David Letterman showcase Fri Oct 20

[Paul Ogata]

What if you got some of the heaviest hitters in local comedy and put them all on one big show? And what if each of them came with their best set of material? And what if this was for a shot at getting on "The Late Show with David Letterman"??

Then you'd have The David Letterman Showcase at Pipeline Café ! It all goes down Friday, October 20 at 7pm. Here's who is going to be on this once in a lifetime showcase of Hawaii's best stand-up comics:

* Andy Bumatai
* Mel Cabang
* Paul Ogata
* Da Braddahs
* Kento
* Shawn Felipe
* Jordan Savusa "The Friendly Samoan"
* Elroy Ruiz
* Kermet Apio
Plus, from Los Angeles:
* Paul Morrissey
* Erik Griffin

The talent coordinator for David Letterman will be in the house watching... and so should you! Fill the club and make it look good so your favorite comics get to do their thing on national TV!

Advance tickets are $25 general admission, and $45 for Tiki Lounge VIP. At the door it's $30/$50. Tickets will be on sale on October 3rd at Pipeline Cafe, Jelly's Aiea, Hawaii's Natural High, www.presaleticketsonline.com or charge by phone at 926-3000.

Pipeline Café is located at 805 Pohukaina St., Honolulu, HI 96813.

[Leo Lakio]

Holy crap! I hope they recognize that you ALL oughta be on Letterman! Good luck to you, Paul, and to my Seattle buddy Kermet Apio (who writes a humor column for the Northwest Hawai`i Times (http://www.northwesthawaiitimes.com/lchome.htm).)

[manoasurfer123]

I'm so there PAUL!!!

ANYONE FEEL LIKE JOINING and making this a "Gathering?"

[Pomai]

I too am SO THERE!

Paul, don't forget to bring your "Samoan iPod" with you (the PA speaker). lol

The ticket prices are a steal for all that talent. I wish Greg Hammer were also on the roster.

I'm gonna' sit WAY in the back for fear of getting "picked on" with my (almost) bald shaved head. Would be Mel to key in on that. :o

Hopefully this event gets videotaped. I'm sure there'll be some classic skits worth archiving.

[manoasurfer123]

Pomai... Like grab a bite to eat somewhere first?

[Pomai]

Pomai... Like grab a bite to eat somewhere first?Shoots! Let's see how many other HT'ers are in on this, then we can all decide who/what/where to eat. Before or after? Whatevahz.

This is going to be a fun night! :)

[tutusue]

I'm definitely up for it but can't commit 'til a couple of days prior to 10/20, when I'll know my work schedule.

[manoasurfer123]

So what are some of the options for restaraunts around pipeline?

[tutusue]

So what are some of the options for restaraunts around pipeline?
Dixie Grill across Ward from Sports Authority
Wahoo Fish Tacos, same parking lot as SA
Ward Warehouse
Ward Center
Restaurant Row

[manoasurfer123]

Hey paul... just noticed from your myspace page that you have gigs on the outter islands too tonight and toomorow!

So I'll post that email address that Locke has written out for you so that people on the outter islands also get a chance to see you LIVE! (GO SUPPORT) besides he's freaking hilarious!

www.paulogata.com
(and I'll post it here to;) )

Sep 29 2006 8:00P TONIGHT
Maui County Fair Wailuku HI
Sep 30 2006 9:00P Toomorow Night
Big Island Comedy Club Kailua Kona HI
Oct 14 2006 8:00P
Perry & Price Saturday Morning Show Honolulu HI

Paul... like join Pomai and I for some grinds before the Letterman showcase?

[keoki_sing]

Holy crap! I hope they recognize that you ALL oughta be on Letterman! Good luck to you, Paul, and to my Seattle buddy Kermet Apio (who writes a humor column for the Northwest Hawai`i Times (http://www.northwesthawaiitimes.com/lchome.htm).)

Man that link is funny stuff (Super Nanny!) thanks I'm adding it to my blog links! I couldn't even finish reading it all so funny!

[manoasurfer123]

Pomai...
Check out the pupu menu... I'm down for eating there....
http://www.pipelinecafe.net/pupumenu.htm

Looks like they have a pretty full selection of everything!

[Paul Ogata]

Hey, thanks for all the positive feedback. Manoa, I don't usually eat right before a gig, otherwise I might hurl all over the front row. Kind of like a Gallagher show, but worse. But if you guys do go eat somewhere after, I'm always down for some post-show grinds.

Oh, and here's a flyer.

http://www.paulogata.com/images/lateshow_pipeline.jpg

[manoasurfer123]

Paul - Is this a parents use their own discretion event?

Or should kids under 18 definately be left home? My 2 year-old will be at home... but my wife may come if we can find a sitter.

How long do you expect the show to last???

Pomai... you wanna hold off and eat w/ Paul afters... or what??? I'm down for anything... and I can always eat twice:eek:

[Leo Lakio]

Paul - Is this a parents use their own discretion event?
Or should kids under 18 definately be left home? My 2 year-old will be at home... but my wife may come if we can find a sitter.
The flyer does say "all ages welcome." From what I know of Kermet's humor at least, there's nothing in it that will upset children. Granted, they may be BORED by the observational humor of adults, but that's different.
I would guess that the comics, knowing that they are shooting for an opportunity to appear on national network television, are likely to keep their material "safe" for that outlet.

And just because it's so easy to pick on Manoa, here's an out-of-context quote for you:If you can't find a babysitter for your child because you want to go party you should stay home and party with your child.

Hugs, Manoa!:D

[manoasurfer123]

Out of context is right....

iirc: A "Free" Block party attended by 20,000 + and a paid event in a controlled atmosphere....that's comparing apples and oranges!

I also said I'd bring my wife.... If we can find a babysitter... however, if we can't... My wife stays home with the baby...and I'm going out to support Paul whether my wife likes it or not!;)

Or is there an age that kids get in for free (with paid parents) consisdering a 2 year old wouldn't get the humor anyhow?

[Paul Ogata]

Paul - Is this a parents use their own discretion event?

Good question, Manoa.

I would guess that the comics, knowing that they are shooting for an opportunity to appear on national network television, are likely to keep their material "safe" for that outlet.

And good answer, Leo.


I can only imagine that the comics on the show would be doing their material safe for TV, since the network TV executive will be watching.

Now, that's not to say that everything you see on network TV is suitable for your kids, especially what you hear on late night television. (The humor even in prime time these days is way raunchier than it was back in the day.) So, it is all ages, but you should still exercise your parental discretion. After all, you are taking them to a nightclub and not to Rob E. Rodent's Pizza Parlor.

I hope to see you all there!

[manoasurfer123]

Pomai... I gonna pick up tickets tomorrow try let me know ASAP if you like me p/u pre-sale for you....buggahs are gonna be gone soon! 1stwahine..... I said this one on me.... you gonna be manoa's date? I not buying drinks though;)
Anyone else like me pick up some pre-sale tickets tomorrow let me know...

Paul... what ... get any pull??? can reserve us a table somewhat close to the stage... as long as you no pull a gallagher.... if we get a group of 4 or more?:confused:

Any rate... look forward to trying to keep my food in my stomach for the evening.:p

[tutusue]

[...]Now, that's not to say that everything you see on network TV is suitable for your kids, especially what you hear on late night television. [...]
I'll say. Did anyone see Lisa Lampanelli (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lisa_Lampanelli) on the Tonight Show last night? :eek: First guest, Michael Clarke Duncan (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Clarke_Duncan), walked off the stage...but did return awhile later. I love a good comedian(enne) but she was way over the top for me with the non-stop racial-sexual innuendos. Leno kept interjecting comments such as..."Well, so much for the Tonight Show."! Lampanelli makes Don Rickles seem like Mr. Rogers!

[manoasurfer123]

Ok Paul... you can talk dirty...:p

My wife will be home w/ my baby... however, I did p/u a Hot date for the night;)
Just kidding honey... you know who i'm talking about:eek:

[manoasurfer123]

Pomai... still down to grind?

My date took off to Vegas for the weekend... so even if it's just you and your gf it's all g...

I'm down to support Paul by myself..... jdub... still in possibly?

Tutusue... you get the night off yet?

Anyone else that had interest??? I'm going even if it's me by myself:eek:

[tutusue]

[...]Tutusue... you get the night off yet?[...]
I'm up, down and on...for work, that is! Dayam! I was so ready for a good laugh but I have a casting session. Tell Paul I'm sending him a hug and tell him to 'break a leg'!

[christa]

paul last night was fantastic. yoou were so funny picking on poor dave.!

[manoasurfer123]

Hey Paul -

Didn't end up making it.... My Hot date for the evening ended up going to Vegas...

However, I did stay home and spend time with my wife and baby... which can be almost as funny.

I did get the pleasure of showing a few friends your myspace page with the videos you had...

Pomai... Thanks in advance for letting me know that you had some other things to do.... I know you would have loved to have gone.... I appreciate the fact that you never left me hanging and you understand that I too was busy...

Next time!!! Besides... I bet pipeline's food is terrible considering it's really known as just a "meat market":eek:

But for those that are interested in seeing some videos of Paul performing....

You should just do a myspace search for Paul Ogata....

He's too funny.... I think I'm gonna start calling him Atago Luap (His Samoan name):eek:

[*pinao*]

Soooo?? Who ended up gettin on Letterman??? :D give me the scoop

[Palolo Joe]

Next time!!! Besides... I bet pipeline's food is terrible considering it's really known as just a "meat market"
Wrong again...

[Leo Lakio]

So...staying on-topic, did anyone from HT attend? I hope Paul will return soon to describe his experiences; Kermet Apio told me he was just looking forward to the opportunity to get constructive comments from Letterman's booker.

[Bill Turner]

Yea who made it like to andy Bumatai I meet him back when he first started 1974 I think. thanks Bill

[Palolo Joe]

So...staying on-topic, did anyone from HT attend? I hope Paul will return soon to describe his experiences; Kermet Apio told me he was just looking forward to the opportunity to get constructive comments from Letterman's booker.
Paul killed, as always. Mel was another favorite. Andy was okay, but I've heard some of the material he did before.

Kermet didn't really impress me.

Oh, and the bar burgers at Pipeline are ONO.

On-topic enough for you?

[Paul Ogata]

Hey gang

Thanks for the comments, Palolo Joe!

The night went pretty well, I thought. Some comics were happy with their performances, others not so much. The Letterman booker sat everyone down individually after the show and gave feedback and critique. Again, some were happy with the debriefing, others not so much.

This wasn't a contest or a competition. Rather, it was a chance to be seen by a national television talent coordinator. There were some who were told flat-out that they weren't right for the show. I was pleased with what he had to share with me. He liked a lot of stuff, and other stuff he said needed work. The good news is that the stuff he liked was tried and true material, and the stuff that needed work was brand new material. Never even tested before. (You're never really supposed to do brand new material for a showcase like this, but then I'm an idiot. Sure, a ballsy idiot, but an idiot just the same.)

I will say this, when Mel Cabang went up, the Letterman guy told me he was laughing out loud the whole time. He put his pen down, stopped taking notes, and just sat back to enjoy.

When I did CBS's Late Late Show, I performed for that booker a few times before we set a date. I will work on the points that this guy brought up and I'm confident that the same process will unfold. I'm not saying to set your TiVo right away, but I am saying to start saving money to buy one.

Thanks for all your support!

Now, if you'll excuse me I have three weeks of LOST to catch up on.

[tutusue]

[...](You're never really supposed to do brand new material for a showcase like this, but then I'm an idiot. Sure, a ballsy idiot, but an idiot just the same.)[...]
Paul, what's the name of the club in Hermosa Beach where Jay Leno tests his material before using it? The only name that comes to mind is the Lighthouse but I remember that as a jazz club. Anyway, a friend told me that Jay goes on stage with a stack of 3x5 cards with one gag on each. If a gag bombs, he drops the card. If a gag works, he hangs on to the card. Any truth to this...do you know?

Sorry you couldn't stick around for the 'LCA' job...and even sorrier that I couldn't make it to Pipeline for the showcase. An evening full of comedians. I woulda loved it!

I still want to see an all Hawaii Leno show...you, Tia Carrere, Michelle Wie and Jake Shimabukuro. Really.

How much does a Tivo cost and how many $ per week should I be saving?! :D

[Palolo Joe]

I will say this, when Mel Cabang went up, the Letterman guy told me he was laughing out loud the whole time. He put his pen down, stopped taking notes, and just sat back to enjoy.
Uncle deserves the opportunity. I hope he gets a call from New York soon.

[Paul Ogata]

Paul, what's the name of the club in Hermosa Beach where Jay Leno tests his material before using it? The only name that comes to mind is the Lighthouse but I remember that as a jazz club. Anyway, a friend told me that Jay goes on stage with a stack of 3x5 cards with one gag on each. If a gag bombs, he drops the card. If a gag works, he hangs on to the card. Any truth to this...do you know?

It's "The Comedy & Magic Club" in Hermosa Beach, across the street from the pier. I went to see him there a few years ago and yes, he does do the index card thing. Cool thing is, you can watch the Tonight Show that week to see the jokes in action. Then, a couple of years ago, Leno had the night off and Howie Mandel and I filled in. (I say "Howie and I", but really Howie just took Leno's place and I was also on the show. Sounds better, though, doesn't it?)

It's a very cool club, this year I worked there a bunch of times, performing with guys like Michael Richards from Seinfeld, Robert Wuhl from Arliss and Kevin Nealon from SNL. (And the food is ono... Ask for the blackened salmon. It's not on the menu.)

I still want to see an all Hawaii Leno show...you, Tia Carrere, Michelle Wie and Jake Shimabukuro. Really.

Like they say, write your congressman. Or in this case, the Tonight Show.

[tutusue]

It's "The Comedy & Magic Club" in Hermosa Beach, across the street from the pier. I went to see him there a few years ago and yes, he does do the index card thing. Cool thing is, you can watch the Tonight Show that week to see the jokes in action. Then, a couple of years ago, Leno had the night off and Howie Mandel and I filled in. (I say "Howie and I", but really Howie just took Leno's place and I was also on the show. Sounds better, though, doesn't it?)
"Howie and I" does have a nice ring to it! He seems to be a strong family guy, lengthy marriage, great kid stories. I hope he's the good guy I imagine him to be. That guy is so in touch with his inner child! :D

Isn't Leno still on the road doing stand-up? Dang...that guy really works hard. I guess one can't let the chops rust even for a minute, huh?
It's a very cool club, this year I worked there a bunch of times, performing with guys like Michael Richards from Seinfeld, Robert Wuhl from Arliss and Kevin Nealon from SNL. (And the food is ono... Ask for the blackened salmon. It's not on the menu.)
Do they deliver? To Makaha? :D And to think I used to live on 26th St.!
Like they say, write your congressman. Or in this case, the Tonight Show.
I did...earlier this year! Really!

[manoasurfer123]

You know Paul... I'm still thinking of blaming you for the earthquake:p

Geez... you leave Hawaii... and go to Cali...home of the San Andreas fault....
and then you bring it back here....

you know I playing!;) However...gee...how come your place you were staying was one of the last on the grid... j/k!

Well I guess you got what you brang here...hahahahhaah

J/K... Next time you come... no bring the Earthquakes with you...please?:rolleyes:

Keep us a kin w/ things here on HT as you go back to the mainland and don't ever forget us!!!!

[Leo Lakio]

Thanks for all your support!Thanks for the inside report, Paul; glad to hear it went well for you, and please let us know how things are going.