Eventful Capital’s Weekly Picks: From the Great Glebe Garage Sale and Ottawa Race Weekend Concert Series to Tall Heights and Ottawa Showbox’s 5-Year Anniversary

Wether you want to hit up the biggest garage sale in town, catch some live music, dance the night away or run a marathon, be sure to get out there and enjoy some of the fun things happening this week in our National Capital Region.

If you’re a metal head, you’re gonna want to start your week at Mavericks this Tuesday night to check out Australian deathcore band Aversions Crown, American metal group The Last Then Seconds of Life, Ottawa deathcore outfit A Scared For The Wicked and Ottawa blackened doomcore project Ringwraith.

If you’re in the mood for a mellow night of live music on Tuesday, Bar Robo is where you’ll want to be to see Montreal bluesy folk musician Eddie Paul, Gatineau indie folk band Okies and Montreal folk group Barren Acres.

This Thursday, May 25, rock out to some live music at Cafe Dekcuf. The stacked bill features Montreal rockers East of Sunday, Hamilton garage band The Jesse James Medicine Show, Ottawa rock group Nebraska, Ottawa metal/punks Loose Für and Brockville punk rock outfit Our Forgotten Memories.

Ask Women Anything is a series of unique, intimate evenings that give Ottawa’s most influential women a chance to share their thoughts and answer your questions without the filter of the media. The next one is happening this Thursday, May 25 at Bar Robo and will feature a panel discussion between women influencers in Ottawa, namely the ladies behind Amy in 613, Chantsy, Little Miss Ottawa and YOW City Style.

Boston indie electro/folk band Tall Heights is playing live at Babylon this Thursday, May 25 alongside Burlington indie folk musician Henry Jamison and Ottawa indie pop project Alison Rose.

At House of Targ this Thursday night, you can catch pop rock artist T. Thomason. The Nova Scotia native will be performing live with Canadian pop rock duo Cameron, Ottawa indie alt rockers Mosely and Ottawa singer-songwrtier Alanna Sterling.

Saint Catharines indie rockers Neighbouring are live at Mavericks this Friday night with Ottawa shoegaze band Fathom Sound, Ottawa post rock group Clavius and Ottawa dream pop project Noi Ya.

The Tenenbaums are back and they can’t wait to party this Friday night at Bar Robo. Catch the Ottawa garage rockers sharing the stage with Ottawa pizza punks Wizard Party and Ottawa psych rock band Masters of Nothing.

Ottawa hip hop artist Kool Krys is celebrating the release of her new album Feminum this Friday night at Kinki Lounge. If the weather permits, the party will be happening outside on the patio and it’ll feature live performances by special guest emcees Ghettosocks and Nilla. Chef Chico will also be in the building cooking up tasty eats.

Ottawa band Ukrainia is also having a record release party this Friday night. Their show is happening at House of Targ and will feature a live set by Ottawa spy-fi surf rockers The Reverb Syndicate.

As part of Ottawa Race Weekend, there will be a free concert series between May 26-28 at the Ottawa City Hall Festival Plaza. On Friday night, the lineup includes The Split and Slack Bridges. On Saturday, there will be live performances by the Junkyard Symphony, Whitehorse and Mehdi Cayenne, and on Sunday the concert will feature sets by Brant Pethick and Dance Commander. Gotta love all of these free music shows!

Happy birthday Ottawa Showbox! The local music blog is celebrating 5 years this weekend with some live shows happening at the Record Centre on Friday and Saturday. Go thank them for doing what they do, and enjoy live sets by Expanda Fuzz, Nightshades, Claude Munson, G.Grand and Hyf GyspySun, and Steamers who are reuniting for the occasion.

The Great Glebe Garage Sale is taking place this Saturday, May 27 in the Glebe. The annual community event, which rises in popularity from year to year, is happening between 9:00 am and 3:00 pm. Pro tip: if you’re hoping to get your hands on a hot-ticket item like a bike or a vintage piece of furniture, you’ll want to be there bright and early at the crack of dawn. Happy shopping!

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This Saturday afternoon, there’s a matinee pop punk show happening at Cafe Dekcuf for a change. The bill will feature Toronto pop punks Coach Bombay, Ottawa garage rockers Sweet Rocket, Cornwall/Ottawa pop punk band If It Blooms and Gatineau acoustic pop punk artist Nick Brighside.

Gatineau natives Sam Faye and D-Track are having the hometown release of their new album “Stereo” this Saturday night at the Minotaure. For the occasion, the francophone hip hop artists will be sharing the stage with opening act Clay & Friends.

Ottawa alternative blues rockers The Powergoats are headlining a show at the Blacksheep Inn in Wakefield this Saturday night. They’ll be playing live with Ottawa folk/country singer-songwriter Jilian Kerr and Ottawa folk singer-songwriter Jasper Bridge who’ll be giving his debut with an electrical full band.

Are you a fan of ska, reggae and rocksteady? If so, be sure to make your way over to House of Targ this Saturday night for the Voice Of The People Ska Night. This fun party will feature music selections courtesy of DJs Snappy and Longshot as well as a live performances by Oshawa ska & afrobeat band Jah Doo and Montreal reggae/rocksteady group The Resojets.

A recurring party dedicated to the 6 God? Drake fans, you read correct. The Drake Night dance party, at which you can expect to hear nothing but Drizzy jams and tracks from OVO affiliates courtesy of DJs Max Zims and Laocapone, is now a monthly and it’s going down this Saturday night inside Babylon.

Disco dance party anyone? Disco Lab is taking over the Mercury Lounge this Saturday night with DJs Lifeboogie and guest Greg Reain bringing you an all-vinyl soulful boogie disco affair.

Kitchen Party is going down this Saturday, May 27 at Bar Robo. The monthly dance party presented by DJs Hobo & Sweet Cheeks will feature nothing but the best in funk, soul, disco, hip hop, electro, techno, house and everything in between. A little bit of this and a little bit of that for your dancing pleasure.

Toronto r&b superstar The Weeknd wil be in town this Sunday performing live at the Canadian Tire Centre. The Legend of the Fall Official Tour after party is going down at Bourbon Room and will feature American hip hop duo Rae Sremmurd.

INDIE CITY MADNESS Episode 185: Arboretum Fest Pizza Bus & Lots of New Music

INDIE CITY MADNESS Ep. 185: Arboretum Fest Pizza Bus & Lots of New Music
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This week on the show, Elly and Rick played lots of new music coming out of Canada’s National Capital Region including tracks by Average Times, The Ramblin’ Valley Band and D-Track et Sam Faye. They also talked about the Arboretum Festival announcement (which includes a pizza bus..!) and presented event listings, as well as the weekly Franco Feature, Out-Of-Town Track and 5:45 Metal.

Dance with the Devil New Swears – and the Magic of Horses – Dine Alone Records

Ramblin’ Rose The Ramblin’ Valley Band – Snoozegrass

Conquer then Divide The Artichoke Hearts – Conquer then Divide

Meech Lake Megan Jerome & the Together Ensemble – Together Ensemble

The Hunt Kaleigh Watts – Smoke Lake

Burying Ground Kelly Sloan – Songs of the Owl – A Tribute to Mike O’Neill

I Can See You Townes – Townes EP II

J’aime trop le café Sam Faye et D-Track – Single

London Town Kobo Town – Where The Galleon Sank

Start Over Creep Wave – WINTER SUCKS

She’s Psychotic / Skinny jeans NECK – Hate to Read

Maximum Overdrive Exo-Vedate – Self-Titled EP

End of the World Fractures & Outlines – Checkmate

rabid dog The Heavy Medicine Band – ERSATZ ERA

Indie City Madness is a weekly radio show that airs Mondays from 5 to 6 p.m. on CKCU 93.1 FM and features everything local that Canada’s National Capital Region has to offer.

Eventful Capital’s Weekly Picks: From Kobo Town and Jacobus to TIMEKODE and Deep Therapy

The Ottawa Music Industry Coalition (OMIC) has a new General Manager, Nicole (Nik) Ives-Allison and the team invites you to meet her this Monday, May 15 at Bar Robo. True to the OMIC’s Music Monday format, there’s also going to be a live performance by Jessica Pearson.

This Monday, May 15, the Girls to the Front Songwriters Circle is being held at Irene’s Pub along Bank St. Hosted by local singer-songwriter and musician Julie Corrigan, the latest edition will feature live sets by Ottawa-Gatineau artists Lucila A l Mar (who just recently released her debut album) and Cynthia  Tauro.

British Columbia progressive metal/ska/reggae band Ninjaspy is making a triumphant return to Ottawa this Tuesday night at House of Targ. For the occasion, the group will be playing alongside Ottawa funk/metal/punks Criticull and Auto Racing.

The Viree Blues series is back at the Petit Chicago after a short pause, and they are now sponsored by Moosehead. The 5th show of the new series is happening this Wednesday,  May 17 and it’ll feature a live performance by the Kevin Mark Blues Band. It was initially scheduled for May 10, but due to the unprecedented flooding in the National Capital Region, the show was postponed.

Track 1 Side 1 is a new indie music night that’s kicking off at Bar Robo in Chinatown this Wednesday, May 17 at 9 p.m. DJs Hobo & Sweet Cheeks, of legendary Ottawa monthly Kitchen Party, will be taking care of music on the 1s and 2s.  

If you’re into punk/pop, you should head to Cafe Dekcuf this Thursday, May 18 to check out a stacked bill featuring Brantford pop punks Harbour, US pop punk project Keep Flying (PKA Survey Says!), Ottawa punks Free Refills, Gatineau punk rockers Splintered Fate and Ottawa punks Off Topic.

Toronto-based calypso/reggae-inspired band Kobo Town is back at the Mercury Lounge and this  time, it’s to celebrate the release of their new album “Where the Galleon Sank”. The Juno Award and Polaris Prize nominees will be performing live at the club this Thursday, May 18 and you can expect nothing but feel-good tropical vibes.

Tech metal fans will be happy to know that Australian tech death metal band Psychoptic will be in Ottawa this Thursday, May 18 to play Mavericks. The Prosthetic Records signees will be joined on stage by Vancouver death tech metal group Archspire, American death metal project Visceral Disgorge and American metal band Seeker.

Midnight Vesta’s Seconds Tour is making a stop at Pressed Cafe this Thursday night and this time around the Toronto-based four-piece will be sharing the stage with BToronto singer-songwriterrooklyn Doran and Ottawa indie folk trio The Artichoke Hearts.

Montreal’s Pouzza Fest is having a Pouzza Tour and it’s stopping at House of Targ this Friday. On the bill that night, you can expect to see Montreal punks Lost Love, Montpellier, France indie punk band Water Mane, as well as Ottawa punks NECK and Positive Charge.

London, Ontario’s Bodhi Jar will be playing at Live on Elgin this Thursday night as part of their How The East Was Won Tour. The progressive rock band will be performing alongside Ottawa dance grunge group Twisted Limbs and Ottawa hard rockers Kings Wake.

This Friday evening, Jackpine brings you another edition of Shoufen, this time with award-winning composer and educator Jesse Stewart who’ll be giving a talk on “Improvisation as Social Sculpture.” The night of art and conversation is being held at NICA in Chinatown and is free to attend.

Toronto world DMC champ Dopey will be touching down at Kinki Lounge this Friday night. For the occasion, he’ll be giving a live set at the Famalam jam alongside Ottawa’s DJ Illo.

TIMEKODE, Ottawa’s longest-running monthly dance party is back at it this Friday night inside D’Afrique. The popular funk, soul and hip hop dance party that has been keeping Ottawa funky fresh for 12-years strong will once again be held down by resident DJs Zattar and Memetic. Get your dancing shoes ready and see you on the TK dance floor!

Aarsen is having their Satellites EP release show at the Minotaure in the Vieux-Hull sector of Gatineau this Friday night and for the occasion, the Gatineau punk/rock/metal band will be playing with Montreal pop/punk/rockers Kamakazi, Rawdon pop/punks Third Place and Gatineau post-hardcore group Fractures & Outlines.

Metalheads are gonna want to head to Mavericks this Saturday night to catch Toronto epic death metal band Vesperia live with Winnipeg death metal group Entity, Quebec City death metal project The Flaying, Ottawa death metal formation Ominous Eclipse, Ottawa death metal outfit Misshapen and Ottawa death metal band Hatred Reigns.

Toronto indie-rocker Eamon McGrath will be performing live in Ottawa this Saturday night. For this show, he’ll be sharing the stage with Toronto indie project Wilderness of Manitoba, who’ll be giving an acoustic duo set for the occasion. The concert was initially scheduled to take place at Zaphods, but with the recent closure, the it was moved to the Rainbow Bistro.

Infinite Baffle// Glowed Up is a new party that showcases Ottawa’s niche local beat/hip-hop scene. The event is having its second incarnation this Saturday night at Happy Goat Coffee and it’ll feature some of Ottawa’s most eccentric MCs including WAVVY FROG, Los Ninos Flamingos, Eddie Quotez and more.

Halifax indie folk band Hillsburn will be playing at Live on Elgin this Saturday night and sharing new material as they prepare to release their sophomore record later this year. The group will be joined by country/roots/bluegrass/folk project the Jessica Pearson and the East Wind, who’ll open up the show.

Garage surf punks Bonnie Doon are celebrating the release of their debut album Dooner Nooner this Saturday, May 20 at Babylon Nightclub. The album is out on Record Centre Records (LPs) and Bruised Tongue (cassettes) as well as being available digitally. Rock out with the girls as well as Mannequin Pussy and Creep Wave who’ll also play live in support of Bonnie Doon.

If you’re in the mood for an intimate night of live music this Saturday, make your way over to Pressed Cafe to take in the beautiful sounds of local indie folk pop artist Isaac Vallentin and guests as well as Toronto indie folk project Giant Hand.

Ottawa singer-songwriter and pianist Megan Jerome will be performing live with the Together Ensemble this Saturday, May 20 at Kaffe 1870 in the lovely town of Wakefield. Join the charming musician and her band as they transport you through a night a music drawing from traditional gospel, stoner jazz and meditative classical sounds.

Also in Wakefield on Saturday night, at the Blacksheep Inn, you can catch The Balconies with special guest Joey Landreth. Should be fun!

If you want to dance this Saturday night, the Mercury Lounge brings you Equatorial House Vibes, a night focusing on afro, latin, brazilian and caribbean tribal house grooves brought to you by DJ Trevor Walker.

What’s cool about the Deep Therapy monthly is that it keeps happening at different locations and the organizers continuously strive for bigger and better. This Saturday, the party is going down in a warehouse with special guest DJ Gab Rhome. For those unfamiliar with the concept, Deep Therapy showcases the sounds of deep and cutting edge house music in a unique and inviting atmosphere that defies the ordinary.

Ottawa indie folk singer-songwriter Kaleigh Watts is celebrating the release of her second album “Hung Me Dry” this Sunday, May 21. For the occasion, she’ll be performing at Live on Elgin with opening act Mack and Ben (formerly of Monday I Retire).

Jacobus of Acadian hip hop group Radio Radio is marking the Gatineau release of his debut solo album “Le Retour de Jacobus” this Sunday night at the Minotaure. He’ll be joined by rockabilly/pop group Mort Rose and local DJ GloryHull.

Mike Frazier and the Dying Wild will be performing live at Cafe Dekcuf as part of their 2017 Canadian Tour. The show, going down this Sunday night, will also feature live sets by London heavy rock n’rollers Radio Caroline, Ottawa basement pop group Galapagos, Ottawa punks The Fly Downs and Ottawa-Gatineau punk band Bel Ann-Ana.

Indie City Madness Episode 184: Braving the Storm

 

INDIE CITY MADNESS
Ep. 184: Braving the Storm 

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Is it May or is it March? Mother Nature isn’t being too kind to us these days. Our thoughts go out to all those affected by the floodings in our community. Stay strong, Ottawa-Gatineau! Today on the show, new tracks by Chris Landry, Moonfruits, Mortor and more.

Alien Baby (Acoustic) Onionface – Single

Writing to Explain Chris Landry and the Seasick Mommas – One Fifty Five

Rivière Mehdi Cayenne – Aube

I Will Be Water Isaac Valentin – Hedera

Up to the Sea High Waters – Goodnight Mara

A Pirate’s Tale Claude Munson and the Storm Outside – Claude Munson and the Storm Outside

Panty Twister Bonnie Doon – Pentagon Black Compilation No. 2

Château de Cartes Durs Coeurs – Single

Pyromania Omerta – Pyromania

Reptiles Close Talker – Lens

Burn up the Dead Mortor – Burn up the Dead

Ste-Quequepart Moonfruits – Ste-Quequepart

Fight For BlakDenim – Single

Through Tweed Pongo – Pongo

Indie City Madness is a weekly radio show that airs Mondays from 5 to 6 p.m. on CKCU 93.1 FM and features everything local that Canada’s National Capital Region has to offer.

Eventful Capital’s Weekly Picks: From Hollerado and BlakDenim to Claude Munson and Bangarang

The one and only Jimmy Eat World will be performing live at the Algonquin Commons Theatre this Wednesday, May 10 as part of their Integrity Blues Tour. The world famous rockers from Mesa, Arizona will be sharing the stage with Philadelphia punk rock band Beach Slang.

Western Canadian Music Award winning roots duo Twin Peaks will be playing at Live on Elgin this Wednesday, May 10 as part of their current tour of Ontario. For the occasion, the harmonious folk outfit will be performing alongside Ottawa singer-songwriter Danielle Allard.

The second Wednesday of every month at Bar Robo, DJ Trevor Walker aka Lifeboogie and Chris International bring you Prestige, a new night that explores various grooves with jazz as the common thread. Expect jazz, funk, latin, afro, electronica and more, all on vinyl.

The Viree Blues series is back at the Petit Chicago after a short pause, and they are now sponsored by Moosehead. The 5th show of the new series is happening this Wednesday,  May 10 and it’ll feature a live performance by the Kevin Mark Blues Band.

Bleak Life 4 is going down from May 11-13 at Funeral Home, House of Targ and Club SAW and this time around the fest will feature live sets by punk/rock/hardore bands St Ripper, World War, Crude, Parasytes, Omerta, Warsick, Lacerate, Toxic Thoughts and several others.

Sounds of Summer is a night of live local music happening this Thursday, May 11 at Live on Elgin. The show will feature performances by Crystalena, Kimberly Sunstrum, Banjo Scruffs and Dan Kelly.

Ottawa’s Onionface is having a single release party at House of Targ this Thursday night. The raw, dirty, rock & rollers will be sharing the stage with local indie rockers The Tackies and Mississauga rock n’ roll band Jailbirds.

Each month RedLeaf Music presents Travelling Tales, an event that showcases a new artist travelling through Ottawa, bringing their tales from the road. The artists are travelling and the series travels, from venue to venue. The evening of visual arts, spoken word and music hosted by folk artist Christophe Elie, is being held this Friday night at Pressed Cafe with musician Kate Weekes.

Toronto indie rockers Hollerado are travelling the country as part of their Spring Tour 2017 and they’ll be making a stop in Ottawa this Friday, May 12. The show was initially supposed to be at Zaphods, but due to overwhelming demand (and the fact that Zaphods is closing its doors) it was moved to the Bronson Centre. Hollerado are set to play with Kingston heavy pop band PS I Love You and artist Everett Bird.

This Friday, May 12, the Outsider Collective presents an early show at Happy Goat Coffee featuring a night of dark Canadian electronic music including Winnipeg dark synthpop duo Ghost Twin, Ottawa experimental synth/noise project Wychdoktor and Ottawea/Toronto dark synthpop duo Antigen Shift.

If you want to check out one of Ottawa’s best bands live, do yourself a favour and head over to the Rainbow Bistro this Friday night to catch BlakDenim. The hip hop/funk/soul/rock fusion group will be bringing the heat alongside local rapper Drae, hip hop group Poetic Elements and DJ Roc Steady.

Chris Landry and the Seasick Mommas are having their “One Five Fifty” album release party at Irene’s Pub this Friday night. To celebrate, they’ll be playing with Buddy Smiles and Dangereens.

If you’re in the mood for a night of dancing this Friday night, Hottawa is going down at Babylon with DJs Halpo, Mani Pedi, Sportif and VJ Paradise.

Starting this Saturday, May 13 and happening once a month this summer, there’s a flea market being held along Hanson Street near the Ruisseau de la Brasserie in the Hull sector of Gatineau.

The ever-so-charming Ottawa/Gatineau duo Moonfruits will be launching their new album “Ste-Quequepart” with a release show happening at St-Alban’s this Saturday, May 13. To mark the occasion, the bilingual folk band will be joined on stage by folk group Georgian Bay and the Cumberland String Quartet.

Gatineau death/thrash metal band Mortor are having their “Burn Up The Dead” album release party at the Minotaure this Saturday. Also on the bill that night are Gatineau metal/melodic/death group My Shadow, Montreal stoner/sludge metal project Tunguska Mammoth and Ottawa thrash metal act Exo-Vedate.

Toronto punk/post-hardcore band Conversation is rocking Cafe Dekcuf this Saturday night with Ottawa post-hardcore group T-Rex Marathon, Brockville indie punk rockers Project Mantra, local alternative rock/metal project Consequents and Gatineau punks Dawn of the Dodos.

Hobart, Tasmania skuzzpop band Heart Beach will be hitting up Bar Robo this Saturday night. All the way from Australia, the Spunk! label signees will be jamming alongside Ottawa gritty basement pop trio Galapagos.

Legendary Quebec musicians Rudy Caya of Vilain Pingouin and Jeff Dubé of Noir Silence will be joining forces at the Petit Chicago this Saturday night to present the show “Frères d’armes” with an opening act by local rockers Les moindres.

At House of Targ this Saturday night, you can catch Saskatoon indie-rockers Close Talker with Kingston psychedelic soul-rock band Lost Cousins and Ottawa indie project High Waters, which I highly recommend checking out because they sound really really good.

Ottawa-based electro/folk musician Isaac Vallentin was out of the region for a while, and he’s now back in town to bring us some sweet live sounds this Saturday night at Black Squirrel Books. The all-ages show will also feature a set by Halifax indie pop singer-songwriter Gianna Lauren.

When two of Ottawa’s best singer-songwriters team up for a show, it can only mean that it’ll be an incredible night of live music. This Saturday, cease the opportunity to see alternative folk/rock musician Claude Munson at Irene’s Pub with dark folk/soul songstress Keturah Johnson.

Bangarang is going down this Saturday night at Happy Goat Coffee. If you love the sound of Studio One and Trojan Records, then this night featuring music selections by DJs Magnificent and Longshot is definitely for you. The focus is on early reggae, rocksteady and ska from Jamaica’s exciting 1966-1975 period with a heavy focus on 1968-1971.

Afropolitan is a 5-month series of events presented at the Mercury Lounge as part of Canada 150 that features DJs, percussionists and dancers showcasing the strong African, Caribbean, and Latin influences that have shaped today’s house music. The 4th edition, happening this Saturday will feature Don Barbarino aka Godfather D from Montréal alongside the Tribal Threat DJs and Trevor Walker.

Indie City Madness Episode 183: Gala Trille Or & Chat with Greg Harris of Hot Snake Handlers

Episode 183 of Indie City Madness, hosted by Elly and Rick, featured the following tracks and artists.

INDIE CITY MADNESS
Ep. 183: Gala Trille Or & Chat with Greg Harris of Hot Snake Handlers

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Rick and Elly chat with Greg Harris of Ottawa’s Hot Snake Handlers in advance of their May 5 show at House of Targ and talk events and local music news along with playing all kinds of great music from Ottawa-Gatineau.

First of July Outside I’m A Giant – single

My Worst Nightmare Hot Snake Handlers – The Ongoing Adventures Of Hot Snake Handlers

Just Can’t Stay The Jimmy Tri-Tone Band – single

Not My Home Sound of Stories – Live Off the Floor

Little Universe mal/aimé – single

Telassim DF – DF: sounds by dustin, sights by dan

Weak Signals WARP LINES – Demo

Child Soldier Zex – Child Soldier

Wormtail Horcrux – single

Roam No Fuss – LP1

Ma blonde est awesome Hey, Wow – Leurs plus awesome succès!

Split Shadowhand – Album Demos

Indie City Madness is a weekly radio show that airs Mondays from 5 to 6 p.m. on CKCU 93.1 FM and features everything local that Canada’s National Capital Region has to offer.

Eventful Capital’s Weekly Picks: From The Happening and Jazz Cartier to The Soul Motivators and Hip Hop Hangover Brunch

‘UKnadian’ is a new contemporary dance-theatre solo choreographed and performed by Amelia Griffin on female cultural inheritance through the lens of her Ukrainian, and British Grandmothers’ identities. The piece is still a work-in-progress, and this will serve as an opportunity to present the first “draft” in front of a live audience and receive feedback from the public. UKnadian is being presented at Arts Courts this May 2 and 5.

Hintonburg Happening, now simply called The Happening, is a four-day festival that celebrates local artists, designers, musicians & businesses. The 2017 edition runs from May 3-6, with Happening events presented throughout the neighbourhood and a closing party including yummy food, a beer garden, music, art and children’s activities. The best part? All funds raised from the festival are returned to the community through arts grants. Check out the full programming at http://www.thehappeningottawa.ca/.

New Jersey indie punks Screaming Females will be playing live at House of Targ this Wednesday night alongside Ottawa punk rockers No Fuss and Ottawa rock band Omnie Jane.

Foodie alert: the Ottawa Poutine Festival (the real deal, not the mediocre one that happens along Sparks Street) is being held from May 4 to 7 outside the Ottawa City Hall. So if you’re a fan of this classic Canadian comfort food, be sure to grab a few of them at some point throughout the fest and try the different takes on this uniquely Canadian dish.

Hardcore metal band The Devil Wears Prada will be giving a live show at Mavericks this Thursday night with Ottawa metal group Horcrux, Ottawa metalcore outfit Southpaw and Ottawa hardcore project WKFLD.

 

This Thursday at Bar Robo, you can check out Montreal synthpop artist Radiant Baby’s album release show. Felix Mongeon’s 80s new wave-inspired project will take centre stage alongside Ottawa electo-pop multi-instrumentalist and producer FTRSL and Toronto glam-pop producer and performer Nyssa.

Montréal duo DF melds classically-informed saxophone techniques with computer vision. Looped sound is interconnected with interactive light installations, making for an immersive live performance where sound/light influence one another. Catch them live at the Record Centre this Thursday evening alongside Ottawa chamber/drone project mal/aimé.

Hip hop heads won’t want to miss Toronto rapper Jazz Cartier this Thursday night at the Bourbon Room, as part the Secret Garden Tour. The established hip hop artist, who’s debut album “Marauding in Paradise” was long-listed for the Polaris Music Prize, will be sharing the stage with guests J.I.D., Levi Carter and others.

Toronto/Victoria alternative folk rock band Little Coyote will be performing live at House of Targ this Thursday, May 4. The trio will be sharing the stage with Toronto indie/dreampop group Falcon Jane, Ottawa experimental ambient project Forgotten In The Woods Again and Ottawa ambient post rock duo Novusolis.

  

Kick off camping season this Friday, May 5 at Maker House Co. at a free family-friendly event hosted as part of The Happening. Local artist/historian Andrew King will present an evening of long lost Ottawa ghost stories with historic artifacts, pictures from Lost Ottawa, and even old home movies. Between stories, enjoy live music, beer and cocktails, and tasty smores-on-a-stick.

Have you been to Happy Goat Coffee in Hintonburg? It’s a charming spot tucked-away in a dead end that’s been hosting dance parties like Tropikalo and Bangarang, and lately they’ve started presenting shows as well, which is exciting. In fact, this Friday, can mark Cinco de Mayo at Happy Goat thanks to London Gentlemen Records who’s putting on a show featuring Grace Marr, Beyond Spain and Riishi Von Rex. What’s more, you can expext killer deals on delicious tacos and endless tequila shots.

This Friday, May 5, enjoy a night of acoustic music at the Blacksheep Inn in Wakefield withUpper Gatineau alternative folk band Outside I’m a Giant,Montreal artist Myriam Gendron and Montreal folk project Travelling Headcase.

Ottawa rockers The Kindred are playing live at Mavericks this Friday night and for the occasion, the Sumerian Records signees will be sharing the stage with Ottawa post-hardcore band Halfsleeper, Ottawa instrumental metal project The Dead Centuries and Petawawa progressive rock band Pantomime.

This Friday, join the Ottawa Chamberfest for a free evening of jazz and drinks presented at Bridgehead as part of the Chamber Pints Series. Experience the blood-drenched mystery of the Red Violin on an instrument as old as the legend itself. This latest edition of Chamber Pints will feature violinist Yolanda Bruno and her ‘Taft’ Stradivarius, on loan from the Canada Council of the Arts.

American hip hop artist RiFF RaFF is no stranger to Ottawa, in fact he’s played in our capital city more times than I can remember. This Friday he’s back at the Bourbon Room as part of his latest Canadian tour, and he’ll be joined by DJ Afterthought and rapper Peter Jackson.

If you support Canadian hip hop, be sure to make your way over to TwoSixAte in Little Italy this Friday night to check out Halifax rapper Ghettosocks and Toronto-based emcee Nilla as part of their Cold Sixteens Tour. For the occasion, they’ll be joined by local DJ Jon Deck.

Double Barrel, one of Ottawa’s most popular monthly dance parties, is going down inside Babylon this Friday night. Resident DJ Magnificent will be gracing the 1s and 2s with his new partner in crime Trevor Walker and there will also be a live performance by Toronto soul /funk ensemble The Soul Motivators. Detroit Soul Food will also be back in the house to provide finger-licking good treats. A  funk, soul, Motown and vintage reggae dance party you don’t want to miss!

Ottawa-based musician Chantal Hackett is back on the music scene after taking some time away. This Saturday, May 6,  the pop/soul artist celebrates the release of her new EP “Ready for the Fall” with a show happening at Live on Elgin.

Thunder Bay indie rock/rock and roll band The Honest Heart Collective will be playing live at Zaphods this Saturday night as part of their 2017 Spring Tour. For the occasion, the guys will be performing alongside Hamilton indie-rockers New Love, London pop-rock band Texas King, and Ottawa indie folk outfit Sounds of Stories.

Over at Pressed Cafe this Saturday, if you’re up for an intimate garage show, you can check out Montreal alternative rockers Fog Lake, Montreal dark pop artist Helena Deland and Ottawa alternative dream pop newcomers Lake Urmia as part of Debaser’s Spring Thing Series.

KROY, the side project of Camille Poliquin, one half of Montréal synthpop duo Milk & Bone, will be giving a live performance at the Minotaure in Gatineau this Saturday night in support of her debut album Scavenger. The Montreal-based artist will be sharing the stage with opening acts Floes and Paupière for her third solo show presented in the National Capital Region. This girl’s got mad talent, and so do the two other bands on the bill, so it’s bound to be a beautiful night of live music.

Calling all air heads: Saturday, May 6 marks the 3rd Annual Ottawa Air Guitar Championships at House of Targ featuring a live performance by Thunderkok. The Ottawa Air Guitar Champ will go on to the National Championships in Toronto for their chance to be crowned the Canadian Champ, who will go on to Finland for the 22nd Air Guitar World Championships August 22-25.

The Music.Art.Ppl. collective is having a residency at Bar Robo on the first Saturday of the month this summer and the fun starts May 6 with music from local sound selectors JFUN, Ken Roy and Dj Sportif. The lovely Coblou will also have a selection of curated art pieces on display.

Ottawa’s own Chef Chico and Aunt Thelma’s are hosting the next Hip Hop Hangover Brunch this Sunday, May 7. Happening at Kinki, the popular event will feature a finger-licking good thematic brunch menu paired with beats provided by Professor Mele and friends. One of the most solid brunches that you’ll ever try, trust me and my tummy.

If you’re up for a lazy Sunday afternoon sipping cheap caesars, head to Bar Robo this May 7 for Sunday Spins, a Sunday Afternoon DJ Series. This week will feature a live set by Ottawa DJ Pink Veil.