When we say Ottawa-Gatineau’s far from being a boring place, we’re not kidding. Open your eyes and get off your couch and you’ll see that the national capital abound with events to fulfill your entertainment needs week after week. Here’s a sample of things that are happening this week in and around the capital city.
Victoria roots/folk/reggae duo Jon and Roy will be making a stop in Ottawa this Tuesday night. The band, who’s currently on a cross Canada Tour and who recently opened a slew of shows with Xavier Rudd, will be performing live at Zaphods with Vancouver folk-rock group Good For Grapes and Ottawa folk rock outfit Weird With Cats
The one and only Chris Hadfield, will be making an appearance at the Rideau Chapters this Wednesday evening for a special meet and greet and autograph session. The Canadian astronaut and personality will be signing copies of Space Sessions, his highly anticipated CD and the world’s first “off planet” album, as well as the new paperback edition of An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth.
The Wizards at House of Targ have organized a night of local music, entertainment, and dancing to continue bringing the community together and to support those who were affected by the Somerset fire of this past October. There will be live performances by local bands Blue Angel, Aube, Warp Lines, Alcohol Fueled and Entrenches (giving their first show ever) as well as a raffle prize draw. PWYC.
This Wednesday night at the Petit Chicago, the Virée Blues Boréale presents Whisky Legs live in concert. The Quebec City blues/rock/soul band, who recently released their debut album “The Basement Confessions” will be performing live starting at around 8:30 pm so if you’re a fan of blues, be sure to check it out.
Cambridge, Ontario post hardcore/metalcore/rock band Something You Whisper will be giving a live show at Mavericks this Thursday, November 26. As part of the gig, they’ll be sharing the stage with Lexington rock 5-piece Picturesque, Ottawa djent metalcore group Earthworks and Ottawa melodic hardcore project Inherent.
Jeremy Taggart of Our Lady Peace and Jonathan Torrens of Jonovision/Street Cents and J-Roc from Trailer Park Boys will be live at Ritual this Thursday night. The two are bringing their Taggart & Torrens: Comedy and Canadianity Tour to Ottawa for a night of humour.
Canadian party grind metal band Killitorous are making a return to Ottawa this Thursday night as part of their tour of Eastern Canada. For the occasion they’ll be performing live at Mavericks with Montreal black metal band Erimha, Windsor tech metal group The Apex, and Perth metal formation A Scar For The Wicked.
The Canadian Museum of History presents its 6th annual Christmas Market kicking off this Thursday, November 26 and running until Sunday, November 29. With over 75 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. A must-see event in the region!
Ottawa punk rock artist Mallory Giles from the local band Nightshades will be giving a solo performance at Pressed Cafe this Friday night. Mallory will be joined by Montreal garage group Bake Goods and Ottawa garage surf project Blve Hills.
The PepTides will be making their Live on Elgin debut this Friday night and giving an up close and personal set during which they will distill their harmonies and melodies into an evening of tenderness and artistry. For the occasion, they’ll be sharing the stage with the local folk pop duo Moonfruits.
The November edition of Hip Hop Karaoke is going down this Friday night at the Elmdale Tavern with your hosts DJ So Nice and Atherton. If you want to perform and impersonate your favorite rapper by doing that track you spent hours memorizing in front of the mirror, now’s your chance to show the world read Ottawa what you’re made of.
Ottawa glam rock group In Heat will be having their “Thrillborn” album release party at Zaphods this Friday night. To mark the occasion, the local 5-piece will be performing live alongside Ottawa rock n’ roll band Hot Snake Handlers. Save the drama for your mama, ok?
Double Barrel, one of Ottawa’s most popular monthly dance parties, is turning 6 this week and the celebrations are going down inside Mercury Lounge this Friday night. Resident DJ Magnificent will be gracing the wheels of steel as per usual and for this special birthday instalment he’ll be joined by none other than DJ Skratch Bastid of Toronto. An all-vinyl funk, soul, Motown and vintage reggae dance party you don’t want to miss!
If you’re into visual arts you should check out the monthly Ottawa Art Battle, a unique concept organized across Canadian cities which brings 12 local painters together for a live painting competition. The event is taking place this Saturday evening at Arts Court and an annual National Championship will eventually take place in the summer to crown the top Canadian painter of the year. This year, there’s even going to be an international edition!
Montreal-based/Ottawa-born indie folk/rock artist Patrick Lac will be celebrating the release of his latest album “Streets Of Life” this Saturday night at Le Troquet in the Hull sector of Gatineau. For the occasion, he’ll be joined by his band, South Heaven for a free show that’s open to all.
If I could be anywhere this Saturday night, it would be at the NAC’s Fourth Stage to catch the amazing Safia Nolin live as part of the NAC Presents Series. This newcomer on the Canadian music scene hails from Quebec City and not only does she have a phenomenal voice, she also writes beautiful texts and composes some pretty solid songs. If you already know her, you know what I’m talking about, if you don’t, do yourself a favour and check her out either live or online.
Tomorrow’s Grind is holding a second event to raise funds for the businesses and residents affected by the Somerset fire of this past October. This time around, organizers are putting together a collective showcase at Live on Elgin that will feature a silent art auction, raffle prizes, a photobooth as well as performances by local hip hop artists Yusso, Eddie Quotez, Aron The Alien, Alex Silas & The Subterraneans and more.
Ottawa stoner grunge band Mudpuppies will be performing live at Flapjack’s this Saturday, November 28. Special guests Shaz and Amanda Lowe will also be joining them for a night of live local music.
The 12th annual Christmas Bash for the Ottawa Food Bank is being held this Saturday night at the Rainbow Bistro, Hosted by radio personalities Dick Altavista, Wendy Daniels and Sandy Sharkey, the event will feature live performances by Ottawa rock n’roll and blues bands The Bushpilots, Good2go and Road Haus.
Enjoy ska, reggae and rocksteady? Then make your way over to House of Targ this Saturday night for Voice Of The People. The new monthly will feature music selections courtesy of DJs Magnificent, Longshot and Lord Snappy as well as a live performance by Ottawa ska band The Sentries.
Brooklyn/LA Tortured Soul will be giving a special live performance at the Mercury Lounge this Saturday night as part of the club’s 19th anniversary celebrations. The soulful house trio, who prove that modern electronic music can be freed from the DJ booth, will be performing at the intimate venue and afterwards resident DJ Trevor Walker will keep the party going and the dancefloor bumping.
This Sunday, November 29 at St. Anthony’s Banquet Hall, check out the Idle Hands Arts, Craft and Vintage Sale. The event, taking place from 10 am to 5 pm, offers a great opportunity to buy quality art, handmade and vintage one-of-a-kind items for those special people on your Christmas list.
This Sunday evening at the Rainbow Bistro, Black and Bluesgrass Presents A night of Punk Rock and Music Mayhem. The show will feature live performances by Hamilton rock n’roll band Voltang, Ottawa punk rock group Goat, Ottawa rock n’roll trio Slumlord, and Hull power pop/ punk rock musician Holy Christopher.
