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Urban gala >> Montreal's black talent takes the stage by SCOTT C
With the first awards gala, which happened in 1996, having been a resounding sold-out success, promoter-organizer Ruddy Eloi surrounded himself with some pretty talented people in order to make sure that the S.O.B.s that grace the stage this year blow them away once again. Eloi, who is no stranger to performing arts, is a star of the French television series Watatatow and has jumped with both feet into the game of producing large-scale performances that promote local talent. You may remember the Gods of Rhythm shows that wowed sold out audiences at the Rialto a few years back, made possible by a young Ruddy Eloi. Much like the Grammys, artists are nominated for awards in 22 different categories, and the winners receive a little statue that they can put on their mantle if they want to. The real reward, though, comes in the form of public recognition, something that some of these artists have been fortunate to have, while others just keep plugging away. Much unlike the Grammys, though, the S.O.B. awards do more than honour just the musical contributions that are out there. There are six categories alone dedicated to radio, ranging from best cultural program to best hip hop radio show, all of which play a big part in promoting local talent. These relatively unsung heroes will be duly noted alongside the best artistic performance of the year, male and female personality of the year, and the puzzling "revelation of the year." And what would the Sounds of Blackness be without awards for the best in hip hop, R&B and reggae? Competition will be tight in these ever-popular categories, with the stage filled with performances from several nominees. On the hip hop front, the stage will be well packed with heads from both the French and English side of things. Popular newcomers Rainmen and top-selling La Constellation will get the crowd hype, along with L.M.D.S. and the never-say-die Shades of Culture heating things up. Vocal powerhouse Jodie Resther is a sure bet who will always impress, while the hardest working R&B outfit in the French connection, Co-Soul, will be well-received on that big-ass stage at Théâtre St-Denis. Also keep an ear open for O.N.E., bringing their sweet grooves to the people that evening. The Umoja Gospel Choir is a performance that should not be missed by anyone with an ounce of soul in their body, and is a genuine spiritual experience. They'll be sharing ranks with Montreal legend Lorraine Klaasen, the crowned Queen of African music in this city, as well as T-Kazby, spicing up the night with a little West Indian flavour. Rounding out this loaded card is local tap dancing maniac Travis Knight, moving the age-old artform into the future, and Mtl.'s Tactical Crew, the future of B-boying in Quebec, set to uprock and spin their way to higher ground. With the entire night hosted by Marlyne Afflack and Ruddy Eloi himself, you can expect to see some local personalities bumpin' around the stage as well. Charlie Biddle will be there, as well as bruiser Otis Grant and some "unconfirmed" special guests to boot. Fans of Mayor Bourque will be happy to know he'll be up there too, giving his blessing to the evening (yawn) just before his rap group Sounds of Bourqueness hits the stage. Other than his worship, the show should be relatively free of dead weight and a spectacle to behold. At Théâtre St-Denis, Saturday, February 20, doors at 6pm, showtime 8pm, $30
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With the all-too-brief window of recognition that is Black History Month busily working to a close, it's fitting that an event dedicated to the work of black artists who are out there all year 'round should be the height of this month's festivities. The second annual Sounds of Blackness Awards, taking place this Saturday at Théâtre St-Denis, is a forum that not only honours black music, but achievement in black media and performing arts as well.