Matt Kona: English Speaking Comedian

Comics Coming Up Episode 77: Chris Pennie

admin — Wed, 15 May 2013 20:46:23 +0000

Chris Pennie (@WhyNoEasyNames) joins me DEEP in the hallways of the Howard Johnson Hotel to have a long, pleasant, sometimes disruptive conversation about his comedy origin story. We talk about drag racing, body building, starting out, being a single father and his appearance doing standup on Country Music Television. Check out his web site featuring a new monthly cartoon at www.chrispennie.com

Comics Coming Up Episode 76: Live Storytelling Show Easter Edition

admin — Wed, 08 May 2013 15:44:19 +0000

Mike Mulloy (@FakeMikeMulloy) relives a childhood arson, Langston Kerman (@LangstonKerman) takes us through an awkward series of showers and a makeshift court of law, Chris Faraone (@Fara1), the author of “99 Nights with the 99 Percent” and the upcoming ‘I Killed Breitbart’ talks about the first non staff member to find out the Boston Phoenix was shutting down, and Chris D. (ChrisOBCT) relives a few wild Halloween celebrations.

Comics Coming Up Episode 75: Live Storytelling Show 3

admin — Wed, 01 May 2013 17:42:37 +0000

Matt Kona talks about his favorite prank, Bryan Sobolewski (full episode guest on #73) tells a story only one person had ever heard before, Julie Kitayama relives a hellish benefit gig, Matt Beckett attempts to solve a physical confrontation using craigslist, Phoebe Angle tells a strange farm tale of rural Maine, Shawn Carter has a shitty day, Barbara Kremen receives a gift that keeps on being given, Shaun Bedgood journeys to a strip club and Rob Crean tells some tales of his record store days.

Comics Coming Up Episode 74: Larry Lee Lewis

admin — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 23:06:54 +0000

Larry Lee Lewis, the full interview! We sat down and talked in the hallway of the Howard Johnson (before the Live Taping on Episode 72) and talk a lot about his life. From starting comedy after the age of 50, to the fallout of doing “old jokes”, developing his act, being a musician and running a room and journeying through comedy in New England. Larry also talks about gambling and handicapping. Check out his show “On the Line with Larry Lee Lewis” on www.talkstreamradio.com Saturdays and Sundays from 11am-1pm EST. FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY, HA-HA!

Comics Coming Up Episode 73: Bryan Sobolewski

admin — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 15:16:06 +0000

Bryan Sobolewski and I talk in the Hallway at the Howard Johnson before a (soon to be released) live podcast. Bryan talks about his life before comedy (much of which is also detailed in his book “Family Jewels” available on Amazon.com) including jail time for jewelry theft, his history (and recent break with) sobriety, divorce and more. Great, in depth talk. Not the typical episode, but that’s a good thing. Check out his upcoming one man show at Improv Boston on May 10th and 17th at 10:30pm. www.improvboston.com for more details

Comics Coming Up Episode 72: Hojos History & More Stories

admin — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 04:01:52 +0000

The 2nd Storytellers show at Grandma’s Basement features Matt Kona talking about being a roadie for the band Blank Stare traveling around Poland, specifically the small village of Trezbiel. Larry Lee Lewis takes us through the history of the Howard Johnson as a comedy venue from it’s days as his show “Chops Lounge.” Chris Coxen (from the blog www.TakeThePatience.com) talks about one of his many characters causing controversy at college shows, Jeffrey Norwood talks about a bizarre make out session in Atlantic City in a chapter of a future one man show he’s working on, Anthony Pellechia goes through a medical scare, Benny Bosh is alone in the big city, Ruth Ferrick goes to Europe in the 90′s, Mike Kerrigan recalls a bizarre addiction and Will Noonan takes a different sort of Pepsi Challenge. Come out to the next live taping at a SPECIAL TIME of 9pm Sunday April 14th at the Howard Johnson 1271 Boylston st. Boston, MA

Comics Coming Up Episode 71: Storytelling Part 2

admin — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 16:12:17 +0000

The Inaugural Storytelling show at Grandma’s Basement Continues. Danny Kelly finishes his set with a trilogy of bizarre adventures, Gary Petersen talks about winning a date auction at Harvard, Laura the Attorney takes us on a voyage of self ‘self discovery’, Josh Day walks us through the first time he did standup and two short stories from Mike Kerrigan, Tom McDonald and an interview with Jimmy Tingle! The next live shows at Grandmas (inside the Howard Johnson 1271 Boylston st. Boston, MA are 3/31 (8pm) and 4/14 (9pm)

Comics Coming Up Episode 70: Storytelling Part 1

admin — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 00:05:24 +0000

This show was recorded on 3/3/2013 at Grandma’s Basement. This is part 1, featuring Matt Kona hosting a night of storytelling from Ken Reid(@KennethWReid), Mehran Khaghani (@MehranX) Ryan Shea (@RyanXShea) Contortionist Dorothy King and Danny Kelly telling tales of punk rock, College housing violations, battling an entire crowd, the destruction of property and the breaking Guiness World Records. The next free live show/tapings are 3/24 and 3/31 at the Howard Johnson 1271 Boylston st. Boston, MA. Part 2 comes out next week and features more from Danny Kelly, Gary Petersen, Laura The Attorney, Mike Kerrigan, Tom McDonald and Jimmy Tingle. Follow this link to see the contortion act from
Dorothy King. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y3H1rblcamw

Comics Coming Up Episode 69: Jay Washington

admin — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 02:16:32 +0000

This is a tale of two cities, or at least that’s where the two parts were recorded. Both are united by a common theme, sanctioned physical violence/entertainment. The first half features Jay Washington (@MrJayWashington) from Chicago, IL. The second half Ted Pettingell (@TedPettingell) cohosts with me for an outdoor interview with Rob Sullivan (@SullivanHates) about his time singing for the band Ruiner, taking up mixed martial arts and his recent foray into storytelling.

Comics Coming Up Episode 68: North Carolina Comedy and Arts Festival

admin — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 00:36:37 +0000

Live from The Dirty South Improv (@DSIcomedy) in Carrboro, NC at the North Carolina Comedy and Arts Festival. (@NCComedyArts) 2013. On the panel are CCU favorite Ted Pettingell (@TedPettingell) Chuck Watkins (@ChuckWatkinsESQ) Shane Smith (@ItsShaneSmith) and April Richardson (@Apey) talking about their festival experience this year and at other festivals across the country (and outside the country at the Montreal Just For Laughs Festival) We also have three “sixty second interviews” with Jack Lees, Ryan Darden and Christa Weiss. Be sure to check out the next two weeks of the NCCF at www.nccomedyarts.com including Steven Wright at the Carolina Theater February 10th. Listen to Chuck Watkins podcast at www.imaginaryepisodes.com and check out www.tedpettingzoo.com and www.aprilrichardson.com The song on the end is “Honor Your Friend” produced by Nick Lavalle (@TheOtherDude) and Matt Donaher (@SimplyMatt D.)

Comics Coming Up Episode 67: 100 New Jokes 2013

admin — Wed, 09 Jan 2013 19:09:25 +0000

Matt Kona shows up late to Improv Boston to talk to a handful of comics during the 2nd show at “100 New Jokes” where comedians perform a joke for this first time this year.
Guests include: Ted Pettingell, Scott Oddo, Chris D., Phoebe Angle, Shawn Carter, Mike O’Brien, Jason Cordova, Steve Calechman and John Tole.

Comics Coming Up Episode 66: Tim Gilgunn

admin — Fri, 28 Dec 2012 22:41:35 +0000

Charlestown’s own Tim Gilgunn joins me in the back lobby of the Howard Jonson for a peek into his comedy roots. He takes me back down memory lane from his bizarre debut making people laugh in rehab, to Catch a Rising Star in Cambridge up to his current favorite haunt at The Tavern At The End of the World in Charlestown. He turns the tables to interview me at times and we find common threads opening for bands and almost getting attacked on stage.

Tim doesn’t have much of an online presence, but we do refer to a show he did with Jeff Ferguson that can be found here

Comics Coming up Episode 65: R.A. Bartlett

admin — Fri, 21 Dec 2012 20:33:38 +0000

In this episode it’s two comics for the price of one (the podcast is still free, so post a review or tell a friend) In the first half R.A. Bartlett (@RABartlett) and I talk about life, comedy cancer and things from all over the spectrum. In the 2nd half Dan Crohn (@DanCrohn) talk about his start in Boston almost a decade ago, working his way up in the scene, setting up shows and a couple of fun hell gig stories. Dan can be found almost every Tuesday at Dick Doherty’s Beantown Comedy Vault beneath Remmington’s in Boston at 8:30pm.

Comics Coming Up Episode 64: Andrew Coalson

admin — Fri, 14 Dec 2012 21:11:45 +0000

I sit down in a conference room and talk to a young comic Andrew Coalson (@Andrew_Coalson) extensively about his time as a student at Emerson College, from the process of starting over w/a new city/comedy scene to becoming the President of the storied Emerson Comedy Workshop. (Videos at: http://www.youtube.com/ecwcomedy ) We also discuss trials and tribulations of venturing off campus into the unforgiving jaws of Boston Open Mics, when it clicked for him and we have a brief discussion of pranks. *BONUS CONTENT: I respond to a craigslist ad that accidentally listed a Corvette for $1″

Comics Coming Up Episode 63: Matt Graham

admin — Fri, 07 Dec 2012 01:15:10 +0000

Matt Graham becomes the most experienced comic to come on as a guest. He’s done numerous Late Night with Conan O’Brien appearances, had television writing jobs and been doing standup since a young age. He talks to me about his one man show “This Too Shall Suck” ( which runs every Thursday at The Soho Playhouse in New York at15 Vandam St, NYC BTW 6TH Ave & Varick) from events surrounding the creation of it to taking it on the road for the first time. We cover a variety of other topics around his trip to Boston, getting into short standup set shape after a long layoff, plans for the future and more. It’s a great talk, and “This Too Shall Suck” was excellent. Check it out in New York City or bring it to your town. Check out his site at www.thistooshallsuck.com and like his facebook page to be kept up to date https://www.facebook.com/jerkophagus

Kona Calls About a Corvette

admin — Fri, 30 Nov 2012 18:52:20 +0000

Watch Video Now

Comics Coming Up Episode 62: Ken Reid

admin — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 21:01:59 +0000

Ken Reid (@KennethWReid) is BACK after a one week absence. We dip back to the beginning of the month for a (sort of rushed) mini Halloween wrap up/Thanksgiving TV special preview, then flash forward to the recent past to talk about Ken’s Thanksgiving, what he watched, family stuff and preview the new Thursday show he’ll be hosting at The Comedy
Studio in 2013 called Ken Reid’s Secret Menu. Until then you can catch him hosting every Friday night and presenting the yearly “Christmas Show” on Sunday December 23rd. It always sells out so get your tickets at the Comedy Studio.

Comics Coming Up Episode 61: Matteo Lane

admin — Sun, 25 Nov 2012 03:34:09 +0000

Matteo Lane (@MatteoLane) visits from Hurrican Sandy ravaged NYC. We talk about his move from Chicago to his current home in NYC, singing opera, how he approaches his nightly standup sets, performing with drag queens, getting used to crowds in different cities, Italian grandmothers and more! Also if you’re in the Boston area the last week of Matt’s comic in residence at The Comedy Studio in Harvard square is upon us. Every Wed-Sunday at 1238 Massachusetts Ave in Cambridge, MA. Tune in next week for a continuation of The Comic in Residence Chronicles.

Comics Coming Up Episode 60: Comic In Residence Chronicles Week 2: Part 2

admin — Fri, 16 Nov 2012 01:50:13 +0000

Matt reports/records live from The Comedy Studio with two former residents, Jimmy Whitman (@JimmyWhit) gets tricked into the closet and podcasted upon and talks about taking the bullet every night, the progression of the set he worked on, missing days of his month and why he didn’t mind missing out on a highly sought after audition. Rob Crean (@FartHospital is the twitter he’d prefer you read), the most recent resident, talks from the stairwell of the Howard Johnson late at the Grandma’s Basement Open Mic about his choice of month and various topics, and CCU.s favorite guest Ken Reid (@KennethWReid) rounds it out with a chat from his car on the street by The Studio on
trash day. Matt opens up about some weird childhood experiences and dwells about his opening line falling flat and a very specific word flub. Check out Ken at The Davis Square Theater at 225 Elm St. in Somerville on Tuesday November 20th at 8pm, Jimmy Whitman is a regular at Dick Doherty’s Beantown Comedy Vault at Remmington’s at 124 Boylston St. in Boston on Wednesday Nights at 8:30pm and check out Rob every Friday at 7:30pm for The Gas at Great Scott 1222 Commonwealth Ave in Allston MA. ***Don’t forget to come out to the Comedy Studio’s FIRST EVER THANKSGIVING SHOW 11/22/2012 at 8pm***

Comics Coming Up Episode 59: Comic In Residence Chronicles Week 2: Part 1

admin — Sat, 10 Nov 2012 01:40:02 +0000

Matt bounces around between opening spots to track down comics who did their residency earlier in 2012. In an attempt to recapture the magic of The Tuesday night Mystery Lounge he talks to Cam MacNeil (@CamMacNeil) and Guitler Raphael (@GuitlerRaphael) about their experience performing amongst magicians. He travels through snow and crowded Irish pubs to talk to Lillian DeVane (@LillianDevane) and Mike Pincus (@FunnySexyJewy) about their approaches and eventual transition back to normalcy (?) when the month was over. Sean Sullivan completes part one of the episode discussing his upcoming one man show “Inconceivable” which premieres Friday November 30th at Grandma’s Basement inside the Howard Johnson 1271 Boylston st. Boston, MA at 9pm. This week Matt will be performing on his only Comedy Studio off date at BARE STORIES (@BareStories) at The Middle East Monday November 12th at 7pm. All other shows are at 8pm. or online ticket reservations go to www.thecomedystudio.com and especially come on Thursdays.

Comics Coming Up Episode 58: Comic In Residence Chronicles Week 1

admin — Tue, 06 Nov 2012 19:12:43 +0000

Throughout November Matt Kona will be comic in resident at The Comedy Studio in Cambridge. This is part one (week one/days 1 & 2) featuring interviews with show hosts Sean Sullivan (@MrSeanSullivan) and Ken Reid (@KennethWReid) and also post show wrap ups. Read a so far way too detailed blog update at www.mattkona.tumblr.com or www.facebook.com/MattKonaStandup

Comics Coming Up Episode 57: 2012 Halloween Edition Part 3

admin — Tue, 30 Oct 2012 14:53:47 +0000

‘ween season’ is winding down in the continuing series of Ken Reid Holiday special viewings. This week Matt and Ken talk from a park in Harvard Square Cambridge. Ken talks about his brief jaunt to New York to record the RISK podcast (also available on iTunes) Matt reads a correspondence from Sarah Heggan about some childhood standout Halloween episodes (and commercials) Ken breaks down what his CD recording process would be like and they look towards All Hallows Eve and the beginning of Thanksgiving Special watching season. for those of you interested in checking out some of the specials on Ken’s vast list, there are close to 90 available on YouTube, compiled by my cousin Danielle on www.facebook.com/Mattkonastandup or at Matt Kona Blogspot

Comics Coming Up Episode 56: 2012 Halloween Edition Part 2

admin — Fri, 19 Oct 2012 15:41:59 +0000

It’s the second week of the three month opus that is Ken Reid’s Holiday Special Viewing Update. This is a road trip edition as I tag along for a car ride with Ken and his wife Rachel, pestering along at 40+mp with listener questions in tow. We go over what has been watched over the last week and attempt to stump Ken with a couple of (what I thought were) obscure movie/TV titles. We also explore Ken’s trick or treating routine and some costume choices over the years. Do you think you can stump him? Leave your attempts in an itunes comment! Ask a question. Suggest a special for him to talk up. While you’re there search the itunes store for Ken’s free APP! Follow him on twitter at @KennethWReid and check out his website www.iKenReid.com

Comics Coming Up Episode 55: Ken Reid’s Holiday Special: Halloween 2012 pt. 1

admin — Sun, 14 Oct 2012 19:04:22 +0000

The first of (hopefully) a new regular segment for the next few months. Ken Reid (@KennethWReid) talks to Matt about his yearly ritual of watching Holiday Specials from his collection. For the inaugural episode we go over the method to his madness, what he’s seen so far and talk briefly about his trip to Hollywood for the first annual RIOT: LA Comedy Festival. Recorded from The Comedy Studio (@TheComedyStudio) in Cambridge before Ken’s weekly show hosting duties (every Friday in 2012, and if you’re reading this in 2013 his night moved to Thursday) And if you’re reading this in November 2012 Matt Kona will be opening up every show for that month at The Studio.

Comincs Coming Up Episode 54: Self Sabotage and Self Doubt

admin — Wed, 10 Oct 2012 03:44:43 +0000

This week’s talk from Grandma’s Basement revolves around self sabotage and self doubt in the world of comedy. P.J. Brown (@PJBChairo) postpones his dinner to make his CCU debut and Matt is joined by Benny Bosh (@PoopEMcPoops) and Ted Pettingell (@TedPettingell). I would write a more full description for this episode but nobody is going to listen to it anyway and whats the fucking point!? (example of self sabotage in the description). Ted and Matt talk about not moving on at the Boston Comedy Festival, and P.J. talks about his day and more! As always please leave a review on itunes and go to a show at Grandma’s Basement (including the new Oct/Nov Open Mic on Wednesdays at 7pm)

Comics Coming Up Episode 53: Collin A. Bullock

admin — Wed, 03 Oct 2012 15:38:38 +0000

From the archives! Collin A. Bullock (@awkwardpodcast) and I sit down on my final day in Chicago. There were numerous delays on this for tiny various reasons that are not podcast description-worthy. Collin talks about his podcast (“Awkward Moments”) have discussions about feeling slightly slighted in our respective comedy scenes, being passed over out of town, and attempting to change your attitude over the course of the early development period in comedy. They branch out to talking about reading about/studying up on comedy through books and podcasts, old comedy albums, etc. It’s a good conversation and it’s finally seen the (audible) light of day. Check out Collin’s Podcast on itunes or at http://www.awkwardmomentspod.com/

Comics Coming Up Episode 52: Boston Comedy Fest edition

admin — Wed, 26 Sep 2012 17:26:29 +0000

Matt is joined by Shawn Carter (@ShawnCarters), Ted Pettingell (@TedPettingell), Sandy Asai and Alex Ansel aka Kool Aid (@y2koolaid) on the afternoon of the Boston Comedy Festival finals from the Davis Square Theater. They talk about Shawn’s approach to a 5 minute set over the past three years of being in the BCF and how it differed. Sandy gets lured over to our table and reflects on her month of residency at the Comedy Studio when Shawn was just starting out. Ted pitches a new kind of podcast and we meet San Antonio Texas’s own KOOL AID and have a talk about his journey to the fest, his week here and professional wrestling. As always please leave a review and 5 star rating on iTunes.

Comics Coming Up Episode 51: Exploited Sexual Exploits: From the Tent to the Massage Parlor.

admin — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 15:45:13 +0000

Benny Bosh and Al Park return to the live Wednesday show at Grandma’s Basement. The topic begins with a discussion of Benny’s trip to Burning Man in the Nevada desert and quickly shifts into the panel sharing tales of debauchery and intrigue from various parts of the world. Guilt, exploitation and poorly tinted windows are discussed, with some help from the studio audience. Come be a part of it every Wednesday at 9 at 1271 Boylston st Boston, MA (not counting next week 9/26 due to a Red Sox game) Follow on twitter @GrandmasComedy

Comics Coming Up Episode 50: Back at the Basement

admin — Wed, 05 Sep 2012 22:47:12 +0000

After several weeks off detoxing from podcasting, life and other things Matt Kona is back and live at Grandma’s Basement for episode 50. He updates everyone on the time off, lack of sleep from a controversial Boston Comedy Softball League Championship game and slips some jokes in to pander to the live audience. He’s joined by Alex Chase, Steve Cronin and Ryan Shea (@RyanXShea) for tales of police, rappers, and fights in the middle of the street.

Comics Coming Up Episode 49: Tommy Sunshine

admin — Wed, 01 Aug 2012 20:04:14 +0000

Tommy Sunshine (@SunshineTommy) , a new (old) guy in the comedy scene. Initially dismissed by Matt as loud obnoxious drunk guy disrupting him at Mottley’s, he won me over with his own chat show “The Sunshine Open Mic Podcast” where he has personal conversations with his peers and people that he looks up to in the comedy scene. It was taped after I did his episode and we had a great talk. This was recorded a while ago to be grouped together for some “podcast appreciation” in the month of August. Go listen to his show at www.tommyshideout.com (and as always please leave a rating/review online)

Comics Coming Up Episode 48: East Infection Comedy Tour: Special Edition

admin — Mon, 16 Jul 2012 13:57:13 +0000

East Infection Comedy Tour: Special Edition. Four Austin comics invade the northeast! Pat Sirois (@peezytx) Stefany Wood (@stefanywood) Michael Monsour (@monsooncomedy) and John Stringer (@monsooncomedy) sit down to podcast before their show at Grandma’s Basement. We talk about the ups and downs of spending 30+ hours in a car with three other comics, what you inadvertently learn about each other along the way as well as stories of bizarre interactions with bikers in the early hours of the morning, wandering around cities meeting potential audience members, driving reality TV stars around, a writing stint for Late Night With Conan O’Brien and more! Follow Stefany’s tour journal and check out future dates in New York, Pittsburgh and beyond at http://stefanywood.wordpress.com/ If you’re downloading the day it’s released (Monday 7/16/2012) They will be performing at Improv Boston in Central Sq. Cambridge Tuesday 7/17 at 8pm Use promo code EAST2 to save $2 on tickets http://t.co/FtuPpfpU

Comics Coming Up Episode 47: Live from Grandma’s Basement

admin — Wed, 11 Jul 2012 19:02:23 +0000

Live from Grandma’s Basement (@GrandmasComedy) with a full house of people. TRAVEL is the theme, and one of our guests is Kit Rivers (@KitRivers) who travelled in from VT, also including CCU regulars @WillNoonan, Stephen McConnen comes on to promote a food themed comedy show (that already happened woops!) and tells a tale of wedding violence and managing a brothel. Ethan Marsh (@emarshfareal and www.ethanmarsh.net) talks about his trip to North Carolina for The Cape Fear Comedy Festival, Chris D. (@ChrisOBCT) talks about his problems travelling to Boston Comedy Softball League games and his recent trip to Chicago, hospitality in Greece. Ted Pettingell (@TedPettingell) got kicked out of a mall in Pennsylvania and speculates why Boston comics like going to Chicago and how the reverse is not true, Tom Dunlap (@TomPunlap) sleeps on a train! Wes Hazard (@WesHazard) goes international and sees the exchange rate in action. Maggie Monahan (@MakeWay4Maggie) closes it out because she brought the audience. She talks about hanging out in OTHER hotels for social reasons, a recent trip to New York and more. This episode is dedicated to the memory of Griff O’Brien. He was doing big things, just returned from the Just For Laughs Festival in Chicago and was going places. Look at his twitter and remember him for being so funny. @GriffOhBrien R.I.P.

Comics Coming Up Episode 46: Al Park

admin — Thu, 05 Jul 2012 15:14:26 +0000

Al Park (@AlParkHaHaHa) sits down for two sessions. One is recorded in a car, the other in an apartment. In both we talk a lot about the state of Boston comedy from the despair of late night open mics, putting together shows early on, friendship/alienation and being patient (and funny). We also sneak a few jokes in there along the lines. Short description for a great conversation. Check out Al Park AND Matt Kona with Boston comedy great Ken Rogerson at The Wholesome Cafe “Laugh Attic” in Ayer, MA on Friday July 13th. Call 978-514-5245 for advanced tickets. (and please leave a ratings/review on itunes)

Comics Coming Up Episode 45: Jane Borden

admin — Tue, 26 Jun 2012 16:10:23 +0000

Jane Borden (@JaneBorden) takes a little time off before her recent storytelling master class at Improv Boston to sit down for an interesting conversation. We talk about her recent book “I Totally Meant To Do That”, about growing up in the south and adjusting to life in New York City, the process of getting the book together as well as
getting interested in writing essays for publication through her involvement in improv and sketch comedy in the early days of the UCB Theater community. Jane now lives in rural Tennessee where she writes and performs standup. www.JaneBorden.com UPCOMING CCU related shows:
Matt Kona will be at The Comedy Connection in Portland, ME on Thursday June 28th

Comics Coming Up Episode 44: Ken Reid

admin — Tue, 19 Jun 2012 14:57:13 +0000

Ken Reid (@KennethWReid) returns! He was one of two guests in Episode 11, this time it’s just him. We talk about his recently staged One Man Show “Shirt Tales”, house hunting/home owning stories, working on cable access at age ten, vigilante justice, beginning standup in London England and more. He helps Matt with some of his favorite flashback/clip show devices in sitcom history, being stalked and when pranks gone wrong. Ken hosts The Comedy Studio every Friday Night in Harvard Sq. Cambridge. He also has a free APP available on itunes and his website www.ikenreid.com

Comics Coming Up Episode 43: Mike Mulloy

admin — Wed, 13 Jun 2012 15:53:38 +0000

Mike Mulloy (@Mike_Mulloy) joins Matt Kona and Producer Tom in a podcast of multiple firsts. We are recording in a truck in the parking lot before a Boston Comedy Softball League game, and it’s also the first of a different kind of bonus theme show. We talk about professional wrestling and preview the upcoming WWE “No Way Out” Pay Per View, but if you’re not a wrestling fan it doesn’t get too too inside and if you’re a wrestling fan, sorry. But thanks for downloading. There is a lot of rambling going on and helicopters over head. Check out both Mike and Matt at the Boston Nick’s Comedy Stop on Thursday June 21st for “Mike Mulloy and Comedic Acquaintances” at 8:30pm. www.nickscomedystop.com for tickets

Comics Coming Up Episode 42: Only real men hunt with crossbows

admin — Wed, 30 May 2012 15:51:28 +0000

Kelly MacFarland (@KellyMacFarland) and Leah Bonnema (@LeahBonnema) venture into The Ratscellar** before their show at Nick’s Comedy Stop. We talk about their mutual (but differing) roots in Maine, how they came to comedy through various roads (a hip hop group, on a dare…) wearing an outfit for an opening joke as a new comic, producing a one woman show, dealing with a Larry The Cable Guy impersonator, being passed in the clubs in New York City, crossbow etiquette and more. Find them online http://www.leahbonnema.com/ and www.kellymacfarland.com and get her album “Bombshell” on itunes and at RooftopComedy.com **For a visual of The Ratscellar check out this clip http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWOMFaxgF4A

Comics Coming Up Episode 41: Live at Grandma’s Part Two

admin — Tue, 22 May 2012 04:38:52 +0000

Part 2 of the very special, never to be done again DIY Recording of a live show at Grandma’s Basement. Matt sits down with Shari Vanderwerf (@ShariV67) to have the tables turned on him and be interviewed, then he tries to figure out how to get 19,000 twitter followers. John Baglio comes back on the show, and not only because he’s one of the reasons that a recording exists at all, and the episode is rounded out by Chris Dimitrakopoulos (@ChrisOBCT) talking about his rapper alter ego and bringing an mp3 to the table. A Live date: Matt will be at Headliner’s comedy club in Manchester, NH on Saturday May 26th www.rentacomic.com for details.

Comics Coming Up Episode 40: Another live from Grandma’s Basement episode!

admin — Wed, 16 May 2012 15:52:16 +0000

Some new faces (ok voices) on the Boston Comedy Scene as well as another brief chat with Grandma’s Basement guru Benny Bosh. We talk to Christine Crocker before she leaves for military service, things get real personal with Bob Friend (@BFriend) right off the bat for some reason, and Dan Sally does a brief interview (full 1 on 1 talk coming soon) about becoming a parent after being a comic for 9 years. Very special thanks to John Baglio and Matt Kaye for the guest DIY last minute engineering help. If you’re in the Boston area on Sunday May 20th come celebrate Matt Kona’s 30 year birthday at Grandma’s Basement at 8pm. Or just follow him on twitter www.twitter.com/mattkona

Comics Coming Up Episode 39: Tony Moschetto

admin — Tue, 08 May 2012 15:16:33 +0000

Tony Moschetto (@LordMoschetto) sits down for an in depth conversation about his life as a comic. Boston comedy in the 90′s is covered as well as misconceptions that non comics have towards this lifestyle. There is a lot of insight and things to learn for up and coming comedians through some of the experiences he has had as a comic. The importance of writing, establishing a routine, exercises, as well as writing outside of comedy is discussed in depth. Speaking of which check out Tony’s road travel blogs and “My Life As A Middle Aged Tennis Bum” This episode was recorded before the weekly Monday Night Comedy Cabaret Open Mic upstairs at The Grog In Newburyport, MA. Sponsored by our usual “on location podcasting unit” of www.TomHowellPhotography.com

Comics Coming Up Episode 38: James Fritz

admin — Tue, 01 May 2012 19:57:54 +0000

James Fritz (@JamesFritzComic)! While in Chicago I did one of my favorite podcasts “You Could Be Dead” that James hosts and we kept talking afterwards. Joining us briefly is fellow podcaster Brandon Weatherbee from You, Me, Them, Everybody (@ymte) and we talk about music, Chicago, James’ home town in Kentucky and many bizarre things as they pop up, including some interviewing of each other as well. Check out www.YouCouldBeDead.com and www.youmethemeverybody.com This week’s show is owed a great debt for the help from Josef at The Comedy Bar in Chicago for producing it www.comedybarchicago.com

Check out the “Photos” page and see Matt at Comic Con!

admin — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 04:20:59 +0000

Matt walks around Comic Con to take photos with all the characters there.

Photos Page

Comics Coming Up Episode 37: Live at Comic Con!

admin — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 20:43:51 +0000

Geek Week (April 25-29 at Improv Boston www.GeekWeekComedy.com) brought us along and we did some field recordings and a mini podcast with audience. Be sure to check out all the new friends Matt met while wandering around handing out Comics Coming Up Posters (free if you leave an itunes review and tweet at me w/your info @MattKona ) We visit with festival Executive Producer Kevin Harrington (@TheWhyteNinja), Paul Gannon (www.geeknightout.net) Richard Sandling (www.RichardSandling.com) are over here from England and we catch up with P.J. Westin, who just happens to be shopping for comic books (that we break down together). Later on worlds collide, as they often do at comic book conventions. One of the co-hosts of the Official Podcast of Comic Con, The Dome joins us to talk about his show Sci Fi Saturday Night (@SFSN) www.scifisaturdaynight.com Thanks for coming out/posing for pictures/listening to this if we met! Nanu, nanu, right?

Comics Coming Up Episode 36: Maggie Monahan

admin — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 14:49:33 +0000

Maggie Monahan (@MakeWay4Maggie) talks about her involvement with the sketch Group “Chocolate Cake City”, being extremely new to standup, sketch writing, embarassing childhood trauma and more! Louie Bercelli talks about relocating from New Hampshire to Boston, starting standup in exchange for a whiskey, being sick of jokes, adapting a fiction writing degree to joke writing, living out of a strip club, getting the shit beat out of you in fights. Erik Levi (@ErikLeviComedy) talks about partying mishaps in Rocky Point Mexico, his recent trip back to Arizona, the dangers of telling “civilians” you’re on twitter, Benny Bosh talks about the birth of his latest character “Poop E. McPoops” (yes, @poopemcpoops on twitter) his bizarre 24 hour trip to Chocolate Fest in Bennington, VT, feelings of bizarre sexual deviancy and more! Be sure to check out GEEK WEEK April 25th-29th at Improv Boston. www.GeekWeekComedy.com P.S. Matt is doing his one man show about the Wizard of Oz “One Liners and Tangents and Beards, Oh My!” at an undetermined time. Check his twitter to find out when @MattKona

Comics Coming Up Episode 35: Chicago-cast!

admin — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 15:02:25 +0000

Hank Thompson (@Hank_Thompson), from The Winners and Losers Show Podcast (www.winnersandlosersshow.com) sits down with Matt to get really gritty and honest with sexual mishap stories, comedy and more! Check out Hank’s podcast in a few weeks for the other side of the podcast coin and leave a review for both on itunes.

Comics Coming Up Episode 34: Mick Greenwood

admin — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 01:28:27 +0000

Mick Greenwood (Micktacular) comes by Side Two Studio for a chat with a slightly slurry/self medicated Matt Kona to talk about how he came to be a part of the Boston Comedy scene by way of hosting a mixed open mic, his band The Self Proclaimed Rock Stars ( www.sprband.com, performing this Saturday at The Middle East Downstairs in Cambridge, MA at 9pm ) his past as an independent wrestler, STOP BOSTON COMEDY road trip/mini tours and more. Matt is in Chicago all week (dates on MattKona.com ) so Shawn Carter is filling in for him on Wed April 11th at Grandma’s Basement for The Unscene Comedy Podcast Live at 9pm 1271 Boylston st. Boston, MA

Kona Travels to Chicago: Check Out His Show Schedule!

admin — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 01:21:58 +0000

Monday April 9th Zanies Comedy Club 1548 N Wells St Chicago, IL (312) 337-4027

Tuesday April 10th Hug City Presents…Racine Plumbing Bar & Grill – (Lincoln Park) 2642 N. Lincoln, Chicago, IL 60614 (Ryan Durdin)

Wednesday April 11th (some combination of the following open mics)

Laugh Factory, Flock Yourself at The Bird’s Nest 2500 North Southport Avenue, Chicago, IL 60614

Cole’s (2338 N Wilwaukee) starts at 9:30.

The American Dream Open Mic Blarney Stone Chicago at 3424 N. Sheffield Ave. Hosted by David Mascorro and Sean White. at 10:30

Thursday April 12th Comedy Saves at johnny o’hagan’s 3374 North Clark Street Chicago, IL 8pm

Thursday April 12th Cullen’s 3741 N. Southport, Chicago, IL 60613

Friday April 13th PIMPROV $15, BYOB Chemically Imbalanced Comedy Theater 1422 W. Irving Park Rd. 10:30pm

Saturday April 14th Let Them Eat Chocolate Gelato Shop N Damen Ave (between Berwyn Ave & Summerdale Ave (773) 334-2626 · 5306 5:45pm (Aaron Kozbiel)

Saturday April 14th Your Funniest Friends 650 N. Dearborn Chicago, IL 8 pm
p.s. Check out this article http://www.avclub.com/chicago/articles/your-funniest-friends,71623/

Sunday April 15th Entertaining Julia at Town Hall Pub 3340 N Halsted St (between Buckingham Pl & Roscoe St) 9pm

Comics Coming Up Episode 33: Will Noonan

admin — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 18:51:59 +0000

Will Noonan (@WillNoonan) comes back to The Side Two Studio. Will was the show’s first guest and has since gone on to do many things since then. He’s released a CD, has got more out of town road work (and less…we talk about that too) and more. All while battling weird pirate radio music in our headphones (and unfortunately, now…yours.) Check out Will’s website www.willnoonan.com and pick up his album on itunes. (Also you can preview tracks and leave a review before or after purchase, the same way you can for podcasts. HINT HINT Itunes Matt will be in Chicago next week so if you’re at the area he’s at Zanies on Monday April 9th 1548 N Wells St at 8pm. Message Matt for free tickets and check his twitter feed (@MattKona) for further details on the rest of the shows.

Comics Coming Up Episode 32: Brad Hemesath

admin — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 16:47:39 +0000

Brad Hemesath (@BradHemesath) is my guest inside Side Two Studio at the tail end of a long podcasting day for Matt. It’s one of the more loose conversations we’ve had so far. Some of the hard hitting topics involve, being on the fence about trying to get an out of town comic guest in the studio, Brad getting phrases wrong, brainstorming podcast sponsorship ideas, talking about comedy in visiting (and newly relocated) cities. Brad also runs a new comedy video production page called The Laughing Zoo. Check it out on youtube at http://www.youtube.com/user/TheLaughZoo and see Matt do standup at Grandma’s Basement Friday March 23rd at 9pm 1271 Boylston st. Boston, MA Tickets available here: http://www.eventbrite.com/event/2963492887?ref=ebtn

Comics Coming Up Episode 31: Jeff Koen

admin — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 18:08:47 +0000

Jeff Koen sits down to talk about his role in the film Heavy Times and the chaotic and death defying behind the scenes making of stories, standup comedy, youtube sabotage, goldschlager and more! (Follow the film makers on Twitter @NutPonyFilms and check out the trailer at www.heavytimesmovie.com ) and friend Jeff on facebook for standup updates Facebook Taped at the Grog, home of a weekly open mic every Monday in Newburyport, MA.

Comics Coming Up Episode 30: Strange(rs)/Travels

admin — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 17:12:13 +0000

Live from Grandma’s Basement Travel Stories/Strangers. Matt is home from The North Carolina Comedy and Arts Festival. He talks with Ryan Darmody about Las Vegas (and what does not stay there) Erik Levi about illegal activities with mysterious strangers. Christa Weiss shares a couple of stories about strangers on a bus and Shea Spillane talks about a near death experience with an animal. Women in Comedy Festival founder Michelle Barbara tells a tale of international infestation, Woody Wood goes to D.C. and gets pitched a deal in the hood, and Zenobia Costa goes shopping for underwear. For more info on the Women in Comedy Festival March 21-25 go to www.womenincomedyfestival.com (and be sure to check out the Beards and Broads show I’m hosting on Friday March 23rd at Grandmas Basement)

Comics Coming Up Episode 29: Canasta Cancellation at Grandmas

admin — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 17:12:08 +0000

Live from Grandma’s Basement. Jason Cordova (@Hard_Cordova), Kailey Godoy (@KaileyGodoy_vey), Steve Halligan (@Steve_Halligan) Robbie Goodwin (@RobbieGoodwin) and Steve Macone form the panel to talk about the usual array of random topics. Some of which include the impending advent of creepy european stalker technology, explaining Canasta and
other board games to Matt, being attacked by offended crowd members, a bizzare story of post show revenge on a heckler, and preparing differently for festival sets. Also follow host @MattKona on twitter and see him at various places in New England next week, at Fody’s Tavern in Nashua, NH on 3/8, Grandma’s Basement 3/9, and for two shows
at The Arena Bar and Grill in Cranston, RI. Also leave a review and get free stuff, just send an email to mattkonastandup@gmail.com and let us know!

Comics Coming Up Episode 28: Nick Lavallee

admin — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 15:40:03 +0000

Nick Lavallee (@TheOtherDude) sits down in the lobby of the Howard Johnson before his Boston record release show for “The Other Dude” at Grandma’s Basement. We talk about growing up watching SNL with his family at the breakfast table, coming up in bands, the DIY ethics of underground music and transitioning over to comedy. Find all 3 of his CDs (and some cool little bonus shorts) at http://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/nick-lavallee/id386714778 and check out his site www.theotherdude.com

Comics Coming Up Episode 27: Jessie Baade

admin — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 17:45:29 +0000

Jessie Baade (@JessieBaade) sits down for a conversation about coming up as a comic in New York City alongside some notable standups (Sarah Silverman, Greg Geraldo among others) being an actor in SAG, moving to Boston, quitting comedy mutliple times, epileptic seizures and more! Check out Jessie’s Blog http://jessiebaadeblog.blogspot.com/ and check her standup out in Boston at the FINAL show at Mottley’s Comedy Club Saturday February 25th www.mottleyscomedy.com

Comics Coming Up Episode 26: Mike Durval

admin — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 18:46:18 +0000

Mike Dorval drops by Grandma’s Basement to talk about starting out as an actor, working his way up through clubs in the early 2000′s, developing and performing his one man show “Death By Chocolate” and his current project, The Trials of Love, where he hears both sides of an issue between two couples in a unique comedy setting. Check out the special Valentines Day shows on Saturday February 11th at Mottley’s (61 Chatham st. Boston, MA at 8pm www.mottleyscomedy.com) or at The Funnybone in Hartford, CT on Valentines day Feb 14th. Also find him online at both www.mikedorval.com and www.trialsoflove.com

Comics Coming Up Episode 25: Live from Grandma’s Basement

admin — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 23:36:05 +0000

25! In honor of this landmark occasion we podcast live from Grandma’s Basement in the Howard Johnson (as we do every Wed at 9pm). I am joined by Wes Hazard (@WesHazard he also hosts a radio show on WZBC 90.3FM and online at www.photonpitch.com ), Shea Spillane (@SheaSpillane) and Anthony Scibelli (@AnthonyScibelli) The tables are turned on Matt and some personal information gets aired outed early on. Other topics discussed include doing extensive podcast research attending Church camp, having a super power, being “The Captain” of the wrestling team and much more. Due to some technical difficulties four interviews were lost (returning guest Peter Bowers, Mike Abramson (@MikeAbramson1) Mike Mulloy (@Mike_Mulloy) and Mick Greenwood (@Micktacular) so please follow them on twitter and talk about how much bullshit it is that their funny interviews are now lost. Also please leave a review. And you left the gas on. Always double check. Also if you happen to be in the North Carolina area Matt will be down there for the North Carolina Comedy Arts Festival Thurs-Sat. Here is his schedule. http://www.nccomedyarts.com/show/profile/1155/matt-kona/

Comics Coming Up Episode 24: Dave Rattigan

admin — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 16:55:08 +0000

Dave Rattigan sits down with me in the attic of The Grog in Newburyport, MA (They have an open mic there every Monday night at eight) . We talk about him teaching a comedy class (and why he no longer does) the trauma that comes with the first time a comic bombs, one of the more unique “weird show” stories, and he shares lots of good insights about starting out, making common mistakes, and other stuff that is good for newcomers to hear. Check him out at www.DaveRattigan.com and look out for his youtube series Post Office Golf League featuring Matt Kona, Joe Wong, Paul D’Angelo, Jimmy Dunn, Tom Dustin and more!

Comics Coming Up Episode 23: 100 Jokes Part Three

admin — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 16:06:37 +0000

100 New Jokes part 3: With Mr. Goodnight (@GoodnightDaddy) Scott Oddo (@SOddo) John Baglio (@JohnBaglio) Christa Weiss (@CWeiss), Shea Spillane (@SheaSpillane) Dave Mcdonough (@DavidLMcdonough) Ted Pettingell (@TedPettingell) and the latest podcasting duo in Boston “Mont Mont and The Meatball” Lamont Price (@LPizzle) and Tony Moschetto (LordMoschetto) talking a variety of topics, opening for a band called Fart Barf, pitching a sitcom, etc. Check out Improv Boston Radio on itunes, Tom Howell Photography and see Matt Live at Improv Boston on Sunday January 29th at 9pm.

Comics Coming Up Episode 22: Emma Willmann

admin — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 03:40:10 +0000

Emma Willmann drops by the V.I.P. section of Side Two Studio (this week’s sponsor, great for bands/rappers/podcasters, etc. www.sidetwostudio.com) to talk about growing up in rural Maine, moving to Boston and doing comedy at poetry open mics before eventually relocating to New York City. Other notable topics include googling hard to spell pornography, trying to get Matt to become a rapper and taking her Mom to shows. Plus Matt calls back the first phone sex line he ever knew about. Check out Emma at http://twitter.com/#!/emmawillmann and https://www.youtube.com/user/EmmaWillmann

Comics Coming Up Episode 21: Part 2 of “100 First Jokes”

admin — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 03:30:21 +0000

Dana Jay Bien (@DanaJayBien), co-host for 100 New Jokes drops by to talk about the behind the scenes aspects of the event, as well as the many hats he wears at Improv Boston (not literally but we taped this in the costumes room and there are quite a few hats). Kate Ghiloni (@kateghiloni) stops in to talk about bad intros and some trepidation behind preparing her joke. Rob Crean (@FartHospital) checks back in, along with Brendan Thomas Crowley talking about telling the first dick joke of the day.This episode is rounded out by Chris Dimitrakopoulos(@ChrisOBCT) dishing out one of the more unique and bizarre weird show stories that we’ve featured on the podcast. Stay tuned for part 3: next week’s thrilling conclusion! And please check out www.improvboston.com and this week’s sponsor of a mobile podcast unit/photography specialist www.tomhowellphotography.com . Matt will be performing this Saturday at The Greatest Bar 262 Friend st. in Boston, MA on Saturday January 21st For More info check http://wingmanboston1-21-eorg.eventbrite.com/

Comics Coming Up Podcast Episode 20: Part 1 of “100 First Jokes”

admin — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 19:50:08 +0000

The first of 3 Behind the scenes podcasts at “100 First Jokes” presented in association with Improv Boston Radio (also available on itunes). In Part 1 we talk to event co-host Matt D. (@SimplyMattD), Mike Lemme (@LemmeGetThat), Guitler Raphael, Anthony Scibelli (@AnthonyScibelli), Nick Palm (@nickscomedygo ) and Mike Pincus about their joke, interning for late night talk shows and skulls….

Comics Coming Up Episode 19: Peter Bowers

admin — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 20:13:22 +0000

Peter Bowers drops in for the Wednesday show at The Howard Johnson. He talks about starting sketch comedy in England in the late 60′s, his time as a chemistry professor, starting standup comedy, travelling around the U.S. in an RV and Matt learns about the existence of a road that’s existed since before WWII. Check out his website www.peterbowers.net and this episode’s sponsor www.tomhowellphotography.com

Comics Coming Up Episode 18: Dan Boulger and Jono Zalay

admin — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 05:27:17 +0000

Dan Boulger and Jono Zalay travel over from a different part of South Boston to hang out at the Side Two Studio. We talk about doing comedy in far away places, wrestling, Jono starting out in San Diego, strawberry milk, Dan’s experience taping The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, tank rampages and more! Follow Jono on twitter @JonoZalay and @TheAsterisk (science jokes) and look for Dan on TV in early 2012
which will eventually end up on www.cbs.com/late_night/late_late_show

Comics Coming Up Episode 17: Shawn Donovan

admin — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 22:38:44 +0000

Shawn Donovan keeps me company in the Side Two Studio(www.sidetwostudio.com), putting his journalism shoes on to interview me about this very podcast. We also talk about HIS podcasting (wellSADcasting) history including his previous “corporate sponsorships”. We also get into walking/offending people at comedy shows, we take a few phone calls, (albeit personal calls) and Erik Levi joins us to deliver booze and Donovan interviews him about a subject he didn’t get to on a previous podcast episode. Buy Shawn’s album “Few Mourn” (either right here on itunes or by going to www.cdbaby.com/shawndonovan1 ) and follow @ErikLevicomedy on twitter. P.S. Please review this podcast (but not this description)! Wahhhhhhh

Comics Coming Up Episode 16: Maria Ciampa

admin — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 20:37:20 +0000

Maria Ciampa drops by to tell the story about being the first Boston Comic that Matt met in his weird public access days. They talk about her role as a co-producer (and participant) of The Women In Comedy Festival (March 21-25th 2012 info at Women in Comedy Festival ), using podcasts as a way to catch up with other comedians, doing crowdwork/being heckled, getting rid of and bringing back old jokes (as well as being egged on to do said old jokes on this podcast), and more! Maria co-hosts the weekly Standup Sundays show (Sunday Nights, of course) at 9pm at Improv Boston in Cambridge. Check out her website at www.mariaciampa.com

Comics Coming Up Episode 15: Just Porn

admin — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 21:32:03 +0000

We record live from Grandma’s Basement with Steve Halligan, Erik Levi, Mike Han, Brad Hemesath, Mike O’Brien and Ted Pettingell. The topic didn’t start out as porn, but it did get there in a hurry. Things get pretty dirty, so download onto a cd and leave under a log in the woods. And leave a rating and review! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jKCv71JGY6k and find them online Brad Hemesath, Ted Pettingell, Steve Halligan, Erik Levi

Comics Coming Up Episode 14: Danny Kelly

admin — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 02:47:39 +0000

The Origin story. Hey! This is going up on Thanksgiving. It’s what would have been the pilot episode of the podcast (pre-ComicsComing Up) name. Danny Kelly joins me for peek into how he got started in standup comedy and more (it’s one of the craziest stories I’ve heard, not to build it up too much). It starts at the 19:20 mark, SO if you don’t want to hear me (host, Matt Kona) rant for a while about pet peeves in comedy like people criticizing “doubling up” etc. just skip right to it. Also to tie in with the thanksgiving theme I’d be thankful if you left a review and a rating on itunes! And check out Danny Kelly’s show at Dick Doherty’s Beantown Comedy Vault on Tuesday nights at 8:30pm at 124 Boylston street below Remington’s in Boston, MA.

Matt Kona Opens at the Wilbur Theater

admin — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 04:57:24 +0000

Comics Coming Up Episode 13: Benny Bosh

admin — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 21:14:38 +0000

Benny Bosh talks about his beginnings in comedy, leading to starting the Grandma’s Basement room, comedy road trips and dealing with stress from the realities of the world putting a damper on his comedy life and perspective. Recorded at Grandma’s Basement 1271 Boylston st. Boston, MA before the weekly Wed night showcase. www.grandmasbasementcomedy.blogspot.com

Comics Coming Up Episode 12: The Weird Show Show

admin — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 22:30:06 +0000

Tim Vargulish, Will Noonan, Tom Dunlap and live via pre-taped satellite E.J. Murphy talk about some of the weirder circumstances they’ve had to do comedy under. A dog show, a ski lodge, a bar with a sarcophagus and more! Find more info on the comedians in this episode at www.willnoonan.com , www.facebook.com/tim.vargulish,
www.comediantomdunlap.com , www.ejmurphycomedy.com/EJ_Murphy_Comedy/Bio.html and follow us on twitter @ComicsComingUp

Comics Coming Up Episode 11: Ken Reid and Ryan Douglass

admin — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 19:34:17 +0000

Ken Reid and Ryan Douglass come in and talk about characters in comedy, Ryan’s modelling career, transition to becoming a child playwright in Chicago and eventually becoming a standup comic in Boston. Ken talks about starting comedy in the U.K., his seasonal sitcom spread sheets, his approach to what material he does on stage and more. Ken hosts every Friday at The Comedy Studio in Harvard square in Cambridge. His website is www.ikenreid.com Ryan runs a show twice a month on Wednesdays at Rodeney’s Book Store in Central Square Cambridge. He can be reached at 1-860-324-6000.

Comics Coming Up Episode 10: Erik Levi

admin — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 01:00:16 +0000

Erik Levi talks about his move from Arizona to Boston, starting in improv, problems that can be created and perceived by doing multiple shows in a night, being drunk on stage, and much more! He can be found on twitter at www.twitter.com/ErikLeviComedy. As a special ‘double digit podcast’ gift please leave a rating and review on itunes! Thanks for listening.

Comics Coming Up Episode 9: Danny Kelly

admin — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 20:36:27 +0000

Danny Kelly returns to Side Two Studio. He was here before at the very birth of the podcast, but the discussion was short, so we’re saving that session for a future episode. Danny has been doing comedy longer than any guest so far on Comics Coming Up and spins an epic tale about the worst road gig he’s done, moving from California to Boston to increase his stage time and about comedy festivals. Danny hosts a Tuesday show at Dick Doherty’s Beantown Comedy Vault and can be found online on facebook and www.myspace.com/dannykellycomedy.

Comics Coming Up Episode 8: Live From Grandma’s Basement!

admin — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 20:59:59 +0000

Live From Grandma’s Basement. After the weekly Wednesday show some of the comics stuck around (and some came by) to swap shit stories and hell gigs (many of which host Matt Kona may have been responsible for) With Sean Wilkinson, Ted Pettingell, Jeff MacKinnon, Pat Barrett, Robbie Goodwin, Shaun Connolly, Ryan Staples, Nick Chambers and Ted Pettingell (again).

Comics Coming Up Episode 7: Shaun Bedgood

admin — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 16:31:47 +0000

Shaun Bedgood comes in to recap his weekend in comedy, talk about whether working security as a college helps deal with drunk people in a comedy club, the importance of punctuality when working clubs and where they stand on the age old iphone Scrabble vs. Words With Friends debate. Future podcast guest Erik Levi comes in to chime in on the complicated aspects of performing for college students and more. Find Shaun Bedgood on twitter at www.twitter.com/FunnyManShaun

Comics Coming Up Episode 6: Greg Pivarnik

admin — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 19:18:38 +0000

Greg Pivarnik fills in as a last minute guest for this week’s episode(incorrectly referred to as episode 5)You probably don’t recognize that name, unless you happen to see it on the list of many other names at various Boston open mics. I’ve been friends for Greg for a couple of year’s and he has an interesting perspective for where he is at in comedy, as an open mic’er who can only get out a couple of times a week. Listen in as we discuss how Greg may have ended an open mic at a BBQ joint, Matt seeing “Jury Duty” in theaters multiple times, and they play the “comedy cliche game”. Also we name drop many young
comics and open mic’ers. WILL YOUR NAME BE HEARD? Only one way to find out…

Comics Coming Up Episode 5: Rob Crean and John Paul Rivera

admin — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 16:29:39 +0000

Rob Crean and John Paul Rivera talk with Matt about their roles
co-hosting a hectic late night open mic at The Middle Eat, the history
of Anderson Comedy, moving cross country to do comedy, Rob’s upcoming
“comic in residence” month at The Comedy Studio and John Paul gets
harassed about not rushing into certain comedy clubs.

Comics Coming Up Episode 4: Part Two

admin — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 22:30:43 +0000

Tom continues his breakdown of his time in the New York comedy scene and they’re joined by Kyle Ploof (host of his own podcast, The Ploof is In The Pudding also on iTunes) to talk about his experience there, moving back, common mistakes that comedians make and why you shouldn’t make certain jokes if you ever want to get hired to work at certain clubs again.

Comics Coming Up Episode 4: Tom Dunlap

admin — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 22:09:01 +0000

Tom Dunlap joins Matt Kona in the Side Two Studio to drink Pumpkin beer and talk about the past weekend in comedy, their mutual background (and minimal experience) in sketch comedy starting out, starting out in standup in Boston, and part one of the discussion of Tom’s month long stay in New York and experiences there.

Comics Coming Up Episode 3: Awkward Compliment

admin — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 22:51:45 +0000

Matt Kona interviews Patty Barrett, Matt Dann, Ryan McFarland and Mark
O’Connell about how an improv troupe, Davis Square Somerville food and
drink locations, Gremlins 2: The New Batch, Side Projects, Day Jobs
and more!

Comics Coming up Episode 2: Dave Drake

admin — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 22:45:51 +0000

Chicago Comedian Dave Drake is in town visiting and he talks with
Matt Kona about good midwestern cities to do comedy in, the hardships
of being an open mic host, his friend Mike’s Reggae Band WUWURU, bad
introduction games and also the sounds of jingling ice!

Comics Coming Up Episode 1: Will Noonan

admin — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 05:25:46 +0000

On the first episode Will Noonan joins host Matt Kona and they discuss working without a mic, comedy festivals, corporate functions, The Wizard of Oz, working clean, romanticized rights of passage in comedy, vintage Natalie Portman sightings, SNL fantasies and some open mic etiquette. Recorded at Side Two Studio in Boston, MA

Places to stalk me

Comics Coming Up — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 22:50:45 +0000

Check out my calendar for my next show!