PORT ST. LUCIE = Some are born into stand-up comedy. Others are cajoled into it.
Rick Brown is a writer based in Nebraska and as part of his job he’s interviewed many stand-up comedians.
An interview with Billie J produced an invitation for Brown to perform during he upcoming show. After being prompted several other time, Brown finally agreed to grab the microphone.
Prior to doing so he asked Billie J for some advice. She offered five tips, and while the first one – No worries if your time is longer or shorter than 5 minutes. It’s the quality that counts – seems a bit misguided (Applause Break doesn’t recommend running the light) they are worth consideration from anyone considering giving stand-up comedy a shot.
Also in today’s Stand-Up Spotlight, a review of a particularly challenging performance for David Spade, an interview with Just For Laughs president Bruce Hills, and a new comedy spot opening in Newark, which has a somewhat surprisingly rich bloodline when it comes to stand-up comedy.
Remember, comedy is everywhere. Get out there and make the funny.
STAND-UP SPOTLIGHT – Feb. 22, 2023
Brown: My time to shine – Belly flopping into the world of stand-up comedy
MINDEN – Me and my big mouth.
During an interview with Billie J, I said a few funny things. Sometimes I just can’t help myself, especially when I pose questions to a comedian during a phone interview. Lately I’ve been thinking about a quote from Will Rodgers: “Never miss a good chance to shut up.” Too late for that. In fact, Billie J suggested I put my money where my mouth usually resides.
Former ‘SNL’ comic David Spade battles laryngitis at San Francisco show
“Every joke gets a 10% better reaction because I’m on my deathbed,” said David Spade about halfway through his set at the Warfield on Friday in San Francisco. He wasn’t wrong. Spade’s voice was so shockingly hoarse that the audience seemed to give him a pass on multiple jokes that didn’t quite land.
Don’t worry, the “Grownups” comic wasn’t actually on his deathbed — just suffering a brutal bout of laryngitis. Spade did his best to battle through his illness, thanks to the “Pink Floyd s—t they’ve been jamming into me,” and he was able to provide a workmanlike performance. But the obvious effort it took him to deliver each joke didn’t exactly make for the best comedic atmosphere.
Interview: Just For Laughs President Bruce Hills
Bruce Hills is a fervent Montrealer who loves his job.
Largely due to the international Just for Laughs powerhouse festival in Montreal, comedians the world over know of the overwhelmingly French-speaking Quebec City.
They both aspire to entertain at the celebrated annual summer event; or at multiple Just For Laughs festivals and comedy events in Toronto, Vancouver, Austin, London, and Sydney, Australia.
Click here to view original web page at Interview: Just For Laughs President Bruce Hills
Comedy Diner Opens in Newark
Podcaster Joe Rogan. Good Times star John Amos. National comedy headliner Bill Bellamy. Seinfeld’s Jason Alexander. And The Legendary Jerry Lewis. All born in Newark, New Jersey.
Newark continues its rich comedy history with a brand new comedy club – The Comedy Diner. Established by longtime nationally known comedian, Jim Mendrinos, the club is located in Annabella’s Kitchen at 144 Washington St right in the heart of downtown Newark, near Rutgers University. The Comedy Diner offers a unique combination of New Jersey – great stand up comedy and an excellent menu of classic Jersey diner food.
Click here to view original web page at Comedy Diner Opens in Newark
