"Lucky Gift"

Margaret Cho returns with new music today. The Grammy & Emmy nominated comedian/actress/singer has announced she will release a brand new album via her Clownery Records label on February 14 2025 with the first single and title track, “Lucky Gift” available today HERE. The full album of Lucky Gift is also available to pre-order HERE

 

On “Lucky Gift,” (which was written by Margaret and produced by Garrison Starr here ) Margaret sings in a sultry-pop tone while playing her double neck mandolin-guitar, “The Mandotar.”  “This is my power pop anthem and the first song I wrote on my mandotar. It is definitely giving gay pop in the best way and it’s my favorite song I’ve ever written.” states Margaret.

 

Click here to view the “Lucky Gift” lyric video!!!

 

It’s been 8 years since Margaret released her 2016 Grammy nominated American Myth album HERE

which featured the standout track “Anna Nicole” here written about her friendship with Anna Nicole-Smith.

 

Margaret says of the forthcoming Lucky Gift album – “I am thrilled to share this album which has been many years in the making. There’s tributes to Robin Williams, lost love, found love and anthems to non- binary and gender non-conforming folx. I collaborated with Garrison Starr and Roger Rocha in different cities at different times but it all feels like it comes from the same place and the same heart.”

 

 

Lucky Gift Album Track Listing:

 

Lucky Gift

 

Funny Man

 

Wheels Of Gold

 

Doot Doot

 

Stevie

 

90s Sysiphus

 

You Can Be You

 

Baked Bread

 

Melinda

 

Waterside

 

Boyfriend From China

 

Follow Margaret Here:

Website: HERE

Tik Tok: HERE

Instagram:HERE

Facebook: HERE

YouTube: HERE

 

Watch Margaret in the new Netflix documentary - Outstanding: A Comedy Revolution

 

Kinds Of American Film Comedy

In his 42nd book, prolific writer and scholar Wes D. Gehring presents the well-researched and intricately crafted Kinds of American Film Comedy: Six Core Genres and Their Literary Roots. Gehring breaks down six core comedy genres in an accessible style, yet academic enough for classroom use. This time, he ties in the predecessor of comedic cinema: print humor.

Gehring states, "This study needed at least a lengthy, if compressed, opening chapter survey upon which to build. It is keyed on several important pressure points, which in their totality, provide a basic foundation for the film-focused chapters to follow." And in this chapter, he is able to succinctly introduce the foundations of U.S. comedy that underpin the genres of cinematic comedy.

Dr. Ashley Donnelly, Professor of Media at Ball State University, says, "Though knowing him as a film scholar in the truest sense, I've always considered Gehring's work to be rooted in social history. His works take the people, the genres, and the history of cinema and intertwine them with the stories of the period he's exploring, the complexities of his subjects' lives, and the events and moments in time that touched the world, leaving generational, unconscious connections between the screen and the most important moments of human history."

This groundbreaking film study begins with a survey of American print humorists from eras leading up to and overlapping the advent of film—including some who worked both on the page and on the screen, like Robert Benchley, Will Rogers, Groucho Marx and W. C. Fields. Six comic film genres are identified as outgrowths of a national tradition of Cracker Barrel philosophers, personality comedy, parody, screwball comedy, romantic comedy and dark comedy.

Gehring says, "The goal here is to place between two covers an updated in-depth look at a still too frequently neglected subject-the core comic film genres, and their integral ties to print humor. Moreover, at some level, comedy is most often about blowing "raspberries" at the world around us. And if one is at all engaged, you are a humor activist a reminder that you are not alone."

ORDER THE BOOK HERE

"Sh!t Happens"

All-New material from Art Barnes of World Famous Comedy Music duo Barnes & Barnes, creators of “Fish Heads” the #1 Most Requested song in history on the Dr. Demento Show!

 

& Barnes “Shit Happens” featuring: “Hip as a Bip,” “Guppy Stomp,” “Butter” and LOTS MORE GOOD SHIT… is available now on Vinyl, CD and Digitally, in stores and online from Demented Punk!

 

Be sure to check out the “Shit Happens” Animated Promo Video starring the voice talents of actor/musician Bill Mumy as album mascot “Joe Solid!” The animated spot, Produced and Directed by longtime Misfits & Ramones collaborator John Cafiero (of Osaka Popstar), brings to life the front, back and interior album artwork by underground comix artist Stephen Blickenstaff, best known for creating the cover art to the Cramps classic 1984 album “Bad Music for Bad People.”

 

The new release is dedicated with love to the memory of Robert “Artie Barnes” Haimer, (half of the ‘demented’ duo Barnes & Barnes), who passed away earlier this year.

 

“Shit Happens” is available on Ltd Ed Brown Vinyl with MP3 download card, or on CD in gatefold packaging as well as digitally. A Demented Punk Online Store Exclusive variant edition pressed on Brown Vinyl with Yellow Splatter, each personally autographed by Bill Mumy (aka Art Barnes) is also available, while supplies last.

For more information or to keep up with future releases, visit DementedPunk.com

Order Link: https://lnk.fuga.com/barnes_shithappens

Live & Livid

Photo:
Sergio Garcia

Margaret Cho continues to be the must-see female comedian-actress hybrid: she stars in Hulu's well-reviewed rom-com movie -"Fire Island" (People’s Choice Award & Gotham Award winner) with SNL alum Bowen Yang, in Awkwafina’s Nora From Queens and with Iliza Shlesinger in Netflix's "Good on Paper." Margaret was also part of Netflix's 2022 “Stand Out Comedy Special” and "Over The Moon" with Ken Jeong & Sandra Oh which was nominated for an Academy Award & Golden Globe Award.  And, the cherry on the cake may be her inclusion in VOGUE Magazine’s “9 best female comedians of all-time’ alongside other comedic icons Joan Rivers, Gilda Radner and Wanda Sykes. 

 

Now, Margaret - the five-time Grammy and Emmy nominated comedian/actress has announced she will tour the country with her brand new Live and LIVID! tour. The Live and LIVID! tour will hit theaters across North America with tickets on-sale Friday, December 9 HERE

 

“Live and LIVID is a show celebrating my 40 years as a stand up comedian. I will be radiating rage about homophobia, sexism, racism and the fight to stay alive in a culture that is killing us daily. You will love seeing me Live and LIVID! This is living! Come through life!”

 

“I’ve cycled through many names to get to Live and Livid. Absolutely Angry, Bitch and Bitchy, Count on this C***,  but Live and LIVID seems to have a ring to it.” - says Cho.

 

Not enough Margaret for you? She can also be seen in HBO Max's "The Flight Attendant" with Kaley Cuoco & Rosie Perez,"Hacks"with Jean Smart, "The L Word:Generation Q"on Showtime and Hulu's "Sex Appeal" w/Mika Abdalla & Paris Jackson . Cho has also appeared on NBC's long-running drama series "Law & Order:SVU" and stunned America by singing her way through the wildly popular break-out hit show The Masked Singer.  Additionally, Margaret was named one of Rolling Stone magazine's 50 Best Stand-Up Comics of All Time (Rolling Stone HERE) while CNN chose her as one of the 50 People Who Changed American Comedy (CNN HERE ) .

 

"The Notorious C.H.O.! Margaret is a jack of all trades and master of many. Whether conjuring the spirits of George Carlin, Joan Rivers or Lenny Bruce, she is committed to navigating the world of comedy and uniquely making it her own.  Completely unapologetic about the life experiences that have shaped her path and journey to where she is today. These are just some of the reasons I love Margaret."  Wanda Sykes  

 

“I was inspired by Margaret. I got my start in comedy because of Margaret.” When I was in medical school and being her opening act at university inspired me to do this full-time. I would always ask Margaret, ‘Should I quit being a doctor? Should I quit medicine?’ I was so tortured, and I know I annoyed her. And she was so patient with me and so loving. It was just like a sibling – and it got me through my own internal confidence crises.“Margaret really is a pioneer in so many ways. Every Asian-American comedian owes a debt of gratitude to Margaret. Also, when I developed my own show, Dr Ken, I had Margaret as my character’s sister for a reason.” Ken Jeong

 

A pioneer amongst women in comedy, Margaret doesn’t take anything for granted as she continues to tackle difficult subjects with sensitivity and her razor sharp insight with her takes on addiction, abuse, activism and Asianness. It's all about the politics of disgust and what is disgusting about politics. Margaret has received many rave reviews for her live shows with the Chicago Tribune saying “Be it on-screen (“30 Rock,” “Drop Dead Diva”) or on stage, Margaret Cho has been one of the most exciting, unpredictable stand-up comics working for some time, and that hasn’t changed. If anything, the Asian-American female comedian’s voice has become more valuable than ever, given today’s social climate, and Cho’s material remains just as compelling, thanks in part to—and sometimes in spite of—her unapologetic delivery.”

 

 

Live and LIVID! Tour Dates

 

March 1: Telluride Gay Ski Week - Telluride, CO

March 2: Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts - Scottsdale, AZ

March 10: Warner Theatre – Washington, DC

March 11: Hampton Coliseum - Hampton, VA

March 31 - April 1: Brea Improv - Brea, CA

April 13: Wilbur Theatre - Boston, MA

April 14: Music Box @ Borgata - Atlantic City, NJ

May 18:  The Parker - Ft Lauderdale, FL

May 19: David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the PAC - Tampa, FL

May 20: The Plaza Live - Orlando, FL

June 2:  Palace of Fine Arts Theatre - San Francisco, CA

June 3: Aladdin Theater - Portland,OR

June 4: Neptune Theatre - Seattle, WA

June 22: Orange Peel – Asheville, NC

June 23: Charleston Music Hall – Charleston, SC

June 24: Buckhead Theatre – Atlanta, GA

June 25: Florida Theatre - Jacksonville, FL

July 21-23: Ontario Improv - Ontario, CA

Sept 8 & 9: Irvine Improv - Irvine, CA

 

Follow Margaret Here:

 

Website: HERE

Tik Tok: HERE

Twitter: HERE   

Instagram:HERE     

Facebook: HERE

YouTube: HERE 

One Night Only

Me, Margaret & Lucia

Last night I did something I, like most of you, rarely do. I went to a live show of comedy and music. Margaret Cho & Friends to be exact.

The one night only to do happened at Largo @ The Coronet, courtesy of my friend publicist extraordinaire Ken Phillips 

You know the old adage "laughter is the best medicine?" well I am here to tell you I researched this last night and it truly is!

Me & Ken

Due to pandemic protocols masks and vaccination cards were required to enjoy the evening. 

And guess what Minions?! A fun time was had by all!!!

Whatever you do today with your bad self be sure it includes laughter, it is something we all need during these, shall we say, interesting times.

Mic Drop!

Margaret on IG -

https://www.instagram.com/margaret_cho/?hl=en  

A Ghost Waits

On May 4th, Arrow Video will release Adam Stovall's A Ghost Waits, a remarkable supernatural comedy romance which can best be described as Beetlejuice meets Ghost. Beautifully shot in gorgeous black-and-white, this indie film tells the story of a handyman, a haunted house, and the ghost he falls in love with (an absolutely brilliant performance from headliner MacLeod Andrews, star of The Siren).

An ingeniously unique and unpredictable combo of horror, humor and heart, A Ghost Waits is a DIY labor of love years in the making from first-time writer/director Adam Stovall and producer/star MacLeod Andrews. Tasked with renovating a neglected rental home, handyman Jack (MacLeod Andrews, They Look Like People, Doctor Sleep) quickly finds out why the tenants keep leaving in droves - this house is haunted. The ghost in question is Muriel (Natalie Walker), who is employed from beyond the veil to keep the home vacant.

Against the odds, Jack and Muriel find they have a lot in common... pulse notwithstanding. Having found a kindred spirit in an otherwise lonely existence, they must fight for their newfound affection as pressure mounts for them each to fulfill their "cross-purposes".

From its opening spectral assault to its achingly poignant conclusion, A Ghost Waits has shocked and surprised audiences around the world via the festival circuit... FrightFest,

Screamfest, Ramaskrik, Dead and SudBuried, Nevermore, and Popcorn Frights just to name a few.

Famed critic Kim Newman declared the film to be "one of the strongest first features of recent years," and Leslie Felperin of The Guardian gave it 4 stars and said it was "chock full of delightful narrative surprises, imaginative genre tweaks, and warming performances from its two leads."

Website: https://www.aghostwaits.com/

Order Here: https://mvdb2b.com/b2b/s/AV346

Hump Day & Chill

ALASKA THUNDERFUCK READIES FIRST-EVER COMEDY SPECIAL

"The Alaska Thunderf**k Extra Special Comedy Special" Set To Premiere on OUTtv USA APRIL 15, 2021

Star of stage and screen Alaska Thunderf**k is proud to present "The Alaska Thunderf**k Extra Special Comedy Special." Featuring some of Alaska's greatest musical hits, exciting special guests, and a series of comedic jokes, join Alaska for a one-night-only engagement filmed in pre-pandemic Hollywood, California. But in a rapidly changing world, does the comedy go too far? Are the jokes too risqué? Is the glamour too glamourous? Find out by watching "Alaska's Extra Special Comedy Special" when it debuts Wednesday, April 15 exclusively on OUTtv USA Apple TV Channel,  Canada: OUTtv Broadcast and streaming on OUTtvGo and the OUTtv Prime and Apple TV channels, UK and Ireland: Froot (froot.tv)

 

Check out the Behind The Scenes video HERE

 

“Doing a comedy special is highly outside of my comfort zone, as I have always been a queen who delivers strictly glamour at all times.  However, I have taken the plunge and finally attempted to be humorous in an exciting and new extra-special comedy special.  Please enjoy this foray into the land of setups, punchlines, stingers and zingers, and let us be united for one brief moment, in laughter and love.” states Alaska

 

In addition, Alaska’s Drag Queen of the Year Pageant Competition Awards Contest Competition crowned its second-ever winner last night.  Flying in the face of a global pandemic, economic meltdown, and catastrophic political landscape, the Drag Queen of the Year Pageant carried on with celebrity judges  Nicole Byer, Peppermint, Jiggly Caliente, Vinegar Strokes, Shea Coulee’, Willam and 2019 contestant Aurora Sexton judging and scoring the 8 stunning contestants eventually naming Chicago’s own Tenderoni the winner. Tenderoni @tenderoni88  is now $10,000 (via PayPal) richer and will  proudly wear the 2021 crown and sash throughout the next 363 grueling days & nights until they take it away from her and name a new Queen in 2022.  

Photo:
Shaun Vadella

Founded by Pageant Director and extra-terrestrial icon of stage and screen Alaska Thunderfuck 5000, and co-founded by Executive Assistant Pageant Director Lola LeCroix,The DQOY Pageant placed Drag inclusivity at the forefront, creating a space that was open to any and all Drag performers— regardless of their anatomy, gender identity, or experience level.  The result was a fierce competition that electrified the audience, inspired the world, and broke barriers for all of Drag-kind.  

 

“With so many unknowns, taking the Pageant into a digital format was a risk-- but it most definitely has paid off.  These outstanding performers each brought so much talent, so much innovation, and so much inspiration to every category, and I couldn't be happier.  I'm glad I wasn't a judge, because choosing a winner from this group of 8 exemplary artists was a seemingly impossible task, but I send my congratulations to Tenderoni  who I know will carry this crown and this title with elegance and grace.  But to all the contestants-- I extend my deepest thanks, and I assure you all that the inspiration you have provided to the world will continue to echo and reverberate around the world for ages to come.” Says Alaska

http://alaskathunderfuck.com/

MERCE

I Scream, You Scream...
MERCE

MERCE, THE HIV-POSITIVE MUSICAL COMEDY WEB SERIES, RETURNS FOR SECOND SEASON

New Episodes Premiere on January 21  

The award-winning HIV-positive musical comedy web series, MERCE — beloved for its MGM classic film ethos mixed with potty mouth flair — returns in January for its second hilarious season. Produced by Skipping Boyz Productions and made possible via a crowdfunding campaign on Fractured Atlas that raised over $60,000 from fans, the second season of MERCE features eight new episodes, each with its own elaborately choreographed original musical number.  All of the series favorite characters are back, too.  The outrageous Southern Mama played by Tyne Firmin shines along with the fabulous fairies and, of course, the loveable Merce played by Charles Sanchez.  Exciting new characters are introduced as well; among them are judgmental Aunt Bless, Lisa (with an S) Minnelli and a smattering of titillating Eye Candy Boys. The hijinks are raised to unprecedented heights in season two yet the series manages to dive into some hot button topics impacting today’s HIV community as well, including PrEP, slut shaming, and gay marriage.  Additionally, and most particularly mahhvelous for fans of the series, Merce finds love in season 2!  The second season of MERCE premieres in the USA on Vimeo and Youtube and in Europe on OUTtv on January 21.

“One of the things I love about Merce as a character is that he doesn’t apologize for any aspect of who he is,” says Charles Sanchez, who, in addition to starring as the show’s lead character, is the writer and producer of MERCE.  “He's not afraid of his own HIV and remains as audaciously gay as gay can be.”

Woot!
MERCE

Like the character he portrays, Sanchez is HIV positive.  He sees MERCE as an opportunity to show the world a different side of the epidemic.  “While living with HIV is no picnic, it’s not the drama that it used to be,” he explains.  “No one that I know living with HIV walks around with a sad cloud above their head.”

Tyne Firmin, the show’s director and producer (who also plays Southern Mama) remembers videotaping people in Central Park in 2015, before filming of the series began.  “We asked them one simple question, ‘Who is your favorite HIV-positive character on TV or in the movies?’  The answers were mostly ‘Ummm…’ A few mentioned a character from one of the historical films about the AIDS crisis but nothing current. We wanted to change that.”

He and Sanchez designed MERCE in bright, neon technicolor, and they filled it with sassy one-liners.   Instead of a tragic, lonely condition, they depict a world that’s joyful, funny, supportive, and where no one in his world treats Merce any differently because of his status.

They also sneak in some education for viewers.  In season two, we learn about serodiscordant relationships (where one person in the relationship is living with HIV and one is not) and U equals U (Undetectable equals Untransmittable), a worldwide campaign that has shined a spotlight on recent scientific evidence that proves those with an undetectable viral load (meaning that the virus is not detected in lab tests) pose zero risk of transmitting HIV.   The campaign has been a huge success worldwide but has been slow to be recognized in the USA.  

“I hope people come to realize that someone living with HIV is similar to a person living with diabetes or heart disease,” says Firmin.  As an HIV-negative gay man, he acknowledges that the show has helped him to adjust his concept of people living with HIV and hopes it does the same for viewers.   “If you take care of yourself, work with your healthcare professionals, and take your medications properly, life can be positive when you’re positive!” And musical, as well! Original songs for the second season of MERCE are composed by Rob Hartmann and Adam J. Rineer, and include titles like “Click Delete!”, “Hurt Like a Bitch”, “Your Cure”, and “Bless Your Heart.” Musical numbers are staged by Garrett Caillouet and Charles Sanchez.

The fabulous fairies are played by Sean Griffin, Alex Tomas and Alex Lawrence.  Bess Eckstein plays roommate Corvette and Randall Taylor stars as boyfriend Remington.  The award-winning blogger Mark S. King (from MyFabulousDisease.com) joins the cast as Aunt Bless, Amanda Bruton plays Lisa (with an S) Minnelli and Sam Given is a scene stealer as cousin Todd.

MERCE, season 2 has been included in Canada’s Rainbow Reels Festival, America’s Rainbow Film Festival, and it was selected for the 2019 Kaleidoscope Film Festival. OUTtv has signed on to feature the second season in its programming throughout Europe, reaching audiences in the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxemburg, Germany, Sweden, Israel, and Spain.

For more information, a complete cast list, or to catch up on season one of MERCE, visit MerceTheSeries.com. Follow MerceTheSeries on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. 

The Margaret Cho

Photo:
Sergio Garcia

Earios Podcast Network Presents The Margaret Cho

In partnership with Acast, The Margaret Cho Launches on July 16

Join comedy icon Margaret Cho each week as she interviews people YOU KNOW and people she thinks YOU SHOULD KNOW, if you don’t already.  Presented by new female-led podcast network Earios, in partnership with podcast company Acast, the 36-episode first season will feature guests such as Jonathan Van Ness, Kat Von D, Michael Yo, and more. Episodes will drop each Tuesday, starting July 16.

“I am a big fan of all sorts of podcasts and I thought it was about time to put my own hat into the ring! I really think it would be good for you to have my voice in your ear talking about all sorts of things while you clean your house or drive in soul crushing traffic,” says Margaret. “ It wouldn’t just be me, but also my famous friends talking to you while you sort and fold and drive and bathe. Basically, we have a really interesting conversation and in the end, we will all be better people with clean homes that we don’t mind driving to and from.”

“We are thrilled to be working with Margaret, who is a model for iconoclastic women everywhere, and also just a deeply kind, funny person,” says Earios co-founder Priyanka Mattoo. “We have been so fortunate she’s joined us on this adventure, and are excited for listeners to experience the warmth and curiosity that infuses every episode of THE MARGARET CHO!”

Episodes can be found on Apple, Stitcher, Acast, Spotify or wherever you subscribe to podcasts. Listen here to a trailer of the show.

About The Margaret Cho podcast:

Through Margaret Cho’s iconic work in comedy, fashion, music, and activism, she’s developed deep, lasting friendships with – well – a bunch of famous people, while never losing her desire to search for and support the next big thing. On THE MARGARET CHO, join her for a series of intimate interviews with celebrities you love and know and artists you might not know, but should.

Weird Science

"Weird Science, Plastic tubes and pots and pans

Bits and pieces and

Magic from the hand" 

- Weird Science, Oingo Boingo

THEY WENT FROM ZEROES TO HEROES IN ONE FANTASTIC WEEKEND. If you can't get a date... make one! After proving himself the king of heartfelt teen flicks with Sixteen Candles and The Breakfast Club, writer-director John Hughes infused the genre with a hefty dose of wacked-out sci-fi comedy in Weird Science, a film where every teenage boy's wildest fantasies come to life. Perenially picked-on high school nerds Gary (Anthony Michael Hall, Sixteen Candles) and Wyatt (Ilan Mitchell-Smith) are sick of their status at the bottom of the social food chain. Using Wyatt's computer, the two hatch a plan to create their dream woman - and following a massive power surge, that woman unexpectedly appears in the form of Lisa (Kelly LeBrock). Gorgeous, intelligent, and blessed with limitless magic powers, Lisa makes the boys' dreams come true... but what about Wyatt's gun-toting psycho older brother Chet (Bill Paxton), and the two bullies (Robert Downey Jr and Vamp's Robert Rusler) determined to put them back in their place? Inspired by EC Comics and boosted by a killer soundtrack (including the classic title theme by Oingo Boingo), Weird Science has never looked better than in this new special edition, including an exclusive extended version of the film featuring deleted scenes never released on home video before.

Bonus Materials

• New restoration by Arrow Films from a 4K scan of the original negative
• High Definition (1080p) Blu-ray presentation of the original Theatrical Version of the film (94 mins), plus seamlessly-branched exclusive Extended Version (97 mins), featuring two additional scenes newly remastered in high-definition
• Original lossless stereo audio, plus 5.1 DTS-HD MA surround option (theatrical version only)
• Original English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing • Edited-for-TV version of the film (SD only, 95 mins), plus comparison featurette highlighting the alternate dubs and takes
• Option to watch additional scenes from the Extended Version separately
• Newly-filmed interview with special makeup creator Craig Reardon • Newly-filmed interview with composer Ira Newborn
• Newly-filmed interview with supporting actor John Kapelos • All-new interview with casting director Jackie Burch
• It’s Alive: Resurrecting Weird Science, an archive documentary featuring interviews with cast, crew and admirers, including star Anthony Michael Hall
• Theatrical trailers and TV spots
• Image gallery
• Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Tracie Ching
• FIRST PRESSING ONLY: Illustrated collectors’ booklet featuring new writing on the film by Alexandra Heller-Nicholas and Amanda Reyes
• https://mvdb2b.com/b2b/s/AV209