OttawaStart's Weekly Event Round-Up: May 23-29, 2013

Photos from last year's Great Glebe Garage Sale. This year's event happens on Saturday, May 25.
Photo by Luciana Nechita, from the OttawaStart Flickr Group.

Here are our contributors' picks for the best events in Ottawa this week. This list is also published every Wednesday night in this space. You can bookmark this link for easy access: http://ottawastart.com/weekly

Thursday May 23: Mexico Fantastico! at The Bytown Musuem
Culture, Community and Diplomacy speaks to the remarkable relationship between Canada and Mexico, as well as the strong Mexican community in Ottawa and Canada. Join us Thursday May 23 for a Curator's talk by Executive Director, Robin Etherington at 7 pm.
-- Eugene Haslam

Thursday, May 23: Guys for Kids (Cornwall)
Worth a road trip! 6-11pm at the Ramada Inn in Cornwall. Guys for Kids is an evening of beef (six food stations), beer (six beer stations), wine, spirits, golf, fishing, casino, hockey and more. Limited number of tickets left. $125. Money goes to Cornwall section of The Max Keeping Foundation.
-- Max Keeping

Friday, May 24: Art In The Alley
Local artists Alison Fowler, Ross Rheaume and myself present an outdoor, 1920's style garden art party in an alleyway in Wellington West.  Opening night is Friday May 24th which will feature art under the moon and stars with music, food and refreshments.  A hot dog street vendor and a visit from our local ice cream truck, The Merry Dairy, will also be on hand.  We will continue to show our art all day Saturday and Sunday 11am till 5pm.
-- Andrew King

Friday-Saturday, May 24-25: One World Awesome Arts Festival
The 5th annual One World Awesome Arts Festival is taking place at York Street Public School and at Le Patro Parking Lot. This unique festival will feature live performances, artwork and videos created by the youth of Lowertown. The goal of the Awesome Arts program is to raise awareness about global issues through the arts. This is a great opportunity to encourage the youth in our community! 
-- Eliane Laberge

Friday-Sunday, May 24-26: Festibière de Gatineau
The Gatineau Beer Fest, better known as the Festibière, will be taking over the Jacques-Cartier Park for its third annual edition. This year, 55 artisans and over 350 beers will be presented to the public. The event will also feature 20 shows and animations and 15 conferences on beer and beer-making. Make sure you check out this event if you’re a beer lover: you certainly won’t regret it!
-- Eliane Laberge

Saturday May 25: Taste of Spring
Chefn' it up at The Unrefined Olive On May 25th Chef Justin Scott of Kudos Cuisine will be demonstrating cooking concepts and culinary skills with The Unrefined Olive olive oils & balsamic vinegars.
-- Laura Gauthier

Saturday, May 25 - Maria Luisa's 3rd Annual Spring Day for Kids
Maria Luisa de Moreno International Foundation Canada is organizing its 3rd Annual Spring Day for Kids celebration. Our charity organizes this event every spring in order to raise funds for children in need. There will be music, various activities and competitions for children and adults throughout the event. Families will have the opportunity to participate with their children in different activities and enjoy a very good meal. This is a community event with free admission and free lunch for children under 12 years old. At Jack Purcell Park and Community Center (320 Jack Purcell Lane)
-- Sara-Lynne Levine

Saturday, May 25: MEC Paddlefest
Interested in kayaking, canoeing or standup paddleboarding? Don't know much (or anything?) about these watersports but would like to learn more? Then you should check out the MEC Paddlefest being held this Saturday at Mooney's Bay Park from 9am to 5:15pm. There, you'll have the opportunity to go for a test paddle, learn skills at a clinic, browse exhibitors’ booths, and hunt for deals on gear. Learn more about the clinics, most of which have a nominal fee and require you to register on the website.
-- Gordon Dewis

Saturday, May 25: Geggie Series with William Carn, Tara Davidson, Tim Bedner, and Jim Doxas
At the NAC Fourth Stage. Saturday is the end of an era in Ottawa jazz: the last show in John Geggie s invitational series at the National Arts Centre Fourth Stage, where he mixed and matched jazz artists to produce innovative shows in a variety of styles. This show matches him on bass with local guitarist Tim Bedner, Montreal drummer Jim Doxas, and two Torontonians: William Carn on trombone and Tara Davidson on saxophone for what should be a fascinating combination of musical ideas.
-- Alayne McGregor

Sunday, May 26: Idle Hands Arts, Craft and Vintage Sale
At St. Anthony’s Banquet Hall from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. The event offers a great opportunity to buy quality art, handmade and vintage one of a kind items.
-- Eliane Laberge

Sunday, May 26: Dusty Owl Reading Series
Newfoundland author Michelle Butler Hallet reads from Deluded Your Sailors: A Chronic Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Novel at the Dusty Owl Reading Series, Mugshots, 75 Nicholas. Starts at 3:00pm with music by pianist Matthew Larkin plus an open mic.
-- Amanda Earl

Wednesday, May 29: Star Wars Trivia
OK, this suggestion has nothing to do with music, but I'm a dude who was born in the mid 1970s, so I love Star Wars. That's why the Geek Trivia: Star Wars edition caught my eye. Wednesday at Pressed you can indulge your inner geek and you just know someone will be rocking the Leah hair buns.
-- Ryan Bresee

Wednesday-Sunday, May 29-June 2: Ottawa International Children’s Festival 
Sure, you knew that the Ottawa International Children’s Festival is an award-winning and magical celebration of performance for kids featuring artists from around the world. But did you know it’s got some creative environmental programming, too? Starting on Wednesday and continuing until June 2, the Festival’s offerings include four Children’s Short Plays about wildlife written by Ottawa kids, some Let’s Talk Science workshops and lots more fun stuff. 
-- Denise Deby




Have a great week!



See also: Ottawa Events Guide
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Photo: Tulips at the Garden of the Provinces

Here's a reader photo sent in by Terry Tucker.  Terry says: "Here's a typical May tulip shot I took this weekend at the Garden of the Provinces and Territories at Bay & Wellington."  (Click for full size.)

See also: Ottawa Tulip Festival Guide
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Photo: Fiddleheads and wild garlic at the market

I've never tried fiddleheads but the ones in this photo look delicious.  The photo is by Ross Dunn, taken last week in the Byward Market.

See also: Ottawa Food Guide
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OttawaStart's Weekly Event Round-Up: May 16-22, 2013

Anti Tulips. Photo by J. Michel Carriere from the OttawaStart Flickr Group.

The Tulip Festival wraps up this long weekend, but that's not all there is to do in town. Here are our contributors' picks for the best events in Ottawa this week. This list is also published every Wednesday night on the OttawaStart Blog. You can bookmark this link for easy access: http://ottawastart.com/weekly

See also: What's open and closed for Victoria Day in Ottawa...

Thursday, May 16: Split Cycle with Samuel Blais at GigSpace
Samuel Blais mostly plays jazz in Montreal, and also has many connections in NYC, courtesy of time spent studying there. His most recent project, Split Cycle, is split half and half between the two cities, with members who originally came from Europe and Japan too. They're on a Canadian tour debuting their first album: originals played on sax, guitar, bass and drums. Hear the cutting edge of modern jazz in an intimate venue!
-- Alayne McGregor

Friday-Monday, May 17-20: Thousand Islands Arts Rockport Annual Spring Show
A quick road trip in mind? The Thousand Islands Arts group holds its 21st annual Victoria Day weekend show and sale in Rockport May 17-20th. Formerly called “Up the Garden Path” this year the show takes place at four conveniently grouped locations around Rockport. 23 artists, 12 of whom are new, will present their work for sale. Also new this year is a Friday night wine and cheese gala at each of the locations from 5 pm until 8 pm. The show continues on Saturday through until Monday from 11 am until 5 pm.
-- Jean Labelle

Saturday, May 18: Chinatown Remixed - Poetry & Art
At the Daily Grind Cafe, 1:30pm. Local poet Steven Artelle responds to the work of artist Drew Mosley with a series of poems entitled "Chinese Zodiac." Artelle's chapbook, "Four Hundred Rabbits" is forthcoming from my own micropress, AngelHousePress.  As a side note, Chinatown Remixed is not to be missed. It's a fabulous chance to ramble along Somerset West, taste delicious snacks from the local cafes & restos, sample great art & music. it's one of my favourite events of the  year. don't let the construction get you down.
-- Amanda Earl

Saturday, May 18: Chinatown Remixed
If you have a penchant for contemporary visual arts or if you simply like to encourage community initiatives, the 5th edition of Chinatown Remixed is kicking off this Saturday, May 18 and running for a full month at various locations along Somerset Street West. This annual celebration of art highlights an eclectic group of local artists in an array of neighborhood settings.
-- Eliane Laberge

Saturday, May 18: Chinatown Remixed Launch
Chinatown Remixed is back celebrating its fifth year featuring a month of arts and cultural events from the heart of Chinatown! Prepare for some lively music, local food, and visual art and performances at different businesses along Somerset Street West between Bay and Preston streets.  Saturday will be the big launch with daytime events from 1:30-5:00 p.m. and an after party from 5:00-10:30 p.m. at the Shanghai Restaurant parking lot with performances by transgendered indie musician Rae Spoon and Ottawa experimental band Silkken Lauman. Kichesippi ginger beer, Harvey & Vern’s cream soda, cold treats from Pascale’s Ice Cream and hot food from Shanghai’s back door kitchen will be some of the delicious food and drinks available. You’ll also be sure to find Shanghai Restaurant's karaoke songstress China Doll livening things up. 
-- Ruvini Godakandae

Saturday, May 18: International Museums Day
Celebrate International Museum Day and enjoy watching your kids learn stuff and have fun. At Canada Science and Technology Museum and Museum of Nature.
-- Sara-Lynne Levine

Saturday, May 18: The Barley Mow Laugh Out Loud Comedy Show
This Saturday join headliner Wafik Nasralla at The Barley Mow Laugh Out Loud Comedy Show (Bank Street); with Wafik will be local comics Matt Watson, Wendi Reed, and Brad Doiron!
-- Laura Gauthier

Sunday, May 19: Sunday Bikeday
Starting this Sunday, you can hit the open road on your bike on designated National Capital Commission parkways that are closed to vehicles on Sunday mornings until Labour Day. Even better, combine your trip with a guided “TulipCycle” that takes in the sights of this last weekend of the Tulip Festival.
-- Denise Deby

Sunday, May 19: Nationless Nights: Edition Zero
On Sunday, May 19, Missing Linx and the Nationless Minds Crew invite you to Nationless Nights: Edition Zero at the Rainbow Bistro. The lineup for the night will include Slim Moore of Slim Moore and The Mar-Kays, Jaguar Priest, The Key Components along with special performances by Candice Bruchhaeuser, Elle-P and DJ Shadowrunner on the decks. Check it out and come encourage local endeavours!
-- Eliane Laberge


Have a great week!

See also: Ottawa Events Guide
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Photos from Ottawa Comiccon 2013 (Part 4)

Even more photos from Comiccon!  These ones are from Becka and Aydyn Neifer.
(Part 3 is here.)

Photos by Becka:


















Photos by Aydyn Neifer:









See also: Ottawa Events Guide
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Photos from Ottawa Comiccon 2013 (Part 3)

These photos are courtesy of Jon Fingas and are republished here with his permission.  You can see his entire Comiccon photoset here...

(Part 2 is here.)














See also: Ottawa Events Guide
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Photos from Ottawa Comiccon 2013 (Part 2)

Here are more photos from Comiccon from Vu Nguyen (republished here with his permission).
(Part 1 is here.)



























See also: Ottawa Event Guide
If you liked this post, you should subscribe to etcetera, our free email newsletter. Featuring cool Ottawa events, interesting local news and contests and giveaways. Thanks!

Photos from Ottawa Comiccon 2013 (Part 1)

Here are some great pics of the costumes at Comiccon from Aydyn Neifer.  Photos are published here with permission. (More pics from last year's Comiccon are here.)






















See also: Ottawa Events Guide
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OttawaStart's Weekly Event Round-Up: May 9-15, 2013

Remic Rapids.  Photo by Barry Relf from the OttawaStart Flickr Group.

It's a busy week with big events like Comiccon and the Tulip Festival grabbing a lot of attention. Our contributors have hand-picked some great smaller events for this week.

Thursday, May 9: The Artistic Showcase
The May edition of The Artistic Showcase is taking place at Pressed Cafe. The event will feature spoken word artist and rapper Just Jamaal, spoken word poet Mary Pinkoski, cellist Raphael Weinroth-Browne and singer-songwriter Kyra Shaughnessy.
-- Eliane Laberge

Thursday, May 9: Tai Knots Jewellery 2013 Catalogue Launch Party
The launch of Tai Knots Jewellery's 2013 Catalogue is this Thursday - be the first to see the new designs! PLUS Tai Knots is moving, so selected inventory will be available at 25-50% off. You'll find plenty of great gift ideas for Mother's Day!
-- Laura Gauthier

Friday, May 10: Mad Funk with Phil Motion and The Easy Lo-Fi
Supafunk Records and Up & Up Music bring you the return of Mad Funk at the Mercury Lounge. On the occasion of Mad Funk, there’ll be live rare groove and funk 45 with Phil Motion & The Easy Lo-Fi along with tunes selected by DJ Lance Baptiste, visuals by Matt Cameron and live reel to reel recording courtesy of Jason Jaknunas.
-- Eliane Laberge

Friday, May 10: Renée Yoxon & Mark Ferguson at GigSpace
Two central figures in Ottawa's jazz scene are collaborating on an evening of jazz standards and original songs. Renée on vocals and Mark on piano will play new compositions and material from their album, Here We Go Again, which was released last December. Their songs evoke the style of the Great American Songbook, but updated to a modern jazz sound. 
-- Alayne McGregor

Saturday-Sunday, May 11-12: Mad Hatter's Tea Party
Celebrate Mother’s Day in style Mother’s Day weekend with a tulip brunch at participating restaurants, lively buskers and costumed characters throughout the Glebe. As for the very important date that is Sunday, May 12, bring your Queen of Hearts out for a wonderland of activities including face-painting, animation on the street and wonderland ambassadors, beginning at 10 a.m. 
-- Sara-Lynne Levine

Saturday, May 11: Plan 99 Reading Series featuring poets Erin Knight and Ann Shin 
Free at The Manx Pub (370 Elgin Street) 5-6pm. Hosted by David O'Meara. Get there early to sample fine beer & enjoy good company; after the reading partake of the Manx's excellent food. 
This is the final Plan 99 of the Spring season.
-- Amanda Earl

Saturday, May 11: Ottawa Free Market and Free Plant Event
There may be no such thing as a free lunch, but Ottawa FreeCycle and OttawaPlantCycle are offering a place to give away items you don’t need and pick up some that you do—all free. You can even drop off e-waste. It all happens at the Jack Purcell Community Centre, 9 a.m.-noon. 
-- Denise Deby

Sunday, May 12: Celebrate Mother's Day at Ottawa's historic sites
The City of Ottawa's historic sites are kicking off their summer seasons by celebrating Mother's Day. Billings Estate National Historic Site, Cumberland Heritage Museum, and Pinhey’s Point all have activities planned from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Billings Estate, for example, is holding a special Victorian tea service on the grounds of the Estate. Tour the historic site and take part in a photo scavenger hunt that the whole family can enjoy. At the Cumberland Heritage Museum you can create your very own Mother’s Day keepsake, or dress up and take part in a vintage photo shoot. Be sure to check out their deluxe candy station. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy the afternoon on the banks of the Ottawa River at Pinhey's Point, where you can create your own keepsake in the ballroom as a reminder of your special day and take a guided tour of the house or the grounds of this historic site.
-- Gordon Dewis

Sunday, May 12: Bird Fair
This event is for the birds! Ottawa’s first Bird Fair, celebrating International Migratory Bird Day, takes place in Andrew Haydon Park on the Ottawa River from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. There'll be guided nature walks (with bird-spotting tips!), presentations (attract birds to your yard!), music, art and crafts (build a bird feeder!) and, of course, bird-watching. 
-- Denise Deby

Monday, May 13: Photo & Talk - From Everest Base Camp to Machu Picchu
Last year, at age 55, Fram Engineer decided to participate in a charity trek up to Everest Base Camp (17,598').    He will be sharing his experience from Everest Base Camp through a photo montage at Biagio's located at 1394 Richmond Rd Ottawa as a fundraiser for his next charity climb to Machu Picchu. Space for the presentation is limited so please RSVP framengineer@rogers.com if you plan on attending. Alternatively, a donation can be made under Fram Engineer's DreamMountains foundation web page.  Just a reminder that every penny goes to CARE Canada and donations are truly appreciated.
-- Laura Gauthier

Wednesday, May 15: Canadian Wildlife Photography of the Year
This beautiful, charming photo exhibition is back again, this time in its fifth edition, presenting the winners of the 2012 Canadian Geographic Wildlife Photography of the Year contest. See amazing shots of mammals, birds, insects and more as seen through the lenses of experienced and budding Canadian photographers.
-- Jean Labelle


Have a great week!


See also: Ottawa Events Guide
If you liked this post, you should subscribe to etcetera, our free email newsletter. Featuring cool Ottawa events, interesting local news and contests and giveaways. Thanks!