Friday, May 4

Jessica Pearson and the East Wind

Live on Elgin
220 Elgin st. 2nd Floor
Doors at 7:30pm
$10 Advanced | $12 at the door

This dynamic trio always puts on a fantastic show. The band’s chemistry is undeniable, and their onstage banter and storytelling is onpoint. JPEW not only radiates with lighthearted and lively performances, but they are also able to draw on the affect of some of the more traditional East Coast-inspired tunes that they play, capturing the spirit of times past and placing them squarely in the now.

Lora Bidner

Blacksheep Inn
763 Chemin Riverside Wakefield,QC
Doors at 8:30pm
$10

Lora Bidner is a talent to be reckoned with. Her songs are thoroughly well crafted and compelling. She experiments with harmonies and timbres in a way that makes music sound new again. But her songs hold that magic that will have you leave a show humming melodies. Not only is she an practicing film scorer, but she has won numerous awards for her original music. She is an absolutely captivating performer. Tonight she will be playing with Declan O’Donovan.

80s Dance Party

House of Targ
1077 Bank St.
Doors at 9 pm
$6

We would be remiss not to mention House of Targ’s Star Wars themed ‘80s dance party in honour of May the Fourth. The night will start out with tribute band The Underground, who will play the very best of 80s new wave hits. Later, Ottawa legend Remi Royale will wear his DJ hat tonight as he spins the most authentic mix of ‘80s power hits. You. Must. Dance. Bonus, here’s a clip of Remi Royale talking about his experience of being on the Price is Right in the 90s.

DIY Spring Festival 2018

Friday & Saturday
General Assembly (Friday) & D’Afrique Restaurant and Bar (Saturday)
Show starts at 7 pm
$7-$33 (day and weekend passes available)

This! This! This! A fantastic festival that cultivates the work of young artists in the hip hop futurism scene. This festival runs over Friday and Saturday and showcases the work of queer folks, women of colour and indigenous heritage from across the country. Under the direction of community educator Elsa Mirzaei with the support of Mikayla Gordon aka Seiiizmikk, these leaders in Ottawa’s music scene are practicing what they preach.

Saturday, May 5

Iron Maidens

Brass Monkey
250 Greenbank Rd
Doors at 8 pm
$34

The Brass Monkey always has a good lineup of metal acts on the weekends, but this Saturday they have something unique on the bill. The Iron Maidens are the world’s first and only all-women tribute to Iron Maiden. Hailing all the way from southern California, this beyond talented tribute band is a must see for fans of 80s heavy metal. True to form they perform songs from every phase of Iron Maiden’s career and put on truly theatrical performances.

Lindi Ortega

27 Club
27 York St
Doors 8 pm
$20

The unequaled Lindi Ortega will be gracing the stage at the 27 Club this Saturday. On her most recent album Liberty this accomplished Toronto-based artist goes back to the Mexican-Irish roots to create a truly powerful album. Drawing on her established Nashville sound and inspiration from the scores of spaghetti western composer Ennio Morricone, this new album is true sonic spectacle. Don’t miss this chance to see her play this new material live. She will be joined by country-blues artist Jeremie Albino. Bonus: after the show 27 Club will be hosting a Motown Soul Dance Party hosted by DJ Stacey Ann and DJ Emmett starting at 11 pm.