by SCOTT C

Remember, once upon a time, when A-Trak blew up the spot at the DMC and took the world by storm? Remember how, as he got older, he continued to grow as both a turntablist and a man-child? All man now, and still jetsetting around the globe, DJ A-Trak is in the process of releasing his first DVD, Sunglasses Is a Must (sic). From what I can gather from the slick little trailer on his new Web site www.djatrak.com, it should be a lot of worldly fun, considering how much this guy travels. Speaking of the DMC, the new, improved, all-ages turntablist open will hit the Medley stage on June 11. This year, the festivities aim to speed up the old process by eliminating some of the wait between competitors that we've become accustomed to over the years (thank you). The night will be hosted by seasoned Montreal MCs Egypto and Dee (whatup, Dee!), with D.R. One on the house decks. Curiously enough, the boy who would be king, DJ A-Trak, will be in the house. More on that later, but if you need info now, hit www.dmccanada.com. If you need Montreal info, call Nina at 583-6380 and she'll sort you out.

If you live north of Mont-Royal and south of Bernard, you might want to check out Wednesday nights at the new spot on the Main, the Green Room, when they host The Hump. This crazy mish-mash of a night seems to be keen on getting the people in, with the residents representing a little bit of everything. Along with D.R. One, regulars will include Polly 6, FritztheCat, Jordan Dare, Bliss and Steady Bobbin'. You can expect a little hip hop, a little rock shit and some electro 'n' breaks in the place, so it can't be all bad. Do the Hump-ty Hump.

Monday, May 24, is when the Kalmunity gang and Music Mind Movement are taking over la Sala Rossa once again for a night to remember. With over 30 musicians, dancers, live art and video, the night looks at linking performance art and activism. Books for Prisoners, Earth First and the Indigenous Peoples Solidarity Movement are some of the local organizations who are partnered with this mix of Afro-beat, hip hop and soul. Tix are $10 in advance at Casa del Popolo, or $12 at the door. Visit www.mmm-mem.vze.com for additional info.

Lastly, it's time for yet another installment of The Goods, and this Saturday, May 22, you can head down to la Sala Rossa for our special guest Painè Caudrelli, who's making the trip all the way from Milano, Italy, for what we like to call The Italian Job. As always, expect an eclectic collection of jazz, funk, soul, broken beat and hip hop, and the chance to dance like nobody is watching. The tax is $10 at the door.

Seven reasons it's not the Norwegian Job:
1. Nu Spirit Helsinki "Trying" Butti 49 mix (Guidance)
2. Offsides Foul Language (independent)
3. Specifics Lonely City (LP)
4. Philarmonics Metronomic Mix EP (CDR)
5. Vanessa Freeman Shades (Chillifunk)
6. Jazzanova Mixing (Sonar Kollektiv)
7. Trevor Walker "Tribute to Horace Silver" 12" (Easy Breezy)

Shut 'em down... fathead@videotron.ca

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