It's been said in uh, places (gestures vaguely), that authenticity is the new currency. That people have hit their saturation point for curated POVs, and staged smiles, and now anything less than the raw and real gives us the heebie jeebies. It's like an uncanny valley for personalities; we can sense the desperation, the script, the try-harding, and it's finally giving us the ick.

As there's always a contingent of people who are either contrarian, or who are sticklers for stats, allow me to specify that this doesn't apply to all people. There are still people who like faces with filler, lasered bald bodies, and Miss America responses about world peace. There are groups where only regurgitated opinions are deemed acceptable, appearances mean more than character, and social status is worth more than money. We can't blame them too hard, it's exactly what society told them to want for decades, and that's hard to rewire.

Once you've been hard-boiled in the banality of dinner party conversations, carefully parroting the ideas you think will get you a promotion, compartmentalizing yourself to fit in with the Mean Girls at the PTA, the HOA, and every Real Housewives “friend” group, you start to believe your own bullshit. You see yourself going through necessary actions for success, not living life. At that point you can justify that all life really is about is the series of necessary actions to get you where you want to go.

But we're beginning to see through the scam. How many rich and miserable people does it take to fully break the spell? How many behind the scenes stories from the grown children of nouveau Rockwell YouTube families does it take to see that illusionary tactics were always at work?

And work it did. From the heroin chic models who were just “not hungry”, to people who preach the word of (any) God for the clout and cash it brought them, we happily took things at face value for much longer than we should've. Consider how happy America was when it elected JFK as their first Catholic president, and contrast that with the way no one mentioned his purported faith when he turned out to be a philanderer of historic proportions. He might've prayed Catholic for the cameras, but his real game was man-whore. He prayed at the altar of Deez Nuts; he embodied hoes over bros over wife over kids; he did in fact do it all for the nookie (takes a bow).

That wouldn't fly quite the same these days.

Now when people act inauthentically (or perhaps more accurately, breach their own brand), there's hell to pay. Realistically they'll just get ripped up on the internet and pay little or nothing, but as everyone these days is a private business of one, losing any social credibility is a risky venture.

Hurricane Harvey hit Texas and Louisiana in the summer of 2017. Fun fact (and I use the term loosely), it's one of the costliest storms to ever hit the States, tied with Katrina. When it became public that mega preacher Joel Osteen had locked his 16 000 seat mega church instead of opening it up to the displaced, the netizens raked him over the coals. If you mega preach something so hard that it buys you a mega anything, you'd better mega commit to the cause, and it simply wasn't what Jesus would've done (points emphatically at a WWJD rubber bracelet for the early 2000s). If we scramble some timelines for the sake of the hypothetical and imagine Andrew Tate not letting people into like, an airplane hangar or whatever he has, no one would've been surprised, let alone angry. When your words align with your actions it's authentic, and even when the results are distasteful, people go yeah, that tracks, and carry on.

The growing popularity of authenticity is also changing what makes influencers pop. Of course Kim K et al still reign, but they feel like the establishment at this point, and new stars must be born constantly to satisfy our scrolling. A couple of months ago, when Kaedon Rowland was bored at her upstate New York Staples job, she did what one does these days and started a TikTok. She did videos of printer noise ASMR, earnestly explained the difference between products, and said things like “You’re not getting your shawty a 40% off mug from Staples? And men wonder why women cheat.” She blew up. People started calling her the Staples Baddie. Wearing multiple earrings in each ear, septum piercing firmly in place, home-done nails, and her work shirt, people could relate to her with a greater immediacy than the average aspirational influencers stepping off planes in shoes that cost your rent. We've all been bored at work, and we've all found ourselves at one time or another to be the one at the party compelled to dive too deep into something like the distinctions between different types of gloss. No mom-ager trained her to be who she is, and she has no experience in marketing. To quote Rowland, she has “opinions and cheekbones”. Recently she was invited to the MAC launch party for Sephora, and from there, offers kept coming. She kept extending her stay in the city so she could do more stuff. As the deals roll in, she's afraid to be perceived as a corporate creation, and hopes that her success shows that marketing doesn't have to be synonymous with the sterilized, pre-packaged nonsense. While she's noticed that she's become a queer icon, she says she's “just a trans girl getting her ups”. She doesn't want to change, and she doesn't want to be perceived as a sellout, which leads me to believe she’ll be the same person walking runways as she is selling notebooks.

I enjoy that story. I imagine that behind the scenes, men in suits and women with too much Botox are pulling their hair out trying to figure out how to cash in on that market. They can't, though. To the military industrial complex, we're just consumers (and man, we’re good at consuming); but fundamentally, we hold the power. And as a wave in the crave for authenticity climbs, we’re learning how to shut out the noise. The unattainable aspirational content has slipped past depressing and into tacky. People want real stories from people they can relate to, people they imagine they could be friends with. It's funny, because those are the stories and people that actually sway our opinions, influence our tastes, and can change our spending habits more than any rich and famous person that's been paid for their “opinion”.

This trend is terrible news for the marketing department, but it's great news for us artists. It's a reminder that whatever you're doing is uniquely yours, and that's priceless. It's a great sign for the wonderful weirdos of the world, a sign that if you lean into the things that make you different, you will find the weirdos and admirers who appreciate you. Frankly, it's a positive indication for where society is going, because the sooner we can shake off the shackles of the corporate mainstream, the faster we can create something better.

BOOKISH BLING

It's an evening of bookish crafting! Bring a book you'd like to decorate, or buy one in store, and we'll provide the craft materials for you to personalize it as you see fit! This event is free, but space is limited, so please RSVP below.

Btw, this description doesn't exclude notebooks, so I'm assuming you can bling out your journal or poetry book too.

WHAT: Springs Equinox Book Bedazzling Party!

WHERE: Argo Bookshop, 1841-A Rue Sainte-Catherine O, Montréal, QC H3H 1M2

WHEN: Thursday, March 19 @ 7 PM

METRO: Atwater (Green)

RSVP: TicketSource

PULLING STRINGS

It's the vernal equinox edition of Montreal's Experimental Puppetry Cabaret (that's a rare and fantastic sentence).

Featuring Lindsey Ball (PUPPETQUEERS Chicago), Sarah K. Finn, Lost & Found Puppet Company, Heart Dandy (Sasha Golvin), Engelbert von Ficken, Amineh Sharifi, Joany Darsigny, Lily Schwarzbaum and Marcela Szwarc, and WHTRBBT_729.

Multiple disciplines go into making something this incredibly creative, so expect a feast for the eyes and ears, including film and music.

$20 admission, includes a warm meal. No one turned away for lack of funds.

Café Concret is generously supported by the Puppet Slam Network

WHAT: Café Concret 53 - Vernal Equinox Edition

WHERE: La Sala Rossa, 4848 Boul. St. Laurent Blvd., Montreal, H2T 1R5

WHEN: Friday, March 20, Doors @ 7 PM, Show @ 730 PM

METRO: Laurier (Orange)

TICKETS: VenuePilot

IMPECCABLE VIBES GUARANTEED

Let the music of Balkan Kafana take you away! Welcome to our Balkan evening show, let's dance and sing together!

(Yes, it's a short description, but that's because it's impossible to put the incredible vibes and musical acumen of a gypsy concert into words. You should go.)

WHAT: Balkan Night with the Balkan Kafana Orchestra

WHERE: Café Gitana, 2080 St. Denis St., Montreal, H2X 3K7

WHEN: Friday, March 20 @ 7 PM

METRO: Sherbrooke (Orange)

DETAILS: Facebook

EVEN HARRY STYLES LIKES IT OCCASIONALLY

Good Music. Good People. Great Outfits.

Welcome to the Daytime Disco where the theme sets the tone, and the crowd brings it to life. Each event comes with a twist: a concept to follow, a detail that gets you in the door. No hat? No shades? No vibe. It’s all about collective creativity, and leaving your worries at the door (along with your coat).

Expect a soundtrack of disco, soul, house, and pure feel-good grooves from handpicked DJs who know how to keep your feet moving, and your heart full. We’re here for glitter in the daylight, sequins at brunch, and dancefloors that come alive before sunset.

You bring the theme. We bring the party.

WHAT: Disco Isn't Dead! - Daytime Disco

WHERE: Yoko Luna, 1234 de la Montagne St., Montreal, H3G 1Z1

WHEN: Saturday, March 21, from 3 PM to 8 PM

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

TICKETS: Fixr

ONE IN THE HAND

To mark the final day of her exhibit “Holding, Release,” Salima Punjani invites you to take part in her Hand Bath experience.

After experiencing the exhibition, create your own hand bath using natural ingredients: rose petals, orange peel, lavender, and more.

The artist will guide you through the process.

A gentle moment to slow down, breathe, and take care of yourself.

Bring your own bowl and hand towel!

Poster illustration by Kae Loah.

WHAT: Free Hand Bath Workshop with Salima Punjani

WHERE: Centre Culturel Georges-Vanier, 2450 Workman St., Montreall, H3J 1L8

WHEN: Sunday, March 22, Workshop runs continuously between 2 PM and 4 PM. Come and go as you please.

METRO: Lionel-Groulx

DETAILS: CCGV

THE RETURN OF THE FEMMES

After a 3 year hiatus, we’re thrilled to invite you all to the 5th edition of the Benefit Concert Femmes pour Logifem: The Return of the Femmes.

This genre bending musical event will be a night of woman-fronted music bringing together diverse voices. Started in 2019, these live and virtual events have raised over $32,000 to help Logifem financially.

All funds raised will be donated to Logifem.

Featuring Naghmeh, Julie Neff, and Nazanii.

Logifem has been a vital part of Montreal since 1988. This organization provides accommodation and support to women and children experiencing homelessness. They offer long term shelter, transitional apartments, and since October 2024, permanent apartments. The vision is to equip and empower women and children to leave the cycle of homelessness and thrive.

Tickets are $20. Any purchase above that amount will be eligible for a tax receipt.

Poster by @my_super_personal_notebook

WHAT: Concert Femmes pour Logifem: The Return of the Femmes

WHERE: Casa Del Popolo, 4873 St. Laurent Blvd., Montreal, H2T 1R6

WHEN: Thursday, March 26 @ 7 PM

METRO: Laurier (Orange)

TICKETS: Zeffy

PUTTING THE FUN IN FUNERAL

A Funeral. A Ritual. A Rebirth.

Have you ever wanted to attend an exclusive media launch party?

For the past few years, our indie press The Stygian Society has quietly published books, zines, and strange stories from the edges of horror and the paranormal.

On March 28, we’re laying it to rest.

But the thing is, good stories don't stay dead.

Join us at Studio 415 for a theatrical funeral where we say goodbye to the press as it has existed… and welcome the birth of Montreal’s newest horror media company.

Hosted by the notorious Andrew Jamieson, this immersive evening blends performance, storytelling, music, and a touch of the paranormal in a ceremony that is equal parts wake, séance, and launch party.

Throughout the night you’ll experience:

Eulogies and farewell tributes to the press
A ghoulish acoustic set by Derek Delaronde
Tarot readings and medium insights
A mini paranormal investigation experience
A ceremonial ritual marking the end of one era and the beginning of another
The official reveal of our new horror media company
The first public reading from our upcoming serial Mortal Things

A night that begins in mourning will end in celebration!

Whether you’ve followed our work for years or are discovering us for the first time, this event is designed to be welcoming, theatrical, strange, and memorable.

Come dressed for a funeral, a ritual, or somewhere in between.

We’ll handle the rest.

Wine available. BYOB welcome. All attendees will receive a special FOUNDING WITNESS package on arrival.

Let’s bury the past and raise something new.

🎟️ $15 now, $20 at the door.

WHAT: STYGIAN: Last Rites

WHERE: Halbro Building, 10 des Pins Ave. W. #415, Montreal, H2W 1P9

WHEN: Saturday, March 28, Doors @ 630 PM, Ritual @ 7 PM, Event Ends @ 1030 PM

METRO: Sherbrooke (Orange)

TICKETS: Eventbrite

KINDNESS & CACKLES: ON SALE NOW!

After a successful Ladyfest debut, Toast’Er returns for a second edition!

This all lady night of laughter is a show like no other! Comedians pair off for toast battles, raising each other (and the vibes) to new heights! The compliment-offs are interspersed with comedy sets by this talented lineup, and the laughs are guaranteed!

Dawn McSweeney hosts, featuring Flo Penicaud, Julie Santini, Dayna Lieberman, Saanya Nanda, Elspeth Wright, and Abby Stonehouse.

Come out and enjoy a night of positivity, kindness, and cackles!

🎟️ $10, but no one turned away for lack of funds.

WHAT: Toast'er - Compliments Are Popping Up!

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

WHEN: Monday, March 30 @ 8 PM

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

TICKETS: Eventbrite

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 Vance Michel, this edition features Walter J. Lyng, Chris Venditto, and Troy Stark.

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, featuring Matthew Bourjeli, Dayna Lieberman, Charles Montgomery, Radu Sona, Scott ET, Sean Carson, Zak Kik, and Troy Stark.

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