McSweeney’s List (31 July 2024)
In some ways, we live in a world of over-emotionality. We want to tell our coworkers and bosses about how we feel, and what they said that offended us…and that's probably for the best. On the other hand, I'm exploring the practice of not getting caught in the language of feelings.
Hear me out.
I was raised in a place where the words I love you easily erased all evidence to the contrary. They were the most magical words in any language (translated accordingly), and I suppose if you grew up differently, there's no way to explain it. If you know what I'm talking about, well, I'm sorry. But there's plenty of room in this boat, welcome aboard. It wouldn't be until my late thirties (actually maybe later?) that I realized Love is a verb.
That probably explains why right now, at this stage of my life, I am much less attached to words than I am to actions. But beyond that, I am embracing the fact that sometimes actions come before feelings, even for simple things. Do you feel like coming out tonight? Well, I really won't know until I get there. I mean, maybe I'll get there and the place is shitty and we'll go somewhere else instead, and suddenly BAM we’re having the time of our lives. Maybe I'll get there and stay exactly long enough to be moderately polite, and decide I’d rather be on my couch with my cat. I really don't know, and that's ok.
I'm also detaching reasons from feelings. If I say I don't like someone, I'm no longer cross examining myself for a reason. If they fail my completely subjective and mostly subconscious vibe check, that's it, that's all. I no longer feel the need to justify it, or try to change my own mind. But Dawn, I used to say to Myself, you don't know this person, you have no valid reason for dislike. Why not get to know them before judging? Because I've been there and done that, and it's literally never worked. Vibe checks are instinctive, and despite my mental arrogance, I don't think my conscious brain is smarter than my gut. It's liberating to accept this without questioning myself, without having to articulate the sentiment.
Instead of waking up and trying to figure out how I feel about the day, I'm practicing waking up and just…being. Yes, it was probably weird of me to try to name feelings before getting out of bed, but this new approach feels uncomfortable right now. I'm letting feelings flow through me without ascribing meaning to them. They're feelings after all, and a new one will pop up in no time. For a change, my brain is spending more time singing songs than analyzing and interrogating. (Like, legitimately: if someone says “I wanna”, I will cut them off and start singing “dance with somebody”. They will roll their eyes and say “no seriously, where have” and I will belt out “all the cowboys gone?” I'm enjoying it.)
Sure, this is uncomfortable AF. Naming feelings apparently allowed me to acknowledge them and then shunt them off to a back burner somewhere. Feeling my feelings without classifying them is a more visceral experience. Oh, this one's in my stomach, oh, this one makes my head buzz. It has me sitting quietly and simply experiencing things in a really immediate way.
So kiss the people you want to kiss without the need to define it. Speak your truth in the moment without fear of what your honesty might bring. Follow your whims, and respect your vibe checks. Because meaning only exists in hindsight, and we, My Dears, only exist in the Now.
Blazin’ Glory
Close out the World's Smallest Comedy Festival with a bang.
Vance Michel releases his debut comedy special Vito Blaze at a screening party tonight! Filmed on 4/20, expect laughs, and billows of smoke. Come for the party, stay for what's bound to be a helluva night as the festival closes its second edition with bells on.
showcase
The Poly Mic brings you some of the best LGBTQ+ comedians in Montreal at the legendary queer bar NDQ.
On Wednesday, July 31st, this great showcase hosted by Raquel Maestre, will feature Montreal super star Tranna Wintour, Just For Laughs recording artist John Cotrocois, and other up and coming hilarious comedians!
WHAT: The Poly Showcase with Tranna Wintour
WHERE: NDQ, 32 Rue Beaubien E, Montréal, QC H2S 1P8
WHEN: Tonight, 9PM
METRO: Beaubien (Orange)
DETAILS: Facebook
EP Celebration
AUGUST 1ST! Ahren Strange celebrates the release of their first ever EP, Everlow, at L’Esco! Hang out with them and their lovely friends Gondola and Bozobaby for an unforgettable midsummer night's dream!
Doors at 8pm show at 8:30pm
$15 at the door
*Accessibility*
The venue has a short set of steps at the entrance. chairs can be made available upon request.
WHAT: Ahren Strange EP Release
WHERE: L'Escogriffe Bar, 4461 Saint Denis St, Montreal, Quebec H2J 2L2
WHEN: Thursday, August 1st @ 8PM
METRO: Mont Royal (Orange)
DETAILS: Facebook
HOME is where the heart is
Join us for this multidisciplinary exhibit and house warming party to celebrate the end of our current PSEI program on art and social transformation AND to celebrate our move into our new location on the ground floor of B7.
We are so proud of our mentees and the work they've been doing over the course of this 12 week session. Coming from different backgrounds, interests, and mediums their work is as diverse as they are but joined together through themes of liberation and solidarity. From illustration to ball room, and drag to jewelry, we can't way to showcase their work and invite you into something magical.
WHAT: On va où - Art Exhibition and Press Start Housewarming
WHERE: Bâtiment 7, 1900 Rue le Ber, Montréal, QC H3K 2A4
WHEN: Friday, August 2nd @ 4PM
METRO: Charlevoix (Green)
DETAILS: Facebook
SHOWCASE on The Main
One of the Plateau’s hottest performance events is back this Sunday with a new edition! ON THE BOULEVARD is a multidisciplinary showcase, featuring talents from across Montreal’s electric artistic community. Music, comedy, poetry, improv, spoken word and storytelling, magic, and more! Hosted by Creative Director Andrew Jamieson, OTB is a don’t-miss event, and the perfect way to spend a Sunday night: great drinks, great friends, great art!
On The Boulevard is a repeat fundraiser for Forget The Box. If you’d like to support the great work you enjoy on this site, you know what to do!
ACCESSIBILITY REMINDER: The event is on the second floor, up a single flight of stairs. The event will be presented with live closed captioning for the hearing impaired!
WHAT: On The Boulevard
WHERE: Bar Bifteck, 3702 St Laurent Blvd, Montreal, Quebec H2X 2V4
WHEN: Sunday, August 4th @ 9PM
METRO: Sherbrooke (Orange)
DETAILS: Facebook
McSweeney’s List drops every Wednesday with the best events, workshops, and more, each week in Montreal!
