DAYLIGHT RAVINGS
Spins & Needles is a fun idea for a night out. Here’s what happens: A group of crafty kids descend on a bar, club, or gallery to listen to the tunes and create the night’s assigned craft — anything from silkscreened t-shirts to dioramas.
The concept came to Ottawa some six years ago. The instigators were DJ Jason Pelletier — who has an ear for soulful house and funk — and artist Melanie Yugo, the resourceful, Etsy-inspired partner who leads the craft session.
Yugo and Pelletier met more than 10 years ago at a U of O summer French program. They soon found that their mix of crafting and disc jockeying fit well into the club scene and started to develop their events between completing degrees and getting jobs, bringing club kids together to hone their creativity.
The organizers are continuing on that path this week with a daytime event. The latest Spins & Needles incarnation — a celebration of six years funkifying O-town — takes revellers to the Byward Market for Bricolage Brunch, with tunes from Pelletier, Meterman, and DJ Zo, plus DIY design projects served up along with continental breakie. Sunday, April 3. 12 – 4 p.m. $12 includes eats, beats, and art materials. 19+. Honest Lawyer, 141 George St. www.honestlawyer.com
WHERE ELSE TO BE THIS WEEKEND
Check out the all-vinyl set from Rayaz at the Konkrete Jungle 613 April Fool’s Day Jam. Rayaz, a name in the scene since the days of Atomic nightclub, will spin old-school jungle, ragga, and drum ‘n’ bass at the event, which features fellow DJs Maysr, Bellyful Sound System, and Saxon. Organized by drum ‘n’ bass enthusiasts and DJs Rob Sherwood and Jessica Webster, Konkrete Jungle takes place the first Friday of every month at Ritual Nightclub. Friday, April 1. 10 p.m. $12. Ritual Nightclub, 137 Besserer St.
Also at Ritual: Take in the cool sounds of Memphis, the side project of Torquil Campbell, co-bandleader of the group Stars. April 6. Ritual Nightclub, 137 Besserer St.
For jazz lovers: Canadian cabaret singer Patricia O’Callaghan has a torchy tone to her voice, sure to dazzle audiences. Friday, April 1 and Saturday, April 2. 7:30 p.m. $35. NAC Fourth Stage, 53 Elgin St. www.nac-cna.ca/en/fourthstage