OttawaStart's Weekly Event Round-Up: May 9-15, 2013

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It’s a busy week with big events like Comiccon and the Tulip Festival grabbing a lot of attention. Our contributors have hand-picked some great smaller events for this week.

** Thursday, May 9: The Artistic Showcase **

The May edition of The Artistic Showcase is taking place at Pressed Cafe. The event will feature spoken word artist and rapper Just Jamaal, spoken word poet Mary Pinkoski, cellist Raphael Weinroth-Browne and singer-songwriter Kyra Shaughnessy. **

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Thursday, May 9:
[
 Tai Knots Jewellery 2013 Catalogue Launch Party
](https://www.facebook.com/events/276160832518969/?ref=25)

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The launch of Tai Knots Jewellery’s 2013 Catalogue is this Thursday - be the first to see the new designs! PLUS Tai Knots is moving, so selected inventory will be available at 25-50% off. You’ll find plenty of great gift ideas for Mother’s Day! **

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** ** Friday, May 10: Mad Funk with Phil Motion and The Easy Lo-Fi

** Supafunk Records and Up & Up Music bring you the return of Mad Funk at the Mercury Lounge. On the occasion of Mad Funk, there’ll be live rare groove and funk 45 with Phil Motion & The Easy Lo-Fi along with tunes selected by DJ Lance Baptiste, visuals by Matt Cameron and live reel to reel recording courtesy of Jason Jaknunas.

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** ** Friday, May 10: Renée Yoxon & Mark Ferguson at GigSpace **

Two central figures in Ottawa’s jazz scene are collaborating on an evening of jazz standards and original songs. Renée on vocals and Mark on piano will play new compositions and material from their album, Here We Go Again, which was released last December. Their songs evoke the style of the Great American Songbook, but updated to a modern jazz sound. **

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** ** Saturday-Sunday, May 11-12: Mad Hatter’s Tea Party **

Celebrate Mother’s Day in style Mother’s Day weekend with a tulip brunch at participating restaurants, lively buskers and costumed characters throughout the Glebe. As for the very important date that is Sunday, May 12, bring your Queen of Hearts out for a wonderland of activities including face-painting, animation on the street and wonderland ambassadors, beginning at 10 a.m. **

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** ** Saturday, May 11: Plan 99 Reading Series featuring poets Erin Knight and Ann Shin **

Free at The Manx Pub (370 Elgin Street) 5-6pm. Hosted by David O’Meara. Get there early to sample fine beer & enjoy good company; after the reading partake of the Manx’s excellent food. **

** This is the final Plan 99 of the Spring season.

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** ** Saturday, May 11: Ottawa Free Market and Free Plant Event **

There may be no such thing as a free lunch, but Ottawa FreeCycle and OttawaPlantCycle are offering a place to give away items you don’t need and pick up some that you do—all free. You can even drop off e-waste. It all happens at the Jack Purcell Community Centre, 9 a.m.-noon. **

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** ** Sunday, May 12: Celebrate Mother’s Day at Ottawa’s historic sites **

The City of Ottawa’s historic sites are kicking off their summer seasons by celebrating Mother’s Day. Billings Estate National Historic Site, Cumberland Heritage Museum, and Pinhey’s Point all have activities planned from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Billings Estate, for example, is holding a special Victorian tea service on the grounds of the Estate. Tour the historic site and take part in a photo scavenger hunt that the whole family can enjoy. At the Cumberland Heritage Museum you can create your very own Mother’s Day keepsake, or dress up and take part in a vintage photo shoot. Be sure to check out their deluxe candy station. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy the afternoon on the banks of the Ottawa River at Pinhey’s Point, where you can create your own keepsake in the ballroom as a reminder of your special day and take a guided tour of the house or the grounds of this historic site.

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** ** Sunday, May 12: Bird Fair **

This event is for the birds! Ottawa’s first Bird Fair, celebrating International Migratory Bird Day, takes place in Andrew Haydon Park on the Ottawa River from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. There’ll be guided nature walks (with bird-spotting tips!), presentations (attract birds to your yard!), music, art and crafts (build a bird feeder!) and, of course, bird-watching. **

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** ** Monday, May 13: Photo & Talk - From Everest Base Camp to Machu Picchu **

** ** Last year, at age 55, Fram Engineer decided to participate in a charity trek up to Everest Base Camp (17,598').    He will be sharing his experience from Everest Base Camp through a photo montage at Biagio’s located at 1394 Richmond Rd Ottawa as a fundraiser for his next charity climb to Machu Picchu. Space for the presentation is limited so please RSVP framengineer@rogers.com if you plan on attending. Alternatively, a donation can be made under Fram Engineer’s DreamMountains foundation web page.  Just a reminder that every penny goes to CARE Canada and donations are truly appreciated. **

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** Wednesday, May 15: Canadian Wildlife Photography of the Year **

This beautiful, charming photo exhibition is back again, this time in its fifth edition, presenting the winners of the 2012 Canadian Geographic Wildlife Photography of the Year contest. See amazing shots of mammals, birds, insects and more as seen through the lenses of experienced and budding Canadian photographers.

** Have a great week! **

** See also: ** Ottawa Events Guide

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