OttawaStart's Weekly Event Round-Up: July 4-10, 2013

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

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** Thursday, July 4: 2 Women in a 1 Woman Show! **

A play about an Italian-born Montrealer who moves to Ottawa and finds a way to love it thanks to her alter ego, who performs stand-up comedy. This is an ode to imagination and the trials of moving and displacement from more than one point of view.  The play is one of two shows on the bill that night as part of The Gladstone presents One Night Only series. Show starts at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $15 at the door. 910 Gladstone. I wrote and perform in this show.

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Rachelle Todd _ _ _

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** Thursday, July 4 (until July 14): Nocturne V Night Sky Festival **

Be awed by the night sky. Cube Gallery hosts its annual Nocturne art show and festival, starting with a group art exhibit vernissage on Thursday, 6-9 p.m. On Friday, residents of Julian Avenue off Wellington West turn off their lights for a street star party, complete with live music and star viewing made possible by the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada. There’s also a Family Astronomy Workshop on Friday with help from the Canada Science and Technology Museum, and lots of special events and food offerings from local businesses and restaurants, such as Merry Dairy’s new “Spiral Galaxy Cone,” yoga by night with Adi Shesha and lots more. ** [

](http://www.cubegallery.ca/exhibitions/2013_07_02_nocturne_v) ** _

Denise Deby _

** Thursday, July 4 until Sunday, July 14: RBC Royal Bank Bluesfest **

Bluesfest opens up this week with a 10 day run featuring acts like The Dixie Chicks, Great Big Sea, Rush, and many, many more! _

– Jean Labelle _

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_ ** Friday, July 5: RailRoad **

A new occasional poetry series in unique settings around Ottawa has its first reading with  Rona Shaffran, Terry Ann Carter and Claudia Coutu Radmore & MC’d by former Tree director Rod Pederson. Raw Sugar, 692 Somerset W. **

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** ** Saturday, July 6: Cold Specks at Bluesfest **

The first week of Bluesfest will bring some heavy hitters to town, but no one’s voice will overwhelm you like that of Cold Specks. Have a listen; it might take your breath away. http://youtu.be/RR9VbmIh1Rs _ _ **

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** Sunday, July 7: Healthy Living and Cooking Show: Chocolate - The Power of Cocoa **

Come learn about and taste various recipes using cocoa with Chef Justin Scott (Kudos Cuisine) and Manali Haridas, Lifestyle coach (Zen for You).

** Wednesday, July 10: Rene Gely and Pulse Mondiale in Aylmer **

Guitarist Rene Gey combines jazz and world rhythms into a softly intimate and inviting combination – which can also get very danceable at times. You can hear him and his longstanding Pulse Mondiale confederates at a free concert at Parc de L’Imsginaire in Aylmer, opposite the marina. Bring a lawnchair and pray for clear skies – the concert is cancelled in case of rain.

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** ** Throughout the summer: Wading Pools and More **

A sure sign of summer–most wading pools will be open by this weekend, as will splash pads and beaches, weather and water quality permitting, and of course pools. Check ahead with the city (or use the handy Waterkeeper Swim Guide app for beaches) to find out what’s open.

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** ** Until Saturday, August 24: Changing of the Guard on Parliament Hill **

A Canadian tradition at its most colourful! The Ceremonial Guard of the Canadian Forces brings stirring military drill and music to Parliament Hill. Come at 9:45 am to learn more about the ceremony.

** Have a great week! **

** See also: ** Ottawa Events Guide

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