Music in Stand-up

What's up with this trend of comedians also trying to showoff the fact that they're musicians as well? I'm not completely sold on the idea. That doesn't mean I'm 100 percent against it, I'm just not sure if it works for everyone.

Jon Lajoie, Demetri Martin and Stephen Lynch all like to incorporate song/instrumentation into their stand-up routines. What do you think? It is funny or annoying, or does it depend on the comic and why?

Demetri Martin



Stephen Lynch



I do love Mitch Hedberg background bass line though.

Magooby's Joke House

So you don't live in Downtown Baltimore, and you don't feel like driving down there just to catch a comedy show? No problem! Magooby's Joke House is located in Northeast Baltimore County, and offers the same experience, minus the hassle of finding a parking spot.

In addition to featuring ample free parking, Magooby's is reasonably priced at $12 plus the usually two item minimum. Looking at the lineup, they seem to feature the same acts as the Baltimore Comedy Factory, usually the week before or after. Be sure to keep Magooby's in mind for something new on the weekend!

Favorite Comedian?

I want to know, who is your favorite comedian and why? What makes that person stand out against the rest? What about their style is so unique? How do they appeal to your sense of humor? Do you identify with that person or their experiences?

Basically, what are you, my audience, into?

My four favorite comedians of all time are featured above: Richard Pryor, Mitch Hedberg, Dave Chapelle and Katt Williams. I love the fact that they can all make fun of themselves, yet they have a universal appeal to make you sit back and say, "Shit, that definitely happened to me too!"

I also respect these comedians because they have a talent that many of us are lacking. Yes, they are hilarious, but they have the ability to use humor to shift focus on actual social issues. Whether it's drug use and laws, race, or the dynamics in various relationships, they bring the laughs while still getting the point across.

So, who does it for you, and why?

The Capitol Steps at Ram's Head

The Capitol Steps are a set of former Senate employees who basically have created an act out of making fun of their old job. I work for the federal government at Social Security, and trust me, I'm sure they have plenty of material.

The troupe is coming to Annapolis to perform at Ram's Head Onstage. I mentioned that I was going to see a show there for the first time last month. The venue is amazing, and I highly recommend it to everyone. You have a perfect view no matter where you are seated, the acoustics are great and the staff is friendly. Be sure to grab a bite to eat at the Tavern next door, the food is delicious.

I really want to go see the Steps because the content hits so close to home. It will be a sweet graduation present to myself, considering that it's the same day!

Check out one of the two shows, May 22 at 6:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.

The Golden West Cafe

We all know how most comedy clubs or shows work. If your going to a club, more than likely, your paying a $17-20 admission fee, on top of a two drink minimum. This brings your total night to about $35, and that's the low end.

If the comedian your seeing is doing shows at venues like the Meyerhoff or the Lyric Opera House, for example, tickets are likely to run you about $35-50, no drink minimum of course.

That's why deals like the Golden West Cafe in Hampden are hard to pass up. The last Friday of every month, the Golden West features the Bar Bacon Fun Time Comedy Hour. At 11 p.m. the stand-up begins for $5, and as Metromix puts says "it's a pretty good way to avoid the assigned seating and drink minimums of local comedy clubs (though we know drink maximums are more your style)."

And yes, Golden West does have an impressive bar menu and well as an interesting and ecceltic dinner menu. You can't beat stand-up for $5, so go check it out.

The Viral Vault - Angry Optician

This is not the way you run a business... or your life. I hope Adam Plimmer has gotten the anger management help he so obviously needs, and I also hope that the victimized customers were eventually outfitted with the apporiate eyewear.

I really don't know what happened after this incident. I do know that this video has provided LOLs for me and my friends in the past, and I feel the need to share with you. Your welcome.

The Viral Vault - Popeye's

Hey good people, I've come up with a little added extra for the blog. It's going to feature my favorite viral videos, I hope you enjoy. As always, leave feedback.



Is this funny, racist or both? I say both; yes the reactions are hilarious, but come on, only black people came to not one, but two Popeyes? Shame on you news media, and shame on you angry customers for even feeling so passionate about a chicken deal!

This wasn't even free, so I wonder how KFC is going to deal?