P.B.

Everyone has said so many kind words about Pat, I fear I'll have nothing to contribute but the obvious; Pat was the one of the funniest, brightest, most auspicious people we've ever met.
Everytime I saw him, he'd say "Hey darlin'!" and give me a big hug.

Once my Mum and Dad were visiting from out-of-town and I decided to take them to a Lincoln Lodge show where Pat was headlining. Both my parents were thrilled with Pat's performance and I remember my dad saying something like: "He was so professional and you can really relate to what he talks about." I could have said, "Not only on stage, but in person, too," but I hadnt really known Pat yet. Luckily, I was able to find out what an amazing personality Pat was.
He was full of so much life, he had so much movement and was always smiling, unless he was onstage or telling a story and he'd make that face...

...you know the one, there would be that tiny pause, The Face and then an explosion; "I'm gonna say about a billion!!!!"

We were lucky to know him and hopefully we can all remain inspired by the way he lived.

We'll miss you Pat. Wherever you are, save us a seat at the bar.

MS, MIB & Burlesque.

Last night, I went to my new favorite venue, LST (Lakeshore Theater) to see Michael Ian Black and Michael Showalter perform.

I was a big fan of Stella when it was on Comedy Central but never got a chance to see The State. I also love Wet Hot American Summer and I'm looking forward to The Ten.
Maybe I was a little too amped to see the show. I remember K-rock and Angel told me they went to see them last year and were less than impressed.

I was delighted to see that the theatre had a new lighting/projection system. It was very effective.

Michael Showalter opened up to a very responsive crowd, yelling out to him about Stella and The State. Some of them made several references..
He has this sweet innocence about him that I cant get over. Maybe that's why I was so disappointed in his act. It was pretty vulgar. There was alot of mention of poo and vaginas and urine. It just seems like there could be more to him...Better substance.




I was, unfortunately, sat in front of The Dipshit Quadruplets. There was a constant barrage of heckling and inappropriate comments (to each other) during the show. The need to have their voices on the album that was being recorded was obvious. They had stood in line in front of me outside the venue and all they talked about was a "Rager" they were going to later and which one of them were going to screw which girl at the party.

There was a sort of intermission after Showalter left the stage and we were reminded a few times that the performance was being recorded for Comedy Central. Showalter came out to introduce Michael Black and had to repeat himself for a proper take.




There was a little bit of audience interaction, which was cool. It's kind of neat to think that we sort of got to "hear the album" before it's even released.


After the show, The Michaels stood in the lobby and signed paraphernalia. I re-met "Andrew," a kid I've seen at a few shows, mainly regional, bigger shows rather than local underground venues. He mentioned that he went up at Pressue (and loved it) the other night. We stood in line and shook the Michael's hands.

I met up with K-rock outside and we chatted for a bit. I was talking about the show and I (very loudly) shared my opinion. I said something like: "Yeah, I was sort of disappointed with Michael Showalter; he was vulgar and talked about poo-" as these words are coming out of my mouth, Michael Showalter walks past me, makes eye contact, nods and makes that smile-grimace-facial expression guys make sometimes when they nod (like they're smiling, but not really). I stopped in the middle of the sentence and my eyes got really big and I immediately regretted how I said what I said. I felt like a royal shit, if it werent for the fact that I saw his eyes and maybe a teeny bit of sadness, I might have not cared. Also, MIB skunk-eyed me from the back of their cab. Eeeeh. I guess everyone's a critic. Too bad I had to be one so loudly. All this made me realize I could never be a written reviewer. When it comes down to it, I cant hurt people's feelings, no matter how I feel about them.
I cant dish it because inevitably, I wouldnt be able to take it.

Anyhow.
We attended the 1030p burlesque show, "Lipshtick," (comedians and dancers, cute). It was fun! I havent exactly perfected my "Taking pictures of people moving very fast in extremely low light conditions," so I have no pictures of the dancers.
Actually, the pictures I was happiest with from last night were two I took of Jared with the awesome new lighting system:


Yay!
Welp, that's all for today, folks.

Kumail's Success.

Hey kiddos.
Had a busy, crazy weekend.
At The Vic (for Zach Galifianakis and Kumail opening), K-rock and I managed to get up to the balcony where all Kumail's other pals were hanging out.
Robert Buscemi sweet-talked the little old lady who was sitting watch at the balcony steps to get us up with no passes.

So, I would have pictures for you from the show Friday, but I was accosted by a large security guard who told me to delete all my pictures. Awful. Humiliating.
Anyway. Good news; Kumail killed em'.

Afterwards, we all went to L&L for a few drinks. I relaxed, chatted with the tv critic for TimeOut (Margaret) and eventually felt less bitter. We talked about shows and she suggested I watch Battlestar Galatica (as I like political dramas and BG is where it's at.)
I gave up one day of antibiotics for one night of four beers (shame on me). As easy as it is to talk to people when you have a bit of drinks, it's really not so hard when you're sober. Even though they call it "social juice," It's nice to have a clear head and remember the funny things people around you are saying. Not that I'm a lush...Heh. Yeah.

Saturday, Kumail completed his weekend of awesomeness w/his one man show at Lakshore Theatre.

Lakeshore has gone from becoming my favorite venue to being so. Totally. Chris Ritter is so passionate about the acts he brings in and the "art" of comedy. You can see why so many comedians prefer performing there. I guess it was the first time they ever did a one-man show. And all 250 seats sold out! The show was remarkable. It wasnt stand up so much as "spoken-word." Kumail cleverly incorporated some of his bits into the show, however, proving his writing talent.

I think a few of us definitely connected with what he had to say about faith, growing up, parents, relocation and even a bit of pop culture. It was touching, intelligent and it's safe to say we were all so very proud of him.


The afterparty started at Fizz but we all had to depart at midnight due to the city's outdoor beer-garden ordinance. I managed to hand out a few of my cards (for once) and felt very satisfied.

We headed back to Lakeshore because apparently they were to be open until five am. I got a little antsy in the lobby where everyone was hanging. so I decided to pop into the theatre to check out Col. Ritter's S.H.O.W., something I've heard alot about, but never witnessed. It was...different. Stand-up, magic, burlesque, dancing. I hear they sometimes add a bit of a freak show.

Marzipan the magician and volunteer.

So. That's my weekend for the most part. I'm laid up at home with an ear infection, which will hopefully get better by this weekend as I'd like to catch Michael Ian Black and Michael Showalter. *Crossed fingers.*
I dont know why but I got nervous about introducing myself to Ritter. I was sure I'd do it with no problem..."Hi, I'm Krystle, photographer for The Bastion, I totally love the job you do here and it's so much fun to take pictures in your theatre, here's my card..." It sounds easy in my head and I've done it a few times to other people, but for some reason I couldnt approach the guy. Maybe next time...Erg.