Best known for his “Sledge-o-Matic” sketch, Gallagher has been performing comedy for over 25 years. This weekend at Pepper Belly’s, Gallagher plans to shower the audience with social and political commentary, along with chunks of pulverized watermelon.
A few years ago you ran for governor of California [Gallagher placed 16th out of 135 candidates]. What would you have done if you’d won that election and become governor?
Best known for his “Sledge-o-Matic” sketch, Gallagher has been performing comedy for over 25 years. This weekend at Pepper Belly’s, Gallagher plans to shower the audience with social and political commentary, along with chunks of pulverized watermelon.
You’re playing at Pepper Belly’s in Fairfield from August 28-31. Is that the normal place you come when you’re in the Bay Area?
Gallagher: No, I’ve never been there before, and I don’t consider it the Bay Area. It’s halfway to Sacramento.
SF comics still get booked to open there, so it’s about the furthest extent of the Bay Area.
I think people are lazy and they go to a show that’s nearby. I think people will come to the show and they’ll say, “I’ve been waiting ten years to see you!” And then I’ll say, “Because you’re too damn lazy to drive!” And then they’ll laugh, and that’ll be that.
Joe Rogan is best known for hosting Fear Factor and co-starring on NewsRadio, but he was a martial arts champion and soul-searching, x-rated comedian long before he got his high profile TV gigs. Joe will be appearing at The Fillmore in San Francisco on Friday, August 22nd, and the San Jose Improv August 29th-31st.
In the following interview Joe shares what it was like to see Bill Hicks live, almost fight Wesley Snipes, and become a father. He gives plenty of advice to aspiring comedians as well.
Why did you decide to tape your last CD in San Francisco?
Paul F. Tompkins is a staple in the alternative comedy scene. He has appeared on Mr. Show with Bob and David, VH1’s The Best Week Ever, has two Comedy Central Presents, and hosts his own monthly show at Largo in Los Angeles. He will be appearing at Cobb’s Comedy Club on June 26th.
Paul F. Tompkins @ Cobb’s Comedy Club
915 Columbus Ave, SF
Thursday, June 26th, 2008
$20.50, 18+, 8pm (doors at 6:45)
And now Chris Garcia, the star of Mind of Garcia himself, answers a few questions for us:
What can people expect from this show?
CG: A fun, anything goes comedy show with some of San Francisco’s most creative comics. Also, some new videos, sketches, and at least 3 Alf jokes.
What sort of response have you gotten from the ladies for your appearance in the American Apparel spoof?
CG: Well, my Mom really loves it, and that’s all that really matters.
What’s up with your obsessions with horses and Patrick Swayze?
CG: Well, I think my obsession started with this commemorative plate I received as an 8th grade graduation present: http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f265/McHeathaFresh/Patrick_swayze_7.jpg
There’s no way I will put that image on the page, it’s too big. I’ll put a link to it.
Jimmy Pardo is legendary for his quick wit and improvisational skills on stage. He’s appeared on That 70’s Show and Becker, and starred in his own half-hour Comedy Central Presents special. He hosts his own talk show, “Running Your Trap”, and a live version of The Match Game, both at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre in LA. This week, he will be performing at Rooster T. Feathers in Sunnyvale, along with John Hoogasian and Kevin Camia.
I think I got this interview because I’m about five foot six, and Chad wants me to interview any comic who’s shorter than five foot eight.
JP: Who else have you interviewed? A lot of ladies, I imagine?
Watch Bay Area comedian Candy Churilla make her national television debut on NBC’s Last Comic Standing. And below the video, Candy answers a few questions for us about her experience on the show.
Are you happy with the way you were portrayed on the show?
CC: Totally. I felt so anxious before watching the show, because they had a lot of footage of me, and I had no idea how it would be edited. When I finally saw the finished show, I was so relieved that I was portrayed as me.
Have you heard from a lot of friends and family?
CC: I’ve received a ton of emails from people’s friends and families, even some of my own. They are all super supportive and want me to write material about them. My aunt said I look just like Valerie Bertinelli and wanted to know if I’ve ever dated Eddie Van Halen.
Is there anything you wish you did differently for your audition?
CC: Of course. If I had to do it all over again, I would have yelled, “Stern rules! Baba Booey!”
Will Durst is, to me, one of a withering gang of great comedians who are also social commentators. People like Lenny Bruce, Mort Sahl, Mark Twain, Dick Gregory, Will Rogers and, the king of the class clowns, George Carlin. Durst can spin grand tales of the behind-the-scenes-double-dealings that go on in the two-party state like a card shark on a riverboat.
I had the great fortune to catch up with Durst and spend some time talking about the past and future of comedy.
Has political comedy always been a part of your routine?
Will Durst: It was an incidental part of my act but there were always jokes. What was going on when I started comedy in 1974, things like Watergate, Nixon, and the [Vietnam] war had just ended. Everything was anti-authoritarian; there was almost a comedy police if you weren’t topical.
Eugene Mirman has a recurring role on HBO’s Flight of the Conchords and has also appeared on Late Night With Conan O’Brien, Comedy Central Presents, and Aqua Teen Hunger Force. He is currently traveling with the Stand Uppity Tour, starring himself, Marc Maron, and Andy Kindler, as 3 comedians who will make you “feel better about yourself and superior to others.” Eugene spoke to us from New York ahead of his performance at Mezzanine in San Francisco on Tuesday.
The Stand Uppity Tour @ Mezzanine
444 Jessie St, SF
May 20th, 2008
$16, 21+, 9pm (doors at 8pm)
Paul Mecurio won an Emmy award for his writing on the Daily Show with Jon Stewart, and his TV appearances include Late Night with Conan O’Brien, Comedy Central Presents, and Tough Crowd with Colin Quinn. He is headlining The Punchine in San Francisco this week.
Paul Mecurio @ The Punchline
444 Battery St, SF
May 13th-17th
Win two tickets to Paul’s Thursday, May 15 performance at 8:00 p.m. To enter, send us an email at contact@SFstandup.com with the subject “Paul Mecurio.” Two winners will be chosen randomly. *Contestants must be 18 or over.*
A few years ago you ran for governor of California [Gallagher placed 16th out of 135 candidates]. What would you have done if you’d won that election and become governor?
