Feature Friday (15 November 2024)
Hold onto your funny bones and get ready to groove, because Forget The Box is back with another jam-packed edition of Feature Friday! This week, we're turning the spotlight on a collection of talented artists who are sure to ignite your senses and tickle your imagination. Prepare to burst into laughter with the comedic stylings of Amer Rez and Raquel Maestre, two stand-up powerhouses with a knack for finding humor in the everyday. Then, let the soulful melodies of musicians Fiona Macgillivray and Sophie Lane wash over you, as they weave tales of personal journeys and emotional landscapes. And for a visual treat, feast your eyes on the captivating photography of Julian William, a DIY creative who captures the essence of Montreal through his lens. So, whether you're in the mood for a chuckle, a musical escape, or a visual voyage, join us as we celebrate the diverse talents that make Montreal's art scene so captivating!
amer rez
Amer Rez is a Montreal-raised stand-up comedian, originally from Lebanon, who took a detour from aerospace engineering to find his true calling on stage. Known for his sharp wit and knack for finding humor in life’s awkward, everyday interactions, Amer dives into topics like dating, family dynamics, cultural quirks, and the hilarious nuances of human behavior.
Named an Artist to Watch by the Montreal Gazette, Amer has opened for acclaimed comedian Sugar Sammy and performed across Canada, the U.S., and Europe, including in England, France, and Germany. He’s been featured at Montreal Got Jokes and the Winter Comedy Festival, and as the host of the Good Night Podcast, he continues to bring his unique, self-deprecating humor to audiences worldwide.
raquel maestre
Raquel Maestre is originally from Murcia, Spain. Even with such setback, she has made a place for herself in the queer comedy scene of Montreal with her deadpan commentary on life as a transgender immigrant and the hilariousness of these times of impending doom. She has been featured on Zoofest, Gigglefest, Ladyfest Montreal and Pervers/Cité, she has done stand up in four different languages, getting words wrong in all of them, and she is the producer and host of A Very Pretentious Comedy Show, and co-producer and co-host of The Poly Mic.
fiona macgillivray
A lifelong singer, writer, painter, poet and overall creative. Recorded professionally for the first time at nine years old and began touring internationally at the age of ten. Has sung at prestigious venues the world over, including the Kennedy Center in Washington DC, Triphony Symphony Hall in Tokyo and Carnegie Hall, and for the listening benefit of such notable people as Wayne Gretzky, Elvis Costello, Japanese Empress Shōda Michiko, Sen. Ted Kennedy and many others. After playing in ensembles and bands for most of her life, she is finally releasing her very first solo EP of original material this year.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/poetrykitten/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fionamacgillivray
Website: https://www.fionamacgillivray.com/
sophie lane
Sophie Lane is a Massachusetts-born, half-Canadian singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and sound designer, who has held a lifelong passion for music. After winning 1st place in their division at 2013’s Berkshire Idol (when she was just 12!), Sophie has been captivating audiences with her heartfelt performances, showcasing her talent across North America in a diverse range of genres, including folk, musical theatre, jazz, choral, and beyond.
In addition to their dynamic performances, Sophie is an accomplished composer and arranger. Notably, they served as the composer and director of 2019's "The Parlor," a captivating musical that explores themes of queer love and resilience in a small-town setting. Her compositions and arrangements have been featured in performances throughout Montreal and the United States. Sophie has collaborated with acclaimed local and international artists such as Ranee Lee, Clare Siobhan, Bernice Lewis, Shannon Tehya, Hunter Frost and more, as well as debuted original sound composition in Montreal Fringe Festival 2023.
Sophie's creative journey reached a poignant milestone in 2021 with the release of their EP, "Medicine." This deeply personal album delves into themes of grief and healing, offering listeners a raw and honest exploration of the human experience, and of her own personal grief surrounding chronic illness and the death of friends and relationships. Through her evocative songwriting and soul-stirring melodies, Sophie invites audiences to join her on a cathartic journey of self-discovery and resilience.
Currently pursuing their BA in Jazz Performance at McGill University, Sophie is dedicated to honing her craft and expanding her musical horizons. She holds a thriving residency at Barbossa Jazz Bar in Montreal. Whether she's sharing her soulful voice on stage, imparting her expertise to students as a private teacher, or pouring her heart into her latest musical project, Sophie's commitment to authenticity and creativity shines through in every endeavor. With their unique blend of talent, passion, and unapologetic spirit, Sophie Lane continues to make a profound impact on the world of music.
Accompanied by Esteban Montana Martinez on guitar, Sophie sings their original composition, 'Amaretto Sours', at a live show at the venue Mai/son. (filmed and sound edited by Brad Hurley) (attached photo by Shakeem David)
Calling all Montreal poets and spoken word artists! Forget The Box, a non-profit publication dedicated to showcasing ground level, underground, and marginalized art in Montreal, wants to amplify YOUR voice. Feature Fridays is our new initiative to celebrate the power of poetry and spoken word in this city.
Every Friday, we'll be featuring a curated selection of local poets and spoken word artists, from seasoned slam champions to emerging voices with something unique to say. Our curators are deeply involved in Montreal's literary scene, passionate about supporting artists who are pushing boundaries with their words and performances.
Share your poems with a wider audience. Forget The Box reaches a dedicated community of art lovers and cultural enthusiasts in Montreal and beyond.
Connect with other poets and spoken word artists. Feature Fridays is a great way to network and build relationships within the Montreal literary scene.
Gain valuable exposure for your upcoming readings and publications. We'll promote your featured spot across our social media channels and website.
Be part of a platform that champions diversity and inclusivity in the arts. Forget The Box is committed to supporting artists from all backgrounds and styles.
Ready to take the mic?
Submitting your work is easy! Just head over to https://forms.gle/JqzLKq7RGQwYg7qn7 and fill out our Feature Friday POETRY form. Share your poems, tell us about your inspirations, and let your words resonate.
Julian william
Julian William has been a DIY creative for over a decade. Venturing into various mediums, he tends to return to photography. Photography was his main medium when 1 hour photos was a thing. He's produced experimental music albums and has had a handful of solo art shows in Ontario. Now he is in Montréal...with his camera in hand.
Description: DSLR Photography + Show up, Go Up
Artist Statement: Raw, gritty and hardcore détritus.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anme_magazine/
Feature Friday appears every Friday on Forget The Box! Submit your work below to be given the spotlight!
