All these presidential candidate debates remind me that the Republican and Democrat political conventions are coming up at the end of August and the beginning of September. Not to be pessimistic, but I don’t see much change in the lame-ass lame duck legislative gridlock baloney (or is it “bologna”) that is perpetuating the economic quagmire in which we find ourselves. (Whew! That was a lot to say in one sentence.) So, to me, that spells “TROUBLE” for somebody or somebodies. Buckle up, people. I think we’re in for a hell of a ride. At times like these I am reminded of a lyric, and all apologies to The Circle Jerks if I misquote, but I think it kinda’ goes like: “We all gotta’ learn to duck… when the shit hits the fan.” (A long way to go for that line but I kinda’ like it.)

We’re all aware of Occupy Wall Street and the relatively high level of discontent that permeates the country right now. It would be foolish to think that all those people just packed up their tents and went away. (“Big ups” to the NYPD for their, ahem, assistance.) With warmer weather these movements will most certainly resurface within renewed vim and vigor, bigger numbers and louder voices building to a crescendo at the grand stage that is (drumroll, please) the afore-mentioned national conventions. (You knew I’d eventually get back to that.) Weee hooo! (Can you say “1968”?) The world will be watching.

Even if convention planners could possibly have thought ahead enough to stage these events in more tranquil and foment-less cities than Tampa Bay and Charlotte (Is that possible?) I doubt it would have mattered. This is a determined bunch and I think they’ll travel. Change is in the air. That’s a good thing. I can’t wait. For those of us that will be alternately ducking and doing a little fomenting, and I hope that’s most, this is an opportunity not to be missed. That is if you’re not an incumbent. (Insert song lyrics here.) For the rest of us, let’s take the damn bull (elephant and donkey) by the horns (or any other part within reach) and make the most of this opportunity to make real change.
Bring on the conventions! Now maybe we’re getting somewhere.

Talk about getting somewhere… check out this week’s eGarage schedule. No ducking required.

Thursday, January,12th
7:00pm
eGarage Comedy (120 mins.)
Featuring comedians from all over New York. From newcomers to veterans, eGarage Comedy is your stop to not only laugh but see the latest talent in the comedy world!
Tickets: $5

Friday, January 13th
5:00pm
Open Mic Fridays (90 mins.)
Free

6:30pm
Sh-Long Prov: The Short And Long Of Improv (90 mins.)
We're ready to bring a long/short form improvised show directly to you! A long form set, a short form set, and then a shmorgesboard of both!
Featuring the house teams: Mr. Rogers Revenge and Improv Nation.
Mr. Rogers Revenge is:
Sara Antkowiak, Annie Claffey, Dustin D'Addato, Brady Jenkins, Andy Kleiman, Jonathan LaPearl, Matt Lewis, Jayne Maginot, Jake Shafer, Camille Theobald, Bethany Vee, Jared Yoder
Improv Nation is:
Brandon Alexander, Frank Angelini, April Body, Megan Boyle, Athos Cakiades, Pamela Eloise, Katie Haller, Alex Levi-Gardes, Megan Loughran, Jenice Matias-River, Paulie Philip, Penny Sheehan, MaryLynn Suchan, Joseph Anthony Sudol, Greg Tamm
Tickets: $5

8:00pm
eGarage House Team Night (150 mins.)
Come check out the latest in improv at The eGarage. House Night will feature eGarage's five resident house teams performing new formats and paving the way for improv in New York City. So this isn't another Harold but rather a new view to this ever-changing art form. Who’s Harold?
Tonight's line-up will feature (in order):
D'Artagnan
Funkle Todd
U.S. National Improv Team
The Check
Anorexic Bear
Tickets: $5

Saturday, January 14th
8:00pm
eGarageLIVE (120 mins.)
A night of music from emerging hip hop and rock artists!
$5

Tchau for now.
Peter out.

January 9, 2012 5:03pm