This past weekend was the first ever Black Comedy Experiment. We rounded up over 40 of the hottest comedians around and had them perform under one roof this past weekend and it was amazing. After the success of this first fest there is no doubt there will be another. We will be opening it up to even more performers and we hope to make it even hotter this next time around.

Check out some pictures from this years festival.

Chicks and Giggles (Pictured: Hadiyah Robinson)

Erica Watson: 2 Faced (Pictured: Erica Watson)

Laughing Liberally (Pictured: Elon James White)

SOULED Out (Pictured: Walli Collins)

more to come.

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Dear Lorne,

I wanted to reach out to you about Saturday Night Live’s return to the air this past weekend. As you know, there’s been a lot of buzz about your casting choices, and I just want to say that, as a black comic, I think Jason Sudeikis did an exceptional job in the Best Man Speech sketch. The material was timeless, the delivery excellent, and the closer, pitch perfect: “There’s a statistic going around that says 50 percent of all marriages end in divorce. Well, the other 50 percent end in death. I hope you two die!” This was definitely my favorite sketch of the show.

Now that we’ve gotten the awkward part out of the way, let’s talk about SNL casting Fred Armisen as Barack Obama.

There was a lot of excitement last week about SNL’s Obama auditions. Names flew around: Donald Glover! Jordan Carlos! Jordan Peele! So, when I turned on your show and saw a half-Japanese, half-Venezulean Fred Armisen playing Obama, I was shocked. Here we are in New York City, one of the most diverse places in America, and you want me to believe you couldn’t find a half-Kansan, half-Kenyan to play Obama? You must think we’re some kind of stupid.

I am not one of those people who got upset that the cast member playing Obama wasn’t black. I am one of those people who is regularly upset that so few of any of your cast members are black. SNL, like Hillary Clinton, seems to have a hard time holding on to its black people. The show has rarely had more than two black cast members at a time, and with this season’s loss of Maya Rudolph, Kenan Thompson has to carry the full weight of nearly all black characters. Somebody get me a pager, a Starter jacket and some Afrocentric hip hop because this situation hasn’t existed since the mid-1990s.

We are standing firmly in the 21st century, with one of the biggest stories of this political season being the multi-racial coalition supporting Senator Obama’s run. America has an opportunity to see itself in a new, more diverse light. It would be a shame if Saturday Night Live continued painting a picture of the past.

Baratunde Thurston is a conscious comic and vigilante pundit. He writes for the political blog Jack & Jill Politics and is an editor at The Onion. He’s performing this weekend in the Black Comedy Experiment at The Tank in NYC.

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This week is the first ever Black Comedy Experiment. Over the next few days we’ll be highlighting some of the comedians that will be gracing the stage this weekend. Our first shout out is Dean Edwards. SNL Alum and hilarious stand-up, Dean will be performing with Souled Out on 2.28.08.

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The buzz train is starting to roll for The Black Comedy Experiment! Today Gothamist featured an interview with your’s truly (Elon James White, all day every day) discussing…well…alot of the things that we discuss here all the time. Check out an excerpt from the interview.

What are some of the more subtle racist tendencies or behavior that you’ve noticed in Americans today? Oh, the BEST is Alcoholic Racism. That’s when my various white friends say racist things without knowing they’re racist. I was at a wedding and they were playing Journey and one guy comes up to me and was like “Bet you didn’t think you’d be somewhere listening to this huh? Don’t they have a REMIX or something?”

Because we black people LOVE our Remixes.

I’m not saying other races don’t do it. But normally non-white racism is always something awesome about us. This Asian guy saw a group of friends and I and just started yelling “Why are you guys just standing there, you’re black! All these women want–er–YOU KNOW. COME ON MAN YOU’RE BLACK!” Which is equally racist as the first comment, but acceptable. Black people don’t suffer from Alcoholic racism. We’ve come to terms with our racism and live with it. We just let it out when it comes. No build up for us!

Are there any topics you consider off-limits in with your act? No. Off-Limits means that you’re actually putting limits on yourself. If I have thoughts about it, I’ll write a joke about it.

Your website is Elon James is Not White. Does race influence your work more than a white comedian’s ethnicity influences his or her work? Well the website was named that simply because I have a Hebrew first name and the last name White. I used to go on job interviews and just confuse the the hell out of the employer. “Um…Elon White? Are you sure?”

As for my race affecting my act, it probably does. My race affects my daily interaction with most people. It’s why race humor is so funny. Its’ a constant tension that’s almost always around. One time my co-worker said she had to come up with a nickname for me. I told her why not just “Minority #1″ (I was a bit ‘exotic’ there) and she laughed for 10 minutes. It’s something that you’re not supposed to talk about but everyone knows it. I used to shy away from race humor until after every show I’d hear “I didn’t expect that from a black comic” Even if I didn’t point it out, its there. Every word I say is laced with racial innuendo. Like watch this. “Bread-stick” See. You know what you were thinking. Come on. Admit it. Now watch this. “Black Cock” See! It’s just there all the time.
What is the Black Comedy Experiment festival? There are festivals but not like this. I have an agenda. This isn’t just “Get black comedians together and yuk it up.” I’m trying to change a misconception. I’m booking acts to specifically dispel the notion that you can just say “black comedian” and know what you’re getting. Are there aspects of black comedy that I’m not promoting? Yes, indeed. But that’s simply because they don’t need promotions. They are the general definition of black comedy. I’m not trying to get rid of the other styles, but create a broader base for people to judge upon. It’s like affirmative action for the discriminated styles of Black Comedy.

(–more–)

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In this edition of “This is Why They’re HOT”, the latest feature here at BCP, we’ll be posting some clips of some of the best up and comers and Veterans in the comedy biz. Our first shout out is to BCP Contributor Billy D. Washington from the S.E.L..L.O.U.T. TOUR. This is a clip of him ripping it up at The Late, Late show with Craig Ferguson.

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A little over a year ago, Jordan Carlos started a bit of a stir when he threw this particular article out there for everyone to to see. If you didn’t see it then, take a look now. It’s still quite relevant. 

Casting directors can be anxious creatures. In their zeal to find the right actor for a part they often use shorthand to explain what they want. “More Chris Rock! Less Cosby!” or “Can you play it with lots of energy and attitude?” (That’s code for “black it up.”) Sometimes I wish they’d come right out and ask if any actors in the waiting room can break dance while spinning a chicken wing on their finger like a basketball. But I am a young comedian and actor, and until I get my big break I have to take such jabs in stride.

I like being black. Can’t change it. Wouldn’t want to. In comedy, being a black man has its advantages. You stick out in a field of white guys who joke about how “annoying” Starbucks is, how they hate their families or loathe the holidays. Black comedians can do these kinds of jokes but can do others, too. Of course, the audience expects us to talk about race, and for years that made me wring my hands — until I started doing jokes about black jokes. I knew that no one would ever buy that I’d had it rough growing up, but people would buy that I was the black comic who was going to joke about the tropes of black comedy, kind of a goofy watchman watching the watchman.< —more—>

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Congratulations to Erin Jackson, Hannibal Burress and Baron Vaughn on there selection to tape Live at Gotham this season. These comedians are really getting a lot of attention (well deserved) and BCP is happy to work with them.

And check out this video that an Actual fire department made after seeing Hannibal on the TV box talking about Fire SUVs.

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 Is there any such thing as a Black-Alt Comedian?

It’s an interesting concept. There are a few Black Comedians that are kind of apart of the Alternative Comedy scene. But that isn’t really “Black-Alt” A black comedian that does mainstream rooms is a mainstream comic. The black part might just play apart in limiting his amount of stage time is all.

But what is Black-Alt then??

Well the basic definition (with out giving an in-depth history of the term) of alt-comedy is simply the alternative from whats expected. Even with so many comedians who are thinking outside the box (Patrice O’Neal, Dwayne Perkins, Retta, Mike Britt and many, many more) there’s still a specific definition of Black Comedy. And lets be honest. It’s not always positive. We’ve discussed Def Jam on this site numerous times so I won’t go down that road again, but its mega popularity helped craft the image of Black Comedy. There’s an expectation of what you’re supposed to be when you go on stage with a certain skin color. Hence, when you go against that idea, you are in effect, Black-Alt. More →

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The Black Comedy Project was created to invite people to discuss the state of black comedy: Where it’s coming from and where it’s going. We’ve had entries from very talented comedians talking about their experiences and their views of the business. I’ve been told by people that they appreciate these conversations (whether they agree is a completely different matter) and for that I’m ridiculously thankful.

I’ve decided that in addition to the BcP (which has hiccups in its content, my bad) to continue the mission of the site in a different way. I’d like to announce the first ever “Black Comedy Experiment” Festival. Our original idea here was to promote the diversity of Black Comedy. So this festival will continue in that vein. I’ve invited about forty different comedians to perform during the Festival Weekend ( February 28th–March 1st. WRITE THAT DOWN). Veterans like Mike Yard, Dean Edwards, Rick Younger, and Wil Sylvince will be performing alongside up-and-comers like Baron Vaughn, Jordan Carlos, and Erin Jackson. So as an experiment, we’ve decided to take over a venue (Thanks to The Tank) and program three nights of nonstop awesomeness. This will be a great weekend of comedy. The idea is to promote comedians that think outside of the box in which people like to place Black Comedy. A combination of Mainstream and Black Alt Comics doing what they do best: Entertaining. And as some people love to point out to me ( as if I wasn’t aware of this already) there are awesomely talented comedians that have been outside of the box for years. We hope to continue in their footsteps and showcase to everyone that you can’t define Black Comedy with one broad (ahem…DEF JAM) stroke.

Welcome to our experiment. (click to visit site)

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Baron Vaughn was recently interviewed in the Huffington Post. And as you probably guessed, it was about the steroid scandal in hip hop.

What? You didn’t guess that?

Excerpt:

If you were a rapper, what would your image and branding be based on?
I believe my name would be “Grammar.” I would drop references and deference to Kool G Rap and Oscar Wilde, to Big Daddy Kane and Voodoo Chile, to Aquinas, Sartre, Modern Art and Truffaut, to KRS-One while I wait for Godot.
My branding would be about being well-read so you never miss what I’m saying. And as will all know, every soft drink and shoe corporation strongly supports education in young African-Americans, right?

Read More Here

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The Lantern ran this story on Dick Gregory

The FBI killed Martin Luther King Jr., some of the country’s top

universities are “cesspools” and the civil rights movement was a non-violent struggle that led to real progress toward equality.

This was the message of well-known comedian and civil rights activist Dick Gregory, who spoke in Hitchcock Hall at Thursday night’s 36th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration.

The event took place on King’s birthday, Jan. 10, and brought Ohio State and Columbus together to celebrate his life and accomplishments. Gregory, 75, was the keynote speaker and wowed the audience with his insightful, yet at times controversial, commentary on American society and culture. He spoke on issues ranging from racism to a healthy diet and used his famous sense of humor to keep the packed audience captivated.

At times, the crowd shouted “amen” and the auditorium shook with laughter and applause. Some, however, questioned his unconventional views.

Read More

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Just caught this episode. Really funny. Def Jam has been the catalyst for numerous conversations on this website. What do you think about the latest incarnation?

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The San Francisco Bay View has an interview with Paul Mooney. Here’s an Excerpt.

MOI JR: Earlier today, me and you talked about some of the Black comedians historically: Moms Mabley, Redd Foxx, Flip Wilson. What could you tell us about Black comedy?

Paul Mooney: Like now? With the Def Jam and all of that stuff, they are like a herd of elephants. It’s too many comedians. It’s insane. I told you before, because they’re my own kind I don’t want to say anything negative about them. It’s like a herd of elephants. They all share material. It’s very scary.

Photo Credit: San Francisco Bay View

Read More Here

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The Black Comedy Project has overheard (From every fricken news outlet there is) that Comedians Karith Foster and Tony Powell have joined Imus’s newly launched morning show.

Karith Foster, a Harlem resident who grew up outside Dallas, was brought on by Imus to ease tension stirred up by his racist comment about the Rutgers women’s basketball team, which got him booted in April, sources said.

Foster was raised in upscale Plano, Texas, which she describes on her Web site as having “the ethnic diversity of a Klan rally.”

After earning a degree in broadcast journalism from Missouri’s Stephens College, she went on to study at Oxford University in England before taking a reporting job at ABC. - NY Post

So of course the debate will begin. Should they have taken the job? Did Imus cross a line to the point that no person of color should even consider dealing with him like this? Does exposure outweigh a responsibility to your race? What do you think?

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Black Credit Check
By Leighann Lord, © 2007 

“What do you want me to say about you?” This is what any decent MC will ask before bringing you up on stage. A good MC will ask this even if they already know you. It gives you the chance to say how you want to be introduced to the audience. A very good MC, by the way, is one who not only asks, but remembers and does it.

Some comics don’t care how they’re introduced. They tell the MC, “Just say anything.” I applaud their bravery. There are very few MCs I would trust to do this. Presentation is key and those few seconds when the microphone passes from MC to Comic are too precious to waste recouping from an off-color-meant-to-be-funny-but-not intro from an incompetent MC. More →

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“I really enjoyed your set but we already have enough urban acts. We have a Sommore and a Monique. We aren’t really looking for anymore…”

I had imagined several scenarios for my first agent encounter, none of which included me being compared to comics to whom I bore no resemblance in style, content, or delivery. I didn’t even know who Sommore was; I hadn’t had cable in years. I wanted to ask him quickly before he went on to talk to the next hungry New Jack, “Urban! Did you even listen to my act? Did you hear how I was talking about growing up opposite a cornfield? What about the living in Eastern Europe? Boarding school? My diatribe on class?”

With this skin tone I could be talking Chomsky and still get a BET label. More →

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“My Story” is a continuing series with comedians telling their stories and explaining their views on the Black Comedy scene and their place in it.

___________________________________________________________

I got into comedy because I just love the sound of laughter. It’s arguably one of the greatest things in life…well one of them anyway. In the beginning, I got a rush from performing—a high. Soon it became like a drug or an addiction—crack on a microphone. I couldn’t stop. And I’ve tried to stop. My attempts at vacationing turned into canceled plane tickets for hosting gigs at Caroline’s or just to do a spot at the Cellar. What a life…

I started my comedy career in the black circuit—the Uptown Comedy Club introduced to me by Doug E. Doug in Harlem on 131st Street. The black circuit as a whole took me and embraced me like a son. But just like any parent…’momma I got to leave so I can grow….’ If I compare my journey to bodybuilding, urban clubs cut you up, like free weights. But mainstream clubs teach endurance and help you last long, like the treadmill. A joke that bulks up in the mainstream room, gains definition and precision at an urban spot.

More →

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Greetings folks.

I know, I know, we haven’t put a new article up in a while, and for that I apologize. But theres been plenty of action on the site (just check the comment section). We appreciate everyone who has been coming by the site and supporting so much. We have a bunch of new stuff on the way!  Next week we will continue bringing you different discussions and stories all the while doing what we first set out to do.

Changing the perception of Black Comedy. 1 person at time if need be.

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Open Call for diverse comedians:
Hello Comics:

We wanted to let you know that NBC is returning to NY for the final regional semi-finalist showcase of our 2007 Stand-Up for Diversity talent search. If you haven’t been following the initiative lately the showcase this year has a number of benefits including the following:

- A trip to Los Angeles to showcase for key industry players (agents, casting directors, producers, execs)

- A one-year talent holding deal with NBC

- A slot in the NBC/ N.A.C.A. Stand-Up for Diversity Touring Company for 2008

- A commercial/print contract with Sierra Mist

If you have NOT been selected previously to showcase at one of the ‘Best Of’ Stand-Up for Diversity showcases in Los Angeles you may audition again for the New York regional showcase. Please remember, as always, that early attendance is strongly recommended. And this year’s preliminary audition sets will only be one-minute with callbacks and the show all happening on the same day.

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 8TH

Auditions - Caroline’s Comedy Club on Bway - beginning at 10 a.m.

Showcase - Stand-Up NY Comedy Club - at 7:30 p.m. - hosted by SUFD alum JORDAN CARLOS - Tickets $10 through the Stand-Up NY club

WWW.STANDUPNBC.COM

We hope to see you at auditions or at the show and we’d love your support in spreading the word to your fellow comics.

If you have a question, you can submit it to us through our site www.DiverseCityNBC.com

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“My Story” is a continuing series with comedians telling their stories and explaining their views on the Black Comedy scene and their place in it.

____________________________________

Being Black, Gifted, and Gay

I was asked by friend and fellow comedian, Elon James White, to participate in what I found to be a very exciting venture—to contribute to the Black Comedy Project. Naturally, I was a little suspicious, because in all of the years that I have worked as an out, African-American comedian, whose family lineage is also Latino, I have never felt truly accepted on some of the stages of comedy. I told Elon, that if I participate in this project, then I need to be able to talk about also being gay in this scene. He was actually offended that I would think that (The Black Comedy Project) would censor me like that.

Here in NYC, I have managed to play all of the major venues, but primarily as part of their gay-themed shows. And there have been quite a few “urban” show venues that I have been invited to play and then have had the offer rescinded because of my orientation. Or worse, I remember being asked to do a gig at an urban club, and having the crowd turn on me before I was able to utter one word of my actual act, because I spent the set fighting with a bunch of misinformed people. Was I surprised? Not really. The African-American community has been notorious for homophobic stances sanctioned by rappers, reggae artists, our own government, and for some, God.

Rarely have there been opportunities for me to just be seen as a comedian, or for people to simply accept who I am, without prejudice. A closeted comic once asked me if I thought it was a mistake to talk about being gay onstage. Now, this comedian is working all of the time, and he has a lot of women following him around after shows. Later that night, you could find him working an occasional gay bar or its backroom. More →

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