Out with the Old and In with the New…

The blizzard of 2010 did not put a damper on the New Year’s celebration at Laugh Lounge nyc.  Although the streets remained unshoveled for days, crowds still braved the weather to see live comedy.  True New Yorkers, hard core Europeans  and Australians all drank heartily to overcome the cold with laughter.  I’m happy to say that only one show was cancelled which is amazing given the snow drifts of twelve to eighteen inches.  Kudos to my staff who worked double time to cover the others snow bound or on holiday.

Thanks to Val Scott and Estee at the Comedy Cellar for inviting Masavia and V to their seasonal party on Dec. 28.  Their hospitality was greatly appreciated and it was a good time.  It had been a while since I had seen Ben Bailey of Cash Cab and it was great to find out that he’s a proud dad again.  Keith Robinson corralled comics to the floor but Jessica Kirson andTed Alexandro needed no invitation. 

On our big New Year’s Eve show regulars Marc Theobald and Ruperto Vanderpool shared their good news.  Marc will be a dad for the first time and Rup will be appearing in an off Broadway play flexing his acting muscles.  No doubt his high energy will propel him to fame.  I’m wishing them both lots of luck.

Speaking of theatre, I’m thrilled that Bill Santiago will  continue to develop his one man show, The Funny of Latin Dance at the Laugh Lounge in January and February with an early showtime of 6:30pm. 

In other news in December the Beauty and Essex Pawn Shop/Restaurant opened just opposite the club.  Yes, word is that there will be a real actual pawn shop in the front with a trendy restaurant in the back.  Hey, I guess you can get rid of unwanted gifts and have dinner and drinks.  I haven’t been but I love Chris Dos Santos’ Stanton Social so I will no doubt enjoy the new hot spot. 

Wishing you all health, happiness and posperity in the new year.

Big Kiss!

Delilah

Delilah Dishes…

Thanksgiving was a fun night for comedy at the Laugh Lounge kicking off the holiday season.  Thanks to Ray (a.k.a Volcanus or V to the facebook world) for spending 2-days getting the club decorated with holiday cheer.  I like to say that he sprinkled (Goth) fairy dust to make the place look fabulous for the upcoming year end parties. 

Last month, the big teddy bear, Patrice O’Neal from the Chappelle show ”came out of retirement” to drop in and say “hello” to all the regulars like Wil Sylvince, Mike Yard and Brooklyn Mike.   He claims that he wants to hang out more at the lounge and bring along some of his comic “A-list buddies.”   Of course, he is always welcome.  No doubt, he’ll be back.

Bill Santiago will be bringing his one man show, Funny of (Latin) Dance, to Laugh Lounge for 4-weeks as he continues to snow ball the success of the current run at the Museo del Barrio.  I have been a huge fan of Bill’s since the mid 90’s when I viewed his dvd.  Any Puerto Rican that can make good Charlie Rose jokes is OK by me. 

Judah Friedlander’s book tour seems to be going well for the World Champion.  Hope you all had the pleasure of catching him on Jon Stewart this last Monday night.  Kuddos to him!  I’ll see if wants to do some sets when he’s back in New York. 

My friend, Donnell Rawlings also surprised me with a late night visit joining some of my lovely staff and me out for some late night fun at the trendy bar in the lobby of the Hotel on Rivington.  From there, we hopped over to our old summer favorite, Bar 105 Rivington, to dance into the wee hours.  I’m sure Donnell’s newly released dvd, “From Ashy to Classy” will be a huge success.

House favorite, Ruperto Vanderpool also just presented/produced his own half hour special last month a famed Bronx theatre.  Guest performances by Tony Woods and Greer Barnes were received with rave reviews with some people rising to their feet.  Sorry I missed  the show but I can’t wait to see the video.

If the Thanksgiving weekend is any indication, I’d have to predict that December will be a great month for comedy.  So, let’s all try to have less stress and more laughter!

Hope to see you soon,

Delilah

Delilah Dishes…

Saturday night, in the lounge we viewed Comedy Central’s From Ashy to Classy starring house favorite, Donnell Rawlings.  I was in the audience when it was shot so it was all the more thrilling to finally watch it air.  And based on the reactions from Comics and patrons alike, I am sure it will be big on itunes.  Congrats and much success with more shorts in the future.   

This week, Angelo Lozado begins his debut as a radio host personality on web.  After taking lots of suggestions, he’s decided on calling it, “The Low Down with Angelo Lozada.”   And, anyone who loves him knows he’s got lots of opinions.  He’s an easygoing guy who can talk to anyone.  So, I’m wishing him all the best.  

Judah Friedlander’s new book is out and the world champion continues to promote it.  He’ll be commenting at a huge upcoming fencing event with cutie Chris Distafano.  Chris hosts a weekly open mic at the club and is eager to work with Judah. 

In Australia, the comedy festival that was to have been, never was this summer.  Unfortunately, the guys and gals, including Lee Camp and others will have to wait until next year to visit down under. 

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and as some of you may know, my best friend and business partner, Sandy, is undergoing chemo following her early detection this last July 4th.   I am proud to say  that she has been very brave and has kept her sense of humor.  Her strength has been inspirational. 

As a small show of solidarity, you can catch me wearing a wig somedays.  It takes me a while to wrap my hair.  But, I’ll admit, it gives me a little pleasure to see the shocked faces as people think, I did it, I cut my hair.  No.  It’s just my way of letting Sandy know that I’d walk a mile in her shoes and even wear a wig!  

Laughter does heal!

D

Delilah Dishes

News of Greg Giraldo’s passing shocked many of us in the comedy community. While Greg hadn’t performed at Laugh Lounge in some time, I had the pleasure of booking him often through out the years and loved his smart, sarcastic wit. Long before the immigration debate, his acerbic jokes about Chinese food delivery guys not taking jobs away from white Americans hit home. Or, his bit about not wanting to give a homeless guy money because he’d probably use it to buy booze just like he would, was wickedly funny because it was honest. Never one to make “dick jokes,” Giraldo used truth and irony as his punchlines. And, I’d like to think that if there is an afterlife Greg Giraldo is riding his motor cycle in the sky and hope that he has the last laugh. My thoughts go out to his family and friends.

Also, I’d like to thank everyone who has sent well wishes to Sandy as she continues her battle with breast cancer. Her spirit has been amazingly high since she was first diagnosed. Please keep her in your prayers. For you atheists, just keep thinking positive thoughts.

On Friday, August 13th, my father was ordained a Catholic priest in Puerto Rico at the age of 69. Although I’m down on the whole organized religion thing, I’m happy to have all the bases covered, just in case. It can’t possibly hurt to have someone on the inside.

I was happy to hear some of my favorite comics were working the international comedy festivals this last summer. Ruperto Vanderpool represented in Sweden and Lee Camp headed to the Sydney Comedy Festival. Still Mark Viera’s sitcom on FOX has been delayed and I hope it begins to be shot sometime this year.

Please feel free to share any other good news you may have becasue I’d like to keep believing the glass is half full!

Delilah

April brings warmer weather and good news for some of my favorite comics! Donnell Rawlings’ sold out performance in front of a beautiful crowd at the new NYU Skirball Center was filmed live and is headed to Comedy Central. The energy at the show was high and the audience gave him lots of love.

Kurt Metzger is now the voice of the zombie Randal from the animated Ugly Americans series on Comedy Central that has been picked up for another season. Kudos to Kurt!

Lee Camp is featured in the soon to be released Satiristas! He gets rave reviews from George Carlin’s daughter and I’m always happy to book him. Of course, on the night a writer from Time Out came to see him there was a small family of drunken hecklers. Lee handled them well before I could ask them to leave.

Cory Fernandez remains humble after making it on the big screen in Cop Out with Tracy Morgan. This is no one liner role either! Cory gets major stage time in the movie playing the bad guy. It couldn’t happen to a nicer guy.

I was also thrilled to recommend a few of the regulars for auditions for the new In Living Color on FOX produced by Jamie Foxx. Imagine, Ruperto Vanderpool, Gina Brillon, Marina Franklin, Wil Sylvince and Kyle Grooms represented.

Talent’s new Sunday show is slowing blossoming and the host always draws lovely ladies. I’ll say it again, “I’m happy to have him.”

DC Benny has been gracing the stage. The comic’s comic is toying with bringing his wonderful “Storytelling” show to the Laugh Lounge. I was always a big fan of the layed back show so I’ll keep my fingers crossed!

It’s all good,
Delilah

Delilah Dishes…

Spring is (almost) in the air! I’m starting to see daffodils!   They may have had the snowpocalypse down in DC, but we were luckily spared here in New York.  The weekends have been spectacular thus far this year for Laugh Lounge as we are having our best year yet!  We felt the economic downturn first as a small business back in 2007 and with the acceleration of business we’ve seen in 2010, we may be feeling the beginnings of a real recovery.  Hallelujah…woo hoo!

Meanwhile our comedy scene has been rockin…as in 30 Rockin!  We’ve been lucky enough to have Tracey Morgan stop in and stand-up on stage with some of his new (blue) humor and Judah Friedlander also stopped in for some sets.  We know Judah from his open mic days on and are so proud of his success!  You can crash on our couches any time…

We’ve also been lucky enough to have some fun (and great) talent stop in to do shows….Rob Stapleton and Shang were in from L.A. doing spots and Elliot Chang will be in next month.   Tony Woods was up from D.C. and Capone stopped in to host one of our Valentine’s Day shows and guest on Burt Smooth’s Better than Chocolate show at the club.  Rich Voss helped out with Jeff Singer’s  ”Just For Laughs” Showcase and it was great to see him and his wife and the pics of their little one.  Cipha Sounds from Hot 97 FM also shouted us out on air and stopped in to catch a show last night!

Good things are also happening for some our club favorites–shout out to our own weekend MC Grant Cooper for his new rappers delight bit that has the audience hip hoppin through their check spots!   Lee Camp has been getting good play and his Huffington Post comments are becoming must read web material!  God knows, our politics these days lends itself to humor!  Calise Hawkins and Rachel Feinstein are heading out to L.A. for the West Coast version of Russell Simmons Showcase after doing well at his Laugh Lounge showcase last month! 

We’re also ready to launch some great new shows.  Hard Knocks is back at Thursdays 10:30 pm after their winter hiatus and Chad and Jeff have the show running better than ever!  We’re also really excited about our Sundays which are fast going to become the “in” night at Laugh Lounge.  Tom Ragu’s bi-monthly (no pun intended) 8:30 pm “Clutch the Pearls” show starts tonight and we’re really looking forward to his lively gay line-ups!  On the in between Sunday, Pudge will also be bringing the best of his ready for pime time talent to the stage for his “Hot Pudge Sunday” show.  Every Sunday at 10;30 pm, we’ll be  launching  ”The Talent Show” as a regular 10:30 pm show with radio personality Talent and the hippest of hot urban standup.  No tourists for these shows…these shows are for the” real” New York audience.  Last but not least, be on the lookout for Moe’s Special Audition night where select new talent has the chance to perform from me and get some direct feedback on their acts and a shot at a weekend guest spots(I tell it like it is though…be careful what you wish for!)

Finally, a quick thank you to our staff.  It’s been a crazy few weeks and they’ve hung in like troopers…particularly Salif who has beyond amazing, Darius who’s been pouring crazy numbers of drinks while redesigning our speciality drink menu, Val and the girls who are getting much better than stair-master workouts with all these sold out shows and Shatima and Ray who are manning the door and dealing with the crowds!  Helping manage the whole motley crew is Moe who is my own personal (and Sandy’s) life saver!

That’s it for now!  Please let me know what you think…we love comments!

Delilah

Delilah Dishes…

January 2010 is off to a great start for Laugh Lounge! 

Thanks to everyone who came down for our Three Kings Party!  Comics showed up early and hungry for mounds of Latin food.  Even the Jews love a good roast pork shoulder.  To humor the vegetarians and vegans, the red beans were made sans pork.  And, of course, there was lots of roast chicken.   

Shout out to Burt Smooth for some awesome sounds that had some of us dancing wildly into the wee hours.  It was nice to see Walli Collins, Lee Camp, Sarah Contreras, Peaches Rodriguez, Sinck, Hadiyah Robinson, Mark DeMayo, Angel G, Damon Lemon, Vladimir Camaano, Aldo Marachilian, Jeffry Hernandez, Chad and so many others eat, drink and party.  Thanks to Grant Cooper, Kyle Grooms, Marina Franklin, Imagine, Angelo Lozada and everyone else who hung out late night and got their dance on.  Tony Woods was a no show even though he confirmed weeks in advance–up to the day before and never made it.  He’s the only brother that can be at the airport and still miss the flight!  He did show up the following weekend for some post party fun!  Ruperto Vanderpool had a good excuse for not making it down—he had an engagement party for close family after he popped the question.  (Congrats to them!)

I also want to thank Comedy Central and Russell Simmons for hosting their new spin on the old Def Jam showcase at the club this month.  It was a big success and most of the comics on the showcase did well, especially house regulars Mark Viera and Calise Hawkins.  Thanks to Capone for coming down and special thanks to Amber from Overstock Talent as well as JoAnn, Stan Nathan and Bob Sumners.  It was a pleasure to meet SarahAnn from ComedyCures.org.   Her wonderful organization has touched many people including our own Masavia and it was nice to see them reconnect.

During the show I made the mistake of sitting behind Darnell Stapleton from the Steelers and Shalik Murray from the Jets and I could barely see the stage.  Man, I couldn’t imagine them charging toward me although I have bounced guys as big from Burt Smooth’s show.

2009 was our best year yet at Laugh Lounge and I’m really looking forward to 2010.  We have new shows starting in February, including a new LGBT show called Clutch the Pearls! for fag hags (like me), divas and gay-friendlies produced by Tom Ragu and Chanelle Futrell.  We have a new revamped Asian show called CominAsian in collaboration with Air Tabique and Brian Jin.  In March we’ll be starting Sunday night shows with radio personality Talent who I’m thrilled to be working with…I’ve been wanting him and trying to woo him for years!

That’s it for now.  Feel free to comment…Don’t be shy,

Delilah

Delilah Dishes…

Merry Christmas! Happy Kwanza! Seasons greetings whatever they may be! It’s been nice seeing everyone at the club parties and I want to make sure the comics know about ours on Three Kings Day January 6.

2009 is ending on a good note for a few of our favorite comics and we’re happy they’re getting heat. Mark Viera signed a deal with 20th Century Fox and positive things are happening for Kyle Grooms and Kareem Green after the NBC Diversity Showcase earlier this month out in L.A.

My trip to L.A. to see the showcase as the NYC host was fun. Kendra from NBC and all the NBC folks were terrific. Thanks to Donnell for the hospitality and for the yummy barbecue with the crew imported from NY. Made me feel right at home and his new chicken recipe rules! Donnell was terrific on Chelsea Lately…sorry I had to miss Bill Santiago’s one-man show.

Getting back to New York was great though…Not often you get to see Patrice O’Neal emcee Burt’s Certifiable Nuts show, what can I say…you know I love you Patrice but my advice is stick to the headliner spot…woo…mean my friend…mean.

The New York parties for the holiday season were fun, but there were surprisingly few big names out…no Dave Attell, no Louis Black, no Paul Mooney, no Louis C.K…not even Angel Salazar…none of those cats, but it was great to see Judah Friedlander, Todd Barry and others. Special shout-out to Talent who will be starting a regular show at Laugh Lounge in March.

Looking forward to the New Year and my warmest wishes go out to each of you who come down, perform, hang out and generally make Laugh Lounge the success it is!

D.

Welcome to the New Laugh Lounge nyc Site!

We’re very excited today to be launching our brand new website!  This redesign was done with you in mind.  Comedy to us is an interactive experience.  What happens between you and the comics when you watch a live show is magic.  Laughter is contagious and no sound makes us happier.  We wanted our new website to be interactive as well.  We’d like to invite comics and audience members alike interested in sharing their views to submit posts to us here.  You can comment, share your thoughts, tell your friends and generally let us know how we’re doing.  If you’d like to blog on the site, let us know through the Contact Us section.

We also want to thank those folks who’ve helped make Laugh Lounge a success for their support over the years.  We are about to kick off our 7th year in 2010!  If you haven’t been down to the club yet…you’ve got a treat in store.  We are located on the historic Lower East Side.  This is where vaudeville originated.  Where the beatnik poets shared their rhymes to the snaps of hip downtown audiences.  Where the Ramones and other punk rock bands wailed their guitars into the night.  This area has a long history of providing the cutting edge in entertainment.  Our comics honor this tradition.

The Lower East Side is also known for our outstanding restaurants.  From innovative chefs who top the foodies must-try lists to the hipster hang out favorites to solid laid back family food to a terrific assortment of “cool” cheap date spots, you can’t go wrong.  We are part of a neighborhood and we encourage you to make a night of it down here and explore.

We welcome people of every color and nationality.  The Lower East Side is a melting pot and we are all about diversity.  Our audiences are united in laughter and you are more than welcome to become part of our crew!

Thanks again and please let us know what you think of the site!

Delilah & Sandy