McSweeney’s List (9 October 2024)
A few years ago I had a dream that was pretty weird, even for me. I was laying in a coffin, fully alive, surrounded by loved ones, preparing for death. I wasn't old, and I didn't feel sick, but that's how the dream started, and it felt like this had been well-planned. As I closed my eyes, my hands folded across my chest in some dramatic reenactment of a mummy’s pose, and the feeling struck me that I needed to pee. Popping up from my box with a hold that thought, I went to the bathroom, and as I did my business, I thought to myself God, this really is my last pee. Feel every bit of it. A strange thought, granted, but contextually appropriate. The contemplation in that dream moment that this was the last moment in this body experiencing this existence shook my dream stream to another channel, and it left off there.
Just the other week, I found out that my brother-in-law’s father, Bob (my uncle-in-law, apparently, if we’re doing math) was choosing medically assisted suicide. Despite working in healthcare, I'd never even tangentially known anyone taking that path. Needless to say, people didn't know what to say to my BIL. (That’s a Reddit thing.) We have well established phrases for a lot of awkward human experiences, but we haven't come up with the script for this yet. When I tried to put myself in either of their shoes -- my BIL’s or his dad’s -- my throat felt tight, my heart heavy. Really, what are the right words for this situation?
The day came fast, much to Bob’s relief, I'm sure. He was suffering, his days numbered no matter what, and this was his empowered choice. My sister sent me a picture; my BIL and his dad were outside in the sun, and his dad was wearing a T-Shirt with the date that said I Died Today And All I Got Was This Lousy T-shirt. They were wearing party hats, smiling, maybe even caught in mid laugh. The grace of their hearts struck me right through. Bob finding joy in his last moments, my BIL creating space for that joy amid his own feelings. And I thought shit, if they can embrace such a difficult day with such dignity, with such graciously open hearts, then I can probably be more graceful about my mediocre ones.
They say that if you live a full life, you won't lament death when it comes. But the people I know who have passed did not live full lives. There was very little deathbed laughter, definitely no party hats for the once in a lifetime event. They didn't wear many party hats in their lives, actually, and perhaps those things are connected. I was reminded that celebrations are created; that acts of joy are willful.
I often say if you can't laugh at your own dead parents, who can you laugh at? It's not that shocking a statement if you know me and my coping mechanisms. My BIL is of the same heart on the matter, and from him I received about a million death puns and funny tombstone quotes. It's a healthy part of the process where I come from. While he takes the time to process his loss, I'm gonna go pick up some party hats…and maybe some noise makers too. Just because it’s Wednesday.
NOT FOR LAUGHS
"In Memoriam" is a creative memorial service designed to bring people together, sit, and process collective grief in community through art. Presented by Lebanese Canadian artist and therapist, Sandy, on Thursday, October 10, at 7:00 pm, at le 257 St Ferdinand in St Henri.
Sandy will be joined by the talented Achraf Elabed, Pascale Jalloulf, Raquel Maestre, Yumi Blake, Sara Melika, John Cotrocois, Jad Moura, Griffin Payne, Radwan Ghazi Moumneh and the wonderful Tim and Joe. Each of them will participate through sharing their own unique artistic expression.
NB:
* This event will be part performative, part participatory. Sandy will guide a ritual to honor our losses, and attendees are invited to bring a small symbolic object to contribute to the community altar.
* Profits from the event will be donated to Lebanese relief funds .
* Please dress appropriately. Black is the answer!
* If you are blissfully sheltered from world news, this event might not be for you.
* If you have achieved virtuosity in obedience, this event is not for you.
— The only way out is through — together ????
WHAT: In Memoriam
WHERE: Le 257 St. Ferdinand - 257 Rue Saint-Ferdinand, Montreal, QC H4C 2S6
WHEN: Thursday, October 10 @ 7PM
METRO: Saint Henri (Orange)
DETAILS: Le Point Devente
EP LAUNCH
Pigs&Wolves (EP launch) + SU + Macrocilix
jeudi 10 octobre 2024
Turbo Haüs (2040 Saint-Denis, Montréal)
portes : 20h / show : 20h30
Pigs&Wolves - - Poetry-rock
Lancement du EP "The Unfortunate Waggle"
https://pigsandwolves.bandcamp.com/
https://www.youtube.com/@PigsWolves
Instagram : @pigsandwolves
SU - - Trippy theatrical duet
https://www.facebook.com/theSUproject
https://suwebproject.bandcamp.com/
https://linktr.ee/thesuproject
Instagram : @thesuproject
Macrocilix - - Grunge/stoner rock
https://www.facebook.com/macrocilix
https://macrocilix.bandcamp.com/
Instagram : @macrocilix
Billets : 14$ à l'avance / 15$ à la porte
WHAT: Pigs and Wolves - EP LAUNCH
WHERE: Turbo Haus - 2040 Saint Denis St, Montreal, Quebec H2X 3K7
WHEN: Thursday, October 10 @ 8PM
METRO: Berri-UQAM
DETAILS: Facebook
BILINGUAL LAUGHS
Standing up, we smash patriarchy with punchlines!
This is a bilingual feminist stand-up comedy show, featuring incredible performers in both English and French. No cis dudes on stage—just an empowering, inclusive space for feminists and queer folks!
Hosted by Caro Monast, featuring Raajiee Chelliah, Yasmeen Gregs, Sara Meleika, Rafaële Bolduc, Sloan Kooshan, Anne-Marie Dupras
WHAT: Debout·tes: Bilingual and Feminist Stand-Up Comedy Night
WHERE: Bar le Jockey 1309 St. Zotique St. E., Montreal, H2G 1G6
WHEN: Friday, October 11 @ 8 PM
METRO: Beaubien (Orange)
TICKETS: LePointDeVente
DIVE INTO MUSIC, CULTURE, AND HISTORY
Step into the first series of Universal Soundscapes with an Ottoman Music History Night at Noctis Café on October 13! This monthly series dives deep into music, culture, and history, and we’re kicking off with a magical evening that will transport you to the heart of the Ottoman Empire. Immerse yourself in the captivating sounds of @omerlimandal on the qanun, Merve Sancak on vocals and bendir, and witness the mesmerizing art of live calligraphy painting by @merya__art
Intrigued? This event offers more than just music—it’s a cultural journey, with surprises that promise to enchant all your senses. Come and experience the magic for yourself! 🌟
This event is PWYC!
WHAT: Universal Soundscapes - The Ottoman Odyssey
WHERE: Cafe Noctis, 4844 Wellington St, Verdun, Quebec H4G 1X4
WHEN: Sunday, October 13 @ 7 PM
METRO: De l'Église (Green)
DETAILS: Facebook
GLAM IT UP
Montreal's Dangereens will headline with an electrifying glam rock show. Ex-The Ember Glows singer and guitarist Martin Saint will kick off the evening with a moody and dark acoustic set.
WHAT: Dangereens + Martin Saint
WHERE: Le Cheval Blanc, 809 Ontario St. E., Montreal, H2L 1P1
WHEN: Saturday, October 12 @ 8 PM
METRO: Berri-UQAM
DETAILS: Facebook
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We’re looking for writers who want to build their portfolios while covering some of Montreal’s best (and most hidden) art scenes! And we’re also looking for other creative talents like designers and photographers who want to share their skills and unique perspectives to the cause!
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