There are some times when it’s fun to go to a show with no real expectations, about what the performer will likely play and/or do, or even what the venue itself will be like. A subtle blend of anxiety, excitement and curiosity can spark some incredible moments. For this reason precisely, when I came across a show at Usine C by a certain act called Misteur Valaire, I watched a single video and committed to showing up without knowing (or wanting to know) any more.
My fascination was further enhanced by the fact that this dynamic quintuplet was playing at a venue that I have heard lots about but never been to – Usine C. The space is beyond cool – modern minimalist taken to the extreme, with high-powered projectors seemingly suspended magically from the 20-or-so-foot high ceilings, clean bass emanating from the speakers. The show itself was set up to be a spectacle – old TV’s with static in varying patterns overtly displayed around the stage; a full drum kit including bongos, congas, and tambourines, turntables for scratching, old synthesizers, a mic, and various random paraphernalia. Unfortunately, the actual music that these guys made was less than impressive, but in a packed room fillled with sweaty young hipsters performed by young Quebecois men wearing custom made color-co-ordinated fur-lined vests in candy colors, there were no shortage of stimuli amuse the senses, so in essence the music didnt’ really matter.
When you are standing outside in minus twenty, however, drinking vin chaud (hot wine) and taking in the musical delights offered by Igloofest, the quality of the music is a little more important. The ice sculptures, 15-foot speaker towers, giant LCD screens, and light show may be amusing, but dancing is the only way to really keep warm, and a bouquet of inspired rhythms is the one true remedy. But to no avail, the same crew who organizes Piknic Electronik is responsible for dreaming up the idea of Igloofest, so the musical calibre is always top-notch. And if the music really isn’t doing it for you, you can go inside and pose for professional photographs of yourself and your friends decked out in your snazziest winter gear. If you are looking really good you can enter the Igloofest One-Piece Contest for a free ski-weekend for two at Le Massif, a Canada Goose Jacket, Igloofest tuque, and 2010 season pass to Piknic Electronik.
There are other times though when its nice just to be comfortable and cozy and warm. At times like this it’s nice to take an afternoon, grab a crisp 100 dollar bill, and head to the spa. For $100 at Espace Nomad you can be pampered for a solid hour -with a massage, facial, private yoga, or aromatherapy. Or if you are feeling particularly indulgent you can go for one of the half-day spa packages which include a facial, one hour massage, exfoliating body scrub and aromatherapy. Just make sure you don’t plan anything afterwards. It’s nice to allow a little time for the soothing feelings and smells to penetrate into every inch of your mind, body, and skin.
After a couple of hours have passed you could always head down to the Canadian Centre for Architecture and take in one of their compelling ultramodern exhibits or a Pecha-Kucha night to learn about one of many mind-bending artistic endeavors being undertaken by local and international artists and designers, while casually sipping a glass of red wine.
