Move Over November

Mustache for a Great Cause

Fringe ArtsAlex Mcgill — Published November 23, 2010

The teen ‘stache, the gringo ‘stache, the Hitler ‘stache, the ironic hipster ‘stache—all are welcome in Movember.
Yes, Movember which has adequately taken over the month of November to help raise awareness and funding for prostate cancer research.

Chances are you’ve already noticed the abundance of fuzzy lips around the city. Every guy who can grow facial hair is rocking the ‘stache, and for a good cause. Movember is fully upon us, and whatever your personal opinion on the moustache is, we can all agree that the influx of the most controversial form of facial hair is for a good cause.

The idea for Movember originated in 2003, and the idea was to bring the moustache back as a bit of a joke, as well as to raise awareness for men’s health. The rules are simple: you start clean-shaven on Nov. 1, and then grow a moustache for the entire month. The final result ends up being like a ribbon for men’s health, a visible conversation-starter raising awareness and funds for prostate cancer.

It’s a cause that Samia Liamani and the organizers of the artful event of Dapper Dan—a vernissage, art sale, music show and party celebrating the art of the moustache—can get behind. It will feature moustache-themed art by student and local artists, as well as DJ sets and performances by local bands Montoire and The Golden Isles.

“I initially started getting involved when I worked at [a retail clothing shop called] Three Monkeys, they’re super invested in the Movember cause—they’re close to raising $1500 this year already—and I just knew it was something I wanted to contribute to,” said Liamani. All proceeds from the entrance fee and sale of art works will go directly to Movember and the ongoing fight against prostate cancer.

“There’s a lot of attention shown to women’s health, which is obviously great, but we want to make sure that same awareness is shown to men’s health,” Liamani continued. “Plus, who doesn’t love moustaches?”

The vernissage will take place at CTRLLAB (3634 Saint-Laurent Blvd.) on Sat. Nov. 27. The event starts at 6:30 p.m. with Montoire playing at 9:00 p.m. and The Golden Isles at 11:15 p.m. with DJ sets in-between.

This article originally appeared in Volume 31, Issue 15, published November 23, 2010.