BY MATT HARRISON

Tosca — drama on and off stage
In spite of last week’s controversial online comments and the subsequent — and rather rapid — termination of the offending singer, Tosca‘s rocky start won’t prevent Puccini’s renowned opera from opening this Saturday, Sept. 6. Put on by Opera Lyra, the drama about a heroine who struggles amidst the political intrigues of Rome’s secret police in order to save her lover runs until Sept. 13 at the National Arts Centre. There’s even a free pre-opera chat hosted by Opera Lyra before shows on the 6, 10, and 13 — all at 7 p.m. in the NAC’s Mezzanine. Tickets for the actual show start at $25.
The National Arts Centre is at 53 Elgin St.

Old Ottawa South Porch Sale
There are two events that bookend the year’s more enjoyable weather in Ottawa — May’s Great Glebe Garage Sale, which kicks off the warmer months, and the Old Ottawa South Porch Sale, which, with its great bargains and unique finds, also sounds the death-knell concerning the coming winter. That grim prospect aside — the Porch Sale is not only a fun community get-together, but it’s perfect for students looking for deals. The Porch Sale takes place across the neighbourhood on Saturday, Sept. 6 — rain or shine — and starts, typically, quite early — especially if you want first pick at stuff.
Old Ottawa South is the community bordered by Lansdowne, Riverside, Carleton University, and the river.

Best Burger in Ottawa — Week
Considering that beef prices are about to, or already have started to spike, this week — Le Burger Week — is the perfect time to indulge in some boeuf before this North American staple is priced beyond reach. Le Burger Week (already underway, and runs until Sunday, Sept. 7) is a Montreal-inspired contest whereby two culinary curators select burgers from establishments in cities throughout Canada — Ottawa included — and where participants are encouraged to eat burgers from said venues and then rate the burgers on the Le Burger Week website — to determine, of course, the best burger in the city. Prize? Glory for a year. In the running: Art Is An Bakery, with their six ounce top sirloin patty topped with caramelized onions, cheddar cheese, homemade double smoked sous vide pork belly, fried pickles, garlic confit mayo, and arugula. Or how about The Bacon Factory Burger’s Emporium’s (154 O’Connor St.) Major’s Black Garlic Burger Beef patty on a Brioche bun topped with Major Craig’s Black Garlic cream cheese, bacon jam, baby spinach, tomato, and a crispy slice of double smoked bacon? There are nine more mouth-watering burgers from different venues to choose from. Check out the list here. Results, we assume, will be posted on the website after Sept. 7. Double down and enjoy!

West End Studio Tour FREE!
Almost 20 years ago, the West End Studio Tour began. It started as a way for some west end artists to break into the then exclusive artists club. Since then, this tour has evolved into a great opportunity to visit a plethora of artists in their studios — 16 this year — and engage in art on a whole new level. The tours take place on Saturday, Sept 6 and Sunday, Sept. 7, and on those same days on Sept. 13 and 14. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Physical and online maps are available. More info and/or to see the roster of artists, visit here.

Art Pops FREE!
…speaking of art. You might be downtown, say on Sparks Street, this Saturday or Sunday (Sept. 6 & 7) and bump smack into art. Art Pop happens this weekend on said pedestrian street, where artists will be gathering to “play around along three city blocks” — expect a multiplicity of voices, mediums, and ideas. This free event takes place from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, and until 6 p.m. on Sunday. Artists and inspiring artists looking to participate? Sign up here. Artists of any age are welcome, though little ones will need to be accompanied by an adult. Awards for artwork will be given out.
Sparks Street.