OttawaStart's Weekly Event Round-Up: April 18-24, 2013

  ](http://www.flickr.com/photos/luciana_nechita/8651021353/)

Here are our contributors' picks for the best 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

** Thursday, April 18: Comedy Social - Alternative Comedy Spectacle

** Comedy Social is a show that highlights comedy with an alternative flare. The night consists of a smorgasbord of talent featuring performances ranging from stand-up comedy to spoken word, sketch, improv and performance art by new, semi-pro and pro acts. The event takes place at 8:30 pm at Avant-Garde Bar & Gift Shop at 135 ½ Besserer St. at the heart of Downtown Ottawa. Suggested donation to artists is $5. Why not spend a Thursday night doing something different while supporting local talent in a relaxing and creative atmosphere.

_

Rachelle Todd _

**

** ** Thursday, April 18: The Living Deads + The Kingmakers **

This Denver, Colorado rockabilly band puts on an adrenaline pumping, dance floor rockin' show, every time, every venue.

_

Eugene Haslam _

**

** ** Friday, April 19: The Artistic Showcase **

Spoken word artist Brandon Wint invites you to attend the april edition of the Artistic Showcase this Friday, April 19 at Pressed Cafe. The evening of artistic expression will feature music and poetry by Amanda Cottreau, Ali Alikhani, Hyfidelik the Gypsy Sun, Balam Santos and Amai Kuda. A great way to support the local music and poetry scene!

_

Eliane Laberge _

**

** ** Friday, April 19: Shannon Rose & the Thorns **

Shannon Rose & the Thorns are performing at Irene’s on Friday night with

award winning Halifax singer-songwriter Christina Martin.

What makes this show extra special is the band will be filming their set and the footage will be used in their new music video. So, if you show up, you will not only be treated to some beautiful tunes, but you might end up in a music video. And let’s be honest, we’ve all wanted to to that! I’ll also be interviewing the band at 10:30 Thursday morning on CKCU 93.1 FM. You can listen to the latest double CD from Shannon Rose & the Thorns here:

_

Ryan Bresee _

**

** ** Friday April 19-30: District 15 Art Exhibition By Andrew King **

Experience my new collection of artwork during this art exhibition that features the neighbourhood of “Ottawa Ward 15.” Pieces in the show will focus on the rapidly changing landscape and architecture of the area west of downtown. Inspired by the sights both old and new from Hintonburg, Wellington West, and Westboro, this unique exhibit showcases a collection of over 30 new works, Ottawapparel Series 2 t-shirt designs and a new book about the historical buildings in Kitchissippi Ward.

_

Andrew King _

** Saturday, April 20: Improv Awareness **

A ten-hour improv theatre expo at Arts Court put on by Crush Improv. Video, music, interactive displays, an improv antiques roadshow and more.

_

Glen Gower _

**

** ** Saturday, April 20: Plant Walk with Amber Westfall **

Dandelions for dinner? Wild herbs for health? Find out what local weeds have to offer. Urban wild gardener Amber Westfall leads a Weed Walk on Saturday from 2-4 p.m. in Windsor Park, Old Ottawa South, $20. If you can’t make it, she’s organizing another walk for Wednesday, April 24 at 6 p.m. and a few more coming up in May.

_

Denise Deby _

**

** ** Saturday, April 20: Rankin Yout & the Dub Pilots **

World Famous Music presents Rankin Yout & the Dub Pilots, Ottawa’s newest dub reggae project, live at Ritual. Featuring vocalist and frontman Ranking Yout (aka Gary ‘Slim’ Moore’) of Slim Moore & the Mar-Kays, the group will be joined by DJ Zattar who’ll be providing the beats and warming up the crowd.

_

Eliane Laberge _

**

** ** Saturday, April 20: Launch of “My Life in Pictures” by Christian McPherson **

5pm at the Mayfair Theatre (1074 Bank). Poems that take film titles and apply them autobiographically with zany & surprising results.  What better place to launch a poetry collection inspired by movies than in a movie theatre. Crunch some popcorn whilst enjoying the wry & whimsical stylings of Chris McPherson

_

Amanda Earl _

**

** ** Saturday, April 20: Healthy Living & Cooking Show: Foods & Moods **

Presented by Chef Justin Scott (Kudos Cuisine) & Manali Haridas, Lifestyle coach (Zen for You), a great demonstration and show of Cooking with Tea -Healthy Recipes (VEGAN): Teff cooked in Hibiscus Tea with Rapini / Papaya Poppy Seed Date Chutney / Pear Quinoa Crisp. I’m getting hungry just thinking about it!

_

Laura Gauthier _

**

** ** Saturday, April 20: Roddy Ellias series: Voices and Percussion at GigSpace **

Three top Canadian improvising musicians play together this Saturday for the first time. Ottawa guitarist Roddy Ellias and percussionist Jesse Stewart are well-known for their skill as jazz improvisers and wide range of musical interests. Toronto multi-octave vocalist Christine Duncan, known for her vocal improvisations and Element Choir will join them to create music then and there.

_

Brett Delmage _

**

** ** Saturday, April 20: International Astronomy Day Free Star Party **

A free star party! Enjoy views of the Moon and planets through a variety of telescopes including Canada’s largest refracting telescope. The program is strictly weather permitting (no indoor presentations). Dress warmly. 8:00pm at the Canada Science and Technology Museum.

_

Sara-Lynne Levine _

** Monday, April 22: Rush Hour Concert: Four Cellos! **

The Chamber Players of Canada bring together four of Canada’s top cellists for an exciting Rush Hour Concert featuring the works of Handel, Tchaikovsky, and others. Paul Marelyn, Denise Djokic, Julian Armour, Stéphane Tétreault will play together at St. Andrew’s Church (82 Kent Street) Monday evening from 6pm to 7pm. For more information, check out their website.

_

Gordon Dewis _

**

** ** 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!