27 March 2014 / #weekly OttawaStart's Weekly Event Round-Up: March 27-April 2, 2014_ “Robin 1” Photo by Marcel Regimbald from the OttawaStart Flickr Group __ Here are our contributors' picks for the best events in Ottawa this week. _** Tuesday-Sunday, March 25-30 : VERSeFest **A world of poetry in Ottawa, Knox Presbyterian Church (120 Lisgar). If you’re interested in poetry at all, you can’t miss this wonderful festival, now in its fourth year. from spoken word to dance performance to film with poets from Ireland, Scotland, the USA, Canada & more. Don’t miss it._Amanda Earl , Bywords _** March 26-April 12: _ Seeds _ at the NAC Theatre **Billed as “part courtroom confrontation, part social satire,” _ Seeds _ is the story of the real life legal battle between a Saskatchewan farmer and biotechnology company Monsanto over genetically modified seeds. Much of the script draws from court transcripts, news reports and interviews. The play features actor Eric Peterson of _ Corner Gas _ and _ Street Legal _ fame—well worth the price of admission._Denise Deby , Green Living Ottawa _** Thursday, March 27: Body Of Thought **Over in Westboro, Railbender Gallery presents an exhibition by visual artist Mat Dubé. Titled _ Body of Thought _ , the solo show launching on March 27 will be presented until April 27, 2014._ – Eliane Laberge, Eventful Capital _**** ** Thursday, March 27: The Head and the Heart** If I wasn’t on vacation out of town you know I’d be checking out these guys._Laura Gauthier _** Friday, March 28: Nature Nocturne: Big in Japan **Head down to the Canadian Museum of Nature Friday evening for “Big in Japan”. The Ottawa International Animation Festival will be presenting cutting-edge animation from the Tokyo School of Animation. Snap a photo of yourself with one of the costumed characters roaming through the building. Better yet… come in costume yourself! (If you do, you have to submit a photo to OttawaStart !) And you can try your hand at flower arranging with the Ottawa chapter of Ikebana International. Of course, you can also check out the sushi and tea in the Zen Lounge before hitting the dance floor. For admission information, check out their website._Gordon Dewis _** Friday, March 28: Steve Berndt and Brian Browne: “All Over Again” at the NAC Fourth Stage **Jazz pianist Brian Browne and vocalist Steve Berndt release their second album of standards on Friday – a bookend to their first album, which even has a baseball connection! They’re launching it at the NAC Fourth Stage: expect ballads and upbeat numbers, and the pure, unadulterated sound of piano and vocals delivered with skill, care, and lots of shared enjoyment._Alayne McGregor , OttawaJazzScene.ca _** Saturday, March 29: Absolute Comedy Dinner **Mattamy Homes Canada Day in Barrhaven has paired with Absolute Comedy for a night of fun, laughs and dinner featuring Ryan Denee and Jen Hayward._Tanya Snook , Spydergrrl _** Saturday, March 29: Art Battle 111 **Visual art aficionados won’t want to miss Art Battle 111 taking place this Saturday at the Arts Court. This unique concept organized across Canadian cities, brings 12 local painters together for a live painting competition. The winner will earn a cash prize and a spot in the Ottawa Championship in June 2014. The winner of the Ottawa Final will compete in the 2014 National Championship._ – Eliane Laberge, Eventful Capital _** Saturday, March 29: Suuns and Scattered Clouds Live at the Blacksheep Inn **Over in Wakefield this Saturday, Montreal-based band Suuns will be performing live at the Blacksheep Inn. The psych/post-punk group will be joined on stage by experimental Hull trio Scattered Clouds. [](http://www.theblacksheepinn.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=347) _ – Eliane Laberge, Eventful Capital _** Saturday, March 29: Stargazing: Earth Hour ** Earth Hour — What better time to gaze at the night skies than when the lights go out! Stargazers of all ages enjoy an evening of astronomy at the Museum’s Helen Sawyer Hogg Observatory. Weather permitting, visitors can look through the historic 15-inch telescope at the stars, the planets, and the Moon. Dress warmly, event takes place outside at the Canada Science and Technology Museum._ – Sara-Lynne Levine, Macaroni Kid Ottawa _** Wednesday, April 2: Mounties ** **** Canadian supergroup of sorts- Mounties - includes Hawksley Workman, Steve Bays of Hot Hot Heat, & Ryan Dahle of Limblifter/Age Of Electric. Surely going to be a great show!_Laura Gauthier _**_ Have a great week! _ **** See also: ** Ottawa Events GuideIf you liked this post, you should ** subscribe to etcetera , ** our free email newsletter. Featuring cool Ottawa events, interesting local news and contests and giveaways. Thanks!