Live Comedy L.A.

A packed house at Ballgame’s Laugh Lounge last night saw one of the best line-ups in the show’s history. Chris Franjola, Christina Pazsitzky, Tom Segura, and Sarah Colona are 4 of the best stand-up comedians in the city and probably the country - and we got to see all of them in one show. It’s a really a tribute to the great job that Matty “Ballgame” Balaker has done. I would also like to give a shout out to the management at Red Rock for giving the show such great support. Prior management was not as supportive, but the new guys have really worked hard to help Matt. They understand what a great asset comedy can be to the establishment.

A few highlights:
- Christina Pazsitzky’s performance last night proves that the judges on Last Comic Standing do not choose the funniest people. I find it impossible…and I mean impossible…to believe that there are even 10 people in any city funnier than her. America got to see maybe :30-seconds of her act. Not fair. She’s unreal. She has reached a point in her comedy career that being on stage is second nature. She doesn’t have to think. Choosing to pursue stand-up comedy full time was a great decision. Please…for the love of holy hell…go see her live.

- Tom Segura did 20 minutes of new material that I have never heard before and it was incredible. I have seen Tom about 7 or 8 times. To do that much material…and for me to never have seen it…means he’s a great writer.

- When Sarah Colona performs…I feel like I’m getting a raw look into her life…and it’s so amazing. She is why stand-up comedy is so cool. When she jokes about her age and the number of men she slept with and her “roofy girlfriend”…it’s real…and it’s hilarious.

- Chris Franjola did the impossible last night…he dealt with a ridiculous heckler…and still pulled off a terrific set. I love Franjola. He’s a pro. Plus…he mentions my website on stage. He said, “Live Comedy L.A…what the fuck is that”? Genius…if you ask me.

- Chris Millhouse and Jessica Glassberg also performed. I think both had great stage presence. Especially Chris…he was very cool up on stage. With some material development…he’ll be solid.

Great time again at the Laugh Lounge.

HEY…make sure to check out Sarah Colona on Chelsea Lately on E! on Thursday night. Tivo that action so you know who I’m talking about.

Matty “Ballgame” Balaker has solidified himself as one of the premier promoters of stand-up comedy in our city. Tonight’s show at Red Rock was off the charts. Ballgame consistently brings in the best newcomers like Rebecca Michael…the top featuring comedians like Iliza Sheslinger and Jeff Short…and top headliners like Tom Segura and Brian Scolaro. If you have not been to this show yet…you really are missing out on a great Tuesday night of laughs in the middle of the week. I have a regular job…I need to laugh…this show helps me de-stress…it’s awesome. Did I mention it’s free. Imagine that…you get to laugh for free. Oh…and there was a black midget in the house. Yep…heaven.

Quick Line-Up Run: Matty “Ballgame” Balaker, Joe Braza, Rebecca Michael, Tony Moser, Eliza Shlesinger, Jeff Short, Tom Segura, Brian Scolaro

I loved Joe Braza’s first person references…hilarious. Great to see Rebecca Michael do her thing. I went to her show at IO West on Sunday (which is great btw)…and to be doing stand-up for only a year…she is great. This isn’t easy folks…I’ve done it. There is nothing more difficult. Eliza Shlesinger did her 6 minute set for the Montreal Showcase. It was so polished. I watched Iliza for about a year now…and this 6 minute set was so dialed. I love when she does the joke about coming out of the water looking like a rat…awesome. Jeff Short brought some great new material…”gay guys never lose a staring contest”…LOL! And what can you say about Tom Segura and Brian Scolaro…I have written about them countless times…and they are two of the best comedians we have. I just saw Scolaro on Sunday…and I laughed just as hard at the “Sneezing” joke today as I did Sunday.

More updates this week on some good weekend shows coming up…

I have said it before and I will say it again…I believe Ballgame’s Laugh Lounge is the best stand-up comedy show in Los Angeles right now. Matty “Ballgame” Balaker gets great comedians…there is no cover…there is no drink minimum…there is no line…the atmosphere is totally friendly…and the show lasts a perfect 90 minutes. I’m not saying it’s the best business model…I’m just saying it’s the best stand-up comedy show. I go every time the show is put on…which is the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month…and it’s a great time. All the comedians agree…this is a stellar room for comedy in Los Angeles.

Tuesday’s line-up is sweet and I’m sure I will talk more about it next week…but I’d like to highlight Andrew Norelli right now. He is one of L.A.’s hidden jewels. He is simply one of the best stand-up comedians in our city and I would venture to guess in the country. Get to this show to see him…in the mean time…check him out in this VideoShot.

Really big crowd last night for a solid line-up at Ballgame’s Laugh Lounge. First time Red Rock performers Ari Shaffir (you may know him from Joe Rogan’s crew) and Todd Womack (Video) crushed it. Ari is mostly associated with Joe Rogan so it was cool seeing him away from that crew because he absolutely has the talent to stand alone. Don’t get me wrong…it kicks ass for him to have a partner like Rogan…along with Joey Diaz…they have a killer show that everyone should see. Ari’s stage presence and writing are awesome. Todd Womack was a great suprise because I had not see him perform previously. I love seeing new, awesome comedians. I think Todd performs at UCB a lot…so I’m definitely going to check him out there. Hit up his videos when you have a chance.

The rest of the line-up was solid:
Matt Balaker: ProfileShot
Sari Karplus: ProfileShot
Dave Hanson: ProfileShot
Jason Gillearn: ProfileShot
Nick Thune: ProfileShot - VideoShot

A word on Thune. I thought he mailed in this performance and is capable of much better. I really haven’t seen new material from Thune in about 2+ years and didn’t really appreciate the fact that he wasn’t giving a full effort. You bring 100% every time…or stay home. Bone Hampton brings 100% every time…Jason Gillearn brings 100% every time…Joe Rogan brings 100% every time. Thune brought about 50% and his attitude showed. Having a bad set is one thing…mailing in a performance is another.

Kicked off the year in comedy with a show at Ballgame’s Laugh Lounge at Red Rock on Tuesday night. Check the line-up:

Bob Bledsoe: ProfileShot - VideoShot
Jonas Garvin: ProfileShot
Matty “Ballgame” Balaker: ProfileShot
Iliza Shlesinger: ProfileShot
KT Tatara: ProfileShot - VideoShot
Duncan Trussell: ProfileShot - VideoShot
Ryan Sickler: ProfileShot - VideoShot

Highlights:
Bob Bledsoe kicked off the show and then wrapped it back around with a set in the middle that he is sending into Leno. I’ve seen Bob a few times and it was great seeing his classic material, plus the new clean stuff that will hopefully end up on the Late Night Shows. Jonas Garvin took the stage for the first time at Red Rock…I have not seen him before. Great stage persona…with some material development…he’ll be good. Matty Ballgame had me screaming out loud when we was talking about inviting his girlfriend’s friend over for a BBQ and a threesome. I’ve heard the joke before…but he nailed it. Iliza is always great…and KT is just a stellar comedian. He’s very polished. I expect big things from him. Duncan Trussell is an extremely intelligent, extremely funny individual who I could watch over and over again. I have the feeling this guy has tons of material at home that he’s just waiting to throw at us. I hope he never does clean set in his life…it would kill it. And of course Sickler took the stage at Red Rock for the first time in a while. I love this guy. He’s a buddy…so I’m biased. His new tortilla joke had me laughing “about 10 tortillas”. I’d like to see some new stuff…which I know we will. In the mean time…he’s comedy is like a good tune…I turn it up every time it comes on.

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.