THURSDAY SEPT 15

7pm. “Autobiography of Childhood” Launch @ Librairie Drawn & Quarterly, 211 Bernard Ouest. Book launch for Sina Queyras’s Autobiography of Childhood (Coach House Books). The first novel from acclaimed Montreal poet and critic Sina Queyras tells the story of the five siblings of the Combal family as they grapple with the earlier death of a brother and prepare themselves for the loss of another. Hosted by Darren Wershler, the reading will be followed by a short Q&A session.

8pm. Tom Waits: Big Time @ Blue Sunshine, 3660 St. Laurent, 3rd floor. This 1988 Tom Waits film features live performances, as well as the gravely voiced singer hamming it up as a variety of characters from his song mythology in kooky segments directled by Chris Blum. Long out of print on VHS and still not available on DVD, this might be your only chance to catch this bizarre and original Waits flick. 

FRIDAY SEPT 16

10pm. Get Nice Fridays @ Blizzarts, 3956 St. Laurent. High-end rap, new and old, featuring Friday night resident DJ Cosmo. Drink specials. Free before 11pm, $5 after. Till 3am.

FRIDAY SEPT 16 & SATURDAY SEPT 17

7:30pm. M60 2011 Screenings @ Théâtre Rialto, 5723 Avenue du Parc. The Montreal 60 Second Film Festival presents CHANCE. After years of sold-out screenings at La Sala Rossa and Cinéma du Parc, M60 have moved to the Mile End’s magnificent movie palace – the Rialto, built in 1923. They’ll be screening more than 70 original films on the theme of chance (September 16 and 17 screenings are identical) in this gorgeous milieu, before a packed & cheering crowd. Tickets $8, available at http://www.m60.ca/.

SATURDAY SEPT 17

5pm Quartier Mode Opening Party @ Quartier Mode Boutique, 4276 St Laurent. Opening party for new Montreal boutique Quartier Mode. The boutique specializes in fashion by local designers, as well as quality vintage wear. Clothing, accessories, jewellery, hand bags, bath and beauty, local books, local art and gift items. Enjoy cupcakes and wine, and meet with some of Quartier Mode’s designers.

SUNDAY SEPT 18

7pm. Citizen Vintage Fashion Film Premiere Party @ Citizen Vintage, 5330 St Laurent. Montreal vintage boutique Citizen Vintage has collaborated with Martin Reisch, models and musicians to create a series of short fashion films featuring Citizen Vintage’s Fall 2011 collections. The first two films feature “Freaks and Geeks” back-to-school inspired collections and the third features 1990s gothic grunge collections inspired by “The Craft.” They’ll screen all three films in-store followed with live music by Freelove Fenner and Les Monstres Terribles. Complimentary wine and beverages will be served and, of course, all collections available for sale. 7pm Doors Open, 7:30pm Film Screening, 8pm Live Music.

8pm. United Nations of Comedy @ Katacombes, 1635 St Laurent. After a sold-out show at the Comedyworks, The United Nations of Comedy is back. Come watch the city’s best international comics on one stage, featuring Massimo (Italy), Eman (Palestine), Rodney Ramsey (St Kitts & Nevis), Jeff Schouela (Israel) and hosted by Dan Bingham (Scotland). Tickets $15, call 514-655-8377 or 514-802-4253.