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Zaphod’s got more memories – sordid, sentimental or otherwise – then most 20 year olds. Located in the heart of the Byward Market, the bar is a staple of Ottawa’s nightlife frequented by students and professionals, tourists and locals alike. Like any local watering hole, the bar has some idiosyncrasies that set it apart from anyplace else on earth… or the galaxy for that matter.

The strictly enforced 11pm curfew for music shows springs to mind, a policy loved by people with day jobs and hated by everyone else. There’s also the fact that the bar is open for Christmas Day every year, giving people without families a place to hang out on what can be a very lonely day. Zaphod owner Eugene Haslem’s explanation of why he opens on Xmas is the only press release that ever made me tear up. Then there’s the quirky events: Trailer Park Bingo, Towel Day, free shows on Mondays and more.

But of course it’s the music that has made Zaphod’s what it is. The bar is the type of place where bands pass through on their way to the limelight. The list of Zaphod alumni include Radiohead, Ani DiFranco, Moxy Fruvous, Ben Harper, The Commitments, The Pogues, Broken Social Scene, Alanis Morissette, Yo La Tengo, Coeur de Pirate, the Dandy Warhols… the list goes on. Of course there’s also that little matter of the Rolling Stones filming a video for Street of Love at the bar in 2005 (video pictured above).

Despite this illustrious record, Zaphod’s has always made an effort to promote the local music scene as well as other unknown bands, trying to make a splash on the Canadian music scene.

Formally located on Rideau Street, Zaphod’s moved to its current location in March 1992. From Sunday March 4 to Saturday March 10 the bar is hosting the Don’t Panic 20th Anniversary Celebration. Highlights include DJ Eugene spinning some tunes on Monday, shows by local favoUrites Sounds of Lions on Friday, and the grand finally with Bourbon & Spice Burlesque on the Saturday.

Internet site reference: http://apt613.ca/happy-birthday-to-zaphod-beeblebrox-now-theres-a-bar-that-really-knows-where-its-towel-is/

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