The 2015 Ottawa Bluefest kicks off this week, which means the National Capital Region is buzzing with events. If you’re in the area this week, be sure to check out some of the great shows and events taking place in and around Ottawa-Gatineau. Take a look at Eventful Capital’s weekly picks below for a glimpse into some of the coolest events scheduled to happen around town in the next few days.
This Tuesday night at Ritual, hip hop enthusiasts may want to check out Odd Future affiliates Mike G and Left Brain live. The two will be in Ottawa as part of their The Mind Gone Tour and they’ll be sharing the stage with special guests Bizarre of D12 fame and Ottawa hip hop artist Swisha T among others.
The highlight of the summer for many, the annual Ottawa Bluesfest is back starting July 8 and it runs until July 19. This year, several noteworthy artists to check out include headliners Kanye West, Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Tragically Hip, and Chrvches as well as lesser-known but equally talented artists such as electro pop duo Purity Ring, hip hop heavyweights Run The Jewels and Ottawa punk rockers METZ. Check out the full programming by clicking below.
The Ottawa Rock Camp for Girls fundraising launch party is being held this Thursday night at the House of Common. This annual three-day program where teenage girls get to learn and practice an instrument, form a band, and perform at a Showcase Concert is run entirely on support from the community. The fundraising event will feature live music by Gaycation, Bonnie Doon, Rew Engine, DJ Lamb Rabbit as well as a silent auction, guest speakers .
The official unofficial Kanye West after party 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 Kanye (or maybe have him show up who knows) by doing that track you spent all day (get it?) memorizing in front of the mirror, now’s your chance to show Ottawa (and maybe Yeezus) what you’re made of.
Ottawa’s own Mackenzie Rhythm Section is performing live at the 4 Jeudis this Friday night. he local funk, soul and rock n’ roll band who’s gaining a reputation for giving solid live shows, is set to perform songs off of their upcoming EP Brand New Dances and is bound to get you moving in the process.
If you like your music a little louder and heavier, you might want to head over to House of Targ this Friday night to see Painkiller, Canada’s tribute to Judas Priest, perform songs from the English heavy metal band live.
This Friday night, make your way down to Avant Garde Bar to check out Kingston’s Lost Cousins live. The indie rock 4-piece will be sharing some live tunes for your listening pleasure and they’ll be playing alongside indie folk/pop band Olivia and the Creepy Crawlies of London, Ontario. You may want to dance and not want to be anywhere else so only go if you want to have fun. 
This Friday night, Grillz & Glam is having a Roc-A-Fella edition so if you’re a Jay-Z and family enthusiasts, be sure to hit it up Babylon starting at 11 pm. The monthly party will feature Ottawa’s own DJ Illo alongside Laocapone, which means guaranteed good beats from beginning to end.
This Saturday, July 11, Bastid’s BBQ is rolling through TD Place as part of a mini summer tour. The Nova Scotia DJ will be giving a live set alongside guest DJs Green Lantern, Thugli, Poirier, Bear Witness and more. This outdoor, family-friendly BBQ promises good vibes, solid beats and tasty eats. 
The largest one day volleyball tournament with live entertainment celebrates its 33rd year on July 11th at Mooney’s Bay Beach and for the occasion organizers are welcoming 1,032 volleyball teams (!). This year’s free live shows will include performances by Sam Roberts Band and July Talk among others. For all the details, just click on the event poster below.
For the metal heads out there, don’t miss the chance to see Incantation live at Mavericks. The old school metal band hasn’t performed in Ottawa in 7 years and this time around they’ll be sharing the stage with US death metal group Funerus as well as local metal bands From The Deep, Diabholico, Fumigation, and Ominous Eclipse.
This Saturday night at Mugshots, there’s going to be a live show featuring some really good experimental music. The show will present local artist Pipahauntas as well as Halifax psych fuzz pop/rock band The Everywheres and dreamy psych project Trails. Check it out if you’re into new sounds.
Avant Garde Bar is turning 11 and to celebrate all these years of success, the team invites you to party with local bands Elementals, Tindervox and The Ven Dreddies this Saturday night starting at 9pm. Happy Birthday to one of the funnest live music venues in Ottawa!
This Saturday night, the Mercury Lounge and the NAC present the third instalment of Wolf Gang Sessions, a night of music with a wild side where classical meets funk. The NAC is taking part of its orchestra out of its traditional space and putting a special spin on DJ Trevor Walker’s funk boogie set. This promises to be a very special night of live music!
Over at the new Live on Elgin! this Saturday, there’s going to be a show featuring a lineup of Ottawa and Kingston artists. The bill includes local alternative folk/rock band Hello Hello! and local indie rock Tribe Royal as well as Kingston alternative folk group Goldwing.
The Spins & Needle collective and creative gathering is celebrating its 10-year anniversary this Saturday night with a summer party happening at Saw Gallery. For the occasion, the event will feature underground DJ sounds provided by DJs Calkuta, Memetic, Jason Skilz and Kurt Yates, visuals by Matthew Williamson, interactive stalls, project making and a graphic art exhibition from comic artist and illustrator Michael Deforge. Happy birthday Spins & Needles., sounds like a really fun party!
