By Samir Mathur
Contributing writer
Staff Page
Contributing writer
Staff Page
This week, I'm enthused by the prospect of laughter, and a spectacular arena rock opera. If there's anything happening that you're looking forward to, go ahead and mention it in the comments.
Friday – December 10
Margaret Cho at Hard Rock Live
Margaret Cho has released six comedy albums, written two books, appeared in numerous motion pictures and television shows, and won many awards, during her twenty year career. So it must be weird that most people in this country only know her because she recently spent three weeks on Dancing with the Stars. I’m sure that she’ll have some stories to tell at the Hard Rock about that experience, since Margaret and her co-contestant Bristol Palin have had a war of words over the last week or so. People of a sensitive disposition may wish to stay away – Cho’s topics of conversation aren’t always safe or comfortable. But for lefties like me, they’re always funny, and this year Cho earned some serious indie cool points by putting out a music album, ‘Cho Dependent’, with help from the likes of Jon Brion, A.C. Newman and Andrew Bird. It's not too shabby! The show promises a few live songs from the album, as well as a new stand-up comedy set.
It’s the holiday season, and you know what that means – Trans-Siberian Orchestra are coming to town! They’re the only band in the world that I can think of, whose show offers all of the following: Fire. Christmas. Lasers. Guitar solos. Fire. Sweeping string sections. Epic, thundering percussion. Incredible lights displays. Fire. Opera. If all of that doesn’t make you excited, then I don’t know what to tell you. If you have a hat, get ready to hold it. TSO are coming, and they will make your head explode.
Louis CK / Todd Glass at Hard Rock Live
Louis CK is the greatest. He writes and tours a new stand-up special every year or so, which any comedian will tell you, is insane. This new tour is called “Word”, and follows “Hilarious”, which was filmed and actually played at Sundance this year. Whether talking about his young daughters or (famously) technology making people miserable, he’s always worth checking out. His FX series Louie was terrific: it’s on Netflix Instant if you missed it earlier this year. Don’t just take my word for it: videogum.com has a long-running promise that everything Louis touches will be golden. Opening the show is Todd Glass, a Philadelphia comedian who used to co-host the podcast Comedy & Everything Else… but doesn’t anymore. He’s very funny too, and can also be seen on Netflix Instant in the documentary ‘I Am Comic’. Check him out. This show is going to be a laugh-tastrophe! (Feel free to use that word.)
Margaret Cho at Hard Rock Live
Margaret Cho has released six comedy albums, written two books, appeared in numerous motion pictures and television shows, and won many awards, during her twenty year career. So it must be weird that most people in this country only know her because she recently spent three weeks on Dancing with the Stars. I’m sure that she’ll have some stories to tell at the Hard Rock about that experience, since Margaret and her co-contestant Bristol Palin have had a war of words over the last week or so. People of a sensitive disposition may wish to stay away – Cho’s topics of conversation aren’t always safe or comfortable. But for lefties like me, they’re always funny, and this year Cho earned some serious indie cool points by putting out a music album, ‘Cho Dependent’, with help from the likes of Jon Brion, A.C. Newman and Andrew Bird. It's not too shabby! The show promises a few live songs from the album, as well as a new stand-up comedy set.
Sunday – December 12
Trans-Siberian Orchestra at Amway Center (Two shows: 3pm and 7pm)It’s the holiday season, and you know what that means – Trans-Siberian Orchestra are coming to town! They’re the only band in the world that I can think of, whose show offers all of the following: Fire. Christmas. Lasers. Guitar solos. Fire. Sweeping string sections. Epic, thundering percussion. Incredible lights displays. Fire. Opera. If all of that doesn’t make you excited, then I don’t know what to tell you. If you have a hat, get ready to hold it. TSO are coming, and they will make your head explode.
Louis CK / Todd Glass at Hard Rock Live
Louis CK is the greatest. He writes and tours a new stand-up special every year or so, which any comedian will tell you, is insane. This new tour is called “Word”, and follows “Hilarious”, which was filmed and actually played at Sundance this year. Whether talking about his young daughters or (famously) technology making people miserable, he’s always worth checking out. His FX series Louie was terrific: it’s on Netflix Instant if you missed it earlier this year. Don’t just take my word for it: videogum.com has a long-running promise that everything Louis touches will be golden. Opening the show is Todd Glass, a Philadelphia comedian who used to co-host the podcast Comedy & Everything Else… but doesn’t anymore. He’s very funny too, and can also be seen on Netflix Instant in the documentary ‘I Am Comic’. Check him out. This show is going to be a laugh-tastrophe! (Feel free to use that word.)