15 May 2014 / #weekly OttawaStart's Weekly Event Round-Up: May 15-21, 2014[ ](https://www.flickr.com/photos/lazyartist/14156916006)“Stop Dreaming…” by J. Michel Carriere, from the OttawaStart Flickr GroupHere are our contributors' picks for the best events in Ottawa this week.( ** See also: ** What’s open and closed in Ottawa for Victoria Day 2014 )**** ** Thursday, May 15: RailRoad Poetry presents Catherine Brunet, John Pass & Pearl Pirie ** 7:30pm at Pressed, 750 Gladstone . RailRoad is an occasional poetry reading series, curated by Rod Pederson and Rona Shaffran (the two R’s), who previously ran the highly successful Tree Reading Series. RailRoad is a layered conversation about poetry and poetics, with stellar readers, in unique settings around Ottawa. This month’s features include a local poet & two out-of-towners. Come for the sandwiches, stay for the poetry._Amanda Earl , Bywords _**** ** Thursday, May 15: Book Launch of _ Reclaiming the Commons for the Common Good _** Writer Heather Menzies draws on her Scottish Highlands roots, her activist work and her knowledge of local food and other movements to find ways of managing common resources such as land and water to create a more sustainable and just society. The event also features Bill Shields of Ottawa’s West End Well food co-op. Includes a potluck meal. 5-7 p.m._Denise Deby , Green Living Ottawa _**** ** Friday, May 16: Poets For Humanity - First Edition **If you enjoy spoken word, there’s a special fundraising event being held this Friday, May 16 at Pressed Cafe. Dubbed Poets for Humanity, it’ll bring together local artists Mia Morgan, Graeme O’Farrell, Jenna Tenn-Yuk, John Andrew Akpata, Mehdi Hamdad and Komi Olafimihan for an inspiring night of poetry._ – Eliane Laberge, Eventful Capital _**** ** Saturday, May 17: Tac-o the Town! Ottawa’s Taco-fest **Who doesn’t love tacos! That’s all the reason I need to go :)_Laura Gauthier _**** ** Saturday, May 17: Chinatown Remixed **This annual month-long art festival launches with a day-long vernissage at various locations on Somerset West between Bay and Preston Streets including visual and performance art, music, child-friendly workshops, live food demos and more._ – Eliane Laberge, Eventful Capital _**** ** Saturday, May 17: Norway Day Family Picnic ** Celebrate Norway’s National Day at the Museum with Norwegian music, a children’s parade, storytelling, trollmaking, outdoor games and more. Bring a picnic and join us beside the Ottawa River, or enjoy an outdoor barbecue. There will be Norwegian music played by the Maple Leaf Brass Band, as well as crafts and games for the entire family — including lots of prizes! Members of the localNorwegian community will also be on hand, dressed in the traditional costumes that are worn on festive occasions. At the Canadian Museum of History._ – Sara-Lynne Levine, Macaroni Kid Ottawa _**** ** Saturday, May 17: Ottawa Rock Lottery **25 local musicians. 5 new bands. 24 hours to create a 20-30 minute set of all original music and 1 unforgettable night: that’s what Ottawa Rock Lottery is all about! Described as one of the best community-building events of the Ottawa music scene by host of CBC Radio 1 Amanda Putz, this exciting night is being held this Saturday, May 17 at Babylon. Be a part of the local community and experience the Ottawa Rock Lottery!_ – Eliane Laberge, Eventful Capital _**** ** Saturday, May 17: Ottawa Rock Lottery** The Ottawa Rock Lottery is an annual event that brings together 25 local musicians from a variety of genres. They are randomly put in groups of five and given 24 hours to come up with 20-30 minutes of original music. Make sure you’re there to see the results (and support the Ottawa Food Bank!) on Saturday at 8 p.m. at Babylon. - _Ryan Bresee , CKCU’s Whatever’s Cool With Me _**** ** Monday, May 19: The Four Heavies present The Music of Stevie Wonder at Mugshots **Last fall, four prominent Ottawa jazz musicians discovered that they all loved the music of R&B/Motown star Stevie Wonder – and found they could play some great arrangements of it! They’re back for one of their occasional concerts this Monday at Mugshots, the low-slung bar at the bottom of the Ottawa Jail Hostel downtown. Expect an informal vibe and music that fills the room with a fun groove._Alayne McGregor , OttawaJazzScene.ca _**_ 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!