If you like comedy, PR or the occasional inside scoop on the entertainment world,
then drop by for a daily dose written by me, Kambri Crews, producer and publicist to comedians and more!
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Timing is Everything! This time last year, Scott & I were celebrating Halloween and so much more from the cozy confines of his apartment overlooking the annual parade in the Village. I'm couldn't go to his party this year but he and I shared a moment to reflect on that monumental day and what an immediately positve turn our lives took. It is true that positive thoughts and energy result in things, right Tigger?
I've touched on this phenomenon or theory or whatever a few times over the last few months because I've been astounded at how dramatic and immediate the impact in my life was when, one year ago today, Scott & I finally eliminated the only source of negativity in my life* and I was able to turn my energy and attention to positive thoughts. The ridiculous amounts of bad stress and energy wasted over the course of a year organizing and planning for last Halloween was finally gone and he and I are both better for it. The ease in which all of the ensuing goodness happened further reinforced my notions that "you've got to e-lim-inate the negative and ac-cen-tuate the postive". Halloween will always serve as a reminder for me to reflect on the year and assess any evil that lurks. Kind of a cool way to tie in the holiday, huh?
*I can't speak for him about any other negative elements that may have been in his life besides the one we expunged, but the positive has been just as amazing for him. He and his partner became official by law, he quit his day job to try acting and he's been cast in three major, contracted theatrical productions.
Annnyyyywayyyyy, I totally called this sh*t last week! (See!) I wonder who, if anyone, will inherit the mike?
Oh, and last night's reading rocked! I felt really nervous --it's been a few months since I took to the stage-- but I made some edits to the piece that made the delivery tighter, funnier and more provocative. The positive feedback I received after the show made me energized to devote more time to Love, Daddy and feel a little disappointed that I haven't rewarded myself with the time to write more. Why don't I allow myself this? What am I afraid of? One hour a day, or even every other day, would be plenty.
So, what did the Universe do? Delivered in today's mail, not one but TWO letters from Dad. Both were so chock full of great news, shocking quotes, stories, demands, requests, thanks and love that I would be the biggest fool a$$hole if I didn't get at least one entry up by week's end.
--Kambri Hear that Universe? That's me putting it out there to you that I owe you! Thanks for the gift!
Link - 8:18 PM -
Monday, October 30, 2006
Save the Date!
My Tex in the City pal Molly Perch has an ambitious project underway. She wants to raise $10,000 for the Mental Health Awareness Campaign by producing her first comedy show. Matt Johnston, host of Discovery's "It Takes a Thief", will emcee the event on November 13th at 8:00 PM at...where else? Comix!
The lineup is still being determined, but rest assured it will be filled with very funny, talented folks. Tickets are only $25.00 and there are door prizes to be won. DOOR PRIZES! The site will be live soon for advance ticket sales but save the date for your own Mental Health!
--Kambri Off to my reading at Ace of Clubs!
Link - 2:19 PM -
Sunday, October 29, 2006
Tommy Chong & Shelby
I spent all day Friday with Tommy & Shelby Chong taking them to various Sirius radio shows then on to 92.3's Radiochick all to promote their appearances at Comix. I made sure Tommy knew about the brew-ha-ha that ensued Wednesday between Danny Bonaduce (see below) and Chuck Nice. Tommy thought for sure it was staged so during the on air segment Tommy asked Chuck all about it. It made for a lively radio appearance and we gave a few listeners free pairs to the shows. Tonight is their last night here in NYC, so check them out at 7:30 at Comix. On air, Tommy chatted alot about his experience being locked up for 9 months for selling bongs. He & I talked a bit about my dad being in jail for attempted murder. Certainly not quite the same scenario but there was much that didn't need to be "said".
I got a copy of his book The I Chong, Meditations from the Joint and look forward to finding the time to read it. I'd love to send Dad a copy but think that it might be considered paraphernalia or inappropriate material. Only after reading it will I know for sure.
So anyyywaayyy...he's so warm and charming, you should buy his book. Shelby is just as lovely and funny. You should definitely find time to see their live shows be it at Comix or beyond.
A Very Special Literary (and Spooky) Edition of The Drink at Work Show
Once again, Drink at Work is teaming up with literary malefactors Yankee Pot Roast to bring you a night of short comic readings, booze, an unhealthy Bea Arthur fixation and another awesome performance by local sketch heroes (and finalists in The Great Sketch Experiment) Elephant Larry!
Plus, in celebration of the coming of the Great Pumpkin we'll be having a costume contest and everyone is invited to participate. The winner will receive a Bea Arthur t-shirt from Yankee Pot Roast and a flask plus drink tickets from Drink at Work!
Scheduled to read/perform: Sean Crespo (FUSE, Office Pirates, National Lampoon, Drink at Work.com) Kambri Crews (Love Daddy, Comedy Central Insider) Eric Gillin (Esquire Editor, BlackTable.com co-founder) Wayne Gladstone (Yankee Pot Roast, Cracked) Carol Hartsell (Drink at Work.com) Jack Kukoda (Kukoda.com, Yankee Pot Roast) Francesco Marciuliano (Sally Forth, Medium Large) Mick Stingley (Hollywood Reporter and Metal Edge) Todd Levin (Tremble.com, The Morning News, Salon)
Monday, October 30th 8:00pm Ace of Clubs 9 Great Jones Street $5
--Kambri Link - 8:28 PM -
Thursday, October 26, 2006
Danny Bonaduce Re-Cap & Discount for Tonight I took this picture of Danny Bonaduce posed with fans after we left the Opie & Anthony morning show yesterday. You can catch more of Danny and his escapades along with Christian Finnegan, Michelle Balan, and Ardie Fuqua tonight at Comix!
Danny and my friend Chuck Nice nearly got into a fight -- literally -- on Radiochick this afternoon. Chuck is the co-host of this awesome radio show on 92.3 and is also a panelist on Best Week Ever. I have never seen or even heard of Chuck ever getting upset. Danny was so psyched about it though...especially since they had a smoke break and made nice (no pun intended).
Anyway....tickets are $22 and can be purchased by calling (212) 524-2500 or by visiting http://www.comixny.com/. To save 25% on tickets use the code "Partridge". No food or drink minimum and dinner seating is available.
--Kambri Danny even talked about it on stage tonight! Saying, "I was on Stern and Opie & Anthony with no problems. I go on *Radiochick* and almost get into a fist fight. Go figure."
Link - 8:50 PM -
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
Christian was the "Joke of the Week" in the last Time Out NY. Today the comedy issue came out but haven't seen a copy yet.
AM NY picked the Danny Bonaduce show at Comix as a To Do tonight. You should listen to them. =) I ran into him on the street last night and took him inside Comix to check out the digs. Then today was radio: Stern, Opie & Anthony, Radiochick. Tomorrow is the morning news show on CW 11. Good stuff but does it translate to ticket sales?
Meanwhile, we're giving the industry folks a cocktail party tonight but will both be at Comix tomorrow night since Christian is on the line up with Danny.
--Kambri Almost ALL caught up with my new work at Comix so now I can sleep and play more.
Link - 2:42 PM -
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
Congratulations to Christian on the official release of his new CD "Two For Flinching"!
We had a great time last night at Mo's where he put on a great show and sold the first few advance copies. Some of our best friends were there like "Reverend" Scott Ramsey & Brian and Scott's adorable MOM and aunt all the way from Texas and 3-D camera toting Eric Drysdale. If you couldn't make it last night and still want to celebrate this week with Christian and his comedy, come out to Comix on Thursday at 8:00 or 10:30. Danny Bonaduce will be hosting Christian and three other fine New York comedians.
--Kambri As of this morning you can buy your copy of "Two For Flinching" on Amazon.com!
Link - 7:18 AM -
Monday, October 23, 2006
I was just asked to read at the next Drink at Work Show on October 30th as part of a special collaboration with Yankee Pot Roast, an awesome literary site that is filled great pieces (non-fiction, fiction, poetry, you name it) by the most talented writers.
After all the promoting I've done for Christian and Comix, it's nice to be able to have something to promote for myself. I just hope everyone is still interested in hearing from me after all the gamillion press releases and newsletters I've sent lately! So for $6 you can see me and a bunch of really great people read/perform at 8:00 next Monday at Ace of Clubs.
--Kambri More details are on my calendar.
Link - 4:09 PM -
Sunday, October 22, 2006
Blogger has been a creep so I'm behind on my news. Let's see...
I think Bob Barker is going to retire after this season. It's year 35 (<&#$@%"!) and they're really playing that up. Some days I worry about him, others I don't.
The Bridge is riveting and horrifying and provocative. I first heard of it during a trip to Opie & Anthony. I half heard most of the conversation until The Bridge was discussed. It captured my interest immediately and, of course, Christian being in San Francisco at the Punchline the same weekend as Jim Norton is at Cobb's only solidified my curiosity and fascination. Jim was tremendously apologetic for not recognizing Christian during a radio spot yesterday morning. I say no apology necessary if the reason you can't recognize someone is because they've lost 70-plus pounds. I'll see Jim on Wednesday when I accompany Danny Bonaduce to the O&A show to promote Hot Comix and will be sure to act offended.
Christian's CD "Two For Flinching" drops in a matter of days. I'm exhausted and inattentive to the whole thing and so just feel incredibly guilty that I'm not making it a bigger deal. He's celebrating by performing at Mo Pitkins on Monday, so if you're in or near NYC come on by to help relieve my guilt and eliminate his angst. It's only $6.00 and he'll be hanging out afterwards to sign copies of his CD.
--Kambri See you Monday and/or Thursday, I hope!
Link - 12:21 AM -
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Running on Empty
I'm a broken record these days with promoting shows and talking about my busy-ness and lack of sleep. Today was a whirlwind. Nina Hartley is the coolest woman ever. I was really upset that she didn't make it on to Opie & Anthony this morning as I think she would have been a very lively guest. They were busy and we were a last minute addition so she never made it on air. Instead, she & I talked our heads off in the green room and I know a lot more about blow jobs ("If wives would just give their husbands blow jobs there wouldn't be prostitutes.") and laser hair removal than if I had read every website and book on the market. The woman is learned and did I say cool? I did? Well, it's worth mentioning again. I like her. She's cool.
So, I got up at 4:30 this morning (how am I still functioning at this hour?!) after a fitful night of sleep -- afraid of oversleeping meant I got zilch. My car arrived on schedule, Nina was prompt and the morning was a bust. BUT, Nina had a gamillion other personal appearances and book signings today and Caroline Rhea's radio was smooth sailing and fun. If you have Sirius, you can listen to Caroline tomorrow on the Jay Thomas Show (I LOVE Jay Thomas and he's a fellow Tex in the City!) and Seth Rudetsky's show. Even better, you could come to Comix. Use the discount code "hilda" to save 25% off your ticket.
My dear friend Scott (aka Reverend Ramsey) was there last night sporting facial hair. I've never in our lives seen him with any so it was weird. He's donning it for his role as "Father" in Ragtime in Brooklyn. The show is sold out, though, so no plugging from me but I will upload some photos I took of him, me, Christian & Kristen Schaal last night. Kristen did a fantastic job in "The Cartells" last night and will be back at Comix tomorrow hosting her very popular variety show "Hot Tub". I highly recommend you check her out soon. She just had a cameo in "Ugly Betty" and some other great shows and will be a big star any minute.
There are some GREAT shows scheduled for this week at Comix. This newsletter gives you codes to get 25% off any of them.
Also, here are a bunch of photos on ManhattanSociety.com of the DKMS Americas benefit. I'm in there once as is Christian and a bunch of royalty. No joke, half the audience is an heir to some kind of throne or another.
--Kambri Heir to the fortune of Dad's nude sketches, dominoes and thermal underwear.
Link - 12:51 PM -
Monday, October 16, 2006
"The Cartells" in Today's NY Post
There's a great article in the NY Post today about "The Cartells" (kicking off tonight at Comix) in which writer Douglas Carter Beane talks about the show and his insipiration. Read it here.
Comix is located in Manhattan at 353 West 14th Street at Ninth Avenue. Tonight is almost sold out, but tickets, priced at $35, are available by calling (212) 524-2500 or by visiting www.comixny.com. Dinner seating is available. VIP tickets, priced $125, can be reserved by calling (212) 633-9108, ext. 14; that price also includes pre-show cocktails and appetizers and a post-show party with the cast.
--Kambri Tommy Tune was thisclose to being cast?!?!
Link - 7:52 AM -
Sunday, October 15, 2006
"Two For Flinching" Available for Preorder!
It's real! It's really real! You can preorder your copy of my husband Christian Finnegan's debut stand up comedy CD "Two For Flinching" online at Comedy Central.
Elizabeth Berkley, Amy Sohn, Hot Tub & More
Read all about it in the Latest Ballyhoo.
--Kambri Link - 2:45 PM -
Saturday, October 14, 2006
Rick Shapiro Re-Cap Here's a photo I took Thursday morning of Anthony, Opie, Jim Norton & Rick Shapiro outside the Free FM studio just before they began the walk over to the XM studio. Rick was there to promote his appearance at Comix and did a great job on the radio talking about his days of hustling (i.e., giving bl*wj*bs for heroin) and other shocking tales of his past. He's definitely not for the faint of heart.
At one point during his show last night at Comix, Rick ripped his shirt off on stage. After the show he asked us to scrounge one up for him so he could go home more than semi-dressed since it was pretty chilly. My pal Keith happened to be there to watch the Mets game with me on the two giant flat screens in the main bar of Comix. Keith volunteered to come to Rick's rescue, so I escorted Keith to the green room where he disrobed and gave Rick one of the shirts off his back...literally.
Later as Rick chatted with his fans at the bar, Keith leaned in and quietly asked, "I'm never going to see that shirt again, am I?" It was a tee that Keith got after completing a marathon. I love the idea that Rick, who probably has never run a marathon or even a mile in his life except maybe from the cops, is walking around New York with a shirt declaring that he has.
--Kambri Anyway, Rick is a really cool character and I just loved teasing and joking around with him. I look forward to his coming back to Comix again soon and when he does, I'll pack extra clothes.
Link - 9:09 PM -
Friday, October 13, 2006
Christian got his cute mug in today's Metro with a nice little plug for his upcoming CD "Two For Flinching". Speaking of, there's a special CD release show and party at Mo Pitkins scheduled for October 23rd at 8:30 PM. Nick Kroll will host and admission is only $6.00. Christian will have advance copies of his CD for sale, too. Click here for tickets.
Sunday's New York Times should also be running a piece on Best Week Ever in which Chrsitian is name-checked.
--Kambri Link - 3:06 PM -
Thursday, October 12, 2006
"That Dude" Cast in "The Cartells"
During the table read held at Comix Tuesday afternoon, I quietly listened and laughed out loud more than a few times. I couldn't quite figure out how I knew a few of the familiar faces, one man's mug in particular. It drove me batty till I finally got the updated list from Drama Dept.'s press agent. Peter Frechette is on the line up for the Drama Dept. live soap opera titled "The Cartells". His scene at the beginning of Inside Man is one of the most memorable much in part to his fine acting. I look forward to seeing him on stage at Comix for the next four Mondays in a row. "YES! OF COURSE! That dude!" So That Dude is in the show with the other awesome cast members I've mentioned. Here's a quick blurb from Broadway.com.
--Kambri Rick Shapiro rules. More on that later.
Link - 5:57 PM -
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
All in the Family
Even though I'm here at Comix, I still love my Ballyhoo Promotions clients. Here is the commerical that I wrote for Comix that my client Anthony DeVitoskillfully edited. My other Ballyhoo client Andres du Bouchetdid the voice over. They rule.
The spot will air for RCN cable subscribers during the premiere of Monday Night Football and Comedy Central's first live telecast "A Night of Too Many Stars".
--Kambri Link - 3:17 PM -
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
Line Up Additions and Changes
Christian will be performing at tonight's DKMS benefit show hosted by Darryl "DMC" McDaniels (you know RUN DMC, right?) being held at Comix tonight. We've got some big, powerhouse press peeps coming so I'm pretty psyched he got in on the line up.
Also, Elizabeth Berkley has joined the cast of "The Cartells"! Also the AP picked up the story. National press highlighting our club?!?!
--Kambri Wow, this just keeps getting better & better!
Link - 1:30 PM -
Monday, October 09, 2006
Download your very own Christian Finnegan wallpaper here!
--Kambri Link - 4:07 PM -
Sunday, October 08, 2006
NOLA Revisited
In all the busy-ness of my new gig at Comix, I neglected to mention the one year anniversary of my and Keith's trip to NOLA to help in animal rescue and recovery. It's one of the best experiences of my life even though there was a lot of sadness enveloping every good thing. I've updated you on the before and after stories of a few of the animals we cared for but here's a special treat: an update on this horrible looking but amazingly still happy and sweet little fellow dubbed Mohawk:
Now check him out!
--Kambri Read about our trip and look through our photo journal. But, more importantly, spread the word about spaying, neutering and adopting needy animals. There could be one out there who is perfect for you and your lifestyle. Just ask our NOLA rescue Maybelline!
Link - 10:31 PM -
Friday, October 06, 2006
Miscellany Darryl "DMC" McDaniels is hosting a benefit on Tuesday. Goumba Johnny & Greg Giraldo are also scheduled to perform. Proceeds go to DKMS, a great organization that funds leukemia research.
Christian & I both blurbed "Pick Me Up", a great book for which my pal Rachel is working very hard. I smell a great Christmas present! She sent me this link with all the blurbs she scored and they're great!
The Mets game ruled. Keith and I had a GREAT time and the Mets won! WOO!
This is Reggie Dennis. Reggie is a huge Mets fan who was seated directly in front of me at last night's playoff game against the Dodgers. He caught this foul ball hit by Jose Valentin.
Getting home was super easy and fast, too. Thank God. I was in bed by 2:00 and up at 7:00. Hey, that's one more hour than usual!
--Kambri Link - 9:40 AM -
Thursday, October 05, 2006
Latest Ballyhoo
The Latest Ballyhoo is here. Not so latest for you regular readers. Sorry. A little light in the photos, too, but this afternoon is a dress rehearsal for The Cartells so I should get a nice picture from that. Official mailing is Sunday night so there might be more to the newsletter once I come up for air.
Radio touring all morning and afternoon with Kathleen Madigan* then the Mets game with Keith so I can talk to a non-comedy person and be all aggressive and manly with my beer and cheering.
*Tickets are still available. I'll be at both 8:00 shows on Friday and Saturday. Join me, won't you?
--Kambri Yay, Mets!
Link - 12:02 AM -
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
Wow! Cady Huffman AND Kate Finneran just joined the Cartells cast for the Drama Dept. event. Monday the 16th is their kickoff and we're going to have some major Broadway and movie talent in the audience and on stage. I'm SO psyched for this!
Tickets are only $35!?!? Since it's episodic (four week soap opera) I think they're expecting people to come every week. I KNOW I will! Jeez this is out of this world awesome!
--Kambri Link - 3:27 PM -
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
M-E-T-S!
My man Keith (Meow Mix House and Cafe' fame) hooked us up with some Mets playoff tickets! WOO!!! If I can manage to relax and find a minute to sleep or...I dunno...breathe I just might enjoy the night out. Warning to Keith: I will talk shop. In exchange I will buy you beer and hot dogs and peanuts and beer.
Gawker hit us up with a To Do link and I've got some great stuff already lined up for Danny Bonaduce and Nina Hartley (mark those calendars...these will be some crazy, fun shows!) but I'm still out of my mind busy because...wait for it...the assistant? Didn't know how to use a computer. At all. At ALL. The second arrives tomorrow.
Meanwhile, know of ANY task I can assign the first?* Really think about it. It's pretty freaky how much we depend on computers. I kind of admire the ignorance.
Oh, and I'm pretty sure I hooked my old client, Andres du Bouchet, up with a voice over for a commercial that I "wrote" that my other client, Anthony DeVito, dramatically edited so that it rocked hard core. Details later but I think it will air for RCN cable subscribers on the premiere of Monday Night Footbal (!) and Comedy Central's first live broadcast "A Night of Too Many Stars" hosted by Jon Stewart. Once I have the final cut, I'll upload it to YouTube.
--Kambri *Faxing and fetching coffee is very important work, actually.
Link - 9:07 PM -
Running on Fumes
I went to bed at 2:00 only to pop awake at 6:00 unable to fall back asleep. My first of two assistants starts today so a light is peering in at the end of the tunnel. Don't know what I'm talking about? I was appointed Publicity Director of this AMAZING new comedy nightclub in NYC called Comix. You can read the official press release here.
I've already gotten into the groove by scoring some great radio spots for Kathleen Madiganwho is headlining this weekend. She doesn't have a lot of name recognition for regular folks but in the comedy business she rules. Everyone loves her and her comedy so you should come check her out. I'll work on getting you readers a discount. UPDATE: Discount of 25% if you use the code "VIP" The best part -- besides, of course, STAFF MEALS!!! -- is that this nightclub is an amazing venue for non-comedy events like the Drama Dept. show (see below), fundraisers like this one that Run DMC is hosting and music and even television and film events since the place boasts pristine sound and is completely equipped with A/V equipment. The possibilities are endless. I am MORE than excited but also determined to work like you've never seen me work before. So expect more tales of 2:00 AM bedtimes followed by 6:00 AM blog posts.
This also means you, dear reader, will benefit from first hand knowledge, discount offers and more as my big old internet hug and kiss to you for reading and checking out my events. Mwah! You rule.
--Kambri Morning radio should be moved to the afternoon.
Link - 8:25 AM -
Monday, October 02, 2006
Drama Dept. will present The Cartells: A Prime Time Soap . . . Live at Comix,
I get to promote real, live theater at a comedy club and get paid to do it. I think my head just exploded!
Drama Dept., the theater company that The New York Times calls, "the inventive, star-studded troupe that has become the last word in downtown theatrical savvy" is turning their talents to the world of prime time television soaps. In the tradition of Dallas, Dynasty & The Colbys, we now bring you The Cartells.
Good godalmighty take a look at their list of who's who.
Douglas Carter Beane (whose play The Little Dog Laughed opens on Broadway this November) has written four episodes about a wealthy oil family having too much fun in an Aaron Spelling kind of way. Carl Andress (Shanghai Moon) will direct all four episodes of the live soap opera which will be performed Oct. 16, 23 and 30 and Nov. 6 at 8:00 PM at Comix.
Each episode of The Cartells will play for one night only and will feature a cast filled with Drama Dept. company members including Dylan Baker (!$@%# from Happiness, people!), Joanna Gleason , Joey Slotnick (Nip, Tuck or for you old schoolers...The Single Guy tho the IMDB entry is all messed up) and so many more celebrity guest stars. And, for those can't make it to all four, we'll make sure you are all caught up on who's doing what to whom, who's feeling the love and who's in the doghouse.
Tickets are $35 each (dinner seating available) are available by calling (212) 524-2500 or by visiting www.comixny.com.
There are a limited number of VIP seats available at every show which can be reserved by calling (212) 633-9108, ext. 14. Make a $125 contribution to Drama Dept. & receive:
* Pre-show Cocktails and H'ors douvres * The Best Seats in the House * Post-show Party with the Cast * The Good Feeling that comes from helping others
--Kambri And ME! And Comix! And email me for a hook you up for other events if you have interest in reporting on, blogging about and attending stuff like this.
Link - 11:27 PM -
The Mets game ruled. Keith and I had a GREAT time and the Mets won! WOO!