Leighann vs. American Idol!

Last night, I had the honor of being the first comedian to perform in the newly opened Student Activities Center at Georgia College & State University! It was a small but mighty crowd which included my Sorority Sisters from Augusta who – thanks to Soror Simpkins – road tripped up to see me. It’s a good thing they did too; they made up half the audience! It was Leighann Lord vs. American Idol but the savvy folks chose me!

Comedy Commentary: Subway Fire

Investigators believe Sunday's (January 23) fire, which broke out at the Chambers Street subway station in Manhattan, was started by a homeless man trying to keep warm during the blizzard. The damage could take three to five years and millions of dollars to repair.

Wouldn't it have been cheaper to make sure this man has a nice warm house to live in?

Cool Compliment

"It was great to see you last week. I am so impressed with your work and so thrilled that you show that you can be sexy and smart all at the same time."

G. Green-Hodnett, Show at Marymount University 1/20/05

Response to VH1's Outrageous Hair

"Those countdown shows are my guilty pleasure. I was so happy and surprised to see you. You were funny, gorgeous and on top of your game. So proud to see you doing your thing."

-- R. Harris (VH1's 40 Outrageous Hair Moments premiered on 1/14/05)

Blizzard Cancels 1/22 Show!

Due to the Blizzard of 2005 The Jazz and Sweet Potato Pie Lounge Comedy Show at the Black Spectrum Theatre scheduled for 8pm, Sat., January 22, has been cancelled!

And A Time to Laugh!

It was clearly a time to laugh on Friday, January 21, when I received a standing ovation at The Women's Day Comedy Dinner sponsored by Mount Jezreel Baptist Church in Silver Spring, MD.

The evening also featured the incredible poetry of Renee Gardner and the amazing music of gospel group Anaiah! (I, who can't carry a tune with a forklift, listened in awe as these women sang with nothing less than the voices of angels!)

The event was superbly hosted by Mount Jezreel's own Ms. Kerry Parker, who's immense spirit, effervescent personality and great sense of humor set the tone for a wonderful evening. (I don't know what Kerry does for a living, but I think she'd do quite well if she ever decided to take the stage as a standup comedian.)

This kick off event raised $1,000, which will go to local women's shelter.

Winthrop University Rocks!

On Friday, January 14, I performed once again at Winthrop University! www.winthrop.edu/studentaffairs/dsu/
Recently voted Best College Programming Board of 2003 - 2004, it's easy to see why. The students are great, the hospitality is stellar and the Director of Campus Programs, Boyd Jones, (pictured above) is THE BEST.

Being out on the road can be tough, but when you perform at Winthrop they treat you like family (a functional, loving family). They go out of their way to make you feel right at home. It was GREAT to be back!

THANKS WINTHROP!

Blue & Gold in South Carolina!

My Sorority Sisters of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.*, www.sgrho1922.org/index2.html came out to see the show the Winthrop University in Rock Hill, SC, on Friday, January 14, 2005! Members of the undergraduate chapter, Lambda Kappa, presented me with a beautiful vase of flowers. The graduate chapter, Beta Omicron Sigma, gave me a wondeful royal blue goodie bag stuffed with, well... goodies!

THANK YOU SORORS!

*Leighann Lord has been a member of Sigma Gamma Rho since 1988!

Blue & Gold in Georgia!

My Sisters of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.* www.sgrho1922.org/index2.html turned out to see me perform at Southern Polytechnic State University in Marietta, Georgia, on Wednesday, January 12, 2005! Special thanks go to Soror Felicia Blakeney who wasted no time in getting the word out about my upcoming appearances!

THANK YOU SORORS!

* Leighann Lord has been a member of Sigma Gamma Rho since 1988!

See Leighann on VH1

Tune into VH1 and catch some of my catty commentary on:
VH1's 40 Most Shocking Hair Moments!

Premieres 9pm, Friday, January 14

(Repeats 1/14 @ Midnight, Sat., Jan. 15 @ 12:30pm and 7:00pm.)

Two Drink Minimum Debuts In Print

The first print issue of Two Drink Minimum, previously an internet comedy magazine, hits the stands on January 15! Click here: New Magazine Dedicated to the World of Stand-Up Comedy Debuts Jan 15

The debut issue features an article about women in comedy, and yes, I'm included! It's a must read for comedy fans. For more details go to www.twodrinkmin.com.

Happy 2005!

I am looking forward to a great 2005, especially since 2004 was pretty amazing. Some of the professional highlights include:

• Performing in the Boston Comedy Festival, the Montreal Comedy Festival and the New York City Underground Comedy Festival
• Performing at The Comedy Store in London
• Getting New Headshots
• Seeing The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Comedy Writing, written by my husband Jim Mendrinos, hit book store shelves.
• Working with Carnival Cruise Lines
• Hosting a show during the Ladies of Laughter Competition
• Showcasing at the NACA South Conference
• Performing at the Friar’s Club
• Performing at the 2nd Annual Comedy Week at The Greenhouse Spa!
• Signing with Paradigm
• Hosting the NYC Comedy Showcase!
• Appearing on Comedy Central’s Tough Crowd with Colin Quinn
• Taping the World Stands Up in London for Comedy Central

The opportunities have really been amazing! I got to work with a lot of very good people, and I have received a wealth of love and support from my family, friends and colleagues. I thank everyone who helped make 2004 such a wonderful year.

I wish you all a very Healthy

and Prosperous New Year!

A Favorite 2004 Photo!

Me in the at the London Bridge Underground (the subway) station in ... well... London!