by Klaus Kinski and Kurt Braunohler

This installment of Klaus Kinski Bugging Funny People He Adores For Their Top 10 Favorite Things of 2012 brings us face to face with the great comedic tornado that is Kurt Braunohler. Kurt entered a cherished spot in my heart chambers many many years ago when I first saw him performing with Kristen Schall somewhere. Since then I've seen him do stand-up and sketch type stuff alone or with Kristen no less than 70 million times and he has never, ever, never ever not brought his A-Game to the stage (a favorite bit, btw). His resume is extensive. Kurt has been seen (or heard) on TV on Bob's Burgers (FOX), Chelsea Lately, Delocated (Adult Swim), John Oliver's NY Stand Up Show, The Heart She Holler (Adult Swim), Comedy Central Presents, Jon Benjamin Has a Van (Comedy Central), Assy McGee (Adult Swim), Human Giant (MTV) and the anti-game show he hosts, BUNK! on IFC. He can also be heard on the radio on This American Life.

As far as stages, Kurt has performed at the HBO US Comedy Arts Festival, Just for Laughs Comedy Festival in Montreal and Chicago, New York Comedy Festival (named a "Comic to Watch"), SXSW, Bonaroo, All Tomorrow's Parties, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival (IF.Comedy Award nominee), Melbourne Comedy Festival (Barry Award Winner), the HBO Vegas Comedy Festival, the Chicago Improv Festival ("Improv Ensemble of the Year" Award Winner) and he once performed at Radio City Music Hall, but only because his comedy partner (Schall) is pretty famous. And who can forget the awesome web series Penelope: Princess of Pets? Or the fact that he hosted Hot Tub with Kristen Schaal for 7 years? Do you like wunderkinds? Then you will LOVE KURT!

Kurt's list of favorite albums from this year, brought to life with my htmling and youtube embeddings, as well as a list of upcoming Kurt tour dates (no NYC), are yours to enjoy. BELOW.

Continue reading "Kurt Braunohler's Top 10 Albums of 2012 ++ upcoming dates"

Craig Finn w/ The Hold Steady in NYC in 2011 (more by Amanda Hatfield)

Listen to the references he makes in his lyrics or read an interview with him and you know that Craig Finn (of The Hold Steady) has a wide range of taste, and that isn't lost on his list of the top ten records of 2012, which bounces from underground rapper El-P to folk legend Bill Fay to non-stop rockers Japandroids. Of the list, Craig says, "A lot of my friends made really great records this year. To keep myself sane, I've created a list of my top ten records by people I don't know personally. Compiled quickly, probably with some ommisions." You can check the whole thing out below.

Craig will be taking part of the Soundtrack Series in NYC at Le Poisson Rouge this Friday (11/30) along with Cynthia Kaplan, Jenny Rubin, Daniel Ralston, Steve Zimmer, and host Dana Rossi. The event description reads, "Five artists-writers, comics, actors and musicians-tell the stories they forever connect with songs from their past. There's the song, the story behind the song, and the story inspired by the song. We're the third one." Craig will be doing his on "I Will Dare" by the Replacements. Tickets for that are on sale now.

Meanwhile watch Craig on the Chris Gethard show TONIGHT (11/28).

As mentioned, The Hold Steady will play Wellmont Theatre on New Year's Eve with Lucero. Since we last spoke, comedian Kurt Braunohler has been added to that bill as well. Tickets for the show are still available.

Craig Finn's top 10 albums of 2012 list is below...

Continue reading "Craig Finn lists his top 10 albums of 2012, appearing at 'Soundtrack Series' at LPR (and New Year's Eve in NJ)"

Ben Gibbard at Hi-Fi Bar in October (more by Amanda Hatfield)

Death Cab for Cutie frontman Ben GIbbard, who played a single intimate show in NYC during CMJ, kicked off his tour with Advance Base in Minneapolis last week and they're set to hit NYC TONIGHT (11/5) at Town Hall. Tickets for tonight's show are still available.

Ben also just recently released a video for "Teardrop Windows" off of his debut album, Former Lives (out now via Barsuk), which was directed by Tom Scharpling, who also recently directed videos for Aimee Mann, Nude Beach, and others. The video stars comedian Kurt Braunohler, who plays a record label executive that tries to turn Ben into a "bad boy." Check out that video and an updated list of dates below.

Continue reading "Ben Gibbard is here, has a new Tom Scharpling-directed video"

Miguel at MoMA PS1 in August (more by Leia Jospe)

today in NYC
* Whiplash @ UCB
* Brain Cloud @ Barbes
* Hot Tub @ Littlefield
* Ka'a Davis @ The Stone
* John and Scott @ UCB
* Jay-Z @ Barclays Center
* Miguel @ Bowery Ballroom
* Jarrod Spector @ Joe's Pub
* Dum Dum Girls @ Other Music
* Allen Toussaint @ City Winery
* CC Carena, Sugar Life @ Zebulon
* Stephane Wrembel @ Empire Rooftop
* The Campilongo Quartet @ Living Room
* Floating Action, Bird Dog @ Mercury Lounge
* Paper Route, Alexander Howard @ Mercury Lounge
* Bob Log III, Cheap Time, Ex-Humans @ Glasslands
* Tony Scherr Trio w/ Anton Fier and Rob Jost @ Living Room
* Public Forum Duet: Alec Baldwin and David Brooks @ Joe's Pub
* Ray Manzarek & Robby Krieger (of The Doors) @ Tarrytown Music Hall

If you missed Dum Dum Girls at Europa last night, you have another chance to catch them today, and for free inside Other Music.

The one and only Bob Log III is on tour with Cheap Time and plays a show in Williamsburg at Glasslands tonight. Stop by and have a boob scotch or two.

First Kristen left, and now 'Hot Tub' is coming to an end. Tonight is the FINAL HOT TUB WITH KURT BRAUNOHLER! at Littlefield and the guests are Eugene Mirman, James Adomian, Marcus Monroe, and Nick Turner.

Speaking of, did you catch the season 3 premiere episode of Bob's Burgers after the Simpsons last night? If you didn't know, Eugene Mirman is the voice of Gene Belcher, Kristen Schaal is Louise Belcher, and last night's episode had Kurt on it too.

Miguel's album, Kaleidoscope Dream, is out this week (10/2) and he plays Bowery Ballroom tonight. If you haven't already, you can stream it at NPR.

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NPR is also hosting the stream for the new Tame Impala album, Lonerism (due out 10/9 via Modular). You can also now pre-order the deluxe edition. The band's tour will hit NYC for two shows in November.

Pharoahe Monch posted the "trailer for DAMAGE off the forthcoming multimedia deployment PTSD presented by Pharoahe Monch & W.A.R Media. Damage is the 3rd installment of Pharoahe Monch's personification of the bullet. (1. Stray Bullet 2. When the Gun Draws)". Watch below.

Bat for Lashes made a video for the song "All Your Gold" off of her upcoming album, The Haunted Man (due out 10/23 via Capitol). Check it out below.

What else?

Continue reading "What's going on Monday?"

photos by David Andrako, words by Andrew Frisicano

Phillip Glass & Frank Ocean

The first ATP NY festival within New York City limits, also known as "I'll Be Your Mirror USA", kicked off Friday night (9/21) at Pier 36 in Manhattan. The opening night featured a typically eclectic mix of acts: comedians Kurt Braunholer, Hannibal Buress and Janeane Garofalo, and musicians Lightning Bolt, Edan the DJ (filling in for Lee Ranaldo And Leah Singer, who canceled for "unresolvable technical issues"), Philip Glass and Tyondai Braxton (they played together), and Frank Ocean. Glass (piano) and Braxton (guitar, then synth) kept their set on the short side, performing Glass's "Étude No. 1" followed by No. 2 and No. 10 (which elicited cheers from the audience when announced). Quite a few people no doubt came just for the Glass performance, perhaps as a companion to his Einstein on the Beach opera currently running at BAM, but those same people seemed open to the following set by Frank Ocean (who had plenty of his own devotees in the house). Ocean, backed by a rich-sounding four-piece, played his way through a mostly Channel Orange set, with some Nostalgia/ultra songs thrown in and new opening track "Summer Remains." His songs, crisp on record, lend themselves to a live-band staging and the musicians dug into the grooves adding some supremely funky moments to the already hooky tracks. You can see his full setlist below.

The organizers did their best to give Pier 36, an expo space on the East River, a cozy feel for the festival. The two-stage set up features one platform outside, facing away from the FDR highway and surrounded by food trucks and porta potties. Inside, the massive hall was outfitted with a layer of carpet and couches and chairs along the walls for those needing a rest (this weekend's schedule runs 12 hours each day). Along the water, the Queen of Hearts (with a movie screen on board) was docked next to another outdoor area out back. Movies run all day, and there are beanbags in there, but you might want to stay away if you get seasick easily.

One girl we talked to in the crowd was in town from the UK and bought tickets just to see Frank Ocean for the first time. But she got there in time to see Lightning Bolt who, like the rest of the music before Frank on the bill, she ended up despising. Kudos to ATP for even getting her in front of a noise rock band though.

ATP day two, which fest co-curator Greg Dulli's band the Afghan Whigs is co-headlining along with The Roots, is already underway. Check out the slightly-outdated schedule HERE, and a picture of the current schedule (which you can print) below. Schedules are also available at the door, AS ARE TICKETS.

More pictures from day one, and Frank's full setlist, below...

Continue reading "ATP NYC -- day 1 pics, review & setlists (Frank Ocean, Philip Glass & Tyondai Braxton, Lightning Bolt & more)"

The first-ever ATP NY happened back in 2008, but up in the Catskills. That lasted three glorious years before moving to Asbury Park last year. Asbury Park was also great, but wasn't in the cards for 2012 so ATP moved the festival to NYC where it happens THIS WEEKEND at Pier 36 (you can see the location in the map above). Today's schedule looks like this:

Friday 21st September
Festival opens - 6.00pm

Stage 1:
Lightning Bolt - 8.30pm-9.00pm
Lee Ranaldo And Leah Singer Edan The Dee Jay - 9.15pm-10.15pm
Philip Glass And Tyondai Braxton - 10.45pm-11.15pm
Frank Ocean - 11.45pm-1.00am

Stage 2:
Kurt Braunholer - 7.05pm-7.25pm
Hannibal Buress - 7.30pm-7.55pm
Janeane Garofalo - 8.00pm-8.30pm

Films On Queen Of Hearts:
Koyaanisqatsi - 8.00pm
Quadrophenia - 10.00pm (featuring the brand new surround mix made by the Who)
+ Edan The Dee Jay

Poor Kurt B. And hopefully that 30 minute break between Glass and Ocean is enough time for the awkward changeover to happen. I mean, I love Frank and Philip, but I'm afraid that A LOT of Frank fans will be showing up just for his set, and many of them will have very little interest in the rest of the lineup, especially music you need to be very quiet during. Check out the full, three-day SCHEDULE. Get your TICKETS (THEY WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE DOOR).

UPDATE: Lee Ranaldo has been replaced by Edan (a DJ who is also DJing later in the film room). We also recently found out Chavez was replaced by JEFF the Brotherhood on Saturday.

Listen to some music below...

Continue reading "ATP NYC, the first-ever, begins today"

The Greg Dulli-curated ATP NY is this weekend (9/21 - 9/23) and organizers just released the schedule which you can check out below. Music (and comedy on Friday) happens on two stages with films, talks and bingo taking place on the Queen of Hearts boat which is docked just nearby. If you're wondering, Frank Ocean is at 11:45 PM on Friday. Also, Chavez dropped and and have been replaced by JEFF the Brotherhood (Sat. 9/22 7 PM).

Tickets are still available to all three days which can be gotten online or at Other Music. Peruse the full schedule below, perhaps while listening to the ATP mixtape that Greg Dulli made for us.

Continue reading "ATP NY 2012: full schedule"

photos by David Andrako and Chris La Putt

Kristen Schaal w/ Mad Men's Jon Hamm dressed up as the Big Apple

As mentioned, NYC comedian and actress Kristen Schaal (who plays Symphony Space in NYC tonight, 7/24) is moving to Los Angeles, which is sad or all of us, but probably great for her because she's surely moving on to exciting things. On Thursday (7/19), Kristen joined Eugene Mirman, Mike Birbiglia, Kurt Braunholer, John Oliver, Bobcat Goldthwait and musical guests OK GO at the new Williamsburg Park for a giant and free edition of "Pretty Good Friends" where Kristen's pretty good friends, special guest Jon Hamm included, helped wish her goodbye (You may remember Kristen was in Mad Men's first episode). Jon Hamm appeared as the Big Apple, as you can see in the picture above. More pictues from the whole show (Williamburg Park's 2nd-ever show) (it was supposed to be the third), backstage included, below...

Continue reading "Jon Hamm, Bobcat Goldthwait, OK Go & more helped say goodbye to Kristen Schaal @ Williamsburg Park (pics)"

by Klaus Kinski

Eugene Mirman at The Bell House, Sept. 2011 (more by David Andrako)

I mentioned some upcoming comedy-type events yesterday, but here are a few more shows of note that I forgot to mention. On Wednesday August 1st, 826NYC will play host to an event called 826NYC Presents Dueling Bingo. 826NYC is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting students ages 6-18 with their creative and expository writing skills, and to helping teachers inspire their students to write. At the event, whose goal is to raise money for 826NYC and their various endeavors...

...you will go head to head against other players, including actress Catherine Keener, comedian Eugene Mirman, author Sarah Vowell, writer and producer Eric Gilliland, actor Scott Adsit, actress Kathy Najimy, and actor and musician Dan Finnerty to win fabulous prizes while supporting the free literacy programs of 826NYC.

There is a $25 registration fee and you must raise at least $100 to qualify for play. This event floats my boat on three levels. First off, I am a huge proponent of literacy in young adults and children. True imagination and articulate minds are a dying commodity and if we don't perpetuate the cycle of literacy we don't have much of a future people. Second, good line-up! Scott Adsit dude! Eugene Mirman! The voice of Peggy Hill! NO DOUBT this is going to be hella fun. Lastly, I LOVE BINGO! Back when I was a young man living in small town USA I used to sometimes go to my local Elks Lodge on Bingo night and play along with the old timers. They were a quiet lot when the numbers were being called, but between games and during snacktime... man, the stories they'd tell! They even let me take pictures during gameplay one night back in 1998. Instill the desire to learn in the young and respect your elders people!

Not feeling charitable but still want something funny to entertain yourself with on August 1st? Then perhaps you should head over to the Bell House! For on August 1st, the Bell House will play host to TELL YOUR FRIENDS! SUMMER FUN SPLASHTACULAR! The show will be hosted by the great Liam Mceneaney and feature Janeane Garofalo, Wyatt Cenac, Todd Barry, and musical guest The Starlight Girls.

Symphony Space, where I suffered permanent hearing damage during a Melvins/Keiji Haino live scoring of Cameron Jamie films, is a wonderful place with fantastically diverse programming. Comedy is a solid part of their repertoire and has been for quite some time. The comedic tradition continues on Tuesday July 24th when they present another in their ongoing and absolutely fucking hilarious series Uptown Showdown, this time featuring Kristen Schall, Kurt Braunohler, Christian Finnegan, Myq Kaplan, Bob Powers, and Matthew Love this time debating the topic of BABIES vs OLD PEOPLE.

Every other month Uptown Showdown brings together two teams of comedians, writers and performers to go head-to-head on a variety of topics, such as which pet is superior cats or dogs and is it better to be comfortable or fashionable? Debaters will argue these lingering questions, drawing from historical fact and personal opinion in equal measure, and with plenty of audience participation. Forget about school reform and health care, these issues, heatedly argued by some of the funniest, smartest, intensely wacky creative thinkers around, are the topics that keep us awake at night....in a good way. Winner decided by the audience.

Tickets to this awesome show are on sale now. But don't dilly-dally. Get one or several ASAP! Symphony Space is such a great place to see a show; comfy seats, perfect sightlines no matter where you are, clean lavs... the works!

Last and least, we're sad to hear that Kristen Schaal is moving to LA (so catch her in NYC while you can!). Six days after the Symphony Space shows she plays what will be her LAST-ever Hot Tub with Kurt at Littlefield. Her and Kurt are also at Williamsburg Park this Thursday. NYC isn't going to be the same.

by Klaus Kinski

'Pretty Good Friends' at Williamsburg Waterfront, 2011 (more by David Andrako)

I wish so badly that summer was almost over because this heat is basically killing me softly and enveloping me in depression and heat-related anxiety. By the time I get to work I'm as sweaty as Michael Moore after 8 hours of mowing lawns and people are all "Are you ok?" because they think I'm dying right before their eyes. Sadly, the reality that summer has hardly begun was made apparent when I realized that the concerts at Williamsburg Park kick off TONIGHT with the Outlaw Roadshow featuring Counting Crows, We Are Augustines, Field Report, and Kasey Anderson & the Honkies. Outlaw?! The fuck?! Yeah. Sure. Whatever, millionaires. Nothing says 'outlaw' like having a record that went 7× Platinum in both Canada and the United States.

I digress. What REALLY has me cranked is that Pretty Good Friends take their show from the tiny basement of Union Hall and return to the Waterfront again this year for a show on Thursday July 19th. This year's line-up is epic! Eugene Mirman will be joined by friends Kristen Schaal, Kurt Braunohler, the legendary Bobcat Goldthwait, music by OK Go and many surprises! (And hopefully no torrential downpours like last year.) For me, the main event is Bobcat. Over the past several years he has evolved from type-cast goofball character actor to acclaimed director, writer, and comedian. This is a rare treat for NYC and THE SHOW IS TOTALLY FREE! More Kurt Braunohler dates below...

I was out of town on Wednesday July 11th working on my tan and looking super hot and shiny on a beach which means I sadly missed BOB ODENKIRK and UCB PALS: A LOAD OF HOOEY! at the UCB Theater, Chelsea. This is a major heartbreaker for yours truly as Bob happens to be one of my idols, and seeing him perform in the flesh in NYC is beyond rare. Like, never happens. What makes it more painful was that his "pals" included the much loved/hated David Cross, Bob's partner in crime for many many years. I was gnashing my teeth at the idea that I missed a once in a life time reunion, but David quelled my anxiety with the following words on his facebook page.

Also, get your socks psyched for Bob and I to put something together for a low-key mini-tour of grandiose fucking around. We've been doing things with each other (not in a Penn State way) and they have been really fun and very well-recieved. I just jumped on a show he did at UCB here in NY last week. Super fun. So we'll be doing more of that hopefully late fall/early winter. Again, something very low-key, not a big production and in smaller theaters. Like 500 seaters, something like that. Keep it intimate.

Commence the high-fiving everyone! In the meantime, David will be hitting the road for a handful of dates. He's also gettin hitched; sorry ladies. And gentlemen. Anyhow, check out his scheduled, ok-to-publish publicized appearances below. With any luck, he'll be working out his material in small rooms all over NYC in the days leading up to these shows!

The Gramercy Theater on 23rd street is no stranger to awesome comedy events, and if I'm to believe what I read in my inbox the pattern continues. On Sunday August 19th, Klaus favorite Doug Benson will take over the Gramercy Theater for a whopping TWO SHOWS! First, The Benson Interruption Live Podcast will tear the roof off the place at 4:20PM. I LOVE THE INTERRUPTION. The premise is simple; Doug has his favorite comedy friends do stand-up while he sits there and derails their entire set. The results are some of the funniest shit I've ever seen. Once the place cools down and clears out, the doors will re-open at 7:00pm for Doug Loves Movies. This is a KILLER day of comedy in one spacious, air conditioned venue. If you're like me you're gonna want to go ahead and pick up the Official Doug Benson Combo Pass and make seeing both shows a total cinch.

And speaking of comedy at the Gramercy, Klaus favorite Pete Holmes just announced a show there on Friday December 21st. Tickets go on sale Friday July 20th at noon! Check out this website for more upcoming show info.

Oh and speaking of the Gramercy Theater and Klaus favorites, Klaus SUPER FAVORITE Todd Barry recently recorded a live album at the Gramercy Theater. Titled "Super Crazy," you can watch the performance on Comedy Central Saturday July 21st at 11pm. If you don't have a DVR, Comedy Central, friends with Comedy Central, or have other reasons why you can't see the special on the TV which are none of my business, Comedy Central Home Entertainment will release the "Todd Barry: Super Crazy" extended and uncensored DVD and Comedy Central Records will release the extended and uncensored CD and Digital Album on July 24. The CD fairy left a copy in my mailbox and, lemme tell you, it is fucking hilarious. Classic Todd.

Tour dates for Kurt Braunohler, David Cross, and Todd Barry are listed below.

Continue reading "Pretty Good Friends, Bobcat Goldthwait, Bob & David, Doug Benson, Todd Barry, Pete Holmes & more comedy news"

That didn't take long. Last night we posted it as a rumor. Today it is confirmed (removal of Louis CK included):

ATP Concerts today announce the relocation of this September's New Jersey based I'll Be Your Mirror festival event to Pier 36 in Manhattan, New York.

Pier 36 was the intended home for I'll Be Your Mirror beginning in 2013 - but due to unavoidable logistical concerns (along with a lack of available fan accommodations in Asbury Park), ATP has decided to move there for this year's event.

New additions to the festival today include: Philip Glass & Tyondai Braxton, Janeane Garofalo, Lightning Bolt, Lee Ranaldo, Chavez, Kurt Braunohler, Afterhours, Joseph Arthur, Godspeed You! Black Emperor, The Album Leaf, The Psychic Paramount, Braids, Tall Firs, Blanck Mass, Endless Boogie, Demdike Stare and DJ Jonathan Toubin with more to be added to all three days - see below for more info on the new additions...

Some artists who are unable to play the new location - the following statement comes from Louis CK's management:

"Louis CK who was originally scheduled for the Asbury Park event will not be performing at ATP in Manhattan due to scheduling conflicts. Check louisck.com for info about his tour schedule."

Sharon Van Etten, Reigning Sound and Factory Floor will also not be available to perform. All other previously announced artists will perform as originally scheduled.

"We hope that the new venue will make for an incredible event and open up many other accommodation options to fans who were unable to find rooms in Asbury Park," comments ATP's Barry Hogan. "We sincerely apologise to those inconvenienced by the move and hope that any problems caused may be minimised by the relatively small distance between the two locations. Anyone who is unable to attend due to the move or due to the cancellation of Louis CK can claim a full refund by contacting their ticket agent between now and July 31st."

Pier 36 is a new indoor venue sitting on the edge of the East River between the Manhattan & Williamsburg Bridges - it's outside area boasts glorious views of Brooklyn and the Statue of Liberty.

The Saturday night of this year's festival will be headlined by The Afghan Whigs (who have reunited after a 13 year hiatus) and curated by their frontman Greg Dulli, with ATP curating the Friday and Sunday nights.

Tickets are on sale now via ATPfestival.com priced at $199 for the Weekend, with Day Passes also newly available priced at $60 for Friday & $75 for Saturday/Sunday.

Full information on the additions to all three days of the line-up...

Friday will feature both music and comedy - we can now announce a musical headliner for Friday, as esteemed composer PHILIP GLASS teams up with TYONDAI BRAXTON (former Battles frontman) for a completely unprecedented live collaboration. Other stellar additions to the day's musical line-up are LIGHTNING BOLT - one of the world's most unmissable live acts, and LEE RANALDO of Sonic Youth. Joining the Friday on the Comedy stage is none other than standup/actress JANEANE GAROFALO, newcomer KURT BRAUNOHLER, with more to be confirmed. Friday tickets cost $60.

Saturday, headlined by THE AFGHAN WHIGS and featuring a stellar list of artists chosen by the Whigs' frontman Greg Dulli, has three new artists. First up are alternative rock band CHAVEZ, who returned to the live arena in the last few years to much acclaim, and they're joined by Italy's AFTERHOURS (past collaborators with Greg Dulli) and Ohio based singer/songwriter JOSEPH ARTHUR. They join the previously announced Saturday line-up of The Afghan Whigs, The Roots, José González, Mark Lanegan Band, Dirty Three, The Antlers, The Dirtbombs, Scrawl, Emeralds, Vetiver, Charles Bradley And The Extraordinaires and DJ Questlove with more to be confirmed. Tickets for this day cost $75.

Sunday will be headlined by one of the incomparable live shows from legendary Canadian post-rock pioneers GODSPEED YOU! BLACK EMPEROR. Also newly confirmed are Canada's fantastic BRAIDS, Britain's DEMDIKE STARE and BLANCK MASS (feat Benjamin Power of F**k Buttons), intense New York post-rock from THE PSYCHIC PARAMOUNT, a return ATP performance from THE ALBUM LEAF, cult rock quartet ENDLESS BOOGIE, alt folk duo TALL FIRS, and DJ JONATHAN TOUBIN. They join the previously announced Sunday line-up of The Make-Up, Hot Snakes, The Magic Band, Autolux, Thee Oh Sees, I Break Horses and Quintron And Miss Pussycat (moving to this day from Saturday) with more to be confirmed. Sunday tickets cost $75.

As well as the live music line-up and comedy on the Friday, our friends at The Criterion Collection will return to run the Cinema across the weekend. All three days feature DJs and other activities to be confirmed in the months ahead. Each day runs from noon-midnight.

Whether this is related to ATP filing for liquidation or not is not 100% clear (but who really cares). Updated ATP NYC lineup below...

Continue reading "confirmed: ATP moves from Asbury Park to NYC, adds artists"

by Klaus Kinski

In today's "Oh yeah, that makes total sense" comedy news, it was just announced that Klaus Kinski All Time Favorite Kurt Braunohler has joined the upcoming Comedy Bang! Bang! tour and will be the master of opening ceremonies in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., Boston, Seattle and Portland (Oregon)(not Maine). Bad news though; the previously announced NYC August 7th show at the Highline Ballroom has sold out. GOOD NEWS though: a late show has been added! Tickets for that 10pm doors / 10:30pm show are on sale now but they are flying off the shelves. Git em! All dates are listed below.

As I mentioned earlier, Comedy Bang! Bang! is not only a superior podcast, but it's also a show on IFC that you can see Friday's at 10/9C. Mr. Braunohler is the host of comedy game show Bunk which you can see on IFC Friday nights at 10:30/9:30C. From an "industry" standpoint, you can see why the pairing makes sense. But from a Klaus Kinski standpoint, it makes sense because Aukerman and Braunohler are hilarious, and have been since waaaayyyyyyyy before their IFC shows. This is a great opportunity to see one of NYC's best share a bill with some of LA's best, and you can be damn sure there will be HELLA surprises and special guests. That's a promise to you, the BV reader, because that's who I am and that's who I care about. Full dates below.

And don't forget, you can see Kurt Braunohler all the freaking time in NYC, provided he is in town. As mentioned, his phenomenal show Night of the Living takes place every so often at Littlefield in Brooklyn. The next installment of Night of the Living takes place Friday June 29th and features Judah Friedlander, music by Amanda Palmer, and a screening of his show Bunk. Inexplicably, $10 tickets are still available. Kurt also co-hosts the great Hot Tub with Kurt and Kristen which takes place Mondays at Littlefield. Hot Tub is SO MUCH fun and offer up an always eclectic roster of awesome guests.

Last month Kurt was a guest at Kevin Allison (of the State)'s show Risk! which goes down at the Pit in NYC. Check out the video below. Risk! happens again tonight (6/28), but this time with guests Mara Wilson, Jamie Lee, Lisa Kirchner, AND Tom Shillue (who tells funny stories) AND Simon Amstell (who we've been stalking since he landed in NYC)!

Also tonight in NYC: Yacht Rock Revue @ Canal Room.

Tons of local Kurt Braunohler dates, the video of him at Risk!, and all Comedy Bang! Bang! dates, below...

Continue reading "Kurt Braunohler added to Comedy Bang! Bang! tour, 2nd NYC show added; Simon Amstell takes a Risk!; Yacht Rock too"

Amanda Palmer in Brooklyn in May (more by Bryan Bruchman)

Comic Book Club Live, a free, live podcast recording event has moved from its previous home of Pianos to fellow LES club Fontana's, and TONIGHT (6/26)'s show features Kurt Braunohler and musical guest Amanda Palmer. Show starts at 7PM.

Last night, Kurt Braunohler did his weekly Hot Tub show at Littlefield with Kristin Schaal that also featured UK comedian Simon Amstell who who plays SWEET tonight (6/26) at Ella Lounge in the East Village. The show, hosted by Late Night with Jimmy Fallon writer Seth Herzog, will also have John F. O'Donnell and Questlove as guests. Show starts at 8:30PM. Simon Amstell's Numb residency begins July 10th.

Friday (6/29) is Kurt Braunohler's live talk show Night of the Living at Littlefield which, as you may remember, has Amanda Palmer as a guest. Tim Heidecker was supposed to be the other guest but he had to drop out so Judah Friedlander will sub in his place. Tickets are still available to this.

It's a busy week for Amanda. Wednesday (6/27) is her sold-out show at Music Hall of Williamsburg with her band The Grand Theft Orchestra, and on Thursday she plays the opening of her art show at Momenta Art which is only open to high-level contributors to her Kickstarter campaign. Amanda and her band will be performing a full acoustic set that night, and her bassist Jherek Bischoff will be performing solo as well. Bischoff will open MHOW too, as well as all upcoming tour dates.

Then on Saturday (6/30), Amanda & Her Magical Ukulele will perform an intimate show at the newly-opened top floor of the South Street Seaport Museum. Tickets are $55 and $125 and still on sale, and proceeds benefit the museum. Ticket price includes open Brooklyn Brewery bar.

Anybody going to all five Amanda Palmer events this week?

by Klaus Kinski

Tom Shillue

I was sitting at work reconciling a bunch of budgets when a small but heavy pile of comedy news fell into my lap. It is now up to me to disseminate this news to your hungry eyes. But before I get down to bidness I have to mention a recent comedic experience that really floated my denim clad boat. I don't normally review comedy shows because comedy is so subjective, but this show was enough to get me out of my apartment during a heatwave so it deserves mention. Klaus favorite Tom Shillue brought his storytelling show Funny Story to the confines of Brooklyn Brewery for the first time last night, June 20th, 2012 and cleaning crews are still at work gathering my busted guts from the walls and ceiling of the place. Funny Story has taken place at a few venues in the city, including UCB East and UCB West but this was the first one at the Brewery. The second you walk in, the first thing you notice is the smell. I don't know if you've ever been in a brewery, but imagine putting burnt pizza crust and Eukanuba dog food in a black plastic garbage bag and leaving it on the hood of a cement truck in the dead of summer and then opening said bag after 8 hours. It is a rank odor that I was afraid would distract me for the entire show; happily for some reason my nose got used to it in about 15 minutes and I was able to enjoy the STELLAR line-up unencumbered of olfactory distractions. Tom kicked things of with a hilarious tale of an early visit to NYC with his 2nd cousin Grover, adventures at famed nightclub Tunnel, getting Andy Warhol's autograph on a soup can in Boston, and eventually losing touch with Grover in the late 90s. Musical genius Walter Schreifels was up next and regaled the venue with various tales of neighborhood life in Williamsburg before offering up a heart-breaking grand finale story about bike theft and redemption. Philip Galinsky was up next, but I sadly missed a good amount of his performance due to a bathroom break and a beer token run; but what I did see and hear was hilarious and his stage presence was absolutely incredible. He runs the Manhattan Monologue Slam with his brother Robert, so keep your eye out for him. The great Bobby Tisdale followed Galinsky and told what, for me, were probably the funniest anecdotes of the evening. Topics included having sex like a cat, having his yam-bag punctured by a cat in search of his girlfriend's 'essence,' and having his own Julie Robert's-pretty-woman-jewel-box-surprise-moment, only it wasn't a jewelry box and the surprise involved an unexpected spray of water. I wish the event was being recorded because everyone on earth MUST hear these tales. MUST. The night was capped off with the incomparable John Mulaney who waxed about he and his family's history and experiences with Bill Clinton. Not sure when the next installment of Funny Story is but I will do everything in my power to spread the word on BV because it's a must-see. And you get a beer with the cost of admission. Boo-ya!

In other comedy news, as expected, Dame Julie Klausner's live podcast taping at the Bell House happening on June 27th with Ted Leo and the Pharmacists, Jim Gaffigan, and the recently added Martha Plimpton, and more, is now sold out. Do yourself a favor and start mining Craigslist for a ticket now because this could be the show of the century.

Speaking of comedy shows that will sell out, LA based comedian, ex-Mr. Show cast member, and all around great, great man Scott Aukerman is bringing Comedy Bang! Bang! LIVE! to the Highline Ballroom on August 7, 2012. The show will feature James Adomian and Tim Heidecker. Comedy Bang! Bang! is not only a hugely successful and totally rad podcast, but it's also a show on IFC that you can see Friday's at 10/9C. In other Tim Heidecker in NYC news, don't forget you can catch him on Friday June 29th at Littlefield where he will be on Kurt Braunohler's show Night of the Living alongside millionaire armpit hair aficionado Amanda Palmer. And much like Scott Aukerman, Braunohler has a show on IFC Friday nights at 10:30/9:30C called Bunk

And speaking of LA-based comedians coming to NYC, Klaus favorite Doug Benson will be in town on July 2nd, 2012 at the Gramercy Theater where he will deliver us Doug Loves Movies Live Podcast with Doug Benson & Special Guests. I have been to these I Love Movies podcast tapings before and they are absolutely the most fun you can have sitting down.

Why not keep this LA comedy in NYC ball rolling (awful segue, huh?)? I am pleased as punch to say that the Nerdist Podcast Live is COMING TO NYC on October 12th, 2012! Tickets for this show, which happens at the massive Best Buy Theater, went on sale at noon today. The Nerdist Podcast features Chris Hardwick, Jonah Ray, and Matt Mira. You know Chris from his extensive television work, including hosting "Web Soup" on G4 and "Talking Dead" on AMC, his appearances with Conan O'Brien, Craig Ferguson, Jimmy Fallon, and many others, his book "The Nerdist Way." Jonah's a rising standup comic in Los Angeles, co-hosts a popular weekly live standup show, and writes for E! Entertainment Television's "The Soup." Matt's a staffer on G4's "Attack of the Show" and host of his own weekly live standup comedy show in L.A. as well. Together, they host the Nerdist Podcast, one of the most popular comedy podcasts in the world and are all featured on the 'Nerdist' specials airing on BBC America. For sheer skills as a comedian though, Jonah Ray wins. I love that dude. More Nerdist dates here.

Ok I am starting to feel homesick. Better talk about NYC for a sec. On Monday June 25th 2012, Hot Tub with Kurt and Kristen is bringing the f-ing stank to Littlefield in Brooklyn. The line-up will feature Simon Amstell, who has a Numb residency happening in NYC VERY soon, the great Glenn Wool, Lady Carol, and Josh Gondelman. Tickets are on sale now, but get them now because the gonna be gone very very soon yo.

Amanda Palmer in Brooklyn in May (more by Bryan Bruchman)

Kurt Braunohler's live talk show, Night of the Living, will next take place at Littlefield in Brooklyn on June 29 with Tim Heidecker (of Tim and Eric), musical guest Amanda Palmer (of The Dresden Dolls), and a live BUNK screening. Tickets for that show are on sale now. As usual, Kurt can also be found every Monday at Littlefield for Hot Tub with Kristen Schaal. Did you catch last night's show?

Tim Heidecker is also playing one of three Impose Magazine 10th Anniversary shows which happen in San Diego July 12 -14, right in the middle of the insanity known as Comic-Con. The other two shows include one with Vivian Girls, who will be playing with Ali Koehler on drums. Ali left the band in 2010 to join Best Coast, but she's since left that band too. That means this Vivian Girls show will be a reunion of Cassie, Katy, and Ali, the lineup who recorded 2009's Everything Goes Wrong. That bill also includes Vivian Girl Cassie's other band The Babies, Grass Widow and others. The third Impose show is with John Maus. The flier for all three is below.

Speaking of Amanda Palmer, Jherek Bischoff who plays on her new album and is part of her live band, will also be opening her previously discussed shows in addition to playing as part of her band. Those shows include a sold out live NYC date at Music Hall of Williamsburg on June 27 and a art show at Momenta Art on June 28. Amanda also plays on Jherek's album and played with him at BAM during Crossing Brooklyn Ferry.

All Jherek Bischoff dates are listed below, along with the Impose flier.

Continue reading "Amanda Palmer & Tim Heidecker guest at Kurt Braunohler's 'Night of the Living'; Jherek Bischoff opening for Amanda"

by Bill Pearis

"AT THE THAT DOG REUNION SHOW OMG THEY ARE THE BEST!!!!" - @cassieramone

As mentioned before, it's 90's Week in NYC, with Garbarge and Afghan Whigs making big returns to the stage and the flannel-era hat trick was completed last night at Music Hall of Williamsburg with alt-rockers that dog. I was never a giant fan, but I knew more songs that I thought I would, and the band sounded great, nailing those close, three part harmonies -- and Petra Haden's violin is still a force. The crowd was really singing along and that dog. were in great spirits too, especially bassist Rachel Haden and drummer Tony Maxwell who both cracked jokes the whole night. Anna Waronker was her sarcastic self too, though tempered a bit by motherhood, cutely saying hi to her baby in the balcony between songs. An extended, five-song encore brought the set to 22 songs, about an hour and a half. The crowd really didn't want it to end.

Of course, they can go to see that dog play again tonight (5/25) at MHoW -- tickets are still available.

Speaking of cracking jokes, ex-SNL castmember (and ex- Petra Hayden bf) Fred Armisen opened the show with a loose, very funny, music-based set, where he did impressions of Elvis Costello, a man at a doo-wop concert in the '50s, and some audience participation too, some of it unwanted. Kurt Braunohler opens tonight's show.

that dog.'s MHoW setlist is below.

Continue reading "that dog. played Music Hall of Williamsburg (setlist) and will again tonight (tickets still available)"

As reported previously, '90s alt-rockers that dog. are playing Music Hall of Williamsburg on May 24, the band's first NYC show in 15 years with Fred Armisen opening. That show sold out and the band added a second MHoW show the next night, Friday, May 25 with comedian openers Kurt Braunohler and Baron Vaughn. Tickets are still available to that one.

If you'd like to go for free, we're giving away a pair of tickets to the show of your choice. Details are below.

Oh, and speaking of Kurt Braunohler, he isn't playing the "Tell Your Friends! It's The Spring Fling!" at the Bell House tonight (5/15), but his partner in crime Kristen Schaal is along with host Liam McEneaney and fellow comedians Janeane Garofalo and Christian Finnegan, plus musical guest Hand Job Academy. Tickets are still available.

Continue reading "that dog. playing 2 Brooklyn shows (win tix); Kristen Schaal & many more playing the Bell House (tonight)"

Rob Delaney @ Bowery Ballroom (pic by jkspix)

As @BVComedy tweeted, Rob Delaney is a guest at Kurt & Kristen's Hot Tub tonight (5/14). Tickets are available. Rob came to town to play multiple shows at Bowery and Music Hall, and also played 92YTribeca and Comedy Cellar while he was here.

Eugene Mirman is also a guest at Hot Tub tonight. More Delaney dates HERE.

We still have a few more days before we find out the entire music lineup of the Great GoogaMooga, but the new Prospect Park festival announced the May 19th & 20th schedule, and almost-full lineup, of "ExtraMooga", the part of the fest that requires you to pay extra money. Taking place in multiple park venues that you can see illustrated in the above map, in addition to chefs and the previously announced James Murphy & Aziz Ansari, the lineup now also includes WTF with Marc Maron, Hot Tub with Kurt & Kristen, and Patton Oswalt too. You can view the whole thing HERE.

Meanwhile, Hot Tub with Kurt & Kristen continues every Monday night at Littlefield.

by Klaus Kinski

Pete Holmes @ Rock n ROFL 2008 (more by Elizabeth Weinberg)

In the Klaus Kinski Hall of Fame of Comedians Your Man Klaus Loves Endlessly Even Though They've Left NYC for Greener Pastures, Pete Holmes has his own gallery dedicated to his honor. Bear in mind that this hall of fame only exists in the meaty gore-locker between my ears so visitors are not permitted. But it is a very prestigious place to be, youbetcha. As a matter of fact, when our fearless leader BV asked me to curate a comedy line-up for the premier installment of our epic but short-lived Brooklyn Vegan and Klaus Kinski Present Rock n' ROFL, Pete was the first person I asked and first to commit to the bill. Back in those days, you could catch Pete practically any night of the week here in NYC. Nowadays he is in LA and, by Cod, he's thriving. From his website:

Pete Holmes is a comedian. Maybe you saw his half-hour Comedy Central Presents. Or on Conan. Or Jimmy Fallon. Or maybe you saw him on VH1. Or heard him as the e*trade baby or on Comedy Central's Ugly Americans. Pete was named one of Variety's Top Ten Comics to Watch in 2011. Pete also draws cartoons for The New Yorker, wrote for NBC's "Outsourced" and currently writes for FOX's "I Hate My Teenage Daughter." He is a regular on CollegeHumor.com and makes videos with FrontPage Films.

That blurb fails to mention that he has his own podcast called You Made it Weird which is one of the best, most entertaining podcasts in a comedy world that is practically choking to death on half assed, shitty, so-called comedy podcasts. THEREFORE, I am thrilled to fits to tell you that not only is Pete coming back to NYC for a show, but that show will be a live podcast of You Made it Weird!! The show will take place on Saturday April 7th at 10:00pm at the Gramercy Theater. Guests will include Jim Gaffigan, Michael Ian Black, and the great Matt McCarthy!! You can get regular tickets or VIP tickets. But considering Gaffigan sells out some of the largest theaters in the country ON HIS OWN, I think the theater will be a madhouse. My advice to you? Spend the extra $$$ and get a VIP ticket so you get early entry (and a signed poster) and, thus, a great seat. Regular seats are only $12 which is a preposterous bargain, bro. This show is going to be a blast, and I promise it will sell out so get on this. More Pete dates below...

Oh, and speaking of live podcasts taking place at the Gramercy Theater, get a load of this; Klaus fave Doug Benson will be bringing his I Love Movies podcast to the Gramercy on June 11th at 8:00pm. I haven't a clue who Doug's guests will be, but I've been to his Doug Loves Movies live shows before and let me tell ya, he brings line-ups worth 8 times the price of admission.

I also noticed in the dates below that Doug is recording a live album in Bellevue WA. on 4/20 which totally reminded me that Brooklyn-based comedy hero Eugene Mirman will bring his normally Brooklyn-Based comedy festival The Eugene Mirman Comedy Festival to Seattle Washington from March 29th - March 31st, 2012!! Such good news for Seattle-based BV readers! You are in for SUCH a treat! You'll be getting:

* Invite Them Up, 3/29 at The Crocodile Hosted by Bobby Tisdale w/ Eugene Mirman, Ron Funches and more TBA!
*Star Talk Live, 3/30 at the Neptune Hosted by Neil deGrasse Tyson w/ Paul F. Tompkins, Kristen Schaal, Eugene Mirman and special guests!
*Talent Show, 3/31 at The Crocodile Hosted by Elna Baker and Kevin Townley with Eugene Mirman, Bobby Tisdale and more TBA!
*Pretty Good Friends, 3/31 at the Neptune With Bobcat Goldthwait, Todd Barry, Kristen Schaal, Eugene Mirman, Kurt Braunohler and more TBA!

Wow!

Tour dates below...

Continue reading "Pete Holmes touring, recording a podcast in NYC; Doug Benson too; Eugene Mirman Fest coming to Washington"

by Klaus Kinski

Pete & Pete reunion @ Bowery Ballroom, 2/24/2012 (photo by jenipherlyn)

Hey guys. So, lookit, you're about to ingest a lot of comedy data in a moment. But it's just the tip of the NYC comedy iceberg. No, it's less than the tip. It's a piece of dandruff that sailed from an Arctic explorer's head and settled on the tip of the iceberg. I don't have the time and you don't have the attention span to handle an entire survey of the NYC scene right now. What follows is a brief glimpse into some cool goings on in the coming weeks. Take it with a grain of dandruff.

First thing's first. Rob Delaney added a fourth NYC show, but you knew that. Moving on...

Did you miss the two Adventures of Pete & Pete reunion shows that happened at the Bowery Ballroom on February 24th? Bummer, right? Well, unfortunately the show I'm about to tell you about is already sold out, but where there's a will, there's a way (and that way could possibly include standby tix). Get a load of this. The great Kurt Braunohler has a late night talk show at The Pit called Night of the Living with Kurt Braunohler. The next installment of this show happens on Friday March 9th and features guest Mike Maronna (Pete) and Danny Tamberelli (Pete)! It's a fun sized, mini-reunion just for you! Also, Wyatt Cenac (Daily Show) will be there and a surprise musical guest who I am unable to mention, but whom we love and idolize here at BV headquarters (an internet cafe)! Hint, it is a man whose name may or may not rhyme with 'bread'.

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Thursday March 8th marks the return of Tom Shillue's story-telling-centric show Funny Story to the hallowed halls of UCB East. This time he will have guests Amine Zaitzeff (owner of Zaitzeff Burger), Mike Albo, the great Margot Leitman, and Stephen Gevedon. A super-diverse and well curated line-up. Show is at 7:30pm, tix are on sale.

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Speaking of burgers, Bob's Burgers is my favorite animated series on the TV and I was thrilled when it was (rightfully) renewed for another season (which premiers THIS Sunday March 11th on Fox). The casting a so fucking impeccable; H. Jon Benjamin, Eugene Mirman, Kristen Schaal, Larry Murphy, John Roberts, Dan Mintz, Andy Kindler as well as guests like Jon Glaser. Holy! Well get a load of THIS shit. On Friday March 9th you can see the CAST OF BOB's BURGERS LIVE AT THE BELL HOUSE!! And IT'S FREE. I am not an all-caps kind of guy, but that pronouncement certainly merited such action. OK, full disclosure, the Bell House show doesn't feature the entire cast I listed above. The show will feature Jon Benjamin, Kristen Schaal, Eugene Mirman, and Larry Murphy doing funnies and also previewing clips from the next season. You can only get in with a wristband, and those will be distributed starting at 5:00pm. So, wristbands at 5pm, doors at 8pm, show sometime after that. 21+. Sorry, junior.

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While I'm on the subject of TV-related comedy, NYU's Skirball Center will play host to John Oliver's New York Stand-Up Show from March 10th through March 12th. The show, being taped for Comedy Central, will include sets by David O'Doherty, Hannibal Buress, Wyatt Cenac, Dana Gould, Michael Ian Black, Marc Maron, and a shit-ton of rising stars from with the stand-up world. You can totally get in to these things for free, but you gotta head on over to The Blacklist NYC and get yourself situated. And for the record... as far as people who put together audiences for tapings, The Blacklist is pretty tops. Very well managed, never confusing, very organized. Totally rad. Just saying.

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Next Thursday, March 12th, Symphony Space will play host to an incredible comedy event called Uptown Showdown: Comedy Debate Series. This is not the first time Symphony Space has hosted this show, and I am wicked pissed at myself for not mentioning it to you people prior to earlier installments.

Uptown ShowDown is a comedy debate series that tackles some of the most important issues of our time, such as which decade was the coolest-the eighties or the nineties, is cake really better than pie and who would win in a showdown pirates or ninjas? Forget about school reform and health care, these issues, heatedly argued by some of the funniest, smartest, intensely wacky creative thinkers around, are the topics that keep us awake at night....in a good way. Past Performers include Michael Showalter, Leo Allen, Dave Hill, Jessi Klein, Julie Klausner, Andrea Rosen, A.D. Miles and more.

Next week's show will have Michael Ian Black and friends facing off with The talent Show's Elna Baker and Kevin Townley on the subject of Fashion vs. Comfort. Tom Shillue will host the festivities. Following the event, Mr. Ian Black will read from his new memoir You're Not Doing It Right: Tales of Marriage, Sex, Death, and Other Humiliations. He'll also sign your copy. I wish I could tell you how funny or awful this book is but I never got a galley copy because I am chopped liver or something. Tickets are on sale now, and I am also giving away a pair AND a copy of Michael Ian Black's book! Instructions below.

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The next installment of the mind-blowing experience known as Heart of Darkness will take place on Saturday March 17th at Union Hall. This time around, host Greg Barris will be joined by Joe Mande, Dave Hill, and more special guests that I shan't announce but are no doubt worthy of your attention. My thoughts? Get your tickets in advance, you.

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Speaking of Dave Hill, did you know that motherfucker wrote a book and that it comes out on May 22nd? If you're thinking what I think you're thinking, then you're thinking "Wait, Dave Hill is a flawless comedian. Dave Hill is a master guitar player, maybe the best in the world. Dave Hill is easy on the eyes. And Dave Hill can also write a freaking book? What can't that guy accomplish?" I know, right? The book is entitled Tasteful Nudes. If you like stories...

...about stolen meat, animal attacks, young love, death, naked people, clergymen, rock 'n' roll, irritable Canadians, and prison, you have just hit a street called Easy because my book talks about all that stuff and a bunch of other stuff, too.

I am nobody's shill and I wouldn't be saying this if it wasn't the Cod's honest truth; this book is absolutely impossible to put down. It is so funny and well written that I simply could not put it down. Pre-order it now, then forget you pre-ordered it, so then one day it shows up in your mailbox and you're all "Ha. Dave Hill's done it again."

And speaking of Joe Mande, he has a ton of upcoming dates all over the Northeast. Check out his tour schedule below.

And now, before I hang it up for the day, I am happy to report that The PIT is going to unleash its first ever NYC Improv Festival! The NYC Improv Festival will take place from March 21st to March 24th at Peoples Improv Theater and feature OVER 40 improv troupes as well as workshops. A TON of the shows are free, and some require tickets. You can also buy a festival pass for next to nothing that will get you into all the shows. I also have two UNLIMITED festival passes to give away. Instructions on how to win them are down there.

Joe dates and contests below...

Continue reading "Klaus Kinski's Comedy Canon (Bob's Burgers, contests, dates, an improv fest, Tom Shillue, Symphony Space & much more)"

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.

Tickets are on sale and are only $8! Oh, and speaking of Kurt Braunohler and Littlefield, catch Hot Tub with Kurt Braunohler on Monday January 9th at Littlefield (aka tonight). Guests include Chris Gethard, John Gemberling, Andrea Rosen, and Matt Oberg. That line-up is as strong as it gets, people.

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)"