Bigger is better

>> Divers/Cité ups the ante with this year's 10-day pride festival

by SIOBHÀN O'CONNOR

One part culture, one part consciousness-raising and the rest an all-out body-rock, Montreal's queer pride festivities--usually filled with too-packed calendars and confusing schedules--just got bigger, giving partiers a little room to breathe over the next week and a half. Divers/Cité won two tourism awards last year for their impressive pride 2000 celebrations (one from Tourism Montreal Ulysses, the other from the Grand Prix du Tourisme du Québec) and it seems local and provincial governments are finally acknowledging the indomitable power of the pink dollar. As a result, this year's celebrations will last 10 (count 'em, 10) days, ranking Montreal's pride festivities among the largest in the world. Which means everyone wins: the city gets more moolah, while everyone else gets to party for next to nothing all week long.

Lovey-dovey spirit

The celebrations kick off this Saturday, July 28 at the Medley, in true touchy-feely, lovey-dovey spirit with the festivities' opener, Concert for Pride: You're Free to Be Who You Want to Be. Expect to be moved by electro-violinist Dr. Draw, while our very own circuit darling Alain Vinet tries to make you move. Headlining the night is New York's sultry Ultra Naté who, rumours have it, was all set to become a doctor until a little voice in her head told her to become a soulful dance-music diva. Take it in as of 10 p.m., $22-27. The more staid among you may want to head to the Théatre National for Aimer, a choir and soloist concert presented by the Choeur Ouvert.

Another concert graces the Medley Sunday, July 29. Titled De Paris à Montreal, la musique sans frontières, this one's bound to please the francophiles in the house. France's Snooze (who some may know as Dominique Dalcan, his more conservative, sophisticated alter-ego) has been called the "unsung forerunner of French downtempo." He takes things down a notch with his Brazilian beats and jazz rhythms. Joined by singer Nancy Danino, expect Snooze's set to wash over you like a smooth summer breeze. Joined by DJs Jester and Little Eric at 8 p.m., $30. On your way to the show stop by Café-in (1115 Ste-Catherine E.) to see Scènes de vies conjugales, an intimate black and white photo exhibit looking at the lives of 20 gay couples over the age of 35. The exhibit runs till Aug. 28.

Mado!

After several years of success with her Mado à Bingo nights in the Village, last year kitsch bitch Mado Lamotte brought her show to the Casino, of all places. The event was such a success that she returns with Mado au Casino: Attack of the Slut Machine this Monday, July 30. Joined by the lovely Nana, the event promises bingo, improv, cabaret, a little leg and lots of laughs.

At 6 p.m. on Tuesday, July 31, head to the Gay and Lesbian Community Centre (2075 Plessis, #130) for a little brain food. There, a panel of journalists and media mavens will address issues of queer representation in the press. They'll also be fielding questions from the public. Meanwhile, Place Émilie-Gamelin (formerly Berri Square) transforms into a massive cabaret in what is the first of the almost-free ($2 suggested donation) outdoor parties. Kicking off the night at 6 p.m. is DJ Alain Vinet who warms up the crowd for the 8 p.m. cabaret. Hosted by local legend Marleen Ménard, expect three hours of smoky blues from luminaries Michelle Sweeney, Nanette Workman, Dawn Tyler Watson, Joey Arias and so many more.

Flexx dance

Opening the Flexx dance event on Wednesday, Aug. 1, at 6 p.m. is a two-hour set by DJ Nikola T, also at Place Émilie-Gamelin, $2. Directed by dancer/choreographer Andrea Palmer, the Flexx event returns after last year's great success. Among the performers are the impressive Stephane Boko, Joe Hiscott and Tonja Living, who get up to all kinds of perverse and provocative stuff, Julio Cesar Hong who dances to an original score written and performed by his dad, Grands Ballets dancer Shawn Hounsell, the Kali-Whips troupe with their martial arts, sword-fighting and whip cracking. Those bored by dance may want to head to L'Androgyne for one of their now-famous Singles' Shopping Nights, where shoppers are invited to cruise while pretending to read. While you're there, take a peek at photographer Robert Laliberté's Corpus Anima exhibit, which graces the walls till Aug. 12. Happy Pride!

For more info about Divers/cité events see listings or visit www.diverscite.org