Another blog post, another week filled with events to keep our national capital’s cultural scene buzzing. If you’re in Ottawa-Gatineau this week and have time to check out some stuff, there’s lots happening, so take a look at Eventful Capital’s weekly picks below for a glimpse into the number of events being held in the coming days.
This Tuesday night at House of Targ, there will be a live show featuring Chris Cresswell of The Flatliners). The Toronto folk/punk musician will be performing live alongside powerpop/ punk artist Ian Graham of Cheap Girls and Ottawa folk/punk singer-songwriter and guitar player Rich Chris.
Also at House of Targ but on Wednesday night this time around, there will be a live show featuring performances by Providence dance punk group Downtown Boys, Chicago punk rock band Treasure Fleet, and Ottawa weird kids Weed Mom.
If you’re a fan of House of Targ, you can also head there on Thursday night to check out folk/country singer-songwriter Nick Ferrio, Peterborough alt rock band The Lonely Parade, Toronto indie musician Jose Contreras and Ottawa folk rock artist Jon Hynes.
This Thursday night, it’s the return of Open Air Social Club at a new location now on Sparks Street at 73 North Resto Lounge. The weekly summer outdoor dance party will feature musical selections from resident Matt Tamblyn as well different special guests each week. This Thursday kicks off with guest DJs Gregular and Tan Sierra. 
Beer lovers take note: the Gatineau Beer Fest, better known as the Festibière, will be taking over the Jacques-Cartier Park for its 5th annual edition from Friday, May 29 to Sunday, May 31. On the menu: lots of craft brews to try out, beer-making workshops, tasty eats and live shows featuring Karim Ouellet, Misteur Valaire, Down With Webster, Gold & Marrow and The Gallop. Make sure you check out this event if you enjoy beer and being outdoors, you certainly won’t regret it.
The first-ever Ottawa International Music Conference is being held from May 29 to May 31 at Maker Space North and various other locations in Ottawa. The platform for electronic and live music will feature workshops, panels, & live shows meant to bring together music enthusiasts, industry people, artists, promoters and venues alike in an effort to elevate the local music scene. Live performances will include sets by The Posterz, Kenny Dope, Tortured Soul, Ethnic Heritage Ensemble and Nomadic Massive among others.
Local musician and also big supporter of the Ottawa music scene Ashley Newall is releasing his latest album this Friday over at Mavericks. For the occasion, Ashley Newall & The Raging Suburbanites will be premiering tracks off of the new record “Greatest Misses” and they’ll be sharing the stage with guests The Owl Eyes Project, The Pushers, and Prett Melberts,
If you’re hoping to catch something live, local and more intimate this Friday, Pressed Cafe is the place for you. The Toronto-based duo Carolina Hum who used to reside in Ottawa, will be giving a live set as part of their Here With The Night Tour. For the occasion, they’ll be sharing the stage with local alternative folk musician Justice RF and The Ramblin’ Valley Band.
The annual Double Barrel vs Shindig edition is taking place at Mercury Lounge this Friday as part of the Ottawa International Music Conference. For the occasion, resident DJ Magnificent will be joined by special guest DJs General Eclectic and Splattermonkey Y’all of Toronto’s Shindig party, which is voted one of the best nights out dancing in the T.Dot. Both have been featured at Double Barrel before and they’ll be bringing classic 45s to keep the dancefloor bumping all night. This is one not to miss!
Ottawa/Gatineau 6-piece Steamers will be celebrating the release of their debut album Years with a live show happening at House of Targ this Friday night. The power folk band will be giving a live show alongside supporting acts Bonnie Doon and Cory Levesque, both of Ottawa.
Lounge Elements is making its return to The Daily Grind this Friday night following a short hiatus. Join host and music selector Kway Sway for a laid back night of music featuring an eclectic mix of lounge tunes, positive energy, good vibes, and great food.
At Overkill this Friday night, Montreal indie underground hip hop group The Posterz will be giving a live show as part of the Ottawa International Music Conference. The trio will be performing live at around midnight and local DJ RayRay will be holding it down on the mix before and after to keep the party going. Double Barrel is happening just above in the lounge, so why not hit up both events and maximize on all the fun!
Handmade Harvest Spring 2015 is happening this weekend at the Bell Sensplex. Featuring 140 amazing artisans over 2 days, this celebration of all things DIY is the perfect place to find unique crafted goods for the home and beyond.
Celebrate all things Hintonburg at the 12th annual ArtsPark this Saturday, May 30 at Parkdale Market Park. Shop local arts and crafts and enjoy live local music, dance and tasty treats.
If you’re into emo/punk/rock, you may want to check out New Jersey indie/emo band Prawn, London, rock/emos First Ghost, Montreal rock group Gulfer, Ottawa /pop/punkers Bearings, and Ottawa acoustic emo musician Ryan Fitz. Bytown live at Cafe Dekcuf this Saturday night.
Toronto rock/metal/hardcore band Cancer Bats will be making a stop in Ottawa this Saturday. For the occasion, they’ll be joined on stage by Toronto rawk/hardcore group Burning Love, Ottawa metal 3 band, and Ottawa/Gatineau metal/hardcore, Please don’t buy tickets yet as we’re note even sure.
Montreal bassist and composer Joel Kerr is releasing a new album called “False Down”, a throwback to the electric sounds of 70s Miles Davis combined with indie rock, classical minimalism, and just a hint of world music. To celebrate his latest release, the musician will be performing live at Pressed Cafe this Saturday night and for the occasion he’ll be sharing the stage with special guests Mike Essoudry and friends.
Over at Pressed Cafe this Saturday night, there will be a show to help support Studio La Mouche’s crowdfunding campaign, which will be running during the months of June and July. Studio La Mouche is a local cultural initiative that will sell apparel, prints, books and more, all featuring artwork from a selection of local artists. The Studio will also sell original artwork from these artists and will advocate the development of all things art in the community. To mark the initiative, local bands the Heavy Medicine Band, Tindervox and Sick Sick Sicks will be playing live.
Bruised Tongue and Ottawa Explosion have teamed up to present Neil Michael Hagerty live at the House of Targ. The American guitarist, songwriter and producer best known for his work in Royal Trux will be performing with ex-AIDS Wolf Drainolith and Ottawa experimental band Eraserheads.
Local favourites The Souljazz Orchestra will be making their return to Babylon this Saturday night to give a hometown show as part of the Ottawa International Music Conference. The afro/latin/caribbean/jazz group will be performing live alongside guest DJ Zattar who’ll be making you move before and after the live music.
