PERFECT 10! VENUS ENVY’S 10TH B-DAY BASH
Ottawa’s friendliest sex shop is turning ten years old this weekend, and they’re having a birthday bash! All day Saturday (11 a.m. – 7 p.m.) the store will feature treats from Auntie Loo’s bakery, free samples (including massage bars from LUSH), door prizes, and store-wide discounts (25 percent off toys, 10 percent off everything else). At 9:30 p.m. the party takes off at Club SAW, with performances by dance and burlesque troupes and DJs spinning all night. Saturday, Jan. 29. 9:30 p.m. $5-$15. Club SAW, 67 Nicholas St. 613-789-4646. www.venusenvy.ca
DRAGONETTE
One of Canada’s catchiest electro-pop groups is playing Babylon this Thursday night. With catchy hooks and beats to make your hips move without consent, this Toronto three-piece makes for some glamorous ear candy. With a chart-topping year in Europe and a gig at Lollapolooza under their belt, Dragonette will put on a scorcher of a show. Electro sibling sensations Kidstreet open the show. Thursday, Jan. 27. 9 p.m. $25. Babylon, 317 Bank St. 613-594-0003. Tickets available at Top of the World, Norml, Compact Music and The Record Shaap. www.babylonclub.ca
BIRDIE WHYTE AND ANDRÉ BLUTEAU
If ever there was a show where you could say, “I saw them before they were famous,” it’s this Friday at Raw Sugar. André Bluteau and Birdie Whyte offer a simple yet gorgeous blend of country and folk: Whyte’s playful country tunes come alive with her beautiful voice, and Bluteau has been called a “glorious mix of Tom Waits and Patrick Watson” (he lives up to the hype). Friday, Jan. 28. 9 p.m. $5. Raw Sugar. 692 Somerset St. W. 613-216-2850. www.rawsugarcafe.com
NOT YET LEGAL (FREE!)
It’s easy to dismiss young artists, but Not Yet Legal will disprove any notions you may have had about teenagers. The group exhibit showcases the work of nine new artists, most of whom are grade 11 students from De la Salle Public High School. An effort to explore the world through the eyes of a new generation, the show promises more than simple teen angst. The opening at La Petite Mort Gallery will feature slam poetry and beats by DJ Afro-Slam. Saturday Jan. 29. Show runs until Feb. 2. 7 p.m. La Petite Mort Gallery, 306 Cumberland St. 613-860-1555. www.lapetitemortgallery.com
CRACKING UP THE CAPITAL
For the seventh year in a row, some of Canada’s best comedians take the stage to raise awareness of mental health. Hosted by Ottawa favourite Jim McNally, and featuring such comics as Angelo Tsaroukas and Derek Seguin, the night promises the best laughs the city has to offer. In addition to comedy, an auction will sell off ink-blots interpreted by Canadian celebrities. Funds will support the Royal Ottawa Volunteer Association. Saturday, Jan. 29. Reception 7 p.m., show 8 p.m. $35-$106. National Arts Centre, Southam Hall, 53 Elgin St. 1-888-991-2787. www.crackingupthecapital.com
HAVANA NIGHT
Take a break from cold and snow this weekend and pretend you’re in Cuba for an evening! Havana Night is a fundraiser for The Friends of Lansdowne and their legal battle to preserve the Ottawa landmark. Swing by for night of Cuban food, drinks, and dancing with music by celebrated Cuban artist Caridad Cruz. Food will be provided by Bank Street’s Havana Café & Catering — and there are whispers of dance lessons! Saturday, Jan. 29. 8 p.m. $35. Old Ottawa South Firehall. 260 Sunnyside Ave. 613-247-4946. www.oldottawasouth.ca
BUGS BUNNY FILM FESTIVAL
What’s up this Sunday? Twenty-eight classic Looney Tunes shorts featuring Bugs Bunny at the Mayfair Theatre, doc. These beloved episodes, including High Diving Hare and One Froggy Evening will bring howls of laughter to children and grandparents alike. A perfect Sunday matinee for the whole family! Saturday, Jan. 29. 1 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 30. 3 p.m. $6 members, $10 non-members, $5 children, $7 seniors. Mayfair Theatre, 1074 Bank St. 613-730-3403. www.mayfairtheatre.ca