Brownstein: N.D.G. Comedy Fest showcasing native anglo expertise this weekend

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For causes that would seem to defy logic, Montreal’s anglo comedy scene nonetheless prospers, with an inordinate variety of native wits hanging in right here as an alternative of fleeing to seemingly greener pastures in Toronto, New York or L.A. 

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Granted, ever-tense occasions on the cultural and political fronts right here at all times deliver out the most effective in comedians feeling a tad insecure. However that is nothing new.  

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Within the early days of Only for Laughs, one of many fest’s hottest sights was the Montreal Present, that includes a who’s who of angst-riddled standups. 

Anglo comedy golf equipment have come and gone through the years, however the Comedy Nest remains to be going sturdy many years later with a menu largely comprised of native expertise, and venues like Hurley’s Pub and the Wheel Membership, amongst others, additionally present patrons comedian launch on a part-time foundation.  

However what we haven’t skilled in an extended spell is a collective grouping of the town’s greatest comics performing in English beneath one umbrella. Till now.  

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Walter Lyng, a long-time native performer-producer, figured the time was ripe to place collectively such an endeavor. In a tribute to his roots, Lyng is launching the primary N.D.G. Comedy Fest, working Friday to Sunday and showcasing such stalwarts as Joey Elias, Bowser & Blue and Derek Seguin, plus 15 different humorous folks. 

Among the many fest’s seven reveals are the N.D.G. Superstars and the Filthy Late Present, Friday on the Rustik Pub & Grill; Saturday’s Gala Evening on the Oscar Peterson Live performance Corridor headlining Elias and Bowser & Blue; and Seguin on the Wheel Membership on Sunday. The fest may also provide a free present Saturday at 3 p.m. at Trenholme Park and a comedy workshop Sunday at 5 p.m. on the Wheel Membership. 

“I like N.D.G. I’ve lived right here my complete grownup life. There may be such an abundance of comedian expertise right here,” Lyng says. “I simply need this pageant to be a celebration of the neighbourhood and anglo comedy. Plus, I had at all times dreamed of reserving a present on the Oscar Peterson Live performance Corridor.  

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“Hopefully, I’ll be capable of afford to do that pageant once more subsequent 12 months, as a result of there are undoubtedly extra apparent methods to make cash.”  

Clearly, Lyng is extra dedicated to the trigger than his checking account. 

“Funds however, this has been a superb season for native anglo comedians, by way of each the upper quantity of reveals and Only for Laughs showcases. Extra locals, together with many who had by no means earlier than been seen right here, received to point out their stuff.” 

Amongst these unsung comics maybe much less recognized to audiences to be careful for at this fest are Abby Stonehouse, Troy Stark, Chris Venditto, Elspeth Wright, Serag Meletian — opening for Seguin — and Leighland Beckman, dubbed the “Lord of Filth” and, appropriately, featured on the Filthy Late Present.  

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“As a result of the scene is a lot smaller for native anglos, it makes us grind tougher. We’re all competing for a smaller slice of the pie, though some could also be pushed by spite at this level,” cracks Lyng, who may also be letting free on stage this weekend in addition to internet hosting the N.D.G. Superstars spectacle. 

Stonehouse, additionally showing with the N.D.G. Superstars, notes there’s a actual esprit de corps among the many native comics. 

“It may be difficult on the market, so we actually attempt to assist one another out,” says Stonehouse, whose materials focuses on every part from courting to listening to loss.  

“Surprisingly, there are lots of comics residing locally right here. N.D.G. has such character, and it has actually helped to make a few of us funnier. We’re a small however mighty group. It’s additionally very nice that I can typically get to stroll to my reveals.” 

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Stark, who may also be caught Friday on the Rustik Pub & Grill, factors out that anglo comics right here have a bonus over these in the remainder of the nation: “There’s by no means a scarcity of fabric to speak about. There’s at all times one thing occurring right here. We’ve our personal distinct tradition, too.” 

With typically a dearth of venues, the ever-enterprising Stonehouse has additionally taken issues into her personal palms, overseeing applications like Garden Laughs, which, because the title suggests, provides chuckles for a value on the lawns of patrons. 

 “I’ll do what I can to construct up the comedy neighborhood. I like making others chortle, but I take the comedy enterprise critically. However there’s at all times room to develop.” 

Lyng says the timing of the fest on what’s Victoria Day weekend in the remainder of the nation however Fêtes des patriotes in Quebec is solely coincidental.  

“Last item we wish is to get right into a language flap,” Lyng says. “This weekend occurred to work out greatest by way of the venues and comics we wished. 

“The true hope right here is to not fire up any points, however moderately, that if this fest takes off, there can be a brighter future for anglo comedy.” 

The debut N.D.G. Comedy Fest runs Friday to Sunday. For schedule info and tickets, go to N.D.G. Comedy Fest at eventbrite.ca 

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