Like the Expos before him, Skratch Bastid is packing up the franchise and moving it somewhere worse. In this case, Toronto is standing in for Washington. But, before he goes, he’s got a massive farewell blowout on Friday, June 5, at Blizzarts.

Not only is Montreal losing one of its best dance floor conductors (if you don’t already have memories of the ginger-haired madman grinning wildly at you because only he knows what’s dropping next, come make some), but I’m losing one of my favourite hangover breakfast companions.

I sat down with the Beaz to find out why this crime against QC is being perpetrated.

BM What the fuck?

SB I’m a travelling man, and in order to maintain a certain level of mystery, I can’t stay anywhere for too long. I know I’m going to get some flak because the beefs between Toronto and Montreal could fill a list longer than the 401, but I’m always looking for something new and inspiring.

BM What does Toronto have that Montreal doesn’t?

SB A basketball team, a baseball team, the CN Tower, great roti, Terroni, a vibrant hip-hop scene and a lot of good friends.

BM And vice versa?

SB The pace, the food, the good friends, the second language, the first day of summer (word to skirts) and the cheap rent.

BM What was a perfect Montreal night and day for you?

SB Night: dinner with friends, catching a show at Métropolis, bar hopping on St-Laurent and a packed afterparty at some address I’ll never visit again. Day: biking around the city and chilling at Parc Lafontaine or Jeanne-Mance with a brew.

BM Favourite places to play in MTL?

SB Blizzarts, Piknic Électronik events (always great stages and sound) and Coda (R.I.P.).

BM Memorable gigs?

SB Igloofest 2009, opening for Nas at The Dome and opening for Ice-T and Jedi Mind Tricks at Foufounes.

BM Any plans to return?

SB I hope so! I don’t think I can show my face too soon after leaving, but I’m sure I’m going to miss this city and I’ll find a way back here.

BM Finally, what can we expect from the final night at Blizzarts?

SB I’ll be playing songs that remind me of the great times I’ve had DJing here. As a DJ, certain records and mixes remind you of different years, people, boobs and bars, and I’m going to be reminiscing in a major way. Definitely some new mixes also, as I’ve got a new tour and mix called 110% that I’m about to unleash.

There are two shows going down tonight, Thursday, June 4, that you’ve probably already got tickets to, but here’s a quick kick to the memory banks. 1) Brooklyn’s Grizzly Bear, who play Le National (with Here We Go Magic), and whose latest album, Veckatimest, was either the greatest indie album ever made or boring, depending on you. Down at Métropolis is Santigold, who despite changing her name (from Santogold, the name of her debut album) and refusing my interview request, is as interesting a pop music maker as there is right now.

But even cooler is the thing going down on Saturday, June 6, at, believe it or not, the hallowed and neglected Rialto Theatre. It hosts The Kinks Konvention II, a night of Montreal bands playing The Kinks. Just some of the names on the bill: Xavier Caféïne, Priestess, Psycho Riders, High Dials, Hollerado, Ladies Of The Canyon, Amanda Mabro & Cozmo Quazar, DJ Plastik Patrik and more…