Theatre Patrick Langston
A solo, autobiographically rooted show by The Kids in the Hall alumnus Bruce McCulloch; a journey with the Debajehmujig Storytellers of Manitoulin Island, Ont. into the 18,000-year history of Aboriginal peoples in North America; a yoga-based production (audience participation voluntary) about consciousness shifting: diversity underpins the Magnetic North Theatre Festival June 4-13. In all, ten shows from various parts of Canada in multiple venues around town. Tickets/information: NAC box office, 1-888-991-2787, ticketmaster.ca, magneticnorthfestival.ca
Big Beat Peter Simpson
Dorothy Cochran’s Consequences of Emotion collage, from art exhibition inspired by Peggy Blair novel Hungry Ghosts
Murder was the case for almost two dozen artists who have created works inspired by the latest mystery novel from Ottawa author Peggy Blair. The novel, Hungry Ghosts, follows detectives who investigate murders in Cuba and Canada. Twenty-two artists from Canada and the United States have works of art, each somehow based on the novel, in an exhibition to be unveiled during the official launch of Hungry Ghosts. The event is 6 to 9 p.m., Thursday, June 4, at the Cake and Shake (229 Armstrong Ave. in Hintonburg). The exhibition continues to the end of June. Admission is free, and “Hungry Ghost Beer,” courtesy the Clocktower brew pubs, will be served. See images at ottawacitizen.com/bigbeat.
Classical Steven Mazey
Hear some of the Ottawa area’s promising teen musicians when the Young String Performers’ Foundation presents a fundraising concert Saturday, June 6 at First Unitarian Congregation. The charitable organization offers concert opportunities and presents annual bursaries to students up to age 18. You’ll hear chamber music by Beethoven, Mendelssohn, Ravel, Vivaldi and others and a guest appearance by violinist Yehonatan Berick, who teaches at University of Ottawa. 7:30 p.m. 30 Cleary Ave. $20 general; $15 students; Free for children 10 and under. 613-238-3434; yspf.ca
Rock Lynn Saxberg
A new downtown live-music venue opens Friday, June 5 with a free show featuring the Ottawa-born band the Balconies, along with synth popsters Fevers. For the pop-rock trio Balconies, it will be a chance to showcase some new songs. For Ottawa music fans, it’s an opportunity to check out the 120-seat space above Dunn’s restaurant, 220 Elgin St., which is open to all ages. The club has a full schedule of shows this month, including a Tuesday-night open mic stage.
Jazz Peter Hum
New York-based jazz vocalist Aubrey Johnson plays GigSpace on Saturday- June 6 with Ottawa pianist Steve Boudreau.
Ottawa’s GigSpace performance space (953 Gladstone Ave.) has just purchased a new grand piano and it will get an auspicious debut this Saturday when Ottawa pianist Steve Boudreau plays duets with New York vocalist Aubrey Johnson. The two met a few years ago as students at the New England Conservatory of Music and established a musical connection that continues to this day. Expect fine interaction and creativity over a program that will include everything from jazz standards to Bjork. The music starts at 7:30 p.m and admission is $20.
