The inaugural concert of OSCA’s Sirens of Firehall series is nearly upon us! The first concert, on February 25, features music of the Italian Baroque, played by the Aradia Baroque Ensemble. I caught up with the group’s Artistic Director Kevin Mallon, to talk about his work, the ensemble and the upcoming performance at the Firehall. (More details below.)

Tickets are $25.00; students and seniors $15.00. To purchase your tickets, click here and select All Programs, then scroll down to the bottom, where you will see Aradia - Siren Concert Series under Special Events. You can also pick up tickets at the Firehall at 260 Sunnyside Ave. (613-247-4946) and at the Leading Note at 370 Elgin St.

At its January meeting, the OSCA board discussed and passed a resolution requesting that restrictions be placed on City digital signage. The City is holding consultations on the regulation of Digital Billboards, and there have been concerns about large digital signs, such as where they could be placed and what sort of community consultation will precede the approval of a sign. The OSCA Board passed the following resolution:

You can now see Deborah Margo's winning art installation panels in our Photo Gallery. To view them, click here. Deborah won the 2010 City of Ottawa art competition for the display of works of art in public places, and the set of copper panels now holds pride-of-place in the vestibule of the Old Firehall—the Ottawa South Community Centre—at 260 Sunnyside Avenue.

For years, OOS photographer Tom Alfoldi has been taking shots of Old Ottawa South environs and events and generously providing them to the OSCAR community newspaper and the OSCA Between the Bridges website. Now he is offering a Digital Photography course this winter at the Firehall that is guaranteed to interest both newbies to the digital world and those who want to explore further than "point and shoot". The course runs from Jan. 18 - Feb. 22 on Wednesdays, from 7:00 to 9:00 pm (6 weeks) for only $89. Learn more about what the 6 week course has to offer, and how to register, here.