WARPED 45s
Let it be so. The weekend starts on Thursday now that the festive season is upon us. Toronto’s Warped 45s are stopping by as part of their cross-country tour in support of their debut album 10 Day Poem For Saskatchewan. The roots rockers wowed on the festival circuit and have big plans (including a new album) for 2011. You can say you caught them before they made it really big. Thursday, Nov. 25. 9 p.m. $10. The Elmdale House Tavern, 1084 Wellington St. W., 613-728-2848. www.elmdaletavern.com
JAZZ EVENINGS AT CUBE
What could be cooler than lounging at Cube Gallery and absorbing some sweet jazz? Get into the mood one day early. On Thursday, Nov. 25, the Robert Fontaine Quartet hosts a salon evening at Cube with bistro tables, finger foods, and fine music. 7 p.m. – 11:30 p.m. $20. On Friday, Nov. 26, John Geggie (double bass) and Frank Lozano (saxophone) take over the room in a concert that raises funds for JazzWorks jazz education programs. 7:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. $30. Cube Gallery, 1285 Wellington St. W. (between Smirle and Caroline), 613-728-1750. www.cubegallery.ca
SPINS AND NEEDLES CRAFT + DJ NIGHT
Get your gifts made early during Spins and Needles’6th annual holiday craft-mas get-together. Crafty types can whip up practical gifts and decorations (really, it’s easier than it looks) while chatting and listening to DJs Jason Pelletier + Meterman spinning house, funk, and other assorted beats. Friday, Nov. 26. 8 p.m. $8. Legion Hall, 330 Kent St. www.spinsandneedles.com
SKETCH
Saw Gallery has an amazing lineup original art for sale for its annual fundraiser. We’re talking more than 100 artists, including the likes of locals Howie Tsui and Adrian Gollner as well as a few American names: works by Faith Ringgold, Emily Vey Duke, and Cooper Battersby are up for grabs. DJs will be spinning tunes. Friday, Nov. 26. 8 p.m. – 2 a.m. $5. 67 Nicholas St., 613-236-6181. www.galeriesawgallery.com
FAMILY WORKSHOPS AT SCIENCE & TECH MUSEUM
Learn about aliens, the geology of the solar system, and the mysteries of Stonehenge at this family event. The Canada Science and Technology Museum’s upcoming workshop topic is Space Storybooks. The hands-on workshops last 90 minutes and kids will enjoy the added experience of getting either a guided tour of the heavens in the inflatable planetarium, a visit to the Canada in Space Exhibition, or a visit to the Helen Sawyer Hogg Observatory (weather permitting). Friday, Nov 26. $18 adults, $15 children (4 – 14), $9 family (two adults & three children). 1867 St Laurent Blvd. 613-991-3044. http://sciencetech.technomuses.ca
OPENFILE (FREE!)
Do you have a story you think is worth telling? A collaborative community journalism website called OpenFile is launching in Ottawa. Join them for a celebratory evening of drinks and snacks, and share your ideas with founding editor and CEO Wilf Dinnick. The basis of the news site is that community citizens submit stories and then a staff reporter is assigned to cover it. There are successful branches already working and underway in both Vancouver and Toronto. Help shape your local news! Friday, Nov. 26. 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. Spin Kitchen & Bar, 100 Kent St. contact@openfile.ca. www.openfile.ca