Happy Canada Day - July 1
Monday, June 30, 2008
Saturday, June 28, 2008
España - Podemos
UPDATE: congratulations Spain (Alemania 0 x 1 España)
and this is the most popular song in Spain right now, and for my German readers, please don't take this as if I'm with Spain for Sunday's game. It is a 50/50 but the Spaniards are going crazy with the Podemos song.
and this is the most popular song in Spain right now, and for my German readers, please don't take this as if I'm with Spain for Sunday's game. It is a 50/50 but the Spaniards are going crazy with the Podemos song.
Festival International de Jazz de Montréal
Ladies and gentlemen, I decided not to go to NYC or Toronto, and I'm staying in Montreal. There are many things happening this weekend, and because so many festivals going on, remember many streets are blocked off to traffic, use the public transportation system instead.
Festival de Jazz de Montreal is in full swing right now, don't forget to check it out.
Probably one of the best moments of the festival was when the Cirque du Soleil was asked to be in charge of the gran concert in 1995 - 200,000 people saw the show of their lives - what a Summer and what a great memories, I was actually in the province of Quebec doing a French immersion program at the time. Sometimes I wonder if this was the reason why 2 years later I moved to Montreal.
The Cirque du Soleil was once again asked to perform in 2004
and Gilberto Gil just celebrated his 66th birthday playing at the Jazz Festival 2 days ago
Festival de Jazz de Montreal is in full swing right now, don't forget to check it out.
Probably one of the best moments of the festival was when the Cirque du Soleil was asked to be in charge of the gran concert in 1995 - 200,000 people saw the show of their lives - what a Summer and what a great memories, I was actually in the province of Quebec doing a French immersion program at the time. Sometimes I wonder if this was the reason why 2 years later I moved to Montreal.
The Cirque du Soleil was once again asked to perform in 2004
and Gilberto Gil just celebrated his 66th birthday playing at the Jazz Festival 2 days ago
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Monday, June 23, 2008
Stéphan Grondin @ The Week São Paulo - June 21, 2008
Conflicting information coming from Brazil, some liked and some didn't, but this is to be expected in any party.
2 clips from the party courtesy from the blog Lindinalva.
This coming weekend Grondin is doing a back to back Toronto Pride and New York City Pride, so if you are in any of those 2 cities, you know what to expect.
2 clips from the party courtesy from the blog Lindinalva.
This coming weekend Grondin is doing a back to back Toronto Pride and New York City Pride, so if you are in any of those 2 cities, you know what to expect.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Patrick Guay & Ana Paula @ Parking - June 21, 2008
Disclaimer: this is my personal view of the night
First of all, thank you Ana Paula for missing your flight to Canada back in May (I was out of the country), because this gave me the opportunity to see you in action in Montreal again. Second, loved the outfit she wore at Parking, this cute top with different colours on it.
Fourth time seeing this power house, and it is refreshing to see a female DJ doing so well in a very male dominated field. On top of that, Ana Paula is also able to attract a very diverse crowd, men and women, gay and straight, they have all become followers of this new export from Brazil.
Had the chance to wish her the best before the beginning of the set, and she looked energized, happy and ready for a good time. Patrick Guay was once again the DJ chosen to warm up the crowd, and once again I’m unable to talk about this set because I arrived few minutes before the transition to Ana Paula.
Although I find that Tribal is still running strong among the Brazilian Deejays (from the gay friendly venues), it was unexpected and encouraging to see Ana Paula moving away from the pack and adding some different trends to her set. I might be wrong, but I think I even noticed some Acquaviva influences in the first 30 minutes of music.
Several exclusive Offer Nissim remixes were played, loved her version of “Touch My Body”, and to tell you the truth it didn’t matter what type of house she played, everything had this Ana Paula touch on it. What is it? It is a touch of vibrant energy and charisma that makes you dance and smile.
She played some Minimal with this Latin touch, which was kind of interesting, the vocals were balanced during the whole evening, not too much and not too little, and sometimes it was just perfect the way some vocals were added in the middle of the song. The infusion of high demanding energy music was injected exactly when needed it, not that the crowd needed more motivation to keep dancing.
Beautiful crowd, and nice looking Go-go boys - people were dancing everywhere, at one point the crowd even took over the main bar, and they were politely asked to get down probably because there were too many of them. The place was packed from beginning to end, and sometimes Ana Paula got reactions from the crowd when perhaps she wasn’t expecting anything at all - it was nice to see it.
Definitely a special DJ, and I’m glad Montreal discovered her last year, and it looks like we are not the only Canadian city enjoying her music, because she is going back to Toronto for Pride, playing along side Tony Moran.
I can’t wait to see her at (((Stereo))) in August, and can someone please warn Ana Paula that (((Stereo))) has no closing time? Can someone also tell the BBCM to book her for the Black & Blue?
ps. My apologies but no videos from this party, but here is a short clip from Ana Paula at the Gira-Sol Party (The Week) last month.
First of all, thank you Ana Paula for missing your flight to Canada back in May (I was out of the country), because this gave me the opportunity to see you in action in Montreal again. Second, loved the outfit she wore at Parking, this cute top with different colours on it.
Fourth time seeing this power house, and it is refreshing to see a female DJ doing so well in a very male dominated field. On top of that, Ana Paula is also able to attract a very diverse crowd, men and women, gay and straight, they have all become followers of this new export from Brazil.
Had the chance to wish her the best before the beginning of the set, and she looked energized, happy and ready for a good time. Patrick Guay was once again the DJ chosen to warm up the crowd, and once again I’m unable to talk about this set because I arrived few minutes before the transition to Ana Paula.
Although I find that Tribal is still running strong among the Brazilian Deejays (from the gay friendly venues), it was unexpected and encouraging to see Ana Paula moving away from the pack and adding some different trends to her set. I might be wrong, but I think I even noticed some Acquaviva influences in the first 30 minutes of music.
Several exclusive Offer Nissim remixes were played, loved her version of “Touch My Body”, and to tell you the truth it didn’t matter what type of house she played, everything had this Ana Paula touch on it. What is it? It is a touch of vibrant energy and charisma that makes you dance and smile.
She played some Minimal with this Latin touch, which was kind of interesting, the vocals were balanced during the whole evening, not too much and not too little, and sometimes it was just perfect the way some vocals were added in the middle of the song. The infusion of high demanding energy music was injected exactly when needed it, not that the crowd needed more motivation to keep dancing.
Beautiful crowd, and nice looking Go-go boys - people were dancing everywhere, at one point the crowd even took over the main bar, and they were politely asked to get down probably because there were too many of them. The place was packed from beginning to end, and sometimes Ana Paula got reactions from the crowd when perhaps she wasn’t expecting anything at all - it was nice to see it.
Definitely a special DJ, and I’m glad Montreal discovered her last year, and it looks like we are not the only Canadian city enjoying her music, because she is going back to Toronto for Pride, playing along side Tony Moran.
I can’t wait to see her at (((Stereo))) in August, and can someone please warn Ana Paula that (((Stereo))) has no closing time? Can someone also tell the BBCM to book her for the Black & Blue?
ps. My apologies but no videos from this party, but here is a short clip from Ana Paula at the Gira-Sol Party (The Week) last month.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
L'International des Feux Loto-Québec: France
France begins the competition, and the theme is "Montreal in the stars"
Italy - June 29
South Korea - July 5
Portugal - July 12
Australia - July 19
Canada - July 23
Austria - July 26
the United States - July 30
China - August 2
The firework display lasts for 30 minutes (10:00pm to 10:30pm) and you can listen to the music, used to synchronize the fireworks, by turning on your radio (105.7 FM).
...if you are in montreal this saturday...
There is Mark Farina at (((Stereo))) and Ana Paula at Parking.
I still haven't had the chance to see Farina at (((Stereo))), and according to some it is a party that you should not miss. It is a long weekend in Quebec, and I don't have to work on Monday, so you never know.
One thing is for sure, I will be at Parking to see Ana Paula, and can't wait to see her at (((Stereo))) in August. Said it before and saying it again, the BBCM should really think about booking her for the Black & Blue 2008.
One thing is for sure, I will be at Parking to see Ana Paula, and can't wait to see her at (((Stereo))) in August. Said it before and saying it again, the BBCM should really think about booking her for the Black & Blue 2008.
Friday, June 20, 2008
WTF?
keep watching, it becomes even more interesting after the first 50 seconds, it got me smiling, again it doesn't take too much to make me smile. I recommend watching the video in high quality.
In unrelated news, it is most likely that señor Stéphan Grondin is flying down to São Paulo tonight, and in the opposite direction you will have Ana Paula on her way to Montréal. All the best to Grondin at his second performance at The Week International, and to the third appearance of Ana Paula at Parking.
Happy Summer 2008
If you are in the Northern Hemisphere, then you must be celebrating the first day of the Summer 2008. If it is Summer in Canada, it means it is Winter in Brazil, and to celebrate the first day of the Winter, last night the Fashion Week São Paulo presented one of their Summer Collection 2009.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
RésiDanse @ Stereo - June 23, 2008
(((DJ Ana Paula)))
Monday, June 16, 2008
The Pedestrinization of the Village for the Summer 2008
Just a reminder for those that have forgotten already, beginning June 17 until September 3, no cars will be allowed on Saint-Catherine street, between Berri Street and Papineau Avenue.
We are talking about 15 blocks of the city of Montreal, although I hope it works, I already have some friends complaining they don't know where they are going to park their cars.
In case you have never been to Montreal, check this virtual visit:
High Quality Video Source: Tourism Montreal
Areas shown on the video: Old Montreal, Downtown, Hochelaga-Maisonneuve, Plateau Mount-Royal and Mount Royal
We are talking about 15 blocks of the city of Montreal, although I hope it works, I already have some friends complaining they don't know where they are going to park their cars.
In case you have never been to Montreal, check this virtual visit:
High Quality Video Source: Tourism Montreal
Areas shown on the video: Old Montreal, Downtown, Hochelaga-Maisonneuve, Plateau Mount-Royal and Mount Royal
Sunday, June 15, 2008
6e Anniversaire du Unity - Bruno Brown & Stéphan Grondin - June 14, 2008
The sexy Bruno Brown and Stéphan Grondin were just amazing last night, happy time all night long with the best of the house music from both DJs. What up with Unity? This place makes all DJs play a very happy and energetic set. Mind you, this was probably of the most commercial inclined set that I've seen of Grondin, and it worked very well for the occasion.
Lots of the Parking regulars were actually at Unity - I was debating between going to Parking or Unity, but I have just seen Peter Rauhofer in São Paulo, and it has been a while since I've danced to Grondin's music.
Loved the crowd, a mix of the bad, the good, the chic, the freak, and young and the not so young. Great night, and happy anniversary Unity.
ps. so what happened to Peter Rauhofer this time? It is the second time he misses his play time at Parking. Is he becoming another Offer Nissim?
Lots of the Parking regulars were actually at Unity - I was debating between going to Parking or Unity, but I have just seen Peter Rauhofer in São Paulo, and it has been a while since I've danced to Grondin's music.
Loved the crowd, a mix of the bad, the good, the chic, the freak, and young and the not so young. Great night, and happy anniversary Unity.
ps. so what happened to Peter Rauhofer this time? It is the second time he misses his play time at Parking. Is he becoming another Offer Nissim?
Friday, June 13, 2008
Pride New York City Edition
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Happy Anniversary Unity
Mind Control by Peter Bailey & Richie Santana
Don't recognize those 2 names? No worries, here is some of their work - just press play:
I still have to check their parties at Pachita in NYC.
How do you solve a problem like Maria?
The CBC is looking for an answer
The Brits tried to get an answer last year
Even Darren Jordan (former BBC newsreader) gave his take on the matter
The Brits tried to get an answer last year
Even Darren Jordan (former BBC newsreader) gave his take on the matter
Please Bring Derrick May to Montreal
Just a reminder that I still haven't forgotten about my wish to have Derrick May play Montreal again - "please bring derrick may to montreal campaign"
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Pride 2008: Toronto, NYC & Paris Edition
The last week of June is a tough one for the boys and girls that want to travel to celebrate Pride. Two of the largest Pride celebrations, in North America, are always scheduled for the same week: Toronto and NYC. Both are big, both are good, both are fun and both attract a lot of people.
If you've done Toronto already go to NYC, if you've done NYC go to Toronto, and if you have done both, there is always Paris across the Atlantic.
Saturday, June 07, 2008
Bravo Parking
I can't remember how many times I decided to go to another place, on Friday night, because some of my friends were not allowed at the club. Bravo Parking, and I believe this decision will only improved their Friday night vibe, which used to be one of the hottest in the city at one point in time. By the way, some of the hottest bartenders in the city work at this club.
Parking: 1296 Amherst , Montreal corner St-Catherine , Metro Berri
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
what am I doing this Saturday?
Montreal has tons of good DJs with different styles of music. Personally I consider Danny Torrence and Stéphan Grondin being two of the best among all - please understand this is my personal opinion.
The question is: what am I doing this Saturday? Easy answer, I shall be dancing to the incredible tunes Danny Torrence will give us at Stereo on Saturday, it is the Climaxxx Grand Prix Edition.
Talking about Mr. Stéphan Grondin, this month he is jet setting around the Americas in style. He just came back from San Francisco, and this weekend he is flying to Vancouver for the Beach Ball party. Afterwards he will be back to Montreal for some drama at Tribe and to help with Unity anniversary celebrations, then on June 21 he will be taking over The Week International in São Paulo.
Enough? Not really because then Stéphan is going to be at the Aqua party (the docs) in Toronto on Friday June 28 (Pride week), and if this was not enough, Peter Rauhofer wants Grondin to open up his party at Pacha NYC on June 29. No wonder Stéphan Grondin doesn't have any "Levitate" party scheduled at Stereo during the Summer 2008.
The question is: what am I doing this Saturday? Easy answer, I shall be dancing to the incredible tunes Danny Torrence will give us at Stereo on Saturday, it is the Climaxxx Grand Prix Edition.
Enough? Not really because then Stéphan is going to be at the Aqua party (the docs) in Toronto on Friday June 28 (Pride week), and if this was not enough, Peter Rauhofer wants Grondin to open up his party at Pacha NYC on June 29. No wonder Stéphan Grondin doesn't have any "Levitate" party scheduled at Stereo during the Summer 2008.
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
Ana Paula new date at Parking
Can we just make sure Ana Paula actually makes it to Montreal this time? Between you and me, I actually didn't feel bad that she missed her plain to Montreal last weekend, this way I actually get to see her performance because I will be in this city.
Babylon Especial - Gay Pride @ The Week - São Paulo - May 24, 2008
DJs: João Neto, Renato Cecin, Paulo Pacheco, Offer Nissim & Peter Rauhofer
Arrived just on time in order not to wait on line for too long. Not too much drama, just have to watch out for those cars getting into the parking lot, and soon after you find yourself giving your name to a nice smiling person, which then gives you a card that will be used for your consumption during the evening.
The place has changed a bit since my last visit in 2007, they have added a cover to the outside area, and it kind of looks like an outdoor theatre, which at the end you find a pool. They have probably also added extra speakers to the place, and given the final touch to the VIP area located just above the dance floor and in the upper level behind the DJ area.
The decoration of the place was beautiful, those diamond like lamps really made the place look special, and I cannot forget to mention the wonderful and beautiful go-go boys of the house, which would come out once in a while with those little shorts that really show their wonderful athletic physics.
The Week got busy really fast, and so did the Djs of the night. I still not sure but I believe Renato Cecin was the resident DJ that started the night, and let me tell you, this was one of the fastest and shortest warm ups I have seen in my life. It probably took him only 15 minutes in order to get the party going strong, the volume went up and the dance floor started to move - there is no way this can be considered a warm up set, it was actually a normal set with happy and strong tribal music.
Once again, please correct me if I’m wrong, within an hour João Neto took over the decks and continued the strong tribal performance started by Cecin. He was still wearing his shirt. By then the place was packed, and people kept in coming. Capacity of the house is around 5.000 people, but let me tell you, the Montreal fire marshals would had been the most hated people if they had crashed this party - it was a capacity super plus. Luckily there is ventilation coming from the open doors, but it was just horrible trying to move from one side to the other of the place.
Around 2:10am the music stopped and this white screen came down right above the decks, I was busy looking at my right, where the most spectacular showcase of Brazilian DNA was dancing. Looked at the giant screen and saw the owner of The Week seating in this golden Miss Universe style chair, I believe he was thanking the crowd about Pride of something. In reality I didn’t pay too much attention because in my mind, it reminded me of the Queen Elizabeth during her Christmas message given to the Common Wealth via BBC. Anyway, good for him because it looks like he enjoyed what he has accomplished in Brazil so far, and who knows, maybe he will start venturing in other cities (Buenos Aires?).
The giant screen went up and Offer Nissim was uncovered behind the decks, the people went wild, and you can tell Nissim loved the reception, so much that I actually found him to be better that usual. I have seen many times, and usually I can’t take the whole hands/head moves thing, I understand is his style and I respect that, but this night was somehow different, maybe it was because the energy of the place was super contagious, and or maybe it was because his moves were synchronized with the lighting of the place, don’t know what it was but it didn’t bug me that much.
Offer played an interesting set, mixing some of his old classics and new tunes I haven’t heard before. Obviously everything full of vocals and drama, which are expected from him.
During his set I also visited the second dance floor, and it was a more commercial type of house music being played, but interesting enough to keep the place packed of dancers. Checked the outdoors area and it was almost impossible to walk, I also had the chance to see some people that truly believe for any problem there is a chemical solution.
Don’t know if I’m write but Peter Rauhofer probably started his set at around 6:00am, and it was actually funny to see him in his knees setting up something in the front while Offer Nissim moved his hands in the air. Music stopped for a second or two and then Peter took over for the night.
I was expecting Peter to push the envelop and play a very risqué set, instead I found him going after a safer performance. Right away he turned to Madonna, which we all know the boys love, and continued with those strong hits we know from him. Lots of vocals and happy tunes, not too dark or deep, at least that is what I heard while I was at the location. Unfortunately because I had to catch my flight to Belo Horizonte, I had to leave the party at around 8:00am. I wished I could stayed longer but work is work and even though it was Pride in São Paulo, I had other responsibilities in my hands.
The boys and girls love The Week International, and you can see the place has become a must do activity while in Brazil. Don’t know how many people work at this place, but there are lots of employees. At the beginning of the night, I asked five different bartenders who was the DJ spinning at the moment, and none of them were able to identify the resident DJ of the house. Nevertheless, even though they might be lacking the musical knowledge of the place, they sure know how to help you in the bar area - loved how much attention they paid to the customers.
Lots of Brazilians wear sun glasses during the night, and I must say this is really necessary at The Week - once the sun start to come up, the ray of lights start to hit the interior of the main dance floor. It is a wonderful combination of natural and artificial lights, combined with incredible music, contagious energy, and as I said before, the most incredible and gorgeous genes display of the world. Do you want to see good looking people?
I was told the party continued until almost noon, and it is too bad I did not get to see the third of the local resident of the house, DJ Paulo Pacheco.
On Sunday (May 25), it was estimated 5 million the number of people present at Avenida Paulista for the Parade.
Videos from the "Made in Brazil” blog
Arrived just on time in order not to wait on line for too long. Not too much drama, just have to watch out for those cars getting into the parking lot, and soon after you find yourself giving your name to a nice smiling person, which then gives you a card that will be used for your consumption during the evening.
The place has changed a bit since my last visit in 2007, they have added a cover to the outside area, and it kind of looks like an outdoor theatre, which at the end you find a pool. They have probably also added extra speakers to the place, and given the final touch to the VIP area located just above the dance floor and in the upper level behind the DJ area.
The decoration of the place was beautiful, those diamond like lamps really made the place look special, and I cannot forget to mention the wonderful and beautiful go-go boys of the house, which would come out once in a while with those little shorts that really show their wonderful athletic physics.
The Week got busy really fast, and so did the Djs of the night. I still not sure but I believe Renato Cecin was the resident DJ that started the night, and let me tell you, this was one of the fastest and shortest warm ups I have seen in my life. It probably took him only 15 minutes in order to get the party going strong, the volume went up and the dance floor started to move - there is no way this can be considered a warm up set, it was actually a normal set with happy and strong tribal music.
Once again, please correct me if I’m wrong, within an hour João Neto took over the decks and continued the strong tribal performance started by Cecin. He was still wearing his shirt. By then the place was packed, and people kept in coming. Capacity of the house is around 5.000 people, but let me tell you, the Montreal fire marshals would had been the most hated people if they had crashed this party - it was a capacity super plus. Luckily there is ventilation coming from the open doors, but it was just horrible trying to move from one side to the other of the place.
Around 2:10am the music stopped and this white screen came down right above the decks, I was busy looking at my right, where the most spectacular showcase of Brazilian DNA was dancing. Looked at the giant screen and saw the owner of The Week seating in this golden Miss Universe style chair, I believe he was thanking the crowd about Pride of something. In reality I didn’t pay too much attention because in my mind, it reminded me of the Queen Elizabeth during her Christmas message given to the Common Wealth via BBC. Anyway, good for him because it looks like he enjoyed what he has accomplished in Brazil so far, and who knows, maybe he will start venturing in other cities (Buenos Aires?).
The giant screen went up and Offer Nissim was uncovered behind the decks, the people went wild, and you can tell Nissim loved the reception, so much that I actually found him to be better that usual. I have seen many times, and usually I can’t take the whole hands/head moves thing, I understand is his style and I respect that, but this night was somehow different, maybe it was because the energy of the place was super contagious, and or maybe it was because his moves were synchronized with the lighting of the place, don’t know what it was but it didn’t bug me that much.
Offer played an interesting set, mixing some of his old classics and new tunes I haven’t heard before. Obviously everything full of vocals and drama, which are expected from him.
During his set I also visited the second dance floor, and it was a more commercial type of house music being played, but interesting enough to keep the place packed of dancers. Checked the outdoors area and it was almost impossible to walk, I also had the chance to see some people that truly believe for any problem there is a chemical solution.
Don’t know if I’m write but Peter Rauhofer probably started his set at around 6:00am, and it was actually funny to see him in his knees setting up something in the front while Offer Nissim moved his hands in the air. Music stopped for a second or two and then Peter took over for the night.
I was expecting Peter to push the envelop and play a very risqué set, instead I found him going after a safer performance. Right away he turned to Madonna, which we all know the boys love, and continued with those strong hits we know from him. Lots of vocals and happy tunes, not too dark or deep, at least that is what I heard while I was at the location. Unfortunately because I had to catch my flight to Belo Horizonte, I had to leave the party at around 8:00am. I wished I could stayed longer but work is work and even though it was Pride in São Paulo, I had other responsibilities in my hands.
The boys and girls love The Week International, and you can see the place has become a must do activity while in Brazil. Don’t know how many people work at this place, but there are lots of employees. At the beginning of the night, I asked five different bartenders who was the DJ spinning at the moment, and none of them were able to identify the resident DJ of the house. Nevertheless, even though they might be lacking the musical knowledge of the place, they sure know how to help you in the bar area - loved how much attention they paid to the customers.
Lots of Brazilians wear sun glasses during the night, and I must say this is really necessary at The Week - once the sun start to come up, the ray of lights start to hit the interior of the main dance floor. It is a wonderful combination of natural and artificial lights, combined with incredible music, contagious energy, and as I said before, the most incredible and gorgeous genes display of the world. Do you want to see good looking people?
I was told the party continued until almost noon, and it is too bad I did not get to see the third of the local resident of the house, DJ Paulo Pacheco.
On Sunday (May 25), it was estimated 5 million the number of people present at Avenida Paulista for the Parade.
Videos from the "Made in Brazil” blog
Monday, June 02, 2008
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