Count the days...

by SCOTT C

As our precious summer months continue to move at a pace that none of us can begin to believe, it’s perhaps a better idea to busy yourself with some of the city’s happenings rather than cling to pipe dreams of a late-August heat wave. Local comics Kwasi Thomas and Andrew Searles have claimed their piece of summer 2008 with a new show called Black In A Minute, playing tonight, Aug. 21, and Friday, Aug. 22, at 8:30 at Ernie Butler’s Comedy Nest on the third floor of the AMC Forum.

The two co-headliners will break it down from opposing perspectives of blackness and tell it like it is. Think Oreo vs. Fudgee-O, or dark chocolate vs. milk chocolate or even David Alan Grier vs. Bernie Mac (R.I.P). At any rate, they’re worth a look. There’s also two shows on Saturday, Aug. 23 at 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. Tickets are $12, or call 514-932-6378 for more info.

BROGUE VOGUE: Barba Poppa Choppa of Big Toe’s Hi Fi

Just got a note from Dutch at Escape Entertainment letting me know that Wu-Tang’s Raekwon the Chef is on his way back to Montreal for a show at Club Soda coming up on Sept. 10. He’ll share the stage with Vai, BMC and Velvet Trench Vibes. Tickets are $25 in advance, or go to www.ticketpro.ca to get sorted out.

Don’t forget a special installment of (bounce le) Gros Orteil this Saturday, Aug. 23, at Zoobizarre featuring Big Toe’s Hi Fi from Edinburgh, Maysr and big daddy Ghislain Poirer. Bass Response is the password, kids—that and $5 will get you into the party. Also on Saturday night down at Sala Rossa (4848 St. Laurent), Andy Williams and myself welcome Cologne, Germany’s Karsten John for the sixth anniversary celebration of The Goods. We’re still going strong, people, and you can thank yourselves for all the great dancefloor vibes over the years. Tix are $12 at the door, which opens at 10:30 p.m.

Tarrus Riley, son of reggae legend Jimmy Riley, takes the stage at Medley this Friday, Aug. 22, with his Black Soil Band and Duane Stephenson, backed by support from locals Inword, Mikey Dangerous, Little Thunder Soundcrew, I-Jah and DJ Iceman. Tickets are $35 in advance, with doors at 8 p.m. and show at 9:30 p.m.

Lastly, look for a nice local team-up at Piknic Electronic this Sunday, Aug. 24 when Sase One, DJ Bliss, Ghostbeard and DJ Lexis get together to rock the great outdoors. As always, keep your fingers crossed for some sun to go along with your Sunday afternoon music fix in the park. Can’t have one without the other...

Seven reasons to join the tight team...
1. Jazmine Sullivan “Prototype” (CDR)
2. Elzhi The Preface (Fatbeats)
3. Coultrain “Playin’ Catch Up” (Juju Dust)
4. Strand & NonGenetic “The Chase (HudMo Remix)”
(Project:Mooncircle)
5. Nosaj Thing “Coat of Arms” (CDR)
6. Madlib ft. Guilty Simpson “Go” (BBE)
7. Monk.e “NeoBronx” (independent)

IT’S ON LIKE RAE DAWN CHONG...fathead@videotron.ca