McSweeney’s List (9 July 2025)
It's so hard to re-capture the freewheeling feelings of childhood summer. For one thing, the season would last forever; months off from school with no direction left us with enough time to explore all the options, and also get bored enough to envision new ones. The lemonade stand (it was a Kool-Aid stand, really) was fun, but I had a hunch it could be better, and added gambling solitaire, where for 10¢ the neighbor kid could try to clear all the cards, winning 20¢. This didn't last long, as the money could be more reliably used for candy.
The public pool was a crowded little miracle, an oasis where for 1$ each we would swim all day. My legs turned to jellyfish, and walking home felt unnatural. We would stop and buy a family sized bag of fries for $4, and at night I would dream I was still swimming. My hands would get calloused from the jungle gym, and while I never got the hang of holding myself up, I was pretty good at doing flips. I still remember falling flat on my back from a trick gone wrong, the wind knocked out of me, panicking as I gasped, looking up at the leaves. My feet were calloused from being barefoot on concrete, and my mosquito bites became persistent scabs as I scratched to blood, and then picked at those.
By adolescence, summer bloomed into romantic possibilities. The boys were barely aware, but my friends and I would develop crushes, plans, and flesh out whole plotlines. We would listen to music in my backyard under the stars, slow dancing with boys, wondering if they liked us back, even though they came over expressly to spend time and dance.
Contrarily, adult summers feel much like the rest of the year, only warmer. Responsibilities continue to plague us. Work schedules remain mostly the same, and when we do have time off, we try to squeeze in as many To Do List items as possible. Sure, it's efficient, but it precludes us from enjoying the small moments, already all too rare, and more precious for their rarity. Recently though, I found the glimmer of summers of yore, and I'm holding the feeling as hard as I can.
This past weekend, at an annual BBQ, I tapped into that old, carefree joy. We arrived with a cooler of Freezies and cookies, which was a banging start. I tend to shrug Freezies off: they're tasty, and fine, but they're just Freezies. So when I finally had one, it was not only my first of the season, it was also better than I remembered. Walking around the park barefoot, Freezie in hand, summer was suddenly sweeter, simpler, a bit stickier. People brought their dogs, and as I lounged on my blanket in the sun, a parade of puppers came over for pets. It was liberating to play with the dogs without having to talk to their humans, and I definitely had some great conversations with my new furry friends.
There's something magical about laying about in the sun, knowing you’ll be there until the bats come out. There was nowhere to be, nothing to do; the goal was to enjoy the day, get some laughs in, maybe catch a tan. My Boo and I mingled, coming back to each other over and over again with smiles and inside jokes. His energy kept me grounded and laughing, the perfect balance to any tedious small talk or dramatic vibes I encountered. Every time my social battery began to wane, he recharged me, which is a super neat trick.
As the sun set, I thought I was seeing things: the grass and bushes twinkling with fairy lights in the twilight. I wasn't imagining it though; it was apparently also the firefly annual picnic, and they had arrived in droves. I don't recall ever seeing so many fireflies in one place, and I watched, grinning ear to ear as they danced through the spreading darkness. I pointed them out to those who hadn't noticed, and each person I told was momentarily mesmerized by the miracle of nature. The moon began to glow, wispy patches of cloud turning purplish pink as they crossed, unable to obscure the shine.
I took a moment to remind myself in my kinda dark way, how temporary all this was. This was the scene I had craved all through winter, and I reminded myself that it's less than 6 months until Christmas. (I'm awful, sorry, you don't have to think about that now.) I endeavored to commit every shade of green to memory, along with the feeling of the grass, the smell of the warm air, the sounds of joy from our group as well as the random people enjoying themselves nearby. Sound travels so freely in the summer, such a contrast to the muted insulation of the cold months. I wanted to take it all in so that when necessary I'll be able to take the memory out and feel it all again. It never works perfectly, but I do feel like these embedded memories get me through the rainy days, both proverbial and literal.
Bats swooped around munching mosquitoes (and probably some of the fireflies), and we began packing up. It was still early, but all the fresh air and sun we’d caught over the day made it feel later. Walking away, the music growing fainter with every step, the summer vibes were nearly tangible. It didn't feel like there would be work on Monday, or adulting to do. It felt like a shot of youth, leaving the fair, dirty and tired, with so much more summer ahead.
Have you felt it yet, Dear Reader? The energy of summers past paired with the freedom of adulthood? Have you smelled the grill with the background music of your own nostalgia? (As poetic as that sounds, I also mean the literal music; Drinking In L.A., Walking on the Sun, and I Just Want to Fly reminded me that we are the grown-ups, and this is our version of vintage.) Have you indulged in the freedom of all-you-can-eat Freezies (3 for me, and more in my freezer), and ice cream sandwiches (ok, 5 of those, and more in my freezer)? I highly recommend reaching for the small, seasonal pleasures. You don't need a beach, you don't need designer sandals, you only need to set out for some carefree fun to remember how very easy and joyful life can be.
Did I catch a tan despite skipping the sunscreen? Not even a little. Did I catch mosquito bites despite being enveloped in an aura of big spray? Yes, but not too many. In fact, I’m ready to do it all again ASAP, and the good news is, there's still time. Dear Reader, while the daylight stretches into the muggy nights, grab the opportunity with both hands and make some summer memories.
New Digs!
Peel Pub Comedy is now at the Burgundy Lion! Tonight is the first night! Erik Intrevado hosts his popular Weekly Wednesday Comedy Night in a new spot, and you can expect some familiar funny faces!
Come enjoy a drink or a meal and watch a mix of comedy veterans and up-and-comers sling their best jokes. Entry to the show is free with a 1 drink minimum.
Plus, there are limited open mic spots available for any aspiring comedian to go up and maybe get noticed. Just sign up before the show starts!
WHAT: Comedy Night at the Burgundy Lion
WHERE: Burgundy Lion, 2496 Notre Dame W., Montreal, H3J 1N5
WHEN: Every Wednesday @ 9 PM
METRO: Lionel-Groulx
RSVP: Eventbrite
It’s Back!
Get ready for the return of the sold out event series Tales of Gender Affirmation!!! With sold out shows for 2 years at The Diving Bell Social Club, A Full house OFF Just For Laughs & Zoofest show, and many festival appearances and themed fast tales shows and Halloween specials!!! Now they're back for a limited time for 3 Pop-up Shows at Cafe Eevee!!! Thursday July 10 is our 4 year anniversary show!!! Sat Aug 9 is our end of summer Pride show!!! And Sat Sept. 13th we kick off the fall right with lots of comedy!!! Catch Tales of Gender Affirmation, a dazzling comedy storytelling showcase of hilarious trans, non-binary, queer and gender non-conforming comedians+some allies while you can!!! Tickets are free to reserve on Eventbrite and pay what you can at the door at Cafe Eevee, 1251 Rue Saint-Zotique Est!!! Because we believe in financial accessibility! Showtime is 7pm with Doors 6:30pm, Thursday July 10th to kick things off with a bang for our four year anniversary show!!!
More info on our glamorous showcase:
Hilarious local comedians perform stand up & storytelling comedy routines about living their life out as their true gender identity! Funny stories told at the shows include dealing with dating, sex, jobs, clothes shopping for the right clothing, family, and doctors visits! Things we all relate to.Trans and gender diverse people just take an extra step to live as themselves like everybody else. We're all searching for happiness in life and to be ourselves! At the end of the day these funny stories and jokes about gender identity from gender diverse people surprise audiences, because they are so relatable in shared experiences.
Featuring:
Our host, a staple of the local community both in performing and organizing: Aloe Azimov!!! She's got some special funny yarns to spin for you!
Opener: A rising talent, who is a gifted comedian and storyteller: Mezzie!!! She crafts great stories!!!
3-4 surprises of carefully curated/specially handpicked stand up comedians from our roster of comedians who perform actively in the scene to keep their comedy chops sharp!!!
& Last, but certainly not least our Headliner: A leader in the community, one of the co-producers of The Poly Mic, voted the #1 comedy night in the city!!! They are fresh of showcasing on many sold out shows, an all around multi-talented comedian, who always bring it, our headliner: Adrienne Roy!!!
WHAT: Tales of Gender Affirmation Pop Up
WHERE: Café Eevee, 1251 Rue Saint-Zotique Est, Montréal, QC H2S 1N8
WHEN: Thursday, July 10 @ 7PM
METRO: Beaubien (Orange)
RSVP: Eventbrite
FUN-draiser
After 2 years in Ottawa, and on the coattails of an incredible show with Ottawa Fringe, A Quirky Comedy Cabaret is coming to Montreal for a fundraiser! It'll be a fun night of comedy, music, and more! All proceeds will go towards supporting two QTPOC artists as they head to Edinburgh, Kettering, and Berlin this summer.
Tickets are $10 in advance, and there are a limited number of VIP tickets which include a reserved seat and a goodie bag! Tickets are PWYC at the door.
There will also be a raffle and prizes to win so bring some cash! Bring your friends and come have a good time!
Hosted by Rose-Ingrid Benjamin with performances by Sloan Kooshan, Anton May, Gabi Tomé, Late Bloomer, and more!
WHAT: A Quirky Comedy (Fundraising) Cabaret
WHERE: Bar Notre-Dame-Des-Quilles, 32 Beaubien St. E., Montreal, H2S 1P8
WHEN: Thursday, July 10, Doors @ 8 PM, Show @ 830 PM
METRO: Beaubien (Orange)
TICKETS: Eventbrite
Lit & Performance (and definitely no ukes)
(Note: I truly enjoy fun, clear write-ups, and this one is a pleasure. Kudos.)
Folks, it's a lit and performance open mic. You can't play your damn acoustic, but feel free to smash crockery with a hammer; you can't do a standup tight five, but you can give a brief lecture in an invented language. More usual poetry, prose, and the like welcome as well, free, sign up on the spot.
Features this month: Jacob Wren, author of many novels, rather good. Chris Lloyd, penner of thousands of letters to Prime Ministers (Ministers Prime?) of Canada, and builder of peculiar contraptions (in this case: gigantic dice).
Come and see, yes, come and see JRG.
WHAT: JRG “Uke-less Since 2025” Literary Open Mic feat. Jacob Wren & Chris Lloyd
WHERE: Bar l'Hémisphère Gauche, 221 Beaubien St. E., Montreal, H2S 1R5
WHEN: Thursday, July 10 @ 9 PM
METRO: Beaubien
DETAILS: Facebook
Don't forget your plaid
It’s another Café Eevee trivia night! This time it's all about the 90s, and it's bound to be a trip down memory lane! (If not, ask your parents to help you study up super fast). Sandwiches, pastries and prizes are waiting for everyone!
This sweet, family owned café goes the extra mile for the community. It's such a warm, social room, and everything is delicious! You should totally go, and give them loads of money too, so they know that we appreciate them holding space.
WHAT: 90s Trivia Night at Café Eevee
WHERE: Café Eevee, 1251 St. Zotique E., Montreal, H2S 1N8
WHEN: Friday, July 11 @ 7 PM
METRO: Beaubien
DETAILS: Facebook
Going Places
Welcome to the launch of the debut issue of Discordia Review's FELLOW TRAVELLERS, in which the guys who famously hate everything share art they don't hate. The first issue includes contributions from Jay Ryan Gobuty, Dimitri Karakostas, Fawn Parker, Riquita Lea, Gwen Aube, IAN MARTIN, dalton derkson, kurichka, and The Very Nice Interesting Singer Man Matt Farley, with art by Dogs Understand.
The evening will feature: Kalden Dhatsenpa, Jenna Jarvis, kurichka, Riquita Lea, Ian Martin, Dean Mcclure, Tara Mcgowan-Ross, and Amilcar John Nogueira.
It's gonna be a great party, with readings from Fellow Travellers past and future.
PWYC, give us like $5 at the door, or $10 with a copy of the mag. BYOB.
WHAT: Discordia Review Debut Issue Launch
WHERE: The Crumper (DM @discordia.review for address)
WHEN: Friday, July 11, Doors @ 8 PM
DETAILS: Instagram
Laughs & Shots
Featuring and produced by graduates of the Joke Club comedy course, The Straight Shooters Stand-Up Comedy show is back!
Come early, enjoy an amazing meal, and then watch the city's best up-and-coming stand-up comedians for a hilarious night of comedy!
Free shot with every ticket!
Featuring Emily Sharma, Janelle Hacault, Sloan Kooshan, Radu Sona, Evlambia Vasalos, Velvet La Touche, Estelle Fakoubé, Rodney Ramsey, and special guests!
WHAT: The Straight Shooters Stand-Up Comedy Show
WHERE: Le Tequila Bar, 4401 Notre-Dame St. W., Montreal, H4C 1S2
WHEN: Tuesday, July 15 @ 8 PM
METRO: Place St. Henri (Orange)
TICKETS: Eventbrite
World's Smallest Week
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! 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.
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.
WHAT: The World's Smallest Comedy Night
WHERE: Hurley's Irish Pub, 1225 Crescent St., Montreal, H3G 2B1
WHEN: Monday, July 14, 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.
WHAT: Monday Night Dirty Mic
WHERE: Hurley's Irish Pub, 1225 Crescent St., Montreal, H3G 2B1
WHEN: Every Monday, Sign-up @ 1020 PM, Show @ 1030 PM
METRO: Lucien l'Allier (Orange) & Guy-Concordia (Green)
DETAILS: Facebook
McSweeney’s List drops every Wednesday with the best events, workshops, and more, each week in Montreal!
