by SCOTT C

Whether your holiday plans involve travelling 1,000 kilometres to be with long lost loved ones, racking up insane credit card debt, shoving off to some tropical paradise or lining up to see Lord of the Rings, it's nice to see people in general walking around in a good mood.

As per usual, there's not a whole lot going on in the city right now, but some people are still workin' it to the bone, gearing up for the all-important New Year's party. Just like last year, I am retiring to the hills for a quiet (ha!) year-end celebration with some of my oldest friends at a secluded cottage. Armed only with ample groceries, stacks of movies, an X-Box, some turntables and more board games than you can shake a stick at, I'm off to relax. This Thursday, Dec. 18, you can try to relax while things get nutty at Alizé when A Serious Joke (?) gets down to business. With performances by Vai, Mellow Mood, MC Rawgged and WeFunk's Professor Groove, you know there's bound to be some footwork in this place. Expect classic hip hop and b-boy breaks, as well as reggae and some very special guests. Tix are $10 in advance and $12 at the door, so call 522-2246 ext. 238 for any more info that you may need.

Now, if you have no plans to be sitting around some tree with Grandma and Grandpa talking about hip replacement and good wool socks, you may want to check out the party at Groove Society conveniently commencing on Christmas Eve. The mighty Triple Tek Sound Crew will probably have a few stories to tell after this one, with a lovely festive open bar planned between 10 p.m. and midnight. You can get down to the sounds of the crew, DJ Blast, DJ Wreck, Fabulous, LD and Sphinx as they spin R&B, hip hop and reggae until the wee hours of Christmas morning. Haitian sensation Black Parents will also be performing, bringing some zouk and kompas with the holiday vibes. For more info checkout www.beatbookie.com.

With the new year comes new development and forward motion for any interested bedroom producers, MCs or singers. Although the details haven't come to light yet, I was just wondering how many of you out there would be interested in taking the stage to showcase your talents. Drop me a line at the address below and let me know what it is you do, and by the time I get back from the holidays, I'll have much more to tell you. Let me take this opportunity to wish all of you happy holidays and a prosperous new year. I'm sorry if I let you down, but I take full responsibility if everything worked out just the way it was supposed to. Keep your eyes peeled for the Jan. 8 Noisemakers issue, where we run down the ones to watch for 2004.

I miss the Consumers Distributing catalogue… fathead@videotron.ca

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