by RAF KATIGBAK

I just spent the night hopped up on energy drinks and screaming on the radio so I hope you’ll forgive me if I forgo this week’s witty banter (props to the most excellent and accommodating DJ Sosumi and DJ Shit for making my first radio experience, shall we say, unforgettable).

This weekend, July 11–13, Montreal’s ALT Crew, who specialize in jungle, hardtek, dancehall and hip hop, will be one of several sound systems participating in Teknival, a free outdoor dance party/festival in celebration of dissent. Teknival parties have already developed a huge following in Europe over the last 10 years and this weekend, house, techno, dub, ambient, Goa and trance DJs hailing from all over the east coast of North America will be liberating a patch of Crown land in Southern Ontario for this three-day, free, open-air festival. Expect to hear everything above as well as seeing workshops in a unique environment where the normal rules of society do not apply (but probably not in a Lord of the Flies, worshipping-a-severed-pig’s-head kind of way). Anyone interested in setting up his or her own sound system in the woods are welcome to it, so long as you are respectful to other Teknival-goers. If you’d like to perform at Teknival, set up a stage, create a workshop area, set up a kitchen, hook up with a sound system or anything else you can think of, call the ALT infoline at 409-2411. For bus or ride share, make sure to also leave your name and phone number.

Anyone who went to Rad’a to check out Greg Davis, Lullatone and E*rock last Saturday either realized that it wasn’t going on, or thought that minimal electronic music has become so minimal that they don’t even need artists. In reality, the show will be happening at Rad’a this Friday, July 11. This time they’ve added Toronto’s I Am Robot and Proud to the organic folktronic extravaganza, so make sure you come out because second chances like this only happen in movies like All Dogs Go to Heaven.

On Saturday, July 12, join the Kracked Knuckles, Freak Addiction and High Commission crews as they present another installment of Summerbreeze in Da Jungle. These guys have been steady reppin’ Montreal D&B for a while now, so support is almost mandatory. Along with the usual IDJ residents expect to see headz like Krinjah, Saigon, KGB Kid, Sase One, Stalker and Jah Style. Fifteen bones, call 401-6774 for the lowdown.

Here’s a quick rundown of a few other things you should really check out this weekend. Saphir’s new electro-rock Wednesday nights feature Sky’s Eklectik DJs Barracuda, Cherry Cola and guests. There’s the hardcore-techno/noise party this Friday, July 11, at l’X with Iznogood, Psycho le Punk, Sexton, Ezeckiel and PerfectionPlastic live, $15 with flyer only. And finally, the Piknic Electronik this and every Sunday at Parc Jean-Drapeau from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., this week featuring DJs Gordon Field and Nivoc, accessible by BMW (bus, metro, walk), car or even boat. Cover is $5.

Just gimme the light and pass the conch… Diskoakimbo@sympatico.ca

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