Dance till ya Pop

Pop Montreal gets underway next Wednesday, Sept. 19 and, given the amount of great hip hop and soul programming included this year, I thought I’d get you off on the good foot this week.

Next week we’ll focus on some of the bigger names in rap coming through for the fest, as well as some standout local participation, but for now, take note of these parties for your Pop calendar.

I think the show I’m actually most excited for is Antibalas with local faves Nomadic Massive. Brooklyn’s Afrobeat angels fight the power through song, and it has been way too long since I’ve seen them, personally. It’s been awhile since Antibalas paid a visit, and Montreal has always been a favourite stop of theirs. If you have no idea what I’m talking about and just want to step into a huge dance party, you won’t be disappointed. Sept. 19, Corona Theatre (2490 Notre-Dame W.)

I could say the same for Stones Throw Records’ synth shocker Dâm-Funk. Sept. 19, Mission Santa Cruz (60 Rachel W.)

The following night, locals Alaclair Ensemble, Maybe Watson and Loud Lary Ajust col’ kick it live for an exclusively local hip hop bill. Sept. 20, la Sala Rossa (4848 St-Laurent)

On Friday, Ottawa war partiers A Tribe Called Red throw down a pow-wow with several guests, but again – dancin’ shoes are a must. Sept. 21, Pop church (5035 St-Dominique)

On Saturday, contend with Maritime myrth-smiths Radio Radio, Boogat and Detroit’s 313phresh. Why do I get the strange, strange feeling you’ll end up dancing? Sept. 22, SAT (1201 St-Laurent)

You can dance this week away, too.

THURSDAY: Bass weekly Sub:Stance at Café 54 (3563 St-Laurent) invites Construct & Harmsworth to rattle your cage. Meanwhile, Booty Box at Jukebox (3874 St-Laurent) brings King Horror, Sarcastic, the Shah and Keylime deep into your bones. Free before midnight, $5 after.

FRIDAY: Oh, well, ahem… your favourite online culture and news daily, Cult MTL, invites everyone to pay-what-they-can at our launch party at Il Motore (179 Jean-Talon W.). DJs Brace, Toboggan, ParkLife, the Salvation Army and the Cult music team – myself included – will drop musical knowledge at you in the flesh from 9:30 p.m. Come celebrate!

If we aren’t cool enough for you, one of the all time greatest DJs Mix Master Mike blesses the Olympia (1004 Ste-Catherine E.) with a rare Montreal appearance, courtesy of iF3. Also on hand are hip hop legends Rahzel and DJ JS-1. I can’t be there so lemme know how it goes down!

SUNDAY: Local Latin/underground hip hop blog Elementality invites one and all to Angrignon Park for Elementakiza, a “taco BBQ & hip hop” party from noon to 8 p.m. They’ve got an open mic, breakers, DJ Fatsak on the wheels and some real-deal, non-Tex-Mex tacos (four for $5). This sounds hella fun, and if you haven’t seen the Elementality site, you really oughtta. ■

DANCE YRSELF CLEAN SHINECULTMTL@GMAIL.COM