DRUMHAND
All the way from TO, self-described percussion-dance-orchestra Drumhand perform music from their recent release Moving Still at the Merc as part of the Ottawa International Jazz Fest. Think drums, energized jazz horns, and a high-energy performance that encourages dancing. Ottawa’s own Rattling Tro Tro warms up the room at 9:30 p.m. Doors open at 9 p.m. Friday, June 24. $12. Mercury Lounge, 56 Byward Market Sq., www.mercurylounge.com
JF ROBITAILLE
In advance of this Montreal singer/songwriter’s debut LP Calendar (which comes out July 5), he’s making the rounds at stages in Toronto, Montreal, and Ottawa. His style is perfect coffee house music — straddling the line between sweet and melancholy, folk and pop — which has earned him supporting sets for names such as Julie Doiron, The Dears, and Sean Lennon. Saturday, June 25, 9:30 p.m. $7. Raw Sugar Café, 692 Somerset St. W., 613-216-2850.
VICTOIRE ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
It’s a stylin’ clothing boutique so you know the five-year anniversary party will be stylin’ too. Victoire Boutique celebrates with sales at both store locations and lots of free entertainment. An all-day sale at both stores (40 percent off from 10 a.m. to noon, 30 percent off from noon to 4 p.m., and 20 percent off from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.) is followed by an evening party at the Dalhousie Street location (6p.m. to 9 p.m.) with tarot card readings, a Ouija cake by Auntie Loo, and lots of discounts and giveaways. Saturday, June 25. 246 Dalhousie St., 613-321-1590, and 1282 Unit B. Wellington St. W.
613-421-0089. www.victoireboutique.com
THE COMMUNITY CUP (FREE!)
Cross your fingers that the sun will be shining at this day-long multicultural event. Centred around a 24-team recreational co-ed soccer tournament that promotes connection and integration for newcomers to Canada, the tourney includes a diverse mix of ages, abilities, and cultural backgrounds. More of a cheerleader than an athlete? Come out to cheer on the teams and make some new friends. Throughout the day there will also be an international food bazaar, live entertainment, sports demonstrations, a citizenship ceremony, a broadcast of the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup, and plenty more to highlight Ottawa’s community. Sunday, June 26, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Brewer Park. www.communitycup.ca
MY FAVOURITE TRAGEDY
This three-piece, Rockland-based acoustic band recently won $75,000 in NewCap Radios Big Money Shot — and now audiences get to see the results when they release their first album, A World of Quiet Talk. Frontman North Easton brings a moving, emotive tone to the original lyrics, while brothers John-Marc and Philip Desmarais create a solid rhythm section. June 25. 8 p.m. $20, children $10. Shenkman Arts Centre, 245 Centrum Blvd. www.shenkmanarts.ca
FULL TIPPED SLEEVE
Catch the indie energy of Full Tipped Sleeve when the five-piece band releases a few new original tracks and some live covers at a Battle of the Bands event. A product of Bluesfest program Be in the Band, which puts musicians aged 13 to 16 together to form bands, FTS comes full circle when they perform at this summer’s festival. Offering an eclectic mix of originals and covers, acoustic and electric, the band can best be described as fun, with a mature sound despite their rookie status. June 25. 8 p.m. $14. Maverick’s, 221 Rideau St. www.mavericksbar.com
4TH ANNUAL BYTOWNE OYSTERFEST
If you say “oh yeah!” to oysters, then head to the Oysterfest — shucks, even if you bypass the bivalves, come for the walleye burgers and the music stylings of Souljazz Orchestra, Greenfield Main, and The Devilaires. Events include the Chef’s Cup Shuckoff, which sees local chefs face off in a race for a spot in the Ottawa Valley Oyster Shucking Competition. Facing stiff competition from Montreal and Toronto, shuckers will then be challenged to plate a dozen oysters in a race against the clock (with penalties if blood and shell bits found in the mollusk meat). June 26. 12 – 11 p.m. $25. The Sustainable Oyster and Fish Supply, 504 Kent St. http://thewhalesbone.com