by SCOTT C

First, I'd like to wish everybody a happy new year, even if we're still years away from beaming each other from here to there. Make the best of it, because there's only one 2005.

Unity II welcomes Toronto's DJ Blackcat on Friday, Jan. 14. He'll be hitting up their weekly College Night for the first time ever with a mix of hip hop and R&B. They're waiting for you down there with an enticing boast of no cover before 11 p.m., and Blackcat's Taste the Life CD available for a mere $5 once you're inside. Who wouldn't pay five bucks for a CD with a lady licking the juice off a cherry on the cover? Never mind...

Sunday, Jan. 16, marks the return of the open battle to St-Laurent, with Sink or Swim setting up shop at le Swimming for the night. Once again, the insane low price of $5 gets you right into the thick of things - that is if you're down with MC, b-boy and beatbox battles. A guy named RainForce is set to host the night, with DJs Praiz and I-Rate providing the music for the evening. Oh, and my boy DJ Mana is set to light the place up with one of his famous turntable showcases. Sadly, my flow is just too overwhelming to unleash on a room of unsuspecting heads, so it's up to you to get involved. If you think you have the skills to pay the bills, get in touch with RainForce at 845-9444. There could be some money, prizes, and maybe even some street credibility at stake. Check www.soulmechanics-dj.com for more info.

Another ambitious event that I have to mention is Arauko, Debout!, taking place Saturday at Nest (3673 St-Dominique). This special night of entertainment has been put together to benefit political prisoners in Chile, and has the support of some of the best in local music. As well as screening the film Musiques Rebelles Americas, musical guests will include Ensemble Acalanto, Nomadic Massive, Red Menace, Kalmunity Vibe Collective, Amasonica Sound Force with Bomba, Lady Luscious and DJ Spinister. The tax is $10 with the whole thing going down at 9 p.m. Don't miss.

Much like the massive wave that displaced so many people in relatively no time at all, it's nice to see Montrealers contributing to the massive wave of compassion and relief that is so desperately needed at this time. If you don't already know about a tsunami relief event going on, you might want to head to Upperclub at 3519 St-Laurent this Friday, Jan. 14, for In-Donation. Host Elsie and assorted DJs will be donating their services for the evening, with the $5 cover going straight to the Red Cross. Also, a dollar from every drink sold will also be donated directly to the people who need it most, so help out.

Oh, and I spoke to the unofficial mayor of Burgundy about the SugarHill Gang on Jan. 28, and a little show with a guy called Mos Def in the not so distant future. Stay tuned...

Hmmmmm, my little quip... fathead@videotron.ca

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