by SCOTT C

First of all, I'd like to extend birthday wishes to wonder-woman Mahalia Verna, who'll be celebrating her big day this Friday, March 11, at Salon Daomé. As part of the creative force behind Coco Café and numerous other events in and around Montreal, I wish her nothing but the best. My boy Simon B and his lingering Mexican tan will be running the decks at Daomé that night, so make sure you're wearing the right shoes. Tax is $8 after midnight.

The dynamic duo of D.R. One and Grandtheft get together as Team Canada on four turntables and one CD player for Wednesdays Gone Wild at le Swimming on Wednesday, March 16. These dudes have been busting out the crazy mash-ups as of late and want to share the love with all of you. They've also invited DJ Fresh and the incomparable Sean Kosa to turn this mother out. Oh, did I mention that if you dress up as a pimp or a ho, you'll have less to worry about at the door than the rest of us? That's right, hooker-types and their business managers pay $5, while everyone else pays $7. Discrimination!

Tonight, Thursday, March 10, you can check out yet another product of the creative collaborations and musical offshoots of Kalmunity and Ark of Infinity. A new 10-piece band called Eclipse takes the stage for the very first time at la Sala Rossa, and promises to be an explosive exploration of the African diaspora. Safe to say you'll probably be dancing your ass off as well. Tix are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. Doors at 8:30 p.m.

It's the Liks, baby, it's the Liks. Tha Alkaholiks Farewell Tour rolls into Foufounes Électriques on Tuesday, March 15, when we'll see just how J-Ro, E Swift and Tash plan to say goodbye to all of us. I pulled out their first appearance on record this week, a song called "Bus Dat Ass" by King Tee. He basically put them on, and then they went on to push Lootpack, Defari and Xzibit on their own records. I don't think this will be a teary-eyed goodbye, which is why locals Offsides and the impressive Embassy crew out of Kitchener, Ontario, will also be taking the stage. Music will be provided by Team Canada (see above).

Speaking of Foufs, Drummer Kombat is back! If you never caught this crazy spectacle of head-to-head drummers going at it, check out Drummer Kombat II on March 16. Even if you know nothing about the skins, this night is a Montreal original that is too crazy!

Lastly, I'm very happy to report that DJ Nu-Mark from the Jurassic 5ive has been confirmed for an April 23 date at the Goods. Last time he was here, he was just chillin' while Cut Chemist played Blizzarts, but now it's his turn to tear it up, people!

WAITING PATIENTLY FOR THE GAME TO CALL... fathead@videotron.ca

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