Do the James

by SCOTT C

I’m happy to report that I have yet to even touch a shovel this winter, and if you’re lucky enough to have made it through the week without your roof caving in, then count yourself blessed. I heard some creaking and strange noises coming from the ceiling while in bed last night, but while both half asleep and simply not getting out of bed, I convinced myself that the super was up there clearing away all five feet of impending disaster at 4:40 a.m.

It’ll certainly take a bit more than snow to stop Tokyo Thursdays’ Stylusts showcase tonight, March 20, when they welcome Ottawa’s number one DJ crew featuring DJ Illo, DJ Drastik and T-Wrecks. Expect that mashed-up hip hop goodness, plus Duvall holding it down for the home team. On Friday, the Concordia Breakdance Club hosts Breaking It Down for the Love of Art and Hip Hop at la Sala Rossa, a night of performance and art featuring a four-on-four mixed b-boy/b-girl battle and $1,000 in prizes up for grabs. This all-ages night starts at 9 p.m., with WeFunk’s DJ Static taking the party into the wee hours after the battle dust clears. Five bucks is all you need. E-mail bgirlwink@hotmail.com for more information.

Montreal hip hop group Velvet Trench Vibes is expecting company this Saturday when they set up shop at the Red Door Loft at 4877 St-Laurent (upstairs from Casa del Popolo). They’re headlining a show that also features D-Shade, David Hodges, Loe Pesci, Narcicyst and Side C, plus the DJ skills of Jon Harry and Whosee. Doors open at 9:30 p.m., with the show at 10 p.m. This is a limited capacity show, so have your eight bills ready when you walk through the door. Right across the street at la Sala Rossa on the same night, you can catch Bugz in the Attic’s producer/DJ Daz-I-Kue and Rude Movements’ Karl Injex as they bring their Godfather Tour to the Goods. This is a full-on James Brown tribute that covers all of the Godfather’s contributions, including originals, covers, songs sampling James and songs inspired by James. Should be a hot one. Doors are at 10:30 p.m., with a $12 ticket at the door.

If you’re looking for one more Easter egg for your basket on Saturday, Jesse Walker has got the party for you. Stush is a classic Easter do at Grappa, complete with DJ Blaster, Eddie Lewis, Kwite Sane, Little Thunder, Selecta Jinx and DJ Chunes playing all of your favourite soca, reggae, club anthems, classic house and old school. Expect the usual debauchery, and don’t forget, it’s Jesse’s birthday! Hopefully we can watch highlights from this one on the news next week. Happy birthday, man.

Lastly, some artists performing at this year’s MUTEK festival of electronic music and digital creativity have been announced, including appearances by Detroit’s Carl Craig and dubstep don Kode9, as well as locals Megasoid and Kid Koala. MUTEK happens May 28–June 1, and you can check their Web site for further announcements at www.mutek.org.

EASTER EGGS FOR YOU… fathead@videotron.ca