Kicking Off January in the Capital City: From Ranking Yout & The Dub Pilots to Winchester Warm and Thugli

If you’re looking for New Year’s Eve events, check out Evenful Capital’s Guide to Party in the City. Besides from NYE celebrations however, there are other things happening around Ottawa-Gatineau so take a look below to see what else is going on in the days ahead.

La Petite Mort Gallery will be hosting the vernissage of  GAZE / A Female Perspective Exhibition curated by Olivia Johnston. The exhibition, launching this Friday, January 3, will run until February 2, 2014 and features works by 12 female artists under the age of 30, who are from Ottawa or call it home. For the occasion, DJ Lamb Rabbit will be spinning some tunes and there will be live stick and poke tattooing.

The first Tropikalo of 2014 is being held on Friday, January 3 at the Mercury Lounge. It’s the perfect occasion to dance off all those extra calories you consumed over the holidays. So just get your dancing shoes on and let DJs Zattar, Lance Baptiste and Trevor Walker take care of the rest. 

The first Hip-Hop Karaoke of 2014 is also going down this Friday, January 3 at Ritual and it seems that this time around it’ll be a Kanye West edition. For the occasion, you’re invited to practice like crazy and nail down your favourite hip-hop joint, or be part of the audience and encourage the brave souls performing on stage. To participate or spectate, grab all the details by clicking below.

After a super successful (read insanely crazy) December edition with Montreal’s Kaytranada, Frenzy is back at it on January 3 at Babylon. For the first instalment of 2014, Toronto duo Thugli will be in attendance and dropping a live DJ set for your listening and dancing pleasures. Brace yourselves, this is bound to be yet another true frenzy. 

If you’re into reggae and dancehall, head over to the Rainbow Bistro this Saturday, January 4 for the Reggae Rally featuring live performances by Ranking Yout and The Dub Pilots and specials guests DJ Thomas Charles Radford spinnin reggae vinyls and burlesque artist Shade Nyx.  

Over in Wakefield, Winchester Warm will be performing live at the Blacksheep Inn this Saturday. The Ottawa-based indie folk rock formation will be joined on stage by The Sick Sick Sicks and Wakefield’s own Farewell Davidson. Maybe you’re in the mood for some oysters this week, or maybe it’s the R&B, soul and funk music that’s calling your name. Either way, DJ Zattar has got you covered this Saturday at the The Elmdale Oyster House & Tavern for Shuck N’ Strut, a night of dusty rnb, soul, and funk sounds from vinyl records only. Who ever said oyster shucking and retro vibes don’t go hand in hand?

Over at Babylon this Saturday, January 4, Dark and Stormy is happening with special live performances by local bands Average Times, Boyhood and New Swears. They’ll be joined by DJ Lefty McRighty who’ll take care of making you shake your tail feather.  

The Year in Review: Eventful Capital’s Top 10 Events of 2013

For the first year since this blog was created, Eventful Capital joins the bandwagon and brings you a recap of some of the best events to happen in the National Capital Region in 2013. As you can imagine, putting together a Top 10 list is a challenging task that requires careful consideration given the ridiculous amount of quality events that were held in this city throughout the year. It’s also a very subjective process obviously. With that being said, Eventful Capital is pleased to unveil what it considers to be some of the most entertaining events of the past year. Here are the ones that made the cut in no specific order.

Shlohmo giving a live DJ set at Ritual in April 2013

1. WeDidIt Collective founder Shlohmo and member D33J included Ottawa on their Laid Out Tour this past April and for the occasion the LA boys gave live sets at Ritual. It sure was a bold move to book the underground electronic/hip-hop DJs/Producers on a Sunday night, but it proved to be a winning decision as about 200 music lovers gathered at the downtown venue to take in the rising collective’s evident talent. Shit got weird, in a good way. This show’s surely brings epic memories to those who experienced it.

2. It’s safe to say local hip-hop heads got served a generous portion in 2013. From Kendrick Lamar and Pac Div to RiFF RAFF and M.O.P., plenty dope bars were dropped in the Capital City this past year. One of the shows that stands out the most however has got to be Joey Bada$$ and Pro Era who brought down the house at Ritual on April 6. The headliners were joined by opening acts Flatbush Zombies and The Underachievers and the turned up sold-out crowd loved every minute of it. I’ve rarely seen Ritual that rowdy and packed and that event will easily go down as one of the best hip hop shows to ever happen in Ottawa in my books.

3. When it comes to international music, Ottawa is lucky to have World Famous Music, a production house that specializes in booking renowned world artists in intimate venues. This year, World Famous Music managed to sign a show with Oliver Tuku Mtukudzi and the Black Spirits who graced the stage at Ritual on April 7. This African music legend attracted a large crowd of fans and at 60 years of age he effortlessly performed some of his greatest hits to everyone’s delight. There was pure love all around the venue that night and it was quite a humbling experience to have the opportunity to see such a talented musician in person.

Glen Hansard gave a heartfelt performance to a sea of fans as part of the Ottawa Jazz Festival’s After Dark Series © Photo courtesy of Andre Gagne

4. One of the most beautiful things about experiencing live music is that sometimes it allows you to discover amazing talent without expecting it. This can surely be said of Glen Hansard, an Irish singer-songwriter, who gave an incredibly moving and heartfelt performance in front of a packed crowd at this year’s Ottawa Jazz Festival. After a fun evening of music at the Main Stage and National Arts Centre, I stumbled upon Hansard who was closing the night at the After Dark Series. The acoustic performance was simple, stripped-down and honest and it was by far one of the best performances I’ve seen all year. Sometimes less is much, much more.

The Wu Tang Clan bringing the ruckus to Ottawa on Day 4 of the 2013 Ottawa Bluesfest

5. There’s no question about it: the fact that the entire Wu-Tang Clan (except Inspektah Deck) united to perform at the Ottawa Bluesfest this past July is an unforgettable and legendary moment when it comes to 2013 events. Everyone was hopeful, but no one thought the majority of the crew would actually take the stage in celebration of Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)’s 20th anniversary. That performance was crazy and it’s bound to go down in history for any Ottawa hip-hop head that was in attendance.

6. Another epic moment from this year’s Bluesfest has got to be Björk’s headlining performance. The eclectic Icelandic singer-songwriter’s Ottawa debut was by far the highlight of Day 9 and she easily attracted 9000 festival-goers which is no easy feat. It was impressive to see her move about the stage with such grace and to hear her uniquely beautiful voice pierce through the night. Although I’m not a huge Björk fan, it was simply impossible to remain unmoved by such a rare and powerful performance.

7. When it comes to up and coming indie talent, one of the best shows of the year hands down goes to Montreal-based orchestral pop group Groenland. The 6-piece, who’s gained significant recognition following the release of their debut album The Chase, gave their first Ottawa show at Mavericks on July 21 and the musicians’ refreshing sound and charming stage presence made it one of the most enjoyable shows of 2013.

Greg McEvoy and Leiki Kopvillem giving an acoustic outdoor set on August 24 as part of the 4in1 Ottawa Music Sessions. © Photo courtesy of Jackpine Co. and Ming Wu

8. The August Edition of the 4in1 Music Sessions was easily the highlight of my summer. It took place on a beautiful summer day on Jackpine’s rooftop in the picturesque Chinatown neighbourhood. The intimate afternoon of music introduced me to local musicians Greg McEvoy, llvekyo, StillNative and Fevers who each have a unique style of their own. The 4in1 Music Sessions is a great initiative that takes live music out of the clubs and concert venues and into unconventional urban settings in an effort to reach wider audiences. I’m thankful to have been present that afternoon to take in the good vibes. For music lovers like myself, it doesn’t get much better than this.

Grafitti art under Dunbar Bridge as part of the 2013 House of PainT Festival © Photo courtesy of House of PainT

9. From September 11 to September 15, Ottawa’s hip hop community joined forces to celebrate House of PainT‘s 10-year anniversary (HoPX) and it was a truly beautiful thing. For the occasion, the 4 elements of hip-hop culture were honoured thanks to some solid programming which had something for everyone. From the July fundraising show featuring the internationally renowned Hypnotic Brass Ensemble to the legendary performance by hip-hop pioneer Big Daddy Kane, the 2013 edition of this community festival was an all-around success. It’s things like this that make our city shine so much respect to the organizers for putting on such a fantastic festival.

10. Last but certainly not least, something has to be said about Ottawa-Gatineau’s Nuit Blanche. It’s impossible to leave out this fantastic project which puts Canada’s National Capital on the map with regards to arts and culture. The second instalment was bigger and better than its debut and it was a great testimony to the local cultural scene. Despite the incessant downpour, Ottawa-Gatineau residents came out  in large numbers to show their love for the arts which made it a very inspiring night.

So there you have it, these are Eventful Capital’s favourite events for 2013. This list is certainly not exclusive or exhaustive as many other events could’ve easily been included, but it just goes to show the rich variety of events that we are lucky to have in this area.

With 2014 just around the corner, there’s no doubt that there will be more happening and more to cover. Eventful Capital looks forward to the new year to attend all of the fun and exciting events that are set to take place in and around Ottawa-Gatineau.

Holiday Happenings in the Capital City: From Headstones and Jonesey’s Beatlemania Christmas Show to Nussknacker and Wannabe

What’s nice about this time of year is that promoters, organizers, artists and venues tend to kick it up a notch to offer a wide selection of entertainment options for those looking to go out throughout the month of December. Wether you’re looking for live music shows or dance parties Eventful Capital’s got you covered with a selection of noteworthy events happening around Ottawa-Gatineau in the week ahead.

‘Tis the season for giving and for the occasion, singer-songwriter Kathleen Edwards and Ian Reid are putting on a fundraiser at the Manx Pub this Monday, December 16 to raise much-needed funds for the  Shepherds of Good Hope. The two will be performing some live music and presenting some readings for the cause.

On Tuesday, December 17, head over to Maxwell’s Bistro and Club to catch Jonesey’s Beatlemania Christmas Show. Jonesey and the GreyTones will be performing live in celebration of to the annual Christmas shows the Beatles performed starting in 1963. 

SAW Video’s last party of the year is going down this Wednesday at Club SAW. Hosted by Ottawa comedian Greg Houston, the event will feature old-school country jams courtesy of DJ Lefty McRighty followed by a live performance by Ball & Chain and the Wreckers, one of Ottawa’s best live country acts. There will also be a silent auction and Spice Box whiskey flowing. 

The Radioactive indie music series presents Little Suns live at the Mercury Lounge this Thursday, December 19. The Montreal-based group will be launching their debut album “Normal Human Feelings” and they’ll be performing alongside opening acts The Sick Sick Sicks and Sparrowshanks. 

This Thursday, December 19, check out the first #Minktacular mobile photography exhibit at Kinki Restaurant. This one-night-only exhibition will feature street photography by Mink Wiliams as well as local haunts and creative edits and music and entertainment by DJ Inferno and Koston Kreme of Capital Tease Burlesque. 

If you’re into the local hip-hop scene, be sure to hit up Ritual this Thursday to catch Prehistoric’s ” Walking Backwards on an Escalator” Album Release. The launch will feature a live performance by Prehistoric along with opening sets by local hip-hop artists Bender of Flight Distance, Atherton, Philly Moves, Dallas Waldo and Spitten Image. 

The monthly Silk RnB Dance Party is taking over Babylon Nightclub this Thursday, December 19. DJs Matty McGovern, Eric Roberts and Matt Tamblyn are going big and promise to deliver the best and sexiest RnB jams to get you dancing all night. Remember Mya’s Case of the Ex and JLo’s  Jennie From the Bock? Best believe you’ll be hearing this kind of gold at Silk! 

If you prefer rocking out this week, check out Headstones live in concert at Mavericks this Friday and  Saturday. The Toronto-based punk rock group will be performing live in Ottawa alongside opening act Gloryhound in an effort to promote their latest album “Love + Fury”.  

Wanna relive the 90s pop craze with the Spice Girls this week? Then be sure to head to Babylon this Friday, December 20 for 90s or Bust featuring Wannabe: The Spice Girls Tribute Act. Wannabe will bring you as close to the real deal as you can get with huge personalities, costumes, dance moves, glitter, confetti and platform shoes. After the show, stick around for the 90s or Bust dance party with resident DJs Palm D’or and Pat Johnson.

The Mercury Lounge’s Locally Grown Series presents Funktion with DJs Disko Dave and Plush this Friday, December 20. The duo will be giving a live DJ set complete with the latest house, breaks and beats. 

Over in Gatineau, Powerhouse presents Nussknacker Xmas before Xmas in the Grand Hall at the Canadian Museum of Civilization this Saturday, December 21. This massive dance party will feature live DJ sets by TJR, Arabika, Martin Villeneuve and Mayro. 

‘Tis the season for sweating & grinding. Another dance party happening this Saturday is OhMyJam Drop Low Edition being held at Babylon. Queer hip-hop, dancehall and RnB jams will be provided by DJs NDN of A Tribe Called Red and D-luxx Brown including a live twerking performance by Toronto’s House of Monroe.  

NYE 2014 in the Nation’s Capital: Eventful Capital’s Guide to Party in the City

With New Year’s Eve just around the corner, it’s time to start making plans to ring in 2014 in the Nation’s Capital. If you’re attending some sort of house party that’s great (it’s often a less-complicated option), but if you’re looking to go out in order to ring in the New Year, take a look at the variety of suggested events that Eventful Capital has carefully picked out for you.

If you’re on a tight budget and/or want to stay away from the bar scene, but still wish to go out, you can dress warm and make your way over to Sparks for the now-annual Sparks Street Promenade New Year’s Eve. This free family-friendly event will feature lots of entertainment including live performances by Loon Choir, The Cardboard Crowns, DJ sets by 8BarZ and Kiwi, latin dancers, drinks, a dance party and none other than Canadian hip-hop artist K-Os. Be part of the action and follow the fun on Twitter with the hashtag #CapitalCountdown.

Another free family-friendly event is Rick Chiarelli’s Annual New Year’s Eve Celebration. This alcohol-free event, which takes place at Ben Franklin Place in Nepean will include ice skating, sleigh rides, games, dancing, singing and the only place in the city to see fireworks to ring in the new year.

If you want to go clubbing on New Year’s Eve, The Drink is once again holding its Big Apple NYE celebration to bring a tast of New York to Ottawa for the night. Tickets to this event include party favours, champagne and surprises. If this is your type of party, click on the poster below for everything you need to know.

If you want to dance the night away to electronic dance music on December 31, you definitely want to be at the Midway Family Fun Center for RoughCrew Entertainment’s A Rough Resolution V.2 featuring 2 floors and 3 rooms of music and an impressive roster of DJs playing the best in dubstep, drum n bass, breaks, psytrance and more.  The party starts at 8pm and doesn’t stop til 8am. Part of the proceeds from this event will go to the Ottawa Humane Society. 

After a successful first edition, the Manifesting Magic crew presents the second NYE Butterfly Masquerade Ball at the Rideau Curling Club. Artists, musicians, DJs and dancers from the Ottawa region’s diverse and vibrant arts and cultural scene are joining forces for another special night aligning the elements of fire, water, earth, and air to feature four distinct spaces that aim to meet diverse tastes and desires. The lower level will feature the fire space hosting some of Ottawa’s funkiest DJs to keep you grooving and an exotic hookah lounge where you can sit back and relax. The water space will offer a midnight buffet full of aromatic and mouth-watering delights. As for the upper level, it’ll hold the earth space where there will be live performances by distinguished musicians and talented dancers. The air space will be a place of spontaneous play and socialization featuring some of Ottawa’s finest multimedia and body artists.

If you want to party in style with a thousand other people this NYE, hit up the Marriott Hotel for the What Happens in Vegas…New Year’s Eve Party + Casino organized by Starfish Events. Dubbed Ottawa’s biggest NYE party, the event will feature music by DJ Ray Ray and a Casino atop the 29th revolving floor with panoramic views of the city giving you a chance to win 14 prizes including a Las Vegas Trip for 2.

Barrymore’s Music Hall is throwing its annual New Year’s Eve party with DJ Law playing the best in 80s, 90s and Top 40s hits. Tickets include party favors, bubbles for the midnight countdown, hors d’oeuvres and more. If this is the type of celebration that you’re looking for, click below for tickets and more info.  

Oh you fancy huh? The 5th Annual Glitz & Glam NYE 2014 party is happening at Mansion Nightclub featuring a red carpet, professional photography, party favours, a variety of VIP booth options to choose from and music by DJ Ilon. 

If you want to celebrate NYE in your best 1920s attire, you should definitely attend the The Gatsby New Year’s Ball taking place at the the former Grand Union Railway Station, today’s Government Conference Centre. Part of the proceeds from this 800-guest event will go to the Caring and Sharing Exchange charity.

For a smaller scale dance party, head over to Babylon to celebrate the new year with Ottawa’s Silkken Laumann as the DJ trio releases its debut full-length album “Not Forever Enough”. Tickets include hors d’oeuvres and midnight snacks by The Gouda Life and Harrow, a limited edition album cover print + download, visuals by Hard Science, door prizes courtesy of Antique Skate Shop and midnight bubbly. 

Djs Hobo & Sweetcheeks of Kitchen Party are teaming up with Eric Roberts of TIMEKODE and Ceremony and DJ LambRabbit to put on the ultimate dance party at Mugshots to ring in 2014. The celebration will include delicious homemade snacks, drink deals, and complimentary champagne at midnight.

As per usual tradition, the Mercury Lounge presents its Masquerade Ball with 3 levels of grooving, soulful sounds and fun entertainment. Music will be provided by resident DJs Balu, Dusty, Lance Baptiste, Trevor Walker, and Jeff Dougler including a special live midnight set and toast by Slim Moore and live drumming by Dr. Lee and Jesse Matthews. Masks are a must! For details, click on the poster below. 

For those who want to ring in 2014 with electronic dance music, be sure to hit up the massive EY Centre for a rave-like party featuring state of the art light and sound technology and and a New York-inspired ball drop at midnight. More info soon to follow via the organizers’ official website.

In Wakefield, Ottawa’s favorite soulsters The Hornettes will be celebrating the new year in style at the Blacksheep Inn with a live performance that’s sure to get you dancing all night. The event is black-tie optional so be sure to dress to impress if you attend.

Over on the Gatineau side, the Mackenzie Rhythm Section will provide the funk to keep you on your feet throughout the festivities with a live show at the Gainsbourg Bistro. NYE revellers can opt for a dinner and live performance or they can choose to attend the show only and get some midnight bubbly. 

Over at the Petit Chicago in the Old Hull sector of Gatineau, wear your best plaid and dance the night away to traditional Quebec folk music and Top 40 hits with Les AMIBANDIS, Partners in Crime. Bubbles for all at midnight!

If you’re looking for a cheap open bar party, the Où Quoi! in Hull has got you covered with a $40 ($60 at the door) all-you-can-drink New Year’s Eve dance party. Music will be provided by the Fau Mardi crew so with this winning formula you know it’ll be a guaranteed good time.

Whatever you decide to do for New Year’s Eve, Eventful Capital wishes you tons of fun surrounded by people you love and cherish to ring in 2014.  Enjoy the celebrations to the fullest and be sure to make the necessary arrangements to get home safely. Cheers!

Mid-December in Ottawa-Gatineau: From Charles Bradley and Danniel Oickle to the Urban Craft Market and Chinx

With all the events and parties that are taking place left and right, it’s safe to say December’s off to a great start in the National Capital Region. Wether you’re looking for music shows, dance parties, or local holiday craft markets, Eventful Capital’s got you covered. Check out the suggestions below for a list of noteworthy events happening around Ottawa-Gatineau in the days ahead.

This Tuesday, December 10, Illinois metal/hardcore group Sworn In will be performing live at Luneta Cafe. Sworn In will be joined on stage by Ottawa hardcore band Equalizer, Ottawa metalcore formation Through Lucid Eyes and Ottawa post-hardcore group Mayfield who’ll be giving their first live show. 

On Wednesday, December 11, We Love to Hump celebrates 9 years at the Mercury Lounge with a 90s-themed party featuring hostess Eva Darling and DJ Grace Panda. The event will also feature a drag show with special guest Belle Darling. 

If you haven’t attended a Holiday dance party yet and are itching to do so, Kapacity & The Flavor Factory present Wreck The Halls this Thursday, December 12. The event, happening at Ritual, will include a bboy cypher jam and battle and a special performance by none-other than Brooklyn MC AZ of The Firm (the 90s hip-hop heads will know)! 

Alternative psych pop-punk formation Dog Day are back in the National Capital this Thursday and will be performing live at Pressed Cafe in an effort to promote their latest record Fade Out. For the occasion, tAlso he Halifax-based group will be joined on stage by Ottawa band Heavy Bedroom. 

Also this Thursday, December 12, the Mercury Lounge invites you to the launch of Danniel Oickle’s sophomore album Blitzkrieg! with a rare live performance by this versatile Ottawa artist. Oickle will be presenting material from his latest project which blends pop, industrial, electronic, blues, and cabaret genres creating a unique style of music. 

The Museum of Civilization’s 3rd annual Christmas Market continues this Friday, Saturday and Sunday. With 50 local vendors exhibiting their products, this is the perfect place to find holiday gifts. Meet local exhibitors, discover delicious regional products and unique handmade objects, and experience the creativity and enthusiasm that drive artisans of the area. To access the list of participating vendors, simply click on the event poster below.

The School of Photographic Arts of Ottawa is putting on a night of live music and festive fundraising for SPAO this Friday, December 13. The event will feature performances by Absoluut of Dialoog, The Haig, Stoney Martins with Tobacco Jo, punk trio International Maniacs Institute, two-piece experimental sounds from Eraserheads among others. 

Christmas in the City is being held this Friday, December 13 at the Rainbow Bistro. This holiday jam will keep you entertained with live performances by Ottawa-Gatineau’s Mackenzie Rhythm Section and The Responsables from Toronto. 

The one and only Charles Bradley will be performing live at Ritual this Friday, December 13. The Brooklyn soul singer will be joined on stage by His Extraordiaires and soul ensemble The Jay Vons who’ll be warming up the crowd for the talented and renowned artist. Although advance tickets are sold out, there will be a limited amount at the door.

If you’re into indie punk rock, head over to Gabba Hey (address to be revealed on the day of the show) this Friday to check out Toronto indie/punk/rock group Pup perform live alongside Ottawa indie rock band Those Gulls and others. 

Grillz & Glam presents the annual Top of the World Christmas Party this Friday night at Babylon. Usual suspects DJs Brains4brkfst, NDN and Philboy will keep you dancing all night while infamous special guest Santa Clause keeps you on your toes.

The holiday edition of theUrban Craft Market is happening Saturday, December  14 at the Glebe Community Centre. Urban Craft provides a great opportunity to browse through over 40 local craft vendors who’ll be selling their crafts at affordable prices. This is the ideal place to go to find special hand-crafted gifts and goodies for those on your Christmas list. 

Monster Truck will be stopping in Ottawa this Saturday, Decembert 14 to promote their latest album Furiosity as part of the group’s Touriosity. The Hamilton rock group will be joined on stage by Toronto rock band Biblical. Although advance tickets are sold out, there will be a limited amount at the door.  

On the Gatineau side, Poirier will be giving a live DJ set at the Petit Chicago this Saturday, December 14 following his tour of India. The Montreal-based DJ and Producer, who’s known for his contagious tropical beats and more recently for his Boundary project, will be back in the Hull sector to make you dance the night away.

Over in Wakefield, Loon Choir, Pony Girl and Erik Lind and the Orchard will be giving a live show this Saturday, December 14 at the BlackSheep Inn. For those who’d rather not drive from Ottawa, there will be a party bus leaving from the Museum of Nature at approximately 8:00 pm. 

Ottawa’s own A Tribe Called Red will be shooting images for their first official video for Sisters this Saturday, December 14. The party and shoot is going down at Babylon and will feature live sets by Brad Greyeyes-Brant and A Tribe Called Red so be sure to dress to impress if you plan on attending.

If you want to take in some local music this weekend you may want to head over to the Rainbow Bistro on Sunday, December 15 to check out Toronto singer-songwriter Stacey with supporting acts Justice R.F. and Sharon Nutzati.

Hip-hop heads will want to head over to Mansion this Sunday to catch a live performance by Coke Boys affiliate Chinx.   The Queens, NY rapper will be giving a live show alongside special guest Money Marlo including local support from DJs Mes, Alive & Laocapone. 

Kicking Off December in Ottawa-Gatineau with the Snow exhibition opening, Kaytranada, the Canadian Floor Masters and more!

Wait, are we already in December? Looks like we are, which means Holiday parties are around the corner and so are vacation days. Check out Eventful Capital’s carefully selected suggestions for a list of noteworthy events happening around the National Capital Region in the days ahead.

Speaking of Holidays, Big Rig Brewery is hosting a Holiday Tweet-Up this Monday, December 2 starting at 7pm. There will be prizes, finger-linking goodies and a selfie-inspired Photo Op. Use the hash tag #HolidayTweetUp to be part of the fun. All proceeds from this event will go to the Kanata Food Cupboard, and we like that mucho.

This Wednesday, December 4, Operation Come Home presents Re:Purpose, a community-driven boutique with one-of-a-kind hand-made, recycled, re-imagined products for you and your home. This Christmas shopping party will also treat attendees with complimentary appetizers and refreshments. It’s the perfect occasion to check off gifts on your Christmas list.

KOTD presents Capital Invasion 5 this Thursday, December 5 at Club Era. Several local rappers and hip-hop artists will go head-to-head to battle for a chance to win the number 1 title. The event will feature battles between Tycoon Tax & Luciano Crakk and Yung Casper & KP among others. 

This Thursday, December 5, the Canadian Museum of Civilization is holding the official opening of the Snow exhibition set to open to the general public on December 6. This new special exhibition, developed in partnership with the J. Armand Bombardier Museum, will present how snow has shaped the Canadian identity and will feature 300 artifacts that demonstrate snow’s influence on the way we live and on our ability to adapt. On Friday, Kashka will be holding her Bound Album Release Party at Raw Sugar Cafe. Kashka, the project of Toronto electro-pop folk singer-songwriter Kat Burns, will be joined on stage by alternative pop-rock formation Kelly McMichael and The Gloss.  

This Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the Museum of Civilization’s presents its 3rd annual Christmas Market. With 50 local vendors exhibiting their products, this is the perfect place to find holiday gifts. Come meet local exhibitors, discover delicious regional products and unique handmade objects, and experience the creativity and enthusiasm that drive artisans of the area. To access the list of participating vendors, simply click on the event poster below.

The good people at Spectrasonic and punkottawa.com present the Ottawa premier of CBGB The Movie this Friday, December 6 at the Mayfair Theatre. Directed by Randall Miller, this documentary follows the story of Hilly Kristal’s New York club from its origins as Country, Bluegrass and Blues (CBGB) to what it ultimately became: the birthplace of underground rock ‘n roll and punk. For show times, click on the event poster below. 

Hip Hop Karaoke Ottawa is going down this Friday, December 6 and in case you didn’t know, it’s now happening at Ritual #BigThings. If you’d like to sign-up to perform or if you simply want more info on what Hip Hop Karaoke is about, simply click on the banner below and check out Eventful Capital’s Special Feature on the monthly night.

Local hip-hop trio Flight Distance will be performing live at Ritual this Friday, December 6. For the occasion, the Ottawa-based group will be debuting new cuts and bringing back classic material alongside supporting acts Crack Moses and DumDum. 

The December edition of Frenzy is going down this Friday at Babylon featuring the return of non-other than Kaytranada. The Montreal-based DJ and producer, who’s considered one of the top producers in the game right now, will be supported by local gentlemen Iggy Smalls and Foster. 

The Canadian Floor Masters are celebrating 30 years of break-dancing this year and to highlight the occasion they’re putting on an all-day event this Saturday, December 7 featuring a photo exhibition, a graffiti display, historical videos, cyphers, a free dance workshop for kids complete with a big dance party at night to top it all off. 

If you’re into metal, be sure to head over to the Hull sector of Gatineau this Saturday, December 7 to catch a live performance by Ghoulunatics, Insurrection and Defy the Crown. The show’s happening at the St-Jean de Bosco Church on Saint-Joseph Boulevard in downtown Hull.  

Lungbutter, an outer limits punk drone art rock group from Montreal will be performing live at Pressed Cafe this Saturday. They’ll be joined on stage by Ought, Dark Plains, and Taline Noelle Bedrossian. If you’re looking to discover something new, this is a great event to attend. 

Put Some South In Yo’ Mouth, a recurring event happening on the first Saturday of every month, is happening this Saturday, December 7. This night of music dedicated to the Dirty South with feature a live DJ set by Nova Scotia’s own Skratch Bastid. The DJ, Producer and Motivational Speaker will be spinning live alongside local DJ Illo. As per usual, there will be chicken and waffles available courtesy of the good people at Hooch Bourbon House.

The 4in1 Music Sessions are back with a Holiday Edition taking place this coming Sunday afternoon.  The December 8 instalment, being held at Bar 1848 inside the University of Ottawa, will feature live performances by Farewell Davidson, Peas&Carrots, Dave Taggart of The Strain and more. Check out Eventful Capital’s review of the August 4in1 Music Sessions for a better idea of what to expect.

Joe Brownrigg is releasing his third studio album this Sunday, December 8 at The Daily Grind. The local artist will be playing two sets of original music including the new album Free performed in it’s entirety.

Other noteworthy events happening this week include a live show by Greg McEvoy, Ilvekyo and Shawn Tavernier happening this Tuesday, December 3 at Avant Garde, a metal gig featuring Cryptopsy, Deformatory, Antlion and Standing on Oblivion, and the Urban Legends Poetry Slam featuring the talented Urban Legends Slam allstar team for 2013.

This week, there’s also a live performance by folk singer-songwriter Jimmy Hunt taking place at the Petit Chicago this Saturday, a Record Bazaar being held at Raw Sugar Cafe, along with the December edition of Tropikalo going down at the Mercury Lounge.

Last but not least, the 4th Anniversary of Trailor Park Bingo is happening this Sunday at Zaphods featuring your chance to win a free car. Yes, that’s right, a free car.

There you have it ladies and gents, this is only a GLIMPSE of what’s happening around our eventful capital this week. Enjoy!