McSweeney’s List (29 April 2026)
DON’T BE NICE, BE KIND
While everything at the moment feels like an unprecedented shit-show-screaming-match, collectively, we seem more sensitive than ever. It’s logical that being pulled in so many directions while navigating the incessant noise and schoolyard level communication styles leaves us all a bit raw. We want some peace, some ease, a few gentle words, and it's true that in times like these, things like that really go a long way. But those same niceties can easily become hollow scripts or worse when they come from politeness and not kindness.
First, let me say that I don't actually think the world is worse than ever. Each generation thinks they're special. History reminds us how often our ancestors believed they were living in the end times. Conversely, we can see how often, in the midst of success and bounty, they believed no future generation could possibly exceed their greatness. From where I stand, that type of conceit is naturally built into us: if we don't keep believing we’re special (for better or for worse), we start asking questions like what's my purpose? What's our collective purpose? Philosophical questions such as these are bad for business. Should the existential queries turn nihilistic, the whole timeline darkens.
What has changed is the size of the world we live in. Not literally of course, but when my daughter recently video called from a store in Amsterdam so I could pick my own souvenir, I was reminded how time and space have changed, very quickly. It's no longer exceptional to correspond across oceans and timezones in real time, and with the entire internet as our public square, we take for granted that our photos can be seen by strangers half a world away. Along those same lines, it's no surprise that we also hear opinions from people we don't know, and never asked: post a pic you love, and within moments someone somewhere will tell you that you're fat, ugly, and poor, for no apparent reason other than they just wanted to say those things to someone, anyone, and your wedding pic came up on their algo. The fact that such things have become culturally ingrained in only a couple of decades, is enough to make us all a bit emotionally raw.
Feeling overburdened by the slings and arrows of modern life (working hard to make ends meet, the increasing numbers of people carrying it all alone, sans partners, family, and community, along with the quickly changing workforce), it's easy to understand why we're so often on the brink. We're so used to our efforts being ignored at the office, making sacrifices just to survive, and ragebaited online, that we show up for even happy occasions half offended. We play out scenarios in our heads: Ugh, dad’s going to ask why I haven't been promoted, mom’s going to ask if I'm seeing anyone, and approach with our guard up. We wish everyone would just be nice, and polite, and “leave well enough alone”, and it's that very wish that becomes the problem.
See, nice and kind are not the same thing. Niceness is what we might consider polite, but kindness is the heartfelt caring and support that might show up ugly or raw. In an article I read on the subject recently, it was summed up succinctly that niceness serves to protect the relationship, while kindness is to protect the person. Niceness is biting your tongue, while kindness is having the hard conversation. In fact, niceness is often a pretty word we put on avoidance: we don't mention the thing that bothers us not because we're patient, but because it would be uncomfortable to say anything. Often, we do this in an effort to avoid an argument, or because deep down we know that the other person won't change, so we are careful not to draw any lines in the sand that might force an impasse. We stall, avoiding the subject, walking around the elephant in the room until one day they breathe wrong, and we break. To the other, it's out of the blue. To you, it feels like running out of patience. In truth, you favored comfort over the possibility of teamwork (or you stalled on pulling the plug when you knew you should).
Do I look fat in this outfit? Niceness always replies no! You look beautiful! Kindness says you have better fits, let's go pick one. Sometimes kindness says you would be beautiful at any size, but I'm worried about your health. Kindness cares so much about the person that the discomfort is worth it.
It might come across as nice if you simply don't mention the fact that a kid can't ride a bike. Kindness sets aside the time to teach them. Niceness says this is fine, and then secretly laments that it never gets better. Kindness says I appreciate that you did this! For next time though, please know that I prefer flowers to chocolates, or, this is a super sweet gesture, but I'm actually allergic to these chocolates. Niceness just keeps accepting boxes of chocolates they can't eat.
Someone who cares will shift; they want to learn about who you are, and when we try to be polite, we tend to just let things exist without letting people into our bubbles.
In some regards, niceness is kind of insulting. You're assuming that the person you're interacting with can't meet you where you are, can't understand your point of view, and can't participate in a potentially difficult conversation. It might even mean that you know for a fact that they can't do any of those things, so why bother, and in that case, why are you willing to settle for such a limited and broken relationship?! That's you not honouring your own needs and boundaries, and as such, you're being pretty shitty to yourself. Ruuuuude!
Kindness requires faith in the person, and the foundation you've built with them. Frankly, I say aim for radical kindness: when a stranger at the store asks what do you think as they hold up a dress in front of themselves with no one else around to ask, tell them the fucking truth. After all, they asked. If they disagree, they'll buy the thing. If they think you're mean for telling them, don't worry, you’ll never see them again.
Kindness also calls on us to invest time and energy, whereas niceness is strictly transactional lip service. If you tell a kid their report is good when it isn't, they'll leave the room smiling and satisfied, but come home with a shitty grade. The kind thing is to let them know the paper needs work, and then take the time to walk them through it, helping them learn through the process.
There's every reason to lament the state of things, but niceness won't solve it. If we want real connections, honest communication, and a community that holds us all together like a strong, snuggly hug, we’re each going to have to start with kindness…and all that it requires from us.
SKETCHFEST HITS THE STAGE
Montreal Sketchfest is here! They have a load of sketchy offerings (find them here), but it all starts with opening night! Join Legitness, Tony McIntyre, A.C. Birch, and Hot Metal Playground for a night to remember!
LEGITNESS (MONTREAL)
Legitness is a Montreal based comedy duo that will keep you guessing if they're dating, siblings, or just really awkward roommates. They've smooshed together Brooklyn Melnyk, an actor and long time award winning sketch comedian from troupes such as Tongues, Side Salad and Don't Not Talk to Strangers with accomplished actor Noah Labranche. Labranche has appeared in 6 movies, 2 upcoming video games, and 3 episodes of Heated Rivalry (for realzies). Together they have performed in several local shows and festivals. Along with their "professional acting training™" they bring lots of commitment, big characters, and incredibly stupid jokes all wrapped up in a charming sketch comedy package. They will be tackling heavy hitting issues like business lingo and why it's impossible to buy anything full price at the Gap all with a heavy dose of absurdist realism. As they like to ask each other when they write "is this funny, or just stupid?" They'll never tell! Come down to the show to find out!
TONY MCINTYRE (MONTREAL)
Tony McIntyre is bringing his many clown personas to Montreal Sketchfest as they compete to be the best of the best, whatever that means. They will look to wow the audience and ensure they are doing the best they can as they compete for a supposed gold medal or maybe it is just a gold star sticker given by the audience. Tony has a background in clown, improv, and stand up. As a clown he has focused on modern clowning inspired by the clowning scene in LA and idiot work clowns. He performed his debut clown show, Mouse Trap! at the 2025 Montreal Fringe Festival where it was met with highly positive reviews. He has been bridging the gap between clown and Standup introducing new characters and stories to the world of his standup. As a standup he has performed at the ComediHa 2024 festival and Just for Laughs 2025 Festival.
A.C. BIRCH (TORONTO)
A.C. Birch is a comedian, writer, and filmmaker based in Toronto. His feature documentary, "A Queer's Guide to Spiritual Living", premiered at Inside Out in 2023, and in 2024 he produced a staged reading of his original romcom "Gay Bridgerton" at The Second City Theatre '73, featuring a cast of some of Toronto's most beloved trans and queer comics. His awards include "Best Newcomer" at Sketch To The Death 2025, "Best Writing - Category Romance" by IndieX Film Fest, and "Most Improved - Category Hotness" by friends who knew him in high school.
HOT METAL PLAYGROUND (TRAVERSE CITY, MI)
Hot Metal Playground is the comedy duo of sisters Kali and Janée Marie Meadows. They grew up on whole milk, sketch comedy, and a relentless DIY spirit, filming camcorder sketches and building worlds from whatever was lying around.
Their voice is fearless, weird, and rooted in unforgettable personalities shaped by a lifetime of creative mischief and that uncanny, unspoken shorthand only sisters from Northern Michigan who like milk share. Their sketches feature bold, memorable characters that feel larger than life, and sometimes just a little too real.
WHERE: Théâtre Saint Catherine Café Bar, 264 St. Catherine St. E., Montreal, H2X 1L4
METRO: Berri-UQAM
TICKETS: ThePointOfSale
PUNK'S NOT DEAD
MODO-LIVE and I am the Eggplant, present The Casualties, with special guests The Drowns, and Rumkicks. Get your tickets now for a night of wall to wall punk!
WHAT: The Casualties
WHERE: Bar Le Ritz PDB, 179 Jean-Talon St. W., Montreal, QC H2R 2Y8
WHEN: Friday, May 1, Doors @ 8 PM, Show @ 9 PM
METRO: De Castelnau (Blue)
TICKETS: Universe
TOO GOOD TO MISS
Free Comic Book Day is happening, and this year it's DOUBLE the fun because it's also Comics Giveaway Day!!! We've got a selection of over 40 special free comics spanning all the hits of your fave publishers: Marvel, DC, Image, BOOM, Dark Horse, IDW, and SO MUCH MORE!
Celebrate our favourite day of the year with us at Crossover Comics, where an amazing selection of free comics for all ages will be given away to YOU! Invite all your family and friends to get the most of it because there is a limit of comics per person. And, if the comics you wanted are not the free ones, we have 20% off STORE-WIDE (exceptions apply) and 40% OFF RED TICKET ITEMS!
Come see what's in stock and hang out with us for the happiest day of your Comics Year!
WHAT: Free Comic Book Day 2026 at Crossover Comics
WHERE: Crossover Comics, 3560 Notre Dame St. W., Montreal, H4C 1P4
WHEN: Saturday, May 2 @ 10 AM
METRO: Lionel-Groulx (Green & Orange)
DETAILS: Facebook
CAN'T SPELL POETRY WITHOUT THE POET
The Accent Open Mic takes center stage at the ever faithful Bar Le Record for another evening of poetry and prose hijinks featuring guest readings by Lisa Shen and Tahira Rajwani. As always, sign up for the open mic at the door!
WHAT: Accent Vol. 136 “Spelling” with Lisa Shen and Tahira Rajwani
WHERE: Bar Le Record, 7622 St. Hubert St., Montreal, H2R 2N6
WHEN: Sunday, May 3 @ 8 PM
METRO: Jean-Talon (Orange)
DETAILS: Facebook
SWEET 16
The 16th edition of the HTMlles festival is starting soon! Join us for a series of events from May 6 to June 7, and celebrate the festival opening with us on May 6!
Following Shared Movements, this edition of HTMlles, entitled On a Human Scale, brings together artists, curators, researchers, and cultural workers whose practices engage with the everyday realities of our lives with technology. Rather than focusing on innovation as an end in itself, the festival highlights practices rooted in lived experience, care, and collective agency.
Through exhibitions, performances, screenings, workshops, residencies, and public gatherings, the program explores how technologies interact with memory, bodies, environments, and forms of belonging.
Check the entire calendar here! The whole shebang pops off with an exhibition showcasing works by Fili Gibbons, Hailey Guzik, Lee Wilkins, Marion Schneider, Nada El-Omari, and Dounia Bouzidi. Don't miss it!
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, featuring James Mancini, Nazeer Khan, and Chris Venditto.
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 Johnny Dallas, Ryan Newburger, Fahad Legrand, Jeffrey Weinstein, Serag Melatian, CeeCee Huys, 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
