757 Comedy Blog

Everything you want to know about the local comedy scene.

Category: Humor & Nightlife

■ 21 September 2011 | 9:47 PM

Carrot Top and the Disgruntled Clown

I was looking at the “Funnies” in the Virginian Pilot, it’s the first thing I do every morning, and laughed when I saw a Johnny Hart cartoon, “Wizard of Id,” that made mention of a friend of mine, Carrot Top. You know you’ve made it to icon status when you are mentioned in the “Funnies.” Little known fact, the very first Carrot Top concert was right here in Virginia Beach, back in the early 1990’s, at a placed called Rogues Gallery. Anyone remember that show? The managers of Carrot Top, me being one of them, wanted to see how well ticket sales would do in a market where the young comedian had never performed, based solely on his TV appearances, like MTV and A & E. And it gave us a chance to see old friends and family.

I know for a fact that a lot of top comedians give Carrot Top a hard time for being what is known as a “prop act” comic. However, in my humble opinion, funny is funny, and Scott is one very funny comedian. If you are ever in Vegas, go see his live show at the Luxor, I guarantee you will see one of the funniest shows ever.

Speaking of unusual comics, the Disgruntled Clown is coming to town. Talk about a wild act, imagine a 6 foot 5, 350 pound man, dressed as a clown, telling jokes. This is one comedian you do not want to heckle. He will be performing Thursday, September, 22^nd at Bayside Bar and Grill on Shore Drive. The show is free and starts at 8pm featuring a few hot locals like, Tim Loulies and Sid Bridge. Next Monday, the Disgruntled Clown will be at Luckies Dueling Pianos in Hampton. The show is free and starts at 8 pm.

There are a few open spots if you want to learn how to write and perform standup comedy at the Muse Writers Center. Beginners and intermediate classes start in October. Visit their website for details and to register. The Muse offers all kinds of writing classes, check them out.

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■ 12 September 2011 | 3:06 PM

The Pushers at the NorVa

WOW and OMG! The Pushers, a local sketch and Improv comedy troupe, headlined at the NorVA this past Saturday night to a packed crowd and received a standing ovation. I’ve seen quite a few Improv groups over the years but I’ve never seen a show that combined so many theatrical elements for a truly great performance. I knew it would be a good show but the Pushers delivered a high energy, laugh-filled show that blew the audience away. I have never seen an Improv group, in my 27 years in the business - rock a house like that before. For their big finale, they actually had a band on stage as well as over 25 performers involved.

I’ve heard so much about the NorVa, the great staff, wonderful facilities, and it’s all true. Now I know why every top act in the country wants to play the NorVa. It was such a treat to go back stage and see firsthand the wonderful facilities. Being a history buff, I was blown away by the cool pictures and posters at the NorVa depicting a bygone era from the early days of Granby Street. Aside from the really cool pictures of downtown Norfolk backstage at the NorVa, the facilities for artists is unmatched; from a TV room, game room, Jacuzzi, basketball court, dressing rooms, and more. I actually got lost several times wondering around backstage. I’ve been in just about every theater across the country and never have I seen anything like the awesome facilities at the NorVa. I must say my favorite room backstage was the game room where I played pool and foosball with the Pushers. After the show we all went to the Jewish Mother, which is connected to the NorVa, and partied till they threw us out.

Last Saturday night was one of the best times I’ve had at a show in a long, long time and I want to give a special thanks to Bill Reid, Rick Mersel, Will, Chuck, and the entire staff at the NorVa for giving Hampton Roads a concert venue that is one of the best in the entire country. The NorVa really knows how to promote a show and take wonderful care of the artists who perform there. Thanks again NorVa for a great time and I look forward to being a regular there.

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■ 07 September 2011 | 3:49 PM

Back to Comedy School

It’s back to school – Comedy School that is. If you are interested in learning standup or improv comedy, no matter your age, the Muse Writers Center in Norfolk offers an array of classes. Yours truly, me, will be teaching a beginners class on Tuesday Nights starting October 4^th from 7 till 9:30 pm, for 8-weeks. My advance class will begin Saturday, October 15^th from 4 till 6:30 pm, for 6-weeks.

Brad McMurran and Sean Devereux of the Pushers will be teaching several Improv classes. Improv Comedy starts October 8^th and meets Saturdays from 1 till 3:30 pm. The Pushers will also be teaching Sketch Comedy Writing starting September 26^th, Monday nights, from 7 till 9:30 pm. Hurry, only one slot is open. Sorry, but their advance Improv class is already sold out. The Pushers will be offering Improv class for teens. Check out the Muse web site for more details, the-muse.org.

Next Wednesday, September 14^th, the Pusher’s Muse graduation will take place at 37^th and Zen in Norfolk. 8 pm showtime. Check it out if you are interested in taking an improv class with some of the best in the business.

Speaking of the Pushers, they will be performing this Saturday, September 10^th at the NorVa. The Pushers promise a brand new show with lots of surprises and special effects. Get your tickets now at the NorVa - they are going fast.

Luckie’s Dueling Pianos in Hampton, off Power Plant Parkway, started the Comedy Factory on Monday nights. Adam Dodd from MTV and VH1 was the opening week headliner and this Monday, September 12 will feature the ever popular Bodacious. It’s free and the show starts at 8pm. After the show you can check out the football game next door at Nascar Sports Grille.

Another local Improv troupe, Plan B, will be performing at Code 3 Comedy Factory in Portsmouth this Friday night. It’s free and show time is at 9 pm. I am looking forward to seeing their show and how they combine sketch and Improv.

Next Tuesday at the VB Funny Bone is the monthly “Clash of the Comics.” The first 150 people with a ticket get in free, so get there early, get a good seat, and enjoy some of the best talent in town perform.

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■ 19 August 2011 | 12:06 AM

Comedy Chops

The Pushers will be performing at the The NorVa on Saturday, September 10th. Get your tickets NOW at the NorVa Box Office, or hound one of The Pushers on Facebook for a FREE ticket. The Pushers are one of the BEST Sketch Improv groups in the Country, and we are fortunate enough to have them right here in our own backyard. They are definite, local favorites with an awesome fan following. The Pushers = a FUN time.

Comedy Factory is providing countless opportunities for our locals to take part in and enjoy the comedy scene that is fast emerging in Hampton Roads. Did you know that you can go out on virtually any night of the week to enjoy a free, live comedy show? Laughter should not be reserved for weekends…

Right now there are officially seven Comedy Factory clubs in the area. All of these clubs are hosting FREE shows every week featuring Top Headliners, Local and Regional standup comedians, Improvisation, Sketch, Roasts and more! Take part in the laughter epidemic while supporting your favorite local clubs. Win-Win!

If you have any - and I mean ANY – unique talent that you want to share or tap into, we will glady provide you with resources.The weirder the better. Contact the Comedy Factory to get on stage at one of the clubs.

Remember Screech from “Saved by the Bell?” Well, his real name is Dustin Diamond, and he will be performing standup comedy at Shakas near the VB Oceanfront. I just heard that this show is almost Sold Out, so hurry to get tickets online NOW.

Dustin will make a second appearance on Sunday, August 28 during ECSE weekend! He will wrap up his tour on Monday, August 19 with a performance at Luckies Piano Bar in Hampton. Tickets on sale now.

Now Presenting: The Hampton Roads Roastmasters. Comedy Factory is looking for a few good people to ROAST. Bring your boss, co-worker, significant other and friends together and watch the professional comics roast them! Any brave soul out there who will volunteer as the first “roastee?” Speak up. The comedians are ready when you are!

Think you’re funny? Want to learn to write and perform standup comedy and improv? Now is your opportunity. There are several comedy classes starting this October at The Muse Writers Center in Norfolk and at the VB Funny Bone.

Details will be announced next week including the exact dates for these classes and enrollment. Stay tuned!

The answer to last week’s joke trivia: George Burns. He said, “Happiness is having a close-knit family in different cities.”

This week’s joke trivia: Identify the comedian who said, “Years ago when men cursed and beat the ground with sticks they called it witchcraft. Now they call it golf.”

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■ 10 August 2011 | 6:31 PM

Calling all Comedians! War of 64!

The VB Funny Bone hosted another Sold-Out show last night for the monthly Clash of the Comics. And the winner is . . . drum roll please . . .

Orlando F. Long! Congrats to Orlando for pulling off a gutsy set and winning the competition. Second place goes to JP Roy, first-timer at the Clash, and in Third place, UVA Junior, Garrett Barnes. Great show to all who performed! I am really impressed with the comedy talent emerging all over town.

It’s Official! The VB Funny Bone and the Richmond Funny Bone will host the very first “War of 64.” The Top Five comics from Hampton Roads will compete against Richmond’s Top Five comics. Both cities will pick a team captain. The captains will then choose two comics to compete with them in addition to the Clash winners for September and October. The five comics on both teams will each perform 25 minutes in the “War of 64.” This event is scheduled to take place during the 3^rd and 4^th weeks of October.

For Hampton Roads, the Clash will go down at the VB Funny Bone on September 13^th and October 11^th.

Stay tuned for the “Funniest Person in Virginia” contest. The contest will start in early 2012 with qualifying rounds at several comedy clubs throughout Virginia. The Finals will take place at the upcoming Standup for Soldiers next May. The 3 Finalists will perform 25-minute sets in front of thousands of comedy fans. The winner will be booked at several Funny Bone clubs and hopefully get the chance to showcase in Hollywood at the famous Improv on Melrose. Nothing is in stone yet, but I will keep you posted.

A new Comedy Factory club is opening at Bayside Bar and Grill on Shore Drive this Thursday, August 11^th, with headliner, Hypnotist Blaze. Every Thursday at Bayside you can catch some of the best, local talent performing with top headliners. The Comedy Factory is looking for anyone with unusual talent – singing, dancing, juggling, magic, etc. – to perform a guest set at this club. Contact the Comedy Factory to set up a showcase time.

If you have not gotten your tickets to The Pushers show on August 16^th at the VB Funny Bone, do so now. And hurry! The Pushers sold out last time they performed there. They are one of the BEST sketch comedy improv groups in the country.

The answer to last week’s trivia question: Will Rogers, who wrote, “ There are two theories to arguing with a woman . . . and neither works.”

Today’s joke is, “Happiness is a close knit family . . . .in different cities.”

Guess who wrote this, and I will give you 2 FREE tickets to see The Pushers on August 16^th at the VB Funny Bone.

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■ 03 August 2011 | 2:49 PM

757 Comedy Blog

Congratulations to The Muse Comedy Workshop graduates who performed this past Sunday at Shaka’s at the oceanfront. What a great show and performance from everyone: Deb Markham, Carla Finklea, John Newport, Linda Petrie, Mark Knopp, Daniel Russell, and Bijan Samareh. Two local favorites - The Educated Redneck Dan Ellison and Tim Loulies, The Big 44 - both made guest appearances to a packed house. I was very impressed by 16-year old Mark Knopp, a high school student, and Bijan Samareh and Daniel Russell, recent Maury high school graduates who attended the Governor’s School. Expect big things from these kids.

Next Tuesday, August 9^th, is another “Clash of the Comics” at the VB Funny Bone. The first 150 guests get in free, so hurry to get your tickets at vbfunnybone.com, and make sure to get there early to see some of the hottest local talent compete. The “Clash” is always a great show.

A new Comedy Factory club is opening at the Bayside Bar and Grill on Shore Drive starting Thursday, August 11, with Hypnotist Blaze. The following Thursday night, August 18^th, features Beatty Barnes’ “Comedy and Variety Show.” The Comedy Factory is seeking out local talent to perform in this show - from singers to magicians, and anything off the wall. You can e-mail the Comedy Factory at KP Comedy Productions to perform.

The Pushers are returning to the VB Funny Bone on August 16^th at 8 PM. The gang will be putting on a brand spankin’ new show. The Pushers sold out the last time they were at the Funny Bone. Get your tickets online now.

“The Funniest Comic Contest” is being finalized as well as the “Stand Up for Soldiers” comedy festival. Details will be posted here, so check back regularly.

The answer to last week’s trivia question is: Lahna Turner. She is married to Ralphie May. Lahna is performing tonight at the VB Funny Bone followed by Ralphie May on August 5-7.

Today’s trivia question! Guess who wrote this joke: “There are two theories to arguing with a woman . . . and neither works.”

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■ 29 July 2011 | 12:04 PM

757 Comedy Blog

My name is Ken Phillips, and I am the self-proclaimed “Comedy Guru” in the 757. My goal is to use my 25+ years of experience in the comedy business to expose those who are funny… and where you can find them.

The Virginia Beach Funny Bone at Towne Center is one of the premier comedy clubs in the country. Right in our own backyard!

View their schedule online, and text VBFUNNY to 68247 to instantly become a VIP.

Here you can check out Tommy Davidson, who will be touring The VB Funny on July 28-31. And don’t miss Ralphie May from NBC’s Last Comic Standing – you will find him there on August 5-7.

The Pushers, one of the best improv groups in the country, will perform a brand new show at the The VB Funny Bone on August 12. They combine sketch and improv for a rockin’, high- energy show. Tickets are on sale now.

If you haven’t noticed, there is a comedy tsunami swelling in the Hampton Road’s Area. It’s only getting bigger and better. Don’t miss this ride.

Several hot spots where you can perform open-mic weekly are:

Comedy Factory Tiki Tiki Bar & Grill

Cinema Café hosted by Dan Ellison Comedy at the Cafe

Seaboard Sports Bar & Grille hosted by Dan Ellison Seaboard Sports

Comedy Factory Shaka’s, VA Beach Shaka's

Comedy Factory Code 3, Portsmouth Code 3

Cozzy’s, Newport News Cozzy's

Comedy Factory Redbone’s Redbone's

The Jokester’s @ Chester’s Upper Deck Upper Deck

Comedy Factory @ Bayside Bar & Grille Bayside Sports Grill

See both amateur and seasoned stand-ups perform at these clubs. These are all FREE shows!

Classes in standup comedy and improv are offered at The Muse in Norfolk and The VB Funny Bone. For more info visit: The Muse Writers Center

Finally, someone smart enough to bring in a comedy radio station - Funny 850! Funny is "On-Tap" 24/7 in Hampton Roads. Turn it on, but buckle up first - Funny 850 airs some of the funniest, professional comedians in the country. They’ll have you laughing so hard, you could literally die laughing. Listen in your car, or online at Funny 850.

For my new comedy fans here is a trivia question. Who is Ralphie May’s wife?

Joke of the day: “I went out to eat seafood and they had this giant aquarium in the middle of the restaurant. Why would anyone do that? Those poor fish have nothing to do all day except watch the waiter walk by with another way they can be prepared. That’s like having a petting zoo in the middle of a barbeque restaurant.” Jimmy Shubert.

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