McSweeney’s LIst (6 November 2024)
This morning, America woke up with a new president. I'm writing this before that happens, with trepidation in my mind, and hope in my heart. Not hope for any particular outcome (I mean, duh, I hope Harris wins), but hope for how we go on afterwards, regardless.
But this is a Montreal magazine, an arts magazine, why the fuck are you talking about this?
Well, Imaginary Dumbass, you forget that we're a community magazine in our not-for-profit artsy hearts, and community is the only thing that can truly save us as, you know, a species.
Anytime we think of Them™️ -- the grouped others, the ones across whatever aisle or rooting for the opposing team -- it's easy to forget that these people are our neighbours. Often they're also our family members, usually the super annoying ones somehow, but not always. I learned about baseball by watching it with my father while I cheered for the Expos and he the Mets. I learned about trickle down economics having arguing with my aunt and uncle, although that was far less charming.
Granted, I am writing this from Canada, in the relative calm of uncertainty, knowing that whatever happens to America matters to us because we're neighbours. Sure, they're super rich and famous and make the tabloids a lot, and play bad music, and bring heat when we're tryna just chill, but America is still the dude who smiles over the fence and waves, and we do the same. And when our basement floods or our kitchen starts on fire, they're the first to run into danger to lend a hand, and we do the same. And the people who go back and forth across the border to do these big hearted dangerous deeds, are our neighbours, and they're people. People doing jobs, taking night courses, feeding babies, or pets, or soothing their broken hearts regardless of whose team they root for.
And that's what community is; the web of simple connections we create from our very humanity. The small conversations with the store clerk you see all the time, the dog who you stop to pet every day, while chatting with the owner. You know the dog’s name but not the owner’s, and now it's too late to ask, it would be awkward. That's what creates community. Our friends are “our friends”, but community is what happens just outside the comfort of our chosen circle. We don't have to love our neighbours, but if they're on fire you should at least try to piss on them to put it out, regardless who they voted for.
My hope, the dice as yet unrolled, is that neighbours will remember to wave and smile, compliment each other's gardens and wish them a happy whatever-holiday-is-in-season. I hope that those who feel deeply associated with teams remember that win or lose, dignity and sportsmanship are the important parts of the game.
Oh, and yeah, I'm nervous about the outcome, and the potential fallout. But I truly believe that community will prevail. We don’t always agree. I remember Regan eating jelly beans and calling Nancy “Mommie”. People thought that was weird. I remember Clinton playing sexy sax on The Arsenio Hall Show, and some people thought that was ridiculous. But I also know people who have been neighbours from then till now. And disagreements aside, you help your neighbour get their car unstuck no matter which sign is on their lawn.
Everything grows better in a garden happily shared and mutually tended, and no matter who rules from the top, real life happens at ground level. May community and humanity prevail…because it's the root systems that hold the world together, you know?
Nov 4
PERFECT TIMING
Carmina Berbari Daou and Adrienne Roy are doing a satirical news sketch comedy late night show, and I guarantee it will be smart and funny! The show is PWYC at the door, and hey, it's a double feature, so stay for the Polymic @ 9 PM!
WHAT: TINY Desk Comedy Show
WHERE: Notre Dame des Quilles, 32 Beaubien E., Montreal, H2S 1P8
WHEN: Wednesday, November 6 @ 845 PM
METRO: Beaubien (Orange)
DETAILS: Facebook
WACKY WILD 80s TUNA
The 80s called and they want their tuna fish back...
It's Christopher Durang at his wackiest and wildest!
Laughing Wild is a provocative and absurd study about the perils and stresses of life in 1980s urban America.
Warning: mentions of suicide and mental illness, as well as all the really bad swear words and a lot of political incorrectness.
Featuring Matt Holland and Nadia Verrucci
SM/Lighting: Nathan Bois-McDonald
Duration: 90 minutes, no intermission
One flight of stairs to the venue
Friday, November 8 @ 7:30 pm
Saturday, November 9 @ 7:30 pm
Sunday, November 10 @ 2:00 pm
Friday, November 15 @ 7:30 pm
Saturday, November 16 @ 7:30 pm
Sunday, November 17 @ 2:00 pm
Tickets (fees included):
$20 students/ industry
$25 general
OPENING NIGHT SPECIAL - $5 OFF!!
Reservations:
WHAT: Laughing Wild
WHERE: Variations Mile End, 5337 St. Laurent Blvd., Suite 250, Montreal, H2T 1S5
WHEN: Friday, November 8 - Sunday, November 17 (Multiple Show Times)
METRO: Laurier (Orange)
MULTI-MIC
Get ready to rock, roll, and LOL! Whether you're into music, comedy, or poetry, this is the ultimate showcase for you. Bring your friends, grab a front-row seat, soak in the electric atmosphere of local creativity and cheer on the best in local talent!
Isabelle Trunchon and I are co-hosting, and we’ll be introducing killer acts including storytelling with Brother Jon, comedy with Erik Intrevado, Don Pablo doing magic, Frederic Bélanger bringing laughs, and Marc Deschenes will bring the tunes. Comedian Jason Yearow shares a set as he revs up for his one man show, and Richard Deschamps brings his comedy stylings to the stage!
Tickets are $15
WHAT: Open Mic
WHERE: Espace Joie de Vivre, 1485 Atateken, Montreal, H2L 3L2 (Entrance is in the alley behind the Proxim. Bright pink door!)
WHEN: Saturday, November 9, Doors @ 730 PM, Show @ 8 PM
METRO: Berri-UQAM
TICKETS: Espace Joie de Vivre
BRING THE BIG LAUGHS
Hilarious comedian and all around good dude Lawrence Corber is recording his debut album, and everyone should be there. Consider yourself cordially invited (the event description legit says so), and don't miss the chance to catch these laughs.
Two nights, one great stage, zero excuses.
WHAT: Lawrence Corner Live Album Recording
WHERE: The Comedy Nest, 2313 Ste. Catherine St. W., Montreal Forum, 3rd Floor, Montreal, H3H 1N2
WHEN: Tuesday, November 12 & Wednesday, November 13, Doors @ 715 PM Show @ 8 PM
METRO: Atwater (Green)
DETAILS: Eventbrite
Day of the Dead - ANTENNAE
The Day of the Dead ANTENNAE at NOMAD on November 1st, 2024, was a profound celebration of life, memory, and the impermanence of existence, imbued with an even deeper significance as it coincided with the new moon. Rooted in the traditions of Día de los Muertos, the event invited us to honour and remember those who have passed, while also reflecting on our own mortality and the cycles of rebirth. This special ANTENNAE session captured the spirit of the occasion through a deep, immersive experience of music, shadow, and dance.
The 200-minute video is designed not to be watched attentively, but to create a rich, atmospheric backdrop for any space. It features a full ensemble, with Dan Handelman on guitar, James Parker on bass, Piki Chappell playing a nostalgic organ reminiscent of his childhood, Karina Marquez Caballero on vocals, Josh Kaufmann on drums, Carlos Aedo Vaillard on sound design and pads, Émilie Mira Chopra on piano, Adam Goldfarb on keys, and David Bednarczyk, Sharif Mirshak, and Alexis Robert on electric guitars. Jason Rodi, as always, contributed with steel tongue drums, percussion, harmonica, and vocals.
The night was especially elevated by Minh-Tam Tran, whose flowing dance movements added an ethereal quality to the film, bringing an entirely new energy to the spectacle of ANTENNAE. His long hair and graceful presence moved with a spiritual rhythm, captivating those who shared in the dance of shadows and light.
Midway through the video, a selection of specially chosen tracks adds layers of reflection and depth to the evening: Ra Ma Da Sa Sa Say So Hung by Lincoln Jesser: This mantra-inspired track sets a deeply meditative tone, connecting to the spiritual energy of the evening. Its rhythmic chant evokes healing and a sense of divine presence, perfectly complementing the Day of the Dead theme.
New Moon by Lyra Pramuk: Known for her avant-garde vocal work, Lyra Pramuk’s track encapsulates feelings of rebirth and renewal, symbolizing the cycle of life and the new beginnings that follow endings. It beautifully resonates with the reflective yet hopeful spirit of the gathering and echoes the significance of the new moon.
A Model Of Reality (Mattr Remix) by Max Cooper and Kotomi: This cinematic electronic piece with thought-provoking lyrics explores themes of perception and reality, aligning perfectly with the philosophical musings and contemplations of the night.
A La N.A.S.A by Tarwater: With its experimental sound and playful rhythm, this track brings a moment of lightness and curiosity, inviting listeners to embrace otherworldly exploration. It adds a dynamic shift in the atmosphere, fostering spontaneous creativity and free expression.
We stayed true to the Day of the Dead theme, celebrating life while acknowledging its fragility and transience. The music, a continuous flow of neo-psychedelic and atmospheric soundscapes, guided us on a shared journey of remembrance and transformation. Although the official recording captures only part of this extraordinary evening, the celebration continued well beyond, leaving a deep impression on everyone present.
Immerse yourself in this journey of remembrance and celebration, and let ANTENNAE create an atmosphere that transcends time and space.
Watch more ANTENNAE events on NOMADlife.tv, available on ROKU, FireTV, AndroidTV, AppleTV, iOS, and Android apps.
🎥 Film: Jason Rodi | NOMADlife.tv
🎶 Music: ANTENNAE | ANTENNAE.tv
🌀 NOMADslow.tv: A stream of consciousness
FEATURE FRIDAY
Forget The Box Presents: Feature Fridays - Your Spotlight Awaits!
Calling all Montreal artists! Forget The Box is proud to present "Feature Fridays," a new initiative dedicated to showcasing the incredible talent within our diverse artistic communities.
Every Friday, we'll be featuring a curated selection of local music, comedy, spoken word, and visual art. Our curators are active members of their respective communities, passionate about supporting and amplifying the diverse voices of Montreal's vibrant arts scene. This is your chance to shine and share your work with a wider audience.
How to Get Featured:
It's easy! Simply submit your work through the Forget The Box website. Our curators will review submissions and select artists on a first-come, first-served basis. Visit our Feature Friday section to find the submission forms!
Deadlines:
To be featured on a particular Friday, make sure to submit your work by Wednesday of that week. Any submissions received after Wednesday will be considered for the following Friday.
Ready to share your art with Montreal?! Submit your work today!
McSweeney’s List drops every Wednesday with the best events, workshops, and more, each week in Montreal!
