Take a #WelliWander with Wellington West’s own DJ del Pilar
Tasha Coldevin, otherwise known as DJ del Pilar, is a longtime performer and event producer living in Wellington West. A Queer, Afro-Latinx DJ and vocalist, DJ del Pilar brings the beats to stages big and small. Growing up in the 80’s and 90’s, she is heavily influenced by old school hip hop, funk, disco, and house music, and known for putting a fresh spin on dance floor classics. In the past few years, she has graced the decks at TASTE of Wellington West, the NAC, House of Paint, Bluesfest, several Night Markets at Parkdale Park, and most recently, you may have caught her heating up the February night with us at our BIG Heart Valentines Day Night Market. DJ del Pilar also co-founded Ottawa’s coziest queer dance party, Homo Phono in 2016!
We asked Tasha to share with us five of her favourite Wellington West places that she’d like to stop at on her ideal #WelliWander through Hintonburg and Wellington Village. Here’s what she suggested:
Little Jo Berry’s
1305 Wellington Street West
Tasha tells us she’s not vegan, but she says that doesn’t matter when it comes to loving this little Wellington Village bakery and cafe:
”Little Jo is a bakery but also a force in creating community events that are delicious, inclusive and fun, like their always-poppin’ Vegans Who Snack Fest at the Parkdale Market. And if this wasn’t enough, check out their Business Baby podcast, it slaps!”
Ottawa Trans Library
1104 Somerset Street West
As an event producer, Tasha appreciates a welcoming, safe space for attendees:
”New to the Hintonburg neighbourhood but already much loved, the Ottawa Trans Library fills an important niche for community space, books and other resources. Run on a volunteer and donation basis, this little spot manages to keep a full calendar of events and updates their collections regularly.”
The Record Centre
1099 Wellington Street West
Even though Tasha’s a digital rather than a vinyl DJ, The Record Centre is still one of her favourite places in Hintonburg:
”I love browsing the racks for hard to find tracks. You can also check out live performances and don’t forget that there are two spots on Wellington St. W., plus their website is kept up to the minute.”
Bread By Us
1065 Wellington Street West
Tasha’s favourite Hintonburg shop for sourdough, treats, and savoury snacks is Bread By Us, and admits they’re more than your standard bakery:
”When Bread By Us moved into Hintonburg, they recognized that they were part of the fast-paced gentrification of the area. They addressed this issue by creating a ‘pay it forward’ program where customers can add purchases for local folks who might not be able to afford them otherwise. They’re also a living wage employer and a strong voice for ethical business ownership in Ottawa!”
Fresh Air Experience
1291 Wellington Street West
Tasha admits that she and her wife were late to the cross-country skiing game and weren’t sure where to start:
”When we finally went to grab gear, the folks at Fresh Air in Wellington Village made getting set up a super fresh (air) experience. Alongside this great service, they sponsor much of the good stuff that happens on the Kichi Sibi trail, a place that makes our ‘hood the best place in the city to live.”
Follow DJ del Pilar and stay current with upcoming events!
#WELLIWANDER CONTEST ALERT! Every Friday, we share a #WelliWander contest post on Instagram where you can comment your favourite Hintonburg and Wellington Village stop and be entered into a draw to win a $50 gift card from that business!