McSweeney’s List (4 March 2026)
LIGHTHOUSES AND NEW VOICES
When I was a teenager, I loved Jim Morrison. Like, loved. Obviously, I was into The Doors, but I also read Jim’s poetry (yes, we’re on a first name basis like that), and his biography. His was the starring poster on my adolescent wall, the band I had the most shirts of, the one I hypnotized my friends to channel. To this day, a name or fact will cross my path, and I will automatically connect it to something I know about Jim.
Jim Morrison protected me from the heartbreak of my generation, which was the death of Kurt Cobain. Girls loved Kurt; I thought he was meh, and never cared about Nirvana as much as my contemporaries. (Granted, they hit different 30 years later, now creating a portal to a time, and standing as a template to so many bands that came later.) It wasn't lost on me that because Jim was already long dead, I wouldn't have to suffer that same sadness. It's also become clear to me over the years that idolizing dead people insulates against them doing something you disagree with, or creating new things you hate.
Jim’s life was dictated to a great degree by his chronic melancholy (a polite way to say depression), coloured by his alcoholism, and drug use. While he still holds a place in my heart and my artistic development, as I stand here 20 years older than he ever was (shout out 27 Club), his journey strikes me as far less romantic than it did in my youth. I've lived long enough to see things differently.
We get to pick our idols; choose the lighthouses we orient ourselves towards, and a philandering life that ends in a bathtub in Paris lacks the lustre it once held for me. I'm much more interested in happy people now. People who lead healthier lives, people who help more than they hurt, people who dance with their demons until their demons shrink into the background of their story.
While I understand the inclination to regard someone's life as a series of boxes to check (house, car, job title, etc.), I've always seen life as far more than that. Lives have texture beyond the obvious; their relationships, their art -- so much of life is made in the in-between spaces that don't easily translate to a checklist. Primarily though, these days I'm far more interested in how happy they are.
For instance, while the internet was exploding with graphic violence (what else is new?) a few weeks ago, I was following the Buddhist Monks on their American Walk For Peace. Over 108 days, the Monks walked 3700 kilometers from Fort Worth, Texas, to Washington D.C. They walked when the snow fell, they walked when their feet bled. They walked with gentle humility, and they walked with their sweet companion Aloka The Peace Dog. Their actual goal was to request that the government name Buddha's birthday as a national holiday, but the odds were always against it, and so they walked to show how one can walk.
As they walked, regular people lined their route, offering prayer hands, and flowers. There are photos of police officers on their knees in reverence; in fact, by the end, the monks had a collection of badges bestowed upon them by officers offering up one of their most prized possessions. They were gifted everything including heartfelt tears: of joy, of thanks, of the human response to being moved. Personally, I shed plenty of tears as I virtually followed their journey; the kind of beautiful tears that uplifted my day and made my heart feel physically lighter in my chest. I don't have any of their merch (they don't sell any, regardless), I don't have any posters of them, hell, I only know the name of the dog (Aloka means illumination, by the way). Still, their actions, their demeanor as they performed those actions, the positive ripples they created, all managed to converge and touch me. It reminded me that the internet can be such a beautiful place, and how wonderful it is to have a tool that can bring us good news in such a vivid way in real time. It reminded me that even amid the chaos and sadness, there are joyful things happening.
Those monks became a lighthouse: a helpful example, a way to situate myself amid the tumult. Rather than obsessing over one idol, I see now that it's best to collect as many lighthouses as possible. More lighthouses mean I can not only situate myself, but I can triangulate where I am, and better my aim towards my destination.
I'm spreading my admiration around so I can better understand who I want to become, and where I want to go. One of my key criteria is that no matter how many technical boxes they check, if they're not happy in their own lives, or self destructive and cruel, they don't make the cut.
There are more examples to hold onto these days: sober folks who are “still fun”, artists of all different ilks who work at being better at their craft every day, people joyfully committed to their personal growth, and all sorts of adults following their dreams despite the odds (and the various voices reminding them of those odds). I admire the people doing what they deem best in a world that would prefer we focus on the distractions and just go shopping. I admire the women aging fearlessly in a world that tells them that everything about their bodies can -- and probably should -- be chopped up and reassembled, and the men who grow into stewards instead of living a perpetually careless (and eventually desperate) protracted youth.
Looking around, there are countless examples of admirable people, from Dolly Parton and her endless charity work (well, for so many reasons, really), to Rainn Wilson expanding the conversation about our spiritual selves; from Akira The Peace Dog making music with meaningful messaging, to the members of L7 proving that women can stay punk for the long haul. The cool thing is, we get to pick where we look, choose what we give attention to, and build our own maps as we sail. Your idols are bound to change over time, because you change over time. It strikes me as the perfect moment to take down some of your old posters and elevate some new voices. Who will you choose for this season of your life? And where will they inspire you to aim? The options are endless, and the choice is yours.
(This essay is dedicated to Aloka The Peace Dog, and the Monks who travel with him.)
SOUP SZN
Join us at Librairie Drawn & Quarterly for the launch of Everyone Hot Pot by Natasha Picowicz! The author will appear in conversation with Montreal chef Anita Feng. Books will be available for purchase and following the presentation the author will be signing! This event is free to attend and open to all. No reservation is required.
Hot pot is the ancient East Asian cookery method of rapidly poaching bite-size morsels of fresh vegetables, meats, seafood, and tofu in a tableside broth. This communal way of eating is perfect for home dinner parties where guests become active participants in cooking the meal. Though the hot pot table symbolizes bounty and feasting, at its core is frugality and thrift and accessibility to anyone. Four-time James Beard Award nominated chef Natasha Pickowicz provides more than fifty recipes for the broths, dumplings, sides, desserts, and drinks, along with a guide to the essential hot pot ingredients, equipment and tools, plus an explanation on how to pull it all together.
WHAT: Natasha Picowicz Launches Everyone Hot Pot in Conversation with Anita Feng
WHERE: Librairie Drawn & Quarterly, 176 Bernard St. W., Montreal, H2T 2K2
WHEN: Thursday, March 5 @ 7 PM
METRO: Rosemont (Orange)
DETAILS: Facebook
*RECORD SCRATCH*
Techno Crudo Collective returns to Barbossa for another high-octane edition of Only Vinyl. This night celebrates the tactile craft of the DJ, curated by Crudo founder Toltech.
The Curator: Toltech A relentless force in the MTL scene, Toltech balances the soul of Detroit Techno with the driving momentum of Hardgroove. While the soul of House music flows through his roots, his sound remains pure, raw, and high-impact. Whether performing on digital decks or vinyl, his focus remains on surgical precision and raw physical energy.
The Guest: Missile
Joining Toltech is his Vinyl Syndicat partner, Missile. A Mexico City native now based in Montréal, Missile is a purist who performs exclusively on vinyl. As the founder of the Vinyl Syndicat label and booking agency, he is a key architect in the city’s analog resurgence, pushing strictly limited-run wax. Missile is the driving force behind the Montréal chapter of "In Techno We Trust," a global event series connecting techno hubs worldwide. After a thunderous debut in September featuring Detroit Techno Militia’s T. Linder, the momentum continues this April for In Techno We Trust 2.0. This upcoming massive collaboration features international heavyweights Tensal (Spain) and Israel Toledo (Germany). This night offers an intimate look at the hypnotic, high-energy vinyl selection that defines his movement.
The Selector: DJ Spirit A fixture in the Montréal underground since 2017, DJ Spirit (co-founder of Inner Circle) brings a wealth of rave history to the booth. Having hosted icons like LSDXOXO and Martyn, Spirit is known for psychedelic, "wormhole" blends of house and techno. Currently co-running the PRAXIS series with Marc Myst, they excel at unearthing forgotten bangers and delivering a timeless, late-night sound.
Free before 10 PM
$7 after 10 PM
2 for 1 cocktails before 10 PM
DM for Guestlist
Come early, Stay late, Support Local.
THE ART OF SOCIALIZING
Making friends as an adult is tricky. Don't limit yourself to forced conversations in the office kitchenette! There are better ways!
Join us for a relaxed social night inside one of the city’s most beautiful museums, Gallery 1832 - Montreal Art Center. Enjoy cocktails, explore the exhibits, and connect with a welcoming crowd in a zero-pressure atmosphere.
Discover the museum at your own pace with a drink in hand
Enjoy friendly guided icebreakers to spark easy conversations
Come solo or with friends — you’ll feel comfortable the moment you walk in
A social night like no other—fun and guided with zero awkwardness:
Museum Cocktail Hour — Stylish drinks in an unforgettable setting
Guided Icebreakers — No standing around or forced intros
Interactive Exhibit Tour — Culture meets connection
Meet 20+ People in One Night — Singles, couples & groups welcome
WHAT: Montreal - Museum Social Night: Cocktails & Guided Tour
WHERE: Gallery 1832 | Art Center & Museum, 1832 William St, Montreal, Quebec H3J 1R5
WHEN: Saturday, March 7 4 PM
METRO: Georges-Vanier (Orange)
TICKETS: NationalSocialNetworking
POETRY IN MOTION
It's the FINALS, folks! Who will represent Throw! Poetry at the Canadian Individual Poetry Slam in Vancouver??
This is an incredible night of poetry you don't want to miss!
Poets will perform 4 poems each of different lengths:
1, 2, 3 & 4 minute poems
ROUND 1: Four minutes
ROUND 2: One minute
ROUND 3: Two minutes
ROUND 4: Three minutes
The Canadian Individual Poetry Slam is run by the Vancouver Poetry House as part of the Verses Festival of Words. The winner continues on to the international poetry competition called Abya Yala.
Door Price: $15
QWF Member: $10
or PWYC
WHAT: Slam Finals | Canadian Individual Slam Poetry Qualifier
WHERE: Le Basement, 3716 Notre Dame St. W., Montreal, QC H4C 1P7
WHEN: Saturday, March 7, Doors @ 830 PM, Show @ 9 PM
METRO: Place-Saint-Henri (Orange)
TICKETS: ThrowPoetry
QUESTIONS & DRAWINGS
Illustrate your answers at this innovative trivia night! All supplies provided and no skill necessary.
Get ready for the most creative trivia night you’ve ever played, and it all goes down at Dr. Lemco's Creative Club. Trivia Art Party is a wild mash-up of knowledge, teamwork, and ridiculous artistic interpretation, hosted by the legendary Quizzard.
Please Note: This is not trivia about art. This is general trivia answered WITH art.
Teams of 2–3 will compete through 5 rounds of questions where you don’t shout the answer…you illustrate it. Correct answers earn points, and bonus points are awarded for creativity, effort, comedy, or uniqueness.
Come ready to think, draw, and have an absurdly fun night!
What’s Included:
All materials & tools, including markers, crayons, coloring pencils, paint pens, and more. No need to bring anything but your imagination!
Complimentary tea bar.
A relaxed, welcoming, and judgement-free environment to create freely and have fun.
Curated music, visuals, smells, and overall ambiance.
EVERYONE WELCOME.
WHAT: Trivia Art Party: Illustrate Your Answers (with The Quizzard) Vol. 3
WHERE: Dr Lemco's Creative Club, IYKYK
WHEN: Tuesday, March 10 @ 7 PM
METRO: Vendôme (Orange)
TICKETS: DrLemco
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!
This edition is hosted by Zak “The Quizzard” Kik, featuring Chris Venditto, James Mancini, and 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, this edition features Tristan Dugan, Dayna Lieberman, CeeCee Huys, Johnny Dallas, Jeff Weinstein, Claudio Capri, and Joel Slavik.
WHAT: World's Smallest Comedy Night
WHERE: Hurley's Irish Pub, 1225 Crescent St., Montreal, H3G 2B1
WHEN: Every Monday, 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 @ 10 PM, Show @ 1030 PM
METRO: Lucien l'Allier (Orange) & Guy-Concordia (Green)
DETAILS: Facebook
