Montreal’s top dive bar turns 20 this week

Well the Halloween costumes are back in mothballs but don’t rest yet: The greatest bar in the city — Barfly — is celebrating being 20 years young and there are a whole lot of gigs planned for the next week to help blow out the candles. I have always loved the Barfly, and what’s not to love? They will book your band — whether you draw or not — and have always treated the people who grace their postage-stamp-sized stage with utmost respect while ignoring the Main’s “winning formulas” for success. Happy Birthday Anthony et al.

Friday: The Barfly kicks off its 20th anniversary with a secret surprise guest that is guaranteed to impress. If that wasn’t enough, opening is ex-U.S. Bombs new joint Walk of Shame. Expect gritty and dirty punk rock that rolls with swagger. 4062 St-Laurent, 9 p.m., $5

For a night of neo-goth, minimal synth and just general darkness, head down to Casa for Police des Moeurs, Viva Non, Brusque Twins and Glace. 4873 St-Laurent, 9 p.m., price unlisted

Saturday: The hipper than thou set are asked to convene at Théâtre Fairmount for DIIV and local noise brats the Yardlets. 5240 Parc, 9 p.m., $20

Barfly keeps their anniversary celebrations kicking with Lazarus Moan, ex-Starvin’ Hungry band Half Measures and the always odd-man-out Weeping Buffalo. 4062 St-Laurent, 9 p.m., $5

For a night of musical transcendence, get to le Ritz to catch the epic blast of Wrekmeister Harmonies with Patrick Watson’s band’s new offshoot Black Le Gary and Christian Carrière. 179 Jean-Talon W., 8:30 p.m., $12/$15

Traces (featuring ex-members of Besnard Lakes) will keep the pedal-pushing shoegaze swirling at the Plant with Heathers, Decorum and Palissade. Secret location, 8 p.m., $8/PWYC, all ages

I don’t know who is booking Bistro de Paris these days but they’re really on a roll. Tonight you can catch high-energy power-poppers Dead Messenger with Saint Clare. 4536 St-Denis, 10 p.m., $10/PWYC

Those of us who like our crushing heaviosity will want to make it to the pride of St-Henri — Turbo Haus — to catch the mighty le Kraken with Greber and They Grieve. 5011 Notre-Dame, 9 p.m., $10/$12

Sunday: Fans of CKUT and college radio in general are invited to their benefit show at Sala. This will be a night of both improv and composition and will feature a large ensemble of disparate musicians, a duo and much, much more. 4848 St-Laurent, 8:30 p.m., $10/$20

Tuesday: The Yardlets will be doing a twofer this week when they rattle Barfly’s walls with the Castagne’s.4062 St-Laurent, 9 p.m., price unlisted

Wednesday: The big pick of the week — and especially for those who dug the le Kraken show on Saturday — is Fight Amp, Hashed Out, the Great Sabatini (easily the heaviest band in Montreal) and Hopeless Youth at Turbo Haus. 5011 Notre-Dame, 8 p.m., $10/$13

Current Obsession: Nadja, Thaumogenesis

jonathan.cummins@gmail.com