by RAF KATIGBAK

Before I get too PLUR, just wanted to say that my chat with techno legend Derrick May this week was nothing less than inspiring. It’s refreshing to see someone at the top that still believes in the unifying power of dance music and techno as an art form. With all the money and big business surrounding electronic music events, it’s easy to lose track of where the techno movement came from and the good it can bring. So get out there and dance, I said! Luckily, this week Montrealers will have no trouble doing that.

Friday night, the corner of St-Laurent and St-Joseph will no doubt be teeming with young hipsters as la Sala Rossa and Casa del Popolo each feature a night of quality music to shake your bon-bon. At the Sala it’s Kalmunity, with a night of live organic improv with singers, poets and members of Bell Orchestre, Ark of Infinity, Parkside Jones, Moondata Product, Arcade Fire, Synthetic Folk Hero, Kali & Dub and many more. Cover is $12 at the door. Across the street at the Casa, the Automatic Picture Co. (formerly known as Automatic Vaudeville) will be throwing a rump shakin’ fundraiser - or as DJ Mark Slutsky calls it, "fun raiser" - for their upcoming film extravaganza. So come out and support local indie film and have a great old time with DJs Slutsky, Lynne T. and DJ Freeze while you’re at it! Cover is a measly three bucks - what are you waiting for?

To make up for their last few sold-out shows where hundreds were turned away at the door, this Saturday the Neon crew will be hosting another quality affordable Neon Love event. On the bill will be locals Chromeo with a DJ set, and live sets by Sean Kosa and Jordan Dare. I for one am psyched that Neon has dedicated this night to local artists that deserve more exposure. Advanced tix are 10 bucks at DNA, Fidel and the SAT.

Also on Saturday, what better way to say "we’re married" than an all-night rave party? Dance to the sounds of Éloi Brunelle, Nivoc, Baya and Olivié as they join locals Dany Fraser and Maude Côté in holy matrimony. The address is 140 Bord-de-l’eau (near St-Jude), call 605-4056 for details. Bring your own party favours, a tent and $10 for the cover.

Open call to electronic producers. DJ Philgood is starting work on a new mix CD for Montreal’s Nerds Records (due out in spring, 2004) and is looking to rep some Canadian content. So, if you’ve got a bomb electro-techno track that can cut it on an international scale, bring your CD to Center Records, 5129 St-Laurent, or call at 985-2780. Sunday, kick back at Parc Jean-Drapeau as Philgood and DJ Mini host the next edition of Piknic Electronik. Five dollars on site, free for kids under 14.

Also catch DJ Mini at this week’s Flexout, Wednesday, Sept. 3 at Saphir, featuring another very special guest David Kristian doing an undoubtedly sick live set. Make sure you come out for this one, it’ll be a doozy.

Rest in peace, Wesley Willis. Diskoakimbo@sympatico.ca

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