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WEEKENDER: Rock of Ages brings back the ’80s, the Travel and Vacation Show gives you wanderlust, and five more fun events to keep you busy this weekend

It's all about rousing numbers that will have you dancing in your seat at Rock of Ages. All Rock of Ages photos © Scott Suchman.

ROCK OF AGES
“Don’t Stop Believin’” in the power of love and ’80s rock and roll. Rock of Ages, the five-time Tony-nominated smash hit, comes to town with Broadway Across Canada. The story is this: a young girl comes to L.A. in search of stardom and gets swept up the in the fast-paced life of the big city, meeting a boy named Drew along the way who’s got his eyes set on fame. Meanwhile, a developer is trying to change the Sunset Strip and tear down the beloved club the Bourbon Room where all the dreamers come to play. And the ultimate bad boy, rock star Stacee Jaxx, has returned for his final concert with the band Arsenal. The show is edgy, sexy, and campy, and features popular songs by Journey, Night Ranger, Styx, White Snake, and so many more. From $38. On until Sunday, March 10. National Arts Centre, 53 Elgin St., www.nac-cna.ca.

VAGINA MONOLOGUES
To raise funds aimed at ending violence against women and girls and in support of the Sexual Assault Support Centre of Ottawa, VDAY Ottawa presents their take on Eve Ensler’s iconic play. Be prepared to hear a range of stories that range from hilarious to heartbreaking. $25. Friday, March 8, and Saturday, March 9, 8 p.m. The Bronson Centre Theatre, 211 Bronson Ave., www.vdayottawa2013.com.

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WEEKENDER: A giant yoga session and a music and food fest, plus six more events to kick off the month of March

Merida from Disney Pixar's "Brave" with Queen Elinor and the triplets. Merida makes her Disney on Ice debut at this show. Photo courtesy of Feld Entertainment.

DISNEY ON ICE: ROCKIN’ EVER AFTER
Disney presents a night for the whole family. Older audiences will experience a trip down memory lane and the kids will be delighted by favourite characters old and new. This show features Merida, from the movie Brave, in her Disney on Ice debut. From $15. Wednesday, February 27, to Sunday, March 3. Scotiabank Place, 1000 Palladium Dr., www.scotiabankplace.com.

WELLINGTON END MUSIC AND FOOD FESTIVAL
There are food festivals and there are music festivals. It only makes sense to combine the two, because what’s better than local food and live bands? This weekend, head over to Hintonburg to take in more than 30 bands, DJs, and musical acts playing in seven venues that include Tacolot, Hintonburg Public House, Alpha Soul, and more. Friday, March 1, to Sunday, March 3. $30 in advance (cash only). For line-up, venues, and where to buy tickets, see www.wellingtonend.com/welcome/music-food-festival.

RED WALL PRESENTS: THE SEATS (FREE!)
In the final artist-in-residence exhibition at the School of Photographic Arts: Ottawa (SPAO) for the 2012-2013 year, Mitchell Burton presents a look at the different spaces that host public events, whether that means cinema, theatre, political areas, or something else entirely. What does it mean, in our public culture, to have a seat? Come find out! Vernissage Friday, March 1, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.; exhibit Friday, March 1, to Wednesday, March 13. SPAO Red Wall Gallery, 168 Dalhousie St., www.spao.ca.

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WEEKENDER: From the Wild & Scenic Film Fest to the Oscars telecast, 10 events to entertain you this weekend

At the Wild & Scenic Film Festival, the film "Seasons" explores water in its frozen and expanded form. Photo by Mike Leeds.

WILD & SCENIC FILM FESTIVAL
In this one-day-only film festival, you get the chance to catch an eclectic mix of films tied to the theme of water protection and conservation. The Ottawa Riverkeeper hosts and all proceeds go to protecting the Ottawa River. The river won’t be the only thing winning: in addition to the compelling films being shown, there will be a silent auction and raffle. Thursday, February 21, $12, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Library and Archives Canada, 395 Wellington St., www.ottawariverkeeper.ca/events.

BUST A MOVE AND TEAM TITTY TARTS’ BOOBIE BALL
The event’s name might be silly, but the cause is anything but. Come out to Lobby Nightclub for a fun evening benefitting the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation and “help save second base.” The evening kicks off with a VIP reception. 19+. Friday, February 22, 9 p.m. $30. Lobby Nightclub, 158 ½ Rideau St., www.ottawacancer.ca.

CARTE BLANCHE: 3 O’CLOCK IN THE AFTERNOON
Choreographer Ina Christel Johannessen brings Norway’s National Company of Contemporary Dance to Ottawa for the first time, directing 12 dancers in an event combining the visual arts, theatre, poetry, and movement. From $38. Friday, February 22, and Saturday, February 23, 7:30 p.m. National Arts Centre, 53 Elgin St., www.nac-cna.ca.

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WEEKENDER: Love songs, pancake meals, a craft beer fest, and the Funatorium are all on the bill this Family Day weekend

METAMORPHOSES
Director Jillian Keiley makes waves with Mary Zimmerman’s take on Ovid’s Metamorphoses, a collection of myths involving transformation.  The play interprets 10 of those myths and sets them in and around a giant swimming pool, exploring the ideas of water, fluidity, and change. The Romans could be a little saucy, so this one’s recommended for audiences ages 16 and up. On until Saturday, February 16. From $22. National Arts Centre, 53 Elgin St., www.nac-cna.ca.

Two families get together to discuss an incident involving their sons in God of Carnage. Photo by Richard Ellis.

GOD OF CARNAGE
Third Wall Theatre Company presents the outrageous tale of two sets of upper class parents who meet to discuss an incident that happened between their two sons. If you’ve seen Roman Polanski’s Carnage, this will sound familiar: his film is an adaptation of Yasmina Reza’s play. $35, seniors $27. On until Sunday, March 3. Irving Greenberg Theatre Centre (Great Canadian Theatre Building), 1233 Wellington St. W., www.thirdwall.com.

BRIGHT NIGHTS: THE 3RD BALTIC-NORDIC FILM FESTIVAL
Back by popular demand, the Canadian Film Institute presents the most recent incarnation of the Bright Nights film festival. Winterlude partners to bring Inuk, the hard-hitting Danish film and coming-of-age story that addresses the issues facing the Greenlandic Inuit, to Canadian audiences. Director Mike Magidson will be in attendance to introduce and discuss his film. See website for full list of films being screened and detailed festival dates. Friday, February 15, 9 p.m. $12, seniors/ students $8. Canadian Film Institute, 2 Daly Ave., www.cfi-icf.ca.

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WEEKENDER: An indie wedding show, a design showcase, a fairytale-themed party, and six more spectacular events

Maria Gabriela Sanches, whose Tin House Courtyard installation involved placing reflective artefacts in a gathering space in Ottawa, will be one of the people showing her work at Design Lines. Photo by Sarah O’Neill.

DESIGN LINES: MASTERS OF DESIGN SHOWCASE (FREE!)
Come meet and mingle with the design stars of tomorrow. Carleton University’s Master of Design Program celebrates and showcases the innovative design work for which its students are known with this exhibit that highlights projects and achievements as well as the career paths students followed after graduation. Friday, February 8, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. MDES Space, 4th Floor Azerieli Pavilion, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Dr., www.id.carleton.ca.

ON THE ROCKS: FAIRY TALES OF NORWAY
Skål! The Royal Norwegian Embassy and the Ottawa Art Gallery celebrate winter with a fairytale themed party for adults, including gløgg (warm mulled wine), aquavit (a traditional flavoured spirit), Norwegian cheeses, smoked salmon, and other hors d’oeuvres. There’ll be music, stories, art, and (weather permitting) an outdoor lounge. $20. Friday, February 8, 7:30 p.m. Ottawa Art Gallery, 2 Daly Ave., www.ottawaartgallery.ca.

OTTAWA FASHION WEEK
Hot fashion trends warm up Winterlude as Fashion Week struts its way to its ninth season. Get ready to be inspired by a great mix of international designers and local favourites, including Jana and Emilia Fashion, Dare by Gwen Madiba, and Copious by Carissa McCaig, who are all returning from past seasons’ to show at OFW. $45, all three days $90. Friday, February 8, to Sunday, February 10, 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Ottawa Convention Centre, 55 Colonel By Dr., www.ottawafashionweek.ca.

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WEEKENDER: Winterlude events abound! Plus Romeo and Juliet is at the NAC and there’s a treasure hunt on Sparks Street

Guillaume Cote and Elena Lobsanova perform in Romeo and Juliet. Photo by Bruce Zinger.

ROMEO AND JULIET
What is more tragically beautiful than Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet? That same story expressed in dance. The formidable National Ballet of Canada performs Alexei Ratmansky’s choreography of the classic tale, a new version combining daring movement with the tradition of period costume. Thursday, January 31, to Saturday, February 2. From $50. National Arts Centre, 53 Elgin St., www.nac-cna.ca.

A TRIBE CALLED RED: ELECTRIC POWWOW (FREE!)
Bring a friend along, dare them not to move to the beat of Electric Powwow’s signature blend of electronica and traditional powwow vocals and drumming, and you stand to make a lot of money. Creators of the powwow step movement DJ NDN, Bear Witness, and Shub bring City Hall’s Marion Dewar Plaza to life and Winterlude 2013 to a joyous start. Friday, February 1, 8 p.m. Marion Dewar Plaza, Ottawa City Hall, 110 Laurier Ave. W., www.canadascapital.gc.ca/celebrate/winterlude.

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WEEKENDER: A Great Lakes photo exhibit, the first-ever Nature Nocturne, and six more events to beat the winter blues

A photo of Owen Sound, Georgian Bay, Lake Huron, by photographer Stephan Gaydos.

STEPHAN GAYDOS: GREAT LAKES PROJECT (FREE!)
What happens when something as wild and natural as a lake becomes central to industry? The School of the Photographic Arts: Ottawa (SPAO) Artist-in-Residence Stephan Gaydos spent seven long months patiently observing four of the Great Lakes (Huron, Superior, Erie, and Ontario), paying special attention to their industrial ports. From those captured images, he’s put together Great Lakes Project: Observations and Appropriations, a study of industrial landscapes. On until Monday, December 30. Red Wall Gallery, 168 Dalhousie St., www.spao.ca.

NATURE NOCTURNE AT THE NATURE MUSEUM
If you’ve ever thought, “Gee, I wish museums would stay open after hours for some grown-up fun,” good news! In addition to the Museum of Nature’s amazing exhibits, there will also be interactive art installations by the Luminartists, heARTbeatgal, and Greta Grip to stimulate your mind while you groove to the music of DJ TDot, the Ottawa New Music Creators, and classical guitarist Chris Milne. No need to worry about going hungry, either: food and drink will be available for purchase. Friday, January 25, 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. $20. The Canadian Museum of Nature, 240 McLeod St., www.nature.ca/nocturne.

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WEEKENDER: The NAC Orchestra takes on West Side Story — plus the Home Renos show, “BRRR-lesque,” and more!

A photo of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra performing live alongside West Side Story. The NAC Orchestra will take its turn with this classic film January 17 to 19. Photo © Todd Rosenberg Photography 2011.

WEST SIDE STORY WITH THE NAC ORCHESTRA
Movies with 3D visuals are so yesterday. How about one with 3D sound instead? Jayce Ogren conducts the National Arts Centre Orchestra’s live accompaniment to the original vocals and dialogue of the digitally re-mastered film West Side Story, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the classic musical. Thursday, January 17, to Saturday, January 19. From $22. National Arts Centre, Southam Hall, 53 Elgin St., www.nac-cna.ca.

RESOLUTION 2013: NEW WORKS FROM SAW VIDEO MEMBERS
Calling all film buffs: Ottawa’s homegrown talent in filmmaking will be showcased at the Arts Court Theatre this Friday thanks to SAW Video, a media arts community supporting local artists. The event features 10 short projects from a variety of genres, including documentary, experimental, animation, and comedy. Tickets available at The Manx Pub and SAW Video (613-238-7648). Friday, January 18, 7:30 p.m. $5. Arts Court Theatre (second floor), 2 Daly Ave., www.sawvideo.com.

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WEEKENDER: Crystal Beshara’s art show, Royal Wood’s concert, and five more reasons to be out and about this weekend

A self-portrait entitled "Dreamscape" by Crystal Beshara from Fight or Flight. Photo by Ben Welland.

FIGHT OR FLIGHT (FREE!)
Lovers of realism rejoice! Local artist Crystal Beshara has an upcoming exhibit at Orange Art Gallery. Beshara’s paintings offer something for everyone: her work is composed in a variety of styles and media, from landscapes to self-portraits, from pen-and-ink to watercolour. Popular subjects include birds, cattle and horses, while the colours that show up again and again are those of the earth and sky. It must not be forgotten, of course, that Beshara’s works are striking not just because of their subject matter, but due to the skill that goes into their creation. Fun fact: at the age of 23, Beshara became the youngest elected Fellow of the Ottawa Watercolour Society. Meet the artist on Thursday, January 10, 7-10 p.m. Exhibit runs from Wednesday, January 9, to Sunday, January 27. Orange Art Gallery, 233 Armstrong St., www.orangeartgallery.ca.

SNOWSHOEING UNDER THE STARS AT GATINEAU PARK
Keep happy and active this wintery weekend with a guided two-hour snowshoe tour in Gatineau Park. In addition to learning from an experienced naturalist about how local plants and animals survive through these colder months, you can feel pleased knowing that your ticket purchase will go to supporting Friends of Gatineau Park activities. Snowshoes are included with your reservation and participants of all ages are welcome. Bilingual. Takes place January 11, February 1, and February 15. For reservations, call 819-827-2020. $15 for adult non-members, $12 for seniors and students, and $5 for children. Gatineau Park Visitor Centre, 33 Scott Road, Old Chelsea, www.canadascapital.gc.ca/places-to-visit/gatineau-park.

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WEEKENDER: A Show of Hands at Shenkman, Billy Elliot at the NAC, and four more fab events to start your January right

Billy Elliot plays at the National Arts Centre until January 7.

BROADWAY PRESENTS BILLY ELLIOT
Strap on your dancing shoes! The 2012-2013 season of Broadway Across Canada at the National Arts Centre has featured some of the biggest titles to ever hit the stage. The New Year kicks off with Billy Elliot, the celebratory tale of a boy who discovers his passion for ballet and, in doing so, inspires his family, friends, and entire community. The show is comprised of a phenomenal cast of 45, as well as the Tony Award-winning team that includes director Stephen Daldry, choreographer Peter Darling, writer Lee Hall, and a score by Elton John. Tuesday, January 1, to Sunday, January 7, see website for showtimes. $50-$96. National Arts Centre, Southam Hall, 53 Elgin St., www.nac-cna.ca.

BLACK BOX THEATRE FESTIVAL
The Gladstone is hosting the Black Box Theatre Festival, a series of one-act plays that toured across Canada earlier in the year. The festival will be wrapping up in January with Underbelly, winner of the Georgia Straight Critics’ Choice Award at the Vancouver International Fringe Festival. This one-man performance by actor/creator Jayson McDonald pays homage to the influential American author William S. Burroughs, incorporating poetic tangents and memorable insights into his wild and quirky life. There are even character cameos from a few of Burroughs’ good friends, Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg, which is sure to add some extra flair to the performance. Wednesday, January 5, to Monday, January 7, 8 p.m. $13-$18. The Gladstone, 910 Gladstone Ave., www.thegladstone.ca.

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