Happy Friday “Drivers” fam and welcome to this week’s show!
Yet another great loss to be mourned and celebrated at once on today’s show and the untimely passing has given me the opportunity to contribute and celebrate an exceptional black artist during this year’s Black History Month.
Deroy Ebow Taylor in January 1936 was a Ghanian guitarist, composer, bandleader, record producer and arranger, best known for his contributions in shaping Highlife, Afrobeat and West African music globally, left us last Friday, February 7 after 90 spins around the sun.
Needless to say today’s show will be dedicated to running through as much of the gifted legacy he left us.
Ghana Music (ghanamusic.com):
“Taylor’s influence on highlife and Afrobeat music spans more than six decades, during which he established himself as a guitarist, composer, and arranger of exceptional talent. He played a pivotal role in shaping Afrobeat during its formative years in the 1960s and 1970s, working alongside other giants of the genre.
Even in his later years, Taylor remained remarkably active, continuing to create new music and perform live across the globe. His energy and dedication to his craft kept him relevant across multiple generations of music lovers, earning him respect from both veteran musicians and contemporary artists alike.
Ebo Taylor’s work bridged traditional Ghanaian musical forms with international jazz, funk, and soul influences, creating a distinctive sound that brought West African music to global audiences. His guitar work was particularly celebrated for its innovation and technical mastery. His place in both Ghanaian and global music history is firmly established. His contributions helped define the sound of modern West African popular music and influenced countless musicians across the continent and beyond.”
I’ll be pulling from my somewhat limited collection of Ebo Taylor recordings mostly on reissue coupled with collaborations, productions, writing credits and guest appearances to give you all a feel for his unique sound.
I've included some additional content available on demand as there's simply too much to fit in two hours but I'm sure Nick will be able to pick up the slack and fill some gaps in next week's show.
I’ve provided some links below for anyone interested in a deeper dive.ds
Happy listening, thank you all for taking the time and hope you enjoy this week’s offering.
Keep it locked!
Ebo Taylor:
Wikipedia:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ebo_Taylor
Discogs:
https://www.discogs.com/artist/274623-Ebo-Taylor
YouTube:
https://youtu.be/ZyEdWlfIgHE?si=OXYe9Rr3PB24sgQA
https://youtu.be/oOm127NX5Ig?si=Ue1R7UvzR7GqSQhL
https://youtu.be/cioeNoKpxUA?si=5oABcTMOu2KXXhO7
https://youtu.be/inEUcTn5wWA?si=BASFvx4FElsf23am
https://youtu.be/vBS6UAdFiEc?si=HAAEwrZYjD682Kbz
https://youtu.be/MIXnjmqItrg?si=aHb3gy-QoJKfut0T
https://youtu.be/7J2obPoM2SA?si=wE2kJGkb7WnCk8Wc
| Christ Will Come Ebo Taylor - Conflict Nkru! RE Album - Mr Bongo / Essiebons |
| Any Nyame Neo Ebo Taylor - Ebo Taylor and The Pelikans RE Album - Superfly Records |
| Will You Promise Ebo Taylor - My Love and Music RE Album - Mr Bongo / Gapophone |
| Serena Professor Wouassa feat. Ebo Taylor - Grow Yes Yes! Album - Matasuna Rec. |
| Amaehu Pat Thomas & Kwashibu Area Band - Pat Thomas & Kwashibu Area Band Album - Strut Records |
| bottom of first broadcast hour 17:30 EDT |
| Love Ebo Taylor - Conflict Nkru! RE Album - Mr Bongo / Essiebons |
| Nsu Na Kwan Ebo Taylor - Appia Kwa Bridge Album - Strut Records |
| Heaven Ebo Taylor - Ghana Soundz V/A Album - Soundway Records |
| Odofo Nye Akyiri Biara Ebo Taylor - My Love and Music RE Album - Mr Bongo / Gapophone |
| end of first broadcast hour 18 EDT |
| on demand exclusive: |
| Love And Death Ebo Taylor - Conflict Nkru! RE Album - Mr Bongo / Essiebons |
| Atwater Abroba Ebo Taylor - Twer Nyame RE Album - Mr Bongo / Philips |
| Help Africa Ebo Taylor - Palaver Album - BBE |
| Medley: Asafa Beesuon / Obaa Yaa Aye Me Bone / Kolomashie / Dofo Bi Akyerew Me / Ankwasema Dede / Okan Tsentsen Awar / Aboa Akonkoran C.K. Mann & His Carousel 7 - Funky Highlife RE Album - Mr Bongo / Essiebons |
| Nyame Dadaw Ebo Taylor - Palaver Album - BBE |
| What Is Life Ebo Taylor - Conflict Nkru! RE Album - Mr Bongo / Essiebons |
| Ehurw A Whe Whe Beebi Koto Gyedu-Blay Ambolley - Bend Down Low Album - Simgwa Records |
| bottom of second broadcast hour 18h30 EDT |
| Peace On Earth Ebo Taylor - Twer Nyame RE Album - Mr Bongo / Philips |
| Go Slow Ebo Taylor - Hitsville Re-Visited RE - Mr Bongo / Essiebons |
| Hiani Sui Eriri A Oyu Abebrese Pat Thomas & Ebo Taylor - Sweeter Than Honey Calypso “Mahuno” And High Life Celebration RE Album - PMG |
| Ma Huno Pat Thomas & Ebo Taylor - Coming Home (Original Ghanaian Highlife & Afrobeat Classics 1967 - 1981) - Strut Records |
| Oye Asem Pat Thomas And Kwashibu Area Band - Pat Thomas And Kwashibu Area Band Album - Strut Records |
| end of second broadcast hour 19h EDT |
| on demand exclusive: |
| Kwaakwaa Gyedu-Blay Ambolley - Simigwa RE Album - Academy Lps / Voodoo Funk |
| Adze Akye Henbia Pat Thomas - Highlife Greats Mbrepa Album - Jap Records |
| Appia kwa Bridge Ebo Taylor - Appia kwa Bridge Album - Strut / Comet |
| 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 MONDAY AT 10 PM - 2 AM Karaoke hosted by DJ LP @27 Club Ottawa 27 York St. Karaoke Mondays! Grab your pals, enjoy the drink specials, grab the mic & the stage is yours every Monday. 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 - 2 AM 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, FEBRUARY 13, 2026 AT 7 - 10 PM Poetry Slam featuring Lindsay Mayhew @The Origin Arts & Community Centre 57 Lindale Ave. Event: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DRQoTSJmH/ Join us for a poetry slam with a feature performance by seasoned slam competitor, Lindsay Mayhew! FACE MASKS REQUIRED Fri, Feb. 13 The Origin Doors 7:00 | Show 7:30 Tickets at the door, PWYC (suggested donation: $10) Sign up for the slam or open mic at the door. Poets who sign up to perform are not required to buy a ticket. Accessibility: Step-free access. Accessible and inclusive washrooms. Alcohol-free space. Face masks required and available as needed. Pay-What-You-Decide tickets. — Lindsay Mayhew is a spoken word artist and author from Sudbury, Ontario. She is the co-editor of A Thousand Tiny Awakenings with Connor Lafortune. Lindsay is a seasoned slam competitor, placing as a runner up in the 2025 Canadian Individual Poetry Slam. She has performed on stages across North America, from Baltimore to Montreal to Vancouver. You can find more of her work in the Literary Review of Canada, Moria, and the Hart House Review. @lindsaymayhewpoet FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2026 AT 7 - 11 PM Kaskade + Swimming Paul + Queenyy @la Place des festivals Zibi 60 Rue Jos-Montferrand, Gatineau Event: https://www.facebook.com/share/1HRYpQystP/ Tickets: Ticketsbillets.gatineau.igloofest.ca/mul/go/ebc6ff26-7f3e-46c5-8778-48d38a795ccf/shop/custom-pack Fizz présente Igloofest Gatineau IGLOOFEST GAT #2 | 13/02/2026 | 19h00 à 23h Place des Festivals Zibi SCÈNE FIZZ Kaskade Swimming Paul QUEENYY FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2026 AT 7:30 - 10:30 PM Justin Duhaime & Friends @Night Oat 750 Gladstone Ave. Event: https://www.facebook.com/share/17s84Bacar/ Join us every second Friday of the month at Night Oat for an unforgettable evening of live jazz with Ottawa’s own Justin Duhaime and his talented friends. Groove, swing, fusion, & latin jazz music played by three of Ottawa's stalwart jazz musicians under the leadership of guitarist Justin Duhaime. Whether you’re a jazz aficionado or just love great live music, this monthly residency promises to delight and inspire. Pull up a chair, sip a cocktail, and let the music take you away! Cover is $20, and is collected on-site at Night Oat Gladstone. **100% of cover goes to the artist. 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** FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2026 AT 10 PM - 3 AM Après-Ski: MVNGO + Alamusic @Aux 4 Jeudis 44, rue Laval, Gatineau Event: https://www.facebook.com/share/1FxiTwGvXb/ Tickets: Ticketsbillets.gatineau.igloofest.ca/mul/go/ebc6ff26-7f3e-46c5-8778-48d38a795ccf/shop/custom-pack SATURDAY, FEB. 14 - SUNDAY, FEB. 15, 2026 Big Bang Festival @NAC (Rossy Pavilion) 1 Elgin St. Event: https://www.facebook.com/share/1AcabxkT47/ Info: https://nac-cna.ca/en/event/40316 Tickets: Ticketsnac-cna.ca/en/bigbang Ready, set... go! The shows for BIG BANG 2026 have just landed! A shower of music, fun discoveries, and joyful little bits of craziness awaits you. Fun for the whole family—and easy on the wallet! This year, on top of the two fantastic shows already announced—Thelonious and Music Under a Midnight Moon —the festival proposes four Music Rooms you can slip into like tiny secret universes: Dive straight into the gentle sounds of West Africa with Mamadou Koïta: dancing rhythms, sparkling energy, and guaranteed smiles. The Sounds of Nothing invites you to listen closely: objects start whispering, microphones catch the impossible, and reality gets a little mischievous. In a suspended moment, a bassoon and a root-boot-puppet share stories without words, guided by the talented Laurence Petitpas and Yana Ouellet’s basoon. And set off toward a soundscape that’s both strange and wonderful with Jesse Stewart and Joël Dazé, where keyboards, homemade percussion, and sonic curiosities create a world to hear… and explore! Want more? Get ready to stomp your feet and join us at the Fourth Stage, because Toronto-based Polky is arriving with their wild Polish folk rhythms and contagious energy. You won’t resist the urge to dance! This is only the beginning… On January 14, we lift the curtain on the full free programming—with even more surprises, bizarre sounds, and explosions of musical joy. BIG BANG 2026? An edition with even more sparkle, surprise, and delight than ever! What if the hopscotch playground became a dance floor? Come jump, move, and play alongside urban dancer and architect Tangent and DJ Rise Ashen. Well known for hosting the Capital Sessions community dance workshops at the NAC, this local duo exudes joyfully contagious energy! On the floor, a playful course created by Tangent invites you to explore movement step by step, jump by jump, in a groovy hopscotch game. Dive into this dance break and connect with the floor, other participants, and rhythms from around the world. With DJ Rise Ashen on the turntables, you can expect Afro-house, electro-cumbia, batucada electrónica, Indigenous American remixes, and fun global dance music for the whole family! Get ready to jump, groove, and have a blast! Saturday: DJ Rise Ashen with DJ Seiiizi and MELO-T Dancers: Miss Tangent, Eezy C and Abria Bonnar Sunday: DJ Rise Ashen with Queenyy and Trevor Walker Dancers: Miss Tangent with Ceeboy and Abria Bonnar Bilingual ● For all ● Free SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2026 AT 11 AM - 4 PM IGLOOFÊTE 2026: FREE EVENT! @la Place des festivals Zibi 60 Rue Jos-Montferrand, Gatineau Event: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DGt35GCp7/ SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2026 AT 9 PM Funk Night At Irene’s @Irene’s Pub 885 Bank St. Event: https://www.facebook.com/share/1JxCrcXLB5/ Tickets: Ticketsbuytickets.at/irenespubandrestaurant/2038731 Two sets of live funk and soul music for you and yours, on Saturday March 14. Who are Smelloship? 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 debut EP in 2024, 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 artists like Moon Hooch. They're currently back in the studio preparing their third EP. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2026 AT 9 PM - 3 AM White Rabbit: Cole Huyssen b2b Callan Farrell + Brink b2b Alamusic + Josh Robertson @City At Night 222 Slater st. Event: https://www.facebook.com/share/1EBDUZJs2a/ Tickets: Ticketssairyo.live/event/4055/white-rabbit-cole-huyssen-b2b-callan-farrell-brink-b2b-alamusic-josh-robertson-nolxfe Saturday February 14th we're feeling the love and friendship with some b2b sets, and an extended HoppyHour set from an out of town guest! COLE HUYSSEN b2b CALLAN FARRELL BRINK b2b ALAMUSIC JOSH ROBERTSON (Extended set) 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.) SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2026 AT 5:30 - 8 PM Almonte Black History Month Celebration Family Dance Party & Youth Dance (8 - 10 PM) @Almonte Old Town Hall 14 Bridge St, Mississippi Mills, ON K0A 1A0 Tickets / Info: https://almonteblackhistory.ticketsplease.ca/almonte-black-history-dance-party/ Get ready! Our 7th Annual Almonte Black History Month Dance Party is back, and we’re turning up the rhythm, the joy, and the community spirit! Join us at the Almonte Old Town Hall for a weekend of music, movement, and celebration that honours Black culture through dance, connection, and pure fun. This year, we’re excited to add an Afrobeat dance demand class, bringing infectious energy, powerful rhythms, and interactive group lessons for all ages. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY, 20 2026 AT 8 PM 80s Dance Party w/ RJ Remi Royale + The Start (80’s UK Hits) House Of TARG 1077 Bank St. Event: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DWnos1T7L/ Presented by: House of TARG Doors: 8 PM | 19+ | Photo ID Required Cover: $12 THE MOST AUTHENTIC 80s DANCE PARTY IN THE UNIVERSE !!!! Every Other Friday at House of TARG. Everyone’s invited!! Dance the night away to all your 80s favourite tunes. 8:30pm - 10:45 - THE START The START performs 80s tunes that are tried-and-true, danceable, and uniquely British! Although a few international songs have made it into their repertoire, they try to stay within the British mod/ska/Britpop/R&B/rock genres. Gary Numan, Frankie Goes To Hollywood, Eurythmics, Billy Idol, The Smiths, Rolling Stones, The Jam.... . https://wearethestart.ca/ 10:45pm - 1am - DJ REMI ROYALE Plays all your fave 80s hits - all you gotta do is keep up with stellar dance moves. Dance Party! Dance Party! Dance Party! ~HOT TIP~ DANCE DEAL: 2-for-1 cover after 11pm Bring a Friend, Pay One Cover (after 11pm) ---------- https://www.houseoftarg.com/.../-dj-remi-royale-the-start... FRIDAY, FEBRUARY, 20 2026 AT 10:30 PM - 2:30 AM Respiration: I Can Feel The City Breathing w/ Skratch Bastid @27 Club Ottawa 27 York St. Event: https://www.facebook.com/share/1D7EVhJV4Q/ Tickets: Tickets · CA$30.61 - CA$43.93www.eventbrite.ca/e/respiration-i-can-feel-the-city-breathing-with-skratch-bastid-tickets-1980153651877 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. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2026 AT 7 - 11 PM Almonte Black History Dance Party @Almonte Old Town Hall 14 Bridge St, Mississippi Mills, ON K0A 1A0 Tickets / Info: https://almonteblackhistory.ticketsplease.ca/almonte-black-history-dance-party/ Get ready! Our 7th Annual Almonte Black History Month Dance Party is back, and we’re turning up the rhythm, the joy, and the community spirit! Join us at the Almonte Old Town Hall for a weekend of music, movement, and celebration that honours Black culture through dance, connection, and pure fun. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2026 AT 8 PM - CLOSE Dance Kulture près: Après Ski Disco All Vinyl, All Night! w/ DJ’s Trevor Walker, Diskodave, Beatscience and Dynaflex @Kaffé 1870 715 Chemin Riverside, Wakefield Event: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DGdKLkiQH/ Tickets: Ticketssairyo.live/event/4068/apres-ski-disco-house-soul-funk-disco-themed-event-f1u6sq Spinning Times = Spinning Records - All Vinyl, All Night (House, Soul, Funk & Disco) Join us for a full night of vinyl house, soul, funk & disco music as we welcome back the legendary Ottawa DJ pioneer and host of CKCU’s Friday Night Drive - TREVOR WALKER The hills are covered in snow, so grab your ski-wear combined with your disco wear style and bring your best energy to the dance floor. Our local selectors— Diskodave, BeatScience, and Dynaflex—will be joined by live bassist Greg Howlett to bring the heat to this special Après Ski Disco themed party at Kaffé 1870. Everyone is welcome! Tickets are $15 in advance, and more at the door. 100% House, Soul, Funk & Disco vinyl all night! 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. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2026 AT 9PM - 3 AM Skank x White Rabbit: Jay Function + Tanner Castro + Fembotttt + Rick Laplante @City At Night 222 Slater St. Event: https://www.facebook.com/share/1827z24mL5/ Tickets: Ticketssairyo.live/event/4095/skank-x-white-rabbit-jay-function-tanner-castro-fembottt-rick-laplante-25hjyr White Rabbit Ottawa's Collab event series brings together musically-aligned local promotion collectives to showcase the cutting edge of house and tech-house. This collaborative effort embodies the values of house music culture: inclusivity, creativity, and self-expression. By coming together with innovative talent and fostering cooperation among local promoters, we aim to strengthen the fabric of our vibrant community and keep the spirit of underground dance music thriving in Ottawa. We're thrilled to be collabing with SKANK, the brainchild of drag performer Sunshine Glitterchild and DJ Tanner Castro, produced by Glittershaker Events. SKANK. is more than just a party - it’s a celebration of freedom, self-expression, and unity FOR EVERYONE. Rooted in inclusivity and diversity, SKANK is a safe and vibrant space for the queer and trans communities, as well as everyone in between. SKANK honours the roots and evolution of electronic music. From Detroit’s deep techno pulse to tribal rhythms, breakbeats, and the soul of underground house birthed in the warehouses of Chicago - this party is all about authenticity and the power of rhythm. While we celebrate the deep roots of queer culture in house music and the club scene, this event isn’t just for the queer community, it’s for everyone. All are welcome to come dance with us! Everyone is welcome. What to expect? Carefully selected artists, sonic explorations grounded in queer heritage, bodies in motion, minds wide open. An atmosphere thick with emotion, intention, and freedom. With only the best in drag, with a safe space held sacred for the dolls. We invite you to show up fully. Let’s rewind to a time before screens, just sound, connection, and presence. Everyone is welcome! What does S/K/A/N/K stand for? Sexy / Kind / Authentic / Nerve / Kuuunt! DJs: JAY FUNCTION TANNER CASTRO RICK LAPLANTE FEMBOTTTT (featured HoppyHour DJ) w/ KIKI COE (Canada's Drag Race) SUNSHINE GLITTERCHILD SKYLER SAPPHIIRE Don't miss this epic night! We're limiting capacity for this intimate & exclusive dancing experience. Secure your spot now with advance tickets and be a part of Ottawa's most anticipated nightlife event! (This event sold out last time, it's highly recommend to buy in advance!) SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2026 AT 1:30 - 3:30 PM Capital Sessions: DJ Del Pilar & Dancer Pat Leonard @NAC 1 Elgin St. Event: https://www.facebook.com/share/1apTGx5TAr/ Free For All Ages! Capital Sessions is back at the NAC on Sunday February 22nd from 1:30 to 3:30 PM with Ottawa DJ del Pilar and dancer Pat Leonard of the Flava Factory! It's a free community house dance practice! The DJ plays deep soulful house for 2 hours straight and there are two 30-minute workshops (at 1:30 and 2:30) by our guest dancer. The instruction is visual (no screaming 1-2-3-4) and the class portion is optional, you can do you, or learn some steps! You can hang out, there's seating, an awesome cafe, great family-friendly house music and an awesome community vibe. It's a rare chance to learn some house dance steps from a great dancer and hear the freshest new global house music played by a world-class DJ on a great soundsystem! Come share-vibe and enjoy the music! Did I mention it's FREE??? If you want to mark your calendars ahead of time, the next NAC Capital Sessions will be on March 22, April 19, May 24 and June 28th, talent will be announced as we go forward! DJ del Pilar DJ del Pilar is a Queer Afro-Latine DJ and vocalist. A longtime performer and event producer, DJ del Pilar brings the beats to stages big and small, and in the past few years has graced the decks at the NAC, House of Paint, Bluesfest, and opening for Mixmaster Mike. DJ del Pilar is also the co-founder of Ottawa's longest running and coziest queer dance party, Homo Phono! She has been heavily influenced by old school hip hop, funk, disco, and house music, putting a fresh spin on dance floor classics Pat Leonard Hey, it's me your friend Pat! I'm a house dance instructor, choreographer, and student based in Ottawa. I used to teach high school math, now I teach house dance at the Flava Factory. I started my dance journey in 2016 and have been the resident house instructor at the Flava Factory since 2025. My lessons focus on building a solid foundation one layer at a time, from footwork to musicality and groove. I aim to honour the house virtues of free expression, connection, and playfulness while paying respect to the LGBT and POC pioneers of this style. SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2026 AT 4 PM Pete Woods Quartet @Open Sky Club 8, chemin Mill, Old Chelsea, QC, J9B 1K8 Event: https://www.facebook.com/share/17rP1FNipG/ Tickets: Ticketslafabsurmill.ca/event/pete-woods-quintet-open-sky-club Open Sky Club : swing des années 1930 et jazz classique, inspiré de Kansas City, avec le chanteur Tim Jackson. This new show ( musical collaboration) by Pete Wood is classic jazz with a loose Kansas City vibe and a late night club sensibility. Featuring the smooth vocals of Tim Jackson in a fresh take on 1930s swing and the swinging Pete Woods Open Sky Quartet, with: Peter Woods, saxophone Kyle Jordan, guitar Chris Pond, double bass Josè Garcìa, drums Tim Jackson is a Perth-based musician and producer who brings his soulful sensibility and technical ear to a variety of projects across folk, jazz and popular genres. A talented guitarist, bassist and singer, Tim specializes in using exquisite harmonies and textures to bring out the evocative nature of the music he plays. Tim has spent years refining his craft on stages and in studios across Canada, but is often right at home as a regular collaborator with Peter Woods, and The Kindness of Jazz project. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2026 AT 7 - 9 PM WAACKING WHACKING w/ Didi 3333 Greenbank Rd Registration: www.moovottawa.com Waacking / Whacking is back for one night only! 7-8 pm Beginner (no experience required) 8-9 pm Beginner / intermediate (some experience suggested) Limited to 20 spots FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2026 AT 7 PM - CLOSE *EVERY LAST SATURDAY of the month Hidden Crates w/ Vektrx & Paarleh @Cassette Bar Lounge 2557 Baseline Road Vektrx & Paarleh will be on the decks dropping Hip Hop gems from the 90’s to present day all on vinyl! Come through for the head nodding grooves, grab some drinks and food and get ready to east coast stomp. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2026 AT 7 PM - MIDNIGHT Subterra: Trevor Walker 100% Vinyl DJ Set! @SonoLux Hotel 225 Rue Saint-Jacques, Montreal, QC, H2Y 1M6 (Floor S, three down from the lobby) I will be providing a dinner / lounge style soundtrack at one of Montreal’s newest audio lounges within the SonoLux hotel in Old Montreal. Exploring an eclectic mix of vintage and contemporary global grooves from Jazz, Funk, Soul, Afro, Latin and electronic sounds with whatever fits between. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2026 Atlantis Jazz Ensemble Release Party @Minotaure 3 rue kent, Gatineau, QC Event: https://www.facebook.com/share/1G38L9Uk8B/ Pre order (vinyl LP / CD / digital): https://atlantisjazzensemble.bandcamp.com/ The long awaited new album from Ottawa’s very cherished Atlantis Jazz Ensemble is coming out February 27th in all formats and the band will be celebrating at Minotaure on February 28th. Don’t sleep! SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2026 AT 9 PM - 3 AM White Rabbit: Manoli b2b Tone A + Stevie Williams + The Claw @City At Night 222 Slater St. Event: https://www.facebook.com/share/1GTJjumXd9/ Tickets: Ticketssairyo.live/event/4096/white-rabbit-manoli-b2b-tone-a-stevie-williams-the-claw-z7zels Saturday February 28th we're hosting some of Ottawa and Quebec's top DJ talent! MANOLI b2b TONE A STEVIE WILLIAMS THE CLAW |
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10:47 PM, February 12th, 2026