Hope Volleyball SummerFest

What to do, who to see—the editor's don't-miss list

BEACH BUMPS
July 12
Every July, O-town plays host to the world’s largest charity beach volleyball tournament. Over the last 25 years, Hope Volleyball SummerFest has brought in the numbers—thousands of spectators and participants have enjoyed the games, and millions of dollars have been raised for community-based charities. The 2008 fest is shaping up to be one of the best yet—plenty of serving, bumping, and spiking, plus great live music by the likes of 54•40, Thornley, and Loudlove. Drop by to cheer on the players and enjoy some fun in the sun. Free. Mooney’s Bay Beach, 2960 Riverside Dr., 613-742-HOPE; 1-866-353-HOPE. www.hopehelps.com

THE CLASSICS
July 25 to August 9
Chamber music lovers can get more than their fill at the Ottawa International Chamber Music Festival. The 15th anniversary of this world-renowned fest features more than 100 concerts by artists from around the world, including such luminaries as Isabel Bayrakdarian, the Shanghai Quartet, and Nexus, to name a few. Passes: $95; students: $45. Individual concerts: $20; premium concerts: $40. Various locations. 613-234-8008, www.chamberfest.com

TRUE TALENT
July 22
Grammy Award-winning songstress and activist Melissa Etheridge has brought her fans countless hits over the years—‘I’m the Only One’, ‘Come to my Window, and ‘I Want to Come Over’, to name a few. Now, she’s bringing those hits—plus a slew of others—to the capital. Don’t miss your chance to see one of rock’s most enduring talents. $37.50-$102.50. National Arts Centre, Southam Hall, 613-947-7000; 613-755-1111. www.nac-cna.ca

ROCK THE BOAT
July 17
Considered one of the best stand-up comedians of all time, Chris Rock has done it all. The Saturday Night Live alum has starred in, directed, written, and produced both movies and TV shows—of note, his semi-autobiographical television show, ‘Everybody Hates Chris’. Now, he’s back to doing what he does best—the laughs will come a mile a minute when this controversial comic stops at the NAC as part of his No Apologies tour. $72-$88. National Arts Centre, Southam Hall, 613-947-7000; 613-755-1111. www.nac-cna.ca

DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY
July 6 to August 30
The Sparks Street Mall becomes a massive dance floor every Friday and Saturday night through July and August, thanks to The Ottawa Dance Street Café. Friday nights feature tunes from the '50s, '60s, and '70s, while Saturdays cover the big band era with the swingin’ sounds of Kelly Craig’s Sextet with Steve Burnt. Put on your dancing shoes, leave your inhibitions behind, and come move your feet on Sparks Street! The evening begins at 7.30 on the Sparks Street Mall, one block from Parliament Hill. 613-230-0984. www.sparksstreetmall.com/dance_nights.htm