Page 63 – Algonquin Times

Drag performers dance the night away at Algonquin College

The Observatory hosts Frosty Fabulousness, a winter-themed drag performance

John Hopper

Photos: John Hopper

March 21, 2024
Revised: March 21, 2024 2:17pm

Photo: John Hopper

Karen Ligays, photographed in the Observatory after the show.

A student-run drag show was hosted in the Observatory on March 14.

The winter-themed performance was organized in a joint effort between the Students’ Association and the recently formed Drag Club. The Observatory was decorated with bright colours and flashy lights to fit the atmosphere of the event.

Tickets to the event were distributed online for free and the event was open to anyone who wanted to attend.

Cassandra Jones, head of the Clubs and Community Association, said that she was excited for the event to kick off.

“This is a partnership between the Students’ Association and the Drag Club. This is my first drag event on campus and I’m excited to work on it,” Jones said.

As the event was preparing to start, the venue allowed patrons to order food and drinks, as well as mingle with each other.

Ruby Martini and their friend Nox, who is a second-year Early Childhood Education student, was excited for the show.

“I’m expecting some pizazz tonight. And some slay. Fashion and music. I’m expecting everything,” Martini said.

Once everything was settled, the hosts walked up on stage and welcomed the crowd. The hosts of the event were two drag queens named Karen Ligays and Edith Puthi.

The show started off with a land acknowledgement and witty banter between the two hosts. Karen Ligays jokingly said, “Drag is a contact sport”.

Both hosts performed separate acts before making way for the many drag artists who were performing that night.

Many of the performers who participated in the event were Algonquin College alumni, including Edith Puthi.

Each of the performances were met with enormous rounds of applause from the crowd, with drag king BJ Stroker and drag queen Lady Justice being crowd favourites.

The show had a brief intermission where guests were able to order more food and drinks. Participants also had the chance to win tickets to see Sasha Colby, a famous drag performer who was crowned the winner of the 15th season of RuPaul’s Drag Race. Colby performed at the Algonquin College Theatre on March 19.

After the brief intermission, each of the artists performed another set of performances, which were each met with applause.

The show ended with a round of applause for all the drag artists and a shout-out to the Students’ Association and the Observatory.

The atmosphere of the event was colourful and energetic, with the performers’ enthusiasm radiating throughout the event.

Arts & Entertainment

John Hopper

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Public visitation for Brian Mulroney ends in advance of state funeral on Saturday

Local CTV: The Sir John A. Macdonald building on Parliament Hill was open for the public and politicians from March 19 to March 20 to pay tribute to former prime minister, Brian Mulroney. “It was important to be here because I was very close with the family,” said Gordon Pavey, a member of Mulroney’s security […]

Sophie Daly

Photos:

March 20, 2024
Revised: March 20, 2024 3:42pm

Local

CTV: The Sir John A. Macdonald building on Parliament Hill was open for the public and politicians from March 19 to March 20 to pay tribute to former prime minister, Brian Mulroney.

“It was important to be here because I was very close with the family,” said Gordon Pavey, a member of Mulroney’s security detail between 1989 and 1993.

People were able to visit Mulroney’s casket between 6 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wellington Street was closed between Bank and Elgin streets.

Before visitors entered the Sir John A. Macdonald building, they had to go through a security screening at entry. Additionally, there was heightened police presence on the streets.

National

CBC: Canada’s annual inflation rate slowed down to 2.8 per cent in February from 2.9 per cent in January, economists had expected a rate rise to 3.1 per cent.

This cool-down is due to slower growth in cell service cost, groceries and internet access Statistics Canada said on Tuesday. Rent and mortgage interest costs will continue to be the primary increase in inflation rates.

“This is the second month in a row which inflation has looked softer than expected, and with ample evidence that higher interest rates are working to tame inflation, the Bank of Canada is on track to start cutting interest rates in June,” said CIBC economist Katherine Judge.

Though price growth is slowing, food costs will continue to rise.

International

Ottawa Citizen: A 1-year-old girl died in Houston after her family’s Uber driver hit her when dropping them off at their apartment complex

Authorities said the driver thought his path was clear as he pulled away, but when driving forward he hit the girl and dragged her for a bit. The girl’s family pulled the driver from his vehicle and assaulted him.

“We as parents, relatives, custodians of children, we have to just be a lot more alert, hold their hands, guide them to a safe place, and then watch the driver pull away,” said Lt. K. Benoit of the sheriff’s office.

Currently, the case remains under investigation and no charges have been filed authorities said.

News

Sophie Daly

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Karaoke Night lights up the Observatory

On the first day of St. Patrick's Day weekend, the campus bar was packed with karaoke fans singing everything from crooners to country

Claire Donnan

Photos: Claire Donnan

March 20, 2024
Revised: March 20, 2024 11:29am

Photo: Claire Donnan

Christina Mackey, SHINE Karaoke owner, warms up the audience with some Tones and I.

With little fanfare, SHINE karaoke owner Christina Mackey stepped onto the Observatory stage to perform a cover of Dance Monkey by Tones and I.

The packed audience of mostly students, some in green, turned to the stage and began to clap and cheer as Mackey started the Karaoke Night event with a bang.

Karaoke Night on March 15 was a free, all-ages event where anybody could get up and sing a song for an excited audience. SHINE karaoke’s song list changes weekly, so there’s always something new to sing

“We have stuff that just came out on the radio,” said Mackey. “We have everything from classic 1930s crooners to the newest Dua Lipa song.”

Students milled around the Observatory as the evening progressed, grabbing drinks and chatting with friends. The turnout before the singing even started was exciting to Mackey.

“I do the Carleton University [karaoke events] as well,” said Mackey. “There’s more people here than there is at the beginning of their events.”

The chatter of the evening was who was going to sing, with friends egging each other on and only agreeing to perform if another person went with them.

A crowd of students and community members sit around tables at the Observatory, an industrial-looking restaurant with support columns. — Some of the crowd at the Observatory, including Labelle, Murray and Carling (Left to right at table 22, posing). Photo credit: Claire Donnan

Early childhood education students Reece Carling, Madison Labelle and Zanti Murray were particularly excited to sing karaoke classics with their friends as they pre-gamed their St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. The conversation jumped back and forth on which songs they would be singing.

“Nickleback,” said Labelle. “Animals by Nickleback, Rockstar.”

“Maybe Carrie Underwood?” said Carling. “Before He Cheats, that’s a big one.”

“I’m thinking of some Soulja Boy possibly, some ‘crank that’ action going on,” said Murray. “Maybe some ‘yuu’, ‘Superman’, you never know.”

Anytime anyone at their table suggested they would not be participating, the answer was swift and simple: Yes you will.

After Mackey, Xander Wynberg was the first student participant. The broadcasting- radio and podcasting student sang Neon Moon by Brooks and Dunn, a song he carefully chose.

“It’s like, one of the best karaoke songs of all time,” said Wynberg. “It’s iconic. I mean, the words, the writing, the notes, it’s an iconic song.”

Xander Wynberg, a white man in a CKDJ hoodie and black ball cap stands on stage with a microphone and sings. He is gesturing and has his eyes closed. — Xander Wynberg was the first student to sing, presenting a cover of a Brooks and Dunn song. Photo credit: Claire Donnan

Some students were using the event to perform songs they knew and loved, like animation student Leyla Cornell who sang Northern Attitude by Noah Kahan.

“I had practised that song previously and I love that song,” said Cornell. “To me, I have my own meaning to it but it suits my voice and I love Noah Kahan songs, they’re really good.”

They planned to bring their friends up later to sing Dancing Queen by ABBA, with the goal of “bringing the vibes back up.”

Alain Cyr-Russo, senior manager of student life with the Students’ Association was excited for the more traditional karaoke event, as previous karaoke events at the Observatory featured a full live band.

“We’ve done in October a rock star karaoke, where we bring in a full band and you sing along with the band,” said Cyr-Russo. “Just having the machine I think people are gonna be a little more comfortable. Sometimes when you have a full band behind you it can be a little bit overwhelming.”

Murray was excited to sing and watch karaoke, as it would be a fun time no matter what happened.

“You don’t have to take yourself too seriously,” said Murray. “Everyone’s here for the same reason and there’s no bias or expectation. You can just have a good time.”

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Claire Donnan

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Country music star Corb Lund captivates Algonquin Commons Theatre

The country music singer expressed gratitude to Ottawa fans for their unwavering support

Grinje Randa Bringi

Photos: Grinje Randa Bringi

March 20, 2024
Revised: March 20, 2024 9:53am

Photo: Grinje Randa Bringi

Juno Award Winner Corb Lund performing at the Algonquin Commons Theatre.

Alberta native Corb Lund performed at a sold-out venue of 823 screaming fans on Saturday, March 16 at the Algonquin Commons Theatre as part of the El Viejo album release tour.

Right from the start, humour and fun were a big part of the show. Amidst the lively atmosphere, a fan shouted “take your shirt off Corb,” he playfully responded “you first honey” with his stetson tilted low as he strapped on his guitar.

The concert attracted a diverse crowd, from longtime listeners experiencing Lund’s performance live for the first time to families, friends, couples and people of all ages coming together to enjoy the music.

The Shirtliffe family proudly wore their matching “we heart Corb” t-shirts. Shannon Scott, Ian Shirtliffe, Sarah Shirtliffe, Stella Shirtliffe and Georgia Shirtliffe have been fans for over 16 years and they have made Corb Lund concerts a family affair. They have in total attended three Corb Lund concerts.

The music, the ambiance and his love for his fans keep them returning.

“What keeps us coming back to his shows is the small intimate venues, and we get an opportunity to be first in line to meet him,” said Sarah Shirtliffe.

Georgia Shirtliffe, who is Sarah and Ian’s daughter, attended her first Corb Lund concert at the age of nine years old and she is now 16.

The Shirtliffe family, Corb Lund Superfans. Georgia Shirtliffe, Sarah Shirtliffe, Stella Shirtliffe, Ian Shirtliffe and Shannon Scott. Photo credit: Grinje Randa Bringi

Lund’s music, which has earned him Juno Award recognition, resonates widely, attracting even those who aren’t typically country music supporters.

Cheetah Parava, a music enthusiast was introduced to Lund’s work through the song Five Dollar Bill by a friend. She subsequently shared Corb Lund’s music with her friend Des Evans. The two were eager to see Lund’s show, which would be their first.

After watching the opening act, 49 Winchesters, Parava was pleasantly surprised and already considered herself a new fan. This chain of musical discovery highlighted Lund’s broad appeal.

A real cowboy singing country music, Lund maintained a traditional country Western feel, genuine storytelling, blues and harmonies.

“I like some country music because it has its roots in blues and Black music. I pay my respect to anyone who makes good music,” said Evans.

The new album El Viejo is out now on all streaming platforms.

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Music Monday’s

Emma Stronge

Photos:

March 18, 2024
Revised: March 18, 2024 12:09pm

Bluesfest is a music festival held in Ottawa, Ontario that was founded in 1994. Bluesfest’s beginnings were very rooted in blues music and the lineups reflected this. In the beginning they started out with notable artists like Buddy Guy, Ray Charles, Smokey Robinson, Sting, James Brown and others. Something changed around 2004 though. In 2004 Bluesfest started expanding its lineup to represent more genres of music with artists like Nelly Furtado, The Black Eyed Peas, Kid Rock, Snoop Dogg, The White Stripes, Kanye West, KISS, The Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Future, Skrillex, Migos & so many more. This expansion made the festival accessible to more people because there was an artist for everyone to enjoy. This proved to be a success because in 2016 Ottawa BluesFest had its first sell out in almost 2 decades with this sell out show being in a much bigger venue. This year the event will be happening from July 4th to the 14th at Lebreton Flats. This year marks the 30 year anniversary of the event and will feature a star studded lineup including Nickelback, 50 Cent, Killer Mike, Maroon 5, Motley Crue, Nas & more.

Website

2024 Lineup

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Emma Stronge

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Campus food services makes the switch back to plastic coffee lids from paper ones

"I ate paper as a kid," says a radio broadcasting student. "I don't need more of it"

Siobhan Rollo

Photos: Siobhan Rollo

March 18, 2024
Revised: March 18, 2024 12:06pm

Photo: Siobhan Rollo

Emma Kaye is Algonquin College's wellness and sustainability coordinator with Food Services.

After months of using paper compostable coffee lids at its food outlets, the college’s food services team has decided to switch back to using plastic lids for the foreseeable future.

From the Fall 2023 to early Winter 2024 semesters, AC Food Services featured a paper lid which could be recycled.

“Originally, when we addressed our packaging it’s because the Canadian plastic ban was announced, we knew it was coming, so we started looking at options,” said Emma Kaye, the wellness and sustainability coordinator for Food Services. She is the person in charge of testing the lids that get used on campus.

As Canadian laws surrounding sustainability change, Algonquin College food services’ decisions change too, including what lids they use for their hot beverages.

After the Canadian Government’s plastic ban was announced in early 2022, restaurants and other food providers made changes to plastic packaging, switching the material where possible.

A Food Services employee dressed in uniform attends to the baked goods at the coffee stop in the AC dining hall. — A food services worker attends the coffee stand of the AC food court. Photo credit: Siobhan Rollo

However, opinions were mixed about this change.

Kaye says that there was a “resounding amount” of feedback received about the paper compostable lids in their surveys. Most of the complaints received related to sogginess, staining and improper fitting onto the cups provided for hot beverages.

Radio broadcasting student Matt Pybus wasn’t a fan of the paper lids. “The texture of the paper lids, all paper,” they said. “I ate paper as a kid, I don’t need more of it.”

While Algonquin College Food Services has now gone back to a plastic lid, many behind-the-scenes discussions surrounding what lid to use have been ongoing.

“What I do is I look into options available we have through our current suppliers. I also look at outside suppliers to see what might be available and see if we could get it on campus. I would then bring in samples to test those,” Kaye said. “Usually, we test them in the office first, if we hate them then they don’t get farther than that.”

However, Kaye also expressed the potential for change if the small-scale tests are successful.

“If we like them, we look at pricing and things like that,” Kaye said. “See if we can implement them on a larger scale.”

Kaye stated that there’s a bigger process behind the scenes. Any prototypes that food services look to implement into their outlets get tested in their own office first. If staff likes a sample, they test it in a small food services location. If the staff doesn’t like it, then it doesn’t leave office testing.

Despite this, Kaye said that Food Services is still looking for alternative compostable solutions.

“We switched back [to plastic] because of the main customer feedback,” she said. “We’re going to still look into compostable options in the future, it doesn’t mean we’ll never go back. It just wasn’t the right fit at this time due to the feedback that we were hearing.”

Although Food Services have switched back to plastic, the kind of plastic has changed. Before the compostable lid change, the plastic lids were a category six plastic, polystyrene.

Polystyrene is now a banned plastic in Canada.

The new plastic lids consist of a category five plastic, polypropylene. Kaye said that polypropylene is an improvement on the plastic recyclability.

While the compostable lids are being phased out across campus in exchange for the polypropylene lids, there is a community within the college that continues to rally behind compostable solutions.

“It would be great if they [continued to] use compostable cups,” said Niraliben Darji, a second-level business accounting student.

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Siobhan Rollo

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BoG committee considers suspending hairstyling and esthetician programs

A decision could come during an academic and student affairs committee meeting on May 14

Nathalia Lencioni

Photos: Nathalia Lencioni

March 18, 2024
Revised: March 19, 2024 2:25pm

Photo: Nathalia Lencioni

Hairstyling student Ahnaf Hassan dries a mannequin's hair before styling it at the salon in A-building on March 12.

Ava Orendi, a 19-year-old student in the esthetician program, was shocked to hear the program could be suspended.

“It’s the first time I’m hearing about that, it’s kind of crazy,” said Orendi. “I think it’s an amazing program. I don’t think it should be suspended. A lot of people love doing it and there are not a lot of colleges that offer it anymore.”

The esthetician program is only available at 13 colleges throughout Ontario, according to the Ontario Colleges website.

Gabrielle Berard, vice chair of the academic and student affairs committee, spoke briefly about the possible program suspensions during a committee report at the Board of Governors meeting on Feb. 26.

“I will speak to a motion to suspend the hairstyle and esthetics program, which was tabled at ASAC’s last meeting,” said Berard.

A written report on the matter was not included in the meeting package.

“The committee received presentations during that [committee] meeting, from school management as well as from representatives from the program area and stakeholders,” Berard explained during the Board of Governors meeting. “No decision has been made, as the committee felt more information was needed. The committee tasked management to work with program staff and stakeholders to obtain further details and bring the matter back to the committee at its May 14 meeting.”

Esthetician student Noor Jasem practises on fellow student Saleena Augustine in a classroom in A-building on March 12. Photo credit: Nathalia Lencioni

Aurora Samson, a Level 2 hairstyling student, advocated for the future of the program by sharing her experience.

“I’m almost done with my program,” said Samson. “But it’s been a really great program, and I’ve met a lot of people that I get along with. I think it would be a shame if they got rid of both of these programs. I think it’s opened up a lot of doors for a lot of people. It would be really, really upsetting if they suspended the programs.”

Deanna Douglas, the hairstyling program coordinator, declined to speak with the Algonquin Times about the issue.

Linda Ducharme, the esthetician program coordinator, did not respond to the Times’ request for comment.

It wasn’t clear what prompted the committee to discuss the future of the programs.

Bruce Hickey, the communications manager for the college, provided the Algonquin Times with a statement from the college.

“The objective is to ensure that we make the best use of the college’s resources while offering a regularly updated mix of programs that serve the needs of students, employers and the community. At this point in time, no decision has been made regarding the hairstyling and the esthetician programs,” according to the college’s statement.

The statement said the college will take action to support students through the suspensions if they occur.

“If a decision is made to suspend the programs, students enrolled in the program will be notified of the time period for completing the program and teach-out plans would be provided in accordance with Ministry of Colleges and Universities guidelines,” said the college’s statement.

Orendi said she would have preferred to have been informed early on about the possibility of a suspension.

“I would like them [program administration] to come straight forward and tell us what’s happening. I don’t think anyone wants them to sugarcoat it at all,” she said.

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Suspect of Barrhaven mass killing faces multiple charges in court

Local CTV: Febrio De-Soysa, 19, the suspect in the Barrhaven mass killing, appeared in the Elgin Street courthouse Thursday afternoon at 1:30 p.m. It has been just over a week since the Ottawa homicide occurred. The mother Banbaranayake Gama Walwwe Darshani Dilanthika Ekanyake and her four children Inuka, Ashwini, Ranaya and Kelly Wickramasinghe are dead, […]

Isabella Disley

Photos:

March 15, 2024
Revised: March 15, 2024 10:48am

Local

CTV: Febrio De-Soysa, 19, the suspect in the Barrhaven mass killing, appeared in the Elgin Street courthouse Thursday afternoon at 1:30 p.m.

It has been just over a week since the Ottawa homicide occurred.

The mother Banbaranayake Gama Walwwe Darshani Dilanthika Ekanyake and her four children Inuka, Ashwini, Ranaya and Kelly Wickramasinghe are dead, while the father, Dhanushka Wickramasinghe is in the hospital in stable condition.

Gamini Amarakoon Amarakoon Mudiyanselage, a friend of the family, was also found dead at the home.

The accused is facing one count of attempted murder and six counts of first-degree murder.

“I can comment that he’s in protective custody. He’s doing okay,” said De-Zoysa’s lawyer, Ewan Lyttle.

De-Zoysa is scheduled to appear in court on March 28.

National

Global: Former Liberal MP Kim Rudd passed away at the age of 66 on March 12.

For four years, Rudd represented the riding of Northumberland-Peterborough South.

Rudd, married to Tom, was the mother of two daughters, Alison and Stefanie and a grandmother of four.

In addition, Rudd was the chair of the Parliamentary Health Research Caucus and served on the House of Commons finance and natural resources committees.

Rudd is a “thoughtful and tireless advocate for Canadians,” said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as he expressed his condolences.

International

Radio-Canada: SpaceX’s Starship rocket officially launched from Boca Chica, Texas into space earlier this morning around 9 a.m.

The 120-metre-tall rocket is the most powerful rocket to have launched from Earth.

The previous two attempts were cut short.

As the ship began to descend, the signal was lost as the vehicle itself was as well.

The ship likely had broken during the descent as it was not able to perform the proper procedure.

There are still tweaks and improvements to be made, but there is the expectation that more test flights are soon to come.

News

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JP Saxe leaves the Algonquin Commons Theatre infatuated

The Canadian musician sold out the college venue during his 27th stop in his "A Grey Area World Tour"

Itel Sapozhnikov

Photos: Itel Sapozhnikov

March 15, 2024
Revised: March 15, 2024 10:22am

Photo: Itel Sapozhnikov

JP Saxe performs at the Algonquin Commons Theatre.

JP Saxe took fans on an emotional journey ranging from tears to laughter during his stop in Ottawa at the Algonquin Commons Theatre on March 8.

With tickets sold out, the Toronto-based musician had the audience captivated with his soulful vocals and moving lyrics about relationships and personal growth, and his skill with both piano and guitar.

Saxe and his band consisting of Adam Hanson, TJ Whitelaw and Alex Sutton started the show with Someone Else’s Home.

“I just feel like I really connect with the way he writes his music,” said Almiña Caminero, a paramedic student at Algonquin College. “It’s so emotional, the words are very powerful, very meaningful.”

Caminero has been listening to Saxe since last year and this was her first time seeing him in concert.

“I just paid attention to the lyrics and it caught my heart,” she said.

The stage was set to look like a living room, which created a home-like feeling. There were a couple of lounge chairs with throw pillows, rugs, plants, lamps and photos that were hung at the back of the stage.

The set list contained a variety of songs ranging from newly released music to more known hits that had the audience singing along.

In between performances, Saxe took a few minutes to interact with the audience by sharing stories about his past, his experiences and the inspiration behind his songs, all while weaving in playful banter.

While introducing his song For Emilee, Saxe explained that he wrote this song for a friend of his who was “accepting a version of love that was far less wonderful than I think she is.”

His authenticity and clever wit with the audience created a warm atmosphere inside the theatre.

“I found a bit of a pattern at these shows where people come with their friends, and from time to time their friends were in similar situations [as his friend Emilee] …and I like to be involved,” said Saxe while introducing the song, causing the crowd to laugh.

During his set, Saxe played around with the style and genre of his music. He offered a choice between a jazzy version or a sing-along version.

“I loved how he was able to turn really sad songs and make them pop and punchy,” said Alex Tassoni, a fan who has been listening to his music since the pandemic. “I thought I would be crying tonight, and the fact that I am not is really cool.”

The singer-songwriter connected with the crowd by asking if he had moved to Ottawa instead of Los Angeles, what would they have suggested to him.

People shouted out random ideas such as leave, vote, sleep and work in the government, which caught Saxe’s attention and it turned into a small discussion full of jokes.

Within minutes, Saxe showcased his talent and added a few ideas into a short song about the different cities where he has performed.

Saxe made a joke about how using Few Things as a first-dance song at a wedding would result in a successful marriage.

A fan close to the barrier shouted that they danced to the song during their wedding, which resulted in a heartwarming moment of Saxe turning towards the fan and singing the start of the song to them.

Near the end of the show, Saxe performed his Grammy-nominated song If the World Was Ending.

Japanese-Canadian and American-born artist Justin Nozuka was the opener for the show and serenaded the audience with his unique and smooth voice. The musician’s genre of music lies within the range of R&B, folk and pop. Nozuka took photos and interacted with supporters outside the theatre during an intermission.

After Saxe’s set ended, the theatre erupted in applause and cheers. New fans and long-time fans left the building with a memory and a piece of JP Saxe to take home with them.

“I’ve also found that sharing nights like this with beautiful people like all of you who share love for the way art can bring us together, that keeps me human,” said Saxe.

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Local pinball arcade cures boredom with weekly pinball tournaments and unlimited play

The Ottawa Pinball Arcade is an affordable activity for students and others in proximity of the Algonquin College campus

Itel Sapozhnikov

Photos: Itel Sapozhnikov

March 14, 2024
Revised: March 14, 2024 10:39am

Photo: Itel Sapozhnikov

Dylan McGowan attempts to set a high score on an older pinball machine.

A pinball arcade west of Algonquin College was filled with flashing lights and a mixture of sounds during a recent tournament, proving that old-school games are still holding interest in the modern-day world.

With a flat-rate fee and a tournament combined, the Ottawa Pinball Arcade was full of people of all ages competing on the evening of Mar. 6.

Located inside The Neighbourhood Pub on 2559 Baseline Rd., the arcade offers a variety of vintage pinball machines and video games, alongside a selection of more modern machines too.

“Every Wednesday at our ‘all-you-can-play’ event, there’s a free tournament, and you get a chance to win one of two pinball machines,” said Mike Loftus, the owner of the arcade.

For a chance to win a 1978 Black Jack Pinball Machine, contestants must compete in the playoffs finals match that will be held in September.

The clacks and dings of the pinball machine overpowered the upbeat music as players were focused on breaking the high scores.

competitor playing the Black Hole pinball machine — A player being challenged by the Black Hole Pinball Machine. Photo credit: Itel Sapozhnikov

The entire room was lit with flashing coloured lights throughout the night as laughter, cheers and sounds of disappointment came from different ends of the arcade.

On Wednesday nights and Sundays, the arcade hosts a ‘free-play’ event that offers unlimited plays for the price of $15.

Besides the tournament, the Ottawa Pinball Arcade hosts vinyl night on the first Saturday of every month.

“It’s a combined retro experience,” said Loftus.

Smiles were seen around the room as more relaxed players who had been eliminated and spectators enjoyed refreshments and food.

“A tallboy [beer] and a half pound of wings for ten bucks,” said Loftus. “Cheap beer, wings and pinball.”

Dylan McGowan, a computer engineering technology student at Algonquin College, visited the arcade for the first time.

“It’s pretty cool if you are into pinball arcade games,” said McGowan. “They [the arcade] have a couple of other machines too like Pac-Man, Street Fighter, Space Invader and Galaga.”

McGowan described the atmosphere a “classic arcade-y” that also had an “underground vibe.”

Evan Jesty is a Carleton University graduate who is a regular at the weekly tournaments. He has been playing for about a year.

“I come every week to compete in the tournaments, I didn’t do well this week but I like playing pinball,” he said.

His love for pinball and the people around is the reason he visits routinely.

Loftus, McGowan and Jesty said that pinball is a fun activity that anyone can enjoy and they recommend others visit.

“You can jump in a tournament even if you’ve never played pinball,” said Jesty. “I jumped into a tournament when I first came here, I pretty much didn’t have any pinball experience.”

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