Less Shop. More Rock.
Trade client feedback for feedback from a Marshall stack. Ottawa’s creative-agency battle of the bands is back. Now in our sixth year!
HOW IT WORKS.
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1
Form a band with your agency peers or other local creatives. Any instruments, any number of members.
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2
Write or cover some songs. From bluegrass to metal to whatever the hell the kids like these days – anything goes.
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3
Get your 15 minutes of fame. (Or five. Or 30. Whatever works. There's no pressure to play a traditional set.)
RoCK-OFF HIGHLIGHTS.
When & Where.
Friday
November 6
2026
The Rainbow Bistro
76 Murray St.
Ottawa
Doors – 7 PM
Show – 8 PM
Doin’ it for the kids.
All proceeds go to OrKidstra, a charitable social development program that empowers kids from under-served areas of Ottawa to play and sing music together, teaching them valuable life skills in the process.
Hear the kids play.
Come see OrKidstra’s young musicians at their Centre Hub Holiday Concert on Tuesday, December 15. Entry is free, and donations are welcome.
“It’s not all business when you’re in Ottawa. Especially if you attended The 613 Agency Rock-off.”
FAQs
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Yes, it's called the "agency rock-off," but we're flexible. Anyone working in Ottawa's creative industry can participate. Agency peeps, creative partners, freelancers – it's all good.
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Fill in our registration form. A $200 fee is required to secure your spot and help cover some of the costs of the event. This ensures more money from ticket sales ends up where it should – with the charity!
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Some. We’ll have a basic backline, but you’ll need to bring your guitars, keyboards, breakables, tambourines, leather pants, and anything else you'll need to slay.
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Aside from bragging rights, a badass pink guitar you can display in your office until next year's event. Think of it as the Stanley Cup of rock.
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We're flexible, but ideally no more than 30 minutes (though don't feel obligated to play that long). This gives us time to turn over the stage and maximize the number of acts. Most bands play around 4 or 5 songs.
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Tickets to attend the Rock-Off will go on sale around the middle of October. Advance, online ticket sales only. No tickets at the door. This event sells out every year.
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Still have questions? Email Steve Bowker at sbowker@alphabetcreative.com.