Tomorrow the various comedians from the Chelsea Lately Round Table begin a 4 week mini-series of their own called the Comedians of Chelsea Lately. They have been performing together in Los Angeles for a few months now (presumably in preparation for this show…I don’t know when they taped it). First at Ballgame’s Laugh Lounge, then at the Improv, and then a few big shows at the Nokia Theater at L.A. Live. I think it’s pretty awesome that these folks are getting a chance to showcase their stand-up talent on national TV.

Our buddy Chris Franjola’s episode airs on September 4th, so be sure to tune into that one (Josh Wolf and Jen Kirkman in that one as well). But I’ve seen all of them live (except Whitney Cummings and Heather McDonald) and they are all really good. I am bummed that Brody Stevens isn’t in the mix, though. Anyway, set your Tivo’s. Jo Koy, Sarah Colonna, and Guy Branum get things going.

Sorry for the late recap on last week’s special edition of Ballgame’s Laugh Lounge: The Chelsea Lately Special.

The concept of having a comedy show tied to a TV program is a stroke of genius by show producer Matt Balaker. I can see him continuing to do this with other TV shows that have writing and performing staff members that are stand-up comedians (…and let’s be honest…that’s every show). It will fill the room because people will want to see their co-workers perform and it will give the general public a chance to see names and faces they are familiar with from their favorite shows. Also, it gives Balaker a chance to put up one or two additional comedians in the line-up for exposure to show execs, as well as some exposure for himself. Very saavy, if you ask me. If I’m Matty Ballgame, I’m trying to get Laugh Lounge: The Late Late Show Special, The Office Special, The Comics Unleashed Special, etc. And if I’m a comedian, I’m making friends with Matty Ballgame.

The line-up was solid. Balaker kicked things off with some classic girlfriend material and closed strong with current events. I continue to be impressed by his writing efforts. He is creating new jokes for every show, which any comedian will tell you is extremely difficult. Comedians have a tendency to get lazy and rely on the same jokes over and over again. That’s not a recipe for long-term success. It’s a recipe for about 15 minutes of fame. Last Comic Standing fame…really.

The rest of the line-up was solid. I enjoyed seeing Guy Branum for the first time, as well as Jen Kirkman. Dave Hanson is one of my favorite comedians in the city because he’s a man’s man. Chris Millhouse did a solid set in front of the Chelsea staffers and Josh Wolf did a quick 5. I’m sure Josh is a hell of a nice guy, but I think you have to be an extraordinary comedian to be a “story teller”. I’m just not getting sets. I think TV folks could turn his life into a good TV show – young, divorced dad with custody of his two teenage children. But it’s tough on stage.

Anyway, Chris Franjola closed strong. He got heckled again. He handles the hecklers pretty well, though. Sometimes I wish Chris would just do crowd work and not worry so much about being the “headliner”. He’s best when he is loose and able to go into the crowd.

On a side note, Red Rock completely remodeled the upstairs lounge. It actually looks high end. I have a feeling it’s a direct result of the comedy show. Seriously. This place is pretty slow without the show. Let’s hope the remodel kills the attic jokes, the ski lodge jokes, etc. Please God let it kill those jokes.

2009 Comedy Season Totals
Show Count: 7
Total Ticket Cost: $38
Total Min. Drink Cost: $12

I spun the one’s and two’s on Tuesday night at Ballgame’s Laugh Lounge at Red Rock. Really it was more like sliding a little bar up and down for 3 second intervals…but whatever…I did my best to fill in for the regular sound guy…the legendary Ted Balaker. I like to think of him as the Laugh Lounge’s version of Kid Capri.

Erik Lundy and Ryan Sickler came out to the show for support. Sounds like Lundy and our girl Christina Pazsitzky might have some great projects going on in the near future for movies and TV. Let’s keep our fingers crossed. Sickler was just pimpin’ it (not really…Dana Goodman is his gf…he was there to support).

Fun line-up at the Laugh Lounge. Laura Rosenberg hosted. She’s definitely one of the best hosts in town. Her energy is great for a show. If you want a quality show, get Laura Rosenberg, Richie Angeles, or Carl Hess as your host. Not sure there’s a reason to go beyond those three.

Dana Goodman has one of the best opening lines in comedy, “Titties in the house!”. It never gets old.

Jonny Laquasto and Matty “Ballgame” Balaker had good sets and I really appreciate their support of the website.

Saw Ryan Niemiller for the first time. Ryan has a handicap of some type with his arms…not sure what the condition is…but he didn’t make reference to it until probably 3 or 4 minutes into his set. Brilliant. Really looking forward to seeing him again.

I enjoy hearing Josh Wolf talk about his two teenage kids. He’s probably in his late 30′s, so having two teenage kids at his age can make for some great material. However, the last two times at Laugh Lounge he’s told two very random, very long stories. I think Josh Wolf could have a show about a young-ish dad with two teenagers. He should stick with developing that. It’s about creating intellectual property folks.

Franjola headlined and had the joke of the night…and I quote, “They’ve been able to create the perfect storm of douchebaggery in Hollywood AND Sherman Oaks by putting an Arclight right next to a 24-Hour Fitness in both locations.” Love that guy. Although, he doesn’t like to be filmed so that we can put his stuff on the internet. It’s a mistake. I’ll work on him. Chris is one of the few comedians who is truly educated about current events and could very easily step into a role like Joel McHale has on TalkSoup on E! or even a role like Jon Stewart has on the DailyShow on Comedy Central. He’s doing a tour soon with some of the other folks from “Chelsea Lately” round table. 20 stops at colleges around the country. I’m hoping that builds his buzz. He’s gonna need a Web 2.0 strategy to capitalize though. The kids use Facebook and widgets Franjola. But that’s my opinion…what do I know.

Family, Friends, Live Comedy, and College Basketball…that’s what life is all about…well, at least in my world. And during the month of March…barring death…College Basketball rules all…so bare with me on the slow updates on the world of live comedy in Los Angeles. Nothing in sports…and very few things in life…beat Davidson knocking off Georgetown or San Diego taking down UConn. It’s not just about basketball…it’s about setting a goal, believing in yourself, and fighting against all odds to come out on top. Ask a stand-up comedian…they might be able to tell you what it feels like ; ).

I wanted to wrap-up a few loose ends from last week. I went to Ballgame’s Laugh Lounge at Red Rock on Tuesday to see Shang perform for the first time. I can’t lie…I had preconceived notions about Shang (I’m human). I saw the headshots…the big time pub…and I thought…”Who the heck is this guy?” Here’ is the truth – Shang is the man. Very cool, down to earth comedian…so comfortable on stage. He wasted no time in letting the jokes fly. I am not sure how long he has been doing stand-up…but I would venture to say it’s forever because the stage looks like it’s home. He reminds me of Joe Rogan…I have a feeling these guys would get along. Just doesn’t give a shit…and tells it like it is. So great to see him do his thing in an intimate setting like Ballgame’s.

The rest of the line-up was good. I think Brian Keith Etheridge went on too long about sucking dick. His material is too good to be talking about sucking dick for 7 minutes. It’s uncomfortable. It’s not Gaffigan talking about bacon…you get a different vibe. Saw Ed Galvez for the second time in the last week…I’d like to see Ed do improv or sketch…I think he would kill in that environment. Josh Wolf was stellar…his jokes about his kids are unreal. He tells a joke about wrestling his teenage son and using “old man strength” that had me screaming. Bryan Erwin is always good. And Ballgame had Jay Montepere in the house for the first time. He was solid. Looking forward to seeing him again.

Calendar updates coming soon. Let me know if you saw Attell last week.

Great show on Tuesday the 6th at Red Rock…I’ll be in the house.

Line-Up:
Matty Ballgame
Patrick Ney
Lana Turner
Bernadette Balagtas
Nick Thune
Jeff Short
Michael Batts
Chris Porter
Josh Wolf

Biggest line-up in Ballgame Laugh Lounge history tonight…but it wasn’t awful. You know why…because all of the comedians were good…they stuck to their time…no one went up too long…and that kept you wanting more. The other thing was important…at no point was Matty saying stuff like, “OK folks…only few more comedian…hang in there.” I hate that shit. If you have to say that…the comedians aren’t good…and you are putting on a bad show…and not helping the cause…which is getting people out to see live comedy. Get with the program folks…this should always be fun…not torture.

Just a highlight review this time (sorry to the comedians in this line-up…I’ll get you back in more detail on another blog) because I’m writing this two weeks after the fact…my bad…I’ll catch up today.

Matty Ballgame is still slinging new jokes every time and the confidence is still rising…I love it. Pat Ney was very good…looking forward to seeing him again. I still can’t get into Lana Turner’s style…it’s not that she has bad jokes…I’m just not into the style…to each his own. I LOVE Bernadette Balagtas…she is just very friendly…clean…funny as hell. Thune did his IM Bit…Salmonerd/Insynchottie…very well done bit…I’ve seen it 3 times now…and he has it dialed…looking for new material from Thune. Jeff Short was the surprise of the night…he crushed it…tons of talent…great jokes…a big time up and comer with Kinno. Michael Batts had a solid set…Porter was stellar…and Josh Wolf was solid. More later on everyone.