OttawaStart's Weekly Event Round-Up: June 27-July 3, 2013

  ](http://www.flickr.com/photos/luciana_nechita/7474256090/)

_ 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 . _

** For more events on July 1, ** check out the OttawaStart Canada Day Guide…

** Until Sunday, June 30: RCMP Sunset Ceremonies **

Don’t miss the memorable R.C.M.P. Sunset Ceremonies that run nightly June 26-30 from 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm, rain or shine. Free admission. ** [

](http://ottawastart.com/story/20331.php) ** _

Laura Gauthier _

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** ** Friday, June 28, 7:17pm, Urban Legends Finals **

Carleton University, Architecture Building, the Pit. Eight finalists plus feature Lishai, an award winning poet who uses the power of the pen to connect, reflect and educate. She was raised in Europe and the Middle East, but is a daughter of India’s diaspora. $10. Starts at 7:17pm.

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Amanda Earl _

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** ** Friday, June 28: Maylee Todd Live at the Mercury Lounge **

As part of the Ottawa Jazz Festival, the Mercury Lounge presents Maylee Todd live on Friday, June 28. The Toronto-based artist will be giving a live performance mixing organic and electronic forms, including elements of boogie, bossa, space funk, psychedelia and soul.

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Eliane Laberge _

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** ** Friday, June 28: The Herbaliser at the Jazz Festival

** There are lots of great choices at this year’s Ottawa Jazz Festival, but you don’t want to miss The Herbaliser on Friday night. There will surely be some jazzy sounds mixed in with their laid back grooves. Check this older tune featuring a guest appearance by Canadian greats, The Dream Warriors:

http://youtu.be/9YoLP4fR1m8

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Ryan Bresee _

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** ** Saturday, June 29: Phil Motion & the Easy LO-Fi **

Ottawa’s own will be giving a live show at the Elmdale Oyster House (formerly known as the Elmdale Tavern) this Saturday, June 28. The local group, known for its funky vibes, will be performing some new instrumental material that’ll be found on their upcoming release. **

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Eliane Laberge _

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** ** Saturday, June 29: Latin Sparks **

Fans of latin music and dance won’t want to miss Latin Sparks taking place this Saturday, June 29 along Sparks Street. This annual event, presented by The International, promises to attract one thousand people and offer one block of outdoor dancing and entertainment to the sounds of latin music.

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Eliane Laberge _

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** ** Saturday, June 29 and Sunday, June 30: Annual Dovercourt Open/Canadian National Slalom Skateboarding Championship **

Did you know that every year Ottawa hosts the Canadian national slalom skateboard championship, where skateboarders manoeuvre through pylons on a downhill course? Anyone can drop by this cool outdoor racing event, now in its 10th year. It’s on Saturday on Byron Avenue just east of Island Park, and Sunday on Dovercourt Avenue at Denbury, from 9:30 a.m.

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Denise Deby _

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** ** Sunday, June 30: Tribute to Jacques Emond at the Ottawa Jazz Festival **

On Sunday evening, the main stage of the Ottawa Jazz Festival will resonate to the sounds of four different large groups, all in tribute to the festival’s late programming manager, Jacques Emond. Emond deeply loved big band music, and promoted local and Canadian talent – and that’s what you’ll hear. First up, the Jazz Youth Summit at 5 p.m.; then Los Gringos, the Ottawa Latin music powerhouse, at 6:30; then the Rob Frayne Dream Band at 8 with great musicians from Ottawa, Toronto, and Montreal; and finally at 9:15, the Vic Vogel Big Band, which has featured the cream of Montreal musicians for 46 years. It will be an amazing conclusion to the jazz festival this year.

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Alayne McGregor _

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** ** Monday, July 1: Canada Day Barrhaven **

Canada Day in Barrhaven is a serious production: a kids' zone, midway (that starts Saturday!), food vendors, local entertainment, live music (including the winner of the 106.9 The Bear Battle of the Bands in Barrhaven), an incredible headlining band and more. The action runs from 11am-10pm at Clarke Fields. _

Tanya Snook _

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** ** Friday, June 28 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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Denise Deby _

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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.

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Sara-Lynne Levine _

** Have a great week! **

** See also: ** Ottawa Canada Day Guide

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