Switch bitch by KRISTA This week, everyone should find themselves a copy of Mixmag USA, soon to be called Mixer (to avoid confusion with Mixmag UK, of course, even though it uses the same font for its title and is owned and operated by the person who started MIxmag UK). This month's issue is extra fun to read. Not only does it contain an article about Montreal and how cool and hip we are, but the cover story is a feature about jungle DJ 1.8.7 from Pittsburgh, who has just undergone a sex change operation. The article asks the question: "Can the rave scene handle it?" Yikes. Does the "rave" scene need to handle it? Granted, it's a slightly unorthodox situation, but what difference does it make? I find the fact that someone decided that 1.8.7's sex-change merited a five-page article in Mixmag far more bizarre than the actual transgender issue, but that's just me. Mind you, now 1.8.7 has to contend with that whole girl DJ thing... >>> Another strange switch worth a mention: Groove Society has a new concept. It's called "Wet Dream" (double yuck), it happens every Thursday, and features house, hip hop, electronica, techno and "rock alternatif." Why they would include the latter, I'm not sure, but then why discriminate? Part of the new concept involves offering open bar to men who show up topless wearing sandals, which in many places is illegal (and rightly so). Once again, yikes. Derrick Carter has been added to the bill for the Autechre show on July 31. Derrick played in Ottawa at the Canada Day extravaganza last week and those who attended swear it was some sort of religious experience. One more reason not to miss this event. It takes place at the Medley, 1170 St. Denis. Presale tickets are $17.50. >>> High Bar has got at least one regular DJ: Pfreud plays spacey tech-house type stuff every Friday. Also on Fridays, DiSalvio's claims it's "attempting to recapture the vibe from the early days." Promoters Joshie and Gerry (no offence, but maybe you guys should think of something else to call yourselves) say they're trying to appeal to people who used to frequent places like Steel Monkey, Business and Crisco, among others, and promise to break the misconception that DiSalvio's is stuck up and elitist. Sure, why not. DJ Eddie Lewis is in charge of taking us back to the good ol' days. Finally, the Beastie Boys will be in Montreal on August 16 at the Molson Stadium. They grace the cover of this month's issue of the Face, and if you ask me, those boys are starting to look a bit rough around the edges. Luckily their talent seems to be aging well.