INSIDE OUT: LGBT FILM FESTIVAL
Inside Out is hosting the 6th annual LGBT Film Festival with 15 screenings over four days from all over the world. The 2012 lineup is particularly strong, featuring the award-winning film Cloudburst from Canadian director Tom Fitzgerald, as well as the highly anticipated regional premiere of Margarita from Canadian directors Dominique Cardona and Laurie Colbert. The ever-increasing popularity of this festival attracts thousands to see some of the year’s best LGBT films. A new addition to the 2012 festival is the inclusion of free programming for youth and families, encouraging people from all walks of life to join in the fun. Thursday, November 15, to Sunday, November 18. Prices vary. National Gallery of Canada, 360 Sussex Dr., www.insideout.ca.
DAVID USHER
As the former vocalist for the ‘90s multi-platinum Canadian band Moist, David Usher is no stranger to finding new ideas to explore in his music. He’s made a name for himself as a singer-songwriter with seven albums and four Juno awards. The Songs For The Last Day On Earth tour will consist of powerful new tunes that touch on a variety of subjects, and his thunderous vocals are sure to give audience members their money’s worth. Friday, November 16, 7 p.m. doors. $32.50 advance. Bronson Centre, 211 Bronson Ave., www.davidusher.com.
SMALL PRESS BOOK FAIR (FREE!)
Since 1994, rob mclennan and the Small Press Action Network of Ottawa have brought together local writers, publishers, readers, and volunteers to support the small press industry at this book fair. What is small press, you ask? It’s the term given to independent publishers that only release a few books per year, usually less than 10. Surprisingly, these small press publishers make up half of the book publishing industry and largely support niche markets for poetry, genre fiction, limited edition books, and many more. The fair will have plenty of booths set up with all types of books, and is sure to have a little something for everyone. Some participants include Buschek Books, The Puritan Magazine, Arc Poetry Magazine, and The Ottawa Press Gang, to name just a few. Saturday, November 17, noon to 5 p.m. Jack Purcell Community Centre (Room 203), 320 Jack Purcell Ln., www.smallpressbookfair.blogspot.ca.
GLISTEN! A HANDMADE HOLIDAY EVENT (FREE!)
Local vendors are coming together to usher in the holiday season (Christmas is just over a month away!) and they’re bringing tons of goodies. This is the perfect opportunity to get some Christmas shopping out of the way like the keener you always aim to be, as there will be plenty of goods on offer for those people you hold close. Independent craft designers and makers abound at this sale, including World of Tea, Sarah’s Card Company, Liv Well Toys, and more. And don’t worry — to keep up your energy, lots of gourmet treats will be provided by local sweet shops. ‘Tis the season! Saturday, November 17, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Irving Greenberg Theatre (GCTC), 1233 Wellington Street W., Facebook event here.
5th OTTAWA TIMERAISER VOLUNTEER EVENT
Have you ever thought about volunteering but had trouble finding out what’s available? Look no further! Timeraiser is a volunteer fair that happens all over Canada where the organizations come to you. It’s a little bit like speed dating, except for volunteering. At the event, people that are interested have the opportunity to meet with a variety of different groups and associations seeking to match their needs with the skills of prospective volunteers. Instead of bidding money, you can bid volunteer hours on artwork that is on display at the event. Since 2003, Timeraiser has generated over 100,000 volunteer hours and supported over 400 charities in need of personnel. Can you say win-win? Saturday, November 17, 7 p.m. $20. National Gallery of Canada, 380 Sussex Dr., www.timeraiser.ca.
PRINCESSES & DRAGONS TEA PARTY (FREE!)
Local artist Bhat Boy will be exhibiting his work in the ByWard Market and hosting this tea party with a splash of fantasy that children will love (they’re even encouraged to dress up in their best dragon and princess gear!). Bhat Boy is an award-winning talent and an active supporter of the arts community in Ottawa. His “envisionism” art style is unique and his work contains everything from nuns to dragons. At this event, he’ll be showcasing the watercolour illustrations he did for Kita Szpak’s children’s book You’re Special Wherever You Are (Szpak will also be reading from her book). The story is about Alex the one-in-a-million dragon, and has the heart-warming message that it’s important to accept ourselves just the way we are. Space is limited, reservations required. Saturday, November 17, and Sunday, November 18, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Galerie 240, 240 Guigues St., www.galerie240.com.
THE NIGHTINGALE
The Rag & Bone Puppet Theatre is back with their second show in the Family Series, performing Danish author Christian Andersen’s classic tale that the whole family will love. Set in ancient China, the Great Emperor meets a small bird that shows him the value of true friendship. Children will be enchanted by the puppetry and music, all while laughing and learning important lessons (that’s how you get them!). Sunday, November 18,1:30 p.m. $10, or four for $32. Irving Greenberg Theatre (GCTC), 1233 Wellington St. W., www.shenkmanarts.ca.
OTTAWA VINTAGE CLOTHING SHOW
You don’t have to be a fashionista to know that vintage clothing is still very much in style. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to find the piece of clothing or jewellery you’ve been looking for, as Canada’s premier independent vendors of vintage fashion will gather to show off their best items from eras’ past. Find anything from vibrant dresses to handcrafted accessories to that pair of jeans from 1974 that you never should have given away. The show will have booths for people with elegant or eccentric tastes, and everything in between. Sunday, November 18, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. $10. Ottawa Convention Centre (top floor), 55 Colonel By Dr., www.ottawavintageclothingshow.com.