Dancing Between Order & Chaos
For almost three decades, the Canada Dance Festival has presented some of the most talented and innovative dance performers — and their breathtaking performances — at the annual week-long festival. This year is no exception. Though it’s already underway, there’s still lots to take in before it ends. On Thursday, June 12, choreographer Danièle Desnoyers in Paradoxe Melodie asks: “How can dance be projected into life and how can life be reflected in a dancing body?” The answer is explored through her creations, which weave order and chaos. This world premiere includes music by renowned harpist Éveline Grégoire-Rousseau, music by composer Nicolas Bernier, and a cast of 10 performers. Tickets: $35 adults, $25 students. The show is at NAC Theatre, 53 Elgin St., and begins at 8:30 p.m. On Friday, June 13 and Saturday, June 14, Toronto’s Corpus Dance company presents Machina Nuptialis, a piece about the wedding ritual — three couples get married, kiss, dance, fight, make up, and strip off their clothes in anticipation of the honeymoon. This is an outdoor performance at Strathcona Park at 8 p.m. It’s pay-what-you-can.
For more info on all the other performances, visit Canada Dance Festival.
Dress Code: Lederhosen (FREE! — mostly)
For those who won’t be travelling with Ottawa’s own Bach Choir to attend the centennial celebrations for the composer in the German town of Leipzig, there is KulturGarten — the German embassy is throwing a week-long Deutsch-bash until June 15. On Thursday, June 12, a wine tasting at 6 p.m. gets audiences in the mood for the talented and celebrated jazz pianist and composer, Joja Wendt at 7 p.m.; and a proper dance party (it starts with lounge music, sausages, and pizza) with German DJ Maschine Berlin happens on Friday, June 13 at 8 p.m. All of the events take place at the German Ambassador’s residence. All events are free, but guests must register here.
German Ambassador’s Residence is at 290 Coltrin Rd.
Mamma Mia! (FREE! — mostly)
While it might be tempting to gorge on nothing but German sausages and beer during KulturGarten, don’t forget to save room for some olives and great wine because Italian Week Ottawa is also in full swing. On Thursday, June 12, there will be an Ottawa River boat cruise, that includes (Italian) dining and dancing — and, oddly, the sounds of the Tequila Band. More details here. And on Saturday, June 14 come to Preston and Gladstone where the stage is set for live music, amusement rides, and fireworks. And there will likely be a TV screen somewhere showing Italy’s opening World Cup football match against England (6 p.m.).
Most events take place along Preston St.
Calling Agent “Dad”
Deep inside a hill in Carp, a top-secret mission is being formulated — to celebrate Dad with the Diefenbunker Cold War Bunker Museum’s first annual Operation: Father’s Day. This Saturday, June 14, drag the old man outta bed, buckle him in, and haul him off to Carp to go inside the bunker for a day of fun, including a military vehicle display by
The Guild of the Royal Canadian Dragoons as well as cold beer and delicious food served up by local businesses. To satisfy Dad’s sweet tooth,
a candy shop featuring retro treats from the 1950’s is sure to bring back fond memories. For the kids, a Kiddy Commando Training Course with prizes. Plus 100,00 sq. ft. of bunker to explore! Admission is $15 per individual; $40 for families; 6 and under, free. Visit here for tickets. The event is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Diefenbunker Museum is at 3911 Carp Rd., Carp.
Block Rockin’ Beats (FREE!)
Rockin’ a new metal-inspired logo (think 1980s iron-ons) Westfest fills the streets of Westboro for its annual street festival. Join the throngs up and down Richmond Road for buskers, treats, games, displays, and, of course, entertainment. As usual, Westfest pulls in some big names, both nationally and locally. Highlights this year include the phenomenal hip hop crew, A Tribe Called Red; a reformed Ashley MacIssac (that once troubled 90s alternative/fiddler); George Leach; The Peptides; The Fevers, Pony Girl, and lots more. The three-day event kicks off on the evening of Friday, June 13, and runs until Sunday, June 15. For more details, visit the website. Generally, music starts around 4 p.m. on most nights.