STEPHAN GAYDOS: GREAT LAKES PROJECT (FREE!)
What happens when something as wild and natural as a lake becomes central to industry? The School of the Photographic Arts: Ottawa (SPAO) Artist-in-Residence Stephan Gaydos spent seven long months patiently observing four of the Great Lakes (Huron, Superior, Erie, and Ontario), paying special attention to their industrial ports. From those captured images, he’s put together Great Lakes Project: Observations and Appropriations, a study of industrial landscapes. On until Monday, December 30. Red Wall Gallery, 168 Dalhousie St., www.spao.ca.
NATURE NOCTURNE AT THE NATURE MUSEUM
If you’ve ever thought, “Gee, I wish museums would stay open after hours for some grown-up fun,” good news! In addition to the Museum of Nature’s amazing exhibits, there will also be interactive art installations by the Luminartists, heARTbeatgal, and Greta Grip to stimulate your mind while you groove to the music of DJ TDot, the Ottawa New Music Creators, and classical guitarist Chris Milne. No need to worry about going hungry, either: food and drink will be available for purchase. Friday, January 25, 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. $20. The Canadian Museum of Nature, 240 McLeod St., www.nature.ca/nocturne.
THE WAY WE FEEL: SONGS OF GORDON LIGHTFOOT
The stage is set for multiple award-winning contemporary roots artists Cadence, Lori Cullen, and Rick Fines, among many others, to pay tribute to one of the greatest Canadian artists of all time: Gordon Lightfoot. Hear classic songs in a whole new light as today’s talent interprets old favourites. Friday, January 25, 8 p.m. From $40. Centrepointe Theatre, 101 Centrepointe Dr., www.centrepointetheatre.ca.
THE JESSE GREENE BAND
Ottawa can take pride in bluesy Jessamyn Greene and her Jesse Greene Band. In 2010, the band made it to Memphis, where they were finalists in the 26th International Blues Competition. They were the only Canadian band to grace the stage of the Orpheum Theatre in the finals, and now’s your chance to hear their big sound in an intimate setting. Saturday, January 26, 9:30 p.m. $10. Irene’s Pub, 855 Bank St., www.irenespub.ca.
COMEDY NIGHT FOR PARKINSON’S
Laugh the night away for a great cause. Parkinson Society Ottawa is putting on their 9th annual Comedy Night for Parkinson’s featuring four very funny comedians. Award-winning Mike MacDonald, who’s had appearances on The Late Show with David Letterman and The Arsenio Hall Show, leads the all-star lineup of Judy Croon, Dylan Mandlsohn, and Graham Chittenden. A pre-show silent auction is also on the bill. Saturday, January 26, 7 p.m. $40. Tudor Hall, 3750 North Bowesville Rd, www.comedynight2013.eventbrite.ca.
SAVVY COMPANY WINE APPRECIATION CLASS
On a cold January day, what’s more cozy and comforting than a guided tour through the world of wine? Certified sommelier Debbie Trenholm offers a full-day crash course that covers tasting, food pairings, lingo, tips, and tricks for wine-lovers and wine-lover-wannabes. It’s a multi-country vineyard tour without leaving the city. And if you make a day of it with your brings there’s a $120 discount for groups of four. Saturday, January 26. $155. Novotel Hotel Red Wine Room, 33 Nicholas St., www.savvycompany.ca.
MUSIC FOR A SUNDAY AFTERNOON
Enjoy the ambience of the National Gallery’s Great Hall while you take in amazing music performed by the NAC Orchestra. One of the pieces being performed is Messiaen’s “Quartet for the End of Time,” which has the astounding history of having been written in a German prisoner-of-war camp and was originally performed, on broken instruments, in front of prisoners and guards in 1941. Sunday, January 27, 2 p.m. From $32. National Gallery of Canada, 380 Sussex Dr., www.nac-cna.ca.
CURRENCY MUSEUM: CENTIMENTAL JOURNEY (FREE!)
The last Canadian penny was minted May 4, 2012. No matter how you feel about its demise, it’s time to pay your respects and say goodbye forever. Come see that very penny at the Currency Museum and learn about the humble denomination’s highs and lows throughout Canadian history. On until Tuesday, July 2. Bank of Canada Currency Museum, 245 Sparks St., www.currencymuseum.ca.