ROMEO AND JULIET
What is more tragically beautiful than Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet? That same story expressed in dance. The formidable National Ballet of Canada performs Alexei Ratmansky’s choreography of the classic tale, a new version combining daring movement with the tradition of period costume. Thursday, January 31, to Saturday, February 2. From $50. National Arts Centre, 53 Elgin St., www.nac-cna.ca.
A TRIBE CALLED RED: ELECTRIC POWWOW (FREE!)
Bring a friend along, dare them not to move to the beat of Electric Powwow’s signature blend of electronica and traditional powwow vocals and drumming, and you stand to make a lot of money. Creators of the powwow step movement DJ NDN, Bear Witness, and Shub bring City Hall’s Marion Dewar Plaza to life and Winterlude 2013 to a joyous start. Friday, February 1, 8 p.m. Marion Dewar Plaza, Ottawa City Hall, 110 Laurier Ave. W., www.canadascapital.gc.ca/celebrate/winterlude.
APRÈS DARK: BABE NIGHT
It’s time to celebrate Ottawa’s diverse female musical talent. Headliner Kelly Sloan brings soul-infused country-roots rock to the lounge-style setting following opener Julia Dale’s blend of beat boxing and guitar. All ages are welcome to enjoy a night of great music at this licensed event. Friday, February 1, 9 p.m. $10. Shenkman Arts Centre, 245 Centrum Boul., www.shenkmanarts.ca.
SARAH SLEAN
Moody and soulful Sarah Slean,a three-time Juno-nominee and Ontario native, performs as part of Winterlude’s opening night. She recently released the double album Land & Sea, and the singer/songwriter/pianist is hotter than ever as she entertains the cool capital. Friday, February 1, 8 p.m. $32. Centrepointe Theatre, 101 Centrepointe Dr., www.centrepointetheatre.ca.
SPECTACULAR NORTHWEST TERRITORY DAYS & OPENING CEREMONY (FREE!)
The vast beauty of the Northwest Territories is on display at this family-friendly pavilion. Arctic Air star and NWT Tourism Ambassador (and hottie) Adam Beach hosts the Opening Ceremony alongside singer-songwriter Leela Gilday. All weekend long you’ll find art, music, and demonstrations. You can even learn about polar bears and muskoxen (because hasn’t that always been the dream?). Opening Ceremony: Friday, February 1, 11 a.m. Pavilion: Friday, February 1, to Sunday, February 3. Ottawa Convention Centre, 55 Colonel By Dr., www.canadascapital.gc.ca/celebrate/winterlude/calendar-events/spectacular-nwt-days.
THE LOST FINGERS
Sure to get your fingers snapping and put a smile on your face, The Lost Fingers offer up gypsy jazz renditions of radio hits by musical icons such as AC/DC, Stevie Wonder, Bon Jovi, Michael Jackson, and Celine Dion. And their talent goes beyond the clever concept: the band’s debut album, Lost in the 80s, hit platinum status. Saturday, February 2, 8 p.m. $40. Centrepointe Theatre, 101 Centrepointe Dr., www.centrepointetheatre.ca.
THE FAB FIVE COMEDY TOUR
Carivibe — the event known for its celebration of Caribbean culture — brings warmth to your winter with comedians Trixx, Jean Paul, Patrick Haye, Jay Martin, and Cedric Newman. A fun night of international and observational comedy, it’ll make you laugh until you cry. Saturday, February 2, 8 p.m. Advance tickets $30, at the door $40. LAGO Bar & Grill, Dows Lake Pavilion, 1001 Queen Elizabeth Dr., www.ebonyandivoryent.com.
JAMIE FINDLAY: THE SUMMER OF PERMANENT WANTS (FREE!)
Frequent Ottawa Magazine contributor and Ottawa Book Award winner Jamieson Findlay reads from his novel The Summer of Permanent Wants and, as a special bonus for all you bookworms, hosts Ottawa’s very first literary trivia quiz. Come hear some great local fiction and maybe even win a prize. Saturday, February 2, 7 p.m. Ottawa Studio Works, 160 Preston St., www.ottawastudioworks.com.
FIND THE HIDDEN GEMS ON SPARKS (FREE!)
Not only is this family-friendly treasure hunt free, you stand to make money from it! Pick up your treasure hunter’s package from the Haunted Walk at 46½ Sparks Street and learn about the history of Ottawa as you gather points. Get at least 1,000 and be entered into a draw for a $500 Sparks Street shopping spree; get all 3,000 points and automatically win a prize pack worth $100. Saturday, February 2, and Sunday, February 3, 11 a.m to 2 p.m. Sparks Street Mall, Elgin Street to Bank Street, www.sparksstreetmall.com.
DISHCRAWL (BONUS!)
Clear your Tuesday: this is where you’ll want to be next week. Dishcrawl returns to Ottawa with an East meets West theme. Let the anticipation start building: participating restaurants in Little Italy and Chinatown are kept hush-hush until the first location is revealed for the big day. If you’re a vegetarian, never fear! There’ll be something for you, too. Tuesday, February 5 (the event on Wednesday, February 6, is sold out), 7 p.m. Ticket holders will be notified of the starting location 48 hours in advance. www.dishcrawl.com/ottawa.