Events | Ottawa Magazine

The Weekender: Butterflies, birds, ballots, and four other things to do this weekend

BUTTERFLY SHOW (FREE!)
Hey, if it’s still raining (and there seems to be a never-ending supply of the wet stuff on weekends) this is a great option for frazzled parents. Carleton University’s two display greenhouses are filled with exotic tropical butterflies during its annual butterfly show. Great way to combine fun and education! Get there early — it gets very busy. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. from Sat., Oct. 2 to Oct. 11. Nesbitt Biology Building, corner of University Drive and Raven Road, 613-520-3513. http://tinyurl.com/27jypud

Autumn Montage by Robert Moeller

ARTISTS IN THEIR ENVIRONMENT (FREE!)
Spread over two weekends, this studio tour lets you interact with artists and craftspeople in their creative environments. More than 22 artists display paintings, pottery, sculptures, jewellery, photography, furniture, and more. Check out Louis Rompré’s vibrant hand-dipped candle demonstrations, John Barkley’s stunning abstract oil paintings, and Robert Moeller’s nature-inspired creations (left). Oct. 2 and 3 and 9 to 11. A printable version of the route map is available on the website and copies of the brochures are available en route. Chelsea and Wakefield, 819-459-3233. www.tourcw.com

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The Weekender: Sword swallowers, speed demons, and five more intriguing weekend possibilities

MORRISBURG TUBIE FESTIVAL (FREE!)
In need of a good laugh? Get a bunch of friends together and build a raft, then head out to Morrisburg for the annual Tubie Festival. It’s a weekend of fun, but the real excitement starts at noon on Sunday, when participants meet at the Morrisburg Dock for a 1.5 mile sprint to the beach. Depending on the number of participants, there will be up to three heats; see the schedule at the Beer Garden. Yes, there’s a Beer Garden, which means if you get lazy or pop your raft en route to the event, you can always sit back and enjoy the spectacle from dry land, with beer in hand. July 31 and August 1, Morrisburg, www.morrisburglionsclub.ca

Photograph of Hélène Lefebvre performing "Mère Courage" in Gatineau, QC, by Jackson Couse, 2009.

BODIES IN TROUBLE (FREE!)
Photography that will make you pause. Big-time local and international photographers explore “the human flight to survive and the fight for freedom.” From photojournalism to performance art stills, the exhibit features work by Jana Sterbak, Yves Klein, and Ottawa’s own Jackson Couse. Poetic and subversive, many of these photos are showing in Canada for the first time. Best not to say too much more; go see for yourself the gut-wrenching, and at times hopeful effect of this collection. Runs to October 3. Pay what you can. SAW Gallery, 67 Nicholas St., www.galeriesawgallery.com

BLACKSMITH WORKSHOP
Ever wish you were born in another era? Love watching reruns Little House on the Prairie? Well, if you’re ready to get your hands dirty and sweat a bit over hot coal, then head to the Cumberland Heritage Village Museum for a hands on workshop in the art of blacksmithing. Stoke a fire, use traditional tools, and learn how they made horseshoes in the good old days. At the end of the day you’ll have your own ironwork creation. Ages 14 and up. July 31, 1 – 3 p.m. $5 (registration required). Cumberland Heritage Village Museum, 2940 Old Montreal Rd., Cumberland. 613-833-3059, www.ottawa.ca/museums

HOT WHEELS
Love the sound of gunning engines, the adrenalin of a tight race, and the crispy taste of concession stand fries? Then the Luskville Dragway is the place for you. Pretty impressive prize money — attracts dragsters and street racers from as far away as New Jersey. They come to test their wheels, they come to check out the competition, and they come to party. For the best bash this side of Charlotte, North Carolina, bring your tent or camper to the strip this long weekend for Bracket Bonanza, a weekend of races and revelry that sees $10,000 awarded each day. July 30 to August 1. $50 (includes camping and admission) or $15 (Friday), $30 (Saturday), $25 (Sunday) for the day. 819-455-9614. www.luskvilledragway.com

INTERNATIONAL BUSKERS FESTIVAL
Watch a sword-swallower in action without heading to Vegas as top performers descend on Sparks Street for this annual celebration of the wild and weird. Other acts on the bill include the 2008 World Yo-Yo Champion and a cabaret duo performing a blend of circus stunts, violin, and fire. Don’t try this at home kids. July 29 to Aug. 2. Pass-the-hat. Sparks Street, 613-230-0984. www.sparksstreetmall.com

THEY ALL DO IT
Odyssey Theatre returns for its 24th season of Theatre Under the Stars with a contemporary comedy inspired by a Mozart opera — a tale of young love made even more dramatic by the company’s signature masks, costumes, and extravagant set design. Just don’t forget the bug spray! July 29 to Aug. 29. Tuesday to Sunday evening $19-$24, Wednesday youth matinee $5, Sunday matinee pay-what-you-can. Strathcona Park, 613-232-8407. www.odysseytheatre.ca

RIDEAU CANAL FESTIVAL
You’ve run along it, skated on it, and canoed in it, so now it’s time to throw this manmade waterway a party. Grab the kids and head down to Dows Lake, Confederation Park, the Ottawa locks, or the canal to join in the festivities. The weekend is jam-packed with activities at each location, including a boat floatilla, a musical bike parade, and heritage tours, plus plenty of live entertainment. July 30 to Aug. 2. 613-288-0970. www.rideaucanalfestival.ca

An adventure in urban art, a picnic with Nikki, and three other wicked weekend events

URBAN ART @ MINTO PARK (FREE!)
Check out the local art scene while basking in the sun. This fresh air market brings 50 artists and artisans together to sell their wares, which include paintings, jewellery, puppets, glassware, and more. Some of the participants are veterans, while others are looking to make a name for themselves. July 24, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Minto Park (Elgin Street at Gilmour Street). www.urbanartinmintopark.blogspot.com

Nikki Yanofsky joins the NAC Orchestra for Orchestras in the Park.

ORCHESTRAS IN THE PARK (FREE!)
Even if you cringed every time “I Believe” played against a video montage of Olympic moments last winter, you gotta give Nikki Yanofsky credit. The Montreal signer has wowed audiences with her vocal range — and managed to stay in the limelight sans tantrums or other immature behaviour that we’ve come to expect from starlets. And the outfits! (Please, o please, rock some Converse high-tops and/or sequined soccer shorts this weekend!) Nikki will be accompanied by the NAC Orchestra (Edwin Outwater, conductor). So pack a picnic and help bring a Hollywood Bowl vibe to LeBreton Flats. July 24 at 7:30 p.m. LeBreton Flats Park. www.nac-cna.ca

HERBFEST
Did you know the Herb of the Year is dill? Ever since 1995 the International Herb Association has chosen a herb to highlight, and this year dill gets to shine. Learn this and a whole lot more at the 15^th annual Herbfest: A Celebration of Healthy Living. This year’s festivities start with a presentation by the much-loved Gay Cook, a chef cook-off, and a discussion with Diana Beresford-Kroeger — a botanist and self-defined “renegade scientist.” In the afternoon, sample local cheeses with a cheese sommelier, and learn about how to aid digestion with the help of herbs. Between events, listen to live music and enjoy garden tours. July 25, 9 p.m. to 5 p.m. $5, family pass $15. The Herb Garden, 3840 Old Almonte Rd., Almonte. www.herbfest.info

STING
The former Police frontman takes the stage for a stunning show that pairs this long-time talent with the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra. Try not to swoon as Maestro Steven Mercurio conducts the musicians through classics like “Every Little Things She Does is Magic” and “Fields of Gold.” July 25 at 8 p.m. (doors open at 7 p.m.). $58.30-$153.30. Scotiabank Place, 1000 Palladium Dr., 613-599-3267. www.scotiabankplace.com

THE ANDREWS BROTHERS
Who doesn’t enjoy a good comedy about men in drag? Max, Lawrence, and Patrick Andrews are rehearsing for a USO show in the South Pacific with pin-up girl Peggy Jones. The boys are just temporary stand-ins, until they learn the show’s real headliners, The Andrews Sisters, won’t be able to make it out. The show can’t go on, unless there’s some way for the stars to be replaced… July 22 to Aug. 14. $38, seniors $33, and students $23. The Gladstone, 910 Gladstone Ave., 613-233-4523. www.thegladstone.ca

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 3^rd 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.

Shop Talk: Mountain Equipment Co-op

(Photograph: Angela Gordon)

The people who introduced gearheads to cooperative ownership are at it again, this time drumming up enthusiasm for cycling in the city. On Sunday, June 20, Mountain Equipment Co-op will host its first Bikefest at Lebreton Flats. Scheduled events include demos and clinics, plus there’s bound to be plenty of gossip among local cycling groups about the new bike lanes coming to Ottawa streets.

The look: Pretty and practical

The labels: MEC, Patagonia, Prana

Perfect for: weekend warriors, city dwellers who bike to work, and camping enthusiasts looking for a cute campfire ensemble

USP: Mandatory $5 (lifetime) membership to buy or rent

366 Richmond Rd., www.mec.ca

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What the BLEEP? Shocking art at the National Gallery

Rabbit, 1996, by Jeff Koons (Photo: The Eli and Edythe L. Broad Collection, Los Angeles, Douglas M. Parker Studio, Los Angeles)

Scandal alert! When the National Gallery’s summer blockbuster, Pop Life, opens on June 11, at least a few racy artistic oeuvres will have Ottawa’s would-be censors all a-twitter. A portrait of a nude Brooke Shields, aged 10, has already been removed from the program. But that still leaves Jeff Koons’ photographic blow-ups of porn star La Cicciolina. Pop Life is about pop art — and as the megastars of pop art well know, a whiff of scandal is just the thing to draw crowds. As a preamble to the main event, Paul Gessell looks back at past art shows that have offended local sensibilities By Paul Gessell

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