So Here’s the Thing

October 14, 2019 Edward Staskus Leave a comment

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27TH, 7:30 PM at the Harbourfront Theatre
All Seats: $50.50 (tax & fees included)

Derek-Edwards

DEREK EDWARDS – “So Here’s The Thing…”

“So Here’s the Thing …” – A breath of fresh air, finely honed and relentlessly funny! Take a break from the world and settle in for a seamless glide over life’s troubled waters. Like the canoeist seated deftly atop his life jacket, with whiskey and pot cookies sealed in airtight containers, Derek Edwards has left little to chance in this polished comedic adventure.

They say, “Brevity is the soul of wit.” And like in a Hollywood movie when the fleeing hero has to jump off a cliff into a waterfall, and the bad guys say, “Nobody could have survived THAT,” then they cut back to a single hand reaching out of the rushing water, finding purchase on a floating log. Derek is like that sodden log: an island of stability amidst the frenzy. An oft saturated and not entirely stable respite from life’s turmoil.

From Vegas to St. John’s, this Just For Laughs veteran is universally considered to be among the comic elite. Certainly his peers think so, as evidenced by the fact that he’s a four-time nominee, and winner of Best Standup Comic – Canadian Comedy Awards, as well as a multiple Gemini nominee for Best Performance in a Comedy. As Rick Mercer says, “Everyone knows Derek is the funniest man in Canada.”

Clearly the critics agree: “5 STARS – the funniest man on earth” – Winnipeg Free Press; “4 STARS – the crowd howled” – Victoria Times Colonist; “still the funniest man in Canada” – Toronto Sun; “Edwards reigns as the King of Canadian comedy” – Charlottetown Guardian; “Derek Edwards is hysterical” – Calgary Sun; “Edwards takes stand-up to next stage” – Georgia Straight; “the epitome of timing & storytelling” – Halifax Chronicle Herald; “the comedian’s comedian” – London Free Press.

“So Here’s the Thing …” – Derek Edwards’ new 90-minute stand-up comedy show, …a richly textured and enthralling ‘cut above,’ delivered with pace and authority by the consummate Canadian Comedian.

NOTE: May contain adult language & subject matter.

PEI Professional Theatre Network

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PEI Theatre is the Guild, Harbourfront Theatre,

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Watermark Theatre, and the Victoria Playhouse

Music

Feet On the Ground

October 11, 2019 Edward Staskus Leave a comment

French Programming: Guillaume Arsenault Brings Instrumental Folk and Thoughtful Storytelling to the Art Gallery

With his feet mainly rooted in the folk genre, Guillaume Arsenault concocts his songs with a keen craftsmanship. He is at once sensitive and resolved, funny and placid. In his backpack, he carries his successes (numerous awards, six original albums) and collaborations with a herd of acclaimed artists, such as Eric Dion, Charles Imbeau, and Erik West-Milette.

Presented in collaboration with RadArts, and as a key part of the Sobeys LIVE @ the Centre season, Guillaume Arsenault will be up close and intimate, October 25 at 7:30 p.m. in the sleek surroundings of the Confederation Centre Art Gallery. Arsenault is presenting this concert in promotion of his new album La partie de moi qui tremble, being released October 11.

The singer-songwriter was born in Gaspésie, a distinct and rugged region of Quebec, and his voice is consistent with the scale of his landscape, calling on the power of the elements. On his sixth album—alternately instrumental and sung in French—his music seeks a balance between being crisp and melodic and keeping the listener guessing. Folk songs are dressed with keyboards and hypnotic rhythms from the world of electronica music, keeping the sweet melodies charged and intense, at times. The songs here blend the simplicity of folk and storytelling with flavours of the contemporary and more experimental. The result is a dynamic set of songs that are at once hopeful and nostalgic but also contemplative and apprehensive.

Confederation Centre invites Islanders and visitors to explore something new this fall, discover Guillaume Arsenault in the spacious and rich surroundings of the Gallery. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. in the Confederation Centre Art Gallery. Tickets for all performances are now on sale and can be purchased at the Confederation Centre Box Office or online. Confederation Centre wishes to acknowledge the Department of Canadian Heritage, the Government of P.E.I., and the City of Charlottetown for their continued support.

PEI Professional Theatre Network

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PEI Theatre is the Guild, Harbourfront Theatre,

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Watermark Theatre, and the Victoria Playhouse

Music

When Pigs Fly Pink

October 10, 2019 Edward Staskus Leave a comment

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26th, 7:30 PM at the Harbourfront Theatre
All Seats: $49.50 (tax & fees included)

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PIGS: Canada’s Pink Floyd In the Flesh Tour 2019

“A must-see for Pink Floyd Fans!”

Hailed as Canada’s finest tribute to Pink Floyd. PIGS celebrates one of the greatest bands of all time with a flawless performance of both classic and rare Pink Floyd songs, complete with a state of the art light, laser and visual performance.

The In The Flesh Tour 2019 is bringing the authentic music and concert experience of Pink Floyd to fans across North America. PIGS celebrates the history of Pink Floyd by bringing to life countless fan favourites from Pink Floyd’s vast catalogue of songs. Audiences can look forward to performances of well known, hit songs from The Wall, The Dark Side of the Moon, Wish You Were Here, and Animals. In addition, other favorites and rarities from Meddle to The Division Bell will be performed.

PIGS uses authentic equipment, going through great lengths to recreate the sound and live concert experience of 70s era Pink Floyd. Pink Floyd’s intricate live show was a significant part of the original band’s appeal, and PIGS works to keep that experience alive for generations to come. PIGS’ band and crew have a deep love and respect for Pink Floyd, and bring the voices, sound, mannerisms, instruments, lights, lasers, visuals, and even a giant Mr. Screen (a circular projection panel made famous during Pink Floyd’s 1974 Dark Side of the Moon Tour) to create an authentic live Pink Floyd Experience.

Formed in 2008 in Victoria, British Columbia, PIGS: Canada’s Pink Floyd Tribute, have spent over a decade perfecting their craft in front of sold out audiences across Canada.

PEI Professional Theatre Network

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PEI Theatre is the Guild, Harbourfront Theatre,

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Music

Stomp On Down

October 8, 2019 Edward Staskus Leave a comment

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*SOLD OUT – Please contact Box Office (902-888-2500) to add your name to the wait list. Box Office is open Monday-Friday, 12 PM – 5 PM.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19, 7:00 PM at the Harbourfront Theatre
ALL SEATS: $35.50 (fees included)

TRIBUTE TO STOMPIN’ TOM CONNORS – CHAD MATTHEWS
With special guest Kim Albert

Back by popular demand after a sold out performance in June 2019, this tribute to Canadian icon, the late Stompin’ Tom Connors, is second to none, paying homage to one of Canada’s most beloved folk heroes.

Headlining the show will be Island singer/actor Chad Matthews, who portrays Stompin’ Tom at a dinner theatre in Skinners Pond PEI at the Stompin’ Tom Centre and who has performed in Toronto with renowned tenor John McDermott and most recently contributed his acting skills to the feature film Still the Water shot on location on PEI and directed by Summerside’s own Susan Rodgers (to be released in 2020).

Joining Chad for this special night of Stompin’ Tom songs, stories and laughs, is his band comprised of well-known Island musicians including fiddle sensation/singer/songwriter/step dancer Keelin Wedge, along with guitar extraordinaire Daniel Drouin fresh off his Music PEI award win and recently chosen for the 2018 Canadian Songwriter’s Challenge. On drums will be seasoned singer Rodney Arsenault, whose 35+ years in the business have seen him on stage with the legendary Eddie Eastman, with Catherine MacLellan in her show “If It’s Alright With You” honouring her late father Gene MacLellan, and many others. Last but certainly not least, on bass guitar, another veteran of the local music scene, singer Wade Carragher.

Chad’s special guest, Kim Albert grew up on country music, making her first stage appearance at 5 years old, and she hasn’t slowed down since. An ECMA nominee, PEIMA nominee and CCMA showcase artist, Kim’s music has taken her across Canada and around the world, including showcases in the US, Dubai and the Virgin Islands. Here at home, she performs regularly with her band Kim Albert and Faces, and donates her time and talent to many telethons and charities, including Easter Seals, Christmas Daddies, Anderson House, Heart and Stroke Foundation, to name just a few, and local benefit concerts.

So much Prince Edward Island talent on the same stage for this memorable one night only event! Don’t miss out – get your tickets before they’re gone!

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19, 7:00 PM
ALL SEATS: $35.50 (fees included)

TRIBUTE TO STOMPIN’ TOM CONNORS – CHAD MATTHEWS
With special guest Kim Albert

So much Prince Edward Island talent on the same stage for this memorable one night only event! Don’t miss out – get your tickets before they’re gone!

PEI Professional Theatre Network

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PEI Theatre is the Guild, Harbourfront Theatre,

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Show Business

All the World’s a Stage

October 7, 2019 Edward Staskus Leave a comment

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The Greater Summerside Chamber of Commerce and Journal Pioneer present
Egmont District Federal Debate

Wednesday, October 9th, 7:00 PM at the Harbourfront Theatre
General Admission – No Tickets Required
*Doors open at 6:15 PM

Hear the debate and discussions on issues that matter to residents of the Egmont district at the upcoming Federal Debate on Wednesday, October 9, 7:00pm at the Harbourfront Theatre.

Participating Candidates (listed alphabetically) are:

Clark, Alex – Green candidate
Dunn, Sharon – NDP candidate.
McLellan, Logan – PC candidate
Morrissey, Robert – Liberal candidate

The Chamber of Commerce is inviting people to submit questions in advance to tara@summersidechamber.com.

Wednesday, October 9th, 7:00 PM at the Harbourfront Theatre
General Admission – No Tickets Required
*Doors open at 6:15 PM

Hear the debate and discussions on issues that matter to residents of the Egmont district at the upcoming Federal Debate on Wednesday, October 9, 7:00pm at the Harbourfront Theatre.

Participating Candidates (listed alphabetically) are:

Clark, Alex – Green candidate
Dunn, Sharon – NDP candidate.
McLellan, Logan – PC candidate
Morrissey, Robert – Liberal candidate

The Chamber of Commerce is inviting people to submit questions in advance to tara@summersidechamber.com.

PEI Professional Theatre Network

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PEI Theatre is the Guild, Harbourfront Theatre,

Confederation Centre for the Arts,

Watermark Theatre, and the Victoria Playhouse

Music

Hello Hotel California

October 6, 2019 Edward Staskus Leave a comment

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 6, 7:30 PM at the Harbourfront Theatre
Premium Seats (Rows A-G): $50.00 tax & fees included
Regular Seats: $45.00 tax & fees included

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*Only single seats remain. Contact Box Office to add your name to the wait list if you require two or more seats together: 902-888-2500 (Open Monday-Friday: 12pm-5pm | Show Days: 12pm-show time)

VaughnCo Entertainment
presents
Hotel California

When The Eagles stopped to catch their breath a few decades ago, having sold over 100 million records, collected six Grammy’s, and enjoyed six #1 albums, Hotel California began a pioneering journey through their history-making music that has taken them around the globe and thrilled hundreds of thousands of Eagles fans. Hotel California toured relentlessly from the 80’s straight through to today, setting the standard for world-class tribute productions as they went, and sharing stages with the likes of The Doobie Bros., Lynyrd Skynyrd, Gretchen Wilson, REO Speedwagon, and many more. From Japan to Dubai, Toronto to Texas, Hotel California has boldly taken the tribute band where none had gone before them and changed an industry’s collective mind about how good a “tribute” band could really be.

The experience of a Hotel California show isn’t just about the band – it’s about celebrating the music and the memories, and the band gets the audiences involved and on their feet!

Close your eyes and you’re right back there…You’ll hear all the hits remarkably replicated in this spectacular show!

*Only single seats remain. Contact Box Office to add your name to the wait list if you require two or more seats together: 902-888-2500 (Open Monday-Friday: 12pm-5pm | Show Days: 12pm-show time)

VaughnCo Entertainment
presents
Hotel California

The experience of a Hotel California show isn’t just about the band – it’s about celebrating the music and the memories, and the band gets the audiences involved and on their feet!

Close your eyes and you’re right back there…You’ll hear all the hits remarkably replicated in this spectacular show!

PEI Professional Theatre Network

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PEI Theatre is the Guild, Harbourfront Theatre,

Confederation Centre for the Arts,

Watermark Theatre, and the Victoria Playhouse

News Flash

Getting Centre’d Now

October 5, 2019 Edward Staskus Leave a comment

Just launched! 🚀 Support the Arts on PEI!

Get Centre’d is our new patron membership campaign, offering members a suite of benefits including advance tickets and access to exclusive events—all in support of our non-profit arts centre.

Learn more & Get Centre’d: https://confederationcentre.com/support/membership/

PEI Professional Theatre Network

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PEI Theatre is the Guild, Harbourfront Theatre,

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Watermark Theatre, and the Victoria Playhouse

State of the Art

Reclaiming and Staking Claims

October 4, 2019 Edward Staskus Leave a comment

Reclamations by Renee Laprise, Jane Whitten, & Lenny Gallant

At The Guild through November 9

Reclamations is a group exhibition exploring the theme of reclaiming. In this exhibition the artists explore what it means to reclaim materials, ideas, and heritage into objects and images that speak to personal and global concerns. The Artists are Renee Laprise, Jane Whitten, & Lenny Gallant.

PEI Professional Theatre Network

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PEI Theatre is the Guild, Harbourfront Theatre,

Confederation Centre for the Arts,

Watermark Theatre, and the Victoria Playhouse

News Flash

Raising the Curtain

October 2, 2019 Edward Staskus Leave a comment

Confederation Centre Raises the Curtain on New Membership Program

“Get Centre’d” offers members a suite of benefits, including advance tickets and access to exclusive events—all in support of non-profit arts centre

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With a new season comes new opportunity and Confederation Centre of the Arts is unveiling a can’t-miss community program. Launching October 2019, Get Centre’d is the Centre’s new patron membership campaign.

Founded as a living monument to Confederation, the Centre is Canada’s hub for learning, through the lens of the arts, about how the nation was formed and how its identity continues to evolve.

“Generations of visitors have had their lives enhanced through visual and performing arts, education, and heritage programs at the Centre,” remark Board Chair Robert Sear and CEO Steve Bellamy in a shared statement. “However, some do not know that the Centre is a registered charity and a non-profit organization. We invite everyone—from our long-standing supporters to those who might be stepping in for the first time—to engage with their Centre and aid us in continuing the important experiences that we offer more than 250,000 Canadians each year.”

Built on the long-standing generosity of recurring donors and patrons, the Get Centre’d campaign presents the chance to support the Centre and enhance one’s experiences there. These donations ensure that Centre members are the first to enjoy the organization’s many benefits

Debbie and Keith Panton have been members since 2017. “Our eldest son is in choral music and dance programs here and our youngest spent the past two seasons as a Child of Avonlea in Anne of Green Gables—The Musical™,” says Debbie. “The Centre is one of our favourite places to be together and we are richer for our experiences.

Nindiya Sharma—member since 2014—feels the Centre is a first-rate organization as well as community hub in a small place. “The Centre is a great place for emerging and establishing artists to showcase their talents year-round.”

Whether an existing member or joining for the first time, Get Centre’d members are granted a suite of benefits. Depending on membership level, these can include:

· Advance notice and ticket access for performances with Sobeys LIVE @ the Centre and The Charlottetown Festival;

· Waiving of ticket service charges and access to premium Row-A seating;

· Access to private tours and events (i.e. the on-stage Holiday Reception)

· Exclusive sales and offers for theatre, gallery, shopping, and dining at the Centre

· Invitation to meet-the-artist and behind-the-scenes events (i.e. select Festival rehearsals)

For Fred Hyndman—member since 1980—seeing his support directed towards the Art Gallery, where his endowment gifts are allocated, is what’s most enjoyable. “I am passionate about the Robert Harris collection that the Gallery looks after. I believe it is one of the most important anthologies of Canadian art.”

For E. Anne Smith—member since 1990—she appreciates the access that membership offers for gatherings and receptions. “I so enjoy the opening nights and special events at the Centre! Everyone dressed up and having a good time—I just love the excitement of those nights; it’s a fantastic place to celebrate.”

To become a member today, please visit https://confederationcentre.com/support/membership/ or contact the Membership Office at members@confederationcentre.com or 902.628.6137.

Confederation Centre wishes to acknowledge the Department of Canadian Heritage, the Government of P.E.I., and the City of Charlottetown for their continued support.

PEI Professional Theatre Network

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PEI Theatre is the Guild, Harbourfront Theatre,

Confederation Centre for the Arts,

Watermark Theatre, and the Victoria Playhouse

State of the Art

Being Brian Burke

October 1, 2019 Edward Staskus Leave a comment

Predicaments: Brian Burke, a Retrospective Set to Open on October 5

An overview of the career of one of the Island’s most significant visual artists on exhibition at CCAG

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A new exhibition opens this week at the Confederation Centre Art Gallery (CCAG) celebrating the work of Brian Burke. The long-awaited two-gallery show will be open to the public on October 6 and officially celebrated—along with three other new exhibitions–at the Fall Art Gala on Friday, October 18 at the CCAG. The exhibition and its associated publication are sponsored by CN100.

The exhibition features over 100 paintings from a career that spanned 35 years. Brian Burke (1952-2017) was one of Prince Edward Island’s most significant visual artists of the past century. Mostly self-taught, although he did study briefly under Eric Fischl at NSCAD, Burke was a painter with a distinct personal style. His works addressed social roles, alienation, and the absurd in darkly humorous figurative images.

“Brian Burke is still a local hero, but he was also someone who dealt with universal themes, and achieved international success,” explains Curator Pan Wendt. “He was a rare artist who both sold his work and achieved critical acclaim, and he was a painter’s painter, instantly recognized by his peers for his original and powerful vision.”

This exhibition sums up Burke’s career, ranging from his rough and direct early work, through his time in New York and his major exhibition Mister Man, to his last decade, when he worked in Luzern, Switzerland, and includes loans from many private and public collections. It is accompanied by a publication that features essays by Wendt; Burke’s spouse, fellow artist Judith Scherer; NYU art history professor Robert Slifkin; and Swiss curator Heinz Stahlhut.

“We are so pleased with the generosity and collaboration of many private and several public collections for lending work to us for this exhibition in particular the Artist’s Estate,” says Gallery Director Kevin Rice.

He continues, “This retrospective of nearly 130 paintings, including many completed in Switzerland and not shown on P.E.I. previously, is really a celebration of an important Canadian artist. We hope we have a fantastic turnout at the opening reception at the Gallery on Friday, October 18 at 7 pm.”

Confederation Centre wishes to acknowledge the Department of Canadian Heritage, the Government of P.E.I., and the City of Charlottetown for their continued support.

PEI Professional Theatre Network

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PEI Theatre is the Guild, Harbourfront Theatre,

Confederation Centre for the Arts,

Watermark Theatre, and the Victoria Playhouse