by RAF KATIGBAK

For a lot of people, the words “Winnipeg, Manitoba” and “cutting edge” don’t necessarily seem to go together. Little do they know, however, that from this northern prairie metropolis, one young man with an uncompromising vision and talent would struggle against all naysayers and single-handedly resurrect a dying genre. I’m talking of course, about Doug Henning. Now, at the dawn of the new millennium, when the glitter has finally settled and sword swallowing has lost its edge, another young man with a unique vision has magically appeared like a white tiger, ready to put the Peg back on the map. His name is Aaron Funk, aka Venetian Snares. Don’t miss the chance to see this guy live this Friday, Dec. 6, at the Casa del Popolo—he is sick! (He once described his sound as “Lee Perry forcing Stockhausen and Squarepusher to do it at gunpoint while giving them gasoline enemas.”)

After that evening of sonic punishment, drop by Foufs this Saturday afternoon, Dec. 7, for some punishment of the bondage variety as they clear out the dancefloor to host their new afternoon Fetish party. On the bill will be an haute-couture fetish fashion show, “orgasmic chant” session, blunt poetry (courtesy of Cindi), an ode to Bettie Page, Mistress Betty LaBoop’s training school for doggies and much more (including something called the Buttzooka). It all gets going at 2 p.m. so make sure to check out what’s sure to be fun-filled afternoon (not that I’m, uh… into that or anything).

Saturday night, check out the semi-regular Kiss My Cabaret event at la Sala Rossa. For the uninitiated, this informal para-vaudevillian/burlesque event (which usually includes a mixed bag of acts like strippers, magicians and drag queens) is always a sure bet for a good time.

Sona resident DJ XL has just announced the launch of his brand new radio show Au lit avec DJ XL. Dial into 102.3 FM every Sunday from 2–5 a.m. to hear the sounds of this after-hours heavyweight. Divided into three hour-long sections—Sona hits, picks of the week and classics—this is a great opportunity to finally find out the name of that track you were just raging to the night before and hear some early clubland classics.

Next Wednesday, Dec. 11, at Blue Dog, the Broken crew continue to represent all things breaky in Montreal with special guest Aquasky. You D&B fans will remember their classic releases on the legendary Moving Shadow label. Since then, they’ve expanded their sound to include funky breaks (under the name Aquasky vs. Master Blaster) on labels like Botchit & Scarper, TCR and their own breaks label, Passenger. Cover is $8.

Also, tune into CKUT 90.3 FM every day from 5–10 p.m. this week as they broadcast old archived material (like interviews with Public Enemy, Fugazi and Negativland) in celebration of their 15th anniversary. More on their big blow-out bash next week… :

Sometimes love don’t feel like it should… Diskoakimbo@sympatico.ca

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