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Bill Murray to Star in Christmas TV Special Directed by Sofia Coppola

October 14, 2014

bill murray, christmas, sofia coppola, tv special

Yes, Bill Murray will be singing Christmas songs and starring a Christmas TV special directed by Sofia Coppola.

While this is certainly something we wouldn’t have guessed for Murray’s next project, we’re surprised that it taken years after Lost In Translation for any thing of this nature to happen with Bill and Coppola. Now that the plans are in motion, we’ll all be very happy to have something to watch that isn’t TV series binge watching we haven’t done during the rest of the year.

There isn’t details as to where it will air or a specific air date, but we’re sure that you’ll check your DVR constantly to make sure you won’t miss it.

This Year’s New York Comedy Festival Has a Damn Fine Line-Up

October 13, 2014

amy poehler, bill cosby, bob odenkirk, dave attell, eric andre, jim gaffigan, john oliver, jon stewart, kyle kinane, louis ck, marc maron, maria bamford, ny comedy fest, nyc, pete holmes, tig notaro

Taking advantage of the endless wealth of comedy genius that resides in and around NYC as well as bringing plenty of the funniest people in the land, The NY Comedy Festival for 2014 isn’t something you should miss.

In the line-up thus far:

Bill Cosby, Comedy Underground with Dave Attell, Louis C.K., John Oliver, Jim Gaffigan, Jon Stewart, Schtick or Treat, Kyle Kinane, Amy Poehler, Friends of the People, Seth Herzog, Tig Notaro, This Is Not Happening, Brian McCann, Dave Hill, Pete Holmes, Keith and the Girl, Sara Schaefer, Kabin, Nate Bargatze, Big Jay Oakerson, Letterman writers, Hannibal Buress, Marc Maron, Aparna Nancherla, James Adomian, Cameron Esposito, Deer Prom, Monroe Martin, Brent Morin, Nick Vatterott, Sean O’Connor, Eric Andre, Emily Heller, Maria Bamford, Nick Offerman, Jeff Ross, Murderfist, Guy Branum, Bob Odenkirk, Rachel Feinstein, and more.

It’ll be a mix of headlining shows, showcases, benefits, album recordings, special shows, and more.

So clear out your calendar for Wed. Nov. 5th-Sun. Nov. 9th if you can, in any way, go to any/all of these shows.

Adam Newman Gets Interrupted by NYPD During Stand-Up Set

October 13, 2014

adam newman, heckler, nypd, ucb

Well, people often forget that the saying “lightning never strikes twice” actually goes “lightning never strikes the same place twice”.

Adam Newman is figurative proof that lightning can strike twice in two different places. Last year, he found cocaine in the jacket pocket of a disruptive audience member last year and recently, was just stopped dead cold in the middle of a stand-up set to the NYPD bursting into UCB Chelsea.

On top of that, Adam was apparently making a tape to submit to do a set on Conan. Honestly, it would be pretty great to see a late night set where the cops burst in and the comedian had to deal with it (real or rehearsed).

Superego’s Fremont City Council Meets/Strikes Again

October 13, 2014

animation, comedy podcast, dan hartshorn, jeremy carter, mark mcconville, matt gourley, paul f tompkins, superego

Certainly, there are plenty of oddities that take place during a city council hearing that has the floor open to any and all residents of that particular city. However, none are as great as the Fremont City Council meeting as done by Superego.

Kick off Monday correctly and watch an animated version (animation by Dan Hartshorn) of the Fremontians reconvening for pretty much anything besides actual town business.

Eugene Levy Gathers Catherine O’Hara, Chris Elliott, and Daniel Levy for “Schitt’s Creek”

October 13, 2014

catherine o'hara, chris elliott, eugene levy, kardashians, parody, schitts creek

(via The Hollywood Reporter)

Eugene Levy has grown tired of the worldwide obsession with the Kardashians and has opted to make a film that delves into the possibility of what would happen if the Kardashians went broke.

Parodying the Kardashian family as the Rose family, Levy has gotten Catherine O’Hara, Chris Elliott, and his son Daniel Levy together for the upcoming Canadian film “Schitt’s Creek” where a once-reality-tv-famous family has to move back to a small town that they bought for the hell of it.

This very well could be along the lines of Burning Love or Hotwives of Orlando, so keep a close watch on Schitt’s Creek.

LA Comedy Rundown 10/13/14

October 13, 2014

comedy shows, los angeles, open mics

ON THE HORIZON
Henry Phillips 1 Hr. Special Taping @ Lyric Theater Thurs. Oct. 16th 8PM/10PM $8
Laurie Kilmartin “45 Jokes About My Dead Dad” @ The Lyric Theater Fri. Oct. 17th & Sat. Oct. 18th 7PM/9:30PM $15/$5 w/Goldstar

COMEDY CRAWL
Comedy Central’s “@midnight w/Chris Hardwick” @ Hollywood Center Studios 3:15PM FREE w/RSVP
Hot Tub with Kurt Braunohler & Kristen Schaal @ The Virgil 8PM $5 in adv., $8 at door
The Black Version @ Groundlings 8PM $17/$8.50 w/Goldstar
Tig Notaro: A Benefit in Honor of Breast Cancer @ Largo at the Coronet Theatre Mon. Oct. 13th 8:30PM $40-$75
Justin Willman’s MAGIC SHOW Pilot Runthrough @ Nerdmelt Showroom 9PM FREE
The Business LA @ Little Joy 9PM FREE
Round 2 @ El Cid 10PM $5
Pretty, Pretty Pony @ Westside Comedy Theater 10PM FREE
Sam Simmons and Dr. Brown Are FWENDS @ The Virgil 10:30PM FREE
Fresh Out: Stand-Up Comedy @ UCB Theatre 11PM $5

OPEN MIC RUN
NERDMELT SHOWROOM 7522 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA/Sign-up 5PM/Starts 5:30PM/Lottery/No purchase necessary
SAL’S COMEDY HOLE 7356 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA/Sign-up 5PM/Starts 6PM/5 min./First come, first served
SARDO’S 259 N. Pass Ave., Burbank, CA/Sign-up 6PM/Starts 6:30PM/Ends 8:30PM/7 min./First come, first served/15 guaranteed spots/1 drink min.
ROCKPAPER COFFEE 7509 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA/Sign-up 5PM/Starts 6PM/End 8PM/First come, first served/One item min.
IO WEST 6366 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA/Sign-up 6:15PM/Starts 6:30PM/Ends 8PM/Lottery/3-5 min.
ANCHOR BAR 2675 Irvine Ave., Costa Mesa, CA/Starts 7PM/Sign-up at evan@dudelyjones.com/4-5 min.
THE WAREHOUSE LOUNGE 4499 Admiralty Way, Marina Del Rey, CA/Starts 7PM/Ends 7:45PM/First come, first served/5 min./8 spots only/No purchase necessary
THE GOOD NIGHT 10721 Burbank Blvd., North Hollywood, CA/Sign-up 7:30PM/Starts 7:45PM/Ends 9:30PM/Lottery/3-5 min./1 item min./Hosted by Ever Mainaird, Lisa Laureta, Ryan Walker, and Caitlin Bergh
ECHOES UNDER SUNSET 1310 Glendale Blvd., Los Angeles, CA/Sign-up 8PM/Starts 8:15PM/Lottery/One item min./Hosted by Jay Weingarten
TRIBAL CAFE 1651 W. Temple St., Los Angeles, CA/Starts 7:30PM/no purchase necessary/first come, first served
BREWDOG PUB 8300 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA/Sign-up 7:45PM/Starts 8PM/First come, first served/5-7 min./Hosted by Pamela/1 item min.
THE PALACE RESTAURANT 2112 Hillhurst Ave., Los Angeles, CA/Sign-up 8:45PM/Starts 9PM/3 min./Lottery/1 item min./Hosted by Meg Swertlow, Wanjiko Eke, Chloe McGovern
JAKE’S 38 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA/Sign-up 9:30PM/Starts 10PM/Lottery/3 min./No purchase necessary

Ryan Conner Recorded His New Comedy Album ‘Live From An Old Prison’ at an Actual Prison

October 13, 2014

comedy album, live from an old prison, lorton prison, ryan conner, washington dc

The last of this week ’s plethora of comedy releases that you need to shell out for is definitely something you’ve probably haven’t seen or heard in comedy. The very funny Ryan Conner went ahead and recorded his comedy album Johnny Cash style by going to an old prison to perform.

Live From an Old Prison was recorded at Lorton Prison near Washington D.C. To our knowledge, while many comedians have served time in a correctional facility and have even gone back to perform for others that have been jailed, we don’t know of any that actually recorded an album or taped a special in one.

On top of that, Ryan Conner’s got one hell of a life story that you should hear about in his comedy.

So, get his album on iTunes, CD Baby, or pay what you want starting at $1 at Gumroad.

Bill Hader Returns as Herb Welch on SNL

October 12, 2014

bill hader, herb welch, Saturday Night Live, snl

Last night, Bill Hader returned to the Saturday Night Live stage as the host and brought some of his most beloved characters along with him.

One of those characters is elderly reporter Herb Welch and he did not disappoint. Watch it here.

All Jane No Dick Comedy Festival Comes to Portland Next Weekend; Men’s Rights Activists Set to Protest

October 12, 2014

all jane no dick, comedy festival, men's rights activists, portland

Even though there’s a line-up of amazing comedians that includes Kate Berlant, Beth Stelling, Sara Schaefer, Aparna Nancherla, DeAnne Smith, Jan Davidson, Emily Maya Mills, Brooke Van Poppelen, Kyle Mizono, Kimberly Clark, Kristine Levine, Rye Silverman, Virginia Jones, Mo Welch, and so many more showcasing amazing comedy by women, Men’s Rights Activists have felt it necessary to protest, of all things that they could protest, the All Jane No Dick Comedy Festival that’s coming to Portland next weekend 10/15-10/19.

The Portland Mercury has discovered on the streets of Portland that flyers for the festival have been covered up or replaced entirely by an altered flyer that claims that the festival is being put together by “feminazis”.

There is a Craigslist post that also calls for a protest throughout the festival’s duration.

We have no doubt the festival will be a good time, so get your tickets here, and that Men’s Rights Activists are really doing themselves no favors here.

LA Comedy Rundown 10/12/14

October 12, 2014

comedy shows, los angeles, open mics

ON THE HORIZON
Bullseye with Jesse Thorn @ Hollywood Forever Cemetery Wed. Oct. 15th 8PM $20 (4 ticket limit per customer)
Double-Barreled with Sean Conroy and Special Guest Bill Burr @ UCB Theatre Thurs. Oct. 16th 7PM $5

COMEDY CRAWL
Gettin’ Some Strange with Kurt Braunohler @ Occidental Studios 3PM/5:30PM FREE w/RSVP
Bright Colors and Bold Patterns @ VS Theatre 7PM $15
ASSSSCAT @ UCB Theatre 7:30PM FREE
Dirty Birdie Story Hour @ Eros Station 8:30PM FREE
Re-Animator The Musical-Preview @ Steve Allen Theater 8PM $20
The Junk Show @ Copper Still Bar 8PM $5
Top Story Weekly! @ iO West 8PM $5
Sucker Punch @ Improv Space 8:30PM FREE
Neal Brennan & Friends @ Westside Comedy Theater 9PM $5
Skinny Sundays @ Hollywood Improv 9:30PM $10/2 item min.
French Toast @ Taix 9:30PM FREE
Hot Sauce @ UCB Theatre 9:30PM $5 (stand by only)
Power Violence @ Theatre 6470 9:30PM FREE
Shitty Jobs @ UCB Theatre 11PM $5 (stand by only)

OPEN MIC RUN
ROCKPAPER COFFEE CO 7509 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA/Starts 4PM/Ends 6PM/5 min./One item min.
SILVERLAKE LOUNGE 2906 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA/Sign-up 4:30PM/Starts 5PM/Lottery/5 min./Hosted by Lizzy Pilcher
TRIBAL CAFE 1651 W. Temple St., Los Angeles, CA/Starts 5PM/Ends 7PM/First come, first served/No purchase necessary/Hosted by Chris Gardener
SAL’S COMEDY HOLE 7356 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA/Sign-up 5PM/Starts 6PM/5 min./First come, first served
THE LEXINGTON 129 E. 3rd St., Los Angeles, CA/Sign up is 12PM at Facebook page/See http://www.facebook.com/BombShelterComedy for more info and to sign up/Starts 5PM/Ends 9PM/Lottery/5 min./Hosted by John Silver & Ryan Pfeiffer
LIQUID ZOO 7214 Sepulveda Blvd., Van Nuys, CA/Sign-up 8:30PM/Starts 9PM/First come, first served/7 min./One drink min.
THE PALACE RESTAURANT 2112 Hillhurst Ave., Los Angeles, CA/Sign-up 8:30PM/Starts 8:45PM/Lottery/No purchase necessary/Hosted by Harry Moroz, Pedro Salinas, and Sarah Morisano
COCK N BULL 2947 Lincoln Blvd., Santa Monica, CA/Sign-up 8:45PM/Starts 9PM/First come, first served/5 min./No purchase necessary
THE COMEDY STORE BELLY ROOM 8433 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA/Starts 11:30PM/Lottery/3 min./Hosted by Erik Marino and Brian Moses

Archer Officially Dropping “ISIS” Name of Fictional Spy Agency

October 12, 2014

archer, fx, fxx, isis

(via The Daily Beast)

With the rise of ISIS in the Middle East, you might have noticed that the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria share the same letters in their acronym with the International Secret Intelligence Service, the fictitious spy agency depicted on animated series Archer.

As the atrocities of the real life ISIS tally up more and more every day, Archer’s showrunner Adam Reed and producers have decided to get rid the name in the show. There’s no word on what will replace it, but there won’t be any addressing it other than the removal of their ISIS logo.

Perhaps, Federation of United Bureaus Agency Reconnaissance or FUBAR could be a fun one?

Pick Up Dylan Brody’s “Dylan Goes Electric: Live At The Throckmorton”

October 11, 2014

comedy album, dylan brody, dylan goes electric, rooftop comedy, storytelling, throckmorton

Along with the great myriad of comedy releases that you should get in on this week, Dylan Brody’s Dylan Goes Electric: Live at the Throckmorton should be added to your list.

This latest album of Brody’s came out this past Tues. and has been our favorite of his the comedian and storyteller’s discography thus far. When Bob Dylan went electric (we’re assuming that’s what Brody is referencing with his album title; our apologies if he’s not) all those decades ago, there was a divide that came between his fans. This particular Dylan and this record definitely doesn’t have that problem as Brody’s ornate storytelling are injected, in this record, with a great playfulness.

Get Dylan Goes Electric: Live at the Throckmorton from Rooftop Comedy here.

‘Kroll Show’ Returns in January

October 11, 2014

kroll show, nick kroll, señor feature, tonight show

Last night on The Tonight Show, Nick Kroll not only premiered a new character for when Kroll Show returns for its 3rd season on Comedy Central, he mentioned off hand that the show will be coming back January, only a few months from now.

We have no doubt that there will be preview clips, teasers, and a more specific date released before that time, but, for now, enjoy Kroll’s new character Señor Feature.

Yahoo’s Marissa Mayer Planning to Have Tumblr Be Answer to YouTube

October 11, 2014

marissa mayer, tumblr, yahoo, youtube stars

(via Business Insider)

Last year, Yahoo bought Tumblr, but was Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer was adamant that she Tumblr operate independently.

Well, this year with the focus of all online entities shifting to producing original video content more than ever, Yahoo might just be shifting course with Tumblr. Basically, Tumblr might just have its video platform shaped into something that could be on the level of YouTube. This includes bringing in talent from the likes of YouTube and elsewhere to generate content.

Tumblr making a bid for video will be interesting in see how much they’ll improve their video player and what type of videos they’ll end up producing (hopefully, for our interests, plenty of comedy). It’s also interesting to note that parallels of the old Hollywood studio system and having talent signed an individual studio and the way that online streaming services assembling their shows and stars exclusive to them.

Key & Peele Reveal to Letterman Who’s The Brains and Brawn Between Them

October 11, 2014

cbs, comedy central, jordan peele, keegan michael key, key and peele, letterman

On Letterman, Keegan Michael-Key and Jordan Peele explain their dynamic on Key & Peele that they divvy up between brains and the ability and willingness to take on an attack dog.

Wanna guess which one is which? Well, take a guess then see if you’re right and watch the clip here.

LA Comedy Rundown 10/11/14

October 11, 2014

comedy shows, los angeles, open mics

ON THE HORIZON
The Harvey Show! @ Nerdmelt Showroom Tues. Oct. 14th 6PM FREE
The Down Low Comedy Show @ 55 Degree Wine Wed. Oct. 22nd 9PM $5

COMEDY CRAWL
Dave Attell @ Irvine Improv 7PM/9PM $25/2 item min.
Ithamar Has Nothing to Say @ Second City Hollywood 8PM $10
Re-Animator: The Musical-Preview @ Steve Allen Theater 8PM $20
ASSSSCAT @ UCB Theatre 8PM $10 (stand by only)
Class Clowns @ The Improv Space 8:30PM FREE
Chatterday Night @ The Chatterbox 8:30PM FREE
Horrible Movie Night Presents Hider in the House @ Nerdmelt Showroom 9PM $10
BeerSharkMice @ iO West 9PM $10
Tomorrow w/Ron Lynch’s Big 9th Anniversary @ Steve Allen Theater 11:30PM $15
12 Shiny Nickels @ Westside Comedy Theater 11:30PM $10

OPEN MIC RUN
TRIBAL CAFE 1651 W. Temple St., Los Angeles, CA/Starts 2PM/Ends 4PM/First come, first served/Hosted by Trina Roderick
ROCKPAPER COFFEE CO 7509 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA/Sign-up 3:30PM/Starts 4PM/Ends 6PM/5 min./One item min
TRIBAL CAFE 1651 W. Temple St., Los Angeles, CA/Starts 4PM/Ends 7PM/First come, first served/5-10 min./Hosted by Marty Wurst and Jeanne Whitney
MAKAI COFFEE 2771 E. Broadway, Long Beach, CA/Sign-up 4:30PM/Starts 5PM/First come, first served/5-7 min./No purchase necessary
FLAPPERS BURBANK YOOHOO ROOM 102 E. Magnolia Blvd., Burbank, CA/Starts 4:30PM/First come, first served
WESTSIDE COMEDY THEATER 1323-A 3rd St., Santa Monica, CA (in alley between 3rd St. Promenade & 4th St.)/Sign-up 5:45PM/Starts 6PM/Lottery/3 min./No purchase necessary/Hosted by Graham Rodgers and Scott Schnurr
THE LEXINGTON 129 E. 3rd St., Los Angeles, CA/Sign-up 6:30PM/Starts 6:45PM/First come, first served/5 min./No purchase necessary/Hosted by Kasey Koop and Jenny Young
GROUNDWORK COFFEE 1501 N. Cahuenga Blvd., Los Angeles, CA/Starts 7PM/Ends 10PM/First come, first served/5 min./One item min./Hosted by Raab
HOLLYWOOD HOTEL 1160 N. Vermont Ave., Los Angeles, CA/Sign-up 6PM/Starts 7PM/https://www.facebook.com/ComedydeBasement/First 20 spots guaranteed on Facebook/Lottery for remaining spots/Hosted by Pablo Avion & Eric Bustamante/5 min./1 drink min.
FLAPPERS BAR 102 E. Magnolia Ave., Burbank, CA/Sign-up 11PM/Starts around 11:30PM/lottery/3-5 min.

Watch New Episodes of Comedy Bang! Bang! and The Birthday Boys Before Their Return to IFC Next Week

October 10, 2014

comedy bang bang, ifc, the birthday boys

It’s only a week away until the return of both Comedy Bang! Bang! and The Birthday Boys on IFC. However, IFC knows how impatient many of us on the Internet are, so they’ve been kind enough to put up brand spankin’ new episodes of both a week early.

Kick off your weekend/get your Comedy Bang! Bang!/Birthday Boys fix here.

Practical Folks Show How You Would Break Up With Your Cat If Your Cat Could Talk

October 10, 2014

cat video, if cats could talk, practical folks, sketch, sketch comedy

Any time you actually fight with your cat, it can’t say anything in whatever language you actually speak. You may think you understand what it’s saying, but you don’t.

Don’t worry, that’s a good thing.

Just watch what would happen if a cat could talk and the inevitable break up that would ensue thanks to Practical Folks.

The Daily Show Hires Hasan Minhaj and Trevor Noah

October 10, 2014

hasan minhaj, the daily show, trevor noah

While Michael Che’s tenure at The Daily Show was brief, The Daily Show has not wasted any time in finding a replacement.

In fact, they’ve just hired two really good replacements in Hasan Minhaj, who we would hope you would know from his stand-up and hosting Stand Up Planet, and internationally touring comedian Trevor Noah.

Be absolutely sure to check out their segments in November and December, respectively. We don’t think you’ll be disappointed.

A LEGO Batman Spinoff Movie Is Now in the Works

October 10, 2014

lego batman, spin off, the lego movie, warner bros, will arnett

(via The Hollywood Reporter)

On top of all the LEGO Movie sequels that have been planned for the rest of this decade as well as a Ninjago spinoff, Warner Bros. is now developing another installment of the franchise by giving the LEGO Batman character his own spin-off movie.

Also, to answer your question, yes, it will be voiced by Will Arnett.

There’s no doubting this is a smart move for Warner Bros. since the original LEGO Movie was a critical and box office smash hit. Note that, by 2019, according to their plans, Warner Bros. will have made and released 6 films under the LEGO Movie franchise.

Mattress Shopping Won’t Be The Same After You Watch How ‘Key & Peele’ Do Mattress Shopping

October 10, 2014

comedy central, key and peele, mattress shopping, nsfw

The seemingly innocuous task of shopping for a new mattress doesn’t necessarily have to be as dull as you think.

Take cues from this new Key & Peele sketch and make everyday mundane activities more exciting with a dark subtle undertone.

‘The Best Show with Tom Scharpling’ Is Coming Back

October 10, 2014

best show on wfmu, the best show, tom scharpling

If reboots and revivals are the order of the day, why not have something of the likes of The Best Show with Tom Scharpling return into all of our lives?

If you’ve been obsessively asking that question, then you’re answer this morning came in the form that you were hoping as Tom Scharpling tweeted out “Tell your friends. Scream it in the streets. Because THE BEST SHOW IS COMING BACK."

It’s not entirely clear where the return will happen especially since The Goddamn Dave Hill Show has taken and settled quite nicely at The Best Show’s slot. However, Scharpling wants to make sure that everything is coming back just like you remember it.

LA Comedy Rundown 10/10/14

October 10, 2014

comedy shows, los angeles, open mics

ON THE HORIZON
An Evening with Tommy Johnagin @ Nerdmelt Showroom Tues. Oct. 14th 9PM $5
Festival Supreme @ Shrine Expo Hall & Grounds Sat. Oct. 25th 2:30PM $99-$250

COMEDY CRAWL
Brand New Ball @ UCB Theatre 7PM $5
Seems Legit @ Nerdmelt Showroom 7PM $10
Erik Charles Nielsen @ Hollywood Improv 8PM $15/2 item min.
Unnecessary Evil @ Westside Comedy Theater 8PM $10
Dave Attell @ Irvine Improv 8PM/10PM $25/2 item min.
Re-Animator The Musical Preview @ Steve Allen Theater 8PM $20
Set List @ UCB Theatre 8PM $10
Dirty Birdie Story Hour at LA Storytelling Festival @ Busby’s East 8:30PM $12
Peachy Keen @ Bar Lubitsch 8:30PM FREE
This Friday Forty @ Nerdmelt Showroom 9PM $10
The Wahlberg Solution! @ UCB Theatre 11PM $5
The Yom Kippur Show of Atonement @ UCB Theatre MIDNIGHT $5

OPEN MIC RUN
SET LIST @ FLAPPERS BAR 102 E. Magnolia Blvd., Burbank, CA/Sign-up 5PM/First come, first served/must improvise set of never before seen provided set list/No purchase necessary
HOLLYWOOD IMPROV 8162 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA/Sign-up 5:30PM/Starts 5:45PM/Lottery/20 spots only/3 min./No purchase necessary
UCB THEATRE 5919 Franklin Ave., Los Angeles, CA/Sign-up 5PM/Starts 5:30PM/Lottery/10 spots only/5 min./No purchase necessary
ROCKPAPER COFFEE CO 7509 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA/Sign-up 5PM/Starts 6PM/5 min./One item min.
SAL’S COMEDY HOLE 7356 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA/Sign-up 5PM/Starts 6PM/Ends 8PM/5 min./First come, first served
ECHOES UNDER SUNSET 1310 Glendale Blvd., Los Angeles, CA/Starts 7PM/Lottery/One item min./4 min.
MAX BLOOM’S 200 N. Malden Ave., Fullerton, CA/Sign-up 6PM/Starts 6:30PM/booked show after/no purchase necessary
BOB’S ESPRESSO 5251 N. Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood, CA/Sign-up 6:30PM/Starts 7PM/Ends 10PM/First come, first served/No purchase necessary
HOLLYWOOD HOTEL 1160 N. Vermont Ave., Los Angeles, CA/Sign-up 6PM/Starts 7PM/First come, first served/5 min./1 drink min.
SABOR Y CULTURA 5625 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, CA/Starts 8PM/Sign-up is a lottery/3 min./No purchase necessary
TAO COMEDY STUDIO 7466 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA/Starts 8PM/First come, first served/5 min./$5 cover includes drink
FLAPPERS BAR 102 E. Magnolia Ave., Burbank, CA/Sign-up 11PM/Starts 11:30PM/lottery/3-5 min.

2014 LA Podcast Festival Recap: Podcasts Take Over Beverly Hills

This is both the third year of The LA Podcast Festival as well as our third time attending and, as that’s the case, we can most certainly assure you a good thing has only gotten better and better.

Here’s our recap of what went down when a bunch podcasts and their fans take over ritzy Beverly Hills.

All photos courtesy of Los Angeles Podcast Festival

-This was the first year that the LA Podcast Festival took place at Sofitel LA in Beverly Hills and it solved pretty much every drawback from their original location in Santa Monica (i.e. parking, navigating through the festival, it looks nicer).

-Many in the crowd for Talkin’ Shit with Eddie Ifft were thoroughly surprised when they got to see all of transgendered porn star Vaniity.

–Marc Maron and Aisha Tyler hashed out some personal history, specifically when they first met each other, on Girl on Guy. Aisha hilariously made sure to note to Marc that this is her show and not WTF.

-Like every year, one will note that many of the attendees aren’t from LA or even California. Many come from the other side of the country just to make sure they catch their favorite podcast live like The Crabfeast with Jay Larson and Ryan Sickler.

–Superego continued to be one of the funniest podcasts around kicking off Day 2 with a special guest in Conan player Brian Stack and a whirlwind of fun, dark absurdity. We also applaud their matching Superego blazers.

-The crowd at Jonah Raydio had a ball as Jonah Ray made sure that his entire audience had a beer in their hand, treated to a live performance from Upset, fun music news monologue style jokes, and discovered he had to do more time than he expected. This lead to some of the best awful concert stories we’ve heard in awhile.

–Dave Anthony, Gareth Reynolds, and Wil Anderson assembled for a laugh riot of an episode of The Dollop, which we’d describe as a sort of sober version of Drunk History that replaces the reenactments with top shelf riffing from Anthony, Reynolds, and a guest. Edutainment about history’s biggest a-holes has never been as much fun as this.

-An all female guest line-up for WTF with Marc Maron was fascinating especially the likes of Pamela Adlon and Whitney Cummings admired Shelby Fero’s wisdom beyond her years when it comes to dating.

-Podcasts fans at the festival didn’t care how long they would have to wait to get commemorative posters signed to the point where we questioned how much we’re fans of podcasts compared to them.

–Wil Anderson killed it wherever he went at the festival and his own podcast TOFOP was no different. Anderson’s brand of somewhat controlled chaos made for almost non-stop laughs and an unforgettable pop quiz on Russell Crowe facts.

-As far as we’ve seen education hasn’t ever been as funny as it has been on podcasts. See Probably Science’s Matt Kirshen, Jesse Case, and Andy Wood riff on the primates known as Bonobos with Tim Minchin and Dr. Amy Parish. They found their way to tie in feminism while discussing animal behavior and on to applause breaks.

–Matt Besser, Lauren Lapkus, Ian Roberts, and Horatio Sanz ensured that impov4humans was a perennial favorite of the festival just off a scene of visiting the world’s tallest hill.

-Podcast pioneer Jimmy Pardo and his podcast Never Not Funny have been at The LA Podcast Festival most deservedly every single year. Seeing Jimmy having to deal with Pat Francis’ Bruce Springsteen puppet made for a pretty magical evening on its own.

–Go Bayside! and James Bonding are perfect examples of podcasts that celebrate the “nerding out” of a very specific topic, in these cases Saved By The Bell and Agent 007 James Bond, but also very inviting to the uninitiated. April Richardson and Matt Mira/Matt Gourley make a case for enjoying both cultural institutions even if you don’t know who Mr. Belding or the worst Bond villain henchmen are.

–Todd Glass and James Adomian were electric during The Todd Glass Show. Dueling Todd Glass impressions (yes, Todd did an impression of James doing an impression of Todd) were a highlight, but only the tip of the iceberg. We’re convinced that Glass has mastered only letting the audience kind of know what’s happening, but ultimately not caring because they’re having so much damn fun.

–The Kira Soltanovich Show made for an insightful, funny look into parenting not unlike a bunch of parents having drinks and pondering if they’re raising their kid right or not except all the parents are really funny.

If you happened to miss all this glorious podcast goodness, then there’s a livestream video archive of the festival available up until Oct. 19th.

Keep in mind we can only send one guy out to cover all of this so there are only so many things we could make it to and obviously we missed some stuff. Maybe next time, you can go to the LA Podcast Festival yourself and not miss anything.

R.I.P. Jan Hooks, 1957-2014

October 9, 2014

(via The Hollywood Reporter)

Comedic actress Jan Hooks had quite the career which include such distinguished and varied credits as SNL, The Simpsons, 3rd Rock From The Sun, 30 Rock, and many more.

Sadly, it was announced just a few hours ago that Hooks has passed away at the age of 57. We’ll save you the trouble and link you right to a YouTube search of Jan Hooks right here.