Author: Joel

This week we pay tribute to, and remember a true Detroit original and Comedy Castle favorite, “The Amazing Jonathan.” Jonathan passed away on February 22nd after a long illness.  We are joined by Mark Ridley himself as he offers some memories of Jonathan as he began his career as well as one of Jonathan’s closest friends and famous hypnotist, Kevin Lepine. Plus, hear a replay of Tom’s interview with Johnathan from 2019. Please enjoy this longer, and special edition of Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle Podcast.

The returning Josh Blue won season four of Last Comic Standing, he was a finalist on America’s Got Talent, a member of the US Paralympics Soccer Team, and he is also an artist of some note.  On top of all that, he’s an incredible comic and Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle favorite.  We learn about how he picked up painting, how he ended up a foundational part of the Denver Comedy Scene, and a cool story about the background painting on he’s recent special, “Broccoli”. Tix are going fast for this weekend’s shows, get yours at the link below.

This week, we revisit Tom’s interview with this week’s headliner Erica Rhodes, from 2020. Erica has a unique background and infectious charisma which makes this episode worth a repeat listen or give it a spin for the first time. But there’s new content, too, as Tom talks to up-and-comer Nicholas Tenaglia about his start on the Detroit comedy scene. Look for Nick soon on a comedy stage near you! Tix for this week’s shows can be found at the link below.

This week’s headliner, Ismo, made his US debut in 2014 at the Laugh Factory in Hollywood where he won the title of “The Funniest Person in the World.” In December 2015, he relocated from Finland to Los Angeles and now performs regularly at various LA comedy clubs along with headlining across the US. He has appeared on national television; Last Call with Carson Daly, Conan, The Late Late Show with James Corden and NBC’s Bring the Funny. Ismo’s clip from Conan has become one of the most viewed late-night sets with over six million views to date. Tix for this week’s special Valentine’s Day show and five shows with Ismo this weekend can be found at the link below.

This week’s headliner, DeAnne Smith is a Canadian-American comic who has performed at some of the most prestigious festivals in the world including Montreal’s “Just For Laughs” and Melbourne Australia’s “Melbourne International Comedy Festival”. They have a sly observational style that is as unique as it is funny.  DeAnne is also the host of the popular online show, “DeAnne Smith and Acquaintances”  where they take pride in the great tagline, “Tender Comedy for Tough Times.”  Recent guests have included  Andy Kindler and Chloe Hilliard (Last Comic Standing), and will feature Baron Vaughn (Superstore, Grace & Frankie) on the February episode. There’s five big shows with DeAnne this weekend – get tix at the link below.

This week’s headliner, Chris Porter, is a Comedy Castle and Detroit favorite.  His latest album and special “A Man From Kansas” is one of our favorites of the last several years.  A powerhouse comic who commands the stage like a rock and roll frontman, he has hilarious observations of the human condition.  A fun guy to chat with about baseball, Justin Verlander, The Black Crowes, and of course, comedy! Chris has five shows this week at the club, tickets can be found at the link below.

Nick Kelley burst onto the Detroit scene not even three years ago and he has caught the attention of lots of sets of eyeballs and ears. A polished and smooth delivery along with real punchy jokes powered him to a win in the prestigious Detroit To LA Contest held every year here at the Castle. Catch him February 3-5th featuring for Chris Porter.  Carl Johnson has been a fixture of the Detroit and Michigan comedy scene for the better part of a decade.  A super solid comic and really interesting guy to talk comedy with.  Check out his cool podcast, “Maybe Some Other Time“. Tix for Nick’s show next week and all other shows can be found at the link below.

This week’s headliner, Jackie Kashian is a veteran of multiple late night appearances and one of Maria Bamford’s hand-picked touring partners.  Her latest album and special “Stay-Kashian” is a hilarious look at family life, marriage, and the crazy people we hold close.  She also hosts two outstanding and long running podcasts, “The Dork Forest” and “The Jackie and Laurie Show” which she co-hosts and talks comedy with the great Laurie Kilmartin.  Local comic and producer Justin Siekierka stops by to offer some great tips and pointers on creating a successful locally produced comedy show. Tickets for Jackie’s shows this weekend can be found at the link below.

Returning guest, and this week’s headliner, TJ Miller is an award winning comic and actor who has been a Comedy Castle favorite for years.  From starring roles in Silicon Valley and Yogi Bear 3D to comedy stages across the country, his stream of consciousness performance art is something to behold. He also tells a cautionary tale about traveling without a valid drivers license!  Bret Hayden also stops by this week to talk about his popular Comedy Rumble which returns to the Castle on January 18th. Tix for all shows can be found at the link below.

Our first headliner of 2022, Ian Bagg, is the Jedi Master of crowd work comedy.  He blends improvisational moments with the audience into well crafted material to create a comedy experience like no other.  A native Canadian, it was a pleasure to talk a healthy amount of hockey along with some interesting comedy insight.  As a special bonus we squeezed in a little Van Halen talk as well.   Check out his new album “Everybody Wants Some” and excellent podcasts, “Around the Bagg” and “Enjoying Orange Slices” with Jeff and Ian.