Spring comedy preview

The biannual arts preview just came out in the Georgia Straight. As usual, I did the comedy portion. I imagine the theatre and dance writers have an easier time of it because those art forms usually book a season in advance. Comedy, not so much. Which is to say, this isn't a definitive list. Still, as you can see here, there are some good shows coming up. Two I'm most excited about are Brian Regan and Norm Macdonald. I've seen both of them before (come to think of it, I've seen all but Jamie Kennedy before), but they're always hilarious. Anyway, my point about comedy bookings was driven home right after I sent this in to the editors last week. Three more shows were announced but we were unable to include them. And they are

• Danny Bhoy, May 16 at the Vogue. He's the darling of the Just For Laughs people, having closed two of their cross-country galas. I can't imagine there's a huge demand for the guy, but those JFL people know how to fill seats.
• Penn & Teller, June 11 at the River Rock Show Theatre. I've never seen these guys live before and I'm a big fan so I'm looking forward to this one. Granted, I am an unabashed fan of magic. But even people who aren't fans of traditional magic love their meta-magic show. I interviewed Penn Jillette in Montreal about his involvement with The Aristocrats back in 2005, which you can hear on the podcast here.
• Tim Allen, June 18 at the Red Robinson Show Theatre (two shows). I've never been a fan, but I've also never seen him live before so look forward to seeing if his live show is different from what I've seen on TV. I can't tell you the number of times I've been pleasantly surprised at a live show after years of not liking what I've seen from the same comic on TV.
  

Episode 182ish: Charlie Demers

We had a good visit with Charlie Demers a couple weeks ago. We talked about his novel, his book of essays, and being fired from City News among other things. If you missed it, it's here for your enjoyment. It's also over at iTunes, if that's the way you roll. Also enjoy the photo I snapped of him in the studio. I keep meaning to do that every show but to date, he remains the only one I've captured.

Attention Female Comics, Attention Female Comics

Former Vancouverite Bonnie McFarlane is looking for a few good female comics. Well, she and her hubby, American comic Rich Vos, are:

Dear Female Comedians,

Rich Vos and I are currently looking for footage of female comedians onstage to be used in a theatrically released documentary that we are making about... funny women. The tapes should be shot independently, not from a tv show or professional showcase. There is a release form (see below) you need to print, fill out and sign to send with your MiniDV or DVD.

Send to:

Rich Vos
P.O. Box 7799
Hillsborough, NJ 08844

Thanks and we look forward to your submission.

Bonnie McFarlane

Here's the release:
You may remember Bonnie from the best season of Last Comic Standing, where she was the best thing on it. And beyond that, we don't get to see her too much here, which is damn unfortunate. Did you know she got her start at the old Punchlines in Gastown? I believe she started out taking tickets before moving up to open mike night. Or something like that. If I ever get her on the show, I'll get to the bottom of it.

Meanwhile, here's some classic McFarlane. Beautifully politically incorrect:

February 28: Ian Bagg

On this final day of the Olympics in Vancouver, we've got a new visitor to What's So Funny?. Ian Bagg is a semi-local (he's from Terrace) who got his start here in Vancouver, but quickly moved to the States. A long time ago. Well, before I started covering comedy here, anyway. (We'll find out precisely on the show.) He still lives there but is back for the Olympics, huge hockey fan that he is. The guy is a true original and I can't say his name without saying it in his voice. Ian was going to be on the show last year but I got sick and had to cancel on him. Hopefully he won't get so drunk celebrating Canada's win (or mourning Canada's loss) in the gold medal hockey game earlier in the day that he has to cancel on me. That would be karma. But I don't believe in karma so I'm hopeful. It should be a fun show.

I've got some good shows coming up, too. Next week we've got Carter Hortie coming back, and the following week Matt Billon will make his first appearance on the show.

Meanwhile, enjoy some comedy from Ian Bagg, back on the old Tonight Show with Jay Leno:

Ian Bagg Tonight Show

Ian Bagg | MySpace Video

February 21: Charlie Demers

You know him from the CityNews List. You know him from his numerous appearances on CBC's The Debaters. You know him from his stand-up comedy. You know him from his novel, The Prescription Errors. You know him from his book of essays, Vancouver Special. You know him from rabble-rousing political rallies. Or maybe you don't know him at all. But you should. He's a very funny guy and altogether too damn smart for his own good. Charlie Demers (aka Charles) is our guest tonight. It's been a while. But lots has gone on since his last visit (see preceding sentences) so we'll have plenty to talk about.

Episode 181ish

There's another podcast in the vault for your listening pleasure. And what a pleasure it was. Paul Provenza was a comic I used to watch back in the 1980s on Johnny Carson. If you're not that old, you'd know him as the director/producer of The Aristocrats, the documentary of 100 comics telling the world's filthiest joke. He spent the hour with us on the phone from L.A. talking about all sorts of things: the art of stand-up comedy, his relationship with Jay Leno, and his love of Vancouver comic Daniel Packard, among other things. Speaking of Packard, he was with us in studio, adding to the conversation and revealing a new master plan. Suffice it to say he won't be on our show as much. But hopefully he won't forget about us.

The show, as always, is available on iTunes. When you download, write a review of the show, for the love of God! Good or bad, I don't care. Or listen to it right here:

Episode 180ish

The latest comedy roundtable episode is now available here, there (Comedy Couch) and everywhere (iTunes). It was fun. We had Ian Boothby, Jane Stanton and Sean Proudlove in studio, while Peter Kelamis joined us over the phone from L.A. I haven't had too many phoners over the years, and have turned some down just because I think it's not ideal. There's no face-to-face contact and hearing someone on the phone for an hour doesn't sound all that good. Still, I had been mulling over having more phone guests and this show helped seal the deal. Of course it helps if the guest is as good as Kelamis was here. We talked mostly about the Leno-Conan situation, but got into a few other things, too. I think my favourite part was the story Kelamis told of getting booked on Open Mike with Mike Bullard. It's a classic Canadian show biz story.

Comedy Roundtable, January 24, 2010

Local comic makes... good?

Vancouver-based comic and street performer Sharon Mahoney has apparently recently moved to England. I didn't know this. But I do now, thanks to Chortle, the British comedy website, who wrote a brief review of her standup show. Not exactly a glowing write-up, but hey, there's no such thing as bad publicity. Besides, as any performer or publicist knows, a bit of creative editing and you've got quotes for your press kit:

"Jaunty!.. Told with faultless professionalism!... Entertainingly diverting!... She's got a perky, confident and engaging delivery!" – Chortle magazine

Read the whole review here.

Jan. 31: Paul Provenza

Okay, okay, I know I said Paul Provenza would be on the show last week. But stuff happens. He had to reschedule, but was kind enough to tell me ahead of time. Big-time comedy stars sometimes get busy with big-time comedy things. They don't need to do a late-night radio show/podcast based in Vancouver; they do it out of the goodness of their hearts.

Provenza e-mailed me back yesterday to say he's in for tonight. It should be a good one. The guy, who you probably know was the director/producer of The Aristocrats, is an encylopedia of comedy knowledge and an eloquent spokesman on its behalf. I became a fan of his back in the early 1980s when I'd see him breaking up Johnny Carson on the old Tonight Show. And get this: the emcee the night he first took to the stage at the age of 17 was none other than Jay Leno. Provenza has done Leno's Tonight Show eight or ten times. But wait, it gets better: I heard that when Letterman first moved to CBS, Provenza almost took over for him. The job, we all know, went to... Conan O'Brien. I'm thinking he might have a take on the whole imbroglio at NBC.

And if his stand-up cred doesn't impress you (and it should), perhaps you'd be interested to know he played Casey Clark in five episodes of The Facts of Life. You also maybe saw him in Miami Vice, Charles in Charge, Empty Nest, Northern Exposure, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, The West Wing, and Beggars & Choosers. Now are you intrigued? Thought so.

ADDENDUM: We'll be joined in studio by friend of What's So Funny? and Paul Provenza himself, Daniel Packard. We haven't seen Daniel in a while so it'll be great. Should be a fun and spirited conversation.

Comediapedia

Comedians Cory Mack and Harry Doupe are involved in an intriguing project. If you're a Canadian comic reading this, follow the links and add a profile. It'll be interesting to see what the final numbers are, not to mention a great resource. Also, the name is great. Say it out loud for the full effect. Spread the word to your comedy buddies:

As a Canadian Comedian it's time to stand up and be counted!

In an effort to have a definitive record in honour of the ones who entertain us, Comediapedia has begun its search for each and every Comedian in Canada.

Comediapedia aspires to be the first complete living record of everyone who has ever dared call themselves a Canadian Comedian with direct links to Canadian Comedians and other features like:

- a current cross-country comedy calendar of upcoming performances by your favourite Canadian Comedians

- a compelling history of the Canadian Comedians and their stories compiled by Harry Doupe

- Comediapedia's e-newsletter

- anecdotes and road stories from the comics you've heard about, and those that you are going to hear about

We need you! We've spent months compiling a list of Canadian comedians for one reason... we are gathering all Canadian Comedians together in one place to highlight the amazing talent that is produced here in our country. Every Canadian Comedian, from amateur to professional - from sea to sea - with talents in Standup/Sketch/Improv and Musical/Variety - will receive an invitation to create a profile on Comediapedia.ca.

It's simple... check out the website to create your profile:

http://www.fractureafemur.com/newsletter/link.php?M=507&N=21&L=20&F=T

You can share as much or as little as you like... and then spread the word!

Together we can bring attention and regard to our profession.

Without agenda and full of hope, I invite you to join us.

Jan. 24: The Comedy Roundtable returns

It's been a while since we've used the comedy roundtable format. I don't know why. But when Paul Provenza wrote to say he had to postpone his appearance on What's So Funny? another week, a lightbulb went on over my head. The comedy roundtable!, my brain told myself. It is time. Especially given the fact that Conan O'Brien's version of The Tonight Show went off the air on Friday after only seven months on the air and everyone seems to have an opinion on it (I've yet to meet or hear of anyone who's pro-Leno). So I organized a top-notch panel for you. Ian Boothby, Sean Proudlove and Jane Stanton will be in studio while SGU Stargate Universe's Peter Kelamis will be weighing in from La-La Land, where he currently resides. We'll sit around and chew the fat on this momentous situation as well as whatever else we think of. If you want to join in, give us a call between 11 and midnight at 604-684-7561.

Episode 179ish

One of my favourite episodes of 2009 is now up and running over at iTunes. It's episode 179ish of What's So Funny? featuring Harry Doupe, wherein the former Vancouverite drops by and talks about the old days, and gives his barbed opinions on the likes of Russell Peters, Gerry Dee, Mark Breslin, Rich Elwood and Rick Ducommun. It was interesting to learn, according to Doupe, that Elwood, the owner of the old Punchlines club, tried to get Doupe to sign an exclusivity contract. You always hear of complaints about that kind of contract levelled at Yuk Yuk's.

Doupe gives the Statelessness of the Industry speech every year at the Canadian Comedy Awards. My hope is that each December, when he's back in town visiting family for Christmas, he makes a tradition of coming on the show.

If you want to listen right here and now, see below. Otherwise download it to your pod machine and listen at your leisure. And while you're at iTunes, for God's sakes leave a comment and/or review. How much do I have to beg? It's not becoming and I think neither of us enjoys it:

Harry Doupe, from December 27, 2009:

Uh, not so much

So we were guestless, as you would have heard had you tuned in. That's what you get by flying by the seat of your proverbial pants. Yes, I am wearing actual pants, too (as far as you know), but they're not the ones I'm talking about. Storck and I never managed to hook up in time. No doubt he's reading his e-mails Monday morning slamming his palm to his forehead V-8 style thinking he blew his chance at co-op radio superstardom. Oh well. It happens. Maybe next time he's in town.

Jan. 17: Mike Storck (probably)

Hello good people of Blogland. I bet you're wondering who the guest is tonight, aren't you? So am I, frankly. I have a strong feeling it will be Baltimore native, Mike Storck, who performed at Lafflines this weekend. I dropped him an e-mail yesterday (I like to plan ahead) asking if he'd like to be on the show. Then I was out in Chilliwack all afternoon watching a community theatre presentation of Willy Wonka (now I know where Charlie Bucket and Veruca Salt come from!). I got home to a message from Mike saying he'd love to be on the show. At press time (i.e. right now, 7:30) we're in a game of e-mail tag. But as Charlie Bucket likes to say, you've got to be optimistic.

But, hey, next week... Check out who we have on next Sunday! None other than Paul Provenza, the director of The Aristocats.

Jan. 10: Mark Breslin (repeat)

We're off this week. That is to say, there won't be an original show. Instead we offer a special encore presentation of the interview with Yuk Yuk's grand pooh-bah Mark Breslin (by special request). Sure, it's available as a podcast on iTunes, but there's nothing like hearing it on the radio.

Sorry to be so brief, but I'm off to see Joey DeFrancesco tonight at the Cellar. It's not comedy-related, but what the hell. Here's a video of the guy:

Pitchmarket

Thought I'd pass this along:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -

January 4th 2010

DEADLINE APPROACHES!

PITCHMARKET 2010 - PITCH PANEL APPLICATION DEADLINE:

JANUARY 15TH 2010

PitchMarket 2010's TV Series Panel Pitch features a handful of talented applicants leveraging an extended pitching session to an entire panel of decision makers, while other participants watch and learn. The is a unique opportunity to get your ideas in front of heavy-weight industry decision-makers and trendsetters.

Application deadline for this unique opportunity is January 15^th 2009. For more information and application forms visit www.ftxevents.com.

PitchMarket 2010 announces its first TV Series Pitch Competition! Any registrant of PitchMarket 2010 (Sunday PM or Combo Pass) is eligible to apply for FREE!

TV Series may be any style, length, or genre (i.e. ½ hour reality show, animated children’s series, 1 hour drama, etc). We will even consider mini-series.

Submissions will be juried by industry professionals and TEN finalists will be selected to pitch LIVE on Sunday, March 7, 2010.

Pitches will be 20 minutes in length and include feedback from the executives. Other attendees may sit in on your pitch to watch and learn.

If you would like the opportunity to pitch your TV series to a panel of executives please send up to 3 pages (maximum) of show bible including:

• logline
• summary of 1st season
• summary of pilot episode
• main character breakdown
• any other important information

The BEST PITCH wins CASH as well as professional development services. Second and Third place receive development services. Final prize amounts TBA.

Prizes so far include: TV Boot Camp training, Script PIMP development notes, script consultation, iScript professional readings, software, industry event passes, and more!

PITCHMARKET 2010 - THE EVENT IN BRIEF

SATURDAY MARCH 6TH AND SUNDAY MARCH 7TH:

Are you a film school graduate? Have you got a great idea for a series? Developed a pilot? Got twenty-four pages of gold? If any of these describe you - don’t miss out on the opportunity to pitch directly to industry executives, literary agents, and managers. This is Hollywood North’s chance to grab some serious face-time with industry pros. This year’s PitchMarket features two days of pitch workshops, coaching sessions, career accelerators for industry advancement, panel pitches and face-to-face pitch meetings. Chat with story editors, funding agencies, and other industry organizations in the Pitch Cafe or enjoy the Indie Lounge, a relaxed networking space with special guest indie producers and directors.

-30-

Jan. 3: Uh, nobody

We'll ring in the New Year on What's So Funny? with comedy. No guest tonight, just clips from the world of comedy. If you have any requests, leave a comment here, or call the studio (604-684-7561), or drop us a line at wsf1027fm@yahoo.ca. Otherwise sit back and enjoy the show. The non-guest shows are never included to the podcast family so if you're not listening tonight, it's gone forever.

That's it. Short and sweet.

Episodes 177 & 178

Oh hey, I forgot to wish you all a Happy New Year. I was thinking it.

Anywho, I just noticed that two more episodes have been added to the What's So Funny? podcast family. Number 177 (and remember, these numbers are approximate but I'm sticking with them) is with Jay Brown and Eddie Brill, while episode number 178 is with Marc Maron. What's not to like about these two? Go download them at iTunes or listen right now right here:

Eddie Brill & Jay Brown, from December 13, 2009:

Marc Maron, from December 20, 2009:

Peter Kelamis

Check this out. Vancouver's own (and 2-time What's So Funny? guest) Peter Kelamis has been discovered by The Jay Leno Show. Or at least the two knobs who book the comedy on the show. They were also the talent scouts on NBC's Last Comic Standing and on The Tonight Show when Jay hosted.

I say "knobs" a bit unfairly. For all I know, they are experts in their field. I've only seen them on LCS. I found myself disagreeing with them more than not so that has forever tainted them in my eyes. I'm like that.

But, hey, if they book Kelamis on Leno's primetime show, maybe I'll change my tune. What's happened so far is they've posted a clip of Peter's to the show's website under The Laugh Squad. Apparently an IT guy in their office was sitting around laughing at a clip of Kelamis and that caught their eye. Or ear, as it were. So they posted said clip and asked for comments. Maybe if enough people went over there and raved about him, they'd put him on the show.

So get going, already. Do your part. Get the local guy a spot on American network TV.

Dec. 27: Harry Doupe

I hope everyone had a great Christmas. Or Friday.

What's So Funny? keeps on keeping on over the holidays. Tonight, comedian Harry Doupe makes his first appearance in the WSF? studio. We had a half-hour sit-down interview with him in Saint John in October, but the dynamic is always different in studio. No idea what we'll talk about tonight but I'm always interested in hearing stories about the early days in Vancouver. Doupe, despite moving away years ago, still considers himself a BC'er, having grown up in quaint Fort Langley and started his comedy career at Punchlines in Gastown. Give us a call, if you feel like it, and join in on the conversation. We're on the air from 11 to midnight on 102.7 FM in Vancouver. Or listen via livestream right here. The studio line is 604-684-7561.

Dec. 20: Marc Maron

When this show started, way back in 2004, there weren't any comedy podcasts. Or at least I didn't know about them. And what I don't know doesn't exist in my world. These days, cyberspace is littered with them. What's So Funny? isn't technically a comedy show. It's a show about comedy, is how I describe it.

Since I discovered podcasts, I've listened to my share of them. Some I like, some I don't. And of those I like, I find I often tire of them in relatively short order. The schtick gets old with everyone trying to one-up each other. Sometimes I sit there and wonder why I'm listening, and then they'll stumble onto something interesting/fascinating/hilarious.

With so many comedy podcasts, how do you even choose what to pick? I start by looking at the hosts and whether I'm a fan of theirs to begin with. That's a good start. Next I look at the guests, and whether I'm a fan of the guests. Then I commit. You've got to listen to the whole episode and give it your full attention. Doing something mind-numbing like a menial chore works.

Some of my favourites are Never Not Funny (with Jimmy Pardo), Comedy and Everything Else (with Jimmy Dore and Todd Glass, although I think he quit recently), Comedy Death-Ray (with Scott Aukerman), and Stop Podcasting Yourself (with Graham Clark and Dave Shumka).

I keep going back, on and off, to all of these, depending on who's on. But one keeps me coming back every single episode: WTF with Marc Maron. Despite what you probably think, WTF doesn't stand for Whiskey Tango Foxtrot. Maron is a bit of an acquired taste and he's clearly not for everyone. But for my money, this is the best show on the internet. Why? Maybe because Maron doesn't try so hard. He's a confident conversationalist, albeit a self-centred one. He's funny when he needs to be but doesn't feel the need to always go for the laugh. He's intelligent. He's forceful. He's full of neuroses and anxieties. He's got a great voice. He's raw and honest and intense. He's curious, both intellectually and psychologically. And the show gets better each time out.

It also doesn't matter who his guest is. It's usually a comic (some of my favourite episodes have been with Zach Galifianakis, Doug Stanhope, Janeane Garofalo, Eddie Brill, Jen Kirkman, and Andy Kindler) but not always. It's just as fascinating to hear him talk to a former junior high school friend who is now an astronomer, a music journalist or a musician. Each show starts off with a solo rant or rumination by Maron and usually ends with either a prepared bit. Not coincidentally, his show is one of the most popular requests on iTunes.

Maron was in town a couple weeks ago to tape an episode of The Debaters on CBC radio. I couldn't have him in the same town without trying to get him back on our little show. So I asked. No problem. He even let me use his fancy equipment instead of my rinky-dink iPod. So we sat up in his hotel room and rolled tape, the results of which will air tonight at 11 pm PST on 102.7 FM in Vancouver or via livestream here. And we'll let you know here when the episode gets posted to iTunes. Probably sometime next week.

If you heard WTF's episode 29 with Andy Kindler, you'll hear Maron talk about food waste. When you hear him on our show talking about the same thing, though, know that he said it there first. We just aired ours later. But if you stick around, we do get a scoop. Maron starts talking about his old pal Sam Kinison and tells us something he's never said in public before. I won't spoil it for you.

So tune in. And when you're done that, if you haven't already, go download some WTF episodes.

NOTE: The video bar there on the right should be clips of Maron's comedy. If you see rapsters doing their raps, try hitting the refresh button.

Episodes 175 & 176

It's de rigeur for podcasts to number their episodes. But our show predates podcasts. It's first a radio show that only later was available in podcast form. So I have no idea how many episodes we've done over the past five years. I can't just go back and count the weeks because, as you well know, some weeks we're off the air, some weeks we run encore presentations, and we have no set vacation schedule. I do know that we've done more than are available on podcast. Who knows how many episodes there are?

I used to have to go into the station to download the shows, save them to disc, then deliver said discs to the Comedy Couch mistress, who would then upload the podcasts when her schedule permitted. It was a delicate dance. One whole year we couldn't arrange our schedules so no new shows were put on the podcast. And if I didn't make it into the station for three weeks, the episodes were gone forever. These days I can sit at home on my couch and download shows from the past six months and deliver them electronically to the Couch. So we're a much smoother operation now. We're all caught up and we're pretty prompt in getting the shows to the internet.

Still, I was curious. I just counted the available podcasts and see that we've got 174 episodes available. Well, add two more to that total (my calculator is unavailable at the moment). We've just added another Richard Lett episode, where the newly sober comic swears like a drunken sailor and tells us why he's been booted off so many stages in town. And Bev PoCock and Chris Wes shock the entertainment world with an announcement and make beautiful music together. Jason Bryden and David Milchard make surprise appearances.

Here you go. These episodes, like the other 174, are also available on iTunes, where we await out first ever comment. One day...

Richard Lett, from November 29, 2009:


Bev PoCock and Chris Wes, from December 6, 2009:

Dec. 13: Jay Brown & Eddie Brill

What a Christmas season we've been having on the show. Two weeks ago we had Richard Lett swearing up a storm and talking about Jesus. Last week we had Bev PoCock and Chris Wes announce their retirement from show business to reveal they're Jason Bryden and David Milchard (who knew?!).

This week we've got the always outspoken Jay Brown and Eddie Brill, the comedy booker for The Late Show starring David Letterman, who'll be talking to the both of us by phone. Man, can it get any better next week? Sure, it can! We've got iTunes sensation Marc Maron on for the hour on the 20th.

But let's not get ahead of ourselves. I haven't seen Jay Brown since I don't know when. Maybe it was the last time he was on the show in 2005. I know he's no longer living in Vancouver. I don't even know where he's living. Toronto? New York? We'll find out. No doubt he'll fill us with Christmas cheer and goodwill.

Eddie Brill has never been live on the show, although once we ran a pre-recorded interview and he's always been a friend to the show. Agreeing to come on the air from 2 to 3 a.m. his time should tell you that much. The guy is friends with just about everybody in the comedy biz. We'll try to pry some stories out of him. We'll ask him who vets his act when he does stand-up on Letterman (as he will in January). And we'll ask him what he was telling Barack Obama (that's Eddie on the right chatting up the President of the United States of America with Letterman ignoring the both of them).

But don't forget. We're in Vancouver. Our start time is 11 pm.

New one

Podcast update: The Johnny Scoop episode is up. Listen here or on iTunes.

The future

Two items of interest:

1. Just heard that Dave Attell ("with guests") is playing the Commodore on January 15. I notice that tickets went on sale on November 6th so chances are I'm just slow to notice things. I last saw him years ago at Giggles in Seattle. Since then he's gone on to put out CDs and host a couple of TV series (Insomniac and The Gong Show). On the one hand, I'm excited because he's a great comic and I don't know if he's ever played Vancouver before. On the other hand, I see he's playing the Comic Strip in Edmonton. A club! i.e. the perfect place to see a comedian. Oh, how I wish we could have the equivalent of a Comic Strip in Vancouver, a place that would bring in touring headliners from the States. Yuk Yuk's does a fantastic job of spotlighting Canadian comics (who are often just as good or better than their equivalents Stateside), but the more variety the better, in my book. I'm as nationalistic as the next fella, but who wouldn't want to see some of the best from down south in a club setting?

2. Speaking of Yuk Yuk's, I dropped by the office yesterday and found Mark Breslin's audio book (Yuk Yuk's Guide to Canadian Stand-Up) waiting for me. It's an early Christmas. I started listening in the car to the five-CD set and I love it. Breslin starts each "chapter" talking about a particular comic and their place in history. And the bonus disc is the classic live album "The Funniest 50 Minutes Ever!", which I wore out on vinyl back in the day and haven't heard since. I look forward to playing tracks from it on future shows.

But here's the great part: It's not Toronto-centric. I mean, sure, the vast majority of acts featured are from there, but that's just history. Breslin also didn't ignore those who chose not to work his clubs. There's a chapter on Brent Butt. But here's the cool part: Discs 3 & 4 are called The Future. He includes Vancouverites Craig Campbell, Richard Lett, Graham Clark, Damonde Tschritter, and Jeffery Yu. Not bad. Can't wait to hear them. Being a compulsive sort, I can't go out of order. The discs also come with a nice booklet.

Dec. 6: Bev PoCock & Chris Wes

Edgar Cayce, eat your heart out. We've got the modern-day purveyors of positive thinking: the lads from It's Good To Know People (aka IGTKP). Bev PoCock and Chris Wes (who bear a striking resemblance to Jason Bryden and David Milchard) have been bringing their brand of bonhomie to the people for the past four years. After a drubbing at The Debaters taping on Wednesday, losing to the grumpy Marc Maron in a debate about the powers of positivity, they'll be in our studio to try and win me over. They've also promised us a scoop. A big announcement will be made. If that doesn't get you to tune in, I give up.

As always, show goes from 11 pm to midnight on CFRO, 102.7 FM in Vancouver, and on livestream at http://coopradio.org/listen/index.html.

Nov. 29: Richard Lett

Regular readers here will note a change to the schedule. For weeks we had someone else listed as tonight's guest. But this being Christmas season, when high-paying corporate gigs come a-calling, you can never be too sure.

But we've got a great replacement. It's a comic who's not afraid to speak his mind: Richard Lett. The stand-up comic, poet, writer, musician, spoken word champ and former high school teacher is one of our favourite guests who always has lots to say, and says it well. I'll put his appearances on the show right up there with the best of the rest. He's got a reputation he cultivates of being rather an insensitive sort, but he's a softie at heart.

So tune in tonight from 11 to midnight on CFRO, 102.7 FM, in Vancouver. Or livestream it from wherever you might be. Give us a call, if you feel like it: 604-684-7561.

Nov. 22: No show

THIS JUST IN!: On this anniversary of the Kennedy assassination, there's nothing to report.

If you're sitting at home at 11 pm tonight and are in the mood for some conversation about comedy, don't tune in to CFRO, 102.7 FM. That's where you'll usually find us, but not tonight. We've been pre-empted. No doubt what's replacing us will be as stimulating as what we offer, but I can't guarantee it. If you really want to hear What's So Funny?, go download one of our hundreds of episodes on iTunes. Surely, you haven't heard them all.

Next week, we've got the dandy comedy of Bev PoCock and Chris Wes.

But I will leave you with this, from former WSF? guests Trevor Devall and Dylan Rhymer: a fascinating look at that tragic day in Dallas back in 1963:

Nov. 15: Johnny Scoop

What's the scoop on Scoop? Tonight we find out as we welcome first-time guest Johnny Scoop. We'll get to the bottom of things, like his name, for starters. Were his parents fans of 1940s gangster flicks or is he? We'll also talk about the Story Slam, his obsession with records (467 straight "funny" posts on Facebook, doing the Grouse Grind 60 times this year), his weekly comedy shows at the Kingston on Mondays and Thursdays, and his love of the ampersand. The guy even comes with his own theme music. He is radio-ready. Looking forward to it.

Breslin podcast

Look at that, last week's radio show is in podcast form less than a week before its original air date. We are on top of things. This is my chat with Mark Breslin, author, actor, comedian, raconteur, bon-vivant, and founder andhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif CEO of Yuk Yuk's. Available here (the blog), there (Comedy Couch), and everywhere (iTunes). (Again, if you're on iTunes, please rate the show and offer a comment. It feels so lonely there.)

Casts of the Pod variety

I've got three relatively recent episodes up on podcast already. Are we not on top of things these days? As always, listen here, at your friendly neighbourhood Comedy Couch, or over on iTunes. And while you're at iTunes, why not take the time to rate the show and leave a comment? I'm not asking for raves (unless they're heartfelt, of course). Any review and rating will do.

Meanwhile, here you go:

Danny Mendlow & Julie Webster, from Oct. 18, 2009:



Ardell Fitzpatrick and LeeAnn Keple:




Jon Dore/Harry Doupe, from Nov. 1, 2009:

Nov. 8: Mark Breslin

On the day the Toronto Star runs a story on Yuk Yuk's founder and CEO Mark Breslin, we've got the guy for one full hour on What's So Funny? How's that for timing? The interview was recorded on October 3 in Saint John. It was 7:15 pm on the evening of the gala, which would start at 8 pm up the street. I was in the lobby of Breslin's hotel and decided to call him up to see if there'd be a time I could sit down and talk with him the next day. He says, "What about right now?"

So down he comes and we hunt around for a quiet space with no hissing fountains or loud hotel carts wheeling by. No one was in the "business center" (which consisted of one computer), so in we went. I told him to signal me whenever he had to get going, knowing the gala was within the hour. But he knew the show was an hour long and graciously went the limit. So we were late for the gala, but not very.

I love talking to Mark. He knows his stuff, is opinionated, fair and always compelling. In this interview he talked about his miserable childhood, where he, in his words, grew up as a "Jewish prince in a household of depressives". He talked of his early career managing folkies and how that transitioned into booking comedians. He defended himself against a few criticisms. And he spoke of his years as the comedy producer on the old Joan Rivers talk show. Good stuff.

What we didn't talk about was his new book on stand-up comedy in Canada. Why? Because I didn't know about it until this morning when I read the Star piece. The book is entitled The Yuk Yuk's Guide to Canadian Stand-Up. I'll put that on my Christmas list, and we'll have to have Mark back on to discuss it. You would think, judging from the title, that it would be a biased view, or at least one that discounts the contributions of any comedian not on the Yuks roster or located in Toronto. But a list of Breslin's 10 most influential stand-ups in this country includes one Mr. Brent Butt, who was never a Yuks man. Or if he was, broke with them early. Which leads me to believe that Breslin's book will at least attempt to be representative. Here's his list:

1. Dave Broadfoot
2. Brent Butt
3. Jim Carrey
4. Larry Horowitz
5. Elvira Kurt
6. Mike MacDonald
7. Howie Mandel
8. Paul Mandell
9. Russell Peters
10. Kenny Robinson

Read all about it in the Star. And tune in tonight.

ADDENDUM: Just read in the National Post that this "book" is in audio format only. Which makes more sense given that the cover says it features over 50 performances... Wait a second. The National Post? I thought it went under? Guess not... Here's an excerpt on Harland Williams:

Nov. 1: Jon Dore and Harry Doupe

One of the challenges of doing a radio show on Sundays at 11 pm is lining up out-of-town guests. Visiting comics generally skip town early on a Sunday. But with my magic iPod, I'm able to record some interviews here and there and run them on the show. And that's what we have lined up for you tonight. When I was in Saint John, New Brunswick, a few weeks ago for the Canadian Comedy Awards, I was able to sit down with television's Jon Dore at a local mall for a half-hour conversation. He talks about his recently deceased TV show, and admits to being embarrassed by most episodes. Go figure. I thought it was one of the best things on the Canadian airwaves.

The second half-hour was a sit down in the hotel lobby with former Vancouverite Harry Doupe, who I used to see regularly at the old Punchlines in the early 1980s. Harry reminisced about the early days, told some road stories and talked about his annual Statelessness of the Industry speech.

It's a good hour, if I do say so myself. Tune in, won't you?

The inner artist

When your art takes center stage in your life, when that’s all your about, well then, there’s a lot riding on it isn’t there? Your self-worth becomes woven into how you performed that day, and that is a false sense of identity. And what’s wrong with that if it motivates you to get better? you may ask. I’ll admit, it does put the pressure on to get better but it’s a far cry from healthy pressure, if there is such a thing. What’s wrong with this attitude is that it prevents you from taking chances (your entire self-worth is at risk remember) and being creative requires a willingness to take chances, to make mistakes and “run with it.”

What comedian said this?

It wasn't any comedian, actually. Could have been, though, couldn't it? It was jazz clarinetist James Danderfer, who is also really funny on stage and off. But he was talking about playing music. He wrote this in his excellent weekly blog. Go back through the archives and there's lots more that pertains to comedians and artists in general.

So many comics I know take an individual performance way too personally. It eats them up until their next good show. Not being a performer, I could never understand this. I figure if your act usually does well, why sweat it if one crowd, for whatever reason, doesn't like it? The only time you should worry is if the duds outnumber the times you kill.

But therein lies the rub, as James so eloquently put it. You can't also just aim to please. Yeah, of course you want the audience to like you (or your act, more precisely), but you don't want to pander. Anyone can do that. To grow as an artist, you've got to take chances. And failing is inherent in taking chances.

James prefaced the above quote with this:

Even at the young age of 17, after being “serious” about music for only 3-4 years, I started to associate my personal image with my art. What does that mean? Simple:

I play great = I am great
I play bad = I am bad

Does that hit home with anyone?

A couple months ago I interviewed Danderfer for vancouverjazz.com. He's such a funny guy on stage I decided to ask him about it and was pleasantly surprised with his reply:

When you talk between tunes, you're like a stand-up comic. Did it take a while to get comfortable talking to an audience or were you always like that?
Yeah, it's definitely taken me time to get comfortable with that. Absolutely. After university when I started playing around town a bit and leading groups, I was really nervous about talking so I would just avoid it as much as possible. Then after working on cruise ships and being part of the show band and playing for so many entertainers, like night after night, I think that definitely rubbed off on me a bit. Because you're sitting there on stage just watching the audience while the featured performer has got his ass on the line and is trying to entertain or tell jokes or explain something about the song in an entertaining way, and you can see how they react. So that helped quite a bit. But then just forcing myself to do it. I just wanted to communicate more with the audience, especially if it was original music and there was some kind of story behind it, but was contemporary jazz so it wasn't maybe the easiest thing to tap your toe to, so I wanted to explain the story behind it so that people would get into it more. And the more I did it, the more feedback I got that it was really making a difference for people, especially imagery, explaining thoughts and feelings behind the composition. People really related to it.

Lots of musicians get up there and tell the back-story. But you're also reaching them through humour.
Well, that's the other thing. I really like comedians, I like watching stand-up, and I think over the last couple of years I've started to laugh at myself more on stage, as opposed to feeling embarrassed about mistakes, just embrace them. I really like listening to a good comedian. I think it's very similar to the process of playing music in terms of timing and giving them something. Not saying too much. There are similar elements.

Any teacher or prof who could use humour effectively, you tend to remember the lesson more, too.
Exactly. Good speakers or teachers, good articles or books, they stick with me if it's entertaining. So I try and do more of that. I still haven't actually written anything down, like written a joke or anything. It's just getting up there and trying to do it more. And the more I do it, the more comfortable I am and I think it comes across better the more comfortable I am. Because I'm not up there trying to tell jokes; I just want to relate to people and feel like we're all in this room together and it's an inclusive experience. Rather than just explaining a song, the details, more like an inclusive group.

It is, after all, show business.
Yeah! That's the other thing. Yeah, exactly. It's still a show. That's another thing, getting back to the university schooling, that is maybe a bit frowned upon – the element of show business... No, frowned upon is too strong a word; it's not emphasized so you forget that that's actually a big part of it.

Show business has certain connotations, but you're putting on a show and the introductions are just part of that show.
Right. And the show biz part can be genuine or it can be fake. And people usually know the difference. And that's why so far I haven't written material trying to get laughs. I just enjoy doing it now so I stick with what I enjoy doing. I enjoy talking a bit about the songs – I try not to do too much – and get people involved a little bit. And it's fun. So I just kinda stick with what feels good.

It gives a fuller experience for the audience.
Yeah, I think so. I think it does. I know I appreciate that when I go to a show. It doesn't have to be funny, either. I just appreciate when the performer really makes an effort to meet you halfway, or to give you something to hold on to. Yeah, I know I like it.

Who are your favourite comedians?
I really like Stephen Colbert. Jon Stewart, also. I like his work. Chris Rock. Bill Burr. Louis CK – he's just outrageous. Lewis Black. The pit-bull of comedy, what's his name? Bobby Slayton.

Podcast update

Three good ones to while away the hours. Listen here or download at iTunes:

Brett Martin, from November 9, 2008:


Byron Bertram, from November 16, 2008:


Pearce Visser, from October 11, 2009 (with guest hosts Shaun Stewart & Eric Fell):

Oct. 25: Ardell Fitzpatrick & LeeAnn Keple

The last time Ardell Fitzpatrick and LeeAnn Keple visited What's So Funny?, we were in a tiny studio. That tells me it's been at least four years since we've seen them. Lots has happened in the ensuing years. Ardell took a break from comedy but is now back with a vengeance – and an oxygen tube. We'll talk about that as well as the ongoing Laff Riot Girls competition at Lafflines, which started on Oct. 14 and crowns a winner on Nov. 4. There's lots to catch up on. Join us. That's an order.

Louis CK review

My official review of Louis CK's show at the Vogue on Saturday is now on-line at the Straight. It'll be out in the paper on Thursday if you have something against reading on a computer screen.

Spoiler alert: It was really, really good. I don't think it was quite as strong as his appearance here last year, but that's really nitpicking. It was a mostly new show, too, as is his custom. Only two bits from last year made it to this year's 90-minute performance (that I remember, anyway). I have no idea where he is in the development stages with this one. There were some chunks that didn't really go anywhere. And you know what? I didn't matter one bit. He told a story about being in a high-speed chase in L.A. that had no pay-off but the joy was in the details along the way.

He really can take even a premise done to death and make something of it. So we get material about airport security and deplaning protocol that's fresh and new, proving once again that there's no such thing as a hack premise, just hack comics. I think it's key that he really does (seem to) care about this stuff. He doesn't choose material because he thinks it'll get a laugh (although I'm sure that's part of it); he talks about stuff he finds funny and has the confidence to know he can make it work for us.

He also will go to any length to hit all the hot-button words. Usually a comic that tries so hard to squeeze in all the dirty words in his arsenal is tiresome. Add toilet humour to the mix, and on paper he's a comic that wouldn't interest me. But he does, inexplicably. I hate to list some of his topics and words out of context, but I'm going to anyway. Trust me when I say he utters these in the least offensive way possible:

• Mother rape (he's against it)
• "nigger baby" (he's aghast that his ex-wife told him he yelled it out in his sleep)
• "cunt hair" (used as a measurement to express an infinitesimal difference)
• "shit the dick of Christ" (he doesn't know where that came from)
• "shitting in people's mouths" (used as an example of what's okay, Biblically speaking)
• "retard in a stroller" (NYC parents coddle their teenagers so they end up like this)
• "some Dutch faggot in 1776" (not meant sexually)
• "kid fucking" (again, he's against it but uses it to illustrate it's the reason why some children are killed or go missing)
• "fuck her in the period hole" (surprisingly pro-woman)
  

His biggest targets are the selfish haves in the world who are constantly looking out for number one, and... himself. So he's able to walk that line. And he does so masterfully.

My favourite line of the night, possibly, was following his chunk on how good it feels to say "Jesus Christ!" What did they do B.C? Or even during the time of Christ? He ends with Jesus's friends watching him being crucified and not being able to saying anything other than, "... That is bananas... A real humdinger," before the brilliant "They were three days away from having the perfect thing to say!"

CK thinks it's ridiculous the way we overuse language to the point where everything is amazing, genius or hilarious. But those are three pretty good words to describe his work these days.

Oct. 18: Danny Mendlow

We've got a really interesting show tonight. Got a young tyke on by the name of Danny Mendlow. Danny does stand-up comedy, but even more than that he's got his dirty fingerprints all over the internet. One of his videos was banned by YouTube, pussies that they are. But it's found a life of its own so you may have already seen it. If not, here it is for you:

Religion - watch more funny videos

Mendlow also has an animated series on the life of Jesus in the modern world (watch the first season at jfcshow.com), has tons of slick videos on funnyordie.com, collegehumor.com and DIGG.com. Or check out his own site, toofar.tv, where you can see all manner of offensive comedy, be it stand-up, sketch or music. Here's another for your viewing pleasure:



Should be a fun show. Check it out. Oh, and since it's our annual membership drive, you might want to consider calling in and donating to the station. In return, I've got some goodies to give away.

Fine podcast

Remember back a couple of weeks ago when Academy Award (TM) winner David Fine was a guest on our program? And Ian Boothby guest hosted? Well, remember no more because that very episode is now available in the popular podcast format. Listen right here right now, or download it at iTunes.

Oct. 11: Pearce Visser

Happy Thanksgiving, good people. Hope you have a good turkey dinner. I'm still away, celebrating the harvest in New Brunswick, but the show will go on. I've lined up two guest hosts to take my place this evening: Shaun Stewart and Eric Fell, aka The Justice Pals. They will be serving up some justice with VTSL vet Pearce Visser. It'll be Pearce's first time on the program so hopefully they'll be gentle.

I'm back tomorrow so I'll be in the chair next Sunday night. Talk to you then.

Two new podcasts... and they really are new(ish)

We're really getting caught up to speed here with the podcasts. No, last week's isn't up yet, but the two before it are. They're good ones, too, with big-time(y) American guests. Check 'em out, either right here or go to iTunes. Either way is fine with me.










Tom Segura & Jon Reep, from Sept. 20, 2009:

Scott Aukerman, from Sept. 27, 2009:

Saint John, final day

Let's finish off this puppy, shall we? Saturday was my last day/night at the Canadian Comedy Awards. I do believe there was on afternoon show on the Sunday at the high school, but I skipped town.

Saturday started with a writer's symposium. Hey, I'm a writer, kind of, so why not attend? Plus, it was in my hotel. A no-brainer, really. Plus, I love these types of things. The panel was moderated by stand-up comic Cory Mack, while Dan Redican (Kids in the Hall, Puppets That Kill, the Frantics, Little Mosque on the Prairie, and The Jenny McCarthy Show), Tim Steeves (This Hour Has 22 Minutes, The Rick Mercer Report), George Westerholm (Al & George, The Rick Mercer Report) and Ron Sparks (Comedy Now) were on the panel.

Things I learned:

• Redican said it's touchy writing for Little Mosque because the show is based on a religion. "Those are people that blow up buildings," he said.
• Funny is in third place at the Mercer Report: 1. Canadian 2. Politics 3. Funny. (This didn't surprise me. Actually, I figured "funny" was a lot further down the list judging from the show.)
• In writing for a show, or doing a spec script, one always has to keep in mind what the show isn't.
• Rickland is the land inhabited by Mercer and his minions. So Britney Spears doesn't exist in Rickland. (See list above.)
• 22 Minutes producers are cowards (my interpretation). They once got 700 letters of complaint after making fun of Elvis Stojko so from that point forward, there were to be no more figure skating jabs.
• Inspiration is not a great friend to the writer. (I knew this already. Boy, did I know this.) A deadline is all the inspiration one needs. It's simple hard work and getting down and doing it.
• If you're sending in a pitch, repeated hits are the key. Anyone can fluke out one good pack, or get friends to help punch it up. But if you send in a pack three weeks in a row, the producer might sit up and take notice.
• You almost never get in the front door in show business; you've got to find the side door.
• Writing TV shows is hack work. You're making widgets. You're not James Joyce creating your masterpiece.
  

It was a fun and informative hour. I'd love for these types of things to take place at the Vancouver festival.

At 4 pm, former Vancouverite Harry Doupe gave his annual Statelessness of the Industry address, a direct rip-off, he will admit, to Andy Kindler's annual skewering at Just For Laughs. Harry, though, just concentrates on Canadians. It was fun hearing shots taken at people I know. And it was especially fun because I wasn't included. (I interviewed Harry later that day for the radio show and he told me I had been targetted in years past.)

He started by mentioning the Funniest Person in New Brunswick contest he closed on Wednesday, and which I briefly mentioned here. I saw the last performer and wrote that if they're all of his quality, New Brunswick comedy is in good shape. Uh, apparently they're not all of that quality. As Doupe put it, "I weep for New Brunswick's comedy future." That gave you an idea of how the speech would go. Doupe didn't take any prisoners. And there were lots of barbs at Vancouver comics.

First off, though, he hit one of the biggest names in comedy, Russell Peters: "If Russell Peters had a dollar for every time he told somebody how much money he makes, he'd have exactly the amount of money he has now." Asking if anyone saw Peters host the Junos for the second year in a row, he said, "I laughed out loud about eight times. But then Nickelback finished their song." To which a chorus of comics would mumble, "Burn, burn, burn."

Doupe mentioned that comedy forums appeared to be dead. I'll vouch for that. And that's why I was spared this year. He couldn't get on me for all my wonderfully insightful Comedy Couch posts. Ditto Ian Boothby.

Another Guy got it, though. Comedian Guy Earle, who was taken to the human rights tribunal for insulting a couple of lesbians, got the Doupe treatment. Back when the brouhaha started, Earle had said that it would be good publicity. Harry said, "Guy Earle was able to spin about fifty pieces of international media into absolutely fucking zero."

Gerry Dee's cross-country theatre tours also came into Doupe's sights: "There's no sense playing a 2000-seat hall if you're gonna have 400 people there... And there's no sense going to a Gerry Dee show."

Then the rest of the speech was Doupe railing about hyperbolic press releases and personal websites. As happy as he is for Brent Butt's success, he can't stand the CTV hype machine. "CTV puts out press releases like Corner Gas cured cancer."

Next a trio of Vancouverites got ridiculed for their excessive self-praise. Dan Quinn's website apparently says Dan is "poised to be the spokesperson for his generation," to which Doupe adds, "based on the Yuk Yuk's in Calgary." Damonde Tschritter's site says the Globe & Mail hails him as "comedy's new superhero". Turns out the G&M said no such thing. I know that full well, because I was the one who wrote that Globe & Mail story on Damonde. A Prince George paper did the hailing, apparently. And Richard Lett's site calls him a "pioneer of stand-up". Doupe pointed out that Lett started four years after him.

Carla Collins' website says she was Yuk Yuk's Best New Stand-up. Doupe: "Anyone remember her being good or at Yuks?"

He showed a sultry pose from Sugar Sammy and correctly pointed out that in all the photos of Sam, he never looks like a comic. More like a male model.

When he asked the folks how the new Second City show was, and several people clapped, he said, "Now we know where the Second City people are sitting." ("Burn, burn, burn.")

Oh, there was more, particularly at the expense of Richard Lett and Dez Reed, but I couldn't jot it all down. You'll just have to make it to the next Canadian Comedy Awards to hear it next year.

After talking to Doupe for the radio, I walked back to the festival hotel and put in a call to Mark Breslin's room, asking if he wanted to do an interview. He was game and said he'd be right down. The gala was less than an hour away, but he knew I'd need an hour for the show. I told him I could work with any amount of time. But the guy was very accommodating. We spoke for a full hour and you can hear it in a few weeks.

After the interview, we walked up the hill to the Last Laugh Gala at the Imperial Theatre, which, I had heard, was sold out. Breslin had a ticket; I just had a media pass, which wasn't cutting it with the ticket taker. Breslin joked that they should let me in because I'm a reviewer. "Oh, what's your name?" I told her, and it turned out a ticket was left for me afterall. Had Breslin not spoken up, I might have just slunked back to the hotel. As it was, I got a box seat next to the stage. And a drink ticket. Score.

I arrived in the middle of Best Newcomer Nathan MacIntosh's set. It took a while for me to warm up to him, but liked his dadless in the Maritimes bit.

The lovely Jessica Holmes hosted and I was reminded again at how show biz works. For someone to gain a measure of success on television, they have to be pretty good (most of the time). So even if you're not a fan of their TV work, they just might be decent in person. And she was. I can totally see how she got to where she is. The girl's got talent and charisma.

Roger Abbott and Don Ferguson of the Royal Canadian Air Farce were another example of that phenomenon. They read the fake news and there was some solid material there. I liked their lampooning of the Conservative attack ads on Ignatieff: "Michael Ignatieff - he's been outside of Canada. He speaks French with a French accent. He's written books..." all read in an ominous voice. Then Ferguson (or was it Abbott? I honestly don't know which is which, but it was the taller one) did a pretty good Ignatieff impression: "I am a bilingual academic. Think of me as Pierre Trudeau only without the annoying charisma."

Mary Walsh then came out to present an award she would have presented the night before but her flight didn't arrive in time. She wore the tightest dress I've ever seen. I think it was painted on. Her job was to announce the winner of the Dave Broadfoot award. As she was listing the criteria (longevity, creativity, popularity, etc.), she joked about how it could be her. To her great surprise, when Abbott and Ferguson came out to read about the winner, it was, indeed, her. She fell down laughing as soon as she realized it.

Over the years I've heard of Tim Steeves, but having never been to Toronto I'd never seen his stand-up. But the Sussex, New Brunswick, native tore the house down with a solid set. Really good with an attitude to match. "Dad called me a dreamer. But you had a lot of time to think when you're waiting in the car outside the legion" and "Living with women is like living with weather. All the variables of nature brought indoors." Good enough lines on their own, but his delivery was perfect. He even ventured into Greyhound bus beheadings.

After an intermission, Holmes came out as Liza Minelli. Apparently she opened the night as Céline Dion.

A bilingual duo called Les Smouthes was next and they were everything you expect from a French comedy troupe.

Thankfully, the rest was solid. Deb DiGiovanni and Jeremy Hotz closed out the evening. Man, that Hotz persona always works. Especially as he gets older. His weariness at life and aging suits him even more. He started out by harping on Saint John: "Who put the fucking hills in? It's not quaint! It's annoying. You need a fucking rope lift to get up the street." And of course his crowd work is exceptional. Everything came together, and when he accidentally stumbled onto the mayor of Saint John, he went to town. "Get rid of the hills, asshole."

The after party was fun and we were entertained by the Ween of bar bands. Man, these guys – who certainly didn't look anything like rockers – played everything from Eminem to AC/DC to Beyoncé. They were good. On my way home, I dropped in to another bar to catch the last two minutes of an extremely loud indie band. It took me back twenty years. But hey, that's not comedy. And I've gone on long enough. As a great writer once said (he may have said it twice for all I know), I would have made it shorter but I didn't have time.

Sorry about that.

Oct. 4: David Fine

I've got more on the Canadian Comedy Awards, but bear with me. Today was a travel day. That one-hour drive from Saint John to Fredericton was gruelling so it'll have to wait until the morrow.

Meanwhile, I wanted to mention that even without me, the show must go on. And so What's So Funny? airs a brand new episode tonight in my absence. Canadian Comedy Award nominee Ian Boothby will take over the hosting duties. His guest will be Oscar winner David Fine. And yes, by Oscar, we're talking Academy Awards. I'm sure Fine will lord it over Boothby and his measly Canadian Comedy Award nomination. Fine won for his work creating Bob & Margaret. It should be a fun and fascinating hour of scintillating conversation. So tune in.

Next week, my travels will keep me away again, but I've lined up two people to replace me. Shaun Stewart and Eric Fell will grill improviser Pearce Visser. Then I'll be back the following week with interviews with Jon Dore and Harry Doupe. And the week after that we'll have Mark Breslin for a full hour.