AN EAT PRAY LOVE VALENTINE’S
Luca Spaghetti — yes, that’s his real name — is a character portrayed as the quintessential Roman in Elizabeth Gilbert’s novel Eat Pray Love. In preparation for Valentine’s Day, the man behind Gilbert’s many adventures in Italy shares passionate sights and stories of growing up in Rome, romantic Roman recipes, and the inside scoop on his whirlwind ride of Eat Pray Love. Valentine’s dessert buffet on Friday, Feb. 10 at 7:30 p.m. $50, includes an autographed copy of Luca Spaghetti’s book Un Amico Italiano; Eat, Pray, Love in Rome. St. Anthony’s Banquet Hall, 523 St. Anthony St. www.showoneproductions.ca
GALLERY EGYPT (FREE!)
It’s been just over a year since the uprising in Egypt, and Ottawa-based Egyptian communities are aiming to explore its international relevance through a unique event at the Library and Archives. Events include a talk on the role of women role in revolutions, spoken word poetry by Sumaiya Beshir, and piano music by Anastasia. Photography from the Egyptian revolution will also be on display; see website for full schedule. Sunday, Feb. 12. 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., Library and Archives Canada, 395 Wellington St. www.galleryegypt.ca
SHANKER & ROMPS + GARAGA + BANDITAS
Three local favourites descend on hipster haven Raw Sugar this Friday. Indulge in treats and savoury goods, including vegan and gluten-free options, and have a pint of Beau’s while you take in a mix of pop, garage, and rock music. Friday, Feb. 10, 9 p.m.. $6. Raw Sugar Café, 692 Somerset St. W. www.rawsugarcafe.com
SEXAPALOOZA
Vanilla Ottawa gets a little kinky this weekend with the fifth annual Sexapalooza consumer show. Wicked Wanda’s fetish shop is sponsoring the Dungeon attraction, where free how-to sex education will be offered in B.D.S.M., food play, and more. There are over 20 workshops available as well as lots of shopping and risqué entertainment. Stage shows include burlesque and pole dancing, bondage demos, and drag queens. Friday Feb. 10, 5 p.m. to 12 a.m., Saturday Feb. 11, 12 p.m. to 12 a.m., and Sunday Feb. 12, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.. Ottawa Convention Centre, 55 Colonel By Dr. $18 online, $20 at the door (cash only), or $30 for a weekend pass. 19+ event. http://www.sexapalooza.ca/shows/Ottawa_2012
THE PSYCHIC EXPERIENCE
Interested in contacting the Other Side? Matthew Stapley, a local Ottawa psychic and medium, will channel answers from the spirit world for Ottawa Little Theatre audience members this weekend. In a positive and inspirational speech he will detail the various shifts happening in the physical, mental-emotional, and spiritual worlds. Jennifer Clark, Ottawa’s first Angel Therapy practitioner opens the show. Saturday, Feb. 11, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.. Ottawa Little Theatre, 400 King Edward Ave. $30, a portion of the proceeds goes to Operation Come Home.
WED BY HAND
Make tying the knot an expression of personal flair. Ottawa’s indie wedding show, Wed by Hand, returns for its second year featuring D.I.Y., handmade, and eco-friendly vendors and workshops. Couples can design their own bouquets and invitations on the spot, then learn how to create a flawless ceremony or plan a wedding on a budget. New this year is a tasting room filled with local and artisanal food, including vegan cakes and gourmet brownies. Saturday, Feb. 11. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Glebe Community Centre. 175 Third Ave. $10. www.wedbyhand.com
UNDERCURRENTS
Independent theatre companies present six inventive shows at the GCTC’s undercurrents festival this month. Kicking off the festival is Live from the Belly of a Whale, a local project that has been fine-tuned since it won awards at last year’s Fringe festival. Other works from emerging artists in Canada will also be performed. Productions run approximately one hour and are presented five times throughout the 10-day festival, which runs from February 7 to 19 at the Studio Theatre in the Irving Greenberg Theatre Centre. See website for full schedule information. $15 for single tickets, $40 for 3-show Flexpass, $60 for 6-show Flexpass. Irving Greenberg Theatre Centre, 1233 Wellington St. W. www.gctc.ca
WINTERLUDE AT THE MUSEUM
Indulge your inner child with Winterlude activities at the Museum of Civilization: build an igloo with MEGABloks, play giant board games, and try your hand at traditional Inuit crafts. Crafts in the Children’s Museum Studio, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 11 and Sunday, Feb. 12.; games (and MEGABlok fun) in the Grand Hall, 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on February 12. Both free with museum admission. Canadian Museum of Civilization, 100 Laurier St., Gatineau. www.civilization.ca