Our panelists include:

• Ryan Anderson, owner of Northern Army and founder of the Social Media Breakfast
• Sara Roncarelli, owner of Fifty Creative
• Ian Rapsey, designer at the Greater Good

We’ll be discussing these questions at Hub Ottawa at 71 Bank Street on May 16… which is today! Doors will open at 7pm, with the conversation starting around 7:30. We’ll have a cash bar, so feel free to stick around for a drink.

We’re so happy to be working with the folks at the Ottawa Creative Collective to plan this event. They are committed to making Ottawa a better place through great design and we think they are onto something interesting. We’ve been able to keep this event free thanks to support from the Awesome Ottawa Foundation, who are always looking for new ways to make Ottawa more awesome.

To join the discussion online, comment on the blog here or use the #613live hashtag on twitter.

Michael McKenna is a recent addition to Ottawa and a local editor for Ask Men.

So I’m new here. And I really don’t want to be that guy, and get things started on the wrong foot… but I think there is something a little strange going on in downtown Ottawa, and wonder if the 613 might benefit from a “fresh set of eyes”.

I’ll get right to it: It’s the shoes. What is going on with the shoes? I am speaking, of course, about those weird sort of brown, neon-accented “sport hiking” sneakers from the ‘90s. You know the ones. Please don’t feign ignorance. You found them at Sports Experts arranged on a cardboard display unit designed to resemble Mt. Kilimanjaro, and emblazoned with product names like “Trainathon X-Terra K2″. The box boasted waterproof uppers and a sole made from “Beryllium Carbonox”. You slid them on over white sport socks, tucked your suit pants behind the tongue, and proceeded to stride down Wellington Street. These are facts. I was there. Don’t make this more difficult than it has to be.

As a newcomer, of course, and a person who is curious about the world that surrounds him, my first instinct was to understand this strange custom. Could it be, perhaps, that all Ottawa social events can potentially turn into midnight hiking marathons at a moment’s notice? Do groups of otherwise well-turned-out Director-Generals (side request: a little “Ottawa cred” for knowing about that) forego dessert, leaving Beckta or whatever, to go trudge up the Gatineau Hills in single file? At ten o’ clock at night? For no reason?

I realize that this is a little far-fetched, but explaining natural phenomena tends to be a long process. Our first explanation (as per above) is always kind of laboured and insane. Take fire, for instance. We had to detour through Zeus and Prometheus and vultures that eat your liver for two thousand years before getting to this sciencey-sounding thing I found on Wikipedia. It’s not easy, and these shoes are no different. Even though I have since abandoned the “impromptu hike” explanation for a series of (somewhat) more reasonable-sounding alternatives (ideal-of-civil-service-related footwear populism, poorly-maintained and puddle-filled government offices, a collective gesture of contempt towards supercilious Montrealers like myself), there remains an element of mystery.

There are, after all, alternatives. I am not proposing that you go completely 514, purchase a set of those two-tone Italian wingtips and spend the rest of your days smoking long, unfiltered cigarettes and caring about soccer. That’s too far. But if you want to appropriately finish off a navy suit, a blazer and jeans, or even that white shirt/black trousers/Jansport-backpack-from-Grade-9 look that we’ll discuss later, there are ways to handle this a little better than what’s currently going on out there.

At WOLF & Zed on Sussex, for example, one can easily purchase a John Varvatos boot that will effortlessly signal to the world that you are a competent adult professional who is not going to run off howling into the forest at any second. Even something like a decent set of Clarks will complement a robust tweed without also feeling compelled to announce your love of Ultimate Frisbee to everyone in the office, street, or (god forbid) restaurant-where-I-am-also-dining.

I recognize that this might raise a few hackles, you know, as nobody likes a pointed word (especially from Montreal, whose sartorial sins range from white patent-leather belts on lower Saint-Laurent to entire torsos of poorly-drawn tattoo monsters on East Sainte-Catherine), but I thought this needed to be said. It’s not the entire solution (see above re: the Jansport backpack, and we’ll discuss the Oakleys another time), but it’s a start.

It’s a way to get out of the woods.

What do you think? Let us know in the comments.

Next month from June 19 to 24, Ottawa’s newest yearly film festival will be born. The Asinabka Film and Media Arts Festival will highlight aboriginal artists and issues while entertaining the masses. Howard Adler, one of the festival’s co-directors, sat down with Apartment613′s Alessandro Marcon to discuss Asinabka, aboriginal cinema and The Business of Fancydancing.

Apt613: Hi Howard, Can you tell us about the Asinabka festival? What is it and what can people expect to see at events?

Howard Adler: Asinabka is an Indigenous themed film and media arts festival, taking place in Ottawa from June 18-24, 2012. Although this is our first year organizing the festival, we’re aiming to accomplish quite a lot of events. We have multiple venues to screen and display work throughout the city, such as the Auditorium at 395 Wellington, the Auditorium at the National Gallery of Canada, the Museum of Civilization Theatre, Club Saw, Mayfair Theatre, Gallery 101, Fall down Gallery, Vincent Macey Park (in partnership with the Aboriginal Solstice Festival), as well as an outdoor film screening on Victoria Island. The mandate of the festival is to showcase work by anyone that focuses on Indigenous topics, both national and international, and to present film and media art that reflects the diversity of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit in Canada.

People can expect to see film, video, and media art from Indigenous people all across Canada. We’ve had a very large number of film submissions, which I think speaks to the need for more venues and places for Indigenous artists to present their work. People can also expect to see a high calibre of filmmaking from established artists, but also work from mid-career and emerging artists. They can also expect to see a diversity of genres, from short films, to experimental documentaries, animation, drama, and feature length work as well. We’re also planning a Gallery Crawl event at Gallery 101, and Fall Down Gallery. This will include an artists talk and wine and cheese event at G101, and then a contrasting multi-disciplinary performance by local Indigenous arts collective “Fresh Tracks” at Fall down Gallery. We also have a partnership with the ImagineNATIVE festival in Toronto, and will be screening a program of short films from them at the Museum of Civilization Theatre.

I could go on forever talking about the festival, there’s so many things in the works, such as a Métis specific film program being curated by local and well known Métis Artist Jamie Koebel, and a partnership with a local experimental film artists collective called Available Lights who are hosting a Spotlight Screening of Ariel Smiths work that is being curated by Diana Warren of the Urban Shaman Gallery in Winnipeg. And we’ve also got a youth residency in Digital Sound Production being led by the very talented and local artist Dawn Maria, which is being held at the Saw Video Media Arts Centre.

Expect lots.

Apt613: It sounds very comprehensive and dynamic. Lots of good stuff going on! I especially like the idea of events taking place in Vincent Macey Park and on Victoria Island. Taking events outdoors in the best months of the year is a great move.

Having read books like The Imaginary Indian by Daniel Francis, and having seen documentaries like Reel Injun, one can see the history of stereotyping Indigenous people, projecting false and misleading images upon them, and therefore creating a very erroneous and damaging identity of perceptions. Can you reflect a little bit on the importance, or possibly strategy, of Indigenous people playing a main-stream role in determining how Indigenous people are perceived?

Howard: Yes, I think it’s important to challenge the way Indigenous peoples are often portrayed and stereotyped. There’s a long history of that in film and television, and in mainstream media, and it still continues to be that way. Some of the imagery and logos we decided to use for the Asinabka Festival play on that stereotyping, by framing recognizable imagery inside of film reels. A part of what Indigenous people do through film is a decolonization of the medium itself, by telling our own stories, based on real experiences.

I think it’s really important to have an Indigenous Film Festival in the Nation’s Capital, where policy, legislation, and decision making is made on behalf of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit people in Canada. I wonder (about the) amount of knowledge that some of the non-native people working at Indian Affairs, or other government departments, actually have about Indigenous people, yet are in positions to make decisions that affect them. The Asinabka Festival is a chance to educate some of the people in power, but it’s also a chance to share real Indigenous stories, and for the Indigenous community in Ottawa to see their own cultures reflected back at them.

Apt613: Yeah, seeing cultures reflected back is something fascinating in art, and especially in film. The power of film is so incredibly strong. One of my favorite films is Atanarjuat: The Fast Runner. I loved everything about this movie from the landscapes, to the story. The characterization was also incredible. I was wondering if you could mention three of your favorite movies that focus on Indigenous culture in Canada or the States.

Howard: My three favourite films that focus on Indigenous Culture? I guess I’d have to say the work of Alanis Obomsawin, Zacharias Kunuk come to mind immediately. Kanehsatake: 270 Years of Resistance” is such a relevant and amazing piece of documentary filmmaking that I think every Canadian should see it. I also think it should be a mandatory part of the educational curriculum. Atanarjuat: The Fast Runner is also such a groundbreaking film based on a traditional Inuit story, it is shot entirely in the Inuktitut language, and has the most beautiful cinematography.

But it’s hard to just single out two of these filmmakers works as both have had extensive careers producing stunning work that is both relevant and innovative. To pick only 3 specific films is a difficult task! I’d have to say I’m enthralled with Kent Monkman’s work featuring his persona Miss Chief Eagle Testickle. I also love how Sherman Alexie’s writing translates into film, specifically the classic film Smoke Signals, but also the storytelling in The Business of Fancydancing is one of my favourites! Oh and I really like Shelly Niro’s work, and Shane Belcourts work, and and Chris Bose’s, and… the list goes on!

Apt 613: Nice hustle Howard! This is an awesome list for folks to dig down on, pre or post festival. I’m personally interested in checking out that Kanehsatake documentary as well as The Business of Fancydancing – based partly on your recommendation and partly on the awesomeness of that title. Lastly, what will make this year’s festival a success and where can people go to find out more information regarding schedules and whatnot?

Howard: I think what will make the Asinabka Festival a success, is all the talented artists and filmmakers that we have to showcase. We received film submissions from all over Canada, and I think the diversity in subject matter, genre, and style is going to translate into some really great events and programs. Also, I think our partnerships with various groups and organizations will also contribute to the success of the Festival. For example, we have partnerships with the ImagineNATIVE film Festival, the Solstice Festival, the Writers Festival, the Urban Shaman Gallery, Gallery 101, Saw Video, and the Fresh Tracks Indigenous Arts Collective to name only few!

Apt613: Thanks Howard!

People can visit the website to find out more information or check in on the facebook page.

Full disclosure: calling me a karaoke “fanatic” is an understatement. I got engaged at the Big Echo in Tokyo and spent hours at the Fantacity Karaoke in Vancouver when I lived there. Considering my pre-Ottawa karaoke history, there has been a huge hole in my soul due to a lack of Asian-style karaoke box establishments in my Chinatown neighbourhood.

Until now.

The Place

Like other Chinatown business owners, Kang Hun Cho, who also owns the Umi Cafe, had a dream. When he bought the building, also home to Umi and The Korean Palace a few years ago, the upstairs was empty, but he always knew that one day he would open up a Korean style karaoke box.

In keeping with the Chinatown DIY ethic, the entire interior was designed and created by Kang to ensure its authenticity. He even imported the wallpaper from Korea.

The Equipment

I was super jazzed when Kang showed me the karaoke machines. VIP Karaoke has two types: one that plays Korean/Vietnamese/Japanese/English songs and the other type with Chinese songs. All work with wireless mics. The systems provide some snazzy advanced options including recording your music to USB, the ability to bring your own music and one of my favourite things: the ability to change the key of the music for male or female voices.

The Price

What does all this magic cost you ask? A quite reasonable flat fee of $30 an hour. They have smaller rooms that fit 4-6 people and larger rooms for groups of up to 20. Kang has future plans to provide bar-type snack food and he is eagerly awaiting their liquor license which should be in place soon. If you enjoy dinner at The Korean Palace you can pop upstairs for a couple of hours of VIP Karaoke for the price of only one hour.

The Hours

VIP Karaoke is open 7 days a week. Mon – Fri from 3 p.m. – 3 a.m., Sat/Sun from 1 p.m. – 3 a.m. Looking for something fun to do with the kids on a rainy weekend? VIP is family-friendly on Saturday and Sunday afternoons between 1 and 6 p.m

There are some great bars that offer karaoke nights in Ottawa, and Apartment 613 did a great review of them in a previous post. But this came out before VIP Karaoke was around. While the Shanghai is a great Saturday night out, for me, there is something special about having your own private stage. A place where you can escape and close your eyes whilst belting out “Careless Whisper” or “Barbie Girl” without a worry. Having now gone twice I will definitely be back.

VIP Karaoke is located at 610 Somerset St., Ottawa, 613-680-8847

Big Brother comes to Ottawa. Not the reality TV series, but having someone watch your every movement. Pub 101 is taking photos of everyone who enters the bar for security reasons. Stephen Monuk is the owner of eight other bars in the Market and expects to roll out his system in his other properties.

Three of Ottawa’s MPs spanning the political spectrum – Paul Dewar (NDP), Royal Galipeau (Conservative) and Mauril Belanger (Liberal) – were united in their displeasure over city council’s decision to remove the Elgin St. LRT stop near Confederation Park. However, on Friday Galipeau conceded that he should have read the plan more closely, and was satisfied that there would be a stop near Parliament at Queen and Bank.

Ottawa’s first ever Comicon was a success! The first day sold out and there were still long lines outside on Sunday.

Bylaw officers will be enjoying more of those summer nights, staying out an extra hour until 3:30 to patrol noisy parties. Is this a necessary step to ensure that well meaning citizens get some rest, or just another sign that the city is in denial about actually being a city?

Finally, the Ottawa hospital is getting a new surgeon, and unfortunately it looks more like WALL-E then Patrick Dempsey. The da Vinci Surgical System is controlled by a human doctor and capable of making very precise incisions, which reduces recovery time. In other news, the Ottawa Hospital is cutting close to 100 jobs… unrelated, or is da Vinci after our jobs? I for one welcome our new robotic overlords.

King Lear is Shakespeare’s most famous tragedy next to Hamlet. As he realizes old age is taking its toll on his capacity to rule, Lear (August Schellenberg) decides to divide his kingdom among his three daughters Goneril (Monique Mojica), Regan (Tantoo Cardinal), and Cordelia (Jani Lauzon), and abdicate to spend the final years of his life in rest and ease. Unfortunately, he lets vanity and pride determine the division of his estate, and leaves himself powerless, at the whim of his two greedy and ambitious eldest daughters. As in all Shakespeare, when a King makes a Bad Decision, everyone suffers for it.

The show is pay-what-you-can and runs from 9pm on. In particular order, the performers are Tara Dwivedi, Melanie Yugo (co-operator of Spins and Needles), Rachel “Lamb Rabbit” Thera (who runs Les Ateliers with Lauren Potosky), and Michael “Mr. Caffrey” Caffrey. Their significant others, all well-known local DJs, are from the likes of Timekode, Stars of 45, Ceremony, Spins and Needles and more.

The idea stemmed from an event at Raw Sugar a few months back, Yugo says. “It just happened to be a night when a whole bunch of local DJs came together to spin.” On the stage were some of the most talented DJs on the Ottawa scene. In the crowd, they’re supportive partners. The thought started, Yugo says, as something of a joke: “Why don’t we throw our own act together and play our own music?” Soon things got real, and as the idea was passed around the room, tonight’s lineup began to take shape.  “I don’t know if people took us seriously at first, but the momentum built throughout the night,” Yugo remembers.  By the end of the night, the lineup was more or less finalized. All that was left to do was to tell their boyfriends. “They were very supportive,” Yugo laughs, “but I think they were a bit shocked.”

As for tonight, the fresh new DJs plan to put on a relaxed, varied show, featuring music from all over the spectrum: “From jazz to punk to old-school rap and RnB to dancehall to techno,” Yugo lists, “I don’t want to speak for everyone, but I know for me it’ll be a very eclectic mix.” Each of the four artists will be bring their own spin to spinning, and for a bunch of first timers, the tone seems very relaxed. “I think I’m just going to make it up,” Yugo laughs. “Because it’s such a crazy mix, I think we’re going to come with a bunch of songs that we like and just play off each other.”

So relaxed about the whole affair is Yugo that she hasn’t yet bothered to come up with a DJ name. “Maybe I’ll come up with one before the night,” she says. “I also teach silk screening courses, so they were joking that they should call me DJ Silk Screen.” But this name, sadly, was rejected on the grounds that it was too confusing: “The audience might think I’ll playing Skrillex or something and want their money back.”

DJ names or no, Yugo, Dwivedi, Thera and Caffrey will be tearing it up tonight at Raw Sugar in support of the local scene. “There are so many great DJs in Ottawa,” Yugo says. “We want to spread the word that there is something here.” And if you miss the show tonight, will you get another chance to see these girlfriends (and one boyfriend) play? “I have no idea,” Yugo laughs, “We’ll see how badly we perform.” I don’t know about you, but to me that sounds like a “maybe.”

The Girlfriends play Raw Sugar Tonight at 9pm. Admittance is on a pay-what-you-can basis. 

You’ve got a month to take in the art, but today you can take in tours, live events and vernissages at many venues from 1:30-5:00pm. The full listing of venues is online here.

This week on Apartment613 Live, I spoke with Caleb Abbott and Andrew O’Malley, two of the artists taking part in Chinatown Remixed. Here’s the audio from our conversation:

The last Hood Wars battle before the final pits New Edinburgh against Gatineau. Which place is better suited to go up against the Centertown juggernaut in the final? New Edinburgh strong performance against Sandy Hill showcased the dedication of its resident’s to what is one of Ottawa’s most up and comming hoods. On the other hand, Gatineau is a whole city and that has to count for something.

Who will win? You decide. As always read the arguments of the two defenders and then vote at the bottom of the page. The voting will last 24 hours (until May 12 at 11:30), after which the winner will advance to the Hood Wars Final next week.

 
Voting ends May 12 at 11:30

Online Poll @ FluidSurveys.com…

Survey Software by FluidSurveys.com

Preliminary Round

May 1 – Western Conference – Hintonburg vs Chinatown

May 2 – Centre Conference – Centretown vs The Glebe

May 3 – Eastern Conference – New Edinburgh vs Sandy Hill

May 4 – Boonies Conference – Gatineau vs Almonte

Semi Finals

May 7 – Hintonburn vs Centretown

May 9 – Gatineau vs New Edinburgh

Finals

May 14 – Winner May 7 vs Winner May 9