The abundance of musical talent on Prince Edward Island (Canada) inspired the book Island Toes A’Tapping by Jay Scott Kanes (Cairns Media, 2006, 240 pages). As the book debuted in July, the author noticed how much of that talent belongs to amazing youngsters.

For example:
• Courtney Francis, an ear-pleasing teenaged singer from Charlottetown, starred at two launch events. She’s a favorite for her album, Feline Way, akin to Kanes’ earlier book, Dog-Gone Cat Case.
• Young bagpiper Stewart Rogers enlivened a book party at Spinnakers Landing in Summerside.
• The most promising voice at the PEI Christian Music Festival belonged to teenager Heidi Ellis.
• Pint-sized vocalist Bethany Coughlin impressed at the Evangeline Bluegrass and Traditional Music Festival.
• Young multi-instrumentalist Keelin Wedge issued a CD and confirmed her place among the Island’s best musicians.
• Bluefield High School student Courtney Hogan released a first album, The Red-Headed Fiddler.
• Every teenager in sight could elaborate on school bands, concerts and musical theatre.

In Canada’s smallest province, the musical future looks remarkably bright. In fact, it’s almost blinding.

John Cairns
Director, Cairns Media


ARCHIVES

No one’s too young to entertain

on Prince Edward Island.


Courtney Francis takes time

to read before singing.


Bagpiper Stewart Rogers

performs in Summerside.