XO NEIL YOUNG MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS BENEFIT CONCERT
If you love folk music, stop by Raw Sugar Café this Friday night, for wonderful music and a good cause. As a fundraiser for the Multiple Sclerosis Society, 20 up-and-coming Ottawa musicians are performing the work of folk legend Neil Young. Hosted by Ottawa folk-darling L. Poushinsky, this three-hour show promises to be a mellow, relaxing way to spend a Friday night. All proceeds go to the Ottawa chapter of the Multiple Sclerosis Society. Friday, Jan. 14. 8:30 p.m. $10. Raw Sugar Café, 692 Somerset St. W., 613 216-2850
DAFT PUNK TRIBUTE BAND
Barrymore’s gets the weekend off to an electrifying start with a performance from the eight-piece Daft Punk Tribute Band. The show starts at 10:30 p.m., bringing a new groove to the much-loved music of the famed electro-funk duo. With a horn section and members slated to play “funktronics,” this night is bound to be the hottest dance party in town. After the band, DJ CPI will play from midnight until closing, spinning house, electro, and hip hop. Perfect for Daft Punk fans or those who just want to dance the night away. Friday, Jan. 14. 10 p.m. $12 advance online www.worldfamousmusic.net. Barrymore’s, 323 Bank St., www.barrymores.on.ca
CAPITAL SLAM
The 2011 Capital Slam season kicks off Saturday night at Mercury Lounge. Here, spoken word poets start vying for a place on the Capital Slam team (currently on a two-year national winning streak). Competition will be fierce. Fancy yourself a wordsmith? Take a chance and sign up to see if you have what it takes to make the team. Featuring Montreal-based folk artist Caytee Lush. Saturday, Jan. 15. 6:30. $7, free for performers. All Ages. Mercury Lounge, 56 Byward Market. 613-789-5324. www.capitalslam.com
SEXAPALOOZA
Feeling a bit risqué this weekend? Head down to Sexapalooza, Ottawa’s sexy consumer tradeshow. Promising to touch upon all aspects of sexuality, Sexapalooza markets itself as fun, upscale, and friendly. Pick up some new tips at a free workshop, take in a tantalizing burlesque show, or browse new toys for the bedroom. With door prizes and a sex museum, the admission price covers more than just the chance to shop. Jan. 14 5 p.m. to midnight, Jan. 15 noon to midnight, Jan. 16 noon to 5 p.m. $20 adult day pass, $30 weekend pass. 19 plus. Lansdowne Park, Exhibition halls A-E, 1015 Banks St., www.sexapalooza.ca
“STRAWBERRIES IN JANUARY” SOCIAL
Step out of your winter slump this weekend, and sit down to an old fashioned tea, complete with strawberry shortcake. As a fundraiser for the Hintonburg Community Centre, the “Strawberries in January” Social brings to mind fantasy tea parties, only this time with real linen and china cups. Perfect for a family outing, or a special mother-daughter date. Tickets (available at the Hintonburg Community Centre and GCTC box office) also get you a $10 discount to the upcoming GCTC show, Strawberries in January. Sunday, Jan. 16. 1 p.m. $10. Hintonburg Community Centre, 1064 Wellington St. www.hintonburg.com