McSweeney’s List (3 June 2026)
AS WE STUMBLE ALONG
“I never studied anything, really. I didn’t study the drums. I joined bands and made all the mistakes onstage.”
When I was born, all The Beatles were alive. I mean, ever so briefly, but alive nonetheless. Despite the timing, they didn't get much play in my childhood home. My dad was more of a Doors and Joplin guy, and my mom was more Rod Stewart and James Taylor. Regardless, the cultural power of The Beatles could never be denied. It took me years to realize that I found them a bit tepid and overdone because they shifted music in such a way that a whole lot of people sounded a bit like them (to the best of their abilities).
In hindsight, they were so polished, so talented, and professional, that it's hard to imagine them starting anything. It feels like they were simply born as skilled musicians, fresh out of the box, and onto the stage. Great artists make you feel that way: you can't imagine getting as good as they are, you can only stand in awe.
But the thing is, they all had to start; everyone does. And while I never considered how The Beatles got to be the fricken Beatles, thinking about it now, Ringo's way seems obvious. Even if he had gone to some classy-ass music school, they couldn't have taught him to be Ringo Starr! The paradigm didn't exist yet. Richard Starkey (his OG legal) had to become Ringo through the process of experimentation.
Experimentation is messy. Whether it's a scientific theory, a comedy set, or the hint of a song, the rubber meets the road when it comes time to try that shit out. Failure is likely, and always preferable to not trying. Failure at least begins to shape the amorphous clay into the beginnings of a finished piece. On the subject of sculpting, Michelangelo famously said "It is simple. I just chip away the stone that doesn't look like David.” Even by failing, the stone is being chipped; not always into the shape you envisioned, but into something, maybe even something you didn't feel capable of.
Consider all the people who went to school for music, or any of the arts, and turned out to be accountants. Consider the people who studied to be lawyers, and turned out to be bakers. Before Ringo was Ringo, he was an apprentice machinist at a Liverpool school equipment manufacturer. That's where he met the dude he started jamming with, unwittingly cementing his future. I know a guy with a master's degree in economics, who then changed directions, and became a family doctor. Same same.
Where you start is not necessarily indicative of where you’ll end up, but the key is to start. Only once we’re in motion can we get to the next step, see around the next corner, and run into new opportunities. Additionally, it's through that very motion -- the experimenting, experiencing, and exploring -- that we ourselves become changed. We are simultaneously the artist in the Michelangelo quote, and the stone becoming David. The changes we experience throughout our journey solidify and refine the creation we become, and are instrumental in determining what we make of ourselves. Each development changes both what we’re capable of achieving, and what we want to achieve. It's a moving target, the definition of journey over destination. The route (if you're doing it right) will be littered with unforeseen challenges, the rush of successes, and the temporary shame of mistakes. If you let the challenges stop you, you're cooked. If you get caught up on the mistakes you've made, you'll give up. The only way to get there -- wherever there is -- is through.
The only failure is stopping. The rest is data: you learn what sound you enjoy, what venues you like, what roles you enjoy playing, what style of writing leaves you fulfilled once the pages are typed. We make adjustments as we go, gaining knowledge and skill as we refine our aim. Often, it's the fear of failure that stops us from even starting. We get it in our heads that mistakes are embarrassing to the point of fatality. We forget the first awkward, stumbling steps of babies, and somehow convince ourselves that we start at our full potential. How crazy is that? If that's the perspective, you will be miserable. If you can internalize the knowledge that mistakes must happen, you can begin, step-by-step, to build upon each error and every success until you're looking down from a mountain top, amazed that you got there. Starting is the important part. When's the best time to start? Ten years ago. When's the next best time to start? Today.
Consider the “late” starts and meandering path of some famously successful folks:
Vera Wang was a figure skater at 15, and a senior fashion designer at Vogue in her early adult life. She didn't hit the fashion world until she was 40, and now she just seems like she was simply born into the role. (Her brand is valued at $500 million, and generates about $700 million in annual sales.)
Famed post-impressionist Henri Rousseau studied law, served in the army, and eventually became a tax and toll collector. He didn't get his whole painting thing going until his 40s.
And 40 is still pretty young when you consider that Julia Child wrote her first cookbook at 50, setting off a sequence of events that led to her own cooking show, and becoming a household name.
Another household name, Colonel Sanders (yes, he's real) supported himself on manual labour until he bought his first restaurant at 40. Even then, he didn't perfect that KFC deliciousness until he was 62.
And sometimes circumstances divert our paths for us. Artist Grandma Moses took up painting once her arthritis made embroidery difficult -- she was 78 years old. She went on to become a folk art icon with over 1500 pieces under her belt.
The thing is, you can't get anywhere without starting, and you're going to have to make a whole bunch of mistakes to get any better at whatever you started. If you're really committed, you’ll continue to challenge yourself, and you’ll make mistakes forever. The mistakes you make with experience under your belt will be more interesting, and less fatal. In baking terms, your first few cakes will be palatable if you're lucky, but if you stick with it, you’ll be doing crazy cakey things you can't dream from here -- and you’ll still mess up the icing every now and again. Or maybe you'll make a couple cakes and decide you'd rather be a fire juggler.
As a parting note, let me tell you that Ringo Starr just did a duet with Paul McCartney on McCartney ‘s new album. It's the first time he's ever done a duet with a fellow Beatle, after all these decades. While his quote reminds us that we must dive in and be ready to fail, his path reminds us that it's never too late to do something you've never done before.
GROW WITH US: Call for Writers
If you are obsessed with Montreal's music, dance, or visual art scenes, we want to give you the platform, and the tools, to write about it. 🎨✨
Forget The Box(.ca) is Montreal's most devoted online arts magazine, covering and amplifying ground level, underground, and marginalized art. We are the main project of Forget The Box Media, a federally incorporated not-for-profit organization. 🏛️
We are looking for people who are passionate about Montreal's arts community! Whether you're a seasoned journalist, an aspiring critic, or an artist who wants to pivot to writing, we provide the support to help you shape your ideas, alongside a dedicated platform to get your work published and read by the local community. 🫂
As we expand our coverage, we're looking to recruit writers interested in three vital sectors: music 🎸 everything from DIY loft shows and underground releases to local indie labels pushing boundaries; dance 💃 everything from street and contemporary, to experimental movement that defines Montreal's physical spaces; and visual art 🖼️ highlighting the indie galleries, street art, and artist-run centres that make up our city's creative ecosystem.
Forget The Box(.ca) offers writers:
💰 Honorariums
🧠 Writing Workshops
👥 One-on-one mentorship
🎟️ Access to local art events
📣 A Platform
🤝 Community
🚀 Open doors to larger publications
You don't need a big portfolio to start. If you have thoughts on local music, dance, or visual art, and want to spotlight some of the great work of local artists, reach out to us! 👋
📷 First photo: Provided by @growvemtl at @turbo_haus
📷 Second photo: Provided by @wafdcreations, taken by @susanmossphotography, featuring performers Rémy Saminadin, Nindy Banks, and Marie-Reine Kabasha
📷 Third photo: Provided by @wip.works, featuring work by @alexis1million
How to Apply: 📬
To get started, send an email to our Editor-in-Chief, Candice Ann, at candice@forgetthebox.ca. Tell us a bit about yourself, why you want to cover the scene, and any relevant experience you might have (experience is not required). 📩
PHILIP K. DICK CALLED IT KIPPLE
McBride Contemporain is pleased to present 𝙈𝙪𝙡𝙩𝙞𝙨𝙖𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚𝙨 𝙚𝙣 𝙫𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙜𝙚𝙨, Mathieu Lacroix’s second solo exhibition with the gallery. Bringing together a new series of drawings on recycled paper and hybrid installation techniques, the exhibition reflects on the monumental presence of discarded objects in everyday life. Abandoned furniture, empty boxes, and other residual items that persist within our environments even as they disappear from collective attention, simultaneously occupying space while remaining overlooked by the collective gaze.
The exhibition will open with the artist present.
WHAT: Vernissage - Mathieu Lacroix • Multisatures en vestiges
WHERE: McBride Contemporain, 372 St. Catherine St. W. #414, Montreal, H3B 1A2
WHEN: Thursday, June 4 @ 5 PM - 8 PM
METRO: Place-des-Arts (Green)
DETAILS: McBrideContemporain
HIT THE STREET
YATAI MTL is Quebec’s largest Japanese street market, attracting over 45,000 people over four days. Food stalls will serve up a variety of Japanese street food, while visitors can also explore merchant booths, cultural programming, and fun activities for all ages!
🎟️ $5
Free for under 12 & 65+
Dogs are welcome at the event!
Poster credit: David Maman
WHAT: YATAI MTL – Japanese Street Market
WHERE: Peel Basin, Griffintown, H3C 1X4
WHEN: Thursday, June 4 & Friday, June 5 @ 5 PM - 10 PM
Saturday, June 6 @ 12 PM - 10 PM
Sunday, June 7 @ 12 PM - 8 PM
METRO: Bonaventure (Orange)
TICKETS: Zeffy
LIKE MIKE MYERS IN SO I MARRIED AN AXE MURDERER?
You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll experience gut-wrenching poetry then bust your gut to zany sketches. What's not to love?
A rare event! We never do this, so come on out to enjoy this brand new show.
Five incredible improv comedians will interpret spoken word poems using only torn pieces of paper scattered on the floor.
🎟️ $12
QWF Member: $5
No one turned away due to lack of funds!
A joint collaboration between Throw! Poetry and ImprovMTL.
Poster Credit: @mille_maux
WHAT: Slamprovise This! Slam Poetry Meets Improv Comedy
WHERE: Le Basement, 3716 Notre Dame St. W., Montreal, H4C 1P7
WHEN: Saturday, June 6 @ 8 PM
METRO: Place-Saint-Henri (Orange)
TICKETS: ThrowPoetry
TECHNO-TAMS
Do you miss music at the Gazebo? So do we… and that’s why we decided to try and bring it back!
For years, the Gazebo at the mountain was a meeting point for music lovers, dancers, free spirits, and beautiful souls every Sunday during the summer. A place where people gathered under the sun to connect through music, nature, and positive energy. After 7 years away, Wizard Tribe is bringing that magic back.
Music at the Gazebo is more than just an event — it’s a daytime community gathering built around good vibes, freedom of expression, and unforgettable moments. Expect a journey through electronic music, relaxing summer energy, smiling faces, dancing in the grass, and a welcoming atmosphere for everyone.
Bring your friends, your flow toys, your picnic blankets, and your best energy. Come spend the day with us surrounded by nature, sunshine, sound, and soul.
Daytime outdoor vibes
Nature connection
Electronic music & community gathering
Positive energy only
Featuring fab DJs including Gazelektrik, Le Zeste, Hattori, and MAX.
Respect the space. Dance freely. Create memories.
Welcome back to the Gazebo!
WHAT: Music at the Gazebo
WHERE: Mordecai Richler Gazebo, 4060 Parc Ave., Montreal, H2W 1S8
WHEN: Sunday, June 7 @ 2 PM
METRO: Mont-Royal (Orange)
DETAILS: Facebook
LIMITED RUN KILLER COMEDY
Experience one of Montreal’s most carefully curated comedy nights at Benedetta, a stunning restaurant in the heart of the Old Port. Hosts Christopher Venditto and Troy Stark bring together top‑tier comedians for an intimate, high‑quality stand‑up show.
This is a limited summer series running June through September, with hand‑picked lineups featuring some of the strongest comedians in the city. These funny folks have been seen on Just For Laughs, CBC, Winnipeg Comedy Festival, Hubcap Comedy Festival, and more!
What about the venue? It's a premium spot with excellent food, drinks, and great atmosphere. Bring your appetite, a date, or some friends for a polished, and memorable night out!
Reserve your seat to be part of Montreal’s newest summer comedy tradition!
WHAT: Cobblestone Comedy
WHERE: Benedetta Restaurant, 3 de la Commune St. W., Montreal, Quebec H2Y 2Y3
WHEN: Thursday, June 11, Doors @ 7 PM, Show @ 8 PM
METRO: Place-d’Armes (Orange)
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, featuring Dayna Lieberman, Shosho Abotouk, and Nazeer Khan.
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!
This edition is hosted by Vance Michel, featuring Miguel McKenna, Joel Slavik, Gowthaman Kasy, CeeCee Huys, Zak Kik, James Mancini, Claudio Capri, and more!
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
