Divan Orange, one of St. Laurent’s best bars and music venues (and home to the city’s best Motown dance parties), is celebrating its 10-year anniversary this month. Because the venue is one of POP Montreal’s go-to spots, most of the festivities are packed into this week before the festival takes over. Each night from Wednesday to Friday, the bar will host local acts of a different genre.
Wednesday – Alternative Folk
Kicking it off on Wednesday night are two artists with their own twist on folk music. Psychedelic folk singer Mark Berube opens up the night with a groovy blend of acoustic and electronic, featuring his cello-playing partner Kristina Koropecki. After Berube is multi-instrumentalist Joe Grass, whose slide guitar blurs the lines between country and ambient.
Thursday – Garage Punk
Thursday will be a little rowdier. Punk group PyPy will be getting the crowd moving with their fuzzed guitar lines and piercingly floaty vocals from Annie-Claude Deschênes. Jesuslesfilles, who recently released their second album, “Le grain d’or,” will follow with their brand of garage rock, to keep your head banging.
Friday – Swing
An exhibit will be on display Friday, featuring six local artists who have created works specifically for the tenth anniversary. Get there early for the 5 p.m. vernissage (opening) for drinks and snacks. After the art show, renowned accordionist Sergiu Popa will take the stage. Closing off the event will be swing jazz stars Le Hot Club de ma Rue, who also happen to be celebrating their tenth birthday. This will be the debut of their new lead singer, Felicity Hamer. Head over to Divan Orange on Friday night if you want to get swingin’.