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.
Sandy Hill Seen 