With festival season well under way in the National Capital Region, it’s hard to keep up with everything happening around the city. For one, the 2013 edition of the Ottawa Jazz Festival is in full swing and going great with an eclectic lineup that has something for everyone. What’s more, the Ottawa Bluesfest is just around the corner and keeping festival-goers on their toes. But for now, let’s take a look at the week ahead and highlight some of the most exciting events happening in and around Ottawa-Gatineau.
As the second week of the Ottawa International Jazz Festival kicks off, be sure to check out the Spanish Harlem Orchestra and Carmen Souza this Tuesday, June 25 along with Boz Scaggs, Nicolas Repac, Tin Men & The Telephone on Thursday, June 27, The Bad Plus, The Herbaliser, on Friday, June 28 and and Gregory Porter on Sunday, June 30.
In the Hull sector of Gatineau this Tuesday, June 25, Fau Mardi brings you FauPool. The weekly night, held at the Petit Chicago, promises to feature top notch house provided by special guest DJs Bruno B and Mathieu Thibault. If it sounds as good as the poster looks, we’re in business.
If you’re into indie pop/folk/rock music, you may want to check out Heathers live at Cafe Dekcuf this Thursday, June 27. The Irish twin sisters will be performing alongside Ottawa-based groups Those Gulls and Peas&Carrots. 
Also on Thursday, June 27, Up & Up Music presents Slim Moore & The Mar-Kays live at the Mercury Lounge. The local favorite group will be performing pure soul music with special guests Donovan “freight train” Willis on bass and the members of Ottawa’s own Souljazz Orchestra. 
The third free outdoor concert presented as part of the 2013 Ottawa Fringe Festival will take place this Thursday, June 27 at the Arts Court. For the occasion, The Elwins, an Ontario indie-pop group, will be performing live starting at around 10:00 pm,. 
Decidedly, there’s lots happening this Thursday, June 27. If that wasn’t already enough, the popular monthly NYC party, Electric Punanny will be stopping by Ottawa to make you sweat and dance the night away. Sound selectors Jasmine Solano and Melo-X will be live at Ritual to provide Canada’s capital city with the best in eggae, hip-hop, and electronic music. 
On Friday June 28, Miss Polygamy invites you to their One Night Stand Album Release taking place at the Gladstone Theatre. As part of the Gladstone’s One Night Only Series,the Ottawa-based quintet will be playing their debut album in its entirety. 
Double Barrel, Ottawa’s favorite all funk/soul/motown/vintage reggae party is back this Friday, June 28 at Mugshots. The monthly event, taking place outside during the summer season, will feature the sound selections of resident DJ Magnificient and guests DJ Illo and Rayaz. 
As part of the Ottawa Jazz Festival, the Mercury Lounge proudly presents Maylee Todd live on Friday, June 28. The Toronto-based artist will be giving a live performance mixing organic and electronic forms, including elements of boogie, bossa, space funk, psychedelia and soul. 
Ottawa’s own Phil Motion & The Easy Lo-Fi will be giving a live show at the Elmdale Oyster House (formerly known as the Elmdale Tavern) this Saturday, June 28. The group, known for its funky vibes, will be performing some new instrumental material that’ll be found on their upcoming release. 
If you’re into house and dub music, head over to Ritual this Saturday, June 29 to check out Dubtribe SoundSystem. The San Francisco house DJs will be giving a live DJ set alongside DJ Heather of Chicago. 
Fans of latin music and dance won’t want to miss Latin Sparks taking place this Saturday, June 29 along Sparks Street. This annual event, presented by The International, promises to attract one thousand people and offer one block of outdoor dancing and entertainment to the sounds of latin music.
For EDM fans, the Escapade Music Festival is happening from Saturday, June 29 to Monday, July 1. The third annual edition of this electronic music festival will feature international guests of the likes of Tiesto, Steve Angello, Rusko, and Benni Benassi along with local and national DJs. If you want a ticket to this, don’t sleep, the festival will probably sell out in the next few days.
Nationless Nights is back with a second edition on Sunday, June 30 fittingly-called: Before Kanada. The all-black affair, set to be held at the Rainbow Bistro, will feature performances by BlakDenim, and MC The Poet from Missing LinX, art by Jason Gullo Mullins, and music by DJ J.E.T.S. 
Other noteworthy events happening this week in the National Capital Region include The Artistic Showcase One Year Celebration taking place on Thursday, June 27 at Pressed Cafe. The event will feature live performances by Moe Clark, Renee Yoxon, Rommel Ribeiro and Suzy Pankhurst.
If you’re into folk rock, Babylon presents Rykka, The Strain and Little Stella live on Thursday, June 27. Rykka, a Vancouver-born singer-songwriter, will be performing alongside the two local bands.
The Urban Legends Poetry Slam Finals are taking place this Friday, June 28 at the Architecture Building at Carleton University. The last slam of the season will be hosted by local spoken word artist and rapper Hyf the Gypsy Sun and will feature poetic pieces by the 8 finalists who’ll go head to head for the number one spot. If you enjoy poetry and spoken word, you don’t want to miss this importante finale.
So there you have it, this is only a selection with respect to the numerous events taking place in our National Captial Region this coming week. Still think that there’s nothing to do in Ottawa? This week alone will show you otherwise!
