Montreal's Felix Auger-Aliassime advanced to the final of the Open Occitanie tennis tournament with a 6-4, 7-6 (4) win over Jesper de Jong of the Netherlands on Saturday in Montpellier, France.

Residents of a Longueuil neighbourhood have long endured a persistent, excrement-like smell, traced to roof vents connected to the sewage system. The city plans to build an air treatment unit to address the issue by this fall.

Whether professional or hobbyist, creating art comes with its challenges. There is the comparison with others and the gap between dream and reality. Toshiki Yukawa, a Japanese photographer and YouTuber based in Montreal, is one of those people. In this video, he delves into the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi which he embraces to help him sort out being an artist. Rooted in Japan's history, this philosophy offers not only guidance for art, but also valuable tips to enrich your daily life. This video was produced by the CBC Quebec Creator Network.

School rooms with broken windows, swing sets against bombed out apartment complexes, condos strewn with clothes and broken glass. Oksana Karpovych’s Intercepted is built around the visuals of a Ukrainian landscape ravaged by war. In environments and landscapes mostly devoid of people, on the soundtrack we listen to the intercepted phone calls of Russian soldiers calling home from the front. In a documentary built on absence, we witness the ravages of war on a civilian population.

We see how landscapes hold onto the memories of violence, and how violence lingers. We sense through the intimate locations, particularly the interiors of homes and public buildings, the deep sense of uncertainty that carries through space. The scars of war don’t heal overnight, and with a country thrust in turmoil, the opportunities to rebuild remain scarce and often hopeless.

Sourced from calls posted online by the Ukrainian military, it’s obvious that these recordings are intended as a form of propaganda. Though real, they’ve been chosen and catered to amplify the inhumanity of its callers. Through the patient approach of the film, however, a deep melancholy emerges through the casual violence and disregard of the speakers. We hear echoes of conversations that mimic state-funded anti-Ukrainian rhetoric, but also a real and sincere sense of wavering entitlement and despair. The violence of war becomes poisonous to the spirit and morality of its perpetrators, who are themselves victims of a system that views them as disposable.

The soft hum of phone calls, the slight buzz and distortion amplifies a sense of complicity between the audience and the speakers. The soundscape intermixing the technological noise with the soft quietness of nature and isolation achieve a deepening sense of discomfort. The rhetoric expressed on the calls, wavering between pathetic and frightening, becomes increasingly familiar to the ideology expressed daily in the western world by politicians searching for scapegoats that turn people against each other. 

Even as some of the soldiers question the war, the message from home often remains steadfast in defending the mission. The depth of certainty is rooted more in the distant homeland than on the ground, where battles are being fought. It’s a harsh look at the echoes of war, upheld more by ideology than reality. That isn’t to say that some of the concerns of Russian soldiers aren’t real; the continued evocation of America using Ukraine as a proxy or tool should be taken seriously. The shadows of American influence in global warfare can’t be understated. The specificity of the film’s expression of war is one that reverberates through most modern conflicts. Paranoia over American influence isn’t abstract, but extremely concrete.

The structure doesn’t lead the audience to any conclusion, removing any obvious narrative markers. It’s a documentary that moves forward through the soft momentum of drifting spaces and a vision of the Ukraine that is both sunkissed and ravaged. The beauty of the compositions and framing only exaggerate the ugliness they depict. We sense a deep rupture in lives interrupted and taken, and lands that will persist, forever changed. 

Intercepted brings war down to a very human scale. It’s a film with a careful attention to aesthetics that challenges our perception of war in popular culture. Very simply and effectively, Karpovych’s direction is assured and un-romanticizes the aesthetics of violence in an impactful and effective way. ■

Intercepted opens in Montreal theatres on Friday, Jan. 31.

For our latest in film and TV, please visit our Film & TV section.

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While the province's second largest industry has a built-in firewall against President Donald Trump's tariffs on Canadian exports to the U.S., the complexity of the aluminum-related trade relationship between Quebec and the U.S. means effects will still be felt.

With the threat of tariffs looming, here's a look at the top sectors in terms of exports to the United States.

Following the 2023 death of Mathis Boivin, coroner Stéphanie Gamache says schools and public health must recognize the problem of opioid use and dependency among young people if they are to participate fully in prevention efforts.

In this episode of This is Montreal, we’ll hear from students, parents, teachers, administrators, community organizers and researchers about their experiences in the Quebec education system.

Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante says the rules introduced by the Quebec government  aren’t working. Instead, the city will allow short-term rentals between June 10 and Sept. 10 at primary residences across the city. 

In her final report as part of the foreign interference inquiry, Commissioner Marie-Josée Hogue presented Canadians with a stark warning about the threat to our democracy posed by disinformation and misinformation on social media. While she concluded that attempts by foreign governments to curry favour with parliamentarians and interfere directly in Canadian federal elections has largely been ineffective — she saw no direct evidence of “traitors in Parliament” — her findings pointed to a much larger and more insidious problem.

Her report reads:

“Disinformation is difficult to detect and, above all, to counter since the technological means available evolve at breakneck speed. It’s noxious, it’s powerful, it poses a major risk to Canadian democracy. If we don’t find ways of addressing it, misinformation and disinformation have the ability to distort our discourse, change our views and shape our society

“In my view, it is no exaggeration to say that, at this juncture, information manipulation — whether foreign or not — poses the single biggest risk to our democracy. It’s an existential threat.”

Hogue continued on the same topic in her televised statement presenting her report on Tuesday:

“The impact of traditional methods (of foreign and election interference) should not be under-estimated, but the greatest threat, the one that I believe threatens the very existence of our democracy, is disinformation.

“This threat is all the more nefarious because the means available to counter it are limited and very difficult to implement on social media. Distinguishing what is true from what is false is becoming increasingly difficult and the consequences are, in my view, extremely high.

“Nevertheless, we must not give up but rather attack it forcefully, all together. This cannot be the sole purview of government.”

Prior to last year’s U.S. presidential election, Elon Musk and X were found to be the epicentre of election-related misinformation, according to the Center for Countering Digital Hate. This week, it was reported that Russian-backed sponsored posts about Canadian politicians, mimicking CBC news stories, have been proliferating on X.

For our latest in news, please visit the News section.

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The Islamic Cultural Centre in Quebec City honoured the six men who were killed on the night of Jan. 29, 2017, when a gunman opened fire in an attack that left 17 children fatherless.

On Wednesday, emergency services were called to an apartment building on Ellice Street in Salaberry-de-Valleyfield where three people sustained life-threatening injuries, according to the Sûreté du Québec.

Tenants's rights groups are calling for a rent hike freeze until measures such as a mandatory rental registry and a ceiling on rent hikes are implemented. 

A clinic in Montreal's Parc-Extension neighbourhood, one of the most diverse in the city, uses a video translation service. Doctors say it has helped them better understand the needs of patients.

Festivities are taking place on the corner of St-Laurent and René-Lévesque boulevards in Montreal's downtown, including outdoor workshops, a large inflatable sculpture in the form of a snake, a mural, cultural performances and a parade.

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

Lennoxville’s borough council met on Jan. 28 at 5 p.m., with President Claude Charron presiding. The meeting covered tax assessments, student bonfires, the uncertain future of a vacant restaurant building, and the upcoming municipal elections. Councillors also shared community announcements and reflections on urban planning.

Tax assessments cause confusion

A resident raised concerns over the recent municipal tax assessments, stating that their property evaluation had increased by over $100,000. They initially feared a significant tax hike but found their actual bill was only $200 more than the previous year.

Charron explained that the evaluation process is conducted by the provincial government and that assessments are based on market conditions. “It’s a real evaluation,” he said. “They use averages from the sector, which means some properties see larger increases than others.” He acknowledged that single-family homes had seen higher valuation jumps compared to other property types.

The resident also inquired whether these assessments would affect home insurance rates. Charron noted that while insurance companies use their own calculations, rising material and labour costs could lead to increased premiums. “If you call your insurance company and tell them you think your coverage is too low, they are obliged to review it,” he said.

Student bonfires draw complaints

The Record asked about reports of students burning furniture in their front yards. It was noted that residents reported they found it inconsistent that it is difficult to obtain permits for backyard fires while students appeared to be setting fires without consequence.

Charron responded that complaints must be filed for action to be taken. “The police respond to these situations when they receive complaints,” he said. “They have to stick around to monitor the situation.” Councillor Guillaume Lirette-Gélinas suggested that if complaints become frequent, the borough’s community police officer, Billy Poirier, could step in to address the issue at a broader level.

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L’article Tax concerns, student bonfires and election plans at Lennoxville council meeting est apparu en premier sur Sherbrooke Record.

Municipal elections are set to take place across the province in November, with several mayors opting not to seek another term. But in Laval, Mayor Stéphane Boyer is officially in the race — despite facing health challenges. On Wednesday, Boyer revealed he has ankylosing spondylitis, a type of arthritis that affects the spine.

Sum 41 emerged from the small town of Ajax, Ontario, and took the world by storm with their high-energy punk-rock sound. From their breakthrough in the early 2000s to their status as one of Canada’s most influential rock bands, Sum 41 has shaped the landscape of punk music, inspiring countless artists and fans. Their journey from local garage band to global rock icons is a testament to their talent, resilience, and dedication to their craft.

The Beginnings of Sum 41 in Ajax, Ontario

Sum 41 was founded in 1996 by Deryck Whibley and Steve Jocz, who were later joined by Dave Baksh and Jason “Cone” McCaslin. The band originally formed under the name “Kaspir” before rebranding as Sum 41, marking their 41st day of summer together as a band. Their early days were spent performing in local venues and honing their sound, which combined punk, metal, and alternative influences.

In 1999, the band signed with Island Records after attracting attention with their demo tapes and energetic live performances. Their breakthrough came with the release of their debut EP, Half Hour of Power (2000), which introduced their signature blend of punk and alternative rock. Songs like “Makes No Difference” gained traction, setting the stage for their debut full-length album.

All Killer No Filler and the Breakout Success

Sum 41’s 2001 album All Killer No Filler catapulted them to mainstream success. The album featured their biggest hit, “Fat Lip,” which became an anthem of the early 2000s pop-punk movement. The song reached No. 1 on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart and helped the album achieve platinum status in multiple countries.

All Killer No Filler sold over 2 million copies worldwide, with tracks like “In Too Deep” and “Motivation” further solidifying Sum 41’s status as punk-rock stars. The album’s infectious energy and rebellious spirit resonated with fans, making it a staple of the early 2000s punk-rock revival.

Does This Look Infected? and Evolution of Their Sound

Released in 2002, Does This Look Infected? marked a shift towards a heavier, more aggressive sound. Songs like “Still Waiting” and “The Hell Song” showcased the band’s ability to blend punk aggression with melodic hooks. The album went gold in the U.S. and Canada, proving their staying power in the music industry.

The album’s success further cemented Sum 41’s reputation as one of the most influential punk bands of their era. Their ability to evolve their sound while maintaining their core identity set them apart from many of their peers.

Chuck: A Tribute to War and Social Awareness

In 2004, Sum 41 traveled to the Democratic Republic of the Congo for a documentary but had to be evacuated due to violent conflict. This experience inspired their album Chuck, which took on a more serious tone.

Chuck debuted at No. 10 on the Billboard 200 and featured hits like “We’re All to Blame” and “Pieces.” The album was praised for its depth and maturity, showing that Sum 41 could tackle serious themes while maintaining their punk edge.

Mid-2000s Struggles and Lineup Changes

In 2006, guitarist Dave Baksh left the band to pursue other projects, marking a significant change in Sum 41’s lineup. The departure was a major shift, as Baksh’s guitar work had been a defining element of the band’s sound.

Despite Baksh’s departure, Sum 41 pressed on, but they faced challenges with changing musical trends and the decline of the mainstream punk-rock movement. Their 2007 album Underclass Hero leaned more towards pop-punk and was a commercial success, debuting at No. 7 on the Billboard 200.

Screaming Bloody Murder and a Return to Heavier Rock

Released in 2011, Screaming Bloody Murder was a darker and more ambitious album. While it didn’t match the commercial success of earlier records, it received critical praise and earned a Grammy nomination for Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance for the song “Blood in My Eyes.”

The album proved that Sum 41 could still innovate and remain relevant in an evolving music landscape. Their commitment to their craft and refusal to conform to industry trends kept their loyal fanbase engaged.

13 Voices and the Return of Dave Baksh

In 2014, frontman Deryck Whibley suffered severe health complications due to alcohol abuse, which nearly ended his career. His recovery process inspired much of the band’s 2016 album, 13 Voices.

The return of Dave Baksh brought back the band’s heavier sound, and 13 Voices debuted at No. 9 on the Billboard 200. The album was praised for its raw emotion and powerful lyrics, marking a major comeback for the band.

Order in Decline and Their Final Chapter

Released in 2019, Order in Decline was one of Sum 41’s most politically charged albums. Songs like “Out for Blood” and “45 (A Matter of Time)” reflected the turbulent global political climate.

In 2023, Sum 41 announced their plans to disband after one final album and tour. Their final album, Heaven :x: Hell, is set to be a farewell to their fans, celebrating over two decades of music.

Sum 41’s Influence on Canadian Punk and Emerging Artists

Sum 41’s impact on Canadian punk cannot be overstated. They paved the way for bands like Billy Talent and Simple Plan, proving that Canadian punk bands could achieve international success.

Artists from various genres have credited Sum 41 as an influence, from punk bands like Neck Deep to mainstream rock acts. Their legacy continues to inspire musicians around the world.

Canada has long been home to top-tier musical acts, much like top-rated online casinos in Ontario, which provide high-quality entertainment experiences for fans across the country. 

Sum 41’s Cultural Legacy and Lasting Impact

Sum 41’s music became the soundtrack of a generation, capturing the angst, rebellion, and energy of the early 2000s. Their songs remain anthems for fans who grew up with their music.

Sum 41 stands among the greats, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to influence future generations.

Sum 41’s journey from a small-town punk band to international rock legends is a story of resilience, evolution, and unwavering dedication to music. Their influence on punk rock and the music industry as a whole ensures that their legacy will live on, even after their final tour.

The post The Legacy of Sum 41: A Canadian Band That Defined a Generation appeared first on Cult MTL.

Members of Montreal’s Muslim community launched the seventh edition of Muslim Awareness week, which runs from January 24 to 31. The goal is to build bridges with other Quebecers.

Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante held a press conference this week to discuss the “humanitarian crisis” unfolding in the city due to homelessness, and accused Quebec Premier François Legault of turning a blind eye to the issue.

“I saw François Legault arrive with his boots when there were floods in Baie-Saint-Paul, when there were forest fires, to reassure people. He’s supposed to be a good family man. How come we haven’t seen him, or anyone from his team, at the camp on Notre-Dame Street, or in the overflowing shelters in the Village, where residents are increasingly complaining about insecurity? Or in the Ville-Marie borough councils, when citizens come to say they’re at their wit’s end finding syringes in their alleys?”

Plante said that the city has been left to do the job of the province, and that Montrealers are being taxed twice to deal with this issue — once by Quebec for the services the province is supposed to provide and a second time by Montreal for having to pay for those services.

Plante has been asking for urgent intervention from the province to assist with temporary shelters for the homeless since winter temperatures arrived in December. The city went ahead and established several emergency warming centres, saying they would simply bill the province. So far, one of these warming centres alone — in a building next door to City Hall — has cost the city $700,000.

The mayor is now suggestion a provincial plan to deal with homelessness that includes mental health and addiction support, as well as housing solutions.

Quebec’s Minister of Social Services, Lionel Carmant, said in a written statement that he was surprised by Plante’s statement and accusations. “Can we stop looking for someone to blame?” he wrote. “If the problem was just money, we would have solved this crisis a long time ago.”

For our latest in news, please visit the News section.

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A 91-year-old motorist has died after his vehicle collided with a school bus west of Montreal on Tuesday evening.

Moving on from Black Panther and Creed, Ryan Coogler is back this spring with his fifth feature film and fifth collaboration with Michael B. Jordan: Sinners, an original horror thriller. Trying to leave their troubled lives behind, twin brothers (Jordan) return to their hometown to start again, only to discover that an even greater evil is waiting to welcome them back. Set for a release on April 18, the film’s first trailer dropped this week.

Coogler not only directed Sinners but wrote the film’s screenplay. Speaking as part of a press conference this week, he explained how it was a personal project.

“I was fortunate enough to have a really, really close relationship with my Uncle James and the seed of this movie started with that relationship with my uncle,” says Coogler. “He would listen to blues music all the time. He would only talk about Mississippi when he was listening to that music. He had a profound effect on my life and I got a chance to dig into my own ancestral history with this film.”

Talking about some of the Sinners’ inspiration reveals the film’s genre-bending style. Coogler name-drops the Coen brothers, particularly Inside Llewyn Davis and Fargo. As the film is in part a horror film, it’s unsurprising that he also mentions From Dusk Till Dawn and The Faculty — he calls the latter his favourite horror film. 

“There’s a lot of (John Carpenter) in the film as well,” Coogler says. “Truthfully, the biggest influences are not in cinema. Salem’s Lot is a massive influence and there’s a real deep-cut influence, Rod Serling’s The Twilight Zone and my favourite episode called ‘The Last Rites of Jeff Myrtleban’.”

The trailer for Sinners teases a period film infused with musical and horror elements. Shot on film and set to debut in IMAX, Sinners also counts Hailee Steinfeld, Delroy Lindo and Jack O’Connell among its cast.

Sinners will open in Montreal theatres on Friday, April 18.

For our latest in film and TV, please visit our Film & TV section.

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Streaming guide JustWatch has revealed the top 10 TV shows streaming in Canada. Topping the charts for the second straight week is psychological thriller television series Severance — starring Adam Scott, Britt Lower, Patricia Arquette and John Turturro, among others — which is streaming now in Canada on Apple TV+.

“Mark leads a team of office workers whose memories have been surgically divided between their work and personal lives; when a mysterious colleague appears outside of work, it begins a journey to discover the truth about their jobs.”

In second and third place are Silo (Apple TV+) and The Night Agent (Netflix).

For previous updates on the most popular movies and TV shows streaming in Canada right now, please click here.

For our latest in film and TV, please visit our Film & TV section.

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Workers at Quebec's English CEGEPs say the province's new language law, which went into effect at the start of the current school year, has led to confusion as they try to help students navigate the rules.

People living between Sutton, Que., and the town of Lac-Brome are concerned about Hydro-Québec's plans to modernize the local electrical network. They say the power utility is being unclear in its communication with residents and targeting an area known for its natural beauty.

St. Joseph's Oratory in Montreal says people following social media trends are regularly breaking in and damaging property to gain access to the roof and other restricted areas.

Quebec City resident Philippe Vézina was fined $7,500 for illegally practising law after helping pool owners negotiate compensation from a Quebec pool company for defective cedar pools through a Facebook group.

MAGA and their Conservative collaborators are the biggest threat to Canada right now

There may not necessarily be traitors in Parliament, but that doesn’t mean Canada is free of foreign interference.

The MAGA cancer has been growing within Canada for years, aided by a Conservative Party whose ideology is dominated by American-funded libertarian think tanks that traffic in disinformation.

It’s the Conservatives who imported America’s culture war, and take cues from the Trump political playbook. It’s the Conservatives who used ‘foreign interference’ for political gain, exploiting the racism they claim doesn’t exist in our society.

One country is interfering in our affairs right now, threatening annexation and a trade war. And they’re being helped.

For more commentary about Montreal politics and culture, please visit Observations from Montreal.

For our latest in news, please visit the News section.

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Trump’s reshaping of international relations – threats, tariffs, and unpredictability

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

In a candid Jan. 28 interview, Dr. Gilbert Gagné, a professor of international relations at Bishop’s University, shared his expert analysis of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s unconventional approach to global diplomacy. From protectionist tariffs to his zero-sum worldview, Trump’s strategies have left a lasting impact on international relations, creating ripple effects that challenge established norms and alliances.

A historical lens on tariffs

Dr. Gagné began by discussing the historical role of tariffs, emphasizing their dual purpose as both a revenue source and a protectionist measure. While tariffs were historically one minor way governments generated income, their primary function evolved with industrialization. “When trade and industrialization started, the idea of raising tariffs was not just about revenue but about protecting domestic markets and enabling industrial growth,” Gagné explained. He noted that tariffs provided governments with a means to foster economic development while shielding their economies from foreign competition.

This protectionist approach began to wane post-World War II when the United States championed a liberal economic order, gradually reducing tariffs through initiatives like the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT). The focus shifted from economic shielding to trade liberalization.

While tariffs have largely receded from global trade policy in recent decades, Trump’s presidency brought them back to the forefront. His administration’s aggressive use of tariffs, such as those imposed on Chinese goods, reflects a deliberate shift away from cooperative multilateralism. Trump framed tariffs as both an economic and geopolitical tool, leveraging them to extract concessions and assert U.S. dominance in trade relationships.

America First: A zero-sum approach

Dr. Gagné emphasized Trump’s “America First” doctrine, describing it as “a ruthless business approach that goes contrary to long-held diplomatic practices.” Unlike traditional diplomatic norms where mutual benefit is sought, Trump views international relations as a zero-sum game, aiming to maximize U.S. gains at the expense of others. “For Trump, two sides cannot benefit equally; one must gain more than the other,” Gagné observed.

This doctrine has had profound implications for global alliances and trade. Trump’s renegotiation in his first term of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) into the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) showcased his prioritization of U.S. interests. Canada’s supply management system, particularly in dairy and eggs, became a contentious issue during negotiations, with Canada making concessions under U.S. pressure. According to Dr. Gagné, Trump’s approach disrupted decades of cooperation in North America, fostering uncertainty among key allies.

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L’article War by other means est apparu en premier sur Sherbrooke Record.

Montreal writer Christopher DiRaddo says he's disappointed after a municipal library told him he's not allowed to hold his monthly book club there because it would violate Quebec's new language law.

The Quebec government is planning to table a bill on Thursday to define a new integration model for immigrants, with the aim of making clear to them that Quebec is a nation, the immigration minister announced.

The final report from the foreign interference inquiry was released today, warning of the dangers of disinformation and recommending 51 actions to be undertaken to secure Canadian democracy in the face of mounting threats from foreign governments. One of those recommendations is for all federal party leaders in the House of Commons to obtain Top Secret security clearance, including Conservative Party of Canada leader Pierre Poilievre, who has thus far chosen not to do.

A previous study by the Angus Reid Institute found that a large majority of Canadians believe all federal party leaders should receive the security clearance required to read the NSICOP report. The study was conducted after the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians (NSICOP) released a report “alleging that some parliamentarians have either ‘wittingly or semi-wittingly’ participated in foreign interference targeted at Canadian elections.”

66% of Canadians believe all federal party leaders — including Poilievre — should receive security clearance and read the report, including majorities of Conservative (60%), Liberal (79%), NDP (70%) and Bloc Québécois (77%) voters.

“Unlike Justin Trudeau, Jagmeet Singh and Elizabeth May, CPC leader Pierre Poilievre has resisted calls to read the NSICOP report. Observers say Poilievre would be ‘hamstrung’ politically, given that he would be unable to comment on what he read in the report. Others have criticized Poilievre for placing political concerns at the forefront. Singh stated that he believes Poilievre’s unwillingness to do so is ‘disqualifying’ for his pursuit of leading the nation as prime minister.”

For the complete study and methodology, please visit the Angus Reid Institute website.

For our latest in news, please visit the News section.

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The post Tea, pastries and pleas for peace mark anniversary of mosque massacre appeared first on The Quebec Chronicle Telegraph.

There’s a spacious room covered in black curtains, a few safety ladders, a freshly painted black stage, and cases of electrical equipment scattered about. This newly opened space at 4388 St-Laurent Boulevard is called la Toscadura, a new addition to the Sala Rossa/Casa del Popolo/la Sotterenea venue family.

As a sporadic stage light blasts colours of blue and purple on the stage, Chris Vargas, la Toscadura’s programmer, lets out a reserved sigh. “There’s still so much to do,” they say. “It’s kind of chaotic and last minute, but we get it done. We had to hang curtains all around because the paint job in here was a very Harry Potter palette, and that is not what I want.”

The Sala/Casa/Sott family has been busy in the last few months, taking over the venue formerly known as Ursa from the Montreal musician-poet Martha Wainwright, and revamping it into P’tit Ours — which Vargas also manages — as well as opening la Toscadura. 

The new spot is the same room as the bygone venue El Salon, which hosted bands like the Brian Jonestown Massacre, Against Me! and Of Montreal 20 years ago. The difference now is that Vargas, who has huge connections to the local punk/electronic music scene, will run la Toscadura’s programming. Vargas has been a show booker for la Sala Rossa in the past, so when venue co-owners Mauro Pezzente (of post-rock titans Godspeed You! Black Emperor) and Sam Thifault asked them if they wanted to run the booking, they jumped at the opportunity.

“I really feel strongly about this space,” Vargas says. “Considering, in the area too, there’s not a lot of venues this size in terms of capacity.”

People have been comparing la Toscadura to la Vitrola, another of Pezzente’s past venues that had to shut its doors during the pandemic.  

“That venue was great, but Toscadura is on the ground floor, so it’s super accessible and it has the same square footage as Sala Rossa, which is 300 capacity,” Vargas says. “This building is also the Spanish Social Club, so there’s a Spanish restaurant upstairs open to anyone and people can order their food upstairs and bring it down here.”

There’s also the popular Latino grocery store, Sabor Latino, across the street. “They have the best Chicharrón in the city, and I don’t care who fights me on that,” Vargas says matter-of-factly. 

They also aim to keep booking costs on the cheaper end to make it more accessible for promoters and other communities. “There are fewer DIY spaces now, and there is such a need for more venues in Montreal. I’m also not above doing a friend deal for an organizer or something because we need to help each other out.” 

On top of the band programming — including the upcoming hardcore punk SHAME tape release event hosted by the local band DUREX, on Feb. 21 — Vargas wants to host other events like fundraisers and quinceañeras, as well as a monthly Noche de Cumbia dance night called Parranda en la Toscadura, with their Colombian musician friend, Jashim. 

“I want those dance nights to be a safe space, but also curated by people who actually grew up with that kind of music. Jashim is also Colombian, and I’ve been to dance nights around town with that genre and it’s like two white guys, and that irks me so much. So we’re going for real culture and quality here.”

In the last few years, the live music venue scene in Montreal has been turbulent, to say the least. We’ve lost Divan Orange, la Tulipe and the Diving Bell due to noise complaints, and even though the City of Montreal has now changed the noise bylaw to have music venues be exempt, Vargas says Casa del Popolo still gets noise complaints from surrounding neighbours. 

“That’s why Casa has a curfew,” Vargas says. “Toscadura won’t have a curfew, except at 3 a.m., like a bar. It’s always risky to open a new venue, but Mauro loves opening these spaces and taking risks.” 

And with risk, eventually comes reward. There will most likely always be a fight for venues to stay alive in Montreal, but with la Toscadura’s opening, the announcement of the new TBA venue taking the mantle from the Diving Bell, la Biu replacing Traxide and Turbo Haüs’ Sergio Da Silva now running programming for Blue Dog, perhaps we can finally get out of the post-pandemic blues and closer to the glory days of live music in Montreal.

“There’s always new promoters and I love getting to know them,” Vargas says. “I’m into it, and I think we’re getting back into the swing. But we always need more spaces for live music.” ■

For more on la Toscadura, please visit their website.

For more Montreal music coverage, please visit the Music section.

The post Meet la Toscadura, a new Montreal music venue from the Casa del Popolo / la Sala Rossa family appeared first on Cult MTL.

The post Supreme Court to hear final appeal on Bill 21 secularism law appeared first on The Quebec Chronicle Telegraph.

The Fédération québécoise des Sociétés Alzheimer has launched a bilingual website to help identify the early signs of Alzheimer's disease.

A spokesperson for the Montreal Fire Department said five fire engines responded to the blaze, which began in a three-storey residential building on Place D'Antioch, near Saint-Zotique Street East, around 10 a.m.

The post COMMENTARY: From ‘Governor Gretzky’ to two-Cup Kelly appeared first on The Quebec Chronicle Telegraph.

The post Combined high school project delayed until 2028, CQSB chair says appeared first on The Quebec Chronicle Telegraph.

The post Claude Villeneuve runs for mayor, wants city ‘that’s easier to live in’ appeared first on The Quebec Chronicle Telegraph.

The post Keep vaccines up to date as flu season looms, Boileau warns appeared first on The Quebec Chronicle Telegraph.

The post A 140-year-old Quebec landmark innovates to respond to climate change appeared first on The Quebec Chronicle Telegraph.