OttawaStart's Weekly Event Round-Up: Comedy Fest, Fashion Week and the launch of a new beer

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

_ Welcome to our new contributor Katy Watts . She keeps track of Ottawa’s burgeoning beer scene on her blog, Sheltered Girl Meets World . _

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** ** Wednesday-Saturday, February 5-9: Cracking Up the Capital Comedy Festival **

This event packs so many laughs that it’s expanded from one day to four this year. That makes it harder to choose from among the many talented comedians who’ll be in town, but I’d really like to see the aboriginal comedy evening with Don Kelly, Dawn Dumont and Ryan McMahon on Friday. Then again, it’d be hard to pass up Colin Mochrie hosting youth improv on Thursday, or the fun-filled festival finale with an all-star lineup, hosted by Patrick McKenna, on Saturday. Each evening raises funds for organizations working on mental health, reason enough to go on any of the nights.

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Denise Deby , Green Living Ottawa _

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** ** Friday, February 8: HogsBack Brewing Co.’s Aporkalypse Now Launch **

The boys from HogsBack Brewing Co. are back with another seasonal, limited edition beer. This time they’ve collaborated with Broadhead Brewing Co., and heritage pork producer, Pork of Yore, to create Aporkalypse Now – a 5.5% ABV Oatmeal Bacon Stout.  Be one of the first to taste this one of a kind beer at the Heart & Crown Preston on Saturday starting at 5:00pm. **

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Katy Watts , blogger _

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** ** Friday, February 8 - Chinese New Year at the Canadian Museum of Civilization **

Help ring in the Chinese Year of the Snake! Take part in an array of Chinese New Year traditions. Create a Chinese paper lion, decorate your own lucky money envelope, and learn some new Chinese dance steps with the Oriental Dance Troupe of Ottawa.

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

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** ** Friday-Sunday, February 8-10: Ottawa Fashion Week A/W 13 **

This weekend is Ottawa Fashion Week’s Autumn/Winter 2013 edition. Local and national designers will have the opportunity to present their upcoming collections at the Ottawa Convention Centre in front of members of the pubic, media, dignitaries and celebrities from the Canadian fashion industry.

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Eliane Laberge , blogger _

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** ** Friday-Sunday, February 8-10: Ottawa Fashion Week A/W 13 **

This is one of the under-the-radar jewels of Ottawa’s festival scene. Fashion Week has grown tremendously in the last few years; not only a showcase for local designers, the big names of Montreal & Toronto want to show on Ottawa runways too. Among those presenting this weekend, Christian Chenail, Andy Nguyen for Y!D.N.A., Jana & Emila Fashion, and Frank Sukhoo. Sunday night, local celebs including Councillor Mathieu Fleury, will do a benefit fashion show for UNICEF. At the Ottawa Convention Centre.

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Max Keeping _

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** ** Saturday, February 9: Radio Radio **

Acadian trio Radio Radio will be taking over Ritual this Saturday, February 9 for a live show with special guests D-Track and DJ CPI. The East Coast electro-rap group known for it’s unique style will be performing live in Ottawa in an effort to promote their latest album Havre de Grâce. For tickets and details, visit the Facebook event page below.

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Eliane Laberge , blogger _

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** ** Sunday, February 10: Wakefield International Film Festival **

Just across the river from Ottawa, the Wakefield International Film Festival kicks off this Sunday, February 10 and runs until March 24. Now in its 4th year, this local festival presents current and award-winning documentaries from Quebec, Canada and around the world. The WIFF aims to encourage discussion by including panel discussions and Q&As. New this year is the WIFF Best of Fest Award, which will acknowledge the film most appreciated by the audience.

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Eliane Laberge , blogger _

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** ** Sunday, February 10: Wide Open: Kickass Canadian Photographs for CARE **

After a successful Kickass Talks last year, KAC returns with this limited edition photo book publication that will only be available at this special launch event at Ottawa’s Wall Space Gallery. Don’t miss your chance to meet with some of the local photographers and support a good cause!

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Laura Gauthier _

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** ** Sunday, February 10: Wide Open: Kickass Canadian Photographs for CAR **

Kickass Canadians is an initiative to recognize inspiring Canadians, and it’s holding its second fundraiser for CARE. This time they’re selling a photobook called _ WIDE OPEN: A Canadian Perspective _ . The launch will be at Wall Space Gallery from 1-4 p.m. with live music, refreshments and a silent auction to boot. Come meet some cool people and check out the book’s stunning photography.

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Denise Deby , Green Living Ottawa _

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** ** Wednesday, February 13: Voice of Venus **

Voices of Venus, Ottawa’s monthly showcase of women’s live lit featuring erotic poetry by Jacqueline Lawrence. Venus Envy, 320 Lisgar, $5 unless you perform at the open mic (women’s only).

What better way to spend Valentine’s eve than to listen to erotic poetry? Doors & open mic sign up 7:30pm.

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Amanda Earl , poet & publisher _

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** Until February 16: Metamorphoses **

As an avid arts enthusiast, I have seen a lot of great performances at the NAC but never one where the artists will be in and around a giant swimming pool retelling the classical myths of Ovid. The 10 myths will display “the unexpected consequences of humanity’s deepest desires." If you’re interested in checking out a unique arts performance capturing the idea of transformation, then Metamorphoses is it. Tickets are $22 +. It’s recommended for ages 16 and up.

** Have a great week! **

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** ** See also: ** Ottawa Events Guide

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