We love you,
Simon Lortie

by SCOTT C

Thank you very much, Tay Zonday, for showing millions of aspiring YouTube stars of the world that no matter how perplexing, mystifying or bizarre your rise to viral video fame can be, that it’s still possible to end up at the very bottom of the barrel. Zonday is of course the writer, composer and star of the infamous “Chocolate Rain” video that was running things throughout the summer on YouTube, spawning countless spoofs, remixes and rip-offs, and even landing him a spot on Jimmy Kimmel to perform live. Well, the little deep-voiced weirdo is now cashing in on his household-name status with a ridiculous remix and video of his original song featuring rapper Mista Johnson, lovingly flipped to endorse Diet Cherry Chocolate Dr. Pepper. “Cherry Chocolate Rain” has Zonday hamming it up in thugged-out gear with a bevy of scantily clad women, and the money shot is the torrent of the brown liquid poured all over him for good measure. Please tell me this is the end?

Sunday, Dec. 9, is the date for this season’s jam at Blizzarts to benefit the NDG Food Depot. It’s organized by Mossman, who’s been lending a helping hand for a few years now, and gets DJ support from Maysr, DJ Kobal, Red Dredd, myself and more this time out. If you plan to come out to Blizzarts on Sunday evening, please make sure you pack baby formula, peanut butter, jam, cookies, rice, pasta, canned veggies, soup, fruits, tuna or other canned goods to be passed on to the depot. Every little bit helps. Doors open at 10 p.m.

DJ Michael Terzian heats up Salon Daomé this Saturday as the One Spirit Underground crew celebrates his birthday. To mark his 34 years, Sinister will be on the warpath, serving up that hot soulful goodness all night long. Make sure you get there early if you’re not down to stand outside. The party is inside, people. Doors are at 10 p.m.

Fans of L’Eighties Night can start dancing on the ceiling right now, because your DJ pals Gino Vinylli and Ill Collins have set up shop at Lola for the Thursday-night spot every week as of tonight, Dec. 6. Expect anything but your typical ’80s night, with special guests on the regular and the oh-so-remarkable open bar for ladies until midnight. Sounds promising. You guys know about DJ Carlton Banques? I can hook you up!

On a sad note, I’m sorry to say that Montreal personality and all-around great guy Simon Lortie passed away on Dec. 1, to the shock and surprise of many of us. Best wishes and sincere condolences go out to the family of this instantly recognizable fixture in Montreal’s music and art landscape. His family would prefer donations be made to the APQ (Association des paraplégiques du Québec), the organization where Simon worked for the last few years. There’s also been a Facebook group created called We Love You Simon Lortie, where friends can write a little something, or connect with some of the many people he touched in his life.

No one knows the day or the hour...
fathead@videotron.ca