ORNAMENTS ALBUM LAUNCH
This local rock n’ roll trio, which features hard-hitting drums and loud guitar riffs alongside powerful vocals, launches its first full-length album, Blood Vessels. It’s a night of local listens, as fellow Ottawa artists The Ticket, Glenn Nuotio and The Superlatives hit the stage before the main men of Ornaments. Don’t forget to check out the new tunes, now available on the band website (in hard copy on Nov. 22). Nov. 19, 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance at Vertigo Records (193 Rideau st.), Compact Music (190 Bank st. or 785 ½ Bank st.), or at the Elmdale. $12 at the door. Elmdale House Tavern, 1084 Wellington st. W. www.ornamentsband.com
CRAZZY DAVE AT LA PETITE MORT
Not your typical poet and artist, Crazzy Dave resides on the streets of Ottawa, writing his words on cardboard boxes and creating works of art with stray objects. But don’t let the nickname fool you. Despite his homelessness he keeps his creativity alive by showing passersby his skill and way with words. A published author, Crazzy Dave’s words can be found in Mindlessly Adrift/My Streets, My Ottawa, a collaboration with Ottawa photographer Jean Boulay. Meet the artist and see his work in a One Night Stand at LPM. Nov. 18, 7 p.m – 10 p.m. $2 creativity fee. 306 Cumberland St. www.lapetitemortgallery.com
CAPITAL SLAM FEATURING BRANDON WINT
Capital Slam, the second longest running slam series in Canada, brings National Slam Champions Brandon Wint to the stage. Listen to experienced slammers and even gather the courage to stand up and do your own thing. Also on the line-up: Loh El and Rusty Priske. Nov. 19, 6:30 p.m. $8, free for performers. Mercury Lounge, 56 Byward Market. www.capitalslam.com
MAMMA MIA!
This fun Broadway musical celebrates family and friends, the past and the future, and everything ABBA. Set on an idyllic Greek island, the play follows bride-to-be Sophie as she prepares for her wedding — and schemes to find her father. With three possible men lined up, and plenty of ABBA songs to match the dramatic situations, hilarity and high notes ensue. Dynamic disco moves and amazing costumes make for an unforgettable show. Nov. 16 — 20. Tickets start at $25. See website for show times. National Arts Centre, 53 Elgin St. www.nac-cna.ca
INTERNATIONAL GUITAR NIGHT
The 12th International Guitar Night is making its way to Ottawa. Get inspired as artists share their musical knowledge between solos, duets, and quartets. Featuring sounds from all corners of the acoustic world, performers include electric/acoustic musician Adrian Legg and Lulo Reinhardt, a master of flamenco and Brazilian jazz. Nov. 18, 8 p.m. $37. Shenkman Arts Centre, 245 Centrum Blvd. www.shenkmanarts.ca
SMALL MEDIUM LARGE FUNDRAISER AT OTTAWA SCHOOL OF ART
The main gallery of the Ottawa School of Art will be transformed into a jazzy cafe — complete with café-inspired refreshments and live entertainment from DJ Spade and M. Parker Jazz Quartet — for this annual fundraiser. Prices reflect the ‘to go’ theme, with a range of works aimed at different budgets. The event helps the charitable organization offer outreach programs and affordable art classes. Nov. 18. 6 – 9 p.m. $12 in advance, $15 at the door. Ottawa School of Art, 35 George St. www.artottawa.ca
MY DAD VS. YOURS CELEBRATES OIFF BEST VIDEO AWARD
Youth, innocence, and freedom: that’s what My Dad vs. Yours has depicted in their music video for Happy Wanderer/Carry the Weight. It’s the video that led the Ottawa band to win the Ottawa International Film Festival best video award earlier this year. To thank all involved with the making of this doomsday-turned-frolic fest video, they’re hosting a concert at Saint Brigid’s Centre for the Arts (302 St. Patrick st.). With Rolf Klausener of The Acorn and Mike Dubue of the Hilotrons. Nov. 19, 8:30 p.m. Tickets $12 in advance, available at Vertigo Records (193 Rideau st.), The Record Shaap (209 Gilmour st.), or online at www.ticketweb.ca. www.mydadvsyours.ca
SNEEZY WATERS
An Ottawa legend and a Canadian sensation, catch Sneezy Waters with the Very Fine Band for a night of bluesy tunes and country melodies. After making his debut in the ’60s, Sneezy Waters toured across Canada; here in Ottawa, he’s known as the city’s very first busker. But that’s not his only claim to fame. The Ottawa native has also starred in the play Hank Williams; The Show He Never Gave, which led to an award for best actor in the 3e Festival International du Film Musical in Grenoble, France. Nov. 19, 7 p.m. $25. www.nac-cna.ca