New York Comedy Festival

Speaking of chronological reporting, the A.V. Club of The Onion just posted an interview with Mike Birbiglia.  The article, which is really more of an A.V.- Birbiglia Joint, outlines his writing process for stand-up storytelling.  Birbiglia reiterates some of the caveats of other great storytellers, from Steve Martin (“And by the way, you know, when you're telling these little stories? Here's a good idea – have a POINT. It makes it SO much more interesting for the listener!”) and Nick Swardson (“You know when you’re telling a bad story and you’re like, ‘Yeah!  And then…!’ but in you’re head you’re going, ‘This story’s bad….’”) while giving some useful tips to aspiring comedians.   Since my commentary has thus far added nothing, I’ll just link you here.  

You know how the preparations for Christmas begin months ahead of the actual holiday?  How all the window displays, television specials, and inscrutably widespread sale of eggnog are indicators of the season to come?  With regard to the New York Comedy Festival, this blog serves the same function; to remind, to inform, and to tantalize.  This year’s festival  includes performances by Ricky Gervais, Mike Birbiglia, Dane Cook, Andy Samberg, and more comedic talents than you can shake a stick at.  (Not to impugn your stick-shaking stamina, of course.)  Some of the city’s greatest venues, from Carnegie Hall to Madison Square Garden, have been recruited to host the shows, and tickets will grant you access to it all.

The sixth-annual NYCF will run from November 4th through November 8th, 2009, but just as Christmas’ publicity rep would tell you, it’s best to get an early start.  The anticipation begins this Monday, August 17th, when tickets go on sale to the general public.  For more information on what’s happening with the festival, check back here for updates.