Live at the BBQ

by SCOTT C

That’s right, I got my ass to Rona right quick and invested in a $65 Grill Mate BBQ. You can do it too. You’ll be glad you did. It’s been two weekends in a row that the smoke has been billowing and the coals cooking out on the terrasse, and I couldn’t be happier. Pablo was even out there in the rain the other night, cooking the goodness under an umbrella for good measure. It’s not really that complicated. Food cooked with blackened, crispy goodness around the edges, be it meat, fish or vegetables, is good for your summertime soul, period. Call me, we’ll do it up.

Tonight, May 22, Pearl switches gears for the week to accommodate Behaya 3, a night of bhangra, soca, dancehall, lovers rock and Bollywood sounds. DJs Mr. Goodvibes and Sikh Knowledge have been flipping every second week of their new Extended Hours night at Pearl to spice things up with some new sounds, so make a move and check it out. There’s no cover, no dress code and no slackness.

Got a package in the mail last week with Toronto vocalist Zaki Ibrahim’s newest effort, Eclectica (Episodes in Purple). Zaki’s distinct soul caught my ears a few years back and it looks like she was able to parlay her talents into a distribution deal with Sony BMG. Some of you may remember a show she played with Moka Only at Club Soda a while back, but hopefully she’ll be making another trip sometime soon.

Wednesday nights have been brimming with great music over at Kafein (1429A Bishop) ever since DJ Conn Shawnery took over the decks. Bassment Beats Wednesdays offer a night of Afro-Latin soul and funk for absolutely no cover, every single week. Check him out.

Can’t forget to send out huge birthday wishes to the man, the myth, Andy Williams, who celebrated his birthday May 21. If you see Andy in the street this week, take a minute and wish him a belated happy birthday, and then ask him about a Brass Knuckles reunion.

Make sure you check out the schedule for this year’s Suoni Per Il Popolo avant garde and experimental liberation music festival, running from June 1 to June 30. The list is long, but I’m sure there’s something in there for everyone. You can find out more here: http://casadelpopolo.com/suoni/about.htm. All shows will take place at Casa and Sala Rossa, with a few surprises in the form of Popolo in the Park. Check it out.

Seven reasons I still get the hi-hat:
1. Nas “Nigger” (CDR)
2. Tom Trago “Ale Zus” (RH)
3. IG Culture “Black” (Freedom School)
4. Azymuth “Montreal City” Volcov remix (Far Out)
5. The Roots “The Show” feat. Common (Def Jam)
6. Zaki Ibrahim Eclectica (Episodes in Purple) (Sony)
7. Payz Play “Hip Hop Is (Really) Dead” (Anubis)

DAMN, DAMN, DAMN...fathead@videotron.ca