‘The performances are going to be mind blowing’: Music PEI Week returns in March

Performers and industry professionals will gather for Music PEI in March.

Prince Edward Island’s Music PEI Week returns next month with a packed schedule of performances, industry events and award celebrations.

The annual event, which will take place March 4 to 8, will showcase the province’s vibrant and evolving music community.

“It’s a chance for Prince Edward Islanders to come out and celebrate the music scene here, which is, as you know, pretty incredible,” executive director Rob Oakie said in an interview with CTV’s Katie Kelly.

The festival features five major concerts, highlighting both emerging and established artists. Shows will take place across the province – from King’s Playhouse in Georgetown to Summerside’s Scott MacAulay Performance Centre.

“We’re trying to spread the love across the island,” said Oakie.

One of this year’s top nominees is Hesham Riad ElHamshary, known as Hakado, an emerging artist who moved to P.E.I. from Egypt to study computer science. Now up for five awards, he said he was surprised to find such a thriving music community on the island.

“It’s crazy. I didn’t expect this at all,” said Hakado. “Since the community is so small, everyone supports each other.”

Hakado will perform as a solo artist for the first time during a showcase at Trailside Music Hall in Charlottetown on March 7, before taking the stage at the Music PEI Awards Gala on March 8 at the Confederation Centre of the Arts. While he’s looking forward to performing, he’s equally excited about another aspect of awards season.

“I like the red-carpet idea,” he said. “I’ve already got an outfit, and I want to express myself that way.”

For Vishtèn, another one of this year’s most nominated acts, Music PEI Week marks an important return to the stage. The Acadian folk group had been on hiatus following the passing of member Pastelle LeBlanc in 2022.

Now, they are back with “Connexions - Expansion,” an album built from unfinished recordings LeBlanc left behind.

Bandmate Emmanuel LeBlanc, who is also Pastelle’s twin sister, said the project has been a meaningful way to honour her legacy.

“We took seven of her tracks and finished them with some artists,” she said. “This album was really a healing project for us.”

Vishtèn’s Music PEI Week performances will be their first major shows with a new lineup.

“We’ve been out of the game for a couple of years, so it’s nice to get a little refresh with this album,” LeBlanc said. “We’re really looking forward to celebrating at Music PEI Week.”

Beyond recognizing established artists, the festival continues to highlight the growing diversity of P.E.I.’s music industry. Oakie said the scene has evolved significantly over the past two decades, thanks in part to artists from different backgrounds making the island their home.

“It’s becoming extremely diverse,” he said. “Twenty years ago it wasn’t. We’re seeing lots of growth there.”

With a mix of new faces and familiar favourites, organizers are hoping for strong attendance from across the Maritimes.

“Just come, there’s so much more talent than you think,” Hakado said. “The performances are going to be mind-blowing.”

Music PEI Week runs from March 4 to 8 across the island. For a full lineup and ticket details, visit MusicPEI.com.

For more P.E.I. news, visit our dedicated provincial page.