Although the City Stages Youth Festival has become a tradition, it is not staid.

Singer songwriters Jessica Palmer and Stephen Pate (photo: Sally Cole, Guardian)

From Guardian, by Sally Cole

Although the City Stages Youth Festival has become a tradition, it is not staid. It’s ever evolving, says Buddan.

“We want to expand the scope of the program to represent multiple musical genres.

“So this summer we invited Stephen Pate to co-ordinate the singer-songwriter series,” says Buddan.

Working with five slots and six musicians, Pate, who is active in the Charlottetown music scene, selected some Island singer-songwriters to be part of the program and then endeavored to give the artists opportunity to perform.

“It’s a great opportunity for the singer-songwriter because you get to play a lot more of your material than you would at an open mike. And if you have a fair amount of material, you can put it out and see what other people think about it,”says Pate, who also performed during the series.

Ted Simmons photo: Stephen Pate

“I watch people’s feet and if their feet are moving, tapping to the music, then I’ll assume it’s a successful arrangement. If they’re not, then I’ll rework it over the next week,” says Pate, reflecting on his performances.

He shared the afternoon performance slot with Andrea MacDonald, Another Colour (Josh Kilbride and Evan Ceretti) Jessica Palmer and Ted Simmons this summer.

Another Color - Josh Kilbride and Evan Ceretti photo: Stephen Pate

MacDonald, who is a folk singer, loves her weekly Victoria Row gig.

“For me it’s good practice and a good experience,” she says.

Andrea MacDonald photo: Stephen Pate

That’s exactly what Buddan was hoping to hear.

“The songwriter series has been a wonderful addition. It’s one of the genres that we want to represent,” he says.