live music

As Ottawa’s new Nightlife Commissioner, it would be no surprise that Mathieu Grondin used to be involved in various entertainment gigs before working for the city council. His ventures have led him to DJ’ing, shooting videos for Canadian musicians such as electro hip-hop band Radio Radio and the “Queen of Power Ballads” herself, Celine Dion, and having acting gigs for television shows in Montreal.

It was a great night for some fine live music on Thursday night at Live On Elgin. The night’s bill featured Nick Posthumus and the Soft Maybes, and opener J3M, both acts currently based out of Toronto, but with Ottawa roots. J3M got the night started, acting as a one man band, singing/playing to accompanying […]

In February, during the Ottawa Ice Dragonboat Festival concert series at The Rainbow, I got to check out a band I had never heard of before—Brother Elsey, out of Detroit. I was immediately impressed by their performance, particularly the depth and breadth of their songwriting. So when I heard they were coming to Neat Coffee Shop in Burnstown, I jumped at the chance to see them again, this time armed with a better appreciation of their music catalogue, which has been in steady rotation for me for the last few months.

If you’re a fan of tasty beer and great (and free) music, then Overflow Brewing Company has what you need, with their Indie Series lineup of concerts!

Join us to celebrate Apartment613’s official birthday on 613 Day (June 13) with a free party for our community! This year is a big one: we’re turning 15! For an epic celebration, we’ve partnered with the Ottawa Fringe Festival, doubling 613 Day into the Fringe’s opening night party, all taking place at Club SAW‘s indoor […]

CityFolk just announced a lineup that music enthusiasts have been looking forward to!

New Age Doom drummer Eric Breitenbach is a busy guy, working prodigiously with multiple projects and running a recording studio/venue in Vancouver, where the duo is from. Fresh from a couple of Ontario gigs with Limblifter, including a show at Neat Cafe on Sunday night, he decided to use Ottawa as a starting point for […]

A rare chance to see Canadian alt-rock favourites Limblifter brought me all the way from Orléans to Neat Cafe in Burnstown last night—my very first show at the acclaimed intimate venue which has hosted many amazing artists over the years.

Save the date – June 13, 2024 We’d love you to join us at Apt613’s 15th anniversary party to celebrate and thank our contributors, supporters, readers, staff, and friends. This event also doubles as the Ottawa Fringe Festival’s opening night, so we’ll be partying with them as well! Come hang at Club SAW, listen to […]

I love how the Ottawa Jazz Festival consistently attracts great musicians—and an audience that genuinely appreciates them.

Congratulations to all of the winners and to everyone who worked on putting together such a successful event!

X Ambassadors made their way to the Bronson Theatre on Thursday night as part of their Townie North American tour. Lead vocalist Sam Harris walked on stage and immediately engaged the crowd, leading a call and response with the audience of the chorus of their hit “Renegade”. The band’s performance showcased their versatility over a […]

When it comes to having a first single become a runaway hit, X Ambassadors know all too well the ups and downs that can come with it. When they released “Renegades” in 2015, the band was instantly thrust into the spotlight, as the single gained worldwide acclaim – and streams. With over 760 million on […]

For two weekends in September, live music returns to Lansdowne Park with both Bluesfest and CityFolk offering star-studded lineups. Tickets go on sale August 26.

Many Ottawa-based music, arts, and performance festivals will receive increased financial support through a new Ontario government funding program. The one-time increase in funding to the festival and event sector will not only help people engage with art and their communities, but will also help festival networks in need of support.