Matty “Ballgame” Balaker has been putting on Ballgame’s Laugh Lounge for 3 years now.  That’s a pretty incredible number.  There are very few live comedy shows in Los Angeles that last that amount of time.  The success of the show stems from Matt’s unwaivering passion for stand-up comedy, his professionalism, and his understanding that the audience comes first.  The show has been so successful that Red Rock as completely transformed it’s upstairs lounge from grandma’s attic to a borderline swanktasic lounge.

Over the past 3 years, I would venture to say I have seen 90% of the shows. As a regular dude with a job and responsibilities, it’s an easy way for me to get my comedy fix. It’s free, there’s no drink min., parking is easy, food is good if I want it, and the comedians are the best in the city. Plus I’m out the door by 10pm.

In those 3 years, I have seen great sets from the likes of Alonzo Bodden, Greg Fitzsimmons, Bert Kreischer, Ryan Sickler, Tom Segura, Bret Ernst and many others. But I think most show regulars would agree that the definitive performance at Ballgame’s Laugh Lounge was Joe Rogan’s 1 hour and 15 minute set in 2007. It was probably the funniest stand-up routine I have ever seen live.

Last night, I believe Sam Tripoli delivered the best set Ballgame’s Laugh Lounge has seen since Rogan. He brought is A+ game and was spitting heat from the moment he grabbed the mic. He unloaded on the the eclectic Asian hair dresser in the front row and tried to get her in a threesome with a blonde at the end of the row. He even hit swine flu with the line of the night, “One Mexican dude fucks a pig and we are all screwed. Meanwhile, chicks have been blowing donkeys down there for years, and everything has been fine. What’s going on?!”. The guy was on fire…moving from off the cuff audience work to written material with little detection.

Tripoli is a unique talent in the sense that he should not be contained. I’m sure network execs try to fit him into a bottle…but in order to get his full potential…they just need to let that guy loose.

The rest of the line-up was solid as well, but I have to say the night belonged to the Crime Fighter. Not only did he kill, but he walked in with a hot blonde with at least DD’s. And who doesn’t love comedy and boobs. Well done sir…well done.

L.A. comedian Sam Tripoli is a finalist in the “I Want to be Howard Stern” contest. “The Crimefighter” gets to show off his skills by getting a one hour special on Howard 100/101 on Sirius. I don’t know when he will get his shot yet, but definitely stay tuned if you are subscriber. If there is a fan vote, call in and vote for him. You have to hand it to Tripoli, he’s making stuff happen right now. He showcased a new show at the Comedy Central Stage back in August and now this. I’m pretty sure something will break for the guy soon. I think radio is good for Tripoli. He is at his best in a free-form atmosphere. Don’t restrict him.

At the end of the day, it’s all about the line-up. And Chris Millhouse put up a good line-up on Thursday night at his “Comedy Abuse” show at the Comedy Store. Anytime you have Tom Papa, Tom Segura, and Sam Tripoli, you’re good to go. Plus, some how Chris got a bunch of hot girls there. I would say there were 40 people in the crowd. 12 – 15 were hot girls. That’s stunning.

Tom Papa is an terrific, seasoned comedian that everyone should really go see. I’ve talked about Segura so many times. Always great. But the set of the night was Tripoli’s. He can be so entertaining because of how much he feeds off the crowd. He’s so good with the audience. On Thursday, he wrangled a dorky Asian guy and a hot Persian girl on-stage to help the guy learn how to pick-up girls. Just awesome. If you’re a TV exec, don’t give Tripoli a script…just turn him loose. Your show will be 10 times better. A live sports show maybe. Why aren’t they giving comedians more sports jobs. Comedians, sports, and smokin’ hot chicks…the trifecta of success. That doesn’t get old…ever. HBO needs a filler for Inside the NFL. Let’s do this.

The other comedians did well. I thought Chris Millhouse was very good. Adam Ray and Mark Serritella did their thing. I didn’t appreciate Brian Swinehart going on stage higher than a kite, though. Maybe it’s me. Do what you want when you are home or writing but be professional. Your performance suffers. The audience comes first – that should be your mantra. I can’t go to my job lit…neither should comedians. The only comedian that might be able to pull this off is Rogan…but he can handle an isolation tank.

Fun times were had though. I’ll keep you in the loop on when the next Comedy Abuse show goes up.

Variety Magazine came out with a list of “Top 10 Comics to Watch”. No disrespect to Variety or the 10 comedians they chose, but I have a different definition of “watch”. Their definition is “to keep an eye on in the media and movies”. My definition is “to go see in a club and laugh your ass off”. To each his own. I happen to think my list can and will accomplish both feats. But what do I know.

So here is the “10 Really Good Comedians that You Should Go Watch in a Club to Laugh Your Ass Off” list.

1. Ryan Sickler
2. Dana Min Goodman
3. Tom Segura
4. Christina Pazsitzky
5. Jason Gillearn
6. Chris Franjola
7. Steve Flye
8. Andrew Norelli
9. Sam Tripoli
10.The Unknown Comedian

Starting on Monday, we will spotlight each of these comedians. I guarantee…if you go see any of these comedians live…it’ll be a good night.

Free porn and comedy…really? You don’t have to ask me twice. I’m there. This line-up is sick. Details below.

FREE PORN & COMEDY!

Sam Tripoli and Vivid Video pornstar, Monique Alexander host , The Dirty Show.

THE LINEUP
Joe Bartnick
Dana Min Goodman
Adam Hunter
Erik Lundy
Ryan Sickler
Sam Tripoli

For VIP comp, email: samtripolilive@gmail.com

Tickets are $5 at the door if you don’t send an email. Send the email.

The Improv Comedy Lab
8162 Melrose Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90046

*Street Parking is available

No excuse for the lack of blog entries lately. Headed out to see The Crime Fighter – Sam Tripoli and Alonzo Bodden in action tonight at Ballgame’s Laugh Lounge at Red Rock. Give me a shout if you’re there – just ask around…

Also, just got word that LiveComedyLA.com got its first media mention on 93.1 Jack FM. Thanks guys! And thanks Matty Ballgame for the PR.

Fresh off last night’s killer set on the Late Late Show, you can check out local Los Angeles comedian Ryan Sickler at the “Ignorance is Bliss” show at the Hollywood Improv. Tonight’s line-up is stellar – the only comedian I have not seen his Hixx. Everyone else is top notch. You’ll want to stick around for Kevin Shea and Sam Tripoli…who are all-star performers.  $13 at the door.  Show starts at 8pm.

Host: Jonny Loquasto
Tobe Hixx
Iliza Shlesinger
Ryan Sickler
Ian Edwards
Sam Tripoli
Kevin Shea
Ty Barnett

I feel it’s my duty to let the world know when a perfect storm could be brewing. Pornstars and Stand-up Comedy. It’s like a hurricane of tits and jokes. I can’t personally vouch for the show because I have not seen it…but from this VideoShot – I think you can expect a good time. The Crime Fighter – Sam Tripoli will be in the house. He’s a stellar comedian. And does it really matter which Vivid Video pornstars are in the building? I feel like this show will be big for the folks at the Ontario Improv a.k.a 909 Comedy.