by SCOTT C

Let’s just agree on one thing—time flies. To all of you who still take the time to read this little corner of the paper, I wish you all the best in 2006, and hope you understand that there’s no time like the present. The world keeps turning, and Montreal keeps moving like it always does, changing ever so slightly with every new year.

It’s safe to say that January and February have long stood as slow months for both shows and record releases, but when Hillary Duff and Blue Oyster Cult are beacons on the event schedule, then we have to look a little closer at what’s really on the table.

I can’t think of a better way to start off 2006 than a full-on female DJ battle royale, and you? Women on Wax presents their first annual Bataille Royale down at Saphir tonight, Thursday, Jan. 12, where some of the city’s finest lady selectors will go head to head for the first time ever. Witness the fitness of Tashish vs. Rubyjane, Killa Jewel vs. DJ Rue, Lynne T vs. Cyan and Dirty Dan vs. Jasmine. The music ranges from hip hop and future soul to electro and dirty beats, so you’ve really got no excuse not to drop by—plus, it’s free before midnight. Women on Wax: giving ladies’ night a whole new meaning in 2006.

If you haven’t dipped into Lounge Eleven at 4445 St-Laurent, then check out The French Connection every Friday with DJs Twitch, Sagewondah and Djoolz. It’s a relatively new night, having only started last week, but their attention to crunk, funk, old-school and new-jack hip hop might have you coming back for more. Ladies can skip the door before midnight, but the fellas will have to dig a little deeper.

Speaking of new nights, keep your eyes peeled for various happenings at two new spots that you should take notice of. First there’s Café de Lima at 6409 St-Hubert, corner Beaubien. This beautiful new space will be hosting all manner of things soulful, including a rotating Friday-night line-up for a night called Soul on Top. Look for names like Christian Pronovost, Eduardo Cabral, Alex Robbins, Cheeba Cheeba Kid and more to warm up the bill. Second is Boa, brainchild of T’cha and Joaquin Dunlevy and Blizzarts owner Peter Pinheiro. Located at 5301 St-Laurent, this joint should appease both the hipsters and those simply looking to whet their palates. DJ-friendly but not DJ-driven, you can expect to hear a wide variety of sounds from an equally wide variety of DJs, who will switch up all the time.

Don’t forget Kalmunity’s weekly Tuesday-night gig at Sablo Kafé (50 St-Zotique E.), still going strong in 2006. Look for some themed projects at this night of live, soulful improvisation that will still only run you $5 to get in. n

LIBRAS CAN GO EITHER WAY... fathead@videotron.ca

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