Category: Comedy

SF Sketchfest Review: Tribute to Molly Shannon, in conversation with Bruce McCulloch + 20th Anniversary Screening of “Superstar,” Alamo Drafthouse at The New Mission, 1/13/2020

All photos by Dan Dion

When presented with the opportunity to write about SF Sketchfests’ Superstar screening, I thought about watching the movie once before to refresh myself. I ultimately didn’t and went in remembering how much joy the film brought me and that I still do the “armpit move” today. This also happened to be my first time at the Alamo Drafthouse in San Francisco and can honestly say I’m a fan. Not only are you able to watch some of your favorite films, but you can do so with the option of ordering from a pretty nice food and drink menu. I really appreciated the wide range of food and drinks and being greeted by a waiter ready to take your order. I especially appreciated that they took the time to explain the process for a first timer like myself. They offered everything from traditional movie theater snacks to avocado toast and mixed drinks, all without leaving your seat. Continue reading “SF Sketchfest Review: Tribute to Molly Shannon, in conversation with Bruce McCulloch + 20th Anniversary Screening of “Superstar,” Alamo Drafthouse at The New Mission, 1/13/2020″

SF Sketchfest Review: Donde Esta Mi Comedy? at Cafe du Nord, 1/17/2020

I know that one of the big draws for SF Sketchfest is having big names perform throughout the festival, but I’m always pumped to see local acts getting to cut their teeth across town. That’s what really makes SF Sketchfest for me: ensuring that genuine San Francisco and Bay Area voices are heard. This year, I got my fix at Donde Esta Mi Comedy?, a stand-up show featuring Latino comedians from all over the state. Truthfully, I’ve been meaning to catch this show for a while; this is the second year Donde Esta Mi Comedy? has been part of SF Sketchfest. They also play shows around the Bay throughout the year.

Continue reading “SF Sketchfest Review: Donde Esta Mi Comedy? at Cafe du Nord, 1/17/2020”

SF Sketchfest Review: Jamie Loftus: Boss Whom Is Girl, Pianofight, 1/22/2020

SF Sketchfest is full of wonderful things that you might miss under the glow of the celebrity heavy headliner shows. Jamie Loftus’ Boss Whom Is Girl is one of those shows that I almost missed. On a whim, I watched a trailer for the show. Then I went down a YouTube rabbit hole, watching stand up clips of Loftus for the next hour. So, I think this means I wanted to go to this show. Continue reading “SF Sketchfest Review: Jamie Loftus: Boss Whom Is Girl, Pianofight, 1/22/2020”

SF Sketchfest Interview: Jodie Sweetin & Celia Behar of Never Thought I’d Say This

Everyone in the universe knows who Jodie Sweetin is. She was Stephanie Tanner on Full House, one of those cultural touchstones that somehow hit everyone of a certain age in the universe. In her twenties she moved on to host Much Music’s Dance Off, Pants Off. Now she does a slew of creative things, including creating a podcast about parenting called Never Thought I’d Say This with her best friend Celia Behar. As a new parent myself, I take great joy in listening to this podcast.

We had the opportunity to talk with Sweetin and Behar ahead of their appearance at Cobb’s this Thursday as part of SF Sketchfest. (Tix are available here) We talked about parenting, the podcast, and even learned a bit about how Macy Gray handles delays in the studio. Yeah, it got a little weird…

Spinning Platters: Thank you for taking a little bit of time out on your Saturday morning to talk to me. You folks are in San Francisco right now. Is that correct? Continue reading “SF Sketchfest Interview: Jodie Sweetin & Celia Behar of Never Thought I’d Say This“

SF Sketchfest Review: Tribute to Tony Shalhoub in Conversation with Kevin Pollak + 20th Anniversary Screening of “Galaxy Quest” at the Castro Theater, 1/11/2020

All photos by Jakub Mosur.

I remember seeing Galaxy Quest in theaters with my folks. We were more of a Star Wars family than a Star Trek family, but despite Galaxy Quest’s clear parallel to the Star Trek universe and fandom, we latched on. It became an instant family favorite. We ended up buying the VHS when it came out — which we still have, and which I just replaced as a Christmas gift for my dad this past Christmas with a DVD (We are a low-tech family.) Continue reading “SF Sketchfest Review: Tribute to Tony Shalhoub in Conversation with Kevin Pollak + 20th Anniversary Screening of “Galaxy Quest” at the Castro Theater, 1/11/2020″

SF Sketchfest Review: Maria Bamford & Nori Reed at The Castro Theater, 1/9/2020

All Photos by Pat Mazzera

I’ve known the name “Maria Bamford” for years. I know her face well, and would definitely be able to pick her out in a crowd. I have very close friends that are fans. If somebody asked me if I liked her, the answer would probably be yes. However, I have never actually seen or heard her do stand up before. Not on TV, not on record.I actually didn’t know anything about her stand up style before I headed out to this show. Why did I decide to go to this? I’m not really sure. It just felt like I needed to be there. Continue reading “SF Sketchfest Review: Maria Bamford & Nori Reed at The Castro Theater, 1/9/2020”

Spinning Platters Interview: Erinn Hayes of Medical Police

Erinn Hayes was the star of the Adult Swim series Childrens Hospital, and is also the star of it’s upcoming offshoot series, Medical Police. She is coming to town for two SF Sketchfest appearances, first on Thursday, January 9th for a Medical Police panel and preview at Marines’ Memorial Theater, and then Friday, January 10th for an appearance as part of Porchlight at Swedish American Hall. Spinning Platters had the opportunity to have a chat with Hayes ahead of her visit. We discussed living in the Bay Area, our weird rivalry with LA, her time as a doctor on TV, and, most importantly, her work on Bill & Ted Face The Music, the upcoming Bill & Ted sequel. Continue reading “Spinning Platters Interview: Erinn Hayes of Medical Police“

Sketchfest Review: Bring The Rock with Greg Behrendt & Electrik Snöfläke at Swedish American Hall,

Bring The Rock is the thing I look forward to the most at every Sketchfest. It’s the perfect synthesis of the three things I enjoy the most: rock n roll, stand-up comedy, and autobiographical storytelling. I love this show so much that I have, in fact, written my story for the off-chance that I ever actually get invited to do this show. (Greg, I am a fan. I am trained in public speaking, and although I’m not a great singer or guitarist, I am passionate about both.) Last year, Bring The Rock didn’t end up happening at Sketchfest, and I was very, very sad. I was very happy to see it return this year. Continue reading “Sketchfest Review: Bring The Rock with Greg Behrendt & Electrik Snöfläke at Swedish American Hall,”

Sketchfest Review: Iron Comic with Moshe Kasher & Nato Green at Cobb’s Comedy Club, 1/26/19

(Not pictured: Moshe Kasher and featured comics.)

Every year, I make a point to catch Greg Behrendt at least once while he’s in town for Sketchfest. This year, I thought the show Iron Comic sounded like fun. The premise is based on Iron Chef: five stand-up comics have about 8 minutes wherein each puts together a two-minute “set” based on topics chosen on the fly from audience suggestions, and after three rounds, judges narrow down the five to a final two who go head-to-head. Finally, a winner is chosen by audience applause. This all took place this past Saturday night at Cobb’s Comedy Club, and I think it’s safe to say a good time was had by all. Continue reading “Sketchfest Review: Iron Comic with Moshe Kasher & Nato Green at Cobb’s Comedy Club, 1/26/19”

Sketchfest Review: SF Sketchfest Threesome: Clare O’Kane, Alex Koll, Amy Miller at Punchline, 1/24/19

SF Sketchfest showcases a range of comedy performances, including lesser known local acts, such as in “SF Sketchfest Threesome,” where three headliners are giving half an hour each to perform their standup routines. They also a few different stand up showcases that spotlight some lesser known talent. The “SF Sketchfest Threesome” is one of those events. This one takes three headliners, and gives them all an equal amount if time (30 Minutes), and the order is seemingly random. Continue reading “Sketchfest Review: SF Sketchfest Threesome: Clare O’Kane, Alex Koll, Amy Miller at Punchline, 1/24/19”