The Show went well, I will start with that.
I had my flaws, but then again, I am yet to see a comedian have a flawless set, it's pretty damn hard. I started off coming out to "Night By Night" by Chromeo. I have to say this is one of the best calls I have made for intro music, since "Roc Boys.." By Jay-Z. This pumped me up and led to some dancing. The sound people refused to cut the song when I asked them to so it led to more dancing, which led to bigger dancing revolving around the idea of "TURN THE FUCKING SONG OFF!" none the less I had a blast dancing and making the crowd love it, so frankly it worked out for the best...note to self MORE DANCING!
I made a fatal flaw, I arranged my jokes wrong, I did the grape leaves joke as my kick off and I think it's too fast a joke to get the crowd into it, I should have done Aladdin first. Aladdin killed as usual and Wizeer/Wizard was a great ender. Right there, Right there is where I should have said good night and walk off, instead I did the joke on the guitar.
This joke was taken out the night before, but as I got there, they informed me they fixed all the kinks and I was going to do it. I wasn't prepared, the sound was awful and the lights were intimidating, the joke didn't really hit. It's fine tho, 3/4 isn't too bad, right? Right!
This show was more than a do well show, this show was one to make me comfortable again. I had a blast, I think the lighting was awful as well as the sound. The audience was fully lit, so it was really really hard to get in the groove when you can see EVERY SINGLE PERSON, the sound was a constant battle, but frankly I think the show was a hit. Mo' Love Did well, Shaheen got a bit screwed over due to some argument between security and three ladies*. Peter Zarief Is hands down one of my favourite arabic Comedians, he truly is a great stage presence, Ali Quandil is someone I love to see, what I love most is how quiet and to himself he is. He just sits backstage by himself, goes up kills, and walks back to his spot, respect. Mike Beteyah was beyond nice. He made us all feel like super stars, he was supportive, nice and constantly cracking us up a Great guy. Ronnie Khalil's nickname is "The Real Deal Khalil" this is no coincidence. He writes like a beast, is constantly doing new jokes and frankly just a work horse. He is a very serious person about his comedy and that I respect, His work ethic makes my head hurt. Lastly K.Mansour, just a funny guy, really annoying fact, You will be like "check out my Homer Simpson impression" And he responds with a bang on perfect one...ya kind of annoying, damn his voice abilities!
Great Time, I am happy people gave me a second chance to make them laugh and liking what I did.
Rams
*These three ladies felt that they deserve to sit in the 125LE level when they only paid 100LE. When they got caught instead of politely going to their seat they felt the need to yell scream and be absolutely horribly inconsiderate people. I've gone from the 300 level at sens games to 100 Level, but if I got caught, ya I'd go back. They really made it hard for Shaheen and really robbed a lot of people of some great comedy, Please people stay in your seats, and be nice to those around you!
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Comedy: I really need Thicker Skin.
Tomorrow, or today...Is gonna be my first time on stage since my only real sub-par set. I had a confrontation with an audience member over her heckling my performance and my returning said heckling. I walked off stage, half the crowd was on my side, the other wasn't. In my head though it felt like everyone hated me. I couldn't look anyone in the face, I simply left, got in my car and drove home. That drive was one of the few times i didn't play any music. I just sat in the car and thought about what went wrong. How did something I felt so good about go sour.
Anyone that knows me, knows I really am a nice guy and truly hate offending or upsetting anyone. I tried to explain to the audience member, how hard it is to perform, and if I did something to offended her, feel free to tell me after. Due to it being in the heat of the moment it probably came out a lot worse than it should. I haven't seen the audience member since, I hold no resentment, and frankly am sorry it ended how it did. I should have just let it go, but unfortunately I love working a crowd, it's been one of my favourite things to do while performing.
Today I am hitting the stage since that show. My ego is severely bruised, my mojo feels empty. I just am really scared she will be in the audience with her friends and boo...It's a nightmare of mine really. I'll go on tomorrow, do my best and hopefully things will go alright.
As I go to sleep I hope to wake up with thicker skin though, cause if one person got me this bad, how will I handle Bloggers.
Night.
Rams
Anyone that knows me, knows I really am a nice guy and truly hate offending or upsetting anyone. I tried to explain to the audience member, how hard it is to perform, and if I did something to offended her, feel free to tell me after. Due to it being in the heat of the moment it probably came out a lot worse than it should. I haven't seen the audience member since, I hold no resentment, and frankly am sorry it ended how it did. I should have just let it go, but unfortunately I love working a crowd, it's been one of my favourite things to do while performing.
Today I am hitting the stage since that show. My ego is severely bruised, my mojo feels empty. I just am really scared she will be in the audience with her friends and boo...It's a nightmare of mine really. I'll go on tomorrow, do my best and hopefully things will go alright.
As I go to sleep I hope to wake up with thicker skin though, cause if one person got me this bad, how will I handle Bloggers.
Night.
Rams
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Fail Warning: Glee
I am pretty sure the title of this blog will probably get peoples attention, that is ultimately the purpose of a title. Before I even begin writing on this topic, I will start saying I have actually been watching Glee from episode 1. Yes, in May 2009 (I believe). Jane Lynch's opening line "You think that's hard? Try being water-boarded" had me sold. The song performances were amazing, I have been a fan of a-capella performances for a while, the Ben Folds university Glee club record made me fall in love with the art.
Glee was created by Ryan Murphy of Nip/Tuck fame and he promised it wouldn't be anything like High School Musical. IF you watched the first half of season 1 it had the dark sense of humour fans of Nip/Tuck loved, unfortunately each episode seemed more and more water downed then the last. By the start of the second half season 1 I was almost ready to throw in the towel, I felt that everything I enjoyed about the show was pretty much being killed. As soon as they announced they were making a Madonna episode, I started tuning out. I hate gimmicks, as you saw in the HIMYM blog, you can see I think guest stars and show ideas like "the musical" episode are horrible attempts to build interest. This is called in the industry as "Jumping the Shark."
The Madonna episode wasn't horrible, it was a bit redundant at times, but overall it was actually somewhat enjoyable. Then they announced a Gaga-esque episode, this was hands down one of the most over the top episodes of anything I have ever seen. Yes, we get it Kurt is gay, I personally never use the F** word, but I don't give speeches every time I hear it. The speech given by Kurt's dad was the most laughable attempt to deliver a power speech, but unfortunately the speech was shitty and the acting matched the writing. I pretty much now couldn't give a crap about this show, sure I will watch it, but frankly I couldn't care about the characters anymore. I really just watched it because it was something my Fiancee and I would do together, and I love ruining shows for her.
What made me really gain interest in the show again was Matthew Morrison announcing no Britney episode would ever happen and that the finale was actually REALLY good.
This brings us to Season 2...I know a bit of a read just to get to the main point but hey, my blog, my rules.
Season 2 started with somewhat a decent episode, it kinda had the feeling of old glee, but then episode 2 happened. Britney Spears's Manager started a Twitter and Facebook campaign to get her an episode. I will admit that Britney Spears, like it or not, is somewhat one of the artist that has had the most significance on our generation. The episode felt like nails on a chalkboard. I hated every second of it, in fact I knew it sucked when my fiancee turned and looked at me and said "Wow, this sucks." The only people I know who enjoyed it, are Britney Fans, in fact I am pretty sure I could have taken a dump, put a tape recorder in it and have it sing 'Hit Me One More Time.." And Britney Spears fans would love it, matter of fact...I think I would watch that Youtube clip 30 times before I watch that episode again. The episode made no logical sense, a fact they admit in the episode itself. The Curly Hair guy needs to fucking go, that guy just annoyed me. The performance that was probably the best ("..One More Time") got ruined due to that kid.
Glee will probably go on for a while, but I feel the people who it originally targeted are more alienated than there new found fame amongst high schoolers, the people they originally said this show wasn't for. Ryan Murphy may feel the show is unstoppable but remember The O.C. was once seen as invincible.
Thanks for reading. Stop Sucking Glee.
Glee was created by Ryan Murphy of Nip/Tuck fame and he promised it wouldn't be anything like High School Musical. IF you watched the first half of season 1 it had the dark sense of humour fans of Nip/Tuck loved, unfortunately each episode seemed more and more water downed then the last. By the start of the second half season 1 I was almost ready to throw in the towel, I felt that everything I enjoyed about the show was pretty much being killed. As soon as they announced they were making a Madonna episode, I started tuning out. I hate gimmicks, as you saw in the HIMYM blog, you can see I think guest stars and show ideas like "the musical" episode are horrible attempts to build interest. This is called in the industry as "Jumping the Shark."
The Madonna episode wasn't horrible, it was a bit redundant at times, but overall it was actually somewhat enjoyable. Then they announced a Gaga-esque episode, this was hands down one of the most over the top episodes of anything I have ever seen. Yes, we get it Kurt is gay, I personally never use the F** word, but I don't give speeches every time I hear it. The speech given by Kurt's dad was the most laughable attempt to deliver a power speech, but unfortunately the speech was shitty and the acting matched the writing. I pretty much now couldn't give a crap about this show, sure I will watch it, but frankly I couldn't care about the characters anymore. I really just watched it because it was something my Fiancee and I would do together, and I love ruining shows for her.
What made me really gain interest in the show again was Matthew Morrison announcing no Britney episode would ever happen and that the finale was actually REALLY good.
This brings us to Season 2...I know a bit of a read just to get to the main point but hey, my blog, my rules.
Season 2 started with somewhat a decent episode, it kinda had the feeling of old glee, but then episode 2 happened. Britney Spears's Manager started a Twitter and Facebook campaign to get her an episode. I will admit that Britney Spears, like it or not, is somewhat one of the artist that has had the most significance on our generation. The episode felt like nails on a chalkboard. I hated every second of it, in fact I knew it sucked when my fiancee turned and looked at me and said "Wow, this sucks." The only people I know who enjoyed it, are Britney Fans, in fact I am pretty sure I could have taken a dump, put a tape recorder in it and have it sing 'Hit Me One More Time.." And Britney Spears fans would love it, matter of fact...I think I would watch that Youtube clip 30 times before I watch that episode again. The episode made no logical sense, a fact they admit in the episode itself. The Curly Hair guy needs to fucking go, that guy just annoyed me. The performance that was probably the best ("..One More Time") got ruined due to that kid.
Glee will probably go on for a while, but I feel the people who it originally targeted are more alienated than there new found fame amongst high schoolers, the people they originally said this show wasn't for. Ryan Murphy may feel the show is unstoppable but remember The O.C. was once seen as invincible.
Thanks for reading. Stop Sucking Glee.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Remebering DJ AM
This is an article I wrote for Major Magazine after DJ AM's Death.
Hope you enjoy it
"Find something you love doing, than get paid to do it."
-DJ AM
During the late 90’s, the idea of having a DJ as a member of a rock band was a common affair, ‘Limp Bizkit’ has DJ Lethal, ‘Sugar Ray’ has DJ Homicide, ‘Linkin Park’ has Mr. Hahn, while ‘Crazy town’ had DJ AM.
DJ AM was born on March 30, 1979 in Philadelphia, named Adam Goldstein. He started his career as a member of the aforementioned group ‘Crazy Town,’ who’s only real hit was “Butterfly.” Since a young age, AM battled drugs, particularly crack cocaine, but by his mid 20’s he kicked the habit and put all of his focus onto spinning records. It paid off, as DJ AM started to grow a following and even began growing in the public eye due to his personal relationships with Nicole Richie and Mandy Moore.
While earning his time in the spotlight, DJ AM started forming a bond with drummer Travis Baker, the drummer from famous rock band ‘Blink 182,’ which would eventually lead to one of the most unique DJ sets that featured DJ AM mixing music while Barker performed live drumming. The duo released their first mix tape in late August 2008, which became a huge success and led to them performing at the VMA’s, as well as doing commercials for the Super Bowl. DJ AM continued his resident DJing set at Rain Night club in the Palms in Las Vegas, while having monthly shows with Barker.
On September 19, 2008, disaster struck as a private plane carrying both AM and Barker crashed in South Carolina leaving Barker and AM as the only two survivors. This tragic turn of events would cause permanent damage that DJ AM never fully recovered from. Because of his work, AM is forced to constantly travel by plane which led him to take anxiety pills in order to deal with the emotional trauma he faces spawning from his accident.
Although the pair seemingly recovered from their accident, even performing at Coachella and releasing their second mix tape together, a second tragedy would soon follow. On August 28, 2009 DJ AM was found dead in his apartment with the cause of death ruled as a drug overdose. His death has come as a great shock to many of his close personal friends, seeing as his recovery had been something of a positive role model to fellow recovering addicts.
The legacy left behind by DJ AM should not be remembered for how he went but for what he left behind, his raw passion for music that can be heard in all of his sets. The two mix tapes that were made under TRVSDJAM, entitled “Fix Your Face” and “Fix Your Face Vol. 2”, are unbelievable in their flow and comparable to any great set. The blends found can see the music go from ‘Metallica’ to ‘Michael Jackson’ flawlessly, while still giving a great vibe for any music lover.
DJ AM started DJing when he was 20 years old, and while he only had 17 years to leave his mark on the music industry, he succeeded in leaving behind a legacy that sure is hard to be forgotten.
Hope you enjoy it
"Find something you love doing, than get paid to do it."
-DJ AM
During the late 90’s, the idea of having a DJ as a member of a rock band was a common affair, ‘Limp Bizkit’ has DJ Lethal, ‘Sugar Ray’ has DJ Homicide, ‘Linkin Park’ has Mr. Hahn, while ‘Crazy town’ had DJ AM.
DJ AM was born on March 30, 1979 in Philadelphia, named Adam Goldstein. He started his career as a member of the aforementioned group ‘Crazy Town,’ who’s only real hit was “Butterfly.” Since a young age, AM battled drugs, particularly crack cocaine, but by his mid 20’s he kicked the habit and put all of his focus onto spinning records. It paid off, as DJ AM started to grow a following and even began growing in the public eye due to his personal relationships with Nicole Richie and Mandy Moore.
While earning his time in the spotlight, DJ AM started forming a bond with drummer Travis Baker, the drummer from famous rock band ‘Blink 182,’ which would eventually lead to one of the most unique DJ sets that featured DJ AM mixing music while Barker performed live drumming. The duo released their first mix tape in late August 2008, which became a huge success and led to them performing at the VMA’s, as well as doing commercials for the Super Bowl. DJ AM continued his resident DJing set at Rain Night club in the Palms in Las Vegas, while having monthly shows with Barker.
On September 19, 2008, disaster struck as a private plane carrying both AM and Barker crashed in South Carolina leaving Barker and AM as the only two survivors. This tragic turn of events would cause permanent damage that DJ AM never fully recovered from. Because of his work, AM is forced to constantly travel by plane which led him to take anxiety pills in order to deal with the emotional trauma he faces spawning from his accident.
Although the pair seemingly recovered from their accident, even performing at Coachella and releasing their second mix tape together, a second tragedy would soon follow. On August 28, 2009 DJ AM was found dead in his apartment with the cause of death ruled as a drug overdose. His death has come as a great shock to many of his close personal friends, seeing as his recovery had been something of a positive role model to fellow recovering addicts.
The legacy left behind by DJ AM should not be remembered for how he went but for what he left behind, his raw passion for music that can be heard in all of his sets. The two mix tapes that were made under TRVSDJAM, entitled “Fix Your Face” and “Fix Your Face Vol. 2”, are unbelievable in their flow and comparable to any great set. The blends found can see the music go from ‘Metallica’ to ‘Michael Jackson’ flawlessly, while still giving a great vibe for any music lover.
DJ AM started DJing when he was 20 years old, and while he only had 17 years to leave his mark on the music industry, he succeeded in leaving behind a legacy that sure is hard to be forgotten.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Bad TV is in the eye of the Beholder!
Growing up I have always been a huge fan of watching trash TV. I don't know what it is exactly I think when something is so bad it will reach a point where it becomes good. I believe the holy land of trash TV is most definitely MTV. MTV offers so much bad TV shows that you could literally sit on the couch for 4 hours go through so much garbage and not realize how long it has been, I would know...I've done it. The worst of my loves are the horribly acted dating shows such as 'NEXT' or 'Date My Mom'. These shows are so badly done that I am 90% certain the contestants are just actors, bad ones at that. The premises I must admit are wildly entertaining, can you imagine going on a date with ones mom? I don't know what it is but I can safely say MTV as much as I wish I could hate you, you have such golden garbage that I just can't get enough of. I don't particularly enjoy "The Hills" I just find that show mundane and dull. The characters never do anything, it's like "Entourage" except without the jokes, or likability* which makes "Entourage" enjoyable.
The show I most like on MTV is "The Real World" ever since I was about 10 years old I have been watching it every time I made my trip down to Windsor, Ontario. I can still remember the day we got MTV from Rogers at home and I spent that night watching a Real World marathon, I don't know what it is, I just loved the interactions. This new season has definitely been a good one but definitely not the best, I think the best season of "The Real World" that I can remember has got to be Austin. Austin was just so well done, everyone was likable, their job was interesting and the drama was pretty intense. The Real World is the digestive cookies of television, you eat them as a snack but you are never quite full because of them.
The last show I love and is well known fact among my friends is Maury. I don't think I have to explain this at all, Watch this quick video and you will know why!
I guess this is where I pose the question "What are your guilty Television pleasures?"
*My girlfriend is gonna hate me for that one
The show I most like on MTV is "The Real World" ever since I was about 10 years old I have been watching it every time I made my trip down to Windsor, Ontario. I can still remember the day we got MTV from Rogers at home and I spent that night watching a Real World marathon, I don't know what it is, I just loved the interactions. This new season has definitely been a good one but definitely not the best, I think the best season of "The Real World" that I can remember has got to be Austin. Austin was just so well done, everyone was likable, their job was interesting and the drama was pretty intense. The Real World is the digestive cookies of television, you eat them as a snack but you are never quite full because of them.
The last show I love and is well known fact among my friends is Maury. I don't think I have to explain this at all, Watch this quick video and you will know why!
I guess this is where I pose the question "What are your guilty Television pleasures?"
*My girlfriend is gonna hate me for that one
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
MusiCyde..The Death Of Music
When I come home every summer I try my hardest to hear as many new bands people are listening to as possible. Last year it was safe to say Lil Wayne was on everyone's playlist. This year however I haven't had as many bands stand out, but there is one artist that I have encountered that raped my ears. When I say raped my ears, I mean the amount of the noise being thumped in my ear and my ears not wanting to comprehend what is being heard, that's rape. This all started with the band "BrokenCyde". If you have not heard this band, let me at best try to describe them. Electronica beats with loud screaming of party words without being fully discernible over what is being said. For further proof this is there song "Get Crunk"
That song is a perfect example of everything wrong with music. I really wanna know is there any lyrics to this song? Is there really any point other than to yell "GET CRUNK" or "GET DRUNK?" I think this song is laughably bad, I feel anyone can get on Reason or Ableton an come up with an electronic beat and yell "PARTY ON!" over top and people will love it. I really hope people realize these guys are complete shit and should not be listen to. I am a guy who likes lyrics, who enjoys a good party song and lastly loves a well composed song. This song has pretty much none of the above, if you want a party album go grab mixtapes might I recommend "TRV$DJAM" or even the insanely popular "Girl Talk".
That song is a perfect example of everything wrong with music. I really wanna know is there any lyrics to this song? Is there really any point other than to yell "GET CRUNK" or "GET DRUNK?" I think this song is laughably bad, I feel anyone can get on Reason or Ableton an come up with an electronic beat and yell "PARTY ON!" over top and people will love it. I really hope people realize these guys are complete shit and should not be listen to. I am a guy who likes lyrics, who enjoys a good party song and lastly loves a well composed song. This song has pretty much none of the above, if you want a party album go grab mixtapes might I recommend "TRV$DJAM" or even the insanely popular "Girl Talk".
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)