by SCOTT C

Those of you who still like to get down to the sounds of U.K. garage and 2-step know full well that even though grime and two-bit Playstation beats have definitely thrown their weight around for the last little while, the steady stream of next shit is far from slowing down. If you haven't already checked out SideStep over at Parking with Dr. Love and his friends, then you may be missing out indeed. This Thursday, July 22, hit the floor with A Rock and Davis as they represent the aforementioned genres and subgenres, plus speed garage, breaks and hip-house classics. The tax is $4.

The LABprojects improvisational experiments continue this Saturday, July 24, over at O Patro Vys with Sixtoo, P-Love and members of Kalmunity, Torngat, Bell Orchestre, IKS, Ark of Infinity, Sevens Project and Solel taking centre stage with Matt Lederman and Peter X conducting things in the most collaborative way possible. This is the last LABprojects gig of the summer until the series starts again September 18. Show starts at 8:30 p.m.

Noda Cho Danceworks presents the third installment of Eccentric Cypher this Sunday, July 25, at Studio 303. All B-boy and all B-girls are welcome to drop in on this exclusive afternoon of two on two battles, open to all ages and all dance styles. The in is $7, or $5 if you're "dressed smart" according to the flyer, so I guess they won't let me in at all. The rest of you can also take in the work of photographer Ben Morin, who will be exhibiting some of his dance photos at the event (www.benmorinphoto.com). It all gets under way around 4 p.m. and sails right through until 10 p.m., so don't miss. Whatup Lynx!

This weekend, legendary DJ Kobal and I have the honour and pleasure of taking the music outside to Parc Jean Drapeau! That's right, we're playing Piknic Electronik this Sunday, July 25, from 1 p.m. until 8 p.m. on one of the illest outdoor sound systems you ever heard. Last year, we basically had our friends, the organizers and about 50 people to entertain for the entire day, but let's hope the weather kicks in and blesses us with a hot one, so all those jams sound that much better while you're lounging in the grass. Pack a lunch, pack the pipe and join us. Check out www.piknicelectronik.com for more details and directions. Next week, Atach Tatuq & Diams... n

Seven reasons Dar Hearn needs to make the trip to MTL....
1. The Roots "Stay Cool" (Okayplayer)
2. Big Jus Black Mamba Serums (Big Dada)
3. Antibalas "Indictment" (RopeaDope)
4. Malik Flavours Ugly Beauty (Stones Throw)
5. Afrodizz "Propaganda" (DoRight)
6. Slum Village "Do You" (Barak)
7. Lotus "Synthia" (CDR)

Welcome home Empress T... fathead@videotron.ca

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