McSweeney’s List (10 July 2024)
There's something you're doing that you should be doing more of. I don't know what it is, I don't actually know you, but listen up.
I started doing comedy a couple of months ago. Sure, I've been telling people I'm funny for years, and public speaking never phased me, but I'd never done anything to marry these two thoughts. I'd considered it, but put it on a back burner in the yadda yadda section of my brain. When I did the damn thing, different aspects of myself united: my writing, my spotlight-loving-self, my hard earned stories. Brightsiding™ is how I've gotten through life thus far, allowing me to maintain hope and keep my heart soft (or as soft as it is now). It's the filter I put on the world that allows me to keep going in a fairly joyful fashion. Often over the years when I tell stories of heartache or minor catastrophe, my friends have apologized for laughing. “I'm sorry, I know it's sad, but you make the story funny.” And I always tell them to think nothing of it: if we couldn't find lightness in it, it would be immovably heavy, and I can't deal with that. My Kiddo has inherited this from me, and considering I also gave her IBS and a questionable mental status, this might be one of the best things she got.
Let's not lose the point though, and there are a couple. First, I could get caught up and lament that I didn't start this part of my journey sooner. It's easy to slide into that particular puddle of woe, but I would argue that it's not just pointless, it's inherently erroneous. Let's say I had started comedy in my roaring twenties, arguably a great time to get in the game. I assure you, I was not the person then who stands before you now. I can't imagine how my at the time still malleable personality would've processed criticism along with my need to be liked. My personality was still nebulous (I think that's what your 20s are about), and my voice would've just been a mashup of all the people I wanted to be or thought I was. When I walk into a room now, sure I lack the experience, and yes my skills need sharpening, but I know who I am. And that one fact allows me to walk into spaces where I might not belong with the balls of someone who does.
And that's the mission, Kids. Gather all the weird hobbies and habits you’ve acquired, stoke the flames of passion wherever you find an ember, and walk your whole self into the rooms you want to be in. Don't wait to be invited to the table, grab a seat and put your feet up. There will be loads of times that it doesn't work, and those will be part of your future stories. There will even be spaces you bravely break into and then realize well, this ain't my scene, and you’ll show yourself out. And you get those stories too.
Each of those stories, each of those attempts no matter how they pan out, are important stones in the foundation of your character. The stronger your character, the easier it is to walk into rooms of all shapes and sizes. Feel me? So no lamenting that you didn't start skateboarding sooner, instead go get a board (and a helmet, and pads…you're old and fragile now, but don't let that slow you down). This is the youngest you’ll ever be again. Put on your fave shoes, and make your entrance.
time is a construct
Tony McIntyre is travelling through time. He is examining his past and telling everyone about his future through an hour of comedic shenanigans, which will feature his unique standup stylings as well as some clown work, crowd work, singing, and his Time Machine to perform what he has called beat comedy.
The show is Pay What You Can.
WHAT: Tony McIntyre is a Time Traveller
WHERE: Bar Notre Dame Des Quilles, 32 Beaubien St. E., Montreal, H2S 1P8
WHEN: TONIGHT! Wednesday, July 10 @ 9 PM
METRO: Beaubien (Orange)
DETAILS: Facebook
Girls, gays, and theys, oh my!
The Lucy Show returns to the Wiggle Room on Sunday, July 14th for another fantastic event with many laughs and a bit of skin! This month features some of Montreal’s most hilarious women, non-binary, and gay comedians and some amazing burlesque!
Expect an absolutely unforgettable experience at The Lucy Show. Nothing beats The Wiggle Room’s atmosphere (except maybe their drinks), and this month’s lineup is start-to-finish entertainment!
Tickets are moving fast, so don’t sleep on this one!
WHAT: The Lucy Show - Girls, Gays, and Theys
WHERE: The Wiggle Room, 3874 St Laurent Blvd, Montreal, Quebec H2W 1Y2
WHEN: Sunday, July 14 @ 7:30PM
METRO: Sherbrooke (Orange)
TICKETS: The Wiggle Room
RIGHT ON TIME
Don't worry, you didn't miss Spotfest! Weather postponed it, so it's this Saturday! What's Spotfest? Picture an office picnic but with comics: comedy, music, pickle ball, networking, and BBQ. There's a State of The Scene Address, and the appointment of the new King and Queen of Spotfest. It's billed as a day of carnal savagery, and I bet it delivers. Bring your friend, bring your dog, bring your friend’s dog. It's gonna be a day so pack accordingly. Oh, and no spots, so don't ask xo
WHAT: Spotfest 666
WHERE: Girouard / NDG Park, 3500 Avenue Girouard Ave,, Montreal, H4A 1R2
WHEN: Saturday, July 13 @ 1 PM
METRO: Vendôme (Orange)
DETAILS: Facebook
AWARENESS THROUGH LAUGHTER
We’re roasting and joking, and raising Autism Awareness this weekend! Hosts Gotham (yes, like the city) and Michael Gioia take the hits while the lineup brings the laughs. Who all will be there? Well, yours truly for starters! Wait, you roast? I don't actually, so you should probably come out and cheer me on. Plus, neurodivergence will be on full display, so it’ll be a comfy spot for weirdos of all flavours. Come on down!
WHAT: Honey, I Roasted The Host! Autism Awareness Night
WHERE: Café Nada Bar & Grill, 4719 Lavoisier Blvd., Montreal, H1R 3E9
WHEN: Saturday, July 13 @ 730 PM
METRO: Um…No.
DETAILS: Facebook
everyone’s favorite party girl
Join Drawn & Quarterly and Walter Scott to launch THE WENDY AWARD on July 11th at Espace Drawn & Quarterly (176 Rue Bernard O). Walter will be in conversation with Weird Era's Sruti Islam.
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THE WENDY AWARD:
Everybody’s favorite party girl Wendy is so back
When Wendy is nominated for the coveted National FoodHut Contemporary Art Prize alongside her friend Winona, all of her millennial dreams seem to be coming true. She lives a post-pandemic, polyamorous fine artist’s lifestyle in the big city and basks in the glory of national attention with the success of her popular comic strip, “Wanda."
But not even achieving bona fide art star fame can hide the truth: a never-ending struggle with imposter syndrome. After she cracks in an online interview and gets dragged in the comments section, she heads straight to a local watering hole to drown her sorrows. Several lines of coke, too many drinks, and one all night rager with fans later, Wendy is ready to curse Gen Z and confront her addictions. All the while, she and Winona drift apart as a younger Indigenous artist wedges herself between them. Will Wendy’s commitment to change wind up short-lived?
The Wendy Award incisively skewers the art world with its corporate overlords, performative activism, generational wealth, and weaponized therapy speak. A showcase of Walter Scott’s deft wit and social commentary, The Wendy Award asks the hard questions, like Do they still give awards to men? Should we be grateful for the exposure? And what exactly is Big Auntie Energy?
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WALTER SCOTT:
Walter Scott is an interdisciplinary artist working in comics, drawing, video, performance, and sculpture. His graphic novel series Wendy chronicles the continuing misadventures of a young artist in a satirical imagining of the contemporary art world. Scott's eponymous party girl has previously been featured in three graphic novels Wendy; Wendy's Revenge and Wendy: Master of Art as well as in Canadian Art; Art in America; The New Yorker; The New York Times and MoMA Magazine. Scott has been nominated or longlisted for the Ignatz Awards, Canada Reads, the Believer Book Award, and the Doug Wright Award, and finally, the Sobey Art Award—considered to be the preeminent fine art award in Canada.
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Espace Drawn & Quarterly Accessibility information:
- Our event space uses StopGap.ca ramps in an effort to encourage accessibility. Both the step at the entrance, followed by a half step and a door have StopGap ramps. The door opens inward and is not automated. Once inside, there are no additional steps.
- There is one non-gendered bathroom.
- It is not a sober space, our events sometimes offer alcohol.
Please email events@drawnandquarterly.com if you have any accessibility needs we can accommodate (for example, saving you a seat if you have mobility needs) for you to be able to enjoy our events, worry-free, and feel free to contact us for any concerns you may have
WHAT: Walter Scott Launches The Wendy Award in Conversation with Sruti Islam
WHERE: Espace Librarie Drawn & Quarterly,
WHEN: Thursday, July 11 @ 7PM
METRO: Rosemont (Orange)
DETAILS: Facebook
sign up now!
Sign-up NOW for the hottest multi-mic showcase in town! On The Boulevard is presented by Forget The Box, and hosted by our very own Creative Director Andrew Jamieson. Every other Sunday on the second floor of the legendary Bar Bifteck, we celebrate with comedy, music, spoken word, improv and sketch comedy, storytelling, more!
Accessibility Upgrade: We are SO PROUD to announce that On The Boulevard is now presented with live closed captioning for our hearing impaired friends! Spread the word!
MORE INFORMATION AND SIGN-UP HERE
CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS - A NEUROdivergent celebration
Forget the Mask: Embracing Neurodivergence Through Creative Expression
We are excited to announce an open call for submissions for our upcoming show dedicated to showcasing the lived experiences of neurodivergent individuals through various forms of art. Our intention is to de-stigmatize neurodivergence by providing a platform where stories, struggles, triumphs, and unique perspectives can be shared and celebrated.
Do you have experiences and stories that reflect the rich diversity and unique strengths of neurodivergence? Despite the contributions and perspectives neurodivergent individuals bring to society, there are many misunderstandings and stigmas associated with conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and more.
By sharing authentic stories and creative expressions, we aim to challenge these stereotypes and foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of neurodivergent experiences.
*Please note self-diagnosis is valid.
Submission Details:
We welcome contributions in all forms of artistic expression that reflect the lived experience of being neurodiverse, including but not limited to:
Written Word: Poems, essays, short stories, personal narratives, and scripts that capture the essence of neurodivergent experiences.
Visual Art: Paintings, drawings, photography, mixed media, and digital art that reflect the diverse perspectives and emotions of neurodivergent individuals.
Performance Art: Monologues, skits, and performance pieces that bring to life the complexities and nuances of living as a neurodivergent person, including theatrical performances.
Comedy: Stand-up routines, sketches, and comedic performances that use humor to shed light on neurodivergent experiences and challenge stereotypes.
Music: Original songs, instrumental pieces, and musical compositions that express the unique rhythms and harmonies of neurodivergent life.
About the producer of the show:
Chloe Martin (they/she) is a queer art therapist and clinical counselor who graduated from Concordia University. With a background rooted in community centers and schools, Chloe has been in private practice for the past three years, specializing in supporting queer and neurodiverse individuals to thrive. They are passionate about providing a space for neurodivergent individuals to share their lived experiences, aiming to de-stigmatize and normalize their lived experience.
Chloe is a strong advocate for accommodation rather than trying to 'fix' neurodiversity. They support others in self-accommodation, self-actualization, and reducing the shame associated with having a different brain. Chloe's life mission is to support neurodivergent individuals in finding a safe space within society to thrive, ensuring that their voices and selves truly matter.
This show, aimed at showcasing the talents of neurodivergent individuals, is a pilot project for Chloe, made possible with the generous support of Forget the Box and the “YOUR SHOW HERE” initiative. Her overarching mission is to create a safe space within society where neurodivergent voices are heard, valued, celebrated, and where the lived experience of neurodiverse folks is destigmatized and normalized.
How to Submit:
Submission Deadline: Sunday, July 21st to forgetthemask@gmail.com
Format: Please submit your work in a digital format. Written pieces should be in Word or PDF format. Visual art should be high-resolution images (JPG or PNG).If applicable, performance art, comedy, and music can be submitted as video or audio files (MP4, AVI, MP3). Additionally, a link to your project is also acceptable.
Draft submissions & incomplete projects are welcome as long as there is a final product by August 11th.
Description: Along with your submission, please include a brief description (150-300 words) of how your work relates to your neurodivergent experience and the message you wish to convey.
Duration: Each piece should be no longer than 15-20 minutes.
Please note: Chloe may e-mail and request a meeting for some projects to better understand the creative concept during the week between July 21st and July 28th
Guidelines:
Submissions should be original works created by neurodivergent individuals.
We encourage works that are authentic, diverse, and reflective of personal experiences.
Collaborative works are welcome; please specify all contributors.
There is no submission fee.
E-mails will be sent for accepted projects only.
Exhibition Details:
Event Date:August August 11th
Location: Bar Biftek at 7pm
Time: Doors at 8, 9pm show
Contact Information: For inquiries, please contact forgetthemask@gmail.com
Payment:
Payment to artists will be made based on ticket sales. A percentage of the total ticket revenue will be distributed among the contributing artists. Details of the payment structure will be provided upon acceptance of your submission.
Important Dates:
Submission Deadline: July 21st
Notification of Acceptance: July 28th
We believe that through art, we can foster understanding, empathy, and connection. By sharing your stories and creativity, you can help us de-stigmatize neurodivergence and highlight the richness of neurodivergent lives.
We look forward to receiving your submissions!
Warm regards,
-Chloe Martin
-Forget the Box
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