The Buzz - May 2026

Profile: Soleil Hutchinson by Julie Bull

Growing community

Growing up in the rolling hills of Bonshaw, Soleil Hutchinson has always had a special relationship with the land, though she didn’t imagine she’d end up cultivating a farm and a life just a few kilometers from where she grew up.

“I earned a degree in environmental studies and then spent some time WWOOFing (volunteering on farms and homesteads for room and board).”

During her time exploring the western parts of the United States, Soleil fell in love with Portland. “This was before the show, Portlandia,” she chuckled, “and it had everything I could dream of.” Living just outside the city, she enjoyed both rural and urban life, cycling into the city from the farm where she was staying.

In 2008, she came back to PEI to be closer to family. At that point, she thought she’d be here for a few years. “The Island was (and is) so full of potential and I had the room to create the life I wanted to live.” Now, 18 years later, Soleil has become a household

people have since built such incredible offerings in our community?!” Soleil is deeply committed to creating and supporting local. “I’m proud of what we are creating and building together.”

As she continued building the farm, Soleil realized that some of the changes that needed to happen were systemic. Now, she spends time volunteering as a board member with the PEI Farm Centre and the PEI Advisory Council on the Status of Women. “I’m drawn to meaningful work that allows us to show up as a whole being in support of our community.”

“I’m also involved with Growers Station, which is a local food hub dedicated to supporting people who farm by supporting us in selling wholesale to local restaurants.” As PEI’s first cooperative food hub, Growers Station also cultivates mentorship opportunities for people who farm. “It is hard work and deeply rewarding to learn and share with the farming community across PEI.”

Like many of us, Soleil is also concerned about sustainability and the future of our beautiful Island. “Though we are known as Canada’s Food Island, we also have extremely high rates of food insecurity among the people who live here.” Soleil is so passionate and generous with her time and knowledge, sharing what she knows with folks who want to learn. “We need people to get interested in growing, whether it’s making a small garden in their backyard or a largescale farm.”

name for many folks who enjoy the fruits (or vegetables, as it were) of her labour at Soleil’s Farm. I don’t usually take quotes from people’s websites for these profiles but paraphrasing this one wouldn’t do it justice: Soleil’s Farm is “committed to playing in healthy soils, building strong communities, and growing the tastiest organic vegetables right here on beautiful Prince Edward Island!”

In typical PEI fashion, Soleil’s strong connections and relationships made it possible for her to start, build, and grow in the way that she has. “I realized that I was interested in being part of the something that was just starting here. Though I could have just moved right into the lifestyle in Portland, I was seeing that PEI was starting to grow our local offerings in new ways and I wanted to be part of that.”

We reminisced about those days nearly 20 years ago when there was basically one microbrewery, one independent coffee shop, and a handful of restaurants. “How lucky are we that so many

“I became so serious as a teen, and I carried that seriousness with me into adulthood. I’m glad I’m learning to be sillier and more playful now.” Though farming is hard work and their team works incredibly hard, they have built a lovely connection where laughter and play is also encouraged. “We have many team members who come back year after year, and we have built many inside jokes over time.”

While her career in farming keeps her busy, Soleil has also been contemplating the notion of success as busyness, noting that being rich isn’t so much about money but about having time to do the things we love. “First and foremost, I am a person. I am a person who farms. I’m also a person who loves spending time with friends and family, eating delicious food, playing board games, and getting back into hobbies that I enjoy.” Soleil has been re-engaging with fiber arts, playing banjo, and exploring some of the things she enjoyed when she was younger. “I also really value my ‘stare time’ where I can just be in the moment and allow my mind and heart to drift, ponder, and dream.” Soleil reminded me that we can dream the life we desire into existence.

Charlottetown Festival

Casts announced for 2026 season

Confederation Centre of the Arts has announced the cast and creative teams for its 2026 Charlottetown Festival productions of Anne of Green Gables— The Musical™ and Come From Away. A single company of artists will bring the two stories to life this summer in the Sobey Family Theatre.

“This season celebrates two stories that speak deeply to the Canadian spirit,” says Artistic Director Adam Brazier. “Anne Shirley’s journey has inspired audiences for generations, while Come From Away reminds us of the kindness and compassion that can emerge in extraordinary times.”

Making her Charlottetown Festival debut, Berkley Silverman will step into the title role of Anne Shirley in Anne of Green Gables—The Musical™, which runs on select dates, June 25 to September 5. Silverman is widely recognized for her stage and screen work and for voicing Everest in the popular animated series Paw Patrol.

The season’s company also includes many returning Festival performers, alongside several who are making their first appearance at the Festival. Almost a dozen company members will appear in both productions, reflecting the collaborative, repertory spirit that has long been a hallmark of the Charlottetown Festival.

Based on the novel by L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables— The Musical™ continues its long tradition as the Charlottetown Festival’s flagship production. The musical features a book and lyrics by Don Harron and music by Norman Campbell and tells the timeless story of Anne Shirley, the imaginative orphan who finds a home—and her place in the world—on Prince Edward Island.

The cast for Anne of Green Gables— The Musical™ are Josh Alcantara, LeShaun Bernett, Malinda Carroll, Crystal Casera, Micheline Desaulniers, Ma-Anne Dionisio, Tyler Everley, Taylor Flinders, Joema Frith, Barbara Fulton, Jessica Gallant, Taylor Garwood, Kaleigh Gorka, Stephen Guy-McGrath, Kaylee Harwood,

Nathanael Judah, Beatrice Kwan, Ha’Keena Maneso, Andrew McAllister, Laurie Murdoch, Catherine O’Brien, Drew Plummer, Shakeil Rollock, Julia Schwartz, and Berkley Silverman.

Running on select dates from June 30 to September 26, Come From Away, by Irene Sankoff and David Hein, tells the remarkable true story of the small Newfoundland town of Gander and the thousands of airline passengers welcomed there following the events of September 11, 2001. The internationally acclaimed musical celebrates the generosity and kindness shown to strangers during a moment of global crisis.

The cast for Come From Away are Malinda Carroll, Taj Crozier, Ma-Anne Dionisio, Barbara Fulton, Jessica Gallant, Kaleigh Gorka, Stephen Guy-McGrath, Kaylee Harwood, Ryan Abdullah Hooper, Nathanael Judah, Andrew McAllister, Laurie Murdoch, Catherine O’Brien, Drew Plummer, Kristen Pottle, and Luc Trottier.

The 2026 productions will feature direction and choreography by Robin Calvert for Anne of Green Gables—The Musical™, with musical direction by Rachel O’Brien. Come From Away will feature choreography by Jen Mote. Both productions share a creative team that includes set and costume design by Cory Sincennes, lighting design by Renée Brode, and sound design by Brian Kenny.

The 2026 Charlottetown Festival also includes C’Mon In! An Island Kitchen Party at The Mack, running on select dates from June 6 to August 29 and featuring Robbie Doherty and Pierce Clarke and band (Jeff Doherty, Luca Hall, Cynthia Macleod, Marli Trecartin, and Alan White). It also features Polka Dot Door, a free musical in the Centre’s amphitheatre, running on select dates from July 13 to August 22 and performed by a fully local cast from the Theatre for Young Audiences Players. The cast are Eric Cerisano, Julia Cerisano, Kat Cummings, Kathleen Henthorn, Samel Sunil, Kaitlyn Thompkins, and Ryan Whitty. confederationcentre.com

Last call on the wall

Exhibitions closing in May Out of Hand until May 3

Confederation Centre Art Gallery, Charlottetown

Curated by Jill McRae, this group exhibition features Canadian fine crafts and paintings originally assembled for the Canadian Pavilion at Expo 67 which was an influential moment when the nation’s arts and crafts movement was distilled into a showcase of skill, material knowledge, and regional identity. This collection was originally

students with local artists to explore creative media and traditional crafts. The creative achievements of students and educators across PEI are highlighted in this exhibition, which brings together projects from the PEI ArtsSmarts program and presents work by more than 100 Grade 12 Visual Arts students. Their pieces explore themes such as identity, social justice, the environment, culture, and daily life. Students were given the freedom to choose the media and processes that best express their voices and messages.

work,” drawing attention to the value systems that shape what is celebrated, collected, and preserved. Co-curated by Jennifer Matotek and Laura Ritchie.

Fanatics until May 23

Hilda Woolnough Gallery at The Arts Guild, Charlottetown

Members of the Peake Street Collective have created new works that explore their private passions: the things they love, their obsessions, their fascinations, and secret devotions. This exhibition explores the quirky obsessions that make these artists who they are, whether extraordinary or mundane. Peake Street Collective is a mentorship wing of This Town is Small that provides low-barrier exhibition opportunities and mentorship for artists.

Embracing

Chaos until May 24

Confederation Centre Art Gallery, Charlottetown

The School of Visual Arts at Holland College presents its annual student showcase at the Upper West Gallery. This year’s theme, Embracing Chaos, explores unpredictability in creative work. Students were assigned a combination of elements, including locations, emotions, objects, time periods and colours, and challenged to incorporate them into their final pieces. The exhibition features graduating students from the Fundamental Arts, Graphic Design, Photography and Videography, and Video Game Art and Animation programs.

Beyond

the Block: Celebrating 10 Years of the PEI Modern Quilt Guild until May 31

Eptek Art & Culture Centre, Summerside

The PEI Modern Quilt Guild (PEIMQG) was formed in 2015 by modern quilting enthusiasts with an aim to create and celebrate modern quilts and quilting on the Island. Now with over 40 members, the PEIMQG

gathers monthly to motivate, inspire, and educate each other as they work on individual and collaborative projects. In this celebration of the Guild’s first decade, visitors will see examples of modern quilting techniques, including bold colours, maximalism (and minimalism), improvisation, asymmetry, and more.

Quartette: Four Voices in Fibre until May 31

The Gallery – Coffee House &

This exhibition presents the work of four contemporary fibre artists whose practices are rooted in rug hooking and expanded through experimentation. New Brunswick artist Katherine DeVere-Pettigrew and Prince Edward Island artists Carol Gabanna, Carol Moffatt, and Darlene Rhodenizer are connected by a shared passion for self-expression and creativity, and a deep engagement with fibre, colour, and texture. Individual approaches coexist in visual harmony, united by a love of shaping the quiet elegance of wool. All pieces are for sale.

Canada.gov.ca

Presented by ANCHOR Fest at Jack Blanchard Hall—May 9

The newly founded ANCHOR Fest, formerly known as The Charlottetown Film Festival, presents Canada.gov.ca live at Jack Blanchard Hall in Charlottetown this month.

John Batt is the brain behind @canada.gov.ca, an Instagram account that curates stories from the obscure and often bizarre side of Canadian history and culture. The tales and memes ride that sweet line between education and entertainment. He’s taking his one-man show—a cross between a TED Talk and a couple drinks with a good buddy—on the road all over Canada, including shows in Dawson City, Vancouver, Winnipeg, Edmonton, Calgary, Saskatoon, Toronto, Halifax, and St. John’s. Batt will bring his live show to Charlottetown at Jack Blanchard Hall, located at 7 Pond Street, on May 9 at 7 pm.

John recalls, “True canada.gov. ca heads will remember that the very first event for the account took place in Charlottetown at Sportsman’s in 2022. Described as a meet and greet, the admin was pleasantly surprised when almost 100 people showed up to drink Revs, Schooners, share stories, and play pool. Even Roscoe was there. As someone who spent every summer on PEI, I hope I am thought of as an honourary Islander: thrilled to be back in Charlottetown to put on my now nationwide show.”

This event is part of ANCHOR’s year-round programming leading up to its festival dates, October 14–18, 2026. ANCHOR Fest will introduce music and stand-up comedy as core pillars of its programming, while maintaining a strong focus on showcasing independent Canadian cinema.

“As a festival that blends film, music, and comedy, the ANCHOR

team is drawn to John’s unconventional approach to live performance,” says Sam Langille, event coordinator. Tickets are available at anchorfest.ca. This event is all ages with a licensed bar. Follow @anchorfest. ca on Instagram for updates on more year-round events and festival announcements.

Where’s Master

Will?

Comedy-mystery at St.

Mark’s—May 21 to 23

Where’s Master Will?, a three-act comedy-mystery written and directed by Barb Perry, will be presented at St. Mark’s Presbyterian in Charlottetown on May 21, 22, and 23 at 7 pm. For tickets, call Barb at 902-368-2620 or Lois at 902-368-8246.

Lettice and Lovage

Seaside Theatre production in Summerside—May 28 to 30

Seaside Theatre presents Lettice and Lovage, Peter Shaffer’s riotous comedy, at the Scott MacAulay Performing Arts Centre in Summerside. Performances run May 28–30 at 7:30 pm, with a matinee on May 30 at 2 pm.

In this long-running West End play, audiences meet two characters who are, at first, polar opposites: Lettice Douffet, a flamboyant tour guide not above embellishing her tours with “interesting” facts, and her boss, the staid Lotte Schoen, who believes facts are facts—no matter how boring. The two nevertheless form an unlikely friendship over a shared disdain for bland modern society, and together plot against it, with unintended results. Tickets are available online via Ticketpro at smpac.ca.

The Wizard of Oz

Charlottetown Rural production—May 14 to 16

Charlottetown Rural High School presents The Wizard of Oz, May 14–16 at 7:30 pm at Confederation Centre of the Arts in Charlottetown.

Written by L. Frank Baum, this musical is based on the classic motion picture. The production was adapted by John Kane for the Royal Shakespeare Company, with music and lyrics by Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg.

The Wizard of Oz is presented through special arrangement with Concord Theatricals.

Visit confederationcentre.com or call 902-566-1267 for tickets.

Tantalizing Tales

Guildy Pleasures event rescheduled—May 14

Tantalizing Tales: A Night of Erotica will be held at the Arts Guild in Charlottetown on May 14 from 7–9 pm. The Guildy Pleasures event will include sensual poetry, spoken word, burlesque, live painting, and playful audience participation.

Produced by local artist Julie Bull, the cabaret-style evening will feature Island performers Tanaka Kativhu, Andrea Avery, a.s. alexandra, and Nicola Lewis Kemp. Audience members are encouraged to bring their own “spicy” poems for a chance to share them on stage.

The evening will also mark the launch of Bull’s new poetry collection, on the tip of my tongue: erotic poems

Additional performances include burlesque by Breanna “Sunnie Peaches,” movement and hoop artistry by Yiggie, and live painting by Justine. The artwork created during the evening will be available for purchase, with proceeds donated to the PEI Rape and Sexual Assault Centre.

General admission tickets and cabaret tables are available at theguildpei. com. Bring cash to tip performers and purchase books, prints, and merchandise created by the artists.

Call for volunteers

Downstreet Dance Studio in Charlottetown is a not-for-profit that offers a variety of dance classes for adults year-round and is looking for new volunteers. The studio’s mission is to create an inclusive, active community through cultural and social dance. Volunteer hours can count toward program credit, as well as earning free dance classes at the studio. Fill out the volunteer form at downstreetdance.com and someone will be in touch. 101 Grafton St, 2nd floor, Charlottetown.

Dance classes

The Downstreet Dance class schedule continues in May with Beginner Bellydance at 6:30 pm on Tuesdays, Classic Burlesque at 7:30 pm on Thursdays, and a Salsa Workshop at 5:15 pm on Friday, May 29. Saturday classes include Zumba at 10:30 am; Introductory West Coast Swing at 5 pm; and a Lindy Hop Taster at 7 pm on May 16. On Sundays, Lindy Hop Practice takes place at 7 pm. downstreetdance.com

Downstreet social dances

Downstreet Dance hosts two social dances each month. The Latin social dance takes place on May 9 from 8–10 pm. Styles include salsa, bachata, samba, merengue, and other Latin-style dances. The open social dance takes place on May 16 from 7:30–9 pm. All dance levels and styles are welcome. Dancers may also catch a mini lesson or demo class. Water and dancing shoes (or socks) are recommended. A Taster class is offered at 7 pm prior to the dance. Admission is at the door. downstreetdance.com

Call for dance teachers

Downstreet Dance is putting out a call to local dance teachers interested in leading a workshop or short block of classes this summer in styles or forms of movement that may not get the attention they deserve—think hooping, capoeira, K-pop, or others. Those looking to test the waters and build a student base can contact downstreetdance@gmail.com for more information.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Ballet Jörgen at Harbourfront Theatre

Ballet Jörgen’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream (2026) will be presented at Harbourfront Theatre in Summerside on May 8 at 7:30 pm.

A whimsical reimagining of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, choreographer Bengt Jörgen trades the Greek woods for Canada’s North, setting the story in a tundra-inspired forest populated by mischievous fairies and animals like moose, beavers, and bears.

The showcase is also a community celebration, with up to ten local dancers (ages 9–17) joining the company on stage through the Local Participant Program.

Visit harbourfronttheatre.com to purchase tickets.

Kensington Step Dance Festival

At the Murray Centre in June

The 33rd Kensington Step Dance Festival will be held on June 2 and 3 at the Murray Centre, 17 School Street, Kensington.

All Island dancers are invited to participate. Classes are offered for every age group in Reels, Jigs, Marches, Hornpipes, Waltzes, and Strathspey/Reel. Performances are always set to old-time fiddle music. The syllabus, class list, and entry form are available on the Kensington Step Dance Festival’s Facebook page.

This year’s adjudicator is Judy Zuppan, a realtor from Cornwall with a long history in step dancing.

Email libhubley@gmail.com with any questions.

dance umbrella

Year-end recitals at Sobey Family Theatre—May 9

Confederation Centre’s dance umbrella program presents its annual year-end recitals on May 9 at 2 pm and 7 pm in the Sobey Family Theatre.

Inspired by iconic figures from myth, history, and modern storytelling, this year’s showcases bring to life tales of courage, strength, and transformation through movement. From bold superheroes to timeless legends, each piece highlights the creativity, passion, and hard work of dance umbrella students dancers of all ages and levels.

The matinee performance, titled Heroes and Legends, includes Creative Movement; Junior, Beginner & Elementary levels in Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary & Musical Theatre; student choreographies; and the Performance Group.

The evening performance, titled

She, Is Me

Theatrical dance show at Florence Simmons

She, Is Me will be on stage at Florence Simmons Performance Hall in Charlottetown on July 26 at 7:30 pm.

This theatrical dance show displays diverse perspectives of women in the dance industry, trying to find balance through the chaos of reality. Through movement, song, and spoken word, audiences will witness each dancer’s journey, highlighting their uniqueness, similarities, struggles, and triumphs, through a combination of dance styles that best represent their story.

Muses, Myths, and Mosaics, includes Intermediate & Senior levels in Musical Theatre levels; Intermediate, Senior & ITP levels in Ballet, Jazz and Contemporary; all adult classes including Dance for Health; and the Performance Group. Tickets are available at confederationcentre.com, at the box office, or by calling 902-566-1267.

presented at the 2025 Island Fringe Festival in Charlottetown. While suitable for all ages, the performance references grief, misogyny, and both physical and mental health struggles, which may be distressing. This content also references growth, power, and inclusion.

Written and directed by Dawn Ward-Dames, She, Is Me was originally

Visit tproatlantic.ticketpro.ca to purchase tickets.

Women comedians

Stand up showcase at Trailside—May 6

Some of the country’s finest comedians—who also just happen to be women from the East Coast— will be on stage at Trailside Music Hall in Charlottetown on May 6 for the Women Comedians Showcase.

The evening will feature a slew of talent: starring Clare Belford and Maggie Estey, with openers Tamara Appleton, Rachel Matheson, and Andrea Avery, and hosted by PEI’s own mainstay comedian, Tanya Nicolle.

Bullseye on NPR.

Clare Belford was born and raised in the most blue collar parts of oil-country Alberta, she cut her teeth early on by forcibly telling deeply personal jokes about womanhood to drunk tradesmen. Nowadays she is a veritable fixture of Canadian comedy.

Belford has performed at Just For Laughs, the New York Comedy Festival, and the Halifax Comedy Festival. She also appears on CBC’s New Wave of Stand Up and writes for This Hour Has 22 Minutes. Her debut album, The Entire Cabbage,

Maggie Estey’s comedy is informed by a bizarre childhood in Sunny Corner, a tiny hamlet in the backwoods of Miramichi, NB, and mainly focuses on what she calls “pathetic woman stuff.”

Estey has performed at Hubcab Comedy Festival, Halifax Pop Explosion, Shivering Songs, and Flourish Festival. She has also appeared on multiple CBC Radio shows including DNTO and Fredericton’s Information Morning.

Doors open at 6:30 pm. Visit trailside.ca for tickets.

EXHIBITS

galleries, museums...

Black Box Theatre

Katarina’s Art Studio presents Realistic Art, its second annual student art exhibition from May 20–23. Open daily from 12–5 pm. Admission is free. The Arts Guild, 111 Queen St, Charlottetown. theguildpei.com

Breadalbane Gallery

This month’s show opens on May 8 with a reception from 6–8 pm. Gallery artists include Sabine Nuesch, Leo (Liu, Xin), Joan Sutton, Vian Emery, Zoe Novaczek, Denise Livingston, Will Baker, Haley Lewis, Marianne Janowicz, Silver Frith, Laura Bain, Lily-Ann Hein, Arjun Thappa, Zora Wendt, Rick MacDonald, Patrick Macdonald, Chris Mollins, Lisa Theriault, Yuzhu Yang, Lyneth Sausa, Nancy Brown, and Erin Veitch. Gallery hours are 11 am–3 pm Tuesday, 9 am–1 pm Wednesday, and 4–8 pm Thursday. 4023 Dixon Rd, Breadalbane.

Confederation Centre Art Gallery

Consumed, a new exhibition by Jane Meredith Whitten, opens on May 16. Out of Hand closes on May 3. Finding Our Voices: Works by ArtsSmarts Learners and

PEI Grade 12 Art Students and Pleasure Ground by Sarah Maloney both close on May 17. The Holland College School of Visual Arts 2026 Student Showcase, Embracing Chaos, closes on May 24. 130 Queen St, Charlottetown. confederationcentre.com/artgallery

Cornwall Library Art Gallery

The Spring Group Show closes on May 8. La Vie en Noir et Blanc by Giselle Déziel— an exhibit of black-and-white images taken from the CN Tower to the Eiffel Tower—opens May 12 with an opening event at 7 pm. The show runs until June 19. Contact the library (902-629-8415) for information on displaying in the gallery. 15 Mercedes Dr, Town Hall, Cornwall.

Ellen’s Creek Gallery and Framing

The Time of Our Lives, a group exhibition by PEI Seniors College students and instructors, closes on May 8. Open Monday–Friday, 9 am–5 pm. 525 North River Rd, Charlottetown.

Eptek Art & Culture Centre

A Nod to Aunt Marion, an exhibition of selected works by the late Marion Campbell Hinton, is on view in the lobby from May 1–31. Beyond the Block: Celebrating 10 Years of the PEI Modern Quilt Guild is on view in the main gallery and closes on May 31. Admission is by donation. 130 Heather Moyse Dr, Summerside. peimuseum.ca

Harbourfront Theatre Our Theatre, Your Theatre

The Fitzroy St. Tiny Art Gallery

Memento Mori, a collection of treasures from the natural world gathered by Ruth Lacey, the late mother of gallery director and curator Monica Lacey, is on view. This exhibit is presented in her memory. Exhibitions are viewable 24/7 at the corner of Fitzroy and Felling Sts, Charlottetown.

The Gallery – Coffee House & Bistro

Quartette: Four Voices in Fibre, an exhibition of rug hooking by Katherine DeVerePettigrew, Carol Gabanna, Carol Moffatt, and Darlene Rhodenizer, continues until May 31. A permanent art exhibition by Patrick Guindon, Sita MacMillan, and Ashleigh Tremere is on view in the new nook space. Open daily, 8 am–5 pm. 82 Great George St, Charlottetown.

Hilda Woolnough Gallery

Fanatics, a group exhibition by members of the Peake Street Collective and presented by This Town is Small, closes on May 23. Gallery hours are Wednesday–Saturday, 12–5 pm. The Arts Guild, 111 Queen St, Charlottetown. thistownissmall.com

Murray Harbour Public Library

How We See, a group exhibition by students in the Murray Harbour Community School Winter 2026 painting

class, instructed by Rebeka Darylin, is on display from May 2–June 2. All are welcome to the artists’ reception on May 2 from 10 am–12 pm. The exhibition is open during library hours at the Murray Harbour Community Centre, 27 Faye Fraser Dr, Murray Harbour.

The North Nook Gallery

A Gentle Reminder by Sarah Nicole Dart is on view in May. Created for Mental Health Awareness Month, the exhibition encourages viewers to check in on their loved ones. The Arts Guild, 111 Queen St, Charlottetown.

The PEI Farm Centre

Chaos Corralled: Art Harvested from the Heart of Havoc by Wendy Jones is on view from May 20–June 30. All are welcome to the free opening reception on May 20 at 7 pm. Jones will demonstrate fluid art techniques, and guests who want to try pour painting will be able to create their own miniature painting to take home. Open Monday–Saturday, 8 am–11 pm, and Sundays, 1–8 pm. 420 University Ave, Charlottetown. Info: 902-969-1989; peislandwendy@gmail.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 continues year-round. 57 Central St, Summerside.

Arthur Simeon

Funny African Guy at Trailside Music Hall—May 17

Ugandan-born Arthur Simeon brings his hilarious new stand-up comedy show, Funny African Guy, to Charlottetown’s Trailside Music Hall on May 17 at 8 pm.

A favourite on CBC Radio’s The Debaters and a frequent guest on CTV’s The Social, Simeon is a gifted storyteller and delightful joke writer. He has toured all over the world and shot his most recent special in Nairobi, Kenya. He has appeared several times at the Just For Laughs festival and been featured on HBO, The Comedy Network, and Crave.

Side Hustle Island Rumble

Championship stakes, rising contenders, and surprises

Island Pro Wrestling (IPW) returns to the APM Centre in Cornwall on May 16 at 6 pm with Game On: Island Rumble, a high-energy night of action featuring one of the most unpredictable matches in the sport. Doors open at 5:30 pm.

The Island Rumble will see 25 com petitors enter the ring, with only one earning a guaranteed opportunity at the IPW Heavyweight Championship at Game Over on July 4.

The evening will also feature a mar quee IPW Heavyweight Championship match, as August Artois defends against “The Ghost” Ricky Mortis, along with Kayden hosting his “My Time” interview segment.

VIP ticket holders can arrive early for an exclusive pre-show, including a women’s division match and the IPW and Canadian debut of Sage Scott. With a mix of championship stakes, rising contenders, and unexpected moments, Game On continues the road toward one of IPW’s biggest events of the year. A 50/50 draw will support the PEI Humane Society. Visit islandprowrestling.com for tickets.

Improv comedy at The Arts Guild—May 23

May-hem with Side Hustle will be on stage at The Arts Guild in Charlottetown on May 23 at 7:30 pm.

May-hem is what happens when a group of quick-witted improvisers take the stage with nothing but audience suggestions and a healthy disregard for having a plan. Every scene, character, and ridiculous plot twist is made up on the spot, which means absolutely anything can happen—and usually does. It might be brilliant, it might be absurd, it might spiral into glorious chaos, but one thing’s guaranteed: Side Hustle is unleashing full-blown May-hem. Visit theguildpei.com for tickets.

JUNE BUZZ

DEADLINE

Friday, May 15

Student exhibition

By Katarina’s Art Studio

Katarina’s Art Studio will present Realistic Art, its second annual student art exhibition, from May 20–23 at The Arts Guild in Charlottetown.

This four-day exhibition will showcase a selection of realistic drawings and paintings created by students of all ages. The works highlight the development of technical skill, observational accuracy, and a strong foundation in both classical and contemporary realism.

The exhibition reflects a commitment to disciplined training and artistic excellence among emerging PEI artists, offering visitors an opportunity to experience the results of focused,

How We See

Murray Harbour Community School exhibition

How We See, featuring artwork by students of the Murray Harbour Community School painting class, is a free community art exhibition on display at the Murray Harbour Public Library.

Visitors will see drawings and paintings created by students in the winter 2026 painting class with instructor Rebeka Darylin.

All are welcome to the artists’ reception at the library on May 2 from 10 am–12 pm. Guests can view the artwork, meet local artists, participate in creative exercises, and enjoy light refreshments.

The exhibition will be on display from May 2 to June 2 during library hours at the Murray Harbour Community Centre, 27 Faye Fraser Drive, Murray Harbour.

long-term study in traditional art. It is open to the public daily from 12–5 pm and will take place upstairs in the Black Box theatre space. All are welcome, and admission is free. katarinamccourt.ca

Memento Mori

In memory of Ruth Lacey at Fitzroy St. Tiny Art Gallery

The Fitzroy St. Tiny Art Gallery opens for a new season with the installation, Memento Mori, which showcases a collection of treasures from the natural world, as gathered by Ruth Lacey, late mother of the gallery director and curator, Monica Lacey.

Ruth was fascinated by the cycles and seasons of nature: she loved finding the beauty in decay, change, and death, and was an avid collector of skulls and other items from animals or plants that held that beauty for her. This exhibit is presented in her memory.

The gallery houses a combination of curated professional exhibitions, and community artwork exchange. Located at the corner of Fitzroy and Felling Streets in Charlottetown, exhibitions are viewable 24/7.

Consumed

Jane Whitten exhibition transforms waste into works of craft

Confederation Centre of the Arts invites the public to experience Consumed, a striking new exhibition by Prince Edward Island artist Jane Meredith Whitten, opening May 16 at the Confederation Centre Art Gallery.

Running through September 16, Consumed showcases Whitten’s distinctive approach to craft, transforming discarded materials— plastic packaging, beach debris, and other consumer waste—into intricate, thought-provoking objects. Drawing on traditional basketry and knitting techniques, her work reframes everyday refuse as something both beautiful and unsettling, inviting reflection on our shared reality of environmental degradation.

“It’s been inspiring visiting Jane Whitten’s home studio and learning about what drives her practice,” says Gallery Director, Pan Wendt, “She’s one of those artists who absolutely needs to make her work, almost in a therapeutic sense. She’s so productive and inventive, finding creative ways to break down what we usually think of as garbage, the byproducts of our consumer-driven world and reconstitute it as art.”

Originally from Australia and now based in Summerside, Whitten has spent decades developing a craft practice rooted in experimentation and material exploration. Influenced by leading Canadian and international basket makers, her work bridges functional and sculptural forms, what she describes as both “functional and dysfunctional pieces.” Alongside her artistic career, she has worked extensively in education, bringing a problem-solving mindset to her creative process: setting a goal, starting with available materials, and exploring the many paths between.

Her work has been exhibited

across Canada and internationally, and is held in numerous public and private collections, including the Confederation Centre Art Gallery and the Canada Council Art Bank. She has also been recognized with multiple awards and was nominated for the 2001 Saidye Bronfman Award for Excellence in Fine Craft.

Consumed continues the Gallery’s commitment to presenting contemporary work that engages with urgent social and environmental questions, while celebrating the depth and diversity of craft practice in Atlantic Canada.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to engage more directly with Whitten’s process during a rescheduled hands-on workshop, Choose Your Own Knitting Adventure, on May 23 at 12:30 pm in the Gallery, where participants can explore creative techniques alongside the artist.

For gallery hours and more information on the exhibition and workshop, visit confederationcentre.com/ gallery.

Field to fork

Last month, we focused on outsmarting the grocery store. This month, we’re shifting our attention to the relationship between the kitchen and the farm. It’s the handshake between the person who grows the food and the person who brings it to the table. In April, we talked about auditing the supermarket aisles for unit prices and protein stretches, but as the ground thaws across the counties, our strategy can naturally shift from the aisle to the soil.

Community Supported Agriculture, or the CSA model, is a functional partnership that benefits both ends of the food chain. Think of it as a calculated investment in Island resilience. When you buy a share in a farm like Heart Beet Organics in Darlington or the Schurman family’s operation in Kensington, you are providing the literal seed money that helps a farmer manage their most expensive season with confidence.

This upfront payment is a stabilizer for our local economy. It creates a predictable cash flow for the farmer, which in turn secures local jobs and keeps our food dollars circulating within our own red dirt. The value is also immediate when it comes to the quality of what we eat. The vitamins and minerals in a carrot harvested in the morning and delivered to your door by the afternoon are much higher than anything that has spent a week in a climate-controlled shipping container.

Choosing a CSA in May is a way to

This model changes the way we approach a recipe. Instead of searching for ingredients to fit a specific menu, we allow the harvest to guide our cooking. This transition into seasonal eating encourages us to eat with the natural rhythm of the Island. In late spring, that means focusing on fresh greens and crisp radishes that support healthy digestion after a long winter of heavy, starchier meals. It’s a shift from eating for convenience to eating for the season.

Modern CSA programs on the Island are becoming increasingly flexible to meet the needs of different households. Many producers now offer bi-weekly boxes or payment plans that break the cost into smaller amounts throughout the season. There are even options for half-shares, which provide a smaller amount of produce that’s perfect for individuals or smaller families.

and our community at the same time, providing a win for the farmer, a win for the soil, and a significant win for the health of our homes.

A Nod to Aunt Marion

Exhibition and call for submissions

A Nod to Aunt Marion, an exhibition of selected works by the late Marion Campbell Hinton, will be on display in the Eptek Art & Culture Centre lobby from May 1–31.

Those familiar with acclaimed painter Georgie Read Barton may recognize her influence in Marion’s style and subject matter, since Marion was a member of the Barton Art Club. Now, her niece and nephew, Catherine and Bill Callbeck, are presenting her very first solo exhibition—while also inviting artists to respond to her work.

During May, Island artists are encouraged to visit the exhibition, become acquainted with Marion’s, and consider how they might interpret her voice in their own work. This initial exhibition will serve as the launch of an Island-wide call for visual art submissions. Artists are invited to create a landscape or still life painting inspired by Marion’s work. Those works will be included in a future exhibition, The Voice of Marion, on view in Eptek’s main gallery from January to March 2027.

Catherine and Bill Callbeck have donated monetary awards to

accompany juried recognition in various categories. Entry forms will be available at Eptek from May 1 to November 1. Submission packages can be requested by emailing eptek@gov. pe.ca or calling (902) 888-8373.

Eptek Art & Culture Centre, a PEI Museum and Heritage Foundation site, is located at 130 Heather Moyse Drive in Summerside.

Chaos Coralled

photograph exhibition

The PEI Farm Centre in Charlottetown will host an exhibition of paintings and photographs, Chaos Corralled: Art Harvested from the Heart of Havoc, by Belle River artist Wendy Jones from May 20 to June 30. All are welcome to attend the free opening reception on May 20 at 7 pm. Jones will demonstrate fluid art techniques and those who want to dive into the pour painting experience will be able to produce their own miniature painting and take it home.

Jones says the primary focus in creating pieces for this show “was to surrender to tumult during the creative journey. By embracing chaos, I was able to fully appreciate the process of pushing my creative limits, wresting a beautiful, thought-provoking, and/or fanciful piece of work into existence using techniques that embrace chance and confusion rather than barriers bound by dictated styles.“

and transform confusion into something meaningful and beautiful.

Art Love

Live

painting competition at The Arts Guild

Art Love, the live painting competition at the Hom’Art Festival, returns to The Arts Guild in Charlottetown on June 1, beginning at 6 pm.

Set in a vibrant and friendly atmosphere, the competition features talented local artists going head-to-head in three rounds.

Witness imagination and skill come to life, and find out who will take home first place.

Since 2021, Art Love has showcased the talent and creativity of artists from across the Maritimes. Each artist has only 20 minutes to create a unique painting in front of an audience and a panel of three judges, who will determine the grand winner.

Tickets for Art Love are available now at theguildpei.com.

In a world that feels disordered and destabilized, where familiar rules and structures no longer make sense, Jones, through the work, argues that even in that chaos, there’s creative potential— an opportunity to adapt, persevere,

Fairytales

Exhibition at Breadalbane Gallery

Fairytales bring joy and wonder into our lives and satisfy the playful spirit of childhood. Whether it’s a favourite childhood myth or the feeling of wonder, joy, and storytelling found in legends, folktales, and fantasy, fairytales leave a lasting impression. Interpreting that lasting impression is the task of the artists in this month’s exhibition at the Breadalbane Gallery.

The exhibition can be viewed Monday–Saturday from 8 am–11 pm and Sundays from 1–8 pm. Sales can be arranged through Wendy or the office. Call 902-969-1989 or email peislandwendy@gmail.com for details.

The May show in the gallery’s Annex will showcase works by artists exploring their relationship to fairytales. All are welcome to the opening reception on May 8 from 6–8 pm.

The Main Gallery, as usual, will hold new works by gallery artists, while the Annex will feature the results of the fairytale theme. There will also be a raffle of Denise Livingstone’s whimsical, experiential paintings using cardboard, old picture frames, and paint.

The not-for-profit community

gallery, located at 4023 Dixon Road in Breadalbane, presents new work at opening receptions held on the second Friday of each month.

Gallery artists include Sabine Nuesch, Leo (Liu, Xin), Joan Sutton, Vian Emery, Zoe Novaczek, Denise Livingston, Will Baker, Haley Lewis, Marianne Janowicz, Silver Frith, Laura Bain, Lily-Ann Hein, Arjun Thappa, Zora Wendt, Rick MacDonald, Patrick Macdonald, Chris Mollins, Lisa Theriault, Yuzhu Yang, Lyneth Sausa, Nancy Brown, and Erin Veitch.

There are still spots available for PEI artists who want to register. There is no registration fee, and all materials are provided. Artists must be 18 or older to participate. Full details and registration are available at shediachomart.com/en.

A Gentle Reminder

Sarah Nicole Dart installation in the North Nook Gallery

The North Nook Gallery presents A Gentle Reminder, a new installation by Sarah Nicole Dart created for Mental Health Awareness Month.

The work is inspired by a struggle a loved one recently experienced, and reflects on how a buildup of extreme stress, loneliness, lack of sleep, and dehydration can be enough to make the brain experience survival mode.

“It’s important we create dialogue with the people in our lives, about what we are going through, so that we have the support we need to heal,” says Dart.

Dart, a self-taught interdisciplinary artist from Vancouver Island who has called Charlottetown home for the past four years, encourages viewers to check in on their loved ones during the month of Mindfulness (Mental Health Awareness) May.

Since 2016 Dart has been experimenting with Cyanotype chemistry, and her work includes themes about biodiversity, mental health, and the importance of practicing mindfulness.

The North Nook Gallery is a partnership between The Fitzroy St. Tiny Art Gallery and The Arts Guild.

GET CREATIVE

Arts education at Confederation Centre

The Confederation Centre of the Arts offers a variety of programs in the Michael S. Schurman Family Studio. A PD Day Visual Arts Camp takes place on May 1 at 9 am. An ongoing weekly session for adults to explore drawing, painting, and sculpture runs through May 7. Visit confederationcentre.com for details or to register.

Creative fun for youth at the Charlottetown Library

Free hands-on activities for children and teens continue at the Charlottetown Library. Teens can create a communal scratch-art painting on May 1 at 2 pm. Creative Kids Club runs Wednesdays at 3:30 pm. Pre-register for Crafternoon in the Makerspace on May 13 at 1 pm to create a mixed-media art page. Crochet and chat during Hooked on Crochet with Julie on May 16 at 10 am (beginners welcome). Info: 902-368-4642

Creative fun for youth at the Summerside Library

Free arts activities continue this month at the Summerside Library. Throughout the month, teens can make origami tulip bouquets during open hours. Crafternoon for Kids takes place as a drop-in session on Saturdays and Sundays during open hours. On May 1, kids aged 6–12 can create their own unique art using paper weaving methods at 11 am. On May 10, teens can make and personalize their own Smash Book at 2 pm. The Creative Corner runs on May 11 at 6:30 pm and May 20 at 2 pm. Call 902436-7323 to register.

Paint Club for Adults

Adults can drop in to the Charlottetown Library to paint and socialize on May 4, 11, and 25 at 1 pm.

Let’s Get Creative Kids Art Club

Ryan McAdam-Young, an art educator with Let’s Get Creative, will instruct an eight-week art program for kids aged 5–14 at Eptek Art & Culture Centre in Summerside. Sessions will run from 12:30–1:45 pm or 2:15–3:30 pm on Sundays until June 14. Children will explore painting, clay, collage, paper

ARTS ACADEMY

crafts, puppet making, drawing, and more. Call 902-888-8373 to pre-register. Follow @LetsGetCreative on FB.

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 knitters, crocheters, rug hookers, and other fibre and textile makers.

CreativePEI Artmobile

Drop in to the Makerspace at the Charlottetown Library on May 6 and 20 from 5–7 pm for creative time with the CreativePEI Artmobile. Make something new from the art supplies provided, or bring your own materials or work-inprogress project.

Seniors Art Activities

Confederation Centre of the Arts offers sessions on the first Thursday of the month from 10 am–12 pm in the Michael S. Schurman Family Studio. The next session is May 7. Each session includes a guided tour of current exhibitions, followed by refreshments and a relaxed art-making session. A fee applies; coffee, tea, and cookies are provided. Visit confederationcentre.com for details.

Library for All

Thursday of the month from 5–8 pm. The next meeting is May 14. Bring a machine and projects, start a beginner-friendly piece, explore tools and techniques, or try a machine with guidance.

Life drawing for adults

Drop-in life drawing sessions with a nude model are held on Sundays from 2–4 pm at the Gertrude Cotton Art Centre (57 Bunbury Rd, Stratford). The next sessions are May 17 and 31. All skill levels are welcome. Doors open at 1:30 pm, and participants are encouraged to arrive early for set-up. Participants must be 18+ or have written parent or guardian permission. Some easels are provided; 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.

Kindred Spirits Quilt Guild

The Kindred Spirits Quilt Guild meets on the third Wednesday of the month at the Benevolent Irish Society, 582 North River Rd, Charlottetown, from September through June. The next meeting is May 20 from 7–9 pm. Doors open at 6:30 pm. New members and visitors are welcome. This is a scent-free meeting. Info: 902676-1000; @Kindred Spirits Quilt Guild of PEI on FB.

PEI Modern Quilt Guild

The PEI Association for Community Living invites adults and youth with intellectual disabilities and their caregivers to Library for All, a monthly program at the Charlottetown Library. This month, participants will sew and crochet, with a beginner-friendly yarn weaving activity on May 9 at 11 am.

Mother’s Day Stitch & Sip

Unraveling Joy is collaborating with Tyne Valley Teas Cafe to host a Mother’s Day Stitch & Sip on May 9 at 1 pm. The afternoon includes a stitch lesson with materials, scones, sweet treats, and tea service. 6980 Rte 12, Tyne Valley. Register: unravelingjoy.com/shop/embroidery-workshops or call 902-831-3069.

Sewing Club

Join fellow sewing and mending enthusiasts (ages 12+) in the Charlottetown Library Makerspace on the second

The PEI Modern Quilt Guild will meet on May 21 from 7–9 pm at the PEI Farm Centre (420 University Ave, Charlottetown). Doors open at 6:30 pm. New members and visitors are welcome. This is a scent-free meeting. Info: peimqg@gmail.com; peimqg.carrd.co

Eptek Makers Session

The next drop-in makers session will be held on May 24 from 1–3 pm at the Eptek Art & Culture Centre in Summerside. Makers are invited to bring a current or long-delayed project and join this free session. Catch up with some friends, meet new ones, and see what other makers are creating. There is no admission, and all are welcome.

Creative Careers by Jane Ledwell

Art (ificial) Intelligence

“Are the robots coming for your creative career?” Alarmist, apocalyptical questions about AI are popping up everywhere. The creative sector is ready to get underneath the rhetoric of fear to ensure the answer is “no.”

But, what’s more, the arts and culture community is poised to lead PEI’s conversations about AI engagement, ethics, and effects.

Creative workers should be given primacy as the thinkers for all of society on how to respond to AI’s threats and its promise. What artists do best is notice and respond to the world around us and make meaning of it—in ways that can only filter through the human imagination.

If the colonizing, world-shattering billionaire interests behind AI try to take out arts and culture careers first, it is because they know a) that we know history that tells us no outcome is foregone or inevitable and b) that artists take on new technologies with creativity, irreverence, and sly subversion.

Creative workers create visions and tell transformative stories about all possible worlds, including worlds that flourish outside the control of Big Tech.

Earlier this spring, a National Summit on Artificial Intelligence and Culture took place in Banff, Alberta to bring together artists with tech leaders, researchers, and decision-makers to discuss how AI is already changing the cultural landscape and how Canada needs to respond.

Canada’s Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture Marc Miller said government wants to “ensure that Canada leads the global conversation on responsible AI development, and that innovation and cultural sovereignty advance together,” and federal Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation Evan Solomon said, “As we build the AI economy, I’m excited to see our creators help shape the future.”

The conversation about culture and AI must not be siloed in or from the cultural sector. In the AI discussions already happening in PEI, there is both scope and nuance, diversity and specificity, that all other sectors need to hear. Some artists embrace artificial intelligence; others reject it. However, most responses I’m encountering, both from creatives promoting early adoption and those promoting active resistance, have in common pragmatism, skepticism, and readiness to examine AI’s effects in a wider framework of

policy, ethics, and environmental and human rights.

In the arts and culture sector, we understand what distinguishes creation from production. (Thanks to artist Jane Affleck for that insight.) We are experts in copyright and intellectual property—and how to protect these. We are experts on the gig-based economy, the worth of the intangible and the ephemeral, the weight of embodying ideas, and the importance of freed expression. Creatives know that when we pay the value of undervalued work, such as art work and care work, people and communities flourish.

At a recent meeting of an advisory group for Culture Works Canada, the national human-resources sector leader for culture, Grégoire Gagnon shared a message he presented to international experts: “The cultural sector IS society’s research and development (R&D) department.” This has never been more true, and the cultural sector has much to offer the societal challenges of AI.

I asked the robots, “Should the arts and culture sector be the leading sector to consider the ethics and effects of AI in PEI?” The robots were hesitant: “Arts and culture shouldn’t lead alone—but they are uniquely positioned to lead the conversation,” said ChatGPT. Hmm.

There is still time for a conversation led by creative workers and based in human ingenuity that gets us less insipid, equivocal answers to important societal questions. We need to ask for art intelligence, not the artificial kind.

CreativePEI is a sector catalyst and connector that empowers PEI’s arts, culture, and creative professionals. Jane Ledwell has been the Executive Director since November 2025. creativepei.ca

READERS/WRITERS

2026 Susan Buchanan Hideout Scholar

Nova Scotia writer Corrie Melanson has been selected as the winner of the 2026 Susan Buchanan Hideout Scholarship. Melanson will spend a week at The Hideout this season working on her book project, Safe Harbour, Stories of Rainbow Refugees in Atlantic Canada. This narrative nonfiction book centres queer refugee and private sponsorship stories in Atlantic Canada, with a focus on lived experience, care, and belonging. Winner of multiple Island Literary Awards, as well as a PEI Book Award, Susan Buchanan was a well-loved and deeply admired Island writer and disability rights activist who co-owned a bed and breakfast called Evening Primrose on the Hideout property in North Tryon with her life partner Jeanne Sullivan.

Island writing awards survey

As one part of ongoing consultation with PEI’s diverse writing communities in support of a revitalized awards program for all Island writers, the PEI Writers’ Guild has launched an online survey to gather feedback and help shape the future direction of the writing awards program and celebration. This short survey is open to Island writers and creatives at all levels of experience, whether they’ve participated in a PEIWG event, submitted to the Island Literary Awards, or not. The survey will be open until June 15. For more info and to participate, visit peiwritersguild.com.

Book launch: Lisa Carmody

Doiron & Patrick Guindon

Bookmark is partnering with the Charlottetown Library for the launch of Lisa Carmody Doiron’s book Ahoy, Mate, Ahoy! Miss Molly Molloy. The free event on May 2 at 2 pm will be held in the Children’s Room at the library and will include story time, an ocean-themed craft, and a book signing. Lisa will be joined by Patrick Guindon, the book’s illustrator.

Queer Poetry Club

The Queer Poetry Club meets on the first Saturday of each month from 2–4 pm at the PEERS Alliance office in Charlottetown. The next meeting is on May 2. 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

PEIWG Poetry Club

The Poetry Club meets at 10 am on the first Saturday of each month at the Voluntary Resource Centre (81 Prince St) in Charlottetown. The next meeting is May 2. Members share a favourite poem by another writer and, if they wish, one

of their own. Open to PEI Writers’ Guild members. To become a member, visit peiwritersguild.com.

Story makers

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

Story times for kids

The Summerside Library is offering several children’s story times for the month of May. On Saturdays, kids of all ages can enjoy a different story with a fun activity at 10:30 am. On May 7, guests from the Canadian Mental Health Association will share a story about emotions at 1 pm. On May 13, there will be a story time all about kindness as part of PEI Family Violence Prevention Week at 1 pm.

Writers’ social

The PEI Writers’ Guild (PEIWG) invites writers of all genres to a free, drop-in social at bar1911 in Charlottetown. Meet other writers, share ideas, and build community over tea or coffee. The Writers’ Social happens on the second Saturday of each month at 1 pm. The next meeting is May 9. Info: peiwritersguild.com

Creative Writing Group

A creative writing group meets at bar1911 in Charlottetown on the third Saturday of each month at 10 am. The next meet-up is May 16. Hosted by the PEI Writers’ Guild, the group offers a supportive space for writers to share work, read, workshop, receive constructive feedback, and develop their skills. Info: peiwritersguild.com

Book Lovers Book Club

The next Book Lovers Book Club meeting at the Charlottetown Library is on May 19 at 6 pm. Join an informal, conversation-style chat about books with other bibliophiles. No assigned reading or registration required.

2SLGBTQ+ Adult Drop-In

PEERS Alliance invites adults to the 2SLGBTQ+ Adult Drop-In on May 20 from 6–8 pm for a poetry workshop facilitated by guests from the Queer Poetry Club. The workshop invites folks to engage with poetry on the topic of Spring through the lens of queer joy in a low-pressure setting. Participants have the opportunity to write several poems in this two-hour session through a series of solo and group writing prompts and activities. No poetry experience is required and all materials are provided. The event will be held at the PEERS Alliance Office, 250B Queen St, Charlottetown. Info: josie@peersalliance. ca; 902-566-2437

2026 PEI Book Awards

The 2026 Book Awards will be held at the Charlottetown Library on May 24 at 10 am. The PEI Public Library Service and emcee Shawn Hogan will present the PEI Book Awards recipients. Everyone is welcome. Free public tickets are available through Eventbrite.

Afternoon Book Club

The Afternoon Book Club will meet at the Summerside Library on May 25 at 1 pm. Pick up this month’s selection at the circulation desk.

Monday Night Book Club

The Monday Night Book Club meets at the Charlottetown Library on May 25 at 6 pm. The group of like-minded book lovers chooses a new title each month. New members welcome.

Writers’ open mic

The PEI Writers’ Guild hosts an open mic on the fourth Thursday of every month at the Gallery Coffee House and Bistro in Charlottetown at 7 pm. The next open mic is May 28. Writers, readers, and keen ears come together for an evening of support for courageous writers. Those interested in reading can sign up on-site the night of the event.

Summerside Library Book Club

The Summerside Library 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 on May 30 at 2 pm at the Summerside Library.

Book launch: Joann Hamilton-Barry

Writer Joann Hamilton-Barry will visit the Charlottetown Library on May 31 at 2 pm to launch her new book She Was the Story Girl, all about Island author L.M. Montgomery. The launch is a family event with trivia, crafts, stories, and games. Anne-themed costumes are encouraged. Everyone is welcome.

Call for submissions: Trans Anthology

PEI Transgender Network is accepting submissions for its third Trans Anthology as part of Together We Thrive 2026. This call is open to all trans and gender diverse folks who live in PEI. The submission deadline is June 14 at 5 pm. There are two forms: one for written works and one for visual artworks. Folks may submit to one or both. This year’s Curation Selection Committee includes Julie Bull, Chelsea Ferguson, and Kim Endell, and they are available for support throughout the submission, editing, and publishing process. Reach out to Julie at julierbull@peitn.com, Chelsea at cferguson@peitn.com, or Kim at kendell@peitn. com with any questions. For more info and the submission forms, visit peitn. com/trans-anthology.

A gift of Island Poetry

A LIVING ROOM AT NIGHT IN A SMALL TOWN

A long-married couple sits in a living room at night in a small town

the TV is on blaring the news a dozen history books are on the coffee table bookmarked to crisis and cataclysm the lights are dimmed this is in the middle of someone else’s incomprehensible conflict nothing is far away a poet in the corner of the room mumbles then starts to write what might become a poem about war or warfare

everything is distant the couple yell to be contrary and attempt to be safe just as the power goes off and the dark becomes as natural as the light of day.

—J. J. Steinfeld

Poet/fiction writer/playwright J.J. Steinfeld has published 25 books, including Acting on the Island (stories), As You Continue to Wait (poetry), and My Post-Holocaust Second Generation Voice: History / Memory / Identity (poetry).

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

Abandoned Works

Richard Vickerson book signing and exhibition

Island visual artist Richard Vickerson will release Abandoned Works, a retrospective of over 200 paintings spanning 40 years, on May 5. Published by PEI’s Pownal Street Press, the book features a foreword by Dr. Edward MacDonald.

All are invited to celebrate the book’s release at Details Fine Art Gallery in Charlottetown on May 15 from 4–7 pm. Join Richard Vickerson and gallerist Kyle Timothy Blood inside the world of Abandoned Works, where many of Vickerson’s iconic watercolour and acrylic works will be exhibited. The evening will include a book signing, art and conversation, and refreshments.

Down East Plein Air

Festival and pre-festival workshop

The Down East Plein Air Festival takes place in Murray River on June 26–28, bringing together artists and art lovers for a relaxed, outdoor creative experience.

Whether attendees paint, sketch, collect art, or simply appreciate creativ ity, the festival offers a unique opportu nity to connect, be inspired, and enjoy the natural beauty of southeastern PEI.

Known for his contemplative realism and deeply expressive landscapes, Abandoned Works examines the mute poetry of forgotten objects, derelict structures, and the quiet spaces that time leaves behind.

Vickerson’s chosen subjects anchor the work—immovable, soundless scenes where even the imagined flight of a distant crow only intensifies the quiet. Each piece freezes a world at rest, holding its breath.

The artist creates an emotional landscape where the viewer stands alone, sensing only traces of past human presence. The effect, which is both a haunting invitation to step into one’s own still-life memory and to search for the smallest signs of light, engages every viewer fully in the moment.

Vickerson’s devotion to realism infuses his scenes with precision and intention, defying the ephemeral nature of the present. As Vickerson reflects, “realism is a way of preserving a moment that would otherwise slip instantly into the past.”

Crows, long associated with death and transition, recur throughout Abandoned Works, receiving their own

dedicated chapter. Other chapters include The Farm, The Sea, and The Intruder. With an undercurrent of mortality running throughout the collection, many of the objects and buildings he paints have outlasted generations, offering silent testimony to lives once lived.

Vickerson has painted for over forty years, and his work has been represented for more than twenty-five years by Details Fine Art Gallery, founded by the late Arlene Rice. This collaboration has inspired a body of work that engages deeply with time, memory, and the emotional resonance of place. Known for his stark realism and philosophical approach to visual storytelling, Vickerson often explores themes of loss, endurance, and the beauty of what remains.

Abandoned Works will be available as a limited-edition release beginning in May through Details Fine Art Gallery in Charlottetown and select booksellers. To purchase a copy, visit the gallery on Victoria Row (166 Richmond Street) or the artist’s portfolio page at detailsfineart.com.

A selection of Vickerson’s work will also be exhibited at various locations throughout the month. For more information, follow Details Fine Art Gallery on socials for updates or contact the gallery directly. detailsfineart.com

A pre-festival workshop will be held in Murray River on June 6 from 9 am–3 pm. Island artist Julia Purcell is the 2026 guest instructor, offering expert guidance for artists of all experience levels—whether they are new to plein air or looking to refresh and expand their skills ahead of the festival. While Julia will work in oils, participants are welcome to bring their preferred medium and use what they already have; a sketchbook and pencil are the minimum required supplies.

A registration fee applies. The workshop is included with festival registration at no additional cost, but space is limited. Register by May 29 at downeastpleinair.com.

PEI BOOKS

Minnow:

The

Girl Who Became Part Fish

Willie Poll

Illustrated by Emily Pearson

Minnow: The Girl Who Became Part Fish, a new graphic novel from Métis author Willie Poll and Dakelh illustrator Emily Pearson, was released by Medicine Wheel Publishing on April 7.

A year after her Gran went missing, 12-year-old Minnow’s life takes a surreal turn: her senses are sharpening, a wild orca follows her along the shore, and she suspects she may be physically turning into a fish. Seeking solace at the local aquarium, she befriends Celia, an aspiring marine biologist. Together, the two untangle the mystery of Minnow’s burgeoning powers and their deep connection to her grandmother’s past. When a new pipeline project threatens the local resident orcas, Minnow must harness her newfound abilities and the strength of her community to protect the water.

Minnow, written for ages 10 and up, is a powerful tribute to youth activism, proving that even the smallest fish can bring about big change. Blending magical realism with timely themes of environmental protection and Indigiqueer identity, the graphic novel showcases the expertise of its creators.

Willie Poll is a Métis author from the Robinson Huron Treaty Territory (Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario) and a member of the Métis Nation of Ontario. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Indigenous Studies and a Master of Arts in archaeology. Willie currently resides on PEI as a guest on the traditional lands of the Wabanaki and Mi’kma’ki people.

Cover artist Emily Graceanna Pearson is a Dakelh illustrator from the Stellat’en First Nation whose artwork reflects her passion for ecology, for the land, and for Indigenous land stewardship but also her love for whimsy— fairies, fantasy and magic.

My P. E. EYE: Drawings and Observations

Mike Stratton

Mike Stratton’s new book, My P.E. EYE: Drawings and Observations, is now available.

Stratton loved drawing as a youngster and decided to pick up a pencil and eraser again in the summer of 2025. Since then, he’s been posting

webcomics almost daily on the PEI Good News Only Facebook page, where they have garnered considerable attention.

Encouraged by family and friends, Stratton put together over 90 of the comics for his new book. Some are puns, some are wry takes, and most are Island-centric. They are fun and light. Most Islanders will get a knowing smile from these, and they may also make a great gift for those who now live away.

Copies of My P.E. EYE – Drawings and Observations are available for purchase at Bookmark in Charlottetown, The Lazy Fish in Morell, and directly from the author at mikestratton@ eastlink.ca.

The Blue Wave

M. G. Field

PEI-based author M. G. Field’s new novel, The Blue Wave, was released by Artemesia Publishing on March 24. Set in the turbulent times of the 2026 U.S. midterm elections, this political thriller mines the conflict and corruption in the red state of Louisiana.

Detective “Tibby” Thibodaux is dispatched to Cajun country to question

Joseph Morrigan, a suspect in a hitand-run in New Orleans. Although Morrigan’s car is undamaged and he has a solid alibi, Tibby senses something untoward.

The hit-and-run remains unsolved, and Morrigan is almost forgotten until the FBI asks Tibby to investigate him as a possible right-wing extremist. Morrigan, however, has disappeared, and Tibby must delve into his past to find Morrigan’s motivations. The more Tibby digs, the more it looks like Morrigan might be planning something, but each new revelation brings Tibby closer to a deadly confrontation with Morrigan.

Originally from Toronto, Field now lives on PEI.

Basil Bunny

Dr. Misty Rossiter and Leah Ellis

Basil Bunny, a children’s book co-written by Dr. Misty Rossiter, professor of Foods and Nutrition at UPEI, and Leah Ellis, a member of the performance group Tunes and Tales, was launched on April 4.

Suitable for ages two to nine, Basil Bunny is a gentle, playful story about curiosity, food exploration, and the joy of discovering favourite foods—perfect for young readers, picky eaters, and families who love stories filled with warmth, humour, and heart.

“Leah Ellis, who is an author and music teacher, heard about the research Dr. Jessie-Lee McIsaac and I were doing through the CELEBRATE Feeding Project,” says Dr. Rossiter.

“She approached me to see if I was interested in a creative collaboration, and together we wrote Basil Bunny, a children’s story that aligns with some of the key themes of the CELEBRATE Feeding project.”

The CELEBRATE Feeding research team has created many different resources for educators and published a variety of academic papers.

“Basil Bunny complements the resources that have been created and is an opportunity for younger audiences to engage with some of the key messages of our work.”

Books are available via Amazon.

Shortlisted

Recognition for book about Erica Rutherford

Confederation Centre Art Gallery (CCAG) is celebrating national recognition for its publication Erica Rutherford: Her Lives and Works | Ses vies, ses œuvres, which has been shortlisted for the 2026 Best AtlanticPublished Book Award by the Atlantic Publishers Marketing Association. The award recognizes excellence in Atlantic Canadian publishing.

Published in conjunction with the acclaimed exhibition of the same name, the book was produced by CCAG and Goose Lane Editions, and features the work of six writers, including curators Ray Cronin and John Geoghegan, American gender studies scholar Eva Hayward, film historian Peter Davis, as well as exhibition curator Pan Wendt, who edited the publication. It also features an extended interview with the artist’s widow, Gail Rutherford.

“This recognition speaks to the depth of scholarship and care that went into this publication, and to the enduring significance of Erica Rutherford’s work,” says Wendt.

The nomination comes amid continued momentum for the Erica Rutherford project. The exhibition, originating at CCAG in late 2024, is currently touring nationally to strong critical and public response, and will continue to introduce new audiences across Canada to Rutherford’s bold, genre-defying work and life story until

SCREEN

Roving Picture Shows and Island Jazz

Roving Picture Shows is a ciné-concert series held in partnership with Island Jazz. This month, the series presents Underground at Eptek Art & Culture Centre in Summerside on May 3 at 1 pm. Pianist Max Keenlyside will perform a live improvised score. Follow @ rovingpictureshows on social media for updates; for tickets, visit linktr.ee/ rovingpictureshows.

Afternoon Movie Club Summerside

The Afternoon Movie Club meets monthly for a film at the Summerside Rotary Library. This month’s selection is Downton Abbey (PG) on May 7 at 2 pm.

Free screenings at the Charlottetown Library

Free screenings continue this month at the Charlottetown Library Learning Centre. The Afternoon Movie Club series continues with Dead Poets Society (G)

November 2027.

Further extending that reach, a new documentary film—The 9 Lives of Erica Rutherford—is currently in development, having recently received funding through the PEI Arts Grants program.

The film will explore themes central to Rutherford’s legacy, including identity, transformation, and art as a reflection of self.

The Best Atlantic-Published Book Award carries a $3000 prize for the publisher and $1000 for the author.

The winner will be announced at the Atlantic Book Awards Gala on June 4, 2026, at Halifax Central Library.

on May 5 at 1 pm. On May 12, adults can join Anime Club (18+) at 6 pm to watch and discuss two episodes, with titles chosen at the start of each meeting. The family feature on May 17 at 1 pm is Zootopia 2

National Film Board Treasure Series

Roving Picture Shows, in collaboration with the National Film Board of Canada, returns to Eptek Art & Culture Centre in Summerside on May 10 at 1 pm to present a program of short films that were either nominated for or won Academy Awards. This screening will be free. Follow @rovingpictureshows on social media for updates.

Free screening for Mental Health Awareness Month

As part of Mental Health Awareness Month in May, poet Sadie McCarney and videographer Adam-Michael James are screening their short film Head War at Beaconsfield Carriage House in Charlottetown on May 19 at 7:30 pm. The event will include a Q&A and a speaker from the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA). There is no admission, but good will donations will be contributed to the CMHA.

Sue Sinclair

An evening of poetry at Bookmark

Bookmark, Charlottetown’s independent bookstore, will host acclaimed Atlantic Canadian poet Sue Sinclair on May 28 at 7 pm. In addition to reading from her new collection New-Fangled Rose, Sue will be in conversation with Island poet Jane Ledwell. This is a free event and all are welcome.

The poems in Sue Sinclair’s newest collection are unexpected and form an unwavering gesture toward the slow emergency of the climate crisis. The lyrical brilliance and keen eye for beauty that characterize Sinclair’s work are evident in New-Fangled Rose

These poems cast a wide gaze over a fragile world, offering vibrant elegies to luna moths and crab apples, fireflies and trilliums. They examine what it is to build relationships in a world that feels increasingly precarious—as though, at any moment, something may end or begin.

Sinclair grew up in Newfoundland on the ancestral homelands of the Beothuk. She is the author of six previous collections of poetry, including, most recently, Almost Beauty: New and Selected Poems, winner of New Brunswick’s Fiddlehead Poetry Book Prize. Heaven’s Thieves won the Pat Lowther Award for the best book of poetry by a Canadian woman. Sue is the editor of The Fiddlehead and director of creative writing at UNB.

PERFORMANCE

music, theatre, dance, comedy...

May 1 | 7:30 pm

Comic Strippers

Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside

May 1 | 8 pm

Geezer with Strange Disease and Sound Eats The Boy Weezer Tribute. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

May 2 | 6:30 pm Dahlia Ave. Park Royal United, Charlottetown

May 2 | 7 pm

The Soosh

The Pourhouse, Charlottetown

May 2 | 7:30 pm

Fascinating Ladies of Country: Finale

Ft. Brielle Ansems, Catherine O’Brien, Haley Zavo, Olivia Blacquiere, and Stephanie Ross with guest Bonnie LeClair. Beaconsfield Carriage House, Charlottetown

May 2 | 8 pm

Dennis Ellsworth and Nathan Wiley with full bands

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

May 2 | 10 pm

Sisters album release

With Good Neighbour. The Sportpage Club, Charlottetown

May 3 | 2 pm

South Shore Food Share fundraising concert

Ft. Karina Boswell, Cameron McDuffee, Karen Graves, the Canoe Cove Community Choir, Tony Reddin, Cole Brioux, and stepdancer Lillianna Bradley. Beaconsfield Carriage House, Charlottetown

May 3 | 2 pm

PEI Bluegrass Fundraising Concert

Ft. The Bad Hoss. Beaconsfield Carriage House, Charlottetown

May 3 | 3 pm

PEI Symphony Orchestra:

Once Upon A Score: The Music of Old Hollywood

Sobey Family Theatre, Charlottetown

May 3 | 7 pm

Tip ‘Er Back West River United, Cornwall

May 4 | 7 pm

Charlottetown Jazz Ensemble & SOPA All Star Band

Florence Simmons Performance Hall, Charlottetown

May 4 | 7 pm

EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert

Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside

May 4–7

Kings County Music Festival

peikmfa.ca Hillcrest United Church, Montague

May 4–8

West Prince Music Festival

peikmfa.ca Church of the Nazarene, O’Leary

May 4–15

Queens County Music Festival

peikmfa.ca Varius venues, Charlottetown

May 5 | 7:30 pm

Comic Strippers

Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside

May 5–6

East Prince Music Festival

peikmfa.ca Trinity United Church, Summerside

May 5–Oct 26 | select dates

Anne & Gilbert: The Musical

Florence Simmons Performance Hall, Charlottetown

May 6 | 7:30 pm

The Story of Rock ’n’ Roll

Ft. Phase II, Kendall Docherty, and Niall MacKay. Jack Blanchard Hall, Charlottetown

May 6 | 8 pm

Women Comedians Showcase

Ft. Clare Belford, Maggie Estey, Tamara Appleton, Rachel Matheson, Andrea Avery, and host Tanya Nicolle. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

May 7 | 7 pm

Shaun Kirk

The Arts Guild, Charlottetown

May 7 | 8 pm

Island Jazz: Ken Fornatran

Forgalhorn

Baba’s Lounge, Charlottetown

May 7–8 | 6:30 pm, May 9 | 2 pm

Disney’s Finding Nemo Jr

Presented by Elm Street Elementary School. Scott MacAulay Performing Arts Centre, Summerside

May 7–9 | 8 pm

Wouldn’t It Be Nice? The Music of The Beach Boys

Craig Fair Productions. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

May 8 | 7 pm

Jazz in the Cathedral

St. Peter’s Cathedral, Charlottetown

May 8 | 7:30 pm

Songwriter Series: Dave Gunning

The Summerside Shipyard, Summerside

May 8 | 7:30 pm

Ballet Jörgen’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream (2026)

Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside

May 9 | 2 pm, 7 pm

Dance Umbrella Year End Recital

2 pm: Heroes & Legends

7 pm: Muses, Myths, and Mosaics

Sobey Family Theatre, Charlottetown

May 9 | 7:30 pm

Bon Jovi–Bryan Adams

Tribute

Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside

May 9 | 7:30 pm

Canada.gov.ca

Presented by ANCHOR Fest. Jack Blanchard Hall, Charlottetown

May 9 | 7:30 pm

Old Man Luedecke

Copper Bottom Brewing, Montague

May 9 | 8 pm

The Forgive-me-nots: Acoustic Jazz at Sunset Glenaladale Schoolhouse, Tracadie

May 9 | 8 pm

Lady Soul

Harmony House, Hunter River

May 9 | 10 pm

Signal Hill

PEI Brewing Company, Charlottetown

May 10 | 1 pm

Mother’s Day Brunch: Songs for Mom

Ft. Kelley Mooney, Keelin Wedge, and Christine Cameron. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

May 10 | 2:30 pm

A Decade of Harmony

Forte Men’s Choir. Kirk of St. James, Charlottetown

May 10 | 7:30 pm

The Good Brothers

Scott MacAulay Performing Arts Centre, Summerside

May 10 | 7:30 pm

Mother’s Day Evening Show

Ft. Emilea May and band with special guest Joanie. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

May 11 | 6:30 pm

Kings County Music Festival

Awards Night Concert

Hillcrest United Church, Montague

May 13 | 8 pm

Dead Bob with Mvll Crimes

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

May 14 | 7 pm

Tantalizing Tales: A Night of Erotica

Ft. Julia Bull and Tanaka Kativhu. The Arts Guild, Charlottetown

May 14 | 8 pm

Brian Patafie: He’s Funny As Puck

Florence Simmons Performance Hall, Charlottetown

May 14 | 8 pm

Leeroy Stagger

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

May 14 | 8 pm

Island Jazz: Nico Romero

Smooth Jazz

Baba’s Lounge, Charlottetown

May 14–16 | 7:30 pm

The Wizard of Oz

Presented by Charlottetown Rural High School. Sobey Family Theatre, Charlottetown

May 15 | 8 pm

Renegades of the Island

PEI Brewing Company, Charlottetown

May 15–16 | 8 pm

Matt Minglewood Band

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

May 16 | 7:30 pm

Cameron Nickerson album release

With Brooke MacArthur. Copper Bottom Brewing, Montague

Talking from Experiences by Ashleigh Tremere

The ancient art

April is Poetry Month. It also has a number of other awareness and heritage designations tied to it. Connotations of renewal, regeneration, and growth abound because it marks the beginning of spring. But since I love poetry and poetic interactions, and I have the absolute gift of writing about my interpretation of experiences that anyone can have, we will speak of Poetry Month.

Two years ago, I decided to share my poetry for Poetry Month and see what would happen. I’ve been getting love, rejection, and awkward interactions ever since. It may be one of the best things I ever decided to let the universe lead me into.

The other day I introduced myself to someone I was pretty sure I had met previously and their reply was, “Oh yes, we’ve met. You’re the poet, right?” Well, I’d never have gotten to ride that high clear through the rest of my Thursday if it had not been for two poetry events I naively wandered into two years ago.

One was put on by then PEI Poet Laureate Tanya Davis as a sort of open mic at a place I can never seem to stop going on about—the Charlottetown Library. Because of freezing rain, it was sparsely but enthusiastically attended. I, intent to follow the whims of the universe and my favourite librarian, got up, choked my nerves down, and read. It did something to me then and there. The act of sharing words I had felt so profoundly about, in the presence of considerate strangers and two of my favourite poets, made me decide that I’d try more, if the universe would have me, of course.

The second event was Poets and Pints. As I am new to this world, and COVID pulled at least a year from everyone’s annual accounting, I couldn’t say confidently how long this Island staple has been running, but it may be the

most consistent and lovely event of Poetry Month.

I had zero clue what I was walking into the first year I attended. I knew there would be some books launching and an open mic with ten spots that I had already been informed was full. No worries, I was still curious. I wanted to know what the poets were doing. If not for an old friend, I would have barely discovered it.

The event was packed, and I was late, but thankfully, my friend called me over and squeezed me in. There was a range of individuals, and the hors d’oeuvres were delicious. “Classy” and “eclectic” are the words that come to mind for that evening. The attendance level has contributed to the event moving to the Rodd Ballroom and I think that speaks to a desire for more poetic opportunities, both as sharers and attendees. Granted, the care and attention put into the evening definitely factor in.

That first year someone didn’t show up and I ended up reading, again because my friend squeezed me in. I was terrified and forever grateful. This may be the literary dragon I continue to chase.

Head War screening

Short film amplifies Mental Health Awareness Month

As part of Mental Health Awareness Month in May, poet Sadie McCarney and videographer Adam-Michael James will screen their short film Head War at Beaconsfield Carriage House on May 19 at 7:30 pm. The event will include a Q&A and a speaker from the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA).

McCarney, who once underwent inpatient care for bipolar psychosis, took exact words from her medical records and formed them into the 2021 poetry chapbook Head War (Frog Hollow Press), looking to change the narrative of her experience and find the power in it. That same year, she performed the material at the Island Fringe Festival and was presented with its Oscar Wilde Award. Soon after, McCarney approached James to adapt Head War into a screenplay.

Applauding McCarney’s bravery in taking her journey public, James sought to make its cinematic representation as honest as possible, pulling from the chapbook’s grittiness but also

its sense of the surreal. Conversely, McCarney, the film’s sole star, allowed James expansive creative freedom to be brutal in visualizing the facing of one’s demons while also lampooning flaws in health care. James feels that Head War, which was part of Chicago’s Mental Filmness Film Festival, is “poignant, disturbing, funny…and hopeful.”

There is no admission, but good will donations will be contributed to the CMHA.

McCarney has since published ECW Press’ The Bright Afters, released in April, and Your Therapist Says It’s Magical Thinking, which won the PEI Book Award for Poetry. James co-wrote the multimedia musical The Nine Lives of L.M. Montgomery, and one of his several music videos took honours at the Charlottetown Film Festival. He currently hosts the podcast isletunes, which focuses on Island musicians. Content warning: suicidal ideation and attempted sexual assault.

2026 SHOW SCHEDULE

*except where other times are noted

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

Student $10 (ID required) 14 and under $8

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

Annual membership - $30.00

Maigret and the Dead Lover (Maigret et le mort amoureux)

until May 3

Mystery/Drama. PG. Dir: Pascal Bonitzer, France, 2026, 80 min. Denis Podalydès, Anne Alvaro, Manuel Guillot, Irène Jacob. In French with English subtitles.

Acclaimed writer/director Pascal Bonitzer brings his unique perspective and panache to Simenon’s cherished Parisian detective - a French counterpart to Poirot - as he attempts to solve the murder of a diplomat with a long-held secret. Inspector Maigret is urgently summoned to the Quai d’Orsay: a former ambassador has been found shot dead by his long-serving housekeeper. Forewarned that he will find a series of salacious letters - and cautioned to be discreet - Maigret heads to the victim’s opulent apartment. He finds no forensic evidence at the crime scene, but certainly, the letters prove startling - secret, decades-spanning correspondence between the ambassador and the Princess of Vuynes, whose own husband, by strange coincidence, has also just died... Bonitzer delivers an absorbing, wholly compelling mystery that also serves as a thoughtful examination of modern life’s key concerns: hierarchy, aging, and the very different worlds that money creates. Best of all, the twist ending is... a killer. Alliance Française French Film Festival

Holy Days

May 4–7

Comedy/Drama. PG. Dir: Nat Boltt, New Zealand/Canada, 2026, 101 min. Miriam Margolyes, Jacki Weaver, Judy Davis, Elijah Tamati.

“Holy Days is a wildly charming, big-hearted adventure that sends three defiantly spirited nuns on the road in search of a miracle — only to discover they’re far better at raising a little hell. When the sisters of St. Suzanne’s convent face forced retirement, they stage a lastditch escape to New Zealand’s breathtaking South Island, hoping an ex-nun-turned-lawyer can save their home. Their journey takes an unexpected turn when a young Māori boy joins them, carrying a secret mission of his own: reaching the summit of Mt. Cook to find his recently departed mother before she crosses into the spirit world. As a sudden snowstorm threatens their plans, this unlikely band of companions is pushed to the limits of faith, courage, and friendship... Holy Days delivers stunning landscapes, unexpected connections, and an ensemble of unforgettable characters... It’s a crowd-pleasing odyssey destined to charm audiences of all ages.”

The Victoria Film Festival

Silver Screamers

May 8–12

Documentary. PG. Dir: Sean Cisterna, Canada, 2026, 95 min.

Audience Award Winner, Toronto After Dark Film Festival

“There’s no shortage of documentaries about the struggles of independent filmmaking, but few are as unexpectedly joyful (or as charming) as Silver Screamers. What begins as an unusual experiment in senior citizen engagement quickly blossoms into something much richer: a celebration of creativity, community, and the irrepressible spirit of people who refuse to be sidelined by age. This is a feel-great documentary that will leave you with a smile on your face... Frustrated by endless grant rejections, Cisterna stumbles upon a government program designed to keep seniors active and decides to recruit an entire crew from local retirement homes to make a horror short called The Rug. This leads to a motley crew of 70 to 96-year-olds who are an absolute hoot... These seniors are magnetic, hilarious, and brimming with personality... What could have been a throwaway ‘cute’ concept becomes something deeply humanizing... Even more endearing is the film’s tone. It never talks down to its subjects and instead celebrates their resilience, curiosity, and humor. The seniors tackle special effects gags with the enthusiasm of teenagers, debate story choices like seasoned pros, and radiate camaraderie throughout the process... Carrying the message that you’re never too old to try something new, Silver Screamers is delightful in every way.” —Louisa Moore, Screen Zealots

I Swear

May 13–19

Drama/Comedy/True Story. 14A, strong language, brief violence, sexual references. Dir: Kirk Jones, UK, 2025, 120 min. Robert Aramayo, Maxine Peake, Shirley Henderson, Peter Mullan. BAFTA Winner for Best Actor and Best Casting

“

Queen Elizabeth II, his nerves get the better of him. ‘Fuck the Queen!’ he blurts out. It’s a deliciously iconoclastic moment, and one that serves both sides of this delightful film’s two wolves: the warm-and-fuzzy teatime template... and the involuntarily foul-mouthed subject that it tracks. Directed by Kirk Jones (Waking Ned Devine), I Swear tells the true story of a Scottish man living with Tourette syndrome, at a time when public awareness of the condition was virtually nonexistent. After that royal run-in, the story flashes back to 1983, where we meet John as a young boy. He is happy and popular... When involuntary tics start to creep into his voice and mannerisms, though, his life starts to unravel... By the time we meet John as an adult he is treated like a second-class citizen. It is only when he meets Dottie... a mental health nurse brimming with gentle warmth and kindness, that life becomes tolerable... Another of the film’s strengths: it is very, very funny. Without ever punching down, it recognises the inherent absurdity of John’s sweariest tics... This is a film which does justice to those living with Tourette’s, honouring without judging, celebrating without condescending... It’s sweet, funny, and unusually moving.” —John Nugent, Empire

Monica’s News

May 20–23

Drama. PG, mature theme. Dir: Pamela Gallant, Canada, 2026, 85 min. Polly Gallant-McLean, Kevin Kincaid, Allegra Fulton.

Best Director Winner, Screen Nova Scotia Awards

Set in a conservative Catholic village in Nova Scotia in the early 1970s, this assured debut feature is the coming-of-age story of a precocious nine-year-old who stumbles across a clue to a murder on her paper route. “Pamela Gallant has been quietly making a mark on the Canadian film industry as an editor and director, and with Monica’s News, Gallant makes her narrative feature-length debut... Her film follows a tenacious nine-year-old girl, Casey, who is hellbent on changing the world until tragedy strikes. Filmed with a warmth that betrays the challenges Casey confronts, Gallant boldly displays an artistry and gentle nuance for storytelling that finds similarities in tone with Rob Reiner’s Stand by Me.” —Exclaim!

“Monica’s News is the sort of understated storytelling that sneaks up on you. It’s an unexpectedly powerful depiction of childhood and the way children move through the world, observing everything, even though they don’t always fully understand what they see... As Casey, Polly Gallant-Mclean is completely

believable as a ‘70s kid, all deference in the company of adults but otherwise free-spirited and still very much a child at age nine... Her impressive performance anchors the storytelling. Monica’s News is an affecting drama that meticulously recreates the era.”

—Liz Braun, Original Cin

The Christophers

May 23–27

Comedy/Drama. 14A. Dir: Steven Soderbergh, UK/US, 2026, 100 min. Ian McKellen, Michaela Coel, James Corden, Jessica Gunning.

“Steven Soderbergh has reminded us that, yes, old-school artistry is still valued and viable. On its surface, this movie is about a famously difficult painter, Julian Sklar, and the young restorer, Lori Butler, attempting to exploit his dotage. But this is a Soderbergh film... So clearly, there’s more to the story than the initial set-up, in which Julian is eking out his final years in resentful boredom until Lori shows up as his inspiring new assistant. She’s actually a forger secretly hired by his children... to finish a series of paintings inspired by a long-ago lover. Julian has hidden his half-done ‘Christopher’ canvases in the attic, so if Lori can sneak up there between tea-fetching and brush-cleaning, everyone stands to make a fortune when he dies. Well, everyone but Julian, who’s delighted to discover one last opportunity to beat others at their own game... Go see The Christophers.”

—Elizabeth Weitzman

Classic of the Month:

Witness

May 28–31

Thriller/Drama/Romance. 14A, violence, coarse language, brief nudity. Dir: Peter Weir, US, 1985, 112 min. Harrison Ford, Kelly McGillis, Lukas Haas, Jan Rubes.

Academy Award nominee for Best Picture, Director, and Actor; Winner for Best Screenplay and Editing

“Witness begins like many thrillers, with a murder, this time at a city railway station. The killing is witnessed by a small boy who is a

member of the Amish community… Pursued by the bad guys, the boy and his widowed mother are protected by a cop, who takes them back to their village and awaits the killers’ arrival, just as Gary Cooper did in High Noon… Witness is partly a love story and partly a thriller, but mainly a study of cultural collision… This bucolic world is brilliantly evoked: there is a magical barn-raising scene, a beautiful sequence when an embarrassed yet lustful Ford discovers a half-naked McGillis in the middle of her ablutions, and a telling episode as the Amish endure the hostility of the tourists who gawp at them. The performances are immaculate, with Ford shining in his first serious dramatic role after his action escapades as Han Solo and Indiana Jones. McGillis is perfectly cast, the camera adoring her Nordic beauty beneath her bonnet… There are also fine turns by Alexander Godunov as McGillis’s suitor, and Danny Glover as one of the heavies. Yet it’s Weir’s delicacy of touch that impresses the most.” —John Ferguson, Radio Times (UK)

Be sure to follow us on our social media pages for up-to-date reminders and updates to our schedule. Email info@citycinema.ca to sign up for our newsletter and stay in the know with all the goings on!

city cinema schedule

Maigret…Dead Lover

Maigret…Dead Lover

Maigret…Dead Lover

Maigret…Dead Lover

Holy Days

Holy Days

Holy Days

Holy Days

Silver Screamers

Silver Screamers

Silver Screamers

Silver Screamers

Silver Screamers

Silver Screamers

I Swear

I Swear

I Swear I Swear I Swear I Swear

I Swear I Swear

Monica’s News

Monica’s News

Monica’s News

Monica’s News

The Christophers

The Christophers

The Christophers

The Christophers

The Christophers Witness Witness Witness

PRIVATE FUNCTION Witness MAY

PERFORMANCE

music, theatre, dance, comedy...

…continued from page 22

May 16 | 7:30 pm

Gypsy

Tribute to Fleetwood Mac. Kings Playhouse, Georgetown

May 16 | 7:30 pm

These Dreams: The Music of Heart

Craig Fair Productions. Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside

May 16 | 8 pm

The Forgive-me-nots:

Acoustic Jazz at Sunset Glenaladale Schoolhouse, Tracadie

May 16 | 8 pm

Popalopalots: May the 16th Be With You

Improv comedy. The Arts Guild, Charlottetown

May 17 | 7 pm

Mary Frances Leahy Village musical acadien, Abram-Village

May 17 | 8 pm

Arthur Simeon: Funny African Guy Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

May 19 | 8 pm

Joce Reyome & Bobby Dove Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

May 21 | 7:30 pm

The Jack Pine Folk Club

Ft. host Shane Pendergast, The McMillan’s Camp Boys, Ewe & Eye, and Arielle Dunn. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

May 21 | 6:30 pm

This Is Me

Presented by Miscouche Consolidated School. Scott MacAulay Performing Arts Centre, Summerside

May 21 | 8 pm

Island Jazz: SOPA Grad Night Baba’s Lounge, Charlottetown

May 21–23 | 7 pm

Where’s Master Will?

St. Mark’s Presbyterian, Charlottetown

May 22 | 7:30 pm

The Alan Jackson Experience Sobey Family Theatre, Charlottetown

May 22 | 8 pm

Amanda Jackson with Route 225

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

May 22, 23

Dogs Do Magic

Ft. Aaron Matthews.

May 22, 7:30 pm: Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside

May 23, 2:30 pm: Sobey Family Theatre, Charlottetown

May 22, 23 | 7:30 pm

The Alan Jackson Experience

May 22: Sobey Family Theatre, Charlottetown

May 23: Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside

May 23, 26

PEI Legion Choir: Edges of the Mosaic

May 23, 2 pm. St. Andrew’s United Church, Vernon Bridge

May 26, 7 pm. St. Paul’s Church, Charlottetown

May 23 | 2:30 pm

Dogs Do Magic

Ft. Aaron Matthews. Sobey Family Theatre, Charlottetown

May 23 | 7 pm

Common Sound Concert Series

Ft. Sandro Manzon, Ray Knorr and Romy Munkres, and Pallmer. Beaconsfield Carriage House, Charlottetown

May 23 | 7:30 pm

May-hem with Side Hustle

Improv comedy. The Arts Guild, Charlottetown

May 23 | 8 pm

Quittin’ Time

Tribute to Zach Bryan. Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

May 26 | 7:30 pm

The Barra MacNeils 40th Anniversary Tour

Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside

May 27 | 7:30 pm

Country Legends Tribute

Kings Playhouse, Georgetown

May 28 | 7 pm

Choir of Sewanee College

Choral Recital

St. Peter’s Cathedral, Charlottetown

May 28 | 8 pm

Island Jazz

Baba’s Lounge, Charlottetown

May 28 | 8 pm

Wild World: A tribute to Cat Steves/Yusuf

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

May 28–30 | 7:30 pm, May 30 | 2 pm

Lettice and Lovage

Seaside Theatre. Scott MacAulay

Performing Arts Centre, Summerside

May 29 | 7 pm

Dance Virtuosa: Assemblé Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside

May 29 | 7:30 pm

Songwriter Series: Christina Martin

With Dale Murray. The Summerside Shipyard, Summerside

May 29 | 8 pm

Garrett Mason

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

May 29 | 8:07 pm

@fter eight: The Arts Guild Gang Unsupervised

The Arts Guild, Charlottetown

May 29, 31

Abegweit Chamber Singers: Here’s to Song

May 29, 7:30 pm: Summerside Presbyterian Church, Summerside May 31, 3 pm: St Paul’s Church, Charlottetown

May 29–July 21 | select dates Inside The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald Harmony House, Hunter River

May 30 | 7 pm

Canada’s Circus Spectacular Eastlink Centre, Charlottetown

May 30 | 8 pm

Jeff Leeson: Only Gonna Say This Once

Florence Simmons Performance Hall, Charlottetown

May 30 | 8 pm

Brothers MacPhee: Nirvana Unplugged in New York

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

May 31 | 2 pm

Bluestreak and The Stiff Family

A PEI Bluegrass & Old Time Music Society fundraising concert. The Barn Floor, Crapaud

May 31 | 7:30 pm

Symply Skynyrd

Tribute to Lynyrd Skynyrd. Scott MacAulay Performing Arts Centre, Summerside

May 31 | 8 pm

The Charlottetown Jazz Ensemble

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

June 2 | 8 pm

Ben Caplan

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

June 3 | 8 pm

Mama’s Broke

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

June 4–5 | 7 pm

The Big Show: Three Oaks Music

Scott MacAulay Performing Arts Centre, Summerside

June 5 | 7:30 pm

Richard Wood Live: Fiddle Fandemonium 4 Centre 150, Summerside

June 5 | 8 pm

Lady Soul

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

June 5 | 8:07 pm

@fter eight: Supreme Funny (Allegedly)

The Arts Guild, Charlottetown

June 6 | 8 pm

blink-902

Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown

June 6 | 8 pm

Popalopalots

Improv comedy. The Arts Guild, Charlottetown

June 6–7 | 7:30 pm

The Starlings Choir & Guests

Ft. Angie Arsenault’s Vocal Studio choral students. Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside

June 6–Aug 29 | select dates

C’Mon In! An Island Kitchen Party

Ft. Robbie Doherty and Pierce Clarke. The Mack, Charlottetown

Street Feast

Annual block party returns—May 15 & 16

Kent Street will take centre stage this May Long Weekend as Street Feast returns for its sixth year, bringing two days of food, music, and lively street culture to downtown Charlottetown.

The annual block party transforms Kent Street (between Great George and Prince Streets) into a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly stretch of culinary pop-ups, live performances, and immersive programming—blending the energy of a festival with the familiarity and warmth of a neighbourhood gathering.

This year’s lineup features a mix of returning favourites, including The Oak Downtown, HopYard, Salvador Dali Café, PonyBoat Social Club, Abbiocco, Trailside Music Hall, and Tivoli Cinema, alongside nearby collaborators, Ada Culinary Studio and Farmacy + Fermentary. Together, they offer a range of festival-ready fare, from indulgent street food to local beverages and creative culinary features.

Throughout the weekend, programming unfolds from afternoon into late evening, with live music, pop-up performances, buskers, and interactive experiences. Signature moments like the 90s dance party, the hot dog eating contest, and the all-new Hot Sauce Fiasco presented by Maritime Madness will add a fun, slightly offbeat twist to the weekend.

Street Feast runs on May 15 from 4–11 pm and May 16 from 12–11 pm. All are welcome.

An entry fee includes full weekend access. Advance tickets are limited and include a $5 voucher; door tickets do not. Entry is free for those under 19, but they must be accompanied by a parent or guardian after 8 pm. A valid photo ID is required, and wristbands must be worn at all times. The event runs rain or shine.

Visit discovercharlottetown.com/ streetfeast for more information.

Neon Dreamscape Fae Ball

Fantasy-themed event at The Arts Guild—May 22

Drawstring Productions is hosting a Neon Dreamscape Fae Ball at The Arts Guild in Charlottetown on May 22 at 8 pm.

This immersive, fantasy-themed, costumed event features the close-up magic of Christian Southgate, aura readings by Fairy Oracle Krista Rae, tarot card readings from But First, Let’s Woo podcast co-hosts Willow and Tabitha, a cash bar with signature mocktails and cocktails, as well as beer and wine.

Included in the ticket price is a buffet with a selection of sweet treats and savoury snacks.

Guests will be surrounded by whimsical art installations, 90 per cent of which are made from recycled material, as they hit the dance floor amidst a stream of fae creatures from every realm.

Space is limited. This is a 19+ event. Visit locarius.io/events/3468/neondreamscape-fae-ball for tickets.

PRESENTATIONS

Aging in Place information sessions

Information sessions on aging in place are offered at the Charlottetown Library this month. Part of a four-week series, the third and fourth sessions take place at 2 pm on May 4 and 11. The sessions are free, nurse-led workshops designed for seniors, families, caregivers, and anyone planning ahead for aging in place. Each workshop focuses on education, awareness, and practical steps, and includes a takeaway resource.

Gastrointestinal Society lecture

The Gastrointestinal Society is offering a free BadGut® lecture on gut health and tips for living with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). It will take place on May 5 at 6:30 pm at the Delta Prince Edward in Charlottetown. The lecture is for individuals with IBD (Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, etc.) and their support circles, as well as healthcare professionals. Panelists include a gastroenterologist, an IBD nurse, and a person living with IBD. Discussion will focus on the practical management of IBD, including tips for day-to-day living, managing flares, and addressing mental health. There will be an opportunity for Q&A. Info: badgut. org/events/lectures

Breastfeeding information sessions

La Leche League PEI is offering two free events in May for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding, taking place at Gentle Beginnings Prenatal Centre, 17B Alley St, Charlottetown, at 12 noon. A short prenatal introduction-to-breastfeeding session, Breastfeeding Essentials, will be held on May 9. A drop-in Lunch and Learn program will be held on May 19. Breastfeeding/chestfeeding support and information will be provided by Chris Ortenburger, with the help of Andrea and Nasim. A complimentary lunch will be provided.

Genealogical Society presentation

The PEI Genealogical Society is hosting a public meeting on May 9, Mother’s Day Eve, from 2–3:30 pm at Beaconsfield’s Carriage House in Charlottetown. In a spirit of reverence for mothers, the Society invites the public to attend a presentation on the collection and preservation of old photos, delivered by Claire Trainor, conservation technician with the PEI Public Archives and Records Office. Celebrating motherhood has deep historical roots, reaching back to ancient times. While it has always been about honouring the nurturing and sacrificial aspects of motherhood, its expression has varied across geography and time. The modern, holiday-like observance of Mother’s Day emerged in the early 20th century in North America. For family historians

and genealogists, tracing female ancestry can be challenging. If one is fortunate, an image from 160 or so years ago might be available. Beyond that, they can only imagine what their ancestral mothers looked like. Info: peigs.ca

Vinland Society presentation

The Vinland Society meeting on May 17 will feature guest speakers Jessie Inman and Allan Hart presenting “Teeth of a Blizzard—Greenland Dogsledding Adventure.” In 2014, Charlottetown residents Jessie Inman and Allan Hart headed to the sparsely inhabited east coast of Greenland for a multi-day dog-sledding expedition. It was March, still the dead of winter, but their driver was an experienced local musher, and the route would take them over land and smooth sea ice. Nothing could possibly go wrong… until a blizzard roared up in their face and their return route unexpectedly vanished. In this illustrated presentation, Jessie and Allan will recount how they got into this scrape—and how they got out of it. The event runs from 7–8:30 pm at Beaconsfield Carriage House in Charlottetown. It is free and everyone is welcome.

Tourism Talks

TIAPEI launches new podcast exploring the future of tourism

The Tourism Industry Association of Prince Edward Island (TIAPEI) launched its province-wide campaign, PEI Powered by Tourism, during April’s National Tourism Awareness Week. The 12-week campaign highlights tourism’s nearly $1 billion impact on PEI’s economy.

As part of this campaign, TIAPEI launched the new podcast, Tourism Talks, hosted by Corryn Clemence. The podcast features candid conversations with government leaders, industry operators, and national voices, exploring the ideas, challenges, and opportunities shaping the future of tourism on PEI. Topics include workforce, investment, competitiveness, and the role tourism plays in strengthening the Island’s economy and communities. tiapei.ca

COMMUNITY #1

PEI Provincial Heritage Fair

The 2026 PEI Provincial Heritage Fair will take place on April 30 at the Eastlink Centre in Charlottetown. The fair is a day celebrating students’ achievements in historical inquiry. Students in Grades 5–12 will spend the day showcasing projects based on an aspect of Island or Canadian history. Members of the public are welcome to view the displays from 1:30–2:30 pm, with closing ceremonies beginning at 2:30 pm. Prizes will be awarded throughout the morning, with finalists announced during the closing ceremony. It is anticipated that more than 2000 PEI students will participate in heritage fairs during the 2025–2026 school year.

GEBIS monastery tours

The Great Enlightenment Buddhist Institute Society (GEBIS) is offering weekly monastery tours from 2–4 pm on Sundays in May at 2741 Heatherdale Rd, Montague. During the guided tour, monks will share their daily lives, routines, and personal stories, as well as lead activities that offer firsthand experience of their practices. Visitors will also have the chance to step inside the heart of the monastery—the prayer hall—where monks gather twice daily. The tour is interactive, with opportunities to ask questions and speak with the monks. Registration is required at docs.google. com/forms. Info: outreach@gebis.org

PEI Spiritual Expo & Symposium

The PEI Spiritual Expo & Symposium will take place at the Rodd Royalty Hotel in Charlottetown on May 8–9. The two-day immersive event will focus on connection, personal growth, and spiritual exploration. Featuring a diverse lineup of vendors, intuitive readers, healers, and practitioners, attendees can explore a wide range of spiritual and holistic offerings. The event also includes a series of engaging speakers (free with general admission) alongside in-depth workshops available as optional addons for those looking to deepen their

experience. From astrology and intuition to energy work and wellness, the Expo offers something for all levels, creating a welcoming space to learn, connect, and expand. Tickets/info: eventbrite.ca

PROBUS PEI Club

The PROBUS PEI Club, a club for seniors, will meet on May 21 at 10 am at the West Royalty Community Centre. Guest speaker Mike Sullivan will present “Cleaning Up the Harness Racing Industry in the Maritimes in the 1980s.” Contact Wendy at probuspei276@gmail. com if interested in attending. 1 Kirkdale Rd, Charlottetown.

Bonshaw Hall Co-op AGM

Bonshaw Hall Cooperative Limited will hold its annual general meeting of shareholders at Bonshaw Hall on May 25 at 7 pm. The meeting will cover the recent financial statements of the Corporation and any other business shareholders want to address. 9 Green Rd, Bonshaw.

Hillsborough River Association AGM

The Hillsborough River Association will hold its annual general meeting on May 19 in the Southport Room at Stratford Town Hall, starting at 7 pm. There will be a photo essay on the Association’s stream improvement work as well as recovery efforts on work trails damaged by winter storms and residual damage from Hurricane Fiona. In addition, there will be a guest speaker. Info: pisquidwatershed@gmail.com; @Hillsborough River Association on FB

UPEI’s Active Living Lab survey

Researchers from UPEI’s Active Living Lab are asking UPEI students to complete a survey about their transportation methods, to understand how students, faculty, staff, and community members get to and from the UPEI campus. This will help identify ways to make it easier to get to and from UPEI with or without a vehicle. The survey will take five to ten

minutes to complete, and participants who complete the survey will be eligible for a draw for one of five $50 VISA gift cards. To complete the survey, visit ActiveLivingLab.com or forms.office. com/r/Ck97PRtw4N. For questions, email the lead investigator, Dr. Travis Saunders, at trsaunders@upei.ca. This project has been reviewed by the UPEI Research Ethics Board.

Orwell Corner Summer Camps

The PEI Museum and Heritage Foundation is offering summer day camps that give children a chance to experience life on PEI in the early 1900s. The camps run weekdays from July 6–August 28 at Orwell Corner Historic Village for children aged 6–10. Each day, campers take part in hands-on activities that show what daily life was like more than 100 years ago. They will learn how to churn butter, make ice cream, try blacksmithing, and help care for farm animals. Campers will also take part in crafts such as rope making, play traditional children’s games, and enjoy horse-drawn wagon rides through the historic village. Registration is now open and spaces are limited. Visit Orwell Corner Summer Camps at locarius.io to register. Info: peimuseum.ca/visit/ orwell-corner-historic-village

CMA-PEI seeking volunteer board members

Museums and heritage sites play a crucial role in society as respected and dependable curators of public heritage. They hold and share the stories that give meaning to the past and guidance for the future. Through the foresight, dedication, and hard work of many Islanders over the decades, PEI is home to more than 70 museums and heritage sites. That translates to roughly one museum per 2,600 Islanders, covering a wide range of Island history and industry, including military, fisheries, fox farming, shipbuilding, railways, historic homes, Acadian history, and more. In 1983, the Community Museums Association of PEI (CMA-PEI) was formed to provide Island museums and heritage sites with a shared platform for support and advocacy. It has proven to be a tremendous resource for its members, many of whom rely on volunteer boards to operate. CMA-PEI has developed policies and

programs that have raised standards in the care, preservation, display, and interpretation of collections and databases. It has also served as a unified voice for its members, increasing awareness among the public, government, and like-minded organizations of the role museums, heritage sites, and archives play in Island communities. A volunteer board of nine members forms the foundation of CMAPEI. The organization has one employee, an executive director, who works under the guidance of the board and the membership. While board members are often connected to particular museums and heritage sites, affiliation with a specific site is not required. CMA-PEI is issuing an Island-wide call for interest in joining its board. Terms are three years but can be flexible. The association invites individuals to express interest in serving on its volunteer board, which supports more than 70 members in achieving excellence in museum standards. The board is seeking individuals with a passion for museums and heritage and offers an opportunity to work with like-minded people. To learn more, email info@museumspei.ca.

ADHD PEI

A monthly discussion for those interested in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is held at the Charlottetown Library. The next meeting is May 12 at 7 pm. This supportive space allows peers to share experiences, seek advice, and connect with others who understand the challenges of living with ADHD.

Fix-It Fair

The City of Charlottetown’s annual Fix-it Fair will be held at the Charlottetown Library on May 23 from 10 am–2 pm. Talented volunteer Fixers will be on hand to assist in the free repair of various household items. Fixers will also share knowledge so individuals can fix and learn to perform repairs at home. Local organizations will also be on hand to highlight services and community groups available to Charlottetown residents. Visit Charlottetown.ca/FixItFair to sign up as a volunteer Fixer.

PEI Group Meditation

PEI Group Meditation will take place on May 11 from 7–8 pm in the Multipurpose Room at Simmons Sports Arena, 170 North River Rd, Charlottetown. The guided session is open to all experience levels and will be led by guest facilitator Teri Hall of Kundalini Tradition, a yoga teacher who integrates pranayama (breathing techniques), mindfulness, and meditation into her classes. The meditation practice will be drawn from the Kundalini yoga tradition. Participants are encouraged to dress comfortably and bring mats, cushions, or blankets for floor seating; chairs will be available. The gathering aims to create an inclusive space where secular, spiritual, and religious meditators can practice together and build community. For more information, including confirmation of location or accessibility needs, contact Susana Rutherford at firehorsestudios66@gmail. com or Michael Gaudet at michaelgaudet53@gmail.com, and follow @ PEIGroupMeditationEvent on FB.

PEI Fashion Weekend

Hilary MacMillan headlines this year’s event

Canadian designer Hilary MacMillan will headline this year’s PEI Fashion Weekend, bringing her bold vision, commitment to size diversity, and internationally recognized design excellence to PEI on May 1 and 2.

As one of Canada’s most influential contemporary designers, MacMillan is known for her size-diverse, ethically made collections produced in Canada. Her work has been featured in Vogue, ELLE Canada, The Globe and Mail, and Fashion Magazine, and she is a twotime Canadian Arts & Fashion Awards winner, including Womenswear Designer of the Year.

Top 7 Over 70

Dr. Olive Bryanton receives Atlantic Award

Dr. Olive Bryanton (UPEI LLD 2000) is one of seven Atlantic Canadians who will be honoured for significant new achievements after the age of 70 at the inaugural Top 7 Over 70 Atlantic Awards Gala on May 14 at the Halifax Convention Centre, Nova Scotia.

Her appearance at PEI Fashion Weekend marks a defining moment for an event that continues to gain national recognition while remaining deeply rooted in Atlantic Canada’s growing fashion community.

Now one of Atlantic Canada’s largest runway fashion events, PEI Fashion Weekend welcomed nearly 800 guests in 2025 and continues to expand as a platform for both established Canadian designers and emerging talent. This year’s event will showcase designers from PEI, NB, and NS, highlighting the strength and creativity of the Maritime fashion scene.

At the core of PEI Fashion Weekend is a commitment to authentic representation on the runway. As global fashion weeks in cities like Paris, New York, and London face increasing scrutiny over the gap between who is represented on the runway and who is actually buying the clothing, PEIFW has made it a priority from the beginning to approach fashion differently.

This year’s runway will feature a diverse cast of models ranging from sizes 0–22, representing a wide range of heights, cultures, and ethnicities,

a reflection of real people and real communities.

By centering representation alongside design excellence, PEI Fashion Weekend continues to position itself at the forefront of a broader shift in the industry, one that is redefining what fashion looks like in Canada and who it is for.

PEI Fashion Weekend highlights include the Runway Extravaganza Show at the Delta Hotel on May 1 at 7:30 pm and the Fashion City Day at Confederation Court Mall on May 2 from 10 am–4 pm.

Follow @peifw on Instagram for updates and more.

Turning 70 marked a new chapter of leadership and academic pursuit for Dr. Bryanton. In 2013, at the age of 76, she decided to pursue a doctoral degree after having already earned her Bachelor of Arts and master’s degrees. She graduated with her PhD in Education in 2019 at the age of 82. Her research examined the lived experiences of rural women aged 85 and older, amplifying voices often absent from research and policy and advancing understanding of aging in place.

A lifelong advocate for older adults, she has contributed extensively at the local, national, and international levels to challenge ageism and promote aging with dignity. Her work was featured in the CBC documentary Never Too Old, which followed her doctoral journey. Her dissertation, Pioneers in Aging: Voices of Women 85 Years and Older Aging in Place in Rural Communities, highlights the realities

of older women in rural settings.

Dr. Bryanton continues to influence policy and practice beyond academia. As a commissioner with the Lancet Commission on Person-Centred LongTerm Care for Older People, she helped establish the Older Persons Advisory Group to elevate lived experience in global policy discussions. She is also active with the Canadian Coalition Against Ageism and leads the PEI Network to Confront Ageism.

Dr. Bryanton’s work underscores that later life can be a period of meaningful leadership, discovery, and lasting impact. She has been recognized for her contributions with an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from UPEI in 2000 and the Order of PEI in 2020. She also received the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012 and the Queen’s Platinum Medal in 2022.

COMMUNITY #2

Food Security & Climate Change survey

PEI residents aged 18 and over are invited to take part in a short online survey on livelihoods and food security in PEI. The survey is anonymous, takes about 10 minutes to complete, and includes 24 questions. Participants can also enter a weekly draw for a $25 Sobeys gift card, while helping support research on food security challenges across PEI communities. To complete the survey, visit forms.office.com/r/35fygaNwCS.

K&K day program

K&K is a day program dedicated to supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities in a safe, inclusive, and empowering environment. Its goal is to help each person build confidence, develop life skills, and create meaningful connections within the community. K&K believes that everyone deserves the opportunity to grow, feel valued, and be part of something meaningful. Through engaging activities, social opportunities, and personalized support, the program focuses on helping individuals reach their full potential at their own pace— whether it’s learning new skills, forming friendships, or simply enjoying the day. K&K provides care, compassion, and connection. Info: 902-367-5496; kandkqualitycare@gmail.com

Climate Action Microgrant applications open

The City of Charlottetown is inviting applications for the 2026 Climate Action Microgrant Program. Eligible projects can receive up to $2500 to help turn community-based environment and sustainability ideas into action. Microgrants are available to individuals or community organizations who are planning an event or project that works towards the goals and actions of the City’s Climate Action Plan. Projects must align with the goals and actions outlined in the core themes of the City’s Climate Action Plan. The application deadline is May

15 at 4 pm. For eligibility requirements, info, and more, visit charlottetown.ca, email kgore@charlottetown.ca, or call 902-629-2594.

Welcome Circle Playgroup

Welcome Circle Playgroup, a new initiative from Family Place and Reggio Kids, is aimed at supporting local and newcomer families by providing a welcoming space to connect, share resources, and build community, with different playgroups tailored to accommodate various age groups. Sessions also include engaging themes, guest speakers, and activities that support both parents and young children. Facilitated by Kholiwe Angelah Luisinga, the playgroup welcomes familiies with children aged 0–6 on Mondays from 9:30–11:30 am at College of Piping in Summerside. For info about the playgroup and other weekly programs call 902-436-1348 or email kholiwe@familyplace.com.

PEI Sociable Singles

PEI Sociable Singles is a social group for members aged 50 and over that meets on Tuesdays at 7 pm at the Hillsborough Community Centre in Charlottetown. This is not a dating group—just friends getting together for meals, dances, outings, screenings, and games. Become a trial member and attend any activities for four weeks before deciding to join. After that, membership is paid annually and members can attend as many activities as they wish. If interested in attending a Tuesday meet-and-greet, email sociable_singles@yahoo.com.

Free playgroups at Chances

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

Asian Heritage Month

PEI celebrations in Charlottetown and Summerside

May is Asian Heritage Month in Canada, a time for communities across the country to honour Asian cultures and celebrate the achievements and contributions of people of Asian origin who have helped shape Canada.

This year marks the fourth annual PEI Asian Heritage Month Celebration, held once again in both Charlottetown and Summerside, showcasing the richness and diversity of Asian cultures.

The Opening Ceremony takes place at the UPEI Performing Arts Centre in Charlottetown on May 2 at 1:30 pm. The Closing Ceremony will be held at Credit Union Place in Summerside on

East Village Vintage Market

Curated shopping in Murray Harbour

The East Village Vintage Market, a new community market celebrating vintage style, sustainable shopping, and local entrepreneurship made its debut in Murray Harbour in April. The market will be open monthly, from 10 am–2 pm, on the last Saturday of each month: June 27, July 25, and August 29.

Inspired by the renowned Palm Springs Vintage Market, the East Village Vintage Market was created from a desire to showcase the region’s carefully curated vintage sellers, support businesses focused on sustainable living, and offer a thoughtfully curated shopping experience for residents and visitors alike.

The market is held at the historic 10 Mariners Lane heritage building in Murray Harbour—a striking

May 31 at 2 pm. Doors open at 12:30 pm for both events.

Organized by the PEI Asian Heritage Month Celebration Committee, the event has continued to grow over the past four years. It aims to foster greater understanding and appreciation of Asian cultures, while creating space for Asian voices and for the community to connect, engage in dialogue, and collaborate.

The dress code for the celebration is ethnic or formal attire.

For tickets, visit ticketsource.com. For questions or to request free tickets, email asianheritage9@gmail.com.

marina-style warehouse currently being restored by owner Stephen Bell. Located in the heart of Murray Harbour’s fishing community, the venue offers visitors a rare opportunity to explore one of the area’s hidden gems, including the Murray Harbour Farmers’ Market, Nellie’s Landing, and Harbourview Restaurant.

Shoppers can expect to find vintage clothing, home décor, collectibles, furniture, and one-of-a-kind treasures, while learning more about the value, care, and enjoyment of vintage pieces. Admission is free. Follow @eastvillagevintagemarket on Instagram.

Mental Health Week

Support mental health through connection

The Canadian Mental Health Association’s 75th National Mental Health Week runs from May 4–10. The theme this year is Come Together, Canada: stronger connections, better mental health. Mental Health Week (MHW) is a call to spark small, everyday actions of connection, and to recognize the role we all play in supporting mental health through connection. Together, we can strengthen mental health, build healthier communities, and help more people feel connected.

The National Mental Health Week website (cmha.ca/mental-health-week) has plenty of resources available, including toolkits, fact sheets, social media assets, posts, and posters.

CMHA PEI is promoting MHW

LIBRARY

EAL conversation circles

The Immigrant & Refugee Services Association of PEI offers EAL conversation circles for adults this month at the Summerside Library on Tuesdays at 6 pm, and on Saturdays at 10:30 am. Conversation circles are also offered this month at the Charlottetown Library on Thursdays at 6:30 pm and Saturdays at 10 am. Adults looking to improve their English skills are welcome to join for informal conversation.

Seniors Navigator

The Seniors Navigator will be at the Charlottetown Library on May 6 and 20 from 9:30 am–3:30 pm for drop-in assistance. The program helps seniors access services and programs offered by community organizations and all levels of government.

Teen leadership

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

Homeschooler Hour

Homeschool families with children aged 6–12 can explore science, technology, and art while connecting with other homeschooling families at the Homeschooler Hour on May 12 at 2 pm at the Summerside Library. This month’s activity is making DIY robotic hands.

Teen advisory group

Teens are welcome to join the teen advisory group on Mondays at 3:30 pm at the

through its social platforms. Follow along and help spread the word using the hashtags #ComeTogetherCanada and #MentalHealthWeek, and share, like, and repost.

Other CMHA PEI activities during the week include partnering with the cities of Charlottetown and Summerside, as well as towns across the Island, to promote the week through a MHW proclamation.

Community barbecue and open house events will be held on May 6 at Notre Dame Place in Summerside (BBQ from 11:30 am–1 pm with open house from 1–3 pm) and at Hope Centre in Alberton from 12:30–2 pm.

Visit pei.cmha.ca for the complete list of MHW activities.

Summerside Library. Meetings start with an opportunity for teens to share their voices and opinions, followed by assisting staff with various tasks. Participation allows teens to earn volunteer hours toward the Community Service Bursary.

Seniors Cafés

Seniors Cafés take place at the Charlottetown and Summerside libraries, offering welcoming spaces for conversation, refreshments, and community connection. In Charlottetown, cafés are held on the third Thursday of each month at 1 pm. The May 21 session features Ghislaine O’Hanley from 211 and Seniors’ Navigator Jenna Arbing, who will present their services followed by a Q&A. Snacks and refreshments will be provided. In Summerside, the next café takes place May 8 at 11 am. Guests can enjoy tea or coffee and a friendly discussion, with Jeremy Oakes from the Emergency Measures Organization speaking about Emergency Preparedness Week 2026 (May 3–9) and this year’s theme, “Be Prepared. Know your risks.”

Rainbow Youth Club

Members and allies of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community who are looking for new pals and fun times are welcome to join the PEI Rainbow Youth Club at the Summerside Library. The next meeting is May 5 at 6 pm. Each meeting offers an opportunity to participate in youth-led discussions and fun activities. 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. All are welcome.

Toddler Play Date

Children ages 0–5 and their caregivers can enjoy a play date at the Summerside Library on May 29 at 9:30 am. Toddlers can build and develop various skill sets, from motor skills to social skills, while parents connect.

WCB and Wounded Warriors Canada

The Workers Compensation Board (WCB) is strengthening its commitment to the psychological health and safety of trauma-exposed professionals through a partnership with Wounded Warriors Canada (WWC).

As part of the agreement, WCB team members will participate in ongoing trauma resiliency and trauma-informed training led by WWC. Staff have already completed the Basics of Trauma workshop, with additional training planned for the spring.

WWC is a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting trauma-exposed organizations, professionals, and their families. It provides culturally informed services that combine education, counselling, and training to support resiliency and recovery from post-traumatic injuries.

In addition to the partnership, WWC is co-hosting the 2026 Atlantic Canada First Responders’ Mental Health Conference in Charlottetown from June 2–3. The conference will bring together representatives from across the public safety sector to explore best practices in research, training, clinical interventions, organizational supports, and individual and family-based care. Info: wcb.pe.ca; woundedwarriors.ca

HEELS & WHEELS

Colour Run

The UPEI Medical Brigade is hosting a community Colour Run fundraiser on May 2 from 8:30 am–1 pm. The run will begin outside the Brackley Community Centre and will follow Union Road along a level, paved route. The event is open to participants of all ages. Proceeds will go toward the Brigade’s work abroad to help provide care in underserved communities. Registration: eventbrite.ca/e/ upei-medical-brigades-2nd-annual-colorrun-walk-tickets-1977943813190

Kicking PancreAS™ 2026

the month. At Island Trails trailheads across PEI, visitors will see signs featuring QR codes linking directly to the PEI Food Banks donation page. Anyone enjoying the trails will have the opportunity to scan a code and contribute to the campaign. The event invites Islanders to participate in whatever way feels right—take a walk, hike a favourite trail, discover a new one, and consider making a donation along the way.

May Flower Walk

THIS MAY, HIKE WITH PURPOSE!

Scan the QR code at the trailhead and support the PEI Food Bank.

a wide geographic area, reinforcing its commitment to community connection and active living. The series is known not only for its fun, family-friendly races but also for its strong network of community partners who help bring each event to life. From first-time runners to returning participants, the series fosters a love of movement, encourages healthy habits, and creates lasting memories for children and their families. With a one-time registration fee, families can take part in all races, removing barriers and making it easy for kids to get involved. Follow @ YouthRunningSeriesPEI on FB to register and stay up to date on race locations and event details.

Returning to PEI, Kicking PancreAS™ is a fun, inclusive 5k for all levels and abilities. The Charlottetown event will begin at Joseph A. Ghiz Memorial Park on May 2 at 7:30 pm. Spots are limited and there is no onsite registration the day of the event. Participants must register via Race Roster at raceroster.com/ events/2026/113875/kicking-pancreas-5k-prince-edward-island. Pancreatic cancer is one of Canada’s deadliest cancers and presents unique challenges for Islanders, who often must travel out of province to access specialized care. For New London, PEI resident Deborah Quaile, 66, that meant frequent trips to Moncton to see a surgeon, including an eight-day hospital stay, alone, following major surgery. She said the financial burden was partially eased through support grants like those from Craig’s Cause Pancreatic Cancer Society (CCPCS), funded largely by its annual Kicking PancreAS™ 5K. This year’s PEI event aims to raise $10,000. A writer and former librarian, Quaile hopes the run will increase awareness for the disease. Now the third leading cause of cancer death, pancreatic cancer is expected to rank second by 2030. Participants are encouraged to wear purple and glow-in-the-dark costumes, and can choose to walk or run, set a personal goal, or take it at their own pace. A finisher medal, running bib, and event swag are included.

Hike for the Food Bank

Island Trails is launching a new community event that connects two ideas: nourishing our bodies and nourishing our spirits. Hike for the Food Bank: Feed the Body, Feed the Soul will run throughout May, encouraging Islanders to get outside, enjoy the Island’s trail network, and support PEI Food Banks at the same time. The event will officially launch on May 2 from 9 am–12 pm, with welcome tables set up at trails in each county: Prince County at Forestview Trail, Queens County at Winter River Hiking Trail, and Kings County at Boughton River Nature Trail. Visitors are invited to stop by, learn more about Island Trails and PEI Food Banks, and make a monetary donation or drop off non-perishable food items at the trailhead tables. Following launch day, the initiative will continue throughout

The Good Neighbourly Club welcomes Islanders to join its annual springtime outing, the Tracadie May Flower Walk, to find the elusive May flowers on May 3. The group will meet at the Tracadie Community Centre at 2 pm. Info: 902-330-2248

Annie’s Pace Global Adventure

The 8th annual Annie’s Pace Global Adventure (APGA), a four-day walking event in support of heart health awareness and research, will take place across PEI from May 22–25. Organized by Annie Smith, the event invites participants to commit to one hour of daily exercise or join guided walks at designated locations. Walks will take place at the Devil’s Punch Bowl Trailhead (Princetown Rd, off DPB Rd) on May 22 from 6–7:30 pm; Bonshaw Hills Provincial Park (17530 Trans-Canada Hwy parking lot) on May 23 from 9–11 am; the Breadalbane Hiking Trail (Hilltop Rd and Hwy 231) on May 24 from 9–11 am; and the North Rustico Boardwalk (289 Harbour View Rd) on May 25 from 6–7:30 pm. Participants are encouraged to wear red for heart health. The event supports UHN Canada’s hospital initiatives. Learn more at vimeo.com/707059617 or donate at support.uhnfoundation.ca/goto/ AnniesPaceGlobalAdventure2026. For more information, contact Annie Smith at doyouevenliftmom@gmail.com.

MS Walk PEI

The annual MS Walk 5km will take place on May 31 at 11 am–1 pm, starting at Beaconsfield Carriage House, 2 Kent St, Charlottetown. Participants will return there for a post-walk gathering. Registration starts at 10 am on the day of the walk or register online in advance at msspwalk.donordrive.com/mswalk.

Youth Running Series

Registration is open for the ninth season of the Youth Running Series, which aims to bring energy, excitement, and opportunity to young runners across the region. Designed to inspire children aged 2–13, the series continues to grow as a welcoming, accessible introduction to the sport of running. With 12 races scheduled from tip to tip, the series offers families the chance to participate in events across

PEI Kidney Walks

Kidney Walks fund life-saving research, real-time support, and powerful advocacy for people living with kidney disease. Together, we’re working toward a future where every Canadian with kidney disease can access quality care and truly thrive. One in ten Canadians and one in three Indigenous people live with kidney disease. Each dollar raised supports critical programs and services including short term financial assistance. More than 70 per cent of the national organ transplant waitlist is made up of people waiting for a kidney. PEI Kidney Walks take place in Prince County on June 7, starting at Credit Union Place in Summerside at 1:30 pm, and in Queens County on June 14, starting at Simmons Sports Centre in Charlottetown at 1:30 pm. Registration for both events begins at 1 pm.

Lady Slipper Walk

The Tracadie Good Neighbourly Club welcomes Islanders to join its Lady Slipper Walk on June 14. Curious walkers can trek to see the Lady Slipper, PEI’s floral emblem. The group will meet at the Tracadie Community Centre at 2 pm. Info: 902-330-2248

The Glucose Grind

The Glucose Grind is back for its second year, set to take place in Charlottetown on June 27, bringing together runners, walkers, and community supporters to raise funds for vulnerable Islanders living with diabetes. Organized in partnership with the Community Foundation of PEI, the event ensures that all donations directly support Islanders who struggle to afford essential diabetes-related needs, including medical supplies and nutritious food. Following a successful inaugural year that saw runners and cyclists complete a 65-kilometre journey from Kensington to Charlottetown and raise over $10,000, the 2026 event will introduce a new, more accessible format. This year moves to a 4-kilometre loop around Victoria Park, where participants are invited to see how many laps they can complete over six hours. Participants can walk, run or bike, and do so for as long as they like. All donations are eligible for tax receipts, ensuring that every dollar raised goes directly to supporting Islanders in need. Info: cfpei.ca/ glucosegrind

The Cove Journal by JoDee Samuelson

Bird energy

I was walking up the road to our monthly Women’s Institute meeting on a calm spring evening, lost in some private reverie, when out of last year’s corn field a thousand Canada geese rose as if on signal! Whoosh! Organized chaos! The noise was magnificent, all honking and flapping and swishing, each goose finding a place in line: “After you”— “No, after you,” more honking.

The whole flock being airborne high in the sky, they slipped into an air current and spread their wings to glide together toward the shore in choreographed perfection.

Aren’t the birds this spring something else? Either there are more of them than usual or I am paying more attention. I have an app on my phone (Merlin) that identifies bird songs. This morning I stepped out the door and was greeted by the voices of common raven, American crow, red-winged blackbird, red-breasted nuthatch, American goldfinch, song sparrow, black-capped chickadee, blue jay, northern flicker, Canada goose, mourning dove and even a bald eagle!

I can’t get enough of this bird energy.

Spring walking rule #1: Always bring binoculars. This morning we were walking to the Cove when one of us spotted what might be a blue heron in the salt marsh. “Shh!” We stopped and peered intently. The heron didn’t move. “I think it’s just a piece of driftwood.” “It must be. Nothing could stand still that long.” “I wish I had brought my binoculars.” We started walking… when the piece of driftwood moved! It was indeed a heron, our first. How exciting! Had it returned to the Island from Mexico? Cuba? What a trooper.

Down at the Cove the sandbars were white with ring-billed gulls preening

and screeching. At water’s edge black ducks breakfasting on weeds and roots were joined by a few crows who wandered around plucking tasty items (flea beetles, clams, shrimp) out of mounds of seaweed. A small flock (flocklet?) of geese paddled in a tidal pool chatting amiably, while further out to sea hundreds of their fellows bobbed on the water in a long wavery line: I guess geese just like lines!

Coming home we spotted our blue heron, still looking like a tree stump, on a branch in a poplar tree. Last week we saw two bald eagles (mother and daughter? one was a juvenile) sitting in the same tree.

Then more geese flew overhead, so close that I could see their feet, almost hear them breathing! What grace and confidence! And strength. To think that they might have flown from Central America and that our island is a mere stepping stone on their odyssey.

Spring rule #2: Pick up litter. Of course birds love to come to P.E.I. Who doesn’t? It’s so beautiful—and let’s keep it that way. Roadside Clean-up is Saturday, May 9. Let’s all get out on the roadsides and pick up those little Fireball bottles and coffee cups tossed in the ditches: it wasn’t the birds that put ’em there!

Flap your arms, sing a song, borrow some bird energy, make us proud of our precious island.

AFL Sundays at Village Green Brewery

Drop in to Village Green Brewery on Sundays at 4 pm for Aussie Rules Football (AFL). Catch the Sydney Swans and learn about the Atlantic AFL League. 30 Church St, Cornwall.

Charlottetown Scrabble Club

The Charlottetown Scrabble Club meets weekly on Tuesdays from 5–8 pm at the Charlottetown Library. Scoresheets, strategy tips, and cheat sheets are provided. All skill levels are welcome. Attendance is free, 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 game. In May, the club continues at the Irish Cultural Centre in Charlottetown on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday afternoons. From September to June, instruction and coaching for novice players are offered in a non-competitive learning environment on Tuesday mornings. Note that the club will move to a new location. On June 1, it will relocate to Room 107 at Murphy’s Community

Centre, 200 Richmond St, Charlottetown, and will continue on Mondays and Saturdays from 1–4 pm, and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7–10 pm. Everyone is welcome. Info: charlottetownbridge.ca

Crokinole

Drop in to play crokinole on May 13 and 27 at 2 pm at the Summerside Rotary Library.

Board Game Café

Bring family and friends for an evening of board games at the Summerside Rotary Library on May 25 at 6:30 pm. Bring your own or play one from the library’s collection.

Tales of Islandia: Youth Live Action Roleplaying Game

Sierra Club Canada Foundation, in partnership with Wild Child, is offering Tales of Islandia, a live-action roleplaying (LARP) program for youth aged 9–14. Beginning May 29, the program runs weekly in June from 4–6 pm at Robert Cotton Park in Stratford. It is trans- and queer-inclusive and encourages youth to explore the outdoors as they create and navigate a story together. Participants should come prepared with appropriate clothing for the weather. The program does not cancel for rain but will cancel for lightning and heavy storms. It is also accepting peer leaders aged 15–18. Register through Wild Child at campscui. active.com/orgs.

NATURE

Abegweit First Nation Fish Friends School Program

Abegweit First Nation launched its annual Fish Friends School Program, Salmon Are Our Friends, at a celebratory event in Scotchfort recently. The program helps students learn about caring for the environment and the connection to Mi’kmaq culture. The Fish Friends School Program gives students the opportunity to observe the life cycle of Atlantic salmon by raising them from eggs to fish in classroom aquariums before releasing them into local rivers. Each year, the program reaches approximately 22 schools and more than 550 students directly, with an even broader impact as entire school communities often engage with classroom tanks and fish releases. To learn more about Abegweit First Nation’s programs and initiatives, visit abegweit.ca.

Restoring coastal defenses webinars and events

The Macphail Woods Ecological Forestry Project is part of the 2026 Climate Challenge Fund through its project, “A Community-Based Approach to Restoring the Coastal Shield in Prince Edward Island.” They are calling on Islanders to restore coastal defenses by participating in online webinars and in-person events. Upcoming webinars include Getting to Work: Sustaining Your Shore on April 30 at 6:30 pm and Species for the Coast: Withstanding Winds & Strengthening Shores on May 14 at 6:30 pm. In addition to online learning, community members are invited to participate in a series of hands-on coastal planting events at provincial parks across the Island. These events will give participants the opportunity to contribute directly to shoreline restoration efforts. The planting events begin at 10 am and will take place at: Cabot Beach Provincial Park on May 16; Red Point Provincial Park on May 30; Cedar Dunes Provincial Park on June 13; and Brudenell River Provincial Park on June 20. All webinars and events are open to the public. Visit macphailwoods.org to register for the webinar series and learn more.

Nature PEI trivia

Nature PEI invites the public to a spirited evening of nature-themed trivia on May 7 from 6–8 pm at Copper Bottom Brewing in Montague. Gather with fellow naturalists and outdoor lovers to showcase your passion for the environment and your trivia knowledge. Registration is available for teams of up to six or for individuals signing up as “free agents.” This event is a fundraiser, with registration proceeds going to Nature PEI and the Natural History Society of PEI. Besides bragging rights and a photo with the famed “Gerald the Wise Owl” trophy, there will be prizes for the top teams. Reservations can be made online at copperbottombrewing.com or by calling 902-361-2337. Visit naturepei. ca or @naturepei for more information.

PEI Untamed with Kate MacQuarrie

Learn, explore, and reconnect with nature at PEI Untamed with Kate MacQuarrie. Upcoming sessions include: Spring Wild Foods Workshop in Coleman on May 19; Wild Foods Talk in Stratford on May 20; Foraging with Beach Goats in St. Chrysostome on May 23; Natural History Walk in North Rustico on May 27; Spring Wild Foods Workshop in Hazelgrove on May 30. For registration details, the 2026 schedule, and new original content each week about plants, fungi, and wildlife, visit pei-untamed.com.

Dandelion

Festival

Cornwall Town Hall—May 23

The Town of Cornwall’s second annual Dandelion Festival will take place on May 23 from 1–4 pm at the Cornwall Town Hall.

Celebrate spring and nature with activities including dandelion-inspired food and drink, barbeque, dandelion crown making, face-painting, seed giveaway, yoga in the dandelions, and children’s story time.

The Town Hall is located at 15 Mercedes Drive.

The Nature of PEI

by Gary Schneider

Our lovely dogwood

Perhaps the most cherished part of my yard in Tea Hill is a lovely alternative-leaf dogwood. It is a native shrub, home to mixed woodlands with relatively dry soil. This species helps make our woodlands more complex, providing a middle layer of habitat between the forest canopy and the ferns and wildflowers.

When teaching plant identification, I often get people to look at where the buds—or branches—emerge from the stem. These are either opposite (across from each other) or alternate (not opposite each other). This helps you to sort out information fairly quickly. If you see a tree with opposite buds, you immediately know that it is a maple or an ash.

Most times the placement of buds are consistent within the species. All maples are opposite, all willows are alternate. The common red-osier dogwood and the uncommon round-leaf dogwood have opposite buds. But the alternate-leaf dogwood took a detour along the genetic path and for some reason it’s buds are not opposite. Who knows why this happened, but it does make identification easy. When you find a dogwood without opposite buds, it has to be an alternate-leaf dogwood.

And how would you even know that it was a dogwood? If the plant is in leaf, this is almost a no-brainer. The veins in the leaf don’t head out to the sides, as you see in oaks or elms. Instead, the veins run out towards the tip. My (totally incorrect) way of remembering this is to think that the edges of the leaves are too hard for the veins to get to, so they curve off towards the tip.

If these shrubs are not in leaf, then you can look at the shape of the plant. It

PEI’s White Sharks

Nature PEI program with presentation by Paige Crowell

On May 5, Nature PEI will host a short meeting at 7:30 pm followed by the presentation ”Great White Shark in Maritime Waters, and other Species at Risk” with biologist Paige Crowell. The evening will take place at Beaconsfield Carriage House in Charlottetown, and after sharing sightings and a short raffle break, the program will begin at about 8 pm.

Paige will share a collection of photos and information about the Great White Shark and where it has been seen off Prince Edward Island, and also talk about other species at risk that frequent the Gulf of St. Lawrence, including the Blue Whale, North Atlantic Right Whale, and Leatherback Sea Turtle.

is often call “pagoda” dogwood, as it has a shape that reminds you of plants found in Japanese gardening. It grows up and then the branches spread out in a relatively flat whorl. Then it continues to grow taller, interrupted by these whorls of branches. It is a stunning plant.

The one in my yard—I take no credit for this beautiful specimen, it was planted by my partner many years ago—is about eight metres tall and in spring it is an incredible mass of white flowers. It really is a special plant. Once the flowers are past, it develops dark purple berries and are especially attractive to a wide variety of birds. Robins, vireos, black-capped chickadees and many more species all work to ensure that no berries are left on the shrub. Each year I’m sure there are thousands of berries on the one shrub.

While I take great pleasure in the beauty of this shrub, whether it is the form, the leaves, the flowers, or the berries, the wildlife that it attracts makes it a key part of the local landscape.

The Achilles heel of this native shrub is its susceptibility to Golden canker, a fungal disease that can cause parts of the plant’s bark to turn yellow and die. It doesn’t affect every shrub, but in some areas causes a lot of damage. The best way to manage it is to prune off infected branches early and either bury or burn them. Make sure to clean your pruning shears with a bleach solution between cuts to avoid spreading the fungus.

Other than that, it is one of our most beautiful native shrubs and well worth growing in wooded areas or around our homes. You won’t regret it. And the birds will thank you.

Paige Crowell is a biologist with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans’ Species at Risk Program. She grew up in Charlottetown, PEI, and now lives in Halifax, NS.

Nature PEI meetings are free and welcome all ages. Annual memberships for those who wish to further support the organization’s goals and projects are available via cash or cheque at the meeting.

Protecting land

Island Nature Trust acquires 219 acres north of Souris

Island Nature Trust (INT) recently acquired 219 acres (88.63 ha) north of Souris, now named the MapleCross – Eastern Kings Hardwoods Natural Area. Islanders and supporters across Canada responded to a fundraising call in February 2026 to help secure this rare and ecologically significant forest property in eastern PEI.

This acquisition represented a unique opportunity to expand protection within one of the Island’s most important forest complexes. Strategically positioned among several other protected areas owned by INT and the Province of PEI, the land forms part of a remarkable stretch of some of the oldest Wabanaki Acadian forest remaining on the Island. The conserved lands in this region protect several at risk and provincially rare species, including Canada warbler, olive-sided flycatcher, and black ash.

Protecting this parcel has contributed to: conservation of wildlife corridors between existing protected areas; expanded protection for mature, multi-generational upland hardwood forest; and the sustainability of the long-term health of the Cross River, a priority waterway for Atlantic salmon.

Thanks to the generosity of

Islanders and supporters across the world, the $100,000 campaign goal was exceeded, matching funds secured from MapleCross, the Government of PEI, and the Government of Canada. Funds that were raised beyond the $100,000 campaign goal have been allocated to a 75-acre purchase less than a kilometre from the recently acquired property.

For more information on the project, visit islandnaturetrust.ca/ protect-easternkings.

Edges of the Mosaic

Bringing composers out from the margins

For the Royal Canadian Legion Centennial Celebration 2026, the PEI Legion Choir will present the concert Edges of the Mosaic on May 23 at 2 pm at St. Andrew’s United in Vernon Bridge, and on May 26 at 7 pm at St. Paul’s Anglican in Charlottetown.

This season, the PEI Legion Choir seeks to illuminate the works of composers whose identities—shaped by race, gender, sexuality, heritage, and ability—have too often placed them at the margins. The choir believes that when such music is given space to be heard, our understanding of each other becomes richer, more honest, and more complete.

A Decade of Harmony

Forte’s 10th anniversary Mother’s Day concert—May 10

A Decade of Harmony, Forte’s 10th anniversary concert, will be held on May 10, Mother’s Day, at 2:30 pm at the Kirk of St. James in Charlottetown.

Through music and story, the choir recognizes a vital parallel between these composers and the lived realities of veterans and members of the armed forces. For some, the uniform conceals

JUNE BUZZ DEADLINE

Friday, May 15

a complex identity. The program honours the “Double Front” faced by service members from these same minority communities: those who defend the nation while navigating the weight of being “the first” or “the only” within their ranks, and who face prejudice while at home.

These songs serve as witness to a profound strength of character—the grit to thrive in the face of exclusion, and the courage to forge a path of hope from the heaviest internal battles. Together, they define a mosaic in which every contribution—every person—is an essential part of what it means to be Canadian.

Admission is at the door.

Forte is a 16-member choir of male voices—two ranges of tenor plus baritone and bass—directed by Dr. Margot Rejskind. Margot is noted for her leadership of the professional Luminos Ensemble and Luminos Chamber Orchestra, and the Island Choral Society. Jacqueline Sorenson Young provides piano accompaniment for the choir.

A decade ago, Margot gave her husband Dick Bird an unusual birthday present: a commitment to create a men’s choir in which Dick could sing. In December 2015, Forte Men’s Choir made its debut, singing in the lobby of CBC as a contribution to the Turkey Drive. Its first concert, Let All Men Sing, followed in May 2016.

For ten years now, Forte has presented regular Christmas and Mother’s Day concerts, along with a number of other engagements. Over that time, Margot’s schedule has grown ever fuller: she runs three choirs, teaches, holds a full-time job, serves as President and Chair of

Music at St. Peter’s

Three free events in May

St. Peter’s Cathedral in Charlottetown presents three musical events in May.

Jazz in the Cathedral on May 8 at 7 pm will feature the Charlottetown Jazz Ensemble. Admission is by donation at the door, with proceeds going toward their scholarship fund.

The Ascension Day High Latin Mass takes place on May 14 at 7 pm. The majority of this service will be spoken and sung in Latin, and will feature the Cathedral Choir, with soloists and a small orchestra.

On May 28, the Choir of Sewanee College, Tennessee, will perform. This 40-member university choir is touring the Maritime region and making a stop in Charlottetown. They will sing at the 5 pm Cathedral-style Evensong in the main church and perform a free choral recital that same evening at 7 pm.

All are welcome to attend these events at St. Peter’s Cathedral, located on Rochford Street in Charlottetown.

Choral Canada, and raises a teenage daughter. After her husband Dick passed away in 2022, she considered stepping back from the men’s choir, but couldn’t. In a way, it was a continuing tribute to Dick—and it was, as she says, “just too much fun!”

Forte will celebrate its 10th anniversary with a program that looks back over the years. Margot has selected favourite pieces from the choir’s repertoire—audience favourites, songs the members loved singing, and her own personal choices—including selections from Les Misérables, Vaughan Williams folk songs and drinking ditties, Scottish and Welsh standards, American spirituals, a revival tune, and a lullaby. A particularly moving moment will be “Let the Life I’ve Lived,” an inspiring tribute to Dick Bird. The “Parting Blessing” will be sung by the dozens of men who have been Forte members over the years. Admission is cash only at the door. For more information, follow @fortepei on Facebook.

Here’s to Song

First choral concert for the Abegweit Singers

PEI’s newly formed choir, the Abegweit Chamber Singers, will stage its first choral concert, Here’s to Song, later this month. Performances will be held at Summerside Presbyterian on May 29 at 7:30 pm, and at St. Paul’s in Charlottetown on May 31 at 3 pm.

The ensemble brings together singers from several Island communities for this celebration of Canada. The program features music representing several provinces, including folksongs, under the direction of Ruth Ann Read-Clay, with pianist Ellen Davis. It will also include excerpts from Island composer Terry Pratt’s “Fragments from the Heart.”

Tickets are available at the door. For more information, email abegweitsings@gmail.com

Once Upon a Score

A genre-blending concert-theatre experience—May 3

The PEI Symphony Orchestra (PEISO), in collaboration with Confederation Centre of the Arts, presents Once Upon a Score: The Music of Hollywood, a genre-blending concert-theatre experience on May 3 at the Sobey Family Theatre in Charlottetown.

Following the success of last season’s May the Fourth Be With You: The Music of Star Wars, this new co-production expands the orchestra’s exploration of film music in an imaginative and unexpected direction. Once Upon a Score is not a film screening or live-topicture presentation. Instead, it places storytelling at the centre of the performance, bringing audiences inside the creative process itself.

Created by PEISO Music Director Jaelem Bhate, the production unfolds in a lively café setting, where two actors portray a struggling screenwriter and an old friend reconnecting over questions of story, purpose, and the cultural impact of film. As their conversation evolves, the full orchestra brings their ideas to life through music, transforming dialogue into a vivid symphonic journey.

Audiences will hear iconic themes

from some of Hollywood’s most beloved scores, including Harry Potter, Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Jurassic Park, Titanic, Pirates of the Caribbean, and The Avengers. Each musical selection is woven directly into the narrative, underscoring emotion, heightening drama, and adding moments of humour and surprise.

“This is a performance about storytelling itself—how music shapes it, elevates it, and connects us to it,” says Bhate. “Rather than presenting film music in isolation, Once Upon a Score invites the audience into a living, breathing narrative where the orchestra becomes part of the story. It’s theatrical, it’s cinematic in scope, but it all unfolds live on stage.”

Smart, funny, and unexpectedly moving, Once Upon a Score blurs the line between concert and theatre— offering a fresh perspective on the music and stories that have shaped popular culture.

The concert begins at 3 pm. A pre-concert chat will run from 2–2:30 pm. Tickets are available via confederationcentre.com or by calling 902-566-1267.

The Starlings Choir

Coming to Harbourfront Theatre in June

Following five consecutive seasons of sold-out performances, Angie Arsenault’s Vocal Studio presents The Starlings Choir & Guests for a two-night engagement on June 6 and 7 at Summerside’s Harbourfront Theatre. Showtime is 7:30 pm.

This season’s showcase features the original arrangements and local talent of The Starlings Choir. Joining them are PEI’s rising stars—Angie’s vocal students—bringing a mix of fresh voices and familiar faces to the stage.

The choir’s signature medley

returns with a brand-new theme: country music. Follow @thestarlingschoir on Facebook for updates.

ALBUMS PEI RECORDINGS

AFTER DARK LIAH

LIAH, a 22-year-old emerging pop artist from Emyvale PEI, has dropped her debut album AFTER DARK. Building on the momentum of her singles “Dangerous” and “Party Mood,” the full project rounds out her sound with four brand-new tracks.

Influenced by major pop artists like Tate McRae, Sabrina Carpenter, and SZA, LIAH describes the album’s sound as moody, chill, electronic pop with hints of R&B. The tracks showcase LIAH’s vulnerable vocals, delivering the lyrics with an intimate purity and a soulful texture that draw the listener in.

Islanders may remember the original Christmas songs “Hurry Santa” (with Ally MacLeod), “Dear Old Santa,” and “Christmas Without You” (ft. Gordon Butler) that LIAH recorded as a teenager to raise money for charities such as Santa’s Angels and CBC Feed a Family.

“I’ve been writing since I was 12 years old, so it feels surreal to finally be able to share some of my songs,” LIAH says. As a recent UPEI graduate, she is excited to dedicate more time to writing, and is already planning future albums with archives she has written over the past few years.

The songs on AFTER DARK were written during LIAH’s high school years, and draw on teenage angst and the thoughts and feelings young adults often experience “after dark,” but they can be interpreted and related to in many different ways.

“I think my biggest goal with this album is to give others songs they can relate to,” adds LIAH. “Young adulthood especially involves a lot of big and challenging feelings, and if I could help someone work through those feelings by sharing my own, that would be extremely rewarding.”

AFTER DARK was produced and engineered by Josh Pitre, with additional production, engineering, and mixing and mastering by Jon Matthews at The Sound Mill Studio. Follow @liahmusicofficial on Instragram for updates.

Breathe

Vivian Beer

Vivian Beer, a Charlottetown, PEIbased songwriter and recording artist, is releasing her new concept EP Breathe as a series of singles that began April 10, starting with the EP intro “Threshold” and the first song, “Reckoning.” The remaining songs will be released monthly until August.

The project blends vocals, cinematic sound design, and progressive metal, exploring themes of identity, conscience, and transformation in a rapidly changing world.

Written in the aftermath of the pandemic, Breathe reflects on the forces shaping our lives and the inner shifts many have experienced since that time. The songs follow a narrative arc that moves through stages of reckoning and redefinition.

Each track represents a chapter in that journey. The EP opens with the intro “Threshold,” capturing the moment when familiar structures begin to fracture and we realize we are crossing into something unknown. The first released song, “Reckoning,” represents an event where we can’t go back, only forward toward redefinition.

Breathe draws on cinematic sound and layered instrumentation to mirror the emotional progression of the narrative.

Music credits include Vivian Beer (lyrics, composition, main vocals) and Garrett Sherwood (drums). The EP was produced by David Rashed and Vivian Beer and recorded, mixed, and mastered by David Rashed at The Studio at The Guild in Charlottetown. The official music video was produced by Daniel Hashimoto.

Vivian Beer’s work blends

cinematic textures with progressive metal and narrative-driven songwriting. Her music explores the history of our times, themes of identity, and the forces shaping our lives.

THE SOLDIERS OF SOUND

shane steven sand

steven sand has released the album THE SOLDIERS OF SOUND. It is available online now on Bandcamp.

Shane’s family roots are threaded through the villages of Hunter River and New Glasgow, PEI. His large body of unpublished work calls for action and addresses themes like the self-destruction of humankind, the environment, and the rise of dictators.

THE SOLDIERS OF SOUND was produced and mixed by Adam Gallant, with support from musicians Josh Langille (drums), Sam Langille (bass), and Logan Richard (electric and acoustic guitars). Gallant also plays various instruments on the album, including acoustic guitar, keyboards, percussion, slide guitar, and piano.

All songs were written by shane steven sand (vocals, acoustic guitar) except “long live love” and “rebel” by Adam Gallant and shane steven sand. The album was mastered by Paracute Mastering and Phil’s Lab, with cover art by Jud Haynes.

SINGLES

“Yet

to Let Me Down”

Logan Richard

PEI singer-songwriter and guitarist Logan Richard released the new single “Yet to Let Me Down” on April 8 and celebrates the one-year anniversary of his album Character Traits with the announcement of Character Traits Deluxe, arriving May 22 via Outside Music.

“I wrote this song with my friend Isabella Samson,” explains Richard. “I was a big fan of hers, and saw she was coming to PEI, so I reached out

to see if she’d be interested in writing together.”

He continues, “The song was recorded live off the floor in Charlottetown a few months later, and it’s been sitting on my hard drive ever since. I am so excited it’s finally seeing the light of day.”

For the “Yet to Let Me Down” video, Richard drew inspiration from the stripped-back, in-room performances of Theo Katzman. “I loved the style of his videos—everyone playing together in the same room, captured simply,” says Richard. “I wanted to try that approach. My dear friend Ben MacDonald came into the studio and filmed it on an iPhone.”

Nearly a year after its initial release, Character Traits Deluxe offers a deeper look at the album, reframing key moments while introducing new ones. “The Grass is Blue” trades its restlessness for a calmer, more lived-in take, anchored by a rhythm section featuring Afie Jurvanen (Bahamas), Chris Kirby, and Joshua Van Tassel. The previously unreleased “Yet to Let Me Down,” recorded shortly before the original sessions, joins the tracklist, while “Up From Here” is fully re-recorded as a poignant duet with Rose Cousins.

“Yet to Let Me Down” was produced and mixed by Adam Gallant and mastered by Heather Kirby. It features Logan Richard on guitar and vocals, Emily MacLellan on vocals, Aaron Comeau on piano, Sam Langille on bass, and Josh Langille on drums. loganrichardmusic.com

“Blues Get Better With Age” Aging Disgracefully

The PEI blues-rock duo Aging Disgracefully has released its newest single “Blues Get Better With Age.” The track, available on all major

streaming platforms, marks the first release from the duo’s upcoming EP Vintage Love, coming later this spring.

Following a string of accolades, including a 2026 East Coast Music Award nomination for Blues Release of the Year, the duo continues to carve out a space that defies trends and expectations. Their music celebrates authenticity over algorithms, and “Blues Get Better With Age” doubles down on that ethos. The song blends warm, lived-in blues with a modern edge, offering a message that embraces experience and the beauty of growing older without apology.

“This song is about owning every chapter of your story,” says vocalist Karen Pyra. “We’ve never been interested in chasing what’s fashionable. We’re more interested in what’s true— and the blues have always been true.”

“Blues Get Better With Age” showcases the duo’s signature interplay of earthy vocals, expressive guitar work, and storytelling that balances humour with heart. The track’s lyrics celebrate the idea that time doesn’t diminish passion for living but instead deepens it. In a cultural moment obsessed with youth and speed, Aging Disgracefully once again pushes back with a reminder that artistry, like wine and wisdom, only improves with age. agingdisgracefullyduo.com

“Letters To Myself” Soul Filter

Summerside, PEI-based alt rock-pop band Soul Filter released “Letters To Myself” on April 22. It is available on all major streaming platforms.

“Letters To Myself” is a cathartic journey through the darkness of insecurities and the surrender of self-acceptance. Frontwoman Karen Penton describes the song as a metaphorical unearthing, “that dusty shoe box of old letters hidden in the closet,” representing the outdated narratives we cling to. The single is about acknowledging these stories, understanding their impact, and ultimately choosing to let them go. “I want to re-write the letters I’ve been sending myself,” says Karen. Sonically, the song “blends sounds straight out of the late ’90s alternative world with a modern pop flare that leaves you wanting to revisit the song again and again,” says drummer Andy Adams. Alanis Morissette meets Dido

meets alt rock. The introspective lyrics, paired with a fun, punchy mid-tempo vibe and quirky guitar ear-worms, portray the intentional contradiction: just as the chorus line says, “If you ask me how I am, I’ll say I’m well.”

How many times have we replied “everything’s fine,” keeping our vulnerabilities and self-doubts hidden because, deep down, maybe we really know they’re just the stories we tell ourselves.

The self-produced track was recorded at Penton Productions Studio and mixed and mastered by Brent Chaisson at Studio Dimanche.

Soul Filter is fronted by the husband-and-wife duo Karen Penton (lead vocals, acoustic rhythm guitar) and Mike Penton (electric lead guitar), with Ronnie Arsenault (bass) and Andy Adams (drums). soul-filter.com

“Scoot On Over To Scat’s (DJ Tuba Remix)”

Andrew A. Melzer

Multiple award-nominated record producer and songwriter Andrew A. Melzer is releasing the single “Scoot On Over To Scat’s (DJ Tuba Remix)” by Pandamonium Players ft. Andrew A. Melzer on all major streaming platforms on May 15.

The original version of “Scoot On Over To Scat’s” was written by Andrew for and recorded by Scatman Crothers in 1979 while he was shooting the movie The Shining with Jack Nicholson and Shelley Duvall. Scatman’s version is available on the album Groovin’ With Scatman. This new version was completed in April 2026 in Charlottetown, PEI.

Credits include Victor Feldman (Miles Davis, Steely Dan, Joni Mitchell) on piano and percussion, Al Ciner (Three Dog Night, Rufus with Chaka Khan, American Breed) on guitar, Dennis Belfield (Three Dog Night, Rufus with Chaka Khan) on bass, Ralph Humphrey (Frank Zappa, Manhattan Transfer) on drums, Shirlie Mae Matthews (Steely Dan, Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder) on vocals, and Andrew A. Melzer on digital tuba. Engineered by Joe Laux, the single was remixed by Adam Gallant and Eric Hawk and produced by Andrew A. Melzer.

Cameron Nickerson

Album release at Copper Bottom Brewing—May 16

Cameron Nickerson will celebrate the launch of his new album, The Wagon with Brooke MacArthur at Copper Bottom Brewing in Montague on May 16 at 7:30 pm.

CCMA-nominated artist Cameron Nickerson draws inspiration from lived experiences at his century-old camp, rooted in small town Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. His pursuit of truth in songwriting has positioned him as a rising force in the Americana space.

For The Wagon, Cameron leans into his folk roots and fresh bluegrass with his band, The 340 South.

Brooke MacArthur is a rising country singer-songwriter from PEI and a recent Music PEI Award winner for Country Recording of the Year. She is known for her strong tone and honest storytelling.

Tickets are available in the taproom or online via Eventbrite.

Sisters

Album release at Sportpage Club—May 2

SUBMITTED

ANCHOR Fest, formerly known as The Charlottetown Film Festival, presents the Sisters’ Riot In The Palm Of My Hand album release show on May 2 at The Sportpage Club in Charlottetown. Sisters released the new LP on April 24, and the band is marking the occasion with a late-night show at 10 pm. Following their set, close collaborator Good Neighbour will keep the night going with a DJ set.

Admission is at the door. Doors open at 9:30 pm. 236 Kent Street in Charlottetown.

Vishtèn and Louis Michot

Acadian-Cajun Night at Harbourfront Theatre

Harbourfront Theatre presents Acadian–Cajun Night, a powerhouse double-bill featuring Vishtèn and Louis Michot, on June 29 at 7:30 pm.

Vishtèn, a cornerstone of the modern Acadian music scene, returns to the stage with a renewed spirit. Following the passing of beloved co-founder Pastelle LeBlanc, members Emmanuelle LeBlanc and Pascal Miousse have transformed grief into a tribute to their roots. Rejoined by longtime collaborator Megan Bergeron, the trio continues their fiery fusion of traditional rhythms and contemporary innovation.

for environmental sustainability in his rapidly changing homeland.

Songs of Gene MacLellan

Concert and memoir at Harbourfront

Theatre

For decades, the songs of Gene MacLellan have echoed across the globe—sung by legends like Elvis Presley and Anne Murray—yet the quiet, working-class Islander behind the masterpieces remained an enigma to many. This summer, his daughter and multi-awardwinning artist Catherine MacLellan steps into the spotlight to pull back the curtain on his life in The Songs of Gene MacLellan Performances run July 28 and 29, and August 25 and 26 at 7:30 pm.

Joining them is a legend of the American South, Louis Michot. As the driving force behind the Grammywinning Lost Bayou Ramblers, Michot has spent his career as a cultural torchbearer. With over 20 albums to his credit, his work transcends simple performance—it is an exploration of Louisiana French folklore and a plea

Audiences can expect an evening that mirrors the best of a traditional kitchen party: intimate, spontaneous, and pulse-pounding. From the intricate step-dancing rhythms of the Maritimes to the distorted, swampy blues of the Delta, Acadian–Cajun Night is a celebration of a culture that refused to be silenced by borders or time.

harbourfronttheatre.com

Acoustic Jazz at Sunset

The Forgive-me-nots return this month with a pair of relaxed, accessible live shows at the Glenaladale Schoolhouse, presenting Acoustic Jazz at Sunset on May 9 and May 16.

Featuring ECMA Awardnominated guitarist Rob Drew and the smooth vocals of Harmony Wagner, the ensemble is known for paring down world-famous jazz classics into their most intimate, listenable form. Musically, audiences can expect a mix of jazz standards made famous by the likes of Ella Fitzgerald, Julie London, Billie Holiday, Anita O’Day, Amy Winehouse, and more.

Each event will feature a completely different set list and a singalong song—“Georgia” by Hoagy Carmichael on May 9 and “Cheek to Cheek“ by Irving Berlin on May 16.

The Glenaladale Schoolhouse— located 22 minutes from Charlottetown—offers a stunning view of Tracadie Bay. The shows are scheduled to coincide with the sun sinking directly behind the musicians to provide a natural backdrop as the light shifts throughout the performance.

Seating will be cabaret style, encouraging folks to get up and dance if the feeling moves them, partake in the licensed cash bar and goodies offered up by the Schoolhouse Cafe, step out to watch the moonrise on the deck, or explore the nuances of the facility.

With limited seating, reserving tickets in advance is encouraged by emailing info@glenaladalepei.com, but tickets will be cash only at the door.

Doors open at 7:30 pm. Shows start at 8 pm. The venue includes wheelchair-accessible washrooms and free on-site parking at 257 Blooming Point, Tracadie Cross. For updates, follow The Forgive-me-nots on Facebook.

This production is far more than a standard tribute; it is a moving hybrid of concert and memoir. Catherine takes the audience on a personal journey through the hits that defined an era, such as the immortal “Snowbird” and the gospel-infused “Put Your Hand in the Hand.” On the Harbourfront stage, she weaves these melodies together with intimate stories of the man she knew, offering a rare glimpse into the heart of a shy songwriter who became a PEI icon.

For the Harbourfront Theatre, having Catherine return for this specific production is a full-circle moment that underscores the venue’s three-decade history. “Harbourfront was one of the first stages where Catherine

MacLellan shared her music, so it just wouldn’t feel like a 30th-anniversary celebration without her,” says Mary Dennis, Executive Director of Harbourfront Theatre.

Spanning genres from country and pop to gospel, the show serves as a “love letter” to a musical treasure trove that has long been a source of Island pride. It is a rare opportunity for audiences to witness a world-class musician honour her own lineage in an atmosphere of reverence and celebration. Tickets are on sale now at the Box Office or at harbourfronttheatre.com.

PEI Kiwanis music fests

Young

musicians compete at events across the Island

Now in its 80th year, the PEI Kiwanis Music Festival Association’s four regional festivals take place at venues across PEI in May. These events offer a valuable opportunity to support and celebrate young musicians in the Island community, providing students with a meaningful performance experience in a supportive, adjudicated environment. They promote musical growth through both competitive and non-competitive classes, welcoming participants of all ages and levels. While many take part locally, some advance to the PEI Provincial Festival and, with adjudicator recommendation, to the National Music Festival.

The Kings County Music Festival (KCMF) runs May 4–7 at Hillcrest United in Montague, with piano, voice, choral, and instrumental classes. This year’s adjudicator is Elaine Boulanger of Saint John, New Brunswick—a

multi-faceted artist with over 35 years of experience as a music director, adjudicator, voice and piano instructor, choral conductor, clinician, collaborative pianist, and church music liturgist. The public is invited to attend. The festival concludes with an Awards Night Concert on May 11 at 6:30 pm at Hillcrest United.

The Queens County Music Festival runs May 4–15 at venues across Charlottetown. The West Prince Music Festival runs May 4–8 at the Church of the Nazarene in O’Leary, and the East Prince Music Festival runs May 5–6 at Trinity United in Summerside.

The Provincial Finals will take place May 28–31, with an expanded three- to four-day format designed to create a more relaxed and rewarding experience for performers.

All are welcome. For program schedule and details, visit peikmfa.ca

Two bluegrass concerts

Beaconsfield Carriage House and The Barn Floor

The PEI Bluegrass & Old Time Music Society is presenting two fundraising concerts this month in support of its 39th annual PEI Bluegrass & Old Time Music Festival, scheduled for July 3–5 at the Dundas Fairgrounds.

The PEI Bluegrass Fundraising Concert on May 3 at 2 pm takes place at Beaconsfield Carriage House in Charlottetown, featuring PEI’s The Bad Hoss and another band TBA. The Bad Hoss includes experienced Island musicians Blake Crockett (guitar, vocals), Denise MacLeod (fiddle), Sarah Cummings (banjo), and Robin Ettles (bass). A 50/50 draw and raffle tickets for a Martin guitar will also be available.

The PEI Bluegrass Fundraising Concert on May 31 at 2 pm will be held at The Barn Floor in Crapaud (Sherren Family Farm, Route 13), featuring PEI’s Bluestreak and The Stiff Family.

Music PEI Award winners Bluestreak include David Blue on bass, Roger Wightman on banjo and vocals, Larry Campbell on vocals, guitar, and mandolin, Peter Richards on dobro, and Marcella Richard on vocals and guitar. Their latest album is Rounding Third, which features fifteen new original songs by band members.

The Stiff Family lives on Prince Edward Island, keeping busy with their hobby farm while still making time to enjoy and play bluegrass music. The family includes Dave on

Dahlia Ave.

Free community concert at Park Royal—May 2

Park Royal United in Charlottetown presents a free community concert featuring the traditional ensemble Dahlia Ave. on May 2 at 6:30 pm.

Hailing from New Brunswick, Dahlia Ave. is a four-piece group known for their spirited blend of Old Time, Celtic, and Acadian music. Their performances capture the heart of a classic East Coast kitchen party, combining lively fiddle tunes, piano accompaniment, and energetic step dancing.

Mary Frances Leahy

guitar and Heather on bass, along with their children: Aaron on banjo and dobro, Hannah on mandolin, Elizabeth on fiddle, and Abigail on fiddle. The group is also known for the smooth vocal harmonies that only a family band can provide.

Both the Carriage House and The Barn Floor are wheelchair-accessible, with admission at the door.

The ensemble features pianist Machaela Osowski, alongside fiddlers Martha Pitre, Amélie de Arcos, and Janelle Melanson. The group’s members bring a depth of experience, having toured extensively across Canada, the United States, Europe, and

Abram-Village—May 17

Mary Frances Leahy, the multi-talented daughter of fiddlers Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy, returns to perform at Village musical acadien in Abram-Village on May 17 at 7 pm.

Fusing her Celtic roots with sounds from around the world, Leahy will take the stage alongside her brother, Michael Leahy, and Wellington’s own Rémi Arsenault.

Shane Pendergast and Ray Knorr will open the show.

Advance tickets are available online at villagemusical.ca, with any remaining tickets sold at the door.

Old Man Lueduke

Copper Bottom—May 9

Old Man Luedecke will perform at Copper Bottom Brewing in Montague on May 9 at 7:30 pm.

Old Man Luedecke is the recording name of two-time JUNO Award–winning and Polaris Prize–nominated singer-songwriter Chris Luedecke.

Australia. As fiddlers, they have also been invited multiple times to compete at the prestigious Canadian Grand Masters Fiddling Competition, occasionally earning finalist placements.

Audiences can expect an evening filled with rich musical traditions and high-energy performances.

A multiple East Coast Music Award winner known for his high-energy banjo-driven stompers, touching guitar ballads, and dry, humorous storytelling, Luedecke has been crafting a soundtrack to an authentic life for nearly twenty years.

Tickets are available in the taproom or online via Eventbrite.

ONGOING MUSIC

ceilidhs, dances, series, sessions...

Blues Jam

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

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: Chazz Smith (vocals) and Todd MacLean (keys/sax) on May 2; Danny Gallant (guitar/vocals) on May 9; Annette Drapeau Corbett from NS (vocals) and Todd MacLean (keys/ sax) on May 17 (*Sunday); Kenny “Pearl” Arsenault (vocals) & James Phillips (guitar/vocals) on May 23; and Craig Fair (keys/vocals) on May 30. 155 Kent St, Charlottetown.

Dunstaffnage Ceilidh

A ceilidh hosted by the Road Masters Band with guest entertainers is held at the Dunstaffnage School Centre on the first Sunday of each month. This month’s event is an anniversary ceilidh, held on May 3 at 7 pm. Guest entertainers include Randy and Waylon Blaisdell, Joan and Judy, Leonard Gaudet and Vince Savoie (fiddle), and Sue Petrie. There will be a 50/50 draw, and coffee, tea, and juice will be served at intermission. Admission is at the door, and the venue is wheelchair accessible. 13529 St. Peters Rd, Dunstaffnage.

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: Ken Fornatran Forgalhorn on May 7; Nico Romero Smooth Jazz on May 14; SOPA Grad Night on May 21; and Teresa Doyle on May 28. Admission is by donation. 181 Great George St, Charlottetown.

Live Big Band Music

The Charlottetown Jazz Ensemble (CJE) hosts a monthly series on the first Friday of every month from 6–7:30 pm at the Salvador Dali Café. The next concerts are May 4, June 5, and July 3. CJE celebrates its 30th anniversary this season. The big band brings together Island musicians— from students to professionals—and has spent three decades performing an eclectic mix of standards and contemporary jazz. With full horn sections (five trumpets, four trombones, five saxes) and a rhythm section, CJE delivers tight musicianship, solos from some of PEI’s best

improvisers, and Island spirit to the stage. Admission is free, and donations are welcome. Follow @charlottetownjazz on FB for updates. 155 Kent St, Charlottetown.

Singing in the Dark Times

Singing in the Dark Times is a casual community pub sing led by Megan Stewart and Lucy Farrell. Inspired by pub sings where people take turns leading songs that everyone joins in on, the group gathers from 6:30–9 pm on the first Tuesday of every month at Village Green Brewery to sing folk songs, rounds, traditional and other well-loved tunes. The next date is May 5. Drop in at any time during the evening—all are welcome, and no prior singing experience is required. Bring friends, bring a song to share, or just come and sing along. Located at 30 Church St in the old post office/dental clinic in Cornwall.

Summerside Kitchen Party

A matinee kitchen party featuring classic country and old rock ‘n’ roll with Back in Tyme (Blair Coughlin, Peter Burke, George MacPhee, Bob Gagnon) is held at the Summerside Legion on Saturdays, May 2, 16, 23, and 30 from 2–5 pm. Admission is at the door. 340 Notre Dame St, Summerside.

Sunday Hootenanny

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

Sunday Session

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

Trad Night at Village Green

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

Winsloe United Ceilidh

Fundraising ceilidhs take place at Winsloe United on Sundays at 2 pm. On May 3, host Dino Dunsford and the Winsloe United House Band will share the stage with guest duo Louise and Johnny Ray Arsenault. On May 17, host Jacinta MacDonald and the House Band welcome special guests Kim Albert, Mike Arsenault, and Todd Gallant. On May 31, host Dino Dunsford returns to present the Langille Family Band (Brian Langille, Roberta Smith, Josh, Sam, and Simon Langille). The church is wheelchair accessible, and a light lunch will be served during intermission. Admission is at the door, which opens at 1:30 pm. 121 Winsloe Rd, Winsloe.

Searching for Abegweit

The Island Songs & Stories of Lennie Gallant

This summer, Summerside’s Harbourfront Theatre is bringing home the multimedia production Searching for Abegweit: The Island Songs & Stories of Lennie Gallant Only four performances will run at 7:30 pm on July 12 and 21, and August 11 and 12.

The Order of Canada recipient and multi-award-winning songwriter leads his band on a journey that spans the Mi’kmaq legends of Abegweit to the modern-day tall tales that define Island life. The auditory experience is heightened by a visual backdrop featuring hundreds of paintings by Lennie’s sister, the celebrated PEI artist Karen Gallant, which dance across a massive screen in a synchronized marriage of music and canvas.

The return of this production is a cornerstone of the theatre’s landmark 30th-anniversary celebrations, serving as a homecoming for both the artist and the community.

Gallant’s storytelling offers a look

into the past, present, and future of PEI.

The show balances the poignant with the humorous, inviting the audience to laugh, cry, and dance in their seats. Visit harbourfronttheatre.com to purchase tickets.

Common Sound

New concert series launches at Beaconsfield—May 23

Common Sound launches on May 23 at 7 pm at Beaconsfield Carriage House in Charlottetown.

The curated, year-round concert series presents one concert each month, featuring artists from across Atlantic Canada. It serves as an artistic bridge, bringing genres, audiences, and artists together through intentionally eclectic programming. Each concert is grounded in a shared commitment to musical quality.

Founded and organized by composer Sandro Manzon after returning to Canada following several years in Europe, Common Sound will take place in venues across Charlottetown, with each event shaped by its own atmosphere and musical character.

The opening concert will begin with a short set of contemporary Canadian minimalist piano music, followed by a guest set from Ray Knorr and Romy Munkres, whose twin fiddle playing draws from Canadian and American traditions, classical training, and a wide range of influences. Headlining the night is Pallmer, an experimental chamber-pop trio from Fredericton, New Brunswick, whose sound draws

on classical music and sound art while combining cello, viola, synthesizers, and vocals in fluid, genre-crossing ways. With future concerts already in development, Common Sound hopes to offer Charlottetown audiences a welcoming new place to encounter excellent live music from both local and visiting artists. The series is rooted in the belief that thoughtful programming can do more than present great performances. It can bring people together, spark new artistic connections, and help build a stronger Atlantic Canadian music community. Admission is at the door with a pay-what-you-can option.

by Dennis Ellsworth

C. Ruth Ascending

In a brand new song, for his upcoming project C. Ruth & the Mango Street Trio, Charles Ruth brings forward the idea of an eagle with a crow on its back, pecking at its neck. The eagle doesn’t fight back, it simply ascends to an altitude where the air is too thin for the crow to withstand, forcing it to fall away. This analogy is one Ruth feels close to in his pursuit of a peaceful, meaningful life.

Charles Ruth was born and raised in Nigeria. His father was a military general and his mother, a nurse. In 2007, while Ruth was 14 years old and away at boarding school, his father was politically assassinated. As the first born son of a targeted military general, there were legitimate concerns about his own life being in danger. Shortly after the assassination, a recruitment agent from UPEI happened to visit the high school Charles was attending. This put Prince Edward Island on their radar and gave his mother the idea to arrange for Charles to relocate, and through this chain of events, Charles arrived.

discovery, and for Charles, it is constantly in motion.

Festival Route 11

Three day trad-folk celebration returns to Union Corner

Festival Route 11 returns for its sixth edition July 31–August 2 at Union Corner Provincial Park. The trad-folk festival celebrates music, culinary arts, and visual arts, all in the heart of PEI’s stunning Evangeline region.

He spent a few years trying to find a groove, somewhat unsure what direction his life should take. He tried his own stint in the military with a brief trial training, but ultimately decided it wasn’t for him. He was carrying around a lot of frustration, but around this time his perspectives started to shift. Just as he was starting to find his way in Canada, his mother fell ill and passed away in 2016. He was 23, and this hit him hard, but his drive to combat the pain and settle into peaceful, joyful living was pushing its way through and thankfully, it would not be held back any longer.

In 2019, Charles started writing his thoughts and feelings down, and organically, this is where his music journey began. It was an exercise in patience and surrender, but one that was filling his soul with new life. He was moving out of his own way and the songs started to pour out as if they belonged in his timeline. He was after contagious good feelings in the tone, flow, confidence, and sonics, but wasn’t shy about the darker nature of the words. He understood that it was okay to have fun and still feel his pain. He writes from experience, giving the world an outward take on his inward world. This is truly a process of self

Charles spends his days working for a small organic food service called Growers Station Inc, and he is also running a small business called Umbrella House PEI that markets and sells spray free sweet potatoes, grown by Raymond and Nora Dorgan at Westech Agriculture in Alberton, PE. His experience with the farming community of PEI has given him a heightened sense of the beauty and wisdom that comes with slow Island living. It contributes to and pairs very well with Charles’ soft and kind human nature.

On the musical horizon, his new endeavour, C. Ruth & the Mango Street Trio (Charles, Chris Chisholm, Danika Poirier, Ivan Garnica), will release a single from their new EP in late May. They have also been invited to perform at NXNE in Toronto in June.

C. Ruth is ascending.

Festival-goers are sure to be wowed by the lineup of world-class musicians. The Main Stage will welcome some familiar faces, including Cajun singer-songwriter Jourdan Thibodeaux, last seen at the festival in 2024. Québécois rabble-rousers Jean-François Berthiaume and Louis-Simon Lemieux return to fire up the Friday night square dance. Their performance at the Mack in Charlottetown in February 2026 brought the entire room to its feet, with audience members moving back chairs and tables in favour of more dance space. Making their Festival Route 11 debut are PEI’s own Gordie MacKeeman and His Rhythm Boys, known for their high-energy performances and Gordie’s “Crazy Legs.”

Main Stage newcomers include Nova Scotian sound sculpturists Champagne Weather and Julie Aubé, a New Brunswick folk artist best known as a member of the indie group Les Hay Babies. Capping off Saturday night’s concert is Cajun Country

Revival, featuring elite Cajun musicians and led by legendary accordionist Jesse Lége. Rounding out the festival lineup are Route 11 family members Vishtèn and Maukin, whose music is integral to the festival experience and whose members are also key to its success through their advocacy and involvement.

Last year’s attendees will be pleased to see the return of the roaming cinq à sept–style dinner, where patrons visit four different stations, each with its own culinary offering. Festival favourite Family Day returns August 1, with free, all-ages programming from 11 am–5 pm, including Shane Pendergast’s ’60s coffeehouse-inspired Jack Pine Folk Club under the stretch tent. Finally, the festival grounds at Union Corner Park will once more be transformed by artists Patrick Brunet and Kelly Caseley, with their large-scale, impactful art installations that lend the whimsy and magic that complete the Festival Route 11 experience.

Festival Route 11 is presented by the Fédération culturelle de l’Île-duPrince-Édouard. Tickets are on sale at festivalroute11.com. Volunteer and get a free weekend pass.

At the Trailside

Upcoming musical offerings in May

Songs for Mom

Mother’s Day Brunch

May 10 ›› 1 pm

Kelley Mooney, Keelin Wedge, and Christine Cameron share some of their moms’ favourite songs alongside tunes honouring moms everywhere.

Doors open at 11:30 am.

Emilea May & Joanie

Mother’s Day Evening Show

May 10 ›› 7:30 pm

Emilea is a PEI singer-songwriter whose music resonates with the raw beauty of her surroundings. Serene melodies and introspective lyrics cut to the core, offering a glimpse into her soul. She weaves tales inspired by the mysteries of creation, human connection, and the transformative journey of motherhood.

Joanie’s music moves between the achingly intimate and the sonically cinematic, grounded in lyrics that cut straight through the noise. A classically trained violinist and self-taught guitarist, she writes like she dreams: vividly, intensely, and with total disregard for the rules.

Doors open at 6 pm.

Wouldn’t it be Nice - The Music of the Beach Boys

May 7–9 ›› 8 pm

Ride a wave of pure nostalgia with Wouldn’t It Be Nice: The Music of The Beach Boys. This vibrant concert tribute celebrates the world’s premier surf rock band with shimmering harmonies, authentic arrangements, and boundless California energy. It brings the iconic music of The Beach Boys to life in a joyful and feel-good experience for audiences of all ages.

Performed by an ensemble of eleven musicians and vocalists, Wouldn’t It Be

Nice is a musical trip to the beach, with warm breezes, good vibrations, and the sound of endless summer.

Dead Bob (NoMeansNo) with Mvll Crimes

May 13 ›› 8 pm

Dead Bob is the solo project of John Wright, drummer for the now-retired Canadian punk band NoMeansNo (NMN). Life Like is his first solo release. Written and largely performed by Wright, the album also features contributions from several collaborators. Recorded and produced by John in British Columbia, the material spans decades, with more still in the archives. The songs roll out cohesively but defy easy categorization; genre is difficult to pin down, but one thing is clear—it is not to be listened to quietly.

Leeroy Stagger

May 14 ›› 8 pm

Leeroy Stagger is a beloved, award-winning Canadian singer-songwriter, producer and master storyteller. Stylistically his music moves between folk, roots and rock’n’roll. He is inspired as much by John Prine and Nick Drake as he is Tom Petty and Joe Strummer. For the past 20 years, he has been touring North America and Europe, making records and gaining a dedicated following. His music is written through the lens of a spiritual path through addiction and recovery; he cuts a trail through the human condition in only a way that a veteran observational traveller and artist can.

Matt Minglewood Band

May 15–16 ›› 8 pm

Guitarist, pianist, singer, songwriter— Minglewood creates an inspired blend of country, blues, folk, roots and rock. Both on record and on stage he keeps the music thriving, interesting, and vivacious. After a dozen recordings and 30 years of touring from Cape Breton to Vancouver, Europe, and across the United States, he has earned the respect and loyalty of thousands of devoted fans.

Joce Reyome & Bobby Dove

May 19 ›› 8 pm

Winner of the 2025 Solo/Duo Category at the International Blues Challenge, Joce Reyome brings an authentic, engaging presence to the stage, turning audiences into active participants in a journey through heartbreak and humour. With performances at the Confederation Centre of the Arts Main Stage in Charlottetown, the Orpheum Theatre in Memphis, JUNOfest 2024, the East Coast Music Awards, and more, they have captivated audiences across Canada and beyond.

Bobby Dove is a singer-songwriter with a voice as powerful as their storytelling. The trans/non-binary troubadour pays homage to the golden age of honky-tonk while crafting original, emotionally charged songs.

Wild World

A Tribute to Cat Stevens/Yusuf

May 28 ›› 8 pm

This tribute makes its debut with an evening dedicated to some of the most iconic songs of the 1970s. Performed by five accomplished musicians, the show celebrates the timeless music and remarkable journey of the artist known as Cat Stevens, later Yusuf, through a thoughtful blend of live performance and storytelling. The lineup features Mario Robichaud as frontman, alongside Carrie MacLellan on piano, Daniel Drouin on guitar, Stéphane Bouchard on bass, and Wayne Robichaud on drums.

Garrett Mason May 29 ›› 8 pm

His path to becoming a blues musician began at an early age; surrounded by blues music, his favourite tapes at three were Canned Heat and Buddy Rich. Although his father stopped playing guitar before Garrett was born and wasn’t able to teach him directly, he instilled a strong understanding of blues structure and sound. Surrounded by his father’s peers, Garrett also benefitted from exposure to a wide range of musical talent.

Brother’s MacPhee: Nirvana Unplugged in New York

May 30 ›› 8 pm

in New York. They perform their rendition of the full-length album front to back. The album was released on November 1, 1994. Bonus Nirvana tracks, alongside a mash-up of ’90s grunge and alternative songs, round out the nostalgic evening.

The Charlottetown Jazz Ensemble

May 31 ›› 8 pm

Recent winner of the 2026 Music PEI Award for Jazz, the Charlottetown Jazz Ensemble is a big band with full horn sections—five trumpets, four trombones, and five saxes—plus piano, guitar, bass, and drums. Formed in 1996, the ensemble is celebrating its 30th anniversary and features Island musicians with a range of backgrounds. For 30 years, the band has presented an eclectic mix of traditional standards and contemporary jazz.

Trailside Music Hall is located at 155 Kent Street in Charlottetown. For tickets and info visit trailside.ca or call 902-367-3311.

Festival of Small Halls

Returning to a hall near you in June

The PEI Mutual Festival of Small Halls, a traditional music, dance, and storytelling festival, returns to rural communities across Prince Edward Island from June 12–21. More than 40 acts across 30 shows will fill community halls and performance spaces from tip to tip.

The festival begins with the signature Shakin’ the Shingles opening show at Historic St. Mary’s on June 12. The bill includes James Mullinger, The Pairs, and all-star Cape Breton Celtic group Beòlach.

For two weeks, Islanders and visitors alike are invited to share in the love of music, dance, and storytelling in traditional meeting places steeped in community significance and cultural heritage. Venues like Kings Playhouse, Stanley Bridge Hall, and the Stompin’ Tom Centre offer dynamic and intimate backdrops for these eclectic shows.

Big local acts like Maukin, Richard Wood, and Joce Reyome will grace the stages alongside festival favourites like Cynthia MacLeod and Fiddlers’ Sons.

Award-winning Canadian performers include singer-songwriters The Pairs, Logan Staats, and Cara Luft, as well as Troy MacGillivray and Jake Charron. Island favourites Inn Echo, Logan Richard, and Catherine MacLellan are on the bill once again, while comedians Derek Seguin, Patrick Ledwell, and Shawn Hogan also return.

The rich traditions embedded in the artistry of these local and national performers reverberate beautifully in the host venues that have long been essential to their communities. This timeless pairing is part of why the PEI Mutual Festival of Small Halls has been named Music PEI’s Event of the Year on six occasions.

For a full schedule and list of performers visit smallhalls.com or see page 24 and 25 in this issue of The Buzz. Tickets can be purchased online, by phone at 902-892-2308, or in person at the Maypoint Plaza, 161 Maypoint Road, Charlottetown. Attendees are encouraged to reserve tickets early, as performances sell out regularly.

Fiddle Fandemonium 4

Tradition meets the stage at Centre 150

Now in its fourth year, Fiddle Fandemonium, presented by Richard Wood Live!, will be held on June 5 at Centre 150 in Summerside. Doors open at 6:30 pm, with showtime at 7:30 pm. This signature early-summer event draws audiences from across PEI and beyond—a reflection of a community that continues to value its culture, and shows up to support it. This event is about keeping a tradition alive, visible, and evolving. Fiddle music has always been part of the cultural heartbeat of PEI, but traditions don’t continue on their own, which is why Fiddle Fandemonium was created.

Bringing together five of Atlantic Canada’s leading fiddlers each year, the show celebrates the diversity within the tradition itself. From Celtic

Tip Er Back

West River United—May 3

Cloggeroo

Music festival weekend in Three Rivers

Cloggeroo is gearing up for another PEI festival weekend, August 14–16, with over 50 musicians arriving in Three Rivers. The festival lives up to its community-minded approach, with plans for both ticketed and family-friendly, pay-what-you-can events. This year, the festival puts a spotlight on Holland College School of Performing Arts (SoPA), featuring new and former graduates from PEI, across Canada, and other countries.

Friday night kicks off with a reunion show at Kings Playhouse featuring Garrett Mason, Keith Hallett, Chuck Bucket, and Rhéo Rochon Jr., with Mama’s Broke opening. Saturday night turns up the rock with Adam Baldwin and the Jenny Wren, Joce Reyome, and Out From Under.

Wrapping up the weekend, the always-popular Sunday Boggeroo Blues Tent comes alive with Steve Marriner and his band, fresh off recent JUNO and Canadian Blues Awards wins, along with PEI’s Got Blues Band, Jon Hines (NS), and Frank Sultana (Australia).

Everyone is invited to Saturday afternoon’s Family Day, a

pay-what-you-can event with three bands on stage (Charlie A’Court, Steve Somers, Hello Mischief), guitar and hand-drumming workshops, the famous tie-dye table, the Kids’ Zone, and snacks supplied by Inclusions East and other local vendors.

The Friday and Saturday late-afternoon sessions at Drifter’s floating Tiki Bar on the Montague River serve as warm-ups to the evening shows. Visit cloggeroo.com for information on artists, volunteering, schedules, and tickets. All venues are accessible.

to Acadian, and all genres in between, the evening offers a rare chance to experience multiple fiddle styles in one place. Presented in a songwriter-circle style, the performers play and share the stories, influences, and moments that shaped their music.

Joining Richard Wood are fiddlers Ray Legere, Alycia Putnam, Karson McKeown, and Melissa Gallant. Together, they will celebrate the deep roots and evolution of traditional music, exploring five fiddling styles: Old Time, Acadian, Irish, Scottish, and Bluegrass. Supporting this lineup are Kimberley Holmes on piano and Brent Chaisson on guitar.

Visit rwood.ca for more information and details about hotel, dinner, and show packages.

Friday night

ceilidhs

Series returns to the Irish Cultural Centre for 2026

The Benevolent Irish Society (BIS) will welcome established and emerging PEI talent to this year’s season of Friday night ceilidhs. The weekly series features 18 family-friendly shows running from May 22 to September 25 at 7:30 pm at the Irish Cultural Centre in Charlottetown. The performances showcase PEI musicians, storytellers, dancers, and special guests.

“We celebrate our province’s Irish culture and heritage throughout the year,” says Kathy Roney, Chair of the BIS Social and Ceilidh Committee. “Our audiences especially love our authentic ceilidh, traditionally an event that brings communities together with music, dance, and song. It is a favourite among Islanders and tourists alike.”

The opening ceilidh on May 22 will feature Fiddlers’ Sons (Eddy Quinn, John B. Webster), Blu Gillis, fiddler Fiona MacCorquodale, and step dancers Grace Sulis-Chiasson

and Lillianna Bradley. On May 29, Michael Pendergast and The Pendys will perform with special guest Ray MacDonald, fiddler Flora MacLaine, and step dancers Grace Sulis-Chiasson and Lillianna Bradley.

The two-hour shows include a 50/50 draw and light refreshments at intermission. Advance tickets may be purchased online at Locarious.io, or with cash at the door, if seating is available. Doors open at 6:30 pm.

The Irish Cultural Centre is located at 582 North River Road in Charlottetown. It is air-conditioned and wheelchair accessible, and free parking is available. Visit benevolentirishsocietyofpei.com for more information.

The Barra MacNeils

40th Anniversary Tour at Harbourfront—May 26

The Barra MacNeils bring their 40th Anniversary Tour to Summerside’s Harbourfront Theatre on May 26.

This milestone show is a heartfelt reflection on their life in music, taking audiences on an intimate journey through stories and the timeless songs of their 40-year career.

Illsborough River

New music video from The Humanoid Movement

PEI hip hop artists Bill Dozer and Norm Strangely have joined forces to form The Humanoid Movement. The official video for their new song, “Illsborough River,” is now available on YouTube (@humanoidmovement).

The track features a beat by Adam Robbins and was mixed and mastered by Atomic. It appears on their upcoming album, The Brain Busters, set for release in the coming months.

Take The Mic

Season finale—May 23

Take The Mic’s season finale for its live band karaoke series will be held at The Pourhouse in Charlottetown on May 23 at 7:30 pm.

Backed by a live band, guests can sign up to sing their favourite songs solo, as a duo, or with friends. Audience members who want to sing one last time before the summer break are encouraged to review Take The Mic’s song list and register early.

This is a 19+ event. Admission is cash only at the door, with advance tickets available online. For tickets, the song list, singer registration, and more, visit takethemicband.ca.

With 17 critically acclaimed albums, they perform original songs alongside tried-and-true instrumental and vocal standards.

Visit harbourfronttheatre.com to purchase tickets.

The Soosh

Live at the Pourhouse—May 2

Experience the golden age of groove and relive the ’70s with The Soosh on May 2 from 7–10 pm at The Pourhouse in Charlottetown.

The Soosh is a retro funk-disco band that blends powerful vocals, infectious rhythms, and top-tier musicianship, drawing inspiration from Michael Jackson, Prince, Stevie Wonder, and Whitney Houston.

Open Mic Night

Bonshaw Hall—May 22

Hosted by Aaron Stevenson, Open Mic Night at Bonshaw Hall on May 22 offers an opportunity for local talent to share a song, story, poem, or comedy with the community.

The relaxed country-folk style event runs from 7–9:30 pm and welcomes both seasoned performers and those stepping onto the stage for the first time. Musicians, comedians, poets, and storytellers are all invited to perform, with sign-up available at the door.

For those who prefer to listen, the evening offers a chance to enjoy a variety of local talent. Coffee and refreshments are available.

Admission is at the door with a pay-what-you-can option.

Songwriter series

Stories and songs at Summerside Shipyard

The Summerside Shipyard, set along the scenic waterfront, hosts a Songwriter Series in its 84-person event space, offering intimate evenings with talented songwriters in a warm, relaxed setting. Stories are shared, songs are stripped back, and every seat feels like the front row, creating a cozy, listening-room atmosphere for original music and storytelling.

The upcoming lineup features Dave Gunning on May 8, Christina Martin with Dale Murray on May 29, and Tim

Jack Pine Folk Club

Music and poetry at Trailside Music Hall—May 21

The Jack Pine Folk Club returns to Trailside Music Hall in Charlottetown on May 21. Doors open at 6:30 pm, with showtime at 7:30 pm.

The Jack Pine Folk Club channels the spirit of a 1960s folk coffeehouse, as host Shane Pendergast leads an intimate evening of music, poetry, and revelry.

Returning to the folk club, The McMillan’s Camp Boys bring their oldtime sound, shaped by early folk influences, complete with harmonies and timeless charm. The night also features

The Story of Rock ’n’ Roll

The final chapter at Jack Blanchard Centre—May 6

Phase II, along with special musical guests Kendall Docherty and Niall MacKay, present the final show in their concert series, The Story of Rock ’n’ Roll, on May 6 at the Jack Blanchard Centre, 7 Pond Street, Charlottetown.

This show features the “Hit Parade,” a musical tribute to the greatest hits of the rock ’n’ roll era from the ’50s through the ’70s, along with a few newer selections from artists like Bob Seger, ABBA, and Ed Sheeran.

Doors open at 6:30 pm, with showtime at 7:30 pm. There will be a cash bar and a 50/50 draw. Advance reservations are encouraged by contacting Gerry Hickey at 902-393-3251.

Chaisson on June 19.

Showtime is 7:30 pm. Tickets are available online at eventbrite.com.

The McMillan’s Camp Boys

Ewe & Eye, a special cross-cultural project from Diana Castro and Adam Hill, blending traditional Colombian music with North American folk. Rounding out the evening is poet Arielle Dunn.

A must-see for folk music lovers, the show promises connection, culture, and timeless magic.

Visit trailside.ca for tickets.

Fundraising concert

In support of the South Shore Food Share—May 3

A fundraising concert for the South Shore Food Share will be held at the Bonshaw Community Centre on May 3 from 2–4 pm.

The family-friendly event, sponsored by the PEI Districts 17 and 19 Green Party and the South Shore Food Share, will feature performances by Karina Boswell, Cameron McDuffee, Karen Graves, the Canoe Cove Community Choir, Tony Reddin, Cole Brioux, and step-dancer Lillianna Bradley.

There will be a silent auction of cakes created by community members. Admission is by donation of cash or food in support of the Food Share.

LIVE MUSIC

bars, lounges, pubs, cafés...

Albert & Crown Pub

Cathy Jackman & Perry Batten (May 1 @7 pm); Crystal Paynter & Wade Carragher (8 @7 pm); Chris & Molly (16 @7 pm); Floyd Gaudet (22 @6 pm); Alyssa Harper & Kelley Mooney (23 @6 pm); Bruce & Robert Jones (29 @6 pm). 480 Main St, Alberton.

Baba’s Lounge

Fridays & Satudays (10 pm *unless noted) and Tuesdays (8 pm): Jont and the Fish (May 1); Ivytide, Sam O, Allyson Blush (2); Experimental Electronic Night (5); TBA (8/15/29/30); Nicholas Campbell & the Metre Cheaters, WSG, The Wicked Deadlys (9 @7 pm); Javier DJ Night (9); Vinyl Night (12); Out From Under (16 @7 pm); Experimental Electronic Night (19) Radio Roulette, Arrows in the Air (22); The Dopeness, D-Rok, DJ heArTz (23); Hi, Low (26); Plain Dirty Blues (30 @5 pm). Open Mic on Wednesdays (9 pm). Island Jazz on Thursdays (8 pm). 181 Great George St, Charlottetown.

Bogside Brewing Montague

Fridays & Saturdays (6–9 pm): Dave Woodside (May 1); Brothers MacPhee (2); Stephen Schwartz (8); Taylor Johnson (9); Mat Hannah (15); Margarita Wayne (16); Steve Zaat (22); Lawrence Maxwell (23); Lisa Birt (29); May 30 Billy White (30). 11 Brook St, Montague.

Bogside Brewing Summerside

Fridays & Saturdays (6–9 pm): Steve Zaat (May 1); Owen Hann Memorial (2 @7 pm); Chris & Molly (8); Roland Beaulieu (9); Dan Doiron (15); Dave Woodside (16); Margarita Wayne (22); MadJoy (23); Adam MacGregor (29); Alyssa Harper (30). 110 Water St, Summerside.

Borden-Carleton Legion

Annual Spring Fling Dance with Roundabout on May 2 (9 pm *ticketed). 240 Main St, Borden-Carleton.

Brothers 2

Thursdays (7–9 pm) & Fridays (7–10 pm): MadJoy (May 1); Danny Doiron (7); Chris & Andy (8); Todd Gallant (14); D’Arcy & Moe (15); Ryan Merry (21); Crystal Paynter (22); Danny Doiron (28); Lawrence Maxwell (29). 618 Water St, Summerside.

Charlottetown Beer Garden

Late Night DJs on Saturdays: DJ Purdy & DJ CeeDee (May 2); DJ Method (9); DJ Derek (16); DJ Jeremie (23); DJ Douce (30). 185 Kent St, Charlottetown.

Charlottetown Legion

Saturdays (9:30 pm–12:30 am): Neon County (May 2); Roundabout (9);

Wrecking Crew (16); Dunk River Band (23); Kim Albert and Faces (30). 99 Pownal St, Charlottetown.

Copper Bottom Brewing

Saturdays (6–9 pm *unless noted): Barry O’Brien (May 2); Old Man Luedecke (9 @7:30 *ticketed); Cameron Nickerson CD Launch W/ Brooke MacArthur (16 @7:30 *ticketed); Dan Doiron (23); Lisa Birt (30).

Sunday Hootenanny W/ The Blizzard Goat Band on Sundays (3–5 pm). 567 Main St, Montague.

Evermoore Brewing

Tuesdays (6–8 pm): Nick Doneff (May 5); Nathan Wiley Duo (11 *Mon @6 pm); Zach Bellas Trio (12); Geoffrey Charlton (19); Adam MacGregor (26). Irish Trad Session with Geoff Charlton on Saturdays (1:30–4 pm). 192 Water St, Summerside.

The Factory

DJs on Fridays and Saturdays (11 pm) on the main floor: DJ Douce (May 1/15); DJ Method (2/16/23/30); DJ Purdy (8); DJ Derek (9/29); DJ Send Szn (22); DJ Derek (22 *lower level). 189 Kent St, Charlottetown.

Founders’ Food Hall & Market

Saturdays (May 2–23, 5–7 pm): Brian J Dunn (May 2); Chris Burke (9); Tiantian & Vivian (16); Soul Filter (23). 6 Prince St, Charlottetown.

Gahan House

Fridays (9–11 pm): Fraser McCallum (May 1); Ryan Merry (8); Nathan Carragher (15); Adam McGregor (22). 126 Sydney St, Charlottetown.

Hunter’s Ale House

Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays (11 pm): Liam & Adam (May 1); Boney Oaks (2); Carter MacLellan (7); Camp Gencheff fundraiser W/ Mindgaze, DayBlooms, YokoHomies (8); Liam & Jon (9); Mat & Jeff (14); Laura & Don (15); Crimson Clay (16); Ryan Merry (21); Griff & Don (22); Gin N’ Tonic (23); Brad & Isaac (28); Dead Seasons, Supernaut (29); Nice Boys, The Heartfakers (30). Open Mic with Travis on Mondays (10 pm). 185 Kent St, Charlottetown.

John Brown Grille

Saturdays (2–5 pm): TBA (May 2/9/30); Brian Dunn (16); Kim Albert (23). 132 Richmond St, Charlottetown.

Lone Oak Brew Pub

Thursdays (6–8 pm): Nathan Carragher (May 7); Mike Stratton (14); Brian Dunn (21); Kev MacPhee (28). 15 Milky Way, Charlottetown.

Lone Oak Brewing Co

Fridays (7–9 pm, bi-weekly): Dan Doiron (May 1); Dave Woodside (15); Gordon Butler (22); Jonathan Kemp Duo (29). 103 Abegweit Blvd, Borden-Carleton.

Olde Dublin Pub

Ethan MacPhee (May 1 @6 pm); TBA (1 @10 pm); Marc Ekins (2 @6 pm); Wannabeez (2 @10 pm); Reed McGregor (8 @7 pm); TBA (8 @10 pm); Vintage 2.0 (9 @6 pm); Dahlia Band (9 @10 pm); Acoustic Brothers (15 @6 pm); TBA (15 @10 pm); Jon Matthews & Liam Kearney (16 @6 pm); Salty Dogs (16 @10 pm); Kelley Mooney & Alyssa Harper (22 @6 pm); Ella Campbell & Derrick Lyons (22 @10 pm); Ella Campbell & Derrick Lyons (23 @6 pm); Neon Country (23 @10 pm); Vintage 2.0 (29 @7 pm); TBA (29 @10 pm); Wannabeez (30 @10 pm). Trivia & Tunes with Cone and guests on Thursdays (7 pm). 132 Sydney St, Charlottetown.

PEI Brewing Company

Acoustic Fridays (4–7 pm): Margarita Wayne (May 1); Brad Milligan (8); Lawrence Maxwell (22); Fraser McCallum (29). 96 Kensington Rd, Charlottetown.

RCAF Wing Summerside

Fridays (7 pm) & Saturdays (9 pm). Still Kickin on Sundays (2 pm). 329 North Market St, Summerside.

Red’s Gold Cup Lounge

Fridays & Saturdays (10 pm–1 am): Mat Hannah (May 1); Jeff Morris (2); Billy White (8); Mike & Karen Penton (9); Richie Bulger & Brian (15); Emily Wilbur (16); Nathan Carragher (22); Barry O’Brien (23); Roger Stone (29); Dan Doiron (30). Red Shores, 21 Exhibition Dr, Charlottetown.

Slaymaker & Nichols

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

Summerside Legion

Johnny G and the Legionnaires on Fridays (7 pm). Back in Tyme on Saturdays (2–5 pm, *May 2/16/23/30). 340 Notre Dame St, Summerside.

MARKETS & SALES

Island Made Spring Market

Over 60 local artisans will be at the Confederation Centre of the Arts lower concourse for a spring market featuring a curated selection of Island creators on May 2 from 10 am–3 pm. Funds raised through raffle tickets and market entry (by donation) will support PEI Cares in its work caring for PEI’s companion animals. Follow @IslandMadeSpringMarket on Facebook for updates.

Community clothing exchange

A free, all-ages community clothing exchange will take place at the Charlottetown Library on May 2 from 11 am–3 pm. In collaboration with Wild Child, the event focuses on sustainability, community, and giving clothes a second life. Shoppers can bring gently used clothing to swap, browse a selection of free items, and take home anything that suits their style or their family’s needs. No donation is required to participate, and everyone is welcome. For donation drop-off details, contact Wild Child; items are not to be dropped off at the library. Info: peiwildchild.wordpress.com

Book sale

The Holy Redeemer Catholic Women’s League (CWL) will hold a used book sale fundraiser at Jack Blanchard Hall on May 9 from 9 am–12 noon. The sale will include used books, a new-to-you table, jewelry, puzzles, and a draw for gift baskets. Everyone is welcome. Admission is free. 3 Pond St, Charlottetown.

PEI Witch Market

The PEI Witch Market returns to The Arts Guild in Charlottetown on May 9 from 12–5 pm, with a Dungeons & Dragons theme. The market will feature psychics, artisanal bread, crochet goods, custom dice, and witchy crafters. Costumes are encouraged. Admission is a small fee.

Yard and craft sale

A large multi-family yard and craft sale featuring over 20 vendors will be held at Milton Hall, 7 New Glasgow Rd, on May 16 from 8 am–2 pm. The sale will include baked goods, artificial flowers for graves, clothing, Christmas décor, woodwork, elastics, spices, sea glass, preserves, kitchenware, jewelry, and more. Admission is a small fee for those aged 15 and older. Funds raised will go toward a new door for Hope House and ADHD PEI. To be a vendor, call 902-388-0261.

Garden market

Our Lady of the Assumption Parish in Stratford is holding its third annual garden market on May 16 from 9 am–1 pm. The market will feature a large selection of indoor and outdoor plants, patio furniture, birdhouses, bird baths,

garden tools, home-baked goods, used puzzles, raffle draws, and tips from experienced gardeners. Everyone is welcome. Admission is free.

Compost sale

St. Mark’s Presbyterian Church’s annual compost sale will take place on May 16 from 9 am–1 pm. Compost will be available by the bag or by the scoop in the church parking lot at 7 Tamarac Ave in Charlottetown. Cash or debit accepted.

Plant swap

Bring plants or cuttings to the Summerside Library and swap with fellow plant lovers on May 17 at 2 pm. Do not bring any plants that are categorized as an invasive species.

WoHeLo/QEH Auxiliary clothing sale

The WoHeLo/QEH Auxiliary will host its three-day spring sale at 144 Dorchester St in Charlottetown on May 21 from 12–8 pm, May 22 from 10 am–7 pm, and May 23 from 10 am–3 pm. The sale offers gently used adult and children’s spring and summer clothing, as well as shoes, jewelry, and purses. Proceeds support new and updated equipment for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH). All funds from this sale will go toward a Giraffe Star T-Piece Resuscitator and a Panda Warmer. The Resuscitator is essential for stabilizing preterm newborns and supporting babies requiring respiratory intervention, while the Panda Warmer provides a controlled, thermally stable environment for safe transition after delivery. Bring your own bag. The sale is cash only; an ATM is available onsite. Follow @qwhauxiliary on Facebook for updates.

Zion clothing sale

Zion Presbyterian’s Spring Clothing Sale will run from 9 am–1 pm on May 29 and 30. Shoppers will find a large selection of adult and children’s clothing, along with shoes, purses, and jewelry. There will also be a café, bake sale, and book sale, as well as a barbecue each day from 11 am–1 pm. Debit and credit cards are accepted. All proceeds will go to the church, located at 135 Prince St, Charlottetown.

Perennial sale

The Canoe Cove Community Association will hold its 19th annual Perennial Sale on May 30 from 9 am–12 noon at Inman Park in Canoe Cove. The sale will feature hundreds of perennials, annuals, herbs, dahlias, shrubs, trees, and rich compost for the garden—all at very reasonable prices. Proceeds will support a new roof for the historic Canoe Cove School. A canteen will offer coffee and muffins during the sale.

ISSUE# 389 • MAY 2026

buzzpei.com @buzzpei

Editor: Yanik Richards

Editor: Michelle Ollerhead Website: Nakeesa Aghdasy

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

Contributors: Julie Bull, Dennis Ellsworth, Takako Morita, Tara Reeves, JoDee Samuelson, Gary Schneider, Bren Simmers, J. J. Steinfeld, Ashleigh Tremere, Christine Zareck

Office: 160 Richmond Street, Charlottetown

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

Phone: 902-628-1958

E-mail: info@buzzpei.com

Social Media: @buzzpei

The Buzz is published monthly by Little Kit Bag Inc. We acknowledge 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.

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.

MUSIC

Volunteer singers or musicians wanted

Andrews Senior Care is looking for volunteers interested in performing for seniors at Andrews of Summerside and Andrews of Parkhill homes. Those who would like to share their talents can email info@andrewsseniorcare.com with “Volunteer” in the subject line.

PD Day at The Nest

Caregivers and parents can bring their children (up to age six) to The Nest for 45 minutes of music and movement on May 1 at 10 am or 2 pm. The class includes song, dance, instrument play, puppets, a parachute, and a bubble dance party.

COVER:

Happy Accident, watercolour, 22” x 26” Arches by Christine Zareck.

The final lobster painting came about after water was spilled all over the original, ruining the background. Christine cut out the part that survived and glued it to a new painting of geometric circles with all the colors in the lobster. It was indeed a “Happy Accident.” It resides at Carr’s Oyster Bar in Stanley Bridge.

Christine Zareck is an artist and interior designer living in Stanley Bridge, PEI. She is the owner of Material Girl Fabrics in Charlottetown. Prints available at Material Girl, Carr’s Oyster Bar and The Inn at Bay Fortune.

JUNE BUZZ DEADLINE

Submissions and advertising booking deadline for the June issue:

Friday, May 15

Advertising: sales@buzzpei.com

Editorial: info@buzzpei.com

Open and welcome to all. Spots are limited; register at thenestpei.com/drop-in. 95 Capital Dr, Charlottetown.

Informal jam session

An informal jam session for adults will be held at the Summerside Library on Mondays at 6 pm. Bring an instrument or borrow one from the library and join other musicians for an informal evening of playing music.

Choral series: Healing through Harmony

Healing through Harmony, a six-week choral series, takes place at 7 pm from May 4–June 15 in the Choral Room at The Mack in Charlottetown. The welcoming group offers a singing experience that builds connection, confidence, and more through shared harmony. Info: confederationcentre.com

FOOD & DRINK

Chef Nation

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

Fudge sale

St. Peter’s Cathedral will hold its annual fudge sale at the Confederation Court Mall in Charlottetown on May 8 from 9 am–4 pm, or as long as supplies last.

Lobster chowder take-out

The Kirk of St. James is taking orders for its lobster chowder take-out, with pick-up on May 9 from 10:30 am–12 noon. The chowder features lobster, scallops, shrimp, salmon, haddock, and mussels. Each serving includes a biscuit and a slice of raisin carrot cake with cream cheese icing. Diners can order either a 12 oz chowder with a biscuit and slice of cake or a 26 oz chowder with two biscuits and two slices of cake. Limited gluten- and lactose-free options are available. Chowders can be safely refrigerated for up to 48 hours and reheated for serving. Orders must be made in advance online at kirkchowder2026.fundraiser. support. Info: 902-892-2839

Mother’s Day Tea

A Mother’s Day Tea fundraiser takes place at Crapaud Hall on May 9 at 12 noon. The tea includes petite sandwiches, sweets, and tea and coffee. Advance ticket purchase is recommended, and can be made at the Crapaud General Store or by e-transfer to admin@rmofcrapaud. com. All proceeds will go to the hall.

Taco Battles

Charlottetown has transformed into a 12-day taco trail, with more than 30 restaurants unveiling limited-time creations crafted exclusively for Taco Battles 2026, running until May 9. Each kitchen brings its own perspective and edge, competing for the Golden Taco Trophy while giving diners a reason to explore the city one stop at a time. Guests can choose from pork, beef, chicken, and seafood tacos, ranging from classic builds to bold, globally inspired interpretations. The variety is intentional and designed to reflect the depth and diversity of Charlottetown’s food scene. Explore new restaurants, revisit old favourites, and cast a vote at tacobattles.ca for the taco that earns top honours.

Food Truck Festival

The Rotary Club of Charlottetown Royalty’s first annual Charlottetown Food Truck Festival will run May 22–23 at the Eastlink Centre. More than a dozen food trucks from PEI and the Maritimes will be on site, along with a craft fair and makers’ market, a KidZone, and a licensed entertainment zone. In addition, patrons will receive free admission to the ACO Canadian Cornhole Classic, taking

place at the Centre at the same time. Cornhole is essentially beanbag tossing, and the tournament will feature multiple divisions for a range of competitors, including World Ranking Points events and open divisions for the public. The festival is also a fundraiser for the club’s community support projects. A daily admission fee (family rates available) will be charged for access to the food truck festival, music, and crafters’ market, with proceeds supporting charitable projects across PEI.

Hope House Afternoon Tea

Hope House Mother’s Home in Summerside is hosting an Afternoon Tea fundraiser on May 24 from 2–4 pm at Credit Union Place in Summerside. Hope House is a supportive home operating 24/7 where mothers and infants can live together for up to 15 months in a safe, supportive environment while they heal, learn, and build a healthy environment for themselves and their children. Since opening in April 2024, Hope House has become a lifeline for vulnerable mothers across PEI, having supported 16 mothers and 23 children with safe housing, 24/7 care, parenting education, meaningful relationships, and more. It exists entirely because of community generosity and does not receive government funding. Admission to the Afternoon Tea is by donation. Registration is required via email to hopehousepei@gmail.com.

Lobster supper take-out

Park Royal United will have a lobster supper take-out event on May 27. Diners can celebrate the lobster season while supporting local fishers and businesses. Proceeds from the supper will support the church’s ongoing programs and outreach initiatives that help serve the community. Follow @Park Royal United Church on FB for more info and tickets.

Brunch for Wishes

The Prince Edward Island Preserve Company will host Brunch for Wishes, a fundraising event in support of MakeA-Wish Canada, on May 30 at 10:30 am. Guests will enjoy a four-course brunch, paired with live entertainment, a silent auction, and thoughtful moments woven throughout the morning to reflect on the impact of a wish. Set against the backdrop of the Gardens of Hope, this intimate, curated gathering brings together community, food, and purpose in a way that feels both meaningful and memorable. The event will also feature support from local businesses and sponsors who share the belief that small acts of generosity can create a lasting impact. From takeaway gifts to thoughtful touches throughout the experience, every detail has been designed to leave guests feeling inspired and connected. With limited seating available, early ticket purchases are encouraged. A portion of each ticket is eligible for a charitable tax receipt. preservecompany.com