Kick off your week in music with the Girls to the Front Songwriters Circle happening this Monday evening at Irene’s Pub. Hosted by local singer-songwriter and musician Julie Corrigan, the latest edition of this monthly event will feature live sets by artists Ariana Gillis and Doressa.
At the 27 Club this Tuesday night, there’s a rare appearance by the talented West-African blues musician Vieux Farka Touré who’ll be in Ottawa to give a live show as part of his 2018 North America Tour. The son of legendary artist Ali Farka Touré, who’s known for his skills as a guitarist, will be performing alongside Ottawa singer-songwriter Rita Carter. This is a rare occasion to catch this fantastic artist live and a real treat for the National Capital Region. You’d be crazy to miss it!
An R&B dance party at the NAC? All signs point to yes. This Tuesday, February 20, Toronto soulful pop/r&b singer-songwriter Jully Black will be performing live in Ottawa. Get set for a fire night of 2000s R&B with this boss woman.
The independent record store that set up shop inside the Petit Chicago this past fall is having another DJ night this Wednesday, February 21. For the occasion, you can expect to hear an eclectic mix of music courtesy of DJs Cougar Flex, Witikow, and Gloryhull.
Following a successful Harry Potter trivia night held in January, the Minotaure presents a Star Wars edition this Wednesday, February 21 from 7-10 p.m. If you want to participate, you’ll need to understand French and get there right at the start to form teams. Prizes for the teams that fare best!
Quebec rock and roll artist Michel Pagliaro is bringing his acoustic show to the NAC this Wednesday, February 21. For the occasion, the award-winning singer-songwriter will be revisiting his many hits in a more subdued atmosphere.
Halifax indie electro/pop multidisciplinary artist Rich Aucoin is back in Ottawa this Wednesday in an effort to promote his upcoming EP “The Hold” . For the occasion, the musician, who’s known for his uniquely engaging live shows, will be giving a performance at House of Targ alongside Toronto indie rockers Taylor Knox. Last time Aucoin was in town, the show was sold out, so if you plan on going, buying tickets in advance is a wise move.
The NAC is presenting a bunch of great shows this week, including one featuring Dany Placard. The Montreal-based country folk rocker with a compelling bass line will be presenting his latest album “Full Face”, a project that is more rock, more confident and more modern-sounding than his previous releases.
If you want to check out some Canadian metal bands on Thursday night. head over to Cafe Dekcuf for Ottawa deathcore group Martyrs, London hardcore outfit Underlier, Toronto hardcore project Nailbox and Ottawa hardcore five-piece The Courier.
Ottawa alt country/folk rock project Graven (Matt McKechnie) will be playing live at House of Targ this Thursday night and he’ll be introducing The New Band, comprised of a wild, rotating and circus-like band of hyper-talented individuals who’ll be backing McKechnie. Also on the bill that night are Ottawa indie rockers The Sonic Defense, Ottawa acoustic alt folk artist Rory Taillon and Ottawa indie folk singer-songwriter Christine Jakel.
Thrilled to announce that I (yes I, Elly Laberge the writer of this blog) will be doing my DJ debut at the Minotaure in the Vieux-Hull this Thursday, February 22. I’ll be joining DJ Gloryhull for a back-to-back set of RapQueb, latin trap and trip hop. If you love Quebec hip hop, you’ll be served, and if you have no idea what I’m talking about, I guarantee you’ll discover dope new sounds. Join us!
Toronto alternative rockers In My Coma will be hitting up Live on Elgin this Friday night to perform live alongside Ottawa alternative rock band Quiet Crimes and Ottawa alternative rock group Animal Confession.
Toronto-based indie folk/drone-gospel project Giant Hand will be returning to Ottawa this Friday to play Bar Robo. This time around, he’ll be presenting his latest album “Old Cosmos”, a confident yet ever unhinged collection of naked confessionals. Joining him for the occasion will be ambient pop folk project Blunt Chunks.
If you’re up for a punk show to start your weekend, make your way over to House of Targ on Friday night to check out The Riptides’ “Yellow Snow Show” featuring Ottawa punks The Riptides, Ottawa punks NECK, London, Ontario punk/hardcore band Johnny Terrien and the Bad Lieutenants and Ottawa punk group GOAT.
Ottawa instrumental surf garage/lo-fi band The Reverb Syndicate invites you to join them for a special night of dancing and drinking happening at Irene’s this Friday night. The guys will be taking their new tunes for one last test drive before they go into the studio to record, and they’ll be sharing the stage with Police N Thieves, a The Clash cover band.
Want to rock your way into the weekend? If you enjoy garage, punk and rock n’roll, and you’re up for some dancing this Friday night, check out the Kick Out The Jams party happening at Bar Robo. It’s free and music starts at 11 p.m.
SAW Video invites you to Arts Court this Saturday, February 24 to view the 2018 edition of RESOLUTION, the annual screening of new members’ works. This annual event showcases Ottawa’s vibrant filmmaking scene with something for everyone, including drama, documentary, animation and experimental video art.
At the Minotaure this Saturday night, there’s a special event celebrating local hip hop that’ll feature live sets by McCado, Bozko, Cza, Flame alongside DJ Skorpyon. An open mic will follow after the show.
Want to have a good time while enjoying ska, reggae and rocksteady? Be sure to make your way over to House of Targ this Saturday, February 24 for the Voice Of The People Ska Night. This fun party will feature music selections picked out by DJs Snappy and Longshot as well as a live performance by Ottawa ska band The Sentries, Montréal roots reggae and rocksteady group The Resojets and Toronto five-piece ska project The Classy Wrecks.
Escape the dreariness of winter and get “Dressed for the Night” this Saturday, February 24. Head over to Triple7 in the Vieux-Hull to enjoy a night of food, dancing and mystery by immersing yourself in an interactive environment and allowing your creativity to reign supreme. There will be live music and performances by Fire Queen, DJ Spiritually Minded, and DJ GloryHull.
At the Rainbow Bistro this Saturday night, it’s the 8th annual Johnny Cash Birthday Bash, an event paying tribute to the man in black with Cash songs all night long. The show is a CKCU fundraiser that’ll feature live sets by The Whiskey Standards, Ball & Chain, Danielle Allard, Kristine St-Pierre, Eniid Goodman and more. Speaking from experience, this night of live music is an all-around good time!
Quebec-based indie folk pop singer-songwriter Gabrielle Shonk is set to perform at the NAC this Saturday night as part of the NAC Presents series. The newcomer, who gave us a taste of what she’s capable of with the single “Habit”, will be in Ottawa to present her self-titled debut album.
Ottawa synth pop/post punk darlings Valois have a new album out called “We’re All In This Together But You” and they’ll be celebrating the release this Sunday, February 25 at Live on Elgin. You can expect a special spectacle that will bring together local talent in music, comedy and burlesque.