| StageTimeMag.com | Vol. 2 No. 1 |
Comedy news, interviews, reviews and essays
STAGE TIME | "The Comedian's Magazine"
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE FEATURES Festival Wrap Up: New York Underground Comedy Festival Hustle & Grow: STAGE TIME Celebrates 1st Anniversary Comic Resolutions 2007 Comic's Final Progress Report 2006 INTERVIEWS Brad Stine **NEW** Careers in Comedy: Ryan McCormick PR Manager COVER STORY Shang REVIEWS Angry Bob Comedy Jump Off Doug Powell Eric Schwartz James P. Connolly **NEW** Anatomy of a Joke "Racism Damnit!" Written and Performed by Shang |
| RED HOT EXCLUSIVE! SHANG Political Comedian Opens Fire on Sarah Silverman, Challenges Jim Norton to ATL Showdown and Arms Comics with Marketing and Promotion Tips For Success By Tasha A. Harris, Editor-in-Chief |
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What is it about Shang that keeps fans coming back for more? Is it
his flawless good looks and infectious charm? Or is it that fans can’t
wait to hear his latest hilarious commentary on the Bush admini-
stration and Katrina? Could it be that his appearance and comedy
style reflects a time in hip-hop when the message was positive and
uplifting? Perhaps, the ladies in particular, are coming back to see a
handsome brother who has his head on straight?
Shang is no doubt a standout in stand up. He has the cool swagger
of Nas (he can boast and back it up), the super confidence of Eddie
Murphy in his heyday and the social consciousness of Public Enemy.
One might even go as far to say that Shang is the “Chuck D of
comedy.” All of the aforementioned are just a few reasons why fans
still call in reservations to see the outspoken comedian – 15 years
later.
It’s a cold, drizzly Groundhog’s Day and Shang has a full schedule
tonight: back-to-back shows at Stand Up NY, a headliner gig at
Comix and late night spots at the Laugh Factory and the Laugh
Lounge. He hangs out at the bar chatting with Wayne Rada and Mike
Britt, the show’s host.
his flawless good looks and infectious charm? Or is it that fans can’t
wait to hear his latest hilarious commentary on the Bush admini-
stration and Katrina? Could it be that his appearance and comedy
style reflects a time in hip-hop when the message was positive and
uplifting? Perhaps, the ladies in particular, are coming back to see a
handsome brother who has his head on straight?
Shang is no doubt a standout in stand up. He has the cool swagger
of Nas (he can boast and back it up), the super confidence of Eddie
Murphy in his heyday and the social consciousness of Public Enemy.
One might even go as far to say that Shang is the “Chuck D of
comedy.” All of the aforementioned are just a few reasons why fans
still call in reservations to see the outspoken comedian – 15 years
later.
It’s a cold, drizzly Groundhog’s Day and Shang has a full schedule
tonight: back-to-back shows at Stand Up NY, a headliner gig at
Comix and late night spots at the Laugh Factory and the Laugh
Lounge. He hangs out at the bar chatting with Wayne Rada and Mike
Britt, the show’s host.
Calm and reserved, yet warm and receptive, he’s a born social magnet. But don't mistake his even-tempered
disposition for weakness. He doesn't back down from a challenge. His stand up career was launched after a
friend bet him $50 to take the stage at an open mike. Shang's not afraid to face adversity or burn bridges
either for his beliefs. The comedian has been fired from tours and banned from comedy rooms for standing up
and telling like it is.
The political comedian has more victories than defeats. He has appeared on shows such as the Late Late Show
with Craig Ferguson, E! Television’s Celebrity Feuds, Jamie Foxx’s Laffapalooza, Comics Unleashed with Byron Allen
and BET’s Comic View, where he won two half-hour, “Grand Stand” comedy specials. He also co-produced and
hosted the top-rated show, Access Granted on BET. Politically, he swings from the left; he was a featured
comedian on the critically-acclaimed show Laughing Liberally and a regular guest on Air America. He also released
two CDs, Shang is Shangry (Uproar Records) and Live From Broadway New York, one of the most played comedy
albums on XM Satellite Radio.
Currently, Shang is guest-starring on NBC's Heroes and CBS's CSI and can be heard on the promos for the new
season of Def Poetry Jam (HBO). STM sat down with the comedian before and after his 8:45pm spot at a nearby
pizzeria. He grabs a slice and opens up about the trials and triumphs of his career, the hype behind Sarah
Silverman, why he can outdraw Jim Norton in Atlanta and how comedians can better market and promote
themselves.
So folks, turn on the printer and grab a highlighter.
You started out performing stand up as a dare. Do you remember the venue where you performed?
A place called Who's On First.
Where was it?
Brooklyn – years ago. I think The Bitter End was first and Who's On First was second.
What was your first-time experience like onstage?
The first four shows I killed. I didn’t think about too much; I just went up there and did it.
disposition for weakness. He doesn't back down from a challenge. His stand up career was launched after a
friend bet him $50 to take the stage at an open mike. Shang's not afraid to face adversity or burn bridges
either for his beliefs. The comedian has been fired from tours and banned from comedy rooms for standing up
and telling like it is.
The political comedian has more victories than defeats. He has appeared on shows such as the Late Late Show
with Craig Ferguson, E! Television’s Celebrity Feuds, Jamie Foxx’s Laffapalooza, Comics Unleashed with Byron Allen
and BET’s Comic View, where he won two half-hour, “Grand Stand” comedy specials. He also co-produced and
hosted the top-rated show, Access Granted on BET. Politically, he swings from the left; he was a featured
comedian on the critically-acclaimed show Laughing Liberally and a regular guest on Air America. He also released
two CDs, Shang is Shangry (Uproar Records) and Live From Broadway New York, one of the most played comedy
albums on XM Satellite Radio.
Currently, Shang is guest-starring on NBC's Heroes and CBS's CSI and can be heard on the promos for the new
season of Def Poetry Jam (HBO). STM sat down with the comedian before and after his 8:45pm spot at a nearby
pizzeria. He grabs a slice and opens up about the trials and triumphs of his career, the hype behind Sarah
Silverman, why he can outdraw Jim Norton in Atlanta and how comedians can better market and promote
themselves.
So folks, turn on the printer and grab a highlighter.
You started out performing stand up as a dare. Do you remember the venue where you performed?
A place called Who's On First.
Where was it?
Brooklyn – years ago. I think The Bitter End was first and Who's On First was second.
What was your first-time experience like onstage?
The first four shows I killed. I didn’t think about too much; I just went up there and did it.