Corn-Fed Comedy: Iowa's Comedy Circuit

Morgan Hart: Working mom, Iowa native and damn funny lady

2012-01-16T22:24:00.002-06:00


Iowa native and stand-up comic, Morgan Hart.

Morgan Hart's biography is like many young Iowa girls -- grew up in a small town, graduated from high school, a local college, and started a family. Now 30, Morgan is a working mom to daughter, Madden, born in 2004. She's also a stand-up comedian.

New to the scene, Morgan recently performed her first open mic night at Billy Jokes in Des Moines and later performed her first set at the Funny Bone. She, along with 4 other talented, hilarious Iowa broads, performed a comedy show "6 Chicks and A Mic" on Dec. 8, which was recorded and will be released as a full-length comedy CD in February 2012. Get ready Iowa, the Midwest and the comedy scene: A new funny chick has hit the scene.

Corn-fed Comedy: What brought you to comedy - and Iowa?
Morgan Hart: I was born and raised in multiple small towns here in Iowa by an occasionally medicated mentally afflicted mother with a family history of alcoholism, mental illness, and other significant moments that molded the women of my family into Feminazis.

I have always felt funny, both physically and socially. I was constantly seeking attention and being put in time out; which gave me time to work on facial expressions. I was in speech and drama club in high school but never considered it as a career. My mother wasn’t able to assist with college, which left me working full time and going to school at night.

At 22, I got knocked up, married, and bought a double wide during this time I lived a quiet and miserable representation of my childhood. At some point I was working 2 jobs to keep my family afloat, as my ex-husband drank it away. In 2009 I decided to return to school, after a promotion to the IT department. I was excited to learn a new trade but always felt a gnawing guilt that somehow I was missing my daughter’s (Madden, born in 2004) childhood, messing her life up, and wasting my life being angry.

In September of 2010, my church was having a series based on “The Dream Giver” a book by Bruce Wilkinson. Upon completion of that book my mind set; I was made to be funny! At that point, I still had a year of school left, a full time job, and a daughter to support financially. It would have been careless for me to quit school and my job to pursue my “dream”. I got in touch with an old acquaintance from high school, Nick Moore. He is a comedy writing genius and the only reason I actively started performing.

September 9th I graduated college for the 2nd time, performed my first set on the next week.

CFC: How has pursuing comedy affected you personally -- what are some of the biggest challenges?
MH: Personally, it has been the most humbling pursuit I’ve tried; every time I step on stage it feels terrifyingly wonderful. I have only been doing comedy since September 2011, I can’t really say much about performance challenges. Right now, my biggest challenge is finding the time to grab a mic.

CFC: Many say comedy is a man's game. Jerry Lewis said women "aren't funny." What are your thoughts / impressions about being a female comedian? Are there any other female comedians that you look up to?
MH: Most females find Jerry Lewis annoying, I know I do. He was part of a generation that didn’t look upon women in a positive light. I still have a grandmother that tells me not to pick up money off the ground, because “a black person, could have touched that”. It’s a perspective that I can’t understand and don’t really want to waste my time, enlightening her on the progressive of acceptance in society. Same with Mr. Lewis, he’s old and it just wouldn’t be a fair fight.

I love being a female comic; you can’t have a weenie roast without a campfire, right? I am not scared of all male atmospheres, I went to a technical school (mostly male) and I work in IT that is also saturated with testosterone. Every single comic, male or female all have a connective core with our humor.

When I was young enjoyed Carol Burnett, Lily Tomlin, Jane Curtain; Tina Fey, Maria Bamford, Paula Poundstone.

CFC: What kinds of trends have you seen with comedy in the Midwest and in Iowa?
MH: The only thing I have noticed since starting, is that open mics are popping up all over Des Moines and I LOVE IT!

CFC: Who would you LOVE to open for? Where would you LOVE to perform?
MH: I would love to open for Louie C.K., Patton Oswald, Maria Bamford, or The Untamed Shrews.

I was looking through my journal from 2010 and one of my goals was to perform at The Funny Bone; never actually thinking I would for at least 5 years. I performed at the Funny Bone on October 30th, 2011 it was an open mic night but it was still The Funny Bone.

Louis CK is ahead of the pack with newest stand-up special

2011-12-11T19:12:00.001-06:00

Oh, Louis CK. We can't quite get enough of you.

In another great Louis CK marketing move - and firmly securing his place on the hierarchy of beloved comics by Cornfed Comedy, he has posted his Louis CK: Live at the Beacon Theater online, for only $5.

That's right. $5 through PayPal gets you unlimited, DMR (digital rights management)-free content that you can download to your computer, add to your smartphone, tablets or even burn a DVD.

Why?

Louis, who appeared on Conan O'Brien when he was in New York a couple of months back, said he wanted to premiere a stand-up special without the hub-bub of corporate sponsors, censorship or putting out a DVD you have to pay 15 bucks for. Instead he slapped the thing on his website yesterday and went to town.

The comedian, who also stars in his hit Emmy-nominated FX show, "Louie," said he just wanted an affordable way for his fans to see his work - with the $5 actually going to him, since he wrote, filmed, edited and produced the whole special.

Wow -- an actually hardworking person in Hollywood/stand-up scene who's willing to do something JUST FOR THE FANS.

Louis also politely asked that fans not "torrent" the video -- and at $5 to download it and burn it as much as you want, why would you want to?

High five, Louis. Thank you for caring about us, and not making it a bank-breaking expense for us to see your magic. :) Mine is currently downloading and I can't wait until it's finished. I know what my Sunday night is going to be...

Laughing 'til I cry.

Patrice O'Neal dies at 41

2011-12-01T10:59:00.001-06:00

Rest in peace, Patrice.

The larger-than-life comic - who mixed raunchy with the mundane - passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 29 after complications from a stroke he suffered in mid-October.

Read more about the loss at the Washington Post.

Known for his stand-up specials on Comedy Central, appearances at the Comedy Central "Roasts" and as a regular guest on the Opie & Anthony show, he is survived by his wife, mother, step-daughter and sister. He was living with diabetes at the time of his death.

"The family wishes to thank all of the fans and friends who have expressed an outpouring of love and support for Patrice these past weeks. We ask that you please respect the family’s request for privacy at this difficult time," his family said in a statement.

Comedians from all walks gave their condolences to Patrice's family and left touching memorials to the comedian. Jim Gaffigan tweeted, "RIP Patrice O’Neal. Undeniably brilliant," Dave Attell left a touching memorial to Patrice on his Facebook page, noting that O'Neal "didn't care what other people thought," when it came to his comedy. Lewis Black tweeted, "Patrice, so sad to see you leave for parts unknown. Glad for that time on O&A not so long ago. You were an epic of a man and you are missed."

Rolling Stone reported that Patrice's last comedy album, "Mr. P." will be released in mid-February 2012 posthumously.

No doubt, another comedian lost too soon. E! Online actually agrees with me here and put together a poignant look at 12 comedians who died too young. It's been a rough year for the comedy world -- Patrice, Mike DeStefano, Greg Giraldo...and I'm sure many others who weren't quite in the limelight.

Rest in peace, Patrice -- may you be in Heaven, sharing a great, big beer with Giraldo, DeStefano, Belushi and all the others callous clowns who made life on Earth easier for us all to bear.

6 Chicks & A Mic

2011-11-14T16:38:00.001-06:00

Attention Des Moines comedy-lovers! Get ready for 6 funny-ass chicks and one microphone, only at Billy Joke's Lounge in Clive, Iowa.

Comediennes Morgan Hart, Amanda Geisel, Caitlin Feral, Cindy Levich, Heather Jones and Michelle Parkison will be performing a night of stand-up comedy, starting at 8 p.m. "6 Chicks & A Mic" is bound to be hilarious!

You can find the event on Facebook.

I was invited to attend and damnit -- if Iowa City and Des Moines would be closer, I'd be sure to be there. But I'll certainly give them all the props they deserve for hitting the stage and armed to make you laugh.

Be sure to check it out if you're in the Des Moines area -- these ladies know what they're doing!

Photographer Dan Dion shares his stories about comedians and his art

2011-11-02T13:14:00.000-05:00

Being on Facebook is much more to me than seeing what friends from high school are up to these days. It also gives me a chance to connect with outstanding artists and comedians -- my favorite kinds of people.

Dan Dion is the world's foremost photographer of comedians, and you can see his work in Paul Provenza's "Satiristas!" Q & A book with lots of top comics and comedy writers. Beyond that, he also is a lead photographer for San Francisco's legendary Fillmore Theater.

Dan was gracious enough to let me Facebook him some questions about his craft, comedians, and what he loves about what he does. Here's what he had to say. Enjoy!

Check out Dan's work on his website, or visit his Facebook page.

Photo care of Dan Dion (Facebook).

CORN-FED COMEDY: Your photography is primarily other artists - actors, musicians, comedians, etc. What is it about these particular personalities that draws you in as a photographer?
DAN DION: Although a lot of my subjects are celebrities, I’m not really interested or impressed with notoriety. It is people who’s talent I respect that I really like to shoot. I’m far more impressed with a comedian who writes all his own challenging material, an amazing songwriter, or an author than an actor. “It” Girls, Bad Boys, and heartthrobs do nothing for me. I’ll shoot them if I’m hired to, of course, but I feel no connection to them at all. Then there’s the fact that many of my favorite photographers- Arnold Newman, Richard Avedon, Jim Marshall- shot artists.

CFC: You're the house photographer at The Fillmore - one of the most historic theaters in the United States, and certainly a hub of some legendary concerts and performances. Like subjects draw photographers, does working in an auditorium (not a mega arena like we have many of today) impact your work and drive as a photographer? How?
DD: Shooting in a club that size (1200 capacity) is ALWAYS better than shooting in the EnormoDome. Performers are engaging with the audience more than creating a spectacle for them. And with The Fillmore, the musicians have a respect for the venue that they don’t at 99% of the places they play, which means they are much more likely to give me a backstage session- that’s huge. I can count on two hands the number of times I’ve shot backstage at an amphitheater. There’s no love for the setting at those places, and no context to speak of.

CFC: I personally got to know your photography through the book "Satiristas!" with Paul Provenza. You are, in fact, the foremost photographer of comedians. What is it about comics that draws you?
DD: As a teenager I was what later became known as a “comedy nerd.” I collected vinyl, had all of Steve Martin’s records memorized, and started seeing live stand-up when I was 14 years old. My locker at school was plastered with SNL characters while everyone else had rock stars. I liked to laugh more than dance. Was it worship? Not really- more like admiration and appreciation. Visually, when it comes to comedians- they have the greatest faces. I’d rather shoot Steven Wright than Kate Moss any day.

CFC: There is so much emotion and rawness to your portraits of comics. Especially since many comic portraitures usually incorporate a microphone or a bar stool. What is your method for capturing them with a camera? Do you have anything you're trying to say - or does the subject say it for him/herself?
DD: My style is a reaction against hacky headshots. It’s a conscious effort for me to NOT make a joke picture and I virtually always edit out shots where a comic is mugging for the camera. I say that my sessions are built for both comfort and speed. I put them in a set and setting that lets their personality come out, and don’t take so long that it gets forced. That said, most of the time the actual location/background is determined a few minutes before the shoot. It’s improvisational portraiture, if you will. God, that sounds pretentious.

CFC: What kinds of changes have you noticed in comedians over the years? The 70s brought some big-time names (even before the 70s) with Pryor, Carlin -- of course there's even people like Lenny Bruce, Phyllis Diller, etc. Have you noticed a change in the comedic landscape, or does the "song remain the same"?
DD: “Funny is funny”, as they say. Boundaries of explicit language and permissibility have been destroyed along the way, but the emotional response and physical reaction to comedy hasn’t changed. I think we saw more unique comic voices emerge out of the ‘80s, guys like Kinnison, Emo Philips, and Bill Hicks, but that doesn’t diminish the great comedy that’s always out there.

CFC: Something I like to ask any artist - especially photographers since I have such an interest in it -- What's one thing (or one person) you have not photographed but have dreamed about? Any ideal sitting session, any ideal place you want to see?
DD: Musically I need to do a portrait of Tom Waits before I die. And I’d like to shoot Lyle Lovett as well. See a pattern? Great songwriters with amazing faces, and they’re both comics in their own right. In comedy I’ve shot almost all of my favorites, but there’s some legends I still need- Woody Allen, Mel Brooks, Bill Cosby, Bob Newhart…that reminds me… gotta pursue these guys more….it’s like dating- half the fun is the pursuit- and I happen to be a predatory slut for jokeslingers.

Comedian Patrice O'Neal suffers stroke, condition unknown

2011-10-26T11:49:00.001-05:00

It's the first I heard of it but sadly it's true: Patrice O'Neal, lovable comic from the Comedy Central roasts and Comedy Central's short-lived "Shorties Watchin' Shorties" (among many other hilarious projects) suffered a stroke last week. Friend Jim Norton said there is no certainty that he will pull through.Read more about it from MSNBC.

"We don't know how he is. We don't know how he's going to be," Jim Norton said. "I didn't want to do this by myself. I wish we had more news for you."

Comedians took to Twitter and social media sending good vibes Patrice's way. Mike Trainor, comedian and commentator for "World's Dumbest" on truTV said, "Don't know Patrice O'Neil (sic), but man is he funny. Hope he pulls through for more of these..." which was connected to an O'Neal animated project.

Ted Alexandro, who has been dividing his time between Occupy Wall Street and other social commentary work said, "Please say a prayer and send love to Patrice O'Neal. Patrice suffered a stroke last week. Send him love at loveforpatrice@gmail.com"

I intend on sending a little note of thanks for the great comedy and fun he's brought.

More news will be updated when it's available. In the meantime, check out Netflix for all episodes of Shorties Watchin' Shorties to get some Patrice fix, or check out his comedy online at Comedy Central.

Is Whiteny Cummings ending female discrimination in comedy?

2011-10-11T19:34:00.000-05:00

This topic is one that interests me for two very important reasons. One, I love learning more about comedians and how certain comics (in this case, Whitney Cummings) are changing the landscape of the comedy scene. Two, I really enjoy learning about how women break the glass ceiling in different industries. For some reason, Whitney is the savior for women comics in this regard.

I'm not saying I do or do not like Whitney. I have her album, I love her on the Comedy Central roasts, but her sitcom seems tired and overdone. Her first episode was about her boyfriend, Alex, checking out another woman and Whitney trying to get him to admit to it. Does it happen to us, ladies? Totally. Have we seen / heard this 100 times before? Absolutely. And apparently, my friends and I aren't the only one on the fence about her.

I'm all about women comics kicking ass and taking names. I love the brash attitude that is Sarah Silverman. I love the quirkiness of Maria Bamford. I love the straight-forwardness of Ellen Degeneres and I love the old stylings of Phyllis Diller and Joan Rivers. But why is Whitney making such a stir?

Love me some Phyllis Diller. The original man-hater.

According to the Daily Best, who wrote a story about her breakthrough in the comedy world, it's because of how conventionally pretty she is. According to the article, "pretty" women in comedy has also been a tough sell. A lot of people don't want to hear a woman comic anyway (especially back 20 or 30 years ago), and if you were pretty, it was generally assumed you weren't going to be funny. Whitney even admitted to starting out in sneakers and a hoodie just to play her looks down. The former model is doing the opposite now - the girl can wear a dress and heels better than I could even dream!

That being said, her comedy - for me, at least - is mediocre. It's a lot of "You know what I'm talkin' about, ladies..." and I get tired of that. "I feel like men..." is the start of so many of her jokes. OK, OK, we get it. Men look at other women. High heels hurt. Why do we have to try so hard? I love that kind of stuff because Whitney, being the bombshell she is, is honest about how disgusting men are and how lucky they are to be with us. I love it when hot women are on my not-so-hot side!

It doesn't necessarily make for a great TV show.

My other pop culture-loving Facebook friends / former classmates and I had a discussion about this recently. Here's what some of them had to say:

I heart Maria.

"I watched two episodes of "Whitney" and while I don't think it's as atrocious as everyone says it is, it certainly isn't good or even OK. It's definitely bad. Honestly, I've never re...ally been a fan of her humor, but it doesn't have anything to do with the fact that she's really pretty. I think it's more than her humor seems pretty obvious and not terribly, well, funny." - Meryn

"i've only caught one episode (last week) and it revolved around being pissed at her boyfriend for refusing to admit he was checking out another girl. it struck me as pretty awful (with a laugh track that didn't help). this article suggests she does better work." - Katie

I'm not going to judge the show yet: I haven't seen it. But I'm always leary of comedians getting their own shows. So far, the only one who's truly succeeded at having his own show is Louis CK, who's show is more like 21-minute mini-movies with a subdued, depressed undertone (which we love about the self-deprecating comic!) rather than "Haha! He's the comedian and he's out-funnying everyone else!" which is usually the case with comedian TV shows.

Even Sarah Silverman - one of my potty-mouth favorites - couldn't keep her stint on Comedy Central, the motherload of all inappropriate programming.

In relation to the article again, why is her beauty the key point in making her stand out? My friend Meryn had some ideas:

"Whitney is model-pretty that [is how] this discussion really got started. The women you named are very attractive and funny, but they don't look like Whitney. She's conventionally attractive and could've easily been a starlet had she not wanted to be a comic. Unfortunately, being pretty for a stand-up isn't "enough." Also, none of those women -- to my knowledge -- got their own network sitcoms. It's not fair but I think that's the mentality behind it. Until women, and especially pretty women, doing everything (being president, running companies and telling jokes) becomes the norm, we have to wade through articles about how it's actually really hard to be pretty (which, I'm sure it is, but COME ON)."

Couldn't have said it better myself. So just because she's funny AND pretty -- that's what makes the difference? We've missed the boat. Again.

The point is, just because she's beautiful and has some good jokes doesn't mean she's breaking any ceilings. We forget that women came before her and yes, while they might've been lesser-known, they sure as hell had a lot more hoops to jump through. Maybe we'll have a discussion later on that reads, "Holy crap! There's a lot of female comics...and they're good! The ratio of men to women is narrowing. Bye-bye stereotypes."

Maybe we will. Before we stop oogling and can actually have a rational discussion that matters.

Iowa Comedy Festival comes back for Round 2

2011-09-30T07:35:00.000-05:00

The Iowa Comedy Festival will be held October 13 - 14
in Des Moines. For more information, visit
www.iowacomedyfest.com. Calendar, event details
booking and more are available on the site.

Putting Iowa on the comedy map is harder than people think. While big-time comedians swing through the state every so often, Iowa’s not been a place to boast a whole ‘lot of famous faces.

Iowa comedian Joel Fry is trying to change that.

In 2010, Fry launched the first annual Iowa Comedy Festival in Des Moines, attracting hundreds of amateur stand-up comics from the state and headlining David Letterman favorite, Jake Johannson.

Now, it’s 2011 and Fry is ready to give it another go. This time, he’s aiming to get the little guys more recognition.

“A lot of people were seen last year at the festival and it immediately catapulted them on to extremely cool things,” Fry said in a phone interview. “It meant a lot more to me having something like that happen.”

Instead of a headliner and a 4-day festival like 2010, Fry narrowed it down to Oct. 13 and 14 in Des Moines, condensing a lot of things down to two days so it makes it easier for people to travel in and attend.

Comedian Joel Fry, right, gets a snapshot with Iowa Comedy
Festival headliner (and Iowa native), Jake Johannsen.

“We’re making it much more focused on showcases [this year],” Fry said. “One thing we noticed last year, people gravitated more to our comedy contests and showcases. We’re trying to make this a spotlight season.”

“We’re going to make this more an opportunity for people to be seen and get out there,” he added.

While Johannsen had a great audience last year and was happy to take part, Fry said he really wants Iowa to become a hub of great comics and a great festival.

Joel Fry hosts Des Moines'
"Comedy on Court."

“Our slogan is ‘Your Home for the Midwest’s Biggest Comedy Event,’” Fry said. “Everything we do feeds into the ICF. Geographically, it is perfect for being the stand-up comedy hub of the Midwest.”

While Davenport lost its Penguin’s Comedy Club in 2009 due to financial difficulties, Cedar Rapids’ Penguin’s is still going strong. Des Moines’ Funny Bone Comedy Club always brings a wide range of comedians, as does Riverside Casino in Riverside, Iowa.

But Fry really wants to see comics born ‘n bred in Iowa be able to make it to the big time.

Fortunately, last year’s participants and audience members spread the word like wildfire. Fry said his festival line-up this year was full “almost from the word ‘go.’”

“Seeing the demand, the interest and knowing next year we’re going to be expanding the brand, and making people more interested and having competitions and events…it’s amazing,” Fry said.

Fry is his own stand-up boss. Owner and operator of Comedy Guy Entertainment LLC, he has made it his goal to provide the Midwest’s biggest comedy event. He currently hosts Comedy on Court, which was a precursor to the Iowa Comedy Festival.

Beyond the festival, he’s trying to make the Midwest one giant stage with a microphone.

Fry also began the Cross Country Comedy Competition, or C4, where winners of the competition get ideal spots in the Iowa Comedy Festival in October.

Joel Fry is a stand-up comic with a mission:
Put Iowa on the map for comedy - and get some
talented comics in the spotlight - ASAP.

While he currently hosts C4 in Des Moines, his 2012 future plans include opening a branch in Omaha, Neb. in March and the Bloomington – Normal, Ill. area in July. People who win the competition get $1,000 and an exemption into a top spot at the festival.

“We’re hoping it makes ICF more enticing and makes C4 one of the largest comedy contests in America,” Fry said. “We hope to see it open more branches in the next 3-4 years. It’ just a greater intensity around the festival.”

Fry, who is every form of fired up when it comes to the festival planning and the thought of more up-and-coming comics coming to him for some showcase time, is marketing a brand, he says. So far, so good.

Jeremy Muller, co-owner of Comedy Productions, a booking agency in the Midwest, was excited about the festival last year and twice as excited this year, Fry said. And like a performer last year who received a record deal, Mike Lebovitz, Fry is hoping to see the same luck for others.

“We want to get some new blood in this year,” Fry said, adding that writers from Comic Bible Magazine, the industry magazine of choice, will be in attendance. The mag even dropped off 50 copies for this year's participants, Fry said.

Winners at the Iowa Comedy Festival contests will receive exemptions to Pop a Cork Festival in New York. David O’Hara, a former booking agent for the “Tonight Show with Jay Leno” will also be participating as a judge this year, Fry said.

Down to the bottom line, Fry just wants to see some of the little guys “get theirs.”

“Jake [Johannsen], he’s got it. He’s made it. He can sell out any room in the country and has 40 Letterman appearances to his name,” Fry said. “These other guys haven’t gotten theirs yet, and we have a platform to help them. I want to get some exposure for comics who are otherwise unknown but deserving of attention.”

How do you roast someone who's already baked?

2011-09-27T19:34:00.000-05:00

I will keep this short and sweet - but how the hell can you roast Charlie Sheen? I'm really conflicted about Comedy Central Roasts - I love them, sure (although they'll never be the same without Greg Giraldo), but the Friar's Club Roasts, way back when, used to honor big wigs in Hollywood. Check out this Wikipedia entry of the Friar's Club participants. It's important to note that these two roasts are not related, but seriously - why Charlie Sheen?

Wait. I'm supposed to care about this guy?
And laugh about what a piece of garbage he is?
Wait...why do I have to do these things again?

I understand Pam Anderson, William Shatner, and hell, maybe even Flavor Flav, but Charlie Sheen? A spouse-abusing absent father? Yay! Lets give him accolades.

Obviously having Jon Lovitz and Jeff Ross telling you what a piece of garbage you are doesn't mean you're getting "accolades," but the Roast is such a big deal and so hyped by the network, it amazes me they'd pick such a train wreck. Lindsay Lohan has to be just around the corner.

It still wasn't the same without Giraldo. And honestly, how is Charlie Sheen still kicking and Giraldo dies? Something is off about this universe.

Charlie's roast was a little light this year with the heavyweights sitting out. Jeff Ross was the only "regular" roaster there, along with Anthony Jezelnik being a close second. Amy Schumer / Anthony's girlfriend apparently (no clue who she is, still don't), Jon Lovitz (big name, but not an active roaster) and Steve-O made up a few of the others. Amy Schumer made the crowd gasp when she made a joke at Steve-O's expense that included the death of his friend, Ryan Dunn. I won't comment on it, because I don't care.

Lisa Lampanelli, Sarah Silverman, Giraldo (obviously) were missing. William Shatner was there for no apparent reason, and so was Mike Tyson. I really don't know what kind of net they cast to get roasters but they sure get some randos.

Regardless, it was a so-so event. Making fun of Charlie Sheen is tired. Here's Charlie Sheen's life in a quick few sentences.

Ohhh, I'm Charlie Sheen! My family is famous! I play dirtbags in movies.
Now it's the 2000s, I play a more sarcastic version of myself on a CBS show that everyone loves.
I hit my girlfriends. I ignore my kids. Now I'm in trouble and CBS fired me. Tiger blood! Winning! Drugs! Drinking!
Now I failed at my "comedy tour." Yay! Comedy Central Roast for meeee!

What a waste. Anyway, without GG there, I really don't feel like watching it anymore. It's just train wrecks getting made fun of for being train wrecks. Who really gives a damn?

Goodbye, PunchyTee

2011-09-27T18:49:00.000-05:00

Well as much as I love my Maria Bamford tee, it's sad to see PunchyTee sink this quickly. After only 2 comedy shirts (Maria's and comedian Todd Glass') the site is no longer operating or creating shirts. However, there are some leftover Maria Bamford shirts online.

Likely the $25-$30 pricetag was too much to handle. I cringed at the $30 for Maria's, too, but it went to charity so I didn't think too much about it.

But while comedy stars are followed by millions of young people - many who buy online - it's a rough time with student loans and low pay. Paying that much for a t-shirt is just too much.

I've been asking for $5 donations for my Walk to End Alzheimer's and not one person except my friend, Jen, has donated. It's sad, too. I wanted to proudly donate $100 to the research in honor my grandfather, who lived with the illness until his death in 1995. But nope. And I don't totally blame them.

Anyway, it was fun while it lasted, PunchyTee. Wish you could stick around. Maybe around the bend, eh?

Get ready, comedy lovers!

2011-09-06T15:22:00.001-05:00

Some great live acts are coming to the Iowa City area, so check 'em out.

September 10 - Mike Toomey /Fundraiser for Maeve Anderson
Come on out to Penguin's Comedy Club in Cedar Rapids to support a little girl fighting Leukemia. Comedian Mike Toomey will be headlining the event. The tickets are an easy $15 and will go toward Maeve's treatment. Get tickets today and check out www.penguinscomedyclub.com for more dates and other visitors.

Kathleen Madigan
Friday, Oct. 28 at 8 p.m.
You've seen her on Lewis Black's "Root of All Evil," and usually on tour with the USO with Lewis and pals. Kathleen Madigan, a native Midwesterner, is making her first appearance at Riverside Casino on Friday, Oct. 28. Show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets range from $25-$35 with hotel packages available. Definitely worth the money, folks!

Billy Gardell
Saturday, Oct. 29 at 8 p.m.
Star of "Mike and Molly," Billy Gardell has been making a living as a stand-up comic for most of his life. The Philadelphia native comes to Riverside casino on Saturday, Oct. 29. Tickets are $25-$35 and still available, so check him out now. Make a weekend of it at the Riverside Casino and Golf Resort!

Vicki Lawrence & Mama
Sunday, Oct. 30 at 5 p.m.
I know I remember "Mama's Family" back in the day. Now you can see Vicki Lawrence - comedy extraordinaire - live in concert in her "two"-woman show! Vicki spent 11 years working with another favorite comedienne, Carol Burnett. Tickets are $20-$35 and still available at Riverside Casino!

Tim Conway and Friends, and Kathy Griffin are visiting the Gallagher Bluedorn Center for the Arts in Cedar Falls. I can't seem to get their calendar to work on my computer but here's the link to the full website. Check out their calendar of events for great comedy shows coming to the Cedar Falls / Waterloo area!

Sorry, Eric. Rape isn't LOL-worthy.

2011-08-30T20:15:00.000-05:00

It's a bit old news by now, but I'm going to share my point of view anyway.

Comedy fans might've read about it already: The guy at the Del Close Marathon who told the borderline (or was it full?) rape story.

At the festival, fans are invited to a microphone to share humorous (hint hint!) stories about their lives, usually making the professionals on stage chuckle a bit.

But one audience member named Eric, a cook at Second City, went to the microphone and what started as a story that had the potential to be funny since it involved two friends attracted to the same girl, turned into a horrifying story that I, as a woman, would have been cringing to hear live. I even cringed while listening to the video and it's over 2 weeks old. Check out the video here.

Long story short: Eric's friend gets the information of this girl, and since he has a girlfriend, decides single Eric should give it a shot. He shows up at her hotel room, and she is perplexed that it's not the cute waiter she had intended to meet with. "You're not who I was expecting," she says. "Yeah, but I'm what showed up," he responds. Some laughter from the audience and a cocky smile from Eric. Gag me with a wooden spoon.

My internal reaction: Yeah, you're right, dude. Because every chick who gives her number to someone is so desperate, she'll take any sloppy cook who shows up at her door instead.

She asks him to leave - more than once, mind you - and he doesn't. When he asks to borrow her phone so he can call a cab, he let's himself in. "Bingo," he says in his story with a disgusting grin. He makes the motion with his hand that he then locked the door. My internal reaction #2: Shutter. Disgust. Upset stomach.

When she comes back in the room, she asks him to leave again. She asks this several more times, but Eric doesn't seem to take the hint, er, the direct instruction. The story turns into him making out with her (with her on top, "she was much stronger than me," he says, trying to justify the situation), and she asks him to leave. He ends up using a term that I refuse to repeat to keep her in bed, and ends up having intercourse with her. He used a condom, which he describes as justification for his actions. He describes the act as, "she just laid there while I did my thing."

Really? That doesn't sound like she "just laid there." It sounds like she was raped because YOU, Eric, can't take NO for an answer.

It's like the episode of "Seinfeld" where Jerry's girlfriend says, "Blah, blah, blah" to hide the details of her night with her ex-boyfriend. Or Elaine's, "We went out for dinner, I had the lobster bisque, blah blah blah, I came home."

What REALLY happened? He tries to play it off as consensual. But I'm pretty sure being told 10 times to leave doesn't turn a woman into "Well, allllllright. Just this once." No. That's not how we operate, dude.

When my friend and former classmate, Meryn, sent me this article and video, I hadn't heard of it yet. Now I can't stop thinking about how disgusting this guy is. Creepfest 2011.

While he's telling this story, some people in the audience are booing, some (probably this guy's immature, unmarriable friends) are cheering, and the Upright Citizens Brigade guys are on stage, inserting little "hey man, this is awkward and what you're telling us is pretty disgusting" jabs, but without being too obvious or rude.

One editorial thinks the UCB guys should've stopped him. I agree, and perhaps they do in retrospect. Fortunately, the proper authorities were contacted after this alleged story was shared, and I'm hoping Second City did the right thing and fired this sicko. Either way, the UCB troupe tried to diminish the flame of this guy's unending story, but unsuccessfully. Though their faces showed horror.

Here's the thing with comedians: Sometimes their stories are true, and sometimes they are not. Sometimes they linger around the border of comfort zone, and sometimes they go over. This guy, in my opinion, went over.

Tracey Morgan got in some deep water a few months ago when he made a crack that if his son was ever to come out as a homosexual, he would stab him. Funny? Hell no. I don't care how seasoned a comic you are, jokes turning someone into a victim is never funny. Stabbing your kid? Totally unfunny. Raping a girl because you want some action? Totally unfunny, too.

Even for a veteran comic (who would know better than to go there in the first place) would have reworded the story differently. If he had been straight up refused by her, it might've been funny. Comedians get the best laughs when they are the butt of their own joke. But telling a story that you might get some high fives from at a frat party doesn't make it appropriate (or morally OK) to share with an audience of hundreds.

There is still a question of whether or not this story was true. I pray to God it wasn't. I hope this was his own little, terrible, unfunny imagination at work. But even if it's made up, even if this story realistically turned out differently and he embellished it to make it "funny," the fact that he thinks telling a story involving sneaking into a woman's hotel room, refusing to leave and then having sex with her is OK is the exact opposite. It's not funny, and as another blogger put it, he'll forever be known as The Rape Guy.

And to the comedy fans out there for whom I write my blog: If you hear stories like this, don't be afraid to call a spade a spade, or a rape story a rape story, in this case. Don't be afraid to say "Hey, that's not funny," even if you're in a place where it's supposed to be. I don't believe in government censorship, but I do believe in our own internal censors that tell us what we do and do not find acceptable. If it's not acceptable: Say it.

And if you're a woman who meets this guy on the street, tell him how unfunny he is. And then run away.

Here's what some other writers, actors, comedians, etc. have to say about this guy's story choice:
On the Subject of Rape - Poupak's Parisian Life in New York
Your Friends Are Not Your Audience - Linda Holmes, NPR
One Night as Asssscat, or What To Do With A Rape Monologue - Halle Kiefer, SplitSider

Tom Garland starts a ripple effect to bring comedy to Iowa City

2011-05-25T18:14:00.013-05:00

Comedy in Iowa is slowly growing. Slowly, but steadily. And with someone as determined as Iowa City resident and stand-up comedian Tom Garland on the scene, there's bound to be a rise in the roar of laughter.

Garland, also a University of Iowa student, has recently started performing at Iowa City haunts The Yacht Club and Summit. Tom says he hopes to see an increase in comedians coming up to do some sets, even if they're only 10 or 15 minutes. In October, stand-up comedian and Des Moines resident Joel Fry will be hosting the second annual Iowa Comedy Festival in Des Moines.

But while Iowa hasn't exactly found itself on the map for comedy, places like Penguin's Comedy Club in Cedar Rapids and Funny Bone in Des Moines continue to draw crowds. But for Tom Garland, he wants to see a comedy club in Iowa City, so he's doing what he can to make it happen.

Be sure to check Tom Garland on Thursday, June 16 at Penguin's Comedy Club, providing the opening act for Comedy Central's Carlos Mencia. Click here for tickets through Penguin's website.

Iowa City resident and UI student Tom Garland performs at
Penguin's Comedy Club in Cedar Rapids.

CFC: The standard first question for my comics: What got you started in comedy? Did someone influence you, or was it just the joy of making people laugh?

TG: I started doing comedy a little over a year ago. At the time, I had no idea I would ever become this involved with it. I did have a little background in making people laugh. I wrote humor columns for my high school newspaper, "The Xavier X-Press," and another small publication in Iowa City called "Rough Draft" (formerly "The Booze News"). I also produced 10 episodes of the YouTube series "True Planet" but had always wanted to try performing live. I tried out an open mic at Penguins Comedy Club and had a really fun time. Doing stand up is by far the most addicting thing I will ever do. From the moment I got off stage for the first time, I was in hook, line, and sinker.

As far as influences go, I've always felt far more impacted by local comedians than those on a national scale. Watching local guys like Keegan Buckingham, Greg Goettel, Tim Unkenholz, Andre Theobold, Tom Sharpe, Colin Ryan and Danny Franks really impacted me and taught me more about the grind of being a local comic than I could possibly learn from watching someone like Jeff Dunham. On the other hand, there have obviously been famous comics I've looked up to. I'm a huge fan of Eddie Murphy, Mitch Hedberg, Andy Kaufman, and Jim Gaffigan. I'm not sure if any of their talents and methods show through in my act, but that's who I grew up watching and admiring. I continue to strive to someday hit that level.

CFC: As a member of the Iowa City community, what is your impression of the local comedy scene? Though the closest club is in Cedar Rapids, what are your hopes with bringing comedy acts to local clubs?

TG: Up until basically this last year, there was no such thing as a comedy scene in Iowa City. Greg Goettel (a fellow comedian that I work with regularily) and I started up two open mics. I emcee The Summit Nightclub's 'Comedy Showcase' and Greg is the emcee for 'One Night Stand' at The Yacht Club. This, along with the comedy shows that The University of Iowa books for student events, makes Iowa City now one of the best cities in Iowa to gain stage time and experience in.

Penguins Comedy Club in Cedar Rapids does a great job of developing local talent as well. That's where I got my start and I'll always respect what they do there. I still continue to perform there on a regular basis.

As far as "bringing comedy acts to local clubs" goes, things aren't too promising. Most of the clubs here aren't interested in booking major names, but as I mentioned above, for The University of Iowa that's a completely different story. Over the past year I opened for eight different headline acts that they brought through, including a sold out show in front of 1,100 fans at The Iowa Memorial Union opening for Joel McHale (NBC - Community, E! - The Soup, Spiderman 2).

Tom Garland poses with comedian and TV star
Joe McHale after his visit the UI's IMU

CFC: Whereabouts in the United States have you had the opportunity to tour? What have those places been like compared to your experiences in the Midwest, or in Iowa City particularly?

TG: I actually have yet to go on a full out "tour". This summer I'll be doing some time in Washington D.C. and possibly Los Angeles. I have however, traveled all over the state of Iowa and performed in nearly every major city. I've had some great experiences on the road and love to travel. Its always fun to see fresh faces laugh. Also, usually on the road I get to do a little more time on stage. I opened for Tom Shape (Comedy Central's Live at Gotham) in Clarksville, IA and got to do a 45 minute set before he went on. It was by far the longest I've been on stage and one of the most fun times I've ever had as a performer.

CFC: What do you love about comedy - not only performing, but about other
comics you've met or performed with? What makes some of your favorites
stand out from the rest?

TG: I love the feeling of when you know you have an audience locked in. You can see them slowly feeding into the set up, anticipating the punchline, and then dying laughing at the twist and taglines. Its a really special interaction you just don't get to have with the average person in any other line of work.

It's no secret that there is definitely a "lifestyle" associated with doing stand up. It's nice spending time with other comedians, because they understand the rollercoaster ride of the industry. The people I've had the most fun with, ironically, are the ones who take a very serious approach to comedy. Although it may seem like at times the comedian in front of you is completely rolling "off-the-cuff", chances are they're probably not. I enjoy spending time with comedians who constantly write new material, experiment with different angles to take in their act, and conduct themselves professional, despite whatever kind of situation we may be performing in.

EBT: As a comedian, what is it like having so many different platforms to reach people, but while also having so many platforms with other competing comedians? Facebook, Myspace, Twitter...how has the comedy world embraced them, especially as an up-and-coming comic?

TG: Some people just don't know how to use social media to their advantage. If you're going to push yourself farther down the road as comedian, the easiest way is to quit usuing social media to be, well, social. I wouldn't recommend using Myspace unless you want to perform on How To Catch A Predator. Facebook and Twitter however are great tools. Twitter is basically my online joke book. It helps me write material and condense my thoughts to 140 characters. Often times in comedy, finding the shortest set up and punchline to deliver a quick hit, is one of the biggest struggles. I use Facebook on the other hand to do most of my marketing. It sure beats the heck of out standing on the street corners and handing out fliers. The secret is to just have fun with it and to be conscious of how much you "plug" your material and shows. No one wants to be bombarded with advertising of any kind, but if you pepper it in between some light hearted humor, crowds can be extremely responsive and before you know it you'll start developing a following.

CFC: What is your dream as a stand-up comic? Any act you'd kill to open for? Any particular club you'd kill to play in?

TG: I'd just like to keep the work coming in on a consistent basis and get on to some sort of nationwide tour (preferably touring mainly comedy clubs and colleges). Comedy is notorious for its success swings. After the show I did with Joel McHale, I felt on top of the world. There was 1,100 people there and I killed. The next night I was booked to do a show at a bar. 6 people showed up and I completely bombed. If I can find some level of happy consistency, really that's all I'm looking for.

My dream is to do some work on television. I'm also really eager to do some time in any of the major U.S. cities. Obviously clubs like The Laugh Factory and The Comedy Store are high up there on the list. I'd kill to open for anyone who is especially hot right now. I really enjoy the work of a lot of the comedians who have had a breakthrough in the last year or so (Aziz Ansari, Bo Burnham, Daniel Tosh, TJ Miller, Doug Benson).

However, I realize it's a long road to the top. For now, I'm happy just being along for the ride.

CFC: Where do you see Iowa City's comedy in a year? Where is it headed, or better yet, where would you like to see it go?

TG: The comedy scene is Iowa City has only just begun to boom. Someday I'd like to see a comedy club open up there. Judging strictly based on attendance from multiple shows I do there each week, I'd say there's clearly a market for it. Realistically with the fight going on due to the 21-ordinance debates, I doubt you will see one for awhile. Until then, we'll have to just keep making people laugh on whatever scale possible. I would like to see some bars book some larger acts. There's no reason why B-listers wouldn't want to headline Iowa City clubs. There are some huge venues that don't take advantage of comedy. They would rather book a DJ to play a loop of something you can download on your iPod and mix yourself at home while you sit naked in your moms basement. Maybe that's the way club entertainment is headed. I think there will always be something to be said though for an act (musical or comedic) that writes their own material and can perform it live without the help of a computer.

Interested in booking Tom Garland? Check out his booking website for videos, booking information and more.

Maria Bamford supports your journey

2011-05-16T13:23:00.000-05:00

Though I was fortunate enough to be raised in a loving home, many kids are not. And comedienne Maria Bamford is saying something about it.

With the help of this handy-dandy titled website, PunchyTee.com, Maria is speaking out about child abuse and neglect with the creation of the website's first comedian-designed t-shirt, with all profits benefiting the Austin Children's Shelter in Austin, Texas. I ordered one - which is adorned with lovable characters, including a 2-headed pug, and "Maria Bamford supports me in my journey" on the front. While my journey has not been a hard one with the help of my family, there are many who have been raised or are being raised in shelters without parents or trying to heal the scars of abuse.

The shirt is not just for child abuse survivors, but for anyone who wants a neat-o t-shirt and the opportunity to donate to one of America's many shelters for abused children. It's unfortunate they have to exist at all.

Click here to buy your Maria Bamford shirt ($25) and don't be afraid to make an extra donation. Only 200 are available, so it's a great chance to buy something from a fantastic comic who's making a stand against child abuse.

Lewis Black, live at UNI

2011-04-01T16:17:00.000-05:00

It was, yet again, another unbelievably funny night and unforgettable (especially for Andy) as Lewis Black came to Cedar Falls, Iowa with fellow comic and best pal, John Bowman. It was...epic. He didn't touch too much on politics as he usually does, but did a whole 25-30 mins. on cell phones and how much they suck. Which was fantastic, of course.

Lewis did a meet-and-greet after the show, which we managed to be first in line for. Andy's palms were sweaty and he was nervous but he did great. We each got a book signed by Uncle Lew, and Andy got his photo with him and we got one of us together. The weekend was a celebration of 10 years together, so it was a nice present to ourselves to have such a great laugh. Here's our photos!

Give It Up For Greg Giraldo

2011-03-18T14:06:00.001-05:00

Greg Giraldo continues to haunt the comedy world - and in the best way possible. Since his death on Sept. 29, 2010, Comedy Central has run several of his stand-up comedy specials and recently had the first Comedy Central Roast without him - for Donald Trump. Ah, he would've had such a great time with Trump.

Meanwhile, his wife started a Giraldo's Children Foundation that will help fund his kids' college education and also promote awareness of addiction in households across the United States. Although Greg graduated from Harvard and worked as a lawyer for a short time before crossing over to comedy and leaving an indelible dent in the world of satire, he also suffered from several addictions including alcohol and drugs. Eventually it's what put him in a coma for five days before his family removed life support (according to entertainment blogs out there).

It's heartbreaking that he died so young - at 44. Writer Dick Schaap for Playboy magazine once wrote on the death of Lenny Bruce, known as the most obscene comedian and celebrity in his time. "One last four-letter word for Lenny: Dead. At forty. That's obscene."

Greg's death, at 44. Not funny. No satirical. Not fair. Obscene.

But now Comedy Central, its writers and celebrities and comedians all over the industry - including Jon Stewart, Conan O'Brien and more - are paying tribute to Greg with a one-hour special, "Give It Up For Greg Giraldo," airing at 10:30 p.m. CST. I can't wait to make a date on my new furniture to see it. To laugh, probably with tears in my eyes, and remember one of my top 5 favorite comics. Check out Punchline magazine, too, for more great, intimate interviews and stories on Giraldo.

Lewis Black, Rodney Carrington and more...

2011-03-15T18:59:00.000-05:00

Andy and I are approaching our 10 - that's right, 10 - year anniversary and have decided to spend it with none other than Lewis Black. Our anniversary, which falls in the middle of the week, will be celebrated in Cedar Falls, IA, where Lewis will be performing at the Gallagher-Bluehorn Theater. Tickets are purchased, a great hotel room is also reserved and we can't wait for our weekend away!

In the meantime, there's some other great acts coming around. Rodney Carrington will be coming to Riverside Casino & Golf Resort on Friday and Saturday, May 21 and 22nd. If tickets weren't a damn $50, I'd think about going. I only pay over $50 for Lewis.

The Funniest Person in Iowa competition and World Series of Comedy will be arriving in a few Spring months to Penguins' Comedy Club in Cedar Rapids, which has a new-and-improved website and continues to bring in some great acts. Now that it's warming up and thawing in the Corn State, hopefully we see some great acts swing through.

Women in Comedy keeps growing

2011-03-15T18:55:00.000-05:00

This is a short shout-out to editor and stand-up lover, Dylan Gadino, who recently visited the 3rd annual Women in Comedy Festival with headliners Kristen Schaal, Morgan Murphy and Jen Kirkman. Below is a video of these three brilliant broads with a knack for humor.

Morgan Murphy, Jen Kirkman, Kristen Schaal from Punchline Magazine on Vimeo.

How did I forget to mention -- PUNCHLINE Magazine?!

2010-12-06T16:34:00.000-06:00

My article for the Iowa Comedy Festival in October appeared online at PunchlineMagazine.com, with special thanks to Dylan Gadino, editor in chief. Dylan and I have been in touch for a couple of years as I've tried to pawn many a comedy story from the corn on him. He graciously published this one to promote Joel Fry's event.

Click here to see it on Punchline!

Break for the frozen wasteland...

2010-12-06T16:28:00.001-06:00

With the winds of winter blowing in through the Midwest, ruining everyone's lives and making us curse why we live here, so has stand-up comedy slowed down a tad in the area. I don't blame comics for avoiding this hell-frozen wasteland. I'd be hitting up every club in Miami if I was a comic.

That being said, I won't be updating this blog much over the winter, unless I just want to spew or lament on something that strikes me in the news (that, of course, is related to comedy). I will, however, suggest a GREAT documentary for all you Lewis Black fans out there -- "Basic Black," now available on Netflix and Netflix Instant, is a great documentary tracking the rise of Lewis Black. Being that Lew is my #1 favorite comic, it was a must-watch for me, but really it's a great chance to see where he came from.

His new book, "I'm Dreaming Of A Black Christmas," is also in stores and I'm hoping to buy it for my mom for Christmas -- how appropriate! Check it out if you get a chance. Once I get it (I have a feeling Santa's putting it my stocking), I will read it and give you a review. Of course it will be positive, too. I haven't disliked anything by Mr. Black yet.

Q & A - Tim Ukenholtz, University of Iowa student and Iowa City comic

2010-12-06T16:19:00.002-06:00

The following is transcript of an e-mail interview I performed with Iowa City comic Tim Ukenholtz prior to the October Iowa Comedy Festival held in Des Moines by another comic, Joel Fry. Ukenholtz provided the following answers to several questions, especially making comparisons to the Midwest and the East Coast, where he previously resided near Washington, D.C.

1. Stand-up comedy is not considered to be a hot commodity in the Midwest. Why do you think its gaining so much traction around here and in smaller areas of the U.S.?

I don’t know if I’m qualified to answer this question because I’ve only lived in the Midwest for like two weeks now. But I can tell you that the people here seem to respond to comedy in a different way than they do in DC. The DC scene’s very cut throat, you know. It’s hard to make an ally because everyone’s so judgmental and scheming. But I haven’t experienced that at all here in the Midwest yet. When I’ve gone to clubs here there seems to be genuine laughter amongst the crowd AND the comedians. And I think that’s great!

2. The Iowa Comedy Festival is a great start to exposing more people to comedy. What do you think about Joel's efforts for a festival like that in such a middle-America place?

It’s awesome! Coming from DC, I was worried that there wasn’t any comedy in Iowa at all! I figured comedy comes out of misery, at there’s lots of misery on the East Coast, and I’m used to that. I sort of pictured Iowa to be like that town in Big Fish where everyone’s happy all the time and nobody wears shoes ever and Steve Buscemi prances around writing crumby poetry. Luckily, it hasn’t been that. Everyone’s really nice and happy, and they love to laugh. I’m glad there’s enough people here interested in comedy so people like Joel can set up venues for comedians.

3. Tell me a little bit about how you got started in stand-up and what makes you continue doing it.

I started at the end of my freshman year at Virginia Tech. I think I just needed an excuse to get out of my dorm because I really hated my roommate. But I was interested in comedy my whole life. Ever since I was a kid I’ve been transcribing episodes of The Simpsons and Late Night with Conan O’Brien. So I just decided to give a shot one day, I went to the only comedy club in Blacksburg Virginia, Attitudes, and told the host, Anthony Quinn I was interested. After a couple of weeks of just watching Anthony surprised me one night, he told me to go up and do 5 minutes. I wasn’t prepared at all, and I got up there and said some things that were barely sentences, but it felt great! I think if Anthony hadn’t taken me by surprise like that, I never would have gotten up there.

What keeps me doing stand up is the feeling I get after a good show. It’s like this end of a movie, slow motion feeling I get as I’m walking off the stage, high fiving everyone. And then the frame freezes with me with my fist in the air! It’s totally worth all the anxiety I get before the show, even if this has only happened like once before.

4.How has your experience been in stand-up comedy so far? What kinds of differences are you expecting between your life on the East Coast and your life here -- particularly regarding stand-up comedy opportunities?

I’ve had a great experience! Anthony treated me right when I was starting out in Virginia and then this summer I began doing shows around DC and Maryland. Every show’s been different, but in a good, introspective sort of way. I’m excited about doing comedy here because I’m hoping to be a part of a kind of comedy community/family, which seems very plausible based off the people I’ve met so far. Like I said, you don’t really get that much in DC.

5. How has comedy affected your life? Do you see it as important for people to understand and enjoy, and if so, why?

Comedy consumes me life. Every conversation I have I replay in the back of my head thinking, “how could I have said that funnier”. I also keep a journal of poop jokes. Just jokes on poop. If you ever see me on a bench somewhere laughing to myself, I’m probably thinking about poop...or farts. I think comedy is important to me especially because I can’t really express myself in any other way. I’m an English major, and I find it hard to get my point across in my writing without making a joke. But I think everyone needs it, not just me. When we’re laughing, our brains are debugging our ideas on human behavior or society or farts. It keeps us thinking straight and it's fun too!

Oct. 2010 Little Village in stands now!

2010-10-10T10:30:00.000-05:00

Iowa Citians: Get your copy of Little Village today. It's availble in stands around the downtown pedestrian mall for your amusement! Don't forget to flip to page 23 to read my awesome, well-written, Pulitzer-deserving piece on the first annual Iowa Comedy Festival, taking place next weekend in Des Moines.

OK, I know I won't get a Pulitzer, but it's definitely nice to get some attention to a hardworking comic and organizer like Joel Fry, who's taking the bull by the horns to create an event that puts Iowa on the map for comedy.

Anyway, the issue is in stands now, and over the next few weeks, I'll be sharing with you some interviews with the comedians I spoke with -- all Iowa comics -- so you can see what else they said about their craft. I might also post the story, but I'd really rather you visit Little Village online or pick up a copy.

Louis CK - Killer, side-splitting comedy

2010-10-10T10:21:00.001-05:00

Seeing a stand-up comedy show it like a drug. You wait anxiously for the comedian to come out. He or she does. You laugh -- hard. Your sides hurt, your cheeks ache and joke after joke or story after story roll off his or her tongue. When it's over, you're disappointed, because you were so looking forward to this night. On the way home, your sides still hurt and you ask you friend or partner, "What was your favorite line?"

Neither of you can remember.

It's literally -- like a drug. You laughed harder than ever but you can't remember a thing. Like a really good high. That what Louis C.K.'s show. And you can't ask for more.

Louis played in Riverside, Iowa last night at Riverside Casino. October has been comedy month for the middle-of-nowhere facility, as Bill Cosby performed last weekend, and Louis and Gallagher this weekend. It was a sold out crowd of over 1,100 people, and with standing ovations and laughs abound (no disruptions, thank goodness), Louis said it was "...the funnest show of the year." I'm glad we Iowans made him feel that way. We love our comedy as much as the Coasts.

The show started with an invisible emcee telling us the rules of the night -- no smoking, drinks are allowed, flash photography is OK but no video, "...and no one wants to see your shitty, blurry video anyway." I had a feeling the voice sounded like it was trying too hard to be feminine. After a few minutes. Louis came on, said it was him, and to get ready for a great, talented opener: Todd Barry.

Awesome. Epically awesome. Not only did we not expect an opener, but someone as big as Todd Barry took us by surprise. Andy and I cheered (he is a big fan of Todd) and he killed on stage. Just the hilarious, dry, sarcastic wit so falls in line with my own, I was rolling. I would definitely see him in a solo show.

Louis came out about 8:20 and played ntil 9:30, with one "encore" and what looked to be his recorder to test some new material. You know, when we go to comedy shows we think, "Oh this guy or lady is so funny, I just can't wait." But what they're doing is art, and not only that, they're at work while we're sitting there sipping a bottle of beer and laughing. Regardless, Louis was amazing. His craft for storytelling and interweaving foul language (which I love about my favorite comics like him) is untouchable. Plus, after the death of Greg Giraldo last week, it was nice to have someone who I admire to be in such close proximity. It was comforting.

When we came home we watched "Louie" on FX. A brilliant show with the master himself, and highly recommended if you haven't seen it yet. The show is now available on Netflix, so rent it today and enjoy it. It's not as in-your-face as his stand-up, but it's dry, avante garde in a sense, and just really damn funny.

We lose a legend, but legends live on.

2010-09-29T23:15:00.001-05:00

You'll be missed.
Greg Giraldo (1965-2010)

I don't have much to say so I'm not going to pretend that I do. Greg Giraldo, one of my top five favorite comedians, died today at the age of 44. Too young. Too soon. No one was ready. The comedy world needed his sense of himself, his shameless loathing of all things stupid in our country. The petty and inane. The fans needed someone to make them think, "Oh yeah," even when he stated the obvious. And above all else, his children needed a father.

What's so frightening about death is how final it is. There's no getting around it. He's not coming back tomorrow. The thought of a man of so much talent, who made me drip tears from my eyes and my stomach double over in fits of hysterics, died in a cold, sanitized-smelling hospital room today. And the world stopped laughing for a while. I know I did.

We have our "Insomniac Tour with Dave Attell" DVD in the player right now, and the case propped up on the entertainment center. I don't really know the protocol for mourning one of your heroes, but I know that I haven't felt this off in a while. Andy and I sat in silence on the deck tonight, just repeating, "Death my chocolate...how horrible to trivialize death like that!" Indeed, Greg. Indeed.

We will all miss you and your stand-up bits will never grow tired, not with us...not with your fans and comedy family. I hope they're having a beer and laughing with you as much as we all did down here. Thanks for the memories.

Comedy sprouts in the corn

2010-08-17T19:17:00.000-05:00

This is more or less a preview post about a story I'm proudly working on for Little Village Magazine about -- you guessed it -- comedy in Iowa. Iowa native and stand-up comic Joel Fry is working tirelessly to arrange the first ever Iowa Comedy Festival, which will be held in Des Moines in mid-October. He, along with his cohort at Cornstar Comedy have set out to put the Midwest on the map for stand-up comedy. The event, which was meant to be just a 3-day rouse with some laughs along the way, has spread to over 50 comics and several agents who will be in attendance.

As part of my love of stand-up comedy (and how it essentially saved me from the melodrama of high school and early college), I've been recruited by Joel to blog about the event and take part as a media member and comedy worshipper.

In the meantime, there's several great acts coming this way for you comedy junkies out there. Though the Davenport, IA Penguin's Comedy Club was shut down (rumor is it will reopen somewhere else in the QC), the Cedar Rapids location is booming!

You can find tickets for the CR Penguin's at LaughStub.

Jim Breuer is still on for Sept. 13 (tickets are $22) along with Loni Love after that and several others.

Riverside Casino in Riverside, IA is having a whole month of comedy, with Bill Cosby on Friday, Oct. 8 at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. for a mere $50 and $65 a ticket (which I say mere because he's a legend -- not a bad price if you're a Cosby fan.

Oct. 9 brings a whole different caliber of comedy in the form of Louis CK, performing for $40 and $50 at 8 p.m. that Saturday. Andy and I already have our tickets ready for that show -- and are expecting to urinate ourselves in the process.

Gallagher will perform on Sunday, Oct. 10 at 5 p.m. for $15 and $20 a ticket, so if you want to get covered in watermelon, I'm sure it won't cost you much from your pocketbook.

The great thing about Riverside is they offer hotel packages and the hotel and casino are definitely worth the stay, so I highly recommend it.

In the meantime, watch for my story in Little Village (I'll certainly post excerpts here) and definitely check out tickets and information about the Iowa Comedy Festival. Help make cornfed comedy history by being in attendance! You'll regret it if you're not.