Rene Trim’s Arts & Crafts: BlastTheRadio.com

As the chair of one of the local art and crafts guilds in town, July and August are traditionally my quiet months but this year things have been quite different: I had barely recuperated from the “HOMEmade Sizzle” when things for “Art in Fashion 613” (October 17) started to heat up significantly.

Apart from a fashion show of the fall/winter collections of some of Ottawa’s hippest designers, the event consists of burlesque entertainment and a night market featuring 35 local artists, food and drinks.  Arrangements had been made with the designers, vendors and models but there were still a lot of items on the “to do” list - including music. The plan was to look for a suitable DJ - until one of the vendors pointed me in the direction of BlastTheRadio.com.

BlastTheRadio (BTW for short) is an online Ottawa radio station owned and operated by a gentleman by the name of John Mielke, although most people will probably know him as “Milky”. After the demise of 93.9 BOB FM, John now delivers his popular “‘The Milky Show” on-line, daily!

With John’s 25+ years as a radio host and years more as a club and mobile DJ, and one of the deepest collections of music anywhere, I thought it would be a great idea if BTR could take care of our event music – and fortunately “Milky” agreed! More details to follow later but suffice to say that, going forward, BlastTheRadio.com will be the event music provider – via live on location broadcasts – at OVCC events, including “Art in Fashion 613” and “Joy!”, our winter event.

More exciting news next week but, for now, here’s a look at some of this weekend’s events:

Organized by MICA (Mental Illness Caregivers Association), “Art in Strathcona Park” returns to Strathcona Park (located at the corner of Laurier Ave East and Range Road) for its 15

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edition on Saturday, 8 August from 10 am to 4 pm . Enjoy the work of 130 exhibitors at this extremely popular outdoor artistic event, bid on your favourite item at the silent auction and enjoy the BBQ.

Ottawa fashion designer Amir Zargara, founder and designer of clothing brands “Babes & Gents” and “ ZARGARA”  will launch his latest collection “Black Label Season 2” this Saturday, 8 August from 7 pm until 9 pm at 450 Rideau Street (with an after party starting at 10 pm). “Black Label Season 2” is a cohesive collection for both men and women who enjoy cuts with an edge and a minimalist approach to colours. The event’s Facebook page is here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1637370893169149 Garlic, artisans and food vendors will come together at the 18

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Annual Perth Lions Garlic Festival, which takes please Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 August at the Perth Fairgrounds (9 am to 4 pm daily). Music, cooking demonstrations, garlic bread tasting, birds of prey, a silent art auction, face painting and much more! Visit perthgarlicfestival.com for more information.

Ottawa artist Jacquie Trowell kicks off her first ever solo show this Sunday, 9 August at 8 pm with a vernissage at the Oz Kafe (located at 361 Elgin Street). Her art will be on display until September 13 – for a sneak peek at what you can expect to find, please visit dragonflystudio.ca

That’s all for now: have a creative week and don’t forget to support local.