Being “America’s Funnyman” brings Neil Hamburger to the Nation’s Capital from time to time, on official business. This time he’s hyping his new “Western Music & Variety” DVD. He will perform at D.C.’s Black Cat on Sunday.
You’ve been known to engage your audience with, “Do you have a local newspaper in this town?” Any advice for those young, earnest, indie kids who are getting laid off from cushy media jobs? Any other ideas for how they can “change the world?”
There is a need for better quality maids. I cannot tell you how many times I have checked into a budget chain motel only to be put off by beard stubble in the sink crevices, or an old pizza crust in the dresser drawers. Clearly more diligence is required. I believe that this generation might just have it.
Speaking of that “local newspaper” icebreaker, it’s all too often met with a deafening, dumbfounded silence. D.C. is a town where Census figures indicate a literacy rate that cracks double digits. Is that relief? Do they “get” the gag, or just think they know more than you do?
We conduct our own informal focus groups, and our findings are interesting: People love to laugh! But with all the problems they are suffering from — emotional problems, drinking disorders, undiagnosed unpleasantness — it can be hard to “let loose” and enjoy the show. This is irregardless of literacy. I have found that no matter what city I am in, a lot of these stone-faced audience members are, in fact, straight-up jerks.
Anthony Keidis/heroin gags, Courtney Love yucks; jokes plucked from today’s headlines. Some of the mandarins of comedy criticism have accused you of trying to be “too relevant.” How do you manage to keep the bit fresh? Or, are you going for a comedy that’s more “timeless” and “enduring?”
It is hard to keep up to date when every day some God-awful new thing happens in the world. So, yes, we do try to make this act timeless. Certain topics, such as the antics of disgraced vocalist Courtney Love, have proven enduring, and so we do come back to them time and time again, much as the Three Stooges kept their suitcases well stocked with canisters of whipped cream.
Expecting a chorus of boos in this town, do you foresee a time when Teddy Kennedy jokes will no longer be deemed “too soon?” Maybe after Congress wraps up meddling in health care?
I wish Congress would pass legislation regarding personal care. By that I mean, the slovenly appearance and smell of some of the people that attend these shows. Frequently I am made sick by the people I am forced to perform for.
When working a “gig” in Washington, too many comedians can’t help but switch up their act and “get political.” Are you here “take on the establishment,” and stick it to George W. Bush? Or, is it OK for a comedian to just want to put a smile on the face of some glum and surly government bureaucrat?
Whatever it takes to get a laugh. It is all about putting smiles on faces. The methods and topics are not important. The important part is that these awful people leave the nightclub in a better mood than they came in with.
You’ve appeared on Fox News’ “Red Eye with Greg Gutfeld.” Ever been invited to do Glenn Beck’s show?
No, no, he is apparently not the gentleman that Mr. Gutfeld is.
Self-styled as “America’s Funnyman,” can we depend on you to address the next “tea bag” rally that descends upon the steps of the Capitol?
I am always looking for work. Tea bag rallies, sure. Any sort of disgruntled audience is perfect for me. And I did some stuff for the Lipton people years ago, a corporate event, handing out samples.
