Thursday, January 29, 2009

PODCAST: Secret Pants - "Drive Time"

We finish another week of podcasts from the C vs. A Radio Hour with another sketch by sketch group Secret Pants. Listen to..."Drive Time."

Subscribe to the podcast feed (iTunes)

If this doesn't directly take you to iTunes, copy and paste http://feeds.feedburner.com/cvsa_podcast_feed into iTunes through Advanced - Subscribe to Podcast...)

(Feel free to write a review in iTunes!)

Subscribe to the podcast feed (in another podcast reader)

Listen to this episode (2:58):








Download this episode (as a .mp3)

And then (how's this for multimedia), check out their new video "How Much Would You Pay?":


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Wednesday, January 28, 2009

PODCAST: Secret Pants - "The Count Walks Into A Bar"

Oh you know what that post title means: more podcasts from the C vs. A Radio Hour!

Today, listen to sketch group Secret Pants in..."The Count Walks Into A Bar".

Listen to this episode (3:48):






Subscribe to the podcast feed (iTunes)

If this doesn't directly take you to iTunes, copy and paste http://feeds.feedburner.com/ cvsa_podcast_feed into iTunes through Advanced - Subscribe to Podcast...)

(Feel free to write a review in iTunes!)

Subscribe to the podcast feed (in another podcast reader)

Download this episode (as a .mp3)

Check back tomorrow for more from Secret Pants!
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Tuesday, January 27, 2009

PODCAST: Secret Pants on the C vs. A Radio Hour

Last week we aired our second episode of the C vs. A Radio Hour on G-Town Radio. If you missed it, we've got you covered with podcasts.

Today, listen to Philadelphia sketch group Secret Pants talk with host Dave Walk about about opening for Bruce Bruce, their video Bush or Batman and more.

Listen to this episode (19:34):






Subscribe to the podcast feed (iTunes)

If this doesn't directly take you to iTunes, copy and paste http://feeds.feedburner.com/ cvsa_podcast_feed into iTunes through Advanced - Subscribe to Podcast...)

(Feel free to write a review in iTunes!)

Subscribe to the podcast feed (in another podcast reader)

Download this episode (as a .mp3)

Below is the infamous "Bush Or Batman" video:

Check back later this week for more podcasting with Secret Pants!
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Monday, January 26, 2009

Comic Vs. Audience Comedy Show tickets on-sale now

Just a quick note that tickets to our next stand-up comedy show are on-sale now at the Philly Improv Theater website. They're only $5 each and we don't take out a service charge like those Ticketmaster jerks. How can you beat that?

Last month's show was sold out to the point that we actually had to turn away a few folks, so buy your tickets in advance to ensure your seat.
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PODCAST: Brendan Kennedy on the C vs. A Radio Hour

Last week we aired our second episode of the C vs. A Radio Hour on G-Town Radio. If you missed it, we've got you covered with podcasts.

Today, listen to Philadelphia stand-up comic Brendan Kennedy talk with host Dave Walk about comedy, his love-hate relationships with audiences and his new monthly live comedy show GUILTY PLEASURES which begins on Wednesday, Feb. 4th at the Shubin Theatre (407 Bainbridge St.) at 10PM.

Listen to this episode (15:51):






Subscribe to the podcast feed (iTunes)

If this doesn't directly take you to iTunes, copy and paste http://feeds.feedburner.com/ cvsa_podcast_feed into iTunes through Advanced - Subscribe to Podcast...)

(Feel free to write a review in iTunes!)

Subscribe to the podcast feed (in another podcast reader)

Download this episode (as a .mp3)

For a preview of GUILTY PLEASURES, check out these videos:

Check back later this week for podcasts with sketch comedy group Secret Pants!
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KNOW YOUR HECKLERS for this Wednesday at the Ministry of Secret Jokes

At this Wednesday's MINISTRY OF SECRET JOKES show, host Doogie Horner will have three stand-up comics facing one of their biggest fears. In the new game "You Suck", three comics will be intentionally heckled by members of the audience. To prepare the comedians and yourself, Doogie has created this handful guide to the different types of hecklers. Get your "I don't come to your work..." retorts ready.

Click to enlarge
The Ministry of Secret Jokes show is this Wednesday at Fergie's Pub (1214 Sansom) starting at 9PM. Anton Shuford, Derek Gaines, Doogie Horner, Luke Giordano, Chip Chantry and Kent Haines will be performing.
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Thursday, January 22, 2009

TONIGHT: The C vs. A Radio Hour!

Our bi-weekly comedy talk show returns tonight from 7-8PM EST with our friends at Gtownradio.com (The Sound From Germantown).

Your host Dave Walk will be talking to Philadelphia comedians, playing not-funny songs and other great stuff, so make sure to set your internet dial to Gtownradio.com. Who will be in the studio this week?

Brendan Kennedy will talk about his new live comedy show plus other stuff and we also welcome to the sketch group...

Secret Pants!!

Remember, that's 7-8PM TONIGHT EST, streaming at Gtownradio.com. And, you can instant message us in the studio on AIM, Yahoo!, Gchat or MSN at CVSARADIO.
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Wednesday, January 21, 2009

MY DATE WITH ADRIENNE by Gregg Gethard

If you’re a female, you have no doubt dreamed of what it must be like dating me. Well, I’ll tell you: it’s awkward and painful for all parties involved.

Case in point: my brief relationship in 1998 with Adrienne. Adrienne and I met at a pop-punk concert at a roller rink in North Jersey. I was a junior in college. She was in her second year at art school. We were introduced at the show by our mutual friend Andy. We talked for about 45-minutes. During this conversation I learned that Adrienne was: A) Beautiful, B) Smart and C) Funny. Naturally, despite all contrary evidence, I thought that there was no way a girl this awesome could be interested in me. Thus, I neglected to get her phone number.

Alas, our relationship was not yet doomed. Weeks later, Andy and I called her via 3-way, a phone calling system largely used by middle school students. We made arrangements to go out on a date that weekend.

This was the first real date in my life. I had been on “dates” before, but they never technically fell under the traditional rules of courting. This did. This made me incredibly nervous. About an hour before I arrived to her house, I vomited out of nervousness.

Nevertheless, the date continued. It started off well, with us getting coffee and having a good time. It then soon turned awful, as I drove around aimlessly and painfully, and talked even more aimlessly and more painfully.

Along the way I said the following comment to her:

“I will become a vegetarian for you.”

Soon after this pronouncement, we parked at Verona Lake, one of the area’s premier make-out spots. I put on a cassette tape entitled “The Best of Bill Cosby.” After about two minutes of listening to The Cos, I made my move. I leaned over the emergency break and fell over Adrienne, somehow kissing her on the cheek in the process. Immediately afterward, she asked me to take her home.

She stopped returning my calls after that.

I’ve had a lot of painful and awkward moments in my life. This ranks really high on the list. At this time in my life, I really lonely and constantly beat myself up over not having a girlfriend. And then, finally, when a girl I liked a lot was interested in me… I completely blew it due to my social ineptness. Dealing with the heartbreak of rejection is bad enough when a person simply doesn’t feel the same way about you that you feel about them. But dealing with the heartbreak of rejection because of your own retardation is a lot worse.

To this day, Adrienne ranks as #4 on my High Fidelity list of all-time biggest heartbreaks.

Luckily, due to the magic of Facebook, Adrienne and I recently befriended each other. She agreed to be interviewed about the experience of dating me roughly ten years ago. Here is the transcript of our exchange:

GREGG: We met at a Weston concert at a roller rink in Wayne, NJ. What initially drew you to me? What were your first impressions of me? When, after 45 minutes of conversation, I failed to ask for your phone number, what did you think?

(The reason: I was completely intimidated by you. I thought for sure your possible interest in me was a cruel joke being played on me by an unknown nemesis. I didn't exactly have a lot of confidence in myself at the time.)

ADRIENNE: Do you hate me for not remembering this until you mentioned it? I love that this happened at a roller rink. How much more awkward teen setting can you get? Ok, so I think I was initially drawn to you because you were a new kid on the block. You didn’t attend my high school, so that made you mysterious and interesting. And I thought you were cute! I don’t remember too much about our conversation, but I remember that I did like talking to you and I thought you were funny, and you had good local band knowledge, which were two things I really liked in a man at the time.

I can’t believe you were intimidated by me! We were in a roller rink!! I vaguely remember being disappointed that you didn’t get my number, but I knew we had a connection through Andy, so it didn’t worry me too much.

We finally went on our date. What were your earliest impressions of me? What were your thoughts going into the date?

(I vomited an hour before hand. This was the third date I had ever been on in my life, the first with someone I really liked a lot. I was really nervous, obviously.)

This is funny, I cannot believe you threw up! I don’t really remember the beginning of the date, it’s the end that stuck out in my mind.

After we got coffee, I started rambling while driving around like a complete and total maniac. I, at one point, said the following: "I will become a vegetarian for you." What were your thoughts when I said this borderline pathological line?

Again, this is hilarious, but I don’t really remember it. At the time, it probably sounded good to me, since I was really into it. If we actually continued to date, you would be happy to find that I reverted to meat eating not too long after.

Finally, after a loooooong night of sad, aimless driving, I brought you to a popular make-out spot in Verona, NJ. My move was to put on a Best of Bill Cosby cassette tape. Then, we sat in long, painful silence. What were your thoughts during the silence? Then, finally, I unsuccessfully tried to make out with you. What were your thoughts on this?

This is the part that I remember most vividly. I actually started to become frightened. Hahahaha, true! I was very worried that you had kidnapped me. I didn’t know how to tell you to take me home, and I guess I thought that if I stopped talking, you would get bored of me, and decide it was time to get rid of me. When you tried to make out with me, I thought it was really poorly timed, since I was already extremely uncomfortable, and I thought visibly so. But, it’s kind of funny, because part of why I didn’t want to make out with you was because I was so inexperienced myself. I was afraid I’d do it wrong.

When and why exactly did you lose interest in me? When I made one, final desperate attempt to call you, and I said something like "I am so crazy about you," what were you thinking?

Haha, oh man. I only vaguely remember this as well. Although I do remember an awkward conversation with Andy, where I said, “How about your friend Gregg that you tried to set me up with?”, trying to get him to trash you with me. And his response was all serious, “What, he’s a nice guy.” That exchange made me feel like a conceited cunt. Hahaha.

Out of my High Fidelity Top 10 heartbreaks, you rank in at #4, between Staci and Jen H. How do you feel to have earned such an illustrious ranking?

(You rank that high because of nothing you did. It was solely because I believe I completely blew it. I got it in my head that you were way out of my league, despite your possible interest in me. I had absolutely no confidence in myself at the time. I tried to be somebody different than I was, which is what I assumed you wanted. The ranking is because I kicked myself afterward for being such a weirdo about the whole thing. Years later, I put it in perspective. I was really lucky to go out on a date with you, and if I had more confidence in myself at the time I probably could have had a second. And that gave me the self-confidence I needed to be more of an adult about the whole dating thing. And then a little while after I figured that out I met my wife.)

Wow, I think you are right, if you had more confidence, things might have been different. But, keep in mind, I lacked confidence as well, making it that much more difficult for things to ever work. My ego is bursting through the ceiling being put on a list like that. I’m surprised you never tried to contact me again if you felt so strongly.

Gregg Gethard is a Philadelphia-based comedian and host of the monthly sketch/monologue show BEDTIME STORIES
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Tuesday, January 20, 2009

New Videos

Animosity Pierre - Previously On Lost

Brendan Kennedy's awkward email reading

Secret Pants - Dinner with the Spencers

The Feeko Brothers live at Kent Haines' WHY AM I NOT FAMOUS?!?

Meg & Rob - Hometown Heroes: Yolanda

Kent Haines: Independent Filmmaker (from January's WHY AM I NOT FAMOUS?!? live show)


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Monday, January 19, 2009

COMING SOON: The Comic Vs. Audience Comedy Show!

Oh, folks! It's almost time, once again, for a night of engaging and hilarious stand-up comedy by the name of THE COMIC VS. AUDIENCE COMEDY SHOW brought to you by your good friends at the Philly Improv Theater and Comicvsaudience.com!

We packed the place for the show earlier this month and unfortunately had to turn some people away, so to ensure your seat, come early or buy tickets in advance (once they are available at the website below).

And make sure you and your friends come out to:

The Comic Vs. Audience Comedy Show
Monday, February 2nd, 2009
8PM
at the Shubin Theatre (407 Bainbridge St.) [Directions]
Five American Dollars [Tickets can be purchased on the PHIT website]

Oh did we mention that it's BYOB!?!

Featuring:

Jon Goff
Mykal Carter-Jackson
Brendan Kennedy
Amir Gollan
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Friday, January 16, 2009

BREAKING: Judah Friedlander performing at The TLA in April

"Judah Friedlander is a stand-up comedian known as the WORLD CHAMPION." When he's not on stage, he's a series regular on 30 Rock and an occasional contributor to VH1's Best Week Ever. He has appeared in numerous films including American Splendor, Meet The Parents, Wet Hot American Summer and Zoolander.

Saturday, April 4th, 2009
9PM
The TLA
$26.50 (tickets on-sale now)

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FOUR QUESTIONS WITH: Donald Glover of Howard & Leslie

Donald Glover is one of the rising young stars in American comedy. He's a stand-up comedian who performs regularly in New York and he's 1/3rd of Derrick, one of the best sketch comedy groups in the world today. Derrick has recently made a feature film entitled The Mystery Team which should appear at theaters sometime in the near future. And he also writes for 30 Rock, which you probably have heard of despite its low-profile.

But, perhaps most importantly, Glover is the creator and lead writer of Howard and Leslie. Howard and Leslie has been described as the Citizen Kane of XtraNormal, a website which allows its users to make their own cartoons using several animation templates. Howard and Leslie follows the adventures of Howard, a spurned lover who attempts to woo back his ex via dark, twisted and pathological means. It's the funniest thing on the web right now.

He took the time out of his busy, busy (did I say busy?) schedule to answer a few questions about his cartoons and what it all means. (Interview by Gregg Gethard)

1.) YouTube, Facebook and MySpace have helped to "democratize" comedy -- it's made it easy for people to see your work no matter where you live. Do you think XtraNormal is the next evolutionary step in that? Or is it just a new thing that might not even take off?

I hope it takes off. I think it's very fun and smart. I think all media is heading towards being cheaper and more accesible. I always wanted to make cartoons and Xtranormal made it pretty much a crime for anyone to NOT being making cartoons on their own.

2.) What was the genesis of Howard and Leslie? Are you ever afraid to tap into the the part of your personality that leads to things like "could you cut off my penis and shove it in a chocolate cake?"

I really don't know. I didn't sit down and try to make it. I guess it is scary in a sense I just started writing. I'm not personally scared of what might come out of me/Howard, but I think people around me are. I get a lot of "that's really twisted." But I always just thought of it as just being specific. The more specific something is, the more people get freaked out. I think because it sounds more like you planned it or thought about it before, which isn't the case. I guess the only thing I'm worried about is if I'm dating a girl that goes missing and all the police can really point to as far as my character as a person are my fucked up cartoons.

3.) I think the "You tricked me into going to an execution" line would have been my yearbook quote if I was still a high school student. Have you ever been tricked or tricked someone into going to an execution?

No. That honestly just came from me thinking of the worst date you could ever go on. Seeing another human die would probably be the worst day of my life, let alone a first date.

4.) Do you do these at work and, if so, how do you hide it from Tina Fey?

I do them at home mostly. And yes, I do hide them from Tina. But that's only because I hide them from everyone. I think you either like them, or think I'm the weirdest person ever. Tina actually saw the first one and didn't fire me. That's a good sign, right?

Howard and Leslie Ep. 1: Booklet


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Philadelphia-bred comic TuRae filming DVD this weekend

Straight from the man himself:

I'll be performing at my great hometown club [Laff House, 221 South St.] for a weekend of great comedy leading us to the Inauguration of our President Elect Barack Obama!! I'll have the funnies for at least 40 mins, that's headline time for those in the know. Plus i'll be recording for my new comedy DVD: Comedy By TuRae: No Limitations. I want you there..Hell, I need you there.
A failed 6'6" basketball star and self-proclaimed "neighborhood geek", TuRae has performed in London, where he won the World Cup Comedy Clash, Montreal for the 2008 Just For Laughs festival and numerous times on BET.

Here's TuRae on HBO's Def Comedy Jam (give the video some time to load):


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Thursday, January 15, 2009

DEAF COMEDY JAMZ: "Don't Stop Believin'" is America's New National Anthem by Gregg Gethard

Journey’s smash hit “Don’t Stop Believin’” has once again become ubiquitous in American pop culture. The song is beloved and near-inescapable. It is played at sporting events around the world. It is sung at karaoke bars throughout the nation. And, shockingly, if Wikipedia is to be believed it is the most downloaded song of the 20th Century on iTunes.

So, how did “Don’t Stop Believin’” become America’s New National Anthem? Here’s a timeline of how this came to pass:

January 22, 1949
As told in the prophecies, Steve Perry is born. He is immediately drawn to the world of music, developing both his “pipes” and his “chops” from day one.

January 22, 1969
At his 20th birthday party, Steve Perry’s mom presents him with a chain adorned with a music note charm. Steve Perry holds the necklace up to the fluorescent light and poetically stares at it for several seconds, symbolically letting his fellow Ground Round patrons that one day he would be a prominent male vocalist.

March 3, 1972
Steve Perry thinks about giving up his dreams of becoming a prominent male vocalist in order to do what’s really important, and that’s put his family first. However, his mother, who grew up during the Dust Bowl, tells Steve that what’s really important is for him to chase his dreams. That what’s really important is that he “don’t stop believing” in what he was put here on earth to do. Immediately afterwards, his mom dies after her forehead explodes.

October 28, 1977
After several months of trying to incorporate himself into Journey, Steve Perry finds himself at a crossroads. Keyboardist Gregg Rollie is in full support of Perry becoming the band’s new singer. However, guitarist Neal Schon does not trust “the new guy.” But all is forgiven when Steve Perry makes his on-stage debut with Journey. Fans are impressed and Schon also is given a HJ by an adoring teenage runaway. He fully accepts Perry into the band and, the next day, hugs the lead singer and weeps forgiving tears on his shoulder.

June 14th, 1980
When in the recording studio, Steve Perry has a sit down meeting with his fellow band mates about the direction of a new song he’s been working on.

“You know, I think we’ve done some good work in the power ballad community,” Perry said. “But we need to do something else. We need to right an up-tempo, toe-tapping number. And it needs to have a positive message about sticking to your guns no matter what. About being true to who you are. And it should also be told through the prism of a relationship between a male resident of South Detroit and a small-town girl who decide to become hobos and ride midnight trains with no seeming destination in mind.”

The band agreed to write such a song.

“Also, guys, one more thing. I’d like for us to write a song about the dangers of advanced gum diseases. Thousands of people a year are affected by gum rot and other various gum-related ailments.”

The band did not agree to write such a song.

July 31, 1981
Journey’s E5C4P3 (pronounced “Escape”) album is released to an unsuspecting America. 7/31/81 would become the most infamous date in American history and nothing would ever, ever change that fact.

October 14th, 1981
“Don’t Stop Believin’” is released as a single. It quickly gains momentum and rises up the charts, peaking at #9 on Billboard’s Hot 100 charts.

November 17th, 1981
Fair Lawn, NJ teenagers Kyle Overbrook and Shawnette Stevenson make out in Kyle’s 1973 Buick Skylark. “Don’t Stop Believin’” plays on local rock station WDHA (“The New Jersey Rock Which Never Stops”) and Kyle begins to finger Shawnette. Initially she tells him to stop, but Kyle tells her that he is in love with her. She relents and enjoys digital penetration.

November 18th, 1981
Fair Lawn, NJ teenagers Kyle Overbrook and Shawnette Stevenson have a violent breakup in the south hallway of their high school. Their relationship ended after Kyle wrote “Shawnette’s a slut who let me finger her” on a bathroom wall. Shawnette’s half-brother informed her of the graffiti, which led her to tears. To this day, she still has trust issues.

December 14th, 1981
“Don’t Stop Believin’” is played for the first time at a sporting event. The 3,059 people at the Kansas City Kings/Atlanta Hawks game do not respond.

March 19th, 1982
Fair Lawn, NJ teenager Kyle Overbrook has felt awful for months on how he treated Shawnette Stevenson, who, up until this point, is the only girl he ever fingered. Right before the AP U.S. History I class they share, he hands her a mix tape along with an overly sappy, apologetic love letter. Both the mix tape AND the letter are entitled “Don’t Stop Believin’… IN US.”

March 20th, 1982
Fair Lawn, NJ teenagers Kyle Overbrook and Shawnette Stevenson once again have a heavy petting session in Kyle’s 1973 Buick Skylark. And, once again, “Don’t Stop Believin’” plays over WDHA’s airwaves. Just as Kyle is about to finger Shawnette again, she breaks down sopping and asks Kyle to stop. He doesn’t at first, but then recalls the serious lesson in his health class of how “no means no!”

May 12th, 1982
Weeks earlier, Fair Lawn, NJ teenager Kyle Overbrook asked Shawnette Stevenson to the prom, with the theme of “Don’t Stop Believin.” She said yes, despite their weeks of shared awkwardness. Before prom night, Kyle got drunk on Cisco wine with “Ricky J. and the boys.” Shawnette was upset with him, yet still made out with him post-prom. Just as Kyle was about to finally finger her for the second time, he vomited on her legs and passed out drunk. However, he still insisted on driving both he and Shawnette home.

June 28th, 1982
Fair Lawn High School stages its graduation. Kyle, unsure of his plans, stays at home with his parents and takes a job “sheetrocking” for his uncle’s construction firm. Shawnette decides to attend Ramapo State College. Their relationship, for all intents and purposes, is over.

October 11th, 1982
On the one year anniversary of its release as a single, rock station WDHA takes “Don’t Stop Believin’” out of heavy rotation.

July 19th, 1986
Journey embarks on their “Raised on Radio” tour. The tour begins at the Cow Palace in San Francisco, CA. They end their set with “Don’t Stop Believin’.” However, an indifferent crowd mostly leaves before the encore. Guitarist Neal Schon blames “Don’t Stop Believin’” as the reason. He successfully manages to convince his fellow band members to no longer play their one-time smash hit.

February 19th, 1990
Evergreen State College radio DJ Samantha Kay-Ricardo is struggling with the sound board as she plays an entire set of Beat Happening songs. The only single available to her is Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’.” She plays it and, in the process, invents irony. Many Olympia-area hipsters respond well to the song and it is featured at several parties in the following weeks. However, it is soon once again forgotten.

May 19th, 1996
Bear, DE native Jason Kratkowowitz sings “Don’t Stop Believin’” at an area karaoke night. Two patrons say, out loud, “Hey, I fondly remember that song!” They join him. “Don’t Stop Believin’” quickly becomes a karaoke favorite in the Bear, DE metropolitan area, foreshadowing what was to become a nationwide sensation only years later.

June 12th, 1998
To commemorate their Stanley Cup victory, the Detroit Red Wings entitle their celebratory VHS release “Don’t Stop Believin’.” It features slo-mo clips of star Steve Yzerman poetically skating. A total of 1,095 people purchase the tape, which is promptly placed in dollar stores throughout North America.

Novermber 25th, 2001
Recent divorcee Shawnette Stevenson, now employed as a district manager for Acme food stores, attends her 20th high school reunion. Kyle Overbrook, single and still “sheetrockin’” for a living, can’t stomach attending this event.

September 9th, 2003
On a very special episode of The O.C., poor adoptee “Ryan” and rich indie-rock geek heartthrob “Seth” have a philosophical discussion about the impact of Journey in American pop culture. Seth enjoys the band in a smirking fashion. Ryan, with his blue collar shot’n’beer background, truly enjoys the song. This bonding moment between them is the first documented moment where “Don’t Stop Believin’” is used to bridge the gap caused by American class conflict.

July 19th, 2005
Chicago White Sox catcher/dickweed A.J. Pierzynski mentions in post-game remarks how much he loves “Don’t Stop Believin’” as a song. It becomes the rallying cry for the surprising White Sox team, who go on to win the World Series. This, unfortunately, results in manager Ozzie Guillen appearing on every episode of SportsCenter from this date until darkened eternity.

October 14th, 2006
Gregg Gethard and Ilana Heilweil exchange nuptials. During their reception, after Kelly Clarkson’s “Since You’ve Been Gone” was played, the DJ moves into “Don’t Stop Believin’.” All in attendance dance to this song and shout every word. Comedian and pop culture maven Gregg Gethard would now refer to “Don’t Stop Believin’” as “The New National Anthem.” He would then go on to repeat this phrase every single time he hears this song, thus very much annoying his wife and friends alike.

August 4th, 2007
For a record 305th straight week, “Don’t Stop Beleivin’” is performed at a Bear, DE-area karaoke bar, proving the song has once again caught on with the masses.

June 12th, 2008
2-time divorcee Shawnette Stevenson quickly returns home to Fair Lawn after her autistic step-sister is hit by a motorcycle. Once she learns her sister will heal from her broken pelvis, Shawnette decides to head to a local bar. From across the venue, Kyle Overbrook stares at her with a mixture of longing and violence in his eyes. Finally, after encouragement from “Ricky J. and the boys,” Overbrook heads to the jukebox and plays “Don’t Stop Believin’.” Shawnette sees Kyle, and they strike up a conversation. One thing leads to another and then Kyle, finally, gets a second chance to finger Shawnette, this time behind the bar pool table.

Novermber 7th, 2008
Shawnette Stevenson and Kyle Overbrook get married. Their wedding song is “Oh Sherry.”

Listen to “Don't Stop Believin'” by Journey:






Gregg Gethard is a Philadelphia-based comedian, writer and host of the monthly comedy show BEDTIME STORIES.

PREVIOUSLY ON DEAF COMEDY JAMZ:
A Film Adaptation of Thin Lizzy's Jailbreak by Dave Walk
Retro Retro by Chip Chantry
Mixes for any Occasion #1 by Rob Baniewicz
Teen Punks in Heat by Dave Walk
Don't Take Our Songs So Seriously by Dave Walk
A Shitty Taste: Tiny Tim & Brave Girl Combo's "Girl" by Rob Baniewicz
Read more...

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

PODCAST: Meg & Rob's "The Affair" radio play on the C vs. A Radio Hour

The podcasting continues! Last week we aired the first ever C vs. A Radio Hour on G-Town Radio and this week we're sharing highlights from the night.

Today, listen to the sketch duo Meg and Rob's original radio play "The Affair."

If you happen to live in the Chicago area, Meg and Rob will be performing in the Chicago Sketchfest this Thursday and Sunday. Obviously, we recommend checking them out and so does TimeOut Chicago.

Listen to this episode (5:48):






Subscribe to the podcast in iTunes

If this doesn't directly take you to iTunes, copy and paste http://feeds.feedburner.com/ cvsa_podcast_feed into iTunes through Advanced - Subscribe to Podcast...)

Subscribe to the podcast feed in a different reader

Download this episode (as a MP3, Right Click - Save As...)

PREVIOUSLY ON THE PODCAST:
Meg & Rob interview
Chip Chantry
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TONIGHT: Make 'Em Laugh: The Funny Business of America on PBS

Tonight, PBS debuts a new six-part series entitled Make 'Em Laugh: The Funny Business of America that explores American comedy from vaudeville through the current day. It airs locally (in Philadelphia) on WHY.Y (Channel 12) from 9-11 PM over the next three Wednesdays.

Hosted by America’s favorite funnyman, Billy Crystal, the documentary explores the currents of American comedy throughout a century of social and political change, illuminating how comedy has tackled and poked fun at our political system, race relations, gender issues, and the prevailing American standards and taboos in everyday life.
Here's PBS serious-journalist Jim Lehrer trying his hand at a few jokes:

The series' website has an impressive array of clips including George Carlin talking about his comic hero Lenny Bruce, Michael McKean on Christopher Guest and This Is Spinal Tap and the below "online episode" about comedy on the internet.

The schedule will give you a better indication of where it is all going. Instead of holding to a strict chronological order, it's broken up by topic:

1/14, 8 p.m. (ET) Would Ya Hit a Guy with Glasses?: Nerds, Jerks, & Oddballs
1/14, 9 p.m. (ET) Honey, I’m Home!: Breadwinners and Homemakers
1/21, 8 p.m. (ET) Slip on a Banana Peel: The Knockabouts
1/21, 9 p.m. (ET) When I’m Bad, I’m Better: The Groundbreakers
1/28, 8 p.m. (ET) Never Give a Sucker an Even Break: The Wiseguys
1/28, 9 p.m. (ET) Sock it to Me?: Satire and Parody
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Tuesday, January 13, 2009

PODCAST: Meg & Rob on the C vs. A Radio Hour

The podcasting continues! Last week we aired the first ever C vs. A Radio Hour on G-Town Radio and this week we're sharing highlights from the night.

Today, listen to the sketch duo Meg and Rob talk with host Dave Walk about performing in comedy festivals, puppet karaoke, and a lot more.

If you happen to live in the Chicago area, Meg and Rob will be performing in the Chicago Sketchfest this Thursday and Sunday. Obviously, we recommend checking them out.

Listen to this episode (19:54):






Subscribe to the podcast in iTunes

If this doesn't directly take you to iTunes, copy and paste http://feeds.feedburner.com/ cvsa_podcast_feed into iTunes through Advanced - Subscribe to Podcast...)

Subscribe to the podcast feed in a different reader

Download this episode (as a MP3, Right Click - Save As...)

Check back later this week for another podcast with Meg & Rob!

PREVIOUSLY ON THE PODCAST:
Chip Chantry
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Monday, January 12, 2009

PODCAST: Chip Chantry on the C vs. A Radio Hour

Last week we aired the first ever C vs. A Radio Hour on G-Town Radio and if you missed it, we've got you covered with podcasts.

Today, listen to Chip Chantry talk with host Dave Walk about comedy at weddings, trying to play in bands, his new monthly live comedy show CHIP CHANTRY'S ONE-MAN SHOW W/ SPECIAL GUESTS and a lot more.

The first installment of his new show is TONIGHT at The Khyber with David James, Kent Haines, Secret Pants, Johnny Goodtimes and more performing.

Listen to this episode (24:37):






Subscribe to the podcast feed (iTunes or otherwise)

If this doesn't directly take you to iTunes, copy and paste http://feeds.feedburner.com/ cvsa_podcast_feed into iTunes through Advanced - Subscribe to Podcast...)

Download this episode (as a .mp3)

And if you need even more Chip, check out an interview he did with NBCPhiladelphia.com.

Check back later this week for podcasts with Meg & Rob!
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Friday, January 9, 2009

XTRANORMAL: Sketch comedy without the people

I’m pretty sure Howard and Leslie is the funniest thing I’ve seen in years. Made by Donald Glover of Derrick fame, these cartoons chronicle the misadventures of a violent stalker and his scared and apprehensive ex-girlfriend. They’re twisted, dark and right up my alley. The line “you lied and took me to an execution” makes me laugh every time I watch the cartoon.

But besides being funny, Howard and Leslie are also important. Glover made them on the newly launched XtraNormal website, which allows its users to make cartoons based on pre-existing animation templates. This site has huge potential in the comedy world. Ever wanted to make a funny cartoon? Now’s your chance. Have an idea for a two-person comedy sketch but don’t have anyone else in mind? Here you go. Want to write a monologue but don’t think you have the chops to pull it off? Now you can.

In addition to its animation abilities, XtraNormal allows for easy uploading to YouTube and for easy linking to Facebook and MySpace. People don’t even have to go to the XtraNormal website to see your work. How awesome is that?

YouTube, Facebook and Myspace helped democratize the entertainment industry. Is XtraNormal the next evolutionary step for us comedy folk? That remains to be seen. But I do know this: I’m completely fucking obsessed with it.

***

Inspired by Howard and Leslie, I decided to make my own cartoons. What follows is something called WEST ORANGE HIGH SCHOOL REUNION. In my series, characters who share names of people I went to high school with tell their sordid tales of misery and redemption in the days upcoming to this year’s reunion.

Gregg Gethard is a Philadelphia-based comedian and host of the monthly sketch/monologue show BEDTIME STORIES
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Thursday, January 8, 2009

TONIGHT: The C vs. A Radio Hour!

Ladies and Gentlemen, we are taking over the airwaves! Well, the internet airwaves, that is. We've got a new bi-weekly comedy talk show through our friends at Gtown.com (The Sound From Germantown) called The C vs. A Radio Hour. Clever name, huh?

Your host Dave Walk will be talking to Philadelphia comedians, playing not-funny songs and other great stuff, so make sure to set your internet dial to Gtown.com. Who will be in the studio this week?

Chip Chantry and...

Meg and Rob!

Remember, that's 7-8PM TONIGHT, streaming Gtown.com.
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Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Jones' Big Ass Truck Rental & Storage II

Here we go again...

Check out http://www.jonesbigasstruckrentalandstorage.com for all of your storage needs. There's even a t-shirt for sale!

PREVIOUSLY
Jones' Big Ass Truck Rental & Storage
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SECRET PANTS: Cop Dog, P.I.


Need more of the crime fighting pooch? Check out this "first-ever, dangerously revealing exclusive" video in which Secret Pants takes you behind the scenes to witness the making of CopDog, P.I.



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Tuesday, January 6, 2009

THIS WEEK: PHIT at the Shubin Theatre

It's time again for the Philly Improv Theater's week at the Shubin Theatre (407 Bainbridge St). The week actually kicked off yesterday with our show. It will also be the first month without the sketch/monologue show Bedtime Stories, which will be moving to Connie's Ric Rac.

Wednesday, January 7
8 p.m. - Why Am I Not Famous?!?: A Comedy Talk Show w/ Kent Haines, $5. Kent's show bumps up to the 8-slot as he welcomes comedians sketch comedians The Feeko Brothers and stand-up comedian Pat Barker.

Thursday, January 8
8 p.m. - Improv Comedy, PhD, $5. Every Thursday, the theater will pair up "today's comedy over-achievers and tomorrow's comedy legends." This month: Drexel University's Drexel Football Team with PHIT house team Activity Book.

10 p.m. - Cagematch: Illegal Refill vs. Angry People Building Things, $5. CAGEMATCH pits two groups against each other for 25-minute sets that can only use one audience suggestion. The audience decides the winner by secret ballot.

Friday, January 9
8 p.m. - PHIT house team Fletcher w/ Rare Bird Show, $10. PHIT's emerging house team pairs up with Philadelphia's top improv group.

10 p.m. - BWP w/ Mister Licorice, $10. BWP's Connie and Connie (respectively) tell you about their problems and ask you what the hell yours is. Mister Licorice, besides being a name we struggle to spell correctly, are one of the top troupes from the Baltimore Improv Group.

Saturday, January 10
8 p.m. - BWP w/ Mister Licorice, $10.

10 p.m. - PHIT house team Fletcher w/ Rare Bird Show, $10.
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Monday, January 5, 2009

TONIGHT: The Comic Vs. Audience Comedy Show!

Ladies and Gentlemen, the time is nigh! Comicvsaudience.com and the Philly Improv Theater are proud to present THE COMIC VS. AUDIENCE COMEDY SHOW, a night of hilarious and engaging stand-up comedy. So come one, come all, jump on the chuckle train before it pulls out of the station. In addition to the four comics announced, there will be appearances by Two More Comedians™! Yes, that's right, six comics for the low price of $5!

Here are the details, just for you:

The Comic Vs. Audience Comedy Show
Monday, January 5th, 2009
8PM
at the Shubin Theatre (407 Bainbridge St.) [Directions]
Five American Dollars [buy 'em here]

Oh did we mention that it's BYOB!?!

Featuring:

Mary Radzinski
Joey Dougherty
Sidney Gantt
2008 Philly's Phunniest Person
Kent Haines
PLUS 2 MORE COMICS (What, are you kidding me? Answer: No.)
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Friday, January 2, 2009

LOCAL COMEDY NEWS: Chip Chantry's One-Man Show (with Special Guests)

With a New Year there are new hopes, new beginnings and new chances to make people laugh. Turns out when the monthly show Die, Actor, Die ended its two-year run last month, that wasn't the end of live comedy at The Khyber. Stand-up comic Chip Chantry will be starting his new monthly show aptly named CHIP CHANTRY'S ONE-MAN SHOW (WITH SPECIAL GUESTS) this upcoming Monday the 12th and every third Monday after then.

How's the show going to go down, Chip? "Each show, I will generally go out, guns blazing, with song, dance, monologues a go-go. But they will most likely be received rather cooly. That's when I will 'bend' the one-man-show code of conduct, and invite Philadelphia's funniest comedians, sketch artists, and the like to pick up the slack. Then, at the end, I will go back out onstage and take all the credit for what has happened."

The show will be put together with Chip's longtime friend and quizzo master Johnny Goodtimes. "We have been working together for over five years now, collaborating on dozens of projects. And we have not once been successful, respected, or even taken seriously. But we really feel like this show will change all of that."
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THE MINISTRY OF SECRET JOKES: Ringing in the New Year


Corey Cohen as the New Year's Baby at the Ministry of Secret Jokes show on NYE. [Photo by Mike Reali]
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Thursday, January 1, 2009

HAPPY NEW YEAR: Helium Comedy Club's 2009 Calendar


Happy New Year! To bring in the New Year, Helium has released their schedule for the first three months of the year.




January 7 -10: The Jameson Comedy Tour
January 14 - 17: Ian Bagg
January 21 - 24: Eddie Gossling
January 28 - 31: Guy Torry
February 4 - 7: John Heffron
February 11 - 14: Ted Alexandro
February 19 - 21: Nick DiPaolo
February 25 - 28: Brian Posehn
March 4 - 7: Brad Trackman
March 11 - 14: Paul Mooney
March 18 - 21: Greg Fitzsimmons
March 26 - 28: Joe Rogan

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