On April 25, Canadian politics and literature joined forces for the annual Politics and the Pen gala. Held at the Fairmont Château Laurier, the event brought together politicians, writers, diplomats, leaders from the arts and business communities, and other notable names to celebrate with food, drink, entertainment and — of course — memorable conversation. The night also included a presentation of the $25,000 Shaughnessy Cohen Prize for Political Writing to Richard Gwyn for his biography Nation Maker: Sir John A. Macdonald: His Life, Our Times; Volume Two: 1867-1891. Here’s a look at the who’s who from the night (guests walked away with copies of Ottawa Magazine in their goodie bags). For an insider’s perspective on the evening, check out the post on Ottawa Magazine’s Politics Chatter blog, where Mark Bourrie blogged about the event in a post entitled “Dishing on last night’s Politics and the Pen dinner. Hint: Barbara Amiel rocked it.” Photography by Jake Wright and Steven Gerecke.
Author Archive
WEB EXCLUSIVE: Q&A with writer Linda Kay on being a female journalist and a local reporter’s impact on history
By Emma Paling
Writer and journalist Linda Kay was the first female sports reporter at the Chicago Tribune.
Linda Kay is the author of The Sweet Sixteen: The Journey that Inspired the Canadian Women’s Press Club. Her book recounts how a single train ride in 1904 ended with the creation of a club that would go on to count Nellie McClung and Lucy Maud Montgomery among its members. A young Ottawa reporter, Margaret Graham, asked a CP publicist for the same press pass her male colleagues were given to attend the St. Louis World Fair. He said if she could find 12 accredited female writers, he’d escort them to St. Louis himself. Well, she found 15. He named them the “Sweet Sixteen,” despite the fact that these were tough, tenacious women, working as journalists at a time when they weren’t even legally recognized as people.
Kay herself was the first female sports reporter at the Chicago Tribune, and is now chair of Concordia University’s journalism department. The Sweet Sixteen book launch will be held this Saturday at the Media Club of Ottawa, an offshoot of the Canadian Women’s Press Club.
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THE ARTFUL BLOGGER: Tears and farewells amid Carleton University’s Embarrassment of Riches
By Paul Gessell
Geoffrey James, "Viaduct of the Ohio Turnpike, Cuyahoga National Park," 2004.
It was the last vernissage at the Carleton University Art Gallery to be presided over by the retiring director, Diana Nemiroff, and Ottawa’s art royalty turned out in force.
It also helped that many Ottawa artists attending had some of their own works on the gallery walls. They included Justin Wonnacott, Loraine Gilbert, Jane Martin, Jennifer Dickson, Michele Provost, and relatives of the late Gerald Trottier. Other artists in attendance were Cindy Stelmackowich and Jerry Grey, along with major collectors Joe Friday and John Cook, art dealer Dale Smith and prominent curators Catherine Sinclair, Judith Parker, and Jonathan Shaughnessy.
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SOUND SEEKERS: Dub dreamers and hot steppers bring global sounds to the clubs
Sound Seekers by Fateema Sayani is published weekly at OttawaMagazine.com. Read Fateema Sayani’s culture column in Ottawa Magazine and follow her on Twitter @fateemasayani
Eccodek - Remixtasy
For the past decade, Guelph, Ont., producer Andrew McPherson has spearheaded the band Eccodek. Over three albums, the band of Indiaphiles and beat slaves has appropriated global sounds and torqued them for discerning clubbers Bill Laswell-style. The band is well known in the Canadian electronica scene, but a secret to the masses. It feels like a stretch when you find out that these melting-pot mixes come straight outta Royal City.
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The Weekender: A soulful singer and a couple funky craft sales, plus four other awesome outings
Singer-songwriter Royal Wood plays at the NAC on Nov. 20. Photo credit: Ivan Otis.
ROYAL WOOD
You might have heard singer-songwriter Royal Wood when he opened for national tours with Serena Ryder, Sarah Slean, and David Gray. If you’re a fan of Grey’s Anatomy, you’ve encountered his mellow, velvet-smooth voice on the soundtrack. Here’s your chance to hear him on his own well-deserved tour to promote his latest album The Waiting. Those in the know have even gone so far as to put his talents in the same league as Sexsmith and Wainwright. Saturday, Nov. 2o, 8 p.m. $25. National Arts Centre, Studio, 53 Elgin St., 613-755-1111. www.nac-cna.ca
THE ONE & ONLY CRAFT SALE (FREE!)
For those keeners (you know who your are!) who like to start their Christmas shopping in November, the One & Only Arts and Craft Fair is the place to be this Sunday. For one day only, the Sandy Hill Community Centre plays host to an eclectic group of vendors displaying funky jewellery, stuffed toys, purses, artwork, and knitted items. But what really sets this craft show apart is the free buffet of comfort foods and sweets. Sunday, Nov. 21, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Sandy Hill Community Centre, 250 Somerset St. E. www.sandyhillsoneandonly.blogspot.com
The Weekender: A ’50s dance party, two terrific art events, plus three more intriguing ideas
Louis Helbig's exhibit "Beautiful Destruction" is on view at City Hall Art Gallery until Sept. 26. Photo courtesy of Louis Helbig.
FESTIVAL X (FREE!)
There are way too many awesome exhibitions (35 at last count) to list them all, so check out the website and plan to spend lots of time being inspired and intrigued over the next few days and weeks. Some of our must-see picks for the weekend: Justin Wonnacott’s freaky fish at Carleton University Art Gallery (Saturday and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.), Louis Helbig’s Beautiful Destruction shots of the oil sands at City Hall Art Gallery (from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., ending Sept. 26), and Karsh Award winner Tony Fouhse’s portraits at Karsh-Masson Gallery (Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.). www.festivalx.ca
LA VENDEMMIA Read the rest of this entry »
Little Italy’s tasting, feasting, and stomping festival hits its peak this weekend. Our weekend picks? On Sept. 24, dozens of restaurants showcase feature lunch and dinner menus in honour of the event. On Sept. 25, head to Pasticceria Gelateria Italiana at 9 a.m. to meet up for a walking tour of Little Italy, then to Preston Hardware at 11 a.m. for a free wine-making seminar. For a full list of events visit www.prestonstreet.com/lavendemmia
The Weekender: Grown-up cartoons, hot air balloons, and four more long weekend events
"Twilight" is just one of the paintings by Michel Luc Bellemare that will be on view at Orange Gallery.
PIXIE DUST (FREE!)
An exhibit by artist Michel Luc Bellemare opens this Thursday as part of the 1st Thursdays Wellington West Art Walk. Bellemare, a young aboriginal artist working in Ottawa, offers a visually striking collection of large abstract paintings in the style of colour-realism. Vibrant and radiant, meditative and pleasing to the eye, Bellemare’s work actually stops you in your tracks — no mean feat if you’re doing the six-gallery crawl. Vernissage Sept. 2. 5-9 p.m. Show runs to Sept. 23. Orange Gallery, 233 Armstrong St. www.orangeartgallery.ca
GATINEAU HOT AIR BALLOON FESTIVAL Read the rest of this entry »
Look up — way up — for this aeronautical adventure that draws participants from around the world to show off the best in balloon designs. If you’re more of a feet-on-the-ground type of person, catch extreme sports demos, buskers, fireworks, a midway, and concert performances by Our Lady Peace and Hedley. Sept. 3 to 6. One day wristband: Sept. 3 $24, Sept. 4-6 $18. See website for full ticket info. La Baie Park, Gatineau, 819 243-2331. www.montgolfieresgatineau.com
The Weekender: Dancing, drive-ins, and three other inspired weekend ideas
Catch the Sound of Light grand finale on Aug. 21.
CASINO DU LAC-LEAMY SOUND OF LIGHT
This annual fireworks fest draws to a close on Saturday night with the aptly titled grand finale. The best pyrotechnics from four different countries duke it out to see who puts on the best show set to music — and earns bragging rights and the coveted Zeus trophy. Head out to see if Portugal, the defending champs, can hold on to their crown. Aug. 21 (9:30 p.m). General admission $10, free for children 11 and under, reserved seating $23. Lac-Leamy, 1 boul. du Casino, Gatineau, 819-771-FEUX (3389). www.feux.qc.ca
BELL BIV DEVO
Parliament Ultra Club hosts its biggest Rewind Party ever, courtesy of Bell Biv Devoe. Guaranteed to perform their smash hits “Poison,” “Do Me,” “I Thought It Was Me,” “When Will I See You Smile,” “She’s Dope” etc. Dress code: chic + summer. Vibe: dance till you can dance no more. Aug. 21 (9 p.m.). $35-$45. Tickets at Norml Clothing, The Pita Pit, Fades, and Mama Cee’s, as well as online. Parliament Ultra Club, 151 George St. www.capitaltickets.ca
PORT ELMSLEY DRIVE-IN
Relive your youth — visit the drive-in and make out under the stars. If you’re under 40 and have never experienced the drive-in, grab some friends and head to Port Elmsley to enjoy the groovy-ironic retro-cool vibe. First up, it’s The Switch with Jennifer Aniston and Jason Bateman. After that, some hardcore action with The Expendables. Movies begin at dusk. $10, children, $2. Snack bar available. Cash only. 333 Port Elmsley Rd. (just outside Smith’s Falls), 613-267-7772. www.portelmsleydrivein.com
IBL ALL-STAR CLASSIC
The boys of summer keep that sweet season feeling alive, serving up the Intercounty Baseball League All-Star Classic at sunny Ottawa Stadium (Lynx Stadium to baseball old-timers). The two-match series sees two Ottawa Fat Cats All-Star players (Cody Mombourquette and Danny Desclouds) suiting up for the IBL. On the other side, the cream of La Ligue de Baseball Senior Elite du Quebec (LBSEQ). Aug.21 (7 p.m.) and Aug. 22 (2 p.m.). Adult $10.62, child $5.31, seniors and students $7.08. 300 Coventry Rd., 613-749-2020. www.ottawafatcats.com
JUSTIN BIEBER
Ok, so this concert takes place after the weekend, but how could we not mention the Stratford, Ontario-native? Since becoming a YouTube sensation, this kid has attracted more than four million followers on Twitter, performed on Saturday Night Live alongside Tina Fey, and set the online world abuzz about his dreamy hair. Plus, he can sing! Songs like “Baby” and “One Less Lonely Girl” have no doubt made their way into your head and camped out for days. See what “Bieber Fever” is all about when he comes to Ottawa on Aug. 24. $32.50-$52.50. Scotiabank Place, 1000 Palladium Dr., 613-599-3267; 877-788-3267. www.scotiabankplace.com
Bird sightings, urban adventure, and four other weekend activities
Lynn Miles takes the stage at the Stewart Park Music Festival in Perth. Photo courtesy Andrew MacNaughtan.
STEWART PARK MUSIC FESTIVAL (FREE!)
Slip into your Birkenstocks and take a trip to Perth this weekend for the 20th Anniversary edition of this riverside party, with two stages of music in an idyllic setting by the Tay River. If the weather holds out on Friday, pack a picnic and catch the ridiculously entertaining Arrogant Worms at 5 p.m., then stick around for local folk favourite Lynn Miles at 7 p.m. In between musical acts, browse the craft market for retro tie-dye finds and other handmade treasures. On Saturday, stretch your legs with a waterfront yoga class at 2 p.m. Then on Sunday, catch Juno-award winning singer/songwriter James Keelaghan perform old favourites and new material (12:30 p.m.). The fun begins at noon on Friday and continues until 6 p.m. on Sunday. www.stewartparkfestival.com
FOR THE BIRDS (FREE!)
Cross over the bridges into Quebec for two opportunities for viewing creatures of the winged variety. Plan an early morning stop at Pink Lake in Gatineau Park to be there when the birds are most active. A 2 km interpretive trail skirts the lake, providing a scenic walk through a lovely cedar and deciduous woodland where some of the 230 bird species native to the park make their homes (www.canadascapital.gc.ca). Your next stop is Boutique Arthena in Chelsea, a gallery/boutique promoting local artists and featuring eco-friendly products for the home and garden. An avian-themed event showcases watercolours of dream birds by Petite-Nation mixed media artist Sally Lee Sheeks, wire sculptures by Lisa Brunetta, and other bird-themed artwork. Sheeks will be on-site this Sunday, July 18, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. for a guided tour and demonstration of her technique. Boutique Arthena, 205, Old Chelsea Rd., 819-827-0191. www.arthena.ca
NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD LIVE
If you’re heading to Bluesfest this weekend, be sure to check out the creative re-imagining of this zombie classic, which features the horror movie and a cast of local actors reciting the dialogue. Local band the Hilotrons will provide an eerie score. Film buffs should be on the lookout for the film’s director, George A. Romero, at the show on Saturday night. July 16 and 17 at 9 pm. Day passes $45 (Friday) and $55 (Saturday). Barney Danson Theatre in the War Museum, 1 Vimy Place. www.ottawabluesfest.ca
MITSUBISHI CITY CHASE
If you think you would be great at The Amazing Race, here’s a chance to test your skills. This event (which takes place worldwide) pits teams of two against each other in a six-hour urban adventure that will test your city knowledge and teamwork skills as well as your physical and intellectual prowess. Complete challenges at “Chase Points” across town and vie for a spot at the Canadian Championships. July 17 at 9 a.m. $169.50. University of Ottawa, Tabaret Hall Lawn, 550 Cumberland St. www.mitsubishicitychase.com
2nd ANNUAL OTTAWA SOUTH ASIAN FESTIVAL (FREE!)
Because the little festivals that are just getting started need our support — and who doesn’t love Bollywood glam? Organized by the Ontario South Asian Community Association, the entertainment starts with a performance by the talented and adorable Moiz Lakhani, a 9-year-old with a captivating voice. Then, try laughter yoga with Sophie of the Sunflower Institute. The afternoon features a performance by Bollywood for Fun; based on Classic Indian Dance, and heavily influenced by Bollywood movies, Bhangra dance is a pleasure to watch — and a lot of fun to try! Evening acts include Jay Deala and Prita Chhabra. 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on July 17. Confederation Park. www.southasianfestival.org
SUMMER FLING
This brand new theatre fest will be offering nine different plays this summer, for a grand total of 80 shows in six different venues. To start things off is Willy Russell’s Educating Rita about a boozy, cynical professor and his friendship with a sassy hairdresser who longs for formal education. 8 p.m., until Aug. 1. $25, students and seniors $20. Arts Court, 2 Daly St., 613-564-7240. www.artscourt.ca
The Weekender: Sweaty dancing and six other things to do this weekend
1. OTTAWA DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL (FREE!)
Sure, the race gets bigger every year, with close to 200 teams of paddlers duking it out for dragon boat glory, but armchair athletes will also appreciate the liquid entertainment (great beer tent!) and musical offerings by the likes of MonkeyJunk and Bedouin Soundclash (Saturday) and 54-40 (Sunday). June 18-20. Mooney’s Bay, 2960 Riverside Dr., 613-238-7711, dragonboat.net.
Lindsay Campbell is just one of the artists whose work you'll find at La Petite Mort this weekend.
2. UNLOAD II (FREE!)
For the second year in a row, La Petite Mort gathers some of the city’s top artists for what they call a “collective creative dumpfest.” The rules are few (large prints, small sketches) and the prices low, with plenty of pieces under $500. The lineup for this five-day exhibit includes Stefan Thompson, Howie Tsui, Daniel Martelock, Guillermo Trejo, and Lindsay Campbell. June 19-24. La Petite Mort Gallery, 306 Cumberland St., lapetitemortgallery.com.
3. TIMEKODE
Still the best, sweatiest dance party in the city, for its June edition Timekode brings in two heavyweights from Toronto to take the dance floor to a new level. Special guests Big Jacks, a formidable force on the mixtape scene, and Bozack Morris, the party rocker of Black Rap, will join the regular Timekode crew for a long night of soulful dancefloor wrecking. June 18. Eri Café, 953 Somerset St. W., timekode.com.
4. SIMPLY RAW FESTIVAL (FREE!)
There’s always something happening at Central Park. Two weeks ago, it was the artsy types. This weekend, the Glebe is filled with raw-food-loving, eco-conscious types, who congregate to talk healthy living and taste-test a vegan pie or two. The lineup of speakers includes the fabulous Bif Naked. June 19, 10 a.m. –9 p.m. Central Park, simplyraw.ca.
5. NO PANTS DANCE PARTY
Rockalily Burlesque teams up with Babylon nightclub for its 3rd annual NPDP — and by no pants, they mean no outer pants. Underwear (gorgeous or flashy) is a must. Dance the night away sans pants AND catch a burlesque show! Prizes for best pantsless outfits! $8. June 19, 9 p.m. –2:30 a.m. 317 Bank St., babylonclub.ca.
6. CARIVIBE
Caribbean culture steals the spotlight! Kick off the day with a parade down St. Joseph Boulevard at noon, and then head to the beach at Petrie Island, where you’ll find beats by steel pan bands, traditional Caribbean cuisine, and activities for the whole family. June 19. $10 on the beach; free for children under 12. 613-590-1888, carivibe.com.
7. OTTAWA FRINGE FESTIVAL
Quirky characters, strange situations, and experimental treatments are on the bill at the fringe, with theatre artists encouraged to make bold choices and be “unrestricted”in the name of art. Saturday and Sunday are jam-packed with more than 30 shows each day at venues around town. Content ranges from love stories with a twist to the history of burlesque, and everything in between. Until June 27. Prices vary by show; passes available. 613-232-6162, ottawafringe.com.
