Keeping it Real

"The Real World" DC was a ratings disaster, but they seem to be getting back to their roots for the next installment: New Orleans. Now that's what ima talkin' about. There's still at least one DC element to this upcoming season, which debuts tomorrow night. Here's a message from Eric Patrick:

"Not sure if this is worth posting on your site but a DC-based comic (talking about myself of course), is going to be on the next season of 'The Real World' on MTV. (Here's the link.)

"I do a lot of comedy on the show, and am pretty sure they include being a DC comic on the bio, so if anyone is interested in watching (and doesn't mind joining the rest of the pre-teens in America on Wednesday nights) it premieres Wednesday, June 30 at 10 p.m."

Open Mics

We've got a couple new open mics to report:

RFD in Chinatown, DC. Brad Ryan and Ralph Cooper are organizing this show in the back room of RFD most Thursday nights. Doors open at 7:30, and the show starts at 8:30. Comics get 5-7 minutes. You can sign up on site, or by e-mailing brad@laughingatbrad.com or rcooperiii@gmail.com.
Address: 810 7th Street NW, Washington, DC
Online: RFD site

THE MEETING PLACE in downtown DC. Every other Monday at 7:30, starting July 12. This is part open mic and part showcase. Hosted by Billy McCaleb (billy_mccaleb@yahoo.com). No cover charge, but a two-drink minimum. E-mail Billy if you're interested.
Address: 1707 L St. NW, Washington, DC
Online: Meeting Place web site

Tags: television, open mics

Some Free Advice

If you're about to drop more than $20 to see a stand-up show because the performer is "famous" -- and they aren't famous specifically as a stand-up -- do yourself a favor. Click around the Web for a few minutes and find out what club experience they have. Movie funny and TV funny are not the same as stand-up funny. The amount of time it takes to write and refine a good stand-up routine is pretty significant, and if the performer is busy on other projects, they won't be at their best.

Sometimes it's cool to see a famous person, but you wouldn't pay $25 to see Michael Jordan bake a ham, would you?

Tags: shows, open mics

Long Time No See!

See, the thing is, I ordered this new computer desk. Then I had to BUILD the desk. Only the desk didn't come out right. So I had to get a replacement part. Long story short, I was in a hospital for three weeks until doctors could safely remove an Allen wrench from my eye socket.

Anyhow, all the open mic news we got has been incorporated into the page. If you have any shows you're looking to pimp, send the info to chris@dcstandup.com.

Tags: shows, open mics

Umberto's

New monthly show at Umberto's in Wheaton, Maryland. Tracey passes along the following: "Show will be once a month at Umberto's, 11230 Grandview Ave, Wheaton, MD 20902. Show is 8pm Friday, May 21, 2010. Hosted by Comic Danny Rolando, Headliner is Erik Myers, with guest comics Tracey Jackson, Chipp Jones, Marcus Brown. For details, contact Danny Rolando, 301 675 5266 / email DJRolan@aol.com."

Open Mic Tweaks

Minor changes made to the open mic page. First off, Caribou Coffee on Friday nights is no more. Second, Ellie's on Tuesdays has been put on hiatus for the summer months, with plans to return in the fall. Changes are reflected on the Open Mics page.

Whitney Cummings

This Saturday, Whitney Cummings is taping a stand-up special at the Harman Theater in DC. They're papering the room, so if you want to get free tickets, you can click over to this Web site. There will be two shows, one at 6:30 and one at 9:30. There are some restrictions about what you can and can't bring with you into the room (since it's a TV taping) so you'll have to read up about it on that site.

Tags: shows, open mics

Jawbone Video Contest

Passing it on, for anyone with a camera and a dream ...

"Ever experienced unwanted background noise during a phone call? Wanna win $10,000? Then grab a camera, get creative, and enter the Jawbone Stimulus Funny Video Contest. We're looking for short videos, one-minute or less, that showcase humorous moments caused by unwanted and unexpected background noise during a phone call. To learn more or submit a video, go here.

Tags: contests