words & photos by David Andrako

"Everyone here looks like they are in a band. You guys are going to do great things for no money." -Big Jay Oakerson

Reggie Watts

Comedy Central held an invite/CMJ-only "Midnight Showcase" at Comix Comedy Club last night (10/21). The show literally began at midnight aned ran into Friday morning. It was hosted by Julian McCullough and featured sets from Big Jay Oakerson, Amy Schumer, Hannibal Buress, Anthony Jeselnik and Reggie Watts. Previously announced acts Joe Derosa and Bo Burnham didn't appear due to scheduling issues. The crowd greeted the news of Burnham's no-show with an audible groan, to which McCullough remarked "We'll we know who the underage table is at the club tonight."

The most remarkable set of the evening was Reggie Watts's which closed the show. Accompanied by his looping machine, Reggie worked through 20 minutes of beat-boxing, singing and even took the time to answer his phone and chat with a friend who called mid-set. Having seen Reggie at The Conflict of Interest show at REBEL NYC on Monday and several other shows over the last couple of months, it has become apparent that every set he performs is unique and while he may perform the same song at multiple shows, they almost always morph into a freestyle riff on a audience member or a callback to joke earlier in the evening. Be sure to check out him out at the BrooklynVegan Day party on Saturday at Public Assembly or later that night at Union Hall, or any time you get a chance.

More pictures from the show below...

Continue reading "Comedy Central held a 'Midnight Showcase' (pics) "

Leo Allen benefiting Haiti @ MHOW on 1/23 (by Kyle Dean Reinford)

Aziz Ansari added an extra two shows to his previously-announced run of CD Release shows at Comix. The new total is eight shows over four days (2/3-2/6) and they all appear to be sold out. "Friends scheduled to appear throughout the weekend:" Todd Barry, Moshe Kasher, John Mulaney, Max Silvestri, Joe Mande, Kristen Schaal, Hannibal Buress, Leo Allen, Kumail Nanjiani, and Anthony Jeselnik. A fine set of openers indeed.

Don't have a ticket, but still want to see Aziz during his now-rare trip back to NYC? You can also catch him tonight (2/2) for free at the Apple Store in SOHO. Sarah Silverman will appear in the same venue one night later.

Speaking of Max Silvestri, don't forget to catch his Big Teriffic show every Wednesday night at The Cameo (free!).

Speaking of Kristen Schaal, you can catch her tonight (2/2) as part of Sara Schaefer & Kim Armstrong's new free weekly Tuesday night comedy show in the front lounge of The Bell House (which is also hosting a "TOTALLY SOLD OUT" Lost premiere party this evening as well).

Speaking of Kristen Schaal performing comedy at The Bell House, tickets are on sale for a February 27th show described as "Friends of Celebrate Brooklyn present Winter Warm-Up featuring Comedy with Eugene Mirman & Pretty Good Friends, Special guests include Kristin Schaal & Michael Showalter".

Speaking of Hannibal Buress, he hosts a comedy show every Sunday night at Knitting Factory (free!).

Todd Barry, John Mulaney and Hannibal Buress all return to Comix on the same (February 18th) night (code TBAF saves $5).

Leo Allen hosts Whiplash every Monday night at UCB

A few shows other shows coming up at UCB and other surprises below...

Continue reading "Aziz Ansari at Comix & The Apple Store, Sarah Silverman, Hannibal Buress & other upcoming comedy shows"

Kristen Schaal @ Sub Pop's 20th. (more by Shawn Brackbill)

The New York Comedy Festival runs from November 5-8 in NYC (not counting the November 4th show at Caroline's). There are many big comedians like Louis CK and Sarah Silverman doing shows at big venues like Town Hall and Hammerstein Ballroom, but there are also smaller and just-as-funny alternatives being hosted at the UCB Theatre. They are:

Nov 5 @ 7:30 PM - the Web Video Cram-Off hosted by Pete Holmes
(more info and reservations)

Nov 6 @ 7:30 PM - the Best Sketch in NY Showcase w/ featuring Elephant Larry, Sidecar, Harvard Sailing Team, Derrick, Dirty Jeans & Thunderchief, and hosted by Kurt Braunohler & Kristen Schaal.
(more info, no more reservations)

Nov 7 @ 7:30 PM - Time Out New York Approved comedy w/ Kristen Schaal, Anthony Jeselnik, Reggie Watts, & More!
(more info and reservations)

As you know, Anthony Jeselnik & Kristen Schaal each have 'Comedy Central Presents' tapings coming up. Tonight they practice those sets, at Pianos, at 8pm, for free.

In related news, Kristen & Kurt were just up for a big comedy award in the UK (unfortunately they didn't win though).

Aug 27, 06:00 PM Comedy Central Presents in New York City: Anthony Jeselnik, Doug Benson
Aug 29, 06:00 PM Comedy Central Presents in New York City: John Mulaney, Kristen Schaal
Sep 06, 05:00 PM Family Feud
Sep 09, 03:30 PM Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson: Amanda Congdon. The Ting Tings
Sep 10, 03:30 PM Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson: Alice Cooper

by Klaus Kinski

I really couldn't be happier with how awesome the comedy portions of the Brooklyn Vegan and Klaus Kinski Present Rock 'n ROFL shows at Pianos have been going. As a matter of fact, after each show is over I worry myself sick that I won't be able to put together a comedy line-up that could possibly be as good as (or better) than what I had just witnessed. I am happy to report that the tonight's installment of Rock 'n ROFL (June 18, 2008) will continue the tradition of delivering awesome comedy to y'all. The comedy will begin at 8pm sharp, so be there or risk missing:

Continue reading "Roger Hailes, Anthony Jeselnik, Dave Hill & Mike Birbiglia - funny guys who happen to be playing Rock n ROFL"