by RAF KATIGBAK

I've been having weird exam dreams lately. Two nights in a row I dreamt of being back at my crappy high school, getting quizzed on such diverse topics as '90s dance music and which Fraggle was "most likely to marry Don Johnson's foot" (Answer: Boober). An armchair analysis of this dream means either A) my childhood was spent trying to prove myself in fidelity, loyalty and truthfulness, or B) there are better before-bedtime snacks than an entire box of Whippets. Go figure.

Either way, prepare to get schooled this Saturday as Patrick DSP, Rain Force, Sarcastic, Toltech, Axionfigga, Nitrous, Fishead, Mana and a few others drop some turntablism and left-field dancefloor science at the all-night School party - $10 in advance, $15 at the door, call 304-5749 for details.

Tonight, three of my favourite local acts are coming together under one bill at la Sala Rossa as the World Provider, Nanobot Auxiliary Ballet and Echo Kitty celebrate the launch of the Provider's new album Enabler on local label Ta-Da Records. This is a must-see event that promises to have the most Canadian musical shenanigans since Geddy Lee and Anne Murray exchanged fisticuffs over who ate the last egg-salad sandwich at the "Tears Are Not Enough" taping. Seven bucks gets you in.

Last week I announced that the new Frequency drum & bass weekly is going on Fridays at Mint bar. Well, it seems I was mistaken and it's on Thursday nights, but seeing as they just announced a move this week down the street to the Safari Club (2022 Stanley), where there's cheaper beer, bigger sound and a more intimate vibe, I figure two wrongs make a right… right? Either way, the first 20 people who get there get a free beer, so what else do you really need to know?

Also on Friday, Montreal's Noah Pred will be launching his mix CD Pacific Technics, a benefit for Amnesty International, over at his Stereobar weekly Remedy, while fellow Saboteur Records artist and figurehead Leo Cruz takes over Velvet for Monokini.

Saturday, drop by the Darling Foundry (745 Ottawa) for Studio XX's Cabaret Techno featuring a diverse range of acts including Nathalie Derôme, Alexis O'Hara, kondition pluriel, Lesbians on Ecstasy (unplugged), Julie Méalin, WWKA (Women With Kitchen Appliances), Zazalie Z, DJs Cyan and Lynne T. VJs bee woo and MK. and special guest Monica Praba Pilar.

And finally, this Sunday marks the first Piknic Electronik of the season. For the uninitiated, last summer a slew of Montreal's best DJs and special guests rocked out in the sun under that crazy metal sculpture in Parc Jean-Drapeau every Sunday from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., much to the joy of the usually pasty post-party set.

I hear the secrets that you keep, when you're talking in your sleep… Diskoakimbo@sympatico.ca

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