For one week a year here on the Island it’s all about the music. Music PEI Week, a seven-day celebration of all genres of music accumulating with a gala award night, wrapped up on Saturday. While in the past the events all took place in Charlottetown, this year things happened a little differently. Two main events were held in venues outside the city.
Georgetown’s King’s Playhouse was host to a song writers circle and Summerside had the Music Mosaic ceremony at the Harbourfront Theatre. Though this is something new to the event, let’s hope it’s not a one-time thing. It showcases venues across the Island that are so well equipped to handle the performances. Spreading the events around gives all Islanders easier access to not only performances, but also a peek into the music industry. And if the awards are any indication, the industry has grown significantly over the years.
When this event started 11 years ago it was just a one-night award show. That doesn’t happen now. There are so many awards and nominees some have to be handed out during the week of celebration. It only makes sense to spread the awards out as the talent comes from all over too. Just one example is Murray Harbour North’s Ashley Condon who received the award for Best New Artist, and the Lynn Grishko Memorial Award, recognizing a female performer making great strides in their career.
Maybe next year Music PEI week will spread its wings even further and there will be performances tip to tip.
Charlotte MacAulay