CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — Diversity grows and strengthens communities.
And, when people with various interests and backgrounds are recognized in a community, everyone benefits.
During the course of last week, diversity was a theme that was woven into the fabric of 2020 Credit Union Music P.E.I. Week in Charlottetown.
Whether the artists sang Acadian, African, English, Irish or Celtic songs, many cultures were represented.
“Music P.E.I. has been trying to become more diverse through initiatives on our board. We have now dedicated seats to the Indigenous community, the LGBT plus rep and, of course, we’ve had a Francophone rep for a while,” said Rob Oakie, executive director Music P.E.I.
Whether it’s country, rock, roots, classical, folk music or all-ages loud rock, audience members had their favourite genres covered.
“We’re seeing some great diversity music-wise through our members. We’re seeing more genres; artists like Vince the Messenger didn’t exist a couple of years ago. Now we’ve got a hip-hop artist,” Oakie added.
At the Socan Songwriter of the Year concert on Thursday night, audience member Leo Cheverie was moved by artists’ Andrew Waite, Dennis Ellsworth, Irish Mythen, Rick Sparkes and Tara MacLean’s turnabout performances.
“There’s a diversity in their messages. They all have a strong power of storytelling,” said Cheverie.
For example, Mythen spoke about how difficult it was being gay and growing up in a place where she wasn’t able to be the person she wanted to be.
“I really think that if I had someone come along and talk to me when I was 10 or 11 or 12, it would be really cool. So, I wrote this song for the 12-year-old me,” said Mythen, picking up her guitar to sing Did You Ever.
P.E.I. artist Rick Sparkes, showed his musical diversity by performing a rock song, Shut the Door and his country song, In My Time of Healing.
“There are so many diverse tastes out there. And Music P.E.I. has just been great supporter of all different types of music,” said the Summerside singer-songwriter.
The diversity theme carried on Friday night at the Music Mosaic at the Guild when musician Zabulon Kajumbura, his wife Justina and son Isaac performed an African folk song and a gospel song, God is So Good. Then Isaac read a blessing; giving thanks to God for Canadians for welcoming refugees, widows and their children.
The multicultural theme continued in performances by Celtic Storm, a group from the Holland College School of Performing Arts (SoPA), Sirène & Matelot, featuring Lennie Gallant and Patricia Richard, who sang a set of French songs to reflect their Acadian heritage, and Vishtèn, an ECMA award-winning Acadian trio consisting of Emmanuelle LeBlanc, Pascal Miousse and Pastelle LeBlanc.
So, it’s no secret. Music P.E.I. is working to expand its reach and inclusion.
In total there were 29 different acts the Credit Union Music P.E.I. Week. And they reflect the ever-changing and expanding landscape of the performing arts scene on P.E.I., said Oakie.
“We just started a new micro fund that’s targeted towards communities that are under served. So, we hope that helps to develop more diversity among our membership."
