by SCOTT C

If you're getting ready for Montreal's first annual International Reggae Festival, taking place June 4-6 at the Old Port and le Medley, you might also be interested in a few things happening in the days before that series of live shows get under way. On Friday, May 28, Habitat for Humanity and CKUT 90.3 FM present Ethiopia Awaits, a night of conscious reggae and dancehall to benefit the Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital and Habitat for Humanity projects in Ethiopia. For a $10 suggested donation, you can vibe to the sounds of Selectah Meszenjah, Don Pedro, Krinjah, Jah Mikes and Ms. B. Local purveyors of fine Jamaican food L Corridor will be on hand to feed the hungry masses when the night takes over El Salon. Speaking of Ms. B, Montreal's number-one female reggae DJ, her night Good Vibes at Blue Dog celebrates its first anniversary on Thursday, June 3, the night before the reggae festival gets under way. Along with her fellow residents James Bond and Selectah Jinx, they plan to host all kinds of guests to mark the occasion. On deck for the night are LDG, DJ Soul, Peaches and the sounds of Road Warrior, King Levi and of course Little Thunder. This proper party is $5 before midnight, and will probably be busy, so make a move.

Sunday, May 30, at Quartier Latin, it's the ladies' turn to take the stage with all manner of comment, criticism, compassion and tonguelashin' when Coco Café presents Brother?! Please…, an evening of live poetry and social commentary hosted by the gorgeous Mahalia "Miss Thang" Verna, who will no doubt keep the night rolling at a comfortable pace, giving the ladies enough room to say exactly what's on their minds. Six dollars at the door.

Look out. This Friday, May 28, Junglist Fridays welcomes the drum n bass stylings of the one and only Danny C of Valve, Portica, Dread Recordings and Metalheadz fame, who's made nuff noise over the years as Primary Motive and Twisted Anger, as well as Authorised Riddim with Digital. The gang at Urban Sound Resistance here in Montreal should have their hands full when this seasoned U.K. floorfiller hits the decks. Shit is cheap at a mere $6! Don't miss.

Seven reasons Operation "Shields Up!" was a complete and total failure:
1. Wah-Chu-Ku "You Know What You Need To Do" (Five Six)
2. Frank N Dank "Sexy" (Soul Clap)
3. Sade "Turn My Back On You" (Epic)
4. T-Love "Intellectual Proptease" (Pick-a-Ninny)
5. Fat Jon "Body Language" (Exceptional)
6. Reel People "Second Guess" (Papa)
7. Mocky "Departure Point" (Kindred Spirits)

Apparently fear is not a factor for you... fathead@videotron.ca

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