News Article

Music PEI is once again very fortunate to field a diverse and talented list of candidates who have generously put their names forward to offer their time to the members of Music PEI and become members of the Board of Directors. They are:
Mark Carr-Rollitt
Judith Maclellan
Mario Robichaud
Lorne Miller
Tammy MacEachern
David Cyrus MacDonald
Gordon Belsher
Jim Hornby
Fraser McCallum
Steven Barber
Hal Mills
Heather MacAulay
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The polls are now open for members to vote for the 5 seats available for the 2010 Music PEI Board of Directors. If your membership is current you are eligible to vote. Just click here and it will take you to the login. If you need to re-activate it, just login to your membership and you can renew online with PayPal or a credit card. Voting will be open until April 23, 11:59 pm.

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Mark Carr-Rollitt
I come from a multicultural background with Italian/Argentinian parents and grew up listening to lots of different music. My background as a player starts with self-taught guitar, then bass in the strings class and a three piece rock band in high school. Later, I studied classical and flamenco guitar, and was an accompanist at a flamenco dance school in Toronto. I have also studied balkan rhythms on the darabuka drum, and taken African drumming workshops. This as all prior to moving to PEI eleven years ago.
Since moving to PEI I have played guitar, bass, and percussion with The Knot, and was a member the Play in the Park Band. I have accompanied Tanya Davis and Scott Parsons on occasion, and am currently playing congas and other percussion with The Count and the Cuban Cocktail.
I have a background in Anthropology with a focus on culture and ethnomusicology.
I am currently the Director of Operations at Tourism Charlottetown and the PEI Convention Partnership which I started this January. For the previous two years I was partner/owner of Conference & Events Management Inc., and prior to that I was Manager of Conference Services at the University of PEI.
I have extensive experience organizing events of all kinds, from museum exhibits to major concerts and international conferences including funding, planning and execution. I am also one of the founders of the PEI Jazz and Blues Festival and served as co-chair of it for the first three years.

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Judith MacLellan
I would like to be considered for one of the Board of Directors’ positions that are now available. I have been involved in the music industry as both a wife and mother of musicians.
I have had board experience with the East Prince Women’s Information Centre and the Prince County Hospital Ladies Auxilliary. I presently am employed as an administrative assistant with the Law Office of Marie-France Theriault. My organization skills are excellent as I have been both office assistant, bookkeeper and property paralegal for Ms. Theriault.
As a board member, I would bring with me my experience with my children’s school bands as a Mom and as President of the Band Parent’s Association. I have watched many of our young artists grow into their respective musical careers. Many of these young people would not be where they are now if it was not for family members who have supported them through the years.
I feel that through the help of our Music PEI association that more young artists could be assisted in their careers. I would appreciate the opportunity of assisting Music PEI in this regard.

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Mario Robichaud
I would like to submit my candidacy as a member of the Board of Directors. I am considering myself a well known artist in the Francophone music scene since moving to PEI in 2001. Performing as a solo artist, I have released my first album ‘Qui es-tu?’, in June 2009. My original material proudly promotes my rich Acadian culture with a modern folk-rock feel.
I believe that I would be a great asset to the board of directors for Music PEI. I would like to be able to represent the Acadian musicians that are showing a great presence on PEI’s smallest to biggest stages. I also believe that having musicians on a board where decisions made are affecting them is a great need.
Being a school teacher full time, I have excellent skills to work as a team where decisions constantly have to be made. I have very good leadership skills that would be profitable to this organisation. I am looking forward to become more knowledgeable of the music industry on PEI. If there is anything that I can do to help PEI’s musician, I will do it.
I have been a member of Music PEI for the last couple of years and I would like to give back to the music industry who are very supportive of the Acadian music. I hope that you will seriously consider my candidacy as a board member.

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Lorne Miller
Since choosing to move to PEI in 2003, I have operated Beaches & Greens Executive Cottage, held digital photography seminars, and taught computer use through the Seniors College of PEI. I now work as a freelance photographer, as well as a computer technician providing service and support to home users.
As a photographer, I specialize in live music events. My work for The BUZZ, The Guild, Music PEI, and musicians, can be seen on their websites and in print publications. As I frequently attend performances across the Island and cover music from all genres, the exposure has provided me with a unique perspective on the diversity of musical talent that we have. My philosophy as a photographer is to “support the musical community on PEI and to show the musicians themselves in the best possible light”.
Despite surviving a painful year of trumpet lessons as a child, my love of music has endured. My personal music career peaked as a member of Ottawa Samba, performing behind the Jesse Cook Band on New Year’s Eve at the National Arts Centre.
As part of the 2010 Music PEI Awards Week, the first Lynn Grishko Memorial Bursary was presented. The award is intended to assist the career of a female musician who is living and working on the Island and I am proud to be the sponsor.
Being self employed, I have a flexible schedule as well as time, energy and passion to devote to this position. I believe my life experience and work experiences may be utilized to assist the support and promotion of the music community on PEI.

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Tammy MacEachern
Hi I’m Tammy MacEachern; I am a music junkie, but above all a huge fan of live music!
Not knowing which direction to choose after graduating from university with a business degree from UPEI, I decided to move to Halifax for no real reason except for a change of scenery. Change I most certainly found along with a direction that matched my passion for music and the arts. In order to get the ball rolling on my new found path I decided to enroll in a one year Event and Talent Management course which opened up various doors and projects. I’ve had the pleasure to work with a couple of local bands and a solo artist where I successfully wrote factor grants, and aided in marketing and promoting campaigns.
In 2008 I moved back home and it was the best thing that could have happened. I currently work for Long & McQuade as the Music School’s Administrator- truly the best job that I’ve ever had! During my time here I have befriended some amazing people, and have been given some awesome opportunities to be involved in the PEI music industry. This year I have found “my instrument” I am a fiddler and absolutely love it! I currently play with the Queen’s County Chapter where I sit as Vice President.
I feel lucky to be a part of an industry steaming with so much talent and I would love the opportunity to help support it in any way that I can.

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David Cyrus MacDonald
David has toured internationally and recorded several albums as drummer for ECMA and PEIMA winners, Paper Lions (formerly Chucky Danger). He has performed drum solos all across Canada and parts of the US, and is looking forward to his first Asian tour this summer.
David is very active in the arts and music scene on Prince Edward Island. As a classically trained percussionist, David has performed with the Prince Edward Island Symphony Orchestra, as soloist with the UPEI Wind Symphony, as guest performer at the National Music Festival of Canada, as well as several solo recitals. David received his Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Prince Edward Island in 2006, and is in demand as a private drum teacher and music substitute teacher when he is home from touring.
As drummer for Paper Lions, David has performed at many prestigious music festivals including Virgin Fest, The Warped Tour, The Stan Rogers Folk Festival, Summerfolk, Festival of Friends, Festival of Lights, and more. The band has opened for CAKE, illScarlett, CCR, Collective Soul, The Trews, The Waking Eyes, and others.
David was born and raised on the beautiful Montague River in eastern Prince Edward Island. He currently makes his home in Charlottetown, with his wife, flutist and pianist, Morgan Saulnier.

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Gordon Belsher
As accompanist and featured vocalist with Prince Edward Island fiddlers Richard Wood and Cynthia MacLeod, Gordon has toured extensively across Canada, in the U.S., the U.K., Europe, and Japan. His solo CD “Call Up All the Neighbours” was nominated for Roots/Traditional Solo Recording of the Year at the 2008 East Coast Music Awards. His previous solo recording “Reel in the Flickering Light”, was also nominated at the 2003 ECMA’s in the same category.
Gordon also operates Guernsey Cove Parlour Productions, six time East Coast Music Association award nominated recording studio in Guernsey Cove, PEI. To date, there have been 98 recording projects released by Island artists that he has recorded.
Gordon Belsher was first elected to the board of MUSIC PEI in 2007, and has served as Treasurer (and bookkeeper) ever since. He would consider it an honour and a privilege to continue to serve on the board.

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Jim Hornby
•Lawyer with 20 years experience, some with musicians/contracts, SOCAN
•Extensive experience in communications as government/corporate information officer, lawyer, author, university lecturer, editor, CBC Radio freelancer (national/regional/provincial)
•Board member with PEI Council of the Arts (2 terms), PEI Association for Newcomers to Canada (since 2006)
•Musician: fiddle, mandolin, guitar, sings, songwriter; playing 90th birthday party Sat. night w/ the Belfast Ceili Band; open to younger audiences too
•Personally familiar with many musicians, venues, events and related enterprises across the Island
•Ethnomusicologist, historian of PEI traditional music and song, Master’s degree in Folklore from Memorial University of Newfoundland, thesis on Island fiddling involved interviewing and field-recording fiddlers across PEI and elsewhere (Cape Breton, Boston), 1975-82
•Involved in founding of PEI Fiddlers Society and its newsletter The Island Fiddler; once taught fiddle class for Prince County Fiddlers in Summerside
•Produced both the Island Folk Festival, 1984, and recording of same name, 1985; both earned Island Heritage Awards from PEI Museum & Heritage Foundation
•Extensive and diverse musical background and interests, fan of recordings 1925-2010

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Fraser McCallum
Fraser is a young but accomplished entertainment and music producer based out of Charlottetown. Born and raised in Hunter River, McCallum studied Communications at Concordia University in Montreal, graduating with Honours in 2007. During that time, McCallum interned at Ninja Tune Records and for three years was the host and producer of ‘The East Coast Embassy’ a weekly AM radio show specializing in East Coast music coverage and interviews.
Back on red soil, the fluently bilingual McCallum keeps many successful projects afloat, including his monthly ‘Talking Bands’ column, profiling local bands in the Buzz. Through CJLO AM Radio and the Buzz, Fraser has covered the last four ECMA festivals. On the more creative end, Fraser sings lead for Racoon Bandit, a folk-rock band, who were nominated for 3 Music PEI Awards in 2010.
Additionally Fraser, an active comedian, co-hosted the 2010 Gala show, and continues to perform standup with the Island Standup Showcase, which has a run at the Mack this summer.

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Steven M. Barber
I am the owner/operator of Hunter’s Ale House and Globe World Flavours. I have been involved in the booking, the promotion and the execution of various shows and showcases for the past ten years in venues such as Myron’s Cabaret, the Fringe Festival and of course Hunter’s. I rely heavily on the talents of musicians from our province and find pleasure in the successes I am able to aid in providing for these artists.
I have very good rapport with musicians from all genres, not just in PEI but all over the East Coast and parts of Canada. Raised on PEI I feel I have been conditioned to our “have not” way of life, always playing second fiddle to bigger centers in the country. If there is anything Islanders do not lag behind in, it’s the creation and the delivery of their musical talents.
I have been troubled over the years finding avenues to get Island artists music to the ears of the rest of the country, and have made it a personal and a business goal to see the triumphs of our music scene. I have funded various artists in the past and look forward to doing all I can to ensure the national success of our talented Island artists.

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Hal Mills
Hal returned to PEI in 2005 (after many years working as an environmental consultant in the Northwest Territories) to a new home on the Dixon Road which soon became known as “The Dunk”. An interest in music quickly established The Dunk as a gathering place for friends and musicians at Funk the Dunk: A Celebration of Music, Food and Friends and at other community celebrations such as Summer and Winter Solstice.

The first house concert was hosted in May, 2008 and ‘word-of-mouth’ led to The Dunk becoming a popular venue for musicians from The Island and from away. Hal now hosts about 35 concerts per year on a ‘not-for-profit’ basis, with all proceeds going directly to the performing musicians. His objectives are to support musicians, particularly emerging artists, and to promote community interest in music and community celebrations. In so doing he has built a strong network of musical friends and a healthy relationship with Music PEI and with SOCAN.

Hal is a professional Geographer, now semi-retired, with extensive experience serving on and for boards. This includes serving as: Executive Director of the Northwest Territories Land Use planning Board; Vice-President of the Canadian Nature Federation; founding member and former President of the Island Nature Trust; and currently Chair of the Breadalbane Environment Committee. His board strengths are in the areas of strategic planning, consensus building, effective interpersonal communications, and personal credibility. He has two adult children and five grandchildren.

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Heather MacAulay
Heather, a young professional with a drive to succeed while helping others reach their own potential, is an exceptional candidate for the Music PEI Board. After graduating from St. Francis Xavier University, Heather has been working in the radio industry while managing an abundance of outside projects.
Heather is organized, strategic, and an asset to any organization that she involves herself with. Heather is very active within the local business community, which was instrumental during her contract with the 2009 PEI Canada Games where she collectively accumulated 1 million dollars for PEI’s largest ever event. Currently, Heather is the Sales Coordinator for Newcap Radio, where she is predominantly engaged with the Island’s arts and cultural scene, including various profit/non-profit events. Heather would bring ambition, vision and professionalism to the PEI Music Board .