PORTRAITS OF BLUESFEST 3
Back for its third year, Portraits of Bluesfest raises funds for the Blues in the Schools program. More than a dozen visual artists have created paintings and photographs inspired by Bluesfest (they’re not all visions of a stage collapse). Watch a video tour of all the work here. This year’s artists include Darren Holmes, Andrew King, Jason Vaughan, Brandon McVittie, Whitney-Lewis Smith, Alison Fowler, Andrea Sutton, Claude Marquis, Dave Cooper, Andrew Farrell, Jennie Lynn MacDonald, Andrea Warren, Andrew Morrow, Kathy Roussel, Sandy Sharkey, Jamie Kronick and Steve Gerecke. Blues in the Schools is a program that hires local musicians and takes them into public schools to work with students who otherwise might get no music training. After the auction, local band Royal Ottawa will rock the joint with a set or two. Friday Sept. 9, 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Patrick Gordon Framing Studio,
160 Elm St.,
613-232-7146.
OH SUSANNA
Dreamy, folk-country music awaits you when this singer-songwriter takes the stage with her guitar. Oh Susanna is known for creating imaginary worlds and characters with her lyrical storytelling, and in this concert she highlights songs from her sixth album Soon the Birds. This latest venture features collaborations with plenty of familiar faces from the roots world, such as Jim Cuddy from Blue Rodeo, guitarist Kevin Breit (who’s worked with Norah Jones and Rosanne Cash), and Ruth Moody from The Wailin’ Jennys. Saturday, Sept. 10 at 8:30 p.m. $15. The Blacksheep Inn, 753 Riverside Dr., Wakefield, Quebec, 819-459-3228.
PADDLE AT PINHEY’S POINT
Get out while you can — you’ll be packing the canoe up soon enough. Pinhey’s Point in the west end is the setting for the city’s Fall Paddle event. Staff at Pinhey’s Point run a one-hour canoe tour that explores the area’s local and geological history. While gliding along the Ottawa River, participants will take a trip back in time, exploring the history and nature of the March Township settlement. After the paddle, guests will be invited back to the stately home of the late Hamnett Pinhey for a warm cup of cider. While on site, take the opportunity to tour the grand house free of charge before it is closed to the general public for the season. You must bring your own canoe and gear. $10 per person. Preregistration recommended. Sunday, Sept 11. 1 p.m. 270 Pinhey’s Point Road, in Dunrobin, off of 6th Line Road. Cost: $10/person. 613-832-4347 or visit ottawa.ca/museums.
OLD OTTAWA SOUTH PORCH SALE
Treasure hunters, take note: every year on the first Saturday after Labour Day weekend, this community holds its annual porch sale. Over the years, this event has gained widespread popularity, drawing garage sale regulars, students looking to furnish their new apartments, and pretty much anyone else looking to score some sweet swag on the cheap. Saturday, Sept. 10, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Old Ottawa South.
FIFTYMEN AT IRENE’S PUB
Seems like everything’s happening in Old Ottawa South this weekend. Get up early for the porch sale and stay out late for the Fiftymen, who play Irene’s Pub for two nights. Friday, Sept. 9 and Saturday, Sept. 10. $15. 885 Bank St., 613-230-4474.
HOPE AND REMEMBRANCE (FREE!)
In honour of this historic day, the National Arts Centre offers Hope and Remembrance, an open-air concert to mark the 10th anniversary of the attacks on New York City, Washington, and the crash of Flight 93 in Pennsylvania. The concert will take place on the outdoor terrace on Sunday, Sept. 11, at 8:46 a.m. to coincide with the time the first plane crashed into the World Trade Center. This concert will honour all those affected on that day, as well as pay tribute to the military and civilian personnel who have displayed great courage over the past decade. The repertoire includes songs by Mozart and Brahms, as well as a performance by the Christ Church cathedral’s Choir of Men and Boys. No tickets required.