I’m not sure if it’s just because it’s Valentine’s weekend, or Winterlude, or what – but this weekend is full of options. I’ll get the shameless self-promotion out of the way and then move to the other good stuff – you’ve probably heard about this little fundraiser happening on Sunday afternoon. Sure, it’s a bit risque for some, but it promises to be a great show with incredible food. We don’t usually cover Winterlude happenings because they get a ton of press all on their own – however, with Spins... | Continue reading article

Last night, the Eat My Shorts film festival took place at the Lieutenant’s Pump. Organized by the fine folks at Boxcart Film Festival, the night featured several 5-15 minutes short videos that were scripted, filmed and finished all within 72 hours by Ottawa film buffs and aspiring filmmakers. That wasn’t even all! Directors had to incorporate a number of criteria into each film, including a Back to the Future reference, shawarma, jumping jacks and other craziness. Apartment613 video contributors Dawghaus Studios were among the participants. Unfortunately, they got their entry... | Continue reading article

Tickets to our Valentine’s Day Fundraiser with Sexual Overtones are selling so fast, we decided to print more! 25 extra people will get the chance to participate in the classiest high tea Ottawa has ever seen this Sunday at the Bronson Centre. Tickets are available at Venus Envy (320 Lisgar) or at Canteen Art Shop (238 Dalhousie). For more information, check out the  Facebook event page. Also, catch us and the Overtones this Thursday in the Xpress’ Community Garden column, or on CBC’s All in a Day. Enough self promotion… now... | Continue reading article

Ottawa-the national capital, often overshadows Ottawa-the place to live. In this photo essay, photographer Steve McCullough explores some of the architecture that – while not national treasures – help to give the city its unique style. While you’ll likely recognize many of the warehouses, office buildings and houses featured in this post, Steve uses his camera to bring out the extraordinary in the everyday. All text and photos by Steve McCullough City Centre Building (pictured above) 250 City Centre Avenue Frequently voted the ugliest building in Ottawa, the City Centre... | Continue reading article

As of yesterday, Canadians had raised over $113 million for the earthquake relief in Haiti. And the federal government going to match all donations made by Canadians – not just the first $50 million, as previously announced. If you haven’t made it out to any of the fundraisers yet, there’s still a few more chances before Friday (the government’s cut-off date for matching donations – you’ll still be able to give after that!). In Hintonburg,the Elmdale Tavern will have the Hang On Haiti relief concert and silent auction at 8pm... | Continue reading article

Computer trouble was just the latest in a series of mini-crises at Audio Visual world HQ this weekend, and I apologize for the delay. As a hilariously annoying part of these same problems, this week’s episode is only 37 minutes long. However, it’s an awesome half hour as I sat down with George Laing and Pat Moore from the Spirit of Rasputin’s, a community group dedicated to keeping the spirit of the departed Bronson St. folk club alive. The group has been hosting open mic and jam sessions on Monday... | Continue reading article

Shakespeare is always good for a laugh. But to be able to pull off Shakespeare’s cutting wit – and do it well – can be a bit of a challenge. Just ask Greg and Peter from my English 12 class – their rendition of the banter between Dromio and Antipholus of Syracuse was more error than comedy. Thankfully, those at Third Wall Theatre Company have graduated far beyond any painful high school performances. In fact, their current performance, As You Like It, is a modern interpretation that pulls off the... | Continue reading article

An early morning fire has destroyed a large part of the CTV Ottawa offices on Merivale Rd on Sunday, causing more than $2.5 million in damage. The entire newsroom was gutted, and the first floor, which includes the television studio, sustained extensive water damage. No deaths or injures were reported and the cause of the fire is still unknown. With Jake Gyllenhaal coming to town shortly, Ottawa’s got a big Hollywood production coming to town. According to Radio-Canada, this bodes well for the upcoming year in terms of cinema and... | Continue reading article

End Hits, a record store located at 407 Dalhousie St., will be closing its doors on March 13, 2010 after four years of providing Ottawans with a great selection of punk, indie, metal and alternative records. The store topped the Xpress’ best of list in the “best record store” category every year of its existence. Last week, Shawn Scallen, one of End Hits’ co-owners, left the following message on Punk Ottawa that summed up his reasons for closing up shop: End Hits opened its doors March 11, 2006 after the... | Continue reading article