The Sun Sets on Eventful Capital, Making Way for Le Pressoir

Elly Laberge, creator of Eventful Capital, at the opening of the new Ottawa Art Gallery. Photo: Z. Mallett

Nearly seven years ago, I had the idea of creating a blog for two main reasons. First, I wanted people to have a place to turn to for information on concerts to check out, exhibition openings to attend, craft shows to line up for, and film premieres to catch, among other things. I wanted to create a resource to help you make weekend plans, to gather ideas for a date night, and something that you send to your friends when they complain that Ottawa-Gatineau is “boring”. In addition, I wanted Eventful Capital to be a platform to support the local scene, to give artists, DJs, venues and event organizers some exposure by providing regular updates on Ottawa-Gatineau’s arts and culture. Week after week since November 2011, Eventful Capital has been a reliable resource for the community, showcasing the local cultural scene. Since then, through Eventful Capital, I have met some incredible and passionate people who care about our scene and its growth. This has only motivated me to further continue this work. Over the years, I have witnessed the addition of several local blogs and media outlets, who have a similar mission of supporting arts and culture in Ottawa. These outlets, which include Ottawa Showbox, Apt613, Spotlight Ottawa, Sometimes Always, Ottawa Beat and ARTSFILE, do an excellent job of covering music and cultural happenings in the region. However, their coverage is mostly done in English.

Over 600,000 people in Ottawa-Gatineau speak French or identify as members of the Francophone community. Yet, this important segment of the population essentially has no French media to turn to when it comes to finding information on the local cultural scene. We cannot ignore that any longer. There is an obvious gap to fill and French-speaking residents and tourists deserve a community media that focuses on arts and culture, just as much as their English-speaking neighbours. This is why I have decided to say goodbye to Eventful Capital as I join forces with other liked-minded allies who also believe in the merits of a cultural media offering French coverage. I invite you to follow me in this new adventure by subscribing to Le Pressoir, a weekly e-newsletter that will be sent right to your inbox.

Thank you for your readership and interest over the years. With your ongoing support, I strongly believe that Ottawa-Gatineau will continue to grow and remain an eventful capital.

With love and gratitude,

Elly Laberge

Indie City Madness Episode 150: From Westfest to the Festival folk et guitares d’Aylmer, Festival Season is Upon Us

Indie City Madness Episode 150: From Westfest to the Festival folk et guitares d’Aylmer, Festival Season is Upon Us

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This week on Indie City Madness, Rick and Elly played music by Fools of Love, Cody Coyote, Violence, Squerl Noir, Grace Marr and more. Have a listen!

Midway Ali McCormick – That Place You Know

York St leMeow – York St

Tarzan Grace Marr – Single

Peau Squerl Noir – Single

Warrior Cody Coyote – Single

L’invention du divertissement Violence – Le théâtre

La vie te répondra Charles-Antoine Gosselin – Bleu soleil

Point Comfort Outside I’m A Giant – Point Comfort

Inner Strength Muffler Crunch – Little Things

West Quebec Shadowhand – Through The Fog

The Evergreens Fools of Love – The Howl and the Whisper

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.

Indie City Madness Episode 149: Magie Magie with Elly and Julie

Indie City Madness Episode 149: Magie Magie with Elly and Julie

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This week, Elly and Julie played new music by Plastic Farm, Newall & the Gang, wotts, and The Monotymes and talked CityFolk lineup and more. Check it out!

My Head Plastic Farm – Single

Los Angeles Televangelist Townes – Townes EP 3

The Trip Sarah Bradley – For The Kill

You’re Outta My Head featuring Danielle Allard Newall & the Gang – Single

Think of Me Jessica Pearson and the East Wind – Grave and Garden Songs

mindstate wotts – Single

Melon Lost Acres – Nonno Yes

Magie Magie Galaxie – Super Lynx Deluxe

Lufunki The Souljazz Orchestra – Under Burning Skies

Fog of War Lycanthro – Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse

Up A Leverage for Mountains – The Essence Project

LUCA The Monotymes – Single

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.

Indie City Madness Episode 148: Burn Burn Burn (SPF 30 or bust!)

Indie City Madness Episode 148: Burn Burn Burn (SPF 30 or bust!)

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Hope you’re enjoying this gorgeous weather on this Holiday Monday! Don’t forget to wear your sunscreen! This week, Rick and Julie bring you music by Saint Clare, FET.NAT, GINNY, Okies and more!

So Right Sparklesaurus – Single

About The Weather Alta Bird – Maybe Possibilities

Fever Dream GINNY – GINNY

Burn Burn Burn Saint Clare – EPIII

Smokes & Mirrors OKIES – Aylmer

Dre FET.NAT – Please Stop Saying It’s So Beautiful

Upstarts The Headlines – In The End

City At Night Splintered Fate – City At Night

Poisoned Child of Pain – Single

Marked Hands Obsidian Will – Obsidian Will

My Vermona André et Michèle – Single

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.

Indie City Madness Episode 147: Moonfruits Live in Studio

Indie City Madness Episode 147: Moonfruits Live in Studio

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Moonfruits stopped by the CKCU studio this week and it was a pleasure to welcome the Ottawa folk duo on Indie City Madness for some live tunes and a little chat. During the show, we also played a new one by Claude Munson, as well as music by The Night Watch and The Souljazz Orchestra. Click on “Listen Now” to check it out!

Saluted by the Light Outside Claude Munson – The Silence Came After

Le Maire Moonfruits – Ste-Quequepart

Loki Moonfruits – Ste-Quequepart

La veuve Moonfruits – Ste-Quequepart

The Search Tariq Anwar – Single

What We Know & Built Positive Charge – Under Growth

In the Beginning The Night Watch – The Night Watch

I Believe You Rosie & The Riveters – Ms. Behave

Tambour à Deux Peaux The Souljazz Orchestra – Under Burning Skies

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 Rosie & The Riveters and TIMEKODE to the Dead Obies and The Souljazz Orchestra

Vancouver literary pop singer-songwriter Kele Fleming will be making a stop in Ottawa this week as part of her No Static Spring Tour. Catch her live at Bar Robo this Tuesday night.

Over at Pressed Café this Tuesday, May 15, you can check out Vancouver pop artists Kellarissa and Devours live as part of their Eastern Canadian Tour. They’ll be playing alongside Ottawa synth-laced dream pop project Hard Science.

Also this Tuesday night, there’s an all-ages show happening at Triple 7 in the Vieux-Hull sector of Gatineau and it’ll feature live performances by New York bogo beat band Pollens, Ottawa indie electro/pop rock band Quantum Boogie and Gatineau-based DJ Cougar Flex.

West Coast folk/punk rocker Jesse Lebourdais and his band The Long Winter are on their way to Pouzza Fest in Montréal, but before that they’re playing a show at Bar Robo this Wednesday, May 16 with Ottawa folk punk musician Jonathan Becker and Ottawa alt country group Omni Jane.

Rosie & the Riveters are a Saskatoon-based, vintage-inspired folk group with a feminist twist. Their video and song I Believe You recently made headlines, striking a chord with many in light on the #MeToo movement. The band will be at the NAC this Wednesday night and it should be quite a show.

Thunder Bay indie rock/rock and roll band The Honest Heart Collective is playing live at the 27 Club this Wednesday night as part of their Grief Rights Release Tour. For the occasion, the guys will be performing alongside Halifax pop rock artist Natalie Lynn.

There’s s pre-Pouzza Fest show going down at House of Targ this Thursday night and the bill includes Orlando punks Debt Neglectors, New York post-college punk band Timeshares, Ottawa pop punks Dead Weights and Ottawa high-energy garage punk group Positive Charge.

Wine Lips are currently touring across Canada and the tour includes a show in Ottawa at Live on Elgin. Catch the Toronto garage band this Thursday alongside Ottawa musician Sheehan and artist Annie Soccoria who’ll be doing live interactive visuals.

Ottawa bilingual folk duo Moonfruits are marking the one-year anniversary of their debut full-length album “Ste-Quequepart” this Friday night. For the occasion, they’ll be performing live at the Blacksheep Inn with Montréal-based folk rock collective Cheshire Carr.

Petal Pedal is an Amsterdam-themed bicycle-inspired tulip party happening this Friday, May 18 as part of the Ottawa Tulip Festival. Head over to the Aberdeen Pavilion at Lansdowne Park for an epic spring party featuring art by Dems & Doll, a high-energy performance by The PepTides and lots more.

Rap Queb super group Dead Obies are back in Gatineau this Friday, May 18 as part of the event Le Cégep débarque au centre-ville. The last time the guys were in town, they sold out the Minotaure, and this time around they’re giving a free, outdoors show on Laval St in the Vieux-Hull.

TIMEKODE, Ottawa’s longest-running monthly dance party, is going down this Friday, May 18 at D’Afrique, the usual spot, and the latest edition will feature music selections by resident DJ Zattar and special guest Greg Reain, who’s a staple of the Ottawa music scene.

If you haven’t been to a Souljazz Orchestra show yet, you’re missing out! The hometown faves are back at the Petit Chicago this Saturday, March 24. The Ottawa-based six-piece, known around the world for its contagious soul, jazz and afro-latin sounds, always deliver solid performances, so if you plan on going, get there early as their shows usually sell out.

Ottawa-based singer-songwriter and acoustic musician Danielle Allard invites you to join her for her “Passing Notes” CD release party happening this Saturday night at Collabspace.

As part of the Music X Maker series, there’s an all-ages show taking place at Makerspace North this Saturday, May 19. The latest concert from this new series will feature live performances by Vancouver indie musician David Beckingham (of Hey Ocean) and Vancouver indie folk project Twin Bandit.

In terms of instrumental music shows this week, there’s one at Mavericks this Saturday, May 19 that is definitely worth checking out. It’s with violin-fronted progressive metal band Cydemind, instrumental progressive metal group The Night Watch, cellist Raphael Weinroth-Browne and post rockers Forgotten in the Woods Again.

Ottawa-based alternative folk musician Claude Munson is finally releasing his highly-anticipated sophomore album “The Silence Came After” and the album launch is being held this Saturday night at the NAC with special guest Trails.

Montréal boom bap hip hop duo Seba et Horg are giving a free show at Le Troquet in the Vieux-Hull this Saturday, May 19 in an effort to promote their debut album Grosso-Modo released this past February. Fun fact: Horg used to be on the popular Quebec TV series Watatatow and Seba is a member of the group Gatineau.

This Saturday, Deep Therapy is back at the Albert Island warehouse with special guest DJ Rodriguez Jr. 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.

Canadian punks This Is A Standoff have taken to the road for a reunion tour across Canada dubbed Be United. They’re making a stop at Mavericks this Sunday, May 20 to play live alongside Edmonton punk rockers Fire Next Time, Gatineau rockers Dancing On Fire, Ottawa punks Mute City and Ottawa punks The Fly Down.

Make the most of your long weekend by catching some live music this Sunday. There’s a cool all-ages show going down at Makerspace North that’ll  feature sets by Victoria indie-rockers Frog Eyes, post-punks Fotocrime and Vancouver indie project Hello, Blue Roses.

Indie City Madness Episode 146: Feels Like Summer

Indie City Madness Episode 145: DIY Spring

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The gorgeous weather is upon us in Ottawa-Gatineau! This week on ICM, Julie plays music by Merganzer, YARNS, Squerl Noir as well as new tracks by André et Michèle, Floes, Scepter and Buck-N-Nice.

The Summer of my Malcontent André et Michèle – Single

Songs Without Words Merganzer – Mirror Maze

Little Escapist YARNS – Summer – Fall

Dreaming Velvet Vanilla – Single

Nobody Buck-N-Nice – Single

Down The Jimmy Tri-Tone Band – This Long, Lonesome Highway

Calypso Squerl Noir – Single

Last Night (feat. Ghostly Kisses) Floes – Passionals

Palewave Empty Nesters – Bag of Suck (Vol. 1)

Riding Out Scepter – Single

Locked Up The Haig – Sick Nasty

Stay Where We Are The Love Machine – Be Well, It’s All Behind Me Now

Saying I Love You First Sweet Rocket – Mayan Thrill

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.