SHOSTAKOVICH’S CELLO CONCERTO
Perhaps the rich and melodic sound of the cello will coax spring into arriving a little sooner this year. Superstar German-Canadian cellist Johannes Moser performs pieces from Shostakovich, Haydn, and Brahms. From $22. Thursday, March 14, and Friday, March 15. National Arts Centre, 53 Elgin St., www.nac-cna.ca.

ELEGANT EGGS
Proof that Easter eggs aren’t just for kids, artist Valentyna Galadza-Park of ArtsyEggs.com leads a three-hour workshop in psyanka, eggs decorated in traditional patterns using dyes and wax. All supplies are included, so all you need to bring are your design ideas and willingness to get a little messy. $30. Thursday, March 15, and Sunday, March 17. Canadian Museum of Civilization, 100 Laurier St., www.civilization.ca.

The whole family can learn about our solar system at the Helen Sawyer Hogg observatory.

SOLAR OBSERVING (FREE!)
Get up close and personal with the sun at the Helen Sawyer Hogg Observatory, where you’ll safely observe solar activity and sunspots. It’s a fun way for the whole family to learn a bit more about our solar system. Saturday, March 16, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Canada Science and Technology Museum, 1867 St Laurent Blvd., www.sciencetech.technomuses.ca.

ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE (FREE!)
Wear green and show up along the parade route with the whole family for a fun Irish-themed celebration. Bring (non-perishable) food and cash donations too: volunteers will be collecting them along the parade route to benefit the Ottawa Food Bank. Saturday March 16, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. See website for parade route information, www.irishsocietyncr.com.

LIVE ANIMALS FROM THE ST. LAWRENCE VALLEY
Local wildlife takes over the Museum of Nature! Zoologists from the Ecomuseum Zoo are on hand to introduce your family to the amphibians, reptiles, mammals, and birds from around our region, plus give talks on diversity and conservation. $12, students and seniors $10, children (three to 12) $8, children two and under free. Saturday, March 16, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Canadian Museum of Nature, 240 McLeod St., www.nature.ca.

CANTATA SINGERS OF OTTAWA: STABAT MATER IV
Ottawa’s Cantata Singers have been wowing audiences since 1964. For the final performance in their Stabat Mater series, the Singers, joined by Thirteen Strings, perform choral music from the Renaissance to the 21st century by Rheinberger, Mealor, and Mäntyjärvi. $30, seniors $25, students $10. Saturday, March 16, 7:30 p.m. St. Joseph’s Church, 174 Wilbrod St., www.cantatasingersottawa.ca.

Laila Biali combines the best of pop, rock, classical, and soul. Photo by Edith Maybin.

LAILA BIALI
What happens when you combine formidable jazz talents with the best of pop, rock, classical, and soul? Laila Biali. She’s performed in venues all over the world and now brings her award-winning sound to the NAC’s Fourth Stage. From $27. Saturday, March 16, 7:30 p.m. National Arts Centre, 53 Elgin St., www.nac-cna.ca.

VERSEFEST POETRY FESTIVAL
Versefest is further proof, if you needed it, that poetry readings and the art of the spoken word did not end with the beatniks. Celebrate the beauty and the versatility of the English language with some of the best the poetry world (and Ottawa!) has to offer. From $5.  On until Sunday, March 17. See website for festival passes and venue information, www.versefest.ca.

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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.

OTTAWA TIBET FILM FESTIVAL
In its first year in existence, the Ottawa Tibet Film Festival aims to expose the Ottawa region to filmmakers and artists hailing from Tibet. Come learn more the richness of Tibetan culture, as well as the contemporary issues its people face, through feature-length movies, documentaries, and short films. $12, students $10, festival pass, $35. Friday, March 8, and Saturday, March 9. St. Paul University Amphitheatre, 223 Main St., www.ottawatibetfilmfestival.com.

PARADOX: A MAGICAL NIGHT OF MIND-READING AND HYPNOTISM
Prepare to be flummoxed by illusionist and mentalist Jaymes White. You won’t believe your eyes (or trust your brain) when this local young talent gives his hypnotic performance. $20, $15 in advance. Saturday, March 9, 7:30 p.m. Arts Court Theatre, 2 Daly Ave., www.jaymeswhite.com.

TRAVEL AND VACATION SHOW
The winter season getting you down? Even if spring is just around the corner, everyone in Ottawa knows the warm weather is still a while off. Perhaps a vacation show is in order, where you can get inspired to plan your next trip, score deals to far away lands, and enjoy the food prepared by celebrity chefs. This year’s focus is on culinary tourism. $10. Saturday, March 9, and Sunday, March 10, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Ottawa Convention Centre, 55 Colonel By Dr., www.travelandvacationshow.ca.

THE DROWSY CHAPERONE
Finally a show for those who love musical theatre and those who think it’s a little bit much. This musical within a comedy may poke fun at musical theatre, but it also boasts a Tony Award-wining score. It’s a Canadian success story too, having started out at the Toronto Fringe Festival before making it big in New York. $40, children $25. Friday, March 8, to Sunday, March 17. Centrepointe Theatre, 101 Centrepointe Dr., www.centrepointetheatre.com.

ABSURD PERSON SINGULAR
Ah, the foibles of marriage (and Christmas). Now that your own holiday headaches are long past, sit back and enjoy, stress free, Seven Thirty Productions’ staging of the Alan Ayckbourn comedy that follows the changing fortunes of three couples. $39, students $23, seniors $34. On until Sunday, March 23. The Gladstone, 910 Gladstone Ave., www.thegladstone.ca.

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The 2012-2013 season has been kind to young mezzo-soprano Wallis Giunta. After a summer of international performances, the 27-year-old Ottawa native went on to make debuts with local company Opera Lyra, the Edmonton Symphony, and Concierto Madrid, all while enrolled in the Metropolitan Opera’s Lindemann Young Artist Development Program. This February, Giunta returns home to debut as a soloist with the National Arts Centre Orchestra. Here, she opens up to Ottawa Magazine’s Erica Eades about hometown pride, her love of Mozart, and the importance of staying grounded.

Wallis Giunta performs at the NAC on Feb. 27 and 28. Photo by Barbara Stoneham

How did you get into opera?
I started singing with choirs in Ottawa. First it was the Ottawa Central Children’s Choir, which led me to perform with the Opera Lyra chorus. Being in their chorus showed me how much I love opera and what a great career it would be.

What have been some of your favourite roles to date?
Cherubino [of the opera Le Nozze di Figaro] tops the list. It’s a pants role where I get to dress up as a young boy and pretend to be a pubescent 13-year-old troublemaker. But I also loved the role of Hermia in [Benjamin] Britten’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. The play is incredible, but what he has done with the opera is just magic.

You’re currently in year two of the Metropolitan Opera’s Lindemann Young Artist Development Program. What attracted you to this project?
For developing young opera singers, this program is ideal to give us the exposure and the experience we need in the professional world. At the same time, it gives us the luxury of a little more time in the incubator before we’re completely on our own. The program involves a lot of different things, including singing lessons with a private teacher, language coaching, movement classes, and acting work.

When not performing, you’re a self-described tomboy. How does your glamorous on-stage persona intersect with your more laid-back lifestyle?
They don’t intersect at all, really. It’s almost as if I’m two different people. What I do on stage is my job. It’s something that I absolutely would do for free if no one would pay me, but I do think of it as a job. When I’m not performing, I’m not a diva. My parents raised me to be very self-sufficient — there was never any indulgence. It’s a good balance with what I do on stage.

You’ll be making your National Arts Centre Orchestra debut with two performances of Mozart’s “Requiem” in February. What can audiences expect from these shows?
Mozart’s “Requiem” is one of the most beautiful pieces of music ever written. It’s a masterpiece of Mozart. Every movement is just a revelation — it’s like the greatest hits of oratorio. I think audiences are in for a divine night of music.

What are you most looking forward to about performing in your hometown?
Well, this is my debut as a soloist with the NACO, but I’ve been singing with them in choirs since I was nine. I think I owe them a great deal. Their Young People’s Concerts series is what introduced me to classical music. I can’t express how much that made an impact on my life and my career choice. It’s a very special thing to be able to come home and be a part of that.

Wallis Giunta joins the NAC Orchestra Feb. 27 and 28 for performances of Mozart’s “Requiem.” $20-$110. National Arts Centre, Southam Hall, 53 Elgin St., 888-991-2787, www.nac-cna.ca.

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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.

THE LOVE CONCERT
In honour of Valentine’s Day, the Capital Vox Jazz Choir brings you and your loved one an evening of music celebrating love and heartbreak. Celebrate the ups and downs of romance with Canada’s first community jazz choir. $25. Saturday, February 16, 7:30 p.m. National Library and Archives Auditorium, 395 Wellington St., www.capitalvox.ca.

WINTERBREWED
Raise your glass to Ottawa’s newest annual craft beer festival! Sparks Street Mall is set to fill up with snowmen-building competitions, maple taffy, and, of course, BEER. With your wristband and official sampling glass you can purchase beer and food, and there’s no entrance fee for those who just want to browse. Booths selling tokens for food and beer will be set at Elgin, Metcalfe, and O’Connor along Sparks Street, plus you can preorder your wristband and tokens online. $10 for wristband, sampling glass and one token. Saturday, February 16, and Sunday, February 17, 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sparks Street Mall from Elgin St. to O’Connor St., www.winterbrewed.com.

SANCTUARY SONG
This opera for the whole family is about an elephant’s journey from being poached in the wild to her release in a wildlife sanctuary, documenting the true story of Sydney the Asian elephant and her zookeeper friend James. From $18. Saturday, February 16, to Monday, February 18. National Arts Centre, 53 Elgin St., www.nac-cna.ca.

BILLY BISHOP GOES TO WAR
Actor Chris Ralph takes on a dizzy array of characters (18 in total!) in the Terry Lorreto-Valentik-directed Billy Bishop Goes to War, featuring James Caswell on the piano – because not only is it practically a one-man show, it’s a musical. This is one award-winner chock-full of Canadian content you won’t want to miss. Friday, February 8, to Saturday, February 23. $39, seniors $34, students $23. The Gladstone Theatre, 910 Gladstone Ave., www.thegladstone.ca.

Children enjoy taffy on snow at Fulton's Pancake House and Sugar Bush.

FULTON’S PANCAKE HOUSE AND SUGAR BUSH
Spring maple harvest season gets off to a sticky start this weekend! There’s a ton to do, so why not make a day of it? Opening day brings two-for-one pancake meals at the Maple Shoppe and Restaurant (with real maple syrup, of course), so you’ll have all the energy you need for exploring the trails, touring the maple camp, and going on horse-drawn carriage rides. Entrance to the grounds is free; activity prices vary. Saturday, February 16, to Sunday, April 21. Fulton’s Pancake House and Sugar Bush, 291 6th Concession Rd., Pakenham, www.fultons.ca.

TONE CLUSTER: MY DARLING VALENTINO
Have your Valentine’s celebrations culminate with Tone Cluster, Ottawa’s very own community queer choir, as they sing an assortment of love songs running the gamut from sweetly traditional to unconventionally twisted. Sunday, February 17, 3 p.m. $20, students $10, children under 12 free. First Baptist Church, 140 Laurier Ave. W., www.tonecluster.ca.

FUNATORIUM EXPLORIUM
The Funatorium Explorium is back for a second year! This event is designed to be a jam-packed, hands-on day of thrills, where parents and kids can play together (and we mean seriously play together). A mere sampling of the activities you can try out: spider climbing, body zorbing, rock climbing, giant Lego piles, gladiator jousting, martial arts workshops, Bollywood dancing, and oh so much more. Sunday, February 17, and Monday, February 18. Opens at 9 a.m. $19.99 online, $22.12 at the door, four pack $75, children three and younger free (though most activities are designed for four and up).  Ernst & Young Centre, 4899 Uplands Dr., www.funatoriumexplorium.com.

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Sound Seekers by Fateema Sayani is published weekly at OttawaMagazine.com. Read Fateema Sayani’s culture column in Ottawa Magazine and follow her on Twitter @fateemasayani

Elizabeth Shepherd, who performs as part of the NAC Presents series. Photo by Zuzana Hudackova.

It’s the dead of winter and some of us are buggering off to warmer locales, some of us are whinging and moaning about the cold, and some of us are celebrating the best of the season — such as those nice granola folks in Wakefield, Quebec who organize the annual In the Dead of Winter of Festival, which is a spin-off of a similar event that takes place in Halifax, Nova Scotia. This year’s festival, which starts tonight, features performances by Mo Kenney, Justin Rutledge, and others with balmy vocal tones. Full details here.

A couple of years ago, Elizabeth Shepherd released a jazzy album called Parkdale, which was full of observations about her Toronto neighbourhood of the same name. Shepherd’s got a cool vocal style which finds a line somewhere between hip-hop and doo-wop. On her current release, called Rewind, she takes a turn toward the mellow by performing standards like “Love for Sale,” but with more of an edgy delivery than the originals. She’s part of the NAC Presents Series at the Fourth Stage. See her there Friday, 7:30 p.m.

Also part of the NAC Presents Series:
Whitehorse: March 23
Danny Michel: March 27, 28
Hey Ocean: May 11

Other concerts highlights:
Bluebird North: March 1 at the Westboro Masonic Hall
Ottawa songwriter Amanda Rheaume hosts this writers-in-the-round session with Roxanne Potvin, James Keelaghan, John Carroll, and Lyndell Montgomery.

Suuns: April 13 at Ritual
The Montreal band’s new album was produced by The Besnard Lakes’ Jace Lasek.

Fevers and The Goodluck Assembly: April 20 at the Black Sheep Inn
The Ottawa synth-pop band Fevers kicked off our all-Ottawa mix tape with their hit called “Passion is Dead (Long Live Fashion)” while the Goodluck Assembly has just finished recording with producer Gus Van Go (The Stills, Priestess).

Stephen Fearing: May 5 at the Gladstone Theatre
The old theatre on Gladstone Avenue, near Preston Street, used to be a sometime-concert venue for the Acoustic Wave series of folk shows in the 1990s. This will be a throwback for Ottawa music fans of a certain vintage, who used to pile into the black box theatre for shows by acts like Fearing. His new album, Between Hurricanes, is streaming on No Depression’s website.

Bluesfest buzz has begun early with Ottawa Start and the Ottawa Citizen starting the speculation fest regarding who might attend the annual music bash, which takes place July 4-14, 2013. The full lineup will be announced by Bluesfest brass in April.

In other festival news: The Skydiggers will play the Westfest main stage on June 8. It’s a tour in celebration of the band’s 25th anniversary.

Follow Sound Seekers on Twitter for more concert news.

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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.

FACE 2 FACE
Four pairs of international dancers descend on Ottawa with a series of duets. Belgium’s Pieter Ampe and Guilherme Garrido’s Still Standing You winks at violent one-upmanship between friends (warning: contains full-frontal nudity!). Canada’s Ame Henderson and Croatia’s Matija Ferlin’s The Most Together We’ve Ever Been takes a gentler look at life, while Sweden’s Philippe Blanchard choreographs identical twin dancers in How About You? And finally we have  T.R.A.S.H. from the Netherlands with T † Bernadette and the Enchanted Room, a look at siblings’ loss of innocence (contains mature content). From $68 for all four shows. On until Saturday, February 9. National Arts Centre, 53 Elgin St., www.nac-cna.ca.

WINTERLUDE AT THE BYTOWN MUSEUM (PRACTICALLY FREE!)
Free hot chocolate! Free apple cider! Daily timberstamp workshop! Youth-led tours and heritage representatives! There’s always something fun to do during Winterlude weekends at Ottawa’s oldest community museum, which takes you on a fascinating (and dare we say fun?) journey through Ottawa’s history. $2 donation. Saturdays and Sundays, on until February 18. Bytown Museum, 1 Canal Lane (between Parliament Hill and the Château Laurier), www.bytownmuseum.com.

Fun and original ideas abound at Wed by Hand, a DIY wedding show. Photo by Anne Marie Bouchard of AMBphoto.

WED BY HAND: OTTAWA’S INDIE WEDDING SHOW
Weddings are expensive undertakings, but Wed by Hand is here to help. Hands-on, DIY, handmade, eco-friendly tips, products, and teachers await. With four free workshops and over 40 exhibitors (including a selection of pre-loved wedding dresses and cocktail attire) you’ll find everything you need for your unique, thoughtful, and — best of all — affordable nuptials. $10 in advance, $15 at the door. Sunday, February 10, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Glebe Community Centre, 175 Third Ave., www.wedbyhand.com.

COFFEE WORKSHOPS AT THE BRIDGEHEAD ROASTERY: BE A BARISTA!
You’re in your favourite local coffee shop and the barista hands over your latte, a perfect work of art, and you think, “How do they do that?” Head to the Bridgehead Roastery and you can finally find out. Learn how to pull the perfect shot of espresso, steam milk into luxurious foam, and combine the two into latte art. Bonus for the home barista: you’ll get solutions to common problems with home espresso machines. $75. Sunday, February 10, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Bridgehead Roastery, 130 Anderson St. (at Preston), 800-565-8563, www.bridgehead.wordpress.com.

WAKEFIELD INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL (WIFF)
WIFF shows are never sold out, but have a repeat screening if the first showing is full. The organizers believe the seven documentaries they’re showing are just that important. The festival opens with Academy Award nominated 5 Broken Cameras, which follows one West Bank family over five years of chaos and destruction. Two upcoming films address Canadian controversy: The People of Kattawapiskak River and The Hole Story. $10, festival pass for all seven films $60. Takes place Sundays from February 10 to March 24. The Great Hall at the Wakefield LaPêche Community Centre, 38 Valley Road, Wakefield, Quebec, www.wakefieldfilmfestival.weebly.com.

UNDERCURRENTS
Get thee to the undercurrents festival and check out some great groundbreaking theatre. You’ll encounter Hip Hop Shakespeare (just what it sounds like), be fed (literally) by Bread, get a glimpse into the life of a public servant in the aptly-named The Public Servant, and wonder at the myths of the Ladies of the Lake and Skin’s Selkie legend. Plus meet Kitt, who loves alarming the neighbourhood with Danish folk tales in Little Orange Man, and two childhood friends grappling with art and war in Little Iliad. See website for show schedules. $15; three-show flexipass: $40, Bread is pay-what-you-can. On until Sunday, February 17. Great Canadian Theatre Company, 1233 Wellington St. W., www.gctc.ca/whats/undercurrents.

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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.

THE HOME RENOVATIONS SHOW
Here’s something that will appeal to homeowners, potential buyers, and home and garden TV show junkies alike: the 12th annual Home Renovations Show brings together designers, renovators, and building experts and features hundreds of products and services for you to peruse. Plus, expect a different seminar every hour, on the hour, each held by one of nine different experts who will be there for the weekend. You can include the kids in the planning, too, because entry is free for those 17 and under. Friday, January 18, to Sunday, January 20. Advance online tickets $8, regular admission $12. Ernst & Young Centre, 4899 Uplands Dr., www.thehomerenovationsshow.com.

WINTERNUDE
And now for something cheeky for a good cause: The Sexual Overtones promise an unforgettable “BRRR-lesque” show benefitting Families of Sisters in Spirit, the Venus Bursary Fund, Harmony House, and Pink Triangle. You’ll be tickled and titillated into the night as DJ Hobo and DJ Sweet Cheeks transition the evening into a post-show dance party. Come in costume for your chance to win a prize. Saturday, January 19, 8 p.m. $15. St. Brigid’s Centre, 314 St. Patrick St., www.sexualovertones.ca.

CANDLE-MAKING AT THE OSGOODE MUSEUM
Remember when the world was supposed to end? Thankfully, nothing happened, but it never hurts to be prepared with skills like candle making! The Osgoode Township Historical Society and Museum, specializing in 19th century farming life in Osgoode Township, is offering an afternoon course in candle making for teens and adults. All materials are included in the entry fee, so feel free to let your imagination run wild. For information and reservations, call 613-821-4062. Saturday, January 19, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. $25. Osgoode Township Historical Society and Museum, 7814 Lawrence St., Vernon, www.osgoodemuseum.ca.

THE DUSTY OWL: LUNA ALLISON AND ERIN SAOIRSE ADAIR (FREE!)
This Sunday, local arts community The Dusty Owl brings together poet/playwright/spoken word artist Luna Allison, author of the 2011 Fringe Festival’s Falling Open, and singer/songwriter Erin Saoirse Adair, of local folk trio Three Little Birds, at Mugshots Bar (located in the old jailhouse).  Both artists have a special interest in telling stories on stage, and the duo promises to be a powerful pairing. Admission is free, but donations are welcome. Sunday, January 20, 3 p.m. Mugshots Bar, 75 Nicholas St., www.dustyowl.com.

The Queen Extravaganza is the official Queen tribute show — it's even produced by Queen drummer Roger Taylor! Photo by Rob Sinclair.

THE QUEEN EXTRAVAGANZA TOUR
Rock out with The Queen Extravaganza, the closest you can get to travelling back in time to see the iconic band in action. This is the official tribute show, produced by Queen drummer Roger Taylor, and the product of a 2011 America-wide search for those musicians deemed worthy of bringing the music to a whole new audience. Having built up momentum with an American Idol appearance, they’re turning up the volume with another North American tour. It’ll be rhapsodic. Sunday, January 20, 8 p.m. Tickets start at $45. National Arts Centre, Southam Hall, 53 Elgin St., www.nac-cna.ca.

BAT BOY: THE MUSICAL
In a zany, musical case of “ripped from the headlines,” Dave Dawson directs Keythe Farley and Brian Flemming’s off-Broadway pop-rock hit Bat Boy: The Musical at the Gladstone Theatre. The story, inspired by a story from the Weekly World News, follows the strange case of Edgar the Bat Boy, a half-boy, half-bat creature found in a cave, and his attempts to fit into society. On until Saturday, February 2. $39, $34 for seniors, and $23 for students and artists. The Gladstone, 910 Gladstone Ave., www.thegladstone.ca.

ONTARIO ARTISTS TONY FOUHSE AND JAMELIE HASSAN (FREE!)
The Carleton University Art Gallery (CUAG) hosts a pair of exhibits by local Ontario artists Tony Fouhse (of Ottawa) and Jamelie Hassan (of London). Each explores the interaction of the artist with society. Fouhse, in Live Through This, reveals recovering drug addict Stephanie MacDonald through collaborative portraits rather than candid shots, and includes bits of MacDonald’s own writing in the project. Hassan’s At the Far Edge of Words, curated by Melanie Townsend, spans approximately 40 years of work and uses a variety of media to address ideas such as language and identity. On until Sunday, March 17. St. Patrick’s Building, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Dr., http://cuag.carleton.ca.

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The sound of music: Principal trumpet Karen Donnelly is joined by principal horn Lawrence Vine (left) and principal trombone Donald Renshaw (right) in Iqaluit. Photo by Fred Cattroll.

The National Arts Centre Orchestra (NACO) recently embarked on a 10-day tour of Canada’s northern territories. Along with some of the country’s top musicians – including Manitoban violinist James Ehnes and throat singers Evie Mark and Akinisie Sivuarapik – the orchestra will be hosting roughly 50 workshops and six concerts in Iqaluit, Pangnirtung, Rankin Inlet, Yellowknife, and Whitehorse. With a strong focus on education and collaboration, the tour aims to build on relationships established through the NAC’s Music Alive Program: Nunavut. Ottawa Magazine‘s Erica Eades chats with principal trumpet Karen Donnelly about the joy of teaching, life up north, and the key to staying healthy on the road.

Through NAC programming you’ve taught in Switzerland, Mexico, the United States, and Canada. Why is this type of outreach important to you?
That’s a really exciting part of this job, and it’s what makes working here at the NAC so unique. Not only is it a world-class orchestra, but it also has this other real focus, this passion for education and giving back. Because my background is band – I started playing trumpet in my school band in Regina – I’m very connected to that type of music education. It’s part of my world, my history. It’s something that’s meaningful to me personally, but I also see how exciting it is for the kids. It gives them something to work towards, something to look forward to.

What will your role be on tour?
I think I’m involved in about half a dozen educational things. Because the trumpet is such a common instrument, I will be doing quite a few workshops with the school kids. It’ll be a mix of small ensemble performances and workshops. But I will be doing some community outreach, too, including a performance in a seniors’ residence in Yellowknife with our brass trio.

You traveled to Iqaluit in January to get to know some of the Nunavut partners. What can you tell us about this visit?
Oh, it was a whirlwind three days. [The temperature] was minus 49. That’s the only time I’ve worn long johns during a concert. We had to wear ski pants to get to the car, and then from the parking lot to the school. Our concert was during a snowstorm and we were worried no one was going to come, but 300 people showed up! It was really quite special.

What do you foresee as being your greatest challenge while on tour?
As a trumpet player, I practise quite a bit, and practising a loud instrument in a hotel is not easy. I like going on tour, but I also hate going on tour because of that. I have a mute that allows me to play considerably softer, but it’s not conducive to good sound. Other than that, it’s the same as what anyone would encounter while traveling: strange hotel pillows and restaurants, and just trying to stay healthy. So often everyone gets the “tour cold,” so I usually beef up on my vitamins before we go.

What can we do here in the nation’s capital to help sustain this type of collaborative education throughout the year?
Just more of what we’re already doing, which is providing resources. Part of our mandate is that it’s not the “Ottawa National Arts Centre,” it’s the “National Arts Centre.” Everyone from across the country – east, west, north, south – should have access to our resources.

The NAC Orchestra’s Northern Canada Performance and Education Tour runs until November 4. Track their progress on Twitter @NACOrchCNA (hashtag #nacotour).

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The Houston Ballet brings the life of Marie-Antoinette to the stage. Photo by Pam Francis.

HOUSTON BALLET: MARIE
The Houston Ballet brings the fascinating life of Marie Antoinette to the stage at the National Arts Centre for its Canadian premiere. From child bride to spoiled socialite to eventual victim of a revolution, this majestic performance charts the story of the infamous French queen, complete with a score by Shostakovich and sumptuous sets and costumes by Kandis Cook that embody the decadence and high fashion of Louis XVI’s court. On Friday, join former Royal Winnipeg Ballet instructor Kathryn Jones for a pre-show chat about ballet before the Revolution at 7 p.m. Thursday, October 18, to Saturday, October 20, 8 p.m. $45-$105. National Arts Centre, Southam Hall, 53 Elgin St., www.nac-cna.ca.

THE ENLIGTENED SCREEN: GARY BURNS
The Canadian Film Institute presents the first installment of an ongoing screening and guest artist series, which will profile leading Canadian independent filmmakers. This weekend will showcase six feature length films by Calgary filmmaker Gary Burns including The Suburbanators, waydowntown, and The Future Is Now! Burns is known for his quirky, imaginative films that are often described as bringing a whole new meaning to the term “western alienation.” Thursday, October 18, to Saturday, October 20. $12. The Auditorium, 395 Wellington St., see website for schedule, www.cfi-icf.ca.

MURDER AT WESTMERE HOUSE: A COMEDY
Join the Ottawa StoryTellers for a zany murder-mystery comedy. Murder at Westmere takes place in autumn 1916, when the world is at war and spies are everywhere. The only sanctuary is Westmere House, an upscale inn located just outside Ottawa. Lady Pamela Ashcroft, of Downtrodden Abbey, has booked herself a vacation, but the evening she arrives a dead body carrying plans for firebombs is found. Soon everyone from the butler to the Governor General gets involved. Thursday, October 18, to Saturday, October 20, 7 p.m. $15. Billings Estate National Historic Site, 2100 Cabot St., www.ottawastorytellers.ca.

ANTIQUING AT THE FIELD HOUSE
On the hunt for nearly new, retro threads, vintage jewellery, and antiques? Look no further than Ottawa’s popular antique shopping event, which takes place at Carleton’s Fieldhouse. The event is known for its one-of-a-kind gems, with jewellery by the likes of Tiffany, Cartier, and Van Cleef & Arpels alongside practically new designer bags from Chanel, Gucci, Prada, and Fendi. Friday, October 19, to Sunday October 21, hours vary by day. $10. Field House, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Dr., www.asinter.com.

OTTAWA’S BEST SONGWRITERS
With a year on the Ottawa music scene under his belt, Yanis Khamsi has discovered some fine local talent. Khamsi has been writing songs since his high school days, but recently began performing as well. An arts student at the University of Ottawa, he’s an avid supporter of singer-songwriter music and organized this event in which 10 local songwriters will take to the stage this Saturday at Avant-Garde Bar. With an eclectic range of genres, this event will feature local up-and-comers (and maybe inspire you to add some new tunes to your iPod!). The talented 10 include Alex Harea, Chris Angel, Dynamite Motel, Jim Corcoran, Karim Charih, Karolinka Kaminska, Katie Bourque, Milana Zilnik, Phil Kesler, Santhosh Chris. Saturday, October 20, 5 p.m., $10. Avant-Garde Bar, 135 1/2 Besserer St., see Facebook event page.

NFL EXPERIENCE ON TOUR (FREE!)
Taking place in various Canadian cities, NFL Experience on Tour hits Ottawa this weekend. This free exhibit consists of fun activities and prize giveaways for NHL diehards and those eager to join in on the excitement. Football basics are brought to life through interactive stations such as the TSN Media Room, Bridgestone Skills Challenge, Samsung Hope For Children Kids Zone, Quiznos Chalk Talk, and much more. Fans will also have the opportunity to meet NFL alumni Jevon Kearse who played for the Philadelphia Eagles and the Tennessee Titans. Saturday, October 20, 11 a.m.-7 p.m., and Sunday, October 21, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. 55 ByWard Market Square, www.nfl.com/qs/nflxontour/index.jsp.

EWASHKO SINGERS: SONGS TO SAVOUR
As the days get shorter, and the nights get colder, let’s savour the harvest season with the unbeatable combo of food and music. Chamber choir the Ewashko Singers are putting on a benefit concert for Just Food to commemorate the harvest, having selected a range of songs all surrounding the theme of food. Songs to Savour will celebrate local farmers with pre-and post-concert receptions that serve up local cheeses, apples, pies, and more. The event will surely be a feast — ha ha — for your senses. Saturday, October 20, 7 p.m. $40, students/seniors $35. First Unitarian Congregation, 30 Cleary Ave., www.ewashkosingers.com.

DRAGONETTE
Toronto electronic heavyweight Dragonette has recently released their third album, Body Parts. Claiming fans across Canada and internationally, Dragonette has been steadily touring Canada, along with winning a Juno for Best New Group in 2008, and blowing up radio stations with hits “Big in Japan,” “Live in this City,” and “Boys & Girls” with Martin Solveig. Young Empires and Data Romance open the show. It’s no wonder then that there’s a limited number of tickets at the door, so line up early. Saturday, October 20, 9 p.m., $25. Babylon Nightclub, 317 Bank St., www.babylonclub.ca.

HANDMADE HALLOWE’EN (FREE!)
Why not drop in for an afternoon of Halloween-themed activities for the little ones? Hosted by local designers and businesses, these workshops are a family affair where you can help your kid make their very own handmade costume, and create a mask with Liebchen or a cape with Twiss & Weber. You can also bring a pillowcase and decorate a loot bag with the peeps from Wabi Sabi. Open to parents and kids two to 12. Sunday, October 21, 1 p.m.-4 p.m. Donations to the Snowsuit Fund are encouraged. Hintonburg Community Centre, 1064 Wellington St., www.twissandweber.com.

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The Play’s the Thing
Incoming NAC English Theatre artistic director Jillian Keiley on how she plans to make her mark — and the drama of directing a play set in a swimming pool  BY JEN LAHEY

Taking it to the street: Jillian Keiley hit the ground running when she arrived at the NAC in late August from her home province of Newfoundland. Photography by Dwayne Brown.

JILLIAN KEILEY HAS LOFTY goals and big ideas. As the new artistic director of English theatre at the National Arts Centre, Keiley also has big shoes to fill. Her predecessor, Peter Hinton, came to be known for his bold and, at times, controversial vision.  Now Keiley must put her stamp on a company whose works have to be national in scope. In making that mark, she says her top concern will be strengthening the Canadian theatre canon.

Planning a successful theatre season is always a balancing act, and Keiley is already working on how she’ll mix it up; already planning how best to showcase work produced here, established plays, and new productions. “I’m trying to do new work in partnership with companies from across the country,” she explains. “We need to invest in this innovative work as it’s happening.”

She adds that working with these new scripts can be complicated, because they often need extensive tweaking even after they’ve premiered. That’s where Keiley comes in. She plans to invest in select premieres around the country, then “bring it back to Ottawa, revise it, and work to make it better” with the originating company.

All of which means lots of travelling for the new artistic director as she vets works across the country to find gems for her 2013-2014 season. (The 2012-2013 season was programmed by Peter Hinton ahead of his departure.)

Keiley is also already hard at work making two other components of her vision a reality. She’s developing an ensemble consisting of “a central core” of performers from across Canada who would live and work in Ottawa and perform most of the theatre’s productions while also putting together a young company. Both projects, she says, are “a massive undertaking but really, really worthwhile. My focus is to make the NAC have a big impact nationally. And the more of an impact we can have nationally, the more of an impact we can have locally.”

She envisions the ensemble applying their talents not only to the stage but to outreach in schools and the community, as well as to participation in theatre festivals. She further imagines innovative offerings such as having the core members coach local students through their drama school auditions.

When the notion of applying for the prestigious directorship came up, Keiley at first didn’t think she should even apply. A plan was hatched to co-apply with a friend, but when the friend backed out, she threw caution to the wind and applied anyway. Even now, Keiley finds it difficult to articulate exactly why she applied. She does know that she would not have left Newfoundland — where she spent 18 years with Artistic Fraud, a theatre company she founded — for any other job.

When asked whether a big part of the NAC’s appeal was stability and a less hectic travelling schedule, she hesitates. A new mother, she says she could have managed being a mom and continuing her work at Artistic Fraud (but she makes the statement in a halting tone of voice that suggests it would have been hard going). “I don’t know [why I applied]. It feels like it was fate. I can’t give you a good answer for why I applied. It was kind of like a thousand small pushes to get to the top of the cliff.”

In addition to her work at Artistic Fraud, where she was most recently the artistic director, Keiley has also lectured; taught workshops and master classes at more than a dozen universities, colleges, and theatre organizations across the country; and created shows in cities around the world.

She says her role at Artistic Fraud, along with work she had done with small theatre companies, has given her a certain financial savvy. “I really, really know how to use Excel spreadsheets, and I understand budgeting. I understand how you can make something, like one single play, have an outreach and an impact that’s larger than just the play itself.” She characterizes herself as frugal about planning shows but “also pretty generous about what can come out of it.”

Keiley already has a theatrical treat up her sleeve for this season: she’ll be directing the Peter Hinton-programmed winter production of Mary Zimmerman’s Metamorphoses, a reimagining of 10 classical Greek myths. She is clearly very excited about what audiences will see, and given her reputation for inventively staged designs, it’s no surprise that she’s positively bubbling over at stage designer Bretta Gerecke’s plans for the production. For one thing, the show takes place entirely in three pools, which fit one inside the other. “It’s the Greek myths as reinterpreted through this design,” explains Keiley. “Mary Zimmerman writes it in that it should be done in this pool, but she doesn’t specify what kind of pool or how deep.”

Gerecke’s three-pool design involves one flat pool that takes up much of the floor, a second six-foot tank inside that one, and a horizontal pool that runs up the back wall. She likens the set’s shape to a giant water laptop. The actors are in these pools for the duration of the show. “It’s awesome. Really beautiful. Bretta Gerecke is probably in the top five, if not one of the best, theatre designers in the country. She’s an incredible designer, and this is my first opportunity working with her,” says Keiley, adding that the show, despite its ancient stories, will absolutely resonate with modern audiences.

“The retelling of the Greek myths tells me again and again that we’re not that far from our ancestors, that we still have the same dilemmas. They spoke about gods and their effect on our ability to change, our ability to grow. And we’re just the same, but our gods now are the Internet and television.”

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