McSweeney’s List (1 November, 2023)
Accessible Audio for McSweeney’s List will be available soon!
We are not human beings having a spiritual experience. We are spiritual beings having a human experience.
- Pierre Teilhard de Chardin
Above is one of my favourite quotes. I'm certain I first heard this one in a Westmount yoga studio, said with a serene smile. It was one of the many aphorisms that floated around that scene, detached from its source and history. It resonated with me, and still does, though now I know it's a quote from a Darwinian Jesuit priest who was also a scientist, palaeontologist, theologian, philosopher and teacher. His spirit seemed determined to get as much of the human experience in as he could.
It's easy to see the truth of the statement in the context of ourselves. We know the feeling of being strange minds controlling these cumbersome bodies, surfing social cues, longing for intangibles. The tricky part comes with broadening the concept from personal to universal. As soon as I try to expand the idea, the statement starts to morph into "be nice to everyone because you don't know what they're going through", and I reflexively shut down. Sure, that's true, but it's such a basic bitch passive way to move through life that I can't implement it too far. It excuses too much without drawing the line between A You Problem, and A Me Problem. What "people are going through" should never excuse bad behaviour or emotional neglect. When people drop the ball and ask you to help collect the pieces and save the day, they're making their problem yours. If you choose to take it on, fine. As I see it, niceness for its own sake is an overrated concept. Do it because you care, because you want to, because you can, but I'm not a fan of doing anything just so people will call me nice behind my back. (Ask around about me, everyone will say far more interesting things.)
Returning to the human experience bit, I can understand that even those who seem smooth and put together in their dailies feel scattered and twisted inside. Sometimes while people watching, I'll visualize the face in front of me laughing, crying, caught off guard…the faces that we can't help but make. The faces that stay out of sight save for those rare and often intimate moments where we share them with others. It helps me remember that this character in front of me is also a wandering spirit, also experiencing this wild ride for the first time (or the-only-time-we-remember-at-the-moment, for my old souls).
In my muggle life, I deal with the general population more than I care to. I used to love the public, but too many spirits wearing their humanity badly have deflated me over time. Sure, I also get to meet countless wonderful souls, people who devote their lives to service with smiles and giant hearts. I want to bow to those people. I want to make them breakfast in bed and guard their dreams while they sleep. They're the minority of course, and I believe they always will be. It only takes a few shiny souls to balance out the wretched ones in the grand scheme. I also meet people navigating annoyingly universal things like death with grace and nobility. So often I am awed by the way a spirit can swell so much bigger than a body, the way a peaceful energy can walk into a room, silencing the trite thoughts we were all harping on. In these moments, I am knocked back by the power of the soul. By the overriding realities that are so much bigger than our petty preoccupations, these shared steps in our human existence.
It's easier for me to extend my heart to these people, to meet them in the vulnerable space they invite me into. Here it's much easier to see these spirits than it is on a crowded bus where this turkey over here refuses to take his backpack off. And maybe that in itself is part of the human experience. Much like characters in the matrix or fish in water, we can't actually perceive anything outside of this *gestures vaguely* life thing we're doing.
And once I open my heart, I no longer feel judgemental. Um, I mean I do still judge, discernment is necessary in our every day. What I mean is that I open. And when I open I am aware of the energy that can only be generated between souls playing at humanity. Whether that vibe is a bright red flag, or the green light of safe joy, there is something -- everything -- to be said about the chemistry that occurs between humans. You know that feeling when you low-key feel super tense around a person? (Shout out Leo women, Sag - Leo - Leo over here, and I'm sorry to say, we will never be besties.)
And I think it's ok, dare I say normal that in this life there are people who give me the heebie jeebies on impact. I don't need to rationalize or excuse, it's a matter of chemistry and spiritual response. It is no less honest than the delicious and instant response you feel when you inadvertently breathe the breath of something whose core calls to your own. When it feels like our blood flows better near someone special. Our brains work more elegantly, or cells regenerate more quickly…the positive spiritual responses of joyful, stimulating company. In the indescribable place beyond words, feeling that resonance of energies combining, that's when it becomes so beautifully clear that we are spirits, My Dear Kindreds, having a human experience. And for all the stumbles, falls, and fresh starts, I can't help but think what a beautiful experience it is.
DOWN LOW STAND-UP
For most of my life I thought everyone loved standup comedy, so it seemed redundant to call myself a fan. I have recently realized that there are people who have never seen standup and don't want to, and an especially strange group of folks who have seen it and were like "meh, laughter isn't for me". I pray for these people. All this to say, if you're looking for me this Friday, I'll be at this show.
Jason Yearow is co-hosting the shindig. He's a hilarious dude, and a pretty big deal on our satirical account Forget The Press.
Co-host Lucas Philip Alcantara is freshly back from doing Quebec City shows. He can make you laugh in three different languages, proving yet again that humour is what brings us together.
Morgan O'Shea cracks me the fuck up. His first two albums, Adultish and Perfect Dirtbag, are available wherever you listen to things. His third album is on its way this month, and I'll be listening closely to see if I can hear Andrew Jamieson and myself laughing our whole faces off.
It appears that comedian Sara Quinn is genuinely a doctor. Like, with a real ass PhD. While that's not a prerequisite for standup, it already makes it funnier. She's performed Off-JFL as well as L.A.'s famous Comedy Store.
Kris Duglar has performed on the The Great Black North Comedy Tour, and hosts Raw Comedy every Sunday. I've seen his name on a bunch of events, and I'm eager to see him live.
Darren Henwood is freshly back from a brave foray into Ottawa where he and some fellow Anglos did Wronglais shows "butchering les two officielles langages du Canada in joke à la time". The line itself makes me giggle. Plus, my friend told me she's seen him perform and he slays, so I can't wait.
I'll be super honest and say I don't know anything about Paul Worrall, and the internet was of little assistance. He might be in the witness protection program. Regardless, considering the comedic company he's got on this lineup, I'll venture a bet that he's funny.
This event is BOYB. Yes, the address shows up as a pharmacy, and no, that isn't the venue. The entrance is the pink door at the rear of the pharmacy, the event is downstairs. I have been promised directional sandwich boards so I don't misplace myself.
WHAT: Sticks 'N' Stones: A Down Low Comedy Show
WHERE: Espace Joie De Vivre, 1485 Atateken, Montreal, H2L 3L2
WHEN: Friday, November 3, Doors @ 8 PM, Show @ 9 PM, Afterparty with DJ
METRO: Berri-UQAM
DETAILS: Facebook
PARTY WITH THE PAINTERS
In case you missed it (which you shouldn't have, it made the McList), The Painters recently released their visual album. Featuring fab artists and animation, they had a grand premiere, attended by our very own Arcana (read her piece here!). Then the visual album became free for everyone to see on YouTube. Now, the audio album is dropping, and that calls for a party!
Catch The Painters in the flesh, along with Sunforger, Sarah Feldman, and DJ Big M for a great night.
Tickets: $10 advance [limited quantity], $15 at the door
WHAT: The Painters Album Release Party
WHERE: L'Hémisphère Gauche, 221 Beaubien E., Montreal, H2S 1R5
WHEN: Saturday, November 4, Doors @ 830 PM, Party @ 9 PM - 230 AM
METRO: Beaubien (Orange)
TICKETS: The Point of Sale
A SPECIAL THIS & THAT
This & That is a comedy show featuring scripted sketch comedy and off the cuff improv. I saw them at Ladyfest this summer, celebrating their 2nd anniversary, and now they're back with another glorious edition. Featuring talented folks from Montreal's comedy community, there will be lots of laughs, even more joy, plus maybe a few tears as This & That bids adieu to The Diving Bell Social Club, and heads out on an indefinite hiatus.
I caught up with the brains behind the operation, Melissa G., and Marielle for their thoughts on this changing chapter.
This & That has been an absolute joy and I’m really grateful for the connections it helped make with folks in the comedy community in this city. There are so many amazingly talented folks - so having their trust to be on our shows has been a real gift.
We started out at Ladyfest Montreal 2022, and being given the space, chance and trust to co-create this show with Sara Meleika and Marielle - I’ll always be grateful for it.
Going on indefinite hiatus is bittersweet - responsibilities change, work, school and of course the Diving Bell closing - the hope is in taking steps back, we can figure out ways forward that work best for us, considering all of these changes.
Working with the Diving Bell has been so collaborative and they’ve been incredibly supportive of us - it’s definitely going to be a bittersweet celebration - but a celebration nonetheless (!) - on November 7th.
Melissa G.
The Diving Bell has made producing this show so easy, it’s hard to imagine doing it elsewhere. It’s bittersweet, but we’re seeing the November 7th show as an opportunity to say thank you to the space and all the people who’ve contributed to the show before taking some time to reflect on future directions.
Marielle
This special edition will feature improv from Cobra! and Imploding, along with sketch comedy by Montreal Sketchfest darlings, Madame. The incredible Eve Parker Finley will be headlining with a solo musical sketch comedy set!
WHAT: This & That: An Improv Comedy Sketch Show
WHERE: The Diving Bell Social Club, 3956 St. Laurent Blvd., 3rd Floor, Montreal, H2W 1Y3
WHEN: Tuesday, November 7, Doors @ 630 PM, Show @ 7 PM
METRO: St. Laurent (Green)
TICKETS: Plain Stage
INTO THE RABBIT HOLE
Somewhere out there Comedian Abby Stonehouse is known to be a kind and bubbly human being. Also somewhere out there, comedy-adjacent Fernando P. is known for being the life of the party, in the most sarcastic of ways. The two of them collide for A Horrific Evening Podcast , a new pod aimed at educating Abby about the darker side of life.
In this hour-long show, two best friends pretend no one is listening while discussing horrific headlines, facts, and surprisingly repressed memories. Abby hopes you will laugh and be delighted, Fernando doesn’t care. New episodes every Tuesday-(ish). Also, it’s free, so no excuses.
Join the multitalented Abby, and the uber-jaded (and miserable human being) Fernando P. for what's bound to be a hilarious and convoluted journey into the dark.
A Horrific Evening is available now, everywhere you get your podcast fix.
I LIKE BIG BOOKS
What's better than the Concordia EPIC Used Book Fair? The Concordia EPIC Used Book Giveaway!
How does it work?
1. Bring your reusable bag.
2. Contribute a $2 donation. Bring cash!
3. Browse the thousands of books available!
3. Select up to 20 books for FREE!
*After that, books are $1 each
Seriously, Christmas is around the corner, and real readers never snub a used book. Stock up on gifts, and spoil yourself silly. Plus, you can donate books or volunteer for the event, details on their Facebook page (link below).
WHAT: Concordia EPIC Used Book Giveaway!
WHERE: J.W. McConnell Building Atrium - Library Building, 1400 De Maisonneuve Blvd. W., Montreal, H3G 2V
WHEN: STUDENTS, STAFF & ALUMNI (with Concordia ID card): Tuesday, November 7, (8 AM - 4 PM) / OPEN TO EVERYONE: Wednesday, November 8 (8 AM - 4PM)
METRO: Guy-Concordia (Green)
DETAILS: Facebook
McSweeney’s List drops every Wednesday with the best events, workshops, and more, each week in Montreal!
