November Nightlife: Montreal, Canada

Welcome to Nightlife Insider, a new monthly feature where PlanetOut.com readers submit their Top 5 picks of cool things happening in their neck of the woods.  See bottom for details on how you can become an Nightlife Insider!

Below are Daniel's November picks for Montréal, Canada.

THEATRE - BENT

Written in 1979 by Sherman Miller, BENT is the groundbreaking story of acceptance, tolerance and love in the wrong time and the wrong place -- Nazi Germany. The play starred international queer icon Ian McKellen in its original 1979 West-End production. A “must-see” for each queer, BENT will be tackled by Montreal community-minded theatre company Altera Vitae (click for tix). November 5 – 15.

MUSEUM – MUSÉE D’ART CONTEMPORAIN

I’m not going to pretend that I am well versed in the world of modern art. While I often see blobs of randomness, many queers find inspiration and like-minded community in the world of contemporary art. A current exhibit features the contributions of Francine Savard to Quebec creative culture. This mid-career retrospective presents some sixty pieces produced by the artist between 1992 and 2009. A true Montreal experience. The Francine Savard Exhibit runs until January 3, 2010.

SHOPPING - SIMONS

Whether you’re a starving student with only $10 to buy a new T-shirt or a homo high-roller with $400 to blow on a Marc Jacobs thong, Montreal’s hottest department store - Simons - will not disappoint. They have a fun and fab (and affordable) assortment of unique socks and underwear, so don’t leave without cruising through the tightie-whitie isle. Who knows what you could pick up? 977 St. Catherine West.

LOUNGE - GOTHA SALON BAR

Gotha Salon Bar (or just “Gotha” as Montrealer’s call it) is one of my favourite lounges in the Gay Village. It’s unpretentious without being skuzzy, and classy without being cher (expensive). As the Montreal winter approaches, Gotha keeps us warm with a glowing fireplace. And if you are a pianist, you might love the old upright piano. Ask the bartender to turn the music down and play a tune.  You’ll have us locals in the palm of your hand. 1641 Amherst Street.

EVENT – MOVEMBER

Montrealers are changing the face of men’s health… literally. November is the month of the ‘mo.’ And I know what you’re thinking, “I’m a ho-mo… isn’t it always ‘mo’ month?” And in that regard, I shall never disagree. But for the next 4 weeks, it’s all about celebrating the other ‘mo’ – the moustache – while highlighting men’s health issues (specifically prostate cancer). If you are going to be in Mo-ntreal, check out the Gala Parté on November 27. The best ‘mo’ will be crowned the “Man of Movember.” And boys, ensure that your prostate is healthy, get it serviced regularly. 

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