McSweeney’s List (10 June 2026)
A dear friend called me the other day, completely frazzled. Her sister just had what could be considered an ill conceived baby. Ill conceived because the parents were ships passing in the night, and the mother is young -- both chronologically and emotionally. She doesn't work, doesn't go to school, and lacks the village necessary to create a fertile support network for herself and her child. There's a fear that much like an influencer getting a new puppy for the clicks, there might’ve been more thought given to the potential photo-ops than the reality. Mom and child will be living with her mother, an environment barely changed from the time my friend lived there…which isn't good. My girl remembers the power being cut not because the adults didn't have the money to pay, but because they'd spent the money carelessly, for example. And that's not even to mention repeated police visits and CPS investigations. There isn't a lot of evidence that the adults have grown or changed, though I personally love a redemption arc, and hope this new addition may add some perspective that encourages a new way of life. I’m not naïve enough to have faith in that outcome, but I'm praying for it.
Meanwhile, my friend is a mess of emotions. Imagine a buffet garbage bin, where Jello meets shellfish meets bacon cheeseburger sliders. Memories of her own childhood have been brought vividly to the surface, along with anger at the adults who let her down, and now risk letting down another child. Her strained relationship with her sister -- they haven't been on speaking terms for a bit -- is suddenly in the spotlight. Family members have reached out to demand that she “be there” for her sister, and while her heart is telling her to form a relationship with her new niece, she isn't sure what path to take, or what that would look like.
I'm not switching to an advice columnist. In fact, I don't have any genius advice on this, which makes it interesting. I'm often curious about questions, and this situation raises many, so let's dive into some intellectual exercise.
Does support constitute approval? Can one even be there for a child without accepting the parent? I remember my aunt banning my father from family events at her house. In fact, I remember understanding all the reasons why she made that choice: tired of the push-pull of my parents’ tumultuous relationship, fed up with being the safe refuge from which my mother would fortify herself only to return, she drew the only line she could. Even as a child, I was of two minds on this, understanding why someone would cut my father out, and also understanding that it changed nothing, and just made Passover weird.
Does a baby constitute a fresh start for the relationships that existed before its arrival? I don't think so. If you've done enough to alienate people close to you, the grapevine’s news of your new baby isn't likely to mend any bridges without intentional efforts on your part. They will not rush in with “let bygones be bygones” to hold your kid. You're still the same person, and until they can forge their own path, in practice the child is guilty by association, inheriting your perks and punishments as their birthright. This would probably be the right time for the mother to go on an apology tour, but right now, in this particular scenario, the talk is of obligation; there's an attempt to frame this baby as the magical cure-all that should heal the wounds it bears no responsibility for. That's a helluva burden on this little one, and a strange and entitled expectation on the part of the adults.
Is there a moral obligation for the divided family to embrace this child? I'm not sure that there is. There's no more personal choice than deciding whether or not to bring life into the world. We've fought hard for that choice to be safe, and for no one to be able to interfere with it. But once made, that choice is yours. It's a life altering decision, the ramifications of which belong to the woman, and she alone. (Shout out to the fantastic single dads; they know they’re the exception to the rule). It's a binding agreement between her, and the unborn child. No one owes you anything because you decided to have a child. If you opened a small business tomorrow, you wouldn't expect your family and friends to quit their jobs and come work for you, because it's not their responsibility, or their dream. It's all you, babe. If you want the startup, you've gotta do the work without expecting flowers or the labour of others. If you make the baby, that's your company now.
I've known single parents who grinded for years to be able to support their children and help them thrive. I've known others who seem genuinely baffled that they have to figure it out for themselves; pay the bills, meet their parental responsibilities, create a support network they can rely on. That network will always be built on give and take, even when the support comes from family, friends, or romantic partners. The only people I've seen screw this up are those who ask for more than they return, do less than they can, and refuse the guidance of those wiser. Those people are in perpetual struggle because they aren't participating in the village that would otherwise help them raise their child -- they're making demands of it. If a community member needs soup, a well functioning village will put their means together and provide soup. If a guy rides into the village on his horse demanding the villagers provide sustenance, then, to quote a historical philosophy, no soup for you.
How do we protect and elevate the innocent while maintaining boundaries with those who have proven themselves undeserving of our support? That's a million dollar question, and one that society continues to struggle with as a whole. How do we provide for those who need it while making sure those who don't can't take advantage of said same system? How do we punish those who have breached boundaries or laws without hurting those who depend on them? In this specific case, concessions will have to be made to establish a connection before the kid is old enough to make their own moves. At this very moment, support probably looks like a sent stuffed animal, or a long-term bond (do we still do bonds? That's still a thing, right?) for their future.
It makes me think about my own daughter, an incredible blessing I couldn't imagine my life without. I also had her young; chronologically young, but nearly 30 years later, I also see how young I was emotionally -- how inexperienced I was, how limited my reference points. I was engaged to her father, a man I would thankfully never marry. We were so young that we felt powerless when the adults around us made demands, overriding the custody agreement we’d made in mediation. They knew better, they assured us, and we were steamrolled. It was a mixed bag of good and bad choices, all of which were fed into the fire that is my shiny daughter to use as fuel to the best of her ability. She did aces in that regard; her nature was clear and determined, easily distinguishable from the thrift store collection of nurture that we barely mustered to give her.
These days, I feel lucky to have a super close relationship with my grown daughter. We confide, and vent, and trade book recommendations. Meanwhile, I get to be the voice that wakes up my boyfriend's teenaged sons some days, answer questions about hair care, and offer my hard won experience crafted into small, polished nuggets that I hope are valuable. I came to them a matured (though by no means perfect) person. They never had to see the mistakes that built my learning curve, and I never had to wonder if they were hungry before they could tell me. It's a pretty sweet deal, another blessing, really, and part of my own redemption arc. I hear the confidence in my voice, and see the way they look at me as an adult authority figure, not a stumbling fuck-up. I wish I could've been all this when my daughter needed me to be. All the regret in the world can't fix that, and I am grateful every day that I am who I am now and can be there for her as she is now.
And what of the fresh baby and her mother? I don't know; that whole story has just begun. While something as momentous as a new life can sweep a lot of petty things under the rug, that hope alone can neither fill a fridge nor emotionally support a new family. Certainly a child needs a village, but the onus for the creation of that village falls to the parents. Ideally, you build the village before you make the baby, but if you didn't do that, you’d better get building as soon as possible. Know that building community can't be done with a sense that you are entitled to it: it must be done with an open heart, an open hand, and a willingness to give to each villager at least as much as you hope to get from them. That means timewise, resourcewise, and emotionally. It's important to remember that kids or no kids, asking for more than you can return is declassé and unsustainable, and you will spend the rest of your days wondering why everyone can happily share amongst themselves but refuse to share so much as their crumbs with you.
My hope is that this wonderful new arrival is healthy, happy, loved, and lifted throughout their life. I hope she receives quality care, emotional consistency, and learns lessons softly. And I hope she achieves more than her mother, or her wildest dreams for them…just like my own kid did.
SHARE WORDS
At Chimera Open Mic, guests get a chance to read their own works of poetry and/or fiction to a supportive and encouraging audience.
Everyone is welcome. No reservations or tickets.
Sign up the night of the event to read, or just come out to support!
5 minute time limit.
Hosted by Mel of Phoenix Curiosities.
WHAT: Chimera Open Mic
WHERE: Phoenix Books, 5928 Sherbrooke St. W., Montreal, H4A 1X7
WHEN: Thursday, June 11 @ 7 PM
METRO: Vendôme (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
NEW ERA
Montreal Latin pop artist, JACE Carrillo, is playing his first hometown show of the year!
Back to the Roots is more than a concert, it marks the launch of JACE’s new artistic era, taking audiences through moments of nostalgia, vulnerability, rebirth, and personal growth through cinematic Latin pop and alternative sounds. The evening will also feature unreleased music, guest performers, and a strong visual component throughout the performance.
WHAT: Back to the Roots - JACE Carrillo
WHERE: Dock 5160 - Verdun Cultural Centre, 5160 LaSalle Blvd., Verdun, H4H 1N8
WHEN: Friday, June 12 @ 7 PM
METRO: De l’Église (Green)
TICKETS: Eventbrite
UNIQUE HAND PAINTED PIECES
This weekend go buy yourself some hand painted clothing by Cryote Pup, and guest vendors Crud4you, havenwxve, and Hannah Silverking. Check us out while you're enjoying the last few days of MURAL!
See you there!
WHAT: Art Show & Pop-Up
WHERE: The Counter, 3655 Boul. St. Laurent, Montreal, H2X 2V6
WHEN: Saturday, June 13 & Sunday, June 14 @ 11 AM - 7 PM
METRO: Sherbrooke (Orange)
THE ART OF WALKING
Join Montreal Trekkers for a fun summer evening exploring the world-famous MURAL Festival on Saint Laurent Boulevard!
Each year MURAL Fest transforms St. Lau into a giant open-air art gallery featuring artists from around the world, live mural painting, street performances, music, art installations, food vendors, and a vibrant summer atmosphere. This meetup is the perfect way to explore and socialize with like-minded folks!
The route is 5 km over about 3 hours, with a planned coffee social stop at Café Olimpico in Mile End for coffee, gelato, pastries, and conversation.
Plus, there's an optional sunset extension at Jeanne-Mance Park!
It's the perfect opportunity to get that summer festival energy while enjoying art discussions, and a friendly, social atmosphere!
Weather contingent: cancelled if raining.
WHAT: Montreal Mural Festival Walk & Coffee Social
MEETING POINT: Outside the Saint-Urbain Street entrance of Place-des-Arts Metro (Green)
WHEN: Saturday, June 13 @ 5 PM - 8 PM
DETAILS: Facebook
SWITCH ‘EM UP
Looking to swap some clothes for a fresh start to the season? Hit Hector-Toe-Blake Park for an afternoon of sharing, community, and sustainable fashion!
Bring good condition clothes you're bored with, and trade them for new treasures!
DJ Atity will be there to keep the vibes going with live music throughout the event.
This event is part of Peter-McGill, an initiative dedicated to revitalizing public spaces in the neighbourhood through community-driven events.
WHAT: Clothing Swap
WHERE: Hector-Toe-Blake Park, Hope Ave. Corner Sussex St., H3H 0B5
WHEN: Sunday, June 14 @ 1 PM - 4 PM
METRO: Atwater (Green)
DETAILS: Facebook
COME TO MY SHOW!
Toast’Er is back for a third 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, Sara Meleika, Dayna Lieberman, CeeCee Huys, Saba Jakeman, ShoSho Abotouk, and Abby Stonehouse.
Come out and enjoy a night of positivity, kindness, and cackles!
WHAT: Toast’Er
WHERE: Hurley's Irish Pub, 1225 Crescent St., Montreal, H3G 2B1
WHEN: Thursday, June 25 @ 8 PM
METRO: Lucien l'Allier (Orange) & Guy-Concordia (Green)
DETAILS: Facebook
CAN I BUY A VOWEL?
Montreal-based collective iWant2BeOnTV is presenting The Spelling Bee Of The Century as part of the 26th edition of Suoni Per il Popolo (Sounds For The People), a festival committed to showcasing exploratory forms of music from both local and international artists.
The event is a live, broadcast performance that transforms a spelling bee into an absurd, high-pressure spectacle featuring musical guests, audience participation, and escalating on-stage disruptions.
Local musical acts Laughing, Culvert Corpse, Bastard Idol, and Goddard, Goodie & X will take the stage, along with Fraud Perry, who we featured here. There's something for everyone with rock and roll, abrasive punk, and electronic industrial.
In total, this project brings together over 30 artists and is rooted in Montréal’s queer and DIY communities. It also extends beyond the venue through livestream and community radio broadcast, drawing from public-access TV to create a collective viewing experience.
Physical pre-sale tickets are available at Phonopolis, Dépanneur le Pick Up or directly from members of the iWant2BeOnTV team until June 16th. Tickets will also be available at the door.
WHAT: The Spelling Bee of the Century
WHERE: La Sala Rossa, 4848 St. Laurent Blvd., Montreal, H2T 1R5
WHEN: Friday, June 26 @ 730 PM
METRO: Laurier (Orange)
DETAILS: SuoniPerilPopolo
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). 📩
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.
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.
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
