Happy Friday “Drivers” fam and welcome to this week’s show!
Digging through some music trying to unearth a little inspiration for the first Timekode of 2026 as a little warm up set tonight and to hopefully provide some warmth and inspiration to offset the “amazing” weather we’ve been experiencing.
Big love to Nick Williams who has been doing a fantastic job hosting the show with some stellar selections on last week and the December 19th episodes, and Nick, just so you know, I’ve been thoroughly enjoying your playlist.
Today the focus will be mostly on music that would be considered Neo Soul and Jazz Funk fusion stylings which means a heavy lean on some Bruk and Housey type grooves with a sprinkling of some left turns & 70’s vibes here and there.
Gonna get things rolling on a slightly downtempo vibe to unwind you all from the week but will be taking things up for the second half of the first hour and remainder of the show to wind you all up for your weekend.
Happy listening, thank you all for taking the time and hope you enjoy this week’s offering.
Keep it locked!
| Frantic Moment (Original Cover) Quango - Single - Deeper Soul Recordings |
| Assez Afrodizz - Kif Kif Album - Freestyle Records 
|
| Pedal Bike Joe Armon-Jones & Maxwell Owin - Archetype Album - Aquarii Records |
| Arruga (Remix) Soulive feat. Ekene Nwakaye - Doin Something EP - Freestyle Records |
| Thyrrenean Sea Freeform Arkestra - Thyrrenean Sea / Freeform Theme (Raw Deal Remix) Single - Straight Ahead |
| bottom of first broadcast hour 17h30 EDT |
| You Are Heaven Sent Nicolette - No Government / You Are Heaven Sent Single - Talkin' Loud |
| Don’t Rush The Process Kaidi Tatham feat. The Easy Access Orchestra - Don’t Rush The Process Album - First Word Records |
| Work That Sucher To Death Xavier - Single - Liberty |
| R.R. Express (Long Version) Rose Royce - Single - Whitfield Records |
| Can't Stop Reel People feat. Angela Johnson - Single - Papa Records |
| end of first broadcast hour 18h EDT |
| Flying Music (Long Dub Version Chapter 2 Mix) Kuniyuki - Flying Music EP - Mule Musiq |
| Spark The Universe Ramm - Single - Coach House
|
| Oh What A Lonely Feeling Roy Ayers - Delfonic Reworked #1 EP - BBE 
|
| bottom of second broadcast hour 18h30 EDT |
| Miles Away (People People Dubbed Out Mix) Bougie Soliterre - Single - People
|
| Paradise (Afronaught Vocal Mix) 6th Sense - Single - Joint Records |
| Don't Stop Blakai - The Good Good Vol. 1 Of 3 Sampler Single - 2000 Black |
| Naima Hipnotic - Single - Laws Of Motion |
| end of on air broadcast 19h EDT |
| on demand exclusive |
| Naima 4Hero - The Good Good v/a Album - 2000 Black |
| Senor Yesterday (Sick To My Stomach) Likwid Biskit - Likwid Biskit Presents Anthology: then & now Album - People |
| Got Me Puzzled Kaidi Tatham & Dego feat. Face - Got Me Puzzled / Dhutty Jancrow Single - 2000 Black |
| Extra Curriculars:
OMIC ARTIST SUBMISSIONS OPEN FOR 2026 Call For Local and Touring Artists/Bands We want to showcase your talent in Ottawa and beyond! If you’re an artist or band (local or touring) looking to be considered for all 2026 OMIC performance opportunities, now’s the time to get on our radar. Submit your info through the 2026 OMIC Artist Submission Form. Submission link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc1-VGjJxW-7wrLLgctJYFTwkQD2A1Icy14UIhHl3W4r3SmKQ/viewform 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 I stretch out and drop 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 my 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. FRIDAY, JANUARY 16, 2026 AT 9 PM - CLOSE Timekode feat. Russ Plus + Memetic + Seiiizi + Trevor Walker @D’Afrique 349 Dalhousie St. Tickets: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/memeticmedia Timekode’s is back at D’Afrique for the first session of 2026 with special guest selector Russ Plus alongside the TK residents. TK veterans will remember Russ as one of the first faces holding down the door and the early Laurier D’Afrique era. What you may not have known is Russ has been a record collector / DJ / tastemaker all along. After years of playing all over Ottawa, Germany and Montreal to name a few TK’s psyched to welcome him and his deep selections home as we continue to celebrate 20 years. SATURDAY, JANUARY 17, 2026 AT 9 PM - 3 AM White Rabbit: Tyler Mesa, Large, Justin & Big Jimmy @City At Night 222 Slater St. Event: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Bf7WtYqP2/ Tickets: Ticketssairyo.live/event/4040/white-rabbit-tyler-mesa-laroze-justin-big-jimmy-pdi3cr Saturday January 17th we're hosting some of Ottawa and Montreal's top DJ talent! TYLER MESA LAROZE JUSTIN & BIG JIMMY Guarantee your spot now with advance tickets to this intimate & exclusive dancing experience via saiyo.live! (Seriously, it's highly recommend to buy in advance, we consistently hit capacity at some point during the night.) - Walk-ins are available on a first-come, first-served basis (Subject to venue capacity). 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 SATURDAY, JANUARY 24, 2026 AT 8 PM SILLA - Sila is Boss Album Release Show @SAW Centre 67 Nicholas St. Event: https://www.facebook.com/share/1AMBJgKPbA/ Tickets: Ticketssillathroatsingers.com/buy-sila-is-boss-release-show-tickets A rare Ottawa concert bridging Indigenous tradition with contemporary electronic music. Inuit throat singing duo, Silla celebrates the release of Sila is Boss, a fierce sonic experiment where throat singing meets club energy. Featuring a ceremonial opening, special album guests, and DJ sets from Iqaluit’s own Lambo and Greenlandic superproducer Andachan, this is a rare Ottawa experience – an immersive night where Indigenous tradition meets contemporary electronic music, built for the dance floor and meant to be felt live. Featuring special guests: Laakkuluk Williamson, Gingger Shankar, and Kevin Qamaniq-Mason DJ sets by: Andachan, Lambo 19+ Co-presented by: Qamaniq Records and Debaser For more info about artists and accessibility, visit https://www.debaser.ca/event/silla-release-show FRIDAY, JANUARY 30, 2026 AT 8 PM FUNK NITE w/ Smelloship + Friendly Frogs Freak Show + DJ The Full Time Groove @House of TARG 1077 Bank St. Event: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Ai6p9TtAH/ Tickets: www.houseoftarg.com/tix LIVE Funk, Soul and R&B SMELLOSHIP (Ottawa Southern Funk) Smelloship is a 6-piece instromonstrosity from Canada. Channeling 70s funk, soul, and southern rock, Smelloship rides a starfield where vintage tone and second-line swagger collide in greasy, greasy harmony. Since releasing their first two EPs, Smelloship’s subspace signals have been detected on radios around the globe — including CBC’s Saturday Night Jazz and All in a Day. They've opened for Parliament Funkadelic and collaborated live with Moon Hooch (NYC). https://www.smelloship.com ------------- FRIENDLY FROGS FREAK SHOW (MTL Funk) Amphibian progressive funk, energetically charged and ready to fire you up into a vortex of infinite sounds and colours backed by an eclectic rhythm section offering dancy shivers and auspicious ambience to make you bring out your inner frog. https://linktr.ee/friendlyfrogsfreakshow 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 SATURDAY, JANUARY 31, 2026 GATEBREAKERS Gatebreakers is a two day immersive songwriting camp designed to ignite creativity, develop talent, and foster collaboration among emerging songwriters and producers. Set to take place at Boombox Sound in Toronto, this program blends expert-led workshops, co-writing sessions, and industry showcases, transforming raw ideas into studio-ready songs. Application link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSffD5JOnAmtB--TO3e_CHac9kEQKv0y4rCTEeTzTZk7Cf1kfQ/viewform EVERY 1st FRIDAY of the month, 2026 7:30 - 10:30 *Feb 6 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 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** SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2026 AT 8 PM Rewind X The Reunion - Canada’s Throwback & Old School Partaaay! @Exit Lounge 1101 Baxter Rd Event: https://www.facebook.com/share/1D7DrK6WKL/ Tickets: https://RewindXTheReunion.eventbrite.ca DANCE SKATE RAP SING CHILL REPEAT Soundtrack by: @stfdjs (Sweet Touch Foundation) - Chillin’ & Grillin’ @iamdjmace (Mace) - E&I / Rewind @realrichniques (Richniques) - The Mayor @kamgilani (Kam) - Smooth As Silk @djmajess (Majess) - The Day After @itsdjrudeboy (Rudeboy) - Jeep Beats @itsdavidmason (D-Train) - E&I Canada’s throwback & old school partaay. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2026 AT 10:30 PM - 2:30 AM Respiration: I Can Feel The City Breathing w/ Skratch Bastid @27 Club 27 York St. Event: https://www.facebook.com/share/1D5PZ3Ab3L/ Tickets: Tickets · CA$30.61 - CA$43.93www.eventbrite.ca/e/respiration-i-can-feel-the-city-breathing-with-skratch-bastid-tickets-1980153651877 Live at the 27 Club – February 20, 2026 Canadian DJ Icon and DMC Hall of Famer Skratch Bastid returns to Ottawa on February 20, 2026, performing live at the 27 Club as headliner of Respiration, an event series curated by veteran promoter Mike Mikkelsen (kapacity_mikey). The event continues a creative partnership and friendship between Bastid and Mikkelsen spanning more than two decades. It is built on a shared love of hip hop and DJ culture, respect and unforgettable experiences. “Skratch Bastid is one of my favourite DJs of all time,” says Mikkelsen. “His selection, creativity, and technical skill truly put him in a class of his own. He’s the ultimate party rocker! Our collaborations go back over 20 years, and to witness his rise to global recognition firsthand makes me incredibly proud.” In 2025, Skratch Bastid continued to expand his global presence, touring internationally and growing his acclaimed Bastid’s BBQ party series in new cities with appearances from some of the most influential names in the culture. He also continued to evolve online, connecting fans worldwide through his engaging live streams, including the popular Tues Morning Coffee series. That same year, he was inducted into the DMC Hall of Fame at the World DMC Championships in Japan. Recent performances include venues such as Red Rocks Amphitheatre and Dante’s HiFi, further cementing his reputation as one of the world’s most respected and dynamic DJs. Held at Ottawa’s 27 Club, the February 20show will feature a two-hour extended set from Skratch Bastid and reflects the ethos at the heart of hip hop culture: peace, love, unity, and having fun. Full line up will be announced on January 15th. FRIDAY, MAY 8, 2026 Cranium Conference & Showcase @NAC 1 Elgin St. Application link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdYJlnAW1XDXsUpSkGRZXlgxabp5SRRJqdNVUADzJdnp-VaSw/viewform The 2026 Cranium Showcase is an opportunity to display your talents for and network with local, national and international music industry professionals. A Showcase is NOT a regular concert. Cranium Arts Project will be bringing dozens of music professionals (The National Arts Centre, Ottawa, May 8 and 9, 2026) to the event for showcasing artists to demonstrate their talent, meet in person and cultivate relationships to further your career. Showcasing artists are offered an honorarium for attending mandatory meetings and performing at the showcase. 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 |
Subscribe to Friday Drive
TGIF Drive!
11:24 PM, January 15th, 2026