Montreal Nightlife

The innovative Altsys Jazz Orchestra, co-led by saxophonist Jennifer Bell and trumpeter Bill Mahar, will be featuring Toronto trumpeter John MacLeod at its concert Wednesday at 8 p.m. at Mojito, the cosy basement bar at 2077 University St. Many of the city’s top players are orchestra regulars. They’ll be performing works by MacLeod, Mahar and Kenny Wheeler. Cover is $10. Call 514-843-8880.

Popularity: 19% [?]

Sarah McLachlan, Avril Lavigne, John Mayer, Angelique Kidjo, Corneille, Nikki Yanofsky and Marie-Mai perform at UNICEF’s United Against AIDS concert, Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. at the Bell Centre. All profits go toward’s helping children living with HIV/AIDS. Tickets cost $35.50 to $89.50. 514-790-1245.

Popularity: 26% [?]

Pianist Michael Kaeshammer, who plays everything from boogie-woogie to bebop, performs at Club Soda Tuesday night, part of a cross-Canada tour. Showtime is 8 p.m. and tickets cost $18.50. The club is at 1225 St. Laurent Blvd. Call 514-286-1010.

Popularity: 19% [?]

M.I.A. After providing one of the definitive highlights of the Osheaga festival in September, British clubland rebel M.I.A. returns for her own headlining gig, Monday at Metropolis. Her new album Kala finds the artist incorporating rock and pop influences and Indian rhythms into her ever-expanding sound. And given her supercharged performance at Osheaga, rest assured that the party will most definitely be on. Tickets cost $25. Call 514-908-9090.

Popularity: 19% [?]

Schubertiade. The André Turp Musical Society presents a Schubert afternoon involving the chamber choir Viva Voce, prizewinning soprano Marianne Fiset and other laureates of the Montreal International Musical Competition, Sunday at 3 p.m. in the Monument National, 1182 St. Laurent Blvd. Tickets cost $30, $27 (seniors) or $25 (students). Call 514-397-0068.

Popularity: 17% [?]

Bedouin Soundclash. There’s no doubt about it: Toronto’s acoustic reggae-pop trio knows how to craft a catchy tune. For proof, check out the band’s new album Street Gospels. It’s full of stridently strummed hymns that will have you singing along despite your best intentions to play it cool. Performing Sunday at Metropolis, 59 Ste. Catherine St. E. Tickets cost $20. Call 514-908-9090.

Popularity: 19% [?]

Dmitri Hvorostovsky. The baritone, with chorus and orchestra, headlines a Russian program comprising liturgical music, opera hits, romances and pop songs, tomorrow at 8 p.m. in Salle Wilfrid Pelletier of Place des Arts. Tickets range from $45 to $85, plus tax. Call 514-842-2112.

Popularity: 19% [?]

Albert Herring. Opera McGill presents Britten’s three-act comedy, crisply, at Pollack Hall, 555 Sherbrooke St. W., tonight and tomorrow at 7:30. Tickets cost $10 or $5 for students. Call 514-398-4547.

Popularity: 19% [?]

David Francey’s show will be a big one for lovers of old-school, big-hearted storytelling folk music. He’s one of the genre’s best-loved artists, is bringing a batch of new songs to the Petit Campus, 57 Prince Arthur St. tomorrow. How confident is promoter Matt Large that this will be a killer evening? He’s promised to refund anyone who’s not impressed by the end of the first set. Be there at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $25. Phone Hello Darlin’ Productions at 514-524-9225 for more information or 514-790-1245 for tickets.

Popularity: 16% [?]

Alien’s Cab, Self Control, Hold a Grudge will be playing live at the Katacombes (1222 St-Laurent) at 9pm.

Popularity: 19% [?]