INAUGURAL BATTLEDECKS AT BALLICEAUX
Last Saturday night, the Cheats Movement Blog joined a sold-out crowd at Baliceaux for the first ever RCC’s Battledecks. Battledecks is a comedic presentation using never seen before slides by daring and hilarious presenters; improv at its finest. I knew from the time the first slide was reveled, “Raving in your 30′s” it was going to be a great night. Congrats to the nine brave souls that took the stage (2 were selected randomly from the audience). The night was a massive success. Scott Beckett was the winner of Battledecks and also a new laser-etched iPad Mini. The night was hosted by the owner of BIG SECRET Jason Lefton with slide presentation assistance from his good friends at the Richmond Comedy Coalition. The slides along with comedic courage of each presenter made the night fantastic. I look forward to many more Battledecks at Balliceaux. CLICK HERE FOR ALL THE PHOTOS FROM LAST SATURDAY NIGHT
Host Jason Lefton with Battledecks winner Scott Beckett
Amy George highlights her strategy for capturing the youth vote
My former RCC classmate Emilie Tweeddale was selected from the audience
Matt Bass was also selected from the audience – and believe me – he closed the show
CLICK HERE for all the photos from Battledecks and make sure to follow: the Richmond Comedy Coalition, BIG SECRET, and the Cheats Movement Blog on Facebook.
THE CHEATS FILES: KINDNESS (GIRL) RULED LAST NIGHT!
Last night, my homegirl, Patience Salgado AKA Kindness Girl did an amazing job as the special guest for the Richmond Comedy Coalition’s Richmond Famous show at Gallery 5. But Patience was not alone, she called on her good friend Jennifer Lemons-Driskell AKA The Checkout Girl to rock a ukulele sing along. It was a great time. Below are some of the photos. I’m so excited about the things The Cheats Movement Family has in store for 2013 and it was a real family affair last night. If you don’t know already the Richmond Comedy Coalition is in process of opening their new theater on Broad Street. Support them as best you can. Patience and The Cheats Movement Blog (along with so many others) are always working on projects to bridge the gap in this city. RVA, good things are happening. #WESEEIT
Whatever you are doing Katie – Matt is digging it – Joey not so much
The wonderful Patience Salgado
It was a ukulele sing off last night. Jennifer played Creep, Rocket Man, and Let It Be
Patrick loved the sing along
I’m not sure what was happening here..haha
Is this your baby???
Head lice is not so bad…right?
I was called out – What up Matt
Huge crowd to support Kindness
Kindness was famous last night
TONIGHT IS THE NIGHT: WRIR PARTY FOR THE REST OF US 8
Tonight is the night! WRIR Party for the Rest of Us 8 at The Renaissance, 107 West Broad Street # 300, Richmond, Virginia. Doors open at 7 PM. Get there early – The Cheats Movement Blog is bringing some of the best RVA Hip Hop – we will be in one of the separate ballrooms – not the main state. Starting with the one and only Mad Genius Ohbliv at 9:15 PM. We then have the entire YFD Clothing camp featuring: Artik Phreeze, Ms. Proper, Chris Haskins and Doe, and Flight Crew, then closing out the hour is The New Juice Crew: Black Liq, BC Music 1st, Corey Starks, RT, Emphasys, Lord Slugg, and truly the man of the hour Bandolero, who will be holding down the djing all night. The rest of the night is going to be amazing as well. I’m a fan of both Wolf//Goat and Dead Fame. And Cheats Movement Family the Richmond Comedy Coalition will be holding it down in the same separate ballroom as us. This should be a great night. $10 suggested donation at the door. Cheats Movement Stickers will be on deck and free!
THE CHEATS FILES: RICHMOND FAMOUS AND THE EPIC ENGAGEMENT
Words by Cheats and Aria; Photos by Patience Salgado & Nick Mastro
When you really think about it, there are only a few days in life that you know you will remember forever. For me, Saturday was that one of those magical days.
I woke up carrying a secret that only four people, my immediate family, knew: I was planning to propose to my amazing girlfriend Aria. And I was planning to propose to her in front of a live audience, including a lot of our family and friends during the Richmond Comedy Coalitions’ Richmond Famous show at Gallery 5.
The morning started with my nerves in knots. I woke up slightly anxious about the proposal but in absolute terror about the attendance of the Richmond Famous show. I was honestly worried that no one would show up that night at Gallery 5. I was worrying Aria sick by asking her, “Babe, what happens if no one comes,” I would ask her every 20 minutes.
ARIA: He was so worried that only 6 people would show up. I constantly assured him that people would show. He is insanely modest; he didn’t understand how much of an impact he had made in the community. I kept telling him that people would come out to support him and RCC.
That morning, I started sharing the secret. I called Aria’s mother and let her know my intentions and, of course, asked for her blessing. Her excitement gave me not only ease but confidence that I was proceeding in the right direction.
ARIA: Who knew I could be so gullible. All of a sudden he had an urgent need to go pull the trash can in from the driveway. It was 8:30 in the morning; most would have thought something was up. Little did I know, he was in full master plan mode.
The next challenge was waiting. I needed to keep my emotions in check and not tip off Aria that I was a little more “worked up” than normal. I was helped by some very quality Starz on Demand, I played, “Beat Rhymes and Life,” the documentary movie featuring A Tribe Called Quest. Aria watched most of it with me and just being with her on the couch further cemented, for me, that I was 100% doing the right thing.
Then the phone rang. It was David, from the RCC, letting me know that we would not be alone tonight, if fact the presales were on their way to 100 and he anticipated a sold out show. It’s a strange emotion to feel relieved and excited at the same time – I was honestly relieved that the night was going to be populated – if not historic.
ARIA: While I had no idea he was planning a proposal, during those few hours on the couch watching the Tribe documentary and then Fade to Black I kept thinking of how amazing it felt to be so connected to him.
So when I was telling my mother “the plan”, I could see the utter panic on her face about the “surprise” element of the proposal. It gave her more than “hesitation.” I have always relied on my mother’s advice and Aria’s personality often reminds me of what, I think, my mom was like before she raised me and my siblings. My mother looked at me and immediately said, “Marc, you can’t do that to a women, you have to give her some time to digest what is happening and you don’t want to do that in front of a lot of people.” I thought about it and agreed with her. So I retooled the plan and adjusted to propose in Church Hill right before our planned dinner at Proper Pie.
Fast forward a bit to the car ride to Church Hill, I can’t remember if we even talked. ARIA: He was a bit quiet in the car, but I just assumed he was nervous about the show. I just let him be with his thoughts. The ring was in my pocket and I convinced her we had to go to take a few photos of the city for the blog. I really didn’t think that anyone would be at my planned proposal spot, a wonderful view of the city near Richmond Hill, but as we were pulling up, I saw a few people at the spot. As we got closer, it turned out to be a small wedding. A good sign indeed but I was not thinking about that – I was thinking, “Yo! Where am I going to propose?” ARIA: After seeing the wedding at that particular spot, I was thinking cool, maybe we can just go to dinner, I was starving. Luckily I just continued to go with the flow. I made a quick audible to the park with the statue and the great view of the Lucky Strike building. I asked her to take a few photos and then I pulled out the ring. I waited for what felt like a year before she was able to answer; she was too busy being shocked and smiling. ARIA: I honestly have not been more surprised in my entire life. For a split second, I didn’t want to yell out yes, thinking maybe there were just earrings in the box and I’d be embarrassed. Then I quickly realized of course it was a ring and he was proposing; I was so shocked. I didn’t even realize I hadn’t said yes. Once she said, “Yes,” and I can’t really tell you exactly how I felt. It’s not overconfidence when you’re on the same page with the person you love – you just know it’s going to be cool. I knew we were on the same page and asking was bit of a formality to me.
ARIA: I was ecstatic; I was so excited and nervous at the same time. I wanted to tell everyone we encountered that I just got engaged! I loved the man, I loved the ring. It was amazing!
Once the proposal was done, I had to convince Aria to put her, “poker face,” on because no one knew about the proposal but our families and a very special friend, who may or may not, be back in town from Washington D.C. in time for the show.
Just because the “actual” proposal was done, it strangely didn’t make me feel relief about proposing on stage. I – once again – had the ring in my pocket and it hadn’t really registered that she’s just said yes. Once Gallery 5 started filling up with our friends, I started to get distracted – speaking with friends and running around – that took my mind a bit off the show. Aria left her phone at my house in the West End so she drove back to get it – I’m sure the car ride helped her collect her emotions. When she came back the show, she was almost calm.
I got word that the show was sold out around the same time our “special guests” arrived at Gallery 5. I blocked out most emotions immediately before the show and took solace in RCC cast members telling me, “I got your back,” it was awesome.
The moment I pulled out the ring, my world was a flash. I am so grateful for the people quick enough to break out their phones and, of course, my good friends with cameras because I got so many great photos of my on 1 knee. I honestly don’t even remember doing it. ARIA: I think I was just as nervous as he was, I knew it was coming and I had to sit in my seat for about an hour waiting for it to happen. As he went through the story and then pulled out the ring box, I didn’t have to feign excitement or surprise. I was still so excited and probably still a little stunned. Looking back, I am so thankful that I made it up to the stage without falling. As I stood there as he proposed again, it was still amazing. I just focused on him. Plus I got to see my ring again, and this time I got to keep it!
The rest of the night was easily one of the best nights of my life with Just Plain Sounds, Glows in the Dark, and Photosynthesizers. I smiled, hugged, dance, loved and just had the best night. ARIA: It was a great night. We essentially had our engagement party right there. It was so amazing to have been able to share the experience with so many of our friends and family. It was great to get so many well wishes from people I didn’t even know. Everyone was so happy for us and there was just a lot of love and positivity in the air. I loved both of my proposals and I couldn’t have planned it better myself. I am so blessed to have such an amazing and thoughtful fiancé. He aight!
All I can say is, “Thank you RVA,” I love this place some much – but, to me, when I think of, “RVA” I think of more than geography, I think of family and home. I love my Cheats Movement Family and it was such a unreal experience to share this night with you.
My family was in the front row with those “special guest”
Glows in the Dark killed it – I can’t thank them enough.
Photosynthesizers, in my humble opinion, is one of the best live bands ever – not in RVA but ever. So many more photos coming!
The RCC was amazing Saturday night! Please check out one of their shows.
HEY RVA, LET’S START THE NEW YEAR TOGETHER AT RICHMOND FAMOUS! THIS SATURDAY AT GALLERY 5!
Well in 2012 the world did not end and though we are a bit over the fiscal cliff, it looks like we may survive total doom.That’s great news because Saturday night is sure to be one of the best nights in Richmond (so far). Join me, The Richmond Comedy Coalition and the entire Cheats Movement Family for “Richmond Famous” at Gallery 5.
I’m very excited and honored to be a part of the show, the RCC is amazing and well worth the $5 dollar (advance ticket) on their own BUT we are not stopping with just improv comedy, we are showcasing some of RVA’s best bands: Photosynthesizers, who I’ve called on this blog, “The best live band in RVA,” is playing live following the show. Also, Glows in the Dark, one of the most talented and diverse sounds in RVA, will bring their dope style to the night, Wolf//Goat made one of the best records to hit RVA scene in 2012 and is looking to skyrocket in 2013, and the brothers from Just Plain Sounds had an amazing 2012 with records from The Honorable Sleaze, Just Plain Ant, Drano, Damaged Andy, and don’t forget that MF DOOM inspired Mixtape, Weekends in Latveria (James Dangle went hard on that). Also, a good ol’ Cheats Movement cyphers (You know how it goes down). So if you’re a emcee…come out for the show. I hope to see all of Richmond at Gallery 5 Saturday night. I hope YOU (reading this) will join us. It’s going to be a really fun, positive and diverse night – a night that truly represents what this blog and RVA is all about.
The show is Saturday, January 5, 2013 at Gallery 5 (200 W. Marshall Street, Richmond, VA). Doors open at 7 PM – show starts at 8 PM. Music starts around 10 PM. Advance tickets are just $5 ($10 at the door) so get them early. RSVP BY CLICKING HERE!
RICHMOND FAMOUS POSTER – JANUARY 5, 2013
Check out the Richmond Famous Poster for January 5th. This will be a really fun night – please come out and support. It’s the Richmond Comedy Coalition – Cheats Movement – Photosynthesizers – Glows in the Dark – Wolf//Goat – and Just Plain Sounds. What more can you ask for…
Poster by David Pijor
MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT: SAVE THE DATE JANUARY 5TH – RICHMOND FAMOUS RVA HOT SAUCE EDITION!
The entire HOT SAUCE VIBE will be in Gallery 5 on January 5th – come out and support RVA! (Photo by Marc Schmidt)
I’m so happy to get the ball rolling on this EXCITING ANNOUNCEMENT – Friends please save the date: Saturday, January 5, 2013. It is sure to go down as one of the best nights of early 2013. My friends at the Richmond Comedy Coalition has asked me to be their guest for their Richmond Famous improv show. If you’re not familiar with Richmond Famous, the RCC selects someone in RVA that’s doing good things and making a name in the community and they have that guest tell stories about their life, the RCC then does live improv based off the stories told. It’s such a fun show and such an honor to be asked to be their guest (joining a great group of host like: Brian McDaniel, NO BS BRASS, Young House Love, and Ryan Nobles). I’m very excited about it. However, I did not stop there – since RCC is truly family to me – I feel I have to bring something very speical to the table on January 5th. They have supported The Cheats Movement Blog since the beginning and have been some of my best friends over the last two years. So we are bringing the entire HOT SAUCE VIBE to the show with live performances from 4 amazing Richmond bands: Photosynthesizers, Glows in the Dark, Wolf//Goat, and Just Plain Sounds. There will also be a Hardywood Beer takeover which means Hardywood will be selling their locally brewed beers at Gallery 5 that night. I really hope that every friend of the blog and of these great bands comes out and supports this night. Again here are the details.
Saturday, January 5, 2013 at Gallery 5 (200 West Marshall Street, Richmond, VA)
Richmond Comedy Coalition Richmond Famous: RVA HOT SAUCE EDITION featuring Cheats of the Cheats Movement Blog
Following the live improv – Live performances by: Photosynthesizers, Glows in the Dark, Wolf//Goat and Just Plain Sounds
Doors will open around 8 PM
WE SEE IT!
THE HOLCOMB FILES: INSIDE THE RICHMOND COMEDY COALITION’S IMPROV HORROR SHOW!
AARON GRANT BEFORE HIS FIRST MURDER
Words by Katie Holcomb, Photos by Cheats
I was a sixteen-year-old violinist whose only friend was an overgrown merit-badge-hungry eight-year-old. Together we shared a summer full of dead counselors, horny bunkmates and one jamboree-loving psycho killer.
Well I mean, we did onstage, last Thursday, during SLASHER! The Improv Comedy Horror Show at Kingdom presented by my crew, The Richmond Comedy Coalition. First of all, we were so stoked to be playing Kingdom for the first time; some of us were born and raised in RVA and remember Kingdom (formerly Alley Katz) as an institution for live music shows. Doubly exciting, it was a firstie for them too; hosting improv comedy. Personally, I think they liked it. I mean, what we do is pretty rad. Just think of it this way- you’re watching grown adults walk a high-wire onstage at all times, where everything they say and do is totally spontaneous, meaning you’re equally as likely to watch someone stride into comedic genius as you are to watch them fall, fall, fall…and that’s pretty thrilling, admit it.
KATIE AND EIGHT YEAR OLD BLU
Basically in SLASHER what we do is this: take one suggestion from the audience (in this case “jamboree”) and use it to inspire 45 minutes of comedy that follows all the rules of a classic horror movie, we’re just making it all up as we go along. That one word suggestion becomes a jump-off point for everything: the killer, the victims, and all the events that surround them. How else could we have ended up with our Jason Voorheesian killer whose backstory included self-hating backwoods parents, insistent on changing the image “Deliverance” had created for them? Or the hapless counselor, desperate only for the young girls to stop leaving their stink trails wherever they go.
ARRON SLASHING DAVID
Mocking horror flicks is a Halloween tradition we’ve done every year for the past 3 years, and is definitely one I look forward to as a scary movie nerd. But this time we added some new elements in the way of a live soundtrack provided by our good friend Kevin Lamb of the Legless Ascent, and live special effects from a dude running around the stage dressed like Leather Man from American Horror Story. Creepy.
POOR PATRICK WAS THE MOST BLOODY VICTIM
It was gory, it was bloody, and it was STILL funny enough to be a comedy show. But here’s the catch about what we do: you kinda just have to be there. Seriously! I’m serious, you’re reading this blog and saying to yourself “Well that sounds nice.” And it’s more than that, it’s pretty much the funniest thing you can see live. There’s magic is in the fact that you’re watching something that you’ll only be able to watch once.
JOEY BECAME A DEAD BANJO
Wanna check us out? We’ve got regular shows at Gallery5, find out about what’s coming up on www.rvacomedy.com. Can’t wait to see you there!
THE RCC CREW GETTING READY FOR SLASHER
Katie Holcomb has been improvising since 2000, and is the current Artistic Director of the RCC. She loves what she does an unbearable amount.
QUIET ON THE SET: A VISIT TO THE SET OF GHOST MOM DETECTIVE
I profiled my friends Joey Tran and Shawn Hambright back in April to highlight their film, “Singularium.” We’ll the boys are back at it. I dropped by the set of their new film, “Ghost Mom Detective.” It was great to see the process of a film being made. I felt like I learned a little about film-making just seeing those guys work. It was an extra bonus to see so many friends either working production or acting in the film. S/O my improv peeps Rachel, Aaron, Kristen, Robert, and all the good people I saw Saturday. Looks like it’s going to be a great film. CLICK HERE to see my set photos.
If you haven’t – please share this blog and click over and like The Cheats Movement on Facebook! WE SEE IT!
Joey on the set with the camera.
It was really cool seeing how Shawn improved some of the script on site.
Joey and Aaron – someone is telling a joke.
Check out my improv classmate Rachel slapping some bass.
NO BS BRASS BAND IS RICHMOND FAMOUS!
Clearly one of the best RCC shows that I have ever seen. Last Saturday, Richmond’s own NO BS Brass took the Richmond Comedy Coalition’s Richmond Famous stage at Gallery 5. But this was not your average show – NO BS played some of their amazing tunes to inspire some of the most hilarious improv that I have seen in a long time. The night even ended with an imprompu dance party sparked by NO BS covering Michael Jackson’s Thriller. I have video but I’m not sure how it came out just yet – too busy dancing. For now, check out these photos of the show. And check out NO BS this Friday night at the Camel.
Patrick and Katie with a great sport from NO BS.
WHY I LOVE RVA TODAY: RVA COMEDY AND THE AWESOME SARA SCHAEFER
This week has been great for RVA comedy. It started on Wednesday with Midnight Suggestion featuring my friend The Checkout Girl, Jeff (Jeph) Kelly and Kenny Wingle. The show was already going well and then it got even better when they announced that Sara Schaefer had just showed up and was going to tell a few jokes. I’d never met Sara before but growing up here in RVA, I had heard of her success working in NYC and of course, being the Head Blogger for Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. She took the mic and told some really funny, detailed, and explicit jokes. Not only was I pointed out for having a camera – I was also the only black person in the room (of about 14 people) – so Sara’s bit about ending racism went over great with this guy 
. I loved every minute of it. So much in fact, that she won a fan for her tour Stop at Gallery 5 Thursday night. My good friends from the RCC Katie Holcomb and David Pijor AKA Middle Management opened for Scott Moran and Sara at Gallery 5. They were great! The show had great energy because earlier in the day it was made public that Sara and her comedy partner Nikki Glaser would host a new late night show on MTV! I’m so happy for Sara!
The great comedy continues tonight as the Richmond Comedy Coalition is presenting their 3 year anniversary show at Gallery 5. Trust me…they are not the best comedy group in RVA for nothing. Make sure you check it out.
Sara Schaefer crashed Midnight Suggestion at Steady Sounds.
Jeff Kelly, The Check Out Girl, Kenny Wingle, and Sara at Midnight Suggestion.
PHOTOS: RCC’S RICHMOND FAMOUS FT. CASEY AND MARSHE FROM RUMORS BOUTIQUE
For the second year in a row, the Richmond Comedy Coalition has been named the Best Local Comedy Group by the readers of Style Weekly. They took back to the Gallery 5 stage last Friday night for another addition of their show, Richmond Famous. Friday’s featured guests were Casey and Marshe, the founders of Rumors Boutique. Their stories were great: recounts of the first time Casey and Marshe met each other, a story about international blind dating via Myspace ,and Casey’s desire to race people without warning – were all hilarious. The improv was equally solid. David (who was also voted one of the best beards in RVA from Style Weekly), Katie, Jason, Dustin, Steve, Aaron, Josh, and Patrick once again brought the house down with their all out style of live comedy. There was was beard licking, slam dancing, and someone got Pottered!
CLICK HERE TO SEE ALL THE CHEATS MOVEMENT PHOTOS FROM RICHMOND FAMOUS: RUMORS BOUTIQUE
AN INSIDE LOOK AT GRIND DATE FRIDAY WITH: SLEAZE, OHBLIV, HAM?, & THE RICHMOND COMEDY COALITION!
IT’S MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND!!! SMILE, DRINK, BE MERRY…IT’S A CELEBRATION!!!
I kicked off my holiday weekend in a big way. Here is an inside look at my Grind Date Friday: Dropped The Passion of (The) Sleaze video trailer. I’m so excited to be shooting, directing, and editing a video from start to finish. I could not be working with better brothers than The Honorable Sleaze and Brad Ohbliv. S/O Just Plain Sounds. Check out the trailer and let me know what you think.
After the trailer dropped, I headed out to The Shop to meet Sleaze and Ohbliv to finish the video. It’s not done yet but we got most of the work done. Watch out for the full video in June!
7:00 PM It was time to hit West Coast Kix in Carytown to see more Cheats Movement Fam, the very talented Hamilton Glass AKA HAM?. HAM? was kicking off his Last Friday Art Show. I’d been looking forward to the show for about a month and it was great to see RVA come out to support. I also met the lovely Shannon Santiago. Shannon is a photographer extraordinaire that collaborated with HAM? for the show. She also comes with a very funny bodyguard – S/O Cindy (JRT). S/O to the amazing Glass family – Taekia and Sanaa I see you. And my man Distant Dee!
8:30 PM Off to Gallery 5 to catch the Richmond Comedy Coalition (Voted Best Comedy Group in RVA for the 2nd year in a row). Richmond Famous is one of my favorite shows because the RCC takes great stories from some of RVA’s most interesting peeps and do improv motivated by the stories. Last night’s featured guest were the ladies from Rumors Boutique. I’ve always been a huge fan of Casey Longyear and Marshe Wyche since I heard their story years ago. I met them both before but I’ve haven’t been able to land a The Cheats Movement profile with them just yet… but I have not given up hope . The show was great – The RCC is always awesome. S/O to Dirty Richmond and Bree El – spoiler alert: the much missed (by me) Sunday Cypher will return! And word on the street…there will be a great comedy night coming up a Pie (on Lombardy). S/O to Kristen – Have fun in France.
11:00 PM Final stop of the night was at Belly Timber to meet up with Bar Codez and J. Bryant from Photosynthesizers. Photos had just played Friday Night Cheers earlier in the evening. I also caught up with the lovely Maat Free (2011 Vegi Iron Chief)…big plans in the works! All this and not to mention, I just spoke with Black Liquid and he said another great Face Melt Friday went down last night
RVA has some crazy energy right night now. And it’s all love. Go out and see it all – WE SEE IT! Enjoy your holiday weekend.
THIS IS RVA HOT SAUCE [EPISODE 1]
On October 21, 2011, RVA HOT SAUCE was introduced to the city of Richmond. The Cheats Movement, Just Plain Sounds, and The Shop brought together some of the hottest talent in RVA for a night of entertainment, diversity, and fun. RVA HOT SAUCE [Episode 1] features: Brian McDaniel, Black Liquid, The New Juice Crew, The Richmond Comedy Coalition, Ankh Trinity, and more.
RVA HOT SAUCE is how “we” see RVA. Our town is filled with creative talent and positive people. HOT SAUCE had some of the most gifted Richmonders in one room, in-front of a live audience, performing for free. Please support this series. Episode 1 will be the first of at least 3 videos in this series.
LIVING HISTORY: RCC RICHMOND FAMOUS X YOUNG HOUSE LOVE [SHERRY & JOHN]
I really couldn’t believe it – I’d never seen this before – there was a line wrapped around the front of Gallery 5 – people waiting to get into the building. I spoke to two young couples sitting in the front row — one drove in from Norfolk, the other from DC. This was their first improv show and they were incredibly excited to see Sherry and John in person. I must admit — I was unfamiliar with Young House Love – the daily adventures of Sherry and John Petersik, their baby girl, and their old house right here in RVA — but it’s clear that I was in the minority Friday night. One lady actually screamed like she was at a rock concert when John and Sherry walked from the back of the room to the side stage.
If John and Sherry were nervous – I could not tell at all. They did an amazing job telling personal stories and providing the RCC with plenty of improv ammunition. John even join the RCC team on stage for one of the funniest bits of the night, “knit cop.” After some hesitation, Sherry told the best (and most embarrassing) story of the night, “The carebear underwear” story. If you weren’t there, I’ll just say, “it was kind of a joke she had with herself.” I will also add, after the show Sherry and John met every fan waiting in line to meet them and were amazingly nice to everyone. And some inside scoop – Sherry is a hugger
The Richmond Comedy Coalition is the best improv troupe in the city. If you have never been to a RCC show — trust me — it’s worth the “cheap” price to attend.
I REALLY NEED YOUR SUPPORT – CLICK HERE TO LIKE THE CHEATS MOVEMENT ON FACEBOOK!
CLICK HERE TO SEE ALL OF THE PHOTOS FROM RICHMOND FAMOUS FT YOUNG HOUSE LOVE!
Young House Love: Sherry and John Petersik
RCC’s Patrick, Katie, and Blue
John “Knit Cop” in action
Raise your hand if this is your first improv show
RVA HISTORY: RICHMOND COMEDY COALITION X THE SHOP – THE LAB [OPEN MIC IMPROV]
Last week at The Shop, the Richmond Comedy Coalition debuted The Lab; RVA’s first open mic improv show. This is a brand new opportunity for local improv crews to do their thing – in front of a live audience – FOR FREE. That’s right — this is a free show! Don’t have a improv crew? No problem – just volunteer for improv games as part of the open improv jam. It’s a great night of free comedy. The inagrual night featured two new acts; College for Bears & Faking it. The night also featured the RCC improv crew Karate Practice followed by a “open improv jam” Below are some photos from the successful night. CLICK HERE (or the phot0s below) to see all the photos from the debut of The LAB.
FAKING IT [Kristin Kirkley, Rachel Weatherly, Emilie Tweeddale & Townsend - not pictured] Side note: Faking it are four of the funniest girls I know — I was lucky enough to be in an RCC improv class with them last year — so proud of y0u!
College for Bears: Steve Howze & Josh Blubaugh. Both Steve and Josh are what I call duel threats — the are great at improv and also very funny stand-up comics. Laugh at Josh and Steve at Cafe Diem’s Open Mic Comedy Night.
The night ended with a open improv jam. My buddy John volunteer for a short form game — just for fun. S/O to Katie Holcomb for hosting the night.
RVA HOT SAUCE – The Web Series – December 2011
On October 21, 2011, RVA HOT SAUCE was introduced to the city of Richmond. The Cheats Movement, Just Plain Sounds, and The Shop brought together some of the hottest talent in RVA for a night of entertainment, diversity, and fun. The RVA HOT SAUCE web series is scheduled to debut in December 2011.
PHOTOS: RCC Must Die [And a funny yet tragic story of costume sacrifice]
Pictured are contestants in the RCC Must Die Costume Contest. Congrats to Conan for winning! Click HERE to see all the photos from RCC Must Die. Also, read a very valuable lesson in my sad but true story of: All Dressed Up With No Party!
THIS IS CRAZY: RVA HOT SAUCE IS THIS FRIDAY!
RSVP by clicking HERE!!! We just landed Chris Ryan too. All kinds of interviews will be happening!
Richmond Comedy Overload: Karate Practice, ManlyMan, & Laugh Track 2
As you know, I’m a huge supporter of the Richmond Comedy Coalition. RCC performs at least two shows a month and last Thursday they presented one of their strongest shows to date. I say that selfishly but I think I can back it up. On the selfish point, my intro improv class, Roman Love, taught by David Pijor (along with another advance class), performed a free show before the RCC house show. I must say, we did awesome! Great job Roman Love! Following Class Action, the pros took to the stage. Starting the night off was ManlyMan (pictured), a musical comedy duo, created and performed by Caitlin Carbone and Erin Adelman. They were fantastic! A mix between Flight of the Conchords and the famous SNL skit, The Culp Family. They really put on a hilarious performance. They were followed by the newest RCC house team, Karate Practice. You can really see KP coming together as a team. They get stronger every time out. The night ended with the elder RCC House team performing Laugh Track. Inspired by music from my classmate Kristen Kirkley’s ipod. The RCC house team is legit (and really funny). I must give a sad so long to Mandy Butler, who is moving away from RVA. If you missed her perform with the RCC, you missed improv talent at its best. Hopefully, she we perform again on return trips to RVA. All in all, a great night – I have a feeling that the talent of the RCC is just gong to keep getting stronger….So go check them out! Click Here to see all my pictures from a great night.
RCC’s Richmond Famous Featuring Brian McDaniel (Dirty Richmond)
Last week, I listed Dirty Richmond as, “The blog we are all trying to catch.” I stand by that statement – Brian, I’m coming for your #1 spot. As it turns out, Brian is a really nice guy and did a great job telling hilarious stories that the RCC turned into great fun. Check out all the photos from Richmond Famous by clicking here. And though Dirty Richmond doesn’t need any help – be sure to check the site. Brian really deserves the credit he gets.
Richmond Comedy Coalition: Back to the Facebook
Another great show from the RCC last night. Back to the Facebook was a success. And the new show team Karate Practice is get better and better. Click here to see some of the pictures from last night. (Pictured, Matt Newman talking with the fearless audience member that was willing to share his facebook page)
NEW PHOTO PAGE! Richmond Comedy Coalition – 2 Year Anniversary Show
Thursday night I took pics of the Richmond Comedy Coalition’s 2 Year Anniversary Show: 2 Funny 2 Fail. Huge crowd on hand for the intro of the newest RCC house team: Karate Practice! The RCC was recently voted “Best Local Comedy Group” by Style Weekly – and they are AWESOME! Check out their shows - they perform at least 2 times a month. They also offer improv classes (that I have taken) and I can say first hand – are great. The RCC is flat out legit. Check out my new page by clicking here and click the link to their website in my blogroll.
The Cheats Movement
