In our annual Hangout Handbook, Exclaim! asks some of our favourite artists to discuss the hidden gems in their hometowns. Here, Kalle Mattson outlines his picks for the nation's capital.
Do Donut, Don't Not Donut
Art Is In Bakery (250 City Centre Ave.) is amazing. Stupid good donuts.
Where Everybody Knows Your Name
I go to the Bridgehead Roastery (130 Anderson St.) every morning and they now sadly know my order off by heart. Big fan.
Unique Eats
Oz Kafe (361 Elgin St.) is really awesome and has a really unique menu.
Fun in the Dark
ByTowne Cinema (325 Rideau St.) is consistently great in bringing stuff no other theatre in Ottawa will. (Best popcorn too!).
Building Community
I think the Arboretum Music Festival (www.arboretumfestival.com) has become a really special event in Ottawa. It's still in its first few years but no other festival brings together Ottawa's arts community in such an awesome way.
When Your Local Isn't Local
I guess not technically in Ottawa but the Blacksheep Inn in Wakefield, QC is one of the best venues in Canada.
Prohibition Vibes
Mugshots (75 Nicholas). It's located in the basement of the Ottawa Jail Hostel. Awesome staff and vibe.
Pedals Down
Empress Effects! They make some of the best guitar pedals on the planet and they're made here in Ottawa.
Singer-songwriter Kalle Mattson's most recent album, Someday, the Moon Will Be Gold, was nominated for the Polaris Music Prize.
Do Donut, Don't Not Donut
Art Is In Bakery (250 City Centre Ave.) is amazing. Stupid good donuts.
Where Everybody Knows Your Name
I go to the Bridgehead Roastery (130 Anderson St.) every morning and they now sadly know my order off by heart. Big fan.
Unique Eats
Oz Kafe (361 Elgin St.) is really awesome and has a really unique menu.
Fun in the Dark
ByTowne Cinema (325 Rideau St.) is consistently great in bringing stuff no other theatre in Ottawa will. (Best popcorn too!).
Building Community
I think the Arboretum Music Festival (www.arboretumfestival.com) has become a really special event in Ottawa. It's still in its first few years but no other festival brings together Ottawa's arts community in such an awesome way.
When Your Local Isn't Local
I guess not technically in Ottawa but the Blacksheep Inn in Wakefield, QC is one of the best venues in Canada.
Prohibition Vibes
Mugshots (75 Nicholas). It's located in the basement of the Ottawa Jail Hostel. Awesome staff and vibe.
Pedals Down
Empress Effects! They make some of the best guitar pedals on the planet and they're made here in Ottawa.
Singer-songwriter Kalle Mattson's most recent album, Someday, the Moon Will Be Gold, was nominated for the Polaris Music Prize.