Feminism and Comedy: Do they mix?

I am starting to wonder if comedy has changed who I am as a person.  I am around it at least once weekly, am friendly with some of the talent (many of them), and...well okay I live and breathe comedy.  I am also a feminist:  loud, proud, and continue to work towards equality for all marginalized people in society. The two have not always mixed so well!

Last night at an open mic in comedy, a local comic, Skip Phillips told a joke that basically ended with "i was looking for used cars, and all I ended up with was used whores".  Skip and I are buds, but let me tell you a year ago my response would have been "what an ass.  I can't stand it when men casually refer to women forced to the streets to sell their bodies because of their tragic life circumstances and objectify them and their life circumstances for the point of a joke".  Last night my response was "hmm, I've got a good tag for that joke.".

I literally went from horrified to helpful in one year.  Am I less of a feminist now that I am ingrained in comedy?  One year ago I would not even swear on stage, and now part of my act is hitting on a young man telling him I am not sure if I want to adopt him or F!@K him.  Who the hell am I?

First, yes there is a certain desensitizing that occurs when around something all the time.  Young men and women are less sensitized to violence due to violent content on video games and movies.  Am I now less sensitized to misogyny?  Do I now find the objectification of women in comedy form acceptable?  Have I changed????

The answer to his is no.  I am not less sensitized to any of the above.  If anything, I am more sensitized to bad jokes!  (not saying Skip's joke was bad, better make that clear here)  I have discussed topics such as bigotry and dark and dirty comedy in past blogs, but today this is a very specific issue.  I still deplore jokes that objectify women without a point.  Stop.  Read that again.  Without a point.  Like comedy featuring some degree of cultural insensitivity I will always support comedy that may be using objectifying women as a point to discuss how bad objectifying women is.  If Skip had gone that extra mile and added something to the end of his joke to make a point about what exactly is a "new" whore?  He could have done as Josh Williams has done to discuss racism and made a social commentary while entertaining.  

Maybe I am asking too much from comedy.  Maybe I am asking comedy to do more than entertain.  I know my comedy does not have much social relevance, but then again, I am not taking many chances in comedy; I talk about myself, my life, my upbringing etc.  I am not making generalized statements about women and using derogatory words.

Skip is not alone, and did nothing wrong.  (remember folks, we are buds and discussed this at length)  Men dominate the comedy scene, and half of them think nothing of calling women whores, cunts, sluts, slags etc.  All I can say is if you are going to do it, do it right.  If your intention is to be a jerk and alienate your audience, then go ahead and do it.  I will not support you and will be up in arms, but I think there is a place for genderized comedy, as long as that comedy has a point.  Without a point it is nothing more than speech of a hatred nature.  The line between pornography and art is very thin, and the same can be said for comedy. 

I still work as a feminist in my job, as a mother, partner to my husband, business owner and member of society.  I have changed since I started in comedy for sure.  I am more neurotic with less self-confidence, but I am also aware that most of the men out there doing comedy objectifying women and marginalized societies are doing so because they think the masses will like it.  What does that then say about the masses?  

Let's use comedy to provide some degree of social change.  Let's use comedy to bring attention to the fact that women and children are forced all over the world into trafficking their bodies.  Let's use comedy to discuss the high rape (sexual assault) rates that are STILL prevalent in today's society.  Let's use comedy to entertain first and foremost, but if you stray into the darker material, do it right or don't do it at all.  I look forward to seeing Skip's joke again, to see if he can take his premise, and turn a one line groaner into something more, something that will make the audience think and challenge their perceptions. 

I started this blog asking if I had changed?  The answer is yes, just a little bit.  I have grown to understand and comprehend that the comics are working out their material, and as a reviewer/lover of comedy, I hope they work it out to make the world a little better.  

I have to jump on another soapbox, so for now get your ass to a comedy club and support local comedy.  That's an order from this feminist bitch!

j hayward

JH5

Jenn's Thoughts: The Audience

Tonight I came from watching a great show at Yuk Yuk's Ottawa.  I ran home because I had to write this blog about one of the forgotten parts of comedy:  the audience members.  


Who watches comedy?


Overall live stand up comedy is not as popular as it once was.  This can be attributed to globalization, Youtube, shorter attention spans, and economic recessions.  If one is to pay their $10-$20 tickets, the expectations are quite high.  Tonight at the lovely Prescott location I did something I have never done:  I ignored the comics.  The comics were on stage performing their bits, making with the funny, and all eyes were on them...except mine; mine are firmly planted on the audience.


Tonight is a full house, and the audience is:

• varying ages, mostly 30's and up;
• couples or women, no "male friend dates";
• all white.  ALL white.
• having the time of their lives!

The audience members attention is fully on the comic, not on their blackberry's or other devices.  During the headliner act, Ian Sirota, they are all laughing very loudly.  Not just laughing mildly but full body, shaking all over, guffawing while stating "it's so true".  The audience is enamored to say the least.  Each person has a smile on their face.  Let me say that again:  EACH PERSON HAS A SMILE ON THEIR FACE.  Think about that, think about where else you could see everyone smiling.  Here is my list:

1. Family Pictures:  Um, sure they are all smiling for the camera, but no family is so great that  the smiles never leave, unless they are all taking effexor mixed with seroquil with Abilify for dessert.  Point is:  there is always someone grumpy off camera!
2. Something to do with children:  those who have children can attest that the smile children can make you smile with their innocence and charm; however, four minutes later they have you muttering "eff my life" under your breath.
3. Sex:  No one is smiling at the same time; one is working while the other one is smiling, then vice versa.  Simultaneous orgasms are a myth people.  (this comes from years of experience and observations)

So it is up to the comedians to bring their game each and every time they are on stage.  Each and every time.  If their is an audience of 2000, or an audience of 20, they should bring everything they have and always give a great performance, or at least try to.

I have seen venues, usually fringe or alternative, where the audience is sparse.  Comedians usually blame the promoter, and this is where you can tell the difference between someone who is there for themselves and those there to perform.  If the comics complain and really just fool around on stage, it is more for them, but if they still perform their jokes and work to get laughter out of the smaller group of people, then they are becoming performers.

I recently produced a show with Heidi Foss, Jen Grant, and Judy Croon. Due to miscommunications with the conference we were working with, 28 out of the  300 people showed up.  What a change in expectations of the comedians, not to mention myself!  All three women demonstrated exceptional professionalism and put on an amazing show.  All 28 women there had the time of their lives.  This audience was what mattered to the comedians, the 28 people in front of them, not the 272 who didn't show up! 


So if you are a comedian, acknowledge to yourself that without the audience, you are just a guy or gal saying some words on stage.  Treat them with respect:  they paid to come and watch YOU.  You are the person who is going to light up their face all night, and you are the one who has the ability to make a difference in their lives.  


If you are an audience member, thank you for coming.  Also, demonstrate the same respect:  put your cell phones away and don't talk while the comedians are on stage.  But thank you again for coming, thank you for supporting an art form that some say is dying.  It's not, by the way, not even close.  As long as women like Foss and Grant exist, and genius' like Mark Forward perform it never will be.


The audience, the forgotten heroes of comedy.   We appreciate you, your money, your smile and your support.  Thank you.


J Hayward
JH5
www.jh-5.com

Guest Blogger TuJoHaHa: The Montreal Comedy Scene

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"Hey Ottawa! What a great week I had. I've seen more shows in the past seven days than I have all month of June. Work is a bitch but we need to eat. And I loooove to eat! I might not look like it but food is my muse! Especially in the summer with BBQ ribs, burgers, sausages... 

                     *Homer drooling sounds*     

Jessica Salomon

 So, like I mentioned last week, I went out to The Comedy Bistro on Wednesday July 6th, which will be a monthly show put on by Jessica Salomon. It was a delight because I had some your locals on stage. Matthew Carter and Jimmy Cassidy. To balance the boat, Jess had two french comics doing their English sets. Benjamin Marquis and Bruce Fauveau. Bianca Yates had a killer set, perfecting her craft every time. With our super treat, DeAnne Smith, warming up for her Zoofest  and Just For Laughs show. She played her ukulele and had "6 minutes on the clock", some ad lib she does with the crowd. She is way hotter tha Bieber will ever be and I'm convinced that he stole his whole look from her. She comes to Ottawa often so catch her when you can!                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

                                                                               Le Bistro du Parc des Princes is a sweet intimate venue.  Good seating all around, amazing wait staff and from what I could see and how people were ordering, the food is awesome.Famous for there sangria, why? Because it is the bomb! With lots of fruit and perfect balance of wine and juice, just the drink to satisfy a warm evening summer thirst. I can't wait to go back. The plateau is summed up well in this place.     

  

Doug Stanhope came to town on Thursday, July 7th and it was a blast! Katacombes was jammed packed and sold out, the booze was flowing and everyone was eager to see and cheer on the man! What an amazing show. Rob Mailloux opened up with a bang. Dan Derkson is becoming the greatest host ever and always perfecting his art.So lively, stage and crowd controlling not to mention completely hysterical and the room loved him  My hubby-to-be was with me and like he says: "If you can make me laugh every time with the same bit, you're doing something right!" Franck Chevrier was the cream in the show and the one who put it all together along side his pod-casters Tony Lalonde and Kara Mabee. Doug Stanhope did a solid hour and then some, completely destroying. He was hysterical, clever, tear jerking and a complete joy to watch. I think they really appreciated us as a crowd. We loved all sets and weren't like he said: " Fuck you, we want to see Stanhope." And it's true. The audience was there for the whole experience and everyone left more than satisfied. Next week, I'll put up the link to their podcast, This Won't Blow, with the Man himself. For now you can check out the last one they did with the Devil Dan Derkson himself, right here.  It was an amazing show and another reminder of why I love what I do!      

                                     

Until next week Ottawa, keep on laughing                     

 Jo

Round 1: Beginnings

Today began the Steam Whistle Presents "Yuk Yuk's Pro Am Comedy Competition" sponsored by Live 88.5 and Steam Whistle.  There will be six rounds, each with professionals and amateurs competing in their respective categories.  How did it go?  Let's find out..............................


The first night had five amateurs and three professionals competing.  The amateurs sat in the green room going over notes, pacing, and looking generally nervous.  Of course they would be, as the top two advance to the semi-finals with a chance to win a coveted weekend spot at Yuk Yuk's Ottawa.   This is what all amateur comedians dream of as their next step to super stardom, or whatever their goals are.  The professionals look calm, cool, and collected!


Three judges are in the house tonight, all representing various marketing and media sources.  They are left with their judging criteria sheets, and the show begins with...............


"A Good Start" Trevor Thompson takes the stage as respected host and MC.  If you don't get the "A Good Start" quote, all I can say is 'should have been there!"  Thompson never fails and tonight is no exception.  He attempts to engage some women in the audience who will not participate and giggle a lot, and then turns to some of his "A" material, to the crowds delight.   He explains the rules and is ready to get the show going by introducing the first amateur of the night...........


Mark Adamson takes the stage.  It is never easy to bite the bullet and be the first person, but he does and comes out with enthusiasm.  He has a bit of a slow start, but wins the audience over with tales of fatherhood and what he will do to future men courting his daughter!  When done, Thompson comes out and brings out................


Mark Nesseth, who has a spot on Christopher Walken impression.  Nesseth goes on to do material that is a general hit with the crowd.   He has a very polished voice, and looks like he is comfortable on stage.  He leaves the audience satisfied and next up is..............


Derek McFarland who brings his funny, with a polished and unique voice. Highlight joke is discussing ear worming Walmart with Mario Brother tunes!  Out next is...........


Francois Tousignant, who brings a heavy French accent and explains he has only been performing in English for a little while.  His English is very broken but  his jokes are not.  He charms the audience with many jokes including the difference between France and Quebec accents, as well as hilarious bit I won't mention as it will spoil the joke, but violence has never been so charming!  Thompson then brings out............


Paddy Mack who  takes on religion with crass and charm, then turning the set on to tried and true material about eleven years of marriage.  This material plays well to all, but his comment "and I mean real marriage not this common law bull S#@t" is a big hit with the couples in the room.


The amateur portion is over and while judges tabulate filler Aaron Power takes the stage and, well he will be recapped when he is on during the competition.  I must say at this point that when the competition is laid out like this, with amateurs then professionals, a shift occurs.  Everyone is enjoying the show with the amateurs.  Some hits, some misses, some really heavy laughter, and everyone is having fun.  Then out comes the professionals, and the difference is palpable.  This does not take away from amateurs, nay in fact, this professional status is what they are all working so hard for!  The shift does occur, and it is like the audience has a really tasty burger and fries for dinner, and SUPRISE; out pops creme brulee for dessert!


The first dessert is Graham Kay, who starts off talking about his hair, and delivers a killer set.  Everyone enjoys it.  Then comes Wafik Nasralla who also delivers zing after zing from topics such as pot to necrophilia   Thirdly comes Greg Schroeder who brings his experience as a father and teacher to the stage in a fabulous performance.  The judges has their work cut out for them!


Let's cut to one caveat here:  No one likes comedy competitions, except those who end up winning.  Like any art form, it is subjective and although their are specific winners, there are no losers.  Let me say that again:  THERE ARE NO LOSERS.  Anyone brave enough to get on stage and have the guts to perform is a winner for trying and giving it their all.  This is what was clear tonight; that each person gave their 110% and to push performers to up their ante and their game is exactly why competitions are good.  Getting people to compete, even with themselves will push them to do the best they can.  If they do the best they can then they are not losers, and no one should walk away feeling bad after a competition.  Bravo to you all!  All that said, the winners are.............


Amateur:  Francois Tousignant and Paddy Mack
Professional:  Graham Kay


These folks will all move on to the next stage in the competition.  What I love about comedy is no matter how you place, you are still out having a drink or singing a karaoke tune together when done.  Comedy is a world made up of people with like minded interests getting together for the love of a craft.  Win or lose, the night was great and the real winners, as always, are the audience members who received an excellent show.


Thank you to Yuk Yuk's as always for hosting and producing great comedy.  I can't wait until next week!  If you go to our facebook page Yuk's passes for future shows!


Pass this review/recap on, and get reservations for next week show, which is already half sold out!  Do not miss out, so call 236-LAFF (5233) to reserve your spot today!


Until next week,


Jenn H.
JH2 of JH5

Jenn's Thoughts: Ottawa's Summer of Comedy

Deep summer is when laziness finds respectability.
-- Sam Keen

This summer I plan to lay outside, get some sun, and talk about everything from politics to love over late night fires.  I plan to have fun with my children, and I have plan to have fun without my children!  I am looking forward to summertime!  Mostly I look forward to the comedy!  Whaa???

People may not equate summertime, with all it's goodness in weather and nature with stand up comedy.  This is a huge mistake folks; summertime is sizzling for cool comedy!  (pardon the  excessive use of alliteration, it's like an addiction with me)  JH5 will list it's top ten must see comedy this summer in Ottawa.  Yep, another top ten list, you knew you wanted it!

10.  Matt Carter:  If you can catch him on a stage this summer, I highly recommend it.  This kid is the Ottawa representative for the Just for Laughs Homegrown Comedy Competition in Montreal AND a nominee for newcomer for the Canadian Comedy Awards.  To state he is going places is an understatement, and 2011 is the summer to see him!

9.  PRIDE:  Yuk Yuk's Ottawa gets their queer on like  nobody else in comedy!  This year they host Martha Chaves, Jessica Salomon, Richard Ryder and Thea Vidale!   These shows occur during PRIDE week, and Ottawa continues to do the community proud by showcasing these sold out shows!

8.  Doug Stanhope:  Stanhope is bringing his anger meets art comedy to...Mavericks?  (Note to Mr. Stanhope...anything wrong with a good ole fashioned comedy club?)  Anyway, there is competition to Mr. Stanhope's show, but get to Mavericks if you can...otherwise head to Yuk Yuk's for......

7.  Mike MacDonald:  Making his triumphant return to Ottawa with FOUR amazing shows with Yuk Yuk's Ottawa!  June 30th and July 2nd at Elgin and July 8 and 9 at the Prescott.  Four great shows! July 2nd you can also go to........

6.  The feminist funnies:  This show is being held in sisterhood with the Women's World Conference 2011 on July 2nd.  This conference hosts 2000 women from all over the world, and JH5 is hosting a comedy show for them, and for the general public.  Time to show the world why Canada rocks in comedy, so we are bringing them Jen Grant, Heidi Foss and others!  General public welcome; however, tickets are scarce so call today 600-7462!

5.  Tom Green:  The man just loves performing in Ottawa!  He is back again for two shows on Tuesday June 29th.  Call 236-5233 for tickets today!

4.  JH5 is excited about John Hastings DVD taping event:  July 15th at the Prescott Mr. Hastings is coming out from the shade to tape a DVD and CD at this show.  JH5 will be on hand to provide prized once the taping is complete, and all will be part of art being recorded, so get on out to watch this show!

3.  A general night of great comedy:  Seriously, Yuk Yuk's Ottawa brought Rob Pue, Derek Seguin and Alex Wood on the same show.  July 28-30, it will be an amazing show, go watch it, enough said.

2.  EVERY WEDNESDAY:  Yuk Yuk's is bringing you a comedy competition for both professional and amateur comics.  Celebrity judges, prizes, and non-stop fun.  Air conditioning + great comedy + $6.00 = EVERY WEDNESDAY IN JULY AND AUGUST.  Elgin location.

1.  Get ready for all:  This summer JH5 is also launching ticket sales for two of it's shows:  CHICKLES on November 17th, and an as of yet unnamed show featuring Boris and Michaels on October 27th.  Save that dough, support our charities, and head to our shows!  Summer is time to think about fall!  

So there you have it, things to do, people to watch, and tickets to purchase.  Join JH5 while we cover these and more events this summer, and cool off with comedy!  (most overused comedy alliteration to date)

JH5

Jenn's Thoughts: Moving through the OOPS

As someone who has planned events and shows my entire life, and who has now turned this love of planning into a business in Ottawa, I have made and seen some pretty big OOPS.  OOPS can happen at anytime during the planning process, anytime during the show and anytime afterwards.  OOPS do occur in other segments of society, but those are called mistakes.  When mistakes happen in production/shows etc. it is called an OOPS, meaning it is really just a mistake but we are all way too into ourselves and must  make everything a big deal; what is show business with out the drama!


There are even fake OOPS:  Who remembers nipplerama when some young boy band singer ripped the clothes off a large breasted singer? (I will not say their names as I feel that would pay some degree of acceptance to the ridiculousness in what they did).  Out came a nipple and the word "Wardrobe Malfunction" became a household term.  These are not OOPS, these are publicity stunts, to which people are paid to come up with!  OOPS happen on their own, are not intended to occur, and can ruin a show or somehow improve it; it depends on the OOPS and how smoothly things are moving to start with.


Let me tell you about a big OOPS I once did.  Now this was for a government conference but it relates enough to show business.  I was young and it was my first big government job and first big event to plan in  the government.  I am so excited to manage this process, and show these government types how easy it is to plan events!  I had to get a logo  made, and did what I always used to do in the private sector:  I emailed a few friends for some ideas, flushed out the general concept and then would hire someone.  Wow, if anyone knows anything about government planning (which I now do, which also makes me a little sad), they know that this is NOT how you go about business in government.   I emailed three people.  THREE people for ideas for an Aboriginal artist to get an idea on price range.  Of those THREE emails, a mere 2500 people were then forwarded my informal message about "government looking to contract Aboriginal artist".  OOPS.  The fallout of this OOPS was 350 submissions within two days of something we had not actually asked for.  The moc-tel moved faster than gossip that mom's in rehab!  Now that's fast!  The fallout from this experience was that an OOPS happened, and I learned from it.  I also learned that the government has really stupid processes, but now, ten years later, I can say I understand the point behind them!  I really am old!


Last night I had a small OOPS.  It was very small, and still makes me laugh the day after.  I was producing Don Kelly and Friends, which by the way was an excellent show!  I said afterwards that I could carpet the world with my faults, but producing shows is something I can say I do quite well.  When people tell me on their way out that "they have never laughed so hard in their lives", or that "I was having a really hard day and I am glad I came, it really helped" I am reminded why I love producing these shows:  I like to bring joy to others.  I can't do it myself so I hire comedians to do it!  ;0)


Carrying on with my OOPS, we had a nice 50/50 draw.  I came on stage with THE Don Kelly and we pulled the winner, very dramatic, very exciting, we announce the winning numbers.  No hoots or hollers we look at the audience who turn back and say "we can't read our tickets".  It was DARK in the theatre.  I wittily said "um, we'll do this again later!"  (and we did).


I make much less OOPS now, as indicated by the show last night.   The point with OOPS is to make sure that each OOPS becomes a learning opportunity.  If the OOPS can be avoided, let's start with that, but if not then use the OOPS to grow as a person/professional.  The worst thing in the world is a multiple OOPSer.  (not to be confused with multiple orgasms; those are not so bad)  Someone who does not learn from their mistakes is bound to continue repeating them.  We as human beings have to evolve and grow ourselves, but also let go of our ego at times and grin and bear it. (cliche central tonight)


 Many people would quit over some of the OOPS I have personally committed.  I could spend weeks talking about them all, but let's focus on now:  I have learned from each life experience I have had, and continually try to get better at all I do.  There were days when I thought "just screw this, why try", but I do.  I get up each day and try a little harder next time.  Some old dude (I think it was Einstein but too tired from after party last night to bother looking) said "Success is just a series of going from failure to failure with enthusiasm!"  I love that and try to teach my kids the same!


I was going to write more about the show itself, but what was in my head was how we have grown, and how I as a feminist and promoter have to take a few minutes to event pat myself on the back:  Your event did not suck, congratulations!  (if you are heeding any of my advice today, this is important, keep your ego in check please)


Blogging after four hours of sleep the day after an event I have been planning for four months now seems a little OOPSy


Until next thoughts...


jenn h.
jh5

WHO TO WATCH: Don Kelly AND Wendi Reed

Don Kelly

Don Kelly

In 1994 Rodney King was awarded close to $4M in compensation for being beaten by the police, Days of Our Lives wins the Best Show for Soap Opera Digest Awards, and Don Kelly attempts comedy for the first time.  It truly was a year for underdogs.

Those who are fans of Don Kelly  know that he is an undisputed talent.  When his name is mentioned at Aboriginal gatherings men admire, women swoon, and kids go crazy!  He is a household name, a star, and most will assume this was always the case.  Not in 1994 it wasn’t! 

When Kelly first hit the stage, he did it in a city (Ottawa) where he didn’t know anyone; if it went good then great and if he crashed and burned then no one would know.  As it turns out he crashed and burned for a good few months.  Unlike many newer comedians, Kelly had no stage acting experience, so he was leanring both the finess of writing jokes, but also learning to have a strong stage presence.  Confidence is half the battle, quotes Kelly.  He says that when on stage, you are the bus driver, and people are looking to you like you should know what you are doing!

Don Kelly and unknown Bitch

Kelly was a fan from age 7 or 8 when he first heard a Bill Cosby record.  He recalls everyone from all generations laughing together.  He wanted to have this kind of talent, to entertain people, and be appeasable to all generations.  A deep thought for a young child, but this is what he achieved.  Alas, it wasn’t until he was in his 30’s did he first attempt comedy!  He clearly has fulfilled his goal, as he starts on his own television series, "Fish Out of Water" and is in continual demand as a stand up comic!  All of this, yet he will never leave his other love, working for his people through his work at the Assembly of First Nations.  Kelly has it all, and to quote a ridiculously horrible song from the eighties, his future's so bright, he has to wear shades.  (yes, boo, I know)

Wendi Reed

Wendi Reed

Wendi Reed also began her comedy career in 1994ish when she was a very young woman.  Reed began her comedy career while dating a comedian. (not Kelly)  

She worked at her comedy, but had also been pursuing her career as the A Channel Morning Show Producer at the time, so comedy became second fiddle.  She recalls having to make choices, and said that comedy has always come naturally to her, but she never really put in the time to make it work.  Balancing lives is something women do every day, and Reed is no exception.

When Reed does hit the stage, it is a natural feeling to have here there.  She riffs on depression, excessive drinking, dating an Aboriginal man, and does all of it in the sweetest voice and demeanor possible.  Although Reed has been in and out of comedy these past 17 years, when she has been in, she has been IN!  Reed has starred in Centrepointe Theatre Gala's, gigs in Ireland, and has shared the stage with greats such as Mike Wilmot and Emo Phillips.

The Couple

Spoiler Alert:  They get married

Reed and Kelly knew each other for five years before they truly noticed each other.  Actually back up, they knew each other for five years before Reed truly noticed Kelly.  Kelly had a crush on her from almost the beginning!  He saw her on stage once and jokingly told a friend “I am going to marry her, or someone just like her!”  As it turns out, he got the real deal, and he thanks his stars each day that a girl as wonderful as Wendi looked his way.

Yes, they are this sweet all the time!

Their wedding was the social ball of the comedy world.  Mixing traditional Aboriginal culture in their ceremony to having a comedy show at their wedding, this was a day not to be missed!  They had good friends Wafik Nasralla, Rick Currie, and Jeff Tanguay perform for them.  They have lived happily ever after since that day five years ago!

The Couple and Comedy

Both Kelly and Reed had their first paid gigs at Yuk Yuk’s Ottawa, the leader in quality comedy entertainment for over 25 years!  Back in the day, the first paid gig was to headline a Wednesday evening.  They both eventually moved to weekends and then Kelly moved onward and upward while Reed moved in all directions, being successful in all her creative and professional endeavours. 

When asked what their favourite venue to perform at, Kelly says the Pantages Playhouse in Winnipeg, while Reed is torn between Centrepointe Theatre and Murphy's Laughter Lounge in Ireland.  Kelly also mentions his fondness for an outdoor show done each year with many comics.  He says  his good friend Rick Currie was once on stage howling as part of his act.  Kelly recalls all the dogs outside howling alongside Currie, making fun for all!

Kelly’s comedy “heroes” are Mort Sahl, Bill Cosby, Woody Allen, Brian Regan, and Mitch Hedberg.  Reed also enjoys Hedburg, Derek Edwards, Greg Giraldo, Rick Currie and Irwin Barker.  When asked who they most enjoy spending time on stage with, one of them immediately named the other one and the other one named Emo Phillips, which made for an awkward moment!  They both though agreed on Phillips, Wilmot, Edwards, Jen Grant, Allyson Smith and more.  Too many to count!

When asked if Kelly and Reed write jokes together, the both say  no very quickly.  Don Kelly feels his partner and wife Wendi Reed has such a unique voice that it is almost impossible for someone else to write for her.  Reed is very busy and although ideas may bounce around, they do keep it separate.  

As time has gone on, they have often shared the stage together.  It makes sense for bookers, two talented people, one hotel room!  A dream for cheap comedy bookers!  Joking aside, their comedy plays well together.  That is why JH5 is excited to present them at Don Kelly & Friends on June 11, 2011.  When asked who Kelly would like on stage with him, the first person he said was "Wendi Reed".  He clarified it is not just because she is his best friend, and partner for life, it is because she is funny.  Comedians would share a stage with their arch enemy if it made for a better show, so it is a double bonus that Wendi Reed is funny AND a "friend" of Kelly's.  He also chose a few other's, who will be profiled very soon!

If JH5 ran the world, there would be a television show with Wendi Reed and Don Kelly hosting each week.  It would be a variety show, very Sonny and Cher like, without all the drugs of course.  They apart have amazing talents and personalities, but together, they are unstoppable!  They have always been WHO TO WATCH, and JH5 is proud to profile them, and to present them this weekend at the Bronson Centre.  For tickets please call 600-7462.

Tomorrow Dave Atkinson and hopefully Wafik Nasralla will be profiled on JH5.  We would love it if you dropped a note to let us know what you thought of our article, and any other topics you would like JH5 to cover.

All our relations,

josh and jenn hayward

JH5

Steam Whistle Presents the "Yuk Yuk's Pro-Am Comedy Competition"

As mentioned in an earlier blog, Yuk Yuk's Ottawa will be the place to be this summer to watch comedians perform at their best is a summer comedy competition sponsored by Steam Whistle, Live 88.5, and JH5 Promotions. (us)

Media Sponsor of Competition

Full information on entering the competition is below, as well as appropriate contact information.  All comedians welcome to apply, and JH5 encourages ANYONE to come give it a try!  If you think you are funny, sign up and cross it off your bucket list!

_________________________________________

Steam Whistle Presents the "Yuk Yuk's Summer Pro-Am Comedy Competition"

Each Wednesday in July and August at Yuk Yuk's Elgin Street location, the best of Ottawa's local comedy scene will compete for bragging rights and great prizes. There will be both a professional and an amateur winner.

Judging will be by an esteemed "Whistle" panel of judges from our sponsors and community media partners.  

Preliminary rounds begin July 6th.  There will be 6 preliminary rounds each consisting of amateur spots and pro spots per evening. There will be a nightly amateur winner and a nightly pro winner.  Semi final rounds will be held on Wednesday August 17th and Wednesday August 24th.  Semi final winners will compete head to head for the finals on August 24th.  

Starting June 8th, comics can apply online at contest@jh-5.com or by following the contest link from http://www.jh-5.proboards.com/. All interested parties will then have until June 21 to email their intent to enter the competition.  Please clearly indicate your interest to participate in the contest and whether you are amateur or professional.  Professionals are defined as anyone who has ever been paid to do comedy on a Yuk Yuk’s stage.  Include your name, phone number, website and twitter handle if you have one.

All registrations received by June 21 will be entered into a lottery draw:  one for professionals and one for amateurs.  The draw will take place LIVE at Yuk Yuk’s, 292 Elgin Street on Wednesday June 22nd at 8:00PM!   Lineups will be posted to the proboards on June 23rd.  

All comics, amateur and professional are eligible to enter. No experience required.  

Tickets are the usual price of $6 per person.  

Tickets will be $12 each for the finals.

Contestants are required to arrive one half hour before show time to draw the running order out of a hat.  Anyone not there for the draw automatically gets the first spot(s) and they start drawing with the next spot after the late comers positions.  i.e. if 2 people are late for the draw then the comics present start drawing from position three onward.  
In the case of a tie both contestants move on to the next round.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact:

Jennifer or Joshua Hayward
jenn@jh-5.com
(613) 600-7462

CONTEST OFFICIAL RULES AND REGULATIONS

1. TO ENTER Steam Whistle Presents the "Yuk Yuk's Summer Pro-Am Comedy Competition" (the "Contest") simply email your interest to contest@jh-5.com, or follow the contest link from http://www.jh-5.proboards.com/. All entries must include your name, ten digit day and evening telephone numbers and a verifiable e-mail address, and professional or amateur status. Please include your twitter handle if you have one.  Contest starts at 12:00:01 pm Eastern Time ("ET") on June 8th_ entries must be received by 12:00:00 a.m. Eaten Time ("PT") on June 21, 2011 (the "Contest Period"). There is (1) grand prize.

2. Performances must be conducted in the English language and consist of stand-up comedy. Prize sponsors, promotional and advertising agencies and administrators, are ineligible to enter. All Judges will be independent.

3. All comics, amateur and professional are eligible to enter. No experience required.  Professionals are defined as anyone who has ever been paid to do comedy on a Yuk Yuk’s stage.  

4. All registrations received by June 21 will be entered into a lottery draw:  one for professionals and one for amateurs.  The draw will take place LIVE at Yuk Yuk’s, 292 Elgin Street on Wednesday June 22nd at 8:00PM!   Lineups will be posted to http://www.jh-5.proboards.com on June 23rd.  

5. Contestants are required to arrive one half hour before show time to draw the night’s running order out of a hat.  Anyone not there for the draw automatically gets the first spot(s) and drawing will start with the second spot. If 2 people are late for the draw then the comics present start drawing from position three onward.   
6. By entering this Contest the entrants and participants automatically agree to accept and abide by these Rules. All decisions of the Contest Producer(s) with respect to any aspect of this Contest, including without limitation the eligibility of entries, are final and binding on all entrants in all matters as they relate to this Contest.

7. Contest is subject to all applicable Canadian federal, provincial and municipal laws and regulations. By entering this Contest, each entrant consents to the collection, use and distribution of his/her personal information (information that identifies as an individual, such as home telephone number, age and home address) by the Producer(s) for the purposes of implementing, broadcasting, administering and fulfilling this contest. Any inquiry concerning the personal information held by the Producer(s) should be addressed to Yuk Yuk's Ottawa, PO Box 20464, 390 Rideau Street, Ottawa, ON K1A 1P3.