Boston Comedy

[Alex Mac]

Another week, another update. Am I talking to myself? Is this the end of Zombie Shakespeare? Who knows? But here are some of Boston's upcoming shows for this week. There is a bit of a drought at the Wilbur until Eugene Mirman and Kristen Schaal's show next weekend. But worry not! Our favorite comedy clubs are offering some of the best entertainment possible.
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Upcoming for this weekend:

@ Mottley's Comedy Club
(http://www.mottleyscomedy.com/)

06/11/2009
The Dress Up Show

Join hosts Bethany Van Delft and Erin Judge for their fabulous twist on the typical stand-up comedy showcase.

Every month, Bethany and Erin glam it up and invite a gang of their favorite local comics to join them - and wear their finest and funkiest clothes. And we invite the audience to do the same! Whether it's that fierce pair of earrings or those funky wingtips, the Dress-Up Show provides the perfect venue to strut your stuff. Come for the laughs, come for the contests, come for the prizes, or come just to work it.

The ladies are joined this month by Renata Tutko, Sara Blodgett, Rick Canavan, Mike Dorval, Ahmed Baroocha, Ronald Regan 80's, Tim McIntire and special guests!

Featured Comics
Erin Judge, Bethany Van Delft, Tim McIntire, Renata Tutko, Sara Blodgett, Rick Canavan, Mike Dorval, Ahmed Baroocha, Ronald Reagan 80s


6/12/2009 to 06/13/2009

Pride Weekend at Mottley's

Mottley's helps celebrate Pride Week in Boston with a show featuring our most popular lesbian, gay and bisexual comics. Erin Judge hosts club favorites Mehran, Jess Sutich, Greg Rodrigues, and Ellen Moschetto. All of these comics have appeared at the club numerous times, so you know the show's going to rock from top to bottom. Come out and enjoy this one!

Featured Comics
Erin Judge, Mehran, Greg Rodrigues, Ellen Moschetto, Jess Sutich



@ The Comedy Studio
(http://www.thecomedystudio.com/)

Thu
6.11

The MC Mr. Napkins Show with Pamela Ames, Pincus, Lamont Price, Preach, Luke Hanbury, Shaun Marek, Jono Zalay, Gary Petersen.


Fri
6.12

Ken Reid hosts... Dan Boulger, Ronald Reagan 80's, Raj Silveramian, Shaun Carter, Drew Spangler, Dan Sulman, Brian Longwell, Pat McLoud, Big Alvin David, JJ Leslie, Gary Petersen.

Sat
6.13

Rick Jenkins hosts... Shaun Bedgood, Dan Boulger, David Grabiner, Daniella Capolino, Chris Coxen, Andrea Henry, Brian Longwell, Alvin David, Gary Petersen, Robby RoadSteamer, The Steamy Bohemians.


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Additional information and such:


-At the price of being a self promoting jerkwad, I would like to remind you of Mottley's Comedy Bailout this Wednesday. $8 (or $5 if you are a college student) for a night of some of the best, most unpredictable comedy in the city. This is the night where Mottley's lives up to its mission to have some of Boston's best perform alongside promising newcomers.

Why am I reminding you? Because I will be doing this show this Wednesday! If you are a Bostonian ASTer and want to come out and support one of your brothers, now is your chance!

- Boston has a new alternative room! Chris Coxen and Robby Roadsteamer have opened up shop downstairs at the Cantab every Monday for what they're calling the Greater Boston Alternative Comedy Sleepoever. We wish them to best best luck!

[Alex Mac]

Almost didn't get in an update this week. On the job hunt still, most of my time spent between odd jobs, the occasional paid barking for Mottley's shows, and desperately filling out job apps and hearing nothing back.

I won't really be around next week for an update, so this listing will be a larger one. I'll be covering the shows for this weekend and next week. Why won't I be around? Well, check the Additional Information section to find out!
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Upcoming for this weekend:

@ Mottley's Comedy Club
(http://www.mottleyscomedy.com/)

This Week!

06/20/2009



James Patterson

Mottley's is proud to present James Patterson's return to Boston. James got his start at the legendary Comedy Studio, moved to LA, became a big shot, and now he's back in Boston and headlining Mottley's!

James has been seen on Comedy Central and is a regular at the Great and Secret Show (both East and West). He's joined by Great and Secret alumni Erik Charles Neilsen and Ken Reid, with our very own Bethany Van Delft hosting. When people talk about "the next generation of comics," these are the people they're talking about!


Featured Comics
James Patterson, Erik Charles Nielsen, Ken Reid, Bethany Van Delft


Next Week!

06/25/2009



The Fairbanks Factor

Jeff Fairbanks, one of the brains behind Mottley's, hosts his own showcase that is sure to be filled with some of Boston's best. Details are sketchy regarding who will be on the show but as the show date gets closer, I will update everyone as to the line up. What we know for sure: Fellow Mottley's co-founder Tim McIntire will be on the line up! A pretty damn good start to what is sure to be a night of great comedians.

06/26/2009

Jon Fisch



Jon Fisch returns to Mottley's! He still holds the record for our fastest sell-out, and with good reason!Jon's appearances on Last Comic Standing 4, where he was the New York City Capital One Audience Favorite, gained him wide recognition and a new legion of fans. He has also been seen on Comedy Central's Premium Blend, was invited to perform at the 2007 HBO Comedy Arts Festival in Aspen, and is a host of 3 Men and a Chick Flick this season on the WE network.

Jon is joined by Dan Allen, who has appeared on Comedy Central's Premium Blend and is the creator of FlockOfMullets.com and TaoOfDan.com. New York's Dan Shaki makes his Mottley's debut to host the shows.



@ The Wilbur Theatre
(http://www.thewilburtheatre.com/)

This Week!

06/20/2009

Mike Epps!





Best known for his work on the Def Jam comedy tour and the film Next Friday, comedian Mike Epps swings on over to the Wilbur. Epps has been all over popular media ranging the spectrum from the award winning show The Sopranos to the so bad they are good (sort of) Resident Evil movies.

Okay, so maybe we should bring those movies up. But the point is that Epps is coming to Boston to offer his own brand of humor. And hey, if it was good enough for Ice Cube, it is good enough for me!


06/26/2009

Jamie Kennedy!

Love him or hate him, Jamie Kennedy is coming to the Wilbur next weekend. While some of his outings might not be well recieved by some (Son of the Mask, Kickin' it Old School), I have to admit that Malibu's Most Wanted is a guilty pleasure of mine. Comedy fans will most recently know his film Heckler about the plight of stand-up comics vs their often-aggressive audience.. For those interested, Kennedy is sure to offer a night crackerlicious comedy.

06/27/2009

Kristen Schaal & Eugene Mirman!



Boom! Talk about a damn good show. King of the absurd, Eugene Mirman rides back into Boston on a golden steed of alternative comedy gold. By his side, wielding a pump action shotgun of laughter, is Kristen Schaal. Both excellent stand-up comedians in their own right, Kristen Schaal and Eugene Mirman have both recently risen to fame thanks to their roles in the HBO series Flight of The Conchords. They co-headline at the Comedy Connection Wilbur Theatre in a night that any East Coast AST-er would be downright insane to miss.

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Additional information and such:

-I won't be around next week because I will be attending the Providence Improvfest! This is New England's premier improv comedy festival and I am proud to say that I will be participating in the competition for not only one comedy group but two! I wll try to keep you all up to date with news from the festival and its goings ons. Wish me luck!

Check out the Improvfest website at http://www.providenceimprovfest.com/.

[ErikNielsen]

Mottley's show last night was a lot of fun -- really cool venue, great lineup. You should go to tonight's, Boston people!

(I may be biased.)

[Alex Mac]

The show must have been good, Erik. Chris Coxen had this to say.

It was one of the best shows I've seen in a long time. Bethany Van Delft hosted like a whirlwind girl-champ, successfully putting the audience in the palm of her darling hand. Ken Reid caused love and laughs to appear out of thin air like always. Erik Charles Nielsen had a set that caused me to laugh like the man I used to be before getting into comedy - free and wild. He is now among my favorites in comedy. James Patterson had a tough job to pursue, performing after Erik's set that was so good, someone will probably build a statue because of it. But James really nailed it, lambasting us all with new, intelligent and well-played giggle weapons.

I tip my hat to you all - not one weak moment in the show. Nick Z was there so I would recommend you read his blog on all of this.

[Alex Mac]

Another week, another update. Am I talking to myself? Is this the end of Zombie Shakespeare? Who knows? But here are some of Boston's upcoming shows for this week. There is a bit of a drought at the Wilbur until Eugene Mirman and Kristen Schaal's show next weekend. But worry not! Our favorite comedy clubs are offering some of the best entertainment possible.
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Upcoming for this week:

@ the Greater Boston Alternative Comedy Sleepoever

Chris Coxen says: "Tonight's GBAC Sleepover show is an MJ tribute - you'll see a play I wrote in 4th grade about Michael Jackson and Marilyn McCoo, then you'll see the opera version of it (with a real opera singer)! Danny Morsel will do some MJ combat dancing. We also have Joe Wong, Walsh Bros, Ken Reid, Rob Crean, Robby Roadsteamer and Erik Charles Nielsen. Nuts."

@ Mottley's Comedy Club
(http://mottleyscomedy.com/)

07/03/09 to 07/04/09


Mottley's celebrates Independence Day Weekend in style! What's more American than cheap beer and the serious exercise of the first amendment? We've got an all-star lineup hosted by Jon Lincoln - check it out!

Friday: Dan Boulger, Tim McIntire, Big Nezz, Jono Zalay, Sara Faith Alterman (yes, THAT Sara Faith Alterman), Michele Mortensen

Saturday: Dan Boulger, Josh Gondleman, Jono Zalay, Big Nezz, Michele Mortensen


Featured Comics
Jon Lincoln, Dan Boulger, Tim McIntire, Josh Gondelman, Big Nezz, Jono Zalay, Sara Faith Alterman, Michele Mortensen


@ The Comedy Studio
(http://www.thecomedystudio.com/)

Thu
6.25

Thursday night with guests Dan Boulger, Maria Ciampa, Tom Dunlap, Clark E., Maceo Gilleece, Myq Kaplan, Gary Petersen, Robby RoadSteamer, Joe Wong.


Fri
6.26

Ken Reid hosts... Chris Fleming, Erin Judge, Julie K., Tim Messenger, Jen Myszkowski, Erik Charles Nielsen, Gary Petersen, Joe Picirillo, Bethany Van Delft.

Sat
6.27

Annual Asian Cultural Development benefit. Starring Joe Wong! with Ahmed Bharoocha, Julie Kitiyama, Jason Marcus. Tickets only available through AsianCDC.org

Sun
6.28

Kevin Anglin, Ahmed Bharoocha, Belinda Borelli, PJ Brown, Doug Chagnon, Taylor Connelly, Shaun Donovan, Andrew Mayer, Gary Petersen, Joe Pontillo, Michael Steinborn.


@ The Wilbur Theatre
(http://www.thewilburtheatre.com/)



You know him from LCS, Tourgasm, and his one hour Comedy Central special "Boyish Man.", Peabody born comedian Gary Gulman returns to Boston. At this point, all my Wilbur lead ins are sounding the same but I guess I should just say this: see it. Gulman is a funny and friendly guy.

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Additional information and such:


-If you can, check out the most recent issue of the Improper Bostonian for their Sex and Love issue featuring comedian and sexpert Eugene Mirman. Also, look for appearances from local comedians Tony V, Ken Reid, MC Mister Napkins, Joe Wong, and Myq Kaplan.

[Alex Mac]

A bunch of Boston comedians have gotten together to make a short film which is currently in a competition on atom.com. The winner will be shown on Comedy Central.

Go to: http://www.atom.com/showdown and check out "Movie Day"!

starring: Dan Hirshon, Joe List, Alvin David, Ted Pedingell, Kevin Harrington, Tom Dustin, Josh Gondelman, Dan Crohn, Jenna Silva, Shane Mauss, Myq Kaplan, Stephen Dustin, Mary Dustin

[Alex Mac]

Okay, okay. So I missed last week's update. But between Reel Big Fish at Hampton beach and general malaise combined with a horrible incident involving a cougar (Or was it a bobcat? Or maybe a mountain lion?), well, I was just swamped. Anywhooose, here is this week's upcoming shows in Beantown.
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Upcoming for this week:

@ the Greater Boston Alternative Comedy Sleepoever

Chris Coxen says: "Stever Pate will be hosting tonight's Sleepover Seminar at the Cantab Lounge in Central Square, Cambridge at 8PM. He'll be discussing his motivational program and demonstrating his effective and efficient travel packing methods. Guest speakers include: Mehran, Peter Bowers, Joe Piccirillo, Dan Boulger and Sean Sullivan (and of course Robby Roadsteamer and Nate Johnson)."

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@ Mottley's Comedy Club
(http://mottleyscomedy.com/)

07/15/09

An Evening with Patrick Borelli
Mottley's is proud to welcome Patrick Borelli back to Boston to perform his one-man multimedia show, "You Should Judge a Book by Its Cover," where he takes thirty of the oddest book covers and tears them a new one.

Patrick is the co-author of the book Holy Headshot!: A Celebration of America's Undiscovered Talent. He's also been published in The Onion and McSweeney's Quarterly. TV writing credits include Silent Library (MTV), Cheap Seats (ESPN Classics), Assy McGee (Cartoon Network), Delocated (Cartoon Network), Triumph the Insult Comic Dog, and several Comedy Central shows. He has appeared on Late Night with Conan O'Brien, Comedy Central's Premium Blend, VH1's Best Week Ever, Cartoon Network's Home Movies and Assy McGee, and Public Radio's Fair Game. He also co-created the McCain Girls videos for 236.com and Thunderpoint, an animated series for SuperDeluxe.com.

Patrick is joined by his special guest Val Kappa, a Boston vet who now tours the country performing at top colleges and A-List clubs!


Featured Comics
Patrick Borelli, Val Kappa

07/16/09 to 07/17/09

Lisa Landry
Mottley's presents Lisa Landry -- one of the most fearless and innovative women working in stand-up comedy. Her fresh take on the traditional topics of family, love and modern life earned her the distinction of starring in her own half hour special "Comedy Central Presents Lisa Landry." And a nationwide audience vote catapulted her special to third place in Comedy Central's 2008 Annual Standup Showdown. Landry is the first and only woman to ever place in the top three.

Lisa is joined by Mottley's own Jon Lincoln and other special guests. You don't want to miss this one!


Featured Comics
Lisa Landry, Jon Lincoln

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@ The Comedy Studio
(http://www.thecomedystudio.com/)

Thu
7.16

Zach Sherwin hosts with Ahmed Bharoocha, Janet Cormier, Erin Judge, Chance Langton, Shane Mauss, Michele Mortensen, DJ Reason, Corey Rodrigues, Tim Vargulish.


Fri
7.17

Renata Tutko hosts...Fred Bernabe, Ahmed Bharoocha, Taylor Connelly, Selena Coppock, Derek Gerry, Erin Judge, Kelly MacFarland, Andrew Mayer, Tom E. Morello, Joe Picirillo.

Sat
7.18

Rick Jenkins hosts... Ahmed Bharoocha, Cesar Cervantes, Taylor Connelly, Erin Judge, Tim Messenger, Brian Moote, Tom E. Morello, Chris Pennie, Rob Turbovsky

Annual Asian Cultural Development benefit. Starring Joe Wong! with Ahmed Bharoocha, Julie Kitiyama, Jason Marcus. Tickets only available through AsianCDC.org

Sun
7.19

Ahmed Bharoocha hosts with Cesar Cervantes, Doug Chagnon, Ryan Douglass, Clark E., Kate Ghiloni, Julie K., Jason Marcus, Robby RoadSteamer, Mike Shustock, Dan Sulman.

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@ The Wilbur Theatre
(http://www.thewilburtheatre.com/)



Martin Short!

Known for his work on SCTV and Saturday Night Live (among many, many other things including a Tony Award and a shit load of movies), Martin Short will be playing the Wilbur Theater for one night only.
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Additional information and such:


-AST's own Peter Greyy (pg-13) has been making the rounds in Boston and will be going up at Mottley's Comedy Club this Wednesday night.

[Alex Mac]

Another missed week. Another beach trip to the Cape. Sorry folks, but summer has been really distracting. Mind the delay for this week's too, my sister just had surgery and I was spending a decent amount of time at the hospital. We have another amazing week of Boston shows at the usual haunts. For those of us who might be East Coast bound or residents, we're looking at a nice weekend.
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Upcoming for this week:

@ Mottley's Comedy Club
(http://mottleyscomedy.com/)

07/30/09

Kenny Zimlinghaus
Siruis XM host Kenny Zimlinghaus got his comedy start in Boston, and he returns to rock Mottley's! He's joined by the legendary Greg Johnson and other special guests. Buy your tickets early for this one!


Featured Comics
Kenny Zimlinghaus, Greg Johnson

07/31/09 to 08/01/09

Tim McIntire
Tim McIntire returns to Mottley's to headline a whole weekend,and he's bringing his favorite comics with him. McIntire's been one of the most prolific comics in the Boston scene for over a decade, releasing two acclaimed comedy CDs, hosting the Boston Music Awards, writing for Nickelodeon, appearing on Comcast and NPR, doing independent films and even finding time to write a novel. The Boston Globe has called him a comic "on the verge of stardom."

Joining McIntire are some of his hand-picked favorite comics. Tom E. Morello hosts all weekend, with Carolyn Plummer and the musical duo Ronald Reagan 80s on Friday, and Doug Chagnon and Mehran on Saturday, where newcomer Sal Votano will also drop in for a guest spot. That's a whole lotta comedy!


Featured Comics
Tim McIntire, Ronald Reagan 80s, Carolyn Plummer, Tom E. Morello, Doug Chagnon, Mehran


Featured Comics
Lisa Landry, Jon Lincoln

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@ The Comedy Studio
(http://www.thecomedystudio.com/)

Thu
7.30

Zach Sherwin hosts Shaun Bedgood, Ahmed Bharoocha, Peter Bowers, Dave Boz, Jordan Clifford, Scott Darby, Myq Kaplan, Jesse Neil, Brian Shimkin, John Tole.


Fri
7.31

Renata Tutko hosts Ahmed Bharoocha, Chris Fleming, Josh Gondleman, Kelly MacFarland, Mike McCusker, Tony Moschetto, DJ Reason, Sean Sullivan, Bethany Van Delft.


Sat
8.1

Rick Jenkins hosts Bill Campbell, Matt D., Josh Gondelman, Joe Madaus, Brian Moote, Tony Moschetto, David Powell, Rob Turbovsky, Bethany Van Delt, Jono Zalay.

Sun
8.2

The Bethany Van Delft Show!
with Marc Basch, Alana Eisner, Doug Geurtin, Ian Haffer, Erin Judge, Bo McMichael, Robin Nitscheim, Joe Piccirillo, Mike Shustock, Raj Silveramian, Jono Zalay.

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@ The Wilbur Theatre
(http://www.thewilburtheatre.com/)

08/01/09

Comedian Bob Marley!



Celebrating 15 years as a stand-up comic, Bob Marley is one of the hottest and most sought-after comedians in the country. He has been featured in his own special on Comedy Central, and is one of the few comics to do the complete late- night TV circuit: “The Late Show” with David Letterman, “The Tonight Show” with Jay Leno, “Late Night” with Conan O’Brien and “The Late Late Show” with Craig Ferguson and Craig Kilborn.


Marley, a Maine native and University of Maine at Farmington graduate, uses biographical and observational material for his high-energy routines. He began his career in his hometown of Portland, and then moved to Boston to gain experience in a city known for spawning comedy all-stars.
A regular at the Aspen and Montreal comedy festivals, Marley was named one of Variety’s “10 Comics to Watch,” Marley has also appeared in several films, including the cult favorite, “Boondock Saints.” The peripatetic Marley works nonstop throughout the country, in such cities as Los Angles, Las Vegas, Washington, D.C., Boston, New York and Denver.



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Additional information and such:


-The 11th Annual Roxbury Film Festival kicked off today! This year's closing film will be Why We Laugh: Black Comediand on Black Comedy. Why We Laugh is a sweeping account of the evolution of black comedy in America. Inspired by comedian Darryl Littleton's book, directors Robert Townsend and Quincy Newell have crafted a no-holds-barred documentary that is both an insider's take and a critical examination of the cultural influence of black comedy. The film features a virtual WHo's Who of Black comedians whoo provide both serous and comic insight into the history and progression of Black comedy.

For information about the festival follow this link: http://www.roxburyfilmfestival.org/new/index.php

[darrylduffy]

i didn't know this thread existed! thanks for bumping it!

i'll be in boston visting august 20-25 so if you know anything i should check out that week feel free to add it here or let me know.

[Alex Mac]

Haha. Yeah, I've been adding to this thread pretty much since I've gotten here darryl. I'm glad you found it.

Well, you will have just missed greats shows from Dave Atell and Tracy Morgan at the Wilbur. I know that. Oh, and Carlos Mencia the week before...and my birthday on the 19th!

Juston McKinney is at Mottley's on Friday and Saturday that week. He's really cool. I've done a show with him. Really funny.

If anything else comes up, I'll let ya know. Probably will know about some other shows like Coxen's Alternative Comedy Sleepover as the date approaches.

[Alex Mac]

Another missed week. Another beach trip to the Cape. Sorry folks, but summer has been really distracting. Mind the delay for this week's too, my sister just had surgery and I was spending a decent amount of time at the hospital. We have another amazing week of Boston shows at the usual haunts. For those of us who might be East Coast bound or residents, we're looking at a nice weekend.
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Upcoming for this week:

@ Mottley's Comedy Club
(http://mottleyscomedy.com/)

08/06/09

Mortified
True tales... ripped from the pages of real life! Mortified stars everyday adults sharing their most embarrassingly real teenage diary entries, poems, love letters, lyrics and locker notes... in front of total strangers. Part comedy, part theater, part therapy. Real words. Real people. Real pathetic. Share the shame. www.getmortified.com

08/07/09 to 08/08/09

Kelly MacFarland Presents
TV's Kelly MacFarland (NBC, Comedy Central, The Biggest Loser, The View) hosts a showcase of her very favorite comics. We gave her total freedom, and these are the comics she picked! Come see Kelly host Tom Dustin, MC Napkins, Robin Gelfenbien, Mike Whitman (Friday) and Brian Moote (Saturday).

Featured Comics
Kelly MacFarland, Tom Dustin, MC Mister Napkins, Mike Whitman, Brian Moote, Robin Gelfenbein

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@ The Comedy Studio
(http://www.thecomedystudio.com/)

Wed
8.5

Fresh Faces Showcase hosted by Rick Jenkins and Shaun Bedgood, Fred Bernabe, Ahmed Bharoocha, Sarah Blodgett, Doug Chagnon, Derek Gerry, Kathleen O'Brien, Mike Pincus, Matt Toomey, Tim Vargulish, Joe Wong, Jono Zalay.

Fri
8.7

Ken Reid hosts Maria Ciampa, Janet Cormier, Paul Day, Brian Longwell, Matt McArthur, Mehran, Lamont Price, Reggie Williams, Joe Wong, Jono Zalay.

Sat
8.8

Rick Jenkins hosts Jesse Baade, Daniella Capolino, Brian Longwell, Matt McArthur, Mehran, Tom E. Morello, Lamont Price, Robby RoadSteamer, PJ Westin, Joe Wong, Jono Zalay.

Sun
8.9

Shaun Bedgood hosts...Peter Bowers, Tom Dunlap, Heather Fink, Alex Grubard, Ed Kopesky, Shaun Marek, Paul Marino, Jim McQuaid, Tim Messenger, Chris Pennie, Jono Zalay.

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@ The Wilbur Theatre
(http://www.thewilburtheatre.com/)

08/08/09

Tracy Morgan!



Do I really need to explain who this guy is? Tracy Morgan is possible one of the funniest men on television right now thanks to his hilarious portrayal of "Tracy Jordan" on the hit show 30 Rock, a role which he's nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series at the 2009 Emmy Awards.

Morgan was also a cast member on SNL from 1996 to 2003, where he protrayed characters like "Brian Fellows", "Woodrow the homeless man" and "Astronaut Jones" and did impersonations of Aretha Franklin, Harry Belafonte, Maya Angelou, Samuel L. Jackson, Louis Armstrong, Mike Tyson, and more!

Morgan swings into Boston for one night in order to blow your dick off...with comedy!

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Additional information and such:


-The Walsh Brothers are back in Boston tonight for two shows, opening up for Joe Pernice’s book reading/concert for his novel It Feels So Good When I Stop and the accompanying album containing Pernice’s covers of songs mentioned in the book. The Walshes have been back in the area for a few weeks, partly because Dave Walsh just got married in a ceremony out on Cape Cod.

Dave and brother Chris will perform at tonight’s show at the Brattle and then follow Pernice on a short tour, carpooling, apparently, from city to city. I spoke with Dave at one of Lynn’s best pizza places (Fauci’s, for the Lynn-curious) about the show, their new “Ramada Boys” video, and how their Great and Secret Show is fairing in Los Angeles, where they live now.

[sloan]

(Sorry if this has been covered, I'm new to AST.)

Has anybody taken classes at Improv Boston? Any thoughts on the stand-up class with Dana Jay Bein?

Also, general insight on stand-up classes (as opposed to writing or improv) would be most helpful. Thanks.

[Alex Mac]

Getting this one out a bit close to the deadline again. Starting to become habitual on my part as it comes closer and closer to the time for me to head back to college. I am not over exaggerating anything when I say that this weekend has some really good shows from local legends and television stars alike
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Upcoming for this week:

@ Mottley's Comedy Club
(http://mottleyscomedy.com/)

08/13/09

The Dress Up Show
Special guest host Mehran joins Bethany Van Delft for their fabulous twist on the typical stand-up comedy showcase.

Bethany and Mehran glam it up and invite a gang of their favorite local comics to join them - and wear their finest and funkiest clothes. And we invite the audience to do the same! Whether it's that fierce pair of earrings or those funky wingtips, the Dress-Up Show provides the perfect venue to strut your stuff. Come for the laughs, come for the contests, come for the prizes, or come just to work it.

Bethany and Mehran are joined this month by Nate Johnson, Raj Silverman, Chrissy Kelliher, EJ Murphy, Shaun Bedgood, Joe Picarrillo, and Jenny Z!

Featured Comics
Bethany Van Delft, Mehran, Nate Johnson, Raj Silverman, Chrissy Kelliher, EJ Murphy, Shaun Bedgood, Joe Picarrillo, Jenny Z

08/14/09 to 08/15/09
Steve Sweeney



Boston's most legendary comedian headlines Boston's newest comedy club!

Movies, TV, casinos, theatres - Steve Sweeney's done it all, and now you have a chance to see him in Mottley's one-of-a-kind intimate atmosphere.

Seeing Steve work in a small Boston club would be like seeing U2 play a bar in Dublin - how can you say no? Plus, Mottley's favorite Steve Macone returns, with a special guest appearance by Dave Rattigan, too!

Please note that this is a Special Event, and no coupons or discounts can be used.

Featured Comics
Steve Sweeney, Dave Rattigan, Steve Macone
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@ The Comedy Studio
(http://www.thecomedystudio.com/)

Thurs
8.13

Zach Sherwin hosts: Belinda Borrelli, Shaun Carter, Chris Fleming, Jason Marcus, Gary Petersen, DJ Reason, Anthony Scibelli, Jono Zalay.

Fri
8.14

Renata Tutko hosts: Dan Boulger, Rick Canavan, Chris Coxen, Laura Crawford, Brian Gordon, Chance Langton, Maggie MacDonald, Zach Sherwin, Mike Sweeney, Jono Zalay.

Sat
8.15

Rick Jenkins hosts: Dan Boulger, Chris Coxen, Alana Eisner, Erin Judge, Val Kappa, Maggie MacDonald, The Steamy Bohemians, Reggie Williams, Joe Wong, Jono Zalay.

Sun
8.16

Jono Zalay hosts: Max Clary, Andrew Durso, Josh Gondelman, Chris Iredale, Nate Johnson, Erin Judge, Val Kappa, Jennifer Ann Myszykowski, Bigg Nezz, Andy Ofiesh.

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@ The Wilbur Theatre
(http://www.thewilburtheatre.com/)

08/14/09

Dave Attell!



Dave Attell is funny. Dave Attell is coming to Boston. You should be able to fill in the blanks from there. Attell might be best known for Insomniac with Dave Attell, his television show where he would spelunk into the nightlife of cities around the world. The New York Times called the show, "a doubly rare beast, a comedy without rancor and a travel show about the virtues of the American underdog." To Attell, the Insomniac show is more of a cross between "Girls Gone Wild and Cops."

His caustic wit, rapid-fire delivery and his choice of material that can best be described as "very adult" has earned him the reputation as a "comic’s comic." But if you ask Attell, he'd say, "Im just trying to get some laughs and sell some drinks."

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Additional information and such:

Also, general insight on stand-up classes (as opposed to writing or improv) would be most helpful. Thanks.

Sorry that this took me so long to get back to. Usually I am on top of things when it comes to this thread. But this might help you out, sloan! Rich Gustus runs classes all the time. A new round of classes is picking up soon. To quote:

"I'm starting my new class Sept 2nd at the Comedy Studio in Harvard Square. I'ld like to thank Rick Jenkins, owner of the Studio, for letting us hold are classes there and for general support. Thanks Rick!

The class is perfect for new or veteran comics looking to improve their joke writing and add minutes.

Here are comments from past students http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=79613805&blogId=264495447

thanks,
Rich"

[Alex Mac]

Another schedule comes just in time for the weekend shows. It looks like it is shaping up to be another great weekend as the city preps itself for the upcoming Boston Comedy Festival. For those of you in the city (like darrylduffy will be), here's the schedule for the weekend.
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Upcoming for this week:

@ Mottley's Comedy Club
(http://mottleyscomedy.com/)

08/21/09 to 08/22/09

Juston McKinney



Juston has appeared numerous times on a The Tonight Show w/ Jay Leno and several times on Comedy Central, including his own half-hour Comedy Central Presents special. This time around, Juston will be doing a long set to prepare for the taping of his very own hour long special!

Supporting Juston is Jon Rineman, one of the best jokewriters in the country and the newest member of the writing staff for Late Night with Jimmy Fallon!

On Friday night, Juston's joined by Alicyn Packard, a hilarious Massachusetts native back from LA, where she voices Miss Sunshine, Miss Whoops and Miss Naughty on Cartoon Network's Mr. Men show! And on Saturday, Micah Sherman comes back from NY to do a little guest spot action. That's an incredible amount of comedy on one show!

I've worked with Juston myself and he's one of the nicest and funniest guys working in the area. I highly recommend going to this show.

Featured Comics
Juston McKinney, Jon Rineman, Alicyn Packard

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@ The Comedy Studio
(http://www.thecomedystudio.com/)

Fri
8.21

Ken Reid hosts: Matt Bowker, Doug Chagnon, Ed Domingues, Maxx Foxx, Tony Moschetto, Micah Sherman, Drew Spangler, Rob Turbovsky, Bethany Van Delft, Jono Zalay.
Sat
8.22

Rick Jenkins hosts: Daniella Capolino, Doug Chagnon, Dan Crohn, Joe List, Brian Moote, Tony Moschetto, Lamont Price, Sean Sullivan, Dan Sulman, Bethany Van Delft, Jono Zalay.

Sun
8.23

Clark E. hosts: Jesse Baade, Taylor Connelly, Roger Fish, Marley Halprin-Grazer, David Grabiner, Ann Marie King, JJ Leslie, Jen Kruszewski, Steve Macone, Brian Shimkin, Todd Symonds, Jono Zalay.

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@ The Wilbur Theatre
(http://www.thewilburtheatre.com/)

08/22/09

David Alan Grier!



David Alan Grier had a smiled which could kill a dragon. I've seen it! And a sense of humor that could slay at least an ostrich. Grier’s television credits are abundant. Grier is well known as being a principle cast member of the acclaimed television series “In Living Color,” where he helped to create some of that show’s most memorable characters, and also as a co-star on Bonnie Hunt’s hit ABC comedy “Life With Bonnie.” He also starred on the hit NBC show “DAG” where he played the title character, as well Keeping his close comedic relationship with the Wayans’ brothers, he co-starred with Damon Wayans in “Damon.” He also starred in the television miniseries “The 60s,” and “King of Texas” for cable television. He was even nominated for a Tony Award back in 81.

Oh yeah, he was also in "Jumani"! Fuck-ing-Ju-Man-Ji!

Comedy Central fanatics might remember his hosting of "Premium Blend" and the short lived "Chocolate News." Grier takes his years of experience to Boston for one night at the Wilbur!

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Additional information and such:

-It was featured on the AST front page mostly for Kyle Kinane, who is one of the funniest people in the world but...this article (http://www.mademan.com/young-comedians-you-need-know) features a handful of Boston comedians in the mix. Written by Emerson graduate and ASTer Max Goldberg, this article also highlights two of the best to ever grace the Boston scene: Dan Boulger and
Myq Kaplan! Both have been seen on "Live at Gotham". Both taken the Boston Comedy Festival by storm. Both are really funny and really nice guys. Check out the article for more information.

-Again, Boston is featured on the front of AST! The Boston Comedy Festival is coming earlier this year. This means two things, at least for me: I won't be able to cover as much of it as I would like since I will be moving into school and the finals will not also be the same day as Hempfest.

The Boston Comedy Festival is an aunnual comedy festival which attracts some of the best from all around the country and highlights the best from Boston. This year I will be covering Lewis Black's: Let Them Eat Cake tour.

(By the way, I have a free ticket to that show. If you want it, tell me.)

To see the schedule of festival, check out the official site

[darrylduffy]

thanks alex! appreciate the update! unfortunately, i just saw juston mckinney along with kyle kinane about a week or so ago in sunnyvale, ca.

but, if there's any show you'd recommend over another, feel free to let me know on here by PM or something. thanks again!

[Max Goldberg]

Jackie Mason has a special message for Boston: http://punchlinemagazine.com/blog/20...ve-you-a-break

[Alex Mac]

With the Boston Comedy Festival about to start, it would be insane for me to try to update this thread in the normal manner. Needless to say, I am very excited for the sheer range of talented performers coming to the city and for those locally based who are sure to astound.

To see the schedule of festival, check out the official site. It is a whole lot easier than having me outline it all here. Besides, it gives me extra time to get ready to head back to college and to go and see some shows myself. Expect an update when the festival is over and an upcoming review of Lewis Black's show from me.

[Alex Mac]

For as long as I've been going to the Boston Comedy Festival, there has always been Lewis Black. In 2005, Black (along with a separate show by Denis Leary) hosted "Lewis Black and Friends". The show featured, in addition to Black, locals like Kenny Rogerson. My memory is notoriously bad but I distinctly recall that the night was superbly enjoyable. As a long time fan of Black's and the Boston comedy scene, I was enthralled. Not only was I seeing a major comedian who I enjoyed but I was also seeing some of the people who made Boston so notable during the 80's Boom. After that, I recall Black's role being a bit less noticeable. The next year, he was one of the host of the final rounds of the comedy competition. The next, a judge himself. Hearing his laugh come from the balcony was the comedy equivalent of hearing Waldof and Statler crowing from the balcony on the Muppet Show. It only served to heighten the mood.

I've seen Lewis perform at multiple venues since then and have always been thoroughly entertained. I sometimes think that Black gets a hard rap from those who consider themselves comedy purist. Often he is boiled down to a caricature: a loud mouthed comedian whose only gimmick and selling point is his loud mouth. Even Jimmy Pardo, one of my favorites and the quintessential comic's comic, has decried those who enjoyed Black and his "political humor." However, I feel that dismissal sells Black short. Black is more insightful than given credit and his stage persona does this introspection a disservice. His books, Nothing's Sacred and Me of Little Faith, give a more complete view of how his life affected his comedy and perspective.

I had originally wanted to cover the festival competition but venue changes prevented that. I'm only 20 and while I might be able to get into the clubs to do shows, getting in as a spectator is a bit trickier. With few options, I decided to see Black once again. Honestly, I was a little burned out on seeing him but I knew that I would still have a mostly enjoyable night.

Black performed at the Wang Theater, a space often reserved for touring shows like the Lion King or Les Miserables. Situated next to the Wilbur Theater (the now home of the Comedy Connection), it is a place you are more likely to be attacked by spooks than anything else. Maybe it is just me but I've never liked the atmosphere of a big theater compared to a club setting. Most would probably agree with me. Climbing up to the highest part of the balcony, I was treated with a nosebleed and vertigo. So far, so good.

Black's opening act is, and has been for years, John Bowman. Bowman, in contrast to the times that I have seen him, was a whirling dervish of inconsistency. His start was exceedingly slow, full of half thoughts and incomplete bits. Vague thoughts about product placement and televisions control over our lives felt more like someone trying too hard to channel the spirit of Hicks and other social artbiters. Bowman picked up when he moved into less pointed material including a long riff about KFC/Taco Bell. Closing off with a bizarre commentary on the Michael Jackson/Paul McCartney song "The Girl is Mine", Bowman used the recent death of Senator Ted Kennedy to build up to the bit, musing about how many when many people die, the good they do is remember and not the bad. You could cut the tension in the air with a sword before Bowman revealed that he was talking about Jackson. After all, Kennedy's funeral had taken place in Boston that day. It was a nice example of how tension before a punchline can really accomplish a whole lot. Overall, Bowman had a few moments of comedic clarity but gave what was, at best, an average showing.

A 15 minute intermission and it is Black's turn. Immediately, he is off to an interesting start when a heckler begins to dispute his claim on the fact that the economy has gone down 20 percent. The heckler, who I will refer to now on as Skippy, claims that it is closer to 40. Black proceeds to verbally castrate Skippy who cannot understand that he may be incorrect. Black wonderfully explains that "he is the one making up the numbers tonight!" Skippy, I can only assume, hung himself later that evening.

Black doesn't start with much more politicizing than to playfully suggest that if the economy is 20 percent down, the audience's expectations should be down that much as well. Instead, he launches into an amazingly funny story about having to do comedy after Vince Gil performed with his wife Amy Grant (who was so pure that she was "made out of cream"). Black is a better story teller than anything else and paints a great picture of how Gill's music made him feel like he was "in a bath tub with the perfect temperature" and how having to follow that as a "jaded, fuckin' Jew" was one of the worst decisions a booker has ever made. The story was great and really cemented the idea that Black is at his best when relaying personal anecdotes.

What followed was mostly political but in a more direct way than I've ever seen Black address things. Talking about legalizing pot, Black was less of a commentator and more of a pusher of an agenda. You got the sense that Black felt that he was getting older and had less patience than ever. It was oddly refreshing to see him be even more vicious than ever. His material had an edge that he had lacked, especially in recent album Anticipation, which was a halfhearted effort at best. This time, Black was so indignant, so cutting that it was like watching the last fight of a great boxer. The topics shifted to healthcare and a honest appraisal of Ted Kennedy's role in the debate which really hit home in Boston on the day of his funeral. You could feel the audience's reverence for the Senator as Black discussed how healthcare and the debate for it would now suffer with his loss.

It might have seemed like standard Black affair if not for these things, his genuine anger and ability to use recent developments to shape his arguments. Black has clearly overcome his previous slump and used his age to add a sense of urgency to his voice. Suddenly, it seemed a lot more personal. And that made it a lot more funny.

Overall, the night was great, even with a few low points. Black had generate a lot more new material, his whole act was new. His tone had shifted ever so slightly and he laid to rest any doubts in my mind that he was beating a dead stick with a horse.

[hightlow]

Thank you very much for the lesson. I knew that I can do this in better way.
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[Alex Mac]

The first order of business in this quick Boston Comedy update regards Bill Blumenreich, owner of the Comedy Connection

Faneuil Hall Marketplace LLC won a court judgment last month against the Comedy Connection over alleged past rent and other charges owed by its former tenant.

The club, which relocated to the Wilbur Theatre in July 2008, must pay $306,736 plus 12 percent interest dating to June 30, 2008, and $7,187 in costs and attorneys fees to the General Growth Properties subsidiary.
The Comedy Connection had been a tenant at the marketplace since June 1998, leasing 11,000 square feet on the second floor of the Quincy Market Building.

The marketplace’s lawsuit, filed a year ago in Suffolk Superior Court, claimed the club breached its lease and refused to pay rent and other charges after leaving its 10-year home.

Comedy Connection attorney Haskell Kassler said the club’s long-term lease ended, the two parties were unable to negotiate new terms and there was a dispute over what the club owed.

Comedy Connection owner Bill Blumenreich, whose club has hosted comedians including Chris Rock, Dane Cook, Rosie O’Donnell and Robin Williams in its 25-plus years, now leases the Wilbur. Faneuil Hall Marketplace’s attorney declined comment.

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And now, an update about the Boston Comedy Festival competition. These are the comedians who have advanced all the way to finals round

• Kelly MacFarland

• Ryan Hamilton

• Lamont Price

• Paul Myrehaug

• Auggie Smith

• Danny Bevins

• Dave McDonough

• Mehran