OttawaStart's Weekly Event Round-Up: January 29 - February 4

_ Our crowdsourced list of the best events in Ottawa this week. You can find even more events on our Ottawa Event Calendar . _

** January 30-February 1: First Weekend of Winterlude ** A kilt skate, soccer in the snow and a world record attempt are all part of the opening weekend of Winterlude.  Plus skating on the Rideau Canal, of course. _ – Glen Gower _ ** Thursday, January 29: Lowell at the House of Targ ** Lowell studied music at the University of Toronto, dropped out, became a stripper, and then got back into music. She signed to the Arts & Crafts label and now is one of those buzz artists everyone is talking about. She’s rolling into Ottawa’s coolest venue. Check out her song The Bells . I think you’ll be hooked! _ – Ryan Bresee , CKCU’s Whatever’s Cool With Me _ ** Thursday, January 29: The Human Scale at the ByTowne ** This documentary looks at what makes cities liveable. The free screening is sponsored by Ottawa’s Healthy Transportation Coalition and includes a panel discussion about how to strengthen people-friendly city-building in Ottawa. _ – Denise Deby , Green Living Ottawa _ ** Thursday, January 29: CPEP Open House ** Are you interested in getting involved with the Criminalization and Punishment Education Project? Want to help with upcoming events, or with campaigns for better conditions at the Ottawa Carleton Detention Centre or for a sensible approach to criminalized harm by the federal government? Come on out to CPEP’s Open House this week and learn more. _ – Laura Gauthier _ ** Friday, January 30: Launch of Ottawater.com Issue 11 ** Factory Reading Series, Carleton Tavern, 223 Armstrong UPSTAIRS. Free admission. Join editor rob mclennan and several of the contributors to the issue for a variety of poetry. _ – Amanda Earl , Bywords _ ** Friday, January 30 and Saturday, January 31: Gatineau Winter Beerfest ** The 2015 Gatineau Winter Beerfest will be held this weekend at the Canadian Museum of History. This beer-lovers festival will feature a variety of artisanal beers made by micro-breweries from around the country coupled with yummy eats available for purchase as well as conferences and workshops. New to the programming this year, the event will include some musical entertainment. _ – Eliane Laberge, Eventful Capital _ ** Saturday, January 31: MSTRKRFT live at Ritual ** Death From Above 1979 is set to perform live at the Bronson Centre this Saturday night as part of their recent comeback. For the occasion, the famed Canadian duo will be sharing the stage with METZ and PS I Love You. Although advance tickets are sold out, there will be a select few at the doors for those who are determined to go. If you don’t make it to the show, you can always see one-half of the duo at Ritual afterwards as MSTRKRFT will be giving a live set as part of the official after party. _ – Eliane Laberge, Eventful Capital _ ** Sunday, February 1: Jazz for Two Guitars at Glebe-St. James United Church ** Garry Elliott and Lucas Haneman are guitarists who both share a love of jazz and jazz standards, even though Garry’s musical interests cross over into classical, and Lucas' into R&B and pop. Their afternoon concert will include songs from The Great American Song Book, including improvisations on Cole Porter, Johnny Mandel, and Henry Mancini, as well as original compositions by both Garry and Lucas. _ – Alayne McGregor , OttawaJazzScene.ca _ ** Monday, February 2: Crush Improv’s ‘Bout Time ** ‘Bout Time! is Ottawa’s favourite competitive improv show, where two teams of three battle it out in a series of challenges and scenes, all aimed at winning your vote. The audience decides (by secret ballot) which team gets to come back next month. The action starts at 8pm, get there early to get a good seat! I am playing piano at the show. _ – Glen Gower _ ** Sunday-Saturday, February 1-7: Cracking-Up the Capital ** I’m a big fan of this comedy festival that showcases great comedians while raising funds for mental health. This week, join Rick Mercer and local charities on February 1 to break The Guinness World Record for The Most Snowmen Built in 1 Hour . Catch the hilarious Rick Green (The Frantics, The Red Green Show) on February 3, and a half-dozen must-see comedians presented by CBC Radio’s Laugh Out Loud on February 4. The Festival Finale show is on February 7. _ – Denise Deby , Green Living Ottawa _ ** Thursday, January 29 - Saturday, February 14 - Valentine’s For Vets ** Show veterans your gratitude for their sacrifices and achievements in serving our country. Create a hand-made valentine and help bring joy to a Canadian veteran this Valentine’s Day.Veterans Affairs Canada distributes the valentines to veterans in long-term care facilities across the country in time for February 14. At the Canadian War Museum. _ – Sara-Lynne Levine, Macaroni Kid Ottawa _ ** Wednesday, February 11: ** ** Don’t Quit Your Day Job ** Back by popular demand, Don’t Quit Your Day Job returns to the National Arts Centre’s 4th Stage on February 11, 2015. Join Canada’s Magnetic North Theatre Festival for our signature cabaret fundraiser as local Ottawa personalities give up their day jobs to reveal a hidden talent on-stage. _ (Sponsored) _ ** Friday-Sunday, February 13-15: Beaver Cup Pond Hockey Championship ** Who’s up to play some ole time pond hockey? Sign up your team for the Fun, Fast, Full Throttle 4 on 4 Pond Hockey Championship at Winterlude on the World Famous Rideau Canal at Dow’s Lake. Registration ends January 31. Men’s and women’s divisions. _ (Sponsored) _ ** Until February 28: SPAO Symposium and Exhibitions: The Shrinking World of Photograph ** Make sure to check out this amazing collection of photographs by an international roster of artists, curators, and academics centred at SPAO on January 22–February 28 for The Shrinking World of Photography. All programming at SPAO will be free of charge and open to the public.Check out the website for specific events and talks related to the exhibit. _ – Laura Gauthier _ _ For more events, check out ottawastart.com/events/ … and have a great week! _