Articles Tagged ‘jazz’

EVENT PREVIEW: Planet of Sound offers turntable tune-ups and audio appreciation

Shop Talk is written by OM senior editor Dayanti Karunaratne and Sarah Fischer, OM account executive and fashion maven.

Planet of Sound has long been a mecca for audiophiles and others looking for the best stereo equipment. The Old Ottawa South store sells new and used speakers, turntables, and home theatre products, as well as the cables and converters to bring it all together.

But more recently, the shop has started to host events — and more openly advertise the services on offer. (From home setups to music conversion, their services can save you time and money. Check out the list here.)

And the events are bound to attract new customers to this chic shop. On Saturday, August 18, Planet of Sound is hosting a turntable clinic — basically an opportunity to get people listening to their old turntables again. Experienced staff test them out to make sure everything’s working and optimize the cartridge in order to prevent damage to records. Best of all, it’s done free of charge, while you wait.

Jazz fans out there will be excited to hear about the new Jazz Appreciation series, which takes place on the last Sunday of every month (this month, August 26). Music experts from the store choose a classic track — they really love 1960s Blue Note and Impulse recordings — and spin it in their top end system for a sound that most people have never heard before.

Read the rest of this entry »

  |  August 13, 2012 at 11:40 am

WEEKENDER: Comedy for a cause, an independent female business fair, and five fun festivals for your summer weekend

LAUGH & LIVE’R
Comedy clubs across the nation are joining together to raise money for entertainer (and Ottawa native) Mike MacDonald, who was recently diagnosed with hepatitis C and is now waiting for a liver transplant. But of course, comedians won’t let this get them down. The Yuk Yuk’s on Elgin will be celebrating Mike’s birthday this Thursday by putting on a comedy show, with all funds going towards his medical expenses. Thursday, June 21, 8:30 p.m. $20. Yuk Yuk’s, 292 Elgin St., www.yukyuks.com/location.aspx?LocationID=10&PageID=20.

Crystal Shawanda takes the stage at the Summer Solstice Aboriginal Arts Festival.

SUMMER SOLSTICE ABORIGINAL ARTS FESTIVAL (FREE!)
Why couldn’t Canadian history have been this fun in high school? National Aboriginal History Month is coming to its end this weekend with a bunch of free events and programs. Musical performances, including one by country singer Crystal Shawanda, dance competitions, and extensive kids’ activities (hello human hamster ball!) will be going on all weekend, free of charge. Thursday, June 21, to Sunday, June 24. Vincent Massey Park, Riverside Dr. and Heron Rd., www.nadottawa.ca.

Read the rest of this entry »

  |  June 20, 2012 at 9:15 am

The Weekender: Electronica, jazz, folk, and psychedelic folk-rock, plus books and bites

SIX CONCERT EXTRAVAGANZA!
Now there’s a good bang for your buck. The Ottawa Jazz Festival and arts association CAPACOA present this six-concert evening. Featuring talented young performers, the show illustrates the many faces of modern jazz, from the African and Latin rhythms of Ottawa’s Souljazz Orchestra, to the jazz/tap dance performance “Finding Synthesia,” to the traditional style of Juno-winning bassist Brandi Disterheft. $15. Nov. 6 at 7:30 p.m. National Arts Centre, Fourth Stage, 53 Elgin St., 613-755-1111. www.ottawajazzfestival.com

Photo by Paul Galipeau

ELECTRIC FIELDS
3D parties. Audio-visual performances. Art installations. All this and more is on the bill at this celebration of contemporary electronic arts. Arts organization Artengine is at the helm of the festival, bringing in boundary-pushing partners for one-of-a-kind happenings. Our top picks: “On the Other Side,” an AV performance that deconstructs the music of Leonard Cohen using analogue and digital electronics, and a Mini Maker Faire that brings crafty folks and exhibitors together in the spirit of DIY. Until Nov. 7, see website for schedule, locations, and ticket cost (some events free). www.artengine.ca/electricfields/2010

Read the rest of this entry »

  |  November 3, 2010 at 12:57 pm

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 15th 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

  |  July 21, 2010 at 11:59 am

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

  |  June 23, 2010 at 11:48 am

Food + Wine
Shopping
Homes + Gardens
Society