Recently we all heard about the cancelation of the annual Can You Rock
graffiti jam here in Montreal. Every year invitations go out to select and
respected writers, both local and afar, to participate in what has been
considered by many to be one of the premier graffiti jams in the city. I
personally look forward to events like this (and Under Pressure) that bring the
crews and community together, even if loosely, for a weekend of painting,
chilling, and all hours partying. I meet new writers from all over and get to
catch up with some of the locals I don't get to see that often. Even more, in
recent years I've made closer ties with the organizers of these events, I
volunteer, take pics, and help out where it's needed or where I can. So when
Can You Rock didn't get off the ground this year, I felt it on a more personal
level than I expected to. It also made me think about the importance of events
like this not only to the local scene and its members, but to the image that
Montreal has maintained as a pillar of the North American scene in general.
This last statement might be a lofty one, but it's one I stand by. This city is
arguably one of the most soaked and active around, has some heavy hitters and
draws the attention of writers the world over.
I decided to dig into the vault to put together a MOS/CYR
retrospective to fill the void of not having the event take place this year.
It's not a comprehensive post, rather just some shots I never put up, and a few re-posted deservedly. Hopefully next year things will be more manageable and the team not too bogged
down in other responsibilities. Remember, this is a volunteer run event and the
organizers take a lot of their personal time to put these types of events on.
So big ups to the crews, volunteers, and organizers over the years for putting
on some great events and here's looking forward to next year's Can You rock
being bigger and meaner than ever.
More soon. Stay posted.
