Ethnoculture-Catharsis 2008

Catharsis 2008

On Friday, 23 of May, the opening ceremony will take place in the heart of the Village:
Complexe Sky, Room Voila, 2nd floor, 1474 Ste-Catherine West).

Door open at 9PM.
Pay what you can.
DJs of various ethnocultural backgrounds will be mixing the night away. Come and dance to the musical mix of traditional and contemporary songs and enjoy an evening at the crossroads of cultural, sexual and gender diversity.

FREE BUFFET OFFERED BY SUCRE BRUN

A PARTY NOT TO BE MISSED!

DJ David

This Caribbean fellow began his DJing journey in 1995 as he was experiencing the underground rave scenes of an emerging Montreal and Toronto. Bathing in music, dance and tribal rhythms since the cradle, it is not surprising that David Laguer took the road of turntablism. Laguer, who received his first trumpet at the age of 15, decribes his style as Funky-Afro-Latin-Tribe-House. Influenced by Djs such as Ferry Corsten, Roger Sanchez, Bob Sinclair and Judge Jules, his main priority is to crack fire on dancefloors around the world, whether it is at Circus Afterhours (MTL), Roxy (NYC) or Escape (Amsterdam). Determined and loyal, Laguer stays grounded despite the success that has been springing from his hard work. With a philosophy where nothing in life should seem or be unattainable, no wonder David is now one of the most prominent Djs in Montreal. Make sure to be on the lookout for his first production which will be released later this year.

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DJ Kani

There's a reason that the DJ used to be the main event. In recent years, emcees, singers, dancers, jugglers, whomever, have shifted the spotlight, but it wasn't always the case. Regardless of who is shining though, we seem to have forgotten that there is a lot of responsibility in that power, because the DJ not only sets the scene, but s/he also must encourage the participation of the crowd. Recent history has taught us, what with the advent of the Internet, the accessibility of technology, and the 'American Idol' mentality of overnight celebrity that folks are not only getting sloppy to keep up with demands, but they are also hating. There's a lot more mean-mugging and standing on the wall now, and it takes a DJ who is well-versed not only in records, but also with people, to overcome the non-hype.

There's also this notion that performers become someone else on stage, that Clark Kent/Superman complex, but real life doesn't have to be that complicated, and some people use the stage as an opportunity to get closer to who they truly are. DJ Kani epitomizes that. For starters, she doesn't have a "stage name", she operates on the energy that is Truth. Kani is an angel that's not even remotely in danger of being blinded by her own halo and her love for her craft radiates because it is the same love that she has for life. So, whether you meet her behind the decks, in the crowd at a show (yes, she supports AND she dances) or at the local library, Kani is a constant ray of light that can melt through any ice that lines the slippery Montreal sidewalks.

Kani has already played album releases, commitment ceremonies, cocktails, and is perfect for any occasion because although her humility would prevent her from trying to overshadow principle acts, her repertoire is stacked, her knowledge of music runs deep, and she's guaranteed to keep crowds pleased without skipping a single beat. She's never in a rush, and always on time. She'll make you want to savour every moment that she's in your ears. DJ Kani-still the main event.

By Angelica LeMinh

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DJ Sikh Knowledge

Sikh Knowledge, one of Montreal's most experienced and cutting edge Black Music producers has been feeding the Island with beats, arrangements, and riddims for quite sometime. Known for fusing east Indian music theory and instrumentation with the most noble and innovative styles of Hip Hop known in the west, Sikh stays on the cusp of newness when laying down the aural backdrop to his city. Accolades include, "Noise Maker 2008" in Montreal's The Mirror, a seat at the Red Bull Music Academy in Rome, recent heavy rotation and chart status on BBC radio and BBC radio Asian Network, 1 of the top 10 albums in 2008 for his album 'Nu High' he completed with Montreal emcee Lotus, and douzaines of remixes for artists like Shabazz the Disciple (Wu Tang), Moka Only, Masia One, Nas, Karma Atchykah...the list continues.

Sikh aspires to sharpen his live show where he and Montreal Hip Hop elite fuse the Sufi music tradition of Qawwali with the poetry of the street and instruments of the current age. In the interim, Sikh Knowledge spreads his idea of great music spinning all over Montreal, bringing audiences unique blends of Dancehall and Roots Reggae, laced with Neo Soul, and the stylings of the late James 'Jay Dilla' Yancey. Sikh Knowledge also brings audiences a taste of his musical heritage, digging up amazing Bollywood Classics, as well as current eastern favorites from Film to Bhangra. Visit myspace.com/sikhknowledge for what it is.......

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DJ Torus

DJ Torus is recognized as one of MONTREAL's TOP URBAN DJs. Known for her unique mixes and dynamic style that forbids any kind of rest during her performances, she is rapidly gaining popularity among partygoers and colleagues alike. It is no twist of luck if this female artist can often stand up face to face with the best performers Montreal has to offer.
Born in Kashmir, India of Danish and Seychelloise heritage. Having lived in Kenya & Seychelles, travelled half the globe has proven to be a most essential influence on her musical tastes, as she was exposed to various genres and rhythms. DJ Torus is a solid MC with unique DJ skills, a singer as well as a music producer. Her music style is an adaptable, educated mix of Urban rhythms, although she can throw in a taste of House, Electro or even Rock when appropriate. www.dj-torus.com