Shawn Hansen's Comedy Corner

Shawn Hansen's Comedy Corner with Tom Green

2010-09-01T08:49:00.000-07:00

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

2010-09-01T08:44:00.000-07:00

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.

2010-09-01T08:36:00.000-07:00

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/.

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The set of Shawn Hansen's Comedy Corner

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

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

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Bill Burr talks about being in the comedy industry.

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Adam Ferrara reflects on his career.

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Denis Leary talks about the upcoming season of Rescue Me

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

24-16 = 8 pictures

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Rick Cormier was the first comic to appear in SHCC.

Funny Q/A with Shawn Hansen

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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

2010-02-16T05:30:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-16T05:23:00.000-08:00

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

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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

2010-02-08T09:47:00.000-08:00

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

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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

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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

2010-01-08T16:33:00.001-08:00

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

2010-01-08T16:31:00.000-08:00

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.

SHCC with Bill Cosby, Rick Cormier and friends

2010-01-08T16:29:00.000-08:00

By Shawn Hansen, The Valley Patriot

Published January 2010

On Dec. 5 at the Lowell Memorial Auditorium, Bill Cosby entertained a full house for nearly two hours.

Before the actual show began, a fan ex- pressed her feelings for Cosby hollering, “We love you Bill.” In response, Cosby said, “Not so fast.”

Telling the audience that he is 72 years old and has been per- forming for

47 years, Cosby said, “I started when I was young, and now I’m old, and what happened was somewhere around my seventh year of perform- ing, I noticed that people where sitting down, and I was stand- ing.” With that said, Cosby sat on a chair through most of the show.

He talked about when he went to Reno, Nevada and bumped into a couple with a bucket full of quarters for gambling pur- poses, Cosby said they blurted out, “This is the luckiest day of our lives. Today, we got married, she hit the jackpot for $500, then we see you.”

Jumping over to the China Blossom on Dec. 18 in North Andover for the main event, the comedy show, I enjoyed a fine meal of Chinese food.

Aside my favorite, General Tso’s Chicken, which was absolutely mouth wa- tering, I had the Crab Rangoon, Chicken Fingers, and (more) General Tso’s Chicken. The food at the China Blossom is scrumptious and I recommend everyone goes there, not today, not tomorrow, but now!

After dinner, the show began with host Johnny Joyce talking to a group of 20 or so ambulance workers who were drinking it up, having a good time in the corner of the room.

Telling everyone to call an ambulance when your drunk, Joyce said if you feel sick, or have chest pains call an ambu- lance company and tell them where you are, and to pick you up.

“Before that, call AAA, and have your car towed so you can get in the ambu- lance. There’s no activity going on, you didn’t smash into the guard rail, a cop didn’t show up,” said Joyce explaining to call any company you can. “Have the ambulance take you home, pay the 620,

it’s cheaper then the 3,000 you’ll pay for driving drunk.”

Taking the mike next was no other then Steve Albert who brought up a story of working for a homeless shelter in Lowell even though he felt no one thought he worked there.

“At the end of the day, we’d all get off the couch,

I’d get paid, and they’d get really, really con- fused,” said Albert.

Kris Earle then jogged in dressed as Santa Claus giving every- one Candy Canes. In the holiday spir- it, Earle sang a song called, “When I rode a sleigh”

to the song “When I ruled the world” by Cold Play.

“I used to ride a sleigh, had to work for only one day. Now in the morning I’ll need a loan to keep the village I own. One moment the world loved me, Hanukkah Harry had nothing on me.”

Following Earle’s song, Rick Cormier spun the room in a new direction firing off one-liners left and right.

Talking about relationships, Cormier said, “I fell in love with this girl they called Corn Chip. I found out later that it was because she was Frito-lay.”

Recently getting out of a marriage he said his ex-wife is a housekeeper who got to keep his car too.

“We fought all the time. One time she told me to zip her up, I said, sure, where’s the body bag? I’m kidding. I put my wife on a pedestal. Of coarse, I kicked it away when the noose was in place.”

In the holiday spirit like Earle, Bob Gautreau came to the stage dressed as a Christmas tree singing a song.

“Every year when Christmas comes, something happens to me. You know its like I’m decorated like a Christmas tree. Warning, when I plug in, don’t throw water at me.”

Impersonating Robert DeNiro doing the “DeNiro face,” Gautreau said DeNiro hates Christmas and would say, “Merry Christmas, happy holidays, jolly holiday and all that...bull... Everybody is always happy. What if you just broke up with somebody and you aint too...happy about it?”

Go to: www.TomNappi.com

2010-01-05T09:02:00.000-08:00

Check out: http://www.tomnappi.com/ and listen to the greatest radio show in the world. You can listen to the B4 Alternative every Thursday from 6-8 p.m. on www.party934.com.

Shawn Hansen Jokes

2009-12-25T09:19:00.000-08:00

New Years Eve - Going into 2010.

I'm dreaming of a Happy New Year.

Just like the ones I used to know.

Where the count starts at 10,

And goes to one.

To hear Happy New Year.

I'm dreaming of a Happy New Year.

With every resolution I propose.

May all your resolutions come true.

Kitty's Restaurant & Comedy is the place to be

2009-12-17T19:09:00.000-08:00

Eat at Kitty's Restaurant at 123 Main Street in North Reading, Mass. and enjoy a sensational Chicken Parmesan Sandwich, or plate while enjoying a fabulous comedy show.

The next comedy show at Kitty's is Saturday, Jan. 23, 2010 with Juston McKinney, and Kelly MacFarland. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. as the show starts at 8:15. WoWzerz!! My birthday is 8:15 (if you catch my drift), so this is going to be quite the show, so GET YOUR TICKETS NOW! Just call 1-978-430-2990.

For more information about one of the top restaurants in Massachusetts to eat at, go to: www.kittysrestaurant.com. For Kitty's Comedy, go to: www.kittysrestaurant.com/comedy.html.

Jokes I heard on Laugh USA: XM Radio

2009-12-16T15:41:00.000-08:00

NOTE: LaughUSA never indicates what comedian said what joke, but all these jokes aren't mine, and are quoted.

(1) "My wife and I bond the most when we go on road trips. I get together all the snacks, maps, and she takes the naps."

(2) "If something good happens to me, I usually wait two weeks to tell people. I like to use the word fortnight."

(3) "My nephew has HDADD. High Definition Attention Deficit Disorder. When he pays attention, it's phenomenal."

(4) "I'm a writer and am going to get published soon, but am not published yet. I work with a lot of publishers.'' SOME GUY GOES, "Where do you work?' 'Barnes N Noble."'

(5) "I just got out of the hospital; I was in a speed reading accident. A book mark came out of no where; it was flying."

SHCC with Johnny Pizzi & Friends

2009-12-09T14:38:00.000-08:00

By Shawn Hansen, The Valley Patriot

Published December 2009

Giggles Comedy Club packed a room full for the Pre-Thanksgiving Special.

Host Johnny Pizzi started the evening talking about kids asking a number of families how many kids they have. One family said six, Pizzi was startled and said, “We remember things about the first one we don’t remember about the second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth.” He said the first child is the one we most remember about when they’re born because they are the first, and when you take them out of the hospital you wrap them up good and keep everyone clear from your newborn because you don’t want any germs near him.

Brad Mastrangelo then took things over at Giggles telling everyone he grew up in Chelsea, and moved out of the city as fast as he could because he could speak English.

“I love Spanish people,” said Mastrangelo asking if there were any Spanish people in the audience. “None? I hate those…I’m just kidding.”

Talking about the holidays, Mastrangelo laughed, “I went to Wakefield High School. We played Melrose one year and I got so…faced I ended up at the Woburn/Winchester game. Don’t laugh at me, the guy next to me was rooting for Brockton.”

Paul D’Angelo took the stage talking about how women love the fall season.

“I remember when my father would talk about my mother would look out the back window in front of the kitchen and say, ‘Jack, its foliage, take me and the kids on a trip. We want to see foliage,”’ said D’Angelo. “My father would be in the back with a rake, ‘I got 12 bags full with… foliage. Why don’t you and the kids take a trip to the gutter.”

The man with multiple impersonations, Al Ducharme had the room in stitches saying, “I live with this absolutely gorgeous woman, she is stunning, and I’ll be honest, she is totally out of my league. She just moved in upstairs, I live downstairs with my wife.”

Pharmacist/Comedian Artie Januario said, “Halloween just passed, that’s one of my favorites because that’s an easy holiday, you don’t have to do any cooking and arguing. If I buy candy I like, no body shows up. If they do, here’s some Dum Dums and Smarties and…get out of here kid.”

Tony V laughed up a storm talking about ham.

“Maybe they will open more ham stores, like a 24 hour a day drive through Ham Emporium. The Hamarama, you don’t even need money, you just get like a speed pass from the ham line, and they drive through, and they chuck a ham in the back of your car.”

V ended his ham jokes telling the audience that if you hear a thud it means the ham is in.

Graig Murphy then took the mike talking about Dunkin Donuts and how they should change their slogan to, “Dunkin Donuts, supplying your car with napkins for over 35 years.”

Concluding the evening, Pizzi read a list of shows, and movies Lenny Clarke has been in when Clarke said, “I’ve got more failed pilots then an Iraqui Air Force.”

Talking about gambling at a casino, Clarke said, “I went to pick up my beer and I got a midget. I screamed, he screamed, I rubbed his head, rolled the dice,” explaining that he won getting an 11.

For schedule information about Giggles Comedy Club, go to their Web site at: www.princepizzeria.com/Giggles-Comedy.cfm. For more information about Shawn Hansen’s Comedy Corner, go to: www.shawnhansenscomedycorner.blogspot.com.

SHCC with Denis Leary & Friends

2009-12-08T10:15:00.000-08:00

By Shawn Hansen, The Valley Patriot

Published December 2009

Comics Come Home brought nearly 6,000 people to the Agganis Arena in their 15^th year. Saturday, Nov. 7, the night featured 10 comics as it sponsored the Cam Neely Foundation.

Talking to Cam about the foundation, he said, “Basically we raise money for cancer patients and their families through various programs,” explaining that it started with The Neely House, and helped over 5,000 families.

Walking into the arena, two huge televisions were set up hanging over the stage. Just before the actual comedy show began, John Stewart had a message for Comics Come Home.

Stewart said, “When Denis Leary told me that he was going to be doing a cancer benefit, I figured he’s just covering his basis, you know what I’m saying? I have never seen anyone smoke four cigarettes from all holes. Really, I’m not sure how he does it. He’s done so much to promote cancer, I think he should at least do a little bit to fight it.”

Talking to Leary backstage before the show about Rescue Me, he said, “I can’t say much about it without giving something away. I can say this, as evidence by past seasons on Rescue Me if you die, sometimes your part gets bigger because you come back as a ghost.”

Leary said there is going be two more seasons of Rescue Me, and next years episodes will kick off in May.

Starting the show, Leary went off in a tangent about the Yankees wishing Mariano Rivera’s arms would fall off, and Kate Hudson would throw A-Rod’s engagement ring to his feet.

Rifling off bits about baseball, Leary said, “The last guy from America to play on the Red Sox was Carlton Fisk, and he was from New Hampshire. A guy from Japan won the World Series… We had to get Godzilla to hit home runs for the Yankees…”

Ranting about The Biggest Loser, Leary said the only reason these people are losing weight is because they are either passing gas, or picking their nose.

“People say it’s not fair Denis because you’re so…skinny. We’re going to keep making fun of you because you, you want to know why? Because, you can’t catch us, that’s why.”

Following Leary was Tony V telling the audience to forgive him for his appearance because that is what he looks like.

Bringing up a conversation about pirates invading people in 2009, V said pirates are not easily recognizable and, “You got something in your head that a pirate looks like. Yeah, Johnny Depp.”

He ended that bit saying he believes Captain Morgan is a pirate because he has hijacked him more then once.

Kenny Rogerson took the mike from V next and brought up the fact that Christmas is coming.

“I never know what to get for Christmas. My grandparents, one of them is 96, the other ones 98, and I don’t know what to get them. I figured the calendars coming out.”

Jimmy Fallon took the stage singing, “Car wash for peace, there’s trouble in the Middle East. Put down those guns, pick up the sponge, car wash for peace.”

After the song, Fallon thanked everyone saying Boston is awesome, and if he knew you could make a video like all the other talk show hosts, he might have made one himself. He said filming Fever Pitch in 2004 was the greatest experience of his life, and backstage, he told me, “It was a phenomenal thing, it will never happen again. It’s just one of those things where it’s like unless you were at a Cubs movie and shoot it every year until they win then it will never happen again.”

Closing his act, Fallon impersonated Jerry Seinfeld, Bill Cosby, Chris Rock, Richard Lewis, Robin Williams, Lora Domai, Mitch Hedberg, Gilbert Gottfried, Larry The Cable Guy, Stephen Wright, Adam Sandler, and tried imitate Eddie Murphy.

The audience was in hysterics when he said, “Black people do not like hockey,” impersonating Rock.

Whitney Cummings laughed up a storm joking about strip clubs saying everyone that most of her friends are getting married, therefore she has been going to a lot of these clubs.

“The funniest thing to me about male strippers is they are always in police uniforms, firemen uniforms, because they say women like men in uniform, right? We don't like men in uniform, we like men with jobs,” joked Cummings.

Right before Cummings left the stage, she talked about how girlfriends nowadays send their boyfriends pictures to their cell phones showing them what’s waiting at home.

“If I was going to take a here’s what’s happening photo shoot, I would take some pictures of the…dishes, or the bills,” said Cummings.

Lenny Clarke then took the mike telling the audience that Curt and Shonda Schilling were in the crowd celebrating their 17^th anniversary of marriage.

“I myself have been happily married for 35 years, five different women, but I’m no…quitter,” said Clarke.

After Clarke, Adam Ferrara came to the stage saying he recently just came back from Jamaica flying Air Jamaica.

“Air Jamaica is a Bob Marley tour bus in the sky. The captain gets on the Air Jamaica intercom saying, ‘This is your captain speaking,’ breaking out in laughter saying, ‘Don’t look at me, I can’t do it now, I’ll call you back,” said Ferrara impersonating a Jamaican pilot. Seconds after the captain hangs up the phone, Ferrara says, “This is your captain again. I apologize for that drop in altitude (while laughing) saying, ‘I saw a cloud and thought it was a Chicken Salad Sandwich.”’

Back stage, Ferrara told me that he has been doing Comics Come Home for at least 10 years, and, “I’ve been a standup comic since July 13, 1988. That’s probably one of the pertinent facts I can remember.”

Bringing up the topic of Michael Vick playing football again, comedian Patrice Oneal is perfectly okay with that. Oneal said Vick did his time in jail and should be able to do whatever he wants now that he is out, and not have to apologize for anything. Oneal went on saying the reason he keeps doing it is because he is good at it.

After Oneal’s “time” on stage, host Leary introduced the next comedian Jeffrey Ross.

“He went to school here at B.U. before they had the really good…like this place. You remember when B.U. kind of… Now its like, I’d rather skate here then at the…Garden. They have a movie theater in the back where the players can come off the ice in their skates and watch highlights from the first period. What the… Popcorn and… I have to stop hitting him, I have to hit him.”

With a wonderful introduction, Ross took over saying, “Denis, man, great job hosting tonight. Never realized Wilem Dafoe and Anne Heche had a baby.”

Working out to stay physically fit for the ladies, Ross said, “I work out at the jungle gym right in front of McDonalds,” explaining that his trainer is 4.5 but is built like a nine year old. “We do like 20 reps on the slide, a couple hours in the sandbox, then we…in our pants and our moms come pick us up.”

Talking to Ross before Comics Come Home kicked of their 15^th year, Ferrara said, “Believe half of what he says.”

In his second year at Comics Come Home, Ross said B.U. was his alma mater.

“B.U. is finally getting recognized, I’m just kidding. B.U. has always been a great conglomerate, always taking over Boston, and now it’s unreal,” said Ross who recently came out with a book titled “I Only Roast the Ones I love.

“It’s a how to for making fun of people without upsetting them,” said Ross.

Lastly, Bill Burr closed the night blowing the audience away with his lunch joke. Before he closed the night however, he told me he was in a movie called Date Night this past summer, and has been in four Comics Come Home shows.

Burr said when Leary called him the first year he appeared in the lineup he was star struck.

He left a message saying, “Hey, Billy, this is Denis. You’re really…funny, thank you for coming on, something like that,” said Burr.

“I went to order a turkey sandwich the other day,” said Burr explaining that he wanted lettuce, tomatoes, and mayonnaise on Rye. “They go, ‘turkey sandwich, lettuce tomato on Rye.’” At this time, Burr agrees with them telling them he also wants mayonnaise.

“The guy goes, ‘Oh, the mayonnaise, its right over there,”’ said Burr. “Really, then why don’t you…go over there, and put it on my sandwich. I’m on this side of the register. Guy who orders the sandwich, guy who makes the… sandwich.”

Burr then told the sandwich maker that he paid full price for everything and he refuses to do work he should be doing.

“This isn’t like a relay race. You make half the sandwich, you… hand it off to me, I run over and pick a line full speed over to my mom, she puts a tooth pick in it.”

After Burr’s performance, Leary sang the A-Hole song. Listen to the A-Hole song by going to www.youtube.com/watch?v=OzoPTtTfcrA. For more about the Cam Neely Foundation, go to www.camneelyfoundation.com. For more information about Shawn Hansen’s Comedy Corner, go to: www.shawnhansenscomedycorner.blogspot.com.

New England Picture

2009-11-23T10:33:00.001-08:00

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.

SHCC Pictures

2009-11-19T20:17:00.001-08:00

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!!

2009-11-19T19:58:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-19T14:08:00.000-08:00

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.

Shawn Hansen's Comedy Corner with Rick Cormier

2009-11-16T19:11:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-16T18:45:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-16T18:43:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-16T18:08:00.001-08:00

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

2009-11-16T15:02:00.000-08:00

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.

Month-by-Month Comedy Corners

2009-11-15T07:10:00.000-08:00

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?

2009-11-15T07:08:00.001-08:00

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

Shawn Hansen's Comedy Corner

Shawn Hansen's Comedy Corner with Tom Green

Shawn Hansen's Comedy Corner with Mitch Fatel

Shawn Hansen's Comedy Corner with Artie Januario.

24-16 = 8 pictures

Funny Q/A with Shawn Hansen

SHCC: SNL's Rob Schneider

By Shawn Hansen, The Valley Patriot

SHCC: Jeff Dunham comes to Lowell

By Shawn Hansen, The Valley PatriotPublished February 2010

By Shawn Hansen, The Valley Patriot

Shawn Hansen’s Comedy Corner: Inspiration

Shawn Hansen’s Comedy Corner with Elvis Collins and friends

Comedy Clubs

Listen to SHCC being interviewed

SHCC remembers Kevin Knox

By Shawn Hansen, The Valley Patriot

SHCC with Bob Seibel

By Shawn Hansen, The Valley Patriot

SHCC with Bill Cosby, Rick Cormier and friends

By Shawn Hansen, The Valley Patriot

Go to: www.TomNappi.com

Shawn Hansen Jokes

Kitty's Restaurant & Comedy is the place to be

Jokes I heard on Laugh USA: XM Radio

SHCC with Johnny Pizzi & Friends

By Shawn Hansen, The Valley Patriot

SHCC with Denis Leary & Friends

By Shawn Hansen, The Valley Patriot

New England Picture

SHCC Pictures

Coming soon!!

SHCC Logos

Shawn Hansen's Comedy Corner with Rick Cormier

By Shawn Hansen, The Valley Patriot

Published November 2009

Tewksbury comedian stays busy

By Shawn Hansen, Tewksbury Advocate

Published Oct 29, 2009

Tewksbury comedian faces the crowd

Tewksbury comedian faces the crowd

By Shawn Hansen, Tewksbury Advocate

Published Oct 15, 2009

Local comic stands up with 'Sopranos' star

By Shawn Hansen, Tewksbury Advocate

Published September 17, 2009

Tewksbury comedian brings the laughter

Tewksbury comedian brings the laughter

By Shawn Hansen, Tewksbury AdvocatePublished August 13, 2009

By Shawn Hansen, Tewksbury Advocate

Published August 13, 2009

Month-by-Month Comedy Corners

What is Shawn Hansen's Comedy Corner?

By Shawn Hansen, The Valley Patriot
Published February 2010

By Shawn Hansen, Tewksbury Advocate
Published August 13, 2009