2009 October | Apartment613

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Monthly Archive for October, 2009

5 years per tentacle: Octopus Books turns 40!

Written

Karen

on Friday, October 30, 2009

Photo courtesy HotSauceJane on Flickr.

More late-breaking birthday news from the Apt613 headquarters…

While Raw Sugar is turning one, Octopus Books is celebrating its entrance into middle-agedness. And they’re not letting this birthday get them down - tonight, there will be a big celebration down at the Carleton Tavern!

The festivities start at 7pm with speeches and readings, and then at 9pm, the music will start rockin’. Featuring Archival Footage, The Brothers Creeggan and The Bidiniband, it’s going to be one heck of a show.

Carleton Tavern is at 223 Armstrong Ave (Parkdale and Armstrong). Tickets are apparently either free or a surprise (no word on the Octopus Books website).

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Raw Sugar Turns One! Birthday Party Tonight!

Written

Katie

on Friday, October 30, 2009

Courtesy of ananya.com on flickr

Has it only been a year? In only a twelfth month Raw Sugar (692 Somerset West) has emerged as one of Ottawa’s best hangout spots. By day a hip and cozy café, the space transforms at night into one of the best venues in town for up-and-coming local and touring musicians, artist exhibitions or even blog launch parties. In short, Apartment613 has a great big soft spot for Nadia and the Raw Sugar Crew, and wish them many happy returns.

Tonight is Raw Sugar’s one year birthday party. For a $2 cover you can help celebrate with cake and chill to the music of Mike Dubue of the Hilotrons and Rolf Klausener and Pat Johnson from The Acorn. The night starts off with covering INXS’s Kick album and will likely end with an epic (if slightly squished) dance party with tunes from DJ CPI. Did I mention free cake and prizes?

The party will likely be flowing out of the café and into the streets, so stop by if you’re in the neighborhood and help Raw Sugar blow out a candle or two! The festivities start at 9.

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An Experimental Halloween

Written

Migneault

on Thursday, October 29, 2009

Photo courtesy of minipixel on Flickr

Halloween and weirdness just seem to go hand in hand. When a holiday encourages people to live out some of their wildest (or tamest) fantasies you can bet some results are bound to be a little strange. If you are one of those people who enjoys things that are a little really removed from the mainstream then Friday night may just have the Halloween show for you.

That night Club Saw will host a Halloween party with some of the most interesting electronic and experimental music in the region. Some of the artists performing that night, like Ph and Boyscout Killers, will showcase some semblance of a beat and rhythm. These guys are damn catchy in fact. You might want to get your dancing shoes on and do the skeleton dance when they hit the stage.

Other performers that night, like Montreal’s Dreamcatcher and Ottawa’s Self Surgery fall in a more experimental and intense category. Their music is often quite jarring and would feel right at home in any of the classic Italian horror movies of the 1970s.

The final musician playing that night, Adam Saikaley, falls somewhere in between the two groups. He takes inspiration from the likes of Philip Glass and John Cage in his fantastic electronic compositions.

The performances that night will be complimented by visual projections from Pixie Cram, who is part of the Artengine collective.

The doors at Club Saw (67 Nicholas Street) open at 8 Friday night. The organizers ask for a suggested donation of at least $5. Halloween costumes are highly encouraged.

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Audio Visual Podcast Rundown Oct. 28

Written

Tina

on Thursday, October 29, 2009

Courtesy of kenjiys on flickr

On this week’s edition of Audio Visual we talk to Artengine artistic director Ryan Stec, who coordinated Niteride, a bus ride sound installation that takes viewers on a 40-minute trip around the Gatineau region accompanied by soundscapes created by the project’s two artists. One trip was constructed by Canadian ambient musician Tim Hecker — who spent some time in Ottawa while working on his Polaris Prize-nominated album Harmony in Ultraviolet — and the other is an interactive installation by Marla Hlady wherein viewers can manipulate the auditory experience with home-made instruments during the bus trip. Given the rustic, desolate nature of the season and the lucubration-inducing atmosphere evoked by the bus ride’s soundscapes, Niteride transcends the typical road-trip mode we are all accustomed to. This time, we are not plugged into our own world via iPods — everyone on the bus shares an auditory experience that is so engulfing the soundscape even appears to affect the air pressure in the bus. Niteride takes place nightly until Saturday, and you can find more information at Artengine’s website.

In the second half of the show Peter talks to director John Koensgen and actors Steve Martin and Emma Hunter from the upcoming Gladstone Theatre production, The Final Twist. Much like Niteride, the British play is well-suited for our recent dark, cold weather given its status as a Hitchcock-inspired murder mystery. Unlike Niteride, The Final Twist is a fast-paced thriller. The show runs Oct. 29 - Nov. 14 and for more information, visit the Gladstone Theatre website.

Last but definitely not least, local musician Adam Saikaley makes a surprise visit on the show to intro his amazing piano rendition of Tim Hecker’s “I’m Transmitting Tonight.” While we only had time to talk to Adam for like, two minutes and thirty seconds, this is quite easily the show’s highlight — this means “not to be missed,” folks.

Music:
Tim Hecker — Chimeras
Adam Saikaley — I’m Transmitting Tonight (piano cover)

Download:

Listen in a separate window

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Spice up your love life! Best Mexican Restaurant for a Date with Veronica

Written

Veronica

on Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Courtesy of paulshannon on flickr

Post by Veronica Michelle - blogger at The View from Veronica’s Closet, occasional Apt613 contributor and Ottawa’s answer to Dan Savage. This post is cross posted from her new online dating column with Examiner.com

Being a single girl isn’t always fun. I get the short end of the stick at things like weddings, holiday parties and, of course, last call.

But it ain’t all bad. I get to go on a lot of dates. That generally means a lot of free meals. This past week I’ve been on three dates at three different Mexican restaurants with three different gentlemen, each of whom I have a different relationship with. Each of them showed me a good time and even though they aren’t always around to save me from myself at last call, they’re all great guys that I’m happy to have in my life, and even happier when they feed me!

First up on the review list is Mexicali Rosa’s (33 Clarence, in the Byward Market). I went there last Friday with a gentleman who we’ll call The Good Friend. He’s a wonderful guy who’s always willing to lend an ear to listen and both arms to hug. The Good Friend and I have wonderful conversations, but this proved difficult over the loud atmosphere at Mexi’s. We showed up well after dinnertime and it was not busy, so the restaurant shouldn’t have been so loud. The food was alright, it was what you would expect from a chain restaurant. Mexi’s proved to be a good place for a group outing or celebration, but lacks the originality, intimacy and ambiance for a date. Mexi’s did, however, serve up the tastiest margarita of the three restaurants I sampled this past week.

Once my stomach had some time to settle from Friday’s dinner I had already booked myself for a Monday night rendez-vous with suitor number 2, The Lover. I don’t really know how to describe the relationship between The Lover and I, and I’d rather not try. It’s definitely casual and certainly not exclusive- just how I like it. Why ruin a good thing with a label?

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Spins and Needles: Halloween edition

Written

Karen

on Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Photo courtesy denisecarbonell on Flickr.

With the spookiest day of the year just around the corner, you might be feeling that crafty itch. It’s the perfect time of year to delve into the creative world and whip up some weird and wild thing - and Spins and Needles is providing the perfect opportunity to do so!

Spins and Needles is building on the hype around Where the Wild Things Are (who didn’t love that book as a kid?), and will have plenty of materials for you to pull together your own wild thing, wall art or golden crown.

The usual background of groovin’ tunes from DJ Jason Pelletier and friends will provide the atmosphere for this $6 event (instructions and materials included). It starts at 8pm, Oct 29, at the Urban Well (244 Laurier E at Nelson). And if you’re feeling so inclined, show up in your Halloween duds - why not? There aren’t too many days left in this month to do so…

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November in Ottawa: An Amazing Music Month!

Written

Francois

on Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Photos courtesy of NRK P3, colourmegrey, Amanda M Hatfield and flykr on Flickr.

November can be sad for so many reasons: no more leaves on trees, the days are getting shorter and colder, your kids (and/or significant other) are driving you crazy because they are constantly hyped up on candy and everyone’s already talking about Christmas. One big reason November’s making me smile? It’s shaping up to be an amazing month for music in Ottawa. From local acts to international superstars, we’ve got it all.

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Pump up the Comix Jam @ Shanghai Restaurant!

Written

apartment613

on Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Image courtesy of Kapungo

I have tried my hand at drawing comics, I really did. My least embarrassing attempt was a series involving an overeating rabbit that lived with a slow-witted fox, both owned by a single, awkward man named Don Barbuckle. Sounds an awful lot like Garfield you might say. Well, you’re right. And why I don’t draw comics any longer? Probably the deep-seated fear of being sued for copyright infringement…and they weren’t that funny.

Well, for those who are artistically inclined, even slightly, you should make your way to Shanghai Restaurant Wednesday night for the newest incarnation of Ottawa’s Comix Jam. Starting at 7pm, with art supplies in hand you can collaborate with other drawers/painters/cartoonists to bring to life innovative and imaginative comic narratives. Supplies are provided, but the organizers recommend you bring along a bit of cash to purchase a couple beverages to get your creative juices flowing. Events like this happen across the nation and the stunning tales that result are pretty amazing. Ottawa’s Comix Jam happens monthly so there’s plenty of opportunity to practice your skills while mingling with some pretty interesting folks.

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Zombie Strippers at Babylon

Written

apartment613

on Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Coutesy of Jonathan L'Orange-Millette

Post by Brigitte Aubé-Harrison

‘Zombie’ and ‘Strippers’ are two words that are rarely heard in the same sentence (unless you’re into some kinky stuff I haven’t heard of before) but that’s about to change on October 30th with the not-to-miss event, Zombie Strippers! This undead-themed prom/burlesque/bake sale will be hitting Babylon night club the night before HalloweenCheck out Zombie Strippers at Babylon from 8pm onwards. Tickets $10 advance, $12 at the door.

I had a quick Q & A session with Veronica Michelle, event organizer and co-founder of Rockalily Burlesque.

Tell me a little bit about the event. What is Zombie Strippers exactly?

Zombie Strippers is being promoted as a Halloween Horrorshow. It’s going to be a night of fright, fun and burlesque. As always, we promise to stimulate as many of your senses as possible with live music, burlesque, cupcakes and all sorts of surprises. One of the Rockalily girls was bitten by a zombie not too long ago and she’s starting to infect the rest of us. We want to put on one show before the whole troupe has become mindless zombies.

Who will be performing at the event?

Ladymilk is a great local band that was booked to perform with Rockalily for the 2nd annual No Pants Dance Party (NPDP2) but had to back out of the bill due to a personal scheduling conflict. We are ecstatic that they’re available this time around! Ladymilk is going to warm everybody up and get them dancing… or at least shaking in their shoes.

Daiquiri is an Ottawa band that’s been around for longer than I care to remember (a loooong time!) They’ve toured North America and have played with numerous bands and acts whose names I promise you’ll have heard of, but I’ll leave the name-dropping to them. They have not played as Daiquiri in over two years so how could we turn down the opportunity to bring a local legend out of retirement? They’re going to blow everyone away with what promises to be an amazing and energetic return to the Ottawa stage.

Rockalily Burlesque will get everyone hot and bothered before we scare the pants off them with dancing and stripping zombies. You will never be more confused about your sexuality, not even in college!

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Nanotechonology: threat or thrill??

Written

Karen

on Monday, October 26, 2009

Photo courtesy ghutchis on Flickr.

This week, Science Cafe delves into the dangerous world of nanotechnology. Dangerous, you say? Yes, dangerous. Sure, all we ever hear about nanotech are positive ravings about the unlimited opportunities this microscopic world has opened up to us.

But, as Sean Barry of Carleton’s Department of Chemistry will explore, these snazzy new developments can actually have some toxic effects. One of the dangers lies in their very nature as tiny objects - now, there are concerns about how they interact with biological systems. Who knew?

Find out more about nanotech’s possible toxic effects - and what’s being done to ensure their safe use - down at the Wild Oat (817 Bank), 6:30pm, on Oct. 28.

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