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Weekend Roundup: Best Bets for February 3 to 5

Quinsin Nachoff is just one of the performers taking the stage at the Ottawa Winter Jazzfest.

Friday, Feb. 3
Jazz up your weekend by taking in the international and local talent at the first annual Ottawa Winter Jazzfest. Whether you’re a seasoned jazz enthusiast or looking to diversify your musical tastes, this festival promises to thaw that winter chill. Hop all over downtown Ottawa, from the National Arts Centre to Club SAW to the Mercury Lounge to catch the smooth sounds of artists such as Megan Jerome, Quinsin Nachoff, Remi Bolduc, and the Ethnic Heritage Ensemble of Chicago.

Experience Ottawa’s diverse architecture and examine the relationship between architecture, the arts, and politics through music with Polytectures. This sound walk was created by Montreal’s Antoine Bédard and 10 local musicians. Through a variety of musical styles, Polytectures allows visitors and locals alike to experience Ottawa’s architecture in new ways by pairing songs with local landmarks. Although the entire walk is an hour long, it has been divided into sections with warm-up breaks for Winterlude.

If you’re a film buff with a soft spot for independent cinema, then you’re going to want to Get Iced this weekend. The Independent Filmmakers Co-operative of Ottawa is presenting 10 new Super 8 short films made by local filmmakers in cooperation with Winterlude. Afterwards, unwind with drinks at the Soviet-style reception hosted by Avant-Garde Bar and Gift Shop. The party continues at the bar after 9:30pm with live music and no cover charge.

This Friday, Yamantaka //Sonic Titan and Boyhood bring the party to Babylon. Yamantaka //Sonic Titan are a psychedelic opera group that fuses noise, metal, folk, and pop music to create an east-meets-west culture clash extravaganza. Boyhood is new on the Ottawa scene, bringing catchy songs with haunting melodies. (more…)

Restored 1919 Film Gives Rare Historic Glimpse of Arctic Life in Canada

Still from 1919 film Romance of the Far Fur Country (Photo courtesy of the Hudson's Bay Company Archives)

Some of the earliest footage of northern Canada—a silent black-and-white film documenting a 1919 Hudson Bay Company expedition—has been restored to a full-length documentary. The film had been gathering dust in a London archive for 50 years but was recently restored and is being shown in select Canadian towns and cities. (See clips of the original footage.) (more…)

Weekend Roundup: Best Bets for December 9 to 11

Self-portrait entitled "Julie" by Julie LaPalme, whose work will be on view at Lemonjellow.

Friday, Dec. 9
If you’re looking for a fun holiday jam with a bit of an artsy twist, Lemonjellow’s weekend pARTy “Deck the Halls” is just the thing for you. Lemonjellow Productions is an art collective that aims to display art in all different sorts of ways. This weekend, the works of nine local artists will be on display and for sale at back-to-back holiday parties. The party starts at 8pm this Friday and lasts well into the night with the help of a DJ and some Christmas tunes. Bring a present to be re-gifted in support of Pink Triangle Youth, and leave with some great art priced $50-$300. A party runs Saturday at the same time, and a tamer cookies-and-coffee party is happening on Sunday.

If you’re looking to take a break from the holiday madness, take a road trip to Gananoque (about two hours away), where you can catch Robin Hood! A Children’s Holiday Pantomime. This beloved adventure story is being performed as a “panto” – a performance with a musical-comedy twist that has men playing women… and vice-versa! Some laughs, a fun road trip, a good time with family and friends, and a unique performance style – this outing has it all. Play runs until Dec. 23.

Saturday, Dec. 10
If you’re looking to broaden your cultural horizons beyond Santa Claus, come out to Carleton University’s campus on Saturday night. No, we’re not suggesting joining the students who are studying for exams; instead, check out Kala Tarang: An Evening of Indian Dance and Music, which is a concert highlighting the work of the students of Gharana Arts. Other performers include Kasturi Mishra, who will be performing traditional Kathak Nritya, and Udit Bhide and Ravi Singh, performing Sitar and Tabla Vadhya. Whether you are familiar with this style of dance or not, you will walk away with an increased knowledge of the rich cultural traditions of Indian performing arts.

As if the holidays don’t have enough temptation, the Ottawa Locavore Artisan Food Fair (LAFF) is back for a second year. This Saturday, 25 local food artisans will be coming together to sell their delicious products, including cookies, pies, cheeses, jams, chocolates, and more. Sample some products and choose your favourites to purchase as gifts or to take home for yourself. A silent auction of select products will raise money for the School Breakfast Program that feeds 11,000 children in Ottawa daily. So head out to delight your taste buds and support a good cause, as well. (more…)

You Are Here: Old Strathcona

Image courtesy of Noel Zinger

With over 600 eclectic, independent and alternative shops and services to explore, it’s little wonder Old Strathcona is regarded as the place to experience Edmonton’s finest live theatre and music, boutique shopping, dining and nightlife. Read on for some of our top spots in this historical district and then visit www.oldstrathcona.ca for even more.

CHIANTI CAFE Housed in the historic Old Strathcona post office building and featuring super affordable made from scratch Italian fare — including over two dozen pasta dishes — it’s little wonder this charming eatery has been voted one of Canada’s top 100 restaurants and is popular with everyone from university students to young professionals to families. 10501 Whyte (82) Ave., 780-439-9829.

WHEN PIGS FLY This quaint gift shop brims with intriguing and unusual trinkets, jewelry, stained glass, home accessories and more. Chances are, you won’t walk out empty handed, as it caters to any aesthetic taste, covering rustic wares, vintage inspired décor, sleek, modern finds and even children’s toys and accessories. 10470 Whyte (82) Ave., 780-433-9127.

Image courtesy of Laura Byrnes Photography

ROWENA Lovers of pin-up couture will revel in this fashion boutique where you’ll not only find the sweetest selection of 1940’s and 50’s inspired pin-up dresses, but also rockabilly, gothic and other alternative cultures clothing and accessories. The shop offers a wide array of lines for both guys and dolls including Lucky 13, Dirty Devil, Deadly Dames, Trashy Diva and Lip Service. 10762 Whyte (82) Ave., 780-439-5445.

BLUES ON WHYTE Featuring top local, national and international blues talent, Blues on Whyte in the legendary Commercial Hotel is the place to enjoy live blues music from soulful Mississippi Delta to finger-snapping Chicago style. The easy-going atmosphere and standout musicians are second to none, and with live music seven days a week, the place is almost always bustling. 10329 Whyte (82) Ave., 780-439-3981.

BLOCK 1912 An eclectic European style café with vintage ambiance, Block 1912 is a trusty Whyte Avenue staple offering specialty coffees, wine and beer, an assortment of in-house made desserts, sandwiches and gelato. This is a casual, inviting spot, perfect to stop in at and unwind after an afternoon of shopping. 10361 Whyte (83) Ave., 780-433-6575.

Image courtesy of Wee Book Inn

WEE BOOK INN This locally owned and operated second hand bookshop includes two floor levels of fiction and non-fiction finds including a sizable selection of antique and collectible literature. Look for their resident cat who you’ll find purring away contentedly in one of the shop’s cosy corners. 10310 Whyte (82) Ave., 780 432-7230.

PRINCESS THEATRE For a dose of history and entertainment, watch a film at the Princess Theatre, Edmonton’s oldest surviving cinema, which screened its first film in 1915. The ornate building still features the original auditorium and balcony, and has remained much the same as when it was built nearly 100 years ago. Today, the theatre screens an interesting mix of independent, foreign and alternative films. 10337 Whyte (82) Ave., 780-433-0728

Weekend Roundup: Best Bets for November 18 to 20

Friday, Nov. 18
Winter may be on its way, but the good news is that so is the Signatures Show. This event showcases gifts by Canada’s best artisans and designers, who display a plethora of goods, including art, home décor, beauty products, fashion, gourmet treats, and jewellery. Be sure to check out the daily fashion shows, custom perfume by Aromachology, and Grandma Deb’s Fruitcake, which was one of the wedding gifts sent to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. The show started on Tuesday and runs until Sunday.

The longest running “mobile guitar festival” in North America is coming to Ottawa this Friday. At International Guitar Night at the Shenkman Arts Centre, you will be treated to performances by guitarists from California, Scotland, Brazil, and Madagascar. This showcase of international talent is not one to miss!

Would you like a medium latte with a small painting on the side? At the fall fundraiser for the Ottawa School of Art, Small Medium Large, you can place that order! The evening is café themed, selling coffee and baked goods, as well works of art all priced as small, medium, or large. The event, which raises money for outreach programs, bursaries, and new studio equipment, also features live entertainment from DJ Spade and M. Parker Jazz Quartet.

Greg Cockerill performs Saturday night at D'Arcy McGee's.

Saturday, Nov. 19
If you’re in the mood for some vintage rock-and-roll with a Canadian vibe, head to D’Arcy McGee’s in Orleans on Saturday evening to catch the CBC-acclaimed Greg Cockerill Band. Cockerill and his younger brother Joshua collaborated on the new album, Festuca, which they are currently promoting on tour across Canada. The band is making this one stop in Ottawa—and you don’t want to miss them. (more…)

Weekend Roundup: Best Bets for November 4 to 6

Brooklyn Rundfunk Orkestrata. Photo credit: Dean Carr.

Friday, Nov. 4
The Hills are Alive with the sound of… rock, jazz, hip-hop, R&B, and country! If you’re a fan of the classic Julie Andrews movie, you’ll love the sounds of the Brooklyn Rundfunk Orkestrata, playing at the Rainbow. The newly-formed group will be adapting 14 classic Rodgers and Hammerstein songs from The Sound of Music by blending genres and popular songs. This performance may just become one of your “favourite things.”

Looking to get a head start on your Christmas shopping? Make your way to the Ten Thousand Villages Festival. This annual sale supports projects in developing countries and sells hand-crafted goods from around the world, including musical instruments, pottery, carvings, brassware, ornaments, toys, and jewellery. If you get hungry, enjoy lunch, dinner, or afternoon tea at the café that sells homemade goods. Sale runs Fridays and Saturdays until Nov. 26.

Into film festivals? Indie movies? Or maybe just free entertainment? If so, you’re in for a treat as IFCO’s Indie Filmmaker Series presents the Experimental Documentary Short Films of Mike Rollo. The Montreal-based filmmaker’s work has been shown at festivals and galleries around the world, and his recent film, Ghosts and Gravel Roads, was named one of Canada’s Top Ten Shorts of 2008 by the Toronto International Film Festival Group. You will have the unique opportunity to see six of his latest short films that experiment with “new approaches to documentary and sound space.”

Saturday, Nov. 5
No matter your age, everyone enjoys a good story. Celebrate this age-old art at the Ottawa Children’s Storytelling Festival, which will feature an afternoon of free activities, live performances and, of course, storytelling. The tales told at this fest include a wide range of subjects (from the real to the fantastical) and cater to all ages, encouraging and cultivating young minds and teaching them the art and enjoyment of spinning a good yarn. (more…)

Weekend Roundup: Best Bets for October 28 to 31

Tour spooky locals with Haunted Walks. Photo credit: OTCA.

Friday, Oct. 28
What better way to celebrate Halloween than by scaring yourself silly with true tales of ghostly happenings? Sign up for a tour with Haunted Walks that will take you through some of the city’s creepiest locales. The Ottawa Jail Hostel? Check. The site of the last working gallows? Check. Haunted buildings? Check. Our pick is the adults-only tour of the Canadian Museum of Nature on Friday night. Once the doors close to the public you can enjoy wine and cheese and see for yourself where ghostly encounters have taken place. If you dare… Halloween edition tours are offered nightly until Oct. 31, see website for full schedule.

Local chamber ensemble Seventeen Voyces hosts one heck of a performance. They’ll be screening the 1925 silent film classic The Phantom of the Opera on a giant screen and accompanying the film with live choral and pipe organ music. Don’t expect traditional songs from the musical though — instead, the choir will perform works by Gounod (Faust), Schubert, Beethoven, Berlioz, Kodaly, Puccini (Madama Butterfly), Ravel, and Langlais. The concert runs Oct. 27 and 28.

It’s a world premiere! Whispering Pines, on at the GCTC, takes place in the divided city of Berlin in 1987, where artists Renate and Bruno want to make a new world. When Thomas, a Canadian academic, arrives on their doorstep bearing gifts from the West and dreams of life beyond the Wall, their lives are turned upside down. Years later, in a peaceful cabin on the shores of Lake Superior, the three come together one last time to confront the betrayal that tore them apart. Politics, intrigue, and the cold war — sounds like the makings for a great play. And, bonus!, on the opening night (Friday, Oct. 28), the German Embassy has partnered with GCTC for Whispering Pints (geddit?). Stop by after the show (10pm to 1am) for German beer, food, and music. The play runs Oct. 28 to Nov. 13.

Saturday, Oct. 29
The final movie has come and gone, but it’s still possible to get your Harry Potter fix. While they won’t be flying around on Nimbus 2000s, Carleton University plays host to more than 100 muggles for the first-ever Canadian Quidditch Cup this weekend. The non-flight version of Quidditch, which does still involve broomsticks, is a modified version of the sport that mixes rugby, dodge ball, and tag and is described as “super intense” by those who play. Eight teams will battle it out to decide who gets to go to the Quidditch World Cup tournament in New York City in November. Come cheer for Carleton, ranked second behind McGill, on Saturday. (more…)

Hot Entertainment: Filmed in Vancouver

If you imagine a movie about a 27-year-old with spinal cancer, you probably expect a 10-hankie weepfest, not an R-rated dramedy. But 50/50, which was filmed here in Vancouver, draws its emotions, both positive and negative, from screenwriter Will Reiser’s battle with cancer, allowing the occasional laugh to slip through. Joseph Gordon-Levitt and local lad Seth Rogen (both pictured) play best friends whose lives change forever—but not entirely for the worse—after a cancer diagnosis. 50/50 is in theatres now.—Sheri Radford

Hot Dates: Atlantic Film Festival

September 15 to 24: The Atlantic Film Festival attracts top actors, directors and producers, but still has a casual East Coast vibe. It showcases some of the best international, Canadian and Atlantic Canadian films, while featuring some of the best musical talent the region has to offer.

Weekend Roundup: Best Bets for the Long Weekend

The Rideau Canal Festival offers up a variety of fun family activities.

Friday, July 29
Everyone in Ottawa knows the Rideau Canal is the grand dame of the city, a scenic waterway that winds its way through downtown. Both locals and visitors alike can celebrate this historic landmark at the Rideau Canal Festival, now in its fourth year. The five day party offers non-stop activities, including a cycling fashion show, sculptural installations, canal cruises, and Colonel By Day celebrations with musical acts and children’s games. The festival kicks off July 28 and runs all weekend.

Saturday, July 30
Jugglers, comedians, storytellers, fire-eaters, magicians, musicians, clowns, and many other strange and wonderful performers convene on the Sparks Street Mall for five days of outdoor entertainment at Buskerfest, running July 28 to Aug. 1. Don’t forget to bring plenty of change to drop into the hats of those who most tickle your fancy.

Missed seeing the Beatles the first time around? Then take in The British Invasion, a tribute show that will take you on a nostalgic trip through time. John, Paul, George, and Ringo impersonators will journey through the hits of the Fab Four from their early days in Liverpool to their last moments as a band, all in a spectacular multi-media production. Plays July 28 to 30.

The Patrick John Mills Contemporary Fine Art Gallery hosts its legendary Big Art Party in the gallery’s exhibition space and sculpture garden. Every art form will be performed in this massive community event, which includes music, dance, poetry slam, and a large collective collage work.

(more…)

10 Things to Do for $10 or Less

Who says you have to break the bank to have fun? Not us, that’s for sure! Here are just a few activities you can do in Ottawa on the cheap.
By Misa Kobayashi

The ByWard Market. Photo credit: OTCA.

1) Outdoor markets: $0-$10
This city has an awesome selection of farmers’ markets from which to score baked goods, fresh produce, flowers, jewellery — you name it. Located in the heart of downtown, the historic ByWard Market is a must for its bustling shops and vendors. Another top pick is the Ottawa Farmers’ Market on Sundays in the Glebe neighbourhood. We love the many restaurants that set up shop in the outdoor food court. See www.byward-market.com or www.ottawafarmersmarket.ca.

2) Downtown art galleries: Free
Check out a contemporary art exhibit at the City Hall Gallery, Karsh-Masson Gallery, or Ottawa Art Gallery, all of which are located within walking distance of each other in the downtown core. Even better? All offer either free admission or pay-what-you-can. See the gallery listings for more info.

3) Splash pads: Free
Beat the heat on a hot day with your kiddies at one of the city’s splash pads. Our favourite is Brewer Park (100 Brewer Way), for its excellent picnic spots, sprinklers, mini water slide, and three different play structures. A list of splash pads can be found at www.ottawa.ca.

Buskerfest on Sparks Street.

4) International Busker Festival: Pay-what-you-can
This annual fest lights up Sparks Street Mall from July 28 to Aug. 1, when performers from around the world strut their stuff. Enjoy daily shows that captivate and delight with performances that are all about unusual — and often daring — talents. See www.sparksstreetmall.com.

5) Lunch at Di Rienzo: $5-$10
This authentic grocery and deli, located in Little Italy, is part corner store, part sandwich shop. Locals arrive in droves at lunchtime, so there’s often a line-up out the door. Choose your bread, your toppings, and your meat, and grab a seat at the park across the street, or take a stroll through the charming neighbourhood. 111 Beech St., 613-729-4037. (more…)

Hot Dining: Seeing Stars

The patio at Blue Water Cafe. Photo by Steve Li

As North America’s third-largest film production centre, Vancouver welcomes its share of celebrities. Keep your eyes peeled for the glitterati at VIP hot spots such as Blue Water Cafe (pictured), which has hosted Tom Cruise, Owen Wilson, Liam Neeson and Ben Stiller. Twilight stars Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart have supped at Italian Kitchen and Miku; Renée Zellweger and Bradley Cooper were spotted at Market by Jean-Georges; Lady Gaga lunched at Raincity Grill; and Jennifer Aniston was served at Cioppino’s and Goldfish Pacific Kitchen.—Kristina Urquhart

Hot Date: Enviro Film Fest

"Queen of the Sun" plays April 5.

April 5 to 8. Check out thought-provoking cinema at the Best of Planet in Focus Environmental Film Festival. Hosted by the Canadian Museum of Nature, this event showcases some of the best environmental documentaries around, including the highly acclaimed Queen of the Sun about the honey bee crisis and colony collapse disorder, and Water on the Table with “Water Warrior” Maude Barlow. Additional topics range from energy autonomy to the protection of ecosystems. The fest also features lively daily discussions with guest speakers who include everyone from a filmmaker to a mountain climber.

Hot Entertainment: Diwali Time

Vancouver Celebrates Diwali Festival

Join in the celebrations for Diwali, an annual festival that marks the victory of good over evil through the lighting of lamps, lanterns, fireworks and candles. This almost weeklong event is honoured in Sikhism, Hinduism and Jainism as an official holiday. Check out the Vancouver Celebrates Diwali Festival (Nov. 2 to 7) for activities such as dance, music, mehndi (henna body art), food and film.—Jennifer Patterson

Hot Entertainment: Movie Magic

Certified Copy photo copyright Laurent Thurin NAL/MK2

Juliette Binoche won the best actress prize at the Cannes Film Festival for her portrayal of an art gallery owner in Certified Copy (pictured). Local audiences finally get to see Binoche’s nuanced performance—in English, French and Italian, no less—at the Vancouver International Film Festival (Sep. 30 to Oct. 15), when the bittersweet comedy screens alongside hundreds of other films from around the globe.—Sheri Radford

Hot Entertainment: Legendary Library

Photo by Joseph S. King, courtesy Tourism BC

Reminiscent of the Roman Coliseum, Vancouver Library Square may not have as much history but it still celebrates an important milestone as it turns 15 this year. This branch of the Vancouver Public Library owns more than 1.3 million items—about 6,000 of which get checked out every day. This landmark is also a film and TV star and can be seen in The Sixth Day, The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus and Battlestar Galactica, among others. Atop the library is a not-so-secret rooftop garden. Most Vancouverites know about it, but it was never included in the original budget and is not accessible to the public.—Leszek Apouchtine

Hot Shopping: Off with Their Crystals

Swarovski's Cheshire Cat pendant

You don’t have to fall down a rabbit hole to find yourself in the fantastical world of Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland. On March 5, director Tim Burton brings the book to life with his own gothic twist; his new movie sees Alice reuniting with the Mad Hatter, the Cheshire Cat and the Red Queen 10 years after her original tumble. Inspired by the film, crystal purveyor Swarovski has introduced a collection of whimsical baubles representing the characters and themes of the classic children’s novel, including a Cheshire Cat pendant with black diamond, indicolite and light rose pointiage crystals ($165). If you’re looking for more tributes to Alice and her friends, Indigo carries tea cups and pots as well as an illustrated version of the book, while OPI has four bold lacquer hues with cheeky names like Off With Her Red!, available at Caryl Baker Visage.