RESOLUTION: NEW WORKS FROM SAW VIDEO
Dance, alcoholism, memory, and murder: it’s all part of the mix at the annual screening of new work by SAW Video members. Izabel Barsive explores age and alcohol through dance in Patsy, while Ian Roy and Lesley Marshall take an innovative approach to storytelling in their short films. Find out what’s going on in the local experimental videography scene at this event that offers eight films in 72 minutes, and a Q&A at the end. Reception to follow. Arts Court Theatre Centre, 2 Daly Ave. Friday, Jan. 13. $5. www.sawvideo.com
WINTER’S PROMISE (FREE!)
It finally looks like winter in Ottawa. Enjoy the beauty of the Ottawa Valley countryside in the warmth of Hintonburg’s Orange Gallery at the new exhibit, Winter’s Promise, by artist and illustrator Crystal Beshara. Beshara’s work is influenced by the calm pace of her rural upbringing. Exhibit runs until Jan. 22. 233 Armstrong St. www.orangeartgallery.ca
CALL AND RESPONSE: POETRY AND PHOTOGRAPHS AT RED WALL GALLERY (FREE!)
Art lovers of all kinds will love this multi-disciplinary exhibit. The fourth in a series, this time around award-winning poet Sandra Ridley offers a poetic response to Pedro Isztin’s show of photographs, Study of Structure and Form. Isztin’s work explores shape in the natural world, with locations as diverse as the far north to coastal Spain, while Ridley’s poems often refers back to her Saskatchewan roots. Vernissage Friday, Jan. 13th. 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. www.spao.ca/projects/callandresponse.html
BANDS AND BEER
Support a good cause while enjoying live bands at this charity event for a family who lost everything. Carmen Mayer and her 8-year-old daughter lost their apartment and their dog in a fire earlier this month. While there is no cover charge, once inside, contributions can be made at a donation table where gift cards, essential items, or cash will be accepted. A silent auction and a 50/50 draw at the event will also help to raise funds. Confirmed bands include, The Elementals, Fraulein Eberg, and Full Nelson. Saturday, Jan. 14. 2 p.m. to 2 a.m. Royal Oak, 800 Hunt Club Rd.
HENRY BEISSEL AT LAURIER HOUSE (FREE!)
Listening to an established poet reading in a much-loved heritage site — can you imagine a more pleasant, refined way to spend a chilly evening? The event, which is part of the A B literary reading series, hosts poet and playwright Henry Beissel, who has published two books of poetry in the last year (Coming to Terms with a Child and Seasons of Blood). His most successful play, Inuk, has been translated into seven languages since it premiered in 1973 at the Stratford Festival. Tea and scones are available for $6; admission is pass-the-hat. Thursday Jan. 12. 7:30 p.m. Laurier House, 335 Laurier Ave. East. www.abseries.org
OTTAWA INTERNATIONAL MOTORCYCLE SHOW
If revving up a motorcycle for a joyride is all you can think about, kick start your imagination with a visit to the regions’s 3rd annual motorcycle show. There will be celebrity guest appearances, heritage bikes, and tattoo artists as well as presentations by fashion and technical vendors (appropriate for all ages). Door prizes and a chance to win a 2012 Harley Davidson motorcycle make it an exciting event for all motorcycle enthusiasts. Friday, Jan. 13 to Sunday, Jan. 15 (Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.). $12, youth (6-15) $8, children under 6 free. Capital Exhibition Centre, 4899 Uplands Dr. www.ottawainternationalmotorcycleshow.ca
GYPSY & CO FRIDAY 13TH PARTY EXTRAVAGANZA (FREE!)
A clothing sale, plus treats and live music, should make this Friday 13th a lucky one. Vintage clothing store Gypsy & Co. is celebrating the opening of its new Dalhousie location with a sale (20% off all vintage clothing) and concert. (The business will maintain its storefront on Gilmour Street, where it sells café fare and vintage clothing for men and women.) Friday, Jan. 13. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Gypsy & Co., 203 Dalhousie St. www.gypsyandcompany.ca
CHORAL SINGING CLASSES OPEN HOUSE (FREE!)
Lend your lungs to the rich tradition of spiritual music. Soothing and powerful, Gregorian chanting has been used in meditations since the Middle Ages. Explore its history in an afternoon of music-making with Lawrence Harris . The hour-long open house is meant to inspire your confidence and your interest in chanting to improve your singing abilities (and promote a year-long course in the technique). Sunday, Jan. 15. 3 p.m., Dominican University College, 96 Empress Ave.