This essay is part 2 of 2. For context, catch up here.

Disclaimer: I realize that I stayed in an affluent / touristy part of Philadelphia, so there's no need to tell me that what I saw doesn't apply to the whole city. This can be said of any major city, of course. If someone comes to town and stays in the Old Port, they will have a different experience than if they stay near Cabot Square, but it wouldn't make their experience any less true.

Everytime I leave La Belle Province, I am reminded that the reputation of Polite Canada doesn't count in Quebec. Strange that for all the impeccably cool art vibes, and European tendencies, Montreal isn't friendly per se. Sure, there are corners of kindness, and sections of society wherein people are more likely to exchange pleasantries, but jaunt on over to Ontario, or head due East, and you see the difference. When people there start making small talk, it feels like they're moments away from offering the shirt off their backs, and inviting you home for dinner.

I'm writing this in Philly, and Brotherly Love is booming.

For those clutching pearls, and asking why on earth I'm in the ol’ US of A, I'm here for my daughter's master's degree ceremony. And secondly, kindly fuck off with the judgement. I rarely travel, and the States have always been a close, and relatively cheap, easy place to do it. My Dad was a landed immigrant in Canada, which is to say he was born, and died, an American. While Canadians can become dual citizens, Americans have to give up their status to take on another citizenship. He worked, paid taxes, and raised his family here, never allowed to vote. A New Yorker (from Albany), and a Mets fan (later he also rooted for the Yankees; fair considering the Mets’ record), he felt his home so deep in his bones that he never let it go.

But Dawn! We're boycotting strawberries! You can't give them money! Settle down, People. If you have the desire and financial freedom to make your fridge a political hill to die on, you do you, Boo. My salad is budget based, and it's not my choice of hill. Plus, I don't know if you know this, but when you cross the border you're surrounded by People, not politicians. I disagree with at least a dozen people every day at home; yelling my opinion at them will not change theirs, and vice versa, so we choose to focus on the things that brought us together in the first place.

I'm writing this in a café, out and about earlier than I would be at home. The rain here has passed for the moment, and people are diligently wiping their shoes before entering. At home it's a struggle to convince people not to track snow into the office despite the signage and the slippers provided. Not all of them of course, but it's important to remember that it's never all of anyone. Regardless of whose “side” anyone’s on, at ground level, kindness and consideration are in effect.

The rainbow of people I'm used to seeing in Montreal are here too: different heritages, languages, choices, and outfits. It contradicts the easy black and white (metaphorically speaking) lines we draw about what America is. Much like in Montreal, there are people admiring historic monuments while others sleep on the street. Much like home, art deco masterpieces stand proudly next to their glass and steel skyscraper friends.

Being that this is the biggest American city I've visited, I probably shouldn't be surprised at how downright stylish people are, but at first I was. The range of fashions, and the proliferation of thigh tattoos remind me of home. Same with the construction cones, and the workers in their high vis, cigs hanging from their lips. People were dressed and polished, heading to work, while other people cracked their morning beers. Very Montreal.

After breakfast, we saw a doggy in a pet shop window with a sign that said “walk me”. And so, we did (twice). We learned that the store partners with a local shelter in an effort to get pooches adopted quickly. His name was Kibbles, and his bright yellow harness said “adopt me”. People stopped to pet him, made cooing noises about how cute he was, and we pitched the dog to everyone we spoke to. He'd only been there a few days, brought in as a stray by police, and hopefully he’ll have his forever home before you read this. (Yes, my sweet Kiddo almost brought him home; yes, there were tears.)

Obviously the political landscape is bananas. At street level though, I'm meeting people who are doing their day-to-day best, and would be doing so regardless. It's lazy to hate American humans because you hate American politics. It's a cop out to paint millions of people with one brush. That's the same ignorance that leads people to believe we live in igloos or don't speak English.

The trees in this part of Philly are old and proud, and it's obvious they don't catch our ice storms. The birds are in a full song frenzy before sunrise until after sunset. The pollen count is a shock to the system. It's a walkable city, with hidden gems that haven't yet made it to Google maps. I felt safe enough to wander by myself (this is a testament to the well planned layout, because I was genuinely worried about getting lost). I even felt safe enough to stroll around by myself after dark, joining revellers heading out for their evening, and folks carrying groceries home. Is it dystopian to see nail polish under lock and key at the pharmacy (and not at the same chain pharmacy a few blocks down)? Yes. I also think having Language Police is dystopian, but I don't hate Quebecers because of it. At the end of the day, I'm happy to relay that people remain to be people, regardless of who sits at the head of their table.

By The Numbers

Bowls of Soup Eaten at Olive Garden: 2.5
Number of Times My Kid Told Me to Take My Excitement Down “About Forty Notches”: 1 (at my first American Target)
Times I Said “Is That Guy Dead?”: 1
Languages Heard (Other Than English & French): 3
Thing I learned About Benjamin Franklin: ♾️
Days Raw Dogging Life: 4
Happy Tears Cried at My Baby’s Grad: oh, so many

the buzz is undeniable

It’s Fringe season, and we’re thrilled at the response to our THIRD ANNUAL “Forget The Box x FringeMTL Review Lottery”. We’ve got a solid team in place, and we’re excited to see what the creators and artists have to offer this year. Whether you’re a FringeMTL artist, or know someone who is, make sure to pass along the information, we don’t want anyone to lose out on this opportunity!

For more information, and to submit your production, go HERE.

…Tigers and Bears, Oh My!

Between Lions and Men is a live translation of the 22nd book of Homer’s Iliad, telling the story of the climactic duel between Hektor and Achilles before the walls of Troy. In response to the oral traditions which lie behind the Homeric epics, the translation will be composed in the moment of performance and accompanied by live music.

WHAT: Between Lions and Men

WHERE: Aux Angles Ronds (5333 St Laurent)

WHEN: Tonight! May 14, Doors @ 745 PM, Show @ 8 PM

METRO: Laurier (Orange)

TICKETS: ThePointOfSale

Theatrics

World Premiere of a NEW play -- Mickey and Joe (Good. Bad. Ugly. Dirty) -- by local, award-winning playwright Michaela Di Cesare.

50 years after the “unification” of Italy, a forgotten player finds herself trapped in limbo with her sworn enemy. Dirty Mickey, hailing from the dark Southern underbelly of an otherwise glorious country, was a soldier in the resistance. Joe was the golden boy of the Risorgimento (literally, resurrection), forever remembered as a political hero. What will happen when Mickey, an outlaw who was silenced, murdered and erased for his benefit, challenges his legacy today?

This play provides an important and invaluable theatrical learning experience, exploring themes of revenge, nation-building and legacy and offers a valuable piece of Italian history from a new perspective. The play also has much contemporary significance. One only needs to look at the current situations in Ukraine, Gaza and our own Indigenous Canadian history to understand why it is important to continue talking about borders, nationalism and land rights.

Mickey and Joe (Good. Bad. Ugly. Dirty) by Michaela Di Cesare runs from May 17-25, 2025, at the stunning Mirella and Lino Saputo Theatre.

WHAT: Mickey and Joe (Good. Bad. Ugly. Dirty)

WHERE: Mirella and Lino Saputo Theatre, 8370 Bd Lacordaire, Saint-Léonard, H1R 3Y6

WHEN: Saturday May 17 through Sunday, May 25

METRO: A few, plus a bus

TICKETS: Cldv

Swipe Right

The original, nation-wide show where comedians and storytellers share their real, ridiculous dating stories live on stage.

Join us at Café Cléopatra as Montreal's queer comedians and storytellers share their hilarious and heartfelt tales of dating, romance, and everything in between. Whether you're single, taken, or just here for the stories, this nation-wide sold out event is sure to entertain. As seen at Just for Laughs! Get there early to mingle, grab a drink and get a front row seat!

Hosted by John Cotrocois with dating stories from Shady Black Cat, Lucy Gervais, Tony Mcintyre, Cat Peach Club Party, Misty Waterfalls, and Nisha Coleman.

WHAT: Tinder Tales Queer Edition

WHERE: Café Cléopatra, 1230 St. Laurent Blvd., Montreal, H2X 2S5

WHEN: Thursday, May 22, Doors @ 8 PM, Show @ 830 PM

METRO: St. Laurent (Green)

TICKETS: Eventbrite

Right Up My Alley

Live standup comedy featuring comedians from Montreal and beyond! Featuring Ray Resvick, Sean Carson, Becca Redden, Elspeth Wright, Abby Stonehouse, Guled Abdi, and Lauren Mallory.

It starts with comedy, and keeps going with a karaoke party!

There will be amazing drink deals as well as chicken wings AND poutine!!!

WHAT: The Dopest Open Mic

WHERE: Bar JamrockMtl, 8753 Lajeunesse St., Montreal, H2M 1R7

WHEN: Thursday, May 22, Doors @ 730 PM, Show @ 8 PM, Karaoke Party @ 10 PM

METRO: Creamazie (Orange)

DETAILS: Facebook

A Hilarious Hang

It's a night of hilarious comedy in the heart of Montreal. The vibe is cozy and warm, and the comics are killers! This week features Becca Love, Andrew Khoury, Chad Noonan, and Claudio Capri.

Want to tell some jokes? Want to watch local comics try their latest funnies? Wet’n’Wild Bucket List Open Mic Competition starts at 10 PM. Show-up / Sign-up. I co-host this bad boy, so while I'm totally biased, I'm also correct when I say it's fantastic. The night’s winner gets a spot on an upcoming early show! Plus, the hang is hot! (Speaking of hot, if you order tea, they give it to you in the prettiest teacups. They've also got coconut water and kombucha…and booze. They have booze.)

WHAT: Comedy on Mackay #24

WHERE: NsurMackay, 1244 Mackay St., Montreal, H3G 2H4

WHEN: Tuesday, May 20 @ 8 PM, Open Mic @ 10 PM

METRO: Guy-Concordia (Green) & Lucien-l'Allier (Orange)

TICKETS: Eventbrite

Poetics

Join us for the dual-launch of poetry collections No One Knows Us There by Jessica Bebenek (Montreal) & Familial Hungers by Christine Wu (Halifax). The poets will read from their new collections alongside poetry by Liz Howard (Letters in a Bruised Cosmos) and music by Andrew Whiteman (Broken Social Scene) as Poets Workout Sound System. Come for the poetry, stay for the party!

Free entry, books available for sale!

BYOB

WHAT: 'No One Hungers' Tour: Montreal Launch!

WHERE: DM Jessica for location (secret parties are the best parties)

WHEN: Thursday, May 22, Doors @ 7 PM, Readings @ 730 PM, Music @ 830 PM

World’s Smallest Comedy Night has so many cool things happening, so here are their events this week in order!

What Do You Know? Like, Seriously…

Tonight! Come to Hurley's for Trivia Night, and get bonus laughter! The theme for this week is The Simpsons! Grab a pint, enjoy delicious pub fare, and get ready to show off your trivia skills. Grab your team, and enjoy this night of comedy, friendly competition, and great company! Hosted by Vance Michel, this week features James Mancini, Shosho Aboutok, and Peter Bowen.

WHAT: Trivia Night at Hurley's

WHERE: Hurley's Irish Pub, 1225 Crescent St., Montreal, H3G 2B1

WHEN: Every Wednesday @ 8 PM

METRO: Lucien l'Allier (Orange) & Guy-Concordia (Green)

RSVP: Eventbrite

Classic Coke

Beat the Monday Blues with WSC’s OG offering, The World's Smallest Comedy Night!

Enjoy a showcase of the best comedians in the city, hot up-and-comers, national and international touring comics, and surprises!

Hosted by Vance Michel, this week features Taylor Moorey, Rose Ingrid Benjamin, Dawn McSweeney (hey, that's me!), Tina Cruz, Paul Xu, James Mancini, Zack Gottlieb, and Jonathon Burello.

WHAT: The World's Smallest Comedy Night

WHERE: Hurley's Irish Pub, 1225 Crescent St., Montreal, H3G 2B1

WHEN: Monday, May 12 Doors @ 7 PM, Show @ 8 PM

METRO: Lucien l'Allier (Orange) & Guy-Concordia (Green)

TICKETS: Eventbrite

Dirty Monday

The Monday Night Dirty Mic is the place to be! Hosted by Vance Michel, every show is an unpredictable and unique experience as a hilarious collection of comedians from newbs to pros take the stage. See the best before anyone else, and catch seasoned locals doing their freshest funnies!

Comics: show-up, sign-up