GOING OUT BEST BETS, FEB. 21 TO 28
ART
This weekend marks your last chance to see the photographs, film installations and augmented reality clips that make up Anthropocene, the latest exhibition from the collective of Edward Burtynsky, Jennifer Baichwal and Nicholas de Pencier. The National Gallery of Canada exhibit, which closes Sunday (Feb. 24), depicts the striking effects of human activity on the planet. Regular museum admission applies.
ROCK
Jordan Edward Benjamin, known as grandson, is a New Jersey-born, Toronto-raised musician who combines hip hop and rock to create some of the most politically charged tracks on the airwaves. Songs such as Blood // Water, thoughts & prayers and Apologize capture the angst of a generation from the perspective of a self-described “pissed-off young poet.” He’s in town Saturday (Feb. 23) for a gig at Babylon, 317 Bank St. Advance tickets are sold out but a few may be available at the door. Doors open at 7 p.m.; showtime is 8 p.m.
FOLK
Mia Kelly, a 16-year-old with a knockout voice and a knack for songwriting (in both official languages), releases her first recording at the Black Sheep Inn on Friday (Feb 22). Recorded with Dave Draves in his Little Bullhorn studio, the EP, Cardboard Box, shows off the soulful vocals and heartfelt songs of a musician who’s been performing since she was 11. She’ll be accompanied Friday by Jacob Milnes and Luan Mizerski, with an opening set by A Leverage for Mountains. Tickets are $12, available in advance at theblacksheepinn.com. The music starts at 8:30 p.m.
ROOTS
Canada’s roots-rock institution, Blue Rodeo, returns to the nation’s capital for two shows at the National Arts Centre on Saturday (Feb. 23) and Sunday (Feb. 24). Although there’s no new album in sight, you can always count on the beloved band to deliver a show that’s defined by familiar songs and stellar musicianship. Tickets start at $61.75, plus surcharges, available at ticketmaster.ca. Opening the 8 p.m. concerts are singer-songwriter Erin Costelo.
FOOD
The Embassy of the Dominican Republic is putting the spotlight on its food and culture next week at the Sheraton Ottawa Hotel (150 Albert St.). At buffet lunches between 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Monday (Feb. 25), Tuesday (Feb. 26) and Wednesday (Feb. 27), visiting chefs Indhira Peguero and Paulette Tejada will be serving their country’s traditional fare. The cost is $30 plus taxes per person. Call 613-238-1502 (ext. 6646) to reserve. Next Thursday, Feb. 28, from 6 to 10 p.m. at the hotel, the embassy is sponsoring a Dominican Carnival night, which will include a live merengue band, dance lessons, food from the visiting chefs and a rum cocktail. Tickets: $30 at eventbrite.ca or $40 at the door.
DANCE
The Havana-based dance troupe Lizt Alfonso Dance Cuba makes a stop Friday night (Feb. 22) at the Meridian Theatres at Centrepointe as part of its 17city Canadian tour. The nearly 30-year-old troupe, which features 17 dancers and eight musicians, is renowned for flamboyant, passionate performances that evoke scenes from Cuban life and fuse elements of flamenco, ballet, contemporary dance and folkloric dances. Its choreographer, Lizt Alfonso, has been honoured in recent years by the BBC and the U.S. National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award’s International Spotlight Award. The performance starts at 8 p.m. and tickets are $57 at meridiancentrepointe.com.