Thursday, May 10

Latasha

Plateau contemporary art gallery PFOAC holds a vernissage for the new solo exhibition Shifter Bender Striker by Montreal painter Benjamin Klein with works that depict a dreamlike nighttime world that straddles the line between figurative and abstract. Also on display will be a new 3D animation video work by Vancouver artist Tyson Parks called Nomanisan. 963 Rachel E., 5–8 p.m., free

Montreal’s Rose Festival is a three-day celebration of queer arts launching this evening with a vernissage at MainLine Gallery for the exhibition Fruit Bowl featuring works by Starchild Stela, Laurence Philomène and Jessica Carrington-Sally (3905 St-Laurent, 6–11 p.m., free) followed by a playwright workshop with readings and performances from Penina Simon, Ash Hicks, Jacqueline van der Greer and more (7250 Clark, #103, 8 p.m., PWYC).

The laughter continues at Montreal Sketchfest with four shows tonight including a Ladyfest showcase of women and non-binary comedians followed by Seattle absurdist troupe Smat! and more at Théâtre Sainte Catherine (264 Ste-Catherine E), plus another double-header at Montreal Improv (3697 St-Laurent) including a Toronto troupe takeover and a late show hosted by the Brunch Club (Showtimes at both venues at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m., $12/show or $20 for both shows at a single venue).

Women of hip hop unite on-stage tonight at la Sala Rossa, where NYC’s Latasha (aka L.A.) brings her buzz-worthy rhymes with support from Montreal’s Naya Ali, along with Gayance and DJ Asma. For more about Latasha, and the youth outreach foundation that will benefit from the event, look here. 4848 St-Laurent, 9 p.m., $20

Datcha’s Thursday Dance Party brings some special sauce to the floor in the form of Devo B., Heidy P and Juju le Moko. 98 Laurier W., 11 p.m., price unlisted