WEEKENDER: Lots of laughs, a few pints of ale, and an amphibian or two
Heads Up

WEEKENDER: Lots of laughs, a few pints of ale, and an amphibian or two
BY Ottawa Magazine
POSTED October 2, 2013 10:30 am
Photo by John Netherton: Blue Dart Poison Frogs – Dart Poison Frogs from the rainforests of the Americas come in a dizzying array of colors and patterns. Some are used by native tribes to poison the tips of blowdarts for hunting. Complex compounds in the skin secretions of dart frogs are now being studied by scientists for potential medical use. These hopping pharmacies have already provided a possible substitute for morphine which is non-addictive and 100 times more potent.
Photo by John Netherton: Blue Dart Poison Frogs – Dart Poison Frogs from the rainforests of the Americas come in a dizzying array of colors and patterns. Some are used by native tribes to poison the tips of blowdarts for hunting.

Frogs: A Chorus of Colour
Everyone’s favourite amphibian is coming to Ottawa! Not in a plague-like sense (phew), but in the form of the exhibition, Frogs: A Chorus of Colour, running until May 11, 2014 at the Museum of Nature. Listen to recordings of frog-calls, participate in crafts or frog origami and view professional shots of frogs in action. Additionally, different specimens will be on display in careful recreations of their natural habitats. Try not to kiss any of them, though…that’s just gross. Museum of Nature, 240 McLeod Street. www.nature.ca

Canadian Comedy Awards Fest
Laugh it up with some homegrown comic talent this Saturday, October 5 at the 13th annual Canadian Comedy Awards Festival. In a week honouring comedy’s best, the night will not disappoint, with stand-up performances by Jon Dore, Tom Green, Mike MacDonald, Rebecca Kohler, and Jeremy Hotz. 7 p.m. $56.75/$39.25. Centrepointe Mainstage, 101 Centrepointe Drive. www.canadiancomedy.ca

Oktoberfest
Wilkommen, bienvenue, welcome! Dust off your lederhosen and alpine hat for the 2013 edition of Beau’s Oktoberfest taking place on Saturday, October 4 and Sunday, October 5. Make your way to the Vankleek Hill Fairgrounds to partake in two days of food, beer and music. Activities include a sausage eating contest, a keg toss, and even face painting and a bouncy castle for children (found in the Kinderfest area). Proceeds go towards Beau’s charities of choice; this year they are: Canadian Canoe Foundation, United Way Ottawa, Kiva, Just Food, Rethink Breast Cancer, and the VKH Agricultural Society. Vankleek Hill Fairgrounds. See website for ticket information. beaus.ca

“The River #11”, Silver Gelatin, 20” x 20” by Pedro Isztin.
“The River #11”, Silver Gelatin, 20” x 20” by Pedro Isztin.

The River
Quebec artist, Pedro Isztin, has grown up alongside the Ottawa River, and is now featuring it in his latest exhibition “The River.” The project began in 2004 with the aid of a plastic Holga camera, and what initially began as a reminiscence project of trips to the river with his mother, became a touching tribute to his father, who was admitted into a nursing home in 2007. This Saturday, October 5 is the final viewing date for “The River” at Wallack Galleries. 203 Bank Street. www.wallackgalleries.com

I’m An Acadian-Canadian, Eh?
Talk about a triple threat! This Saturday, singer/songwriter, keynote speaker and successful business woman, Jeanette Arsenault, brings her musical revue to the Irving Greenberg Theatre. A native of Prince Edward County, Arsenault’s Acadian heritage is the source of inspiration for her latest show “I’m an Acadian-Canadian, Eh?” where she showcases storytelling and humour throughout her performance.  Arsenault has been recognized countless times throughout her career for her contributions to the arts – most notably, she received the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal last year. Saturday’s performance also features Ottawa fiddler, Natalie Harrison. A must see! Saturday, October 5. $25. Irving Greenberg Theatre Centre, 1233 Wellington St. W. www.jeanettearsenault.ca

~ Meaghan Crowley