Shawn Hansen's Comedy Corner with Tom Green

Shawn Hansen's Comedy Corner with Tom Green

Acting in the movies Freddy Got Fingered, Road Trip, Bob the Butler, Stealing Harvard, and many more, Tom Green started his career on a Canadian access television program in 1994.

Performing with a variety of dif- ferent celebrities, Green said he had the most fun working with Rip Torn, Harland Williams, Jason Lee, Cameron Diaz, and Sean William Scott.

Hosting a current talk show on the Internet from his house, Green has been on tour since this past January, and will be coming to The Wilbur Theatre at 246 Tremont Street in Boston on Friday, Sept. 10 at 7 p.m.

“I’m excited to be coming to Bos- ton,” said Green. “I’ve been to Boston once in my life. I loved it, and I think it’s one of these things where I re- ally felt like I haven’t been to Boston enough to be honest with you.”

Traveling all over the United States on tour, Green feels like it’s an amazing theater to perform at.

“I have had a few friends that have performed there recently who tell me it’s the best place to perform in the country. Rob Schneider, and Norman MacDonald told me about it, and I’m excited about that, and it’s going to be a great show.”

Starting his own television show at Community Television in Ottawa from 1994-1999, Green said it prepared him- self for the big stage.

“A few years later, we were on the

Canadian Comedy Network, which was an actual paid cable show that I was working for that we got picked up by for two seasons,” said Green, explain- ing that it eventually was picked up by Music Television [MTV] in New York.

With his show airing on MTV for a number of years, Green played a lot of pranks on his parents. He said some of his favorite stunts pulled were leav- ing a decapitated cows head in their bed, painting their house plaid, and airbrushing their car with an explicit design, just so he could videotape their

reactions.

Although all these stunts were

pulled, Green said his parents never actually called the police on him. His father’s name is Richard, and his mother’s name is Mary Jane. Green said, “Sometimes I tell my mother that she should open up a marijuana dispensary. Mary Jane Green’s I think would be a very popular spot.”

On his talk show that can be seen by going to www.tomgreen.com, Green will rap with the artists he has on that day.

“I’ve had Flavor Flav, and Xzibit, Jurassic Five, Too Short, and I rap with them on my show, and it’s pretty cool,” said Green.

Other then having rap artists on his show, Green has interviewed Ed McMahon on more then one occasion, Jimmy Kimmel, and Val Kilmer. His influences of starting a talk show on television have been David Letterman, Jay Leno, Johnny Carson, Talk TV, Monty Python, and Saturday Night Live [SNL].

“Since I started my public access show, I got to host SNL, I got to host the David Letterman show,” said Green, explaining that he was one of the very few people in the world that got to guest host that show.

“Right now I’m doing it weekly cause I’m on tour,” said Green, explain- ing that anyone can watch his shows online. You can go there anytime, 24-hours a day, we’re on the air.”

Green said his online show has an estimated 2.5 million viewers per show. He feels if people come out to his show, they will enjoy it, especially if they liked his work on MTV.

“It’s a very high energy, silly, ridicu- lous, thought provoking fun show,” said Green. “I’d like to attack things around me in my own life, and pop culture in the news.”

After the show, Green is going to have a meet and greet where pictures will be taken.

He will be at The Wilbur Theatre on Sept. 10, and the Comedy Connection in Chicopee on Sept. 11.

Shawn Hansen's Comedy Corner with Mitch Fatel

Shawn Hansen's Comedy Corner with Mitch Fatel

Performing on stage for the first time at the age of 15, comedian Mitch Fatel reflects about his early career in the en- tertainment industry. He reminisces about dressing up in Incredible Hulk pajamas, telling everyone in the crowd he had to leave early because he has school in the morning.

On Sept. 11, Fatel will be coming to The Wilbur Theatre at 246 Tremont Street in Boston, and will be performing there for the first time since last year.

Appearing for the first time in front of an audience, Fatel was at the Comic Strip, and felt it was unique to have a young kid on stage.

“It was a really excited moment for me to go on stage, and I was always very nervous, but the audience was very happy to see a young kid try something new,” said Fatel.

When his comedy club teacher booked the gig at the Holiday Inn, Fatel hit the stage for his first time performing in front of a bunch of businessmen during happy hour.

“I started getting booed, and said, ‘One day you guys are going to be sorry you’re booing me because I’m going to be famous, and you’re going to have to pay to see me,” said Fatel.

Born in Manhattan, raised in Yonkers, NY, Fatel feels he didn’t move to Los An- geles because he loves his home state.

“I’m such an East coast fan,” said Fatel. “I feel so comfy here, and I was always able to make a living in comedy

not having to live in L.A., so I kind of set down roots here. I probably should be out in L.A., but I just can’t leave New York, I just love it so much.”

Even though 35-year old Fatel first took the stage at the age of 15, he doesn’t consider being a comedian for 20 years.

“I always have a problem with anybody saying that they are something, and they don’t make a living at it,” said Fatel. “I always thought that it’s so easy for people to say there a comic just because they have been on stage. I say, no that’s not what you do, you’re not a comic. In my mind, I never considered myself a comic until I was making a living at it.”

Fatel said that people, who want to be comedians, shouldn’t consider themselves to be in the industry until they make it big.

“I always took pride in that, and never considered myself a comedian until I got my first paycheck ever, and started paying the bills. I was a waiter for many years, and then in 1996, I went to the Montreal Comedy Festival, and I got a $150K holding deal with Disney, and went from someone who is making $350 a week to somebody who suddenly has a check for $150K. I think that’s when I finally con- sidered myself a comedian.”

In Fatel’s shows, he starts off say- ing his name, and that he is very funny. Reflecting on his teenage years, Fatel remembers going to a comedy show with his parents, and hearing someone reading off a list of names. ‘Hey everybody, how’s everybody doing, how’s everybody feel- ing, you having a good time?’ I thought to myself, I’ve seen that so many times, and I thought how different and unique, and

weird would it be if a guy just walked up and said, ‘Hi, I’m very funny,”’ said Fatel.

On stage, he will talk about hobbies, and topics that are clean so everybody can bring their parents.

Recently, Fatel had an audition for a Doritos radio commercial.

“I should be able to get it because I do actually really love Doritos, so I didn’t have to act like I was faking it,” said Fatel. “It’s just so crunchy.”

For more information about Fatel, go to http://www.mitchfatel.com/. He will be at the Comedy Connection in Chicopee on Sept. 10, and The Wilbur Theatre on Sept. 11.

Shawn Hansen's Comedy Corner with Artie Januario.

Shawn Hansen's Comedy Corner with Artie Januario.

In the summer, there are many things to do down the Cape, but did anyone think about the Comedy Lounge?

This entire summer at the Radisson ho- tel, the only comedy club in town is back having shows every Saturday night.

On July 24, Alvin David, Mike Whit- man, Ira Proctor, and Artie Januario tore the stage up in front of a room packed of comedy fans.

David, the host of the night talked about being in the air force when he was younger, and had people laughing, and said, ‘Okay, one more,” for the people that didn’t get the jokes. That was a great segway to set up his next line, and make the audience think of what is going on.

“We had a lot of fun tonight,” said David. “We had myself, and Michael Whitman, and Artie Januario, with a little Ira Proctor. It was a good crowd. It was a little lean off the top, but we got through it, and we made it happen. Everybody had a good time.”

Performing at the Comedy Lounge about four times a year, David said Whit- man is one of the funniest comedians he has met in his entire life.

“Artie killed it tonight, and you had Ira doing a guest spot, which is just great for everybody.”

If there were three comedians perform- ing that night, Whitman would have been the middler, but since there was four, I guess he was known to be second place?

With a story telling act, Whitman was talking about being at work, and having to take five harassment classes last year. He joked, “How long is it too long to stare? We’ll never know.”

Chuckling a few times at the end of each joke, Whitman brought up a bit about email e-greets. He laughed, “Happy Birthday different font, Michael R. Whit- man. Times New Roman, that’s just what I wanted. I hated last years Courier New.”

After the show, Whitman said the audi- ence was, “Pretty tight. It felt like I had to start them up every time, but they come. They look like they had a good time.”

Performing in Hyannis for 5 years, Whitman feels it’s good when performing with friends.

“Alvin’s great, and Ira stops by as a na- tional headliner for a guest spot, and Artie takes you home,” said Whitman.

Every Thursday at Remington’s res- taurant, he hosts his own show at Dick Doherty’s Comedy Vault in Boston.

Januario said, “Tonight’s show was an excellent. We had about 100 people, which is close to the capacity, and I was happy about that because it’s always good to perform in front of a full room.

Performing down the Cape as opposed to on the other side of the bridge, Januario said he feels people are more laid back here.

“If you’re down here on the Cape as opposed to the greater Boston area, it’s harder to do local references. When I mentioned Revere Beach, very few people knew what I was talking about, because there’s people here from New York, Connecticut, or I don’t know where they’re from, but they don’t know some of the local stuff. You can do big stuff like Red Sox, or Patriots because people know that. Then again, you might alienate people because there might be New York Giants fans here, or Yankees fans here.”

When Januario went on stage, along with the other comedians, the crowd responded well. Everyone seemed to go bonkers when he talked about being a pharmacist, growing up in Revere Beach with needles in the sand, and his family.

Proctor, who made a guest appearance, was taping a bit for Comedy Central. He had a hilarious bit about Dunkin Donuts saying, “For now on we have a bathtub outside, we’re going to fill it with regular coffee.” With that said, he finished with talking about having an easy pass on the side of the building, and a coffee cup outside driving by at 60 miles per hour, swooping up the drink.

Catching up with Proctor after the show, he said he has to send three min- utes of film to Comedy Central. “I have a special two night weekend on Labor Day,” said Proctor, explaining that people should come back to the Comedy Lounge.

For more information about the Com- edy Lounge, go to http://www.comedylounge.com/.

The set of Shawn Hansen's Comedy Corner

Bob Seibel decked out in Shawn Hansen's Comedy Corner paraphernalia.

Interviewing Bob Seibel on the first TV Show of Shawn Hansen's Comedy Corner.

Bill Burr talks about being in the comedy industry.

Adam Ferrara reflects on his career.

Denis Leary talks about the upcoming season of Rescue Me

Jeff Dunham entertained the Tsongas Arena on Jan. 17, 2010.

24-16 = 8 pictures

Rick Cormier was the first comic to appear in SHCC.

Funny Q/A with Shawn Hansen

Funny Q/A with Shawn Hansen

"Only in a blog could someone get away with interviewing themselves."

Q: What has Shawn Hansen's Comedy Corner been up to lately?

A: I have been covering comedy shows when I can, and have been working on my main project which is to get my television show up and running.

Q: TV Star, impressive. Tell me about your upcoming TV Show, when it will start, and what people can expect from watching it?

A: Good question. Well, first off, I should tell you the shows name. The name of the show will be Shawn Hansen's Comedy Corner. It will be synchronized with my comedy corner as its basically the same thing, only on TV. The show will air every other week as I will bring in one, or two comedians each show. Even though I'm not a comedian, as the host of the show, I still want to try to be funny, so will bring in fortune cookies. I will read these fortune cookies out loud, and will make a witty remark about each cookie I read.

Q: What day do you plan to start recording your show, and what have you been doing to prepare for your debut on TV?

A: Well, the show was planned to start a few weeks ago, but I needed to get certified in Final Cut Pro, a TV editing skill. Once I was certified in Final Cut Pro, I have been working on putting an introduction together for the past two days.

Q: What is your introduction like?

A: Basically, I introduce the show with the official logo of Shawn Hansen's Comedy Corner. In between that I dissolve in pictures of comedians I have hosted on my corner, and have audio in the background of the comedian talking in an interview I had with them.

Q: Interesting. Very interesting indeed. Lastly, who do you plan to have on the first TV show of Shawn Hansen's Comedy Corner?

A: I plan to have Dave Russo, and Bob Seibel on the show. The show might run for a half an hour, or an hour depending on how much material we have.

Q: Is there anything else you would like to add?

A: Yes, as a matter of fact there is. Recently, I interviewed Mac Livingston on Dec. 23, and Erin Livingston Carroll on Feb. 09, and would like to promote upcoming shows they have in February. Also, I interviewed Pauly Shore on Jan. 27 promoting his show at The Wilbur Theatre, and covered it this past Friday, which I will publish an article in The Valley Patriot about Shore this March, as well as the Livingston gang.

Upcoming Show Schedule:

Erin Livingston Carroll

Feb. 17 - Comedy Studio in Harvard Square 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

"We write so I don't have to tell the same jokes for 20 or more years," said Carroll according to www.erincomedy.com.

Feb. 19 - Mafia Style Comedy Show at the Hobo Cafe in Salisbury Center from 8:30-10:00 p.m.

Feb. 22 - The Grog in Newburyport from 8:00-10 p.m. for an open mike.

Mac Livingston

Feb. 19 - Mafia Style Comedy Show at the Hobo Cafe in Salisbury Center from 8:30-10:00 p.m.

Feb. 25 - Headliners in Manchester, NH from 8-10 p.m.

Feb. 26 - Chit Chat in Seabrook, NH with Paul D'Angelo from 8-10 p.m.

SHCC: SNL's Rob Schneider

By Shawn Hansen, The Valley Patriot

Published February 2010

“From Saturday Night Live” to “Home Alone 2”, “The Hot Chick”, and “Deuce Bigalow: European Gigolo”, Rob Sch- neider has performed in a school bus full of movies, not to mention an arm sleeve of movies with Adam Sandler.

Performing at the Wilbur Theatre in Boston on Jan. 9, Schneider started his night off talking about the Boston Red Sox.

“Ninety years ago, last month, you guys decided to sell Babe Ruth to the Yan- kees for a musical. Wow, good idea there. It would be like trading Tom Brady for a Jonas Brother to be named later.”

Schneider chuckled about Bill Buckner saying anyone related to him will most likely be in trouble. “Isn’t your aunt re- lated to the grandma of the second cousin of Bill Buckner? Yeah, yeah, right? Well, F* you.”

Talking about TSA Agents in the airport, he said, apparently you don’t have to be Sherlock Holmes to fit this job prescription.

“To be a TSA, all you basically need is a pulse, and the ability to identify bottled water,” said Schneider.

Schneider also joked about his concern for old people taking prescription drugs they see on TV.

“Forget about get- ting kids off drugs, get those seniors off drugs,” joked Schneider.

Explaining how whatever they hear on TV, old people appar- ently have it he rifled off a number of differ- ent potential syndromes.

Schneider also touched on stories about Tiger Woods calling him “quite the goof ball” for crashing into a row of hedges, a fire hydrant and a tree to escape his outraged wife.

on his phone that was left on the kitchen table. Now with the media revelations about the philandering Woods, Schneider said the bar has now been lowered for all men.

“Honey, I only cheated on you with two women. Look at this a-hole, he did it with 85 women.”

Lastly, when Schneider is seen in public, he occasion- ally will encounter a fan coming up to him in disbelief that it’s actually him. Reminiscing about his lunch outings, he was once greeted by a fan who admitted he doesn’t usually bother people while they're eating. At this time, Schneider said, "Well, thank you for making an exception in my case."

Nowadays people seem obsessed with celebrities, and want to know what they’re doing all the time.

Schneider said someone came up to him once saying, “You must hate it when people come up to you, huh? You hate it, huh? People coming up to you, and you hate it, right? Huh?”

Coming to The Wilbur Theatre Friday, Feb. 12 will be Pauly Shore. In his illustri- ous career, Shore has been part of the cast on Married with Children (1989), Beverly Hills 90210 (1996), Nash Bridges (1999), King of the Hill (1999), and many, many more. Talking to Shore about coming to Boston, he said, “I’m excited about The Wilbur Theatre. I haven’t played there before. I’ve heard some good stuff about it. I always remember going to Boston, and having a good time.”

To see Shore at The Wilbur Theatre, reserve your tickets today by calling 1-617-248-9700. For the complete inter- view with Shore, and review on his show, look for the March edition of The Valley Patriot.

SHCC: Jeff Dunham comes to Lowell

By Shawn Hansen, The Valley Patriot

Published February 2010

Introducing comedian and ventriloquist Jeff Dunham to a crowd of 6,300 at the Paul E. Tsongas Arena on Jan. 17, 2010 on the big screen television appeared his puppet Achmed the Muslim Terrorist saying, “Good evening infidels.”

Dunham is known for his politically incorrect comedy and he definitely gave the crowd what they were expecting.

Scurrying back stage to get ready, Wal- ter told Achmed that he needed to keep his privates out of his dresser.

Achmed replied, “..., what ...?” At that time, Walter threw a bomb to Achmed, it blew up, and the show started.

Once brought up on stage, Walter said, “Oh, my Lord. Where the... are we now?”

To this question, Dunham replied they were in Lowell, Mass.

“How sad is that? There’s not even a consonant in there. We’re in Lowell, Mah,” said Walter before the giggling crowd.

Reminiscing about a recent trip to a casino, Walter was not only confused at the Mexican bathroom attendant, and why anyone would be in that line of work. He said he couldn’t understand it along with the fact there was a Mexican working for the Indians at the casino.

Explaining Manuel’s job qualifica- tions, Walter said all he does is hand you a towel.

Finishing up with his bathroom break, Walter said, “I turn around, flush the toilet, automatic flusher. I look at the side of the toilet, and there’s a little button there that said, ‘manual flush.’ I thought, oh my God, for another dollar, he’ll come flush it for me.”

When Dunham made a remark to Wal- ter about his age, he said, “You’re not too far behind me, and you are gaining on me every year. Staying on the subject, Walter said he looks the same as he did when the show started 20 years ago, and Dunham looks a lot different, and older.

Babbling that the show started off with a young man, and an old man, Walter told Jeff he will eventually pass on, and, “I’ll be on a shelf somewhere. Well, no more nightly prostrate exams.”

Looking at Achmed, Dunham asked if he could tell the audience what happened the week before they showed up in Low- ell. Achmed agreed as Dunham let the cat out of the bag saying he was arrested for trying to blow up a store.

“It’s not my fault. The sign said, every- thing must go,” said Achmed.

Coming on stage, Peanut the puppet sang, “Lo-welllllll, Lo-welllll, yes I love Lowell, Massachusetts.”

Dunham asked what was with all the singing.

“The star of the show always sings,” said Peanut. Peanut went a mile a minute until Dunham calmed him down. “Why are you so rambunctious “Nyquil, and Red Bull,” Peanut replied,

Peanut then went on about going to the dentist for his check up. He said it feels like an interview as the dentist asks you a zillion questions while they are using their instruments

Bringing out Jose Jalapeno, a story about his winter vacation with Achmed, Peanut, and Bubba J was had the audience in stitches. Apparently, Achmed caused an avalanche because he brought a bomb, and thinks he is a workaholic. Jalapeno joked, “We were trapped in the snow for three days.”

Ending the night with Bubba J discuss- ing his favorite sport, Naskill, Dunham was curious as to what the game entitled.

“It combines two of my favorite things, car racing, and hunting. We race around the tracks in our trucks, and we hit the animals.”

Dunham’s show was as funny as any comedy routine can get. It was easy to see why Dunham has risen to national notoriety in the world of comedy and entertainment. Any chance you get to see Jeff Dunham live is well worth the price of admission.

Shawn Hansen’s Comedy Corner: Inspiration

Mac Livingston & Erin Livingston Carroll

Pauly Shore

Shawn Hansen’s Comedy Corner: Inspiration

Do you want to be a comedian for a second career choice? If so, inspirational stories will grasp your attention, and motivate you to reach your goal.

Looking for a second career choice, inspiration is the anecdote needed to succeed in the field of comedy. Most comedians have daytime
jobs, and work on stage during the evening.

For inspiring comedians, Erin Livingston Carroll said, “You’re going to tank, and when you tank its horrible, you feel like nothing,
and want to rewrite all your stuff. Just keep doing it, and keep on
persevering.”

Actor/comedian Pauly Shore said, “Don’t do it unless you have to do it. There’s no reason to do it unless it becomes your life style. If
you do it, just try and tell the truth. That’s the hardest thing because if
your not funny, don’t do it. It’s hard, it’s a lifestyle.”

Comedians Juston McKinney, and April Macie also shared their feelings towards upcoming comics. McKinney said, “You should record all of your
shows, keep everything that works, and if it doesn’t work, throw it out, or
rework it.”

Macie said, “You can’t get discouraged. You’re not going to be George Carlin over night. It takes years to build an act, and don’t think
you’re going to be the one comic whose not going to get away with not bombing.”

Christopher Nesmith, known as “Bigg Nez” said, “Do your thing, do you. They’re going to hate you when you do it. They’re going to hate
you when you don’t do it. Just do you.”

Nesmith said that you have to be yourself, know what you want, and work hard to achieve your goal.

“Please everybody, keep hustling. Have faith in yourself, have faith in God,” said Nesmith.

All the comedians that shared their thoughts on inspiration felt that to go anywhere,
prepare to do horrible at first, but keep sticking with it. They say that in
the entertainment industry, to climb a mountain, start at the bottom, and work
your way up.

Shawn Hansen’s Comedy Corner with Elvis Collins and friends

Shawn Hansen’s Comedy Corner with Elvis Collins and friends.

What to do on a Saturday night? I know, go to Kitty’s Restaurant at 123 Main Street in North Reading, Mass. and have yourself a nice bowl of Clam Chowder followed by a delectable Chicken Parmesan entrée. While enjoying great dining, sit back and laugh your head off as the back room in Kitty’s has mysteriously transformed into a comedy club hosting some of Boston’s best comics.

That’s what I did. On Saturday, Jan. 23, Kitty’s Comedy hosted Elvis Collins, Kelly MacFarland, and Juston McKinney.

“I’m Elvis Collins, Kelly MacFarland, Juston McKinney,” said Collins introducing everyone as the original Leprechaun tour. “Actually, I think MacFarland is a Scottish name, but that would just ruin this joke.”

Going up on stage, MacFarland looked at the audience, front row in particular, and noticed a man eating Haddock.

“I look at that, I want to snort that. It will be a little rough going in, but yum, momma wants some.”

Along with a slew of jokes, McKinney closed the night talking about how his parents were apparently illiterate because they spelt his name wrong.

“It’s spelled J-U-S-T-O-N. I come into this world a typo. Imagine if that was my name? Wouldn’t that be a cool name? ‘What’s your name?’ Typo. ‘Really? How do you spell it?’ However you want.”’

After the show, sitting down with Collins, he said, “The gentleman who books the room is Todd Kane. He has been doing comedy for about four years, and has been real generous, and he’s been helping me a lot.”

Shooting the breeze with McKinney, sharing advice for inspiring comics, he said if you want it, give it all you have.

“Go up there, get up on stage as much as you can, it’s all about stage time. There’s no short cut to developing your stage presence,” said McKinney.

He said, you should record all of your shows, keep everything that works, and if it doesn’t work, throw it out, or rework it.”

A few nights after Kitty’s comedy, April Macie, and Pauly Shore who will be in Boston on separate occasions coming up shared their thoughts of inspiration.

Macie said, “You can’t get discouraged. You’re not going to be George Carlin over night. It takes years to build an act, and don’t think you’re going to be the one comic whose not going to get away with not bombing.”

She said at first your going to fail, but you have to remember to keep getting up, and going out there.

On the other side of the inspirational fence – if you will, Shore said, “Don’t do it unless you need to do it. There’s no reason to do it unless it becomes your life style. If you do it, just try, and tell the truth.”

McKinney has a CD called, “I’m not making this up.” It’s a great CD; go to his Web site and buy one today. If you want to see Collins Comedy, go to www.elviscollins.com. For MacFarland Comedy, go to www.kellymacfarland.com, and for McKinney Comedy, go to www.justonmckinney.com. You can find everything Macie at www.aprilishilarious.com. Shore’s Web site is www.paulyshore.com.

Other comedy blogsites are http://www.smokingcoolcat.blogspot.com, and http://funymail.blogspot.com/.

Comedy Clubs

Salvatore's Restaurant

Lawrence, MA - www.salvatoresboston.com

Princeton Station

Chelmsford, MA

Samba Steak & Sushi

Framingham, MA -

Giggles Comedy Club

Saugus, MA - www.princepizzeria.com/Giggles-Comedy.cfm

Kowloon Komedy

Saugus, MA - www.kowloonrestaurant.com

China Blossom Comedy

North Andover, MA - chinablossomcomedy.net

Wilbur Theatre

Boston, MA - www.thewilburtheatre.com

Kitty's Comedy Club

North Reading, MA - www.kittysrestaurant.com/comedy.html

Comedy Connection in East Providence, RI

www.ricomedyconnection.com

Listen to SHCC being interviewed

Go to: http://www.zshare.net/audio/70883957af1cd9ea/ to listen to Shawn Hansen, President of Shawn Hansen's Comedy Corner being interviewed by Tom Nappi of party934.com, and 102.5 FM, Hudson Valley, NY.

SHCC remembers Kevin Knox

By Shawn Hansen, The Valley Patriot

Published January 2010

Taken from this life too early due to the horrific dis- ease of cancer, Kevin Knox was known as “The Wild Man of Comedy.”

Known to many as “Knoxie” a number of co- medians who were close to Knox shared their stories of a legend that will be remem- bered forever.

Bob Seibel said he met Knox in the ‘80s, and took in a positive vibe from him right when they met. “I loved him dearly,” said Seibel. “He was one of the friendliest, honest, sincere gentlemen I have ever met, and I mean gentle man.”

Johnny Pizzi reminisced on how Knox was always there no matter what. He said, “Whenever I needed to do a benefit, fund- raiser, whenever somebody came to me asking for help, Kevin was always there. He never said no.”

Bringing up subjects other then comedy, Artie Januario said they would talk about Guatemalans, the Mayan civilization, and Eskimos. “These are the things people don’t usually talk about, but Kevin knew a lot about a lot of stuff,” said Januario.

Telling a story about Knox, Jimmy Dunn looks back at the first time they met talking about golf. He said for his first show on the road, “I get sent out to open for Kevin Knox in Springfield. He calls me and said, ‘Pick me up, and don’t forget your golf clubs.”

Dunn said that Knox loved golf, and was phenomenal on the stage with energy that he hadn’t seen before.

Paul D’Angelo remembers his friend as a great comedian and person to be around. “I have respect for him as a performer, a friend, and a person for being so brave in the face of adversity.”

Greg Boggis reflected on Knox as a co- median who was memorable to see because he had a larger then life persona. “He al- ways made things fun. There are headliners that you love to work with, and he was one

of them. He didn’t care how you introduced him. He al- ways said, ‘Just do the show, I don’t care how you bring me up, just bring me up.”’

Ed Regal said he was one of the best comedians out there. He said Knox would have nicknames for different places, and referred to him- self as the “Knox man.” He would perform shows in Las

Vegas telling people, “Welcome to Knox Vegas. This is my town.”

Regal said, “Every time you were with Kevin Knox, you felt good about yourself.”

Explaining how generous Knox was, Ira Proctor looked back to when he first started comedy talking about trying out for Mike Clarke. Having close to nothing on his re- sume, Clarke asked Knox about Proctor. “I didn’t even think he saw my act, and Kevin said, ‘He’s great, he’s great, you gotta use him,” said Proctor. In a state of shock, Proctor asked why he would do that. “He said, ‘that doesn’t matter kid, you’re going to have enough obstacles. If I can get you through the door, I want to do it.”’

Lenny Clarke said Knox started out as a fan going to shows every week. “One day, I said to him do you want to give this a try? He said, ‘I’d love to, but I don’t have the nerve.’ I said, well I gotta take a break, you’re up next.’”

Starting from Lenny taking a bathroom break from his act, Knox continued to go back every week and perform.

In 2004, Knox played “Chuck” in an episode of Rescue Me titled, “Leaving.”

Lenny said when talking to Denis Leary, Leary told him he would like to give Knox a spot on the show because he did such a wonderful job at Comics Come Home.

In the episode, “Kevin, Kenny Rogerson, and Tony V all did this thing where they were firemen from Fitchburg that came to the firehouse, and they ended up burning it to the ground,” said Lenny.

There will be another tribute to Knox in the February edition of The Valley Patriot.

SHCC with Bob Seibel

By Shawn Hansen, The Valley Patriot

Published January 2010

Host Alvin David started off the evening telling the crowd it was nice to meet everyone. “I had a hard time meet- ing people as a child mostly because my parents named me Alvin and sent me to public school.”

Growing up in Everett, David told a story about a business in town that advertises for tattoos, piercings, and more, explaining that he was intrigued by the “and more.”

“It’s not like it’s a coffee, muffins, and more. What’s that you say? You want a hook for a hand? Poof, you’re a pirate, and more,” laughed David.

Talking about when he quit smoking lit up the room in a laughing matter. “I quit for no other reason, because you’re not going to believe this guys, but every now and then a lady has... with me without a cash transaction.”

David then said he gets tired after a while, and ends up looking like David Ortiz trying to leg out a double.

Ending his night, David joked about being in the Air Force telling everyone he joined because the recruiter’s words were inspirational to him. “He calls me into his office and says, ‘Hey, Alvin, how would you like to defend America from a really safe distance.”’

From this, David said he joined the Air Force, but had a hard time because they

once made him do 25 push-ups on his knees over the course of a day.

Taking the mike next was no other than Kelly MacFarland. Opening her bit, she told the crowd that in 2004 she was on The Biggest Loser.

“Has anybody not seen the show? It’s the show with the fat Americans. Easy to catch, they don’t like to run. I was at an Applebees when they caught me. I was like, ‘Can I finish my...Riblets?”’

Bringing up the topic of running into old friends, MacFarland said they feel awkward because they either don’t recognize you, or just don’t know what to say.

“If you haven’t seen me in awhile, and I lost a...Olsen twin off my backside, mention it. I worked hard to lose that little Mary Kate.”

Before the show, talking to Seibel he said he has been doing stand up comedy for 31 years this April. Seibel said that he started comedy when he was in school and kids would make fun of him.

“I had a big nose, elephant ears, large lips,” said Seibel. “I took a lot of heat from my friends because I wasn’t the same. I learned if you make them laugh they’re not going to hurt yah.”

In his career, Seibel has done stand up on cruise ships, worked with Jane Oliver, Frankie Valli, The Temptations, The Tops, Loretta LaRoche, The Pointer Sisters, Eddie Youngman, and Robin Williams. Seibel will be at the Sahara in Las Vegas from Jan. 4-10, so if you’re out there,

go see him. When Seibel went on stage, he told the

crowd that he is 68 years old. “How did I make it? Obviously you can tell I had some serious problems. You don’t get to look like this unless you hit the concrete on weekends,” said Seibel.

Explaining that he would drink for four days, and then take two weeks off, Seibel laughed saying, “I’d eat the gourmet food at the bar, Slim Jims and pickled eggs. You breath on people, they’d go, ‘Did you fart?”’

Seibel also does a funny bit about his German mother. He tells the audience that when she got older she started getting smaller. He said, if she got any smaller she would be a Hummel.

If you would like to see more of Seibel’s comedy, buy his DVD called: “70 Minutes of Manic Madness with Bob Seibel.” Interested in purchasing this DVD, email Seibel’s girlfriend at dianareintges@verizon.net.

Besides Kowloon Komedy, enjoy fan- tastic Chinese food for a reasonable price. They have great chicken wings, shrimp, spare ribs, egg rolls, and more. For further information about the Kowloon, give them a call at 1-781-233-0077, or visit their Web site at kowloonrestaurant.com. They are located at 948 Broadway on Route 1 North in Saugus, Mass. 01906.