Friday Sessions
July 10 – Sep 18
Friday Sessions bring live R&B, urban sounds, and indie pop-rock nights to ByWard Square, spotlighting Ottawa’s emerging talent every week in the heart of the Market. With a rotating lineup of local artists, each Friday offers a different sound, a new reason to gather.
It’s free. It’s full of energy. And it’s the perfect way to kick off your weekend!
Moov Ottawa
Founded in 2018 by Alea “Didi” de Castro and Arnaldo “Effect” Betancourt Silva, Moov is an Ottawa-based, bilingual dance company rooted in Hip Hop and Street Dance culture.
Learn moreJuly 17 | 5 pM – 9 PM
DYSTOH
DYSTOH is a high-energy duo from Ray Tabana and Phil Motion, founding members of the three-time Juno-nominated Souljazz Orchestra. Blending congas, baritone sax, harmonies, and hypnotic grooves, their sound pulls from Afrobeat, Latin, and reggae, bringing serious rhythm and live-performance fire to the stage.
Learn moreJULY 24 | 6 PM – 9 PM
JULY 31 | 6 PM – 9 PMNITROTURTLE
NITROTURTLE is a funk band out of Ottawa that flexes between R&B, hip-hop, jazz and soul vibes. Led by Deniz Lim-Sersan (drums), the group has a rotating cast of some of the finest musicians in the city.
Learn MoreComing Soon
AUGUST 14 | 6 pm – 9 pm More details coming soon.
Coming Soon
AUGUST 28 | 6 PM – 9 pmMore details coming soon.
Smelloship
SEPTEMBER 11 | 6 PM – 9 pmSmelloship is a six-piece funk force from Ottawa and Gatineau, blending 70s funk, soul, southern rock, and second-line swagger into a high-energy live show. With vintage tones, greasy grooves, and a reputation for standout collaborations, Smelloship brings big rhythm, bold personality, and serious interstellar funk to the stage.
Learn moreComing Soon
SEPTEMBER 25 | 6 PM – 7 pmMore details coming soon.
AUGUST 7 | 6 pm – 9 pm Coming Soon
More details coming soon.
Moov Ottawa
August 21 | 6 PM – 9 pmFounded in 2018 by Alea “Didi” de Castro and Arnaldo “Effect” Betancourt Silva, Moov is an Ottawa-based, bilingual dance company rooted in Hip Hop and Street Dance culture.
Learn moreComing Soon
SEPTEMBER 4 | 6 PM – 9 pmMore details coming soon.
Coming Soon
september 18 | 6 PM – 9 pmMore details coming soon.
Just Wôan Trio
Just Wôan is a Cameroon-born, Montreal-based singer-songwriter blending jazz, soul, and Central African rhythms. Known for his powerful vocals and tapping guitar, he performs in Bafia, a rare Cameroonian language.
Learn moreJULY 10 | 6 PM – 9 PM