Best of Ottawa 2021: Local musicians

 After over 20-years writing about life in Ottawa, we think we have a pretty good idea of the best of what this city has to offer. In this weekly series, we share our picks with you — our top spots for takeout, live music venues, local brews, bands and more. Check, share

Album Reviews: Cody Coyote, Joan of Arc, Laurence-Anne

 Joan of Arc — Tim Melina Theo Bobby (Chicago, Illinois) As a chosen final note for a band, Joan of Arc lays out a lush and often heavy record to endure. It's this emotional intensity for their last bow that really stands to make the album feel more satisfying on

Album Reviews: Ottawa artist special

 Cody Coyote — Debwe/Manidoo Dewe'igan (Ottawa) Ojibwe/Irish artist Cody Coyote hit us with some great singles this fall, playing with vintage hip hop and modern pop. "Debwe" hits an instantly infectious high from the start, with a bass hook that doesn't quit and a seamless groove to rap on top

Ottawa music collective Cranium announces exciting lineup for 2020 festival

 After the success of their inaugural festival last year, local urban music collective and organization CRANIUM is bringing back their Cranium Festival next month even bigger and better! The festival is going virtual this year because of COVID-19 and features over 15 of the most popular and promising hip-hop and

BEST OF OTTAWA 2019: Bands & Musicians

  After over 20-years writing about life in Ottawa, we think we have a pretty good idea of the best of what this city has to offer. In this weekly summer series, we’ll share our picks with you -  our top hotels, live music venues, local brews, bands and more. Check, share

Aboriginal artist Cody Coyote announces the upcoming release of his new album

 Photo credit: Ilaria M. Zuzak Music is a way of sharing past experiences, struggles and ambitions for the future. The Aboriginal artist, Cody Coyote, writes his lyrics in the hopes of supporting others who have experienced similar events, feelings and beliefs in their lives. Cody Coyote is ready to share

Indigenous Voices Take Centre Stage at Megaphono 2018

 Photos by Kat Walcott / Feature image: Viola player and composer Melody McKiver performs Megaphono 2018. Megaphono music festival, an annual event which showcases independent musicians in venues across Ottawa and Gatineau, did not disappoint this year. With over 70 musicians performing shows and taking part in special panels during the three-day

Warrior Heart – Q&A with Cody Coyote

 Feature image by James Park Photography “Mamawi” is an Ojibwe word that means “all together”. It’s also the name of the new album by Indigenous artist Cody Coyote, a release he hopes inspires love, understanding and some reconciliation for Canada’s Indigenous issues. There’s a reason why CBC called him a

YAS! Youth Art Symposium

 The Ottawa Art Gallery invites young people to join and lead the conversation on making art more accessible to youth. During the three-day event funded by Ontario 150, participants will have the opportunity to connect with people in the arts to discuss what they want from their museums and public

100 Youth Join MPs on Parliament Hill to Witness Democracy in Action

 By Jared Morrow / Images by Ben Welland—byfield-pitman photography “Youth In Office made me realize the importance of sharing my voice and knowing that I have the right to make decisions in this world,” said Boys and Girls Club staff member Tamika Malcolm, in a recent interview. “Now I have

Recovery Day Ottawa Spreads Hope and Awareness

 “If we don’t break the stigma associated with substance use disorders and process addictions, then we will never see recovery. If there is no visible recovery and support for recovery, then there is no visible hope for those suffering and those that care for them. This is a complex issue

Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival Expands For 6 Days of Cultural Celebration

 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 and events! Like a good sunscreen,

“This is Your Festival”: Westfest Announces Festival Lineup

 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

Westfest All-Star Fundraiser Packs Orange Gallery With Music, Art and Support

 All photos by Andre Gagne “Don’t make me cry now,” said Elaina Martin, founder and producer of Westfest, as she took the stage in the Orange Gallery to thunderous applause from those gathered Sunday evening at what was touted as an All-Star Fundraiser for the summer festival. A sold out