Happy Superbowl hangover day! I read somewhere once that the Monday after Superbowl has more people call in sick to work than any other day. It must be flu season (or maybe too many chicken wings or too much chili). I hope you’re all up and at ‘em and ready to kick off another fun week in Ottawa. Winterlude continues this week, and what a jam-packed weekend in store. The Ice Dragon Boat races are on Friday and Saturday, The Fire and Ice Festival on bank street is Saturday and Sunday, and Rogers Hometown Hockey also runs Saturday and Sunday at Marion Dewer Plaza (City Hall).
Sports:
This week in sports, our Ottawa Senators have two home games. Tuesday night, the Anaheim Ducks are in town, and Thursday, you can catch the Colorado Avalanche at the Canadian Tire Centre. The Ottawa 67’s have one home game on Sunday afternoon against the North Bay Battalion. In basketball, Capital Hoops is on Friday night at TD Place where the Ottawa U Gee Gees take on the Carleton Ravens for the latest match up of the capital’s two Universities.
Theatre:
In theatre, “The Wolves” continues for it’s second and final week at the Gladstone, and what a fantastic show (more below). This week at the GCTC, Kiinalik: These Sharp Tools runs for its final week. At TD Place, “We Will Rock You” has added a show for two nights on Tuesday and Wednesday. This performance which features the music of Queen looks incredible! I saw a community theatre version of it a couple years ago and loved it. At the NAC, the theatrical production of one of my favourite childhood stories continues until February 16th. “The Neverending Story” transforms a little boys life while he’s reading a tale in his attic, but realizes that he’s more than just a reader, he’s a vital part of the story. Lastly, in theatre, at Meridian Theatres @ Centrepointe, Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet (ASNY) finishes up their run of the Little Mermaid this coming weekend with two shows on Saturday, and a matinee Sunday.
Festivals:
As you all know, Ottawa is the festival capital of the world (probably). We have a festival for pretty much anything you can imagine. Typically, that’s a summer thing, but I think I’ll add this section into the newsletter a bit early as it seems appropriate, and hopefully it will stay each week. As mentioned already, we’ve got Winterlude and the Fire and Ice Festival this week, but you can also head out to Undercurrents by the folks who bring us the popular Ottawa Fringe Festival, which kicks off on Wednesday and runs until February 15th. There are so many exciting shows to go out and see, so why not visit Arts Court and check out some great performances.
Concert Pick(s) of the Week!
My concert pick of the week again this week is the return of Slimmore to the Rainbow on Friday night. If you missed him last month, you need to get out and see his soulful reggae feel. He is incredible; you won’t regret going! Also this week, and although maybe not a concert per se, ok well definitely not a concert, but Sectrasonic brings Jay and Silent Bob to the Algonquin Commons Theatre on Monday night. I do believe that tickets are sold out, but maybe you can find some on Kijiji.
Event Highlight of the Week!
This Saturday night, Kichesippi Beer is releasing their “3 little birds export stout” and in celebration, The Roots Movement Band will be providing the entertainment! This incredible reggae band puts on quite a show everywhere they perform, and I’m sure this will be no different! You can check out their Facebook page here. The event also has Jamaican patties from the Piggy Market, and free Jerk Popcorn! What else do you need for a party?