by RAF KATIGBAK

Like I always say, there’s nothing like a trip to Toronto to make you feel great about your hometown. But in all fairness to the bustling megopolis, T.O.’s been getting a bum rap lately and my trip to the Big Smog was much better than the last. This time, I wisely rejected offers to go out clubbing (including an invite to some place called Bohemian, whose idea of bohemianism included a very strict guest list policy). Instead I opted for a cozy loft-warming party where the people were quite friendly if not a little corporate (their idea of underground music was a Moby-esque remix of Nelly Furtado). But here I am, glad to be back in la belle province - and not a moment too soon, as Quebec gears up for Canada Day celebrations (or as they call it here, Tuesday).

Tonight, June 26, join DJs Sarcastic, Druz, Milton Clark and DJ Kiffah as they stream live and direct from Club Amnesia for Grooverince Countdown #14 on Web radio www.club246.com. Come out for the sounds of house, drum & bass, techno, trance and breaks. Cover is $4 and all proceeds go to upgrading club246’s broadcast hardware.

Also tonight, headz should get ready for a straight-up breakbeat meltdown as U.K. DJ and producer team Atomic Hooligan hit Blizzarts’ Thursday-night weekly the Grill. If you haven’t heard AH’s work on the Botchit & Scarper label or their collabs with Ragga Twins, Aquasky or Tayo, you’re in for a real treat. Also on the bill will be special guest from the Broken Crew DJ Poontz and the always-bumpin’ residents T’cha and Bliss. Cover is $5 at the door.

The big ticket Saturday night, June 28, will certainly be Carl Cox at Aria. Considered one of the best DJs in the world, and certainly a pioneer in his own right, Carl Cox has thoroughly destroyed me on numerous occasions with his masterful skills, selections and personality behind the decks. If you’re looking for a DJ Legend, look no further.

After last weekend’s massive St-Jean celebration featuring Derrick Carter, Tony Humphries and Christopher Lawrence, Stereo kicks off la Fête du Canada with a special appearance by Montreal favourite Mark Farina on Monday, June 30. For those of you who didn’t catch his last set in Montreal, you missed out on some seriously funky magic. Don’t sleep on this one!

Also on Monday, catch Berlin goof-hop ex-pat Mocky and west coast glitch-hop personality Gold Chains as they rock la Sala Rossa. At his last rib-tickling performance in Montreal, Mocky won over the rather stiff Sala crowd with his irreverent mix of silly on-stage antics (which included the world’s longest doo-rag), audience participation, tight beats and vocal flow. Also on the bill, I.T. nerd-dom’s answer to Master P - San Fran’s gravel-voiced gabster Gold Chains returns to Montreal ready to "turn dancefloors into porno sets."

I went to T.O. and all I got was this lousy T-shirt (and SARS)! Diskoakimbo@sympatico.ca

>> Music Listings