Cream on!

>> 514 fatten the lineup as summer draws to a close

by SCOTT C

You know that when it rains for what seems to be the first time all summer, we're in for a seasonal derailing. St-Laurent clubs starting to get packed again on Tuesday and Wednesday nights is another sign for sure. But for those of you who didn't know that August is almost over, I'm gonna run down my picks for the festival that annually ushers out the summer. With 514's Cream Music Festival already upon us, you know Labour Day isn't far behind, so make sure you're in the right place when the bass kicks in.

On Thursday, Aug. 23, festival organizers are taking full use of the St-Laurent street sale and the massive amounts of people it attracts by setting up Chicago native Roy Davis Jr. in the street at the corner of Prince-Arthur and St-Laurent. Davis, who is absolutely no stranger to Montreal, spends his time DJing around the world and working in the studio for labels like our own Bombay and Underground Therapy Muzik. Should be sweet. That same night, you can check out Philly man Josh Wink as he works the decks at Ilume. Upon founding Philly's Ovum Records with King Britt back in the day, Wink has consistently laced the house world with nothing but music for dancefloors.

On Friday, Aug. 24, there's gonna be ruckus in the street as Brian Gee drops a dose of drum & bass on the unsuspecting crowds buying $2 underwear. That's right, the man from V Recordings is being let loose on the street as well, so dust off the street-dancing shoes and make your way down. That's two days in a row now.

On Saturday, Aug. 25, all street shoppers will part like the Red Sea when the legendary Grandmaster Flash plays a special blocko-style set for all you people in the sun. The man who started it all is pretty busy these days, getting booked all over the place and even making a cameo in the new Vince Vaughn flick Made. If you love hip hop music, or just want to stand in the same 30-foot space with a true music legend, then make sure you get down there and shake ya ass.

If you were one of the people who rammed themselves up into the bar at Sona the last time Little Louie was supposed to come, then you know that he's gonna make it extra nice for that last no-show. A guaranteed party for sure, Masters at Work's Little Louie Vega isn't really known for letting people down on the dancefloor. Expect Latin and African rhythms, expect a souled-out vibe and expect to sweat.

Of course I've heard a few people grumbling about the fact that the Erykah Badu show in Toronto has Jill Scott and Alicia Keys on the bill as well. What those people don't understand is that for once we may just have T.O. beat, with neo-soul champion Bilal Oliver booked to open for Badu at Metropolis on Friday, Aug. 31. Once a back-up singer for D'Angelo, his new album First Born Second is immediately amazing, especially for a young pup of 21. If you miss this show, and you love real soul music, then I can only shake my head in your general direction.

Lastly, the Beatnuts have landed, or will be landing on Saturday, Sept. 1, when they perform at Sona as part of the festivities. Psycho Les and Juju always have a good time in MTL, thanks to places like Wanda's, Supersexe and Candy's. No complaints when they get paid in lap-dances. Van-city duo Swollen Members get things started that night in the lounge, where I'm sure they'll be entertained by all the Beatnut groupies waiting for their chance to shine.

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