Happy Friday “Drivers” fam and welcome to this week’s show!
Hello Spring, finally!
With all the tributes and throwback shows that have been a necessity during the past few episodes and months I’ve been neglecting a whole whack of newer releases and recent acquisitions that have accumulated over the past couple of months.
Sadly, this show will only be a small glimpse into what’s been coming out as the full breadth is quite extensive and impressive which might entail some extra content for all of you who listen to the show on demand.
Hopefully this week will offer a taste of what I didn’t know we’ve all been missing and provide some inspiration and escape in these trying times.
The usual downtempo start with some acceleration here and there in the “unwind from the week” first hour and taking things up to wind you all up for whatever your weekend has in store.
Going to get things started with what has become somewhat of an annual tradition at this time of year by spinning my friend Miguel Graça’s remix of Paul Piché’s “Heureux D’Un Printemps” and see where we go from here.
Happy listening, thank you all for taking the time and hope you enjoy this week’s offering.
| Heureux D’Un Printemps (Miguel Graça Remix) Paul Piché - Paluche 3.14 Album - Jajou 
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| Calypso Blues (Mo’ Horizons Remix) Néné Vasquez - Agogo Makes The World Go Round 2 v/a Single - Agogo Records 
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| Found A Light (Beale Street) Badbadnotgood & V.C.R. - Single - XL Recordings |
| You Will Be Back Afrodizz - From Outer Space Album - Independent
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| Yiri Yiri Bom Las Panteras - Hasta Cuando Album - KaRu Prod |
| bottom of first broadcast hour 17h30 EDT |
| peechless (Drum ’n’ Bass) Count Basic - Kruder & Dorfmeister: The K&D Session TM v/a Album - !K7 Records |
| War Edit MIR Crew - 4 Edits EP Single - G.A.M.M. Enterprises Inc.
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| Prophecy (Jungle Version) Mark Force - Single - Independent
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| Unreliable Memories Of Contested Conversations Galliano - Unreliable Memories Of Contested Conversations Album - WoozyWu Records
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| Cumbia Fantasia Mexican Institute Of Sound, Meridian Brothers - Ruido Tovar Album - Ansonia Records
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| Cumbia De Los Estudiantes Mexican Institute Of Sound, Meridian Brothers - Ruido Tovar Album - Ansonia Records
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| For The Love Of It (Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly Remix) Dele Sosimi & The Estuary 21 - Wah Wah 45s Remixed 3 v/a Album - Wah Wah 45s
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| end of first broadcast hour 18h EDT |
| on demand exclusive |
| Losalamitoslatinfunklovesong Lance Ferguson - Rare Groove Spectrum Vol. 3 Album - Tru Thoughts
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| Lo Life Antibalas - Hourglass Album - Daptone Records
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| Bergen Sunrays (Session Victim Remix) Espen Horne feat. Selim Mutig - Wah Wah 45s Remixed 3 v/a Album - Wah Wah 45s
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| How Far Nubiyan Twist feat. M.anifest And Eniola - Chasing Shadows Album - Strut Records
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| Escape Antibalas - Hourglass Album - Daptone Records
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| Pathways To Presence Emanative - Abstract Intuition Album - Home Planet Recordings |
| Zaire Mitchum Yacoub - Cumbia No Get Enemy / Zaire Single - Jazz Room Records
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| Lihue (Laìz & The New Love Experience Remix) Nautilus - Oonops Drops x Agogo Records Album - Agogo Records
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| Nebulosa 45 Trio - Tenorio / Nebulosa Single - Jazz Room Records
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| Solace Antibalas - Hourglass Album - Daptone Records |
| bottom of second broadcast hour 18h30 EDT |
| Jus Reach 25 Galliano - Unreliable Memories Of Contested Conversations Album - WoozyWu Records
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| Beyond Matahari Sons - Beyond Album - Agogo Records |
| Fund Da Asa Fabio Santanna / Live Motel - Asa Noite Album - Dippin' Records
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| Vanguard Drive Esa Williams feat. Tasneem Williams - Dala What We Must Album - BBE
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| end of on air broadcast 19h EDT |
| on demand exclusive |
| Maya (Auntie Flo Extended Version) Doe Paoro - Teach Us Of Endings / Maya Auntie Flo Extended Versions Single - A State Of Flo
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| Jolloff On The Roll Off (BORDA Space Funk Mix) Sunbörn Meets Clap! Clap! - Wah Wah 45s Remixed 3 v/a Album - Wah Wah 45s
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| Bust The Bus Stop Brooklyn Funk Essentials - Bust The Bus Stop Album - Dorado Records
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| Green Banana Galliano - Unreliable Memories Of Contested Conversations Album - WoozyWu Records
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| Don's Place Soulive - Single - Independent |
| Cumbia No Get Enemy Mitchum Yacoub - Cumbia No Get Enemy / Zaire Single - Jazz Room Records
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| Extra Curriculars:
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 & Keturah 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 Nyce + 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 FRIDAY AT 10 PM - 2 AM In D Basement Fridays: Soca Vs DanceHall @56 ByWard 56 Byword Market Square Every Friday in the basement at 56 ByWard join DJ Magnificent, DJ UP ’N Gone, Selekta Shells, DJ Fusion + Special Guests for an evening of 100% Dancehall & Soca Anthems! FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2026 AT 10 PM - 2:30 AM SpaceCamp presents: RUMPUS - Best Of The West @Gridwrks 221 Rideau St. Event: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DXvvTHcof/ Tickets: Ticketsticketscandy.com/e/spacecamp-presents-rumpus-best-of-the-west-15966 About the Event: Saddle up, space cowboys — the West is coming East on April 17! Join SpaceCamp and City Presents a one-of-a-kind club experience channeling the spirit and bass-driven pulse of Canada’s West Coast underground dance club and festival scene. This event blends immersive, neon-western “space cowboy” aesthetics with a forward-thinking soundscape designed to transport guests into a high-energy frontier where club culture meets cosmic rodeo at GRIDWRKS! About the Artists: RUMPUS is an award-winning DJ and producer RUMPUS is pushing the boundaries of house music, seamlessly blending his productions with live drumming to create a unique and electrifying experience for his fans. RUMPUS has lit up stages at some of the world’s most iconic underground festivals, including Shambhala, Burning Man, Envision, Bass Coast, and Lightning in a Bottle. With multiple Beatport-charting tracks and over 10 million streams, RUMPUS has released music on powerhouse labels including Insomniac, Club Sweat, Space Yacht, DND, Hood Politics, and Westwood Recordings. RETURN OF THE JADED is a Canadian producer, DJ, and badman known as Return of the Jaded offers electronic music synonymous with superior sound quality, history, nostalgia, and cheeky rave culture. By blurring the lines between tech house, indie house and melodic techno, he creates a truly unique dance floor experience. He is fuelled by the desire to offer fresh alternatives to electronic music trends and has made a lasting impression upon superstars, tastemakers, and underground aficionados alike. DASA is a DJ, event promoter and budding producer based in Ottawa, Ontario. Coming from a musical family, he started playing bass in rock and progressive metal bands while growing up in the 90s. His influences draw from a wide range of sounds that filled his home growing up - including disco, rock & roll and heavy metal. He is the co-founder of the House of Kink and SpaceCamp - two of Ottawa’s premier community dance events/raves, both of which aim to capture the essence of some of their favourite festivals, creating welcoming experiences where people feel free and safe to dance, express themselves and make genuine connections. SOKOTTA is a house and techno music producer based in Ottawa. His raw passion for electronic music began in 2013 when he first discovered electronic music, and quickly fell in love. He began experimenting within electro house and carved out his own style of groovy underground, bass-heavy groove - rooted in house and techno, with a flair for intricate ear candy, female vocal textures - and a low-end that he affectionately dubs “mature wubs.” Lasers and Visuals by the one and only @lh.fx.visuals ! About the Collective: As always, SpaceCamp encourages freedom of expression, whimsy, and playfulness by inviting guests to join us in bringing our theme to life! Space cowboy, neon outlaw, rhinestone rodeo, and other cosmic outlaw-type outfits are very much appreciated! Check out our Pinterest board for inspiration: https://pin.it/59ZUVZkvE This is a consent-forward, inclusive, body-positive, queer-affirming space. Come to dance. Come to connect. Come to feel. Come to play. Friday April 17, 2026 GRIDWRKS, 221 Rideau Street Tickets & packages available at gridwrks.ca We view the dance floor as a sacred space. It’s a place where people can get lost in the music and sensations; a place where we hope people feel free to express themselves without words. Help us keep the dancefloor sacred by trying to keep conversations on the dancefloor to a minimum and move to the sidelines/back of the dancefloor or to the seating areas for conversations Costumes or theme-wear are always optional, however we do try to offer an alternative to the stereotypical beauty norms of traditional night clubs. As such, we invite our guests to get silly and creative and to wear what makes them feel fun, sexy, beautiful, or extra We ask guests to respect each others’ personal space and boundaries. Try to give people room to dance. If someone is in the zone, let them be. If someone does not want to dance, respect their no You can appreciate each others’ beauty and creative costumes/dance moves, but someone’s clothing or dancing does not imply consent to touch. Seek clear, enthusiastic and ongoing consent for any physical contact/activity and respect decisions. No means no! Know your limits - moderation is key! Please practice responsible and safer partying. Protect your ears. Stay Hydrated. Take breaks. Stretch. Take care of yourself and each other - We all want to continue dancing together for a long long time. See you on the dance floor! SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 2026 AT 9 PM - 4 AM Camo Sessions present: DOPE SHIT! w/ Wubzy + Bitrate + Crash + Shut + Dhao + Smelly @Cassette Lounge Bar 2557 Baseline Road Came Sessions crew will be dropping the D&B all night at Cassette! SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 2026 AT 10 PM - 2 AM B4CKROOM: Chris Endo & RE:SETER @Annx 221 Rideau St. (2nd Floor) Event: https://www.facebook.com/share/18W31ewyVz/ Tickets: Ticketssairyo.app.link/PD60l2VdX1b Fade out the world for a while. Close your eyes and let the music take over. Rooted in underground rave culture, B4CKROOM is a back-to-basics, music-first night: long DJ sets, darker and grittier sounds, and an intimate, intentional room. No phones on the dance floor. Just music and the people in the room. SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 2026 AT 10 PM - 3 AM White Rabbit: BIGSTUFF + BRINK + SEBASTIAN COUTURE @City At Night 222 Slater St. Event: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Ax7VcdV6k/ Tickets: Ticketssairyo.live/event/4210/white-rabbit-bigstuff-brink-sebastian-couture-hiylnl LOOK! >> NEW HOPPY HOUR TIME! NOW from 10pm - 11pm!! REDUCED ADMISSION AND 1/2 PRICE DRINKS from 10pm to 11pm! Saturday April 18th we're hosting a lineup of some of Ottawa's top DJ talent, featuring nothing but the best underground house/tech-house music in our nation's capital. BIGSTUFF BRINK SEBASTIAN COUTURE Guarantee your spot now with advance tickets to this intimate & exclusive dancing experience via saiyo.live! - Walk-ins are available on a first-come, first-served basis (Subject to venue capacity). DOORS AT 10pm, Hoppy Hour from 10pm-11pm! SUNDAY, APRIL 19, 2026 AT 1:30 - 3:30 PM Capital Session: LATIN HOUSE Edition w/ DJ Easy El Dee + Dancer Effect! @NAC 1 Elgin St. Event: https://www.facebook.com/share/18HnhPa136/ Capital Sessions is back at the NAC on April 19th from 1:30 to 3:30 PM with our Latin House Edition! DJ Eazy EL Dee and dancer Effect from Moov Ottawa! It's a free community house dance practice brought to you by Tangent and Rise Ashen! 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 dancers. 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 an amazing dancer and hear the freshest new global house music played by a world-class DJ on a great sound system! 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 are May 24 and June 28th, talent will be announced as we go forward! Arnaldo "Effect" Betancourt Silva Arnaldo "Effect" Betancourt Silva is a dancer, choreographer, and artistic director with a distinct esthetic rooting from his Afro-Cuban and Breaking background. He was born in Havana, Cuba, then grew up in Montreal, Canada and now lives in Ottawa with his wife and daughter. Although he has trained in many styles, he specializes in Breaking, House, Hip Hop and dabbles into Popping and social Latin dances like Salsa and Bachata. Through his career, he has been able to perform on major stages, including Cirque du Soleil for the Pan Am Games, Cirque Éloize in Montreal and Dammam, and the Juno Awards in Ottawa. He is also the co-founder and artistic director of Moov Ottawa Dance, a Canadian street dance company, and Moov Bouge Danza, a nonprofit organization dedicated to dance education and community engagement. Beyond performance, Effect is committed to cultural exchange and community-driven projects. In 2023, he traveled to Korea for a research and cultural connection project, deepening his understanding of global street dance culture. More recently, he completed two tours in Ontario within the Francophone arts scene. As a new father, he balances his artistic career with family life, drawing inspiration from both. Through workshops, mentorship, and collaborations, he continues to push creative boundaries while making a lasting impact on the Street Dance world. Eazy EL Dee Eazy EL Dee is an internationally experienced, Montreal-based DJ known for his electrifying sets that fuse Hip-Hop, R&B, Reggae, Dancehall, and Latin music. Born in Lima, Peru and raised in Aylmer, Quebec, his journey into music began in Ottawa’s vibrant scene and took full flight after moving to Montreal, where he officially launched his professional DJ brand in 2009. With a career spanning over a decade, Eazy EL Dee has become the official DJ for acclaimed Quebec hip-hop group Dubmatique and Gatineau lyricist D-Track, cementing his status in the Canadian music landscape. His talent has taken him to stages around the world, including performances at Ottawa’s Bluesfest, gigs in Cuba, and a televised appearance on Télé-Québec’s PlazaPlaisir. Whether he’s rocking nightclubs, festivals, corporate events, or private parties, Eazy EL Dee delivers an unforgettable musical experience that keeps crowds moving. His mixes, available on SoundCloud and Mixcloud, showcase his unique ability to blend genres and connect with diverse audiences. SUNDAY, APRIL 19, 2026 AT 7 - 10 PM EEJUNGMI + Yolande Laroche @Champagne Bath 327 King Edward Ave. Event: https://www.facebook.com/share/14U3Vzj35zq/ Tickets: Ticketswww.tixtree.com/e/eejungmi-yolande-laroche-at-the-champagne-bath-23b83fee6ddf Bringing bubbling pop songs and ambient-electronic selections, we are thrilled to welcome EEJUNGMI to the Champagne Bath this spring in celebration of her debut album Water is a Shifting Mirror, constructed from field recordings of rivers, currents of driving bass, and splashes of the artist's ethereal voice. She will be joined by local multi-genre angel Yolande Laroche, both offering up a hybrid performance of live and DJ'd material. Experience the show from inside the pool through underwater speakers, in the sauna, or poolside under the sun roof. ABOUT THE ARTISTS EEJUNGMI Eejungmi (이정미), the electronic project of Toronto-based artist and DJ Katie Lee, creates music that invites you in with a gentle familiarity. While approachable, her music gradually reveals a surprising depth, pulling listeners into a heavier, more complex emotional space. Anchored in left-field techno, house, and downtempo, she crafts sonic landscapes that coax hidden emotions to the surface. Whether behind the decks or performing live, Eejungmi explores the delicate balance of tension and release, guiding the room through a journey that drifts between quiet heartache and profound catharsis. This cycle of loss and rebuilding is the foundation of her newly released debut album, Water is a Shifting Mirror. Constructed from field recordings of rivers, the record uses the flow of water to map the unpredictable stages of grief, with her own ethereal voice serving as a steady guide through the current. https://eejungmi.bandcamp.com/ https://soundcloud.com/eejungmi https://www.instagram.com/eejungmi/ YOLANDE LAROCHE Yolande Laroche is a Canadian Taiwanese singer-songwriter, producer, clarinetist, keyboardist and DJ based in Gatineau, Quebec. While actively playing with her group projects Pony Girl (Paper Bag Records) and KAY-fayb, she is also exploring all avenues of avant-pop with her solo project Orchidae (Birthday Cake Records). For her more experimental and club-adjacent work, she produces under her own name, Yolande Laroche. https://yolandelaroche.bandcamp.com/album/journal-denfance https://www.instagram.com/yolandelaroche_/ WHAT TO BRING: - Bathing suit - Towel - Robe - Flip flops or slides for pool deck / showers - Lock for changing room lockers - non-glass water bottle ABOUT THE SPACE There are two change rooms: one for women and gender nonconforming folks and one for men and gender nonconforming folks. No gender policing will be tolerated - please use the change room you are most comfortable with, and respect others’ right to choose. Change rooms have 2 private stalls with toilets, and open showers with multiple shower heads. Lockers are available in change rooms for personal belongings. No food or drink permitted in the change rooms. Water bottles (no glass please) are permitted on the pool deck and mezzanine. There is a dry sauna on the pool deck. Capacity is limited to 10 people at a time. Seating available on pool deck. Parking - Free parking in lot behind building. Free street parking on York St. Bike parking in front of building. PLEASE NOTE: Due to limited capacity in the pool area, you may be directed to the Mezzanine level until space opens up. Please arrive on time if you would like to get into the pool right away. Swimmers must shower before entering the pool. Photo policy: cameras are permitted, however please do not take photos of the lifeguards or other people without their consent. ACCESSIBILITY Pool area, change rooms, and sauna are all wheelchair accessible. There are 4 steps to access the mezzanine level. Free tickets available for care attendants - email hello@debaser.ca to request. Jump the line policy - disabled attendees are welcome to skip to the front of the line. FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2026 AT 8 - 11:45 PM lifeboogie Weekend DJ set @FONO 473 Bronson Ave. FONO is handing the musical direction over to Trevor Walker aka “lifeboogie” to provide the soundtrack for the night on Friday April 24. Expect “a taste of what you didn’t know you we’re missing” with a journey through global grooves featuring anything from Jazz-Funk, Soul, Afro, Latin, Brazilian, House, Bruk & so much more all carefully curated from some of the deepest crates in the city all on vinyl! SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 2026 AT 7 PM - LATE Hidden Crates w/ Vektrx + Paarleh @Cassette Lounge Bar 2557 Baseline Rd Hidden Crates are back on the decks to bring an all vinyl set of Hip Hop, Funk, Soul, R&B & more while also celebrating Vektrx birthday at midnight! Don’t sleep! SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 2026 AT 7 PM R&B Period. 2026 @Rogers Centre Ottawa 52 Colonel By Dr. Event: https://www.facebook.com/share/15bJhaK1x9a/ Tickets: https://RANDBPERIOD2026.eventbrite.ca You and 1,500+ R&B lovers, dressed in all black, coming together for an unforgettable dance party, sing-along, and meet-up, carefully curated for Ottawa’s finest. EVENT: R&B PERIOD. DATE: Saturday April 25, 2026 VENUE: Rogers Centre - 85 Colonel By Dr. Ottawa, On, Canada TIME: 7PM - 12:30AM Hosted by Prosper & Mace MUSIC: DJs and guests to be announced. VIBE: An unforgettable dance party, sing-along and meet up, carefully curated for R&B music lovers. Featuring breathtaking panoramic views, overlooking the iconic Rideau Canal and historic Parliament Hill. DRESS CODE: All Black Attire. SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 2026 AT 10 PM - LATE Loose Joints w/ DJs Maybe Tommy + Lougi3n + O Say + Honey Crisp @FONO 473 Bronson Ave. Loose Joints is back on April 25th with an all star lineup of selectors providing the vibes for your Saturday night at Ottawa’s newest HiFi Lounge! WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 2026 AT 12 PM The Ed Lister Group feat. Alex Moxon: Southminster noon hour show @Southminster United Church 15 Aylmer Ave. Event: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BHPyN9QaL/ A swinging, grooving afternoon of music is to be had on April 29th as The Ed Lister Group welcomes Alex Moxon to the stage!! Free will offering show. The band features..... Ed Lister ~ Trumpet Alex Moxon ~ Guitar Deniz Lim Sersan ~ Piano Chris Pond ~ Double bass Jose Garcia ~ Drums THURSDAY, APRIL 30 - SUNDAY, MAY 3, 2026 Empowering Women in the Music Industry EWIMI 6th Edition @NAC 1 Elgin St. Event: https://www.facebook.com/share/1GYHMWE5Td/ Tickets: Ticketsnac-cna.ca/en/event/40721 The showcase banners are organized by date below: April 30 - shows open to the public, link to the tickets May 1 - shows open to the public, link to the tickets May 2 - shows open to the public, link to the tickets Axé WorldFest present the 6th annual edition of their much anticipated conference: Empowering Women in the Music Industry - EWIMI / April 30, May 1 & 2 2026 Our activities: EWIMI6 is a three-day, multi-venue conference and showcase program featuring seventeen events across nine venues, including thirteen live showcases and six DJ showcases, alongside networking mixers, artist pitching, keynotes, panels, workshops, mentorship, wellness sessions, museum networking tours, and nightly showcases. Our vision: EWIMI is a national and international gathering dedicated to women-identifying, non-binary, trans, Two-Spirit, and gender-diverse artists and music industry professionals, while welcoming allies into a respectful, supportive space. The 2026 theme, Cultural Connectors, positions artists and cultural workers as bridges between communities, cultures, and countries, advancing collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and relationship-building toward a more equitable global music ecosystem. Presented by Axé WorldFest in partnership with the National Arts Centre, EWIMI connects industry leaders and emerging talent to exchange knowledge, spark new projects, and build lasting professional relationships, centering voices historically underrepresented in the music industry. Artist curation pairs emerging and established talent to encourage mentorship and audience development, showcasing globally influenced, genre-blending artists and creating meaningful opportunities for artists, cultural workers, and local businesses. All live showcases are at the National Arts Centre - tickets for the showcases can be bought via NAC website: https://nac-cna.ca/en/event/40721 May 1st & 2nd - DAYTIME ACTIVITIES like: Keynotes, panels, workshops and professional development are FREE w/ RSVP (Link coming soon) www.axeworldfest.com LIVE Artist Showcases below Thursday April 30th 2026 - 6pm Official Opening NIGHT w/ Red Carpet Experience at Fourth - National Arts Centre * Doors 6:30pm * shows 7pm Miss Mcleod Miss McLeod is a powerhouse singer, songwriter, producer, and performer from Ottawa, Ontario, bringing bold theatricality, fearless artistry, and a dash of Jamaican roots to every stage she touches. Born in 2005, she is already a prolific creative force, having written, produced, and released seven albums, with her most recent projects entirely self-mixed and self-mastered, establishing her as a fully independent, artist-led creator with exceptional technical and creative command. Divka DIVKA is a sonic experience using bygone folk songs from Ukrainian and global women's music-making traditions, weaving a sonic constellation of delicate arpeggios on bandura (esoteric Ukrainian harp), ethereal vocals, and guttural ancient invocations on the viola. As a sonic rebel reckoning, DIVKA's music is charged with mythology, traditional village singing, and generations of femme power, mystic whimsy, and a dash of vengeance. Their debut album will be released April 2nd, 2026, and you can listen to their single "Kailailiri" everywhere music is streamed. Tara Moneka Tara Moneka is a Black Iraqi artist and singer whose music bridges cultures, histories, and traditions. Born in Baghdad and raised in a Sufi family, she blends Afro-Sufi, Arabic, and Swahili influences with Jazz, R&B, Soul, Funk, Blues, Maqam, and Afrobeat. Singing in Arabic, English, Urdu, Spanish, Turkish, and Swahili, she treats music as a universal language. Her journey began at 13 on The Voice Middle East. As the lead of Dijlah, an all-women band, Tara amplifies women’s rights through sound. Her performances connect past and future, East and West, with resilience and purpose. Ammoye Ammoye is an 8‑time Juno‑nominated artist known for her vibrant blend of reggae fusion, soul, jazz, dub, and R&B. Originally from Clarendon, Jamaica and now based in Toronto, she draws inspiration from icons like Bob Marley, Sade, and Grace Jones. She has shared stages with major artists including Michael Bublé, Sean Paul, Ziggy Marley, and Wyclef Jean, and has performed at international festivals such as CoMa Fest (Brazil), Exit Festival (Serbia), and Afrofest (South Africa). Following her U.S. debut tour and her Lincoln Center performance, Ammoye prepares to release her new album The Shift and its companion Book of Affirmations in 2026. Friday May 1st 2026 - Fourth Stage - National Arts Centre * Doors 6:30pm * shows 7pm Samantha Christ François Samantha Christ François, a Haitian singer, began her musical journey at age 7 in her church, where her passion for music first took shape. She performs with ease in Creole, French, English, Spanish, Portuguese, and Swahili. Her versatile voice moves effortlessly through gospel, R&B, Latin rhythms, and jazz, showcasing a remarkable ability to blend styles. In 2020, she relocated to Ottawa, Canada, where she found new artistic opportunities. Since then, she has collaborated with numerous musicians and has become a valued presence in the local music scene, enriching it with her cultural heritage, talent, and vibrant artistic energy. Siibii Siibii is a Montreal-based queer, trans non-binary, Indigenous songwriter creating emotionally charged, genre-fluid pop rooted in identity, ancestry, and self-acceptance. Named after the Cree word for “river,” Siibii channels ever-flowing intention and imagination into electronic grooves and luminous vocals. Their self-titled debut EP Siibii (2025) earned widespread acclaim, CBC Music Top 100 placement, and three sold-out release shows in Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal. With over three million streams and breakout track “YOY,” Siibii is quickly emerging as one of Canada’s most compelling new voices. Kazdoura Founded by Syrian singer Leen Hamo and Lebanese jazz musician John Abou Chacra, Rooted in Levantine Arabic music and fueled by genre-bending experimentation, Kazdoura is a vibrant fusion of Arabic Maqams, middle eastern groovy rhythms, psychedelia, and soulful jazz saxophone, creating a fresh and electrifying take on Arabic classics and original compositions. Mireya Ramos Latin Grammy winning, multiple Latin Grammy and Grammy nominee vocalist, musician, composer, producer, arranger and founder of Flor de Toloache– NY’s only all women mariachi. Mireya embodies all of her musical influences whether classical, mariachi, salsa, merengue or hip-hop, always creating a unique and refreshing sound. Her versatility, natural improvisational skills and beautiful tone has made her one of the top Latin artists in New York City. She is currently promoting her debut solo album self titled “Mireya” which include collaborations with Flor de Toloache, Gaby Moreno, Haydée Milanés, Camilo Lara, Adrian Quesada, Velcro and the legendary Mike Garson. Friday May 1st - 11pm *LATE NIGHT*SPEAK EASY Little Favela Studio party DJ Artist SHOWCASES Juana Go-Gó Natalia Lebeis - Brazil La Niña Kiwi Saturday May 2nd 2026 - Azrieli Studio - National Arts Centre * Doors 7 pm * shows 7:30 pm Amanda Fox Amanda Fox is Ojibwe and a proud member of Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory, currently based in Ottawa. A lifelong pow wow dancer with over 30 years of experience, she is a cultural advocate sharing Indigenous stories and traditions through dance, beadwork, sewing, and movement. Amanda created Pow Wow Workout, an innovative fitness experience blending pow wow dance, storytelling, and Zumba to promote holistic wellness and cultural learning. Through workshops, classes, and community outreach across Canada, Amanda inspires participants to connect with culture, move with intention, and embrace balanced, healthy lives. Empress Nyiringango Empress Nyiringango is a Rwandan/Canadian multilingual singer-songwriter blending Rwandan traditional music with contemporary influences. Creator of the JABLUR sound, she fuses jazz, blues, and ancestral rhythms while spotlighting the inanga, a sacred Rwandan zither. Through powerful chants, she shares messages of hope, healing, resilience, and love. Her album UBUNTU was nominated for Global Roots Album of the Year at the 2024 Canadian Folk Music Awards, and her music appears in the award-winning film It Comes in Waves. She is currently preparing a new album for Fall 2026. The Pairs This Internationally touring band of celebrated songwriters greet every stage with a genuine, quirky presence and unbottled chemistry. Their sibling harmonies and familial banter quickly connects them to their audience. Whether The Pairs are playing an intimate house concert or a sold out show at a Performing Arts Centre, these classically trained vocalists make it their mission to employ three-part harmony and honest storytelling as the mighty tools that soften and connect us. The Pairs will release their fourth studio album in Fall 2025. This album encapsulates the authentic, minimalistic, and acoustic style performances the trio has become known for. Rachel Therrien A highly active musician and creator, Rachel Therrien released Mi Hogar II with her Latin Jazz Project, on March 7 2025 with Lulaworld records. Trumpeter, composer and producer, Rachel Therrien has built a reputation as an internationally acclaimed artist, standing out for her versatility and unique instinct for musical innovation. Nominated at ADISQ with the albums Mi Hogar and VENA, at the JUNOs with her fifth album VENA (four stars from Downbeat), and at the GRAMMYs with Virtual Birdland by the Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra, Rachel is a renowned musician CLOSING PARTY WITH TIMEKODE (Trevor Walker & Kwende) FEATURING MC Alea De Castro and DJs Seiiizi & Karyen 11PM - free with your wristband and/or tickets from the showcases - You can also buy this section for $15 (link coming soon) This conference is brought to you by Axé Worldfest in partnership with National Arts Centre Co-presenters: CKCU FM (more TBC) Government funding by: Ontario Creates FRIDAY, MAY 1, 2026 AT 7:30 PM The Ed Lister Group feat. Alex Moxon @Night Oat 750 Gladstone Ave. Event: https://www.facebook.com/share/18TqVgJBVt/ The Ed Lister Group will be lighting up the stage for their monthly residency at the Night Oat! for the month of May, we'll be featuring prolific guitarist Alex Moxon and the music of Woody Shaw! This will be a blazer of a night and the band is stacked!!! Ed Lister ~ Trumpet Alex Moxon ~ Guitar Mark Ferguson ~ Organ JP Lapensee ~ Bass Jamie Holmes ~ Drums $20.00 entry fee!! SATURDAY, MAY 2, 2026 AT 11 PM - CLOSE TIMEKODE X EWIMI ’26: Official Closing Party Takeover w/ special guests DJ Karyen + hosted by MC & Dancer Alea De Castro! @D’Afrique 349 Dalhousie (2nd Floor) Tickets: https://www.timekode.com/tickets The TK crew have the pleasure of teaming up with AXE to provide the soundtrack for the EWIMI ’26 closing party at D’Afrique with special guests MC & Dancer Alea De Castro (hosting) + DJ Karyen alongside the crew Seiiizi + DJ Memetic + Trevor Walker. Keep an eye out for all the upcoming events. Don’t sleep! SATURDAY, MAY 2, 2026 AT 10 PM - 3 AM White Rabbit: SETOU & SENYO + DAVE STARKS + ELYZE @City At Night 222 Slater St. Event: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Cn6UAfaSY/ Tickets: Ticketssairyo.live/event/4297/white-rabbit-setou-senyo-dave-starks-elyze-l4twre Saturday May 2nd we're hosting a lineup of some of Ottawa's top DJ talent, featuring nothing but the best underground house/tech-house music in our nationa's capital. SETOU & SENYO DAVE STARKS ELYZE MONDAY, MAY 4, 2026 AT 6 PM - MIDNIGHT 45 Day 2026 w/ Jas Nasty + Seiiizi + Cool Cal + lifeboogie + Chris Int’l + Vektrx + Zack Parker @Cassette Lounge Bar 2557 Baseline Road Ottawa selectors Jas Nasty + Seiiizi + Cool Cal + lifeboogie + Chris Int’l will be linking up May 4th at Cassette for an all 45s set to celebrate the 45 Day 2026 Celebration as part of the legendary 45 Day Twitch Raid Train! Hope you can join us! 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. SATRUDAY, MAY 9, 2026 AT 9 PM Mecca Of Stank + NitroTurtle @Irene’s Pub 885 Bank St. Event: https://www.facebook.com/share/18L4h3Qjgg/ Tickets: Ticketsbuytickets.at/irenespubandrestaurant/2110020 Join Mecca of Stank with special guest NitroTurtle for an incredible night of soul, funk, jazz-fusion, old school hip hop with a dash of reggae featuring some of the funkiest musicians in the city! SATURUDAY, MAY 9, 2026 AT 10 PM - 3 AM White Rabbit: MARTIN VILLENEUVE + UNKL PAULY + CALLAN FARRELL @City At Night 222 Slater St. Event: https://www.facebook.com/share/14a2WzFDU9G/ Tickets: Ticketssairyo.live/event/4298/white-rabbit-martin-villeneuve-unkl-pauly-callan-farrell-7xjduj Saturday May 9th we're hosting a lineup of some of Ottawa's top DJ talent, featuring: 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: UNKL PAULY CALLAN FARRELL FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2026 Atlantis Jazz Ensemble Release Party @Irene’s 885 Bank St 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 with a release party at Irene’s in case you missed the first party at Minotaure. SATURDAY, MAY 22, 2026 AT 7 PM - CLOSE lifeboogie Saturdaze *on a Friday @Cassette Lounge Bar 2557 Baseline Road *Usually every first Saturday monthly! Dropping an open format of vintage & contemporary Jazz Funk Soul Afro Latin Reggae Disco Boogie + stuff all on 100% vinyl the first Saturday of every month at @cassette.613 Can’t wait to share some good music with you all in an intimate atmosphere where you’re free to dance, vibe, drink, eat and groove to a little taste of what we didn’t know we’ve been missing. Also streaming remotely to twitch.tv/lifeboogie on “lifeboogie Vision” Hope to see some fam out to enjoy the selections! SATURDAY, MAY 30, 2026 AT 7:30 PM BLACK SHEEP FUNK: Smelloship + Mecca of Stank @The Black Sheep Inn 753 Chemin Riverside, Wakefield, Qc. Event: https://www.facebook.com/share/1HKkRNUFDB/ Tickets: Ticketsevents.frontdoor.plus/event/2153 BEHOLD - FUNKY MUSIC AT THE BLACK SHEEP Come dance the night away with the galaxy's finest: Smelloship (southern-soaked funk) - www.smelloship.com Mecca of Stank (soul, funk, r&b) - www.meccaofstank.com 7:30pm doors, 8pm music $20 advance OR $40 entry with bus from Ottawa - highly limited! Grab your seat now. -------------------------------------------------------- FUNKMOBILE PICKUP / DROP OFF INFORMATION: The bus will depart at 6:30 PM from Tom Brown Arena: 141 Bayview Station Rd, Ottawa, ON K1Y 4T1 After the concert, the bus will leave the venue at 11:00 PM and return to Tom Brown Arena for drop-off. SATURDAY, JUNE 6, 2026 AT 11:30 AM - 9 PM Saravah Brazilian Festival 3rd edition! @Ottawa Sign York St, Byword Market Event: https://www.facebook.com/share/18SA76Rcrt/ Saravah presents The 3rd edition of The Saravah Brazilian Festival June 06, 2026 Location The Ottawa Sign on York Street Plaza (the strip of the street as well) in the Byward Market. **Looking for Vendors, volunteers and sponsors** INTERESTED? get in touch via infosaravah@gmail.com Immerse yourself in the lively music, arts, dance, food, culture and heritage of Brazil with Saravah! Join us in celebrating diverse identities, championing Brazilian artists of all backgrounds. Come engage with stories that resonate across cultures. Don’t miss out— experience Brazil in Ottawa! THIS is a FREE FESTIVAL with activities and performances for the entire family --Street performances, Brazilian dance classes food vendors and much more TO BE ANNOUNCED-- This event is partially funded by the City of Ottawa & Heritage Canada SATURDAY, JUNE 13, 2026 AT 4 PM Pique #20 - 5 Year Anniversary! @Arts Court 10 Daly Ave. Event: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BFKyWhnMM/ Tickets: Ticketswww.tixtree.com/e/pique-20-5-year-anniversary-a52c303c403e After five years of reshaping Ottawa’s underground arts landscape, Pique arrives at its 20th edition with momentum, reflection, and an eye firmly on what’s next. This season’s program brings together returning collaborators and new voices from across local and international scenes, bridging different communities, genres, and styles. Get to know our lineup and grab your tickets now. -------------------- When you pay $75 or more for a ticket to Pique, you help subsidize a ticket for someone else in need, and promote admission equity and accessibility in the arts. Subsidized (choose-your-own-price) tickets are available for registration while supplies last. Please note that subsidized tickets will only be available for purchase online, and are no longer available to purchase at the doors. 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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