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

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.

Eventful Capital’s Weekly Picks: From the Transistor Festival and Bellflower to Switched on Synths and the Air Guitar Championships

Vancouver rockers Theory of a Deadman have a new album out called “Wake Up Call” and for which they’re currently touring. They’ll be making a stop in Ottawa this Monday, May 7 to give an all-ages show at the Bronson Centre.

Canadian folk/roots/country duo Sugar Crush are celebrating the release of their EP “En français S.V.P.” this Tuesday, May 8 at the La Basoche  in the Aylmer sector of Gatineau. A great opportunity to support emerging French talent!

Slowly but surely, more women artists, Indigenous artists, artists of colour, and those working in disciplines previously classed as “craft,” are entering the spotlight. This walkthrough will explore works that speak to local histories of resistance and the fight for inclusion. On May 9, the Ottawa Art Gallery presents the Art of Inclusion, a free curator tour with Michelle Gewurtz that will explore the works of such artists.

Berlin/Montreal dream synthpop project Foundling, Montreal-based musician Nick Shoefield (Saxsyndrum, Best Fern, Rêves Sonores), Ottawa experimental pop-noir project Merganzer and New Zealand contemporary musician Dean Roberts are joining forces this Wednesday, May 9 to present a delicate evening of music at Pressed Café.

Hailing from Victoria BC, Fortune Killers (formerly Isobel Trigger), are back in Ottawa as part of their current cross-Canada tour, and they’ll be playing at Live on Elgin this Wednesday, May 9. For the occasion, the synthpop rockers will be sharing the stage with Ottawa hip hop artist Aspects and Montréal alternative rock band Venus Furs.

Montreal/Ottawa alternative rockers Règlement17 are launching a new series of live music this Wednesday, May 9 called #RockOn, and it has for objective to put forward artists and bands from the alternative and rock music scenes. The inaugural event will feature live performances by Règlement17, Ottawa-based alternative hip hop artist Squerl Noir and Ottawa post hardcore/pop punks The Great Diversion.

Transistor, the festival that celebrates digital radio, is having its second edition from May 10-13 in the Vieux-Hull sector of Gatineau. This four-day event will feature roundtables on podcasts, live recordings in front of an audience, and lots more.

Toronto-based band Tallies (previously known as Ottawa’s Thrifty Kids) is playing Makerspace North this Thursday, May 10 as part of the Music X Maker series. For the occasion, the indie rockers will be sharing the stage with Ottawa garage rock group Curl and Ottawa power pop project Sweet Rocket.

Winnipeg electro-soul artist Rayannah is back in the capital city this Thursday, May 10 and this time around she’s performing at Live on Elgin alongside Ottawa pop soul singer-songwriter Marie-Clo.

There’s a funk night going down at House of Targ this Thursday with Already, Already bringing you a memorable live guitar and sax looping experience, Jool & The Gang playing Kool & the Gang tunes, and DJ Lord Snappy spinning songs to get you feeling funky.

A collage of electro-pop and global influences, Montréal’s CHANCES offers revelatory performances. The trio’s English, French and Ojibwe vocals make for beautiful harmonies, while the percussions combine rhythms that are both ancient and contemporary. You can catch them this Thursday night at the NAC.

If you’re into heavier sounds, there’s a metal show happening at Mavericks this Friday, May 11 featuring Vancouver’s 2 Shadows, Ottawa melodic death metal group Projekt, Gothenburg as well as local bands OOLUU and Transmit.

There’s an all-ages show being held at Pressed Cafe this Friday and it’ll feature live sets by Vancouver surf pop rockers Winona Forever, Toronto alternative dream pop/rock project Lunali and Ottawa indie pop rock duo Velvet Vanilla.

Montreal’s Bellflower blends jazz, orchestral pop and soaring harmonies to deliver an unforgettable musical experience. Don’t miss them as they take the stage this Friday, May 11 as part of the NAC Presents series.

Idioteque is Canada’s finest Radiohead tribute band and the group is taking over the 27 Club this Friday night to perform Radiohead’s iconic “Ok Computer” album live alongside Ottawa indie pop project Scary Bear Soundtrack.

Switched On Synths, one of the coolest monthly events in town, is going down at House of Targ this Friday night. The latest edition of this electronic music series dedicated to all things synth will focus on synthpop and feature Toronto synthpop project Parallels, Toronto synthpop/new retro wave project Mecha Maiko and Ottawa techno/live P.A. artist PH.

Stockholm/Washington DC Producer/DJ Pleasurekraft is giving a live set inside City at Night this Friday and for the occasion, you can expect a journey into cosmic techno courtesy of the Kraftek/Drumcode-affiliated artist and guests Steve P and Sherm.

Sault Ste Marie experimental singer/songwriter Jackson Reed is currently on tour with Montreal alternative rock singer/songwriter Mike Mikus and together they’ll be playing live at The Record Centre this Saturday afternoon.

As part of the Music X Maker series this Saturday, May 12 you can check out an all-ages show happening at Makerspace North with Halifax dream folk artist Jon Bryant and Ottawa-based musician Jacs, formerly of The Balconies, who’ll be giving her very first solo performance as part of this new project.

Calling all air heads: Saturday, May 12 marks the 4th Annual Ottawa Air Guitar Championships at House of Targ featuring post-competition performances by Onionface, Monobrow, and Muffler Crunch. 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 23rd Air Guitar World Championships on Aug. 22-25.

Ottawa indie rockers Amos The Transparent are celebrating the release of their new album “Anniversaries” this Saturday night at the 27 Club and to mark this milestone they’ll be playing live with Ottawa indie pop legends The Love Machine and Toronto indie artist Rumfit Mosey.

Mother’s Day is this Sunday and House of Targ is offering a family-friendly all-you-can-eat brunch buffet and arcades between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. No reservations, first-come first-serve, guys.

If you want to end your week by checking out a soul and r&b show this Sunday, make your way over to the Rainbow Bistro to catch the Ottawa debut of Carla Cooke who’ll be performing the Same Cooke Experience.

At Live on Elgin this Sunday, May 13, Road Waves are celebrating the release of their second album “Red Sun Rising”. The Niagara Falls progressive rockers will be performing the album in its entirety with special guests The Jimmy Tri-Tone Band and Spence Charles.   

Eventful Capital’s Weekly Picks: From MonkeyJunk and DIY Spring to Sam Faye & D-Track and Tropikalo

I’m back at the Minotaure in the Vieux-Hull this Thursday, May 3 to play music and I’m pumped AF. I’ll once again be joining DJ Gloryhull for a back-to-back set of RapQueb and other dope sounds. If you love Quebec hip hop, you’ll be served, and if you have no idea what I’m talking about, I guarantee you’ll discover wavy new sounds. Starts at 10 p.m. and it’s free.

Ottawa swamp roots rock band MonkeyJunk will be celebrating their 10th anniversary by giving a show at the NAC this Thursday, May 3. It’s always a good time with this trio of talented musicians!

The latest edition of Hautes Vibrations is going down this Thursday night, and this time it’s taking over the Mercury Lounge. The event, organized by Ottawa-based hip hop artist LeFloFranco, is a night of eclectic live music celebrating francophone artists and it’ll feature live sets by Marie-Clo, Pirate Delsol, DJ Uniper, LeFloFranco, Grace Marr, and DJ Chevdot.

Be The Light, an art showcase, is being held at the Lotus Community Corner this Friday night and it will feature live performances by local musicians and spoken word artists Just Jamaal, Cheko Salaam, Freedom Writer, Sense-Say, Habiba Ali and Hamid Ayoub.

This Friday night at Live on Elgin, you can catch Ottawa-based country/roots/bluegrass/folk project the Jessica Pearson and the East Wind playing alongside special guests The Montgomery Street Band.

Ottawa soul pop singer-songwriter Rebecca Noelle, a member of The PepTides who finished second on Quebec’s popular La Voix TV series, is performing live at the NAC this Friday night as part of the NAC Presents series. She’ll be sharing the stage with her band and together they’ll share a variety of pieces from the artist’s repertoire.

Canadian duo Georgian Bay, who creates music and sings in both French and English, will be playing live at Bar Robo this Friday night to celebrate the release of their album Courage Vol. 1, the first part of a two-volume album that fuses elements of electronic, jazz, chamber music to the group’s folk roots sound. For the occasion, they’ll be sharing the stage with Winnipeg lo-fi ambient shoegaze project Tansy.

Halifax alternative folk six-piece band Caribou Run are currently on tour in an effort to promote their latest album “Old Peninsula” and they’ll be making a stop at Irene’s Pub this Friday night to play live alongside Ottawa desert rockers Casa Lagarto.

Yellowknife-based Canadiana/Americana indie folk poet Dana Sipos is getting ready to release her latest album “Rick of the Light” on Roaring Girl Records this May 18, and she’s bound to share new material this Friday night as she performs live at the NAC.

Gatineau natives/Montreal-based hip hop artists Sam Faye and D-Track are long-time friends who share a passion for hip hop, writing, and slam poetry. A few years ago they teamed up to form a dynamic duo and the fruit of this collaboration resulted in the album “Stereo”, which combines witty play on words to solid productions. They’re fun and positive, and they’re giving a free show at Kinki this Friday, May 4 alongside DJ Eazy El Dee.

Ottawa doom/post metal band Loviatar are having an album release party at La Maison Tavern this Friday night and for the occasion, they’ll be rocking alongside Ottawa doom metal group Longhouse and Cornwall punk rockers Blue Trees.

It’s the return of Tropikalo! This super fun dancefloor affair where good times abound is back for one-night only this Friday night at Happy Goat Coffee. Tropikalo is the perfect dance party if you’re looking for afrolatin caribbean vibes. Put on your dancing shoes and let DJs Zattar and Trevor Walker take care of the rest.

There’s a new festival in town called DIY Spring and it’s happening at General Assembly in Hintonburg this weekend. Night one goes down on Friday, May 4 with Strange Froots, Thandie Dice, and Seiiizmikk.

Ottawa punk rockers The Creeps have a new LP out called “Beneath The Pines” and to mark the release of this new album they’re giving a free, all-ages afternoon performance at The Record Centre.

This Saturday night, the Mercury Lounge invites you to Felabration, a tribute to Fela Kuti. The event will start with a special drumming circle from 8 to 11 p.m. followed by a night of dancing to the sounds of DJ Trevor Walker who’ll be spinning originals and remixes of afrobeat music.

Night 2 of DIY Spring is happening this Saturday, May 5 at General Assembly and it’ll feature live performances by Cyber, Fire Queen, River Doucette and Larissa Desrosiers.

Toronto/Nashville country/roots musician Lindi Ortega is back in town this Saturday night as part of her current North American tour and you can catch her live at the 27 Club alongside Toronto country blues artist Jeremie Albino.

Congolese superstar Maitre Gims will be in Ottawa for the very first time this Saturday, May 5 as part of his Fuego Tour and he’ll be playing live at Barrymores. The artist who just released his latest album “Ceinture noire”, is known for his high-energy shows, and this should be no exception.

It’s been a while since Ottawa indie folk rockers Winchester Warm gave a live show, but they’re back at it this Saturday night at Irene’s. Check them out with Ottawa pop rock band The Ethics as both groups share a bunch of new material.

Ottawa-based cellist Raphael Weinroth-Browne (The Visit, Kamancello, Musk Ox) is playing solo this Saturday at the intimate Pressed Café. This time around he’ll be sharing the stage with local acoustic experimental metal project Death Metal Witch.

Eventful Capital’s Weekly Picks: From The Slackers and the Ottawa Art Gallery Re-Opening to Rymz and Double Barrel

The Ottawa Art Battle is back this Monday night at Arts Court. If you enjoy visual arts, start your week at the Ottawa chapter of Art Battle and get inspired by this exciting artistic competition. The unique event organized across Canadian cities, brings local painters together for a live painting competition held in front of an audience.

Attention The Office fans: there’s a The Office trivia night (in French) happening at the Minotaure this Wednesday from 7-10 p.m. If you want to participate get there right at the start to form teams. Prizes for the teams that fare best!

If you’re into jazz, you’re not going to want to miss the show happening at House of Targ this Wednesday night that will feature funky originals and old school jazz/rock courtesy of musicians Wayne Eagles, Dave Schroeder and Mike Essoudry. There will also be an opening set by the Carleton University Fusion Ensemble.

Up for a tasty nocturnal brunch this Thursday night? Make your way over to Bridgehead on Anderson St for Night Brunch. The special event organized by Dominion City Brewing will feature an all-star line up of Ottawa’s best chefs pulling out all the stops for one magical night of breakfast delights paired with tasty beers. Proceeds from this annual event will once again benefit the Ottawa School Breakfast Program.

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 media. The next one is happening this Thursday, April 26 at Bar Robo and it will feature a panel discussion on the topic of Game Changers.

New York City ska band The Slackers are in town this week to play live at Mavericks. You can catch them this Thursday, April 26 alongside Ottawa ska group The Sentries, Ottawa ska project Taco Bandits and more.

If you’re into heavier music, you might want to head over to House of Targ on Thursday night to check out Pembroke metal/punks Flying Fortress and Fredericton metal band SpineSplitter between two games of pinball.

The Copper Altar, Ty Hall and Chris Landry and the Seasick Mommas are taking the stage at LIVE on Elgin this Thursday, April 26 for a night of live local music and good vibes.

Montreal/Ottawa Brazilian musician Rommel Ribeiro is back in Ottawa and he’ll be performing live at the Mercury Lounge this Thursday night. The composer/singer-songwriter will be presenting some of his newest material including songs from his upcoming album “Caminho De Vento” set to come out later this year.

The Ottawa Grassroots Festival is back for another edition and this year it’s being held from April 26-29 at Southminster United Church. The annual family-oriented celebration of folk music, dance, and spoken word will feature performances by Lynn Miles, JOLY, Leela Gilday, Campbell Woods and more.

This Friday at the Minotaure, Cycle Outaouais invites you to join them for the second Bike & Broue event as they celebrate the start of the biking season. There will be a free BBQ, a bike show, BMX films, a prize draw and more.

Newfoundland spanish-singing pop punks Lo Siento are currently on tour and they’re making in stop in Ottawa this Friday to play at The Record Centre with Ottawa low-fi pop project Empty Nesters.

For the metal heads this Friday, there’s a show going down at Mavericks that’ll feature live sets by Montreal progressive death metal band Augury, Montreal progressive instru-metal group Unbeing, Ottawa death metal outfit Maou Mindu, Gatineau melodic metal formation Chariots of the Gods and Ottawa progressive metal project Aphelion.

Roots/rock newcomer Braden Foulkes is releasing his debut 5-song EP “Beauty of Life” this Friday night at Live on Elgin and to celebrate his debut he’ll be playing on stage with a full band, as well as with musician Patrick Rock who’ll open the show.

Toronto producer and powerhouse performer Nyssa will be live at Pressed Cafe this Friday night and you can expect a performance that is both a sleazy spectacle of pageantry and pomp, and an exploration of modern-day feminine malaise, sexuality, and androgyny. For the occasion, she’ll be joined by Ottawa dark synthpop four-piece Valois and new Ottawa project Concrete Desire.

Canadian Blues, folk, Americana and contemporary singer-songwriter Rob Lutes will be performing live at the NAC’s Fourth Stage this Friday night. The fingerstyle guitarist and soulful vocalist will be sharing the stage with Montreal old time country duo Sin and Swoon.

If unusual sweaters, Dollar Store theatrics, and mildly catchy tunes sound like something you’d enjoy, be sure to head to House of Targ this Friday night to catch B.A. Johnston live. The Ontario-based musician will be returning to the national capital and this time around he’ll perform alongside Ottawa power punks Steve Adamyk Band, Ottawa/Peterborough noise punks Deathsticks and Ottawa power pop band The Offers

Palooza, the world’s biggest beer pong tournament is having its 6th annual edition in Ottawa this Saturday. The tournament, being held at Lansdowne’s Aberdeen Pavilion, is organized to raise funds for CHEO. It will feature DJs, a celebrity MC, 2500 attendees, 1250 beer pong teams and 100+ beer pong tables.

Vancouver indie folk rockers The Long War are making a stop at the Blacksheep Inn in Wakefield this Saturday night as part of their The Landscapes Tour and for this show they’ll be playing alongside Ottawa folk band Old Man Grant and Ottawa acoustic alternative folk artist Rory Taillon.

Now that its makeover is complete, the Ottawa Art Gallery is reopening its doors this Saturday, April 28 with a full day of free activities. There will be hourly tours, a morning jam with DJ JFun, a collaborative sculpture making project, and live performances by Ottawa/Montreal experimental jazzy hip hop artist Muzzy Legault, as well as futuristic dancefloor Inuit throat-singing trio Silla and Rise. You’ll get to explore the new gallery and encounter performance artwork by Cara Tierney as you sip on drinks and enjoy a night menu offered by Jackson.

Update: this event has been cancelled.  NYC dub/punk/reggae band Megative is playing live at Babylon this Saturday night as part of its North American Tour. The Last Gang Records signees will be sharing the stage with DJ Jonnygo Figure and more.

Ottawa alternative rockers Mosely have a new album out called “Echoes” and they’ll be sharing some of that material at Live on Elgin this Saturday alongside Toronto rock band Texas King and Ottawa garage rock band Weird With Cats.

Over at the 27 Club this Saturday night, you can check out Halifax rockers The Stanfields live. The East Coasters, who are signed to Groundswell/Warner Records, will be joined on stage by Ottawa rock band Josephine Leone and Ottawa alternative rock group The Tackies.

If you’re a fan of RapQueb like me, you won’t want to miss Rymz live at the Minotaure this Saturday. The Montreal hip hop artist signed to Joy Ride Records will be giving a show in the Vieux-Hull with Gatineau rapper Bozko.

Double Barrel, one of Ottawa’s most popular dance parties, is back from hiatus for one-night only this Saturday, April 28 at the 27 Club. For the occasion, resident DJ Magnificent will be gracing the 1s and 2s with special guest Bjorn Late and Detroit Roku will also be on location to provide tasty snacks. An all-vinyl funk, soul, Motown and vintage reggae dance party you don’t want to miss! Trust me on this.

Drake Night, a favourite monthly in Ottawa at which you can expect to hear nothing but Drizzy jams and tracks from OVO affiliates, is back at Babylon this Saturday, April 28. Get your Drake on!

If you’re up for an early show this Sunday evening, head over to the intimate Pressed Cafe to hear the soothing sounds of Montreal pop project Pallice, Ottawa experimental chamber drone band mal/aimé and Ottawa indie project Shadowhand.

You’d rather end your week with a jazz show? Then make your way over to the NAC this Sunday night to catch saxophonist Petr Cancura,violinist Jesse Zubot, guitarist Gordon Grdina and drummer and multi-instrumentalist Jean Martin. Prepare for virtuosity incarnate, and instrumental storytelling at its finest.

Eventful Capital’s Weekly Picks: From I Mother Earth and Mark Bragg to TIMEKODE and Lydia Képinski

Start your week off with some talented women musicians at the Girls to the Front Songwriters Circle happening at Irene’s Pub this Monday. Hosted by local singer-songwriter Julie Corrigan, the latest edition of this monthly event will feature live sets by artists Laura Gagnon and Kelsey Hayes.

Two of Canada’s most successful and popular hard rock bands, I Mother Earth and Finger Eleven have teamed up for a cross Canada Tour this year. They’re making a stop in Ottawa this Monday night to play live at the Algonquin Commons Theatre.

For one-night only this Tuesday, April 17, the Ottawa Dance Directive is presenting a fundraising show at Arts Court that will feature a performance of CURVE and PINK, by Artistic Director Yvonne Coutts. The piece, featuring dancers Marie-Michelle Darveau, Justin Gionet, Alya Graham, Jasmine Inns, Kay Kenney, Jessie Lhôte, and Simon Renaud, will be accompanied by music created by composer and musician Jesse Stewart.

The independent record store that has set up shop inside the Petit Chicago is having another DJ night this Wednesday, April 18. For the occasion, you can expect to hear an eclectic mix of music courtesy of DJs Mat Thibault, M Caffrey and Chris International.

This Wednesday, April 18 from 7-11 p.m. make your way over to AXENÉO7 for the opening reception of two new exhibitions, Di$play_Body by Montréal-based visual artist Dominique Sirois and Teiakwanahstahsontéhrha’ We Extend the Rafters, a children’s exhibition created by Montréal-based Mohawk artist Skawennati. Music will be provided by the Vieux-Hull’s own DJ GloryHull.

This Wednesday night, Toronto/Halifax folk ensemble Kitchen Orkestra are back in Ottawa to play at Live on Elgin and for the occasion, the group will be joined by  bluegrass band The Backsliders, for a night of lively tunes and storytelling.

Foodie alert: the Ottawa Poutine Festival is being held from April 19-22 outside the Ottawa City Hall. 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.

The Université du Québec en Outaouais invites you to attend the opening of Quatre Dimensions, four exhibitions presented at the university that features the works of students enrolled in this year’s visual arts, cartoon, graphic design, and museology programs. If you can’t attend the opening on Thursday night, you can check out the exhibition until April 21.

The 9th Head For West Records Showcase is another noteworthy show going down at Live on Elgin this week. It’s happening this Thursday, April 19 and the lineup will include performances by Montreal’s Ghostly Hounds, Ottawa experimental group Forgotten In The Woods Again, and Ottawa roots/folk artist Matt Vagrant.

Edmonton indie rockers Scenic Route to Alaska are playing live in Ottawa this week as part of their current tour. They’ll be giving a show at House of Targ alongside Victoria indie folk artist Mike Edel and Ottawa indie/soul band Chigurh.

If you’re in the mood for an intimate soulful show this Thursday night, make your way over to Pressed Café to catch Kitchener-Waterloo soul/r&b/funk singer-songwriter and musician Rufus John. John, who’s currently on tour across Ontario, will be sharing material off of his upcoming album “Gone But Not Forgotten”, set to be released in June 2018, and he’ll be sharing the stage with Ottawa neo soul/jazz group No Fancy Parts and Ottawa live looping project Already, Already.

The Commotions, a 12-piece soul/funk band based out of Ottawa, are performing live at Babylon this Friday night and for the occasion they’ll be sharing new material from their latest album. You can expect a sizzling brass section, thumping backbeat, and sensitive ballads for the group’s last show in Ottawa before the start of festival season.

 

This Friday night, you can also catch Montreal indie rock band Karneef live at Pressed with Toronto alternative rockers Omhouse and Ottawa experimental artist Wellington Sanipe.

Benin native, Ottawa-based rapper, singer-songwriter and producer Le R Premier will be performing live at the NAC this Friday, April 20 to present work from his repertoire, including material from his album Coeur de pion, for which he received six nominations at the Trille Or Gala. He’ll be joined by Congo-bred, Ottawa-based hip hop artist Kimya.

4/20 falls on a Friday this year so there are lots of parties happening around town to mark the occasion, including this one going down at House of Targ with live sets by Ottawa heavy metal band Thunderkok, Ottawa old school thrashers World War 4, Ottawa metal newcomers Black Galaxy and Ottawa psych grunge band Blve Hills.

Over at the 27 Club on Friday, there’s a tribute to the legend Bob Marley hosted by local musician Rita Carter that’ll feature a live performance by Toronto reggae warriors House of David Gang. You can expect originals from the group’s repertoire, as well as some covers, and there will be munchies for those who want to grab some jerk chicken, brownies, veggie spring rolls and more.

Another party happening on 4/20 is going down at the Elmdale Tavern with Bellyfull Sound System playing reggae, dancehall, old and new flavours.

Ottawa’s brass band like no other, the Bank Street Bonbons, are back at Irene’s this Friday night and the supergroup of talented musicians promises to share lots of new material for the occasion.

TIMEKODE, Ottawa’s longest-running monthly dance party, is back to heat up the D’Afrique dancefloor this Friday, April 20. The inclusive party hosted by resident DJ Zattar will feature special guest DJ Illo, who’ll be making a return to TK for the first time in 10 years. You can expect nothing but good vibes!

There’s an new accessible, all-ages concert series at Makerspace North and Sioux Lookout folk artist Nick Sherman is performing live this Saturday as part of it. He’ll be sharing the stage with Ottawa folk pop singer-songwriter Kimberly Sunstrum and Ottawa folk rocker Jonathan Becker. Check it out! 

Ska fans, you’ll be happy to know that The Planet Smashers are back in Ottawa this Saturday, April 21 as part of a mini-tour they’re on. The Montreal-based five-piece known for their feel-good ska/punk party music will be at Mavericks to perform live alongside American ska punks Mustard Plug and Montreal ska group K-Man & The 45s.

Lydia Képinski may be a newcomer to the Quebec music scene, but she’s already making her mark with a solid, raw debut album titled “Premier juin” and an attitude to boot. The inde folk pop singer-songwriter and musician will be making a stop in Gatineau this Saturday night in an effort to promote her first LP and she’ll be playing the Petit Chicago with local indie folk favourites Maggie’s March.

Newfoundland singer-songwriter Mark Bragg is in town this week and he’s giving a live show at the NAC on Saturday night. The east coast rocker will be presenting new material from his latest album “Winter” as well as other goodies from his repertoire.

Wanna party like it’s the 80s on Saturday night? Then be sure to make your way over to House of Targ for a live show and dance party featuring an eclectic selection of songs with host and MC DJ Remi Royale as well as Rapture, a Blondie tribute band.

Local brazilian band Florquestra is playing live this Saturday night over at the Mercury Lounge as part of the Brazilian Love Affair concert series. For the occasion, the group will be showcasing the best of samba highlighting the works of well-known Brazilian songwriters and musicians such as Paulinho da Viola, Jorge Aragão, Djavan, Adoniran Barbosa, Gilberto Gil and more.

Kitchen Party is going down this Saturday night at Pressed Cafe. The monthly dance party presented by DJs Hobo & Sweet Cheeks will feature 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.

CHUO 89.1 FM, CKCU 93.1 FM & Birdman Sound present the 18th Ottawa Community Record Show this Sunday, April 22 at St. Anthony’s Hall. This is the place to go to find LPs & CDs and dig for rare music gems from every genre. Tons of killer some filler. A must for music collectors!

Sarnia, Ontario Canadiana singer-songwriter and musician Donovan Woods is in Ottawa this Sunday night to play live at the NAC and tickets are almost all gone for this one. The Juno-award nominee with tons of charm is set to transport concer-goers on a night of sweet music and storytelling.

If you’re up for a DIY Spring show this Sunday night, there’s Vancouver-based artist Kimmortal playing live at Black Squirrel Books alongside Ottawa feminist hip hop artist King Kimbit and Ottawa soul/folk/r&b artist Kimberly Sunstrum.

Eventful Capital’s Weekly Picks: From Avec Pas d’Casque and Switched on Synths to Bangers and Mash and Joe Rocca

This Wednesday, April 11, check out the latest installment of Robo Harb at Bar Robo. This laidback hangout featuring music curated by Ali Harb is being held between 7 p.m. and midnight, giving you the chance to enjoy a night out without having to worry about losing sleep. Score!

Montréal four-piece band Avec pas d’casque are back in the region to give a live performance at the NAC this Thursday, April 12 in support of their latest album “Effets spéciaux”. The group’s unique brand of atmospheric folk promises to make for a laid-back, mind-bending concert.

Yuri’s Night commemorates the day Yuri Gagarin became the first human to go to space in April 1961. The Canada Aviation and Space Museum is marking the milestone this Friday, April 13 by throwing an event featuring music, free appetizers, a cash bar and a Science Slam during which professional scientists will be given five minutes and a mic, with the goal to both educate and entertain. Think poetry slam, but for scientists!

Studio Sixty Six invites you to join them at their new location for the exhibition opening of Balacing Act, a show featuring the works of artists Troy Moth and Yvonne Wiegers, whose works both center around the instability of the world and its’ environment. The vernissage is being held from 6-9 p.m. this Friday, April 13.

If you appreciate choreography as a means of artistic expression, you should check out NORTH OF MIND, a live dance and music event happening at the Dominion-Chalmers United Church this Friday evening. The performance, created by Jordan Samonas and Dennis Bass, will feature acclaimed Canadian fingerstyle guitarist Don Ross.

Ottawa-based indie duo Paragon Cause are playing live at Pressed Café this Friday night and for the occasion, the newcomers to the local music scene will be sharing the stage with Toronto folk/progressive rock band Century Thief and Ottawa artist Sol The Violinist.

Switched On Synths, one of the coolest monthly events in town in my humble opinion, is taking over House of Targ this Friday night. The latest edition of this electronic music series dedicated to all things synth will focus on synthwave and feature Toronto synthwave project Dana Jean Phoenix, Galsgow, UK synthwave artist Michael Oakley and Ottawa analog synth dream pop artist Hard Science.

The Homesick emo night is back at the 27 Club this Friday, April 13 and this one is a special Covers Night edition. Come feel all the feels as part of this monthly night of nostalgia and teen angst. This tends to reach capacity, so get there early if you’re planning on going.

Wanna check out some live local music this Saturday night? Head over to Live on Elgin to catch Ottawa indie bands Swim Team, Elementals and Plastic Farm.

This Saturday, April 14, there’s a spring vintage pop-up shop happening at the Bronson Centre. You can expect a charity raffle prize and a bunch of local vintage goods from a diverse group of vendors, makers and crafters.

Ottawa native Pat Maloney will be giving a homecoming show at Pressed Cafe this Saturday, April 14. For the occasion, the folk musician will be playing alongside Ottawa folk rock musician Cody Allen and Ottawa country/folk artist Simon Beach.

RapQueb artist Joe Rocca, who’s a member of Montréal super group Dead Obies, released his debut solo album “French Kiss” this past December, and he’s taking his project on a mini-tour of Quebec, with a show at the Minotaure this Saturday night. Opening the show will be Montréal hip hop artist Cape Tula, who’s featured on two of Joe Rocca’s tracks.

UK alternative pop band BANNERS are currently on tour, and they’ll be making a stop in Ottawa this Saturday night to play live at the 27 Club. You can catch them performing alongside Hamilton experimental pop project Ellevator. Tickets are almost sold out, so get on it if you plan on going!

Ottawa’s first soul music festival, Bangers and Mash is back for a second year this Saturday, April 14 at House of Targ and Black Squirrel Books. Pass holders will be able to go back and forth between the two venues to catch eight bands and two DJs during five hours of live music. Performers include the Bank Street Bonbons, Eru-Era, Harea Band, Slack Bridges, and DJ Trevor “Lifeboogie” Walker, among others. Last year this sold out, so don’t sleep!

This Saturday at City at Night, it’s the White Rabbit party and organizers are welcoming Toronto-based DJ and musical curator juSt b, an artist who mixes dark, sexy, deep, chunky, progressive, fierce, melodic sounds with a touch of techno. White Rabbit is Ottawa’s only legal and licensed all-night dance party, going from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m.

DJ Atherton is bringing Beat The Clock back to Babylon this Saturday. He’ll be playing the best each era has to offer, from the Beatles to Beyonce and everything in between, bringing you on a memorable musical trip from the 1970s to 2018.

Pietro Amato and Jessie Stein, long-time collaborators and members of The Luyas, present “After Language”, an expansive album of improvised music. The two artists will be sharing their new project live at The Record Centre this Sunday, April 15 at 4 p.m.

For the metal fans, there’s a show on Sunday at Café Dekcuf featuring live performances by Ottawa metalcore band Horcrux, Quebec City metalcore group Feels Like Home, Toronto metalcore project Loyalist, Ottawa melodic metalcore formation, Ottawa-Gatineau metalcore outfit Hybridreams and Ottawa hardcore metal four-piece The Courier.

Eventful Capital’s Weekly Picks: From Lights and the Vanier Sugar Festival to DJ Claude Rajotte and Richardson Zéphir

Kick off your week with Indiana progressive-metal band The Contortionist who will be live at the Brass Monkey this Monday, April 2 as part of their Clairvoyant North America Tour. Also featured on the bill that night are LA metal/rockers Silent Planet, India/US progressive metal group Skyharbor and California progressive/math rock project Strawberry Girls.

Vancouver indie folk musician PK Tessmann is currently on tour with her Toronto friend and folk singer-songwriter Karyn Ellis and they’ll be making a stop at the Rainbow Bistro this Sunday, April 1st. The show will be a songwriters showcase style, with Karyn and PK trading songs and stories throughout the night.

Ontario-born, BC-based singer-songwriter and musician Lights will be performing live at the Algonquin Commons Theatre this Wednesday, April 4 as part of her We Were Here Tour. Of note, the synthpop artist has partnered with Plus1 so that $1 from every ticket sold on her tour will go toward the grassroots climate movement through GRID Alternatives in the US and Équiterre in Canada.

Les cousins du micro are bringing back their Soirées dysfonctionnelles at the Petit Chicago starting this Wednesday, April 4. Part comedy sketches, part games, and part karaoke, you can expect a DIY-style night filled with ridicule, laughter and good times.

Winnipeg Americana/folk project Slow Leaves will be at Bar Robo this Wednesday, April 4 as part of a series of shows they’re giving across Ontario. For the occasion, they’ll be sharing the stage with Ottawa-based folk rock musician Graven.

This Thursday night at Pressed Café, you can catch Ottawa synthpop artist Townes live alongside Ottawa goth pop project Mark ii and Ottawa garage rockers Curl. I was able to catch the set Townes gave opening for Geoffroy at the end of March, and he puts on a really good show. Definitely worth checking out!

If you’re into stand-up comedy and you understand French, don’t miss Richardson Zéphir live at the University of Ottawa this Friday, April 6. The Montreal-based comedian who has already won several awards and recognitions for his art, will be presenting his show at the Salle Académique of the Theatre Department.

With influences of krautrock, wave, post-rock, psychfolk and electronic, Montréal’s Le Pélican Noir unite to create music that is rich in contrasts, textures and melodies. Catch them at Pressed Café this Friday night alongside Ottawa bands Forgotten in the Woods Again and Obsidian Will.

Montreal/Ottawa instrumental musician Flying Hórses is performing live at the NAC this Friday night. The project combines piano, Wurlitzer, chimes, bells and cello to create otherworldly, instrumental soundscapes. For the occasion, Ottawa experimental chamber drone project mal/aimé will be opening the show. It’s bound to be beautiful.

The latest edition of Hautes Vibrations is going down this Friday night, and this time it’s happening at Bar Robo. The event, organized by Ottawa-based hip hop artist LeFloFranco, is a night of live music celebrating francophone artists and it’ll feature live sets by Marie-Clo, DJ Uniper, LeFloFranco, Joly, King Kimbit and DJ Chevdot.

Ottawa folk punks Jon Creeden & The Flying Hellfish are celebrating their “Stall” LP release at House of Targ this Friday night. Joining them on stage for the festivities will be Ottawa punk rockers The Creeps, Ottawa pop punk power trio Finderskeepers and Albertan musician Jon Vickers.

This Friday night at the Mercury Lounge, Framework Music is hosting its 7th annual German Sparkle Party. This year, the event will be welcoming special guest DJ Miss Melera, who happens to be one of Amsterdam’s greatest musical exports. If you plan on going, expect over the top with sparkly, flashy, and glittery deco.

Positronic is an alternative electronic dance party hosted at Café Dekcuf by DJ Reverie. This Friday, April 6, there will be a special spotlight on Marilyn Manson as Reverie plays a substantial amount of tracks from the iconic artist. You can also expect to hear music from Nine Inch Nails, Rammstein, Ministry, KMFDM, Suicide Commando, Hocico, Eisbrecher and many others.

The Vanier Sugar Festival is back for a 34th edition from April 3-8 at the Vanier Museopark and you can expect a bunch of family-friendly activities including a sugar-shack themed breakfast, farm animals, sled dogs, inflatable structures, crafts and facepaint, buskers, taffy on snow and other surprises.

An entire night strictly filled with metal music selected by DJ Claude Rajotte? Rejoice, because it’s happening! This Saturday night at the Minotaure in the Vieux-Hull, you can get your fill of metal tunes and talk music with Claude Rajotte, a highly-respected music critic from Quebec.

Montréal folk/soul/pop musician Amylie’s fresh, lively and rhythmic music settles into a pattern in which her songs gradually lead the audience into a spellbinding and luminous world, encircling them in a lush and soothing forest. On stage with her backup musicians, Amylie will no doubt get you singing, dancing and clapping but also shedding a few tears. Don’t miss her Ottawa performance at the NAC this Saturday night!

Head over to House of Targ this Saturday, April 7 to check out American indie pop artist Layne who’ll be live in Ottawa with Mississauga rockers Selfish Things as part of her current tour.

Coming together this Sunday at the NAC, local musicians Pat Moore, Shawn Tavenier, Tyler Kealey and Megan Jerome promise to put on a dynamic and captivating show featuring songs in a performance woven together like a finely stitched quilt. A great way to wrap up the weekend in music!

Eventful Capital’s Weekly Picks: From Art Battle Ottawa and Afrotronix to Cadence Weapon and the GGArts Exhibition Opening

Art Battle is back this Monday night at Arts Court. If you enjoy visual arts, start your week at the Ottawa chapter of Art Battle and get inspired by this exciting artistic competition. The unique event organized across Canadian cities, brings local painters together for a live painting competition held in front of an audience.

This Monday night at House of Targ, you can check out NYC psych band The Grasping Straws, Brooklyn psych art rockers Mischief Night, Ottawa dream grunge project Onfiilm, Ottawa alt rockers Coveter and Ottawa alt soul/punk newcomers Subtle Curves.

Grammy award-winning rapper Nelly will be live in Ottawa this Monday night as part of his All Work, No Play Canadian Tour. For the occasion, he’ll be performing at the Algonquin Commons Theatre alongside special guest Haviah Mighty.

Doylestown post-hardcore/rockers Circa Survive are making a stop in the capital city this Tuesday, March 27 as part of their Amulet Tour. They’ll be hitting up the Brass Monkey for an all-ages show with St. Louis indie band Foxing, and Chico, California post-hardcore group Hail The Sun.

Rive Gauche — When Art Becomes Fashion is a special project bringing together 17 local artists and designers who have created unique garments and accessories, all made available for purchase in a ride range of sizes. Featuring stunning pieces, this fashion show fundraiser happening at AXENÉO7 on Wednesday, March 28 brings together some of our leading regional talents. All proceeds from the event will go to support AXENÉO7 programming initiatives.

There’s an early-spring all-ages electro-art-pop party taking over Black Squirrel Books this Wednesday night. It’ll feature live sets by Toronto art-pop artist Bernice of Arts & Crafts Records, as well as NYC experimental-electro-pop artist Erica Eso, Ottawa musician and DJ Adam Saikaley, as well as visuals by Conor Byron.

Exceptionally this month, Creative Mornings is hosting their monthly event on a Thursday. For this latest installment happening on March 29, Juno award-winning soul singer-songwriter Kellylee Evans will be taking the stage to speak on the theme of courage.

This Thursday, March 29 is the official opening of the 2018 Governor General’s Awards in Visual and Media Arts exhibition. Presented at the National Gallery of Canada in partnership with the Canada Council for the Arts, the show will feature the work of this year’s eight winning artists, Glenn Alteen, Bruce Eves, Wyn Geleynse, Spring Hurlbut, Midi Onodera, Sandra Semchuk, Adrian Stimson, and Jack Sures. Check it out until August 5, 2018.

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 media. The next one happening this Thursday, March 29 at Bar Robo will feature a panel discussion on the topic of When The Justice System Fails Women.

Ever heard of the New York brass house band Too Many Zooz? The high-energy group will be playing live at the 27 Club this Thursday night and they’ll be sharing the stage with Edmonton hip hop artist Cadence Weapon. This is bound to be great show!

If you’re into heavier music, you may want to head over to House of Targ this Thursday night to catch Calgary stoner metal band Woodhawk who’ll be in town as part of their Magnetic North Tour. They’ll be rocking the stage with Montreal stoner rockers Mountain Dust, Ottawa glam metal project Thunderkok and Ottawa instrumental stoner metal band Monobrow.

Canadian-Chadian producer Afrotronix will be making his Ottawa debut this Thursday, March 29 at the Mercury Lounge and it’s undoubtedly a much-anticipated performance by the artist who merges electronic music with African rhythms and electric Touareg blues. His live shows combine DJ mixing and live instrumentation, and it promises to be an entertaining night with opening and closing sets by Juno-nominated DJ Rise Ashen.

On March 1, 2018, we lost a humble genius. Alex ‘Bender’ Buchanan was a man of many hats: MC, producer, writer, visual artist and battle rapper. This Thursday, March 29, there will be a celebration of his life at Babylon, the club where his hip hop group Flight Distance played its first and final shows. The night will include the music Bender made and the music he loved, select pieces of his artwork, along with art from friends and those he inspired, and an open mic for those wishing to share memories, stories or favourite verses. Food will be provided by one of Bender’s favourite restaurants, TWO SIX {ATE} and memorial t-shirts and artwork will be available for purchase with all proceeds going to Bender’s family.

Toronto/Prince Edward County, Ontario singer-songwriter Dave Allen is giving an intimate show at Bar Robo this Friday, March 30. For the occasion, the roots/folk/blues musician will be sharing the stage with Ottawa singer-songwriter Sarah Bradley and Ontario-based indie folk singer-songwriter JD Wilson.

StandUp in the Hills is a comedy show happening at the Blacksheep Inn in Wakefield this Friday night. It’ll feature Canadian Comedy Award nominated comedian and podcaster Julien Dionne as well as headliner Jim McNally and some surprise guests.

Ottawa garage pop rockers Holy Christopher are celebrating the release of their Land vs Sea EP this Friday night at Live on Elgin and they’ll be giving a show with Montreal garage rock band Dangereens, Ottawa alt rock group Motherland and Ottawa garage grunge trio Nightshades.

Calling all folkloric black metal fans: Slovakian black metal band Malokarpatan will be headlining a show at the Dominion this Friday, March 30 and they’ll be rocking the stage with Ottawa metal group Barrow Wight and Montreal raw black/death metal project Muertos.

Local dubstep duo Fools of Wisdom will be bringing the house down at the British Pub in Aylmer this Friday night. The DJ/Producers are getting ready for a night of live EDM that promises to be high-energy.  

Metal fans of all ages can check out Mavericks on Saturday night to catch progressive death metal band Beyond Creation, Gatineau metal vets Insurrection, Ottawa death metal group Accursed Spawn, Ottawa death/thrash metal heads Ominous Eclipse and Ottawa melodic black metal project Misshapen.

Ottawa dance crew PNLDanceCo. is celebrating its 10th anniversary and to mark the occasion, there’s a Choreographer’s Showcase going down at Babylon this Saturday night. This is a great opportunity to experience a show with Ottawa’s best urban-themed dance artists.

Local collective JK3 will be playing live at Irene’s Pub this March 31. The rhythm section formed in Ottawa by members of Pony Girl will be sharing the stage with special guest Whitney Delion, and you can expect to hear instrumentals, improv, fusion and hip hop.

If you’re looking to boogie down to disco this weekend, head over to the Mercury Lounge this Saturday night for the Disco Lab party featuring mad scientists Trevor Walker and guest DJ Zattar who’ll be taking care of the beats. If you attend, you’re encouraged to dress in your best 80s look to get in for free ninety nine.

Eventful Capital’s Weekly Picks: From Versefest and Geoffroy to the Wacken Metal Battle and the Ottawa Vintage Clothing Show

The annual Made With Love competition is an opportunity for the public to discover what the Ottawa craft cocktail scene has to offer. It’s happening in the Horticulture Building at Lansdowne Park this Monday night and a ticket to the event includes a complete tasting of all showcased cocktails, food-pairings, a Red Bull welcome cocktail as well as a right to vote for your favourite cocktail creation by your favourite bar chef.

Start your week off with some talented women musicians at the Girls to the Front Songwriters Circle happening at Irene’s Pub this Monday. Hosted by local singer-songwriter and musician Julie Corrigan, the latest edition of this monthly event will feature live sets by artists Roxanne Potvin and Vickie Brittle.

A true celebration of artistic talent across Canada and beyond, the 7th annual edition of VerseFest combines written poetry, spoken word, and French and English. 70 talented poets from across the globe will perform from March 20-25 as part of a rich programming of events happening around the city. 

This Tuesday evening, AXENÉO7, in collaboration with Vidéographe, presents an artist talk by Toulouse-based artist Sylvanie Tendron, during which she will discuss her work and current projects, presenting a program of past video work and some documents around her residency at Vidéographe. That same night, interdisciplinary visual artist Lou Sheppard (Halifax) will be making a stop at the space as part of his cross-country tour presenting his new work titled Requiem for the Polar Regions.

Niagara Falls based alt-rock trio James Blonde is playing at Live on Elgin this Wednesday, March 21 as part of its Hearbreak Tour. For the occasion, the outfit, formerly known as Xprime, will be performing alongside experimental electro/jazz duo Already, Already.

The New Musick post punk/new wave series is going down at House of Targ this Wednesday night and it’ll feature live sets by Copenhagen post punk/new wave band The Foreign Resort, Ottawa post punks Coastal Pigs and Ottawa/Peterborough powerslop noise group Deathsticks.

Montréal comedian Pierre-Bruno Rivard is currently on tour with his show Négociable, and he’ll be making a stop at the Petit Chicago in the Vieux-Hull this Wednesday, March 21. It’s basically a PWYC show, as long as you dish out $5 so he can gas up to complete his tour.

There’s an all-ages music show going down at the lovely and cozy Black Squirrel Books this Wednesday night and the bill includes Toronto’s Tough Age, Ottawa’s Empty Nesters and Ottawa’s Plant Legs.

San Diego post hardcore band Secrets will be hitting up Mavericks this Thursday as part of their Canada Tour 2018. For the Ottawa show, they’ll be sharing the stage with Lexington rockers Picturesque, Ottawa metalcore band Southpaw, Gatineau metalcore group Hybridreams and Ottawa progressive metalcore project Abrade The Earth.

The Wacken Metal Battle is back in Ottawa, and this latest edition will once again send one local metal band to the Canadian finals happening in Toronto later this year. The winner will then head to the renowned Wacken Open Air Festival in Germany to perform live and represent Canada. The Ottawa round is being held this Thursday, March 22 at House of Targ and will feature live performances by local metal bands A Scar for the Wicked, Sovereign Council, The Dead Centuries, Lycanthro and Ominous Eclipse.

Jessy Lindsay is a young Ottawa-based singer-songwriter and musician who studies at De La Salle High School and who recently released a folk pop song called “Je cherche le nord”. She will be celebrating the single release by giving a free show in the De La Salle Auditorium this Friday and she’ll be joined by local folk duo Moonfruits as well as local artist Marie-Clo.

Montréal based singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Geoffroy will be giving his first Ottawa performance this Friday, March 23 in support of his debut album “Coastline”, which has received great reviews across the board. For the occasion, he’ll be playing live with Ottawa synthpop/rock project Townes.

Montréal/Ottawa band Little Suns are hitting the road this month to share their music with audiences in Ontario and Quebec. As part of their current tour, they’ll be playing live at Pressed with Montréal folk project Corey Gulkin and Montréal/Ottawa singer-songwriter Cedric Noel.

Hailing from Sault Ste. Marie, artist Renée Landry weaves confessional stories of love gone wrong with 90s pop-soul sensibilities. You can catch her live at the NAC this Friday night with Ottawa pop soul duo MACK & BEN.

The latest edition of Hip Hop Karaoke is going down this Friday night at the Elmdale with hosts DJ So Nice and Atherton. If you want to perform and impersonate your fave hip hop artist by rapping that track you spent hours memorizing in front of the mirror, it’s your chance to show Ottawa what you’re capable of.

Switched On Synths is taking over House of Targ this Friday night. The latest installment of this electronic music series dedicated to all things synth will focus on industrial and feature Toronto industrial darkwave band Odonis Odonis, Ottawa industrial project Encephalon and noise/analog synth by Ottawa’s Infinity’s Astrum vs Devils Machine.

Strange People, a party dedicated to happiness, good times and curiosity, is back at the Mercury Lounge this Friday, March 23. Party people are invited to come as they are and enjoy the sounds of house, disco, techno and more as resident DJs Mat Thibault and Teknobrat take you on an eclectic musical journey with guest Jacssen that will stimulate your imagination and dance moves.

This weekend, merchants along Principale street in Old Aylmer will offer up a maple-inspired menu as well as sugar shack-themed activities. A great event to check out to support local businesses and enjoy the arrival of spring.

The annual PunkOttawa Flea Market is back this Saturday, March 24 at MakerSpace North. This is the place to go if you’re looking to buy and sell records, clothing, crafts, jewelry, art and more handmade stuff with part of the proceeds going to animal welfare charities

This Saturday at the Petit Chicago, Vinyle Scène brings you an 80s and 90s New Wave night, the perfect occasion to get down and boogie to the best new wave songs from the decades at this 100% vinyl DJ night.

Edmonton indie/punk poet Eamon McGrath is back in Ottawa this Saturday night. This time around, he’ll be playing live at the Dominion with Ottawa indie rockers Mushy Gushy and Ottawa post punks Shadow High.

Hometown heroes The Souljazz Orchestra are bringing their “Under Burning Skies” tour back to Babylon this Saturday night. The Ottawa-based six-piece, known for its contagious soul, jazz and afro-latin sounds, will be performing live and it’s bound to be another solid show.

Canada’s largest vintage clothing show is returning this Sunday, March 25 at the Carleton University Fieldhouse. This bi-annual fashion sale gathers rare-one-of-a-kind pieces, jewelry, scarves, hats, purses, shoes and cocktail dresses under one roof. There’s bound to be something for everyone and every budget.

If you’re a fan of death metal, you may want to hit up Mavericks this Sunday night to catch death sludge group Primitive Man, death/doom/black metal band Spectral Voice, Ottawa black metal project Hunter, Gatherer and Ottawa metal outfit Consequents.

Halifax noise/hardcore band Botfly is playing an all-ages show at Black Squirrel Books this Sunday night and they’ll be rocking alongside Ottawa doom metal band They Grieve and Ottawa stoner/doom project Grimm.