by SCOTT C

Yabba dabba doo! That’s right, people. Time to pull out the fresh new kicks, try out that new deodorant and roll down to the Under Pressure International Graffiti Convention. It’s kind of hard to believe that it’s been 11 years that this has been going on, but if you show up behind Foufounes on Sunday, August 13, you’ll see why they just keep coming back for more. Along with the Hesh vs. Fresh 5 mini-ramp skate competition at 5 p.m., and the b-boy/b-girl crew battle from 4–7 p.m., there’s some big money to be won this year. Maybe the $1,000 cash prize will help people step their game up when it comes down to crunch time, but you won’t know if you don’t go.

Yeah, yeah, we know that there’s some sick writers adding some colour to the back alley all day long, but did you know about the DJs lined up to provide the soundtrack for the day? Let’s see—we’ve got the legendary Kool Herc returning from New York City once again, so form a nice line to get your picture taken with hip hop royalty. Plus, all manner of Montreal DJs are represented in the place, with everyone from Jordan Dare (the Professional), Simahlak (Donnie Darko), Miss Molly (Southern Belle), P-Love (the Out-of-towner), Ms. B (Dangerous), and many more taking turns on the tables from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Also look for the crews representing, with We Funk, Women on Wax, Peer Pressure and Kops Crew holding it down.

Later that night is your best chance to get up on some local hip hop talent and eager groups from the outlying regions who’ll be taking the stage from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. You’d be wise to check Malicious, just back from Caribana in Toronto, Atach Tatuq, who are just about to drop a new video clip on your ass, mic sensation Ceas Rock, ready to bring it to the people, Lotus, coming through with that West Island flavour, and additional performances by 9th Uno, Frenchie Blanco, Semibruce, Kitchener’s feared Northern Horde, Toronto’s 4th Pyramid, Alpha Flight, Flight Distance and Troy Dunnit. True masters of ceremony Revolution and Buddha Blaze will be running the show, so you know you’re in good hands. All that for a measly $5. Can’t go wrong. Big shouts go out to Narcy, who unfortunately won’t be able to make it back from Dubai in time to perform, but we still got you, man. For more info on Under Pressure, check the Web site at www.underpressure.ca.

If you’re free Saturday, Aug. 12, you might want to check out Bombing for Peace at NEST, where several artists show their support for movements that denounce military violence against any nation or religious group. Along with a screening of Jean “Turf One” Labourdette and Marielle “Lela” Quesney’s film Dead Space at 9 p.m., there will also be art provided by Neot-Bot, Project SF, HVW8, KOPS and more, with music by Simon B, Eddie Lewis, Jonah and myself. That’s from 6–11 p.m., and it’s free.

More big thanks to all who came out last Sunday for a beautiful day at Piknic Électronik. Great music, great people, great weather, and... ahem, more bikinis than any one man should ever be exposed to!

BOOGALOO IS BACK! fathead@videotron.ca

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