Pop d'Époque: Ohara + Hua Li @ Société des arts technologiques

PARTY LIKE IT'S 1699, BUT IN THE FUTURE OF ITS PAST!

OHara and Hua Li at the SATosphere for Le Pop D'époque's Party Like It's 1699, and M for Montreal, November 19th, 2014

This night was a full sensory experience. If you have never been to the dome at the SAT, that is step one in the sensory immersion. It is as it sounds, a giant domed room at the top of the SAT building. It is outfitted by teams of projectors and a top notch surround sound system. This performance utilized every inch of the space, in an almost overwhelming, yet fully-engaging feast at every level.

I wasn't really sure what I would be walking in to when reading the event description, other than seeing two awesome local babes play. When I arrived, OHARA was taking the stage. She was lovely. Her enchanting voice was beautifully accompanied by strings and guitar. I really enjoyed seeing this side of this multi-faceted shiny gem of an artist. I recommend getting to know her stuff! She was surrounded by breathtaking visuals, all part of new media artist Frances Adair McKenzie's live mixing. OHARA's set was short, but sweet, another aspect I appreciated, it made you wanting more, in a good way.

Following OHARA was Hua Li, Montreal's own Hip Hop babe, slightly reminiscent of a glammed-up Lady Sovereign meets Angel Haze. She was supported by some tasty beats, and her live piano playing added a nice touch to her full-ranging sounds. With a new single, "Luxury", out on her label Art Not Love Records, she was generous to share a free download with the audience. Check it out for a sample of this local name to watch for!

Ending the night was the fully-immersed actuality known as Le Pop D'époque, the brainchild of collective Party Like It's 1699. I definitely can't express this "piece" in a few words, since it pretty much blew me away. It transported me to another world that had experimental samples of baroque musings, sprinkled with pop sensibilities, and glittering torsos writhing amidst the dark underworld and ethereal legends of mythology and magic. Also, many cameos by some of Montreal's talented demi-gods and goddesses, including Mozart's Sister and Magical Cloudz. There were ten narrative pieces, combining dance, music and new media visual stylings. Adding to the full gustatory of feeling, the event was catered by FoodLab, completing the delivery of the audience to another moment in time/and or space.

This show is up until Friday, November 21st, and you need to go and experience it for yourself!

--Julie Matson hosts With Gay Abandon, an afternoon dose of the best in queer music and culture! Tune in every Monday at 4 PM, only on CJLO.