As always, if we’re missing something, or you want your event included, please message @discordia.review on Instagram to propose an inclusion. Doing so in advance if you already know what’s up next month is even better.

1 JUNE (MON)

MOMENTS & MIRACLES
What: Apparently aligned with the long running Lawnchair Soirée reading series, this is a poetry/music open mic taking place amid an ongoing photography and line-drawing exhibition.
Where: Galerie Espace (4840 Boul. St-Laurent).
When: 7pm.
Who: Whoever has the balls.
How Much: Free. (Link)

2 JUNE (TUES)

JRG LITERARY OPEN MIC
What: Rollicking monthly open mic with an absurdist edge, this time featuring poet and visual artist Ev Ricky (who should be familiar to long time Discordia readers) and writer M. Gnanasihamany.
Where: L’hémisphère gauche (221 Rue Beaubien E).
When: 8:30pm.
Who: Whoever has the balls, plus Ev Ricky and M. Gnanasihamany.
How Much: PWYC. (Link)

ROLLIE PEMBERTON: WAYS OF LISTENING LAUNCH
What: Pemberton (AKA Albertan rapper Cadence Weapon) drops by Montreal to launch his new book on “building a deeper relationship with music in the streaming era.”
Where: Librarie Drawn & Quarterly (176 rue Bernard O).
When: 7pm.
Who: Rollie Pemberton, in conversation with Peggy Hogan.
How much: Free. (Link)

4 JUNE (THURS)

LISA RICHTER: SUBLUNARY LAUNCH
What: The suspects don’t get much more usual than the trio of extremely busy local poets backing up visiting Toronto writer Lisa Richter, launching her third collection.
Where: Librarie Pulp Books & Cafe.
When: 7pm.
Who: Lisa Richter, Jessica Bebenek, Misha Solomon, and Gillian Sze. Hosted by James Hawes.
How much: Free. (Link)

5 JUNE (FRI)

BELLITRIST
What: This is… a reading series that takes place in a Brazilian jiujitsu studio? I’m imagining a poetry version of Man on the Mat, which sounds profoundly satisfying actually. Anyway, we like kurichka of course, some well-known names here. Pity about the 2pm call time though.
Where: Carlson Gracie Montreal (275 Rue Sherbrooke O).
When: 2pm.
Who: Jordan Abel, Gail Scott, Clint Burnham, kurichka.
How Much: Free, comes with complimentary Gatorade. (Link)

THE OPEN BOOK MIC
What: A new one to me, though it seems they’ve been running this weekly show at Café Eevee for a while now. It’s not a lit specific open mic (music and comedy are also permitted) so I’m not going to repeat this listing four times here, but know that it repeats every Friday till the stars grow cold.
Where: Café Eevee (1251 Rue St-Zotique E).
When: 7 to 9pm.
Who: Whoever has the balls.
How Much: Free. (Link)

6 JUNE (SAT)

SLAMPROVISE THIS! SLAM POETRY MEETS IMPROV COMEDY
What: It is difficult to imagine a less appealing combination than this. Le Basement should be sealed in a concrete sarcophagus like Chernobyl. (Before or during the event, I don’t care.)
Where: La Basement (3716 rue Notre-Dame O.)
When: 7:30pm doors, 8pm show.
Who: “Dave,” “Christian,” “Dzuy,” “Katia,” and “Charity.”
How Much: $12, or $5 for QWF members, the lucky dogs. (Link)

7 JUNE (SUN)

META MOOD: IN THE MOOD x METATRON PRESS
What: Some of the usual Metatron Press suspects link up with Toronto-based movie writing mag In The Mood to help launch Kawai Shen’s new book. Seems to be happening in the midst of one of Parquette’s 24hr raves, so this is presumably part of the chillout section. Also a fundraiser for Mouvement Transfeministe.
Where: Parquette (1345 Rue de Bellechasse).
When: 2 to 5pm.
Who: Kawai Shen, Sennah Yee, Kate Brooks, Alex Manley, Katie Lo Innes, Marcela Huerta, Gabrielle Marceau, Ryan Akler-Bishop, and Eli Tareq El Bechelany-Lynch.
How much: $17.31 (Link)

ACCENT OPEN MIC
What: Popular twice monthly bilingual open mic—millions of believers around the globe are rejoicing now that the theme (Speculation) has finally been revealed. (Computer, play “Building a Mystery” by Sarah McLachlan.)
Where: Bar le Record (7622 rue Saint-Hubert).
When: 8 to 10pm.
Who: Whoever has the balls, plus Kate Nugent and Brain Chatter.
How Much: Free. (Link)

9 JUNE (TUES)

SKYLAR AUNG-THWIN: IN THIS SIGN LAUNCH
What: Skylar, AKA dangertape, launches a book based on her study of Irish typography. One of the city’s most distinctive young visual artists (and, depending on when you read this, either about to be or just became our latest Fellow Traveller), this one should be worth a look.
Where: Quai des brumes.
When: 5 to 7pm.
Who: Skylar Aung-Thwin, with music by Bryan Li & co.
How much: Free. (No post, but here’s their IG)

DANIEL ALLEN COX: I FELT THE END BEFORE IT CAME LAUNCH
What: Montrealer Cox launches his “memoirs of a queer ex-Jehovah’s Witness.” Or relaunches it, really: the hardcover came out in 2023, so this is an event in support of the paperback edition.
Where: Librarie Pulp Books & Cafe.
When: 7pm.
Who: David Allen Cox, Tamara Jong, Ellen Orme Adams. Hosted by James Hawes.
How much: Free. (Link)

10 JUNE (WEDS)

ALECSANDRA KAKON: THIS IS WHY I NEED YOU LAUNCH
What: Concordia/Dawson prof launches her new novel. Argo’s fairly snug, so come early if coming.
Where: Argo (1841-A Rue Sainte-Catherine O).
When: 7pm.
Who: Alecsandra Kakon.
How much: Free, but RSVP recommended. (Link)

11 JUNE (THURS)

CHIMERA OPEN MIC
What: Another mic that’s been going on for some time now that I’ve never gotten on the list before (yeah yeah fuck me), this bilingual night operates out of NDG’s Librairie Phoenix.
Where: Librairie Phoenix (5928 rue Sherbrooke O).
When: Signups open at 6, show is from 7 to 9pm.
Who: Whoever has the balls.
How Much: Free. (Link)

12 JUNE (FRI)

TWO READERS (& MUSIC?)
What: Unclear whether the yolk mag-affiliated apartment reading series has dropped the & Music from this month’s agenda, but in any case the first act announced for this month is American author Jen Beagin (Big Swiss). Beagin’s other Montreal engagement (see next entry) is already sold out, so if you’ve a yearning to see her move quick.
Where: Address provided upon RSVP.
When: 7pm.
Who: Jen Beagin.
How Much: Free. Looks like they’ve set up a somewhat complicated arrangement for RSVPs—fill out the Google form on this site and you’ll get an email when signups are open.

13 JUNE (SAT)

AN EVENING WITH JEN BEAGIN
What: The aforementioned American author drops by LSH for a talk.
Where: Librairie St-Henri Bookstore (4622 rue Notre-Dame Ouest).
When: 7pm.
Who: Jen Beagin.
How Much: Free, RSVP recommended. (Link) SOLD OUT!

15 JUNE (MON)

KEVIN JAGERNAUTH: THE LONGEST DEATH LAUNCH
What: Launching a new noir-inflected novel upstairs at Sparrow (I didn’t even know Sparrow had an upstairs), reading + chat type thing.
Where: Sparrow (5322 Boul. St-Laurent).
When: 6 to 8pm.
Who: Kevin Jagernauth, in conversation with John Casey.
How much: Free. (Link)

RODAISUN PRESENTS: MEASURE VOL. 2 LAUNCH
What: “Jazz poetry from 25 writers,” this event launches the second volume of a collective project made up of writing from participants in the occasional Writer’s Block series, in which audience members are invited to free write while various jazz and electronic musicians provide ambient tunes. The Rodaisun trio will be hosting, and the show will be followed by DJ sets till close.
Where: Sparrow (5322 Boul. St-Laurent).
When: 7pm to 3am.
Who: A whole fuckload of people, some DJ business.
How much: $6, or $15 with issue. (Link)

17 JUNE (WEDS)

BILL GASTON: SPYING ON AMERICA LAUNCH
What: Veteran writer (and, per his bio, Vietnam draft dodger!) Bill Gaston launches his new travelogue memoir. He’ll be joined by his son Vaughn.
Where: Argo (1841-A Rue Sainte-Catherine O).
When: 7pm.
Who: Bill Gaston, with Vaughn Gaston.
How much: Free, but RSVP recommended. (Link)

19 JUNE (FRI)

BOOK BAZAAR / FUNDRAISER
What: Not officially announced yet, but word is the small bookstore co-op L’Euguélionne is doing an instore fundraiser on the 19th and 20th—deep discounts (up to 70%) on selected stock, plus a mini-thrift sort of situation.
Where: L’Euguélionne (1426 Rue Beaudry).
When: 10:30am to 6:30pm, June 19 and 20.
Who: The staffers I guess?
How much: Free. (Link TK, keep an eye on their socials)

20 JUNE (SAT)

FOIRE DES LIVRES DE GAUCHE
What: Mostly franco left wing books popup, but I see some more anglo reps on the exhibitor list, so on the list it goes.
Where: La Courtepointe (220 rue Villeray).
When: No time listed, but presumably during the day?
Who: Various exhibitors.
How Much: Free. (Link)

ANTIDOTE
What: Stub entry here—I’m told this is a “big” poetry reading event, but in what respect it is “big” I don’t yet know as no details have been released. Await with baited breath further reports on this Patagonian moment for literature to come.
Where: Librairie Phoenix (5928 rue Sherbrooke O).
When: TBD
Who: TBD
How Much: TBD

21 JUNE (SUN)

ACCENT OPEN MIC
What: Popular twice monthly bilingual open mic—as with the first one this month, no theme or guests have been announced at press time. (Computer, play “Finding Out True Love is Blind” by Louis XIV.)
Where: Bar le Record (7622 rue Saint-Hubert).
When: 8 to 10pm.
Who: Whoever has the balls, plus I dunno some features probably.
How Much: Free. (Link TK)

And looking ahead to July…

We’ll get there when we get there.

As always, if we’re missing something, or you want your event included, please message @discordia.review on Instagram to propose an inclusion. Doing so in advance if you already know what’s up next month is even better.

1 MAY (FRI)

WE READ/NOUS LISONS BILINGUAL LITERARY PANEL
What: As we enter month four of the Blue Metropolis literary festival, LSHB and the popular francophone shop Librairie Un livre à soi collaborate for this panel feat. “reps from the Montreal literary world.”
Where: Librairie St-Henri Bookstore (4622 rue Notre-Dame Ouest).
When: 7 to 8:30pm.
Who: Reps unnamed, but tell Greg and Curtis we said hi.
How Much: Free, RSVP recommended. (Link)

SQUID #3 LAUNCH
What: This magazine? It’s being launched. For extra fun, try humming the theme song from the musical Fame but substitute the word “Squid” for “Fame.” Is that fun? Idk, I’m writing this at 12:32 a.m. on April 30.
Where: Cafe Montiran (near metro Mont-Royal)
When: 7pm.
Who: Sierra Duffey, Tamara Nazywalskyj, Samara O’Gorman, and more readers, music by Alysa Touati and Justin Miszaniec.
How Much: Free, RSVP recommended. (Link)

2 MAY (SAT)

POETRY SLAM DOUBLE FEATURE
What: The event description says. “If you’ve never been to a spoken word show, THIS is the one to see.” We can’t speak for that, but if you have been to one, you know what to expect. Go with God.
Where: La Basement (3716 rue Notre-Dame O.)
When: 8pm.
When: Tahina Rajwani and Lisa Shen, plus whoever has the balls to perform.
How Much: $15/PWYC. (Link)

3 MAY (SUN)

ACCENT OPEN MIC
What: Popular twice monthly bilingual open mic—Episode 136 is on the theme of “Spelling” which probably means someone will start spelling out B-A-N-A-N-A-S and you will be well within your rights to stand up and start screaming about Dole and Chiquita until you are physically removed. (Computer, play “Method Man” by Wu-Tang Clan.)
Where: Bar le Record (7622 rue Saint-Hubert).
When: 8 to 10pm.
Who: Whoever has the balls, plus Tahira Rajwani and Lisa Shen. (Same lineup as the Throw Slam the night before, I didn’t fuck this up!)
How Much: Free. (Link)

5 MAY (TUES)

JRG LITERARY OPEN MIC
What: Rollicking monthly open mic with an absurdist edge, this time featuring local weirdos Sherwin Tjia and River Charette. Don’t be alarmed if there’s a brass band when you get there, they roll out eventually.
Where: L’hémisphère gauche (221 Rue Beaubien E).
When: 8:30pm.
Who: Whoever has the balls, plus Sherwin Tjia and River Charette.
How Much: PWYC. (Link)

7 MAY (THURS)

BENJAMIN MARRA: WHAT WE MEAN BY YESTERDAY, VOL. 2 LAUNCH
What: Marra’s probably best known for designing visuals for Lil B mixtapes, and what we’ve got here is a new collection (via Fantagraphics) of similarly skewed, purposefully crude adventure comics.
Where: Librarie Drawn & Quarterly (176 rue Bernard O).
When: 7pm.
Who: Benjamin Marra, presumably.
How much: Free. (Link)

PHILIPPE MINEAU: THE GUILT TRIPPERS LAUNCH
What: Music scene guy Philippe Mineau launches his first novel at Vices & Versa—theoretically a nice venue for this kind of gig you don’t see used often. Maybe Mineau will be eaten by a timberwolf that lives in the basement or felled by a suspect craft lager and we’ll understand why.
Where: Vices & Versa (176 rue Bernard O).
When: 5 to 7pm.
Who: Philippe Mineau, presumably.
How much: Free, but RSVP recommended. (Link)

8 MAY (FRI)

CHOUETTE #5 LAUNCH
What: chouette was not one of the 34 anglo lit magazines we covered in our recent piece, which really tells you how deep this thing goes. So we can’t tell you much about them. But it’s here, almost certainly queer, and ready to mingle.
Where: Co-Op Bar Milton Parc (3714 Ave du Parc).
When: 7 to 9pm.
Who: Belen Blizzard, Jeremy Zelken, and more TBA.
How Much: PWYC, $5 suggested. (Link)

10 MAY (SUN)

SSSSSSERIES 9
What: AKA, Susanna & Scott’s Badassssss Series, this one’s new to me: an experimental music and dance night, kind of a la the long-running Mardi Spaghetti series over at Casa maybe. It’s been around for a little bit now, but makes its first appearance here as the first half of the show features a recitation of Gloria Gervitz’s poem “Migrations” accompanied by dance.
Where: La Poêle (307-5333 Ave Casgrain).
When: 5pm.
Who: Susanna Hood, Annie Lafleur, Nour Symon, Michel Bonneau, Sam Shalabi.
How Much: $15 “or so.” (Link)

THE BIRTH OF THE GODS
What: Another new one to me: Sword and Oar Productions (AKA Tom Giles) an actor who specializes in live performances of classical poetry—in this case, a verse translation by Lynn Kozak of a section of Hesiod’s Theogony.
Where: La Sala Rossa (4848 Boul. St-Laurent).
When: 5pm doors, 5:30pm show.
Who: Tom Giles.
How Much: $15 (Link)

INSIDE MADPOETIX STUDIO
What: Some music, some spoken word poetry, plus an interview with the feature artist, that kinda situation. This one’s for ~the mamas.~
Where: Maison France-Montreal (429 ave Viger).
When: 6:30pm doors, 7:30pm show.
Who: Interview with Fatima Wilson, Brianna K. Ramírez, Barbedwire, and Chance Tshimanga, plus whoever has the balls.
How Much: $25 (Link)

11 MAY (MON)

LECTURES LOGOS READINGS
What: The long-running poetry series marks its eleventh anniversary this month with the usual packed bill and open mic.
Where: U.N.I.A. (2741 rue Notre-Dame O).
When: 7-9:30pm.
Who: H. Nigel Thomas, Jan J. Dominique, Kym Dominique-Ferguson, Marie-Célie Agnant, Oumou Diakité, Sylvia Goldfarb, and whoever has the balls.
How Much: Free. (Event link)

12 MAY (TUES)

ARIZONA O’NEILL: OPIOIDS & ORGANS LAUNCH
What: Arizona O’Neill, of the Montreal O’Neills, launches her solo debut graphic novel.
Where: Librarie Drawn & Quarterly (176 rue Bernard O).
When: 7pm.
Who: Arizona O’Neill, presumably.
How much: Free. (Link)

ON OCCASION: POEMS FOR THE PEOPLE LAUNCH
What: Hey, nothing says “for the people” like a Sina Queyras joint. A sizable collection of occasional poetry featuring some starry names like Michael Ondaatje, bpNichol, and CAConrad, the Montreal launch will be a sampling of local talents.
Where: De Stiil Booksellers (351 Duluth Ave E).
When: 7pm.
Who: Misha Solomon, Shelagh Rowan-Legg, Chanel Sutherland, Lena Palacios, Valerie Free, Constantina Gicopoulous, Ethel Meilleur, and Paisley Conrad.
How much: Free. (Link)

SLAM LA SOMPTUEUSE
What: A bilingual slam with, at press-time anyway, open slots for readers. Sign up in advance to get your moment.
Where: La Cale—Pub zéro déchet (6839 Rue St-Hubert).
When: Doors 7pm.
Who: Whoever has the balls, plus features TBA.
How Much: PWYC (Link).

16 MAY (SAT)

LIRE QUEER READER FEST
What: Running from May 16 to 23, this one’s sort of a novel idea: a festival oriented around readers rather than writers, it’s essentially seven days of queer book club events held at various shops and spaces around town. That seems like asking local queers to do a lot of reading, but bless ‘em.
Where: Various
When: May 16 to 23.
Who: Various readers and organizers.
How Much: Free, though check the site for RSVP links to the various circles/clubs. (Link)

17 MAY (SUN)

ACCENT OPEN MIC
What: Popular twice monthly bilingual open mic—Episode 137 is on a theme to be named probably two hours after this post drops, forcing me to make the first of 53 edits over the next month. (Computer, play “Perennial Quest” by Death.) the theme of “Play,” which is an excuse for me to link one of the least subtle songs ever recorded. (Computer, play “Play” by David Banner.)
Where: Bar le Record (7622 rue Saint-Hubert).
When: 8 to 10pm.
Who: Whoever has the balls, plus features Rose Maloukis, Natalie Co, and Devon Gallant.
How Much: Free. (Link)

19 MAY (TUES)

HEADLIGHT ANTHOLOGY LAUNCH
What: What’s that coming toward us on this dark road? Egads, it’s the Headlight Anthology, which must mean another year has passed. Don’t inhale any of that white powder—it might be another of your old friends who has just turned to dust!
Where: Club DD’s (3958 Boul. St-Laurent).
When: Doors 8pm, readings 8:30pm.
Who: Readers TBA, plus some bartenders doing the whole Coyote Ugly thing.
How Much: Free? (Link)

22 MAY (FRI)

YIARA #14 LAUNCH
What: A vernissage for the latest from the venerable feminist arts mag. Celebrating that which “spills over”—which is to say, consider wearing a bib or smock-type situation to this one.
Where: Articule (6282 Rue St-Hubert).
When: 6 to 9pm.
Who: Sounds like more of a mixer situation.
How Much: The show is free, but the mag costs money. (Link)

COLE DEGENSTEIN: DEAR KENNETH LAUNCH
What: There will be comics, drinks, and, I’m given to understand, cake. The popular illustrator and tattoo artist launches his latest from Conundrum Press.
Where: Librarie Drawn & Quarterly (176 rue Bernard O).
When: 7pm.
Who: Cole Degenstein, presumably.
How much: Free. (Link)

23 MAY (SAT)

ENCORE POETRY PROJECT OPEN MIC
What: The Encore Poetry Project hosts an open mic which is not at Encore Books & Records but rather a different place that sounds like a Viking toast.
Where: SKOL (444-372 Rue St-Catherine O).
When: 6pm.
Who: Jessica Bebenek, Dustin Ariel Segura-Suarez, and whoever has the balls.
How much: Free. (Link)

24 MAY (SUN)

HANNAH KARPINSKI: LATERAL SWAY LEZ FEST LAUNCH
What: Ou, comme on l’appelle en français, le festival des lesbiennes. The launch for Hannah Karpinski’s debut poetry collection with Metatron brings together a number of notable young lit dykes—rent your U-Hauls now gals, demand will be high.
Where: Mes pants des queer (2025 Rue Parthenais/Ask A Queer).
When: 4pm.
Who: Hannah Karpinski, Alana Dunlop, Sadie Avery Lake, and Dimana Radoeva. Hosted by Ashley Obscura.
How much: Free. (Link)

25 MAY (MON)

LEESA DEAN: INTERSTITIAL LAUNCH
What: Some notable names at this book launch; Argo’s fairly snug, so come early if coming.
Where: Argo (1841-A Rue Sainte-Catherine O).
When: 7pm.
Who: Leesa Dean, Liz Howard, Aris Keshav, Sina Queyras.
How much: Free. (Link)

26 MAY (TUES)

AYLA VEJDANI: YOU x ME LAUNCH
What: A reading and conversation to celebrate the launch of Vejdani’s new collection of short stories.
Where: L’Euguélionne (1426 Rue Beaudry).
When: 6pm.
Who: Ayla Vejdani, in conversation with francesca ekwuyasi.
How much: Free. (Link)

27 MAY (WEDS)

FESTIVAL DE LA POÉSIE DE MONTRÉAL: ÉPIQUES VOICES
What: This is generally an anglo events calendar, and this festival (running May 21 to May 30) is predominantly franco. Eyes out for May 27’s bilingual Épiques voices1 reading though, featuring an English cohort and a French brigade.
Where: Café Cléopâtre (1230 Boul. St-Laurent).
When: Doors 8pm.
Who: Hoda Adra, Jessica Bebenek, Louise Dupré, Alexandru Fechet, Liz Howard, Kama La Mackerel, Domenica Martinello, Misha Solomon et des performances de Fortner Anderson, Kaie Kellough et Catherine Paquet & Dolce Saint-Arnold.
How Much: Free, though symbolic donations are welcome. (Link)

29 MAY (FRI)

LISA ROBERTSON & SHANZHAI LYRIC: RIVERWORK / ENDLESS GARMENT DOUBLE LAUNCH
What: Rave spot Parquette has been hosting an increasing number of literary events of late—which means it’s finally time to do a bunch of molly in the bathroom during a reading and tell Lisa Robertson how important her work really is or is not to you. It’ll go great! And if it doesn’t, we’ll get to watch the distinguished poet whip your ass in front of a sizable audience. That’s a win-win.
Where: Parquette (1345 Rue de Bellechasse).
When: 7pm.
Who: Lisa Robertson and Shanzai Lyric, hosted by Michael Nardone.
How much: Free? (Link)

30 MAY (SAT)

25 YEARS OF EXPOZINE AND POETRY
What: Montreal’s most notable zine fair celebrates a quarter century of tabling with a bilingual soiree hosted by Orane Thibault and long-time zinester (and Fellow Traveller) Sherwin Tjia. They’ll also be launching a new micro poetry zine which will be available through the city’s network of Distroboto zine vending machines.
Where: L’Escogriffe (4459 rue St-Denis).
When: 8:30pm.
Who: Mirah Soleil-Ross, Juliette Langevin, Mathieu Arsenault, Laura Mota-Juang, Matante Monique Matraque, Sherwin Tjia, and Dolce St-Arnold. Music by GÉRALDINE, Alesund Vale with Sophia Perras, and CRABE. Hosted by Tjia and Orane Thibault.
How much: PWYC (Link)

And looking ahead to June…

We’ll get there when we get there.

1

As always, if we’re missing something, or you want your event included, please message @discordia.review on Instagram to propose an inclusion.

1 MAR (SUN)

ACCENT OPEN MIC
What: Popular twice monthly bilingual open mic at its new venue. Episode 132 is on the theme of “farce,” which is kinda rough on this month’s features, no? (Computer, play Julius Fučík’s “Entry of the Gladiators.”)
Where: Bar le Record (7622 rue Saint-Hubert).
When: 8 to 10pm.
Who: Whoever has the balls, plus K. Gandhar Chakravarty, Mariana Jimenez, and Michael Occhionero.
How Much: Free. (Link)

KATE CAYLEY: DALLOWAY ON THE DON LAUNCH
What: Cayley launches her new Coach House novel at Star Bar, where there is pizza and one very big bathroom upstairs and then a few small ones downstairs.
Where: Star Bar (4671 Boul. Saint-Laurent).
When: 6 to 7:30pm.
Who: Kate Cayley and Derek Webster, hosted by Eva Crocker.
How Much: Free. (Link)

3 MAR (TUES)

KASIA VAN SCHAIK: WOMEN AMONG MONUMENTS LAUNCH
What: Montreal ex-pat re-pats to launch latest.
Where: Librarie De Stiil.
When: 6pm.
When: Kasia Van Schaik, in conversation with Eliza Robertson.
How Much: Free. (Link)

MARIA MILLAND: BORN AT THE GATES OF HELL LAUNCH
What: Writer and physician Dr. Maria Milland launches a nonfiction title about delivering babies in Syria’s Al-Hol refugee camp, at the one bookstore that makes us sweat bullets trying to spell.
Where: L’Euguélionne (1426 Rue Beaudry).
When: 6 to 8pm.
Who: Maria Milland.
How Much: Free. (Link)

7 MAR (SAT)

ÉPIPHANIES #2
What: Someone sent me this event and whispered the words “Dimes Square” before disappearing into a mandrake-scented vape cloud, so I assume I’ll be dying March 7. A Matthew Gasda-related thing, if you have opinions on that front.
Where: WILLS (6729 Ave de l’Esplanade).
When: 7:30pm.
Who: Maurane, The Last Male Poet, Maya Chambers, Erika Comtois, Ema Pope, Sahba, Victoria Vyraeth, Cedar, Sarah Velk.
How Much: No door cost specified. (Link)

QUEER VOICES IN PRINT
What: Queer writers sit down to talk queerness, writing, sitting, directions.
Where: L’Euguélionne (1426 Rue Beaudry).
When: 5 to 7pm.
Who: Liana Cusmano, Chris DiRaddo, Erin Mouré, Faith Paré, Misha Solomon, Eli Tareq El Bechelany-Lynch.
How Much: Free. (Link)

THROW! POETRY COLLECTIVE
What: Slam poets apparently get in free, so consider stapling a post-it note to your forehead so they know. Tonight’s winner competes at Nationals.
Where: La Basement (3716 rue Notre-Dame O.
When: 8:30pm doors, 9pm show (and it recurs the first Saturday of every month).
Who: Kym Dominique-Ferguson, Mellowdramma, K.R.Y. Da Soul Spilluh, and Hilani, plus whoever has the balls.
How Much: $10 for QWF members, $15 everybody else. (Link)

8 MAR (SUN)

FAVOURITE LIBRARY x RODAISUN
What: Rodaisun, the King Ghidorah of the local writing scene, teams with the latest movers and shakers in the 10 Pins building, Favourite Library, for a music and poetry show. Performances will be followed by a short open mic.
Where: Favourite Library 10 ave Pins, #116).
When: 7pm doors, 8pm show.
Who: Rodaisun, Olivia Khoury, MUDA, and whoever has both the balls and an advance ticket (see below).
How Much: $22 (Ticket link, must buy in advance, no door tix)

INSIDE MADPOETIX STUDIO
What: Some music, some spoken word poetry, plus an interview with the feature artist, that kinda situation. This one’s for ~the ladies.~
Where: Maison France-Montreal (429 ave Viger).
When: 6:30pm doors, 7:30pm show.
Who: Brnchtr, plus whoever has the balls.
How Much: $20 (Event link)

9 MAR (MON)

LECTURES LOGOS READINGS
What: The long-running poetry series is also for ~the ladies~ this month, with a women’s-only open mic in addition to the usual parade of featured acts.
Where: U.N.I.A. (2741 rue Notre-Dame O).
When: 7-9:30pm.
Who: Caroline Dick, Emeline I, IF the Poet, Joel Des-Rosiers, Maxianne Berger, Tanya Déry-Obin and whoever has the balls.
How Much: Free. (Event link)

12 MAR (THURS)

THYME TRAVELLERS: A MONTREAL WRITERS FOR PALESTINE FUNDRAISER
What: A number of local writers assemble for a fundraiser/raffle for Bridge of Solidarity, an anti-capitalist aid group in Gaza.
Where: Articule (6282 Rue Saint-Hubert).
When: 7pm.
Who: Belen Blizzard, H Felix Chau Bradley, Nadine Ltaif, and Yara Coussa.
How Much: $25, including raffle ticket, or PWYC. (Link)

JRG LITERARY OPEN MIC
What: Rollicking monthly open mic with an absurdist edge, this time featuring beloved Toronto minimalist Elio Ianni and William Vallières.
Where: L’hémisphère gauche (221 Rue Beaubien E).
When: 8pm.
Who: Elio Ianni and William Vallières, plus whoever has the balls.
How Much: PWYC. (Link)

13 MAR (FRI)

SOLILOQUIES x PIXIE OPEN MIC
What: Solilixie? Pixiloquies? Spoilxiileoquies? (Probably not that last one.) Anyway, two undergrad mags collab on an open mic fundraiser with a novel concept: read your worst work.
Where: BedRoc Collective (RSVP for address).
When: 7pm.
Who: Whoever has the balls, plus musical performances from BedRoc Collective.
How Much: $5 PWYC, bring extra for raffle tix. (Link)

15 MAR (SUN)

ACCENT OPEN MIC
What: Popular twice monthly bilingual open mic at its new venue (we can probably call it new for another coupla months eh?). Episode 133 is on the theme of “obiter dicta” which probably means something like “cancelled fucking” in Greek or some shit (Computer, play “The Unknown Knows” by Voivod.)
Where: Bar le Record (7622 rue Saint-Hubert).
When: 8 to 10pm.
Who: Whoever has the balls, plus Clementine Morrigan, Laura Mota-Juang, and Robin Warren.
How Much: Free. (Link)

18 MAR (WEDS)

LOCH BAILLIE: RIVER RUNNING LAUNCH
What: This debut is allegedly “breathtakingly intimate,” so be prepared to look away and cough from time to time.
Where: Librarie Pulp Books & Cafe.
When: 7pm.
Who: Loch Baillie, Simina Banu, Sally Cunningham, and Tara McGowan-Ross.
How much: Free. (Link)

BLUE METROPOLIS PRESS CONFERENCE + MONTREAL REVIEW OF BOOKS LAUNCH
What: Blue Metropolis moved their press conference on account of the Freezing Rain Event, so now it’ll be at 4:30, after which (6pm) the new issue of the mRB will launch, accompanied by some readings.
Where: Hotel 10 (10 Sherbrooke W)
When: 4:30pm.
Who: Marianne Ackerman, Francine Pelletier, Karine Russo, and Anita Anand.
How much: Free. (Link)

MIRANDA SCHREIBER: IRIS AND THE DEAD LAUNCH
What: A little prose, a little poetry, some books to be bought if you’re so inclined.
Where: Centre for Expanded Poetics (LB681, 1400 Boul. de Maisonneuve Ouest)
When: 7pm.
Who: Miranda Schreiber, Nicky Taylor.
How much: Free. (Link)

SLAM LA SOMPTUEUSE
What: A bilingual slam with, at press-time anyway, open slots for readers. Sign up in advance to get your moment (though the form still says it’s for February, so idk good luck I guess).
Where: Co-Op Bar Milton Parc (3714 ave du Parc).
When: Doors 7pm.
Who: Whoever has the balls, plus Dominic Desmeules.
How Much: PWYC (Link)

22 MAR (SUN)

DISCORDIA REVIEW: FELLOW TRAVELLERS NO. 3 LAUNCH
What: Discordia Review’s Fellow Travellers quarterly releases its latest print issue, featuring new art and writing from Opal Louis Nations, Miles Forrester, Mickie Kennedy, Emilie Lafleur, Clark Allen, Nevada-Jane Arlow, Zak Jones, and Jonathan. This “anti-apartment reading” will take place in an undisclosed, entirely unfurnished apartment.
Where: RSVP for location.
When: 8pm.
Who: Sherwin Tjia, Tara McGowan-Ross, Jonathan, Joe Bagel MacNeil, Nevada-Jane Arlow, and some surprises.
How Much: $10, or $15 with the new issue. (Link)

25 MAR (WEDS)

MISHA SOLOMON: MY GREAT-GRANDFATHER DANCED BALLET LAUNCH
What: The busiest man in Montreal letters Misha Solomon launches his debut poetry collection, accompanied by an interpretive dance performance. (Mercifully the launch is not in a narrow bookstore, imagine the carnage.)
Where: Centre culturel de Georges-Vanier (2450 rue Workman).
When: 7pm.
Who: Misha Solomon, in conversation with Sarah Burgoyne, with dance from Nate Yaffe.
How Much: Free, but RSVP requested. (Link)

28 MAR (SAT)

STYGIAN: LAST RITES
What: The most chilling phrase since Ghostface growled, “Do you like scary movies?” is finally upon us: “Have you ever wanted to attend an exclusive media launch party?” Local indie horror press The Stygian Society transforms into a “horror media company”—hopefully long-time Society members’ blood-stock options have vested and they are REAPING the benefits before the inevitable shroud-pull.
Where: Studio 415 (10 Ave Des Pins O.).
When: 6:30 to 10:30pm.
Who: A lot of high concept spooky stuff, check the link below.
How Much: Free. (Link)

NAVEL VOL. 1 LAUNCH
What: Go hang out at an apartment and pick up a copy of the new mag in town. No readings, just smoking inside—finally, contemporary literature with a chance to reach the labouring classes. A public reading to follow a week later (see next month’s Jay’s List).
Where: DM via link below for address.
When: 8pm.
Who: Just you and your pals blasting cigs.
How Much: PWYC, $5 and up allowed to smoke indoors. (Link)

THE PIT #7 LAUNCH
What: $20 (and a cocktail?) buys you the company of a musician, a DJ, and some reading type people.
Where: 4710 rue Ste-Ambroise, Unit 343
When: 7pm.
Who: Music from Hanorah and Carla Oteiza, readers TBA.
How Much: Free. (Link)

29 MAR (SUN)

GWEN AUBE: MISSED CONNECTIONS WITH TALL GIRLS LAUNCH
What: Everybody’s favourite tranny punk poet and suburbanite sink pisser Gwen Aube launches her debut collection with American publisher LittlePuss Press. Maybe she’ll tell you about a time she did drugs in this very bar’s bathroom. (Definitely she will tell you about this.)
Where: Brasserie Beaubien (73 Rue Beaubien E).
When: 7:30pm doors, 8pm show.
Who: Gwen, for sure, and Rebecca Lawrence Lynch. Mona Gendron. Maybe some other people. Oh yes, Tara McGowan-Ross.
How Much: The show is free, but the book costs money. (Link)

31 MAR (TUES)

ELLIS SCOTT & MATTHEW J. TRAFFORD: NIGHT TERMINUS / RUNS IN THE BLOOD LAUNCH
What: These two writers right here? They’re launching books.
Where: Librarie Pulp Books & Cafe.
When: 7pm.
Who: Ellis Scott and Matthew J. Trafford, in conversation with Chris DiRaddo.
How much: Free. (Link)

And looking ahead to April…

We’ll get there when we get there.

As always, if we’re missing something, or you want your event included, please message @discordia.review on Instagram to propose an inclusion.

1 FEB (SUN)

ACCENT OPEN MIC
What: Popular twice monthly bilingual open mic at its new venue. Episode 130 is on the theme of videogames. (Computer, DO NOT play that fucking Lana Del Rey song, play, idk, the menu music from Ecco: The Tides of Time.)
Where: Bar le Record (7622 rue Saint-Hubert).
When: 8 to 10pm.
Who: Whoever has the balls, plus Nathanael Jones and Elissa Kayal.
How Much: Free. (Link)

JENNIFER CHEVALIER: THE WINTER WITCH LAUNCH
What: Ottawa-based CBC journalist launches dark fantasy novel.
Where: Librairie Paragraphe (2220 Ave McGill College).
When: 2 to 4pm.
Who: Jennifer Chevalier.
How Much: Free. (Link)

5 FEB (THURS)

JRG “NO UKULELES” OPEN MIC
What: Rollicking monthly open mic with an absurdist edge, this time featuring lauded fiction writer Paige Cooper.
Where: L’hémisphère gauche (221 Rue Beaubien E).
When: 8pm.
When: Paige Cooper, plus whoever has the balls.
How Much: PWYC (Link)

WRITERS ROOM #5
What: Inject the black poison that is conversation with other writers directly into your veins without the mealy adulterant of watching a literary performance first. Hosted by Sean Michaels using Writers’ Union of Canada money to provide free snacks. BYOB, somehow.
Where: Le Dépanneur Café (204 Rue Bernard O).
When: 7 to 11pm.
Who: Whoever shows up.
How Much: Free (Link)

8 FEB (SUN)

(NOT) FREIDA MCFADDEN: DEAR DEBBIE LAUNCH
What: Boston-based NYT bestselling thriller writer McFadden launches her latest… or rather, the book will be launched in her absence, but with some games and giveaways.
Where: Librairie Paragraphe (2220 Ave McGill College).
When: 2 to 3:30pm.
Who: Freida McFadden, games, giveaways.
How Much: Free. (Link)

9 FEB (MON)

LECTURES LOGOS READINGS
What: The long-running poetry series celebrates Black History Month by opening up two extra slots in its open mic with five minutes of mic time (rather than three) for Black or brown performers.
Where: U.N.I.A. (2741 rue Notre-Dame O).
When: 6:30-9:30pm.
Who: Happie Micha Edwards, Katia Belkhodja, Safa Chebbi, and Jason Joseph, and whoever has the balls.
How Much: Free. (Event link)

11 FEB (WEDS)

A POETRY EVENING AT THE THOMAS MORE INSTITUTE
What: I for one did not know there was a Thomas More Institute in Montreal, and whoever wrote the nebulous Facebook event description has definitely never read any of the four features, but there will be wine and cheese should you choose to go in equally blind.
Where: Thomas More Institute Montreal (3405 Ave Atwater).1
When: 6:30 to 8pm.
Who: Willow Loveday Little, Jerome Ramcharitar, Matthew Rettino and Carolyne Van Der Meer.
How Much: $10, guests encouraged to RSVP in advance. (Link)

13 FEB (FRI)

ZINE EXHIBIT
What: ARCMTL curates a rad/queer/BIPOC zine display at Concordia’s Webster library with a short opening/curator talk.
Where: LB-2 display cases, LB-361 for the opening talk (1400 Blvd Maissonneuve).
When: Opening talk 4 to 6pm Feb 13, display is up from Feb 13 to 17.
Who: Whoever the curator is, and some zines.
How Much: Free. (Link).

DIRTY TALK
What: The New York Review of Smut enters the uh velvety vestibule of Librairie Saint-Henri and then like… gloops a discussion of smut culture…and uh, felches poetry readings from… look I’ve never done sex so this one’s kind of out of my element but maybe this show will be where I finally find out where babies go to.
Where: Librairie Saint-Henri (4622 rue Notre-Dame Ouest).
When: 6:30pm to 7:30pm.
Who: Alana Dunlop, Cat Machado, Nicky Taylor, and “Joff Doodlebocki.” Smut book selection curated by the sainted Rachael.
How Much: $25, which includes one dirty martini and a $5 bookstore gift certificate. (Link).

14 FEB (SAT)

CONFABULATION: THE SHORTEST STORY XVII
What: A live storytelling series, seemingly in the tradition of The Moth. This month’s edition presents 30 two-minute short stories. Don’t bother applauding, as in the interest of pacing upon completion of a story each storyteller will be immediately flung off stage (to where, who knows) using a gigantic rubber band.
Where: Centaur Theatre. (453 Rue Saint Francois Xavier.)
When: 8pm.
Who: Various guest storytellers.
How Much: $23 students and seniors, $26 adults. (Link.)

15 FEB (SUN)

ACCENT OPEN MIC
What: Popular twice monthly bilingual open mic at its new venue. Episode 131 is… what’s this I’m reading, an anti-valentines takeover by Encore Poetry Project?2 Wear boots with good grip so you don’t slip and fall on all the entrails strewn about the floor. (Computer, play “Takeover” by Jay-Z.)
Where: Bar le Record (7622 rue Saint-Hubert).
When: 8 to 10pm.
Who: Whoever has the balls, plus the wearied survivors of the aforementioned battle.
How Much: Free. (Link)

NORMAN NAWROCKI: THE EAST END RULES LAUNCH & DANCE PARTY
What: Anarchist activist poet Norman Nawrocki launches a new semi-fictional memoir of his youth in East Van, followed by a ‘60s and ‘70s-themed dance party. I’m told it’s also Norman’s birthday.
Where: Casa del Popolo (4871 Boul Saint-Laurent).
When: 5 to 10pm.
Who: Norman Nawrocki.
How Much: Free. (Link)

17 FEB (TUES)

WRITERS BLOCK NO. 10
What: Come take in some improvised ambient music, intended to help you get into *the zone* and do some free writing. Occasionally your concentration will be interrupted by readings from some of the RODAISUN mag editors. This is the final event in this first volume of the series—contributions from past readings will shortly be collected in a group publication, so shoot your shot now if you want to be part of that.
Where: P’tit ours (5589 ave du Parc).
When: 7pm.
Who: Music by Ivy Boxall and readings from RODAISUN.
How Much: $17.77. (Link)

WRETCHED & BELOVED OPEN MIC
What: For some, every day is Valentine’s. (God that sounds exhausting.) Yiara mag hosts an open mic for those who wanna cry about it.
Where: Barfly (4062 Boul. Saint-Laurent).
When: 8 to 10pm.
Who: Whoever’s got the discount chocolates.
How Much: Free (Link)

19 FEB (THURS)

ERIN MANNING: UNSETTLED LAUNCH
What: SenseLab founder and cultural theorist Erin Manning launches her new book Unsettled, and chats with fellow theorist Brian Massumi. The man they call “Hardbone” Michael Nardone hosts.
Where: Rocket Science Room (204-170 Rue Jean Talon O. [Atlas Building]).
When: 6 to 9pm.
Who: Erin Manning, in conversation with Brian Massumi.
How Much: Free. (Link)

THOMAS WAUGH: WRITING IN THE FLESH LAUNCH
What: Thomas Waugh, an LGBT film scholar who’s probably involved in every significant queer activist movement in Quebec since 1918 or so, launches a new essay collection.
Where: L’Euguélionne (1426 Rue Beaudry).
When: 6 to 8pm.
Who: Thomas Waugh.
How Much: Free. (Link)

PIXIE LITERARY 4.1 LAUNCH
What: The organizers request sparkly attire. Failure to blind could have serious social consequences.
Where: Rockette (4479 Rue Saint-Denis).
When: 7 to 10pm.
Who: “Readings, tarot, dancing, and more fun surprises!”
How Much: $5/PWYC. (Link)

WHY WE MAKE FUCKING MAGAZINES
What: We, and at least some of the 33 other lit mags in town, have been wondering that ourselves. Perhaps this event, a conversation between the editors of Elastic (“the print magazine of psychedelic art and literature”) and A Fucking Magazine (“the print magazine of getting absolutely railed crazy style”), will shed some light.
Where: Bar de Courcelle (4685 R. Notre Dame O).
When: 7 to 11pm.
Who: Editors Hillary Brenhouse and Haley Mloktek in conversation with Arjun Basu, plus a bao popup and Cidoine on the boards.
How Much: Free. (Link)

20 FEB (FRI)

NOAH SPARROW: SPECTACLE/SPECTATOR LAUNCH
What: rob mclennan continues his scouting project of younger Montreal writers with this debut chapbook from Noah Sparrow. To what dark ends does mclennan plot? The mind quails, and also pheasants.
Where: Mes Pants de Queer (2025 Rue Parthenais).
When: 7pm.
Who: Noah Sparrow, Foster Gareau, Jessica Bakar, Alex O’Neill, hosted by Misha Solomon.
How Much: Free. (Link)

27 FEB (FRI)

PASTICHE V LAUNCH
What: Pastiche mag decamps to cherished local cafe/rave spot Parquette for readings and music from an unfamiliar-to-me but exquisitely monikered cast (Boris Leonardo!) of artists. $10 for tix, but Bring Your Own Wine encouraged.
When: 7 to 11pm.
Who: Readings by Ryan Akler-Bishop and Félixe F., music from Boris Leonardo and Mickey Dagger.
How Much: $10 (Link)

RODAISUN & ARIEL RESNIKOFF
What: Busy month for the RODAISUN girls as they’ll also be doing a set alongside well-travelled poet and translator Ariel Resnikoff, and Andrew Whiteman’s Poets’ Workout Soundsystem, in which viewers are invited to sit down and watch A. Whiteman work out.
Where: Rocket Science Room (204-170 Rue Jean Talon O. [Atlas Building]).
When: 6 to 9pm.
Who: Resnikoff, RODAISUN, Poets’ Workout Soundsystem.
How Much: Free. (Link)

TWO READERS AND MUSIC
What: yolk’s monthly apartment reading and sounds series is probably already sold out by the time you read this, but given the social overlap between the three events tonight you can assume you’ll be encountering someone you vehemently dislike no matter which one you attend.
Where: RSVP for location.
When: Doors 7pm, show 8pm.
Who: Readings from Aryn Kyle and Gladwell Pamba, music from Chris Hoather.
How Much: Free (but RSVP required).

28 FEB (SAT)

BRIGADE DE LA POÉSIE
What: The poetry brigade is here to beat the love of verse into you with a metrical thudding of its truncheons. Six poets will be wandering around outside from 10pm to 2am during Nuit blanche reading and disseminating poetry. Christ I hope they’re getting paid.
Where: “Near” Places-des-Arts metro.
When: 10pm to 2am.
Who: Hélène Bughin, Jonathan Charette, Nathanael Jones, Princesse Lamarche, Willow Loveday Little, Rowan Mercille, and Hector Ruiz.
How Much: Free. (Link)

And looking ahead to March…

Accent (March 1, Bar le Record), JRG Open Mic (March 12, Hemi G), Accent (March 15, Bar le Record)

As always, if we’re missing something, or you want your event included, please message @discordia.review on Instagram to propose an inclusion.

12 JAN (MON)

LECTURES LOGOS READINGS HOLIDAY POTLUCK
What: The long-running poetry series continues…running with its usual superabundance of features, plus eight open mic slots.
Where: U.N.I.A. (2741 rue Notre-Dame O).
When: 6:30-9:30pm.
Who: Anita Anand, Annie-Lou Chester, Ethel Meilleur, Frédéric Boisrond, Maguy Métellus, Orlando Ceide, and whoever has the balls.
How Much: Free. (Event link)

14 JAN (WEDS)

LAMP LIT
What: Fiction-focused apartment reading series with good lighting, often (though not guaranteed to be) followed by a low key vinyl DJ set. Close your eyes and imagine the Montreal of yesteryear.
Where: Atlas Building (170 Rue Jean Talon O, DM @evalazvegas for exact unit)
When: 7pm.
Who: Alexandra Trnka, Jacob Wren, Jennifer Ruskey, Megan Lindy.
How Much: $5/PWYC. (Event link)

17 JAN (SAT)

yolk ISSUE LAUNCH
What: An honest to goodness BYOB show to launch the latest issue of yolk—calibrate your intake carefully to reach your desired level of candour.
Where: Art Loft (4152 Blvd Saint-Laurent).
When: 7pm to 1am.
Who: Hannah Berger and others.
How Much: $10 (Already sold out!)

18 JAN (SUN)

ACCENT OPEN MIC
What: Popular twice monthly bilingual open mic at its new venue. Episode 129 (!) features the 20th anniversary of the associated chapbook publisher Cactus Press. (Computer, play a compilation of Phil Leotardo complaining about spending 20 years in the can from The Sopranos.)
Where: Bar le Record (7622 rue Saint-Hubert).
When: 8 to 10pm.
Who: Whoever has the balls, plus some Cactus people.
How Much: Free. (Link)

WRITERS BLOCK NO. 9
What: Come take in some improvised ambient music, intended to help you get into *the zone* and do some free writing. Occasionally your concentration will be interrupted by readings from some of the RODAISUN mag editors.
Where: P’tit ours (5589 ave du Parc).
When: 7pm.
Who: Musicians Aaron Dolman, Walter Stinson, Naomi McCarroll-Butler and readers from RODAISUN.
How Much: $16.69. (Link)

22 JAN (THURS)

SOLILOQUIES ANTHOLOGY 30TH ANNIVERSARY LAUNCH
What: The Concordia student writing anthology is now old enough that, were it in a relationship with many of its contributors, the age gap would be considered problematic in some quarters. Go to the launch and make sure nothing untoward is transpiring.
Where: Bar le Record (7622 rue Saint-Hubert).
When: 7pm.
Who: They asked us to put exactly this, so here it is: “Hosted by co-EICs Micaela Day and Foster Gareau, featuring talents by emerging Canadian talent.”1
How Much: PWYC or free if you buy the issue (Link)

QUIST #3 LAUNCH
What: An even younger group of artists has decided to go head to head with the rapidly graying Soliloquies people. Quist, a journal for Quebecers aged 14 to 21 launches its latest issue.
Where: Librairie Pulp (3952 rue Wellington).
When: 7pm.
Who: TBD.
How Much: Free. (Link)

AHOY #4 LAUNCH

What: Hahahahaha yet ANOTHER magazine launch for the 22nd, which ALSO does not list who’s actually performing. This one raises the game by not telling you where it is. This rules. I don’t even know what meme to go with here. Let’s go with the simplest one:

Where: Secret venue (gotta buy a ticket).
When: 7pm, sharp.
Who: “Readings and live music.”
How Much: $8 in advance… puzzlingly the event says you can pay $10 at the door instead, but how can you find out where the door is if you haven’t already bought a ticket? (Link)

24 JAN (SAT)

VIOLET HOUR BOOK CLUB
What: Local queer book club reads Five Points on an Invisible Line by Su J. Sokol.
Where: L’espace des possibles La Petite-Patrie (6450 ave Christophe-Colomb).
When: 3pm.
Who: Whoever has the copies of the book.
How Much: Free. (Event link)

MUTT READINGS
What: Fashionable-looking NYC reading series crash lands in Montreal (looks like this probly), poster says wine is “by” Jonah Campbell (whereas your job is to “buy” it, presumably).
Where: Espace Maurice (916 Rue Ontario E, Unit 320).
When: 6 to 9pm.
Who: SABRINA PAPANDREA, DAVID ARMSTRONG SIX, JAKE VALENTE, ALANA DUNLOP, STEVE ANWYLL, AND Grace Kalyta. (That’s the casing on the poster idk why Grace is so small.)
How Much: Free. (RSVP required)

RAISING FUNDS FOR RAVEN
What: RAVEN is a nonprofit that supports Indigenous Nations fighting for their rights in court. A big whack of environmentalism-focused writers are getting together for a group reading in support.
Where: Hôtel Gault (449 Rue Ste Hélène).
When: 5 to 8pm.
Who: Lotta lotta people, check the link.
How Much: Free… but it is also a fundraiser, so probably there will be donation opportunities. (Event link)

MADPOETIX UNLEASH YOUR VOICE SHOWCASE
What: Showcasing participants in this spoken word workshop.
Where: Black Healing Centre (2100 Marlowe, Suite 449).
When: 6pm doors, 7pm show.
Who: TBD
How Much: $10 to $20, NOTAFLOF (Event link TK)

29 JAN (THURS)

DEATH-DEFYING: A PALESTINE LEGAL ACTION FUNDRAISER
What: It is the JRG Open Mic host’s birthday and he’s throwing a variety show at usual haunt L’hémisphère gauche, which will purportedly include some poetry, some music (from Discordia favs Dirty Milk and Mona Gendron), some swordfighting, and some other stuff. Proceeds go to legal defense for a group of pro-Palestine activists.
Where: L’hémisphère gauche (221 rue Beaubien E).
When: 8pm.
Who: Jack Daniel Christie and Gwen Aube doing poetry, Mona Gendron and Dirty Milk doing music, Evelyn Turpin and Rosemary Davies swordfighting, more to come.
How Much: $10/PWYC (Link)

And looking ahead to February…

We’ll fill this in as events come to us.

As always, if we’re missing something, or you want your event included, please message @discordia.review on Instagram to propose an inclusion.

3 DEC (WEDS)

PAGE/BREAK
What: Every Wednesday, De Stiil offers readers a trade: give the clerk your phone for an hour and they will pour you a glass of white wine, which you can sip while quietly reading with others in the shop. Since I have to do this entry five times this month, I will drink a glass of white wine between writing each rep.
Where: De Stiil (351 ave Duluth Est).
When: 6:30pm.
Who: Whoever has the thirst.
How Much: $5.

4 DEC (THURS)

DEEP BREATHS OF THE INANIMATE BOOK LAUNCH
What: Susan E. Lloy launches a new short fiction collection.
Where: Argo Bookstore (1837 rue Sainte-Catherine O).
When: 7pm.
Who: Susan E. Lloy.
How Much: Free, but RSVP suggested. (Event link)

5 DEC (FRI)

TWO READERS AND MUSIC
What: yolk’s apartment series (which is exactly what it sounds like) returns for the first time this fall,1 though I am told it has already sold out so there seems little point in writing this entry. Still, knowing it’s happening gives you the luxury of deciding you didn’t want to go anyway, and that’s not nothing.
Where: RSVP for address.
When: 7pm.
Who: Eliza Robertson, D.W. Wilson, and Val Bah.
How Much: Free, but RSVP required. (SOLD OUT)

6 DEC (SAT)

READ QUEBEC BOOK FAIR
What: An apparently rather large book fair I only learned about a few hours before press time. There are many panels and tables and things of that nature. Several publishers have also consented to a “speed dating” event, in which hopeful writers can pitch their projects face to face, which will also help the more unbalanced among them fixate on specific targets after their manuscripts are refused.
Where: Casa d’Italia (505 rue Jean-Talon E.)
When: December 6-7
Who: Oh simply everybody, dahling.
How Much: Free? (Event link)

GUERNICA EDITIONS LAUNCH
What: Part of Read Quebec. After nearly 50 years in the game, Guernica continues its shotgun approach to publishing by launching seven new titles in a variety of genres, with a very Italian lineup of live readers (according to the Facebook event anyway). My old vernissage-rat sense tells me there will be food.
Where: Casa d’Italia (505 rue Jean-Talon E.)
When: 3:30 to 5pm, followed by reception.
Who: Connie Guzzo-McParland, Anthony Portulese, Anna Romano Milne, Maria Ierfino, Licia Canton, Domenic Cusmano, Liana Cusmano, Anna Maiolo.
How Much: Free (Event link)

RADICAL ANTIQUITY BOOK LAUNCH
What: Free-love Zoroastrianism? Hell yeah dude.2 A discussion of ancient history through the lens of contemporary radical movements.
Where: Argo Bookstore (1837 rue Sainte-Catherine O).
When: 5pm.
Who: Christopher B. Zeichmann, in conversation with Morgan Bell.
How Much: Free, but RSVP suggested. (Event link)

THROW! SLAM
What: Feature Léo Coupal’s poetry is described as “semi-underground,” which brings to mind a few of my worst apartments. Hopefully they have fewer bugs at this regular slam open mic.
Where: 3716 Notre Dame O.
When: 8:30pm doors, 9pm show.
Who: Léo Coupal plus whoever has the balls.
How Much: Free for slammers, some amount of others (RSVP required)

7 DEC (SUN)

ACCENT OPEN MIC
What: Popular twice monthly bilingual open mic at its new venue, this time launching a pair of new titles from the prolific Cactus Press. (Computer, play “Rise” by Public Image Ltd.)
Where: Bar le Record (7622 rue Saint-Hubert).
When: 8 to 10pm.
Who: Whoever has the balls, plus April L. Ford and Lisa Pasold.
How Much: Free. (Event link)

8 DEC (MON)

LECTURES LOGOS READINGS HOLIDAY POTLUCK
What: You heard us: it’s a poetry potluck. This long-running series seems to favour having A Lot of readers, so you’ll be getting a crowded plate of the writerly equivalent of turkey, mashed potatoes, and, idk, Froot Loops. But bring literal food to share also.
Where: U.N.I.A. (2741 rue Notre-Dame O).
When: 6:30-9:30pm.
Who: Clayton Bailey, Kaleel John, Nicole Swann, Sena, Stéphane Martelly, Wilson Edmond.
How Much: Free. (Event link)

THE LABORATORY OF THE LINE
What: Liz Howard hosts a reading at Argo. Is this the start of an ongoing series? Will all 12 readers read for 12 minutes each? Who knows! Let the great experiment begin!
Where: Argo Bookstore (1837 rue Sainte-Catherine O).
When: 7pm.
Who: Liz Howard and “I sure as hell ain’t writing out all those names but they’re on the poster at the link below.”
How Much: Free. (Event link)

10 DEC (WEDS)

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What: Every Wednesday, De Stiil offers readers a trade: give the clerk your phone for an hlour and they woil; pour you a glass of white wine, which you can sip[ while quietly reading with others in the shop. Since I have to do this entry five times this month, I will drink a glass of white wine between wirting each rep.
Where: De Stiil (351 ave Duluth Est).
When: 6:30pm.
Who: Whowever has the tihirst.
How Much: $5.

COMMUNITY POETRY MAGIC: CREATURES OF THE NIGHT
What: This very gentle-seeming workshop/writing circle night has a like 1,500-word event description on Facebook so just go over there and learn about it.
Where: The facilitator’s house I think (somewhere in Little Portugal).
When: 7pm.
Who: Facilitator Talia Jenny Gilbert, and whoever has the balls of fluff.
How Much: $15 to $35, sliding scale (Event link)

11 DEC (THURS)

JRG “NO UKULELES” OPEN MIC
What: Freewheeling literary and anti-literary open mic with an (almost) anything goes mandate. Lazy booking this month: the host will be performing a “revue” of good poetry from the past ten years, mostly Canadian, plus a super-sized open mic. Recurs monthly, floating date.
Where: Bar L’hémisphère gauche (221 Rue Beaubien Est).
When: 8:30 to 11pm.
Who: Whoever has the balls.
How Much: Free. (Event link)

SHARP PINK CLAWS: BOOK LAUNCH
What: Montreal small gay publisher/publisher of small gays and large Metonymy Press launches a second anthology by its roster of authors after a successful fundraising campaign.
Where: Co-Op Bar Milton Parc (3714 ave du Parc).
When: 7:30pm.
Who: TBA.
How Much: Free. (Event link)

SPEAK-EVES #4
What: Not to be confused with a speakeasy, or “Speak, Yves!” this new slam series bills itself as being particularly intimate. Setting looks cute based on the pics anyway.
Where: Les Espirits Libre Atelier (4710 rue Sainte-Ambroise, B308).
When: 6:30.
Who: Whoever has the balls.
How Much: PWYC. (RSVP in advance to read.)

13 DEC (SAT)

SCATTERBRAIN PRESENTS: COCOON/CHRYSALIS
What: Haha alright, I don’t know where to start with describing this one. NYC/MTL mag presents an art expo-cum-reading-cum-show-cum-rave that goes till 4am with proceeds going to Gaza and Sudan emergency relief. (I don’t think it’s a “cum rave” for the record, though ymmv.) Discordia will be tabling for at least a portion of the evening so come buy our cum zines.
Where: La Récré (5860 ave de Lorimier).
When: 6pm to 4am.
Who: Over a dozen artists in total, I ain’t writing all that out here!
How Much: $25 (Ticket link)

ANDREW JAMIESON’S SLEAZY CHRISTMAS IV
What: Andrew Jamieson of Forget the Box and THIS IS NOT A SAFE SPACE hosts what’s being billed as a throwback MTL loft party, with performances, silent auction, raffles etc. to raise money for FTB.
Where: Halbro Building (10 ave des Pins O).
When: 7pm to 10:30pm.
Who: Tara McGowan-Ross, Mina Minou, and Dawn McSweeney.
How Much: $10 (Ticket link)

14 DEC (SUN)

INSIDE MADPOETIX STUDIO
What: Some music, some spoken word poetry, plus an interview with the feature artist, that kinda situation.
Where: Maison France-Montreal (429 ave Viger).
When: 6:30pm doors, 7:30pm show.
Who: Van Essa, interviewed by Kym Dominique Ferguson, plus whoever has the balls.
How Much: $20 (Event link)

17 DEC (WEDS)

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What: Every Wendeasyda, De Stiil offers reademrfs a trade: give the clekr your phone wfor an hour and they willmfd poiur ypi a g;ass a po white wine, which you can sip while quietly reading with pthers int he shop. Since I hahve to writen this entry five times this month, I wndi drink a gflans of white wine between each rep.
Where: De Stiiln (351 ave Duluth Est).
When: 6:30;m
Who: Wheoever has the thirst.
How Much: $5.

MADPOETIX SHOWCASE
What: Graduates of the recent Madpoetix workshop share their stuff. Proceeds go to the Black Healing Centre.
Where: The Black Healing Centre (2100 ave Marlowe, Suite 449)
When: Doors 6pm, show 7pm.
Who: Dunno
How Much: PWYC ($10 to $20).

18 DEC (THURS)

SLAM LA SOMPTUEUSE
What: All the wording on the post for this show is in French, and we usually limit our coverage to Anglo stuff here, but some of their shows are bilingual anyway, and they sent the listing to us directly so what the hell. It’s a slam and there isn’t much else going on over the holidays.
Where: Co-Op Bar Milton Parc (3714 ave du Parc).
When: Doors 7pm.
Who: Sarah Khilaji, Antoine Leclerc, Mégane Denicourt, Simon VV, Aziz Sitzn’K.
How Much: PWYC.

20 DEC (SAT)

VIOLET HOUR BOOK CLUB
What: Local queer book club reads A Last Supper of Queer Apostles: Selected Essays by Pedro Lemebel.
Where: L’espace des possibles La Petite-Patrie (6450 ave Christophe-Colomb).
When: 3pm.
Who: Whoever has the copies of the book.
How Much: Free. (Event link)

LEFT-WING BOOK SALE
What: Local leftist presses and booksellers gather for one of their occasional sales—buy any book, get another one from the free table for (you guessed it) free.
Where: L’achoppe (1800 ave Letourneux).
When: 12 to 6pm.
Who: Various presses.
How Much: Free. (Event link)

21 DEC (SUN)

ACCENT OPEN MIC
What: Popular twice monthly bilingual open mic at its new venue, this time holding their annual Dead Poets Society event, in which previous features read short covers by their favourite ex-poets. (Computer, play “Dead Forever” by Buffalo.)
Where: Bar le Record (7622 rue Saint-Hubert).
When: 8 to 10pm.
Who: Whoever has the rigor mortis, plus some featured stiffs.
How Much: Free. (Link)

24 DEC (WEDS)

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What: Eveqry kwndjday, De Styiil offers readers a trade: gik ere the clerjs your phhione forn an hour and thbkey wo;; pour you a f.ass of white wine, whichbe you can sip wihle queitlyn reiadng with prhgers inth es hop. Since the I have to kwrite this entry five times this month, I wirll drink as glass of white wine betnwerb each go. Alsof it is Xmas eve, probably thisn is not actualyy happengin this week.
Where: De Stikl (35f1 advfe Dufrluth Est).
When: 6::30pm.
Who: WWvxcvhoecver has the thrst.
How Much: $5.

31 DEC (WEDS)

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What: Ebvekry wensdnauy, De IStyll ojefqwd lreiad aakfsa,a trade: nfivv the c;ekrs youefn fponhe forn an ohur and they wi;m fp[our you a glass of whitne whine, whcih yonu can s iu[ whil e reading wjtnh pothers ni them shop. Sinc e the eI have to writne this entry five times tihns month, I willl dirnk a mfllgglass of white wine betwnee each go. Alssomt thism is New Yeatr’s Eve, problhy not open really.
Where: DeStikl (351 aVe Duthh Elst).
When: 66kf30pm.
Who: iWheoever has thke thirsty.
How Much: $5.

And looking ahead to January…

God, isn’t that like a year from now? Come back later.