Wednesday, June 29, 2005

To do tonight: How To Kick People or Comedy Social

Or Invite Them Up at Rififi, but a) that's every week b) it's very popular and c) they don't, as far as I know, have a website (though if they do, or if they have an email list, please let me know and I'll join it)

Tonight Todd Levin and Bob Powers (or Bob Powers and Todd Levin, take your pick) host How To Kick People, their hilarious monthly show:

Tonight's show is: H2KP: Stay Gold Ponyboy. People reading stuff about
having been young and happy once (happy not guaranteed).

The details:

Wednesday, June 29th at 8pm
HOW TO KICK PEOPLE: "STAY GOLD PONYBOY"
hosted by Todd Levin and Bob Powers
with special guests:TOM SHILLUE (tomshillue.com)
JONATHAN CORBETT
AMANDA MELSON (amandamelson.com)
and music from WALTER SALAS-HUMARA (of The Silos)

at Under St. Marks Theater
94 St. Marks Place between 1st and Avenue A
7 dollars
[Advance Tix are a super-smart idea]:
https://www.smarttix.com:443/show.aspx?showcode=how10


Also tonight, where I will likely be if I go out, is The Social Experiment at Sin Sin Lounge from 8:30-11:30. I don't know who all, besides Lianne Stokes, will be there, but it sounds fun.

Tuesday, June 28, 2005

Sara Schaefer t-shirts, Brutal Honesty, and the most booked up comedian around

Sara Schaefer has the most adorable "Sara Shaefer Is Obsessed With Me" t-shirts for sale on her site (and at her shows). This is what she says:

"Right now I don't have pictures of everything but if you tell me your specifications I'll send you the closest thing I have.  Or you can wait for me to send you a picture. This isn't J-crew, so get over it. I also make adorable bags - pictures coming soon!"

These are HANDMADE by Sara, people. And she'll be part of Mortified on July 17th.

And from the super talented Lianne Stokes:

The next Brutal Honesty is going to be July 20th at Otto's. 9 PM Topic "I will make you love me? Tales of obsessive crushes." Line-up: Brandy Barber, Tony Carnevale, Pete Olsen and Molly Anderson.

Also, does anyone plan their shows as far in advance as Andres du Bouchet? Dude, I think I'm free in DECEMBER. I shouldn't say anything cause I'm planning my November bithday party, but still, it's funny.

Susie Felber's AMAZING FREE SHOW TONIGHT!

Be there!

FINAL BLOW OUT SUPERSTAR COMEDY SHOW/PARTY -- ONE NIGHT ONLY!
Tuesday, June 28th
Felber's Frolics Ye Olde Tripple Inn263 W 54th St. between Broadway & 8th Ave.
(closer to 8th)
8pm - FREE, no minimum
Subway: 1,9 to 50th, E to 7th Ave (53rd), C to 50th

Acts scheduled to perform include:
* Eric Drysdale -- Premium Blend, writer for The Daily Show with Jon Stewart.
* Christian Finnegan -- Comedy Central Presents, VH1's Best Week Ever.
* Victor Varnado -- Movies: End of Days, Pluto Nash, Premium Blend, Jimmy Kimmel Live!
* Liam McEneaney – VH1's Best Week Ever, Premium Blend
* Chris Regan -- Daily Show writer, Premium Blend
* Bryan Tucker - Writer Chappelle's show, Chris rock show, Tough Crowd, plus Premium Blend
* Rob Paravonian: Premium Blend, VH1
* Alison Castillo: Comedy Central, MTV "I Wanna Be a Comedian," VH1's Best Week Ever
* Ophira Eisenberg: Premium Blend
and more....

Jess Wood's show is the best place to be on a Monday night

Last night I was once again reminded of why I go to comedy shows. I never want to do things, whether go to comedy or write, because they’re a chore or obligation. I want to do them because I want to do them, and last night’s amazing show brought that home. I took my cousin who’s visiting from LA, who was super impressed that I know Christian Finnegan. He got on the phone after and was describing him as “this guy who’s on the Chappelle Show,” and it was funny because even though I know he’s on TV, Christian is, to me, a funny guy I get to see do shows all the time. I’m really insulated from TV as a whole, not just comedy-wise, but all of TV land. I really haven’t watched a TV show in months, and it’s not because I don’t like it, I do, but it’s kindof liking drinking - I don’t want to overdo it, which is why I haven’t bothered to look into getting cable, because why spend money on something that will suck up my time? I would like to be able to watch Comedy Central a bit more because I’m sure there’s funny stuff on it, but now’s not that time.

Anyway...I realized I’d only made it to Jess Wood’s show once before. Why is that? Not sure but I want to make it more of a priority because it’s convenient, fun and there’s free candy! And I got to see new comics, which for me really is a treat because I often see the same people over and over, and while they make me laugh, they don’t make me laugh as much once I’m seeing their same set for the fifth time. One of the “new to me” people was Eric Andre, who was just hilarious, musing on D’angelo’s nakedness, being a black Jew, and other things I really can’t remember. Christian was awesome, dishing on his recent vacation and sex toys and just having us all doubled over with laughter. I saw Irene Bremis I think for the very first time. Jess Wood got us all singing the theme to “Fame.” And other hilarity. There’s no show July 4th, next one’s July 11th, and Jess is gonna give me some naughty quotes for my next column. Trash-talking, dirty-mouthed comics - just my style.

I also felt, once again, really welcomed by the comedy community, it feels like a really warm, cozy place and I think I finally hit on the dynamic - a lot of comedians are now my friends, and with some of them it’s kindof like a big brother/big sister thing. They’re just so welcoming, and even though I will always be a tiny bit embarrassed when, say, Baron Vaughn says goodbye to me when I have to sneak out early or, like last night, Christian mentioned this column I’m writing, it also makes me feel good. I am not a passive person (usually), and I really do throw myself into everything I do, and as I plan my comedy show birthday party, I realize that my guest list includes a huge amount of comedians. They’re my friends, and I’ve had to learn what social traits are common to many of them, and which are individual quirks. I’ve bonded with so many awesome people on different levels, some in that talk-for-five-minutes-and-know-they-are-one-of-those-super-smart-cool-chicks, like Michelle Collins or Bex Schwartz, and some where we just trade emails and have friendships that just defy description. Anyway, my point may not exist, but I think it was that when people ask me why I go to so many shows, I usually say it’s because so often my life sucks or I’m stressed out and just want to laugh. That’s still totally true - I love to laugh, and it’s not a polite tee-hee laugh, when I laugh, I really am laughing. But it’s also that I genuinely like the people I’m seeing. I get to learn all sorts of biographical information - about their families, homes, jobs, dating life - and it’s both fascinating and funny and I guess that just filled a huge void in my life. I have tremendous respect and admiration for people who can just get up on a stage like that and really work, joke by joke, to win over the crowd, without making it seem like work at all. So major props to the awesome Jess Wood and everyone on last night’s bill.

Monday, June 27, 2005

Pervert Bingo at GTN!

I don't even know what Pervert Bingo is but it sounds right up my alley. There are a bunch of shows Tuesday night, this one, and Chicks and Giggles and Susie Felber's and I wholeheartedly endorse them all. Not sure what I'll be doing post Jessica Cutler Barnes & Noble appearance but maybe there'll be a second chance for Pervert Bingo in case I miss it.

Join us this Tuesday night for a very special ALL GAME episode of GTN!

Crotchword!

Pervert Bingo!

Temptation Reisman!

What Sitcom is Jim Morrison Talking About?

"Lights, Camera, Wanker" with Oasis!

AND AND MORE!

Giant Tuesday Night of Amazing Inventions And Also There Is A Game!!!
every Tuesday at 8pm
FREE
Rififi
332 East 11th St. between 1st and 2nd.

NEXT TUESDAY, July 5th - I'll be performing solo, just me and my
stupid monologues!

AND THEN ON July 12th - the inmates run the asylum! I'm taking the
night off, and the crazy GTN cast takes over!

AND THEN ALSO ON July 19th - GTN reverts backs to its typical
hilarious format.

AND WE'RE GOING ALL SUMMER!

http://www.gianttuesday.com
http://www.andresdubouchet.com

More Margot Leitman!

What:"Just Here for the Day"
When: Wed. June 29 @8 and
Mon. July 11 @8
both with "can I call you my girlfriend?"
Where: UCB Theatre, 307 West 26th St. and 8th Ave, C,E to 23rd, 1, p to 23rd
or M23 to 8th Ave.
Cost: $5
Reservations: 212-366-9176 or www.ucbt.net

About to enter the third month of her run at UCB, comedian Margot Leitman
(VH1, Mtv, ESPN, E!) chronicles her personal journey of working in an
elementary school, selling out, then rocking on. Watch Margot pose for the
paparazzi, threaten a six year old with jail time, ruin childrens'
idealistic ways, then have a breakdown while watching Kiefer Sutherland on
"24.". Then laugh, because you know somewhere inside you, you've done, or
wanted to do those things too. Doesn't Kiefer make you cry?

www.margotleitman.com

Pink Steel - Best. And. Gayest. Show. Ever.

I can't find what I'd originally written about Pink Steel, my favorite gay heavy metal act, but Saturday night's show at Parkside was pretty much the best, and the gayest, show of theirs I've ever seen, and I've been to many a Pink Steel show. This guy was wearing his "I Fucked Ann Coulter" t-shirt and that got a few shoutouts, and there was a whole Tom Cruise bit, some new songs, fake moshing, beer pouring, shoutouts to the Hello Kitty-ballooned birthday girl, and major gayness. They were on fire! They had these great intros too, like for the drummer Helmut Bang, "The Pippi Longstocking of Hard Rocking" and "The Nikki Sixx of Not Liking Chicks." We were all doubled over with laughter, especially at "We Fight for Cock" and the way over the top "Johnny Are You Queer?" They really outdid themselves, perhaps to make up for their long hiatus, and I am back to being their total groupie.

I love them because you can see them for the first or the tenth time and they are still amazing. I mean, "Sausage Party," and "Open Wide for Pride" don't really ever get boring, now do they? I went to see them after my 28th birthday dinner, at Parkside. Those are the ever-so-slightly bittersweet memories that sneak up on me - K and my mom had given me my now-forgotten digital camera and I was taking my very first photos with it. But that's neither here nor there. Speaking of digital cameras, soon as I catch up with some bills, I'm gonna get this cool Kodak digital camera so I can add camera stalking to the live blogging and cupcake-bringing duties I've taken on within the comedy world. Yes, I think my role in all this is to feed my comedian friends. Good thing most of them have a sweet tooth! I'll have to figure out an extra gay dessert to bring to the next Pink Steel show.

Jess Wood's killer lineup tonight

Jess Wood runs a super-fun comedy show in the Village at Three of Cups every week. Great comics plus free candy! I'm doing the Derek and Romaine show tonight so may not be able to make it but she's got some great people lined up. Jess also just hosted the Mermaid Ball this weekend.

From Jess:

Here's the killer line up:
Christian Finnegan, Rena Zager, Jon Corbett, Susan Preckle, Eric Andre, Irene Bremis & Charlie Gaeta

Hey Gang,

Yup, it's that time again-Rockin' Mondays at my show
"Gettin' Wood"
8pm @ Three of Cups 83 1st Ave. (5th St.) FREE!!!

Last week was standing room only and this week I
expect no less. This show is really a great time. And
not only am I hosting NY's funniest, but the booze is
cheap and there is always plenty of tasty CANDY!

Come feed your sugar monster and giggle the calories
away
Hope to see you there,
lots o' laughs-Jess

Sunday, June 26, 2005

July Comedy Highlights

Send me info on your comedy shows too: mail at rachelkramerbussel.com

This is at least as much a reminder to myself as it is for you. There are plenty of weekly shows but I'm a) not sure if I'm going to them and b) they're every week so you probably know about them.

July 5 - Variety Shac

July 11 = Twin Killing

July 15 - Sara Schaefer (Is Obsessed With You)

July 17 - Mortified

July 29 - Movies I Made As a Kid Film Festival

If I lived in LA, I'd so go to this

The only vaguely-related thing I have to contribute is that on July 29th, details TBA, I'm part of Jon Friedman's Movies I Made as a Kid Film Festival and you can see me sing "Like a Virgin" and breakdance (yes, breakdance, I was 9 and it was the mid-80's, okay?) to another old school Madonna song. I'll post the info on the show here when I have it.

MATERIAL GIRLS

What is it?
MATERIAL GIRLS is the bittersweet tale of two totally rad girls on the
eve of 9th grade in the mid-1980s as the face adulthood and worse, each
other. Is it time for them to go their separate ways... or just listen
to different radio stations? Grab your friendship bracelets and bring
your BFF!

When is it?
WEDNESDAYS @ 8pm
- June 29, 2005
- July 6, 2005
- July 13, 2005
- July 20, 2005

Where is it?
THE COMPLEX. 6476 Santa Monica Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90038

RSVP (+ Industry Comps):
materialgirlsshow@yahoo.com

How much is it?
$10

Who's behind it?
STARRING: Kirsten Gronfield, Krista Lanphear, Angela Pupello + Mark
Phinney. WRITTEN BY: Kirsten Gronfield + Krista Lanphear. DIRECTED BY:
Anne Jenson + Mark Phinney.

Le "Mortified" Connection?
If you like "Mortified", you're in luck. Almost everyone in "Material
Girls" has been in "Mortified LA" and rocked its mutha fuckin house.
(Memory refresher: Mark read the mental ward diary, Krista sang the
Challenger Song, Kirsten read a diary written to herself in the future,
Angela sang a love ballad she once wrote to her not-yet-gay boyfriend.)

Saturday, June 25, 2005

Baron Vaugh makes me laugh

I've only seen Baron Vaughn a few times so far but he totally makes me laugh. Below is some info on his upcoming shows.

You know who else makes me laugh? My new chick lit soul sister Lianne Stokes. She's gonna book me on her show (that she runs along with Giulia Rozzi and Becky Yamamoto) Brutal Honesty in September. Anyway, she just told me we're "nerds of a feather" - love it and so true!

Baron Vaughn appearing...

this Saturday, June 25 @ 8pm
Aubergine Cafe
49-22 Skillman Avenue Woodside, NY
Hosted by Julie Perkins
with Mike Dorvald
Dan Curry
Pat O’Shea
Benari Poulten
Dina Perlman
Jeff Mac
Ashley Strand


Tuesday, June 28 @ 10pm (EVERY TUESDAY!!)
Brooklyn Comedy Company's
"I can't believe it's not Manhattan!"
Galapagos Art Space
70 North 6th Street (L to Bedford)
Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Hosted by ME
featuring...
Eric Andre (Caroline's, e-rok.com)
Liz Miele (Comic Strip, Carolines, featured in the New Yorker)
Bob DiBuono (MTV, Stand Up NY, Caroline's)
Michelle Buteau (Comedy Central, VH1)
Bernie Pauley (Tough Crowd)
Sven Wechsler (BcCo, Underground God)
Marc Theobald (Premium Blend, Chappelle's Show)

Wednesday June 29 @ 9pm
Comediarock
The Tank @ Chashama
208 West 37th Street
Hosted by ME
with Josh Grosvent
Carla Rhodes
Jessica Delfino
Stuckey and Murray
Rob Paravonian


Thursday June 30 @ 8pm
Sweet @ the Slipper Room
167 Orchard St (at Stanton)
Hosted by Seth Herzog (VH1)

Friday, June 24, 2005

sex and comedy

I know, you're like, "what? comedy...and sex? I don't understand" but all will soon be revealed. Anyway, I am working on a Voice column featuring interviews with some of the people I link to here and am very excited about it, as I am about any writing about the comedy world I get to do. Ummm...that's all. Just a little teaser because I am in first draft mode with the column, which is actually, I don't know, 50th draft cause I've been working on it for many months, but the time has come. Two phone calls, some tinkering, and then...the end. Or the beginning, who knows. Sorry for the crypticness, but in about 2 weeks you'll know what the hell I'm talking about. In the meantime, sex and comedy can stay in their respective corners for a little bit longer.

New favorite comedy blogger: Dan McCoy

Read Dan McCoy's blog - he's now part of Sara Schaefer (Is Obsessed With You) and Saturday Night Rewritten, and well, he's a comedian and a blogger, so therefore I will read him, because, my non-attendance last night notwithstanding, I really do try to keep up with my favorite local funny people. Also, Dan has a really hot photo of Lisa Loeb up on his blog.

And I heart blogs, and comedians, so comedian blogs are just the perfect combination. Aside from bears and cupcakes of course. Private joke that may be explained at a future date when I combine bears and cupcakes in some format. Speaking of cupcakes, I will be bringing them to some comedy shows soon, not sure which ones, but be prepared! (meaning, when you see me at a comedy show and I offer you a cupcake, make nice and take one cause few things make me happier than watching people eat cupcakes)

Comic Strip Live, where the guys are gay or hot (or both??)

This announcement cracked me up enough to have to share it...

Back by popular demand:
Wednesday June 29th@8:30pm
LADIES NIGHT OUT !!!
at
The World Famous Comic Strip Live!
Featuring the Funniest Ladies from
HBO
COMEDY CENTRAL
NBC’S CONAN O’BRIEN
AND
VH-1
plus our
FABULOUS DOOR PRIZES!!!
LADIES ADMISSION IS FREE
(PLUS TWO DRINK MINIMUM)
WEDNESDAY JUNE 29TH – Comic Strip Live, 1568 Second Avenue between 81st and 82nd Sts (212-861-9386). 8:30 pm, $14.00 admission-LADIES ADMISSION IS FREE – plus two drink minimum. Our monthly Ladies Night Out Show is the perfect event for bachelorette parties, corporate parties or just a great night out on the town. Don’t worry, any men who make it onto the show will be GAY or HOT.

ECNY Winners!

List shamelessly stolen from Nate at The Apiary - clearly I could've stopped by at 11 pm and partaken in the open bar and partying, but I reached my 2 drink limit for the week and am just feeling old and tired lately. Congratulations to all the winners, especially AZIZ ANSARI (who apparently has a new bit on Cold Stone Creamery that I must see ASAP), THE REJECTION SHOW, JESSI KLEIN & NICK KROLL, JUVIE HALL and JESSY DELFINO! Michelle Collins was robbed is all I have to say on that score - no, I don't even know what that site is, but Michelle always cracks me up.

Best Sketch Comedy Group - The Wicked Wicked Hammerkatz
Best Female Standup Comedian - Heather Lawless
Best Male Standup Comedian - Aziz Ansari
Best Director - AJ Morales
Best Comedy Writer - Catie Lazarus
Best One Person Show - Swollen Head
Best Variety Show - The Rejection Show
Best Comedic Duo - Casey Wilson and June Raphael
Best Host - Jessi Klein & Nick Kroll
Best Short Comedic Film - I Am Drugs
Best Technician - Pat Baer
Best Improv Group - Big Black Car
Best Website - www.channel102.net
Best Flyer Design - Elephant Larry
Best Most Fucked Up Thing I Saw This Year - Bret Gelman's Sphincter
Best Venue - Juvie Hall
Best Musical Comedy Act - Jessica Delfino

WHO WON? WHO WON?

Nobody seems to have any info on who won the ECNY Awards last night. Guess I should've stopped by UCB after the show if I really wanted to know. Apiary? Chelsea? Aziz? ECNY people? Someone tell me!

Also, don't forget, free Variety Shac show tonight at 8:30 at Rififi! (and their regularly scheduled gig July 5th at Galapagos) Funny girls! Funny movies! Awesome music!

Thursday, June 23, 2005

paging Matthew Sweet: Can I call you my girlfriend? by Matt Evans

This show sounds great and hopefully will be on again because I can't make the 30th (going to see Andy Friedman and the Other Failures with Todd Levin opening at Bowery Poetry Club with Ali-Z). Hey, like magic, the UCB site tells me this is playing June 29th (with Margot Leitman's Just Here for the Day) and July 11th, which I can actually make. Cool. I got the original dates off Improv Resource Center my new second home (again).

Can I call you my girlfriend?

written and performed by Matt Evans
directed by Zach Woods

Thursday June 16th and Thursday June 30th @ 8pm
(appearing after The Confidence Ladder performed by Peter Gwinn)

Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre
$5

Matt Evans gives us a glimpse inside one man's search for a girl to call his own.

These are the big moments in a relationship.

These are the experiences of a lifetime.

These are the times he will always remember.

That's a lot of pressure.

Handicapping the ECNY Awards

FYI - the cupcake was meant for the cupcake blog but it's amusing so I'm leaving it here.

I can't believe it's time for the ECNY Awards ALREADY, and that I'll be missing it in order to see Sleater-Kinney, but c'est la vie.

Is anyone handicapping the Awards? I'd bet.

The Apiary interviewed some of the very funny nominees. Also, Andy Horwitz, mayoral candidate (and clearly also a comedy addict), and other folks are on the lineup for Welcome to Our Week tonight.

bunny cupcake


bunny cupcake
Originally uploaded by Flirty Kitty.

Wednesday, June 22, 2005

Mamacita

Mamacita is a new online magazine with "humor, news & entertainment for women who can't be fooled" - haven't gotten a chance to really check it out, but fyi (via Feministing

Margot Leitman show "Just Here for the Day"

I caught Margot's show recently and really enjoyed it, especially the clips of actual little kiddies she taught (or corrupted - jk) in her substitute teaching stints. Also, definitely a winner for "Best Voiceover." And the "24" clip is awesome too.

What: "Just Here for the Day"
When:Wed. June 29 @8 and Mon. July 11 @8
Where: UCB Theatre, 307 west 26th st. and 8th ave. C,E to 23rd, 1,9 to
23rd, M23 to 8th ave.
Reservations: $5 a ticket at 212-366-9176 or www.ucbt.net

About to enter the third month of her run at UCB, comedian Margot Leitman (VH1, Mtv, ESPN, E!) chronicles her personal journey of working in an elementary school, selling out, then rocking on. Watch Margot pose for the paparazzi, threaten a six year old with jail time, ruin childrens' idealistic ways, then have a breakdown while watching Kiefer Sutherland on "24.". Then laugh, because you know somewhere inside you, you've done, or wanted to do those things too. Doesn't Kiefer make you cry?

www.margotleitman.com

Tuesday, June 21, 2005

"letter to a web designer"

Jon Friedman is funny, as I'm sure I've told you before. Check out his latest letter (and if he's reading this - write more! please?) I will even forgive him the "it's/its" error because, well, we've been over that. Letter to a Web Designer by Jon Friedman

Thursday! Gay! Comedy!

For those not going to the ECNY Awards, there's great gay comedy at UCB:

Register at the UCB site

The 10% Variety Hour

In celebration of Gay Pride Week, (and to prove that any “fag” jokes we’ve ever made are really ironic, not homophobic) the UCB Theater proudly presents a cornucopia of queer performers for your entertainment.

Jackie Clarke and John Flynn host an evening of full blown comedy with a mix of UCB regulars and top acts from all walks of entertainment.

--Lady Bunny, actress, deejay, singer/ songwriter, comedienne, ho (www.ladybunny.net)

--Lisa Jackson, “the prettiest, hardest-rocking gal in rock in New York City!” (www.lisajacksonandgirlfriday.com)

--Karen Mack & Michael Holland, the geniuses of Gashole “these kids are the hottest thing in show business since Sonny met Cher and Kiki kidnapped Herb!” (www.gashole.net)

--Cashetta, The World’s Most Fabulous Magician, (www.cashetta.com)

--John Heginbotham, Mark Morris Dance Group

Plus UCB favorites Jeff Hiller, Claudia Cogan, Eric Bernat, and Mark Sam Rosenthal

They’re all queer, they’ll all be here, and before it’s over, you’ll be used to it. In fact, you’ll be begging for more.

Bombs and Blueballs tonight!

Yes, I'm sad to be missing Amber Tozer's short film called Bombs & Blueballs (what an awesome title!) but I wrote and begged her to show it again at some future date. You should go!

TONITE at 8pm

Stand and Deliver Comedy Show hosted by

Amber Tozer (The Onion, Lots of film Festivals for her short film BOMBS AND BLUEBALLS, she's going to the Montreal Comedy Festival this year... yeah man)

There will be short films, stand up comedy and plenty of things to look at.  

The line up...

Craig Baldo (Comedy Central's Premium Blend, Collegehumor.com Tour)

Rachel Feinstien (Comedy Central's Premium Blend)

Tom Legoff (Famous photographer with a comedic agenda www.tomlegoff.com)

Jessi Klein (Time Out NY's "Top 10 Comics We Never Get Tired Of", Comedy Central's Premium Blend,VH1's Best Week Ever, co-host of Welcome to Our Week at Riffifi)

Nick Kroll (VH1's Best Week Ever and co-host of Welcome to Our Week at Riffifi).

Amber Tozer and Stu Levine will be doing a tribute to Patrick Swayze. It'll be short, sweet and crazy for Swayze.

Short Films -

Nick Kroll's - I LOVE THE 30's
As it turns out VH1 didn't come up with the idea of humorous nostalgia tv.  After culling the the museum of television and radio, a show surfaced called "I love the 30s" which looks back on that wonderful year, 1932 through the musings from some late 40's most minor celebrities.
 
Jen Kirwin's - STU'S CULT 
It's about a stoned anglophile that starts a cult craigslist – it's super intense.Starring - Stu Levine, Todd Levin,
Bridget Smith, Rachel Feinstein and Amber Tozer.

Craig Baldo's - THE PLEASURE TWINS

It's about two twins trying to please everyone, starring Craig Baldo and Bobby Tisdale

Amber Tozer's - BOMBS AND BLUEBALLS
An animated short film with a hot sex scene in it.

TONITE TONITE TONITE 
FREE! FREE! FREE!
Be there by 8pm, please.
718-230-0236

Located at 125 5 th Avenue in Park Slope, Brooklyn, between Sterling Place and St. John's Place.

Q Train to 7th Ave --- -- M/N/Q/R/W/4/5 to Atlantic-Pacific ----- M/N/R to Union Street ---

2/3 to Bergen St.

For information about the venue, performers, upcoming events, and directions visit: http://spsounds.com/

Sara Schaefer, 6/17: Most Romantic Comedy Show Ever

I’ve been a fan of Sara Schaefer’s show Sara Schaefer (Is Obsessed With You) since the first one I attended, and one of the things I love the most about it is Sara’s unabashed enthusiasm - for her show, her audience, herself and life. She’s honest about her ambitions and her fandom, and Friday’s show showcased her adoration front and center with guests Lisa Loeb and Sara’s fiancee, novelist Chris Genoa. The writing was really sharp, and the highlights were a little play on Lisa’s cat eye glasses (Sara was wearing similar glasses and this guy busts in and is like “I want you to play Limelight, etc.,” mistaking her for Lisa), Lisa’s music, and her interview with Chris. I think the best moments in general on her show are usually the Law & Order guest because you get this sense that they are going into totally unrehearsed territory and there can be a tiny bit of tension between Sara and her guest and it’s funny because you can tell they’re both tumbling into an area blindly and don’t know how it will end. Anyway, Sara showed a clip and talked about being on VH1's Best Week Ever and poked fun at her own grandiose plans, while also tying it all together at the end. It’s a little hard to explain but there’s just a real sense of fun to the show, and even though Sara’s name is in the title and she is the host, the other cast members, especially Amanda Melson and Kara Lee Burke, really round out the show and make the office segments and playfulness come full circle. They had this thing where there was “future Dan” and “future Sara” and they just manage to poke fun at very common insecurities and frustrations. My favorite thing about the show is that it lacks pretension; Sara just throws herself wholeheartedly into her role, but is also able to adlib and show genuine emotion. The interplay between her and Chris was not only totally adorable but really funny; with her teasing him about his literary dramatics. Underneath all the humor on that show is something very good-natured and honest. I’m gonna end this here because it’s hard to explain it any further. I hope that the tape of the show winds up in some very powerful hands and makes the show really take off. Thanks to Erik from Juvie Hall for getting me in too.

Sara Schaefer, 6/17: Most Romantic Comedy Show Ever

I’ve been a fan of Sara Schaefer’s show Sara Schaefer (Is Obsessed With You) since the first one I attended, and one of the things I love the most about it is Sara’s unabashed enthusiasm - for her show, her audience, herself and life. She’s honest about her ambitions and her fandom, and Friday’s show showcased her adoration front and center with guests Lisa Loeb and Sara’s fiancee, novelist Chris Genoa. The writing was really sharp, and the highlights were a little play on Lisa’s cat eye glasses (Sara was wearing similar glasses and this guy busts in and is like “I want you to play Limelight, etc.,” mistaking her for Lisa), Lisa’s music, and her interview with Chris. I think the best moments in general on her show are usually the Law & Order guest because you get this sense that they are going into totally unrehearsed territory and there can be a tiny bit of tension between Sara and her guest and it’s funny because you can tell they’re both tumbling into an area blindly and don’t know how it will end. Anyway, Sara showed a clip and talked about being on VH1's Best Week Ever and poked fun at her own grandiose plans, while also tying it all together at the end. It’s a little hard to explain but there’s just a real sense of fun to the show, and even though Sara’s name is in the title and she is the host, the other cast members, especially Amanda Melson and Kara Lee Burke, really round out the show and make the office segments and playfulness come full circle. They had this thing where there was “future Dan” and “future Sara” and they just manage to poke fun at very common insecurities and frustrations. My favorite thing about the show is that it lacks pretension; Sara just throws herself wholeheartedly into her role, but is also able to adlib and show genuine emotion. The interplay between her and Chris was not only totally adorable but really funny; with her teasing him about his literary dramatics. Underneath all the humor on that show is something very good-natured and honest. I’m gonna end this here because it’s hard to explain it any further. I hope that the tape of the show winds up in some very powerful hands and makes the show really take off. Thanks to Erik from Juvie Hall for getting me in too.

Monday, June 20, 2005

Wednesday 6/22: Becky and Claudia's Supreme Offering

Becky and Claudia can be reached at supremeoffering at gmail.com

Come to laugh, stay to "worship" at Becky & Claudia's Supreme Offering, the new stand-up comedy show in Williamsburg. Co-hosted by roommates extrordinaire, Claudia Cogan and Becky Poole, and featuring some of New York's best comedians - some you've seen on TV even!

So come down to the new temple of comedy in Williamsburg this Wednesday at 8:00. We've got free graham crackers (the body) and liquor give-aways at the end of the show (the blood).

And we may be reading from the gospel according to, Mail We Get That is Not Ours - Chapter 1, Verse 1.

Our most exalted line-up this week: Greg Walloch, Bryan Olsen, Livia Scott, Lianne Stokes, Sean Crespo, and Roy Koshy!!!

TOTALLY FREE!!!
Wednesday, June 22nd at 8:00 PM

(we do our thing ever 2nd and 4th Weds. of the month)
 
@ The Graham Lounge,
312 Graham Ave (b/w Devoe and Ainslie)
L train to Graham Ave (3rd stop in Brooklyn)
Walk a block and a half south on Graham and you are saved...at least for the night.

Comedians, if you want to be booked for future shows, just write back.

Thanks!

Claudia and Becky
 

Sunday, June 19, 2005

June 20, Brooklyn (Pat O'Shea) vs. Manhattan (Jess Wood)

Monday,June 20th.Ed Sullivan on acid,Freddy's backroom,485 Dean
st,Prospect
Heights,Brooklyn,718-622-7035.m,n,r,w,to pacific,q,4,5,to
atlantic,2,3,to
Bergen,9pm,Free.
Pat O'Shea hosts:Debbie Shea(Premium Blend)Sean Crespo(MTV)Charles
Star(R BAR)Jeff Mac(Comic strip)Jackson Young(First timer,i think)and
another comic,probably a chic...

or

Hey Gang,

Yup, it's that time again-Rockin' Mondays at my show
"Gettin' Wood"
8pm @ Three of Cups 83 1st Ave. (5th St.) FREE!!!

Last week was standing room only and this week I
expect no less. This show is really a great time. And
not only am I hosting NY's funniest, but the booze is
cheap and there is always plenty of tasty CANDY!

Come feed your sugar monster and giggle the calories
away
Hope to see you there,
lots o' laughs-Jess

Last Happy Ending of the Season

From Amanda Stern - Happy Ending Reading Series

NEXT Wednesday (6.29.05): THE LAST SHOW OF THE SEASON. With JONATHAN KATZ (Dr. Katz, Professional Therapist) and other members of the acclaimed animated series: TODD BARRY and JON BENJAMIN. Musical guest: AMY MILES

8pm (doors open at 7:30pm)

Free!

Happy Ending Bar
302 Broome Street
Between Forsyth and Eldridge
212-334-9676

Look for a hot pink awning with the words Health Club on it

J,M,Z,F to Delancey
B,D to Grand Street

Mortified only very slightly censored

I forgot my wireless card so typed up some notes at Mortified tonight, kindof slacked off at the end. Plus, even my quiet keyboard was a bit loud in the theater. It's a really fun show though, with people reading from diaries, homework assignments and playing music from their pasts.

Mortified June 19, 2005

Giulia - diary from 5 month love affair:

“Today he called me a hairy bitch but then said only joking.”

“Just because I want to kiss him does not mean I’m a horny perverted slut.”

Why can’t a guy be bold enough to cry?

8:21 - Julie Brister - letters home from camp, age 9
Mountains of New Mexico, Campfire Girls camp
Sister, 2 years old, we hated each other with a passion
Forbidden at camp to speak to her

8:28 - Craig: junior high, was the fat kid

Nancy McKeown, Fame

likes spending money

poem about fried chicken

8:33 - Tasha, 15-year-old diary

“Dear Lord,

I love you. Thank you so much for Brandon” (boyfriend)

Dear Lord, Please create a holy spirit within me. I want to be filled with you. Can’t wait for heaven” - wearing hell’s kitchen t-shirt


Laughing before reads next one

“Dear Lord,

I’ve been so far away from you. But who moved? I know, it was me. Brandon needs you, and so do I...

Ps. Thank you for your only son”

Lost her virginity in the back of a church parking lot

8:38 - Lianne Stokes

obsessed with **** (boy's name redacted to protext Lianne from google searches) from ages of 15 to 23. “Come aboard the psycho train”
1992 - age 16 -

yearbook ad created for unborn child (read with back to audience)

“Avery Jane”

8:44 Maria - Axl vs. John Taylor, “Axl makes me feel crazy inside”

8:50 - Jessy Delfino, songs, 6th grade, started an all white girl from Maine rap group, The Three Flabbergasted Cows, only put out one tape

“My Guy (Uh Huh)”

“Party in the Bathroom”

“Dingleberry Trail”

Laurie - 17, essay to apply early admission to Tufts in 1988 (she didn't get in)

“Numbers simply confuse and sadden me”

9:01 - 1982, 11 yr old diary

next show July 17

Crush

CRUSH
Written and performed by Rachael Mason
Directed by Julie Brister

An ultimate player/actor, an over-the-hill actress, yearbook meetings, a car accident, an awkward young girl, an inordinately bad production of "Our Town", and possibly the most awkward makeout session ever.

7pm
Thursday June 23rd
Upright Citizens Brigade Theater
307 West 26th St
@ 8th Avenue, NYC
Make reservations here

Friday, June 17, 2005

Free comedy at Southpaw on Tuesday

Also, random asides: July 5th - next Variety Shac at Galapagos (guess who'll be bringing cupcakes?) :) Also Manhattan version of Variety Shac is next Friday, June 24th at Rififi - visit their site for details and to see their new short film!

Tuesday, June 21 8pm

Stand and Deliver Comedy Show hosted by

Amber Tozer (The Onion, various film festivals for her animated short and lots of comedy shows across the US of A.)

There will be short films, stand up comedy and plenty of toilet paper to go around.  

The line up...

Craig Baldo (Comedy Central's Premium Blend, Collegehumor.com Tour)

Rachel Feinstien (Comedy Central's Premium Blend)

Tom Legoff (Famous photographer with a comedic agenda www.tomlegoff.com )

Jessi Klein (Time Out NY's "Top 10 Comics We Never Get Tired Of", Comedy Central's Premium Blend,VH1's Best Week Ever, co-host of Welcome to Our Week at Riffifi)

Nick Kroll (VH1's Best Week Ever and co-host of Welcome to Our Week at Riffifi).

And, if Amber Tozer and Stu Levine get off their bums and rehearse this weekend - there will be a special tribute to Patrick Swayze -  he was the very first guy that made Amber horny  (besides that scrawny mexican kid down the block) You can check out Patrick here www.patrickswayze.net. Yummy.

Tuesday, June 21st

FREE! FREE! FREE!
Be there by 8pm, please.
718-230-0236

Located at 125 5 th Avenue in Park Slope, Brooklyn, between Sterling Place and St. John's Place.
Q Train to 7th Ave --- -- M/N/Q/R/W/4/5 to Atlantic-Pacific ----- M/N/R to Union Street ---
2/3 to Bergen St.

For information about the venue, performers, upcoming events, and directions visit: http://spsounds.com/

ECNY Awards!

I may have to skip this because I'm going to see Sleater-Kinney and I think they're at the same time. We'll see...this'd be a great thing to live blog.

The ECNY Awards

The Emerging Comics of New York Awards is a city-wide comedy event, honoring up-and-coming comedians, with over 15 categories ranging from Best Stand-Up Comedian to Best Sketch Group to Best Musical Act.

New York City arguably has the greatest comedy scene in the country. So we bring NY's best and brightest performers together for one night and commemorate them for their vision, their talent and their struggle.  All culminating into one insane night of insane speeches and hilarious guest performers.


Hosted By: The Cowboy and John

With Performances by:
Victor Varnado
Cracked Out
Andrea Rosen
Rob Huebel
Chelsea Peretti
Julie Klausner
The Whitest Kids U' Know
Aziz Ansari
AND MORE...

Thursday, June 23
9:30pm
$10
Purchase Tickets at UCB

Thursday, June 16, 2005

Wiener Philharmonic tonight at Juvie Hall

The Wiener Philharmonic is tonight at Juvie Hall at 9:30. Last time they were super funny so I'm sure they will be this time too. Also, Becky Yamamoto is opening.

The Wiener Philharmonic will have you guffawing your face off with this sketch show dedicated to vacation. We have space ships, immigrant peasants, dancing masseuses, dirty bedtime stories, and more!

Check out their blog and site for a taste of their humor.

Wednesday, June 15, 2005

More Rejection Show - The End

9:19: Bob Powers is here with his super hilarious Andy for Mayor campaign signs. “A few months ago, I got a call from Andy’s campaign manager, otherwise known as Andy.” Yay! These are hilarious, I want one for my room.

“Vote for Andy Horwitz
Who else were you gonna vote for? Bloomberg? Oh. Remember 9/11"

“Vote for Andy Horwoitz. No Not Horowitz. Horwitz! There’s No “O”. Or, Imean ther’s an “O”, just not a second “O”...”

“Vote for Andy and he’ll totally link to you. He gets like 400 hits a day. A better New York is not just a wet dream. 9/11 We Remember”

“You remember Andy. You met him at Joel’s Party that time. Yeah, I think Joel’s a fucker too. But Andy’s cool”

“Blog Party - Don’t worry we’re still brainstorming other ideas for names. 9/11 Never Forget”

There were all rejected.

Accepted was:

“Vote for Andy Horwitz. Or, I’m sorry, did you ENJOY 9/11? (Andy thought it sucked)”

9:22 - About to show animated short film "Rejected" - Academy Award nominee

In these animated short films supposedly for kids, blood just poured out of a character’s eyes. It’s kindof like that time at burlesque when the ninja guy scared us so much Heidi had to clutch my hand. The others were pretty funny but now there’s blood, gore and violence and it’s kinda freaky. I’m a girl who spends time oohing and aahing over pics of little kids eating cupcakes, so maybe I take my cartoons too seriously. A baby just tumbled down a set of stairs in one animated short.

9:30 - Jon: "I advertised I was going to do the worst giveaway ever because people actually approached me to give away some good things. I was going to give everybody a bag of wheat germ. The people on the floor should get the prizes." Prizes are: CDs from a band called The Sponsors, their album was a hit in Spain but not the U.S. DVD of Fantasia. Matt Diffee from The New Yorker just came onstage. "That movie's gonna give me nightmares" - me too! Setting up the projector to show rejected cartoons.

9:36 - Adam Cole-Kelly is sharing his rejected New Yorker cartoon caption contest entries. Then he showed us his own drawings and captions which were pretty darn funny.

9:43 - Matt Diffee just introduced veteran New Yorker cartoonists Gahan Wilson and J.B. Handelsman

They showed a bunch of cartoons, I can’t really summarize them but they were pretty political and funny. Show is now over. There’s gonna be a summer hiatus, back in the fall. All I have to say is that this is one of my favorite shows because the material is stuff you just won’t see elsewhere and it has a very energetic, fun feel to it, and the segments are really short and funny.

Andy for Mayor at the Rejection Show

9:09 - Andy Horwitz, candidate running for mayor, “the only guy who’s running for mayor who’s gonna appear on The Rejection Show” - Jon’s going to interview him. He’s passing out Andy for Mayor pins.

Andy is explaining what a blog is and it’s a little (I mean, totally) meta. “I just think it’d be cool if Mayor Mike had a Livejournal” - Andy. “We have to take back the city for ‘just some guy.’”

Jon: “Type it back”

He’s not on the ballot yet, has to get 7,500 signatures by July 14th.

Andy’s platform: Free metrocards

Jon: “Couldn’t we just get rid of Metrocards?”

Andy: Affordable housing

Jon: “Do you really want to be mayor or do you just want your name to come up in more google searches?”

Andy: “Sure, why not? I think everyone should run for mayor.”

Andy: "I am the listening mayor. If you have some thing like 'hot dogs are too expensive,' send it to me, and we'll build a platform together."

More Rejection

I am here: The Rejection Show

8:53 - Jon’s back. He said he got rejected from hosting the Mermaid Ball but they’re gonna do a night called the Mermen Dance and he just danced a little and showed us a menu that says “We served brown rice.”

8:54 - Liam McEneaney’s about to start.

“You’d be really surprised at how ghetto the production f the show actually is. It’s in a small corner office, you sti in front of a construction paper background. There’s a writer and a producer who ask you all these questions, there’s a cameraman and a sound guy and a makeup lady. The crew’s extremely bored and just sit there reading US Weekly. You sit there telling your jokes to bored people.” He’s about to “recreate” the process with his friend Kevin Felix who’s a producer on Best Week Ever.

Kevin’s gonna ask him questions and Liam’s gonna do his jokes. Liam also just gave me a shoutout cause he wants to look good “on the blogosphere.”

Upgrade/Downgrade - this is awesome cause I don’t have cable

Spring mid season TV replacement

Life With Fran Drescher

“Having sex with your handyman isn’t a scandal; it’s really smart bargaining.”

He downgraded that show. I have no idea what he just referenced.

Gray’s Anatomy

“If I want to see a second rate version of E.R., I’ll turn on E.R.”

Stacked

Downgrade. “Finally, something on TV to jerk off to, other than Antique Roadshow.”

Beautyshop - this was funny, the question was pretty funny, basically playing on “whitesploitation”

“Whenever Alicia Silverstone gets cast in a movie like this, it sends the wrong message: Alicia Silverstone is an actress.”

One liners about Anna Nicole Smith, Francis Ford Coppola, the new Kabbalah energy drink


Paris Hilton in House of Wax - Liam just delivered a line as if from Paris, including breathy moans.

The Paris stuff was pretty hilarious. The whole thing was all stuff Liam actually said during the audition.

Me - I think it’d be really cool if I was a talking head cause I have NO idea what the new shows are so you could totally be making up shows and I’d be like “hmmm...that sounds like a craaaazy show.”

More Rejection Show blogging

8:17 - Liam just said he read on The Apiary that I was blogging another show.

8:20 - awesome now I have a connectionin here. Much conversation about beer is happening around me. The show is now about to start.

Liam and Claudia are talking about Bob Dylan going electric and selling out. They’re about to show a movie, a documentary about the show . Jon is wearing a white t-shirt against a white background. “For every accepted piece of work you have, there’s tons of rejected material...”

Arch Nemesis: Jon Friedman vs. Fron Jiedman

Fron Jiedman, host of the Acceptance Show, with a big thumbs up pinned to him.

Jon: “He’s a dirty hooker.”

Fron: “Jon’s a little baby.”

There’s really loud screaming and I’m scared. Seriously, it’s a little frightening, there’s a lot of cursing that they’re trying to beep out. Jon is now outside in nature "doing tai chi" in an "I've been rejected" shirt and Fron is about to chase him.

8:28 This movie is going on for a really long time, they’re some cool music. Jon and Fron have been wrestling and now I think they’re making up. The whole thing is totally ridiculous and hilarious, which I think is exactly the point. Oh, and it’s very nicely air conditioned in here.

8:30 The show is officially about to start. It's PACKED in here. People are sitting on the floor and they're going to all get free "I've been rejected" t-shirts. Now Fron has just come onstage live, and looks kindof menacing.

8:33 Jon just brought out Rejectee, the very adorable Rejection Show mascot who claps along to “We Will Rock You” and Fron is going to help Rejectee do the clapping. Fron just high fived some audience members with Rejectee. I feel like there’s twice as many people as there normally are here. Fron also stripped down and just threw his goggles into the crowd. Margot Leitman’s about to go on.

Margot just talked about the “Snausages” commercial when we were little. Shewould dress up and pretend to be the Snausages secretary for an hour. One of her brother’s friend complained to their mom.

Celebrity Xmas baskets - Portia de Rossi’s, Kiefer Sutherland, Drea de Matteo, etc.

Her brother wrote back to her with 3 pages of notes. He’s an editor at MAD who she submitted the piece to. “Always try to be thinking hip and edgy.” Be time sensitive. She tries again and her brother rejects it again, she’s gonna try to submit again about Halloween. She said she’s auditioned several times for Best Week Ever and got cast as a sexy pilgrim during a Thanksgiving episode.

8:53 - Jon’s back. He said he got rejected from hosting the Mermaid Ball but they’re gonna do a night called the Mermen Dance and he just danced a little and showed us a menu that says “We served brown rice.”

Liveblogging the Rejection Show

I’m standing on line outside PS 122 and Miss Claudia Cogan is holding my laptop and I feel so

8:06 - okay, we’re inside now and Claud navigated a great spot at the top for us so we have a view of the whole room. I saw Bob Powers while I was waiting on line and Becky Yamamoto, who was going upstairs to Sarah Michelson, whose show is opening tonight. Liam McEneaney just said hello to us. People are swarming in and it looks like some of them will have to stand. Why doesn’t PS 122 have a network connection? It’s okay though, I’ll post this later. I’m in a nice corner with room for all my bags. Let’s see, how many boys who I’ve crushed out on are in this room? Umm....at least 3, but that’s cool, I can handle the rejection, ha ha ha. There are all sortsof awesome people here including the fabulous Michelle Collins, who made a play on my computer’s name and said that I’m an “Inspiron” to her, and Lang from the Wiener Philharmonic, whose show I’m going to tomorrow at Juvie Hall (with Becky Yamamoto opening. I’m also going to Juvie Hall on Friday for Sara Schaefer’s show). People are talking, there’s much chatter and seat-finding going on and they just used up all the extra chairs and people are just waiting. It is now 8:11. I emailed Jon today and said that for extra nerd irony points I’m gonna take a photo of me at the laptop wearing my “I am away from my computer right now” t-shirt.

Claudia: Where’d you get the beer, drunko?

Liam: At the store, asswipe.

Giulia just asked said, “If I say something, will you put it in your blog?”

Claudia wants me to remind her that she needs to email someone about a job, and apparently my blog is her new reminder service. Glad to be helpful to my friends. I think I have the best and funniest row in here; it’s like my own private show.

8:15, Claudia: Could you get me a beer, Liam?

Tuesday, June 14, 2005

Words of Wisdom from a Rejected Man

I'm cross posting this cause I like it so much. Tomorrow's your last chance to see The Rejection Show for a while. Cutie Jon Friedman tells his "Confessions of a Rejected Man."

Jon from Sunday night at Galapagos via Andy's blog:



For a long time, if there was anything that I wanted to accomplish, I would come close to achieving but then it would all slip away. I needed to find out why I had failed so often at getting and keeping the things that I wanted. People had told me time and again that that I wasn't quite good enough. Although often disappointed and at times crumblingly depressed, deep down I knew they were right. I was not taking the risks and chances that I knew were needed and that I was capable of. When you hide from your own potential out of fear of rejection, that's when rejection finds you at every turn. I was afraid. I wanted to be accepted first and take the chances second, and I expected everyone around me to understand that.

On the verge of dissolving into nothing after watching a girl I loved walk away from me, I used my disappointments as motivation to find positives within the failure. From that, The Rejection Show was born -- rejected works as metaphors for rejected people. If these already-turned-down pieces can have new life truly entertaining audiences, then why can't we as people find new life in our work after dealing with hardships? We've all been rejected, disappointed and heartbroken. That's why I believe so many people have connected to the idea of this show. Comedy -- especially stand-up comedy -- often masks something more serious that we as comedians want to express. We need rejection to understand how to find our success.


Read the whole thing

Variety Shac tonight!

I've been lucky enough to catch Andrea and Chelsea a few times this month at various gigs, but these four ladies together not only put the S-H-A-C in Shac but are just completely wacky and hilarious. You never know what to expect except that they're sure to make you laugh. If you don't believe me, check out some of the shorts at their website.

This month's Variety Shac is on Tuesday, June 14th!!! - at 8pm doors, start 8:30pm promptly!

FREE
at Galapagos Art Space, 70 North 6th Street, Williamsburg (L train to Bedford stop)

The Variety Shac... is a live program from Andrea Rosen, Chelsea Peretti, Heather Lawless, Shonali Bhowmik and their super dooper guests.

SPECIAL NOTE !!! we will once again have a special guest DJ after the show.

This month's guests:

Todd Barry
Marcellus Hall
Adrienne Maree Brown

The Shac is part comedy, part music, part film, part exploration. 100%
heart and soul.
Free of charge!
Shac on!

Sunday, June 12, 2005

Live blogging Andy for Mayor event

I’m trying to liveblog (for the first time ever) the Andy for Mayor Blog Party event at Galapagos. I just got here and Becky Yamamoto was on stage and when she went up, she sang “This Land Is Your Land” - awesome. Last time I saw her was last night and she was drunk. Michael Cyril Creighton who recently emailed me just sang Andy’s dirty praises.

9:40 - Todd Levin just went onstage and Andy introduced him by saying “The Jew in me...”

“I actually went and checked the polls to see how Andy’s doing - right now the blog party is 40 points behind the Cuddle Party, it’s 21 , it’s 9 points behind the pansexual party, 29 behind hte donner party...”

362 points behind the party in my pants

2 points ahead of the livejournal party.

Berlin story, I’m a bit Jew-y looking, I make regular people anti-Semitic sometimes.

You have to pay to go to the bathroom at Auschwitz. I knew this was the wrong thing to do but I actually went up tot eh woman with the collection plate and said, “Haven’t my people paid enough?”


Jon Friedman at 9:49

Oldies but goodies - Wolf Teen, a pack of wolves, one of them turns into a teenage boy

Jokes about Fred Flintstone. I really can’t blog about Jon, you just have to see/hear these jokes live.

Family Feud joke.

Todd Levin just asked me if I’m blogging this event. He seemed afraid.

9:57 - Bob Powers, somethinga bout the mambo. Google gangers, you’ll have to google his name to find out, he just said that I’m blogging this. I think it makes people nervous, but really, if I hate you, I won’t post about it here, I’ll just whisper it to my friends at bars.

He’s talking about going to someone’s confirmation (I honestly don’t even totally know what that is).

Okay, I realize this whole liveblogging thing has the same problem as general comedy blogging; I don’t want to give away people’s jokes in case you go see them yourself, so I’ll be brief.

Bob just said that we all united over being upset about the Runaway Bride - I think she’s not only Little Miss Book Deal but now future comedic fodder for many months. Now he's going off on those hilarious Lifetime ads that have popped up all over.

Bob has a whole bunch of long posters for Andy for Mayor and they are the funniest thing I've seen tonight. He's reading from them in this really awesome announcer voice, here's one:

"Don't worry, we're still brainstorming other ideas for names"

"Vote for Andy Horwitz or - I'm sorry - did you ENJOY 9/11?"

Aziz Ansari is a fucking badass

Watch this video that almost made me pee in my pants I was laughing so hard and find out why. I really laughed so hard I'm glad I wasn't there when they did this live - Aziz's take on my Gothamist interview with him was beyond hilarious. He really IS a fucking badass and one of the funniest comedians around.

Lisa Loeb at SSIOWY on Friday!

We have an awesome show on Friday! We are thrilled to welcome novelist Chris Genoa and Lisa Loeb (no, I'm not kidding!!!). Not to mention your normal healthy dose of Law & Order and the usual hijinks you've come to expect from us.

Tickets are extremely limited, so if you want to come, get them now!


Sara Schaefer is Obsessed With You
Friday, June 17, 8 p.m.

Celebrity Guest: Novelist Chris Genoa (www.chrisgenoa.com) - his new book will be available for purchase at the show - or bring your copy for him to sign!
Musical Guest: Lisa Loeb (www.lisaloeb.com)
and as always, someone from Law & Order!

Juvie Hall Sketch Comedy Theatre

24 Bond Street, btw Bowery & Lafayette

Tickets $8, through Smarttix 212-868-4444, www.smarttix.com, or at the door

www.saraschaefer.com
www.juviehall.com

Saturday, June 11, 2005

June 18: MCC (Finally) Has His Way (With Women)

Crassly, the young dead girl aspect of this reminds me of a joke Christian Finnegan told the other night about Chandra Levy. He said how the last site she'd browsed on her computer was the park where her body was later found, and was joking about what would happen if the police tried to track him down using the last sites he'd visited (porn, etc.). It was funny, and really just popped into my head - this sounds like a great lineup and a funny show and a good cause. I can't make it but FYI.

Michael Cyril Creighton & Galapagos Art Space
Presents
MCC (finally) Has His Way (with Women)
An Evening of Comedy
to benefit The Nicole duFresne Memorial Scholarship Fund

Join us Saturday, June 18th at 7 p.m. for MCC (finally) Has His Way (with Women) an evening of alternative comedy, which will benefit the Nicole duFresne Memorial Fund at Emerson College.
Michael Cyril Creighton spent his childhood wearing bow ties, drinking pickle juice and memorizing all of Madeline Kahn's films line by line. Some people said, “Michael is a strange child.” Time has passed and MCC decided to ditch the bow ties, but he'll always have a fondness of funny women. On this night of comedy, MCC will be joined by some of his favorite funny femmes: Becky & Noelle (Inspecting the Bucket, Fringe NYC), Desiree Burch (SMUT), Pat Candaras (Grandmotherf***er), Nancy Giles (CBS News Sunday Morning, China Beach), Rachael Parenta, Jennie Smith, and Becky Yamamoto as "Rosie Mc Davis".

Admission is $10.00 and the proceeds from this evening will be donated to The Emerson College Nicole duFresne Memorial Scholarship Fund**

Michael Cyril Creighton (Host) is an actor, writer and comedian. Upcoming projects include GRANDMOTHERF**CKER & The Seducers at the 2005 FringeNYC and RIP ME OPEN, created with Desiree Burch, OBIE Award Winner Kyle Jarrow, and Brian Mullin (Time & Place TBA). Co-wrote and starred in the solo work The Hermitage of An Exiled Chain Smoker (Fringe NYC & The Arthur Seelan Theatre) and recently appeared in George Street Playhouses production of Lend Me A Tenor. As a member of The Neo-Futurists, Michael wrote for and performed in Too Much
Light Makes The Baby Go Blind: 30 Plays in 60 Minutes. Michael is a graduate from Emerson College, where he received Carol Burnett Award for Distinction in the Performing Arts.

**The Nicole duFresne Scholarship at Emerson College was established in February 2005.The College has received contributions from family, friends, classmates, Emerson alumni, acquaintances and people who never met Nicole.

The scholarship will be awarded annually to a socially conscious female with financial need who is studying acting and/or playwriting and demonstrates a passion for learning.

Nicole will always be remembered and future generations of young women will also have the opportunity to develop, grow and find their voices at Emerson College.

MCC (finally) Has His Way (with Women) will take place on Saturday June 18th at Galapagos Art Space – 70 N. 6th Street. Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Show at 7pm
Admission is $10.00

Friday, June 10, 2005

Aziz Ansari's new show - Crash Test at UCB

Check out these awesome lineups. Reserve tickets here even though it's free!

CRASH TEST
The UCB Theatre's FREE Weekly Stand-Up and Alternative Comedy Showcase

This week's line-up:

CHRISTIAN FINNEGAN
(Best Week Ever)

CHELSEA PERETTI
(VH1, Comedy Central)

NICK KROLL
(VH1, Comedy Central)

Guest Co-Host PAUL SCHEER
(Best Week Ever)

Plus...a sketch from Reynolds & Scott
(the creators of Ball Tickle Chicken).

Hosted by AZIZ ANSARI

Monday, June 13
11:00pm
FREE


June 20th lineup:

Craig Baldo, Bobby Tisdale, Matt Goldich, Andres Du Bouchet, & Seth Morris


And apparently I get a mention in Aziz's new bit about doing google searches on himself - a video, which I haven't seen yet, is up on his site.

Wednesday, June 08, 2005

Smartest Pickle pic from Twin Killing

I really wasn't kidding when I wrote that Chris Jurek busted out his camera and took pictures of basically his entire audience with "the smartest pickle" (the one that gets eaten last). There was indeed a pickle in that jar. The magic of free downtown comedy shows, I tell you. Those are my new friends, Lauren and Carlos.

Tuesday, June 07, 2005

Free Wednesday Comedy in Brooklyn!

From Claudia Cogan and Becky Poole:

Come to laugh, stay to worship at Becky & Claudia's Supreme Offering, the new stand-up comedy show in Williamsburg. Co-hosted by Claudia Cogan and Becky Poole and featuring some of New York's best comedians - ones you've seen, oh, just perhaps on VH1 and Comedy Central. That's good stuff, people.

So come down to the new temple of comedy in Williamsburg this Wednesday at 8:00. We've got free graham crackers and liquor give-aways at the end of the show.

Our most exalted line-up this week: Liam McEneaney, Christina McGrath, Abby Scott, Debbie Shea and Nick Stevens.

FREE
Wednesday, June 8th at 8:00 PM
(we do our thing ever 2nd and 4th Weds. of the month)

@ The Graham Lounge,
312 Graham Ave (b/w Devoe and Ainslie)
L train to Graham Ave (3rd stop in Brooklyn)
Walk a block and a half south on Graham and you are saved...at least for the night

Twin Killing was awesome!

News flash: The fabulous Becky Yamamoto started a blog! Woo-hoo! Also I owe a post about last week's crazy comedy, but another time.

So sometimes super fun comedy nights sneak up on you unexpectedly. I’d been meaning to check out Twin Killing, and tonight I did and even though the audience was a little on the small side, it was really fun. People were just losing their shit onstage and it was hilarious. Andrea Rosen, who is fast becoming one of my favorite comics, not to mention one of the most adorable (she had this brightly colored clogs, and always has cool shoes), got an intro that already, mere hours later, I forget, but it caused her to launch into this whole story about being 21 and being mistaken for the gallery owner Andrea Rosen and getting into Bowery Bar and chilling there for free. She just has this delivery that's part excited Valley Girl and part best friend, very "omg, you guys, let me tell you this" but in the most hilarious way possible. You must go see her live to understand, but again, what I like about her comedy is that it's not "jokes" per se but just funny stories that make it seem like funny shit happens to her every day.

I’d never seen Tom McCaffrey but he cracked me up too, and was talking about a guy who’s the new John Bobbitt, his dick got cut off by they can’t find it. I hadn’t heard about that case. Chelsea Peretti was her usual hilarious self - there was an issue with the lighting so she was kindof lounging around and talking about fixing her mom up online and friendster. Once again, these things are hard to describe but it was fun, as was her very smoothly trying to tell these talking girls to shut up. Chris Jurek the co-host, got up at the end and talked about wanting to start a site called The Smartest Pickle, about that last pickle that gets left in the jar, because it’s so smart to have avoided being eaten all that time and was like “And I wanted to have us all take pictures with the smartest pickle” and he HAD a pickle jar with juice and one pickle, but even better, he had his laptop, digital camera and portable printer and took pics of practically everyone there with the pickle, including me and my new friend Lauren, who went to Hebrew School with co-host Matt Goldich. Anyway, I will give Swift some credit for having a cool comedy show and a cool bathroom, other than that, I really won’t be going there too often but Twin Killing was lots of fun and the perfect thing after a long day of work, and limping along with my messed up foot. And it was free! And Andrea Rosen told me I’m her favorite audience member. Aw. Seriously, I am all about the free comedy. Which reminds me - tonight, Galapagos, be there. At 7 is the Bookmark Now reading and release party, and at 10 is Poetry vs. Comedy in one room AND Brooklyn Comedy Company in the other - all free!

Monday, June 06, 2005

Funny Ladies at East Side Oral

I heart East Side Oral and Elise Miller and her family, not to mention Chelsea and Claudia, so I will be there after I'm done baking with some of my favorite writers.

SUNDAY, JUNE 12, 5:00 PM (Last show of season 4!)

EAST SIDE ORAL
the reading series your mother warned you about

is proud to present readings by
CHELSEA PERETTI
DAVID DEUTSCH
KIM BRITTINGHAM
CLAUDIA COGAN

at THE LIVING ROOM
154 Ludlow (btw. Rivington and Stanton)
F to 2nd Ave
no cover
2 drink minimum

Kim Brittingham writes from her home in a turn-of-the-century tuberculosis asylum on the East Side of Manhattan, encouraged by an endlessly optimistic line-up of dimpled Shirley Temple dolls and a ratty old pin-up of Nick Rhodes in uber-positive pink lipstick. Lately her work has appeared on http://www.freshyarn.com, and she was recently named the winner of the 2005 Midnight Sun Fiction Contest sponsored by Permafrost, the literary journal of the University of Alaska at Fairbanks. In addition to exercising a passion for the written word, Kim is the designer behind the Bux'm label of vintage-inspired plus size coats.

Chelsea Peretti is a comic/writer hailing from Oakland, California. Her humor has been featured on VH1, Comedy Central, and AMC. With her brother Jonah, Peretti co-created the Rejection Line (212-479-7990; http://www.rejectionline.com) and the web satire http://www.BlackPeopleLoveUs.com. Her writing has appeared in Details, Jest, American Theatre Magazine, Flyer, and The Village Voice. She blogs and co-produces the monthly show "Variety SHAC" at Galapagos. She lives with her husband and four dogs in Brooklyn. (That last part's not true--she's single, on the isle).

David Deutsch is humor editor of Heeb Magazine, and co-author of The Big Book of Jewish Conspiracies. Born in Tel Aviv and raised in Milwaukee, he served two years as an infantryman in 101st Airborne Division. He's got a Master's in Judaic Studies from NYU, and completed most of his exams and coursework for a joint-PhD in American History and Judaic Studies before realizing he wasn't actually that bright. David teaches history at a New York area Yeshiva high school, and lives with his wife and two sons on the Lower East Side.

Claudia Cogan is a comedian and blogger in New York City. She's written and performed in the sketch shows Two Fisted Crazy and Siddown & Shuddup, performed improv at the UCB and Improv Olympic and created the thing she's most proud of—her one-woman show I, Claudia. Catch up on all the bees in her bonnet at her blog http://www.getthefoutofhere.blogspot.com.

ELISE MILLER hosts and curates East Side Oral. Her first novel, STAR CRAVING MAD (Warner Books, 2004) was optioned by Maverick Films and is to be translated into Japanese. For more information, please visit www.elisemiller.com.

Funny Show tonight, miscellaneous funny stuff

Tonight it's, once again, Twin Killing, with a killer (ha ha, I'm a comedian too!) lineup:

Monday, June 6, 2005
Twin Killing
Hosted by Matt Goldich and Chris Jurek
Swift 34 East 4th Street (between Lafayette and Bowery)
8:30 pm
FREE
This month's lineup: Tom McCaffrey, Chelsea Peretti, Andrea Rosen, Adam Wade

Check out the Ballyhoo Promotions newsletter for information on Best Week Ever Live on Thursday, June 9th, Christian Finnegan hosting a game show, and more.

Also Andres du Bouchet on "Tom Cruise's Non-Gay House of Straight Seafood" - hilarious!

Thursday, June 02, 2005

Say Goodnight, Gracie Mansion

I couldn't have booked a better show myself. Maybe I should run for mayor! Ha, just kidding, I am booking a comedy show/birthday party in November for my 30th birthday that's gonna rock. I'm also going to this benefit/comedy show for Andy Horwitz's blog party/mayoral run on June 12th at Galapagos. Featuring:

Jon Friedman
Bob Powers
Todd Levin
Michelle Collins
Carolyn Castiglia
Becky Yamamoto (chica! you REALLY need a blog or website or something already! I will keep reminding you till you start one)
& special guests

Hosted by Andy Horwitz