STANLEY BRIDGE, PEI, Canada -- As we’ve said before, the flow of new musical talent onto the stages of Atlantic Canada never stops.

John Connolly, a talented 25-year-old singer-songwriter from Charlottetown, recently issued his first CD, self-titled and full of his own songs. As John grabs a little of the limelight from older musicians, he already glances back over his shoulders.

“The next generation behind me is incredible,” he said. “There are teenagers making music on Prince Edward Island who’ll knock your socks off. The tradition of great music continues.”

Music teachers excel in the region’s schools. And musical parents have a way of nurturing musical children.

One night last summer, recording artist Michael Pendergast called his nine-year-old son Shane onstage at the Stanley Bridge Community Hall. Hefting a guitar almost his own size, the boy sang and played a competent, enjoyable version of the Johnny Cash song, “Ring of Fire”.

“As I told Shane on the way here, it was a good chance tonight because he’d have a great band behind him,” Michael said.

Leon Gallant, a singer-guitarist at the same event, looked a little uneasy. “If Shane keeps that up, he could put me out of business by next year,” Leon said.

Really, why does Atlantic Canada generate so much musical skill? “I don’t know,” John said. “I think it comes from long winters and people getting together. Some say that the incredible music and pleasant people get them through the winters.”

Human ears enjoy the benefits all year.



Michael and Shane Pendergast:
music-magic makes the leap.


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