Category Archives: Uncategorized

Wknd Round Up: A-May-Zing Fun

Wolves B&WEvent of the week is outdoor production Wolves>Boys the award winning play (Outstanding Creation of the Year 2012 Rideau Prix) at MacDonald Cartier Park in Lowertown.  The coming-of-age play from May Can Theatre (i.e. Cory Thibert & Tony Adams) is Saturday night and already in my calendar. See more below.

Free admission as always tonight from 5-8PM at the National Gallery, then hit the Byward Night Market and head over to St Alban’s for a bellyful of creative soup!

Thursday May 29th, is Spring Soup – the latest instalment of the quick-fire dragon-den competition in which community entrepreneurs make a 5min presentation and you vote who wins the door money!  The latest session is at St Albans’ and the theme is Building Block. Prize depends on attendance but is generally around $1000. Presenters were chosen based on benefit to community, creativity, achievability and other factors. 5 min presentation & 5min Q&A. 6:30PM 10$ + free soup!

Friday music by the canal anyone? 8 Locks Flat (the beach) has Tara H0ll0way on the patio from 7PM FREE.  Continuing the musical theme of the evening – head over to The Mercury Lounge

Ark Analogue mercury LoungeFriday’s musical event of the night is surely DJ Lance Baptiste hosts Ark Analog at Mercury Lounge 10PM. It’s Amanda Putz recommended folks – enjoy.

Appropriately, given that the Fringe Festival had it’s 2014 launch the day before, critically-acclaimed Fringe hit Roller Derby Saved My Soul rolls back in to Arts Court Theatre for one night only on Friday. Nancy Kenny‘s revamped one-woman play in it’s national tour to nine is equally the subject of an upcoming documentary “On the Fringe” that Kenny is currently filming. Roller Derby Saved my Soul, 2 Daly Ave 7:30PM $15-25

Saturday bike over to City Hall for the 4th annual edition of Capital Velo Fest. The bike rodeo kicks off at 4pm and the beautiful night bike ride is scheduled to start at 8PM. FREE 4-11PM

WolvesSaturday night grab a blanked at head to McDonald Gardens!! May Can Theatre performs Wolves>Boys outside at MacDonald Gardens Park (the dog park just off Rideau St & Cobourg) in Lowertown.  It’s a play about friendship, its outdoors, it’s local, it’s Pay-What-You-Can and it’s from May Can Theatre. If you don’t know this local talent – well you should especially as one half of this two-man team, Tony Adams, has probably served you many a latte at TAN Coffee. Play starts at 20:45 & it’s gonna be awesome – so go!

Saturday music? James Leclaire with The Cable 22’s, Still Winter Hill & Shawn Donnelly for some Ottawa Folk at The Lunenburg. While back at St Alban’s it’s Kelp20: Kelp Records 20th anniversary bash with Hilotrons, Jim Bryson and more.

Sunday why not check out the neighbourhoods latest happening venue The Loft Board Game Lounge -with hundreds of games great food and drink this is a place to chill letting the good times roll alongside the dice.

Sun is shining and need to get out? Head back to the beach, aka 8 Locks Flat for more sweet tunes by the canal with Sunday music – a tremendous destination for walkers and cyclists that is welcoming to all ages.

 

Wknd RoundUp: Planting Fun Ideas

Get your night market on!

Tonight and throughout the summer the Byward Market stalls stay open until 8PM so enjoy a post or pre-dinner shop. Bustle and chat with the wonderful produce stall holders that animate our local market.

Friday night “The Weather Station”  performs at St Alban’s – one of Ottawa’s most intimate and evocative venues. The acoustics are sensational and the surrounds will sweep you away as sure as the talents of Toronto singer songwriter Tamara Lindeman who’s folky timeless sounds are familiar yet achingly original.

Down at the Castle it’s the Museum of Nature’s monthly dance party Nature Nocturne. This month’s theme in coordination with the current Bio-luminescence special exhibit is of course Glow in the Dark. So brush your teeth, grab a glow stick and rock the castle. 8PM $22

Friday through Sunday it’s the Ottawa Race Weekend Celebration Stage for FREE concerts and a beer garden featuring Lowertown Brewery. Friday’s concerts begin at 6:30PM w Jim Bryson closing the evening. The stage rocks from 3:30 on Saturday w/ headliner Hawksley Workman at 7:45. Sunday the stage opens at 8:30am with a kid’s show from Circus Delight and performances continue through mid-afternoon .

Saturday over in neighbouring Overbrook children’s book bank “Twice upon a Time… il etait deux fois” opens at 404 macArthur. It’s like a book store except it is free! You can donate books, take books home or lend a hand at this wonderful new not-for-profit organisation that gives the gift of Book-Love!

Of course as well on Saturday – if you can handle the crowds – its the Great Glebe Garage Sale. Set your alarm early if you are hitting this one.

Saturday night Arts Courts is the place for Action! with performances from The School of Dance in the  ODD Box Theatre, 7:30PM, $10

Sunday why not do something really local and come to the launch / seedling starter party of Sandy Hill’s newest community garden Urban Shades. Everyone is welcome at this new weekly gardening event which kicks off this Sunday at 1PM with a Seedling Starter Party.

Finally on Sunday Ravenswing Art & Music Fair flies back in to Minto Park. The event features crafts, zines, live music, free skill-sharing workshops and yummy local food trucks! In it’s 8th year the fair is partnered with the “Clothesline Project” with the aim of ending all violence against women. 

Eye Spy: Ride of Silence – Tonight

Ride_of_Silence 2014_89_IMG_0756As we live centrally it is conducive to an increased quality of life that Ward 12 residents have the option of leaving the car at home when enjoying all the great events, services and happenings our city has to offer.

Ride of SilenceSadly, and quite rightly, many residents don’t feel safe cycling on our streets. Tonight is the “Ride of Silence” an international event happening around the world that honours those hurt or killed while cycling. At 6:30PM at City Hall in Ottawa cyclists will meet to remember, ride and advocate for safe streets for all.

RoS Hong Kong

RoS Hong Kong

If you support a city that makes cycling safe for all from 8 -80 years please consider coming out this evening to show your solidarity and encourage our Mayor and Councillor to do more… and to do it now.  Shout out to Francis Ouimet who organised Ottawa’s ride.

Weekend RoundUp: May the Long Weekend Indulge You

otown-bombers-chinadoll-installationAlthough further afield Chinatown Remix has got to be our pick of the weekend. On Saturday afternoon this neighbourhood based art/street party is free, adult and family oriented and is simply a great free local-scale event whereby artists’ works are displayed on the street and in the many participating restaurants for meanderers to cruise by and enjoy. Activities for kid’s dot the street and there is a beer garden all day in the parking lot of the Shanghai with an after-party too! It is all happening on Somerset West in Chinatown.  Fun starts Saturday at 1PM and party goes til 11 – Go, meet, enjoy.

Thursday night marks the launch of the weekly night market in the Byward Market! Throughout the summer months every Thursday the Byward Market produce and stall vendors will be open and bustling til 8PM. See you on the market neighbour!

Friday night Cafe Nostalgica is the place to be with the ever groovy and ever popular return of TimeKode. Love these sessions.

Saturday afternoon when the puck drops at 1PM the seats are comfortable and the beer is cold at The Lunenburg. Go Habs Go.

Also on Saturday it’s Tac-o-the -Town Ottawa’s first ever TacoFest at the Ottawa Convention Centre. 15$ entry +2-4$ per taco

Like retro-vintage furniture? I do so I’ll see you at St Bridgid’s where they are hosting a 2-day Retro Vintage and Antiques Market on Saturday and Sunday.

Sunday is the first Alcatel-Lucent Sunday Bike Day with over 50km of parkway closed to cars from 9am-1PM. I’d like to see it be an all-day event but still glad to see it back. On yer bikes mateys!

Sunday go super local to Fleur Tea House on Somerset East where they host a weekly dance classes. Sunday is  Bachata Dance Class from 6:30-8:30

Eye Spy: Action Sandy Hill AGM

Tomorrow night is ASH’s Annual General Meeting 2014.

Vote

This is your opportunity to decide who sits on the board – in fact maybe that board member should be you.

The AGM is Thursday 15 May in the board room of the Sandy Hill Community Centre at 250 Somerset E, 6-9PM.

A valid ASH membership is needed to have your say so if you’ve let it lapse make sure you bring 8$ for a year’s renewal or 21$ for 3 years.

Weekend Roundup: Walking in Jane’s Footsteps

JWPoster2014The pick of the weekend is the 2-day Jane’s Walk phenomenon that, based on Jane Jacob’s advocacy for walking as a way to connect, understand and build thriving communities, sees a growing number of volunteers organise informative FREE strolls around Ottawa neighbourhoods this Saturday and Sunday. The areas are so diverse the times so disparate you are sure to find many that slot easily into your weekend plans and there is even a pick of French & English tours. There are over 50 walks organised this weekend and all are clearly listed here. Get walking and get connected with Jane’s Walk.

Thursday evening where else would you be but the Jane’s Walk launch at the Jane’s Walk Headquarters in Arts Court. Adrian Harewood MC’s the event and there is a walk-through video installation by artist Jessica Aylsworth while speakers include author Alain Miguelez, Poet David O’Meara and story-teller Dennis Van Staalduinen. Local and free 2 Daly Ave, 7-9PM.

Later Thursday evening over on Elgin St the ever expanding Lieutenant’s Pump is opening their newest room “The Gallery” with windows fronting on to the street this room is an art gallery where you can take in some culture as you sup your pint. 8PM

Friday night is new theatre work Corpus at Arts Court. We are looking forward to seeing this piece and what Director Bronwyn Steinberg – winner of the Prix Rideau Awards Production of the Year 2013 – is brining to the stage. Run continues til May 10th, 15-25$ 8PM.

Saturday May 3rd is the opening of “Creatures of Light” at the Museum of Nature. This exhibit of creatures from the deepest darkest depths of the ocean – what we fondly call the “midnight zone” – that generate light from there own body using bio-luminescence.  In our house we are mad about bio-luminescence so count on seeing us racing around the castle looking for Angler fish, sephonophores and more. Truly, bio-luminescence is tremendous.

At 2PM it’s the penultimate performance of the Pennsylvania Ballet’s Coppelia at the National Arts Centre (NAC),  One of the most charming ballets it is sure to entrance all comers. NAC 2PM & 8PM.

Saturday night The Peptides are having their album launch party for “Love Question Mark” at the beautiful St Alban’s church at King Edward and Daly Ave. The room is inspiring, intimate and the acoustics are amazing. Swoon and sway folks. 7:30PM 15$

Also on Saturday night is Elementals with Tindervox & the Haig band at the Lunenburg Pub. Cover only 4$

Sunday morning join local Jane’s Walk “Uptown Rideau, Mainstreet Interrupted” – pls scroll down when link opens page is not blank – hosted by Chris Bradshaw who will explore the intriguing past and present of our main shopping strip. Meet at 10:30am in front of Rideau Bakery for this 1hour tour. FREE

Sunday afternoon there is a French language Jane’s Walk hosted par les enfants, pour les enfants – pls scroll down when link opens page is not blank –. Explore Cote de Sable from a kid’s perspective. Walk starts at 2pm and the meeting point is the corner of Somerset East and Goulburn.

Sunday afternoon La Bottega is hosting an “Introduction to Italian Wine & Cheese” with Sommelier Alex Craig. 3:00-4:00PM 55$

At 4Pm it’s the Ottawa Jane Walk Wrap Party at the Lieutenant’s Pump  on Elgin Street. Join fellow walking enthusiasts and check out the new “Gallery Room” that opened just last Thursday.

Start off the work week with a fun Monday night Arts Court evening. Art Battle features 12 painters who have 20minutes to create on canvas then the gathered crowd picks the night’s winner.10-15$ 7PM Love it!

Finally, want to check out a new restaurant? Well Nu Seafood hasopened today in Vanier at 79 Montreal Road and they are doing a 1/2price menu until next Friday. Get in and let us know what you think. Rumour is the fish taco is delicious.

 

 

Eye Spy: Vocal Advocating Attendees at RideauSt CDP Planning Primer

I attendimageed the 1st of three Rideau St Community Development Plan (CDP) planning primers hosted by Ottawa City Planner Melanie Knight at the Rideau St Library this morning.

Though the room was about half full the meeting was amply  filled with vocal input from advocates from Lowertown & Sandy including Chris Bradshaw, Diane Beckett and Francois Bregha. It was an informative meeting with a very animated discussion around the way we ensure a thriving mainstreet. Highlights were not using the highest building as the guideline for height (there are only 4 over 10 stories and only 1 over 15 – hardly a hand-tying precedence for towers), creating open inviting corridors from Rideau to nearby parks (either side at Chapel St & to MacDonald Gardens)  and creating resting spots or plaza’s on Rideau st.

The final session is tonight at 6pm. It should be fun and vocal as I know of at least two strong advocates & visionaries Eric Goodwin & Catherine Fortin-LeFaivre who will be in attendance. I hope you will be too!

Weekend RoundUp: Play, Books, Players and More

Image Courtesy Prix Rideau Awards

Image Courtesy Prix Rideau Awards

The event of the week has got to be the Prix Rideau Awards celebrating Ottawa’s artistic excellence and it is happening Sunday in the heart of Sandy Hill at All Saints’ Church. If you haven’t got your tickets yet you should!

Thursday evening is the vernissage for Perspectives the life’s-work of Ottawa artist Gerald Trottier at the Ottawa Art Gallery. The largest donation of work the Art Gallery has ever received the diversity is testimony to the vast range of Trottier’s styles and subjects. Trottier’s work documents not only the times in which he painted, 1940’s-90’s, but also internal every-man struggles and truths. If you can’t make the opening then see this free exhibit of an Ottawa artists whose work not only travelled internationally but also features in the National Gallery while it is here locally at our very own Ottawa Art Gallery. Perspectives  vernissage 5:30PM

The spring edition of the Ottawa International Writers Fest also kicks off tonight at Knox Presbyterian Church on Elgin with speakers and the House of Anansi Poetry Bash that promises to be a fun and provocative affair.

Head over to Hooch to discuss the art or books over a top bourbon cocktail. You won’t believe you’re on Rideau St once you take your seat amid the unique salvage-stylish design which is less Southern Comfort and more urban comfort than we expected. Staff was knowledgeable, friendly and the kitchen is open super late so stay, have a few then eat some more.

Friday take a walk on theatre’s wilder side with tickets to the delightful “The Anger in Ernest & Ernestine” at the Backpacker’s Hostel on York St. It is the weirdest theatre venue we’ve ever experienced (and we’ve done a few including outdoors in a park and one in a refurbished public toilet!) but the talent far outshines the cramped venue by a hundred watts. 8PM 20$

Down Elgin way it’s our favourite monthly at the Museum of Nature with the return of Nature Nocturne. April’s edition “Courtship and Colour” feature BPM Dance Troupe performing a reggeathon & giving a crash course in Dancehall. Feeling Hot Hot Hot!. 8PM 20$

Saturday there are a ton of great events at the Ottawa International Writers Fest throughout Central and Sandy Hill Ottawa. Check out their full listing and enjoy one or many of their wonderful thoughtful and fun events.

Saturday & Sunday are the final two days for PoutineFest on the Spark Street Mall. Admission is free and you can eat a-la-carte or purchase a 25$ PoutinePass that gets you 5 8oz poutines. Choice is vast so loosen them belts and enjoy.

All day Sunday Elgin street is closed to traffic for the annual Sens Mile street party. There is a chilli competition involving 10 restos and 10$bucks gets you a taste of each competitor. Live music and DJ’s throughout.

Sunday at 2PM is the closing performance of “The Anger in Ernest & Ernestine

There is no better time than a Sunday afternoon for a classic movie. Enter the Bytowne Cinema with “Singin’ in the Rain” at 4:20. Cue the rain, cue the nostalgia.

Sunday night the Ottawa stars come out to shine at the Prix Rideau Awards which celebrate, encourage and promote French, English and (my fave) bilingual theatre and the artists involved. The gala event will be at All Saint’s Church Bate Hall with doors at 6PM and gala starts at 7PM.

Weekend RoundUp: Egging on April

Welcome to Easter weekend folks. Might be a good time to break up the routine as you look forward to breaking chocolate eggs.

stiff2-748x360Thursday night at Arts Court is Stiff Quickies a film screening fundraiser by local talents for the wonderful Ottawa Fringe Festival. The tag line for this event gives you the measure of the evening “short films, tall drinks, deep pockets”. Bar opens at 7PM and screenings start at 8PM. Tickets 12£

Keep your Thursday going with The Bunny Bounce a 1970’s disco party at The Mercury Lounge. Trevor Walker is bringing the tunes and you know they want you to strut the style so get the look with platforms and bell-bottoms and get your groove on. 10PM

Friday night head over to Zaphod Beeblebrox for an insanely well priced gig. Lined-up they have Ambrosia Famine with Arms of the Girl and GingerFox at the crazy knocked down price of a fiver. Go Zaphod!

Saturday its all back to Arts Court for a competitive live game-show storytelling challenge with FlipIt! . We can quite figure out if this is theatre, games or both but as it’s hosted by MayCan Theatre and there are drinks it is going to be a good time. 7:30 Pay What You Can.

Following FlipIt the Lunenburg is only a stride away with great beers and top live music. Saturday night the Lunenburg hosts local duo Couchwrecked CD release party. The drum and bass sounds are “reminiscent of Debbie Harry and the New York 70’s punk rock scene” with oddly upbeat lyrics. As well as Couchwrecked other acts including Swagoo and Ain’t No Grave will be performing. The whole evening promises chilled good times and the 10$ cover charge includes a a complimentary album. Go on, you know you want to. 9PM

Another fun Saturday night option is a roast hosted at Mugshots.  I love a good roasting – harkens back to the days of Rat Pack drinking and talking-down one another with great hilarity. This roast bids farewell to Ben Courtice “King Of Ottawa”.  Roast kicks off at 10PM followed by grooves of course.

Sunday night sneak away from the fam-bam and have a chilled wine-down at Must Kitchen in the Byward Market. Sunday’s is their 5$ corkage night.

SansSense: Absurd Theatre hits ArtsCourt

Sans-Sense-Poster-258x400

This review also published in Apt613.ca

SansSense is a collection of short plays and monologues featuring farfetched fantastical storylines. The material is creative and fresh yet despite the advertised brevity the production would have greatly benefited from harsher editing.

Joel Garrow delivers the Stuart Ross monologues that bookend the evening in diametrically opposed style. The opener is a frenetically nervous retelling of a story of an armed man vs an unsuspecting poodle. Garrow feverishly acts out every sentence energising the audience for the night ahead while in the closing monologue, The Engagement, he edges creepily around the set using voice and small gestures to lull the audience in to contemplation.

The monologues work nicely to frame the two longer works, Fish & No. Please and the transitions between plays and at the single interval are an inspired success.

Fish a solo-performance by Will Lafrance starts with absurdist promise but despite the lovely open-ended work romance drags considerably in scenes and made me itch for my editing pen.  Todd Hammond provided some talented writing no doubt but that makes the urge to tighten up the production stronger still.

Sean Callaghan’s No Please is a stirringly powerful tale of a righteous police-state enforcer, an on-the-edge wife and her lover. The setting is in an Orwellian future where street people are incinerated, provocateurs are hung and a wife’s lover is so normalised he’s invited to stay for dinner. No, Please is a courageous piece of theatre and the three-hander with Garrow, Lafrance and Marissa Caldwell has great chemistry bringing the necessary believability that elevates the work from quirky affectation to chilling vision.

It’s a decidedly different night of theatre and though I’d prefer less forgiving direction and greater brevity it’s a successfully unique evening with undeniable talents and I look forward to seeing more of what WeArt has to offer.

SansSense 
Arts Court, ODD Box Theatre, 2 Daly Ave
Thurs-Sat April 10-12th, 8:00-10:00pm,
Sunday April 13th, 2:00-4:00pm (Pay-What-You-Can)

Tickets $10 for students, $15 artists, $20