THEATRE
YUKS FOR BUCKS
BRYAN CARROLL / bryan@vueweekly.com
Tragedy often spurs change for those who live through it, and the positives that can be gleaned from a tragic loss are no more apparent than in the case of Albert Blain.
Blain was a hardworking bassist who played in the Edmonton music scene for almost three decades and whose life was cut short by a brain aneurysm in 2003. Shortly after his death, many people close to Blain set up the Albert Blain Performers Aid Society to pay for his funeral and to help performers who, because of accident, illness or death, cannot make a living from performing.
"It's called the Performers Aid Society so that people realize we're helping everybody from jugglers and stand-up comics to magicians and actors if they need help," Koslo explains
Until then, however, Koslo is focused on what should be a hilarious night at the Commercial Hotel. The lineup of stand-up comedians includes some of Canada's best comics, Tim Koslo, Andrew Grose, Howie Miller, Bill Cowen, and Dave Stawnichy some of whom have been featured on such well known television shows as Just for Laughs and Comedy at Club 54.
"It's going to be an unbelievable show," Koslo enthuses, "You'll probably never see [this lineup] again
See Magazine May 11
While comedy and the blues may not seem like a natural fit to some, The Albert Blain Performers Aid Society has announced a benefit concert at the Blues on Whyte that mixes both. Five stand-up comedians (Andrew Grose, Tim Koslo, Howie Miller, Bill Cowen, and David Stawnichy) will join forces with the Jim Guiboche Band and Cold Feet for an evening of chuckles, shuffles, and fundraising (May 28). Tickets and information from Kim at 447-3826.
The Comedy Network Announces First Eight Finalists in $10,000 Corner Gas Comic Genius Competition;
Toronto, Ontario (November 7, 2005) - The Comedy Network announced today the first eight semi-finalists for Corner Gas Comic Genius, the world's first online search for Canada's next stand-up star. The eight finalists are in the running for a chance to win $10,000 and the opportunity to appear in the live, televised finale - hosted by Brent Butt - on The Comedy Network next year. Eight more finalists will be decided over the next three weeks - meaning that there is still time for budding comedians to enter the competition. The deadline for submissions is Nov. 27, 2005 at www.cornergas.com.
"10 Gs is a pretty sweet prize for anyone, nevermind a budding young comic," says Brent Butt. "I think I made a total of $10,000 between 1988 and 1996...before taxes."
The first eight semi-finalists are: Brock Macdonald, Langley, BC; Colette Kendall, Hamilton, ON; Julia Bruce, Toronto, ON; Dave Stawnichy, Edmonton, AB; Wylie Abramyk, Vancouver, BC; Jarrett Hagglund, Toronto, ON; Darrell Bedford, Red Deer, AB; and James Applegath, Toronto, ON.
Fri, January 21, 2005
Park, bark and stay
By GRAHAM HICKS
FUNNY GUYS IN A NOT-SO-FUNNY SITUATION
Mega-tragedies abroad may tear at our hearts.
But poignant mini-tragedies do happen at home.
Last Aug. 21, comedian Tim Stuart couldn't make his gig at the Comedy Factory, 3414 Gateway Blvd. I'm just feeling terrible, he told manager Bob Angeli.
Ten days later, Stuart died from a viral infection.
He left behind his daughter Sera, 8, who he was raising as a single-parent dad with the help of his parents Myrna and Gordon Stuart in Calgary.
From Thursday, Jan. 27 to Sunday, Jan. 30, the Comedy Factory is presenting Tim Stuart: A Celebration of Life, with all the proceeds going to a trust fund for young Sera.
Donating their humour at the "only non-profanity comedy club in town" are Tim's comedic colleagues Tom Liske, Paul Pringle and Dave Stawnichy, with Attila the World's Fastest Hypnotist performing on Sunday evening. Tickets, $15 per evening, can be reserved by calling Bob at 469-4999, or at www.thecomedyfactory.com.
Postscript Party
Saturday Night Dinner and Entertainment, May 14
We have decided that the conference shouldn't end without one last chance for participants to network and have some fun, so we have added on a Saturday night social at Kids in the Hall Bistro (located at City Hall). Included in the evening is our famous silent auction and comedian Dave Stawnichy from The Comedy Factory! For only $25 per person (includes GST), it's a part of the conference we know you won't want to miss.
To sign up for the Saturday evening dinner and entertainment, please contact us at 497-5346 and ask to be signed up! Quote WRIT-0156-572.
Article from "voxpox" magazine
Last month, the Albert Blain Performers Aid Society held a fundraiser at Cook County Saloon. The night was well attended and featured the comedy of Dave Stawnichy, Tim Koslo, Howie Miller and Andrew Grose. Musically, Chasity Dawn and four-month pregnant Lisa Hewitt hit the stage. The Society was formed in 2003 to pay for the funeral of bassist Albert Blain who died of a brain aneurysm. Now it helps various performers who are in need. You can contact Lynn Wells of Atlyn Productions at 455-3900 for more information or to support the Society.
Article from Edmonton Life Magazine
Looking for a change from your regular weekend of movies and popcorn or hitting the night clubs for excitement? Edmonton's comedy clubs are alive and kicking every night!
From uproarious to outrageous, to side-splitting mascara running laughs, a night at a comedy club is a great change from the ordinary!
Comedian and promoter Bob Angeli is the owner of one of Canada's top laugh spots, The Comedy Factory. "Comedy clubs try to provide a fun filled evening where people who have spent a stress filled busy week can come and unwind with friends and have a few laughs. It's great to see tables of people laughing and letting it all hang out!"
Wondering what to expect from a night out at a comedy club? Most clubs serve drinks and light meals or finger foods to enjoy during a show. If you're easily offended, you may want to phone the comedy club of your choice to see what kind of language and subject matter the evenings show is going to contain. While some clubs offer non-profanity shows, others contain mature subject matter and, as they say on television, view discretion is advised.
Comedian David Stawnichy has performed at least 128 shows in the last year and agrees with Angeli. "Look, it's a great way to have a good time for the same price of a movie! You're also supporting local talent and enjoying a live show. Everyone has a great time. A lot of the show openers are local guys starting out."
It's important to remember that stand up comedy isn't restricted to a lone comedian and a microphone. You'll find comedy hypnotists, ventriloquists, impressionists, improvisation groups and more. If you're thinking of taking the mike, now's your chance! Most of the comedy clubs host amateur nights and open mike nights where anyone can test out their funny bone potential for 5-10 minutes.
Shake up your been-there-done-that night out and try out evening of laughter and good times at the Comedy Factory!
Taken from the "Pipestone Flyer"
Last Friday night the Millet Community Hall was transformed in to a night club atmosphere hosting comedians from the greater Edmonton region. After the intermission the host introduced the headlining comic, Dave Stawnichy. Dave's repertoire of jokes varied from making fun of Mundare AB, providing job related marriage proposal lines, to getting in trouble with his wife due to "comic mouth". "Comic mouth" is the one-liners he shoots at hecklers, occasionally he forgets where he is and provides one to his wife. Dave the kept the audience in stitches as he talks about his wedding vow renewal in Vegas, whacky world jokes, and poked fun at various commercials on T.V. If you are a fan of Jeff Foxworthy's "You might be a redneck when…" jokes you will love Dave's "Canadians are cool" jokes. He has a series of Canadiana jokes that he closes his show with. They are pure entertainment that only Canadians can truly understand and laugh at.
Dave has been making people laugh for over seven years now. He has always been the class clown growing up. Currently he is working on an opportunity to go to Afghanistan to entertain Canadian troops.
Last month, the Albert Blain Performers Aid Society held a fundraiser at Cook County Saloon. The night was well attended and featured the comedy of Dave Stawnichy, Tim Koslo, Howie Miller and Andrew Grose. Musically, Chasity Dawn and four-month pregnant Lisa Hewitt hit the stage. The Society was formed in 2003 to pay for the funeral of bassist Albert Blain who died of a brain aneurysm. Now it helps various performers who are in need. You can contact Lynn Wells of Atlyn Productions at 455-3900 for more information or to support the Society
Looking for a change from your regular weekend of movies and popcorn or hitting the night clubs for excitement? Edmonton's comedy clubs are alive and kicking every night!
From uproarious to outrageous, to side-splitting mascara running laughs, a night at a comedy club is a great change from the ordinary!
Comedian and promoter Bob Angeli is the owner of one of Canada's top laugh spots, The Comedy Factory. "Comedy clubs try to provide a fun filled evening where people who have spent a stress filled busy week can come and unwind with friends and have a few laughs. It's great to see tables of people laughing and letting it all hang out!" Wondering what to expect from a night out at a comedy club? Most clubs serve drinks and light meals or finger foods to enjoy during a show. If you're easily offended, you may want to phone the comedy club of your choice to see what kind of language and subject matter the evenings show is going to contain. While some clubs offer non-profanity shows, others contain mature subject matter and, as they say on television, view discretion is advised.
Comedian David Stawnichy has performed at least 128 shows in the last year and agrees with Angeli. "Look, it's a great way to have a good time for the same price of a movie! You're also supporting local talent and enjoying a live show. Everyone has a great time. A lot of the show openers are local guys starting out."
It's important to remember that stand up comedy isn't restricted to a lone comedian and a microphone. You'll find comedy hypnotists, ventriloquists, impressionists, improvisation groups and more. If you're thinking of taking the mike, now's your chance! Most of the comedy clubs host amateur nights and open mike nights where anyone can test out their funny bone potential for 5-10 minutes.
Shake up your been-there-done-that night out and try out evening of laughter and good times at the Comedy Factory!
COMPASSIONATE COMEDIANS FOR JESSIE FOSTER
Something about caring comedians.
The Andrew Grose-organized Laughing for Cancer evening at Yuk Yuks back in February raised $279,000 for the Alberta Cancer Foundation.
Tonight through Saturday at the Comedy Factory in the Gateway Entertainment Centre, local comedians Dave Stawnichy, Tim Koslo and Bob Angeli, plus headliner Gabriel Rutledge are all raising money for the parents of Jessie Foster.
Jessie's the Edmonton-born, Kamloops-raised young woman who disappeared without a trace in Vegas over two years ago, raising fears that she was abducted for who knows what purpose.
And of course her parents need financial support to keep up the effort to find her.
Last but not least, the Oct. 19 fourth annual Laugh for Life Gala put on by comedians Ken Davis and Bob Stromberg at the Winspear Centre is just starting up its publicity campaign.
Laugh for Life raises funds for the inner city Mustard Seed social agency and Candeo - a group with the noble purpose of providing affordable housing for single parent families.