Comedy For A Cause + Coalition For Asian American Children And Families

The CACF keeps on bringing it, and definitely get on down for this if you can. Comedy + supporting your community = goodness.

Here's the lineup and more about the show:

MC: Ramzi Bautista, host of Redrum Comedy
Sheng Wang, from "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon", Comedy Central, and the John Oliver NY Stand Up Show
Sachi Ezura, from MTV Comedy Showcase, the New York Comedy Festival, Laughter in the Park, and producer of MTV's Girl Code
Joel Kim Booster, writer for the critically acclaimed "live news magazine" The Paper Machete in Chicago
Subhah Agarwal, from the New York Comedy Festival, Women in Comedy Festival, Bridgetown Comedy Festival

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BUY TICKETS HERE: bit.ly/actioncouncil_cfac2014

$15 pre-sale tickets (first 35 only!)
$25 at the door

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Action Council, the Coalition for Asian American Children and Families' young professionals group, is hosting a stand-up comedy show to 1) Raise money for the organization so it can continue to improve the health and well-being of Asian American children and families in NYC, and 2) Raise awareness about these issues. We hope to speak with potential interns and members at the fundraiser while putting on an entertaining show featuring Asian American comedians!

*All proceeds benefit the Coalition for Asian American Children and Families (CACF), the nation's only pan-Asian children's advocacy organization.

FB: https://m.facebook.com/events/306812232800694
CACF site: http://cacf.org/supportus_actioncouncil.html

Stir-Friday Night! Asian American Comedy + This Asian American Life

I just might need to travel on down to Chicago to check this out - because that picture just draws me in (and so does that title).

Check it out if you're in town.

Stir-Friday Night! is a 17-year old ensemble with alumni such as Danny Pudi (NBC's Community), Steven Yeun (AMC's The Walking Dead), The Second City's Mary Sohn (Who Do We Think We Are?), and Broadway's Christine Lin (Chinglish)

SFN presents "This Asian American Life" a sketch comedy revue.

Written and Performed by Dacey Arashiba, Kannan Arumugam, Gilbert Galon, Samantha Garcia, James Kannookadan, Sonia Khaleel, Avery Lee, and Irene Tu.

Director - Anthony LeBlanc
Musical Director - Marques Stewart
Stage Manager - Dujuan Pritchett

The Second City Donny's Skybox Theatre
Fridays @ 10:30pm July 27 - August 24

Tickets
$13 General Admission | $10 Students | $8 Training Center Students

Purchase Tickets
http://www.secondcity.com/training/chicago/performances/detail/1300/

stirfridaynight.org
facebook.com/stirfridaynightcomedy
twitter.com/stirfridaynight

David So On Ugly Girls

Yeah - you know you laughed.

Because You Should Love Hari Kondabolu's Friday Night Stand Up On Comedy Central Presents

I got a chance to sit down and watch Hari Kondabolu on Comedy Central Presents and if you didn't get a chance to check it out when it aired - definitely catch a re-run because it's not just funny - it's intelligent - and Hari Kondablou takes on topics too many other comedians shy away from.

Hari Kondabolu And Comedy Central

You've all heard me talk in previous posts about Hari Kondabolu and I got sent in some news that he'll be appearing on John Oliver of the Daily Show's new Comedy Central program "John Oliver's New York Stand-Up Show" this Friday, January 15th at 11pm so definitely make sure and check it on out.

Thanks Hari!

Fil-Am Comedy Laughs For Literacy

Definitely sounds like a great night to be had by all unless you just don't like to laugh, but if that's the case, then probably nothing sounds that great to you anyway.

Six Fil-Am Comedians (as seen on Comedy Central, HBO, Fox..etc) perform together on WED Oct 21 to help increase Literacy for Filipino Youth

****AND in light of recent events in the Philippines. PROCEEDS WILL BE DONATED to The Philippine National Red Cross to help Flood Victims****

When: OCT 21, 2009
Time: 8:30 PM
Where: LAUGH LOUNGE NYC
Price: 10.00 (entrance).....Plus 2 drink min
DONATE A BOOK and "ENTRANCE FEE" is REDUCED to $7.00. Proceeds to Flood Relief.

RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED: either call club 212-614-2500 or email laughsforlit@gmail.com (either way: leave name and specify # of people attending...thats it)

About the Artists:

PETE ISIP (host)
Pete's stand up comedy journey began in 2004. His comedy reflects the hardships of dealing with a Filipino family, his obsession with the gym and other great ssues in his life. He performs at the Bamboozle Music Festival Tour, at clubs and colleges all over and is one chapter of the sketch group Savage Animal.

KEVIN NADAL
Dr. Kevin Nadal is a professor, psychologist, performer, activist, and author. He was named one of People Magazine's hottest bachelors in 2006 and was a guest on Fox News Channel’s “The O’Reilly Factor.” He is the author of the new book Filipino American Psychology: A Handbook of Theory, Research, and Clinical Practice.

AIR TABIGUE
Air is a comedian, host and producer from Long Island New York. He has been seen on NBC, FOX and has hosted Asian America on PBS. He has performed in a wide range of clubs, colleges and special events throughout the country. He also co-produces the Jammin Asian Show: New York City’s premiere monthly Asian American live comedy and variety showcase.

JAMAAL SEDAYAO
Jamaal Sedayao is an up and coming comedian from Queens, NY. Jamaal first fell in love with the art of improv comedy in his senior year of college. He now regularly trains and performs improv comedy at
the Magnet Theater and Upright Citizens Brigade. He has recently performed at the Bowery Poetry Club with the improv troupe, Asian Flush.

REGIE CABICO
Regie Cabico has appeared on two seasons of HBO's Def Poetry Jam and is the first Asian American spoken word performer to take top prizes in The National Poetry Slam. He received the 2006 NY Innovative Theater Award for Best PerformanceArt Production as part of the NY Neo-Futurists' Too Much Light.Makes The Baby Go Blind.

KEVIN CAMIA
Kevin Camia has been seen on Comedy Central's Live at Gotham. He has performed throughout the country and was recently awarded Best Up And Coming Comic at the 2009 Rooftop Aspen Comedy Festival.
sponsored by

Birds and Fellas (www.birdsandfellas.com)
Manilla Gorilla (www.manilagorilla.com)

About main sponsor

"BKPNY, Inc. is a 100% volunteer-based nonprofit organization which collects used English children's books for shipment to partner community libraries in the Philippines and supports community literacy programs. BKPNY, Inc. is affiliated with BKP, Inc. and BKP-Philippines. BKPNY, Inc. holds fundraising events and book drives throughout the year to support its literacy-projects."

Bringing a Book?: Books should not have yellowed, missing or torn pages. Books should be culturally appropriate and relevant to Filipino children between the ages of 3-12. Encyclopedias and other teaching materials are welcome. Children’s magazines like Highlights and Crickets, as well as Reader’s Digest and other child-friendly serial publications are also welcome.

Facebook invite link: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/event.php?eid=162060541808&ref=mf

Hari Kondabolu, Joe Wong, And Edwin Li

Got this sent in my way and it sounds like it should be a great night, so if you're not doing anything next week - you might want to check this out.

WHAT: Joe Wong, Hari Kondabolu and Edwin Li at the SF Punchline!

WHEN: Tuesday October 6th and Wednesday October 7th

WHERE: SF Punchline (444 Battery St, San Francisco, CA 94111)

COST: $15 (18+)

DISCOUNT TICKETS HERE:
http://www.goldstar.com/events/san-francisco-ca/comedian-joe-wong.html

And Some Links

• Hari Kondabolu: Cocoa Butter joke
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z5_feKLhczE
  
• Joe Wong: Letterman appearance
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gD0s7gfTotk
  
• Edwin L on Yo! TV
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGUcEkfVqQE

Hari will also be opening for legendary Marc Maron for 5 shows in 3 nights at the Punchline from Thursday October 8th through Saturday October 10th. Pick up tickets here.

You Got Joe You Got Wonged

So I caught this via 8 Asians and I have to say this guy was laugh out loud funny - it was just the perfect mix of timing, straight face, and intelligent jokes (see Roe v Wade and immigration).



Nice.

Go Go Cold Tofu Improv

Got this sent out earlier this week (thanks Stefanie) and wanted to make sure and post it on up as it starts up tonight through April 11th:

Cold Tofu Improv presents
Tofu Exposed: An All New Sketch Comedy Show

Cold Tofu Improv, the nation’s first and premier Asian American improvisation and sketch comedy group, presents Tofu Exposed: An All New Sketch Comedy Show from March 27 – April 11 at the Avery Schreiber Theatre in North Hollywood. This is the organization’s first sketch show in more than five years.

"Since 1981, Cold Tofu members have performed comedy encompassing a variety of universal themes that all people could relate. We provide a safe place for artists of all backgrounds to explore the different sides of comedy,” said Artistic Director Helen H. Ota. “Tofu Exposed is the culmination of a year-long sketch writing workshop that allows members to explore their lives through comedy and show the often hilarious side of everyday experiences.”

Want to see a private moment between a husband and wife? Hear the conversation happening behind closed doors between co-workers? Know what he’s thinking while on a first date? Explore the lives of your favorite Cold Tofu members with Tofu Exposed, an all new sketch comedy show written by the cast.

Directing the show is Stephen Kearin. He was a founding member of both Improv Theatre and True Fiction Magazine, and performed with BATS Improv for 14 years. Stephen is currently a member of Impro Theatre in Los Angeles and a founding member of 3ForAll. He’s directed Kirk Ward in two of his shows. First was the critically-acclaimed 3 Stories Tall that premiered in Los Angeles and is being remounted this summer at Luis Valdez's El Teatro Campesino, and Fatherland at The HBO Aspen Comedy Festival.

Tofu Exposed features Cold Tofu Improv members J. Stephen Brady, Denise Iketani, John Lau, Jully Lee, Kevin Ocampo, Helen H. Ota, Michael C. Palma and Aaron Takahashi.

Tofu Exposed runs March 27 – April 11 with performances Friday and Saturday at 8 pm. Tickets are $25 for opening night, $15 general and $12 for students, seniors and groups of 10+. The Avery Schreiber Theatre is located at 11050 Magnolia Blvd., North Hollywood, CA 91601. To make reservations, e-mail tofuexposed@gmail.com or call (213) 739-4142.

Tofu Exposed is supported in part by Sam Woo BBQ Restaurant, 6450 Sepulveda Blvd, Van Nuys, CA 91411, (818) 988-6813.

Comedy + BBQ = good night for everyone.

Late Nite Spam-O-Rama And The Pork Filled Players

Got this passed to my inbox and sounds like it should be pretty cool:

The Pork Filled Players (PFP), Seattle's oldest sketch comedy group, unveils Late Nite Spam-O-Rama, a monthly late night comedy/live music cabaret, which debuts January 24, Saturday, at 10 pm at the Theatre Off Jackson (409 7th Ave S. in Seattle's International District).

Joining the Players in the inaugural Spam-O-Rama are the Entertainment Show, regular denizens of the People's Republic of Komedy, and special musical guest star, the Dana Sweeney Trio (jazz ensemble with Dana Sweeney, vocals, Dave Anderson, sax, Owen Yen, guitar).

"The I-District and Seattle's Asian American artists have a long history of late night entertainment," says Roger Tang, producer for PFP. "Shows like NWAAT's 11:07 and Hypnotica have long presented the best in comedy, dance and drama. The Pork Filled Players intend to bring this tradition into the 21st Century and beyond."

"PFP plans, each month, to present the best in late night sketch comedy and live music. We've got contacts not only with the top sketch groups in Seattle, but in Vancouver, Canada and across the continent."

Veteran Players Brian Beckley, Maggie Lee, Owen Yen and Yvette Zaepfel welcome Matt Dela Cruz, Laura West and Jon Peck to the monthly madness.

The January Late Nite Spam-O-Rama follows the Cody Rivers Show at the Theatre Off Jackson. Tickets are $6 general, $5 if also seeing the Cody Rivers Show

For more on the Pork Filled Players, check out their site here.

Hari Kondabolu, Ali Wong, And Chris Garcia

Hari Kondabolu who's been on Jimmy Kimmel Live, Comedy Central's Live at Gothem, as well as the 2007 HBO Comedy Festival - and who also wrote the funny as hell Manoj - passed along some information that he'll be playing some shows down in Seattle at the Comedy Underground with Ali Wong and Chris Garcia - so if you're in the area make sure to check it on out as they'll be one of the last shows he'll be doing out in the Seattle area for a while.

Info on the shows

What: Hari Kondabolu with Ali Wong and Chris Garcia
When: Dec. 3rd and 4th at 8pm (Doors at 7:30)
Where: Comedy Underground (109 S. Washington Street)
Cost: $12 ($10 in advance): http://www.ticketweb.com/snl/VenueListings.action?venueId=underground, 21+

Video Links

Hari Kondabolu: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OuCaktPdSCo
Ali Wong: http://vimeo.com/1376818
Chris Garcia: http://vimeo.com/2024295

Slanted Comedy Live

If you happened to miss it last month - don't worry - you still have three more shows to catch it live (taped for T.V.).



For more info go to the Slanted Comedy site as well here for tickets.

Short: MANOJ

Some of you might have caught this via film festivals earlier in the year, but if you haven't - or even if you have (just to refresh your memory) Hari Kondabolu, a South Asian comedian, made a short film called MANOJ (directed by Zia Mohajerjasbi) which he describes as being about "race and self-representation in standup comedy" - and if you check it out it's definitely pretty cool and not only makes you laugh but makes you think - and there's nothing better than comedy that makes you think and that has a point to it.

The films is playing in DC this Friday at the 2008 DC APA Film Festival (a little short notice I know, but you still have time to check it out on the big screen.

Check it out



To learn more about Hari Kondabolu go to his Web site and his MySpace page (thanks Hari).

Love Her, Hate Her, It Really Doesn't Matter: Esther Ku Gets Voted Off "Last Comic Standing"

Missed posting this last week - but just in case you were wondering - as she's created some interesting dialogue within parts of the AA community - comedian Esther Ku got voted off NBC's Last Comic Standing.

Personally - while everything she did wasn't always funny to me - I have to give her the benefit of the doubt as a comedian who's trying to find the right balance between making social commentary and just trying to be funny - and I think she did accomplish it sometimes - so I hope we'll be seeing more of her versus fading off into the sunset like a lot of Asian American comics or stars who've been landing on reality TV shows.

For more Ku check out her website here as well as an interview at Buddy TV.

AsianWeek’s Comedy Night

If you want to check out some Asian American comedy, which is being hosted by AsianWeek and sponsored by Bud Light, definitely head on down to The Purple Onion where the lineup will feature Tessie Chua, Nitin Kant, Dhaya Lakshminarayanan, Joe Nguyen, Princess Leah, Duat Mai, and Edwin Li.

Here are the details from the press release

Comedy Night 2008 takes place on Friday, May 30 with two different shows at 7 – 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. – 12 midnight. The venue is The Purple Onion (140 Columbus Ave., San Francisco, Calif.), which has the world-renowned reputation as one America’s birthplace of stand-up comedy. This year, AsianWeek is proud to return to this storied venue and again feature already established and up-and-coming Asian American comics during the Asian Pacific Islander American Heritage month celebrations.Attendees of Comedy Night will receive free admission to the after-party at Suite 181 (181 Eddy St., San Francisco, Calif.)

Opening People's Minds and America's Top Model Minority

Saw this down at Asia Pacific Arts and it looks pretty cool:

Under the leadership of Charles Kim and Ewan Chung, OPM (Opening People's Minds) comedy troupe comes to this year's Los Angeles Comedy Festival with their latest show "America's Top Model Minority."

"John Belushi was my idol growing up," says Charles Kim, one of the producers of OPM comedy troupe. OPM stands for Opening People's Minds. "You remember how kids in high school would display whatever they liked on their backpacks or clothes? Whether it was Pink Floyd or Nine Inch Nails... I made my own button with John Belushi's face on it."

Go here for the complete article.

K.T. Tatara and MTV's Most Valuable Players

If you're not familiar with the comedy of K.T. Tatara - see the YouTube clip below - and if you get a chance, watch him as one of the comedian personalities on MTV's Most Valuable Players where they're recapping some of the most outrageous reality tv show characters.

K.T. Tatara at The Ice House



For more on K.T. Tatara, check out his Comedy Central profile, official site, or MySpace page.

"Getting Home" wins the Audience Award at the Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival

Congratulations to Zhang Yang for winning the Audience Award at the Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival with his black comedy buddy movie Getting Home, about a farmer who labors to bring his dead friend's body back home.

Check out the trailer

Free Margaret Cho Tickets

A pair of tickets is being given away for Margaret Cho's Off-Broadway variety show The Sensous Woman. Basically all you have to do is post a comment to her MySpace blog post about the giveaway, and they'll pick a winner this Thursday from one of the comment posters - which could be you. Here's the full information from the Cho bulletin:

Hey Cho Friends,

Margaret's new Off-Broadway variety show, The Sensuous Woman, is winding down at The Zipper Factory in New York. There are only six shows left this week! Tickets and show info available here.

We've got a pair of tickets* to the 8pm show on Saturday, November 17th to give away to a friend of Margaret's. If you'd like the tix, just post a comment in her blog entry about the giveaway. We'll assign a number to each entry, then draw a winner and announce it in her myspace blog on Thursday at 11am PST.

Good Luck!!

*Offer is for 2 tickets only, and does not include travel, accomodations or any other costs associated with attending the show. If you are the winner, we will contact you through MySpace with all of the details.

Random YouTube Asians

Angry Silence

There’s really not much to say here…literally - just twelve seconds of angry Asian silent goodness

Charlie Wong

Because you just can’t get enough of Asian guys licking their own hands pretending to kiss a girl. Check out the Beau Sia spoof - nice

Asian Standup

Anzu Lawson performing at the HA HA Cafe. Be warned that there are some hand movements that might be better off viewed in the safety of your own home versus say your office cubicle