The Sound of Somerset… Remixed
Ottawa’s Chinatown is home to a diverse mix of people and all sorts of businesses. Remixed (formely Chinatown Remixed) is an annual festival that celebrates this neighbourhood by highlighting the arts scene that flourishes here. The opening party is taking place this Saturday, September 16 between 11am and 10pm, and there is a full schedule of free activities and events.
Where’s the music at?
Ottawa Showbox is proud to co-produce the festival’s music component, which will take place in the early evening. Attendees can look forward to performances by Loon Choir, Novusolis, and Sarah Howard.
8:30 pm – Loon Choir
Loon Choir are an energetic seven-piece band that have created a following for themselves in Ottawa and even across Canada. Showbox recently celebrated the milestone of five years, which in retrospect was an important period for Ottawa’s music scene. We created a “Five Years – Ottawa 2012-2017” compilation of some of the music that had influenced us over that time. You guessed it–Loon Choir made the cut, with their song “Bug.” You can also check out the entire compilation here.
7:30 pm – Novusolis
Novusolis is an ambient post-rock group featuring soaring and haunting vocals and hypnotic guitar melodies. Their music is sure to create a beautiful reverb down Somerset St, and create an intimate atmosphere for enjoying the early evening.
6:45 pm – Sarah Howard
Sarah Howard is a bilingual singer-songwriter based in Ottawa. Sarah’s work combines elements of folk with a jazz vocal style and explores themes of travel, love and loss.
Early afternoon (time TBA) – David Finkle
In recognition that this neighbourhood is unceded and unsurrended Algonquin territory, Remixed is also welcoming David Finkle to perform in the afternoon. David is an Indigenous drummer and singer, and will be the first artist to grace the stage.
What else is going on?
Now in its ninth year, Remixed is all-day affair that is sure to offer something for everyone. New this year is that they are closing Somerset Street between Percy and Bay, and filling the road with fun activities.
Some of the highlights of the afternoon include a skateboarding demonstration by Birling, a yoga class, an urban legends poetry showcase, a comedy show, food competitions, a beer garden, and a marketplace. There’s also a kids zone if that’s where you’re at.
And of course, there is the visual arts. There will be 26 venues throughout Chinatown displaying art, hosting workshops, or otherwise engaging people to explore the neighbourhood. While restaurants are a sure thing, many of the artists are located in non-conventional gallery spaces – like a grocery store, or a florist.
There’s a strong movement these days to celebrate local. We are throwing block parties and connecting with our neighbours. We make efforts to spend our dollars supporting ideas we believe in. A festival like Remixed is special because it shows what happens when people believe in their neighbourhood and share that vision with others. We hope to see lots of faces out on Saturday, so be sure to swing on by!
The schedule, merchants list, and map of the area can be accessed here.
Chinadoll says “Cheers!”
