Recap o' last wk: Funny Final 4, Casselmans, Lion's Lair, Beef

Hey Denver...sorry about the slack the past wk but let's just say Seasonal Affective is kicking my ass and my motivation to do anything but go to work and go to sleep is pretty minimal right now. TMI? Probably.

Over the past wkish, I've checked out a few shows. Here's the bite-size breakdown:

Elliot Woolsey's Funny Final Four Wednesday 2/24

It was a pretty good show, brought a few friendos along and they really liked it. Def a good crowd. If I had to pick a favorite for the night, I'd say hands down Talon Saucermen. Between the killer outfit and the great set, the guy pretty much killed. I hadn't seen Kelly McLean perform, and that girl is good. Jodee Champion kicked ass as usual, and it was fun watching Elliot emcee. Overall, a fun night for sure.

The Huuuuge Comedy Show at Casselmans Friday 2/26

Gary Burden put on his very first big ol' comedy event at Casselmans. This was also the same night as Los Comicos. I talked to Gary at the initial part of the evening and he seemed to be a little worried about the lack o' crowd, but by the time the show started, every table had occupants and there were people standing around, and I'd say "Gary, for your first big show AND going up against the movement of innovative funny that is Los Comicos?? Well, I think you did pretty darn good."

I'd seen all the comics previously, except for Matt Need. Who I guess has something to do with heavy metal radio...KBPI or something?? I'm more of a Delilah listener, so I think I'm out of the loop on that one.

I found it pretty interesting that as much I love Sam Tallent and Erik Anker, their energy didnt seem to translate like it usually does in the settings I've seen them work. Andrew Orvedahl def pulled off a great set. Matt Need brought a shitload of people. Holy crap. But I kind of felt like I was more watching VH1 storytellers than stand-up during his time. Come on, man. I'm glad you love your fantastic girlfriend but dude. Something funny, por favor. I wasn't into it.

And then Chuck Roy.

The man makes anger lovable. I dont know how. The first 45 minutes of his set was great. He high fived nearly the entire audience and forced them to wake the fuck up. His creative energy and demand for attention brought the room out of its awkward indifference and back to laughter. But as the show got longer, the night got later, and the beers got emptier, uhhhh I'd say that the show went to a dark place that felt maybe too honest and by the end, I was kind of like "Holy fuck. What happened? God, I'm tired and too sober for this."

Gary, congratulations. For a first time big show, I'd say well done. There's room to improve, but isnt there always? Excited for the next show March 19th with Greg Baumhauer headlining. I'm sure it will be an entirely different crowd with all the weird indie comedy hipster kids in tow.

Lion's Lair Open Mic Monday 3/1

I think anyone that went would tell you that it was an abnormally weird scene. There were the comics. Me. My sister. The girl with a hat on and a drawn on mustache sittin at the bar. And the bartender. Also, the baby doll hanging from the ceiling and the other random baby doll head sticking out of the wall. I am forever scarred by the Lion's Lair, from an aesthetic perspective, but that's kind of besides the point.

And the comics that came were lucky. Because if me, the sis, and Jill Tasei hadn't showed up, no one would have laughed at them. And I determined that both Jill and I had an even tougher time on-stage, because when we went up, we lost a third of the laugh squad. Andy Kaufman is also surprisingly athletic. And he really does look like the "Are you READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL??" guy (Aka Hank Williams Jr, but I wouldnt expect you Coloradoans to know that).

As weird as it was, I'll probably go again. It cant be like that every time. I refuse to believe it.

In other news...THE BEEF

I think now that I've seen a shitload of you guys perform more than once, I'm starting to see alot of the same stuff over and over. Now, I know this is a part of the trade and all, but it seems like the people that really stand out are the ones who are constantly innovating and pushing themselves to write new shit. I guess I would encourage some people to step up the game, get out of the comfort zone, and look beyond what you know people are going to laugh at. Have some faith in the unknown. Be willing to have a few bad sets. And maybe do five minutes without talking about your dick, pot, or why women suck.

Thanks. I'm going to try to get some sun this wkend so I'm not such a piece of shit all wk. And good night, D-town.

PS I still would LOVE it if other people wrote some stuff. Whether you're performing, watching, wanting to write a creative piece, whatever, CONTRIBUTE. I'm going to get boring soon if I havent already. Email me at Nicole.Qualtieri@hotmail.com.