Monday, November 23, 2009

New England Picture

Every time I get my pictures framed, I go to New England Picture.

Timothy Hannan of New England Picture from Manchester, N.H. said, “We do a lot of the autograph signings with the various athletes and a big portion of our business is doing custom framing.”

New England Picture covers the entire United States shipping out framed products to their customers, so if anyone is interested in New England Picture call 1-603-625-8901, or go to either www.newenglandpicture.com.

Thursday, November 19, 2009

SHCC Pictures

















From The first picture to the last, you have myself, Shawn Hansen in the black leather jacket you can see in each and every picture. Then you have Bob Seibel, Bruins legend Cam Neely, Jimmy Fallon, Bill Burr, Adam Ferrara, and Denis Leary.

Coming soon!!

Yours truly, Shawn Hansen will be interviewed on party934.com, and 102.5 FM Hudson Valley Radio, NY within the next couple of weeks.

Sometime in Mid-January, Early February, SHCC will debut a TV show on Burlington Cable Access Television [BCAT]. Information will be updated as I know more on that. I'm going to briefly talk about that in my interview on Dec. TBD, and will be interviewed by the Burlington Union the week before my show, and possibly the Boston Globe.

On January 07, 2010, Hansen will be interviewed on party934.com, and 102.5 FM Hudson Valley Radio, NY.

SHCC Logos



















Fans, I am not an artist, however, that logo was drawn by me. It's signed: "Shawn Hansen's Comedy Corner," if you couldn't already tell. Anyways, since I'm not an artist, feel free to send me "SHCC" logos to smjokes@aol.com. The ultimate logo I'm looking for is something with the "SHCC" incorporated into it along with the laughing dog you see in the "What is Shawn Hansen's Comedy Corner" section in the November link at the left of this page.

Monday, November 16, 2009

Shawn Hansen's Comedy Corner with Rick Cormier

By Shawn Hansen, The Valley Patriot

Published November 2009

Comedian Rick Cormier of Chelmsford is the guy you should see if you want to spend the night laughing.

“I started about five years ago. My wife and I were talking about divorce and I needed some other diversion I guess,” said Cormier.

At the early stages of his comedic career debuting at Lou’s Place in Tewksbury, Cormier said, “Lou’s Place…that reminds me of an ancient Chinese proverb. Man who not pay mortgage lose place.”

Developing his parodies he started submitting them to amiright.com followed by soundclick.com and has roughly 30 parodies to this day.

“To much acclaim, a lot of them got a lot of favorable reviews and then I started recording those,” said Cormier.

Cormier said his first parody was written for a friend who was getting married for the second time. He explained that his wife’s name was Maureen as everyone called her Mo.

“What I did was a parody to Frank Sinatra’s ‘My Way’ and called it ‘Mo’s Way.”’  Cormier said it was a big hit singing the song at his friends wedding so he figured he would perform parodies live. “Please Mr. Postman to She’s Lindsey Lohan” and “I left my heart in San Francisco to I wrecked my heart with spam and Crisco” are other parodies Cormier put together.

In Cormier’s career as a comedian he has appeared at a comedy studio in Boston, Giggles Comedy Club, Elks Halls, VFWs and Knights of Columbus’ and the Lowell Brewery. He has worked with comics such as Dave Russo, Larry Lee Lewis, Steve Sweeney, Ira Proctor, Paul Nardizzi, Mike Donavan, Artie Januario, and Johnny Joyce.

“I just wrote a theme song for the Johnny Joyce Roast,” said Cormier. His song fit perfectly because of the letters in his name. “You know its M-I-C-K-E-Y M-O-U-S-E. Well his name is J-O-H-N-N-Y J-O-Y-C-E, Johnny Joyce.”

Looking at other comics, Cormier said he always has been a fan of Rodney Dangerfield, Red Skelton, Bob Hope, Milton Berle, Rich Little, Billy Crystal, Steve Martin, Jonathan Winters, and Monty Python.

Cormier likes Frank Sinatra and The Beatles, and does “A day in the exodus.” He said this is the story of Moses set to a day in the life of The Beatles and has a lot of sound bites in it that he got off the Internet.

“I put Cheech and Chong in there. I did both Cheech and Chong and I have Charlton Heston in there from the 10 Commandments,” said Cormier. 

Sometimes Cormier does his own soundtracks and will work with mini-tracks isolating each instrument individually making the sound better and more realistic.

Aside parodies, Cormier also impersonates Stewie Griffin and Arnold Schwarzenegger and would like to incorporate more voices into his acts. Some of the jokes he does includes: “I've got a friend who is a mime... he's not talking to me.” “My ex-wife is a housekeeper...she got to keep my car too.” And “There are lots of new Blackberrys out there but, my favorite is still Halle.”

In life, Cormier is looking for a full time job while he sticks with comedy part time. He would like to become a recording engineer and has the qualifications to do so.

“I already know how to do it. I know the software, and can work with audio files. I know how to mix and edit. I know all of that stuff,” said Cormier.

Also, appearing at Giggles Comedy Club Nov. 6, Nov. 25, Nov. 27, and Nov. 28 will be one of Boston’s favorite comedians, Lenny Clarke. Clarke’s upcoming shows noting Friday, Nov. 6 will be the show to see, Steve Castraberti, owner of Giggles Comedy Club said, “That will be an interesting show because he’s going to do “Comics Come Home” to benefit the Cam Neeley Foundation Saturday night.”

Castraberti said a number of comedians will show up that night to keep their routine sharp and prepare for “Comics Come Home” the following night at the Agganis Arena at Boston University.

“Adam Ferrera from Rescue Me and perhaps a few other guys that are going to be doing the Saturday night show will be here,” said Castraberti explaining that comedian Bill Burr may be there as well.

Castraberti said Clarke does his traditional night before Thanksgiving show which usually includes a dozen comics because everyone wants to say they worked with Lenny Clarke. For the night before Thanksgiving show, Paul D’Angelo, Al Ducharme, Tony V, Artie Januario, and Brad Mastrangelo, Kevin Knox, Johnny Pizzi are scheduled to appear with Clarke as more comics could appear at the show.

“We’ve been doing standup here for 20 years. Myself, and my partner Mike Clarke, who happens to be Lenny’s brother, which gives us access to Lenny,” said Castraberti explaining that Lenny doesn’t do comedy anywhere else.

Comedy shows at Giggles are on Friday and Saturday nights with the exception of an occasional holiday night and fundraising night. For fundraising, Giggles Comedy Club is offered to charitable events, sports organizations, or schools for the night for a flat rate and will be given unlimited pizza for a 75-minute show.

While enjoying a night out filled with laughter from different comedians, you can also order a bite to eat at the restaurant side of Giggles whose been in business since 1961.

If you are interested in going to a comedy show at Giggles, call 1-781-233-9950, or visit their Web site at www.princepizzeria.com/giggles-comedy.cfm. They are located at 517 Broadway in Saugus, Mass. 01906. Most shows are $20 per person, excluding special events. For Rick Cormier

Journalist Shawn Hansen’s joke of the month: “Yeah, so the other day I covered Town Meeting. At the meeting, people were talking about Article 15, Article 29, Article 8, and Article 26… I said, rookies… I have written 62 articles in my career.”

If anyone would like to have a joke published in my monthly column, send jokes to smjokes@aol.com. In the email, include your first and last name, and where you’re from. Each month I will pick one or two jokes to run in my column.  Thank you in advance for your joke(s), and keep it clean.

Tewksbury comedian stays busy


Tewksbury comedian stays busy

By Shawn Hansen, Tewksbury Advocate

Published Oct 29, 2009


This month around the comedy table, comedian Dave Russo of Tewksbury has a number of upcoming appearances, both live and on TV.

"I taped the best of Boston night life awards for NESN," said Russo, explaining that is will air Friday, Oct. 30. The show is going to be hosted by former New England Patriots tight end Christian Fauria.

Russo said "Dirty Water Television" is on NESN and he was one of the performers there that was interviewed as he put on a show.

He will appear in Atlantic City in a nine-show feature at The Tropicana from Sunday, Oct. 25-Sunday, Nov. 1.

"I'm heading to Atlantic City, but I have some good friends coming to town on Oct. 30-31," said Russo.

Tom Cotter, who is on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, and his wife, Kerri Louise will appear at Giggles Comedy Club Halloween weekend. Kerri was one of the finalists in Last Comic Standing.

When Russo comes back from Atlantic City, he will perform in Wallinford, Conn., on Nov. 6, Montvalle Plaza in Stoneham on Nov. 7, All-Pro Production in Hyannis on Nov. 12, and Remingtons in Boston Nov. 13-14.

"Comics Come Home with Denis Leary," sponsoring the Cam Neely Foundation for Cancer Care is on Saturday, Nov. 7 at 7:30 p.m. and will be held at the Agganis Arena at Boston University. This show will feature Leary as the host, along with Lenny Clarke, Bill Burr, Adam Ferrara, Kenny Rogerson, Tony V, Jimmy Fallon, Patrice Oneal, Whitney Cummings, Jeffrey Ross and more.

For ticket information for "Comics Come Home with Denis Leary," visit www.ticketmaster.com, or call 1-800-754-3000. Ticket prices range from $40 to $155.

Tewksbury comedian faces the crowd


Tewksbury comedian faces the crowd

By Shawn Hansen, Tewksbury Advocate

Published Oct 15, 2009


TEWKSBURY - At Salvatore’s in Lawrence, Tewksbury Comedian David Russo’s comedy had a room full of fans in stitches during a performance in September. 

Taking the microphone from a Salvatore’s employee named David, Russo started the night thanking the man saying, “Your name’s David, too? How do you spell it?”

When Russo told a fan in the audience he looked tough because he had his arms crossed, he then made his face look like actor Robert DeNiro, while pointing and shaking his finger. He told the crowd that’s all they would get because he unfortunately cannot impersonate DeNiro.

“For years now, people said that my appearance is a younger version of Robert DeNiro,” said Russo explaining that he throws the face on for entertainment purposes.

“It’s usually when someone’s trying to poke fun at me, or tease me, or when someone gives me a weird little face, I’ll say, ‘Oh my God, you looked just like Robert DeNiro,’ and then I’ll do the impression of that person.”

Mixing it up

Russo said he likes to mix things up a little in his performances.

“There are different styles of comedy, there’s spoken word comedy, and there’s physical comedy,” said Russo.

In his act, Russo said his sister taught him how to fight. He then starts defending himself, in slow motion, by frantically waving his arms at his supposed attacker.

“It’s a physical piece of comedy. The audience really seems to enjoy it,” said Russo.

The fans speak

With a room packed with roughly 120 people at Salvatore’s in Lawrence, Russo’s fans spoke about the night.

“I thought it was great,” said Jim Blaisdell of Lawrence. “I haven’t been to a comedy show in a long time. The place is beautiful and the seats are comfortable.” Blaisdell said he would be interested in seeing Russo perform again.

“We enjoyed the entire show,” said Wink Farrow of Connecticut, who was there with his sister Amy. “It was worth the trip.”

“I thought it was a great show. Dave Russo’s comedy killed,” said Joe McDonough of Burlington. “The funniest parts where when he talked about his family.”

For more, go to www.daverusso.net.

Local comic stands up with 'Sopranos' star



Laugh it up with comedian
Local comic stands up with 'Sopranos' star

By Shawn Hansen, Tewksbury Advocate


Published September 17, 2009


TEWKSBURY - Tewksbury comic Dave Russo will perform with Frank Santorelli of "The Sopranos" and Patty Ross of "Roseanne" on Saturday, Sept. 19 at 8:30 p.m. at Salvatore's in Lawrence.

For $20, comedy fans can see these three headliners perform for a 90-minute show, sponsored by the American Heart Association. Salvatore's is located at 354 Merrimack St.

"The food is fantastic there," said Russo. "It's like a diamond in the rough especially for this area."

Russo said he met Santorelli about 10 years ago when he first started doing comedy.

"We became friends in 2000 when I won the Boston Comedy Festival New Comic Award," he said. After their friendship debuted at the turn of the century, Russo found himself in opening acts for Santorelli. Aside from comedy shows, the two have worked together in fundraiser events.

Russo appeared on "The Phantom Gourmet" this past Saturday, Sept. 12, at 10:30 a.m., and 5 p.m. Russo met the crew at the Hot Dog Safari and met Eddie Edelman there.

"My Dad and I listened to him when I grew up for years. He was one of the originals for sports radio. He was the original," said Russo.

He said everything about the show was very professional and he would like to thank Eric, Ken, Dave, Dan, Mike, and the rest of the "Gourmet" crew for everything.

Aside performing at Salvatore's this Saturday, Russo will pair up with Ross, Larry Lee Lewis, Jimmy Tingle, and Lamount Price on Sept. 24. 

"We're doing a show for the Boys and Girls Club of Boston," said Russo. The show will be at Patriot Place at Gillette at 8 p.m.

Santorelli has been a standup comedian since 1981 when he first appeared at the Cleveland Comedy Club in his hometown of Cleveland, Ohio. He moved to Massachusetts in 1985, and he currently lives in Waltham.

"Being a standup comic in Boston, we used to go to New York and audition for stuff all the time," said Santorelli, explaining that there once ewas a hockey audition so they dressed full throttle and drove off to The Big Apple.

Santorelli said that he had a lot of shows in the state of the Evil Empire and was noticed by different agents, and managers.

"I got this thing called 'The Sopranos.' Nobody ever heard of it before and I was telling people, 'Hey. I'm on this show, 'The Sopranos,' and they were like, 'That's a stupid name."'

In Santorelli's stint as bartender Georgie, he played in 16 episodes over the span of eight seasons. He was one of the original cast members, and is beginning to get more recognition for his role as Georgie, now that the show is free and plays on A&E instead of HBO.

Santorelli said he was beaten up by Tony Soprano, played by James Gandolfini, in 12 of the 16 episodes he appeared in.

"There are rumblings that they might do a movie, and I might be involved some how," said Santorelli.

Besides getting beaten up on TV, Santorelli has been on Conan, national commercials, "Last Comic Standing," "Law and Order," "Spin City," "Providence," and "Law and Order Criminal Intent

Ross is going to be in a movie with Ben Affleck this year. She has been on "Roseanne." She has opened for comedian Andrew Dice Clay in front of 10,000 people. She has worked with Jackie Mason, Pat Cooper, and shot the pilot "Battle" for Twentieth Century Fox.

Go to www.daverusso.net for more information.

Tewksbury comedian brings the laughter









Tewksbury comedian brings the laughter

By Shawn Hansen, Tewksbury Advocate

Published August 13, 2009

TEWKSBURY - Comedian and Tewksbury resident Dave Russo works anywhere between three to five shows a week. In 1999, he started making faces like actor Robert DeNiro. Russo doesn’t say anything; he just does the face.

“A lot of people recognize me for that,” he said. “They don’t know my name, they say, ‘the guy that does DeNiro.’”

Growing up in Malden with a brother, and sister, Russo started entertaining people at age 5. He attended Malden school systems, and made a name for himself in high school.

“I was Malden’s first ever state wrestling champion. I was voted MVP in the state of Massachusetts my senior year,” said Russo.

After high school, Russo divvied up his college career going to Wilkes University in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., and the University of New Haven in Connecticut.

When he was younger, Johnny Carson was an inspiration to Russo.

“My family always liked watching Johnny Carson,” he said. “We especially liked comedy night when they had comedian’s on Johnny Carson. Some people are born to be professional baseball players. Some people are born to be scientists. I was born to be an entertainer.”

Russo said his parents grew up in the 1950s. They followed Elvis, and the Rat Pack. Between dance competitions, participating in theater, or singing in church, Russo always had a knack for entertainment.

“Singing, and dancing has always been a part of my life,” he said.

Over the years, he has paired up with comedians Dave Chappelle, Lenny Clarke, Steve Sweeney, Don Gavin, Mitch Hedberg, and Chris Rock. He has appeared in shows outside the United States.

“I did a TV show in Amsterdam. It was like the David Letterman of America. I forget the name of the show, but it was back in 2001.”

He out-laughed — and outlasted — 5,000 entertainers to be a part of a 10-episode TV series “The Entertainer.” He won the very first “Best New Comic” award in Boston’s Comedy Festival, and appeared on NESN’s Comedy All-Stars. He also said he spent a month in Mexico, entertaining south of the border.

For Russo’s advertisement campaign, he sold a few hundred copies of a DVD he put together called “My Road to Vegas.” His first CD, “Gonaherpacyphalitus” came out in 2006.

“As of right now, I’m putting together some promo packs. Aug. 13, I’m taping the Phantom Gourmet. It’s going to be appearing on TV in September.” Russo is not sure what day it will appear, but will post video footage on his Web site at www.daverusso.net. On his Web site, Russo has a video from NESN’s “Comedy All Stars,” and will post more in the near future.

A joke that Russo is laughing about right now is his latest, “I have never had a surprise party. Well I’ve had one surprise party. Some people like to call it an intervention.”

Aside from comedy, Russo helps his friend out with landscaping; he helps produce shows, and is part of the fundraiser circuit around New England. He will perform at Patriot’s Place in September down at Gillette Stadium. It’s a fundraiser for the police around the state. Russo raised money for Make A Wish Foundation, Breast Cancer Awareness, along with the town of Malden to get new bulletproof vests. Joking around, Russo chuckles, “I give a lot to Charity, she’s a dancer in Vegas.”

Out of four Comedy Softball League teams, Russo’s team is in first at 7-1 as of Thursday, Aug. 7. He is on a men’s hockey team, and likes to golf.

Sunday, November 15, 2009

Month-by-Month Comedy Corners

November 2009: Rick Cormier.

December 2009: Denis Leary, Lenny Clarke, Adam Ferrara, Jimmy Fallon, Bill Burr, Jeffrey Ross, Patrice Oneal, Whitney Cummings, Tony V, Kenny Rogerson, and Boston Bruins legend Cam Neely.

December 2009: Giggles Comedy with Johnny Pizzi, Brad Mastrangelo, Paul D'Angelo, Al Ducharme, Artie Januario, Tony V, Greg Murphy, Lenny Clarke.

January 2010: SHCC remembers Kevin Knox.

January 2010: Bob Seibel & Bill Cosby.

January 2010: Johnny Joyce, Rick Cormier, Bob Gautreau, Kris Earle, Steve Albert.

February 2010: Jeff Dunham.

February 2010: Dane Cook. *Jeff Foxworthy.

February 2010: Rob Schneider & Sinbad

March 2010: Erin Livingston Carroll & Damon Wayans.

April 2010: Rich Ceisler & Greg Boggis.

May 2010: Mac Livingston & April Macie.

June 2010: Ryan Stiles & Pat McLoud.

July 2010: Paul D'Angelo.

August 2010: Johnny Pizzi.

September 2010: - *Frank Caliendo.

October 2010: - Danny Kelly & Joseph Yannetty.

November 2010: - Comics Come Home.

*Could work with SHCC: Jerry Seinfeld, Frank Caliendo.

*Appearing soon in SHCC, Comedians Tony V. Months will be noted soon.

What is Shawn Hansen's Comedy Corner?


Shawn Hansen's Comedey Corner [SHCC] is a comedy column that comes out in The Valley Patriot newspaper.

Working with Comedian Dave Russo since August 2009, I published a number of articles about Dave Russo's comedy in the Tewksbury Advocate. Since writing on the topic of comedy, I have met and interviewed a variety of different comedians through Russo. In November 2009, I thought to expand my comedy column to The Valley Patriot and publish a column titled, "Shawn Hansen's Comedy Corner." Each month SHCC will work with different comedians/actors so the titles will change. For example, Decembers issue will be SHCC with Denis Leary as he hosted Comics Come Home on Nov. 7.

Anywho, check out my monthly articles with Comedian Dave Russo in the Tewksbury Advocate, which you can pick up at any convenient store, or gas station in Tewksbury unless you live insanely far away. In that case, go to www.wickedlocal.com/tewksbury EVERY month and read my work. Along with the Tewksbury Advocate, read my monthly SHCCs in The Valley Patriot EVERY month... but if once again you live insanely far away, go to www.valleypatriotonline.com and read my comedy columns... as well as my sports columns!! 

One more thing... If you are interested in reading more sports written by yours truly, Shawn Hansen, visit my (other) blog at www.valleypatriotsportsflash.blogspot.com.

Thank you all,

Shawn Hansen