1 May 2014 / #weekly OttawaStart's Weekly Event Round-Up: May 1-7, 2014[ ](https://www.flickr.com/photos/rdb466/13801808433)Vanier Church by Ross Dunn, from the OttawaStart Flickr Group__ _ Here are our contributors' picks for the best events in Ottawa this week. _**** ** Thursday, May 1: Latin Jazz Night with the Miguel de Armas Quartet at Southminster United Church **Cuban pianist Miguel de Armas is a busy man this week, with performances almost every night! But particularly interesting is his new collaboration with fellow Cubans Roberto Rivera on bass and Ahmed Mitchel on drums (who both now live in Toronto). Together with local Latin percussionist Arien Villegas, they should produce enough energy and Latin vibe on Thursday night to fill Southminster to its very high rafters! Expect to hear both traditional and modern Latin melodies, and the unique Cuban flavours of jazz harmony and improvisation._Alayne McGregor , OttawaJazzScene.ca _**** ** Friday, May 2: GRRE EN FAMILLE + LES MOSQUITOS @ Zaphod Beeblebrox** “Gypsy Reggae” from Montreal. Sounds kinda like SPIRIT OF THE WEST, GREAT BIG SEA and LA BOTTINE SOURIANTE hung out in Jamaica with MARLEY and MADNESS. 8pm._Eugene Haslam _**** ** Friday-Sunday, May 2-4: Kanata Artists Studio Tour** The 23rd annual event includes a dozen artists from the Kanata area. I recommend Violeta Borisonik’s mixed media paintings and handmade silver jewelry at 6 Loyal Hill Crescent._Eugene Haslam _**** ** Friday, May 2: GRINDR Comedy **If you enjoy comedy shows, be sure to make your way over to The Daily Grind Cafe this Friday night for GRINDR Comedy. Happening on the first Friday of every month, this comedy show organized by local comedian Greg Houston will feature sets by Tim Riel, Tavis Maplesden, Pilgrim Patrick, Peter Grunstra and headliner Kyle Brownrigg. If you’re looking for a good laugh this Friday night, that’s the place to be!_ – Eliane Laberge, Eventful Capital _**** ** Saturday, May 3: Free Comic Book Day **This annual event is a fantastic way to foster a love of reading in both the young and old. Here’s how it works: you go to your favourite comic book store any time on Saturday (earlier is better for more selection), and you get free comic books. Not one, not two, but an ENTIRE PILE of free comics. And they have a variety that are suitable for all ages. For info and to find participating stores: http://www.freecomicbookday.com/ _Tanya Snook , Spydergrrl _**** ** Saturday-Sunday, May 3-4: Jane’s Walk Ottawa **A great way to learn more about a neighbourhood - by walking it! Check out the variety of walks you can take with a guide._Laura Gauthier _**** ** Saturday-Sunday, May 3-4: Jane’s Walk Ottawa **I hope your weekend includes at least one walk during Jane’s Walk Ottawa, a festival of free tours of Ottawa’s urban and suburban neighbourhoods, public and green spaces. Explore “guerrilla" gardens or forage for wild food or fruit; check out Centretown’s local “foodie" spots; learn about the trees of the Glebe, Champlain Park or the Monfort Woods; wonder at the ecosystem of the Pinhey Sand Dunes; or see the city from an Indigenous person’s perspective. That’s for starters; there are around 50 walks, each led by a volunteer with something interesting to share about a place they love._Denise Deby , Green Living Ottawa _**** ** Saturday, May 3rd: Pleasant Park Public School Fun Fair** Come out to the Pleasant Park Public School Fun Fair (564 Pleasant Park Road at Lynda Lane) this Saturday from 10am to 2pm where you’ll find carnival games, a plant sale, a spa room, a bake sale, food (yum!) and fun activities led by a number of their partners including the Billings Estate Museum and the Ottawa Children’s Festival. There’s also a silent auction where you can bid on a bunch of great items donated by their sponsors such as Mother’s Day at the Trainyards, an evening out at the NAC and an Ottawa “Staycation” Package, to name but a few. All of the funds raised are going to support their new play structure. For more information, check out the Pleasant Park Public School Parent Council’s website!_Gordon Dewis _**** ** Saturday, May 3: AMIGO Juvenil CINCO DE MAYO Fiesta **At Centre Communautaire Fontaine/Salle Polyvante 120 Rue Charlevoix, Gatineau. Ages: 13- 19 years old, MUSIC ~ DANCE ~ FUN ~ PRIZE DRAW. (5pm-9pm)_Eugene Haslam _**** ** Saturday, May 3: The PepTides Album Release Show **This Saturday, May 3, Canadian pop noir sensation The PepTides will be releasing “Love Question Mark". The new album, which will be available both on CD and online, will be performed live for the first time at St. Albans Church as part of its release show. For the occasion, The PepTides will be joined by special opening guest Gary Franks._ – Eliane Laberge, Eventful Capital _**** ** Saturday-Sunday, May 3-4: Opening of Farmers' Markets **The Parkdale Market opened earlier this week, and this weekend marks the opening of two weekly markets. Main Street at St. Paul’s University opens on Saturday, and the Ottawa Farmers' Market at Brewer Park opens for the season on Sunday._Glen Gower _**** ** Sunday, May 4: Star Wars Day at 4 Cats Art Studio **Celebrate the heroes of sci-fi by creating fun, futuristic artwork in high-grade polymer clay! Learn how to knead, roll and sculpt your favourite space-age characters with this super-fun professional material. Kids 5-10 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM. Register online or by phone._ – Sara-Lynne Levine, Macaroni Kid Ottawa _**** ** Wednesday, May 7: SHANE PHILIP + BESTIE @ Zaphod Beeblebrox **Quadra Island, BC’s, Shane Philip’s didgeridoo holds the power to still listeners into silence or encourage audiences to rise up in a tribal swell of intoxicating spirit – with sometimes but a heartbeat in between. The songs are rhythmically focused, bursting with high energy and powerful dance rhythms. (8pm)_Eugene Haslam _**** ** Wednesday, May 7: Bestie at Zaphod’s **They were a late addition to the bill, but they will not disappoint. This Vancouver band has some awesome tunes and a great sense of fun. Check out their track Asleep On The Bus ._Ryan Bresee , CKCU’s Whatever’s Cool With Me _**_ Have a great week! _ ****** **** ** See also: ** Ottawa Events GuideIf 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!