Benefit shows and more great gigs in Montreal this week

Part of what makes Montreal’s music scene so amazing is the number of promoters who are eager to lend a helping hand to those in need, and contribute proceeds from shows to worthy causes. And that’s not to mention all the bands and other volunteers who want to contribute their time and help out. To those people, you are a bunch of good eggs in my book.

Thursday: A benefit show you’ll want to attend, especially if you’re fond of our furry four-legged friends — or just hip to the fact that our local officials are fucking idiots who continue to prove that they have a nebulous (at best) grasp on reality. Dig deep for the Anti-BSL Fundraiser at Turbo Haüs with Motel Raphaël, Maybe Greys and more. 5011 Notre-Dame W., 9 p.m., $15

One of my favourite bands in the city, Sonic Avenues, prove that they have the goods, playing a record release show at la Vitrola with openers Strange Attractor. 4602 St-Laurent, 9 p.m., $7

Friday: For a night that promises to be punk you can make it to Brasserie Beaubien to catch Bigger Than All, Nanana, la Cavale and S’cuse. 73 Beaubien E., 9 p.m., $5/PWYC

If you’re nimble enough, you can squeeze into Ought, Gashrat and Carla Sagan at Casa. This is also a benefit for a person wishes to remain anonymous who is going through major medical issues and is unable to work and could use the money. What I can tell you is this person has majorly helped out the local music scene for years and is a personal inspiration for me. I hope there are more benefits in the future to help out this sweet soul. 4873 St-Laurent, 10 p.m., $8 suggested donation/no one turned away

Sunday: If you ever wondered what Laval looks like, this is your perfect excuse: Blonde Redhead are playing with the American Contemporary Music Ensemble at Scène 1425, with Luke Temple opening. 475 l’Avenir, 8:30 p.m., $35.50

Fans of Chelsea Wolfe will want to squeeze into Turbo Haüs to catch Wolfe collaborator King Dude with Blood and Sun. Yep, this would be my big ticket of the week. 5011 Notre-Dame W., 8 p.m., $13/$15

The fine peeps at Blue Skies Turn Black are presenting Jacuzzi Boys with the Letouts and more at Little Italy’s hippest room, Brasserie Beaubien. 73 Beaubien E., 9:30 p.m., $11/$14

The melodic dark punk of U.K. band Sievehead will greet us with No Negative, Faze and Beep Test at l’Esco. 4467 St-Denis, 8 p.m., $8

Man, that’s a solid Sunday.

Monday: Neon Indian will pack up Théâtre Fairmount, playing with local openers Wake Island. Woop woop! 5240 Parc, doors 7 p.m., $22.50

Tuesday: Formerly known as social-media-outrage-zone bad guys Viet Cong, Preoccupations return to Montreal to play Théâtre Fairmount with Methyl Ethyl. 5240 Parc, 8 p.m., $20/$24

Remember when you used to be hip and hang out at Korova while trying to pick up other drunken losers? Well Crystal Castles are certainly praying you do when they play at Théâtre Corona with Guidance and DJ Cherry Cola. 2490 Notre-Dame W., 8 p.m., $25/$28

Wednesday: For a night of serious metal righteousness, catch Sepultura’s brothers Max and Igor Cavalera with the Black Dhalia Murder, Allegeon and ONI at the righteous metal palace Foufounes. ROOOOOOOTS! 87 Ste-Catherine E., 6:45 p.m., $30/$35 [NOTE: This show is sold out!]

Current Obsession: Jimmy Page session work channel on YouTube

jonathan.cummins@gmail.com