With the JUNOs gone since last week, the capital region returned to its regular pace but doesn’t lack interesting upcoming events nonetheless. There’s all sorts of things happening depending on your tastes and interests.
First off, the one and only Rahzel will be at Babylon this Wednesday, April 11 on the occasion of his I Love Canada Tour. The legendary beatboxer formerly of The Roots will be in Ottawa and opening the night will be up and coming duo of Elap and Johnny Bravo followed by veterans of the scene, Stay and Crack Moses. Tickets are $15 dollars at the door and you can get more info by clicking on the poster below.
Also on Wednesday is the International Day of Pink Gala, a free event taking place at the University of Ottawa, meant to gather funds for Jer’s Vision and raise awareness on bullying and how to put an end to it. The evening will include a silent auction and special performances by students from De La Salle High School, speeches by Stephanie Wheeler and the Netherlands ambassador Wim Geerts. Award recipients include Rick Mercer from CBC’s Rick Mercer Report and the late Jack Layton, who’s award will be accepted by Olivia Chow. You can get the full details by visiting the event’s Facebook page.
If you’re looking for some pottery to gift or simply for yourself, check out the Ottawa Guild of Potters exhibition and art sale this Thursday, April 12 through Sunday, April 15 at the Shenkman Arts Centre in Orleans. Over 40 artist-potters will be displaying one of a kind decorative and functional clay sculptures. More details are available on the Ottawa Guild of Potters website and on the poster below.
Then, to kick off the weekend, Barrymore’s Music Hall presents Paul Van Dyk this Friday, April 13 on the occasion of the Evolution World Tour 2012. This internationally renowned electronic dance DJ who has won many awards namely a Grammy will stop in Ottawa to perform tracks from his long-spanning career along with tracks from his 6th album Evolution. More information can be found on the poster below.
Also on Friday, Toxic Twins and Top Of The World present Grillz and Glam at Babylon with DJs NDN and Brains4breakfast starting at 11pm. More info below.
To my greatest delight, Kid Koala aka Eric San is back in Ottawa for a weekend of fun to present his Space Cadet Earphones Experience Tour. The Canadian DJ and turntablist will be at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum this Friday, April 13 through Sunday, April 15 to offer an immersive audio-visual and interactive experience to an eclectic and curious public. According to Kid Koala “it’s a headphone concert, gallery, science fair and it’s fun for the whole family”. A Space Gallery accompanies the show complete with interactive Music Spaceship Console, a Space Cadet Soundtrack Cassette Jukebox, and original etch boards from the Space Cadet graphic novel.
“Audiences surrender to the comfort of inflatable “space pods” wired for open air wireless headphones, through which most of the concert’s music is transmitted.” Because the music was written almost as lullabies the layers are really nuanced and subtle.” The feeling during the concert is that you’re having this communal experience with people around you, but everyone is having a personal, unique headphone experience.” Check out the video below to get a feel for the experience and get more details on the event including time and ticket information here.
Another weekend event is the Fela Kuti Tribute at Mercury Lounge celebrating Afrobeat, a complex fusion of Jazz, Funk, psychedelic rock, and traditional West African chants and rhythms. Afrobeat also borrows heavily from the native “tinker pan” African-style percussion.
Friday, April 13: Drumming circle from 7 to10:30 p.m. Followed by Ottawa magnificent D.J. Lance Baptiste, spinning Fela Afro-beat; originals and remixes. With Jesse M. on congas, Docta Lee on djembe, and Mario on trumpet. Saturday, April 14: Live music by the Ottawa Folklore Centre Jazz Band Afrobeat Project. Followed by Ottawa legendary D.J. Trevor Walker, spinning originals and remixes of Fela. More details available on the Mercury Lounge website.
And, to close off this week’s post, my favorites A Tribe Called Red will be throwing down a much-anticipated Electric Pow Wow at Babylon this Saturday April 14 following the release of their first album available for free download here! Please do yourself a favor and get this if you support Canadian music and local Ottawa talent. See you all on the dance floor!
I hope you enjoy this week’s selection and that you take advantage of the many events taking place in the national capital throughout the next few days. Stay tuned for more next week including the announcement of the 2012 Bluesfest line-up being unveiled April 24!!
