Another JFL Toronto has come and gone. It's been such a treat to see so many masters at work, each showcasing their talent in their own unique way. One of the most memorable among them was Patti Harrison, with a show that sent a shock wave of mixed emotions through The Royal Theatre.
Comic Graham Kay brings his one-man show to JFL Toronto
Posted by: Andrew Lizotte • September 28, 2023 @ 10:43am
Ottawa's Graham Kay, who now calls Brooklyn home, has built up quite the comedy résumé.
I got the chance to catch up on Zoom with the charming and talented Sydnee Washington ahead of her appearances at the Toronto Just for Laughs Festival.
You can catch Syndee's solo show "How to Start a Fire" at JFL Toronto every night at Comedy Bar from September 27-30.
Summers in Toronto are magical, and the Just for Laughs comedy festival is a perfect way to end one with a bang. It's 10 days of your favourite entertainers, the weather is right, and last call stretches 'til the wee hours.
As someone in the funny business, I often struggle between the urge to see and be seen, and the pleasure of my couch + a cozy list of grievances.
Live Review: Al Val's Big, Brave Comedy Taping
Posted by: Matthew Ardill • September 19, 2023 @ 12:12pm
The first time I saw Al Val perform, she was getting roasted by a vicious panel of her peers at one of Todd Van Allen's "Write 'em Up" shows at Comedy Bar; she was being torn apart by the zippers on her pants.
Review: The Jackie Jenkins Jr. Bootleg Comedy Extravaganza
Posted by: Matthew Ardill • May 18, 2023 @ 7:30pm
Sitting down to listen to Jackie Jenkins Jr.'s album, The Jackie Jenkins Jr. Bootleg Comedy Extravaganza, was one of the things I enjoy most about comedy – experiencing something I've not heard before. Jackie is a New Orleans-based comic who has two self-produced specials: Jackie Jenkins Jr.
Interview: 2023 Juno-winning stand-up comic Jon Dore
Posted by: Andrew Lizotte • March 12, 2023 @ 1:23pm
The main telecast for the 2023 Juno Awards (hosted for the second year in a row by actor Simu Liu) might not be happening until tomorrow, but the trophies for many of the awards started getting handed out last night in Edmonton.
I spent several years working on and hosting a podcast where I listened to comedy albums, so when I was asked to review Sally Brooks' upcoming album Street Bird, I was very excited.
Sally is a touring comic, writer, and podcaster. She was born in Cincinnati before moving to New York and finally settling in Atlanta.
One of my favorite things about Toronto's Just for Laughs Festival is that some of the acts are really great at showing you how the sausage gets made.
Going to a Craig Ferguson show is like going on a walk with a Scottish family member. I know this because I am married to someone who is only once removed from this, and watching Craig Ferguson's set is like chatting with my wife.
SBM on Social Media