Thursday, Oct. 13
It’s Fresh Meat time, when local theatre sorts are invited (but only 10 of them) to create a brand new, 20-minute-long piece of theatre, as innovative and boundary-pushing as they like. Then, they perform in front of an audience to see if it works and i worth developing further. There’s an opening party tonight, but only after five productions: Space Jameration, SS. Lightbulb, Burger King Lear, Three, and Unzipping the Cat — unsure about that last one, but yet, intrigued. Festival continues to Oct. 22, 7 p.m., 2 Daly Ave. Tickets: $10-$20. www.freshmeat.com
Josephine Bonaparte.
The almost-mystical love between Napoleon and his first wife, Joséphine, and its many ups and downs was foder for bestselling historical novel The Many Lives & Secret Sorrows of Joséphine B. by author Sandra Gulland, who will be speaking about the compelling woman who may have affected the entire world through her impact on the emperor, 7 p.m, Museum of History. The talk, followed by a book signing, is part of the ongoing exhibit Napoleon and Paris, on until Jan. 8. historymuseum.ca
The Ginger Café knitting group is starting back up, just in time for creating warm things to warm cold fingers and toes, 6 to 8:30 p.m., Ginger Café, 132 Coleman St., Carleton Place. No experience is required: bring your own project, or pick up a “knit kit” at the café with everything included, and get tips from those on hand. The group meets once a month.
Artist Andrew King’s new line of T-shirts are on sale at a party tonight.
We cycle, we skateboard, we even canoe in Ottawa, and artist Andrew King, known for his T-shirts and paintings marking Ottawa landmarks and events — including sinkholes, is paying homage to our modes of transport with a series of 1960s, Rat Fink-styled shirts. Done in a style reminiscent of ‘Hot Rodder Ed ‘Big Daddy’ Roth, the six originals design will be available at a T-shirt Party, where original inked drawings and prints will also be available, alongside his other Ottawa designs, 7 to 11 p.m., Wellington Gastropub, 1325 Wellington St. W.
‘I’m not fat, I’m fluffy’ comedian Gabriel Iglesias brings his latest, very-animated new standup show #Fluffy Breaks Even to TD Place tonight, easiy cpmparable to headlining (and selling out) Madison Square Gardens, surely. You’ve probably caught him in movies Magic Mike and Magic Mike XXL, The Nut Job and Norm of the North, plus his own show on Fuse TV. Tickets: $65-$85. tdplace.ca
Photos: What to do this week
Wondering what to do this week? Kirstin Endemann has some ideas.
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Art shows and events this week
Hot gigs this week: Women bring it
Friday, Oct. 14
Newfoundland funny-man Shaun Majumder (This Hour Has 22 Minutes, The Republic of Doyle and several comedy specials), performs an adult-only show — due to coarse-language and mature subject matter — sure to touch on regional differences, politics and other Canadian shenanigans, 8 p.m., Centrepointe Theatres. Tickets: $45-$55. centrepointetheatres.com
Clean shoes lose: Runners looking for some cross-country experience will take to register for the Jim Howe Memorial Race, named in honour of a long-time member of the running community, and offering races through the grass, mud and and woods at Mooney’s Bay for elementary, high school, and university students and others, over two days. The high school cross-country challenge begins at 1:30 p.m. today, with the elementary run at 10:30 a.m. tomorrow, and memorial race open to all beginning at 3 p.m. Cost: free for high school students, $15-$25. www.runottawa.ca
The three-day Merrickville Jazz Festival has stuck with smaller, intimate venues across this pictureqesue town so the music can wash over you, from the return of Carlos Alberto Santana (this time not just the trio, but the quintet), to a celebrating of John Lennon to New Orleans style, some funk, some blues and ending with a big-70s era sound from The Pharoahs. Shows begin with the Massie Johnson Combo at 3 p.m. today, continuing to late Sunday night. Tickets: $20/show, $45/day pass, $75/festival pass. www.merrickvillesjazzfest.com
Tap dance visionary Michelle Dorrance brings the music of her company’s feet and musicians to the NAC stage in her piece, ETM: Double Down, reimagining the dance form, for two nights only at the NAC, 7:30 p.m. Tickets: from $40. (Dorrance is also offering a tap masterclass for ages 14 years and up on Saturday, 10 a.m., 10 Blackburn Ave. Cost: $25.) nac-cna.ca
The African Film Festival offers a treat, the multiple award-winning A peine j’ouvre les yeux (As I Open My Eyes), a drama about the dreams and expectations surrounding a young Tunisian singer, as she is faced with political tensions on the eve of the Arab Spring, 7 p.m., River Building, Carleton U. Tickets: $13. Screenings continue this weekend and next. www.cfi-icf.ca
The 10th annual Babes4Breasts concert is a chance to see 10 phenomenal local songwriters (men, too) while helping out breast cancer research. Performers this year include Amanda Rheaume, Lynn Miles, Kalle Mattson, Tara Holloway, NLX, Ann Vriend, and more, 8 p.m., Saint Brigid’s Centre for the Arts, 310 St. Patrick St. Tickets: $30 in advance – there will likely not be any at the door. www.babesforbreasts.com
For blues fans there are two high-energy shows to catch tonight: jump blues is on as the 24th Street Wailers play The Black Sheep Inn (8:30 p.m., $10 in advance theblacksheepinn.com); and blues guitarist JW Jones is releasing his CD High Temperature in a party atmosphere at The Rainbow (9:30 p.m., $20, therainbow.ca).
DJ Skratch Bastid is paying tribute to classical greats Beethoven and Schumann on the decks at this hip hop mash-up in the NAC main lobby, while graffiti artists from House of Paint will be offering lessons and creating in the erstwhile hallowed (and stuffy) space, alongside international artist Anita Kunz — plus there will be food and drinks and an after-party, 9:30 p.m., 53 Elgin St. Tickets: $10. nac-cna.ca
Every time Safia Nolin is in town, I urge you all to catch this Montreal songstress who, yes, tends to only sing in French but this is a chance to embrace all that is glorious about this country, including the very honest, spontaneous, urban folk-pop she creates, 7:30 p.m., Shenkman Arts Centre. Tickets: $20-$27.50. shenkmanarts.ca
Saturday, Oct. 15
It’s not just about robots at the Maker Faire. Really.
The Maker Faire will delight creators of all ages, with hands-on learning activities combining science, tech, fun and innovation, as well as talks and demos in a friendly, welcoming and creative environment. Plus, there will be showcases by groups such as the R2D2 builders club, DIY pinball and 3D Printing Village, along with a lego group, MakeFashion’s wearable tech garments, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., all weekend, Aberdeen Pavilion, Lansdowne Park. Tickets: $5-$10, free for children 12 years and under. mfo2016.eventbrite.ca / www.makerfaireottawa.com
The Geek Market 5th anniversary event is also on, making for a busy weekend for those who like sci-fi, fantasy, anime, steampunk, gaming, horror or any other geek stuff — and there is often an overlap here, but not always, with the makers, 10 am. to 6 p.m. today and tomorrow, Nepean Sportsplex, 1701 Woodroffe Ave. FYI: Cosplay is very much encouraged. Admission: $5-$8/day, free for children 12 years and under. geekmarket.ca
Ballet dancers rehearse being forest creatures for The Nutcracker in 2014.
The Third World Bazaar, returns for the return of the seven-weekend sale, featuring items culled from travels by the family operators direct from artisans in Ecuador, Nepal, Indonesia, Turkey and more, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday thought Sunday — but also open Thanksgiving Monday — until Nov. 20, 6110 Mitch Owens Rd. (They warn the barn is chilly, and it is: bring gloves and a hat.) Sale ends Nov. 20. thirldworldbazaar.ca
The Nutcracker calls: Girls and boys are needed to be reindeer, dragonflies, frogs and other creatures of the woods in Ballet Jörgen’s annual Christmas ballet, 1:30 to 5 p.m., but register in advance, Shenkman Centre. Dancers should be ages 8 to 17 years, and should have some dance training, with ballet an asset. Anyone with queries should contact cbjeducation@balletjorgen.ca. balletjorgen.ca
Rendezvous Les Saveurs culinary and wine event continues, bringing chefs from around the region as well as local food producers to offer demonstrations and tastings, alongside wines, beers and ciders of Quebec, all weekend at the Casino du Lac-Leamy, noon to 10 p.m., Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission: $12/day, coupons needed for samples. rendezvousdessaveurs.com
The lattes are free at the Barista Invitationall friendly competition.
The Barista Invitational is a free chance to admire and sip entries frothed and decorated by the pros in a friendly competition, 2 to 4 p.m., Andaz, 325 Dalhousie St. La Bottega, Origin Trade, Planet Coffee, Bar Robo and Equator Coffee will be representing in the categories of best hot coffee drinks, signature cold beverages and latte art; there will also be treats from the Feast and Revel pastry shop. Tickets: Free, but register in advance. www.eventbrite.ca
Acclaimed Canadian pianist Angela Hewitt returns home to perform in the beautiful National Gallery for an afternoon of delightful music, featuring pieces by Beethoven and Schumann and a ticket price far below that for her show at the NAC on Wednesday, 2 p.m., 380 Sussex Dr. Tickets: $49. nac-cna.ca
The focus is on food at Writers Fest, with two free, ‘à la carte’ events, starting with a talk about The Ethics of Eating from author and former Wall Streeter Sonia Faruqi (5 p.m.,) followed by a discussion with local food producers about the food literacy movement, including a Bridgehead chef, owner of Seed to Sausage, manager of the Parkdale Food Centre and the founder of Top Shelf Preserves (7 p.m.), both at 414 Sparks St. Admission: Free, but donations of tinned salmon, sardines, tomatoes and pasta are welcome for the Parkdale Food Centre. www.writersfestival.org
Wry Irish comedian Dylan Moran, most famous for his performance and writing behind the cult sitcom Black Books (it’s on Netflix if you care to watch it, and you should), movies Shaun of the Dead, Run Fatboy Run and Notting Hill, and known around the world for his deadpan delivery of curmudgeonly, yet charming, observations on the oddities of life, bring his most recent show, Off The Hook, to Centrepointe Theatres on the second stop of its North American tour, 8 p.m., 101 Centrepointe Dr. Tickets: $51.50. centrepointetheatres.com
For those wanting to test run their Halloween costume, there’s a kinky, burlesque-themed night of Theatre Macabre with ‘girls, goblins and ghouls’ invited, and costume prizes to be awarded around the shows and interactive games, with hosts Canada’s Capital Kings, 9 p.m., House of Targ, 1077 Bank St. Cover: $10. www.houseoftarg.com
Those who caught Ria Mae at this summer’s Dragon Boat festival know the Halifax singer-songwriter offers more than just dance-floor treats like her Juno nominated smash-hit single, Clothes Off, created with fellow east coaster Classified. The singer does folk with soul and electro-funk with a lot of personality and verve on her summer released self-titled album, that is more than just the thump thump of dance. Catch her at the NAC studio, 8 p.m. Tickets: $25. nac-cna.ca
Sunday, Oct. 16
The Fall 2016 edition of the Ottawa Wedding Show is on at the EY Centre on Oct. 16.
It’s confetti and tulle all over the EY Centre, as vendors descend for the fall edition of the Ottawa Wedding Show, offering food – including cake samples, decor, photographers, musicians, honeymoon locations and, of course, gowns, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., 4899 Uplands Dr. Tickets: $15, $25/couple, $42/four. ottawaweddingshow.com
There are 10K, 5K and 1K routes to run or walk at the fifth South Ottawa Race Day to benefit local cancer research, running from 7:30 a.m. to noon, Rideau Carleton Raceaway, 4827 Albion Rd. There is also an online auction paying homage to The Tragically Hip’s frontman Gord Downie, who was diagnosed wtih a brain tumour and recently finished a farwell tour with the band that drew the entire country together. www.southottawaraceday.ca
Exercise with attitude: Yanis Marshall, the French choreographer and dancer who made a name for himself dancing in stiletto heels on Britain’s Got Talent reality TV show and became an inspiration to millions through his YouTube videos (this is the era of Beyoncé, after all), is hosting dance workshops today, open for all aged 14 years and up, Shenkman Centre. Street dance: 4:30 p.m., heels: 6:30 p.m. Cost: $35/each, $60/both. www.yanismarshallworkshops.com / shenkmanarts.ca
Monday, Oct. 17
Sneakers required: The whole family will get into the House of Targ’s show tonight, featuring energetic ‘dance’ duo Koo Koo Kanga Roo from Minneapolis. The pair peddle comfortably-predictable, mildly-ironic but kid-friendly and not too saccharine songs with addictive and amusingly repetitive lyrics (that are nowhere near as bad as Who Let the Fox Out) and riffs they’ve borrowed from the top 40 songs. Plus, they perform them while teaching the dance moves; who doesn’t want to do the stomp and chomp like a hip-hop dinosaur?
Local children’s performers Hey Buster! are also on the lineup.
Go early to catch some $1-off perogies and play some pinball before the show, 6 p.m., 1077 Bank St. Tickets: $13+. www.houseoftar.com
Ditch the toxins and green clean your home with tips on making your own cleaning products from vinegar, baking soda and oils at a make-and-take workshop by Alexia O’Brien, 6 to 8 p.m., Westboro Brainery, Van Lang Field House, 29 Van Lang Pte. Cost: $40, bring an apron. westborobrainery.ca
Immigrants and securing their future in Canada is the topic for ThePanel’s next, provocative debate, touching on incoming refugees Brexit, that election to the south of us and Burkini bans, including members of the media, UNHCR, and the Ministry of Immigration, 5:30 p.m., Château Laurier’s Adam Room. Tickets: $18.30-$25. www.eventbrite.ca
Tuesday, Oct. 18
Comedic handyman Red Green and erstwhile TV star is back with his “I’m not old, I’m ripe” tour, suitable for all ages, stopping at Algonquin Theatre, 7 p.m., 1385 Woodroffe Ave., Building E – and this is not just for students. Tickets: $62.50. www.ticketfly.com
NB: all of the Red Green shows can be watched on his YouTube channel. There goes meeting any deadlines.
Wednesday, Oct. 19
Ottawa Senators’ Chris Neil (25) ground pounds Toronto Maple Leafs’ Frazer McLaren (38) during second period NHL Hockey at the Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2013.
Hockey is back with a bang with a season opener keeping rivalries alive: The Ottawa Senators play host to their old foes, the Toronto The Maple Leafs, 7 p.m., Canadian Tire Centre. Tickets: $20-$280. www.ticketmaster.ca
At exactly the same (bad scheduling there), the Colonel By Classic pits the Ravens and Gee-Gees university hockey teams against each other in their own ongoing rivalry — though, this was put on hold for two years afte the uOttawa team was suspended. Starts at 7 p.m., TD Place, Tickets: $20. tdplace.ca
Art illumination + wine: The Ottawa Art Gallery is holding a new series of 5-à-7 events where wine will be served, a piece of art and techniques used will be discussed and then all will give it a try under the tutelage of a local artist, 5 to 7 pm,. 2 Daly Ave. Cos: Free, but registration is required. mvial@ottawaartgallery.ca
No guilt in eating out tonight: Four local restaurants are among 65 across the country providing proceeds from dinner service to Restaurants for Change, raising money to get healthy food and programs into low-income communities. So make a reservation at Atelier, O”Reilley’s Pub, Fieldhouse or Supply and Demand for tonight.
Da Kink in My Hair is at the NAC, opening the English Theatre season on Oct. 19.
Da Kink in My Hair – the musical began its life as a Toronto Fringe Festival show (support the Fringe!), a story about a Caribbean hair salon in Toronto owned by the unforgettable Novelette, and the stories — full of joy, pathos and emotion — of the women who enter there. This show, with the playwright Trey Anthony in the cast, features live music from R&B to Gospel has been made into a big stage musical, a TV series and just finished a four-week run at Theatre Calgary, 7:30 p.m., NAC; on until Nov. 5. Tickets: from $25. nac-cna.ca
The Writer’s Festival may seem to go on all year, but it really gets started today with the City of Ottawa Book Awards and a slate of authors arriving to talk, laugh, cry, inspire and infuriate (we added the last one just for fun). Some picks include: tomorrow, catch Jane Urquhart on the story of Canada (6:30 p.m.), and and informal discussion about Climate change with author and professor Michael Hart (5:30 p.m.); Friday see fantasy-historical author Guy Gavriel Kay (6:30 p.m.); Saturday commemorate influential urbanist Jane Jacobs (noon), discuss the parliamentary press gallery then and now (2 p.m.), and discuss the future of now with Michael Helm and M.G. Vassanji (Oct. 22). Events continue until Oct. 26). writersfestival.org
Submit event information by 8 a.m. Monday, two weeks before the event to kendemann@postmedia.com.
@keendemann