Dave Hill, A.C. Newman, Carl Arnheiter (elf) & Brett Gelman @ UCBNY (via)

"Exciting news for the East Village -- we've discovered that the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre has designs on the former Two Boots Pioneer Theater space at 155 East 3rd Street. Alex Sidtis, directing manager of the UCB's current location in Chelsea, revealed to [NY Magazine] that the troupe is hoping to open an East Village outpost, depending on whether it can secure a tavern wine license (the theater will plead its case at a January 12 meeting of Community Board 3's licensing committee). The location will mean more stage time for its performers...

Sidtis loves the fact that the 99-seat theater has a lobby, and says of the layout, "It's a little different [than that of the Chelsea location]. The shows will be more presentational and less theatrical in nature." Phil Hartman, who built the theater a decade ago and still owns the adjacent Two Boots pizza parlor and video store, tells us "I love the theater and I'm pleased to think that it would stay alive as a theater and not get gutted and turned into something else."..."
[NY Magazine]

Leo Allen's Monday night spot used to be held by Aziz Ansari and the Human Giant crew doing a similar type of comedy show with the same types of guests. Don't miss Aziz when he does a much bigger type of show January 9th and 10th at Comix. All dates HERE.

The above photo was taken at the UCB Theatre in NYC, on December 18th.

by Bill Pearis

DOWNLOAD: SpaceKamp - Girls on Bikes (MP3)

Spacekamp

This week's post is going to feel a bit like a clip show because I feel like I've talked about all these bands before, but still there's a lot going on in NYC.

Tonight (11/18) SpaceKamp are playing Williamsburg's Black Betty. As you may remember, this trio also back Adam Green (with whom they just got back from a European tour) when not making their own brand of extremely catchy '60s-ish guitar pop. So while they've only played a handful of shows as SpaceKamp, they've got many, many more under their belt together. And they've finally put songs on their on their MySpace page to check out, and there's one at the top of this post to download. (I've also got a different song over at my blog.) It's also the drummer's birthday tonight, so expect the show to be extra festive. Also on the bill: Joe and the Flying Spoons, featuring Dirty on Purpose's Joe Jurewicz as well as former members of Au Revoir Simone and Tralala. I've never seen either band before, so I'm looking forward to this one. (And full disclosure: I know members of each band, but I don't post about stuff I don't genuinely like.)

Previously on Lost

Thursday (11.20) there are three good options, the most interesting of which might be at The Bell House in Brooklyn. Previously on Lost claim to be the world's only "recap rock" band, who spent the first half of 2008 writing a song for every episode of ABC's island mystery series' fourth season -- you know, in case you missed it. And if you're jonesing for Season 4 to be released on DVD (Dec. 4) maybe seeing the whole shebang performed live will hold you over. The "Live Experience" features props and such -- I'm curious if they'll have a live smoke monster. Making the night all the more enticing is the incredible Reggie Watts who if you've never seen him do what he does live, it's reason enough to go. A couple of Previously on Lost videos are HERE.

Violens @ South Street Seaport (more by Chris La Putt)

Also Thursday is Violens at Mercury Lounge who are fresh off their European tour with MGMT. I was really impressed the last couple times I saw them (their show at the Seaport was especially good) and am hoping their debut album isn't far off as I've worn out their three-song EP. Word of warning: Violens can be monsterously loud. Bring earplugs. Also on the bill are two two local electronic duos: Telepathe and Picture Picture.

The Secret History

Over at Public Assembly (formerly Galapagos), we've got The Secret History and Mahogany. The Secret History is the new project from Michael Grace, Jr who used to front indiepop new wave lovers, My Favorite. This new project features most of his old band, but adds vocalist Lisa Ronson (unlike Mark or Samantha, her dad actually is late Bowie Guitarist Mick Ronson) to the fold. While the ties to the '80's are still there, especially the romanticism, The Secret History are bigger, more of a sweeping Roxy Music sort of feel. The band just released their debut EP, Desolation Town, on foppy Detroit label Le Grand Magistery. Meanwhile, Mahogany do classic shoegaze better than just about anybody else, writing great songs, are skilled with effects pedals and know how to put on a show.

Mahogany @ PopFest, Music Hall of Williamsburg

And speaking of Mahogany, the band's ever-morphing line-up has absorbed Blacklist's James Minor into the band. I mention this because Blacklist (of which Minor is still a major member) are playing on Friday (11.21) as part of Wierd Records' Fifth Anniversary party. The former goth in me still digs Bauhaus, the Bolshoi, Southern Death Cult, the Chameleons, etc. and Blacklist deliver the goods in that respect. Wierd Records, which could be described as a modern day equivilent to labels like Some Bizarre or Wax Trax!, began it's life as a weekly party at Williamsburg's Southside Lounge (later Home Sweet Home on Christie) and grew as it gained likeminded artists and musicians interested in the cold wave/industrial/noise, and yes, gothy side of pop. I don't know too much about the rest of the night's lineup but it includes Xeno and Oaklander, Led Er Est, and Opus Finis. I can only hope there will be strobes and smoke machines. Tickets are on sale. The flyer is below...

Continue reading "The Secret History, Violens, SpaceKamp, Mahogany, Wierd Records & more in This Week In Indie"

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

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

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

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

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

Reggie Watts @ Sasquatch - May 25, 2008 (photo by Chris Graham)

The geniuses from Yacht Rock are making another NYC appearance this Saturday, May 31st at the recently vindicated Union Hall for a night of videos (the entire series, mind you), personal appearances, and smooth drinks. Tickets are still on sale but they're Sailing Away, Minute By Minute, but I'm Alright. even though it could TOTOly sell out.

You may recall that British Comedian Ricky Gervais has a handful of upcoming US dates including THREE at the WAMU Theater in July (and even some warm-up dates in LA just prior. I saw him last year and had a blast. Tickets for these shows are still on sale AND we've got some tickets to giveaway at the end of the post.

much more...

Continue reading "Klaus Kinski's Comedy Canon (05/29/08)"

Reggie Watts @ Pianos (more by Ryan Muir)

What does tonight's Zombieville show at Soutpaw (May 9) have in common with the Saturday night show at the Lucky Cat?...

Continue reading "Zombieville Friday (tonight), Tippy Toes play again Saturday"

Kristen Schaal ROFLaughing (more by Elizabeth Weinberg)

Thu. 6/5
South Towards Home Presents:
MICHAEL SHOWALTER/KRISTEN SCHAAL
TODD BARRY/EUGENE MIRMAN
$25
7:30 pm doors/8 pm show
A benefit to help rebuild the Gulf Coast 18+
>> buy tickets

ALSO DON'T FORGET: Negative Approach

AND Zombieville XI THIS FRIDAY (May 9th) w/ Reggie Watts

by Klaus Kinski

Will Franken @ Rock n ROFL (more by Ryan Muir)

Holy Toledo. If ever there was a night when the NYC comedy scene presents you with two extremely tough choices of live entertainment, Wednesday April 16, 2008 is a doozie.

On the one hand, you've got the opportunity to see the truly brilliant comedic performance artist Will Franken unleash an HOUR-LONG SET at the Sidewalk Cafe (94 Ave A @ 6th Street) at 9:00pm. Will delivered a short, powerful and completely mesmerizing set at the last Rock n' ROFL that left me ready for a much longer, more involved performance. Tonight's our chance people. Oh, and it's ABSOLUTELY FREE!

Cripes, but on the other hand you've also got the opportunity to check out the latest installment of Rififi's (332 11th St. b/t 1st and 2nd Ave) new Wednesday night staple Gelmania. The show will be hosted by German entertainer Klaus Von Funn (not to be confused with Klaus Kinski), who I endorse completely and without hesitation. The roster of comedic guests makes me weep at the majesty of their caliber; guests include David Cross, Reggie Watts, Chelsea Peretti, Bobby Tisdale, Neil Casey and Anthony Antaminuik. Yes, all of them. Doors for this show are at 8:00pm and costs a mere $5.00.

It's stressful picking which show to go to, but no matter which one you choose, you will have chosen wisely. Gelmania flyer below....

Continue reading "Will Franken vs David Cross & Reggie Watts (TONIGHT!)"

TIPPY TOES
featuring: REGGIE WATTS

Saturday April 12, 2008 @ THE LUCKY CAT (grand st. in williamsburg)

DJs
KIM ANN FOXMAN (Hercules and Love Affair, DFA Records)
JESSE MANN (No Selector)

TIPPY TOES is:
* Morgan Wiley on Keys (Hercules and Love Affair, Automato, LCD Soundsystem, DFA Records)
* Andrew Raposo on Bass (Hercules and Love Affair, Automato, LCD Soundsystem, DFA Records)
* Guy Licata on Drums (Hercules and Love Affair, Santogold, Bill Laswell)
* Abe Seiferth on Guitar (Phonograph, Elliptical Ferns, Akoya)
* Reggie Watts on Vocals (Maktub, Soulive)

Be our friend on myspace and check out the music.
myspace.com/tippytoesknows

This is the first of a once a month residency at the Lucky Cat. "Second Saturdays"

$3 cover (so you have no excuse)

photos by Ryan Muir

Larry Murphy

Last night's Rock 'n' ROFL party started out right with a hilarious hour of comedy by Reggie Watts, Will Franken, Kumail Nanjiani, Larry Murphy & Sean O' Connor. Go see all these guys when you have the chance. Having them all in a row was just ridiculous. Good work putting that together Klaus. Pictures and tour dates below........

Continue reading "Reggie Watts, Will Franken, Kumail Nanjiani, Larry Murphy & Sean O' Connor @ Pianos (Rock n ROFL)"

Monday, March 31, 2008 @ Pianos

7-8: DJ David Bruno AND all the Newcastle you can drink for free

8-9: Will Franken, Larry Murphy, Kumail Nanjiani, Sean O' Connor and REGGIE WATTS

9-12: 3 bands TBA any second (I know, we're slow)

Amanda Palmer (Dresden Dolls) - Jan 2007 (Todd Owyoung)

Continue reading "St. Vincent's "Marry Me" covered by Amanda Palmer, Sxip Shirey, Reggie Watts & more (video)"

Andrew WK @ ECNY Awards @ Comix, NYC - Jan 28, 2008 (Keith Huang)

And the winners are....

Continue reading "Emerging Comics of New York (ECNY) - 2007 Winners"

What's the best comedy show you saw recently?

The next few days offer no shortage of comedy in NYC. Highlights of the week include:

Live at Joe's Pub 6/22/07, ROFL! hosted by Slovin & Allen and Reggie Watts, presented by The Onion and Paper Thin Walls. What is ROFL?

• ROFL is the very best of the internet, lovingly hand-picked by eight of America’s most-respected blogger types for maximum freshness and optimum awesomeness.
• ROFL is high art, low humor, YouTube video, Myspace weirdness, flash animation, web memes, conceptual puzzles, original film and non-sequiturs galore.
• ROFL is a gong show for the new millennium.
• ROFL is twelve bucks to get out of the house and meet people who are even more web-obsessed than you are!

More below....

Continue reading "Klaus Kinski's Comedy Canon (06/20/07)"

DOWNLOAD: Patton Oswalt - Dukes of Hazard (MP3) (info)

Tickets are on sale for The Dave Hill Explosion w/ John Hodgman & Jonathan Coulton @ UCB, Crash Test with Aziz Ansari @ UCB, and a special Tinkle show at Southpaw with David Cross, Todd Barry, and Jon Benjamin. Slovin and Allen and Reggie Watts are hosting ROFL at Joe's Pub. Patton Oswalt is playing a free show at Sound Fix.

Jon Benjamin paid a guy to serenade Eug and Bobby for the Invite Them Up anniversary. Oliver and Schaal look on from the back room. (April 25, 2007)

I am also beyond giddy to report that HBO Video will be releasing Louis CK's live 1 hour special Shameless on June 26th, 2007. That's a Tuesday people. Shameless is CK's third HBO special, and further reinforces my opinion that he is easily one of the best comedians out there. He takes nauseatingly banal topics such as family life, childhood, and sex and riffs about them in such an unexpectedly blunt and graphic manner that you can't help but be drawn in. To celebrate this release, we are giving away TWO copies of Shameless to two lucky winners. Send an e-mail to BVCONTESTS@HOTMAIL.COM and tell us what comedian you think should really release a DVD ASAP. Two winners will be picked at random and notified.

More comedy (including a Louis CK DVD clip) belooooooow....

Continue reading "Klaus Kinski's Comedy Canon (06/19/07)"