A Celebration Of Community - NDG Comedy Fest
When I think of Montreal (as someone who has only lived here for a short amount of time), a few things immediately come to mind. A beautiful city with incredible architecture, unique and diverse art, and a tinkling sense that this grand metropolis is actually a small town in disguise…
If you have never been to Montreal that might come as a surprise. After all it is one of the largest cities in Canada, and how common is a sense of community when you’re neighbours with skyscrapers? Montreal is peppered with small pockets of culture, and diversity. An international city famous for its numerous summer festivals, its food, and its bilingual nature, each corner of this city boasts its very own specialty. The Mile End has bagels, thrift stores and hipsters, Vieux Montreal has outstanding architecture, history and every tourist over the age of 42. Not many people who visit Montreal would think to head to NDG, which is exactly one of the reasons that Walter Lyng calls it his home.
“I like to call NDG the pretend Brooklyn of Montreal”. NDG, known to nobody as its proper name Notre-dame-de-grace, is the borough that Walter has lived in for almost 20 years. A community that is close enough to the hustle and bustle to remind you that you do in fact live in a city, yet far enough removed that walking down the street you are greeted with familiar faces, rows of mom and pop shops and are still able to experience a quiet evening on your balcony in the long summer nights. While NDG is a predominantly English borough, the diversity is still prominent, and the aspect of community is strong, something that Walter is hoping to highlight in his production of the first ever NDG Comedy Festival. Spanning the duration of 3 days, this festival boasts 7 shows and events over Victoria Day weekend, with something to offer everyone, whether you’re someone who is a seasoned audience member, maybe interested in dipping your toes into the craft yourself, or you just want to spend a day in the park and want to skip getting a babysitter, there is something for you.
The festival kicks off with a double header on May 19th at the Rustik Pub and Grill. The first show, “NDG Superstars” starts at 8 PM with local favourites along with some of the best comics in the city. If you’re more of a night owl and looking for something more blue and R rated, the second show follows up with none other than the “Lord of Filth” himself, Leighland Buckham (JFL Dirty Show) headlining the “Filthy Late Show” with local talents,Troy Stark, Vance Micheal, Chris Venditto and many more of the cities nastiest.
Saturday the 20th is a jam packed day for this festival. Looking to see a show but don’t like the late nights of comedy? Perhaps you would go to see more comedy if you could bring your kids and eat free hotdogs. This is your time to shine. If you have lived in NDG for a while, the comedy shows in the park should be familiar, Walter produces the very fun “Spotfest” each year, which is not only another chance for him to serve hotdogs (Walter likes his hotdogs the classic way, but won’t say no to a good hipster relish and tangy sauerkraut) but also an opportunity for free, excellent comedy in the fresh, open air. This park show kicks off at 3pm at Trenholme Park.
Can’t make it to the free park show, but still looking to see some comedy with your family, don’t worry because there is the holy grail of this festival the same night, Saturday the 20th. This Gala night is held at the beautiful Oscar Peterson Concert Hall at Concordia’s Loyola Campus. Comedy can sometimes feel like definitely not an event you would want to go to with your parents, or even your grandparents, but this night is looking to change that! The incredible and highly favoured Bowser and Blue will be teaming up with Joey Elias to create an unforgettable evening.
“If you have only ever seen Bowser and Blue on TV, or heard them on CBC, you’re not going to want to miss this show.” An institutional act, Bowser and Blue have been tearing up this city since the 80’s. “They’re extremely talented musicians, playing multiple instruments with satirical humour.” Bowser and Blue, paired with hilarious and unmissable Joey Elias make this event a combination of powerhouses seeking to destroy with laughter, whimsy and talent. Having the ability to book a theatre like this is an incredible feat given that most comedic stages are usually held in less than favourable spots. Nothing screams accomplishment to a comic like landing a venue like this and it is not going to be a night to miss.
The final day of this already packed festival gives you a variety of fun to choose from. To kick the day off there is an exciting collaboration with the yearly local favourite NDG festival, Porchfest! Walter’s thrilled to have this partnership not only because it gives him another opportunity to serve the free hotdogs, but also because it’s just hilarious. Something about screaming comedy at unassuming people from his balcony as they pass by would surely bring any comic joy. You can check out many events for Porchfest, and this specific comedy show will be at 2482 Mayfair Avenue, at noon.
Have you ever gone to a comedy show, and been blown away at a comic's ability to tell a story, to mislead you, or just purely in the ability to make strangers laugh? Well I have a secret for you, you can do it too! The question of “how did you write that?” or “wow! did you just make this up tonight?!” will be addressed by Chris Vendetto and Mike Corrozza. The Comedy Workshop will be hosted at The Wheel Club at 5pm, and it aims to give you an opportunity to see the inside workings of a comic's brain. Walter wanted to make it clear that he is “not the know all sage of comedy”, however there is something to be gained from opening the secret corner or writing jokes. A convenient part of this workshop is that immediately after it, at the same venue, the closing show will be held with none other than the comedy killer himself, Derek Seguin. Derek is one of the most sought after comics in Canada selling out rooms all across the country. He will be closing out this festival with other remarkable acts, so you can see exactly what you learned put into work by the professionals themselves.
Now, you’re most likely thinking to yourself, sure Sarah, this all sounds amazing, but how the hell am I supposed to afford so many shows in one weekend!? Walter thought of that for you. For only 80$ you can have an all access pass to every one of the shows, from the Filthy Late Show, to the Gala to the Workshop, you have an opportunity to experience it all. Now personally, as an unemployed millennial, that sounds pretty damn good, considering most weekend festival passes would soar above 100$, and offer less immersive activities. All of the tickets are available on Eventbrite now, from the park, to the porch, to the theatre, this festival is for you, and we can’t wait to see you there.
Montreal legends George Bowser and Rick Blue check out the Oscar Peterson Concert Hall ahead of their gala show on Saturday, May 20, where they will perform along with Joey Elias as part of the NDG Comedy Fest.
Photo by Walter Lyng
Head to EventBrite for NDG Comedy Fest show and ticket information!