Mark Anundson: comedian, musician, Champion

Through the magic of Twitter and the fine Interwebs I discovered a
little competition called Iron Songwriter. I clicked on the fancy
link and signed up for one of the few open slots left in the
competition. A few short hours later I received one of the most
professional e-mails of my life and it stated I was accepted into the
competition. I arrived at the Next Level Theater at a very early hour
and was happy to do one of the first sound checks of the night. I sat
just outside the theater and listened to the other six competitors run
through their sound checks. As I sat there and listened I realized
that every other performer was pretty awesome at playing an instrument
and\or singing. I was up against a bunch of musicians that could
musically school me and my gut instinct was to get out of dodge before
the competition started.

I decided to stay and make the best of a weird situation. At the
start of the show they called all of the competitors to the stage and
then asked the audience members for song ideas. The audience was slow
to throw out ideas and may have stalled a little after the ideas of
basketballs and bicycles were shot down by the competitors. Finally
an Angel from the crowd yelled MUSTARD and we all had a good giggle.
We settled on mustard and a calmness came over me unlike ever before.
I know about mustard, I love mustard, I used to tell people I was
going to start my own mustard business. My confidence was restored
and I was off to the back to write what I thought would be the
greatest song about mustard ever told.

The first performer was a guy named Seth, he did a version of
Coldplay’s Yellow but made it about getting a mustard stain on your
shirt before a big meeting. The song was genius! The next competitor
was a guy named Matt who went up there and did a five minute power
ballad about how mustard plays second fiddle to ketchup. It was an
amazing song filled with piano riffs, emotional swells and it was
super funny. I was next and I don’t remember exactly what happened
but I think I made a few jokes before I started my song, got a few
laughs then went into a song that was about how much I love mustard.
It was a pretty dumb song but I was able to rely on the old set-up
punch format, interacted with the audience during the song and made
fun of how bad I performed the song. At the end of my song I had the
audience laughing and win or lose I had a good time. The rest of the
competitors were all fantastic and worthy of moving on to the next
round. Once the show was in full swing I didn’t care about winning or
losing I just enjoyed the process and made some new friends. At the
end of the night they announced the winners and I was shocked to come
in second place. Matt and his power ballad came in first and Seth
tied for third. I look forward to competing in the finals on December
17th.

The final NCT Holiday Show of the season and the BIGGEST Songwriter Challenge to invade Nashville. The day has finally arrived. 3 months ago songwriters started arriving at the steps of The Nashville Comedy Theater. Now 4 of the best of the best will be fighting for a chance to prove they are truly an Iron Songwriter.

Boo Detch
Justin Covergeist
Andrew Thornhill
Mark Anundson

Four songwriters. One audience suggestion. 45 minutes to write a complete song. They’ve done it once before, but can they do it again?

Their suggested topic could be anything from spatulas to zombies to the Dewey Decimal System, but they will need to create a song that will win the hearts (and votes) of you the audience.
And this time the stakes are even higher, pride, bragging rights, a trophy and cash:

1st — $200, a trophy and the title of “Iron Songwriter 2011″
2nd — $100
3rd — $75

While they are writing their song the cast of Nashville Comedy Theater will entertain you with our high energy Holiday themed improv comedy show, and this will be your last chance to catch the amazing delightful, magical, “It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Improv” show until next year. Featuring Christmas Carols, an “It’s a Wonderful Life” styled look at the impact of one person’s life on the world and at least a dozen more entirely new Holiday Themed games like Spin the Dreidel, Reindeer Games, Toybox Theater, & HO HO HO, Now I have a Machine Gun.

This Iron Songwriter Championship is going to be epic, with all of the 1st and 2nd place champions from previous months, bringing their rowdy fans, pianos, guitars, ukuleles, and unbelievable musical talents in one apocalyptic showdown.

Beer, wine, soft drinks, bottled water, candy, and snacks are available in the lobby. Tickets are available for purchase online at NashvilleComedyTheater.com (credit card and PayPal accepted). You may also purchase tickets at the door with cash or check, if tickets are still available.

two shows – 8pm – Friday, December 16th & Saturday, December 17th
(but, seriously, go see Mark on Saturday)

The Writer’s Stage / Next Level
1008 Charlotte Ave; Nashville, TN

Facebook events:
http://www.facebook.com/events/199981183418392/
http://www.facebook.com/events/289839074389405/

Whether you remember Mark as the host of WRVU’s “Get Up, Stand Up” or know him as half of the music group BIZRQ or as the FUN-gineer for sketch comedy podcast “The Mangy Dog Radio Hour Whoop Dee Doo” or one third of the cast of “Happy Birthday Gary” or the host of “Happy For Apathy” or as a frequent performer at Zanies or as a close, personal friend of The Kenny Rogers.. you know Mr. Anundson is a funny, funny man with musical improvisation skills sharp enough that other musical improvisors should probably just quit whatever it is they’re doing and start improvising songs about how great Mark Anundson is at improvising songs.

Mark Anundson: comedian, musician, Champion

Five other people who are decidedly NOT Mark Anundson will also be there participating in Saturday’s Iron Songwriter Competition. They’ll be given 45 minutes to write and perform a new song based on the audience’s suggestion. Saturday’s winner earns a spot in the final round in December and they will want YOUR vote to bring them forward.

All shows start at 8pm, Tickets are $10 and can be purchased right now online at NashvilleComedyTheater.com, or at the door with cash or check. Questions? Call Nashville Comedy Theater at 615-544-5386.

two shows – 8pm – Friday, November 18th & Saturday, November 19th
(but, seriously, go see Mark on Saturday)

The Writer’s Stage / Next Level
1008 Charlotte Ave; Nashville, TN

(Facebook event)

BIZRQ is: Mark “biz” Anundson and John “birq” Bradley. Mark puts together the beats, synth and vocals. John provides all of the guitar parts including but not limited to electric, acoustic and ukulele. Special Appearance by Sean “Dead” Parrott on Bacteria.

“Glass Half Meatballs” is now available for download at iTunes and CD Baby. Just in case you missed the first BIZRQ cd, “We Be Doomed,” here’s a video for their first hit single, “Robot Poop”:

Buy BIZRQ: “Glass Half Meatballs” at iTunes and CD Baby NOW!

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 March 8th show lineup includes: Nashville’s RonRon Moseley, Ali Alsalman, Mark Anundson, Paul Curtis; Cincinnati’s Jebb Lyons; and Memphis’ Jane Haze. Memphis’ Mo Alexander will be headlining the event.

Here’s a clip of Mo:

The NashvilleStandUp.com Showcase featuring Iron Comic
Tues., March 8, 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., March 8, 2011 – 7:30 pm

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

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 February 8th show lineup includes: Nashville’s Mark Anundson, Lee Quick, Rob Haynes, Gary Fletcher and Monty Mitchell. Nashville’s Brian Bates will be headlining the event.

Here’s a clip of Brian Bates:

The NashvilleStandUp.com Showcase featuring Iron Comic
Tues., Feb. 8, 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., Feb. 8, 2011 – 7:30 pm

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

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.

In addition to the comics’ planned stand-up sets, the show will also feature Chad Riden’s IRON COMIC comedy competition with jokes written on the spot based on audience suggestions. Originating on the Nashville radio airwaves and ComedyPodcast.com in September of 2005, IRON COMIC has been performed live at various venues for years.. but finally comes to Zanies as part of the NashvilleStandUp.com Showcase. In addition to the professional comics, anyone can participate in IRON COMIC by submitting jokes using Twitter and Facebook. Riden will highlight the funniest on stage and online during the show.

The show is hosted and produced by NashvilleStandUp.com’s Chad Riden. The October 19th show lineup includes: Cincinnati’s Gabe Kea and Butch Wesley; Memphis’ Mo Alexander, Jane Haze and Andy Fleming; and Nashville’s Doug Arnold, James Austin Johnson, Gary Fletcher, Sean Parrott and Brad Edwards. Nashville favorite Mark Anundson will be headlining the event with his hilarious stand-up and musical improvisation.

Formerly the host of “Get Up, Stand Up” on WRVU-FM, Mark Anundson is currently a regular on Comedy Podcast.com‘s “Happy Birthday Gary” podcast, is the frontman for robot-themed novelty music act “BIZRQ,” and is the man behind the “Happy For Apathy” podcast.

Tues., Oct. 19, 2010
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:
Tuesday, Oct. 19, 2010 – 7:30 pm

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

From left: Mark Anundson, Monty Mitchell and Kevin Green are seen at Harvey's South Street Comedy Club. Mitchell won the club's Funniest Person Contest.

Monty Mitchell knew from the first time he made other children chuckle at the lunch table, he was addicted to hearing laughter.

The now 36-year-old’s comedic stylings won him the Funniest Person Contest at Harvey’s South Street Comedy Club, 559 Wiley Parker Road in Jackson.

Mitchell won the honor over 100 amateur and semi-professional comedians during a six-week period. Besides the title, Mitchell also won cash, a promotional package and stage-time on the New Year’s Eve show, as well as two more appearances in 2010.

The lifelong Cookeville resident travels weekly to Nashville and hits other spots to continue to build his stage presence.

“I got a paddling in schools so many times for acting out,” Mitchell said last week about his childhood. “I’d do anything I could to make people laugh. I just now was able to find a way to get on stage and figure out how all that works.”

On Jan. 28 and 29, Mitchell will host shows headlined by Cledus T. Judd at Harvey’s South Street Comedy Club.

Mitchell spoke with The Jackson Sun about his side job.

Question: You’re an insurance salesman and do comedy on the side. Do you find the two contradict each other, or does it provide you with some of your humor?

Answer: I kind of take on a different personality on stage, or maybe I’m a different person at work. Maybe it’s truly me on stage; I don’t know. I don’t mingle the two at all. Most people don’t know that I do this.

Q: How would you describe your comedic style?

A: I’m not sure. I’ve been told that it’s kind of conversational-type comedy. Mostly it’s true stories that happened to me. I’m not a one-liner kind of guy, so they’re kind of long stories, but they’re about 50 percent true. You start out with the truth and make it absurd at the end.

Q: How do you push yourself and challenge yourself creatively?

A: I write five new minutes every week, and it seems most of the five minutes, nine out of 10 times ends up being junk; I take it to the open mic and test it out, and it ends up going in the back of the comedy folder. But it keeps the creative juices flowing. I find that works best for me.

You can’t substitute stage time. There’s nothing else. You’ve got to get on stage, and there you develop what you call your voice. It really does develop slowly, and you find yourself.

Q: What comedians have or do inspire you the most?

A: Growing up, Eddie Murphy was my favorite. I listened to “Delirious” until I broke the cassette tape.

Now I like Louis C.K., Jim McDonald. These guys are continually writing, always updating their stuff. They’re really involved in it 100 percent, they’re always looking for new ways … I find that amazing.

On the Net:

southstreetcomedy.com

- Stanley Dunlap, 425-9668

Don “D.C.” Curry

Thurs. Oct. 15 – Sat. Oct. 17, 2009 @ Zanies. $18.

“Whether he’s on tour playing huge theatres or doing special engagements at intimate clubs, whether he’s co-starring in major studio pictures or the leading man in an indie gem, whether he’s providing on-air radio talent or working as a voice-over artist, DC Curry is a very versatile, funny man. A prolific stand-up comedian, DC continually headlines top concert venues and major comedy clubs across the country. Not only a performer, DC also produces many of his own projects. His versatility and trademark comedy shtick keeps him constantly working.”

Zanies; 2025 8th Ave. S; Nashville, TN 37204 | 615-269-0221

TV Dinner Theater

7pm Fri. Oct. 16, 2009 @ 12th and Porter. $5.

This event will showcase the best Nashville has to offer with a blend of standup, sketch, and improv comedy mixed with music. Artists appearing include: TV Dinner Theater sketch comedy troupe, Music City Improv, Christy Eidson, Mark Anundson, Ryan Williams, Gary Dull, the Dead Dead, and many more!
(The Facebook event is here.)

12th and Porter | 114 12th Ave N; Nashville, TN 37203 | 615-254-7236

Dane Cook

8pm Sat. Oct. 17, 2009 @ The Sommet Center. $30 – $100.

If you ever wanted to experience Dane Cook in an intimate setting with a few thousand of his fans, this is the show for you! If you’ve got $30-$100, Ticketmaster has you covered.

The Sommet Center | 501 Broadway; Nashville, TN 37203

BT Kingsley

7:30pm Sun. Oct. 18, 2009 @ Zanies. $12.

“With subject matter ranging from the events of the day to pop culture to dating and relationships, no one else has a point of view quite like BT Kingsley. Attacking the mic with veteran confidence and gracing any and all stages with fresh, crowd-pleasing material and his own quick-witted style, BT Kingsley is one of today’s funniest and hard-working, young comedians working his way back and forth across the country. An instant favorite with audiences, club owners and promoters, his clean cut style makes him a comedian you will be tempted to take home to mom, or even grand mom-just make sure she has her oxygen tank handy!”

Zanies; 2025 8th Ave. S; Nashville, TN 37204 | 615-269-0221

Wednesday, May 13th at 7:30pm Lahna Turner hosts a night of funny people who have music in their comedy acts, including Wynn Reichert, Mark Anundson, Judy Klass, Zack Lyle, Donnie Winters, Brianne Angarole and more!. Tickets are just $10, so buy them in advance before they sell out.

Zanies
2025 8th Avenue South
Nashville, TN
615-269-0221
www.zaniesnash.com

It’s an okay write-up, but only okay. Dave could have looked deeper than Nashville’s “funny musicians” to find his local angle. For example..

Lahna Turner

Occasionally, Lahna produces “The Music City Comedy Show” at Zanies Comedy Showplace – a night of funny people who have music in their comedy acts. In the past, the lineups have included Rik Roberts, Steve Goodie, Wynn Reichert, Sean Parrott, Bucky Habanero, and Shantel Adams.

Rik Roberts

Steve Goodie

Wynn Reichert uses a tongue-in-cheek delivery to belt out tunes like, “I Need To Get Laid,” and audience favorite, “Sometimes I Wish I was Black.” Wynn is originally from California, lives in Nashville and tours internationally.

Sean Parrott

Speaking of the Mangy Dog Whoop Dee Doo, this Nashville-based podcast consistently features funny songs and parodies and whatnot produced by local professional funny people Jesse Perry, Mark Anundson, the previously mentioned Sean Parrott, Damian Anaya, Brad Edwards and more..

Mark Anundson

This isn’t nearly a comprehensive list of ALL the musical comedy acts in Nashville.. but it’s a start. Keep an eye on the NashvilleStandUp calendar for upcoming shows featuring these very funny people.