Thursday, April 14
Let’s call this a night for the different.
The Ottawa Improv Festival is a grab-bag-of-fun, with talent from across Canada descending on Ottawa to offer three days of varying forms of created-on-the-spot performances — from comedy to the high-fantasy stories of Montreal’s Quest of the Dragon King. The fun starts with local troupes combining forces for some classic improv games, starting at 8 p.m, Arts Court. Tickets: $10, $35/pass. (Enthusiasts may also want to check out the workshops, from how to steal a scene to crafting stories of any length. Cost: $40 each.) ottawaimprovfestival.com
Danse de Garcons is at La Nouvelle Scene.
Despite being only unofficially re-opened after renovation, Danse de Garçons will be the second show we’ve recommended at La Nouvelle Scene, the theatrical space dedicated to showcasing francophone works. This combination of theatre and dance is performed without language, making it accessible event to the anglophone, as seven performers explore what it is to be male (while being challenged to remain mute), 7:30 p.m., 333 King Edward Ave. Suitable for ages 14 years and up. Tickets: $24.87-$37.86. nouvellescene.com
From Djibouti to Dublin, three authors (Carol Daniels, Abdourahman A. Waberi and Paul Lynch), discuss how our roots define who we are at 6:30 p.m., and then three more (Sara Baume, Sunil Yapa and Joan Crate) discuss the power of forgiveness and empathy at 8:30 p.m., Christ Church Cathedral, 439 Queen St. Tickets: $15/each. www.writersfestival.org
Be transported by the indistinct and fanciful visual interpretation of the island of Mauritius by artist Gabriela Avila-Yiptong in dream-like paintings, just as we are being teased by the promise of similarly washed-out scenes from the weight of a burning summer sun (sigh), opening on exhibit, 6 to 9 p.m., Studio Sixty-Six, 66 Muriel St. studiosixtysix.ca
For some music that defies description, Toronto’s Mineta performs music best described as a softer Peaches, with a liberal dose of circus freak and experimental ska, while remaining not at all trite. They perform with Ottawa’s The Sick Sick Sicks and The Owl Eyes Project, 10 p.m., House of Targ, 1077 Bank St. Tickets: $7. www.houseoftarg.com
Photos: What to do this week
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Friday, April 15
For those of us without children, it is easy to ignore the PD Day, but we understand it causes great friction among the households with school-aged kids. Today, the Kanata GymnoSphere is offering a full day of gymnastics, game and other energetic activities — so the kids will be worn out by the time they get home., 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., 430 Hazeldean Rd. Cost: $50, $5 for additional post/pre care. www.kanatagymnastics.ca
What kind of owl will you find?
Unfortunately, owls are nocturnal creatures so the chance to go looking for them only starts at 7 p.m. in Gatineau Park, starting with an indoor education and then 90 minutes outdoors (so wear weather-appropriate clothing). Suitable for those aged 10 years and over, 7 to 10 p.m., starting at the Visitor Centre. Cost: $7-$16. www.ncc-ccn.gc.ca
There will be vegan treats from the new and very popular hotspot Little Jo Berry’s, as a panel of local organizers and regular folk share their stories at an anti-street harassment panel and information session, 6:30 to 9 p.m., Makesrspace North, 250 City Centre Ave. (Or, as they say, “Come for the treats, stay for the revolution.”) Then, on April 17th chalk up the sidewalks with anti-harasments messages starting at 3 p.m. infront of the Human Rights Monument on Elgin Street. This is part of an international week of events. ottawa.ihollaback.org
All genders and ages are welcome to strap on some roller skates — beginners too (but helmets then required).
Remember four-wheeled roller skates (aka quads)? The Ottawa Quad Rollerskating Club holds regular indoor skating sessions for new or experienced skaters, of all ages (though head gear is mandatory for all minors and beginners), 9 to 11 p.m., Carleton University Norm Fenn Gym. Rentals are even available at $5 a pair. Cost: $5-$15. ottawaquadsessions.wordpress.com
For the dance-a-holics, Timekode is throwing an all-vinyl, boogie funk, modern soul “funkraiser” in the style of their raucous parties of old, with DJ Mama Bear, 10 p.m., Backdrop Food and Drink, 160 Metcalfe St. Proceeds will go to fund their 10′ vinyl series. facebook.com
Hervana is the 90s girl dream, an all-female Nirvana cover group usually rock the stage so hard (usually), the guitars go on strike. This time, though, they are performing the Nirvana album Unplugged in New York straight through, so get on your best grunge gear and get ready to sway, 10 p.m., House of Targ. Tickets: $10 at the door. spectrasonic.com
Saturday, April 16
A Masdevallia Peppermint Rock orchid is seen on display at the Ottawa Orchid Society’s Annual Show and Plant Sale at the Nepean Sportsplex, in Ottawa, April 20, 2013.
Ottawa Orchid Society’s 35th Annual Show has over 600 blooming exotic orchids at Eastern Ontario’s largest flower show, April 16 from noon to 5 p.m., and April 17 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at a new location: RA Centre, 2451 Riverside Dr. There will also be plants for sale from some new suppliers, an education area with webinars fro the Canadian Orchid Congress and Smithsonian, interactive presentations and the fun design “orchid-gami” wherein participants get to take home their own paper orchid.
Photographers are welcome to bring equipment and tripods on Sunday from 9 to 11 a.m. Admission: $12, $10 for seniors, cash at the door. ottawaorchidsociety.com.
Lost in Layers is at the latest event at Makerspace North.
There’s a summer festival vibe to the Be Wild & be Free makers market, where there are not only a bunch of vendors making innovative items to explore, but also a foodie lounge, giveaways and more, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Makerspace North, 250 City Centre Ave. Admission: $5. Free parking. facebook.com
The Ottawa Dog Rescue (the group that puts those adoptable dogs in the hotel), has two events today: First, an adoption event where available dogs will be available to play with, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Kemptville Pet Valu, 309 Colonnade Dr. Then, there is a hip hop benefit at The Cabin, featuring host Raw B, and performances from many, including Kingcon, Fresh and Attack the Block, 10 p.m., $5 over. otowndogrescue.com
Brandon Miller shows off the vinyls he bought at Legends Record store during the Record Store Day on April 19, 2014. Citizen #116661
Speaking of finds, it’s Record Store Day with special releases expected, including from the recently-departed David Bowie, Juno Award runaway The Weeknd, The Doors, Phish, Mumford and Sons, Florence + The Machine and Twenty One Pilots. Even Bob Dylan has something (his Melancholy Mood EP previously only available in Japan), and Metallica offers its 2003 performance at the Bataclan in Paris, the focus of last year’s terror attack. www.recordstoreday.com
The Parent & Child Expo is on all weekend, with everything from fitness classes to visits from Dora the Explorer and the Mini Pop Kids, also including over 100 exhibitors offering goods and services for children of all ages, from tutoring to innovative products, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m, Nepean Sportsplex. Cost: $4-$6, or $12/family of four. http://bit.ly/1Vv950U
The Kanata children’s consignment mega sale is back.
Parents (but mostly kids) will enjoy the Kanata Spring MEGA kid’s consignment sale, where children’s gently used and outgrown toys — soo many toys — and clothes are re-sold, Jack Charron Arena, from 8 a.m. for those registered for the pre-sale, 9 a.m. to regular admission, 10 McKitrick Dr. Cost: two non-perishable food items for the Kanata Food Cupboard, or $3/adult. kanata.outgrowoutplay.com
The Women Show is on this weekend.
Or, leave the kids with someone else and take in The National Women’s Show, marketed as a great “girl day out,” with guests including psychic Marc Jade, soap star Joshua Morror, sex talk from Sue McGarvie, food and fashion galore, and vendors offering innovative items, tips on health and wellness and business advice, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (5 p.m. on Sunday), Shaw Centre. (There’s also a cosmetic super sale.) Tickets: $12, and kids 12 years and under are free. www.nationalwomenshow.com
Warm the bellies and hearts of the over 1,000 Syrian refugees in Ottawa with some soup, organized by Soup Sisters non-profit: today from 10 a.m. Sign up for an hour-long time slot, each holds a maximum 25 participants who must be aged 12 years and up. soupsisters.org
The tragic Verdi opera Rigoletto, about a court jester who, unintentionally, kills his own daughter in a tale of intrigue, deception and curses worthy of the Italian who wrote it, is being performed in a costumed performance with a chamber ensemble by Pellegrini Opera, with baritone Jeffrey Carl, Suan Elizabeth Brown as Gilda, and Andrzej Stec as the Duke. Many consider this one of Verdi’s great compositions, including the famous aria, La donne è mobile (Woman is fickle), 7:30 p.m., Dominion-Chalmers United Church. Tickets: $20-$50, free for children 12 years and under. www.pellegriniopera.net
Sunday, April 17
The history of SIkhs in Canada is being celebrated this weekend.
For the first year, Sikh Month celebrations are being held in Ottawa, with an exhibit by acclaimed artist Kanwar Singh, live martial arts demonstrations, marketplace and a chance to sample Punjabi cuisine, all free of charge, Ottawa Gurdwara, 25 Gurdwara Rd. Learn more about the longstanding group in Canada at the Sikh Heritage Museum of Canada. or www.sikhmuseum.com. (Sikh Heritage Month has been celebrated in Ontario since 2014.)
Ed Lawrence is the former head gardener at Rideau Hall and five other official residences.
Think about your garden and helping others while getting useful tips from gardening Guru Ed Lawrence, 2 to 4 p.m., Horticulture Building at lansdowne Park, a fundraising event for The Bloomin’ Grannies, who are donating to the Stephen Lewis Foundation effort to support African grandmothers caring for children orphaned by HIV/AIDS. Tickets: $25 in advance, $30 at the door. http://bit.ly/229Th3F
Local jazz saxophonist and composer Rob Frayne put out a call for fellow riffers and scatters to form a jazz mega-band, part improivisational fun and part workshop, and the group is performing live today in their first concert, after four rehearsals, 7:30 p.m., Westboro Legion. We expect it’s going to be a party. www.jazzworkscanada.com
Highland dancers put on a show for Tartan day on Parliament Hill in 2013.
Dust off the kilt for the Sons of Scotland Pipe Band National Tartan Day brings the pipes, drums and dance to Parliament Hill for its 11th annual celebration of all things Celtic (and British, as though the official tartan Day is April 6, they postponed it to give all the chance to with Her Majesty a happy 90th birthday — though it actually falls on April 21). Events on the Hill run from noon to 1:30 p.m., continuing at D’Arcy McGee’s Pub afterwards. www.sospb.com
Learn to make your own sauerkraut and more at a Fermentation Workshop.
Fermentation continues to be the hip thing to do in the kitchen, so learn how to make your own kombucha, sauerkraut, sourdough and about all their healthful properties from the Radical Homestead workshop, 1 to 4 p.m., in Overbrook. Cost: $60, and includes all materials, and the starters participants will take home. radicalhomestead.ca
Speaking of other hip things, a special Hatha-Raja yoga class makes us of a sound like that of the honey bee to lengthen the breath to find calm, taught by Yogrishi Vishketu, co-founder of Akhanda Yoga, 2 to 4 p.m., Glebe Community Centre. Cost: $45. www.bodyandblance.ca
Make unguents and cosmetics suitable for your own skin complaint and scent preference at an all-natural workshop with aromatherapist Heather Garrod, 10 a.m. to noon, Planet Botanix, 301 Bank St. Cost: $59, includes material sufficient to make three items to take home.
Let no one think Ottawa is not adventurous: The Global Psychedelic Dinner is a fundraiser for the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS), with a half hour presentation on the use of psychedelics before the mean begins, 5 to 8 p.m., 19 Main St. The funds will be used to help MAPS purchase of one kilogram of pharmaceutical-grade MDMA for a Phase 3 trials of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). psychedelicdinners.org
The growing appeal of the Islamic State among disaffected youth the world over, despite or maybe because of increasing violence and radicalization, is the topic of award-winning author Mark Bourrie’s new book, The Killing Game, which he will discuss, 7 p.m., Christ Church Cathedral, 439 Queen St. Tickets: $15 in advance, $20 at the door. (Free for Carleton U. students.) www.writersfestival.org
Annouck is available for adoption.
The Ottawa Stray Cat Rescue is holding an adoption event at the PetValu in the Glebe, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., 603 Bank St. It might not be a good spot to visit for those who are allergic, but perfect for those who like soft things that purr. Those with cats who just want to pet some new ones can help out by picking up some toys for the meower at home. www.helpcats.ca
The House of Targ music and pinball/video game (and perogi) emporium is celebrating its second anniversary with a free-play night, also with some DJ music from KJ Maxx and more spinning celebratory tunes across the genres, 9 p.m. Cost: $5. www.houseoftarg.com
Monday, April 18
Author and human rights activist Monia Mazigh will talk about her book, Resilience and Triumph, in which 54 racialized immigrant women share their stories, from the 1960s to present day, living in and getting to Canada, noon, Christ Church Cathedral, 439 Queen St. Cost: $10-$15. www.writersfestival.org
The United Kingdom’s extreme grindcore metal band Napalm Death is still going strong four decades later (though it has none of the original 80s members left in the group) and is back on tour, after the amazing success of last year’s release of their 15th studio album, Apex Predator— Easy Meat. Still political in a way that makes this band seem very punk, their shows are still selling out, 7 p.m., Mavericks, 221 Rideau St. Tickets: $20 in advance. www.mavericksbar.com
Tuesday, April 19
Award-winning Canadian comedian Carla Collins (who now calls L.A. home), is performing over two nights at Yuk Yuk’s. You may remember her from her reality series, Carlawood (get it?) and her irreverent humour that has led some to call her the “Tina Fey of Canada,” 8:30 p.m. Tickets: $20. yukyuks.com
At the same time, CBC’s Eleanor Wachtel will talk about her years interviewing authors on Writerss & Company — and her new book in celebration of the show’s 25th anniversary, 8:30 p.m., Christ Church Cathedral, 439 Queen St. Cost: $15-$20. www.writersfestival.org
Get behind the story with author Mark Bulgutch who got some trusted reporters to reveal all in his book, That’s Why I’m a Journalist. Bulgutch will discuss these, and the state of media in Canada, with Carleton School of Journalism professor Chris Waddell, 7 p.m., Octopus Books, 251 Bank St. Cost: Free. octopusbooks.ca.
To pick up, or not to pick up?
Sleepless child? Desperate parents will do desperate things and the Holistic Infant and Child Sleep Consultants are offering some less desperate help, from dealing with no sleeping, frequent waking, transitions and bedtime battles, 7 to 9 p.m., Glebe Community Centre, 175 Third Ave. Cost: $75/couple. www.gnag.ca/enterprise/program/504
Those more concerned with their basil crop may want to attend this chat about growing herbs with master hardener Nancy McDonald, hosted by Friends of the Farm, 7 to 9 p.m., Bldg. 72 CEF Arboretum, east exit off Prince of Wales roundabout. Cost: $12-$15. www.friendsofthefarm.ca
Wednesday, April 20
Savvy Company is bringing the wine back.
Prince Edward County is invading the capital again, and we don’t mind as we get to sample wine, and beers and ciders at this annual event, where tipples not available at the LCBO can be had, 7 to 9 p.m., this year at the City Hall. Tickets: $55.
H. Belden & Co., Illustrated Historical Atlas of the County of Carleton, Ont. (Toronto 1879)
Enjoyed our peep into the last days of LeBreton Flats? You’ll enjoy this talk about Ottawa’s Brickyards that peppered the city in its early days due to an abundance of suitable clay, with Carlton University professor Bruce Elliott as part of the Heritage Ottawa lecture series, 7 p.m., Main branch, Ottawa Public Library, 120 Metcalfe St. www.heritageottawa.org
A Climate Action Panel is promising a provocative conversation about energy, post-carbon cities, hosted by HUB Ottawa just days ahead of the formal signing of the UN climate summit agreement, 6 to 8 p.m., 71 Bank St. Tickets; $10-$17. http://bit.ly/1Selpn2
The Ottawa version of the 420 rallies, gathering against legislation restricting research, production and consumption of cannabis, runs from 2 to 5 p.m., Parliament Hill. Speakers include growers, patients and advocates in this non-=partisan, peaceful gathering. www.yourlocalarc.com
This is the event I’m most excited by this week: Now this is useful “speed dating,” but instead of people desperately looking for love, one gets to spend 20-minutes with an interior designer to tackle a project in your space, with the benefit being refugees in the city, 4 to 9 p.m., 3 Eddy St. Don’t forget to bring samples, pictures and floor plans. There’s also a design showcase and silent auction, with appetizers. Tickets: $20-$50 in advance only, to benefit Refugee Sponsorship Support Program. http://bit.ly/1NnmgKy
There are two fun food events on tonight, from 10-course meal to making the every day altruistic:
First, Taste for Life food event is on, now a national event helping those affected by HIV/AIDS after its humble beginnings 18 years ago in Ottawa. The event happens in restaurants — from Clocktower Brew Pub to Allium to Il Primo and everything in between — which then donate 25% of the evening’s sales to Bruce House and the Snowy Owl Aids Foundation. Full list of participating restaurants here: www.atasteforlife.org/ottawa.html
Who will be chopped?
There’s a version of Chopped (sort of) happening in Ottawa. In Tasters Choice events, two chefs are given a theme, a list of ingredients weeks in advance that they must use and then one surprise ingredient on the night — always featuring local ingredients, to make a 10-course meal. Also, the diners get to decide the winner (finally). Tonight’s event is Bollywood Hollywood, a gluten-free Indian-inspired meal (with veggie options) cooked by chefs from Greensmere Golf and Country Club and Divino Wine Studio, 6:30 p.m. promptly, Palki Cuisine of India, 1060 Ogilvie Rd. Tickets: $75-$85. www.tasterschoice.org/tickets/.
Thursday, April 21
Mental health in the workplace is a hot topic.
Just after the top civil servant has made mental wellness the focus for the public service, a conference on mental health in the workplace is on today, with people from disability advocates to human resources professionals and lawyers speaking and taking part in panels, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., CUPE, 1505 Carling Ave. Cost: $40-$200. See the agenda here.
Learn more about the Grand Duke NIkolai Roanov at the War Museum WWI Lecture series.
The personal and political life of Grand Duke Nikolai Romanov, who refused to become a Russian dictator and worked for reforms before the revolution, is the topic of a talk by professor Paul Robinson of uOttawa, a series marking the centenary of World War One, 7:30 p.m., War Museum. Cost: $7-$10. warmuseum.ca
All experience choristers are welcome to join an open rehearsal of the Ottawa Police Chorus, which is seeking anyone — no need to be a member of the police force, and all voices, 5:30 to 7 p.m., Ottawa Citadel, 1350 Walkley Rd. http://www.ottawapolice.ca/en/about-us/chorus.asp
Janet Wilson meets the Queen is not a play about our Style magazine editor, though it has amused many a colleague to assume so, but a late-1960s housewife who navigates the politics of the Imperial Order Daughters of the Empire in this dark comedy about what was then a transforming world, 8 p.m. GCTC. Sadly, tickets are already sold out for this opening night, but there are more for the show that has already been extended, to May 8. Tickets: $15-$55. gctc.ca
All are welcome at a clothing swap event for the non-waifs in the community, featuring men and women’s clothing sizes 14 and up, made more fun by the addition of music, board games and snacks from Back Alley Baker (cash only), 6:30 p.m., 19 Main St. Donations are also still being accepted. All unswapped items will be donated to the AIDS Committee of Ottawa. www.queering613.ca
Raised bed gardening with Catherine Disley, open to all — including novice gardeners, April 21, 7:30 p.m., hosted by the Nepean Horticultural Society, City View United Church, 6 Epworth Ave.Cost: $4 for non-members. Info: 613-721-2048
The stories at How to make love in a canoe are, if it were not already evidence, very Canadian, as teller Jeff Wright uses the outdoors as a metaphor for relationships between couples in a new offering of tales, 7:30 p.m., NAC Fourth Stage. Tickets: $18-$22. http://nac-cna.ca/en/event/12416 / ottawastorytellers.ca
Friday, April 22
(Earth Day is today, but the local events we could find are being held tomorrow.)
Let’s get to some music. First, violinist Yi-Jia Susanne Hou is playing Corigliano’s music from the awe-inspiring film The Red Violin with the Thirteen Strings Orchestra, 8 p.m., Dominion-Chalmers UNited Church, 355 Cooper St. Tickets: $10-$40. thirteenstrings.ca
Tonight, harpist Wendy Moore is joined by numerous musician friends with folk=cred to play the Ottawa Grassroots Festival, which continues all weekend with free daytime activities, including music workshiops and baking cookies with the likes of Jill Zmud, Southminster United Church, 15 Aylmer Ave. Tomorrow, see Garnet Rogers and Dave Gunning. Tickets: $25 for tonight. ottawagrassrootsfestival.com
There were only in-store tickets left at the time of print for the David Bowie tribute night organized by Arboretum Festival and I Can’t Believe It’s Not, featuring some of the city’s best indie musicians on two different nights (that’s tonight and tomorrow), 7:30 p.m., St. Albans Church, 454 King Edward Ave. Visit VertigoRecords, The Record Centre, and Compact Music to try to snag one. Tickets: $15, though 100 will be sold at the door for $20. facebook.com
Because he has such a lovely face and plays the musical saw, we mention Le Vagabond céléste, Simon Gauthier who performs music while telling stories in a semi-theatrical show, telling the tales of PIerrot, who trades in his boots to explore life, 7;30 p.m, NAC Fourth Stage. Tickets: $20. nac-cna.ca
Drag Kings are going to be jostling in friendly competition for the coveted title of Mr. Chick Magnet, in a three-round event: first, the hyper-masculine performers will entertain, then model evening wear, and then draw a random challenge they must do in the “egg challenge” round, 8 p.m., Zaphod Beeblebrox. Last year’s winner, Chick Magnet Cyril Cinder will be on hand to pass the title. Tickets: $5. zaphods.ca
Saturday, April 23
Hello, Earth.
Bells Corners is celebrating Earth Day with fun for the whole family, including hands-on activities, green presentations, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., 3955 Old Richmond Rd. Then River Ward is celebrating from 2 to 4 p.m with visits from the Wildlife Centre, Tree Ottawa, Ecology Ottawa, with guided tours of McCarthy Woods and fun activities for all ages, Riverside Park Community Centre, 3320 Paul Anka Dr. Most interestingly, both loications are accepting electronic waste for recycling, so ditch the out-dated/broken gadgets. Admission: Free for both.
Kathy Smart
Nutritionist and cookbook author Kathy Smart is bringing over 100 exhibitors on how to Eat, Live and Move Smart — perfect as the warm weather finally arrives, including answers to losing weight, sitting disease, and more, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. all weekend, Shaw Centre. Tickets are free only at livethesmartwayexpo.com
Spring is come so the theme is honey and maple syrup during the last days of the Farmers Market Winter edition at Lansdowne, the theme is honey and maple syrup, with special items from vendors and some delights to be tasted by Chef West de Castro of Clover Food and Drink, 10a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Lansdowne Park. (The summer market opens May 1). ottawafarmersmarket.ca
For a seasonal event of a different sort, Beltaine — the pagan celebration of spring — is being celebrated with over 35 different earth-based spiritual sort, including aboriginal healers, artisans and psychics, 11 a.m., Bronson Centre, 211 Bronson Ave. Donations are also beincg accepted for Marshall’s dog Rescue, Katz Feral Kitty rescue and Service Animals in Need. facebook.com
One of the retro hats on offer.
The Navan Fine Arts Exhibition combines fine arts with the written word this time, with mystery writer Vicki Delany and other reading from their latest novels, while 16 locaa artists exhibit everything from wooden bowls to paintings, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. all weekend, Navan Curling Club 1305 Fairgreen Ave.www.navanarts.com
There be hats suitable for garden parties or cocktail do’s at the popular Vintage Clothing Sales hosted by the Carleton Place and Beckwith Heritage Museum — we sometimes hope they’ll plunder their own stores for the sale, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., 267 Edmund St., Carleton Place. No entrance fee, cash only accepted, and the event is on all weekend.
One doesn’t have to be Welsh to attend the Ontario Welsh Festival (or Gwyl Gymreig) but we’re sure a lilting accent helps ease the chat at the banquet today (1 p.m.), introduction to the harp (3;30 p.m.) or concert later tonight by Welsh choir Cordydd and The Three Welsh Tenors (7:30 p.m.). Registration and info at ontariowelshfestival.ca.
Hedley is in town with Carly Rae Jepsen.
Minds be blown! Multi-platinum pop-rock band Hedley (who just won group of the year at the Junos) are in town with the pop-sweetheart herself, Carly Rae Jepsen and R&B songwriter Francesco Yates, 7 p.m., Canadian Tire Centre. Tickets: $35-$75. www.canadiantirecentre.ca
The Dumbass is an Arab-American comedy show.
Ghashee w Mashee (the Dumbass) is the touring comedic production about Arab-Americans for Arab–Americans, by the Michigan-based Ajyal Theatrical Group, touching on issues facing all new immigrants — from ignorant husbands to conflict between generations (don’t we all have these?), 8 p.m., Centreponte Theatres. IN Arabiuc and English. Tickets: $50-$85. centrepointetheatres.ca
Woyzeck’s Head is an apt play to be producing now, a 19th century work by George Büchner that looks at plight of those (often the working class) who must accept any number of forms of abuse to survive — in this case intentionally for pay, from eating only peas to physical and emotional violence at the hands of experimenting doctors, to see when the breaking point of the human animal comes, 8 p.m., with matinée at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Arts Court. Show continues until April 30. Tickets: PWYC on Sunday only, or $20-$25 for the rest of the run. www.artscourt.ca
For those who want to party in a more intimate setting: The Crooked Brothers bring boot-stomping country that belongs on the back porch to The Black Sheep Inn (8:30 p.m., $10 in advance) and good-time indie rockers GOOD 2 GO are joined by Road Haus for some high-octane party music, 10 p.m., House of targ. Tickets: $8. www.houseoftarg.com
Send your event information to kendemann@postmedia.com, by 8 a.m. Monday, two weeks before it starts. Photos and audio/video files are welcome.
@keendemann
kendemann@postmedia.com