Tuesday, January 31, 2006

no time to do anything but repost emails, sorry

Hello Variety Underground mailinglist member,

This Thursday is groundhog day. It's also my ex-girlfriend's
birthday. But, most importantly, it's the day VU is packed this with good
comedy.

Check out this lineup-
Stand up from...
- Amanda Melson
- Aaron Bleyaert's Magical Land Of Funny
- John Frusciante
- Michael Jaffe
- Dominic Dierkes
- Catie Lazarus
- Erik Tanouye

Additional performances by...
- Beaumont McGovern: Get Hip or Die Tryin' - guy who can let you know
if 'you might be a hipster'
- Pax Romana - improv comedy featuring Lucia Aniello, Dan Fairall,
Josh Fulton, TJ Mannix, Paul W. Downs, Sean Taylor, Matt Shafeek, and Matt
Stillman

told you it was packed!

Regardless of whether VU sees it's shadow or not, starting next
Thursday - Variety Underground moves to two times a month (the first and third
Thursdays).

hope to see you there,
-Sean

7pm Thursday, 2 February 2006
VARIETY UNDERGROUND
@the Parkside Lounge
317 E. Houston St.
F/V to 2nd Avenue
Free admission - 2 drink minimum
http://www.varietyunderground.com

Monday, January 30, 2006

If I got to kiss a cute comedian, my life would be complete

Dear Singles, Breeders, Cohabitators and Loners...

You are all cordially invited to a brand new show produced by the fine folks at Mintyfresh.

Please join me as I humiliate myself in my usual manner at "The Singles Show" on Monday February 6th at 7pm. McGee's Pub 240 West 55th St. 3rd floor. $7.

Come on out, you may meet someone or get rid of someone or get sloppy and kiss the comics :) Either way, it will be a lot of fun listening to the different ways people define what it means to be single.

I hope to see you there...

AB Carney

(also known to some as Amybeth Whissel)


sin·gle (sng gl)

ADJECTIVE:

Not accompanied by another or others; solitary.
Consisting of one part, aspect, or section: a single thickness; a single serving.
Having the same application for all; uniform: a single moral code for all.
Consisting of one in number: She had but a single thought, which was to escape.
Not divided; unbroken: a single slab of ice.
Separate from others; individual and distinct: Every single child will receive a gift.
Having individual opponents; involving two individuals only: single combat.
Honest; undisguised: a single adoration.
Wholly attentive: You must judge the contest with a single eye.
Designed to accommodate one person: a single bed.
Unmarried.
Lacking a partner: a single parent.
Relating to the unmarried state: enjoys the single life.
Of or relating to celibacy.
Botany Having only one rank or row of petals: a single flower.
NOUN:
One that is separate and individual.
An accommodation for one person, as in a hotel.
An unmarried person.
singles Unmarried persons considered as a group: a bar for singles.
A one-dollar bill.
Baseball A hit by which a batter reaches first base safely; a one-base hit.
Sports
A hit for one run in cricket.
A golf match between two players.
A tennis or badminton match between two players. Often used in the plural.
singles A competition in which individuals compete against each other, as in rowing or figure skating.
VERB:
sin·gled , sin·gling , sin·gles
VERB:
tr.
To choose or distinguish from others. Often used with out: We singled her out from the list of applicants.
Baseball
To cause (a base runner) to score or advance by making a one-base hit: singled him to second.
To cause the scoring of (a run) by a one-base hit.

Jen Dziura: The show must go on

From Jen Dziura:

I got hit by a cab last night (excessive details on the blog), but I'm still coming to Pete's for tonight's free comedy show. You know, this installment originally had the theme "Jaywalking is Anti-Jesus," but now that seems a little too close to home, even though I wasn't jaywalking.

Come on out, I'm bringing the candy!

j


"The After School Comedy Special" at Pete's Candy Store

Monday, January 30th
Pete's Candy Store, 709 Lorimer St. in Williamsburg
www.petescandystore.com
7:30pm
FREE

The After-School Comedy Special mixes performances by top young comedians with nostalgic diversions including free candy and Mad Libs!

(The show is over by 9pm, so please do arrive at 7:30 or thereabouts or you'll miss it!)

Directions to Pete's: Take the L train to the second stop in Brooklyn, Lorimer. Exit at the head of the train, and walk along Lorimer in the direction of the BQE. Pete's is 1.5 blocks past the BQE, on your left. 709 Lorimer Street, between Frost and Richardson Streets. (718) 302-3770.

Hosted by comedienne Jenisfamous.com. All free!

Brutal Honesty's 1st Birthday

Brutal Honesty Turns 1! (I heart Brutal Honesty and even performed at it last year)

February 7th come celebrate our 1 year birthday with an evening of birthday stories featuring:

KATIE HALPER
BILLY WOOD
JENNY & GABE
JEN DZIURA
MOLLY REISNER

and your birthday girl hosts Giulia Rozzi, Becky Yamamoto, and Lianne Stokes.

8pm at Ottos Shrunken Head
14th Street btw Aves A & B.
No cover

Sunday, January 29, 2006

Andres du Bouchet's March 1st show

PRESENTING: ANDRES DU BOUCHET!
(A good old fashioned showcase of great comedic writing and acting.)

Andres has rented out a real theater to put up a collection of monologues and sketches, including some brand new stuff! This is going to be an incredibly fun and silly evening written and directed by Andres du Bouchet starring Andres du Bouchet and several of his talented friends.

ONE NIGHT ONLY - Wednesday, March 1st
The Kraine Theater
85 East 4th St. (bet. 2nd & 3rd Aves.)
take the F or V to Second Avenue
tickets only $5
reserve tickets at smarttix.com
or by calling 212-868-4444

Also, for any New York Times readers who may have gotten here through The Apiary or searching for Andres (ha! I know that really 5 comedians read this wimpy blog, but I adore you guys, truly, you make me feel "cool," but on the off chance anyone else is reading), I interviewed Andres last year for Gothamist.

Saturday, January 28, 2006

So many comedian birthays to celebrate!

Another comedian birthday party I missed this week was that of Jess Wood, Rena Zager, and Ophira Eisenberg - Happy Birthday to all three funny ladies!

Also, again, Happy Birthday to Lang and Gilad.

Alt comedy in the New York Times

Warren St. John spent a week going to alternative comedy shows and wrote about it in the New York Times. Erin Foley, Josh Comers (who I think should check out the NYC Beard & Mustauche blog), and Liam McEneany's jokes are quoted, and he mentions Chicks and Giggles and The Apiary and a ton of other shows.

Bars and back rooms in the East Village and Lower East Side are overflowing these days with the likes of Adolf Dice Hitler Clay: not spoofs of Nazis necessarily, but rather a wave of young and creative comics who are branching out from straight stand-up to eccentric sketch and character-based humor that owes more to "Da Ali G Show" than to George Carlin. They may not have created an entirely new form of humor, but collectively they form a cohesive and happening new comedy scene downtown, one with an urbane sensibility and a vibe that is different from the established stand-up joints. The rooms are small. Shows are cheap, or free. And there is almost never a two-drink minimum.

Thursday, January 26, 2006

The Andy Borowitz Show, Monday

CBS/NYC Presents: THE ANDY BOROWITZ SHOW

See the first 2006 installment of political humorist and performer Andy Borowitz's smash-hit live show, featuring special guest Jessi Klein ("Best Week Ever"), and many more!!

Date: Monday, January 30th
Time: 8:30pm (doors at 8:15pm)

Location: MO PITKIN'S HOUSE OF SATISFACTION
34 Avenue A, between 2nd and 3rd Streets
212-777-5660 / www.mopitkins.com

Ticket Price: $6 / Tickets available at www.ticketweb.com or at the door.

Chicks!


chicks and giggles collage
Originally uploaded by candiedyams.
I missed these performers at Tuesday's Chicks and Giggles but they're many of my favorites. Chicks is every Tuesday night, FREE, at Mo Pitkin's.

Worst Bdays Ever

Febuary 7th, 8 pm, Otto's Shrunken Head, 538 East 14th St.

Brutal Honesty celebrates its 1st Birthday with stories of "My worst birthday ever" featuring Katie Halper, Gabe & Jenny, Molly Rieser, and Billy Wood. Hosted always by the lovely Lianne Stokes, Giulia Rozzi, and Becky Yamamoto.

Wednesday, January 25, 2006

Tomorrow is THURSDAY!

From Nick Kroll

THURSDAY AKA THURSDAYS PRESENTS:

This is gonna be a really good show. REALLY!!! And the best part of
all: IT'S NOT A BIG DEAL!

Aziz Ansari - we welcome back the most important man in comedy for his
first show back in NYC in almost 2 months!
http://www.azizisbored.com

Rachael Parenta - a Thursdays first timer and very funny person with
jokes and thoughts
http://rparenta.blogspot.com

Dave Hill - he's the man behind the Dave Hill Explosion and many other
genius things Dave Hill related
http://davehillonline.com

Brian Huskey - perhaps, the funniest person ever.
http://monsterinawheelchair.com/

INFO
Rififi (cinema classics)
332 e11th st btwn 1st and 2nd
Thursday, January 26th 8pm
1 drink minimum

Gay and Lesbian Comedy Fest on Friday

Don't Miss This Friday's
GAY & LESBIAN COMEDY FEST!

Friday, January 27th at 11:00pm

"Come and crack up to a truly funny line-up!"
- Time Out New York

"A Homo-Hoot that should appeal to everyone regardless of their sexual orientation!"- BackStage

"Mega-Fun!"- The New York Blade News

"Lots of music, lots of laughs and lots of fun!" - Cabaret Hotline

starring:
Rob Driemeyer from Gotham City Improv!
Erin Foley from Comedy Central's Premium Blend!
David Hodorowski from The Orchid Lounge!
Poppi Kramer from The E! Channel!
Brad Loekle from The Starlite Revue!
Brandy Rowell from Stand-Up New York!
Adam Sank from Carolines On Broadway!
Sidney Myer from Grandma Sylvia's Funeral!
Bob Smith from The Tonight Show!

Hosted By Michael Brill!
from Carolines On Broadway, Comic Strip Live
and VH-1's Best Week Ever!

Don't Tell Mama
343 West 46th Street, b/t 8th & 9th Aves.
Still Only $10 cover, 2 drink min.
Reserve at 212-757-0788

http://www.donttellmama.com

Tuesday, January 24, 2006

Comedy about comedy

I heart The Apiary, who wrote this about the big New York Post alt comedy article on Sunday:

Crash Test
Feels like: A world where Matt Lauer would make an iTunes celebrity playlist called "Matt Lauer's Fingerbang Mix."

Do the editors of The New York Post know that "fingerbang" is a synonym for "fingerfucking" which is a synonym for "sticking ones fingers repeatedly in another's vagina and/or butthole?" Good one, Post!


Meanwhile, I'm trying to get photos up from last weekend's comedian soirees before this weekend's start. So let me wish an early (I think) happy birthday to Lang and Gilad. Also, on Saturday night Pink Steel are playing a bit show. I'm super tired and hence too lazy right this second to look up the details, but it'll be good, and they have something coming up called The Super Bowl of Heavy Metal. Or I could just be making that up. Seriously, sleep deprivation is not funny, nor does it make you funny. I missed a freaking awesome lineup at Chicks and Giggles tonight - hope it was a blast. Was thinking of Sara Schaefer cause I've been listening repeatedly to Lisa Loeb's catchy new single.

To somehow try to steer this post back to comedy-land, some recent funny blog posts by comedians:

Rob Paravonian hates your bare white feet

Jeff Mac now has a window in his "permanent workspace"

Dan Allen on what not to put in your MySpace profile if you want to be his friend (this time the link is right - sorry Dan!)

Lang wants to know what to wear to her party - I say...birthday suit! Or, like, trench coat. Something sexy. Speaking of sexy, check out my friend's blog Knit Porn - you might think it's funny, you might think it's sexy, you might think it's both. Same goes for AssCo.

I'm in Geniuses of Love! on Valentine's Day

To be honest, I have NO IDEA what I've gotten myself into. But I adore organizer Becky Yamamoto and this is a kick-ass lineup, so I can't wait and I'm sure it'll be a riot. Plus, it gives a single girl something to do on Valentine's Day.



Geniuses of Love!
Galapagos
Back room
Feb 14
8pm
$5
70 North 6th Street
between Kent and Wythe
Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY 11211
718 782-5188

Do you feel like love is hiding from you? Maybe it's hiding in the forest of self-doubt, or in the mall of recriminations. It could even be in the dentist's office of despair. Wherever love is hiding, love experts Becky Yamamoto and Tony Carnevale will help you sniff it out. Join them and an army of entertaining special guests at 8pm on Valentine's Day at Galapagos. Featuring: Rachel Kramer Bussel, Chelsea Peretti, Patrick Borelli, Lang Fisher, Michelle Collins, Carolyn K. Castiglia, Alan Fessenden, Joe Randazzo, Frank Philbrick, Mike Barry, sketch group A Week of Kindness, and the band Ladystein.

Monday, January 23, 2006

After School Comedy Special

"The After School Comedy Special" at Pete's Candy Store

The After-School Comedy Special mixes performances by top young comedians with nostalgic diversions including free candy and Mad Libs!

January 30th
This week's theme: Jaywalking is Anti-Jesus
Featuring Baron Vaughn, Carolyn Castiglia, Liz Miele, Andrew Wright, and Shawn Hollenbach.

February 13th
This week's theme: Fight Bulimia -- God Wants You to Swallow
Featuring Jackie Cohen, Jenny Rubin, Katina Corrao, Wes Connelly, and Michael Creighton.

February 27th
This week's theme: Breakdancing Gives You Scoliosis
Featuring Matt McCarthy, Josh Kaufman, Nick Cobb, and Drew Wininger.

Pete's Candy Store, 709 Lorimer St. in Williamsburg
www.petescandystore.com
7:30pm
FREE

Directions to Pete's: Take the L train to the second stop in Brooklyn, Lorimer. Exit at the head of the train, and walk along Lorimer in the direction of the BQE. Pete's is 1.5 blocks past the BQE, on your left. 709 Lorimer Street, between Frost and Richardson Streets. (718) 302-3770.

Hosted by comedienne Jenisfamous.com

All free!

Friday, January 20, 2006

Comedians on MySpace

Some of you, despite my earlier warning, have asked if I can interview you. Since I actually need to try to earn money, I'm trying to focus on my book proposal and paid writing and such. That's also why I'm not going to many shows for a couple months but I'm happy to list things here. This newfound work ethic and hermitude has not, however, stopped me from haunting MySpace and trying to add every NYC comedian around. So if I haven't added you, especially if you're on my little blogroll/site list here, please add me so I can find out about your shows and post them here. Or add me to your mailing list with rachelkb at gmail.com

I also found this Comedians on MySpace group where you can learn all about Last Comic Standing, the Hawaiian Comedy Festival, and other random postings. I found out about NY Comedy Radio which has comedy podcasts. I think podcasting is the new blog interviewing.

My Gothamist interview with Bob Castrone and Brian Levin, creators of The Post Show

And because I'm sure at least one person will be tempted to ask: no, I can't interview you (or your friend, client, etc.), sorry.

My Gothamist interview with Bob Castrone and Brian Levin, creators of The Post Show, is up now (with this adorable photo):



What’s so funny about rape fantasies, pedophilia, facials, hipsters, online dating, and Nick and Jessica’s breakup? Watch The Post Show, the biweekly internet-based online sketch comedy show produced by college pals Bob Castrone and Brian Levin and find out. In the 20-episode first season, they skewer fraternities, homosexuality, porn, and pop culture. As they celebrate the recent release of their DVD The Post Show Season 1: Life's a Beach! and gear up for Season 2, which debuts on Monday, Bob, who also blogs at My Blog Is Poop and VH1's Best Week Ever blog, and Brian riff on hot girls, goofing off, ghost sex, “Lazy Sunday” and what year Gothamist peaked.

Thursday, January 19, 2006

"Comedy is crack."

I didn't say it, Dan Allen did. Though I will say that going to comedy shows is highly addictive and there are withdrawal symptoms when you stop or take a break. Dan's exact words:

Be warned that comedy is crack. It may have felt good for the moment, but then you'll be fiending for it more and more.

Wednesday, January 18, 2006

Flying Blind Monday January 23rd

CBS/NYC Presents: “FLYING BLIND”

Four comics + no material + 1 audience suggestion = FLYING BLIND.

Join comedians Jordan Carlos, Roger Hailes, Victor Varnado plus a very special guest as they bring their unique stand-up-meets-improv creation to the CBS/NYC stage! A topic is given to the comics at the start of the show, and they riff on it (individually as well as together) with a new joke that takes the show in a whole new hilarious direction. It's standup AND improv!!

Date: Monday, January 23rd

Time: 8:30pm, doors at 8:15pm

Location: MO PITKIN’S HOUSE OF SATISFACTION

34 Avenue A, between 2nd and 3rd Streets

212-777-5660

Ticket Price: $6 / Tickets are available at www.ticketweb.com or at the door.

IN THE FLESH TONIGHT!

It's not comedy but there may be some humorous sex tossed in...brave the rain and join us!

Hope to see you tonight - there will be free candy on every table and at least 5 naughty books (probably more) given away to lucky attendees. And I know - if it's my reading series, it must be raining. But it'll be worth braving the rain for. Also: FIRST THREE PEOPLE TO ASK ME FOR ONE GET A DRINK TICKET!



IN THE FLESH EROTIC READING SERIES

WEDNESDAY JANUARY 18th at 8 PM
AT HAPPY ENDING LOUNGE, 302 BROOME STREET(B/D to Grand, J/M/Z to Bowery, F to Delancey,
www.happyendinglounge.com)
Admission: Free

Stay warm this winter with the hottest and juiciest words in the city! January welcomes a stunning mix of performers, including romance novelist Edith Layton (Gypsy Lover), fiction writer Danyel Smith (Bliss), and erotic storytellers Iris N. Schwartz (Stirring Up a Storm) and Rob Stephenson (Best Gay Erotica), along with a naughty tale from host Rachel Kramer Bussel. Also: free candy and erotic book door prizes!

In the Flesh is a new monthly reading series held the third Wednesday of every month at the appropriately named Happy Ending Lounge, and features the city's best erotic writers sharing stories to get you hot and bothered, hosted and curated by Village Voice sex columnist and acclaimed erotic writer and editor Rachel Kramer Bussel. From erotic poetry to down and dirty smut, these authors get naked on the page and will make you lust after them and their words. Future themed nights include fetishes, GLBT stories, true confessions and erotic memoirs.

And stay for the open bar at 10:

Happy Ending 4 Year Anniversary Party

Wednesday, January 18, 2006
10:00 PM
Happy Ending
Lower Level
302 Broome Street (between Forsyth and Eldridge streets)
Open bar courtesy of Sparks

Please join us to help celebrate our 4 Year Anniversary party.
Music by The Banger

The New York Improv drama

So, Dustin Chafin wrote me back and said something I do not understand in the least:

I'm sorry I used it after the website that recomended comics..that you should see..

Sorry..

Dustin


Anyway, I will not be going to New York Improv anytime soon. That whole fake quote thing is super shady.

But I do wholeheartedly endorse Jen Dziura.

She's creative, sexy, funny, and unique. Her shows are always one of a kind. And you CAN quote me on that!

Tuesday, January 17, 2006

EDP's Sushi Bar/Strip Bar bit

Listen to an MP3 of EDP's Sushi Bar/Strip Bar bit. (click through and then click on "comedy" and then "Sushi Bar/Strip Bar" though hopefully you could've figured that part out yourself)

Thursday and Friday

Nick Kroll, Jessi Klein and John Mulaney host a show that is really
good this week:

Tom Shillue is a treasure - http://www.tomshillue.com

Brett Gelman is a treat - http://www.crackedouthiphop.com

Damien Samarco is a treat to be treasured - http://www.sammarco.com/

Liam McEneaney is treasured in his treatness -
http://kidliam.blogspot.com/

Thursdays
Rififi (cinema classics)
332 E11th st btwn 1st and 2nd aves
Thursday, January 19th, 8pm

ALSO:

Nick will doing a solo show of characters this friday at midnight at
the UCB Theater at Midnight...

Nick Kroll's Character Flaws
UCB Theater
26th and 8th ave
Friday, January 20th at midnight
for reservations:
UCB

Plugged with Poppi Kramer tonight

Hollywood hangover?
"Golden Globed-Out?"
Wash away the bad taste of affluent celebrities tonight at
Plugged! With Poppi Kramer!
at Posh
405 W. 51st Street (9th and 10th Aves)
11pm
FREE!!!
Tonights Guests
Comic
Bernadette Pauley (Spiketv, Tough Crowd With Colin Quinn, VH1, TBS)
Singer/Comic
Kate Rigg (NBC's Late Friday, Law and Order, Family Guy, The Naughty Show)
drink giveaways!
bottomless bowls of burlesque and belly laughs!

Misquoting is not okay

Anyone who reads this blog and any comedian who knows me knows I am a huge comedy fan and supporter and do all that I can to spread the word about my friends' shows. But IT IS NOT OKAY TO ATTRIBUTE A QUOTE TO ME THAT I NEVER SAID, like this one from newyorkimprov.com"

DUSTIN CHAFIN'S UNCENSORED COMEDY SHOW
Friday & Saturday Nights @ MIDNIGHT
"Chafin gets laughs every time," says The New York Times' Jesse McKinnley... "Makes me Laugh! I recommend a night with Dustin Chafin!," says The Village Voice's Rachel Bussel Comics who have appeared on the Uncensored Comedy Show: Dave Attel, Dave Chappelle, Tracy Morgan, Marc Maron, Louie CK, Judah Friedlander, Godfrey, Greg Giraldo, Jim Norton, Bill Burr, Patrice O'Neal... you never know who'll drop by!Warning: Explicit Content.
$10 Cover, 2 drink min.

I don't know this person and have never seen him perform that I can recall. I've just written to him and will write to newyorkimprov.com too. If anyone knows who to contact at newyorkimprov.com to get it taken down, I'd appreciate it. And if I somehow did say that (even though I can't recall doing so and can't recall having seen him, please point me to where I said that). Thanks!

Page Six on the "Funniest Reporter on the Planet" contest

Thanks to Nichelle of Chicks and Giggles for alerting me to this item in Page Six today (New York Post):

GIGGLE GRIPES

WATCH your back, Stephen Colbert. The "Funniest Reporter on the Planet" is apparently a woman named Catie Lazarus, a freelancer for the Jewish Forward. Lazarus and a gaggle of wise-cracking wags faced off at the Laugh Factory the other night in a contest judged by comics Pat Cooper, Dom Irrera and club owner Jamie Masada. Michael Maiello of Forbes and ex-Postie Gersh Kuntzman were among the giggle gladiators, most of whom, according to one attendee, should stick to print. Of course, a gathering of scribes would be incomplete without an ethics scandal: "Lazarus is also a professional comedian," griped our spy. "Is it fair that she won what was an amateur contest?"

DOODY CALLS by The Wiener Philharmonic


wienerphilharmonic
Originally uploaded by rkb1.
The Wiener Philharmonic returns with "Doody Calls," an original new sketch comedy show every Friday in February at The PIT!  The New York Times calls The Wiener Philharmonic "A delightfully sophomoric young comedy troupe."  "Doody Calls" is written and directed by Jon Friedman (ECNY Best Writer, The Rejection Show.)

"Doody Calls" is a grouping of sketches, scenes, and short films portraying everyday situations that cause anxiety, stress, and awkwardness and attacks them with hilarious absurdity.

-Jon Friedman speaking about "DOODY CALLS"  
"I wrote most of this show based on my own awkward feelings and anxieties I'd get from working in a restaurant, working in an office and needing to answer and make phone calls as an executive assistant, and having to use a public restroom.  It's fun."

The Wiener Philharmonic is:
Julia Langbein, Lang Fisher, Gabe Liedman, Jenny Slate, Mike Barry and Toby Lawless

"DOODY CALLS"
The Peoples Improv Theater
154 W. 29th Street (6th and 7th Ave)
February 3, 10, 17, 24 @ 8PM
Performed by The Wiener Philharmonic
Written and Directed by Jon Friedman
Produced by Jon Friedman, Sara Schaefer and The Wiener Philharmonic
Tickets - $8
212-563-7488
2,3,9,B,D,F,V,N,Q,R,W,A,C,E to 34th St.
http://www.thepit-nyc.com
http://www.tremendousrabbit.com/
http://www.wienerphilharmonic.com/

Yes, you must grow up, but no one ever mentions that you
also need to lapse back into adolescence every once in a
while. The good folks at the Wiener Philharmonic offer a
brief sophomoric jaunt that's guilt-free and fun.
-FLAVORPILL

Monday, January 16, 2006

"Comedy Is For Humans"

Baron Vaughn here with an annoucement that will rock your SOCKS so hard they'll have to form their own BAND which will struggle in the underground scene for 5 YEARS before the drummer's girlfriend's uncle (works for SONY) comes to see them one night at the Knitting Factory and signs them to a sweet contract and then they do some great gigs and even do some TV spots but eventually break up due to ARTISTIC DIFFERENCES and then they realize in their Behind the Music special that they miss you FEET and that's where they BELONG.

Josh and Baron present
COMEDY IS FOR HUMANS
a NEW SHOW with 3 comics doing LONG SETS
Beginning Wednesday, January 25th at 8pm 
Mundial (12th St. and Ave A)
With Victor Varnado (Premium Blendl)
Jess Wood (HBO's Def Comedy Jam)
and Christian Finnegan (Comedy Central Presents, Chappelle's Show)

February 8th
with Craig Blado (Premium Blend)
Kristen Schaal (2005 Andy Award Winner NYCF,  HBO Aspen Festival)
and Tony Camin (Comedy Central, Conan O'Brien)

Hosted by Josh Grosvent and Baron Vaughn

Not comedy but please come anyway!

I do have comedian Dan Allen booked for April's True Confessions night. Also, Edith Layton is Susie Felber's mom.

IN THE FLESH EROTIC READING SERIES
WEDNESDAY JANUARY 18th at 8 PM
AT HAPPY ENDING LOUNGE, 302 BROOME STREET
(B/D to Grand, J/M/Z to Bowery, F to Delancey,
www.happyendinglounge.com)
Admission: Free
http://inthefleshreadingseries.blogspot.com

Stay warm this winter with the hottest and juiciest
words in the city! January welcomes a stunning mix of
performers, including romance novelist Edith Layton
(Gypsy Lover), fiction writer Danyel Smith (Bliss),
and erotic storytellers Iris N. Schwartz (Stirring Up
a Storm) and Rob Stephenson (Best Gay Erotica), along
with a naughty tale from host Rachel Kramer Bussel.

In the Flesh is a new monthly reading series hosted at
the appropriately named Happy Ending Lounge, and
features the city's best erotic writers sharing
stories to get you hot and bothered, hosted and
curated by Village Voice sex columnist and acclaimed
erotic writer and editor Rachel Kramer Bussel. From
erotic poetry to down and dirty smut, these authors
get naked on the page and will make you lust after
them and their words. Future themed nights include
fetishes, true confessions, GLBT stories and erotic memoirs.

February 7th Rejection Show lineup

And my gig that night got canceled so I can go!

The Rejection Show
February 7th at 8:30PM
Mo Pitkin's House of Satisfaction
34 Avenue A (b. 2nd and 3rd St.)
FEATURING THE REJECTIONS OF:

MICHAEL SHOWALTER
(The Baxter, Stella, The State)

PETER HYMAN
(The Reluctant Metrosexual)

A REJECTED PILOT FROM CHANNEL 102
(Featuring Tony Carnevale and the rejectee)

CARTOONISTS FROM THE NEW YORKER
(The New Yorker)
&
DANIEL RADOSH
(Sharing captions from his Anti-Caption Contest)

You can also add Tremendous Rabbit Productions on MySpace

Saturday, January 14, 2006

Twin Killing Monday January 16th

Jordan Carlos (Best Week Ever, Stella)
Greg Johnson (hosts a show every Friday night at Rififi)
John F. O'Donnell (host of the Fancypants show at the Village Lantern)
Jenny Slate & Gabe Liedman (from the sketch group the Wiener Philharmonic)

Monday, January 16, 2006
Twin Killing
Hosted by Matt Goldich and Chris Jurek
Swift
34 E. 4th Street (between Bowery and Lafayette)
NYC
8:30 pm
FREE

Jill Soloway on Trapped in the Closet

Worlds collide, or maybe it's just that I think of Jill Soloway as "feminist writer" more so than "comedy fan" but she's a fan of UCB's "Trapped in the Closet" show.

Jon Friedman's "Studio Memos From Original Weekend At Bernies Script"

Jon read these at Ritalin the other night: "Studio Memos From Original Weekend At Bernies Script"

He also said that Michael Showalter is on the lineup for the February 8th Rejection Show at Mo Pitkin's.

Apparently, Jon also writes NYC Beard and Mustache Championships Blog with sometime-leprechaun Jon Bulette. Who knew?

The Laugh Factory's "Funniest Reporter in America" contest

Catie Lazarus won the "Funniest Reporter in America" contest at Laugh Factor on Thursday. I couldn't stay for it but Sean McCarthy of The Boston Herald entered the contest and gives his take here.

Friday, January 13, 2006

Riffs and Gigs February 4th

Chicks and Giggles Presents: RIFFS AND GIGS
Saturday, Feb. 4 at 10:00 PM
Mo Pitkin's
34 Ave. A (between 2nd and 3rd Streets)
$5

Featuring:

Adira Amram
Jessica Delfino
Erin and Her Cello
Mindy Raf
...and The Hazzards!

Hosted by Carolyn Castiglia

Chicks and Giggles January 31st

CHICKS AND GIGGLES

Tuesday, Jan. 31 at 7:30 PM

Mo Pitkins

34 Ave. A (between 2nd and 3rd Streets)

FREE!

Featuring:

Cara Amore (Gotham)

Denise Bongiovanni (Caroline's)

Jane Condon (The View)

Robin Fox (Stand Up New York)

Leighann Lord (Tough Crowd with Colin Quinn)

Debbie Shea (Premium Blend)

Fiona Walsh (Laugh Lounge)

Hosted by Carolyn Castiglia (Laugh Factory)

Mortified January 25

MORTIFIED NYC is back after a lil' winter break.

WHAT: Mortified
WHEN: Wednesday January 25
TIME: 8:00pm
WHERE: The Tank @ Collective: Unconscious is
located at 279 Church Street
TICKETS: www.smarttix.com or 212-868-4444
COST: $15
MORE INFO: www.getmortified.com ( you can submit
your stuff to audition here too)

FEATURING PATHETIC TEEN CRAP BY : Brandy Barber, Anne
Altman, Sara Barron, Jake Goldman, Brianna Jacobson,
Jenny Rubin, Blaise K, Anne Woodard, and more.

Also, save the date for our special Love Sucks edition
of Mortified NYC on FEBRUARY 15th featuring the best
angsty love pieces from old and new Mortified readers.
~

ABOUT THE SHOW:
As heard on NPR's "This American Life," Mortified
stars everyday people like you reading aloud their
most embarrassing, pathetic and private teenage diary
entries, poems, love letters, lyrics and locker
notes... in front of total strangers. Since launching
in 2002, Mortified currently runs monthly in both LA,
NYC and San Fran. Boston arrives early 2006. An online
version (for the stage shy) called Woe & Tell exists
at the official Mortified site: www.getmortified.com.
Equal parts comedic, cathartic and voyeuristic,
Mortified is truly a stage show like none other.

Wednesday, January 11, 2006

XXX Comedy Night with Vivid porn stars in LA, January 19th

From AVN

Vivid Entertainment will present XXX Comedy Night, a new, monthly comedy event which will debut at The Hollywood Improv at 10 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 19.

Vivid Girls Monique Alexander and Stefani Morgan, who work under exclusive contract with the company, will co-host the show, which will feature performances by comedians Daniel Tosh, Todd Glass, Chelsea Handler and more to be announced.

In addition to the show, audience members will receive a special gift bag courtesy of Vivid.

Ritalin!


glamour Julia
Originally uploaded by rkb1.
I think The Apiary really said it all when it comes to last night's Ritalin Reading. Everyone was fast and funny and I laughed a lot. Todd Levin opened by giving a stranger a cheese board and cutter that he'd gotten from his mom for Hannukah, then proceeded to read hilarious letters to other family members "thanking" them for their holiday gifts.

Jon Friedman harkened back to the very first Rejection Show I ever saw at The Pit, when him and Adam Cole-Kelly were riffing on Weekend at Bernies, which I think I remember him saying is his favorite movie. So he read us notes from the studio to the writer of Weekend at Bernies.

Mike Albo revealed that he has a real-life underminer, who continues to undermine him, prompting Martha and I to muse about how our families are our biggest underminers.

Lindsay and Alex did great jobs as hosts, and as JT LeRoy and James Frey. Everyone who performed totally made me laugh, and I even got to see a few people at Chicks and Giggles, including Poppi Kramer who I haven't seen perform in like 2 years. She was awesome, as always, riffing on the holidays and whether she should audition for The Biggest Loser. I got to hear Rachael Parenta sing a song about how Japan is "me-sized" and the only other lyric I remember is "frozen labia" - but the whole thing was hilarious and I hope I get to see her again.

Afterward, I was looking around and kindof realized that almost all of my favorite people were in the room. It was great after being locked away and skipping the socializing to just have fun and be around my favorite funny folks and, of course, half the blogger s in New York. Congrats to Ritalin and Chicks for jobs well done and packed rooms.

Mindy Raf is scared of me


Mindy Raf is scared of me
Originally uploaded by rkb1.
Not really, I think I just startled her with my camera.

Tuesday, January 10, 2006

The $1 Room this Thursday

"The $1 Room"
Stand Up, Sketch and Video with Cassidy Henehan, Peter Kassnove and Brad Steuernagel

"The Best Comedy on 2nd Ave. Between 9th and 10th St."

This week...

Meline Klien, Matt Goldich, Adam Lowitt, Nick Turner and Chris Jurek!!

$1 Room website

Thursdays 9pm, 5 dollar cover
The Telephone Bar
149 Second Ave. (between 9th and 10th) NYC
212-529-5000

subways
R / 8th St. stop
6 / Astor Pl. stop
F / 2nd Ave. stop

Monday, January 09, 2006

Max at Mo Pitkin's January 18th

Wednesday, January 18th at Mo Pitkins-7:30

MAX- New York's newest underground comedy show
No Cover--

Sunday, January 08, 2006

Allison Castillo's new book The Score

Comedian Allison Castillo has a hilarious new relationship/self help book out called The Score: The Ultimate Quiz to Test Who He Is. She'll be doing a reading/signing on January 19th at Borders, 576 2nd Avenue (at 32nd Street), NYC.

The Score

The Score

Fearsome...and such

SEE A CLIP FROM THE SHOW AT WWW.SKETCHFESTTV.COM

For Immediate Release
Contact:
Shayna Ferm
FEARSOME
butseriously@fearsomecomedy.com

"FEARSOME . . . AND SUCH" EXTENDED INTO JANUARY

January 2005 (New York, NY) Celebrated, alternative sketch comedy group, FEARSOME, extends their November-December run for two more dates in January at The People's Improv Theatre.

FEARSOME continues their most talked about show yet, FEARSOME . . . and Such, Friday nights at 8:00pm January 13th and January 27th. Leaving the traditional "sketch, blackout, sketch" formula, they seamlessly melt scene
into scene for a continuous stream of relentless and daring comedy. Fluid and fierce, FEARSOME shows are unlike anything else on the sketch scene.

"Their particular brand of sketch comedy cuts straight to the laughs. It’s like comedy for comedy’s sake. What they do very well is break down a joke into its parts and gradually push it to funnier and funnier places."-- Richard Hinojosa (nytheatre.com)

"With a flair for nimble wordplay, dirty songs and visual gags, they're one of the most physically confident sketch groups you're likely to see. And their new show "Fearsome...and such" makes the best use yet of that intuitive bravado." -- Carol Hartsell (Drinkatwork.com)

"By the end of a FEARSOME show, the air is crackling with excitement and the walls are echoing with laughter." -Adrienne Cea, OffOffOnline.com

FEARSOME . . . AND SUCH
January 13th and 27th
8:00 pm / $8 / BYOB
@ The P.I.T.
154 W. 29th Street, NYC
For tickets, go to:
www.thepit-nyc.com

Nominated for Best Sketch Group (Emerging Comics of New York Awards
2005)

Winner of "The Vital Funny" Sketch Competition 2004

Official participants of Chicago Sketchfest 2005; Sketchfest NYC 2005; and Portland's Best of the Best Sketchfest 2005

Fearsome is created, written and performed by: Katherine Bryant, Shayna Ferm, Alex Goldberg, Jaime Hayes, Chris O'Connor and Dan Zalevsky.

For more information, please visit www.fearsomecomedy.com

Saturday, January 07, 2006

Thank God It's Becky (Donohue)

Becky Donohue has a great solo show coming up on Friday, and Rachel Feinstein will be warming up the crowd.

Thank God It's Becky
One Comic. One Hour. Thank God.
Laugh Lounge
January 13th
630 seating, 7pm show
$5 cover with a reservation, 7$ without
Essex Street @ Stanton
for reservations: 212.614.2500

Friday, January 06, 2006

Character: People You Wouldn't Invite To Dinner January 25th

CHARACTER: People You Wouldn't Invite to Dinner

Wednesday, Jan. 25 @ 9 pm

Mo Pitkins

34 Ave. A between 2nd and 3rd

FREE!

Featuring:
Carolyn Castiglia (Gotham)

Shawn Hollenbach and Laura Mannino (co-producers, Mintyfresh)
Stacy Mayer (Saturday Night Rewritten)
Matt McCarthy (Laugh Factory)
Plus sketch from The Wiener Philharmonic (The PIT)
Hosted by Lianne Stokes (Brutal Honesty)

The Social at The Triad January 20th

The Social at The Triad

Friday, January 20, 2006

7 PM

Triad Theatre

158 W. 72nd Street

(btn. Bway and CPW)

$10

A slew of talented performers slay with their stand-up, sketch, musical comedy and news.  They're solid.  Solid as a rock! 

Featuring:

Carolyn Castiglia, Ben Chaney, Wes Connelly, Katina Corrao, Laura Mannino, Matt McCarthy, Jenny Rubin, Theron Steiner, Allen Warnock, Billy Wood.

Hosted by Shawn Hollenbach.  Produced by Michelle Maclay. 

Chicks and Giggles January 10th

I'm pretty sure anyone reading this blog already knows that Chicks and Giggles is every Tuesday, but here you go anyway:

CHICKS AND GIGGLES

MO PITKINS

34 Ave. A between 2nd and 3rd

7:30 pm

FREE!

Michelle Collins (VH1)

Lisa Kaplan (Ladies of Laughter Finalist)

Poppi Kramer (E!)

Amanda Melson (Friday Night with Greg Giraldo)

Susan Prekel (Montreal Just for Laughs Festival)

Rena Zager (Premium Blend)
Hosted by Carolyn Castiglia (Laugh Factory)

Some of my favorite funny ladies January 24th

CHICKS AND GIGGLES

Tuesday, Jan. 24 at 8 PM

Mo Pitkins

34 Ave. A (between 2nd and 3rd Streets)

FREE!

Featuring:

Margot Leitman (VH1)

Sara Schaefer (...is Obsessed With You)

Bex Schwartz (VH1)

Lianne Stokes (Gotham)

Jess Wood (Get Wood)

With Special Musical Guest Bari Koral

Hosted by Carolyn Castiglia (Laugh Factory)

Thursday, January 05, 2006

Here's The Thing January 16

Monday, January 16,

10pm

HERE'S THE THING

Mo Pitkin's House of Satisfaction

34 Avenue A

$5 advance tickets, www.mopitkins.com

Sean O'Connor, Nick Maritato, and Andrew Wright welcome their favorite stand-up comedians for a night of freewheeling tomfoolery.

Featuring:

Chelsea Peretti (Shorties Watching Shorties, Variety SHAC)

Craig Baldo (Premium Blend)

Heather Lawless (Premium Blend, Variety SHAC)

Jonah Ray (The Andy Milonakis Show, LA's Comedy Deathray)

Wednesday, January 04, 2006

WYSIWYG Film Festival January 24th

The WYSIWYG Talent Show changes gears for the first-ever WYSIWYG
Film Festival
!


Featuring:


Brian Levin and Bob Castrone of The Post
Show (thepostshow.com)


Chelsea Peretti of Variety SHAC

(chelseaperetti.blogspot.com and thevarietyshac.com)


The Hazzards (hazzards.blogspot.com)


Jon Friedman (tremendousrabbit.blogspot.com)


Odd Todd (oddtodd.com)


Jessica Delfino (jessydelfino.blogspot.com)


Ryanne Hodson (ryanedit.blogspot.com, freevlog.org,
and node101.org)


Jay Dedman (momentshowing.net and node101.org)


Daniel Liss (mookievlog.blogspot.com and pouringdown.blogspot.com)


Lynn Lane (docmaker.blogspot.com)

Jessi Klein is back on Thursday!!

Miss Jessi Klein has returned from LA and will grace our stage -
kleintastic.com

Miss Craig Baldo is a very funny person - craigbaldo.com

Miss Ophira Eisenberg makes you laugh - ophiraeisenberg.com

Miss Jackie Novak makes a number of hilarious observations -
jackienovak.net

Miss God's Pottery is the best Christian Folk-Rock Duo in Southern
Manhattan! - godspottery.com

THURSDAYS
Rififi (cinema classics)
332 E11th st btwn 1st and 2nd aves
Thursday, January 5th, 8pm

Check out "I Love the 30s" on www.comedycentral.com/motherload

Hot Tub and Brutal Honesty (now with blog!)

Hot Tub, January 6

Hosted by Kristen Schaal and Kurt Braunohler
Fridays, 9:30 p.m.
The PIT
154 W. 29th St.
btw 6th and 7th Ave.
www.hottubvariety.com

Guests include:
Becky Yamamoto, Andy Milonakis, Nick Kroll, Doug Moe and Caitlin Miller
 

BRUTAL HONESTY

this month TEMP TERROR: True stories from the temp world.

with guests: Baron Vaughn, Lang Fisher, Joe DeVito 

8pm free

Otto's Shrunken Head

538 14th St. (btwn A and B)

Hosted by Lianne Stokes, Giulia Rozzi and Becky Yamamoto

we have a blog now too!

brutalhonestyshow.blogspot.com

The Strip Show, January 9th

Mo Pitkin's and CBS-NYC Present
THE STRIP SHOW
with Bob Powers & Todd Levin

and featuring the drawing skills of:
EVAN DORKIN (Milk & Cheese, DORK Comics, Space Ghost Coast 2 Coast)
LAUREN R. WEINSTEIN (Inside Vineyland, Girl Comics)
EMILY FLAKE (Lulu Eightball)
MICHAEL KUPPERMAN (Snake 'n' Bacon, Tales Designed to Thrizzle, The New
Yorker)
NICHOLAS GUREWITCH (Perry Bible Fellowship)

Monday, January 9th, at 8:30pm
MO PITKIN'S HOUSE OF SATISFACTION
34 Avenue A (between 2nd and 3rd Streets)
ADMISSION: $6
for advance tickets, go here:
Mo Pitkin's

And don't miss this month's How To Kick People on January 25th at Mo's,
with Paul Ford, Victor Varnado and more.

Variety Underground this Thursday

This week at VU, performances by...
- Stomping Ground y mas - improv comedy featuring Jeff Scherer, Alan
Fessenden, Dave Thunder, Becky Yamamoto, Sean Taylor, Jason Grossman,
and Christian Capozzoli
- Joe Dixon - stand up comedy

NOTE that this show will start promptly at 7pm to finish before 8pm

Hope to see you there!
-Sean

7pm Thursday, 5 January 2006
VARIETY UNDERGROUND
@the Parkside Lounge
317 E. Houston St.
F/V to 2nd Avenue
Free admission - 2 drink minimum
http://www.varietyunderground.com