What do Jay-Z, Jim Carrey, Jake Gyllenhaal and Sacramento comedian Mike E. Winfield have in common? They are all scheduled to appear this week on CBS's “Late Show With David Letterman.” "It was an AMAZING experience," Winfield said when asked to describe his recent appearance. Winfield is no stranger to performing his unique brand of standup on television. He’s been featured on Showtime’s “Comics Without Borders,” hosted by Russell Peters, “Comicview” on BET, “Comics Unleashed” with Byron Allen, “Last Comic Standing” on NBC and “Live at Gotham” on Comedy Central. Quite the resume for a man who, until recently was a grocery clerk working at the local supermarket chain. At AmericasComedy

In the Youtube age when everything can be viewed from the comfort of your lap top, there are still compelling reasons to see live stand-up comedy. The number one reason is the spontaneity of a live show and the energy of the audience. One of the most spontaneous has to be when a comic deals with a heckler. For some, a heckler is not a favored species. It often involves way too much ego and or alcohol. However, there is a different side to that story. One from the comic's viewpoint. "There is a special energy that circulates around the room when it happens. The chance that it could go bad and the quality of the comic's wit make it exciting. What if the comic could keep this up for most of

Most famous comedians, when they want to work out their new material before a big tour, will make a clandestine appearance at a local comedy club or do an unannounced ‘guest set’ at a comedy showcase. Not if you are Robin Williams. Williams took over Sacramento’s Crest Theater last night and shared his workout with 950 loyal fans, who paid $50 each to watch the comedy great perfect his “Weapons of Self-Destruction” material before debuting his tour in Australia and New Zealand on November 4. William’s proceeds were donated to the Sacramento Food Bank and Family Service. Greeted with the first of three standing ovations as he walked onto the stage, Williams quipped, "Getting a standing ov

By Jennifer A. Gordon Be ready to receive an infusion of laughter. L.A. comedian Darren Carter, “the Party Starter,” is coming to town. He’ll be performing at Serna Plaza at Sacramento State’s University Union from 7:30-9 p.m.Thursday, Sept. 16. All ages are welcome. No alcohol will be sold or permitted at the venue. The show is free. Beat Energy, fun, hip hop and razor-sharp wit, Carter’s act has beat. His musicality pervades his comedy and gives it rhythm and punch. And, Carter’s the only comedian with a theme song, written by a rapper fan of his, Big Fluff Nickolantern. Grown-ups like him, too A favorite among college students, Carter has a solid following among the adult crowd, too.

By Jennifer A. Gordon The comedy troupe, "Arabs Gone Wild," will be performing at "The Punch Line Comedy Club" in Sacramento this Thurs., Sept. 14 at 7:30 p.m. If you haven't seen them before, you're in for a fabulously entertaining evening. More of a party than a performance, "Arabs Gone Wild's" material is fresh, edgy, smart and surprising. Just who are these "Arabs Gone Wild?" Dean Obeidallah, Maysoon Zayid, and Aron Kader. Recently, AmericasComedy.Com had the joy of chatting briefly with Obeidallah, as he was packing his suitcase to visit our "City of Trees." "Arabs Gone Wild" was part of "Live Nation Comedy Tour," filling 1400 seats in Washington, D.C. and selling out an 1100-seat

  By Jennifer A. Gordon Revered as the original Latin “King of Comedy,” Paul Rodriguez has done just about everything there is to do over the last 33 years of his comedy career. Philanthropist, actor, producer and comedian, Rodriguez has had starring roles and guest appearances in more than 40 films, as well as in countless television series and comedy specials . . . and more. Now, catch Rodriguez’s show with opening act Dennis Gaxiola at Tommy T’s in Rancho Cordova at 8 and 10 p.m. this Friday and Saturday. Rodriguez’s first big break Rodriguez’s first big break came while doing comedy warmups for Norman Lear's show "Gloria." Lear ultimately wrote and developed a weekly series for Pa

No one ever accused comedian and writer Laurie Kilmartin of being being "Mommy Dearest," but then again, she hasn't received her "Mother of the Year" award yet either. But the good news is that you can watch Kilmartin’s piercing insight and bald sarcasm at The Sacramento Punchline, where she will regale you into joyful delirium on Aug. 13 and 14. A seasoned comedian and writer, Kilmartin is back in Los Angeles for a while (or, at least, until the lease on her apartment expires) after being voted off as one of the top-10 finalists of “Last Comic Standing’s” season seven. Not to worry, however. Kilmartin, a noted and sought-after comedy writer who moved to back to California from New York

A SacramentoComedy.Com Interview Comedian Cedric The Entertainer is one of the hardest-working men in the entertainment business. Perhaps you love him from his roles in "Barbershop," "Be Cool" or "The Original Kings Of Comedy." You may have became a fan of his voiceover roles in "Madagascar," "Charlotte's Web" or "The Proud Family." Maybe it was his starring role in the hit "Johnson Family Vacation." Any way you look at it, Cedric IS "The Entertainer." Even with his success as an actor, producer and director, Cedric The Entertainer is coming to Sacramento's Memorial Auditorium and going back to his roots of stand up comedy. We spoke to Cedric, (Mr. Entertainer?), by phone as he was reco

Thursday night, venerable comedian and OCD-stricken performer Howie Mandel appeared at the California State Fair on the Main Stage. After a less-than-tasteful and off-color opening act, Mandel took the stage with a rapid-fire delivery and a huge smile. Almost immediately, it was obvious that he has not lost his comedic edge even after appearing as a dramatic actor (“St. Elsewhere”), voiceover actor (“Bobby's World,” “Muppet Babies” and “Gremlins”) and talk show host and judge (“Deal or No Deal,” “America's Got Talent”). The fair provided a delightful interpreter for the deaf, Sharon Ramsey, who was addressed multiple times by Mandel as he used words and expressions just to see how they w

Comedian Doug Benson smokes pot. That fact is well documented in his stand-up routine and his 2007 documentary "Super High Me." In the movie, Benson eagerly offers himself up as a test subject to document the effects of smoking massive amounts of marijuana for 30 days. In his stand-up act, it appears that his experiment is still unofficially continuing. Playing mid-week to a full house at the Sacramento Punchline, Benson began his set with his eyes half closed and a stoner grin. He immediately showed the audience his notes that he claimed to need so he didn't meander through his material. However, as the evening wore on, you began to wonder if the "stoner" persona was just a well-played