Last night I was one of 8 comics who got together at the Hamilton Yuk Yuks to raise money for an organization who helps the homeless, the Good Sheppard Foundation. It was a good show, the people in the audience who approached me afterwards were very complimentary. Especially the older fellow in the men’s washroom… A little too complimentary
A big THANK YOU to Robbie Francis for inviting me to close the show.
The last seven weeks have been fantastic at the Fox and Fiddle. We have had at least 25 people, by people I mean not comics, in the audience. While some of them are friends or family of the comedians, a lot are just wandering in off the street. What people are doing out at 10:00pm on a Sunday night I don’t know. Frankly, I don’t care as long as they are coming in and having fun.
The performers have been great. I’m not just talking about their comedy, but their respect for the room… for the most part. There are two ways to get on the show for amateurs: Email me at jason@jasonblanchard.com and get on the reserve list, of which there are 5-8 spots per show. OR come to the room before start time and sign up for the remaining 12-15. Last week I arrived just before 9:00, made up the chalk board so passers by knew there was a FREE Comedy Show, half price wings and $10.00 pitchers of beer (shameless self promotion I know, but it IS my blog) before heading up stairs. There were comics waiting for me. How many? By 9:07pm there were 18 humorists already signed up. I would also like to thank them for staying close to the time limit of five minutes. Only a few went over, but only a little bit over.
There is one thing I need to fix. How do I get comics to shut up at the back of the room? Most are not doing this. They either watch the show or go out on the patio if they need to chat. But for those who loudly converse, I think I need to be more forceful. If you are reading this Blog and have a new or fresh suggestion short of me throwing them out the window, please click on the “comments”.
If you ever get a chance to watch Mike MacDonald perform, do it. He is an absolute must see.
On Thursday September 8th I went to the Mississauga Yuk Yuks. Being that I am not a Yuk’s comic, it is not a place I normally go. But when I was surfing around all the comedy club websites to see who was performing where, I saw that a comedy legend was close by. I have only ever seen Mike’s act on TV, never live. Trust me on this, you haven’t seen stand-up unless you are there live. There are many hilarious comics on television, but there is something magical about sitting 20’ away. Mr. MacDonald’s set was simply amazing.
If you ever get the chance: cancel that movie date, forget about the Raptors… go see Mike MacDonald.
Cheers!
My website is finally done.
Much thanks goes to my web designer Malinda. She not only did a great job, but also was very patient with me. It took awhile to get the video together and for her to answer all my questions. If anyone is interested in getting some information from her about a website of your own, go to her website www.studiodpi.com.
Everything “comedy” is going well. The Open Mic shows at the Fox and Fiddle have been great over the last six weeks. The crowds have been 25-40 through each night and we have been able to get at least 20 comic on each show. I have been approached about a special project. More on that once I get confirmation…
The Comedy Show in Milton at Hot Rods is still a go for Friday October 14. There are some changes. The Doo Wops have been booked for an American Tour with Just for Laughs so they have had to cancel. I am very lucky to get the hilarious Fraser Young to headline the show. It will be AWESOME!
I’m in the process of booking my Western Comedy Tour. I will be in and around the Edmonton area for three weeks this coming December. This will be my third time working for Bob and the Comedy Factory. My previous trips have been a blast. Not only the shows, I got to meet some great people and funny comics. Looking forward to going back.
Cheers,
Jason
No not THAT first time; my first blog.
I have been putting this off for quite some time. Waiting for something really great to happen to write about. If I keep doing that, this will never get written. As of last Sunday I have taken over the open mic comedy night at the Fox and Fiddle in downtown Toronto (www.cheekychef.com). Show time is around 10:00pm.
It was a long weekend and it was evident in the poor attendance of the audience. We had 15 comics show up and turned out to be a good show. Most of the performers sat up front, stayed for most of the night and showed their encouragement. I really appreciate that kind of support and will remember it.
So if you don’t work Monday mornings, or have insomnia on Sundays you should come by the show. It is a great way to see comics just starting out and professional comedians trying new material.
Keep laughing,
Jason
