by Klaus Kinski

Kurt Braunohler

Hey readers. Long time no write, amIright? I haven't been writing much these days and I bet you thought/hoped I was dead or something. Wrong! Unlike most people (according to the news media) I have a job and lately it's talons have been dug so deep into my flesh and lard that I haven't been able to deal with anything else. I poked my head outta the trenches today to wipe the sweat and offal from my brow and noticed that we in the Tri State area are on a collision course for some seriously incredible comedy, like, really soon.

Friday February 10th really has us laugh-seekers in a right pickle as there are two amazing shows happening that night, but one happens on one side of the Hudson, while the other happens on the other side of the Hudson. I kall this phenomenon Klaus Kinski's Komedy Krawl.

First off, on Friday February 10th at 7:30pm the UCB Theater (Chelsea) will play host to the great and way-not-famous-enough Tom Shillue and his show Tom Shillue's Funny Story. The show is more a storytelling affair than a stand-up affair and will feature a STELLER line-up including Bobby Tisdale, Bob Walles, and Gavin McInnes. This is an EXTREMELY miraculous line-up and the fact that it isn't sold out tells me that there's probably only one or two tickets left. I cannot tell you how brilliant Shillue is. Get. On. It.

After that show ends, get those gorgeous hemispheres (bunz) of yours upstairs and down (or up) to the PATH train and make your way into Hoboken for a special, off-site-off-nite edition of the great Pretty Good Friends. PGF is usually hosted by Eugene Mirman every Sunday night in the subterranean confines of Union Hall. However, they are shaking the fuck out of things and bringing PGF to Maxwell's in Hoboken on Friday February 10th at 9:30pm. The show will be hosted by Kurt Braunohler and feature the likes of Andrea Rosen, Wyatt Cenac, and Todd Barry. Some tickets are still available, so get yours before they go the way of the Dodo. These two inexpensive events will bring you face to face with some of my personal favorites in the biz. Live it up! You CAN do this.

Oh, and speaking of Kurt Braunohler... Kurt got the gig as host and star of a forthcoming IFC comedy series called Bunk. The show will be taping live February 17th through February 24th at Manhattan Center Studios in NYC. Guest panelists will include Ethan T Berlin, Bobby Moynihan, Jordan Klepper, Damien Lemon, Matt Oberg, Chris Gethard, Kumail Nanjiani, John Gemberling, Eugene Mirman, Alison Rich, Michael Che, Dana Gould, Scott Adsit, Tom Lemon, Alex Borstein (no Dave Hill? tha fuck?). Wanna attend a taping or several of them? Head over to the Black List and throw your name in the hat for FREE TICKETS.

Last but not least... first there was ONE, then TWO, then THREE, and now there are FOUR Demetri Martin shows happening at NYU. The newest one happens at the Skirball Center on February 15th, at 9:30pm. Tickets are on sale, and we're also giving away tickets to the third one which is now sold out like the first and second.

ALSO
* Rob Delaney added a 2nd NYC show!
* Those in Chicago should go see Brian Posehn this weekend!
* Follow @bvComedy on Twitter!
* "SXSW Comedy" is expanding its offerings in Austin this year
* We're giving away a pair of tickets to see Tosh at Radio City.

Some videos below...

Continue reading "PGF in Hoboken, Tom Shillue, a FOURTH Demetri Martin show & other comedy stuff"

Kurt and Kristen (by Marianne Ways)

today in NYC
* Whiplash @ UCB
* Liam Finn @ The Rock Shop
* Creep (DJ set), New Look @ Cake Shop
* Hot Tub with Kurt and Kristen @ Littlefield
* Laura Gibson, Alexa Wilding @ Mercury Lounge
* Dry the River, White Birds, Papertwin @ Glasslands
* Koen Holtkamp, Cleared, Mind Over Mirrors @ Zebulon
* Reverend Vince Anderson & His Love Choir @ Union Pool
* Steve Earle, Allison Moorer, The Mastersons @ City Winery
* Abadabad, Slow Magic, Otem Rellick, Vensaire @ Cameo Gallery
* Bushwick Music Chamber Society, Paul Wheeler, Shahzad Ismaily @ Death By Audio
* Harper Blynn, David Meade, Tony Scherr Trio, Anton Fier, Rob Jost, Jim Campilongo/Steve Cardenas Acoustic Duo @ Living Room

Follow @BrooklynVegan on Twitter.

Also follow @bvAustin for just Austin stuff.

also follow @bvChicago for just Chicago stuff.

Be our friend on Facebook too.

Roger Waters tickets on sale at 10am.

Pete and Pete tickets on sale at noon.

Check out Laura Marling's new video below...

What else?

Continue reading "What's going on Monday?"

by Klaus Kinski

"I bought hummus at Costco. Now I have an intimidating amount of hummus. Every time I open the fridge, it eyeballs me. - Kurt Braunohler

The great Ted Leo closed out 2011 with a bang with sold-out full-band shows at the Bell House on December 30th and then on December 31st at Maxwells in Jersey. The comedically great Kurt Braunohler opened both of those shows, which is why I simply could not resist posting the troll-baiting tweet you see above.

Anyhow, it seems like Ted, aside from the benefit he's playing in Austin, is starting off the new year with a whimper because the Ted Leo calendar has absolutely nothing on it. Blankness. Bupkis. However, your man Klaus knows better. For example, it's a little known fact that Ted Leo will participate in the Rejection Show Music Series at Littlefield on Thursday January 19th at 8:00pm:

The Rejection Show Music Series gives musicians the chance to let loose, take risks, and perform songs that have yet to be heard, have gotten them through a time of rejection, or to simply cover their favorite songs of love, loss, and heartbreak. Featuring TED LEO performing excerpts from a musical that he penned, but has yet to be seen. The musical centers around the United Fruit Company, US corporate and military imperialism, bananas, and of course a love story! CORN MO performing songs based on the theme of Rejection, and more! Hosted by JON FRIEDMAN and featuring the REJECTION SHOW BAND.

I just read Gethard's book A Bad Idea I'm About to Do: True Tales of Seriously Poor Judgment and Stunningly Awkward Adventure (pictured above) and it was truly one of the funniest, most brilliant comedian-penned books I've ever read... more on that someday soon, but let me get back on track here...

Back to Ted... Your second opportunity to see Ted is at How Was Your Week? LIVE! on Thursday February 2nd at 8pm at the Bell House. How Was Your Week? is a podcast hosted by the unbearably funny and so f-ing on her game Julie Klausner (love that last name prefix!). This live Klausner experience will feature the absolutely brilliant Best Show on WFMU host Tom Scharpling, the incomparable Sandra Bernhard, as well as house band Ted Leo! There will be surprise guests too, trust me. This show gets Klaus Kinski's This WILL Sell Out guarantee, so buy tickets NOW.

Chris Gethard, who also plays Whiplash tonight (1/9), takes on fellow author Stephen King in the video below...

Continue reading "upcoming comedy shows w/ Ted Leo; Chris Gethard's book"

by Amanda Hatfield

"ATTN HOBOKEN! I WILL NOT BE DROPPED TONIGHT!" - kurt braunohler

"Pink shirt on. Ready to party like it 3012" - kurt braunohler

"Happy New Year to everybody! I didn't get to reply last night because I was watching @TedLeo and @kurtbraunohler be awesome." - Tom scharpling

"Omg @scharpling 's here @maxwellsnj for @tedleo NYE& I didn't even say hi - @kurtbraunohler was hilarious - Sharon Van Etten & band=amazing!"
- Bella Allen Farrelly

"Last 2 nights w/@kurtbraunohler, @obitsband, @sharonvanetten, & the AMAZING AUDIENCES: I count myself lucky to be among such excellence." -Ted Leo

Ted, Kurt & Phamacist @ Maxwell's

Ted Leo & The Pharmacists rang in the new year at Maxwell's with not-surprise guest Sharon Van Etten and comedian opener Kurt Braunohler who also opened for Ted and Obits at The Bell House one night earlier. Pictures from the NJ show, where Kurt Braunohler tried to crowd surf again, and possibly got dropped again, are in this post.

Ted played a predictably excellent set and covered 'I Wanna Destroy You' with Sharon Van Etten whose opening set included a new backing band lineup. Doug Keith is still there, but there was a new guy on drums and a new backup singer/keyboard player/additional guitarist lady. When they played "Don't Do It", they did this new thing with looped sorta spooky vocals in the beginning and it was so beautiful. The new songs sound amazing. I can't wait for the album.

Sharon will hit the road for a string of dates in February that include Music Hall of Williamsburg and Bowery Ballroom, and before that she'll make an appearance at the Greene Space. Tickets are still available for that WNYC Soundcheck session, as well as both Bowery and MHoW.

More pictures and some video from Maxwell's on New Year's Eve, below.

Continue reading "Ted Leo, Sharon Van Etten & Kurt Braunohler celebrated New Year's Eve at Maxwell's (pics, video)"

photos by Erik Erikson

Ted Leo @ The Bell House

Attention those in (army jackets in) attendance at the Bell House on 12/30:

"Tall guy in army jacket w a great smile, you danced next to me and my friend. You piled your black coat on my bag and coat.
Where did you go?
Does this ever work? I'm giving it a shot."
[Ted Leo at The Bell House - w4m (Park Slope )]

you should call/email me so I can give my friend's number to your friend. She was waiting for him to ask.
Like you said "that should totally happen"
L [Jonah, we met at the Ted Leo show - w4m (The Bell House)]

More pictures & videos (including Ted doing Waterboys and MC5 covers) from the Bell House below...

Continue reading "Ted Leo & the Pharmacists played the Bell House w/ Obits & Kurt Braunohler (pics & videos)"

It's got to be kind of hard to find someone to open for you on Christmas. Maybe that's what led to Dump, the other project of Yo La Tengo's James McNew, opening for Yo La Tengo at Maxwell's on Sunday, December 25th (Hanukkah, night 6). Maybe Dump's recent show at Spike Hill was scheduled as a warm-up.

Yo La Tengo is keeping a diary. Their friend Kelly Reichardt writes:

Dump is on the stage. I know, I know, this reporter is asking herself the same question. How in the world did Yo La Tengo get Dump to play their Christmas night show? I guess everybody in this business has connections. In any case, it's our good fortune and listening from my perch I forget all about my duties and just let myself get lost in the music (not in any kind of freaky arm-waving way, but just in a quiet-inside way). I'm in my zone. Enjoying myself along with everyone else in the room. It's somewhere in the middle of the Prince cover tune, "Another Lonely Christmas" that the older, more disgruntled looking red-shirt-wearing door guy makes a beeline over to me. He's shouting something I can't make out, but I can clearly read his lips as he keeps repeating YOU SURE LOOK GOOD TONIGHT KELLY! I finally lean closer and take out the earplugs and it turns out what he is actually yelling in my face is YOU CAN'T STAND ON THAT STOOL!

Last night, night 7, Kurt Vile & the Violators and Leo Allen opened. Dave Schramm played guitar with Yo La Tengo, and Peter Stampfel also joined the band. Full setlist HERE.

Tonight, 12/27, is the final night of Hanukkah 2011. Who do you think the openers will be? I bet James McNew (not to mention the rest of Yo La Tengo) would be excited if it were the Feelies.

Browse the Yo La Tengo tag for more.

Ted Leo at Shea in November (more by Guy Eppel)

As mentioned, Ted Leo and the Pharmacists will be in the NYC-area for New Year's Eve to play The Bell House on 12/30 (tickets) and Maxwell's on 12/31 (tickets).

According to Ted, there are only a few tickets left for the Maxwell's show and they're going fast. He also mentions that a "*Special Very Exciting* GUEST" will be there. Who do you think it is? If you're going, please say hi to this person who tweeted at Ted that they're "going alone so a 'hi' would make their night."

Comedian Kurt Braunohler opens both shows. I wonder if he'll also end up at Maxwell's at all this week for Yo La Tengo's Hanukkah shows. I wonder if Ted will? Say "hi" to Kurt too if you go.

Obits open the Bell House show and will also play NYC during a short run of dates in March with UK band Fists at Cake Shop on March 17. Tickets are on sale now (yes, advanced tickets for Cake Shop!). All dates are listed below.

In related news, the Fugazi web archives were recently launched and you can check out a listening session with Ted Leo.

Ted's other band, Citizens Arrest, had to cancel their ABC No Rio show which would have went down this past Saturday (12/17) but Omegas, Mind Eraser, and Night Birds still played the venue. Check out pics from that show HERE.

All dates below...

Continue reading "Ted Leo says a guest will be at Maxwell's on NYE; Obits opening Bell House show & playing March dates too"

Though it doesn't say it on their website, Mike Birbiglia promises that he's performing "Sleepwalk With Me" at Comic Strip Live tonight (12/12).

UPDATE: Mike's show starts at 8:30 and tickets go on sale at noon.

I don't know what time it starts and ends, but if it's done early enough you can then head to UCB West for this week's edition of Whiplash with Leo Allen and guests.

Alternatively, you can spend your Monday night with Kurt and Kristen in Brooklyn at Littlefield. Their guests at Hot Tub this week include Michael Showalter.

Head back to UCB West on Wednesday after work for a live WFMU broadcast of "7 Second Delay" with guests Lou Reed and Suzanne Vega.

UPDATE: Lou Reed is also making an appearance at Book Court tonight.

In other "live" comedy news, tickets are on sale for Star Talk Live at The Bell House on Sunday, December 18th. The lineup includdes Neil de Grasse Tyson, Eugene Mirman, and John Hodgman.

One night after that is the Hot Tub Holiday edition at Littlefield with Kurt, Kristen, Jon Glaser, Hannibal Buress, Adam the Real Man, and musical guest River City Extension.

Speaking of Hannibal Buress, he opened two shows for Aziz Ansari at the Bell House on Saturday night. We posted pictures.

Speaking of the Bell House, Rocket from the Tombs plays there tonight!

Mountain Goats @ Knitting Factory, Halloween 2005 (more)

As previously mentioned, John Wesley Harding is holding a "Cabinet of Wonders" variety show at NYC's City Winery on October 28th with Hamilton Leithauser (The Walkmen), Eugene Mirman, John Hodgman, Emma Straub, Paul Harding, and more TBA. Since our last mention, two very special guests have been added to the bill: Craig Finn (The Hold Steady) and John Darnielle (The Mountain Goats). Hopefully you didn't sleep on tickets because the show is now sold out.

Tickets are however on sale now for A Haunted Hot Tub Halloween at Littlefield, also a comedy and music variety show, happening one day later (10/29) with Kristen Schaal, Kurt Braunohler, Wyatt Cenac, Andres du Bouchet, and... John Darnielle, and more.

Tickets are also on sale for Hot Tub on 10/10 and 10/17.

Tickets are also still on sale for the 11/18 Cabinet of Wonders at City Winery with The Blue Fisherman (from Edinburgh, Scotland), Howe Gelb, Myla Goldberg, Ted Leo, Eugene Mirman, Audrey Niffenegger AND "Plus for this Cabinet of Wonders, and this Cabinet of Wonders only, the House Band will be THE KING CHARLES TRIO, comprising: Peter Buck (REM), Jenny Conlee-Drizos, Chris Funk, John Wesley Harding (Appearing as Himself), Scott McCaughey (The Minus Five), John Moen, and Nate Query." That's a lot of Decemberists. More upcoming JWH shows HERE

Speaking of Ted Leo and Craig Finn, both are scheduled to make appearances at the BrooklynVegan-presented Replacements tribute shows happening at Bowery Electric in November. The previously announced two shows (and movie screenings) are sold out, BUT a third tribute concert - a late one on 11/17, has been added. Tickets for the new show are on sale. More info HERE.

Mountain Goats dates and flyers below...

Continue reading "3rd Replacements tribute show added, John Darnielle schedules guest appearances, Craig Finn too"

photos by David Andrako

Jon Glaser as Bobby Tisdale

After kicking off on Thursday, the Eugene Mirman Festival (which ends tonight/Sunday) continued on Friday with two shows, "A Night Of Very Likeable Comedians" at Union Hall and "Invite Them Up" at The Bell House. The Union Hall show featured standup from Tom Allen, Tom Shillue, Kurt Braunohler, Seth Herzog, John Mulaney and Jane Borden. Kurt and John also headed over to The Bell House to perform alongside Eugene Mirman, Slovin and Allen, Janeane Garofalo and Jon Glaser, who filled in as/for Invite Them Up host Bobby Tisdale. A set of pictures from the show at The Bell House continues below...

Continue reading "Eugene Mirman Fest 2011 --- Day 2 @ The Bell House in pics (Jon Glaser as Bobby Tisdale, Janeane Garofalo, more)"

by Klaus Kinski

It goes without saying that New York Fucking City is the best fucking city in the fucking galaxy. Name some attributes of another city (and I am sure people *cough*commenters*cough* will) and any New Yorker worth his or her salt will gladly, after they're done laughing hysterically, verbally pants your claims and make you realize how much time you just wasted with your nonsense. Everything here is better, and we have more of it. End. Of. Fucking. Story. Among our better-than-everywhere-else attributes is our Comedy scene. And one way we articulate and reinforce this attribute is by having several comedy shows happening across this city every night of the week.

One of NYC's biggest stand-out weekly shows is Tell Your Friends! which happens in the basement of a place called Lolita Bar (almost) every goddamned Tuesday. Tell Your Friends! is the brainchild of the talented Liam McEneaney and it has been bringing some of the most incredible line-ups to its basement audiences for over 6 years. Conceived as a showcase that danced somewhere between open mic territory and some of NYCs other smaller, more intimate alt rooms, Tell Your Friends! was devised as sort of a "comedy workout room;" a place where comedians could workshop new material without all the hassles and limitations of standard open mics. No, Tell Your Friends! wasn't the first place to do this type of thing; 15 years ago NYC had Eating It at Luna Lounge, Klaus favorite Patrick Borelli set up shop at the Gershwin Hotel, and, of course, there was Invite Them Up at Rififi where Eugene Mirman and Bobby Tisdale basically wrote the book on how smaller, independent comedy showcases should be run until its demise in 2008. Invite Them Up took their backroom comedy debauchery to the next level when they did three nights of recording at Pianos for a 3 CD/1 DVD set that was released by Comedy Central Records. Incidentally, now that Invite Them Up is long gone (unless you count the upcoming Invite Them Up night at the Eugene Mirman Comedy Festival), that CD/DVD set serves as an extremely important document of just how bonkers and diverse that era in comedy really was.

Like Invite Them Up, Tell Your Friends! has brought their presence in the comedy world to the next level with the release of Tell Your Friends! The Concert Film!. Shot at the Bell House, Liam McEneaney says

I had this idea that since I wanted to do a movie with standup comedians, comedians who had gotten their start outside the traditional comedy club scene, it shouldn't be shot as a typical comedy special. I sent Victor (Varnado) clips from concert films I felt should serve as the template, Woodstock, The Last Waltz, Stop Making Sense, The Beatles First Visit To America... Films that didn't just point a camera at a performance, but got you onstage with the acts themselves. And that didn't just record a concert, but really encapsulated a moment in history. Ultimately, we narrowed our influence down to Woodstock, and The Last Waltz, and used those more as our guides.

Continue reading "Tell Your Friends! the movie! (is screening in NYC), comedians (are playing FYF Fest in LA Saturday)"

Todd Barry at MHOW in 2010 (more by Chris Gersbeck)

Comedy variety show Hot Tub with Kurt and Kristen [Schaal] continues to hit Park Slope/Gowanus club Littlefield every Monday. Tonight's lineup includes Todd Barry, Rob Cantrell, Leibya Rogers, and musical guest Adira Amram and The Experience who performs at Hot Tub this whole month. Tickets are still available for tonight (6/13), 6/20, and 6/27.

If you want to go June 27th, you should probably act quick because the "very special musical guest" on that one (as it was listed before today) has been revealed as Ted Leo. The bill also includes comedy superstar Wyatt Cenac, so it's a great one all around. Ted also plays a free headlining show on July 9 at South Street Seaport. Ted recently performed a new song in 'Room 205' which you can listen to at their site.

Todd Barry, who is on tonight's Littlefield show, also plays a headlining show at Maxwell's on July 31 with Ted Alexandro. Tickets are on sale. Todd also plays at this month's Mr. Coconuts Comedy show at Union Hall (6/21). The new monthly comedy show (which I think started in May) is hosted by Gabe Delahaye and the June bill also includes Gabe Liedman, Jessi Klein and more. Tickets are on sale.

Adira Amram is part of the very musical Amram family, much of which just played Bruar Falls. Adira's sister Alana (their father is composer David Amram), the force behind Alana Amram and the Rough Gems, is releasing Snow Shadows: Songs of Vince Martin on June 21. Vince Martin is a NYC folk singer who got his start in the late '50s recording with The Tarriers and with Fred Neil in the '60s. Martin was more recently discovered by Thurston Moore who he has since performed with. Alana stumbled upon him on her own though. She told WNYC:

I got pretty heavy into Greenwich Village, urban, folk musicians who I felt that I could really relate to a lot of their stories. I ended up moving down to New York City and here I am, kinda this country kid isolated, trying to find my way. And I'm playing in a bunch of rock and roll bands, everything's loud and crazy. And then I discover Fred Neil. He did that song "Everybody's Talkin' At Me," the theme from Midnight Cowboy. That led me to finding Karen Daulton who eventually led to Vince Martin. Now, he's my really good buddy and I'm really lucky to get access...to this cannon of songs that have been lost and kind of hidden.

Listen to two songs off Alana's new album below...

Continue reading "Alana Amram covered Vince Martin, Adira Amram playing Hot Tub ++ special guest Ted Leo, Todd Barry gigs & much more"

Ra Ra Riot @ MHOW in 2010 (more by Amanda Hatfield)

Speaking of Japan benefits, The Bell House has two special ones scheduled....

Continue reading "Ra Ra Riot, Wyatt Cenac, Tim Harrington, Todd Barry & many, many more playing Japan benefits @ the Bell House "

Reggie Watts' upcoming March 30th headlining show at Music Hall of Williamsburg "in celebration of his Reggie Watts Live at Third Man Records record release" has sold out, so they added a 2nd show happening later that same night. Look for tickets to the new show to go AmEx presale Wed at noon, and general sale Friday at noon.

Meanwhile Reggie is headed to Texas where he'll appear at 35 Conferette in Denton followed by a show at SXSW Interactive. And in RELATED news, there's a comedy show happening Tuesday night at Cake Shop that sounds really interesting. Details below...

Continue reading "Reggie Watts sells out MHOW, adds 2nd show & stuff"

Ted Leo doesn't have any real headlining dates scheduled in NYC at the moment, but before he heads out to Texas for SXSW, you can catch him at a special mostly-comedy show at the Pit in NYC at 11pm TONIGHT (3/4) with Todd Barry and Kristen Schaal and 'Night of the Living Dead' host Kurt Braunohler. Tickets are still available.

In somewhat related news, the annual WFMU pledge drive marathon is underway until March 13th. Ted and Carl Newman helped raise funds on the Best Show this past Tuesday (listen in the archives). Yo La Tengo will be on the air tonight. Check out the full schedule. All Ted Leo dates below...

Continue reading "Ted Leo @ the Pit tonight, WFMU pledge drive underway"

Last week Littlefield wasn't listing any more editions of "Hot Tub" on their schedule, but it is in fact back tonight (2/7). Corn Mo, Brent Sullivan, Adam Cayton-Holland, and Free Love Forum will all join Kurt Braunohler (but maybe not Kristen) at the Brooklyn venue this evening. There's also a lineup listed for 2/14 - "Found Footage Festival, Sandra Bauleo, Surprise Guests, + more!" (and Kristen's name is on that bill).

Tonight is also another edition of Kevin Allison's Risk! Storyslam at the Pit, and of course Whiplash at UCB (with Jay Pharoah, Adam Cayton-Holland, Brooke Van Poppelen & Roger Hailes).

Speaking of UCB, the Chris Gethard Show returns to the venue on February 19th. Chris recently returned from a tour that kicked off with some help from Diddy.

Speaking of Diddy (not actually), the great Reggie Watts has announced another big headlining show. Having already sold out Manhattan's Highline Ballroom, his next big NYC conquest will be Brooklyn's Music Hall of Williamsburg on March 30th. Tickets for the "partially seated show" go on sale Friday at noon.

Reggie will also join Eugene Mirman (and Kumail Nanjiani) for a special Boston edition of "Pretty Good Friends" on March 1st. Meanwhile catch the next edition of Mirman's "Pretty Good Friends" at its usual home of Union Hall in Park Slope this Sunday (2/13), and don't miss the extra-large Brooklyn edition coming to the Bell House on 2/27 in honor of Michael Showalter's new book.

And speaking of The Bell House and new books...

TUE 2/8: 8pm / FREE
JON GLASER BOOK RELEASE PARTY
Please join us for an evening of readings and music from Jon Glaser's new book "My Dead Dad Was In ZZ Top" (Harper Perennial), followed by general hanging out good times. Paul Rudd, Scott Adsit, John Hodgman, Zoe Lister-Jones, Ira Kaplan, Jon Hamm, and other special guests are scheduled to appear. Books will be on sale, plus the first 25 people to purchase books receive a special free un-named gift!

Last but not least, Tuesday night live comedy series "Tell Your Friends" (who are advertisng a secret musical guest for this Tuesday's show) are releasing a movie! Trailer (starring Reggie Watts, Kurt Braunohler, Kristen Schaal and many others) and more details below...

Continue reading "Hot Tub, Reggie Watts, Whiplash, Jon Glaser's book, Tell Your Friends the movie, Chris Gethard & more shiat"

Tune in at 11am today (1/31) to catch Stella buds Michael Showalter and Michael Ian Black streaming in Michael Birbiglia's Macys window (which he is still in through Tuesday).

In related comedy news, Michael Showalter is kicking off his "Mr. Funny Pants" tour on February 24th at Barnes & Noble in Union Square with special musical guest Neko Case. He swings back through town mid-tour to hit the Bell House in Brooklyn on 2/27. Tickets are still on sale for that special edition of "Pretty Good Friends" with Eugene Mirman, Reggie Watts, Kumail Nanjiani and special guests ("Please note this show will be mixed seated and standing. For best seat selection please arrive early and use the TicketFast print-at-home ticketing option. ").

Michael and Michael, as many know, used to be on a very funny show called The State along with red head Kevin Allison who is still doing his thing as well. Catch his show called "RISK! STORYSLAM" tonight (1/31) at the Pit at 6pm for FREE. If you miss it, there's always next Monday and the Monday after that and...

Also on Mondays (but much later): Whiplash at UCB. Jon Friedman, Myq Kaplan, Mike DeStefano and Adira Amram will all be there tonight.

Also coming up at the Bell House in Brooklyn: two chances to see "WTF With Marc Maron". Early and late March 10th shows are on sale.

Also coming up at the Bell House:

MON 1/31: 7:30pm doors / FREE

WONDER TWINS & RUSSCOMM PRESENT
THE 2011 BROOKLYN BEARDFEST & STACHE BASH:
NECKBEARD TELECASTER
LOS ENCANTADOS
JON MIZRACHI
BEARD-LESQUE
By members of Storybook Burlesque, featuring:
Magdalena Fox, Victoria Privates, and Jenny C'est Quoi with mustacio'd stage kitten Rosey la Rouge

Finally - a festival for bearded and mustached people and the people who love them! Come celebrate all things beard with us on Monday January 31st as we prepare to enter "Facial Hair February" with beardy bands, mustached DJs, vendors, contests, food and more.

Speaking of tunes, piano-playing comedian Bo Burnham isn't even old enough to drink but he is big enough to headline Best Buy Theater in Times Square on February 4th. Tickets are still on sale. Maybe you caught Bo's special on Comedy Central. If not, it airs again on February 4th and February 11th.

Speaking of Comedy Central, Nick Kroll's special that was taped at Music Hall of Williamsburg aired on Saturday. I don't know when it will air again, but I only caught about 10 minutes and wish I saw the rest - in part because it's fun to see the barely recognizable Brooklyn venue on TV. Meanwhile you can watch two clips below.

Kurt Braunohler and Kristen's next edition of Hot Tub @ Littlefield in Brooklyn (the only remaining Hot Tub on Littlefield's schedule for now) happens tonight (1/31). Their guests include Dan St. Germain, Matt Higgins, Dr. Uke and Daughters, "+ more!"

It won't be long before you see more of Kurt though. He's starting a new talk show at the Pit called "Night of the Living." "This monthly show will feature special house band Adira Amram and the Experience, and bits and sketches from New York City's finest comedians. Come see the beginning of something very cool. And very stupid. Because that's how we like it." Its first episode happens live on February 4th with special guests Eugene Mirman, Jon Glaser, and a secret musical guest. Tickets are on sale.

Daniel Kitson played his final show at St. Ann's Warehouse last night.

Neil Hamburger is touring in February and March. Tickets are on sale for a March 17th Brooklyn show at Knitting Factory with "The Kenny 'K-Strass' Strasser Yo-Yo Extravaganza" and "Major Entertainer Mike H." All tour dates are below....

Continue reading "Michaels in Birbigs' window, Neil Hamburger tour, Beardfest, Bo Burnham, Marc Maron, Nick Kroll, Kurt Braunohler & more"

photos by David Andrako

John F O'Donnell and Claudia Cogan hosted their 5th Annual 50 First Jokes night at the 92YTribeca on January 5th, 2011. The show, which might have been more appropriately titled 57 First Jokes, featured 57 New York based comedians telling the very first joke that they'd written in 2011.

Each comic was given approximately 2 minutes to perform and try out his or her new material. The sold-out show, also produced by O'Donnell and Cogan, was split into 3 acts that each featured approximately 20 comics. A set of pictures from the whole night continues below...

Continue reading "pics of 57 comics telling 57 first jokes"

As hinted, posted and speculated, Bonnie Prince Billy (who plays Town Hall tonight), Kristen Schaal, Kurt Braunohler and Nels Cline (who played LPR one night earlier) all joined Yo La Tengo at Maxwell's on the 7th night of Hanukkah. Full setlist below...

Continue reading "Bonnie Prince Billy & Nels Cline played w/ Yo La Tengo"

As rumored, Mission of Burma stopped by Maxwell's this Hanukkah to be one of Yo La Tengo's eight openers. A full review and set of pictures from last night's show is coming soon, but meanwhile let's figure out what we've got so far:

12/1 - M. Ward, Todd Barry, Nash Kato
12/2 - The Parting Gifts, Jim Gaffigan, members of The Feelies
12/3 - Jeff Tweedy, Eugene Mirman & Kid Congo Powers
12/4 - Syl Johnson, Jon Glaser, Peter Wolf & Ira's mom
12/5 - Mission of Burma & Wyatt Cenac
12/6 - ?
12/7 - ?? & Kurt Braunohler & Kristen Schaal & ??
12/8 - ?

Well, "Anonymous | December 2, 2010 9:31 AM" says that Amy Rigby and Wreckless Eric, who played Bowery Electric on November 12th, announced that they'd be at Monday's show "during their show near d.c." That comment was made four days ago. Since then Wreckless Eric made a surprise last minute appearance at Home Sweet Home Friday night. BUT, "Anonymous | December 6, 2010 11:10 AM" says "Tonight's opener is Mofongo, despite the apparent info that Wreckless Eric and Amy Rigby would open. Perhaps Eric and Amy are the encore guests."

note that the proper spelling is: Mofungo

It should also be noted that Bonnie Prince Billy plays Town Hall Wedneday
(tickets are still on sale).

Last night's setlist is below...

Continue reading "Who has opened for Yo La Tengo so far? (Mission of Burma) Who still will? (Mofungo? Wreckless Eric?)"

Todd Barry @ Fun Fun Fun Fest 2010 (more by Tim Griffin)

Want to laugh Tuesday night? Head over to Lolita Bar at Broome and Allen for another edition of "Tell Your Friends!". This week's special guests include HANNIBAL BURESS (who performs a free show every Sunday at Knitting Factory) (and who recently opened for Aziz Ansari at Beacon Theater), LIAM McENEANEY, ANDY DE LA TOUR, and a "MYSTERY GUEST" who "is doing a big big show later in the week, and can't be advertised for this. He appears all over television and films, though, and this may be your last chance to see him in a basement before he's too famous for our show. - A MUST SEE!" Hmm.

Speaking of a big big show later in the week, Nick Kroll's two tapings at Music Hall of Williamsburg take place this Thursday, 11/18.

Nick also did a show at UCB tonight/Monday right before Whiplash (with special guest Mike Birbiglia). How was that? Whiplash takes place every Monday.

MGMT's Andrew VanWyngarden will be a guest at the live broadcast of WFMU's comedy/variety show "Seven Second Delay" at UCB Theatre on Wednesday (11/17). $5.00 tickets are still on sale, though note that he won't be performing. They'll be interviewing him, but they promise they have a couple of surprises planned. Other guests appearing on the same show: former New York Times Ombudsman Dan Okrent, and author / gambling expert / former bookie Beth Raymer.

That WFMU thing is early - like 6pm. Stick around after for an edition of Joe Mande and Noah Garfinkel's Totally J/K with special guests Hari Kondabalu (Comedy Central Presents), Greg Johnson (Sirius/XM Radio) "& more!" Then stay even longer, cause Joe Mande is also part of the show right after that too. Anthony Atamanuik, John Flynn & Ed Gavagan also perform in "The Nights of Our Lives"

Much like Pee Wee Herman, Colin Quinn has a new show on Broadway (which is directed by Jerry Seinfeld) (the Colin show) (Jerry didn't direct the Pee Wee show). We are giving away tickets to see Pee Wee. The Apiary has a pair up for grabs to see Colin.

What about Eugene Mirman you ask? Well, in addition to stuff we've mentioned in the past and his somewhat regularly scheduled Sunday night shows at Union Hall, you can catch him along with John Roderick (as Santa Claus), A.C. Newman, John Hodgman, Gary Shteyngart, and Ollabelle on December 17th at City Winery for the next edition of John Wesley Harding's Cabinet of Wonders. Tickets are on sale.

You will also find Eugene Mirman at the Bell House on December 12th for "Pretty Good Friends (formerly Tearing the Veil of Maya) End of the Year Holiday Blowout" with Kristen Schaal, Jon Glaser and "more to be announced." Tickets are on sale.

Speaking of Kristen Schaal, was she at Littlefield last night/tonight/Monday night for "Hot Tub with Kurt"? It's unclear from the listings whether Kurt Braunohler is doing "Hot Tub" without her every Monday night through 11/29. Upcoming listed guests include Wyatt Cenac, Laura Krafft, Dan Friel, Jon Friedman, Liam McEneaney, and Chris Rozzi.

Patton Oswalt has four shows coming up at Caroline's - two on January 7th and two on January 8th. Tickets are on sale.

Last but not least, after postponing the original date, honorary Juggalo Gallagher will appear at Gramercy Theatre on April 8th. Tickets are on sale.

Continue reading "Andrew VanWyngarden, secret guests, John Roderick as Santa, Dan Friel, AC Newman & other upcoming comedy shows"

by Klaus Kinski

Nick Kroll

When Rififi shuttered it's doors back in 2008, the part of my brain that required comedy in order for me to live also shuttered itself, though not completely. I did, and still do, continue to see comedy, but for some reason when the Rififi option was off the table, my zeal plummeted to a dangerous low and I psychologically couldn't overcome it. Melodramatic, huh? Yeah. Rififi exposed me to bazillions of comedians who to this day I still regard as favorites, but one favorite who I haven't seen much of since Rififi's closure is Nick Kroll.

Nick is part of a gaggle of comedians, including Jon Daly, Brett Gelman, and John Gemberling, who kill me not so much for their stand-up prowess (though, they don't lack in that department) but more for the insanely funny characters they come up with and perform as on stage and in videos.

Nick's characters include Bobby Bottleservice (1/2 of the Ed Hardy Boyz), a Rich Dick, and Fabrice Fabrice, among others. I cannot remember the last time I saw Nick live, so I was chuffed to see that he is doing two Comedy Central tapings at the Music Hall of Williamsburg on November 18th, early and late. These tapings will amount to a future 1 Hour Nick Kroll comedy special called Thank You Very Cool. I don't know what to expect, but I am hoping it will feature both stand-up and sketch material. Get your tickets! For serious.

In other, closer-to-now-shows-news, did you get your tickets to see Kristen Schaal, Kurt Braunohler, and Reggie Watts at NYU's Skirball Center this evening (10/21)? It carries with it a $25 price tag, but if you've got it spend it! You have to support your local favorites when they hit the larger stages people. Be loyal, not a dicknose. Oh, and you also might be able to get in to this one with your CMJ badge.

OK. Fine. I totally get it. You were a good pup and bought your tickets to tonight's comedy-free BrooklynVegan CMJ showcase happening at the Music Hall of Williamsburg. That was a smart move, and I now see why you didn't buy your tickets to see Ms. Schaal, Mr. Braunohler, and Mr. Watts at Skirball tonight.

So, since you missed the show at Skirball tonight, you should be happy to know that you can still see Reggie Watts for FREE at the BrooklynVegan and Converse FREE Saturday Party that's happening at Public Assembly from 12:00pm - 6:00pm.

Once you've had your fill of beer and other free goodies Saturday, you and your buddies are going to hop in a cab and head over to Union Hall for the Heart of Darkness: A Night of Forgiveness and Salvation CMJ show that features Greg Barris, Reggie Watts (again!), Kurt Braunohler, Dave Hill (who's band Diamondsnake has a show coming up at Mercury Lounge), and Kristen Schaal. There will also be music by The You Are Forgiven Choir featuring Ariel East, Mother of Three and New Beard. Tickets are only $10 and are, inexplicably, STILL AVAILABLE.

So tonight, Tivo Night of Too Many Stars and rock your socks off with BV at the Music Hall. And then on Saturday, see a ton of comedy and music, drink for free, and go to bed happy for a mere $10.

flyers and videos below...

Continue reading "comedy at CMJ, a Nick Kroll taping and MORE!"

words & photos by David Andrako

Daniel Kitson / Jim Gaffigan

The 2nd night of the Eugene Mirman Comedy Festival (read about the first here) featured two shows: "Montreal Callbacks" and a super sized "Invite Them Up."

The first show of the evening was held at Union Hall and was billed as "Montreal Callbacks" - a reference to the Montreal Comedy Festival. Kurt Braunohler began the show with a brief set before he assumed the role of host for the evening. The night featured young stand-ups many of whom can be found performing weekly at clubs in Manhattan and Brooklyn. Mike Lawrence, Greg Johnson, Max Silvestri, Andrea Rosen, Ken Reid, Dan St. Germain and Hannibal Buress.

Highlights of the show included Ken Reid's set, which featured stories of his "white trash" childhood growing up in Massachusetts, Dan St. Germain's self depreciating tales of living in Brooklyn and Andrea Rosen recounting awkward encounters with celebrities and long lost friends. I caught the first few minutes of always great Hannibal Buress's set before heading off to The Bell House for the second show of the night.

Invite Them Up, the much beloved weekly comedy show that Eugene was involved with from 2005-2008 returned for a sold out performance at The Bell House. The show was again hosted by Bobby Tisdale, and featured performances by ITU co-host (and the host of the night) Eugene Mirman, A.D. Miles, , Maeve Higgins, Morgan Murphy, Reggie Watts, Daniel Kitson and special guest, Jim Gaffigan.

Jim Gaffigan, who headlines SIX shows at the Best Buy (formerly Nokia) Theater in December, was greeted with some of the loudest cheers of the evening and the fact that the comics from the earlier show had made their way down to The Bell House to watch his set from the back of the room speaks to his status as a massively respected comedian. His unannounced appearance strengthened an already packed show.

Daniel Kitson, the British stand-up and storyteller, ended the show with an hour long set that featured some impressive crowd work and allowed him to display his razor sharp commentary and lightning fast wit. After admitting that he "didn't have the professionalism to be a middle act," Kitson launched into quizzing audience members on their names and occupations only to later weave them all together in a freestyle rant comparing audience members to each other. In addition to his biting commentary, he wasn't afraid to display his vulnerability explaining that, "I'm quite lonely and I live alone. This is my chance to chat." He also addressed his stutter, which was apparent during his performance. At the age of 33, his stand-up act is impressive and made even more impressive by the fact that Kitson has turned down most television work in the US and Britain. He has performed both story shows and stand-up at the past eleven Edinburgh Fringe Festivals.

The 2010 Eugene Mirman Comedy Festival concludes Sunday night. Read about Thursday night HERE. More pictures from Friday below...

Continue reading "Jim Gaffigan showed up & Daniel Kitson was there at night 2 of the Eugene Mirman Comedy Fest (pics & review) "

photos by David Andrako

Fort Greene Park - Sept 14, 2010

The Eugene Mirman Comedy Festival kicks off tonight (9/16) at The Bell House and other venues. One of the performers you'll find on Friday's bill is the multi-talented Reggie Watts. Hopefully you have a ticket for that one though, because that is actually one of the two Bell House shows that is already sold out. Four of them, including the one Yo La Tengo is showing up at, still have tickets though.

You can also now buy a ticket for a comedic CMJ show taking place at Union Hall on Saturday, October 23rd, which also features Reggie Watts:

SAT 10/23: 8pm Doors / $10 ADV / $12 DOS
2010 CMJ Music Marathon
HEART OF DARKNESS: A NIGHT OF FORGIVENESS AND SALVATION
FEATURING COMEDIANS:
GREG BARRIS, REGGIE WATTS, KURT BRAUNOHLER, DAVE HILL AND KRISTEN SCHAAL
Music by The You Are Forgiven Choir featuring Ariel East, Mother of Three and New Beard

Naomi Shelton & the Gospel Queens and Reggie Watts played a free show in Brooklyn's Fort Greene Park on Tuesday night (9/14). According to David Andrako, the mixing of gospel and comedy worked out wonderfully. A set of pictures from that outdoor event continues below...

Continue reading "Reggie Watts played Fort Greene Park w/ Naomi Shelton (pics), playing Mirman Fest & CMJ (dates) "

by Klaus Kinski

As I get older, I just I don't have the wherewithal to see as much comedy as I should. It's really depressing. There are so many goddamned GREAT comedy shows happening in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and even Queens that rather than pick one to go to, my brain shuts down and says "Just go home and watch Wheeler Dealers on the ole DVR, KK." It was easier to decide when Rififi was around. So thank Cod there's a yearly comedy festival in Brooklyntown that brings my ever flabbening body out of hibernation and reacquaints me with a sliver of the current roster of the greatest living comedians. That festival is the Eugene Mirman Comedy Festival, and this year it takes place from September 16th - September 19th and will impregnate The Bell House, The Rock Shop, and Union Hall (or as I like to call them, the most annoying venues to go if you don't have kids or play bocce) with its comedy seedlings.

As with previous years, the 2010 Eugene Mirman Comedy Festival brings together a supremely jaw-dropping group of comedians and performers. What can one expect? Oh, I don't know. Maybe (definitely) Emo Philips, Daniel Kitson, Jon Glaser, Max Silvestri, David Cross, Jon Benjamin, Kristen Schaal, Kurt Braunohler, Yo La Tengo, John Wesley Harding, Sarah Vowell, John Mulaney, and so many more I'm liable to puke with glee should I continue. What am I most looking forward to? Thanks for asking! I'd have to say it's a toss up between the bill Yo La Tengo falls on and a rare Tinkle performance (without Todd Barry, sadly)(although, Todd is opening for Superchunk at MHOW on September 19th, so that's something) (sold out though) (probably because Todd is on the bill).

The festival line-up will be tweaked, added onto, emboldened, modified, and made better as we make our way to the opening date, but have a gander at what's already planned below. In the immortal words of the person who put the roster together for me, "This is what's happening; but not everything that's happening". Ticket info to follow, but many shows will be on sale in advance. Also, please see a message from enfant terrible David Cross below...

Continue reading "the 2010 Eugene Mirman Comedy Festival is coming"