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THE WEEKENDER: Vagina Monologues, Ikebana, Richard Scarry, and five more ways to enjoy the final days of February

VAGINA MONOLOGUES
Poignant and humourous, the Vagina Monologues is based on playwright Eve Ensler’s interviews with over 200 women. The piece celebrates women’s sexuality and strength, and spurred the global action campaign, V-Day, to end violence against women. This year’s Ottawa community production is hosted by the Sexual Assault Support Centre of Ottawa (SASC) and the Minwaashin Lodge Aboriginal Women’s Support Centre. Tickets are $20 in advance at Venus Envy (320 Lisgar St.), Mother Tongue Books (1067 Bank St.) or $25 at the door. Sponsor tickets are available for $100. Friday, Feb. 24 and Saturday, Feb. 25. 8 p.m. Bronson Centre, 211 Bronson Ave. www.thevaginamonologuesottawa2012.wordpress.com

Lyle Richardson uses bold water colours in Drawings of Everyday Life. He teams up with photographer Tony Fouhse for a show at La Petite Mort on Friday night.

TONY FOUHSE AND LYLE RICHARDSON
AT LA PETITE MORT (FREE!)
Appreciate daily struggles from the different perspectives of two old friends in their combined art show. Lyle Richardson uses bold water colours in “Drawings of Everyday Life,” while Tony Fouhse photographs the recovery of Stephanie, a heroin addict, in “Live Through This.” The two artists are friends with a long history in Ottawa. Meet them on Friday, Feb. 24 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Their works are on display for the following 24 hours as part of the gallery’s One Night Stand series. La Petite Mort Gallery, 306 Cumberland St. www.lapetitemortgallery.com

ELABORHYTHM
This unique class uses freestyle dance and percussion to explore rhythm. A playful path to discovery, awakening, and transformation — no dance or music experience required! The event is held at Mouvement, a yoga and dance studio that offers a friendly, comfortable, and intimate atmosphere. Friday, Feb. 24. 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. $20, $17 students, seniors, and unemployed. Pre-registration required. Mouvement, 69 Eddy St., Gatineau. www.elaborhythm.com

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THE WEEKENDER: Family fun, fashionable shows, a monster party to ward off cabin fever, plus Black History poetry and life drawing

FUNATORIUM EXPLORIUM
The Funatorium Explorium is all about hands-on fun for parents and kids to play together. You’ll have a chance to rock climb and joust, as well as meet Star Wars characters, princesses, and superheroes. At the stage, watch amazing performances from science to magic (including Ottawa’s own Eric Leclerc). Check the schedule for the show times of feature  presentation Free The Children. Saturday, Feb. 18 to Monday, Feb. 20. $19.99 or $75 for a family of four. Age 4+ appropriate. CE Centre, 4899 Uplands Dr. www.funatoriumexplorium.com

Last fall, Simon Ekrelius wowed audiences with his avant-garde designs. What will raise eyebrows at this year's Ottawa Fashion Week?

OTTAWA FASHION WEEK
Local and international designers fill the city this week for Ottawa Fashion Week. For the first time in partnership with Winterlude, OFW showcases the latest trends and continues to be an outlet for arts in the community such as photography, music, and film as well as fashion. Friday Feb. 17 to Sunday Feb. 19, 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., $45, $90 three-day pass. The Westin Ottawa, 11 Colonel By Dr.. http://www.ottawafashionweek.ca

MONSTER PARTY WITH SPINS & NEEDLES
The February installment of this quirky series offers participants a chance to make their very own cuddly plush monster — the perfect way to beat cabin fever! Cover charge includes all materials, as well as solid beats from the Spins crew, courtesy DJ Pelletier and Meterman. Special guests include Hobo and Sweetcheeks (of Promdemonium, Kitchen Party fame). Friday, Feb. 17. 8 p.m. $8. James Street Pub, 390 Bank St. www.spinsandneedles.com

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WEEKENDER: Sex, love, and psychic experiences, plus Wed By Hand and Undercurrents

AN EAT PRAY LOVE VALENTINE’S
Luca Spaghetti — yes, that’s his real name — is a character portrayed as the quintessential Roman in Elizabeth Gilbert’s novel Eat Pray Love. In preparation for Valentine’s Day, the man behind Gilbert’s many adventures in Italy shares passionate sights and stories of growing up in Rome, romantic Roman recipes, and the inside scoop on his whirlwind ride of Eat Pray Love. Valentine’s dessert buffet on Friday, Feb. 10 at 7:30 p.m. $50, includes an autographed copy of Luca Spaghetti’s book Un Amico Italiano; Eat, Pray, Love in Rome. St. Anthony’s Banquet Hall, 523 St. Anthony St. www.showoneproductions.ca

One of the photos from the Gallery Egypt exhibit, which takes place at the Library and Archives on Sunday, Feb. 12. Photo by Mohamed El Maymoony

GALLERY EGYPT (FREE!)
It’s been just over a year since the uprising in Egypt, and Ottawa-based Egyptian communities are aiming to explore its international relevance through a unique event at the Library and Archives. Events include a talk on the role of women role in revolutions, spoken word poetry by Sumaiya Beshir, and piano music by Anastasia. Photography from the Egyptian revolution will also be on display; see website for full schedule. Sunday, Feb. 12. 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., Library and Archives Canada, 395 Wellington St. www.galleryegypt.ca

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WEEKENDER: Winterlude opens with fireworks, plus something for jazz lovers, foodies, art collectors, and those who love erotic literature

WINTER JAZZFEST
It’s Ottawa’s first ever Winter Jazzfest. Chill music will be performed by internationally-recognized jazz artists and heaps of local talent; acts include Oliver Jones, the Quinsin Nachoff’s Quartet, the Christine and Ingrid Jensen Quintet, Rémi Bolduc Jazz Ensemble, Megan Jerome, and Renée Yoxon. Visit the Ottawa Jazz Festival website for tickets and schedule information. The festival runs Thursday, Feb. 2 through Saturday, Feb. 4 in venues across downtown.

After the Dance (18 x 24, acrylic on panel) by Andrew King will be part of the After 8 exhibit at Wall Space Gallery.

AFTER 8
After 8 is local artist Andrew King’s fourth solo show. It was inspired by a recent trip off the highways of the U.S., specifically the ‘after 8′ scene, when small town diners and motels are take on a surreal atmosphere. His media explores the journey through an era of Americana that is now fading. The exhibit marks eight years of painting for King. Vernissage: Saturday, Feb. 4, 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Exhibit runs until Saturday, Feb. 25. Wall Space Gallery, 358 Richmond Rd.. www.wallspacegallery.ca

STEW COOK-OFF
Fancy yourself a culinary critic? This Friday, sample stews from Byward Market businesses and pull for your favourite entry in the People’s Choice Awards. Bundle up, bring the family, and be a part of the 20th anniversary of this annual celebration. For $10, it’s all you can eat stew, with all the proceeds going to a local charity. In front of Café 55, 55 ByWard Market Square. Friday, Feb. 3, 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. www.byward-market.com

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WEEKENDER: Red Death, Women’s Slam, plus more ways to spend your Robbie Burns All-Star Weekend

ALL-STAR WEEKEND
Ottawa hosts the NHL top talent this weekend, starting with drafts to team Alfredsson, captained by forward Daniel Alfredsson of our Ottawa Senators, and rival team Chara, led by Boston Bruins defenseman Zdeno Chara. Then, see the stars shine in a skills competition. The six challenges end in an elimination shootout that will decide the winner. Or hit up the Fan Fair at the Ottawa Convention Centre to show off your all-star skills, meet NHL mascots and alumni, and mug beside the Stanley Cup. Full event information here.

Ottawa spoken word poet Festrell will compete in the Women's Slam Championship this weekend.

WOMEN’S SLAM
Join the lively audience that will judge Ottawa’s first Women’s Poetry Slam Championship. The top four contenders earn a feature spot in Ottawa’s VERSeFest 2012. The 12 poets will be a mix of up-and-comers and seasoned scenesters, including Capital Slam Co-founder Elissa Molino and two-time Canadian Festival of Spoken Word Competitor Festrell.  Saturday. Jan. 28, 7 p.m. $8. Art’s Court Theatre, 2 Daly Ave. www.versefest.ca

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WEEKENDER: Lost in Yonkers, BeerFest, Home Reno Show, plus three great ways to embrace the winter weather

HINTONBURG SHINNY
Hintongburg residents will slap sticks and square off against their neighbours in the first first annual street hockey tournament in the hip ‘hood. Nets will be set up on Hamilton Avenue North and Spencer Street (immediately next to the Parkdale Park). Funds raised will be used for youth programming in the community. Teams must have one person who lives in Hintonburg as well as at least one male and one female, and one youth under 14. If you can’t put a team together, bring the family down to watch the excitement unfold. Visit http://hintonburg.com/hockey12.html to sign- up. Organizers will be accepting team registration until Friday night, but registration is capped at 30 teams. Saturday, Jan. 21. 11:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. $10 per team.

A still from the Ottawa Little Theatre production of Lost in Yonkers. Photo courtesy www.ottawalittletheatre.com

LOST IN YONKERS
Lost for what to do this weekend? Quench your culture craving with Ottawa Little Theatre’s run of Neil Simon’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play, Lost in Yonkers. The show stars Thomas Nyhuus and Ven Djukic as two brothers who suffer the damages of an eclectic and dysfunctional family in the early 1940s. A stern grandmother, a mentally soft aunt, and a thug uncle make for an entertaining cast of family members. The play is Chantale Plante’s third time in the director’s role at the Ottawa Little Theatre. Until Jan. 28; matinee performance Sunday, Jan. 22. $25, $22 seniors, $10 students. Ottawa Little Theatre, 400 King Edward Ave. www.ottawalittletheatre.com

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THE WEEKENDER: Experimental film, a charity concert, a motorcycle show (plus a heap of free events if you’re feeling spent from the holidays)

RESOLUTION: NEW WORKS FROM SAW VIDEO
Dance, alcoholism, memory, and murder: it’s all part of the mix at the annual screening of new work by SAW Video members. Izabel Barsive explores age and alcohol through dance in Patsy, while Ian Roy and Lesley Marshall take an innovative approach to storytelling in their short films. Find out what’s going on in the local experimental videography scene at this event that offers eight films in 72 minutes, and a Q&A at the end. Reception to follow. Arts Court Theatre Centre, 2 Daly Ave. Friday, Jan. 13. $5. www.sawvideo.com

Black Angus by Crystal Beshara

WINTER’S PROMISE (FREE!)
It finally looks like winter in Ottawa. Enjoy the beauty of the Ottawa Valley countryside in the warmth of Hintonburg’s Orange Gallery at the new exhibit, Winter’s Promise, by artist and illustrator Crystal Beshara. Beshara’s work is influenced by the calm pace of her rural upbringing. Exhibit runs until Jan. 22. 233 Armstrong St. www.orangeartgallery.ca

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Preternatural sightings, Twelfth Night revelry, Freedom of Expression humour, and three more gigs to get 2012 started right

It’s a little slow in the wake of the holidays, but we’ve dug around to discover a few fine events to keep you busy in the opening days of 2012.

Avantika Bawa will create an installation at St. Brigid's using the same yellow vinyl shown here.

PRETERNATURAL (FREE!)
Preternatural is an awesome three-venue contemporary art exhibition on the themes of nature, wonder, and spirituality. And, happily for the good people of Ottawa, it continues into the New Year with the openings of two new installations this weekend. First up, Korean artist Shin Il Kim launches the video triptych Invisible Masterpiece on Thursday, Jan. 4 with a vernissage at 6 p.m. at Patrick Mikhail Gallery on Friday, Jan. 6 (2401 Bank St.). Invisible Masterpiece is made from 708 individual pressed line drawings which Kim has animated at 30 frames per second. 



On Saturday, Jan. 7, a site specific installation by Avantika Bawa opens at 4 p.m. at St. Brigid’s Centre for the Arts (302 St. Patrick St.). Bawa’s minimal installation will create a synthetic and surreal environment within St. Brigid’s, overlaying bright “Indian yellow” vinyl over the architecture while filling the space with bass sounds from the key of E. Sounds dreamy… For full details on what’s up with Preternatural, visit www.preternatural.ca.

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THE WEEKENDER: Contemporary dance, an a cappella concert, and five other fun outings

Traces, presented by the School of Dance, is all about contemporary dance.

TRACES
Like watching better than doing? How about a night of contemporary dance featuring new works by some of Canada’s leading choreographers. Heidi Strauss from Toronto and Louise Bédard from Montreal are just two whose work will be featured alongside local choreographers in Traces. Performed by the up-and-coming contemporary dance students from the School of Dance. Friday, Dec. 16, and Saturday, Dec. 17, 7:30 p.m. $25, $20 for students and seniors. Arts Court Theatre, 2 Daly Ave., 613-564-7240. www.theschoolofdance.ca

ST. VINCENT AT RITUAL NIGHTCLUB
Or do your own contemporary dancing at Ritual Nightclub as you enjoy tunes by curly-haired indie songstress, St. Vincent. Also known as Annie Clark, the singer-songwriter worked with Sufjan Stevens’ performing band before releasing her debut album in 2007. Now on her third album, entitled Strange Mercy, Clark has been hitting the road, performing her newest guitar-oriented ballads. Must be 19 and over. Friday, Dec. 16, 9 p.m. Tickets $23 in advance (available at Vertigo Records, The Record Shaap, or online). 137 Besserer St. www.ticketweb.ca

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THE WEEKENDER: Lots of free Christmas stuff, plus dance and theatre and local food

CHRISTMAS FANFAIR CONCERT (FREE!)
The musicians of the NAC Orchestra once again pick up their instruments for this free Christmas concert in support of the Ottawa Food Bank and the Snowsuit Fund of Ottawa. Listen to some great Christmas tunes and then join the sing-along. Special guests include CBC radio host and mezzo-soprano Julie Nesrallah, and Laureen Harper, as conductor. Sunday, Dec. 11, noon. National Arts Gallery, Main Foyer, 53 Elgin St. www2.nac-cna.ca

An image from The Company of Fools play A Midwinter's Dream Tale. Photo by Andrew Alexander.

A MIDWINTER’S DREAM TALE
Looking for a laugh? Then look no further than the Company of Fools performance of A Midwinter’s Dream Tale. This local troupe, mainly known for their outdoor summer events, has been entertaining audiences for 10 years with their signature characters Pomme Frite and ‘Restes. This show combines elements of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream and The Knight’s Tale, but features all-new gags and adventures. This year sees the return of original cast members, including Jesse Buck, who has just come back from a stint with Cirque du Soleil. Until Dec. 18. See website for show times and to purchase tickets, or call the box office at 613-236-5196. Great Canadian Theatre Company, 1233 Wellington St. W. www.gctc.ca

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