McSweeney’s List (5 June 2024)
Artists are a weird bunch. A motley crew of various talents (and often specific obsessions and strange habits), usually the only thing we have in common is a passion for the arts, or one corner of them.
Getting artists together is like taking a bunch of poorly understood and / or erroneously labelled chemicals, tossing them into a vat, and hoping for the best. Maybe a cake will come out, or a cure for something lethal, or a new and priceless mineral. Maybe it will create a compound that smells like the worst grandpa farts and serves no purpose other than making your eyes water. There is a strong likelihood there will be an explosion.
For a long time I thought this was because so many people think in terms of zero sum games where your success means my failure. And because artists by definition have their own perspectives, and too many perspectives at once can be dizzying. I'm still fairly confident that both of these are ingredients in the previously mentioned chemical reaction, but I believe I've identified another spice in the secret sauce: narcissism.
Hear me out: all artists are some level of narcissist. We have to be. If we didn't believe in the grand import of our talent, our point of view, our message, our vision, there would be no need to put our art into the world. We would all simply think a thought -- visualize a painting, imagine a plotline, craft a poem, song, or joke -- and keep it to ourselves. What a goddamn tragedy that would be. Artists can't exist without some level of conviction that what we have is special…that there's something new to be discovered in our way of seeing things. This narcissism is the thing we have in common that drives us apart.
There's an accurate quote that says the art scene is passing around the same dirty $20, going to the events of the people who go to theirs, taking turns paying admission. The flipside is that we keep a tally of those who don't turn up too. Intentionally or not, we remember who says they’ll be there and then aren't (yet again). We remember the friends and colleagues who are too busy with their own art to indulge us in ours, and those who expect a level of support they are unwilling to reciprocate. We remember those who insist on paying full price when they know we would've given them a pass. We know who really will tell their friends when we sing various renditions of Tell Your Friends. We force smiles and try to cover the desperation in our voices, but without an audience, we are each so very regular, and for an artist, that's awful.
I don't think there's a cure for the narcissism of artists. In fact, humility and ego death would've robbed us of not only our greatest artists, but every single artistic revolution. It takes hella grandiosity to come along and say fuck these curves, women are cubes now, and whether you like the result or not, that's the energy the arts always needs. So what I'm suggesting (and practicing), is some self-awareness. Ya, I'm a bit narcissistic sometimes, as are my closest creatives and my fave famous ones. Knowing that, maybe we can allow more space for each other's egos and work on uniting for a rebirth of the local scene. Sure, it sounds like a big undertaking, but who better for the job than a bunch of cocksure creative geniuses such as ourselves?
TONIGHT!
Fab funny lady (and podcaster) Abby Stonehouse is doing an hour, and it's gonna be a blast! She's testing material for her upcoming special Stale Bugles and Flat Sodas, so it's a full on sneak peek of the goodies to come.
Mariam Khan will warm up the crowd, and then Abby hits the stage “for a full hour (potentially a therapist hour)!”
The show is Pay What You Can (PWYC). All proceeds will go to the opening act, and The Poly Mic, who have been incredibly supportive of comedians, giving them a space to perform! Reserve your spot now!
WHAT: An Hour with Abby Stonehouse
WHERE: Notre Dame Des Quilles, 36 Rue Beaubien St. E., Montreal, H2S 1P8,
WHEN: Wednesday June 5 @ 9 PM
METRO: Beaubien (Orange)
RSVP: Eventbrite
FUN FACTS
Gather your know-it-all friends, and the one who keeps weird lists too, ‘cuz it's time to win. Every Wednesday Trivia Night hits Hurley's with boozy prizes and comedians performing between rounds.
It's a cozy pub with good food, and friendly folks. Whether you're a history buff, a pop culture guru, or a sports fanatic, there's something for everyone, and lots of laughs to go around!
This week, Vance Michel hosts!
WHAT: Trivia Night at Hurley's
WHERE: Hurley's Irish Pub, 1225 Crescent St., Montreal, H3G 2B1,
WHEN: Every Wednesday @ 8 PM
METRO: Lucien-L'Allier (Orange), Guy-Concordia (Green)
DETAILS: Facebook
LISTEN & LEARN
Three young writers—Amanda Asomani-Nyarko, Donna Fabiola Ingabire, and Jessica Williams-Daley—sit down with moderator Ayana Monuma to discuss their work in Where They Stood: The Evolution of the Black Anglo Community in Montreal, an anthology produced by the Black Community Resource Centre (BCRC) detailing the cultural, political, and social history of Montreal's Black Anglo community. A Q&A with the audience and a reception with refreshments will follow the discussion.
Donations will be accepted at the door.
Produced by the Montreal-based Black Community Resource Centre (BCRC), Where They Stood: The Evolution of the Black Anglo Community in Montreal is a collaborative anthology detailing the history of Montreal’s Black Anglo population. Nine writers explore the rich histories of the immigrants, labourers, and activists who built the cultural, social, and political community that exists today, all while reimagining what possibilities may lie ahead. As a project of BCRC, the work was designed to strengthen community engagement and create an increased sense of belonging, all while educating audiences on a commonly untold history.
This event is also available on Zoom.
Writers Out Loud is a Quebec Writers’ Federation event series.
WHAT: Black Youth Out Loud: Where They Stood
WHERE: Atwater Library, 1200 Atwater Ave., Westmount, H3Z 1X4
WHEN: Thursday, June 6 @ 7 PM
METRO: Atwater (Green)
DETAILS: Facebook
Friends at Fringe Park
Naghmeh is the project of Iranian-Canadian singer-songwriter Naghmeh Shafiei. Their music is a fusion of ethereal soundscapes, haunting melodies and thought-provoking lyrics. The band includes Daniela Rivera on bass, Adrian Foster on modular synthesizers, Becca Field on Drums, Mary-Kate Edwards on harmonies, and Naghmeh on guitar and vocals.
Voluntary contribution
Picture by Julie Spoltore - Poster by Naghmeh
WHAT: Naghmeh at Fringe Park
WHERE: Parc des Amériques, Rue Rachel E Montreal, QC H2W 1Z4
WHEN: Saturday, June 8 @ 6PM
METRO: Mont Royal/Sherbrooke (Orange)
DETAILS: Facebook
the best way to spend a sunday
Once again, Forget The Box’s multidisciplinary open mic, On The Boulevard, takes over the upstairs of the legendary Bar Bifteck in the heart of the Plateau! In this edition, we’ve got a stacked lineup of comedy and music, a bit of storytelling, and THREE spots for door-crashers who wants to sign up on the spot! Sign-Up is between 8:30-9PM. Hosted by our Creative Director, Andrew Jamieson!
WHAT: On The Boulevard
WHERE: Bar Bifteck, 3702 St Laurent Blvd, Montreal, Quebec H2X 2V4
WHEN: Sunday, June 9 @ 8PM
METRO: Sherbrooke (Orange)
DETAILS: Facebook
SUMMER IS OFFICIALLY HERE!
It’s hot as hell today, which means the return of Open Mic in Parc Jeanne Mance is upon us! Created by Lea Keeley, and hosted this year by Dirty Eddy, the event is held EVERY MONDAY EVENING through the duration of the good weather.
Information on the event can be found HERE, in both English and French. But! To make it easy for you, here is the English info:
OPEN MIC IN PARC JEANNE-MANCE
Every Monday (weather permitting)
Sign up at 6PM
Music until 9PM
WHERE IN PARC JEANNE-MANCE?
The nearest street corner is Duluth & Ave de l’Esplanade. We are located across from the beach volleyball courts on Duluth.
Here is a pin to the spot: Google Maps
WHAT GEAR IS AVAILABLE FOR USE?
Electric-acoustic guitar
Battery powered amplifier (Bose S1 Pro)
- 3.5mm Aux In
- 2x XLR or ¼” inputsSM58 microphone, XLR cable, microphone stand
Cajon
Yamaha Keyboard (not full size, not weighted keys)
Please note: there is no generator
HOW WILL IT WORK?
Signup starts at 6PM
At 615PM names will be drawn from a hat for performers to choose their time slot
2-3 songs per set (15 minutes including set up/tear down)
Priority will go to performers who did not play the week before or if it is their first time.
WHO CAN PLAY?
Anyone is welcome to play; any genre and any style of musical performance. If you would like to play as a band, please bring all required instruments/cables/amps. We have a small battery pack that should be able to power an amplifier for a short time. No drums are allowed since there have been issues in the past and we do our best to respect our neighbors, other park users, and nearby residents.
WHAT SHOULD I BRING?
A blanket to sit on
Protection from the sun
Water
Snacks
Your instrument of choice
ARE THERE WASHROOMS NEARBY?
Yes! Permanent washroom facilities are located at the Welcome Centre in Parc Jeanne-Mance. There is also a portable toilet closer to the open mic area.
IS THERE SOMEWHERE TO REFILL MY WATER BOTTLE?
There is a water refill station located at the Welcome Centre.
HOW WILL I KNOW IF THE EVENT IS POSTPONED DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER?
An announcement will be made by 4PM on Mondays on the Facebook Group and on Instagram
WHAT IS THE STORY BEHIND OPEN MIC MONDAYS IN PARC JEANNE-MANCE?
Check out this article about the event series and its founder, Lea Keeley.
https://www.forgetthebox.ca/arts/open-mic-jeanne-mance-mtl-event-series
Written by Naghmeh Shafiei.
HOW CAN I HELP SUPPORT THE EVENT?
Donate here to help support the continuation of this special event series
COMMITMENT TO SAFER SPACES
We are committed to providing a comfortable and enjoyable experience for all open mic attendees, performers, and park users. Everyone has the right to a harassment-free experience regardless of gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, ability, physical appearance, age, race, religion, or place of origin. We do not tolerate harassment, abuse, or discrimination in any form. Above all, we believe in community care, and ask that all participants look out for each other. If you have a concern that someone is at risk, please let us know.
WHAT: Open Mic at Parc Jeanne Mance
WHERE: Parc Jeanne Mance
WHEN: Every Monday @ 6PM
METRO: Sherbrooke (Orange)
DETAILS: Facebook
creating space for everyone
Want to put on a show but you're not sure you have your ducks all in a row? Well first of all, ducks are terrible to work with, so I would rethink that. But second, we’ve got your back.
YOUR SHOW HERE is a community initiative from Andrew Jamieson and Forget The Box, inspired by the great work of Raquel Maestre at Notre-Dame des Quilles. The mission is to make space available, and financially accessible, to emerging event producers in Montreal and beyond! With the mentorship and guidance (and design and admin support, too!) of a very experienced producer, you’re guaranteed to have a very special event.
Forget The Box produces On The Boulevard, a biweekly multidisciplinary open mic held on Sunday nights at Bar Bifteck in the heart of the Plateau. The Sunday nights opposite On The Boulevard are currently available through YOUR SHOW HERE. This provides an opportunity to check a bunch of annoying details of your To Do List, and focus on what you do best: your art.
For complete information, and to sign up, please visit the Google Form.
McSweeney’s List drops every Wednesday with the best events, workshops, and more, each week in Montreal!
