Showcase PEI 2026

With exacting songcraft and an air-tight live show, Charlottetown power trio Absolute Losers have quickly cemented themselves as Atlantic Canadian rock’s new torchbearers. Their most recent effort, In The Crowd (Having Fun Records, 2025), pushes their sound forward, marrying Merseybeat melodicism, Chilton-indebted chime, and a dash of Aussie pub rock stomp for good measure. Those in the know are already converted, but new listeners will hear a group handily earning their stripes; it’s a 12-track mission statement that’s steeped in tradition while remaining an island of its own.

Wild and unhinged French Acadian from Western Prince Edward Island, what!? Aubin pi la S.C.B. are a 4-piece wrecking crew hailing from Abram-Village, PEI (but got their start in Nunavut?!).

Known for their loud, high-energy, and hilarious shows, la S.C.B. won the Prix de l’Acadie in 2025. On Canada Day 2025, they shared the stage with Blue Rodeo, and have appeared at numerous festivals and showcases.

Their album Yousque l’hell hit #1 on SiriusXM FrancoCountry in 2022, and in 2024 were named one of “7 Acadian Bands to Watch” on Bandcamp. They released new singles in 2025 followed by an album in June 2026.

PEI based award-winning singer-songwriter, composer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Ben Kunder is known for music that captures both the ordinary and extraordinary in luminous, deeply human detail. With three highly acclaimed studio albums and years of international touring and festival appearances, Ben has amassed a devoted following while establishing himself as a sought-after collaborator and live performer. A committed social justice advocate, father to two young kiddos and compassionate member of the human race, Kunder consistently yields exquisite musical insights. He is currently developing a not-for-profit recording studio and retreat space grounded in accessibility, nature, and community, while preparing for the release of his next album, Soft Boy, in 2027.

Bev Lee Harling is a multi-genre vocalist, violinist, composer and storyteller whose work spans performance, theatre and dance . With a career blending folk, classical, jazz, and experimental found sounds, Bev’s innovative approach to music through storytelling and heritage has culminated in her latest project, Ploughing the Salt Sea, exploring her female fishing family ancestry through a one-woman music theatre show and album released on a seaside postcard, funded by UK Arts Council and Help Musicians.

When Emilea May picks up a guitar, she is seeking something elusive. Coming from one of PEI’s great musical families–her grandfather Gene MacLellan wrote Anne Murray’s “Snowbird” and her aunt is multi-award-winning folk artist Catharine MacLellan–May is more than a traditional singer-songwriter. Her open-tuning harmony and lilting melodies evoke Phoebe Bridgers, Sarah Harmer, Lizzy McAlpine, and Madison Cunningham. May’s haunting vocals have thrilled audiences at Paddlefest, Goolahala, and the Lunenburg Folk Harbour Festival and she has performed with artists such as Basia Bulat, The Strumbellas, Rose Cousins, and Tim Baker.

Guitarist Tom Gammons and fiddler Ray Knorr each followed their passion for traditional music from West to East. Gammons from Montana and Knorr from Saskatchewan, the duo found a source of deep inspiration on PEI. Their debut EP “Bird’s Eye” is set for release in April 2025, taking influence from Québécois, Acadian, Old Time and Scottish styles. Through interpretations and original compositions, Gammons & Knorr tell their stories in the space between fiddle and guitar.

Gizmo are Charlottetown rockers inspired by the guitar-damaged pop of 1990s American slacker bands and their contemporaries on Canada’s east coast. A 120 Minutes band for the Gen Z set, they breathe new life into their vintage influences with a distinctive songwriting style and frenetic live show. They emerged to acclaim with 2023’s “Buddy System EP” and are readying a forthcoming full-length debut, “All Your Worships”, produced by Alex Edkins (METZ Weird Nightmare), and Loel Campbell (Wintersleep), to be released in Fall 2026

Gordie MacKeeman and His Rhythm Boys are an award-winning roots ensemble from Prince Edward Island, celebrated for their electrifying live performances, virtuosic musicianship, and unmistakable East Coast energy. Led by fiddler Gordie MacKeeman—known for his high-energy stage presence and step-dancing fiddle style—the band blends traditional folk, bluegrass, country, and old-time influences into a sound that feels both timeless and fresh. Featuring exceptional multi-instrumental talent and rich vocal harmonies, the group has toured extensively across Canada and internationally, earning a reputation for turning every performance into a lively, unforgettable kitchen-party experience.

Inn Echo crafts a cinematic, high-energy sound rooted in Celtic traditions, blending fierce fiddle, grooving guitar, and soaring cello. Their music pushes genre boundaries with original tunes and bold arrangements. It’s trad music turned on its head—rhythmic, dynamic, and endlessly evolving, like a late-night session that never wants to end.

Winner of the 2025 Solo/Duo Category of the International Blues Challenge, Joce Reyome brings authenticity to their performances, turning audiences into active participants in a journey through heartbreak and humour. With performances on the Confederation Centre of the Arts main stage, at the Orpheum Theatre in Memphis, at JUNOfest 2024, at the East Coast Music Awards and more, they have captivated audiences across Canada.

Lawrence Maxwell is an ECMA award nominee and four-time Music P.E.I. award winner who will tell it to you like it’s folk, and sing it to you like it’s country. His latest album, Ballad of Miles was nominated for seven Music PEI Awards, and in 2024, he received the award for Music PEI’s ‘Entertainer of the Year.’ His songs have received airplay on: Sirius XM’s ‘Top of the Country,’ Country Hits Radio UK and CBC ‘Q’. Having completed his first series of international performances at Tønder Festival in Denmark and Manchester Folk Festival in the UK, Maxwell continues to expand his audience.

Lennie Gallant of Rustico, PEI is an award-winning songwriter and recording artist with 16 albums in English and French. His work has earned honours and nominations from the JUNOs, ECMAs, CFMAs and Les Prix Éloizes. More than 30 artists have recorded his songs including Measha Bruggergosman, The Rankins and the late Jimmy Buffett, with whom he co-wrote two songs for Buffett’s final album. A member of the Order of Canada, Lennie has represented Canada internationally and performed around the world. His song Peter’s Dream is in the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame. His latest acclaimed album, Shelter From the Storm, explores the challenges and hope of our times.

Logan Richard is one of music’s rarest creatures—a sharp, versatile songwriter and an electrifying guitarist, bringing both talents together on his latest full-length album, Character Traits. Over the past decade, he’s built a reputation as an in-demand session player and a standout solo artist, developing a genre-fluid style that spans slick pop, spacey R&B, and soulful folk. Richard’s music has already landed over two dozen sync placements, including Hudson & Rex, Ginny & Georgia, and Workin’ Moms. Along the way, he has picked up multiple Music PEI Awards and nominations and was named Solo Artist of the Year at the 2026 East Coast Music Awards.

Montuno Cubano, the brothers from Santiago de Cuba, fuse the vibrant rhythms of their homeland with stories of love and optimism. Their repertoire is traditional and original music that includes Bolero, Guaracha, Salsa, Rumba Flamenca, Sucu Sucu, Son, Son Cubano, and romantic ballads, offering audiences a rich taste of Cuba’s musical heritage.

With the warm resonance of a nylon-string guitar and the bright sparkle of the requinto, their performances showcase a rare sibling harmony and intuitive connection. After thrilling audiences across Cuba and Europe, Montuno Cubano now brings their infectious energy and heartfelt music to Canada.

PEI’s Noah Malcolm is a versatile, ear-catching singer and songwriter who makes folk, roots, indie and classic pop music centred around nostalgia, family, faith, queerness, and matters of the heart. A fast-rising East Coast ambassador, he has scooped up four Music PEI Awards and a 2025 East Coast Music Award, and brought his playful and poignant musicianship to stages across Canada and the UK. Adding witty banter, impressive vocals and compelling videos, his top-notch songwriting delivers ‘melodic mastery’ (The East Mag). Signed to CYMBA Publishing, he’s collaborated with acclaimed creatives like David Archuleta, Guy Chambers, Kellie Loder, Jennarie, and Derek Hoffman.

Four nominations in the music PEI scene rightflow is a Nigerian born rapper based in PEI who is versatile in the art of blending genres of music and creating new worlds and movements through his unique style.

A classical pianist with a wry wit, Sarah Hagen enjoys a rich and diverse concertising life as both soloist and humorist. Her extensive touring has taken her across Canada, to Japan and Europe and across the United States, including twice to New York City’s Carnegie Hall. Her interpretations have been described as “outstandingly inventive” [University of Waterloo Gazette], ”played flawlessly” [ReviewVancouver], “with great sensitivity and heart” [Vernon Morning Star]. Her most recent recording of Bach’s Goldberg Variations was described by Whole Note magazine as “something to absolutely die for.” Highlights of recent seasons include solo sets at Expo Osaka in Japan, Tønder Festival in Denmark, Cambridge Folk Festival, and Mariposa Folk Festival.

Shane Pendergast has folk music in his blood. Hailing from a long lineage of storytellers and musicians in Prince Edward Island, he is keeping the Maritime folk tradition alive with his honest and insightful compositions. From acclaimed folk festivals across the world to the small halls of PEI, Shane has cemented himself as one of Atlantic Canada’s finest folk troubadours. His 2021 album Second Wind won Contemporary Roots Album of the Year at the Music PEI Awards, and in 2025 he released his fourth album Winter Grace, a deeply personal collection that captures both the joys and hardships of life in the Maritimes.

Space Bud is an art-rock band from Charlottetown, PEI, featuring Connor Nabuurs (drums), Spencer Swaine (bass), and Paul Chiasson (guitar, vocals). Drawing from Canadian classic rock and modern art-rock, the band creates a sound built on hypnotic guitar lines, groove-driven rhythms, and dynamic vocals. Their debut album, Speak Louder, was released as a physical-only CD, reflecting a commitment to intentional, home-grown artistic ability and audience connection. With a broad sonic palette and a strong visual identity, Space Bud brings a distinctive and compelling presence to the stage.

Canadian singer/songwriter Tara MacLean is an internationally renowned and award winning recording and touring artist. She’s written and recorded 7 solo albums and two with her band Shaye. She received the Senate of Canada medal as well as the SOCAN songwriter of the year award. She released her memoir in 2023, Song of the Sparrow with HarperCollins, as well as the corresponding soundtrack. It was an instant best seller. A playwright, author, poet, and mother of three daughters, Tara resides in her home province of PEI. She is currently recording a new album and writing her second book with the Transatlantic Literary Agency.

Originally from China, Tiffany Liu is an accomplished Pipa specialist with over 25 years of experience. A three-time Music PEI “Achievement in Global Music” winner (2024–2026), she also swept the 2026 Instrumental and Traditional Recording of the Year awards. From performing at the National Centre for the Performing Arts to sets at the Winnipeg and Stan Rogers Folk Festivals, her repertoire bridges the gap between ancient Eastern traditions and Western influences. Her InnovationPEI-supported projects, including Riding the Waves and LiberTango, make the Pipa accessible and exciting for contemporary global audiences through high-energy fusion and mastery.

Charlottetown indie rock band Two Hours Traffic formed in 2002 at the University of Prince Edward Island. Over 12 years, the group toured extensively in Canada and around the world. Their discography features 4 full-length albums and 3 EPs. The band’s second album, “Little Jabs,” was shortlisted for the 2008 Polaris Music Prize. Following their farewell concerts in 2013, the band reformed for a concert in 2018 and have been performing steadily ever since. The group released a new EP, I Never See You Anymore”, in May 2025 – their first release in 12 years!

The Umbrella Collective is a five-piece band based in Epekwitk (Prince Edward Island). Drawing inspiration from Hip-hop, Jazz, Afrobeats, R&B, and more, The Umbrella Collective defies the boundaries of musical genres and is on a journey radiating love and integrating community through music. Following their November 2023 debut release, “WELCOME TO STUDIO UC!”, The Umbrella Collective received the Hip-Hop Recording of the Year and R&B Recording of the Year awards from Music PEI in 2024, as well as a nomination for Hip-Hop Recording of the Year from the East Coast Music Association.

Vishtèn is an award-winning and JUNO-nominated Acadian group from PEI and the Magdalen Islands. Following the success of their Expansion album — winner of Album of the Year, Fusion Release of the Year and Folk Release of the Year at the 2025 East Coast Music Awards — Emmanuelle LeBlanc and Pascal Miousse move forward with longtime collaborator Megan Bergeron, continuing Vishtèn’s dynamic evolution.