Eventful Capital’s Weekly Picks: From the Royal Alberta Advantage and Insurrection to Flight Distance and Silverstein

I’m out of the country for the next two weeks with limited access to the web, so as a result, instead of giving you a weekly update, I’ve crammed some of the coolest events held in Ottawa-Gatineau between October 23 to November 4 in one post, including some Halloween happenings. Also, since there are so many events packed in one post this time around, I’ve omitted the descriptions that usually go along with each event, cause less is more, right? If you want details on any of the below events, simply click on the image. Enjoy!

Eventful Capital’s Weekly Picks: From Hintonburg Happening and Royce Da 5’9 to J’adart and BlakDenim

Wether you want to explore Hintonburg, catch some live music, attend a beer bottle art show or check out tulips, be sure to get out there and enjoy some of the fun things happening this week in our National Capital Region.

Hintonburg Happening is a nine day festival that celebrates local artists, designers, musicians & businesses. The 2016 fest runs from May 6-14, with Happening events throughout the neighbourhood and a closing party including yummy food, a beer garden, music, art and children’s activities. Check out the full programming at http://hintonburghappening.ca.

If you’re into punk rock, there’s going to be an all-ages show at Mavericks this Tuesday night that will feature live sets by Toronto pop punk band Harbour, Ottawa grunge group Lees Avenue, Ottawa punk rockers Splintered Fate, Ottawa punk rock outfit Free Refills, Ottawa punk rock project Below 6 and Ottawa acoustic punk musician Rich Chris.

For the young and the young at heart, the Ottawa Children’s Festival is taking place from May 10 to 15 at LeBreton Flats and inside the War Museum. The 2016 edition will feature a wide variety of shows, activities, workshops, face-painting, storytelling, an instrment petting zoo and more. Check out the full programming by clicking on the event poster below.

Another all-ages show happening this Tuesday night, this one at Black Squirrel Books & Cafe. The show, presented by Debaser, will feature performances by Winnipeg shoegaze/dream pop/noise project Basic Nature and Ottawa rock/shoegaze band Baberaham Lincoln.

The 12th edition of J’Adart, the Ottawa School of Art’s annual fundraiser, is being held this Wednesday night at the GCTC in Hintonburg. This year’s theme for the evening is “Dress as your favourite artists or artwork” so that’s bound to be fun. For the occasion, there will be live and interactive art installations, live music as well as a silent auction and some tasty bites from Thyme & Again.

Over at the Mercury Lounge this Wednesday evening, there’s going to be a live performance by Brazil’s own Lu Horta as part of Canadian Music Week. The artist, who’s currently working on her second solo album”Paraiso Eu”, is also touring North America and hitting Mercury Lounge with her soft and fresh Brazilian tunes. Expect to hear pop melodies mixed with electronic flavours and rich poetry.

At Avant-Garde Bar this Wednesday, you can check out Newfoundland indie rockers Bleu alongside Ottawa alternative rock band Trees and Montreal electro pop/jazz artist Ms Holmes.

The Canadian Tulip Festival is being held from May 12 to May 23 this year at several locations including the new indoor garden inside Aberdeen Pavilion at Lansdowne Park. There, you can catch events, art displays, and live performances, as well as a licensed area to savour the tastes of international beer, wine, and cuisine. There’s also going to be lots of other animation including fireworks on opening night.

If you’re a fan of the local brewery Beau’s and a graphic design lover, you’re going to want to check out the Beau’s Label Art Show and Q&A happening at Brew Donkey this Thursday, May 12. Being held as part of Hintonburg Happening, the event will include sampling of some stellar beers from Beau’s All Natural Brewing Co. and as well as light snacks.

Hardcore and punk fans won’t want to miss Bleak Life Fest happening over 3 days this weekend. The third edition of this underground festival will be taking place at Club SAW, Pressed and House of Targ and will feature bands such as Occult Burial, C.H.U.D.s, Asile, Metalian and Barrow Wight among others. Sure to be a ragin’ good time.

This Thursday, CKCU 93.1 FM, Beau’s All Natural and Mercury Lounge present the May instalment of RadioActive Underground, a monthly live music and DJ series. At this edition, there’s going to be old school soul and reggae thanks to Slimmoore and the NewSoulProject as well as DJs JFUN and Trevor Walker, spinning before and after.

Hip hop heads aren’t going to want to miss Royce da 5’9 live at Ritual this Thursday, May 12. The Detroit  rapper, who’ll be in Ottawa for the first time as part of his Layers Canadian Tour, will be sharing the stage with Doug Crawford, Prehistoric, Alex Lost, Gutta King Chris and Dopekiid.

Kick off camping season this Friday, May 13 at Maker House Co at a free family-friendly event hosted as part of Hintonburg Happening. Local artist/historian Andrew King will present an evening of long lost Ottawa ghost stories with historic artifacts from the Kitchissippi Museum, pictures from Lost Ottawa, and even old home movies. Between stories, enjoy live music, free beer and cocktail samples and tasty smores-on-a-stick.

At Pressed this Friday night, there’s going to be an intimate night of live music with a nicely stacked lineup. The all-ages show presented by Babely Shades and Debaser will feature Toronto experimental electro/pop/jazz duo LAL, Ottawa multi-instrumentalist and eclectic musician Melody McKiver, Toronto  ambient psych/pop project Zones, and Ottawa synthpop artist Lovecraft.

Pittsburgh punk rockers Anti Flag will be making a stop in Ottawa this Friday the 13th as part of their Canadian Tour Spring 2016. This time around, the Spinefarm Recs signees will be playing alongside Toronto punks Black Lungs, Vankleek Hill punk band Audio Visceral and Ottawa punk rock group Pistols At Dawn.

This Friday, May 13, BlakDenim is having its official album release show for their new project Complexus. For the occasion, the 9 piece hip-hop, funk, rock, soul, and jazz act that brings together clever lyricism and smooth vocal harmonies, will be performing live at Mavericks alongside local hip-hop duo Flight Distance, local rapper Cashtro Crosby, DJ Roc Steady, Rita Carter and more. This is bound to be a good time, BlakDenim knows how to rock a crowd! 

The Rap Queens Edition of Grillz & Glam is going down this Friday night at Bablyon. For the occasion, the Grillz & Glam fam is welcoming special guest DJs Internet Daughter from Toronto and Danya D, Ottawa bred/Montreal-based. DJ Illo will also be joining them to help provide the soundtrack to your Friday night.

In the mood for a low-key morning jam? This Sunday, May 15 at Impact HUB Ottawa, join DJs JFun, Ollie Kav and Ashley Gauthier as they play good-vibe tunes to get you dancing and moving your body to sweet grooves. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and is PWYC.

This Sunday night if you’re in the mood to listen to some loud music, make your way over to the Rainbow Bistro, where you can catch American soulful punk rock band City Mouse alongside Scotland punks MurderBurgers, Ottawa punk group Shootin’ Blanx, Ottawa hardcore punk project Sketchy Poutine and Ottawa power pop/punk trio Holy Christopher.

Eventful Capital’s Weekly Picks: From Ontario Scene and Bleak Life Fest To Hilotrons and Non Phixion

Another blog post, another week filled with events happening in Canada’s national capital. If you’re in Ottawa-Gatineau this week and have time to check out some stuff out, there’s so much happening you might have a hard time choosing! Take a look at Eventful Capital’s weekly picks below for a glimpse into the number of events happening in and around the National Capital Region in the coming days.

This year, the NAC is paying homage to Ontario arts for its last special series shining the spotlight on a Canadian region. Ontario Scene is officially being held from April 29 to May 10 and as part of this, Eventful Capital has selected a few noteworthy events that stand out from the bunch and that feature local artists. For starters, this Tuesday night at Mavericks, there will be a live show featuring Toronto rock artist Danko Jones, Burlington rock band Say Yes and Ottawa rock group Eagleson.   

All the way from Tokyo, Japan, indie punk band Zoobombs will be performing live at House of Targ this Tuesday night and they’ll be sharing the stage with local rock n’ rollers Glorious Moonrockets. $5 for two bands who are guaranteed to give a kick ass show? The price is right 🙂

As part of Ontario Scene, check out VideOntario: Outward Manifestons, an evening of short films featuring some of the province’s best filmmakers. The event, being held this Wednesday at SAW Video, will begin at around 7:30 pm and present a program curated by Scott McGovern, program director at Guelph’s Ed Video Media Arts Centre.

This Wednesday night at the Petit Chicago, the Virée Blues Boréale presents Martin Hury Blues Combo live in concert. The Argentenian blues artist will be performing live starting at around 8:30 pm so if you’re a fan of blues, be sure to check it out. 

Halifax rock band Alert The Medic is returning to Ottawa this Wednesday night to perform live at Zaphods. The 4-piece will be sharing the stage with Ottawa indie rock band The Gallop (a favorite of mine) and Ottawa alternative rock group The Stringers.

Starting this Thursday, April 30,SAW Gallery presents Michael DeForge: All Dogs Are Dogs, an expansive presentation of the artist’s work that marks his first major survey exhibition. Originally from Ottawa and currently based in Toronto, DeForge has produced an idiosyncratic body of work that has established him as a generation-defining voice in alternative comics. Moving across disciplines, All Dogs Are Dogs brings to life a hallucinatory world of degenerate creatures caught in existential quagmires. The exhibition comprises large-scale drawings and sculptures, prints, graphic novels, a limited-edition chapbook and a comic-strip mural commission on SAW’s façade and is being presented until June 27, 2015.

The hardcore and punk fans won’t want to miss Bleak Life Fest 2 happening over 3 days this weekend. The second edition of this new underground festival will be taking place at House of Targ as well as a couple of other venues and feature bands such as Occult Burial, Blanks 77 (first Canadian show in 15 years!), Stranger, Abyssed, Instinct of Survival, Torment, Parasytes, Durs Coeurs, Mueco, and Chloroform among others. Sure to be a ragin’ good time!

If your thing is more indie pop, be sure to head to Zaphod on Thursday night to catch Toronto electro pop band Brave Shores, Vancouver indie pop singer-songwriter and musician David Vertesi of Hey Ocean and Ottawa indie electro rock group Those Gulls.

Fans of indie garage music should be nowhere else but at Club SAW this Thursday night for the Next Wave: Ottawa Music Spotlight event presented as part of Ontario Scene. The free show will feature three exciting bands from Ottawa’s independent music scene namely The Yips, Roberta Bondar and Bonnie Doon. There’s no poster, so for details just click on the shoe will you?

For those of you who enjoy hardcore, there’s another noteworthy show happening at Club SAW this Friday, May 1. It’ll feature live sets by post hardcore band Capsize, Hamilton pop-punk/hardcore group Rarity, Ottawa screamo boys Daisy and Ottawa metalcore project Earthworks.

Canadian country singer-songwriter Brea Lawrenson will be having her CD Release party for #Brealieve at Algonquin Commons Theatre this Friday night. For the occasion, the independent artist will be sharing the stage with special guest Adrienne Taylor.

Toronto easy rock band Blimp Rock will be releasing their second album “Sophomore Slump” and giving a show for the occasion at Raw Sugar Cafe this Friday, May 1. The 4-piece will be sharing the stage with Ottawa alternative folk group Winchester Warm for an intimate evening of live music. Oh and there’s gonna be a PowerPoint presentation?

Local favorites Hilotrons will be having a vinyl release show at the Blacksheep Inn in Wakefield this Friday and to celebrate the experimental electro funk dance group be joined by special guests Theaternia and The Dark Plains, which is an interesting choice of opener given the fact that there’s a post rock band. To add to the senses, there will also be visual projections courtesy of Hard Science.

Also this Friday night, local bands Prett Melberts and Grand Theft Ottawa are having a Double CD Release party at the Rainbow Bistro. The punk/grunge and progressive funk/rock n’roll groups will be sharing the stage with Ottawa folk rock band Hello Hello and Ottawa alternative garage rock trio Elementals.

The 613 Night Market is back by popular demand! This Saturday at the Ottawa Convention Centre, immerse yourself with the ultimate street-food and shopping experience featuring the capital city’s bad-ass chefs, talented creators, crazy artists and daring entrepreneurs.

This Saturday, Wall Space Gallery presents new works by visual artist Stefan Thompson. The vernissage will be held from 7-9 pm and the exhibition will be on display until May 24 for those who can’t make it to the launch.

Fryquency, the pay-what-you-can series that exhibits emerging and experimental Canadian music, is hosting a show at Mugshots this Saturday night. The night of live music will feature performances by Toronto band Baby Cages, Ottawa noise project Eraserheads and Calgary ambient psych duo Fever Feel. What’s more, all ages are now welcome.

For the hip-hop heads out there, top-notch Canadian rapper and new host of Q Shad will be performing live at the Bronson Centre this Saturday night as part of Ontario Scene. The show will also feature local Ottawa indie hip-hop group Zoo Legacy, Akwesasne hip-hop band Story Tellers and Ottawa rap legend Jesse Dangerously.

Ottawa alternative folk singer-songwriter and guitar player Cody Allen will be releasing his fourth album on May 5 and to mark the news, he’s having a release party at Irene’s Pub this Saturday night with local indie folk rock 5-piece Miss Polygamy.

The irresistible Mackenzie Rhythm Section will be performing live at the Petit Chicago in the Hull sector of Gatineau this Saturday night. The local funk, soul and rock n’ roll band who’s gaining a reputation for its excellent live shows, is sure to perform songs off of its upcoming new album and get you dancing from start to finish in the process.

Non Phixion are embarking on a special 20th anniversary tour that is taking the NYC hardcore hip-hop group to Ottawa as part of a mega reunion with all original members. The guys will be making a stop in the capital this Saturday night and for the occasion, they’ll be sharing the stage with Ottawa hip-hop heavyweights Flight Distance, rising local hip-hop duo Buck N’ Nice, as well as locals Aspects and M.I.M.E.

This Sunday May 4, Spectrasonic and the Ottawa Bluesfest present Dublin folk rock band The Waterboys live at the Bronson Centre. For the occasion, the group will also perform with Woodstock folk rock multi-instrumentalist Connor Kennedy and Minstrel.

Indie drone/noise/folk group Six Organs of Admittance will be giving a live show in the capital city this Sunday night. Joining them on stage will be Hartford indie noise/rock artist Elisa Ambrogio.

Eventful Capital’s Weekly Picks: From The Elwins and Hip-Hop Karaoke to the Re-Opening of Overkill and The Wicked Mercy

If you’re in Ottawa-Gatineau this week and have time to check out some events, there’s no shortage of things to do. Take a look at Eventful Capital’s weekly picks below for a glimpse into the number of events happening in and around the National Capital Region in the coming days.

This Tuesday night at Pressed, there will be an intimate night of live jazz music courtesy of the Craig Pedersen Quartet, featuring Craig Pedersen on trumpet, Linsey Wellman on alto sax, Joel Kerr on double bass and Eric Thibodeau on drums. The 4-piece will be performing two sets, one presenting music from their upcoming album “Ghosts”, and the other featuring brand new music. A sure treat for the ears for those who appreciate modern jazz and improv. 

Keswick indie-pop 4-piece outfit The Elwins will be performing live at Zaphods this Thursday, March 12. For the occasion, the band will be joined on stage by Ottawa alt-rock band Finding Chuck and Ottawa indie pop rock group Thrifty Kids. 

This Thursday night, PBR and House of Targ present Pembroke-based band Flying Fortress live. The heavy metal/punk duo will be giving a show alongside Moncton’s experimental doom middle eastern psychedelic project ZAUM.

GTA x TJR’s North American Tour will be making a stop at Barrymores this Thursday night. For the occasion, the acid house and techno DJs will be giving a live set alongside special guests Wuki and London Future. 

New York City based trumpet player/composer Jake Henry is bringing his Sweet Talk project to Ottawa this Friday, March 13. Henry, who’s currently on a mini-tour in an effort to promote his trio’s music, will be giving an intimate concert at Raw Sugar Cafe following a performance in Montreal at the Festival of New Trumpet Music Canada. Informed by their expansive musical experience, Sweet Talk create an ever-morphing musical language. Henry’s compositions blend off-kilter melodies with intricate fingerpicked guitar that the band deconstructs into everything from trashy noise rock to delicately developed soundscapes. For the occasion, the trio will be joined by saxophonist David Broscoe who’ll be giving the opening set. 

Montreal-based group Erik Lind & The Orchard will be live at the Blacksheep Inn this Saturday night. The rock/folk/pop 5-piece who’s lead singer is originally from the region, will be sharing the popular Wakefield stage with Montreal-based soulful alternative rock band John Jaboc Magistery. 

Ottawa swampy southern blues/rock band The Wicked Mercy will be giving a live show at Irene’s Pub this Friday night. The local 5-piece will be sharing the stage with country/ folk rock musician Brandon Allan and Toronto blues/rock n’ roll project Dear Blackwolf. 

Herd Magazine celebrates the launch of their 8th issue this Friday, March 13. The party, which is being held at Gabba Hey, will feature live performances by local hip-hop heavyweights Flight Distance and folk pop musician Jon Hynes as well as tunes spun by DJ Greg Reain and visual projections courtesy of VJ Ina. 

The March edition of Hip Hop Karaoke is going down this Friday night at the Elmdale with usual suspects DJ So Nice and Atherton. If you want to perform and impersonate Ice Cube 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. 

The second annual Indegenius Arts, Music and Fashion Show is being held this Saturday, March 14 at Centrepointe Theatre. The event, which is raising funds to create a scholarship for the Urban Aboriginal High School graduates, will featuring a hooping dancing performance, a designer fashion show and other live acts.  

Surfs up! Soda Shop is back at Mugshots to bring you King of the Beach. This time around DJs Gremmy & Ski Sheik will be providing Soda Shop classics along with the finest surf gems, girl group bubblegum and garage rock. For one night, an endless summer dance party in our minds. 

Bailando Ottawa, the capital’s newest monthly latin dance social is kicking off this Saturday afternoon at Maxwell’s Bistro. Bailando is the occasion to dance into the early evening to the best of salsa, kizomba, bachata and cha-cha-cha with DJ La China.

Montreal metalcore band Fayne will be making a stop in Ottawa this Saturday night as part of the Make Your Way Back Home Tour. The live show, held at Pressed, will also feature live sets by Kemptville metal group Majora, Brockville/Ottawa metal project Ominous Eclipse and Kemptville alt metal band Cruelty in Colour. 

Overkill is finally back, never thought I’d see the day. For those of you who’ve taken to hanging out in the basement of the Mercury Lounge, you know how exciting this is and that it’s been a long time coming. The re-opening happens this Friday night with DJ RayRay and continues into Saturday with DJ Dusty.

Toronto indie folk rock band Trevor James & the Perfect Gentlemen will be performing live at Mavericks this Saturday, March 14. As part of the show, the 4-piece ensemble will be joined on stage by Ottawa country-fried rock n’ soul group Silvercreek and Ottawa indie folk rock musician Alex R. Newman. 

MEGAPHONO: The New Kid on the Festival Block

MEGAPHONO takes on many shapes and forms: it’s an Ottawa-based music organization, and, for the first time this year, an inaugural showcase festival. In 2014, the organization participated in a study on the National Capital Region’s music scene. The results of this study, outlined in a paper called “Connecting Ottawa Music”, reveal something quite interesting: that there exists a significant knowledge gap between local artists and the music industry. It’s out of this key finding that MEGAPHONO organizers felt the need to create a new showcase festival to highlight the National Capital Region to the local, national and international music community. It’s safe to say that their “Eureka” moment certainly came knocking at a perfect time.

MEGAPHONO isn’t your typical music festival in search of a niche. As co-organizer Lesley Marshall explains “it focusses on building opportunities for Ottawa area artists and music companies, both emerging and more established”. It’s a showcase that aims to bridge the gap between the music industry, the musicians and the public by putting Ottawa’s best foot forward via a series of workshops, panels and shows. The festival is as much an occasion to check out live music as it is for networking and learning the ropes of the music business. It’s at once for the people, and by the people. And that’s where it stands out from the plethora of festival offerings that are presented in Canada’s National Capital Region on a yearly basis.

Echoing Ottawa’s growing DIY movement, MEGAPHONO is very collaborative in nature, a sure sign that the local cultural scene is increasingly taking advantage of the growing quantity of available resources to build a more sustainable artistic community. From its association with local brewery Beau’s All Natural to its co-presentations with Ottawa Showbox, Apt613, Arboretum Festival and Ottawa Explosion, just to name a few, MEGAPHONO is establishing itself as an indispensable team player who’s reaching out to partners in an effort to forge relationships and work towards developing the National Capital Region’s burgeoning music community.

Happening from February 3 to February 5, 2015 at various locations across the city, the first edition of MEGAPHONO will present an impressive amount of talks and networking opportunities as well as a stellar lineup featuring local heroes from the likes of Flight Distance, The Yips, Hilotrons, Jill Zmud, The PepTides, and Steve Adamyk Band and a few out-of-towners like CROSSS, Heat, and U.S. Girls.

These are certainly exciting times for the Ottawa-Gatineau music scene and MEGAPHONO gets that. The new kid on the festival block is a most welcome contributor that’s sure to have an important impact on music lovers and musicians alike.

To purchase tickets and check out the entire programming, visit http://megaphono.tv/.

 

Flight Distance and Buck N’ Nice: Positioning Hip-Hop Within the Sounds of the City

Originally published on Couch Assassin: http://couchassassin.com/blog/positioning-hip-hop-within-the-sounds-of-the-city

Ottawa may not be recognized for its hip-hop scene, but Flight Distance and Buck N’ Nice are determined to changed that. With the release of their new albums, the two local rap groups sure hope to put Ottawa on the map when it comes to rap.Respectively titled High Priests of Low-Life and Us Versus Them, Flight Distance and Buck N’ Nice’s new albums are refreshing releases and a welcomed reminder that Canada’s National Capital is home to some brilliant hip-hop artists just waiting to be heard. They’re two solid projects that certainly shouldn’t be slept on.With High Priests of Low-Life, Flight Distance’s intention isn’t to reach the mainstream masses. A fixture of the local cultural scene since 2004, the trio is known for delivering heavy hip-hop that isn’t quite as accessible as what the likes of, say Classified and K-OS, put out. “I’m not a party rocker, I didn’t come here with an anthem for you party monsters,” spits group member Bender on the track Anti Anthem of the Deadbeat. Fair enough, but for those who appreciate raw and vividly lyrical indie rap, their latest album, which started out as an EP and turned into a full-length project, is a definite must. It’s thought-provoking, underground and alternative in essence, and for any hip-hop head with an appreciation for the art form, it sure hits the spot.

Similarly, Buck N’ Nice’s debut album Us Versus Them aims at setting the duo a part. “We’re trying to be different from what everybody else is doing, while everyone else is following trends, we’re trying to go back to the roots. It’s us versus them in a lot of ways: us versus the stereotypes, us versus the conformity, us versus our own issues,” explains Sawbuck, the lyricist of the group. They may be somewhat new to the game, but that hasn’t stopped these newcomers from setting the bar high with a first release that features a solid production, balancing plenty of catchy hooks and carefully-crafted beats. For DJ and Producer So Nice, it was important that this first effort allow the duo to be a part of the local music community, so they invited several notable Ottawa emcees, like Tukan and Just Jamaal to lay bars on a few tracks as an homage to the local hip-hop scene.

It’s no surprise that Ottawa has had a big impact on the music that both groups produce. As Patience of Flight Distance explains, “we like to apply our locality to what we do. We try and mimic the weather and social and political climate of the city for example. It’s a big component of our music. We could have moved away and been a drop in the bucket in the Toronto scene, but being here works for us. We’re happy to be Ottawa hip-hop artists.” As for Buck N’ Nice, they feel as though if they can’t make it in their hometown, they’re not likely to make it elsewhere.

It’s only right that the two groups teamed up to launch their albums. According to them, the collaboration came naturally. When asked why they joined forced to present a dual album release show, they both answered without hesitation “these are the guys we want to be aligned with, we want to have a good strong celebration for the albums, and we’re more than happy to do it together”. Happening at House of Targ on Saturday, November 22, the lineup will feature live performances by both groups along with opening sets by Tukan and Prehistoric. What’s more, there’s no shortage of fun when you throw perogies and pinball in the mix.

Flight Distance / Buck N’ Nice – Dual Album Release
Saturday, November 22, 2014 @ 9pm
House of Targ
$6

Image: John Kealey and Chris Schlesak

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!

Mid-December in Ottawa-Gatineau: From Plaster and the Ujamaa Market to Tokyo Police Club and Hollerado

As we move into mid-December, there are many fun shows, parties and Christmas-related goodies happening in Ottawa-Gatineau this week. Here’s my selection of note-worthy events for the week ahead.

To start on the Gatineau side of the region, Quoi Qu’en Diront Les Médias (QQDLM) is launching its first album entitled Au chalet du sanglier this Tuesday, December 11 at the Petit Chicago. This Gatineau trio, which creates futuristic folk will present pieces from its debut album to media and members of the public in an effort to get the word out on the group’s music. Following the formal launch,QQDLM will be contributing a live set to the Fau Mardi event bridging from the album release to the electro-induced night. If you would like more info you can simply click on the image of QQDLM below.

This Thursday, December 13, head over to Babylon nightclub for Sweat It Out, a fluorescent tight and bright evening of burlesque, drag, cabaret, vaudeville, cirque and comedy. The monthly variety showcase, brought to you by Capital Cabaret will feature 80s aerobics-themed performances including music by DJ Lowpass. The organizers promise no Christmas stuff, for those who like to stay away from holiday related events.  Grab everything you need to know by clicking the poster below. 

This Thursday, December 13, the Black Sheep presents Tokyo Police Club and Hollerado live in concert. The two groups will also be performing live at Ritual nightclub the following night, December 14, however both shows are sold out so if you’d like to see Tokyo Police Club and Hollerado your best bet is the hit up Ritual on December 14 for limited door tickets. For more info on the show at Ritual, click below. As for the Black Sheep show, click here.

Also on Thursday, December 13, Ottawa hip-hop trio Flight Distance will be performing live at Ritual Nightclub. Doors open at 10pm and tickets are $6. Support your local artists! 

This Friday, December 14 Toxic Twins present the monthly installment of Grillz & Glam. This special edition happens to be the annual Top of the World Christmas Party and will featuring the one and only Santa. Grab details by clicking the poster below. 

On Saturday, December 15, Plaster will be live in concert at the Petit Chicago in the Old Hull neighborhood of Gatineau. The Montreal-based electro-rock trio will be performing songs off of their second album entitled Let It All Out. For further details, please click below.  

Also this Saturday, December 15, Funktion presents North Pole at Fall Down Gallery. This holiday-inspired event encourages attendees to dress-up in their best Christmas attire for a fun night of music and dancing featuring All Star Aga and Tone A alongside Plush and Disko Dave. Click on the poster below for more info. 

This Sunday, December 16 head out to the Ujamaa Market for holiday shopping and a Kwanzaa celebration. This annual event brings together many artisans from African and Caribbean countries and includes live entertainment for the entire family and food and refreshments. Admission to the event is free and it takes place between 1 and 9:00 pm. For details, visit the market’s Facebook Page by clicking on the poster below. 

This Friday, Saturday and Sunday, is your last chance to visit the Museum of Civilization’s Christmas Market. With over 40 local vendors, 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 area artisans. For dates and time and to access the list of participating vendors, simply click on the poster below.