Apartment613

As we liked it - Review of Third Wall’s As You Like it

Written

on Monday, February 8, 2010

Photo courtesy the Third Wall Theatre Company website.

Shakespeare is always good for a laugh. But to be able to pull off Shakespeare’s cutting wit - and do it well - can be a bit of a challenge. Just ask Greg and Peter from my English 12 class - their rendition of the banter between Dromio and Antipholus of Syracuse was more error than comedy.

Thankfully, those at Third Wall Theatre Company have graduated far beyond any painful high school performances. In fact, their current performance, As You Like It, is a modern interpretation that pulls off the Bard’s humour rather well.

The minimal set and few props creates a scene that doesn’t distract from the rest of the play. They’ve chosen to feature a boxing ring as the focal point of the set, starting off As You Like It’s infamous fight scene in a bit more of a modern context. This boxing match has it all - scantily clad women, loud music, flashing lights and yes, a real-honest-to-goodness wrestler. For his acting debut, former CFL player and Gretzky bodyguard Glenn Kulka pulls it off rather well, no doubt using the same theatrical skills he picked up while with the WWF.

The play fades a little after the over-the-top fight scene, but keeps its energy going and the audience stayed engaged.

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Weekly News Review: Fire at CTV, Jake coming to town, Winterlude begins and more.

Written

Francois

on Monday, February 8, 2010

Photo courtesy of jhscrapmom on Flickr.

An early morning fire has destroyed a large part of the CTV Ottawa offices on Merivale Rd on Sunday, causing more than $2.5 million in damage. The entire newsroom was gutted, and the first floor, which includes the television studio, sustained extensive water damage. No deaths or injures were reported and the cause of the fire is still unknown.

With Jake Gyllenhaal coming to town shortly, Ottawa’s got a big Hollywood production coming to town. According to Radio-Canada, this bodes well for the upcoming year in terms of cinema and TV productions coming to the Ottawa-Gatineau region.

Winterlude began with a bang last Friday - For a list of the wonderful, corporate sponsored events, check here.

The city’s proposing a new bylaw to better ‘control’ its rowdier citizens. Loud or boisterous language and disorderly conduct would be banned on Ottawa roads and sidewalks under a new bylaw change. The culprits would receive a $300 fine. Until now, the only way to deal with lewd behavior is for police to lay charges of mischief under the criminal code meaning that anyone convicted would get a criminal record.

In an unlikely twist, it looks like the Hartman’s piano may be coming back - but at a different location in the store.

Finally, should we be worried about eating shawarmas? According to the Ottawa Citizen, 42% of the sampled shawarma eateries inspected by city of Ottawa public health inspectors had “critical deficiencies”. Please fix this!

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End Hits Record Store to Close

Written

Migneault

on Sunday, February 7, 2010

In its four year history End Hits hosted a lot of shows like this one in the basement. Photo courtesy of Paul Galipeau on Flickr.

End Hits, a record store located at 407 Dalhousie St., will be closing its doors on March 13, 2010 after four years of providing Ottawans with a great selection of punk, indie, metal and alternative records. The store topped the Xpress’ best of list in the “best record store” category every year of its existence.

Last week, Shawn Scallen, one of End Hits’ co-owners, left the following message on Punk Ottawa that summed up his reasons for closing up shop:

End Hits opened its doors March 11, 2006 after the demise of local mainstay Record Runner. In the past four years it has been a hub of local and underground music for the city of Ottawa. The store hit the ground running and was instantly the place to go for artists to sell their music, be it albums or tickets for concerts, and we are proud to have been voted Best Independent Record/CD Store all four years we have been open in the annual Ottawa Xpress readers poll.

As technology advances further and faster than ever, younger generations of music listeners are no longer growing up with the association of a tangible object as an important part of that experience. In Ottawa alone, End Hits will be the seventh record store to close in the last four years. The digital age is having an undeniable impact on the music industry and we weren’t able to avoid the inevitable.

So on March 13th 2010, to mark our 4th anniversary, we will shut our doors. Thanks to everyone for the support over the years, especially the punkottawa.com community!

…and yes, there will be sales.

Dave and Shawn

In addition to its great collection of records, the store, which took its name from a Fugazi album, hosted a lot of all ages shows in its basement over the past four years. It seems there isn’t much of a market for brick and mortar record stores in this day and age. End Hits isn’t the first record store to close in Ottawa in recent years and, unfortunately, it almost certainly won’t be the last. We’ll keep you all up to date about any upcoming sales when more information becomes available.

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Mother’s Children at Babylon Tonight

Written

Migneault

on Saturday, February 6, 2010

Photo of Mother's Children courtesy of cobracait on Flickr.

This is a last minute reminder that one of Ottawa’s most fun bands is playing at Babylon tonight. Mother’s Children have made a name for themselves thanks to their energetic live shows and catchy songs. They harken back to a simpler time when rock and roll was really about getting drunk and having a good time. Usually in that order.

As an added bonus they’ll be playing with a new Ottawa band called Kokomo Punx. Judging by the name they could sound like a combination of The Beach Boys and Sid Vicious. The possibilities are endless! The band has members of The White Wires, Gunsmoke, Rookers and the Beach Blankets. That can only mean good things. There’s only one way of finding out how potentially amazing this band is and that’s heading to Babylon tonight around 10PM. In typical Babylon fashion the show will probably go late (or early) into the next morning. The show costs the very punk price of $5 at the door. A steal for this kind of quality entertainment!

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Support Apartment613 with Tea and Pasties!

Written

Katie

on Friday, February 5, 2010

Photo courtesy of clevercupcakes on Flickr

Last week, we were thrilled to announce A Valentine’s Day TEA-ser, our upcoming fundraiser with Ottawa’s premier burlesque group, the Sexual Overtones. The event had everything – tea, crumpets, adhesive nipple patches – that is, everything except for a location.

This Tuesday, our original venue decided to break their contract with us only 12 days before the event. While we have yet to receive an official explanation, we suspect it may have been canceled because of the ‘age 19+’ nature of the show.

This is really quite unfortunate. The Overtones are a class act in all senses of the word. Not only does this not-for-profit performance group put on shows that are sex-positive, respectful and hilarious, but they also donate the proceeds of their shows to volunteer-run community organizations like Ecology Ottawa, The Venus Envy Bursary Fund and, of course, us! In fact, their community work has garnered them a nomination for a 2010 Capital Xtra Hero Award.

We managed to book the Mac Hall at the Bronson Center (211 Bronson) this morning, but with only 8 days to go we are a little pressed for time! Apartment613 isn’t exactly a charity, but we do try to support the greater Ottawa community by spreading the word on great events, artists and organizations. Since we don’t accept advertisements, this fundraiser is a chance for us to recoup some of our costs and put some money aside for future initiatives.

If you appreciate Apartment613, please help to spread the word about the event. The tea and burlesque show takes place from 2 to 5 on Sunday, February 14. Admission is one for $20 and two for $35 and includes scones and cupcakes from Aunty Loo’s Bakery, some savory treats and, of course, tea. Tickets will be available starting tomorrow at Venus Envy (320 Lisgar) or at Canteen Art Shop (238 Dalhousie). For more information, check out the event facebook page.

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Opening at Canteen Tonight 7pm

Written

saxby

on Friday, February 5, 2010

Photo courtesy of Fieldtripp on Flickr.

Looking for some art on a Friday night? You can get your fix tonight at Canteen (238 Dalhousie), where Pierre Richardson has curated a show bringing together an interesting set of North American artists. There is work from eight different folks (including seripop from Montreal, which is super cool). Starting at 7pm, the evening will also feature last year’s-apartment613-launch-party-talent Adam Saikaley. The show promises affordable artwork by some interesting folks and some great local music. If you don’t already have plans for tonight - now you do!

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Amanda Lunan (aka Aunty Loo) dishes out creative treats

Written

apartment613

on Thursday, February 4, 2010

Photo Courtesy of Alyssa Iswolsky

Post by Dominic Maggiolo, Ottawa food philosopher and blogger on vegetarian food and culture. Check out some of his other writings on his blog, Le Jeune Gourmand.

Disclosure: Aunty Loo’s Bakery will be participating in a fundraiser for Apartment613 this Valentine’s Day.

No eggs, no milk, no butter or cream: Amanda Lunan of Aunty Loo’s Bakery creates wonderfully crafted baked goods for a small yet discerning niche of individuals with dietary restrictions or ethical concerns. Though this is not an easy task, especially considering the competitive nature of small businesses, Mandi proves with that with much passion, love and good ole’ fashion cookery, you can tackle any challenge.

Greeting every customer with warm grace and a bright smile, just as her grandmother would, she’ll customize a treat to be dairy, gluten or egg free to meet any and all of your dietary needs. I think it goes without saying that Mandi is passionate about her craft, but if there was any doubt, her refreshingly charismatic air and passion for baking shines through in Aunty Loo’s tasty cinnamon buns and scones.

I sat down with Mandi to talk about food, her struggles and what really motivated her to start living her dream.

When did you first become interested in baking?

I don’t remember a time when I wasn’t. I’m fortunate enough to be from a very large, young family. When I was a kid, my mom stayed home with me and we baked all the time. Ditto for when I hung out with my Nana. A lot of the recipes I use at the bakery actually belong to them. (With the necessary vegan alterations, of course!) All of my Aunts and Great Grandmothers baked around me all the time too; it’s a huge part of my family.

What is your food philosophy?

Kick it old school. There’s a reason that recipe has been in your family for years. If you’re going to tamper with it, keep it as simple as possible.

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Black History Month 2010

Written

Katie

on Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Courtesy of billypalooza on flickr

Take one day off of blogging to watch Battlestar Galaxtica reruns and a key event slips through your fingers. We missed Angela Davis! She was at the Bronson Center yesterday night to kick off the smorgasbord of events that is Black History Month. At least we’re getting this post out before March.

For over 20 years Black History Ottawa has been coordinating a number of events to celebrate the achievements of Black Canadians and to kindle pride in this heritage. This year’s line up is dominated by events that double as fundraisers for Haiti, including a number of fancy Galas and formal dinners.

A full list of Black Hisotry Month events can be accessed here and you can go to www.blackottawa411.com for more events. Below are my three picks for best-of-month.

Screening of Black Caesar, blaxploitation film extraordinaire
Saturday, February 6
Mayfair Theatre, 1074 Bank St.
The Mayfair celebrates Black History Month with a blaxploitation film. This story of one man’s rise from shoeshine boy to crimelord is as cool in 2010 as it was revolutionary in 1973. Starring Fred “The Hammer” Williamson and Gloria Hendry (the first black Bond Girl).

Close and Personal with Lawrence Hill, author of the Book of Negroes.
Wednesday, February 10, 7pm
Canadian Museum of Civilization - 100, rue Laurier Street, Gatineau
The Museum presents celebrated Canadian Author Lawrence Hill with special guest, the CBC’s Adrian Harewood. Join us as Mr. Hill reads an excerpt from his award winning novel The Book of Negroes and sit in on a one-on-one interview with Adrian Harewood. To be followed by a book signing and cocktails. Tickets can be purchased through the Museum’s box office over the phone 819 776 7000 or in person.

Canada-U.S.A. Black Studies Mini Film Festival
Wednesday, February 17, 6:15 pm
Library and Archives Canada, 395 Wellington Street
Featuring distinguished Actor/Director/Producer Anthony Sherwood and the following documentaries: Enslavement to Emancipation, a documentary on the history of Washington, DC; Black, Copper, & Bright: The District of Columbia’s Black Civil War Regiment, based on the book by Historian C.R. Gibbs; 100 Years of Faith, a documentary on the oldest Black church in Montreal and a salute to William Hall, the first Black person, the first Nova Scotian, and the first Canadian seaman to receive the Victoria Cross, the British Empire’s highest award for bravery.

Click to continue reading “Black History Month 2010″

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Tickled Pink by Shakespeare

Written

Karen

on Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Photo courtesy simple up on Flickr.

It’s well known that the bard was a bit of a ladies’ man back in the day. Which is why he probably would have been alright with an indulgent afternoon for women, combining two of their greatest loves: Shakespeare, of course, and shopping.

Third Wall Theatre Company is combining their current production As You Like It (look for the Apt613 review later this week!) with local vendors who specially cater to the ladies of this town. No, this will not involve your favourite boutique owner donning a costume and speaking ye olde English. Rather, between the matinee and evening performances, ticket holders will sip wine, sample local baked goods, and check out some of the latest acquisitions from Ottawa’s best boutiques! Vendors include Auntie Loos, Peach Berserk, Luxe Lingerie, Thyme and Again, Smashbox Cosmetics, and oh-so-much more.

This Tickled Pink event will be happening on Saturday, Feb. 6, from 3-8pm at the GCTC (1233 Wellington St W). The shopping will be open to the public, but only those with tickets will get to experience the food. Tickets for the show are $29, and can be purchased at the theatre box office.

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Ottawa-based filmmaker wins $100,000 grand prize in LG Life’s Good FilmFest

Written

Katie

on Tuesday, February 2, 2010

It’s been a big couple of weeks for Ottawa’s film scene. Last week Donkey, a home grown gangsta film by Adrian Langley, opened at the Empire Theatres in Rideau, plus Saw Gallery had its annual members screening. Next week the Ottawa Film Festival will feature the results of their 72 hour film challenge, worth going if only to see how filmmakers managed to incorporate the diverse criteria that included jumping jacks, a reference to Back to the Future, and shawarmas.

However, this week the big news is Nuit Blanche, an HD short film created by Arev Manoukian of Ottawa. The dreamy black and white flick won the $100,000 first prize at the LG Life’s Good FilmFest, beating out filmmakers from around the globe. Each HD entry was restricted to no more than five minutes in length and had to convey the notion that “Life’s Good.” The imagery is pretty cool, so check it out if you have a couple of minutes to spare at work today.

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