen organization Halftone & Haven at the Charlottetown Library for a watercolour painting session on November 23 at 2 pm. Student artists will guide participants in creating artwork that will be collected to raise funds for local shelters. Registration is required at 902-368-4642. Materials are provided.

PEI Modern Quilt Guild

The PEI Modern Quilt Guild will meet on November 27 from 7–9 pm at the PEI Farm Centre (420 University Ave, Charlottetown). New members and visitors are welcome. This is a scent-free meeting. Info: peimqg@gmail.com

Library for All

The PEI Association for Community Living invites adults and youth with intellectual disabilities (and their caregivers) for Library for All, a monthly program at the Charlottetown Library. This month, participants can get messy and create their own sensory foam on November 29 at 11 am.

Family Sundays at CCAG

The Confederation Centre Art Gallery is hosting free art and craft activities for the whole family. Explore current exhibitions at a leisurely pace and create fun and simple art and crafts to take home at Family Sunday on November 30 from 11 am–12 noon. All materials will be provided. Spaces are limited. Info: confederationcentre.com

PEI Art Bank exhibition

Recent acquisitions on view at Hilda Woolnough Gallery

Eighteen of the most recent acquisitions made by the Prince Edward Island Art Bank will be on view at the Hilda Woolnough Art Gallery from November 12 to December 4.

The contemporary works of art collected by the PEI Art Bank Acquisition Program demonstrate the knowledge, craftsmanship and artistic skills of professional artists and creators working across the province.

One More Row

Kensington Artist Co-op exhibition at Eptek

Eptek Art & Culture Centre is hosting the Kensington Artist Co-op’s newest exhibition, One More Row, on display from November 12 to December 23. Members have taken up the challenge to create their own interpretations of the theme “One More Row.” A range of mediums—including acrylic, oil, watercolour, and mixed media—will be featured.

An opening reception will be held on November 23 at 1 pm. This is a free event, and all are welcome.

Eptek Art & Culture Centre is a site of the PEI Museum and Heritage Foundation and is located at 130

Inspire 2025

Celebrating the creative staff of PEI schools

The Visual Arts Educators Association of PEI is once again showcasing artworks by Island school staff, past and present. For the first time, the show will be exhibited at the Delta Prince Edward in Charlottetown, in conjunction with the annual PEITF Convention on November 6 and 7.

Inspire 2025 is a celebration of the abundant creativity found throughout Island schools and will be displayed in the entrance corridor of the convention area. An opening reception will take place on November 6 from 3:30–4:30 pm.

in a

Heather Moyse Drive, Summerside. Exhibit admission is by donation. For more information, call 902-888-8373, visit peimuseum.ca, or follow @eptek. centre on social media.

All

Days Work by Laurie Anderson

For more information, contact B.J. Lecours at bjlecours@edu.pe.ca.

Conversation in the Garden (detail) by Gweneth Branch-Rice

The Gallery is located in The Guild, 115 Richmond Street, Charlottetown.

Connected by Alexis Bulman

Vibrant fall season

Four exhibitions in a variety mediums this fall

This November, the Confederation Centre Art Gallery continues its vibrant fall season with four compelling exhibitions that invite visitors to explore themes of home, community, and creativity. From playful comic art to immersive encounters with nature and technology, the lineup showcases both Island talent and artists from across Atlantic Canada.

On view until January 2026, TRASH! showcases ten members of the Charlottetown Comics Club reimagining comic book tropes with humour and wit. Undergrowth immerses

Florals

Group exhibition at Breadalbane Gallery

The group exhibition Florals—broad vistas of flower gardens, bouquets, vases of flowers, and close-ups—will meet the eye in the November show at the Breadalbane Gallery Annex. The show opens November 14 with a reception from 6–8 pm, where participating artists showing paintings, drawings, and photographs on the theme will talk about their work.

“I am anticipating a room of brightness and dancing colour,” says gallery artist Marianne Janowicz. “The artists always come up with magical pieces when we have a themed exhibit.”

The main portion of the gallery will feature new work from the many gallery artists, while the Annex will hold the flowers.

Gallery artists include Denise Livingstone, Zoe Novaczek, Laura Bain, Joan Parker Sutton, Will Baker, Lily-Anne Hein, Sabine Nuesch, Xin Liu, Lisa Theriault, Vian Emery, Haley Lewis, Erin Veitch, Yuzhu Yang, Silver Frith, Zora Wendt, Marianne Janowicz,

audiences in drawing, sculpture, textiles, installation, and virtual reality, exploring how meaning and connection evolve beneath the surface. A New Definition of Home, presented with the PEI Crafts Council, highlights Island artists examining how life changes and shapes our sense of belonging. Together with Time, on view until April 2026, revisits the gallery’s permanent collection, tracing the evolution of Canadian art across generations.

For more details on current and upcoming exhibitions, visit confederationcentre.com.

“Trying to be a sunflower,” photo by Joan Parker Sutton

Rick MacDonald, Patrick MacDonald, Lyneth Sausa, and others.

The Breadalbane Gallery is a notfor-profit community gallery featuring new work on the second Friday of each month. It is located at 4023 Dixon Rd in Breadalbane. The gallery is open Tuesdays from 11 am–3 pm, Wednesdays from 9 am–1 pm, and Thursdays from 4–8 pm. For more information, contact The Breadalbane Gallery on FB.

ARTS

Artist talks

This Town is Small presents an afternoon of artist talks with Test Press participants Noah Defreyne and Evan Furness on November 1 at the Hilda Woolnough Gallery (115 Richmond St, Charlottetown). Each artist will share insights into their practice and the projects they’ve been developing through the Test Press program. Info: thistownissmall.com

Arts Mixer

Confederation Centre of the Arts is hosting an Arts Mixer on November 6 from 4–7 pm to give those in the arts world an opportunity to mingle, network, and celebrate the local arts scene. Guests can join fellow artists, arts enthusiasts, and community members for conversation, light refreshments, and a lively atmosphere as they connect, collaborate, and toast to creativity in Charlottetown. The mixer is a chance to meet new faces and catch up with old friends in the arts community. 130 Queen St, Charlottetown. Info: confederationcentre.com

2025 Creative Well-Being Conference

The 2025 Creative Well-Being Conference will be held on November 7 from 10 am–4:30 pm at the Charlottetown

Library, 97 Queen St. The conference features presentations, panels, and discussions on topics such as balancing the need to make art with the need to make a living; results from the PEI Accessibility and Barriers in the Arts survey; and extending the social safety net for self-employed arts workers. Info: creativepei.ca/wellbeing

Festive Wreath Contest and Exhibition

The annual Festive Wreath Contest and Exhibition at Confederation Centre of the Arts invites the community to celebrate the season with creativity and cheer. All are welcome to participate—adults, youth, youth groups, businesses, and other groups. Themes include traditional, Dunes ‘off the wall,’ and green living (recycled materials). Participants can create a wreath and drop it off in Studio 1 at the Centre, Queen St entrance, on November 15 or 16 from 1–3 pm. There is a small entry fee. Prize winners will be announced, and all creations will be displayed throughout the Centre’s main lobby during December, spreading holiday spirit to visitors of all ages. This is a project of the Friends of Confederation Centre. Info: friends@ confederationcentre.com

“The creative adult is the child who survived.”

—Ursula Le Guin

Hailey Guzik, Alter Florescence, 2024

SUBMITTED

EXHIBITS

galleries, museums...

Breadalbane Gallery

Florals opens in the gallery’s annex with a reception on November 14 from 6–8 pm. Participating artists will talk about their work. Gallery artists include Denise Livingstone, Zoe Novaczek, Laura Bain, Joan Parker Sutton, Will Baker, Lily-Anne Hein, Sabine Nuesch, Xin Liu, Lisa Theriault, Vian Emery, Haley Lewis, Erin Veitch, Yuzhu Yang, Silver Frith, Zora Wendt, Marianne Janowicz, Rick MacDonald, Patrick MacDonald, Lyneth Sausa, and others. Open Tuesday 11 am–3 pm, Wednesday 9 am–1 pm, and Thursday 4–8 pm. 4023 Dixon Rd, Breadalbane. Info: @Breadalbane Gallery on FB.

Confederation Centre Art Gallery

On view: TRASH! until January 11; Undergrowth until January 11; A New Definition of Home until January 16; and Together With Time until April 5. The Gallery is open daily, with admission by donation. 130 Queen St, Charlottetown. confederationcentre.com

Confederation Court Mall

The City of Charlottetown presents Ever Ready When Duty Calls: The History of the Charlottetown Fire Department until

November 15 on the second floor near the escalator. 134 Kent St, Charlottetown.

Cornwall Library Art Gallery

The Fall Group Show runs until November 28. Each local artist has contributed one piece of artwork to the exhibit. Young artists who live in Cornwall and surrounding small communities are invited to participate in December’s Youth Art Show. It will open December 2 at 7 pm. Contact the library at 902-629-8415 for details. Open Tuesday–Wednesday (1–8:30 pm) and Thursday–Saturday (9:30 am–12:30 pm and 1–5:30 pm). 15 Mercedes Dr, Town Hall, Cornwall. library.pe.ca

Delta Prince Edward

The Visual Arts Educators Association of PEI is showcasing artworks by Island school staff—past and present—in the exhibition Inspire 2025, held in conjunction with the annual PEITF Convention on November 6 and 7. An opening reception will take place on November 6 from 3:30–4:30 pm. 18 Queen St, Charlottetown. Info: bjlecours@edu.pe.ca

Eptek Art & Culture Centre

The Kensington Artist Co-op exhibition

One More Row is on view from November 12–December 23. All are welcome to the opening reception on November 23 at 1 pm. Visitors are invited to take a tour through the new Gallery of Kindness. A permanent exhibition on the history and architecture of Summerside is also on view. Admission is by donation. 130 Heather Moyse Dr, Summerside. peimuseum.ca

Hilda Woolnough Gallery

Test Press is on view to the public during gallery hours until October 31. The PEI Art Bank exhibition will be on view from November 12–December 4. 115 Richmond St, Charlottetown. 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.

Open House at The Guild Reflections

and future plans—Nov 23

The Guild in Charlottetown invites the community to its annual Open House and Statement of Accounts on November 23 from 2–4 pm—an afternoon of finances, reflection, celebration, and connection.

While the event includes a formal presentation of The Guild’s financial statements, it’s much more than a review of numbers. This year marks an important milestone as The Guild unveils its newly finalized strategic plan—an ambitious, community-driven vision for the years ahead. Guests will also get a first look at upcoming initiatives and renovations designed to make the beloved arts hub even more accessible, sustainable, and dynamic.

This is a chance for everyone to see where The Guild is headed. The organization exists because of its community, and it’s important to keep those connections strong and transparent.

The afternoon will be relaxed and social, with refreshments, conversation, and opportunities to chat with Guild board and staff members. Visitors can also join a guided tour with General Manager Brian Markham, exploring both public spaces and behind-thescenes areas where Island artists create and collaborate.

The Guild’s Open House is free and open to all—artists, audience members, and anyone who values a vibrant arts and culture community in downtown Charlottetown.

ART WANTED

Charlottetown Arts & Culture Awards

The City of Charlottetown is calling for Island artists to submit proposals for the design and creation of four handcrafted awards to be presented at the Charlottetown Arts & Culture Awards Ceremony in March 2026. The awards must be durable, suitable for presentation on stage, and designed for long-term display. The call is open to all artists who reside in Epekwitk. While sculpture is welcome, the City encourages inventive approaches in any medium, including fabric, stained glass, paper, prints, or other materials, as long as durability is considered. Each piece must incorporate the text “Charlottetown Arts and Culture Awards 2026,” as well as the name of the award category, the recipient’s name, and the City of Charlottetown logo. Applicants must submit an online application form by November 10 at 11:59 pm. Visit charlottetown.ca/events___initiatives/arts___culture/call_for_award_ design to apply.

Public art project

The City of Charlottetown is calling for Island-based artists and creatives to apply for a paid public art opportunity to have their original work featured on traffic control cabinets around Charlottetown. Four artists will be selected through a single-stage competition process to have their artwork reproduced on vinyl wraps and installed on traffic control panels for up to five years. There is no theme for this call. The project aims to add more public art to the City of Charlottetown and provide a paid opportunity for artists to contribute to the vitality and attractiveness of intersections where people walk, bike, roll, drive, or take transit throughout

the city. Selected artists will collaborate with a city-led project team to create new original artwork. The project team will provide technical support as needed, and the City will cover printing costs and installation. The deadline for submissions is November 14 at midnight. Visit charlottetown.ca/publicart to apply.

Visual Artist Laureate

Applications for Canada’s first Parliamentary Visual Artist Laureate are open until November 16. This new role was created through a 2024 amendment to the Parliament of Canada Act to promote the arts in Canada through Parliament—including by fostering knowledge, enjoyment, awareness, and development of the arts. The Artist Laureate must work in at least one of the following artistic disciplines as defined in the Parliament of Canada Act: drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, design, crafts, photography, videography, filmmaking, or digital creations. Applicants must have a substantial record of demonstrating artistic excellence and have made significant contributions to the visual arts community. Applications are welcomed from individuals from all backgrounds and life experiences who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada, from any province or territory. As the steward for the Parliamentary Visual Artist Laureate Program, the Library of Parliament will support the artist throughout their two-year term by assisting them with the planning, coordination, and delivery of their programming initiatives. It also offers an annual stipend and a budget for travel, programming, and administrative expenses. Visit lop.parl.ca/About/ Parliament/artist/index-e.html to complete the application process.

60th Christmas Craft Fair

PEI Crafts Council partners with Indigenous PEI

The PEI Craft Council (PEICC) will hold its annual Christmas Craft Fair— the longest-running holiday market on PEI—on November 21 from 10 am to 5 pm, November 22 from 10 am to 5 pm, and November 23 from 10 am to 3 pm at the Seaport (Port Charlottetown).

This year marks the Council’s 60th anniversary of supporting handmade craft on PEI through markets, retail, wholesaling, exhibits, and professional development.

As part of this milestone celebration, Indigenous PEI’s 2025 Indigenous Christmas Market will take place in partnership PEICC. On November 22 from 10 am–5 pm, Indigenous PEI will present a dedicated Indigenous Marketplace within the Fair, featuring more than 30 Mi’kmaq and Indigenous artisans from Epekwitk. Visitors can explore authentic Indigenous art and gifts—including quillwork, basketry, beadwork, apparel, books, and other handmade items—each reflecting the creativity and culture of Epekwitk.

“This collaboration allows us to continue growing the presence of Indigenous artisans within PEI’s cultural community while celebrating our shared history through art and

storytelling,” says Jamie Thomas, Chairperson of Indigenous PEI.

PEICC was formed in 1965 to represent the handcraft sector on PEI, and was incorporated as a not-for-profit organization in 1975.

In 2018, they moved into a their current home at 98 Water Street in Charlottetown, allowing them to expand services to members, and increase promotion of fine craft and professional craft development on PEI. The location provides guidance for new craftspeople, more advanced training for experienced craftspeople, and a showcase and retail gallery where juried members are invited to sell their work.

The Christmas Craft Fair will feature 60 well-established PEI makers offering pottery, textiles, jewelry, woodwork, glass, wind chimes, beeswax products, soap, leather goods, fine art, and more. Donations will support development grants and educational opportunities for PEICC members.

Indigenous PEI also operates a year-round store at 111B Grafton Street in Charlottetown, featuring a curated selection of Indigenous art and gifts by artisans from across Epekwitk.

ARTS EDUCATION

NEW PROGRAMMING

REGISTRATION

NOW OPEN FOR NEW DRAMA

CLASSES

TEEN IMPROV

Lively and laughterfilled workshop with Cam MacDonald. Create unforgettable moments together - no experience needed. Ages 13-16. STARTS JAN. 16

ADULT MUSICAL THEATRE

6 week series with Centre Artistic Director Adam Brazier. Focus on singing, dancing, and acting, with emphasis on teamwork and ensemble performance. STARTS JAN. 13

ADULT IMPROV

A welcoming session for Seniors 50+. Explore and embrace the unexpected through the joy of improvisation, with Cam MacDonald. JAN. 7 - MAR. 4, 2026

FOR ALL PROGRAM INFORMATION OR TO REGISTER

PERFORMANCE

music, theatre, dance, comedy...

Mondays | 8 pm

Rat Tales Comedy Night

Baba’s Lounge, Charlottetown

Oct 31 | 8 pm

Halloween Ball with Nice Boys with The Funky Monks

Tribute to Guns N’ Roses and Red Hot Chili Peppers. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Nov 1 | 7:30 pm

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

Craig Fair Productions. Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside

Nov 1

Little Middle Fiddle Festival

Glenaladale Estate and Tracadie Community Centre, Grand Tracadie

Nov 1 | 7:30 pm

A Listening Party: Aging Disgracefully

Ft. Karen Pyra and Mike Elliott. The Guild, Charlottetown

Nov 1 | 7:30 pm

Nudie & The Sundowners

Tribute to Gordon Lightfoot. Copper Bottom Brewing, Montague

Nov 1 | 7:30 pm

Kelley Mooney & Route 225

Tribute to Bonnie Raitt. Scott MacAulay Performing Arts Centre, Summerside

Nov 1 | 8 pm

Halloween with The Wannabeez

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Nov 5 | 8 pm

Jess Moskaluke: Life For Me PEI Brewing Company, Charlottetown

Nov 6 | 8 pm

Allan Rayman

PEI Brewing Company, Charlottetown

Nov 6 | 8 pm

Island Jazz: Striped Shirt Band

Baba’s Lounge, Charlottetown

Nov 6, 7 | 7:30 pm

Ron James: The Noise

Between Our Ears

Nov 6: Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside

Nov 7: Sobey Family Theatre, Charlottetown

Nov 6, 8 | 7:30 pm

ACT (a community theatre):

Love Sick

The Guild, Charlottetown

Nov 7 | 7:30 pm

Flu Fighters

Fundraiser for Prince County Hospital. Scott MacAulay Performing Arts Centre, Summerside

Nov 7 | 7:30 pm

UPEI Faculty Recital

Steel Recital Hall, Charlottetown

Nov 7 | 8 pm

Shawn Desman with Jamie Fine

All ages show. PEI Brewing Company, Charlottetown

Nov 7–8 | 8 pm

After Hours Band

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Nov 8 | 2 pm

Voices of Remembrance - A Choral Tribute to Legacy and Community

Ft. The Confederation Singers, PEI Legion Choir, and PEI Regimental Band. Confederation Centre Memorial Hall, Charlottetown

Nov 8 | 3 pm

Lucy Farrell with The Souris

Seagulls

Souris Show Hall, Souris

Nov 8 | 4:30 pm

Richard WOOD: Celtic

Rhythms in Motion

A Celebration of Island Fiddle & Dance. New London Community Complex

Nov 8 | 7:30 pm

Roving Picture Shows & Island Jazz: Pandora’s Box

Silent movie with live musical accompaniment by Adam Hill and Diana Delirio. Kings Playhouse, Georgetown

Nov 8 | 7:30 pm

Sirens: Mixtape

Park Royal United, Charlottetown

Nov 8 | 7:30 pm

Lawrence Maxwell & the Band of Fugitives: A Night of Merle Haggard

Copper Bottom Brewing, Montague

Nov 8 | 7:30 pm

Black Umfolosi

Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside

Nov 8 | 7:30 pm

Supernaut

Tribute to Black Sabbath & Ozzy Osbourne. Scott MacAulay Performing Arts Centre, Summerside

Nov 9 | 1 pm

Celebrate Island Women

Women’s Network of PEI fundraiser ft Carlie Howell, Tanya Davis, Emilea May, Justyn Thyme, Charles Ruth, and Jill MacIntyre as emcee. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Nov 9 | 2 pm

Hope Happens Here Fundraiser

Ft. host Gordie Cox, guest speaker Michelle Hughes, and music by Absolute Losers, Lawrence Maxwell, Good Ol’ Boys, Kelley Mooney, Eliot River Choir, Larry Koughan. UPEI Performance Hall, Charlottetown

Nov 10 | 7:30 pm

Nov 11 | 2 pm, 7:30 pm

Renaiss-ARTS: Angèle et Lucille

Scott MacAulay Performing Arts Centre, Summerside

Nov 13 | 7:30 pm

Derek Seguin: Life of Leisure

With Patrick Ledwell. Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside

Nov 13 | 8 pm

Danny Michel

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Nov 13 | 8 pm

Island Jazz: “Island Art Rock” Jazz feat Iván Garnica Baba’s Lounge, Charlottetown

Nov 13 | 8 pm

Matthew Good and band with I Mother Earth

PEI Brewing Company, Charlottetown

Nov 14 | 7:30 pm

Charlottetown Improvisation Laboratory Volume 4

Ft. Ian Toms, Ray Knorr, Adam Hill, Diana Deliro, and Max Gallant. City Cinema, Charlottetown

Nov 14 | 8 pm

Two Hours Traffic

With Green Eyes, Witch Hands. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown.

Nov 14–15 | 8:30 pm

Exposé: Nothing Stays Covered Forever

Charlottetown Burlesque. The Guild, Charlottetown

Nov 15 | 2 pm

Acoustic East Coast

Ft. Bayfield String Quartet and Cameron MacDuffee. St. Paul’s, Charlottetown

Nov 15 | 7 pm

The Former Blue Crystals Park Royal United, Charlottetown

Nov 15 | 7 pm

Dunk River Band: Bad Moon Rising

Tribute to John Fogerty and Creedence Clearwater Revival tribute. Souris Show Hall, Souris

Nov 15 | 7 pm

Savio Joseph: Wonderstruck Magician and mentalist. Sobey Family Theatre, Charlottetown

Nov 15| 7:30 pm

Joel Miller album launch

With Resonance New Music and Silvio Pupo. Steel Recital Hall, UPEI, Charlottetown

Nov 15| 7:30 pm

Gypsy

Tribute to Fleetwood Mac. Scott MacAulay Performing Arts Centre, Summerside

Nov 15 | 8 pm

Amanda Jackson & Route 225 Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Nov 16 | 7:30 pm

George Canyon & Aaron

Pritchett: Cowboy Christmas Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside

Nov 17 | 7 pm

Joyful Melodies Music: Big Business

Silent movie with live piano accompaniment by students of Joyful Melodies Music. Harmony House, Hunter River

Nov 17 | 8 pm

The Strumbellas: Into Dust Tour

PEI Brewing Company, Charlottetown

Nov 18 | 7 pm

Wannabe - A Spice Girls Tribute

PEI Brewing Company, Charlottetown

Nov 19 | 7:30 pm

Dallas Smith + His Band: One Night Only (Unplugged) Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside

SATURDAY, NOV 22 10AM - 5PM PORT CHARLOTTETOWN

OF THE HOLIDAYS SHARESPIRIT

THE INDIGENOUS ARTISAN CHRISTMAS MARKET IS BACK!

Discover traditional & contempory Indigenous art, crafts & gifts. Featuring over 30 Indigenous Artisans from Epekwitk.

EXPLORE

TUESDAY

NEW EXHIBITIONS IN GALLERY

TRASH! by the Charlottetown Comics Club

UNTIL JANUARY 11

Curated by Pan Wendt

UNDERGROWTH

UNTIL JANUARY 11

Curated by Christiana Myers

A NEW DEFINITION OF HOME

UNTIL JANUARY 16

Curated by Paula Kenny and Linda Berko

TOGETHER WITH TIME

UNTIL APRIL 5

Curated by Pan Wendt

GALLERY EVENTS

SENIORS ART ACTIVITIES

NOVEMBER 13 at 10:00AM in the Michael S. Schurman Family Studio

FAMILY SUNDAYS

NOVEMBER 30 at 11:00 AM

James Aquilani, Beach Jam, 2025, copper, sterling silver, vintage marble, and retired guitar strings.

Celebrate the season with community creativity!

MARKETS & FAIRS

Bluefield Band Christmas Craft Fair

Christmas Market at The Shops at St. Peter’s Landing

& 16

Join the Friends of Confederation Centre for this annual holiday tradition! Create a wreath in one of three themes—Traditional, Dunes ‘Off the Wall’, or Green Living.

The Shops at St. Peter’s Landing is holding its 4th annual Christmas Market, running from October 30–November 2, from 10 am–pm daily. Five participating shop owners will welcome shoppers with holiday cheer and a festive selection of items. There will also be a sleigh to make donations to the community cupboard. 5549 St Peters Rd, St Peter’s Bay

Christmas in the Country Craft Fair

The Christmas in the Country Craft Fair will be held at the Afton Community Centre on November 1 at 9 am. The fair will feature items such as Christmas décor, sewing, knitting, jewelry, wreaths, ornaments, and a wide variety of crafts and supplies. There is no admission fee, though donations are welcome. 1552 Rte 19, New Dominion. Info: 902-675-2879

Wheatley River Country Craft Fair

The Wheatley River Women’s Institute is hosting a two-day Country Craft Fair at the Wheatley River Community Hall on November 1 and 2 from 9 am–2 pm. Island creators will be selling a variety of handmade products such as knits, paintings, preserves, art, woodworking, and more. 16 Rackham Lane, Wheatley River. Info: wheatleyriverwi@gmail.com

Murchison Centre Christmas Market

Island Wide Markets will hold a Christmas Market at the Murchison Centre on November 7 from 5–9 pm and November 8 from 9–2 pm. In lieu of admission, donations will be gratefully accepted for the Canadian Mental Health Association. To be a vendor contact Kyminc2472@gmail.com. 17 St Pius X Ave, Charlottetown

Hunter River Holiday Craft Fair

The annual Hunter River Holiday Craft Fair will be held at the Hunter River Community Centre on November 8 from 10 am–3 pm. Shoppers can pop in for a cup of cider or hot chocolate and browse the selection of holiday crafts and gifts available. Admission is a small fee and all proceeds will go to the Dr. Kent G. Ellis Heritage Park. A list of vendors will be available at municipalityofhunterriver.com and on the FB page @ Rural Municipality of Hunter River closer to the event date. Info: admin.hunter.river@ gmail.com, 902-621-2170

Milton Christmas Craft Fair

The Milton Community Hall Christmas Craft Fair will run on November 8 from 9 am–3 pm and November 9 from 10 am–3 pm. There will 10 tables of PEI crafters, bakers, and artisans, as well as a canteen service and door prizes. 7 New Glasgow Rd, Rte 224, North Milton.

Bluefield High School Band will be hosting a Christmas Craft Fair on November 14 from 5:30–9 pm and November 15 from 10 am–5 pm. Over 120 vendors will be showcasing Christmas decor and gifts. There will also be a bake sale and raffle prizes. Proceeds will go toward the band program. 924 Colville Rd, North Wiltshire. Follow @ BluefieldBandCraftFair on FB for details.

Trinity United Christmas Fair

Trinity United in Charlottetown will hold its annual Christmas Fair on November 15 from 9 am–2 pm. The fair will have pickles, jams, jellies, home baking, books, treasures, jewelry, fudge, and Christmas gifts. Kris Kringle’s Kitchen will offer lunch, including gourmet turkey sandwiches, soup, and seafood chowder. There is no admission to the fair. 220 Richmond St, Charlottetown.

Rice Point WI Christmas Craft Fair

The Rice Point Women’s Institute will be holding their annual Christmas Craft Fair at the Afton Community Centre on November 15 from 9 am–2 pm. There will be a gift basket raffle and canteen services available. Admission is free. 1552 Rte 19, New Dominion.

Crapaud Christmas Craft Fair

The Crapaud Christmas Craft Fair takes place at Crapaud Hall on November 15 from 9 am–4 pm. The fair will feature two floors of craft vendors as well as canteen services. Sales are cash only. There is a small admission fee. All proceeds will go to the hall. 36 Rte 13, Crapaud.

Stratford Schools Craft Fair

Stratford schools will hold their annual craft fair on November 15 from 9 am–5 pm at Glen Stewart Primary School. The fair will feature local vendors and a bake sale. Proceeds will go toward helping support Stratford schools and students. Admission is by donation. 34 Glen Stewart Dr, Stratford. Follow @Stratford Schools Craft Fair on FB for updates.

Donagh Regional Craft Fair

Donagh Regional School will host its fourth annual craft fair on November 15 from 9 am–3 pm and November 16 from 12–4 pm. The fair will have three rooms of over 60 crafters and vendors. There will also be a fudge sale, live music, and a possible visit from Santa. Proceeds raised will go toward the school playground. 928 Bethel Rd, Donagh. Info: donaghhomeandschool@gmail.com

Kings Playhouse Holiday

Market

with Santa

Kings Playhouse theatre will be transformed into a showcase of local creativity

on November 15 with the Holiday Market and Craft Fair. Dozens of artisans and makers will fill the space with handmade goods, unique gifts, and holiday cheer, along with visits and photo opportunities with Santa. Admission is a small fee, or guests can donate non-perishable food items in support of the Georgetown Community Fridge. 65 Grafton St, Georgetown. Info: kingsplayhouse.com

Gluten-free Holiday Market

Celiac Canada PEI Chapter is hosting a Gluten-free Holiday Market in the Multipurpose Room at the Simmons Sports Centre on November 16 from 1–4 pm. The market will feature gluten-free products from vendors and cookie decorating for children. Admission is a small donation fee. Free entry for kids under 18. Shoppers should follow directional signage and use the outside entrance next to the swimming pool. 170 North River Rd, Charlottetown.

PEICC Christmas Craft Fair

The PEI Craft Council (PEICC) will hold its annual Christmas Craft Fair—the longest-running holiday market on the Island—on November 21 from 10 am to 5 pm, November 22 from 10 am to 5 pm, and November 23 from 10 am to 3 pm at the Seaport (Port Charlottetown). This year, the Council is celebrating its 60th anniversary of supporting handmade craft on PEI. The fair will feature 60 well-established Island vendors selling pottery, textiles, jewelry, woodwork, books, glass, wind chimes, beeswax products, soap, leather goods, and fine art. On November 22, the PEICC will partner with Indigenous PEI to present 30 Mi’kmaq and Indigenous vendors and programming throughout the day. Donations collected at the door will support professional development grants and educational opportunities for PEICC members. Stan MacPherson Way, Charlottetown.

Seniors Active Living

Christmas Craft Fair

The Seniors Active Living Centre in the Bell Aliant Centre at UPEI will host a Christmas Craft Fair on November 22 from 9 am–3 pm. The fair will feature unique handcrafted items from local artists, knit and crochet crafts, wooden signs, jewelry, beaded accessories, 3D ornaments, a raffle, a fudge table,

and more. Proceeds will help support programs at the Centre. Admission and parking are free. 560 University Ave, Charlottetown.

Indigenous Christmas Market

The 2025 Indigenous Christmas Market will take place in partnership with the PEI Craft Council’s Christmas Market on November 22 from 10 am–5 pm at the Seaport (Port Charlottetown). For the Craft Council’s 60th anniversary celebration this year and as part of this partnership, Indigenous PEI will host a dedicated Indigenous Marketplace within the fair, featuring over 30 Mi’kmaq and Indigenous artisans from Epekwitk showcasing their authentic art and gifts. Visitors can look forward to authentic Indigenous products such as quillwork, basketry, beadwork, one-ofa-kind apparel, books, and other handmade items; each piece celebrating the creativity and culture of Epekwitk. Stan MacPherson Way, Charlottetown.

Spring Park United Holiday Market

Spring Park United will host a holiday market on November 29 from 9 am–12 noon. The market will feature baked goods, jams, jellies, pickles, games, puzzles, jewelry, scarves, crafts, Christmas decor, festive greenery, and new-toyou gifts. Admission is by donation. 65 Kirkwood Dr, Charlottetown. Info: springparkunitedchurch.ca

Mistletoe Market

The third annual Mistletoe Market, a boutique pop-up market, offers a festive setting to shop for local holiday gifts on weekends from November 21–December 21 in Boulder Park. Browse whimsical huts offering crafted goods from local Island artisans, enjoy live music, horse and wagon rides, Santa visits, hot chocolate, Who-ville inspired décor and more. Corner of Grafton and Church Sts, Charlottetown. Info: discovercharlottetown.com/mistletoe-market

Victorian Christmas Market

A Charlottetown Christmas Festival

Signature Event, the Victorian Christmas Market takes place on Queen Street in downtown Charlottetown from November 28–30. This 11th annual

open-air market is reminiscent of European Christmas Markets and features over 50 Island artisans, crafters and food vendors, as well as hot cocoa, fire pits and seating, live carolling, horse and wagon rides, live ice sculpting, and more. Info: discovercharlottetown.com/ victorian-christmas-market

Christmas in Belfast Craft Fair

The Belfast Historical Society will once again host its annual Christmas in Belfast Craft Fair at the Belfast Recreation Centre on November 29 from 10 am–2 pm. This treasured community event is open to all. Local vendors and artisans will offer a diverse selection of crafts, baked goods, and gifts. Small admission at the door with proceeds going to the Belle River Church of Scotland Restoration Fund. 3033 Garfield Rd, Belfast. Follow @ BelfastHistoricalSociety on FB for event and vendor details.

Holiday Atlantic Maker Market

The 11th annual Holiday Atlantic Maker Market featuring a wide variety of artisans, makers, and food vendors from Atlantic Canada, will take place on November 29–30 from 9 am–4 pm at the Eastlink Centre. 46 Kensington Rd, Charlottetown. Follow @Holiday Atlantic Maker Market on FB for updates.

Holiday Market and Tree Fest

Smith’s Christmas Tree Farm is hosting a Holiday Market and Tree Fest on December 6 from 10 am–4 pm. The European Christmas-style market will be in a decorated barn showcasing balsam fir Christmas trees and wreaths, and feature festive gifts and treats from 25–30 vendors such as Tide & Tallow PEI, Handmade by Hather, and more. The event is to offer families the simplicity of getting their Christmas trees and their gifts in the same location. 340 Toronto Rd, Mayfield.

Artisan Christmas Market

Stop by and see what local craftspeople and artisans make at the Charlottetown Farmers Market this holiday season on December 7 and 14, from 10 am–3 pm. Admission and parking are free. 100 Belvedere Ave, Charlottetown.

PERFORMANCE

music, theatre, dance, comedy...

…continued from page 16

Nov 19 | 8 pm

Songs On Fire: Live and In the Round

Ft. host Ben Kunder and guests Les Cooper and Kristen Martell. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Nov 19–22 | 7:30 pm

ACT (a community theatre): Love Sick

The Guild, Charlottetown

Nov 20 | 7:30 pm

Colin James Trio

Sobey Family Theatre, Charlottetown

Nov 20 | 8 pm

Island Jazz: Ken Fornetran with Forgalhorn

Baba’s Lounge, Charlottetown

Nov 20, 21

Guy Davis

Nov 20, 8 pm: Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Nov 21, 7:30 pm: Copper Bottom Brewing, Montague

Nov 20–23| 7:30 pm

The 39 Steps

A whodunit mystery. Scott MacAulay Performing Arts Centre, Summerside

Nov 20–Dec 20 | select dates

Feast Dinner Theatres: Fairytale of New York

Rodd Charlottetown and Brothers 2, Summerside

Nov 21 | 6:30 pm

The Ross Family: A Celtic Christmas

Top of the Park at Red Shores, Charlottetown

Nov 21 | 7:30 pm

Charlottetown Jazz Ensemble

/Island Jazz Quartet: TV Music

With Kelley Mooney and special guests. Florence Simmons Performance Hall, Charlottetown

Nov 21 | 8 pm

Sarah Hagen: Night Music

St. Paul’s, Charlottetown

Nov 21 | 8 pm

Terra Spencer and Kim Dunn: Backroads Tour

Harmony House, Hunter River

Nov 21–22 | 8 pm

Dancing Queen

Tribute to ABBA. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Nov 22 | 7 pm

Oh, Charlie! Silent Night

Florence Simmons Performance Hall, Charlottetown

Nov 22 | 8 pm

Jalen MacLeod and Friends

Ft. Mitch Tousenard, Stephen Karmazyn, Shanil Patel, and Dimi Kolovopoulous. The Cave at The Fatcory, Charlottetown

Nov 23 | 2:30 pm

PEI Symphony Orchestra: Bloom

With guest conductor Arthur Arnold and mezzo-soprano Hannah O’Donnell. Sobey Family Theatre, Charlottetown

Nov 25 | 7:30 pm

Writings on the Wall: Creating a Culture of Care in the Performing Arts

The Guild, Charlottetown

Nov 25 | 7:30 pm

Christmas with the Ennis Sisters

Sobey Family Theatre, Charlottetown

Nov 26 | 8 pm

Dave Gunning and J.P. Cormier Christmas Show

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Nov 27 | 7:30 pm

Men of the Deeps: Coal Miner’s Christmas

Sobey Family Theatre, Charlottetown

Nov 27 | 8 pm

Island Jazz: Luisa Guiza

Baba’s Lounge, Charlottetown

Nov 27–29 | 8 pm

Country Roads

Craig Fair Productions. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Nov 29 | 7:30 pm

Derek Seguin: Life of Leisure

The Mack, Charlottetown

Nov 29 | 7:30 pm

Lady Soul

Scott MacAulay Performing Arts Centre, Summerside

Nov 29 | 9 pm

Roving Picture Shows & Island Jazz: Charlie Chaplin’s The Gold Rush

Silent movie with live musical accompaniment by Natalie Williams Calhoun. The Guild, Charlottetown

Nov 29 | 7 pm, Nov 30 | 2 pm

Together Again for Christmas: Carols & Comedy

Ft. Bruce Rainnie, Kendra MacGillivray, and Kevin “Boomer” Gallant. St. Francis of Assisi, Cornwall

Nov 30 | 2 pm

Island Jubilee Old Time Radio Music Show Christmas Special

Ft. Shane Pendergast, Meaghan Blanchard with Thomas Webb, and step dancer

Alexis MacLaren. Florence Simmons Performance Hall, Charlottetown

Nov 30 | 7 pm

Carols for Advent

St. Peter’s Choristers. St. Peter’s, Charlottetown

Nov 30 | 1 pm

Dec 1–2, 8–9 | 7 pm

Sir Alfred’s Christmas Extravangaza

Morell Fire Department, Morell

Dec 1 | 7:30 pm

Jill Barber

Kings Playhouse, Georgetown

Dec 1 | 8 pm

Swift Kick

Taylor Swift tribute. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Dec 2 | 7:30 pm

Holidays in Hollywood:

Christmas Movie Music

Ft. Holland College Community Band. Florence Simmons Performance Hall, Charlottetown

Dec 2 | 8 pm

Tara MacLean with The Bayfield String Quartet: On This Winter’s Night

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

Dec 4 | 7:30 pm

Christmas in Cape Breton Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside

Dec 4 | 8 pm

Island Jazz: SOPA Improv Students

Baba’s Lounge, Charlottetown

Dec 4–7 | 8 pm

Trailside Christmas

Ft. Patrick Ledwell and Mark Haines. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown.

Dec 5 | 7:30 pm

High Voltage: Back In Black

Full album and greatest hits of AC/DC. Scott MacAulay Performing Arts Centre, Summerside

Dec 5–6 | 7:30 pm

Super Trouper: A Night of ABBA

Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside

Dec 6 | 10 am

Definitely Not The Symphony Holiday Concert

Jack Blanchard Hall, Charlottetown

Dec 6 | 2 pm

Confederation Singers & Youth Chorus: Singing Through the Storm

Sobey Family Theatre, Charlottetown

Dec 6 | 7:30 pm

The Grand Tour - With A Dash of Christmas

Kings Playhouse, Georgetown

Dec 6 | 7:30 pm

Men of the Deeps: Coal Miner’s Christmas

Sobey Family Theatre, Charlottetown

Dec 6 | 8 pm

Jingle & Mingle

Ft. Vintage 4.0 and Tip-Er-Back. Kings Playhouse, Georgetown

Dec 7 | 7 pm

Kendall Doherty and Friends Christmas Concert

St. Mark’s Presbyterian, Charlottetown

Dec 9 | 8 pm

Holland College SoPA presents: Rock & Country Night

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown.

Dec 10 | 7 pm

Stars On Ice Holiday Tour

Credit Union Place, Summerside

Dec 10 | 8 pm

The Once Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown.

An eve with Terry O’Reilly

Book launch at Florence Simmons Performance Hall—Nov 6

Bookmark will welcome bestselling author and host of CBC Radio’s Under the Influence Terry O’Reilly to Charlottetown for the launch of his new book Against the Grain: Defiant Giants Who Changed the World on November 6 at 7 pm at Florence Simmons Performance Hall. The evening will be moderated by Laura Chapin. This free, ticketed event is open to everyone. Tickets are available at bookmarkreads.ca.

In his bestselling book My Best Mistake, O’Reilly uncovered the surprising power of screwing up. Now he turns his incredible eye to the mavericks who go “against the grain” to explore what makes them tick and what lessons we can learn from them—people who ignored conventional wisdom, invented better ways, questioned the status quo, and pushed for change against all odds. Some were drummed out of their careers but were later proven right (Dr. Ignaz Semmelweis). Some were celebrated but had to fight every inch of the way (Norman Lear). Some reinvented their industry but preferred to stay outsiders (Tom Laughlin—aka Billy Jack). Some confounded competitors with ingenious strategies (NHL coach Roger Neilson). One even saved millions but was humiliated, demoted,

Zine Fest

Annual celebration of DIY publishing—Nov 8

The fourth annual Charlottetown Zine Fest will take place in the Rotary Auditorium at the Charlottetown Library Learning Centre on November 8 from 10 am to 4 pm.

Author Terry O’Reilly

and dismissed for her entire career (Dr. Katalin Karikó). All were persistent visionaries, each covered in battle scars. O’Reilly, the winner of hundreds of international advertising awards, is an in-demand speaker and bestselling author of The Age of Persuasion, This I Know, and My Best Mistake, a finalist for the National Business Book Award. His acclaimed radio programs—O’Reilly on Advertising, The Age of Persuasion, and Under the Influence—have aired on CBC Radio since 2005, and his podcast has been downloaded over 40 million times.

Zine Fest is a celebration of DIY publishing that highlights the work of zine makers, small-press publishers, and all sorts of independent authors and artists.

Attendees can browse and buy unique publications from more than 50 participants. Some tables may accept cards, but most will be cash only.

Admission is free, and all are welcome. Follow @chtownzinefest on social media for details and updates.

Holiday Home Decorating Contest

Charlottetown residents are invited to participate in this holiday season activity and share in the magical spirit with your neighbours and family by decorating the outside of your home.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7 TH Judging will take place the week of December 8th

call

READERS/WRITERS

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 November 1. 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

Adrian McNally Smith book launch

A book launch for I Wish You Well by Adrian McNally Smith will be held at the Pourhouse (above the Old Triangle) in Charlottetown on November 12 at 6:30 pm. All are welcome to attend.

Celebrating Literacy and Learning

The PEI Literacy Alliance will host a free event on November 12 from 6:30–8 pm at the Florence Simmons Performance Hall in Charlottetown to celebrate literacy and learning. The evening will highlight the success stories of learners, recognize literacy champions in the community, and raise funds to support the Alliance’s literacy programs. Guests can enjoy a catered reception, entertainment, and an awards ceremony. To reserve a seat, visit peiliteracy.ca.

An Evening with Theresa Redmond

Bookmark welcomes award-winning author Theresa Redmond, author of Bound, to its new bookstore at 111 Kent St, Charlottetown, for the launch of her new book The Governor’s Granddaughter on November 13 at 7 pm. This free event is open to all.

Brady Wells book launch

Bookmark is partnering with the Charlottetown Library Learning Centre (97 Queen St) for the launch of Prism: A Chameleon Finds His Light by Brady Wells. The event will take place on November

15 from 2–3 pm in the Children’s Room of the library. There will be a reading and book signing with the author, chameleon-themed crafts, and cupcakes. All are welcome.

Afternoon Book Club

The Afternoon Book Club will meet at the Summerside Library (57 Central St) on November 17 at 1 pm. Pick up this month’s selection at the circulation desk.

Ashley Anne Clark book launch events

Nocturnal Animals, by PEI visual artist Ashley Anne Clark, launches November 18 with two Charlottetown events: a family launch at the Charlottetown Library Learning Centre (97 Queen St) from 3:30–4:30 pm, and an evening launch at Marc’s Lounge (125 Sydney St) from 7–8:30 pm. The library event includes a reading and signing with Clark, plus family-friendly crafts, treats, and creative activities inspired by the book. That evening, An Evening with Ashley Anne Clark at Marc’s Lounge offers an artist talk, Q&A, and signing, along with a display of her original artwork. All are welcome to both events.

Allison Wolvers book launch

A book launch for Mermaids of Prince Edward Island by Allison Wolvers will take place on November 18 at 6:30 pm at Beaconsfield Carriage House, 2 Kent St, Charlottetown. All are welcome.

An Evening of Poetry in the Bookshop

Bookmark’s event with Halifax poets Annick MacAskill and Nolan Natasha, originally scheduled for October, will take place on November 18 at 7 pm at their new store location, 111 Kent St, Charlottetown.

Kara Griffin book launch

A book launch for Owl by PEI author Kara Griffin and illustrated by K. Shawn Larson, will be held on November 22 at 10:30 am at the Haviland Club in Charlottetown. The event will include a reading by the author. Books will be available for purchase at the launch.

Monday Night Book Club

Monday Night Book Club meets at the Charlottetown Library (97 Queen St) on November 24 at 6 pm. The group of likeminded book lovers chooses a new title each month. New members welcome.

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 meeting is November 29 at 2 pm at the Summerside Library (57 Central St).

Story Makers

A weekly writing group for kids (ages 6–12) is held on Tuesdays at 3:30 pm at the Charlottetown Library (97 Queen St). The group includes story prompts and challenges, and gives writers space to work on their own projects.

UPEI Philosophy Reading Group

The UPEI Philosophy Reading Group is starting up again for the 2025–26 academic year. The group meets monthly at various downtown locations and is open to faculty, students, and members of the general public. This year, the group will focus on the philosophy of French philosopher Gilles Deleuze, beginning with his book Nietzsche and Philosophy Contact Dr. Max Schaefer at mschaefer@ upei.ca to be added to a mailing list for future meetings.

Winter’s Tales

UPEI Creative Writing Master Class reading—Nov 20

The annual public reading by UPEI’s Creative Writing Master Class will take place at 7 pm on November 20 in the Faculty Lounge, Main Building, UPEI. On this 25th anniversary of the master class public reading, the evening will showcase fourteen of the Island’s talented emerging writers: Koraleigh Ahearn, Marilyn Carey, Logan Chaisson, Brian Collins, Jacob Durden, Brooke Foster, George Kuku, Abby Locke, Noah Mannholland, Madeleine MacCannell, Brennan McDuffee, Bazil Richardson, Omaima Shaik, and Ainrhon Uy. They will read excerpts of fiction, poetry, creative non-fiction, and playwriting.

Many writers featured in master class readings over the years now grace shelves (and screens) in bookstores, homes, libraries, and schools on PEI and across Canada. You are invited to hear and meet our future authors. The master class reading is sponsored by the UPEI English Department and admission is free.

Brady Wells

Theresa Redmond

An eve with Jennifer Jones

In conversation with Robbie Doherty—Nov 29

Bookmark, Charlottetown’s independent bookstore, welcomes Olympic champion Jennifer Jones to PEI for the launch of her new book Rock Star: My Life On And Off The Ice on November 29 at 7 pm. The event, held at the Cornwall Curling Club, will feature a conversation between Jones and Robbie Doherty about her life on and off the ice. This free, ticketed event is open to all. Tickets are available at bookmarkreads.ca.

No stone is left unturned in this candid memoir by one of Canada’s greatest curlers. From her first slides as a toddler at her hometown Winnipeg curling club to the top step of the Olympic podium, Jones has risen to become one of the sport’s all-time greats. Along the way, she has altered how the game is played and kicked open doors for women in what was traditionally a male-dominated sport.

Her record of achievement is unmatched, but it never came easily. In Rock Star, Jones opens up about tensions between teammates and opponents, balancing law school and a legal career with curling at the highest level, the inside story behind what many consider the greatest shot in curling history, how her Olympic dream almost ended on a ski hill in Switzerland, and the challenges of

combining world-class curling with motherhood.

Jones is a curling icon, widely regarded as the greatest female curler of all time. A two-time Olympian and 2014 Olympic gold medallist, she dominated the sport with six national titles, two world championships, and an astounding sixteen Grand Slam victories. In 2023, she added a Canadian Mixed Doubles Curling Championship to her legendary career. Off the ice, Jennifer is a lawyer, corporate leader, and sought-after motivational speaker.

Lemm’s Last Lecture

To celebrate the incredible career of soon-to-be-retiring poet, novelist, mentor, and professor Richard Lemm, the UPEI English Department is presenting his Last Lecture, entitled “A Wondrous Thing Happened on the Way to Dystopia.”

UPEI English Department Professor Shannon Murray shares: “Richard’s more than three decade career here has gone so far beyond his teaching of creative writing, environmental literature, and Canadian Literature [in the] University classroom: to his own creative works, to his mentoring of generations of new Island writers, and to his support for visiting writers and for the creative life of the Island generally.”

Olympic champion Jennifer Jones

PEI BOOKS

Nocturnal Animals

Ashley Anne Clark

Nocturnal Animals, the enthralling picture book debut from PEI visual artist Ashley Anne Clark, will be released by Pownal Street Press on November 18. To mark the occasion, two launch events will be held in Charlottetown that day: a family launch at the Charlottetown Library Learning Centre (97 Queen St) at 3:30 pm, and an evening launch at Marc’s Lounge (125 Sydney St) at 7 pm. Under the cover of darkness, a

hidden world awakens… Tree frogs sing love songs, while a bobcat waits to pounce on mice beneath the snow. From shadowy forests to moonlit meadows, nighttime creatures from around the world come to life. Perfect for art lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and curious minds alike, Nocturnal Animals invites readers to explore the mysterious and mesmerizing lives of creatures who thrive when the sun goes down. With gentle, poetic storytelling and luminous illustrations, this debut picture book captures the wonder of the natural world after dark.

Clark holds a BFA from Concordia University. Having lived globally, she creates art that highlights animal intelligence and biodiversity, using branches and seaweed sourced from local forests and shorelines. Her work has appeared in international galleries, on award-winning album covers, and as large-scale murals. By providing a closer look into the lives of animals, she fosters empathy and inspires conservation, making complex ideas accessible for all ages.

ashleyanneclark.com

Owl Kara Griffin

Owl, the third children’s book by PEI author Kara Griffin, illustrated by K. Shawn Larson and published by Acorn Press, will launch at the Haviland Club in Charlottetown on November 22 at 10:30 am. The event will include a reading by the author, and all are welcome to attend.

In this story, a boy’s grandfather has long told him about the barred owl that lives in the oldest part of the forest near his home. Determined to meet Owl, the boy visits the forest every day and gently calls to her. But owls sleep during the day and are awake at night, when children are sound asleep. Will the boy ever see Owl from the old forest?

This heartfelt story about a child’s search for an elusive owl illustrates that when we connect with nature,

we are surrounded by love, though we might not always see it. Told with gentle text and naturalistic artwork, young readers will discover a boy’s tender bond with an owl, and they too will learn how to make the barred owl’s call, fostering a lifelong love and relationship with nature.

Kara’s stories are inspired by her love for the natural world. Her books include The Sea That Sings To Me and Flitt’s Call. For over 30 years, her family has preserved an almost 100-acre woodlot—the forest home of a special owl.

Books can be purchased at the launch and at bookstores, including Bookmark in Charlotteotwn.

karagriffinstories.com

Spells Against the Darkness: Verses of Quiet Magic

Roderick MacDonald

Island poet Roderick MacDonald released his second poetry collection Spells Against the Darkness: Verses of Quiet Magic via Pownal Street Press in October.

The collection is a compelling and evocative exploration of the intimate and universal. From the peace of Prince Edward Island’s Souris Line Road to the clamour of New York City, MacDonald draws on a variety of poetic forms to weave his stories into verse. Both whimsical and resonant, Spells Against the Darkness is a lyrical journey through place, memory, and the poetry of life.

“Rod’s use of poetic technique draws the reader in, and for a brief moment, we become a reflection on an ocean wave, a dancer in a window, or the pink light of sunset. A beautiful read that will envelop you with its whole being,” says Mo Duffy, editorial director with Pownal Street Press.

Born in Melton Mowbray, England,

MacDonald is a 40-year resident of PEI. He has volunteered with several community and sport organizations and is the author of Here and There: Poetry of Prince Edward Island (Acorn Press). MacDonald is happiest on the shore or in the countryside near the village of Morell, where he and his wife live.

The Governor’s Granddaughter

Theresa Redmond

Bookmark welcomes Theresa Redmond, award-winning PEI author of Bound, to its new bookstore at 111 Kent Street, Charlottetown, for the launch of her latest book The Governor’s Granddaughter on November 13 at 7 pm. The event is free and all are welcome to attend.

In her second historical novel, Redmond returns to the Island’s past to tell the story of Margaret Gordon, a young woman living under the shadow of her family’s shameful past who is determined to atone for their misdeeds. Margaret’s grandfather’s shameful political actions have left the Island’s settlers caught in an unjust landholding system that has left them voiceless against entitlement and greed. Unfortunately, her father is little better, whisking her away to Scotland when she is just a girl to escape the consequences of his own wrongdoing. Still, despite growing up on another continent, Margaret never forgets where she came from, nor her desire to return one day and make up for the sins of her family.

The Governor’s Granddaughter tells a fascinating story of resilience, perseverance, female empowerment, and conflicting moral values. This sweeping story is lifted from the pages of Canadian history, detailing the social and political unrest that existed for generations following the colonization of PEI, with a focus not only on the people who pushed for much-needed

fairness and change but also revealing those who worked even harder to hold them back.

Redmond has a longstanding interest in Canadian history, earning a graduate degree in the area. She has published numerous articles, including in The Globe and Mail, The Guardian, The Eastern Graphic, RED, and the Ottawa Citizen. Theresa’s debut novel, Bound, won the 2024 PEI Book Award for Fiction, the 2023 Silver Medal from the Independent Publisher Book Awards for Best Regional Fiction (Ontario East), and a Heritage Recognition Award from the PEI Museum and Heritage Foundation. tresredmond.com

Prism:

A Chameleon Finds His Light

Brady Wells

Illustrator Sarah Shortliffe

A launch event for Prism: A Chameleon Finds His Light by author Brady Wells and illustrator Sarah Shortliffe will take place at the Charlottetown Library Learning Centre on November 15 at 2 pm. The event is presented in partnership with Bookmark, Charlottetown’s independent bookstore, which will be on site to sell books. Prism is published by PEI’s Pownal Street Press.

Prism is a celebration of purpose, acceptance, and the courage to be exactly who you are. In a world bursting with vibrant colors, one little chameleon embarks on a magical journey of self-discovery. Prism navigates through enchanted forests and shimmering meadows to bravely learn that his unique colors aren’t just for hiding—they’re meant to shine. This heartwarming tale celebrates the beauty of being different and the joy of finding one’s own special light. With a gentle nod to the rainbow and gender-diverse communities, the story reminds children and families that every hue is a vital part of life’s beautiful rainbow. As Prism overcomes challenges and embraces his true self, he discovers that sharing his uniqueness not only illuminates his world but also inspires others to do the same. Wells is a PEI-based writer who

works in accounting and finance. His detail-oriented approach to storytelling creates narratives that are engaging, accessible, and emotionally resonant. Drawing from personal experiences of feeling “different” while growing up, Wells explores themes of identity and self-acceptance in his work. His writing reflects a journey of embracing authenticity, inspiring others to let their true colours shine.

Sarah Shortliffe is an artist, military spouse, and mother based in Greenwood, Nova Scotia. She holds a BFA from Mount Allison University and an MA in artifact conservation from Queen’s University. Working in watercolor and ink, she blends intricate detail with whimsy and fantasy, juxtaposing objects, animals, and scenery. Sarah teaches and volunteers with 7Arts, a local non-profit, and has illustrated A Very Silly Alphabet by Jeannie Hillman and The Wind and Amanda’s Cello by Alison Lohans.

I Wish You Well

Adrian McNally Smith

Adrian McNally Smith will launch I Wish You Well at the Pourhouse (above the Old Triangle) in Charlottetown on November 12 at 6:30 pm.

At age 40, Adrian was exposed to asbestos and mould at his workplace and became extremely ill. Ten years later, he experienced a major relapse that permanently damaged his central nervous system, affecting every aspect of his life. Told he would not live to 60 without significant lifestyle changes, he began working to prevent further illness—and later, to maintain whatever health he could find. But he fell into a cycle of setback and recovery. He finally broke free when he realized that instead of focusing on prevention and maintenance, he needed to focus on creation—specifically, creating health. Creating health is a model of intentional living in which a person moves

from habit to routine to ritual. When there is a dire need of healing, the difference can be life changing.

In I Wish You Well, Adrian shares his 12 essential steps to creating health and wellness, drawn from his personal experience and the wisdom of philosophers, writers, and medical professionals. He also shares the ways in which for him, Prince Edward Island itself is a channel for healing.

Mermaids of Prince Edward Island Allison Wolvers

All are welcome to attend the launch of Mermaids of Prince Edward Island by Charlottetown artist Allison Wolvers (Soubivee) on November 18 at at 6:30 pm at Beaconsfield Carriage House in Charlottetown.

Beneath the waves of Prince Edward Island, mermaids have lived for centuries, their stories hidden in the tides. Each shore, cove, and beach holds their secrets and an ancient magic that flows around the Island.

Mermaids of Prince Edward Island invites readers to meet these mystical creatures and travel with them from the red sands of Cavendish to the rugged cliffs of Thunder Cove, discovering glimpses into their secret world.

The Art Nouveau–inspired illustrations in the book mix fantasy with the beauty of PEI, and invite readers to think about a world that exists under the waves—where every beach has a story waiting to be told. Whether readers are new to PEI or have walked its shores many times, this collection offers new perspectives on familiar places.

Wolvers is inspired by the folklore and magic of the Island’s shores. Growing up near the red sands of Brackley Beach, she developed a love of whimsical tales of fairies and mermaids and a passion for bringing them to life through her art. She holds two diplomas from Holland College and animated the short film Story of the I’m Alone

A gift of Island Poetry

SO THIS IS WHAT

So this is what is called the surface of a planet. How unlikely a chance to have found so tiny a cinder-crusted ember in the amazement of space. But here I am.

I’m running over thin snow etched through by an underlying pebblefield where each pebble leaves a wake in the wind, or from orbit I’m looking down on what could be high-latitude fault-block mountains. Either way, it’s incomparably strange to be alive, to be confronted by such a dry, refractory façade, to be

at once so demanded and possessed of what one faces and so detached, so indifferent to the charge and threat, so disposed to flick one’s own existence off one’s cuff unexamined and without regret. What I have come from now is an infinitesimal but still bright and compulsively massive white hole in the darkness. But there’s no going back: the source repels, countenances no return.

I’m still moving too fast. I must slow down and begin again in some crouching posture to strike one stone against another.

—John Smith

John Smith (1927-2018) was PEI’s first poet laureate. A professor emeritus of English at the University of Prince Edward Island, he is the author of seven books.

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

InView

UPEI publishes new research magazine

UPEI’s new research magazine

InView officially launched in September. The full-colour publication highlights the innovative research taking place at UPEI. The inaugural issue focuses on 2024–25 research projects, ranging from a gene mutation linked with Parkinson’s disease to the impacts of remote work on employees.

This issue explores eleven research projects and includes articles connecting research with teaching and learning, services, professional practice, and student experiences. The content spans UPEI’s five signature areas of research excellence: Humanity, Justice, and Organization; Environmental Stewardship; Healthy Communities; Healthy Animals; and Sustainable Development. Interdisciplinarity is a major theme, with many projects bridging multiple areas.

InView was made possible through

the efforts of Dr. Marva SweeneyNixon, Associate Vice-President Research and Dean of Graduate Studies, and Julie VanLeeuwen, Research Navigator.

The digital version of InView is available on issuu.com via the UPEI website at upei.ca/research/spotlights. Physical copies are available in the Office of Research Services, Kelley Memorial Building, UPEI.

Dr. Marva Sweeney-Nixon and Julie VanLeeuwen display a copy of InView

Talking from Experiences by Ashleigh Tremere

Under a spell

Oh my goodness, the Charlottetown Library Learning Foundation was at it again! They put together a super fun evening early this October: an Enchanted Book Lovers Ball.

Does that title make you excited like me, or are you without whimsy and literary love? Maybe you missed getting tickets because it completely sold out! Which is stellar to see because it was a fundraiser in support of the Charlottetown Library and we all know I am a huge library fan. They run so many great programs and the world is ever shorter on safe third spaces. So I love to support whatever supports them!

These types of balls are happening in a number of places around the world though. It’s costumes, but with the element of more formal attire. You emulate a favoured character or genre and dress as you envision they would be going to a ball. There are few trends I get behind, but this is dreamy and cool.

There are a few characters I routinely get compared to, mostly because those stories were turned into shows. I don’t see it, but it’s flattering; unfortunately, none suited the dress in my closet I never get to wear. Nor did any of my personal favourite story characters. So I made up a kind of time traveller with a steampunk-leaning persona and off we went to dance the heels straight off my old boots.

The back auditorium was totally transformed into a warmly lit, fantasy vibe lounge. The entry had a giant beautiful flowery arch and tables off to the sides had fairy light trees and moss centerpieces. The windows had their blackout curtains drawn and the sills were stacked with flameless candles on mossy beds. There was a free coat check, cash bar with lovely human staff, and the DJ was taking requests. So the music was quite varied, unpredictable really, I danced super hard whether I liked the song or not, and I was not alone. A majority of Middle Earth and the Queen of Andor were there.

The whole hallway and entire front of the library was a night market. The lighting up there was a bit spottier and less ambient, but the organizers recognized it and made a note for future tweaking. The market could be attended separately from the ball as well for a five dollar fee. There were a number of more niche vendors I don’t regularly see at other markets sporting their wares and crafts too.

I have to especially shout out the gems at Just Say Cheese Photobooth. They came dressed up, as Mary Poppins and a chimney sweep, they radiated pos itivity the entire time with a constant line up of people for hours. The setup is really cool, with the photos texted to you, as well as a copy printed instantly for every member of your group and then available in group cloud later too so you could get a good look at all the costumes. I would totally hire them for an event.

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

Blue Moon

until November 2

Drama. 14A, language, mature themes. Dir: Richard Linklater, 2025, US/Ireland, 100 min. Ethan Hawke, Margaret Qualley, Bobby Cannavale, Andrew Scott.

“Ethan Hawke delivers a once in a lifetime performance as lyricist Lorenz Hart in Richard Linklater’s snappy, banter-driven period piece, Blue Moon... On the evening of March 31, 1943 Lorenz ‘Larry’ Hart leaves a Broadway musical theatre performance seconds before the performers on stage take their bow so he can rush on over to Sardi’s for the afterparty. The reasons for his sudden departure from the theatre are twofold. First, he hated the show… Second, he’s keen on impressing his date for the evening, a twenty-year-old college student named Elizabeth… The look and fashion of the era are in full, eye-catching display in Blue Moon, and the dialogue sounds like an uncensored riff on comedies and melodramas from the characters’ time period”. —Andrew Parker, The Gate “Blue Moon is as close as it gets to a perfect work of art. Exceptionally written, superbly acted, and wonderfully moving… it is a universal, heartfelt feature bound to win you over and stay a part of you for a while. Do not miss it.” Ana Yorke, Pop Matters

Queens of the Dead

October 31–November 2

Horror/Comedy. 14A, violence, mature themes, coarse language, sexual content. Dir: Tina Romero, 2025, US, 99 min. Katy O’Brian,Jaquel Spivey,Riki Lindhome, Margaret Cho. Winner: Audience Award, Tribeca Film Festival. Costumes encouraged! (masks off for bar service though)

“George A. Romero changed the face of horror... Now, his daughter Tina Romero is following in her father’s footsteps with Queens Of The Dead, a campy splatter flick... [that] follows an eclectic group of drag queens and club kids on the opening night of their new club, Yum. Dre is desperately trying to pull her motley crew together... The DJ has gone AWOL, star attraction Yasmine has pulled out, and Dre’s bigot brother-in-law Barry is taking far too long to fix a toilet. Dre’s wife, Lizzy, suggests that Dre’s previous top performer, Sam, could resurrect their drag persona for a big comeback show. Dre turns the offer down, but soon the group is forced to put their tumultuous histories aside when the zombie apocalypse breaks out during the Brooklyn drag show, and they must fight for survival. Queens Of The Dead is a loving homage to classic zombie films while still feeling fresh and fun... The giggles and gore play off thanks

to the charming ensemble cast. Between the witty one-liners and bizarre fight sequences are touching moments of human connection... Every inch of it is goofy and gory, cheesy yet charming, and an absolute blood-soaked blast from start to finish”. —Rebecca Sayce, Filmhounds

Eleanor

the Great

November 3 & 5

Comedy/Drama. PG, mature themes, mild language. Dir: Scarlett Johansson, US, 2025, 98 min. June Squibb, Erin Kellyman, Chiwetel Ejiofor. Cannes Festival nominee: Un Certain Regard Award and Camera d’Or.

“Raucous cheers and quite a few tears greeted the world premiere of Scarlett Johansson’s directorial debut at Cannes… The crowd warmly embraced the dramedy, which stars June Squibb as Eleanor Morgenstern, a fiercely independent Florida retiree who, after the sudden death of her lifelong best friend, relocates to New York to live with her daughter. A series of events leads her to a young woman suffering from the loss of her mother. The two bond over their shared grief and a desire to reconnect with their Jewish identity. But Eleanor has a secret that threatens to destroy the friendship they have built.” —Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter

The PEI Coalition for Women’s Leadership Presents:

Prime Minister

November 4

Documentary. 14A. Dir: Lindsay Utz/ Michelle Walshe, US/New Zealand, 2025, 101 min. Audience Award Winner, Sundance Film Festival.

Tickets are free. Register at locarius.io/ events/3009/prime-minister-film-screening

A view inside the life of former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, capturing her through five tumultuous years in power and beyond as she redefined leadership on the world stage.

Classic of the Month:

The Magic of Marciano

November 6–9

Drama. 14A, mature themes. Dir: Tony Barbieri, Canada/France/US, 2000, 100 min. Nastassja Kinski, Robert Forster, Cody Morgan, Jennifer Overton, Mary Vingoe. Winner: Seattle International Film Festival New American Cinema Award. Opening night live Q&A with producers Luciano Lisi and Christine Kavanagh.

“Fine performances and an abiding intelligence are the hallmarks of The Magic of Marciano, an engaging, and sensitively rendered tale of a young boy’s passage through some turbulent emotional waters… James is a 9-year-old who, at the best of times, is left to his own devices. His single mother Katie (Kinski), a diner waitress in a quiet coastal town, is living with a loutish layabout… An obviously bright kid without role models or motivation at home, James isn’t doing as well as he might at school, and more or less foists himself upon Henry (Forster), a confidant and genial man who spends his days prepping his boat for a round-the-world sail… Just when James imagines things are looking up for him, matters take a considerable turn for the worse when Katie unaccountably takes Curt back in… Barbieri looks at his characters with a psychological exactitude that in itself is absorbing. Kinski’s Katie is a complex woman who, having undoubtedly always got by too easily on her looks, has neglected to build up other qualities of character… Kinski gives an extremely sharp reading of this fragile, imbalanced and reckless woman. By contrast, Forster’s Henry is the picture of a truly decent human being, a man comfortable in his own skin and with his place in the world… Forster makes him an immensely sympathetic, even magnetic individual whose eventual difficulties in deciding how best to help James are conveyed with perfect clarity…. Shot in Halifax, Nova Scotia, pic looks good and is enhanced by Harry Gregson-Williams’ fine score.” —Todd McCarthy, Variety

Dead of Winter

November 10–12 & 15–16

Thriller, 14A, violence, language, Dir: Brian Kirk, Canada/US/Germany, 2025, 98 min. Emma Thompson, Judy Greer, Marc Menchaca.

“Emma Thompson and Judy Greer go headto-head in a kidnapping thriller set in a forsaken Northern Minnesota snowstorm? I am so in! Director Brian Kirk relies on nuanced character work, gorgeously isolating cinematography, and the desperation of human nature to keep you guessing. Thompson is Barb… Despite the weather forecast, she puts on the ol’ snowsuit, warms up the even older pick up, and heads to faraway Lake Hilda to do some ice fishing… But she gets a little turned around and hears chopping in the distance, so she goes to ask directions… Barb finds a bearded man in camo who - very startled by the sight of her - directs her to the lake. But blood on the snow has Barb a little troubled, and soon enough, she sniffs out a kidnapping. Thompson… is so utterly convincing that you’re hooked. And that’s all before the glorious Greer makes her entrance… Dead of Winter sidesteps cliché, delivers thrills, and finds new ways to showcase two tremendous talents.” —Hope Madden, UK Film Review “Poignant and captivating, Dead of Winter is dominated by the magnetic presence of Emma Thompson who plays a heroine who’ll stop at nothing to fulfil her mission. It keeps the audience on the edge of their seats with a story full of unexpected twists and turns, a tale both tense and cruel but also tender and full of humanity.”

—Muriel Del Don, Cineuropa

Beyond the Frame: A CISF Connect Project

Presents:

Village Keeper

November 13

Drama. PG, mature subject matter. Dir: Karen Chapman, Canada, 2025, 83 min. Olunike Adeliyi, Zahra Bentham, Maxine Simpson. Winner: Best First Feature, Canadian Screen Awards; Grand Prize and Best Performance, Arizona International Film Festival.

All seats $10. There will be a Q&A with director Karen Chapman by Zoom after the show.

“Karen Chapman’s tender and empathetic Village Keeper… is character-driven, her love for the people in front of her camera evident in every frame. She has crafted a story of a woman who has been asked so often to clean up after others that she’s never taken the time to deal with the mess of her own trauma. Olunike Adeliyi (Akilla’s Escape)… plays Jean, who lives in NW Toronto with her two children. Flashbacks to a violent past invade Jean’s daily life, punctuated by the fact that her kids are headed out into an increasingly dangerous world. When Jean is asked to clean up after a bloody crime scene, it sparks two fires in her heart, the one that connects to violence she’s seen in her life and one that prays that she can shelter her children from something similar… It’s a drama of lovely little moments like Jean humming to herself after an event or a tender embrace between a mother and daughter that feels spontaneous. It’s at its best when we feel the love not just between the characters but from the filmmaker to all the women like Jean who have similar stories to tell.” —Brian Tallerico, RogerEbert.com

Charlottetown Improvisation Laboratory

November 14, 7:30 pm

Regular - $20. Students/Artists - $10. After a stellar first season, Charlottetown Improvisation Laboratory returns for Volume 4. This live concert experience transforms the City Cinema theatre into an intimate listening room. Double bassist Adam Hill will lead an ensemble of five musicians in an exploration of improvisational music that crosses genre and style. This iteration of the Lab will feature Ian Toms on guitar, Diana Delirio on voice and woodwinds, Max Gallant on drums, and Ray Knorr on fiddle. 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.

Mountains of the Moon

November 17-18

Documentary. Rating TBA. Dir: Chris Benchetler, US, 2025, 92 min. Featuring the music of The Grateful Dead.

Without darkness, we can’t see the light. In Mountains of the Moon, world renowned artist and skier, Chris Benchetler explores the unseen connections between sport, life, music, and the living earth—set to the timeless tunes of the Grateful Dead. Captured almost entirely at night using cutting-edge cinematography, lasers, animation, and projection mapping, the film leads viewers on a surreal journey through ocean, river, and mountain landscapes. The world’s greatest athletes, adventurers, and thinkers appear as luminous figures, navigating through the natural world. At its core, the film reflects on what makes us human. The glowing skeletons represent the essential truth of our existence, the light within us all no matter our external differences. Through their journey, the film reflects on life and death, the resilience of nature, and the threads of humanity that bind us together.

Wrong Husband (Uiksaringitara)

November 19—22

Drama. PG, mature themes. Dir: Zacharias Kunuk, Canada, 2025, 100 min. Haiden Angutimarik, Theresia Kappianaq, Leah Panimera. In Inuktitut with English subtitles. Winner: Best Canadian Feature, The Toronto International Film Festival.

“Another tremendous fable from legendary Inuk filmmaker Zacharias Kunuk, Wrong Husband pulls from legend and oral tradition to look at the darker, more complicated side of keeping a promise. Set far North in 2000 B.C.E., it blends dark comedy, horror, and a mythic quest to create a timeless story of love, looming evil, searching, and spiritual togetherness. Sapa and Kaujak have been promised to each other as husband and wife from birth. They have a strong bond, loving kinship, and are valuable members of their tribe… But their lives together are torn apart after Kaujak’s mother becomes a widow and is courted by a mysterious male from a far away tribe. The fisherman takes Kaujak and her mother away from their tribe to live with him, where the young woman will be forced into a different marriage with his son. With time of the essence Sapa sets off on a quest to get his love back… Kunuk takes a wide variety of genre influences into his approach to Inuit culture, storytelling, and tradition… including visual effects, layered and creepy soundscapes, and even some nifty creature design… but it’s also a race against time thriller and moral parable with a good deal of humour… Another unique effort from one of Canada’s most unique talents.” —Andrew Parker, The Gate

Köln 75

November 22–26

Drama/Music. PG, language, violence, drug use. Dir: Ido Fluk, Germany/Poland/ Belgium, 2025, 116 min. Mala Emde, John Magaro, Michael Chernus. In German and English with English subtitles.

“On 24th January 1975, jazz musician Keith Jarrett performed to a sell-out crowd at Köln’s Opera House whilst playing a broken piano. The recording has since become the best-selling solo jazz album of all time… Köln 75 tells the amazing true story of how the evening came to be… When 18-year-old aspiring promoter Vera Brandes throws herself into the bohemian live music scene, she causes a stir with her infectious enthusiasm... Meanwhile, Jarrett was touring on the road in Germany… his path inevitably crosses with Vera’s, and the wheels behind the concert are set in motion… The first chapter is essentially the coming-of-age tale of our protagonist. Skipping class, clashing with her conservative parents, and navigating teen romance(s), Vera lights up the screen… the middle third shifts focus to Jarrett’s more sombre route to the famous stage, but the elements come together nicely for an exhilaratingly chaotic final act… We get a real sense of Brandes’ fun and riotous nature through Mala Emde’s leading turn… Magaro is compelling in the role of Jarrett… he paints a vivid portrait of a tortured artist… There’s an intoxicating punk rock spirit to Köln 75’s jazz-infused narrative.” —Garry Arnot, Cinema Perspective

Nouvelle Vague

November 27–December 2

Drama. Rating TBA. Dir: Richard Linklater, France/US, 2025, 105 min. Zoey Deutch, Guillaume Marbeck, Aubry Dullin. In French and English with Ebglish subtitles.

“Linklater’s elegant love letter to the influential era in French cinema would be a towering achievement even if it did no more than generously invite budding cinephiles to film history without intimidating them. But the American auteur of loose-limbed rhythms and organically flowy dialogues accomplishes a lot more with his joyously beautiful telling of the making of Jean-Luc Godard’s game-changing Breathless. In stunning black and white, and with the grainy sound quality of the era, he gives new life to the period picture, making it romantic, exquisitely detailed, and timeless. With Guillaume Marbeck and Zoey Deutch’s enthralling and uncannily exacting performances as Godard and Jean Seberg, the list of masters Nouvelle Vague honors is as rich as the film that surrounds them. Linklater loves this period, and he wants to make you a lover, too.” —Tomris Laffly, Elle

OCTOBER

Thu Fri 30 31 7:00 9:15 7:00 9:15

Blue Moon

Trick ‘r Treat

Blue Moon

Queens of the Dead

NOVEMBER

Blue Moon

Queens of the Dead

Queens of the Dead

Blue Moon

Eleanor the Great Prime Minister

Eleanor the Great Magic of Marciano Magic of Marciano Magic of Marciano

Magic of Marciano

Magic of Marciano

Dead of Winter

Dead of Winter

Dead of Winter

Village Keeper

Ch’town Improv Lab

Dead of Winter

Dead of Winter

Dead of Winter

Mountains of the Moon

Mountains of the Moon

Wrong Husband

Wrong Husband

Wrong Husband

Wrong Husband

Köln 75

Köln 75

Köln 75

Köln 75

Köln 75

Nouvelle Vague

Nouvelle Vague

Nouvelle Vague

Nouvelle Vague

Nouvelle Vague

DECEMBER

Mon Tue 1 2 7:00 7:00

Nouvelle Vague

Nouvelle Vague

BECOME A HOLIDAY HOST! HOLIDAY HOST!

This December, make a newcomer's holiday unforgettable. Join our Holiday Host program and open your heart and home to someone new to Canada.

Share a tradition, meal, or outing.

Make their first Canadian Christmas magical

Contact us at host@irsapei.ca to become a Holiday Host.

‘Tis the season to spread warmth and make lasting connections.

Be a Holiday Host! A one-day commitment to light up a newcomer's holiday.

SCREEN

Tivoli Cinema

Tivoli Cinema screens a variety of new and old releases. For showtimes, updates and tickets visit tivolicinema.com. 155 Kent St, Charlottetown.

Screenings at the Charlottetown Library

The Charlottetown Library (97 Queen St) offers a full slate of November screenings. The afternoon movie series continues with 1984 (Rated R) on November 4 at 1 pm. That evening, 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. Families can drop in for the Family Movie, featuring Tangled on November 6 at 10 am and Despicable Me on November 9 at 1 pm, with popcorn provided.

Screenings at the Summerside Library

The Summerside Library (57 Central St) is hosting a series of films this November. Afternoon movies begin with War Horse (PG) on November 6 at 2 pm. Children can enjoy a movie and an activity with Elio (G) on November 7 and 101 Dalmatians (live action) on November 21 at 1 pm. Kids can beat the boredom of a no-school day by watching How to Train Your Dragon (G) on November 10 at 1 pm, with snacks provided. To close out

the month, teens can enjoy the Monday Movie on November 24 at 6 pm, featuring Uncharted (G) with snacks included.

Eptek Lunch Film Series

The Friends of Eptek Centre’s Lunchtime Film Series runs on Thursdays at noon in the main gallery from November through the end of April. The lineup includes both new films and selections from the late Friend Blanche Hogg. There is no charge for admission. The first screening features The Nature of Things – The Wild Canadian Year: Fall on November 6, followed by Canada Remembers: Endings and Beginnings on November 13, Rick Steves Europe: Art of the Middle Ages on November 20, and Rick Steves Europe: Art of the Renaissance on November 27. 130 Heather Moyse Dr, Summerside. Info: peimuseum.ca

Roving Picture Shows + Island Jazz

This November, Roving Picture Shows presents two ciné-concerts co-presented with Island Jazz. On November 8 at 7:30 pm, Kings Playhouse in Georgetown returns to its cinematic beginnings with a special presentation of Pandora’s Box (1929), featuring a live musical score by Adam Hill and Diana Delirio. Tickets are available at kingsplayhouse.com. On November 29 at 9 pm, cellist Natalie Williams Calhoun performs live musical accompaniment to Charlie Chaplin’s The Gold Rush at The Guild in Charlottetown. Tickets can be purchased at theguildpei. com. Info: @Roving Picture Shows on social media.

TALKS/LECTURES, etc

Renters’ rights and responsibilities

Renting PEI will be at the Summerside Library (57 Central St) to discuss tenants’ rights and responsibilities on November 4 at 6:30 pm. Their presentation will help attendees gain valuable insights to help navigate the rental market.

Resilient Homes seminar

A Resilient Homes seminar aimed at helping better protect Island homes from severe weather and storm events takes place in the auditorium at the Charlottetown Library (97 Queen St) on November 5 from 6–8 pm. Funded by the Government of Canada and the Government of PEI through the PEI Climate Challenge Fund, speakers will share practical tips on how to make properties more resilient to hurricanes, high winds, and flooding. Participants will also learn about available programs, rebates, and resources to support them in taking proactive steps at home. Questions are encouraged throughout the free seminar. Refreshments will be provided and no RSVP is required.

Social Justice Symposium Series

The Cooper Institute’s Social Justice Symposium Series: A Community Response to Anti-2SLGBTQ+ Hate will be held in the auditorium at the Charlottetown Library (97 Queen St) on November 15 at 9 am. Co-facilitated by PEERS Alliance, this free symposium will feature renowned guest speaker Fae Johnstone, who will provide context to the current climate. Attendees will engage in building knowledge, strategies, and solidarity in addressing this issue. Everyone is encouraged to attend, connect, and take part in this work towards creating an inclusive, violence-free culture on the Island. Registration is requested; snacks and refreshments will be provided. Register at bit.ly/4o6XKFS. Info: henry@peersalliance.ca

Service Canada info sessions

Service Canada representatives will host information sessions on November 18. David Lund will speak at the Charlottetown Library Learning Centre (97 Queen St) at 11 am about the Canadian Dental Care Plan and the Canada Disability Benefit. Citizen Services Specialist Mark Greenan will present on the Canadian Dental Care Plan at the Summerside Library (57 Central St) at 1 pm. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Haviland Talks

Haviland Talks will host Faye Pound at the historic Haviland Club in Charlottetown on November 19 at 10:30 am. Pound will present a photo lecture of PEI lighthouses and then read from

her new historical fiction, The Lighthouse Keepers. Set between 1805 and 1864 at St. Peters and Point Prim, her novella explores the theme of ‘two solitudes,’ a way of thinking that helps define early colonial Canada. Illustrating Acadian and Scottish cultures in a wonderfully-imagined landscape, the romance/ mystery is an adventure of secrets, which some have said reads like an Irish ballad. This event is free and all are welcome.

Humane Society presentation

Kids aged 6–12 can join the Humane Society at the Summerside Library (57 Central St) on November 21 at 10:30 am to learn about what they do. Afterward, participants will make pet toys to donate and to keep.

Planning Ahead presentation

Guests from Community Legal Information will be at the Summerside Library (57 Central St) on November 25 at 6:30 pm to present on topics such as wills, estates, power of attorney, and health care directives. This beneficial information will help attendees plan for the future.

Lecture series available on Audible

A six-lecture audio series titled The Life and Works of L. M. Montgomery by Dr. Kate Scarth, Chair of L.M. Montgomery Studies and Applied Communication, Leadership, and Culture, is now available through The Great Courses on Audible. Scarth opens the series with an introductory lecture and then in the next five, explores key topics that illuminate Montgomery’s life, works, and legacy: family, place, friendship, creativity, and literature. Listeners will explore the impact that the author’s personal experiences had on her writing and get a clearer picture of how life shapes— and is shaped by—literature. They will discover why Montgomery’s novels mattered in her own time—and still matter today—and better understand the lasting and international influence of her life and her work across the generations. The series, which was launched in August, is available through the Audible app and website.

QEH Yuletide Gala Auction

Annual fundraiser at Delta Hotel—Nov 26

The Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) Foundation’s annual Yuletide Gala Auction is a joyful way to kick off the holiday season and show support for the hospital. The 2025 Yuletide Gala Auction takes place on November 22 at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Prince Edward in Charlottetown from 6 pm to midnight.

The evening begins with a festive cocktail reception and dinner, followed by spirited bidding on a wide range of silent and live auction items—all generously donated by the PEI community, from Island getaways to handcrafted artisan pieces. The celebration wraps up with live entertainment and dancing.

At its heart, the Gala is all about giving back. Every ticket, bid, and donation supports the purchase of vital medical equipment and helps advance clinical priorities in Emergency, ICU, and Mental Health and Addictions care, ensuring the best possible care for patients across PEI.

Purchase tickets online by visiting qehyuletide.ca.

SUBMITTED

Dr. Kate Scarth

COMMUNITY #1

Purple Ribbon Pinning Bee

The Advisory Council on the Status of Women will host a pinning bee at the Charlottetown Library on November 5 from 6:30–8 pm to prepare ribbons, bookmarks, and other materials for its Purple Ribbon Campaign Against Violence Against Women. Thousands of ribbons are prepared by volunteers and distributed to individuals and organizations across the Island. The 2025–26 theme focuses on shame and placing responsibility where it belongs— not on survivors, but on those who use violence. The purple ribbons are worn in honour and remembrance of the 14 women murdered in Montreal in 1989 and the 10 women murdered in PEI since 1989 by someone they knew. They are also worn as a call for justice for the thousands of murdered and missing Indigenous women and girls in Canada. Everyone is welcome. Join for all or part of the evening to enjoy coffee, tea, snacks, and good conversation. Info: peistatusofwomen.ca

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.

PEI Autistic Adults

PEI Autistic Adults is an online and in-person peer-support group for autistic adults and seniors on PEI to talk about autism, share experiences of navigating PEI as autistic adults, and support each other. The website, peiautisticadults.com, has a public blog where members can share their views, a private discussion forum, private chat functionality, and links to their social media. PEI Autistic Adults was started by an autistic senior and currently has over 160 members ranging from students to seniors. Those who wish to participate in the meetings but who do not wish to interact online can email peiautisticadults@gmail.com. PEI Autistic Adults is not affiliated with any organization.

AA Secular 12-Step Group

The Alcoholics Anonymous Secular 12-Step Group meets every Thursday at 6:30 pm at the Beaconsfield Carriage House in Charlottetown. The group discusses excerpts from Beyond Belief: Agnostic Musings for 12 Step Life by Joe C, using science-based content to guide informal conversations about getting and staying sober. Books are provided. Meetings last one hour, and all are welcome.

Teen Volunteer Club

Teens interested in earning volunteer hours and joining the Teen Volunteer Club at the Charlottetown Library are invited to weekly meetings, held Mondays from 4–5 pm in the community kitchen, where members brainstorm and discuss new library programs.

Keystone leadership for teens

Teens interested in developing leadership skills and helping their community can join a keystone leadership program in the Charlottetown Library Board Room every Thursday from 3–6 pm. Participants can drop by to work on a volunteer project from start to finish, and make a valuable impact in the community.

PEI Spelling Bee

The PEI Spelling Bee will be held in Charlottetown on April 18, 2026. Winners receive $500 and will have a chance to attend the Championship in Toronto. Registration is open for students aged 6–14 until December 31. Visit spellingbeeofcanada.ca/registration to register online. Info: coordinator.pei@spellingbeeofcanada.ca

Nominations open for 2026

Heritage Awards

Nominations are open for the 2026 Heritage Awards. Each year, the PEI Museum and Heritage Foundation presents Heritage Awards from a variety of categories to Islanders who work to protect, share, and promote the province’s history. The Awards recognize volunteers, community groups, and professionals who make an impact through meaningful activities, research, storytelling, and more. Visit peimuseum. ca to submit a nomination. Nominations will be accepted until November 28. Info: 902-368-6600

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, 57 Central St. The next meetings are November 4 and 18 at 6 pm. Each meeting provides youth with the opportunity to participate in youth-led discussions and fun activities, complete with opportunities for creativity and self-discovery. These sessions are led by trained PEERS Alliance staff and volunteers, and include a healthy snack. The Club is open to youth aged 12–18. Youth will not be asked to identify and all are welcome to attend.

Inclusion and accessibility expo seeks exhibitors

The upcoming inclusion and accessibility expo Charlottetown for All will be held at the Simmons Sports Centre on December 3 from 2–6 pm, in recognition

of the International Day for Persons with Disabilities. The City of Charlottetown, in partnership with the Civic Board for Persons with Disabilities, is inviting local businesses and organizations to take part in this free community event highlighting programs, services, and supports for persons with disabilities in the capital region. The City is encouraging participation from public, private, government, and non-profit organizations, as well as accessibility-focused exhibitors. Space is limited and a waitlist will be created once all spots are filled. Email arobb@charlottetown.ca to register.

PEI Sociable Singles

PEI Sociable Singles is a social group for members aged 50 and over that meets once a week at the Hillsborough Community Centre, 199 Patterson Dr, Charlottetown, on Tuesdays at 7 pm. This is not a dating group—just friends getting together for meals, outings, screenings, and games—day or night. Become a trial member and attend any activities for four weeks before deciding to join. After that, the membership fee is paid annually and members can attend as many activities as they want and have access to the group’s Facebook page. Those interested in attending a Tuesday meet-and-greet can email sociable_singles@yahoo.com.

Faces of Fusion Awards

Fusion Charlottetown is holding its 10th annual Faces of Fusion Awards at The Guild on November 18 from 6–9 pm. This free event celebrates community champions who help make the Charlottetown area a great place to live, work, and enjoy for youth. Light refreshments will be provided. Doors open at 5 pm. Follow @FusionCharlottetown on FB and IG for more info and to nominate community contributors.

EAL conversation circle

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

Teen advisory group

Teens are welcome to join the teen advisory group on Mondays at 3:30 pm at the Summerside Library (57 Central St). 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.

White Poppy Campaign

The White Poppy Campaign, organized by the Island Peace Committee (IPC), returns in November. It promotes peace, and recognizes and commemorates all victims of war around the globe, both civilian and military. The campaign questions the morality of war and supports building a culture of peace to resolve conflicts. White poppies are available at 81 Prince St, Charlottetown.

Cornwall Run Club

The Cornwall Run Club hosts a social run every Wednesday at 6 pm, covering approximately 5 km. Runners of all skill levels are welcome. The run starts and ends at Village Green Brewery (30 Church St, Cornwall). Follow @ CornwallRunClub on FB.

Indoor public skating

The City of Charlottetown Parks and Recreation Department has released the 2025–26 indoor public skating schedule. City residents can enjoy affordable, family-friendly skating opportunities throughout the fall and winter season at Simmons Sports Centre, Cody Banks Arena, Eastlink Centre, and the Bell Aliant Centre. Visit univerusrec.com/ charlottetownpub/calendars/facilities/ index.asp for information, the full schedule, and fees.

Project Love

The not-for-profit organization Gifts From The Heart is once again hosting its annual Project Love program, providing Christmas hampers, gifts, and toys to those in need. In-person registration is open for current clients and will open to the general public on December 1. To help by wrapping gifts, filling hampers, or for more information, contact Betty Begg at 902-393-0171 or bettybegg@ gmail.com.

Decolonizing Gender workshop

Decolonizing Gender: A Two-Spirit & Drag Workshop invites adult 2SLGBTQIA+ community members to drop in and explore the intersections of identity, artistry, and self-expression through the lens of drag at the PEERS Alliance office on November 19 from 6–8 pm. This interactive event creates space for Two-Spirit and allied drag artists to share their personal journeys, discuss the cultural roots of gender expression, and showcase their craft through performances, tutorials, and one-on-one conversations. A collaboration between the Native Council of PEI’s Tapui’tjitja’amitj (2-Spirit) Program, the PEI Transgender Network, and PEERS Alliance, the workshop offers an open and affirming environment for learning, connection, and the celebration of gender diversity in all its forms. The PEERS Alliance office is located at 250B Queen St, Charlottetown. Info: josie@peersalliance.ca, 902-566-2437

Charlottetown Christmas Parade float entries open

The annual Charlottetown Christmas Parade returns on November 29 at 5 pm. The City is inviting float entries for this holiday tradition. For details, call 902566-5548, visit charlottetown.ca/parade, or email jedoucette@charlottetown.ca.

Women’s self defence classes

Buenos Island Studio in Charlottetown is offering one-hour women’s self defence classes with instructor Sensei Aoife. The classes run on Fridays at 5 pm from November 7–December 12. For registration details, fees, and more info, visit buenosisland.ca.

Meat Pie Festival

Celebrating an Acadian delicacy

In 2022, the Farmers’ Bank of Rustico & Doucet House Museums brought to fruition the Meat Pie Festival du pâté. This festival celebrates the rich history of the traditional Acadian meat pie—a delicacy that dates back hundreds of years and is still served in Acadian homes as well as in many Island homes today.

This year marks the fourth edition of the festival. The Meat Pie Festival du pâté features two categories: Traditional Acadian Meat Pie and NonTraditional Meat Pie. This culinary festival is a culturally inclusive event that celebrates the Acadian meat pie while inviting other cultures to join the celebration. The Non-Traditional category not only encourages people from other cultures to submit their own meat pies,

Hope Happens Here

Fundraiser at UPEI Performance Hall—Nov 9

Hope Happens Here, a cynthiagraceLIVING event, will be held on November 9 at the UPEI Performance Hall in Charlottetown.

Hosted by emcee Gordie Cox, the event will feature guest speaker Michelle Hughes, performances by the Eliot River Choir, Absolute Losers, Lawrence Maxwell, Kelley Mooney, Good Ol’ Boys, Larry Koughan, and

Kijiji Celebration

Black Cultural Society event at St. Peter’s Hall—Nov 29

This holiday season, the Black Cultural Society invites the community to come together in joy and gratitude at Kijiji Celebration: Honoring Our Village—a heartwarming gathering that celebrates unity, culture, and togetherness.

Taking place on November 29 from 1–4 pm at St. Peter’s Hall in Charlottetown, this vibrant afternoon will be filled with thanksgiving, appreciation, and connection.

Attendees will share food, laughter, and cultural reflection as they embrace the beauty of belonging and give thanks for one another.

Follow @blackculturalsocietypei on socials for updates and more.

but also allows folks to “think outside the box” and get creative.

Regional competitions will take place in three of the Acadian and Francophone regions of PEI. Then, on December 13 (Acadian Remembrance Day), all first-place regional winners will gather at the Cymbria Lions Club in Rustico for the Provincial Competition, where winners in both categories will be crowned.

Last year, in collaboration with the Department of Education and Early Years, the festival introduced a series of workshops held across Island schools, engaging nearly 300 Grade 6 students from tip to tip. Another round is planned for the new year. Visit farmersbank.ca for more information.

Senior Islanders of the Year

Contributions recognized from ten residents

Ten PEI residents were recognized on October 1, International Day of Older Adults, for their outstanding contributions to the province at the Senior Islander of the Year Award ceremony.

The Senior Islander of the Year Award was created to celebrate the many contributions of Island seniors, and to promote positive images of aging. Past recipients have been recognized for a variety of efforts including community activities and engagement, volunteering, fundraising, education, research, fitness, and recreation.

Kim Mooney, plus a 50/50 draw.

The event is a fundraiser for Hope Happens Here, a women’s wellness retreat for survivors, conquerors, and thrivers—any woman personally touched by cancer. Created by PEI’s Michelle Hughes, Hope Happens Here offers a weekend of connection, and healing practices. Every ticket and every shared moment of music helps fund this cause, bringing hope, community, and healing to women not only on PEI but around the world.

Hughes is the woman behind My Journey To Just Live (myjourneytojustlive.com). She is a thriving cancer survivor living with a rare, incurable stage 4 cancer. She has inspired hundreds of thousands of women worldwide to “Just Live Out Loud.”

Showtime is 2 pm; doors open at 1:30 pm. Tickets are available via eventbrite.ca.

Remembrace at Kings Playhouse

Ceremony and Luncheon—Nov 11

Kings Playhouse will once again host its Remembrance Day Ceremony and Luncheon on November 11—a long-standing tradition that brings together veterans, active service members, students, and residents to honour those who have served and continue to serve.

The ceremony begins at 10:30 am, followed by a community luncheon at the Playhouse, located at 65 Grafton St, Georgetown.

Visit kingsplayhouse.com to RSVP.

This year’s winners include: Betty Dougan, East Royalty; Daria Valkenburg, Albany; Honourable Diane Griffin, Stratford; Don Reid, Summerside; Kit Loschiuk, Freeland; Eileen LeClair, Summerside; Estelle Bourgeois, North Rustico; John Rousseau, Mount Vernon; Dr. Umesh Gupta, Charlottetown; and Velma Bince, O’Leary.

To see a full list of past winners and learn more, visit PEI Senior Island of the Year Award at princeedwardisland.ca.

COMMUNITY #2

Seniors Active Living Centre membership drive

The Seniors Active Living Centre offers a variety of activities for adults 50 and over. The Centre will hold a membership drive for 2026 running November 24–28 from 12–1 pm. Info: salc@pei.aibn.com

PEI Scottish Settlers Historical Society AGM

The PEI Scottish Settlers Historical Society’s annual general meeting will be held at Glenaladale Schoolhouse on November 8 at 1:30 pm. The business component will follow an illustrated presentation by Myrna Babineau on the life of Scottish heroine Flora MacDonald and her connections to PEI. Refreshments will be served and everyone is welcome. 257 Blooming Point Rd, Tracadie Cross.

Seniors Navigator

The Seniors Navigator will be at the Charlottetown Library on November 12 and 16 from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm for drop-in assistance. The program helps seniors access services and programs offered by community organizations and all levels of government.

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 November 19 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 with ADHD.

Seniors Cafés

Seniors Cafés take place at the Charlottetown and Summerside libraries. The next Seniors Café at the Summerside Library (57 Central St) is on November 14 at 11 am, where seniors can enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and socialize. Each month features a guest speaker, games, or discussions relevant to seniors. The

next Charlottetown Seniors Café is on November 20 at 1 pm. Laura from Downstreet Dance will lead everyone in line dancing. Food, coffee, and tea will be provided.

Charlottetown City Hall Newcomers Open House

The City of Charlottetown is welcoming community members of all ages to an informal open house for newcomers at City Hall (199 Queen St) for an evening of snacks and chats on November 3 from 5–7 pm. The free, drop-in event provides an opportunity to tour City Hall, meet the Mayor and Council members, and connect with the community through open dialogue. All new residents who live or work within Charlottetown are welcome to attend the open house, whether they are from out of province or out of country. Organizations offering newcomer support services will also be in attendance, including the Immigrant and Refugee Services Association of PEI and PEI Connectors. Info: charlottetown. ca/newcomerwelcome, 902-566-5548

Breastfeeding information and support meeting

Pregnant individuals and new parents are invited to a breastfeeding information and support meeting on November 25 from 4:30–5:30 pm at Beaconsfield Carriage House, 2 Kent St, Charlottetown. Hosted by accredited leaders of La Leche League PEI, the session will cover topics such as preparing to breastfeed and managing challenges. All are welcome. Follow @lllc.pei on FB for updates. Info: 902-316-2167

Future Farmer 2.0 Program

Free energy efficiency info sessions for homeowners

The Canadian Home Builders’ Association is offering free virtual sessions on energy efficiency for homeowners through December. Each session explores specific topics to help make homes more comfortable and efficient. Info: chba-pei.ca

Island Build Awards Gala

The PEI Canadian Home Builders’ Association’s Island Build Awards Gala will be held at the New London Carriage House on November 7 from 6–9 pm. The awards recognize excellence in residential construction across PEI. For tickets, visit chba-pei.ca.

Creative community yoga

A creative community yoga class takes place in the Black Box Theatre at The Guild in Charlottetown on Wednesday mornings at 10 am in November. All levels are welcome to breathe, move, and discover in a safe, inclusive, and inviting space. Admission is by cash donation at the door. Info: theguildpei.com

Spooky Walk

A Spooky Walk, presented by the Confederation Centre’s Arts Education and Heritage programs, will take place on November 1 at 6:30 pm at the Centre in Charlottetown. Participants are encouraged to dress as their favourite spooky Island character or folklore creature. The event is open to all ages. Register at confederationcentre.com.

Historic walking tours

A revamped program is now available to help new Island farmers establish or continue profitable and sustainable farm businesses on PEI. Through mentorship, project funding, and training, the Future Farmer Program 2.0 helps farmers set and prioritize sustainable business goals while strengthening the planning, management, and technical skills needed for success. The revamped program builds on the previous Future Farmer program by increasing investments for successful applicants, and now includes Agri-Start and Continuing to Grow subprograms. Visit Future Farmer Program 2.0 at princeedwardisland.ca for eligibility and guidelines.

Lymphedema meetings

The Lymphedema Education and Support Group will resume monthly meetings at Beaconsfield Carriage House in Charlottetown. Upcoming dates are November 9 and January 11 at 12:30 pm. Facilitated by Rose Goulet, the meetings are open to anyone interested in preventing or living with lymphedema and can be attended in person or online. Info: rlygoulet@yahoo.ca, 902-940-6780

new landmarks and uncover hidden gems without leaving the comfort of the library. This month’s travel destination is Riquewihr, France.

Toddler play date

Children ages 0–5 and their caregivers can enjoy a play date at the Summerside Library, 57 Central St, on November 28 at 9:30 am. Toddlers can build and develop various skill sets, from motor skills to social skills, while parents connect.

Homeschooler Hour

Homeschool families with kids aged 6–12 can explore science, technology, and art while connecting with other homeschooling families at Homeschooler Hour at 2 pm on November 18 at the Summerside Library, 57 Central St. This month’s activities include solving escape boxes.

Employment and life skills training funding

Islanders with intellectual disabilities will benefit from funding that enhances access to vocational and life skills training, as well as life enrichment and support services delivered through Tremploy. Founded in 1969, Tremploy is a non-profit organization in Charlottetown that supports adults with intellectual disabilities to reach their fullest potential. Info: tremploy.com

Brain injury support group

The Brain Injury Association of PEI meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month at Canada House, 293 Allen St, Charlottetown. Contact Jo-Ann McInnis at jmmcinnis65@gmail.com for more info

Confederation Centre of the Arts offers historic walking tours of downtown Charlottetown. From the Island’s first inhabitants to Confederation and beyond, these tours feature Canadian history, cultural landmarks, intriguing facts, and architectural gems. The tours are led by the Heritage Players, a troupe of enthusiastic guides in period costume who bring history to life. Three tours are on offer: Inside Island History, available until October 30, is a cabaret-style presentation sharing fascinating Island stories; The Historic Great George Tour, available until November 1, explores PEI’s role in shaping Canadian history; and The Ghost Tour, available until November 8, led by a mysterious gravedigger, features spooky tales from Charlottetown’s haunted past. Each tour is approximately 75 minutes. For the full schedule and to book tickets, visit confederationcentre. com or call 1-800-565-0278.

Tech help

Tech help is offered at the Summerside Library, 57 Central St, on Thursdays at 3 pm. Call the library in advance at 902-436-7323 to register for a one-on-one session.

Around the World in 60 Minutes

Discover new places at the Summerside Library, 57 Central St, on November 20 at 2 pm by virtually travelling to different areas around the world. Explore

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 sensory and active play, art, and socialization. There are infant-specific playgroups, parent sessions, and free prenatal classes as well. Info/register: chancesfamily.ca, 902-892-8744

But First, Let’s Woo podcast

But First, Let’s Woo is an Island-based podcast by a couple of 40-something Islanders in their “woo-woo” era—think tarot cards in one hand and coffee in the other—available on most platforms. Each episode explores woo-woo topics and practices from an amateur perspective. It’s equal parts silly, informative, and fun. Upcoming episodes include “The healing power of sound baths and Reiki: A conversation with Liz Fay, Sacred Sound Healer and Reiki Master” on November 7 and “How to use Tarot for self-care” on November 21. Follow @butfirstletswoo on IG, email info@butfirstletswoo.com, or visit butfirstletswoo.com for details.

Wayward Hearts pop-up

Wayward Hearts, PEI’s only matchmaker, will have a pop-up event at the Charlottetown Farmers Market (100 Belvedere Ave) on November 1 from 9 am–2 pm. Swing by to learn about the world of intentional matchmaking.

The Cove Journal by JoDee Samuelson

Last Swim

Have we ever gone swimming in October? October 7 to be exact. I wrote this haiku in honour of the occasion:

Unexpected text: “Swim today? Low tide. North wind. Could be cold.” “Let’s go.”

It WAS chilly but memorable.

I’m on a haiku binge. This in honour of our neighbour’s yard:

Magic hour sunlight setting fire to red maples born for this moment

What a brilliant colorful autumn! Sumacs along the roadside are simply stunning in their scarlet glory. Remember how sad we were after Fiona when all the leaves turned brown? Like beauty had been wiped from the face of the earth? But beauty is back! Also, the clear autumn light turns each sunset into a spectacle.

I love to see all the pumpkins and fall mums decorating doorways this time of year, so cheerful. But what about these short days? I never get used to being plunged head first into darkness. What to do during these long inward-turning evening hours? We can sit around listening to horse chestnuts clattering saucily onto the roof, but that’s only so satisfying. Or we play Scrabble, Upwords, Boggle, Bananagrams, cribbage or solitaire; work on a New York Times crossword; watch 10-minute condensed versions of sports events on YouTube; read read read; listen to audiobooks; make popcorn; phone someone; put wood on the fire; have friends over for a soirée; listen to music; make music…

Yes, make music. Our Cove Choir is singing “in parts” songs like Dust in the Wind, The Lion Sleeps Tonight, Here Comes the Sun. It’s safe to say

that we’ll never make it to Carnegie Hall, but it’s fun to gather in our little school raising our voices in song, (heat pump faithfully humming in the background), feeling connected to one another through music. I’m so glad that I have friends who want to come out on a dark night and sing with me.

Other happenings in the Cove. Seaweed has piled up along the shore below the camp, free for the taking. Planks on the bridge down to the church have been replaced. A huge hatch of Asian beetles last week has everyone picking beetles out of their hair and eyes. Beetles on windows, walls—it’s startling! They have moved on, or at least turned into something else… hmmm.

Potato trucks filled with small potatoes are rumbling off to warehouses throughout the district. No spuds grown in the Cove this year so we tried gleaning in a nearby community; but harvesting equipment had scraped the field to the bone and we brought home a grand total of three potatoes. We ate the potatoes for supper last night and they were delicious, so that was something.

Time to accept reality. No more swimming in the Cove. Salty beach towels can be washed and put away. Also,

Clean out flowerbeds

Buy crocus and tulip bulbs

Plant hope for next year

We’ve been down this road before. In a mere two months the days will start getting longer and everything will begin all over again.

FOOD & DRINK

PEISO and Double Hill Cidery collaboration

The PEI Symphony Orchestra (PEISO) has partnered with PEI artisan cider maker Double Hill Cidery to release a limited-edition “Symphony” cider, now available at select Liquor PEI retail locations across the province and at PEISO performances at Conferation Centre of the Arts. Created in celebration of PEISO’s 58th season, one dollar from every bottle of “Symphony” sold goes directly to supporting the Orchestra and sustaining its mission to bring exceptional live orchestral music and arts education to Islanders of all ages. Double Hill Cidery, based in Caledonia, is known for producing small-batch ciders from hand-harvested apples grown on its scenic orchard and vineyard.

Chef Nation

Chef Nation is held in the Community Kitchen at the Charlottetown Library Learning Centre on Tuesdays from 3–5 pm. Teens (ages 13–18) can participate in a selection of crafts and activities, learn to cook, or just hang out.

Dinner & Show fundraiser

The St. Mark Malankara Orthodox Congregation of PEI is hosting a Dinner & Show fundraiser at Jack Blanchard Hall (7 Pond St, Charlottetown) on December 13. Guests will enjoy a turkey dinner by 4S Catering, live musical entertainment by Ceilidh in the City, and comedy performed by Alan Buchanan. Doors open at 5:30 pm. Proceeds will support youth and outreach programs, along with a contribution to the Alzheimer Society of PEI. Limited tickets are available. Visit forms.gle/wzdgAU9oneycMNGF8 to register online.

Interactive Festive Feast Dinner Party

Chef Michael and Chastity Smith, along with The Fire Brigade, will host the Interactive Festive Feast Dinner Party on December 5 in the ballroom at Delta Hotels by Marriott Prince Edward in Charlottetown. The evening begins with a 6 pm reception and oyster bar, followed by an interactive multi-course dinner at 7 pm. Guests will enjoy live music from Chastity Smith, Got Blues, and Todd MacLean, along with themed décor, games, and entertainment throughout the night. For every table sold, one turkey will be donated to local food banks. Individual tickets and tables of eight are available. The dress code is business attire to semi-formal. For tickets, visit innatbayfortune.com/product/ an-interactive-festive-feast.

Cold & Flu Season

Take Control of Your Health Journey

TV Music

Island Jazz Quartet and Charlottetown Jazz Ensemble

Island Jazz presents a special concert featuring music made famous by TV shows over the decades. TV Music will be performed by the Charlottetown Jazz Ensemble and the Island Jazz Quartet, with vocalist Kelley Mooney and other special guests, on November 21 at 7:30 pm at the Florence Simmons Performance Hall in Charlottetown.

Music from TV shows has carved out a unique and beloved space in people’s memories. The deep connection audiences feel to soundtracks and theme songs from their favourite series stems from a potent blend of nostalgia and heightened storytelling. Iconic songs from shows watched over the years evoke powerful memories of shared viewing experiences, and for many listeners, the music is inseparable from their personal history and identity.

For this show, audiences will enjoy jazz arrangements of classic TV music from favourite shows including

Spiderman, The Simpsons, Mission: Impossible, M Squad, MASH*, Sanford & Son, Gilmore Girls, The Golden Girls, Get Smart, WKRP, The Odd Couple, Mary Tyler Moore, Three’s Company, Cheers, and more.

Formed in 1996, the Charlottetown Jazz Ensemble is celebrating its 30th anniversary this season. The band features Island musicians with a wide range of backgrounds, from gifted students to seasoned professionals.

Since 2013, Island Jazz has championed live improvisation across genres. For ten seasons, it has presented weekly shows at Baba’s Lounge featuring top musicians performing original music, jazz standards, pop hits, and more. In 2022, it partnered with Roving Picture Shows to create live improvised soundtracks for silent films.

The TV Music concert is an all-ages event with bar service available. Music starts at 7:30 pm. Tickets are available at the door or in advance via Ticketpro.

hyperpop prince Jorby, and writer and multi-instrumentalist Todd MacLean— with more acts still being added. James will also world-premiere the video for his own brand-new song, “You Coulda Had All This.”

The PEI podcast isletunes, which plays nothing but music recorded by PEI songwriters, is marking its 100th episode on November 16 with a live show at Trailside Music Hall in Charlottetown.

Host Adam-Michael James typically presents songs in a radio-style format, playing recorded material for listeners alongside connected information. For this milestone, he will instead showcase musicians in person and conduct interviews with them right there on stage. The lively roster boasts fiddle legend Richard Wood, PEI-to-Nashville country crooner Maxine MacLellan, Vietnamese classical guitarist Frederic Duong Kim Dung, Lawrence Maxwell Musician Support Fund Songwriting Contest finalist Julia Robichaud,

Because James has felt the need to use his platform to voice protest against the rise of fascism, the evening will be a fundraiser for the Cooper Institute, an Island organization that has locally advocated for democracy over the past 40 years, especially in the areas of diversity and inclusion, proportional representation, and human rights. To find out more about this hub for social change, visit cooperinstitute. ca. A portion of the proceeds will be divided among the performers as honorariums.

Tickets for isletunes: 100th Episode Live! are available at trailside.ca or by calling 902-367-3311. The episode will also be streamed on the podcast’s FB page and recorded for upload on November 21.

Charlottetown Jazz Ensemble

Writings on the Wall

Concert and conversation at The Guild—Nov 25

Writings on the Wall: Creating a Culture of Care in the Performing Arts, presented by subTEXT, is taking place at The Guild in Charlottetown on November 25 from 7:30–10 pm. The event will mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and the first of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.

With support from Innovation PEI and the Interministerial Women’s Secretariat, Writings on the Wall will feature six artists in concert and conversation with one another. Alicia Toner, Carlie Howell, Julie PellisierLush, Kinley Dowling, Maïa Davies, and Tara MacLean have each composed songs about their experiences with gender-based violence.

In collaborative performance, these artists aim to move beyond asking, “Why did you write this song?” and toward, “Why do you perform it? How would you like audiences to

Celebrate Island women

Women’s Network PEI 2025 fundraiser at Trailside—Nov 9

The Women’s Network PEI presents an afternoon of entertainment at its 2025 fundraiser, Celebrate Island Women, on November 9 at Trailside Music Hall in Charlottetown. Featuring Carlie Howell, Tanya Davis, Emilea May, Justyn Thyme, and Charles Ruth, with emcee Jill MacIntyre, the matinee event runs from 1–3 pm, with doors opening at noon. This event raises crucial funds to support the nonprofit’s work empowering women and gender-diverse people across the community. All proceeds directly assist project participants, advancing the Women’s Network’s vision of an Island free from oppression and ensuring equitable access to the resources everyone needs to thrive. To purchase tickets, visit trailside.ca.

listen? How would you like organizations to respond?”

They will illuminate not only the circumstances where gender-based violence is occurring in the lives of artists but also how it is affecting them in their careers. They will discuss what can be done to create a culture of care that invites diverse voices to the table, considers their needs, and supports their sustained participation in the performing arts.

Visit eventbrite.com for tickets.

(clockwise from top-left): Carlie Howell & Tanya Davis, Jill MacIntyre, Justin Thyme & Emilea May, and Charles Ruth

To sponsor a ticket for someone who would benefit from attending, email admin@wnpei.org. Follow Women’s Network PEI on social media for updates.

“Women supporting women is the most powerful force for change in the world.”

—Ntozake Shange

(L–R, top–bottom): Maïa Davies, Julie Pellisier-Lush, Carlie Howell, Alicia Toner, Kinley Dowling, and Tara MacLean

Greenland uncovered

Dr. David Cairns talk at Beaconsfield—Nov 4

Nature PEI and the Vinland Society of PEI present “Sixteen Things You Didn’t Know About Greenland,” a talk on the world’s largest island, by marine and arctic biologist Dr. David Cairns. The event will be held at the Beaconsfield Carriage House in Charlottetown on November 4 at 7:30 pm. Admission is free, and all are welcome.

The talk highlights surprising facts about Greenland—that it was born of a failed revolt against North America; that its first chronicler was Chicken Little; that it is a dog bowl; that it was the last major place on Earth to be occupied by humans; that it is barren only above the waterline; that the traditional explanation for why seals abound there is wrong; that its most spectacular wildlife species is the reason spectacular wildlife is rarely seen; that the key to Arctic habitation is imitating polar bears; that “Greenland” is a real

estate slogan; that elephants caused the downfall of the Norse colonies; that it was part of the greatest territorial conquest in the pre-Columbian New World; that its Indigenous people were the last to arrive; that its currency has holes in it; that Canada–Greenland trade once centred on pieces of Chicken Little’s meteorite; that Trump has its strategic importance wrong; and that Canada and Canadians can help Greenland achieve its national goals.

The Wild Side of PEI

Lecture by Kate MacQuarrie at UPEI—Nov

The Island Lecture Series presents a free talk by Kate MacQuarrie, “The Wild Side of PEI,” on November 18. The lecture will begin at 7 pm in the Faculty Lounge, Main Building Room 201, UPEI. All are welcome.

PEI is known as the “million-acre farm” and “Canada’s food island,” but there is so much more to this province than farming and fishing. In this illustrated presentation, MacQuarrie will take you on a tour of some of PEI’s best remaining natural landscapes. From iconic coastal sand dunes and red sandstone cliffs to wetlands, ancient peat bogs, and old-growth forests, this presentation highlights the wild side of Canada’s smallest province. No matter how well you know PEI, you’ll learn something new and interesting from this talk.

18

MacQuarrie is an award-winning botanist, naturalist, and author with more than 30 years’ experience working with the plants, wildlife, and natural history of PEI. In addition to being PEI’s Director of Forests, Fish, and Wildlife, she runs PEI Untamed, a business dedicated to helping people learn,

explore, and reconnect with the natural world around them. MacQuarrie has conducted research in PEI’s upland hardwood forests and coastal sand dunes, found plants not previously known to exist on the Island, published papers in national and international peer-reviewed journals, and has just released her first book, Wild Foods of Prince Edward Island, with Acorn Press. She is currently working on another book due out in Fall 2026.

Kate MacQuarrie and Cuan

The Nature of PEI by

Gary Schneider

Another super shrub

More than thirty years ago I was wandering through a lovely forest in Lewes owned by ex-premier Angus MacLean. Besides being a great person, Angus was clearly someone who loved his woodland. As we talked trees, I asked Angus if he ever came across hobblebush. He took me to a place along one of the trails where he was tip-layering the rare shrub.

Tip-layering is a means of vegetatively reproducing a plant by bending a branch to the ground, usually making an incision at the bottom, and mounding it with earth.If all goes well, roots start growing from the incision, and you can cut off the branch—voilà, a rooted plant.

greenness is replaced by a dark purple. It is one of the most beautiful fall images that I have ever seen. Each leaf seems to be a work of art.

Being a blueberry producer, Angus had the hobblebush branch bent into a bright yellow blueberry flat, which looked very much out of place in this lovely natural area, but it couldn’t be missed.

Angus taught me that another name for hobblebush is trip-toe, which I didn’t quite understand until a gang of hobblebush ambushed me on one of my seed hunts. Hobblebush naturally tip-layer when heavy snow or ice bend the branches down to the ground and they root there. Imagine walking through the woods and having a bunch of branches that hobble you as you walk through. I’ve literally found myself head over keister as one of my feet got caught in the trap.

For me, it was love as first sight with hobblebush and it remains one of my favourite Island shrubs. It is one of three viburnums that are native here. The other two—highbush cranberry and wild raisin—are also special shrubs, but neither holds my heart the way hobblebush does.

It starts in the spring, when the suede-like buds start swelling, finally bursting into flowers and leaves. The flowers are pale white clusters surrounded by bright white false flowers that attract pollinators. The large, heart-shaped leaves are sometimes as big as my head. And then the fruit comes out, changing from green to bright red to dark purple as they ripen.

But it might be in the autumn where this shrub attracts the most attention. You can see from the photo that when the leaves mature, some of their

As for the plant itself, it is one of our rarest native shrubs, joining witch hazel and round-leaf dogwood as some of the hardest ones to find. And as I have discussed in past columns, this is not because it is difficult to grow but because we have destroyed so much of its natural habitat. It thrives in dappled light in rich soil, conditions that became rare with the clearing of so much forest for agriculture.

Hobblebush is a wonderful plant for wildlife, especially birds that are trying to fatten up their families in preparation for fall migration. American robin, Swainson’s thrush, hermit thrush, and cedar waxwings are just a few species that make good use of the fruit. Small mammals such as red squirrels and chipmunks also consume the berries.

And you and I? We can also eat the fruit, but only once they have turned dark purple and are fully ripe. They are not the most exciting fruit I have ever tasted but they are certainly edible.

Hobblebush is a native shrub worthy of our attention. We should be doing all we can to make this beautiful plant more prominent in our landscape.

By improving your home’s energy efficiency, you’re lowering monthly costs. And now, rebates are bigger than ever, increasing by 40%!

Upgrading your insulation and sealing gaps can also increase the comfort and indoor air quality of your home.

Kids aged 6–12 can take part in hands-on activities with replicated ocean fossils, games, and more—all designed to spark curiosity and build climate literacy. OceanWise takes place at the Summerside Library (57 Central St) on November 6 at 1:30 pm.

Hobblebush

The Ennis Sisters

Christmas show at Sobey Family Theatre—Nov 25

The Ennis Sisters will be live at the Centre this month when they bring their annual show, Christmas with the Ennis Sisters to Sobey Family Theatre in Charlottetown on November 25 at 7:30 pm.

The trio from St. John’s, Newfoundland & Labrador, has been performing for audiences worldwide for more than 25 years, sharing their harmonies, original songwriting, and a mix of Celtic and traditional Newfoundland tunes. They have released 14 full-length studio albums and have earned numerous accolades, including a prestigious JUNO Award, a SOCAN award and multiple ECMAs and MusicNL awards.

Feel the Newfoundland magic

when Maureen, Karen, and Teresa Ennis take the stage for an evening of music and storytelling. Visit confederationcentre.com for tickets and more information.

Acoustic East Coast

Instrumental covers of regional classics at St. Paul’s—Nov 15

Acoustic East Coast will perform at St. Paul’s in Charlottetown on November 15 at 2 pm. The concert will feature instrumental covers of favourite East Coast Canadian classics, interspersed with stories about the songs and anecdotes about how and why they were created. Performed by PEI’s own Bayfield String Quartet and narrated by Cameron MacDuffee.

East Coast favourites are reimagined for string quartet by Natalie Williams Calhoun. The program includes “Peter’s Dream” by Lennie Gallant, “Fare Thee Well” by the Rankin Family, “Inner Ninja” by Classified feat. David Myles, “Snowbird” by Gene MacLellan, “Harriet” by Hey Rosetta!, “Sparrow” by Tara MacLean, “Angel” by Sarah

McLachlan, and more.

The Bayfield String Quartet is a Charlottetown-based ensemble known for their rich sound and dynamic performances. In August, they were featured at the Under the Spire Music Festival, earning praise for their compelling and heartfelt performance. With strong Island roots and a passion for musical storytelling, the quartet is dedicated to sharing the power of chamber music across PEI and beyond.

Cameron MacDuffee is an actor, musician, composer, and playwright based in PEI. He has performed across Canada, including at the Shaw and Charlottetown Festivals.

Tickets are available at the door or online at pink-avocado-productions. tickit.ca/events/31709.

Cowboy Christmas

George

Canyon and Aaron Pritchett at Harbourfront—Nov 16

Canadian country artists George Canyon and Aaron Pritchett are bringing their coast-to-coast Cowboy Christmas tour to Harbourfront Theatre in Summerside on November 16 at 7:30 pm.

With countless accolades between them and over 25 years of hits, the pair will come together to treat fans to some of their own chart-topping songs, as well as some all-time favourite Christmas classics.

George Canyon has been the recipient of many JUNO, CCMA, and ECMA Awards. He has been inducted into the Nova Scotia Country Music Hall of Fame, recorded 12 albums, and was presented a certified Platinum Award for his debut album One Good Friend

Aaron Pritchett has been a part of the Canadian country music scene for

20 years and is known for his dynamic, even raucous, live shows.

Aaron Pritchett has been active in Canadian country music for over 20 years. Known for his dynamic live shows, he continues to be a prominent figure in the Canadian country scene with 13 Top 10 singles under his belt. Visit harbourfronttheatre.com for tickets and more information.

Gunning & Cormier

Christmas show at Trailside Music Hall—Nov 26

Dave Gunning and J.P. Cormier bring their Christmas Show to Trailside Music Hall in Charlottetown on November 26 at 8 pm.

“I couldn’t think of two better performers and songwriters for a show like this,” says promoter Pat Deighan. “The playing, sweet harmonies, and humour these two bring to the stage are amazing.”

Gunning and Cormier, both busy solo musicians, are coming together for this one-of-akind show, featuring a mix of new and old songs plus fan favourites to

audiences into the

George Canyon (left) and Aaron Pritchett

Christmas spirit.

Dave Gunning (left) and J.P. Cormier

HOLIDAY MUSIC

A Celtic Christmas

The Ross Family will perform A Celtic Christmas at Top of the Park Restaurant at Red Shores Racetrack & Casino in Charlottetown on November 21. Guests can celebrate the holiday season and enjoy a three-course meal, starting at 6:30 pm, while listening to the tunes. Tickets are available by calling 902-620-4264 or visiting redshores.ca.

Together Again for Christmas

Bruce Rainnie, Kendra MacGillivray, and Kevin “Boomer” Gallant return in Together Again for Christmas: Carols & Comedy, taking place at St Francis of Assisi Church on November 29 at 7 pm and November 30 at 2 pm. The trio will be ready to start the Christmas season with laughs, music, and carols. Tickets can be purchased by contacting Karen at 902-393-6286, Alice at 902-218-3767, or Rosalind at 902-393-5035. Payment can be made by cash or via e-transfer to officemygs@gmail.com. If purchasing tickets via e-transfer, indicate in the message section: name, event name, and number of tickets. 5 Lowther Dr, Cornwall.

Carols for Advent

The annual service of lessons and Carols for Advent, presented by St. Peter’s Choristers under the direction of Clement Carelse, will take place at 7 pm on November 30 at St. Peter’s Cathedral in Charlottetown. There will be music by Palestrina, Bach, Willan, and more, and Advent hymns. All are welcome.

Holidays in Hollywood

The Holland College Community Band will be on stage at Florence Simmons Performance Hall on December 2 at 7:30 pm to present Holidays in Hollywood: Christmas Movie Music. Donations to the Upper Room Food Bank will be gratefully accepted at the door. 140 Weymouth Street, Charlottetown

DNTS Holiday Concert

On December 6, DNTS (Definitely Not the Symphony) will host a holiday concert at the Jack Blanchard Centre, 7 Pond St, Charlottetown, at 10 am. Music from the classical and popular genres will be featured, played by this 40+ member community orchestra of all ages.

Following the concert, a social gathering will take place with coffee and refreshments—a chance to share holiday cheer. Admission will be cash at the door, by donation.

Kendall Docherty and Friends Christmas Concert

The annual Kendall Docherty and Friends Christmas Concert will be held on December 7 at 7 pm at St. Mark’s Presbyterian, 7 Tamarac Avenue, Charlottetown. For tickets, call Lois (902368-8246) or the church office (902-8925255). Fudge will be sold.

St Dunstan’s Basilica Christmas Concert

St. Dunstan’s Basilica’s annual Christmas concert takes place on December 16 from 7–9 pm. The concert is an annual gift to the City of Charlottetown, and has become a holiday tradition featuring over 50 choristers from across the Island accompanied by a 35-piece orchestra conducted by Leo Marchildon. Saint-Saëns’ “Christmas Oratorio” will be coupled with David Hamilton’s “The Wonder of Christmas” for an evening of Christmas music, including the singing of “Silent Night” by candlelight. Admission is by donation. It is recommended to arrive early as this event fills up quickly. 45 Great George St, Charlottetown.

A Brass Choir Christmas Christmas classics and winter inspired melodies come together to shape A Brass Choir Christmas. Eight of PEI’s finest brass musicians will present a fundraising concert in support of the PEI Kiwanis Music Festival on December 17 at 7:30 pm at Park Royal United in Charlottetown. Admission is by donation.

(L–R): Bruce, Kendra, and Boomer

Definitely Not The Symphony

Bloom

The PEI Symphony Orchestra (PEISO) continues its Nouveau season with Bloom on November 23 at 2:30 pm at the Confederation Centre of the Arts. The concert marks the long-awaited debut of internationally renowned conductor Arthur Arnold, and features PEI mezzo soprano Hannah O’Donnell in Hector Berlioz’s song cycle “Les nuits d’été.”

“Bloom is a concert rooted in optimism and emotional awakening,” says PEISO Music Director Jaelem Bhate. “We’re thrilled to feature Arthur Arnold—a conductor with a global reputation and deep Canadian connections— alongside Hannah O’Donnell, one of PEI’s most versatile and acclaimed voices. It’s a program that celebrates personal and collective growth.”

The program opens with Zoltán Kodály’s “Dances of Galánta,” a vibrant homage to the Hungarian folk tradition, followed by Berlioz’s “Les nuits d’été” (Summer Nights), sung by O’Donnell. The concert concludes with Johannes Brahms’ “Symphony No. 2 in D major,” often described as his sunniest and most pastoral symphony—full of lyrical themes and sweeping emotional arcs.

Arthur Arnold, a Dutch-born conductor and co-founder of the Pacific Region International Summer Music Association (PRISMA Festival & Academy), served for a decade as Music Director of the Moscow Symphony Orchestra. He resigned in 2022 in protest of the war in Ukraine, taking a principled stand that underscored his commitment to artistic integrity. He is also known for his ground-breaking collaboration with the Tla’amin Nation on Canada’s west coast, where traditional Indigenous music is performed alongside full orchestra—a cultural partnership he

describes as “one of the most meaningful of my career.”

“I’m honoured to finally step onto the podium with the PEI Symphony,” says Arnold. “This program speaks to transformation and healing—something we all recognize, and something music expresses so profoundly.”

Island soloist Hannah O’Donnell is equally at home on the concert and opera stage. A graduate of UPEI and Memorial University, she has performed with opera companies across Canada and internationally, and made her solo debut with the PEISO in 2017. O’Donnell is also a dedicated music educator, serving on faculty at Holland College’s School of Performing Arts and through her private studio, Middle Sea Music.

“Performing with the PEI Symphony always feels like home,” says O’Donnell. “Collaborating with so many friends and colleagues in the orchestra is incredibly special, and it’s a joy to share the music with our Island audience. Les nuits d’été is such a rich and dramatic work, and I can’t wait to explore it with Maestro Arnold and the ensemble.”

Bloom is the second concert in the PEISO’s 2025–26 Island Series, themed Nouveau, inspired by the Art Nouveau movement’s vision of beauty, purpose, and transformation through art. The series continues in March 2026 with Reclaimed, featuring JUNO-nominated composer and cellist Cris Derksen, and concludes in April 2026 with Blue—a season finale infused with jazz, gospel, and 20th-century cosmopolitan flair, with acclaimed PEI pianist Magdalena von Eccher as guest soloist. confederationcentre.com

PEISO welcomes Arthur Arnold and Hannah O’Donnell

Conductor Arthur Arnold (above) and mezzo soprano Hannah O’Donnell

Lucy Farrell

With the Souris Seagulls at Souris Show Hall—Nov 8

Resident choir director and allaround, globally-renowned folk singer Lucy Farrell will perform an afternoon of traditional and original folk song at the Souris Show Hall on November 8, as part of a matinee performance at 3 pm. The Souris Seagulls—the folk choir that Farrell directs at the Hall—will sing an opening set. Lucy willl be accompanied by Jake Charron of The East Pointers.

Farrell has been leaving her mark on the Island with her inclusive and reverent approach to group singing. First with the Charlottetown Coyotes, and subsequently with the Souris Seagulls, she has started two folk choirs on PEI, emphasizing natural-voice singing, rounds, repetition, and learning by ear. This gentle approach has also led her to collaborate on the Singing in the Dark Times series—a monthly community pub sing at Village Green Brewery in Cornwall.

Unconventional melodies, poetic, sophisticated songwriting, and clarity of voice are made elegant with sparse,

Night Music

Sara Hagen solo piano recital at St. Paul’s—Nov 21

Night Music, a solo piano recital with Sarah Hagen, returns to St. Paul’s in Charlottetown on November 21 at 8 pm.

careful accompaniment on tenor guitar and occasionally viola, carving out a unique niche for Lucy at the forefront of contemporary English folk music.

Farrell released her debut solo album We Are Only Sound in 2023 and continues to tour frequently with The Furrow Collective—BBC Radio 2 Folk Award winners for Best Group. Tickets are available at sourisshowhall.com

Tributes and covers

Singalong songs in Charlottetown and Montague

Halloween Ball with Nice Boys: The Music of Guns N’ Roses

With guests The Funky Monks

Trailside Music Hall

Oct 31 ›› 8 pm

Nice Boys features local musicians Brady MacDonald, Craig MacDonald, Kyle Culleton, Deryl Gallant, and Adam Gaudet—fueled by a shared obsession with GNR’s sound. Special guests are The Funky Monks, PEI’s Red Hot Chili Peppers tribute band.

Halloween with the Wannabeez

Trailside Music Hall

Nov 1 ›› 8 pm

PEI party band the Wannabeez perform a spooktacular show filled with all the hits to dance the night away.

Echoes: A Night of Merle Haggard

This diverse night will include everything from soul, blues, and funk, to 80s rock.

Wannabe: A Spice Girls Tribute

PEI Brewing Company

Nov 18 ›› 7 pm

With giant personalities, mega-watt singing voices, spot-on choreography, costume changes, English accents and platform shoes, Wannabe brings Girl Power into the 21st century.

Dancing Queen: Tribute to ABBA

Trailside Music Hall

Nov 21–22 ›› 8 pm

Halifax’s Dancing Queen returns with their infectious stage show featuring a selection of rarities and deep cuts.

Country Roads: The Biggest Hits in Country Music

Hagen invites those yearning for an evening of quiet meditation through music to come out for a carefully curated hour of works by Bach, Satie, Chopin, and others. In the spirit of shared reflection, pieces will flow from one to the next without pause or applause.

Music will begin at 8 pm and admission is pay-what-you-will at the door or via e-transfer to sarah@sarahhagen.com.

Lawrence Maxwell and the Band of Fugitives

Copper Bottom Brewing

Nov 8 ›› 7:30 pm

Lawrence Maxwell and the Band of Fugitives pay tribute to country music legend Merle Haggard through the stories and songs from his train-jumping days in California all the way through his prolific career. The band features Nick Doneff, Peter Cann, Thomas Webb, Ben Aitken, and Mark Geddes.

Amanda Jackson with Route 225

Trailside Music Hall

Nov 15 ›› 8 pm

Craig Fair Productions

Trailside Music Hall

Nov 27–29 ›› 8 pm

This Craig Fair Production features an eight-piece band and six singers performing a soundtrack of country hits by Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood, Shania Twain, Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, Keith Urban, Little Big Town, Alan Jackson, Lonestar, and more. With over 45 songs mixed into a massive playlist, this show promises to hit all the bangers for the ultimate country road trip.

trailside.ca

copperbottombrewing.com peibrewingcompany.com

ANDREW LEWIS

SALES, etc

Zion Presbyterian Fall Sale

A fall sale will be held at Zion Presbyterian on October 31 and November 1 from 9 am–1 pm. Shoppers will find a large selection of adult and children’s clothing, along with shoes, purses, and jewelry. There will also be a café, book sale, and bake sale. Debit and credit cards are accepted. 135 Prince St, Charlottetown.

Zion Presbyterian online auction fundraiser

Zion Presbyterian is holding an online auction to raise funds for the installation of a lift that will make the entire church building—three floors—accessible to the congregation and community. There will be something for everyone, and items can be previewed at 32auctions. com/zion2025, with bidding open from November 3–8.

Church Mouse Thrift Shop Christmas Sale

The Church Mouse Thrift Shop (391 Nelson St, Crapaud) will hold its annual Christmas sale on November 7 from 5–8 pm and November 8 from 9 am–2 pm. All proceeds will go to St. John the Evangelist Church in Crapaud. The Church Mouse will be closed until May 2026 following the sale. Info: 902-658-2995; @stjohnsanglican-church on Facebook.

Holland College Clothing Swap

Holland College will hold a clothing swap on November 18 at 4 pm to help provide students with warm clothing for the upcoming winter months. Donations are being sought from the community for winter clothing such as coats, mittens, boots, scarves, and sweaters. All clothing donations will be gladly accepted, including children’s clothing. Drop-off location: Student Association of Holland College office, Room 103W, in the Charlottetown Centre (inside the Weymouth Street entrance). Donations are accepted until the day of the event.

St Mark’s Bake Sale

St. Mark’s Presbyterian will hold its annual Christmas bake sale on November 22 from 9–11 am. The sale will include pies, bread, preserves, fudge, squares, and other baked goods. 7 Tamarac Ave, Charlottetown.

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. The next sale is November 22. Proceeds support operating costs. Led by Betty Begg-Brooks and volunteers, the organization provides free food, clothing, furniture, and housewares to low-income families and those facing temporary hardship across PEI. 10 Maple Hills Ave, Charlottetown. giftsfromtheheartinc.com

Improvisation Laboratory

Volume 4 at City Cinema—Nov 14

After a groundbreaking first season that transformed an arthouse theatre into an intimate listening room, Charlottetown Improvisation Laboratory returns to City Cinema for Volume 4 of the series on November 14 at 7:30 pm.

Directed and curated by bassist Adam Hill, Charlottetown Improvisation Laboratory is an ever-rotating assembly of five musicians who have never performed together. The group joins forces for a single evening only 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.

composers will trade turns directing the musical material, and neither the audience nor the performers know exactly how things will unfold.

Like previous Improv Lab bands, Volume 4 will showcase an all-star lineup of Island musicians featuring Ian Toms on guitar, Diana Delirio on voice and woodwinds, Ray Knorr on fiddle, and Max Gallant 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 lots of room for conversation and risk-taking. The

Mixtape

Sirens concert features ensemble’s favourites

Take a trip down memory lane with Sirens at Park Royal United on November 8 at 7:30 pm for Mixtape

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. And to top things off, Hill has created a colourful visual backdrop to be projected behind the band, ambient film complementing the musical textures created on stage.

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

The concert gathers some of the ensemble’s most beloved songs—music they keep coming back to—pieces that feel like slipping a favourite old mixtape into the cassette deck. Audiences can settle into that metaphorical beanbag chair, rediscover familiar favourites, and maybe find a few new tracks to add to their own playlist of choral gems.

The program features audience favourites such as Katerina Gimon’s “Boundless” from Sirens’ award-winning album; “Crazy in Love,” a

reimagining of Beyoncé’s chart-topping hit; “Lauda Sion” by Hungarian composer György Orbán; and “Across the Sea” by Canadian folk trio The Wailin’ Jennys. Together, these selections showcase Sirens’ signature blend of artistry, emotion, and connection. The recommended admission for Mixtape is $25, with flexible pricing options available to ensure everyone feels welcome. Tickets are available online at sirenschoir.com/concerts or at the door.

(clockwise from top-left): Ian Toms, Ray Knorr, Adam Hill, Diana Deliro, and Max Gallant (centre)

Men of the Deeps

Coal Miner’s Christmas at Confederation Centre—Dec 6

Cape Breton’s legendary Men of the Deeps bring their unique blend of song, story, and celebration to the Confederation Centre of the Arts in Charlottetown next month. Men of the Deeps: Coal Miner’s Christmas will be on stage December 6 at 7:30 pm.

For nearly 60 years, this choir of retired coal miners has wowed audiences worldwide, sharing the music and stories of their lives as Canadian cultural ambassadors. This holiday

season, the men return with stories, re-imagined classics, and brand-new originals from their December Coal Christmas album.

Special guest vocalist Jenn Sheppard joins the stage, along with her alter ego Ellsa, adding a pinch of cranky Christmas chaos to the festivities.

Tickets are available at the Confederation Centre Box Office or online at confederationcentre.com.

Voices of Remembrance

Music, memory, and gratitude will take centre stage in Charlottetown this November with a special concert marking Remembrance Day and the Royal Canadian Legion’s centennial. Voices of Remembrance will be presented on November 8 at 2 pm in Memorial Hall, Confederation Centre of the Arts.

This event brings together the PEI Legion Choir, Confederation Singers, and the PEI Regimental Band for a powerful program of music, readings, and stories of service. The concert honours Remembrance Day and the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Legion.

The concert will feature works by Robert Buckley (“This Is My Home”), Leo Marchildon (“The Island Hymn”),

GAMES

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.

Gone to Pieces

Throughout November, teens can submit a guess at how many pages were in a shredded book at the Summerside Library, 57 Central St. The person closest without going over will win a prize. Bonus points for those who can correctly guess which book it was.

Charlottetown Scrabble Club

The Charlottetown Scrabble Club meets weekly on Tuesdays from 5–8 pm at the Charlottetown Library Learning Centre. Scoresheets, strategy tips, and cheat sheets are provided. All skill levels are welcome, and it is free to attend, with prizes and snacks.

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 Benevolent Irish Society on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday afternoons year-round. From September

to June, instruction and coaching are offered for novice players in a noncompetitive learning environment on Tuesday mornings. Everyone is welcome. 582 North River Rd, Charlottetown. Info: charlottetownbridge.ca

Escape the Museum

From November 6–10, kids aged 6–12 can drop in to the Charlottetown Library, 97 Queen St, to “escape from the museum.” The museum doors are locked, and the exhibits have come to life. Fix all six exhibits to escape. This activity takes about 45–60 minutes to complete.

Unlock! A Short Adventure Game

Teens can participate in a short digital adventure game at the Charlottetown Library, 97 Queen St, on November 7 at 2 pm. Players must find a way to a cursed sarcophagus in a maze full of traps using the free Unlocked app. Library iPads will be available to borrow.

Crokinole

Drop in to play a game or two of crokinole on November 12 and 26 at 2 pm at the Summerside Rotary Library, 57 Central St.

Board Game Café

Bring family and friends to the Summerside Library, 57 Central St, on November 24 at 6:30 pm for an evening of board games. Bring your own or play one from the library’s collection.

Oscar Peterson (“Hymn to Freedom”), and Leon Dubinsky (“We Rise Again”), alongside readings of poetry, letters, and personal stories.

The PEI Air Cadets will be on hand to greet and assist attendees, and a Colour Party representing PEI Legion branches will lay their banners to start the program. Guests from the Canadian Dominion Command will participate in this ceremonial welcome. The afternoon will continue with a light lunch for guests to connect and share.

Tickets are available at the Confederation Centre Box Office or online at confederationcentre.com or peilegionchoir.ca. A discounted price is available to Legion members and active or retired service members.

PEI RECORDINGS ALBUMS

General Store

The Trio From Mars

The Trio From Mars has released its debut album, General Store

The Trio From Mars are a rare four-member trio, due to the word “quartet” sounding “too posh.”

In 2003, Dean Dunsford, Davy Weale, and Chris Coupland co-founded a band called Mars Hill in Charlottetown, PEI. That group went on to record two full-length albums, Oxcart and Fate Chance Luck Dance. Mars Hill disbanded in 2009, after which the members went off in different musical directions—playing, touring, and recording professionally and semi-professionally.

After many years in the musical wilderness, Dean, Davy, and Chris reunited in 2018 to play shows as an instrumental trio—The Trio From Mars. In 2024, Chris invited Devin Krauskopf to perform with the band. That autumn, the band hunkered down at BOOM-BAP Studios in Charlottetown to record. General Store is the result of those sessions.

General Store is an organic instrumental art project born from bringing

a wide variety of ideas to the table and collectively shaping them into coherent musical narratives. The album’s overarching theme draws heavily from horror cinema—particularly a conceptual film imagined and detailed by Chris—which served as the creative foundation for many tracks.

All songs on the album were recorded live off the floor by Chris Coupland and mixed by Adam Gallant at The Hill Sound Studio.

Stay tuned for an album release show planned for late November or early December.

Frágil de Cristal

Montuno Cubano

Montuno Cubano recently released the album Frágil de Cristal. Blending salsa, bolero son, son cubano, guaracha, and bolero, the album brings Cuba’s most cherished traditions into dialogue with the global stage, reimagined from the group’s new home on PEI.

At the heart of Montuno Cubano are Cuba-born brothers Jorge Luis Peña Acosta (vocals, requinto, guitar) and Luis Peña Acosta (vocals, guitar, percussion), whose sibling harmonies define the group’s sound. Alongside them are musicians Mark Carr-Rollitt (Latin percussion), Christopher Martell

(upright bass), Devin Hornby (electric bass), and Sergey Varlamov (keys, violin, bass), who contributed to the studio sessions and select live performances, enriching the recordings with authenticity and depth.

Montuno Cubano’s repertoire spans salsa, guaracha, bolero, rumba flamenco, and son cubano, weaving stories of love, resilience, and cultural memory. As Jorge explains: “First I hear the rhythms in my head. If I am excited, I write salsa or guaracha. If I am calm, I write boleros. Rhythm drives the song, but now that I live in Canada, I focus on both the rhythm and the story.”

The songs were recorded over several years at Crabbe Road Productions in PEI with producer Sergey Varlamov, whose violin contributions add an international texture to the band’s Cuban foundation. “Although the style of my music is Cuban, with Sergey adding violin my recordings feel more international. It’s amazing to hear how the requinto, violin, and percussion work together,” Jorge reflects.

Montuno Cubano’s music is both an homage to heritage and a contemporary offering. It highlights Cuba’s deep well of musical genres while making them accessible to audiences around the world—an invitation to feel joy, connection, and rhythm.

montunocubano.ca

A touching posthumous project honours the life and art of Fayo—Mario A. LeBlanc (1977–2024)—a longtime Mont-Carmel, PEI resident and beloved Acadian poet and singer-songwriter. In October, his family released a posthumous EP titled Ma valise (My Suitcase) on all digital platforms.

The first single on the EP, “Ma valise,” expresses nostalgia for travel and features the poetry of Mario “Fayo” LeBlanc, whom his fans have nicknamed “the poet of everyday life.”

At the October EP launch, a music

Ma valise Fayo

video directed by Francine Hébert accompanied the track, and a tributre website was unveiled. The website and archival collection celebrate Fayo’s creative journey and contributions to Acadian culture.

In September 2024, Fayo passed away after a short illness. In 2025, spearheaded by his family, a group of collaborators and friends came together—honouring his wishes—to complete and release the posthumous EP. The songs on Ma valise are original compositions written by LeBlanc and co-produced and arranged by Pastelle LeBlanc and Pascal Miousse.

Alongside Mario A. LeBlanc (guitar, vocals), the album features Donny Chapman (drums), Nick Gauthier (guitar), Rémi Arsenault (bass), Pastelle LeBlanc (keyboards, vocals), Pascal Miousse (electric and acoustic guitars), and Emmanuelle LeBlanc (vocals). The album cover, designed by Pat Brunet, features a childhood photo of the LeBlanc family.

Acadian folk-rock singer Fayo LeBlanc lived in southeastern NB and PEI. He had a career in music from the late 1990s until 2024. Known for the poetry of his lyrics and the sincerity of his voice, he expressed himself naturally—in French, Chiac, and Acadian.

Morph morph

The PEI-based band morph has released their debut self-titled bilingual EP, Morph.

Following the warm reception of their Spanish single “En un café,” the duo is excited to share a project that includes fan favourites “Dark Moon” and “En un café,” along with two new tracks: “See You Again” and “Mi prisión.”

morph consists of Andrea Medina (singer, composer, producer, saxophonist) and Angela Sierra (songwriter, composer, producer, pianist). Morph captures their message through four songs that reflect their experiences and showcase their artistic growth, lyrical depth, and evolving musical identity. Originating from Colombia and Prince Edward Island, morph blends cultures and emotions to create music that feels both intimate and universal.

SINGLES

“Scene of the Crime” Magnolia

Magnolia released its latest single, “Scene of the Crime,” on streaming platforms in October.

The song captures classic, uncompromising rock energy while weaving in moments of reflection and vulnerability—showcasing the band’s growth as songwriters over the past year. With driving riffs, rhythm, and earworm lyrics, “Scene of the Crime” demonstrates Magnolia’s versatility and ability to display raw emotion.

Magnolia is a four-piece alternative rock band from Charlottetown, formed in 2021. The lineup features Denis Dorion (vocals, guitar), Zach Bernard (lead guitar), Isaac Williams (bass), and Yannick Gagnon (drums).

“This one personally means a lot to me,” shares Bernard. “The track provided a new perspective [and reassurance] for myself during hard times… I hope that the reflective nature of the lyrics can make other people feel understood as well.”

Recorded at The Sound Mill Recording Studio, the single was mixed and mastered by PEI producer and engineer Jon Matthews.

“Last Laugh”

Mike Stratton

Mike Stratton’s new single, “Last Laugh,” will be released on all streaming platforms on November 7.

“Last Laugh” is an atmospheric song with descending melodies and pensive lyrics. Stratton collaborated on the track with his son, Keith, a musician now based in Toronto, ON. As a guest player, Keith contributed bass, electric and acoustic guitars, and drums, as well as playing a key role in the recording’s overall production.

Black Umfolosi

Zimbabwean music and dance at Harbourfront—Nov 8

Zimbabwean cultural ambassadors Black Umfolosi bring their world-renowned music and dance to Summerside’s Harbourfront Theatre on November 8 at 7:30 pm. Celebrated for their vibrant energy, intricate harmonies, and traditional Southern African rhythms, Black Umfolosi deliver an uplifting performance.

Their shows blend a cappella singing with choreography that ranges from subtle, graceful movements to exuberant stomping and leaping. A highlight is the famous Gumboot Dance, a traditional style from Southern Africa’s mining communities. harbourfronttheatre.com

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. Upcoming dates are November 29 and December 27. Admission is by donation. Follow Plain Dirty Blues Band on FB for updates. 189 Great George St, Charlotteown.

Ceilidh in the City

The 15th season of Ceilidh in the City continues every Wednesday evening at the Jack Blanchard Centre, 7 Pond St, Charlottetown. The air-conditioned venue opens at 6:30 pm, with showtime at 7:30 pm. Admission is cash-only at the door. Upcoming shows are: The Island’s Finest with Kelley Mooney and Lawrence Maxwell on November 5; Country Legends Tribute show with special guests Eddie Quinn, Blake Crockett, and Blair Coughlin on November 12; The Blue Crystals’ Standing Ovation Encore on November 19; East Coast Kitchen Party with Leon Gallant and Olivia Blacquiere on November 26; and Island Country Christmas in support of Toys for Tots with Terry Dunsford on December 3. A weekly 50/50 draws support local charities. Bar and canteen service is provided by 4S Catering.

Got Blues Matinee

Got Blues, led by Chris Roumbanis with friends Mike Robicheau and Alan Dowling, hosts a weekly Saturday matinee from 2–4 pm at the Salvadore Dali Café. Each week, a special guest joins the first set, followed by an electric blues jam in the second. There is no cover charge; they pass the hat. The upcoming performances feature: singer/guitarist Jon Hines (NS) on November 1; singer/ guitarist Graeme Hunter on November 8; singer/guitarist Scott Medford (NB) on November 15; singer/guitarist Danny MacNevin on November 22; and singer/ guitarist Roger Jones & keyboards Sean Ferris (with the SOPA band for the jam) on November 29. 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: Striped Shirt Band on November 6; Island Art Rock Jazz feat Iván Garnica on November 13; Ken Fornetran with Forgalhorn on November 20; and Luisa Güiza on November 27. Admission is by donation. 181 Great George St, Charlottetown.

Schooner Sessions

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

Something more... with Oscar Kempe

Something More… with host Oscar Kempe is held monthly at Beaconsfield Carriage House in Charlottetown. The next event takes place on November 30 at 8:45 pm. Doors open at 8:30 pm. Something More… is a monthly concert series that promotes self-compassion and kindness. The event is designed to provide a sensory-friendly listening experience. Oscar writes modern existential folk music with a rotating palette of guitar, banjo, and piano. His lyrics invite the listener to dream of a future where people are kinder to themselves and each other. The music is performed at a comfortable volume with no flashing lights. Coffee and tea are included in the price of admission, and these are alcohol-free events. Tickets can be purchased with cash at the door, or in advance at ko-fi. com/oscarkempe/shop. There is free parking at 11 Kent Street (behind the government office).

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.

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 every Saturday in November, from 2–5 pm. Admission is at the door. 340 Notre Dame St, Summerside.

Sunday Session

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

Trad Night at Village Green

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 November 2, host Jacinta MacDonald and the Winsloe United House Band welcome special guests Kim Albert and Mike Arsenault. On November 23, host Dino Dunsford and the House Band welcome guests Cory Gallant and Crystal Paynter. 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.

The Irish Descendants

Christmas at Harboufront Theatre in December

Celebrating their 35th anniversary this year, Newfoundland & Labrador folk group The Irish Descendants bring their annual holiday show, The Irish Descendants Christmas, to Harbourfront Theatre in Summerside on December 12. Concertgoers will be treated to Christmas songs and stories reminiscent of long-lived, oldtime holiday celebrations from the “Rock,” all presented by seasoned storyteller and longtime frontman Con O’Brien.

The show will feature songs from their two Christmas albums, The Gift (2001) and the 2025 ECMAnominated An Irish Descendants Christmas (2023), and more.

The band includes Con O’Brien (lead vocals, guitar), Rowan Sherlock (mandolin, fiddle, piano, vocals), Jeff Kinsman (bass, vocals), and Madeline Carter (fiddle, vocals).

To mark their 35th anniversary, the group released a limited-edition 35th Anniversary Box Set and a new album featuring eight songs. The recording also includes live show favourites and both vocal and instrumental versions

Little Middle

Fiddle Fest

Glenaladale Estate—Nov 1

The Little Middle Fiddle Festival takes place November 1 at the Glenaladale Estate and Tracadie Community Centre. The festival celebrates PEI’s rich fiddling tradition, featuring Island favourites and talented performers— even some new to seasoned fans.

The Listeners’ Room series begins at 10 am in the Glenaladale Schoolhouse with performances by Rowen Gallant, Ray Knorr, Romy Munkres, Karine Gallant, and Rannie MacLellan. At 12 pm, attendees can grab their fiddles for

Island fiddle and dance

New London Community Complex—Nov 8

The inaugural Richard Wood: Celtic Rhythms in Motion—A Celebration of Island Fiddle & Dance takes place on November 8 at 4:30 pm at the New

of one of their signature songs, “Let Me Fish Off Cape St. Mary’s,” written by the late Otto Kelland and inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame in May 2025. harbourfronttheatre.com

the Fiddlers’ Brunch and Jam Session, led by local fiddlers with food by Chef Robert Pendergast.

The 50 Fiddles Concert starts at 3 pm at the Tracadie Community Centre and features solos, duos, trios, and full-group numbers, following the Island tradition of “everybody plays.” Roaming fiddlers are invited to sign up and perform, with accompaniment by a house band anchored by PEI’s own Richard Wood on piano. The concert closes with an all-fiddler ensemble.

After supper at the Centre, the festival returns to the Schoolhouse for square dancing and open jam sessions across three spaces.

Tickets are available by calling 902394-6131 or emailing glenaladalepei@ gmail.com. Fiddlers wishing to participate can register at 902-314-7950.

London Community Complex. The concert will feature six different Island step-dance ensembles and soloists alongside Wood’s Celtic fiddle and bandmates, Brent Chaisson (guitar) and Kimberley Holmes (keyboard).

This series aims to showcase the rich Celtic music and step dancing heritage on PEI—where Richard’s career began as a young step dancer performing to live fiddlers.

For tickets, visit. rwood.ca. For more information, call 902-330-3293.

(clockwise from top-left): Con O’Brien, Rowan Sherlock, Jeff Kinsman, and Madeline Carter

Dennis Ellsworth

Diana Delirio

In 2023, Diana Delirio moved to Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island from Sogamoso, Colombia to study music in the SoPA program at Holland College. She had never been to Canada. In May of this year, she graduated, and was awarded the President’s Award of Excellence for her hard work and community approach to her time in the program.

In Colombia, at the age of ten, she joined the community band. She began on the clarinet but really wanted to play the saxophone, which she eventually moved to, though recently she rekindled her relationship with the clarinet. The community band gave her a sense of connection, joy, and collaboration and it’s where she built the foundation for the artist she is today.

At the age of 17, she joined a group called Tropical Orchestra and this is where she first used her voice as an instrument. She began singing in public and it was obvious to her that it was extremely joyful and powerful. Her time in the Tropical Orchestra helped her appreciate the folk traditions and sounds of Colombian music; it gave her experience on stage and was pivotal in the development of her singing voice and expression.

In 2020, when the pandemic shut the world down, like most of us, she developed a very bleak outlook. She found herself isolated and during this time, she suffered the loss of her father to Covid. This shook her and it gave her a deeper sense that death was coming for everyone. This headspace created an urgency in her and she

channeled this energy into songwriting. She felt compelled to start writing songs as a way to work through her feelings of loss. She’d always wanted to try writing songs, and the uncertain future gave her every reason to seize the moment.

For Diana, songwriting comes from the gut. Being vulnerable isn’t easy, and she knows that the gold is found in acts of patience. She’s working with a beautiful confluence of her homeland and her new home in PEI. Integrating herself into the music scene here has been vital, and she credits music for saving her life. She reached for it and dug in when she needed it and it rewarded her. She’s learned to take big leaps, to take action and be dedicated to what you do.

Since 2020, Diana has been releasing original music. Prior to arriving in PEI, she had written, recorded and released a number of singles and an EP and since her arrival, she has released another four singles, one of which was a result of Music PEI’s Golden Ticket program.

She has put together a very talented live band that consists of Matt Bridges, Mark Carr-Rollitt, Maya Marquez, and Nico Romero Dada. She is currently working on a second EP, and has just released a remix by AUSPEX for her latest single, Azul. You can find her music on all streaming platforms by searching Dianadelirio.

Diana loves it here in PEI, and she is hoping she can stay. If you get the chance to catch her live, take it.

Music Arcade by

Christmas Special

Island Jubilee Old Time Radio Music Show—Nov 30

The Island Jubilee Old Time Radio Music Show will present its Christmas Special on November 30 at 2 pm at the Florence Simmons Performance Hall in Charlottetown. Celebrate the season with a showcase starring Island artists Shane Pendergast, Meaghan Blanchard with Thomas Webb, and step dancer Alexis MacLaren.

Shane Pendergast returns with a fresh collection of original songs alongside a few timeless favourites from his musical heroes, including Gordon Lightfoot. Meaghan Blanchard will bring her warmth to a selection of Dolly Parton and Gene MacLellan classics for the season, joined by her husband Thomas Webb for special duet performances. Alexis MacLaren will make her debut appearance, showcasing her step dancing talents with Courtney Hogan-Chandler and Johnny Ross driving the rhythm.

Island Jubilee Old Time Radio Music Show is co-hosted by Janet McGarry and Serge Bernard and backed by the Jubilee All Stars — Thomas Webb (steel guitar), Bobby McIsaac (acoustic/electric guitar),

MUSIC

Charlottetown Coyotes Community

Choir

Performer Lucy Farrell is offering drop-in style choir sessions at Village Green Brewery on November 12, 19, and 26 from 6:30–8 pm for those who enjoy or want to try singing in a community choir. No expertise, no spotlights, no solos— just the world of community singing, where if you have a voice, you can raise it. Under Lucy’s guidance, participants will experience the feeling of singing songs and rounds from Lucy’s vast and quirky repertoire of gathered material. The hope is that making music with folks you’ve only just met is joyful, unexpected, heartwarming—and yes, loads of fun. Donations are welcome. 30 Church St, Cornwall.

Tunes and Tales singing workshop

Tunes and Tales is offering an eight-week singing workshop for caregivers and their babies up to 12 months old, held every Tuesday at 9:30 am in the Black Box Theatre at The Guild. The program includes instruction in traditional folk songs as well as opportunities for social connection through music. Each session consists of 30 minutes of coffee and

Ross (piano), Jason Burbine (bass), and Courtney Hogan-Chandler (fiddle). Together, they transport audiences to the roots of country music, paying tribute to legendary radio programs. Every performance is Emcee’d by country music radio legend Randy Geddes and recorded live for broadcast on Tantramar 107.9FM CFTA. Visit islandjubilee.com or follow on Facebook for updates. Tickets are available at Ticketpro.ca, in person at the box office, or by phone at 1-888-311-9090.

conversation followed by 30 minutes of singing, folk songs, and movement. 111 Queen St, Charlottetown. To register, email tunesandtalltales@gmail.com.

PEI Kazoo Choir

The PEI Kazoo Choir is recruiting Islanders to join its holiday performance at the Christmas Light Gardens at Holman’s Ice Cream Parlour in Summerside on November 28. Rehearsals will be held at the Summerside Interpretive Centre on November 18 and 25 from 6:30–8 pm. Anyone high school age and up is welcome—no musical experience required. Kazoos will be provided, and those able to contribute can drop a toonie to help cover costs. Led by skilled choir leaders, participants will “unlock the mystery of the kazoo” while preparing 10 holiday classics. On performance night, the public is invited to join the kazoo-along, with kazoos handed out on site. Donations will be accepted for Community Connections, a local organization supporting adults with disabilities, particularly those with intellectual disabilities.Info: peikazoochoir@gmail. com; @PEI Kazoo Choir on FB.

Informal jam session

The next jam sessions for adults at the Summerside Library (57 Central St) will be held on November 10 and 24 at 6:30 pm. Bring or borrow one from the library and join other musicians for an informal evening of playing music.

Colin James Trio

Blues, rock, and roots at Confederation Centre—Nov 20

Colin James Trio will be live at the Confederation Centre of the Arts in Charlottetown on November 20 at 7:30 pm.

The Canadian blues-rock legend has 21 studio albums, eight JUNO Awards, and more than three decades in the music industry. James delivers his signature mix of blues, rock, and roots with energy and soul.

His latest album, Chasing the Sun—coproduced with Colin Linden and featuring Lucinda Williams, Darryl Jones, Charley Drayton, Charlie Musselwhite, and Ann and Regina McCrary—showcases his artistry and deep musical

Guy Davis

Performances at Trailside and Copper Bottom

Guy Davis will perform at Trailside Music Hall in Charlottetown on November 20 at 8 pm and again at Copper Bottom Brewing in Montague on November 21 at 7:30 pm.

Davis is a musician, author, teacher, and actor. The two-time Grammy nominee for Best Traditional Blues Album blends roots, blues, folk, rock, rap, spoken word, and world music to comment on and address social injustice, touching on historical events and everyday struggles. His background in theatre is evident in the lyrical storytelling of songs such as “God’s Gonna

Blue Crystals

Fundraising concert at Park Royal United—Nov 15

Park Royal United is hosting a fundraising concert featuring members of the former Blue Crystals on November 15 at 7 pm. Proceeds from the event will support the church’s ongoing programs and community outreach initiatives.

Performers include musicians David Altass, Gary Cudmore, Ian Hunter, Paul Chandler, and more, reuniting to perform a lively mix of classic hits from the 1960s and 1970s, including favourites from contemporary, country, and rock genres. The evening will also feature festive favourites to help audiences get into the holiday spirit. During intermission, guests can

connections. From hits like “Voodoo Thing” and “Five Long Years,” to award-winning albums Open Road and Blue Highways, Colin James promises a night of blues magic. confederationcentre.com

Make Things Over”—about the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre—“Welcome to My World,” and “Got Your Letter in My Pocket.” His storytelling is sometimes painful, deep, and real—an earthy contrast to modern commercial music—aimed at provoking thought and underscored by the gentle tones of his guitar or banjo fingerpicking. Visit copperbottombrewing.com or trailside.ca for tickets.

enjoy a cash-only fudge sale. Tickets are free for children and available in advance via Eventbrite, at the church office, or at the door (cash only) on the evening of the performance. The office is open Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 8:45 am–4 pm. Their last show at Park Royal sold out, so purchasing tickets early is recommended.

For more information, call 902-894-9656.

Johnny

Thomas Webb & Meaghan Blanchard, Shane Pendergast, and Alexis MacLaren

Joel Miller

Island Jazz and the UPEI Music Department present saxophonist Joel Miller in concert with Resonance New Music and Silvio Pupo, celebrating the release of their new album What If? The concert takes place at UPEI’s Steel Recital Hall on November 15 at 7:30 pm.

Miller’s latest album What If? is a classical crossover collaboration with pianist Silvio Pupo and the Resonance New Music ensemble. Distributed by Leaf Music, the album features original compositions alongside reimagined works by Debussy, Chopin, Mahler, and Pachelbel, tracing Miller’s personal journey through jazz, Afro-Latin influences, and classical. Inspired by his partner Mel’s idea of “the & space”—a concept where jazz and classical traditions coexist rather than compete—What If? imagines a musical world where genres meet in harmony. What if jazz and classical could simply be “This and That,” instead of “This vs. That?” This album is a hopeful offering: a version of how things can be. What if?

Cuban-born pianist Silvio Pupo, based in Moncton, NB, studied classical piano in Holguín before relocating to Atlantic Canada in 2009. Known for his dynamic blend of classical and Latin jazz, he has recorded and toured with Ben Caplan and Alfie Zappacosta, earning recognition for his versatility, charisma, and regular performances at The Local in Halifax.

Advance tickets are available at locarius.io. Follow @Island Jazz PEI on Facebook for updates.

An award-winning saxophonist and composer based in Fredericton, NB, Miller studied Jazz Performance at McGill University and has performed with artists including Geoffrey Keezer, Brian Blade, and Kurt Rosenwinkel. His career highlights include a JUNO Award for Best Contemporary Jazz Album, multiple ECMA Awards, and international workshops exploring the intersection of jazz and contemporary music.

Led by bassist Andrew Reed Miller, Resonance New Music Ensemble is a NB–based group dedicated to experimental, improvised, and contemporary classical music. Supported by the nonprofit Motion Ensemble, Inc., the group has premiered nearly 100 works by Canadian and international composers.

Aging Disgracefully, featuring Karen Pyra and Mike Elliott, will showcase songwriting and blues-rock style at a listening party on November 1 from 7:30–9:30 pm at The Guild in Charlottetown. The duo’s music blends gritty blues, soulful storytelling, Americana roots, and a twist of rock energy. Audiences are invited to kick back and experience the songs—and the stories behind them—performed live by Karen and Mike, joined by a full band of friends.

theguildpei.com

Farmers Helping Farmers, an Island organization, works to help Kenyan farm families to produce enough food for their families and to educate their children. Gift cards will be sent to you for your family, friends or clients in time for the holidays along with a tax deductible receipt

Solar light for children to study at night

School books and school supplies

Five Chickens to produce eggs for a family

Milk for 10 school children for 3 months

Help a student complete high school

Help build a humane donkey cart

Fuel saving stove with chimney to cook family’s food

Rainwater storage tank for a family’s clean water

Dairy cow for a family (revolving credit)

Biogas digester for cooking gas

Support a vegetable garden for a school

General donation (please fill in

Dunn & Spencer

Backroads tour at Harmony House—Nov 21

Performers and songwriters Kim Dunn and Terra Spencer are taking their Backroads tour to Harmony House Theatre in Hunter River on November 21 at 8 pm.

Following an adventurous run of experimental backwoods shows in churches, homes, and festivals, Dunn and Spencer are bringing their newfound chemistry and banter to listening rooms and theatres.

As one of the East Coast’s most respected accompanists and arrangers, Kim Dunn has toured internationally for over 30 years with Rita MacNeil, Laura Smith, Heather Rankin, Bruce Guthro, and many others. In the spotlight, he delivers his own well-crafted songs anchored by a soulful, pitch-perfect tenor delivery, musicianship, and charm.

Terra Spencer is a Maritime songwriter with four albums released since 2018. Making the unusual leap from small-town funeral director to one of the busiest musicians on the folk circuit, she has kept company with the likes of Ben Caplan, Matt Andersen,

Two Hours Traffic

With Green Eyes, Witch Hands at Trailside—Nov 14

Charlottetown indie rock band

Two Hours Traffic will perform at Trailside Music Hall in Charlottetown on November 14 at 8 pm. Supporting act Green Eyes, Witch Hands will open.

Two Hours Traffic formed in 2002 at the University of Prince Edward Island. Over a 12-year span, the group toured extensively in Canada and around the world. The band’s second

KARAOKE

Baba’s Lounge

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

The Factory

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

The Guild

Lunchbox Karaoke with Jay & Grace on

and David Francey, who recruited her for his 2024 JUNO Award-winning album The Breath Between. Butterscotch vocals, deft guitar, piano chops, and her quick wit led to Ron Sexsmith naming her “the real deal.”

Join Dunn and Spencer for a celebration of new friendships, old souls, favourite songs, and kindred spirits.

Tickets are on sale at harmonyhousepei.com or 1-888-311-9090.

album, Little Jabs, was shortlisted for the 2008 Polaris Music Prize. Following their farewell concerts in 2013, the band reformed for a concert in 2018 and released a six-track EP, I Never See You Anymore, in 2025. Visit trailside.ca for tickets.

November 6 & 20 (12–1 pm). 111Queen St, Charlottetown.

Montague Legion

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

Summerside Legion

Thursdays (7:30 pm) with Lesa Coughlin. 340 Notre Dame St, Summerside.

Village Green

November 21 (8–10 pm) with Christina. 30 Church St, Cornwall.

Danny Michel

Live at Trailside Music Hall—Nov 13

Danny Michel will be live in concert on November 13 at 8 pm at Trailside Music Hall in Charlottetown.

Maybe it has something to do with being born next to a candy factory, but Danny Michel’s thoughtful lyrics and charming performances have earned him a devoted fan base, multiple JUNO Award and Polaris Prize nominations, CBC’s Heart of

Gold award, and wins for the CFMA’s Producer of the Year and Oliver Schroder Pushing the Boundaries awards.

Visit trailside.ca for tickets.

Solo artist series

In the Harmony House Lounge

Harmony House in Hunter River is hosting local PEI solo artists and singer-songwriters in The Lounge this fall.

The lineup this month includes Olivia Blacquiere on November 7, Shane Pendergast on November 8, Alicia Toner on November 14, Brielle Ansems on November 15, Dan Doiron on November 22, Brian Dunn on November 28, and Karen Pyra with Mike Elliott on November 29.

The Lounge opens at 5 pm, with music starting around 7 pm. These are non-ticketed, pay-what-you-can events to support Island artists. To reserve a table, email harmonyhousePEIresos@ gmail.com or call 902-964-2255.

TRIVIA

Bogside Brewing

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

Churchill Arms

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

Copper Bottom Brewing

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

The Factory

Thursdays with Darcy Campbell (7-9 pm); Fridays with Mark Cameron (8–10 pm). Music Bingo with Darcy Campbell on Saturdays (7 pm). 189 Kent St, Charlottetown.

Songs on Fire

Trailside Music Hall

Songs on Fire: Live and in the Round, hosted by songwriter and composer Ben Kunder, runs monthly at Trailside Music Hall in Charlottetown.

Each month, Ben is joined by two new guest songwriters to share songs and conversations about the how and why of songwriting. He introduces audiences to new artists, to explore the process and songwriter secrets.

The next editions take place on October 30, with guests Lucy Farrell and Luisa Güiza, and on November 19 with guests Les Cooper and Kristen Martell. Doors open at 6:30 pm, with showtime at 8 pm.

Visit trailside.ca for tickets.

Hopyard

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

Olde Dublin

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

Hunter’s Ale House

Entertainment Trivia with Darcy Campbell on Thursdays (9 pm); Name That Tune Trivia with Andrew Rollins on Sundays (9 pm). Corner of Kent & Prince Sts, Charlottetown.

Tekila

Mexican Trivia on Tuesdays (6 pm). 165 Prince St, Charlottetown.

Village Green

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

Terra Spencer (left) and Kim Dunn

SUBMITTED

LIVE MUSIC

Albert & Crown Pub

Joey Doucette (Thu @8 pm); Blair Gaudet (7 @6 pm); Alyssa Harper & Kelley Mooney (8 @6 pm); Louise & Jonny Ray Arsenault (14 @7 pm); Very Best of Up West (28 @7 pm); Sandra & Ricky Jones (29 @7 pm). 480 Main St, Alberton.

Baba’s Lounge

Fridays & Saturdays (10 pm):

STATICAGE: Misfits Tribute (Nov 1); Red Fox (Montrea)(4 *Tue @8 pm); Cubby Hole, Dream of Leaves, Beatty, Elsie Richmond (7); Riptyde (8); DJ Night (lineup TBA) (14); TBA (15); Glitter Pigs (lineup TBA) (21); Javier & Diego (22); Jacob Reddin and the Striped Shirt Band (28); Blues Jam with Plain Dirty Blues (29 @5 pm); East Coast Emo Night (29). 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) and Sundays (2–5 pm *unless noted): Lisa Birt (Nov 1); Steve Zaat (7); Jon Matthews (8); PEI Regiment Band - Day of Remembrance (9 @1 pm); Dave Woodside (14); Adam MacGregor (15); Lawrence Maxwell (16); Stephen Szwarc (21); Billy White (22); Dan Doiron (23); Rodd Perry (28); Keira Loane (29); Kevin Ryan (30). 11 Brook St, Montague.

Brothers 2

Thursdays (7–9 pm) & Fridays (7–10 pm): Logan Maddix (Nov 6); Chris & Lucy (7); Nick Hann (13); Chris Ahern (14); Ryan Merry (20); Karen & Mike (21); Jordan Cameron (27); Danny Doiron (28). 618 Water St, Summerside.

The Cave at The Factory

Live DJ on Saturdays (10 pm–2 am): DJ Purdy (Nov 1); DJ Jada Kiss (8); DJ Novah (15); DJ T$ (22); DJ Jeremie (29). 189 Kent St, Charlottetown.

(11 pm). Country Night Line Dancing with JJ on Fridays (10 pm). 189 Kent St, Charlottetown.

Founders’ Food Hall & Market

Saturdays (5–7 pm): Steve Zaat (Nov 1); Raymond Knorr (3 *Mon @12 pm); MrJo (8); Nathan Carragher (15); John MacAllar (22); Day Paynter (29). 6 Prince St, Charlottetown.

Gahan House

Nathan Carragher (Nov 7 @9 pm); Fraser McCallum (14 @9 pm); Lawrence Maxwell (21 @9 pm). 126 Sydney St, Charlottetown.

Hunter’s Ale House

Mat & Adam (Oct 30); Isaac & Brad (Nov 6); Gin & Tonic (8); Don & Laura (13); Crimson Clay (14); Mat & Adam (20); Main Street Bullies (21); CopyCat (22); Dave Woody Duo (27); Crimson Clay (28); Neon Country (29). Open Mic with Travis on Mondays (10 pm). Corner of Kent & Prince Sts, Charlottetown.

John Brown Grille

Saturdays (2 pm): Richie Bulger (Nov 1); Kim Albert Trio (8); Stratton & Kays (15); Dave Woodside (22); Saul Good Duo (29). Live DJs on Saturdays (10 pm): TBA (1/15); Jeremie (8); Purdy (22); Mojo & Dekz (29). 132 Richmond St, Charlottetown.

Lone Oak Brew Pub

Thursdays (6–8 pm): Mike Stratton (Nov 6); Brian Dunn (13); Brooke MacArthur (20); Nathan Carragher (27). 15 Milky Way, Charlottetown.

Harmony House Lounge

Montague Legion

Byron Spelrem (Nov 11 @1 pm); DJ Seth Gotell (22 @6 pm). 15 Douses Rd, Montague.

Olde Dublin Pub

Fridays & Saturdays (6–9 pm/10 pm–2 am): Wannabeez Halloween Bash (Oct 31 @10 pm); Breakwater/TBA (Nov 1); Adam MacGregor & Liam Kearney/Wrecking Crew (7); Marvin Birt/Down With Darby (8); Carter MacLellan/Raglan Road (14); Dave Woodside/Raglan Road (15); Adam MacGregor & The Foes/TBA (21); Breakwater/TBA (22); TBA/Main Street Bullies (28); TBA/Gypsy Soul (29).. 132 Sydney St, Charlottetown.

PEI Brewing Company

Acoustic Fridays (4–7 pm): Ethan MacPhee (Oct 31); Wayne Gallant (Nov 14); Brothers MacPhee (21); Barry O’Brien (28). 96 Kensington Rd, Charlottetown.

Razzy’s Roadhouse

Fridays (6–9 pm): Fridays (6 pm): Kevin Arthur (Nov 7); Rod & Blake Duo (14); Brian Dunn (21). Open Mic Night on November 28 (6 pm). 161 St. Peters Rd, Charlottetown.

RCAF Wing Summerside

Fridays (7–9 pm), Saturdays (9 pm) & Sundays (2–5 pm): Dave Doyle & Joey McNally (Oct 31); Nightshift (Nov 1); Still Kickin (2/9/16/23); Chris & Eric (7); Neon Country (8); Dave Doyle Band (15); Cathy & Perry (21); Dunk River (22); Dave Doyle & Joey McNally (28) Roundabout (29). 329 North Market St, Summerside.

Slaymaker & Nichols

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

Summerside Legion

Jerry Laird on Fridays (5–9 pm). 165 Prince St, Charlottetown. bars, lounges, pubs, cafés...

Charlottetown Legion

Saturdays (9:30 pm–12:30 am): Roundabout (Nov 1); Haché (8); Kim Albert & Face (11 *Tue); Neon Country, Kim Albert (15); Wannabeez (22), Kim Albert (29). 99 Pownal St, Charlottetown.

Evermoore Brewing

Tuesdays (6–8 pm *unless noted): Claire on Keys (Nov 1 *Sat @2 pm); Nick Doneff (4); Jonny Ray Arsenault (5 *Wed @6 pm); closed (11); Adam MacGregor (18); Rilyn Edgcomb (25). Irish Traditional Session with Geoff Charlton on Saturdays (1:30–4 pm *exept Nov 1). 192 Water St, Summerside.

The Factory

Fridays (6–9 pm); Kim Albert Trio (Nov 7); Neon Country (14); Crimson Clay (21). Live DJ on Fridays & Saturdays

Solo Artists Series on select Fridays & Saturdays (7 pm): Olivia Blacquiere (7 pm); Shane Pendergast (8); Alicia Toner (14); Brielle Ansems (15); Dan Doiron (22); Brian Dunn (28); Karen Pyra with Mike Elliot (29). 19814 Rte 2, Hunter River

Johnny G and the Legionaires on Fridays (9 pm). Back in Tyme on Saturdays (2–5 pm). 340 Notre Dame St, Summerside.

Tekila

BUZZ IFIEDS

PROFESSIONAL ART

PRODUCTS If you are a serious painter, you need to shop here! Expert advice to go with perfect, professional products. ONLINE: professionalart.ca. STORE (Bailey Studio Gallery): In Little Sands. 902-962-3642.

PRIVATE VOICE LESSONS for non-classical singers with JUNO nominated recording artist Teresa Doyle. For shy beginners to touring musicians. Contact teresa@teresadoyle.com

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

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# 383 • NOVEMBER 2025

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, Dennis Ellsworth, Sean McQuaid, Takako Morita, Tara Reeves, JoDee Samuelson, Gary Schneider, Bren Simmers, John Smith, Ashleigh Tremere, Bette Young

Office: 160 Richmond Street, Charlottetown

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

COVER:

Wild and Windy, wool fabric on linen, hooked rug by Bette Young.

Rug hooker Bette Young creates vibrant portraits of the rural landscapes and buildings near her Prince Edward Island home. She and her sister Shirlee Hogan operate Pastimes PEI Rug Hooking Studio in Millview, where they sell hand-dyed wool and original patterns.

Young is a juried member of the PEI Crafts Council (PEICC). Her works can be seen at the PEICC Retail Gallery at 98 Water Street in Charlottetown, as well as at Pastimes PEI.

Instagram: @bettehooksrugs

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.

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.

Friday, Nov. 28 6:30 pm Saturday, Nov. 29 5:00 pm

For more information, visit charlottetown.ca/HolidayActivities

CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR

November 21 • 10am - 5pm

November 22 • 10am - 5pm

November 23 • 10am - 3pm

Acorn Press

Alex Bevan-Baker Pottery

Alexis Ceramic Studio

Art with Moxy

Atlantic Mustard Mill inc.

Ay - designs

Beadelicious Wearable Art

Bee Thankful Beeswax Candles

Beech Point Woodworks

Bigclaw Productions

BLeod Pottery

Blue Heron Studio and Gallery

Buoy 58 Fibre Art

Cabin Fever Carving

Celtic Canine

Chantal Dupuis Art

Chris Skinner Leatherwork

Christina Sweets

Curved Door Studio

Cynthia Gunsinger's Art

Dae’s Fine Foods

Distinct Rings and Things

From the Hive

Fryday's Child

G.Wooldridge Art

Gourmet Pleasures of PEI

House of Aquarius

Hutchinson Pottery

Inferno by Canoe Cove

Island Winds

Jessica Sheppard Art

KOLO-Art store

Lab Luv Studio

Lens make a picture

LiliAnne Webster Art

Linko Pottery

Lucus Craft

Lupin Isle Beauty Co.

MaJu Designs

Maritza Craft Connections PEI

Moosefactory Arts

O’Neils PEI

Olga Oresanya Art

PEI Maple Syrup Company

Rachel Portrait Artist

Relaxed PEI Glass

Renee Laprise Arts

Ridgway Originals

Rise Pottery

Robert McMillan Pottery

Roberta Originals

Shoreline Design

Silkwalker Originals

South Gone North Mosaic Arts

Sticks and Stones Pottery

Tangle Lane/RED Magazine

TATA Ceramics

The Cozy Bookshelf

The Snazzy Sheep

Thistledown Seed

Twisted knickers

Vitamin Sea Studio

Watts Tree Farm

Woodcrafters corner

Woof dog fur creation bre de chien

5th Wave Espresso & Tea Bar

OVER 30 INDIGENOUS PEI VENDORS WILL BE JOINING THE CRAFT FAIR ON SATURDAY NOVEMBER 22