Andre Desjardins (The Rainbow Bistro), Tara Shannon (OMIC), Natalie Bernardin (The Rainbow Bistro), Kevin Ford (OMIC), Colin Mills (Algonquin College), Tammie Trellert (OMIC) and her daughter Sara at Tech Rocks at The Rainbow Bistro, June 5, 2026. Photo by Tia MacPherson-Abdulla for OBJ.
Ottawa’s tech and music communities came together on June 5 for Tech Rocks 2026, a one-night fundraiser held at the iconic Rainbow Bistro in support of the Ottawa Music Industry Coalition (OMIC).
The event brought together local technology leaders, entrepreneurs and innovators for an evening of networking, live entertainment and community-building. Guests connected with peers from across Ottawa’s tech sector while supporting initiatives that strengthen the city’s growing music ecosystem.
The evening featured performances by local bands Westpark, Wayward Sons and Disaster Recovery, showcasing homegrown talent and highlighting the connection between Ottawa’s creative and innovation sectors.
Tech Rocks provided an intimate setting for attendees to celebrate local culture while raising awareness and support for Ottawa’s music industry. The event demonstrated the power of collaboration between the city’s technology and arts communities.
Colin Mills (outgoing president of the board of directors, OMIC) is thanked by Melanie Brulée (executive director, OMIC) for his time volunteering with OMIC at Tech Rocks at The Rainbow Bistro, June 5, 2026. Photo by Tia MacPherson-Abdulla for OBJ.Lowri Gauthier, Cameron Thomas, Brennan Thomas and Olivia Wrigley came to support Wayward Sons at Tech Rocks at The Rainbow Bistro, June 5, 2026. Photo by Tia MacPherson-Abdulla for OBJ.Dan Morin and Dave Hook (Westpark) at Tech Rocks at The Rainbow Bistro, June 5, 2026. Photo by Tia MacPherson-Abdulla for OBJ.Sponsor Nikki Darechuk (NDCON) and Nav Gill (The Inked Ledger) and Jen Donahoe (Carleton U) at Tech Rocks at The Rainbow Bistro, June 5, 2026. Photo by Tia MacPherson-Abdulla for OBJ.Andrew Neville, Sophie Gagnier, Kristine McGillivray, Sarah Anderson and Ella Daugherty came out to support Westpark at Tech Rocks at The Rainbow Bistro, June 5, 2026. Photo by Tia MacPherson-Abdulla for OBJ.Disaster Recovery play Tech Rocks at The Rainbow Bistro, June 5, 2026. Photo by Tia MacPherson-Abdulla for OBJ.Wayward Sons perform at Tech Rocks at The Rainbow Bistro, June 5, 2026. Photo by Tia MacPherson-Abdulla for OBJ.Geoff Sibbitt (Westpark) and Andrew Neville at Tech Rocks at The Rainbow Bistro, June 5, 2026. Photo by Tia MacPherson-Abdulla for OBJ.Lowri Gauthie and Wayward Sons frontman (and her dad) Stephane Gauthier at Tech Rocks at The Rainbow Bistro, June 5, 2026. Photo by Tia MacPherson-Abdulla for OBJ.Westpark after winning the battle of the bands at Tech Rocks at The Rainbow Bistro, June 5, 2026. Photo by Tia MacPherson-Abdulla for OBJ.The energy was incredible at Tech Rocks at The Rainbow Bistro, June 5, 2026. Photo by Tia MacPherson-Abdulla for OBJ.
