House parties get dolled up in Ottawa

Ottawa Travel Guide

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Wednesday, 17 October 2012 15:43

Nicole Colbeck has been writing and performing music for more than 20 years, and as a resident of Ottawa's Westboro neighbourhood, has been welcoming hundreds of people into her home for charmingly intimate concerts. With events like the Ottawa Folk Festival and Bluesfest happening in the capital of Canada, it's no wonder that local musicians are coming up with even more ways of showing residents and visitors how much this city loves music.

The series, Westboro House Concerts, showcases local and international artists who have either already been successful in the music industry or are trying to make a name for themselves. Colbeck herself has performed at the Ottawa Folk Festival and Bluesfest, and with her popularity, has helped young musicians climb the ranks within Canada and North America.

"[The house concert] has always been what it is today," Colbeck told Apt.613. "It's just gained popularity and it's gained a presence in the landscape of touring artists."

Curious about who's played and who's going to play in the upcoming months? Here are just a few artists that have already graced the stage of Colbeck's charming Westboro home:

Ian Foster
His stories are unlike any those who travel to Ontario have ever heard, and his songs are even more entrancing. Newfoundland native Ian Foster gives a fresh interpretation of folk music and brings everyone in to his world. Using a looping device, he's able to be his own backup band, recording violin and banjo riffs live onstage before continuing with his songs. On September 22, Foster played to a packed house.

Bob Ardern
This upcoming Saturday, guitarist and local folk legend Bob Ardern will play his rich stories for yet another evening of intimate music. Visitors are more than welcome to bring their own beverages and perhaps even extra chairs so that everyone can have a seat and sway to the smooth and lyrical tunes Ardern creates with each performance.

"I like to write songs that do more than simply rehash what others have already written," Ardern admits in his artist statement. "My music makes you think and touches nerves. I want to be more than just another writer of love songs so I look for inspiration from newspaper headlines and history books, from the views outside my window as well as the reflections in the glass."

Anyone who travels through Canada would be lucky to attend such a warm and cozy show.