Festivals | Ottawa Magazine

Articles Tagged ‘festivals’

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

Dayanti Karunaratne | July 21, 2010 at 11:59 am

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

Misa Kobayashi | July 14, 2010 at 1:40 pm

The Weekender: Roller-derby madness, slick jazz, and four other things to do this weekend

David Sanborn takes to the Jazz Fest stage on June 26

1. OTTAWA JAZZ FEST
You’ve got to pace yourself when the festival lasts for 12 days! Ottawa Magazine’s weekend picks? How about Grammy Award-winner Herbie Hancock on June 25 (8 p.m.), followed by sax man David Sanborn, who gets down with his trio on June 26 (7:30 p.m.).NAC regular John Geggie leads a jam session after hours on June 24, 25, and 26 (10:30 p.m.). See website for ticket info. Various locations, 613- 241-2633, www.ottawajazzfestival.com

2. SLAUGHTER DAUGHTERS VS. RIOT SQUAD
As the first Ottawa roller-derby crew, the Slaughter Daughters learned the game by the seat of their hot pants. The tattoo-covered veterans take on their disciples, Riot Squad, in the first inner-league bout ever! To witness this thrilling show of speed and spunk, head to Sandy Hill Arena. June 26. $12 in advance; $15 at the door. Retail outlets selling tickets include The Candy Store, Venus Envy, Crosstown Traffic, and SpaceMan Music. 60 Mann Ave., www.rideauvalleyrollergirls.com

3. AVATAR 3D
It’s not too late to catch this flick the way James Cameron intended. Avatar plays at the IMAX Theatre for one last weekend. Enjoy the epic battle between humans and the Na’vi creatures of Pandora on the biggest screen in the city, while wrapped in 30,000 watts of sound. Until June 27. Adults $15; seniors, students, and children $12. Museum of Civilization, 100, rue Laurier, Gatineau, 819-776-7010. www.civilization.com

4. THESE ARE THE MARKS I MAKE (FREE!)
Painter Duncan de Kergommeaux surveys work from his career, spanning almost six decades. From process-oriented grid paintings and drawings of the 1970s, to more recent embellishments of the landscape, this exhibition frames de Kergommeaux as an artist who seeks meaning in the creative process. Ottawa Art Gallery, 2 Daly Ave., 613-233-8699. www.ottawaartgallery.ca

5. THOUSAND ISLANDS WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL
Worth the drive for wine and foodies! Gourmands can revel in the taste of some of the province’s finest wine, beer, and food at this first-ever festival. Feel free to imbibe — a complimentary shuttle service is offered during festival hours. See website for ticket info. June 25 and 26. Brockville Country Club, 1548 King St. W., Brockville, 888-251-7676, www.brockvilletourism.com

6. CAMPFIRE AND STORYTELLING
Hotdogs and marshmallows, campfire, and stories. What more could you need? Join the Ottawa Storytellers for an evening of tall tales around the fire. It’s just like camping — except you get to return to your own comfy bed at the end of the night. Bring your own blanket or chair to sit on. $6 per person, $10 per pair, or $15 per family. June 26. 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. 270 Pinhey’s Point Rd., Dunrobin, 613-832-4347, www.ottawa.ca/museums

Sarah Brown | June 23, 2010 at 11:48 am

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.

Misa Kobayashi | June 16, 2010 at 11:48 am