We were home for about nine hours total– between returning from a cruise on the Gulf of Mexico and heading out across the Mojave Desert for Los Angeles– so we were somewhat exhausted when we arrived in Redondo Beach on Friday afternoon.
The Male Half was scheduled for shows at the Comedy & Magic Club one town over, in Hermosa Beach, as part of that club’s monthlong birthday celebration.
Clinton Jackson, Laurie Kilmartin, Greg Hahn, backstage at the Comedy & Magic Club
As usual, the crowds were delirious and the lineup was befitting that august Southern California institution: Jimmy Brogan, Jim McDonald, Wil Anderson, Taylor Williamson, Diane Nichols, Jeff Dye, Ritch Shydner, Matt Fulchiron, Quinn Dahle, Ty Barnett, Daniel Tosh, Crystela Alonzo, Noe Rodriguez, J. Chris Newberg, Clinton Jackson, Greg Hahn, Laurie Kilmartin, Edwin San Juan, Angelo Tsarouchas, Alan Havey, Tommy Johnagin, Dennis Regan, Jim Edwards, on three shows over the course of two nights. If we left anyone out we apologize!
The signup clipboard
After the Saturday shows, we chugged down the Pacific Coast Highway and caught the last few minutes of Vinnie Coppola, as he closed out a show at Gaetano’s Restaurant. (It was a benefit for a movie– this is Hollywood, remember– called “Death To Cupid,” and we got to hang out with director Joe Gonzalez.) We also caught up on the past couple years with Coppola and with FOS/comedian Dave Smith, who we know from our days at a certain club in Atlanta. Smith and Coppola made the move west about 2-1/2 years ago.
J. Chris Newberg, The Female Half of the Staff, backstage at C&MC
In conclusion: Happy birthday, Comedy & Magic! AND: Comics and fans alike should check out one or two of the Twenty Hot Comics shows they’re putting on this birthday celebration month, every Friday and Saturday in July! The shows are fast-paced and oodles of talent populate each and every one (see list above)!