Capital Music Week (CxMW) in Ottawa

Hidden Beats

We Are Story Tellers

Capital Music Week (CxMW) in Ottawa

Capital Music Week (CxMW) in Ottawa is a vibrant celebration of sound, community, and creativity. This dynamic week brings together concerts, insightful industry panels, community-building workshops, and networking events held at various venues across the city. From local favorites to international experts, the event hosts an array of voices shaping the future of music and nightlife. The highlight includes an international nightlife summit that explores the global evolution of the nighttime economy.

Organized by the Ottawa Music Industry Coalition (OMIC), Capital Music Week (CxMW) in Ottawa was created to strengthen and spotlight Ottawa’s thriving music ecosystem. It serves as a vital platform for artists, entrepreneurs, and music lovers to connect, collaborate, and celebrate the city’s unique cultural energy. With an exciting schedule and a clear mission to empower the local scene, CxMW has proven to be an essential experience for anyone passionate about music and nightlife in Canada’s capital.

Performances - Day 1

The two days of performances during Capital Music Week (CxMW) in Ottawa were a thrilling showcase of talent, energy, and community spirit. Featuring an eclectic mix of genres, the lineup included both emerging local artists and nationally recognized acts, offering something for every music lover. Each performance was a testament to Ottawa’s vibrant and diverse music scene, turning venues across the city into hubs of sound, celebration, and connection.

OK Naledi

Ottawa Music Awards Week opened with a powerful performance by OK Naledi, the dynamic Botswana-Canadian behind an Afro-Soul project. From the first note, Naledi’s heartfelt energy and tight chemistry with longtime drummer Kira Montfort drew the audience into a rich, rhythmic soundscape. A highlight was the crowd favourite “Bones,” followed by a touching song told from Naledi’s father’s perspective, recounting how he met Naledi’s mother in Botswana. The performance, filled with laughter, rhythm, and ululations, celebrated heritage and identity, setting a meaningful tone for the week.

OK Naledi - Misty Meadows Photography (5)

OK Naledi - Misty Meadows Photography (11)

Kelly Lee Evans

Juno Award-winner Kelly Lee Evans took the stage with a performance as emotionally resonant as it was musically captivating. Known for her smooth, powerful vocals, Evans moved effortlessly between softness and strength, supported by a talented band whose ethereal arrangements added depth and texture. Her set was both masterful and deeply personal—highlighted by a tender Christmas song dedicated to her daughter and a moving account of being struck by lightning and the health struggles that followed. Radiating warmth, Evans connected with the audience through heartfelt storytelling, jazzy instrumentation, and infectious charm.

Kellylee Evans - Misty Meadows Photography (3)

Kellylee Evans - Misty Meadows Photography (14)

The Commotions

Headlining the night with undeniable charisma and flair, The Commotions to the stage and immediately set the stone with a high-energy opening that had the crowd moving to the beat. Backed by a dynamic band, the singers swayed together in perfect unison – a visual and musical display of chemistry that made it impossible not to move along with them. Their vibrant stage presence and infectious joy radiated through the room, igniting the audience from the first beat. One of the standout moments of the night came in the form of an incredible drum solo – a masterclass in rhythm and control.

As the night unfolded, The Commotions demonstrated their range by bringing the energy down for a poignant ballad. Introducing it with warmth and humour, they referred to it as a “musical blanky” – a line that made the audience chuckle. From high-octane grooves, to soul-stirring slow jams, The Commotions delivered a headlining performance that was not only musically tight, but emotionally full and deeply engaging. Their ability to entertain, connect, and keep the energy flowing made their set a true highlight of the night.

The Commotions - Misty Meadows Photography (16)

The Commotions - Misty Meadows Photography (14)

The Commotions - Misty Meadows Photography (13)

Performances - Day 2

Emma Lamontagne

Emma Lamontagne burst onto the stage with bubbly high energy and a beaming smile, instantly winning over the crowd. Draped in her iconic purple shawl, playfully calling it either a whole vibe or “Barney”. She delivered hit after hit while effortlessly dancing across the stage. A standout moment came during her performance of “Monster-in-Law,” a song that deeply connected with the audience. Before diving in, Emma asked, “Who here has an in-law?” prompting most hands to raise. She then added, “And who of you get along with your in-laws?” sparking a roar of laughter when someone shouted back, “Hell no!” This relatable and humorous moment perfectly showcased Emma Lamontagne’s charm and stage presence. Overall, it was a high-energy, engaging performance that set a fantastic tone for the evening.

Emma Lamontagne - Misty Meadows Photography (10)

Emma Lamontagne - Misty Meadows Photography (7)

Akeem Oh

Akeem Oh took the stage with a quiet confidence that quickly gave way to an electrifying performance, showcasing his talents as a multi-instrumentalist, producer, and indie-pop artist. His set was a rich blend of deep, pulsing beats, funky guitar strums, and a soft, provocative voice that pulled the audience into his unique soundscape. Every layer of his music felt intentional, creating an immersive experience that highlighted both his musical skill and creative vision. Incredibly talented and refreshingly original, Akeem Oh left a lasting impression as an artist fully in command of his craft.

Akeem Oh - Misty Meadows Photography (12)

Akeem Oh - Misty Meadows Photography (17)

Elijah Woods

Elijah Woods delivered an electrifying performance that captivated the audience from start to finish. As his bandmates, the drummer and guitarist, took the stage, the crowd erupted in excitement. Their entrance was amplified by a mesmerizing digital visual display that instantly set the mood. When Elijah Woods finally appeared, the energy in the room reached its peak, with fans screaming and rushing forward, fully immersed in the moment. Woods’ powerful and emotionally charged vocals cut through the haze of smoke and vibrant lighting, creating an unforgettable atmosphere. Each song sparked enthusiastic sing-alongs, whether he was hitting soaring high notes or engaging warmly with the crowd between tracks. The entire set was a masterclass in modern pop showmanship—high-energy, visually stunning, and emotionally engaging throughout.

Elijah Woods - Misty Meadows Photography (2)

Elijah Woods - Misty Meadows Photography (12)

Canada After Dark - Two Day Forum + Mayor Sutcliffe's Music Mixer Event

An exclusive two day forum co-presented by the City of Ottawa’s Nightlife Office and the Ottawa Music Industry Coalition with policymakers, music officers and nightlife professionals from around the world. The forum started with a warm welcome and opening words from Mark Sutcliffe, Mayor of Ottawa, alongside Mathieu Grondin, Nightlife Commissioner from the City of Ottawa, and Michael Kill, CEO of Night Time Industry Association in the UK.

Day 1

Insights from the Canadian Live Music Association

In a powerful and insightful fireside chat during Capital Music Week (CxMW) in Ottawa, Erin Benjamin, President and CEO of the Canadian Live Music Association, and Sergio Emilio Parra, Research and Program Manager at the same organization, highlighted the economic impact and future potential of Canada’s live music industry. Their discussion emphasized not only the cultural value of live music in Canada but also its importance as a critical economic driver that warrants strategic investment and long-term policy support.

Erin and Sergio passionately advocated for the recognition of small and mid-sized venues, which often serve as the foundation of the live music ecosystem. These grassroots spaces are where emerging artists begin their careers, yet they are frequently overlooked in national conversations. As Erin put it, “Every artist we know starts in a grassroots music venue.” To truly support the growth of Canadian music talent, it is essential to strengthen these early-stage venues through policies, infrastructure, and funding that reflect their crucial role in the industry.

Nightlife Governance in the UK

In a thought-provoking discussion on the nightlife industry, Michael Kill, CEO of the Night Time Industry Association UK, shared valuable insights from consumer research that highlight the essential role the public plays in shaping the future of nightlife. According to Kill, consumers are the ones who ultimately drive change. Research shows that individuals would go out more often if three key conditions were met: if they had more disposable income, felt safer downtown, and had access to reliable transportation home. These findings illustrate how economic, policing, and transportation issues are deeply connected to nightlife participation, emphasizing the need for comprehensive strategies that address all these factors together.

Senior Policy Advisor Sam Mathys, representing 24 Hour London, expanded on these ideas, suggesting that effective policy should start with understanding public needs. He stressed the importance of asking people what they want before developing policies that support growth and development in the nightlife and live music sectors. Mathys also highlighted the need to focus on grassroots initiatives that support smaller venues and independent companies. Treating the live music industry as a holistic ecosystem, where every component from small venues to large arenas plays a vital role, is crucial for long-term success. Creating pathways for growth at every level provides opportunities for everyone to thrive as the sector evolves. Both Kill and Mathys emphasized the challenges around the distribution of funds, such as how ticket levies or government support are allocated. Without clear guidelines, funding may fail to reach the grassroots venues and initiatives that need it most.

The conversation also explored complex policy questions, including how to define a big venue for the purpose of applying a one dollar levy on every ticket sold. Ultimately, the discussion reinforced that building a vibrant and sustainable nightlife and live music industry requires a nuanced approach with policies informed by the real needs of consumers and the economic, social, and cultural realities of the sector.

Nightlife: A Regional Roundtable

A critical regional roundtable shed light on the challenges and opportunities facing Canada’s live music scene across different provinces. Jon Weisz, Executive Director of Les SMAQ, opened the discussion by highlighting policy struggles in Montreal, where venues are cutting back on programming and less profitable shows to stay afloat — a reflection of the broader challenge of balancing sustainability and cost. Ali Shafaee, Regional VP of Live Nation Ontario, shared consumer insights, noting that while post-pandemic demand surged and sold-out shows were common, audience behavior has since shifted. With financial caution top of mind, about 25% of ticket sales now occur in the final week before an event. Shafaee also addressed the “Netflix effect,” observing that younger audiences are opting for at-home entertainment and drinking less, prompting the hope to reintroduce them to the thrill of live experiences to reinvigorate the live music industry. Still, he remains optimistic, pointing to the upcoming launch of History Ottawa, a 2,000-capacity venue opening in 2026.

Maud Salvi, Executive and Artistic Director of Sled Island in Calgary, expressed concern about how smaller and medium-sized stakeholders/ venues in the city’s nightlife scene will benefit from various initiatives around the city, such as a new arena and renovated arts complexes. Despite these developments, Calgary has lost many venues, with no plans to replace them. Accessibility remains a major issue, from outdated buildings to the long commutes and parking costs that deter downtown attendance. Zach Atkinson, owner of The CAP in Fredericton, New Brunswick, said most venues have survived post-pandemic, and festivals are holding strong. However, smaller venues face pressure from the rising cost of living. Promotion is a key barrier, with limited access to cultural media — relying mainly on postering and commercial radio. Despite having venues, artists, and audiences, Atkinson stressed that the lack of promotional infrastructure is hindering growth.

Capital Nights

In a wide-ranging discussion on the music industry, panelists addressed the growing disconnect between grassroots and underground music communities and the broader industry landscape. Anthony Cardozo of SAW Gallery highlighted how DIY and underground music scenes often feel excluded from mainstream music industry conversations. He called for a re-evaluation of noise bylaws by 2026 to better support these vital communities. Mark Monahan, founder of Ottawa Bluesfest, echoed concerns about this divide, reflecting on his roots in the 1980s club scene and urging renewed collaboration between small grassroots venues and large-scale music industry players. He emphasized the importance of building lasting music infrastructure and proposed a one-time legacy event to create enduring impact for Ottawa’s music ecosystem.

Melanie Brulée of the Ottawa Music Industry Coalition emphasized the need for a bottom-up approach to music industry development. She stressed embedding music into local policy while maintaining accountability to the community. Instead of reinforcing top-down hierarchies, Melanie advocated for industry leadership focused on laying a foundation for long-term success in Ottawa’s music scene. Finally, Dominique (Deek) Labelle of Château Lafayette underscored the importance of revitalizing the ByWard Market area by improving accessibility through policy changes, transit improvements, and affordable spaces for artists and venues. She warned that siloed efforts are holding the sector back and that real progress requires unified action across the entire music industry.

Shaping Toronto’s, Montreal's and Vancouver's night economy

The Shaping Toronto’s Night Economy discussion began with Alok Sharma from the City of Toronto, who shared innovative reforms aimed at growing and enhancing Toronto’s nighttime economy. Following this, Ericka Alnéus and Francyne Gervais from Ville de Montréal provided valuable insights on fostering cohabitation and collaboration. They highlighted the creation of a dedicated nightlife team and a 30-member roundtable focused on tackling local nightlife challenges.

The conversation then moved west to Vancouver, where Siobhian Smith, Director of Business and Economy, and Jane Talbot, Downtown Director and CEO, discussed pilot programs such as extended patios and the urgent need for affordable venues and strong district stewardship. Across Toronto, Montréal, and Vancouver, common challenges were clear: difficult operating conditions, high commercial vacancies, and the critical need for policy alignment with market demand. Speakers emphasized a holistic, cross-departmental approach to managing the nighttime economy, urging stakeholders to avoid working in silos and to carefully consider trade-offs in decision-making. They also stressed the importance of clear communication, collaboration, and mitigating unintended consequences, while linking nighttime economy strategies to broader city-building goals.

CAD DAY 1 - Mayor Sutcliffe's Music Mixer Event (1)

CAD DAY 1 - Insights into the Canadian Live Music Association (6)

CAD DAY 1 - Insights into the Canadian Live Music Association (4)

CAD DAY 1 - Insights into the Canadian Live Music Association (2)

CAD DAY 1 - Nightlife, A regional roundtable (1)

CAD DAY 1 - Nightlife, A regional roundtable (3)

CAD DAY 1 - Mayor Sutcliffe's Music Mixer Event (9)

CAD DAY 1 - Mayor Sutcliffe's Music Mixer Event (13)

CAD DAY 1 - Shaping Toronto's night economy (2)

CAD DAY 1 - Mayor Sutcliffe's Music Mixer Event (14)

CAD DAY 1 - Nightlife Governance in the UK (1)

CAD DAY 1 - Nightlife Governance in the UK (3)

CAD DAY 1 - Mayor Sutcliffe's Music Mixer Event (8)

CAD DAY 1 - Mayor Sutcliffe's Music Mixer Event (12)

CAD DAY 1 - Mayor Sutcliffe's Music Mixer Event (7)

CAD DAY 1 - Mayor Sutcliffe's Music Mixer Event (4)

CAD DAY 1 - Mayor Sutcliffe's Music Mixer Event (3)

CAD DAY 1 - Mayor Sutcliffe's Music Mixer Event (6)

Day 2

Placemaking for the night

Placemaking after dark is about transforming spaces into vibrant, inclusive, and inviting environments that support community, culture, and commerce – especially in underused areas. Marc Garniss, co-founder of KPP Concerts and Executive Director of the Kingston Canadian Film Festival, views placemaking as creating opportunities for artists to host “cool things” that draw people in – benefiting surrounding businesses and contributing to a local nighttime economy. His best practices include ensuring events are all-ages, family-friendly, inclusive, and diverse events and patrons. Jerome Glad, Executive Director of Belleville Placemaking, defines placemaking as managing space and transforming underused areas into lively public destinations. He stresses the importance of designing for longevity, noting the difference between temporary installations and actively managed spaces. Steve Moran, municipal councillor in Hull-Wright, Gatineau, sees placemaking as social development—“making something out of nothing” by activating forgotten or underused locations.

His advice: align projects with community priorities to build public support. A key challenge is funding, which is more likely to follow broad-based community buy-in. Jacquelyn West, Senior Advisor at the Canadian Urban Institute and Quartier des Spectacles International, emphasizes that placemaking is also about smart infrastructure investment. Lighting, in particular, is critical—not only for safety but for storytelling and creating a sense of belonging. Visual and artistic interventions, like luminous pathways, can make cities feel alive and welcoming after dark. She notes that while placemaking is trending, it’s evolving beyond its roots in the 1970s into a model of co-creation – one that invites communities to help shape the future of their public spaces.

Good Nights Out for All

Stacey Forrester, Education Director, leads harm reduction efforts at Good Night Out Vancouver, creating safer nightlife spaces in the downtown core. Forrester spearheaded a late-night team who operate from midnight to 4 a.m., helping people feel safe, supported, and get home comfortably. These ambassadors receive specialized training in bystander intervention, de-escalation, and responding to gender-based violence – key components that set this program apart. Recruited for their backgrounds in harm reduction, such as nursing and paramedicine, they bring both empathy and expertise to the role. With support from the BIA and Destination Vancouver, the team makes 300 monthly contacts, engaging 35–40 people each night. Their presence boosts community safety while generating valuable data to sustain and grow the program.

Tourism After Dark

Tourism isn’t a single industry – it’s a sector built from the intersection of many industries that must work together to thrive. Kelleagh Alexander, Director of Experience Development at Ottawa Tourism, emphasizes that tourism functions best when silos are broken down and collaboration is prioritized. From large operators to small stakeholders, a more connected, inclusive ecosystem allows for better information sharing and creates new opportunities. This approach includes inclusion by design, ensuring underrepresented neighborhoods have a seat at the table and a voice in shaping the tourism experience. Data sharing also plays a critical role in fostering collaboration and enabling smarter decisions across the sector.

Sarah Jarvis, Director of Community Engagement at Destination Toronto, noted that destination marketing organizations (DMOs) operate differently across regions. In Toronto, efforts have focused on accessibility and engagement through a newly launched, free membership program—removing financial barriers and inviting broader participation from the community. Beth McMahon, President of the Hotel Association of Canada, highlighted that while hotels play a major role in funding tourism through the MAT (Municipal Accommodation Tax), they often face challenges around safety, security, and staffing—without much programming support. She stressed the need for a unified, strategic approach. Initiatives like Ottawa’s upcoming Nightlife Ambassador Program are seen as vital building blocks toward a stronger, safer, and more inclusive tourism strategy that extends beyond traditional daytime hours.

Featuring the talented Emily Jean Flack from London, who shared her musical expertise with ticket holders over the lunch break.

CAD DAY 2 - Placemaking for the night (6)

CAD DAY 2 - Placemaking for the night (4)

CAD DAY 2 - Placemaking for the night (1)

Emily Jean Flack - Misty Meadows Photography (14)

Emily Jean Flack - Misty Meadows Photography (9)

Emily Jean Flack - Misty Meadows Photography (13)

Emily Jean Flack - Misty Meadows Photography (2)

Emily Jean Flack - Misty Meadows Photography (1)

Ottawa Music Awards Ceremony

The Ottawa Music Awards ceremony at the National Arts Centre’s Southam Hall was a vibrant celebration of the city’s diverse and thriving music scene. The night opened with a powerful performance by Cody Coyote, an artist of Ojibwe and Irish descent with Matachewan First Nation roots. Set against dramatic red lighting, Cody’s heavy beats, poignant lyrics, and the expressive movements of dancers—one elegantly with silk and another gracefully engaging in a hoop dance—wove a story that demanded to be heard.

The evening was grounded with an Algonquin territorial welcome, including a blessing in the mother tongue, setting a respectful and inclusive tone. Ottawa’s mayor, Mark Sutcliffe, followed with a speech celebrating music’s power to challenge, invigorate, and unite, and congratulated the night’s nominees.

Among the 13 awards presented, five were decided by public vote: Music Educator of the Year, Newcomer of the Year, Single of the Year, Album of the Year, and Video of the Year.

Satellite Birdhouse won Newcomer of the Year, while Kieran Isley was recognized as Sound Engineer of the Year. The Music Educator of the Year award went to OrKidstra, and Live Music Curator of the Year was awarded to Debaser, a local champion of emerging and experimental artists. Club SAW took home Live Music Venue of the Year, celebrated for its commitment to showcasing diverse voices and community-focused programming. Best Production and Arrangement went to Encore un peu by De Flore. The Community Impact Award was given to Justin Gunderson, whose work has made a tangible difference in the local scene. Video of the Year was awarded to Si j’étais franche by Mia Kelly, who also shared Single of the Year honors with Bonefish Boys. Alanna Sterling swept both Songwriter of the Year with Everything’s Gonna Be Just Fine and Solo Artist of the Year, while Album of the Year went to Undefeated by the dynamic rock group Double Experience. Rounding out the awards, Twin Flames earned Group of the Year.

The Performances

The evening was elevated by a series of breathtaking performances. Kassidy took the stage with a captivating performance; his raspy voice and emotional delivery mesmerized the room in awe. The Ottawa Chinese Musicians’ Association delivered a meticulous and emotional performance with traditional Chinese instruments under red lighting. Alanna Sterling returned with a powerful piano and vocal performance of Goodbye, before theatrically unveiling their band, Complicit, for a high-octane set of Save It for My Waking Day. Jana Salameh added her unique voice with a mesmerizing performance infused with Arabic musical elements and warm yellow lighting.

In between awards, renowned cellist Raphael Weinroth-Browne, joined by the incredibly talented Kathryne Patricia, Siaka Diabete, and Tech Twelve, filled Southam Hall with sweeping, atmospheric soundscapes. Closing the evening was the night’s charismatic MC, YAO, whose explosive lyrical finale had the entire crowd thrilled. After the event had wrapped up, guests were warmly encouraged to make their way to the official Ottawa Music Awards Afterparty in the Byward Market – ending a night that honored not just musical excellence, but the community and culture that fuels it.

Cody Coyote - Misty Meadows Photography (13)

Cody Coyote - Misty Meadows Photography (12)

Cody Coyote - Misty Meadows Photography (6)

Cody Coyote - Misty Meadows Photography (2)

Alanna Sterling - Misty Meadows Photography (6)

Alanna Sterling - Misty Meadows Photography (1)

Complicit - Misty Meadows Photography (5)

Complicit - Misty Meadows Photography (1)

Sound x Summit

Ottawa Music Week wrapped up with a powerful event designed to bring entrepreneurs and creatives together through more than 10 engaging developmental activities. Industry professionals from diverse backgrounds gathered to share insights, showcase talent, and foster meaningful dialogue—leaving attendees with a strong sense of community and collaboration. A fantastic way to end a week stock full of creative energy!

Sound X Summit - Misty Meadows Photography (14)

Sound X Summit - Misty Meadows Photography (15)

Sound X Summit - Misty Meadows Photography (13)

Sound X Summit - Misty Meadows Photography (5)

Sound X Summit - Misty Meadows Photography (12)

Sound X Summit - Misty Meadows Photography (3)

Sound X Summit - Misty Meadows Photography (11)

Sound X Summit - Misty Meadows Photography (2)

Sound X Summit - Misty Meadows Photography (10)

Sound X Summit - Misty Meadows Photography (1)

Sound X Summit - Misty Meadows Photography (9)

Sound X Summit - Misty Meadows Photography (8)

Sound X Summit - Misty Meadows Photography (7)

BONUS Footage - Red Carpet from the Ottawa Music Award Ceremony

Step into the spotlight with our bonus red carpet gallery from Capital Music Week (CxMW) in Ottawa. This exclusive collection captures the style, personality, and electric energy of the artists, industry leaders, and guests who lit up the city. From bold fashion statements to candid moments, this gallery celebrates the creative spirit and community that make CxMW unforgettable.

Red Carpet - Misty Meadows Photography (2)

Red Carpet - Misty Meadows Photography (1)

Red Carpet - Lucas Haneman & Megan Lawrence (82)

Red Carpet - Misty Meadows Photography (3)

Red Carpet - Misty Meadows Photography (4)

Red Carpet - Misty Meadows Photography (5)

Red Carpet - Misty Meadows Photography (7)

Red Carpet - Misty Meadows Photography (9)

Red Carpet - Misty Meadows Photography (10)

Red Carpet - Misty Meadows Photography (11)

Red Carpet - Misty Meadows Photography (12)

Red Carpet - Misty Meadows Photography (23)

Red Carpet - Misty Meadows Photography (22)

Red Carpet - Misty Meadows Photography (21)

Red Carpet - Misty Meadows Photography (19)

Red Carpet - Misty Meadows Photography (17)

Red Carpet - Misty Meadows Photography (16)

Red Carpet - Misty Meadows Photography (15)

Red Carpet - Misty Meadows Photography (14)

Red Carpet - Misty Meadows Photography (44)

Red Carpet - Misty Meadows Photography (55)

Red Carpet - Misty Meadows Photography (83)

Red Carpet - Misty Meadows Photography (73)

Red Carpet - Misty Meadows Photography (74)

Red Carpet - Misty Meadows Photography (95)

Celebrating Local Soundscapes and Future Stars at Capital Music Week (CxMW) in Ottawa

As the final curtain closes on Capital Music Week (CxMW) in Ottawa, the city celebrates a week filled with electric performances, insightful panels, and unforgettable moments. The event has once again proven that Ottawa is a powerful force in the Canadian music landscape, shining a light on rising talent and connecting artists with fans and industry leaders alike. Here’s to the music, the memories, and the continued growth of this vibrant creative community. See you next year.

For more information: https://ottawamic.com/cxmw

Article by

Anna Karperien

All Posts

Send us a message here