Fall is blooming in the Lower East Side…

…and comics are flourishing.  I was happy to see Cory Fernandez glowing the other night at the Laugh Lounge and sensed he had good news to share.  Indeed, he was beaming because the young film school graduate and talented comic was just cast in an HBO pilot, “The Brick”, directed by the amazing Spike Lee.  The show will be set in Jersey and the buzz is it is going for ”The Wire” meets “Entourage”.  HBO has been smacking it out of the park lately with shows like “Broadwalk Empire”  (Speaking of the Atlantic City drama, big shout out to actor and comic, Michael Kenneth Williams, aka Chalky White, who is tearing it up.  
The show has also featured a smaller role for fellow comic Howard Feller, both have graced my little stage.)   Will definitely be watching and supporting! 

Also hyped to hear that Victor Cruz will be joing the cast of Blue Bloods on CBS starring Tom Selleck.  Victor has been blowing up on commercials lately.   Now, the hard working actor is on television…couldn’t happen to a nicer guy.  He used to have a show at the Laugh Lounge.  A couple of years ago, Cruz even proposed to his lovely wife during a live sketch show!

Speaking of shows in New York,  Conan staff writer Laurie Kilmartin will be hitting the stage at the Laugh Lounge for a set November 2.  Laurie will be in town with the whole  Conan crew as he will be filming in the Big Apple live.  Kilmartin has a sharp wit, truly a comic’s comic. While I’d love you to catch her at my home, she is such a great jokester that I’d recommend seeing her anywhere. 

Later this month, the Laugh Lounge is hosting two charitable events that I am proud of.  On October 22nd, Tom Ragu presents “Sorry, we’re funny” at 6:30pm.  The show benefits Natasha’s Justice Project, a non profit seeking to end the backlog of rape kits across the country through funding, education and advocacy.   The show will be headlined by house favorite, Vanessa Hollingshead.  There is also the Neighborhood’s school clean comedy  show set for October 14 at 6:30pm.   

In addition to hosting comedy shows for good causes.  It is fun to support local night life businesses in the ‘hood.  Following the closing of The Slipper room, some area shows were displaced.  One of their burlesque shows ended up at Casa Mezcal on Orchard Street.  I checked out the fun show last week  and I laughed my ass off.  Who knew girls could make those pasty tassles twirl like that?  Quite a show.

Last night, I finally visitted  the Moldy Fig Jazz club on Stanton Street.  Great to hear accoustic live Jazz just streets away.  What a treat.   The staff was warm and the music was cool.  RomeNeal, who is doing his one man show on jazz  legend Thelonious Monk on Monday night called “Monk”, was a sweetheart.  I thought he was kidding when he offered me some delicious bananna pudding.  But, he was serious… How could I say, “No?”  Smooth music, sweets and wine, I was in heaven!  Next time, I might even bring a date to cuddle on the cozy couches!

Drink fast,  laugh hard, 

Delilah