As winter fades away and spring weather arrives, Ottawa’s music scene comes to life with exciting concerts and festivals happening throughout the city in March. Whether you prefer seated venues like the NAC or smaller neighbourhood spots like LIVE On Elgin, you’re sure to find something that suits your taste. This month’s lineup features diverse musical events, including old-school hip-hop, indie rock bands, and a locally produced festival with a ton of attitude. We’ve put together our top Ottawa music picks for March 2023 that you won’t want to miss.
March 1 and 2—Alvvays at Bronson Centre Theatre
Toronto-based band Alvvays is set to perform two nights in a row at the Bronson Centre. The group’s latest album, Blue Rev, garnered unanimous critical acclaim and was shortlisted by music publications globally as one of the best albums of 2022. With each release, Alvvays has steadily grown in popularity, but Blue Rev propelled them to become the reigning stars of Canadian indie-pop. Their March 2 concert has already sold out, but in response to overwhelming demand, they have added a second performance in Ottawa. So, if you couldn’t purchase tickets for the first show, don’t despair—you still have a chance to experience Alvvays on March 1.
March 3—Too Many Zooz at Bronson Centre Theatre
The Bronson Centre is about to transform into a dance party thanks to New York brass-funk trio Too Many Zooz. A unique blend of jazz, Afro-Cuban rhythms, funk, and EDM, the group’s music is irresistible. They began by performing as buskers around Brooklyn and Manhattan, where their musical prowess quickly caught the attention of major labels. These gifted musicians have showcased their versatility by effortlessly transitioning from performing in New York subway stations to backing up Beyoncé on the biggest stages. With such an impressive resume, there’s no doubt that Too Many Zooz will deliver a Friday night to remember.
March 4—DakhaBrakha at Babs Asper Theatre at the National Arts Centre
DakhaBrakha was one of the standout performances of the 2019 Ottawa Jazz Fest. Although the Ukrainian quartet was not yet well-known, their pulsating percussion and infectious beats whirred the audience into a joyous, celebratory rave. The group emerged from the avant-garde theatre scene in Ukraine, becoming one of the most popular acts on the North American festival circuit. Their name, DakhaBrakha, which translates to “give/take,” reflects the band’s philosophy of creating an exchange of energy with their audience. As their last Ottawa concert occurred before the onset of the Ukraine conflict, it will be interesting to see how this politically-charged group addresses the issue during their upcoming performance.
DakhaBrakha at Ottawa Jazz Fest 2019. Photo: Stewart Wiseman
March 9—St Practice Day w/The Peelers & Johnny Clash at The Heart & Crown
Sponsored concert pick
Get ready for a high-energy, raucous, and poetic night of degeneracy at The Heart & Crown pub! The Peelers are bringing their signature Celtic punk sound to one of the best sounding rooms in the Byward Market. The Peelers are the perfect soundtrack for rounds of Guinness and singing along with your friends. Arrive early for cover artist extraordinaire Johnny Clash, as he leads the room in call-and-response chants on your favourite punk rock tunes. This is the ideal show for those looking to get into the St. Patrick’s mood a couple of days ahead of the crowd.
March 10—Bill Frisell at Bronson Centre Theatre
Renowned jazz guitarist Bill Frisell is set to perform with Tony Scherr and Kenny Wollesen as a trio ensemble at the Winter Ottawa Jazz Festival. Frisell has a long-standing history with both Scherr and Wollesen, previously collaborating with them in 2005 on the critically acclaimed album East/West. Regarded as one of the most talented jazz guitarists in the world, Frisell’s concerts never fail to amaze audiences with his musical craftsmanship. Despite playing in countless ensembles over the years, Frisell describes his trio with Scherr and Wollesen as the most flexible and spontaneous group he plays with. The program for their concert can change from night to night depending on the mood they are all in, making for a unique and unforgettable experience.
March 11—Pique Festival
Pique, the quarterly gathering produced by Ottawa’s Debaser, returns with another impressive lineup of diverse musical acts from across the sonic spectrum. Pique is an artist-driven event series known for pushing the boundaries of music and presenting forward-thinking performances. The Spring edition showcases several exciting up-and-coming artists including Joe Rainey, Mas Aya, Vivek Shraya, and Stafana Fratila.
March 16—Wesli at the Shenkman Arts Centre
Wesli’s music might be the perfect antidote to beat the cold of winter and get moving. The 2019 JUNO Award winner is set to return to Ottawa on March 16. Wesli is known for pouring his soul out on stage, leaving audiences with an unforgettable experience. In recent years, he has perfected his unique blend of Haitian vaudou and rara with Twoubadou roots and Afrobeat to create a powerful and moving sound. Last year, Wesli released his seventh album, Tradisyon, and I’m excited to hear these new songs performed at the Shenkman Arts Centre.
March 18—GZA at Bronson Centre Theatre
Old-school hip-hop fans won’t want to miss GZA performing his 1995 classic, Liquid Swords, at the Bronson Centre. As a Wu-Tang Clan alumnus, GZA’s contributions to hip-hop are immeasurable, but Liquid Swords highlights his solo career. Despite being released nearly 30 years ago, the album remains a masterpiece, with GZA’s rhymes covering everything from chess to philosophy. The album’s legendary status has only grown over the last decade, as it’s been included on numerous lists of the greatest rap albums of all time. This is a rare occasion to experience hip-hop history.
Reuben and the Dark at the 2017 Grey Cup Concert Series in Ottawa. Photo: Terry Steeves
March 24—Reuben and the Dark at the Azrieli Studio at the National Arts Centre
Fans of alt-folk music will enjoy Reuben and the Dark’s upcoming intimate performance at the NAC’s Azrieli Studio. Led by Reuben Bullock, the band will showcase their latest album, In Lieu of Light, hailed by fans as a return to the infectious sound of their first album, Funeral Sky. The album’s lyrics celebrate how far we’ve come since our lives were at a standstill during the COVID era. Before Reuben and the Dark take the stage, catch opening acts Bullhorn Singers and Clea Anaïs.
March 28—TREATY: A Reconciliation Revelry at the Shenkman Arts Centre
TREATY is an innovative multimedia experience that seamlessly combines live music, film, and art to create a powerful and unique performance. Created and directed by filmmaker Tim Johnson, known for his work on Rumble: The Indians Who Rocked The World, TREATY is a one-of-a-kind event that offers a historical perspective on Indigenous experiences and sheds light on the realities faced by Indigenous peoples today. The performance weaves a compelling narrative that aims to inspire meaningful reconciliation, making it a significant event for anyone interested in understanding and engaging with Indigenous issues.
March 31—hans! at LIVE on Elgin
Synth-pop enthusiasts should mark their calendars for hans! at LIVE On Elgin, with support from Isøbel and Toronto’s Moonbean. hans! is the latest project from Ottawa-based multi-instrumentalist Hans Vivian-Wenzel, who will debut new songs from his upcoming album. His music is influenced by French pop bands like Phoenix and Air, as well as Tame Impala and Daft Punk. This show will feature hans! playing synths and guitar simultaneously as he explores the limits of the solo pop performance. Expect positivity to be contagious.
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