THURSDAY
Let’s start Thursday on the artsier side of things with a great charity at heart. “Transitions,” a one-night-only multimedia performance and benefit for Maison Plein Coeur, takes place tonight. Visual artist Yunus Chkirate presents his third solo exhibition at the stunning Espace Griffintown. The event will combine film, dance and painting in a never before seen performance that takes us on a journey through the heart of a person in love.?Yunus Chkirate has established a tradition of giving back to the community and will once again donate a portion of the night’s proceeds to Maison Plein Coeur, a community organization that promotes health to people living with HIV/AIDS by offering a range of community services. Don’t be late, as the doors will be closed at 7:30 for the performance!
On a fancier side of the charity banner, Dîner des producteurs benefiting the Ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay Foundation at Le Parquet with support from Maison Moët & Chandon is hosted tonight. The night will highlight the exceptional work of acclaimed wine producer Franco Conterno from Podero Alti Contenro and from 3-star Michelin Grand Chef Massimo Bottura. This is a chic affair and tickets are not easy to come by, but if you can spare extra money and feel glam, this evening in Italy, or as close to as it gets, is the winner.
FRIDAY
Tis the season to give, so the giving continues with the 2nd Annual House of Chaplin presented very proudly by Fab Boss. This year’s theme? Honoring our favorite Moustached Movie Mavens! Taking place at the ultra-hip Sid Lee Collective, the party’s focus is to increase awareness for the Movember Movement and to raise funds for Procure. Those attending, and judging from last year there will be hundreds, will be able to sample gourmet menu items from some of our city’s best restaurants and drink providers. Let us not forget to mention that there will be an on-site old school barber removing your Movember moustache…your girlfriends are sure to like that one! Tickets are very limited, for more info click here.
On a bit of a similar theme but with a totally different vibe, the First Annual Event Benefitting the Kilema Humanitarian Fund at Usine C launches tonight. If you’re a fan of Boardwalk Empire you will love this shindig; a prohibition/speak easy theme with a notable cause in mind. Live jazz music by Chelsea Crowe will be echoing across the room while 1920s cocktail clad guests do the jive. This fancy little affair requires a password at the door (how New York!) and will only be revealed to you with ticket purchase.
SATURDAY
The weekend of awareness and fun continues into Saturday with Belvedere Vodka presenting “Let’s Get Red” at Rosalie’s in lieu of International AIDS day. Tonight’s event is meant to bring Montreal’s finest YPs to raise money and awareness for HIV/AIDS. The message of the night is very simple….buy Red Bottles to help save lives. Hosted by one of our Notable Awards finalists, Stevie B, and partners Brahms and L C Y U, this night encourages you to wear red to make an even stronger statement…besides, red is the colour of the holidays, so why not start rocking it now!
What could be cooler on a Saturday night that’s not spent in a club or lounge? An evening bringing together electronic music, visual arts, an exhibition and a live performance sounds about right!?PolyArts presents Drip’N Play, which starts from 10 PM all the way to 6am for you late night owls. It offers an atmosphere that is both festive and cultural with one goal in mind: to expose talented local artists. Full of DJs, great talent and a lot of other nifty things, the location will be kept secret until 24 hours before the event to make it even more mysterious. Join their group for updates.
SUNDAY
Time to take it easy, YPs. After a crazy weekend of events left, right and center, we figured something a little easier going and festive might be the right recipe. The Nutcracker Market, a non-profit unique shopping format, is back. This year, over 20,000 visitors are expected to visit this gift hunter’s heaven. In doing so, not only do you find quality, unusual and unique present ideas for your loved ones, but you are also helping a good cause since 10% of the merchant’s pre-tax sales and all revenues earned by Les Grands Ballets during the market will go to The Nutcracker Fund for Children. Spend away and wear comfy shoes, there will be a lot of browsing around.
Our dear friends at the Opéra de Montreal are hosting their annual big celebration of opera and voice, featuring your favourite singers performing stunningly beautiful arias and ensembles. We heard magnificent things from the previous year’s show and expect even more from tonight’s 17th edition! An ideal way to break into opera if you haven’t yet as this will be full of energy and catchy music. Get your classy on and make sure you experience this special Sunday.
The good old Doobie Brothers, the band we all love listening to when we cruise a deserted highway in our “imaginary” trans am, perform tonight at Salle Wilfrid Pelletier of Place des Arts. The concert will benefit the ORT Montreal, which supports education and vocational training in Montreal and worldwide. The tickets are very likely to be sold out but you can call 514-481-2787 for info.
Photo courtesy Zimbio.com