W♥M

Minneapolis: May 18, 2024

Read more Minneapolis Music Guide.

05/17 Portugal. The Man with Reyna Tropical at First Avenue Read More Portugal. The Man Portugal. The Man's frontman John Gourley recall working on his seventh album, Evil Friends , as a collaboration with Danger Mouse (aka Brian Burton). According to Gourley, "I walked into his [Danger Mouse] place …

05/17/2024 Friday

Portugal. The Man
with Reyna Tropical
at First Avenue
first-avenue.com

05/18/2024 Saturday

Portugal. The Man
with Reyna Tropical
at First Avenue
first-avenue.com

Multi-platinum, GRAMMY® Award-winning rock band Portugal. The Man will be doing a two-night residency at First Avenue this May 17 and 18. The popular band’s latest album CHRIS BLACK CHANGED MY LIFE is the first release since their 2017 album Woodstock.

Portugal. The Man (10 June 2016)

We last saw the band in June 2016 and wrote, “Portugal. The Man was next on the bill, playing a full hour long set. It’s been a rather long time since we saw the Alaskan band in 2013 (when they were touring for their last album Evil Friends on Atlantic Records)... but based on seeing a hype man on stage (which we later learned that he is Chris Black), I can only speculate that their forthcoming Gloomin + Doomin will be more hip-hop based. This is confirmed because rapper Mac Miller and Mike D (from The Beastie Boys) were involved in making the new record.”

Reyna Tropical to open both nights.

Tour dates:

5/1/24 – Wilmington, NC – Greenfield Lake Amph

5/2/24 – Asheville, NC – Rabbit Rabbit

5/3/24 – Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium

5/6/24 – St. Louis, MO – The Pageant

5/7/24 – Kansas City, MO – The Truman

5/9/24 – Des Moines, IA – Val Air Ballroom

5/10/24 – Indianapolis, IN – Egyptian Room

5/11/24 – Chicago, IL – The Salt Shed

5/14/24 – Milwaukee, WI – The Riverside Theater

5/15/24 – Madison, WI – The Sylvee

5/17/24 – Minneapolis, MN – First Avenue

5/18/24 – Minneapolis, MN – First Avenue

5/20/24 – Fargo, ND – Fargo Brewing

5/22/24 – Bozeman, MT – The ELM

5/23/24 – Spokane, WA – Knitting Factory

5/24/24 – Carnation, WA – Remlinger Farms

7/5/24 – Memphis, TN – Minglewood Hall

7/6/24 – Bentonville, AR – The Momentary

7/7/24 – Omaha, NE – Steelhouse

7/10/24 – Morrison, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre

7/11/24 – Dillon, CO – Dillon Amphitheater

7/13/24 – Vail, CO – Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater

7/17/24 – Missoula, MT – Kettlehouse Amphitheater

05/18 Neil Hamburger with Chris Crofton at Turf Club Read More Neil Hamburger America's favorite funnyman Neil Hamburger is coming back to Minneapolis at the Cedar Cultural Center this August 21st (additional details available at thecedar.org). I know a few fans who… Chris Crofton Opener will feature comedian Chris Crofton. Deer Tick 2017 Fall Tour 10/17 – Louisville, KY – Headliners Music Hall 10/19 – Madison, WI – Majestic Theatre 10/20 – Minneapolis, MN – Cedar Cultural Center 10/21 – Chicago, IL – Metro …

05/18/2024 Saturday

Neil Hamburger
with Chris Crofton
at Turf Club
first-avenue.com

America’s Funnyman Neil Hamburger is headlining the Turf Club this May 18, 2024. We love Neil Hamburger, as we wrote about him in 2007: “Truly, the worst stand-up in the world, Neil Hamburger, a has-been comedian that should've retired 15 years ago. His jokes are intentionally off-timing, he spills his liquor all over, and he constantly coughs and clears his throat! But I guess that's part of the charm.”

Neil Hamburger (21 Aug 2015)

We did catch Hamburger in Aug 2015 and wrote, “In typical Neil Hamburger style, the drunken, badly done hair comb over, safety pinned suit, Hamburger came on stage gripping three drinks, wheezing and coughing. Stunned at the adoring standing ovation, Hamburger jokingly said he might as well leave now... but then continued telling his "gags". We've seen Neil Hamburger before and we know his materials aren't that funny, but it's more about his delivery and awkwardness that makes it so laughable. Moving away from jokes about his ex-wife, the America's $1 Funnyman mostly made fun of "Leeeegendary" famous musicians Grateful Deads, Blind Melon, Gene Simmons (Kiss), Paul McCartney (Beatles), and Ozzy Osbourne.”

Chris Crofton to open.

NOTE: There is an early show (6:30pm) and a late show (9:30pm).

Tour dates:

MAY 18 Turf Club St Paul, MN

MAY 30 The Pearl Vancouver, BC

SEP 06 Deep Cuts Medford, MA

SEP 08 Johnny Brenda's Philadelphia, PA

05/18 Chicano Batman with Lido Pimienta at Uptown Theater Read More Chicano Batman Chicano Batman to open. The cape crusader was last seen at SXSW with their new song “Black Lipstick”, featuring back up vocals by Saudia Yasmein. …

05/18/2024 Saturday

Chicano Batman
with Lido Pimienta
at Uptown Theater
uptowntheatermn.com

Acclaimed psych-soul band and Los Angeles institution Chicano Batman is touring in support of their album Notebook Fantasy (ATO Records). The tour will stop in at the Uptown Theater, in Minneapolis, on May 18, 2024.

Lido Pimienta to open.

Tour dates:

5/3 Nashville, TN Brooklyn Bowl*

5/4 Atlanta, GA Shaky Knees Festival

5/7 Richmond, VA The National*

5/8 Washington, DC 9:30 Club*

5/9 Brooklyn, NY Brooklyn Steel*

5/10 Boston, MA Paradise Rock Club*

5/11 North Adams, MA Hunter Center Mass Moca

5/12 Philadelphia, PA Union Transfer*

5/15 Columbus, OH The Bluestone*

5/16 Indianapolis, IN The Vogue*

5/17 Chicago, IL Salt Shed*

5/18 Minneapolis, MN Uptown Theater*

6/20 Seattle, WA Moore Theatre*

6/21 Portland, OR Roseland Theater*

6/22 Boise, ID Knitting Factory*

6/24 Salt Lake City, UT The Depot*

6/25 Denver, CO Ogden Theatre*

6/26 Taos, NM Taos Mesa Brewing Mothership*

6/28 San Diego, CA Cal Coast Credit Union*

6/29 Los Angeles, CA The Kia Forum*^

6/30 San Francisco, CA TBA

8/29 Amsterdam, NL Tolhuistuin

8/31 Manchester, UK Manchester Psych Fest

9/3 London, UK Lafayette

9/4 Paris, FR La Maroquinerie

9/26 Guadalajara, MX C3 Stage

9/27 Queretaro, MX Foro Indie Rocks!

9/28 Mexico City, MX Auditorio BB

Openers:
* Lido Pimienta
^ The Red Pears

If your band is coming to the Minneapolis/St Paul area, please email details to [email protected] with a good lead time. Thank you.

vu ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com ♥ bsky.ap

Minneapolis: May 12 to May 16, 2017

Here are some concerts taking place in the Minneapolis/St Paul area from May 12 to May 16, 2017.

Read more Minneapolis Music Guide.

Read More Charly Bliss New York's Charly Bliss opened up the show, a tad later than advertised. But we soon discovered that it was well worth the wait, the young band had a very 90s alt girl ....

CHARLY BLISS
at 7th Street Entry
Friday 05/12/17, 8pm ($8)
first-avenue.com

New York’s Charly Bliss will be headlining the 7th Street Entry in support of their album, Guppy (Barsuk Records).

We caught the band with Veruca Salt in 2015 and wrote, “New York's Charly Bliss opened up the show, a tad later than advertised. But we soon discovered that it was well worth the wait, the young band had a very 90s alt girl rock (think Eve's Plum). It's hard not to like the band, especially seeing singer Eva get really excited about playing their songs.”

Strange Relations and See Through Dresses will open.

Tour dates:

5/05 - Los Angeles, CA @ The Echo <3
5/07 - San Francisco, CA @ Rickshaw Stop <3
5/08 - Portland, OR @ Mississippi Studios
5/09 - Seattle, WA @ Vera Project
5/12 - Minneapolis, MN @ 7th Street Entry ~
5/13 - Chicago, IL @ Schubas ~
5/14 - Lansing, MI @ Mac's ~
5/15 - Cleveland, OH @ Beachland Tavern ~
5/17 - Philadelphia, PA @ Boot and Saddle !
5/18 - Brooklyn, NY @ Baby's All Right !
6/15 - Washington, DC @ Black Cat !
6/16 - New Haven, CT @ Cafe Nine !

~ with See Through Dresses
<3 with Upset
! with Yucky Duster

Read More Mono Not to be confused with the defunct French band, this Mono is a Japanese instrumental shoegaze band. Their last album, called Hymn to the Immortal Wind, which was three years ago … DIIE Minneapolis four piece DIIE who are described as a tasty blend of psych-rock and desert jazz with an emphasis on shredding. Yesssssssssss. …

KIKAGAKU MOYO
at 7th Street Entry
Sunday 05/14/17, 7:30pm ($10)
first-avenue.com

Tokyo’s Kikagaku Moyo (幾何学模様) is making a rare Minneapolis appearance (that is to say I don’t think they’ve ever been in Minneapolis) at the 7th Street Entry in support of their album House In The Tall Grass. The record came out April 21st via Guruguru Brain, with a vinyl release from Stone Garden.

The experimental band (who’s name translates to “geometric patterns”) recently opened up for Mono, which we mentioned in April.

Diie and Good Doom to open.

Tour dates:

05.05.16 – Winooski, VT @ Waking Windows
05.06.16 – Montreal, QC @ Bar le Ritz
05.07.16 – Boston, MA @ Great Scott
05.09.16 – Cleveland, OH @ Mahall’s
05.10.16 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Spirit
05.11.16 – Detroit, MI @ Marble Bar
05.12.16 – Chicago, IL @ Empty Bottle
05.13.16 – Milwaukee Psych Fest
05.14.16 – Minneapolis, MN @ 7th Street Entry
05.17.16 – Portland, OR @ Doug Fir
05.18.16 – Vancouver, BC @ The Cobalt
05.19.16 – Seattle, WA @ Sunset Tavern
05.20.16 – Eugene, OR @ Hi Fi Music Hall
05.21.16 – San Francisco, CA @ Independent
05.22.16 – Los Angeles, CA @ Echoplex
05.23.16 – San Diego, CA @ Hideout
05.24.16 – Tucson, AZ @ Flycatcher
05.26.16 – Austin, TX @ Scottish Rite
05.27.16 – Dallas, TX @ The Foundry
05.28.16 – Memphis, TN @ Growler’s
05.29.16 – Asheville, NC @ Mothlight
05.30.16 – Nashville, TN @ High Watt
05.31.16 – Atlanta, GA @ The Earl

Read More Black Angels The crowd only slightly thinned as visuals were cued up and Austin, TX psych/garage rockers The Black Angels entered, opening with ‘Mission District’ and its droning, guitar-driven pulse … Neil Hamburger America's favorite funnyman Neil Hamburger is coming back to Minneapolis at the Cedar Cultural Center this August 21st (additional details available at thecedar.org). I know a few fans who… Northern Invasion Northern Invasion (09 May 2015) Concerts start to ramp up as the weather warms with Slipknot and friends staging a headbanging Northern Invasion in nearby Somerset, WI on May 9. .… Coheed and Cambria Progressive rock band Coheed and Cambria's In Keeping Secrets of Silent Earth: 3 is being re-issued on vinyl on Equal Vision Records/Columbia Records/Legacy Recordings on October 21st. …

Other shows in the area:

05/12/17 Singer/songwriter Amy Helm will be playing at the Dakota Jazz Club & Restaurant. Cindy Cashdollar to open. 7pm, $33.

05/12/17 Texas R&B singer and songwriter SoMo is playing the Skyway Theatre in support of his second LP The Answers (Republic Records). 7pm, $27.50.

05/12/17 America’s Funnyman Neil Hamburger will be poorly telling tasteless jokes at Turf Club this Friday. The show is sold out. 7pm, $18 / Sold Out.

05/12/17 Psych band The Black Angels and A Place To Bury Strangers to play First Avenue’s mainroom. Show up early to check out APTBS’ newest member, drummer Lia Simone (formerly of Ostrich Eyes and Peter Pants). 8pm, $20.

05/13-05/14/17 Northern Invasion will once again be at Somerset Amphitheater (in Wisconsin). It’s a few hours to drive there, but might be fun to get away for the weekend. 3pm, $89.50 (two days).

05/13/17 Coheed and Cambria is back at First Avenue. The Dear Hunter to open. The show is sold out. 7:30pm, $35.

05/13/17 Näive Sense’ last show will be at the Triple Rock Social Club. Joining in the celebration is Chicago’s Typesetter, Hive (not to be confused with Sweden's The Hives), Another Heaven., and Wretch. 8pm, $10.

05/15/17 Olympia punk band RVIVR will be rocking out at Triple Rock Social Club. 8pm, $10.

05/16/17 Metal band Conan (not to be confused with Conan the Barbarian or Conan O’Brien) will be at Triple Rock Social Club. North and Flintlock will open. 8pm, $12.

05/16/17 Punk band Flogging Molly will be headlining the new Palace Theatre in St Paul. Dylan Walshe to open. 7pm, $38.

vu ([email protected]) ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ facebook.com ♥ twitter.com/weheartmusic

Neil Hamburger on Ant-Man

Read More Neil Hamburger America's favorite funnyman Neil Hamburger is coming back to Minneapolis at the Cedar Cultural Center this August 21st (additional details available at thecedar.org). I know a few fans who…

I recently randomly picked up a copy of Marvel’s Ant-Man on Bluray for $7.30. I had no intention of owning the film, but I just couldn’t pass up the deal. It didn’t come with a slip cover or digital copy, but for that price, I couldn’t really complain.

Ant-Man is probably my second to least favorite Marvel film. I would have love to have seen a proper Ant-Man film by original director/writer Edgar Wright (from Shaun of the Dead and Scott Pilgrim vs the World) ... but due to Marvel’s over controlling demands for characters and stories and tone... Wright left the project, citing creative differences.

Anyway, the Bluray came with an audio commentary from replacement director Peyton Reed and lead actor Paul Rudd. Early in the film, the two talked about how much they love Neil Hamburger (who apparently appeared briefly in the film).

As luck would have it - Neil “America’s Funnyman” Hamburger is currently on tour. He’ll be stopping by the Turf Club in St Paul this May 12th.

Neil Hamburger’s tour dates:

4/30 at The Satellite in Los Angeles, CA
5/10 at Lincoln Hall in Chicago, IL
5/11 at the Mill in Iowa City, IA
5/12 at The Turf Club in St. Paul, MN
5/13 at Club Garibaldi in Milwaukee, WI
6/15 at The Star Theater in Portland, OR
6/17 at The Bartlett Theater in Spokane, WA
08/22-09/02 at The SoHo Theater in London, England

Here is the Ant-Man transcript and screen still.

Peyton Reed: Gregg Turkington in that scene that you mentioned, of course, we’re big fans of Gregg from on Cinemax’s On Cinema and, of course, Neil Hamburger... to me, and I’m sure I’m speaking for you too, we were thrilled to have him in the movie. And that scene was terrific.

Paul Rudd: I’ve been a huge Neil Hamburger fan since the mid-90s. I have every Neil Hamburger’s CDs, I think, including 50 States 50 Laughs.

Peyton Reed: Okay! Nice!

Gregg Turkington (aka Neil Hamburger) on Ant-Man

vu ([email protected]) ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com/weheartmusic

Tim Heidecker and Neil Hamburger at the Cedar Cultural Center, Minneapolis (21 Aug 2015)

Tim Heidecker Setlist      Intro/Outro: Paul Simon's "You Can Call Me Al" Comedy Without a Net Audience Names Mini-Soda / Mini-Apples Twin Cities / Olsen Twins Husker Don't / Replacements / Prince Jared / Ashley Madison Women in Music: Taylor Swift / Lady Gaga / Madonna Keith Urban Walking Dead / Zombies Time of the Season / Halloween 007 Bank / Mad Max Twilight Zone Marriott My Beard / No More B.S. Candle Mixer / Marriage Proposal Impressions: Jack Nicholson / Clint Eastwood Coffee / Keurig -- Encore -- Hot Piss Slurp It Up Tour Dates Aug 22 Fargo, ND The Aquarium Aug 30 Los Angeles, CA The Satellite Sep 5-7 Seattle, WA Bumbershoot Festival Sep 23 South Bend, IN Drop Comedy Club Sep 24 Madison, WI Majestic Theatre Sep 25 Milwaukee, WI Club Garibaldi's Sep 26 Chicago, IL Schuba's Oct 10 Los Angeles, CA Festival Supreme Oct 25 Los Angeles, CA The Satellite Nov 5 Philadelphia, PA Johnny Brenda's Nov 6 Boston, MA Great Scott Nov 7 Brooklyn, NY Bell House Read More Tim Heidecker Little Record Company is releasing Heidecker & Wood's sophomore album Some Things Never Stay the Same on November 12th. The duo is basically comedian and actor Tim Heidecker with his longtime … Neil Hamburger America's favorite funnyman Neil Hamburger is coming back to Minneapolis at the Cedar Cultural Center this August 21st (additional details available at thecedar.org). I know a few fans who…

Having previously teamed up on tour, Tim Heidecker and Neil Hamburger are back at it again, stopping by a sold out comedy show at the Cedar Cultural Center in Minneapolis last night.

Neil Hamburger

In typical Neil Hamburger style, the drunken, badly done hair comb over, safety pinned suit, Hamburger came on stage gripping three drinks, wheezing and coughing. Stunned at the adoring standing ovation, Hamburger jokingly said he might as well leave now... but then continued telling his "gags". We've seen Neil Hamburger before and we know his materials aren't that funny, but it's more about his delivery and awkwardness that makes it so laughable. Moving away from jokes about his ex-wife, the America's $1 Funnyman mostly made fun of "Leeeegendary" famous musicians Grateful Deads, Blind Melon, Gene Simmons (Kiss), Paul McCartney (Beatles), and Ozzy Osbourne.

Anyway, when not talking about these singers (and their crap), Hamburger's material incorporated bad "Knock Knock" jokes and an incredible joke told in French/American. His French pronunciations and dictations were impeccable.

His fast food jokes including the only thing worth saving at a Taco Bell and bringing your grandparents to Hardee's. The latter, Hamburger wasn't exactly sure if Minneapolis was a Hardee's town (in the West Coast, where Hamburger is from, it's all about the Carl's Jr). Sadly, no jokes about 7-Eleven, but then someone reminded me that no one would find that funny because Minneapolis doesn't have 7-Elevens.

Coming on the stage to Paul Simon's "You Can Call Me Al", Tim Heidecker knocked over the mic stand and fumbled for the microphone on stage. When the music didn't stop, Heidecker said, "Cut the music!" But the song continued, forcing Heidecker to re-do his entrance. It's all part of the joke, including the badly adjusting and readjusting of the microphone stand, but it was fun to watch him act it out.

Tim Heidecker's notes

I didn't think this was part of the show, but sometime I think Heidecker was a little nervous performing to a completely full seated audience... especially early on in his routine about "Comedy Without a Net". Shortly after telling us about how he was going to improvised... he resorted to using his "net" of handwritten notes.

The first part of his show is truly unique to our show, he's written a few Minneapolis-specific jokes, including buying "mini-sodas" and "mini-apples". The Minneapolis music jokes of Hüsker Don't and the original Replacements got a big laugh. Of course, when the obvious choice of Prince came up, he said there was just too much respect there to joke about.

Speaking of music, he actually had a whole segment on "Women in Music" (Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, Madonna) and a bit on Keith Urban and The Zombies (the band).

The other thing was Heidecker must be used to random drunk hecklers at his show that he actually has a safe word ("Root Beer") to have security kick out the offending audience member. It wasn't acting, both Hamburger and Heidecker were visibly aggressive, not happy to hear hecklers hijacking their show. Another comedian once put it into perspective, it's like if the comedian showed up at the heckler's job and started yelling and distracting them at his desk. It's just not cool.

Carly and Tim

During Heidecker's joke about his wife's consulting interior house decorating website, he asked if anyone in the audience owned a house. When one guy (also named Tim) said he recently bought a house, Heidecker questioned him and his date (Carly) about the house. It turned out that Tim and Carly were Canadian and they lived in a house, but not married. Heidecker demanded that the two get married or "get out of my country!"

Tim got down on his knee with Heidecker's wedding band and proposed marriage. It was all in good fun, no one expect them to go through with it, of course.

The best part of Heidecker show was the encore. He came back on stage and decided to play some The Yellow River Boys tunes on the house piano. If you didn't know, in 2013, Heidecker and his band The Yellow River Boys released an all-urination album called Urinal St. Station (yes, a whole 10-track album about pee). The two songs he played were "Hot Piss" and "Slurp It Up".

With the great Minneapolis jokes and The Yellow River Boys songs, this felt like a truly unique and special show... especially for Canadian Tim, Carly and their faux marriage.

Tim Heidecker at the Cedar Cultural Center, Minneapolis (21 Aug 2015)

vu ([email protected]) ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com/weheartmusic ♥ itunes.apple.com

America's Funnymen in Minneapolis

Read More Neil Hamburger What's funny about Neil Hamburger is that he's not very funny. Wow, that sounded like a Chinese proverb. America's Funnyman Neil Hamburger is doing a number of dates, possibly in support of Incident In Cambridge, Mass. …

NEIL HAMBURGER
americasfunnyman.com

America's favorite funnyman Neil Hamburger is coming back to Minneapolis at the Cedar Cultural Center this August 21st (additional details available at thecedar.org). I know a few fans who are very excited to have him back in the Twin Cities.

If you've never seen his act, he's basically a very bad comedian... but that's what is so funny about his shtick.

Neil's latest release First of Dismay is available now on Drag City.

Also on the Cedar bill will be Tim Heidecker, who we previously mentioned was part of the duo Heidecker & Wood.

Tour dates:

Aug 21 Minneapolis, MN The Cedar
Aug 22 Fargo, ND The Aquarium
Aug 30 Los Angeles, CA The Satellite
Sep 5-7 Seattle, WA Bumbershoot Festival
Sep 23 South Bend, IN The Drop Comedy Club
Sep 24 Madison, WI Majestic Theatre
Sep 25 Milwaukee, WI Club Garibaldi's
Sep 26 Chicago, IL Schuba's
Oct 10 Los Angeles, CA Festival Supreme
Oct 25 Los Angeles, CA The Satellite
Nov 5 Philadelphia, PA Johnny Brenda's
Nov 6 Boston, MA Great Scott
Nov 7 Brooklyn, NY Bell House

Read More The Long Winters John Roderick, from the Long Winters, was last seen in Minneapolis with Jonathan Coulton. He actually seems like he could also do stand-up, telling us about that one time someone landed on his head …

JOHN HODGMAN
johnhodgman.com

Comedian/actor/author John Hodgman will be at the Cedar Cultural Center on September 29th (details at thecedar.org). I think the first time I heard of Hodgman, it was seeing him as the "PC" in the funny Apple commercials from 2006 to 2009.

Hodgman's show is described by The Long Winters' John Roderick as "white privilege mortality comedy."

The upcoming show is called Vacationland and the 75-min show will feature brand new material. This will be a great way for fans to see the show and meet and get their The Areas of My Expertise books signed.

Vacationland tour dates:

09/12- Boston, MA @ Wilbur Theater
09/22- Atlanta, GA @ Plaza Theater
09/23- St. Louis, MO @ Ready Room
09/24- Chicago, IL @ Thalia Hall
09/25- Iowa City, IA @ Englert Theater
09/26- Madison, WI @ Barrymore Theater
09/27- Minneapolis, MN @ Cedar Cultural
09/29- Toronto, ON @ Just For Laughs Festival
10/13- Vancouver, BC @ Rio Theater
10/15- Portland, OR @ Hollywood Theater
10/16- San Francisco, CA @ Marines Memorial
10/24- Durham, NC @ Carolina Theater
11/07- Athens, OH @ Ohio State University

JIM NORTON
jimnorton.com

American comedian, radio personality, author, and actor, Jim Norton will be in town at Mill City Nights on September 25 (early and late shows). Tickets are $32.50, details at millcitynights.com.

I don't have SiriusXM Radio, but if you do, you can hear him daily on the The Opie Radio Channel and Ozzy’s Boneyard shows.

Tour dates:

08/21/15 Houston, TX House Of Blues
08/22/15 Dallas, TX House Of Blues
09/11/15 Los Angeles, CA Shrine Auditorium
09/17/15 New York, NY Carolines On Broadway
09/18/15 New York, NY Carolines On Broadway
09/19/15 New York, NY Carolines On Broadway
09/25/15 Minneapolis, MN Mill City Nights
09/26/15 Warren, MI Andiamo Celebrity
10/08/15 Irvine, CA The Improv
10/09/15 Irvine, CA The Improv
10/10/15 Irvine, CA The Improv

vu ([email protected]) ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com/weheartmusic ♥ itunes.apple.com

America's Funnymen (and women)

Read More Neil Hamburger Truly, the worst stand-up in the world, Neil Hamburger, a has-been comedian that should've retired 15 years ago. His jokes are intentionally off-timing, he spills his liquor all over, and he constantly coughs…

NEIL HAMBURGER
americasfunnyman.com

What's funny about Neil Hamburger is that he's not very funny. Wow, that sounded like a Chinese proverb. America's Funnyman Neil Hamburger is doing a number of dates, possibly in support of Incident In Cambridge, Mass. … but I do not see Cambridge listed.

Either way, we are excited to be awkwardly and uncomfortably laughing at Neil's jokes when he comes to St Paul in Minnesota.

09/07 Nevada City, CA - Nevada City Film Festival
10/09 Chicago, IL Schuba's #
10/10 Milwaukee, WI Cactus Club #
10/11 St. Paul, MN Turf Club #
10/12 Fargo, ND Aquarium #
10/17 San Francisco, CA Hemlock Tavern +
10/19 Santa Monica, CA S Festival Supreme +
11/08 Philadelphia, PA Johnny Brenda's *
11/09 New York, NY Bowery Ballroom *
11/14 Santa Cruz, CA Crepe Place #
11/15 Sacramento, CA Sacramento Comedy Spot #

* (with Tim Heidecker)
# (with Major Entertainer Mike H)
+ ("Country Winners" set with the "Too-Good-For-Neil-Hamburger Band" )

KUMAIL NANJIANI
twitter.com/kumailn

Kumail Nanjiani is a Pakistani American stand-up comic, but you might have seen him on TNT's Franklin & Bash show or Comedy Central's The Meltdown With Jonah and Kumail (hint: he plays Kumail).

Nanjiani's Beta Male was released last month (July 23rd) via Comedy Central Records, but I only just discovered it. The comedy CD (and DVD bundle) is quite funny. I think only Nanjiani could tell these jokes, about his mother's observations, "The Elephant Man", "Call of Duty" game level at the city that Nanjiani grew up in, running out of printer ink, and Muslim/Porn.

If you saw Nanjiani's Comedy Central one-hour special, you can still enjoy the CD/DVD combo because the disc will feature unaired and uncensored jokes, plus a special post-show audience Q&A (his jokes sometime requires feedback from the audience, which make it for a unique show).

ILIZA SHLESINGER
iliza.com

Iliza Shlesinger is releasing her comedy album War Paint digitally this September 3rd, with a CD/DVD combo coming out November 5th, via New Wave Dynamics. She remains the youngest and only woman to hold the title of NBC's Last Comic Standing.

I got a chance to listen to War Paint and I can hear in Shlesinger's voice how excited it was for her to do stand-up in her hometown in Dallas. The thing about Shlesinger is that she certainly know and understand the single woman's psyche. You get the impression that she went out a lot with her women friends to hunt young men.

Some jokes didn't work well for audio only, for instance the "really want to go" (funny face?) and Shlesinger's talking about a Donald-ducking man doing something with his thing. This joke is probably really funny (or revolting) if you see it.

Her jokes tend to a bit on the toilet side, so not recommended if you're under 18. As vulgar as Shlesinger can be, she has issue saying "the p-word" (not penis) or the vagina (which she said sounds like an Indian casino)… instead she names them 'snootch'.

I find that I like it when she tells more nerdy jokes (name-dropping things like Silver Surfer, Hentai, Verizon, CSI Miami, Skyrim, is always a bonus), perhaps I'm just hoping she's a comic book, gaming, and television junkie.

Iliza Shlesinger's War Paint is hitting the digital market this Tuesday, via New Wave Dynamics. Look for the CD/DVD this November 5th.

Trivia: Iliza Shlesinger taught me a new word from her crustacean joke: a "beejz".

KURT BRAUNOHLER
kurtbraunohler.tumblr.com

Variety put Kurt Braunohler on their annual "10 Comics to Watch" list, New York lists him as top 50 Funniest New Yorkers, while Comedy Central named him as "Comic to Watch". Clearly Braunohler is doing something right.

Braunohler released debut comedy album How Do I Land? last week (August 20th). What is most interesting about this is that Kill Rock Stars is releasing the album. If you read our coverage of KRS over the years, you know they were most famous for signing bands like Gossip and Bikini Kill. As far as I know it, this is KRS' first comedy album.

In support of How Do I Land?, Kurt Braunohler is currently on tour:

09/07 Hollywood CA Amoeba Records 09/13 Miami FL Atlantic Ocean Comedy 09/14 Miami FL Atlantic Ocean Comedy 09/15 Miami FL Atlantic Ocean Comedy 09/16 Miami FL Atlantic Ocean Comedy 09/18 Boston, MA Northeastern University 09/25 Hartford, CT @ Bushnell Center 09/26 Hartford, CT @ Bushnell Center 09/28 Brooklyn NY Bell House - Hot Tub

10/07 Michigan Theater Ann Arbor, MI 10/08 Detroit, MI Music Hall 10/11 Milwaukee, WI Riverside Theater 10/12 Chicago, IL Chicago Theatre 10/17 Tacoma WA Tacoma Comedy Club 10/18 Tacoma Wa Tacoma Comedy Club 10/18 Tacoma WA Tacoma Comedy Club 10/19 Tacoma WA Tacoma Comedy Club 10/19 Tacoma WA Tacoma Comedy Club

THE REIGNING MONARCHS
thereigningmonarchs.com

It all started six years ago when standup comic and author of the bestselling book He's Just Not Into You, Greg Behrendt with the help of guitarist Michael Eisenstein (remember that band Letters To Cleo?) wrote the musical intro to Behrendt's comedy tour.

Since then, Greg & Mike formed The Reigning Monarchs. The Los Angeles band raised over $30k on Indie Go Go, exceeding their goal of $10k. So, the band will record Black Sweater Massacre, and document and go on tour, thanks to their fans.

Look for Black Sweater Massacre next month (September 24th, 2013), in the meantime, the band previewed their lead single, "Murder Your Summer", on their Bandcamp.

JOHN CAPARULO
johncaparulo.com

If you watch Chelsea Lately, you'll know John Caparulo simply as "Cap". Regarding Chelsea Handler, Cap had this to say: "It's like hanging out at my buddy's house and getting a check for it! It really is the most fun I've had since I got into comedy. I've known Chelsea since we were both doing 6-minute spots in the attic at The Comedy Store on Sunset Strip. I never thought she really liked me. Come to think of it... I'm still not sure."

Anyway, the comedian will be releasing Come Inside Me on CD/DVD this September 17th, 2013. The combo pack features exclusive Behind-The-Scenes footage. If you have a Netflix, you can start streaming Come Inside Me starting September 5.

Come Inside Me was recorded at The South Point Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas to let fans take a peek inside the kimono to show the standup comedy side to him.

vu () ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ podcast.weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com/weheartmusic ♥ +W♥M

SF Sketchfest 2013

The 12th Annual SF Sketchfest starts this week on January 24 and ends on February 10 in San Francisco. This year they've got Reggie Watts, Robert Glasper, Bob Mould, Jonathan Coulton, the Portlandia people, and more!

Full schedule over at their website, but just flipping through their full schedule, these are some of the stand-out shows that I noticed:

Kids in the Hall (sold out), Andy Richter (Conan O'Brien), Neil Hamburger (we like him), Jonathan Coulton (we like him), Portlandia (sold out), Chris Hardwick (the Nerdist, himself), Pinky & the Brain (sold out), Drew Carey, Wil Wheaton (make it so, ensign), and Garfunkel & Oates.

All tickets are on sale right now on sfsketchfest.com.

Below are some artists appearing on SF Sketchfest 2013.

CHRIS HARDWICK
nerdist.com

I actually have a digital review copy of Mandroid waiting for me, but I haven't seen it because I don't have proper internet. Apologies to everyone involved.

Hardwick's Mandroid is coming out on DVD and CD tomorrow, January 22nd, via Comedy Central Records. The DVD is uncensored and the audio CD is extended. I've had similar reviews of Demetri Martin, and from experience, I can tell you that the CD and DVD are refreshingly different. Some jokes aren't even present on the DVD and vice versa. So if you're a hardcore Hardwick fan (that sounds wrong), then getting both formats is a must.

Mandroid was filmed at Skirball Center for Performing Arts in New York City, and features candid comedy tales of virginity, chess club, shark vaginas, awkward childhood, awkward adulthood, and something called "Quidditch." All this can be yours for $13 on DVD.

Chris Hardwick can be seen on these SF Sketchfest shows:

01/31/13 - SF Sketchfest Comedy NightLife at the California Academy of Sciences
02/02/13 - The Nerdist Podcast at Marines’ Memorial Theatre
02/02/13 - Yacht Rock Heroes at Yoshi’s San Francisco Lounge

GARFUNKEL & OATES
garfunkelandoates.com

I love Garfunkel & Oates, I'm excited to read a review of their appearance at SF Sketchfest, details below:

02/10/13 - Garfunkel & Oates (with Dragon Boy Suede) at The Rickshaw Stop

Courtney will be seeing G&O and reporting back.

I haven't heard from the two girls since their Comedy Central appearance, but they do have a new "holiday album" called Present Face on their website. You can get the title track for free. I couldn't find Present Face (album) on amazon, but their last official release is still Slippery When Moist.

Trivia: Chris Hardwick makes an appearance on G&O's "Handjob, Bland Job, I Don't Understand Job" song.

vu () ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ podcast.weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com/weheartmusic ♥ +W♥M

Neil Hamburger - 7/11's Are All the Same

 

 

Video: Seven Elevens

 

Photo: Neil Hamburger

Truly, the worst stand-up in the world, Neil Hamburger, a has-been comedian that should've retired 15 years ago.

His jokes are intentionally off-timing, he spills his liquor all over, and he constantly coughs and clears his throat! But I guess that's part of the charm.

Mark brought over his DVD, "The World's Funnyman" (2006), and we watched a little bit of this. The best special feature I've ever seen, hands down, is the "FBI Warning" (that's basically a 30 seconds on screen FBI Warning, it's lifted from a poor VHS quality).

There's other features too, including this music video for "7-11's Are All the Same"... which is what I've included in this post.

Sadly, there are no 7-11 in the mid-west :(

Bonus: If you want to a preview of what Hamburger is like, head over to The Tom Green Channel. If you download the show (which is available on the website), Hamburger would describe you as "a free loader". Heheh.

eve holt wrote: Apr 9, 2007 at 10:01 PM

His Poolside Chats are so awesome. He also had a few horribly great scenes in the latest episode of Tim and Eric's Awesome Show, Great Job!

Link: #108 04-08-2007 Hamburger

M. wrote: Apr 11, 2007 at 2:56 AM

oh man, I've seen this guy before! I think he was vamping between sets when I saw the Black Heart Procession. it was really weird and I didn't think he was funny at all. I do remember him clearing his throat a lot...

vu