CRACK THAT WHIP
An adult store mainstay since the early 90s, Wicked Wanda’s Adult Emporium aims to entice you with the launch of their new “Kink” leather line at Kinki’s Patio Prowl for Gay Pride. One of the many festivities of Pride Week, the “Wicked Leather in the Capital” event will contribute 50% of their proceeds to the Capital Gay Pride Committee. If you’re still not convinced, the entertainment provided should peak some interest: lube wrestling, pole dancers, and naked sushi are just some of the attractions. $10. Thursday, August 22 at 8p.m. Kinki’s Restaurant, 41 York St. www.dorothyscloset.com
MUSICALITY
For one night and one night only, the Gladstone Theatre presents “Maktub” by Le R. Hailing from the West African country of Benin, Le R is an artist with a very unique presentation; his musical performance may be best described as a cultural display of poetry infused with contemporary rap stylings. He also plays guitar and hand drums, and is backed by other vocalists and instrumentalists, all while combining African folklore with something that’s between story-telling and spoken word. Thursday, August 24 at the Gladstone Theatre. 910 Gladstone Ave. www.thegladstone.ca
TALK BACK AT YOUTHCANSLAM
From August 20 – 25, kids can “talk back” to their elders and not get in trouble. Youth poets from across the country will descend on the capital for YouthCanSlam 2013; a week-long event that fosters fast-paced battles of wit through the medium of slam poetry (think 8 Mile but with a lot less angst). Workshops and word battles will be happening throughout the week and featuring performances by some of Canada’s most renowned slam artists, including Ian Keteku, World Poetry Slam Champion of 2010. www.ycs2013.com
LEND ME YOUR EARS
Homer was onto something all those years ago when he told the tale of Troy, and the adventures that ensued from that epic battle. The lesson? There’s nothing like a good story. Indeed, the art of storytelling saw a resurgence in Ottawa with the founding of the Ottawa Storytellers in the late 1980s, and has since maintained its power through different festivals and story-swaps. On Friday evenings in August, Billings Estate hosts Ottawa Storytellers’ “Campfire Stories” series. This Friday, August 25, come hear all about the “People of the Valley.” Bring a blanket and lawnchair! Billings Estate National Historic Site, 2100 Cabot St. www.ottawastorytellers.ca
SUMMER FUN
Thursday is almost the weekend, right? This Thursday, the City of Ottawa invites you to Centrepointe Park for a family-friendly afternoon presentation of the Lunchtime Performing Arts Series. With water art, giant board games, a splash pad, science, and sports demonstrations, there’s something for everyone. Bring your dancing shoes, as a DJ will be spinning and dance troupe, Luv 2 Groove, will be on site to teach you some sweet moves. Thursday, August 22 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. www.ottawa.ca/recreation
~ Meaghan Crowley