Sunday, January 10, 2010
Stand-up comedian: Tommy Johnagin
I'm a big fan of stand-up comedy. I follow comedians the way real men follow athletes. I have certain favorites, sometimes discuss the highlights of their performances, try to catch 'em whenever they're on TV or playing in my area, and even keep an eye out for up-and-coming talent.
So, naturally I started watching the Very Funny Show on TBS, which features two comedians per half-hour episode, and is hosted by Tim Meadows. The talent has been off-and-on so far; pretty much like an abbreviated version of watching every episode of Comedy Central Presents: much of it feels like a waste of time.
Since I'm busy enough with work, this comic and other side projects, I was ready to cancel my scheduled recording of the show. I already have other, more consistent sources of giggles. However, by chance the episode I watched yesterday featured Tommy Johnagin, who I already liked, and did a good set.
I didn't feel like he got as many laughs from the crowd as he'd earned, maybe because he throws in clever but subtle jokes that might have been missed. Whatever the reason, I thought I'd recognize and plug him here. I also checked out his Web site, which includes a solid set on Letterman as well as a funny clip about dating today's young woman. I also found out he has a CD, "Stand-Up Comedy"
Here's an excerpt from one of his jokes (hopefully this isn't a total spoiler since there's a bit more to it):
"I also got a miniature emergency tool kit for my car. It's a miniature tool kit: it fits under your seat, just in case your car breaks down and then shrinks. Unless it shrinks with the car; I'm not sure how magic works. I do know how a gift receipt works, so that's gonna come in handy."
I think every so often I'll plug a stand-up comic that you may or may not have heard of, with examples of stuff they've done and I've enjoyed. For those with too much free time and too little patience, I've got a list of my favorites on my links page.
