P.E.I. musician discouraged by Charlottetown’s response to weekly ceilidh proposal
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CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — A P.E.I. entertainer mentioned he’s discouraged by what he calls the Metropolis of Charlottetown’s lack of enthusiasm for internet hosting a weekly ceilidh in Victoria Park.
Michael Pendergast of Tracadie Cross submitted a proposal in December 2022 that might see 10 early night concert events happen, all on Mondays in the summertime and fall, on the Victoria Park Pavilion.
“It’s one thing that might be not too late within the night, one thing that might be applicable for the historical past of the park itself and, in fact, the neighbourhood,” Pendergast advised SaltWire Community in an interview adjoining to the pavilion on Feb. 21.
“Now we have native expertise to actually showcase Prince Edward Island, which I’ve been showcasing for the final 25 years now.’’
Pendergast mentioned he additionally desires to breathe some life into the pavilion.
“It’s completely underused, it’s a white elephant.”
Pendergast mentioned the town was lukewarm, at finest, when he took the proposal to metropolis corridor, including he was advised the principle concern was upsetting the individuals who reside subsequent to the park.
“That was the primary factor. So, I’ve been going over it in my head, ‘what can be applicable?'”
The opposite concern was over how a lot the town must contribute.
Pendergast mentioned locals wouldn’t have to fret about loud music.
“I don’t know what number of exhibits I’ve performed on P.E.I. the place I inform individuals if it’s too loud my amp has a bit of button on it that claims quantity. I do know on this stage how far music will carry. And, , the quieter it’s the extra intimate it turns into. We’re not simply blaring it out.”
Victoria Park Pavillion
Following is details about the Victoria Park Pavilion:
- The present construction opened in 2017 and was constructed at a value of $162,000.
- The federal authorities supplied half the funding.
- It changed an identical construction that was inbuilt 1973 to acknowledge the centennial anniversary of P.E.I.’s entrance into Confederation.
- Clifford Lee, who was mayor of Charlottetown when the brand new pavilion opened in 2017, mentioned the aim of the ability was to create an area for the town’s arts and neighborhood.
As for the fee, Pendergast is fast so as to add that the town at all times posts a surplus funds.
His son, Shane Pendergast, mentioned it’s not simple attempting to e book the pavilion.
“I’ve had ideas of perhaps doing a day present on the pavilion,” mentioned Shane, who’s nominated for an East Coast Music Award this 12 months. “There are simply too many hurdles. I believe this stage is criminally underused. There’s far more alternatives for the pavilion.”
Town emailed an announcement in response to Pendergast’s proposal, saying {that a} member of its financial, tourism and cultural growth employees met with the entertainer.
“All cultural occasion functions and proposals, together with Mr. Pendergast’s, go ahead to council for analysis as a part of our funds course of,” the assertion learn. “The funds course of concludes the tip of March, and all candidates might be knowledgeable of their utility standing at the moment.”
Michael Pendergast says he has labored with municipalities from Souris to Tignish over some of these folksy present with no drawback.
“I really went into the town and mentioned (the proposal) with one among their programmers. I simply kind of bought the sensation prefer it in all probability wouldn’t take the following step.”
Dave Stewart is a reporter with the SaltWire Community in Prince Edward Island. He may be reached by e-mail at [email protected] and adopted on Twitter @DveStewart.
