Irene’s Pub celebrates 40 good years  

Photos: Courtesy of Irene’s Pub 

Irene’s Pub celebrates 40 good years  

By Michael Estabrooks 

The measure of a good neighborhood pub lies in the sum of all its parts. A smile on the way through the door, a cold beverage, a comforting meal and a good chin waggle with staff are all integral aspects, but what truly sets the stage for a pub’s longevity is the depth of community that supports it. A pub is a place where you can find a government worker, a labourer and a musician all wrapped up in a spirited debate about the merits of Ottawa’s light rail transit. An artist breaks bread with a doctor while they complain about the sticky summer heat. At the pub’s wood, we are all equals looking to connect to a community.  

I was lucky enough to connect with Irene’s community nearly 15 years ago when I first walked through its doors. Little did I know that over a decade later I would be fortunate enough to step into an ownership role and continue the legacy that came before me. Over my 15 years of tenure, I have watched the pub grow – upgrades to infrastructure, evolving menus, growing staff and a vibrant carousel of musicians – but the one throughline has always been the community of patrons. Irene’s has thrived because of the loyalty, creativity and spirit of those who gather here. 

As we get ready to celebrate our 40th year as a fixture in the Glebe, we invite the neighbourhood to join us in marking this milestone event during four days of celebrations incorporating local musicians, visual artists, raffle giveaways, an array of local vendors and a block party from September 25 to 28. Proceeds from the event will be donated in support of the Ottawa Food Bank.   

Thursday, September 25 ~ 40 Years of Blues $5.00 Entrance Fee 

Our resident blues band takes the stage to present the Best of the Blues Sessions with guest hosts Vince Halfhide, Shannon Eddy, Iyono Ede, Marc Seguin and Matt Chaffey. The evening will feature four distinct sets led by the hosts, featuring blues from Texas up through the Delta and all the way to Chicago. Showtime is 7:30. 

Friday September 26 ~ Staff Picks $30.00 Entrance Fee 

For over 40 years, Irene’s has been more than a pub – it is an incubator for artists. Drawn in for food, conversation and community, many musicians have found themselves not just performing here but working here, shaping their craft within its walls. Friday evening will see four bands take the stage in a showcase of homegrown talent featuring past and present staff-led bands.  

• Wicked Mercy – Swampy blues-rock with grit and soul. 

• Claude Munson – Soulful folk with tender, heartfelt storytelling. 

• Riishi Von Rex – Dark, theatrical folk-rock full of passion. 

• Main Street Revival – Roots-rock grooves that get the crowd moving. 

Saturday September 27  

Daytime ~ Folk Sessions $20.00 Entrance Fee 

Our lineup for Saturday afternoon will feature a who’s who of local grassroots and folk musicians.  

• Sal Valley – Soulful folk with melodies that linger. 

• Jack Pine – Roots-rock grooves that get everyone moving. 

• Ian Tamblyn – Timeless folk tunes with catchy, memorable melodies. 

Evening ~ Country Swing $30.00 Entrance Fee 

Saturday evening gives way to the Valley’s finest in country and swing.   

• Slo’Tom – Rollicking hardcore country with sharp wit, gritty storytelling and a punk edge. 

• Joe Ray McDonald Band – Alt-country tunes delivered with masterful flatpicking with honest songwriting. 

• Ball & Chain – Vintage country and Cajun grooves, blending heartfelt storytelling with infectious rhythms. 

• The Haylofters – Country rock with a touch of Ottawa Valley flair, delivering foot-stomping tunes. 

Sunday September 28  

Inside Irene’s ~ Shanks Presents $5.00 Entrance Fee 

• Patrick Shanks – Delivering folk-punk tunes with sharp wit and raw energy, offering a humorous take on everyday life through his solo performances. 

• Megan Jerome – Crafting a soulful, piano-driven set that celebrates the beauty of everyday love, drawing from a rich tapestry of jazz, roots and cabaret influences. 

• Nerdwires – Instrumental modular synth-rock with a cosmic blending of ambient textures and electronic grooves to create immersive soundscapes. 

• Chris Page – Introspective folk-punk songs with a touch of indie rock, blending heartfelt lyrics and raw emotion. 

Sunday September 28 ~ Block Party (Regent Street) $40.00 

Sunday will be our culminating block party to bookend the week. Irene’s will take to the neighbouring Regent Street to host a daytime music festival starting at 12 noon and running until 9 p.m. The festival ground will feature an outdoor stage, food and beverage tents, a beer garden, and games area.  

• Mecca Of Stank – Funk, grit, and unapologetic groove collide. 

• Dessert Island Big Band – Blending genres like art-rock, indie and experimental sounds, creating a chameleon sonic and visual experience, the Desert Island Big Band combines gritty distorted textures with beautiful and emotive elements. 

• Smelloship – Smelloship blasts off with chaotic charm, fusing punk attitude and experimental flair. 

• Eru-Era – Futuristic grooves meet hypnotic beats in Eru Era’s genre-bending soundscape. 

• The Lionyls – Roaring with raw energy, this indie-rock powerhouse blends swagger and soul in every riff. 

Michael Estabrooks is the owner/publican of the community treasure, Irene’s Pub.