OttawaStart's Weekly Event Round-Up: May 2-8, 2013

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Here are our contributors' picks for the best events in Ottawa this week. You can find more local events listed on the OttawaStart Events Guide .

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** ** Thursday, May 2: Pop Up DJ Record Shop **

A Pop Up DJ Record Shop presented by The Girlfriends at Raw Sugar Cafe. If you’re looking for specific vinyls or if you simply want to enrich your growing collection, you don’t want to miss this rare opportunity. Some of Ottawa’s favorite DJs will be selling some of their vinyl records and there will be a listening station to allow you to preview the goods.

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Eliane Laberge _

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** ** Thursday, May 2: Jane’s Talk **

One of my favourite events is Jane’s Walk, held on Saturday, May 4 and Sunday, May 5 this year. It’s named after thinker and writer Jane Jacobs, who promoted cities as places for people, and it consists of walks, led by residents, that allow people to explore their city at a walkable scale. There are dozens of intriguing-sounding walks (and cycling tours) in Ottawa alone, but you can get started early with the “Jane’s Talk” on Thursday, where you’ll hear from groups in Vanier who are doing amazing work to revitalize that part of town. The talk is 7-9 p.m. at TAN Coffee, 317 Wilbrod St., Sandy Hill. **

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Denise Deby _

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** ** Saturday, May 4: Irving Layton Reloaded **

Featuring Amanda Earl, Amatoritsero Ede, David Solway, Phil Hall, Sandra Ridley Seymour Mayne at ** ** Overkill (Mercury Lounge Basement) 56 Byward. Starts at 8pm. Part of U of Ottawa’s symposium on Irving Layton: tributes, remixes of Layton’s work & new poems.

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Amanda Earl _

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** ** Saturday, May 4: Free Comic Book Day **

In a perfect storm of nerdery, Saturday is not only Star Wars Day but also Free Comic Book Day! Which means, not only can you go around wishing everyone May the Fourth Be With You, but you can do so while picking up free comic books! Just grab a bag and start filling (only from the tables marked, FREE, of course ;) For more info and to find a participating comic book shop, visit freecomicbookday.com **

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Tanya Snook _

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** ** Saturday, May 4: Alive@25 Block Party at Centrepointe Theatre **

Little ones will enjoy Juno-nominated children’s performer Jennifer Gasoi and then create their own music at the Musical Petting Zoo. Tweens & teens can check out the skatepark, take a juggling workshop, or get a henna tattoo. From remote control robots to making laser cardboard cut-outs, enjoy super fun all day.The building will LITERALLY come alive! Perfect family fun! 10am-2pm.

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Sara-Lynne Levine _

** Saturday May 4 ** : ** New Exhibition: MÉXICO FANTASTICO: Culture, Community and Diplomacy **

Mexico is an important friend and trade partner with Canada. The Mexican community in Ottawa and in Canada is consequential. This exhibition shows the beauty of Mexican culture and the significance of the relationship between our country and Mexico. 11am-4pm at the Bytown Museum.

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Eugene Haslam _

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** ** Saturday, May 4: Spin-a-thon **

Do something to make a difference about sexual assault in your community. Come spin! There will be instructors and a great facility courtesy of Cyclelogik. All proceeds will go to the Ottawa Rape Crisis Centre.

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Laura Gauthier _

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_ ** Saturday, May 4: SLOWest Spring Gathering and Right Bike Launch **

Celebrate spring and check out Ottawa’s most innovative bike-share program on Saturday at a Party in the Park hosted by Sustainable Living Ottawa West. It’s at McCormick Park (on McCormick St., north of Wellington and east of Parkdale) from noon to 4 p.m. There’ll be music, refreshments, kids’ activities, bike repair demonstrations and information on community sustainability initiatives.

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Denise Deby _

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** ** Saturday May 4 ** : ** The Spoons at Zaphod Beeblebrox **

THE SPOONS celebrate over 30 years together as one of Canada’s most popular and influential New Wave/ Alt-Pop bands, joining global pop-culture icons Culture Club, Martha and The Muffins, Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark, Simple Minds and others in that oeuvre.

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** ** Saturday, May 4: Tanya Tagaq: Nanook of the North at the Mayfair Theatre **

Inuit vocalist Tanya Tagaq has taken throat singing and wordless singing to new dimensions – especially in her shows with long-time jazz collaborators Jean Martin on drums and Jesse Zubot on violin. Now she’s trying something new for the National Arts Centre’s Northern Scene – playing live during the screening of the film Nanook of the North at the Mayfair Theatre. There will also be a newly-recorded soundtrack to the iconic Canadian film, over which the trio will improvise - consider it a one-in-a-lifetime musical event!

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** ** Saturday & Sunday, May 4-5: Jane’s Walk Ottawa **

A series of free walking tours led by local residents. I recommend checking out Andrew King’s “Wellboro Walk” on Sunday afternoon. He’s a local artist and history buff and I’m sure he’ll take you on some kind of adventure.

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** ** Sunday, May 5: Art Battle Ottawa

** Art aficionados won’t want to miss Art Battle Ottawa taking place this Sunday, May 5 at the Arts Court. This unique concept organized across Canadian cities, brings 12 painters together for a live painting competition. For its first time in Ottawa, Art Battle will feature live creations by Hamid Ayoub, Erica Taylor, Margo Bennetto, Andre-Marc Pierre, Omar Hopkinson , Lukasz Bober, Mark Stephenson , Cristian S. Aluas, and Peter Akiki.

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Eliane Laberge _

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** ** Sunday, May 5: ** ** Celebrate Cinco de Mayo Family Fiesta **

Please join us for a family oriented and fun-filled celebration of Mexico’s most important fiesta.  Pinatas and Mexican crafts for children and adults. Please drop in throughout the day and explore Mexico Fantastico exhibition and fiesta. 11am-4pm at the Bytown Museum.

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** ** Sunday, May 5: Bells in Spring **

The annual annual spring handbell concert at Rideau Park United Church (2203 Alta Vista Drive) takes place this Sunday at 7pm. The concert features the music of bell ringing ensembles from all five Rideau Park handbell and chimes choirs, including A Touch of Brass, Grace Notes, La Bell Ensemble, Note-able Sound, and Ringing Praise and from three other local churches: Emmanuel United (Emmanubells), St. Andrew’s Presbyterian (St. Andrew’s Ringers, Trinty Presbyterian, Kanata (Trinity Hilltop Ringers). Admission is free. There will be a freewill offering. For more information, contact 613-733-3156, ext 229.

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Gordon Dewis _

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** ** Have a great week! **

** See also: ** Ottawa Events Guide

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