Another blast of winter certainly won’t ruin the weekend that the city has planned for us, will it, friends? After the short work week, there’s plenty to do in the arts and culture scene, so dig out your winter boots again and stay safe and warm this weekend!
All Weekend
The Elmdale annual Bookfest is back at Elmdale Public School (49 Iona St). There will be over 40,000 books for sale Friday from 9am-9pm and Saturday from 9am-4pm. Payment in cash only. Kids’ books are up to $1, and adult books are $1 to $3 each.
The Ottawa 67s have just clinched a playoff spot, so we can only hope that they continue to play well, including this weekend! On Friday night, we’re hosting the Windsor Spitfires at 7pm, which will see the two top teams in the OHL duking it out. Saturday night, we’ll line up against the Mississauga Steelheads.
Explore the evolution of Jamaica’s most famous export in Reggae Roots, and discover the people, sounds, and stories of the musical movement that grew to influence music around the globe. Hailed as reggae-roots royalty, Jamaican-born Halifax-based vocalist Jah’Mila finds her groove with conductor Daniel Bartholomew-Poyser and the National Arts Centre Orchestra in a program that reflects on the social, cultural, and spiritual importance of the magical musical genre that has shaped Jamaica and touched the world. Tickets are available online, starting at $29 for shows Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8pm.
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Thursday
The Jeremy Ledbetter Trio brings Caribbean Latin jazz to the Shenkman Arts Centre Thursday evening. Ledbetter has been creating genre-bending original music since 2004. The Jeremy Ledbetter Trio sees Jeremy joined by Grammy-winning drummer Larnell Lewis of Snarky Puppy and renowned electric bassist Rich Brown. Tickets begin at $20 starting at 7:30pm.
I think we’ve all come around to the fact that colouring is still a fun and enriching pastime for adults, so why not get into it with coffee or drinks? Join Akarts Comics at Driphouse on Parkdale for a Black History Month Colouring Night! The fun is from 6-10:30pm.
Friday
Art Battle Ottawa: Capital Collaboration! is going down Friday at Arts Court. The doors open at 7pm, with the painting kicking off at 8pm. Tickets are $30 at the door, with advance General Admission for $25 and students/seniors $20 online before the event. Bid on the completed artwork afterwards for your chance to fill your walls at home with local art.
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Murder Mystery Ottawa’s “Hari-Karaoke—Murder Mystery Popcorn Theatre” is happening on Friday. Doors open at 7:30pm, with the show starting at 8pm upstairs at The Prescott on Preston. Greezy Lagoon owner Manny Wicke hosts the first annual Golden Voice Karaoke Contest, where he’ll be giving away a $100,000 recording contract… but there’s a shocking surprise in store for one of the larger-than-life contestants. Free popcorn served during the show. Tickets are still available for this live-action Murder Mystery evening.
Mardi Gras is definitely longer than just one day, especially if we’re talking about music. Mardi Gras Mambo featuring Dirty Dozen Brass Band and Nathan & The Zydeco Cha Chas will fill the sense Friday at 8pm at the Meridian Theatres @ Centrepointe. Tickets are still available online.
UMOJA, an evening experienced through story, sound, movement and art, is happening at SAW Gallery Friday night, 7–10pm. Featuring Storytellers Jacqui Du Toit and Jo-Anne Bryan, the melodic singing bowls of Awaken Dharma, the rhythmic drum beats of Denis Kashi, and the enchanting vocals of Dominique Gorley and Paula C. Release stress and tension with the help of DJ Seiiizi’s cheerful vibes and explore local visual talents David Pistol and Fabi Gomez.
Catch the Fever Pitch Hot Jazz at Art House Café Friday, starting at 8pm. This speakeasy/kitchen party vibe fills the heritage building with impeccable vibes and toe-tapping tunes featuring local jazz artists. Tickets are available online and at the door, but these events have been known to sell out, so I recommend buying yours online now. The bar will be open, and the jazz will be hot!
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Saturday
The best plan on a snowy weekend is to stay in with a good book. The Friends of the Ottawa Public Library are having their monthly Mammoth Book sale Saturday from 10am-2pm at 100 Tallwood in Nepean. They will have gently used books, plus CDs and DVDs for sale.
Looking for more than just books to buy? Everyone’s favourite monthly thrift event, 613flea, partakes Saturday, too. From 10am-4pm, check out the 150 vendors at the Aberdeen Pavilion at Lansdowne with free entrance to the event. Plan for your spring wardrobe or find some projects to brighten these last weeks of winter.
How about some community theatre to spice up your weekend? The Missing Pages is the story of the only Canadian composer to meet Ludwig van Beethoven: Theodore Molt. According to the play’s description, Molt met with Beethoven on December 16, 1825, because his greeting to the Great Maestro is among Beethoven’s notebooks two centuries later. Tickets are available for $25 via email for the show on Saturday at 7:30pm at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Stittsville.
Local drone/doom/post-metal duo They Grieve will celebrate the release of their new album, “To Which I Bore Witness” (released Feb 24th—Silent Pendulum Records), with an album release show at House of Targ on Saturday. The show starts at 10pm, and this 19+ event is $15 at the door.
On Saturday from 5:30–9pm, UOttawa Black Student Leaders Association presents Soulful Expression, BSLA’s annual talent show. This year’s theme is Black on Purpose, celebrating the excellence of Black student artists in various mediums. Expect a night of performances, art, fashion, music and good food. Silent auction, raffle prizes and more! Tickets start at $15. The location will be shared with ticket holders 48 hours before the event.
Sunday
Orleans Comic Book & Novelty Show is happening at the Place D’Orleans Mall on Sunday from 11am-5pm. There will be local comic vendors, novelty/toy vendors, craft vendors and artists/writers in attendance. People are encouraged to cosplay because why not?
The Ottawa Farmers’ Market is always the best bet on a sleepy Sunday. Head to the Aberdeen Pavilion from 10am-3pm for the Winter Market for all your baked goods, fresh veggies, and local treats.
