James Blonde Are True Chameleons

 Every band’s story is different, but James Blonde has a particularly singular origin story. Between a long-held place as a house cover band, to their unique advantage as a Niagara band, to evolutions (and at least one name change), the band has found more opportunities for unique gigs than you’d

10 things to do in Ottawa this weekend – March 4-6, 2022

 From live music to museums and flea markets, check out our weekly roundup of things to do in Ottawa this weekend. We have a mix of fun activities, including some free options, all are guaranteed to help you get out and enjoy the weekend. The Worst Person in the World When:  March

Ottawa’s Neighbourhoods: Downtown Ottawa

 From the Parliament buildings south to the 417, we are looking at downtown Ottawa. This is the part of the city that makes Ottawa really feel like a major capital, from the centres of industry tucked into skyscrapers, to the most iconic historic halls of politics in the city, especially Parliament

Surveying the playing field

 ABOVE: Matías Muñoz and Anthony Cardozo of Cinqhole, a live music venue in Hintonburg. The future of events and performance series: Cinqhole, The Art House Café, LIVE! on Elgin When the centres of cultural cultivation close, communities suffer. The patrons who find themselves in these brick and mortar environments have undoubtedly felt the

BEST OF OTTAWA 2019: Live music venues

 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 hotels, live music venues, local brews, bands and more. Check, share and discuss

Alexandria Maillot gets collaborative

 Not every record goes as planned. For Alexandria Maillot's Benevolence, a friend from British Columbia's offer to record in Montreal utterly reshaped a few songs into an album. With new players, songs and a process that went beyond her own creativity as well, Maillot came out with a record outside

Singer-songwriter Rachel Beck Set to Mesmerize Ottawa This Week

 Photo Credit: Rachel Beck  Canadian singer-songwriter Rachel Beck is having a pretty amazing 2019 so far! The Prince Edward Island-born musician kicked off the year by winning two PEI Awards and snagging two East Coast Music Association (ECMA) Awards. Known for her gorgeous piano-pop melodies, these mark her first nominations

Jumpin’ Joel Flash & The Magic Machine

 Photos by helensphotography.ca and ryanlindseyphoto.com Let’s time travel! For lack having a readily available DeLorean, we’re gonna’ jimmy-rig a blender, some duct tape and a couple wire I found in Uncle Eddie's toolshed. Kids, don't forget to ask your parents’ permission before building intricate mechanisms that could bend time and

Champagne, Guitars and Life on the Road

 Photos courtesy of Daniel Champagne Prodigy, virtuoso and the “finest guitar player of his generation” are just a couple of accolades that have been latched alongside the musical caravan that is Australian-born musician Daniel Champagne. When asked about what he thinks about all that, the twentysomthing doesn’t even pause to

Walrus’ Wild Ride

 Photos courtesy of Walrus One of the latest powerful retro-inspired bands coming out of Halifax's amazing music scene, Walrus brings amazing psychedelic rock with heart. The band's already budding career was quickly swept up by an eager Dan Mangan and his Madic Records label. Dropping their new record, Family Hangover

Follow that Cab – Catching up with TAXI

 OLM caught up with Ottawa’s Emma Lamarre, AKA TAXI to discuss her “Intimacy Issues”.  That is the title of her debut EP, which will be dropping on September 8.  The songs titillate with straight-forward lyrics trip-hopping coyly along the notes of indie pop-noir rhythms. Her producer, Bernard Frazer also joined

BEST OF OTTAWA: Live Music Venues

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

Dog Sees God, Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead

 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

Destination Anywhere for Arms of the Girl

 Feature photo by  Erick Sodhi Vocalist Carolyn (Cee) Côté struggled with confidence in her own voice until her early 20s. David Cutler was a 13 year old looking for an identity so he reached for an old guitar. Afton Penny thought there was nothing cooler than being a young musician

Ottawa’s Top 10 Concerts of 2016

 All photos by Andre Gagne. When you are an event photographer / reporter you can tell it’s been a busy year when should you attempt to wear all the lanyards accumulated over the 12 months you risk cervical dislocation or, at the very least, one hell of a case of

Light Up Your Ottawa Life Contest Begins NOW!

 Welcome to Day 1 of our 25 Day Ottawa Life Christmas Calendar.  We'll be updating with a new treat daily so be sure to check under the  OLM Tree to see what's there each day. Now we know these things usually end with a big surprise but we thought why

One Year (A)LIVE on Elgin!

 ABOVE: Father son team of Jon and Lawrence Evenchick celebrate year one at LIVE! on Elgin. (Photos by Andre Gagne) He’s been a booking agent, a promoter, a manger and a band member. For a guy who’s been involved with the local music scene for nearly 10 years, it only

February 19th to 21st

 Here at Ottawa Life, we are always looking out for great things to do on a weekend! Check out some of the events that are happening right here in our city. Fatboys Southern Smokehouse, YOW Welcome Group's Night of Music - Feb. 19th (7:00PM) Swing by Fatboys to enjoy a