by SCOTT C

It's funny how in any given city, certain scenes become more embraceable than others. Montreal loves house. High-profile, internationally acclaimed DJs live right here in the city, and we're often visited by some pretty notable and worldly names to boot. Thousands of people flock to insanely gigantic parties where the 4/4 elite control the dancefloor frenzy with tripped-out precision. Weekly spots are frequented with passes in hand, and a knowledge that the place will be packed.

What about the rest of us, though? I'm talking about the people who can appreciate house, but wouldn't touch techno with a stick. These are your lovers of hip hop, R&B and just about anything with some funk/soul/groove worked into the mix. Don't think that just because you haven't heard it there's nothing going on. These happenings regularly get marginalized in favour of over-hyped blowouts at the Big O or wherever, but they still go on, and the people who love the music are there.

Apart from the pedestal status that visiting scratch DJs have in this city (thanks in part to our little friend A-Trak), it's pretty much safe to say that even high-profile, party-rockin' hip hop DJs don't really get into the touring thing. We have to wait for a holiday weekend or a stacked concert bill in order to move to some out-of-town flavour. It's all right, though, because even though you might not see them outright, we've got some party-rockers right here at home. Let's just see if we can't pinpoint some spots.

Sona (1439 Bleury, 282-1000)

As long as I have lived in Montreal, there has been Sona. Love it or hate it, this downtown central mainstay has maintained a stranglehold on the Saturday night after-hours crowd. You can walk into the place at 1 a.m. or 5 a.m. and still find a spot in front of a speaker for some hip hop and R&B all night long. There's no real dress code, but I've seen some roughnecks denied at the door for looking just a little too hard, so work your gear before you leave the house. Once inside, you're on the floor with DJs Ray Ray, Red Dredd and Raid, who mix up the commecial-bangers with indie-hits and smoothies until the morning light (I never go upstairs).

Groove Society (1288 Amherst, 284-1999)

A whole lot of people probably think that Groove died a long time ago. Once booked with a wider variety of events, and even accused of being racist by a fellow writer, Groove has changed a bit if you haven't been in a while. Try a Wednesday or Saturday night, for instance. The place is crammed with people getting jiggy with it. Honeys dressed to kill, and guys not far behind. DJs Shortcut and Eddy Jasmin will lace you with some old school, mostly commercial hip hop, R&B and some dancehall thrown in for good measure. Leave your sneakers at home, be prepared to wait in line and come ready to dance.

Sessions (1432 Crescent, 656-9571)

Now, I know what all you Plateau-dwellers are saying right now: Crescent street is the devil incarnate and I will never set foot there. Maybe so, but DJs like Quest, Mahesh and Da Baron have been pulling all types into Sessions for ages. As much as all the young ones like to grumble, there is a place for 21-and-over hip hop and R&B. This place is Sessions. If you like to dress up and have people buy you drinks from the other side of the bar, all rolled up in a soulful vibe, then this is the place for you.

Angel's (3604 St-Laurent, 282-9944)

For you university types who are looking for some cheap beer, no dress code and no cover if you can help it, there's Angel's. Smack dab in the middle of the Main, you can walk in with no hassles and hear some beats until three. Tuesdays are free with 2-buck beers, while Thursdays pull some weight now with "Levels." Both nights meld hip hop and drum & bass, with Red Dredd and Renegade working the tables downstairs, and Jordan Dare, Gnat, Sase One and the crew running things upstairs. If you like to mix your pleasures, it doesn't get any easier than this.

Foufounes Électriques (87 St-Catherine E., 844-5539)

Among other things, Fouf boasts a Thursday night called "Roots Down" that attempts to make up for all the poppy dancefloor cheese that a lot of hip hop DJs are playing these days. Hosted by DJs Ray Ray, Shortcut and Groove, these brothers are bringin' it raw. The great thing about Fouf is you could show up with your uncle Harold, and nobody would even care. Cheap beer and no frills.

Jello (151 Ontario E., 285-2621)

At this point in time, I don't think I'm alone when I say I'm just about lounged-out but, even with all its Martini-sipping swank, Jello is still a great place to catch some great live R&B, Latin flavours and all-around funky shit. DJ Boogie is never far away, home cookin' right there in the DJ booth for your finger-lickin' pleasure. The fact that these guys stay on top of their bookings keeps things fresh, and means you're always in for something else. (Just don't get sucked into the swing monster!)

Isart (263 St-Antoine W., 393-1758)

Nestled in the corridors of Old Montreal, the Isart Gallery nightclub/performance space has been a source of puzzlement for many since its opening. Isart is known for pulling off some serious one-off parties and monthly gigs. There's the Montreal Massive event, showcasing underground hip hop MCs and DJs from all over the place on a monthly basis; the hot and sweaty Ninja Tune gigs that always move the crowd, and Ricky D, Medhi and Hari's wall-to-wall blowouts featuring some of Montreal's finest hip hop/R&B/Soca DJs. You never know what might be going on here so keep your eyes and ears open.

Here are some other places to check out to get your groove thang in action: Luba Lounge (2109 Bleury, 288-5822), Tokyo (3709 St-Laurent, 842-6838), Da Bom (382 Mayor, 286-1668), Kokino (3556 St-Laurent, 848-6398), Quartier Latin (318 Ontario E., 845-3301), Le Swimming (3643 St-Laurent, 282-7665).

It's kind of unfortunate that this little guide doesn't include more places for people who can't stand commercial hip hop and the whole mainstream vein. I remember going to Voltaire or the Jungle to get my dose of neck-snapping realness, places that were packed to the gills with people who loved the music and wanted to get down. The truth is that even if there's no one place that plays underground hip hop, or a lot of the indie records that are out now, there's always a loft party or an afterhours going on somewhere. This city has DJs for days and a party at every turn.