by SCOTT C

Rented a plastic bubble and went to Toronto last weekend. It’s weird—people in T.O. are either oblivious to all of this SARS hype or they’re super-militant and determined not to let this shit affect their daily lives. I saw no masks of any kind, let alone signs of a city under siege, but the cat at the loft where we stayed was making my allergies seem like a World Health Organization emergency. I bumped into K-OS on Queen West about an hour before coming home, where we discussed his upcoming date with Ben Harper at the Jazz Fest, at Metropolis on July 2. K-OS just returned from a multiple-date tour with the Roots in Europe and the U.K., so expect the man who walks on a higher plain to have an even tighter show than before.

How honoured Montreal must feel to know that Little Louie Vega has decided to spend his birthday here this year! That’s what I said. Little Louie is set to play at Exit’s first anniversary this Friday, June 13, alongside Christian Pronovost. And if you’re a diehard Masters at Work fan, you should make sure you’re at Inbeat (3814 St-Laurent) on Friday, June 13, at 7 p.m., when Louie blesses regular shoppers and onlookers with an in-store set. There aren’t enough words to describe this man’s numerous contributions, or the level of respect he commands from the various corners of dance music, so all you can really do is check him out.

If you’re diggin’ the odd trek to NDG these days, I’ve got a great excuse for you to make the trip. The launch for local photographer and man-about-town Paul 107’s new book All City: The Book About Taking Space is taking place this Friday, June 13, at 6:30 p.m. at Alena MTL (5662 Sherbrooke W.). The book looks at a few notable graffiti writers from Montreal and New York who are up to their eyes in this shit, through in-depth interviews and photographs. Music provided by Plan-B and Ms. B (the Killer B’s), and more info at www.sekondhandprojects.com.

Got a hankerin’ for some fresh, new art? Take a look at what Heavyweight affiliates Dan Dstrbo and Luc Paradis have in store for the kids at their showing tonight, Thursday, June 12, at 4064 St-Laurent, #3. Not Today, Not the Face is free, and you’ll be treated to music from Sixtoo, Gstarship, Soundbwoy, Jeremiah and others united for the cause. It all gets under way around 7 p.m.

Also this Friday, June 13, check out local funk aficionados Dibondoko when they set up shop at le Swimming for a 10:30 p.m. show.

Seven reasons not to get stabbed in the bathroom…
1. Dwele Subject (Virgin)
2. Roy Hargrove “I’ll Stay” feat. D’Angelo (Verve)
3. Jazzanova “Another New Day” Moonstarr remix (JCR)
4. Bonobo “Pick Up” (Ninja Tune)
5. Jaylib “The Official” (Stones Throw)
6. Kankick “Love Hardcore (Underground)
” (Meanstreet)
7. Super 3 “When You’re Standing on the Top” (GS)

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