Photo: Fiddleheads and wild garlic at the market

I've never tried fiddleheads but the ones in this photo look delicious.  The photo is by Ross Dunn, taken last week in the Byward Market.

See also: Ottawa Food Guide
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OttawaStart's Weekly Event Round-Up: May 16-22, 2013

Anti Tulips. Photo by J. Michel Carriere from the OttawaStart Flickr Group.

The Tulip Festival wraps up this long weekend, but that's not all there is to do in town. Here are our contributors' picks for the best events in Ottawa this week. This list is also published every Wednesday night on the OttawaStart Blog. You can bookmark this link for easy access: http://ottawastart.com/weekly

See also: What's open and closed for Victoria Day in Ottawa...

Thursday, May 16: Split Cycle with Samuel Blais at GigSpace
Samuel Blais mostly plays jazz in Montreal, and also has many connections in NYC, courtesy of time spent studying there. His most recent project, Split Cycle, is split half and half between the two cities, with members who originally came from Europe and Japan too. They're on a Canadian tour debuting their first album: originals played on sax, guitar, bass and drums. Hear the cutting edge of modern jazz in an intimate venue!
-- Alayne McGregor

Friday-Monday, May 17-20: Thousand Islands Arts Rockport Annual Spring Show
A quick road trip in mind? The Thousand Islands Arts group holds its 21st annual Victoria Day weekend show and sale in Rockport May 17-20th. Formerly called “Up the Garden Path” this year the show takes place at four conveniently grouped locations around Rockport. 23 artists, 12 of whom are new, will present their work for sale. Also new this year is a Friday night wine and cheese gala at each of the locations from 5 pm until 8 pm. The show continues on Saturday through until Monday from 11 am until 5 pm.
-- Jean Labelle

Saturday, May 18: Chinatown Remixed - Poetry & Art
At the Daily Grind Cafe, 1:30pm. Local poet Steven Artelle responds to the work of artist Drew Mosley with a series of poems entitled "Chinese Zodiac." Artelle's chapbook, "Four Hundred Rabbits" is forthcoming from my own micropress, AngelHousePress.  As a side note, Chinatown Remixed is not to be missed. It's a fabulous chance to ramble along Somerset West, taste delicious snacks from the local cafes & restos, sample great art & music. it's one of my favourite events of the  year. don't let the construction get you down.
-- Amanda Earl

Saturday, May 18: Chinatown Remixed
If you have a penchant for contemporary visual arts or if you simply like to encourage community initiatives, the 5th edition of Chinatown Remixed is kicking off this Saturday, May 18 and running for a full month at various locations along Somerset Street West. This annual celebration of art highlights an eclectic group of local artists in an array of neighborhood settings.
-- Eliane Laberge

Saturday, May 18: Chinatown Remixed Launch
Chinatown Remixed is back celebrating its fifth year featuring a month of arts and cultural events from the heart of Chinatown! Prepare for some lively music, local food, and visual art and performances at different businesses along Somerset Street West between Bay and Preston streets.  Saturday will be the big launch with daytime events from 1:30-5:00 p.m. and an after party from 5:00-10:30 p.m. at the Shanghai Restaurant parking lot with performances by transgendered indie musician Rae Spoon and Ottawa experimental band Silkken Lauman. Kichesippi ginger beer, Harvey & Vern’s cream soda, cold treats from Pascale’s Ice Cream and hot food from Shanghai’s back door kitchen will be some of the delicious food and drinks available. You’ll also be sure to find Shanghai Restaurant's karaoke songstress China Doll livening things up. 
-- Ruvini Godakandae

Saturday, May 18: International Museums Day
Celebrate International Museum Day and enjoy watching your kids learn stuff and have fun. At Canada Science and Technology Museum and Museum of Nature.
-- Sara-Lynne Levine

Saturday, May 18: The Barley Mow Laugh Out Loud Comedy Show
This Saturday join headliner Wafik Nasralla at The Barley Mow Laugh Out Loud Comedy Show (Bank Street); with Wafik will be local comics Matt Watson, Wendi Reed, and Brad Doiron!
-- Laura Gauthier

Sunday, May 19: Sunday Bikeday
Starting this Sunday, you can hit the open road on your bike on designated National Capital Commission parkways that are closed to vehicles on Sunday mornings until Labour Day. Even better, combine your trip with a guided “TulipCycle” that takes in the sights of this last weekend of the Tulip Festival.
-- Denise Deby

Sunday, May 19: Nationless Nights: Edition Zero
On Sunday, May 19, Missing Linx and the Nationless Minds Crew invite you to Nationless Nights: Edition Zero at the Rainbow Bistro. The lineup for the night will include Slim Moore of Slim Moore and The Mar-Kays, Jaguar Priest, The Key Components along with special performances by Candice Bruchhaeuser, Elle-P and DJ Shadowrunner on the decks. Check it out and come encourage local endeavours!
-- Eliane Laberge


Have a great week!

See also: Ottawa Events Guide
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Photos from Ottawa Comiccon 2013 (Part 4)

Even more photos from Comiccon!  These ones are from Becka and Aydyn Neifer.
(Part 3 is here.)

Photos by Becka:


















Photos by Aydyn Neifer:









See also: Ottawa Events Guide
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Photos from Ottawa Comiccon 2013 (Part 3)

These photos are courtesy of Jon Fingas and are republished here with his permission.  You can see his entire Comiccon photoset here...

(Part 2 is here.)














See also: Ottawa Events Guide
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Photos from Ottawa Comiccon 2013 (Part 2)

Here are more photos from Comiccon from Vu Nguyen (republished here with his permission).
(Part 1 is here.)



























See also: Ottawa Event Guide
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Photos from Ottawa Comiccon 2013 (Part 1)

Here are some great pics of the costumes at Comiccon from Aydyn Neifer.  Photos are published here with permission. (More pics from last year's Comiccon are here.)






















See also: Ottawa Events Guide
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OttawaStart's Weekly Event Round-Up: May 9-15, 2013

Remic Rapids.  Photo by Barry Relf from the OttawaStart Flickr Group.

It's a busy week with big events like Comiccon and the Tulip Festival grabbing a lot of attention. Our contributors have hand-picked some great smaller events for this week.

Thursday, May 9: The Artistic Showcase
The May edition of The Artistic Showcase is taking place at Pressed Cafe. The event will feature spoken word artist and rapper Just Jamaal, spoken word poet Mary Pinkoski, cellist Raphael Weinroth-Browne and singer-songwriter Kyra Shaughnessy.
-- Eliane Laberge

Thursday, May 9: Tai Knots Jewellery 2013 Catalogue Launch Party
The launch of Tai Knots Jewellery's 2013 Catalogue is this Thursday - be the first to see the new designs! PLUS Tai Knots is moving, so selected inventory will be available at 25-50% off. You'll find plenty of great gift ideas for Mother's Day!
-- Laura Gauthier

Friday, May 10: Mad Funk with Phil Motion and The Easy Lo-Fi
Supafunk Records and Up & Up Music bring you the return of Mad Funk at the Mercury Lounge. On the occasion of Mad Funk, there’ll be live rare groove and funk 45 with Phil Motion & The Easy Lo-Fi along with tunes selected by DJ Lance Baptiste, visuals by Matt Cameron and live reel to reel recording courtesy of Jason Jaknunas.
-- Eliane Laberge

Friday, May 10: Renée Yoxon & Mark Ferguson at GigSpace
Two central figures in Ottawa's jazz scene are collaborating on an evening of jazz standards and original songs. Renée on vocals and Mark on piano will play new compositions and material from their album, Here We Go Again, which was released last December. Their songs evoke the style of the Great American Songbook, but updated to a modern jazz sound. 
-- Alayne McGregor

Saturday-Sunday, May 11-12: Mad Hatter's Tea Party
Celebrate Mother’s Day in style Mother’s Day weekend with a tulip brunch at participating restaurants, lively buskers and costumed characters throughout the Glebe. As for the very important date that is Sunday, May 12, bring your Queen of Hearts out for a wonderland of activities including face-painting, animation on the street and wonderland ambassadors, beginning at 10 a.m. 
-- Sara-Lynne Levine

Saturday, May 11: Plan 99 Reading Series featuring poets Erin Knight and Ann Shin 
Free at The Manx Pub (370 Elgin Street) 5-6pm. Hosted by David O'Meara. Get there early to sample fine beer & enjoy good company; after the reading partake of the Manx's excellent food. 
This is the final Plan 99 of the Spring season.
-- Amanda Earl

Saturday, May 11: Ottawa Free Market and Free Plant Event
There may be no such thing as a free lunch, but Ottawa FreeCycle and OttawaPlantCycle are offering a place to give away items you don’t need and pick up some that you do—all free. You can even drop off e-waste. It all happens at the Jack Purcell Community Centre, 9 a.m.-noon. 
-- Denise Deby

Sunday, May 12: Celebrate Mother's Day at Ottawa's historic sites
The City of Ottawa's historic sites are kicking off their summer seasons by celebrating Mother's Day. Billings Estate National Historic Site, Cumberland Heritage Museum, and Pinhey’s Point all have activities planned from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Billings Estate, for example, is holding a special Victorian tea service on the grounds of the Estate. Tour the historic site and take part in a photo scavenger hunt that the whole family can enjoy. At the Cumberland Heritage Museum you can create your very own Mother’s Day keepsake, or dress up and take part in a vintage photo shoot. Be sure to check out their deluxe candy station. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy the afternoon on the banks of the Ottawa River at Pinhey's Point, where you can create your own keepsake in the ballroom as a reminder of your special day and take a guided tour of the house or the grounds of this historic site.
-- Gordon Dewis

Sunday, May 12: Bird Fair
This event is for the birds! Ottawa’s first Bird Fair, celebrating International Migratory Bird Day, takes place in Andrew Haydon Park on the Ottawa River from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. There'll be guided nature walks (with bird-spotting tips!), presentations (attract birds to your yard!), music, art and crafts (build a bird feeder!) and, of course, bird-watching. 
-- Denise Deby

Monday, May 13: Photo & Talk - From Everest Base Camp to Machu Picchu
Last year, at age 55, Fram Engineer decided to participate in a charity trek up to Everest Base Camp (17,598').    He will be sharing his experience from Everest Base Camp through a photo montage at Biagio's located at 1394 Richmond Rd Ottawa as a fundraiser for his next charity climb to Machu Picchu. Space for the presentation is limited so please RSVP framengineer@rogers.com if you plan on attending. Alternatively, a donation can be made under Fram Engineer's DreamMountains foundation web page.  Just a reminder that every penny goes to CARE Canada and donations are truly appreciated.
-- Laura Gauthier

Wednesday, May 15: Canadian Wildlife Photography of the Year
This beautiful, charming photo exhibition is back again, this time in its fifth edition, presenting the winners of the 2012 Canadian Geographic Wildlife Photography of the Year contest. See amazing shots of mammals, birds, insects and more as seen through the lenses of experienced and budding Canadian photographers.
-- Jean Labelle


Have a great week!


See also: Ottawa Events Guide
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OttawaStart's Weekly Event Round-Up: May 2-8, 2013

Rapids Remic.  Photo by Zhu from the OttawaStart Flickr Group.

Here are our contributors' picks for the best events in Ottawa this week. You can find more local events listed on the OttawaStart Events Guide.

Thursday, May 2: Pop Up DJ Record Shop
A Pop Up DJ Record Shop presented by The Girlfriends at Raw Sugar Cafe. If you’re looking for specific vinyls or if you simply want to enrich your growing collection, you don’t want to miss this rare opportunity. Some of Ottawa’s favorite DJs will be selling some of their vinyl records and there will be a listening station to allow you to preview the goods.
-- Eliane Laberge

Thursday, May 2: Jane’s Talk
One of my favourite events is Jane's Walk, held on Saturday, May 4 and Sunday, May 5 this year. It’s named after thinker and writer Jane Jacobs, who promoted cities as places for people, and it consists of walks, led by residents, that allow people to explore their city at a walkable scale. There are dozens of intriguing-sounding walks (and cycling tours) in Ottawa alone, but you can get started early with the “Jane’s Talk” on Thursday, where you’ll hear from groups in Vanier who are doing amazing work to revitalize that part of town. The talk is 7-9 p.m. at TAN Coffee, 317 Wilbrod St., Sandy Hill. 
-- Denise Deby

Saturday, May 4: Irving Layton Reloaded 
Featuring Amanda Earl, Amatoritsero Ede, David Solway, Phil Hall, Sandra Ridley Seymour Mayne at  Overkill (Mercury Lounge Basement) 56 Byward. Starts at 8pm. Part of U of Ottawa's symposium on Irving Layton: tributes, remixes of Layton's work & new poems.
-- Amanda Earl

Saturday, May 4: Free Comic Book Day
In a perfect storm of nerdery, Saturday is not only Star Wars Day but also Free Comic Book Day! Which means, not only can you go around wishing everyone May the Fourth Be With You, but you can do so while picking up free comic books! Just grab a bag and start filling (only from the tables marked, FREE, of course ;) For more info and to find a participating comic book shop, visit freecomicbookday.com 
-- Tanya Snook

Saturday, May 4: Alive@25 Block Party at Centrepointe Theatre
Little ones will enjoy Juno-nominated children’s performer Jennifer Gasoi and then create their own music at the Musical Petting Zoo. Tweens & teens can check out the skatepark, take a juggling workshop, or get a henna tattoo. From remote control robots to making laser cardboard cut-outs, enjoy super fun all day.The building will LITERALLY come alive! Perfect family fun! 10am-2pm.
-- Sara-Lynne Levine

Saturday May 4: New Exhibition: MÉXICO FANTASTICO: Culture, Community and Diplomacy
Mexico is an important friend and trade partner with Canada. The Mexican community in Ottawa and in Canada is consequential. This exhibition shows the beauty of Mexican culture and the significance of the relationship between our country and Mexico. 11am-4pm at the Bytown Museum.
-- Eugene Haslam

Saturday, May 4: Spin-a-thon
Do something to make a difference about sexual assault in your community. Come spin! There will be instructors and a great facility courtesy of Cyclelogik. All proceeds will go to the Ottawa Rape Crisis Centre.
-- Laura Gauthier

Saturday, May 4: SLOWest Spring Gathering and Right Bike Launch
Celebrate spring and check out Ottawa’s most innovative bike-share program on Saturday at a Party in the Park hosted by Sustainable Living Ottawa West. It’s at McCormick Park (on McCormick St., north of Wellington and east of Parkdale) from noon to 4 p.m. There’ll be music, refreshments, kids’ activities, bike repair demonstrations and information on community sustainability initiatives.
-- Denise Deby

Saturday May 4: The Spoons at Zaphod Beeblebrox
THE SPOONS celebrate over 30 years together as one of Canada's most popular and influential New Wave/ Alt-Pop bands, joining global pop-culture icons Culture Club, Martha and The Muffins, Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark, Simple Minds and others in that oeuvre.
-- Eugene Haslam

Saturday, May 4: Tanya Tagaq: Nanook of the North at the Mayfair Theatre
Inuit vocalist Tanya Tagaq has taken throat singing and wordless singing to new dimensions -- especially in her shows with long-time jazz collaborators Jean Martin on drums and Jesse Zubot on violin. Now she's trying something new for the National Arts Centre's Northern Scene -- playing live during the screening of the film Nanook of the North at the Mayfair Theatre. There will also be a newly-recorded soundtrack to the iconic Canadian film, over which the trio will improvise - consider it a one-in-a-lifetime musical event!
-- Alayne McGregor

Saturday & Sunday, May 4-5: Jane's Walk Ottawa
A series of free walking tours led by local residents. I recommend checking out Andrew King's "Wellboro Walk" on Sunday afternoon. He's a local artist and history buff and I'm sure he'll take you on some kind of adventure.
-- Glen Gower

Sunday, May 5: Art Battle Ottawa
Art aficionados won’t want to miss Art Battle Ottawa taking place this Sunday, May 5 at the Arts Court. This unique concept organized across Canadian cities, brings 12 painters together for a live painting competition. For its first time in Ottawa, Art Battle will feature live creations by Hamid Ayoub, Erica Taylor, Margo Bennetto, Andre-Marc Pierre, Omar Hopkinson , Lukasz Bober, Mark Stephenson , Cristian S. Aluas, and Peter Akiki.
-- Eliane Laberge

Sunday, May 5: Celebrate Cinco de Mayo Family Fiesta
Please join us for a family oriented and fun-filled celebration of Mexico’s most important fiesta.  Pinatas and Mexican crafts for children and adults. Please drop in throughout the day and explore Mexico Fantastico exhibition and fiesta. 11am-4pm at the Bytown Museum.
-- Eugene Haslam

Sunday, May 5: Bells in Spring
The annual annual spring handbell concert at Rideau Park United Church (2203 Alta Vista Drive) takes place this Sunday at 7pm. The concert features the music of bell ringing ensembles from all five Rideau Park handbell and chimes choirs, including A Touch of Brass, Grace Notes, La Bell Ensemble, Note-able Sound, and Ringing Praise and from three other local churches: Emmanuel United (Emmanubells), St. Andrew's Presbyterian (St. Andrew's Ringers, Trinty Presbyterian, Kanata (Trinity Hilltop Ringers). Admission is free. There will be a freewill offering. For more information, contact 613-733-3156, ext 229.
-- Gordon Dewis


Have a great week!


See also: Ottawa Events Guide
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Check out this interesting photo/art project: "Discarded"

Here's a really interesting photography idea from Ottawa's Stephen Harrison.   He collected six garbage bags worth of trash along Poole Creek in Stittsville, sorted it out, and then took some photos:

It's disconcerting to see how much garbage we've discarded, and yet it makes for a fascinating subject. All this decaying trash makes for some very compelling visuals.  You can see more photos and learn more about the project on Harrison's blog.


See also: Ottawa Art Guide
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