ECO-JEST-US
From blue bin ballads to environmentally-inspired art, this variety show celebrates Earth Day with new energy and wit. Bringing together spoken word artists, musicians, poets, and actors, all of whom bring a concern for the earth to their work, this event aims to enlighten — and entertain. Highlights include a keynote address by David Chernushenko, performances by musician Glenn Nuotio, and poetry readings by Pearl Pirie. Saturday, April 9. 2 p.m. youth show; 7 p.m. variety show and art exhibit. $10, students $5. Pay what you can also available. Arts Court Theatre, 2 Daly Ave. www.personare-bearami.com
ROB FRIDAY: POINTED CREATURES AND A MAN IN ALL DIRECTIONS (FREE!)
Self-taught First Nations artist, and award-winning poet, Rob Friday’s paintings meld forms from the natural world with the energy and patterns of urban life. The work — considered “aboriginal abstract” — begins as a line drawing and eventually incorporates a four colour palette that is both comfortingly nostalgic and tastefully modern. The artist is a fixture on the local arts scene, so the vernissage should be a hopping good time. Vernissage Friday, April 8. 8 p.m. Wurm Gallery, 319 Lisgar St. www.invisiblecinema.ca
RÉMI THÉRIAULT: MEMORIES FOR THE ROAD (FREE!)
Anyone who has ever been lulled into dreamland by the moving landscape outside a war window will appreciate the evocative images in this one night exhibit. Frequent Ottawa Magazine contributor Rémi Thériault (you can see his work for the mag here and here) recalls past trips with the fam, and considers how foreign lands can feel familiar. Friday, April 8. La Petite Mort Gallery, 306 Cumberland St. www.lapetitemortgallery.com
TARA HOLLOWAY: ACOUSTIC WAVES
Canadian singer-songwriter Tara Holloway takes to the stage at the Great Canadian Theatre Company as part of the Acoustic Waves folk concert series. The concert forms part of a day-long celebration at GCTC known as “Street Lights.” The day raises funds for the Youth Services Bureau (and promotes the GCTC’s latest play, The Middle Place, created from interviews done at a youth shelter). Sunday, April 10. Doors open at 11 a.m., the play begins at 2 p.m., and the Tara Holloway concert is at 8 p.m. Check the web for a full lineup of events. $18 (concert). 1227 Wellington St. W., 613-236-5192, www.gctc.ca
VICTOIRE VINTAGE DRESS SALE (FREE!)
Victoire boutique’s bi-annual vintage sale has become a staple for the fashion lovers of Ottawa, with its collection of dresses from the 1950s and 1960s — think Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, and Mia Farrow. Preview night for the dresses only, Friday, April 8, 6 p.m.-8 p.m., giving ladies a chance to skip the line-up on Saturday and reserve a dress before the super-busy Saturday sale. Main sale: Saturday, April 9, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. 246 Dalhousie St., 613-321-1590. www.victoireboutique.com
SLUTWALK OTTAWA
Lusty ladies and gentlemen of the country are reclaiming the ‘s’ word. A recent slip-of-the-tongue by one of Toronto’s finest has forced the issue of victim-blaming into the light. The premise of Slutwalk is that a person’s sexual history or attire is not a justification for violence or harassment. Meet fellow sluts and slut-lovers at the Women’s Monument in Minto Park to begin marching for more convictions and harsher punishments for perpetrators of sexual attacks. Wear as much or as little as you like, but do bring your umbrella — rain is in the forecast. Sunday, April 10. 1:30 p.m. Minto Park at Elgin St. and Gilmour St. For more info contact slutwalkottawa@gmail.com