It’s a tough call. Mariah Carey is performing at Scotiabank Place on Feb. 6, the same night that blues singer and pianist Julian Fauth is appearing at The Rainbow Bistro.
Bluesfest, the Jazz Festival, FolkFest, Chamberfest and the summer concert festivals are months away, but there is no shortage of live music to be found in Ottawa, from the superstars to the hidden gems.
If the big stars are coming to Ottawa this winter, they will have to schedule their concerts around the Ottawa Senators home games.
Scotiabank Place is hosting several big shows, including Guns N’ Roses on Jan. 30, Mariah Carey on Feb. 6, a special Valentine’s Day Blue Rodeo concert, followed by John Mayer on Feb. 16, with Alicia Keys on Feb. 26.
Even though she’s regularly seen in the stands at hockey games, Carrie Underwood will be performing at Scotiabank Place on March 24. The Senators will play there the night before, so will Mike Fisher join her on stage?
Underwood fans will have little time to recover, since some may likely want to head back out to Kanata for the Billy Talent concert on March 26.
The last week of March could unofficially be named a festival. Even though Our Lady Peace could likely fill Scotiabank Place, the Canadian rockers are playing two intimate shows at the Centrepointe Theatre on March 22 and 23.
That is followed at the Centrepointe by Michael Bolton on March 24. Chantal Kreviaziuk, wife of Our Lady Peace lead singer Raine Maida, will warm up the Centrepointe for the bank with a concert on Feb. 6.
Soul/hip-hop singer Jully Black will also hit up the Centrepointe on March 18. Country artist Gord Bamford will take the same stage the next night.
For an even more intimate setting, By Divine Right will be playing at Mavericks with You Call Yourself Soldiers tomorrow night.
Musical everyman Colin James will be at the National Arts Centre Southam Hall on the Jan. 31. And Mini Mansions featuring Michael Shuman of Queens of the Stone Age will be playing Zaphod Beeblebrox on Feb. 6.
