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.

Eye Spy: Community Steps Out & Up for Positive Development

Beautiful Bate’s Hall in the back of All Saints Church at Chapel St and Laurier was alive with foot-stomping and fundraising over the weekend.

Food and dancersThe local community alarmed by a lack of vision from City officials and the dearth of action to preserve heritage architecture (some designated, some not) threw a party to raise money for conservation &  proactive, considerate development planning in the hood.

AuctionLocals are grateful for the tireless volunteer hours put in by spearheading dynamos Jane Gurr, Lynn Marchildon, Susan Young-Audet & Willow Scobie from ASH. SandyHillSeen was happy to be a part of this initiative and work with so many other local contributors including TAN Coffee, Remax, Andrex Holdings – who embrace sensitive development, Roz Matthews, Chez Lucien, C’est Bon Cooking, Rosemary Scagg, Hilltop Restaurant & bar who laid out an amazing spread and Ashton Brewing Company & Wellington Brewery who generously donated wonderful craft Beers.

Tellingly, on the same day as the party the illegal demolition of the Stewart-Dworkin building (under heritage study) on Rideau commenced. Please sign the petition for this building and ask your City to take action.

541RideauFinal note – Another grand old dame at 541 Rideau (formerly housing Culinary Conspiracy) is equally under threat. Lets talk it up and raise the rafters to protect our beautifully evocative & important history.

Corpus: Theatre Raising the Past & Raising the Bar

A play that tackles the holocaust is never going to be uncomplicated yet Darrah Teiltel’s tale, in its world-premiere, recalling events in Auschwitz between a Nazi camp wife and a Polish Jewish prisoner is fresh, modern, entertaining and strikingly amusing. Director Bronwyn Steinberg assuredly marks out present from past with maps tile-ing the stage and characters that are vividly real. The tragedies of the past are delineated from the chaos and humour of the present; this juxtaposition deftly resonating with the truth that history never exists in a void and is forever influenced by the outsider’s perception.

Moving in flashbacks between 1940’s Poland and modern day Toronto as Genocide research student Megan (Sascha Cole) pulls the curtain back on the unconventional relationship between Eva Reiniger and Auschwitz prisoner & SonderKommander Eli.  The work obsessed, overwrought and forlorn Megan defies her Professor (John Koensgen) when the mysterious Heinrich reaches out over the internet from Berlin to tell her that Reiniger survived the evacuation of the camps and is desperate to share her memories…

With actors feet apart conversations are held on video chats with screens at either end of the theatre. The sound and video design and the set are nothing short of successful. The staging and use of innovative props is stunningly evocative. Steinberg’s innovative re-positioning of the theatre and use of the full space transports the audience with her remarkable cast through time and territory.

CorpusThe five cast members work together beautifully. Without overshadowing one another the presence of each was riveting. Colleen Sutton as Eva is nothing short of mesmerising as she primps in the mirror before her first Polish lesson, Eli (Eric Craig) defines enigmatic while Laurie Fyffe brings the older Eva’s fears confusion and need for confession vividly to life – these characters lingered long after the curtain dropped. Daniel Sadavoy brings humour with a nimble Baron-Cohen take on Heinrich alleviating tension yet becoming achingly vulnerable when reaching out of cyber-space to try for a literal connection.

The only perceived stumble in a remarkable production is a lag at the opening of the 2nd act where Megan’s publishing success of Eva’s survivor story is slightly drawn out and lacks the compelling transfixing quality of the rest of the play.  This is but a small and even insignificant criticism of a truly excellent production which raises the bar in Ottawa’s Professional Theatre. Bravo Counterpoint Players.

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!

Prix Rideau Awards: Theatre Stars Shine Bright in Sandy Hill

Prix Rideau Awards Bate HallArticle also published on Apt613.ca
On Sunday evening a cavalcade of theatre luminaries gathered in Bates Hall, Sandy Hill to honour the brightest amongst their ranks.

warming up at the barThe Prix Rideau Awards founded in 2006 celebrates locally produced professional theatre and artists in both French and English. It is inspiring to see categories, including best male and female performers, best director, emerging artists, etc single out standout achievements in both official languages at one event.  This year’s nominations included 40 English theatre productions and 14 French language plays making for a packed hall of nominees, supporters, advocates and fans of local theatre and arts.

Annie Lefebvre keeps her head pre-show

Annie Lefebvre keeps her head pre-show

This year’s awards hosted by Tania Levy & Hugues Beaudoin-Dumouchel saw former host Annie Lefebvre literally beheaded in the show opener. Her corpse-less-head then overseeing proceedings from a table top.

The night was beautifully animated and the delivery, especially for a performing arts award show – these folks love the stage – was succinct and moved at a enjoyable pace with an engaged and bellicose audience.

Alain Chauvin & Elise Gauthier

Alain Chauvin & Elise Gauthier

Tina Goralski who won the 2013 “Derriere le Rideau/Behind the Curtain” French-language award for “A tu et A moi” delivered a particularly moving speech on the power of bilingual theatre – this from an Albertan Anglophone no less.  Brad Long taking “Outstanding Performance, Male” for “We Glow” had the crowd tittering with “the actor’s cliché” of no prepared speech.

Gabrielle Lalonde and Guest

Gabrielle Lalonde and Guest

The host’ were at one point stage-rushed for an impromptu “selfie” by a couple in the crowd. A bouquet toss was held for the “best dress” in the audience and Emily Pearlman made us well-up when, accepting “Best Director” for “Hroses”, she dedicated her win for a “play about love to the person that I’m so in love with”.

Exec Dir Matt Miwa

Exec Dir Matt Miwa

Executive Director Matt Miwa deserves a big hand for producing such a polished evening alongside the entire Prix Rideau Awards organising team and arts community for standing up for this much deserved recognition.

And the Winners Are…. PRix Rideau Award Winners 2013

Emerging Artist Award Eng: Melanie Karin
Prix d’Artiste en Emergence: Lissa Leger

Derriere le Rideau Award: David Whiteley ‘Billy Bishop’, ‘Absurd Person Singular’ & ‘ Private Lives’
Derriere le Rideau Award: Tina Goralski ‘A tu et A Moi’ Compagnie L’Atelier

Outstanding Performance, Female:  Katie Swift ‘Hroses’ Evolution Theatre
Interpretation Feminine de L’Annee: Magali Lemele ‘Je n’y suis plus’ en co-production avec Le Theatre Francaise du CNA

Outstanding Design : Al Connors (Sound) ‘Hroses’ & Brian Smith (Set) ‘God of Carnage’ Third Wall Theatre
Conception de L’Annee: Gabriel Tsampalieros (Scenographie) ‘Je N’y Suis Plus’ Magali Lemele en co-production ave Le Theatre Francaise du CNA& Melanie McNeil (Scenographie) ‘le fa le do’ Theatre Catapulte

Interpretation Masculine de L’Annee : Yves Turbide ‘Fool for Love’ Theatre des Cybeles

Outstanding Performance Male : Brad Long ‘We Glow’ Theatre 4.669

Outstanding New Creation: Emily Pearlman & Brad Long ‘We Glow’ Theatre 4.669
Nouvelle Creation de L’Annee: ‘Ik Onkar’ Theatre la Catapulte

Outstanding Direction: Emily Pearlman ‘ Hroses’ Evolution Theatre
Mise en Scene de L’Annee: Caroline Yergeau ‘Porc-Epic’ Theatre Belvedere

Production de L’Annee: ‘Ik Onkar’ Theatre la Catapulte
Production of the Year : ‘The Vibrator Play’ Same Day Theatre

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.