Welcome to Friday Drive this January 9th. It's time to settle in, unwind and recline while we bring you out of the work week and into the weekend with some music that hopefully will set the tone for the next few days. When planning this weeks show I reached for a classic twelve inch by Rick Holmes and Roy Ayers called Remember To Remember. Holmes takes the listener into his own personal mind garden filled with the icons of the day that had been positive forces in his life. The list is a whose who that were on the scene in African American culture in the seventies. I decided to use that message as a jumping off point for this show and as such we are going to dig into a very rich vein of musical history and play a few of that era's greats from Curtis Mayfield to Nina Simone to Gil Scott Heron and Brian Jackson.
| Remember To Remember Rick Holmes - Remember To Remember 12’ |
| The Whole Damn World Is Going Crazy John Gary Williams - John Gary Williams |
| Song Of the Wind Gil Scott Heron and Brian Jackson - Bridges |
| Ain’t No Love In the Heart of the City Bobby Bland - Dreamer |
| Baltimore Nina Simone - Baltimore |
| Wanda Unda Landa Frank Motley and the Bridge Crossings - Chip Dip 
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| Date With the Rain Eddie Kendricks - People Hold On |
| Walk A Mile In My Shoes Syl Johnson - Is It Because I’m Black |
| Spread Love Michael Orr - Spread Love |
| Sometimes Shirley Nanette - Never Coming Back |
| We the People That Are Darker Than Blue Curtis Mayfield - Live |
| Pusher Man Pucho and the Latin Soul Brothers - Super Freak |
| Such A Beautiful Feeling Young-Holt Unlimited - Oh Girl |
| Kiba The Fatback Band - People Music |
| What’s Happening Here Natural Four - Heaven Right Here On Earth |
| You Can’t Turn Me Away Sylvia Striplin - Give Me Your Love |
| Subway Shuffle Linda Lewis - Heart Strings |
| Look Of Slim Gene Harris - Elegant Soul |
| Strawberry Letter 23 Shuggie Otis - Freedom Flight |
| Ruby Love Bill Withers - + Justments |
| Galatea’s Guitar Gabor Szabo - Dreams |
| Dirty Funk Wayne McGhie and the Sounds of Joy - Wayne McGhie and the Sounds of Joy
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| Didn’t I Darondo - Let My People Go |
| Dr. T David Axelrod - Marchin’ |
| You Will Not Lose Alain Toussaint - Southern Nights |
| I know Myself The Sylvers - The Sylvers |
| Slow Dancer Life Force - Life Force |
| Memories Of Moments Demo Gates - Memories Of Moments
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| Extra Curriculars:
EVERY TUESDAY AT 7 - 11 PM Open Mic Night hosted by Jess Cole & Ketura Johnson @Cassette Listening Bar 2557 Baseline Road Come jam! EVERY WEDNESDAY AT 10 PM - CLOSE lifeboogie presents: [Why Not] w/ Trevor Walker @27 Club 27 York St. Event: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Zy6cc6XWv/ No Cover | 19+ Every Wednesday @27clubottawa everyone’s welcome to pass through for my weekly jam where Trevor stretches out and drops a diverse open format soundtrack of solid vibes for Ottawa’s music lovers. You can expect all the favourite tunes you’ve never heard before. Always trying to keep if fresh with vinyl + digital sets ranging from Funk, Soul, Boogie, dance floor Jazz, Breaks, House, Hip Hop, Drum & Bass, Bruk, Afro, Latin, Brazilian, Reggae and whatever moves our souls selected for dancers. Always trying for a taste of what I didn't know we're all missing. Trust the DJ! Also been live streaming for the global fam and couch clubbers! twitch.tv/lifeboogie You can also find archived sets on Trevors SoundCloud page: https://soundcloud.com/trevorlifeboogiewalker Vibes to get you past the midweek hump! Hope to see you out making moves. EVERY THURSDAY AT 10 PM - 2 AM Take Off Thursday w/ DJ Nauty Nice + Selekta Shells on weekly rotation @27 Club Ottawa 27 York St. No Cover | 19+ The gateway to your weekend! EVERY FRIDAY AT 7:30 - 10:30 PM Ten Toes Trivia hosted by Floydeeee @Ten Toes Coffee Co. 837 Somerset St. W. Join host Floydeeeee at Ten Toes Somerset every Friday to put your knowledge to the test. Three rounds, free to play with prizes galore. No reservations, first come first serve. EVERY 1st FRIDAY of the month, 2026 7:30 - 10:30 *Jan 2nd The Ed Lister Group @The Night Oat 750 Gladstone Event: https://www.facebook.com/share/19U5Ym6w6g/ Tonight you can join us the The Ed Lister Group, a quintet featuring a revolving cast of the finest jazz messengers in Ottawa, Montreal and sometimes Toronto sets at 7:30pm and 9:30pm $15 cover SATURDAY, JANUARY 10, 2026 AT 9 PM - 3 AM White Rabbit: Martin Villeneuve + House Of Wayne + He-Menace @City At Night 222 Slater St. Event: https://www.facebook.com/share/1C15RqzG83/ Tickets: Ticketssairyo.live/event/4028/white-rabbit-martin-villeneuve-house-of-wayne-he-menace-l0rtl5 Saturday January 10th we're hosting some of Ottawa's top house music afficionados MARTIN VILLENEUVE www.instagram.com/martin.villeneuve/ www.soundcloud.com/martin-villeneuve Accomplished Canadian DJ & producer, Martin Villeneuve aka MV / Envy has released numerous productions on industry heavyweights such as PinkStar Black (SUI), Hotfingers (Italy), Housesession (GER), Yoshitoshi (USA), Pornostar (HUN) and countless others. His music has been featured by international brands such as Armani, Hed Kandi, Ultra, Bacardi, Global Underground, Pacha, Privilege, Tranceport, Heineken and Tuborg. His productions have received support from such notables as Pete Tong, Danny Tenaglia, UMEK, Deep Dish (Sharam & Dubfire), Manuel De La Mare, Crazibiza, My Digital Enemy, John Digweed, Roger Sanchez, Steve Lawler, and numerous others. His music regularly charts on all the major music sites. In 2006, his rework of the Styx classic “Mr. Roboto” reached the #1 spot overall on Beatport and 40 of his releases have made their way in Beatport’s top 100. From 2006 to 2009 he owned and operated Heaven nightclub in Ottawa, Canada. Leading British music site, Trackitdown(dot)net once hailed "Martin is one of the most exciting producers of the last 12 months". Past residencies include Stereo, Circus and New City Gas in Montreal, all clubs that have been featured in DJ Mag’s Top 100 clubs in the world. w/ local support from: HOUSE OF WAYNE HE-MENACE (Hoppy Hour) FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2026 AT 10 PM - 2:30 AM Pozativ + Kapacity present: Mark Farina @Gridwrks 221 Rideau St. Event: https://www.facebook.com/share/1CR47NheJ1/ Tickets: Ticketsticketscandy.com/e/mark-farina-at-gridwrks-pozativ-kapacity-11406 ***New date Friday January 23 - all tickets purchased for the original September date will be valid for the new date*** GRIDWRKS — sibling to the long-running City At Night — is thrilled to host MARK FARINA's return to Ottawa, in collaboration with Pozativ and Kapacity, Friday Friday January 23, 2026 (new date), with support from DJ BALU & JEFF DOUGLER, and DJ ILLO. Housin’ for Mikey - Support Our Friend, Our Brother, Our Promoter... We’re coming together to raise funds for Mikey, a beloved member of our music community. Mikey suffered a devastating stroke that left him paralyzed on his left side. If you’ve danced at a party, vibed at a Hip Hop, D&B or Electronic music show from 2000 onward chances are Mikey Aka Kapacity Entertainment made it happen. He’s been a tireless promoter, pushing the underground scene and lifting up artists and fans alike. Now it’s our turn to lift him up. Mikey needs our help so a portion of every ticket sold will help with his recovery. Let’s show Mikey the love he’s given to all of us___ MARK FARINA is the legendary DJ and producer behind the iconic Mushroom Jazz series. He has been moving dance floors worldwide for over three decades with his signature blend of house, jazz-infused grooves, and laidback beats. From Chicago’s underground to global festival stages, his sets are a masterclass in deep, soulful rhythm. ___ From 10pm 19+ ID Required Tickets & Tables Packages via Ticketscandy: https://ticketscandy.com/.../mark-farina-at-gridwrks... Limited tickets at the door (first-come, first-served) Non-refundable FRIDAY, JANUARY 30, 2026 AT 9 PM - 3 AM White Rabbit + Axé Worldfest Present: Hector Romero (NYC) + Rick LaPlante + Queenyy Celebrating Claudia Balladelli’s Birthday! @City At Night 222 Slater St. Event: https://www.facebook.com/share/1G5wCxHXww/ Tickets: Ticketssairyo.live/event/4018/white-rabbit-axe-worldfest-present-hector-romero-nyc-o2f5pl FRIDAY January 30th, to help us celebrate Claudia Balladelli's birthday, WHITE RABBIT & AXÉ WORDLFEST proudly present, for his first appearance in City At Night: HECTOR ROMERO (Orianna Records/ Def Mix NYC) There have been lots of changes over the past four decades in New York Nightlife. The sounds have gone from Disco to Freestyle to House to Techno; the venues have gone from Studio 54 to Palladium to Sound Factory and Pacha to Output; and the borough to dance in has gone from Manhattan to Brooklyn. But there has been one element in the community that has been able to survive the ever–evolving landscape, and that is the DJ. Not many of course, but a few talented, Inspired DJ / Artists have remained at the forefront of the industry during this time. One of those is Hector Romero. Born and raised in The Bronx, Hector’s DJ experiences include playing legendary venues like Red Zone, Limelight, Palladium, Save The Robots, The Roxy, Cielo and Output. Over the years he has evolved into one of New York City’s prime ambassadors of House music, bringing his unique Soulful and Latin inspired House vibe to venues around the world. With 40+ years of experience this career jock is now throwing his musical diversity and eclectic taste as a sought-after A&R in the music business. Under his belt are various mix compilations that he has curated, King Street’s “Soulful House Journey”, Nervous Record’s “Weaving Genres” Vol.1 & 2. These projects showcase Hector’s abilities not only as a DJ but as an A&R exec that has an ear for quality music. He attributes his business savvy by having worked with industry legend Judy Weinstein during his 20 plus years at Def Mix Productions. This is where he matured as a record executive working alongside Grammy awards winning DJs David Morales, Frankie Knuckles and Satoshi Tomiie. Those relationships taught him essential lessons about the equal importance of a great beat and a great song. Currently Hector acts as A&R Director of Orianna Music, a Latin Electronic boutique label owned and operated by Sony Music, a position he truly loves. Although New York is still his home, Hector spends a great deal of time traveling where he can be found stirring up dance floors in Italy, Greece, Japan, Spain, Canada and various parts of the world. http://www.facebook.com/hectorromeronyc https://www.facebook.com/defmixproductions/ http://twitter.com/DJHectorRomero Soundcloud http://soundcloud.com/hectorromero http://instagram.com/hectorromero/ W/ LOCAL SUPPORT FROM: RICK LAPLANTE QUEENYY FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2026 AT 9 PM - 2 AM Brazilian CARNAVAL 2026 @27 Club Ottawa 27 York St. Event: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Cz5CbAeqB/ Tickets: Tickets · Free - CA$27.96www.eventbrite.com/e/brazilian-carnaval-2026-tickets-1978205569109 Saravah presents: Brazilian C A R N I V A L Featuring the best in Brazilian culture: live music, DJ, food, drinks, costumes and dancing Friday, February 13 2026 Flávia Nascimento and Dj JolyB bringing you the best of Carnival! We have tickets available at a very special EARLY BIRD price, get yours!! Only $10 + taxes SOLD OUT The 27 Club (located at 27 York St, Ottawa) Doors at 9pm Tickets $25 We have a limited amount of FREE tickets for Brazilian NEWCOMERS - JOIN US! SOLD OUT !!! This event is 19+ **Tickets are non-refundable. We appreciate your support and understanding** Streaming, Archives & stuff! Catch me on twitch.tv/lifeboogie *when possible -Wednesday | 22h | “Why Wednesday” Remote Stream @27 Club Open format 100% vinyl or digital for dancing -open format pop ups & the occasional raid trains Socials / Archive: Instagram / Twitch: @lifeboogie Fecesbook: https://www.facebook.com/djtrevorwalker MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/trevor-walker4/ SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/trevorlifeboogiewalker |
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Back to the roots, indeed! Shuggie Otis' original recording of Strawberry Letter 23 does not get enough airplay. Thanks for fixing this.
4:51 PM, January 9th, 2026