DECEMBER 

Saturday, December 1
10:30am -2:3opm
Crichton Cultural Community Centre
200 Crichton, 2nd floor lobby
(Use Avon Lane Entrance at the back of the building)
Fundraising book sale sponsored by the Cultural Arts Studio – School of Afro-Caribbean Dance.
Sisters Helping Sisters! Hundreds of books available. Everything must go. Priced to sell. Many Afro-American authors and more. Books for all readers, children and adults alike. All profits go to our sister battling leukemia. For additional information, please contact Paula Alphonse at 819-682-0136

Saturday, December 1
Cocktails - 6:30 / Dinner - 7:00pm
Ukrainian Hall - 1000 Byron Avenue
Black Canadian Scholarship Fund 12th annual Christmas Dinner and Dance. Tickets $50 per person, $360 for table of 8. For ticket information, please call 613-567-7627 / 613-837-2842/ 613-224-4457/ 613-230-5435/ 613-523-0541. All proceeds to the Black Canadian Scholarship Fund.

Saturday, December 1
7pm - cocktails
8pm - Dinner and Awards ceremony
Jim Durrell Recreational Centre, 1265 Walkley Rd.
The Rockers United Soccer Club invites you to attend the Club’s Seventh Annual Awards  Presentation Banquet and Dance. The event promises to provide an excellent meal, quality entertainment followed by a dance with music to suit all tastes. Music: Nighthawk, Wally B and Oscar. Tickets at a cost of $40.00 will be available by calling, telephone numbers: (613) 746-5600,
(613) 769-5141 or (613) 596-1059. Tickets will also be available at Savannah Afro-Caribbean Foods (1838 Bank Street) and at Tropical Garden Caribbean- Style Eatery (in the plaza at 556 Montreal Road). The deadline for ticket sales is Monday,  November 26, 2007. Should you have any questions, please contact me at telephone (613) 769-5141 or (613)596-1059 or by email at oymcc@hotmail.com / Peter Nesbeth, President, Rockers United Soccer Club email: oymcc@hotmail.com  Contact info: Tel.: (613)596-1059 and (613)769-5141

Saturday, December 1
9:30 p.m.
Baseline Station (2557 Baseline Road at Greenbank)
613-721-7771
Maria Hawkins and The Spirit of Christmas - Spirit of Christmas created by Ted Long has been a charitable event for the last 17 years. Please check them out at http://spiritofchristmas.blogspot.com  The other charitable organization that will receive support from this event is the music program at St. Paul's High School through Maria Hawkins' ACE program. (Arts in Community Everywhere) Maria Hawkins has been bringing musicians in to St. Paul's for over 3 years, to provide workshops for students who are musicians. Over 100 students participate in these valuable workshop presentations every year.

Sunday, December 2
2 PM
International Ballroom,
Plaza Ottawa Hotel,
101 Lyon Street
"The Canuckracker", an exciting and innovative Christmas dance production that turns the traditional Nutcracker ballet on its head! This innovative production, based on a new Nutcracker story in a Canadian context, delivers a message about multicultural friendship and Internet safety. Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn's swinging version of Tchaikovsky's music, modern and swing dance, spoken narrative and computer animation combine in this dynamic presentation which features over thirty Ottawa dancers, actors and musicians. One performance only!
Tickets are priced at $15 for children, $25 for adults and $70 for a family (two adults and two children) and are available from: CD Warehouse (3 locations); Compact Music (2 locations); the Crowne Plaza sales office (M-F, 9-5); online at TicketWeb.ca.
For further details visit http://www.impressionsinjazz.ca or call (613) 858-7904.

Sunday, December 2
4:00 pm
Atomic Rooster
303 Bank Street (at MacLaren)
Maria Hawkins Trio (2 guitarists) – No Cover! 3 musicians, 3 hours!

Tuesday, December 4
7pm - 9 pm
Bronson Centre (Mac Hall)
211 Bronson Ave (corner of Lisgar St)
Learn how African farmers and rural communities are coping with climate change – a problem that we have helped create. What solutions can Africans offer, and how can Canadians help? Join us for an evening of dialogue, with guest speakers from Mali, Kenya and Malawi/Canada.
Host: Susan Walsh, USC Canada. Featuring: Mamby Fofana, Mali - Swedish Development Corporation; former director of USC's Seeds of Survival program; Joshua Mukusya, Kenya - Founder and Executive Officer of Excellent Development; Rachel Bezner-Kerr, Canada/Malawi - Researcher, Soils, Food and Healthy Communities, Malawi
Supported by the Canadian Food Security Policy Group and Canadian Coalition on Climate Change and Development (C4D). More Info: USC Canada, 613-234-6827 or www.usc-canada.org 
Free admission. Wheelchair accessible. Translation provided.

Thursday, December 6
cocktails 6:00pm, dinner 7:00pm
The Hellenic Banquet Centre
1315 Prince of Wales Drive
Bempong Foundation (Canadian NGO), in partnership with Humura of Ottawa, and the Association of Genocide Widows (AVEGA), Kigali, Rwanda presents a Gala Fundraising Dinner. (tickets: $60, free parking) Please join us for an African evening of food, music and auction as we raise money to contribute to the learning and education of children in Rwanda.
Keynote Speaker: The Honourable David Kilgour. Auctioneer: Lawrence Greenspon. MC: Sarah Onyango. For more info, www.bempong.org

Friday, December 7
Rhumba Nightclub
172 Rideau Street
B&B and ShartyB present Turbulence, featuring Alton Willis and MacKendy. Hosted by Papa Richie ("Rockers", CHUO 89.1FM). Music by Tru Soundcrew & DJ Chris. Performing from his catalogue of hits, including ‘Notorious’, ‘Name and Number’, and ‘I Miss You So Much’ Turbulence assures his Ottawa fans that he is ready for them! The harmonizing deejay has scored hits in the roots and dancehall genres as a solo artist and on duets. His vocal delivery is both passionate and raw as he easily moves from conscious tunes to love songs. Turbulence has been touring Europe and Asia extensively, and is delighted to be bringing a portion of his tour to Canada. More info & tickets: Michael Brooks at brooksinc@hotmail.com 

Friday, December 7
8:00 p.m. (doors open at 7:30 p.m.)
Library and Archives Canada Auditorium
395 Wellington Street
The Ottawa Folk Festival presents "Sno Angel Like You project" with Howe Gelb, featuring Voices of Praise (Ottawa) and special guest Kate Maki. Artist websites:  Howe Gelb www.howegelb.com;  Voices of Praise Ottawa www.vop.freehomepage.com ; Kate Maki www.katemaki.com
Advance tickets ($22) are available at the Ottawa Folklore Centre (1111 Bank Street)www.ottawafolk.org  and at all CD Warehouse locations (1383 Clyde, 1717 St. Laurent and 499 Terry Fox). Order tickets by phone from the Folk Festival office at 613-230-8234. Tickets $25 at the door.

Saturday, December 15
4pm
The Black Sheep Inn
753 Riverside Drive, Wakefield, Que.
(819) 459-3228
Drumming for Education Benefit Concert
Baobab Tree Drum Dance Community presents an all-ages drum and dance performance with special guest Master Drummer Kwasi Dunyo and the exceptional vocal ensemble Project Sing! from London, Ontario. From Ghana via Toronto, guest artist Kwasi Dunyo is a familiar face to Black Sheep audience members. Kwasi is the director of the West African Cultural Exchange. Project Sing!, directed by Jennifer Moir, is a 14 member women's vocal ensemble that presents a wide variety of music, including original compositions. Baobab Youth Performers engages students from all over the capital region to perform the vibrant music and dance of Ghana. In addition to their own repertoire, the youth will perform a few numbers with Project Sing! and invite the audience to join them for an interactive rhythmic number. Proceeds from the afternoon will support school children in the Volta Region of Ghana $10 Adults $8 Students, Seniors, kids under 12 free. Tickets available at www.theblacksheepinn.com  or at the door. For more information please call (613) 725-6994 or visit www.baobabtree.org

Saturday, December 15
6:00pm. - 8:00 pm
2285 St. Laurent Blvd, Block "A" , Unit 7
Christ's Chapel Bible Church Christmas Cantata, featuring traditional Christmas Carols, Afro-Caribbean music steel drums and drama.
Free admission. Information: Telephone: 613-260-2822

Saturday, December 15
8pm
Christ Church Cathedral
(Sparks St. at Bronson)
"Christmas Around the World" concert, performed by the outstanding Canadian quartet, Quartetto Gelato, known for its musical virtuosity, artistic passion, charismatic presence. An unforgettable experience of reverence, nostalgia and sheer delight with selections drawn from North America, Italy, Spain, England, France, Germany, Israel, the Czech Republic and the Caribbean. A portion of the proceeds of the concert will benefit the Kiwanis Precious Minds Read-a-thon, a literacy programme developed to “serve the children of the world.” In 2007, over 53,000 children in 222 schools from 12 countries, including Canada, took part in this annual Read-a-thon. Tickets range from $15 (students) to $40 Platinum seats, and are available by calling the Cathedral Arts Office at 613-567-1787.

Tuesday, December 18
6:30 pm
Orleans Theatre/Théâtre d’Orléans
255 Centrum Blvd, Orleans
"Kids Helping Kids" end-of-year recital/Récital de fin d’année "Les enfants s'entraident". Come and support the children as they use their talent to raise toys for those in need! Admission: FREE. For more information please contact us at: (613) 808 6885

Friday, December 21
6:00pm - 10:00pm
Travelodge Ottawa Hotel & Conference Centre
1376 Carling Avenue (Carling and Kirkwood)
"Allah Made Me Funny - The Official Muslim Comedy Tour" has audiences and high-profile media outlets across the globe buzzing about its progressive use of comedy to bring the Muslim culture into the mainstream. Since its debut in 2004, "Allah Made Me Funny - The Official Muslim Comedy Tour" has racked up rave reviews from hundreds of performances across North America, Europe, Asia and Australia. The Tour features three of America's top Muslim comics who are quickly becoming mainstream; Preacher Moss, Azhar Usman and Mohammed Amer. Tickets are $20.00 in advance and $25.00 at the door. For tickets contact Farhia at: 613.841.8074 or farhia.ahmed@gmail.com

Friday, December 21
7pm
Southam Hall, National Arts Centre
Andrew Craig’s Gospel Christmas with the NAC Orchestra, Andrew Craig, host and musical director. Jackie Richardson, Kellylee Evans, Alana Bridgewater, and Christopher Lowe, vocalists Sharon Riley and the Faith Chorale. Get into the holiday spirit with the soulful harmonies and contemporary rhythms of gospel-style Christmas music. Popular CBC radio and television host Andrew Craig leads the NAC Orchestra and his stellar ensemble of singers and players in gospel arrangements of your favourite seasonal songs and carols., including "I Saw Three Ships," "Away in a Manger," "Little Drummer Boy," "The First Noël," and the beloved "Huron Carol." The perfect way to celebrate Christmas with your family! Ticket Information: Adult: $19.00 - $79.00; Student: $10.75 - $40.75 Group Information Groups of 10+ receive great discounts!
For more information, contact: www.nac.ca/en/whatson/results.cfm?EventID=5090

Friday, December 21
10:00pm - 2:30am
Parliament Ultra Club
151 George Street
"Do Not Disturb - Ebony & Ivory's Christmas Formal" and official Mary J. Blige "Growing Pains" CD release party. Hosted by Drew Stephens and Lexxxy. Age: 25yrs+ ID required. Formal upscale dress. Admission: $10.00 with website invite before 11pm. For tickets and more info contact E&I @ Phone: 613.590.1588  www.ebonyandivoryent.com/main.asp

Saturday, December 22
10pm until...
Comfort Inn - 112 Montreal Road
(just West of Vanier Parkway)
Christmas Colors Fete! Wear your favourite Caribbean country colours and represent! Music By: Massive Vibes, Mikey Wizdom, David Supersound, Papa Ritchie. Playing from the classics to the latest hits: Soca, Calypso, Parang, Chutney & Reggae. Free sorrel, Christmas cake and rags to wave! Caribbean food will be on sale! Admission: $10 in advance - More at the door 19+ ID Required. Email: info@massivevibes.ca 

Sunday, December 30
5pm - 9pm
1000 Byron Avenue
Jaku Konbit Kwanzaa Celebration
Keynote speaker: Ewart Walters, Publisher of the Spectrum. Special performances from: Voices of Praise, Mansa Sissoko, Bingie Barker, the Heru Drummers among others.
Cost: $20 adults, $15 children and youth, and children under 5 years (free). Meal included with price. Tickets can be purchased at the day of the venue at the door. Advanced tickets are also available at Mugena, Savannah , Tropicks Boutique, Nana’s Fashion & Beauty Supplies and Claudette’s Coiffure & Beauty Inc. You can also call for 613-567-0600 or email kemetca@yahoo.ca  for ticket purchases. Please visit jakukonbit.com to learn more.

Monday, December 31
8:00 pm
Comfort Inn Hotel - 112 Montreal Rd
(at Vanier Pkwy)
Old Year's Party, hosted by GT Connection. Yes, they are back to ring in the New Year with you! Buffet-style dinner + 2 drink coupons for $30 per person. Music by: GT Oldies Sound Crew. Admittance by pre-purchased tickets only. Info: Jeff 613 729-1323, Brian 613 744-5580 or Dinon 613 277-1448

Monday, December 31
10:00 pm
Babylon Nightclub - 317 Bank St.
Souljazz Orchestra New Year's Eve bash! w/ DJ Zattar
Souljazz Orchestra just returned from a very successful tour of France, and this’ll be their first concert back in Canada, so they’ll be going all out: DJ Zattar will be spinning some of his funkiest rare-groove selections, the club will be providing champagne for the countdown at midnight, and Souljazz will be dishing out a couple of hot sets of muy afro funke goodness! Tickets 20$ in advance at Top of the World, Norml, CD Exchange and Compact Music. Get them early! More info on The Souljazz Orchestra at www.souljazzorchestra.com  & www.myspace.com/souljazzorchestr