OttawaStart Weekly Event Round-Up: A bit of jazz, some pancakes, a nature night and a game summit

  ](http://www.flickr.com/photos/luciana_nechita/8417272547/)

Here are our contributors' picks for the best local events in Ottawa this week. This list is published every Wednesday night in this space. You can bookmark this link for easy access: http://ottawastart.com/weekly

** Friday, February 1: Ernest Dawkins New Horizon Trio **

The Ernest Dawkins New Horizon Trio will be performing live at Mercury Lounge as part of the Ottawa Winter Jazz Festival, which takes place from January 31 to February 2. You can catch the trio, made of up saxophonist Ernest Dawkins, bassist Junius Paul and drummer Isaiah Spencer starting at 10:30 pm.

_

Eliane Laberge , blogger _

**

Friday, February 1: Little Stella & Erik Lind and the Orchard @ Black Sheep Inn **

Catch two great bands at a great local venue! What more could you ask for? **

** _

Laura Gauthier _

**

** ** Saturday, February 2: Winterlude Pancake Breakfast **

Treat yourself and your family to free pancakes and hot chocolate and enjoy music and entertainment by street performers. 10am-12pm at Marion Dewar Plaza.

_ – Sara-Lynne Levine, Ottawa Capital Region Macaroni Kid _

**

** ** Saturday, February 2: Experience Nature with CPAWS-Ottawa Valley **

The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society-Ottawa Valley Chapter is providing two opportunities this week to appreciate the nature around us. On Thursday, CPAWS-OV is teaming up with the South March Highlands Coalition for a Nature Night about the Highlands and Carp Hills, at 7 p.m. at Mountain Equipment Coop. On Saturday, they lead a snowshoe hike in Gatineau Park’s Meech Creek Valley from 6:30-9 p.m.

_

Denise Deby , Green Living Ottawa _

** Saturday, February 2: The Daft Punk Tribute **

The Daft Punk Tribute will be back in Ottawa for a live show at Ritual so if you like electronic music and Daft Punk, this is an event you won’t want to miss. The Daft Punk Tribute is basically an 8-piece band who reinterprets Daft Punk’s music with a horn section, rhythm section, vocals and electronics. Based in Toronto, the band is known for throwing contagious dance parties at Canada’s most prestigious clubs and concert halls. In other words, if you want to dance this Saturday night, you know where to go!

_

Eliane Laberge , blogger _

**

** ** Saturday, February 2: In the Guestroom **

In the Guestroom is a musical collective from Kingston. Created much like The Neverending White Lights, the music is mostly written by once guy and a stable of singers write lyrics and sing. They are performing with Rapid Eye Review on Saturday, Feb. 2 at Cafe Dekcuf. Check out this great tune. **

** _

Ryan Bresee , host of CKCU’s Whatever’s Cool With Me _

**

** ** Saturday-Sunday, February 2-3: Game Summit 2013 **

Hobbyists, board gamers, role-players and more are converging to play various games this weekend at Game Summit 2013 at the Palais des Congrès de Gatineau (50 Maisonneuve Blvd, 3rd floor). Virtually all manner of board games, role-playing games, card games and miniatures can be found on the program, so if you want to play, this is the place to be. In addition to game sessions, you’ll find a marketplace with all sorts of vendors, workshops on the various aspects of gaming, screenings of documentaries and more. If you have an inner geek, this is the place to set it free! Check the website for registration info.

_

Gordon Dewis aka KeeperOfMaps _

**

** ** Monday, February 4: Crush Improv at the Foolish Chicken **

Crush Improv’s monthly ‘Bout Time show is on the move again, and this month they’re upstairs at the Foolish Chicken on Holland Avenue. The event features a 3-on-3 improv comedy throwdown with a bit of music and lots of laughs. I’ll be playing piano.

_

Glen Gower , Editor/Owner of OttawaStart.com _

**

** ** Wednesday, February 6: John Scofield Trio at la Maison de la Culture in Gatineau **

John Scofield is one of the most successful jazz guitarists around today, renowned for his unique and extremely expressive soulful and funky sound. He has played with a plethora of top jazz musicians, including Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, Pat Metheny, The Brecker Brothers, Medeski, Martin and Wood, Tony Williams, David Liebman and many more. Next Wednesday, he begins an extensive tour of Quebec with a stop in Gatineau – easily accessible to Ottawa listeners, too. OttawaJazzScene.ca’s Justin Duhaime interviewed John Scofield about the tour, his love of groove, and his musical debt to Miles Davis.

_ – Alayne McGregor, OttawaJazzScene.ca _

** Have a great week! **

** See also: ** Ottawa Events Guide

If 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!