Even those of you who are only mildly interested in federal politics probably know that the House came back this week. It’s not the only crazy political antics to have recently returned, though: Question Period The Musical! is back in town for one day only, after a successful Fringe run last summer.

What else have we got going on? Well, Jeremy Fisher and Chris Velan are not just playing two shows at The Black Sheep, they’re heading out on a cross-country ski trip and want you to come. The Ottawa Winter JazzFest kicks off tonight, with Oliver Jones and Megan Jerome just two of the headliners appearing over the weekend. Tonight’s also the first ever show of Ottawa’s Burlesque Collective, down at Maxwells. Yamantaka // Sonic Titan will bring some psychedelic fusion to Babylon Friday night, while across the canal Static Revolt and The Bankrobbers will take to the stage at Avant Garde bar. The Johnnies are throwing a release party on Saturday for their latest 7″, and will be joined at the Dominion by the garage rock/pop sounds of The Polymorphines and The Shakey Aches. Sheezer is also playing that night, so if you’re needing to revisit your love of Buddy Holly, head on over to Zaphod’s. For those of you looking to hear a bit of vinyl, you can find it at Raw Sugar Saturday with the Reggae Dancehall Edition of Stars on 45. Also that night? A little bit of goth country and some heart beats.

We’ve got a bit of a love-theme happening in the art world this weekend: I LOVE YOU opens at Patrick John Mills tonight, with the artists stopping by, while Karen Jordan’s Slow Dance opening reception happens down at Karsh-Masson. If the way to your heart is through your stomach, this community dinner is right up your alley – plus, it’s a night to hear Three Little Birds and Poetic Speed perform.