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FunnyFest Blog
Welcome
to the FunnyFest Blog - your all-access pass to Western Canada's
largest comedy festival. Over the next two weeks you'll get to read
exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes updates, red hot
gossip and hilarious musings as the festival unfolds at a
breakneck pace. Buckle up and enjoy the ride!
And The Winners Are…June 10, 2011
The eleventh edition of FunnyFest is rapidly coming to a close (sniff, sniff), and now is the perfect time to celebrate some of our top performers and volunteers with our annual FunnyFest Awards. Read on to learn more about this year’s outstanding winners.
Top Stand-Up Comic: Kelly Taylor
All eyes were on Taylor this June as he tried to become the first performer to win FunnyFest’s Stand-Up Comic of the Year Award for the fifth consecutive time, and he didn’t disappoint. The Prince Albert native dazzled crowds with his amazing physical comedy and dozens of hilarious new jokes and observations.
Most Original Act: Tommy Savitt
A winner of the Boston and Seattle Comedy Competitions, Savitt continued to impress fans in Calgary with his thoroughly unique stage persona.
Most Improved Stand-Up Comic: Noor Kidwai
The winner of the 2010 FunnyFest Talent Search, Kidwai demonstrated a steady improvement at this year’s festival. His superb joke writing and commanding presence are sure to make him a festival favourite for many years to come.
Top Volunteer: Rajiv Solanki
In a crowded field full of wonderful volunteers, Solanki set himself apart from the pack by routinely logging eight hours days. His energy, enthusiasm and drive contributed greatly to this year’s successful festival.
Interview with Lawrence Fehler
June 5, 2011
FunnyFest sat down with Edmonton stand-up comic Lawrence Fehler to learn more about his first time on stage, his thoroughly unique background and his favourite performer to watch.
What do you remember about your first time on stage?
My first time on stage felt like forever, it was only four minutes but it seemed to drag on and on. I didn't know where the laughs would be, and they weren't where I thought, but it was fun, and apparently decent for a first time.
How has your material changed from when you first began performing?
Since I started performing I've learned a lot about the attitude behind jokes, the consistency of a set, and the importance of character. So I'm able to stand behind my jokes with confidence, I know what parts are funny, and I know who I am when I deliver them. Unless its new stuff, then, it’s like jumping off a cliff and hoping you land on something soft.
You’re of aboriginal descent but were adopted by a German family. How does your unique background shape your comedy?
It's given me a whole arsenal of angles on certain topics, but really it’s just who I am that comes out on stage and the cultural thing is just a part of it. A big part. But there's more.
You’ve won first place in Edmonton's “So You Think You're Funny” comedy competition and the FunnyFest Talent Search. In your opinion, do comedy competitions bring out the best or the worst in performers?
I like to think it brings out the best, but it’s not always about what judges think, sometimes the energy in the room is all about the audience, and they love what you're doing, even if it’s not necessarily your best.
You promote yourself on MySpace, Twitter and your personal blog. How much has social media helped you to develop your voice and a following for your act?
I don't honestly know really. I just try to be honest when it comes to this career choice and I see those outlets as opportunities to grow, become visible, and let people know what I'm up to.
You’re originally from Edmonton. In your opinion, why is there such a big rivalry between Edmonton and Calgary?
Probably started with hockey and now we just need someone to hate on. But really, in comedy Calgary and Edmonton aren't at each other’s throats, we all just buy into the whole thing once in a while.
Who is one comedian everyone should see?
Sean Lecomber.
See Lawrence live by calling the Calgary FunnyFest ticket hotline at 403-228-7888. Tickets are just $15, taxes and surcharges included.
The United Colours of FunnyFest
June 5, 2011
FunnyFest - Western Canada's largest comedy festival - is back in Cow Town with 23 hilarious shows over 11 nights at venues throughout Calgary.
More than just a comedy festival, this eagerly anticipated annual event is also a true celebration of diversity with performers of all backgrounds, religions and ethnicity. This year's fabulously inclusive lineup features Aboriginal comedians Paul Kuster and Lawrence Fehler, Muslim stand-up comic Noor Kidwai, Asian comedian Chris Wokk and Indian funnyman Sanjit T., as well as nearly a dozen performers from south of the border.
“We believe in embracing all Calgarians,” says Anna Garleff, FunnyFest’s Executive Director. “We want Calgary to become the number one destination for all Canadians to share the gift of laughter that FunnyFest offers. That means offering a wider variety of comics that appeal to a wide variety of people, so it's very important to us that we have representation from all ethnicities.”
One comedian who has benefitted from that inclusive philosophy is Fehler, the winner of the 2011 FunnyFest Talent Competition. An Aboriginal comedian who was raised by German parents, he’s pleased to represent the changing face of comedy in Canada.
“It's a lot more fun for audiences to see all kinds of comedy and all kinds of voices and all kinds of variety when it comes to different cultures,” he says. “There's stuff to relate to and stuff to learn from. It's so much more fun when there's that diversity there. It draws in other people and works out better that way.”
Fehler has been one of the stars of the festival’s first week and has been truly impressed with the way he’s been received by local audiences. “The audiences have been amazing,” he gushes. “They've been awesome. People love that diversity and variety. They're like, 'Oh good, something different!' The crowds here have been pumped for a good show and they stick around right to the very end.”
That kind of support is exactly what Garleff and her colleagues were hoping for when they booked this year’s diverse lineup. “We are very fortunate to live together and share in each other's rich histories and languages,” she says. “It makes living in Canada very exciting. FunnyFest is pleased to deliver a taste of every country right here in our own city.
FunnyFest takes place at venues throughout Downtown Calgary from June 2-12, 2011. For more details please visit www.funnyfest.com.
Interview with Sean Lecomber
June 5, 2011
FunnyFest sat down with Edmonton stand-up comic Sean Lecomber to learn more about his first time on stage, his process for creating new material and his opinion on what sets our festival apart from the competition.
What do you remember about your first time on stage?
I remember shaking because I was so nervous. The guy putting on the open mic was Rob Pue and I almost didn't go on because he said I was up first and I didn't want to go first. It actually went pretty well so afterwards i thought I could do anything and be funny. Wrote a new five minutes for the next week and completely bombed.
How has your material changed from when you first began performing?
I tend to talk about the things going on in my life so as my life changes so do my jokes.
What’s your process like for creating new material?
I write it as a note on my iPhone when I get an idea and try it on stage if it seems like it might be an alright idea I'll write it out fully and then edit it on stage depending on crowd response.
You’re known for working clean. Do you consciously try to avoid blue material or is that simply the way your mind works?
I can work clean but I wouldn't describe myself that way. When I don't have to keep it clean I swear a lot too much in fact. I do think that most comics can only write a specific way it's hard to be versatile when you're talking about something as specific as making strangers laugh.
You’ve performed at prestigious comedy festivals throughout Canada. What sets FunnyFest apart from those other events?
It's for comics to have fun working with other comic friends who they maybe don't get a chance to work with often. Also there's no weirdness of "industry" being involved. At other fests people tend to think it's their big break in LA so they have no fun and don't find out until after they had no chance of being extracted from their life and flown down to LA to star in the next Judd Apatow feature. FunnyFest is about comics and crowds having a good time and Stu does a great job fostering that attitude.
According to your website, making people laugh is the only thing you’ve ever been good at. What are some of the jobs you’ve failed at?
I've been OK at everything. But I've had some sad jobs. I was a janitor for two years. Two years! Crazy.
Patton Oswalt has said that he thinks now is the best time for stand-up comedy. Do you agree?
I would agree if I was Patton Oswalt. The state of the Canadian scene is a lot different than the circles Patton Oswalt runs in.
See Sean live by calling the Calgary FunnyFest ticket hotline at 403-228-7888. Tickets are just $15, taxes and surcharges included. For additional information please visit www.funnyfest.com.
Interview with Lars Callieou
June 3, 2011
FunnyFest sat down with Edmonton stand-up comic Lars Callieou to learn more about his writing process, his interaction with the troops and the reason he keeps on coming back to our festival.
You’ve been a festival favourite for many years. What keeps you coming back to FunnyFest?
First of all, thank you for the compliment. This will be FunnyFest number six for me. The festival brings in world class talent, comedians from around the globe who have impressive credits, and in the past there have been names you might not have recognized at the time but who have gone on the HUGE things. Calgary is a beautiful city and as audiences go they're usually comedy savvy as well, which makes for a great time. I come back for all the new people I meet each year, to see old comic friends who I don't cross paths with very often and for the variety of shows. In the five previous years of FunnyFest I've performed in beautiful theatres, at the zoo, in great pubs, 1,000 seat casino shows rooms to a small venue in the basement of a homebuilder's office (which was a great show by the way). Each experience made for a great story. I'm excited to see what FunnyFest 2011 has in store.
How has the festival evolved since your first appearance?
I'd say now that the city and the media is a little more behind it (after a decade I think they realized it's not going away so they decided, they might as well jump onboard) and that it's starting to get more legitimized. Once the mayor is aware of it, the city and its people know about it, attendance goes up. The feel has remained the same though, a solid group of comics hanging out trying to make a great show for a usually nice audience.
You recently performed overseas for our men in women in uniform. How was your experience?
Amazing. I performed on over 20 bases in my two trips to Iraq. I wasn't a fan of the war, but I was a HUGE fan of the military. Hanging out with them for a month (in total) gave me a new appreciation for what they do and the sacrifices they make. They're wonderful people trying their best to do a good thing. It was an honour in every sense of the word. Plus, they don't have alcohol on the bases so it's like a nice detox in the desert. It's rehab without having to talk to annoying celebrities.
You’re known for working clean. Do you consciously try to avoid blue material or is that simply the way your mind works?
I once read a quote, I wish I could attribute it the author, "Say what YOU think is funny, keep what the AUDIENCE thinks is funny." I just like 'funny' but I have all kinds of material. I've always enjoyed 'clever' material the most. I think I get that from my dad, he liked to make you think. My comedy isn't necessarily 'smart' but it will make you put pieces together. That's the way my mind works.
What’s your process like for creating new material?
I use a digital recorder to capture ideas, then I take the ideas to the stage and hope the little piece of clay turns into something of value. Over the years you get a better idea of what will work and what won't but every comedian I know still has joke ideas that bomb, I haven't figured out any secret formula. Take the idea to the people, hope the people like it as much as you do/did.
You have your own weekly comedy radio show on CJSR 88.5 FM. What originally attracted you to the medium? And what can you get away with on radio that you can’t get away with on stage?
My Dad was a musician and had a radio show when I was little. He used it to promote local music. I loved the idea of promoting comedy in Alberta. There's a TON of local talent in the Prairies. You'll see a lot of them at FunnyFest. I wanted to bring some of that to the general public. The station I'm on isn't commercial radio so we get away with a lot more than most DJs. I've had the show for five years and we've had some pretty crazy moments. Mostly though, it's a solid radio show about comedy. Check it out at http://www.extralars.com/podcasts.php
Patton Oswalt has said that he thinks now is the best time for stand-up comedy. Do you agree?
It's the best AND the worst. Texting in the front row can make you want to hang yourself with the microphone cord, people videotaping your sets on their cameras or phones can be a little distracting. People going to websites and YouTube to watch you to see if you're funny can break a wall and take away some of the magic of live comedy. For the most part though, stand up is alive and well. Clubs, festivals, TV networks, movies have all pushed comedy back to the front of people’s consciousness. I'd like to think we're at the start of another boom. People like Patton, Louis CK and Doug Stanhope are doing a great job of keeping alive the heart and essence of what guys like Pryor, Bill Hicks and Lenny Bruce were trying to do. I'd say I agree, and if you want to find out for yourself, come to a show at FunnyFest. While you're there, try the veal, I'm here all week.
See Lars live by calling the Calgary FunnyFest ticket hotline at 403-228-7888. Tickets are just $15, taxes and surcharges included.
FunnyFest Hits the Airwaves
June 2, 2011
FunnyFest Executive Director Anna Garleff chatted with Chris Shine this morning on Kool 101.5. Listen in to their informative and highly entertaining interview by clicking here:
Kool 101.5 Funnyfest Interview (mp3, 2782K)
Interview with Tommy Savitt
June 2, 2011
FunnyFest sat down with Seattle Comedy Competition winner Tommy Savitt to learn more about his previous career, his comedic personna and his opinion of comedy competitions.
How has the festival evolved since your first appearance?
The thing that sticks out the most is that the producer of FunnyFest, Stu Hughes has morphed from a frenetic, edgy, stressed director into a calmer, gentler, and more focused organizational manager. Thus, creating a fun camp-like existence for the performer involved.
You were a real estate attorney prior to becoming a comedian. What made you decide to change careers?
Passion. You can't excel in a career if you have no heart for it. I knew it as time to close up shop from law when I would leave my office early to do a $200 gig in upstate New York which encompassed a 4 hour drive.
You have one of the best defined personas in comedy. How long did that take you to refine?
I'm still refining it. If you don't keep growing and challenging yourself, you become stagnant. I am constantly evolving. It actually took me five years to get the bare bone basics of the persona you see onstage today.
You’ve won both the Seattle Comedy Competition and the Boston Comedy Festival. In your opinion, do comedy competitions bring out the best or the worst in performers?
That all depends on the chemical make up of the person. The way I deal with it is by taking the "competition" part of the equation out. So now, I'm just having fun and doing my best up there with no concern as to what the other comedians are doing. In my case I wouldn't even watch my competitors. You may out psyche yourself by doing so.
You usually perform in the United States. How are crowds north of the border different than those you usually experience?
They are actually very similar except that the Canadians tend to be less politically correct, which is what I enjoy most about them.
Patton Oswalt has said that he thinks now is the best time for stand-up comedy. Do you agree?
No. Many comedic brethren are having difficulties finding steady work and getting paid less as a result of the poor economy. It is a saturated market with the carpenter from the local butcher trying their hand at stand-up that at times you can't see the forest for the trees.
What keeps you coming back to FunnyFest?
Just when you think you're out.... they bring you right back in!
See Tommy live by calling the Calgary FunnyFest ticket hotline at 403-228-7888. Reserve your tickets today to avoid disappointment.
Opening Night
June 2, 2011
Tonight's the night! FunnyFest invades the Old Spaghetti Factory on 222 3rd Street Southwest at 9:00pm for our opening night gala. This evening's show is overflowing with amazing talent including Seattle Comedy Competition winner Tommy Savitt, 2011 FunnyFest Talent Competition winner Lawrence Fehler, national headliner Andrew Albert, award-winning Chicago stand-up comic Andy Woodhull, Red Deer cut-up Grant Damsgaard, five-time festival veteran Ryan Murphy and our indomitable Artistic Director Stu Hughes. Make sure to head down early to avoid disappointment.
Interview with Andrew Albert
June 1, 2011
FunnyFest sat down with stand-up comedian Andrew Albert to learn more about life on the road, his burgeoning film career and what keeps on bringing him back to Cow Town
This is your first appearance at FunnyFest. What attracted you to the festival?
There are a few reasons I was attracted to the FunnyFest. A festival is always a great place for networking, meeting and seeing lots of amazing comics, but at the end of the day, the truth is I've met a fantastic woman that lives here in Calgary. I'm taking any reason to come west these days, and FunnyFest happened to be at the right place at the right time. Let’s be honest: all the decisions we make are somehow finagled by women.
You’re known for tackling some controversial subjects on stage. Are there any comedic premises you consider to be taboo?
I really don't. I feel as long as I'm speaking the truth I can get away with anything. Oh and it's got to be funny. Religion, war, abortion and Newfoundland: I go after all these topics.
Being a touring comedian requires a lot of arduous travel. What’s the best thing about life on the road?
The shows. I love what I do. I've heard blues musicians say they don't get paid to play the blue's, they get paid to travel. In my case I get paid to travel and sleep on random couches. I've been where I call home for three weeks since October. That's a lot of couches, my friend.
You used to perform sketch comedy with a hilarious group called the Bionic Yahoos. How did that art form make you a better stand-up comedian?
I feel it made me a better writer, and it really helped my acting skills. It's a different beast when you're sharing the stage with other performers.
You also appeared in Battlefield Earth alongside John Travolta and Forest Whitaker. What was your experience like working on one of the most critically panned films of all time?
It was really humbling. There is something to be said about watching a piece of shit movie with all your friends waiting for your scene to come up, just so you can sneak into another movie so you don't feel so ripped off. After Battlefield Earth, the Flintstones Viva Rock Vegas really wasn't all that bad.
You’ve made a career out of making other’s laugh. What makes you laugh?
Asian drivers and toddlers freaking out in public. Oh and Louis C K.
See Andrew live by calling the Calgary FunnyFest ticket hotline at 403-228-7888. Tickets are just $15 per show, taxes and surcharges included.
5...4...3...2...1...
June 1, 2011
FunnyFest is just hours away and our office is positively buzzing. Operators are answering phones, volunteers are licking envelopes and comedians are raiding our mini bar. Our 11th edition promises to be our best yet with 70 all-star performers including Seattle Comedy Competition winner Tommy Savitt, COCA Comedian of the Year Kelly Taylor, critically-acclaimed author Harmon Leon, emerging superstar Andy Woodhull and Comedy Now's Matt Billon and Sean Lecomber. Comedy aficionados can look forward to enjoying all 23 hilarious shows at eight of Calgary's finest venues. Each show features a minimum of six performers and costs just $15, taxes and surcharges included. See you at FunnyFest!
FunnyFest Interview with The Reflector
May 31, 2011
The Reflector sat down with FunnyFest Executive Director Anna Garleff to learn more about this year's fun-filled festival.
The Fest has been around for over a decade, how much has it grown?
Since our beginnings in 1990, FunnyFest has grown in so many ways. We have grown dedicated volunteers from enthused patrons to; we have grown in terms of talent from a regional show to bringing in performers from all over the world - and we have grown in the hearts of Calgarians as a grass-roots comedy festival that is now Canada’s second-largest. Where is the performer that is from the furthest away from?
This year, that is New York City.
Are there a lot of Calgarians performing?
Yes for sure! FunnyFest cultivates local talent through our annual Talent Search. This year we have FunnyFest’s own Artistic Director Stu Hughes, Paul Kuster, Brett Plaizier, Cory Harding and Travis Germscheid.
How many venues and performers are there?
11 diverse venues from hotels to restaurants to pubs and 70 hilariously different performers.
The Fest raises a lot of money for charity. Do you think it makes sense to raise money by laughter? Not everyone has a lot of money, but everyone loves to laugh – that makes sense. FunnyFest is proud of its track record of sharing the gift of laughter with other non-profits and charities and enabling them to raise money for their various causes.
What is unique about the festival in comparison to others like Just For Laughs?
FunnyFest is all about the biggest laughs and the most themes – there is something for everyone and something to tickle every kind of funny bone! As a stand-up comic himself, our founder, Stu Hughes, understands profoundly the business from the ground up and has developed his incredible vision of laughter for 11 years and going strong! Part of our selection committee’s mandate is to find and support unique talent with a regional point of view. For example, the Talent Search winners for the last two years both come from Edmonton.
What has been a favourite moment for you during past Fests?
Definitely being able to see everyone having laughing fits doubled over and enjoying all the performers - but especially knowing that FunnyFest’s dedication to the comedic arts has made the magic happen.
What are the Fest's goals this year?
FunnyFest has now added an Executive Director to help grow both our signature event as well as expand the strategic direction of the organization as a whole. We offer over 150 events throughout the year and we are excited about developing our workshops and seminars as well. This will enable Stu, as Artistic Director, to focus exclusively on the comedy.
What are some stand outs that people can look forward to this year?
Kelly Taylor is a four-time festival favourite; Tommy Savitt is the winner of the Boston Comedy Festival and the Seattle International Comedy Competition ... and of course we have the winners of the 2010 and 2011 Talent Search.
Has the Fest launched any stars people might be familiar with?
Kelly Taylor and Matt Billon are familiar to most comedy lovers and we can’t wait to see them perform at the Calgary Comedy Festival this year!
Visit www.funnyfest.com for all the infos– see us on Facebook and Twitter for deals! FunnyFest is a buffet of belly laughs – it’s stand up comedy so good you’d better be sitting down! It’s the biggest showcase of comedy in Calgary’s history – where else can you see six performers for $15?! Volunteers are the backbone of FunnyFest – there’s lots of fun to be had with the crew, so if you’d like to get involved, just give us a call!!!
Interview with Harmon Leon
May 31, 2011
FunnyFest sat down with professional infiltrator Harmon Leon to learn more about his latest book and his twisted perception of humour.
In your latest book, The American Dream, you go undercover to find out what life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness means to your fellow countrymen. What surprises did you uncover?
In my book, I drew upon my experiences of adopting personas and disguises to infiltrate vastly different people’s perception of the American Dream—by walking in their shoes. By living amongst a diverse range of subcultures I got a chance to learn firsthand how each group sees their vision and utopia for the American Dream. Everything from rich to poor, right wing to left wing, military weaponry arms dealers to California swingers—and everything else in between. My American Dream excursions included working as a pot farmer in a hippie commune in Northern California; becoming a carnie in rural Indiana; visiting a tourist attraction in Mexico that allows people to simulate illegally crossing the border; venturing to Hollywood while trying to climb the ranks in the star-making machine; and working in the strawberries fields of California with newly arrived immigrants.
The American dream is an idea so simple and yet so complex and huge that it’s difficult to define in our country filled with Tea Party Patriots, twenty-four-hour waffle houses, gun-toting astronauts, topless doughnut shops, and carnies—all unique in their own individualistic way.
Did you have any favorite experiences in writing The American Dream?
I really liked venturing to a tourist attraction in Mexico where you simulate sneaking over the US border during a four hour night time hike through the Mexican wilderness while being chased by fake border guards who fired fake bullets at us.
The experience started out as funny and surreal but eventually became poignant and moving.
My least favorite experience was in Topeka Kansas where I spent a week with the Fred Phelps family and the Westboro Baptist church; they're the group that pickets soldiers' funerals with their group God Hates Fags.
Your research often brings you face to face with some rather militant groups and individuals. Have you ever had any close calls?
Not so much with the militant groups; I got called out when I went undercover at a Vegas Celebrity Impersonator's Convention, where I posed as a 4th rate Austin Powers impersonator. I was spotted by the convention's director as an imposter impersonator.
You’re the author of six books. Do you prefer writing or performing?
I love them both. Performing as the immediate gratification and instant response to your work, where writing is something you can do on your own and isn't based so much on audiences' reaction--though you don't know how your work goes over until your story is printed.
What can audiences expect to see at one of your live shows?
I work a lot in multimedia so a lot of tech/videos are integrated into my performance. I like to move my comedy on many levels to create a surreal, twisted perception of humour. Plus my show has Abe Lincoln breakdancing to George Michael's song “Faith.”
You usually perform in the United States. How are crowds north of the border different than those you usually experience?
I actually perform a lot outside of the country--which I prefer. I just did a month run at the Adelaide Festival in Australia and I'm gearing up for the Edinburgh Festival in Scotland.
I love the crowds in Calgary; the audiences reflect the relaxed, friendly atmosphere of the city--people who come out to the shows really want to enjoy themselves and have a good time. Conversely, my hometown of San Francisco has the worst audiences in the world.
See Harmon live by calling the Calgary FunnyFest ticket hotline at 403-228-7888. Reserve your tickets today to avoid disappointment.
Interview with Andy Woodhull
May 30, 2011
FunnyFest sat down with award-winning Chicago comedian Andy Woodhull to learn more about his opinion of stand-up competitions, his approach to creating new material and his eternal love for the Windy City.
You’ve performed at clubs and festivals throughout North America. What city has the best comedy fans?
This might be a prejudicial answer, but my favorite shows of the year are always in my home town of Chicago, Illinois. The audiences are smart and have a pretty refined comedy taste. Chicago is also nice because almost everywhere else I perform, when people see me do comedy, it’s usually kind of on accident. I just happen to be the comedian at the club where they won free tickets to.
This will be your first appearance in Calgary. How do you prepare to perform in a brand new city?
I like to think that my act is pretty universal, so I generally don't change much to cater to a new city. I see the sights of the town if I have never been there, and maybe a line or two gets ad-libbed about that, but for the most part I am pretty autobiographical. So hopefully people in Calgary are just as willing to laugh at jokes about my failures as the people in Des Moines or New York.
What’s a typical day like for you when you’re on the road?
An older comic told me early on that when you are on the road in order to be successful you have two jobs every day. Write, and exercise. I get to the writing way more than the exercising. If the two jobs were drinking and watching free hotel HBO I might be the best comedian in North America.
You’ve competed in CMTs Next Big Comic and won the Best of the Midwest Competition at Gilda’s Laugh Fest. In your opinion, do comedy competitions bring out the best or the worst in performers?
I don't think there is any comedian that loves competitions. Unless you talk to the winner of Last Comic Standing right after he cashes the check. Whenever comedians are around each other I think it creates an environment where everyone becomes funnier. In that way I think it does bring out the best in performers. However, I think that is a result of comedians performing together not being in competition with each other.
You have very intelligent, well-crafted jokes. What’s your process like for creating new material?
Thank you. I start with an idea, or a story of something that happened to me, then I edit it and add to it and re-edit it forever. Sometimes I will have a joke that I thought was done and hasn't changed for years, then I will think of a new tag and that joke is new again for me and fun to perform again.
Is there any comedic premise you consider to be taboo?
My initial reaction is to say no. As long as you make it funny, audiences will forgive you for bringing up anything. The exception that proves that rule is if you do a joke that is honestly coming from a hateful place. For example, you can get away with a 9/11 joke but you can't do a pro 9/11 joke no matter how funny it is. And no, I don't have notebooks full of pro 9/11 jokes.
Who is one comedian everyone should see?
Aside from the famous people that everyone knows, I love watching Larry Reeb (AKA Uncle Lar). He is a great comic. He has been doing it for close to 30 years, and still has new jokes whenever you see him.
See Andy live by calling the Calgary FunnyFest ticket hotline at 403-228-7888. Tickets are just $15 per show, taxes and surcharges included. For additional information please visit www.funnyfest.com.
Interview with Kelly Taylor
May 26, 2011
FunnyFest sat down with COCA Comedian of the Year Kelly Taylor to learn more about his unusual debut, his approach to stand-up and his flourishing film career.
What do you remember about your first time on stage?
I didn't know how to start in comedy because I’m from a small town with no comedy club, so I told my mom I wanted to be a comedian and she said the bank she worked at wanted a comedian for Christmas. It was $100 for one hour and I said “yeah let's do it,” not knowing you start out doing three minutes in a club and not a hour at a corporate function. It went well though, maybe the weirdest first show for a comic ever. I just didn't know any better.
How did performing long sets so early in your career effect your growth as a comedian?
I’ve always felt that the longer the set, the more material you have to work over. It’s really the best thing for you. It's like a guy who practices hockey for five minutes compared to a guy who practices for an hour. Who do you think will become better faster?
One of the things that sets FunnyFest apart from other comedy festivals is its founder and artistic director Stu Hughes. What was your first impression of Stu when you met him over five years ago?
My first impression was this guy isn't really in charge of everything; he’s just some guy who’s here to drink hard.
You’ve been named the favorite comedian at FunnyFest for the last four years. What’s it going to take to defend your title in 2011?
Just show up. I’m kidding. The key is to do lots of different stuff so no one gets bored of you. If it’s a nice clean show I’ll go clean, if it’s a small crowd I’ll riff and have fun and if it’s a late show I’ll do a dirty set. Overall, my plan is to go there and become better... and to drink.
You recently ventured into film with starring roles in Sure Shot Dombrowski and SureShot Dombrowski 2. What was your experience like making the movies?
It was good. I felt a lot more comfortable after each film. It’s just like stand-up: the more you do the better you become.
Can we expect to see you in more films and television shows in the near future?
I hope so.
You’ve made a career out of making other laugh. What makes you laugh?
I like being around comedians and my old school buddies ‘cause then the good times roll and you laugh lots. Everyone has a different sense of humour so it’s always nice to be around people that laugh at the same things you do.
See Kelly live by calling the Calgary FunnyFest ticket hotline at 403-228-7888. Tickets
are just $15 per show, taxes and surcharges included.
Tweet, Tweet, Moo
May 26, 2011
A little birdie told us that FunnyFest is on Twitter! The "best way to discover what’s new in your world" is now also the best way to keep track of Western Canada’s largest comedy festival. Make sure to visit @FunnyFest2011 for tons of real time updates, valuable special offers and hilarious insights into Calgary's premiere comedy event. See you there!
Interview - Noor Kidwai
May 25, 2011
FunnyFest sat down with local stand-up comedian Noor Kidwai to learn more about his Muslim roots, his comedic inspirations and his unabashed love for improv.
You’re a self-proclaimed “Muslim boy” raised in the small farming town of High River. How does your unique background shape your comedy?
When I was growing up as a skinny brown kid I was always an easy target, but that’s what developed my edge. I was always taught to fight back but I couldn't do it physically so I used comedy. I also got to see a lot of different cultures growing up. I saw the rural Alberta culture, I saw the hipster culture in university, and the Muslim culture thanks to my whole family. It all shapes my writing and my view of the world.
Does it help to be an outsider in the world of stand-up comedy?
Oh yeah, it can help being different for writing comedy. You can do jokes that are pretty obvious but the audience still loves. Although sometimes the audience expects it and I don’t want to be known as the Muslim comic or the funny brown kid, ‘cause I feel I’ve got a lot more to say.
Who is your comedic inspiration?
My comedic inspirations are Chris Rock and George Carlin. They both showed me that there is so much more to comedy than just being funny. You can open people’s minds, make them see things in a different light. I think Chris Rock influenced my performance as I am usually a louder comedian and try to always hit the punch line hard. I think George Carlin is starting to influence my writing now. I always wanted to write meaningful things to say on stage and I think I am now mature enough that I can finally write more than just cock jokes.
You’ve also performed improv with a hilarious group called the Improv Boys. How does that art form make you a better stand-up comedian?
I loved Improv, we did it for a number of years and it was so much fun. I can honestly say if I didn't do improv I would have never had the balls to step on a stage and do stand-up. Improv also helped my stage presence and taught me how to be "in the moment" on stage.
You currently live in Calgary, but went to college in Edmonton. In your opinion, why is there such a big rivalry between the two cities?
When
it comes to the rivalry between Edmonton and Calgary, I can
definitely
see a different attitude in the two cities. I think it has to do with
money. Calgary has too much money and it has changed the general
attitude of the city in my opinion. In Edmonton I think it is a lot
more beatnik and a little more laid back, but money can always change
that.
What
has been your most rewarding comedy experience to date?
I guess my most rewarding time in comedy was last year when I won the FunnyFest Talent Search. I beat out 40 other comics. It was in a time when I didn't know if I should keep doing comedy and winning in that point in my life was a really rewarding experience for me.
See Noor live by calling the Calgary FunnyFest ticket hotline at 403-228-7888. Tickets are just $15 per show, taxes and surcharges included.