Meeting Lewis Black

In one of my favorite books, Absolute Magic by Derren Brown, Brown defined art as "a set of historical narratives."  In other words, art is created in dialogue with that which comes before it.  As a result, I - as an artist - am forever indebted to all those great masters who came before me and created great art, comedians like George Carlin and Lenny Bruce.

Last Tuesday, I got the opportunity to meet one of these great masters, Lewis Black, an inspiration not only because of the great art he has and continues to create, but because of the decades-long commitment he has made to reaching the point he has and because of the great kindness he shows to everyone (I think it speaks volumes that everyone I met last Tuesday who knew Lewis personally commented on the incredible kindness Lewis Black shows everyone).

Meeting Mr. Black was an energizing, inspiring experience.  I was amazed to find that he had read my MAD Magazine article ("If Stand-Up Comedians Told the Same Joke"), which includes my rendition of what his version of the chicken-crossing-the-road joke might sound like, and even more amazed to find out that he really liked it.  It was a rare privilege to be able to meet someone who was such a large influence on my decision to dedicate myself to becoming a comedian and comedy writer and one that I will cherish.

(Special thanks to Russell, John, and everyone who helped make it possible for me to meet Mr. Black - I don't know what I did to deserve such generosity, but you all certainly have my tremendous gratitude.)

Comedy Wisdom

I've been participating in the New York Underground Comedy Festival (can you believe that it's the fourth comedy festival I've performed in?  I still remember being nervous about the first!) this week, so had the opportunity to participate in a comedy seminar with Eddie Brill (Late Night with David Letterman talent scout), Rick Overton (comedy veteran), and Jim Mendrinos (festival organizer).  Eddie Brill's philosophy was of particular interest because it so mirrored by own (in fact, his approach to being a talent scout - be the talent scout he as a comic would have wanted him to be - matches mine as a comedy show producer).  Rick Overton's candor and passion, as well as Jim Mendrinos' clear and comprehensive understanding of the business of comedy, were also inspiring and thought-provoking.

Here's a bit of their collected wisdom (I think most, if not all, can apply to life in general, too):

* Never fire at eye level (and definitely not below).

* Do the act that would slay you if you saw it.

* Do the act you would enjoy first, not the act you think the audience will enjoy.

* Perform from the heart and not from the brain.

* Do "human being" comedy - comedy that appeals not just to a specific audience but to human beings in general.

* Vulnerability is sexy.

* Silence is as be as powerful as words (the rests are as much part of the music as the notes).  Use it.

* Comedy is a DIALOGUE.

* Be a Swiss Army Knife of talent.

* Be a shining light and let people come to you because they're attracted to it.  (Also, referenced Nelson Mandela quote: "As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give others permission to do the same.")

* Have so much passion for what you do that you can let it steer you.

Photo credit: M. Alejandro

Dirty Politics

Who knew that running for County Supervisor of Maricopa could get so dirty?

Meet Ed Hermes.  He's a Democrat running against Republican incumbent Fulton Brock.  He's young, but he's already been the Director of External Affairs for the Arizona Department of Agriculture and part of the Governor's Smart Growth Cabinet.  He's also been endorsed by the police department in Maricopa.  This is what Ed Hermes looks like know:

But this all makes Fulton Brock mad.  He ain't gonna get beat by no stinkin' 24-year-old.  So rather than demonstrate how his experience trumps Hermes' experience, he sends this out,a mailer what has to be one of the funniest political ads I've ever seen (click to enlarge):

First of all, the picture used of Hermes is a 5 year old high school yearbook photo, which clearly makes him look a whole lot younger than he is.  Also, at least according to this blogger (and you have to take it with a grain of salt), Ed does NOT actually live at home with his parents (link to article).

Also, I love how everyone is freaking out about the fact that Hermes was on Room Raiders somehow reflects his ability to lead (especially since years have elapsed since the filming of the episode).  Here's a typical attack on Hermes for being on Room Raiders (link to article).  The best moment?  When the blogger notes that there are gay people on the show.  Yes, Ed Hermes was on a television show that sometimes has gay people on it - oh no!

Are you kidding me?!? 

(By the way, Fulton Brock is also no stranger to being on camera - except only he knew he was on it because he was secretly and illegal filming this board meetings - link to article.)

My Improv Team Has a Name

The Gotham house improv team that I wrote abut a few days ago now has a name and a date for opening night! I'm in the first preview performance of Red Tie Mafia, which will be Sunday, November 9th at Gotham Comedy Club.  Can't wait!!!

The Uniquest Night Yet at the Sage

I made out with a girl onstage last night during my set.

But let's start out at the beginning:

When I created and then began producing Stand-Up Comedy: LIVE at the SAGE THEATER (at that time, called Don't Touch the Foot), the guiding philosophy I adopted was that I should run the show the way I, as a comic, always wanted others to run their shows.  That means giving and showing both comedians and the audience the respect they deserve.

One of the most important things we do is support unique comedy voices.  Most mainstream rooms are looking for the most mainstream (read: commercial) comedians they can find.  We celebrate everything from improv comedy to sketch comedy to alternative comedy.  We want to expand our audience's comic palate, exposing them to comedy they don't always get elsewhere.

However, I think last night was the uniquest (as in "most unique," not "a singular quest") night we've ever had at the Sage Theater to date.  (And yes, I made the word "uniquest" up, but isn't there some poetry in "uniquest" being one of the uniquest words you've heard recently?)  In fact, as one comic actually put it to me last night, "You always said your shows here were unique.  I didn't realize they'd be this unique."  Here's the story of two of the uniquest moments of this uniquest show (I hope, for the amount of times I'm using the word "uniquest" in this post that Google picks the word up and starts treating it like it's a real one.)

During my act, I began one of my signature bits (the "I'm straight, but people think I'm gay..." routine).  An audience member shouted, "Prove it!" to which I responded, "I will make out with any woman in the audience if someone's willing."  Obviously, I didn't think someone would want to or - if someone did - that she wouldn't want to do it on stage in front of everyone.  I was wrong.

I heard, "I'll do it" from an attractive lady in the front.  I was caught in the midst of a bluff in the midst of a bit, so quickly responded, "Come on up here.  Guy who told me to prove it, how long do we have to go for until your satisfied?"  "10 seconds."  "Fine."

The girl was now on stage.  She was really ready to do this.  When I realized that this was actually going to happen - that she and I were actually going to make out on stage to prove a point - I was think I was more nervous than I ever have been just telling jokes.

I ad-libbed some more: "So you don't have any diseases, right?"  "I was just tested."  "I actually don't know if that makes me feel better or worse.... I guess, well... dude, are you ready to count down?"

And then it happened.  It's a good thing I didn't notice the 10 comedians who had been called into the room by the other comics already present to watch this because I probably would have vomited like Stan does on South Park every time he kisses Wendy.  (Hey, my obligatory pop culture reference for the day!)

So I did it.  And - I swear to you - the first thing I thought was, "This is definitely going in the blog."

BTW, if you don't think the final act - a sketch by Micah Sherman, Joe List, and Dan Hirshon - could top a comic and an audience member making out on stage, then you didn't see the final act.

Here's a picture immortalizing this final sketch:

Yes, I had to cover up his testicle with the Comedy Central logo, as his ball was hanging out (as the main joke, since both his character and his scene partner's character were oblivious to it) for the entire sketch.

At least we're living up to our goal of showcasing the most unique and original comedy in New York City!