Archive | 2012 | May | 18

Yuk Yuk’s Takes Israel by Storm

Canada’s national standup comedy club, Yuk Yuk’s, is heading to the Holy Land – and bringing with it a taste of unique Canadian humour.

Mark Breslin, founder and CEO of the world’s largest chain of comedy clubs, will be bringing six of his top comedians to perform at selected venues in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, along with some surprise locations along the way. The tour takes place from May 30th to June 7th, and will form the basis of a documentary exploring the role of culture and comedy in Canada and Israel – and how the trip impacts the comedians themselves. The documentary will be produced and directed by Igal Hecht, who has produced over 50 documentary films, including the award winning “Shield of Solomon” (2009) and “The Hilltops” (2011). Hecht’s most recent project was “Muzika”, a television series highlighting the top names in Israeli music. Muzika is currently airing in the US and Canada.

The comics on this groundbreaking tour are Aaron Berg, Nikki Payne, Rebecca Kohler, Jean-Paul, Sam Easton, and Michael Khardas. Two are Jewish, and four are non-Jewish.

The tour is sponsored by the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs and several supporting contributors, with co-sponsorship from the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The documentary will be aired on the CBC, with plans for later submission to film and documentary festivals around the world.

Breslin was excited for the trip, which he sees as strengthening the friendship between Canada and Israel through the universal medium of comedy. “I’m hoping that this can begin a cultural exchange of comedy between the two nations,” said Breslin. “My plans are to meet with a variety of Israeli comics in the hopes of having them perform for Canadian audiences in our clubs across Canada.”

Yuk Yuk’s has been responsible for launching the careers of renowned comics like Howie Mandel and Jim Carrey, with its clubs presenting comedy to over one million Canadians annually since being established in 1976. “Comedy reveals a great deal about one’s country, and it’s a great way to connect with others across cultures and borders,” said Breslin. “Without question, the Middle East and the world in general needs more laughter.”

Show Schedule

THURSDAY MAY 31

21.00 – Show in Jerusalem, at AACI

Yuks Yuks Canadian Comics at AACI!

Canadian Comedians Nikki Payne, Aaron Berg, Sam Easton, Rebecca Kohler and Jean Paul are coming all the way from Canada to perform for you, here at AACI!
Including a variety of backgrounds and performance highlights such as Saturday Night Live, Just For Laughs, Winnipeg Comedy Festival, Comedy Night in Canada, and a variety of television shows and movies, these Comedians are coming to ply their trade in solidarity with Israel. Come on out and show them our support for their efforts and craft.
When: Thursday, May 31, 21:00
Where: AACI – Dr. Max and Gianna Glassman Family Center
Cost: 40 NIS/30 NIS for AACI members
Pre-register at 02-566-1181

FRIDAY, JUNE 1

20.30 – Show in East Jerusalem at Legacy Hotel – Free Outdoor show

SATURDAY, JUNE 2

22.00 and 00.00 – Shows in Jerusalem, at Off the Wall Comedy Club

One night, two hilarious shows!at Off The Wall Comedy Basement The Best Place To Laugh In The Holy City – For more info click here

MONDAY, JUNE 4

22.00 – Show at IDC, Herzelya – Free Outdoor show

TUESDAY, JUNE 5

22.00 – Show in Tel Aviv, at Heseg House – Free show

COMEDIAN BIOS:

Nikki Payne

The East Coast is famous for it’s seafood; fiddle music and a little lady who humps things, named Nikki Payne. Growing up in a trailer park with a speech impediment may sound tragic to many, but it is comedic gold to Nikki Payne. Not letting anything stand in her way, she has been nominated for two Gemini Awards, and has won countless Canadian Comedy Awards.She is most known for her appearance on NBC’s ‘Last Comic Standing’ and Much Music’s ‘Video on Trial’. Nikki has written for ‘This Hour Has 22 Minutes”, ‘Comedy Inc’ and ‘Pop- Cultured’. Nikki’s CTV’s ‘Comedy Now’ special is one of the highest rated ever in all the world’s history!

To quote Nikki’s mom, “She’s just so darn cute”, you won’t want to miss it!

Aaron Berg

“There are few comics around doing this material. Lenny Bruce would approve.” NOW MAGAZINE“A Breakout star!” ENTERTAINMENT TONIGHT“There is a new barbarian knocking at the gates of comedy.”

TORONTO STAR

Originally from Toronto, Aaron was the winner of the 2007 COCA Comedian of the Year Award. It’s not just what Aaron does that makes him who he is but what he doesn’t do as well…One of a select group of comedians to turn down Last Comic Standing auditions due to it’s irreverent approach to mediocrity gives him a great crutch known as integrity. Aaron has been nominated for two Canadian Comedy Awards and is the writer/performer of THE UNDERBELLY DIARIES, the sordid tales of his part time experiences as a male stripper. Aaron has also appeared in award winning films, as well as the cult hit DETROIT

Sam Easton

“Offbeat brilliance” Brad Oswald, Winnipeg Free Press

“Whether it’s acting, or alone behind a mike, Sam Easton is one to watch” Guy Macpherson, Georgia Straight
Star of FINAL DESTINATION 3 and THE L WORD. Winner of The Phil Hartman Award, nominated for the Tim Sims Award, and two Canadian Comedy Awards.

Rebecca Kohler

Fathered by an eccentric and quick-witted Canadian diplomat, Rebecca Kohler has made her home all over the world. From Brazil to Thailand, Rebecca learned that the one thing that tied people together was their love of laughter – and pointing at her. After moving to Montreal, Rebecca took the stage for the first time and was met with great success. The laughter remained, but the pointing (mostly) stopped. Her credits include: The Broad Appeal Show, The Just For Laughs Homegrown Competition (local), The Young Guns of Stand Up Comedy, The New Voices of Comedy, The Geeks of Comedy and Comedy Night In Canada at the Just For Laughs Festival.

Jean Paul

“Savage wit and spontaneous combustion combine into an explosive comedic barrage. This cat is fearless. In terms of any kind of act, he works without a net. He is so freewheeling it’s almost psychedelic.” Daryl Jung, NOW MAGAZINE

Jean Paul’s comedy is culled from his cultural crazy quilt of a childhood – born in Trinidad, raised in Brooklyn and currently residing in Toronto.

This in itself explains his kaleidoscope of accents. He’s funked up, has a twinkle in his eyes and is deadly articulate. Feeding off the vibe of a room makes his performances electrifying. Says Jean Paul, “I was always into comedy, even as a kid. I found it fascinating. Some of my friends were into model car kits. I was into Richard Pryor, George Carlin and Bill Cosby”

Michael Khardas

Michael Khardas is an Israeli-Canadian writer and performer based out of Toronto, Canada. Michael has been doing stand up comedy since the tender age of 18, performing for a variety of different venues internationally. Having performed all over North America, Europe, and Israel, Michael has crafted his style of Jewish ethnic comedy to entertain even the toughest of spectators, all while utilizing the gentle art of clean comedy.

In June 2007, he was featured in a full page article in the Jerusalem Post, praising him as one of the top English speaking comedians to come out of Israel. Michael is currently working as a writer and comedian in the Canadian comedy circuit.

The Host: Mark Breslin

In 1974, Breslin opened the first Yuk Yuk’s, in the basement of Toronto’s Church Street Community Centre. Two years and many sweaty shows later, the Yuk Yuk’s flag ship was moved to 1280 Bay Street in the trendy Yorkville district. Over the next decade, Yuk Yuk’s would expand to its present reach of fourteen clubs across Canada.

Breslin has produced such television programs as “Late Night with Joan Rivers” for Fox Broadcasting, “Yuk Yuk’s – the TV show” for CBC TV and “Mondo Taboo”, two pay-per-view specials for The Movie Network. He was executive producer on “Friday Night with Ralph Benmergui” for CBC TV and “Yuk Yuk’s 25th Anniversary Special” for the Comedy Network. Currently, Breslin is a story consultant on “Kenny vs Spenny” for
CBC TV and Showcase.

PICTURES

Day 1

Day 2

Charlie, barman and part-owner at Heder 140, brings his own version of hipster funk to north Tel Aviv.

Think of the north Tel Aviv bar scene and you would be right to imagine laid back neighborhood joints, swanky wine bars and mainstream dance clubs. All that, however, may be about to change. Relative newcomer to northern Ben Yehuda Street, Heder 140, is trying to bring a taste of hipster life to the otherwise “mainstream” neighborhood.

Entering the small dimly lit space, the eclectic mix of artwork on the wall sends you back to the 90s, with a world of memorabilia complete with bright fluorescent colors and icons of the time.

Heder 140 is not your average bar. Though it’s a fish out of water when compared with its surroundings, it’s still unique when compared with other similar establishments in the city. For those that miss their fix of nostalgia, this intimate bar, complete with lava lamps, is worth checking out.

There’s enough weird and wonderful stuff to look at as well as interesting people to stare at while sitting at the bar waiting for the barman to show.

Enter barman and part-owner Charlie, with his infectious smile and loveable laid back personality. Music is this man’s life, and his passion to bring his love of music to the people shows. Embracing the retro hipster vibe that Heder 140 exudes, Charlie looks the part and fits right in with the other trendy bar staff and customers.

Charlie mixes up some of his favorite cocktails, most of them anise-based, while making sure the music is up to scratch and everyone is having a good time. Those looking for to dance to Mizrahi music or groove to the latest Rhianna hit should stay at home.

How long have you been bartending?

Three years.

How did you get into it?

I really enjoyed the nightlife scene, then I did a barman course and I gradually got more into it.

Who would be your dream customer?

Jonny Depp.

Why?

I really like him and I think he’d like the music here and the general good vibes. I mean I’m not certain he would be into but I would really hope he was.

What drink would you serve him? Why?

Jack Daniels. Because he’s American.

What’s your favorite drink to serve?

I really like cocktails based on Arak. Arak is actually the main drink that we have here at the bar. We specialize in drinks with anise. I really like to play with these flavors and make up cocktails with them. We have anise from all over the world.

What’s your least favorite drink to serve?

I don’t like vodka. And I don’t really like Red Bull. So I guess I would say vodka Red Bull is my least favorite.

Continue reading

Yoni Bloch

American TV network The CW, which airs 90210, America’s NExt Top Model & Gossip Girl, has announced the launch of CWD – Digital Studio, an all-new destination for fresh, original content created exclusively for the digital platform. The new creation is set to feature special webisodes of the network shows’ using Interlude, founded by Israeli rock musician Yoni Bloch, most recently featured online doing a special interactive video for breakout comedy series “New Girl”.

Interlude is the realization of a vision to offer users a unique next generation online video experience. Using Interlude’s proprietary technology platform, online users can make choices about the course of a video in real time, in a completely seamless video experience. The result is a shareable personalized version of the video created from millions of unique possibilities.

In other CW related news, the network has also formally announced its fall line-up that will include new mystery drama “Cult”, starring Israeli actress Alona Tal.The show revolves around an inquisitive young female production assistant (Jessica Lucas) on a wildly popular television series who joins a journalist blogger (Matt Davis) in investigating the show’s rabid fans. Together, the duo finds the fans might be re-creating crime scenes from the show in their real lives — behavior that has lead to a rash of disappearances and a likely murder.

Source: Broadwayworld.com

Impression of the second rehearsal of Izabo.

Israeli broadcaster IBA selected the group Izabo to represent them in the 2012 edition of Europe’s Favourite TV Show. The alternative band will perform the Ran Shem-Tov and Shiri Hadar song Time in Baku.

Izabo are best described as a brilliant, action packed combination of Psychadelic Rock, Disco, Punk flavoured with Arabic spices. They secured a spot as one of Israel’s most successful alternative pop bands with the 2003 release of their debut album The Fun Makers.

From there Izabo went on to sign with Sony BMG, and in the same year released “The Morning Hero EP” in the UK and began to take their funky sounds to an international audience. In January of 2005 The Fun Makers was released in the Benelux countries via the label Rough Trade NL, and in 2006 it was released in France via Roymusic/ Discograph. Since 2006, Izabo have been busy touring Europe constantly and showcasing their catchy disco beats at a variety of festivals including Trans Musicales, The Paleo Festival, and Eurosonic.

Their second album Superlight was released in Israel and France in 2008 with Roymusic/ Discograph to rave reviews. In October 2011 Izabo signed with the English Label 100% Records, who signed artists among Gossip, Moby and Placebo. Izabo’s first three Track EP has been released in the United Kingdom this July, with their brand new album due to be released by the end of the year, in the UK, Europe & Israel.

To check out the official clip for Israel’s entry + Behind the scenes of the making of music video click here

Aid App Art Award Canada Cancer Coexistence Competition Concert Economy Environment Europe Fashion Festival Film Food Funny Gay Green Hollywood India Innovation Innovation Israel Jerusalem Jewish LGBTQ London2012 Music Nightlife Obama Olympics Party Peace Photography Pride Research Science Sports Tel Aviv Toronto Tourism Travel TV Video

WP Cumulus Flash tag cloud by Roy Tanck requires Flash Player 9 or better.