Roses are red, violets are blue. I love the soapbox and I just got a booking from it too. Last week I got an audition for a radio ad, and today I just got booked to do a charity luncheon in NJ.How great is that.That felt good for about minute... Then the Shit hit the fan.. I am really upset and if I could Id turn back time and not do a bringger at all. I hate them in princple but this one the fell on me.... I need to do a show because 25 women asked me too. THey wanted NJ and a weeknight. I have offered spots in return to make up for this on a Saturday night..... read the comments..
Comments are below
What the hell is up with this show tomorrow, though?
Posted on 01/25/2005 at 03:55 PM by Chris McDevitt
Seriously...a bald ass little birdie told me that there's some sort of booked show booting the open mic...and they got your photo hanging on the flyer...
So, "What up wit that?"
So sorry
Posted on 01/25/2005 at 04:05 PM by Robin Fox
A month ago the director of my kids preshool called me and asked me if I had any shows in NJ where she could bring 25 people to see me. So I thought hey Liz Russo does showcases all the time I'll call her. Its a mess. The show was to be held at Rascals in Montclair. The show got bumped and Liz moved it to the Stress Factory. I was really bummed. A, because I wanted to be seen at Rascals, B,I felt awful that the open mic would get bumped. It was all innocent....so that you should know. No good dead goes unpunished. Im only getting to do 7 minutes and the director is going to be really annoyed that I dragged them all out for such a short set. Uggggg. I hope it will turn out okay.
I'm SEVEN SORTS OF PISSED...
Posted on 01/25/2005 at 04:14 PM by Chris McDevitt
We're talking out of my mind angry. I think its probably one of the most disrespectful things that one comic could do to another...as for your minor involvement, that's excusable. A need for an audience easily understood. The rub, is all of the friends and family of other comics who will be denied a set at all from their loved loons, because of it.
So now, you get to be painted as the Judas, and everyone else gets the shaft... I can't even think straight...this caught me on a bad day, because I am LIVID.
McDevitt is right.
Posted on 01/25/2005 at 04:54 PM by Sean O'Connor
I mean Mike Noner is on the show. That's offensive not only to comics but also other Mike Noner's. Like Mike Noner from Pierre, South Dakota he's just a good old boy who owns the Piggly Wiggly. But now that this Mike Noner has decided to join the stand up community..SOUTH DAKOTA'S MIKE NONER's bank forclosed on his Piggly Wiggly. Now he destroys MY STAND UP ON WEDNESDAY NIGHTS... GOD! WHAT NEXT? Build a time machine and sodomize JESUS?
No Wednesday!
Posted on 01/25/2005 at 06:29 PM by Scott Beaton
If I don't get my attention fix I am not sure what I will do, oh my Thursday teachers will surely bear the brunt of this. Ok so who wants to hold open mic in front of the Stress Factory tommorow?
The happy dance is over.
Posted on 01/25/2005 at 06:40 PM by Robin Fox
I knew this would happen I just didnt expect it to happen on here. I called Liz because manna fell from the sky when I had someone wanting to bring 25 people to see me. Rascals is the only club in NJ that has showcases or as we call them bringers. The Stress Factory hasnt offered a bringer in almost a year. I have emailed Vinnie to do one at the Stress Factory on several occasions. I got the date of Jan 26th before Xmas at Rascals. I tell my preschool director and she gives out holiday cards with the gift of taking them all out to a comedy show. There all excited. I get notified a few weeks ago that Rascals cancelled on Liz and that I should not worry she has booked the Stress Factory. I asked Tommy about this and up till last week it wasnt even on the calendar. My ladies call for reservations and are told its an open Mic. Im not sure if this is even going to happen. I have never worked Liz before. She has a great reputation for being a pro and does what she promises. Im panicing. I feel terrible. I am doing a show in Sommerville the first Sat. in February. I will try to put up as many of you guys as I can. Email me through the soapbox and I will give the first 10 of you well wishers a spot. Fair enough.
See that's kind of why I'm uber-pissed...
Posted on 01/25/2005 at 08:12 PM by Chris McDevitt
The Stress Factory hasn't done a bringer in over a year. Probably for good reason. We have a great community of comics there, from the weekly regulars, to the always amusing, paper-ball/chair throwing/cock flashing one-shots.
Its a simple place with a simple dynamic. You pay your $5, your friends pay their $5, and you get a show. Your part of the show may be 3 minutes, or 5, if you're lucky seven, or if you used to be on Stern and are terribly unfunny fifteen tops. But that's the beauty, you never know what to expect, but you always know what you can count on. I love that place and I love that room.
And right now, the righteous indignation coursing through my body reminds me of Jesus in the Temple cum Marketplace. One simple Christmas gift has brought (in my estimation) all that is soulless and wrong, through the doors of my Wednesday night haven.
I don't mind if we get bumped for a Dice or even a Louis Anderson, or if Corporate America wants to laugh at a family-man hack....but when some of our own, pave over the others, that just pisses me off to no end. A tuesday night, a thursday night...but the OPEN MIC night.
I hope I'm not the only one here that offended. From the SF POV I understand, 1) It's a business. 2) I'm sure they took a bath last week with the cancelled O.M. and the blizzard during Dom Irrera.
From your point-of-view, Robin, I understand...this was never supposed to happen at the SF. That's not what you intended. But why did you run to an outsider anyway? That's the question I don't get. IF you're starting your own room in February...why not utilize that night for your Preschool Night out? What better way to kick that room off, than with a packed sympathetic crowd? This is what I don't get.
Why did a self-sufficient, wife, and mother, instantly run to a 'promoter' to book a show, she had the built in audience to put on herself?
That question aside, I just feel bad for all the comics who aren't on MYSPACE or COMEDY SOAPBOX, who have no idea about what they're going to walk into tomorrow. Those like Sir Will who drive 2 and a half hours from MID NY...those who drive from Philly...like that Comic I don't like...Those who had the same thing happen last week, although that was do to an act of God....
Couple the disappointment of not performing....with the $7 increase in ticket price, and the familiar face on stage...I won't be surprised at the negative reactions...and its for that very reason, that I am so pissed off. Why wasn't it publicized? Why not on the schedule? For the steady walk-in business of a Regular Wednesday night who don't know its not the regular show?
The whole thing just strikes me as wrong somehow. Anyway that's my piece on it.
I guess, That's my FIVE MINUTES, this week.
Chris McDevitt
Enough
Posted on 01/25/2005 at 08:37 PM by Robin Fox
The reason I didnt have them to the Somerville show is that they wanted a weeknight show for a girls night out. My show is on a Sat. That was my first offer. Secondly I mentioned to Liz that Wed was the Stress open Mic and she said that the Weds was the only night offered to her. I was between a rock and a hard place. The Preschool director was committed at that point to her present she had given and I didnt even want to do it at The Stress Factory. I have wanted to work with Liz because she books private functions and came recommended. Where should I have done a weeknight show. I thought to bring the women to the open mic and to tell you the truth. I didnt want them to be in a room full comics who show thier dicks and tell baby rape jokes. I may laugh and think its funny they wouldnt..... they wouldnt. I also thought they might like seeing Jessica Kirson and Liz perform. On the food chain....Open mic just doesnt seem to be a priority to the Stress Factory. If it did it wouldnt take the booking. If they did we would be notified well in advance of changes and cancellations so we wouldnt have to show up and find out then. If they did see the open mic as a priority they might promote it. If they did they wouldnt schedual charity functions on open mic night and hire comics and not give a spot to any of the open micers. If they did when Jim Brewer was in and caused the mic to be cancelled for weeks they might have given a few of us a spotbefore or after. If they did they might offer discounts to non sold out shows so we might learn and grow. If they did they might once and a while come by and watch a new comic and let give us a chance to be passed at the club. If they did they wouldnt have tried to kill the thing last year. If they did Tommy wouldnt have to sell his soul to keep the thing alive. It might have been nice if the show was on another night. But the club was booked and the open mic though a PRIORITY to ME and to many wonderful comics isnt to the powers that be. I am sorry. I am sorry that the only way to get on stage in NJ main clubs is to bring your own audience. I have done 3 since I have began and I would have pulled the plug on this except I am commited to this woman who is bringging 25 people.
Enough....for you....
Posted on 01/25/2005 at 09:20 PM by Chris McDevitt
That's cool. Not trying to crucify you on this. Just stating my opinion. Airing my voice. Remember this, I'm saying it to your face. My words may be the lyrics but there's a symphony of groans behind it.
In the end, I can't stop you. And the people you've hooked up with will do what they want. But to say that the club sold us out....?? Who bought the club's time? Who booked the clubs show? Who brought the booker in? For someone I've seen beg, borrow, bitch, and buddy up for stage time, you seem rather free with taking it away from others...
You say what you want about my rape babies bit....I've never been anything but myself to anyone I've met since I got in this....I've never done anything to anyone, I wouldn't want done to me....but above all any show or stage time or appearance I got, I got because of relationships with other comics.
No, not buttfucking relationships. Well, not all of them. Doug, sweetie, I'm looking at you.
I've showed up week after week at struggling rooms, come out to rooms I wasn't performing at to strengthen the crowd, pasted URLS and everything else all over the net. I've networked...but above all, I never fucked anyone.
It may feel good now...but in the long run....the sneaky bastards make EVERYTHING OUT OF CHOCOLATE....and once you've eaten it, there's no getting it back....
Hopefully, this night fails miserably....the weather appears to be on my side...and hopefully some of the regular viewers will be...
Because I would hate to see a room that you admit management wants to kill....turned into a soulless bringer, thanks to 25 soccer moms who DON'T like the O.C.
That might be enough for you. But it's not for me.
getting the last word
Posted on 01/25/2005 at 10:11 PM by Robin Fox
I booked a show at Rascals. I made a commitment to these women. And as far as begging borowwing and bitching..... Im working here. I have never begged for a gig. Ive worked by getting tapes and sending them. borowed what? No ones giving me any thing for free.And bitched...??? Never tried that one....hows it working for you. I am sorry. I blew up your world. I said I didnt think 25 women over 40 would appreciate the frat envrinment of the open mic. I didnt think the baby rape comment would offend you since thier is nothing offensive about it. I just know these women wanted to see a tamer show. Thats why I choose to do an ongoing bringer that for an entire year has allways been at Rascals. I am soooo soooo sorry. My luck she moved it. How did I know see would do that. They wanted a week night. Was I suppose to rent a hall. I couldnt back out. I had 25 women who got a present and had to keep a commitment. The system stinks and it landed on my friends. And you know what ...my friends hopefully will understand my situation an forgive me. I guess your not one of them.
Friends like these....
Posted on 01/25/2005 at 11:02 PM by Chris McDevitt
Justify it however you want. The bottom line is I think you're nichey. Not Nietszche. I think you're self serving, I think you're condescending, but above all I think you're blind to everyone but yourself. I have yet to meet one of your friends. And I pray to a third of a God neither one of us believe in, that I never do.
just to chime in...
Posted on 01/26/2005 at 02:11 AM by Sean O'Connor
Once again Mike Noner's on the show. I'm sorry but Mike Noner from Olympia, Washington was a prominent litigator up until Mike Noner stepped into the stand up world. Since then he's been caught in 3 sex scandals with 2 members of Thin Lizzy. Furthermore that show tomorrow is going to be so weak. Thank You Sean O'Connor -- See me in La.
I'm with Robin on this
Posted on 01/26/2005 at 08:10 AM by Shaun Eli
I haven't met any of you, but I've read the postings here.
Nobody is refuting her facts, only stating their opinions. So here's what I'm reading. Robin put together a show at another club, one that would not interfere with your ongoing open-mike. And I say "your" open-mike even though it doesn't belong to the comics, it belongs to the club. The club allows you to come to the open-mike (yes, they do charge you for it, a nominal sum) but it's their club, it's not a co-op.
Robin then committed to that night both with a producer and with her audience.
The producer and/or the club switched rooms, and didn't give Robin any alternative. Her audience already had the date agreed-to and planned-for. The CLUB cancelled the open-mike in favor of a paying audience. I presume that was the club's business decision. I doubt they did it to piss off the open-mikers, but simply to make money. How much money do you think their open-mike brings in?
If you were talking about losing the only open-mike in North Jersey, forever, I could understand. We are talking about one night. Yes, it would suck for people to drive two hours for a cancelled open-mike, and it's too bad the club can't somehow accommodate both. We've all had gigs cancelled, and it's no fun. But consider what Robin is doing-- bringing an audience to a club, an audience of, as I understand it, mostly women over forty. How many of them do you typically see in a comedy club? Folks, isn't this GOOD for stand-up comedy? If they enjoy the show, they tell friends, they bring friends, and you get a whole new audience.
I'm over forty (not by much) and when I've invited people to shows, a lot of what I hear is "Wow, I used to go to comedy clubs all the time when I was younger, I don't know why I stopped" and they go back. I also hear "I've never been to a comedy club and I really should go" and they do.
We need audiences. We should do whatever we can to attract new people to comedy clubs.
-Shaun Eli
I'll put it simpler....
Posted on 01/26/2005 at 08:51 AM by Chris McDevitt
When you are a regular performer at an open mike...and you are involved in an event that BUYS OUT the room on the open mike night. You are screwing the people you do the open mike with every week. That probably won't be forgotten the next week. Also, I personally DON'T NEED that kind of audience...one who has to be coddled, and censored....this isn't Utah. It's fucking Jersey. Simple Enough?
Response from Liz Russo
Posted on 01/26/2005 at 09:13 AM by Liz Russo
Wow, good for you guys... pick on a comic trying to have a good show, further her career and get booked instead of the person you should be flaming, Liz Russo - me. C'mon pick on me, I have nothing to fear from a few unsuccessful, and very mean-spirited, inexperienced comics. Why don't all of you just drop me an email expressing your thoughts instead of ruining a good comic's day. Robin is a sweet girl who has done nothing to any of you and she does not deserve any of these messages. She will have a great show and I'm sure I'll book her for paid gigs. How she would put up going to an open mic with you assholes is beyond me. You sure know how to create a supportive creative environment don't you. I'm sure Vinnie is impressed. I'm sorry your open mic night was bumped for one snowy week. I'm sure you'll survive without it. If you have something to say, you come to me and leave the comics' out of it. I'd be happy to deal with any of you kids. -- Liz (LizzAU@aol.com)
my thought
Posted on 01/26/2005 at 12:25 PM by
Chris what im thinking Shaun is saying though is that yah it sucks that your open mic got bought out, but its not robins fault. Im sure she didnt tell the club to bump your open mic. As far as her being involved im pretty everyone hear can identify with a comic who wants to do a paid gig. I dont know any of you, but im sorry i have to side with robin on this one also
To Liz
Posted on 01/26/2005 at 01:31 PM by Sean O'Connor
Unsuccessful? Me? No. Afraid not. I am Sean O'Connor. I don't know if you've ever heard of me but I've opened for some pretty big names and not to mention have been getting praise from casting directors and such for my work at UCB Theatre. So please don't badmouth me until you've seen me. I apologize in advance for not talking about the subway, cell phone reception, fox news, crocodile hunter, cooking for my kids, my CRAZY twins, the difference between me and my black brother, and Mike Noner. Sean ::SMILEY FACE::
By The Way as a comic
Posted on 01/26/2005 at 01:36 PM by Sean O'Connor
By The Way as a comic you should really realize what TOUNGE IN CHEEK means. All of you. I say things TOUNGE IN CHEEK-ly. Geez. Bush is such a good president.
Hows About Something from Somone Who Matters?
Posted on 01/26/2005 at 03:01 PM by Tommy Brennan
Ok kiddies, buck up this is going to be rough. We all love our Open Mic night because for the past two and a half years, we've made friends, connections, and people laugh. To see a bunch of you...McDevitt complain when you don't get to stuff yer face full of Yuenglings while you wait for your spot as the 20th comedian of the night, makes me kinda mad as well. Plain and simple...we had no idea what this show was all about because people were calling and reserving and we just kept telling them it was open mic nite. Eventually we found out the deal and yeah it sucks... Liz offered me a spot on the show also which most likely I'll do unless my earache gets worse. Things don't always go according to plan and that is this case. If anything McDevitt you've gotten Robin to be this week's hottest comedian and she should thank you for that. Its a goddammed show...with an audience. I say this with all due respect to my open micers. You want an audience when you perform? Bring Em. Especially now cause you can pick your own spot. But not this week...next week. We can't keep doing open Mic with 20 or so people...I know you can't bring your friends all the time because honestly Ive heard all of you millions of times and I have to be there. For the proud. How can Liz from Rascals just come in and get a night? Good question gang. She's a buisness woman who had a show and Job to do...so now when this audience comes in tonite they're gonna say...hey that was fun lets go back to The Stress Factory again...(NOT RASCALS) and as far as I'm concerned thats good for everyone...including you McDevitt because they very well might come to an open mic night and wait an hour and a half to see your seven minutes (if youre lucky). In closing don't shoot the messenger because they might be bringing a lot of new blood into a club where Open Mic needs a little boost. If you have problems now...I'm affraid to tell you the new news about Open Mic this year. So relax, because Pappa Bear said so.
Hot Hot Hot!
Posted on 01/26/2005 at 03:05 PM by Sean O'Connor
Tommy Brennan is on fire! Quick thing Tommy. Is the new news, Seven dollar tapes?
Prescient Business Theories....
Posted on 01/26/2005 at 03:26 PM by Chris McDevitt
Next week...we'll discuss the ramifications of the show tonight, the apparently 'new' leanings of management, and all kinds of other fun factors that shape the future of our lovable home club.... until then, I've got a lot pharmaceuticals to market, meetings to attend...and most of all a model/comic to email....
Tommy Brennan should never write!!!!!
Posted on 01/26/2005 at 03:30 PM by Julian McCullough
2nd city in the house, no writing requirement needed for that diploma
Was that the cry of an English Major?
Posted on 01/26/2005 at 03:46 PM by Tommy Brennan
Whatta ya mean I shouldn't write? You started a sentance with a number?!?!? Theres not even a period at the end of it cocksmoke.
Shit,
Posted on 01/26/2005 at 07:53 PM by Greg Concodora
and I thought I was the Comedy Soapbox asshole. Come on, guys, there are more important things to get mad about in this life. Like public relations, religious violence and "According to Jim". At least when I get into arguments they're philosophical. Poop. ps-I love all of you guys, and when the revolution comes, you will all be saved.
I feel I MUST chime in......
Posted on 01/26/2005 at 11:00 PM by Nick Maritato
I would like to know what happened with Mike Noner! (chanting) NONER! NONER! NONER! I enjoy the Stress Factory (aside from when I am there) and I don't want to see it leave us for good....I mean how else would I have ever figured out that creepy Andy has A BIG FUCKIN HEAD!!!
look at the bright side
Posted on 01/27/2005 at 07:41 AM by
Hay robin even though you are getting a lot of crap for something that isnt your fault...atleast you are #1 on the hot comics list because of it
Oops...
Posted on 01/27/2005 at 10:04 AM by Shaun Eli
It occurred to me ex post facto that we really should have put this thread on the Message Board rather than as a Blog. Comics should support each other, and we should not have aired our dirty laundry in public.
If anybody knows a way to move this (or, frankly, it's Robin's option to delete the whole thread)... -S
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