Thursday, March 10
Can you save the country from the depths of the Diefenbunker?
Escape the Diefenbunker launches tonight with a spy theme in the Cold War era, over 100,000 square-feet museum, with participants challenged to thwart an imminent attack on the country (causing a certain frisson to my James-Bond, LeCarré-loving heart). Sadly, tonight is completely booked with no apparent opening this month or next, according to the online calendar. Best get booking, only Thursday to Sunday. http://www.escapemanor.com
Win a garden consult from Ed Lawrence.
Speaking of fear, drones and privacy in public is the topic for a talk hosted by the Law and Technology Student Society at uOttawa, 11:30 a.m. Lunch is included. Register at http://uoltss.wix.com/ltss#!people/cjg9.
Gardening guru Ed Lawrence is booked to offer some sage words to the expert and novice gardeners at an event at Centrepointe Theatres, 7:30 p.m. As added enticement, there is a raffle for a 90-minute private consultation with Lawrence, who has a weekly call-in show on CBC, on site in your own garden, so long as the winners live within 50 kilometres of the theatre. Tickets: $20+. centrepointetheatres.com / mmlt.ca
County County Yum Cub will be at the Embrace Ontario show.
It’s not a weekend, which is confusing some farmers’ market fans, but Embrace Ontario is on today, featuring “all you need to stock up for Easter dinner,” including goods from over 20 farmers and eight VQA wineries, 4 to 8 p.m., Horticulture building, Lansdowne Park. facebook.com
Speaking of local producers, Bicycle Craft Brewery are offering up five of their brews paired with five course at Fraser Café’s Table 40, 6:30 p.m., 7 Springfield Rd. Cost: $90 + tip. Reserve a spot at 613-749-1444.
Hot band SWMRS are in town, an Oakland band with real cred (one of their dads is none other than Green Day frontman Billie Joe), who, in their “old age” have dropped some of the frantic punk guitar strumming for a more laid back, “surf vibe,” thought it’s still power pop to me, 8:30 p.m., Zaphod’s. Tickets: $10 at the door. spectrasonic.com
Related
Art exhibits this week
Concerts: Hot gigs from surf punk to frat rock (with Judy Collins in between)
Photos: What to do this week
Wondering what to do this March break week (oh, the horror!). We have some ideas.
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Friday, March 11
Cedric Parina is one of the boxers fighting at the Big FIght Night in Little Italy on Friday.
Friday night is right for fighting, yes? Oh wait, I think that was Saturday. Either way, Big Fight Night in Little Italy is on tonight, with Canadian and U.S. boxers in 12 bouts, including seven headed to the nationals this month, 7:30 p.m., St. Anthony’s Hall, 532 St. Anthony St. Tickets: $15 in advance, $20 at the door, and there will be lovely Italian food to enjoy. beaverboxing.ca
Judy Collins plays an intimate venue in Ottawa on tour with her latest album.
A Tribe Called Red is playing an Electric Wabano “mocktail” event only for ages 16 to 24 years at the Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health, 4 to 8 p.m., 299 Montreal Rd. Contact ayoung@wabano.com or sloisell@wabano.com for “VIP treatment.”
Famed folk-pop singer Judy Collins plays an intimate show on tour with her new album, a collection of songs borrowed from some of the best composers and aided by the likes of Willie Nelson and Jimmy Buffet, 8 p.m., Southminster Church, 15 Aylmer Ave. She is joined by folk raconteur of note Garnet Rogers. Tickets: $46.50 www.folkzone.ca / www.southminsterunitedchurch.com
Across town and in another dimension of music, award-winning blues “guitar-god” Steve Hill and one-man band performs with his brand-spanking new album, Solo Recordings Vol. 3, released only on March 3, 8 p.m., Shenkman Arts Centre. Tickets:$5-$40. shenkmanarts.ca
In a similar vein, three-time Juno Award winners The Sheepdogs bring their retro-rock and a (relatively) new album “full of hot licks and sing-a-long choruses” they hope will bring them recognition south of the border to the Bronson Centre, 8 p.m., 211 Bronson Ave. Tickets: $32.50. spectrasonic,com
About six days early, The Doggers are playing their “150th” annual St. Patrick’s Day bash, with other Celtic celebrants, 9:30 p.m., The Black Sheep inn, 753 Riverside Dr., Wakefield. Tickets: $10 in advance. www.theblacksheepinn.com
Or, enjoy some jazz improvisation with pianist James McGowan (that’s, Professor McGowan) and percussionist Jesse Stewart, 7:30 p.m., GigSpace, 953 Gladstone Ave. Tickets: $20. gigspaceottawa.com
Saturday, March 12
Well, hullo. Mikael Kingsbury jumps moguls Jan. 29, 2016.
The best, fastest and most fearless Canadian skiers will be at Camp Fortune today for the Canadian Mogul Ski National Championship, returning home to where it all started 40 years ago. Everyone is encouraged to watch the free event, because “the louder the crowd cheers, the higher they jump,” 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. It’s single moguls on Saturday, dual moguls on Sunday with head-to-head competitions, and there will be a party with the competitors on Saturday night at Lowertown Brewery. (For those wondering, only Skyline the ski resort will be busy with the races, so other runs will be open for your own antics.) freestyleski.com
Snow Angel has three shows on Saturday at the NAC.
This is the only chance to see Snow Angel, a play suitable for children aged five years and up about a grumpy old man and Angela and Ethan, all who learn how to patience and kindness while celebration winter — and without using dialogue, at 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m., National Arts Centre. Tickets: $18. nac-cna.ca
The Irish Festival is on (Saint Patrick’s Day is this week after all) and there’s a Family Fun Fest with a performance from Bri the Cowguy, games, raffles and more, 1 to 3:30 p.m.,Saint Brigid’s Centre for the Arts. Admission:$15/family of four in advance, $20 at the door.
Perfect Pie is on at Arts Court from March 11 to 19.
Two childhood friends reconnect in small town Ontario in the play Perfect Pie, a contemporary Canadian ghost story, leading the two to break a decades-old silence about a terrifying incident from their past, in a special 8 p.m., Arts Court. On to March 19. Tickets: $20-$25. artscourt.ca/TACTICS
Aerial Antics will teach the basics of circus silk acrobatics.
Only 12 people will get a chance to fly through the air with the greatest of ease, or rather, try aerial circus silk acrobatics and help end kids cancer at a fundraising effort for the Sears Great Canadian Relay, 7:30 to 9 p.m., Aerial Antics, 1580 Michael St. Cost: $40. http://bit.ly/1T6RFYJ
Speed demons may get a chance to let loose at the Carleton Pace Snow Drags 2016 event, though there is a chance the recent thaw may have led to dangerous water on the track. Otherwise, the event starts at 8 a.m. at the Carleton Place airport. Admission: $10 insurance +$20 to enter the class. Check the Facebook page for updates on conditions.
Then Sexual Overtones promise to put some “sparkle in your pants and magic in your bananas” at Hocus Poke-us: evening of magical tails and titillations, 8 p.m. until late, followed by a dance party, Saint Brigid’s Centre for the Arts, 310 St. Patrick St. Tickets: $15. Proceeds to local charities. (Suzy Q will also be there with donuts.) http://bit.ly/1oXfYMu
Sunday, March 13
it may not be the time you think it is — welcome to Daylight Savings Time.
It’s that spring forward, Daylight Savings Time day we always forget about so if you did not set your clock before heading to bed (or out for the night), it is now one hour later than you think and you are late for brunch. (The time changed at 2 a.m.) For those wondering, clocks will be turned back this year on Nov. 6, also at 2 a.m.
Tickets are only $20 to watch Canadian women’s hockey teams fight for the coveted Clarkson Cup, with Les Canadiennes de Montreal (partner club of the Canadiens) up against Calgary Inferno (partner of the Flames) in the final, 4 p.m., Canadian Tire Centre. Tickets: $20. capitaltickets.ca / www.cwhl.ca
See Les Êtres Chers on the last day of the Diverciné film festival, looking at the aftermath of a father’s suicide on a Québécois family, by acclaimed director Anne Émond, 6:40 p.m., ByTowne Cinema. Subtitled. Cost: from $8. www.divercine.com
As is often the case on Sundays of late, there is some hardcore rock and metal on offer in an all-ages show, with U.S. melodic “sex rock” band Sycamour headlining with Brightwell, Projekt F, WKFLD, Greylights and Footsteps to Gaia playing, 6 p.m., Mavericks. Tickets: $12 in advance, $15 at the door. www.mavericksbar.com
Monday, March 14
March Break is our primary focus for the week, as public service for all those panicked for ideas to entertain the kids. Or themselves.
The 3D movie Walking with Dinosaurs from BBC Earth telling the story of the fascinating creatures from the viewpoint of a young Pachyrhinosaurus (say that five times quickly), is on five times today at the Museum of Nature, thrice in English, twice in French, starting at 10:30 a.m. Also, they have a bunch of bug-related exhibits and activities on all week including the chance to eat some. Nom. Ticket: $3-$4 plus admisison. nature.ca
Andrew Manion shows off his tricks.
The Skatepark Project is open this week with five days of indoor sessions in2,000 square feet of ramps, rails and more, suitable for all levels, starting from 3:30 to 8:30 p.m. today, and including a girls only night on Wednesday (4 to 9 p.m.), 457 The Edge, 105 Slack Rd. Cost: $10/session, or $30 for the entire week. (You’re going to need to sign a waiver, so why not fill it out ahead of time: www.revolution457.com/457skateRELEASEform.pdf. And don’t forget the helmet.)
For those thinking about their gardens, there are two events tonight: A chat about growing heirloom vegetables, 7.30 p.m., hosted by the Manotick Horticultural Society presents, 451 Nicolls Island Rd., Manotick ($5); and tips on when to plant and how to care for hydrangeas from Peter Knippel of Knippel Garden Centre, 7 p.m., with the Old Ottawa South Garden Club, 260 Sunnyside Ave. ,($7. www.oldottawasouth.ca).
Tuesday, March 15
The Aviation and Space Museum is having all-day Tinkering workshops every day during March Break.
Engineering, computer science and art are behind the Tinkering Workshops hands-on, full-day, bilingual events for ages 6 to 12 years at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum, from 9 am. to 4 p.m. and there is before and after care at 8 p.m. and extending to 5:30 p.m. at no extra cost. Fee: $55/day. cstmueum.techno-science.ca
There’s a bookbinding 101 class on tonight, perfect for the budding writer or artist who wants to put the perfect wrapping on their finely wrought art, 6:30 to 9 p.m., Possible Worlds, 708G Somerset St.W. Cost: $45, includes all materials, though fabric or paper is welcome to customize the book further. shop.spinsandneedles.com
Poet Yusef Komunyakaa
A Pulitzer Prize winner, poet Yusef Komunyakaa and Governor General’s Award winning poet Élise Turcotte and award-winner Jane Munro open VerseFest, the five-day poetry festival celebrating local and international written and spoken word creators, with a showcase and reading, 9 p.m., Knox Presbyterian Church, 120 Lisgar St. Tickets: $15/evening pass. versefest.ca
Ottawa’s green industry professionals will be talking Green Jobs 101, or how to follow a career path or gain job skills in the fields of green engineering and environmental sustainability, followed by a speed networking sessions, 7 p.m, Glebe Community Centre, 175 Third Ave. Come prepared with an updated résumé. Admission: $7. www.cagbc.org (Might be a good idea for the high school student?)
Back to the younger set, there is an all-ages indie rock show at House of Targ tonight, which also boasts a bunch of video and pinball games, with acts Falling Against Monday, Abstraction, Ryan Fitz and more. The show starts at 8 p.m. instead of the venue’s regular 10 p.m. (or later) so the teens can still get home at a time their parents deem reasonable. Tickets: $10. www.houseoftarg.com
Wednesday, March 16
Th Rink of Dreams will hopefully remain open throughout March Break.
At last check, the outdoor Sens Rink of Dreams at Marion Dewar Plaza at City Hall was still open, and if weather co-operates will remain so daily, 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sadly, the Ben Franklin outdoor skating rink has already been closed. Check conditions at ottawa.ca.
If you need a break from those aged 6 to 12 years, drop them off at today’s art workshop at Wallack’s art store and gallery, 1 to 2:30 p.m., 231 Bank St. Today, participants will be making a clay and sequin fish. On Friday at the same time, they can delve into the delights of egg carton art. Cost: $40/workshop. wallacks.com
Or, let the kids get to be Settlers Through Time at the Nepean Museum March Break program, enjoying pioneer activities like mapmaking, snowshoeing (if there’s any snow), animal tracking, learning about edible plants, baking bannock and more, with different activities each day, 9 a.m. to noon until March 18. Cost: $6.25/participant. Register at 613-580-9638, or email museums@ottawa.ca
There were code breakers stationed in a Sandy Hill mansion during World War II, and the Heritage Ottawa latest lecture will look at how the spy catchers came to be there and what they did, 7 p.m., auditorium, Main branch, Ottawa Public Library, 120 Metcalfe St. www.heritageottawa.org
Thursday, March 17
Learn something new about the Vikings at a special exhibit at the Canadian Museum of History.
We know it is Saint Patrick’s day, but the Swedes have invaded and set up a Viking camp at the Museum if History, where they will be offering live insight into their daily existence in the year 1000, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. until March 19, part of the ongoing exhibit at the Museum of History, historymuseum.ca
Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
But on to Shamrocking, there will be a plethora of green dyed beer, silly hats and line ups at all of the many Irish-themed or Irish-like or Irish-for-the-day pubs around the city — both D’Arcy McGee’s and the Heart and Crown are starting the festivities as early as 11 .am. Here, though, are some different options:
Firstly, start the day with a Catholic mass presided over by Bishop Riesbeck himself (it is a special occasion after all), at the aptly named Saint Patrick’s Basilica, 10 a.m., 220 Kent St. There will be a small reception in the church hall afterwards.
Old Lore storyteller Mike Burns will regale with haunting tales from the Gaeltacht, the Irish-speaking areas of Ireland — though we understand the tales will be in English, 7:30 p.m., NAC Fourth Stage. Tickets: $18-$22. nac-cna.ca
For those wanting a few pints but away from the green-wearing, intense crowds (no judgement, we’ve all done it), Beau’s Beer is coming out of Vankleek Hill for the night to offer a tasting of four of their brews, alongside some Irish-themed culinary nibbles, 6:30 p.m., Urban Element, 424 Parkdale Ave. Tickets: $50. stpatricksdayevent.eventbrite.com
There will be no green beer or silly hats to be had at the House of Targ where Jimmy George will be rocking Celtic style from 10 p.m., 1077 Bank St. Tickets: $6. www.houseoftarg.com
Friday, March 18
It’s not spring, it’s not winter and so it is time for the Doldrums Music Festival, created to makes us forget about the slush and appreciate music and getting sweaty on the dance floor for two nights, starting with some spacey, dreamy synth music from Willows, Pith and the Parenchymas, Frayd, and sbsst (lowercase intentional), 9 p.m., Club SAW, 67 Nicholas St. Tickets: $8 in advance, $10 at the door. www.facebook.com/doldrumsmusicfestival
For the rest of Friday, I offer three women singers who have anything but shy and retiring voices.
Folk pop-country poet Amelia Curran is making a return visit with her frank, heartwarming songs with a gig at The Black Sheep Inn, 8:30 p.m. Be prepared to be charmed and laugh a fair bit. Tickets: $20 in advance. theblacksheepinn.com
Keturah Johnson’s electro lo-rider Heavy Medicine Band is headlining a primal rock show with Wolves in Timber, Crown Lands and Onionface, 10 p.m., House of Targ. Tickets: $6 before 10 p.m. www.houseoftarg.com
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Electro dark-synth pop star Willa (aka Ali Milner) is at Zaphod’s with her powerful pop and probably some more leaks of her soon-to-be-released debut album, though her first few singles are already mining praise, 8 p.m., Zaphod Beeblebrox. Tickets: $7. zaphods.ca
Saturday, March 19
It’s good to be green today.
St Patrick’s Day Parade (held two days late, but who wants that disrupting the commute to work?) starts at 11 a.m. at the corner of Elgin Street and Laurier Avenue W., in front of City Hall, and travels to Bank Street and then towards Lansdowne Park where the celebrations will continue, with Beau’s Beer as the host, until 9 p.m. Volunteers along the route will be collecting donations of cash and non-perishable food items for the Ottawa Food Bank. Admission: The parade is free, but admisson to the Aberdeen Pavilion party is $29, $5/kids. www.irishsocietyncr.com
Irish Rugby Club St. Patrick’s Day Run/Walk is on March 19.
Before that, the Ottawa Irish Rugby Club’s annual St. Patricks’ Day run and walk starts with the 10K at 9:15 a.m., 5k at 9:30 a.m. and hand cycle at 8:45 a.m., Immaculata H.S., 140 Main St. Pick up and registration starts at 7:30 a.m. Cost: $35. www.events.runningroom.com
Those interested in watching actual rugby can see the Six Nations matches can see three today in the warm atmosphere of a neighbourhood pub, as the Heart and Crown will be showing Wales v. Italy (10:30 a.m.), Ireland v. Scotland (1 p.m.), and France v. England (4 p.m.), so plan your day accordingly, 67 Clarence St. www.heartandcrown.ca
Ever wanted to make your own cigar box guitar? Jeff Hullin of Devil’s Due Cigrr Box Guitars is holding a hands-on workshop where participants will leave with their very own creation, 1 to 5 p.m., Mississippi Mills Musicworks, 453 Ottawa St., Almonte. Those willing to stick around will learn some tips and tricks of playing slide guitar on their new instruments. Cost: $150 includes all materials. facebook.com
The Ottawa Gatineau International Auto Show is on all weekend, with family fun day activities, a new motorcycle showcase a chance to see the dream cars everyone wants to drive plus amazing door prizes, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and 10 am. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Shaw Centre, 55 Colonel By Dr. Admission: $7-$15, $40/family of four. www.autoshowottawa.com
Others might prefer the Home Renovation Show where crafters, artisans, designers, landscapers and even materials will be available under one roof, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Nepean Sportsplex. Admission; Free in advance, $5 at the door. http://bit.ly/1R6nzVg
What else does one need on a saturday night?
Or, show off your own woodworking skills (or get some) at the make your own knife drawer workshop, so that you never stab your fingers again and it fits your drawers perfectly, 9 a.m., Ottawa Tool Library, 50 City Centre Ave, Bay 216. No experience needed and if you bring five knives, someone there will sharpen the for you. Cost: $50. http://bit.ly/1XbhrJv
Best natural, most styled, best partial and possibly curliest are among the prizes to be won at the beard and moustache competition and chili cook off, a fundraiser for the Diabetes Foundation, 1 p.m., Rainbow Bistro, 76 Muray St. Tickets: $5 min to enter, $10 to compete. www.diabetes.ca /therainbow.ca
For the first time, the Jack Purcell Community Centre is holding a trans children and youth swim night, open to all “gender creative, gender independent, genderfluid, genderqueer, trans, two-spirit, intersex, agender, non-binary and all fabulous gender diverse children and youth ages new born to 24 years, 8 to 9 p.m., 320 Jack Purcell Lne. This will be a monthly event and more details and answers to some questions are available on the event Facebook page. Cost: $2.30-$4.80 as per regular drop-in fees. Children ages 10 years and under should be supervised as per the City of Ottawa’s guidelines.
Sunday, March 20
The Runway for Hope runway show benefits CHEO.
Trade in the snow boots and puffy coats for those high, designer heels and sleek outfits for tonight’s Runway for Hope fashion show, a glamorous evening at the Horticulture Building featuring 12 local designers. such as Guertina Cruz. Kristie Lance and Zarucci, to raise funds for the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario, 6 p.m., Lansdowne Park. (Front row seats can be booked in advance.) Tickets: $35, $60 at the door; open to all ages. www.runwayforhope.ca
The Orchid society has its annual auction today.
Remember when winter was coming? Well, now it’s spring and the Ottawa Orchid Society’s annual auction will help us get ready with everything and anything related to the garden will be available, from how-to books to plants and supplies, 1:30 p.m, Tom Brown Arena. Admission: $5.
The seasonal theme continues with Dances for Spring musical performance by flutist Joanna G’froerer and Harpist Michelle Gott performing pieces movement-inspired classical pieces, from flowers to water, ballet and tango, 2 p.m., Tabaret Hall, 550 Cumberland St. Tickets: $5.65-$20. http://bit.ly/1TJuPqE
Submit event information to kendemann@postmedia.com, by 8 a.m. Monday, three weeks before the event. Photos, video files are welcome.