Live Comedy L.A.

I asked a few of my favorite L.A.-based comedians a simple question - if you have the night off and feel like going to laugh, who are you going to see? One stipulation…it must be another L.A.-based comedian so that our readers can go see them. Here are the answers I got:

Greg Fitzsimmons - Greg Proops Chat Show at Largo
Tom Segura - Bert Kreischer
Brian Scolaro - Ben Gleib, Bobby Lee, Elon Gold, Ian Edwards
Matty “Ballgame” Balaker - Bert Kreischer
Dana Min Goodman - Sarah Silverman, Tig Notaro, Greg Fitzsimmons
Jason Gillearn - Ian Edwards
Ryan Sickler - Zach Galifiniakis
Chris Franjola - Jason Gillearn, Brody Stevens, Tom Segura
Duncan Trussell - Brian Holtzman
Andrew Norelli - Brent Weinbach
Bob Bledsoe - Zach Galifiniakis

Comedy is very subjective…so you are going to have to get out there and see these guys and gals yourself. But make no mistake about it, comedians are a tough crowd folks. I watch comedians in the back of the room during shows…when the audience is cracking up…they are not laughing. So when they say a comedian is funny, chances are, he/she is bringin’ the goods. Hope you find some new comedians to see from this list - I know I have. A quick search on Myspace or Google will help you find these comedians…or subscribe to our page…we’ll let you know where they are performing in L.A.

Brody Stevens. Boom. Straight from the 818. That’s right people…he’s from the Valley and damn proud of it. Brody is unreal. He is by far the most unique comedian in the city. And I’ll be quite honest…an hour of Brody makes me giddy.

Check him out tonight at UCB at 9:30pm for $8 (Make your reservations here). Check him out here first (VideoShot).

FYI: Trying some things with Snap.com functionality…just mouse over the links and see what happens. Should be able to see web pages and Youtube videos right here without leave. Cool stuff!

Line-Up:
Matty “Ballgame” Balaker
Dave Lease
Adam Richmond
Bernadette Balagtas
Michael Batts
Brody Stevens
Alonzo Bodden

Red Rock was jammed again for another Ballgame’s Laugh Lounge. Pretty great for Thanksgiving week. I love how management is really embracing this show. They have rearranged seating…added tables…adjusted lighting…hell…we might even get a waitress up there if this keeps up.

Matty “Ballgame” Balaker -
Matty did some great call back material to the last show when a crazy woman essentially attacked him on stage. It’s great that Matt recognizes the regulars and makes them feel welcome. I want to mention Matt’s customer service skills quickly while I have a chance. We talk about this a lot here but it is rarely implemented at the clubs and especially at the rooms. Before and after every show, Matt is introducing himself to each person in the crowd and thanking them for coming. I’ve never been thanked for attending a show at the Improv or at the Laugh Factory…and I pay money to go there. Take note folks.

Dave Lease -
It was my first time seeing Dave and his first appearance at Red Rock. He was really good. Loved the joke about hell at the end.

Adam Richmond -
Adam is nuts…and it’s awesome! Tons of energy…and really fun. He ended his set with a brilliant line. The one thing a dude doesn’t want to say to a woman in a very intimate moment…”I want you inside me.” HILARIOUS!

Bernadette Balagtas -
I love Bernadette. She’s hilarious, clean, and really cool. She’s the type of comedian that everyone can appreciate.

Michael Batts -
Michael is Bernadette’s husband. They do a great back and forth when he comes up on stage and she sits down. I’d like to see some new material from Michael…but that is only because I like him so much. The Jaime Fox stuff gets me everytime.

Brody Stevens -
Everyone knows how much I love Brody. Some people just don’t get him…he is definitely an acquired taste. But I think he’s brilliant. For some reason, people take his stage persona as being serious, because his style is so unique. I’ll make it very clear…he’s joking!!! I think it’s amazing when he says stuff like “I’m brilliant. I know math. I got my degree online.” He provides this contrast of himself that is just amazing. 818 till I die!!! BTW…joke of the night. “I’m not one of those West Side Jews…a Montana Ave. Jew. I’m a Valley Jew. A blue collar Jew. My dad ran the Swap Meet.” I’m almost fell over laughing at that.

Alonzo Bodden -
I can pretty much guarantee Alonzo Bodden gives his best performances at Ballgame’s Laugh Lounge. You can tell he is so relaxed…and he’s just kickin’ jokes. No pressure. Just he and the audience. It’s so much fun. And some how…when he performs…there is always great interaction with the crowd. This time he reminded a “heckler” that he can rely on the heckler to always be there to help him. It was absolutely hilarious…especially if you see a lot comedy or if you are a comedian. Terrific.

Line-up:
Brad Stewart
Paul Goebel
Lizzy Cooperman
Murray Valeriano
Rob Delaney
Liz Feldman
Brently Heilbron
Cornell Reid
Brody Stevens

I hit up the show at Room 5 for the first time on Sunday. Brad Stewart runs the show there…I’m not gonna lie to you…he’s a good guy. The venue is really, really cool. Small room, great seating, easy bar access, good sound…and the crowd was great. Right there with 3 Clubs in terms of venues for comedy. Plus, I think Sunday night at 7pm is a stellar slot for comedy in L.A. Plus…it’s FREE and there is no drink minimum. I’m getting food in the restaurant below next time…and my girlfriend and I are making a date out of it. Cheaper than a movie folks.

It’s not a workout room…but it’s a good place to see comedians try out new material in a friendly environment…always a plus in my book. I think if Brad shortens the line-up and adjusts the comedian placement in the line-up a little better…he’s set. BTW…a disclaimer…I don’t know anything about anything…so take what I say with a grain of salt. Let’s check out the comedians:

Brad Stewart -
Brad’s wigger is stellar…I’m tired of these assholes wearing their hats to the side also. I think Brad did about 10 and he was very smooth…and clean…very tough. Looking forward to seeing him again.

Paul Goebel -
Paul seems like he’s been doing comedy forever…he’s a pro. This guy just had weight loss surgery and his ass disappeared…apparently he’s killing his tail bone.

Lizzy Cooperman -
Let me say that the audience seemed to love Lizzy…she got a lot of laughs. I would compare her style to a Robin Williams-like effort. I’m not a fan. That doesn’t mean it’s bad…I just don’t see that as stand-up. I see that as Broadway. If Lizzy was doing a one woman show…she would kill…she’s very talented.

Murray Valeriano -
For some reason nothing is sticking with me on Murray…possibly because I saw the show two days ago…and he was in the middle. I’ll have to see him again…my bad.

Rob Delaney -
I’ve never seen Rob before…and although he tried hitting on my gf (which was actually funny)…he was solid. His closer…which he actually fumbled because it was a new joke was the best. Apparently…he’s ok with his wife farting…but she’s not allowed to cry…or so his mom thinks…hilarious. Love watching comedians work out there jokes.

Liz Feldman -
Another comedian I saw for the first time…and she easily had the set of the night. I can’t wait to see her again. She’s a lesbian with scoliosis…ahh yeah…jokes abound my friend. The best was when she was talking about how the stuff you do in the shower is definitely stuff you wouldn’t do in public. She rocked!

Brently Heilbron -
Brently was workin’ hard…I mean he got up on the stage and did not stop. Like Lizzy…his was more of a performance…than stand-up…in my opinion…but talented and got laughs.

Cornell Reid -
Cornell disrespected the audience in my opinion by going up on the stage drunk…or what appeared to be drunk. It’s shit…comedians shouldn’t do it. I’m sure he’s better than his showing…but don’t go up drunk and waste our time. Not cool.

Brody Stevens -
Honestly…I love this guy. I really do. He is the most unique comedian in the city. “818 till I die!” That never gets old to me. Brody did a short set which disappointed me only because I wanted see him go longer…but he was still awesome. If you want to see a performance outside the norm…go see Brody. Why in the name of Jesus is Brody not a sideline reporter for Fox Sports…really, he’s not better than Andria Kremer or Bonnie Berstein? Somebody is screwing this one up.

No Name Comics - Every Sunday Night
Room 5 7pm
143 La Brea L.A. 90036