by RAF KATIGBAK

It's hard for me to admit in public, but last Monday, I heard Michael Bolton - and I liked it. Now I know what you're thinking, Raf's either being ironic or he's completely off his gourd. After all, isn't Bolton the tool who said that cutting his hair was "a scary change" but that he "just had to do what his life was telling him to do"? Wasn't he also the guy whose "world pop" rendition of "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town" was so painfully bad that it goes against the UN Charter of Human Rights? Well, yes. But it's all about context. You see, last Monday I went to a Fringe Fest showing of Never Surrender's Greatest Adventure and it was one of the funniest fully lip-synced '80s/'90s musical Scooby Doo mystery adventures involving a ghost and an abandoned concert hall that I've ever seen. No point in explaining any further, just go and see this hilarious romp. You‘ll be tapping your toes to Bolton, Journey, Starship and Vanilla Ice faster than you can lip-sync NKOTB.

And while you're up on St-Laurent, don't forget to check out the host of talented DJs dropping wax for free at the Main's annual summer sidewalk sale. In Beat hosts Christian Pronovost, Uzi, Scott C, jojoflores, Dr. Love, Miguel Graça and a bunch of other live artists and performers, while up at Laïka, DJs Mike Shannon, Akufen, Leo Cruz, Deadbeat (live), Steve Beaupré, Pfreud, Mini and Manousos take over the decks throughout the weekend. DNA records and Moog Audio will be presenting their own roster of talent on the Main as Jordan Sean, Jacob A, Corey K, Sase One and the Broken Crew bring the noise.

Speaking of bringing the noise, drop by the Mile End Bar this Sunday as Sase One toots his birthday horn at the free Beastie Boys listening party (with a special performance from Evening). The party continues upstairs afterwards as DJs Versatile, Adam L and Mayday help Sase launch his latest indie mix CD entitled The Best Summer Ever ($2 cover). From Thursday to Saturday, Usine C hosts the multimedia performance Epiderm. With an 18-foot-wide circular screen and 5.1 surround sound, this event promises to be an inner-space mindfuck that is just screaming for illicit hallucinogens. On June 19, Kikit, Melon, Bliss, Spinal and Nitrous, plus VJs Beewoo and les Technocrates, rock Appareil Electro at Les Kommun! Arts (3081 Ontario E.). Friday at Nonya (966 Ste-Catherine W.), DJs Mana, Somsay, Awane J and Murdock vs. D Kai are throwing down. Philgood starts his new residency at Saphir's Ghetto Blast next Tuesday with Jay Delis and Dave O'Brien, and on Wednesday, Chicago's Miss Honey Dijon rocks le Parking.

How can we be lovers if we can't be friends? Diskoakimbo@sympatico.ca

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