Ottawa lost an iconic DJ last night

Last night, DJ Leslise (Leslie Hodge) passed away. She was an influential part of the Ottawa alternative scene, especially the goth and industrial scene. She was the leading force behind projects like Zaphod's Industrial night, which ran for over 20 years every Tuesday night at Zaphods Beeblebrox Bar. When that ended she quickly founded the group responsible for Retro Night and Geeks-&-Bleeps Night at Swizzles Bar, which ran every third and fourth Saturday each month. She frequently put the music and scene she loved first; she made it a priority and kept the scene in Ottawa shining.

I didn't know Leslie closely. We were acquaintances, having shared a small conversation here or there. I wish that I had been able to know her better, and I wish that I had been able to express to her my gratitude towards her passion and enthusisasm. I'm glad to say that the last time we spoke I said thank you to her; thanks for all that she'd done for our little Ottawa alternative scene. But I wish that I could have said more; that I could have known her better.

She was a connection between so many people. If it weren't for her and her dedication, I would not have met many of the people I am close to today. I would not be as involved in the Ottawa underground. And I would not belong to the same beautiful subculture and social circle.

Rest in Peace Leslie. Thank you for being an inspirational spirit. May you find a beautiful beyond.

Photos from ComicCon.Such amazing

ComicCon was a blast. I found some fantastic books, and as usual there were some amazing talented artists and fabulous geek-goth clothing and merch.

The highlight was seeing Marina Sirtis & Jonathan Frakes (Deanna Troi & Will Riker from Star Trek TNG) at a Q&A. They were full of energy, funny and social. They told lots of fun stories and kept us all smiling. Yes, deep down I am a sci fi nerd, probably more geek than goth but I'm alright with that. These sorts of events attract such a wide variety of people, from geeks, to punks, to goth, to moms and kids and elderly. Its a unique opportunity to see so many types of people in one place all reveling in their quirkiness.

I hope you enjoy these photos, just a few of my favorite costumes that I spotted. (If you spot yourself and want credit for your talented costume, or would like the image removed, do let me know!)

Knitted Night-Crawler!

A personified Notebook from "Don't Hug Me I'm Scared"

Intricate armor and weapons are fantastic! 

Wait for it....

The wings expanded and folded! 

It's warm out!!!

I'm done university.

I have a job.

And there's finally leaves on the trees.

Things are very happy indeed.

Things are happening!
Comic Con is already going on. One more day. You should be there.
Next weekend theres a goth Pop-up Shop, Decypher.

Decypher is an online alternative store, that occasionally visits Conventions and similar events to sell funky clothing, shoes, accessories and novelties. If you are in the ottawa area and love fun and different clothing, this is definitely wort checking out. 

Details:

Friday, May 15 - 11:00am - 7:00pm
Saturday, May 16 - 10:00am - 6:00pm
Sunday, May 17 - 10:00am - 5:00pm 

129 Holland Avenue 

For transit takers, you can take the #86, #2 or get off at Tunney's Pasture Station and walk approx. 10 min. along Holland Avenue to Wellington.

More details on the facebook event page. 

The last few months have been pretty insane, wrapping up loose ends with university and such. But Hopefully I can get back to more frequent posting. You can expect some photos from Comic-con soon.

Stay fabulous darklings.

Last Weekend at G-Anime

I had a great day at the con. I met some neat people and encountered a Zombie hunter (?) that I challenged to a duel! :P 

And then at the after party I won a gift bag with super neat socks and a signed photo of Kudrel. 

G-Anime was a small but fun Convention. I had plenty of Frnehc and Bilingual programming, but I felt that there could have been more in English. I played some fun video games, Giant Jenga, Giant Connect Four, and Just Dance.
 ...

Things to do:

Fun things happenning Soon!

G-Anime

From new media guests, panels, workshops, activities, and special events, G-Anime has it all.
2014-2015 illustration par Alix Mia Lagassé Gallant

 G-Anime is the premiere anime convention in the Ottawa-Gatineau area, founded in 2009. The event is all-ages, and includes a wide variety of programming to meet many different interests.
There will be a dealers room, games of all kinds (board games, video games, party games), panels, improv, a cosplay masquerade and more.

When? G-Anime happens this weekend (January 23-25)
Where? Palais des congrès de Gatineau, Gatineau, QC
More Info

Swizzles Alternative Nights
246 Queen St, Ottawa, Ontario K1P5E4

Swizzles has started hosting alternative nights on the 3rd and 4rth Saturdays of every month!

G-Anime After Party 

This weekend is a special G-anime after party. The night caters to cosplayers as well as darker subgenres with electronic music, industrial music, goth music and a cosplaying competition. Opening the night from 10pm until around 11:30ish will be guest DJ Phillogic followed by DJ Leslie. Also present will be local Pro Cosplayer, Kudrel, acting as judge of the cosplay competition. 

When: January 24, Saturday, 10:00PM - 2:30AM

Facebook Event

Chiptunes: Gaming + DJ

The regular geek-meets-goth night will be moved to January 31. Similar electronic and industrial music, plus a variety of video games station can be found in Swizzles on these nights. 

When: January 31, Saturday, 10:00PM - 2:30AM
           (Normally, Every 4th Saturday of the month)

 

 

Retro Underground

This night is for the trad-goths and old school alternative folks, and it features the best of what was known as "alternative" back in the late 70s, 80s and early to mid 90s. Genres you'll hear include Industrial to goth, EBM to techno, new wave to cold wave, and oldschool electronic music of all kinds. 

When (Tentatively): February 21, Saturday, 10:00PM - 2:30AM

            (Or, Every 3rd Saturday of the month)

These nights are brought to you by DJ Leslie and friends (Lots of people are getting involved, but I don't have a list of everyone that is :P ). These nights are regularly NO COVER!

I'll try to post reminders for these nights when I can, and provide links to the Facebook Events when they appear.

Cheers, 

Twiggy

Listening to:  "Tear Garden" - IAMX

A quick trip to Amsterdam.

I spent the last the last two weeks travelling. On our way back there was a 5 hour layover in Amsterdam. I was happy to have some time to explore the city, but I didn't get much of a chance to see many museums. I did do a bit of shopping, and drank the most delicious hot chocolate in a lovely cafe.

We arrived in Amsterdam very early in the day, so not many things were open.
But this Candy store looked amazing from the outside too!

There were candy stores, bakeries and cafes on almost every corner.

And so many cool posters for shows and events. I'd love to see this city come to life at night.

Even in the middle of January, on a grey, rainy morning, the flower market was buzzing with activity.

This store was positively amazing. It carried all kinds of alternative styles: Gothic, Victorian, Lolita and more...

...And the interior felt like walking into a fairy tale. The store sold clothing, trinkets, oddities, and jewelry.

This strange creature was carved into one of the elaborate displays in the store. 

There were so many thing that were still left to see. I didn't make it to the art museums, or the "Amsterdam Dungeon" (above), or the Red-light district. All the more reason to go back. 

I was a pretty good way to spend a layover, and I can't wait until I can go back and spend a full trip in Amsterdam!

Going out.

 Actually this is from a while back but I never posted the images. I don't even remember where it was that I had planned on going. But I liked this outfit so sharing is caring :P 

Listening to: nothing at the moment.