Return of the king

This Friday, May 16, Montreal welcomes back the legendary NYC DJ Nicky Siano, of Gallery and Studio 54 fame. Academy’s all set for another magical journey into music with one of the DJs who actually set the tone for house music before its inception. You should know that Nicky Siano taught Larry Levan and Frankie Knuckles how to get right into the mix, and influenced a generation of early club DJs. If you’re a lover of disco and the roots of popular club music, you really shouldn’t miss the opportunity to get down with one of the best.

It’s time once again for another Red Loft happening this Saturday at 4877 St-Laurent. This time out, artists Dre, Syps and, from L.A., Scott Ferry will have personal works on display, while local hip hop outfit Velvet Trench Vibes and Yung Fresh perform for the people. Incidental beats will be provided by DJs Whosee and John Harry. The tax is $7 at the door, which opens at 9 p.m.

Now, what do names like Tony Gogo, Richie Rich, Loose Caboose, Fluky Luke and Shabbadoo have in common? Well, they’re all pioneers of the dance style known as locking, and have all imparted some of their knowledge to the master teacher known as Gemini. He’s a three-time World Locking Champion who has worked with Michael Jackson, Madonna and even Justin Timberlake, and he’ll be in Montreal for a few days starting this Saturday night, when he makes a special guest appearance at Bust a Move 5 happening at Club Soda, before showing up at Throwdown Tuesdays with DJ Kobal at Academy early in the week. Then next Thursday, May 22, you can find Gemini screening a film he produced, Obsessive Funk, at the MAI (3680 Jeanne-Mance) at 6 p.m. for a mere $5. That’s followed later that night at On the One over at Coda with a night of funk and special performances by Trek! Trek! Boom!, Ingenious Lockers and DJs Ruby Jane and Marie B. This little afterparty will cost you $8 and run right until 3 a.m. Finally, on Friday, May 23, you’ll get a chance to learn from Gemini at the Locking 4 Life workshop happening at Studio Bizz (551 Mont-Royal) at 8 p.m. This one will run you $25 in advance and $30 at the door, so get your Gemini budget straight!

Seven reasons you should even read this list:
1. Matt G “Cocaine Kills Hipsters Dead” (CDR)
2. Cormega “718” feat. Lil Fame (J Love)
3. Lamont Johnson “Signifyin’ Gemini” (P-Vine)
4. Moonstarr Instrumentals Forever (PTR)
5. J Dilla Pay Jay (MCA)
6. Sa-Ra “High Life” (Jazzy Sport)
7. IG Culture Zen Badizm (Freedom School)

LET’S REGROUP, AND TRY AGAIN...fathead@videotron.ca