Carrying on her spirit

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Dylan Menzie, Vishtèn Connexions and Lawrence Maxwell lead the pack of Music P.E.I. hopefuls after the 2025 awards nominations were unveiled this week. Each of these artists is up for six awards, followed by Hikado with five, and both Absolute Losers and Richard Wood with four nominations apiece.

Music P.E.I. Week will take place from March 4-8, with events across the Island celebrating P.E.I.’s music scene.

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This year’s celebration includes special recognition for two remarkable honorees. Phase II will be the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by the City of Charlottetown. This award recognizes the group’s enduring contributions to the Island’s music scene over the course of the band’s 30-plus year history. Rory O’Donnell, meanwhile, will be the recipient of the Leo Cheverie Community Contributor Award Presented by Sara Roach Lewis Solutions, honouring his impact on the Island’s community and music landscape.

Fan voting

Public voting for two fan-favourite categories— entertainer of the year and music video of the year — opened Dec. 10 and runs until Jan. 3. These awards are entirely fan-based, with votes collected online. Up for entertainer of the year, presented by Ocean 100 and Hot 105.5, are Menzie and Maxwell, along with Brad Milligan, Inn Echo, Tiffany Liu and Todd MacLean.

Vying for video of the year, presented by Maritime Electric, are Absolute Losers for “Bender,” directed by Abbey Wilson; Hikado for “Days Go By,” directed by Jacob Puiras; KINLEY for “Charlotte,” directed by Jenna MacMillan; Lawrence Maxwell and Brooke MacArthur for “What You See in Me,” directed by Jesse Duarte; and Vishtèn Connexions for “Expansion,” featuring Rowen Gallant and Jesse Périard and directed by Millefiore Clarkes.

The Guardian is a silver sponsor of this event, and is presenting the rap and hip hop recording of the year. Nominees in that category are BraedenV for “Fade Out,” Cavy for “Bad Games” featuring Merkules; DEMIXX for “ESCAPISM?,” Norm Strangely for “Norm Strangely” and Rightflow for “VIOLENCE.”

Tickets and passes

Early bird festival passes for Music P.E.I. Week 2025 are on sale now. Passes grant access to all the festival’s major events, including the SOCAN songwriter of the year concert, presented by the City of Summerside at the Scott Macaulay Performing Arts Centre, and the 24th annual Music P.E.I. Awards gala, presented by the Atlantic Lottery at the Confederation Centre of the Arts. The early bird rate is available until Jan. 13.

For the full list of nominees, voting links, and to purchase festival passes, visit online.