Montreal Weekender: November 1 through 4, 2012

THURSDAY
Thursday, busy Thursday. With the first day of November, Movember madness begins. There are so many great things happening tonight that, if you’re a multi-tasker, you just might be able to swing by them all.

Let’s start with “Barber Shop, the Start Of Movember.” The Antonopoulos Group invites you to the launch of Movember on Thursday with their 5-7 mode “Barber Shop” at the Taverne Gaspar, perfect for young professional to pop by after work for a drink, a chat and a great cause. There will be a service barber on-site offering free grooms to those participating.
Come contribute to the fight against prostate cancer and depression in men.
All profits will be donated to the Movember Foundation.

If you’re around the Griffintown area, join the rowdiness at local favourite The Burgundy Lion as they get ready to kick off Movember with their 3rd Annual Mo Shave Off. 
To start off their moustache growing journies with style and swagger, the Mo Bros will be gathering at the pub for drinks and a clean shave courtesy of the beautiful Burgundy Lion Mo Sistas.
Ladies are encouraged to participat…in dragging their men to the pub for the movement 

In the mood for some visual and mental stimulation? The +90 a Photography Book by Deniz Merdano Launch is taking place tonight. +90 refers to the international telephone code for Turkey and the celebration for the 90th year of the country as a democratic republic. For this joyous occasion, the Alibi Room with be transformed into a culinary and photographic experience for everyone to share. Deniz will also be serving his own Turkish delights as guests engage amongst each other.
 

And to end the night off, Notable and our team will be stopping by the grand launch of the Organic Prairie Vodka at the Bonsecours Market in Old Montreal. This corn-based vodka is certified organic and kosher; from the corn to the stills to the bottling, Prairie has reduced the environmental impact of production significantly and – we thank them for that! This will be a very colourful and tasty event with plenty of surprises. To attend you must register on the official website.

FRIDAY
Its Friday party time, Montreal, and what better way to start off the night with a bang than to check out the 13 year anniversary of Montreal’s legendary club Stereo party? To celebrate this grand festivity, Stereo has brought in one of their best DJs of all time, Doc Martin, who is back on tour. Apparently if you have never seen him perform, this is the time. Also spinning are Dubtribe Sound System and Mr. Rob Brown. If dancing is on your mind, this is your spot.

For something new and unique, a new night at Velvet has begun, entitled “Nouvelle Vague.” 
The scope here is to provide music programming for less eclectic, intimate and luxurious, ultra-stylish people. New Wave is the marking of a new era at Velvet, and starting this night off guests will have a choice of two rooms both filled with distinctive talent from France and local celebrities. Always a great and funky crowd, this is a great experience to see.

SATURDAY
Take advantage of your day off and check out the first edition of Taste MTL. It’s a fantastic concept created for Montrealers and tourists to celebrate the richness of our restaurants, started by Tourisme Montreal. The idea here is to position Montreal as a gastronomic destination and to create business opportunities in a generally quiet time of year, and this seems to be the perfect plan. Try culinary offerings and discover new places to eat with fixed price table d’hôte menus combined with special events offered in some restaurants. Montreal is known for its food and growing at an enormous rate, so why not discover the popular and hidden gems now? This is the perfect opportunity. Great prices and great restaurants – go indulge! For participating restaurants and further information, visit them online

Tonight, HappyTree will be celebrating its 5th year anniversary by hosting a fundraiser benefitting the Yoga Mala Foundation, which focuses on bringing yoga to communities in need. This event will treat guests to some of the most inspiring, entertaining and comedic singers, dancers and performers from Montreal. Hosted by My Walk In’s Lolitta Dandoy and a panel of local celebrity judges, including The Gazette’s social columnist Jennifer Campbell, radio veteran Ted Bird, and HappyTree’s own business partner, Nicholas Hoare, you will enjoy an evening of glamour, comedy, inspiration and entertainment. 

SUNDAY

If you’ve got the energy, we suggest heading out to “Champagne Cold Chillin,” a Grumman 78 x Vinnovation collaboration featuring the legendary Biz Markie. Taking place at St. Henri’s best-kept secret, the ultra-cool Grumman garage space, champagne will be flowing, food will be passed around and the beats will spin non-stop. Innovative, different and hip, this will be very special. This is word of mouth only, so no event info online. Entrance is $35 and you can check out their webpage for address and location.

The famous “La Ruelle” continues on its Sunday run with its hidden, mystery location on de Maisonneuve between Crescent and Bishop with the entrance in the alley (talk about underground!).

The unconventional Sunday night hangout is all about the music and people that thrive in it, featuring classic tunes from urban to the new school. The whole scope here is to provide a fun, happy surrounding amongst new and old friends. The hosts consist of mister charming himself, Donald Lauture, and Special K, proving to be the hosts with the most – go see for yourself. Who said Sundays need to be boring?

Photo courtesy Movember Canada