ABSTRACARS (FREE!)
Abstract art can be confusing to the savviest of art critics. René Price injects some much-needed humour into the medium with Abstracars. Combining his love of cars with his disdain for ambiguous art, Price has created a fun exhibit that presents a variety of colourful, deformed, and slightly absurd small-scale and full-scale ‘art cars.’ Thursday, April 14 to May 27. Vernissage 8 p.m. Shenkman Arts Centre, 245 Centrum Boule, 613-580-2787. www.artottawa.ca
LAUCHIE, LIZA, AND RORY
Lauchie’s humdrum miner’s life is turned upside down when the vivacious Liza dances into it. What looks like a story heading for happy-ever-after is rudely interrupted by Lauchie’s daredevil twin brother, Rory. Supporting characters, including a wry spinster, a sonorous priest, a reformed party girl, and a cantankerous Cape Breton matriarch, bring the town to life in this heartwarming comedy of misguided loyalty and unspoken emotion. Until April 16. Tickets start at $22. National Arts Centre, 53 Elgin St. www.nac-cna.ca
BUSYBODY
In this mysterious and quirky Jack Popplewell play, Detective Harry Baxter is called to investigate a murder and finds that the principle witness is a long-lost impertinent acquaintance who is only too pleased to help. All of the proceeds from this intricate whodunit, presented by The New Edinburgh Players, directly benefit local charities. April 15 and 16. $20. 7:30 p.m. MacKay United Church Memorial Hall, 37 Dufferin St. www.mackayunitedchurch.com
SPRING FASHION PRESENTATION (FREE!)
Find out what’s blooming at the Rideau Centre for spring fashion with two fabulous shows. It starts with the Teen Show, featuring lines from Warrens, Trivium, Urban Behaviour, Lucky Brand Jeans, Boathouse, and Lacoste. For the natty gals looking for a more mature ensemble, check out the Evening Out Show — Banana Republic Women, Le Chateau, Shepherd’s, Talbots, and Benetton will all be showing off their apparel. Saturday, April 16. Teen Show, noon, Evening Out Show, 2 p.m. Rideau Centre, Eaton Court, 50 Rideau St. www.rideaucentre.net
PIXIES
This on-again/off-again band is united and in the capital to remind us that the 80’s wasn’t all hair and glam. On the Eastern leg of their North American tour, the Pixies are back for an extensive 2011 concert schedule that has them playing over twenty dates throughout this spring. With their extensive discography, you’ll probably hear something you hadn’t before and enjoy hits like Gigantic and Where Is My Mind. Saturday, April 16. 8 p.m. Ottawa Civic Centre, 1015 Bank St. www.ticketmaster.ca
GERRY DEE
This gym-teacher turned funny-guy is best known for his 2007 third place finish on The Last Comic Standing and his 2008 Canadian Comedy Award for Best Male Stand-up. As a father, husband, and Canadian, Dee serves up relatable, sidesplitting humour. Saturday, April 16. 7:30 p.m. $44.75. Centrepointe Theatre, 101 Centrepointe Dr. www.centrepointetheatre.com
SPRING GARAGE SALE (FREE!)
Get your heftiest sacks and your cold, hard cash and make your way Lansdowne Park. With over 100 vendors selling everything from vinyl records and vintage toys to cameras and video game systems, you’ll be sure to find a treasure to add to your collection. Also a great opportunity to practice your haggling skills! Saturday, April 16 and Sunday, April 17. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Lansdowne Park, Coliseum Building, 1015 Bank St. www.lansdownepark.ca
MONSTER SPECTACULAR
Former world champions Avenger, Black Stallion, and Bounty Hunter are in the city and crushing everything in their path. Five tonnes and eight square metres of metal — powered by 1,500 horsepower engines — climb over whole cars, soar through the air, and perform mind-bending tricks. It’s an action-packed, adrenaline-charged event for the whole family. Saturday, April 16. 6 p.m. $22.50 – $36.50. Scotiabank Place, 1000 Palladium Dr. www.canadiantirecentre.com