Category Archives: Weekend RoundUp

Wknd RoundUp: Canada D-Eh!

Posted on June 26, 2014 | Leave a comment

It’s the sort-of long weekend folks. I expect most people will take a 4day weekend and roll straight from Friday through Canada Day on Tuesday and well done on you!

HypnoticEvent of the weekend!! Saturday Jazz fest only has the mind-blowing horn blowing Hypnotic Brass Ensemble 

First up: there are FOUR more days of Ottawa Fringe Festival  in the hood headquartered at Arts Court. The choice is expansive with many excellent shows selling out. I can’t recommend it more and am personally gutted to see the end in sight – but there is still time for more PHEW. I’ve had countless hours of entertainment this year and will miss the explosion of international and local talent as well as the free concerts and conviviality of the Waller Park beer tent when it wraps. If you do nothing else this weekend take a trip to the Fringe.

The Ottawa Jazz Festival continues their eclectic class act til 30June. Catch a show then take in the Late Night Jamming sessions at The Albion Rooms starting at 10:30PM.

Thursday evening: Sandy Hill Heritage Study from 6-8:30PM at the Sandy Hill Community Centre 250 Somerset St E.  Free entrance 5-8 at the National Gallery & the Byward Night Market is open for all your fresh produce shopping needs til 9PM.

Thursday night: Claude Munson host the open mic at Cafe Nostalgica. Free concert 9PM at Waller Park in the Ottawa Fringe Beer tent including Crissi Cochrane & Three Little Birds. Over at Ottawa’s only Jail/Bar Mugshots 75 Nicholas St  its all going off til 2AM withs Rehab Pizza Party w/ Cadence Weapon & Silkken Laumann.

Friday – still time for Fringe or check out the line up for great tunes alongside top brews with The Dirty Sheep, Sounds of Stories, Tales from the BackSeat and Novalatte all at the local Lunenburg Pub on Waller St.

Beautiful Saturday grab your bike and catch a brew and the sunset at 8LocksFlat on the Canal just off Colonel By side bike path. Best sunsets in Ottawa.

Saturday it’s the Arts Court favourite Art Battle Regional Ottawa Finals at the Ottawa Convention Centre (55 Colonel By Drive). Paint Brush at the ready, 20mins on the clock, you decide who wins! Starts at 7PM

Event of the weekend!! If you’ve never seen the Hypnotic Brass Ensemble then rush over to the Confederation Park for 10:30PM Saturday night to be properly enthralled. The 8-piece hailing from Chicago will not disappoint. It’s made up of the 8 sons of Jazz Trumpeter Phil Cochran and with only horns and a drum-set it will set your night on fire guaranteed. First time I saw these guys was an impromptu street gig on Portobello Market in 2009 – so word to the wise they frequently set up busker style (of course Ottawa City might fine them!) to get the vibe of the City.

 

Saturday night final chance to get your Fringe on and don’t miss the closing free night of concerts on the Downtown Rideau Stage in Waller Park featuring Ottawa favourite Silkken Laumann at 10PM.

For Sunday through Tuesday we recommend checking out OttawaStart for all the Canada Day festivities.

 

 

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Wknd Roundup: Fire up your Fun

Posted on June 19, 2014 | Leave a comment

It’s here and it’s in your neighbourhood. The Ottawa Fringe Festival opens Thursday evening with most venues in and around Sandy Hill from the Arts Court headquarters through St Alban’s on King Eddy. As well as a cavalcade of new shows there is also Free Programming with concerts on the Downtown Rideau stage in Waller Park,  the Courtyard for lounging and local fave Albion Rooms is getting in on the fun with 8 dishes for 8$ each from 8PM-Midnight exclusively for Fringe go’ers.

FringeAs championed by Jian Gomeshi Fringe showcases some of our countries greatest artistic talents, the shows are plentiful and the prices are knock-down cheap – support the artists, support local and get your 10days of Fringe on!

Though with the free concerts, great eats and tremendous shows you’re schedule will be packed for the next 10days there is always time for more right?

Love jazz then check out all the great events going on at the Ottawa Jazz Festival on from 20-30June. Our favourite aspect is the unpredictable Late Night Jamming sessions and we are thrilled that this year they’ve relocated The Albion Rooms. Pop in around 10:30PM and be amazed.

The World Cup rages on and this afternoon is England vs Uruguay. No better place to watch it that at Our England House head-quartered at The Lunenburg Pub on Waller St.  3PM

Thursday night 6PM at Patro – 40 Cobourg St – a public meeting to discuss cycling infrastructure on St Patrick St. The Mayor issued a letter yesterday via Citizens for Safe Cycling proposing that cyclist accept “Super Sharrows”, sidewalk riding and a 3 block (between Cobourg & Beausoleil) ped-cycling mini-path as a solution. We hope this mish-mash “solution” is challenged and attendees advocate for a true solution. We suggest slowing traffic speeds, thus enabling narrowing of car-lanes and addition of permanent protected bike lanes.

Grab your swim kits kids, local Sandy Hill wading pools open this Friday! UPDATE: City website is out of date and Patro wading pool is NOT OPEN Both the brand spanking new pool by the Patro – 40 Cobourg – and the pool in Strathcona Park open June 20th whereas July 2nd is the date for the pool by the Sandy Hill Community Centre.  Happy splashing!

Having advocated for cycling infrastructure on Thursday reward yourself with a Bike Rave and a party at Bank St’s beguiling Glow Fair.

Yep it’s Ottawa’ 1st Bike Rave Friday night 7:30PM starting at 200 Lees Bike Coop.  The bike rave is a critical mass-style group ride with portable music that includes dance party stops and ends at the Bank Street GlowFair Party. Costumes and glow sticks are highly encouraged.

Summer Solstice 8locksSaturday from 7PM it is the Summer Solstice Cycle Soiree at 8 Locks Flat (191 Colonel By – the beach resto along the canal between Corktown Bridge and Laurier St). In conjunction with Citizens for Safe Cycling there are prizes every 15mins and a free gift for all cyclists at 8:55PM.  Thanks for supporting cycling through the cold depths of winter 8Locks and thanks for having the best licensed bike-friendly sunset views in Ottawa!

 

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Wknd Roundup: Summer Festivals, Footie & Free Fun Reign Down

Posted on June 13, 2014 | Leave a comment

Here comes the weekend roundup where we never let the rain dampen good times.

It’s summertime down at the Byward Market’s Must Kitchen 41 William St where a custom Mojito features every weekend. Looking for an afterwork cocktail? Head over for the refreshing Peach-Mango Mojito today.

world cupIf you’re as crazy as I for the Footie – and looking for a good venue for viewing – give the Lunenburg Pub a try. They promise to air the games, the surrounds are comfortable, the craft beer selection is extensive while the food and prices are both appetising. Spain against Netherland’s today is sure to be a cracker!  I’m going for outsiders the Black Stars (Go Go Ghana) who are in the killer group and probably won’t last long but that’s okay cuz London was my second home. Go En-grrrrr-laannd! Clearly I’ll be actively following the World Cup to the end – join me!

The NCC Gatineau Beaches open this weekend so consider a dip to mark the occasion.

On Friday evening La Petite Mort hosts a vernissage for “Mexican Masks from the Muayes Ogazon Collection 1940-80” 7PM

Fancy a movie in the park? The Sandy Hill Health Centre is hosting a free screening of “Bend it Like Beckham” for Friday Outdoor Movie night at Springhurst Park, Lees Ave, 8:45PM, Free

On Friday and Saturday evening you get a Pay-What-You-Can dance show in Strathcona Park with Machina Nuptialis, from dance troupe Corpus. Strathcona Park 8PM.

Ottawa Explosion Weekend (OXW) opened Thursday night and keeps the grooves coming at various local venues including SAW Gallery, OAG, Mugshots, Ritual, DeKCuf and Ottawa-South’s home of pinballs & perogies House of Targ. There are more bands and shows than we can keep track of and they’re at a great price and the atmosphere at this new-style fest is tremendous so get out and get in to it.  OXW Schedule

Friday & Saturday the Festival Franco-Ontarien, head-quartered in Major Hill’s Park with artists, musicians and Kid-friendly activities it’s a local festival sure to entertain. We’re looking forward le Pique-Nique Africain Saturday noon-4PM & Pierre Lapointe who takes the main stage Saturday evening at 7PM.

Further afield – but lets face it nothing is more than a bike ride away in Summertime Ottawa – Westfest gets underway in Westboro/WelliWest/Hintonburg. This free music fest is forever a crowd pleaser so grab two-wheels and get your fun on folks.

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Wknd Round Up: A-May-Zing Fun

Posted on May 29, 2014 | Leave a comment

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.

 

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Wknd RoundUp: Planting Fun Ideas

Posted on May 22, 2014 | Leave a comment

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. 

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Weekend Roundup: Walking in Jane’s Footsteps

Posted on May 1, 2014 | Leave a comment

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.

 

 

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Weekend RoundUp: Play, Books, Players and More

Posted on April 24, 2014 | Leave a comment
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.

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Weekend RoundUp: Egging on April

Posted on April 16, 2014 | Leave a comment

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.

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Weekend Roundup: Whatever the April Weather

Posted on April 9, 2014 | Leave a comment
The Truman Show rocking TAN for St Joe's

The Truman Show rocking TAN for St Joe’s

Thursday T.A.N. Coffee is doing their thing in the ‘hood. Thinking of the community and making it a better place they are hosting a fundraiser from 6-9PM to raise some money for St. Joe’s Supper Table.  Thanks for caring TAN – hope the neighbours are out in force!

Thursday through Sunday SansSense brings an absurdist collection of short plays to Arts Court. A nonsensical whirlwind of theatre brought to life by a talented troupe. 10-13 April 8PM 10-20$

Friday there is a vernissage not to be missed at La Petite Mort gallery at 306 Cumberland. A collection of works from Mexican artists curated by Cesar Catsuu Lopez of Mexico City in collaboration with the Embassy of Mexico in Ottawa. If you can’t be there to meet the artist on the 11th you have until April 27th to check out the Up, Down, Charm, Top, Bottom/ Arriba, Abajo, Encanto Extrano, Cima, Fondo show.

Friday evening PechaKucha returns to inspire and motivate in under 7minutes. PechaKucha – which mean to chit chat in Japanese – delivers short sharp talks from a variety of speakers. This session at Club SAW Gallery features 9 speakers ranging from artists, the Director of Operations for a media company, an anti-bully advocate, and more. It’s fun, informative and smart. 7-9PM, FREE (registration required), Club SAW.

Saturday continues the run of Vacant House Theatre’s  The Anger in Ernest and Ernestine at the Backpacker’s Hostel 203 York St. 8PM – Sunday Matinee 2PM

At the NAC’s 4th stage jazz bassist John Geggie has rounded-up a great selection of Canadian jazz musicians for the last in his series of memorable concerts. NAC, 7:30pm 30$

Sunday the Ottawa Vintage Clothing Show is back at the Convention Centre. One-off finds for a uniquely beautiful style will fill the space. It’s 10$ entry but don’t expect vintage prices as fashions range from $2 to upwards of a thousand. 10$ entry and happy hunting.

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Weekend Round Up: Sweet Spring in the Air

Posted on April 3, 2014 | Leave a comment

Lots going on this weekend so buckle-up for fun.  Pick of the weekend has got to be Sugarfest at North America’s only urban sugar shack – that would be the one in fun-loving Ward 12 of course!

Thursday – all day – get 50% off at Menchies in the Byward Market to celebrate their first anniversary. Given the lovely weather a family walk rewarded by dessert likely won’t go amiss this evening.

Autism fundraiserLater tonight in honour of World Autism Day (yesterday) the Lunenburg Pub is holding a fundraiser for Autism Speaks. The organisation that promotes the safety and well-being of those with Autism is Pay-What-You-Can.  This promises to be a great event with loads of live music and the opportunity on a night out to contribute to a great cause. Interested in advances in autism? Check out our recent post by Professor and Autism Expert Laura Cavanagh.

Opening Thursday and running until April 7 it’s the Edible Arctic Festival at the Museum of Nature featuring the creative culture and vibrant lifestyle of the Arctic North.  Much of the Museum’s collection is from the North yet little focuses on the life and culture – this exhibit of art, music, food and activities explores that human side.  Thursday night is free from 5-8PM and the schedule includes a movie at 6:30, storytelling, crafts and the Northern Lights!

Friday afternoon Chef Christine Cushing will be doing a meet and greet with Olive Oil tasting at La Bottega Nicastro.

Friday is opening night for a intriguing new production by Vacant House Theatre. The Anger in Ernest and Ernestine is their inaugural production and the play set in a basement apartment is literally set in the cramped basement confines of the Backpacker’s Hostel on York St. We’re looking forward to reviewing this production shortly – let us know what you think!

Over at Ritual on Besserer St it’s Toronto indie 5-piece The Wooden Sky supported by Dusted and the Wilderness of Manitoba.

Saturday is the Family bike ride to Vanier’s MuseoParc for the annual Maple Sugar Festival. The bike ride is a joint initiative put on by the Vanier & Overbrook Community Associations spearheaded by Sarah Partridge of Vanier a Velo / Vanier Cycles. Of course all comers – cyclists, pedestrians, public transport and drivers – are very welcome to the MuseoParc’s Sugaring Festivities… and did we mention FREE PANCAKES!!

Saturday night have a top meal or a quiet drink at The Albion Rooms or mix it up with the Brooklyn DJ Duo The Underachievers at Ritual.

AmayaframetasticSunday why not register yourself or your kid at a Capoeira class at neighbourhood studio Dende Do Recife – offering a 20% discount to all Sandy Hill residents. No better time to get fit whilst being immersed in this ever-more popular Brazilian cultural experience.

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