McSweeney’s LIst (21 August 2024)
This past weekend marked the last On The Boulevard for a minute. For those of you who don't know (I mean, who reads this and doesn't know?), OTB was the multidisciplinary showcase we’ve been running every other Sunday. It was an opportunity for artists of all ilk (no clowns though, Andrew has his boundaries) to show-off, or practice, in a supportive room filled with artists and art lovers. Even though the show is on hiatus with plans to return soon, it marks the end of a chapter, and I couldn't help but reflect upon it.
Being so close to a regular show (Andrew did the heavy lifting, but I had a front row seat), I noticed some interesting things. The first is well known to all performers and producers: people say they’ll come, and they don't. I mean, I gettit, I've done it. A friend will mention their upcoming show, and in that moment, I truly believe I might get there, but when the time comes, ugh, it's so far, and I’d have to make an outfit, and how much are these drinks, will I want an Uber later? Besides, I think to myself, the place will be packed. They won't even notice I'm not there. Well, that's not true. If everyone has that thought on the same night, there's no audience to play to. Thankfully, we only had to cancel one show, which leads me elegantly to my next realization.
You can't predict who will dig your shit. As an artist, you do your thing, put it out there, and have no control over who it resonates with, and who tries to chase you out of town with torches. I think both are superior to the artistic kryptonite that is no one noticing what you're doing, or caring when they see it. Maybe that's just me. Regardless, OTB gained regulars. Not the people we expected, but the people who truly appreciated what we were doing. It was the embodiment of be yourself so your tribe can find you. It confirmed that truth, encouraging me to live louder and open my eyes to the people I run into while doing so. The friends I made there and conversations I had were always with those who had made commitments to their paths, their art, their lifestyle. The people who hung around after the mic to share a drink each had wonderful stories to tell about their lives, their sacrifices, their devotion to craft. And while you won't see their names in lights anytime soon, they are the ones holding the Montreal arts scene together. They are the ones doing the damn thing day in and day out, that thing of following their dreams, walking the walk we all talk about wanting. And besides the way that speaks to my soul and supports my personal life choices, it also matters because:
Our art scene is struggling. I knew this before; we talk about it in our articles, and it's a constant conversation behind the scenes. But this experience really made it clear. It's a challenge to find venues in the Plateau, and as that news spreads, the crowds don't even flock that way like they used to. It's a cycle that will end in the death of a notorious artistic hot spot in favor of condos, chain franchises, and exploitative rents. We talk so often about the closing venues, the changing vistas, and we tsk and wish something could have been done. All the while, showing up is the only thing that can save the scene. Sure, there are still a smattering of places that host indie shit, but they're scattered around town. You’d be hard pressed to wander down The Main these days and stumble across a show, an exhibit, and a loft party all in one night. And again, those small shows, unknown names, and makeshift venues are the knots that hold the scene together. Without that network, there's nowhere for the big stars to spring from. The root system is dying, and the only things that can save it are places for shows, and audiences to watch them.
A home club is priceless. By the end of our run there, our venue felt like home. A dirty, sketchy, complicated to deal with home, but that's the kind I'm familiar with. Regardless, having a mic where I could perform regularly (some appearances worse than others, some pretty fucking good), was ah-mazing. Yes, there were people there who enjoyed and supported what I was doing, but even if I didn't feel like I was doing great, it felt like failing in my own living room. I would be back. The crowd would be different, the night air would shift, and I would take the stage like I owned it. It was a remarkable comfort level that provided space for all kinds of artists to try new things, and see what happened. Sure, everyone wants to see the superstar who can do it in their sleep, but even the superstar started in a small room somewhere. This was our small room, and without it, I'm not sure I would've built up the confidence to step on other stages.
So that's it. That's what this chapter taught me. Again, it's not goodbye, it's au revoir, and hopefully before long we’ll be inviting you to a new spot so we can get the next chapter going together.
LAUGHS FOR A very important CAUSE
Join us for an unforgettable evening at The SWANA Comedy Show, a unique event celebrating the humor and resilience of Southwest Asian and North African (SWANA) communities. Produced by Sloan Kooshan, an Iranian trans and queer comedian based in Montreal, this show features an incredible lineup of ALL-STAR SWANA queer, trans, and ally comedians. What to expect? Incredible performances by Andrew Khoury, Heydar, Sandy, and Carmina Berbari Daou, and more!
This show is more than just comedy—it's a fundraiser for Palestine. All proceeds will go towards The Ghassan Abu Sittah Children's Fund, an organization dedicated to providing critical medical attention to the children of Gaza. Under the expert guidance of Dr. Ghassan Abu Sittah, the Fund transports critically injured children from Palestine to Lebanon, where they receive exceptional medical, psychological, and social care before returning home to continue their recovery. By offering this care in Lebanon, we not only provide these children with the best possible treatment but also help to alleviate the medical sector in Gaza.
The event is proudly sponsored by Helem MTL and QPIRG Concordia. Every ticket purchased comes with a raffle ticket for exciting prizes from our various sponsors. Additional raffle tickets will be available for purchase at the door to increase your chances of winning.
This event is produced through Forget The Box’s “Your Show Here” program. “Your Show Here” is an initiative from Forget The Box designed to foster the growth of emerging creative event producers. Under the mentorship of Creative Director Andrew Jamieson, these individuals receive comprehensive guidance spanning various aspects of event production, including administration, promotion, design, and publicity. This program also leverages Forget The Box’s unique partnership with numerous venues around Montreal. The primary objective of "Your Show Here" is to equip aspiring producers with the tools and knowledge necessary to create and sustain high-quality events within their community and beyond. Furthermore, the program prioritizes the participation of QTBIPOC producers, and events that cater to marginalized communities.
Free for Palestinians or allies sponsoring a family through Operation Olive Branch or another humanitarian initiative for Palestine. Just send us an email at the.swana.comedy.show@gmail.com to rsvp!
Reminder: Bring cash for additional raffle tickets!
Accessibility is a priority—closed captions will be provided during the show. However, please note that the venue has a flight of stairs.
Bathrooms will be gender neutral during the event.
Our safe space policy ensures a welcoming environment for all attendees: no discrimination or hostile behavior will be tolerated.
Filming performances is prohibited unless explicit consent is given, but photos are encouraged!
Please spread the word about the event on social media and share the cause!.
Come laugh for charity & Free Palestine!
WHAT: The SWANA Comedy Show: Comic Relief for Palestine
WHERE: Poubelle Magnifique, 1221 Crescent St., Montreal, H3G 2B1
WHEN: Sunday, August 25, Doors @ 8 PM, Show @ 9 PM
METRO: Lucien-L'Allier (Orange), Guy-Concordia (Green)
TICKETS: Zeffy
baby burlesque
This Sunday at The Wiggle Room, catch “Wigglin’ In”, a newbie competition!
Winners will be selected by the audience! Cast TBA!
1st prize: 1 spot on a weekend show, 100$ and 2 tickets for The Wiggle Room!!
2nd prize, 75$ and 2 tickets for The Wiggle Room!!
3rd prize, 50$ and 2 tickets for The Wiggle Room!!
Doors: 7:30pm / Show 8:00pm
WHAT: Wiggling In - A Newbie Competition
WHERE: The Wiggle Room, 3874 St Laurent Blvd, Montreal, Quebec H2W 1Y2
WHEN: Sunday, August 25 @ 8PM
METRO: Sherbrooke (Orange)
DETAILS: Facebook
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!
The World's Smallest Comedy Night is celebrating its 6th Year Anniversary in Hurley's Irish Pub ALL NIGHT LONG.
Come celebrate 6 years of The World's Smallest Comedy Night with Walter J. Lyng, Vance Michel, Zak Kik, Troy Stark and Zach Oskradel. Featuring Lawrence Corber, Serag Meletian, Abby Stonehouse, Joel Slavik, plus A SURPRISE GUEST.
The comedy ‘s at 8 PM, but the party goes until close!
WHAT: World's Smallest Comedy Night 6th Year Anniversary
WHERE: Hurley's Irish Pub, 1225 Crescent St., Montreal, H3G 2B1
WHEN: Monday, August 26, 8 PM
METRO: Lucien-L'Allier (Orange), Guy-Concordia (Green)
DETAILS: Facebook
The Power Of Spoken Word
Submissions are now open for Forget The Box’s first workshop!
ABOUT THE WORKSHOP
This two-day, eight hour poetry performance workshop offers intensive and personal instruction from two of Montreal’s leading artists in their sectors. The first day (four hours) will be led by Tara McGowan-Ross, author of Nothing Will Be Different, and focus on the text of your work. The second day (four hours) will be led by Andrew Jamieson, writer, director, and creator of Who’s Afraid, and Bed of Nails, and will focus on the performance of your work.
The workshop will then culminate on the third day with participants performing at a spoken word event, presented by Forget The Box, at a venue TBA.
NOTE: This workshop is aimed toward those writers with a specific in-process OR finished piece they would like to develop further.
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ABOUT THE FACILITATORS
Tara McGowan-Ross
Tara McGowan-Ross is an urban Lnu/Mi'kmaq author and theatre school drop-out who has been setting precedent for poetry performance in Montreal since the Printemps D'Erable. Her poem A SIMPLE INSTRUCTION was first runner-up for the Pacific Spirit poetry prize, her memoir NOTHING WILL BE DIFFERENT was a finalist for the Hilary Weston Writers’ Trust prize for nonfiction, and she has been anthologized in BEST CANADIAN POETRY and Anthologie de la poesie actuelle au femmes du Quebec 2000-2020. She draws inspiration from the continental tradition of Western philosophy, Mi’kmaq cultural traditions, hip-hop, dance, stand-up comedy, and ecstatic religion. Her approach is warm, funny, and tough-love, with the intention of breaking your work into the next level of its true potential.
https://taramcgowanross.substack.com/
Andrew Jamieson
First onstage at age five, Andrew Jamieson’s inevitable formal theatre training led him to directing his first professional stage production at the age of 16. Since then, he has directed dozens of projects from professional theatre, to short films and music videos, as well as his own experimental “Immersive Reality” productions. Through the latter, Andrew has developed an adapted approach to performance through text, based on David Mamet’s Practical Aesthetics, and Metamodern concepts. He has continued to refine and perfect this method while regularly coaching both professional actors and spoken word performers.
Currently developing his next immersive project, MONUMENTUM, Andrew also serves as the Creative Director and Editor-in-Chief of the local Montreal arts magazine Forget The Box.
www.whothefuckisandrewjamieson.com
DETAILS
Dates: September 22nd and 23rd, 2024
Time: 2-6PM
Performance: September 24th, 2024 @ 8PM
Location: Plateau Mont-Royal (Exact location will be provided to those selected.)
Cost: $150 (To be paid upon acceptance to the workshop.)
SUBMISSIONS ARE OPEN UNTIL SEPTEMBER 12TH, 2024. THOSE SELECTED WILL BE NOTIFIED THE NEXT DAY.
SUBMIT HERE:
https://forms.gle/Hq9pVTcGFhBVJ91EA
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This workshop is part of a pilot project by Forget The Box to provide accessible high-quality workshops to Montreal's creative community.
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Forget The Box is committed to equity. If you feel comfortable, please indicate if you bring a perspective to the workshop that has been historically marginalized by mainstream arts and culture (for example, if you are Queer, Trans, or BIPOC).
McSweeney’s List drops every Wednesday with the best events, workshops, and more, each week in Montreal!
