Monthly Archive for December, 2009

A long time coming for Sadie Hell

Written
by
Francois
on Thursday, December 31, 2009
.
Photo courtesy of blurasis on Flickr.

Photo courtesy of blurasis on Flickr.

It’s been a long time coming for Sadie Hell. Some might think that the group’s release of its first proper album on January 2nd signals the arrival of Ottawa’s newest band. Truth be told, Ben Welland and co. have been around the Ottawa music scene for a while now. Formed around 2005, the self-proclaimed “post-punk/orchestral/indie/rock” band has always been Welland’s baby, with a rotating supporting cast joining him on stage for the ride.

The last year and a half has seen the band recording its first full length record. No less than 17 musicians contributed to the creation of the album alongside Welland, including Rich Aucoin, The Balconies and Glenn Nuotio. Now that recording has concluded, it appears that Sadie Hell’s current formation will revolve around Welland, May-Jun and Dave Halabisky. Don’t be surprised to see some of the 17 musicians onstage at some point or another on the 2nd however!

The event at Club SAW will not only mark the release of Sadie Hell’s debut album, it will also serve as a fundraiser for SweatFree Communities with a portion of proceeds from album and merchandise to raise funds and heighten awareness about sweat shops. The show is all ages and the party gets started with The Love Machine and Wuhan Lipfight.

When: January 2nd, 2010 9pm

Where: Club SAW (67 Nicholas St.)

Cost: $5 at the door - ALL AGES

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New Year’s in O-town

Written
by
Karen
on Monday, December 28, 2009
.
Photo courtesy dps on Flickr.

Photo courtesy dps on Flickr.

To be perfectly honest, the New Year’s of my early youth were always a disappointment. These parties were supposed to be awesome - it was New Year’s, for goodness sake! - but they never quite lived up to my high expectations.

Now, in my older youth, I’ve lowered my standards a bit and have been pleasantly surprised with how great New Year’s can be. While my favourite is ringing it in with friends over good food and even better wine, Ottawa’s pubs and restaurants will apparently be throwing some pretty good bashes. Zaphod’s (27 York) has their no-stress party, which is guaranteed to be great. And the Black Sheep Inn out in Wakefield will be pumping out the tunes for a great dance party.

For more live music, The Elmdale House Tavern (1084 Wellington) will feature Good 2 Go and the Kingmakers. MonkeyJunk will be playing down at Irene’s (885 Bank), and the Caroline Gibson Trio will provide a bit of jazz for your celebration at Cafe Paradiso (199 Bank).

If you’re feeling a bit classier, the NAC has a few events happening. And some of my favourite eateries, including Zen Kitchen (634 Somerset W) and Play (1 York), have incredible menus planned out - well worth the extra money that New Year’s prices always involve.

If you want to re-live a past New Year’s, head over to Barrymore’s (323 Bank) for their 80s, 90s and Top 40 dance party. Shanghai (651 Somerset W) will be having a karaoke party starting at 9pm, with a $5 cover.

Regardless of what you do, remember that drinking and driving are not the perfect pair - and the buses are free after 11pm, with service running past 3:30am!

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Off to the movies

Written
by
apartment613
on Monday, December 28, 2009
.
Photo courtesy a shadow of my former self on Flickr.

Photo courtesy Dave Fancher on Flickr.

So even though there’s already a big social event all lined up for the end of this week (happy 2010!), you might still be itching to get out and about. And what better way to spend a cold winter’s night than cozied up at one of Ottawa’s great little movie theatres?

Both the Bytowne (325 Rideau) and the Mayfair (1074 Bank) have some treats on their films schedules for this week. Down at the Bytowne, they’ve got a period piece on Queen Victoria (when she’s young, innocent and ready to dive into scandal) and Penelope Cruz’s newest film.

The Mayfair has more of a lighthearted line up: With Where the Wild Things Are, and Astro Boy (my favourite cartoon as a kid!), these family shows are sure to please. And if you’re in the mood for lighter fare, Chris Rock’s Good Hair will also be showing.

So if you’re tired after a long day of sledding, skiing, or even maybe working, and need a chance to put your feet up with a bucket of popcorn, check out these shows. You won’t be disappointed.

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in cinema, glebe, local, sandy hill and sight & sound
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Happy Days to all

Written
by
Karen
on Thursday, December 24, 2009
.

Just a note to all of you interweb explorers: from all at Apartment613, we wish you a safe and happy holiday. Like most of you, dear readers, us Apt613 editors have a few days off and plan on frolicking in the snow or curling up with a good book or having endless parties with relatives. So our posting schedule might be a bit sparse over the next few days, but we’ll be back with a vengeance in January.

And also? Thanks for reading. It’s been an absolute pleasure to have you around for the last year, from celebrating our official launch to winning second place in the best new blog category in the Canadian blog equivalent of the Oscars. It’s been an honour, and it’s all thanks to you, our readers, and our tireless volunteers.

- the Apartment613 team

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5th Annual Boxing Day Bash at D’Arcy’s!

Written
by
Karen
on Tuesday, December 22, 2009
.

Looking to avoid the shopping lines? Or need a place to celebrate all of the good deals you found amidst the Boxing Day chaos? Head on down to D’Arcy McGee’s (44 Sparks) for their 5th annual Boxing Day Bash, which, if past years are any indication, will be a rockin’ good time.

It all starts at 9pm, with Ottawa Rockabilly band The Devillaires providing the music for the evening. And even if you’ve spent all of your cash and only have enough for a pint or two, don’t worry - it doesn’t look like there’s a cover charge. So get on out for a good time!

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Best Cozy Pubs in Town

Written
by
Francois
on Tuesday, December 22, 2009
.
Photo courtesy of said_the_lorax on Flickr.

Photo courtesy of said_the_lorax on Flickr.

I want to put a disclaimer on this post. I’ve been planning on writing this post for the last 6 months at least but have been struggling to come up with what I consider a decent list. I love all these places but for the most part, they all appear to be the obvious choices. However, with the cold weather upon us, this is as good a time as any to share these comfortable watering holes with the world, and maybe get to hear about some new ones as well (please let us know if you’ve got some recommendations, I’ll gladly check them out!)  And now, after the jump, my top cozy pubs:

Click to continue reading “Best Cozy Pubs in Town”

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in best of..., centretown, drinks, little italy, market, old ottawa south and visual art
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Smokin’ Contra Band At The Elmdale

Written
by
apartment613
on Monday, December 21, 2009
.
Photo courtesy Smokin' Contra Band myspace page.

Photo courtesy Smokin' Contra Band myspace page.

For those of you working this week (holla!), the days can feel endless. Especially when the rest of your office has taken off and you’re left to hold down the fort.

Never fear, though, because there are still things to look forward to! This includes Wednesday night’s show at the Elmdale House Tavern (one of Ottawa’s best-kept secrets). Halifax’s Smokin’ Contra Band are coming to town in these pre-holiday days, and are bringing the party with them. And don’t worry if you’ve blown your budget for 2009 - the show is a steal at $6.

The Elmdale is at 1084 Wellington St, and the show on Dec 23 starts at 9pm. Be prepared to bring your dancing shoes - or at least your best pair for toe-tapping. To get yourself ready for what’s sure to be a good show, check out the Smokin’ Contra Band’s site and listen to some tunes. Go ahead and play it loud - after all, if you’re the only one in the office, who’s going to hear?

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in calendar, concerts, dance, hintonburg and music
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The Apartment613 100 Mile (last-minute) Gift Guide

Written
by
apartment613
on Monday, December 21, 2009
.
http://www.vimeo.com/8303602

Apartment613 editors dropped by Workshop on Dalhousie to find out what local crafts and treats they are stocking for the holidays. Any of you still looking for gift ideas would be well-advised to take a look!

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Somerset West Comings - and Goings?

Written
by
Karen
on Saturday, December 19, 2009
.
Photo courtesy dugspr - Home for Good on Flickr.

Photo courtesy dugspr - Home for Good on Flickr.

So there seem to have been a few changes on the Chinatown stretch of Somerset businesses going on over the past while. At 633 Somerset West, A Twist of Fate has just opened - in fact, their grand opening is today! So while we at Apt613 haven’t been inside yet, we are intrigued - if you make it down there, leave a comment and let us know what it’s like!

In other Somerset news, Sushi88 seemed to be boarded or papered up yesterday evening. Does anyone have the low down on what’s going on there? Has the all-you-can-eat sushi from Yummy Sushi just a few doors down put them out of business?

I sure hope not - they’ve been a go-to for great take out for a while! Let us know if you’ve got the scoop, or have noticed any more changes along this hip and happening street.

Read the comments below for updates on these businesses from your fellow Ottawans.

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in calendar, centretown west (chinatown) and local
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Jizz.ism hits Ottawa

Written
by
Karen
on Friday, December 18, 2009
.

Agitate, a queer ottawa-based organization invites queer people of colour and their allies to attend their rebirth event, Jizz.ism! It promises to be a night of celebration that includes DJs, live music, visual art, performance art, comedy, drag and spoken word by local artists.
It’s going to be sexy. It’s going to be queer. It’s going to be the jizziest party of the year.

What are we celebrating?
*Expanding our network from queer women of colour to queer people of colour
*Launching a new website and and new logo
*Showcasing amazing queer people of colour artists and performers that include hot DJs, hilarious comics, and rad performance artists

Come bump and grind with us
>> DJ Mikkipedia & DJ yalla!yalla! will make you sweat
>> visual art by Zara and Rah Eleh
>> live photobooth by photographer Hani Siyad
>> funnies by Kalyani
>> performances by Faye Estrella and Rah Eleh
>> drag by Z.Bra and Mack Daddy Mohammad

December 19th at Club SAW (67 Nicholas Street)
Show starts at 9pm
Drinks go until 2am
(HAPPY/GAY HOUR BETWEEN 9-10pm! HALF PRICE DRINKS!)

Pay-what-you-can (suggested $5 to $10)

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