et's face it; the holidays aren't typically the greatest time of year for nightlife. It's a time to spare yourself a few days of work, spend some quality time with your loved ones, and embrace the spirit of commercialism, but not to hit the bars. Even if you are willing to brave the harsh winter, it can be hard to find any worthy events. Once December 24 comes along, Montreal seems to shut down entirely (only to reopen with a bang on December 31). Martiniboys.com is here to help you through the tough times. We've searched high and low and came up with some more than viable options to keep you busy this holiday season.


Puces POP @ St. Michel Church Hall, , Dec. 6
Before you can even think about holiday events, you have to get your shopping out of the way. Otherwise, the only thing you'll be doing before Christmas is trying to avoid being trampled at the mall. Here's a good bet: Puces POP for Dinner. An extension of the popular do-it-yourself independent artisan fair at POP Montreal, this event features a wide selection of goods and crafts by local and international artists and record labels. Get all your gifts here and you'll have a few weeks to chill out and drink egg nog.




David Francey @ Petit Campus, Dec. 13
Do you like folk? Do you folk? Folking can be fun. Folking can be political. Folking can involve guitars. Folk however you want, as long as you folk consensually. David Francey will folk you, if you like. He has won Junos for his folking, so he must be quite good. Plus, this is the Christmas show, so you can expect some extra-special holiday folk. Tinsel-covered folk. Folk that gives gifts to other folk. Folk that cooks you a nice turkey dinner. Is this played out yet?




The Australian Pink Floyd Show @ Bell Centre, Dec. 16
Like the real Pink Floyd - but with way more references to Paul Hogan - this strangely popular tribute band puts on an epic Floyd-like show that lends itself handily to the wacky tobaccy. Will Bob Geldof shave his nipples off? Probably not. Will there be plenty of extended instrumental solos and trippy light displays. Almost definitely.




Matisyahu @ Metropolis, Dec. 17
There's a lot of Christmas events in Montreal this season, but let's not forget that's the only holiday in town. This will be more of a Chanukah concert. The concept of Hassidic reggae may seem a bit strange to you, but it really isn't a big stretch. Reggae already typically references Babylon, the Holy Father and Zionism, so really Matisyahu shouldn't be considered a novelty. Instead, he's just a talented Jewish musician who seamlessly combines reggae, rock, and hip hop in a way that appeals to both purists and Sublime fans.




Pascale Picard Band @ Salle Pauline-Julien, Dec. 20
This Quebec City band has constantly been just under the radar, ready to burst into the mainstream. Their first album went platinum in Canada and was nominated for a Juno award, and they were personally asked by Paul McCartney to open for him at his Plains of Abraham 400th anniversary concert. If that's not a compliment, I don't know what is. Plus, Pascale has an alliterative name. What more do you need this holiday season?