BIG MAMA: THE WILLIE MAE THORTON STORY
Feel the unmistakable energy of a 70s blues club as the memory of Big Mama Thornton rocks on with the same old soulful songs and commanding stage presence. If the play leaves you wanting more, don’t miss a free talk on Saturday, April 27 at 12:45 in the NAC Fountain Room with Director John Cooper to discuss the creation of the play and the history and influence of the Blues. $30. Wednesday, April 24, to Saturday, May 11, see website for show times. NAC Theatre, 53 Elgin St., www.nac-cna.ca
Shake your way into a new week! Delve deeper into the culture of First Nations and Inuit people of the North along to spirited dancing and the driving rhythm of the drums. This fifty-minute performance will help you to connect with Northern Scene, and discover first hand why drum dancing is such a beloved and vital art form. Sunday, April 28, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. NAC, 53 Elgin St., www.nac-cna.ca
BOURBON & SPICE BURLESQUE
Fabulous Las Vegas drops into the Byward Market for an exciting evening of laughs, music, and sex appeal. Crowd pleasers The Jivewires will warm things up with a lively musical set before the ladies of Bourbon & Spice bring some serious heat in sparkling costumes for a sizzling burlesque performance. Bringing the house down at the finish, The Mansfield Brothers will leave the audience on a high note with their uproarious act of dance and song. $12. Friday, April 26, 9 p.m. Rainbow Bistro, 76 Murray St., www.therainbow.ca
NORTHERN SCENE SWARM PARTY (FREE!)
High fashion, hip-hop, and visual art take the spotlight for this free event that kicks off Northern Scene! After riding yellow-school buses all night from gallery to gallery, settle in at the NAC for a fashion show featuring dynamic pieces from Northern designers. Also lined up is a lively assortment of musical performers who bring throat boxing, dub-step, and party beats to the mix. Friday, April 26, 9 p.m. NAC Foyer, 53 Elgin St., www.nac-cna.ca
OTTAWA VINTAGE CLOTHING SHOW
From early Chanel to shoulder pads, and everything in between, this show pops into town twice a year bringing timeless pieces such as costume jewelry, hats, and cocktail dresses. With vendors hailing from Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa and beyond, and a price range almost as wide as the selection it offers, this is a one-stop shop for those who feel they were born in the wrong era. $10. Sunday, April 28, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Ottawa Convention Centre, 55 Colonel By Drive, www.ottawavintageclothingshow.ca
THE FARM SHOW
In 1973, about a half a dozen actors spent a month living with farmers, gathering stories of their lives and experiences. Their fieldwork resulted in this hilarious and poignant play that has engaged countless audiences ever years since. Under the direction of Andy Massingham, the graduating class of Ottawa Theatre School honours the 40th anniversary of this Canadian classic by re-enacting these fables from the farmhouse. $15. Friday, April 26 and Saturday, April 27, 8 p.m. Ottawa Theatre School, 294 Picton Ave., www.ottawatheatreschool.com
TOM WILSON AND LEE HARVEY OSMOND
Despite his various incarnations over the years, Tom Wilson continues his love affair with music alongside band Lee Harvey Osmond. The five fellows, all with rich musical backgrounds, have brought their unique talents and backgrounds to “The Folk Sinner,” the band’s second record together. The troupe will be showcasing their sound, which Wilson describes as “acid folk,” this weekend at the Black Sheep Inn. $20. Saturday, April 27, 8:30 p.m. The Black Sheep Inn, 753 Riverside Drive, Wakefield, QC, www.theblacksheepinn.com
LIVING GREEN EXPO
Head to the Ottawa Convention Centre to meet and mingle with the green community in the National Capital region. While the kids let loose at the family fun zone, you can discover workshops and exhibitors doling out knowledge and products relating to safeguarding our environment and your own personal health and wellness. Arrive early, the first 250 people snatch up free gift bags! Admission by donation. Saturday, April 27 to Sunday, April 28, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Ottawa Convention Centre, 55 Colonel By Drive, www.ottawalivinggreenexpo.ca