By Danny Coleman
originally published: 06/15/2017
"I never wanted to be a comic. It's not something that I ever said I wanted to grow up and be," said world class comedian and actor Louie Anderson with a slight laugh as he discussed his upcoming June 17 appearance at New Jersey's South Orange PAC.
A comic he became, be it by accident or eventually by design but one thing's for sure; he's turned it into an award winning career. "I went with some friends to a comedy club and saw these guys who I didn't think were really very funny," he recounted in an almost apologetic tone. "So when we left my friends said to me, "If you think you're funnier, you should give it a try" and I thought; why not? So I went back to the same club the next week and I did well and thought to myself, hey, I can do this and I haven't stopped since."
Three Emmy Awards, countless movie and television appearances as well as being named by Comedy Central as, "One of 100 Greatest Stand-up Comedians of All Time," has all come his way over the last 30 years since that evening he got his courage up. However, like most, it was timing and a nice break that led to his career opening up, as once he began pursuing comedy he entered into and took home the first place trophy of the, "1981 Midwest Comedy Competition," hosted by comedic legend Henny Youngman. Youngman found his work and style to his liking and employed him as a writer, allowing Anderson to grow even more.
Youngman is one of several key comedic influences that have shaped Anderson's career, the others being Bob Hope, Jack Benny and the great Johnny Carson; on whose, "Tonight Show" in 1984 he made his national television debut."Johnny, Bob Hope, they had such great writers," he stated as he seemingly searched for the proper terminology to describe the profound effect these forefathers of comedy had on him. "I learned so much from these guys and Johnny, well he was a friend to all young comedians; I'd have to say he was my favorite. Johnny was mid-western guy like me and we have similarities, Jack Benny had the timing, I mean the way he'd just roll the eyes or give that look was perfect and Bob Hope, I modeled my delivery somewhat after him. Hope had this way of delivering his material that was, well, there's not been anyone like him since."
Word spread quickly of Louie's at times self-deprecating, style mixed with stories of his family his childhood and friends and soon Hollywood and television came calling. "I thought I might be a singer," he laughed. "My dad was a jazz trumpet player. He played for Hoagy Carmichael's band and he kind of helped steer me away from that; he was a glass is half empty kind of guy. Growing up with so many siblings (He is one of eleven children), I have no shortage of material and my life was funny at times. When I got the call to be in the Eddie Murphy movie, "Coming To America," that was nice; especially since it helped open some doors for me. Margaret Loesch of "Fox Kids" approached me shortly thereafter and said, "We think you could do a series" and she introduced me to my animator Matt O'Callaghan and he drew me some pictures. I was totally enamored with the idea so we made a pilot episode and it was well received so Fox said, "Lets make another 13 episodes" and we did that for three years and then they sold the program and the network and that ended the run."
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"The run" produced three Emmy awards for Anderson and the animated series; one for, "Outstanding Sound editing" and two for, "Outstanding Performer in an Animated Program," as well as garnering three Humanitas Prize awards for animation in a children's series. "That felt great and was unexpected," says Anderson of the Emmy Awards. "That was very fun being nominated and I was surprised when I won because I was up against Ed Asner and Robin Williams."
Anderson was part of a class of comics when he began in the '80's that were fortunate to be able to take their acts to places all over the globe via the growth of cable television. HBO broadcasts of their own half hour specials as well as taped programs from places such as Dangerfield's, Caroline's and The Improv comedy clubs brought talents such as theirs to the masses. When asked who he fancied as a comedian, either a peer or of today's generation; he confidently responded, "Jim Gaffigan." "Gaffigan is a lovely human being; I love all comedians because I know what they go through and I'm a big fan of comedy but Jim is special. How anyone can have that much material and stay above board is a true talent. He keeps it clean and he's funny."
These days, Anderson is kept busy by his stand-up and the role of Christine Baskets on the hit FX comedy series, "Baskets," for which he won his third and most recent Emmy Award in 2016. Louie plays the part of a woman, a role which he modeled after his mother and sisters and he has no problem working the character into his current routine. "This Saturday at the show, I'll be doing some brand new stuff. I 'll be doing the usual mom, sister, brother routines along with plenty of "F" words; food, family and fat and of course there will be Baskets, lots of Baskets."
What can we expect from Louie in the future? "More stand-up, more new material, I'm working on a new one hour special, my sixth one of those. I'm going to be on Colbert doing stand-up; my life is as good as it gets now and I'm really enjoying myself."
This Saturday's show time is 8 p.m. and ticket prices range from $30 - $40 and there is an opening act of Matt Stofsky. The South Orange Performing Arts Center is located at 1 SOPAC Way in South Orange, NJ. To read up on all of the events coming to SOPAC, please go to www.sopacnow.org.
To discover more about Louie Anderson, please visit www.louieanderson.com .
That's it for this week! Please continue to support live and original music and until next week....ROCK ON!
This week's event listings
Backstage at Championship Bar931 Chambers Street Trenton
Fri. 7 p.m. "Mason's 19th Birthday Bash" feat. Dreams Of Demise, Perennial, Mauled By A Bear, Goalkeeper, Commencement. All ages, $10
Sat. 6 p.m. Drewsif Stalin's Musical Endeavors, Sarah Longfield, Lattermath, Djinn, Thunderbeaver, Spiral Scar. All ages, $12
Wed. 6 p.m. Bermuda, A Wake In Providence, Fallen Captive, Cranely Gardens, The Epitome, (TBA). All ages, $12/$15
Bill's Olde Tavern02694 Nottingham Way Hamilton
(609) 586-0192
Wed. 9 p.m. Karaoke Contest (Cash prizes)
Ages 21+
Blend Bar & Bistro911 Highway 33 Hamilton
(609) 245-8887
Tues. 8 p.m. Trivia Jam
Wed. 7 p.m. Open Mic. Hosted by Shaun Ruymen
Bowman's Tavern1600 River Road New Hope, PA
(215) 862-2972
Thurs. 6:30 p.m. Neil Podgurski Trio
Fri. 8 p.m. Bob Egan
Sat. 8 p.m. David Dales Trio
Sun. (12 p.m.) Brunch With Ottmar (6 p.m.) Lorenzo
Mon. 6 p.m. Andy Prescott
Tues. 6 p.m. The Fermenters Trio
Wed. 6 p.m. John Korba
Brickwall Tavern & Dining Room19 E. Union Street Burlington
(609) 733-3562
Fri. 9 p.m. DJ Shorty Rock
Sat. 9 p.m. Forest View Movement
Sun. 5 p.m. Troy Kaiser
Brothers Pizza871 Route 33 Hamilton Square
(609) 586-2707
Sat. 6 p.m. Fast Ant w/ Christopher Bellis
Candlelight Lounge 24 Passaic Street Trenton
(609) 695-9612
Sat. 3 p.m. Jason Marshall. $10 (cover charge/$10 Minimum includes buffet)
Tues. 6 p.m. "Tuesday Jazz Jam" Open Session feat. James Stewart / Tom Littwin Trios. $5 (Lite appetizers)
Chickie's & Pete's183 US Highway 130 North Bordentown
(609) 298-9182
Tues. 8 p.m. Acoustic Music Night
Wed. 9 p.m. Quizzo Trivia
City Streets 510 Highway 130 South East Windsor
(609) 426-9400
Mon. 9 p.m. "Malibu Mondays" w/ DJ Brett Gash
Tues. 9 p.m. Trivia w/ Jessie and Chelsea
Wed. 6:30 p.m. "Wine Down Wednesdays" w/ Rich Genoval
COARadio.com Main Street Hightstown
(609) 241-7103
Please check web site for programming
Cream Ridge Winery 145 Route 539 Cream Ridge
(609) 259-9797
Sat. 2:30 p.m. Alex English
Dadz Bar & Grill744 Main Street Lumberton
(609) 267-4344
Thurs. 10 p.m. "Pong Tournament"
Fri. (5 p.m.) "Grand Opening Tiki Bar and Luau" w/ 93.3 WMMR feat. Al Snyder (10 p.m.) Ginger on the Roxx
Sat. 10 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Byrd
Sun. 4 p.m. Al Snyder
Wed. 9 p.m. Karaoke w/ Superstar Entertainment
Dempster's Pub437 Pine Street Mount Holly
(609) 261-0500
Thurs. 8:30 p.m. DJ DNIAL
Fri. 9 p.m. DJ Chris
Dog & Bull Brew House810 Bristol Pike (Rte. 13) Croydon, PA.
(215) 788-2855
Thurs. 8 p.m. Mark Macmanus
Fri. (4 p.m.) "Happy Hour" feat. Cecil & Ray (9 p.m.) New Pony
Sat. (11 a.m.)"Saturday Brunch Jam" feat. Jazz 180 (9 p.m.) Harry Walther Band
Sun. (11 a.m.) "Sunday Brunch" feat. Mikey Ragz (4 p.m.) Mia Johnson
Wed. 8 p.m. Gerber Jennings
Fran's Pub116 S. Main Street New Hope, PA.
(215)862-5539
Fri. 8 p.m. Ladies of Lambertville
Sat. 9 p.m. On Axis. $6 (cover charge)
Sun. 3 p.m. Steve Guyger and the Excellos
All shows age 21+
Freddies Tavern12 Railroad Avenue Ewing
(609) 882-0978
Tues. 7 p.m. Open Mic. Hosted by Joe Vadala
Grover's Mill Coffee HousePrinceton-Hightstown Road Princeton Junction
(609) 716-8771
Thurs. 7 p.m. Open Mic. Hosted by Anker
Hamilton Elks Lodge #22621580 Kuser Road Hamilton
(609) 585-9610
Sat. 7 p.m. Boss Radio AM Gold "Dinner Show." $30 (Includes buffet)
Havana New Hope105 S. Main Street New Hope, PA.
(215) 862-9897
Fri. 8 p.m. "An Ultimate Tribute to Ronnie Van Zant's Lynyrd Skynyrd" w/ The Artimus Pyle Band/Magnificent Mancini Brothers. Ages 21+, Doors at 6 p.m., $35
Mon. 9 p.m. Karaoke
Wed. 8 p.m. "Local Original Music Series" Hosted by Pat Foran
Hopewell Valley Bistro & Inn15 East Broad Street Hopewell
(609) 466-9889
Fri. 8 p.m. Open Mic. Night
Hopewell Valley Vineyards46 Yard Avenue Pennington
(609) 737-4465
Thurs. 5:30 p.m. "Music & Merlot/Spaghetti Dinner feat. Keith Franklin"
Fri. 6 p.m. Four +1
Sat. 6 p.m. Acoustic Rock
Sun. (12 p.m.) "Father's Day Cookout) (2 p.m.)"Jazzy Sundays" feat. Tom McMillian
Iron Plow Vineyards26750 Mount Pleasant Road Columbus
(732) 306-9111
Fri. 6 p.m. Ed Wilson
Sat. 2 p.m. The Williamsboy
Sun. 2 p.m. Audio Pilot
Ivy Tavern 3108 S. Broad Street, Hamilton
(609) 888-1435
Fri. 9 p.m. Audio Pilot
Sat. 9 p.m. Sweetie Pie
All shows 21+
John & Peter's 96 S. Main Street New Hope, Pa.
(215) 862-5981
Thurs. 9 p.m. Crescent Moon
Fri. 9 p.m. Hot Hedz
Sat. (3 p.m.) Real Fugitives (9:30 p.m.) The Paper Jets
Sun. (3 p.m.) Ben Davis (9:30 p.m.) Trio Of Madness
Mon. 9 p.m. Open Mic. w/ Chris
Tues. 9 p.m. Baloo
Wed. 9 p.m. Ram
All shows 21+
Jo Jo's Tavern2677 Nottingham Way Mercerville
(609) 586-2678
Sat. 9:30 p.m. Kindred Spirit
Killarney's Publick House1644 Whitehorse-Mercerville Road Hamilton
(609) 586-1166
Sat. (4 p.m.) "Clam Bake" w/ David Duong (9 p.m.) DJ Jimmy G
Wed. 8 p.m. "Summer Solstice Celebration"
Laurita Winery85 Archertown Road New Egypt
(609) 752-0200
Thurs. 7 p.m. "Laurita Idol" Senior Idol Tryouts
Sat./Sun. 11 a.m. "Seafood Fest & Food Trucks"
Wed. 6:30 p.m. "Girls Night Out" DIY Bath Bombs Workshop
Mamma Rosa's 572 Klockner Road Hamilton
(609) 588-5454
Thurs. 6 p.m. Open Mic. Hosted by Richard Schneider
Fri. 6 p.m. Joe Zook & Paul Plumeri
Sat. 6 p.m. Synergy
McGuinn's Place1781 Brunswick Avenue Lawrence
(609) 392-0599
Tues. 9 p.m. Karaoke
Ages 21+
McStews Irish Sports Pub5316 New Falls Road Levittown, PA
(215) 949-9570
Thurs. 10:30 p.m."Beer Pong" w/ DJ RV & MC Slim
Fri. 10 p.m. "Frisky Fridays" feat. DJ Favs. Ages 21+
Sat. 10 p.m. "Metal Night" feat. Starskream, Amnivor, Meatplow, We are One.
Tues. 7 p.m. Quizzo hosted by Mike
Millhill Basement300 S. Broad Street Trenton
(609) 989-1600
Tues. 10 p.m. "Local Artist" Hip Hop, Experimental EDM and Bass Music Showcase
New Hope Winery6123 Lower York Road New Hope, PA
(215) 794-2331
Check web site for upcoming events
Nook's PourHouse2043 Route 130 South Florence
(609) 447-0927
Tues. 8 p.m. Trivia Tuesday w/ Quizoholics
Palermo's Of Hamilton310 Klockner Road Hamilton
(609) 838-7979
Thurs. 9 p.m. Karaoke
All shows 21 +
PANJ RadioBridge Street Lambertville
(609) 460-4673
Sun. 7 p.m. "Rock On Radio"
Patriot's Crossing1339 River Rd. Titusville
(609) 737-2780
Fri. 8 p.m. (TBA)
Sat. 8 p.m. Blues In Disguise
Pete's Steak House523 Whitehorse Avenue Hamilton
(609) 585-8008
Fri. 9:30 p.m. (TBA)
Sat. 9:30 p.m. Out Of The Red
Randy Now's Man Cave134 Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown
(609) 424-3766
Sat. 9:15 p.m. Ken Kweder / Jon Houlon. All ages, Doors at 9 p.m., $10
Salt Creek Grille1 Rockingham Row Princeton
(609) 419-4200
Fri. 8 p.m. Carol Selick
Sat. 8 p.m. Jerry Topinka
Small World Coffee14 Witherspoon Street Princeton
Sat. 8:30 p.m. Michaela McClain
Sourland Music Festival 146 Wertsville Road Hillsborough (Hillsborough Golf & Country Club)
(908) 369-3322
Sat, 3 p.m. John Ginty, Russell Norkevich, JD Malone Music, Lisa Bouchelle, Tom Tallitsch, Karl Dietel Five, (TBA)
1867 Sanctuary 101 Scotch Road Ewing
(609) 392-6409
Sat. 2 p.m. "Jazz & Spirituals" w/ Peggy Lee Brown
Tara's Tavern 1 Cookstown-New Egypt Road, Wrightstown
(609) 286-2300
Fri. 10 p.m. Karaoke
Sat. 10 p.m. Billy Hector
Tavern On The Lake101 Main Street Hightstown
(609) 426-9345
Fri. 9 p.m. Speed Limit
Sat. 9 p.m. After The Flood
Wed. 8 p.m. Karaoke Night
Temperance House 5 South State Street Newtown, PA
(215) 944-8050
Thurs. 7 p.m. Open Mic Blues Session w/ Steve Guyger
Fri. 7 p.m. Jeff Corbet
Sat. 7 p.m. Brad Vickers & Margey Peters
Wed. 7 p.m. Live Jazz w/ John Sheridan
Terhune Orchards330 Cold Soil Road Princeton
(609) 924-2310
Fri. 5 p.m. "Sips and Sounds Summer Music Series" w/ Mark Macmanus
The Birdhouse Center for the Arts7 North Main Street Lambertville
(215) 681-4660
Wed. 8 p.m. Ari & Mia / Lula Wiles. Doors at 7:30 p.m., $20
The Cool Cricket216 Burlington Street Fieldsboro
(609) 291-9110
Fri. 9 p.m. Karaoke
Sat. 9 p.m. DC Duo
The Dubliner34 North Main Street New Hope, PA
(215) 693-1816
Fri. 8 p.m. JB Rocks
Sat. 8 p.m. (TBA)
The HOB Tavern146 Second Street Bordentown
(609) 291-7020
Fri. 9 p.m. DJ Entertainment
Sat. 9 p.m. Karaoke
Tues. 9 p.m. Open Mic. Night
Wed. 8 p.m. Radio Fiction Duo
The Ivy Inn248 Nassau Street Princeton
(609) 921-8555
Thurs. 10 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Rockin' Ron
Fri. 10 p.m. John Savage & the Classic Rockers
Sat. 10 p.m. Seth Tieger
Tues. 8 p.m. Quizzo w/ Bob E Luv
Wed. 10 p.m. "Wednesday Wheel Night Spin To Win Karaoke" w/ DJ Rockn Ron
The Pines Tavern6217 North Radcliffe Street Bristol, PA
(215) 788-1659
Sat. 9 p.m. Barefoot Bobby & the Breakers
Sun. 3 p.m. Open Mic. Hosted by Bill Monach Jr.
The Raven 385 West Bridge Street New Hope, PA
(215) 862-2081
Thurs. 5 p.m. Russell Eiffert.
Sat. (9 p.m.) Russell Eiffert (10 p.m.) DJ Dance Party
Tues. 8 p.m. Burlesque
Wed. 6 p.m. Dena Underwood
The Record Collector358 Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown
(609) 324-0880
Sat. 8 p.m. Dirty Purple / Static Drift. All ages, doors at 7:30 p.m., $10 (advance)
The Roost 181 Rte. 539 Cream Ridge
(609) 208-0050
Fri. 9 p.m. ArHouse
Sat. 9 p.m. El Ka Bong
The Sticky Wicket 2465 South Broad Street Hamilton
(609) 439-0007
Fri. 9 p.m. Branded Ink Society
Sat. 9 p.m. J. Spirit Walker
Tues. 7 p.m. Karaoke
The Sun National Bank Center 81 Hamilton Ave. Trenton
(609) 656-3200
Check website for upcoming events
Tir Na Nog 1324 Hamilton Avenue Trenton
(609) 392-2554
Sat. 9 p.m. The Willimsboy
Sun. 3 p.m. "Irish Sessions"
Wed. 9 p.m. Paul Wiese
All shows 21+
Trenton Buzz702 Pine Street Trenton
(609) 392-6000
Fri. 8 p.m. Live Band & Open Mic.
Trenton Social449 South Broad Street Trenton
(609) 989-7777
Thurs. 8 p.m. "Audio History of Funk and Soul" w/ Professor DJ Tangency
Mon. 9 p.m. Monday Night Karaoke w/ Benny P
Tues. 7 p.m. Open Mic. Night w/ Benny
Triumph Brewing Company (New Hope, Pa. Location)
400 Union Square New Hope, Pa.
(215) 862-8300
Thurs. 9 p.m. "WXPN Welcomes" Good Old War / Vacationer (DJ Set). Doors at 8 p.m., $40
Fri. 10 p.m. Dawn Drapes. $5 (cover charge)
Sat. 10 p.m. Caddillac Riot. $5 (cover charge)
Sun. 7 p.m. Open Stage Night (Sign ups at 6:30 p.m.)
All shows 21+
Wildflowers Inn2572 Pennington Road Pennington
(609) 773-2392
Sat. 9 p.m. DiRty ReD
Mon. 9 p.m. "Moonshine Mondays" Trivia
Tues. 9 p.m. Ed Wilson
Ages 21+
Danny Coleman is a veteran musician and writer from central New Jersey. He hosts a weekly radio program entitled “Rock On Radio” airing Sunday evenings at 7:000pm EST on multiple internet radio outlets where he features indie/original bands and solo artists.
