The NashvilleStandUp.com Showcase @ Zanies is a showcase of the funniest professional comedians based in the Nashville area, plus guest sets from traveling comics, and a few up-and-coming young comics from the local Nashville scene. The line-up for the May 2nd, 2012 show includes: Chad Riden, Sean Christian Staggs, RonRon Moseley, Will Copeland, Gerald Giles, Mark Anundson and will be headlined by Renard Hirsch.

Renard Hirsch is a stand up comic out of Nashville, TN who has appeared in several films including Lincoln Heights, The Green Mile, Drumline, and Hannah Montana, The Movie. Television appearances include BET’s “A Time to Laugh,” and “Who’s Laughing Now” on Comcast. In addition to his hilarious, energetic stand-up performances, Renard also wrote and performs a one man show about civil rights leader, Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Also, it should be noted that Renard “gangsta walks at every party.”

Here’s a video of Renard performing in Memphis a while ago:

The NashvilleStandUp.com Showcase featuring Renard Hirsch
Wed., May 2, 2012
doors open: 6:30pm
showtime: 7:30pm

Zanies Comedy Showplace
2025 8th Avenue South
Nashville, TN 37204
615-269-0221

tickets:
$5. available at the door, online, or at the Zanies box office at: 615-269-0221

Facebook event:
Wed., May 2, 2012 – 7:30 pm

More info about the N’Sup Showcase @ Zanies is available at: http://NashvilleStandUp.com/showcase/

The fine folk at Corporate Juggernaut have decided to record their very own live comedy album and we want you to share this emotional event with us. We want your smiles, we want your laughs and we want your permission to burn them on to a CD for other people to enjoy. So, come on out and be a part of this historical evening and let us help you have a bad-ass time.

Also, stay tuned for all sorts of fun contests and stuff!

Performers Include:

Gary Fletcher
John Thornton Jr.
James Austin Johnson
Brad Edwards
Sean Parrott
Mark Anundson
Chad Riden
Brandon K. Norman
Sean Christian Staggs
Doug Morinec
Paul Strickland
Bryce Damuth
Dan Schlacter

APRIL 23RD

@ 9PM 21+

5 DOLLARS

@ BONGO AFTER HOURS THEATER; 2007 Belmont Ave. Nashville, TN 37212

www.corporatejuggernaut.com

(Facebook event)

Here’s a sketch video NashvilleStandUp’s own Chad Riden did with American Idol’s Scotty McCreery to promote Scotty’s ACM New Artist Of The Year nomination. Since Scotty posted the video online a week ago, his fans have warmly embraced Chad as “cousin” JIMMY DALE. Some YouTube comments even go so far as to say Riden should get his own show on CMT.. and we wholeheartedly agree. wink wink

For more Chad Riden’y goodness, visit:
ChadRiden.com
Twitter.com/ChadRiden
Facebook.com/comedychad
YouTube.com/ChadRiden

NashvilleStandUp.com would like to wish you a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Kooky Kwanza, Funky Festivus, or whatever it is you celebrate. To help spread a little holiday cheer.. here’s a classic clip of Nashville-based comedian Chad Riden‘s cameo appearance as Tiny Tim in George C. Scott’s “A Christmas Carol.” Clip courtesy of WBXX-TV:

Traditionally, on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving Zanies puts together an all-star lineup of comedians from Nashville who are off the road and back in town to spend the holiday with friends and family. “Comics Come Home” is a showcase style line-up of the guys (and ladies) who came up through the open mics, starting getting work.. and at some point hit the road to do comedy full time. It’s always fun. If you’re looking for an excuse to ditch your family and go have a few drinks / laughs.. this is the perfect show for you.

This year, our own Keith Alberstadt (“Late Show with David Letterman”, CMT, etc) will host AND headline the event which also features Dan Whitehurst, Dawna Kinne, TC Cope, Chad Riden, Brian Bates and Rick Wey.

Keith Alberstadt grew up the son of a Vanderbilt professor and a craft artist. The result . . . a very clever comic with sharp perception, unmatched creativity, and a treasure trove of unique material. His likable personality and down-to-earth charm invite people into his brand of humor—one that is smart but not brainy and relatable but not hacky.

While performing, Keith takes pride in laughing at himself and his “inner dork”, which he attempts to prove is something in all of us. Current events, popular trends, personal details… Keith shares his witty insight on everything, all the while doing it with a mischievous smile that quickly becomes infectious.

A regular performer for the U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, Keith has been described as “absolutely hilarious” by Armed Forces Entertainment and “a hidden gem” by the Boston Globe. He’s also a contributing writer for Saturday Night Live’s Weekend Update, National Lampoon and various online magazines.

Here’s a video of Keith’s Letterman appearance:

“Comics Come Home”
Wed. Nov. 23, 2011, 7:30pm
(facebook event)

Zanies Comedy Showplace
2025 8th Avenue South
Nashville, TN 37204

Tickets are available online or by calling 615-269-0221.

GMX, the Geek Media Expo, is Nashville, TN’s Next Generation Multi-Fandom Convention, featuring celebrities, multi-genre programming (comics, sci-fi, fantasy, horror, gaming, costuming…21 areas of content!), destination events, contests, workshops, fan panels, vendors and more! GMX takes place October 21st-23rd at the Millennium Maxwell House Hotel near downtown Nashville.

New for 2011, gut busting hasn’t been this much fun since ALIEN. Witness the daring comedic feats of the ginormous giants of geek-friendly comedy! We pointed the Batty Signal to the sky, and the call was answered by the area’s top talent. The GMX Geek Comedy Showcase is beaming down this October!

The GMX Girls will host the event (and be hit on by all the comics)

The Geek Comedy Showcase will take place from 7-8:30 PM in the Crown Ballroom immediately following Opening Ceremonies. The GMX Girls (Gia, Mia & Xia) will be hosting the event, which features some of the region’s most talented comedians performing material with a decidedly geek persuasion.

Come laugh at the comedic nerdery of Heidi Ervin & Erin Roberts Grammatico, Ray Price, Gary Fletcher, Chad Riden and James Austin Johnson.

Geek Comedy Showcase @ GMX
Friday, Oct. 21st @ 7pm

Millennium Maxwell House Nashville
2025 Rosa L. Parks Boulevard
Nashville, TN
USA 37228-1505

For More Information:
GeekMediaExpo.com
(Facebook event)

UPDATE: this show is no more! RIP SmartyPants (October 31, 2011 – April 15, 2012). Thanks to everybody who supported this show!

SmartyPants NerdCore Stand-Up Comedy Show EVERY SUNDAY @ Steve’s:
featured comics plus semi-open-mic
(If you are dirtier than you are funny, you’re not welcome. Smart and funny WINS.. stupid and filthy goes home.)

HAPPY HOUR SPECIALS:
- $2 Domestic Drafts / bottles
- 2-for-1 wells
- $4 House Wine

Hosted by America’s Favorite Comedian Of All Time, Chad Riden.

Every Sunday at 8pm. No Cover. Smoke-free.

Steve’s Restaurant & Bar
604 Gallatin Avenue #217
Nashville, TN 37206
615-227-8383

More infos:
StevesEastNashville.com
(facebook event)

UPDATE: this show is no more! RIP SmartyPants (October 31, 2011 – April 15, 2012). Thanks to everybody who supported this show!

Here’s a new promo video from the Corporate Juggernaut kids:

Ryan Singer’s debut album “HOW TO GET HIGH WITHOUT DRUGS” was selected by Punchline Magazine as one of the Top 10 Comedy CD’s of 2010. He was one of 4 finalist in CMT’s Next Big Comic Contest, been heard on XM/Sirius Satellite Radio, has appeared on the nationally syndicated radio show Bob & Tom, and was a regional finalist in Comedy Central’s Open Mic Fight. He was the winner of the Golden Shingle Award at the Rooftop Comedy Festival, an award given to the next rising star in comedy.

Ryan’s album is brilliantly bizarre, unique and hilarious.. and you should just go ahead and buy it right now because it is GREAT. If you are a comedy nerd you’ll listen to it over and over and enjoy it forever. Ryan Singer is one of those comics you’re going to be talking about for the rest of your life. I’ve seen him live a few dozen times and if I had the chance to see him again tonight I would not hesitate. Nobody else is doing what he’s doing right now. He’s original and wonderful and awesome and FUNNY. Buy it, steal it, whatever you’ve gotta do.. but make sure you see him live whenever you can.

Here’s a clip of Ryan’s comedy:

Go see Ryan headline the Corporate Juggernaut show at Bongo Java Monday, September 12th. Admission is only $7 – buy your tickets in advance online NOW because seating is limited and this will sell out.

The NashvilleStandUp.com Showcase @ Zanies Comedy Showplace – a showcase of the funniest comedians based in the Nashville area, plus guest sets from traveling comics, and Chad Riden’s IRON COMIC comedy competition with jokes written on the spot based on audience suggestions.

Follow and reply to @IronComic to play along at home.

The June 28th show lineup includes: Nashville’s Sean Parrott, Mark Anundson, Brad Edwards and Ali Alsalman. Jarrod Harris will headline the event.

Jarrod Harris is one of the most original comedians coming out of the South. Growing up in an family filled with violence, drug abuse, murder, suicide, abandonment, and homelessness paint a poignant, painful but also hilarious portrait of working class America in the 80s and 90s. Jarrod captures the angst and contradictions of what goes on below the Mason Dixon line and is an authentic comedic voice of the New South.

Noah Gardenswartz of Creative Loafing wrote, “Harris’ act is an oddly comfortable mix of trailer-park filth, comic angst and hipster irony. While his style may fit into several categories along the comedy spectrum, his clever writing only fits into one: funny.”

Jarrod has been on Comedy Central’s “Live At Gotham”, he’s performed on Comedy Death Ray at the UCB in Los Angeles, and is a favorite at the Laughing Skull in Atlanta. Last time Harris was in Nashville was February when he was filming a sold-out show downtown for The Southern Comedy Quartet Tour with Sean Patton, Nate Bargatze and Rory Scovel. Do not miss this chance to see him!

Here’s a funny video clip of Jarrod Harris on Comedy Central:

The NashvilleStandUp.com Showcase featuring Iron Comic
Tues., June 28, 2011
doors open: 6:30pm
showtime: 7:30 pm

Zanies Comedy Showplace
2025 8th Avenue South
Nashville, TN 37204

tickets:
$5. available at the door, online, or at the Zanies box office at: 615-269-0221

Facebook event:
Tues., June 28, 2011 – 7:30 pm

More info about the N’Sup Showcase @ Zanies is available at: http://NashvilleStandUp.com/showcase/

EDITORIAL NOTE: This is an opinion piece written by comedian Chad Riden, who does not represent or speak on behalf of anyone, including sometimes himself.

Today, comedian Louis CK took to twitter to defend Tracy Morgan. Over the course of several tweets, he said:

Tracey Morgan said something wrong, evil, cruel, ignorant and hilarious. He was on a comedy stage, not at a pulpit. You have a right to be offended, sound off. As a man who hates violence and discrimination against gays or anyone, I was not offended.

I can have two thoughts simultaneously. 1. Gay people have a right to grow up and live in confidence happiness, honesty and equality. thought 2. Tracey Morgan is ridiculous and I love watching him just go to wrongful and crazy places in his mind and I can laugh.

If every word a person says has to be right and balanced and fair, I will jump off a tall thing onto a hard place. It is clear to anyone with an ability to reason and understand people that he didn’t mean a word of what he said. he was fucking around.

Louis is 100% correct.

I was at the show and although the bit in question did not get laughs from ME, it DID get laughs at The Ryman that night. His “tone” wasn’t any different from when he was talking about butt-fucking “retards” or when he was talking about how women should be at home cooking. Where is the outrage from the retards? Why aren’t we talking about women’s rights right now?

The Tracy Morgan controversy is NOT about Tracy. It’s 100% about TN HB 600 / SB 632 & Stacy Campfield’s ridiculous “Don’t Say Gay” legislation — Both Tennessee state bills are terrible, hate-fueled legislation proposed by Republicans and GLAAD is using Tracy Morgan as a pawn to further their agenda in the state. I do not disagree with them on the real issue at hand, but I do dislike HOW they’re doing this.

LGBT rights / equality is important and Tennessee is a hotbed right now.. but by demonizing Tracy Morgan, the new victim has become free speech. Comedians – and all artists of any medium – must be able to communicate whatever they want, however they see fit. As soon as one subject/word/idea is “off limits” then it’s ALL taboo. Tracy’s words were in the context of a show, NOT a political statement.

Tracy’s act was paraphrased second-hand in text by someone who was offended by a performer who has said similar things many times before. Yes, it was “violent imagery” and it would be “disturbing” IF you thought he would act out literal interpretations of his ACT in REAL LIFE.. but what moron actually believes that?

Sometimes I say the exact opposite of what I mean and exaggerate view points I totally DISAGREE with, but sarcasm doesn’t translate to text. We can’t take the literal meaning of the text of the words comedians say in their ACTS and use that to try to judge their REAL WORLD opinions. Johnny Cash did not kill a guy in Reno. Steven Wright didn’t have a pony. Tracy Morgan wouldn’t stab his kid to death. Use your brain.

If special interest groups who exist ONLY to be offended by things are allowed to dictate what artists can say.. Freedom of Speech is dead.

I have been outspoken in the Nashville media this week. A lot of people I’ve talked to feel the same way. I find it ironic that because of this controversy comedians are now being bullied by the LGBT community.

I’ll be on NewsChannel5′s “Open Line” show tonight from 7-8pm Central (on NC5+) discussing the Tracy Morgan controversy. You can call in: 615-737-7587.

[ UPDATE: Here's a link to video of the first ten minutes of the show. ]

Gay or straight, sane or crazy, I love you – each and every one. Your pal, Chad Riden