by RAF KATIGBAK

Okay, so how insane was Grand Prix weekend?

Beyond the fact that it was so humid that Environment Canada issued a major Swamp Crotch Advisory to the entire island of Montreal, the sheer amount of people conspicuously consuming was out of control. Before last weekend, I thought the $72-million figure reportedly spent in Montreal during the F1 was a bit of an exaggeration. Then, Saturday night, during my usual rounds of club-hopping, drinking and booty-clapping, I found myself at one of Montreal’s upscale boutique hotel bars (partially for their delicious mojitos, but mostly because of the air conditioning). The DJ, a friend of mine from back in the day, proceeded to recount how a Russian gangster (who flew to Montreal in one of his two private Lear jets to watch his brother’s race-car team) had been constantly dropping twenties on him all night, going, “Please, to play more hip hop! I like 2Pac!” To which my DJ friend replied, “Homie if you keep dropping twenties on me like that, I’m-a play 2Pac, 3Pac, 4Pac… whatever the hell you want!” While the place was wall-to-wall leisure class, there was a particular lasciviousness in the air, punctuated by this overheard nugget of wisdom spoken between two thick-necked, open-shirted gentlemen: “Escorts are so freakin’ busy, they gotta sharpen their pencils at both ends, if you know what I mean.” Cheque, please!

Saphir’s Mix Thursdays keep it sharp once again with another conglomeration of local and out of town talent. This week, Toronto’s DJ Kick drops the breaks while Axel Klein, Melon, Snork and Tipsy T do some damage. As always, it’s free before midnight and only $4 after.

Friday night, get your swank on as DJs Pat Boogie and Lexis take over the decks at Upper Club. These guys always manage to turn any space into a sweatbox of writhing, grinding limbs and pelvises, and this exclusive St-Laurent hot spot should be no exception. Word to the wise: look the part or you might end up staying behind the velvet rope.

Of course, there’s no dress code over at Casa del Popolo for Mitchell Akiyama’s Intr_version label showcase (unless you count maybe a beard, thick-rimmed glasses and corduroys). Friday night, as part of the Suoni Per il Popolo fest, Akiyama will be performing under his Blackout guise with cellist Becky Foon and percussionist Eric Craven, as well as with his Desormais project (with Joshua Treble) and guest Amute. Eight bucks in advance, $10 at the door.

Also on Friday, the SAT will no doubt be jacking all night long with a live set by Chicago techno producer Billy Dalessandro. Expect the same deep, acid-tweaked beats that made his Force Inc. and Resopal releases so sought after. With DJs Sean Kosa and Little Tree, $15 at the door, $10 before midnight.

June 17, the duo that brought you the Refuge Electronik series of events are dropping the fancy new loft-party/rave concept Tistik. DJs Arsen, the Autist, Simon Perreault and Vega will be handling the sonic duties. Tix are $25 in advance and available at Moog audio (check www.tistik.com for the super-secret St-Henri location).

YOU PLAY “BOOTYLICIOUS”… I LIKE! Diskoakimbo@sympatico.ca

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