by Klaus Kinski

Jesse Popp

Speaking of Hot Tub with Kurt & Kristen, maybe you were at the weekly variety show this past Monday when Andy Blitz, one of my favorite people in the biz, performed. It has been a really really long time since I last had the good fortune to catch him live, but all of a sudden multiple opportunities are popping up!

In general, I try to remain apolitical in my writings here on BV. Believe me, if you knew my views on society it'd be like a scene in a movie where some dude (me) farts in a crowded elevator and everyone in there (you guys) nonchalantly scuttles to the other side of the elevator. However, there is no denying that many many many members of the comedy community are still very much involved in the Occupy Wall Street community. Perhaps not always physically, but definitely philosophically. Case in point; an event called 99 Comics For The 99% happening at the UCB Theater East on Tuesday May 1st at 8:00pm (May Day). This massive undertaking will feature 99 Comics telling jokes in support of the 99% and OWS. Man I don't even think I could name 99 comics. Anyhow, the line-up (included below) features some seriously great talent and many Klaus faves including Adam McKay (via video), Adam Newman, ANDY BLITZ, Eliot Glazer, Giulia Rozzi, Greg Johnson, Jamie Kilstein, Jimmy Dore, John Frusciante, Jon Friedman, Murderfist, Rob Cantrell, Sara Shaefer, Seth Herzog, Stucky & Murray, Tom Shillue, Two Fun Men, and, well, many many more. Two Fun Men were actually on Fallon the other day in what has to be one of my favorite sketches in ages. Video of that below too!

I am also really happy to announce that Jesse Popp, one of the most pants-shittingly funny up and coming NYC comic geniuses of our time, is recording a Comedy Central special over two nights at Union Hall. The shows will take place on May 2nd and May 4th. Both shows have 7:30pm doors, 8:00pm shows. Tickets are only $5, so you not only get to see one of NYCs finest comedians on the cheap, but the back of your numbskull might even make it on TV. Check out Jesse in the New York Times' One in 8 Million series. Jesse is a great down to earth comedian with a good head on his shoulders. This country will be a much better place when the name Jesse Popp becomes a household name, I tell ya.

Continue reading "99 comics telling jokes for 99%; Jesse Popp taping a special"

words by Andrew Frisicano, photos by Faith-Ann Young

Truth told, it was hard to pay any attention to any of the music because randomly, three drunk chicks in silver spandex bodysuits and green painted legs came onstage and did a little bizarre, nonsensical, inebriated dance tease (doubt they were professionals as they were having difficulty balancing or even standing still in their stilettos...while visibly wasted). When the crowd grew bored of that (after throwing beer cans and dollar bills at the girls' feet), men dressed as apes came on stage and freaked with the drunk man-woman-alien chicks.

I asked around if anyone knew if this was customary for N.A.S.A., but no one had a clue what was going on.... - Faith

That's a description of N.A.S.A.'s free record release party (1/29) for debut The Spirit of Apollo which came out on Anti in February. N.A.S.A. return to LPR tonight (3/12) for a show with DJ Stretch Armstrong. Tickets are still available.

N.A.S.A., the duo of Squeak E. Clean and DJ Zegon, will also tour the U.S. in February and March playing an official SXSW showcase at Emo's on March 19 (plus a few other Austin gigs - see below) and a performance at Coachella on April 17.

N.A.S.A.'s recent album, laden with guest spots from Tom Waits to M.I.A. and RZA, also sported interchangeable artwork from five artists - who seem to be taking turns illustrating the group's videos. Marcel Dzama (who worked on the video for Department of Eagles' "No One Does It Like You," to be unveiled at MOMA) drew N.A.S.A.'s "The People Tree," a song that features David Byrne, Chali 2na, Gift Of Gab and Z-Trip. Artist Splunny created the video for "Hip Hop," below, and the band's newest video, for "Way Down," was illustrated by artist Sage Vaughn. Obama-artist Shepard Fairey (who will be at Coachella) made a video for "Money," discussed here. All of these and more will be collected on the N.A.S.A. documentary in the works.

All tour dates, videos, and more pictures from the last LPR show, below...

Continue reading "more N.A.S.A. videos & tour dates + pics from Le Poisson Rouge where they play again tonight"