Comedy Commentary of the Day

Former state Senator (NY) Guy Vellela turned himself in Monday to serve the remainder of his one-year sentence on bribery charges after a court ruled his early release was improper.

I may be dating myself here, but I think the theme song to Baretta* said it best:
Don't do the crime if you can't do the time, yeah. Don't do it.

* Baretta was a 1970's cop show starring Robert Blake who is currently and ironically on trial for murder. Don't go to bed with a price on your head, eh Bobby. For you trivia fans out there, the Baretta theme song was sung by none other than Mr. Sammy Davis, Jr.

...Keep your eye on the sparrow...

The Holiday Hiatus is Over!

I'm very proud of myself.

I finally put up my Christmas tree today.

That was my opening joke last night, which marked my return to the stage after a 13-day holiday hiatus. It was a well needed respite. My schedule this year has been quite daunting. You know you travel too much when you know the airport security guards by name.

This was also my first show at the Comic Strip since the manager, Lucien Hold, passed away. It felt a little sad walking by what used to be his office, knowing that it no longer was.

On a brighter note, the room was packed, even the Balcony; and I had a great set! It was a wonderful welcome back.

Helping The Earthquake Victims

As the death toll continues to rise in Southeast Asia after the horrific earthquake and subsequent tsunamis, my heart goes all the people and their families caught in this terrible disaster. If you're like me and you want to know how you can help, got to http://www.networkforgood.org They have a listing of several organizations to which you can donate to help our fellow human beings in their greatest hour of need.

Counting my blessings,

Leighann

Happy Birthday Daddy!

On Tues, 12/28 my Dad (better known on the "circuit" as The Comedy Dad) celebrated his 72nd Birthday! Doesn't he look Great?!? He said he didn't want to make a big deal of it, so we had a quiet birthday dinner at home. Jim, cooked a fabulous meal of featuring a stuffed cornish hen, pictured left. Yea, I know. I'm a Daddy's girl. So what!

Quote & Mini Commentary

"One's true happiness depends more upon one's own judgment of oneself, on a consciousness of rectitude in action and intention, and in the approbation of those few who judge impartially, than upon the applause of the unthinking undiscerning multitude, who are apt to cry Hosanna today, and tomorrow, Crucify him."

-- Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American Statesman and Scientist

This proves conclusively that old Ben was many things, but never a standup comedian. Nay, those who trade in the currency of the giggle, depend on the unthinking undiscerning multitude.

Seasons Greetings From Leighann & Jim

We hope the holidays

make you feel like a kid again too!

We saw this picture in a clothing catalog and thought is was just perfect for us! To dispell any questions that may be lurking in your mind:

• These are NOT our childhood pictures.
• These are NOT our children.

Love,

Leighann & Jim

A Banana A Day?

I got a Christmas card from a gynecologist. I say ‘a’ gynecologist, because it was not ‘my’ gynecologist. I’ve been seeing the same GYN for years and the only thing he’s ever sent me was a bill for lab work. I’d like to think I’d remember all the people who I’ve had to pay to look at my privates. It’s a short list and not something you tend to forget. But on the other hand, it can be an experience you’d like to block out. I don’t know why I’d get a card from a doctor I’ve never seen. At first it seemed a little creepy, but maybe he’s just trying to drum up business. The card is pretty, hand signed and my name is spelled correctly. What the hell, I made an appointment.

NYT Article About the Comedians Coalition

A Comedians' Union? Imagine the Meetings
By JESSE McKINLEY Published: December 22, 2004

So a comic walks into a bar, does a set and still can't feed his kids. Or his pets. Or his pets' kids. So what does he do? He gets a lawyer, forms a coalition and threatens to strike.

Hello? Is this thing on?

Seriously, folks, you can't make this stuff up. Hardened by decades of low wages and even lower self-esteem, some 300 New York comedians have decided to unite to ask the city's comedy clubs for, well, a little respect. (Oh, and more pay.)

Two weeks ago, the group, the New York Comedians Coalition, sent a letter to the owners of 11 clubs around the city, asking for $120 for a 10 to 20 minute set on the weekends, up from the current average of $60. They are also seeking a small increase in weekday pay, which runs about $15 to $25 a set, as well as holiday pay for regulars. M.C.'s, who introduce acts and plug the audience for information ("So, where you from?"), would make upward of $200 for a weekend gig under the coalition's plans, as opposed to the current industry rate of $75 to $125.

"Comics have been making the same wage essentially since 1985," said Ted Alexandro, one of the coalition's founders and a regular performer on the city's comedy circuit. "And the revenue being created is outrageous.

" In particular, Mr. Alexandro and his comedic colleagues point to the clubs' practice of charging covers and an enforced two-drink minimum, a policy that makes it almost impossible for weekend audiences to escape without spending at least $30 a head. Comedians say that when you add in lucrative special shows for corporate events, proms and bachelor parties, the clubs are killing (the comics' patois for doing well).

Club owners aren't so sure. "It's an extremely competitive market," said Chris Mazzilli, the owner of the Gotham Comedy Club on West 22nd Street. "You've got clubs in Midtown handing out free tickets and pulling people in off the street. We're charging $15. That can make it tough."

But workanight comedians say the rates in city clubs pale to what they can make doing longer sets on college campuses or headlining in other cities. "I could do 30 shows in town and make $800," said Ben Bailey, a 34-year-old comic with a wife and a cat at home. "Or I could work the road and do eight shows and make $2,000. There's no comparison."

Many club owners hope there's some room for compromise, especially in a close-knit industry where tough crowds have hardened owners and comedians alike. Mr. Mazzilli, a former comedian himself, has agreed to raise his weekend rate to $75 and will meet with the coalition after the New Year to see if a bigger raise can be arranged. The Comedy Cellar, the venerable club in Greenwich Village, has added acts and also raised its rate to $75.

Cary Hoffman, the owner of Stand Up New York, on West 78th Street, which pays $60 a set on the weekends, says he, too, will meet with the comedians, but says he isn't sure how much more he can pay. "The economics are staring me in the face," Mr. Hoffman said. "My rent is up, my insurance is up, everything is up. The only thing I can do is try to find some way to raise the money so that I am viable."

For their part, the comedians say most of the city's club owners have offered to talk and Mr. Alexandro said plans for a possible work stoppage have been put on hold unless talks on pay break down. (Health insurance? No one's even going there.)

Russ Meneve, another coalition founder and a regular at clubs like Caroline's in Midtown and Comic Strip on the Upper East Side, said the increase in base pay is especially important for younger, less established comics for whom making an extra $10 an hour during the week is - here comes the pun - no laughing matter.

"For newer and development acts, that money means a lot to them," Mr. Meneve said. "But believe me, it helps me as well."

Quote of the Week

Talent is cheaper than table salt. What separates the talented individual from the successful one is a lot of hard work.

- Stephen King, American Horror Writer

Jim's New Article @ Shecky!

A new installment of Jim Mendrinos' In NY column is now up and ready to be read at www.sheckymagazine.com. Shecky calls it a "must reading for any comic living in (or planning an assault on) NYC, the latest installment of IN NY is a year-end review of the comedy scene." Sheck it out.

Tis The Season!

Well, the holiday party season has begun! Last night was the very well attended Improv Comedy Club/New York Comedy Club/Boston Comedy Club party held, of course, at the Improv. Food, drinks, music, singing, dancing! A very nice start to the season if I say so myself.

The highlight of the evening was Saranne Rothberg of Comedy Cures gifting me with a LIVE LAUGH LOVE pin! To my chagrin, I've wanted one for ages, but the order form is gathering dust on my desk. The ComedyCures Foundation is a national non-profit organization bringing joy, laughter and therapeutic humor programs to kids & grown-ups living with illness, depression, trauma and disabilities. To learn more about Comedy Cures please visit the website www.comedycures.org. Better yet, log on and get a pin. They're beautiful and help a very worth cause.

Other party highlights:

• Seeing the very funny and talented Billy Wade!
• Reminiscing about the old New York Comedy Club on 48th Street (Ah, I remember it well!)
• Hearing Rick belt it out. The man is funny AND he can SING.
• Talking with Laura about the joys of shopping and why every girl should have feather boa. (It's on my Christmas/Kwanzaa, Epiphany List along with a tiara.)

Tonight's shing dig is one of my favorites: The Steinberg Talent Holiday Party at BAR 1335 East 13th Street @ University Place. Always fun. See you there!

Best Martha Stewart Joke, Ever!

Sadly, I didn't write this joke [insert grumbling noises here]; that credit goes to Comedian Tim Allen of Home Improvement fame [insert grunting pig noises here]. But I thank my very talented friend, Sally Lentz (www.BigWits.com) for sending it to me.

"Boy, I feel safer now that she's behind bars. O.J. & Kobe are walking around; Osama Bin Laden too, but they take the one woman in America willing to cook and clean and work in the yard and haul her ass to jail."

-- Tim Allen

Am I right or what? This is one of the funniest things I've heard all year!

Cool Quote

Excellence can be attained if you Care more than others think is wise, Risk more than others think is safe, Dream more than others think is practical, and Expect more than others think is possible. -- Anonymous (of course)

Sometimes I Get 2B in The Audience

I had no show on Saturday night at the Borgata in Atlantic City, but the evening was anything but idle. Thanks to some very cool staff members, I found myself enjoying the musical stylings of Mssrs. Hall & Oates! It's been a long time since I've been to a concert. (I believe the last was Prince's Emancipation album! Dear God I need to get out more!)

It was great hearing them belt out their hits: She's Gone, Smile, I Can't Go 4 That, You're A Rich Girl... The best part was no lip synching, no back up dancers; A real band, real music, real singing. No acid reflux problems for these musical veterans. I'm giddy just thinking about it. :-)

GOTTA LAUGH @ The Laugh Factory!

Join Michelle Buteau, Leighann Lord, Claudia Sherman, Michele Balan, and Special Guest Host: Peaches Rodriguez for GOTTA LAUGH: Four women comics & their personal tour: Life Beyond the sitcom. Sneak Preview of a Reality Sitcom Project!

7pm, Tuesday, December 7

THE LAUGH FACTORY

609 8th Avenue (@ 42nd Street)

$15.00 for preview and show

No Show @ The Borgata on Saturday 12/5/05

FYI

I will be appearing this week (11/29 - 12/6) at The Borgata in Atlantic City but there is NO SHOW on Saturday 12/5. Actually, there is a show, but I'm not on it.

Comedy Quote of the Week

No man who has once heartily and wholly laughed

can be altogether irreclaimably bad.

-- Thomas Carlyle (1795-1881) Scottish Writer

I don't know about that. I don't think I want to know what makes Charles Mason giggle with glee.

The End of an Era

Sadly, Lucien Hold, manager and icon of The Comic Strip in NYC, passed away Tuesday morning, November 23. While a memorial service is being planned for after the Thanksgiving holiday, many comics informally gathered together at the Strip on Tuesday night to commiserate. Around 10:30pm, comedian Buddy Bolton led us all in a toast to Lucien. Things won’t be the same without him. He will be missed.

Fun at the Friar's!

Jim and I performed to a packed house at the New Faces of Comedy Showcase at the Friar’s Club on Monday, November 22. The Friar’s Club is home to the likes of comedy legend Freddie Roman – it’s current Dean – who has been in the business for over 50 years. With that kind of tenure, Jim’s 20 years in the biz and my 12, put us firmly in the "New Faces" category. :-)

A very special thanks to Al Caz for inviting us to be on a wonderful showcase that came complete with dinner and a lovely gift goodie bag!

Me and fellow comics Johnny Watson and Liz Miele at the Live DVD taping of the NYC Comedy Showcase at the Laugh Lounge, NYC on Sunday, November 20, 2004.

Live DVD Taping on Sunday, 11/21/04

On Sunday, November 21 at 8pm, I will be hosting a LIVE DVD TAPING of The NYC Comedy Showcase at the Laugh Lounge NYC (151 Essex Street; Lower East Side, NYC).

We will be taping two shows featuring NYC favorites: Rick Shapiro, Melvin George II, Quentin Heggs, Yvonne Mojica, Brett Allen, Dante Nero, Carla Rhodes, Johnny Watson, Mike Siscoe, and Liz Miele.

Come one, come all! For reservations call: 212-614-2500.

On Stage at the Comedy Connection

On stage at the Comedy Connection in Faneuil Hall for the Make A Wish Foundation, 11/10/04

Photos From Faneuil Hall

From The Corporate Comedy Group:

"Thank you all again for a fantastic show. The crowd was exhausted from laughing. So many people told me a terrific time they had. I appreciate your efforts and look forward to digging up some corporate gigs for you all. Here is a link to some pictures on Boston.com:"

http://www.boston.com/ae/events/gallery/MakeAWish/

Making Wishes Come True

On Wednesday, November 10th, Comedy Guru Jim Mendrinos, www.jim-mendrinos.com, Road Dog Mike Siscoe, www.mikesiscoe.com, and moi drove up to Boston to perform at a fundraiser for The Make a Wish Foundation held at the Comedy Connection in Boston's Faneuil Hall. Fanueil Hall you may recall is where John Kerry delivered his fateful concession speech. Looking closely, you can still see tear stains on the floor. I added a few of my own.

Produced by Seth Earley of the Corporate Comedy Group (www.corporatecomedygroup.com) the event pulled in $6,000 for Make a Wish and featured such Boston notables as Don Gavin, Brian Kiley, Tony V and Mike Petit.

And what road trip would be complete without a stop at The Cracker Barrel ( www.crackerbarrel.com ) for a delicious artery clogging meal. What can I say? The chicken and dumplings are worth the risk!

NACA News!

Just heard today that I was chosen for the National NACA (National Association of Campus Activities) Conference for February 2005! Even better, the conference is being held in my favorite city: Minneapolis, Minnesota! Mall of America, here I come!

This follows a very respectable showing in October at the NACA South Conference held in Winston-Salem, NC. I picked up quite a few dates for the Spring. So right after the holidays I'll be dusting off the suitcase!

Getting Catty on VH1

On Monday I taped a segment for an upcoming VH1 show, 40 Most Shocking Hair Moments. You know the format: comics, actors, and culture critics commenting on outrageous celebrity hair styles. It's not deep, but it is fun, face time on camera! Special thanks to the producer Jill for inviting me to do this, and Jim K for recommending me!

This show is scheduled to air in January 2005. Meow!

Upcoming Shows!

Hello All!

As you can see my new website is still a work in progress. If you'd like to see an updated schedule, please visit: http://hometown.aol.com/leighannlord/myhomepage/index.html

Thanks!

Leighann

Off to the Poconos!

No not a romantic retreat. I'll be working at Caesar's Pocono Palace this Friday, September 24! Ah, I can already feel the stress of weekend traffic.

Educational Observation

A General Equivalency Diploma (G.E.D.) is a great idea, but it's not really "equivalent." No matter how well you do in the interview, nobody gets into Harvard with a G.E.D.

The Second Time Around

I just performed at my second college of the season: Pace University, Briarcliff Campus. This was a return engagement of sorts since I'd performed at Pace several years ago. I even had the pleasure of meeting a current faculty member who was a student when I was there last! And, yes, she enjoyed the show again. (Very cool!)

Jim (www.jim-mendrinos.com) and I did the show together, which is always a treat; especially since he drove. I've travelled around the world and yet somehow roads like the Sprainbrook Parkway and the Taconic serve to baffle and terrify me. I prefer to think of it as a healthy respect for roads that are the unofficial warm up for NASCAR. :-)

Standing Up On Comedy Central!

I will be appearing on the new Comedy Central show:

The World Stands Up

8:30pm, Friday, September 10, 2004

I taped this show earlier this year in Leichester (pronounced Lester) Square, London! The audience was fantastic and I had a great time!