First off, if you haven’t seen the original Super Bowl Ad with Timothy Hutton that exploit the horrid situation that Tibet is in for the benefit of great deals via Groupon.com, here it is…
Now that you have perhaps lost faith in a certain segment in humanity…
Here’s another Groupon.com ad…
…and two more…
…and even a few more.
thanks to Conan.
Oh yeah, and what we should do to advertisers…
1) “Finally! It’s Saturday Night and I Need a Laugh”-the resolution to the Comedy Bureau investigative report started over a week ago will be later posted today (The Comedy Bureau coffee machine has been missing for the last week, which has severely cut down on productivity around here).
2) Now that it’s just the clip of him and that’s it, here’s Baron Vaughn on Lopez Tonight.
3) EAGLEHEART is on Tonight at MIDNIGHT on ADULT SWIM. Here’s the promo aaaaaaaand it should be as simple as that.
4) Free Episode of the Never Not Funny Podcast w/Jimmy Pardo AND Conan O’Brien? Yes.
5) Tonight’s COMEDY CRAWL-OK, I’ll admit, this is kind of ridiculous…
Comedy in the Raw @ The Canyon Club 7PM $10
Good Neighbor @ UCB Theatre 8PM $5 (stand by only)
Comedy Speakeasy @ TSR Lounge 8PM FREE
Subversive Comedy w/Jimmy Dore @ Flappers Burbank 8PM $12/2 item min.
The Sklar Brothers @ Irvine Improv 8PM $17/2 item min.
The Josh & Josh Show @ Bar Lubitsch 8:30PM FREE
Sausage and Smiles @ DiPiazza’s 8:30PM $5
Garfunkel & Oates @ Largo 8:30PM $20 (sold out-though if you show up there might be extra tickets)
Running Your Trap w/Jimmy Pardo @ UCB Theatre 9:30PM $5
Sean Patton & Friends @ Hollywood Improv 10PM $14/2 drink min.
6) OPEN MIC RUN 2/10/11
HOLLYWOOD HOTEL 1160 N. Vermont Ave., Los Angeles, CA/Starts 7PM,
THE SANDWICH SPOT 3101 Ocean Park Ave., Santa Monica, CA/Starts 7PM,
CAFE ON 2ND 7 S. 2nd St., Alhambra, CA/Sign-up 7PM/Starts 7:30PM/$3 cover/10 min. guaranteed
TKO SHOW @ 212 CAFE 212 Pier Ave., Santa Monica, CA/Starts 9PM
7) Recently: Activision is retiring the wildly popular video game series Guitar Hero (thankfully), so maybe they can make a smart, innovative, thought provoking, and still vastly entertaining new style of video game in “Kyle Kinane’s Midnight Scientist”.
8) I’m so funny that a woman called me a battered woman last night at a party while laughing maniacally. As far as having “game”, well…..
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Laugh Factory to Have Therapy Sessions for Comics
It still cheaper to hang out at Fred 62…
OK, this has already been posted probably a billion times over and over and you’ve probably already seen it, but I would feel guilty for not posting Zach Galifianakis’ new Between Two Ferns with Jennifer Aniston and Tila Tequila. Like really guilty… so much so that you should probably just say you watched the video here and not anywhere else except maybe Funny or Die, OK? Thanks.
Keeping up with my promise, here’s a rundown of the Just for Laughs-Montreal Showcases next week with callbacks and sketches and more as LA’s best in comedy try to put an even better funny foot forward to go to the actual festival then come back here to be more famous (hopefully).
*this will be updated frequently as more information is received. If there is showcase that’s not on here please e-mail thecomedybureau@gmail.com.
Monday, Feb. 14th
UCB Theatre 5919 Franklin Ave., Hollywood, CA 5PM FREE
Sketch Showcase
The Jon Lovitz Comedy Club in City Walk at Universal Studios in Universal City 8PM $5/2 drink min.
Tuesday, Feb. 15th
Three of Clubs 1123 Vine St., Hollywood, CA 8PM FREE
w/Heather Thomson, Will Weldon, and more
The Laugh Factory 8001 W. Sunset Blvd., Hollywood, CA 10PM
w/Erik Charles Nielsen, and more
Wednesday, Feb. 16th
Hollywood Improv Lab 8165 Melrose Ave., Hollywood, CA 7:30PM FREE
w/Claire Titelman, and more
The Laugh Factory 8001 W. Sunset Blvd., Hollywood, CA 10PM
Thursday, Feb. 17th
Comedy Store Belly Room, 8433 W. Sunset Blvd., Hollywood, CA 7:30PM
w/Andrew DeWitt, Nick Rutherford, and more
The Laugh Factory 8001 W. Sunset Blvd., Hollywood, CA 10PM
1) WARNING: the premiere of Larry the Cable Guy’s History Channel show, “Only in America is premiering tonight at 9PM EST. The only reason I mention this is so I have an excuse to post the trailer to the upcoming alt/indie concert film Tell Your Friends!!! another time (not that I really needed an excuse).
2) The editors to the fake news institution The Onion are in town and speaking into a mic and perhaps you should go see it, especially if you’re by UCLA and have some extra cash (via @danforthfrance).
3) You should thank Joel Mandelkorn first (@cleftclips) then buy tickets to the show he produces: The Super Serious Show BECAUSE next Thurs. Feb 17th, they have Dana Gould (former writer for the Simpsons), Andés DuBouchet (current writer on Conan), a video from Brent Weinbach and Moshe Kasher, A Kiss From Daddy, AND Jimmy Pardo!!! (and even more, not to mention fantastic free microbrew beer). Tickets are $10 presale and $15, so I think you should click the link and buy a ticket and feel better about yourself.
4) So how do you kick off a new season to an already awesome podcast with Eddie Pepitone, Sean Conroy, Amber Kenny, and Jamie Flam on it? Answer: You have Patton Oswalt on it. Episode #301 of the Long Shot Podcast.
5) Tonight’s COMEDY CRAWL-If you have a planner, get rid of it….
Character Sprint Showcase @ UCB Theatre 5:45PM FREE
Tag Team Stand Up @ Palms Bar 7:30PM
Drunk on Stage @ Akbar 8PM FREE
Biscuits and Gravy @ Hollywood Improv Lab 8:30PM $5
Comedy Death Ray @ UCB Theatre 8:30PM $5 (stand by only)
Blamblamblam 3 Year Anniversary @ R-Bar 9PM FREE
6) OPEN MIC RUN 2/8/11
BACK HOME IN LAHAINA 519 Carson St., Carson, CA #A/Sign-up 6PM/Starts 7PM,
BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE TOKYO @ SEÑOR FISH 422 E. 1st, Los Angeles, CA (downtown)/Sign-up 6:30PM/Starts 7PM
COFFEE GALLERY 2029 Lake Ave., Altadena, CA/Starts 8PM
WESTWOOD BREWCO 1097 Glendon Ave., Westwood, CA/Sign-up (lottery) 7:30PM/Starts 8PM
7) Recently: Next Big Comic on CMT, a competition for stand up comedians features two people who just aired their Comedy Central Presents specials, which, to me, looks like a "Presents Special” gets you to a competition on another niche cable channel instead of another special.
8) OK, I got heckled last night. A woman said to me, “You know you have 7 minutes, right?” in reference to her distaste of a story I’m working on and I took the high road by getting a laugh at the end, but I felt so much better when the “artist” she came to support was a spoken word poet who asked, “What if blue wasn’t blue? What if it was purple?”
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1) As the Comedy Bureau promised, we were on the beat of comedians tweeting during and about the horrible extravagance that the Super Bowl is and here, for your enjoyment, in case you’re a better human being than all of us and have not succumbed to Twitter, are the 5 MOST HILARIOUS TWEETS from yesterday’s Super Bowl tweeting blitz:
“@pattonoswalt Baby trauma, robot thumbs, abusive women – if these ads reflect the U.S.’s mood, we’re in an "asshole spiral.”-Patton Oswalt
“@eddiepepitone This football game pales in comparison to crying in the woods with other men about our dads.Go Steelers!”-Eddie Pepitone
“@TonySam76 Wait until you all realize that you have just been watching an extended Michael Bay trailer for Transformers 3 #superbowl”-Tony Sam
“@thesulk That Coke ad with the dragon could’ve fed Africa.”-Alex Sulkin
“@joshcomers These commercials are effective. I just joined al-Qaeda. #Superbowl”-Josh Comers
2) Greg Proops is taking his podcast Smartest Man in the World LIVE, but he’s taking it to the Comedy Central Stages in Hollywood on Feb. 16th where you can be a fortunate audience member for FREE!!! Details are right here, but as the flyer warns, THIS IS NOT FOR THE FAINT OF VOCABULARY.
3) Big Trouble in Little Tokyo @ Señor Fish is tomorrow where you can catch Hasan Minhaj and Sean Conroy AND there is the 3 #$#$@!! Year Anniversary of BLAMBLAMBLAM!!! @ R-bar in K-town (only a firm stone’s throw from downtown LA), so now that your Tues. is planned, ehem, you’re welcome.
4) Tonight’s COMEDY CRAWL-a “case of the mondays” is now a good thing
What’s Up Tiger Lily? @ Hollywood Studio Bar & Grill 8PM FREE
Comedy Night @ Cherry Pit 9PM FREE
Keep It Clean Comedy @ 1739 Public House 10PM FREE
Crash Test @ UCB Theatre 11PM $5
5) OPEN MIC RUN 2/7/11
CLUB 705 705 Pier Ave., Hermosa Beach, CA/7ishPM/10 min. stage time at least
TRIBAL CAFE 1651 W. Temple St., Los Angeles, CA (echo park)/8PM
GROUND ZERO CAFE 615 Childs Way, Los Angeles, CA (USC on campus nestled in between dorms near intersection of Figueroa and Exposition)/USC student Sign-up 9PM/Non Student Sign-up 9:15PM/Starts 9:30PM
HARLEM PLACE CAFE 124 W. 4th St. (in alley between Main and Spring St.)/Starts 9PM
MARTY’S/THE OPEN MIC 7351 W. Sunset Blvd., Hollywood, CA (walk up Martel past Big Mama’s and Papa’s)/5PM to 11PM/$5 Cover/Free coffee & water.
6) Recently: The Green Bay Packers won the Super Bowl sending tons of Pittsburgh Steelers T-shirts to Africa, which still won’t solve the big problems in Africa according to Sam Kinison.
7) I wonder if anyone who had their New Year Resolution as starting to perform stand up comedy is still around on the open mic circuit or if they rejoined normal society. Any sightings can be reported to thecomedybureau@gmail.com.
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The Drinking Buddies Podcast w/Dana Gould, Craig Shoemaker, and, oh yeah, the Comedy Bureau
One awesome podcast with hilarious comedians and good ol’ Long Beach friends of mine, Jerry Brandt and Chris Adams, where, after seeing Jerry incorrectly referencing a Craig Shoemaker bit, we talk comedy as well as air some past grievances.
Now the Super Bowl is over, you’ll nothing but free time to listen to it.
1) I have a feeling that #superbowlads and #superbowl will be quite entertaining to watch out for on Twitter today. The Comedy Bureau will be on the watch for the best.
2) Follow the hilarious @casualvelvet/Heather Thomson as she recently joined the Twitter community and I’m sure she’ll kill with her tweets just like she does on stage.
3) Big Trouble in Little Tokyo Open Mic is back here after the intermission to your week that the Superbowl is with Sean Conroy and Hasan Minhaj and a whole bunch of you don’t EVEN KNOW WHAT’S GONNA HAPPEN!!! Señor Fish. 422 E. 1st St. Sign-up 6:30PM. Starts 7PM.
4) Tonight’s COMEDY CRAWL-OK, there is the Super Bowl, but after that, no excuses
French Toast: Despite the Super Bowl @ Taix 8:30PM FREE
Top Story Weekly w/Heather Thomson @ iO West 9PM $5
Gravid Water @ UCB Theatre 9:30PM $5 (stand by only)
5) OPEN MIC RUN 2/6/11
PALMS 8572 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, CA/Starts 6PM
SUNSET GRILL 7439 W. Sunset Blvd., Hollywood, CA/Starts 7PM/one item min.
SAL’S COMEDY HOLE 7356 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA/Starts 6PM/one item min.
6) Recently: Most comics are waiting to see what the cream of the crop of the advertising world came up with today, but few beat the promo for the Jesse Miller Talk Show this Wed.
7) Keep in mind, sometimes it’s as easy as, “You know what? I want to laugh and I’m going to try to enjoy myself,” then someone berates you for not laughing for 16 seconds and then you remember you’re back at an open mic.
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The Comedy Bureau “Tips Its Hat” this week to RYAN STOUT:
“@stoutryan Doctors used to believe that leeches could suck the sickness out of you. I wonder how many kids got bled dry because they were retarded.”
In the comedy world, there are those that are acutely clever, there are those that are just spirited hilarious performers, and there are those that delve into taboo topics as an exploratory challenge. Ryan Stout is clearly a delightful intersection of all three deceivingly packed within his pristine suit and clean cut appearance.
As it mentions in his bio, Stout will talk about filthy subjects, but will keep cursing out of his act, which is really quite a feat as he makes the experience of his act a marvelous comedic way the whole way through. Whether it be euphemisms for gay sex or dealing with terminally ill children, Ryan has such an unflappable and enjoyable presence on stage, it is no mystery why has a plethora of gigs on MTV, is a regular guest on Chelsea Lately, and was recently voted into the top 10 of Comedy Central’s Stand Up Showdown.
I’ve seen Stout do great in a hipster bar, french restaurant, a traditional club, and even at an open mic full of comics, which is why he gets to tour constantly throughout the U.S. and the world.
This Monday Feb. 7th, you can see him as a panelist on Chelsea Lately on E! at 11PM and then at the Hollywood Improv Main Room at 8PM on Tuesday, Feb. 8th. If you don’t follow on him Twitter, well…. that’s you’re own fault as he is, in my opinion, one of Twitter’s best. (@stoutryan). Also, don’t forget to check out www.ryanstout.com.
1) The Tip of the Hat this week goes to Ryan Stout (@stoutryan) and a proper article will follow later today because I had no time yesterday trying to get up and watch a show because I’m STILL the only one really writing all of this.
2) Nick Petrillo did 95 sets in the month of January. I did an interview with him last week and it will be posted soon, so you should watch out for it to see how this madness played out.
3) Let’s take a moment to recognize that Reggie Watts will be in LA in the week coming. So far he’s doing Garfunkel & Oates @ Largo on Thurs. and Heart of Darkness @ Meltdown Comics on Fri. The Comedy Bureau will keep you posted on any other shows he’s doing in his short stint here as you should not miss any of them, if not all of them.
4) Tonight’s COMEDY CRAWL-Really, just do it.
Two Milk Minimum @ Flappers Burbank 11:30AM $10/2 item min.
Two-Headed Beast @ Stories Cafe 8PM FREE
Baron Vaughn @ Flappers Claremont 8PM/10PM $15/2 drink min.
The Roast of Oprah @ UCB Theatre 10PM $10
Christina Pazitsky @ Flappers YooHoo Room 11PM $10/2 drink min.
Twelve Shiny Nickels @ Fake Gallery 11PM $5
Midnight Show @ UCB Theatre MIDNIGHT $5 (stand by only)
Tomorrow Show Presents Happy Birthday @ Steve Allen Theater MIDNIGHT $8
5) OPEN MIC RUN 2/5/11
WESTSIDE COMEDY THEATRE 1323-A 3rd. St. Promenade (in alley between 3rd and 4th St.)/Sign-up (lottery) 6PM/Starts 6:30PM
SUNSET GRILL 7439 W. Sunset Blvd., Hollywood, CA/Starts 7PM/one item min.
MARTY’S/THE OPEN MIC 7351 W. Sunset Blvd., Hollywood, CA (walk up Martel past Big Mama’s and Papa’s)/5PM to 11PM/$5/multiple sets allowed
6) Recently: I’d like to do a poll for how many people watch the Super Bowl for the commercial rather than the game around the world and similarly how many people even understand/care what’s going on. My money’s on people talking about what the mystery Budweiser plot was rather than the end of the game for the weeks to come.
7) Many comics have a personal list of what it takes to be a comic. I think I just added to my list: Hanging out at a shady Winchell’s tweeting until you’re requested by your friends to tell a story about a prostitute.
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1) If you’re reading the Comedy Bureau on a regular basis, odds are that you’ve probably watched the spotlight video of “Meltdown” on Last Call w/Caron Daly, but you should probably just watch it again because it’s important.
2) SET LIST-not yours and not really someone else’s either. In fact, it’s a whole stand up show of random topics listed for comedians to do “on the spot”. I’ve personally done one of these and it was a blast and now producer/host Troy Conrad is having a Comedy Central Pilot taping down at the Comedy Central Stages for free on Feb. 15th, which could be “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” for stand up comedy.
3) Open mics fall and rise and this Monday there will be a new one: JAKE’S, 38 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA. Feb. 21st. Sign-up 7:30PM. Thanks to Steve Hernandez for putting up another spot.
4) The Ultimate Free & Cheap LA Comedy List 2/6-2/12. Thanks Wisepix.
5) Tonight’s COMEDY CRAWL–
Dead Authors @ UCB Theatre 6:30PM $5
Dan Cummins @ Hollywood Improv 8PM $18/2 item min.
Garfunkel & Oates Hour @ UCB Theatre 8PM $10 (stand by only)
Baron Vaughn @ Flappers-Claremont 8PM/10PM $15/2 item min.
Stood Up Friday Night: If I Ruled the World @ Moving Arts Theatre 10PM $5
Christina Pazitsky @ Flappers YooHoo Room 11PM $10/2 item min.
6) OPEN MIC RUN 2/4/11-
iCANDY 1708 E. Broadway, Long Beach, CA/Sign-up 6PM/Starts 7PM/$3 min. SILVERLAKE LOUNGE 2906 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA (Silverlake)/Sign-up (lottery) 6:30PM/Starts 7PM
MAX BLOOM’S 200 N. Malden Ave., Fullerton, CA/Starts 7PM
TRINITY CHURCH 1015 California Ave., Santa Monica, CA (in the basement), 8PM
GLENDALE DAYS INN 450 N. Pioneer Dr., Glendale, CA/Starts 8PM
7) Recently: Kenneth Cole made quite the ripple on the Internet with an insensitive tweet promoting their clothes at the expense of cheapening the mass violence in Egypt. Maybe they watched Eddie Pepitone’s Commercial Auditions and didn’t take the joke quite the right way….
8) Following people on Twitter has become a stressful decision. I forgot, is the world over yet?
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1) Watch TELL YOUR FRIENDS! right now (even though i just posted) WATCH IT!!! TELL YOUR FRIENDS!!!! (both the name of the movie and what you should do after you watch that trailer).
2) Eagleheart. BOOM. The Return of Chris Elliot/Rise of Chris Monsanto. BOOM Adult Swim on Cartoon Network. BOOM. Midnight. BOOM Watch it. BOOM. OR. YOU. WILL. BE. PUNCHED. (metaphorically) (boom)-my text only version of an Eagleheart Promo. Seriously, watch it.
3) Just in case you forgot about the Bridgetown Comedy Festival, they’re accepting submissions until 2/28. The Comedy Bureau will keep you updated all the way along as a significant portion of you will probably forget to submit before the deadline.
4) OK. The amazing laugh riot of a sketch group the Birds of Prey are having a free show at the Comedy Central Stages on March 2nd. Call (323) 960-5519 for reservations because they will be packed out and you will get to witness the genius that is Lizzy Cooperman, Susan Burke, and Emily Maya Mills directed by Joe Wagner.
5) Jamie Kilstein on Conan. Whether you missed it or actually watched it or saw it live…. you should probably watch it again at the link above.
6) Tonight’s COMEDY CRAWL-No, it’s YOUR fault if you can’t make all of these
Stand Up Spotlight @ UCB Theatre 7PM $5
This Is Not Happening: Take This Job and Shove It @ Hollywood Improv 8PM $5/2 item min.
Literally Funny @ The Last Bookstore 8PM FREE
Comedy Speakeasy @ TSR Lounge 8PM FREE
The Josh and Josh Show: Lopez Presents Showcase @ Bar Lubitsch 8:30PM FREE
Mustaches & Mai Tais @ The Palace Restaurant 9PM
How to Live with Chelsea Peretti @ UCB Theatre 9:30PM $5
Improv’s Finest @ Hollywood Improv 10PM $14/2 item min.
Live at Carnegie Hall* @ Hollywood Hotel 10PM FREE
7) OPEN MIC RUN 2/3/11 (if you have any suggestions about improvements of this feature, please e-mail thecomedybureau@gmail.com)
8) Recently: The White Stripes broke up yesterday which really makes me hope, with no irony and/or sarcasm at all, that it all plays out like when Kyle quit Tenacious D.
9) Not going to lie, feeling good right now, which may be bad for business, but I’m feeling good.
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1) Congrats to Moshe Kasher (@moshekasher) becoming the newest paid regular at the Comedy Store and consequently have his name painted on the outer walls of the Comedy Store for me to stare at while just “hanging out”.
2) If you still think in terms of “what’s the good thing that I can do today to fill me quota of being a good person?” Here’s a way to not worry about that for a while and SIMULTANEOUSLY seeing some f’n fantastic comedy (I wouldn’t be telling you about these shows this early if I didn’t think they were going to sell out or be packed to the gills).
The West Memphis Three Benefit Show w/Oswalt, Silverman, and Tompkins @ Largo Mon. Feb. 21st 8PM $40
and
WELCOME TO HOLLYWEIRD: A Night of Laughs Benefitting Inner-City Arts @ The Hollywood Improv Wed. Feb 23rd 8PM $15/2 item min.
3) It’s one of those “been preachin’ to the choir” moments: “…the answer is that playing to the audience rather than playing to your own instincts will always be a losing proposition.”- Doug Stanhope. Here’s his essay on offensive comedy that you should really take time to read instead of just repost (you do have to register w/site, but its free).
4) Tonight’s COMEDY CRAWL-You should feel lucky for both the weather and this….
Just for Laughs Showcase @ Comedy Store Belly Room 6:20 PM 2 drink min.
Maria Bamford’s Eagle Rock Singalong & Comedy Show @ Center for the Arts, Eagle Rock 8PM $5 Suggested Donation
Greg Proops’ Smartest Man in the World LIVE @ Bar Lubitsch (7702 Santa Monica, West Hollywood, CA) 8PM FREE
“If This Doesn’t Work, I’m Moving Home” A Variety Hour @ Harlem Place Cafe 8PM FREE
Meltdown @ Meltdown Comics 8:30PM $8
Comedy Down Under @ The Basement Lounge 9PM $5
The Ed Galvez Punk House @ Westside Comedy Theatre 9PM $8
Beer in the Shower Presents: Just for Laughs Showcase @ Whitehorse Cocktail Lounge Inn 9:30PM FREE
Anna Lee Lawson Comedy Hour @ Next Stage Theatre 11PM $5
5) OPEN MIC RUN 2/2/11 (If it is difficult to use the new Open Mic Run feature, the Comedy Bureau is currently thinking of a new model, so don’t fret)
6) Recently: the Internet is back on in Egypt, which must be a lot like what Louis CK felt like about the cutting edge of technology.
7) Ever get an applause break by the specific people that you were making fun of in the particular joke that you were telling only leave you to with most bittersweet moment you’ve ever had? Anybody? OK….
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1) @RealGallagher is fake. And shut down. After walking out on Marc Maron during an interview on the Maron’s WTF Podcast, for a few hours, many people on Twitter in LA and around the country were fooled into thinking that an angered Gallagher traded smashing watermelons for espousing an extremely conservative point of view and extremely bigoted jokes. Via Punchline Magazine several hours later, it was revealed that Gallagher indeed did not start a Twitter account and had nothing to do with those tweets. Though there are various takes on the events that took place, I think it’s speak volumes about how Gallagher is perceived by how disappointed (the announcement that it was fake had to be retweeted over 100 times) everyone was when they found out it really wasn’t his Twitter.
2) Garfunkel and Oates “All Over Your Face” is out today on cdbaby and iTunes. I’ll say it again: Garfunkel and Oates “All Over Your Face” is out today on cdbaby and iTunes. and again: Garfunkel and Oates “All Over Your Face” is out today on cdbaby and iTunes. That’s 3 times, so maybe, just maybe you should go to cdbaby or iTunes and just go buy “All Over Your Face” by Garfunkel and Oates (was the 4th time overkill?)
3) Going into its 4th month, The Big Trouble in Little Tokyo Open Mic is almost 1/3 of a year old, which is good enough celebration for me, not to mention Matt Champagne, Jan Davidson, and cheap, great Mexican seafood. Come on down to Señor Fish, 422 E. 1st St., Los Angeles, CA. Sign-up 6:30PM. Starts 7PM.
4) Tonight’s COMEDY CRAWL–
¡Satiristas LIVE! @ Actors’ Gang 7PM PAY WHAT YOU CAN
Just for Laughs Showcase @ The Comedy Store Belly Room (8433 W. Sunset Blvd., Hollywood, CA) 7:30PM
Ballgame’s Laugh Lounge @ Red Rock 8PM FREE
Comedy Death Ray @ UCB Theatre 8:30PM $5 (stand by only)
Holy Fuck @ Downtown Independent Theater 9PM FREE
Lower Crust Comedy Presents: Just for Laughs Showcase @ Genghis Cohen 9:30PM $6
6) Recently: Just in case you forgot and needed a reason to smile.
7) Day 4 of not going up somewhere performing: I don’t know how I’m not yelling obscenities at strangers right now.
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In the waning hours of the 100th day, I type here alone at home watching an episode of Louie for the I-really-don’t-want-to-know-TH time mostly because it doesn’t feel like the 100th day at the offices of the Comedy Bureau.
If anything, today feels like any other day here at the Comedy Bureau rushing to get the Morning Debriefing out, constantly checking the Tumblr, Facebook, and Twitter feeds and eschewing acceptable human contact, and partially sacrificing my own personal road in writing and performing comedy in order to continue writing ABOUT comedy. Like the Mission Statement claims, I’m dedicated to bring the best in LA Comedy to those good folks in LA, comic and non-comic alike as there are so many people that don’t know about this veritable “ground floor” of what I believe is the next generation in comedy. This is why I’m here a few minutes past 11PM, alone, maintaining my position that online dating is a complete waste of my time (not that I have any “time” anymore) because I believe that my sister is wrong when she tells me, “I don’t like comedy.”
I believe that you just haven’t found the right kind. I believe that you just think that “comedy”, whether it be stand-up, sketch, improv, etc. is only supposed to be one way and after 100 days of writing about the antithesis of this notion, I believe that people can find what they can like in comedy and they’ll be able to find here, at the Comedy Bureau.
So, there will be a celebration of sorts in the days to come, but, let it be known, that only in just a little over 3 months, The Comedy Bureau actually feels like a Bureau and for that, readers, I thank you.
With that, I’ll see all of you soon, hopefully with more than 70% consciousness due to mental exhaustion.
BUREAU DIRECTOR JAKE KROEGER/@mfjakekroeger
THE COMEDY BUREAU/@thecomedybureau
1) This is the 100th Day of the Comedy Bureau. We have not taken a day off since Oct. 25th, 2010. I EVEN POSTED ON CHRISTMAS AT 3AM BECAUSE WE ARE DEDICATED TO BRING YOU THE BEST IN LA COMEDY EVERY SINGLE DAY… OR BUST. Some type of celebration will be organized in the not so distant future.-Bureau Director Jake Kroeger
2) The subsequent follow up to the Comedy Bureau’s outing for the Best in Saturday Night LA Comedy will be both extremely detailed and coming to you this week.
3) What has Matt Champagne, Jan Davidson, and one hell of a good time? I don’t know really. I know that Big Trouble in Little Tokyo this week has Matt Champagne, Jan Davidson (one of THE funniest moms in America), one hell of a good time AND $2 fish tacos, so you should probably go do that. Señor Fish. Feb 1st. 422 E. 1st St., Los Angeles, CA. Sign-up 6:30PM. Starts 7PM.
4) Tonight’s COMEDY CRAWL-and you thought Sundays were for kicking back?
Jeff Garlin’s Combo Platter @ UCB Theatre 6PM $2
ASSSSCAT @ UCB Theatre 7:30PM FREE
Skinny Sundays 1 Year Anniversary @ Bar Lubitsch 8PM FREE
Neil Hamburger @ The Satellite 8:30PM $8
French Toast Presents Just for Laughs Showcase @ Taix 8:30PM FREE
Indiglo @ M-Bar 8PM FREE/$10 food-drink min.
Conan Showcase @ The Comedy Store 9PM $10/2 item min.
Top Story Weekly! w/Pete Carboni and Thomas Fowler @ iO West 9PM $5
Deskpiece Nation @ iO West 10PM $5
6) Recently: Though this might only apply in a roundabout way to the events taking place around the world, Bill Hicks had something to say….
7) How did I get here? Anyone know? 100th day non-stop… Anbody?
Report 00100
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The Comedy Bureau “Tips Its Hat” this week to GREG PROOPS.
“@GregProops About this State of the Union. I’m taking the under.”
The extreme silhouette style picture above can only be pulled off, in my opinion, by a select group of people without coming off as narcissistic. Such an image suggests that the simple idea of the outline of this individual is enough to hint at their particular distinction.
With his exploits throughout the world of comedy in “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” to being a stand up comedian touring throughout the world and numerous festivals of the highest caliber, Greg Proops certainly can “pull off” such a picture.
In all aspects of his comedy, Proops is so quick on his feet (or sitting down off of them as he frequently does on the Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson) whether commenting on his “Dr. Seuss sock collection” or an election that audiences gladly stay riveted to the casual gait of Proops and his absolutely on-point assertions on society, politics, or Thanksgiving in England and laugh often and heartily. Though his unwavering dapper appearance in a perfectly cut suit and orange tinted glasses might, at first, seem “gimmicky”, Proops does away with any such notion as he drifts cooly through his very cerebral, yet accessible jokes/riffs/etc.
Currently, Greg Proops lives in Hollywood and performs stand up and also improvises w/Drew Carey’s Improv All Stars. His podcast, aptly titled, “The Smartest Man in the World” often goes live at Bar Lubitsch for free on Wednesdays at 8PM. Or you can follow him on Twitter @GregProops or check his website out or buy his album “Proops Digs In” on AST Records or just come back to the Comedy Bureau frequently to hear about his comedic outings in LA (and there are plenty).
The Comedy Bureau will be out in full force tomorrow evening for to really see what Saturday’s for the casual fan of comedy in LA are really like. Apologies if the title was misleading in any way.
Oh, you thought we forgot about it when we posted it here?
Well, the Comedy Bureau remembers everything. Actually, it remembers too much. Like that time when I was told I should go pick some different jokes if I really wanted to do this one show because all I have according to some people is good stage presence, despite having a killer set the evening previous, but none of that matters anyways because I’ve still spent the last I don’t even know how many days writing ABOUT comedy… OK, I’ll stop.
The Comedy Bureau will be out tomorrow night to looking for to have some laughter just like any unassuming person who probably doesn’t read this website does and then let you know about it. That is all.
1) THE BIRDS OF PREY (@birdladies or @lizzycooperman @thatsusanburke @emilymayamills) MADE IT INTO FHM!! Their sketch “Suicide Girls Suicide Hotline” is actually posted on the site! DON’T BELIEVE ME? Oh yeah, it’s f’n knee slapping hilarious too.
3) The Ultimate Free & Cheap LA Comedy List 1/30-2/5. Thanks Wisepix.
4) Chelsea Peretti’s Comedy Central Special airs tonight 11PM meaning that you should watch it. Seriously, I’m not kidding. I’m sure it will replay several times, but you should watch it when it first airs because it is THAT MUCH MORE SPECIAL.
5) Tonight’s COMEDY CRAWL-It’s manageable, which gives you even less of an excuse
Just for Laughs Showcase @ Hollywood Improv Lab 7:30PM FREE
Comedy Car Hole @ Comedy Car Hole 9PM FREE
Just for Laughs Showcase @ Fake Gallery 10PM $5
Stood Up Friday Night @ Moving Arts Theatre 10PM $5
7) Recently: There is revolution afoot in Egypt and somehow Donald Sutherland and 9 other non related topics are trending instead on Yahoo. Hmmm……
8) 100th day of the Comedy Bureau still under deliberation…. Details will follow soon.
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In a many parts of this vast disconnected metropolis populated by the phenomena known as “the hipster” (many of the male form sport an unruly beard), there is a thick haze of cynical intellectualism that has seeped into the cultural DNA of Los Angeles. Even within comedy and the intention to bring levity to a group strangers, an air of pretension precedes many jokes with obscure references and abstract irony. Again, many of these male “hipsters” take on the growth of a beard almost as a uniform of their general disdain for the main stream.
Though they have some mighty thick beards, the Beards of Comedy hardly come within a ballpark of the above description as they have an approach to comedy that, I believe, is welcoming to all (well, mostly all as long as you like your comedy leaning on the smarter side of the fence).
As they have an album called, “Comedy for People”, the quartet of Joe Zimmerman, Andy Sandford, TJ Young, and Dave Stone collectively bring a take on America and “the South” that’s both charming, yet highly satirical much to the delight of the tight crowd at Meltdown Comics. The comedic balance struck between the four who carry many comedy accolades with them all from Rooftop Comedy to being Atlanta’s Best Comedian via AtlantaStandsUp.com was so great that the show moved forward quite effortlessly even with the amazingly hilarious musings of comedic genius/special guest Kyle Kinane.
With the fresh goofiness of TJ Young,
the clever conciseness of Andy Sandford,
down-to-earth truthful observations of Dave Stone,
and the joyful absurdities of Joe Zimmerman (pictured at top), The Beards of Comedy put on such a damn fine show, I could have sworn that the crickets outside shut up. Together, as hinted above, they bring a hope about “the South” that there are people, thinkers if you will, that defy the dreary stereotypes constantly made fun of by several comics including themselves and unfortunately played up by the “Blue Collar Comedy Tour”.
At one part of the show, Joe Zimmerman took a guitar and TJ Young took a bucket and played a “Sad Emotional Song”, which, to me, a self-loathing hopeless romantic, was a pitch perfect barb on the popular singer/songwriter music that overwhelms indie film soundtracks today. Though being a far cry from “Git R’ Done”, I hope the Beards’ brand of comedy experiences a similar meteoric rise.
Currently on tour throughout the West Coast, the Beards of Comedy will helpfully extend their tour or simply go another one to stop by Los Angeles. In the meantime, you can purchase their album, “Comedy for People” here and stay tuned to the Comedy Bureau for what is sure to be a date with destiny back in LA to be beards that stand out from the madding crowd (of beards).
1) OK, so the tickets for Patton Oswalt’s show on Saturday at Largo @ the Coronet Theatre are sold out. FRET NOT!!! Patton will be back in Southern California at the Galaxy Theatre on March 11th and tickets are already on sale right here. I’m telling you this so now so you’ll actually have a chance to buy them.
2) In less than 2 hours, the voting for Comedy Central’s Stand Up Showdown is coming to an end and so is your chance to vote for your favorite comics that have a Comedy Central Presents Special and your chance to win a trip to the South Beach Comedy Festival! SO VOTE NOW!
3) Less than a week to go before the release of Garfunkel and Oates’ “All Over Your Face”. LESS THAN A WEEK. (don’t worry, the Comedy Bureau keep you posted).
3) Initially, the Comedy Bureau was going to celebrate its 100th day at a designated bar this Sun. Jan 30th. These plans might change. Stay tuned for details.
4) Just to make it easy for you guys as well as adding a few more shows/people to the schedule-Los Angeles Just for Laughs Showcases.
5) Tonight’s COMEDY CRAWL–
Just for Laughs Showcase @ Three of Clubs 7PM FREE
4 & 20 @ All Star Lanes 8PM FREE
Literally Funny @ Last Bookstore 8PM FREE
Comedy Speakeasy @ TSR Lounge 8PM FREE
Just for Laughs Showcase @ Hollywood Laugh Factory 10PM $10 students/$20 general/$30 VIP/2 item min.
6) Recently: U.S. Rep. Dennis Kucinich took legal action against a cafeteria after “dental damage” had been done by a misplaced olive pit in a wrap he ordered. Upon hearing that, I wish he was in this video where Rick Shapiro “asks” questions to people on Hollywood Blvd.
7) If a comic asks you to “make some noise” at the top of their set, do literally as they ask and never stop.
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1) Thanks to those that came and witnessed and supported and performed and brought us all laughter and made the Big Trouble in Little Tokyo Open Mic the awesome show that is and BIG THANKS to Matt Claybrooks and Lauren Ashley Bishop to coming down and gracing us with their comedic prowess. (I’m a big fan of polysyndeton) On next Tuesday at Señor Fish and Jan Davidson and Matt Champagne and it will be great and amazing and damn inspiring.
2) Comedy Central’s Stand Up Showdown ends its voting tomorrow at 9AM PST…. so if you haven’t voted for I’m would theorize to be an increased circulation of someone’s special… THEN GET ON IT!!!
3) The Showcase schedule for Montreal Just For Laughs is updated yet again (I’m beginning to think I have too much time on my hands.)
4) Tonight’s COMEDY CRAWL-You will regret this if you miss it…
“If This Doesn’t Work, I’m Moving Home” A Variety Hour @ Harlem Place Cafe 8PM FREE
Just for Laughs Showcase @ Hollywood Improv 8PM $14/2 item min.
Greg Proops’ Smartest Man in the World LIVE @ Bar Lubitsch (7702 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, CA) 8PM FREE
Mostly Normal Show @ Hollywood Improv Lab 8:30PM $5
BITS Presents: Jennifer’s Juke Box Comedy Show @ Whitehorse Cocktail Lounge Inn 8:30PM FREE
Meltdown @ Meltdown Comics 8:30PM $8
Heino Happy Hour @ El Cid 9PM $15
The Ed Galvez Punk House @ Westside Comedy Theatre 9PM $8
Anna Lee Lawson Comedy Hour @ Next Stage Theatre 11PM $5
6) Recently: OK, I didn’t watch the State of the Union Address because I was busy helping people work on achieving their dreams by running an open mic. I don’t know how exactly went, but I wish it was something along the lines of Kyle Kinane handling this heckler.
7) I yelled furious, angry, let all my fears go, told the truth, and, honestly, had a decent set. Sometimes that’s what you have to do at 11:25PM.
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1) If you did not catch wind of this yesterday, please read: Study: Family History of Alcoholism Raises Risk of One-Man Show. I mean “…Risk of One-Man Show”. Tell me you didn’t almost bust your head on the floor laughing at that one… because it’s true.
2) Garfunkel and Oates in LA Times. Why wouldn’t you read this?
3) EVEN MORE UPDATES to the Montreal Just for Laughs Showcase Schedule because I love all of you (…I got nothing else, you know?)
4) So…. of course you can’t take a joke? Many of us saw Jon Daly’s funny take on the incarnation that Charles Bukowski would take were he “Frankensteined” with comedy legend Bill Cosby into Bill Cosby Bukowski. Of course, poets, as some of them like remaining on a pedestal of intellectualism, which you can hide behind on stage (I should know as I’ve done plenty of spoken word before), cannot take a joke/don’t understand the art form of comedy.
5) OK, where would you celebrate the 100th day of the Comedy Bureau? Really, I’m not sure. Suggestions? (i.e. where would all of you folks have a drink with me)
6) Tonight’s COMEDY CRAWL-clone yourself
The Good Luck Show @ Good Luck Bar 8PM FREE
Just for Laughs Showcase @ 3 of Clubs 8PM FREE
Patrick Keane @ Irvine Improv 8PM $20/2 item min.
Comedy Death Ray @ UCB Theatre 8:30PM $5 (stand-by only at 7PM)
Hamclown 3 @ Alexandria Hotel-The Mezz (2nd Floor) 8:30PM FREE
The Walsh Brothers Show @ UCB Theatre 11PM $5
8) Recently: there is much excitement for the State of the Union Address at 6PM, as some people intend to play a drinking game. Here’s a speech you don’t have to fret/worry/feel like you have to sit through so you don’t feel uninformed: Steve Martin’s Mark Twain Prize Acceptance Speech
9) Anyone taking odds on what the most overdone Oscar joke premise will be? I feel like this would be a money making venture.
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1) You want something to donate to that will both fulfill that need to be a better person while simultaneously support some good natured hilarious people that I know AND even supporting people in their struggle with recovery from addiction? Go HERE and donate to the “We Are Not Saints” Comedy Concert Film Project featuring Ian Harvie, Felon O’Reilly, and Amy Dresner to accomplish all three of those goals at the same time.
2) Neil Hamburger is back in town. Here’s the proof.
2) Montreal Showcases Schedule. It will be updated frequently, I promise. (I just updated it ten minutes ago) Also, I can promise some of the funniest in LA will be showcasing, meaning they’ll “bring it” and it will be a good time.
3) The word is getting out-The Comedy Bureau is now linked in The Akaaba, a group of comedians and other live performing artists from around the country that all of you should definitely check out, the Serial Optimist, a side dedicated to being on the cutting edge of happiness (something that I would desperately wish to be closer to), and RentFoodBroke, a resource for the unemployed and the underemployed in LA. Continue good comedy folk to get the word out. PLEASE!!!
4) Big Trouble in Little Tokyo. Tomorrow. Matt Claybrooks and Lauren Ashley Bishop. I don’t think I can much more about it than that (besides it being at Señor Fish 422 E. 1st St., Los Angeles, CA, Sign-up 6:30PM, Starts 7PM)
5) Tonight’s COMEDY CRAWL-Even if there was MNF, there’s no excuse…
The Comedy Stick @ The Talking Stick 7PM FREE
What’s Up Tiger Lily? @ Hollywood Studio Bar & Grill 8PM FREE
Cartoon Dump @ Steve Allen Theater 8PM $10
Just for Laughs Showcase @ The Hollywood Improv Lab 8PM FREE
Comedy Night @ Jake’s 9PM FREE
Keep it Clean Comedy @ 1739 Public House 10PM FREE
7) Recently: The premiere of MTV’s newest scripted “Skins” has prompted advertisers such as Subway to pull their sponsorship of the show. My suggestion: make Jamie Lee and Shawn Pearlman’s “Anne Frankly” a show as the “deleted scenes” are better than on-air episode of “Skins”. (Jamie already works for MTV, come on…)
8) Oh yeah, also Sabor Comedy Lounge debuts tonight. They have an open mic. $5/2 drink min.
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