OttawaStart.com
Your daily guide to Ottawa on the web


Search Google OttawaStart

Monday, May 12, 2008 • 06:12 am

Press Release Archive
March 2004


WIAM looking for new volunteers, Information session on Wed. April 7, 2004
*** VOLUNTEERS NEEDED ***

For the World Inter-Action Mondiale (WIAM) 15th Annual One World Film Festival,Other Programs & WIAM's BOARD

WE ARE LOOKING FOR DYNAMIC, OPEN-MINDED PEOPLE, TO HELP PLAN AND ORGANIZE

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO HELP IN A VARIETY OF TASKS:

Board members for WIAM interested in volunteer management, organizing fundraising activities

Assist in curriculum development and global education workshops for schools Screen and select films for our 4 themes for the 2004 festival

Publicize the Festival

Research and invite guest speakers and entertainers

All aspects of Production of Festival publicity materials (program, poster, flyer, brochures)

Plan the logistics of the Festival

Volunteer on the evenings of the Festival (in October)

Organize Special Events (e.g., Gala, special screenings, youth film festival)

Community outreach and other WIAM-related activities

About WIAM:
A volunteer-based non-profit charitable organization that raises awareness about global issues and connections between local and global realities.

WIAM works locally in partnership with individuals and organizations to:
PROMOTE educational and cultural events
PROVIDE a public forum for discussion; critical analysis and policy dialogue
SUPPORT peoples struggles at home and abroad
FOSTER an understanding of the links between local and world communities

COME AND MEET GREAT PEOPLE!

Volunteer Information session
Wednesday April 7, 2004 - 6:30 PM
Bazaar Beyond Borders
89 Montreal Rd (Just a few steps from the Rideau
Street Bridge, before the Vanier Parkway)

WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU!

For more info please contact: WIAM at 238-4659
For film festival, email: dmcmurran@hotmail.com
For overall WIAM, email: fchandani@hotmail.com

Go to top of page



SENATORS TO HOLD FAN APPRECIATION NIGHT ON SATURDAY
The Ottawa Senators today announced they will hold their annual Fan
Appreciation Night on Saturday, April 3, when the Toronto Maple Leafs visit the Corel Centre for the final game of the 2003-04 regular season.

Fans who arrive wearing Senators colours will receive a red "Beat the Leafs" towel upon entering the Corel Centre.

Fan Appreciation Night will also feature the a give-away of autographed sticks from each Senators player, a pre-game plaza party outside the Corel Centre at Gate 1 and free window-decals given out by the Subway "Subman".

The autographed sticks will be given out throughout the game with winning seat numbers appearing on the scoreboard during timeouts.

The plaza party will kick-off at 4 p.m. and will include a tent with DJ and food and beverages. Spartacat will also be on hand and the Team 1200 will also broadcast their pre-game show live at 6 p.m. from the Gate 1 interlock.

PLAYOFF TICKETS: There are still 600 tickets available for game for Game 1 and 700 tickets available for Game 2 of the first round of the 2004 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Stanley Cup playoff tickets can be purchased at www.capitaltickets.ca, by calling 599-FANS and 1-877-788-FANS, in person at all Ottawa-Gatineau area Sports Experts locations and at the Corel Centre box office. Fans can get guaranteed tickets for all playoff games and receive great savings by purchasing a ticket package for the 2004-05 season by calling 599-0200 or 1-800-444-SENS (7367).


For further information:
Phil Legault, (613) 599-0327
Steve Keogh, (613) 599-0326
Tim Pattyson, (613) 599-0239

- 30 -

Go to top of page



IFCO WILL NOT AWARD GRANT TO MOVIE
The Independent Filmmakers Co-operative of Ottawa (IFCO) is a publicly funded organization that provides a supportive structure for local filmmakers. As part of its mandate, IFCO provides assistance to filmmakers, including production service grants. Such assistance is made possible through revenue generated by IFCO and is not funded by public funds. Production service grants are awarded to those who are deemed best to bring their films to completion. An IFCO jury, as part of its selection criteria, does not examine the content of the film seeking support. At the same time, the co-operative will not provide support to a project that would contravene laws in Canada.

In December 2003, an IFCO jury expressed concerns to the IFCO Board with respect to one application - concerns that were legal in nature. Subsequently, these concerns were discussed at the IFCO Board meeting of January 14, 2004. The IFCO Board determined that the filmmaker needed to provide assurances that his final film would not contravene current Canadian law. The filmmaker was informed of the issues surrounding his grant request, and that a final decision was yet to be made. At the Board meeting on February 4, 2004, it was decided to respond to the filmmaker's website, which stated that IFCO was imposing an age restriction on actors who would appear in his film. At the Board meeting of March 10, 2004, it was decided that independent legal advice was desirable to clarify applicable areas of law, and any legal ramifications pertaining to the film. The matter was to be finally resolved at the Board meeting scheduled for April 5, 2004. Recent media attention demanded a more timely decision. On March 29, 2004, the IFCO Board met and decided to refuse the grant based on the inability of the filmmaker to provide assurances that the film would not contravene any existing law.

The denial of the production service grant application is due to concerns that are legal in nature, and not due to the particular subject matter nor the recent media attention and pressures. If the filmmaker is able to provide the assurances requested, he is able to resubmit his request for production support.

- 30 -

For additional information, please contact Sheila Pokiak, Executive Director at
IFCO at 569-1789, or email sheila@ifco.ca.

Go to top of page



ANTIBALAS AFROBEAT ORCHESTRA, Mon. Apr. 5 at Babylon
Mon.Apr.5
Babylon Presents:
ANTIBALAS AFROBEAT ORCHESTRA, doors at 9:00, tix $20 adv. later this week at Organized Sound, Norml Clothing, CD Exchange

Babylon Nightclub
317 Bank St. Ottawa, Canada
613.594.0003

http://www.antibalas.com/pages/index2.html

Antibalas will help you find your “inner freak”!

Antibalas (“anti-bullets” in Spanish) is a 14-piece-plus collective carrying on the Afrobeat tradition begun by Fela Anikulapo-Kuti. Based in New York, the band combines highlife, jazz, funk, and traditional African rhythms and informs all of it with unabashed political conviction. The band’s sound is rooted in monstrous horns and bass, polyrhythmic beats and funky breaks, and furious lyrics in English, Yoruba and Spanish. Every Antibalas show is a dance party and life-affirming celebration. The band has traveled the world, spreading its captivating sound and potent message.

Antibalas regularly wins over jazz crowds, rock crowds, DJ crowds, world music crowds, jam band crowds, and anyone else in their path. They have performed at jazz festivals from Montreal to Montreux to Istanbul. They have been favorites at multi-genre festivals such as Bonnaroo, Bumbershoot, and England’s Big Chill. They have opened for James Brown, No Doubt, Wyclef Jean, Trey Anastasio and more. They have played many of rock’s best-known venues, including Irving Plaza in New York, the Fillmore in San Francisco, and the Metro in Chicago. They have received plaudits in countless publications, including the Washington Post, the Chicago Tribune, the New Yorker, Rolling Stone and the underground URB magazine. They have also been featured on National Public Radio’s “All Things Considered” and “Fresh Air.”

Baritone saxophonist Martín Perna launched this union of Latinos, whites, African-Americans, Africans and Asian-Americans in 1998. The group released its first album, Liberation Afrobeat Vol. 1, on the UK-based Ninjatune label in 2001. The acclaimed 2002 follow-up, Talkatif (also on Ninjatune), was co-produced by Antibalas and Gabriel Roth of Daptone and Desco fame.

In addition, Antibalas appeared on the Red Hot & Riot compilation (MCA), a tribute to Fela intended to raise money for the African AIDS epidemic. Since the release of Talkatif, Antibalas has toured relentlessly throughout the United States, Canada and Europe. But the band’s New York roots remain strong. They maintain a cooperative recording/rehearsal/performance space in their community in Bushwick, Brooklyn and regularly bring the noise to clubs, outdoor festivals and events throughout the city.

Go to top of page



National Arts Centre invites Canadians to share their memories of the NAC on-line
The National Arts Centre (NAC) today issued a call to Canadians to share their memories of their experiences at the NAC as part of its 35th anniversary celebrations.

"The National Arts Centre has been a part of many Canadians lives over the past 35 years," said Peter Herrndorf, President and CEO of the NAC. "We want to hear about Canadians experiences as audience members, performers, students and patrons."

People can visit the NAC website to check out memories of memorable shows like the night in June 1969 when the National Ballet was performing Romeo and Juliet in the Opera (now Southam Hall). It was the Ballroom scene, the Montagues and Capulets consorted and suddenly - in the middle of the scene - the opera pit elevator started rising up to stage level, bringing half the orchestra onto the stage. The orchestra played on and the National Ballet danced on, including National Ballet Company founder Celia Franca in the role of Lady Capulet. Amid the confusion and astonished amusement of the sold-out audience, the elevator then lurched and began moving back down again into the stage pit. A quick-thinking violinist tied a white handkerchief to his violin bow and waved it to the audience as they descended slowly back into the pit. After a pause and some frantic adjustments backstage, the show went on.

Canadians are invited to visit www.nac-cna.ca to submit their stories. For the rest of the year, a random draw will take place each month for NAC tickets (for NAC productions presented in Ottawa or across the country) and for other NAC-branded merchandise.

-30-

Media Information:

Jayne Watson
Director of Communications
National Arts Centre
(613) 947-7000 ext 260
jwatson@nac-cna.ca

Manon Champagne
Communications Advisor
National Arts Centre
(613) 947-7000 ext 560
mchampag@nac-cna.ca

Go to top of page



Put some spring in your 2-step!
Put some 'spring' in yer 2-step, Cajun style!

Ball & Chain & the Wreckers!
May 1, 2004
at the
Bayou Blues & Jazz Club
1077 Bank St. Ottawa

9pm, $8 at the door

with special guest
Harlan Johnson on Cajun Accordian

Cajun 2-step dance lessons at the break!

More info: Michael Ball or Jody Benjamin @ 741-0721
www.ballandchain.ca
mj@ballandchain.ca

Go to top of page



Ottawa Blues This Week -- 29 March 2004
SPECIAL EVENTS THIS WEEK
*****************************
Beau Kavanagh & the Broken Hearted
Rainbow, 76 Murray Street
Saturday, April 3

Beau Kavanagh and the Broken Hearted, the freshest faces on the Alt/Blues scene, are back at the Rainbow on Saturday night. The young Montreal power trio consists of Beau Kavanagh on guitar and vocals, Marc Durocher on bass, and Matt Lavender on drums. The band has been perfecting their skills as a unit for the past seven years. The group originally started off as an alternative rock outfit, but then they fell under the spell of the Blues. Since that day they have blended their influences into what can be described as pure energy.
Audiences have gone absolutely crazy wherever the band has performed. Here's your chance to see and hear what the craze is all about. See Beau Kavanagh and the Broken Hearted on tour. See why The Ottawa Citizen gave their latest release "Good day For Dyin'" 4 STARS and said "Kavanagh himself is one of the strongest candidates for guitar glory ...."
************************************************************
FESTIVALS
***********
9th Edition: Festival Jazz & Blues Heritage
Chicoutimi, QC
March 30 - April 4, 2004
http://www.jazzetblues.com/web/site.html

Featuring: Sue Foley, Michael Jerome Browne, Carol Welsman, Hot Toddy,
Roxanne Potvin and many more.
************************************************************
LOCAL HIGHLIGHT EVERY WEEK
********************************
Weekly blues jam with Johnny Russell & Mike Ktenas
Irene's, 855 Bank Street
Thursday evenings, starting about 9 pm

Johnny Russell hosts Ottawa's best blues jam. Its three year anniversary will be celebrated this summer. Each Thursday evening at Irene's, Johnny is joined by bassist Mike Ktenas and drummer, Corky Kealy, as he coordinates an evening of the blues with Ottawa's finest players, including Southside Steve, Richard Vernon, Roxanne Potvin, Dean Dupuis and the Mud Boys, Joe Hawkins, Scotty Doubt, Tony D, Chris Breitner, JW-Jones, Billy Brennan. Special guests who have performed in the past include Sherman Robertson, Johnny Sansone, Kenny Wayne, Joe Murphy and David Gogo; Amanda Marshall recently stopped by to take part and stayed all night.

This is a blues jam you want to check out. It's a favourite of Ottawa's top blues musicians. See ˜Southside Steve' Marriner on ... guitar? ... drums? ... piano? ... digery-do? Could happen ... at the Thursday Jam at Irene's! Is your idea of heaven seeing/hearing a half-dozen blues guitarists on stage together? Could happen ... at the Thursday Jam at Irene's! Want to see a touring rock star just chilling out with a beer and good blues? Could happen ... at the Thursday Jam at Irene's! Irene's Pub serves food ... always a plus if you don't have time or want to cook dinner! The usual beverages are also available.
***********************************************************
WEEKLY EVENTS ON THE RADIO
********************************
On CKCU-FM 93.1
The "Mighty 93.1"
Community Radio serving the Ottawa Carleton Region

Sundays: 9-11 pm
Black and Blues with John Tackaberry

The show features a heavy dose of electric blues and rhythm and blues, with the occasional selection of sixties soul. The first hour is dedicated to artist profiles and reviews of recordings on particular labels. In the second hour there is a blues calendar, a run down of events in Toronto, Montreal and Ottawa, and interviews with "new and reissued blues and rhythm and blues tracks on wax" alternating with "live blues and R&B for a Sunday night" in the last half hour of the show. On the last Sunday of every month, the show goes "down in the delta" for a selection of acoustic blues tracks in the final half hour of the program.

Wednesdays: 9-11 pm
In A Mellow Tone with Ron Sweetman

Jazz from every era & every style - from 1917 To 2003. Each program features an artist, group, instrument, event, city or record label.
************************************************************
WEEKLY EVENTS ON THE SMALL SCREEN
****************************************
ALWAYS check local listings to confirm.

On Bravo - Ottawa Cable Channel 40
http://www.bravo.ca/programlistings/

Tuesday, March 30 @ 6 am
Jazz Box: Suzie Arioli Swing Band (1999)
Montreal's famed Festival International de Jazz is celebrated in the MusiMax environment, with musicians performing in concert for an appreciative audience.

Tuesday, April 6 @ 11 am
Sharing the Music (1997)
African-American and Canadian folk music is traced from its roots in slavery to today's joyful expression.
Featuring Leon Bibb and Eric Bibb.

Tuesday, April 6 @ 4 pm
Garrett and Dutch Mason: Out of the Blues (2002)
An intimate look at the music legacy blues veteran Dutch Mason is passing along to his son, 19-year-old Nova Scotian Garrett Mason.
***********************************************************
REGULAR EVENTS THIS MONTH
********************************
Mondays: Maria Hawkins @ the Rainbow
Tuesdays: Rainbow Open Jam with the Funky Miracles @ 9:30 pm
Wednesdays: Open stage with Shakedown Blues @ the Bayou
Thursdays: Dinner & acoustic blues @ Tucson's
Thursdays: Blues Jam with Johnny Russell & Mike Ktenas @ Irene's
Fridays: Amaryllis @ the Rainbow ... early show 5-7 pm
Saturday afternoons: Blues jam @ the Rainbow
Sunday afternoons: Guy del Villano & guests @ Royal Oak, Bank St.
***********************************************************
LOCALS THIS WEEK
********************
Wednesday, March 31
Amaryllis @ the Rainbow

Thursday, April 1
Shakin' Eddie & the Jukes @ the Rainbow

Friday, April 2
The Smacks @ the Rainbow

Friday, April 2
Bluestone @ Tucson's

Saturday, April 3
Paul Deslauriers (from Montreal) @ Tucson's

Sunday, April 4
Roxanne Potvin @ the Rainbow, 4-7 pm
********************************************************

Go to top of page



ZAPHOD BEEBLEBROX Concert & Events Listings
DJs SIMON & STEVE REUNION PARTY
Easter Sunday - April 11
after punXercise with The Jezebels
Steve lives in Italy. Simon lives in Toronto. They were a powerhouse DJ team at Zaphod's and we still get requests for them to come back. In fact, even though he hasn't DJ'd here for 3 years, Simon still won Ottawa's Best DJ (XPress 2003 Readers' Poll). Don't miss this awesome party as they're back for a one-off reunion night on Easter Sunday.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
ZAPHOD BEEBLEBROX
27 York Street, Ottawa, Canada. K1N 5S7
(613) 562-1010 www.zaphodbeeblebrox.com
CONCERT & EVENTS LISTINGS

WIN TICKETS TO ZAPHOD'S SHOWS FROM OTTAWASTART.COM.
http://www.ottawastart.com
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The Legendary ELECTRIC BALLROOM
Every Day from 9pm, or after the bands.
No cover charge Monday to Thursday
Fri. & Sat. $3 from 11pm to close.

Sundays - punXercise - The best pop/punk/mod/rock from any era - DJs NATASHA BEAUDIN, TRES ROMANTIQUE, MICHAEL A. HURTZ and TIM HARE
Mondays - CLUB ZAPHOD - Indie.rock/College.rock/Alt.rock/Modern.rock/Requests - DJ SHANE
Tuesdays - INDUSTRIAL STRENGTH - Industrial and Dark Techno - DJ LESLIE
Wednesdays - READY! STEADY! GO! - Explosive Indie/Brit-Pop/Motown/Mod/Rock & Soul/Requests - DJ GAZ + DJ EMMETT
Thursdays - FULL FLAVOUR THURSDAYS - Old-Skool Jams/ Requests - DJ SELLOUT
Fridays - THE ELECTRIC BALLROOM - Everybody's favourite Alternative/ Brit-Pop/ Big Beat/ Electrionica/ Rock/ Soul/ Requests
- DJ GAZ
Saturdays - THE ELECTRIC BALLROOM - Everybody's favourite Alternative/ Brit-Pop/ Big Beat/ Electrionica/ Rock/ Soul/ Requests -
DJ STEPH
**********************************************************************************************
Mon. Mar 29 -Zaphod Beeblebrox, The Ottawa Sun & Sleeman Brewery present "Showcase Mondays" (Free)
RADIODAZED (http://members.tripod.com/radiodazed/)
+ WALKERS LINE (http://www.walkersline.com)
+ GOLDEN BULLDOZER
+ CLUB ZAPHOD with DJ Shane
Tue. Mar 30 -INDUSTRIAL STRENGTH with DJ Leslie (Free)
Wed. Mar 31 -Zaphod Beeblebrox & Heritage Brewery present ($3)
WAKING LIFE
+ MAGNETIC KILL
+ THE INTANGIBLES
+ READY! STEADY! GO! with DJs Gaz & Emmett
Thu. Apr 1 -Zaphod Beeblebrox, Steam Whistle & Jagermeister present ($8)
From Toronto/ Paper Bag Recording Artists
FEMBOTS (http://www.fembots.net)
+ From London/ Teenage USA Recording Artists
TWO MINUTE MIRACLES (http://www.teenageusarecordings.com)
+ FULL FLAVOUR THURSDAYS with DJ Sellout
Fri. Apr 2 -Zaphod Beeblebrox & Hoegaarden present ($6)
From Montreal
BRIGHTON (http://www.angelfire.com/pq/brightonband/Bright1.html)
+ KRIS WARD (http://www.krisward.com)
+ DYLAN SHIELDS (http://www.dylanshields.com)
+ THE ELECTRIC BALLROOM with DJ Gaz
Sat. Apr 3 -Zaphod Beeblebrox & Guinness present ($10)
From Kingston/ True North Recording Artists
THE MAHONES (http://www.themahones.com)
(no opening band - early show)
+ THE ELECTRIC BALLROOM with DJ Steph
Sun. Apr 4 -Zaphod Beeblebrox & Labatt 50 present ($2)
THE JEZEBELS performing/ leading punXercise ("Exercise your punk rock side")
+ with DJ's NATASHA BEAUDIN, TRES ROMANTIQUE, MICHAEL A. HURTZ & TIM HARE
Mon. Apr 5 -Zaphod Beeblebrox, The Ottawa Sun & Sleeman Brewery present "Showcase Mondays" (Free)
SOMATIK (http://www.somatik.com)
+ From Victoria via The Yukon/ Aquarius Recording Artists
JAMES MURDOCH (http://www.jamesmurdochband.com)
+ THE SPADES (http://www.thespades.ca)
+ CLUB ZAPHOD with DJ Shane
Tue. Apr 6 -INDUSTRIAL STRENGTH with DJ Leslie (Free)
Wed. Apr 7 -Zaphod Beeblebrox & Heritage Brewery present ($10)
From Montreal via B.C.
THE UNICORNS (http://www.the-unicorns.com)
+ From Montreal
THE BESNARD LAKES (http://www.thebesnardlakes.com)
+ READY! STEADY! GO! with DJ Gaz
Thu. Apr 8 -Zaphod Beeblebrox, Steam Whistle & Jagermeister present ($8)
From Toronto/ Sonic Unyon Recording Artists
RAISING THE FAWN (http://www.raisingthefawn.com)
+ From Toronto/ Weewerk Recording Artists
GREAT LAKE SWIMMERS (http://www.greatlakeswimmers.com)
+ FULL FLAVOUR THURSDAYS with DJ Sellout
Fri. Apr 9 -Zaphod Beeblebrox & Hoegaarden present ($10)
From Oshawa/ Three Gut Recording Artists
CUFF THE DUKE (http://www.cufftheduke.com)
+ GOLDEN FAMILE (http://www.musicforcatsrecords.com/goldenfamile.html)
+ KATE MAKI (http://www.katemaki.com)
+ THE ELECTRIC BALLROOM with DJ Gaz
Sat. Apr 10 -Zaphod Beeblebrox & Guinness present ($6)
From Toronto
THE LUDES (http://www.theludes.net)
+ From Toronto/ Permafrost Recording Artists
THE PATIENTS (http://www.thepatients.net)
+ THE ELECTRIC BALLROOM with DJ Steph
Sun. Apr 11 -Zaphod Beeblebrox & Labatt 50 present ($2)
THE JEZEBELS performing/ leading punXercise ("Exercise your punk rock side")
+ DJs SIMON & STEVE REUNION PARTY
Mon. Apr 12 -Zaphod Beeblebrox, The Ottawa Sun & Sleeman Brewery present "Showcase Mondays" (Free)
A FACE FOR RADIO (http://www.afaceforradio.com)
+ THE SECOND GLANCE (http://www.thesecondglance.com)
+ SKANKTANKS (http://www.skanktanks.com)
+ CLUB ZAPHOD with DJ Shane
Tue. Apr 13 -Harsh-Reality presents (Ticket price t.b.a. http://www.harsh-reality.com)
From Germany
MONO NO AWARE
+ ISZOLOSCOPE
+ PROSPERO
+ NORM
+ INDUSTRIAL STRENGTH with DJ Leslie
Wed. Apr 14 -Zaphod Beeblebrox & Heritage Brewery present ($6)
From Hamilton/ Coqi Recording Artist
WAX MANNEQUIN (http://www.waxmannequin.com)
+ STEVE ST. PIERRE (http://www.stevestpierre.com)
+ READY! STEADY! GO! with DJ Gaz
Thu. Apr 15 -Zaphod Beeblebrox, Steam Whistle & Jagermeister present ($6)
KID YOU RUN (http://www.kidyourun.com)
+ DAWNPATROL
+ THE SUBURBAN POP PROJECT (http://www.thesuburbanpopproject.com)
+ FULL FLAVOUR THURSDAYS with DJ Sellout
Fri. Apr 16 -Zaphod Beeblebrox & Hoegaarden present ($8)
From Winnipeg/ MapleMusic Recording Artist
JASON PLUMB (ex-THE WALTONS) (http://www.jasonplumb.com)
+ MAYOR McCA (http://www.mayormcca.com)
+ THE ELECTRIC BALLROOM with DJ Gaz
Sat. Apr 17 -Zaphod Beeblebrox & Stella Artois present ($6)
DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
+ RED HEMSLEY
+ THE ELECTRIC BALLROOM with DJ Steph
Sun. Apr 18 -Zaphod Beeblebrox & Labatt 50 present ($2)
THE JEZEBELS performing/ leading punXercise ("Exercise your punk rock side")
+ with DJ's NATASHA BEAUDIN, TRES ROMANTIQUE, MICHAEL A. HURTZ & TIM HARE
Mon. Apr 19 -Zaphod Beeblebrox, The Ottawa Sun & Sleeman Brewery present "Showcase Mondays" (Free)
FOR THE MATHEMATICS (http://www.forthemathematics.com)
+ FORTY CENT FIX (http://www.fortycentfix.com)
+ THE DRIVE HOME (http://www.thedrivehome.ca)
+ CLUB ZAPHOD with DJ Shane
Tue. Apr 20 -INDUSTRIAL STRENGTH with DJ Leslie (Free)
Wed. Apr 21 -Zaphod Beeblebrox & Heritage Brewery present ($6)
A Benefit for Tullia
TOO DRUNK TO DANCE
+ guests
+ READY! STEADY! GO! with DJ Gaz
Thu. Apr 22 -Zaphod Beeblebrox, Steam Whistle & Jagermeister present ($6)
From Toronto
SPACE ELEVATOR (http://www.apaceelevator.ca)
+ THE FORTUNATE SONS
+ From Sault Ste. Marie
STARTLEFISH (http://www.startlefish.com)
+ FULL FLAVOUR THURSDAYS with DJ Sellout
Fri. Apr 23 -Zaphod Beeblebrox & Hoegaarden present ($6)
GOOD 2 GO (http://artists.iuma.com/IUMA/Bands/Good_2_Go/)
+ MORAL HAZARD (http://www.moralhazard.ca)
+ THE BELLA BOMBS (http://www.thebellabombs.com)
+ THE ELECTRIC BALLROOM with DJ Gaz
Sat. Apr 24 -Zaphod Beeblebrox & Stella Artois present ($6)
PHAT BASTARD (http://www.phatbastard.org)
+ NO OTHER WAY (http://www.nootherway.com)
+ THE THREAT
+ THE ELECTRIC BALLROOM with DJ Steph
Sun. Apr 25 -Zaphod Beeblebrox & Labatt 50 present ($2)
THE JEZEBELS performing/ leading punXercise ("Exercise your punk rock side")
+ with DJ's NATASHA BEAUDIN, TRES ROMANTIQUE, MICHAEL A. HURTZ & TIM HARE
Mon. Apr 26 -Zaphod Beeblebrox, The Ottawa Sun & Sleeman Brewery present "Showcase Mondays" (Free)
TOP NOTHING (http://www.topnothing.com)
+ BULLMOOSE (http://www.bullmoose.ca)
+ LAIDOUT (http://www.laidoutmusic.com)
Tue. Apr 27 -INDUSTRIAL STRENGTH with DJ Leslie (Free)
Wed. Apr 28 -Zaphod Beeblebrox & Heritage Brewery present ($10)
From Toronto/ SHErecords-BMG Recording Artist/ Daughter of the famed DAVID WILCOX
SIMON WILCOX (http://www.simonwilcox.com)
+ TREVOR STRANGE (http://www.trevorstrange.net)
+ READY! STEADY! GO! with DJ Gaz
Thu. Apr 29 -Zaphod Beeblebrox, Steam Whistle & Jagermeister present ($6)
From Hamilton/ Northern Light Recording Artists
THE CHROME YELLOW CO. (http://www.thechromeyellow.com)
+ guests
+ FULL FLAVOUR THURSDAYS with DJ Sellout
Fri. Apr 30 -Zaphod Beeblebrox & Hoegaarden present ($6)
CD Release
SCRATCH (http://www.scratchnet.com)
+ guests
+ THE ELECTRIC BALLROOM with DJ Gaz
Sat. May 1 -Zaphod Beeblebrox & Stella Artois present ($6)
From Toronto
MAXIM RnR (http://www.maximumrnr.com)
+ GUILLOTINE (http://guillotinemusic.tripod.com)
+ THE ELECTRIC BALLROOM with DJ Steph
Sun. May 2 -Zaphod Beeblebrox & Labatt 50 present ($2)
THE JEZEBELS performing/ leading punXercise ("Exercise your punk rock side")
+ with DJ's NATASHA BEAUDIN, TRES ROMANTIQUE, MICHAEL A. HURTZ & TIM HARE
Mon. May 3 -Zaphod Beeblebrox, The Ottawa Sun & Sleeman Brewery present "Showcase Mondays" (Free)
From Gatineau
KHANN RABATT (http://www.khanrabatt.tk)
+ From Peterborough
MONEY MONEY (http://www.wearemoneymoney.com)
+ THE STAND (http://www.thestand.tk)
+ CLUB ZAPHOD with DJ Shane
Tue. May 4 -INDUSTRIAL STRENGTH with DJ Leslie (Free)
Wed. May 5 -Zaphod Beeblebrox & Heritage Brewery present ($6)
HARTSFIELD (http://www.hartsfieldrock.tk)
+ guests
+ READY! STEADY! GO! with DJ Gaz
Fri. May 7 -Zaphod Beeblebrox & Hoegaarden present ($6)
ex-LES MARMOTTES APLATIES/ From Montreal/ R.A.T. Recording Artists
L'ATTACK (http://www.lattack.com)
+ THE CREEPS (http://www.creeps.ca)
+ THE ELECTRIC BALLROOM with DJ Gaz
Sat. May 8 -Zaphod Beeblebrox & Stella Artois present ($6)
JUNKYARD SYMPHONY (http://www.junkyardsymphony.com)
+ guests
+ THE ELECTRIC BALLROOM with DJ Steph
Wed. May 12 -Zaphod Beeblebrox & Heritage Brewery present ($6)
From Vancouver/ Hive-Fi Recording Artists
P:ANO (pronounced piano) (http://www.lazylightandugly.com)
+ ...as the Poets affirm (http://www.asthepoetsaffirm.com)
+ READY! STEADY! GO! with DJ Gaz
Sat. May 15 -Zaphod Beeblebrox & Stella Artois present ($10)
No opening band - 2 sets
ROBERT FARRELL (http://www.robertfarrell.com)
+ THE ELECTRIC BALLROOM with DJ Steph
Wed. Jun 9 -Zaphod Beeblebrox & Heritage Brewery present ($8)
From Helsinki, Finland/ Yep Roc Recording Artists
LAIKA & THE COSMONAUTS (http://www.laikaandthecosmonauts.com)
+ guests
+ READY! STEADY! GO! with DJ Gaz
Fri. June 11 -Zaphod Beeblebrox & Hoegaarden present ($12)
From Israel/ World-renowned Classical Cellist
MATT HAIMOVITZ (http://oxingale.com/artists/mh/)
early show - 2 sets
+ THE ELECTRIC BALLROOM with DJ Gaz
**********************************************************************************************
CHECK OUT OUR WEB SITE: http://www.zaphodbeeblebrox.com
ZAPHOD BEEBLEBROX , 27 York Street, Ottawa, CANADA. K1N 5S7

Go to top of page



Nationally televised broadcast set for Ottawa Chamber Music Society’s Easter concert!
"This is a beautifully played performance, devout, moving and sincere... I give it 5 stars out of 5." — Rick Phillips (Sound Advice on CBC Radio)



Ottawa (Monday, March 29, 2004)– To honour the profound meaning behind Easter this year, the Ottawa Chamber Music Society is presenting Joseph Haydn’s masterpiece, The Seven Last Words of Christ in concert on Tuesday, April 6, 8 p.m. at Christ Church Cathedral, 420 Sparks Street (at Bronson).



This performance marks a reunion for violinists Andrew Dawes and Manuela Milani, violist Guylaine Lemaire and cellist Julian Armour. They performed this same piece for the critically acclaimed CD released by the Society’s own CD label, CMS Classics. Armour has admired this piece for many years and describes it as, “a uniquely subtle and sublimely beautiful work of such universal profundity that it speaks to musicians and music lovers of all nationalities and religions.”



Noted actor and pianist, Jean Marchand, will narrate this concert. Marchand performed in the Gemini nominated mini-series Trudeau.



This concert marks the first national televised broadcast of a Society concert. Paul R. Norris of HDSD Productions will record the concert live in High Definition and in just three days produce a one-hour programme set to air nationally on VisionTV on Good Friday, April 9 at 9 p.m. ET, with an encore broadcast airing on Saturday, April 10 at 6 p.m. ET. See www.visiontv.ca for more information.



In 1785 Haydn was commissioned by the Canon of Cádiz to compose instrumental music on “The Seven Last Words of Our Saviour on the Cross”, to complement the customary service written for and performed during Lent at the Cathedral of Cádiz.



"An exquisite account of the score. This is a release that no string quartet lover should be without." — Richard Todd, The Ottawa Citizen



Music lovers can find Haydn’s The Seven Last Words of Christ by CMS Classics at the following locations: Ottawa Chamber Music Society office (200 Isabella, Suite 401, 613-234-8008 or www.chamberfest.com); Nicholas Hoare Books (419 Sussex Drive); Compact Music (785-A Bank Street); The Leading Note (370 Elgin Street); CD Warehouse (all outlets in Ottawa); Books on Beechwood (35 Beechwood Avenue); Twelfth Night (33 Erb Street West, Waterloo, ON)



Tickets for The Seven Last Words of Christ are $20 for adults, $30 for reserved seating and $10 for students, and are available at the following outlets: Ottawa Chamber Music Society office, (613) 234-8008; The Book Bazaar (755 Bank Street); Compact Music (785-A Bank Street); CD Warehouse (1383 Clyde Avenue, 1717 St. Laurent Boulevard, 499 Terry Fox Drive); The Leading Note (370 Elgin Street); Nicholas Hoare Books (419 Sussex Drive); Books on Beechwood (35 Beechwood Avenue); Collected Works (1242 Wellington Street); Scotia Bank (366 Elgin St.); Ticketmaster – all outlets in Canada (www.ticketmaster.ca, 613-755-1111).



-30-



For more information please check out www.chamberfest.com or contact:



Suzan Zilahi, Communications Director
Tel : (613) 234-8008 x. 241;
e-mail : media@chamberfest.com

Go to top of page



MEDIA REMINDER: RENEGADES GREY CUP TICKET BLITZ
The Ottawa Renegades Football Club is pleased to announce that the general on-sale for tickets to the 2004 Grey Cup Game at Frank Clair Stadium (Sunday, November 21) begins on Tuesday, March 30 at 10 a.m.



Tickets at the $279, $239 and $199 price ranges (includes all taxes and service charges) will be available across Canada only at the Ticketmaster website (ticketmaster.ca). Fans in Ottawa can purchase single tickets online at ticketmaster.ca, or by phone by calling the Ticketmaster hotline (613-755-1166).



The Kickin’ it in the Capital Grey Cup Festival begins on Wednesday, November 17 at Lansdowne Park and at various venues throughout the Ottawa core.



- 30 -



For more information, please contact:

Barre Campbell

Director, Media Relations & Communications

Ottawa Renegades Football Club

(613) 231-5608 ext. 236 (office)

(613) 913-7719 (cell)

www.greycup2004.com

Go to top of page



RENEGADES CLAIM GRAND BANKS
The Ottawa Renegades are pleased to announce the signing of quarterback Brad Banks, the runner-up in the 2002 Heisman Trophy balloting, to a two-year contract with a club option for the 2006 season.



The 5-foot-11, 202-pound Banks, who turns 24 on April 22, had a tremendous 2002 season with the NCAA’s Iowa Hawkeyes, completing 170 of 294 passes for 2,573 yards and 26 touchdowns with only five interceptions.



“This is a tremendous addition for our club. Brad is a young player with special potential and he will certainly benefit from developing under a great teacher like Joe (Paopao),” said Renegades general manager Eric Tillman.



“There is no substitute for having talent and depth at the quarterback position,” added Tillman. “In less than a year, we’ve seen a position of uncertainty evolve into a real team strength.”



Known for possessing a strong arm and quick feet (he averaged 5.2 yards per carry as a senior), Banks received the Davey O’Brien Award as the top quarterback in U.S. collegiate football and the Associated Press College Football Player of the Year.



Other honours for 2002 included: Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year and the Walter Camp Foundation first-team All-America.



Banks received 199 first-place votes in the 2002 Heisman balloting but finished second (trailing by just 233 points) to quarterback Carson Palmer of USC, who was the first player selected in the 2003 NFL draft.



That same year, Banks signed with the NFL’s Washington Redskins as a free agent and attended the team’s training camp.



The Renegades will feature four quarterbacks at this year’s training camp.



Returning starter Kerry Joseph, as well as talented Darnell Kennedy, who arrived last summer via trade with Calgary, in addition to Banks and Kelvin Robinson, who has experience in the CFL (Hamilton) and in the Arena League, will battle for roster spots.



BRAD BANKS

Position: Quarterback

Nationality: American

Height, Weight: 5-11, 202

University: Iowa

Birthdate (Opening Day Age) Birthplace: April 22, 1980 (24) Belle Glades, FL

Acquired: Free agent; March 29, 2004

Go to top of page



City flags lowered to half-mast for Her Royal Highness Princess Juliana
All City of Ottawa flags will be lowered to half-mast from sunrise
to sunset on Tuesday, March 30, 2004 to honour the memory of Her Royal
Highness Princess Juliana of the Netherlands. The former Queen Juliana died
on Saturday, March 20, and her funeral will take place on Tuesday, March 30.
A memorial service will take place in Ottawa on Tuesday, March 30 at 7:30
p.m. at St. Andrew's Church.

"We were very saddened to hear the news. Her Majesty Princess Juliana's stay
here during the war and her gift of 20,000 tulip bulbs following her stay
are a very significant part of our city's history," said Mayor Bob
Chiarelli. "Not only was she instrumental in establishing this city as the
Tulip Capital of North America but also in making the tulip the official
flower of the City of Ottawa."

Her Royal Highness Princess Juliana spent the Second World War years in
Ottawa and gave birth to her daughter Princess Margriet at the Ottawa Civic
Hospital. In appreciation of the safe haven which members of Holland's
exiled Royal Family received during that time, and of Canada's role in the
liberation of the Netherlands, Ottawa was presented with a gift of 100,000
tulip bulbs by the people of Holland in 1945 and a personal gift of 20,000
tulip bulbs every year by Princess Juliana since 1945.

-30-
For more information:
Communications and Marketing
(613) 580-2450

Go to top of page



City Council Meeting Highlights
Council approves City's 2004 capital and operating budgets
The City of Ottawa completed the most comprehensive and thorough budget
review in its history today with Council's approval of the 2004 capital and
operating budgets.

The final budget, which includes operating expenditures of $1.8 billion and
capital expenditures of $265.5 million, will result in a budgetary property
tax increase of 2.92% - the first in 12 years for most Ottawa residents.

"Our consultation and committee review process demonstrated how much Ottawa
residents value their current services and programs. Residents made it very
clear they wanted to see significant reductions in administration before any
service cuts or tax increases," stated Mayor Bob Chiarelli. "It has been an
extremely gruelling process for Councillors, staff and citizens, but I think
this year's final budget strikes a good balance between the sustainability
of the Corporation and investments in our community."

The property tax increase is equal to about $67 annually, or $5.62 monthly,
to the average urban resident with a home assessed at $200,000. The impact
on homeowners' tax bills will vary, however, depending on the change in
their property's assessed value in 2004.

Last week, the Province gave municipalities the ability to offset the
impacts of reassessment by avoiding tax shifts from business to residential
property taxpayers. The change is revenue neutral and will have no impact on
the City's bottom line, but it will ensure that the property tax burden is
shared between businesses and residents on the same basis as in 2003.

To achieve the solutions necessary to meet the budget pressures facing the
City, the final budget includes:
* 2.92% budgetary property tax increase;
* $28.5 million in savings from administrative reductions and
efficiencies (two and a half times more than was targeted by Council),
lowering the cost of administration in 2004 to 5.9% of the overall operating
budget, from 6.4% in 2003;
* $30.4 million in reductions to City programs and services;
* $200,000 in library service-level reductions;
* $5.1 million in new revenue through inflationary fee increases on
tax-supported programs (as well as $5.5 million in revenue through an
inflationary increase to sewer and water rates);
* $6.9 million in revenue from additional, new or reinstated fees and
charges; and
* $9.2 million in savings by deferring or eliminating several expanded
programs, previously approved by Council.
*
* By approving a 2.92% tax increase, Council was able to preserve a
number of programs and services:
*
* $719,000 in one-time funding for major festivals, fairs and special
events, as well as arts, heritage and festival funding support
* Rural Client Service Centres, at reduced hours
* $1 million in one-time funding to the Ottawa Tourism and Convention
Authority
* $719,000 in funding for the Ottawa Centre for Research and
Innovation and the Ottawa Life Sciences Council
* Speed board display program
* Waste collection calendars for 2004
* Blair Road, Knoxdale Road and Riddell fire stations
* Brewer Pool
* Nine wading pools and nine outdoor pools
* Home management program
* Well-baby drop-in program
* Heritage programs
* Funding for social services and recreation, community and leisure
* Outdoor rink grant program, and the installation and removal of all
temporary rink boards
* Four City-owned museums - Billings Estate, Pinhey's, Cumberland and
Gloucester
* Community pride program
* Three Ottawa Public Library branches
* Removal of all non-offensive graffiti
* Adult School Crossing Guard Program
* Painting of stop bars and crosswalk markings on local residential
streets

"This has been a difficult process. But, we know Ottawa is not alone in
facing budget challenges. Significant property tax increases are being
proposed and approved by municipal councils across Canada," said Mayor
Chiarelli. "This situation is not sustainable and underlines the need for
dependable, long-term funding for municipalities from the federal and
provincial governments. I am hopeful that these governments have finally
realized the important role cities play as engines for our economic growth
and that a 'new deal' will allow us to continue offering Ottawa residents
the quality of life and level of services they have come to expect."

For more information on the 2004 budget, citizens may visit ottawa.ca.


Other items of interest

* West Nile Virus preparedness and prevention plan to continue
Council has approved $800,000 in funding to continue the existing
West Nile Virus preparedness and prevention plan for 2004. The funds, of
which 50% will come from the Province, will go towards: educating residents
on how to protect themselves from mosquitoes and reduce mosquito breeding
sites; mosquito, crow and human surveillance; reducing mosquito breeding
sites on City-owned property; and mosquito control using a biological
larvicide on surface waters and a chemical larvicide in non-surface waters
and in sewage lagoons. In Ottawa, there were four confirmed case of West
Nile Virus in 2003.


Next City Council meeting:
Wednesday, April 14, 2004

For more information:
Communications and Marketing
(613) 580-2450

Go to top of page



NACO, April 10: Young People's Concerts present "Write On! The Creative Composer"
The next National Arts Centre Orchestra TD Bank Financial
Group Young People's Concerts on Saturday, April 10 at 13:30 and 15:30 in
the afternoon focus on the art of the composer. The concerts, entitled Write
On! The Creative Composer, are led by conductor Boris Brott, and feature NAC
Award Composer Denys Bouliane, principal cellist Amanda Forsyth playing
music composed for her by her father Malcolm Forsyth, and a special
appearance by Leo Svirsky, a young composer/pianist whom the Orchestra
discovered on its recent United States and Mexico Tour, performing a piece
he wrote especially for these concerts. The programme includes excerpts from
Beethoven's masterful Fifth Symphony and Rimsky-Korsakov's Capriccio
espanol. The grand finale is a NACO world premiere performance of a work
created on the spot by the audience, with the help of a musical Easter
Egg-hunt!

The bilingual series for 7- to 11-year-olds and their grown-up friends
includes pre-concert activities in the Foyer organized by the NAC Orchestra
Association beginning at 12:45 for the first concert and 14:45 for the
second concert.

Write On! The Creative Composer continues this season's theme of "The Music
Makers", exploring what makes the performers and creators of music so
extraordinary. How does a composer hear all the parts of a 60-piece
orchestra in his head and then put these sounds on paper so that others can
perform them? NAC Awards Composer Denys Bouliane shows how the composer
works his magic - how a melody or motif is invented, developed and
orchestrated.

The programme includes NAC Orchestra principal cello Amanda Forsyth playing
Ripsnorter Finale, along with two Cello Duets for Young Cellists - Sad Clown
with a Happy Face and Hop, Step, Skip - all pieces that her father, composer
Malcolm Forsyth, wrote for her when she was a child.

Leo Svirsky is a 15-year-old student at the Levine School of Music in
Washington, whom Denys Bouliane met during one of his composition workshops
on the recent United States and Mexico Tour. The young man surprised
Bouliane by playing the composer's difficult Contredanse from memory. Leo
has been invited to Canada to perform this piece along the world premiere of
a work he composed especially for this Young People's Concert ChANson dADA.
The programme also includes an excerpt from Bouliane's NAC-commissioned
piece Snow is White, but Water is Black which the Orchestra performed on the
same tour. Other works on the programme include R. Murray Schafer's
Statement in Blue and selections from Beethoven's Symphony No. 5 and
Rimsky-Korsakov's Capriccio espanol.

Pre-Concert Activities organized by the NAC Orchestra Association take place
in the NAC Foyer starting 45 minutes prior to each concert. Community
partners for Write On! The Creative Composer include Music For Young
Children with composition activities involving rhythm instruments, the
Ottawa Public Library, Leading Note, Ottawa composer Joanna Estelle, and a
NACOA craft station with collages and paper-folding. The Ottawa 67s mascot
will also be on hand to greet the kids.

All Young People's Concerts feature NACOtron presented in collaboration with
Rogers Television. Five television cameras positioned on stage and in the
hall capture live video images of the musicians while they are performing,
and these images are projected onto a giant screen above the stage allowing
the audience to watch the action in close-up.

Tickets for this Young People's Concert on Saturday, April 10 at 13:30 and
15:30, including Pre-Concert Activities, are $14.00 for children and $20.50
for adults (including GST and Facility Fee where applicable) and are on sale
now at the NAC Box Office (Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 21:00), and
through Ticketmaster (with surcharges) at 613-755-1111. Visit the National
Arts Centre's web site at www.nac-cna.ca.



Jane Morris
Marketing and Communications Officer
Agente de marketing et communications
National Arts Centre Orchestra/Orchestre du Centre national des Arts
Telephone/Téléphone: (613) 947-7000 x 335
Fax: (613) 996-2828

Go to top of page



April 5 Mohamed Cherfi Day of Action
BRING MOHAMED CHERFI BACK TO CANADA

National Day of Action Monday, April 5

Rally at the offices of
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
365 Laurier Ave. (at the corner of Kent)
Ottawa

Monday, April 5

Noon to 1pm

Mohamed will be in court in the U.S. Wednesday, April 7. So it is more important then ever to come out on April 5 and demand Mohamed be brought back to Canada.

Confirmed speakers (so far) Monia Mazigh, Christian Legeais, Yavar Hameed

For more information or to get involved contact Laura 613-285-0271 laura@resist.ca

Information about Mohamed Cherfi is available at: http://www.mohamedcherfi.org

Go to top of page



Waiting for Martin screening
"WAITING FOR MARTIN: IN SEARCH OF A VIRTUAL POLITICIAN"
A new weapon of mass derision and reflection will hit all of Canada!
The satirical film WAITING FOR MARTIN, by Magnus Isacsson and Sophia Southam
will premiere in Ottawa on:

Wednesday March 31st at 7PM
Arts Court Theatre (2 Daly Ave. at Nicholas)
This screening is FREE. Donations will be welcome.

A lively discussion with David Bernans, the star of the film, and with local
arts and political activist Ilona Dougherty (http://www.actionthroughart.com/) will follow the screening. The directors will also be in attendance.

Version anglais avec sous-titres en français.
English version with French subtitles.

Fighting the humour deficit in Canada...

An innovative collaboration between a veteran documentarian and a young
animator/editor, WAITING FOR MARTIN updates the proud tradition established
by Mike Rubbo's WAITING FOR FIDEL and Michael Moore's ROGER AND ME. The film
tells the dramatic and entertaining story of an activist who won't take no
for an answer.

David Bernans has been trying to meet and debate Paul Martin for three
years, running against him as an NDP candidate in his Montreal riding,
attempting to pin him down on occasions ranging from private meetings to
political rallies. In the process he encounters many obstacles, including
security guards, police on horseback, and Paul Martin's campaign manager
Lucy Castelli. He finds that Paul Martin is everywhere - on posters,
billboards, TV screens and newspaper headlines - but never in flesh and
blood. However, this doesn't prevent David from asking a lot of questions
and debating whoever is standing in for Martin, be it a giant Martin puppet
made by student protesters or other ministers sent to represent the future
prime minister.

WAITING FOR MARTIN combines documentary material shot over a period of three
years with animated sequences inspired by dada collage art of the 1920s.
Raising many questions about Paul Martin's record and present policies, it
is a timely film about democracy and the politics of protest in Canada.

For more info on the film, on who is involved, and to watch a 3-minute
preview, check out...


For information about the Ottawa stop, contact Corina: 237-1590 ext.320

Go to top of page



Regime Change in the Americas - Sun April 4 @ 2 pm
Regime Change in the Americas
US Imperialism on the Move

Pre-emptive war in Iraq
- U.S. orchestrated coup in Haiti
- Attempted coup in Venezuela
- US Military build-up in Colombia
- Ongoing threat to Cuba
- Teach-in about the issues and to strategize a response.


Panel to precede discussion groups:

Haiti - Jean St. Vil, Activist and journalist
Venezuela - Justin Podur, International Solidarity Movement
Colombia - tba
Cuba - Mario Garcia, Minister-Counsellor of the Cuban Embassy


Sunday, April 4, 2004 -- 2 - 5 pm
101 Azrieli Theatre, Carleton University

Building 31 on the Campus map at http://www.carleton.ca
Near Dunton Tower - # 7 Bus route
Parking lots 1 and 2 free on Sunday

Sponsored by: Socialist Project - Ottawa, NOWAR-PAIX, OPIRG-Carleton, Rosa
Luxemburg Club (Communist Party of Canada)

Go to top of page



OTTAWA MAKES ALFREDSSON A CAREER-SENATOR
Ottawa Senators owner Eugene Melnyk and general manager John Muckler announced today the Club has re-signed team captain Daniel Alfredsson to a five-year agreement. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.

"As I stated at the purchase of the franchise, it was my intent to keep Ottawa Senators Hockey Club a contending team and this starts with leadership," said Mr. Melnyk, Senators' owner, governor and chairman from his home. "I am pleased that Daniel has determined to be a Senator for life."

"Daniel is such a quality person of strong character, who has come to define who the Senators are," said Mr. Muckler. "We are very pleased he is here for the long term."

In his ninth season in the NHL and with the Senators, Alfredsson is co-leader with Marian Hossa in team scoring with 78 points (31-47) and his 19:27 average time-on-ice leads the Club among forwards. He also has five game-winning goals, 20 penalty minutes and a +14 plus-minus rating.

This season's highlights for Alfredsson feature playing in his fourth NHL All-Star game in Minneapolis on Feb. 8, recording four multi-goal games, three three-point games, and 18 two-point games. He also reached three career milestones this season - his 500th point; 200th goal; and, 600th career game.

Alfredsson, team captain since Oct. 2, 1999, has 623 career games, which ranks him tied for second on the Senators with Wade Redden. He is also tied for first in career ranking in goals (218), and first in assists (348) and points (566). Alfredsson has 34 career game-winning goals and 255 career penalty minutes.

SUITE DEAL - Alfredsson and the Club also announced that the captain has committed to a long-term lease of a Corel Centre suite, which he will to entertain numerous charitable endeavours in harmony with the Ottawa Senators Foundation, whose mandate is children's initiatives.

The native of Gothenburg, Sweden, re-signed his last contract with the Senators on July 15, 2002.

AUDIO - Please visit the Senators website (www.ottawasenators.com) after 7 p.m. for audio files from the announcement today at 6 p.m. in St. Petersburg, Florida.

For more information, please contact:
Phil Legault, (613) 599-0327
Steve Keogh, (613) 599-0326
Tim Pattyson, (613) 599-0239

Go to top of page



ACCESS Now update
This week has been a very busy one with 2 budgets. The Federal government held its unveiling of their budget on Tuesday and the City of Ottawa just finished a three day marathon that saw a lot of good things for the disabled community, but have seen many root services being cut that we feel have created new barriers that is contrary to their own accessibility plans.
Here is a short list of items that have taken place since the last edition of ACCESS NOW, We will cover these articles and much more in the May 10th edition of the newspaper, stay tuned:

City of Ottawa:

The main items that were of great concern in the Disabled community were the two cuts on pages 169 and 170. both of these cuts were removed and will not take place. These were the proposed cuts to (What we refer to Supplementary Aid, Ambulance.health related items,vocational training and dental clinics) and The top up funding for ADP financing (Wheelchair, scooter, walkers and hearing aids).

Buses: Stage one was to be cut but stages two and three were voted at committee not to be cut. At council however they decided to cut stage two and have delayed the decisions on what cuts to be made on stage three.

Only 950,000 of the 5,581,000 in this stage will be saved. The main concern we have is that the Low floor bus routes have not been taken into consideration and that this process was never allowed to be debated by the public nor anyone else.The routes that most effect those on modest incomes and those with disabilities will still be cut according to new proposals and those making the decisions. (Routes 6,16,18,316 and about 20plus more routes will be axed or reduced service). Please contact your councillors to voice your concern on this.


Federal Budget Tuesday:

many items are helping the disabled community in this budget. We still have a long way to go but this is a step in the right direction. Please find below several excerpts from the budget.

Inclusion of Persons With Disabilities

The Government of Canada views greater inclusion of Canadians with disabilities as a national priority. Greater inclusion contributes not only to the well-being of persons with disabilities themselves, but also to the life and economy of the country through the contributions citizens make as they learn, work and volunteer. You can read these items at:

http://www.fin.gc.ca/budget04/bp/bpc4ae.htm

Improving Tax Fairness for Persons With Disabilities and Caregivers
Better Tax Recognition of Disability Supports Expenses
Better Tax Recognition of Caregiver Expenses
Better Workplace Integration
Facilitating Transitions Into Employment

In addition to providing greater support for workplace integration, governments need to ensure that persons with disabilities are not penalized when they decide to take up the challenge of reintegrating into the workforce. In particular, both the federal and provincial governments—the joint stewards of the Canada Pension Plan (CPP)—acknowledge the need to facilitate voluntary reintegration by recipients of CPP disability benefits into the workforce.

Currently recipients of CPP disability benefits who attempt to return to work, but abandon their efforts because of difficulties in overcoming their disability, are required to reapply for disability benefits. The delays and uncertainty associated with the need to reapply can discourage individuals from returning to work. Accordingly, this budget proposes an amendment to the CPP legislation that would allow for the reinstatement of disability benefits if a former recipient is required to cease working for reasons relating to his or her disability within two years of returning to work.

Go to top of page



CBC Radio Talks Mon Mar. 29th - Noon - Anne McLellan
CBC Radio Talks is a lunchtime speaking series that brings prominent
newsmakers to the National Arts Centre Fourth Stage for an intimate
chat. You're invited to join in the discussion each month. Admission
is free.

THE NEXT EVENT: Monday, March 29th at noon, meet The Honourable Anne
McLellan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Safety and
Emergency Preparedness. Hosted by Anthony Germain at the National
Arts Centre Fourth Stage.

Come out to the fourth stage and ask Anne some pointed questions
about security certificates!

For more info http://ottawa.cbc.ca/radiotalks/

Go to top of page



Apr 20, 28, May 19: Ecological Lawn and Garden Series
Sponsored by Alta Vista Environmental Network (AVEN)
The Ottawa Public Library and The City of Ottawa

Apr 20 - Lawn and Yard Care Naturally

George Bushell, experienced organic gardener, will discuss techniques
for naturally maintaining a healthy lawn and yard as easily as possible while showing slides of his own yard from 7:00 - 9:00 pm on Tues. April 20, at the Pleasant Park Baptist Church, 414 Pleasant Park Road. Bring your lawn and yard questions with you. To register please call 523-6648.

Apr 28 - Attracting Butterflies to Your Garden

Join Gillian Boyd, organic master gardener, for a slide presentation
and discussion of ways of attracting butterflies and other beneficial
insects needed to keep your garden healthy from 7:00 - 8:30 pm on Wed. April 28 at the Elmvale Acres Branch of the Ottawa Public Library. Seating is limited. To register please call 738-0619 ext. 6

May 19 - A Backyard Insect Safari

Renowned entomologist, Henri Goulet, demonstrates with a slide
presentation of his own backyard, the importance of ecological balance
for a healthy lawn and garden. Do you know how many species of insects
reside in an Ottawa backyard? Learn about special characteristics of
insects and the environmental benefits of insect diversity from
7:00-8:30 on Wed., May 19 at the Alta Vista Branch of the Ottawa Public Library. Seating is limited. To register please call 737-2837 ext. 6.

The Alta Vista Environmental Network is a community volunteer non-
profit organization which works to improve the environmental health of Alta Vista.

Go to top of page



Council approves City's 2004 capital and operating budgets
The City of Ottawa completed the most comprehensive and thorough
budget review in its history today with Council's approval of the 2004
capital and operating budgets.

The final budget, which includes operating expenditures of $1.8 billion and
capital expenditures of $265.5 million, will result in a budgetary property
tax increase of 2.92% - the first in 12 years for most Ottawa residents.

"Our consultation and committee review process demonstrated how much Ottawa
residents value their current services and programs. Residents made it very
clear they wanted to see significant reductions in administration before any
service cuts or tax increases," stated Mayor Bob Chiarelli. "It has been an
extremely gruelling process for Councillors, staff and citizens, but I think
this year's final budget strikes a good balance between the sustainability
of the Corporation and investments in our community."

The property tax increase is equal to about $67 annually, or $5.62 monthly,
to the average urban resident with a home assessed at $200,000. The impact
on homeowners' tax bills will vary, however, depending on the change in
their property's assessed value in 2004.

Last week, the Province gave municipalities the ability to offset the
impacts of reassessment by avoiding tax shifts from business to residential
property taxpayers. The change is revenue neutral and will have no impact on
the City's bottom line, but it will ensure that the property tax burden is
shared between businesses and residents on the same basis as in 2003.

To achieve the solutions necessary to meet the budget pressures facing the
City, the final budget includes:
* 2.92% budgetary property tax increase;
* $28.5 million in savings from administrative reductions and
efficiencies (two and a half times more than was targeted by Council),
lowering the cost of administration in 2004 to 5.9% of the overall operating
budget, from 6.4% in 2003;
* $30.4 million in reductions to City programs and services;
* $200,000 in library service-level reductions;
* $5.1 million in new revenue through inflationary fee increases on
tax-supported programs (as well as $5.5 million in revenue through an
inflationary increase to sewer and water rates);
* $6.9 million in revenue from additional, new or reinstated fees and
charges; and
* $9.2 million in savings by deferring or eliminating several expanded
programs, previously approved by Council.
*
* By approving a 2.92% tax increase, Council was able to preserve a
number of programs and services:
*
* $719,000 in one-time funding for major festivals, fairs and special
events, as well as arts, heritage and festival funding support
* Rural Client Service Centres, at reduced hours
* $1 million in one-time funding to the Ottawa Tourism and Convention
Authority
* $719,000 in funding for the Ottawa Centre for Research and
Innovation and the Ottawa Life Sciences Council
* Speed board display program
* Waste collection calendars for 2004
* Blair Road, Knoxdale Road and Riddell fire stations
* Brewer Pool
* Nine wading pools and nine outdoor pools
* Home management program
* Well-baby drop-in program
* Heritage programs
* Funding for social services and recreation, community and leisure
* Outdoor rink grant program, and the installation and removal of all
temporary rink boards
* Four City-owned museums - Billings Estate, Pinhey's, Cumberland and
Gloucester
* Community pride program
* Three Ottawa Public Library branches
* Removal of all non-offensive graffiti
* Adult School Crossing Guard Program
* Painting of stop bars and crosswalk markings on local residential
streets

"This has been a difficult process. But, we know Ottawa is not alone in
facing budget challenges. Significant property tax increases are being
proposed and approved by municipal councils across Canada," said Mayor
Chiarelli. "This situation is not sustainable and underlines the need for
dependable, long-term funding for municipalities from the federal and
provincial governments. I am hopeful that these governments have finally
realized the important role cities play as engines for our economic growth
and that a 'new deal' will allow us to continue offering Ottawa residents
the quality of life and level of services they have come to expect."

For more information on the 2004 budget, citizens may visit ottawa.ca.

-30-
For more information:
Communications and Marketing
(613) 580-2450

Go to top of page



BRUCE CORDER (1921-2004)
anada's National Arts Centre's staff joins the performing arts community in mourning the loss of a true pioneer of the arts, Bruce Corder. Mr. Corder is fondly remembered by artists and staff as the first Director of Operations in1969. During the course of his career at the NAC, he held the positions of Manager of Festival Canada, the NAC's summer festival of opera and chamber music; Deputy Director General and Acting Director General. He retired in 1987. He died at the age of 82, on March 25, 2004.



"Mr. Corder will be remembered as one of the original champions of the National Arts Centre," said Peter Herrndorf, President and CEO of the National Arts Centre. "He had a tremendous impact on this institution, right from the early planning stages before it opened its doors in 1969 through to its set-up and operation."



Mr. Corder trained and worked in Britain prior to coming to Canada, where his knowledge and skill in stage management, administration and production led him to London's Royal Opera House, Covent Garden. He came to Canada in the 1950s on tour, and returned to work in Toronto with both the CBC and the O'Keefe Centre (now the Hummingbird Centre).



During the NAC's planning stages, Mr. Corder was hired to help organize front-of-house, box office and general administrative activities. G. Hamilton Southam, the NAC's first Director General, said: "Mr. Corder was with me from the very beginning. His role in planning both the building and the way we ran it was invaluable. I could not have done my job without him." Much of the front-of-house protocol and administrative structure that remain so integral to the NAC's corporate identity, were established by Mr. Corder Corder.



Mr. Corder also drew on his vast experience in opera production to take a leading role in the NAC's opera festival from 1971 to 1983. As General Manager of Festival Canada, he oversaw the eventual establishment of the summer festival as one of the pre-eminent opera festivals in North America.



Mr. Corder remained loyal to the NAC through tough times, helping to guide it through the very difficult years of wage and price controls and then the energy crisis of the 1970s - two events that had a huge impact on the NAC's bottom line and corporate culture. He faced even greater challenges during the downsizing of the 1980s during his tenure as Acting Director General before his retirement in 1987.



Mr. Corder will be greatly missed by the many artists, colleagues, friends and family whose lives he touched and enriched. Celia Franca, a personal friend, remembers him fondly: "A gallant gentleman - lover of beauty: Gatineau hills in the fall; the music, dance, theatre and restaurant offerings at his beloved NAC; the National Gallery. A caring Boxing Day host at his home where the table setting was exquisite, with the silver dry mustard pot shined, and the wine glasses always filled. An avid reader, a devoted companion - in all, a love. He led a good life."

Go to top of page



Meetings at Ottawa City Hall next week
The following meetings are scheduled during the week of March 29,
2004, at Ottawa City Hall, 110 Laurier Avenue West, unless otherwise noted.
Agenda items that may be of special interest to citizens and the media have
been highlighted.

Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee - Wednesday, March 31, 9:30 a.m.,
Champlain Room

The agenda for these meetings and related reports will be posted on the
City's Web site at ottawa.ca and will be available at the respective
meetings.

-30-

For more information:
Communications & Marketing
(613) 580-2450

Go to top of page



HOCKEY NIGHT IN FLORIDA WINNERS DEPART ON MONDAY
The Ottawa Senators today announced winners of the "Hockey Night in
Florida" promotion, sponsored by GO Travel Direct in association with ROOTS, will depart for Florida on Monday morning.

Two-hundred sixty-eight (268) Senators fans will depart Monday morning at 10:00 a.m. from the Zoom airlines U.S. check-in counter, Level 3, at the Ottawa International Airport. Fans will start checking in at 7 a.m. and will be greeted by a band, coffee and muffins and Spartacat.

The prize package includes airfare, two nights hotel accommodation, a
Senators beach shirt, a ROOTS watch and tickets to see the Senators take on the Tampa Bay Lightning on Monday and the Florida Panthers on Wednesday.

ITINERARY

Monday, March 29
Depart Ottawa at 10:00 a.m.
Arrive in St. Petersburg at 1:10 p.m.
Game - Senators vs. Tampa Bay Lightning - 7 p.m.
Tuesday, March 30
Depart St. Petersburg at 11:00 a.m.
Arrive in Fort Lauderdale at 12:00 p.m.
Wednesday, March 31
Game - Senators vs. Florida Panthers - 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, April 1
Depart Fort Lauderdale at 12:30 a.m.
Arrive in Ottawa at 3:35 a.m.

For more information, please contact:
Phil Legault, (613) 599-0327
Steve Keogh, (613) 599-0326
Tim Pattyson, (613) 599-0239
- 30 -

Go to top of page



NACO, April 7-8: Zukerman and Forsyth perform together in Richard Strauss's Don Quixote
Richard Strauss's magnificent tone poem Don Quixote will be
given its first-ever performance by an expanded National Arts Centre
Orchestra in Audi Signature concerts on Wednesday, April 7 and Thursday, April 8 at 20:00 in the NAC's Southam Hall performed by NAC Orchestra principal cellist Amanda Forsyth and Music Director Pinchas Zukerman on viola. The concerts mark the couple's first performances together since their marriage in early March. Conducted by Lawrence Foster, the concerts also feature Zukerman on violin in Bruch's Violin Concerto No. 1 in G minor. The programme opens with Weber's Oberon Overture.

The April 7 concert is sponsored by Enbridge Gas Distribution. The expanded NAC Orchestra is made possible in part by the NAC Orchestra Association Kilpatrick Fund.

Richard Strauss's Don Quixote is based on the well-known picaresque novel of the same name by Cervantes that has inspired numerous tributes in music, dance and theatre. The score is described by the composer as "fantastic variations on a theme of knightly character" consisting of an introduction, ten variations and an epilogue. Our hero Don Quixote, imagining himself the very personification of chivalry and knight-errantry, heads out into the world to perform noble deeds. The solo cello, which represents the Don throughout the score and whose role is equivalent to that of a concerto soloist, presents the "knightly" theme in all its glory. The knight's faithful squire Sancho Panza tags along in a rollicking theme on the viola.

Another highlight of this special concert will be the performance by Pinchas Zukerman, one of the world's foremost violinists, of the Bruch Violin Concerto No. 1, a major work of the violin repertoire which Zukerman is performing for the first time with the NAC Orchestra. Nineteenth century violin virtuoso Joseph Joachim ranked it among the four greatest of that century noting that the Bruch concerto was "the richest, the most seductive."

The programme opens with a work rarely performed by the NAC Orchestra, the Overture to Weber's opera Oberon. The overture, like the opera, evokes pageantry, exotic locations, the supernatural, and maidens in distress rescued by knights in shining armor - the perfect intro to this exceptional concert which concludes with Don Quixote.

Amanda Forsyth has just returned from performing Herbert's Cello Concerto No. 2 with the New West Symphony led by Boris Brott in California. The former Juno-winner is also a featured presenter at the 2004 Juno Awards in her hometown of Edmonton on April 3-4 where the NAC's Mozart-Zukerman CD is nominated for a Juno Award for Classical Album of the Year: Solo or Chamber Ensemble.

Pinchas Zukerman returns to the National Arts Centre Orchestra for these concerts after a tour with the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, with whom he is also performing the Bruch Concerto, and concerts conducting the Pittsburgh Symphony.

Conductor Lawrence Foster, is one of the most successful American conductors to win the acclaim of European audiences and critics. He began his new role as Music Director of the Gulbenkian Orchestra, Lisbon at the start of the 2002-03 season. Formerly Music Director of the Barcelona Symphony Orchestra and National Orchestra of Catalunya, he is currently serving as Music Adviser to the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra.

Tickets for these Audi Signature Series concerts on April 7 and 8 are on sale now at $27.00, $45.00, $56.00 and $58.00, with box seats at $73.00 (GST and Facility Fee included) at the NAC Box Office (Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 21:00), and through Ticketmaster (with surcharges) at 613-755-1111.
Ticketmaster may also be accessed through the NAC's web-site at
www.nac-cna.ca. Half-price tickets for students in all sections of the hall are on sale in person at the NAC Box Office upon presentation of a valid student ID card.

-30-


Jane Morris
Marketing and Communications Officer
Agente de marketing et communications
National Arts Centre Orchestra/Orchestre du Centre national des Arts
Telephone/Téléphone: (613) 947-7000 x 335
Fax: (613) 996-2828

Go to top of page



"Taxi Link" makes transit safer
Getting home on OC Transpo late at night just got safer and easier,
thanks to OC Transpo's new Taxi Link service. Starting tonight, transit users may ask bus operators to call ahead and ask for a taxi to meet them at designated Transitway stations.

"Ottawa has one of the safest transit systems in North America, but we are constantly striving to improve it," said Councillor Janet Stavinga, chair of the Transportation Committee. "This new service means that customers can leave the safety of their bus, knowing that a secure way home is ready and waiting for them."

Customers can take advantage of Taxi Link when riding OC Transpo after
midnight, if prior arrangements have not been made. When beginning their trip, they should ask the bus operator to arrange for a taxi to be waiting at a designated pick-up location. Taxi pick-up areas have been designated for most Transitway stations. The City and local taxi companies are working together on the Taxi Link service to ensure a smooth connection between transit and taxi services.

For more information on Taxi Link or for other transit information and trip planning assistance, customers can call the OC Transpo information line at 741-4390 or visit www.octranspo.com

- 30 -

For more information:
Communications & Marketing
(613) 580-2450

Go to top of page



UPCOMING COREL CENTRE EVENTS
Ottawa 67's vs Brampton Battalion
Sat, Mar. 27
7:00 p.m.
$16 (adults), $14 (students & seniors)
Game 5 - OHL Eastern Conference Quarter-Final
$11 (kids 12 and under)*
Tickets on sale now

David Bowie
Fri, Apr. 2
7:30 p.m.
$90.50, $70.50, $50,50^
Tickets on sale now

Harlem Globetrotters
Tues, Apr. 6
7:00 p.m.
$49, $30, $19, $14*
Tickets on sale now

Stars on Ice
Sat, Apr. 17
7:30 p.m.
$65, $50, $40, $35^
Tickets on sale now

50 cent with G Unit
Thurs, Apr. 22
8:00 p.m.
$65, $55^
with David Banner, Kardinal Offishall and Melanie Durrant
Tickets on sale now

Rod Stewart
Thurs, July 15
8:00 p.m.
$125.00, $69.50, $49.50^
Tickets on sale now

Sarah McLachlan
Tues, Aug. 17
8:00 p.m.
$69.50, $59.50, $49.50^
Tickets on sale now

Team Canada's International Hockey Series
$225, $210, $180, $150,
Canada vs USA
Wed, Aug. 25
7:30 p.m.
$135, $105*
Canada vs Slovakia
Sat, Aug. 28
7:00 p.m.
Ticket packages for all three
Slovakia vs Russia
Sun, Aug. 29
7:00 p.m.
games on sale April 5 - 10 a.m.


Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.CapitalTickets.ca, by calling
599-FANS or 1-877-788-FANS, or in person at all Ottawa-Gatineau area Sports Experts locations or the Corel Centre box office. For group ticket information, please call (613-599-0116).

* Prices inclusive of all taxes and CRF fee, but excluding convenience
charges.
^ Prices inclusive of all taxes, but excluding CRF fee and convenience
charges.
# Prices exclusive of all taxes, CRF fee and convenience charges.

For further information, please contact the communications department:
Tim Pattyson, (613) 599-0239

- 30 -

Go to top of page



RENEGADES TO DISCUSS “STATE OF THE FRANCHISE”
Ottawa Renegades president Brad Watters, general manager Eric
Tillman and head coach Joe Paopao will participate in a Canadian
Football League – State of the Franchise call on Monday, March 29
beginning at 1 p.m. (Eastern Time)

Media members are permitted to access the conference by dialing
1-888-334-9269. In Toronto, the number is 416-695-9721.

The Renegades, preparing for the club’s third season in the Canadian
Football League, will host the Kickin’ it in the Capital Grey Cup
Festival in November, and the Grey Cup Game on November 21 at Frank
Clair Stadium.

The football team will challenge for the first playoff berth in
franchise history. Quarterback Kerry Joseph, running back Josh Ranek
and defensive tackle Jerome Haywood are among the high-profile players
re-signed during the off-season.

An important addition – both on and off the field – will be receiver
Pat Woodcock who hails from the Ottawa suburb of Kanata. Woodcock, a
Syracuse graduate, played parts of three seasons with the Montreal
Alouettes before returning home and signing as a free agent with the
Renegades on February 17.

The Canadian Football League – State of the Franchise call series, in
its third year of operation, allows members of the media to connect
with key executives and personnel from the league and its nine teams.
The series continues next week, on Monday, April 5 at 1 p.m. (Eastern
Time), with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
- 30 -

For more information, please contact:
Barre Campbell
Director, Media Relations & Communications
Ottawa Renegades Football Club
(613) 231-5608 ext. 236 (office)
(613) 913-7719 (cell)
www.ottawarenegades.net

Go to top of page



St. Matthew High School tries for world record ‘hug’
During the week of April 19-23, 2004, the staff and students of St.
Matthew High School will attempt to set an Ontario high school record by raising $50,000 for the fight against cancer with a two-kilometre
run/walk. The school will be collecting pledges and sponsorships to reach this lofty goal. The fundraiser is inspired by the struggle with cancer of several of St Matthew students.

On Friday, April 23, 2004, at 11 a.m. on the St. Matthew High School
campus, you are invited to help break the Guinness World Record for the Largest Bear Hug, currently held by the citizens of Sweden (4,703 people in a 10-second arm-in-arm circle hug). St. Matthew invites you to be part of this World Record – collect pledges, bring a friend, form a team and join in this record fundraiser for cancer research and patient care.

The Force is a group of individuals (corporate, business people,
storeowners, students, volunteers, others) who have joined their forces to help fight the battle against cancer. St. Matthew has joined this east-end group.

The mission of The Force is to heighten public awareness and increase
fundraising for cancer research and patient care.~ We have made a one-year commitment to raise funds in research and treatment of cancer patients. We will be achieving this by hosting many events, as well as selling little stuffed polar bears. This initiative is the brainchild of Monique Amyot and Léo Lafrenière. Their belief in a cure for cancer led them to form The Force.

Visit the group’s website at www.the-force.ca for stories, information on the bear campaign, a list of events, partners and sponsors, to plan an event, to volunteer your time, and to obtain pledge forms. Pledge forms are also available at St. Matthew High School.

For more information please contact:
Terry Shaw
Communications Officer
Ottawa-Carleton Catholic School Board
570 West Hunt Club Road
Nepean, Ontario K2G 3R4
Phone (613) 224-4455, extension 2326
Cell (613) 294-3946
Fax (613) 224-5063

Go to top of page



P:ANO + ...AS THE POETS AFFIRM create fragile Chamber Pop at Zaphod Beeblebrox
ZAPHOD BEEBLEBROX & HERITAGE BREWERY
PRESENT...

"Fragile Chamber Pop with precocious subtlety"

From Vancouver
Hive-Fi Recording Artists
p:ano (pronounced piano) + ... as the Poets affirm

Wednesday, May 12 (Doors 8pm)

ZAPHOD BEEBLEBROX, 27 York Street, Ottawa, Canada.
Age 19+/ General Admission
Tickets: $6 only at the door.

"The quartet have mastered the melancholic atmosphere of Palace without the silly self-indulgence, the rich instrumentation of the Microphones in more tightly focused songs, and the beautiful, winding melodies for the likes of which Tom Waits fans suffer so many dumb lyrics about whiskey and cheap footwear."
- SAN FRANCISCO GUARDIAN.

"Fragile melodies, sparse instrumentation - including tried and true rock and roll faves as the saw accordion, and clarinet, - and hushed harmonies." - VANCOUVER PROVINCE.

"p:ano's strength derives from lush sonic strokes of pianos and guitars, warm organs and feather-like drumming. Strings, accordions, clarinets, saws, and a double bass only adds to the pastoral ambience. The music is like a flashing display of primary colors, like an apple pie cooling off on a windowsill, like riding a bike down the tallest hill in a suburban neighborhood, like buying lemonade from children on the sidewalk." - www.tinymixtapes.com


p:ano has grown immensely since their humble beginnings in suburban Vancouver four years ago. Their previous work only hinted at the full-blown vision that explodes on this grand new album, The Den. With the support of the Canada Council for the Arts, p:ano have expanded their sound to match their ambition and the results are nothing short of stunning.

Recorded over five months in 2003 by Colin Stewart (Destroyer, Hot Hot Heat, Radio Berlin) at The Western Front and The Hive Studios in Vancouver, The Den shows the band venturing into lush 48-track production with top musicians to fulfill their orchestral dreams (including a string arrangement by Vancouver New Music's director, Giorgio Magnanensi). Part Broadway show, part slow pop masterpiece, part homey confessional, the sound is full of nuance, depth and
beauty. Grandiose musical fantasy plays alongside some of p:ano's most intimate moments. Tender vocals come together with rich harmonies in a perfect fit with piano, organ, guitars, percussion, horns, stings, woodwinds, and incidental noise to softly wrap you into a familiar but uniquely fragmented place. Far from being overt and pretty, a dark undercurrent elevates the music from mere fancy
window dressing. 21-year old leader Nick Krgovich is an adept storyteller and hope is always tempered by resignation, passing moments always deftly rendered.

All told, The Den proves itself a truly audacious work of impressive talent and maturity. p:ano have played short tours with the Microphones and Jerk With a Bomb and have performed with the likes of Pedro the Lion, American Analog Set, the Album Leaf, Blood Brothers, Xiu Xiu, and the Divine Comedy. The band's performance at Vancouver's 2003 New Music West conference was recorded for national broadcast on the CBC. Later that year they were invited to Calgary as part of international piano conservatory, Honens' A440 concert series. Extensive touring of North America is planned for 2004. Guests include Veda Hille, Torsten Muller, and members of Jerk with a Bomb, Radiogram, Beans, Gaze, and Standing Wave.

*********

...as the Poets affirm is a six piece instrumental group that has combined the contemporary sounds of live break beats, electronic ambiance and abstract bass with the more melodic sounds of the cello and acoustic guitar. By subtracting any tangible vocals from the music, they have forced it to become more thematic and emotionally charged, creating a brooding and swift tone.

*********

p:ano's web site - http://www.lazylightandugly.com
...as the Poets affirm's web site - http://www.asthepoetsaffirm.com

Information:
p:ano - Nick/ p_ano@hotmail.com OR Hive-Fi Records/ (604) 216-HIVE
missterry@shaw.ca

...as the Poets affirm - ryanpatterson@rogers.com

ZAPHOD BEEBLEBROX - Eugene Haslam (613) 237-5301 zaphods_ottawa@hotmail.com
http://www.ZaphodBeeblebrox.com

Go to top of page



2nd Annual Woodroffe HS Dinner & Auction
The Woodroffe HS School Council will hold its 2nd annual Woodroffe HS Dinner & Auction on Thursday, April 29th, 2004 at 6:00 pm. Proceeds will support the arts and extracurricular programs at Woodroffe High School. The auction includes many items donated by area businesses and residents. Dinner tickets include hor d’oeuvres, dinner, dessert, silent and live auctions. Dessert tickets include dessert and the live auction (8:00 pm). The BBQ dinner will once again be provided by Dave Smith and choices include steak, chicken or a vegetarian option.

Dinner & Auction - $35.00 per person

Dessert & Auction - $10.00 per person

Tickets may be purchased at the Woodroffe HS office or by calling 820-7186.

Go to top of page



City begins public consultation on new noise by-law
The City is holding public consultation sessions to receive
comments from residents on a proposed course of action for a new noise
by-law for the City of Ottawa. The sessions will take place:

Tuesday, March 30
City Hall, 110 Laurier Avenue West - Andrew S. Haydon Hall
2 - 4 p.m.
7 - 9 p.m. (bilingual)

Thursday, April 1
Cyrville Community Centre, 4355 Halmont Drive
7 - 9 p.m. (bilingual)

Monday, April 5
Ben Franklin Place, 101 Centrepointe Drive - The Chamber
7 - 9 p.m.

The consultants retained by the City to review this matter will present an
overview of the provisions they believe the new by-law should contain. The
consultant's report will be available on the City's Web site at ottawa.ca
beginning Monday, March 29, at 4 p.m., at all Client Service Centres as of
March 30, as well as at the consultation sessions.

-30-

For more information:
Communications & Marketing
(613) 580-2450

Go to top of page



April 6 - Greg Macpherson @ babylon w/ Chris Page and Steve Adamyk
A Trio of Solos w/

Greg MacPherson (wpg, g7 records)
Chris Page (aka Glen Nevous, ex-Stand GT, Kelp records)
Steve Adamyk (mbr of Million Dollar Marxists)

April 6 @ babylon - 8pm/$7 at the door

-----

Greg MacPherson

Tanks are rolling through the streets of a desert town, the 53 year old
leader of the free world can run 3 miles in 20 and a half minutes, people
are living longer, people are dying by the millions, there are rich and
there are poor, some give a damn and some don't. Canadian singer/songwriter
Greg MacPherson gives a damn. MacPherson is the new champion of a
songwriting tradition stretching back to Woody Guthrie and including voices
like Jo Strummer and Bruce Springsteen. Loud, passionate voices saying
things about their place in all of this change.

These songs walk an inscrutable line between beauty and determination. A
place where the ordinary becomes important and actions bring hope. Songs
that capture the imaginations of young and old alike.

Greg MacPherson was born 30 years ago in the Sydney City Hospital, half a
kilometer from the most polluted body of water in North America, and half an
hour walk from his family home at CFS Sydney. He grew up on radar bases all
over Canada; a base-brat in the shadow of the cold war, and a student of
regional diversity and disparity. He was raised in front of a television,
rode a unicycle to high school, paid his rent at times by winning disco
contests, dug graves in a cemetery for 6 years, and got a degree in Labour
History in the mid-nineties. Along the way MacPherson learned how to work
hard and he hasn't looked back. Multiple day jobs and a relentless touring
schedule has seen Greg a janitor playing his music for punk rockers in
Washington D.C. and a factory worker playing for 15,000 people on a folk
festival stage in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The ordinary becomes important.

"Macpherson got up on stage with nothing but his weathered green guitar
doing what he does best: pouring his heart out. Projected poetic lyrics and
hard guitar strumming-sometimes without a pick-punctuated his awe-inspiring
performance. Integrity and sincerity are the two words that come to mind
when describing Macpherson's music and onstage presence."
Erik Martinson - Queen's University, The Journal

"Propelled by an underlying menace and disillusionment while maintaining
subtle glimmers of hope... MacPherson is able to weave in and out of variety
of styles and influences and create work that is fresh and timeless, deftly
combining social relevance and activism with pure entertainment."
Barb Stewart - Exclaim Magazine

"In a time when mock-rock morons, grudge-rock whiners and bubble-headed
pop-stars dominate the proceedings, Winnipeg performer MacPherson is that
most anachronistic and ill-favoured of entities: The honest and intelligent
singer-songwriter. A guy who writes tuneful, truthful, meaningful works on
his guitar and then performs them without fancy duds, without a big-budget
video, without backup dancers."
Darryl Sterdan - Winnipeg Sun

-----

Chris Page

Page has an enviable rock pedigree, which stretches back to his teens, when
he helped to form Glengarry, ON punk outfit The Stand GT. The Stand GT's
blue collar DIY ethic was a thing of legend. The band toured Canada
countless times in the late 80's and early 90's, releasing several
cassettes, 7" records and CDs on various Canadian imprints, and convincingly
carved their names into the CanCon tree (in blood).

As The Stand GT married, reproduced, and generally succumbed to age, Page's
rock itch refused to be cured, and the Glen Nevous Retraction was born. You
Clean Up Pretty Good was a toe-dipping into the solo waters, and few copies
made it beyond the Page abode. As confidence grew, Sell Out Slow went into
production, finally seeing the light of day in 2002. This past fall, Chris
Page's third effort comes under his own name, and on a new label. It's clear
in both the songwriting and the name changing that Page realizes he doesn't
need to hide anymore. On "Decide to Stay and Swim", there are few signs of
timidity.

On his own with an electric guitar, Page sounds equal parts punk, rock and
folk, and Billy Bragg is a common reference point. A closer listen reveals
elements of Superchunk (and Mac McCaughan's solo works as Portastatic), Joe
Strummer, and the urgent guitar calisthenics of Malcolm Young. "Decide" has
softer tones as well though, and the album careens into balladry at the end
of its course, showing a maturity unheard on previous recordings.

-----

Steve Adamyk

Steve plays in Ottawa garage punk legends the Million Dollar Marxists. He
also released a more stripped down "solo" CD under Steve Adamyk entitled
"Goodbye California" where he wrote and arranged all the songs and played
all instruments save the drums. He plays frequently as Steve Adamyk AND HIS
Liars as dubbing his backing band The Liars lead to too many messy haired
nu-wave kids with white belts showing up and being disappointed. He'll be
rocking it solo for this show.

-----

For more information or to line up an interview with Greg Macpherson please
contact G7 Records - 204-947-2002 or info@g7welcomingcommittee.com


Any other questions email scallen@spectrasonic.com



-----
photos http://www.scallen.com
shows http://www.punkottawa.com
label http://www.spectrasonic.com

shawn scallen € 613-234-PUNX € scallen@spectrasonic.com
AIM - scallen666 € ICQ - 83517276

Go to top of page



Summer Week Animation Workshops
As part of the Ottawa community, Boomstone Entertainment Inc. is proud to announce our Summer Week Animation Workshops. Kids are thrilled to work in a medium that they are very familiar with. We also have Evening Workshops.

For more information please visit our web site at:

http://www.boomstone.com

If you have any questions, you can contact me (Rich Vanatte) either through e-mail, or call the number below.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Rich Vanatte
Creative Director
Boomstone Entertainment Inc.
311 Richmond Rd, Studio 202
Ottawa, ON
K1Z 6X3
t(613) 725-3843
f(613) 725-9327
http://www.boomstone.com

Go to top of page



Young Spellers recognized throughout Ontario
Spelling Bee of Canada is pleased to announce that the 2004 Regional Competition will commence between Friday March 26th and Saturday May 8th with the 16th Annual Provincial Spelling Bee Championship Finals taking place on Sunday May 30th starting at 10 am. The Championship Finals will be held in Toronto at The Temple (880 Yonge St.) where the event will be broadcasted nationwide by the TVO network.

Since its inception in 1987, Spelling Bee of Canada has supported youth excellence in language arts through its encouragement of reading, spelling and writing. In today’s high-tech environment, it is essential to equip students with the tools that will enable them to comprehend the mass of information from various media that is currently available. Mastery of the English language from an early age is essential to effective comprehension and communication. Proficient spelling is integral to childhood education. In fact, Spelling is the Foundation of Literacy.

Over 3,000 students will be participating from 2 age categories: Junior (ages 6-8) and Senior (ages 9-15). The participants will represent the NW2 Family of Schools from:
Agincourt, Ajax/Pickering, Oshawa/Whitby, Brampton, East York, Etobicoke, Hamilton, Kingston, York/North York Kitchener/Waterloo, Markham, Mississauga, North York, Peterborough Scarborough, Don Valley, Malvern/Rouge River, Toronto, Vaughan/New Market, Six Nations, Ottawa and Carleton Place.
We are thrilled to announce that this year children from the NW2 Family of Schools of North York, Peterborough and the Kingston region will be participating in the Spelling Bee.

Spelling Bee of Canada firmly believes that all participating students are winners. Prizes awarded are simply an added bonus to this invaluable learning experience.

You are cordially invited to attend the 16th Annual Spelling Bee in support of youth from our communities.

TO THE NEWS EDITOR:
The following pages contain the complete schedule of Regional Competitions for 2004 that will take place throughout Southern Ontario. We request your assistance in the distribution of this information, so as to increase awareness of the Spelling Bee of Canada in your region. You will be making an invaluable contribution to youth education in your community and we thank you in advance for your assistance in this matter.

REGIONAL COMPETITION SCHEDULE:


Area: CARLETON PLACE
Date: Saturday, April 17, 2004
Venue: Mississippi School
82 Mill St.
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Chapter President: Sharon - (613) 253 – 2418


Area: KINGSTON
Date: Wednesday, April 28, 2004
Venue: Maple Crest School
41 Baiden St.
Time: 9:00 a.m.
Chapter President: Betty - (613) 384 – 7122


Area: OTTAWA
Date: Sunday, April 18, 2004
Venue: Orleans Theatre/Cumberland Town Hall
255 Centrum Blvd.
Time: 2:00 p.m.
Chapter President: Pushpa - (613) 830 – 5282


Go to top of page



CAPITALTICKETS.CA - Canadian Tulip Festival passes offered through CapitalTickets.ca
CapitalTickets.ca and the Canadian Tulip Festival announced today
that tickets for the Get Out! Ottawa Citizen Concert Series from May 14 to 24 would be available through the event ticketing agency beginning today.

The 11 Canadian Tulip Festival evening concerts and one afternoon
presentation on Victoria Day, Monday, May 24, will be held on the main
stage at Major's Hill Park in Ottawa. The performers line-up, which will be announced Tuesday, April 6, will feature rock music, alternative, pop, Celtic, folk, francophone pop, retro and classic.

An all-concert pass will cost $20 (GST included) until Thursday, May 6, and $25 (GST included) afterwards. The admission for individual concerts Mondays to Thursdays and the Victoria Day afternoon performance is $10 (GST included), and $15 (GST included) for those Fridays through Sundays and Victoria Day evening.

"We're please to be partnering with CapitalTickets.ca and to associate
ourselves with the Ottawa Senators during this exciting time of year for both our organizations," said Doug Little, marketing and communications manager for the Canadian Tulip Festival.

"The Canadian Tulip Festival offers us an important opportunity to expand and show the strength of the CapitalTickets.ca operation and to sell tickets for other excellent events in the Ottawa-Gatineau region," said Tom Gillis, CapitalTickets.ca general manager.

CapitalTickets.ca to sell tickets online at www.CapitalTickets.ca, by phone 599-FANS (3267) or toll-free 1-877-788-FANS (3267), at Sports
Experts locations in the Ottawa-Gatineau region and at the Corel Centre box office.

Additional information on the 2004 Canadian Tulip Festival, which runs from May 6-24, is provided at their website - www.tulipfestival.ca.

For further information:
Tom Gillis - CapitalTickets.ca, (613) 599-0115

- 30 -

Go to top of page



PROGRAM CHANGE FOR CHAMPAGNE CHARITY AUCTION
Canadian musicians Madviolet will make a special performance
at the Second Annual Champagne Charity Auction benefiting the Canadian
Paraplegic Association of Ontario on Thursday, March 25 at the Ottawa
Congress Centre, 55 Colonel By Dr.

Canadian recording artist Jimmy Rankin, scheduled to perform a special
acoustic set during the gala event, has cancelled due to illness.

The event, which begins at 6:30 p.m. with a reception and viewing, is
sponsored by the Ottawa Renegades. Players, coaches and Renegades
president Brad Watters will be in attendance.

Items up for bids among the 125 available include VIP passes to the
Grey Cup Festival and Game in Ottawa in November, a trip with the
Renegades when the team travels to Toronto in July, cases of fine
French champagne, a vacation for two to Taiwan, and a week’s use of a
condo in Hawaii.

Tickets are $50 and all funds raised go to CPA Ontario.

The Renegades support efforts by CPA Ontario to assist persons with
spinal cord injuries and other physical disabilities to achieve
independence, self-reliance and full community participation through
local programs and services such as peer support, rehabilitation and
counselling.

- 30 -
For more information from the Renegades, please contact:
Barre Campbell
Director, Media Relations & Communications
Ottawa Renegades Football Club
(613) 231-5608 ext. 236 (office)
(613) 913-7719 (cell)
http://www.ottawarenegades.net

For event information, please contact:
Laurie Davison
277-2980
media@ncm.ca

RENEGADE. IT’S IN THE BLOOD.

Go to top of page



Take the bus to the 67's at the Corel Centre
The Ottawa 67’s will play Game Five of their best of seven Ontario Hockey League playoff series against the Brampton Battalion at the Corel Centre in Kanata this Saturday, March 27 at 7:00 p.m. and fans will be able to travel with OC Transpo.

OC Transpo Route 404 will transport fans to the Corel Centre from the Kanata Town Centre and the Eagleson Rd. Park & Ride station beginning at 6:00 p.m.

For other OC Transpo routes that run to the Kanata Town Centre and the Eagleson Rd. Park & Ride, fans can call 741-4390 or log on to www.octranspo.com.

Tickets for the game are available at the Corel Centre box office or fans can call 599-FANS (3267) or log on to www.capitaltickets.ca. Ticket prices are $15.00 for adults, $13.00 for students and seniors and $10.00 for children 12 years and under.
These prices are subject to all Capital Ticket and Corel Centre surcharges upon purchase.

For further details, please contact Jason O’Connor at 232-6767 ext. 230.

Go to top of page



City Council meeting to continue Thursday
City Council deliberations on the 2004 Budget will continue
Thursday morning at 9:30 a.m. in Andrew S. Haydon Hall.

-30-

For more information:
Communications & Marketing
(613) 580-2450

Go to top of page



Stepping Out with Le Jazz Hot
Le Jazz Hot Dance Company. Stepping Out with Le Jazz Hot - 7:00pm wine reception / 7:45pm studio performance.Thursday, April 1, 2004. $20. Arts Court, 2 Daly Avenue, 564-7240.

Go to top of page



Arthritis Research Centre of Canada partners with Coast Spas and Mermaid Pool and Spas to introduce Wellness Spa
Mermaid Pools and Hot Tubs, Coast Spas and the Arthritis Research Centre are pleased to announce Ottawa’s first showing of the Wellness Spa™ at the Ottawa Home and Garden Show, March 25-28th, at Lansdowne Park. The Wellness Spa™ is the result of close collaboration between Coast Spas and the Arthritis Research Centre (ARC) of Canada, a major research, and consumer advisory body.

“We are thrilled to bring this new product to the Ottawa area, and believe that the Wellness Spa™ will have a beneficial role in the treatment of arthritis,” says Don Methot of Mermaid Pools and Hot Tubs.“

The most comprehensive therapeutic hot tub ever made, the Wellness Spa™ differs from ordinary spas in many ways, including extra water depth, handrails for security and easy movement, interior steps with a non-skid surface, powerful hydrotherapy jets, and built-in exercise devices. Coast Spas is the only spa manufacturer to receive ARC’s recommendation.

While, traditional hot tub seating may be uncomfortable for the
mobility-restricted, the Wellness Spa™, with its body-locating seats and large foot wells, accommodates a wide range of sizes and shapes. Those who have had trouble entering or exiting hot tubs without assistance will appreciate the non-skid external handrail and interior balance ring. Standard hot tub dials may be hard to manipulate with sore hands, so the Wellness Spa uses levers instead. The seats’ ergonomic design allows exact placement of hydrotherapy jets. Extra foot well jets are also precisely located for maximum therapeutic benefit. The Wellness Spa includes a rowing seat, designed to improve users’ strength, aerobic conditioning, and range of motion. The included, exercise bands and oars attach easily with clips, and offer users several levels of resistance.

Mermaid Pools and Hot Tubs will donate $100 from the sale of each Wellness Spa™ to the Ottawa Chapter of the Arthritis Society to provide research for, and advance the causes of, those living with arthritis.

-30-

Anyone interested in knowing more about the Wellness Spa™ is invited to contact:
Don Methot
(613) 747 0321
dmethot@mermaidpools.com

For Details visit the Pressroom at: www.webpressroom.com/mermaid.htm

TORCH AWARD for Marketplace Ethics
Better Business Bureau of Ottawa-Hull Inc.

Go to top of page