WEDNESDAY JANUARY 16

9:30pm. Jay Devine’s Pub Quiz @ Ye Olde Orchard, 20 Prince Arthur. Now that winter is here in full-force (despite what the mild weather may indicate), what better way to spend a weeknight than by attempting to answer really hard (and really easy) trivia questions for free beer? There are several trivia nights held at pubs across the city, but some would argue that Ye Olde’s is the best (in addition to the one at Brutopia on Monday nights). Free to join, bring teammates!

THURSDAY JANUARY 17

8:30pm. James & Blackburn + Wilderling + Our Friend & The Spiders @ Quai des brumes, 4481 St-Denis. Alt-rock, Toronto/Ottawa-based trio James & Blackburn will light up the stage at Quai des brumes, accompanied by Wilderling and Montreal’s own Our Friend & The Spider. $8 in advance, $10 at the door. Not to be missed!

8:30pm. The Laugh Pack Late Show @ Segal Centre, 5170 de la Côte-St-Catherine. This monthly comedy spectacle showcases local up-and-coming comedy talent, hosted by the illustrious Keith Waterfield, alongside Holly Gauthier-Frankel, Paul Ash, Dan Derkson and Darren Henwood. $5. Disclaimer: Extremely mature content (where do I sign-up?)

FRIDAY JANUARY 18 TO SUNDAY JANUARY 27

Montreal’s Auto Show @ Palais des congrès, 1001 Place Jean-Paul-Riopelle. Two years ago I attended Montreal’s annual and absolutely vast auto show – we explored for three full hours, and we didn’t even see everything, though we did spend an uneven amount of time drooling at the new Maseratis, it’s true. If you like cars (and trucks, vans, motorcycles, some boats, etc.) this is definitely something you should check out! Tickets can be purchased online here (roughly $16).

SATURDAY JANUARY 19

7pm. Behind God’s Ear feat. Vinnie Smith @ Galerie Nowhere, 135 Van Horne, #203. Blackdot Press and Galerie Nowhere present a vernissage evening for the personal photo documentation project of New Jersey photographer Vinnie Smith. The exhibit tells the tale of Smith’s explorations from coast to coast over a ten month period. It will run from January 20 to January 30, 2013; viewings by appointment.

SUNDAY JANUARY 20

6:30pm. Music Games for the New Year @ La Sala Rossa, 4848 St-Laurent. Battle some of those winter blues with this unique evening of arts n’ crafts music-instrument-making, followed by actual music-making with professional violinists and cellists. Check out the program here. $10 – guests are asked to bring found objects or any bits they may have towards instrument-building.

10pm. Jour du Sabbat @ Rockette, 4479 St-Denis. Metal-up your Sunday with the weekly Jour du sabbat at Rockette (formerly held at Salon officiel)! This week, local DJ girl Arschly Grotto Cruz takes over, delivering solid old-school metal jams all night long. You know you wanna!