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Pick of The Day: TCB @ Townhouse Venice (in LA) 9/21

September 16, 2022
News
amy miller, dave merheje, jet eveleth, los angeles comedy, milan patel, venice

Yes, we’re going to become more of a regular fixture at The Townhouse Venice. We had our first taste of putting on a show of the true, from-decades-past, speakeasy, Townhouse, that’s right at the iconic entrance to the Venice Boardwalk a few months back and it was every bit the rollicking, all-encompassing, intimate night of comedy that we’ve dreamed of doing for awhile.

So, Townhouse Venice has invited us here at The Comedy Bureau for another special handpicked evening of the best comedy folks (after having watched comedy every day/night of their life for 13 years or 10,000 hours several times over) on Wed. Sept. 21st.

This edition will feature the comedy stylings that you might have seen on Ramy or Vulture’s latest Comedians You Should and Will Know list including Dave Merheje, Amy Miller, Jet Eveleth, and Milan Patel.

Doors are at 7PM, show is at 7:30PM, and tickets are $10. Go get ’em here quick.

The Comedy Bureau’s Heading West (to Venice) For Its Latest Show on May 18th

April 29, 2022
News
andres du bouchet, brodie reed, butt, jake kroeger, los angeles comedy, sasha mercie, venice
Yes, we’re already based on the West Coast, but we happen to live pretty much in the geographic middle of LA and we can actually head a little further West. It’s actually been something that we’ve been meaning to do for awhile now as a way to bring some of the lovely comedy that’s a little closer to our doorstep out to the Westside since The Comedy & Magic Club is still closed and the Eastside is only growing bigger with the amount of comedy that they have (even from before lockdown).
So, we’re doing a very special evening at a beloved and very classy speakeasy, Townhouse Venice, right around the Venice Boardwalk, with an amazing stage and those ever coveted low ceilings that are perfect for live comedy.
Per usual, we’re gathering our favorite folks from every corner comedy for this special night including:
Brodie Reed
Sasha Merci
Andrés du Bouchet
BUTT
and a few more splendid acts TBA!
Of course, TCB’s founder and director Jake Kroeger will be presiding over the evening to make sure things are up to TCB snuff.
Set the date for The Comedy Bureau Heads West @ Townhouse Venice on Wed. May 18th at 8PM PT. Tickets are $10 and proof of vaccination will be required. Go snag your tickets right now right here.

Pick of the Day: Hags with Steph Tolev and Daniel Webb (in LA) 12/2

November 26, 2021
News
daniel webb, los angeles comedy, stand up comedy, steph tolev, venice

One of the most fun, raucous stand-up shows we’ve ever been to didn’t necessarily have any bells or whistles or some sort daring stunt required by the comedians on the bill. It just happen to have Steph Tolev and Daniel Webb.  Those two co-hosting is such an uproarious good time in of itself as they, individually, are a hoot and a half. Go down a YouTube rabbit hole for Steph and Daniel if you don’t believe us. We dare you.

They were just getting into a rhythm with their show Hags before lockdown over at the Virgil. Now, they’re returning with their first post-lockdown in-person show and we’re so thankful that this upcoming edition of Hags is just on the horizon, coming next week, Thurs. Dec. 2nd at 8PM, at the beloved Venice watering hole, Townhouse. Also, they’ve put together quite the line-up with Nicole Byer, Cristela Alonzo, and Mary Lynn Rajskub.

Tickets are only $10 and you really ought to snag them up quick. This is one of the best line-ups next week in LA, FYI.

October 28, 2016
Uncategorized
comedy special, comedy taping, julian mccullough, microsoft lounge, santa monica, stand up, venice, west la

The rest of our listings for comedy shows/events as well as open mics and maps are embedded at www.thecomedybureau.com.

Comedy Central Starting Monthly Stand-Up Show in Venice

March 23, 2013
Uncategorized
comedy central, del monte, nsfw, showcase, townhouse, venice

       

Like they’ve done in NYC with Corporate Retreat, Comedy Central is curating their own stand-up show here in LA, specifically Venice, at the already awesome venue, The Del Monte Speakeasy. 

Starting next month on Tues. Apr. 2nd, you can catch Not Safe For Work produced by CleftClips (Super Serious Show, Hot Tub LA, and more) for FREE with Jay Larson, Rory Scovel, TJ Miller, Neal Brennan, Baron Vaughn, Christina Pazsitzky, and more.

Keep up with NSFW Comedy at their Tumblr, Twitter, and Facebook. 

Morning Debriefing 9/14/11

September 14, 2011
Uncategorized
acme, alhambra, anaheim, ast records, cheap, comedy news, comedy shows, conan, culver city, eddie pepitone, free, hollywood, live, los angeles, open mic, roseanne barr, tonight show, van nuys, venice, what to do

1) Baron Vaughn on Conan. Also pick up his album “Raised by Cable”.

2) Elizabeth Laime’s Totally Laime’s wins the Earwolf Podcast Challenge and will join the Earwolf family.

3) Roseanne has “Tracy Morgan-like” appearance on Conan.

4) The ACME Comedy Theatre has announced that will have an open mic starting on Sept. 27th. More details to come.

5) Speaking of Conan (again), don’t miss out on the Sklar Brothers performing tonight (TBS 11PM) or to pick up their fantastic album “Hendersons & Daughters”.

6) Connected Comedy gathered late night debuts of stand-ups on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. We think you should take a minute or an hour and check it out.

7) Congratulations are also in order for the web series, Runyon: Just Above Sunset, starring Eddie Pepitone, directed by Troy Conrad, taking Best in Show at the Burbank Film Festival Shorts Contest.

8) Halle Kiefer and Adam Frucci discuss whether or not Whitney will survive its ad campaign on Splitsider. If NBC is going to pull shit like this (via @thatramosgirl), we think not.

phoga.jpg

9) Puddin’-“Legal”

10) ON THE HORIZON
Neighbors @ Warehouse Wed. Sept. 21st 8PM FREE

11) COMEDY CRAWL
Greg Proops: Smartest Man in the World LIVE @ Comedy Central Stages 8PM FREE  
The Good Bits @ Witzend 8PM $5 
Collective Showcase @ Hollywood Improv 8PM $14/2 item min. 
Persona! @ Hollywood Improv Lab 8:30PM $5 
Meltdown @ Nerdist Theater 8:30PM $8 
Tartar Control @ Doll Hut 9PM $5 
Talk It Up @ Zephyr Theater 9PM $5 
Facebook @ UCB Theatre 9:30PM $5 (stand by only) 
Beer in the Shower @ Dreams Cafe & Bar 9:30PM FREE 
The Anna Lee Lawson Comedy Hour @ Next Stage Theater 11PM $5 

12) OPEN MIC RUN
SAL’S COMEDY HOLE 7356 Melrose Ave., Hollywood, CA/Starts 6PM/$4 min./first come, first served
THE SPOT CAFE 4455 Overland Ave., Culver City, CA/Sign-up (lottery) 7PM 
HOLLYWOOD HOTEL 1160 N. Vermont Ave., Hollywood, CA/Starts 7PM/first come, first served
GRINDHOUSE CAFE 1051 N. Havenhurst, West Hollywood, CA/Starts 7PM
CAFE ON 2ND 7 S. 2nd St., Alhambra, CA/Sign-up 7PM/Starts 7:30PM/$3 cover/10 min. guarantee
LIBRARY A COFFEE HOUSE 3418 Broadway, Long Beach, CA/Sign-up 8PM/Starts 8:30PM 
LIQUID ZOO 7214 Sepulveda Blvd., Van Nuys, CA/Sign-up 8:30PM/Starts 9PM/first come, first served/7 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 min./multiple sets allowed/first come, first served/coffee and bottled water available   

13) Sorry to anyone who has to hear my rants on Tyler Perry in the next few days.

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Morning Debriefing 7/14/11

July 14, 2011
Uncategorized
adult swim, alhambra, burbank, cheap, comedy news, comedy shows, dave ross, eddie pepitone, emmys, encino, free, funny or die, green room, hollywood, lopez tonight, los feliz, ntsf:sd:suv, open mic, paul provenza, paul scheer, porn parody, santa monica, showcase, tonight show, venice, west hollywood, what to do

1) Emmy nominations came out today and Louis C.K. is nominated four times (apparently he edited his own special, Hilarious.), Conan got nominated while Leno did not, Modern Family gets plenty of love (in Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series, they take 4 of the six nominations), and Futurama gets a couple a nods.

2) NSFW Hal Rudnick’s doing an interview on the XXX Parody of Anchorman. Well, actually, he’s doing it while the movie’s shooting.

Anchorman XXX Parody Set Visit – NSFW – watch more funny videos

3) Paul Scheer leads the way with National Terrorism Strike Force: San Diego:: Sports Utility Vehicle or NTSF:SD:SUV premieres on Adult Swim next week! Saw a preview at Scheer and Rob Hubel’s live show Crash Test and it was hilarious. Check out the teaser now, then watch it on Adult Swim next Thursday July 21st.

4) HOLY FUCK! Dave Ross gets interviewed in Laugh Button!

5) If you feel like truly staying in because you want to catch Louie on FX at 10:30PM, don’t forget to catch the premiere of the 2nd Season of the Green Room with Paul Provenza on Showtime 11PM AND the legendary Don Rickles will be making an appearance on the Tonight Show on NBC 11:35PM.

6) If you thought you were going to fly from the Long Beach Airport to Burbank this weekend to beat “Carmeggedon”, forget about it because it’s already sold out.

7) Puddin’-Yawn

8) ON THE HORIZON
Louis C.K. @ Largo Fri. July 15th & Sun. July 17th 9PM $20 Sold Out
Reggie Watts @ Largo Mon. Aug. 15th & Tues. Aug. 16th 9PM $20

9) COMEDY CRAWL
Comedy Central Showcase Callbacks @ Flappers YooHoo Room 7:30PM FREE/2 item min.
Subversive Comedy w/Jimmy Dore @ Flappers Burbank 8PM $12/2 item min.
Joe Wengert’s Stages of Adulthood @ UCB Theatre 8PM $5
The Josh & Josh Show @ Bar Lubitsch 8:30PM FREE
Merrill Davis & Friends @ Hollywood Improv Lab 8:30PM $6 
Laugh Revival @ Venice Sound Stage 8:30PM FREE
The Comedy Palace @ The Palace Restaurant 9PM FREE
Sarah Silverman & Friends @ Largo at the Coronet Theater 9PM $25
Sappity Tappity: A Drunken Romp Through Liquor Forest @ UCB Theatre 9:30PM $5
Lopez Tonight Showcase @ Flappers YooHoo Room 10PM $10/2 item min. 

10) OPEN MIC RUN
SAL’S COMEDY HOLE 7356 Melrose Ave., Hollywood, CA 6PM/$4 minimum/first come, first served
COFEE BEAN 16101 Ventura Blvd., Encino, CA, Suite 180/Starts 7PM/mixed mic/no purchase necessary
SANDWICH SPOT 3101 Ocean Park Ave., Santa Monica, CA/Sign-up 6:30PM/Starts 7PM/first come, first served
CAFE ON 2ND 7 S. 2nd St., Alhambra, CA/Sign-up 6:30PM/Starts 7PM/first come, first served/10 min.
SUNSET GRILL 7439 W. Sunset Blvd., Hollywood, CA/Starts 7PM/one item min.
CAFE UNURBAN 3301 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica, CA/Sign-up (lottery) 9PM/No purchase necessary 
TROPHALLAXIS @ HIVE GALLERY & STUDIOS 729 S. Spring St., Los Angeles, CA/Starts 9PM/No purchase necessary
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 min./multiple sets allowed/first come, first served/coffee and bottled water available   

11) According to this chart, we’re only dedicated bloggers. Really? How are we not Tumblr Famous? Anyone care to change this? Please. (Don’t worry, we went back to hating ourselves for begging for followers right after we posted this)

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Morning Debriefing 7/11/11

July 11, 2011
Uncategorized
comedy news, comedy shows, eagle rock, echo park, free cheap, hermosa beach, hollywood, los angeles, los feliz, marc maron, open mic, pasadena, ron artest, ultimate comedy tour, venice, west hollywood, what to do

1) Marc Maron’s upcoming CD “This Has To Be Funny” is available for pre-order on Amazon.

2) Just in case thought you this was a big put-on, it wasn’t. Ron Artest had his show at the Hollywood Improv.

3) The Earwolf Challenge is here. America’s First Reality Podcast.

“Earwolf announced ‘Project Tippy-Toe’ where we asked for comedy podcasters to send us applications for a ‘super secret Earwolf project’. We were inundated with podcasts; over 120 to be exact – and we listened to all of them. Needless to say, it took a long fucking time; emphasis on the ‘fucking’.

After we sifted through the silt and the shit (silt being the good ones), we found the ten best podcasts to compete in the challenge. Matt Besser graciously agreed to be the host of the show, and we flew the ten competitors to Los Angeles and put them up in a local mansion.* Thus is where we begin the show.”

First episode’s right here.

4) Kenny Powers is the MFCEO of K-Swiss.

Kenny Powers – The K-Swiss MFCEO (UNCENSORED) – watch more funny videos

5) Comedian Brady Novak crosses out Kim Novak and gets his own star on the Walk of Fame. 

6) Long running independent stand-up comedy show What’s Up Tiger Lily? asks What’s Up James Adomian?

7) Puddin’-“Legoland”

8) ON THE HORIZON
1st Edition of Laugh Revival @ Venice Stage Thurs. July 14th 8:30PM FREE

9) COMEDY CRAWL
What’s Up Tiger Lily? @ Hollywood Studio Bar & Grill 8PM FREE
The BEATdown: Los Angeles @ Nerdist Theater 8PM $10
The 4 & 20 @ All Star Lanes 8PM FREE
Brunch @ The Park Restaurant 9PM FREE 
Rick Overton: Substitute Global Ambassador @ iO West 9PM $10
Keep It Clean Comedy @ 1739 Public House 10PM FREE
Stand Up Saloon @ Old Towne Pub 10PM FREE
Crash Test @ UCB Theatre 11PM $5 

10) OPEN MIC RUN
SAL’S COMEDY HOLE 7356 Melrose Ave., Hollywood, CA/Starts 6PM/$4 min./first come, first served
CLUB 705 705 Pier Ave., Hermosa Beach, CA/Starts 7PM-ish/no purchase necessary/first come, first served
RED ROCK 8782 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, CA/Starts 7PM/$5 min./multiple sets allowed/first come, first served
TRIBAL CAFE 1651 W. Temple St., Los Angeles, CA/Starts 8PM/no purchase necessary/first come, first served
JAKE’S 38 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA/Starts 8PM/Sign-up is lottery/no purchase necessary
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 min./multiple sets allowed/bottled water and coffee provided   

11) Transformers 3 becomes the highest grossing movie of 2011. You do know that means that the rights to Transformers 6, 7, 8, all the way up to Transformers 10 are probably locked down by Michael Bay?  Thanks to everyone who watches shiny things shoved down your throat because it’s been marketed to you every second of your waking life, we’ll be watching 2 hour music videos on the big screen for years to come. Yes, I graduated from film school and am still somewhat pretentious and have most likely forgotten what childhood was like, but I’m OK with that.

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Morning Debriefing 12/14/10

December 14, 2010
Uncategorized
alexandria, altadena, big trouble in little tokyo, blamblamblam, coffee gallery, comedy bureau, comedy crawl, comedy death ray, downtown, drew carey, g-damn comedy jam, genghis cohen, hamclown 2, harvelle's, hollywood, improv, koreatown, la, mare'ka, out west, palms, pink door cancer fundraiser, r-bar, roosterfish, santa monica, Señor Fish, studio city, sweet and sour comedy, ucb, venice

1) The following is a page from one of my various comedy notebooks.  I almost forgot that I had written this down, but I’ll just say this is probably something that all of comedians and comediennes go through.  Well, I hope so…. 

 

2) Tonight’s COMEDY CRAWL is one for the ages, certainly this year, and one that I won’t waste on clever quips and metaphors. LET’S GO to Sweet and Sour ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY/BIRTHDAY BASH/LAST SHOW EVER @ Genghis Cohen 7PM $5 (free for comics w/RSVP), then Pink Door Cancer Fundraiser for Joan Miracle and Linda Gysin @ Harvelle’s Blues Bar 7:30PM $20, then Out West Holiday Extravaganza @ RoosterFish 8PM $5, then Drew Carey and the Improv All Stars @ Hollywood Improv 8PM $14/2 item min., then Comedy Death Ray Best Christmas Nativity Pageant Ever @ UCB Theatre 8PM $25 (stand by only), then Hamclown 2 @ Alexandria Hotel (2nd Floor/The Mezz) 8:30PM FREE, then Blamblamblam @ R-Bar 9PM FREE, and if you’re still alive, finish with G-damn Comedy Jam @ Mare’ka 9PM FREE.

3) OPEN MIC RUN: PALMS 8572 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, CA/Sign-up 4:30PM/Starts 5PM, BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE TOKYO @ SEÑOR FISH 422 E. 1st St., Los Angeles, CA (Little Tokyo/near Downtown)/Sign-up 6:30PM/Starts 7PM, THE COFFEE GALLERY 2029 Lake Ave., Altadena, CA/Starts 8PM, WESTWOOD BREWCO 1097 Glendon Ave., Westwood, CA/Sign-up (lottery) 7:30PM/Starts 8PM, 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

4) STRAIGHT UP!!! Jesse Miller Talk Show T-shirts on sale! Right here.  Right now.

5) I decided to give a fake lecture on Hamlet last night at an open mic.  TJ Miller decided otherwise.  Here’s TJ Miller on Conan in case you were doing something exactly like me.

6) As mentioned in the “Open Mic Run” feature above, THERE GON’ BE SOME BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE TOKYO!!! TONY SAM AND JAMIE LEE GON’ BRING THE PAIN!!! (no structures and/or person/persons shall be harmed during the duration of this open mic) As always, $2 fish tacos, delicious potatoes tacos, $3 domestic/$4 imported, and raffles a plenty down at SEÑOR FISH 422 E. 1st St., Los Angeles, CA. Sign-up 6:30PM/Starts 7PM.

7) The Comedy Bureau “Tips Its Hat” today to JOSH FADEM-“@joshfadem Cut my finger- hurt so bad, removed my hand to stop finger pain, but my wrist REALLY hurt, so removed my arm, now have bad pain in shoulder.”  Spinning, whirring, and crashing throughout on any given night on any given stage, Josh Fadem combines a smart sense of humor with the comedic sensibilities of Tex Avery and is quite the treat to see live.  That’s why he’s one of Comedy Central’s Comics to Watch of this year.  Check back at the Comedy Bureau for details on his next show  Also, don’t miss him on Twitter.

8) From the “You Should Have Been There” Lagoon: It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia-Stand Up Throw Up

9) Donate to the Comedy Bureau and THEN I’ll find out if it’s tax deductible/a good deed for the day.

10) Since none of you got back to me on the idea of wearing a reporter’s fedora when out at the Comedy Bureau, I’ll just go ahead and do it and perhaps suffer the consequences, if there are any, or…. yeah, that’s probably the only thing that’ll happen.

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Morning Debriefing 12/14/10

December 14, 2010
Uncategorized
alexandria, altadena, big trouble in little tokyo, blamblamblam, coffee gallery, comedy bureau, comedy crawl, comedy death ray, downtown, drew carey, g-damn comedy jam, genghis cohen, hamclown 2, harvelle's, hollywood, improv, koreatown, la, mare'ka, out west, palms, pink door cancer fundraiser, r-bar, roosterfish, santa monica, Señor Fish, studio city, sweet and sour comedy, ucb, venice

1) The following is a page from one of my various comedy notebooks.  I almost forgot that I had written this down, but I’ll just say this is probably something that all of comedians and comediennes go through.  Well, I hope so…. 
 

2) Tonight’s COMEDY CRAWL is one for the ages, certainly this year, and one that I won’t waste on clever quips and metaphors. LET’S GO to Sweet and Sour ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY/BIRTHDAY BASH/LAST SHOW EVER @ Genghis Cohen 7PM $5 (free for comics w/RSVP), then Pink Door Cancer Fundraiser for Joan Miracle and Linda Gysin @ Harvelle’s Blues Bar 7:30PM $20, then Out West Holiday Extravaganza @ RoosterFish 8PM $5, then Drew Carey and the Improv All Stars @ Hollywood Improv 8PM $14/2 item min., then Comedy Death Ray Best Christmas Nativity Pageant Ever @ UCB Theatre 8PM $25 (stand by only), then Hamclown 2 @ Alexandria Hotel (2nd Floor/The Mezz) 8:30PM FREE, then Blamblamblam @ R-Bar 9PM FREE, and if you’re still alive, finish with G-damn Comedy Jam @ Mare’ka 9PM FREE.

3) OPEN MIC RUN: PALMS 8572 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, CA/Sign-up 4:30PM/Starts 5PM, BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE TOKYO @ SEÑOR FISH 422 E. 1st St., Los Angeles, CA (Little Tokyo/near Downtown)/Sign-up 6:30PM/Starts 7PM, THE COFFEE GALLERY 2029 Lake Ave., Altadena, CA/Starts 8PM, WESTWOOD BREWCO 1097 Glendon Ave., Westwood, CA/Sign-up (lottery) 7:30PM/Starts 8PM, 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

4) STRAIGHT UP!!! Jesse Miller Talk Show T-shirts on sale! Right here.  Right now.

5) I decided to give a fake lecture on Hamlet last night at an open mic.  TJ Miller decided otherwise.  Here’s TJ Miller on Conan in case you were doing something exactly like me.

6) As mentioned in the “Open Mic Run” feature above, THERE GON’ BE SOME BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE TOKYO!!! TONY SAM AND JAMIE LEE GON’ BRING THE PAIN!!! (no structures and/or person/persons shall be harmed during the duration of this open mic) As always, $2 fish tacos, delicious potatoes tacos, $3 domestic/$4 imported, and raffles a plenty down at SEÑOR FISH 422 E. 1st St., Los Angeles, CA. Sign-up 6:30PM/Starts 7PM.

7) The Comedy Bureau “Tips Its Hat” today to JOSH FADEM-“@joshfadem Cut my finger- hurt so bad, removed my hand to stop finger pain, but my wrist REALLY hurt, so removed my arm, now have bad pain in shoulder.”  Spinning, whirring, and crashing throughout on any given night on any given stage, Josh Fadem combines a smart sense of humor with the comedic sensibilities of Tex Avery and is quite the treat to see live.  That’s why he’s one of Comedy Central’s Comics to Watch of this year.  Check back at the Comedy Bureau for details on his next show  Also, don’t miss him on Twitter.

8) From the “You Should Have Been There” Lagoon: It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia-Stand Up Throw Up

9) Donate to the Comedy Bureau and THEN I’ll find out if it’s tax deductible/a good deed for the day.

10) Since none of you got back to me on the idea of wearing a reporter’s fedora when out at the Comedy Bureau, I’ll just go ahead and do it and perhaps suffer the consequences, if there are any, or…. yeah, that’s probably the only thing that’ll happen.

Report 00051

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Morning Debriefing 12/2/10

December 2, 2010
Uncategorized
212 cafe, alhambra, bar lubitsch, beverly hills, cafe on 2nd, comedy, comedy and cocktails, comedy bureau, comedy speakeasy, comedy90210, gibson amphitheatre, hollywood hotel, hollywood improv, how to live with chelsea peretti, la, largo, louis ck, open letter to open mics, paul scheer, roxbury cafe, sandwich spot, santa monica, sexy christmas spectacular, the josh and josh show, tko show, tsr lounge, ucb, universal city, venice, west hollywood

1) OPEN LETTER TO PERFORMERS AT OPEN MICS: I know that we are all somewhat selfish, mostly insecure artists begging for validation that due to being in LA usually means laughter/compliments/kudos instead of money. However, at an open mic, the expectation is to WORK OUT material, which means it’s OK if that “brilliant” ten minutes you have just written about your ethnicity doesn’t work. That material “not working” is part of building an act and you have to combine honesty with yourself and faith in your material to “make it work”. So, at an open mic, DON’T ASK THE AUDIENCE/JUST COMICS WHETHER WHAT YOU JUST DID WAS FUNNY OR NOT. Open mics are NOT workshops where talking and asking are permitted. Open mics are intended, though it can be hard to gauge due to the setting, to simulate performing in front of an audience without the pressure. If you really want to know if it was funny, ask yourself, “Did they laugh?” and you’ll have your answer (that’s part of being honest with yourself). Asking for validation not only tests the already short patience of everyone else waiting to go up, but also brings about an atmosphere where everyone feels like they can offer suggestions during other people’s sets, which subsequently ruins the opportunity to try material without a chance for an honest response at all. If it’s quiet during your set at an open mic, do not worry about it as, again, the expectation isn’t to be funny, but to work out your act. In conclusion, at an open mic, stay quiet, listen, and laugh if someone says something funny, then go up and just do your act. That’s it. Do this as much as possible because the comedy community here in LA will recognize and respect “hard work” and you will become better (if you strive to make improvements).

2) Yes, Louis CK is in town, but I can’t afford that so I’m going to a show that very well might be just as good that’s completely free. That’s why I make the COMEDY CRAWL every night to give all you good folks some options. Start off with Christina Davis CD recording @ Room 5 7:30PM $10, then Comedy Speakeasy @ TSR Lounge 8PM FREE (call 323-568-1616 to be audience member), then Comedy and Cocktails @ Hollywood Improv 8PM $14/2 item min., then Comedy90210 @ Roxbury Cafe 8PM $5, then Literally Funny @ The Last Bookstore 8PM FREE, then Red Zebra @ Crocker Club 8PM FREE, Running Your Mouth-The Game Show @ Hudson Guild Theatre 8PM FREE (call 323-960-5519) then Louis CK: Word @ The Gibson Amphitheatre 8:15PM $57.60, then The Josh and Josh Show @ Bar Lubitsch 8:30PM FREE, then Paul Scheer’s 2nd Annual Sexy Christmas Spectacular @ Largo 9PM $20, then How to Live with Chelsea Peretti @ UCB Theatre 9:30PM $5.

3) OPEN MIC RUN: SANDWICH SPOT 3101 Ocean Park, Santa Monica, CA/Sign-up 6:30PM/Starts 7PM, HOLLYWOOD HOTEL 1160 N. Vermont, Los Angeles, CA/Starts 7PM, CAFÉ 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., Venice, CA/Starts 9PM, MARTY’S/THE OPEN MIC 7351 W. Sunset Blvd., Hollywood, CA (walk up Martel past Big Mama’s and Papa’s).

4) As I mentioned a couple of days ago, I’ve updated both the Greater LA Open Mic Map and The Greater LA Comedy Landscape with a “highlighted line” of everything that’s happening comedy wise tonight, which there’s plenty (i.e. the line is all over the place. Check all of this by clicking OPEN MIC RUN and COMEDY CRAWL at the appropriate links posted.

5) The Paul F. Tompkins DVD is finally HERE thanks to the great folks at AST Records! Well, not quite yet… “You Should Have Told Me” will officially drop on Dec. 14th, but will be available for pre-sale next week at AST Records. The Comedy Bureau will remind you plenty until then…

6) If you’re agoraphobic, too acclimatized to LA weather and can’t handle the cold, or just love watching TV, don’t miss Matt Braunger (mentioned several times here at The Comedy Bureau) tonight on Chelsea Lately 11PM on E! and Johnny Pemberton on MTV as the host of Megadrive at 11PM.

7) The Comedy Bureau “Tips Its Hat” today to NEIL HAMBURGER for his “tweeting storm” on the upcoming feature film Yogi Bear-“Yogi Bear Oscar campaign to include mailings of narcotics-laden "picnic baskets” to drug-addicted Oscar voters. #bestpicture/Yogi Bear" becomes first film to be banned in Poland since “Hitler’s Giant Cock And Great Ideas Also” was banned from theaters in 1967/Taco Bell to put Aykroyd and Timberlake’s feces into refried beans during December to help prepare fans for experience of watching film/George W. Bush in “Decision Points”: “Say what you will, but no Yogi Bear movie was released during my 8-year Presidency”. #true/(CNN): “Aykroyd Channeled Spirits Of Charles Manson, Benito Mussolini During Yogi Bear Voiceover Sessions And Subsequent Serial Rapes”/(CNN): Popov Vodka to sponsor asphyxiation of children heard complaining about Yogi Bear movie on school playgrounds.“ Touring the entire U.S., Neil Hamburger takes his uniquely original brand of comedy that involves clearing his throat all throughout his act and often times holding several drinks while performing to wherever people will appreciate/hate him as he is heckled quite often (he released a record where he is severely heckled), which warrants comparisons to Andy Kaufman’s Tony Clifton. Neil has his own self-titled show in Los Angeles that’s currently on hiatus, but you can enjoy his website here and amazing Twitter here.

8) From the "You Should Have Been There” Lagoon (in conjunction with yesterday’s post): Stand Up Comedy Boot Camp Trailer

9) I’m using Coinstar today to afford lunch. Please donate to the Comedy Bureau and read about the inspired material/comedic journey from this event on Twitter here.

10) Steve-O is headlining the Irvine Improv this weekend. I hate initialisms and think they limit expressivity in the English language, but, seriously WTF!?!?

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THE COMEDY BUREAU

Morning Debriefing 11/6/10

November 6, 2010
Uncategorized
12 shiny nickels, 5 minutes or less, ac lounge, amoeba, asterios kokkinos, belly room, brea improv, brian walton, christopher titus, comedy, comics and comics, ed greer, elemnopy, hollywood, james adomian, johnathan laondon, la, los feliz, meltdown comics, midnight show, paul jay, sax carr, scott lobdell, stand up to stand up comedy, tim powers, tom franck, tomorrow show, truth and soul, ucb, venice

1) Comics and Comics @ Meltdown Comics is first off and foremost an uproariously hilarious live comedy show AND THEN an insightful and inviting look into the life of the “fanboy”. Initially, I had thought the show might be largely geek vs. geek trying to top each other with painfully specific continuity issues in various fantasy worlds and who can make the more obscure reference based off of issue numbers, both aspects of geek culture that fantastic host Sax Carr frequently riffs quite nicely off of, but Comics and Comics transcended such stereotypical notions. Privileged audience members got to see all different angles in the life of being a geek/fanboy without getting too arcane and had the seemingly rare experience of having a good time with live comedy. Even when it was too arcane, it was still pretty damn funny. Top notch performances from Ed Greer, Paul Jay, Asterios Kokkinos, Tom Franck, Scott Lobdell, and Johnathan London. I even enjoyed warm up acts Brian Walton and Tim Powers along with music from Elmenopy, which consisted largely of them playing the Batman theme while chanting different comic book/pop culture characters unrelated to Batman. Comics and Comics graces Meltdown Comics on the first Friday of every month. 7511 W. Sunset Blvd., Hollywood, CA

2) Tonight’s Comedy Crawl not to be missed BY LAW!!!, especially since The Comedy Bureau Director Jake Kroeger is actually going up, so start off w/ Pet Adoption/Charity Auction w/James Adomian @ Amoeba Records 12PM-4PM FREE, then The Truth and Soul Show @ The Comedy Store Belly Room 10PM $5/2 drink min., then Stand Up to Stand Up Comedy @ The Air Conditioned Lounge 8PM FREE, then The Twelve Shiny Nickels Show @ The Fake Gallery 11PM FREE, Ron Lynch’s Tomorrow Show Presents 5 Min. or Less @ The Steve Allen Theater Midnight $8 (this is the one I’m on), The Midnight Show @ The UCB Theatre Midnight $5, The Thrilling Adventure Hour @ Largo 8:30PM $25, Christopher Titus @ Brea Improv 7PM & 9PM $25/2 drink min.

3) Per the last report, there is now a GREATER LA COMEDY OPEN MIC MAP. Unlike primitive open mic lists of the past, the Comedy Bureau brings you to the forefront of google technology and comedy information with a FRIGGIN’ MAP along with details about sign up and start times as well as who hosts the room. SOON TO COME: Alotted time, Reviews, and Open Mic Run Routes.

4) Jason Nash is Married… and it’s definitely a laugh riot. Check it here.

5) If you like the Open Mic Map, hell, if you like this site, and are, again, able and willing, please donate what you can to support the Comedy Bureau. By the way, the magic of the word “please” is being tested here.

6) The Big Trouble in Little Tokyo Open Mic just found out that they will have a STAGE instead of some dusty old carpet from storage that would have stayed there otherwise. I know you can’t see my hand gesturing the improvement of the room by this announcement, but I’ll reiterate, WE HAVE A STAGE!!! Tues. Nov. 9th. 6:30PM. Señor Fish. 422 E. 1st St., Los Angeles, CA. (little tokyo/downtown)

7) Lakers vs. Live Comedy Shows and Lakers vs. Clippers. Is there any difference? I struggle to find one.

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THE COMEDY BUREAU

Morning Debriefing 11/5/10

November 5, 2010
Uncategorized
212 cafe, artesia, brea, casey balsham, christopher titus, comedy, comics and comics, daniel eachus, drew mercury, erik d schulte, first friday's, hot toddy, jerry brandt, joe arrigoni, joe braza, joe braza comedy invitational, kevin eric mccarthy, la, mark schumacher, matt champagne, newport beach, pop quiz, rape joker, russell corona, seafood shack, shayne michael, silverlake, stood up friday night, taylor collins, venice

1) In the first annual Joe Braza Comedy Invitational, I did not move on because I’m depressing. However, the last group of finalists have rounded out the line-up for the Joe Braza Comedy Invitational Finals. On Nov. 18th @ 9PM, Shayne Michael, Casey Balsham, Matt Champagne, Joe Arrigoni, Erik D Schulte, Daniel Eachus, Jerry Brandt, Mark Schumacher, and Drew Mercury will all go head for the Joe Braza Comedy Invitational trophy or win cash by getting worst comedian, just like Russell “Rape Joker” Corona did last night. Again, The Joe Braza Comedy Invitational @ The Seafood Shack, Nov. 18th at 9PM. Music by Maggie Boles. No cover/no minimum. 11710 South St., Artesia, CA.

2) Just an FYI to all that have the stomach/endurance to do a late-night open mic. Good friend of the Comedy Bureau’s, Kevin Eric McCarthy, sent me a text saying that his weekly open mic at 212 Cafe in Venice was going to 2 IN THE MORNING. 2AM!!! If you really wanted to get up, go to 212 Cafe every Thursday and you will get some decent time with a bit of a crowd as the cafe NEVER CLOSES! 212 Cafe. Every Thursday. 9PM. 212 Pier Ave., Venice, CA. Hosted by Kevin Eric McCarthy and Taylor Collins. If this wasn’t a “Bureau Approved” Open Mic, it is now.

3) Forget about the return of the “midnight movie” by staying in and watching whatever over-the-hill B-list star and random monster combo is on SyFy and go see some damn good LIVE comedy. For tonight, the Comedy Crawl says REALLY go to Comics and Comics @ Meltdown Comics 8PM $5, then Christopher Titus @ Brea Improv 8PM/10PM $25/2 item min., then go to First Friday’s @ The Sapphire Lounge-Newport Beach Radisson 9PM $12, then go to Hot Toddy @ iO West-Del Close 9:30PM $5, then go to Stood Up Friday Night @ The Moving Arts Theatre 10PM, then simultaneously go to Stand Up Super Squad Comedy Show @ Fanatic Salon 10PM $7, then go to Pop Quiz, Hotshot @ iO West-Main Stage 11PM.

4) Another edition of the Ultimate Free & Cheap LA Comedy List thanks to the amazing Wisepix.

5) The new, big, badass, independent comedy show is letting EVERYONE know that they’re here. Check out the Super Serious Show’s Mixtape Vol. 1 featuring the super-serious, badass, and just overall hilarious Andy Peters & Matt Braunger right here, right now, right here, right now. Actually, either link will do.

6) Peoria Comedian Jeremy Paul will live!!! FOREVER!!! maybe…

7) In the next day or so, The Comedy Bureau will bring out what is sure to be its most popular innovation yet, The “Bureau Approved” Open Mic List/Map. Stay Tuned.

8) Just pretend I’m Oliver Twist and donate.

9) With a few days left, let’s recap on the Big Trouble in Little Tokyo Open Mic. Tues. Nov. 9th. 6:30PM. Señor Fish. 422 E. 1st St. No cover/min. $3 beer/$2 fish tacos during happy hour. Raffle for 2 “15 min. drop in spots” for the following week. 50 foot cable and 3 mics. Inaugural special guest performances from Joe Braza and Lauren Rochelle. Sign-up is first come/first serve. Hosted by Comedy Bureau Director Jake Kroeger and Russell Corona. Nothing but fun.

10) I would challenge any other comic to get more awwww’s than me, but that’s one challenge I don’t really want to win.

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THE COMEDY BUREAU

Post Brunch Update 10/29/10

October 29, 2010
Uncategorized
212 cafe, a stand up guy, amy dresner, comedy, eli braden, genghis cohen, hampton yount, kas comedy etc show, la, lizzy cooperman, long beach, morning debriefing, moving arts theatre, open mics, our secret comedy den, post brunch update, proshofosho, rape joker, rick shapiro, ron babcock, sandwich spot, santa monica, Señor Fish, silverlake, stood up friday night, tko show, ultimate free and cheap la comedy list, venice, wisepix

1) To all those pining for some decent stage time, the Sandwich Spot and TKO show open mics give you a nice run of trying out material/“build character”.  Every Thursday, you can get two spots in one go.  The Sandwich Spot @ 3101 Ocean Park, Santa Monica, CA, Sign up at 6:30PM, Starts at 7PM.  TKO Show @ 212 Cafe, 212 Pier Ave., Venice, CA.  Starts at 9PM and ends whenever no one else wants to go up because it’s a 24 hr cafe (Why LA hasn’t figured out to have more 24 hr venues?).

2) Ulitimate Free & Cheap LA Comedy List 10/31-11/6.  Enough said.  Thanks Wisepix.

3) Amongst the ranks of LA’s funniest, Ron Babcock and Lizzy Cooperman star in the short film “A Stand Up Guy” directed by Sarah Rose Bergman and written by Sarah Rose Bergman & Sara Mattison.  Part of the New Filmmakers LA Screenings @ Sunset Gower Studios. $5. 6:15PM. 1438 N. Gower St., Hollywood, CA.  If Ron Babcock and Lizzy Cooperman have anything to do with it, you will laugh guaranteed, repeatedly, over and over and over.

4) Comedy Crawl for 10/29/10.  Go to watch “A Stand Up Guy” like I told you above, then Eli Braden Live @ Genghis Cohen 8PM/w Hampton Yount, then Stood Up Friday Night @ Moving Arts Theatre 10PM, then ProShoFoSho @ Our Secret Comedy Den w/Amy Dresner & Rick Shapiro 11PM.

5) If you more of a taste for one of the longest running open mics in the LA area and a show, meaning (especially for you comics) go up, then see some free comedy all in one place, try going down to iCandy in Long Beach for the Kerry Arnold Stevens Comedy Etc. Show.  Sign ups @ 6:30PM. Starts @ 7PM.  Show from 8:35PM to 10:35PM w/ Mark Fernandez, Gina Rodgers, and music from Judson & Mary. 1708 E. Broadway Ave. Long Beach, CA.

6) Señor Fish. Nov. 9th. A big bad new open mic will be in town.  More details to come soon.

7) Though several months ago, this moment in comedy history happened.

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