Day 5 Gilda's Laughfest.

Well, I hated to see the week come to an end but, you know that tired feeling you get at the end of vacations because you've been on the go? That started to hit me on Friday afternoon, I was "almost" not looking forward to the Bob & Tom Allstars, but I DID say almost.

Once at the Ford Fieldhouse I was so glad I hadn't cancelled. I rejuvinated upon entering the facility. I saw "general admission" seating with almost no seats taken and went to town. Aisle seat, no two aisle seats because no one would believe I would go to a function all by myself...and no one did.

Saw a most impressive line up of Greg Warren, Costaki Economopoulos, Pat Dixon, Dwight Slade and one of my favorites, Tammy Pascatelli. The end of the evening was the best! They had announced that the performers would be in the back of the hall selling cd's and meeting the audience so I was geeked about that. As I move with the crowd leaving, I do not see any of the comics. So immediately tried to locate said performers and their wares, saw a small opening where a group was gathering back in the main room. Cutting over I found my heroes with almost crowd to deal with. There was a line forming at one end of the table where Tammy was, at the other Chick Magee and Greg Warren stood apart from the activity. Being a fan of Bob & Tom I had to go meet Chick and did so.

Here's where it go really cool, I asked Chick for his autograph, he complied then I asked Greg and he complied too. At that point I noticed that there was nobody in front of any other comic except Tammy; so I asked Costaki, would he sign my poster and he did. Instead of giving it back, Costaki turns to Pat Dixon and says "this guy wants our autograph" and Pat says "cool". Then without saying another word Pat handed my poster to Dwight who signed it and then handed it to Tammy.

It was like the world stopped while I watched this piece of paper get passed down the table. As this was happening I felt as if all the other fans were staring at me, like "who I am to get such treatment?" I'm nobody, except somebody who felt sorry for Chick standing by himself :) As the poster begins its back to my end of the table I definately notice people staring at me, this time for real. But hey, I didn't design the situation, I just fell into the right set of circumstances.

Now because of a little dumb luck and some moxy, I got a collectible I will cherish forever. More later, got to run now. Big show this Saturday as KayLyn Pace will be headlining her first show. Dont miss it. Until later, keep your stick on the ice and stay tuned.

Day 4 Gilda's Laughfest

Got to see the B.O.B. complex of which Dr. Grin's Comedy Club is just a part of. Fantastic structure! And downtown was hopping big time due to it being St. Patrick's Day AND, are you ready for this...Sugarland was playing across the street.

Saw Trevor Smith do almost all new material and saw several other comics I have come to know. Finally got to meet Matt Lauria which was a treat. I never get tired of seeing a room full of people enjoying Trevor's stand-up.

Tonight, The Bob & Tom All Stars at the Ford Fieldhouse. Happy TGIF everyone, stay tuned.

Day 3, Gilda's Laughfest

Had a great experience at the Dog Story Theater last night. Improv nothing like what we have seen on "Who's Line Is It Anyway", two comic actors took ONE concept and then did a one act play for the next 45 minutes! Amazing.

As for the theater itself, what they are doing at the Dog Story Theater is truly admirable. For more information on what they are doing go to www.DogStoryTheater.com. We need to have a facility like this in our home town.

While we're on it, didn't get to rant about the Orbit Room where we saw Bobby Slayton on Tuesday night. A little mini arena stuck within a maze of malls that can house over 1400 patrons. Coming soon to the Orbit Room will be classic rockers Robin Trower and Yes...for those of you under 30 you may need to Google those names, lol.

Happy St. Patrick's day to everyone. Tonight we're at Mr. Grin's to see a host of great comics, including one of our favorites, Trevor Smith. Until next time, hope your brackets are done, keep your stick on the ice and stay tuned.

2nd Night @ Gilda Laughfest!

Saw Bobby Slayton last night and he was excellent! Bobby, known as the "pit bull" of stand up may not be a household name, but close, because he's a VERY recgonizable comic. With some movie credits and years in Las Vegas I'm sure you've experienced Bobby in some form or another. He had the audience by the throat from the minute he stepped on the stage and never let up.

In addition to being treated to a great show I had the pleasure to meet a charming Grand Rapids couple out for the evening and are coming to the St. Pat's show at Mr. Grins with me. I see more and more how this city is really embracing the festival, it could almost bring a tear to your eye or give you a chill when you think of Gilda.

As for the comparison I made to the first Super Bowl in an earlier post...I had visions of "typewriters" and people scrambling for "phone lines" to meet their deadlines. As I sat here without internet in my hotel I too worried about meeting my deadlines. How could I report about last night? How could I research what I'm doing tonight? A scene of Matheau and Lemmon from the movie Front Page popped into vision, Orson Wells was calling for Rosebud and then...the internet was restored---which is why you're reading what you're reading now.

I must conclude this installment about the great people of Grand Rapids and the killer show Bobby Slayton put on to go look for work tonight. I will be back later today with developments. Until then keep your stick on the ice and stay tuned.

Laughin' In GR Part One.

It is Monday night and I am writing this from the Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Here for the first every Grand Rapids Laughfest, part Gildafest that started last Friday night and will continue through this Friday.

Having never been to the "first" of something I didn't know what to expect. Everyone here has been very friendly and several have asked what has brought me to their charming city. When I mention the comedy festival there has been a short hesitation, followed by a quick nod, "oh yes I heard of that". Not the dominant topic of conversation...yet. Reminds me of how the first Super Bowl didn't even sell out, reporters there probably experienced similar circumstances.

Bill Cosby sold out both his shows here within 3 hours. Betty White did something similar I hear. Not bad names and responses for a first year function. Something special is happening here. Word is that the Grand Rapids Comedy Festival, or Laughfest, is going to be bigger and better than some of the more established festivals like Atlanta and Detroit. So make no mistake about it, just because this isn't a "sell out"---yet, and getting a room wasn't a problem---yet, the time will come when both will be true. Though, about the rooms, I actually think Grand Rapids could hold a Super Bowl and not run out of rooms! There are soooo many hotels around here :)
It's a great convention town.

There are shows tonight but this reporter is exhausted. Look for my reports throughout the week. Also look for lamocuproductions.com to go on line this week. Gotta run now, sandman is beating on me and it's not Metalica. Take care everyone, work on your brackets and stay tuned.

Laughin' In GR Part One.

Stray Dogs Howling Tonight!

Alan Smith & the Stray Dogs will be howling tonight 7-9, at the Highland Station.

For more details contact Alan @ 248-684-1002. The Highland Station is easy to navigate to just off M-59 and provides with a warm, casual ambiance to the proceedings.

Come to play or listen, a good time is had by all! Look for more updates on Open Mic's and Open Jams in the area, until then stay tuned.