Hello friends, It’s been a while since we’ve reached out to check in with you. Eric and I wanted to communicate some changes that will be taking place and be upfront about what that will mean for Ottawa Showbox going forward.

Headed home at 3:30 from my shift at @CHEO ER and haven’t been able to get home since - my apartment is completely inaccessible from any direction. Glad to see this is what freedom looks like!

People on social media insisting that the convoy is “peaceful,” “lawful,” and “non-violent” doesn’t change the fact that I live in downtown Ottawa and am afraid to leave my home.

An update from Eric and Matías about the future of Ottawa Showbox. https://t.co/R7a6Sem9zw

We hope you understand and accept our need to take this break. We will reach out again in August to update you on our situation moving forward. Love, Matias & Eric

It has always been a labour of love, and our priorities have changed a lot since 2012. That doesn’t mean we don’t love and support the music community just as much.

At this time, during an ongoing pandemic and major life changes, Eric and I are pressing the pause button on Showbox for three months. We’re going to take this time to re-evaluate and decompress from the pressure of keeping the website going.

That alone has outweighed any desire to profit financially off of this project (because that was never our vision).

Through Showbox we found purpose, and have discovered how gratifying it can be to give back to a community that you love. Our lives have been enriched so much by serving our community and uplifting musicians in this city.

As many of you know, we have been running Showbox as a not-for-profit venture since 2012. Eric and I have a deep love for Ottawa music, and have both been deeply impacted by the friendships made and shared experiences since then.

The 2nd annual #CapitalMusicAwards are set to take place May 7th via a special broadcast. Here are the details and nominees for the eight awards categories this year. https://t.co/JMKSWgkgkz #ottmusic

From the ER at the Ottawa Hospital to the recording studio, @aprilrickmusic's story is one of passion and strength. She released her debut single "Our Island" in January. https://t.co/RtKJwPoXKr #ottmusic #osbx #ottawa

Ottawa's own @ParagonCause break into 2021 with a new video for “Making Up For Lost Time”, the debut single in collaboration with @sunerosewagner from the upcoming album Autopilot!. https://t.co/rkpk5eB5Ce #ottmusic #osbx #ottawa

NEW VIDEO: Stoby ushers in spring with one final snowball fight that leaves the band a little worse for wear in their new video for "The Weather is Unfounded". https://t.co/pkh4EzjZkm #ottmusic #osbx

Kavya spoke to Gatineau-based artist @Chrissy about shaking off the pandemic blues with her collaborative video series project.

NEWMUSIC: @RileyBurns85 reflects on his experience releasing his debut EP Stirling Ave during a pandemic, and his ode to a former home that is no longer standing. https://t.co/efbgdZvBxr #osbx #ottmusic #newmusic

NEW MUSIC: Charlotte spoke to Ottawa bedroom pop artist @max_makes_music about breaking new sonic ground, and how he has challenged himself to continue growing as an artist. https://t.co/3vtcLvwthK #ottmusic #osbx #ottawa

We're excited to premiere the debut single "Incantations" from a new Ottawa doom band, Grand Malheur. The powerful track is just a taste of what's to come as they get set to release their new album, Acédie, in May. https://t.co/GIPjaeYOHB #ottmusic #doom #osbx

FEATURE: Class of 91 are keeping busy since the release of their debut album "Eyes on Fire" last year, including hosting online virtual events with other local musicians and even recording a music video in a cave. https://t.co/oOVyjXHe6C #ottmusic #osbx #ottawaw

Ottawa's own @SLACKBRIDGES opens up about what it was like releasing an album in 2020, and why live music is just the right medicine they need. https://t.co/hJ39hl5iCp #osbx #soul #slackbridges