Montreal Weekender: May 2 through 5, 2013

THURSDAY
Habs fever will be sweeping Montreal today as they enter the Eastern Conference quarterfinal playoff series. The Habs play their first game tonight against the Ottawa Senators. Since the entire city will be even more hockey crazed than usual, we picked our two favourite spots to catch the games. 

Chez Serge is just pure fun! During ads and intermissions, it’s all DJ tunes, light shows and pole dancing… yes, pole dancing! With a mechanical bull, beer flowing and a TV on the men’s washroom ceiling, you just can’t go wrong.

Brasserie Rachel Rachel is the new kid on the block to catch the games in the cool Plateau. You know the food and vibe will be too good when the head chef is a massive Habs fan! The crowd here is younger, ready to cheer and will get happy rowdy when the team scores.

Continuing the fundraising trend sweeping Montreal, an event for the Musical Academy in St-Marc, Haiti is on the list tonight. Many Montreal DJs who you know and love have come together to play for this benefit to make you dance: Pat Boogie, Stéphane Belfort, Uzi and Goinfred. Coupled with the fact that Hype Energy Drinks will be in full effect, it will be the perfect combination. The St-Marc Musical Academy, founded by Eval Manigat, occupies the premises of a primary school in St-Marc and offers music lessons to students on a regular basis. This evening of fundraising will go to supporting the continuation of the teachers’ salaries. If you have musical instruments that you would like to donate to the musical Academy of St-Marc, you’re invited to bring them during the evening.  

FRIDAY
Sharks…we love to hate them and hate to love them. The Montreal Science Centre is hosting a captivating exhibit about these admired creatures of the sea. Planet Shark: Predator or Prey is an exhibition that takes you into the mythical depths of the life of sharks to discover their secrets. Discover the significant role sharks play in our ecosystem, and understand why it is important to protect them…and why not get a little scared all the same time.

Here’s something a little different: The Home Theatre Festival of Point Saint-Charles hosted by What’s Really Good? and URBANEARS. You are invited to their home to see work, hear music, dance like it’s going out of style and generally have a nice time. This event plays part of a multi-city initiative to domestic performance. Music will be powered by URBANEARS and DJ sets by DJ F.U.N.K., New Money & Friends. This soiree is a bit of a mystery but it’s definitely worth a trip over – we have a feeling it might be a major goodie! 

SATURDAY
In the mood for some serious style? Heels & HeART is hosting their 4th Annual Wearable Art Charity Fashion Show, with all proceeds benefiting the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada. They have a great line up of designers showcasing their talent and flare based on the theme ENVIRONMENT. You don’t want to miss this unique display of creativity. Get there when the doors open at 7pm to experience sculpting before your eyes (sculptures will be available for raffle, so make sure to purchase your tickets upon entry!). Other amazing raffle prizes will be displayed for your perusal.

The sassy and jazzy Piano Rouge Bar will be popping off tonight with The Atomics band 3-year anniversary party. Atomics have been called the new generation of electro acid jazz music, with a new sound for the music industry. The group appears regularly at the best clubs and lounges in Montreal and has a big following of chic fans that tend to groove away every time these guys play live. A perfect date night event!

SUNDAY
If you haven’t heard of the master of all cooking and travel shows, bad boy Anthony Bourdain, host of Travel Channel’s Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations and The Layover, then here’s your chance to find out what all the hype is about. Bourdain will be joining local chefs and restaurateurs Frédéric Morin and David McMillan of Joe Beef at Theatre Maissoneuve as they share stories and discuss the place of food in our personal, community and global life. It’s an evening of storytelling and observation providing provocative insight into what really goes on behind the kitchen doors.

A limited number of VIP tickets are available, which include: premier seating, a limited edition tour poster and VIP laminate, and exclusive access to a post-show meet and greet reception featuring complimentary hors d’oeuvres, photo and signing opportunities. This is money well worth spending, kids.

The king of all detectives, Sherlock Holmes, will be making an appearance at the Segal Centre. Inspired by the incredible vision of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, this is a quintessential Sherlock Holmes adaptation. Set during the turn of the century, this heart-stopping adventure is full of head-scratching crimes and dazzling deduction in the face of cunning evil. It’s a fresh take on a classic starring wonderful Montreal actor and young Hollywood sensation Jay Baruchel.

Top photo courtesy winnipegwhiteout.com