The transition from March to April marks the arrival of spring in many parts of the world. As the snow melts and temperatures rise, flowers begin to bloom, and the days grow longer. It’s a time of renewal and rejuvenation, as people shed their winter coats and embrace the warmer weather. But the weather isn’t the only thing heating up this month—so is the live music scene! Whether you’re a fan of rock, folk, electronic, or rap music, Ottawa’s concert calendar has something for everyone this spring. Check out what’s on deck in April 2023 and listen to some of our favourite tracks from these great artists on our Spotify playlist embedded above.
April 4 — dvsn at Bronson Centre Theatre
R&B superstars Daniel Daley and producer Nineteen85, who together make up dvsn, will grace Ottawa’s Bronson Centre stage as part of their Working on My Karma Tour. From their debut Sept 5th to their most recent release Working on My Karma, their seductive lyricism and narcotic slow jams will surely leave your significant other in a daze. A combination of falsetto deliveries and contemporary production, their sound continues to grow while blurring the lines between new and nostalgia. Don’t miss out your chance to see R&B at its best.
April 6 — Canadian Jazz Collective at NAC Azrieli Studio
When someone says jazz music in 2023, a picture of saxophonist Kamasi Washington picture comes to my mind. Modern jazz is complicated, often utilizing non-functional harmony and intricate melodies, and as such it can be challenging for a beginner ear to find the patterns one would pinpoint in other genres. Therefore, artists today are coming up with forward-thinking styles of their own, and the Canadian Jazz Collective (CJC) is one of them.
CJC was formed in 2022 and is led by three of Canada’s most renowned and award-winning jazz artists: Kirk MacDonald (saxophonist/composer), Derrick Gardner (trumpeter/composer), and Lorne Lofsky (guitarist/composer). CJC ‘s first album, Septology—The Black Forest Session was released on March 31. Join the collective as they blaze onto the NAC studio stage, showcasing their world-class artistry and original compositions.
April 8 — PACKS at Club SAW
Ottawa/Toronto-based indie rockers PACKS, led by Ottawa-raised Madeline Link, will be joined by just fine and Hannah Vig for a homecoming as they celebrate their new album Crispy Crunchy Nothing (which just came out on March 31). PACKS started 2023 by releasing a slew of singles from the album, including “4th of July”, “Brown Eyes” and “EC”.
April 8 — Live Sessions by Pearly at L’imagier Exhibition Centre (9 rue Front, Gatineau)
An Intimate show in a captivating space, showcasing local talent? Count us in! Curated by Pearly—a community builder and creative based in Ottawa-Gatineau—this event is an opportunity for artists to connect with their audience in a beautiful space. The sessions will feature Dominique Gorley with special guest Paula C, DORESSA and Beaugé Soleil. Additionally, both audience members and artists will have access to L’imagier Exhibition Centre’s current exhibition, Rasanblaj. Two birds, one stone.
Live session event poster
April 13 — bodywash with Still Youth at LIVE! on Elgin
Montreal duo Chris Steward and Rosie Long Decter, under their stage name bodywash, will bless the stage at LIVE! on Elgin as they get set to release their highly anticipated sophomore album, I Held the Shape While I Could, on April 14. Joined by Ottawa-based shoegaze band Still Youth (playing their first show!), it should be an evening of delicate and explosive lyrics along with back-and-forth guitar riffs and vocal hums. Don’t miss out!
April 14 — F!TH at Club SAW
Word on the street is that F!TH’s new self-titled EP is finger-licking good. The Ottawa-based rock band will celebrate its release on April 14 with special guests Captain WildChild, Neon Ghosthouse, and BANEZEAN at Club SAW. Don’t miss the chance to see this rising Ottawa band put on a show for the ages.
F!TH concert poster. Image: Jack Sully.
April 14 — Anaïs Cardot at NAC Fourth Stage
Ottawa-based French Gabonese singer-songwriter Anaïs Cardot will play a show as part of the NAC’s Fridays at the Fourth, which celebrates emerging Canadian artists. Check out the singer as she nears the end of her studies and goes full steam ahead in her music career.
April 16 — Matt Andersen & The Big Bottle of Joy with The Hello Darlins at NAC Southam Hall
New Brunswick native singer-songwriter Matt Andersen brings his experience and raw talent to Ottawa with his live band The Big Bottle of Joy. Playing everything from raw blues-rock to rollicking Americana, thoughtful folk, and ecstatic gospel, the eight-piece band assembles some of the East Coast’s finest talents. Andersen’s latest album, The Big Bottle of Joy, released March 10 as a follow-up to last year’s House to House, is part of the reason the gang is on a 29-date tour. Come out to heal your spirit!
April 23 — Holly Clausius at LIVE! on Elgin
Queer Toronto artist Holly Clausius will set the stage to celebrate their three most recent projects (Sunflower, Rose Garden, and forget-you-not). There will be old music, new music, and creative covers to get your head boppin’. Special guests include two local Ottawa artists, Afro-house singer OK Naledi and R&B/soul/pop singer Talia Aoude. Be sure to check out Holly Clausius and her band on their first tour, dubbed the Wildflowers Tour.
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