Eventful Capital’s Weekly Picks: From the Festival Franco Ontarien and the Art Battle Ottawa Finale to Westfest and Manmade

Festival season is officially starting this week which means there are plenty of events to keep our national capital’s cultural scene alive. If you’re in the area this week and have time to check out some stuff, there’s lots happening, so take a look at Eventful Capital’s weekly picks below for a glimpse into the number of events being held in the coming days.

To kick off the week with metal, Vancouver technical death metal band Archspire will be performing live at Cafe Dekcuf. The West Coast group will be sharing the stage with Ottawa death metal four-piece Accursed Spawn, Perth metal formation A Scar For The Wicked and Ottawa metal project Maou Mindu. Internationally renowned pop sensation Aaron Carter will be making a return to Ottawa this Wednesday night to perform live at Ritual. The American artist, who’s currently recording a new album and preparing for his next tour, will be sharing the stage with local singers Jessica Anbara and Rachel Stiles for the occasion.  The 40th edition of the Festival Franco-Ontarien kicks off on Thursday, June 11 and is being held until Saturday, June 14. This year again, the family-friendly festival, which celebrates francophone music and culture, is being held at Major Hill Park and will present popular musicians from French Canada including Eric Lapointe, Kain, Loco Locass and Zachary Richard among others. This Thursday, June 11, UK hard rockers Girlschool will be giving a live performance at Mavericks. The NWOBHM legends will be rocking out as part of their Guilty As Sin North American Tour alongside Swedish rock metal band Crucified Barbara as well as Toronto/Ottawa rock group Old James and Quebec rock three-piece Velvet Black. LIVE! on Elgin is pleased to be joined by one of Ottawa’s talented singer-songwriters, Danielle Allard, every Thursday night at 9 starting this Thursday, June 11. The local acoustic musician will probably be sharing the stage with special guests featured on a weekly basis.  Those of you who enjoy visual arts should check out the Ottawa Art Battle Regional Finals this Friday night at Maker Space North. The unique event organized across Canadian cities, brings 12 local painters together for a live painting competition. The regional finals will crown the Ottawa champion who’ll go on to represent the Nation’s capital at the annual National Championship going down later this summer to crown the top Canadian painter of the year. This Friday night, Ottawa atmospheric experimental rock Wood Lake will be playing live at Mavericks alongside Grounders, Losergeek and the noteworthy local post-punk/pop/rock trio The Great Diversion.  Vancouver indie math/pop band Hawking will be giving a live show at Avant-Garde Bar this Friday, June 12 as part of their 2015 North Amercian Tour. For their Ottawa stop, the 4-piece will be joined on stage by Ottawa indie rock band Tall Trees, Ottawa rock/punk outfit The Tenebaums, Ottawa/Gatineau indie electro/progressive rock formation Sans Foulard and Ottawa experimental/acid pop project Cosmo Doris. If you enjoy a mix of folk, punk and rock, be sure to head over to House of Targ this Friday night to catch Jon Creeden and the Flying Hellfish. The Stratford/Ottawa punk rock band will be giving a show with Calgary folk/punk group The River Jacks and Ottawa punk rock musician Cory Levesque who’ll be joined by a few friends for his set. The June edition of Hip Hop Karaoke is going down this Friday night at the Elmdale with usual suspects DJ So Nice and Atherton. If you want to perform and impersonate Missy Elliott by doing that track you spent hours memorizing in front of the mirror, now’s your chance to show the Ottawa world what you’re made of.  Old Stereo invites you to join them to celebrate the album release of their debut What It’s All About this Saturday night at Cafe Dekcuf. The local funk, soul and r&b 4-piece band will be premiering new material and they’ll be sharing the stage with special guest Renee Landry who’ll take care of opening the show. If you’re into ska, reggae, and rocksteady, be sure to go to Mavericks this Saturday night to check out The Beatdown. The Montreal Northern reggae band will be performing live in Ottawa in an effort to promote their new album The Beatdown Meets Hugo Mudie and for the occasion they’ll be sharing the stage with garage surf pop project Cold Chords and rockabilly/punk outfit A Staggering Pace. The Heart, Home & Handmade indie craft fair being held at the Carleton Field House this Saturday, June 13. The semi-annual boutique event showcases some of the National Capital Region’s most talented handmade designers. It’s a modern twist on the conventional craft fair and admission is free. The Rock & Rescue Ottawa annual benefit event is being held at the Crazy Horse this Saturday, June 13 to raise funds for local, non-profit dog rescues in Ottawa and the surrounding area. This year’s event will be benefiting the Ottawa Dog Rescue, Sit With Me Shelter Rescue, and Spot’s Dog Rescue and will feature live performances by Amos The Transparent, Thrifty Kids and Water’s Edge.

Over at Pressed Cafe this Saturday night, enjoy a laid-back intimate evening of local music featuring dreamy folk pop duo Waxing Moon, blues/folk/rock musician Just Mouse and Ottawa acoustic indie/folk ukulele newcomers Goodnight Boy.If you’re into blues and folk and you’re in the mood to check out some live music you should head to Irene’s Pub this Saturday night to catch the live performance by Life-Size Men and Catriona Sturton. The Ottawa guitar-driven pop/rock n’ roll 4-piece band will be giving a live show and they’ve invited singer and harmonica player Sturton to join them on stage for the show. Westfest, Westboro Village’s festival of music, art and life is celebrating its 12th edition this year on June 13 and 14. This family-friendly community festival brings you free concerts and activities in Ottawa’s Westboro neighborhood and this year the events will be held .The 2015 festivities will bring you live performances by Lynn Miles, Sarah Harmer, Rae Spoon, Craig Cardiff, and The Acorn among others. To view the full program, click on the festival image below.  Right in time for Father’s Day, Handmade Harvest presents Manmade this Sunday, June 14 at the Mill Street Brew Pub. The one-of-a-kind male-focussed craft show will feature 30 dude-worthy vendors and free Mill Street Beer samplings. The perfect spot to grab a gift for your dad!

Review: BADBADNOTGOOD, July Talk, Childish Gambino and Snoop Dogg Take the Stage on Days 8 and 9 of the Ottawa Bluesfest

Days 8 and 9 of the 2104 Ottawa Bluesfest presented an eclectic roster of artists and groups from all genres who made a stop in the National Capital to play at one of the most reputable festivals that exists today.

Eventful Capital started off Day 8 at the Blacksheep Stage to check out BADBADNOTGOOD, an instrumental jazz/hip-hop/trip hop trio from Toronto. The group, made up of members Matthew Tavares on keys, Chester Hansen on bass, and Alexander Sowinski on drums, which is recognized for its experimental approach to music, has performed in Ottawa on several occasions in the past. In fact, in between songs, they mentioned that “playing in Ottawa is always a treat” as the crowd cheered on. BADBADNOTGOOD performed tracks off of their three studio albums including the noteworthy piece Kaleidoscope from their latest work “III”, which has been nominated on the 2014 Polaris Music Prize long list. 

Badbadnotgood performing live at the 2014 Ottawa Bluesfest © Photo: Eventful Capital

Inside the Barney Danson Theatre, it was Keturah Johnson’s turn to take the stage. The local singer-songwriter and guitarist gave her Bluesfest debut in front of a half-full room and she was joined by her musicians for the occasion. It was a pleasure to hear the Ottawa-based folk rock/heavy soul artist sounding so great and encouraging to see local talent be a part of the festival experience.

Keturah Johnson live at the 2014 Ottawa Bluesfest © Photo: Eventful Capital

Back at the Blacksheep Stage, a young crowd of teens wearing bucket hats and waving Arizona Ice Teas were piled up front to catch the rising online sensation Yung Lean. The 17-year old Swedish rapper who performs with his crew the Sad Boys, was in Canada for the first time in an effort to promote his upcoming debut album “Unknown Memory” set to be released later this year. Yung Lean performed the tracks Gatorade, Oceans 2011, 5th Element, Hurt, Oreomilkshake, Lemonade and Kyoto as the pumped crowd sang along to the absurd and at times disturbing lyrics. It sort of felt like summer camp gone wrong.

Yung Lean and the Sad Boys live at the 2014 Ottawa Bluesfest © Photo: Eventful Capital

Meanwhile on the Claridge Stage, adults were reliving their 90s and early 2000s with Third Eye Blind. The American alternative rock group that rose to fame with the hits Semi-Charmed Life and How’s It Gonna Be were pleasantly surprised by the size of the crowd gathered to see them saying how Canada was “making them feel welcome”. The group delivered material from their several albums including Crystal Baller, Wounded, Slow Motion and the new song Back To Zero among others.

July Talk performing live at the 2014 Ottawa Bluesfest © Photo: Eventful Capital

Later on in the evening, headliners July Talk took over the River Stage in front of a large crowd of festival goers . The rising Toronto-based indie rock band consisting of singers Peter Dreimanis and Leah Fay, guitarist Ian Docherty, bassist Josh Warburton and drummer Danny Miles, offered a colourful high-energy performance with on-stage dynamics that kept everyone alert and on their feet. Dreimanis and Fay’s playful theatrics alone could have easily stolen the show, but it’s thanks to songs like Summer Dress, Guns + Ammunition, My Neck and Gentleman that July Talk ultimately pleased the crowd of fans. The band, who hadn’t been in Ottawa for a while, chugged Heinekens on stage while proclaiming their love for the National Capital, a sure win for the cheering crowd.

Eventful Capital ended Day 8 at the Blacksheep Stage to dance to Ryan Hemsworth’s contagious beats. The Toronto-based electronic DJ/Producer who’s a Bluesfest returnee and an Ottawa favourite, kept the party going by dropping some of his more popular remixes and productions including The Weeknd’s Or Nah. 

Catriona Sturton at the 2014 Ottawa Bluesfest © Photo: Eventful Capital

Bluesfest continued on Saturday, July 12 for Day 9 of the festival. Upon arrival, Eventful Capital caught a bit of Action Bronson’s set only to see him jump off the Claridge Stage and take off with a highjacked festival golf cart which he carelessly drove around the site, fans aboard. It was an amusing sight to say the least.

Shortly after in the Barney Danson Theatre, it was Ottawa blues rock artist Catriona Sturton’s turn to take the stage. For the occasion, the 38-year old singer-songwriter and musician who quit her job to become a full-time harmonica player, was joined by local guitarist John Carroll. Sturton appeared nervous and shaky, but despite this, she managed to give a respectable performance. Her set list included Wheel Of Fortune, the bluesy Heavy Weather, the instrumental piece Mongoose Moan, and the heavy Black is the Colour. 

Deltron 3030 performing at the 2014 Ottawa Bluesfest © Photo: Eventful Capital

Outside on the Claridge Stage, many festival-goers were awaiting Deltron 3030’s performance. The alternative hip-hop project comprised of  producer Dan the Automator, rapper Del the Funky Homosapien, and scratch DJ/producer extraordinaire Kid Koala was happy to be back in Ottawa after having been part of the Bluesfest’s 2012 lineup. At the start of the set, it was impossible to hear Del’s vocals, but that technical issue was soon resolved much to everyone’s relief. Deltron 3030 offered a solid 60-minute set featuring material from their two albums “Deltron 3030” and “Event 2” namely the tracks 3030, Positive Contact, Nobody Can complete with crowd participation, The Agony, Madness, and Virus.  

Little Freddie King live at the 2014 Ottawa Bluesfest © Photo: Eventful Capital

As soon as Deltron 3030 wrapped up, Eventful Capital made it over to the Blacksheep Stage just in time to catch the end of Little Freddie King’s set. The crowd gathered for his performance showed plenty of love to the talented blues guitarist and singer who rarely performs outside of New Orleans. It was a rare treat to have him play in Ottawa, and festival-goers were delighted to have the opportunity to see this living blues legend live. Despite his age, Little Freddie King appeared in great shape and he delivered a remarkable set in the warm afternoon sun.

After this, Eventful Capital scurried back to the Claridge Stage where an impressive crowd had gathered to see Donald Glover aka Childish Gambino. The American actor, writer, rapper and producer known for his role as Troy Barnes in the series Community was super energized the minute he hit the stage and delivered a lively 60-minute set to the delight of his fans. For his first show in Ottawa, Childish Gambino offered up some of his most popular tracks including The Crawl, All She Needed Was Some, I’m A Winner, Do Ya Like, Heartbeat, Telegraph Ave, 3005, Freaks and Geaks, Bonfire, and The Hour ending things off with a freestyle. He concluded by proclaiming “Ottawa, you’ve been fucking amazing tonight!” to which the crowd responded with loud cheers and claps.

Everyone then migrated over to the Main Stage for the final performance of the night courtesy of Bluesfest favourite Snoop Dogg aka Snoop Lion. The internationally known hip-hop/g-funk rapper from Long Beach, California returned to the National Capital to celebrate the Bluesfest’s 20th anniversary with his Ottawa fans. As per usual, Snoop attracted a massive crowd of happy weed-toking folks just looking to have a good time with the rap superstar. Snoop hit the stage almost 30 minutes late, but this faux pas was soon forgotten the minute festival-goers saw him come out wearing a Sens jersey. Joined on stage by his sidekick Kurupt and backed by a DJ, Snoop didn’t need much more to get the crowd hyped up. Having performed around the world an innumerable amount of times, the man knows what gets people going and could easily give a show with his eyes closed, in fact he probably does. With this in mind, he delivered all the hits from Ups & Downs, Pimp, Let’s Get High, and Next Episode to Who Am I (What’s My Name?), Ain’t No Fun, Drop it Like it’s Hot and I Wanna Fuck You. He also took the older fans back in time with the classics Gin and Juice and Lodi Dodi. It was a straight-up party and from the look and smell of it, festival-goers loved every minute of it.

Eventful Capital’s Weekly Picks: From The Mounties and DJ Spinna to The Underachievers and the 10th Ottawa Community Record Show

With the Ottawa Bluesfest lineup revealed last week, how excited are you for summer days and festival season? The 20th anniversary lineup has something for everyone and there’s definitely lots to look forward to! In the meantime, here’s another round-up of noteworthy events happening in and around the National Capital Region this week. Take a look at Eventful Capital’s weekly picks for a glimpse of what’s happening in Ottawa-Gatineau in the days ahead.

The Fau Mardi collective has released its schedule for the month of April. The weekly gathering, which happens every Tuesday at the Petit Chicago in Hull, gives a platform to local audio-visual artists in an effort to support the Ottawa Gatineau electronic culture. This week, the Fau Crew will be bidding farewell to one of its own, Racine.    

The Mounties, made up of Hawksley Workman, Steve Bays of Hot Hot Heat, and Ryan Dahle of Limblifter/Age Of Electric, will be performing live at Mavericks this Wednesday, April 2. The talented trio, who’ll be in Ottawa as part of their first Canadian tour, will be joined on stage by Vancouver indie-pop band The Zolas and Vancouver guitar-pop musician James Younger. This Friday, April 4, local artist Catriona Sturton will be performing live at Raw Sugar Cafe. The Ottawa-based singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist will be accompanied by special guest John-Alan Slatcha and others for the occasion. 

Toronto indie-folk five-piece The Wooden Sky will be live at Ritual this Friday, April 4. The Ontario boys, who’ve performed in Ottawa many a times over the past years, will be supported by Toronto indie group Dusted and Toronto indie-folk band The Wilderness of Manitoba. 
The April edition of Hip Hop Karaoke is happening this Friday, April 4 at Ritual with hosts DJ So Nice and Atherton. If you want to perform aka get on stage and impersonate your favourite rapper by doing that track you spent hours memorizing in front of the mirror, or if you just want to support as a member of the audience, click below for everything you need to know.

The Mercury Lounge’s own Madame Ainslie is celebrating her birthday at the club this Friday, April 4. For the occasion, renowned Brooklyn producer DJ Spinna will be giving a 3-hour set filled with hip-hop, break beats, R&B, rare grooves, classic soul, funk, jazz, disco classics, house and vintage garage tunes.

The monthly edition of Frenzy is going down at Babylon this Friday, April 4. The last Frenzy instalments have been crazy fun dance parties featuring some of the best upcoming and established music producers out there. This time around will be no different as Straight Goods brings you rising NYC producer Branchez. As per usual, local DJs Iggy Smalls and Foster will warm up the dancefloor for the up and coming American producer.

Ottawa’s first annual Capital Burlesque Expo, taking place from April 4 to 6, will bring together a roster of burlesque and variety performers from far and wide to celebrate the art of the strip tease. The expo will present a mix of golden era burlesque and modern performances and include interactive workshops, vendors, and plenty of shows. 

The radical, community-oriented, gender-bending, bike-loving, enviro-humping, queer-diggin, slow-dancing, big dress-wearing affair that is Promdemonium is back this Saturday, April 5.The 6th edition of this unique annual fundraiser, happening at the Glebe Community Centre, will feature music by DJs D-luxx Brown, Magnificent and J-Fun. Prom wear is mandatory! 

Over in Wakefield this Saturday, singer-songwriter Lauren Bourque presents the launch of his sophomore record Pieces of Your Past. The album release party, happening at the Blacksheep Inn, will feature new material by Bourque and an opening set by Toronto folk noir musician Rob Moir. 

Experimental electronica duo André et Michèle invite you to join them for the release party of their debut album Different Positions happening at Raw Sugar Cafe this Saturday, April 5. To celebrate the launch, the local artists will be performing the album live and all attendees will receive a complimentary CD copy of the album.

Brooklyn duo The Underachievers, made up of members Issa Dash and AK, will be performing live at Ritual this Saturday night as part of the Eyes of the World Tour. The Beast Coast rappers, who are affiliated to the Pro Era crew, will be giving their second Ottawa show alongside Denzel Curry and Dillon Cooper.

CHUO 89.1 FM, CKCU 93.1 FM & Birdman Sound present the 10th Ottawa Community Record Show this Sunday, April 6th at St. Anthony’s Hall. This is the place to be to find LPs & CDs and dig for rare music gems from every genre. DJs Billy from Hot Butter & Bank St. Bounce will also be rocking the ones and twos for the occasion.

Eventful Capital’s Weekly Picks: From Art Battle and DJ Nu-Mark to Tokyo Police Club and Jeru The Damaja

Yes, it’s been unreasonably cold this past little while, but temperatures are warming up again this week, and they’ll probably go back down again before we’d like them to. Let’s face it, Winter’s here to stay for a little longer, so we might as well stop complaining and go out and enjoy ourselves. With that being said, here’s a selection of noteworthy events happening in Ottawa-Gatineau over the next 7 days.

Art aficionados won’t want to miss Art Battle 89 taking place this Wednesday, January 15 at the Arts Court. This unique concept organized across Canadian cities, brings 12 local painters together for a live painting competition. The winner will earn a cash prize and a spot in the Ottawa Championship in June 2014. The winner of the Ottawa Final will compete in the 2014 National Championship.   

Carleton University’s Art Gallery presents a performance night in conjunction with the 3rd Carleton Community Art Exhibition. Taking place on Thursday, January 16, it’ll feature a variety musical, poetic and performance-based acts. While you’re there, be sure to check out the art exhibition! For more info, simply click on the event poster below.

The Radioactive Series presents The Split live in concert this Thursday, January 16. The Ottawa-based neo-soul band will be performing at Mercury Lounge alongside special guests Stand Up and Say No of Montreal. 

Indie garage/pop formation Tokyo Police Club will be performing live at the Algonquin Commons Theatre this Thursday, January 16. For the occasion, the Toronto-based group will be joined on stage by Hollerado and The Ecstatic. 

Any respectable Jurassic 5 fan should hit up Babylon this Thursday night to check out a live set by DJ Nu-Mark. The internationally renowned hip-hop DJ will be in Ottawa as part of Monster Energy’s 7″ Of Pleasure Tour. He’ll be joined by DJs Mat The Alien, Pump, Vinyl Ritchie, Illo, Magnificent & Ray Ray. This is sure to be a big night!

Over on the Gatineau side, Bass Pro Shoppe presents Joe Nice this Thursday, January 16. The dubstep DJ from Baltimore will be giving a live set at Le Troquet as part of the series Les Jeudredis Électroquet.

If you’re into indie punk, you should head over to Ritual this Friday to see Balance and Composure. The Pennsylvania indie/punk group will be performing live with Sparrows and Old Rules, both of Ottawa.  

If you’re looking for a more intimate musical experience, you may want to make your way to Pressed Cafe this Friday night to take in live music by blues rock band Creep Like Thieves and alternative rock trio Twisted Planet. 

At the Rainbow Bistro this Friday, January 17, there will be a night of live rock courtesy of Minimal Effect, Grand Theft Ottawa, The Cowards and Wierd With Cats. Jello may or may not be provided?

Jazz ensemble Trouble Clef will be giving a live performance at Raw Sugar Cafe this Saturday, January 18. The Ottawa-based quartet will be joined on stage by special guest Catriona Sturton for the occasion. 

Legendary brooklyn rapper Jeru Tha Damaja will be back in Ottawa this Saturday, January 18 to perform live at Ritual. Jeru, who’s no stranger to Canada’s Capital, will be doing a live set with local support from Prehistoric, Eddie Quotez and more to be announced.  

Over in Wakefield this Saturday, DJ Acro and DJ Shub from A Tribe Called Red will be heating up the Blacksheep Inn with guest DJs Gary Franks, Adam Saikaley and Matt Tamblyn. If you have the chance to get out there and dance up a storm, go! You won’t regret it. 

“Music is like a potato, it’s best served mashed up!” This basically sums up the dance party that is Offbeat, taking place at Babylon this Saturday, 18 with mashup music by Dan Valin, special guest Kapri and visuals by Bustedlimb.