For their end-of-season performance, the Ottawa Pops Orchestra (OPO) will be surprising audiences for a top secret concert experience at the Carleton Dominion Chalmers Centre on April 20. Expect the Unexpected: A Musical Surprise hopes to attract both season regulars and newcomers not only to the OPO, but to the world of orchestra in general. Artistic director of the OPO, Mathieu Roy, sat down with Apt613 to talk more about what they’ve been up to this season, and what audiences can expect with the unexpected. The OPO is a semi-professional orchestra with a mission of performing accessible and ..read more

Once a month, the Hyde and Seek nightclub in downtown Ottawa buzzes with the sounds of Afro house, Amapiano and Afrobeats. A crowd of bodies surround the DJ, panting and waiting for the beat to drop, and when it does, the energy is enough to blow the roof off. This party is none other than Amashowza. First launched in 2021, the event brings sounds from various cultures to the dance floor from hip-hop to baile funk, dancehall, and reggaeton. DJ Viibz, the event’s organizer, describes Amashowza as an “open format” experience. “I always advise people when they come to my shows to have an open min ..read more

It’s my first time at the NAC Fourth Stage and I’m delighted by the intimacy the venue offers with soft twinkly lights, cocktail tables surrounding the stage and ample seating. The opener, Gabrielle Shonk, takes the stage. With flaming pink locs, an oversized suit and a sincere posture that matched her lyrics, Shonk charmed the audience with songs from her sophomore album, “Across The Room”. Themes include anxiety, exes and people-pleasing but her beautiful tone and masterful guitar playing mask the emotional blow. A successful opener, her jazzy blues inflections and awkward charm won over the ..read more

 De Flore, an Ottawa-based duo that masterfully mixes bedroom pop, nu disco, French house flair, and psychedelic vibes, is opening the weeknight show at Bar Minotaure on April 10. With a sound that echoes the dreamy aura of bands like The Marias and the smooth grooves of Khruangbin, they stand out with their groovy bass lines, psych synths, and soul-touching vocals. This concert is an open invitation to discover songs from their new EP release, slow motion baby. slow motion baby by De Flore Doors open at 7pm and the show kicks off at 8pm. Montreal pop-rock outfit Frais Dispo, which include me ..read more

by Ozioma Nwabuikwu Fresh local music whenever you want it. Updated weekly by apt613.ca music writers.  It’s like New Music Friday but for #ottmusic and we release on Wednesday. Basically the same thing. Add our playlist on Spotify! How was your Easter weekend? Good? Good! We took a break last week but we’re back with a basket of fresh picks just for you! “Hurt You” by Emma Gabriel On this eclectic mix of 2000s and modern-day R&B, Emma Gabriel asks the age-old question: should I walk away from a lover that’s not good for me? The answer is always yes but Gabriel’s persona finds it ver ..read more

On March 16, a sold-out crowd convened at the Bronson Centre to honour St. Paddy proper, featuring all-star Maritime lineup including the Macéoin-Ramsay Pipe Band, the Bytown Sea Shanty Collective, the inimitable fiddler Ashley MacIsaac, and iconic Canadian rockers Sloan.   ..read more

On March 15, “The Echoes of the Motherland: Black Out Loud Volume II” celebrated the beauty and diversity within the African diaspora through musical performances and visual art. The event was organized by Diana Official, the founder of Out Loud Creative | Créativité À Tue Tête and president of the St. Paul University student union. Out Loud held its debut event in March last year, and made its return at the Atelier d’innovation social Mauril-Bélanger in Ottawa. “By recognizing and honouring the diverse roots of African heritage, whether they stem from Central America, the Caribbean, or the co ..read more

by Ozioma Nwabuikwu Fresh local music whenever you want it. Updated weekly by apt613.ca music writers.  It’s like New Music Friday but for #ottmusic and we release on Wednesday. Basically the same thing. Add our playlist on Spotify! Spring’s finally here and the sun’s out (in other parts of Canada). To celebrate, we have some more rousing picks from local talent just for you. “Diva” by Chyme On “Diva”, Chyme tells a tale of forbidden lust and irresistible desire on the dancefloor over lively Afrofusion rhythms. You can’t sit still when this is on, I know I couldn’t! *whines waist* [Spoti ..read more

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