by Bill Pearis

DOWNLOAD: Hospitality - Friends of Friends (MP3)

Hospitality's long-in-the-works debut album is out next week (1/31) on Merge and the band have just released a video for the horn-filled "Friends of Friends." In addition to the band playing in someone's well-equipped kitchen, the video tells the story of a relationship stretched between coasts, as played by Arrested Development's Alia Shawkat and Videogum's Gabe Delahaye (who was also recently in Real Estate's video for "Easy"). You can download the MP3 of "Friends of Friends" at the top of this post. The whole album's terrific, one of my early favorites of the year, and Spotify users can get an early listen to the whole thing here.

You can pick up the album at Hospitality's record release show at Glasslands next Friday (2/3) which also has Glass Ghost and Dustin Wong on the bill. The band are also heading out on a quick tour of both coasts and will be in Austin for SXSW. All scheduled tour dates are below.

In other Hospitality news, the band play WFMU's Seven Second Delay at UCB this Wednesday (1/25, 6PM) and have just released a Daytrotter session. Below is the "Friends of Friends" video and those upcoming tour dates.

Continue reading "Hospitality's new video stars Maeby of 'Arrested Development; album streaming on Spotify, tour announced (dates)"

by Klaus Kinski

Hot Chicks Room @ UCB East (by Jim Wlester)

Sup. Hope you guys are having a great weekend. Did you catch any of those BrooklynVegan curated shows that happened at Brooklyn Night Bazaar on December 16th or Bowery Ballroom on December 17th?

Hey, do you remember on Friday how I mentioned that Stephen Merchant would be doing two shows in NYC at Town Hall on December 20th and December 21st? And how, like, the December 20th one is sold out, but that the December 21st only has a handful of tickets left and how I have 5 pairs I am giving away? Well, check this out. Mr. Merchant will be doing a runthrough of his set TONIGHT (12/18) at the UCB Theater EAST at 11:00pm!! Unfortunately, it sold right the fuck out, but there will be a stand-by line for the devoted. Yeah, it's pretty cold out, but layer-up doofus. The only way you could ever hope to see this dude in such an intimate setting is if you were his wife. Which you aren't. Because he doesn't have one. Yet. Maybe NYC will help change his relationship status.

UCB East's entire schedule for tonight is HERE.

Too late? Too cold? Don't want to chance it? Hannibal Buress will be holding it down at Knitting Factory as usual, this week with Calise Hawkins, Jermaine Fowler, Barry Rothbart, and Sabrina Jalees

ASSSSCAT 3000 is at UCB West.

No comedy at Union Hall tonight, but the Bell House has the previously mentioned "Star Talk Live" show with Neil de Grasse Tyson, Eugene Mirman, John Hodgman, and more, though it is now sold out.

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!

by Klaus Kinski

As previously mentioned, the long-awaited multi-purpose comedy venue UCB East has finally opened. Now so has its website.

The new venue is located on 153 East 3rd St. in Manhattan, and is the former home of the Two Boots Pioneer Theater. Even though I had only been to the Two Boots Theater once (back in 2003 to see the confoundingly brilliant Adolfas Mekas (Brother of Jonas) film Hallelujah the Hills), I was sad to hear it was closed down. But then I was elated to hear that the fine folks at the Upright Citizens Brigade would resurrected it as a comedy venue; a much needed element to that neighborhood considering Mo Pitkin's currently RIPs. The crucial distinction between UCB East and the UCB in Chelsea is that UCB East will be more stand-up/variety/screening/non-improv/non-sketch oriented. And I don't care if this distinction means nothing to you because it means a lot to me and I am the only person that matters. Not only is the venue closer to my house than UCB West, but this new satellite venue will allow some of my favorite UCB West shows like Joe Mande and Noah Garfinkel's Totally J/K to occur once a week (Thursdays at 9:00pm) as opposed to once a month. Plus, it'll introduce more non-improv/non-sketch weeklies to our lives. For example, the always incredible and probably criminally underrated Sara Schaefer has a show every Tuesday at 8:00pm called After Hours with Gene Hackman and Friends which will feature funny people, musical people, and other delightful things. On Thursdays at 11:00pm UCB's world famous open mic show Gutbucket (free!) gives people a chance to bomb in front of an audience. On Sundays at 9:00pm, hosts Mark Normand, Matt Ruby, Andy Haynes and David Cope bring newbies and comedy veterans to the stage for their show Hot Soup. And this is just scratching the surface. A gander at the FULL SCHEDULE will show you what's what. And yes, sure, there is SOME sketch and improv on the schedule, but that is hardly this venue's focus and that's what makes it great. That and the location amIright? The place also boasts a comfy bar to hang about in as well as cover charges in the $5 range. Now if only UCB West would give me a freakin' slot for my improv jam Anonymous: That's My Hummus, an improv-slash-sketch show that is unfunny, negative, and completely unnecessary.

UCB East (photo by the Apiary)

The Apiary reports:

The UCBT officially unlocked its East Village expansion Tuesday night, The UCB East (aka The Beast). But judging by the utter lack of wacky inflatable arm tube dudes and the three random people in the crowd for its first show (a screening of Wild Girls Gone), it's not ready for a Theater Magazine feature story yet. I strolled through, snagging shots of the new space. It seats a 100 maybe and is both long-ish and narrow. You'll need to speak with your diaphragms inserted to reach the lurkers in the back. Oh, and the stage is small, probably 12-14 feet wide? UCB West devotees will be majorly disappointed by the clear, unobstructed view from every seat. The venue has a foyer and a roomy spillway, which means you'll be able to shotgun PBRs before and after a performance without getting rained on. BYOB for now though til the liquor license fairies come by.

The Beast is located at Avenue A and 3rd Street. Initial schedule, including Totally JK with Joe Mande, Noah Garfinkel, Eugene Mirman AND DAS RACIST tonight (9/8), below!

Continue reading "UCB East aka UC Beast aka the Beast opens in East Village"

"I can never thank @iamdiddy enough. And everyone who helped make that happen on any level. Never give up. #diddygethard" - Chris Gethard

Puff Daddy & Chris Get Hard @ UCB (photo by Ari Scott)

"At about 11:30 p.m. [on Friday], Mr. Gethard (pronounced GETH-erd) could be found in his mended glasses, pacing the pea-green dressing room of the Upright Citizens Brigade Theater in Chelsea. He had been told Diddy would be arriving soon, but then, that rapper had broken promises to him in the past, and he was trying to keep his expectations in check.

"He just lives on a different planet from me," said Mr. Gethard, who was drinking from a 16-ounce can of Red Bull and repeatedly applying ChapStick to his lips. "I have no idea why he's doing this."

Then, through a back door, Diddy arrived, as unassumingly as one could enter a room with a hulking bodyguard (as well as an assistant and his teenage son, Justin). Dressed casually in a thermal shirt and jeans, Diddy (whose given name is Sean Combs) introduced himself to Mr. Gethard and the other comedians he'd soon be performing with. They chatted about the night's routine and Mr. Gethard warned Diddy not to take personal offense at anything in the show.

"That's good," Diddy replied, "because I'll talk about everything.""
[NY Times]

The Apiary says the show "will surely be remembered as one of the Upright Citizens Brigade Theater's most talked about "Were you there when..." moments in its history."

I don't know when the next edition of The Chris Gethard Show hits UCB in NYC, but you can catch Chris and the gang on tour across the country now, and with some effort you can figure out (or influence) exactly where. All I know (and they know) is that the tour ends at UCB n LA on 1/27. A video with some more info on the tour is below too.

Meanwhile, head to UCB in NYC on Monday night (1/17) to catch the next edition of Whiplash with special guests John Mulaney (SNL), Moshe Kasher, Mike Drucker, Jim Marsdale, and... Daniel Kitson who has that night off from his current St Ann's Warehouse run.

Video of Chris Gethard reaching out to Diddy, Diddy at UCB, videos of Gethard and friends on the road, and more below...

Continue reading "Chris Gethard (on tour now) landed Diddy as his guest @ UCB (where Daniel Kitson will be Monday night)"

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"

Mike Birbiglia & Michael Showalter @ Mirman Fest (more by David Andrako)

Mike Birbiglia, you know, the guy from the subway ads that has a book out, celebrates, well, that book, at Caroline's on Tuesday, November 2nd. Tickets are on sale.

Amazingly there are also still tickets left for Birbigs' November 22nd "My Girlfriend's Boyfriend" show at UCB. That's a Monday which is convenient because then you can stick around for Whiplash.

One week earlier, Nick Kroll does the pre-Whiplash show for only $5.00 which is cheaper than the shows he'll be practicing for.

The New York Comedy Festival presents "Louie: A Conversation with Louis C.K.", at the Paley Center this Wednesday, November 3rd. Tickets are on sale.

Louis plays Carnegie Hall one day later which is almost three months before Aziz Ansari plays Carnegie Hall with Eugene Mirman, but only two days before Aziz plays Beacon Theatre.

Who knows who will show up to play later that night, and the night after that, at UCB for two special non-Monday editions of Whiplash, aka "The Best of Whiplash."

Also Wednesday: "The world premiere of Dave Hill's Rock Shop with special guests PAT KIERNAN of NY1, MICHAEL SHOWALTER, and DOUG GILLARD (Guided By Voices/Nada Surf)!" I mean, I don't think you need to know more than that to immediately want to buy a ticket, but just in case:

Dave Hill's Rock Shop is a new comedy "talk" show which will hopefully happen the first Wednesday of each month at Park Slope's newest buzzworthy club, The Rock Shop. The show will run approximately an hour and will feature comedian/guitarist and Ohio native, Dave Hill hosting the shit out it. Dave Hill's Rock Shop will feature interviews with a famous or semi-famous or not so famous person, a famous or semi-famous or not so famous comedian, plus the focus of the show: Dave challenges a famous or semi-famous rock musician to a guitar duel (possibly to the death). The show is being produced by Caroline Creaghead (Tearing The Veil Of Maya / Eugene Mirman's Comedy Festival / The Rope Swing) and Jack McFadden (The Bell House / The Rock Shop booking guru) and is sure to have South Brooklyn peeps peeing in their seats (don't worry, we clean them, sorta).'

Our debut show will be on Wednesday, November 3 at 7:30pm and features Pat Kiernan of NY1, comedian Michael Showalter, and guitar hero Doug Gillard of Nada Surf & Guided By Voices. The show will cost $7 and you'll feel pretty good about getting your 7 dollars worth. There will be no refunds.

Unlike one of the the non-Doug Gillard Guided By Voices shows coming up, The Rock Shop is offering no refunds.

One of Dave Hill's bands, the one with Moby in it, plays Mercury Lounge on December 4th. 21+. No refunds.

PREVIOUSLY: Tim & Eric add a show, Eugene Mirman & Hannibal Buress every Sunday & other comedy stuff too

Mike Birbiglia was on Jimmy Kimmel last week. Video of his segment below...

Continue reading "Louis CK, Mike Birbiglia, Dave Hill, Pat Kiernan & other tickets "

by Klaus Kinski

Diamondsnake @ Highline Ballroom in June (more by Gabi Porter)

Comedian and opinionated audiophile John Frusciante (editor's note: NOT the Frusciante from the Chili Peppers) hosts a revolving panel of music-loving comedians, writers and musicians for a live monthly discussion about the state of music past and present, what you should and shouldn't be listening to, and why KISS sucks so much. It is a guarantee that your favorite band will at some point be brought up, dissected, and either praised to the rafters or dismissed with the wave of a hand that knows how to properly handle vinyl.

In the world of befuddling circumstances flying out of nowhere and landing in my lap, being asked to be a panelist alongside Moby (who played the Electric Zoo Festival over Labor Day Weekend), Dave Hill, and Jake Fogelnest (who, like BrooklynVegan, can be heard on SIRIUS XMU) at the UCB Theater in NYC on Saturday, September 11th at Midnight takes the frikkin cake. The event is essentially going to be a round-table discussion about the state of music past, present, and future (see a more detailed show description above). What will I, an ambassador for BV, be bringing to the table?

• a vomit inducing fear of public speaking
• very little knowledge of music past, present, or future
• an eagerness to learn about music past, present, and future
• a dislike for most music that people nowadays think is just wonderful
• a distaste for a few bands I've never even heard before
• a vomit inducing fear of public speaking
• the sweatiest palms you've ever smelled
• an unbridled loathing of your stupid tattoos
• hopefully some articulate points that will make people think, laugh and, hell, maybe even cheer.
• a disdain for most everything, actually

Ironically, I don't think there's even going to be a table there to bring the aforementioned attributes to; rather, we'll be in chairs, un-miced. I'll have nothing to hide behind and will have to do my best Richard Burton to be sure my voice projects. Annnnywhoozle. Having Moby and Dave Hill on the same panel does make quite a bit of sense. You see, Moby and Dave Hill are in a band called Diamondsnake, a band that also features Phil Costello (frontman of now defunct Bee Gees cover band Tragedy and guitar player for the probably defunct Satanicide) and Tomato (Sound of Urchin, Moistboyz)(look closely at the Moistboyz Live Jihad video, recorded at Bowery. A drunken Klaus appears occasionally in the front row with a red hat).

Diamondsnake has 2 NYC SHOWS coming up. The first is on October 2nd at Mercury Lounge, and the following NYC show is at Brooklyn Bowl on November 4th as part of Lebowski Fest.

The UCB show is going to be tons of fun and even though I have a propensity towards negativity, I'm going in with my mind, ears, and guts wide open. Hope you can make it! Cheap beer! RESERVE YOUR SEAT NOW!

by David Andrako

LOST fan Bobby Moynihan @ the UCB Theatre in NYC

"On MAY 22nd at 10PM in NYC and LA the UCB THEATER will time travel to the mysterious island from LOST and transform in a fully operational Dharma Station. This one night only event. Will never be seen again. Your favorite stars from LOST (live and via videotape) will perform alongside your favorite comedians on stage in a night of LOST themed Comedy." [Paul Scheer]

Even before comedian Paul Scheer posted that message to his website (hours before the penultimate episode of LOST aired), fans quickly booked the free reservations for both the NYC and LA shows. Many others showed up to wait in the standby line in hopes of getting into Saturday night's show.

The NYC show was hosted by the three-man improv group, Sidecar (Matt Fisher, Alden Ford & Justin Tyler) and featured comedians Samm Levine, Owen Burke, Anthony Atamanuik, Jon Glaser, Seth Herzog, Bobby Moynihan, Kumail Nanjiani, John Gemberling, Gil Ozeri, Jeff Rubins and Pat Cassels. Though no actual LOST cast members were there, the two hour event started with a pre-recorded video message from LOST executive producers Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse (both recently spotted watching Lost at Knitting Factory) welcoming the crowd to UCB and thanking everyone for supporting the show. Other highlights of the evening included Samm Levine playing a clip of his appearance on LOST as a Mr. Cluck's Chicken Shack cashier, John Gemberling and Gil Ozeri in "Crazy Sayid and Crazy Claire's Crazy Island Giveway" and the final sketch of the evening, Bobby Moynihan's video slide-show documenting his extensive collection of LOST memorabilia and various references to LOST that he worked into several episodes of Saturday Night Live.

More pictures from the night below...

Continue reading "the LOST finale was celebrated @ UCB w/ Bobby Moynihan, Jon Glaser, Samm Levine, Sidecar & other comedians (pics) "

'It's amazing what these sick f#%ks will do right out in the open' - Dave Hill

Tickets are on sale (@ noon) for the two Scissor Sisters shows coming to Bowery Ballroom.

Lupe Fiasco is playing Irving Plaza on April 10th. Tickets are on sale.

Tickets are on sale for the show Gogol Bordello are playing at Irving Plaza on March 9th.

Tickets are on sale for the Dead Meadow & Imaad Wasif show at Bowery Ballroom.

Dave Hill brings his "Big in Japan" show back to the UCB Theatre in NYC tonight (3/1) and March 11th.

After Dave Hill's show you can stick around UCB for Whiplash. Tonight's guests include Hannibal Buress (SNL), Kumail Nanjiani, Sheng Wang & guest host Sean Patton.

For more shows happening tonight, check out "What's Going on Monday".

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Leo Allen hosts Whiplash every Monday night at UCB

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

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

Totally J/K (Joe Mande & Noah Garfinkle) are hosting a dream lineup @ UCB tonight.

Many of the same comedians are also performing in Brooklyn tonight at the same time!

Dave Hill's Big in Japan returns to UCB on Thursday.

Attention People of New York City:

Hello. This is your man Dave Hill writing to let you know that Thursday, October 15 at 8:00pm, I will performing my brand new one-man show "Dave Hill: Big in Japan" like a motherf@#ker for the very third time over there at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre in historic Chelsea. Attendance is mandatory unless you hate having a really, really nice time that might also lead to sex. Anyway, I realize there has been a lot of confusion- especially in the Scandinavian press- about my new one-man show. And while there is some truth to the rumor that my new one-man show is a coming-of-stage tale based on my early years as a young Austrian girl who wanted nothing more than to express herself through dance even if her pimp Danny had different plans for her, it is mostly about one man's (me, silly!) undying will to rock the f@#k out of people and also this one time I went to Japan and rocked the f@#k out of people with my rocking rock Valley Lodge. Also- and I cannot stress this enough- it is NOT the same show as the Dave Hill Explosion so stop thinking that, dammit. However, my new one-man show is explosive in nature and possesses similar heatbringing properties and an almost identical bang quotient (sin(ax)sin(bx) - k cos(ax)cos(bx) = number of chicks who totally want to bang me). Anyway, I really hope you can make it. Aside from all the heat I will be bringing to the show, it is directed by the great Jeff Tomsic and assistant directed by the super dupes Nicole Brodeur. It also features the winsome Chris Chuang and the fiery Zachary Danziger in the roles of a lifetime. And as if all of that is not enough, my show is immediately followed by Pangaea 3000 Sucks, a great show that you totally don't have to pay extra for. So come, you know, if you want. I'm tired of fighting about it. You can get tickets right here.

Love,
Dave Hill

That "Big in Japan" show is TONIGHT (10/15). The next "Dave Hill Explosion" is at the same venue on October 22nd and features special guests Gordon Gano of the Violent Femmes and the RETURN of Dick Cavett (not to be missed). Tickets are on sale.

In between those two UCB events you can catch Dave Hill playing two roles in one night. I'm talking about the official BrooklynVegan CMJ showcase at Music Hall of Williamsburg on October 20th where Dave is both playing guitar in the Walter Schreifels Band (expect Quicksand, Gorilla Biscuits, Rival Schools and more), AND telling some jokes and hosting the night. Tickets are still on sale.

"Big In Japan" happens again on October 29th at UCB. The flyer along with a very recent video of Walter performing solo in a store... IN JAPAN, below...

Continue reading "in addition to being funny, and playing for Walter Schreifels (and hosting BV CMJ), Dave Hill is big in Japan! (@ UCB)"

Kurt Vile on WFMU @ UCB - Oct 7, 2009 (notladj)

"Kurt opened the night with two solo numbers that haven't appeared on any record, to my knowledge. I recognized "Peeping Tomboy" from one of the Ray Concepcion videos from Kurt Vile's last Silent Barn show, which I've posted below. If I had any doubt that Kurt Vile has any more good material left in him after this new album, "Peeping Tomboy" puts my worries to rest. With the October 6th release of Childish Prodigy, it was no surprise that Kurt Vile and the Violators mostly performed songs from that album. However, he performed a couple of songs off Constant Hitmaker, and they were given the Violators treatment. Of course, KV and the Violators tackled "Freeway," the song that Kurt once referred to as their Billboard chart hit, "right above 'Like a Rolling Stone.'" By far, the live version of "Freeway" is my favorite, mostly due to J Turbo's added harmonica part. No "My Sympathy" this night, but Kurt said he would definitely play it at his next NYC show. I will be there." [LAMIMAB]

That review of from Kurt Vile's show at Mercury Lounge last night (10/7). A few hours earlier he played a set at UCB that was aired live on WFMU (that's where the picture was taken).

Kurt Vile and the Violators are now on tour, but they'll be back soon. They were just added as opener on the November 18th Big Star show at Brooklyn Masonic Temple. Some tickets are still available.

A bunch of videos below...

Continue reading "Kurt Vile played UCB & Mercury Lounge, opening for Big Star"

WFMU's 7 Second Delay Live happens live at UCB at 6:00pm. If you can't make it, you can always just listen on your Internet radio. Kurt Vile then plays Mercury Lounge tonight around 11 (Still Life Still plays the same venue, but much earlier).

David Cross @ ATP NY on Friday (more by Ryan Muir)

Hi, I'm hated comedian David Cross. I've been asked to go to London to perform a three week run of my offensive stand-up routines at the Soho Theater.

And since it's London and those folks have no idea who I am or what my act is like, I thought that rather than try to whip up a brand new tight hour and a half, that I would instead just brush off some old chestnuts and be on my way. But I dont' remember half of the shit I used to do. Good thing I recorded cd's!

Won't you come watch me "get ready" for London with some Klassic Komedy Bitz? It's priced accordingly and there will be beer.

Thanks,
david

The price is $5.00 and it's happening at the UCB Theatre in NYC tonight (9/15 @ 11pm). "ADVANCE RESERVATIONS ARE SOLD OUT", but "There will be a stand-by line for this show" which means if you really want to get in, you have a decent chance (true for all UCB shows, especially the 'sold out' free ones).

David performed at ATP NY this past Friday. One weekend earlier he and some friends were at the Bumbershoot Festival in Seattle. That show can be watched in the video below...

Continue reading "David Cross played Bumbershoot (video) -- @ UCB TONIGHT"

Max Silvestri, Jenny Slate & Gabe Liedman @ Rififi (Marianne Ways)

Hi buds,

Woah, get ready. I have some huge news! As you know, one of my lovely Big Terrific co-hosts Jenny Slate has been absent as of late doing "showbiz" stuff, and a lot of you have been all "more like no-biz!!" Well first, stop saying that, and also, it's paid off! She is the newest cast member on Saturday Night Live, which is a long running television show that you have heard of. Won't that be amazing? She is going to be their go-to person for Gloria Estefan impressions. Also, she is going to be their go-to person for everything because she is the best, we love her so much, are so very proud, and cannot think of anyone who would be better on that show. It's really just perfect. Like, we were all surprised to get the news but also we totally weren't, you know? That's how great she'll be.

Jenny will be back at Big T soon to tell lots of showbiz stories about what Megan Fox smells like and how Ted Danson always has mints handy or whatever. Come this Wednesday and celebrate with Gabe and me, before all of us are too famous.

We've got super guests too: Eugene Mirman, Leo Allen, Brent Sullivan and more! We're so psyched. It's Wednesday September 2nd at 8pm at Cameo Gallery, 93 North 6th St between Berry & Wythe in Williamsburg. Come hang out!!

Thanks guys. You guys make Big Terrific the most fun. (Also us, but definitely you a bit too.)

-Max Silvestri

Klaus also tells me that comedian Hannibal Burress has been hired by SNL as a staff writer... which is confirmed by the Apiary that also says UCB performer Christine Nangle will also be writing for the show. Congrats to everyone! Some Jenny videos below...

Continue reading "Jenny Slate joins SNL, Max & Gabe continue @ Cameo "

Leo Allen opening for the Walkmen @ the Guggenheim (more by Kurt Christensen)

Daniel Kitson tickets and other Eugene Mirman Comedy Festival tickets are on sale.

Tickets are also on sale for the New York Comedy Festival shows.

Leo Allen opened for The Walkmen at the Guggenheim Museum on Friday night. Leo Allen hosts Whiplash every Monday night at the UCB Theatre in NYC. David Cross, Ted Alexandro & Aparna Nancherla are among those performing there tonight (8/17).

Also tonight, but in Brooklyn: Falling Down, a new monthly comedy series at Bruar Falls hosted by Ali Wong, features Todd Barry, Dave Hill and more.

by Klaus Kinski

If the NY Comedy Festival is at one end of the comedy festival spectrum, then the Del Close Improv Marathon resides at the absolute opposite end. I am really excited to report that the 11th Annual Del Close Improv Marathon is, like, just around the corner. Dude. Taking place from August 14th - August 16th, the 56-hour NON-STOP improv marathon will take over 4 stages in NYC and will bring to us the absolute best improv from New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Boston, Washington DC, Chapel Hill, Raleigh, Phoenix, Austin, Philadelphia, Finland, Hawaii, Baltimore, Ontario, St. Louis, Toronto, and more. FINLAND?! AND MORE!?!? This marathon is important to me because New York is so absolutely saturated with improv troupes. So much so that the scene is really hit-or-miss for me. So hit-or-miss that I rarely venture out to see improv comedy (the only thing that makes me sadder than bad improv is the end of Blade Runner). But with the Del Close Marathon, there are no misses. It is the best of the best, from start to finish.

Del Close was the driving force behind improvisational comedy in Chicago for over 30 years influencing Bill Murray, Tina Fey, Mike Myers, John Belushi, Chris Farley and the Upright Citizens Brigade to name a few. After Del's passing in 1999, the UCB started the Del Close Marathon to celebrate their mentor and keep alive his name and teachings for future generations.

Highlights of this years festival include 30 Rock-prov (featuring Donald Glover, John Lutz, Tami Sagher, and more), Horatio Sanz and the Kings of Improv (featuring Horatio Sanz of Saturday Night Live) and reunions of classic UCB Theatre groups The Swarm and Respecto Montalban (featuring Rob Huebel and Paul Scheer of Human Giant, Rob Riggle, and more). The Marathon will conclude with a special performance of ASSSSCAT at F.I.T.'s Haft Auditorium, featuring members of the Upright Citizens Brigade (Matt Besser, Ian Roberts and Matt Walsh).

Shows will be taking place at the UCB Theater, Hudson Guild Theater, Urban Stages, and the FIT Kate Murphy Ampitheatre. The FIT Haft Auditorium will play host to that single ASSSCAT mega show. The schedule is insane, but with the help of the glorious time table set-up by the organizers, creating your own itinerary should be a cinch. $25 weekend passes are available at the UCB Theater as well as the other participating venues. The F.I.T. shows are $12 and are likely to sell right out, so buy your F.I.T. tickets ASAP.

2009 iO West Del Close Awards Nominations, and other videos below...

Continue reading "2009 Del Close Improv Marathon this weekend (lineup, tix) "

by Klaus Kinski (of Klaus Kinski's Comedy Canon)

Two films I've been dying to see quickly made their way in and out of our fair city this past June. Being an idiot that cannot seem to prioritize anything, I missed them both. The films I speak of are Big Fan starring Patton Oswalt and Visioneers starring Zach Galifianakis. You may recall from previous articles that Zach and Patton are among my favorite comedians of all time; thus the eagerness to see these films and the anguish at missing them. Big Fan is the directorial debut of Robert Siegel, the man wrote The Wrestler, a film that featured comedian Todd Barry (another favorite). In Big Fan, Patton plays the role of Paul.

Paul is a 35-year-old toll booth operator from Staten Island who lives and dies by his New York Giants. When he has a chance encounter with Giants linebacker Quantrell Bishop, however, things go horribly wrong and a brutal beating at the hands of his idol tests Paul's allegiance to the team. Comedian Patton Oswalt delivers a heartbreaking, layered performance in this pitch-black comedy that reveals the disturbing side of obsessive fandom.

Thankfully, word is out that Big Fan will begin showing in theaters in New York and Philadelphia August 28th, Los Angeles, D.C, Dallas and Houston theatres September 11th and then expanding! In the meantime, visit the official website for trailers and whatnot. And definitely check out Patton's diaries from when Big Fan played at Sundance back in January. Trailer below.

Having seen the trailer last year, I feel like Visioneers has been on my radar for a really long time. It definitely looks to be a somber, Orwellian, supremely dark comedy. The film, directed by Jared Drake, stars Galifianakis as George Washington Winsterhammerman.

George lives a comfortable yet completely uneventful life, and when he starts having dreams in which he's the first President of the United States, his doctor informs him that they could be signs of impending explosion. Later, as the dreams become more frequent and his co-workers continue to detonate, George is prompted to reevaluate his mundane existence.

It looks like that June 3 screening at the 92Y Tribeca may have been my only opportunity to see it theatrically; it comes out on DVD July 21st (using Zach's role in The Hangover to reach a broader audience) and there only seems to be independently organized screening parties scattered across the US. Trailer below.

Zach did a split 7" with Ted Leo a while back, available only via Chunklet.com and only available if you purchased another item from the Chunklet store. Now you no longer need to buy a second item in order to purchase the record. This extremely limited edition 7" is only $5 and is available on four different types of wax. Get 'em while they're hot!.

In Other News........

Continue reading "comedy news: Patton Oswalt, David Cross, Zach Galifianakis, Ricky Gervais, M Showalter, ATP & more (by Klaus Kinski)"

Walter Schreifels with Rival Schools at Irving Plaza (more by Tim Griffin)

Walter Schreifels in concert doesn't just mean it will be the hardcore veteran playing his Martin acoustic. For a few dates (so far), Walter Schriefels (the band) will play shows in the northeast, including one on June 17th in NYC at The Studio @ Webster Hall. Ticket info is forthcoming. Expect a mix of "everything" (Quicksand, Gorilla Biscuits, covers...), except Rival Schools since they are currently active. The band is:

vocals & guitar: Walter Schreifels
bass: Arthur Smilios (GB, CIV)
drums: Andy Action (2 Skinnee J's)
guitar: Dave Hill (Valley Lodge, Children of the Unicorn, Cobra Verde)

If you've ever seen comedian Dave Hill play guitar, you know he can shred (usually) in addition to telling jokes. He knows his shredders too. Catch his band Valley Lodge as "the house band for Triumph the Insult Comic Dog Presents Bonnapoo 2009" in the Bonnaroo comedy tent. Catch Dave's hilarious live comedy show, The Dave Hill Explosion, next at UCB in NYC on May 21st with special guests Takka Takka and Ira Glass.

Walter Schreifels' other venture, Rival Schools, are scheduled to play a few dates with Eagles of Death Metal, including NYC on August 6th at Webster Hall. Tickets are still on sale. Rival Schools is working on their new album, the follow-up to United By Fate and first album since reuniting.

All dates below...

Continue reading "Walter Schreifels playing (solo) shows with a new band (including Dave Hill) & some w/ Rival Schools - 2009 dates "

photos by Toby Tenenbaum

thanks for coming to the issue project room fundraiser friday. i hope that if you were there that you liked the show.

as i'd said, it was my first time doing a seated electronic/ambient show. the touring for the upcoming album (barring sporadic dj dates) will be with a full band and multiple vocalists, although i might incorporate some elements of the electronic/ambient show, as it enabled me to perform some songs i'd never been able to perform before (like 'god moving over the face of the waters', and other instrumental songs from the past).

ok, it's late, time for bed.

thanks again,

moby

Toby said, "he played for a shade under 2 hours as 300 Brooklynites crammed into 232 4th Street. The minimalist performance space comprised Moby's turntables, headphones, a mac computer and a projector screen. Moby's set featured tracks off his new album as well as an abundance of classics from his back catalog. The set finished with a thumping airing of GO..and so he did."

Moby has another NYC live appearance coming up. He, along with SNL's Simon Rich, will be part of "a live broadcast of radio station 91.1 FM WFMU's '7 Second Delay.' Featuring WFMU's Ken Freedman and Andy Breckman." It takes place at the UCB Theater on May 20th and tickets are on sale.

We previously mentioned Moby's new David Lynch-directed video that was screened at the Issue Project Room show - we posted it already even, but in case you missed it... That video, and more pictures from the show, below...

Continue reading "Moby - Issue Project Room benefit pics, the David Lynch video & an upcoming appearance at UCB"

TheRumpus.net is having a launch party at Crash Mansion in NYC tonight (2/5). According to the ticket page, there will be "Music by Will Sheff of Okkervil River, Timothy Bracy of the Mendoza Line and Beth Wawerna of Bird Of Youth" and "Comedy by: Kristen Shaal of Flight of the Conchords, and
Michael Showalter from Comedy Central's Stella" and "Readings from authors: James Frey, Andrew Sean Greer, Jonathan Ames, and This American Life's Starlee Kine".

Also tonight, also comedy: Variety Shac @ UCB with recently added special guest Zach Galifianakis.

Also coming up at UCB: Klaus made a list.

Also comedy with special guests: three editions of Mike Birbiglia's Sleepwalk with Me this month.

Also a show that Kristen Schaal is playing: Flight of the Conchords at Radio City Music Hall (twice)

Also a show that Kristen Schaal is playing: Eugene Mirman's book release party

Also a show Will Sheff is playing: Coachella

Also starring Michael Showalter (and Todd Barry, Paul Rudd, David Wain, Eugene Mirman, Leo Allen, and Superbowl commercial star Jon Benjamin): "The Weekender" video below...

Continue reading "Will Sheff, Kristen Schaal & friends playng Crash Mansion, Zach Galifianakis at UCB & other stuff"

by Klaus Kinski

Max & Gabe D & friend @ MoMA - Jan 6, 2009 (by Fred Benenson) (via)

I don't get to see nearly as much comedy as I used to, but the scene is as vibrant as ever. If the mood strikes and I find myself wanting to get my yuck-on there is absolutely no shortage of one-off shows and recurring weekly shows. The Tribeca branch of the 92nd St Y has been booking some insane comedy shows recently. I caught Zach Galifianakis there a few weeks ago and was mightily impressed by the performance space and the insane, reasonably priced beer list at the bar. Sound Fix in Williamsburg has free comedy every Wednesday and Thursday. Joe Mande and Noah Garfinkle host Totally J/K every Wednesday at 9:30pm, while Max Silvestri, Gabe Liedman and Jenny Slate host Big Terriffic at 8:00pm on Thursdays. These shows fill the void left by the demise of Rififi and its staples Invite Them Up and The Greg Johnson & Larry Murphy Show by attracting big names like Zach Galifianakis, Sarah Silverman, Janeane Garofalo, Todd Barry, Eugene Mirman, and zillions more. Speaking of Greg Johnson, he's got a free show every Sunday at Pianos. And speaking of Invite Them Up, former host Bobby Tisdale now has a semi-regular, RSVP only show happening in Greenpoint called Wards of Merkin. It's usually $10 and there's usually free booze and top shelf comedians. And don't forget that the UCB Theater and The Pit have calendars bursting with options as does Comix's underground lair Ochi's. And that's just barely scratching the surface of the goings ons. Below are some shows currently on my radar...

Continue reading "NYC comedy @ 92Y, SoundFix, Comix, Pianos, UCB, places"