1. The 2009 Winner of the Funniest Person in Memphis Contest is....
Andy Fleming! He had a solid set, and made himself undisputed champion by pulling out a never before heard rap about shoes. Sounds cheesy, but it was quite awesome.Second place went to Stephen Kline, with his "Cute when a ___ does it, creepy when I do it" routine.
Third place went to Memphis' favorite extremely pregnant comedian, Ms. Katrina Murrell.
Of all the contests I've seen or been apart of, rarely have there been undisputed winners. This year I can consciously say, yes, that was one of those weird happenings. Clear cut victories for all!
2. Upcoming shows from Big Funny Productions
July 18th - TR Degraw @ Skitz Comedy Club (neil's)
Mr. Degraw is very illusive these days and seems to keep doing shows to "keep his hands in it." TR has seem to put hairdressing as his main profession, but don't let that fool you. If the fact that he was in the Air Force doesn't surprise you enough, his comedy career is even more impressive. He's performed with the likes of Richard Pryor at the Comedy Store. He left memphis in the 90s and headed to LA, tried out 5 times in front of Mitzi Shore before getting into the circuit, where she allegedly said in her high-pitched gravelly voice in response to TR's style,"He has a little bit of Sam [Kinison] in him." As a fun fact, TR Degraw's name is on the Comedy Store wall, should you be in LA anytime soon. Degraw has played the Aspen Comedy Fest and toured around the country. He has self described his act as the depressed alcoholic guy that you still want to root for. He's hilarious and unpredictible on stage or off. Stop by to support him at his home bar! For tickets click here!
July 25th - The Midnight Swinger @ Minglewood Hall
Honestly, I don't know about the guy, but he has a crazy following. Las Vegas, lounge act style. Support him. I guess.
(That's right, I reserve the right to be biased.)
Get tickets online here!
August 29th - Kerry White
Again, the man with the simple plan to make us all feel better. Even if that means suicide for you. I previously wrote up a glowing blog about Kerry. Check it out for more information.
When tickets become available, please click here!
August 8th - Dwight Slade @ Minglewood Hall
Dwight Slade is a comedy veteran and a show you shouldn't miss. Here's a snippet of his bio at from his website:
"Part man, part ageless boy; comedian Dwight Slade has the privilege of being a comedy legend in American stand up. The winner of this year’s Boston Comedy Festival, Slade combines an intelligent, raging voice of justice with the snickering attitude of a high school prankster. He gives the impression of a man on a journey. Who enjoys nothing more than making fun of everything along the way. Born in Seattle, Dwight moved often in his early years, living in San Mateo, California; Wilton, Connecticut; Marietta, Georgia and Houston, Texas."
The dude also started out with Bill Hicks, which is always a good reason to see someone too.
There will also be a closed show at the Raquet Club of Memphis with the Nefarious Mo Alexander.
Starting Mondays on July 6th, there will be an open mic at Morgan Freeman's Club Ground Zero. Ground Zero is located just off of Beale St. in Downtown Memphis. Jamie Grant will be producing this show. Show starts at 8pm and there is no cover.
Remember there are also 3 other open mics in Memphis. Mondays (latenight!) P&H. Tuesdays, Skitz (@Neils) has there Comedy Showcases, and after that, Murphy's Pub does there open mic.
Anything else, I'll let you know! I'll try to get some more bios up, specifically of Andy, TR and Dwight as soon as I get the info and time to spare!
I am a born and raised Memphis Comic, Moved to Atlanta in '83 to raise my children, worked very successfully As my Female Comic, I, of course had comedy Gold in my own home, My three; Now Adult kids Husband of nearly 30 years. and three Grand children, are Still great material.However, Tragically, I had a brain bleed causing a massive Stroke!@ Thrity Seven.y/o completely paralized on my left side, I have accommadated myself with the use of my right side; compensating for the left. if there are typo's in my post please forgive as I only type with my right hand. I have adjusted my act to include some of the old stuff that really killed, and into my own condition.Including the nice restful vacation of a 2 month Coma that rewarded me with a thirty five pound weight lose..Excellant! I do find that the All abut "ME" concept is really what works, and it pretty much kills on stage! Down to the point. I will be in Memphis the week of August 15th for three days, I would like to get my Stage legs back if at all possible Since I did grow up in Memphis I have about 300 High School, College friends that still live there and/ or surrounding suburbs. Not to memtion hundreds of family members. I think I can pack the house! I am sure of this! I can do an event calander on my face book account and get RSVP's to a show I Open or Feature,perferrably. Headlineing material is there although , I am fine tuning that for now. Its a "start from the beginning again", my fifteen years on stage was fantastic and really paid my Hospital / Brain Surgery Co-Pay's,Over half a Million dollars saved for the rainy day I thought would forever be a drought! So. with that said. I Also most recently won the 2007 Miller Light Ladies of Laughter Comedy Crown! In Atlanta Ga.
ReplyDeleteI would like to feature @ Skitz @ Neals, on Madison in that week. can you offer any suggestions.
God bless,
Cherie Boston
865-980-6214
cherieboston1965@yahoo.com
Ps I did have to learn how to walk, talk, eat, and still remain feminine at the same time My limp is kinda sexy but that is just how far I have come since the brain blowout!