Thursday, Jan. 21
The Ottawa Home + Remodelling Show starts just as we emerge enough from holiday excesses for the lifting floor, chips of paint, squeaky door and annoying corner start to really become irritating, noon to 9 p.m. today and tomorrow, then 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, EY Centre. TV host Bryan Baeumler of Leave it to Bryan will be speaking on Saturday and Casey Grey will talk about Conscious LIving tonight, among other special events. Tickets: $12, $12/seniors/youth, free for children 12 years and under. ottawahomeandremodellingshow.com
Claude Monet’s Camille sur son lit de mort, 1879, at Musée d’Orsay.
We cannot deny the interesting art events this week, with two more tonight, beginning with a curator-led tour examining the provocative exhibition of pieces created from human bones collected from medical-supply companies by Nichola Feldman-Kiss (5:30 p.m., ottawartgallery,ca); the second a lecture closely analysing Claude Monet’s Camille on her Deathbed, alongside an exhibit of his works, arguing it is not an anomaly in the artist’s practice but a pivotal painting (6 p.m., gallery.ca). Both events are free.
Now’s the time to prove you’re funny: Yuk Yuk’s comedy club is having a rare, after-hours open mic event with three- to six-minute slots, for the complete beginner to those wanting to test some bits in a professional club setting. Sign up begins at 10 p.m., wit the show starting at 10:45 p.m., 292 Elgin St. www.yukyuks.com
Swollen Members’ Madchild brings his hip-hop styles to Babylon, mere weeks after fellow west-coaster, Snak the Ripper — who had been continuing a mutual war of words on Twitter and their YouTube channels — played Ritual. We’re told by insiders that the feud has cooled, not least because their respective fans were beginning to lob threats at each other. 9 p.m., 317 Bank St. Tickets: $25, $40/VIP. www.ticketscene.ca
Friday, Jan. 22
It’s a PA Day (panic now) and Billings Estate National Historic Site is holding a full-day of activities for the kids exploring how children amused themselves in the past, including heritage toy building, baking of treats and snowshoeing, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., 2100 Cabot St. Cost: $15, pre-registration required at 613-247-4830. www.ottawa.ca/museums
Learn how to help a Syrian refugee family at an information session in Kanata, hosted by the Rotary Club, with all proceeds aiding their join efforts with the Christ Church Cathedral to sponsor families to Canada, 7 to 9 p.m., Richcraft Recreation Complex, 4101 Innovation Dr. Tickets: $10 at the door, includes Syrian snacks; RSVP as spaces are limited and demand is high. http://on.fb.me/1Pqgbxa
The Ottawa Champions’ Sebastien Boucher will be talking baseball at Zaphod Beeblebrox tonight.
The topic will be all baseball, all the time at Zaphod Beeblebrox with some epic fans, including Tao of Stieb and Mike Wilner of Sportsnet, The Toronto Star’s Brendan Kennedy and Rich Griffin, TSN’s Scott MacArthur and Ottawa’s own outfielder Sebastien Boucher, 8 p.m., 27 York St. Tickets: $25. spectrasonic.com / pitchtalksbaseball.com
Scottish poet Robert Burns.
Also, Scottish poet Robert Burns‘ 257th birthday falls on Monday, which is very inconvenient for whiskey-drinkers, so events are starting tonight with The Scottish Society’s Burns supper — including haggis, 6:30 p.m., Heart and Crown. Tickets: $65. thescottishsocietyofottawa.com. (Tomorrow, The Sons of Scotland hold their Burns dinner at the Delta Hotel, sonsofscotland.com; Robbie Burns Supper for Roger’s House is at the Ottawa Hunt & Gold Club, 5:30 p.m, $98, www.scottishandirishstore.com; Darcy McGee’s will address the haggis with pipers and more starting at 4 p.m. darcymcgees.com)
But it’s Friday, so we need music: Irene’s Pub’s 28th annual two-day R’n’B Fest starts with Zydeco Loco, The Drew Nelson Band and Jed Rached and the Fat City 8, 9:30 p.m., 885 Bank St. Tickets: $10. (Tomorrow, see The Rockerfellas and Mumbo Jumbo Voodoo Combo.) irenespub.ca
As a different option, Les Contes Nomades are turning the NAC Fourth Stage into a baroque salon or 16th century common room, where stories were told accompanied by music, this time the tale of La Chatte Blanche with triple harp, bass viol and recorders, 7:30 p.m. Tickets: from $20. nac-cna.ca
Anyone at all interested in music beyond the Top 40 should see the Eric St. Laurent Trio, as they combine Afro-Cuban elements and a deep understanding of the evocative to create an experience that is both sincere and moving, 7:30 p.m., GigSpace. Tickets: $20. www.gigspace.ca
The musical theme is surreal Jewish at The Black Sheep Inn tonight, with headliner Geoff Berner, who combines klezmer with a punk sensibility, and Montreal’s Orkestar Kriminal who proudly play the Yiddish and gangster folk music of the between-war underworld of Warsaw, Odessa, Greece and anywhere else they fancy, (expect about eight languages to be sung at each performance), 8 p.m., 753 Riverside Dr., Wakefield. Tickets: $10 in advance. theblacksheepinn.com
Described as a cross between later Hüsker Dü and The Pixies, power pop punk rockers Little Junior headline a show of shoegaze, psychedelic rock and some noise, with Kings Quest, Lush Buffalo, Tijuana Jesus, 10 p.m, House of Targ. Tickets: $6 before 10 p.m, $8 afterwards. www.houseoftarg,com
Saturday, Jan. 23
Miso Japanese will be serving their seared seafood lobster boat among other delights at Noodlefest today.
Enjoy oodles of noodles at the adult-only Noodlefest today, where about 20 local vendors will offer up culinary nom-noms inspired by international cuisine, from Ramen to Pho to fusion creations of tempura and curry, 5 to 10 p.m., Shaw Centre, 55 Colonel By Dr. All items are priced at $4-$5, and there will be cash bars and DJs to entertain. Admission: $10, for 19+ only. http://bit.ly/1OKSiED
A lion dance kicks off the Ottawa Asian Fest on Saturday.
All ages are welcome at the Ottawa Asian Fest Night Market, moving indoors for winter after an popular inaugural event this summer (traffic jams to prove it) at Lansdowne Park. Today, there will not only be food (including the return of stinky tofu and new visitor, Toronto’s HK Egg Waffle), but also lion dances, decor to pick up in advance of Chinese New Year on Feb. 8, K-Pop performances, two fashion shows and more, also including Thai and Philippine groups, noon to Midnight, and noon to 6 p.m. tomorrow, Hilton Lac Leamy, 3 Blvd du Casino, Gatineau. Admission: $5 in advance, $10 at the door. Only 2,000 tickets will be sold in advance, but there will be more available at the door. ottawaasianfest.com
But first, earn those delicious calories at the 5th annual family winter bike parade with the Citizens for Safe Cycling, a social ride open to all, 10:30 a.m. starting at the south lobby of City Hall, departing on a 4- to 5-kilometre ride at parade pace, returning to the City Hall for snacks nd a discussion. Come dressed to bike in whatever weather (they’ve yet to cancel a ride.) www.bikeottawa.ca
It looks good for la patinoire Ruisseau de la Brasserie opening on Jan. 23.
Also in Gatineau, there is a good chance la patinoire du Ruisseau de la Brasserie, an 500-metre outdoor skating rink on a creek at Montcalm Road, will open for skating today — its smaller area makes it freeze faster than the canal. If it does open, and they should know Friday if it will, there will be hot chocolate and artisanal beer on offer, a campfire and free wi-fi access this year from sponsor TekSavvy. (There are also DJ nights and BBQs planned for the season.) Open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily for skating, with heated trailers from 11 a.m.. to 7 p.m.
Pinhey’s Point Historic Site is offering snowhoeing under the stars, with basic instruction for newbies and a guided hike taking in landmarks, finished with hot chocolate around a roaring fire, 7 to 9 p.m, 270 Pinhey’s Poijt Rd. Cost: $6.15, $10/20/pair, $16.25/family. ottawa.ca/en/liveculture/museums/pinheyspoint
French archeologist Gilles Prilaux will discuss recent findings at the frontlines of The Great War, including an underground hospital, horse remains and the burial sites — accidental and voluntary, along with other quotidian effects and weaponry, 2 p.m, War Museum. The lecture will be in French with simultaneous translation into English. Tickets: $10, $7/students/seniors/members. This is part of an ongoing series of international specialists discussing World War I, with the next one a lecture about Russia ‘s role in the war in April. warmuseum.ca
For the first time, the Beechwood Market is opening for four weekends this winter, inside to avoid the changeable weather, with local food vendors offering fresh produce to prepared meals — even wine, and with a bouncy castle to keep the kids busy, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Marché St. Charles, 131 Barrette St. www.beechwoodmarket.ca
Canadian favourites cheezies and The Beachcombers make frequent appearances in the much-acclaimed first-book Birdie, by author Tracey Lindberg (also teacher at uOttawa), who will discuss themes of First Nations trauma, reconciliation, politics and her strong-willed Cree character’s vision quest, 7 p.m., Octopus Books, 251 Bank St. Admission: Free. octopusbooks.ca
The Carleton Cup, the annual, utterly-Ottawa triathlon event where racers skate 6.5 km on the canal (conditions permitting), run through the market to a pub and then have a pint is on today not just for fun, but to raise funds for Cystic Fibrosis research. Also, the event is now family-friendly with an under-12 category, recreational attitude and all drinks, not just a Labatt 50, applicable. Registration: $20, includes one drink, and any one who procures pledges of $100 or over gets that fee back. Sign up from 5 to 7 p.m., Aulde Dubliner, 62 William St., then meet back there after the skate for music and a party. Pledge sheets available at www.carletoncup.com
C4 Wrestling’s first show of 2016 is on tonight.
There will be body slams, flying head scissors, nasty bear hugs and probably a mask or two at the live pro wrestling event featuring the likes of Space Monkey, Hacker O’Shea, Twiggy and Speedball Bailey, pre-show begins at 7:15 p.m, show at 8 p.m., Vanier Columbus Club, 260 McArthur Ave. Tickets: $20. www.c4wrestling.com
The ongoing conflict with MonkeyJunk is that they put on such a delightful show we need to let Ottawa know when and where the blues-rock party band are playing (The Rainbow, 9 p.m.), but they are *so* delightful there is the real chance all the tickets will be gone by the time this column is published. Let this be a warning to buy early. (We’d suggest following them on Facebook, but their events are not always updated.) Tickets: $15. http://monkeyjunkband.com
For those who need to get down and boogie, Ottawa’s disco-funk masters The Ven Dreddies join soul-boogiers Mackenzie Rhythm Section for some floor shaking, 10 p.m., House of Targ. Tickets: $10. houseoftarg.com
Sunday, Jan. 24
A Little Fire is on at Arts Court from Jan. 22 to 30, 2016.
This afternoon, see a pay-what-you-can matinée of A Little Fire, a play about a child prodigy who loses her connection to God — and a look at the lucrative exploitation of child artists, 2 p.m., Arts Court. Play continues to Jan. 30. Tickets: $25, $20 student/senior/artist, PWYC matinée. artscourt.ca/tactics
Happy almost-birthday Robbie Burns!
The kilts will be a-flying at two Robbie Burns events today: There’s an all-ages Robbie Burns Day musical celebration with Bobby Watt and Ecosse playing traditional music, possibly some piping and definitely a haggis with all the trimmings, 4 p.m., The Black Sheep Inn ($20 in advance. theblacksheepinn.com); Then Christ Church Cathedral hosts another dinner , with the traditional haggis, cocktails, pipes, girls choir and solo singers, silent auction and while there is no official dress-code, people often come wearing their tartan-best ($40, 613-236-9149 x.20).
The wonders that are the the top ten performers of So You Think You Dance Season 12 are in town for one night only, performing at the NAC as part of their North American tour, 8 p.m., 53 Elgin St. Tickets: From $51.50. nac-cna.ca
Unlike meteorologists, we cannot predict what the weather will be like today. So, just in case it is too cold to consider doing much, we offer the option of seeing Minions, The Movie with friends and the whole family at the Wakefield Centre, 4 p.m. (The canteen will be open, also serving organic popcorn.) Tickets: $7, $25/family. centrewakefieldlapeche.ca
Scriptwriters, get out of the pyjamas (though, fairly certain that is acceptable attire nowadays) for the Practice Pitch Session, where you toss ideas out to other writers and perfect your sell so the next time *cough* you’re in front of Stephen Spielberg it doesn’t go all pear-sharped, noon, SAW Video, 67 Nicholas St.
A traveling bridal boutique of unknown provenance is setting up shop and selling designer wedding gowns for $199 to$599, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Four Points Sheraton in Gatineau, 35 Laurier St. www.opportunitybridal.com
Monday, Jan. 25
Take a break and meet others in the same boat at an exchange this morning.
Those caring for elderly family in our community are invited to take a break and join in an exchange with others, including a talk by the CEO of the Local Health Integration Network, 8 to 10 a.m., Hellenic Centre, 1315 Prince of Wales Dr. Cost: $35, includes a full hot breakfast. eventbrite.ca
Then get financial advice from money writer and TV personality Gail Vaz-Oxlade, who will also be signing copies of her book, Money Talks, 7 p.m., Chapters, 47 Rideau St. The event is free, but signings will be done a first-come basis. facebook.com
Tomato growers needed: Non-profit Seeds of Diversity needs help updating their Canadian Seed Library of rare and locally-adapted varieties and this year are focussing on the tomato, requiring help from experience seed savers and tomato growers in 2016. Info: www.seeds.ca. For info about a local seed initative, contaxct seeds@justfood.ca.
Tuesday, Jan. 26
Have your say about the LeBreton Flats development.
Public consultations on LeBreton Flats development are being held over two days, with rooms at the War Museum exhibiting each proposal with people on hand to answer questions about each one, 4 to 9:30 p.m., and 8 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. tomorrow. Comment sheets will be be available on site. The presentations will also be live-streamed, and online consultation will continue to Feb. 8. www.ncc-ccn.gc.ca
The musical Matchstick on at the GCTC is a bit outside-the-genre on three fronts: firstly, the music performed is folk, secondly: there’s a mystery at the heart of the story, which we will not reveal here (though we could) and, thirdly: while not adult-only, it’s a bit too dark for all-ages audiences, telling the story of a woman (the aforementioned Matchstick) who leaves her undesirable country at the behest of a mysterious American man. (If this story seems familiar, it premiered at Ottawa Fringe a few years ago, but has since been tweaked after performances across the country.) Tickets: $38-$55. www.gctc.ca
Wednesday, Jan. 27
It’s a night to celebrate some of our favourite music mavens.
So long, Eugene, our friend.
This is the day to pretend the joints are not creaking and work was not exhausting to join the young(er) fans in saying goodbye to Eugene Haslam, as he hands over the reins of Zaphod Beeblebrox. In his tradition of giving bands a chance before they became famous (like The Sheepdogs, Hot Hot Heat, Matt Mays), the best from their recent new music showcase will perform tonight. So long, Eugene, and thanks for all the fish music. 8 p.m., 27 York St. zaphods.ca
Both David Bowie and Lemmyof Motorhead will be celebrated at different events on Wednesday.
Then everyone is invited to pay homage to the late David Bowie with the Capital City Community Choir open singalong at The Rainbow Bistro (where they perform the last Wednesday of each month), 7:30 p.m. Cover: $5. www.capitalcitycommunitychoir.ca
Rock out in honour of über rockstar, Motorhead’s “Lemmy” Kilmister at an open-stage party (though lineup will be determined in advance) with local musicians covering his songs with head-thrashing LOUD attitude, while drinking JD and Coke, of course, 9 p.m., House of Targ. So far, the lineup includes Motorvypyr, Glorious Moonrockets, Remi Royale, Shawn Cross, Wildebai, Hot Snake Handlers, In Heat and Slumlord. Admission: Pay-what-you-can with donations going to the Ottawa Integrative Cancer Centre. Contact organizers if you want to perform at facebook.com.
For those who live in Kemptville, apparently The Crusty Baker is celebrating bacon all weekend, starting at 10 a.m. today until Jan. 31. It may seem a bit morbid to mention it here, what with it now being linked to cancer, what led to the death of both Bowie and Lemmy. But….. hmmmmm, bacon.) thecrustybakerbread.wordpress.com
Thursday, Jan. 28
Some heavy topics on for today:
Scene from documentary On the Bride’s Side
Look at the refugee crisis from an inside view at a one-night screening of On The Bride’s Side, a documentary following an effort to move five refugees across Europe to safe haven by dressing them up as members of a wedding party, hosted by the One World Film Festival, 6:45 p.m., ByTowne Cinema. The screening will be followed by a discussion about the refugee crisis in Syria. Tickets: $12. oneworldfilmfestival.ca
Writers, learn how to get published outside of the traditional modes at an event hosted by the Ottawa Independent Writers group, looking at everything from the stages of editing to printing options and cover design, 6:30 p.m., Good Companions Centre, 670 Albert St. Cost: $10. oiw.ca
A discussion with experts about youth mental health will follow a screening of the movie, suitable for parents and their teens, To Write Love on Her Arms, starring Kat Dennings, about a girl who struggles with depression, drugs and abuse, 7:30 p.m., Shenkman Arts Centre. Tickets: $10-$20, with funds going towards efforts in youth suicide prevention and mental health care. shenkmanarts.ca
Royal Winnipeg Ballet performs Going Home Star at the NAC for three nights.
Going Home Star — Truth and Reconciliation is a dance piece created through a ten-year collaboration between The Royal Winnipeg Ballet, author Joseph Boyden, composer Christos Hatzis and choreographer Mark Godden, and is a ballet telling the story of two Aboriginal young people as they try to love while dealing with the destruction of their past, on for only three nights, 8 p.m., NAC. Tickets: $25-$106. nac-cna.ca
The Ask Women Anything informal speaking series resumes with writer and transgender, mental health activist Amanda Jette Knox, the woman behind award-winning The Maven of Mayhem blog, who will talk about writing, raising kids and anything, 7 p.m., Pressed, 750 Gladstone Ave. facebook.com
Friday, Jan. 29
Two women get their picture taken during the opening day of Winterlude at Jacques-Cartier Park in Gatineau Saturday January 31, 2015.
Winterlude gets started as early as 8 a.m. when sculptors will be carving, live, from blocks of ice in Confederation Park, with activities such as intro to downhill skiing, sliding, kids’ games at Jacques Cartier Park and skating at the Rink of Dreams (whatever shape the canal is in), but the real party gets started at 7 p.m. with music from Insolita, Gregory Charles and DJ Mini and VJ Sasha V, 7 p.m., Confederation Park. Cost: Free! www.winterlude.gc.ca
The whole family can learn how to curl (remember how surprisingly exciting curling was to watch at the Olympics?) on the skating court at Lansdowne Park, 4 to 8 p.m. on Fridays, and Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. until Feb. 14, courtesy the City of Ottawa. Just bring some warm clothes, friends and a fun attitude. ottawa.ca
Festibière de Gatineau, runs Jan. 29 to 30.
Tonight the two-day Festibiere launches in Gatineau with over 100 craft brews from Quebec and Ontario to try, this time inside the Great Hall of the Museum of History, though there will still be an outdoor bonfire, taffy in the snow and “warm beer” on offer, and a show tonight from O.S.N. (There will also be gourmet appetizers that will, we are told, reference the Vikings exhibition on at the museum, so .. gravlax?). Show is on from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m.. Tickets: $15. $25/door for Saturday and Sunday — includes souvenir glass but not samples; workshops/$10. festibiere.ca
Then just down the road, Nature Nocturne takes a Chinese twist with a Lunar New Year Theme as the Museum of Nature turns into a big night club, with DJs TDot, Katrella spinning in different rooms, a karaoke lounge with the irrepressible China Doll and some hands-on fun. (It’s the year of the mischievous Monkey — but it starts on Feb. 8.) Tickets: $25, and alcoholic drinks will be available for purchase. nature.ca
This seems like more than enough to be getting on with this Friday. However, for those who need to let off some steam with some music, we have three suggestions:
• Young Rival are a Hamilton-based, young, unabashedly blue-collar garage band with Mersey-beat/surf flair and serious party cred, all combining to make for a great Friday night, 10 p.m., House of Targ. Tickets: $8. spectrasonic.com
• 20-year-old Lucas DiPasquale from Toronto is getting a bit of steam for his pop/dancehall originals after his mash-ups on YouTube came to the attention of Popcaan and his legion of fans, 9 p.m., The Rainbow. Tickets: $10. therainbow.ca
• The Harpoonist and the Axe Murderer regularly slays audiences with their modern, gritty, so-inadvertently-sexy-you’d-ignore-Mr.-Darcy-in-a-wet-shirt blues — but otherwise, the Vancouver duo are much more harmless than their name sounds, 8:30 p.m., The Black Sheep Inn. Tickets: $12. theblacksheepinn.com
Saturday, Jan. 30
Skaters make their along the Rideau Canal Skateway during the 32nd annual Winterlude Triathlon in Ottawa on Saturday, Jan. 31, 2015.
Winterlude gets a bit competitive today, with the 33rd annual triathlon starting at 8 a.m., with participants skating 8 km, cross-country sking 5 km and running 5 km, at 8 a.m. on the Rideau Canal; then the family-friendly Polar Hero puts participants through a 5-kilometre, 25-obstacle course starting every 20 minutes from 9 a.m. at Lansdowne Park. (Of course, there are other more leisurely things to enjoy, too, such as hot beverages and BeaverTails.) winterlude.gc.ca
There’s a free swag bag for the first 500 visitors at the Be Fit, Eat Right, Go Green theme at the 10th Ottawa Health and Wellness Expo, featuring over 100 local vendors and talks by Food Network personality Janet Podleski and the “best naturopathic doctor” in his community, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Shenkman Arts Centre. Admission: $7, free for children 12 years and under. ottawahealthandwellnessexpo.com
Get a peek into the little-seen Japan of the mid-1800s at a special exhibit.
Rare scenes of mid-19th Century Japan are on display at an exhibit of photos taken by Canadian missionary John Cooper Robinson, one of the first foreigners allowed to capture the country’s daily life as it began to re-open its doors to international trade, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Embassy of Japan. The exhibit continues to Feb. 14. www.ca.emb-japan.go.jp
Celebrate the Scandinavian legacy of combining the humourous with the sinister in fairy tales at a screening of The Parson’s Widow, a silent, 1920 film accompanied with live music performed by the St. Matthew’s Chidlren’s Choirs including Grieg’s Peer Gynt Suite and a traditional Swedish wedding march, 7 p.m., St. Matthew’s Anglican Church, 130 Glebe Ave. Admission: Freewill offering. www.stmatthewsottawa.ca
Russian gypsy Trio Loyko were in Toronto participating in a recording of rediscovered Yiddish songs for the University of Toronto, so thought they would make a return to Ottawa (they last played here in 2007) for a show sure to warm the blood, 7:30 p.m., Woodroffe United Church. Tickets: $45, $35/seniors/students, free for children 12 and under. www.loyko.net
Venus Envy, one of the more popular spots to buy *ahem*-toys or take a workshop on pleasuring your partner (or yourself) is celebrating its 15th anniversary with a pa-a-a-a-arty, with “sweet beats” from DJs Sarita, Aga, MC Straightedge, Marshia Celina and Magnificent, 10:30 p.m. until the wee hours, Babylon, 317 Bank St. Admission: $7 in advance, $10 at the door, though no one will be turned away for lack of funds. venusenvy.ca
Submit event information to kendemann@postmedia.com, by 8 a.m. Monday, two weeks before the event. Photos are welcome.