by RAF KATIGBAK

Ah yes, Valentine’s Day, filled with romance and thoughtful gift giving (or as single people like to call it: living-hell day!). There are many differing opinions on the history of St. Valentine’s Day. Some experts state that it originated from St. Valentine, a Roman who was martyred for refusing to give up Christianity. He died on February 14, 269 A.D., the same day that had been devoted to love lotteries. Legend also says that St. Valentine left a farewell note for the jailer’s daughter, who had become his friend, and signed it “from your Valentine.” To this day, that sacred tradition lives on as many inmates continue to find true love in prison showers across the world. Whether or not you believe in the legend of St. Valentine (or you believe the real truth about aliens and robots working together to study our mating rituals), Montreal nightlife is blooming with events that are perfect for sharing with your loved one (or alien-robot information-gathering cyborg).

Of course Friday is officially V-Day and what better way to show that you care than by giving to others. Cinnamon Hearts Not Bombs is a non-profit party happening at the Casa del Popolo - entrance is free with all donations going to a TBA charity/goody-goody organization. The night will feature the musical stylings of 1-Speed Bike, the Shirtless DJs and other special guests. Host for the evening will be space pioneer and DJ extraordinaire M - - (aka Mark Slutsky of Automatic Vaudeville fame), and will most likely feature a kissing booth (hopefully also “hosted” by space pioneer Slutsky).

Also on Friday night, for pumping house and electro-tech check out the Stereomovers as they play live with DJs Philgood and Soundshaper at Unity II. Or drop by O Patro Vys as two of Montreal’s up and coming minimal techno and house producers, juanself and Orazio Fantini, will each rock live sets while new deep house hotshot DJ Marc Macleod warms up the crowd between sets.

Wednesdays just moved from hump day to bump day at Stereobar as DJ Angel Moraes hosts a new weekly called Listen. Billed as “a celebration of classic dance music from the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s,” this promises to be a great night for lovers of all shades of dance music, so don’t miss it!

The IDJ crew is celebrating one year of representing Montreal drum & bass with IDJ Loves You this Saturday. Along with the resident IDJs, special guests include Bagel, Midas and MPS from Pittsburgh and Phuz and Blackmarket from Montreal. Info at 401-6774, $10 at the door.

Finally, Sunday may be the day of rest for some, but DJ Krista and Mighty Kat have other plans as they host a Drop Music spectacular. Special guests for the evening include England’s funky house phenom Inland Knights and Montreal’s own Fred Everything. The location is 980 Rachel and it’s only five bucks, so check it out! :

Go, Patsie, it’s your birthday! We’re gonna party like Chris’s birthday! Diskoakimbo@sympatico.ca

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