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Showtunes Showdown

Written

on Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Photo courtesy laverrue on Flickr.

When particularly thrilled with life, I’m wont to break into song at the drop of a hat. And for some reason (I’m blaming my 10th grade drama teacher for this), that song can often be the title track from “Hello Dolly!”, one of those all-time musical greats.

Musical tunes are great for inspiring happiness, evoking a tear or two and are, more often than not, familiar to even those with a strong distaste for musical theatre.

If you’re in the mood for a bit of showtune sunshine this weekend, you’re in luck, because Saturday night is Ottawa’s own Showtunes Showdown. It’s Canadian Idol meets Name that Tune meets Family Feud, featuring local choirs throwing down their best songs for a chance at the title of Showdown champion.

Featuring special guest judges, the evening will feature some of your favourite songs, musical trivia (that’s triva about musicals, not trivia performed musically) and more. It’s $22 in advance, $25 at the door, and will take place down at the Ottawa Little Theatre (400 King Edward Ave). The showdown will get underway at 8pm on Saturday, March 13th.

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Venus Envy and Agitate! collaborate for a fun evening of performances

Written

Francois

on Sunday, March 7, 2010

Sunday March 14, 2010 at 6PM at Venus Envy (320 Lisgar St.)

A lovely Sunday evening of fun and performances featuring d’bi.young.anitafrika and two other poets soon to be announced.

Everyone Welcome.

Suggested donation of $5-10 but no one will be turned away because of lack of funds…

Founded in 2004, Agitate! is a queer, Ottawa-based organization for indigenous people, mixed race people and people of colour. Although the governing board is open exclusively to indigenous people, mixed-race people and people of colour, allies from all communities and of all genders and sexual orientations are encouraged to get in touch with Agitate for information on how to volunteer.

Venus Envy Ottawa is an education-oriented sex shop located in downtown Ottawa. Knowledge is key to enjoying a satisfying, healthy, and erotic sex life, so we offer workshops on sex and relationships where people can ask questions and share their experiences in a safe, non-judgemental environment. Some of our workshops are for women only, but most are for everyone.

d’bi.young.anitafrika is a jamaican-canadian dub poet, actor, and playwright who believes in life. love. and revolushun. her first play yagayah, co-authored with naila belvett, was published in volume II of Testifyin’: Contemporary African Canadian Drama edited by djanet sears in 2003. her first book of poetry art on black was published by women’s press in 2006. blood.claat is the first play in the three faces of mudgu trilogy. the other two plays are androgyne and chronicles in dub.

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Snailhouse and Yellow Jacket Avenger at Raw Sugar

Written

Francois

on Sunday, March 7, 2010

Saturday, March 27 – 9PM - $10 A great night of music!

Snailhouse is a collection of songs by Mike Feuerstack, founding members of the Wooden Stars, and collaborator of artists such as Julie Doiron, members of Arcade Fire, Wintersleep, Bell Orchestre, and The Acorn. Feuerstack’s impeccable song-craft and tender lyrical prowess tugs at the heart strings – always.

Yellow Jacket Avenger is a project of one Geoffrey Pye. “Pye is a compelling presence — he stood unobtrusively to the side of the stage for most of the set, but his warm, world-weary tenor bled through the room like an elixir.” – Exclaim! show review

http://www.myspace.com/snailhouse
http://www.yjaonline.com/

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MIKE DUGUAY & THE BEAR TREE w/ THE STRUMBELLAS + CANDLE CAVE ENSEMBLE PART II at Raw Sugar

Written

Francois

on Sunday, March 7, 2010

Thursday, March 18 – 8PM - $TBD

Mike Duguay is a ubiquitous fixture of the Peterborough, Ontario’s music scene. He regularly performs solo, newly with the Bear Trees, and plays with the likes of The Burning Hell.

Toronto’s The Strumbellas mix alt-country harmonies, bluegrass instrumentation, and big pop hooks.

Fresh sounds of Peterborough’s Candle Cave Ensemble Part II will blow you away.

http://www.myspace.com/mikeduguay
http://www.myspace.com/thestrumbellas
http://www.myspace.com/candlecaveensemblepartii

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Boats, Flotilla and The Silver Birch Society at Raw Sugar

Written

Francois

on Sunday, March 7, 2010

Sunday, March 14 – 8PM - $6

Boats are a Winnipeg based five piece who are gearing up for the May 1st release of their new album “Cannonball, Cannonball”. They’ve been described as many things, but our favourite is “Arcade Fire without the drama”.

Montreal’s Flotilla makes for an unusual, genre-defying indie-rock outfit, with a classical harpist, an avant-garde composer, and a jazz-trained singer-songwriter on the roster.

Local duo The Silver Birch Society is rounding things off at go.

http://www.myspace.com/boatthemusicband
http://www.myspace.com/flotillamontreal
http://www.myspace.com/thesilverbirchsociety

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OWEN STEEL & DAVE NORRIS at Raw Sugar

Written

Francois

on Sunday, March 7, 2010

Tuesday, March 9 – 8PM – $5 Raw Sugar Cafe

Owen Steel is a Fredericton, NB-based singer-songwriter that is preparing the arrival of his first full length, self-titled album. Owen is stopping by Raw Sugar during his national tour that will see him play shows onboard VIA rail trains from Halifax to Vancouver.

Ottawa’s Dave Norris will be playing a solo set. Check’em out!

http://www.myspace.com/owensteel

http://www.myspace.com/davenorrislocalivan

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FUNDRAISER for ACCESO starring Alise Marlane at Raw Sugar

Written

Francois

on Sunday, March 7, 2010

Sunday, March 7 - 6:30 PM at Raw Sugar Cafe:

A kitchen musical party fundraiser. Entertainment will be provided by Juno nominated performer Alise Marlane and other community entertainers. Dessert and Beverage supplied. All money collected will be donated to Acceso, an Ottawa group that builds schools in developing countries including Haiti.

For reservations contact Robert at 819-770-5853 or email katelusk@sympatico.ca.

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STARS ON 45 – DJ night @ Raw Sugar

Written

Francois

on Sunday, March 7, 2010

Friday, March 5 – 8PM – No cover!

Small Music Blow-Up! Come out for a night of decade-spanning, genre-busting, stride-gliding 7inch record playing. Hosts DJ Daisy and Chris International bring their 45s to Raw Sugar and provide the vibe along side special guest DJ Ben Armstrong. Strictly 7″s non-stop!

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