news, show listings, contests, ticket give-aways and slander about Nashville's comedy community
Author: Chad Riden
Chad Riden is the comedian / nerd / jackass behind NashvilleStandUp.com, ComedyNews.Org, ComedyPodcast.com & other stuff. Widely regarded as America's Favorite Comedian Of All Time. You should buy him a beer some time.
NashvilleStandUp alumnus Mary Mack will be a guest on The Bob and Tom Radio Show Monday, November 17th. Other scheduled guests include Scott Dunn and Moody McCarthy.
BobAndTom.com/ says, “Folk ‘n Comedy: It’s true that folk humorist Mary Mack often recounts stories of her life, but unlike your boring uncle, she does it with a guitar up on stage and makes a living doing it.” (wait. Does she use a guitar? Last time we saw her she was playing her mandolin and clarinet.) “And seeing as she’s a former polka band leader, music teacher, and all-around confused individual, we’re guessing she’s got some pretty good stories. Mack recently won Bill Word’s California Funniest Female competition and is gaining a following across the country. You can normally pick out a Mary Mack show because her audience is usually the one partaking in grown-up sing-alongs.”
Mary Mack is one of the most creative female comics working today. She’s very character-driven and very, very funny. She lived in Nashville a few years ago and performed all over the area before hitting the road.. so if you live near Nashville and you’ve never seen her live.. listen in to the Bob and Tom Show and kick yourself in the face for not supporting her and the rest of the Nashville comedy scene when you had the chance.
The Chris Loyd and Friends Comedy Show
Friday November 21st, 8pm
Featuring the stand-up comedy of Jesse Case, Damian Anaya, Corey Reppond, Ben Bergman, and Monty Mitchell with your host Chris Loyd.
no cover! 2 for 1 pints! 21+
The Music City Bar & Grill
2416 Music Valley Drive
Nashville, TN 37214
615.883.2367
Directions:
– take Briley Pkwy to the McGavock Pike exit (toward Opry Mills)
– turn toward Opryland Hotel
– turn Right @ the 2nd light (after Music Valley Drive)
– pull into parking lot immediately to your right
– “Music City Bar and Grill” is on your left Comments?
Bill Burr will return to Nashville to do shows this week that you do NOT want to miss. (I know I’ve said that more than a few times in the last year, but look at Zanies schedule and tell me I’m wrong.) Bill first gained notoriety for his reoccurring role on the second season of Chappelle’s Show, and has since gone on to become a regular performer on the Late Show with David Letterman and to have his very own HBO Half Hour Special. Bill’s most recent project was an hour-long Comedy Central special entitled: “Why Do I Do This?”
When in New York, Burr always performs on the Opie and Anthony Radio Show and eats at Ray’s Famous Pizza. Bill also co-hosts his own XM radio show, “Uninformed”, with fellow comedian Joe DeRosa (who will be at Zanies with Bill and headlining himself on Sunday November 16th).
Speaking of Opie and Anthony, comedy nerds know Bill Burr as the guy who ripped Philadelphia a new ass hole. Here’s part of the story from Bill’s blog about the night:
Couple more comics went out, did their thing and had good sets. But even they were coming backstage going, “There’s some people up on the grass that are booing. Just ignore them and plow through your shit.” It all had a very Platoon like vibe. “CHARLIE AIN’T STOPPIN’ FOR NOTHIN’ MAN!”
So I’m back stage waiting and waiting and waiting, while the crowd was drinking and drinking and drinking. I was hoping they were going to get tired and with any luck pass out. That never happened. They just got louder and angrier. Which to be honest with you, was starting to make me angry.
I was thinking, “What the fuck is wrong with these people? We came down here to give them a show and they’re treating everyone like shit. What a bunch.. Oh wait that’s right. We’re in Philly.”
..
I heard my name called, I walked out and I just felt the whole crowd at my throat. I can’t even describe the energy of this crowd. It seemed to be from another era. I felt like there should have looked out into the crowd and seen fuckin’ horses and little fires burning. The only thing missing was Genghis Khan riding up one of the aisles.
So Bill unleashed his fury and tore their city apart. Here’s a clip of the show as recorded by someone in the crowd:
The Bammer is here! Don’t miss one of the “Comedians Of Comedy” – she’s only going to be at Zanies Wednesday and Thursday nights. Here’s a clip of Maria discussing the “Crazy Office” Myth:
UPDATE from Chad Riden (Nov. 6):
Last night I opened for Maria Bamford at Zanies & it was a ton of fun.. but the place wasn’t sold out the way I automatically assumed it would be. It absolutely astounded me that tickets were available.. still does. I wasn’t even going to bother to tell people to come out, I thought it was universally understood that this was a DO NOT MISS event. Her Comedy Central Presents specials are both at the top of my list of ones I’ll watch every time they come on tv, no matter how many times I’ve seen them. Her cd’s get more plays in my house than any other comic’s cds. I went to see her and the rest of the Comedians Of Comedy any time they were within two states of where I was at the time. She’s that good. If you’re six hours away from Nashville right now, you should get in your car and start driving.
If you haven’t seen her, check her YouTube clip on the front of NashvilleStandUp.com right now. She is crazy funny and does a few voices and act-outs and is sweet and wonderful and a perfect example of everything that is GOOD in the world. I realize I gush about her, but I love this woman. LOVE HER. I just want to hug her and squeeze more funny out. It’s ok, my wife knows.. she loves Maria probably more than I do, if that’s possible. Bamford is one of those people who is NOT extroverted. She’s not dominating conversations, interrupting your story with something better or funnier.. she’s a quiet listener. An absolute sweetheart who listens to what people say and watches how they say it and pays attention to the world.. and then goes on stage and reproduces the funny absurdities of how people act and talk and turns the everyday mundane into the “holy shit” hilarious. She is amazing.
Sometimes people say, “women aren’t funny” and I ALWAYS reply, “wrong. Maria Bamford.” There are other funny ladies out there, too.. but I challenge anybody to watch The Bammers and then say women aren’t funny. It simply does not happen.
I’m just saying that she’s only in town for two shows – last night and tonight at 7:30. Tickets are $18 each (if you are on Zanies email list, which I highly recommend, you can get them for cheaper). Come on out. If you pay to get in because of what I just said and at the end of the show you aren’t totally smitten with Maria, I, Chad Riden, will personally refund the cost of your tickets out of my own pocket. We can then no longer be friends, of course.. but you’ll get your money back.
Friday thru Sunday the headliner is Nick Griffin, as seen on Letterman.. I’m sure those will be great shows too.. but I’ve never met him or seen his act yet. Friday I might just send an email talking about how much I love him, too, for all I know.. but I’m tellin’ you. Don’t miss tonight. Get your tickets now! www.MariaBamford.com MySpace.com/TheRealMariaBamford
11/4: Spanky’s Is Your 2008 Election HQ!
Not only is Spanky’s your home for the NashvilleStandUp.com Open Mic on Tuesday nights, but this Tuesday night Spanky’s will become your 2008 Election Head Quarters with the “Longest running Open Mic in the South East” starting at 8 PM. And you know a night like this can’t be complete without a special appearance by “Druncle Sam.” Be sure to come out and share history with your friends at www.NashvilleStandUp.com.
HD election coverage behind the bar with on stage updates through out the night.
Patriotic Food and Drink Specials! Just like with politics, some will be cheesy and some will be dirty.
Comedy Central’s Indecision 2008 to follow, in the show room, immediately after the Open Mic competition.
Spanky’s Sportsbar & Grill
330 Welch Road
Nashville, Tennessee 37211
Phone (615) 837-3450
Behind the WalMart @ Nolensville and Harding Place – Nashville Druncle Sam @ MySpace Druncle Sam @ Twitter
