by SCOTT C

If your head is spinning because you can’t decide what to do with so much going on, just know that you’re not alone. I’ve got the added pressure of a houseguest, my 20-year-old niece, to make matters even more indecisive. What am I supposed to do with someone who hates large crowds of people and is only concerned with the Germans winning the world cup? This week is a little overwhelming for anyone who’s got it in them to take in a great show. It all gets going this Friday, July 7, at Théâtre Maisonneuve, with the quirky piano stylings of Gonzales, “the Entertainist.” This Canadian ex-pat living in Berlin is an accomplished pianist and partner in crime to none other than Jamie Lidell, who coincidentally plays Club Soda later that evening at midnight.

Stepping aside from the Jazz Fest delicacies, some of you may be interested in checking out the buzz surrounding L.A. electronic/punk/soul duo J*Davey, who play Théâtre Ste-Catherine on Friday, July 7, at midnight. These two have been shortlisted by the one and only ?uestlove as a band he would sign in a second if he had the power position to work that angle. Unlike other cities, where they’ve shared stages with the Roots and others, their first gig in Montreal has them flying solo, so check out this group before they get signed and you have to shell out serious dough to see them. Tix are $5 at the door.

Meanwhile, up the Main you can check out yours truly, Toronto’s DJ Nana and Roots bigman ?uestlove at the official Roots after-party at Academy Club. Apparently, ?uestlove’s hypeman Yahmean will be in the house, and hopefully some other musical luminaries that I won’t mention right now.

Apart from those happenings, Salon Daomé has booked A Man Called Warwick to spice up the hardwood with a set of dancefloor jazz and soul on Friday, while the legendary Joe Claussell will have them lining up for the good stuff at Academy Club on Saturday, July 8. What shall we do?

CINEMASPORTS.COM, YOU SAY? fathead@videotron.ca

>> Music Listings