Lifelong Dedication: Anne-Marie Brugger to be Recipient of the Spirit of Tony Turner Award

 When it comes to serving the local music landscape, Anne-Marie Brugger is Ottawa’s behind-the-scenes mastermind. Her resumé boasts a long history of partnership with Ottawa musicians, including producing music radio shows such as Hop the Fence on Ottawa’s CHUO FM and Canadian Spaces on CKCU FM. Brugger is the volunteer

Current Swell back on the road and in Ottawa Friday May 6

 After two years, West Coast indie rockers are heading East on a month-long tour. I’ve spent some time in beautiful Victoria on Vancouver Island, and one thing that has struck me is that it’s like a mini version of Ottawa. And yes, I realize Ottawa isn’t that big a city.

Ottawa to welcome legendary Canadian rockers, Rough Trade

 ABOVE: Church of Trees and Rough Trade will be at the Bronson Centre on April 27. (PHOTO: Church of Trees by Karen Bisson)  High School Confidential, All Touch/No Contact, For Those Who Think Young, Avoid Freud . . . These are monuments in Canada’s rich rock and roll history. Breaking taboos in the late

Carole Pope’s COVID lockdown blues will make you dance!

 ABOVE: Carole Pope and Bernard Frazer have teamed up on a new single, World’s a Bitch. Legendary Canadian rock icon teams up with Ottawa artist on a new single about the pandemic We all remember our first concert. For me, it was in the heady summer days of 1979 when

Arcade Fire’s Richard Reed Parry returns to Ottawa with a new solo album

 Photo credit: Joe Barker An accomplished multi-instrumentalist and a core member of one of Canada’s most successful bands, Arcade Fire, Richard Reed Parry is stepping into slower burning embers on his upcoming solo album, Quiet River of Dust Vol. 1. The record is an ethereal walk through the rich layers

Ottawa Grassroots: the Little Festival That Grew

 Photos by Anne-Marie Brugger and Andre Gagne Kicking off Ottawa’s ubiquitous festival season is one that truly stands by its name: The Ottawa Grassroots Festival. Now in its sixth year, the festival began as a one-night event in a legion hall back in 2011 and has since bloomed into a

Ottawa’s Grassroots Festival Keeps Growing

 Ottawa Life’s Festival City Series is back! We'll provide a unique look at some of your favourite events. We’ll go beyond the music with artist interviews, volunteer profiles, concert reviews and spotlights on the tastes, sights and sounds of the festival season.  Your city! Your festivals! Like a good sunscreen, Ottawa Life