A lot of Manhattan residents are predisposed to thinking of New Jersey as being very far away from them. The truth is that a lot of parts of Jersey are quicker to get to from Midtown Manhattan than the Upper East Side, Chinatown or Financial District. One such example is Hoboken, which is accessible by bus from Port Authority, ferry near the Javits Center, and PATH train from numerous city spots. In turn, the Hoboken Comedy Festival is a destination for all New York City-based comedy fans to consider.
Taking place from September 28th through October 4th, the Hoboken Comedy Festival – which launched in 2010 – features a lot of names that stand-up fans ought to already be familiar with. Artie Lange had a long tenure with The Howard Stern Show following two seasons with Mad TV and starring in Dirty Work. Derek Gaines is one of the hosts of MTV’s Broke A$$ Game Show. Seaton Smith was one of the stars of Mulaney. Robert Kelly plays Louis C.K.’s brother on Louie. Charlamagne Tha God is a host on MTV2 and Power 105. Andrew Schulz is a star of Guy Code. And that’s not even half of this year’s featured performers…
Hoboken Comedy Festival founder (and performer) Dan Frigolette took the time to answer questions about this year’s week-long event. Not only did he have a lot of to say about what to expect from the festival, but he had a lot to teach about Hoboken itself. From this Q&A, Dan ought to come across as one of the town’s more recognizable residents — and rightfully so. His recommendations during our exchange should be useful for non-locals seeking to create an itinerary for a Hoboken day-trip.
For more information on Dan, the festival and the classes he mentions, you can visit http://www.hobokencomedyfestival.org or call 201-898-0772.
Where did the idea for the Hoboken Comedy Festival come from?
Dan Frigolette: I saw a lack of entertainment opportunities, particularly for comedians in Hoboken in 2008 when I moved here. I had already been running shows in Brooklyn and Queens, and admired the camaraderie and appreciation of audiences in those neighborhoods who lived around the corner and wanted to support their neighborhood. Hoboken has more of a commuter culture, and I wanted to try and capture the town’s support for live entertainment.
What is your favorite thing about Hoboken? Is there something you wish more people about the town?
D: Everything. Location, location, location, location. Hoboken’s views are unbelievable, the history of the town is very much still a component in every day life, and from someone who travels in every direction for comedy, you cannot beat the convenience of Hoboken.
Frank Stigone and the whole crew of the Hoboken Nine, along with the Hoboken Historical Museum, are all trying to make sure everyone knows that baseball has its roots in Hoboken. The Hoboken Nine plays 1864 Baseball all throughout the Northeast and represents our great town and the first game of baseball that was played in Elysian Field, just kitty-corner from Maxwell’s Tavern.
Did Hoboken ever have a proper comedy venue?
D: “Proper” is a tough term, the original Maxwell’s was always a huge part of the Hoboken Comedy Festival and helped legitimize what we were doing. It’s still an amazing comedy venue in its re-opened re-managed space. Danny Aiello tried to hold a weekly show above the old Tutta Pasta, and brought a lot of old school comics to town. I like to think that comedy has a place in any venue if presented correctly. I’m trying to prove it too, but am presenting the entire 2015 Hoboken Comedy Festival in Hoboken’s Bow Tie Cinemas [409-415 14th St} this year. Seven days over different theaters custom-picked to fit each show.
Do any prominent comics live in Hoboken besides Artie Lange?
D: Well, if you’re asking if I live here, then yes I do, on Clinton [Street], just off from the grocery store. Also, Chuck Nice, who’s been a large part of the festival for years, and New York Times best-selling writer and comedian Jeff Kreisler.
Are there any podcasts taped here in Hoboken, or is Artie the only one you’re aware of?
D: I’m sure there are plenty of podcasts taped in Hoboken, but I assume you’re referring to comedic in genre podcasts. Every year, the Hoboken Comedy Festival does a few live podcasts. This year will be no different as we invite audiences to partake in the Artie Quitter podcast and the Brilliant Idiots podcast featuring Charlamagne Tha God and Andrew Schulz, both will be live taped with a comedy audience at our festival.
I am not aware of really where any podcasts are taped comedic or not, that’s that beauty of podcast. I can listen to it in my underwear in my house, or whoever’s house that will let me sit around in my underwear.
How does this year’s festival compare to last year’s? Are there any differences that ought to be expected?
D: Every year we try and push the limits of what we’ve done in the past, growth is goal especially when supporting various charities is a component of each show. This will be the second year we go for seven days straight, and only the second time we attempt an outdoor performance. Both are risky notions, given the other entertainment options all over this area. Not to mention, it’s always tempting the gods to try and do outdoor comedy.
This year also, we will be running a Hoboken Comedy Festival Beer Garden during the week and on the final night, Sunday, October 4th.
Is there criteria for a comic to be able to perform within the festival? How can they submit themselves?
D: To submit, comedians need to present a six-minute video for our perusal. They will be reviewed by a panel of industry professionals and perhaps asked to come and present their live talents at the festival. All that can be done through www.HobokenFestival.com.
Many opportunities have come to live performers on our Festival and we try every year to further grow our reach in the industry.
As a stand-up, do you have a favorite club to perform at?
D: The reality is, if you give a comic a room full of people, we will find a way to have fun. You have some of the best performances of your career in the most unlikely of places.
When you’re not working, what are some of your favorite spots to hang out at in Hoboken?
D: I’m a big Hoboken supporter, if I can’t end up a “regular” at a spot, I’m not trying hard enough. I have great relationships with so many Hoboken businesses after the years with the festival. You can find me and my dog every morning at Hoboken Bagels, right before I shoot over to support Dunkin Donuts on Seventh [Street]. Nick owns several of the Hoboken Dunkin franchises. Late nights after shows, I’m in Mamoun’s [Falafel] hoping they haven’t sold out of the lentil soup just yet. Whenever I can I try and bump into Chris Manzo and Sean at The Ainsworth or Little Town Social or get a late night omelette at the Spa. If you can make friends with the hMAG crew, take advantage of their beautiful balcony.
The rest of the time, I’m sneaking in and out of the new chiropractic place on Washington Street, eating taco salads at Qdoba – my preference, sorry Chipotle — or seeing how many toppings I can get on a Five Guys burger. But I have to shout out Maxwell’s Tavern, Willie McBride’s, and anytime you get to frequent an event at the Elks Club.
If you’re a dog owner, take your loved one past the Hoboken Volunteer EMS Corps on Clinton Street and they’ll fatten up your pup with love and dog treats.
Finally, Dan, any last words for the kids?
D: We’re trying to expand our Improv Comedy Classes in 2015 and 2016. We ran a successful class this spring and met so many hilarious young Hobokeners. If you have kids who have an interest in theater or just need a creative outlet for their silliness, look to our Improv comedy classes as a constructive option for them.
-by Darren Paltrowitz
