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Friday Drive
Friday January 23rd, 2026 with Nick Williams
Fuego Caliente

As we slip into a mid winter deep freeze here in the nations capital it’s important to stoke the soul with a fuel that burns bright and hot. With that in mind I dug into my latin section this past week seeking some music that would be sure to thaw out even the coldest limbs. Over the next two hours your going to here music from all over the place from Spanish Harlem to Chile, Peru, Argentina, Uraguay, Colombia and of course Spain. The tunes will run the gamut from Latin soul and psych to boogaloo, rumba, mambo, funk and beyond. I had a blast putting this weeks show together, some of these albums had been gathering dust on my shelves for too long, I hope these grooves help recharge your batteries as they did mine. Stay warm out there.
Night Life
Benitez and Nebula - Night Life
Son A Propulsion
Juan Pablo Torres - Algo Nuevo
Undress My Mind
Ocho - 8
Harlem River Drive
Eddie Palmieri - Harlem River Drive
Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child
El Chicano - Viva Tirado
Caliente
La Kabala - La Kabala
Yeya Son
Ricardo Eddie Martinez - Expresso Ritmico
Little Habana
The Souljazz Orchestra - Freedom No Go Die Canadian
De Eso Nada Monada
Ray Fernandez - Ray and His Court
Melao
Juan Marquez - Marquez
Rat Race
Ralfi Pagan - I Can See
Magic Rose
Joe Bataan - Subway Joe
A 1 Complicite
Angelilo et Jared - Compliucite Canadian
Dale Negro
Juan Carlos Caceres - Malon
Valdez In the Country
Black Sugar - II
Vamonos
Elkin and Nelson Morin Velez - Elkin & Nelson
No Digas Que No Compadre
Orquesta Los Van Van - S/T
Go For the Others
Sail-Joia - Sail-Joia
La Nina De Los Montoya
Pedro Ruy-Blas - Dolores
Soledad
Chakachas - Chakachas
Saviota
Clare Fischer - Machacas
Man On the Banks
Sinto - Sonho Negro
Beautiful Seven
Takeshi Onodera & Los Onoderas - Dynamic Latin Drums
Carly Carola
Maranata - Maranata
Viva Tirado
Fania All Stars - S/T
Fingers
Airto Moreira - Fingers
A Song For A Helping Hand
Salinas - Atlantis
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 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.
Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/hectorromeronyc
https://www.facebook.com/defmixproductions/
Twitter
http://twitter.com/DJHectorRomero
Soundcloud
http://soundcloud.com/hectorromero
Instagram
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
Interactive CKCU
Neil & Dancer
This will be awesome today, Nick !

8:25 AM, January 23rd, 2026
Nick Williams (host)
I'm glad you're looking forward to it Neil : ) Definitely what I'm in need of right about now. Brrrrrr

3:55 PM, January 23rd, 2026
Johnny G
Bring on the fuego!

5:00 PM, January 23rd, 2026
Nick Williams (host)
Yeah man let's get cookin : )

5:04 PM, January 23rd, 2026
Heavy Ben
Well, I know you're not playing CDs cuz they don't do that ;) Great set, Nick!

5:20 PM, January 23rd, 2026
Terry M
I’m liking this show a lot. I hear some El Chicano I think.

5:20 PM, January 23rd, 2026
Nick Williams (host)
Yes that was some El Chicanoi fuego

5:29 PM, January 23rd, 2026
Nick Williams (host)
Yes Ben all vinyl every time for sure, thanks man

5:30 PM, January 23rd, 2026
🦅
tres coooolllll list 🕊

5:31 PM, January 23rd, 2026
Satellite Birdhouse
Perfect tunes for a cold day!!

5:31 PM, January 23rd, 2026
Nick Williams (host)
Thanks satellite, glad you're tuned in

5:39 PM, January 23rd, 2026
Chris I.
Heat it up Nick!

5:41 PM, January 23rd, 2026
Lxo
Dancing in the kitchen while making soup!

5:50 PM, January 23rd, 2026
Nick Williams (host)
Yo Chris glad your tunes in bruh

5:51 PM, January 23rd, 2026
Nick Williams (host)
Keep an eye on that soup Leo ; )

5:52 PM, January 23rd, 2026
Robert p in gat
Thanks.

6:02 PM, January 23rd, 2026
Trevor Walker (host)
First hour was fuego

6:03 PM, January 23rd, 2026
Trevor Walker (host)
Fuego puro 🎉🔥 🎉🔥

6:04 PM, January 23rd, 2026
Nick Williams (host)
heh heh mucho fuego caliente del norte!

6:05 PM, January 23rd, 2026
Nick Williams (host)
Glad your tuned in and takin it easy on a Friday early eve Trevor : )

6:15 PM, January 23rd, 2026
Trevor Walker (host)
Hey 🥂 Nick!

6:21 PM, January 23rd, 2026
Manmohan
The tunes are really groovy and just right for a cold evening! Fantastic.

6:24 PM, January 23rd, 2026
Nick Williams (host)
Right on Manmohan, glad your diggin it

6:35 PM, January 23rd, 2026
Chris I.
Sheeeesh!!!

6:35 PM, January 23rd, 2026
Nick Williams (host)
Man on the Banks is a scorcher

6:39 PM, January 23rd, 2026